Dispensation Bible Study #14

Approaching Grace - Jesus’ Third Year of Ministry - Later Judean Period

At the beginning of Jesus’ first year of ministry, he began to minister in Judea, the area around Jerusalem, and the city of Jerusalem itself. Because of His clashes with the religious leaders there, Jesus then journeyed to Galilee and only returned to Jerusalem for various feasts and Passovers. Now at the latter half of His final year of ministry, Jesus returned to the Jerusalem area to face the religious leaders and try to reach the people there. The time He spent in Jerusalem area is referred to as the Later Judean Period and lasted for 3 months. After many clashes with the Pharisees, Jesus journeyed to the nearby region of Perea to minister until His final return into Jerusalem. This final period of ministry before His death is named the Perean period. As we begin this lesson, Jesus is a mere 6 months from His death! Time is running out on His earthly ministry.

John 7:2, 11-13 Now the Jews' feast of tabernacles was at hand. 11 Then the Jews sought him at the feast, and said, Where is he? 12 And there was much murmuring among the people concerning him: for some said, He is a good man: others said, Nay; but he deceiveth the people. 13 Howbeit no man spake openly of him for fear of the Jews.

It is now the fall of the year, and time for the Feast of Tabernacles. This feast was a “Thanksgiving type” feast of thankfulness for the blessing of the year. While all Jews were not required to attend, there would be many people in Jerusalem for the feast. These people were looking for Jesus to appear: a sure sign of His popularity. Notice that the people are careful to not speak openly of Jesus because of the religious leaders negative opinions of Him. The feast would last for 1 week.

John 7:14-20 Now about the midst of the feast Jesus went up into the temple, and taught. 15 And the Jews marvelled, saying, How knoweth this man letters, having never learned? 16 Jesus answered them, and said, My doctrine is not mine, but his that sent me. 17 If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself. 18 He that speaketh of himself seeketh his own glory: but he that seeketh his glory that sent him, the same is true, and no unrighteousness is in him. 19 Did not Moses give you the law, and yet none of you keepeth the law? Why go ye about to kill me? 20 The people answered and said, Thou hast a devil: who goeth about to kill thee?

Everybody is looking for Jesus: the Pharisees to kill Him, the people because they have heard of the miracles and teachings. Suddenly in the middle of the feast, Jesus visits the temple and teaches. Notice Jesus’ boldness in confronting the somewhat hostile crowd. To back down from confrontation now, would defeat the purpose of His ministry.

John 7:30-32 Then they sought to take him: but no man laid hands on him, because his hour was not yet come. 31 And many of the people believed on him, and said, When Christ cometh, will he do more miracles than these which this man hath done? 32 The Pharisees heard that the people murmured such things concerning him; and the Pharisees and the chief priests sent officers to take him.

Some of the people in Jerusalem are believing that Jesus really is the Messiah. Because of this, the Pharisees get mad and send officers to arrest Jesus. The officers make a mistake by not instantly arresting Jesus and allowing Him to finish teaching on the last day of the feast. With His opposition in the crowd, Jesus rises and begins to teach:

John 7:37-43 In the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried, saying, If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink. 38 He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water. 39 (But this spake he of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should receive: for the Holy Ghost was not yet given; because that Jesus was not yet glorified.) 40 Many of the people therefore, when they heard this saying, said, Of a truth this is the Prophet. 41 Others said, This is the Christ. But some said, Shall Christ come out of Galilee? 42 Hath not the scripture said, That Christ cometh of the seed of David, and out of the town of Bethlehem, where David was? 43 So there was a division among the people because of him.

Jesus begins to teach about one of His favorite subjects: “living water.” He mentioned it to the woman at the well and now is teaching it to Jerusalem. What exactly is this living water, and have people been receiving it during His ministry? In verse 39, John answers our questions for us. The “water” is the Spirit of God, sometimes called the Holy Ghost or Holy Spirit. It has not yet been given, because the work of the cross is not complete. Although Jesus is talking about a future dispensation, they are still in the dispensation of Law. Notice this teaching convinced “many” of the people in the crowd, but not all. Remember also that the officers sent to arrest Jesus are in the crowd listening:

John 7:44-53 And some of them would have taken him; but no man laid hands on him. 45 Then came the officers to the chief priests and Pharisees; and they said unto them, Why have ye not brought him? 46 The officers answered, Never man spake like this man. 47 Then answered them the Pharisees, Are ye also deceived? 48 Have any of the rulers or of the Pharisees believed on him? 49 But this people who knoweth not the law are cursed. 50 Nicodemus saith unto them, (he that came to Jesus by night, being one of them,) 51 Doth our law judge any man, before it hear him, and know what he doeth? 52 They answered and said unto him, Art thou also of Galilee? Search, and look: for out of Galilee ariseth no prophet. 53 And every man went unto his own house.

The officers were in such awe of Jesus’ teaching that they could not bring themselves to arrest Him. This started a heated debate about what to do with Jesus. Nicodemus, (remember him?) stands up and asks why they are judging a man without giving Him a chance to speak for Himself. Obviously Jesus’ conversation with Nicodemus 2 years earlier had an effect on Nicodemus. It is also interesting to ask how did the writer of this Gospel, John, learn about the dialogue of this meeting for he certainly was not an eye witness. As we will see later, Nicodemus became a follower of Christ even after His death and no doubt later told the story of this meeting to the disciples.

John 8:2-6 And early in the morning he came again into the temple, and all the people came unto him; and he sat down, and taught them. 3 And the scribes and Pharisees brought unto him a woman taken in adultery; and when they had set her in the midst, 4 They say unto him, Master, this woman was taken in adultery, in the very act. 5 Now Moses in the law commanded us, that such should be stoned: but what sayest thou? 6 This they said, tempting him, that they might have to accuse him. But Jesus stooped down, and with his finger wrote on the ground, as though he heard them not.

The next morning Jesus returns to the temple to teach. Hoping to catch Him in a trap and thus have a reason to arrest Him, the Pharisees bring a woman caught in the very act of adultery. By the law, of course, she is sentenced to die, but what will Jesus do?

John 8:7-11 So when they continued asking him, he lifted up himself, and said unto them, He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her. 8 And again he stooped down, and wrote on the ground. 9 And they which heard it, being convicted by their own conscience, went out one by one, beginning at the eldest, even unto the last: and Jesus was left alone, and the woman standing in the midst. 10 When Jesus had lifted up himself, and saw none but the woman, he said unto her, Woman, where are those thine accusers? hath no man condemned thee? 11 She said, No man, Lord. And Jesus said unto her, Neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more.

Jesus tells them to go ahead and stone her, but only the ones who have no sin in their life can participate. He then returns to writing in the sand. What was He writing in the dirt? perhaps the sins of the accusers near Him? While we do not know exactly what He was writing on the earth, we do know what He was writing in the spirit. The law had brought judgment, but the coming dispensation would bring mercy before judgment, and one sin was just as wrong as another. One by one, the Pharisees left, knowing that they had all sinned. The only member of the group that is eligible to stay is Jesus Himself and He refuses to stone her, instead forgiving her and setting her free. We all should be thankful of the mercy of God in our lives, for we too were all sinners but only through the mercy of Jesus have we been saved!

John 8:42-48 Jesus said unto them, If God were your Father, ye would love me: for I proceeded forth and came from God; neither came I of myself, but he sent me. 43 Why do ye not understand my speech? even because ye cannot hear my word. 44 Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it. 45 And because I tell you the truth, ye believe me not. 46 Which of you convinceth me of sin? And if I say the truth, why do ye not believe me? 47 He that is of God heareth God's words: ye therefore hear them not, because ye are not of God. 48 Then answered the Jews, and said unto him, Say we not well that thou art a Samaritan, and hast a devil?

The clash between the religious leaders and Jesus continues. The Jewish people believed that they were righteous because they were descended from Abraham. Jesus responded and said that because they are not accepting the truth, that they themselves are proving that their father is not Abraham but the devil! The Jews responded with racial slurs, calling Jesus a Samaritan, which was not true, and, acting very defensively, suggested that perhaps Jesus had a devil.

John 8:57-59 Then said the Jews unto him, Thou art not yet fifty years old, and hast thou seen Abraham? 58 Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Before Abraham was, I am. 59 Then took they up stones to cast at him: but Jesus hid himself, and went out of the temple, going through the midst of them, and so passed by.

Jesus is now plainly telling people His identity. “I AM” was the name given to Moses so that he could tell Pharaoh that “I AM” has sent me. By telling the Jews that before Abraham was “I am,” Jesus was telling them that He was Almighty God. The religious leaders then took up stones to kill Him, but He just walked away!

John 9:1-7 And as Jesus passed by, he saw a man which was blind from his birth.

2 And his disciples asked him, saying, Master, who did sin, this man, or his parents, that he was born blind? 3 Jesus answered, Neither hath this man sinned, nor his parents: but that the works of God should be made manifest in him. 4 I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work. 5 As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world. 6 When he had thus spoken, he spat on the ground, and made clay of the spittle, and he anointed the eyes of the blind man with the clay, 7 And said unto him, Go, wash in the pool of Siloam, (which is by interpretation, Sent.) He went his way therefore, and washed, and came seeing.

As Jesus is walking away, He passed a man who had been blind from birth. The disciples were concerned not with praying for the man, but rather who had sinned to cause such a thing to come upon him. They missed the point! Jesus responded by healing the man and teaching the disciples on the importance for working for God while they had a chance.

John 9:13-16 They brought to the Pharisees him that aforetime was blind. 14 And it was the sabbath day when Jesus made the clay, and opened his eyes. 15 Then again the Pharisees also asked him how he had received his sight. He said unto them, He put clay upon mine eyes, and I washed, and do see. 16 Therefore said some of the Pharisees, This man is not of God, because he keepeth not the sabbath day. Others said, How can a man that is a sinner do such miracles? And there was a division among them.

The Pharisees are now actively trying to find fault with everything Jesus does. Each miracle that Jesus does, is now causing great debate among the religious leaders: If He really is of the devil, then how does He do such great miracles? In confusion, they decided to return to the now healed blind man for answers.

John 9:17-21 They say unto the blind man again, What sayest thou of him, that he hath opened thine eyes? He said, He is a prophet. 18 But the Jews did not believe concerning him, that he had been blind, and received his sight, until they called the parents of him that had received his sight. 19 And they asked them, saying, Is this your son, who ye say was born blind? how then doth he now see? 20 His parents answered them and said, We know that this is our son, and that he was born blind: 21 But by what means he now seeth, we know not; or who hath opened his eyes, we know not: he is of age; ask him: he shall speak for himself.

The man tells them what they do not want to hear that Jesus must be a prophet, so the Pharisees go to the man’s parents for answers. The parent’s answers are clear, they know without a shadow of a doubt that this healed man is their son. But they decided to let the man speak for himself.

John 9:26-34 Then said they to him again, What did he to thee? how opened he thine eyes? 27 He answered them, I have told you already, and ye did not hear: wherefore would ye hear it again? will ye also be his disciples? 28 Then they reviled him, and said, Thou art his disciple; but we are Moses' disciples. 29 We know that God spake unto Moses: as for this fellow, we know not from whence he is. 30 The man answered and said unto them, Why herein is a marvellous thing, that ye know not from whence he is, and yet he hath opened mine eyes. 31 Now we know that God heareth not sinners: but if any man be a worshipper of God, and doeth his will, him he heareth. 32 Since the world began was it not heard that any man opened the eyes of one that was born blind. 33 If this man were not of God, he could do nothing. 34 They answered and said unto him, Thou wast altogether born in sins, and dost thou teach us? And they cast him out.

Nobody can preach of give a testimony of Jesus like someone who has been touched by Him! The formerly blind man, without knowing really who Jesus was, points out the fallacies of the religious leaders arguments and so infuriates them that they throw him out of the temple.

John 9:35-38 Jesus heard that they had cast him out; and when he had found him, he said unto him, Dost thou believe on the Son of God? 36 He answered and said, Who is he, Lord, that I might believe on him? 37 And Jesus said unto him, Thou hast both seen him, and it is he that talketh with thee. 38 And he said, Lord, I believe. And he worshipped him.

Jesus later finds the man and reveals to him His identity. Jesus is the Son of God, God in flesh, and the man believes and worships Him!

Luke 10:1-2 After these things the Lord appointed other seventy also, and sent them two and two before his face into every city and place, whither he himself would come. 2 Therefore said he unto them, The harvest truly is great, but the labourers are few: pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he would send forth labourers into his harvest.

Realizing that the religious leaders of Jerusalem are hampering His ministry, Jesus then leaves the city and ministers in the countryside of Judea for about 2 months. Here He sends out 70 disciples to preach and proclaim that Messiah has come and to perform miracles.

Luke 10:17,21 And the seventy returned again with joy, saying, Lord, even the devils are subject unto us through thy name. 21 In that hour Jesus rejoiced in spirit, and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes: even so, Father; for so it seemed good in thy sight.

The 70 return with good news that they have done by His authority. Notice Jesus rejoiced for now He knows that the disciples that He has been training are going to be able to proclaim the gospel with boldness after His death.

Luke 10:25-29 And, behold, a certain lawyer stood up, and tempted him, saying, Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life? 26 He said unto him, What is written in the law? how readest thou? 27 And he answering said, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbour as thyself. 28 And he said unto him, Thou hast answered right: this do, and thou shalt live. 29 But he, willing to justify himself, said unto Jesus, And who is my neighbour?

In Judea, the Jews send a lawyer to tempt Jesus. Perhaps (they think) that someone learned in the law can catch Jesus in something worthy of death. Notice that in Jesus’ answer, He brings up the law! Jesus knew the man’s occupation, and motives before the man even spoke. Jesus brings up the greatest commandment ever given, but the lawyer trying to catch Jesus asks “who is my neighbor?” Jesus answers him with the parable of the Good Samaritan which can be read in Luke 10:30-37.

Luke 10:38-42 Now it came to pass, as they went, that he entered into a certain village: and a certain woman named Martha received him into her house. 39 And she had a sister called Mary, which also sat at Jesus' feet, and heard his word. 40 But Martha was cumbered about much serving, and came to him, and said, Lord, dost thou not care that my sister hath left me to serve alone? bid her therefore that she help me. 41 And Jesus answered and said unto her, Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things: 42 But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her.

Jesus then entered into Bethany to the House of Mary and Martha. Martha was busy trying to be the perfect host by serving Jesus, but Mary was content to sit and listen to the words of Jesus. Even today, it is easy to get caught up in serving God that we forget that the most important thing is to hear and obey the Word of God! Jesus obviously felt comfortable in the home of Mary and Martha (with their brother Lazarus) because He would from time to time return here.

Luke 11:1-4 And it came to pass, that, as he was praying in a certain place, when he ceased, one of his disciples said unto him, Lord, teach us to pray, as John also taught his disciples. 2 And he said unto them, When ye pray, say, Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, as in heaven, so in earth. 3 Give us day by day our daily bread. 4 And forgive us our sins; for we also forgive every one that is indebted to us. And lead us not into temptation; but deliver us from evil.

No doubt the disciples had heard Jesus pray many times. Why did Jesus need to pray, chiefly for the same reason that He was baptized, to be an example to us. The disciples then asked Jesus to teach them how to pray. Jesus responded by giving them a guideline often referred to today as “The Lord’s Prayer.”

Luke 11:9-10 And I say unto you, Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you. 10 For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.

Jesus then teaches His disciples on the benefits and principles of prayer. He begins with the parable of the Friend at Midnight in Luke 11:5-8.

Luke 11:11-13 If a son shall ask bread of any of you that is a father, will he give him a stone? or if he ask a fish, will he for a fish give him a serpent? 12 Or if he shall ask an egg, will he offer him a scorpion? 13 If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children: how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him?

Notice the focal point of Jesus’ teaching. It is not how to receive great miracles or healings, even though the principles of prayer certainly refer to those things. Jesus is instructing His disciples on receiving the Holy Spirit. How will they receive it? Through prayer: by simply asking God to give it to them. No doubt later on the day of Pentecost, the disciples remembered this teaching, because they sought the Holy Spirit by praying!

Luke 11:14-19 And he was casting out a devil, and it was dumb. And it came to pass, when the devil was gone out, the dumb spake; and the people wondered.

15 But some of them said, He casteth out devils through Beelzebub the chief of the devils. 16 And others, tempting him, sought of him a sign from heaven. 17 But he, knowing their thoughts, said unto them, Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation; and a house divided against a house falleth. 18 If Satan also be divided against himself, how shall his kingdom stand? because ye say that I cast out devils through Beelzebub. 19 And if I by Beelzebub cast out devils, by whom do your sons cast them out? therefore shall they be your judges.

Jesus cast out a devil from a possessed man, and the Pharisees claim that He must be of the devil to have such power. Jesus reveals their faulty logic by pointing out that Satan would not cast out Satan. Even though Jesus is not in the city of Jerusalem itself, because He is in the area, the Pharisees are watching and questioning every move. Jesus takes the opportunity to teach His disciples and, because the Pharisees are near, teaches them through stories.

Luke 11:37-38 And as he spake, a certain Pharisee besought him to dine with him: and he went in, and sat down to meat. 38 And when the Pharisee saw it, he marvelled that he had not first washed before dinner.

Jesus does not hesitate to dine with His enemies. Remember He had earlier instructed the people to love their enemies. Although Jesus does not agree with their hypocrisy, He loved them! The Pharisees are still hung up on Jesus not conforming to their made-up laws. Jesus then spends the rest of Luke chapter 11 preaching directly to the Pharisees!

Luke 11:53-54 And as he said these things unto them, the scribes and the Pharisees began to urge him vehemently, and to provoke him to speak of many things: 54 Laying wait for him, and seeking to catch something out of his mouth, that they might accuse him.

The Pharisees were actively trying to catch Jesus in something wrong before, but now after He has denounced their way of life and pride, they are infuriated! Jesus goes on by teaching the disciples to be aware of the doctrine of the Pharisees and not imitate them. The Parables of the “Rich Fool” (Luke 12:16-21), and the faithful and unfaithful servants (Luke 12:42-48 Matt 24:45-51). Jesus further teaches the concepts of His kingdom. Many often quoted verses are in this passage including “For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required:” (Luke 12:48).

Luke 12:49-51 I am come to send fire on the earth; and what will I, if it be already kindled? 50 But I have a baptism to be baptized with; and how am I straitened till it be accomplished! 51 Suppose ye that I am come to give peace on earth? I tell you, Nay; but rather division:

The disciples have seen the great stir that Jesus’ teaching has caused among the Pharisees, so Jesus takes the opportunity to teach about His true purpose. He is come to send “fire” on the earth, a baptism that has not at this time happened! Jesus is once again speaking about the coming baptism of the Holy Ghost, the new dispensation of Grace that He is bringing to fruition! Some of the followers of Christ had become disillusioned because Jesus was not pulling everybody in Israel together, but He responded by saying that He had come to divide not unite! Divide? Yes, to divided true believers and unbelievers, and Jesus’ words and teaching on the Holy Spirit and the Kingdom of God still divide this way. Through the dividing, however, true believers are united!

Luke 13:10-13 And he was teaching in one of the synagogues on the sabbath. 11 And, behold, there was a woman which had a spirit of infirmity eighteen years, and was bowed together, and could in no wise lift up herself. 12 And when Jesus saw her, he called her to him, and said unto her, Woman, thou art loosed from thine infirmity. 13 And he laid his hands on her: and immediately she was made straight, and glorified God.

On the Sabbath, Jesus went into the local synagogue and began to teach the parable of the “Barren Fig Tree” (Luke 13:6-9). As He was teaching, Jesus noticed a woman whose back was so bad, that she could not even stand up straight. Jesus healed her, and the woman--able to stand up straight for the first time in 18 years--began to praise and glorify God. Jesus had once again healed on the Sabbath, (a Phariseeical no-no), and the leader of the synagogue immediately began to protest. Jesus immediately called the man a hypocrite and asked him if he let his oxen or donkeys out of their pen to get a drink of water on Sunday. They of course did and yet had a problem with a human being loosed of her bondage! Jesus was now directly confronting the Pharisees when they disagreed with Him. The effect on the people was tremendous:

Luke 13:17 And when he had said these things, all his adversaries were ashamed: and all the people rejoiced for all the glorious things that were done by him.

The people were tired of dead, dull religion that could not change them! Jesus was a breath of fresh air! Jesus then began to instruct the people by the parables of “The Mustard Seed” (Luke 13:18-19; Matt 13:31-32; Mark 4:30-32) and “The Leaven” (Luke 13: 20-21; Matt 13:33).

Luke 13:22 And he went through the cities and villages, teaching, and journeying toward Jerusalem.

Jesus then returned toward Jerusalem for the Feast of Dedication, a one week feast beginning on our modern calendar on December 25. This feast celebrated the rededication of the temple after the Maccabean revolt (Inter-Biblical Years). Many people celebrated this feast so once again Jesus returns to Jerusalem to teach the multitudes.

John 10:22-28 And it was at Jerusalem the feast of the dedication, and it was winter.

23 And Jesus walked in the temple in Solomon's porch. 24 Then came the Jews round about him, and said unto him, How long dost thou make us to doubt? If thou be the Christ, tell us plainly. 25 Jesus answered them, I told you, and ye believed not: the works that I do in my Father's name, they bear witness of me. 26 But ye believe not, because ye are not of my sheep, as I said unto you. 27 My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: 28 And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.

As Jesus begins to teach, the Pharisees--desperate to catch Jesus at something that they can legally prosecute--ask Him to tell them plainly if He is the Christ. In other words they are asking Jesus if He really in the one true living God of the Old Testament. Jesus takes the opportunity to teach on how He performs the miracles and then answers plainly:

John 10:29-31 My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father's hand. 30 I and my Father are one. 31 Then the Jews took up stones again to stone him.

Why did the Jewish people seek to stone Him? Because He was saying I AM God! The term Father “referred to the eternal spirit of God” and Jesus was saying that I am that eternal spirit, but manifested in flesh! Jesus was not a second person in a triune Godhead, but was God himself revealed to man in flesh! Paul wrote this way:

1 Tim 3:16 And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory.

The word for manifest in the original Greek is phaneroo which means "to make visible." John stated that God is a Spirit and thus invisible:

John 1:18 No man hath seen God at any time; the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, he hath declared him.

So the only way we could see God is for Him to become flesh. He did this when the Holy Spirit overshadowed the virgin Mary and she had a son called Jesus. Paul makes this clear in Colossians:

Col 1:14-15 In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins: 15 Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature:

So Jesus was the “image of the invisible God.” God is a spirit and for God to come and pay the price for our sins, He would have to shed blood. The only way for God to have blood was to become flesh! Jesus Christ was God in the Flesh! Not a second God, but God in a different form! The Spirit became flesh!

The Pharisees could not accept such simple yet powerful teaching, so Jesus left Jerusalem and traveled into the region of Perea until the time for His death now only 3 months away!