Dispensation Bible Study #15

Approaching Grace - Jesus’ Third Year of Ministry - Perean Period

Seeing that the Pharisees would hinder every effort in and around Jerusalem, Jesus journeyed to the area of Perea to minister the final three months before His death. Our last study ended with the Jews seeking to kill Jesus because He had plainly stated that He was God manifested in flesh.

John 10:39-42 Therefore they sought again to take him: but he escaped out of their hand, 40 And went away again beyond Jordan into the place where John at first baptized; and there he abode. 41 And many resorted unto him, and said, John did no miracle: but all things that John spake of this man were true. 42 And many believed on him there.

Jesus began His ministry by being baptized by John the Baptist in this area, and now, at the close of His earthly ministry, He returns to the wilderness area beyond the Jordan river. John’s ministry was still remembered, and many received Christ with open arms because of the former teaching. Jesus left Jerusalem the day after the Feast of Dedication which ended on our calendar at the beginning of January. On His journey from Judea to Perea, Jesus was thronged by crowds of friends and enemies. This “day of travel” was most likely in the first week of our January.

Luke 13:31-35 The same day there came certain of the Pharisees, saying unto him, Get thee out, and depart hence: for Herod will kill thee. 32 And he said unto them, Go ye, and tell that fox, Behold, I cast out devils, and I do cures to day and to morrow, and the third day I shall be perfected. 33 Nevertheless I must walk to day, and to morrow, and the day following: for it cannot be that a prophet perish out of Jerusalem.

The Pharisees still will not leave Jesus alone! They come and threaten Jesus saying that if He stays in Jerusalem, Herod will kill Him. Jesus responds with a prophecy of His death and resurrection and a reminder that the Messiah must be killed in Jerusalem to fulfill scripture! It is not yet the Passover so Jesus tells them that He is leaving on His journey not because He is afraid of Herod, but because the time is not yet right for His death.

Luke 13:34-35 O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, which killest the prophets, and stonest them that are sent unto thee; how often would I have gathered thy children together, as a hen doth gather her brood under her wings, and ye would not! 35 Behold, your house is left unto you desolate: and verily I say unto you, Ye shall not see me, until the time come when ye shall say, Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord.

Jesus continues stating that He wanted to unite Jerusalem, but the people of Jerusalem has rejected Him so He will not return until they are willing to worship Him!

Luke 14:1-6 And it came to pass, as he went into the house of one of the chief Pharisees to eat bread on the sabbath day, that they watched him. 2 And, behold, there was a certain man before him which had the dropsy. 3 And Jesus answering spake unto the lawyers and Pharisees, saying, Is it lawful to heal on the sabbath day? 4 And they held their peace. And he took him, and healed him, and let him go; 5 And answered them, saying, Which of you shall have an ass or an ox fallen into a pit, and will not straightway pull him out on the sabbath day? 6 And they could not answer him again to these things.

Jesus once again has a clash with the Pharisees, this time again for healing on the Sabbath. This time the person is healed of dropsy a condition where there is an overabundance of water present in portions of the body particularly the legs. Jesus does not wait for the protest but immediately confronts the Pharisees and takes their argument away from them. Less than three months away from His death, Jesus will not back down now! Jesus then takes the opportunity to teach those present by the parables of “The Lowest Seat at the Feast” (Luke 14:7-11) and “The Great Supper” (Luke 14:16-24).

Luke 15:1-3 Then drew near unto him all the publicans and sinners for to hear him. 2 And the Pharisees and scribes murmured, saying, This man receiveth sinners, and eateth with them. 3 And he spake this parable unto them, saying,

Hearing that Jesus is teaching, the “sinners” in the region come to listen. When the “saved Pharisees” see that Jesus gladly welcomes them, they immediately begin to criticize. Jesus takes the opportunity to teach some more through parables. Here are recorded the parables of “The Lost Sheep” (Matt 18:12-14; Luke 15:3-7), “The Lost Coin” (Luke 15:8-10), “The Prodigal Son” (Luke 15:11-32), and “The Unjust Steward” (Luke 16:1-9).

Luke 16:13-16 No servant can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon. 14 And the Pharisees also, who were covetous, heard all these things: and they derided him. 15 And he said unto them, Ye are they which justify yourselves before men; but God knoweth your hearts: for that which is highly esteemed among men is abomination in the sight of God. 16 The law and the prophets were until John: since that time the kingdom of God is preached, and every man presseth into it.

Jesus plainly states that we cannot say we love God and act like we do not love God. We cannot serve two masters. It is not enough to look or act like a Christian if we do not think like a Christian! Jesus goes on to say the law and prophets were until John the Baptist, but since Christ has come on the scene, the kingdom of God has been preached. To join the kingdom of God, man is going to have to press into it. It does take some effort to be saved under Grace. While Christ had not yet fulfilled the law by His death, Grace was almost here! Jesus then relates the story of “The Rich Man and Lazarus” in Luke 16:20-31.

Luke 16:31 And he said unto him, If they hear not Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded, though one rose from the dead.

In the story, the rich man in Hell begs for Abraham to send someone back from the dead to warn his family of the torment of Hell. Jesus makes a very interesting statement that if a person cannot listen to Moses and the Prophets (the Old Testament scriptures) then neither will they be persuaded even if one was to rise from the dead. Christ’s prophecy was true, for He arose from the dead and still not everyone serves Him! Let us never get to the place that the scriptures cannot motivate us to change!

John 11:1-6 Now a certain man was sick, named Lazarus, of Bethany, the town of Mary and her sister Martha. 2 (It was that Mary which anointed the Lord with ointment, and wiped his feet with her hair, whose brother Lazarus was sick.) 3 Therefore his sisters sent unto him, saying, Lord, behold, he whom thou lovest is sick. 4 When Jesus heard that, he said, This sickness is not unto death, but for the glory of God, that the Son of God might be glorified thereby. 5 Now Jesus loved Martha, and her sister, and Lazarus. 6 When he had heard therefore that he was sick, he abode two days still in the same place where he was.

While in Perea, Jesus gets word that Lazarus, the brother of Mary and Martha, is very sick. Jesus immediately responded by stating that this sickness was not unto death but for the glory of God. Rather than begin the long journey back to Bethany, Jesus tarried two more days there.

John 11:17-22 Then when Jesus came, he found that he had lain in the grave four days already. 18 Now Bethany was nigh unto Jerusalem, about fifteen furlongs off: 19 And many of the Jews came to Martha and Mary, to comfort them concerning their brother. 20 Then Martha, as soon as she heard that Jesus was coming, went and met him: but Mary sat still in the house. 21 Then said Martha unto Jesus, Lord, if thou hadst been here, my brother had not died. 22 But I know, that even now, whatsoever thou wilt ask of God, God will give it thee.

Lazarus died and by the time that Jesus got to Bethany (which was a little less than two miles away from Jerusalem) he had been in the grave for four days. Notice that because of Lazarus’ death, many Jews have come to comfort the family and there are many people there that would not have been there if were still alive. Mary stays in the house, but Martha comes to meet Jesus and greets Him faith!

John 11:23-25 Jesus saith unto her, Thy brother shall rise again. 24 Martha saith unto him, I know that he shall rise again in the resurrection at the last day. 25 Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live:

Notice the response to Martha’s faith is a promise that her brother will live again. Mary then comes out to meet Jesus.

John 11:30-32 Now Jesus was not yet come into the town, but was in that place where Martha met him. 31 The Jews then which were with her in the house, and comforted her, when they saw Mary, that she rose up hastily and went out, followed her, saying, She goeth unto the grave to weep there. 32 Then when Mary was come where Jesus was, and saw him, she fell down at his feet, saying unto him, Lord, if thou hadst been here, my brother had not died.

Notice the similarity and difference between Mary’s and Martha’s greeting. Both state the obvious but Mary does not express the belief that God can work now!

John 11:33-36 When Jesus therefore saw her weeping, and the Jews also weeping which came with her, he groaned in the spirit, and was troubled, 34 And said, Where have ye laid him? They said unto him, Lord, come and see. 35 Jesus wept. 36 Then said the Jews, Behold how he loved him!

“Jesus wept.” The shortest verse in the Bible, John 11:35 is also one of the more powerful. Why did Jesus weep? Because He felt the same sadness that you and I do when we lose a loved one, and He truly loved Lazarus. Because He saw the emotional state of mourning that had overtaken the family. But could Jesus have wept for other reasons? Maybe because the same Jews that had rejected Him in Jerusalem were now present? Or perhaps He wept and was “troubled” because He saw Mary’s unbelief! No matter what the reason for His tears, Jesus truly cared!

John 11:38-39 Jesus therefore again groaning in himself cometh to the grave. It was a cave, and a stone lay upon it. 39 Jesus said, Take ye away the stone. Martha, the sister of him that was dead, saith unto him, Lord, by this time he stinketh: for he hath been dead four days.

Jesus then commands for them to remove the stone blocking the entrance to the grave. Martha once so full of faith now shows a little doubt. How often we too today believe but then allow a little doubt at the actual time of stepping out in faith!

John 11:40-44 Jesus saith unto her, Said I not unto thee, that, if thou wouldest believe, thou shouldest see the glory of God? 41 Then they took away the stone from the place where the dead was laid. And Jesus lifted up his eyes, and said, Father, I thank thee that thou hast heard me. 42 And I knew that thou hearest me always: but because of the people which stand by I said it, that they may believe that thou hast sent me. 43 And when he thus had spoken, he cried with a loud voice, Lazarus, come forth. 44 And he that was dead came forth, bound hand and foot with graveclothes: and his face was bound about with a napkin. Jesus saith unto them, Loose him, and let him go.

Jesus prays and calls for Lazarus and Lazarus comes forth hopping in His burial linens but very much alive!

John 11:45-47 Then many of the Jews which came to Mary, and had seen the things which Jesus did, believed on him. 46 But some of them went their ways to the Pharisees, and told them what things Jesus had done. 47 Then gathered the chief priests and the Pharisees a council, and said, What do we? for this man doeth many miracles.

The many Jews standing around have an undeniable, fantastic miracle to prove to them that Jesus really is who He says He is. Some believe, and some do not believe, thereby proving Jesus earlier prophecy about the importance of believing God’s scriptures (Luke 16:31). The chief priests and the Pharisees then began to meet and openly plan to get rid of their “problem.” The time of Jesus’ ministry is running out.

John 11:53-54 Then from that day forth they took counsel together for to put him to death. 54 Jesus therefore walked no more openly among the Jews; but went thence unto a country near to the wilderness, into a city called Ephraim, and there continued with his disciples.

Knowing that the Jews began to plan His death, Jesus then traveled to the city of Ephraim and returned to the countryside of Perea until the time of the Passover.

Luke 17:12-14 And as he entered into a certain village, there met him ten men that were lepers, which stood afar off: 13 And they lifted up their voices, and said, Jesus, Master, have mercy on us. 14 And when he saw them, he said unto them, Go shew yourselves unto the priests. And it came to pass, that, as they went, they were cleansed.

Even the lepers have heard about Jesus’ works by now! As He enters into a village ten lepers began to cry out to Him. Jesus heals them, and tells them to follow Moses’ law by showing themselves to the priests.

Luke 17:15-19 And one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, and with a loud voice glorified God, 16 And fell down on his face at his feet, giving him thanks: and he was a Samaritan. 17 And Jesus answering said, Were there not ten cleansed? but where are the nine? 18 There are not found that returned to give glory to God, save this stranger. 19 And he said unto him, Arise, go thy way: thy faith hath made thee whole.

In their excitement to return to society, nine of the lepers rush off but one, a Samaritan, returns to give thanks to Jesus. Remember the Samaritans were despised by the Jews, but even today God allows us to be despised to teach us to be thankful! The other lepers were healed of the disease spreading any further, but still bore the scars and marks and imperfections of the disease. The Samaritan, because of his praise and faith, was made whole!

Luke 17:20-21 And when he was demanded of the Pharisees, when the kingdom of God should come, he answered them and said, The kingdom of God cometh not with observation: 21 Neither shall they say, Lo here! or, lo there! for, behold, the kingdom of God is within you.

The Pharisees still trying to catch Jesus in something that is worthy of death, ask Jesus when He will set up His kingdom. They still were looking for an earthly kingdom but Jesus made it clear that the Kingdom of God during Grace would be within us! Jesus then goes on to teach them with the parables of “The Unjust Judge” (Luke 18:1-8), and “The Pharisee and the Publican” (Luke 18:9-14).

Mark 10:13-16 And they brought young children to him, that he should touch them: and his disciples rebuked those that brought them. 14 But when Jesus saw it, he was much displeased, and said unto them, Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God. 15 Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child, he shall not enter therein. 16 And he took them up in his arms, put his hands upon them, and blessed them.

Jesus always loved children and we should also, but the point was to teach a kingdom concept. We must be as loving, forgiving, and as trustful as a little child to receive the kingdom of God! Then a rich young ruler runs up and asks what he has to do to be saved:

Luke 18:20-23 Thou knowest the commandments, Do not commit adultery, Do not kill, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Honour thy father and thy mother. 21 And he said, All these have I kept from my youth up. 22 Now when Jesus heard these things, he said unto him, Yet lackest thou one thing: sell all that thou hast, and distribute unto the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, follow me. 23 And when he heard this, he was very sorrowful: for he was very rich.

Jesus answers that He must love the Lord with all His heart, follow the commandments, and also sell everything that He has and give it to the poor! The disciples were astonished.

Luke 18:26-30 And they that heard it said, Who then can be saved? 27 And he said, The things which are impossible with men are possible with God. 28 Then Peter said, Lo, we have left all, and followed thee. 29 And he said unto them, Verily I say unto you, There is no man that hath left house, or parents, or brethren, or wife, or children, for the kingdom of God's sake, 30 Who shall not receive manifold more in this present time, and in the world to come life everlasting.

The point is clear: living for God is going to cost us something and at times we will have to sacrifice for the will of God in our lives. Jesus goes on to promise that to whoever sacrifices for the kingdom of God’s sake, will receive greater blessing in this life and in the afterlife! God blesses those who will totally commit to Him of everything!

Luke 18:31-34 Then he took unto him the twelve, and said unto them, Behold, we go up to Jerusalem, and all things that are written by the prophets concerning the Son of man shall be accomplished. 32 For he shall be delivered unto the Gentiles, and shall be mocked, and spitefully entreated, and spitted on: 33 And they shall scourge him, and put him to death: and the third day he shall rise again. 34 And they understood none of these things: and this saying was hid from them, neither knew they the things which were spoken.

Jesus then begin to return toward Jerusalem for the final events of His life. As they journey He begins to teach the disciples all that must happen to Him, but they do not understand.

Matt 20:30-34 And, behold, two blind men sitting by the way side, when they heard that Jesus passed by, cried out, saying, Have mercy on us, O Lord, thou Son of David. 31 And the multitude rebuked them, because they should hold their peace: but they cried the more, saying, Have mercy on us, O Lord, thou Son of David. 32 And Jesus stood still, and called them, and said, What will ye that I shall do unto you? 33 They say unto him, Lord, that our eyes may be opened. 34 So Jesus had compassion on them, and touched their eyes: and immediately their eyes received sight, and they followed him.

As they are journeying near Jericho two blind men began to cry out to Jesus. The crowd tried to quiet them, but Jesus’ responded by healing them. Notice that verse 34 says that they followed Him! Why did they follow Jesus after their miracle when so many other people that were healed just walked away? The blind men knew who Jesus was! Even today many people are touched by God, but will never be able to follow Jesus and serve Him unless they realize who He is!

Luke 19:1-5 And Jesus entered and passed through Jericho. 2 And, behold, there was a man named Zacchaeus, which was the chief among the publicans, and he was rich. 3 And he sought to see Jesus who he was; and could not for the press, because he was little of stature. 4 And he ran before, and climbed up into a sycomore tree to see him: for he was to pass that way. 5 And when Jesus came to the place, he looked up, and saw him, and said unto him, Zacchaeus, make haste, and come down; for to day I must abide at thy house.

As Jesus passed through Jericho, His fame went before Him. A short little man named Zacchaeus wanted to see Jesus but could not because of his height so he climbed a tree! Jesus looking up and seeing the man in the tree, called him by name and invited Himself over for dinner!

Luke 19:6-10 And he made haste, and came down, and received him joyfully. 7 And when they saw it, they all murmured, saying, That he was gone to be guest with a man that is a sinner. 8 And Zacchaeus stood, and said unto the Lord; Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor; and if I have taken any thing from any man by false accusation, I restore him fourfold. 9 And Jesus said unto him, This day is salvation come to this house, forsomuch as he also is a son of Abraham. 10 For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.

The self-righteous Jews could not believe that Jesus would eat with someone who had gotten rich dishonestly. The change on Zacchaeus was one of restitution! Notice the difference in attitude between the rich young man raised in the laws of God, and Zacchaeus the common sinner: Zacchaeus found salvation because he was willing to sacrifice everything for Jesus! We must be willing to give everything! Jesus then taught the crowds by the parable of “The Pounds” (Luke 19:11-27).

John 12:1-3 Then Jesus six days before the passover came to Bethany, where Lazarus was which had been dead, whom he raised from the dead. 2 There they made him a supper; and Martha served: but Lazarus was one of them that sat at the table with him. 3 Then took Mary a pound of ointment of spikenard, very costly, and anointed the feet of Jesus, and wiped his feet with her hair: and the house was filled with the odour of the ointment.

It is now six days before the beginning of Passover, and Jesus comes to Bethany and stays in the home of Mary, Martha, and the newly-resurrected Lazarus. After dinner, Mary comes and anoints Jesus feet with the costly ointment. This is the second time that Jesus is anointed by a woman. The first was earlier in His ministry by a sinner woman in Galilee. Here the anointing is done by Mary the sister of Lazarus in the city of Bethany. This time the response is different:

John 12:4-8 Then saith one of his disciples, Judas Iscariot, Simon's son, which should betray him, 5 Why was not this ointment sold for three hundred pence, and given to the poor? 6 This he said, not that he cared for the poor; but because he was a thief, and had the bag, and bare what was put therein. 7 Then said Jesus, Let her alone: against the day of my burying hath she kept this. 8 For the poor always ye have with you; but me ye have not always.

Judas Iscariot reveals a major flaw in his character: the love for money. His attitude is what a waste! Judas Iscariot would be the disciple to eventually betray Jesus for money. Judas had stayed with Jesus throughout all of the teachings and trials yet would forsake Him because of money. I Timothy 6:10 teaches us that “the love of money is the root of all evil.” There is nothing wrong with having money, but we cannot let it replace or effect our worship and love for Jesus Christ. Notice also that Judas criticized someone giving Jesus the very thing for which Judas would sell out. How true it is that even today people only criticize what they personally have a problem with themselves!

As this Lesson closes, Jesus is in Bethany about to enter into Jerusalem for the Passover. Jesus is five days away from His death!