There are hints of Jesus throughout the entirety of Genesis and the New Testament names Him as Creator.
“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made… And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.” (John 1:1-3, 14 NKJV)
“He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation: for by Him all things were created, both in the heavens and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones, or dominions, or rulers, or authorities—all things have been created through Him and for Him. He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together.” (Colossians 1:15-17 NASB)
Prophecies are often hints. As God speaks to the snake, notice how the object changes from the woman to her seed or offspring, which is not plural but singular, and then a singular man’s heel, “his heel.” Notice too how the wounds are different.
“I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and her offspring; he shall bruise your head, and you shall bruise his heel.” (Genesis 3:15 ESV)
Jesus is also pictured in Abel, who offered a better sacrifice than His brother.
“By faith Abel offered a better sacrifice to God than Cain, which showed that he was righteous, since God gave approval to him for his gift. Though he died, he’s still speaking through faith.” (Hebrews 11:4 CEB)
Yet, righteous Abel’s blood could not save humanity.
“And Jesus is here! He is the one who makes God's new agreement with us, and his sprinkled blood says much better things than the blood of Abel.” (Hebrews 12:24 CEV)
Jesus told the thief on the cross he would be in the heavenly garden. Paradise means a garden.
“And he said to him, ‘Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in paradise.’ ” (Luke 23:43 ESV)
The physical salvation of Noah’s family through water was a picture of baptism and eternal salvation in Christ.
“By faith Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as yet, moved with fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house” (Hebrews 11:7a KJV).
We also see that Jesus is a priest forever after the order of Melchisedek.
“First, the name Melchizedek means ‘king of righteousness’; then also, ‘king of Salem’ means ‘king of peace.’ Without father or mother, without genealogy, without beginning of days or end of life, resembling the Son of God, he remains a priest forever.” (Hebrews 7:2b-3 NIV)
Abraham was not just blessed for himself or one nation but for the whole world.
“In your seed all the nations of the earth shall be blessed, because you have obeyed My voice.” (Genesis 22:18 NKJV)
By seed or offspring, Paul explains that this is singular and means Jesus.
“Now the promises were spoken to Abraham and to his seed. He does not say, ‘And to seeds,’ as one would in referring to many, but rather as in referring to one, ‘And to your seed,’ that is, Christ.” (Galatians 3:16 NASB)
As Abraham offered up Isaac, so God offered up his Son. For God, this was going to be real. But, for Abraham it was only a test, because the angel stopped him.
“ ‘Don't hurt the boy or harm him in any way!’ the angel said. ‘Now I know that you truly obey God, because you were willing to offer him your only son.’ ” (Genesis 22:12 CEV)
Instead, a lamb was offered, as Abraham had in faith predicted.
“And Abraham said, My son, God will provide himself a lamb for a burnt offering: so they went both of them together.” (Genesis 22:8 KJV)
The Lamb of God was offered for all of us.
“For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your ancestors, but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect.” (1 Peter 1:18-19 NIV)
Jacob dreamed of a way to heaven.
“As he slept, he dreamed of a stairway that reached from the earth up to heaven. And he saw the angels of God going up and down the stairway.” (Genesis 28:12 NLT)
Later, we understand that Jesus is the way, the only way.
“Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” (John 14:6 KJV)
Jesus is the stairway to heaven.
“Then he said, ‘I tell you the truth, you will all see heaven open and the angels of God going up and down on the Son of Man, the one who is the stairway between heaven and earth.’ ” (John 1:51 NLT)
In Joseph, we recognize the rejected brother, who eventually saved his whole family.
“And his brothers saw that their father loved him more than all his brothers; and so they hated him and could not speak to him on friendly terms.” (Genesis 37:4 NASB)
Jesus, who came to save the entire human family, was also rejected.
“He came to his own people, and even they rejected him.” (John 1:11 NLT)
Towards the end of Genesis, Judah is blessed. Shiloh has long been understood as a name of the Messiah, the Prince of Peace. A scepter is carried by a king as a sign of office. All Israel’s kings were from the tribe of Judah and that office ultimately belongs to Jesus, the King of Kings.
“The scepter will not depart from Judah, nor the ruler’s staff from between his feet, until he comes [Shiloh] to whom it belongs. The obedience of the peoples will be to him.” (Genesis 49:10 WEB)
What other things in Genesis foreshadow Christ? Will you have a change of heart and mind, believe the good news of God’s reign and accept Jesus as your King? You decide!
Bible E-Course 3J - Joseph
Joseph was treated with favoritism and at age 17, informed on his brothers’ misdeeds. Telling his brothers of a dream that they would bow down to him, made matters even worse, and bad relations between them festered.
“Joseph, being seventeen years old, was pasturing the flock with his brothers. He was a boy with the sons of Bilhah and Zilpah, his father's wives. And Joseph brought a bad report of them to their father. Now Israel loved Joseph more than any other of his sons, because he was the son of his old age. And he made him a robe of many colors… Now Joseph had a dream, and when he told it to his brothers they hated him even more.” (Genesis 37:2-5 ESV)
Sold
Family animosity eventually sunk so low that Joseph’s brothers committed criminal acts, holding him against his will in a pit and then selling him to slave traders.
“Then some Midianite traders passed by, so they pulled him out and lifted Joseph out of the pit, and sold him to the Ishmaelites for twenty shekels of silver. So they brought Joseph into Egypt.” (Genesis 37:28 NASB)
Potiphar’s Wife
In Egypt, Joseph was eventually entrusted with the management of Potiphar’s household, an officer of Pharaoh, captain of the guard. However, Potiphar’s wife desired to have sex with Joseph, but he refused and later unwisely entered the household without witnesses.
“And it came to pass about this time, that Joseph went into the house to do his business; and there was none of the men of the house there within. And she caught him by his garment, saying, Lie with me: and he left his garment in her hand, and fled, and got him out. And it came to pass, when she saw that he had left his garment in her hand, and was fled forth, That she called unto the men of her house, and spake unto them, saying, See, he hath brought in an Hebrew unto us to mock us; he came in unto me to lie with me, and I cried with a loud voice: And it came to pass, when he heard that I lifted up my voice and cried, that he left his garment with me, and fled, and got him out.” (Genesis 39:11-14 KJV)
Thus falsely accused, Joseph ended up in prison, but he soon rose to manage the whole place. Thirteen long years passed from when Joseph was sold into slavery to the time he left prison. God often takes a long time to prepare people for their life’s ultimate purpose.
Dreams
Joseph gained a reputation as one who could interpret dreams. To whom did he give credit?
“And they said to him, ‘We have had a dream, and there is no one to interpret it.’ Then Joseph said to them, ‘Do interpretations not belong to God? Tell it to me, please.’ ” (Genesis 40:8 NASB)
Even later when asked to interpret Pharaoh’s dream, Joseph turned attention away from himself and gave God the credit.
“ ‘I cannot do it,’ Joseph replied to Pharaoh, ‘but God will give Pharaoh the answer he desires.’ ” (Genesis 4:16 NIV)
Promotion
Thus Joseph was instrumental in preparing Egypt for a famine, which would bring his own family there. Recognizing the uniqueness of Joseph, Pharaoh made him prime minister.
“Pharaoh also said to Joseph, ‘I am Pharaoh, and without your consent no man may lift his hand or foot in all the land of Egypt.’ ” (Genesis 41:44 NKJV)
Yes, our circumstances in life can change dramatically, if God wills.
Israel in Egypt
Finally, Joseph’s family came to buy bread in Egypt and they fulfilled the dream that Joseph had many years earlier, that they would all bow down before him.
“Joseph was still in his palace when Judah and his brothers arrived, and they fell to the ground before him.” (Genesis 44:14 NLT)
That is how the whole clan settled in Egypt for several centuries.
“Joseph placed his father and his brothers, and gave them a possession in the land of Egypt, in the best of the land, in the land of Rameses, as Pharaoh had commanded.” (Genesis 47:11 WEB)
In Joseph we learn the dangers of favoritism and jealousy. We see a man who did not take credit but gave it to God. We see that evil may sometimes last a very long time, but God can still make it good. We see how Joseph forgave his brothers for their terrible deeds against him. Joseph’s story lets us know how God works even with young people. Joseph wisely turned away from sexual temptation, but doing what’s right sometimes brings pain.
Will you have a change of heart and mind? Like Joseph, will you patiently wait for God to fulfill your dreams and believe the good news of God’s reign? You decide!
“Joseph, being seventeen years old, was pasturing the flock with his brothers. He was a boy with the sons of Bilhah and Zilpah, his father's wives. And Joseph brought a bad report of them to their father. Now Israel loved Joseph more than any other of his sons, because he was the son of his old age. And he made him a robe of many colors… Now Joseph had a dream, and when he told it to his brothers they hated him even more.” (Genesis 37:2-5 ESV)
Sold
Family animosity eventually sunk so low that Joseph’s brothers committed criminal acts, holding him against his will in a pit and then selling him to slave traders.
“Then some Midianite traders passed by, so they pulled him out and lifted Joseph out of the pit, and sold him to the Ishmaelites for twenty shekels of silver. So they brought Joseph into Egypt.” (Genesis 37:28 NASB)
Potiphar’s Wife
In Egypt, Joseph was eventually entrusted with the management of Potiphar’s household, an officer of Pharaoh, captain of the guard. However, Potiphar’s wife desired to have sex with Joseph, but he refused and later unwisely entered the household without witnesses.
“And it came to pass about this time, that Joseph went into the house to do his business; and there was none of the men of the house there within. And she caught him by his garment, saying, Lie with me: and he left his garment in her hand, and fled, and got him out. And it came to pass, when she saw that he had left his garment in her hand, and was fled forth, That she called unto the men of her house, and spake unto them, saying, See, he hath brought in an Hebrew unto us to mock us; he came in unto me to lie with me, and I cried with a loud voice: And it came to pass, when he heard that I lifted up my voice and cried, that he left his garment with me, and fled, and got him out.” (Genesis 39:11-14 KJV)
Thus falsely accused, Joseph ended up in prison, but he soon rose to manage the whole place. Thirteen long years passed from when Joseph was sold into slavery to the time he left prison. God often takes a long time to prepare people for their life’s ultimate purpose.
Dreams
Joseph gained a reputation as one who could interpret dreams. To whom did he give credit?
“And they said to him, ‘We have had a dream, and there is no one to interpret it.’ Then Joseph said to them, ‘Do interpretations not belong to God? Tell it to me, please.’ ” (Genesis 40:8 NASB)
Even later when asked to interpret Pharaoh’s dream, Joseph turned attention away from himself and gave God the credit.
“ ‘I cannot do it,’ Joseph replied to Pharaoh, ‘but God will give Pharaoh the answer he desires.’ ” (Genesis 4:16 NIV)
Promotion
Thus Joseph was instrumental in preparing Egypt for a famine, which would bring his own family there. Recognizing the uniqueness of Joseph, Pharaoh made him prime minister.
“Pharaoh also said to Joseph, ‘I am Pharaoh, and without your consent no man may lift his hand or foot in all the land of Egypt.’ ” (Genesis 41:44 NKJV)
Yes, our circumstances in life can change dramatically, if God wills.
Israel in Egypt
Finally, Joseph’s family came to buy bread in Egypt and they fulfilled the dream that Joseph had many years earlier, that they would all bow down before him.
“Joseph was still in his palace when Judah and his brothers arrived, and they fell to the ground before him.” (Genesis 44:14 NLT)
That is how the whole clan settled in Egypt for several centuries.
“Joseph placed his father and his brothers, and gave them a possession in the land of Egypt, in the best of the land, in the land of Rameses, as Pharaoh had commanded.” (Genesis 47:11 WEB)
In Joseph we learn the dangers of favoritism and jealousy. We see a man who did not take credit but gave it to God. We see that evil may sometimes last a very long time, but God can still make it good. We see how Joseph forgave his brothers for their terrible deeds against him. Joseph’s story lets us know how God works even with young people. Joseph wisely turned away from sexual temptation, but doing what’s right sometimes brings pain.
Will you have a change of heart and mind? Like Joseph, will you patiently wait for God to fulfill your dreams and believe the good news of God’s reign? You decide!
Bible E-Course 3i - Jacob
Who was one of the first men nicknamed Red, and why? Why was his brother named Heel Catcher? Jacob was born so soon after his twin brother Esau that he grabbed his heel and earned the name “heel catcher” or “supplanter,” a prophecy of Jacob supplanting the position of honor in the clan and the blessing from his father normally given to the firstborn.
“Even in the womb, Jacob struggled with his brother; when he became a man, he even fought with God.” (Hosea 12:3 NLT)
Favoritism & Sibling Rivalry
Jacob’s sibling rivalry is well known, but let’s not forget his dogged determination. Their parents were partly to blame for the rivalry.
“Isaac loved Esau because he enjoyed eating game, but Rebekah loved Jacob.” (Genesis 25:28 CEB)
Birthright & Blessing
Favoritism is a common cause of deep-seated family problems. Jacob was conniving, but his brother thought so little of his birthright that he readily sold it cheaply, for some red lentil stew, becoming perhaps the first man to be nicknamed Red.
“One day, when Jacob was cooking some stew, Esau came home hungry and said, “I'm starving to death! Here and now give me some of that red stew!” That's how Esau got the name “Edom” [Red]. Jacob replied, “Sell me your rights as the first-born son.” “I'm about to die,” Esau answered. “What good will those rights do me?” But Jacob said, “Promise me your birthrights, here and now!” And that's what Esau did. Jacob then gave Esau some bread and some of the bean stew, and when Esau had finished eating and drinking, he just got up and left, showing how little he thought of his rights as the first-born.” (Genesis 25:29-34 CEV)
Jacob can’t be blamed entirely for bad relations with his brother. His mother Rebekah was also involved in deceiving Isaac into blessing Jacob instead of Esau.
“Esau said, ‘Is he not rightly named Jacob? For he has cheated me these two times. He took away my birthright, and behold, now he has taken away my blessing.’ Then he said, ‘Have you not reserved a blessing for me?’ Isaac answered and said to Esau, ‘Behold, I have made him lord over you, and all his brothers I have given to him for servants, and with grain and wine I have sustained him. What then can I do for you, my son?’ ” (Genesis 27:36-37 ESV)
What was the result?
“And Esau hated Jacob because of the blessing wherewith his father blessed him: and Esau said in his heart, The days of mourning for my father are at hand; then will I slay my brother Jacob.” (Genesis 27:41 KJV)
Families still fall out with each other because of favoritism and feelings of unfair treatment. It is always wise to discuss an inheritance openly and early, asking if anybody feels mistreated and to solve potential issues before they fester. Nobody needs their legacy to be a divided family.
Leaving Town
Unfortunately, things were so bad in this family that Jacob had to leave town fearing for his very life. Even though he had some glaring character flaws, Jacob did desire to follow God.
“Jacob also made a vow, saying, ‘If God will be with me and will keep me on this journey that I take, and give me food to eat and garments to wear, and I return to my father’s house in safety, then the Lord will be my God.’ ” (Genesis 28:20-21 NASB)
Cheated
What is the best way for a sinner with certain weaknesses to learn to overcome? Could it be that God had some important lessons for Jacob in working for Uncle Laban? Deceived by him into a honeymoon with the wrong daughter, Jacob was devastated.
“When morning came, there was Leah! So Jacob said to Laban, ‘What is this you have done to me? I served you for Rachel, didn’t I? Why have you deceived me?’ ” (Genesis 29:25 NIV)
Unlike his father Isaac, who was a one-woman man, Jacob had four and all the family strife that comes with plural marriages. God’s ideal at creation was one man and one woman. Imagine only having a quarter of your spouse’s time, or less if you were not a favorite. What a selfish lifestyle! Yet, God works with us to teach us through life’s experiences. Jacob was learning not to cheat others the hard way, by being deceived by his own uncle, as he told Laban’s daughters.
“You know how hard I have worked for your father, but he has cheated me, changing my wages ten times. But God has not allowed him to do me any harm.” (Genesis 31:6-7 NLT)
Wrestling
Jacob journeyed as God instructed him. He encountered angels and wrestled all night with God. We are encouraged to persist in prayer. Jacob continued even after he sprained his thigh, until God finally blessed him.
“He said, ‘Your name will no longer be called Jacob, but Israel; for you have fought with God and with men, and have prevailed.’ ” (Genesis 32:28 WEB)
Repentance
As he took the spiritual lead of the whole clan, Jacob was moving deeper into godly things, repenting of some bad spiritual practices.
“Jacob said to his family and to everyone else who was traveling with him: Get rid of your foreign gods! Then make yourselves acceptable to worship God and put on clean clothes.” (Genesis 35:2 CEV)
A change of life sometimes brings a change of name. Israel (Yisrael) means “God prevails.” In the midst of hard lessons about deceptive practices, Jacob also learned forgiveness and made peace with his uncle and brother, later joining his brother at his father Isaac’s funeral (Genesis 35:29). God continued to speak with Jacob the whole time, even though he still had some important sins to overcome. Which of us does not? What family idols do we need to get rid of?
“God appeared to Jacob again, while he was on his way back from Paddan-aram, and blessed him. God said to him, ‘Your name is Jacob, but your name will be Jacob no longer. No, your name will be Israel.’ And he named him Israel.” (Genesis 35:9-10 CEB)
Jacob’s pilgrimage was to eventually take him to Egypt, where on the way God spoke.
“And God spoke to Israel in visions of the night and said, ‘Jacob, Jacob.’ And he said, ‘Here I am.’ Then he said, ‘I am God, the God of your father. Do not be afraid to go down to Egypt, for there I will make you into a great nation.’ ” (Genesis 46:2-3 ESV)
Jacob’s life, filled with strife and troubles, gives us all hope that we who are also far from perfect, can be shown mercy and favor as we trust in God.
Which one are you, the cheater or the cheated? Will you have a change of heart and mind? Like Israel, will you prevail with God and believe the good news of God’s reign? You decide!
“Even in the womb, Jacob struggled with his brother; when he became a man, he even fought with God.” (Hosea 12:3 NLT)
Favoritism & Sibling Rivalry
Jacob’s sibling rivalry is well known, but let’s not forget his dogged determination. Their parents were partly to blame for the rivalry.
“Isaac loved Esau because he enjoyed eating game, but Rebekah loved Jacob.” (Genesis 25:28 CEB)
Birthright & Blessing
Favoritism is a common cause of deep-seated family problems. Jacob was conniving, but his brother thought so little of his birthright that he readily sold it cheaply, for some red lentil stew, becoming perhaps the first man to be nicknamed Red.
“One day, when Jacob was cooking some stew, Esau came home hungry and said, “I'm starving to death! Here and now give me some of that red stew!” That's how Esau got the name “Edom” [Red]. Jacob replied, “Sell me your rights as the first-born son.” “I'm about to die,” Esau answered. “What good will those rights do me?” But Jacob said, “Promise me your birthrights, here and now!” And that's what Esau did. Jacob then gave Esau some bread and some of the bean stew, and when Esau had finished eating and drinking, he just got up and left, showing how little he thought of his rights as the first-born.” (Genesis 25:29-34 CEV)
Jacob can’t be blamed entirely for bad relations with his brother. His mother Rebekah was also involved in deceiving Isaac into blessing Jacob instead of Esau.
“Esau said, ‘Is he not rightly named Jacob? For he has cheated me these two times. He took away my birthright, and behold, now he has taken away my blessing.’ Then he said, ‘Have you not reserved a blessing for me?’ Isaac answered and said to Esau, ‘Behold, I have made him lord over you, and all his brothers I have given to him for servants, and with grain and wine I have sustained him. What then can I do for you, my son?’ ” (Genesis 27:36-37 ESV)
What was the result?
“And Esau hated Jacob because of the blessing wherewith his father blessed him: and Esau said in his heart, The days of mourning for my father are at hand; then will I slay my brother Jacob.” (Genesis 27:41 KJV)
Families still fall out with each other because of favoritism and feelings of unfair treatment. It is always wise to discuss an inheritance openly and early, asking if anybody feels mistreated and to solve potential issues before they fester. Nobody needs their legacy to be a divided family.
Leaving Town
Unfortunately, things were so bad in this family that Jacob had to leave town fearing for his very life. Even though he had some glaring character flaws, Jacob did desire to follow God.
“Jacob also made a vow, saying, ‘If God will be with me and will keep me on this journey that I take, and give me food to eat and garments to wear, and I return to my father’s house in safety, then the Lord will be my God.’ ” (Genesis 28:20-21 NASB)
Cheated
What is the best way for a sinner with certain weaknesses to learn to overcome? Could it be that God had some important lessons for Jacob in working for Uncle Laban? Deceived by him into a honeymoon with the wrong daughter, Jacob was devastated.
“When morning came, there was Leah! So Jacob said to Laban, ‘What is this you have done to me? I served you for Rachel, didn’t I? Why have you deceived me?’ ” (Genesis 29:25 NIV)
Unlike his father Isaac, who was a one-woman man, Jacob had four and all the family strife that comes with plural marriages. God’s ideal at creation was one man and one woman. Imagine only having a quarter of your spouse’s time, or less if you were not a favorite. What a selfish lifestyle! Yet, God works with us to teach us through life’s experiences. Jacob was learning not to cheat others the hard way, by being deceived by his own uncle, as he told Laban’s daughters.
“You know how hard I have worked for your father, but he has cheated me, changing my wages ten times. But God has not allowed him to do me any harm.” (Genesis 31:6-7 NLT)
Wrestling
Jacob journeyed as God instructed him. He encountered angels and wrestled all night with God. We are encouraged to persist in prayer. Jacob continued even after he sprained his thigh, until God finally blessed him.
“He said, ‘Your name will no longer be called Jacob, but Israel; for you have fought with God and with men, and have prevailed.’ ” (Genesis 32:28 WEB)
Repentance
As he took the spiritual lead of the whole clan, Jacob was moving deeper into godly things, repenting of some bad spiritual practices.
“Jacob said to his family and to everyone else who was traveling with him: Get rid of your foreign gods! Then make yourselves acceptable to worship God and put on clean clothes.” (Genesis 35:2 CEV)
A change of life sometimes brings a change of name. Israel (Yisrael) means “God prevails.” In the midst of hard lessons about deceptive practices, Jacob also learned forgiveness and made peace with his uncle and brother, later joining his brother at his father Isaac’s funeral (Genesis 35:29). God continued to speak with Jacob the whole time, even though he still had some important sins to overcome. Which of us does not? What family idols do we need to get rid of?
“God appeared to Jacob again, while he was on his way back from Paddan-aram, and blessed him. God said to him, ‘Your name is Jacob, but your name will be Jacob no longer. No, your name will be Israel.’ And he named him Israel.” (Genesis 35:9-10 CEB)
Jacob’s pilgrimage was to eventually take him to Egypt, where on the way God spoke.
“And God spoke to Israel in visions of the night and said, ‘Jacob, Jacob.’ And he said, ‘Here I am.’ Then he said, ‘I am God, the God of your father. Do not be afraid to go down to Egypt, for there I will make you into a great nation.’ ” (Genesis 46:2-3 ESV)
Jacob’s life, filled with strife and troubles, gives us all hope that we who are also far from perfect, can be shown mercy and favor as we trust in God.
Which one are you, the cheater or the cheated? Will you have a change of heart and mind? Like Israel, will you prevail with God and believe the good news of God’s reign? You decide!
Cast Your Nets
Is anything holding us back? Let’s discuss putting the mistakes of the past behind us and moving forward. Let’s discuss how Jesus helped his disciples move forward after their failures in John 21:1-19.[1]
John 21:1-5 Afterward Jesus appeared again to his disciples, by the Sea of Galilee. It happened this way: Simon Peter, Thomas (also known as Didymus), Nathanael from Cana in Galilee, the sons of Zebedee, and two other disciples were together. “I’m going out to fish,” Simon Peter told them, and they said, “We’ll go with you.” So they went out and got into the boat, but that night they caught nothing. Early in the morning, Jesus stood on the shore, but the disciples did not realize that it was Jesus. He called out to them, “Friends, haven’t you any fish?” “No,” they answered.
The disciples failed Jesus. They went fishing and failed to catch anything. Highly educated, very intelligent people run this world and fail miserably. We are all no different than Jesus’ disciples. With Jesus’ guidance, they made an enormous catch. He invited them put their fish with his bread for breakfast.
John 21:6-7 He said, “Throw your net on the right side of the boat and you will find some.” When they did, they were unable to haul the net in because of the large number of fish. Then the disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, “It is the Lord!” As soon as Simon Peter heard him say, “It is the Lord,” he wrapped his outer garment around him (for he had taken it off) and jumped into the water.
A common net was flax about 6 yards or meters across with small lead weights around the outside. It was thrown to open up as it hit the water. The weights dropped and the net encircled the fish. Men then jumped into the water to retrieve the net, often naked.[2]
The fish were then sorted and counted so that each received a fair share. Day laborers usually helped with the duties. Fishermen probably knew the local Aramaic language, Hebrew and also Greek, the language of trade. Jesus arrived and advised the experts. Who would let a stranger advise their business!
John 21:8-13 The other disciples followed in the boat, towing the net full of fish, for they were not far from shore, about a hundred yards. When they landed, they saw a fire of burning coals there with fish on it, and some bread. Jesus said to them, “Bring some of the fish you have just caught.” So Simon Peter climbed back into the boat and dragged the net ashore. It was full of large fish, 153, but even with so many the net was not torn. Jesus said to them, “Come and have breakfast.” None of the disciples dared ask him, “Who are you?” They knew it was the Lord. Jesus came, took the bread and gave it to them, and did the same with the fish. This was now the third time Jesus appeared to his disciples after he was raised from the dead.
Would Jesus restore us too after a grievous sin? Can a pastor be restored after grievous sin? They had all acted like cowards, felt guilty and ashamed, and so went home. Jesus provided fish and invited them to breakfast. It was time to move on from their grief and fear.
John 21:15-17 When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?” “Yes, Lord,” he said, “you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Feed my lambs.” Again Jesus said, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” He answered, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Take care of my sheep.” The third time he said to him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, “Do you love me?” He said, “Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Feed my sheep.
In Greek, love [agapé] can mean a wrong kind of love. Men loved darkness (John 3:19), the praise of men more than God (John 12:43), this world more than Paul (2 Timothy 4:10). Peter was taught to show brotherly love [philia], “feed my sheep.” (John 21:1-19).
Love [agapé] finds its greatest expression in an act of brotherly love [philia], dying for our brothers/friends (John 15:13). Jesus also taught that He expects us to show love to Him in acts of brotherly love towards the needy, like foreigners, homeless, sick and prisoners (Matthew 25:31-46).
Does God give second chances, recovery from our mistakes? Should a minister be reinstated after repentance? Jesus reinstated Peter. How many of us have completely ruined something? Have we hurt our family? Have we betrayed a friend? Have we denied Jesus? If we want a second chance, God is willing.
The disciples were no different than us. We love Jesus, but sometimes are afraid. With three confirmations of his love for Peter Jesus reminded Peter of the task ahead. We are forgiven, invited to eat with Jesus. There’s no time for guilt, shame and fear. It’s time to feed the sheep.
John 21:18-19 Very truly I tell you, when you were younger you dressed yourself and went where you wanted; but when you are old you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will dress you and lead you where you do not want to go.” Jesus said this to indicate the kind of death by which Peter would glorify God. Then he said to him, “Follow me!”
Would we follow Jesus like Peter even if it means our death? Will we stay faithful even in old age? Will we follow Jesus even if it means being carried where we do not want to go? We don’t follow men, or their denominations, but Jesus. Let’s never forget who we follow!
There is danger ahead and work to be done. Let’s take time in prayer to discuss with God our many failures in life and ask for forgiveness. Then let’s move on. There are sheep to be fed. One person cannot do it alone. We are all needed. Let’s follow Jesus to the end!
[1] New International Version (NIV) Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
[2] Elizabeth McNamer. "Cast Your Nets: Fishing at the Time of Jesus" www.AmericanCatholic.org. n.p., July 2004. Web. 14 January 2013.
John 21:1-5 Afterward Jesus appeared again to his disciples, by the Sea of Galilee. It happened this way: Simon Peter, Thomas (also known as Didymus), Nathanael from Cana in Galilee, the sons of Zebedee, and two other disciples were together. “I’m going out to fish,” Simon Peter told them, and they said, “We’ll go with you.” So they went out and got into the boat, but that night they caught nothing. Early in the morning, Jesus stood on the shore, but the disciples did not realize that it was Jesus. He called out to them, “Friends, haven’t you any fish?” “No,” they answered.
The disciples failed Jesus. They went fishing and failed to catch anything. Highly educated, very intelligent people run this world and fail miserably. We are all no different than Jesus’ disciples. With Jesus’ guidance, they made an enormous catch. He invited them put their fish with his bread for breakfast.
John 21:6-7 He said, “Throw your net on the right side of the boat and you will find some.” When they did, they were unable to haul the net in because of the large number of fish. Then the disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, “It is the Lord!” As soon as Simon Peter heard him say, “It is the Lord,” he wrapped his outer garment around him (for he had taken it off) and jumped into the water.
A common net was flax about 6 yards or meters across with small lead weights around the outside. It was thrown to open up as it hit the water. The weights dropped and the net encircled the fish. Men then jumped into the water to retrieve the net, often naked.[2]
The fish were then sorted and counted so that each received a fair share. Day laborers usually helped with the duties. Fishermen probably knew the local Aramaic language, Hebrew and also Greek, the language of trade. Jesus arrived and advised the experts. Who would let a stranger advise their business!
John 21:8-13 The other disciples followed in the boat, towing the net full of fish, for they were not far from shore, about a hundred yards. When they landed, they saw a fire of burning coals there with fish on it, and some bread. Jesus said to them, “Bring some of the fish you have just caught.” So Simon Peter climbed back into the boat and dragged the net ashore. It was full of large fish, 153, but even with so many the net was not torn. Jesus said to them, “Come and have breakfast.” None of the disciples dared ask him, “Who are you?” They knew it was the Lord. Jesus came, took the bread and gave it to them, and did the same with the fish. This was now the third time Jesus appeared to his disciples after he was raised from the dead.
Would Jesus restore us too after a grievous sin? Can a pastor be restored after grievous sin? They had all acted like cowards, felt guilty and ashamed, and so went home. Jesus provided fish and invited them to breakfast. It was time to move on from their grief and fear.
John 21:15-17 When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?” “Yes, Lord,” he said, “you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Feed my lambs.” Again Jesus said, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” He answered, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Take care of my sheep.” The third time he said to him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, “Do you love me?” He said, “Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Feed my sheep.
In Greek, love [agapé] can mean a wrong kind of love. Men loved darkness (John 3:19), the praise of men more than God (John 12:43), this world more than Paul (2 Timothy 4:10). Peter was taught to show brotherly love [philia], “feed my sheep.” (John 21:1-19).
Love [agapé] finds its greatest expression in an act of brotherly love [philia], dying for our brothers/friends (John 15:13). Jesus also taught that He expects us to show love to Him in acts of brotherly love towards the needy, like foreigners, homeless, sick and prisoners (Matthew 25:31-46).
Does God give second chances, recovery from our mistakes? Should a minister be reinstated after repentance? Jesus reinstated Peter. How many of us have completely ruined something? Have we hurt our family? Have we betrayed a friend? Have we denied Jesus? If we want a second chance, God is willing.
The disciples were no different than us. We love Jesus, but sometimes are afraid. With three confirmations of his love for Peter Jesus reminded Peter of the task ahead. We are forgiven, invited to eat with Jesus. There’s no time for guilt, shame and fear. It’s time to feed the sheep.
John 21:18-19 Very truly I tell you, when you were younger you dressed yourself and went where you wanted; but when you are old you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will dress you and lead you where you do not want to go.” Jesus said this to indicate the kind of death by which Peter would glorify God. Then he said to him, “Follow me!”
Would we follow Jesus like Peter even if it means our death? Will we stay faithful even in old age? Will we follow Jesus even if it means being carried where we do not want to go? We don’t follow men, or their denominations, but Jesus. Let’s never forget who we follow!
There is danger ahead and work to be done. Let’s take time in prayer to discuss with God our many failures in life and ask for forgiveness. Then let’s move on. There are sheep to be fed. One person cannot do it alone. We are all needed. Let’s follow Jesus to the end!
[1] New International Version (NIV) Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
[2] Elizabeth McNamer. "Cast Your Nets: Fishing at the Time of Jesus" www.AmericanCatholic.org. n.p., July 2004. Web. 14 January 2013.
Bible E-Course 3h - Isaac
Isaac was the son of promise, yet Abraham was tested. How does a father feel, sacrificing his son, to war, or to a cross? Abraham faced that test, and passed. What could Isaac have been thinking during his father’s trial of faith?
“And Isaac said to his father Abraham, ‘My father!’ And he said, ‘Here I am, my son.’ He said, ‘Behold, the fire and the wood, but where is the lamb for a burnt offering?’ Abraham said, ‘God will provide for himself the lamb for a burnt offering, my son.’ So they went both of them together. When they came to the place of which God had told him, Abraham built the altar there and laid the wood in order and bound Isaac his son and laid him on the altar, on top of the wood.” (Genesis 22:7-9 ESV)
What could have been running through the mind of Isaac when he realized that he would serve as the burnt sacrifice? There is no record of him struggling against the bindings. As a young man, he would certainly have been stronger than his father. Did he have the same faith as Abraham who believed that God could resurrect his son?
“because he was sure that God could raise people to life. This was just like getting Isaac back from death.” (Hebrews 11:19 CEV).
Abraham was spared the suffering of a son who was sacrificed. God was not.
Rebekah
Sarah died and Abraham bought property in Hebron to bury her. Then begins a love story of Isaac and Rebekah, and the faithfulness of Abraham’s most senior servant whom he sent to find Isaac a wife. Though he would have inherited everything if Abraham did not have a son, this loyal servant prayed.
“O Lord, God of my master Abraham, please grant me success today and show steadfast love to my master Abraham. Behold, I am standing by the spring of water, and the daughters of the men of the city are coming out to draw water. Let the young woman to whom I shall say, ‘Please let down your jar that I may drink,’ and who shall say, ‘Drink, and I will water your camels’—let her be the one whom you have appointed for your servant Isaac. By this I shall know that you have shown steadfast love to my master.” (Genesis 24:12-14 ESV)
Rebekah was willing, Isaac loved her and she became his wife.
After Sarah’s death, Abraham had more children by Keturah and several concubines. He sent them away with gifts and gave his entire inheritance to Isaac. Abraham died, Isaac and Ishmael buried him beside Sarah and the descendants of Isaac and Ishmael still attend his grave to this day, side-by-side in Hebron.
Unlike his father Abraham, Isaac knew only one woman. But they had to wait about 20 years for a child.
“And Isaac intreated the Lord for his wife, because she was barren: and the Lord was intreated of him, and Rebekah his wife conceived.” (Genesis 25:21 KJV)
Favoritism
Favoritism was a generational problem. It was a problem for Abraham's descendants even to this day, and has hurt many other families throughout history.
“Now Isaac loved Esau because he had a taste for game; but Rebekah loved Jacob.” (Genesis 25:28 NASB)
God shows no favoritism. In Abraham God wants to bless the whole world, not just one nation.
“For the Lord your God is God of gods and Lord of lords, the great God, mighty and awesome, who shows no partiality and accepts no bribes.” (Deuteronomy 10:17 NIV)
“If you really fulfill the royal law according to the Scripture, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself,’ you do well; but if you show partiality, you commit sin, and are convicted by the law as transgressors.” (James 2:8-9 NKJV)
“Then Peter replied, ‘I see very clearly that God shows no favoritism. In every nation he accepts those who fear him and do what is right. This is the message of Good News for the people of Israel—that there is peace with God through Jesus Christ, who is Lord of all.’ ” (Acts 10:34-36 NLT)
“God does not have favorites.” (Romans 2:11 CEB)
All are equal, yet there are different responsibilities given to different people, and a firstborn son was usually given a double inheritance because he had greater responsibility, for instance, to lead the clan, and take care of any family widows or unmarried sisters. When Isaac realized that he blessed who he had initially thought was the wrong son, he “trembled exceedingly” and wept.
“Isaac started trembling and said, ‘Then who brought me some wild meat right before you came in? I ate it and gave him a blessing that cannot be taken back.’ ” (Genesis 27:33 CEV).
Perhaps, because Isaac was a man of honor he stood by his word even though it was given under false pretenses, in a way that our society cannot understand, where people so easily break their word. Perhaps in faith, he also realized that this was God’s will all along, and he was not going to go against God. Jacob had no need for his deception, because God was indeed going to bless him with the clan leadership. So, Isaac told Esau the decision.
“ ‘My son,’ Isaac answered, ‘I have made Jacob the ruler over you and your brothers, and all of you will be his servants. I have also promised him all the grain and grapes that he needs. There’s nothing left that I can do for you.’ ” (Genesis 27:37 CEV).
The New Testament gives a clue to Isaac’s motive, faith. Do we have that kind of faith, to place our lives in God’s hands, whether or not He works things out as we had planned?
“By faith, Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau, even concerning things to come.” (Hebrews 11:21 WEB)
Liar
Like father, like son. The family weakness of lying about their wives comes once again to the fore.
“And the men of the place asked him of his wife; and he said, She is my sister: for he feared to say, She is my wife; lest, said he, the men of the place should kill me for Rebekah; because she was fair to look upon.” (Genesis 26:7 KJV)
God’s human leaders on earth have never been perfect, but they have had faith.
Peacemaker
Some men wanted to fight Isaac over an ancestral well. But, rather than argue over well water, Isaac chose to make peace and move on. In the annals of Middle East history, this example could be followed more often.
“So Isaac departed from there and camped in the Valley of Gerar, and settled there.” (Genesis 26:17 NASB)
Similar disputes over well water with locals continued again and again until finally there was peace.
“He moved on from there and dug another well, and no one quarreled over it. He named it Rehoboth, saying, ‘Now the Lord has given us room and we will flourish in the land.’ ” (Genesis 26:22 NIV)
Being able to take a loss for the sake of peace is a good thing. It’s a pity the world has not learned that lesson very often in history.
“Blessed are the peacemakers, For they shall be called sons of God.” (Matthew 5:9 NKJV)
As we see with all of God’s servants, none are perfect, but it is righteousness by faith that counts. Is Isaac saved? Quoting Exodus 3:6 Jesus provides us an answer.
“But now, as to whether there will be a resurrection of the dead—haven’t you ever read about this in the Scriptures? Long after Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob had died, God said, ‘I am the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.’ So he is the God of the living, not the dead.” (Matthew 22:31-32 NLT)
Will you have a change of heart and mind and like Isaac believe the good news of God’s reign? You decide!
“And Isaac said to his father Abraham, ‘My father!’ And he said, ‘Here I am, my son.’ He said, ‘Behold, the fire and the wood, but where is the lamb for a burnt offering?’ Abraham said, ‘God will provide for himself the lamb for a burnt offering, my son.’ So they went both of them together. When they came to the place of which God had told him, Abraham built the altar there and laid the wood in order and bound Isaac his son and laid him on the altar, on top of the wood.” (Genesis 22:7-9 ESV)
What could have been running through the mind of Isaac when he realized that he would serve as the burnt sacrifice? There is no record of him struggling against the bindings. As a young man, he would certainly have been stronger than his father. Did he have the same faith as Abraham who believed that God could resurrect his son?
“because he was sure that God could raise people to life. This was just like getting Isaac back from death.” (Hebrews 11:19 CEV).
Abraham was spared the suffering of a son who was sacrificed. God was not.
Rebekah
Sarah died and Abraham bought property in Hebron to bury her. Then begins a love story of Isaac and Rebekah, and the faithfulness of Abraham’s most senior servant whom he sent to find Isaac a wife. Though he would have inherited everything if Abraham did not have a son, this loyal servant prayed.
“O Lord, God of my master Abraham, please grant me success today and show steadfast love to my master Abraham. Behold, I am standing by the spring of water, and the daughters of the men of the city are coming out to draw water. Let the young woman to whom I shall say, ‘Please let down your jar that I may drink,’ and who shall say, ‘Drink, and I will water your camels’—let her be the one whom you have appointed for your servant Isaac. By this I shall know that you have shown steadfast love to my master.” (Genesis 24:12-14 ESV)
Rebekah was willing, Isaac loved her and she became his wife.
After Sarah’s death, Abraham had more children by Keturah and several concubines. He sent them away with gifts and gave his entire inheritance to Isaac. Abraham died, Isaac and Ishmael buried him beside Sarah and the descendants of Isaac and Ishmael still attend his grave to this day, side-by-side in Hebron.
Unlike his father Abraham, Isaac knew only one woman. But they had to wait about 20 years for a child.
“And Isaac intreated the Lord for his wife, because she was barren: and the Lord was intreated of him, and Rebekah his wife conceived.” (Genesis 25:21 KJV)
Favoritism
Favoritism was a generational problem. It was a problem for Abraham's descendants even to this day, and has hurt many other families throughout history.
“Now Isaac loved Esau because he had a taste for game; but Rebekah loved Jacob.” (Genesis 25:28 NASB)
God shows no favoritism. In Abraham God wants to bless the whole world, not just one nation.
“For the Lord your God is God of gods and Lord of lords, the great God, mighty and awesome, who shows no partiality and accepts no bribes.” (Deuteronomy 10:17 NIV)
“If you really fulfill the royal law according to the Scripture, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself,’ you do well; but if you show partiality, you commit sin, and are convicted by the law as transgressors.” (James 2:8-9 NKJV)
“Then Peter replied, ‘I see very clearly that God shows no favoritism. In every nation he accepts those who fear him and do what is right. This is the message of Good News for the people of Israel—that there is peace with God through Jesus Christ, who is Lord of all.’ ” (Acts 10:34-36 NLT)
“God does not have favorites.” (Romans 2:11 CEB)
All are equal, yet there are different responsibilities given to different people, and a firstborn son was usually given a double inheritance because he had greater responsibility, for instance, to lead the clan, and take care of any family widows or unmarried sisters. When Isaac realized that he blessed who he had initially thought was the wrong son, he “trembled exceedingly” and wept.
“Isaac started trembling and said, ‘Then who brought me some wild meat right before you came in? I ate it and gave him a blessing that cannot be taken back.’ ” (Genesis 27:33 CEV).
Perhaps, because Isaac was a man of honor he stood by his word even though it was given under false pretenses, in a way that our society cannot understand, where people so easily break their word. Perhaps in faith, he also realized that this was God’s will all along, and he was not going to go against God. Jacob had no need for his deception, because God was indeed going to bless him with the clan leadership. So, Isaac told Esau the decision.
“ ‘My son,’ Isaac answered, ‘I have made Jacob the ruler over you and your brothers, and all of you will be his servants. I have also promised him all the grain and grapes that he needs. There’s nothing left that I can do for you.’ ” (Genesis 27:37 CEV).
The New Testament gives a clue to Isaac’s motive, faith. Do we have that kind of faith, to place our lives in God’s hands, whether or not He works things out as we had planned?
“By faith, Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau, even concerning things to come.” (Hebrews 11:21 WEB)
Liar
Like father, like son. The family weakness of lying about their wives comes once again to the fore.
“And the men of the place asked him of his wife; and he said, She is my sister: for he feared to say, She is my wife; lest, said he, the men of the place should kill me for Rebekah; because she was fair to look upon.” (Genesis 26:7 KJV)
God’s human leaders on earth have never been perfect, but they have had faith.
Peacemaker
Some men wanted to fight Isaac over an ancestral well. But, rather than argue over well water, Isaac chose to make peace and move on. In the annals of Middle East history, this example could be followed more often.
“So Isaac departed from there and camped in the Valley of Gerar, and settled there.” (Genesis 26:17 NASB)
Similar disputes over well water with locals continued again and again until finally there was peace.
“He moved on from there and dug another well, and no one quarreled over it. He named it Rehoboth, saying, ‘Now the Lord has given us room and we will flourish in the land.’ ” (Genesis 26:22 NIV)
Being able to take a loss for the sake of peace is a good thing. It’s a pity the world has not learned that lesson very often in history.
“Blessed are the peacemakers, For they shall be called sons of God.” (Matthew 5:9 NKJV)
As we see with all of God’s servants, none are perfect, but it is righteousness by faith that counts. Is Isaac saved? Quoting Exodus 3:6 Jesus provides us an answer.
“But now, as to whether there will be a resurrection of the dead—haven’t you ever read about this in the Scriptures? Long after Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob had died, God said, ‘I am the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.’ So he is the God of the living, not the dead.” (Matthew 22:31-32 NLT)
Will you have a change of heart and mind and like Isaac believe the good news of God’s reign? You decide!
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