Sabbath: Jesus’ Teachings and the Great Controversy
Read for This Week’s Study: Matt. 11:29; Rom. 4:1-6; Matt. 13:3-8, Matt. 13:18-23; Matt. 7:21-27; James 2:17; Matt. 7:1-5.
Memory Text: “‘Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest'” (Matthew 11:28, NIV).
Image © Lars Justinen Goosalt.com
When we think of the great-controversy theme, we tend to think of it in grand, overarching terms. That is, it’s a big-picture view. It can be called a “meta-narrative,” a story that covers and explains a large portion of reality, as opposed to a local narrative or story that explains something much more limited in scope. For instance, Paul Revere’s famous ride is a local narrative, in contrast to the much grander and larger one of the American Revolution itself.
And yet, however grand and all-encompassing the great- controversy theme is, and however immense the issues, it is played out daily, here on earth, in our own lives, in how we relate to God, to temptation, and to others. Just as people’s daily existence is impacted, sometimes to a great degree by the grander and bigger events of politics and economics, each of us faces the same from the great controversy, as well.
In this week’s lesson, we will look at some of Jesus’ teachings on very down-to-earth and practical matters as we all struggle to know and do God’s will amid the great controversy.
Study this week’s lesson to prepare for Sabbath, February 13.
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Given that Jesus’ teachings were so radical at the time He was on earth, and even now, why do people follow Jesus? Jesus had said “There is no man that has left house, or brothers, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my sake, and the gospel's, but he shall receive a hundredfold now in this time, houses, and brothers, and sisters, and mothers, and children, and lands, with persecutions; and in the world to come eternal life.” (Mark 10:29, 30)
For a season Jesus was very popular among the Jews. It was not because of what He taught, but what he did. Many followed the Master because he was a temporal Savior and healer. To these he was a provider of health insurance, hunger prevention programs and other entitlement packages (John 6:24-27).
However the teachings of the Messiah were very counter-cultural and often did not find receptive hearts among the people (John 6:66). When the temporal blessings did not meet expectations the masses quickly turned against the Savior, and cursed him (Luke 23:20-22).
Some follow Jesus for stuff, perhaps infatuated with his ability, but convincing themselves they are in love with the Redeemer. Adversity and the straight testimony of Jesus soon prove their motive.
So why do you follow Jesus? Is it for the hundredfold now, even though you have not left family, or possessions for the cause of Christ? When expectations are not met will you also complain and go away? (John 6:67). Christ may cooperate and provide for a time, but His purpose is greater than the satisfaction of temporal needs.
The Savior is more concerned about the spiritual well-being than physical prosperity, and to this end what he taught was of greater value than the physical healing or feeding (John 17:17). The test of discipleship is to be found in following what Jesus taught (John 8:31). His teachings are of eternal value.
Thank you , brother. I am edified by your post. May the good LORD provide you with all it takes to bring wide and far His sovereignity. Be blessed.
Good and evil resides in every profession in life. We need to speak out & not keep silent about it. Regardless of where it is in life. And what it costs to speak up.
The rest that Christ offers is the assurance that He cares for us, loves us and has our best interests at heart. By a complete trust in Him we can experience true rest and don't have to worry about a thing.
Mat 6:34 Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.
Thank you Hugh Dalhouse for always writing such insightful comments! I always enjoy reading them.
Glad that you are back, Hugh. I missed your comments.
Amen, Eileen...me too!
Thanks for your well-researched and inspiring comments. We welcome you back Hugh.
Welcome back, Hugh! Glad you're back. I often wonder about the "yoke" Jesus says to take up.
Am so blessed with your powerful comments Hugh.