The week before Easter I like to read the Gospel accounts of the last week of Christ.
You can see how I do that in this blog post:
https://godwrotethebook.com/what-the-bible-says-about-jesus-last-week/
This year I’m reading Luke’s account, chapters 19-24, a chapter each day. This is one way to walk with Christ all the way to the cross and the empty tomb. Would you like to join me?
I am also reading J.C. Ryle’s commentary on Luke. He’s one of my favorite Bible teachers and offers many profound insights on the meaning of the text. (To get your free copy of this book, visit https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08JVL32NN )
For example, let’s discover what J.C. Ryle says about Luke 19:28-34, when Jesus tells two disciples, “Go into the village in front of you, where on entering you will find a colt tied, on which no one has ever yet sat. Untie it and bring it here” (v. 30).
Here are Ryle’s comments. (Note his use of parallel passages to explain the meaning of this passage. I love how he does that.)
“Let us mark, for one thing in these verses, the perfect knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. We see Him describing what they will see and hear with as much confidence as if the whole transaction had been previously arranged. In short, He speaks like one to whom nothing in all creation is hidden from His sight; everything is uncovered and laid bare before his eyes. He speaks like one whose eyes were in every place, like one who knew things unseen as well as things seen.
“An attentive reader will observe the same things in other parts of the Gospel. We are told in one place that “He knew the thoughts” of His enemies. We are told in another chapter that “He knew what was in man.” We are told in another that Jesus “knew from the beginning who they were who did not believe, and who it was that would betray Him” (Luke 6:8, John 2:25, John 6:64).
“Knowledge like this is a particular attribute of God. Passages like these are meant to remind us that the man Christ Jesus is not only man, but He is also God blessed forever (Romans 9:5).
“The thought of Christ’s perfect knowledge should alarm sinners and awaken them to repentance. The great and righteous judge knows them and all their doings. The judge sees them continually and marks down all their ways. “There is no darkness or deep shadow where the workers of iniquity may hide themselves” (Job 34:22). If they go into the secret chamber, the eyes of Christ are there. If they privately scheme villainy and plot wickedness, Christ knows it and observes it. If they speak secretly against the righteous, Christ hears. They may deceive men all their life long, but they cannot deceive Christ. A day is coming when, “according to the gospel, God will judge the secrets of men through Christ Jesus” (Romans 2:16).
“The thought of Christ’s perfect knowledge should comfort all truehearted Christians and quicken them to increased diligence in good works. The master’s eye is always upon them. He knows where they dwell, and what are their daily trials, and who are their companions. There is not a word in their mouths, or a thought in their hearts, but Jesus knows it altogether. Let them take courage when they are slandered, misunderstood, and misrepresented by the world. It matters nothing, so long as they can say, “Lord, You know all things; You know that I love You” (John 21:17).
“Let them walk on steadily in the narrow way and not turn aside to the right hand or the left. When sinners entice them, and weak brethren say, “Spare yourself,” let them reply, “My Master is looking at me. I desire to live and move as in the sight of Christ.”
END OF QUOTE.
Reality Check: Does the omniscience of Jesus alarm you, or does it comfort you?
Have a great week remembering and celebrating the death and resurrection of Jesus!
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