Sermons and Biblical Studies

222. Were There Two Anointments by Two Different Marys, She of Bethany and Mary Magdalene? There have been many conflicting interpretations of the Scripture narrative concerning Mary of Bethany and the woman spoken of in Luk_7:37. The majority agree that there were two anointings, one during Jesus' Galilean ministry (Luk_7:1-50), the other at Bethany before … Continue reading “222 – Were There Two Anointments by Two Different Marys, She of Bethany and Mary Magdalene?”

221. In What Kind of a Body Did Moses Appear at the Transfiguration? Probably the spiritual body, to which Paul refers (1Co_15:44). It is difficult for us to conceive of such a body because we are so accustomed to recognize the soul only as it manifests itself through the senses. But it would be rash … Continue reading “221 – In What Kind of a Body Did Moses Appear at the Transfiguration?”

220. What Became of the Nine Lepers Who Did Not Return After Being Cleansed? The inference to be drawn from the Gospel narrative (Luk_17:11-19) is that the nine, being healed merely in body, were so elated and overjoyed with their newfound health that they ungratefully forgot the source of their restoration, whereas the one leper … Continue reading “220 – What Became of the Nine Lepers Who Did Not Return After Being Cleansed?”

219. Did Satan Own the Kingdoms Which He Offered in the Temptation? No; Satan did not own them. But it is still true that they were in his hands to offer to Christ; he had usurped them. At Creation, Man was placed in the Garden of Eden as lord over all. "Thou hast put all … Continue reading “219 – Did Satan Own the Kingdoms Which He Offered in the Temptation?”

218. Could Jesus Sin? The Christian Church has always held that Christ was absolutely free from sin. This is in accordance with the explicit teachings of Scripture, which states that he was in all things "as we are, yet without sin." '(Heb_4:15.) He is also described as the Holy One, the Just and Righteous (Act_3:14, … Continue reading “218 – Could Jesus Sin?”

217. Was Jesus Really Tempted As We Are? Unquestionably he submitted to all the liabilities of the human condition; we are told expressly that he "was in all things as we are." The appeal of the tempter was to his ambition, and the purpose, as some commentators conclude, was to excite in his mind the … Continue reading “217 – Was Jesus Really Tempted As We Are?”

216. Did Christ Sing Any Hymns? While there is no record of such a thing in Scripture, or anywhere else, it does not seem improbable. See the passage in Matt. 26130 and Mar_14:26. The closing hymn here referred to was probably the chant called by the Jews "the great Hallel," and which consists of parts … Continue reading “216 – Did Christ Sing Any Hymns?”

215. What Was Jesus' First Sermon? Luke tells us (Luk_3:33) that Jesus was about thirty years of age when he began his ministry. During his sojourn in Galilee (Luk_4:14) he had already spoken in the synancnies. Mar_1:14-15 mentions these instances, though very briefly, and so also does Joh_2:11. His first recorded sermon is mentioned in … Continue reading “215 – What Was Jesus' First Sermon?”

214. Did Christ Make Wine at the Cana Feast or Was It Grape Juice? The fact that the ruler of the feast pronounced the miraculous wine "the best," showed that it was really wine, but we are not justified in concluding that it was alcoholic or intoxicating. There has been endless discussion on this point, … Continue reading “214 – Did Christ Make Wine at the Cana Feast”

213. Why Was Jesus Baptized? The Saviour evidently ranked baptism as one of the acts inseparable from his Messianic calling (see Joh_1:31). By being publicly baptized he entered into John's community, which was introductory to his greater Messianic work. Further, it was the means of revealing himself to the Baptist and through him to the … Continue reading “213 – Why Was Jesus Baptized?”