PRE-365-363. These Men Have Been With Jesus

363. These Men Have Been With Jesus

These Men Have Been with Jesus

by David Wilkerson

September 17, 2001

[May 19, 1931 '96 April 27, 2011]

In Act_3:1-26, shortly after the resurrection, we find Peter and John going to the temple to worship. Just outside the temple gate sat a beggar who'd been crippled from birth. This man had never walked a step in his life. He had to be carried to the gate daily to make his living from begging.

When the beggar saw Peter and John approaching, he asked them for alms. Peter answered him, "Silver and gold have I none; but such as I have give I thee" (Act_3:6). Peter then prayed for the beggar, saying, "In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk" (3:6). Instantly, the man was healed. In utter joy, he began running through the temple, jumping up and down, shouting, "Jesus healed me!"

Everyone in the temple marveled at the sight. They recognized the man as the cripple who had been begging at the gate for years. When Peter and John saw the crowds gathering, they began preaching Christ. They spoke boldly, urging, "Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out" (3:19). Thousands were saved: "Many of them which heard the word believed; and the number of the men was about five thousand" (4:4).

Yet, while Peter and John were preaching, the synagogue rulers "came upon them, being grieved" (4:1-2). These backslidden shepherds were mad that God had performed a miracle through Jesus' disciples. And they responded by throwing Peter and John in jail. The next day, they put the two disciples on trial. And every religious authority in Jerusalem was present: "Annas the high priest, and Caiaphas, and John, and Alexander, and as many as were of the kindred of the high priest, were gathered together" (4:6). These high and mighty men asked the disciples, "By what power, or by what name, have ye done this?" (4:7).

What a farcical question! These men knew exactly whose name was being preached. They'd seen a crippled man running about, crying out that Jesus had healed him. They'd seen 5,000 people confessing their sins and calling on Christ's name to cleanse them. They'd even seen some of their own priests converted, confessing that they'd helped to crucify the Son of God. These rulers had to know there was power in Jesus' name. But they purposely blinded themselves to it.

Suddenly, Peter was emboldened by the Holy Ghost. He answered the rulers, "His name is Jesus Christ of Nazareth, the man you crucified just weeks ago. God raised him from the dead. And now he's the power that healed this man. No one can be saved by any other name. You'll be lost if you don't call on Christ's name" (see 4:9-12).

The synagogue rulers sat stunned. Scripture says, "They marveled [admired them]; and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus" (4:13). The phrase "took knowledge" comes from a root word meaning "known by some distinguishing mark." Some power had taken hold of Peter and John. And it distinguished them from everyone else who had appeared in that court. This power was so obvious and clear to all, the rulers "could say nothing against it" (4:14).

What was this mark that distinguished Peter and John? It was the presence of Jesus. They had Christ's own likeness and Spirit. Those synagogue rulers realized, "We crucified Jesus. Yet, he's still speaking today – working miracles, preaching repentance, moving on the people – through these two unlearned men."

In that very hour, Peter and John were fulfilling Jesus' command to testify of him "beginning in Jerusalem." You see, they were witnessing through Christ's presence in their lives. Likewise, I believe this will be God's powerful witness in these last days. It won't come through preaching alone. It will come also through men and women who "have been with Jesus": shutting themselves in with him, spending time in his presence, seeking him with all their heart and soul. The Holy Spirit will distinguish such servants with his power. And the world will say of them, "That person has been with Christ."

Here are four distinguishing marks of those who have been with Jesus:

1. They Hunger for a Greater Measure of Christ.

Those who spend time with Jesus can't get enough of him. Their hearts continually cry out to know the Master better, to draw closer to him, to grow in the knowledge of his ways.

Paul states, "Unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ" (Eph_4:7). "God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith" (Rom_12:3). What is this "measure" Paul speaks of? It means a limited amount. In other words, we've all received a certain amount of the saving knowledge of Christ.

For some believers, this initial measure is all they ever desire. They want just enough of Jesus to escape judgment, to feel forgiven, to keep a good reputation, to endure an hour of church each Sunday. Such people are in "maintenance mode." And they give Jesus only the bare requirements: church attendance, a muttered daily prayer, perhaps a quick glance at Scripture. In short, these Christians avoid getting too close to Jesus. They know if they read much of his Word or spend any time praying, the Holy Spirit will make demands on their lives. And the one thing they don't want to change is their lifestyle. In their minds, getting to know Jesus puts everything they value at risk.

Yet Paul desired the following for every believer: "And he gave some, apostles… prophets…evangelists…pastors and teachers; for the perfecting of the saints…till we all come in…the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ: that we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men…whereby they lie in wait to deceive; but speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ" (Eph_4:11-15).

Paul was saying, in essence, "God has given these spiritual gifts so you may be filled up with Christ's Spirit. This is crucial, because deceivers are coming to rob you of your faith. If you're rooted in Christ and maturing in him, no deceptive doctrine will ever sway you. Yet the only way to grow to such maturity is by wanting more of Jesus."

Not every Christian aspires to this kind of maturity. Many believers prefer a gospel that speaks only of grace, love and forgiveness. Of course, these are marvelous biblical truths. But according to Paul, they consist of basic milk, and not the meat that a mature life requires. How can you grow to full stature in Christ, if you refuse to hear a gospel that provokes you to seek the Lord and walk in his holiness?

Hebrews tells us, "When for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat. For every one that useth milk is unskillful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe. But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil" (Heb_5:12-14).

The writer is saying, "You've sat under good teaching and preaching long enough. By now, you ought to be teachers yourselves. Yet still, after all these years, you're in the same place as on the day you got saved. You know nothing of the meat of God's Word. You're still immature, not fully grown in his righteousness."

Sadly, this is why so many Christians fall for every spiritual fad that comes along. They're easily led astray, chasing after foolishness. But a mature believer isn't easily removed from his place of prayer. He knows that's where true revival is. And his discernment is always growing, because he spends quality time with Jesus

Many readers on our mailing list have expressed frustration over their lifeless church or their pastor's dead sermons. They write, "We can't find a fellowship that has any fire. We're hungry, but we aren't growing." Some people end their letters on a complaining note. Yet others go on to say they've decided simply to spend more time with Jesus, in prayer and his Word. Their letters are easily distinguished from the others. The Spirit of Christ emanates from every line.

You probably know such servants. They're always eager to share some new truth they've learned from their time with the Lord. After all, whatever fills up your heart can't help but come out in your life. By contrast, listen to other Christians' talk. They're fixated on sports, movies, TV, the Internet, fashions, hairstyles. You can tell what consumes most of their time and energy. They're marked by their addictions.

Yet those who are shut in with Jesus are being prepared for the days ahead. They're already receiving the comfort of Christ, deep in their souls. And though the whole world is in a panic, these believers remain at peace.

2. They Have a Holy Boldness And Spiritual Authority.

The more someone is with Jesus, the more that person becomes like Christ, in purity, holiness and love. In turn, his pure walk produces in him a great boldness for God. Scripture says, "The wicked flee when no man pursueth: but the righteous are bold as a lion" (Pro_28:1). The word for bold in this verse means secure, confident. That's just the kind of boldness the synagogue rulers saw in Peter and John.

The Bible doesn't go into much detail about this scene. Yet, I can assure you, the religious leaders orchestrated it to be all pomp and ceremony. First, the dignitaries solemnly took their velvety seats. Then the high priests' relatives followed. Finally, in a moment of hushed anticipation, the robed high priests strutted in. Everyone bowed as the priests passed by, walking stiffly up the aisle toward the seat of judgment.

All of this was meant to intimidate Peter and John. It was as if the rulers were saying, "Take a sober look, fishermen. Consider the power and authority you're facing. You'd better speak softly to these leaders. They're important, highly regarded men."

But the disciples weren't intimidated at all. They'd been with Jesus for too long. I imagine Peter thinking, "Come on, let's get this meeting started. Just give me the pulpit and turn me loose. I've got a Word from God for this gathering. Thank you, Jesus, for allowing me to preach your name to these Christ-haters."

Suddenly, the court clerk shouted to the disciples, "Rise and face the judge." Peter and John looked up and saw the high priest staring at them in stony silence. The priest then intoned in a very official voice, "By what power, and in whose name, have you done this?" He was saying, in other words, "We're the law around here. And we didn't give you the authority to do these things. So, by whose authority did you act?"

The very next verse begins, "Then Peter, filled with the Holy Ghost…" (Act_4:8). This tells me Peter wasn't going to deliver some lecture. And it wasn't going to be quiet or reserved. Peter was a Jesus-possessed man, bursting with the Holy Ghost. Remember, the two disciples had just recently come from the upper room. Talk about "having been with Jesus": Peter and John had fellowshipped with the resurrected Christ. And now Peter was possessed by the Spirit of the risen Lord himself. Those synagogue rulers were about to experience fire from heaven.

As Peter spoke, I don't picture him standing in one place, speaking in hushed tones. Rather, I see him pacing the courtroom, pointing and crying out, "You elders of Israel ask, 'By whose authority was this man healed?' Let me tell you." According to Act_4:1-37, Peter's sermon is only four verses long. But I believe that's just a summary of what the apostle preached. I imagine Peter saying, "Listen, all of you. It was in Jesus Christ's name that this miracle was accomplished. It took place through his authority alone. You remember him, because you crucified him. But God raised him from the dead. He's alive. And everything you saw today was performed by his power."

The Boldness Peter Possessed Wasn't Some Loud, Brassy, Condemning Word.

We've already read that "the righteous are secure and confident as a lion" (see Pro_28:1). First of all, God's servants are secure in their identity in Christ. And second, they stand confident in Jesus' righteousness. Therefore, they have nothing to hide. They can stand before anyone with a clear conscience.

Peter had this kind of assurance as he preached. His aim wasn't to judge or belittle those religious leaders. He only wanted them to see their sin and repent. That's why he gave an altar call, saying, "There is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved? (Act_4:12).

Paul writes likewise, first declaring, "We were bold in our God to speak unto you the gospel of God" (1Th_2:2). Then, a few verses later, the apostle makes clear, "We were gentle among you, even as a nurse cherisheth her children" (2:7).

Those who spend time in Jesus' presence become assured. That's why they aren't afraid to speak the truth. Yet they don't have to deliver their message in an overbearing voice. In every circumstance, they preach the gospel in love and mercy.

In the coming days, it's going to be important to have this bold assurance. Already, the winds of political correctness have made Jesus' name an offense to many. Soon, many believers are going to face persecution, and the unprepared will buckle under pressure. They'll end up cowering before Christ-haters.

During my recent preaching trip in Eastern Europe, a Polish pastor friend told me about a stand he had to take during the Communist years. He worked in a factory, and his foreman told him the Party bosses were coming in for an important meeting. The Party would be hosting some foreign dignitaries, and they needed the pastor to interpret. My friend agreed, with one condition: "I'm a Christian. I serve Jesus. So I won't drink." He knew that vodka flowed at those meetings, and he would be asked to partake. But the foreman agreed he wouldn't have to drink anything.

The next day, as soon as the meeting started, the vodka was passed around. The Communist boss took some, then the foreman did. But when the bottle came to the pastor, he refused. Everyone looked up in alarm. They urged him to have a drink with them. The Party boss glanced at the foreman, as if to say, "Why isn't he drinking? Does he think he's better than us?" The foreman glared at the pastor in a fury. But still the minister said no.

My friend was ready to be jailed on the spot. He could have been persecuted, tortured, separated from his loved ones for years. Yet, in his mind, there was no question but to obey. He had no fear whatsoever. Why? He'd been shut in with Jesus. That's the only way someone in those circumstances could possess such strength.

The next day, his foreman called him in. "You're a lucky man," he said. "The Party boss called me after the meeting. He said if he ever needs someone he can trust to go on a special mission, he wants you."

Those leaders marveled at the pastor's confidence and security. They knew he wasn't afraid of anything, including death. Even the heathen recognize that such boldness comes only from being with Jesus.

3. They Have Physical, Visible Evidence That God Is With Them.

As Peter and John stood waiting for judgment to be pronounced, the healed man stood alongside them. There, in flesh and blood, was living proof that Peter and John had been with Jesus. Now, as the synagogue rulers looked on, "beholding the man which was healed standing with them, they could say nothing against it" (Act_4:14). The rulers huddled, whispering, "What can we do? It's clear to everybody in Jerusalem they've performed a true miracle. And we can't deny it" (see 4:16). So they let the disciples go.

What did Peter and John do when they were released? "They went to their own company, and reported all that the chief priests and elders had said unto them" (4:23). The saints in Jerusalem rejoiced with the two disciples. Then they prayed: "Lord, behold their threatenings: and grant unto thy servants, that with all boldness they may speak thy word, by stretching forth thine hand to heal; and that signs and wonders may be done by the name of thy holy child Jesus" (4:29-30). They were praying, in essence, "God, thank you for the boldness you've given our brothers. But we know this is just the beginning. Please, keep us all bold to speak with holy assurance. And provide visible evidence that you're with us."

No doubt, Peter and John had seen the look of resignation on the high priest's face when he realized they'd been with Jesus. Peter must have winked at John and said, "If only they knew. They only remember that we were with Jesus weeks ago. They don't realize we've been with the resurrected Master ever since. We were just with him, in the upper room. Then this morning we were with him, as we prayed in our cell. And as soon as we get out of here, we're going to meet him again, with the brethren."

This is what happens with men and women who spend time with Jesus. When they come away from their time with Christ, he's with them wherever they go.

4. They're Prepared for Any Crisis.

When a crisis strikes, you don't have time to build yourself up in prayer and faith. But those who've been with Jesus are always ready.

A couple wrote to our ministry recently in a spirit that revealed they'd been with Jesus. Their letter described an unthinkable tragedy. Their 24-year-old daughter had been out with a friend when a madman kidnapped both young women. He took them to an isolated place, where he let the daughter's friend go. Then he murdered the daughter in grisly fashion.

As the police described what happened, the couple was in shock. Their friends and neighbors wondered, "How could any parent survive this kind of tragedy? How can they live with the gruesome thought of what happened to their daughter?" Yet, within an hour, the Holy Spirit had come to that sorrowing couple, bringing supernatural comfort. Of course, in the painful days that followed, those grieving parents continued to ask God why. Yet, all the while, they experienced divine rest and peace.

Everyone who knew these parents was astonished at their calmness. Yet that couple had been prepared for their moment of crisis. They'd known all along that God would never allow anything to happen to them without an underlying purpose. And when the terrible news came, they didn't fall apart.

In fact, these parents and their surviving children soon began praying for the killer. The people in their town couldn't accept it. They called for blood. But the godly couple spoke and taught of God's ability to provide strength, no matter what they may face. The townspeople recognized their strength as coming only from Jesus. Soon they were saying of the couple, "They're a miracle. Those are true Jesus people."

I saw an example of such visible strength in Moscow, when I spoke to 1,200 pastors. These ministers had come from all over Russia, as far away as Siberia. As I spoke, the Holy Spirit led me to ask them if any were considering quitting the ministry. Hundreds stampeded forward, each seeking prayer. I thought, "Lord, I didn't expect this. What do you want me to do with all these shepherds?"

The Holy Spirit reminded me of the months I'd spent in prayer for these ministers. He also reminded me of the love God had put in my heart for them. In fact, he had directed me to pray that every pastor who came to the conference would leave healed and encouraged. Now I realized God was answering that prayer, in a way I never could have imagined. I had been with Jesus all those months before, and now he stood with me here. The Spirit whispered, "Pray for them in the name of Jesus. I'll restore them."

As I prayed, a holy brokenness came down over those men. Soon there was tender weeping and joyful praising. I witnessed visible miracles of healing and renewal among those pastors. Recently, our Russian contact wrote to us of the Spirit's lasting work from that day: "We're hearing testimonies from everywhere. Those pastors have returned to their congregations saying, 'I've come home to lift up Jesus.'"

During one meeting in Russia, I talked with a pastor who'd been imprisoned for eighteen years. This man's face visibly shines with Christ. Today, he oversees 1,200 churches in Russia. Yet he endured incredible hardships while in prison. "Jesus was real to me," he testified, "more real than I've ever known in my lifetime."

Because of his Christ-like character, the minister was respected by everyone in the prison, including hardened inmates and spiteful guards. Then one day, the Holy Spirit whispered to the pastor, "You're going to be released from here in three days." And he told the minister to testify about it.

The pastor immediately sent word to his wife and congregation about the Holy Ghost's revelation. Then he began telling his fellow prisoners what God had told him. They laughed him to scorn, saying, "Nobody has ever been released from this place." The guards also mocked him, taunting, "You'll die here, preacher."

When the third day arrived, and the evening sky grew dark, a guard looked in on the pastor and shook his head. "Some God you've got," he sneered.

Then, just after 11 p.m., the loudspeaker came on. A voice called the pastor's name. "Come to the office immediately," it announced. "You've been released."

All the prisoners and guards were stunned. As the pastor walked by, he told each of them good-bye and wished them well. Finally, as he passed through the prison gate, he saw his wife waiting for him with flowers. As the pastor embraced her, he turned to look back at the prison where he'd spent eighteen years. His fellow prisoners were all standing at the windows. And they were yelling at the top of their lungs, "There is a God! There is a God! There is a God!"

God had given them visible evidence. And it happened through that godly pastor, who'd been with Jesus every day of his eighteen-year sentence.

What greater evidence of God could there be, than a single life transformed by the supernatural power of Christ? May it be said of you, "That man, that woman, has been with Jesus." And may no one be able to deny it.

364. The Body of Christ

The Body of Christ

by David Wilkerson

July 29, 2002

[May 19, 1931 '96 April 27, 2011]

The apostle Paul instructs us, "Ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular" (1Co_12:27). Then he says more specifically, "As the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members…being many, are one body: so also is Christ" (12:12).

Paul is telling us, in essence, "Take a look at your own body. You have hands, feet, eyes, ears. You're not just an isolated brain, unattached to the other members. Well, it's the same way with Christ. He's not just a head. He has a body, and we comprise its members."

The apostle then points out, "We, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another" (Rom_12:5). In other words, we're not just connected to Jesus, our head. We're also joined to each other. The fact is, we can't be connected to him without also being joined to our brothers and sisters in Christ.

Paul drives this point home, saying, "The bread which we break, is it not the communion of the body of Christ? For we being many are one bread, and one body: for we are all partakers of that one bread" (1Co_10:16-17). Simply put, we're all fed by the same food: Christ, the manna from heaven. "The bread of God is he which cometh down from heaven, and giveth life unto the world" (Joh_6:33).

Jesus declared, "I am the bread of life…I am the living bread which came down from heaven…he that eateth me, even he shall live by me" (Joh_6:35; Joh_6:51; Joh_6:57). The image of bread here is important. Our Lord is telling us, "If you come to me, you'll be nourished. You'll be attached to me, as a member of my body. Therefore, you'll receive strength from the life-flow that's in me." Indeed, every member of his body draws strength from a single source: Christ, the head. Everything we need to lead an overcoming life flows to us from him.

This bread is what distinguishes us as members of his body. We're set apart from the rest of humanity because we dine from a single loaf: Jesus Christ. "We are all partakers of that one bread" (1Co_10:17).

Some Christians, however, don't want to be connected to other members of the body. They commune with Jesus, but they deliberately isolate themselves from other believers. They want nothing to do with the body, other than the head.

But a body can't be comprised of just a single member. Can you picture a head with only an arm growing out of it? Christ's body can't be made up of a head alone, with no limbs or organs. His body consists of many members. We simply can't be one with Christ without being one with his body also.

You see, our need isn't just for the head. It's for the whole body. We're knit together not only by our need for Jesus, but by our need for each other as well. Paul states, "The eye cannot say unto the hand, I have no need of thee: nor again the head to the feet, I have no need of you" (1Co_12:21).

Note the second half of this verse. Even the head can't say to another member, "I don't need you." What an incredible statement. Paul is telling us, "Christ will never say to any member of his body, 'I have no need of you.'" Our head willingly connects himself to each of us. Moreover, he says we're all important, even necessary, to the functioning of his body.

This is especially true of members who may be bruised and hurting. Paul emphasizes, "Much more those members of the body, which seem to be more feeble, are necessary" (12:22). The apostle then adds, "And those members of the body, which we think to be less honourable, upon these we bestow more abundant honour; and our uncomely parts have more abundant comeliness" (12:23). He's speaking of those in Christ's body who are unseen, hidden, unknown. In God's eyes, these members have great honor. And they're absolutely necessary to the work of his body.

This passage holds profound meaning for us all. Paul is telling us, "It doesn't matter how poor your self-image may be. You may think you're not measuring up as a Christian. But the Lord himself says, 'I have need of you. You're not just an important member of my body. You're vital and necessary for it to function.'"

In Mat_22:1-46, Jesus tells a parable that reveals much about his body on earth.

Each of Christ's parables contains a hidden truth of God. These secrets have been shared by Father, Son and Holy Ghost from before creation: "I will open my mouth in parables; I will utter things which have been kept secret from the foundation of the world" (Mat_13:35). Jesus testifies that these hidden truths are revealed only to those who take time to seek them.

In Mat_22:1-46, we read a parable that I believe reveals much about Christ's body. In it, God outlines his eternal purposes in raising up a body of believers. In short, he wants a bride for his Son. This bride is to be joined to Jesus, knitted together with him as one flesh, one body. Christ will become her very life, as well as her source. He'll be connected to her, and she to him.

Jesus begins the parable by stating, "The kingdom of heaven is like unto a certain king, which made a marriage for his son, and sent forth his servants to call them that were bidden to the wedding" (Mat_22:2-3). The king in this parable is clearly God the Father. And the son here is Christ.

Here we see the Father sending forth the Holy Ghost to seek a bride for his Son. The bride, of course, is the church of Jesus Christ. And this bride is made up of many members. In fact, she's comprised of every person who accepts the king's invitation to the marriage supper.

Yet, Jesus states in the next verse, "They would not come" (22:3). He's speaking here of his own preaching to the Jews. Christ urged Israel to receive him, but they refused. Scripture says, "He came unto his own, and his own received him not" (Joh_1:11).

So the king tried once more: "Again, he sent forth other servants, saying, Tell them which are bidden, Behold, I have prepared my dinner: my oxen and my fatlings are killed, and all things are ready: come unto the marriage. But they made light of it, and went their ways, one to his farm, another to his merchandise: and the remnant took his servants, and entreated them spitefully, and slew them" (Mat_22:4-6).

Not only did the Jews kill Jesus, but they slew his apostles who followed. So, Christ tells us, "When the king heard thereof, he was wroth: and he sent forth his armies, and destroyed those murderers, and burned up their city" (22:7). Jesus was speaking prophetically here. Just decades after his death, Roman armies marched into Jerusalem and destroyed the holy city. Earlier in Israel's history, God had used Assyria to chastise his people. Now he sent the Roman generals Vespasian and Titus to burn Jerusalem to the ground. Thus, Jesus' prophecy was fulfilled to the letter: "Your house is left unto you desolate" (23:38).

The next passage in the parable contains the heart of my message about Christ's body. Jesus tells us, "Then saith he to his servants, The wedding is ready, but they which were bidden were not worthy. Go ye therefore into the highways, and as many as ye shall find, bid to the marriage. So those servants went out into the highways, and gathered together all as many as they found, both bad and good: and the wedding was furnished with guests" (22:8-10).

Since Calvary, the gospel has gone out to all of humankind: Jew and Gentile, slave and free, rich and poor, good and bad alike. This is how "the wedding was furnished with guests" (22:10). Please understand, this scene isn't about the marriage supper of the Lamb. That celebration will take place after the judgment. No, this supper is an espousal feast. And the guests are those who heed the call to receive Christ as Lord.

Think of it. According to Jesus, this bride is comprised of "as many as they found, both bad and good" (22:10). Such a group includes formerly bad people: addicts, alcoholics, prostitutes, murderers, gamblers, drug pushers. Yet it also includes formerly good people, those who once relied on a righteousness of flesh.

Now they all have been changed. They've confessed their sins and been washed clean by Christ's blood. Just as multitudes sing each week, they testify, "He brought me to his banqueting house, and his banner over me was love" (Son_2:4).

A great host has gathered into God's banqueting hall.

When Jesus says the feast was "furnished" with guests, the Greek word he uses is pletho. It means to imbue, fill, influence. In other words, these guests represent the cleansed, redeemed body of Christ. They've been influenced, imbued and filled by God's Holy Spirit. And he has robed each of them in a white wedding garment.

Typically, we think of wedding feasts as lasting a few hours. In the Jewish culture of Jesus' day, such feasts could last up to seven days. Yet to God, a day is as a thousand years. And in this parable, the feast we're seeing has lasted since Calvary. It has been going on for centuries. And it won't end until the Bridegroom returns.

Dear saint, do you realize what this means? Every day is your wedding day. As a member of Christ's body, you're a part of his bride. That means each morning when you rise, you're to put on your white wedding garment. If it becomes spotted or soiled, you're to bring it to his Word, to be washed clean. And you're to wear your wedding ring at all times. It signifies your married status, as sealed by the Holy Ghost. Finally, you're to feast on the bread of heaven: Christ, the heavenly manna.

THIS WEDDING FEAST IS TAKING PLACE EVERY DAY IN CHRIST'S BODY. HOWEVER, AN INTRUDER HAS BEEN DISCOVERED IN THE BANQUETING HALL. Jesus continues the parable:

"When the king came in to see the guests, he saw there a man which had not on a wedding garment. And he saith unto him, Friend, how camest thou in hither not having a wedding garment? And he was speechless. Then said the king to the servants, Bind him hand and foot, and take him away, and cast him into outer darkness; there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth" (Mat_22:11-13).

Who is this man in the parable? Clearly, his identity is a serious matter, because of the awful fate he suffers. Some commentators suggest the man represents those who come to Christ dressed in rags of their own self-righteousness. The image is of a poor, deluded, ragged soul who's condemned by his self-reliance.

I don't accept this interpretation. You may be shocked when I tell you who I believe this man is. I find a clue when the king addresses him as "Friend." Jesus uses the same word to address Judas, before being betrayed. I believe the king in this parable is using the word in great derision. After all, he was about to send this man to hell.

In my opinion, this visitor is the man of sin himself: Satan. I envision him parading into the feast, wearing a gorgeous, purple robe of his own making, and not the robe prescribed. He's the very picture of pride.

If the man described is Satan, why was he allowed into the banquet?

Why wasn't the man of sin stopped at the door? I believe Zechariah gives us the answer. The prophet says, "He shewed me Joshua the high priest standing before the angel of the Lord, and Satan standing at his right hand to resist him. And the Lord said unto Satan, The Lord rebuke thee, O Satan; even the Lord that hath chosen Jerusalem rebuke thee" (Zec_3:1-2).

Joshua, of course, signifies the high priesthood, those saved by Jehovah. To believers today, he also represents the body of Christ, God's royal priesthood. In Zechariah's vision, Satan stood beside Joshua to "resist him." The word for resist here means to attack and accuse.

I have to confess, I don't know why Satan is allowed to accuse and attack God's people. But I do know what God says will become of our enemy: "The accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night" (Rev_12:10). One day, the Lord is going to bind the devil and cast him into an eternal prison.

But this hasn't happened yet. Meanwhile, Satan knows his time is short. So he's coming against the body of Christ with great wrath. Indeed, his attacks are marked by a boldness and brazenness such as never before. Why? He knows the greatest threat to him is a body of blood-cleansed believers, walking in unity. And in these last days, the Holy Spirit has performed a marvelous work of raising up and knitting together saints all over the world.

These dedicated servants stand together as one body. They love each other, pray for one another, minister to the wounded and discouraged among them. And they also stand united in warfare. They do battle with the enemy, binding his kingdom, casting out principalities, taking authority over hellish powers.

We see this last-days army in Jesus' parable, embodied in the wedding party. These blood-cleansed warriors are gathered at Christ's banqueting table, where they grow strong by feasting on his bread. And they all have one goal: to be fully prepared to meet the Bridegroom when he comes.

We shouldn't be surprised at all that Satan has intruded in God's house. It's his last chance to try to break up Christ's growing, maturing body. So he has entered the wedding feast on a rampage, looking to destroy everyone he can. And he's convinced the best way to do this is to try to deceive God's elect.

How does the devil go about this? He does what he's always done since Calvary: he lies to you. He accuses you. He injects doubts and fears into your mind. I picture this purple-clad figure table-hopping, seeking out each guest for deception. He plants doubts and fears in them, subtly accuses them, and tries to stain their white robes.

The man of sin especially targets a certain kind of believer.

I believe we find the key to Satan's strategy in Gen_3:1-24. The devil had just succeeded in tempting Eve. Now God told him, "I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel" (Gen_3:15).

The woman's seed referred to here is Jesus. In other words, the Messiah would proceed from humankind. And God was prophesying his victorious work on the cross. At Calvary, Christ would put his foot on Satan's head and wound him.

Yet the Lord also prophesied that Satan would bruise Christ's heel. What does this mean, exactly? As members of Jesus' body, we are his seed. Obviously, some of this seed makes up the heel in Christ's body. Who does this refer to?

We're given a couple of clues. First, the heel is a part of the foot. We know the main role of the foot is to stand or to walk. Thus, I believe the feet in Christ's body are made up of those believers who take a stand for Jesus. These members are also responsible for walking after the Holy Spirit's leading. Note that these works are support roles. They're mostly hidden and unseen, while other parts of the body are noticed. In these respects, the feet are an example to the other members of Christ's body.

Yet the foot is also one of the most sensitive parts of the body. It's covered most of the time, for protection. In this respect, the Hebrew meaning of "bruise" becomes telling. It means to trick, or lie in wait to trip up. Simply put, I believe Satan targets those members of Christ's body who are sensitive and easily wounded.

You probably know such Christians. They love Jesus with all their heart. But often they think they don't measure up to what's expected of them. They're desperate to please God, but they're convinced they never do. They don't doubt him but themselves. And they easily fall under condemnation, feeling unworthy, unwanted and unused.

The devil knows this about them, because his principalities have observed their lives. So now, as Satan enters the King's banquet hall, he's fully prepared to attack. He makes the rounds, whispering accusations into their ears. His goal? To convince these tenderhearted saints to give up. He wants to see them cast off their white garments and leave the banqueting table in utter despair.

I have to ask you: has Satan been to your table yet? Have you heard a voice whispering:

'95 "You look pure and holy. But your heart is black with sin. You're going to fail God. You're a useless hypocrite."

'95 "Other Christians don't respect you, because you're not gifted. You're taken for granted. Nobody loves you."

'95 "That old sin of yours is going to catch up with you. You're going to disgrace God and his people. And your good name is going to end up in ruin."

'95 "You can forget all about those promises you thought God spoke to you. I fooled you. That was my voice you heard in your ear."

'95 "God is mad at you. That's why your prayers aren't being answered. You've sinned too often."

'95 "You're about to lose your job. You're going to end up in total poverty."

'95 "You're not going to make it. Before it's all over, you'll take a fall."

Night and day you hear these accusations. I tell you, Satan only wants to pull you away from the banqueting table. Then he can starve you of Christ's nourishment. He wants to isolate you so he can poison your spirit. He's trying to convince you, "You just don't measure up. What's the use of going on? You'll never be a member of Christ's holy body." The truth is, Satan knows his greatest enemy is a united body of believers. He's aware of Jesus' promise that whenever two or three gather together, the Father happily grants their requests. That's why he's determined to pick us off one by one.

The king in this parable sees all that the man of sin is doing.

The king finally confronts this man, asking, "How did you get in here without a wedding garment?" He's saying, in essence, "What do you think you're doing here, by harassing my people? Did you think I wouldn't see you? Did you believe I wouldn't deal with you?"

From the very first lie Satan whispered to you, God has observed his every action. And he has made a move to silence the devil's lies. Scripture says the king rendered the unwelcome man speechless (see Mat_22:12). God was saying, "No more accusations in my banqueting hall, Satan. No more of your lies to my people." Then the king commanded his servants, "Bind him up and cast him out into the darkness."

Finally, the parable concludes with these words from the king: "For many are called, but few are chosen" (22:14). I picture God looking over that banqueting hall, declaring, "For many years I called out to Israel, through my apostles. But they refused to hear. Now these guests here in my house have responded to my call. I tell you, they have been chosen. And I won't allow Satan to cut off any one of them from my body."

We know the devil hasn't yet been cast into his eternal prison. Yet, as we feast at the banqueting table, waiting for the Bridegroom to come, we're given a command. The King has told us to bind up the devil and cast him out of the banqueting hall. In short, we're to rise up and take serious action against Satan's attacks on Christ's body.

Amazingly, this command is ignored by many Christians. Whenever we see a tenderhearted believer in pain, we think, "I'll offer him comfort. I want to be a listening ear." Or, "I can provide some kind of support. I'll bring him a meal, or offer financial help." These are indeed acts of godly love. But often, they're not enough.

If we know Satan is speaking lies into someone's life, we're required to do more than merely listen or offer counsel. We're to gather other believers together and take authority over the enemy. Jesus tells us some kinds of demonic oppression "goeth not out but by prayer and fasting" (Mat_17:21). Thus, with fasting and prayer, we're to bind up the enemy. And we're to cast him out of our fellow believer's mind, soul and circumstances.

I've spent many hours trying to counsel downcast believers out of their troubles. Yet more and more, I recognize the devil standing over them, convincing them of his lies. Now, whenever I see the devil working on yet another sensitive saint, a holy anger rises up in me. And I realize I must do what every true body minister is called to do: bind Satan hand and foot, in Jesus' name, and cast him into outer darkness.

Are you living under a cloud of despair? Do you know a brother or sister who's downcast, listening to Satan's accusations? I urge you, seek out praying believers in Christ's body. Go to those who truly know God's heart. And let them point out the enemy's lies for what they are.

Scripture says that if one of us hurts, we all hurt. That's why it's absolutely vital that we gather together in Jesus' name, for each other's sake. We're to call on our Savior's authority, bind up the enemy, and cast him out of each other's lives. Then we'll be able to bring every thought captive to the obedience of Christ. That is truly the work of Christ's body.

By: David Wilkerson