One Year Bible, Tuesday February 8th - The Final Judgment
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Chapter 28 gives the instructions for what the priests would wear as they ministered in the tabernacle. Aaron and his sons were set apart for the priesthood, and all of these garments reflected the special nature of their service to the Lord. These instructions for their garments are reflected in churches today which are liturgically based.
"The priesthood of Israel was not earned by effort nor aspired to by ambition. It could only be inherited by birthright. One must be born into a priestly family." (Guzik)
In our traditional, liturgical Lutheran service, the pastors wear white robes, which represent the pure robes of righteousness Jesus as put on us Also, it is a picture of the saints in the book of Revelation before the altar of Jesus. We wear a colored “stole”, which hangs down from our robes The color reflects the season of the church year Ie. Purple for Lent, Blue for Advent The stole represents the yoke put on oxen in a field, which symbolizes we are yoked to the gospel and also are called to bear the burdens of the flock. Finally, we wear a cincture which is like a belt for the robe.
"The priesthood was no place for ambition or self-glory. It was only entered into by God’s call and invitation. In the New Covenant, our priesthood is also not earned nor aspired to. We are priests because of our new birth into Jesus’ priestly family."
"You also, as living stones, are being built up a spiritual house, a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ." 1 Peter 2:5
The Final Judgment
At the final judgment Jesus will separate the "sheep" from the "goats", as the good shepherd.The sheep will be on the right, and the goats on the left. The King will invite the sheep on the right to the eternal kingdom that has been prepared for them since the beginning of time. Those on the left will be cast into the fires of hell for eternal punishment. Then Jesus gives the reason for the selection process.
"For I was hungry, and you fed me. I was thirsty, and you gave me a drink. I was a stranger, and you invited me into your home. I was naked, and you gave me clothing. I was sick, and you cared for me. I was in prison, and you visited me."
Some people confuse this with "works righteousness". I.e. These actions on behalf of the poor are what earns someone's way into heaven. But we know the rest of the New Testament teaches us that we are saved by grace through faith. So what gives?
The bottom line is if you are a believer and are following Christ. you will be led to do these things for those in need. If you don't ever feed those who are hungry, give a thirsty person something to drink, welcomer the outsider, or care for the sick, one would have to wonder if you are following Christ. The disciples are confused and ask Jesus when he was hungry or thirsty or naked.
Jesus tells them that whenever the served the least of these, they did it unto him.
The ones who neglect the poor, naked, hungry and sick show that they are not true believers. Christ does not live in their hearts through faith. The final judgment is just that ... final. But we know God is merciful and gives people every chance in the world to turn to him at any point in their life. God wants everyone to know him and serve him by loving others. He has made every overture possible to lead people to Himself, including sending His own Son. However despite all God has done to reveal himself to all humankind, some people choose to reject Him. God, having given all of us free will, allows them to do that.
The Plot to Kill Jesus
Jesus tells the disciples in two days he will be handed over to be crucified. This would mean it was Tuesday of Holy Week. Meanwhile, the Pharisees begin to plot how they will capture and kill Jesus, but not during Passover, since it might cause a riot, given Jesus' popularity.
"They didn’t want to put Jesus to death during Passover, but that is exactly how it happened. This is another subtle indication that Jesus was in control of events, as they in fact killed Him on the very day that they didn’t want to." (Guzik)
Jesus Anointed at Bethany
Jesus is at the home of Simon, who Jesus had healed of leprosy. A woman came and anointed Jesus with expensive perfume.
"We know from John 12 that this woman was Mary, the sister of Lazarus and Martha. Mary, who sat at the feet of Jesus (Luke 10:39), made this extravagant display of love and devotion to Jesus." (Guzik)
The disciples were indignant, but Jesus let them know that she was right to do this and would always be remembered for this sacred act.
“Is anything wasted which is all for Jesus? It might rather seem as if all would be wasted which was not given to him.” (Spurgeon)
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