hanks

3. What words are used in verses 25 and 26 to describe what will take place at the very end? What effects will these have upon people? The sky - there will be signs, in the sun, moon, and stars, before Jesus’ second coming. These combination of signs will be disturbances visible in the sky to everyone, and all will then realise that the Messiah is coming. The earth - nations will be in anguish, that is gripped by severe emotional stress, and in perplexity, which is in a state of mental distress and acute anxiety. The sea – roaring and tossing – will mean that there will be great tidal waves sweeping over land areas. This is an image of great distress with disasters coming upon the nations in successive floods, each one more violent than the previous one. The people – people will be fainting from fear. Meaning that the terror would be so great that people would faint and be ready to die as they realise the extent of the approaching calamities. This kind of total chaos and calamity is described in horrific detail in Revelation. The heavenly bodies – they will be shaken. Meaning that such vast cosmic upheavals will affect the weather, tides, and seasons on earth. All this will culminate in the dramatic, spectacular return of Jesus.

2. What are the Times of the Gentiles (21:24b). What significance does it have for the return of Christ? The Times of the Gentiles is the period that Jerusalem will be conquered and subject to Gentile rule. It really began with the Babylonian captivity in 521 BC, and will extend to the time when Gentile nations will no longer assert control over the city of Jerusalem – until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled. In Jesus’ day, Israel was governed by the Roman Empire, and a Roman general would destroy the city of Jerusalem in A.D. 70. After thousands of years of exile, a Jewish state was miraculously established in Israel again in 1948. It was not until 1968 that Israel controlled Jerusalem, but still today they yield the rule and the administration of the most central piece of Jerusalem - the Temple Mount - to Gentile rule (the Palestinian Authority). It can be argued that prophetically speaking, Jerusalem is still trampled by Gentiles. A time will come when it will be inhabited by true believers of Christ, where God will be worshipped in sincerity, and pagan and anti-Christian dominion will end. Only God knows when this will be (Acts 1:7).

1. According to Jesus' teaching here, how is the destruction of Jerusalem related to the time of His return? (21:20-24a) This will be signalled by the city of Jerusalem being surrounded by armies. At this sign people in Judea were to flee to the mountains, those in the city were to get out, and those in the country were not to enter the city. Many did escape and went out to a place called Pella, and any attempt to re-enter the city would be fatal. The city was about to be punished for its rejection of the Son of God. Jesus also said that pregnant women and nursing mothers would be at a distinct disadvantage; they would be hindered in escaping from the judgment of God on the land of Israel and the Jewish people. Finally, many would be slain, and the survivors would be carried off as captives in other lands.

Q18. (Colossians 1:15-20) Which of Christ's qualities of pre-eminence and greatness is especially meaningful to you? What does it mean for Jesus to humble Himself (Philippians 2:7-8). Why is the incarnation such a miracle? They are all especially meaningful but I’ve always been fascinated by the fact that all things have been created through Him and for Him, and that in Him all these things hold together. This includes things, visible and invisible, in heaven, on earth, and throughout the universes. We can only worship and honour Him all the more as we look upon His creation. As an example, we have the complexity of a vast galaxy down to the minutest DNA molecule. To think our Lord Jesus Christ created it all and maintains them so that continue working. Absolutely amazing! We serve a great God! He was humble in that He was born into an obscure, oppressed place; in that He was born into poverty among a despised people; in that He was born as a child instead of appearing as a man; in submitting to the obedience appropriate to a child in a household; in learning and practicing a trade – and a humble trade of a builder; in the long wait until He launched out into public ministry; in the companions and disciples He chose; in the audience He appealed to and the way He taught; in the temptations He allowed and endured; in the weakness, hunger, thirst, and tiredness He endured; in His total obedience to His Heavenly Father; in His submission to the Holy Spirit; in choosing and submitting to the death of the cross; in the agony of His death ; in the shame, mocking, and public humiliation of His death; in enduring the spiritual agony of His sacrifice on the cross (David Guzik). The doctrine of the incarnation teaches that through the work of the Holy Spirit, God the Son has become fully human in time in order to die for the sins of humanity and defeat death by the power of His resurrection. This miraculous conception and Virgin Birth of Jesus Christ was necessary because of His deity and pre-existence. Jesus is God in the flesh.

Q17. (Luke 2:15-20) How did the shepherds know to find the Holy Family? According to verses 17, 18, and 20, what was their response to finding Christ? What was Mary's reaction? They did not hesitate and hurried off looking for a baby wrapped in cloths, lying in a manger (2:12). I can imagine it would not be an unusual sign to see a baby wrapped in clothes, but it would be strange to see a baby lying in a manger - a feeding trough. Therefore, easily found. The combination of what the angels told them and the finding of the baby in a manger inspired them to tell everyone what had happened. The shepherd’s good news amazed all who heard it, recognising that something significant had happened, even if they didn’t really understand it. The shepherds on returning to their flocks, were overjoyed at all they had heard and seen, and overflowing in their worship of God (2:20). Mary’s reaction was different to those of the shepherds. She had a deeper understanding of what was going on and calmly took it all in, meditating over it in her heart, seeking to understand the deep meaning of it all. As Mary held this tiny baby, she must have wondered at all that God was doing, and who her son would grow up to become. Gabriel had told her that the little boy would reign forever (1:31–33); the shepherds reported the angel’s words - He is the Messiah, the Lord (2:11).

Q16. (Luke 2:8-14) Why do you think the angels shocked the shepherds with their radiant glory? Why not something more low-key? What does the good news consist of that the angels bring? What allows the shepherds to authenticate this news? The shepherds were keeping watch over their flock by night – all was dark and quiet. Then all of a sudden it happened: an angel of the Lord, holy, strong, brilliant, stood by them. At the same time the glory of the Lord - heavenly brightness, rightly regarded as the manifestation of God's presence and power - flashed all around them. No wonder they were terribly shocked and frightened. Not something more low-key for the greatest event in the history of the world!? Rather something more extravagant, but then Jesus came to be our shepherd; He came in all humility to serve, to save. The conditions of His birth were intentional, so that He would be approachable by all of us, even the poorest of the poor. The good news the angels brought was that this baby is the Saviour Jesus Christ, the Anointed of God, the Messiah of Israel. He is the Lord; God manifest in the flesh. Who came to save sinners, all who believed in Him. He died for us, ascended to heaven, and will return to earth as King of kings. Although born into poor and humble circumstances, He will rule the world and judge us individually according to our belief in Him. Jesus accepts us as we are. It makes no difference who we are, or what we do, He comes to all. The shepherds were given two signs to recognise baby Jesus. The first: “you will find a baby wrapped in cloths; the second: “and lying in a manger”. It is doubtful that the shepherds had ever seen a baby in such an unlikely place. This humiliation was reserved for the Lord of life and glory when He came into our world. What a Saviour!

Q15. (Luke 2:1-7) Why is it important for us to know who governed the area at the time of Jesus' birth? What difficulties did Mary and Joseph face? Why do you think God allowed such difficulties? Why does He allow difficulties in our lives? It’s important to know the historical background of Jesus’ birth; proving that He actually lived during this period, and that our Lord Jesus is not a myth or a legend, but that He is both historical and verifiable. The Bible records actual history and real events, and is not a “once upon a time” story. Jesus’ birth can be dated as falling in the reign of Caesar Augustus who ruled from 27 BC until 14 AD; Herod the Great’s reign ended in 4 BC. So, it has been determined that Jesus was born between 6 and 4 BC. Both Mary and Joseph faced many difficulties. Firstly, being exposed to so much shame, gossip, and scorn, trying to explain that the baby was miraculously conceived by the Holy Spirit, and that the baby would be the King, the Saviour, the Son of God - God in human flesh. Then there was the trip to Bethlehem. Being 9 months pregnant, the journey from Nazareth to Bethlehem over about 120 km took them about 4 days, and must have been most difficult and uncomfortable. Especially over the hills surrounding Jerusalem. And when they came to Bethlehem there was no room for them. From my own experience my best times of growing and drawing closer to our Lord, have been when undergoing trying circumstances. In the same way God allowed these difficulties to come upon Mary and Joseph. I’m sure we are often tested for our own good – God preparing us for eternity. Being a Christian does not guarantee an easy life of prosperity and having all that we want. God refines us and disciplines us all for our own good. I would not have it any other way! We have to trust God in all we do and surrender all to Him.

6. What does the phrase mean, "By standing firm you will gain life." (21:19) Is this "faith by works" or something else? Those who stand firm prove the reality of their faith. They are the believers who have been genuinely saved and will stand true and loyal at any cost. We can easily be misled into thinking that this verse (21:19) might imply that salvation can be earned by steadfast endurance. But, we know it cannot mean this because throughout the Scriptures salvation is presented as a free gift of God's grace through faith (Eph 2:8-9). In other words, not “faith by works”. It can also not mean that those who remain faithful to Christ will be saved from physical death, since verse 21:16 predicts the death of some faithful disciples. Those who endure to the end in times of persecution show by their perseverance that they are true believers.

5. If Christians will be condemned and executed, what does it mean, "Not a hair of your head will perish"? What does Jesus mean by this? The promise of 21:18 that “not a hair of your head will perish” appears to contradict the prediction in verse 16 that some disciples will be put to death. What Jesus meant by this, was that they may harm the body but cannot destroy what really matters, one’s spiritual being. We are called to spiritual steadfastness, to persevere and remain strong. Our bodies may be destroyed, but our souls cannot be harmed. Matthew 10:28 tells us “Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul.” Physical death is not the supreme tragedy for the Christian. It is deliverance from sin, sorrow, sickness, suffering, and death, and it is transformation into eternal glory. So, the worst thing that can happen to us, in a real sense, is the best thing that can happen to a believer in Christ. To die is to be with Christ and thus far better. “For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain” (Php 1:21). And to die is gain; to be with Christ and to be like Him forever.

4. Why will people hate Christians? (21:17) People hate us because of our love of God and our obedience to the Word of God, which makes us not part of their world, its false ways, its **** of the flesh, its **** of the eyes, and the pride of life (1 John 2:16). We expose their sinfulness by living our righteous lives. They see this as a type of hypocrisy and a “better than you attitude” on our behalf. Especially when we slip-up now and then. We might not experience extreme hatred and animosity experienced in certain Muslim countries. Whatever hatred we face we can take comfort from the fact that God permits this to come into our lives so that we may conform to the image of His Son. For we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose (Rom 8:28). When I think of the dangers one faces for loving Jesus, it reminds me of one of my favourite verses: “For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord (Romans 8:38-39). Amen.

3. What good results from a disciple's persecution and death, according to verse 13? Jesus mentions the persecution that would come upon His disciples; they would be arrested, tried before religious and civil powers, and imprisoned. There would be relatives betraying their own Christian families. Some would even be killed because of their stand for our Lord. This all might seem like a massive failure and tragedy to the disciples, but Jesus said all this suffering would result in bringing glory to God, in being able to testify about Christ, and the salvation that He had come to bring. They were not to prepare their defence in advance, for God would give them special wisdom. This confirms the promise Jesus made earlier, that the Holy Spirit would put the proper words in their mouths whenever it was necessary (12:11-12). They will give them an opportunity to testify (20:13). This prophecy was fulfilled as seen on the Book of Acts. Peter testified before the Sanhedrin (Acts 4:7–12). Stephen made a speech to the high priest (Acts 7:2–53) and Paul spoke of Jesus before Felix (Acts 24:10–25).

2. What kinds of signs will be seen that do NOT portend the immediate return of Jesus? (21:7-19) Why are people tempted to see them as signs of the end? Jesus tells us that many things will occur that by themselves are not signs of His soon return, and that these things must first occur. We are not to be deceived by the many false Christs that will appear. He tells us not follow them. When He does return, His appearance in the clouds will be unmistakable, and will be seen by all people (Mar 24:30, Rev 1:7). Jesus mentions wars, and uprisings that will occur but they are not signs and we are not to be frightened. There will be conflicts among nations. This world chaos is ongoing as a result of sin, and such upheavals are not portents of Christ’s return. Then, there will be great earthquakes, famines, and pestilences that have been going on throughout the history of the world. To these can be added fearful events and cosmic upheavals. This is all part of God’s plan which will culminate in the creation of a new earth and a new Kingdom (Revelation 21:1–3). Why are people temped to see these as signs? I’m not sure, is it perhaps that they are hoping it’s a true sign, giving them confirmation of the truth of God. Or perhaps, things are going so bad with them that they are hoping for the Lord to return soon; so, they believe any sign, hoping it’s true.

1. What does Jesus say will happen to Herod's Temple? (21:5-6) When did this take place? In answer to His disciples remarking how beautiful the temple was, Jesus said the day will come that everything you admire here will be utterly destroyed. It will all become a heap of rubble!” And that is exactly what happened. The Jews rebelled against the Romans, Jerusalem was taken by Titus, son of the emperor Vespasian (69-79 AD), and in 70 AD Herod’s Temple was destroyed. This was roughly forty years after Jesus predicted it. It is believed that more than a million Jews, who had crowded into the city, perished. The temple has never been rebuilt; the stones that we can see today, commonly called the “wailing wall” are part of the foundation.

Q14. (Galatians 4:4-5) Why do you think God sent Jesus into this world when He did? What does it mean that He "redeemed" you? What does it mean that He "adopted" you? What is your inheritance? God’s timing is always perfect. The time had come for God to send His Son to provide us with the righteousness we could not provide ourselves. The law had done its work of showing our utter sinfulness and inability to live up to God’s perfect standard of righteousness (Rom 3:23). Jesus came when the Roman civilization had brought peace and a road system which facilitated travel; when the Grecian civilization provided a language which was adopted as the lingua franca of the empire; when the Jews had proclaimed monotheism and there was the expectation of the Messiah. He redeemed me, refers to the special work of Jesus on the Cross in which He paid the price to purchase me and set me free from the slavery to sin. He adopted me, refers to God’s mercy and grace shown to me in making me a member of His family. Jesus being God’s Son, is the heir of all God’s riches, and me being adopted as a son of God, I’m also an heir of God through Christ!

Q13. (Isaiah 11:6-10) Where is love most at home - in times of strife or in times of peace? What does our passage say about the emptiness of winning as our ultimate value? How can you bring peace from Jesus in your world? Who will it bless? On our own, we can never avoid strife in the world around us, but by fixing our thoughts on our Lord, we can know perfect peace even in times of turmoil (Isa 26:3). Once we accept Jesus Christ into our hearts we become new creatures and our rebellious nature is transformed into one of love and peace. As our minds are focussed on God and His Word we become steady and stable, not shaken by the surrounding chaos (Php 4:7). We will only have perfect peace when Jesus Christ comes again to reign over the earth. The reason such tranquillity is possible is because the earth will be full of the knowledge of our Lord (Isa 11:9; Jer 31:34; Hab 2:14). But, this is more than people knowing intellectually about Jesus Christ, they will have a personal relationship with Him, and will live according to God’s principles and Word. One way in which we can bring the peace from Jesus into the world is by spreading the Word of God. The reason being, God has entrusted us with the ministry of reconciliation (2 Cor 5:18-20). As we share His passion for peace and reconciliation, the breaking down of walls between people, we will be blessed and recognised as true children of God.

Q12. (Isaiah 11:3-5) Why do you think God has a special place in His heart for the poor and disadvantaged? Who are the unloved, overlooked, and looked-down-upon in your city? What are you doing to demonstrate Messiah's love and justice to them? In Scripture we often see that our Lord has tremendous compassion for the poor and disadvantaged. God feels strongly about the needy and loves them so deeply, so it’s up to us not to ignore their plight. He will rescue them from unjust and cruel treatment, and He will show the world how precious their lives are to Him. Believers are told to give generously, knowing that we will reap generously (2 Cor 9:7-9). The unloved, overlooked, and looked-down-upon are the poor, the migrants, the children (the fatherless), the widows, the needy, the afflicted, the weak, the oppressed, the destitute, the hungry, the defenceless, are all very vulnerable and in this world are often taken advantage of. Widows, their children, and foreigners are to be given special consideration (Deu 24:19-21). The afflicted, the weak, the needy, and the oppressed have instant access to Him (Psalm 72:12-14). The wicked and evil often prey upon the poor and needy, and we are to “rescue them from the hand of the wicked” (Psalm 82:4). We are to defend or speak on behalf of the defenceless, those who cannot speak for themselves, or defend themselves in a court of law (Prov 31:8). Yes, our church is involved in caring for those less fortunate than we are. There is so much unemployment (about 40% - one of the highest in the world), and poverty in our country at present. Mostly due to rampant corruption. So, it goes without saying that the need is great. Many wonderful churches are deeply involved and doing wonderful work to ease the situation.

6. What are the characteristics of well-to-do people who try to control churches by their giving? I know it can be very tempting for the wealthy to want to control the church and manipulate the pastor. Having a similar attitude as the Pharisees that we read about earlier. But I must say that we were very fortunate to have had two church members in our small church, about 200 members, who bent backwards in providing for the church and in helping with the finances. Giving way above what was expected from them. These good deeds were done with no thought of reward, or with any selfish motive – done only to bring glory to God. They made their possessions available for God’s service in a way He directed. This they did in recognition that all their possessions came from Him and are His. Truly a blessing for our church. One of these men was one of my best friends, who last year went on to be with our Lord.

5. How does the widow demonstrate the principle of faith-filled giving? Is this the same kind of faith you and I exhibit in our giving? Why or why not? I’m sure the poor widow gave out of love, trusting God to provide for her. But Jesus does not say anything about her attitude. She could be acting out of devotion, or out of love, or out of guilt, or even out of fear, we just don’t know. Perhaps the lesson here is not about giving. This could be about the condemnation of wicked spiritual leaders and a corrupt religious system. Each person should give in proportion to what God has given them (2 Cor 9:10). The faith I have in my giving - I don’t give, expecting any returns or blessings from God. It’s more out of gratitude for all the blessings both me and my family have already received. I give to my church that we are able to spread the gospel in my community, that by doing this we may advance the kingdom of Christ.

4. How does the widow demonstrate the principle of sacrificial giving? What did that mean for her? What would sacrificial giving mean for you? She gave everything she had out of her heart felt love for the Lord. She had nothing left and would probably be left desperate, not knowing where her next meal was coming from. And this to a corrupt religious system. But our Lord knows her heart and I’m sure He would have looked after her and provided for her needs. Sacrificial giving must be responsible (2 Cor 8:12). I don’t think our Heavenly Father would want us to give sacrificially that it could endanger our financial situation. Our giving must not hurt the family or relatives that need our financial support. I think we are to give faithfully, cheerfully and to a certain degree sacrificially. I feel that when we give generously and with a willing heart, God assures us He will watch over us and provide for us (Prov 22:9; 2 Cor 9:8, 11). Also, “He who sows sparingly shall also reap sparingly; and he who sows bountifully shall also reap bountifully” (2 Cor. 9:6). The benefits of our willing, cheerful giving to the Lord will produce both spiritual and material blessing.

3. How does the widow demonstrate the principle of proportional giving? How large are your gifts to God in proportion to your income? How large are your gifts in proportion to how much you have left after the bills are paid? She gave 100% of what she had. This is the problem. Two verses earlier Jesus commented on the false religious leaders, “They devour widows' houses and for a show make lengthy prayers. Such men will be punished most severely" (20:47). This was spoken on Wednesday, and on Friday He would be crucified. I don’t think He would be concentrating on the gifts we give, but it’s more about His anger against the false religious system that is abusing the poor. The religious officials of the day, instead of helping the widows/the poor in need, were perfectly content to rob them of their livelihood and inheritance. The system was corrupt, and the darkness of the scribes’ greed makes the widow’s sacrifice even greater than what it was. This poor widow was desperate and had been brain-washed to give, either to buy her way into heaven or as seed faith – “give me your money and God will multiply it”. We will always find that the centre of false religion is the treasury - with them it’s always all about the money. When it comes to the size of my gifts to God, they are way too small in proportion to my income, and similarly way too small in proportion to the balance I have. I have no excuse, and feel rather guilty about it. It’s not that I don’t trust God always to provide, but I have to provide for both my wife and family, in a highly corrupt country (sounds like a lame excuse). I must mention that no amount or percentage is ever required in the New Testament. Rather, each believer is to give from his heart.

2. How does Jesus compare the gifts of the rich verse the poor in 21:1-4? Who put in the most? The rich gave their gifts out of their wealth, meaning that what they gave actually cost them little or nothing. On top of this they made a great show of how generous they are – hypocrites. The widow, on the other hand, gives out of her poverty; sacrificing everything – all she had to live on. No fuss is made – no one even notices. Jesus says that the widow has put in the most, since the spirit of giving and what it costs the giver, determines the value of the gift. Our attitude is more important than the amount given, and even if we can only afford a small gift we should not be embarrassed (2 Cor 9:7).

1. In what way are church leaders, both clergy and laity, susceptible to the sins of the "teachers of the law" that Jesus criticizes in 20:45-47? How can a leader walk in humility? What are the keys you've discovered? Out of love for His disciples, who may be prone to being easily led astray, Jesus warns us about the sins of church leaders, and selects a representative few warnings. Jesus mentions six items of criticism, followed by a statement of condemnation: “They like to walk around in flowing robes” – signifying seeking high social status, and recognition as learned academics; “and love to be greeted in the market-places” – demanding respect and public recognition of their prominence; “and have the most important seats in the synagogues” – seats of importance in the church; “and the places of honour at banquets.” – such pride and attention are directly opposite of humility; “They devour widows' houses” – robbing defenceless widows of their life savings, and cheating the poor, abusing their position of responsibility; “and for a show make lengthy prayers.” - the reason was to draw attention to themselves, and nothing to do with praying to our Heavenly Father; “Such men will be punished most severely." – those church leaders who have wandered astray will be punished, since having studied the Scriptures, should know better that God requires humility, sincerity, and love. But because of their greed, pride, and hypocrisy they never show these qualities, even when pretending to be very righteous. Each one of us should be filled with humility, not drawing attention to ourselves but rather glorifying our Lord. As servants we don’t need priestly robes; we should rather take the more humble places at religious gatherings; money, power and authority should never be the marks of any Christian - especially one who is in a leadership position in the church. All this demand for attention is directly opposite to the humility demanded by God of those who would be great in the kingdom (9:48, 22:24-27). Jesus said, “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven” (Matt 5:3).

Q11. (Isaiah 11:1-3). Why do we resist letting the Messiah govern our own lives? Why don't we seek His counsel more often? Why is surrender to His wise leadership so difficult for us? What can we do about this hardness we find in ourselves? If we continue in sin without repenting, our hearts become hardened, our fellowship with our Lord Jesus weakens, and gets progressively worse. Our Lord no longer governs our lives. Setbacks and disappointments in life can also precipitate our resistance. Jesus has both the wisdom and the understanding to be a perfect counsellor! Yet, we don’t often come to Him for advice, because of our pride, our lack of trust/faith in His ability, or just plain ignorance/stupidity. Because of our sinful nature we don’t easily submit to any authority, even to His wise leadership. We are self-centred, and selfish and will not be told what to do. This rebellion is also the result of a hardened heart. If we only would realise, that each area of our life we surrender to Him, the more space there is for the filling of the Holy Spirit. And of course, we will start exhibiting fruit of the Spirit (Gal 5:22), the more our selfish nature changes and starts resembling that of our Lord Jesus; we become a new creation (2 Cor 5:17). To negate this hardness we find in ourselves, we must come to the realisation that “I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me” (Gal 2:20). The life which we now live in this human body, we live by faith, by continual dependence on Christ, and by yielding to Him. We do not cease to live as a personality or as an individual, but this life of surrender results in the greatest human fulfillment, and we will reap ultimate rewards in heaven (Luke 6:22-23).

Q10. (Psalm 110) According to verse 1, what is Jesus doing at present? What will He ultimately succeed in doing? What is the primary role of a priest? How does Jesus function as a priest who brings us to God? (verse 4). Presently Jesus is sitting at the right-hand side of God the Father. This is the highest position of honour and rank. He is the King of kings and He reigns over the whole universe, and rules with full authority in the midst of all His enemies. Ultimately He will succeed in placing all unbelievers and those against the gospel under His footstool, as the Father provides the victory to the Son. He first came as a Lamb to be a sacrifice for sin, now He comes to bring judgment. The primary role of a priest is to stand between Holy God and sinful man, and to represent sinful man before Holy God. He is a mediator; he stands in the gap and acts as a peacemaker between us and God the Father. Our Lord Jesus Christ, who knew no sin, acts as our High Priest, He makes intercession on our part, He continues to pray for us, and petitions the Father on our behalf.

Q9. (Psalm 2:1-12) Why does Jesus provoke such negative reactions from some people? Why do people tend to resist any kind of authority? What should we do when we detect resistance in our own hearts? What does it mean to "kiss the Son" (Psalm 2:12)? The world hates Jesus because He exposes their sinful evil deeds. Jesus’ own perfect life shows up how imperfect everyone else’s life is. They resent the fact that their sinfulness is there for all to see; there is nowhere to hide. Instead of repenting and crying to Jesus for mercy and grace, their depraved nature has them living lives in hatred and opposition to our Lord Jesus Christ. We have inflated opinions of ourselves and therefore resist any kind of authority. I think because of our sinful natures we want to be in control and will not bow down to any authority, even God. This rebellion in our hearts is the root of all sin (Rom 3:23), and continues to be our downfall. We forget we are the created creatures; God owns us and we are to serve Him, not the other way round. If we detect resistance in our own hearts we should repent and ask Jesus for forgiveness; we should do this immediately we discover our sin. “Kiss the Son” is an expression of submission and allegiance. Meaning we should recognise the Son, Jesus Christ, as the authorised King of kings, submit to His reign, and embrace Him as our Saviour!