What did Jesus mean when he said, “Truly I say to you, this generation will not pass until all these things be done”? That’s one of the toughest statements of Jesus in all of the New Testament. Some seminary students may recall that the famous New Testament scholar, missionary, and musician Albert Schweitzer wrote his […]
“What did Jesus mean when He instructed us to turn the other cheek?”……Answer: The entire section of Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount in which this verse is found can be understood as one where Jesus actually serves to elevate the importance of following Israel‘s moral law beyond the letter to the spirit of the law. […]
“What did Jesus mean when He said, “Take up your cross and follow Me” (Matthew 16:24; Mark 8:34; Luke 9:23)?”……Let’s begin with what Jesus didn’t mean. Many people interpret “cross” as some burden they must carry in their lives: a strained relationship, a thankless job, a physical illness. With self-pitying pride, they say, “That’s my […]
“What is the Olivet Discourse?”……Answer: The Olivet Discourse is the name given to the orderly and extended teaching given by Christ on the Mount of Olives (MountOlivet). This discourse is recorded in Matthew 24:1 – 25:46. Parallel passages are found in Mark 13:1-37 and Luke 21:5-36.……Though the discourse itself begins at Matthew 24:3, Mark 13:3 […]
“Why did Jesus speak so strongly against lukewarm faith?”……Answer: In Revelation 3:14-21, the Lord is describing the “lukewarm” heart attitude of those in the Laodicean church, an attitude manifested by their deeds. They were neither cold nor hot in relation to God, just lukewarm. Beverages are better either cold or hot. Similarly, the Lord would […]
Why did Jesus say some people wouldn’t die before he came back? Now, That’s a Good Question! This question had a dramatic influence on Albert Schweitzer when he was studying New Testament theology. Jesus said, “This generation will not pass away until all of these things come to pass . . . You will not go […]
“What did Jesus mean when He spoke of living water?”……Answer: Jesus uses the phrase “living water” in two instances in the Bible. The first instance is found in John chapter 4. Jesus was tired and sat at a well while His disciples went into town to buy food. A Samaritan woman came to draw water […]