BibleTalk with Jeff Asher

Jesus’ Regnal Entry into Jerusalem (and exegesis of Psalm 118)

IAs Jesus entered into Jerusalem the crowds began to shout "Blessed is the King of Israel that comes in the name of the Lord." These words are taken from Psalm 118 and freely ascribed by the multitudes to Jesus. It is apparent that many believe Jesus is the Messiah. However, were the people's perception of Jesus and the Psalmist's the same? Let's consider what is written about the Christ in this ancient song of hope and praise for the coming Messiah.

Anger Is a Threat to the Home (Matthew 5:21-26)

Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount gets to the heart of the matter. He shows us that it is not just the act that is sinful, but the thoughts and emotions that lead to the act. In this text Jesus deals with anger as the underlying heart problem that results in murder. Being angry without a cause is a great threat to the happiness of any home. We must learn to get rid of and control anger.  

Haggai 2:1-9

A  month has passed since Haggai's first message. It seems as if the people have been over taken by discouragement and disappointment. Discouraged by the difficulty of the work. Disappointed by the hardness of the times. Haggai seeks to stir up their faith to trust in God to provide their needs and to accomplish His purpose in this house. 

Living Kingdom Righteousness in the Home (The Dangers of Hypocrisy)

Thus far we have learned that there is a unique character required of the Kingdom Citizen (Matthew 5:1-12). The transformation Jesus describes is essential to to seeing God and inheriting the eternal Kingdom of Heaven. Once that transformation occurs we are to put it on display giving light to all that are in the world and spreading the savour of Christ throughout humanity (5:13-16). But, this display must not be of the character of the Scribes and Pharisees--hypocrisy (5:17-20). It is painfully evident that many Christians are not what they ought to be within the family circle. Do we wear the mask of hypocrisy to conceal our lack of piety at home?    

Jesus’ Regnal Entry into Jerusalem (and exegesis of Zechariah 9:1-9)

In John 12:12-19, Jesus enters Jerusalem on the first day of the Passover week. He is greeted along the way by thousands of celebrating Jews who recognize Him as the King of Israel that comes in the name of the Lord. In particular, John specifies to Old Testament texts that are fulfilled by Jesus on this occasion Zechariah 9:9 and Psalm 118. In this study, Jeff Asher considers the text from Zechariah, reconciling the four accounts and explaining the significance of the Messiah coming riding upon the colt the foal of an ass. 

Haggai 1:1-12

The first message of Haggai directed toward the returning remnant is intended to overcome their discouragement by answering objections to the call to build. Judah needed to remember that God would provide if they would obey. The problem of the remnant was the same as the children of Israel in the wilderness (as it is the same in the church today). God has said, "Build My house." Now, let us build the house.

Five Questions to a Question (Romans 8:28-39)

Paul asks a rhetorical question regarding the infirmities which the believer endures in the flesh while awaiting the return of Christ (Romans 8:18-27). He queries: "What shall we then say to these things?" In other words, what do we make of this suffering, the yearnings and doubts that sometimes arise in our hearts? Paul answers with five more rhetorical questions, questions for which he supplies the answers and with which he builds the case for God's unfailing love for His people.

Continued Overview of the Intervening History between Zephaniah and Haggai

Jeff Asher continues the discussion with a summary of the 70 weeks of Daniel and a harmony of the books of Ezra and Haggai.

The Supper at Bethany (John 12:1-11)

Jesus arrives six days at Bethany six days before the Passover. Simon the Leper hosts a supper where Jesus is the guest of honor. Lazarus and Judas (Simon's son) are in attendance. During the meal, Mary comes and anoints Jesus's feet with  precious nard wiping his feet with her hair. For this Mary is criticized, but Jesus defends her giving us a great lesson about humility and opportunity.

What Think Ye? (John 11:47-57)

The conspiracy to put Jesus to death is formed. Caiaphas finally persuades enough of the counsel that they agree to sacrifice Jesus in order to save the nation. Their evil intent is to save their political, economic and religious  power. Little do they realize that the very thing they do seals the fate of Jewish state.