BibleTalk with Jeff Asher

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. 

I Am the Resurrection and the Life (John 11:17-46)

Jesus arrives in Bethany four days after Lazarus died. Almost immediately He encounters Martha who said, "Lord, if you had been here, our brother would not have died." However, her words are not bitter, or doubtful. She also says, "But even now I know..." Jesus rewards her great faith and comforts her by demonstrating that He indeed is the resurrection and the life. 

You Are to Be Salt and Light in Your Home

The greatest evangelistic field into which any of us will enter is contained within the four walls of the house in which we live. We must not discount the power of evangelizing the home.

Learning to Show Piety at Home (1 Timothy 5:4)

Paul establishes a principle in 1 Timothy 5:4, "let them learn first to shew piety at home." That is, Christianity begins at home. If there is any place on the planet, any relationship among men where the precepts of Christ must be practiced, it is the in the family circle. Sadly, may homes are not Christian homes. 

An Overview of the Intervening History from Zephaniah to Haggai

In this lesson, Jeff Asher gives an overview of the intervening history from the days of King Hezekiah and Isaiah the prophet through the Babylonian captivity just before the Jews return to Jerusalem.

Zephaniah 3:8-20

In the closing verses of the book, the prophet raises Messianic expectations. Jehovah will gather a remnant from among the scattered nation who will bring with them a believing people from beyond the rivers of Ethiopia (or Egypt) and every land to which they have fled who no longer bear the names of the idols upon their lips. Israel and the nations they bring will be holy. They will lie down together unafraid as the flock of God.   

Lazarus Is Dead (John 11:1-16)

Word from Mary and Martha comes to Jesus beyond the Jordan (Peraea) pleading that He come to them because Lazarus is sick and nigh to death. Jesus speaks enigmatically to the Twelve preparing them for the journey to Bethany. In these words of Jesus to them we learn much about the courage of Jesus, the love of Jesus and the faith of Jesus. 

Putting Away Childish Things

Paul states a principle in 1 Corinthians 13:11 which he applies to the cessation of spiritual gifts. However, it is a principle he also applies often to the growth and maturation of the disciple. Let's consider what it means for the disciple to put away childish things. 

Fellowship: What It Is and Is Not

There is a grave misunderstanding in the minds of many concerning fellowship. Some seem to think it is nothing more than eating and drinking, entertainment, and good company. While Christians may engage in such with others, the Bible never calls this fellowship. Rather, fellowship is our relationship to God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit which exists through the Gospel. As a result, we have a very real fellowship with God and all the saints living and dead.