Jesus Christ

John 1:17

For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.

John 1:16-18 (in Context) John 1 (Whole Chapter) Other Translations

John 17:3

Now this is eternal life: that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent.

John 17:2-4 (in Context) John 17 (Whole Chapter) Other Translations

Acts 2:38

Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.

Acts 2:37-39 (in Context) Acts 2 (Whole Chapter) Other Translations

Acts 3:6

Then Peter said, “Silver or gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk.”

Acts 3:5-7 (in Context) Acts 3 (Whole Chapter) Other Translations

Acts 4:10

then know this, you and all the people of Israel: It is by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified but whom God raised from the dead, that this man stands before you healed.

Acts 4:9-11 (in Context) Acts 4 (Whole Chapter) Other Translations

Acts 8:12

But when they believed Philip as he proclaimed the good news of the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women.

Acts 8:11-13 (in Context) Acts 8 (Whole Chapter) Other Translations

Acts 9:34

“Aeneas,” Peter said to him, “Jesus Christ heals you. Get up and roll up your mat.” Immediately Aeneas got up.

Acts 9:33-35 (in Context) Acts 9 (Whole Chapter) Other Translations

Acts 10:36

You know the message God sent to the people of Israel, announcing the good news of peace through Jesus Christ, who is Lord of all.

Acts 10:35-37 (in Context) Acts 10 (Whole Chapter) Other Translations

Acts 10:48

So he ordered that they be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. Then they asked Peter to stay with them for a few days.

Acts 10:47-48 (in Context) Acts 10 (Whole Chapter) Other Translations

Acts 11:17

So if God gave them the same gift he gave us who believed in the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I to think that I could stand in God’s way?”

Acts 11:16-18 (in Context) Acts 11 (Whole Chapter) Other Translations

Jesus Christ

Matthew 1:1
[ The Genealogy of Jesus Christ ] The book of the genealogy of Jesus Christ, the Son of David, the Son of Abraham:
Matthew 1:1-3 (in Context) Matthew 1 (Whole Chapter) Other Translations
Matthew 1:16
And Jacob begot Joseph the husband of Mary, of whom was born Jesus who is called Christ.
Matthew 1:15-17 (in Context) Matthew 1 (Whole Chapter) Other Translations
Matthew 1:18
[ Christ Born of Mary ] Now the birth of Jesus Christ was as follows: After His mother Mary was betrothed to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Spirit.
Matthew 1:17-19 (in Context) Matthew 1 (Whole Chapter) Other Translations
Matthew 16:13
[ Peter Confesses Jesus as the Christ ] When Jesus came into the region of Caesarea Philippi, He asked His disciples, saying, “Who do men say that I, the Son of Man, am?”
Matthew 16:12-14 (in Context) Matthew 16 (Whole Chapter) Other Translations
Matthew 16:20
Then He commanded His disciples that they should tell no one that He was Jesus the Christ.
Matthew 16:19-21 (in Context) Matthew 16 (Whole Chapter) Other Translations
Matthew 26:63
But Jesus kept silent. And the high priest answered and said to Him, “I put You under oath by the living God: Tell us if You are the Christ, the Son of God!”
Matthew 26:62-64 (in Context) Matthew 26 (Whole Chapter) Other Translations
Matthew 27:17
Therefore, when they had gathered together, Pilate said to them, “Whom do you want me to release to you? Barabbas, or Jesus who is called Christ?”
Matthew 27:16-18 (in Context) Matthew 27 (Whole Chapter) Other Translations
Matthew 27:22
Pilate said to them, “What then shall I do with Jesus who is called Christ?” They all said to him, “Let Him be crucified!”
Matthew 27:21-23 (in Context) Matthew 27 (Whole Chapter) Other Translations
Mark 1:1
[ John the Baptist Prepares the Way ] The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God.
Mark 1:1-3 (in Context) Mark 1 (Whole Chapter) Other Translations
Mark 8:27
[ Peter Confesses Jesus as the Christ ] Now Jesus and His disciples went out to the towns of Caesarea Philippi; and on the road He asked His disciples, saying to them, “Who do men say that I am?”
Mark 8:26-28 (in Context) Mark 8 (Whole Chapter) Other Translations
Mark 12:35
[ Jesus: How Can David Call His Descendant Lord? ] Then Jesus answered and said, while He taught in the temple, “How is it that the scribes say that the Christ is the Son of David?
Mark 12:34-36 (in Context) Mark 12 (Whole Chapter) Other Translations
Luke 3:23
[ The Genealogy of Jesus Christ ] Now Jesus Himself began His ministry at about thirty years of age, being (as was supposed) the son of Joseph, the son of Heli,
Luke 3:22-24 (in Context) Luke 3 (Whole Chapter) Other Translations
Luke 9:18
[ Peter Confesses Jesus as the Christ ] And it happened, as He was alone praying, that His disciples joined Him, and He asked them, saying, “Who do the crowds say that I am?”
Luke 9:17-19 (in Context) Luke 9 (Whole Chapter) Other Translations
Luke 20:41
[ Jesus: How Can David Call His Descendant Lord? ] And He said to them, “How can they say that the Christ is the Son of David?
Luke 20:40-42 (in Context) Luke 20 (Whole Chapter) Other Translations
John 1:17
For the law was given through Moses, but grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.
John 1:16-18 (in Context) John 1 (Whole Chapter) Other Translations
John 3:22
[ John the Baptist Exalts Christ ] After these things Jesus and His disciples came into the land of Judea, and there He remained with them and baptized.
John 3:21-23 (in Context) John 3 (Whole Chapter) Other Translations
John 16:25
[ Jesus Christ Has Overcome the World ] “These things I have spoken to you in figurative language; but the time is coming when I will no longer speak to you in figurative language, but I will tell you plainly about the Father.
John 16:24-26 (in Context) John 16 (Whole Chapter) Other Translations
John 17:3
And this is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent.
John 17:2-4 (in Context) John 17 (Whole Chapter) Other Translations
John 20:31
but these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in His name.
John 20:30-31 (in Context) John 20 (Whole Chapter) Other Translations
Acts 2:36
“Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly that God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ.”
Acts 2:35-37 (in Context) Acts 2 (Whole Chapter) Other Translations
Acts 2:38
Then Peter said to them, “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.
Acts 2:37-39 (in Context) Acts 2 (Whole Chapter) Other Translations
Acts 3:6
Then Peter said, “Silver and gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk.”
Acts 3:5-7 (in Context) Acts 3 (Whole Chapter) Other Translations
Acts 3:20
and that He may send Jesus Christ, who was preached to you before,
Acts 3:19-21 (in Context) Acts 3 (Whole Chapter) Other Translations
Acts 4:10
let it be known to you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead, by Him this man stands here before you whole.
Acts 4:9-11 (in Context) Acts 4 (Whole Chapter) Other Translations
Acts 5:42
And daily in the temple, and in every house, they did not cease teaching and preaching Jesus as the Christ.
Acts 5:41-42 (in Context) Acts 5 (Whole Chapter) Other Translations

Jesus Christ Lord & Savior

Acts 8:12
But when they believed Philip as he preached the things concerning the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, both men and women were baptized.
Acts 8:11-13 (in Context) Acts 8 (Whole Chapter) Other Translations
Acts 8:37
Then Philip said, “If you believe with all your heart, you may.” And he answered and said, “I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.”
Acts 8:36-38 (in Context) Acts 8 (Whole Chapter) Other Translations
Acts 9:22
But Saul increased all the more in strength, and confounded the Jews who dwelt in Damascus, proving that this Jesus is the Christ.
Acts 9:21-23 (in Context) Acts 9 (Whole Chapter) Other Translations
Acts 9:34
And Peter said to him, “Aeneas, Jesus the Christ heals you. Arise and make your bed.” Then he arose immediately.
Acts 9:33-35 (in Context) Acts 9 (Whole Chapter) Other Translations
Acts 10:36
The word which God sent to the children of Israel, preaching peace through Jesus Christ—He is Lord of all—
Acts 10:35-37 (in Context) Acts 10 (Whole Chapter) Other Translations
Acts 11:17
If therefore God gave them the same gift as He gave us when we believed on the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I that I could withstand God?”
Acts 11:16-18 (in Context) Acts 11 (Whole Chapter) Other Translations
Acts 15:11
But we believe that through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ we shall be saved in the same manner as they.”
Acts 15:10-12 (in Context) Acts 15 (Whole Chapter) Other Translations
Acts 15:26
men who have risked their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Acts 15:25-27 (in Context) Acts 15 (Whole Chapter) Other Translations
Acts 16:18
And this she did for many days. But Paul, greatly annoyed, turned and said to the spirit, “I command you in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her.” And he came out that very hour.
Acts 16:17-19 (in Context) Acts 16 (Whole Chapter) Other Translations
Acts 16:31
So they said, “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved, you and your household.”
Acts 16:30-32 (in Context) Acts 16 (Whole Chapter) Other Translations
Acts 17:3
explaining and demonstrating that the Christ had to suffer and rise again from the dead, and saying, “This Jesus whom I preach to you is the Christ.”
Acts 17:2-4 (in Context) Acts 17 (Whole Chapter) Other Translations
Acts 18:5
When Silas and Timothy had come from Macedonia, Paul was compelled by the Spirit, and testified to the Jews that Jesus is the Christ.
Acts 18:4-6 (in Context) Acts 18 (Whole Chapter) Other Translations
Acts 18:28
for he vigorously refuted the Jews publicly, showing from the Scriptures that Jesus is the Christ.
Acts 18:27-28 (in Context) Acts 18 (Whole Chapter) Other Translations
Acts 19:4
Then Paul said, “John indeed baptized with a baptism of repentance, saying to the people that they should believe on Him who would come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus.”
Acts 19:3-5 (in Context) Acts 19 (Whole Chapter) Other Translations
Acts 20:21
testifying to Jews, and also to Greeks, repentance toward God and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ.
Acts 20:20-22 (in Context) Acts 20 (Whole Chapter) Other Translations
Acts 28:31
preaching the kingdom of God and teaching the things which concern the Lord Jesus Christ with all confidence, no one forbidding him.
Acts 28:30-31 (in Context) Acts 28 (Whole Chapter) Other Translations
Romans 1:1
[ Greeting ] Paul, a bondservant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated to the gospel of God
Romans 1:1-3 (in Context) Romans 1 (Whole Chapter) Other Translations
Romans 1:3
concerning His Son Jesus Christ our Lord, who was born of the seed of David according to the flesh,
Romans 1:2-4 (in Context) Romans 1 (Whole Chapter) Other Translations
Romans 1:6
among whom you also are the called of Jesus Christ;
Romans 1:5-7 (in Context) Romans 1 (Whole Chapter) Other Translations
Romans 1:7
To all who are in Rome, beloved of God, called to be saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
Romans 1:6-8 (in Context) Romans 1 (Whole Chapter) Other Translations
Romans 1:8
[ Desire to Visit Rome ] First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for you all, that your faith is spoken of throughout the whole world.
Romans 1:7-9 (in Context) Romans 1 (Whole Chapter) Other Translations
Romans 2:16
in the day when God will judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ, according to my gospel.
Romans 2:15-17 (in Context) Romans 2 (Whole Chapter) Other Translations
Romans 3:22
even the righteousness of God, through faith in Jesus Christ, to all and on all who believe. For there is no difference;
Romans 3:21-23 (in Context) Romans 3 (Whole Chapter) Other Translations
Romans 3:24
being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus,
Romans 3:23-25 (in Context) Romans 3 (Whole Chapter) Other Translations
Romans 5:1
[ Faith Triumphs in Trouble ] Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ,
Romans 5:1-3 (in Context) Romans 5 (Whole Chapter) Other Translations

Book of Acts

The Book of Acts does not specifically identify its author. From Luke 1:1-4 and Acts 1:1-3, it is clear that the same author wrote both Luke and Acts. The tradition from the earliest days of the church has been that Luke, a companion of the apostle Paul, wrote both Luke and Acts (Colossians 4:14; 2 Timothy 4:11). Date of Writing: The Book of Acts was likely written between 61-64 A.D. Purpose of Writing: The Book of Acts was written to provide a history of the early church. The emphasis of the book is the importance of the day of Pentecost and being empowered to be effective witnesses for Jesus Christ. Acts records the apostles being Christ's witnesses in Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and to the rest of the surrounding world. The book sheds light on the gift of the Holy Spirit, who empowers, guides, teaches, and serves as our Counselor. Reading the book of Acts, we are enlightened and encouraged by the many miracles that were being performed during this time by the disciples Peter, John, and Paul. The book of Acts emphasizes the importance of obedience to God’s Word and the transformation that occurs as a result of knowing Christ. There are also many references to those that rejected the truth that the disciples preached about the Lord Jesus Christ. The lust for power, greed, and many other vices of the devil are evidenced in the book of Acts. Key Verses: Acts 1:8: "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth." Acts 2:4: "All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them." Acts 4:12: "Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved." Acts 4:19-20: “But Peter and John replied, ‘Judge for yourselves whether it is right in God's sight to obey you rather than God. For we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard.’" Acts 9:3-6: "As he [Saul] neared Damascus on his journey, suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him. He fell to the ground and heard a voice say to him, ‘Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?’ ‘Who are you, Lord?’ Saul asked. ‘I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting,’ he replied. ‘Now get up and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do.’" Acts 16:31: "So they said, ‘Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved.’" Brief Summary: The book of Acts gives the history of the Christian church and the spread of the gospel of Jesus Christ, as well as the mounting opposition to it. Although many faithful servants were used to preach and teach the gospel of Jesus Christ, Saul, whose name was changed to Paul, was the most influential. Before he was converted, Paul took great pleasure in persecuting and killing Christians. Paul’s dramatic conversion on the Damascus road (Acts 9:1-31) is a highlight of the book of Acts. After his conversion he went to the opposite extreme of loving God and preaching His Word with power, fervency and the Spirit of the true and living God. The disciples were empowered by the Holy Spirit to be His witnesses in Jerusalem (chapters 1–8:3), Judea and Samaria (chapters 8:4–12:25), and to the ends of the earth (chapters 13:1–28). Included in the last section are Paul’s three missionary journeys (13:1–21:16), his trials in Jerusalem and Caesarea (21:17–26:32) and his final journey to Rome (27:1–18:31). Connections: The Book of Acts serves as a transition from the Old Covenant of law-keeping to the New Covenant of grace and faith. This transition is seen in several key events in Acts. First, there was a change in the ministry of the Holy Spirit, whose primary function in the Old Testament was the external “anointing” of God’s people, among them Moses (Numbers 11:17), Othniel (Judges 3:8-10), Gideon (Judges 6:34), and Saul (1 Samuel 10:6-10). After the resurrection of Jesus, the Spirit came to live in the very hearts of believers (Romans 8:9-11; 1 Corinthians 3:16), guiding and empowering them from within. The indwelling Spirit is the gift of God to those who come to Him in faith. Paul’s conversion was a dramatic example of the transition from the Old Covenant to the New. Paul admitted that, prior to meeting the risen Savior, he was the most zealous of Israelites and was blameless “concerning the righteousness of the law” (Philippians 3:6 NKJV), going so far as to persecute those who taught salvation by grace through faith in Christ. But after his conversion, he realized that all his legalistic efforts were worthless, saying he considered them “rubbish, that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ—the righteousness that comes from God and is by faith” (Philippians 3:8b-9). Now we, too, live by faith, not by the works of the law, so there is no boasting (Ephesians 2:8-9). Peter’s vision of the sheet in Acts 10:9-15 is another sign of the transition from the Old Covenant—in this case the dietary laws particular to the Jews—to the New Covenant’s unity of Jew and Gentile in one universal Church. The “clean” animals symbolizing the Jews and the “unclean” animals symbolizing the Gentiles were both declared “cleansed” by God through the sacrificial death of Christ. No longer under the Old Covenant of law, both are now united in the New Covenant of grace through faith in the shed blood of Christ on the cross. Practical Application: God can do amazing things through ordinary people when He empowers them through His Spirit. God essentially took a group of fisherman and used them to turn the world upside down (Acts 17:6). God took a Christian-hating murderer and changed him into the greatest Christian evangelist, the author of almost half the books of the New Testament. God used persecution to cause the quickest expansion of a "new faith" in the history of the world. God can and does do the same through us—changing our hearts, empowering us by the Holy Spirit, and giving us a passion to spread the good news of salvation through Christ. If we try to accomplish these things in our own power, we will fail. Like the disciples in Acts 1:8, we are to wait for the empowering of the Spirit, then go in His power to fulfill the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20). Recommended Resources: Acts 1-12, MacArthur New Testament Commentary by John MacArthur. Acts 13-28, MacArthur New Testament Commentary by John MacArthur. Acts NIV Application Commentary by Ajith Fernando. The Book of Acts, New International Commentary on the New Testament by F.F. Bruce. Acts, Holman New Testament Commentary by Kenneth Gangel. This page is also available in: Español, Português, Polski Related Topics: Gospel of Mark Gospel of Luke Gospel of John Book of Romans Book of 1 Corinthians Return to: New Testament Survey Return to: GotQuestions.org Home Book of Acts

Down Through The Roof - Jesus Heals A Paralytic Man

Down Through The Roof - Jesus Heals A Paralytic Man Matt. 9:2-8; Mark 2:1-12; Luke 5:18-26

Jesus said to the man, "Be of good cheer, for your sins are forgiven. Take up your bed and return to your own house." WHEREVER JESUS WENT, crowds followed him. In the streets, or even in the homes of Capernaum, many people gathered when they knew he was present. Some of these people were his friends, others were merely persons curious to hear him speak and to see him perform some miracle, while still others followed for the purpose of finding fault with him. One day while Jesus was in Capernaum so many people came to the house where he was staying that they left no room for others to enter. Among them, as usual, were his disciples and friends, the curiosity-seekers, and the fault-finders. These fault-finders were scribes and Pharisees who had come from far-off places to hear him. They had heard many reports about his wonderful teachings, and they wished to hear him for themselves. As he talked, they sat near by, watching every move he made. Into that crowded room sick people had been brought, and Jesus healed them all. Then while he preached about the kingdom of God the listeners were surprised to hear a scrambling overhead. Presently the roof began to part, and the people saw a queer-looking object being lowered from the ceiling. Then they recognized the form of a crippled man lying on a bed. On the roof were the four friends of this crippled man. They had tried to bring him to Jesus; but when they carried him as far as the door they saw that it would not be possible to push with their burden through the crowd. Yet they were determined to bring this suffering man to the great Healer. The man was not able to move himself about, and day after day he had lain upon his bed because of the disease that had made him so weak and helpless. When the crowd had refused to make way for them to pass, the four friends carried the man up on the flat roof of the house. Then they tore up the roof tiling and saw where Jesus stood. This done, they tied ropes about the bed on which the man lay, and lowered the bed very carefully into the room, before Jesus. Of course the service was interrupted when the sick man was being lowered by the ropes from the roof. The onlookers wondered what Jesus would do. Perhaps some of them knew this sick man. They were all surprised when they heard Jesus say to him, "Son, be of good cheer, for your sins are forgiven." The look of pain left the sick man's face and a happy smile came instead. But the astonished people were not watching him. They were looking in surprise at the one who had dared to say, "Your sins are forgiven." They knew God had power to forgive sins, but they did not know that Jesus was the Son of God. The fault-finders began to say in their hearts, "Who is this who pretends to forgive sins?" None except God can do that! Jesus knew their thoughts, and he said, "Why do you think evil of me in your hearts? Is it easier to tell the man that his sins are forgiven, or to tell him to rise up from his bed and walk? That you may know I have power on earth to forgive sins too [then Jesus turned to the helpless man lying on the couch before him and said], Arise, take up your bed and return to your own house." Immediately the stiffness departed from the sick man's limbs and strength came into his body. Then he arose up in the presence of all the people, rolled up the couch, or mat, upon which he had lain for many days, and lifted it up on his shoulders just as well men carried their beds in that country. The surprised people made way for him, and he walked out through their midst into the street to join his happy friends. Great fear came upon the people in that crowded house. They glorified God, and said to each other as they hurried home, "Surely we have seen strange things today!" Tomorrow: Jesus Raises A Widow's Son From The Dead

"What happened on the Mount of Olives?"

Jesus made two visits to the Mount of Olives that are recorded in the Bible, both in the last week of His life. The first visit was to deliver what has come to be known as the Olivet Discourse recorded in Matthew 24:1–25:46. Parallel passages are found in Mark 13:1-37 and Luke 21:5-36. The second visit was on the night He was betrayed. That evening began with the Last Supper and ended in the Garden of Gethsemane on the Mount of Olives.

The content of the Olivet Discourse is Jesus’ response to His disciples’ question “Tell us, when will these things be, and what will be the sign of your coming and of the close of the age?" (Matthew 24:3). The content of what Jesus taught in Matthew 24–25 primarily refers to the future tribulation period and the second coming of Christ at the end of the tribulation. The Discourse includes parables about those who wait for the Master’s coming—the wise and faithful servant (Matthew 24:45-51), the five wise virgins (Matthew 25:1-13), and the good servant who uses his “talents” (money) wisely as he waits for the Master’s return (Matthew 25:14-30).

Jesus’ second visit to the Mount of Olives followed His last Passover meal with His disciples, in which He established the New Covenant and then revealed Judas as the one who would betray His master (John 13:1-30). At the conclusion of the meal, Jesus instituted the Lord’s Supper (Matthew 26:26-29; 1 Corinthians 11:23-26). After the meal, He took His disciples to the Garden of Gethsemane, literally “oil-press,” located on a slope of the Mount of Olives just across the Kidron Valley from Jerusalem. There Jesus prayed in agony as He contemplated the day to come. So overcome by the horror of what He was to experience in the crucifixion the following day that God sent an angel from heaven to strengthen Him (Luke 22:43).

After this, Judas Iscariot, the betrayer, arrived with a “multitude” of soldiers, high priests, Pharisees, and servants to arrest Jesus. Judas identified Him by the prearranged signal of a kiss which he gave to Jesus. Trying to protect Jesus, Peter took a sword and attacked a man named Malthus, the servant of the high priest, cutting off his ear. Jesus rebuked Peter and healed the man’s ear, displaying the miraculous power of God. Nevertheless, they arrested Him and took Him to Pontius Pilate, while the disciples scattered in fear for their lives.

The Mount of Olives is also mentioned in the Book of Zechariah. In a prophecy related to the end times, the Prophet Zechariah declared, "On that day his feet will stand on the Mount of Olives, east of Jerusalem, and the Mount of Olives will be split in two from east to west, forming a great valley, with half of the mountain moving north and half moving south" (Zechariah 14:4). This prophecy, related to the triumphant coming of the Messiah, connects to both of the above Mount of Olives passages. It connects with the Olivet Discourse in that both passages refer to the end times. It connects with the Garden of Gethsemane in that the very location where Jesus was betrayed and rejected will be the same location where Jesus returns triumphantly.

Recommended Resource: Jesus: The Greatest Life of All by Charles Swindoll.

"What is the meaning of the Parable of the Mustard Seed?"

Like with all parables, the purpose of the Parable of the Mustard Seed is to teach a concept or “big idea” using elements or details, like birds, weeds, and growth, that are common, easily recognized, and usually representational of something else. While the elements themselves do have importance, an overemphasis on the details or literal focus on an element usually leads to interpretive errors and missing the main point of the parable. One of the possible practical reasons that Jesus used parables is that parables teach a concept or idea by using word pictures. By depicting concepts, the message is not as readily lost to changes in word usage, technology, cultural context, or the passage of time as easily as it might be with a literal detailed narrative. Two thousand years later, we can still understand concepts like sameness, growth, the presence of evil influence, etc. This approach also promotes practicing principles rather than inflexible adherence to laws. Further emphasis on a singular point is given when multiple parables are given consecutively on the same subject, as is the case with the Parable of the Mustard Seed.

The Parable of the Mustard Seed is contained in all three of the synoptic gospels. However, the Gospel of Matthew provides us with the most peripheral information, as it includes one parable before and after the mustard seed parable, each teaching on the same subject. Each of the three parables: the weeds among the wheat, the mustard seed, and the yeast have six common elements in them, providing structure which helps us to interpret the individual parables. The common elements are (1) a similitude about "the kingdom of heaven," the earthly sphere of profession both true and false; (2) “a man,” Christ; (3) “a field,” the world; (4) “seed,” the Word of God or its effect; (5) ”growth” or “spreading,” church growth; and (6) the presence of evil, symbolized by weeds, birds of the air, and yeast.

The Parable of the Mustard Seed was taught in rhetorical hyperbole. Here, Jesus uses a shrub/tree coming from a seed (John 12:24) to represent kingdom growth, consistent with other tree/kingdom references (Ezekiel 17:23 and Daniel 4:11-21). The seed’s growth attracts the presence of evil—depicted as birds (Matthew 13:4, 19; Revelation 18:2)—to dilute the church while taking advantage of its benefits.

So, the picture painted in the Parable of the Mustard Seed by Jesus is of the humble beginnings of the church experiencing an explosive rate of growth. It grows large and becomes a source of food, rest, and shelter, for both believers and false professing individuals that seek to consume or take advantage of its benefits while residing or mixing among what was produced by the seed (1 Corinthians 5:1; 6:7; 2 Corinthians 11:13; Galatians 1:7). In other words, Jesus predicts that, while the church will grow extremely large from just a small start, it will not remain pure. While this is not a condemnation of the "bigness" of modern Christianity, it does show us the greatest burden that comes with it. The Parable of the Mustard Seed is both a prediction and a warning. May we listen to its message.

Recommended Resource: Parables of Jesus by James Montgomery Boice.