Matthew (2013)

If someone freely paid a debt you owe, think how grateful you would be. Listen to this lesson to hear about the second three hours when Jesus was on the Cross and the unique suffering He endured on our behalf. Hear about the four women who witnessed Christ’s crucifixion. Find out about the three hours of darkness that veiled Jesus while God the Father imputed the sins of all mankind to Him and the meaning of a judicial separation that takes place between the Father and the Son. Because of what Christ accomplished on the Cross we can put our faith in Him for our salvation. This lesson also includes Mark 15:33-36 and Luke 23:44-45a.

How do you react when people mock what you believe and make fun of you? Listen to this lesson to hear how Christ handled the ones who mocked, reviled, and taunted Him at His Crucifixion. Find out that there are seven different mocking events, both on the way to the cross and when Jesus was hanging on it. See that He did not answer them back when they ridiculed Him and spit on Him and hit Him. Learn that mocking someone means you feel disdain for that person and when you’re mocking the Creator of the universe you become a fool. See that the way Jesus handled His treatment led to others believing on Him as the Messiah. Only when your soul has been strengthened daily by learning the Word of God can you have joy, stability, and contentment when suffering. The Jesus' Hours on the Cross chart Dr. Dean referred to during this class is available for download from Rose Publishing.

Do you find it difficult to listen to the excruciating events of the first three hours Jesus hung on the cross? Listen to this lesson to hear the epic true story as Jesus’ hands and feet were in horrific pain as the nails pierced the skin. Understand that it was not this physical suffering that paid the penalty for our sins. Learn about the two others who were crucified at the same time and see that they were probably rebels like Barabbas. Hear the first saying of Jesus from the Cross which emphasized His forgiveness for those who did not truly understand what they were doing. Learn that the sign they put over Him identified what the charges were against Him. Realize that Jesus was able to rest in God’s provision as a demonstration that we should have a like mental attitude when we are suffering. The Joel Kramer videos Dr. Dean mentioned in today's Bible class are available here: The Praetorium The Church of the Holy Sepulchre

Salvation is a free gift from God, isn’t it? Listen to this lesson to learn the intense and deeply disturbing price the Lord Jesus Christ paid when He took the punishment for our sins. Follow as Jesus struggles to carry His cross on the road to Golgotha and hear how He gave a compassionate warning to the “daughters of Jerusalem”. Find out what horrors transpired as He was nailed to the cross and how our response should be to live for Him to bring Him glory.

Was Pilate as guilty as the religious leaders for sending Jesus to be crucified? Listen to this lesson to learn that Pilate allowed himself to be influenced by the angry mob because of fear of Caesar. Find out why he ordered Jesus to be scourged and what a cruel and painful punishment that was. See why the Roman soldiers put a crown of thorns and a purple robe on Jesus. Learn the meaning of the mob saying that Jesus’ blood was on them and on their children’s heads and how that verse has been wrongfully used to lead to Christian anti-Semitism through the ages. Marvel at the love Jesus displayed when He allowed Himself to be put to death in such a violent manner in order to take our punishment.

Choices! Life is filled with choices and what you choose determines your future. Listen to this lesson to learn that today everyone faces similar choices to the ones facing religious leaders, Roman rulers, and an unruly crowd the night Jesus was arrested and taken to court. Pilate tried desperately to release Jesus because he couldn’t find that He had committed any crimes but under political pressure Pilate offered the people the choice of releasing Jesus or BarAbbas, a false messiah. Today all of us face that same choice. Will we choose one of the many false messiahs or choose Jesus Christ, the only true Savior? The combined Scripture reading for this class is available in the Notes link below.

What do you think about Jesus Christ? C.S. Lewis said there are only three choices. Either He’s the Lord, or He’s a lunatic, or He’s a liar. Listen to this lesson to learn about how the religious leaders of His day plotted to come up with a crime to convince a Roman prefect, Pontius Pilate, that Jesus had committed treason. See how Pilate tried to get out of making a judgment call by sending Jesus to Herod Antipas. Just as the people in those days had to choose where they stood in the case of Jesus Christ, each of us must make a decision now. Also includes Mark 15:1-5 and Luke 23:1-12.

When Judas was remorseful over his betrayal of Jesus, did that mean he was saved? Listen to this lesson to learn that the Bible says salvation comes by faith alone in Christ alone and not by regretting or feeling sorry for our sins. Find out the differences between remorse, regret, and repentance. See that Judas admits his guilt to the Chief Priest but not to God. Find out the significance of Judas’ throwing the pieces of silver in the temple and how this was a fulfillment of prophecy. Hear about some alleged contradictions in this incident and how they are resolved. Learn that suicide is like all sins and has been paid for by Christ on the Cross.

How would you like the low point of your spiritual life to be recorded in the Bible so all generations can read about it? Listen to this message to learn that the lesson here is that our failures as believers can always be forgiven by God’s grace. Hear Jesus’ prediction to Peter and Peter’s arrogant boasting about how he would never deny Christ. See that, in effect, Peter and the other disciples are denying that Jesus is omniscient. Hear about spiritual vampires and decide if you share any of their traits. Remember that this incident shows that there’s no sin we can commit that can’t be forgiven by the grace of God so we can be restored and continue our spiritual growth.

What should you do when you are accused of something unfairly? Listen to this lesson to learn that no one has ever been treated more unjustly than Jesus Christ when He was arrested and put on trial on trumped-up charges. Hear who was on the “kangaroo court” who wanted to kill Him and were seeking people willing to lie against Jesus. See His example of a relaxed mental attitude which shows confidence that God is always in control even when injustice is taking place. Get a clear picture of Christ’s love for us as He allowed Himself to be spat on, hit, and ridiculed on our behalf. Also included in this class is Luke 22:54, 63–65. Click on the Notes link below to view the list of 22 Rules Broken at Yeshua’s Trial.

What arrogance! It’s hard to comprehend how people could have put the Son of God, Jesus Christ, on trial, but it happened! Listen to this message to hear how Christ’s first trial was held by the high priest, Annas, who was the leader of a crime family who sought witnesses to prove the innocent Christ’s guilt. Jesus Christ, the Light of the World, stood in the presence of the darkness of religious leaders, confident and unafraid. Today He challenges each of us in the same way. What is your response to Him? This lesson also includes John 18:19–24

When is it justified to defend yourself against government authority? Listen to this lesson to learn that there are instances when defense is legitimate but that Jesus Christ chose to submit to unfair authority. Find out how Jesus identifies Himself as God and how His voice affected the crowd. See how Peter reacted and hear what Jesus meant by His warning to Peter. Find out five prophecies that were fulfilled which gives us the confidence today that we can always depend on the Word of God. This lesson also includes Luke 22:47–53 and John 18:2–11. The notes link below includes “The Betrayal and Arrest” chronological reading of this event that Dr. Dean developed at the beginning of this class.

Listen to this lesson to be transported to a time in the Garden of Gethsemane when Satan, having possessed Judas Iscariot, believes he has triumphed over God and won the angelic conflict at last! See how Jesus shows that God is in control when He identifies Himself as “I AM” and goes toward the mob. Find out there were many illegalities in Jesus’ arrest. Learn the nature of Judas’ kiss of betrayal. Understand that when we face our own adversities we can be confident that God is always in control. This lesson also includes Luke 22:47–53 and John 18:2–11. The notes link below includes “The Betrayal and Arrest” chronological reading of this event that Dr. Dean developed at the beginning of this class.

“Tempted and tried, we’re oft made to wonder.” If that old gospel song sounds like your life lately, listen to this lesson about how Jesus handled His tremendous unique testing on His way to the Cross and during His crucifixion. See the solution that Jesus always used when tested. Find out that the Cross was not Satan’s plan so he attacked Jesus to try to get Him to avoid and reject it. Learn that we are not to engage Satan but are to follow Jesus’ instructions to the disciples to watch and pray. Hear five things we need to learn to apply the prayer solution in our life as we realize that God has given us the assets we need to pass our tests when we are walking in the Spirit.

Includes a remembrance of West Houston Bible Church organist Sally Davis. Click the notes link below to view Dr. Dean's “Harmony of Jesus in Gethsemane” document. Have you ever wondered what Jesus was referring to when He fervently prayed that God would take the cup from Him in Matthew 26? Listen to this lesson to understand that the cup is a frequent figure of speech throughout Scripture. See how it refers to judgment in the Old Testament. Find out that in this instance it has a deeper meaning than references to Jesus’ general suffering and mission on the Cross. Learn how it is a challenge to discipleship for believers. In addition, discover an appreciation of the value of art from the Middle Ages and renaissance, which portrays the content of the Bible.

What are the worst problems you have ever suffered in life? No matter how horrendous, none compare with what Christ faced in the Garden of Gethsemane. Listen to this lesson to learn how Jesus prayed during His adversities. Hear about the hypostatic union and how Jesus has two natures in one Person eternally. Learn the answer to the question of whether Jesus had a will of His own in His humanity. Recognize that in order for us to know God’s will we must study God’s Word. Click the notes link below to view Dr. Dean's “Harmony of Jesus in Gethsemane” document.

Is there a pattern we can follow when we find ourselves in severe pressures and adversity? Listen to this lesson to learn that Jesus set the pattern for believers in the Garden of Gethsemane. Find out that even though Jesus was impeccable, without sin, He still had human emotions. Learn that He never chose to go against God the Father’s will. Realize that we face a choice like His. Will we operate independently of the Father’s will or will we trust God and apply His Word? Also includes Luke 22:39-46 Click the notes link below to view Dr. Dean's “Harmony of Jesus in Gethsemane” document.

Do you wonder why Jesus was so overwhelmed with sorrow in the Garden of Gethsemane? Listen to this lesson to learn what the cup means in this passage. Find out that when Jesus was going to be made sin for us it affected His humanity in a deeply emotional way that did not involve sin. See that all believers stumble at times, even strong ones like Peter. Learn that if any of us deny Christ we will be denied rewards but not lose our salvation. Allow this lesson to teach us the importance of organizing our lives around learning and applying the Word of God. This class also includes parallel passage Luke 22:39-46.

Can we do something so terrible that God can never forgive us? Listen to this lesson to learn that every sin mankind has ever committed or will commit was nailed to the Cross without exception. Because of God’s grace we are never without hope for forgiveness. See how the disciples were concerned about who would be greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven and Jesus’ surprising answer about serving others. Just like the disciples all of us are going to fail, but there is always forgiveness by God’s grace when we confess our sins.

Have you ever wondered what it would have been like to be at the Last Supper, as it’s frequently called, with Jesus and His disciples? Listen to this lesson to hear the actual events that took place that evening. See that this was the Passover Seder meal commemorating Israel’s departure from Egypt. Find out that all leaven had to be removed and the cleansing that was required. Learn about the symbols of the Seder meal and some of their origins. See that Jesus’ washing of the disciples’ feet spoke of His love and forgiveness. Learn that the 4th cup still has a future fulfillment.