If Jesus Knew...

 ,,,that He was God, when did he know it?

Jesus was always God. From eternity past He has been the second Person of the Trinity, and He always will be. The question of when, after the Incarnation, the human Jesus knew that He was God is interesting, but it is not addressed in Scripture. We know that, as an adult, Jesus fully realized who He was, expressing it this way: “Very truly I tell you, . . . before Abraham was born, I am!” (John 8:58). And when He prayed, “Now, Father, glorify me in your presence with the glory I had with you before the world began” (John 17:5).

It also seems that, as a child, Jesus was already aware of His nature and work. When Jesus was twelve years old, Joseph and Mary took the family to Jerusalem. On their way home, they were concerned about Jesus’ being missing from their caravan. They returned to Jerusalem and found Jesus “in the temple courts, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions” (Luke 2:46). His mother asked Jesus why He would disappear and worry them so. Jesus asked in return, “Why were you searching for me? . . . . Didn’t you know I had to be in my Father’s house?” (verse 49). Joseph and Mary did not understand Jesus’ words (verse 50). Whatever those around Him did not grasp, it seems that Jesus, at a very young age, did know that He was the Son of God and that the Father had foreordained the work He was to do.

After the incident in the temple, Luke says, “Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man” (Luke 2:52). If at this point in Jesus’ human experience He knew everything, He would not need to “grow in wisdom.” We emphasize that this was Jesus’ human experience. Jesus never ceased being God, but in some matters He veiled His divinity in accordance with the Father’s will. Thus, the Son subjected Himself to physical, intellectual, social, and spiritual growth. The Son of God voluntarily put Himself in the position of needing to assimilate knowledge as a man.

When did Jesus know that He was God? From the heavenly perspective, the Son knew from eternity past who He was and what His earthly work was to be. From the earthly perspective, the incarnate Jesus came to that realization at some point early in life. Just when that point was, we cannot know for sure. (Source: gotquestions.org)

18 Here is wisdom. Let him that hath understanding count the number of the beast: for it is the number of a man; and his number is Six hundred threescore and six.

Revelation 13:18 calls for wisdom to discern the number of the beast, 666, symbolizing human imperfection and the deceptive power of evil.

Context of the Verse

Revelation 13:18 appears in a vision given to the apostle John on the island of Patmos, where he sees a beast rising from the sea with ten horns and seven heads, representing worldly power and authority granted by Satan, the dragon. Another beast rises from the earth, performing signs and deceiving people into worshiping the first beast. The number 666 is introduced as the "number of a man," emphasizing human imperfection and the flawed nature of worldly systems in contrast to divine perfection (God’s number is symbolically seven) godsbless.ing+1.

Meaning of the Number 666

The number 666 is symbolic rather than literal. In biblical numerology, seven represents completeness and divine perfection, while six falls short of seven, symbolizing human imperfection. Repeating six three times emphasizes the depth of human failure and rebellion against God. The verse invites believers to exercise discernment and spiritual wisdom to recognize the deceptive nature of evil and false authority godsbless.ing+1.

Call for Wisdom and Discernment

The phrase "let the one who has understanding calculate the number of the beast" encourages active engagement and reflection. It implies that spiritual insight, rather than mere intellectual cleverness, is required to perceive the true nature of the beast and its influence. This wisdom allows believers to distinguish between genuine faith and deceptive appearances, remaining steadfast in their devotion to God despite worldly temptations or pressures GotQuestions.org+1.

Spiritual and Practical Implications

Revelation 13:18 serves as a warning about the cosmic struggle between good and evil. The beast represents systems or individuals that appear powerful and attractive but are ultimately flawed and opposed to God. Believers are urged to remain vigilant, discerning, and faithful, recognizing that worldly power and material success can be deceptive. The verse also highlights the importance of moral and spiritual insight in navigating challenges and resisting compromise with evil godsbless.ing+1.

Summary

In essence, Revelation 13:18 emphasizes that understanding the forces of evil requires wisdom, discernment, and spiritual insight. The number 666 symbolizes human imperfection and the deceptive allure of worldly power, reminding believers to remain faithful, vigilant, and guided by divine wisdom in the face of spiritual and moral challenges godsbless.ing+2.

Thanks for coming by today, Friends. Have a blessed day in Jesus!

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If Jesus knew...

 ...who the prostitute was, why did He let her anoint Him with expensive perfume?

What is the significance of Jesus being anointed by a woman with expensive perfume

All four gospels present an account of Jesus being anointed by a woman with a costly jar of perfume (Matthew 26:6–13; Mark 14:3–9; Luke 7:36–50; John 12:1–8). Matthew and Mark relate the same event but do not give the woman’s name; Luke tells of a different woman, also anonymous, on an earlier occasion; and, in yet another event, the woman in John is identified as Mary of Bethany (John 11:2), sister to Martha and Lazarus. To understand the significance of Jesus being anointed on these three occasions, we’ll look at each account separately and then compare and contrast them in conclusion

The anointing of Jesus in Matthew takes place two days before Passover in the town of Bethany at Simon the leper’s home: “Now when Jesus was at Bethany in the house of Simon the leper, a woman came up to him with an alabaster flask of very expensive ointment, and she poured it on his head as he reclined at table” (Matthew 26:6–7, ESV).

Matthew focuses on the anointing of Jesus as a teaching episode for the disciples, who react with anger because of the woman’s wasteful extravagance. But Jesus defends her, saying, “She has done a beautiful thing to me” (Matthew 26:10). Christ explains that the anointing is to prepare His body for burial and that the woman’s act of love will forever be remembered wherever the good news is preached.

Mark tells the same story in similar terms, with an anonymous woman with an alabaster box interrupting a meal in Simon the leper’s home to anoint the head of Jesus with expensive perfume. Again, the woman’s critics describe her gift as excessive, complaining that it could have been sold for more than a year’s wages (Mark 14:5). But Jesus receives the woman’s gift as a selfless act of love and devotion—an appropriate way to honor the Messiah. Jesus reveals that He will not be with them much longer, which references His impending death and burial.

Both Matthew and Mark’s accounts emphasize the prophetic significance of the anointing of Jesus, alluding to His death and burial. There may also be an implication of Jesus’ kingship, since, in the Old Testament, the anointing of the head was often associated with the dedication of kings (1 Samuel 9:15—10:1; 16:12–13; 1 Kings 1:38–40).

In Luke’s account of a similar, yet different, instance, Jesus uses the occasion of being anointed to tell a parable about forgiveness (Luke 7:39–50). About a year before His death, Jesus was dining in the home of Simon the Pharisee, who had arrogantly neglected to extend the customary respect and hospitality to his guest, while a sinful woman anoints Jesus’ feet, lavishing her love and gratefulness upon Jesus.

In John’s gospel, Lazarus’ sister Mary is the woman who anoints Jesus with a high-priced perfume at a dinner in Bethany. The story is similar to those in the other gospels, although this anointing takes place six days before Passover, and Judas is named as the disciple who objects to the “waste.” On this occasion, “Mary took a twelve-ounce jar of expensive perfume made from essence of nard, and she anointed Jesus’ feet with it, wiping his feet with her hair”(John 12:3, NLT). Jesus defends Mary from Judas’s criticism by pointing out the unique opportunity Mary had: “You will always have the poor among you, but you will not always have me” (John 12:8).

Mary’s anointing again points to Christ’s identity as Messiah-King, but it also points to His humble position as Servant-King. When Mary anoints Jesus’ feet and then wipes them with her hair, she foreshadows Jesus’ actions at the upcoming Last Supper when the Lord washes the disciples’ feet and teaches them how to love one another through sacrificial, humble service (John 13:1–20).

In each account, a woman pours out a precious and costly perfume in an extravagant act of worship. The three women who anointed Jesus recognized Christ’s unequaled value and expressed their gratitude with unreserved love and devotion. Two anointings of Jesus happen during the week of Passover and are linked with His imminent death and burial. The earlier anointing, in Luke’s account, is in the middle of Jesus’ ministry in Galilee and draws a different lesson on forgiveness and love.

In each case, the woman’s actions signal more than she knows. But, although she may not fully comprehend the messianic significance of her anointing, each woman had come to appreciate Christ’s worth more than anyone else at the table.

Jesus Christ is God’s anointed Messiah. The word Messiah means “anointed one” and derives directly from the Hebrew word for “anointed.” Christ comes from the Greek word Christos, also meaning “anointed one.” Thus, Christ is the Greek equivalent to Messiah. When Jesus receives the Holy Spirit at His baptism, He is “anointed” by God in preparation for His life’s work (Luke 3:22; cf. Acts 10:38; Luke 4:18). On three separate occasions, Jesus is anointed with fragrant ointment in His work as the Savior, the King of heaven who was in preparation to die to save His people.

(Source: gotquestions.org)

16 And he causeth all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond, to receive a mark in their right hand, or in their foreheads:

17 And that no man might buy or sell, save he that had the mark, or the name of the beast, or the number of his name.

Revelation 13:16-17 describes the mark of the beast, symbolizing allegiance to a corrupt system and the spiritual choice between submission to evil or faithfulness to God.

Context and Overview

In Revelation 13, the Apostle John depicts a vision of the end times, featuring a tyrannical world leader known as the Beast, supported by the False Prophet, who deceives people through miraculous signs. Revelation 13:16-17 specifically addresses the imposition of a mark on the right hand or forehead, which signifies allegiance to the Beast and submission to his authority, particularly in economic matters, as no one can buy or sell without it (GodsBless.ing) godsbless.ing.

Symbolism of the Mark

The mark is not necessarily literal; it represents a spiritual and moral choice. The right hand symbolizes actions and labor, while the forehead represents character and thought. Accepting the mark indicates compliance with the principles of a corrupt system, whereas refusing it demonstrates steadfast faith and integrity (BibleHub) Bible Hub. This mirrors the seal of God on believers’ foreheads, which signifies loyalty and divine protection.

Social and Economic Implications

The passage emphasizes the universal reach of the Beast’s power, affecting all people regardless of social status—small and great, rich and poor, free and slave (TheBibleSays.com) thebiblesays.com. The mark functions as a tool of control, restricting participation in commerce and enforcing conformity, highlighting the tension between worldly pressures and spiritual fidelity.

Spiritual and Moral Lessons

Revelation 13:16-17 serves as a warning against succumbing to oppressive forces or compromising one’s values for convenience or gain. It challenges believers to evaluate their loyalty and faith, urging them to remain steadfast in God’s sovereignty. The mark contrasts with God’s seal, which represents divine ownership, protection, and commitment to His kingdom (GodsBless.ing) godsbless.ing. The passage underscores the ongoing spiritual conflict between good and evil, calling for discernment, courage, and unwavering trust in God.

Conclusion

In essence, Revelation 13:16-17 portrays a choice between allegiance to the Beast or to God, using the imagery of a mark to illustrate submission, control, and spiritual identity. It encourages believers to resist conformity to unjust systems, maintain integrity, and anchor their identity in God’s eternal truth, even under societal or economic pressures (BiblePortal.com) BiblePortal.

Thanks for stopping by today, Friends. Have a blessed day!

If Annointing Oil Was Used in the Old Testament...

 ...Should It

Still Be Used Today?

A few New Testament passages refer to the practice of anointing with oil, and none of them offer an explanation for its use. We can draw our conclusions from context. In Matthew 6:17 Jesus mentions the everyday practice of anointing oneself with oil. In Mark 6:13 the disciples anoint the sick and heal them. In all four Gospels, a woman anoints Jesus as a sacrificial act of worship (Matthew 26:6–13; Mark 14:3–9; Luke 7:36–50; John 12:1–8). In James 5:14 the church elders anoint the sick with oil for healing. In Hebrews 1:8–9 God says to Christ as He returns triumphantly to heaven, “Your throne, O God, will last for ever and ever,” and God anoints Jesus “with the oil of gladness.”

Should Christians use anointing oil today? There is nothing in Scripture that commands or even suggests that we should use similar oil today, but neither is there anything to forbid it. Oil is often used as a symbol for the Holy Spirit in the Bible as in the Parable of the Wise and Foolish Virgins (Matthew 25:1-13). Christians have the Spirit who leads us into all truth and “anoints” us continually with His grace and comfort. “But you have an anointing from the Holy One, and all of you know the truth” (1 John 2:20). (Source: gotquestions.org)

 

15 And he had power to give life unto the image of the beast, that the image of the beast should both speak, and cause that as many as would not worship the image of the beast should be killed. Revelation 13:15

Revelation 13:15 describes a future moment when the False Prophet, under God’s permission, animates an image of the Antichrist, compelling worship and punishing those who refuse.

Context and Overview

Revelation 13:15 occurs within the vision of the two beasts during the end times. The first beast represents the Antichrist, a political and worldly power, while the second beast, often called the False Prophet, exercises religious authority and deception under divine allowance (Revelation 13:11-14) to promote idolatry and enforce allegiance to the first beast (Bible Hub) Bible Hub. The verse emphasizes that even evil operates within the boundaries God permits, highlighting His ultimate sovereignty (Job 1:12; Luke 22:31) Bible Hub.

The Speaking Image

The verse states that the second beast is allowed “to give breath to the image of the first beast, so that the image could speak.” This imagery reflects a counterfeit of God’s life-giving power (Genesis 2:7), where a lifeless image is animated to deceive humanity. The speaking image symbolizes miraculous or supernatural deception, convincing people that the Antichrist possesses divine authority (Revelation 17:8) Bible Hub+1. Historically, this echoes Daniel 3, where idolatrous statues demanded worship, showing a pattern of human susceptibility to false religious authority (Bible Hub) Bible Hub.

Enforcement and Consequences

Revelation 13:15 also describes the deadly consequences for those who refuse to worship the image. The False Prophet, through the animated image, enforces idolatry and punishes dissenters, illustrating the extreme spiritual and physical pressures during the Tribulation (God's Blessing) godsbless.ing. This serves as a warning about the cost of faithful witness and the importance of steadfast loyalty to God in the face of global deception (Bible Repository) biblerepository.com.

Spiritual and Theological Significance

• Divine Sovereignty: God permits the events but remains in control, showing that evil cannot act beyond His will (Bible Hub) Bible Hub.
• Satanic Deception: The speaking image represents Satan’s counterfeit miracles and manipulations to lead people away from truth (Bible Hub) Bible Hub.
• Call to Faithfulness: Believers are urged to resist idolatry and remain faithful, even under threat of persecution (Bible Repository) biblerepository.com.
  In summary, Revelation 13:15 portrays a literal and prophetic scenario where the False Prophet animates an image of the Antichrist, compelling worship and punishing noncompliance. The verse underscores God’s control over evil, the deceptive tactics of Satan, and the spiritual challenge for believers to remain faithful during the Tribulation.

Thanks for coming by today, Friends. God bless you and yours!