The Grands Letter

Dear Grands,

Luke 23:33-43, “When they came to the place called The Skull, there they crucified Him and the criminals, one on the right and the other on the left. 34 But Jesus was saying, ‘Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing.’ And they cast lots, dividing up His garments among themselves. 35 And the people stood by, looking on. And even the rulers were sneering at Him, saying, ‘He saved others; let Him save Himself if this is the Christ of God, His Chosen One.’ 36 The soldiers also mocked Him, coming up to Him, offering Him sour wine, 37 and saying, ‘If You are the King of the Jews, save Yourself!’ 38 Now there was also an inscription above Him, ‘THIS IS THE KING OF THE JEWS.’ 39 One of the criminals who were hanged there was hurling abuse at Him, saying, ‘Are You not the Christ? Save Yourself and us!’ 40 But the other answered, and rebuking him said, ‘Do you not even fear God, since you are under the same sentence of condemnation? 41 And we indeed are suffering justly, for we are receiving what we deserve for our deeds; but this man has done nothing wrong.’ 42 And he was saying, ‘Jesus, remember me when You come in Your kingdom!’ 43 And He said to him, ‘Truly I say to you, today you shall be with Me in Paradise.’”

According to Eusebius, Luke, the author of this gospel, was a Gentile. His true, full name was Lucanus because he was of Greek origin, and his profession was that of a doctor. Luke’s gospel was written for Greek readers. The Grecian ideal of perfect manliness differed from that of the Romans. According to Robert Lee (author of the Outlined Bible), “the Romans felt it to be their mission to govern, the Greeks felt it theirs to educate, elevate, and perfect man. The ideal of the Roman was military glory and governmental authority, but the Greeks’ was wisdom and beauty.”

Thus, Luke, the Gentile, draws a portrait of Jesus as “the perfect man, the One who more than meets the highest ideals of the Greeks.” Militaries are also often needed, even by Christians; however, the visible, living likeness of the Christ will always exceed the highest excesses of humanity.

Heartily in Christ Jesus,

(Dado III)

Gene L. Jeffries, Th.D.

United States of America

“We will never know that Christ is all we need until He becomes all that we have.” – Corrie ten Boom

Dear Grands,

Mark 10:42-45, “Calling them to Himself, Jesus said to them, ‘You know that those who are recognized as rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them; and their great men exercise authority over them.

43 “But it is not this way among you, but whoever wishes to become great among you shall be your servant;

44 and whoever wishes to be first among you shall be slave of all.’

45 “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.”

John Mark, author of this Gospel, was not an apostle. He was but an ordinary worker, the son of one of the women in the Christian circle named Mary. It might well have been at her home where the believers were gathered and praying when Peter was being held under serious guard (Acts 12:12). As for the Gospel itself, it is believed that it was written in Rome and primarily for the benefit of the Romans.

This is also the same John Mark, who much later fostered the dispute between Paul and Barnabas (Acts 15:f), regarding the location of their next missionary activity. It is also believed that John Mark had been led to faith in Christ by Simon Peter. This would account for his allegiance to Barnabas being ahead of Paul. Further, this would account for the few references to the Old Testament Scriptures in this epistle.

Thinking further on the Scripture passage above, could it be that the primary reason for the lack of energetic service on the part of professing believers today is their fascination (or lack thereof) with the Word’s grip on our lives? There are so many distractions—distractions that have mesmerized even the foremost witnesses.

The call today is the same as it was in the First Century: sin reigns, and we are to renounce it, clearing the way of faith, that others might see our allegiance to Jesus Christ and come to faith in Him for themselves. For whom are you praying today?

Heartily in Christ Jesus,

(Dado III)

Gene L. Jeffries, Th.D.

United States of America

“We will never know that Christ is all we need until He becomes all that we have.” – Corrie ten Boom

Dear Grands,

Matthew 27:37, “This is Jesus, King of the Jews.” It has been said that the greatest achievement one can obtain is a commendation from the lips of his harshest opponent. If that be true, then Pontius Pilate offered such to the LORD Jesus Christ when he placed above His head the declaration: ‘…οὗτός ἐστιν Ἰησοῦς ὁ βασιλεὺς τῶν Ἰουδαίων,’ “This is Jesus, King of the Jews.”

The disciple Matthew (“gift of God”), despite his notorious employment as a publican (tax collector), emphasized the LORD Jesus as “King” throughout his Gospel’s 28 chapters. Matthew covers Christ Jesus’ birth, His ministry, His rejection, His death, and His resurrection!

It is noteworthy, as well, that Matthew’s mission was primarily to the Jewish people. The Gospel of the Kingdom “was preached up to the rejection and crucifixion of Jesus, and it will again be proclaimed prior to the Great Tribulation and Second Advent of the LORD Jesus Himself.”

In the meantime, the responsibility of the Gospel’s proclamation falls upon all true believers. We exhibit varying personalities, yet we have but one Good News to share. May the LORD bless us with the enthusiasm of those early disciples!

Heartily in Christ Jesus,

(Dado III)

Gene L. Jeffries, Th.D.

United States of America

“We will never know that Christ is all we need until He becomes all that we have.” – Corrie ten Boom

Dear Grands,

Malachi 1:1-5, “The oracle of the Word of the LORD to Israel through Malachi.

2 ‘I have loved you,’ says the LORD. But you say, “How hast Thou loved us?” ‘Was not Esau Jacob’s brother?’ declares the LORD. ‘Yet I have loved Jacob;

3 but I have hated Esau, and I have made his mountains a desolation, and appointed his inheritance for the jackals of the wilderness.’

4 Though Edom says, ‘We have been beaten down, but we will return and build up the ruins’; thus says the LORD of hosts, ‘They may build, but I will tear down; and men will call them the wicked territory, and the people toward whom the LORD is indignant forever.’

5 ‘And your eyes will see this and you will say, “The LORD be magnified beyond the border of Israel!”’

“Malachi is the unknown prophet with the angelic name,” says Robert Lee, author of The Outlined Bible. Malachi simply means “Messenger,” and is utilized much like the president of a country in that he is known and greeted solely by his title, such as, “Mr. President.”

In chapters one and two, the “Messenger” earnestly and kindly protests the actions and attitudes of the people. He does this as a Message of Love (1:1-5), along with a message of loving rebuke in verses 1:6 through 2:17. The author then concludes his remarks with a message of hope.

The LORD is thoroughly involved in this entire process and can be seen as the loving “Parent,” who rebukes His child, as with those who were inappropriately involved. Then, appropriately, He expresses His overwhelming love. Beyond this, He issues a Message of sincere Hope (3:1-4:6), which, hopefully, encourages us as it encouraged them.

The true message then is: live closely to the LORD. Live daily in His Word.

Trust always His direction. He wants the best for us more than we do.

Heartily in Christ Jesus,

(Dado III)

Gene L. Jeffries, Th.D.

United States of America

“We will never know that Christ is all we need until He becomes all that we have.” – Corrie ten Boom

Dear Grands,

Zechariah 8:4-8, “Thus says the LORD of hosts, ‘Old men and old women will again sit in the streets of Jerusalem, each man with his staff in his hand because of age.

5 ‘And the streets of the city will be filled with boys and girls playing in its streets.’

6 “Thus says the LORD of hosts, ‘If it is too difficult in the sight of the remnant of this people in those days, will it also be too difficult in My sight?’ declares the LORD of hosts.

7 “Thus says the LORD of hosts, ‘Behold, I am going to save My people from the land of the east and from the land of the west;

8 and I will bring them back, and they will live in the midst of Jerusalem, and they will be My people and I will be their God in truth and righteousness.’”

Zechariah was a contemporary of the prophet Haggai. In reality, he was the prophet of Restoration and Glory. It is believed that his father died in his infancy and that the boy Zechariah was then reared by his grandfather Iddo.

The Book of Zechariah is comprised of five distinct messages. The first is an earnest call to repentance. The second speaks of both material and spiritual prosperity. The third speaks of the destruction of the Temple, while the fourth and fifth messages speak of things yet to be fulfilled in our time.

The “messages” that are well wrapped in this book are an encouragement of faith to us.

Zechariah’s people had their problems, just as we do. Yet, those who looked faithfully to the LORD learned that the life of faith and the exercise of faithfulness are both profitable.

We are taught in this small book that not everything we desire will be fulfilled. At the same time, a sure and certain instance encourages us to keep on keeping on, knowing that the LORD will bring to pass everything that is good for those who seek it!

“Trust in the LORD with all your heart,

and do not lean on your own understanding.

In all your ways acknowledge Him,

and He will make your paths straight (Prov. 3:5-6).

Heartily in Christ Jesus,

(Dado III)

Gene L. Jeffries, Th.D.

United States of America

“We will never know that Christ is all we need until He becomes all that we have.” – Corrie ten Boom