Dr. David Levy - God's Wisdom Freshly Revealed Dr. David I Levy

Part 4/4 John the Baptizer had a difficult time with the transition. Like the disciples, John expected Jesus to fulfill his Messianic prophecy to take over the government and set up His Messianic kingdom. They all overlooked the suffering that was also prophesied for The Messiah. John began accusing a top government leader of breaking Jewish law and expected Jesus, as the Messiah, to back him and come to his rescue. Jesus did not rescue John. But Jesus did recognize John's disappointment and handled it with such grace that most would never notice the subtle correction. Have your expectations of Jesus led to  disappointment?
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Part 3/4 John the Baptist was making a big splash. People were coming to him in droves. He was leading the greatest revival in the history of Israel. People were repenting and being baptized. John's ministry was going well, and Jesus said John was the greatest person who had ever lived. Then Jesus said, "the least in the kingdom was greater than John." What did it mean? This was not a salvation issue. I have no doubt John the Baptist will be in Heaven. It was a choice to live in the kingdom of God at the moment. Why didn't John follow Jesus or send his disciples to follow Jesus? Why did John not ask to join Jesus as a disciple? Do you check with God or assume you are on the right path? Are you living in the kingdom today by closely following Jesus?
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Part 2/4 Why did Jesus say John the Baptist was the greatest man who had ever lived? How can we be great in the eyes of God? John was greater than every prophet, every priest, and every king who had ever lived. What was so special about John? What did John say about himself? How did he define his role in God's Kingdom? How do you define your role in the Kingdom?
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Part 1/4 Jesus' disciples argue about who is the greatest, but Jesus makes an incredible statement about the greatest man who ever lived. Jesus said it was John the Baptist. What made John greater than Moses, Elijah, Abraham, Daniel, and King David? Jesus said John was greater than every prophet, every priest, and every king who had ever lived. What was so special about John? How did you get your sins forgiven if you sinned in John's day? They asked John, "What do you say about yourself?" Ask yourself this same question.
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Jesus has high expectations. While waiting four days for Jesus to arrive after the death of their brother, Jesus expected the sisters to stay positive.   How could they? How can you? Jesus requires a profound level of faith from Mary and Martha. They did not know when he was coming. They were expected to use the information they had. This would be for the glory of God. He had raised others from the dead...just not after four days. Engaging in faith is more difficult when those around you don't have faith. The sisters had a house full of people who were there to mourn and grieve. What did Jesus expect? What could they have done? How is your imagination?
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Jesus raised Lazarus after his death and after he spent four days in the tomb, creating a stir. Some "mourners" were not happy Jesus raised Lazarus. They wanted him dead. They were pretending to be "friends" of the family. What wisdom do you need to deal with people who believe good is evil?Why does Mary anoint Jesus' feet with costly ointment? When Jesus arrived in town, he corrected Martha but didn't speak to Mary. Mary wailed loudly at Jesus' feet, drawing the crowd's attention to Jesus' failure to arrive on time to save her brother from dying. Mary is very sorry that she doubted Jesus in the presence of his enemies. She is sorry she was trying to punish him with her public display on day four. On her third time at Jesus' feet, Mary honors Jesus and dishonors herself in front of the disciples, who complain about the waste of expensive ointment. Jesus rebukes Judas, telling him, "Leave her alone." 
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