When we give God the traditional attributes of omniscience, omnipresence and omnipotence it is easy to arrive at the conclusion of predestination and a sense of finality that is contrary to the story told in the Scriptures. There is much to be gained by removing the knowledge of the end of the story of Jesus’ life when we study the gospels. Let’s forgo the thought that everything happened just as God knew it would. Instead let us walk with Jesus as he discovers mankind, how men think and what it is like to live in a human body. Scriptures record in Philippians, “[Christ Jesus] made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men:”
It is proper to study the life of Jesus as an example of how we are to live. See how many times it is recorded that Jesus went apart to be alone and listen to the Father. Imagine, if you can, a God who lives with us every day and who provides revelation and instruction. Jesus said it this way, if you keep my commandments, the Father and I will lead and guide you from the inside. (Not guide us from the pulpit, nor guide us from the Scriptures, but guide us from the inside.) Our actions (our obedience), is vital to open the lines of communication with our God.
Here’s the Scriptures:
“Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him.” John 14
“…one is your [Teacher], even Christ.” Matt. 23
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Chapter 10: Jesus Heals an Insane Man (Part 1)
ON A SABBATH Jesus went into the synagogue at Capernaum and taught the congregation. His listeners were surprised because he taught as one with authority of others.
One of the men present had an unclean spirit. He cried out saying:
“Let us alone. What have we to do with thee, thou Jesus of Nazareth? Art thou come to destroy us? I know these who thou art, ‘the Holy One of God.'”
Jesus rebuked the devil in the man, saying:
“Hold thy peace, and come out of him.”
The unclean spirit thereupon cried out with a loud voice. It tormented the man, causing him to writhe greatly; but it came out of him. All who were present were astonished and said among themselves:
“What thing is this? What new doctrine is this? For with authority commandeth he even the unclean spirits, and they do obey him.”
And the fame of Jesus spread abroad, all about the region of Galilee.
Later Jesus went to a solitary place to pray. Great numbers came seeking him. When his disciples found him, they said:
“All men seek for thee.”
Jesus replied:
“Let us go into the next towns, that I may preach there also, for therefore came I forth.”
And Jesus preached in the synagogues throughout Galilee and cast out devils.