The Gospel According to God By John MacArthur – Chapter 1-3 Reflection:

What did you learn in these three chapters?

Chapter 1

In this chapter, John MacArthur lists out several references to Christ, both direct and indirect. I counted 56 general references, making up one-quarter of the entire chapter. I was absolutely fascinated by this list. Not because I wasn’t familiar with the different references listed, though there were a few that were new to me but simply because I have never seen them all grouped in a list like this before. I find it amazing that someone could look at a list like this and, knowing the story of Jesus, still not believe.

Chapter 2

The first thing that jumped out at me from this chapter was the fact that Isaiah 53 is never even read in Jewish synagogues. My first thoughts were questions about why; Is it because of blindness? Is it because of stubbornness? Or perhaps both? I was then quickly overcome with sadness for those attending these synagogues each week that are completely oblivious. Not only this, but MacArthur’s comments on “The ‘Forbidden Chapter’ in the Tanakh” are pretty eye-opening; In which several Israelis are astonished when seeing this passage for the first time and also quick to see the connection between the prophets words and the recorded life, death, and resurrection of Christ. How important is it then, for us, as shepherds of God’s people, to be equipped with this fantastic passage from His word?

Something else from this chapter that stuck out to me was MacArthur’s definition of legalism. I’ve struggled with this a bit in the past. However, I’ve struggled to define it. I don’t think Macarthur could have stated it any better. “Legalism is the idea that sinners can earn merit with God by their own works of righteousness.”

Chapter 3

MacArthur does an excellent job in this chapter, painting the picture of what Christ endured for us. The suffering and pain that He took on as He was beaten, scourged, and crucified were absolutely horrific. I think for Christians today, it is easy for us to forget, just what He went through. It’s good to have a reminder like this to help keep things in perspective.

I think what stood out to me the most was MacArthur’s explanation of the Hebrew word shamem. The word translated “astonished” in Isaiah 52:14. While it seems that this isn’t an entirely inaccurate translation, it doesn’t quite seem to do justice to Isaiah’s original meaning. He goes on to list several other interpretations of this same word. Words such as appalled, devastated, desolate, laid waste, numbed, petrified, or paralyzed. MacArthur also states, “But when used in the context such as Isaiah 52:14, the word has a connotation of horror. It speaks of a shock so staggering that one loses control of all rational faculties.” From my modern western perspective, all this seems to paint a better picture of what Isaiah was trying to say. The scene leading up to and on the cross was nothing short of horrific. 

Last modified on: March 25, 2020 - Original date of publication: March 25, 2020