The 72 men came back all excited about the things they had been able to do. Jesus told them to be glad because of all their names were written in heaven. Jesus rejoiced about what God was making happen and told the disciples they were witness to things many other righteous people wanted to witness but didn't. A teacher wanted to trap Jesus and asked Him who His neighbor is. Jesus answered with the parable of the good Samaritan. The Samaritan was the only one to help someone who lay beside the road injured. The others who passed by him were people who should have known better, but their own haughty beliefs prevented them from obeying God's commandment. After the story, Jesus asked the teacher which one from the story acted like a neighbor? The teacher told Him that the one who was kind did. Jesus told him to go and do the same. In one town a woman named Martha welcomed Jesus into her home. Her sister Mary couldn't tear herself away from listening to everything Jesus was saying. Martha was busy cooking, cleaning and worrying, and she resented Mary doing nothing to help her. Jesus told Martha there was only one thing to be concerned about and Mary had chosen well.
Jesus taught them how to pray. Jesus told them to knock and it shall be opened, ask and it will be given, and seek and they would find. Wouldn't you give your child anything you could? How much more then, will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask. People said Jesus was the devil and tried to trick Him by saying He was a demon driving out demons. Jesus pointed out that a house fighting against itself cannot stand, and that it was the power of God which allowed Him to drive out demons. The only miracle people would get who demanded one was the miracle of Jonah. Even the Queen of Sheba traveled a long way to listen to the wise words of Solomon. Jesus told them that there was someone greater than Solomon or Jonah there with them. Make sure that there is no darkness in you. A Pharisee invited Jesus to eat with him. He noticed that Jesus didn't wash before eating. Jesus pointed out that they clean the outside, but not the inside. Jesus told them if they gave what was inside their cups and plates to the poor they would be ritually clean. They paid tithing, but neglected justice and love. Jesus rebuked the Pharisees and teachers because they were all about what they could get, not what they could give. Because they admitted to approving of their ancestors killing the prophets, Jesus told them that they would be held accountable. He told them that they held the key to the door of the house of knowledge, but wouldn't open the lock. They wanted to trap Jesus even more.
Jesus told the 12 to be careful of the toxic yeast of the Pharisees. Then He told them that the only thing they needed to fear was God, because He could send their souls to hell. Even the hairs of your head are counted, so there is nothing to fear. Whoever publicly declares he is for Jesus, Jesus will do the same for him. The only unforgivable sin is to say evil things against the Holy Spirit. Jesus told the 12 that when they needed to defend themselves the Holy Spirit would guide them.
Tomorrow read Luke 12:13-14:11
20101031
20101030
October 30, 2010 Luke 8:26-10:16
We come to the part where Jesus heals the naked man in the tombs that scared everybody. The demons came out of the man and into a herd of pigs who charged and drowned in a lake nearby. When the people found out they asked Jesus to go away. The healed man witnessed about Jesus all over town. Jesus sailed to another town and a man named Jairus, an official in the synagogue knelt at Jesus feet and begged Him to heal his daughter. On the way to his house, a woman who had been bleeding for 12 years touched the edge of his clothes and she was healed. Jesus knew someone had been healed, because he felt the power go out of Him. She came forward and told him that she knew that she would be healed if she just touched Him. Jesus told her that her faith had made her well. A messenger came out of Jairus' house to tell him his daughter was dead. Jesus told him not to be afraid, but to believe and she will be well. They went into the house and people were mourning. Jesus told them the girl was only sleeping and they laughed at Him. Jesus took her by the hand and told her to get up. So she did.
Jesus conferred power to heal to the 12, and sent them out to preach, heal the sick and drive out demons. He told them not to pack, but to find everything on the road from kind people. If the people welcomed them they were to stay, if not, they were to shake the dust off their feet and go to the next town. Herod was confused about the identity of Jesus and was curious to see Him. The apostles came back and Jesus took them to Bethsaida to talk privately with them. The crowds heard about it and followed. Jesus welcomed them, told them about the Kingdom of God and healed them. The 12 wanted Jesus to send the people away to eat, but Jesus told them to feed them. They didn't know how. Jesus took bread and fish, thanked God and broke them and gave them to all 5000 men there. They had 12 baskets left over. One day Jesus asked the 12 who people thought He was. They told Him some said he was John the Baptist or Elijah. He asked them who they thought He was and Peter said, "You are God's Messiah." (ch9:20) Jesus told them not to tell anyone and then told them about His death and resurrection. Jesus told them whoever turns their life over to Him will find life. He is be ashamed of whoever is ashamed of Him. As in Matthew and Mark, Jesus was transfigured or glorified in front of Peter, John and James. Jesus became dazzling white and Moses and Elijah were there talking with Him. A cloud appeared and a voice said, "This is my Son, whom I have chosen - listen to Him!" (ch9:35) They went down the hill and were met by a man whose son was possessed. The 12 had tried, but could not get rid of the demon. Jesus healed the boy and the people were amazed. Jesus spoke again about His death. Then the 12 were arguing about which one of them was the greatest. Jesus called a child over to Him and told them that whoever welcomes the child welcomes Him. The least is the greatest. Jesus told them whoever is not against them is for them. Jesus made up His mind to start out for Jerusalem. In Samaria people refused to welcome Him. He went to another village. Jesus talked about His would-be followers.
Jesus sent out 72 (or 70) men two by two to teach and preach in His name. He gave them instructions about what to do. He talked about the unbelieving towns and how terrible it will be for them at the time of the Judgement.
Tomorrow read Luke 10:17-12:12
Jesus conferred power to heal to the 12, and sent them out to preach, heal the sick and drive out demons. He told them not to pack, but to find everything on the road from kind people. If the people welcomed them they were to stay, if not, they were to shake the dust off their feet and go to the next town. Herod was confused about the identity of Jesus and was curious to see Him. The apostles came back and Jesus took them to Bethsaida to talk privately with them. The crowds heard about it and followed. Jesus welcomed them, told them about the Kingdom of God and healed them. The 12 wanted Jesus to send the people away to eat, but Jesus told them to feed them. They didn't know how. Jesus took bread and fish, thanked God and broke them and gave them to all 5000 men there. They had 12 baskets left over. One day Jesus asked the 12 who people thought He was. They told Him some said he was John the Baptist or Elijah. He asked them who they thought He was and Peter said, "You are God's Messiah." (ch9:20) Jesus told them not to tell anyone and then told them about His death and resurrection. Jesus told them whoever turns their life over to Him will find life. He is be ashamed of whoever is ashamed of Him. As in Matthew and Mark, Jesus was transfigured or glorified in front of Peter, John and James. Jesus became dazzling white and Moses and Elijah were there talking with Him. A cloud appeared and a voice said, "This is my Son, whom I have chosen - listen to Him!" (ch9:35) They went down the hill and were met by a man whose son was possessed. The 12 had tried, but could not get rid of the demon. Jesus healed the boy and the people were amazed. Jesus spoke again about His death. Then the 12 were arguing about which one of them was the greatest. Jesus called a child over to Him and told them that whoever welcomes the child welcomes Him. The least is the greatest. Jesus told them whoever is not against them is for them. Jesus made up His mind to start out for Jerusalem. In Samaria people refused to welcome Him. He went to another village. Jesus talked about His would-be followers.
Jesus sent out 72 (or 70) men two by two to teach and preach in His name. He gave them instructions about what to do. He talked about the unbelieving towns and how terrible it will be for them at the time of the Judgement.
Tomorrow read Luke 10:17-12:12
20101029
October 29, 2010 Luke 6:27-8:25
Jesus taught us to love our enemies. Do for others what you want them to do for you. You get what you give. Don't critisize anyone because you have big flaws too. Nobody's perfect. The mouth speaks what the heart is full of. Obeying the teachings of Jesus makes people strong.
After He was finished teaching, Jesus went on His way. A Roman officer sent some Jewish elders to find Jesus to heal his deathly ill servant because he didn't think he was worthy to ask Jesus anything. When Jesus got near the house, friends of the officer came out to meet him and gave Jesus a message. The message they gave Jesus impressed Him so much that the servant was healed without Jesus seeing or touching him. In another town, Jesus came across a funeral procession for the son of a woman who was a widow. She was distraught and Jesus felt pity for her and commanded the corpse in the coffin to get up. The dead man sat up and talked. Everyone was amazed and news about Jesus spread through the countryside. John's disciples came to ask Jesus if He was the Messiah or should they be waiting for someone else. Jesus told them to tell John about all the healing they had seen and that those who don't doubt Jesus are happy. John's disciples left and Jesus told the crowds about John being the one in the prophecy in Malachi 3:1. (Oct 7) The Pharisees and teachers of the Law rejected God's purpose for themselves and refused to be baptized. A Pharisee named Simon invited Jesus to dine with him at his home. While they were eating a woman of ill repute came in crying so hard that she got Jesus' feet wet with her tears. Then she dried His feet with her hair, kissed them and poured perfume on them. The people were thinking that Jesus would never let her do that if He knew about her. Jesus knew what they were thinking and he pointed out that she had shown Him more love than they had. Then He forgave her sins and the people wondered how He could forgive sins. Jesus told the woman her faith had saved her.
Jesus traveled through the countryside with the 12 and also some women who helped them. Jesus taught the parable of the sower and then explained the purpose of parables. Jesus explained the meaning of the parable of the sower, just as in Matthew and Mark. And He explained that no one puts a lamp under a bowl, but on a lampstand. Jesus' mother and brothers came to see Him, He knew they heard and obeyed God. Jesus and the 12 got into a boat to go to another town. Jesus fell asleep and a big storm arose. The boat filled with water and the 12 were in a panic and woke Jesus. He asked them, "Where is your faith?" (ch8:24) Then He commanded the wind and water and they obeyed Him.
Tomorrow read Luke 8:26-10:16
After He was finished teaching, Jesus went on His way. A Roman officer sent some Jewish elders to find Jesus to heal his deathly ill servant because he didn't think he was worthy to ask Jesus anything. When Jesus got near the house, friends of the officer came out to meet him and gave Jesus a message. The message they gave Jesus impressed Him so much that the servant was healed without Jesus seeing or touching him. In another town, Jesus came across a funeral procession for the son of a woman who was a widow. She was distraught and Jesus felt pity for her and commanded the corpse in the coffin to get up. The dead man sat up and talked. Everyone was amazed and news about Jesus spread through the countryside. John's disciples came to ask Jesus if He was the Messiah or should they be waiting for someone else. Jesus told them to tell John about all the healing they had seen and that those who don't doubt Jesus are happy. John's disciples left and Jesus told the crowds about John being the one in the prophecy in Malachi 3:1. (Oct 7) The Pharisees and teachers of the Law rejected God's purpose for themselves and refused to be baptized. A Pharisee named Simon invited Jesus to dine with him at his home. While they were eating a woman of ill repute came in crying so hard that she got Jesus' feet wet with her tears. Then she dried His feet with her hair, kissed them and poured perfume on them. The people were thinking that Jesus would never let her do that if He knew about her. Jesus knew what they were thinking and he pointed out that she had shown Him more love than they had. Then He forgave her sins and the people wondered how He could forgive sins. Jesus told the woman her faith had saved her.
Jesus traveled through the countryside with the 12 and also some women who helped them. Jesus taught the parable of the sower and then explained the purpose of parables. Jesus explained the meaning of the parable of the sower, just as in Matthew and Mark. And He explained that no one puts a lamp under a bowl, but on a lampstand. Jesus' mother and brothers came to see Him, He knew they heard and obeyed God. Jesus and the 12 got into a boat to go to another town. Jesus fell asleep and a big storm arose. The boat filled with water and the 12 were in a panic and woke Jesus. He asked them, "Where is your faith?" (ch8:24) Then He commanded the wind and water and they obeyed Him.
Tomorrow read Luke 8:26-10:16
20101028
October 28, 2010 Luke 4-6:26
After Jesus was baptized, the Holy Spirit led him into the desert. There, He was tempted by the Devil for 40 days and nights. He ate nothing. The Devil tried to tempt Jesus with food, power and testing God. Jesus quoted passages from Deuteronomy in response and the Devil left Him for a while. Jesus went all over the countryside preaching and word spread about Him. He came to Nazareth and went in the synagogue on the Sabbath. They gave Him the scroll of Isaiah to read and He chose chapter 61:1-2. Jesus sat down and told the people that passage He had just read had come true that day. They realized He was Joseph's son, then He told them a prophet isn't welcome in His own hometown. Jesus told them about Elijah and Elisha offering God's blessings to non-Jews, who were believers, and the people got really mad. They wanted to kill Jesus right then. The Bible doesn't really explain exactly why that was so offensive. Jesus went to other towns and taught and healed and blessed the people who believed in Him.
One day Jesus was standing on a lakeshore where people began to gather to hear His teachings. There were a couple of boats nearby, so Jesus got in one and taught from the boat a little way out in the water. When He finished speaking Jesus told the owner of the boat, Simon Peter, to go out further and drop the nets. Simon Peter argued, but did it anyway, and was shocked when he caught so many fish the boat almost sank! Simon Peter was afraid, but Jesus told him not to be and to come with Him and He would make them catch people. Peter's partners, James and John went too. They just dropped everything and followed Jesus. In a town there was a man with a terrible skin disease, who asked Jesus to heal him if He wanted to. Jesus told the man that He did want to and the man was healed. Jesus told him to make the proper cleansing offerings as the Law of Moses instructed. (Lev.14-Feb 4th entry) Jesus was teaching and Pharisees and teachers of the Law had come from all over to hear Him. Some other men came carrying a paralyzed man for Jesus to heal. They couldn't get into the room, so they lowered him through the roof. Jesus noticed the faith of the man and forgave his sins. The Pharisees decided that this must be blasphemy, and Jesus knew what they were thinking. To prove that the Son of Man has authority to forgive sins on earth he also healed the man and told him to pick up his bed and walk. So he did. Jesus went out from there and saw a tax collector (think loan shark) and told him to follow Him. So he did. (Luke and Mark call him Levi, Matthew calls him Matthew.) People asked Jesus why He ate and drank with outcasts. He told them that He had been sent for outcasts. (People who aren't sick don't need a doctor!) People asked Jesus why the disciples didn't fast like John's or the Pharisees' disciples. Jesus told them that while the bridegroom is at the party, you eat! He told them a parable about old and new. When something new comes along, you do things differently. The Pharisees were nitpicking about the Sabbath and Jesus told them, "the Son of Man is Lord of the Sabbath." On another Sabbath, a man with a paralyzed hand came to be healed. The Pharisees wanted to make it wrong for Jesus to help the man, but Jesus set them straight. They got mad and started talking about what to do to Jesus. Jesus went up a hill and prayed all night. In the morning He called his disciples and chose 12 as His apostles. Peter, Andrew, James, John, Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew, Thomas, James, Simon, Judas and Judas Iscariot. People came from all over to be healed by Jesus. Jesus talked about happiness and sorrow and how a difficult life on earth suggests a great reward in heaven. (It takes a lot of courage to be poor.)
Tomorrow read Luke 6:27-8:25
One day Jesus was standing on a lakeshore where people began to gather to hear His teachings. There were a couple of boats nearby, so Jesus got in one and taught from the boat a little way out in the water. When He finished speaking Jesus told the owner of the boat, Simon Peter, to go out further and drop the nets. Simon Peter argued, but did it anyway, and was shocked when he caught so many fish the boat almost sank! Simon Peter was afraid, but Jesus told him not to be and to come with Him and He would make them catch people. Peter's partners, James and John went too. They just dropped everything and followed Jesus. In a town there was a man with a terrible skin disease, who asked Jesus to heal him if He wanted to. Jesus told the man that He did want to and the man was healed. Jesus told him to make the proper cleansing offerings as the Law of Moses instructed. (Lev.14-Feb 4th entry) Jesus was teaching and Pharisees and teachers of the Law had come from all over to hear Him. Some other men came carrying a paralyzed man for Jesus to heal. They couldn't get into the room, so they lowered him through the roof. Jesus noticed the faith of the man and forgave his sins. The Pharisees decided that this must be blasphemy, and Jesus knew what they were thinking. To prove that the Son of Man has authority to forgive sins on earth he also healed the man and told him to pick up his bed and walk. So he did. Jesus went out from there and saw a tax collector (think loan shark) and told him to follow Him. So he did. (Luke and Mark call him Levi, Matthew calls him Matthew.) People asked Jesus why He ate and drank with outcasts. He told them that He had been sent for outcasts. (People who aren't sick don't need a doctor!) People asked Jesus why the disciples didn't fast like John's or the Pharisees' disciples. Jesus told them that while the bridegroom is at the party, you eat! He told them a parable about old and new. When something new comes along, you do things differently. The Pharisees were nitpicking about the Sabbath and Jesus told them, "the Son of Man is Lord of the Sabbath." On another Sabbath, a man with a paralyzed hand came to be healed. The Pharisees wanted to make it wrong for Jesus to help the man, but Jesus set them straight. They got mad and started talking about what to do to Jesus. Jesus went up a hill and prayed all night. In the morning He called his disciples and chose 12 as His apostles. Peter, Andrew, James, John, Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew, Thomas, James, Simon, Judas and Judas Iscariot. People came from all over to be healed by Jesus. Jesus talked about happiness and sorrow and how a difficult life on earth suggests a great reward in heaven. (It takes a lot of courage to be poor.)
Tomorrow read Luke 6:27-8:25
20101027
October 27, 2010 Luke 2-3
Emperor Augustus of the Roman Empire decreed that everyone be counted. Everyone had to travel to their hometown and register. Joseph, a descendant of David walked 90 miles to Bethlehem to register with Mary his fiancee. While they were in Bethlehem, she gave birth to the boy the angel Gabriel had told her about. She wrapped the baby in cloths and laid Him in a hay trough because there was no room for them in the inn. (This is exactly the opposite of what people would expect God to do, right?) Shepherds were tending their flocks during the night in the fields, near by. The angel of the Lord appeared to them and told them the great news that Jesus was born. He told them where they could find Him. Then an army of angels appeared, singing praises to God. So the shepherds went to see Jesus and told Mary and Joseph all about what they had seen. A week later Jesus was circumsized and named. Mary did what she was supposed to do after having a baby according to the Law of Moses. Then they took Jesus, the firstborn baby boy to the temple to be dedicated to God. A man named Simeon was there. He had been waiting for the Messiah or Consolation of Israel and He saw Jesus and knew his prayers had been answered. Then a prophetess, Anna, spoke about Jesus to everyone. Joseph took Mary and Jesus home to Nazareth. Every year the family went to Jerusalem for Passover. When Jesus was 12, they started back home after Passover and realized Jesus wasn't with them. They went back to Jerusalem and found Him 3 days later sitting in the temple listening to the teachers and asking questions. They had been worried, but Jesus was doing His Father's work. Even Jesus had parents who didn't understand! They went back home.
John the Baptist was preaching to the people to turn back to God. John baptized people and told them to be good to each other. Some people thought John was the Messiah, but he told them he was preparing the way for someone more powerful, who would shake things up. John insisted that Herod should not sleep with his brother's wife, Herodias, so Herod threw him in jail. Before he was put in jail, John baptized Jesus. As He prayed, the sky opened up and the Holy Spirit came down like a dove and a voice from heaven said, "You are my own dear Son. I am pleased with you." (vv.22) People assumed Jesus was the son of Joseph. The most commonly held belief by bible scholars is that this genealogy is Mary's, giving the "blood" ancestry of Jesus. The Matthew and Luke genealogies are identical from David to God, but they split after David. The Luke genealogy carries on by Nathan another of David's sons. The Matthew genealogy carries on with Solomon and the kings of Judah.
Tomorrow read Luke 4-6:26
John the Baptist was preaching to the people to turn back to God. John baptized people and told them to be good to each other. Some people thought John was the Messiah, but he told them he was preparing the way for someone more powerful, who would shake things up. John insisted that Herod should not sleep with his brother's wife, Herodias, so Herod threw him in jail. Before he was put in jail, John baptized Jesus. As He prayed, the sky opened up and the Holy Spirit came down like a dove and a voice from heaven said, "You are my own dear Son. I am pleased with you." (vv.22) People assumed Jesus was the son of Joseph. The most commonly held belief by bible scholars is that this genealogy is Mary's, giving the "blood" ancestry of Jesus. The Matthew and Luke genealogies are identical from David to God, but they split after David. The Luke genealogy carries on by Nathan another of David's sons. The Matthew genealogy carries on with Solomon and the kings of Judah.
Tomorrow read Luke 4-6:26
20101026
October 26, 2010 Mark 16; Luke 1
The Sabbath was over and early Sunday morning Mary, Mary and Salome went to the tomb to annoint Jesus' body. They wondered how they would move the stone so they could get in. When they got there they saw the stone rolled away and they went inside the tomb. There sitting on the right side, was a young man in a white robe. He told them not to be afraid and that Jesus had risen to life. Trembling with fear the women left and told no one. (Some of my bibles have alternate endings to the gospel of Mark.) One alternative ending is that Jesus appeared to Mary Magdalene and when she told the others, they did not believe her. Then Jesus appeared to two followers who told others who wouldn't believe them. Last, Jesus appeared to the 11 and scolded them because they didn't believe. Then He gave them the great commission to go out and preach and baptize believers. After that Jesus was taken up to heaven and was seated at the right hand of God. The 11 went out just as Jesus told them. Another ending is that after the women told the 11, they went out and spread the "sacred and everlasting message of eternal salvation."
Luke
This gospel begins "Dear Theophilus" but there is no clarification about who he is. Some speculate that the meaning of Theophilus is 'friend of God.' Others say Theophilus was a real person - a relative of Caiphas - and a very devout Jew. I'm going to take it personally, so as a friend of God, I continue...
When Herod was king of Judea, a devout priest named Zechariah, received a vision in the Temple while performing his duties there. An angel named Gabriel appeared to him to tell him his barren wife, Elizabeth was going to have a son and he was to name him John. Because Zechariah and Elizabeth were both older he didn't believe Gabriel, so he became dumb and couldn't tell anyone anything. When Elizabeth was 6 months along, God sent Gabriel to Nazareth to give a message to a girl engaged to a man named Joseph. He appeared to Mary and told her not to be afraid because God had been gracious to her and she would become pregnant and give birth to a son and name Him Jesus. Gabriel told her that Jesus would be great and be called "Son of the Most High God." Mary asked the angel how this could happen since she was a virgin. Gabriel told her that nothing is impossible for God. Soon after that, Mary went to visit Elizabeth. When Mary greeted Elizabeth, the baby jumped inside Elizabeth and she (Liz) was filled with the Holy Spirit and announced that Mary was going to be the mother of the Lord. Mary sang a happy song of praise. After 3 months, Mary went home. When John was born, people rejoiced. When he was a week old it was time to give him his name and everyone expected him to be named for his father. But Elizabeth spoke up and told them his name was John and they wanted to hear what Zechariah thought. He wrote "His name is John" and then he could speak. He praised God. People knew this child was special. Zechariah was filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke God's message.
Tomorrow read Luke 2-3
Luke
This gospel begins "Dear Theophilus" but there is no clarification about who he is. Some speculate that the meaning of Theophilus is 'friend of God.' Others say Theophilus was a real person - a relative of Caiphas - and a very devout Jew. I'm going to take it personally, so as a friend of God, I continue...
When Herod was king of Judea, a devout priest named Zechariah, received a vision in the Temple while performing his duties there. An angel named Gabriel appeared to him to tell him his barren wife, Elizabeth was going to have a son and he was to name him John. Because Zechariah and Elizabeth were both older he didn't believe Gabriel, so he became dumb and couldn't tell anyone anything. When Elizabeth was 6 months along, God sent Gabriel to Nazareth to give a message to a girl engaged to a man named Joseph. He appeared to Mary and told her not to be afraid because God had been gracious to her and she would become pregnant and give birth to a son and name Him Jesus. Gabriel told her that Jesus would be great and be called "Son of the Most High God." Mary asked the angel how this could happen since she was a virgin. Gabriel told her that nothing is impossible for God. Soon after that, Mary went to visit Elizabeth. When Mary greeted Elizabeth, the baby jumped inside Elizabeth and she (Liz) was filled with the Holy Spirit and announced that Mary was going to be the mother of the Lord. Mary sang a happy song of praise. After 3 months, Mary went home. When John was born, people rejoiced. When he was a week old it was time to give him his name and everyone expected him to be named for his father. But Elizabeth spoke up and told them his name was John and they wanted to hear what Zechariah thought. He wrote "His name is John" and then he could speak. He praised God. People knew this child was special. Zechariah was filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke God's message.
Tomorrow read Luke 2-3
20101025
October 25, 2010 Mark 14:12-15:47
The disciples arranged for the Passover meal just as Jesus had told them. Jesus told them one of them would betray Him, which upset them, and that it would be better if that man had never been born. During the meal, Jesus took a piece of bread gave thanks, broke it and told them to take it because it was His body. Next, He took a cup, thanked God and gave it to them to drink and told them it was His blood poured out for them which seals God's covenant. They sang a hymn and went out to the mount of olives. Jesus told them what Zechariah 13:7 says, and that would happen to them. Peter said he would never leave Him. Jesus told him that before the rooster crowed he would disown Jesus 3 times. They came to Gethsemane and Jesus had them wait for Him while He prayed. Three times He asked God to not have Him go through the time of suffering. The disciples could not stay awake. Judas came with an armed crowd to arrest Jesus. Judas addressed Him as teacher, and kissed Him. Then they arrested Jesus. Someone there drew their sword and cut off the servant of the high priest's ear. They took Jesus to the High Priest's house, where all the leaders were gathering. They were looking for evidence to justify killing Jesus, but their stories didn't agree. They asked Jesus if He was the son of God and He said He was and they called it blasphemy, and they voted to kill Him. Peter denied Jesus 3 times, then the rooster crowed and he cried hard.
The Jewish leaders took Jesus to Pilate. The leaders all accused Jesus in front of Pilate of everything they could come up with and Jesus said nothing. Jesus was sentenced to death and the criminal, Barabbas was set free. Then Jesus was whipped and turned over to be crucified. The soldiers took Jesus and dressed Him up in royal robes and stuck a thorny crown on Him head and mocked Him as a king. When they were finished making fun of Him they put Him back in His clothes. They took Jesus to crucify Him and on the way they made Simon carry the cross. At Golgotha they tried to give Jesus some wine and myrrh, but Jesus wouldn't drink it. Then they crucified Him. They bet on who would win Jesus' clothes. People taunted Jesus while He was hanging on the cross, so did the two thieves who hung beside Him. At noon it became dark, and Jesus asked God why He had abandoned Him. Someone thought He was calling for Elijah. Then Jesus gave a loud cry and died. The curtain in the temple tore in two from top to bottom. The army officer standing closest to Jesus saw how He died and said, "This man was really the Son of God!" Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James and Joseph, and Salome watched from a distance. Many other women were there also. Joseph of Arimathea went to Pilate to ask for the body of Jesus. Pilate was surprised that Jesus had died so soon, but agreed after confirming that Jesus was dead. Joseph bought clean linen and wrapped Jesus body and buried it in a tomb and rolled a large stone in front of the entrance. Mary and Mary watched where Jesus was placed.
Tomorrow read Mark 16 and Luke 1
The Jewish leaders took Jesus to Pilate. The leaders all accused Jesus in front of Pilate of everything they could come up with and Jesus said nothing. Jesus was sentenced to death and the criminal, Barabbas was set free. Then Jesus was whipped and turned over to be crucified. The soldiers took Jesus and dressed Him up in royal robes and stuck a thorny crown on Him head and mocked Him as a king. When they were finished making fun of Him they put Him back in His clothes. They took Jesus to crucify Him and on the way they made Simon carry the cross. At Golgotha they tried to give Jesus some wine and myrrh, but Jesus wouldn't drink it. Then they crucified Him. They bet on who would win Jesus' clothes. People taunted Jesus while He was hanging on the cross, so did the two thieves who hung beside Him. At noon it became dark, and Jesus asked God why He had abandoned Him. Someone thought He was calling for Elijah. Then Jesus gave a loud cry and died. The curtain in the temple tore in two from top to bottom. The army officer standing closest to Jesus saw how He died and said, "This man was really the Son of God!" Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James and Joseph, and Salome watched from a distance. Many other women were there also. Joseph of Arimathea went to Pilate to ask for the body of Jesus. Pilate was surprised that Jesus had died so soon, but agreed after confirming that Jesus was dead. Joseph bought clean linen and wrapped Jesus body and buried it in a tomb and rolled a large stone in front of the entrance. Mary and Mary watched where Jesus was placed.
Tomorrow read Mark 16 and Luke 1
20101024
October 24, 2010 Mark 12:13-14:11
Some Pharisees and teachers questioned Jesus about paying taxes. He told them to give Caesar what belongs to him and to give to God what belongs to Him. The Sadducees who did not believe in life after death asked Jesus about marriage in heaven. Jesus explained that in heaven there is no marriage. Then, a teacher of the law asked Jesus what the most important commandment is. Jesus told him, "Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, with all your strength." This is what Moses taught the people in Deuteronomy 6:5. Then Jesus said the second most important commandment from Leviticus 19:18 is, "Love your neighbor as you love yourself." The teacher agreed that those two actions were more important than offering sacrifices. Jesus told him that he wasn't far from the Kingdom of God. Nobody questioned Jesus anymore. Jesus asked how the Messiah could be David's descendant because of Psalm 110:1. Jesus taught the people who were gladly listening to Him to watch out for the hypocracy of the teachers of the Law. Jesus was watching people dropping money at the temple treasury. A little old poor woman dropped in two copper coins and Jesus told His disciples that her offering was greater than the large amounts given by the wealthy people because she gave all she had.
Jesus told the disciples the temple would be destroyed. Jesus told them of the trouble of the last days, and that they needed to focus on telling the Good News and that they would be persecuted for it. The time would come when people would flee Judea. Many would say they were Jesus, but they would be liars. Jesus told them how it will be when the Son of Man comes. Angels will gather God's chosen people. They would see changes happen just as they see changes in spring. Only God knows when this will happen.
The chief priests and teachers were looking for a way to kill Jesus, but they didn't want to do it during the Festival of Passover. In Bethany, Jesus was anointed by a woman who poured expensive spikenard oil on Him. The disciples were angry because they thought it wasteful. But Jesus told them that she had anointed Him and done a beautiful thing for Him. Then Judas went to the chief priests to betray Jesus. After that, he looked for the opportunity to turn Jesus over to them.
Tomorrow read Mark 14:12-14:11
Jesus told the disciples the temple would be destroyed. Jesus told them of the trouble of the last days, and that they needed to focus on telling the Good News and that they would be persecuted for it. The time would come when people would flee Judea. Many would say they were Jesus, but they would be liars. Jesus told them how it will be when the Son of Man comes. Angels will gather God's chosen people. They would see changes happen just as they see changes in spring. Only God knows when this will happen.
The chief priests and teachers were looking for a way to kill Jesus, but they didn't want to do it during the Festival of Passover. In Bethany, Jesus was anointed by a woman who poured expensive spikenard oil on Him. The disciples were angry because they thought it wasteful. But Jesus told them that she had anointed Him and done a beautiful thing for Him. Then Judas went to the chief priests to betray Jesus. After that, he looked for the opportunity to turn Jesus over to them.
Tomorrow read Mark 14:12-14:11
20101023
October 23, 2010 Mark 10:13-12:12
Jesus became angry when the disciples scolded people for wanting to bring their little children to Jesus for His blessing. Jesus blessed the children. Then a man came up to Jesus and knelt before Him. He asked what more he needed to do to receive eternal life. Jesus told him to obey the commandments and go and sell all he had and give the money to the poor, then follow Him. The man went away very sad because he was very rich. Jesus explained that whatever you give away for Him, will be returned to you a hundred times. Again Jesus told the disciples of His death and that three days later He would rise to life. Then James and John wanted to sit beside Jesus in heaven, but only God can choose this. If you want to be great, serve others. Leaving Jericho, Jesus restored the sight of a man named Bartimaeus.
Before they entered Jerusalem, Jesus sent two disciples to fetch a colt for Him. He told them where it was and what to say to the people who asked them about it. So they did. They brought it to Him and put their coats on it for Him to sit on. Other people put their coats in the road as well as branches, in front of the colt Jesus was riding. They shouted praises to Him as He entered Jerusalem. Then Jesus spent the night in Bethany. On the way back to Jerusalem, he cursed the fig tree. Then Jesus went to the temple and threw out all the merchants. The chief priests and teachers began looking for a way to kill Jesus; He was getting too powerful. The next morning the disciples and Jesus walked by the fig tree which was withered. The disciples asked Jesus about it. He told them to have faith in God and do not doubt in your heart and believe what will happen, then it will. Also, forgive anyone anything you may have against them. In Jerusalem again, Jesus walked into the temple and was questioned by the chief priests and teachers about the source of His authority. He asked them a question they couldn't answer and so He didn't answer their question.
Jesus told them about the tenants in the vineyard who killed every representative their landlord sent to them. They even killed the landlord's son. The Jewish leaders knew Jesus was talking about them and they wanted to arrest Him, but they were too afraid of the crowd.
Tomorrow read Mark 12:13-14:11
Before they entered Jerusalem, Jesus sent two disciples to fetch a colt for Him. He told them where it was and what to say to the people who asked them about it. So they did. They brought it to Him and put their coats on it for Him to sit on. Other people put their coats in the road as well as branches, in front of the colt Jesus was riding. They shouted praises to Him as He entered Jerusalem. Then Jesus spent the night in Bethany. On the way back to Jerusalem, he cursed the fig tree. Then Jesus went to the temple and threw out all the merchants. The chief priests and teachers began looking for a way to kill Jesus; He was getting too powerful. The next morning the disciples and Jesus walked by the fig tree which was withered. The disciples asked Jesus about it. He told them to have faith in God and do not doubt in your heart and believe what will happen, then it will. Also, forgive anyone anything you may have against them. In Jerusalem again, Jesus walked into the temple and was questioned by the chief priests and teachers about the source of His authority. He asked them a question they couldn't answer and so He didn't answer their question.
Jesus told them about the tenants in the vineyard who killed every representative their landlord sent to them. They even killed the landlord's son. The Jewish leaders knew Jesus was talking about them and they wanted to arrest Him, but they were too afraid of the crowd.
Tomorrow read Mark 12:13-14:11
20101022
October 22, 2010 Mark 8-10:12
Jesus fed 4000 men with 7 loaves and some fish with leftovers. Jesus wanted everyone to understand that God would take care of all their needs. In another town, the Pharisees wanted a miraculous sign to prove Jesus was who He said He was. He told them no sign would be given to them, got back into the boat and left. The disciples had forgotten the bread except for one loaf, and when Jesus told them to be careful, watch for the yeast of the Pharisees, the disciples thought it was because of the bread, but Jesus was talking about God’s promises. In Bethsaida, Jesus healed a blind man by spitting on the man’s eyes, then putting His hands on them. The man could see, but not well, so Jesus put His hands on the man’s eyes again, then he could see clearly. As Jesus and the disciples were walking to another town, Jesus asked them who people said He was. The disciples told Him people thought He was John the Baptist or Elijah or one of the prophets. Jesus asked them who they thought He was. Peter said “You are the Christ.” (Mark 8:29) He warned them not to tell anyone about Him. Jesus began to teach them that He must suffer many things, be rejected and killed. Peter didn’t like what Jesus said and criticized Him. Jesus told him “Get away from me Satan,” and, “Your thoughts don’t come from God but from man!” (Mark 8:33) Then Jesus told the crowd that if they wanted to come with Him, they must forget their old lives and take up a new life.
Six days later Jesus took Peter, James and John up to a high mountain. They watched Jesus be glorified or transfigured. Later, Jesus cast an evil spirit out of a boy. None of the disciples could do it, and they asked Jesus how He did it. He told them that the only thing that works for that kind of evil is prayer. Jesus told the disciples again about the death of the Son of Man and on the third day He would rise to life, but they didn't understand. Jesus asked His disciples what they had been arguing about while they were traveling. Nobody answered Jesus because they had argued about who was greatest. He told them whoever wants to come first must be a servant to everyone else. He brought a little child who was near closer to Him and told them "Whoever welcomes in my name one of these children, welcomes me; and whoever welcomes me, welcomes not only me but also the one who sent me." (Mark 9:37) Jesus told the disciples that anyone who is not against them is for them, so let people help. Jesus told them to never cause a little child to lose faith in Him. Jesus said, "Have the salt of friendship among yourselves, and live in peace with one another."
The Pharisees tried to trap Jesus regarding the law of divorce. Jesus explained that this law was for men, but God had a different desire for the way a marriage should be. Man shouldn't tamper with the things God has done.
Tomorrow read Mark 10:13-12:12
Six days later Jesus took Peter, James and John up to a high mountain. They watched Jesus be glorified or transfigured. Later, Jesus cast an evil spirit out of a boy. None of the disciples could do it, and they asked Jesus how He did it. He told them that the only thing that works for that kind of evil is prayer. Jesus told the disciples again about the death of the Son of Man and on the third day He would rise to life, but they didn't understand. Jesus asked His disciples what they had been arguing about while they were traveling. Nobody answered Jesus because they had argued about who was greatest. He told them whoever wants to come first must be a servant to everyone else. He brought a little child who was near closer to Him and told them "Whoever welcomes in my name one of these children, welcomes me; and whoever welcomes me, welcomes not only me but also the one who sent me." (Mark 9:37) Jesus told the disciples that anyone who is not against them is for them, so let people help. Jesus told them to never cause a little child to lose faith in Him. Jesus said, "Have the salt of friendship among yourselves, and live in peace with one another."
The Pharisees tried to trap Jesus regarding the law of divorce. Jesus explained that this law was for men, but God had a different desire for the way a marriage should be. Man shouldn't tamper with the things God has done.
Tomorrow read Mark 10:13-12:12
20101021
October 21, 2010 Mark 6-7
Jesus went back to His hometown and His message was rejected. He was surprised because people didn't have faith. Jesus sent the disciples in pairs out to the countryside to preach, heal people and anoint people. Some people thought that Jesus was John the Baptist come back to life which was why He could perform miracles. Others, thought He was Elijah. Herod thought that He was John the Baptist come back to life (probably because he felt guilty about having chopped off his head.) The disciples returned and gave a report to Jesus about what they did. Jesus wanted to go someplace where they could be alone to rest, so they got in a boat to row to a place without people. But the crowds saw them and followed on the bank. So Jesus began to teach them and then he fed all 5,000 of them with 5 loaves and 2 fish. They had leftovers. By now it was late and Jesus had the disciples take the boat and row to Bethsaida. He stayed behind to pray in solitude. Between 3 and 6 am Jesus walked over to them on the water. They thought He was a ghost until Jesus told them to have courage and not to be afraid. He got into the boat. They were amazed and had not understood the meaning of feeding the 5000 because their minds could not grasp it. They got off the boat and went all through the land healing people by letting them touch the hem of Jesus' clothes.
Pharisees and teachers of the Law came from Jerusalem and critisized Jesus and His disciples for not ritually cleansing themselves before eating. Jesus quoted from Isaiah 29:13 and repeated "You have a clever way of rejecting God's law in order to uphold your own teaching." (TEV Mark 7:9) Jesus turned and talked to the people and explained that what comes out of a person's heart is what makes him unclean, not what he eats. Later, Jesus healed a foreigner's daughter because of the faith of her mother. Jesus healed a deaf-mute. He stuck His fingers into the man's ears, spat, and touched his tongue, groaned and said "Open up!". The man could hear and speak without any trouble. Jesus asked the people not to tell anyone, but they couldn't help themselves and told everybody.
Tomorrow read Mark 8-10:12
Pharisees and teachers of the Law came from Jerusalem and critisized Jesus and His disciples for not ritually cleansing themselves before eating. Jesus quoted from Isaiah 29:13 and repeated "You have a clever way of rejecting God's law in order to uphold your own teaching." (TEV Mark 7:9) Jesus turned and talked to the people and explained that what comes out of a person's heart is what makes him unclean, not what he eats. Later, Jesus healed a foreigner's daughter because of the faith of her mother. Jesus healed a deaf-mute. He stuck His fingers into the man's ears, spat, and touched his tongue, groaned and said "Open up!". The man could hear and speak without any trouble. Jesus asked the people not to tell anyone, but they couldn't help themselves and told everybody.
Tomorrow read Mark 8-10:12
20101020
October 20, 2010 Mark 4-5
As in the beginning of Matthew 13, Jesus taught the crowd on the lakeshore from a boat. He taught the parable of the sower. Later, when Jesus was alone with the disciples, Jesus explained why He used parables and quoted Isaiah 6:9-10. Jesus explained the deeper meaning of the parable to them. Jesus continued by asking them if anyone puts a lamp under a bowl. He explained that everything hidden will be exposed. He advised them to pay attention, because they would be judged by the same rules they judged others - but worse. Jesus talked about how the Kingdom of God is like seeds that grow even though we don't know how. In describing the Kingdom of God to the people, Jesus used the parable of the mustard seed. Jesus only spoke in parables to the people, but to the disciples He would elaborate. Later that day at evening, Jesus wanted to go across the lake in the boat He was sitting in to teach. Jesus was sleeping and a storm arose. The disciples, in a panic, woke Jesus and He calmed the water and wind.
Jesus and His disciples arrived on the other side of Lake Galilee. When Jesus went ashore, a crazy man came out to meet Him. This man was possessed by evil spirits and lived among the tombs. Nobody could keep him restrained so that he wouldn't hurt them, so they were all afraid of him. The evil spirits inside the man knew who Jesus was and begged Him not to punish them. Jesus asked what their name was and the man answered "Mob" - there a lot of them in there. Mob asked Jesus if they could go into the herd of pigs nearby. Jesus agreed. The spirits inhabited the pigs and proceeded to destroy them by running them down the cliff and into the lake to drown. The pig tenders ran to town and told everybody what happened. Naturally people came out to see what was going on and they saw the man sitting calmly and they were afraid. They asked Jesus to leave their territory. The man Jesus healed wanted to come with Him, but Jesus told him to go home to his family. So the man told everyone about Jesus. Jesus went to the other side of the lake and a man begged Him to heal his very ill daughter. As they were on their way, a large crowd surrounded them. A woman knew that if she just touched Jesus' clothes, she would be healed of the bleeding which had troubled her for 12 years. Jesus felt power taken from Him and He looked around to see who it was. When He found her, He commended her for her faith. Then they got a message that the girl had died, and Jesus wasn't bothered by it. He said, "Don't be afraid, only believe." (TEV Mark 5:36) and he took Peter, James and His brother John and had everyone else stay behind. They went to the house, the mourners made fun of Jesus when He told them the girl wasn't dead and He put them out of the house. Then He held her hand and commanded her to get up. So she did. He told them to give her something to eat.
Tomorrow read Mark 6-7
Jesus and His disciples arrived on the other side of Lake Galilee. When Jesus went ashore, a crazy man came out to meet Him. This man was possessed by evil spirits and lived among the tombs. Nobody could keep him restrained so that he wouldn't hurt them, so they were all afraid of him. The evil spirits inside the man knew who Jesus was and begged Him not to punish them. Jesus asked what their name was and the man answered "Mob" - there a lot of them in there. Mob asked Jesus if they could go into the herd of pigs nearby. Jesus agreed. The spirits inhabited the pigs and proceeded to destroy them by running them down the cliff and into the lake to drown. The pig tenders ran to town and told everybody what happened. Naturally people came out to see what was going on and they saw the man sitting calmly and they were afraid. They asked Jesus to leave their territory. The man Jesus healed wanted to come with Him, but Jesus told him to go home to his family. So the man told everyone about Jesus. Jesus went to the other side of the lake and a man begged Him to heal his very ill daughter. As they were on their way, a large crowd surrounded them. A woman knew that if she just touched Jesus' clothes, she would be healed of the bleeding which had troubled her for 12 years. Jesus felt power taken from Him and He looked around to see who it was. When He found her, He commended her for her faith. Then they got a message that the girl had died, and Jesus wasn't bothered by it. He said, "Don't be afraid, only believe." (TEV Mark 5:36) and he took Peter, James and His brother John and had everyone else stay behind. They went to the house, the mourners made fun of Jesus when He told them the girl wasn't dead and He put them out of the house. Then He held her hand and commanded her to get up. So she did. He told them to give her something to eat.
Tomorrow read Mark 6-7
20101019
October 19, 2010 Mark 1-3
Mark begins with the announcement of the Good News about Jesus Christ, the Son of God. Mark quotes from Malachi 3:1 and Isaiah 40:3, and identified John the Baptist as the one who prepared the people for Jesus Christ just as the prophecy foretold. He preached and baptized and told the people to turn back to God. John baptized Jesus, and right after that He went to the desert for 40 days and nights. Satan tested Jesus and the angels took care of Him. John was arrested and Jesus continued the message to turn back to God and listen to the good news! Jesus saw two fishermen and called them to follow Him. Their names were Simon and Andrew, and they followed Jesus. A little farther on they came upon James and John the sons of Zebedee, Jesus called them and they went with Him too. Now there were 5. They went to Capernaum, to the synagogue, where Jesus taught. The people were amazed at the way He taught with authority. A man with an evil spirit came in and screamed that Jesus was God's holy messenger, sent to destroy them. Jesus ordered the evil spirit to be quiet and come out of the man. The man shook violently as the evil spirit left him. After that, word spread about Jesus quickly. Everywhere Jesus went crowds found Him and wanted Him to heal their sick and remove the demons in others.
Later, Jesus called Levi, a tax collector, and Jesus told him to follow Him, so he did. The Pharisees watched everything Jesus did and they questioned Him frequently. They asked him about washing hands and the Sabbath.
By now, the Pharisees were really trying to find something wrong with what Jesus said or did. They could never win the way they wanted to. After that, they decided to figure out how to kill Jesus. People came from all around to be healed by Jesus, so he was drawing large crowds. Whenever Jesus cast out evil spirits, the person would fall to the ground and shout that He was the Son of God, even though Jesus warned them not to tell who He was. Jesus chose His 12 apostles. Jesus went home and such a large crowd gathered, they didn't have time to eat. His family heard about it and intended to get control of Jesus because they thought He was crazy. Some teachers from Jerusalem tried to convince others that He had the devil in Him, and that was why He could cast out demons. Jesus asked them how Satan could drive out Satan? Then He told them that all sins could be forgiven except for speaking against the Holy Spirit. Jesus said that because the people were trying to make the gift of healing through the Holy Spirit evil. Jesus' mother and brothers sent a note in that they wanted to see Jesus. Jesus told the people gathered around Him that whoever does what God wants is his family.
Tomorrow read Mark 4-5
Later, Jesus called Levi, a tax collector, and Jesus told him to follow Him, so he did. The Pharisees watched everything Jesus did and they questioned Him frequently. They asked him about washing hands and the Sabbath.
By now, the Pharisees were really trying to find something wrong with what Jesus said or did. They could never win the way they wanted to. After that, they decided to figure out how to kill Jesus. People came from all around to be healed by Jesus, so he was drawing large crowds. Whenever Jesus cast out evil spirits, the person would fall to the ground and shout that He was the Son of God, even though Jesus warned them not to tell who He was. Jesus chose His 12 apostles. Jesus went home and such a large crowd gathered, they didn't have time to eat. His family heard about it and intended to get control of Jesus because they thought He was crazy. Some teachers from Jerusalem tried to convince others that He had the devil in Him, and that was why He could cast out demons. Jesus asked them how Satan could drive out Satan? Then He told them that all sins could be forgiven except for speaking against the Holy Spirit. Jesus said that because the people were trying to make the gift of healing through the Holy Spirit evil. Jesus' mother and brothers sent a note in that they wanted to see Jesus. Jesus told the people gathered around Him that whoever does what God wants is his family.
Tomorrow read Mark 4-5
20101018
October 18, 2010 Matthew 26:69-28:20
When Judas found out that Jesus had been condemned to die, he took the 30 pieces of silver and after admitting his sin, threw the silver into the temple. The chief priests and elders bought a field to bury foreigners in with the money. (See Zechariah 11:12-13) This fulfilled the word of Jeremiah 19:1-13. Then Judas hanged himself. Meanwhile, Jesus was being questioned. Pilate asked Him if He was king of the Jews. Jesus said that Pilate said He was. The chief priests and elders all questioned Jesus and He said nothing. It was the custom for the governor to release a prisoner during the Feast. He asked whether Jesus Christ or a terrorist named Barabbas should be released? The crowd voted for Barabbas. Pilate was given a note from his wife to not have anything to do with Jesus because she was having bad dreams over it. The crowd demanded Jesus be crucified and Pilate told them Jesus hadn't done anything wrong and so refused to be responsible for their decision. He gave the crowd Barabbas and had Jesus whipped, and turned Him over to be crucified. The soldiers dressed Jesus in a scarlet robe and shoved a crown of thorns onto His head and put a stick in his hands and mocked Him. They took the stick and beat Him with it. When they were done with that they put His own clothes back on Him. On the way to crucify Jesus they met a man and made him carry the cross. They went to Golgotha and offered Jesus a drink of wine mixed with gall (wiki defines this as medicine) to drink but after He tasted it He refused it. The soldiers nailed Jesus to the cross and then gambled to see who would win His clothes. They put a sign over Him which read, "THIS IS JESUS, KING OF THE JEWS." Two robbers were also crucified beside Jesus. People yelled at Jesus and insulted Him. The sky turned dark for about 3 hours. Jesus asked God why He had forsaken Him, but the people thought He was talking about Elijah. Someone soaked a sponge in vinegar and put it on a stick for Jesus. Jesus shouted again and He died. Immediately, the curtain in the temple tore in two from top to bottom, there was an earthquake and the people who loved God who had died were raised to life. The soldiers realized that Jesus really is God's son. Several women were present to see to Jesus' needs. That evening a rich man named Joseph went to Pilate and asked for Jesus' body. Joseph wrapped the body in clean linen and put the body in his own tomb he had carved out of rock. He rolled the stone in in front of the opening and left. Mary Magdalene and the other Mary had been sitting across from the tomb the whole time. The next day (Sabbath) the chief priests and elders asked Pilate to put a guard on the tomb because Jesus had told them He would rise again after 3 days. They thought the disciples would take the body and claim it had been resurrected. So Pilate had soldiers guard the tomb.
After the Sabbath, Mary and Mary went to the tomb. An earthquake shook the earth, an angel came from heaven and rolled the stone from the door and sat on it. The angel was bright as lightning. The guards became catatonic from fear, and the angel told the women not to be afraid. He told them he knew why they were there and to come inside the tomb and look where Jesus had been. He wasn't there because He had been raised to life. The angel told them to tell the disciples that Jesus lives and that He is on His way to Galilee. The angel told them to go there and see Him. They left there and met Jesus. They touched his feet and worshiped Him. The chief priests and elders bribed the soldiers to tell people that Jesus body was stolen in the night. The 11 went to Galilee to meet Jesus. They worshiped Him and He told them He had been given all authority in heaven and earth. Jesus told them to go to all the people and make them disciples and baptize them in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, and teach them to do what Jesus taught. Jesus will be with us always, even until the end of the world.
Tomorrow read Mark 1-3
After the Sabbath, Mary and Mary went to the tomb. An earthquake shook the earth, an angel came from heaven and rolled the stone from the door and sat on it. The angel was bright as lightning. The guards became catatonic from fear, and the angel told the women not to be afraid. He told them he knew why they were there and to come inside the tomb and look where Jesus had been. He wasn't there because He had been raised to life. The angel told them to tell the disciples that Jesus lives and that He is on His way to Galilee. The angel told them to go there and see Him. They left there and met Jesus. They touched his feet and worshiped Him. The chief priests and elders bribed the soldiers to tell people that Jesus body was stolen in the night. The 11 went to Galilee to meet Jesus. They worshiped Him and He told them He had been given all authority in heaven and earth. Jesus told them to go to all the people and make them disciples and baptize them in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, and teach them to do what Jesus taught. Jesus will be with us always, even until the end of the world.
Tomorrow read Mark 1-3
20101017
October 17, 2010 Matthew 25:14-26:68
Jesus continued with the parable of the talents. To three servants the master gave talents or money, depending on which translation of the bible you're reading. He gave these according to their ability. The first servant with the most doubled his. So did the servant with a more modest amount. However, the third servant given the least buried his, so he wouldn't lose it because he was afraid. When the master returned, he was pleased with the first two, but not the third. He asked why he hadn't put it into the bank where it could have at least earned interest? So it will be with our final judgement when we are called to account for what we've done with our lives. In the final judgement the people of all nations will be gathered, then divided according to those who took care of those who suffered in some way. And those who did not care for them. Those who cared please God and will have eternal life. Those who do not care will be punished forever.
When Jesus finished teaching, he told the 12 that in two days it would be Passover and He would be betrayed and crucified. During this time the chief priests and leaders were meeting at the high priest, Caiaphas' house. They were plotting how they were going to kill Jesus. Back in Bethany, Jesus shared a meal with Simon the Leper. A woman came in and anointed Him with expensive perfume. The 12 got angry about how wasteful it was. Jesus explained to them that she was caring for Him and it was a beautiful gift that she would be remembered for. Judas one of the 12 went to the chief priests and asked how much they would give him for Jesus. They paid Judas 30 silver coins and he started looking for a good time to betray Jesus. The 12 asked Jesus where he wanted to eat the Passover meal and He told them to go to a certain man and tell him what they needed and he would provide it. As they were eating Jesus told them that one of them would betray Him. It was Judas. During the meal, Jesus took some bread in His hands, blessed it and broke it. He gave it to the disciples and said, "Take, eat; this is my body." (KJV 26:26) In the same way He took a cup of wine, gave thanks, and said, "Drink from it, all of you; for this is My blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for forgiveness of sins." (NAS Matthew 26:27-28) Jesus promised He would drink wine with them again after His death. They sang a hymn and went to the Mount of Olives. Then Jesus told them they would fall away because of what would happen that night. He quoted Zechariah 13:7. Peter said he wouldn't but Jesus told him he would deny knowing Him 3 times that night before the rooster crowed. They went to Gethsemane and Jesus prayed. He was overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death. He asked God to spare Him from what lay ahead, but that God's will be done. After this, Jesus went to them and found them all asleep. He prayed 2 more times in this way and finally it was time. Judas arrived with an armed mob and kissed Jesus (which was the sign that had been agreed upon) and betrayed Him. Jesus was arrested and one of the people with Him cut off the ear of a man there. Jesus told them to put away their weapons, that if He wanted to, He could save Himself. All that would happen was necessary to fulfill scripture. The disciples all ran away. Peter was watching from a distance as Caiaphas and all the leaders had a trial and brought false witnesses to try to find a reason why Jesus should be killed. Caiaphas asked Jesus if he was the Christ? Jesus answered that was what they said, and in the future they would see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven. Caiaphas tore his clothes and declared that Jesus had spoken blasphemy. Those gathered said Jesus was worthy of death. Then they spit in His face, punched and slapped Him, and taunted Him.
Tomorrow read Matthew 26:69-28:20
When Jesus finished teaching, he told the 12 that in two days it would be Passover and He would be betrayed and crucified. During this time the chief priests and leaders were meeting at the high priest, Caiaphas' house. They were plotting how they were going to kill Jesus. Back in Bethany, Jesus shared a meal with Simon the Leper. A woman came in and anointed Him with expensive perfume. The 12 got angry about how wasteful it was. Jesus explained to them that she was caring for Him and it was a beautiful gift that she would be remembered for. Judas one of the 12 went to the chief priests and asked how much they would give him for Jesus. They paid Judas 30 silver coins and he started looking for a good time to betray Jesus. The 12 asked Jesus where he wanted to eat the Passover meal and He told them to go to a certain man and tell him what they needed and he would provide it. As they were eating Jesus told them that one of them would betray Him. It was Judas. During the meal, Jesus took some bread in His hands, blessed it and broke it. He gave it to the disciples and said, "Take, eat; this is my body." (KJV 26:26) In the same way He took a cup of wine, gave thanks, and said, "Drink from it, all of you; for this is My blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for forgiveness of sins." (NAS Matthew 26:27-28) Jesus promised He would drink wine with them again after His death. They sang a hymn and went to the Mount of Olives. Then Jesus told them they would fall away because of what would happen that night. He quoted Zechariah 13:7. Peter said he wouldn't but Jesus told him he would deny knowing Him 3 times that night before the rooster crowed. They went to Gethsemane and Jesus prayed. He was overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death. He asked God to spare Him from what lay ahead, but that God's will be done. After this, Jesus went to them and found them all asleep. He prayed 2 more times in this way and finally it was time. Judas arrived with an armed mob and kissed Jesus (which was the sign that had been agreed upon) and betrayed Him. Jesus was arrested and one of the people with Him cut off the ear of a man there. Jesus told them to put away their weapons, that if He wanted to, He could save Himself. All that would happen was necessary to fulfill scripture. The disciples all ran away. Peter was watching from a distance as Caiaphas and all the leaders had a trial and brought false witnesses to try to find a reason why Jesus should be killed. Caiaphas asked Jesus if he was the Christ? Jesus answered that was what they said, and in the future they would see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven. Caiaphas tore his clothes and declared that Jesus had spoken blasphemy. Those gathered said Jesus was worthy of death. Then they spit in His face, punched and slapped Him, and taunted Him.
Tomorrow read Matthew 26:69-28:20
20101016
October 16, 2010 Matthew 23-25:13
Jesus told the people and the 12 to do what the Pharisees said, but not to do what they did. What they said and what they did was two different things. But they liked to put on a good show to make themselves feel good. "For whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted." (NIV Matt23:12) Jesus corrected the Pharisees and teachers on some of the things they were doing that were wrong. Jesus told them they would be held responsible for the innocent blood of the righteous from Abel to Zechariah. (Jesus says Zechariah was the son of Berekiah and in 2Chron 24:21 it says he was the son of Jehoiada. Maybe we'll find out how this works once we're on the other side?)
As they walked away, Jesus told them that none of the stones of the temple would remain. On the Mount of Olives, the 12 asked Jesus what would be the signs of His coming again. Jesus told them that at first there will be many who will claim to be Him, everyone will be fighting with everyone else, and there will be famines and natural disasters. Then Christians will be hated because of Him and others will turn away from Him and hate others. False prophets will deceive many people. Love will be very scarce. The gospel will be preached to the whole world and then the end will come. Everything will go dark and then everyone will be able to see the coming of the Son of Man. Only God knows when this will happen and it will be when everyone least expects it.
Jesus continued speaking about the end of the age by telling the parable of the 10 virgins who went to meet their bridegroom. Each virgin had an oil lamp, but only five thought to bring extra oil. They fell asleep. At midnight someone shouted that the groom was arriving. They got up and started to light their lamps. Uh-oh five lamps wouldn't light because they didn't have enough oil, and those girls asked the others for some of their oil. But they were wise and told them to go buy their own oil. While the five unprepared virgins were gone buying oil, the bridegroom arrived and took the five who were ready to the wedding, and the doors were closed. The five returned and shouted to be let in to the wedding. The bridegroom told them he didn't know them. So always be prepared! You don't know when all of this will happen.
Tomorrow read Matthew 25:14-26:68
As they walked away, Jesus told them that none of the stones of the temple would remain. On the Mount of Olives, the 12 asked Jesus what would be the signs of His coming again. Jesus told them that at first there will be many who will claim to be Him, everyone will be fighting with everyone else, and there will be famines and natural disasters. Then Christians will be hated because of Him and others will turn away from Him and hate others. False prophets will deceive many people. Love will be very scarce. The gospel will be preached to the whole world and then the end will come. Everything will go dark and then everyone will be able to see the coming of the Son of Man. Only God knows when this will happen and it will be when everyone least expects it.
Jesus continued speaking about the end of the age by telling the parable of the 10 virgins who went to meet their bridegroom. Each virgin had an oil lamp, but only five thought to bring extra oil. They fell asleep. At midnight someone shouted that the groom was arriving. They got up and started to light their lamps. Uh-oh five lamps wouldn't light because they didn't have enough oil, and those girls asked the others for some of their oil. But they were wise and told them to go buy their own oil. While the five unprepared virgins were gone buying oil, the bridegroom arrived and took the five who were ready to the wedding, and the doors were closed. The five returned and shouted to be let in to the wedding. The bridegroom told them he didn't know them. So always be prepared! You don't know when all of this will happen.
Tomorrow read Matthew 25:14-26:68
20101015
October 15, 2010 Matthew 21-22
Jesus asked for a donkey and colt to be brought to Him. They put their coats on the colt for Jesus to sit on. This fulfilled the prophecy in Zechariah 9:9. On the way people spread their coats, or put down branches on the road. The people shouted the words of Psalm 118:26. This must have caused quite a ruckus! Jesus went into the temple and threw out all the merchants that were there. He quoted Isaiah 56:7. Jesus healed many people while He was at the temple. The chief priests and teachers were mad when they heard how the people praised Jesus, He quoted Psalm 8:2. He went to Bethany and spent the night. Early the next morning, Jesus was on the road to the city and came upon a fig tree. There was no fruit on it and Jesus cursed it and it withered. The 12 wondered how He did that and He told them it was by faith. He told them that if they believe, they can have whatever they ask for in prayer. Later, when Jesus was teaching in the temple, the chief priests and teachers asked Him by what authority he was teaching? Jesus told them if they could answer His question He would answer theirs. He asked them by whose authority John was baptizing? They couldn't answer on the grounds that they couldn't win, so they said they didn't know. Then Jesus told them a parable about a father who wanted his sons to help in the vineyard. The first said he wouldn't go and then did, and the second lied, saying he'd go but didn't. Jesus asked them which one obeyed the father? They thought the first one did. Jesus told them that prostitutes and tax collectors would enter the kingdom of God before them. John came to show them the way and they didn't believe him, but the prostitutes and tax collectors did. Jesus told them another story about a landowner who rented his vineyard to some very selfish tenants. I like the way the story describes the relationship between the landowner, the servants and the tenants. Jesus quoted Psalm 118:22-23. The chief priests and teachers knew that Jesus was talking about them. They wanted to arrest Jesus, but were afraid of the crowd.
Jesus continued speaking to the chief priests and teachers in parables. He told about a king who prepared a wedding banquet for his son and none of the invited guests showed up because they had more important things to do. So then he invited strangers to come and eat and drink and celebrate with him. He went to meet his guests and noticed one who didn't have on the proper wedding clothes. When the king asked him why he hadn't changed clothes, he didn't have an answer. The king had him tied at the wrists and ankles and thrown into the darkness. Then Jesus said, "Many are invited, but only a few are chosen." (CEV Matt.22:14) The Pharisees put their heads together to figure out how to trick Jesus. They sent some people to ask Him whether they should pay taxes to Caesar. Jesus knew what they were up to and he asked them whose picture was on the coin? The Emperor's. Jesus told them to give Ceasar what belongs to him and give to God what belongs to Him. The Sadducees didn't believe in life after death. They asked Jesus a trick question about a woman who was married to 7 brothers and who's wife would she be after death. Jesus told them that they didn't know anything. He told them that after death there is no marriage, people are like the angels in heaven. God is the God of the living. The Pharisees asked what he most important commandment is. Jesus told them the first and most important commandment is to love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, and mind. The second is like it, love others as much as you love yourself. All the other commandments are based on these two. Jesus asked the Pharisees who is the father of the Messiah? Then Jesus quoted Psalm 110:1 and asked them if David called him Lord, how can he be his son? They didn't ask any more questions.
Tomorrow read Matthew 23-25:13
Jesus continued speaking to the chief priests and teachers in parables. He told about a king who prepared a wedding banquet for his son and none of the invited guests showed up because they had more important things to do. So then he invited strangers to come and eat and drink and celebrate with him. He went to meet his guests and noticed one who didn't have on the proper wedding clothes. When the king asked him why he hadn't changed clothes, he didn't have an answer. The king had him tied at the wrists and ankles and thrown into the darkness. Then Jesus said, "Many are invited, but only a few are chosen." (CEV Matt.22:14) The Pharisees put their heads together to figure out how to trick Jesus. They sent some people to ask Him whether they should pay taxes to Caesar. Jesus knew what they were up to and he asked them whose picture was on the coin? The Emperor's. Jesus told them to give Ceasar what belongs to him and give to God what belongs to Him. The Sadducees didn't believe in life after death. They asked Jesus a trick question about a woman who was married to 7 brothers and who's wife would she be after death. Jesus told them that they didn't know anything. He told them that after death there is no marriage, people are like the angels in heaven. God is the God of the living. The Pharisees asked what he most important commandment is. Jesus told them the first and most important commandment is to love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, and mind. The second is like it, love others as much as you love yourself. All the other commandments are based on these two. Jesus asked the Pharisees who is the father of the Messiah? Then Jesus quoted Psalm 110:1 and asked them if David called him Lord, how can he be his son? They didn't ask any more questions.
Tomorrow read Matthew 23-25:13
20101014
October 14, 2010 Matthew 17:14-20:34
The father of a boy asked Jesus to heal his son's epilepsy. Jesus was not pleased with the lack of faith of the people, but He healed the boy. Later in private the 12asked Him why they couldn't heal the boy. Jesus told them that it was because they lacked faith. If they had as much faith as a mustard seed they could move a mountain or do anything.
As they walked, Jesus told the disciples that he would be killed, and that three days later he would rise to life. The 12 were very sad.
When they arrived in Capernaum temple tax collectors asked Peter if Jesus paid it. Peter said that he did. When Peter asked Jesus about it Jesus asked him if the kings had their own sons or other people pay the tax. Peter answered that others do. Jesus told him that since they didn't want to cause trouble he should cast a line into the water and in the mouth of the first fish he caught would be money to pay the tax, and it was so.
The 12 wanted to know who would be the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. Jesus called a little child over to Him and told them to make themselves humble like the little child and they would be the greatest in heaven.
Anyone who causes children to sin is in big trouble. Remove all temptations to sin (even body parts.)
Don't be cruel to children. They have angels who are with God and if one out of 100 is lost they will go and find the one. God doesn't want any of the little ones lost.
If a Christian sins against you, go to them in private and express it. If they listen, you have them back, if not,return with one or two other Christians. If they still won't hear you bring it to the church and if they still refuse to listen then they aren't one of you.
Whatever you allow on earth, God will allow. But He will not allow anything you don't allow. If two of you agree on earth about something you are praying for, God will do it for you.
Peter asked Jesus if 7 times was enough to forgive someone. Jesus told him to forgive 77 times. Then He told a story about a king who had an official who owed him a big sum of money. The official begged for mercy. The king told him he didn't have to pay any money back. Next thing you know the official ran into one of his cronies who happend to owe him a bunch of money. He started choking him. So that man begged for mercy, but he refused to have pity and put him in jail. The king heard about it and called the official back and asked him why he had no mercy like what he'd been given. Then the king had the official tortured until he could pay back the money. This is how God will treat us if we don't forgive each other.
Some Pharisees wanted to test Jesus about whether divorce could happen for any reason. Jesus reminded them that God's plan was to have a man and woman become one that no one should separate. So they asked why Moses allowed divorce. Jesus told them that because of their stubbornness they were allowed to divorce only because of sexual sin. The 12 thought that it was better not to get married. Jesus told them that only those who had been given that gift should accept the teaching.
Some people brought their children to Jesus so He could bless them. The 12 tried to wave them off, but Jesus told them He wanted to be with the children. He told them that people who are like those children belong to God's kingdom.
A rich young man asked Jesus what he had to do to have eternal life. Jesus told him to obey God's commandments. The man said that he did. Jesus told him that if he wanted to be perfect he should give away everything he owned and follow Him. When the man heard this he was very sad because he was very rich. Jesus told the 12 that it is very hard for a rich man to get into the kingdom of heaven. The 12 asked how anyone ever be saved? Jesus told them that there are some things people cannot do, but God can do anything. They wanted to know what they would get for leaving everything and following Him. Jesus told them they would have thrones and judge the 12 tribes of Israel. All who have given up home, family and possessions will have eternal life.
As Jesus was telling them about heaven, he told them about workers in a field. Some workers agreed to work early in the day others later, and others later still. They all got paid the same. This upset the workers that had worked all day, but the owner told them he had the right to give them what he wanted and they had been paid exactly what they agreed to work for and to go home.
Before they got to Jerusalem, Jesus told the disciples about His death and that on the third day He would rise again.
The mother of James and John asked Jesus to put her sons beside him in heaven. Jesus told her that that was up to His Father. He told them He didn't come to be the master, but the slave, and pay a ransom for many people.
On the road from Jericho two blind men were waiting for Jesus to come by so He could heal them. Jesus felt sorry for them and healed them and they followed Him.
Tomorrow read Matthew 21-22
As they walked, Jesus told the disciples that he would be killed, and that three days later he would rise to life. The 12 were very sad.
When they arrived in Capernaum temple tax collectors asked Peter if Jesus paid it. Peter said that he did. When Peter asked Jesus about it Jesus asked him if the kings had their own sons or other people pay the tax. Peter answered that others do. Jesus told him that since they didn't want to cause trouble he should cast a line into the water and in the mouth of the first fish he caught would be money to pay the tax, and it was so.
The 12 wanted to know who would be the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. Jesus called a little child over to Him and told them to make themselves humble like the little child and they would be the greatest in heaven.
Anyone who causes children to sin is in big trouble. Remove all temptations to sin (even body parts.)
Don't be cruel to children. They have angels who are with God and if one out of 100 is lost they will go and find the one. God doesn't want any of the little ones lost.
If a Christian sins against you, go to them in private and express it. If they listen, you have them back, if not,return with one or two other Christians. If they still won't hear you bring it to the church and if they still refuse to listen then they aren't one of you.
Whatever you allow on earth, God will allow. But He will not allow anything you don't allow. If two of you agree on earth about something you are praying for, God will do it for you.
Peter asked Jesus if 7 times was enough to forgive someone. Jesus told him to forgive 77 times. Then He told a story about a king who had an official who owed him a big sum of money. The official begged for mercy. The king told him he didn't have to pay any money back. Next thing you know the official ran into one of his cronies who happend to owe him a bunch of money. He started choking him. So that man begged for mercy, but he refused to have pity and put him in jail. The king heard about it and called the official back and asked him why he had no mercy like what he'd been given. Then the king had the official tortured until he could pay back the money. This is how God will treat us if we don't forgive each other.
Some Pharisees wanted to test Jesus about whether divorce could happen for any reason. Jesus reminded them that God's plan was to have a man and woman become one that no one should separate. So they asked why Moses allowed divorce. Jesus told them that because of their stubbornness they were allowed to divorce only because of sexual sin. The 12 thought that it was better not to get married. Jesus told them that only those who had been given that gift should accept the teaching.
Some people brought their children to Jesus so He could bless them. The 12 tried to wave them off, but Jesus told them He wanted to be with the children. He told them that people who are like those children belong to God's kingdom.
A rich young man asked Jesus what he had to do to have eternal life. Jesus told him to obey God's commandments. The man said that he did. Jesus told him that if he wanted to be perfect he should give away everything he owned and follow Him. When the man heard this he was very sad because he was very rich. Jesus told the 12 that it is very hard for a rich man to get into the kingdom of heaven. The 12 asked how anyone ever be saved? Jesus told them that there are some things people cannot do, but God can do anything. They wanted to know what they would get for leaving everything and following Him. Jesus told them they would have thrones and judge the 12 tribes of Israel. All who have given up home, family and possessions will have eternal life.
As Jesus was telling them about heaven, he told them about workers in a field. Some workers agreed to work early in the day others later, and others later still. They all got paid the same. This upset the workers that had worked all day, but the owner told them he had the right to give them what he wanted and they had been paid exactly what they agreed to work for and to go home.
Before they got to Jerusalem, Jesus told the disciples about His death and that on the third day He would rise again.
The mother of James and John asked Jesus to put her sons beside him in heaven. Jesus told her that that was up to His Father. He told them He didn't come to be the master, but the slave, and pay a ransom for many people.
On the road from Jericho two blind men were waiting for Jesus to come by so He could heal them. Jesus felt sorry for them and healed them and they followed Him.
Tomorrow read Matthew 21-22
20101013
October 13, 2010 Matthew 14:13-17:13
Jesus fed 5,000 men, not counting the women and children, one evening. He took 5 loaves of bread and 2 fish and thanked God for them as he broke them. Then he gave them to the disciples who gave them to the people. Everyone ate and were satisfied. They even had leftovers!
Jesus made the disciples get into the boat and go ahead of Him to the other side of the lake. (He needed to be alone to pray.) The boat was quite far away and winds had come up so the water was choppy. Jesus came out to them walking on the water. They thought He was a ghost, but Jesus told them not to be afraid. Peter wanted to walk on the water too, so Jesus told him to. He got scared and started to sink and cried out for Jesus to save him. Jesus told him he had little faith. The winds calmed down and they got to the other side of the lake. The people recognized Jesus and everyone wanted to be healed. They had such faith that they knew they could be healed if they just touched his coat. They were healed.
So the Pharisees were at it again trying to discredit Jesus. They questioned Him about washing hands before eating. He questioned them about not honoring their parents. Then He called them hypocrites and told them Isaiah had been right about them. (Isaiah 29:13) Jesus took this opportunity to explain to the people that what they eat doesn't make them unclean, but what they say does. (Words are powerful things, God created everything just with words!)
Later, a Canaanite woman wanted Jesus to heal her daughter. Jesus ignored her for a while, but finally told her He was there for the Israelites. On her knees she asked Him to help her. He told her it wouldn't be right to take from the children and give to the dogs. Then she told him that even the dogs eat the scraps that fall from the table. Jesus told the woman she had great faith and her daughter was healed.
Jesus went by the Sea of Galilee, climbed up a mountain and sat down. Huge crowds came bringing people for Jesus to heal. He healed them for 3 days and told the disciples that He wanted to feed them so they could return home and not faint. Jesus fed 4000 men plus women and children with 7 loaves of bread and some small fish in the same manner as before. Again there were leftovers.
The Pharisees and Sadducees tried to trick Jesus by asking Him for a sign. He told them the only sign they would get is the sign of Jonah. Later Jesus and the disciples went across the lake and the disciples forgot the bread. Jesus told them to be careful of the yeast of the Pahrisees and Sadducees. They thought He was talking about the bread they forgot. Jesus was talking about guarding against the teachings of the Pharisees and Sadducees.
People had different opinions of who they thought Jesus was. Simon Peter told Him that He was the Christ (Messiah) the Son of the living God. Jesus blessed him and told him he would build His church on Peter (which means rock) and He would give Him the keys of the kingdom. He warned them not to tell anyone that He was the Christ.
From then on, Jesus spent time explaining to the disciples the things that would happen to Him. Peter didn't like hearing about these things. Jesus rebuked him. Then He explained that to save your soul, you need to die to this world. Each person will receive their reward. He promised them that they would see the Son of Man coming into his kingdom before they died.
Jesus took Peter, James and John up to a high mountain. Jesus was changed and started glowing all over. Then Moses and Elijah were talking with Jesus. Peter wanted to make them shelters. Just then a cloud came over them and a voice spoke. It was God and He told them how pleased He was with His son and commanded that they listen to Him. The men fell down on their faces. Jesus touched them and told them to get up. Only Jesus was there. On the way down the mountain, Jesus told them not to talk about what they had seen until after the resurrection. The men asked Jesus about Elijah. Jesus told them Elijah had already come and he was treated badly and the Son of Man would be treated in the same way. Then they understoon that Jesus was talking about John the Baptist.
Tomorrow read Matthew 17:14-20:34
Jesus made the disciples get into the boat and go ahead of Him to the other side of the lake. (He needed to be alone to pray.) The boat was quite far away and winds had come up so the water was choppy. Jesus came out to them walking on the water. They thought He was a ghost, but Jesus told them not to be afraid. Peter wanted to walk on the water too, so Jesus told him to. He got scared and started to sink and cried out for Jesus to save him. Jesus told him he had little faith. The winds calmed down and they got to the other side of the lake. The people recognized Jesus and everyone wanted to be healed. They had such faith that they knew they could be healed if they just touched his coat. They were healed.
So the Pharisees were at it again trying to discredit Jesus. They questioned Him about washing hands before eating. He questioned them about not honoring their parents. Then He called them hypocrites and told them Isaiah had been right about them. (Isaiah 29:13) Jesus took this opportunity to explain to the people that what they eat doesn't make them unclean, but what they say does. (Words are powerful things, God created everything just with words!)
Later, a Canaanite woman wanted Jesus to heal her daughter. Jesus ignored her for a while, but finally told her He was there for the Israelites. On her knees she asked Him to help her. He told her it wouldn't be right to take from the children and give to the dogs. Then she told him that even the dogs eat the scraps that fall from the table. Jesus told the woman she had great faith and her daughter was healed.
Jesus went by the Sea of Galilee, climbed up a mountain and sat down. Huge crowds came bringing people for Jesus to heal. He healed them for 3 days and told the disciples that He wanted to feed them so they could return home and not faint. Jesus fed 4000 men plus women and children with 7 loaves of bread and some small fish in the same manner as before. Again there were leftovers.
The Pharisees and Sadducees tried to trick Jesus by asking Him for a sign. He told them the only sign they would get is the sign of Jonah. Later Jesus and the disciples went across the lake and the disciples forgot the bread. Jesus told them to be careful of the yeast of the Pahrisees and Sadducees. They thought He was talking about the bread they forgot. Jesus was talking about guarding against the teachings of the Pharisees and Sadducees.
People had different opinions of who they thought Jesus was. Simon Peter told Him that He was the Christ (Messiah) the Son of the living God. Jesus blessed him and told him he would build His church on Peter (which means rock) and He would give Him the keys of the kingdom. He warned them not to tell anyone that He was the Christ.
From then on, Jesus spent time explaining to the disciples the things that would happen to Him. Peter didn't like hearing about these things. Jesus rebuked him. Then He explained that to save your soul, you need to die to this world. Each person will receive their reward. He promised them that they would see the Son of Man coming into his kingdom before they died.
Jesus took Peter, James and John up to a high mountain. Jesus was changed and started glowing all over. Then Moses and Elijah were talking with Jesus. Peter wanted to make them shelters. Just then a cloud came over them and a voice spoke. It was God and He told them how pleased He was with His son and commanded that they listen to Him. The men fell down on their faces. Jesus touched them and told them to get up. Only Jesus was there. On the way down the mountain, Jesus told them not to talk about what they had seen until after the resurrection. The men asked Jesus about Elijah. Jesus told them Elijah had already come and he was treated badly and the Son of Man would be treated in the same way. Then they understoon that Jesus was talking about John the Baptist.
Tomorrow read Matthew 17:14-20:34
20101012
October 12, 2010 Matthew 12:22-14:12
Jesus healed a blind and deaf man and everybody wondered if He was the Son of David. The Pharisees weren't having that, so they made up a lie that Jesus was the devil to discredit Him. Jesus pointed out how that theory made no sense since you can't fight against yourself and win. Jesus taught that if you aren't with Him, you're against Him and that if you speak out against Jesus you can be forgiven, but if you speak out against the Holy Spirit you can never be forgiven. Your words show what is in your heart. On Judgement Day we will all answer for all the careless words we have spoken. The Pharisees wanted a sign from heaven. Jesus told them that they wanted a sign because they were evil and didn't believe. Speaking of evil spirits, Jesus taught that when an evil spirit is expelled you need to fill up that space with good stuff, like being filled with the Holy Spirit, or they'll move back in. Jesus called the disciples and anyone who obeys God, His family.
Later, Jesus went to a lake and got in a boat to speak to a large crowd gathered on the shore. He taught them many things using stories. He described the way seeds grow. Some fall on rocks, some fall on shallow soil and sprout but don't live long, some get choked out by other plants and some fall on good soil and make up for the seeds that didn't grow. The disciples asked why He taught with stories. Jesus told them He had explained the secrets of the kingdom of heaven to them but not to others. Then He quoted Isaiah 6:9-10. He told them that God had blessed them with understanding that many prophets and good people really wanted to know but didn't. Then Jesus told them the meaning of the story. Some people hear the message about the kingdom of heaven but don't understand it. Others gladly hear and accept the message, but when life gets hard or the message gets them in trouble, they give up. There are those who hear and accept the message, but get sidetracked with money and the desire to get rich - the message gets choked out. Finally, there are people who understand the message and multiply it.
Jesus told them another story about a farmer with a freshly planted wheat field into which a vandal had come in the night and scattered weed seeds. Nobody knew about the weeds until the plants started to grow. When the farmer asked his servant how the weeds got planted, he answered that it was done by the enemy. The servant asked if he should pull up the weeds. The farmer told him not to because if would pull up wheat with it. They would sort out the weeds at the harvest and burn the weeds and put the grain in the barn.
In another story, Jesus compared the kingdom of heaven to a mustard seed. It is the smallest seed, and grows into a tree that birds can nest in. Also, the kingdom of heaven works like yeast in bread, making the dough rise.
Because Jesus taught with stories, another prophecy came true in Psalm 78:2.
When Jesus went inside, the disciples asked Him to explain the story about the weeds. He told them the Son of Man scattered the good seed. The field is the world, and the good seeds are the people who belong to the kingdom. The weed seeds are those who belong to the devil, the vandal is the devil. The angels are the workers who harvest. Weeds are gathered and burned as at the end of time. Everyone who has done right will be in their Father's kingdom.
For the kingdom of heaven, a person would give anything and everything to have it.
At the end of time angels will separate the good people from the bad just like fishermen do after they pull in their nets.
Every student of the Scriptures who becomes a disciple of the kingdom of heaven is like a person with old and new treasures in their storeroom.
Jesus went back to his hometown and started preaching and teaching, but the people wouldn't hear it. He said that only in his hometown and home is a prophet without honor. So he didn't do any miracles there because the people lacked faith.
Around this time, Herod had heard about Jesus while John the Baptist was in his prison. He was in prison because he told Herod that he shouldn't take his brother's wife. Her name was Herodias, and she tricked Herod into chopping off John's head even though he didn't want to. The head was brought to her daughter on a silver platter as she requested (at her mother's prompting) and she gave it to her mother.
The disciples heard about it and buried John's body and told Jesus.
Tomorrow read Matthew 14:13-17:13
Later, Jesus went to a lake and got in a boat to speak to a large crowd gathered on the shore. He taught them many things using stories. He described the way seeds grow. Some fall on rocks, some fall on shallow soil and sprout but don't live long, some get choked out by other plants and some fall on good soil and make up for the seeds that didn't grow. The disciples asked why He taught with stories. Jesus told them He had explained the secrets of the kingdom of heaven to them but not to others. Then He quoted Isaiah 6:9-10. He told them that God had blessed them with understanding that many prophets and good people really wanted to know but didn't. Then Jesus told them the meaning of the story. Some people hear the message about the kingdom of heaven but don't understand it. Others gladly hear and accept the message, but when life gets hard or the message gets them in trouble, they give up. There are those who hear and accept the message, but get sidetracked with money and the desire to get rich - the message gets choked out. Finally, there are people who understand the message and multiply it.
Jesus told them another story about a farmer with a freshly planted wheat field into which a vandal had come in the night and scattered weed seeds. Nobody knew about the weeds until the plants started to grow. When the farmer asked his servant how the weeds got planted, he answered that it was done by the enemy. The servant asked if he should pull up the weeds. The farmer told him not to because if would pull up wheat with it. They would sort out the weeds at the harvest and burn the weeds and put the grain in the barn.
In another story, Jesus compared the kingdom of heaven to a mustard seed. It is the smallest seed, and grows into a tree that birds can nest in. Also, the kingdom of heaven works like yeast in bread, making the dough rise.
Because Jesus taught with stories, another prophecy came true in Psalm 78:2.
When Jesus went inside, the disciples asked Him to explain the story about the weeds. He told them the Son of Man scattered the good seed. The field is the world, and the good seeds are the people who belong to the kingdom. The weed seeds are those who belong to the devil, the vandal is the devil. The angels are the workers who harvest. Weeds are gathered and burned as at the end of time. Everyone who has done right will be in their Father's kingdom.
For the kingdom of heaven, a person would give anything and everything to have it.
At the end of time angels will separate the good people from the bad just like fishermen do after they pull in their nets.
Every student of the Scriptures who becomes a disciple of the kingdom of heaven is like a person with old and new treasures in their storeroom.
Jesus went back to his hometown and started preaching and teaching, but the people wouldn't hear it. He said that only in his hometown and home is a prophet without honor. So he didn't do any miracles there because the people lacked faith.
Around this time, Herod had heard about Jesus while John the Baptist was in his prison. He was in prison because he told Herod that he shouldn't take his brother's wife. Her name was Herodias, and she tricked Herod into chopping off John's head even though he didn't want to. The head was brought to her daughter on a silver platter as she requested (at her mother's prompting) and she gave it to her mother.
The disciples heard about it and buried John's body and told Jesus.
Tomorrow read Matthew 14:13-17:13
20101011
October 11, 2010 Matthew 10:16-12:21
Jesus continued instructing the 12 disciples by telling them a little of what they could expect from people. They would be brought to kings and leaders to witness. Everything they needed to say would be given to them at the time they needed it. The Spirit would speak through them. Family members would disagree with each other about Jesus. The Gospel would continue to be preached to the Jews until the second coming of Christ. (This interpretation is in my bible footnote.) Jesus told them not to fear people who could kill the body, rather, fear the one who can kill both body and soul. If you stand up for Jesus, He'll stand up for you. Don't be afraid because even the hairs of your head are numbered. Jesus quotes Micah 7:6. Everyone must love Jesus more than any other person to be worthy of Him. We are to follow His example in everything we do to be worthy of Him.
Jesus finished instructing His 12 disciples and went to teach and preach in Galilee. From prison, John the Baptist sent messergers to Jesus to ask if He was the one John was expecting or would it be someone else? Jesus told them to watch all the healing for themselves. They returned to report to John and Jesus taught the crowd that John was the fulfillment of the prophecy in Malachi 3:1. The people made up their own stories about John and Jesus before learning the truth. Then Jesus began to denounce those cities where He had done most of the healing because they did not repent. Jesus offered praise to God. Then He told the people that they could find rest with Him.
One Sabbath, the Pharisees saw Jesus and noticed the disciples with Him were picking grain with their hands and eating it. They told Jesus what they were doing was unlawful. He asked them about the time David was hungry and ate the bread from the temple (1Sam. 21:1-6) or about the priests desecrating the day and still being innocent. Jesus quoted Hosea 6:6 and told them He was the Lord of the Sabbath. Then Jesus went into the temple and saw a man in there with a shriveled hand. The Pharisees asked Jesus about healing on the Sabbath and He told them that it is lawful to do good on the Sabbath. Then Jesus healed the man's hand. Then the Pharisees tried to figure out how they could kill Jesus. Jesus left because He knew what they were thinking. Many people followed Him and he healed their sick and told them not to say anything about Him. This fulfilled the prophecy in Isaiah 42:1-4.
Tomorrow read Matthew 12:22-14:12
Jesus finished instructing His 12 disciples and went to teach and preach in Galilee. From prison, John the Baptist sent messergers to Jesus to ask if He was the one John was expecting or would it be someone else? Jesus told them to watch all the healing for themselves. They returned to report to John and Jesus taught the crowd that John was the fulfillment of the prophecy in Malachi 3:1. The people made up their own stories about John and Jesus before learning the truth. Then Jesus began to denounce those cities where He had done most of the healing because they did not repent. Jesus offered praise to God. Then He told the people that they could find rest with Him.
One Sabbath, the Pharisees saw Jesus and noticed the disciples with Him were picking grain with their hands and eating it. They told Jesus what they were doing was unlawful. He asked them about the time David was hungry and ate the bread from the temple (1Sam. 21:1-6) or about the priests desecrating the day and still being innocent. Jesus quoted Hosea 6:6 and told them He was the Lord of the Sabbath. Then Jesus went into the temple and saw a man in there with a shriveled hand. The Pharisees asked Jesus about healing on the Sabbath and He told them that it is lawful to do good on the Sabbath. Then Jesus healed the man's hand. Then the Pharisees tried to figure out how they could kill Jesus. Jesus left because He knew what they were thinking. Many people followed Him and he healed their sick and told them not to say anything about Him. This fulfilled the prophecy in Isaiah 42:1-4.
Tomorrow read Matthew 12:22-14:12
20101010
October 10, 2010 Matthew 8-10:15
Jesus came down the mountain and crowds followed Him. He healed a man with leprosy who had great faith in Him. An army officer asked Jesus to heal his servant. Jesus told the crowd that the soldier had more faith than anyone he'd met in Israel. Jesus healed the servant. Jesus healed Peter's mother and others who were brought to Him. This fulfilled Isaiah's prophecy. When Jesus saw the large crowds, he went across Lake Galilee. While Jesus was in the boat with His disciples a storm blew in that was so terrible, waves splashed into the boat! Jesus was asleep. The disciples were panicked and woke Jesus, with pleas to save them. Jesus asked them why they were so afraid? Didn't they have any faith? He ordered the wind and waves to calm down. So they did. The disciples realized that Jesus could control the wind and waves. Back on dry land, Jesus started down the road to another town and came across two men with demons in them who asked Jesus to put them into a herd of pigs nearby. So He did. Then the pigs rushed down the steep bank and drowned in the lake. The people tending the pigs ran to the town and told everyone what had happened. The people of the town went to meet Jesus and begged Him to leave their section of the country.
Jesus sailed to the town where He lived. Some people brought a crippled man for Jesus to heal. Jesus saw the faith of the people and forgave their sins. Some teachers of the Law of Moses were thinking that Jesus thought He was God. Jesus knew what was in their minds and asked them why they were thinking such evil things? Was it easier to tell the crippled man his sins were forgiven or to tell him to get up and walk? Jesus told them He would show them that the "Son of Man has the right to forgive sins here on earth." (CEV Matthew 9:6) Then He told the man to pick up his mat and go home. So he did. The crowds were afraid, but thanked God for giving such authority to people. Jesus saw a tax collector named Matthew and He told him to come with Him. Later at Matthew's house during dinner, some Pharisees asked Jesus disciples why he ate with sinners. Jesus heard them and told them that He came to invite sinners to God's kingdom. One day someone asked Jesus why His disciples didn't fast. He told them that they didn't need to now, but one day they would. Then He told them that using old wineskins on new wine would waste the wine. A man came and knelt in front of Jesus and told Him his daughter had just died and could He please come and touch her and bring her back to life? Jesus and His disciples got up and went with the man. On the way a woman touched Jesus clothes because she believed she would be well if she did this, and she was. Jesus went into the man's house and told the mourners to leave because the girl was only sleeping. They laughed at Jesus. When the crowd left Jesus went to the girl and took her hand and she woke up. News of this spread all over the country. Jesus healed the blind and man who couldn't talk because of a demon. Jesus forced the demon out, the man started talking and the Pharisees said it was because Jesus had made a deal with leader of the demons. As Jesus went throughout the countryside, He taught and preached the good news about God's kingdom. He healed the sick and felt sorry for the confused and helpless people. They were like sheep without a shepherd. He told His disciples to ask the Lord in charge for help with a big harvest, because they were shorthanded.
Jesus called together his 12 disciples. Then he gave them power to force out evil spirits and heal every kind of sickness and disease. After that, they were called apostles. There was Simon or Peter, Andrew, James, John, Philip, Bartholomew, Thomas, Matthew, James, Thaddadeus, Simon, and Judas Iscariot. Then Jesus sent out the apostles with instructions: Go only to the people of Israel, not Gentiles or Samaritans. Announce the kingdom of heaven will soon be here. Heal the sick, raise the dead, heal the lepers, force out demons. You have been given without paying, so give without being paid. Do not take anything with you. Workers deserve their food, so find someone worthy and stay with them. Give a blessing of peace if it is deserved, if not, take it back. If someone won't listen to you leave their home or town, and shake the dust off your feet.
Tomorrow read Matthew 10:16-12:21
Jesus sailed to the town where He lived. Some people brought a crippled man for Jesus to heal. Jesus saw the faith of the people and forgave their sins. Some teachers of the Law of Moses were thinking that Jesus thought He was God. Jesus knew what was in their minds and asked them why they were thinking such evil things? Was it easier to tell the crippled man his sins were forgiven or to tell him to get up and walk? Jesus told them He would show them that the "Son of Man has the right to forgive sins here on earth." (CEV Matthew 9:6) Then He told the man to pick up his mat and go home. So he did. The crowds were afraid, but thanked God for giving such authority to people. Jesus saw a tax collector named Matthew and He told him to come with Him. Later at Matthew's house during dinner, some Pharisees asked Jesus disciples why he ate with sinners. Jesus heard them and told them that He came to invite sinners to God's kingdom. One day someone asked Jesus why His disciples didn't fast. He told them that they didn't need to now, but one day they would. Then He told them that using old wineskins on new wine would waste the wine. A man came and knelt in front of Jesus and told Him his daughter had just died and could He please come and touch her and bring her back to life? Jesus and His disciples got up and went with the man. On the way a woman touched Jesus clothes because she believed she would be well if she did this, and she was. Jesus went into the man's house and told the mourners to leave because the girl was only sleeping. They laughed at Jesus. When the crowd left Jesus went to the girl and took her hand and she woke up. News of this spread all over the country. Jesus healed the blind and man who couldn't talk because of a demon. Jesus forced the demon out, the man started talking and the Pharisees said it was because Jesus had made a deal with leader of the demons. As Jesus went throughout the countryside, He taught and preached the good news about God's kingdom. He healed the sick and felt sorry for the confused and helpless people. They were like sheep without a shepherd. He told His disciples to ask the Lord in charge for help with a big harvest, because they were shorthanded.
Jesus called together his 12 disciples. Then he gave them power to force out evil spirits and heal every kind of sickness and disease. After that, they were called apostles. There was Simon or Peter, Andrew, James, John, Philip, Bartholomew, Thomas, Matthew, James, Thaddadeus, Simon, and Judas Iscariot. Then Jesus sent out the apostles with instructions: Go only to the people of Israel, not Gentiles or Samaritans. Announce the kingdom of heaven will soon be here. Heal the sick, raise the dead, heal the lepers, force out demons. You have been given without paying, so give without being paid. Do not take anything with you. Workers deserve their food, so find someone worthy and stay with them. Give a blessing of peace if it is deserved, if not, take it back. If someone won't listen to you leave their home or town, and shake the dust off your feet.
Tomorrow read Matthew 10:16-12:21
20101009
October 9, 2010 Matthew 5-7
Today's passage is known as the Sermon on the Mount, because when Jesus saw the crowds of people, He went up the side of a mountain and sat down. His disciples gathered around Him and He explained many ways God blesses people. Jesus explained that God's people are the salt of the earth. We are a light for the world and we are to let the good in us shine like light. Jesus taught that He was sent to fulfill the Law of Moses, not do away with it. The Law of Moses is as important as ever. Jesus talked about anger. He taught that we are to make peace with those we have had a problem with before making an offering to God. Jesus spoke about marriage and divorce. Jesus took Moses commandment a step further saying that if a man even thinks about another woman, he is guilty of sin. Divorce is to be used only because of sin on the part of one spouse or the other. Jesus taught that we shouldn't swear on anything to make a promise. Moses taught "An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth." Jesus challenged us by teaching that we should not seek revenge. Then Jesus talked about love. We are to remember that we all have the same Father in heaven, and that needs to be where we focus our behavior towards one another. We are to act like our Father in heaven.
Jesus talked about giving. We are to give simply and quietly. About prayer, we are to pray in private. Our Father knows what we need before we ask, so we don't have to use many words. Then Jesus taught us what we call "The Lord's Prayer". Forgive others and God will forgive you. Don't and He won't. About fasting, Jesus taught that this too should be done in private. If you want to know where your heart is, look at the things you treasure. If the world looks dark and gloomy to you, seek out the light. You cannot love money more that God. Worrying. Don't worry about tomorrow, it will take care of itself. Whatever your fears, ask God to help you with them and He will.
God will judge you the way you judge other people. Focus on fixing your own problems, rather that everyone else's. Keep holy things sacred. Everyone who asks will receive. God is eager to give to those who ask Him. "Treat others the way you want them to treat you. This is what the Law and the Prophets are all about." (CEV Matt.7:12) The gate to life is narrow and challenging, but the road to destruction is wide and easy. You can tell whether a Prophet is true or false by his actions. Jesus warned that the only people who get into heaven obey God. These teachings are the foundation on which we are to build our lives. When Jesus finished speaking, the people were surprised by the authoritative way He taught them.
Tomorrow read Matthew 8-10:15
Jesus talked about giving. We are to give simply and quietly. About prayer, we are to pray in private. Our Father knows what we need before we ask, so we don't have to use many words. Then Jesus taught us what we call "The Lord's Prayer". Forgive others and God will forgive you. Don't and He won't. About fasting, Jesus taught that this too should be done in private. If you want to know where your heart is, look at the things you treasure. If the world looks dark and gloomy to you, seek out the light. You cannot love money more that God. Worrying. Don't worry about tomorrow, it will take care of itself. Whatever your fears, ask God to help you with them and He will.
God will judge you the way you judge other people. Focus on fixing your own problems, rather that everyone else's. Keep holy things sacred. Everyone who asks will receive. God is eager to give to those who ask Him. "Treat others the way you want them to treat you. This is what the Law and the Prophets are all about." (CEV Matt.7:12) The gate to life is narrow and challenging, but the road to destruction is wide and easy. You can tell whether a Prophet is true or false by his actions. Jesus warned that the only people who get into heaven obey God. These teachings are the foundation on which we are to build our lives. When Jesus finished speaking, the people were surprised by the authoritative way He taught them.
Tomorrow read Matthew 8-10:15
20101008
October 8, 2010 Matthew 1-4
The New Testament begins with the genealogy of Jesus Christ. Christ is the Greek rendering of the Hebrew title, Messiah - which means anointed. Many scholars conclude that the ancestry listed in Matthew is the legal ancestry of Jesus Christ through Joseph according to Jewish tradition. Mary was pregnant through the Holy Spirit, before she had sex with Joseph. Joseph had planned to divorce her quietly, because he didn't want to embarass her. An angel came to him in a dream and explained things to him. This fulfilled what Isaiah said in chapter 7:14. They didn't have sex until after Jesus was born.
Some wise men, or Magi, were seeking the location of the child who had been born to be king of the Jews. They came to Jerusalem and asked where He was. They had followed the star in the east and had come to worship Him. This worried King Herod and everyone else in Jerusalem. Herod brought together all the chief priests and teachers of the Law of Moses and read in Micah 5:2 that He would be born in Bethlehem. So Herod secretly asked the Magi to find Him and let him know where to find the babe so he could worship him too. The Magi followed the star to the house where Jesus and Mary were. They knelt down and worshiped Him and brought gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. The Magi were warned in a dream that they shouldn't return to Herod, so they didn't. Later, an angel appeared to Joseph in a dream and told him to take Mary and Jesus to Egypt, so he did. This fulfills the prophecy in Hosea 11:1. Herod was so mad that he had all the baby boys killed in and around Bethlehem, fulfilling Jeremiah's prophecy in 31:15. After Herod died an angel appeared to Joseph in a dream and told them to go back to Israel. They settled in Galilee in a town called Nazareth, fulfilling Isaiah 11:1.
John the Baptist preached in the Desert of Judea sharing the ancient message to turn back to God and stop sinning. This fulfills what Isaiah said in chapter 40:3. John wore camel hair clothes, with a leather belt and ate locusts and wild honey. People seemed to hear what he said because they confessed their sins and were baptized. The Pharisees and Sadducees came to be baptized, but John told them to repent of their sins. John baptized with water so people would give up their sins, but someone more powerful would come whose sandals he wasn't worthy to carry. He would baptize with the Holy Spirit and fire. Then Jesus came to be baptized, but John objected. Jesus told him that for now it was what needed to be done, because it was what God wanted. So John baptized Jesus. When He came out of the water the sky opened up and He saw the Holy Spirit settle on him like a dove. Then a voice from heaven said, "This is my own dear Son, and I am pleased with him." (CEV Matt.3:17)
The Holy Spirit led Jesus into the desert to be tested. He hadn't eaten for 40 days and nights - he was hungry. Then Satan appeared and told him to turn the stones to bread. Jesus quoted Deuteronomy 8:3. Then Satan took Jesus to the temple in Jerusalem and had Him stand on the highest peak and told him to jump. Jesus quoted Psalm 91:11,12, and also Deuteronomy 6:16. Then Satan took Jesus up to a very high mountain and showed him the world spread out before them and told Him He could have it all if He would bow down and worship the devil. Then Jesus told Satan to go away and quoted Deuteronomy 6:13. The devil left and angels attended Jesus. Later, when Jesus heard that John was in prison, He returned to Galilee. Then he went to live in Capernaum which fulfilled Isaiah 9:1-2. Jesus continued preaching the old message for the people to repent. Jesus called his disciples, Simon (Peter), Andrew, He told them they would be fishers of men. Then He called James and John, who were in the boat with their father. They left the boat and followed Jesus. They went all over Galilee. Jesus preached the good news about God's kingdom and healed all the people with all sorts of problems.
Tomorrow read Matthew 5-7
Some wise men, or Magi, were seeking the location of the child who had been born to be king of the Jews. They came to Jerusalem and asked where He was. They had followed the star in the east and had come to worship Him. This worried King Herod and everyone else in Jerusalem. Herod brought together all the chief priests and teachers of the Law of Moses and read in Micah 5:2 that He would be born in Bethlehem. So Herod secretly asked the Magi to find Him and let him know where to find the babe so he could worship him too. The Magi followed the star to the house where Jesus and Mary were. They knelt down and worshiped Him and brought gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. The Magi were warned in a dream that they shouldn't return to Herod, so they didn't. Later, an angel appeared to Joseph in a dream and told him to take Mary and Jesus to Egypt, so he did. This fulfills the prophecy in Hosea 11:1. Herod was so mad that he had all the baby boys killed in and around Bethlehem, fulfilling Jeremiah's prophecy in 31:15. After Herod died an angel appeared to Joseph in a dream and told them to go back to Israel. They settled in Galilee in a town called Nazareth, fulfilling Isaiah 11:1.
John the Baptist preached in the Desert of Judea sharing the ancient message to turn back to God and stop sinning. This fulfills what Isaiah said in chapter 40:3. John wore camel hair clothes, with a leather belt and ate locusts and wild honey. People seemed to hear what he said because they confessed their sins and were baptized. The Pharisees and Sadducees came to be baptized, but John told them to repent of their sins. John baptized with water so people would give up their sins, but someone more powerful would come whose sandals he wasn't worthy to carry. He would baptize with the Holy Spirit and fire. Then Jesus came to be baptized, but John objected. Jesus told him that for now it was what needed to be done, because it was what God wanted. So John baptized Jesus. When He came out of the water the sky opened up and He saw the Holy Spirit settle on him like a dove. Then a voice from heaven said, "This is my own dear Son, and I am pleased with him." (CEV Matt.3:17)
The Holy Spirit led Jesus into the desert to be tested. He hadn't eaten for 40 days and nights - he was hungry. Then Satan appeared and told him to turn the stones to bread. Jesus quoted Deuteronomy 8:3. Then Satan took Jesus to the temple in Jerusalem and had Him stand on the highest peak and told him to jump. Jesus quoted Psalm 91:11,12, and also Deuteronomy 6:16. Then Satan took Jesus up to a very high mountain and showed him the world spread out before them and told Him He could have it all if He would bow down and worship the devil. Then Jesus told Satan to go away and quoted Deuteronomy 6:13. The devil left and angels attended Jesus. Later, when Jesus heard that John was in prison, He returned to Galilee. Then he went to live in Capernaum which fulfilled Isaiah 9:1-2. Jesus continued preaching the old message for the people to repent. Jesus called his disciples, Simon (Peter), Andrew, He told them they would be fishers of men. Then He called James and John, who were in the boat with their father. They left the boat and followed Jesus. They went all over Galilee. Jesus preached the good news about God's kingdom and healed all the people with all sorts of problems.
Tomorrow read Matthew 5-7
20101007
October 7, 2010 Zech. 14 - end of Old Testament!
After the destruction, the Lord would have His day and Jerusalem would be restored. On that day God will stand on the Mount of Olives, which will be split in two. Half the mountain moving north and the other half south. A great valley will be formed, which will provide an escape route. Then the Lord will come and all the holy ones with Him. There will be no nighttime, and living water will flow from Jerusalem. On that day there will be one Lord and from then on, Jerusalem will be secure. All the nations which fought against Jerusalem will be struck with a plague - their flesh will rot off their bones - both people and animals. All the riches of these nations will come to Jerusalem. The Lord will bring the plague on those nations not celebrating the Feast of the Tabernacles. All the cooking pots will be engraved with "Dedicated to the Lord", so there will be no more need for merchants to be in the temple.
Malachi
The Lord gave Malachi a message for Israel. God chose Jacob over Esau, showing His love for Israel. The Lord hated Esau (because of their sins) as much as he loved Jacob. To the priests, God asked them why they sacrificed worthless food on the altar, disrespecting God? God wished someone would lock the temple doors to prevent any more useless and insulting offerings to be made on His holy altar.
The priests didn't take what they were doing seriously and God called them on it. Their ancestor, Levi, was a good honest man who deserved priests worthy of the name. But they taught people to sin, not to follow the way of God. Don't we all have the same father? He created each of us. Malachi hoped the Lord would banish the guilty people. And he wondered what else the people did wrong besides whining when the Lord wouldn't accept their unclean offerings, or when they were unfaithful to their wives.
The Lord would send His messenger who would prepare the way before Him. Then suddenly the messenger of the covenant, the Lord they were seeking would come to the temple. He would refine the Levites like precious metals. The people would bring proper offerings and please the Lord. The Lord told the people all the ways they were cheating Him, but they still didn't get it. If they would return to Him, He would return to them. They asked how they should return to Him. The Lord told them by offering Him the 10 percent that belongs to Him. He challenged them to put Him to the test. If they did, He would open the windows of heaven and pour blessing after blessing on them. Some of the people said it was silly to follow the Lord because wicked people prosper, so what's the point? The Lord heard the people who honored Him talking about it, and He had their names written in His book as a reminder to protect them.
The day of judgement will come like a red-hot furnace and burn up all the proud and wicked people like straw. To those who honor God, "victory will shine like the sun with healing in its rays, and you will jump around like calves at play." (CEV Malachi 4:2) The wicked will be trampled like ashes under feet. Remember everything Moses taught. The Lord promised to send Elijah before the great and terrible day and lead parents and children to love each other more, so He won't have to curse the earth.
Congratulations!!!!
Tomorrow read Matthew 1-4
Malachi
The Lord gave Malachi a message for Israel. God chose Jacob over Esau, showing His love for Israel. The Lord hated Esau (because of their sins) as much as he loved Jacob. To the priests, God asked them why they sacrificed worthless food on the altar, disrespecting God? God wished someone would lock the temple doors to prevent any more useless and insulting offerings to be made on His holy altar.
The priests didn't take what they were doing seriously and God called them on it. Their ancestor, Levi, was a good honest man who deserved priests worthy of the name. But they taught people to sin, not to follow the way of God. Don't we all have the same father? He created each of us. Malachi hoped the Lord would banish the guilty people. And he wondered what else the people did wrong besides whining when the Lord wouldn't accept their unclean offerings, or when they were unfaithful to their wives.
The Lord would send His messenger who would prepare the way before Him. Then suddenly the messenger of the covenant, the Lord they were seeking would come to the temple. He would refine the Levites like precious metals. The people would bring proper offerings and please the Lord. The Lord told the people all the ways they were cheating Him, but they still didn't get it. If they would return to Him, He would return to them. They asked how they should return to Him. The Lord told them by offering Him the 10 percent that belongs to Him. He challenged them to put Him to the test. If they did, He would open the windows of heaven and pour blessing after blessing on them. Some of the people said it was silly to follow the Lord because wicked people prosper, so what's the point? The Lord heard the people who honored Him talking about it, and He had their names written in His book as a reminder to protect them.
The day of judgement will come like a red-hot furnace and burn up all the proud and wicked people like straw. To those who honor God, "victory will shine like the sun with healing in its rays, and you will jump around like calves at play." (CEV Malachi 4:2) The wicked will be trampled like ashes under feet. Remember everything Moses taught. The Lord promised to send Elijah before the great and terrible day and lead parents and children to love each other more, so He won't have to curse the earth.
Congratulations!!!!
Tomorrow read Matthew 1-4
20101006
October 6, 2010 Zechariah 8-13
The Lord promised to bless Jersalem. He loved Zion and her enemies made Him angry. The day would come when old men would sit around while children played, this seemed impossible, but Zephaniah told the people it would happen because God would make it so. The Lord wanted to be kind to His people and he told them again to be honest, judge fairly, seek peace, and be good to each other. The Lord had Zechariah tell the people that when they fasted that it was to be a joyful celebration. People from all around would want to live as God's people.
The Lord would punish His enemies. He pronounced judgement against Hadrach, Damascus, Hamath, Tyre and Sidon. Ashkelon and Gaza would tremble in fear. Philistia wouldn't feel so proud of itself anymore. God would protect the temple and no one would mistreat His people ever again. The Lord told the people about the coming king. He would come on a donkey and he would break weapons and bring peace. His kingdom would reach across the world. The Lord would rescue the captives in other lands, and He would protect His people and they would thrive.
When crops need rain, we should pray to God. Idols and fortune tellers have failed. Rulers have been cruel to the people and they will be punished. Strong leaders would come from His flock. God would bring the people home and answer their prayers. God would strenthen His people and they would follow Him.
The enemies of Israel would fall like trees in the forest. The Lord had Zechariah tend sheep. He used two sticks to tend the sheep. One he named "Mercy" and the other "Unity". Zechariah became impatient with three shepherds who didn't like him and said he didn't care what happened to the sheep. Then he broke "Mercy" to show that the Lord had cancelled His agreement with the people. Zechariah told the shepherds to pay him his wages and he'd be on his way, so they paid him 30 pieces of silver. The Lord told him to throw it in the temple treasury, so he did. Then he broke "Unity", breaking the ties between Judah and Israel. Then the Lord told him to act like a worthless shepherd, taking the best and not caring for the weak.
The Lord told Zechariah that He made heaven and earth and humans. He would make other nations unable to defeat Jerusalem. In fact, He would wipe out any nations which attacked Jerusalem. The Lord would make the descendants of David and the people of Jerusalem feel deep sorrow when they see the one they pierced with a spear. They would all grieve bitterly.
There would be a fountain for Jerusalem where David's descendants could wash away their sin and guilt. The Lord would get rid of all the idols. Also, prophets would be done away with - no more telling lies in the name of God. They would be ashamed that they ever said they were prophets. The Lord told Zechariah that the people would be winnowed to 1/3 of their size and purified. When they call His name, he would answer them. God would call them His people and they would call Him their God.
Tomorrow finish the Old Testament!
The Lord would punish His enemies. He pronounced judgement against Hadrach, Damascus, Hamath, Tyre and Sidon. Ashkelon and Gaza would tremble in fear. Philistia wouldn't feel so proud of itself anymore. God would protect the temple and no one would mistreat His people ever again. The Lord told the people about the coming king. He would come on a donkey and he would break weapons and bring peace. His kingdom would reach across the world. The Lord would rescue the captives in other lands, and He would protect His people and they would thrive.
When crops need rain, we should pray to God. Idols and fortune tellers have failed. Rulers have been cruel to the people and they will be punished. Strong leaders would come from His flock. God would bring the people home and answer their prayers. God would strenthen His people and they would follow Him.
The enemies of Israel would fall like trees in the forest. The Lord had Zechariah tend sheep. He used two sticks to tend the sheep. One he named "Mercy" and the other "Unity". Zechariah became impatient with three shepherds who didn't like him and said he didn't care what happened to the sheep. Then he broke "Mercy" to show that the Lord had cancelled His agreement with the people. Zechariah told the shepherds to pay him his wages and he'd be on his way, so they paid him 30 pieces of silver. The Lord told him to throw it in the temple treasury, so he did. Then he broke "Unity", breaking the ties between Judah and Israel. Then the Lord told him to act like a worthless shepherd, taking the best and not caring for the weak.
The Lord told Zechariah that He made heaven and earth and humans. He would make other nations unable to defeat Jerusalem. In fact, He would wipe out any nations which attacked Jerusalem. The Lord would make the descendants of David and the people of Jerusalem feel deep sorrow when they see the one they pierced with a spear. They would all grieve bitterly.
There would be a fountain for Jerusalem where David's descendants could wash away their sin and guilt. The Lord would get rid of all the idols. Also, prophets would be done away with - no more telling lies in the name of God. They would be ashamed that they ever said they were prophets. The Lord told Zechariah that the people would be winnowed to 1/3 of their size and purified. When they call His name, he would answer them. God would call them His people and they would call Him their God.
Tomorrow finish the Old Testament!
20101005
October 5, 2010 Zechariah 1:12-7:14
After the horses reported to the angel among the myrtle trees, the angel asked the Lord how long He would withhold mercy from Jeruslem? Seventy years had gone by and the Lord spoke kind and comforting words to the angel. Then the angel told Zechariah to proclaim God's word, that He was angry about the smugness of the nations who oppressed the Israelites. Jerusalem and the temple would be rebuilt.
During the second vision, the angel explained things to Zechariah. This time he saw four animal horns. The angel told him that the horns represented the nations that scattered the Lord's people. Then Zechariah saw four blacksmiths and the angel told him that the blacksmiths would crush those horns.
In the third vision, Zechariah saw a man with a measuring line. (The bible doesn't tell us if this was the same man Ezekiel saw in his vision of the measurement of the temple, starting with chapter 40.) The man told Zechariah he was going "To measure Jerusalem, to find out how wide and how long it is." (NIV Zechariah 2:2) As that angel left, another angel came and told him that Jerusalem wouldn't have walls because of the large population of people and livestock. The Lord told them He would be a wall of fire around the city, and its shining heart of light. Then the call came. Everyone was to leave the cities of the north and go to Zion, to Jerusalem. Everyone was to keep still and remember that God is in charge.
In the fourth vision, Zechariah saw Joshua and Satan. Satan was ready to accuse Joshua, but the Lord told Satan he was wrong. Joshua had been rescued like a burning stick from a fire and his clothes were dirty. So an angel told some people to remove Joshua's clothes. The angel told Joshua that it meant he was forgiven. The angel said Joshua would be dressed in priestly clothes and Zechariah spoke up and told them he needed a turban too. So Joshua was dressed. Then the angel told Joshua that the Lord promised that if he truly obeyed Him he would be put in charge of the temple. Then the Lord told them that He would bring back the Chosen King. The Lord promised to forgive all the sins of the land in a single day.
In the fifth vision, the angel asked Zephaniah what he saw. He described a solid gold oil lamp and two olive trees on each side. The angel told him that the lamp was the word of the Lord and the two trees were the two chosen leaders who stand beside the Lord.
In the sixth vision Zechariah saw a flying scroll about 30 feet long and 15 feet wide. The angel explained that the scroll put a curse on everyone who steals or tells lies. One side told how the liars would be destroyed and the other side told how the thiefs would be destroyed.
In the seventh vision the angel asked Zechariah what he saw, but he couldn't tell what it was. The angel told him it was a basket that showed what the people were thinking. The lead cover of the basket was opened and there was a woman inside. The angel told Zechariah that she represented evil. Then the angel shoved the woman inside the basket and closed the lid. Then two women with wings came and lifted the basket into the air and flew away with it. The angel explained that they were taking the basket to Babylon and would build a house for the basket.
In the eighth vison, Zechariah saw four chariots with red, black, white or spotted gray color horses. The angel explained that they were the four winds of heaven and will patrol the earth after presenting themselves to the Lord.
The Lord told Zechariah to get silver from some men and make a crown and put it on Joshua. They were to know that the Lord would send them someone to build a temple. The men who gave Zechariah the silver would take care of the crown.
Some men came to ask whether they should fast as usual. The Lord's word came to Zechariah asking the people whether they really fasted for God or themselves? What God wants is the same as ever: seek justice, be kind and merciful to one another, and be good to widows, orphans, foreigners, the poor, and stop making plans to hurt each other.
Tomorrow read Zechariah 8-13
During the second vision, the angel explained things to Zechariah. This time he saw four animal horns. The angel told him that the horns represented the nations that scattered the Lord's people. Then Zechariah saw four blacksmiths and the angel told him that the blacksmiths would crush those horns.
In the third vision, Zechariah saw a man with a measuring line. (The bible doesn't tell us if this was the same man Ezekiel saw in his vision of the measurement of the temple, starting with chapter 40.) The man told Zechariah he was going "To measure Jerusalem, to find out how wide and how long it is." (NIV Zechariah 2:2) As that angel left, another angel came and told him that Jerusalem wouldn't have walls because of the large population of people and livestock. The Lord told them He would be a wall of fire around the city, and its shining heart of light. Then the call came. Everyone was to leave the cities of the north and go to Zion, to Jerusalem. Everyone was to keep still and remember that God is in charge.
In the fourth vision, Zechariah saw Joshua and Satan. Satan was ready to accuse Joshua, but the Lord told Satan he was wrong. Joshua had been rescued like a burning stick from a fire and his clothes were dirty. So an angel told some people to remove Joshua's clothes. The angel told Joshua that it meant he was forgiven. The angel said Joshua would be dressed in priestly clothes and Zechariah spoke up and told them he needed a turban too. So Joshua was dressed. Then the angel told Joshua that the Lord promised that if he truly obeyed Him he would be put in charge of the temple. Then the Lord told them that He would bring back the Chosen King. The Lord promised to forgive all the sins of the land in a single day.
In the fifth vision, the angel asked Zephaniah what he saw. He described a solid gold oil lamp and two olive trees on each side. The angel told him that the lamp was the word of the Lord and the two trees were the two chosen leaders who stand beside the Lord.
In the sixth vision Zechariah saw a flying scroll about 30 feet long and 15 feet wide. The angel explained that the scroll put a curse on everyone who steals or tells lies. One side told how the liars would be destroyed and the other side told how the thiefs would be destroyed.
In the seventh vision the angel asked Zechariah what he saw, but he couldn't tell what it was. The angel told him it was a basket that showed what the people were thinking. The lead cover of the basket was opened and there was a woman inside. The angel told Zechariah that she represented evil. Then the angel shoved the woman inside the basket and closed the lid. Then two women with wings came and lifted the basket into the air and flew away with it. The angel explained that they were taking the basket to Babylon and would build a house for the basket.
In the eighth vison, Zechariah saw four chariots with red, black, white or spotted gray color horses. The angel explained that they were the four winds of heaven and will patrol the earth after presenting themselves to the Lord.
The Lord told Zechariah to get silver from some men and make a crown and put it on Joshua. They were to know that the Lord would send them someone to build a temple. The men who gave Zechariah the silver would take care of the crown.
Some men came to ask whether they should fast as usual. The Lord's word came to Zechariah asking the people whether they really fasted for God or themselves? What God wants is the same as ever: seek justice, be kind and merciful to one another, and be good to widows, orphans, foreigners, the poor, and stop making plans to hurt each other.
Tomorrow read Zechariah 8-13
20101004
Oct 4, 2010 Zephaniah-end,Haggai,Zechariah1:1-13
Zephaniah described the great day of the Lord. There would be great distress and anguish as the punishment continued and the towns were destroyed.
Zephaniah called to the people to gather together and seek the Lord before His anger consumed them. The area of Philistia was warned that they would be homeless. The Ammonites, Moabites and Cushites would be punished also. Assyria including Nineveh would be left desolate.
Jerusalem was full of people who didn't obey the Lord and were corrupt. The Lord had decided to gather the nations together and pour out His fierce anger on them. God would destroy the evil people and leave the meek and humble, those who trust Him, as survivors in the land. They would know that they had been comforted by God.
Haggai
When Darius king of Persia was in power, Haggai was given a message from God. The Lord asked why the people lived in fine houses, while His was a pile of rubble? Until they took care of the Lord, He would give them just a little of what was possible. Fortunately, the leaders who had returned from exile in Babylon paid attention to what the Lord said and followed instructions. The Lord made them eager to work on His temple.
The Lord promised His Spirit would be right there with them as they worked on the temple. He promised them that since all silver and gold belonged to Him, the new temple would be more glorious that the first. One day the Lord gave Haggai questions to ask the priests. First, suppose consecrated meat in a fold of fabric touched other food, does that food become consecrated? Their answer was no. Then suppose someone had touched a dead body defiling themselves, if that person touched the consecrated food would it become unclean? Their answer was yes. God explained that that was how it was with every offering they made to Him, but it would get better. Because they had completed the foundation of the temple, the Lord would bless them richly. Later, the Lord told Haggai to tell the governor Zerubbabel that He was going to wipe out kings and kingdoms, but that Zerubbabel would rule in the name of God.
Zechariah
The penultimate of the twelve minor prophets of the Old Testament, Zechariah was a contemporary of Haggai. During the reign of king Darius of Persia, the Lord spoke to Zechariah. The message for the people was simple, come back to me and I'll come back to you. So they turned back to God and admitted He had done to them exactly what He had said He would do. (Sometimes I wish I could see these visions too, because pictures speak volumes.) Zechariah's first vision began during the night. In a valley among myrtle trees, he saw riders on red, brown and white horses, with a rider on a red horse in front of them. An angel was there to explain things to him so he could understand what he was seeing. So Zechariah asked who the riders were. A man standing in the myrtle trees told him that they were sent by God to find out what was happening all over the earth. Then the riders told the one in the myrtle trees that they had been everywhere and found out that the whole world was at peace.
Tomorrow read Zechariah 1:12-7:14
Zephaniah called to the people to gather together and seek the Lord before His anger consumed them. The area of Philistia was warned that they would be homeless. The Ammonites, Moabites and Cushites would be punished also. Assyria including Nineveh would be left desolate.
Jerusalem was full of people who didn't obey the Lord and were corrupt. The Lord had decided to gather the nations together and pour out His fierce anger on them. God would destroy the evil people and leave the meek and humble, those who trust Him, as survivors in the land. They would know that they had been comforted by God.
Haggai
When Darius king of Persia was in power, Haggai was given a message from God. The Lord asked why the people lived in fine houses, while His was a pile of rubble? Until they took care of the Lord, He would give them just a little of what was possible. Fortunately, the leaders who had returned from exile in Babylon paid attention to what the Lord said and followed instructions. The Lord made them eager to work on His temple.
The Lord promised His Spirit would be right there with them as they worked on the temple. He promised them that since all silver and gold belonged to Him, the new temple would be more glorious that the first. One day the Lord gave Haggai questions to ask the priests. First, suppose consecrated meat in a fold of fabric touched other food, does that food become consecrated? Their answer was no. Then suppose someone had touched a dead body defiling themselves, if that person touched the consecrated food would it become unclean? Their answer was yes. God explained that that was how it was with every offering they made to Him, but it would get better. Because they had completed the foundation of the temple, the Lord would bless them richly. Later, the Lord told Haggai to tell the governor Zerubbabel that He was going to wipe out kings and kingdoms, but that Zerubbabel would rule in the name of God.
Zechariah
The penultimate of the twelve minor prophets of the Old Testament, Zechariah was a contemporary of Haggai. During the reign of king Darius of Persia, the Lord spoke to Zechariah. The message for the people was simple, come back to me and I'll come back to you. So they turned back to God and admitted He had done to them exactly what He had said He would do. (Sometimes I wish I could see these visions too, because pictures speak volumes.) Zechariah's first vision began during the night. In a valley among myrtle trees, he saw riders on red, brown and white horses, with a rider on a red horse in front of them. An angel was there to explain things to him so he could understand what he was seeing. So Zechariah asked who the riders were. A man standing in the myrtle trees told him that they were sent by God to find out what was happening all over the earth. Then the riders told the one in the myrtle trees that they had been everywhere and found out that the whole world was at peace.
Tomorrow read Zechariah 1:12-7:14
20101003
Oct 3, 2010 Nahum 3; Habakkuk; Zephaniah 1:1-13
The Lord pronounced sentence on Nineveh for their crimes. Like a prostitute they sold themselves cheaply and treated one another badly. Thebes had fallen and now it was Nineveh's turn.
Habakkuk
Scholars aren't sure exactly when Habakkuk lived. In fact, of all the prophets of the Old Testament, the least is known about Habakkuk. Some think Habakkuk was a priest of the temple in Jerusalem because of all the references to music, (Selah - as in the Psalms, Shigionoth - triumphal music, the message to the music director).
In the tradition of David, Habakkuk brings his concerns and fears to God. In particular, why do the wicked prosper? The Lord answered him, telling him to wait because he won't believe what would happen next. The Babylonians, whose own strength was their god would sweep over them. Again Habakkuk complained, why does God use evil people to punish His people? Again the Lord answered that only those who live by faith are acceptable to Him.
Habakkuk offered a prayer to the Lord. He knew God's reputation and was amazed at the things He had done. He asked for mercy and for God to turn from His anger as He had done with previous generations. Habakkuk shared his reaction to the Lord's fearsome message saying his bones seemed to melt from fear. Even though everything would fall apart and change, Habakkuk knew he could trust the Lord.
Zephaniah
During the reign of Josiah, Zephaniah was a prophet in Judah. The Lord told Zephaniah He was going to sweep everything and everyone off the face of the earth. Then God declared his intentions regarding Judah and all the people in Jerusalem. The day would come when every remnant of Baal, star worshipers, Molech, pagan priests and people who ignore God, would be wiped out by God. On that day, they would be punished. It would feel as if the world had come to an end.
Tomorrow read Zephaniah 1:14-3:20; Haggai; Zechariah 1:1-11
Habakkuk
Scholars aren't sure exactly when Habakkuk lived. In fact, of all the prophets of the Old Testament, the least is known about Habakkuk. Some think Habakkuk was a priest of the temple in Jerusalem because of all the references to music, (Selah - as in the Psalms, Shigionoth - triumphal music, the message to the music director).
In the tradition of David, Habakkuk brings his concerns and fears to God. In particular, why do the wicked prosper? The Lord answered him, telling him to wait because he won't believe what would happen next. The Babylonians, whose own strength was their god would sweep over them. Again Habakkuk complained, why does God use evil people to punish His people? Again the Lord answered that only those who live by faith are acceptable to Him.
Habakkuk offered a prayer to the Lord. He knew God's reputation and was amazed at the things He had done. He asked for mercy and for God to turn from His anger as He had done with previous generations. Habakkuk shared his reaction to the Lord's fearsome message saying his bones seemed to melt from fear. Even though everything would fall apart and change, Habakkuk knew he could trust the Lord.
Zephaniah
During the reign of Josiah, Zephaniah was a prophet in Judah. The Lord told Zephaniah He was going to sweep everything and everyone off the face of the earth. Then God declared his intentions regarding Judah and all the people in Jerusalem. The day would come when every remnant of Baal, star worshipers, Molech, pagan priests and people who ignore God, would be wiped out by God. On that day, they would be punished. It would feel as if the world had come to an end.
Tomorrow read Zephaniah 1:14-3:20; Haggai; Zechariah 1:1-11
20101002
October 2, 2010 Micah 4-7; Nahum 1-2
The beginning of chapter 4 verses 1-3 are nearly identical to Isaiah 2:2-4. I thought the phrase "swords into plowshares" was familiar, so I looked it up and found it in Joel 3:10 as "plowshares into swords" (Sept.29). So instead of preparing for war, they live in the peace of the Lord. The Lord will gather the remnant of Israel and make them a strong nation. But for a while they needed to go to Babylon. Other nations saw this and thought that God had deserted His people, but they didn't know the thoughts of the Lord, and they didn't understand His plan.
The Lord promised a ruler of Israel would come from Bethlehem. He would shepherd His flock in the strength of the Lord. He would reach to the ends of the earth and He would be their peace. The remnant would be hidden in the midst of other nations. All their enemies would be destroyed.
The Lord asked the people how He had burdened them? He delivered them from Egypt, He sent them Moses, Aaron and Miriam, and He brought them safely into the promised land. Micah asked what he could ever offer the Lord to show his true feelings of gratitude. Burnt offerings? Thousands of rams? 10,000 rivers of oil? His firstborn? "The fruit of my body for the sin of my soul?" (Micah 6:7) All God requires of us is to do good, love mercy and walk humbly with Him. But instead the people treated each other badly and hurt each other constantly, so the Lord would punish them.
Israel was corrupt, like rotten things. But the people who point fingers and laugh thinking that God had deserted His people would see how wrong they were. Israel would come back stonger and better than ever. Micah prayed that God would lead His people and perform miracles as He had in the past. The people understood that no one is like God. They knew He would forgive them.
Nahum
We go back to Nineveh. By now it's 150 years later (according to a footnote in my bible) and the people have gone bad. The Lord sent Nahum to Nineveh with the burden of telling the people how angry the Lord was with them. The Lord would flood Nineveh and bring on its end. Nahum knew that "The Lord is good, a refuge in times of touble. He cares for those who trust in Him." (Nahum 1:7) I guess the Ninevites did not.
Nahum warned the people to brace themselves for the attack. The soldiers would wear red, the metal on their chariots would flash so they looked like flaming torches. The wealth of the city would be plundered. The people would not believe what was happening to them. They would no longer be proud and arrogant like lions. The Lord would make it so they could never hurt anyone again.
Tomorrow finish Nahum; Habakkuk; Zephaniah 1:1-13
The Lord promised a ruler of Israel would come from Bethlehem. He would shepherd His flock in the strength of the Lord. He would reach to the ends of the earth and He would be their peace. The remnant would be hidden in the midst of other nations. All their enemies would be destroyed.
The Lord asked the people how He had burdened them? He delivered them from Egypt, He sent them Moses, Aaron and Miriam, and He brought them safely into the promised land. Micah asked what he could ever offer the Lord to show his true feelings of gratitude. Burnt offerings? Thousands of rams? 10,000 rivers of oil? His firstborn? "The fruit of my body for the sin of my soul?" (Micah 6:7) All God requires of us is to do good, love mercy and walk humbly with Him. But instead the people treated each other badly and hurt each other constantly, so the Lord would punish them.
Israel was corrupt, like rotten things. But the people who point fingers and laugh thinking that God had deserted His people would see how wrong they were. Israel would come back stonger and better than ever. Micah prayed that God would lead His people and perform miracles as He had in the past. The people understood that no one is like God. They knew He would forgive them.
Nahum
We go back to Nineveh. By now it's 150 years later (according to a footnote in my bible) and the people have gone bad. The Lord sent Nahum to Nineveh with the burden of telling the people how angry the Lord was with them. The Lord would flood Nineveh and bring on its end. Nahum knew that "The Lord is good, a refuge in times of touble. He cares for those who trust in Him." (Nahum 1:7) I guess the Ninevites did not.
Nahum warned the people to brace themselves for the attack. The soldiers would wear red, the metal on their chariots would flash so they looked like flaming torches. The wealth of the city would be plundered. The people would not believe what was happening to them. They would no longer be proud and arrogant like lions. The Lord would make it so they could never hurt anyone again.
Tomorrow finish Nahum; Habakkuk; Zephaniah 1:1-13
20101001
October 1, 2010 Obadiah-end; Jonah; Micah 1-3
The Lord condemned Edom's cruelty to the descendants of Jacob. They watched while Jerusalem was ransacked by foreigners and they did nothing. This made them as bad as the foreigners. They celebrated the suffering of Judah, but they shouldn't have. The Lord would pay them back for what they did. The Lord would punish Israel and the neighboring nations, but Israel would survive.
Jonah
Some people think Jonah is a fictitious character, but he is mentioned in 2 Kings 14:25 as a prophet.
The Lord told Jonah to go to Nineveh and warn the people to change their ways or they were doomed. Instead, Jonah ran to Joppa and bought a ticket to Spain. Then he got on the ship and sailed away to his escape (or so he thought.) Mayhem ensued. The sea got rough, the sailors panicked and Jonah knew he was the reason for putting everyone in jeopardy. When the sailors asked him, Jonah admitted that it was his fault because God was angry. That scared them because they knew who God was. Jonah told them to throw him into the sea and save themselves. After they prayed for forgiveness, they threw Jonah overboard. The Lord had a big fish swallow Jonah and that's where he stayed for 3 days and 3 nights.
Jonah prayed while he was inside the fish (I would) and realized that God is merciful. The Lord had the fish vomit Jonah onto the shore. So it did.
Again the Lord told Jonah to go to Nineveh and tell the people the city would be destroyed in 40 days. They believed him and decided to fast and wear sackcloth and they stopped sinning. So God didn't destroy them.
Jonah was really angry and upset. He knew God wouldn't destroy Nineveh (which is why he tried to go to Spain.) He asked God to let him die. God asked him what right he had to be angry? Jonah left Nineveh and set up a shade to wait under to see what would happen to Nineveh. The Lord made a vine grow and provide shade for Jonah, which made him happy. The next morning the vine was withered because the Lord caused a worm to chew through the stem and kill the vine. Then the Lord had a hot wind blow on Jonah until he was nearly dead from dehydration, and Jonah shouted that he wished he were dead. The Lord asked him if he had the right to be angry about the vine? Jonah told the Lord "Yes!" and that he was angry enough to die. The Lord told Jonah that he was concerned about a vine he did not take care of, and it grew and died in a day. So shouldn't God be concerned about a city of many people and livestock?
Micah
Micah was a contemporary of Isaiah and Hosea. Micah condemns Samaria - the town that king Omri established in 1Kings 16:26. Bad things were going to happen to the people of Samaria because of their sins. Judah was also doomed.
The Lord was going to give the people enough rope to hang themselves. They cheated anyone out of anything they could get away with. The time for that would soon be at an end. The Lord would take care of the survivors.
Micah condemned the people who took advantage of anyone they could. He also told the prophets who offered salvation to those who paid them best that they were in big trouble. Micah had been given courage to tell the people who made cruelty and murder a way of life in Jerusalem that they would be destroyed for their sins.
Tomorrow read Micah 4-7; Nahum 1-2
Jonah
Some people think Jonah is a fictitious character, but he is mentioned in 2 Kings 14:25 as a prophet.
The Lord told Jonah to go to Nineveh and warn the people to change their ways or they were doomed. Instead, Jonah ran to Joppa and bought a ticket to Spain. Then he got on the ship and sailed away to his escape (or so he thought.) Mayhem ensued. The sea got rough, the sailors panicked and Jonah knew he was the reason for putting everyone in jeopardy. When the sailors asked him, Jonah admitted that it was his fault because God was angry. That scared them because they knew who God was. Jonah told them to throw him into the sea and save themselves. After they prayed for forgiveness, they threw Jonah overboard. The Lord had a big fish swallow Jonah and that's where he stayed for 3 days and 3 nights.
Jonah prayed while he was inside the fish (I would) and realized that God is merciful. The Lord had the fish vomit Jonah onto the shore. So it did.
Again the Lord told Jonah to go to Nineveh and tell the people the city would be destroyed in 40 days. They believed him and decided to fast and wear sackcloth and they stopped sinning. So God didn't destroy them.
Jonah was really angry and upset. He knew God wouldn't destroy Nineveh (which is why he tried to go to Spain.) He asked God to let him die. God asked him what right he had to be angry? Jonah left Nineveh and set up a shade to wait under to see what would happen to Nineveh. The Lord made a vine grow and provide shade for Jonah, which made him happy. The next morning the vine was withered because the Lord caused a worm to chew through the stem and kill the vine. Then the Lord had a hot wind blow on Jonah until he was nearly dead from dehydration, and Jonah shouted that he wished he were dead. The Lord asked him if he had the right to be angry about the vine? Jonah told the Lord "Yes!" and that he was angry enough to die. The Lord told Jonah that he was concerned about a vine he did not take care of, and it grew and died in a day. So shouldn't God be concerned about a city of many people and livestock?
Micah
Micah was a contemporary of Isaiah and Hosea. Micah condemns Samaria - the town that king Omri established in 1Kings 16:26. Bad things were going to happen to the people of Samaria because of their sins. Judah was also doomed.
The Lord was going to give the people enough rope to hang themselves. They cheated anyone out of anything they could get away with. The time for that would soon be at an end. The Lord would take care of the survivors.
Micah condemned the people who took advantage of anyone they could. He also told the prophets who offered salvation to those who paid them best that they were in big trouble. Micah had been given courage to tell the people who made cruelty and murder a way of life in Jerusalem that they would be destroyed for their sins.
Tomorrow read Micah 4-7; Nahum 1-2
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