November 30, 2010 Romans 8:26-11:24

We don't really know how we ought to pray, so the Spirit intercedes for us with sighs too deep for words to express. The Spirit pleads with God on our behalf as long as what we pray for is His will. "Your will be done" (Matt6:10) For those who love God, He is right there with them. God takes care of those who love Him. If the creator of heaven and earth loves us, what else do we need? We know He loves us because He gave us everything - even His Son. Wouldn't He give us everything else too? What or who can separate us from God's love? The love of God is ours through Jesus Christ.

Everything depends on God's mercy. He uses us for His own purposes, not for our own gratification. God decides who He will show mercy or not. God has been very patient with those who angered Him. Many times He held back from showing His anger. What matters is that we believe in God.

Everyone who believes is put right with God. If you say that Jesus is Lord and that God raised Him from death, you will be saved. People can only be saved if they believe, and they can only believe if they hear the message, and they can only hear the message if it is shared. These messengers bring Good News!

God has not rejected His own people, rather, He gave them everything. Most of them worshipped idols, but a few did not and those He has chosen. God chose this by His grace, not because of what they have done. If God's choice were based on things people do, then God's grace wouldn't be real grace. Gentiles were blessed because of the sin of the Jews. The blessings will be even greater when the Jews are included. Paul hoped that by helping the Gentiles receive God's blessings, the Jews would be jealous and want that too. If the roots are God's then the branches are His too. Branches break off and new ones are grafted in, but they all have the same roots. Don't get cocky about this, because you still have to believe. If you don't continue to believe you will be broken off too. This is where we see how severe and kind God is. He is severe to the fallen, but kind to the believers. If the Jews believe, they will be put back on the tree, God can do that.

Tomorrow read Romans 11:25-15:33

November 29, 2010 Romans 5:12-8:25

Paul discussed Adam and Jesus. Adam, one man, brought sin and death into the world and death ruled man. The result of what one man, Jesus, did is much greater. God gives his abundant grace freely, because of the obedience of one man, Jesus Christ.

If we have died to sin, how can we go on living in it? Our baptism allows us to share in the death and resurrection of Christ Jesus. Just as Jesus was raised to life, so are we. We are to think of ourselves as dead to sin and living in fellowship with God through Christ Jesus. Surrender your whole being to God to use for His righteous purposes. Sin must not be your master because you live under God's grace. At one time you surrendered completely to sin, likewise you surrender yourself completely to God. What was the payoff for sin? Death. The payoff for righteous living is eternal life.

Paul used an analogy of marriage to explain sin and death and righteousness and life. "No longer do we serve in the old way of a written law, but in the new way of the Spirit." (7:6) The law explained sin to us. The Law is holy and serves a holy purpose - to get us to see that we need the grace of God. That's good. Even though Paul desired to do good, he himself was not capable of doing it. Sin kept him prisoner. But God through Jesus Christ rescued us all.

If we live in union with Christ Jesus, through the law of the Spirit, we have been set free. "Those who live as their human nature tells them to, have their minds controlled by what human nature wants. Those who live as the Spirit tells them to, have their minds controlled by what the Spirit wants." (8:5) Those who obey their human nature do not please God. God's Spirit joins with our spirits and makes us His children. Paul reckoned that the suffering we experience isn't worth comparing to the amazing glory that is going to be revealed to us. Paul even thought about creation being subject to decay and groaning in pain and one day sharing the gift of eternal life. So we suffer and groan as we wait for God to set our whole being free. Hope is what led us here and it's what keeps us patient while we wait.

Tomorrow read Romans 8:26-11:24

November 28, 2010 Romans 1:16-5:11

Paul's letter to the Romans continues with Paul's statement of confidence in the gospel and in the power of God. It is God who puts us right with Him. "The person who is put right with God through faith shall live." (1:17; Hab 2:4) People know that God has done amazing things, yet they refuse to give him honor and thanks. God doesn't force people to do what He wants, but he punishes them when they don't. When people turn away from God, they become people without kindness and love in their hearts.

Don't judge other people because you aren't perfect either. God will reward every one according to what they have done. If you do good, you get good. Hearing the Law isn't what puts people right with God, but doing what the Law demands. God through Jesus Christ will judge the secret thoughts of everyone. Paul directed his statement to the Jews who believe that they only have to know about the Law and be circumcized to be right with God. The real Jew has allowed God's Spirit inside him to circumcize his heart. That man receives praise from God, not man.

Jews had an advantage over Gentiles, because God trusted His message to them. God will be faithful whether or not the Jews are. Some people had accused Paul of lying to make God's message more plain. Paul was insulted by this; rightfully so. Paul asked if the Jews were in better off than the Gentiles? No, because everyone is under the power of sin just by living. The Law helps people understand that they have sinned, it doesn't make them right with God. "But by the free gift of God's grace all are put right with him through Christ Jesus, who sets them free." (3:24) Sounds pretty simple. We believe in Jesus and our sins are forgiven. We have nothing to boast about, we aren't doing this for ourselves.

God accepted Abraham because he believed in Him. (If you remember, we read about Abraham in January, and he made mistakes just like the rest of us and God loved him anyway.) Before Abraham was circumcized, God forgave his sins. So if that's true, then Gentiles don't need to be circumcized to be right with God. God gave Abraham everything he promised, not because he kept the Law perfectly, but because he believed in God. Abraham never lost faith in God. Jesus died because of our sins, and he was raised to life to put us right with God.

Because we are right with God, we have His peace through Jesus Christ. God pours His love into our hearts through the Holy Spirit - God's gift to us. Because of Jesus Christ, we are made God's friends.

Tomorrow read Romans 5:12-8:25

November 27, 2010 Acts 27:9-end; Romans 1:1-15

Soon it became evident that the sailing season was at a close and it was now or never. Paul told them that it wasn't safe for them to sail, but the captain of the ship convinced the officer that it would be fine, so they sailed for Phoenix. As a soft wind began to blow, they thought they had found luck, but soon it turned ugly. They did everything they could think of to save themselves, like throwing cargo overboard, lowering the sail and dragging the anchors. After some time passed, they had lost all hope, and Paul stood and told them they should have listened to him earlier, but that all was not lost. An angel had appeared to Paul the night before and told him that everyone would survive. After 14 days Paul urged them to eat, so he took bread, broke it, gave thanks to God and ate it. The others ate food too. There were 276 men on board. Then they lightened the ship by throwing the wheat overboard. They saw a beach and tried to get the ship there, but it broke apart, so they swam or floated on planks or broken ship pieces. They all made it to shore.

They had landed on Malta. It was cold and rainy, but the natives were warm and friendly. They built a fire. Paul was gathering wood and a snake bit him in the hand and dropped into the fire. The natives were sure that Paul would swell up or drop dead, but that didn't happen, so then they thought he must be a god! The chief of the island invited them to his estate. The chief's father was very sick and Paul healed him. All the other sick people on the island came to be healed too. They wintered there for 3 months. The people brought many gifts and provided for their journey. They set sail and made their way up the coast of Italy and met believers along the way. They made it to Rome and Paul thanked God for the believers who were there to meet him. Paul was allowed to live by himself, guarded by only one soldier. After 3 days, Paul called all the Jews there for a meeting. Paul told them his story. They didn't know anything about it, but they were interested in what he had to say, so they set a date and they all came and listened. They came to the place where Paul was staying and he taught and preached. Paul continued in this way for 2 years.

Romans
In Paul's letter to the Romans, he begins by way of introducing himself and his beliefs to the Roman believers. Paul offered thanks for his fellow believers and their faith in God. He told them he thanked God for them every time he prayed. Paul was happy to finally be in Rome. Paul was eager to preach the Good News to the Romans.

Tomorrow read Romans 1:16-5:11

November 26, 2010 Acts 23:26-27:8

Basically, the letter was pretty simple and gave the facts as they related to the incident, to bring Governor Felix up to speed. The soldiers got Paul safely to Caesarea, along with the letter, and kept him under guard until his accusers arrived. The High Priest, Ananias and some elders and a Lawyer arrived almost a week later. The High Priest stated his case against Paul (which was lies.) Then it was Paul's turn to speak. Paul presented facts in his defense about his whereabouts and made the point that none of their accusations could be verified, because they weren't true. He related the situation regarding his return to Jerusalem and what happened after he completed the ceremony of purification. Finally, he told them he was being tried for believing in life after death, Felix knew about the Way. Paul was held captive, but free to meet with his friends so they could take care of him. A few days later Felix and his wife Drusilla listened to Paul again when he spoke of faith in Christ, self-control, goodness and the coming Day of Judgement. Two years passed and Festus took over Felix's job, and kept Paul under guard to keep the Jews happy.

Festus went to Jerusalem where the leaders asked him to bring Paul there because they had planned to kill him on the way. Festus told them he would hear their accusations against Paul in Caesarea. When they all got there, they made their case and Paul responded by proclaiming his innocence and then he appealed to the Emperor. Later when King Agrippa and Bernice came to visit Festus, he talked to them about Paul's case. Agrippa told Festus he would like to hear Paul speak for himself. So the next day with much pomp, Paul was brought into the court.

Agrippa gave Paul the floor. Paul thanked the king and asked for his patience. Paul gave a brief testimony of his beliefs and faith. He told his own history as a persecutor of Christians and a Pharisee. He talked about his conversion and mission work. Suddenly Festus interrupted Paul and called him crazy! Paul asked Agrippa if he believed in the prophets, he was sure he did. Agrippa asked Paul if he was trying to convert him. Paul answered honestly that he hoped everyone would believe in Jesus! The royals left the room and amongst themselves decided that Paul had done nothing to deserve death. Agrippa said that if Paul had not appealed to the Emperor, he could have been set free.

They set sail for Italy. Along the way, they stopped at Sidon and the officer in charge let Paul go visit his friends there. They continued sailing with difficulty due to the strong winds. Finally, they came to a place called Safe Harbors.

Tomorrow read Acts 27:9-28:31; Romans 1:1-15

November 25, 2010 Acts 21-23:25

Happy Thanksgiving to everyone! I pray that you have all been blessed with enough to eat and lots of lovingkindness from those you love.

Paul sailed to Cos, Rhodes and Patara. At Phoenicia they changed ships and sailed toward Syria. They went ashore at Tyre, found some believers and stayed with them for a week. They pleaded with Paul by the power of the Spirit not to go to Jeruasalem. When it was time to say goodbye they all came out to the shore and knelt and prayed and sent them on their way. They visited believers in Ptolemais for a day. They continued their journey visiting believers all along the way to Jerusalem. Some were very afraid for Paul's safety and didn't want him to go. But Paul insisted that whatever fate awaited him was God's will and he would endure it. Upon arriving at Jerusalem they were greeted warmly by believers. The next day Paul gave a complete report to James and the church elders about his work. They told Paul about a rumor circulating among the people that Paul was teaching that the people not follow the Law of Moses. They told him to participate in a Jewish purification ritual so that everyone would see that this wasn't true. So he did. This didn't stop the rumors and the people rioted and Paul was arrested by the Roman guard. The commander demanded to know what Paul had done, but he couldn't get a straight answer from the mob and the soldiers had to protect Paul from the mob. Paul spoke to the commander in Greek, the commander quieted the mob and Paul spoke to them in Hebrew.

Paul told the people about his history; how he persecuted the Christians. Then he told them about his conversion and the voice from heaven and how he was blinded. He told them about Ananias and his baptism. He even admitted he witnessed Stephen's murder. The people started shouting to have Paul killed. The commander ordered the soldiers to take Paul into the fort and whip him until they could make sense of the turmoil. Paul asked if it was lawful to whip a Roman citizen without a fair trial. When they realized they had chained a Roman citizen, they became scared. To find out what was going on, the commander took Paul to the Council and chief priests and made Paul stand before them the next day.

Paul spoke to defend himself before a hostile group of Pharisees and Sadducees. The discussion became so heated the commander feared for Paul and he ordered his soldiers to guard Paul from the Jewish leaders. (The Sadducees were aristocrats who didn't believe in life after death or that they needed God in their everyday life, but they were afraid of the people. The Pharisees were local businessmen who believed in life after death, and that God could help in everyday life and they were more closely tied to the people. Though the Sadducees were in the majority, the Pharisees had more sway because they had the people.) "That night the Lord stood by Paul and said, 'Don't be afraid! You have given your witness for me here in Jerusalem, and you must also do the same in Rome.'" (23:11) Some Jews vowed to kill Paul, but Paul's sister heard about it and sent her son, Paul's nephew to the commander to tell him about it. The commander sent Paul to the Governor with an armed escort and a letter...which we'll read about tomorrow.

Tomorrow read Acts 23:26-27:28

November 24, 2010 Acts 19-20

Corinth was in Apollos' capable hands, so Paul went to Ephesus. He talked with some believers who hadn't received the Holy Spirit. So he baptized them and placed his hands on them and they recieved the Holy Spirit. Paul went to the synagogue and preached for three months. After that, he took a group of believers to a lecture hall and they discussed the Way of the Lord for two years. Everyone heard the word of the Lord. God was working through Paul so that even handkerchiefs he had touched could cure people. Some Jews who traveled around healing people tried to do this, but it didn't work. The evil spirit told them he knew Jesus and Paul, but he didn't know them, then he beat them up and they ran from the house naked and bleeding. The people all heard about the power of the name of the Lord Jesus and they were afraid. The name of Jesus was given great honor. Sorcerers burned their expensive magic books. The word of the Lord kept spreading. Paul decided to go to Macedonia and on to Jerusalem. Then he wanted to see Rome. Paul sent Timothy and Erastus to Macedonia and he spent more time in Asia. In Ephesus an idolmaker started a riot because the Way of the Lord would put him out of business. The mob grabbed Gaius and Aristarchus two of Paul's helpers and took them to where they were meeting about the problem in a theater. Nobody wanted Paul to go because they were afraid of what would happen to him. Nobody was listening to anybody else. Eventually the city clerk got them to calm down and he sent everyone home.

After all the excitement was over, Paul called together the believers, encouraged them and said goodbye. He went back to Macedonia and on his way encouraged the believers. He stayed in Achaia 3 months. He discovered the Jews were plotting against him, so he went back through Macedonia. Paul had many disciples with him from the places he had preached. In Troas, Paul was speaking to believers and a young man who was sitting in the window fell asleep and fell out of the window, 3 stories down. When they got to him, he was dead. Paul threw himself on him and hugged him and he came alive. Paul talked with them until sunrise, then he left. They sailed for Jerusalem, and on the way Paul sent word the the Ehpesians to come to meet his boat. So they did. He told them he had done everything he could for them and now it was up to them and God. Near the end of his farewell speech, he said that Jesus said "There is more happiness in giving than in receiving." (20:35) These words are not recorded in the gospels, so that must be one of those things that John said about the world not being able to hold the things Jesus did if they were all written down. (John 21:25 Nov16) Then they all knelt and prayed. They were all crying when they hugged and kissed him goodbye. They were sad that they would never see him again. They went with him to the ship.

Tomorrow read Acts 21-23:25

November 23, 2010 Acts 16:11-18:28

They sailed from Troas to Samothrace, then Neapolis. (Verse 11 says 'we' so I assume that Luke is present with Paul, as a witness to his ministry.) From there they went to Philippi. On the Sabbath day they went to the riverside hoping to find Jews gathered for prayer. The Lord opened the mind of one of them named Lydia. She and the people in her house were baptized and she invited Paul and his group to stay in her house. So they did. One day on their way to the place of prayer, they met a slave girl who had an evil spirit in her and she could predict the future. She followed Paul around and shouted that they were servants of God and they would tell people how they could be saved. She kept on at this until Paul got upset and rebuked the evil spirit. The owners of the girl were angry because they had expected her to keep making money for telling fortunes and they took Paul and Silas to the authorities and accused them of being a nuisance. The stripped Paul and Silas, whipped them, chained them and put them in jail. In the night while Paul and Silas were praying and singing, a violent earthquake shook the prison so hard their chains fell off and the doors opened. The jailer woke in a panic thinking the prisoners had escaped and was ready to kill himself when Paul yelled to him not to harm himself because they were all there. The jailer fell on his knees and asked Paul and Silas what he needed to do to be saved. They were happy to share this news with him and all the other prisoners. The jailer washed their wounds and then he and his family were baptized. They went to the jailer's house to stay with him. The next day the release order was delivered by the police and the jailer told Paul and Silas they could leave. But Paul refused because they had been treated so badly, he wanted a personal apology first. So the Roman officials apologized, and asked them to leave. They went to Lydia's and shared the gospel.

They left Philippi and traveled to Amphipolis and Apollonia and came to Thessalonica and spoke in the synagoge. During 3 Sabbaths they taught and explained Scriptures and proved that Jesus is the Messiah. Many believed. As usual, some of the Jews became jealous and started a ruckus. As soon as night came the believers sent Paul and Silas to Berea. They taught in the synagogue and had much success because the people were eager to learn and understand. Word got back to the people in Thessalonica and some of the rowdy ones traveled to Berea and started the same trouble there as they had earlier. The believers sent Paul away, but Silas and Timothy stayed in Berea. When the men returned from Athens, where they had taken Paul, they gave Silas and Timothy instructions from Paul to join him there ASAP. While in Athens, Paul noticed how full of idols it was. Paul preached about Jesus and the resurrection. They brought him to the city council because they wanted to know what he was talking about. So Paul told them about God and resurrection. Some scoffed, but others wanted more and joined him.

Paul was a tent maker by trade. He went to Corinth and stayed with some Jews who made tents too. Paul held discussions in the synagogue. Silas and Timothy arrived and then Paul spent all his time preaching. The Jews rejected what he said, so they went to the Gentiles. Many people heard and were baptized. Not everyone was happy, one night they seized Paul and dragged him before the governor. But the governor wasn't interested and he threw them all out. Paul stayed with the believers in Corinth for a while and then sailed for Syria. The tent makers went too. (Someone shaved their head before sailing it just says 'he', I wondered if this was part of the Nazirite vow as in Numbers 6 -Feb 12) They traveled around some more. A believer named Apollo was enthusiastically preaching about the gospel, but he didn't have all the information about Jesus. So some believers there taught him what he needed to know and they sent him to Achaia and sent him with a letter of introduction to help him get started there. He proved in debates that Jesus is the Messiah.

Tomorrow read Acts 19-20

November 22, 2010 Acts 14-16:10

Paul and Barnabas had the same trouble in Iconium with the leading Jews stirring up the people to treat the disciples harshly. The people decided to stone Paul and Barnabas, so they left and went to Lystra and Derbe and preached the Good News. While Paul was speaking in Lystra he healed a crippled man there in the crowd listening to him. When the people saw it they were amazed, but instead of praising God, they thought that Paul was Hermes and Barnabas was Zeus and they started sacrificing animals to them. Paul and Barnabas tore their clothes and ran into the crowd shouting that they were men just like them, but they wouldn't listen. Some Jews came from Antioch and Iconium, stirred up the crowd and stoned Paul. They left him for dead. The believers gathered around and Paul got up and went back into town and the next day he and Barnabas went to Derbe. Many believed in Derbe and they went back through the towns they had been to and encouraged the believers to remain true to the faith. In each church they appointed elders and prayed and fasted and trusted them to the Lord. They spent a while in Antioch with the believers there.

Some men came from Judea to Antioch and taught the believers that they should be circumsized. Paul and Barnabas got into a fierce argument with them about this. So it was decided that they should all go to Jerusalem and see the apostles and elders about the matter. When they got there, they reported about the things they had done and the believers they had welcomed. The question of circumcision came up and was discussed. After a long debate, Peter stood and spoke. He told them that God had given the Gentiles the Holy Spirit just as they were, so why should they be burdened with that heavy load that even the Jews couldn't carry? Peter said, "No! We believe and are saved by the grace of the Lord Jesus, just as they are." (15:11) The group listened to Paul and Barnabas tell of all the wonderful signs and miracles the Lord showed to the Gentiles. Then James spoke up and told them that Simon Peter had told them how God cared for them, and he quoted Amos 9:11-12 which speaks about the Gentiles who turn to God. He suggested that they write a letter of instruction and encouragement in right living. So they decided to send Paul, Barnabas, Judas, and Silas to Antioch with the letter. Basically they told them not to eat food offered to idols, or blood, or strangled animals, and stay away from sexual immorality. The disciples spent time there with those believers, who were pleased with the letter. Later, Paul wanted Barnabas to go with him to visit the believers in every city they had preached. Barnabas wanted to take John Mark with them, but Paul didn't because he had left them before. They argued sharply over it and separated. Barnabas and John Mark sailed for Cyprus and Paul and Silas went through Syria and Cilicia strengthing the churches. Paul went to Derbe and Lystra where a Christian named Timothy lived. Because his father was Greek, Paul circumsized Timothy (which looks on the surface like a contradiction. Bible scholars suggest that Paul did this for evangelical reasons because Jews wouldn't associate with Gentiles, which is what Timothy was considered if he wasn't circumsized. What I don't get is, how would anyone know...?) They traveled to all the towns and the churches were made stronger in faith and they grew every day. The Holy Spirit didn't let them go to Asia, so they went to Galatia and Phrygia. The Spirit of Jesus kept them out of Bithynia, so they kept going to Mysia and Troas. (I have a little map in the back of my Bible which lets me follow along with the travels of these men. It helps!) Paul had a dream that someone from Macedonia needed their help, so they decided to go there.

Tomorrow read Acts 16:11-18:28

November 21, 2010 Acts 12-13

King Herod began to persecute members of the church. He even killed James, the brother of John. When he realized this pleased the Jews he had Saul arrested and put in jail under very heavy guard. The people prayed and prayed for him. The night before the trial, Peter was sleeping between two guards with his hands and feet chained. Suddenly, an angel lit up the cell, woke Peter, and told him to put on his clothes and shoes and go with him. So Peter did, but he thought it was a vision. The gate opened and they walked out of the jail, and down a street. Then the angel was gone. Peter realized that God had sent the angel to rescue him, that it was really happening. Peter went to the home of Mary, the mother of John Mark and knocked on the gate. A servant girl, Rhoda, went to see who it was and when she recognized Peter's voice, she ran back to tell the others and left Peter outside the gate. Peter kept knocking and finally they opened the gate. Peter told them everything that happened, how the angel rescued him from jail. In the morning there was a huge commotion at the jail. Herod killed the guards, then he went to Caesarea. One day Herod was giving a speech and the people said it wasn't a man speaking but a god, and an angel of the Lord struck Herod down because he did not give honor to God. He was eaten by worms and died. The church grew and Barnabas and Saul finished their mission and took John Mark with them.

In Antioch Barnabas and Saul were fasting and praying with a small group and the Holy Spirit told them to set apart Barnabas and Saul to do the work He had called them to do. They prayed, fasted, placed their hands on them and sent them off. They sailed to Cypress and preached from one end of the island to the other. There, they met a sorcerer who claimed to be a prophet, but he was up to no good. He was friends with the governor. The governor wanted to hear the word of God, so he was listening to what Barnabas and Saul had to say, except that his friend, the sorcerer was trying to turn him from the faith. Saul --or Paul-- rebuked him and he became blind. When the governor saw this, he believed. From there, they sailed to Perga. John Mark went home to Jerusalem. On the Sabbath, they went into the synagogue and were invited to speak words of encouragement to the people. They told the story of Jesus and about resurrection, and forgiveness of sin. The people invited them back again the next Sabbath. When the Jewish leaders saw that everyone in town wanted to hear them they got jealous and disputed what Paul was saying. Paul told them that since they rejected the word, they would preach to the Gentiles (who were thrilled about it.) The Jews got the leaders to start a persecution campaign against Paul and Barnabas and threw them out of the city. They shook the dust off their feet from that town. They went to Iconium. The believers in Antioch were joyful and full of the Holy Spirit.

Tomorrow read Acts 14-16:10

November 20, 2010 Acts 9:23-11:30

The Jews made plans to kill Saul, but he knew about it. His friends lowered him in a basket through a window so he could escape. Saul went to Jerusalem to join the disciples, but people were still scared of him because they hadn't heard what happened to him. A believer named Barnabas introduced Saul to the apostles. Saul went with them preaching all over Jerusalem until he made some people mad. The believers sent him to Caesarea and then to Tarsus. For a time the church lived and grew in peace. Peter traveled and preached everywhere. One time, he healed a man and the whole town believed in Jesus. In Joppa there was a woman named Tabitha (or Dorcas, depending on whether you're talking in Greek or Aramaic) who did many good things to help others and she died. The people with her asked Peter to help, so he went and brought her back to life. Many people believed in Jesus after that.

In Caesarea there was a man named Cornelius, a Roman army captain, who did good deeds; he and his whole family worshiped God. One day he had a vision and was told about Simon Peter, and where he was and that he was to go get him and bring him back to his house. So he did. Meanwhile, Peter was in Joppa and went up to the rooftop to pray. He got hungry and while food was being prepared he had a vision. God told him not to consider anything unclean that God had made clean. By this time the men sent by Cornelius arrived and asked for Peter. The next day they went to Caesarea. Many Gentiles (non Jews) were gathered and they knew that the Jewish religion forbade association with Gentiles. Peter said that God had told him not to consider any person ritually unclean or defiled. Peter asked them why they had sent for him, so Cornelius told him all about his vision. Then Peter said, "I now realize that it is true that God treats everyone on the same basis. Whoever fears Him and does what is right is acceptable to Him, no matter what race he belongs to." (10:34-35) Peter told them all about Jesus and while he was speaking, God poured the Holy Spirit on them, so that no one could deny them baptism. So they were baptized.

At first when people back in Jerusalem heard about Peter eating with ritually unclean people were not pleased. Peter told them about his vision and about Cornelius. Once they understood, they stopped critisizing and praised God. Some believers who had been scattered after Stephen was killed stayed in places like Antioch and preached to the Jews. Others told anyone who would listen. They heard about it in Jerusalem and sent Barnabas to Antioch. Barnabas was pleased to see so many believers. Barnabas was a good man full of faith and the Holy Spirit and brought many people to the Lord. He went to Tarsus to find Saul. Together, they spent a year in Antioch, where the believers were first called Christians. A prophet predicted a severe famine would cover the earth, so the disciples decided to help their fellow believers in Judea and sent them money. Barnabas and Saul delivered it to them.

Tomorrow read Acts 12-13

November 19, 2010 Acts 7:30-9:22

Stephen continued his speech with Moses' statement that God would send them someone like him (Deut. 18:15,18 March 1.) Stephen reminded them that over and over they to obey God. They had received God's law, but had not obeyed it. They killed God's Servant Jesus. Well, truth hurts and those men listening to Stephen were furious and started stoning Stephen. But Stephen looked up and saw God's glory and Jesus standing at the right hand of God, and he said so. They threw him out of the city and stoned him. They let a man named Saul watch their coats. As stones were being hurled at Stephen, he prayed and asked Jesus to receive his spirit and forgive them, and he died. Saul was pleased.

After that all the believers were scattered except for the apostles. Saul went from house to house, intent on destroying the church. While all this was going on Philip went to Samaria to preach the gospel. Many believed in Jesus and were baptized. The apostles heard that the Samaritans had received the word of God and they sent Peter and John. They prayed for the Holy Spirit to be given to the Samaritans. They put their hands on them and they received the Holy Spirit. Peter got angry at a believer named Simon who had been a sorcerer. He wanted to buy the Holy Spirit. Peter told Simon he and his money could go to Hell if he thought he could buy God's gift. He told him to repent and pray for forgiveness for thinking up something so evil. Simon asked Peter and John to pray for him for forgiveness. Peter and John shared the Lord's message on the way back to Jerusalem. An angel of the Lord told Philip to go south on the road to Gaza. An Ethiopian eunuch who was in charge of the queens treasury rode by in his carriage was reading from Isaiah on his way home. The Lord told Philip to go near the carriage, so he did. He could hear the Ethiopina reading from Isaiah and asked him if he knew what it meant. The Ethiopian didn't understand and invited Philip to join him in the carriage and explain it to him. So Philip shared the Good News about Jesus. Soon they came by some water and the eunuch wanted to be baptized. Philip baptized him and when they came up out of the water, the Spirit took Philip away to another town called Azotus and preached the Good News, and the Ethiopian went on his way and rejoiced.

Meanwhile Saul was on a rampage against the followers of Jesus. He was on his way to Damascus to get written permission to arrest followers and bring them back to Jerusalem. Suddenly a light flashed around him, knocked him down and a voice asked him, "Saul, Saul! Why do you persecute me?" (9:4) Jesus told him to go into the city where he would be told what to do next. The men traveling with him heard the voice too. When he got up and opened his eyes, he couldn't see. Meanwhile in Damascus there was a believer named Ananias (it doesn't say, but I think this is a different Ananias from the one we read about yesterday) who the Lord told to go to a house and find a man named Saul, because the Lord had big plans for him. So he did, even though he was afraid of Saul. Ananias found Saul and placed his hands on Saul who had not been able to see or eat for 3 days and scales fell from his eyes and he could see. Saul was baptized. After that Saul went to the synagogues to preach that Jesus was the Son of God.

Tomorrow read Acts 9:23-11:30

November 18, 2010 Acts 5-7:29

This passage about Ananias and Sapphira is a little on the unusual side. For one thing, there are many details that the Bible doesn't tell us: Did Ananias lie and say he was giving all the money to Peter? Was it the custom to give 100% of everything always? Suddenly it seems, there is an understanding on the part of new believers that they will sell everything they have and give it to the apostles. Jesus told the rich man to sell everything he owned and give it to the poor. Well, anyway, I think the basic idea of this is that you can't fool God. If you think you can get away with it, you're in for a rude awakening.... After Ananias and Sapphira died everyone was terrified. That certainly makes sense! Miracles and healings were plentiful and word spread about Peter so that people started to follow his route so they could lay sick people in his shadow to be healed. Eventually the apostles were arrested and put in jail. During the night an angel let them out. The men who had put them in jail couldn't figure out how the gates were still locked tight but the apostles were in the temple teaching the next morning. (Nothing was going to get through to these guys!) However, a Pharisee named Gamaliel pointed out to them that if they were from God, they would be fighting against God, but if they were from man then their message would blow away like dust in the wind. (Lets see... it's been 2010+ years, what do you think?) So they backed off for a while. The apostles kept right on preaching and teaching.

It happened that the Greek Jews were angry about the Hebrew Jews widows being fed while theirs weren't. So the 12 gathered the people together and said that they needed to choose 7 upstanding men to manage the money and food. That way the 12 could give their full time to teaching and prayer. So they did. The work continued and many priests accepted the faith. A powerful disciple named Stephen was filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke to many people. Some of the Jews didn't like him, so they bribed some men to lie about what he'd said.

The High Priest asked Stephen if what had been said about him was true and Stephen answered with the history of Israel beginning with Abraham. He continued with Isaac, Jacob and his sons and their jealousy of Joseph. Then he talked about Moses, and we'll find out where this is going tomorrow.

Tomorrow read Acts 7:30-9:22

November 17, 2010 Acts 2:14-4:37

Peter stood up and spoke to the people and assured them nobody was drunk - it was only 9 in the morning! He explained what was happening by quoting Joel 2:28-32, and that Jesus had divine authority which had been proven to them many times. He quoted Psalm 16:8-11, that David had seen the future. Peter told them Jesus had risen from the grave and was with God. What the people were seeing and hearing were gifts of the Holy Spirit poured out upon the believers of Christ. All the people of Israel were to know that Jesus whom they crucified is the Messiah! Peter told them that they all needed to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ so their sins would be forgiven and they too could receive God's gift, the Holy Spirit. Many believed and were baptized and spent time learning from the apostles and in fellowship with them. The believers shared all their belongings with one another.

One day as Peter and John were entering the temple, they saw a crippled man who was begging for money. Peter and John looked at him and Peter told him to get up and walk in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth. So he did. They went into the temple and the man continued rejoicing and jumping and praising God for healing him. The people recognized him and were amazed. The people started to listen to Peter talk at the temple. Peter spoke to the leaders and asked them why they were surprised since God can do anything. He told them that Jesus had been sent by God and they had crucified Him. But God raised Him from death. Peter told them he knew they had done it because of their ignorance, and God would forgive them if they would repent. Abraham, Moses and Samuel spoke of Jesus and that His words should all be obeyed.

Some priests and Sadduccees arrived and didn't like that they were teaching that the dead rise to life, so they threw Peter and John in jail. Many who heard, believed. The next day they were questioned by Annas, Caiaphas and other men of the High Priest's family. They wanted to know how they had healed the man and by whose authority. Peter, full of the Holy Spirit, answered so eloquently that the members of the Council were amazed because Peter was uneducated. There was nothing they could say to them. They had them leave and then tried to figure out what to do with them since everyone in Jerusalem knew what had happened to the lame man. The Council warned them to stop talking about Jesus and they said they would obey God, but they let them go. Peter and John went back to the believers and they prayed to God to allow them to continue to spread the message with boldness. God answered their prayers. The believers were close-knit group and all shared the same purpose. They shared everything they had with each other and God poured out rich blessings on them all. They would sell their possessions and give the money to the apostles.

Tomorrow read Acts 5-7:29

November 16, 2010 John 20-21 & Acts 1-2:13

On Sunday before dawn, Mary Magdalene went to the tomb and saw it had been opened. She ran and told Peter and the disciple Jesus loved, who went to see for themselves. The disciple Jesus loved made it first but didn't go into the tomb. When Peter got there he went right on in the tomb. He saw the linen cloths lying there, but the cloth which had been around Jesus' head was folded and placed separately. The other disciple went in too, and then they went home. Mary Magdalene, however stood crying outside the tomb. She looked inside and saw two angels dressed in white, sitting where Jesus' body had been. They asked her why she was crying. She thought someone had moved the body. She turned around and saw Jesus standing near her. She didn't recognize Him at first, then He said her name and she knew it was Him. He told her not to hold on to Him because He had not been to the Father yet. He told her to tell the others He would come see them after He had gone up to God. Later that night Jesus appeared to the disciples where they were gathered. He gave them peace and then showed them His wounds. They were overjoyed to see Him. Then He breathed and gave them the Holy Spirit. Thomas wasn't there, but when they told him, he refused to believe until he saw it for himself. A week later, Jesus came again and had Thomas touch his wounds so he would believe. Jesus performed many other miracles in the presence of His disciples, but they are not written in this book. What's here has been written so you may believe and by your faith in Him, have life.

Later when the disciples were together, they decided to go fishing and didn't catch a thing. As they were returning to shore a man at the water's edge told them to drop their nets on the right side of the boat. They caught so many fish they couldn't get the net on the boat. The disciple whom Jesus loved recognized Jesus and told Peter. They brought the boat back to shore and saw a fire and bread and Jesus gave them some to eat. This was the 3rd time they saw Jesus after His death. Three times Jesus asked Peter if he loved Jesus and three times Peter told Him he did. All three times Jesus told him to take care of His sheep. Peter asked Jesus about the disciple He loved, and Jesus told him that if He wanted him to live until He returned, what was that to him? Rumors started that this disciple would never die, but that isn't what Jesus said. The one Jesus loved spoke of these things and wrote them down; what he said is true. There isn't enough room in the world for all the books which could have been written if everything were recorded that Jesus did.

Another letter to Theophilus, the book of Acts continues the gospel according to Luke. For 40 days after His death, Jesus appeared to the disciples and left no doubt that He is alive. He told them to stay put until they received the Holy Spirit. Jesus was taken up to heaven and then there were two angels there speaking to the disciples. The disciples replaced Judas because in Psalm 109:8 it said he would be replaced. They prayed then voted between a man named Justus and another named Matthias. Matthias became the new disciple.

When the day of Pentecost came all the believers were gathered together and a loud noise came and a strong wind which blew tongues of fire on each of them and they began speaking in languages from all over. Some knew it was from God, others just thought they were drunk.

Tomorrow read Acts 2:14-4:37

November 15, 2010 John 17:14-19:42

Jesus continued praying. He asked God to protect the disciples from the Evil One. Jesus also prayed for those who believe in Him when the disciples shared His message. Jesus asked God to allow them to be with Him and see His glory.

When Jesus had finished His prayer, He left with His disciples and went to a garden which Judas also knew, because they had gone there many times. Judas arrived with a detachment of armed soldiers and some officials from the chief priests and Pharisees. Jesus knew what was going to happen, so He stepped forward and asked who they were looking for. Of course they were looking for Jesus and He told them they had found Him. Some of them moved back and fell to the ground. Peter had a sword and cut off the ear of Malchus, the High Priest's slave. Jesus told Peter to put away the sword. They arrested Jesus, tied Him up and took him to Annas, the father-in-law of the High Priest, Caiaphas. Peter denied knowing Jesus. Annas questioned Jesus about his disciples and teachings. Jesus told him that He had taught publicly in synagogues and the Temple and that there were no secrets. Jesus answered that they should ask those who heard Him, then a guard slapped Him and scolded Him. Jesus asked what He'd said wrong, and if what He said was right why was He hit? Annas sent Jesus to see Caiaphas. Peter was still with the people standing by a fire, keeping warm and denied knowing Jesus again. Then a relative of the man whose ear Peter had cut off recognized him from the garden, but a third time, Peter denied knowing Jesus then a rooster crowed. Then they took Jesus to Pilate. Pilate asked Jesus if He was a king and Jesus told him that is what Pilate said. Jesus told him that He was born to speak the truth. Then Pilate told the people outside that he couldn't condemn Jesus because he'd commited no crime. He asked them which prisoner they wanted realeased for the Passover. They wanted Barabbas, a bandit released.

Pilate had Jesus whipped. The soldiers made a crown from thorny branches and stuck it on Jesus' head. Then they put him in a purple robe and mocked and slapped Him. Pilate brought out Jesus and when the chief priests and Temple guards saw Him they yelled, "Crucify Him!" Pilate wanted to set Jesus free, but handed Jesus over to be crucified. By now it was noon the day before the Passover. Jesus was crucified between two other men. Pilate wrote a sign in 3 languages and had it hung on the cross above Jesus. It read, "JESUS OF NAZARETH, THE KING OF THE JEWS." The chief priests didn't like it, but Pilate wouldn't change it. The soldiers divided Jesus' clothes among them. Near the cross of Jesus was His mother Mary, his aunt, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. Jesus made sure His mother would be taken care of when He saw His disciple, Jesus told him that Mary was his mother and He told Mary that the disciple was her son. Jesus had finished all He had come to do and said He was thirsty. A sponge soaked with wine vinegar was lifted up to Jesus and after He drank the wine He said, "It is finished!" He bowed His head and died. It was near sundown and the Jewish authorities didn't want the bodies to stay on the crosses during the Sabbath, so they had the soldiers break the legs of the two on either side of Jesus. They realized Jesus had died, but to make sure, a soldier pierced His side with his sword and water and blood poured out. Joseph of Arimathea asked Pilate for the body of Jesus in secret because he was afraid of the Jewish authorities. Nicodemus went with Joseph and took spices, myrrh and aloes and wrapped the body of Jesus in linen cloths, and put the body in a tomb that had not been used before.

Tomorrow read John 20-21; Acts 1-2:13

November 14, 2010 John 14:12-17:13

As far as I can tell, today's entire passage is not found in any other Gospel but John. As you can tell, many parts are repeated with small differences. That makes this passage unique. It looks like they are still in the upper room until the end of chapter 14. Where they go from there, the Bible doesn't say exactly.

Jesus told them whoever believes in Him will do what He does. Whatever we ask for in His name He will give. If you love Jesus, do what He says and He will send you another helper, the Holy Spirit, who reveals the truth about God. Jesus told them when He goes, He will come back in a little while. Of course, the disciples had no idea what he meant. Jesus told them so they would know it was of God when they saw it happen. Then they left the upper room.

Jesus is the real vine. God is the gardener. God breaks every non-fruit bearing branch in Him. The branch can only bear fruit if it is connected to the vine. Useless branches are burned. Again, Jesus reminded them to love one another, just as He loves us. Jesus called the disciples His friends because He had given them everything He had from the Father. Jesus asked them to bear much fruit. Again Jesus told them to love one another. Jesus told them not to worry if the world hated them, because they didn't belong to the world, but to God. The world no longer had any excuse for their sin and they didn't like that. It came true what was said in Psalm 35:19 & 69:4, "They hated me for no reason at all." The Spirit, or The Helper would come just as Jesus promised.

People would kill them in the name of God even though they don't know God. Jesus needed to go away so the Helper could come. Jesus told them He had much more to tell them, but they couldn't bear it. (Perhaps this statement is where we get the idea that the Lord won't give us more than we can bear? The common idea that God won't give us more than we can bear has no direct scripture source.) Jesus described an experience of feeling bittersweet about what was going to happen. Just like a woman giving birth - it hurts alot and then you have a baby, and forget the suffering. Jesus told them plainly that He would leave them and go to the Father. Then they believed He came from God. Jesus told them the time was coming when they would all go back home and leave Jesus, but He wouldn't be alone, because God would be with Him.

Jesus prayed. The hour had come. Eternal life means to know God and Jesus Christ. He had shown the glory of God to the earth and finished His work. He asked God for the glory returned to Him that He had with God before the world was made. Jesus prayed for the disciples, for God to keep them safe, so they could be one just like Jesus and God are one. Jesus had kept them safe except for Judas, who made Psalm 41:9 true. Jesus asked these things so we can have the fullness of His joy in our hearts.

Tomorrow read John 17:14-19:42

November 13, 2010 John 12:12-14:11

The next day, the large crowd of people gathered for the Passover Festival had heard about Jesus raising Lazarus and went to meet Him. They took palm branches and shouted praises to God. Jesus found a donkey to ride on fulfilling the scripture, Zech 9:9. (Oct 6) The disciples didn't understand the significance at the time, but later they remembered. The Pharisees took notice that the whole world seemed to be following Jesus and ignoring them. There were some Greek people who wanted to see Jesus. Philip and Andrew went to tell Jesus. Jesus told them that if a seed dies, it makes many more seeds, and anyone who hated this worldly life would find eternal life, and to be with Jesus we need to follow Jesus. Jesus spoke about His death and said He'd rather not have to go through the suffering, but that is why He came, so He would do whatever God wanted, to glorify His name. Then a voice from heaven spoke so that everyone in the crowd could hear it, "I have brought glory to it, and will do so again." (12:28) The people thought they heard an angel and Jesus told them that the voice they heard was for their benefit not His. Jesus told them what would happen to Him, but they really didn't understand. He told them to believe in the light so they would be the people of light. After that, Jesus went and hid because they still did not believe in Him, making Isaiah 53:1 and 6:10 true. There were Jewish leaders who believed in Jesus, but hid their truth to gain approval of other men which was more important to them than approval of God. Jesus said, "Whoever believes in me believes not only in me but also in Him who sent me." (12:44) Jesus came to bring light to the darkness and do what God wanted Him to do.

Jesus knew that it was almost time for Him to go. He loved the people who followed Him to the very end. At supper, Jesus washed His disciples' feet. When it was Peter's turn, Jesus told him that if He didn't wash his feet, then he wasn't His disciple, so Peter told him to wash his feet, hands and head too! Jesus said all of them were clean except one (He knew who would betray Him.) Jesus explained that no slave is greater than his master and demonstrated this principle by washing the feet of the disciples. Jesus said Psalm 41:9 must come true and He was telling them about it before so that when it happened, they would know it was of God. They wanted to know who would betray Jesus, so Jesus took bread dipped it in sauce and gave it to Judas Isacriot. When Judas took the bread, he took Satan into him too. Jesus told him to go do what he must! Judas left. Jesus told them He didn't have much longer with them and gave them a new commandment: love one another. If we have love for one another, then everyone will know we are His disciples. Peter wanted to know where Jesus was going, but Jesus told him he couldn't go where Jesus was going. Peter told him he would die for Him, but Jesus told Him that before the rooster crowed, he would say he didn't know Jesus three times.

Jesus told them not to be worried and upset, because they couldn't go where He was going. He would go ahead and prepare a place for them and when it was time, He would come back for them. Jesus said, "I am the way, the truth, and the life; no one goes to the Father except by me." (14:6) Philip wanted to Jesus to show them the Father, but Jesus told him that whoever has seen Jesus Christ has seen the Father. Jesus told them that His words came from the Father. Believe it because of the things He does.

Tomorrow read John 14:12-17:13

November 12, 2010 John 10:19-12:11

The people listening to what Jesus was saying were divided about whether Jesus was the real deal or just a crazy person. In winter, Jesus was walking in Solomon's Porch in the Temple when some people confronted Him and asked whether He was the Messiah. He told them that He had already told them and showed them but they didn't listen or believe in Him. He told them that He was one with the Father and again they picked up stones to throw at Him. Jesus asked them which of His good deeds did they want to stone Him for? They told Him it wasn't the deeds, but the blasphemy. They believed He was trying to make Himself God. Jesus reminded them that David said "You are gods, you are all sons of the Most High." (Psalm 82:6) That God called those people to whom the message was given, gods. So how could He blaspheme? Jesus told them that even if they didn't believe Him, they should believe His deeds and see God in them. They tried to capture Jesus, but He escaped. Jesus went to the Jordan river where John had baptized. People came to Him and told Jesus that even though John performed no miracles, everything he said about Jesus was true.

Jesus had a friend named Lazarus who was sick. His sisters, Mary and Martha sent Him a message to let Him know. Jesus told them that Lazarus would not die so that they would know what God had done and glorify Him. Though Jesus loved them, He waited 2 more days before going to them. The disciples worried about Jesus' safety because the people there had wanted to stone Him. Jesus told them He walked in the light and would be fine and that Lazarus had fallen asleep and He would wake him up. Thomas said to the rest of the disciples that they would go with Him and die with Him. When Jesus arrived, He found out that Lazarus had died 4 days before. Many people had come the short distance from Jerusalem to be with Martha and Mary to comfort them. Martha met Jesus and talked with Him, then she went to tell Mary where Jesus was and that He was asking for her. She went to Him and fell at His feet and wept. The people with her wept. Jesus wept. Jesus was deeply moved and went to the tomb and told them to move the stone and He called Lazarus. Then Lazarus came out of the tomb with the grave cloths on his hands, feet and head. Many saw this and believed in Jesus. Some went to the Pharisees who decided that Jesus would ruin their lives, so they made plans to kill Him.

Six days before the Passover, Jesus went to Lazarus' house. While they were eating, Mary took a whole pint of nard and poured it all over Jesus' feet and then wiped it off with her hair. Judas Iscariot asked why the perfume wasn't sold so the money could be given to the poor? Judas carried the money bag and helped himself from it and that money would have been nice for him. Jesus told them to leave her alone, that they would always have poor people with them, but not Him. People heard where Jesus was and went to Him. They also were interested in Lazarus and believed in Him instead of the chief priests.

Tomorrow read John 12:12-14:11

November 11, 2010 John 8:21-10:18

Jesus continued by telling them that they couldn't go where He was going. They didn't understand that He was talking about God and the work He was here to do for Him. Many believed Jesus and He told them that they were truly His disciples if they believed Him. They would know the truth and the truth would make them free. They didn't understand what He meant when He told them that they were slaves. They claimed to be children of Abraham and Jesus told them that if they really were his children, they wouldn't be trying to kill Him. Then they said God was their true Father. Jesus told them that if that were true, they would love Jesus because He was sent by His Father. Then Jesus told them they were children of the Devil. The Devil is the father of all lies and he does what comes naturally to him. Jesus knew they were not of God because they didn't believe what He said. Then they told Jesus He had a demon in Him and that was why He said such outlandish things like, "whoever obeys my teachings will never die." (8:51) Jesus kept trying to get them to understand that if He were honoring Himself, that would be one thing, but He honored God. Then Jesus told them Abraham was happy to see Jesus' time coming. That really made them mad enough to want to stone Him right there, so He hid and left them.

Jesus and His disciples were walking along and saw a man who had been born blind. The disciples asked whose sin had caused the blindness, his or his parents'? Jesus said neither, but that he was blind so he could be healed by God so that everyone could see His power. Jesus told them that while He was with them, it was day because He is the light, once He was gone, night would come and no one could work. Then Jesus spat on the ground and made mud which He applied to the man's eyes. Then He told the man to wash his face in the Pool of Siloam (which means Sent.) So he did. The man's sight returned and people didn't recognize him at first. It came out that Jesus had healed him, which caused a big uproar at the Temple (it was the Sabbath.) So the Pharisees had to argue about it. They had an inquisition over it. When Jesus found out what happened, He went and found the man and asked Him if he believed in the Son of Man. He believed in Jesus.

Jesus taught the parable of the shepherd who leads his sheep through the gate because they trust him and know his voice. They did not understand. Jesus explained He is the gate; whoever comes in by Him will be saved. Jesus said, "I have come in order that you might have life - life in all its fullness. I am the good shepherd, who is willling to die for the sheep." (10:10-11) God loves Jesus because He was willing to give up His life to recieve it back again.

Tomorrow read John 10:19-12:11

November 10, 2010 John 6:52-8:20

The Jews began to argue, because they thought Jesus was talking about cannibalism. He told them that they had to eat the flesh and drink the blood of the Son of Man to have eternal life. When many heard this, they left Jesus. Jesus asked the 12 if they were offended by this truth, because He knew what they were thinking. He also knew that Judas would betray Him. Peter answered Him that they knew that Jesus was the Holy One of God and there was nowhere else they could go to be taught the truth.

Jesus stayed away from Judea because He knew the Jews there wanted to kill Him. Near Galilee, Jesus met His brothers. They suggested that He address His message to a wider audience - show Himself to the world. Even they didn't believe in Him. Jesus told them that it wasn't time yet, and He stayed in Galilee. Later, Jesus went to the Feast in secret and listened to what people were saying about Him. Nobody would speak out because they were afraid of the Jews. About half way through the Feast, Jesus went to the Temple and taught. Jesus taught that whoever is willing to do what God wants would know the truth of what He taught. The Jews were amazed at His knowledge without having studied. Jesus told them His knowledge came from God. Jesus told them that Moses gave them the Law from God, but they didn't obey it. Then He asked why they were trying to kill Him. They called Him crazy and wanted to know who was trying to kill Him. As Jesus continued speaking, people started to figure out who He was. Jesus told them they did not know Him, because they did not know God. They tried to grab Him, but it wasn't time yet, so they couldn't. The Jewish authorities sent guards to arrest Jesus. Jesus told them He would be with them a little while and then go where they couldn't find Him. They couldn't figure out what He meant. On the last day of the Festival, Jesus spoke in a loud voice that He is the source of life-giving water. He was speaking about the Spirit. Some people thought He was the prophet spoken of in Deut.18:15 (March 1st) Others said He was the Messiah. Then they argued about where the Messiah would come from. The Pharisees scolded the guards because they were swayed by Jesus. Nicodemus reminded them that they had a duty to hear a man out before condemning him. Then they went home.

(Some manuscripts don't have this passage 8:1-11)
The next day, Jesus went back to the Temple to teach. The Pharisees and teachers brought in a woman whom they accused of adultery and asked what Jesus would do with her, since the Law of Moses said she should be stoned. So He said, "Whichever one of you has committed no sin may throw the first stone at her." (v.7) and He went back to drawing His finger on the ground. Eventually they all left and He told the woman that He wouldn't condemn her and to stop sinning. Later, Jesus spoke to the Pharisees again and told them He was the light of the world. This time they said He was speaking on His own behalf, but He told them that His Father was with Him. They didn't understand, and they didn't like it, but they didn't do anything yet, because the time had not yet come.

Tomorrow read John 8:21-10:18

November 9, 2010 John 4:39-6:51

Many of the Samaritans from that town believed in Jesus. They wanted Him to stay with them, so He did, for 2 days. Jesus was welcomed in Galilee, though a prophet has no honor in His own country. They had witnessed His miracles in Jerusalem because they were there too. He went back to Cana where He had turned the water into wine. An official came and begged Jesus to heal his sick son. Jesus told him his son would live and he believed Him and went home. On the way a servant came out to tell him his son was well. The official figured out that his son became well the moment Jesus told him his son would live.

Later, Jesus went to Jerusalem, to the healing pool called Bethesda and saw a man who had not walked for 38 years. Jesus asked him if he wanted to get well. The man told Him there was no one to help him get into the pool before someone else got in. Jesus told him to pick up his mat and walk. So he did. Some Jews had a problem with the healed man carrying his mat because it was the Sabbath. He told them that the man who healed him told him to. Later, at the temple, he found out that he had been healed by Jesus. The Jews were all fired up because not only was Jesus working on the Sabbath, but he had the nerve to call God His own Father! They tried even harder to kill Jesus. Jesus explained many things in this passage: the Son does whatever the Father does, the Father has entrusted all judgement to the Son, the time was coming when the dead would hear the voice of the Son of God and those who hear will live, as the Father has life in himself so the Son has life in himself, Jesus did not seek to please Himself but God. There had been many testimonies about Jesus Christ. John the Baptist, the work that God sent Jesus to do was testimony to the truth, the Scriptures testify about Him, Moses wrote about Jesus, but they refused to believe Jesus was the Christ.

Some time after that, Jesus crossed the lake and a large crowd followed Him and He sat on a mountainside and taught them. Jesus fed 5,000 with 5 loaves and 2 fish. Jesus left them to be alone, because He knew they wanted to force Him to be their king. After sunset, the disciples got into the boat and set off across the lake, the waves got high and the disciples saw Jesus walking on the water toward them. At first they were scared, but Jesus told them not to be and they took Him into the boat and were immediately at the other shore. The next day the crowd still on the other side realized that Jesus wasn't there, but they knew He hadn't been in the boat. They went in search of Jesus. When they found Him they asked Him when He got there. Jesus told them they should work for food that endures to eternal life. Then He told them the work of God they needed to do was to believe in the one He has sent. They wanted a sign like manna from heaven. He told them it was His Father who gave them the bread of life, or Jesus Christ. Jesus told them He wasn't there to do whatever He wanted, but to do the will of God. They knew who His parents were and they couldn't understand what Jesus meant. Jesus said, "I am the bread of life." (6:48) Anyone who eats this bread will have eternal life.

Tomorrow read John 6:52-8:20

November 8, 2010 John 2:12-4:38

Later, Jesus went to Jerusalem and cleared the merchants out of the Temple. He told the people they would tear down this Temple and He would build it back in three days. They thought He was talking about the building, but He was talking about the temple of His body. As Jesus performed miracles there, He knew what was in the people's hearts. Jesus was talking to a Pharisee named Nicodemus who didn't understand what Jesus was really saying. Jesus told him that people needed to be born of the Spirit, through baptism. Just as Moses lifted up the bronze snake on the pole in the wilderness and gave people life (Feb.18 Num 21), so the Son of Man would be lifted up on the cross. Everyone who believes in Him will have eternal life, this is how much God loved the world; He gave His only Son. After that, Jesus and the 12 went to Judea and were baptizing people. People kept coming to be baptized and John was also baptizing. The disciples of John were concerned about Jesus performing baptisms, and everyone was going to Him. John told them that everything we have comes from God. He reminded them that He wasn't the Messiah, but he was happy to serve Him. John told them he must become less and Jesus must become more. God loves His son and has given Him power over everything. Whoever believes and obeys the Son will have eternal life.

When Jesus heard that the Pharisees were watching Jesus and his disciples as if they were in competition with John and his disciples, Jesus went back to Galilee. On the way, He had to go through Samaria. Jesus came to Jacob's well (in Samaria) and sat down to rest. A Samaritan woman came for some water, and Jesus asked her for a drink. (The feud between the Jews and Samaritans had even gone so far that they wouldn't share eating utensils!) Jesus and the woman talked for a while about life-giving water and eternal life. Jesus told her she had been married to 5 men, and that the man she lived with was not her husband. She recognized Him as a prophet. He told her that the time had come that people would worship by the power of God's Spirit, and give Him the true worship that He wants. The woman told Him she believed the Messiah would come and Jesus said, "I am He" (4:26) The disciples came back, and said nothing. The woman left her water jar and went back to town to tell everyone to come and see the man by the well, that He could be the Messiah. The disciples begged Jesus to eat, but He told them that He had all he needed. They thought He was talking about food, but He was talking about obeying God and finishing the work God gave Him to do. Jesus told them they would harvest crops they hadn't planted.

Tomorrow read John 4:39-6:51

November 7, 2010 Luke 24:24-53 - John 1-2:11

The two men on the road finished telling Jesus of current events. Jesus told them it was necessary for all the prophecies written about Him to be fulfilled, from Moses to all the prophets. Jesus reviewed those with the men. They arrived at their destination and begged Jesus to stay with them. So He did. As he broke bread and gave thanks for it their eyes were opened and they knew who He was. Then Jesus vanished. The men went back to Jerusalem to join the 11 and told them what they had experienced. They described fire burning in them when Jesus was telling prophecies to them. Then Jesus was there too. At first they were scared, but Jesus told them it was Him and to prove it He showed them His hands and feet, and told them to touch Him to feel that He was real. Jesus asked for something to eat, and they gave Him cooked fish, which He ate. Then Jesus explained that all these things had to happen to fulfill the scriptures. He told them that in His name the message of repentance and forgiveness must be preached to all nations beginning with Jerusalem. They were to wait in the city until the power came down upon them. Then Jesus led them out of the city and blessed them. As this was happening He rose into the air ascending into heaven. They went back to Jerusalem and spent all their time in the Temple giving thanks to God.

John (one of the 12)
This gospel was written so that readers might believe that Jesus is the promised Savior, the Son of God, and that through their faith in Him they may have life.(20:31) Jesus was with God from the very beginning of creation. All things were made through Him. He brought light to mankind. The light shines and has never been put out. God sent John (the baptist) to tell everyone about Jesus, though many rejected Him. The Word (John's name for Jesus) became a human being, full of grace and truth. By His grace He has blessed us all. "God gave the Law through Moses, but grace and truth came through Jesus Christ." (1:17) No one has ever seen God. (Though Moses came close) John (the baptist) made it very clear that he was not the Messiah. He was the one Isaiah prophesied about (40:3) that would shout in the desert. When they asked John why he baptized with water, he told them someone was coming whose sandals he wasn't worthy to untie. The next day Jesus went to John, who recognized him instantly. John the baptist gave his testimony that he saw the Spirit come down from heaven like a dove and rest on Jesus, and he knew Jesus is the Son of God. The next day John was standing there with Andrew and another of his disciples, and he pointed out Jesus to them. They saw Jesus they asked Him where He lived and He told them to follow Him. So they did. Andrew went and found Simon and took him to see Jesus. Then Jesus named him Cephas or Peter. The next day Jesus found Andrew and told him to follow, then Phillip found Nathanael and told him that they had found the one Moses had talked about.

Two days later there was a wedding in Cana in Galilee. Jesus' mother was there and Jesus and the disciples were also invited. Mary told Jesus they were out of wine and told the servants to do whatever Jesus told them. Jesus meanwhile told her not to tell Him what to do, that His time had not yet come. Jesus told the servants to fill some giant water jars with water. So they did. Then he told them to take out some water and take it to the man in charge of the feast. So they did. The water had turned to wine and the man liked it and complimented the groom about serving good wine. So Jesus performed his first miracle and His disciples believed Him.

Tomorrow read John 2:12-4:38

November 6, 2010 Luke 22:47-24:23

Jesus was still speaking when a crowd led by Judas came up to Him. He asked Judas if he was going to betray Him with a kiss, and he did. Some of the disciples realized what was going on and wondered if this would be the time to use the swords Jesus had spoken of? One of them sliced off the ear of the High Priest's slave. Jesus told them to stop and healed the man's ear. They took Jesus away and Peter denied that he knew Jesus three times before the rooster crowed. Peter saw Jesus looking right at him and realized what he had done. He wept bitterly. The soldiers guarding Jesus mocked and beat Him. At daybreak, Jesus was brought before the Council. They asked Him if he was the Messiah and Jesus told them that they wouldn't believe Him and if He asked a question, they wouldn't answer. They asked Jesus if He was the Son of God and Jesus told them that's who they said He was. Then they took Him to Pilate who couldn't find any reason to condemn Jesus, but the crowd insisted. Pilate learned that Jesus was from the region ruled by Herod and he sent Jesus to see Herod, who was in Jerusalem. Herod was pleased to see Jesus because he wanted to see a miracle. Herod asked Jesus a lot of questions which He didn't answer. The chief priests and teachers accused Jesus of many things and Herod made fun of Him. They put him in a purple robe and sent Him back to Pilate. That day Pilate and Herod became friends. Pilate convened everyone and told them that he couldn't find Jesus guilty of any crime, so he would have Him whipped and released. The whole crowd yelled for Pilate to kill Jesus and set Barabbas free. Pilate asked the crowd 2 more times, but they insisted, so he relented and did as they asked. They led Jesus away and on the way met a man named Simon from Cyrene who they made carry the cross. As they walked a group of women were following, crying and Jesus told them not to cry for Him, but for themselves. They crucified Jesus between 2 criminals, and threw dice to see who would get His clothes. They continued to make fun of Jesus, they told Him to save himself if he was king of the Jews. One of the criminals even joined in and the other scolded him. He asked Jesus to remember him when He became King. Jesus told him that he would be with him in paradise that day. At noon it got dark until 3 o'clock; the curtain in the temple was torn in half. Jesus cried out, "Father! In your hands I place my spirit!" (verse 46) and died. A soldier and the people watching nearby realized that Jesus was a good man. Those who knew Him watched from a distance. A man named Joseph of Arimathea, and a Council member, had not supported the decision to crucify Jesus. He went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus. He took the body to a new tomb and wrapped the body in a linen sheet. The women who followed, saw all this and Jesus body inside the tomb. They went home to prepare spices and to rest on the Sabbath.

Sunday, the day after the Sabbath, the women went to the tomb. They found it had been opened and the went inside and didn't find Jesus' body. As they wondered about this, two men appeared in dazzling robes and reminded them that on the third day Jesus would rise to life. The women went and told the 11, who didn't believe them! But Peter went to the tomb to see for himself and found only the cloths. That same day, two of Jesus' followers were walking on a road about 7 miles from Jerusalem, and talking about all that had happened. Jesus appeared to them but they didn't recognize Him. Jesus asked them what they were talking about and they told Him everything that had happened.

Tomorrow read Luke 24:24-53 & John 1:1-2:11

November 5, 2010 Luke 21:10-22:46

Jesus told the 12 about the things that would happen to them and in the world, but they weren't to worry, because they would be given all they need from the Holy Spirit. When Jerusalem would be surrounded by armies, then the end would be near. When the sun, moon and stars do strange things, and planets get out of alignment and the sea and raging tides (tsunami) destroy countries, it is time for the Son of Man to appear. When these things happen hold your head up and stand firm, because your salvation is near. Jesus told them that in the same way they read the signs of the seasons changing, they can see things happening and that the Kingdom of God is about to come. They would be tested and persecuted in their generation. Everything will happen, just as it has been foretold, so don't get lazy and let your lamp run out of oil! Jesus spent the days teaching in the temple, and the evenings He spent in prayer on the Mount of Olives. Every morning the people would go to the temple to listen to Jesus.

Near the Passover, Judas went to the chief priests and teachers and made arrangements to betray Jesus for money. On the day of the Passover, Jesus sent Peter and John with instructions to prepare the Passover meal. They were to meet a man carrying a jar of water and speak to him about using the large upper room for their Passover meal. So they did. Jesus was pleased to share the Passover meal with them before He suffered. Jesus took bread, gave thanks to God and broke it and gave it to the 12 and told them it was His body, given for them and they were to do this in memory of Him. Also, He took a cup and told them it was God's new covenant sealed with His blood, poured out for us. Then He talked about His betrayer sitting there at the same table with Him. They all wondered who it was and an argument broke out about who was the greatest. Jesus told them that the greatest had to be a servant. He recognized that they had stuck with Him during His trials. Then He told them they would eat and drink at His table in His Kingdom and they would sit on thrones and rule over the 12 tribes of Israel. Jesus told Peter that before the rooster crowed 3 times, he would deny knowing Him. Jesus asked them to remember how He sent them out without purse, bag, or shoes and asked them if they ever lacked for anything. They didn't. Jesus advised them to get swords to protect themselves. They had a couple swords and Jesus said that was enough. After supper, Jesus went to the Mount of Olives as usual, and the disciples went with Him. He told them to pray that they would not fall into temptation, and He went about a stone's throw from them and knelt and prayed. He told God He would rather not have to do what came next, but He would do what God wanted. An angel from heaven came and minsitered to Jesus. In anguish he prayed more passionately and His sweat fell to the ground like drops of blood. He finished praying and went to where the disciples were and found them asleep, exhausted from grief. He woke them asking them why they slept, they needed to pray that they would not fall into temptation.

Tomorrow read Luke 22:47-24:23

November 4, 2010 Luke 19:28-21:9

The time came for Jesus to enter Jerusalem. He sent two of His disciples to fetch a donkey tied up that had never been ridden. If anyone asked, they were to tell them that the Master needed it. So they did. It all happened just as Jesus said. They brought it back to Jesus and put their coats on it and He rode on the donkey. People saw Him coming and they spread their coats on the road. While Jesus rode, the people started shouting praises to God. Some Pharisees told Jesus to tell the people to be quiet. Jesus told them that if they were quiet the rocks and stones would start to sing. When Jesus saw Jerusalem, he wept over it, because it would be destroyed because the people didn't recognize God when they saw Him. Then Jesus went into the temple and drove out all the merchants. For days He taught the people who hung on His every word. The chief priests and teachers wanted to arrest Him, but they were afraid of what the people would do.

The chief priests, teachers of the Law and the elders asked Jesus what right He had to do what He did? Jesus asked them what right John had to baptize people? They couldn't answer, so He refused to answer them. Jesus told them the parable of the tenants in the vineyard who injured the messengers and killed the son of the owner. Jesus asked what should become of the tenants upon the return of the owner? Jesus answered, the owner would kill those tenants and give the vineyard to new tenants. The people heard this and were shocked and Jesus asked them what David meant in Psalm 118:22, that the builders rejected the most important stone. The chief priests and teachers tried to arrest Jesus on the spot because they knew He was talking about them, but they were afraid of the people. They tried to set up Jesus with a question He couldn't answer. Jesus knew what they were up to when they asked him about paying taxes to the Roman Emperor. Jesus told them to give Caesar what is his and give God what is His. The Sadducees who don't believe in life after death asked Jesus about the seven brothers who all married the same woman and died, one after the other, whose wife would she be? Jesus told them that there is no marriage in heaven, they would be like angels. They didn't ask more questions. Jesus asked them how the Messiah could be a descendent of David when David said in Psalm 110:1 "The Lord said to my Lord:" If David called Him 'Lord' how can the Messiah be David's descendant? Jesus warned the people about the Teachers of the Law who like to make themselves important among men.

Jesus saw rich men making a show of dropping their gifts into the temple treasury and then saw a widow drop two copper coins in. Jesus said that the woman had given the greater gift because she had given all she had, while the rich men gave from their spare change. Some of the disciples were admiring the beautiful temple and Jesus told them that the time would come when there wouldn't be a single stone remaining of the temple. The disciples asked Jesus when that time would come. He told them that many would come claiming to be Him, don't follow them and don't be afraid, because many things must happen first.

Tomorrow read Luke21:10-22:46

November 3, 2010 Luke 17-19:27

Jesus taught the disciples that things were bound to happen to make people sin, but it is worse for a person who makes sin happen. When your brother sins say something and if he repents forgive him. Forgive him each time he sins and asks your forgiveness. The apostles asked Jesus to make their faith greater. Jesus told them that if they had faith the size of a mustard seed they could tell a tree to uproot and plant itself in the sea and it would. Jesus told them that servants don't deserve thanks for doing their duty, so when people thanked them they were to say they were ordinary servants doing their duty. On his way to Jerusalem, Jesus was met by 10 men suffering a terrible skin disease. They shouted from a distance for Jesus to have pity on them. Jesus told them to have their priests examine them, and on the way they became clean. One of them, a Samaritan, saw that he had been made clean and came back to Jesus, threw himself to the ground and thanked him. Jesus asked why only one of the 10 healed men came back to say thank you. Pharisees asked Jesus when the Kingdom of God would come. He told them it isn't a place, rather, it is within you. (Imagine everyone living so that the Spirit can produce love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, humility, and self-control (Gal5:22-23) inside them and what kind of world that would be...heaven on earth!) When the Son of Man comes, everyone will be about their business and it will happen.

Jesus taught the 12 a parable to teach the people that they should pray and never be discouraged. There was a judge who didn't care about anybody. An old woman kept coming to him and complaining. At first he ignored her, but she kept coming back, so he helped her to quiet her. In the same way we are to pray often. (Maybe God doesn't mind being bugged by us?) Then Jesus told them the parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector. The Pharisee prayed, thanking God because he was not a sinner and the tax collector just asked God for mercy because he was a sinner. Jesus told them that the tax collector was right with God. Humility works. The 12 were discouraging people from bringing their little ones to Jesus, but He told them to let them come, and to receive the Kingdom of God like a child. A rich man wanted to know how to enter the Kingdom of God and Jesus told him it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the Kingdom of God. (This needle is a small, narrow opening in the wall of a city so a person could get inside the city when the gate was closed. There was no way for a large camel to get through this opening.) People asked how anyone could get in? Jesus told them, "What is impossible for man is possible for God." (ch18:27) Jesus told them again about His death and resurrection, but they didn't understand it. Near Jericho, Jesus healed a blind man who kept calling out to Him. When the man could see, he followed Jesus, praising God, then everyone else praised God too.

In Jericho, Jesus passed a man in a tree who was the chief tax collector, and told him He was going to stay with him. The man's name was Zacchaeus and he told Jesus he had given away half of everything he owned and given it to the poor, and if he cheated anyone, he would pay them back by 4 times the amount. Jesus told him that salvation had come to his house that day. Then Jesus told the parable of the gold coins which is very similar to the parable of the talents. In this version, the master gave the servants instructions about using the money to earn more in his absence. So, those who have will be given more and those who don't have a clue will have theirs taken away.

Tomorrow read Luke 19:28-21:9

November 2, 2010 Luke 14:12-16:31

Jesus continued speaking to the host and advised him to invite people who couldn't pay him back to his parties. A man sitting at the table heard what Jesus said and commented that the people who sit at the feast in the Kingdom of God are happy. Jesus told him the parable of the dinner where the invited guests wouldn't come because they had other things to do. So the host invited the poor, crippled, blind and lame people and also those strangers traveling on the roads and filled up the house with people who appreciated his gifts. Once, when large crowds were following Jesus, He told them that if any of them loved someone more than Him, they couldn't be His disciple. Also, no one can be His disciple unless they give up everything they have. Salt that isn't salty isn't worth anything.

One day the Pharisees and the teachers of the Law grumbled because the outcasts came to hear Jesus. He told them that if they owned 100 sheep and one was missing, they would leave the 99 and go find the missing one. Same thing if you lost one coin out of 10. Then Jesus told them about a father who had two sons. One son asked him for his inheritance and then went out and blew it on reckless living. When he ran out of money he got a job. He was so hungry and he noticed the other workers had plenty to eat, so he decided to go home and apologize to his father and ask him for a job. While he was coming home his father spotted him and was so excited that his son had come home, he didn't even care about the money. He threw a big party. The other son who had remained obedient got angry, until the father came out to talk to him and tell him everything he had belonged to him. They had to celebrate and be happy because the brother had been dead and was alive again.

Jesus told the disciples about a manager who cheated his master to point out that worldly people are more shrewd than the people of the light. Learning how to be a good steward over money is good practice for being a good steward over bigger and better things in heaven. If you cannot be trusted with worldly wealth, how can you be trusted with heavenly wealth. It all belongs to God, He is just letting you play with it. "You cannot serve both God and Money." (NIV Luke 16:13) Once there was a rich man who lived in luxury. Every day a poor man, named Lazarus, with sores all over his body was brought to the door of the rich man hoping to eat the scraps from the rich man's table. They both died. The poor man went up to heaven to sit with Abraham at the feast in heaven and the rich man went to hell. The rich man in his agony looked up and asked Abraham if Lazarus could come and cool him down because he was so miserable. Abraham told him that wasn't possible. Then the rich man asked Abraham if he would send his relatives a special message from someone who was dead. Abraham told him that they had Moses and the Prophets to warn them just like everyone else and they wouldn't listen to a special messenger anyway.

Tomorrow read Luke 17-19:27

November 1, 2010 Luke 12:13-14:11

A man wanted Jesus to settle a money dispute he had with his brother, but Jesus told him that was their job. He told everyone to guard against all kinds of greed, and that a person's true life has nothing to do with possessions. Jesus told a parable about a rich man who stored up all his riches and then lost his life. Jesus told the 12 not to worry about their bodies, what they would eat or wear. "Life is more than food, and the body more than clothes." (NIV ch 12:23) God feeds the birds and you are worth more than birds. Worrying won't help you live longer. God takes care of His workers. Your heart is in what you treasure. Be dressed and ready to go to do the Lord's work. You never know when you will be asked to help, or when the Son of Man will come. A wise and faithful manager will tend to his master's needs carefully. A foolish manager will not. Where much is given, much is required. Jesus knew that those who split from the family to follow Him would cause pain. The people could predict the weather, but they couldn't see what was right in front of them. Jesus advised people to settle disputes before they went to court.

People asked Jesus about the people Pilate killed while they were offering sacrifices to God. Jesus pointed out that people die without reason often, and gave the example of the tower of Siloam falling and killing 18 people. (Bible scholars aren't exactly sure where this was.) Then Jesus told them the parable of the fig tree that needed more time to bear fruit, but it would run out of time if it didn't produce. One Sabbath day a crippled woman came into the synagogue. When Jesus saw her, he healed her. An official was angry, and told the people to work 6 days only. Jesus pointed out that anyone would water their animals on the Sabbath. Jesus described the kingdom of God like a tiny mustard seed which grows to become a big tree, or a little yeast that makes dough rise. The people asked Jesus if only a few would be saved. He told them to try to go through the narrow door and that many would expect to enter, but wouldn't be allowed because they were wicked. Those who are last will be first and those who are first will be last. Some Pharisees came to Jesus and told him that Herod wanted to kill Him. Jesus said that it was not right for a prophet to be killed anywhere but Jerusalem.

On another Sabbath Jesus was eating at the home of one of the leading Pharisees; and the people were studying Jesus carefully. A man with swollen arms and legs came in and Jesus asked the teachers and Pharisees whether or not the Law allowed healing on the Sabbath. So Jesus healed the man and then asked them if they would pull an animal out of a well on the Sabbath? They couldn't answer Him. Jesus noticed how some of the guests were choosing the best seats for themselves, so He told them about humility and hospitality and to make themselves humble to avoid embarassment. If their host gave them a better place to sit, that would bring them honor in the presence of all the other guests.

Tomorrow read Luke 14:12-16:31