John: John chapter 16 is amazing today! I love verse 8's teaching from Jesus about the Holy Spirit: "And when he comes, he will convince the world of its sin, and of God's righteousness, and of the coming judgment." One commentary on this verse and verse 9 today says: "Apart from the Spirit's convicting work, people can never see themselves as sinners." Wow. This is powerful to reflect upon. Did you ever have a time in your life that you did not see yourself as a sinner? Was this time before you experienced the Holy Spirit? Do you believe this to be true - that many in our world today cannot see themselves as sinners, apart from the work of the Holy Spirit and Jesus? This I think should demonstrate to us who is truly doing conversion work in our world - not us, but Jesus and the Spirit. We cannot convert anyone on our own human power. The Holy Spirit must enter the room...
Bible.org's commentary on our John readings today titled "The Ministry of the Holy Spirit" is at this link.
John 17 is such an amazing chapter... this is Jesus praying! So powerful. I honestly am at a loss for words on this chapter. I could probably try to write something about each and every verse. But, maybe what makes the most sense is for you to re-read this chapter again. Do you see Jesus praying for you in this chapter?
Bible.org's commentary on today's John readings are extensive! They've divided this chapter up into 3 commentaries, which shows the depth of what's going on in this chapter. I recommend you take a few minutes to check out each of these commentaries. The first commentary titled "The High Priestly Prayer of Jesus: Part I" is at this link, "Part II" is at this link, and "Part III" is at this link.
Worship God: Today's readings in John about the ministry of the Holy Spirit reminded me of Abandon's song "Feel it in your Heart:"
Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture today:"I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." John 16:33 NIV
Prayer Point: Pray for peace in your life. Pray for more of Jesus in your life. Pray that when trouble comes to you in this world - and it will come - that you will take heart in knowing that Jesus overcame the world.
Comments from You: What verses or insights stand out to you in today's readings? Please post up by clicking on the "Comments" link below!
John: I love the dialogue today between Thomas and Jesus in John 14 verses 4 through 6! Somehow I didn't quite remember the context of Thomas' question setting up Jesus' profound statement in verse 6. Beautiful. Jesus starts us off in verse 4 - "And you know where I am going and how to get there."" "No, we don't know, Lord," Thomas said. "We haven't any idea where you are going, so how can we know the way?" Jesus told him, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me." These last two sentences of Jesus' we've probably all heard many times. But how often have we asked Thomas' question either to ourselves or to God or to now one in particular - "how can I know the way?" Jesus answers this for us perfectly. Have you ever felt in your life that you didn't know the way? Do you believe that Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life?
Verses 12 through 14 today are so convicting for me - because I really rarely follow this teaching (or fully believe in it?) of Jesus' - "The truth is, anyone who believes in me will do the same works I have done, and even greater works, because I am going to be with the Father. You can ask for anything in my name, and I will do it, because the work of the Son brings glory to the Father. Yes, ask anything in my name, and I will do it!" Do you believe that you can do the same works Jesus has done, and even greater works? I'll confess - I'm not so sure that I do. I mean, it's encouraging to think that I could, even if I don't fully believe it. And, yet, I believe most everything else Jesus teaches. Why would I doubt this teaching? Maybe it's because I have some sort of inferiority complex - or maybe I think it would be prideful to think this. But Jesus teaches it quite plainly! Or... maybe... I haven't really asked Jesus for the guidance and wisdom to believe this - and asked for even just this in his name.
Bible.org's commentary on our John readings today titled "Having a Friend in High Places" is at this link.
Wow. Today's John chapter 14 readings start off strong with a very short sentence of teaching from Jesus in verse 15 - "If you love me, obey my commandments." Not too complicated there, eh? :) Really... it's quite easy to understand. And believe. But to obey... hmmm... I've been thinking about that "obey" word quite a bit lately. In fact, it's a word that has been spray painted around my neighborhood lately - "obey" - I think for some political statement reasons. It's not really a popular word. But it's a pretty straightforward teaching from Jesus. Obey. Obey my commandments. "If you love me, obey my commandments." I really do believe that true freedom is found in this. When we are obedient to Jesus' teachings and God's will in our lives, we truly will be living "free" lives. I know it sounds like an oxymoron. But I believe it is true. The more we obey Jesus' teachings, the freer we truly become. Do you think this is true? Are you obeying Jesus' teachings in your life? Do you feel freer? And below is a little obedience humor for you based on verse 15 above... :)
Well, if we are wondering how on earth we can possibly obey Jesus' teachings, He graciously answers this for us in the next two verses in today's readings: "And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Counselor,who will never leave you. He is the Holy Spirit, who leads into all truth. The world at large cannot receive him, because it isn't looking for him and doesn't recognize him. But you do, because he lives with you now and later will be in you." Basically, we cannot obey Jesus' teachings on our own. Using our own will power or smarts or strength, we will fail. We need the Holy Spirit, living with in us, to give us the grace and strength to obey Jesus' teachings. The Holy Spirit rounds out the Trinity and leads us and guides us. Are you looking for the Holy Spirit? Do you recognize the Holy Spirit living within you? Do you believe the Holy Spirit is leading you into all truth?
Verse 27 is a beautiful teaching from Jesus: ""I am leaving you with a gift--peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give isn't like the peace the world gives. So don't be troubled or afraid." Have you received the gift of peace from Jesus? Do you have peace of mind and heart?
Today we begin reading one of my favorite chapters in the Bible - John 15. I cannot tell you how much this chapter means to me and I hope to you as well. John 15 takes place just after the Last Supper, the night before Jesus dies on the cross, so this is one of Jesus’ last teachings to the disciples – and to you and me. It is so beautiful. My quick personal story on this chapter is that I have only preached verbally once – and it was when I was in Bulgaria several years ago on a short-term mission trip. Our team ended up going to a small Roma church – and I mean small – in a village outside of the capital city of Sofia. As we drove up to the village where the church was located I saw rows and rows of grape vines in and around the village. I knew I would be preaching that evening – each person on our team took a turn every night. And initially I was planning to preach from a Psalm – but, when I saw the vineyards I quickly decided to preach from John 15, and it turned out to be so beautiful. I literally ended up outside of the church – all of us could not fit in the tiny 1 room church - under some grape vines preaching from John 15. God showed up. I cannot even remember what I said, but God moved. I pray that as you read John 15 today God moves for you as well. John 15 is something special. (John 16 & 17 are something special as well. . .)
Today in John 15 verses 12 & 13 we read these words of Jesus' - “My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.” Why would Jesus give us such a command as this? Why would Jesus give this command the night before he died on the cross? How did Jesus show his love for us? Do you agree that there is no greater love than laying down one’s life for his friends? Did Jesus do this for you and me? If we are to love each other as Jesus loved us, how do we do this? When we look at Jesus’ life and how he lived it, what might we be able to model in our lives? When we look at Jesus laying down his life for us, how might we be able to “lay down our life” for our friends? Do you love others as Jesus loved you? Below is a moving painting by Spanish Baroque era painter Francisco de Zurbaran from the year 1635 titled "Agnus Dei":
Bible.org's commentary on today's John readings titled "Abiding in Christ" is at this link and "The Christian and the World" is at this link.
Worship God: Today's readings in John reminded me of Delirious' song "What a Friend I've Found:"
Please join us in memorizing and meditating on two verses of Scripture today:"A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another." John 13:34-35 TNIV
Prayer Point: Pray that you are loving everyone you come in contact with in your life. Pray that the world will see you are a disciple of Jesus, because of your love for others. Pray that you will love others like Jesus loves you.
Comments from You: What verses or insights stand out to you in today's readings? Please post up by clicking on the "Comments" link below!
Matthew: In Matthew chapter 26 today we read the beautiful story of Mary, the sister of Martha and Lazarus (Mark 14 identifies Mary), who anoints Jesus, and as he tells us in verse 12: "She has poured this perfume on me to prepare my body for burial." An interesting insight from the NIV Study Bible's commentary - In Jesus' day it was a normal Jewish custom to anoint a dead body with aromatic oils in preparing for burial. Jesus seems to be anticipating suffering a "criminal's" death, for only in that circumstance was there no anointing of the dead body...
Today in Matthew 26 verse 14 we read: "Then Judas Iscariot, one of the twelve disciples, went to the leading priests and asked, "How much will you pay me to betray Jesus to you?" And they gave him thirty pieces of silver." The NIV Study Bible says that 30 pieces of silver was equivalent to about 120 denarii. Laborers at that time typically received 1 denarius for 1 day's work. So, Judas was basically paid about 4 months worth of work for the betrayal of Jesus. Sad... Bible.org has a powerful essay on "The Biography of the Betrayer"at this link. Below is a fresco from the early 14th century by the Italian Renaissance Florentine painter Giotto titled "Pact of Judas." In this fresco the two priests on the right discuss Judas's treachery, while the third plots with Judas, who is in the clutches of the devil...
Verses 26 through 28 today certainly will remind us of why Communion / the Lord's Supper is so important to us as believers in Jesus. This all took place the night before Jesus was crucified. The bread represents Jesus' body, given for us. The wine represents Jesus' blood, poured-out for many through Jesus' atoning death.
Worship God: Matthew 26:26-28 reminded me of the song by the Christian band Kutless called "Sea of Faces". This song reminds me of The Lord's Supper every time I hear it - "I see the city lights all around me - Everyone's obscure. Ten million people each with their problems - Why should anyone care? And in Your eyes I can see - that I am not just a man, vastly lost in this world. Lost in a Sea of Faces. Your body's the bread, Your blood is the wine. Because you traded Your life for mine...."
Please join us in memorizing and meditating on three verses of Scripture today:"While they were eating, Jesus took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to his disciples, saying, "Take and eat; this is my body." Then he took the cup, gave thanks and offered it to them, saying, "Drink from it, all of you. This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.'" Matthew 26:26-28 NIV
Prayer Point: Pray that you will examine yourself and confess your sins to Jesus before partaking in the Lord's Supper. Pray that you will fully receive Jesus when partaking in the Lord's Supper.
Comments from You: What verses or insights stand out to you in today's readings? Please post up by clicking on the "Comments" link below!
Matthew: Jesus' teaching in Matthew chapter 24 verse 36 has always stood out to me - particularly when my friends today want to dive into conversations about "if" the end is near: "However, no one knows the day or the hour when these things will happen, not even the angels in heaven or the Son himself. Only the Father knows." No one knows the day or the hour - only God. Good for us to keep in mind. We're not God. :) For more commentary on "The Textual Problem Of oujdeV oJ uiJov" In Matthew 24:36" at bible.org click on this link. No, I don't think oujdeV oJ uiJov is a typo. :) Can someone tell me - is this the original Greek? I think so.
Today in Matthew chapter 25 we read about the 10 bridesmaids and verse 13 certainly stands out as Jesus teaches: ""So stay awake and be prepared, because you do not know the day or hour of my return." What do you think it means in our lives today to be "awake" and ready for Jesus' return? Are you "awake" this very moment and ready for Jesus' return? One of the most important points of this parable is that when Jesus returns you won't be able to barter or buy your way into the Kingdom. (as the 5 un-wise bridesmaids tried to do). You yourself will be ultimately responsible for your own spiritual condition! Have you owned up to this responsibility? Below is a watercolor by William Blake from 1822 of the parable of the ten bridesmaids:
Today we read in Matthew chapter 25 verses 14 through 30 Jesus’ “Parable of the Talents.” This story of the three servants has often been a parable I have struggled with. For a long time I didn't get what was so wrong about the guy who buried the money. "He at least gave back to the master the same amount he was originally given," I thought. "What's so wrong with that?" Well, as I read this parable again, the thing that really stands out to me is that this parable is not talking about simply money. . . but I think it is talking about our very lives and our time here on earth. I read it now as if God gives each of us a certain amount of time to live on this earth and a certain amount of gifts and skills. And then, we have to ask ourselves - will we simply just go through life very stably & comfortably with those gifts and skills – perhaps even just going through the motions and serving ourselves – to the extent that when God calls us home, we have really not produced much of anything in our lives? What if we spend our time & gifts in such a way that by the end of it we haven't really blessed or served others? We simply give back to God at the end of our lives what God gave to us and nothing more. OR - is it possible that God is calling each of us to do so much more with our lives? Is God calling us to really use the time, gifts and skills he has given us for something bigger than ourselves? Is God calling us to produce a great harvest of loving and serving and blessing others in our lives? So that when we arrive at heaven's gate at the end of our lives we will hear verse 21 from God Himself - "The master was full of praise. `Well done, my good and faithful servant. You have been faithful in handling this small amount, so now I will give you many more responsibilities. Let's celebrate together!'" How about your life today? Are you multiplying the skills and gifts that God has given you in your life? Are you investing your skills and gifts in loving service of others? Are you at least "doubling" God's investment in you?
Great commentary on Matthew chapter 25 titled "The Parables in the Olivet Discourse" is online at bible.org at this link.
Today in Matthew chapter 25 we read about the Final Judgment. Verses 34 is an amazing thing to imagine coming in the future: "`Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the Kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world." What a beautiful thought - come and inherit the Kingdom prepared for YOU from the foundation of the world! Do you believe in this inheritance? Do you look forward to this inheritance?
Verses 37 through 40 are so powerful for each of us to consider while we are still here on earth: "Then these righteous ones will reply, `Lord, when did we ever see you hungry and feed you? Or thirsty and give you something to drink? Or a stranger and show you hospitality? Or naked and give you clothing? When did we ever see you sick or in prison, and visit you?' And the King will tell them, `I assure you, when you did it to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were doing it to me!'" Whatever we do for one of the least among us, we do for Jesus. And - what we do not do for the least among us, we do not do for Jesus. Is God calling you in any way to give food, give water, show hospitality, give clothing, visit the sick, or visit those in prison for the least among us? Will you do this for Jesus?
Worship God: Today's readings in Matthew today about the Parable of the Talents reminded me of the fantastic Matthew West song called "The Motions." Here are two video versions of this song, below. The first video is a great live version of the song. The second video is from a documentary shows Matthew going through vocal cord surgery, which is quite a scary thing for any of us to go through, much less a singer..
Please join us in memorizing and meditating on three verses of Scripture today:"Then the King will say to those on his right, 'Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.'" Matthew 25:34-36
Prayer Point: Pray that you will be on Jesus' right hand side when He comes again to judge the living and the dead. Pray that you will feed, clothe, visit in prison, care for and provide hospitality to the "least of these" here on Earth today, in Jesus' name.
Comments from You: What verses or insights stand out to you in today's readings? Please post up by clicking on the "Comments" link below!
Matthew: Matthew chapter 24 verse 2 was literally fulfilled in A.D. 70 when the Romans, under Titus, completely destroyed Jerusalem and the Temple building: ""Do you see all these buildings? I assure you, they will be so completely demolished that not one stone will be left on top of another!" The Temple in Jerusalem during Jesus' lifetime - before it's destruction in A.D. 70 - may have looked like this image from a model:
Verse 15 stood out to me today's readings: "The time will come when you will see what Daniel the prophet spoke about: the sacrilegious object that causes desecration standing in the Holy Place"--reader, pay attention!" Per Zondervan's commentary, the primary reference in Daniel 9:27 & 11:31 & 12:11 was to 168 B.C. when Antiochus Epiphanes erected a pagan altar to Zeus on the sacred altar in the temple of Jerusalem. Some believe this is a progressive prediction, which was also fulfilled in A.D. 70 when the temple was destroyed - and will also be fulfilled in the future by the antichrist. Below is a Roman statue of Zeus. Antiochus Epiphanes dedicated the Jerusalem Temple to this false god in 168 B.C.:
Verses 26 & 27 really stood out to me today as some very wise teaching's of Jesus' (well, yes, all of Jesus' teachings are wise! :), which we would all do well to take note of: ""So if someone tells you, `Look, the Messiah is out in the desert,' don't bother to go and look. Or, `Look, he is hiding here,' don't believe it! For as the lightning lights up the entire sky, so it will be when the Son of Man comes." For some reason that little line, "don't bother to go and look" really stood out to me. Basically, Jesus is saying that if you have to GO somewhere to see the "messiah" in the end of days, it ain't the messiah! :) When the true Messiah Jesus comes again, you will know it without a doubt - Jesus will light up the entire sky! What a beautiful thing to imagine...
Worship God: Matthew 24:27 reminded me of Third Day's great song "Show Me Your Glory"! Here's a live version:
Please join us in memorizing and meditating on five verses of Scripture today:"Jesus answered: "Watch out that no one deceives you. For many will come in my name, claiming, 'I am the Christ,' and will deceive many. You will hear of wars and rumors of wars, but see to it that you are not alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come. Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in various places. All these are the beginning of birth pains." Matthew 24:4-8 NIV
Prayer Point: Pray that you will not be deceived in the end times. Pray that you will keep your eyes and heart fixed on Jesus alone in all times and all places.
Comments from You: What verses or insights stand out to you in today's readings? Please post up by clicking on the "Comments" link below!
Matthew: If you are into memorizing Scripture at all, Jesus' teaching Matthew chapter 22 verses 37-40 is certainly worth memorizing! "`You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.' This is the first and greatest commandment. A second is equally important: `Love your neighbor as yourself.' All the other commandments and all the demands of the prophets are based on these two commandments."" So, I think it is fair to say that if you learn nothing else this year in the One Year Bible, please at least learn these 3 verses above. :) However - I am quite sure you will learn these 3 verses and so much more this year! Then, of course, to take things beyond just learning - we need to be applying the learnings from the Bible this year in our lives. How about these two commandments from Jesus above - think you've learned them? Now, can you practice applying them to your life each and every day? How will you go about doing this? How will you love God with all your heart, soul, and mind? How will you love your neighbor? Commentary on verse 39 entitled, "Is Self-Love Biblical?" is online at bible.org at this link.
In Matthew 22 verse 44 Jesus quotes and teaches from Psalm 110. An interesting trivia note is that Psalm 110 is the most frequently quoted Old Testament chapter in the New Testament. Must be an important Psalm, eh? It's a surprisingly short Psalm I think, in light of this trivia note. We'll read this Psalm later this year - or you can read it now at this link.
Matthew chapter 23 verse 5 is referring to exaggerated phylacteries: "Everything they do is for show. On their arms they wear extra wide prayer boxes with Scripture verses inside, and they wear extra long tassels on their robes." From bible-history.com - "Phylacteries (tephillin) are strips of leather to which is attached a very strong, square box made of parchment and painted black. The box contains four parts of the Torah written on parchment: Exodus 13:1-10 and 13:11-16; Deuteronomy 6:4-9; 11:13-21. According to Deut 6:4-9 two phylacteries were used, one for the head and one for the arm. These (called frontlets in Deuteronomy) were put on in such a way that one box rested on the head, between the eyes (seat of the mind) and the other on the left arm opposite the heart (seat of the actions and the emotions, denoting that one loves the Lord with one's heart)." This definition and a good picture of what phylacteries look like is at bible-history.com at this link. And another image is here:
Today in Matthew 23 we read Jesus' "Woe to you!" warnings and teachings. Verses 25 & 26 stood out to me today: ""How terrible it will be for you teachers of religious law and you Pharisees. Hypocrites! You are so careful to clean the outside of the cup and the dish, but inside you are filthy--full of greed and self-indulgence! Blind Pharisees! First wash the inside of the cup, and then the outside will become clean, too." These verses reminded me a lot of the Sermon on the Mount, where Jesus very clearly goes to the heart of the matter with many of the Laws. These verses are such a strong reminder for us to guard our hearts - and what we let into our hearts - and the condition of our hearts. Because Jesus is much more concerned about the condition of our hearts than the condition of our skin. He wants to heal us from the inside out. How is the condition of your heart today? Will you allow Jesus to heal your heart? To heal you from the inside out? Where will you find true inner peace to heal you from the inside out?
Worship God: Today's readings in Matthew about the great commandments reminds me of the beautiful Chris Tomlin song "Praise the Father:"
Please join us in memorizing and meditating on five verses of Scripture today:""Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?" Jesus replied: "'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments."" Matthew 22:36-40 NIV
Prayer Point: Pray that you would love God with all of your heart, soul and mind each and every day. Pray that you would love your neighbor as yourself.
Comments from You: What verses or insights stand out to you in today's readings? Please post up by clicking on the "Comments" link below!
Matthew: Jesus' teaching in Matthew chapter 21 verses 31 & 32 is convicting: "I assure you, corrupt tax collectors and prostitutes will get into the Kingdom of God before you do. For John the Baptist came and showed you the way to life, and you didn't believe him, while tax collectors and prostitutes did. And even when you saw this happening, you refused to turn from your sins and believe him." This last sentence is so important for our relationship with Jesus. Have we turned from our sins? Do we believe Jesus' teachings are showing us the way to life? Do we believe that Jesus is who he said he was? Do we believe that Jesus can heal us now and free us now from what enslaves us today? And do we believe that Jesus literally gives us the gift of life everlasting? Below is an image of "The Parable of the Vineyard" by John S. C. Abbott and Jacob Abbott from the Illustrated New Testament (1878):
Verse 42 is so beautiful as Jesus quotes from Psalm 118:22-23: "Then Jesus asked them, "Didn't you ever read this in the Scriptures? `The stone rejected by the builders has now become the cornerstone. This is the Lord's doing, and it is marvelous to see.'" And Jesus - like the son of the farmer in the parable just before this verse - was rejected and murdered. However, Jesus didn't remain dead - he rose on the third day and today he is the cornerstone of Christianity. He is the cornerstone of our churches. And probably the biggest question each of us needs to ask ourselves - Is Jesus the cornerstone of our life? Is he the foundation in our life which anchors and directs everything else we do? If Jesus is the cornerstone of our lives, then indeed as this verse closes with, it is marvelous to see! Commentary on the Story of Two Sons in today's Matthew readings is online at bible.org at this link.
Today we read in Matthew chapter 22 the Parable of the Wedding Banquet. This parable has always been so convicting to me personally. It's basically about a king preparing an amazing feast at a wedding banquet, and inviting a ton of people to come to the feast. But - the people don't accept the invitation! They are "too busy" – taking care of their fields and their businesses. And I think about this parable in my own life. Am I sometimes "too busy" to accept Jesus' invitation to be with him? Am I sometimes too focused on my work or my social life or other distractions? Do I get myself so "distracted" that I don't spend time with Jesus? And in doing this, am I missing out on an amazing spiritual feast? How about you? Do you believe that Jesus is inviting you to spend more time with him? Are you "too busy" to do so? Do you believe that spending time with Jesus will actually be an amazing spiritual feast for your soul? Will you accept Jesus' invitation to the wedding banquet?
In verse 21 we read Jesus' famous line ""give to Caesar what belongs to him. But everything that belongs to God must be given to God." What you may not realize about the preceding verses is that the Pharisees and the supporters of Herod were trying to trap Jesus. Per the OYB Companion commentary, The Pharisees, a religious group, opposed the Roman occupation of Palestine. The followers of Herod - or Herodians - were a political party that supported the policies of Rome and Herod Antipas. Normally these 2 groups did not get along at all - but they united here to try to trap Jesus. If Jesus had said it was right to pay taxes to Caesar, the Pharisees would say he is opposed to God. And if Jesus had said the taxes should not be paid, the Herodians would have had him arrested. Jesus answer amazed them both... Below is an image of the Denarius (Roman coin) of Tiberius Caesar. Tiberius (42 B.C. - A.D. 37) became Roman Emperor in A.D. 14. This would have been the picture on the coin shown to Jesus, when he asked in verse 20: "Whose picture and title are stamped on it?"
Worship God: Today's readings about Jesus inviting us to his feast remind me of the Francesca Battiselli song "I'm Letting Go:"
Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture today:""Give to Caesar what is Caesar's, and to God what is God's." Matthew 22:21 NIV
Prayer Point: Pray that God would show you what in your life He would have you give only to Him.
Comments from You: What verses or insights stand out to you in today's readings? Please post up by clicking on the "Comments" link below!
Matthew: Today in Matthew chapter 21 verse 22 we read these words from Jesus: "If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer."" This is a powerful verse if you really stop and think about it... Do you believe Jesus' teaching here? Do you believe that if you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer? I do believe this... but then there is always in the back of my mind - "but what about so-and-so who was ill and was praying in belief that they would be healed. But then they weren't..." I don't have any easy answer on this one. I have to believe there are probably some good resources out there for this tough question? If you know of any resources / books on this subject of prayer - or, more specifically, unanswered prayers - please post up in the Comments section below? Thanks.
Today we read in Mark 11 verse 17: "Jesus taught them, "The Scriptures declare, `My Temple will be called a place of prayer for all nations,' but you have turned it into a den of thieves.""
Below is a great image for Mark 11:25 in today's readings:
Worship God: Today's readings remind me of the song "In Christ Alone." Here's a great live version sung by Natalie Grant:
Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture this week: "If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer." Matthew 21:22 NIV
Prayer Point: Pray that you would believe in Jesus unfailingly each and every day. Ask for things in prayer that you believe are the will of the Father.
Comments from You: What verses or insights stand out to you in today's readings? Please post up by clicking on the "Comments" link below!
John: John 12 verse 10 stood out to me today - somehow I hadn't really noticed this verse before - "Then the leading priests decided to kill Lazarus, too, for it was because of him that many of the people had deserted them and believed in Jesus." Lazarus was raised from the dead and they wanted him dead again... sad... The miracle had caused many to believe in Jesus as the Messiah. Not surprising that those in that day who were against Jesus would also be against those close to Jesus. Think there might be some correlation in this regard in our world today? Is it possible that the closer we get to Jesus, the more the Enemy might come up against us in various ways? It cannot defeat us with God on our side. But it may come after us. I'm a day late in our readings on this painting below from the year 1630 of "The Raising of Lazarus" by Rembrandt:
I like verse 19 today! "Then the Pharisees said to each other, "We've lost. Look, the whole world has gone after Jesus!"" Unfortunately it was a bit of an exaggeration at that time and the 2,000 years following. But maybe in the future? How are you part of the Great Commission today? An image is below for verse 15 (originally from Zechariah 9:9) - ""Don't be afraid, people of Israel. Look, your King is coming, sitting on a donkey's colt."
Bible.org's commentary on our John readings today titled "The Sweet Smell of Love and the Stench of Greed" is at this link and "The Un-Triumphal Entry" is at this link.
Luke: In Luke chapter 19 today we read about Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem - and of course, this scene of people shouting "Hosanna!" will far too soon turn toward people spitting on and mocking Jesus on the road to Golgotha as he carries his cross. Bible.org's commentary on our Luke chapter 19 readings today titled "The Untriumphal Entry" is at this link.
Verses 41 through 44 are so beautiful as Jesus looks upon Jerusalem and cries. It makes sense because he knows that the destruction of Jerusalem in coming in 70 A.D. Per Tyndale's commentary today, "In 66 A.D. the Jews revolted against Roman control. Three years later Titus, son of Emperor Vespasian, was sent to crush the rebellion. Roman soldiers attacked Jerusalem and broke through the northern wall but still couldn't take the city. Finally they laid siege to it, and in A.D. 70 they were able to enter the severely weakened city and burn it. Six hundred thousand Jews were killed during Titus' onslaught." And so, Jesus wept over Jerusalem...
Worship God: Today's readings in about Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem reminded me of Hillsong's song "Hosanna"
Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture today:"You will always have the poor among you, but you will not always have me (Jesus)." John 12:8 NIV
Prayer Point: Pray that you love Jesus above all else. Pray that you will indeed love and serve the poor in our world, but won't love this service to the poor or anything else in this world above your love for Jesus. Pray that you will always have Jesus in eternity. And pray that the poor will too, through their saving faith in Jesus. Pray that you realize we are all truly poor if we are not in a saving relationship with Jesus.
Comments from You: What verses or insights stand out to you in today's readings? Please post up by clicking on the "Comments" link below!
Matthew: Matthew chapter 20's parable of the vineyard workers is one that I have at times had challenges with. I, like the workers who labored all day, would think - "that's not fair!" Well.... but then I came to realize that I believe this story is a parable of Grace. God's grace. And you know what - God's grace is not "fair." And thank God for this being so! God's grace is so powerful and all-encompassing and life-giving and healing and saving. And God's grace is offered to me. And to you. And to our neighbors. And to everyone. God's grace is offered to people that have sinned against God. Me. You. Our Neighbors. Everyone. God's grace is offered to people who become Christians early in their lives and live wonderfully giving lives. And God's grace is offered to people who become Christians on their deathbed after living destructive lives, but who finally repent and surrender to God. God's grace is given freely. Like these workers in this story, we may accept God's grace at different points in the "day" of our life. Though, of course, some never do ultimately accept God's grace and there is grave risk as the day grows longer... How about you? What part of the "day" are you in? Have you accepted God's gift of grace? Will you do so today? While it is still "today" for you? Below is an oil painting by Rembrandt from 1637 of "The Parable of the Laborers in the Vineyard":
Jesus' teaching in Matthew 20 verse 16 has always been convicting to me: "And so it is, that many who are first now will be last then; and those who are last now will be first then." I see the wisdom in this verse... but yet, I still think that I try to be "first" in many ways in my life. I don't like being "last". I like being honored. I like being the star. I don't like being the servant. I don't like to be the guy supporting the star. And yet, Jesus is calling us to be last. To serve others. To let others go first. How about you? Are you trying to be "first" in your life? Or do you see the eternal wisdom in being "last"? Continuing this thought of serving others - below is a painting from 1856 by British painter Ford Maddox Brown of "Christ Washing St. Peter's Feet":
As this chapter proceeds we read about Jesus prophesying his own death and resurrection. And then, we see Jesus prophesy about the end of James & John's life when their mother and they ask to sit at Jesus' right & left in heaven. Check out verses 22 & 23: ""You don't know what you are asking! Are you able to drink from the bitter cup of sorrow I am about to drink?" "Oh yes," they replied, "we are able!" "You will indeed drink from it," he told them." You will indeed drink from it... James ended his life being martyred for his faith in Jesus. And John ended his life in exile on the island of Patmos, where he wrote the book of Revelation. And I wonder again about us today... sometimes we hear about the "health, wealth and prosperity gospel", and think that's what we've signed up for as Christians. But... do you think that it might be possible that at some point in your life that you might be called to drink from the bitter cup of sorrow that Jesus drank from? If you are called to drink from that bitter cup, will you indeed drink from it? Below is a painting by Flemish artist Pieter van Mol from the early 17th century of "Jesus with the cup":
The last 10 words of verse 28 remind me of the Passover Lamb / Jesus parallels discussed above in this post: "For even I, the Son of Man, came here not to be served but to serve others, and to give my life as a ransom for many." Jesus came to give his life as a ransom for many. Do you believe that Jesus came to give his life as a ransom for you?
Bible.org's commentary on today's readings in Matthew chapter 20 titled "Workers in the Vineyard" is at this link.
Worship God: Today's readings reminded me of Tenth Avenue North's great song, "Love Is Here:"
