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!”
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.
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!
God bless, Mike
p.s. Download our monthly Small Group study notes for our Chronological Bible readings at this link.
p.p.s. Download a schedule of our Chronological Bible readings for the year in PDF format at this link.
p.p.p.s. I would greatly appreciate it if you would pray for this Chronological Bible Blog ministry today. Thanks!
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!
God bless, Mike
p.s. Download our monthly Small Group study notes for our Chronological Bible readings at this link.
p.p.s. Download a schedule of our Chronological Bible readings for the year in PDF format at this link.
p.p.p.s. I would greatly appreciate it if you would pray for this Chronological Bible Blog ministry today. Thanks!
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!
God bless, Mike
p.s. Download our monthly Small Group study notes for our Chronological Bible readings at this link.
p.p.s. Download a schedule of our Chronological Bible readings for the year in PDF format at this link.
p.p.p.s. I would greatly appreciate it if you would pray for this Chronological Bible Blog ministry today. Thanks!
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!
God bless, Mike
p.s. Download our monthly Small Group study notes for our Chronological Bible readings at this link.
p.p.s. Download a schedule of our Chronological Bible readings for the year in PDF format at this link.
p.p.p.s. I would greatly appreciate it if you would pray for this Chronological Bible Blog ministry today. Thanks!
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!
God bless, Mike
p.s. Download our monthly Small Group study notes for our Chronological Bible readings at this link.
p.p.s. Download a schedule of our Chronological Bible readings for the year in PDF format at this link.
p.p.p.s. I would greatly appreciate it if you would pray for this Chronological Bible Blog ministry today. Thanks!
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:”
Matthew: In Matthew 19 we read a discussion between Jesus and the Pharisees on divorce. The context of this discussion basically revolved around 2 Jewish schools – Shammai and Hillel – and their differing viewpoints in Jesus’ day on Deuteronomy 24 verses 1-4: “If a man marries a woman who becomes displeasing to him because he finds something indecent about her, and he writes her a certificate of divorce, gives it to her and sends her from his house, and if after she leaves his house she becomes the wife of another man, and her second husband dislikes her and writes her a certificate of divorce, gives it to her and sends her from his house, or if he dies, then her first husband, who divorced her, is not allowed to marry her again after she has been defiled. That would be detestable in the eyes of the LORD . Do not bring sin upon the land the LORD your God is giving you as an inheritance.” From the NIV Study Bible commentary – The Shammai school held that “something indecent” from verse 1 above meant “marital unfaithfulness” – the only allowable cause for divorce. Hillel emphasized to the preceding clause, “who becomes displeasing to him” in verse 1 above – they would allow for a man to divorce his wife for anything she did that he disliked. Jesus in the midst of these 2 viewpoints seems to take to the side of Shammai – but, only after first pointing back to God’s original ideal for marriage. So… there you have the context. What does that mean for us today? I honestly will say that I don’t know. I do know that many folks participating in this blog are divorced. And many are married. And many are single. So… I guess I’d encourage you to read more or study more about the topic of divorce if you feel God is calling you to this. I do believe in God’s grace in each of our lives and I believe in Jesus… Bible.org does have a pretty long overview of Marriage, Abortion and Divorceat this link – I haven’t read it all, so I can’t say that I agree with everything at this link… but, if you’re interested in diving more into this topic you may want to read. Also, Bible.org’s commentary on today’s readings in Matthew chapter 19 titled “Questions About Marriage and Divorce” are at this link. No matter what happens in our life – marriage, divorce, health, sickness – we always have One whose love will never fail us:
Today in Matthew 19 we read some challenging verses about the Rich Young Man. I have read some commentaries say that we don’t need to take Jesus’ words literally that each of us must sell all of our goods and give to the poor. However, these words in context to this rich young man were indeed to be taken literally by him – and he knew it. He wouldn’t do it. Jesus called him to do this, I think, because the young man’s “stuff” was an impediment to his relationship with God. Perhaps the young man literally valued his stuff more than God. So – while the commentaries say that we don’t have to take Jesus’ teaching to this young man literally, I do think we should keep in mind that Jesus may ask of us something along these lines. Jesus may ask us to pack up and become a missionary. Or maybe he’ll ask us to leave a high powered, high paying job, to go serve the poor in our town. Or he may ask us to not spend our money on luxury items, but to invest in micro credit loan programs in third world countries. So – while this may seem like Jesus was asking a lot of this rich young man, keep in mind that Jesus asks much of each of us. And really, Jesus simply asks us to follow him. Will you follow Jesus? No matter the cost? No matter what you have to “give up”? Will you follow him? Below is a painting by Heinrich Hoffman from the late 19th century of Jesus and the Rich Young Ruler:
Bible.org’s commentary on today’s readings in Matthew chapter 19 titled “Wealth and the Kingdom of Heaven” is at this link.
Worship God: Today’s readings reminded me of the Chris Tomlin & Jesse Reeves song “King of Glory.” Here’s a great story behind the song and the song itself too, performed live:
Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture today:“Everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or fields for my sake will receive a hundred times as much and will inherit eternal life.” Matthew 19:29 NIV
Prayer Point: Pray that you will place your relationship with Jesus and spending eternity with Him about all else.
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!
God bless, Mike
p.s. Download our monthly Small Group study notes for our Chronological Bible readings at this link.
p.p.s. Download a schedule of our Chronological Bible readings for the year in PDF format at this link.
p.p.p.s. I would greatly appreciate it if you would pray for this Chronological Bible Blog ministry today. Thanks!
Luke: Wow. I love Jesus’ teaching in Luke chapter 17 verses 20 & 21 – “Jesus replied, “The Kingdom of God isn’t ushered in with visible signs. You won’t be able to say, `Here it is!’ or `It’s over there!’ For the Kingdom of God is among you.”” And truly, of course, literally the Kingdom of God was amongst those Jesus was speaking to with this verse – Jesus himself was there. But, also the Kingdom of God is still amongst us today. Jesus has risen from the dead. He lives in the hearts of men and women. We do not need to look for visible signs to which we can say – here it is! Truly, the Kingdom of God can be within you. And once the Kingdom of God is within you it is amazing to see how Jesus can transform your life and those around you through his peace, grace and power. Is the Kingdom of God among you?
Bible.org’s commentary on our Luke chapter 17 readings titled “Putting Faith in Perspective” is at this link and commentary titled “Sign-Seeking and the Coming of the Kingdom” is at this link.
The story of the persistent widow is fantastic! I love it… Verse 4 may be one of the most humorous verses in the Bible – “The judge ignored her for a while, but eventually she wore him out. `I fear neither God nor man,’ he said to himself, `but this woman is driving me crazy. I’m going to see that she gets justice, because she is wearing me out with her constant requests!’” Great stuff! Jesus teaches that persistence pays off, which I think is very good to consider with our own faith journeys. Verse 1 is the moral of the story: “One day Jesus told his disciples a story to illustrate their need for constant prayer and to show them that they must never give up.” Do you pray constantly? Do you know that you must never give up?
Bible.org’s commentary on our Luke chapter 18 readings today titled “Piety, Persistence, Penitence, and Prayer” is at this link.
Worship God: Today’s readings in Luke 18:1 about never giving up on constant prayer reminded me of The City Harmonic’s song “Manifesto:”
Luke: Today in Luke chapter 14 verse 27 we read – “And anyone who does not carry his cross and follow me cannot be my disciple.” I don’t know about you, but I’m not so good at carrying “crosses.” I’m not so good at taking on perceived burdens. I’m not so good at suffering at all. I like to get my way. I often feel entitled to get a lot of good stuff in my life. . . And yet. . . Jesus says if I am to be his disciple I must carry my cross. And I must follow him. I think sometimes in our culture we want to keep up with our neighbors – be hip; be cool; be relevant; know the latest styles; wear the latest fashions; and this list can go on. Jesus tells us to carry our cross. And truly, this is the eternally hippest / coolest / most relevant decision any one of us can make – to take up our cross and follow Jesus. Nothing else matters.
Bible.org’s commentary on Luke chapter 14’s readings today titled “Table Talks” is at this link and commentary on today’s readings titled “How to Hate your Wife” is at this link.
Beautiful verses today in Luke chapter 15 verses 8 through 10 – “”Or suppose a woman has ten valuable silver coins and loses one. Won’t she light a lamp and look in every corner of the house and sweep every nook and cranny until she finds it? And when she finds it, she will call in her friends and neighbors to rejoice with her because she has found her lost coin. In the same way, there is joy in the presence of God’s angels when even one sinner repents.”” Do you believe that there was joy in the presence of God’s angels when you repented? Or… when you will repent? That is a beautiful thought indeed!
More beautiful verses today (22-24) as we read through the famous Prodigal Son story: “”But his father said to the servants, `Quick! Bring the finest robe in the house and put it on him. Get a ring for his finger, and sandals for his feet. And kill the calf we have been fattening in the pen. We must celebrate with a feast, for this son of mine was dead and has now returned to life. He was lost, but now he is found.’ So the party began.”
Bible.org’s commentary on our Luke chapter 15 readings today titled “Lost and Found” is at this link.
The story of the shrewd manager in Luke chapter 16 today concludes with some powerful teachings from Jesus. Verses 8 & 9 stand out to me today – “And it is true that the citizens of this world are more shrewd than the godly are. I tell you, use your worldly resources to benefit others and make friends. In this way, your generosity stores up a reward for you in heaven.” I like that teaching – we should use our worldly resources to benefit others. I’ve been thinking about this a bit more lately. And I wondered what it would be like if I went through my days consciously trying to make other people happy. I don’t think I’ve really ever done this over a sustained period. Maybe I’ve glimpses of using my resources to benefit others. To make them happy. I want to do more of this… How about you? Are you consciously using your resources (time, treasure & talents) to make others happy in your life each day?
Verse 10 is also a strong teaching from Jesus today – “”Unless you are faithful in small matters, you won’t be faithful in large ones. If you cheat even a little, you won’t be honest with greater responsibilities.” I think there was a very popular book out there a while back called “Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff.” Well, it looks to me in this verse that God sweats the small stuff. And you and I should sweat the small stuff. We need to be faithful in small matters in our daily lives or else indeed we will not be faithful in large matters. Will you join me in sweating the small stuff when it comes to matters of our integrity before God?
Bible.org’s commentary on our Luke chapter 16 readings today titled “Does Christ commend the crook or “The Sting?”” is at this link.
Today in Luke chapter 16 we read about the rich man and Lazarus. I have always found verse 31 to be such a great reflection on what it means to have having a soft heart and a strong faith – “”But Abraham said, `If they won’t listen to Moses and the prophets, they won’t listen even if someone rises from the dead.’ “” Basically, Abraham is saying that people whose hearts are hardened to faith will not even believe it if a dead man returns to them and tells them to repent. They still won’t repent even with this miracle. And I believe this is true. Let us pray that our hearts are soft and open to faith and that we can share the Good News of Jesus with others in our life whose hearts may be becoming more and more hardened with each passing day…
Bible.org’s commentary on our Luke Chapter 16 readings today titled “The Rich Man and Lazarus” is at this link and commentary titled “Death: The Door to Eternity” is at this link.
Wow. I love Luke 17 verse 10 – “In the same way, when you obey me you should say, `We are not worthy of praise. We are servants who have simply done our duty.’” I wonder if sometimes we do good works for Jesus expecting some praise or return on our works? This is obviously not a good motive. We should simply be obedient to Jesus and not expect praise for our obedience – from Jesus or from others. It is simply a blessing for us to be called to Jesus’ service. That is more than enough.
Bible.org’s commentary on our Luke chapter 7 readings today titled “Taking Sin Seriously” is at this link.
John: Today in John chapter 11 verse 35 we read the shortest verse in the Bible – “Jesus wept.” Though this may be the shortest verse, I do not believe it is small in meaning. What does it say to you that Jesus wept? What does it mean to you that Jesus wept? I love this verse because to me it shows Jesus’ humanity (while at the same time he is divine). During his time living as a man on earth, Jesus experienced the full range of emotions that you and I experience today. Jesus was tempted. (though, unlike us, he did not give into temptation and sin ever) Jesus was joyful. Jesus was angry. Jesus loved. Jesus wept. Knowing this about Jesus, does this help you to realize that you can approach Jesus with absolutely any situation in your life that you might be struggling with? Do you believe that Jesus will understand you if you are weeping? Do you believe that Jesus will rejoice with you when you are rejoicing? I do. “Jesus wept” says so much to me about who Jesus was, is, and forever will be. Jesus wept.
Bible.org’s commentary on today’s John chapter 11 readings titled “Dealing with Death” is at this link.
Worship God: Today’s readings in Luke about the Prodigal Son reminds me of the Jeremy Camp song “Take You Back:”
Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture today:“I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent.” Luke 15:7 NIV
Prayer Point: Pray that you have repented of your sins. Pray that you are evangelizing others you know to repent of their sins and turn to Jesus. Pray that the angels in heaven will rejoice over the lost you know being Found.
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!
God bless, Mike
p.s. Download our monthly Small Group study notes for our Chronological Bible readings at this link.
p.p.s. Download a schedule of our Chronological Bible readings for the year in PDF format at this link.
p.p.p.s. I would greatly appreciate it if you would pray for this Chronological Bible Blog ministry today. Thanks!
John: I love Jesus’ teachings today in John 10 verses 9 & 10 – “Yes, I am the gate. Those who come in through me will be saved. Wherever they go, they will find green pastures. The thief’s purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give life in all its fullness.” What a great analogy – Jesus is the gateway to salvation. Life in relationship with Jesus will be full of green pastures – this reminds me of Psalm 23 verse 2! And then Jesus tells us that his purpose is to give us life in all its fullness. I think all too often we look for fullness of life in all the wrong places… when all we have to do is walk through the gate. Have you walked through the gate?
Jesus calling himself the Good Shepherd is so very beautiful and fitting in verses 14 &15 – “I am the good shepherd; I know my own sheep, and they know me, just as my Father knows me and I know the Father. And I lay down my life for the sheep.” After we walk through the gate of faith to fullness of life with Jesus, he will be our Good Shepherd forever. He is a shepherd that knows us – and we know him. He will protect us with his rod and staff – again, a little Psalm 23 verse 4. 🙂 And more than anything else, this Good Shepherd has laid down his life for us. Do you consider Jesus to be your Good Shepherd?
Bible.org’s commentary on our John 10 readings today titled “The Good Shepherd” is at this link.
John chapter 10 verse 30 is a powerful teaching from Jesus! “The Father and I are one.” Many churches celebrate Pentecost, when the Holy Spirit descended upon the Apostles in the Upper Room after Jesus’ ascension into heaven. Thus, rounding out the Trinity. (Bible.org has a great overview of the Trinity at this link.) The Father. The Son. And the Holy Spirit. Do you believe Jesus when he says, “”The Father and I are one” ? Jesus smartly quotes from Psalm 82 verse 6 in verses 34-36 today: “Jesus replied, “It is written in your own law that God said to certain leaders of the people, `I say, you are gods!’And you know that the Scriptures cannot be altered. So if those people, who received God’s message, were called `gods,’ why do you call it blasphemy when the Holy One who was sent into the world by the Father says, `I am the Son of God’?”
Bible.org’s commentary on today’s readings in John titled “The Sovereign Shepherd” is at this link.
Luke: Bible.org’s wonderful commentary on Luke chapter 13’s readings today titled “Striving to Enter the Narrow Door” is at this link.
Wow. Jesus’ teachings in Luke chapter 14 verses 12 through 14 are so powerful – “”When you put on a luncheon or a dinner,” he said, “don’t invite your friends, brothers, relatives, and rich neighbors. For they will repay you by inviting you back. Instead, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, and the blind. Then at the resurrection of the godly, God will reward you for inviting those who could not repay you.”” How often do we do something for others – in hopes of getting something back in return? Maybe it’s simply praise? Or maybe it’s indeed an invite to something else in the future? Kind of the whole idea of “I’ll scratch your back if you’ll scratch mine.” Jesus tells us there is another way – care for others that cannot repay you. Because God will repay you. And who would you rather receive repayment from for your good deeds – humans or God? Do you think that caring for the poor is giving to God? Will you give to God?
YouTube: Today’s readings in John remind me Rebecca St. James’ beautiful song “You are Loved:”
Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture today:“I (Jesus) am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.” John 10:11 NIV
Prayer Point: Pray in thanksgiving to Jesus for laying down his life for you, if you have given your life over in faith to Him. Thank him for being your Good Shepherd! Pray for the lost “sheep” that you know, that they would come to know Jesus as their Good Shepherd.
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!
God bless, Mike
p.s. Download our monthly Small Group study notes for our Chronological Bible readings at this link.
p.p.s. Download a schedule of our Chronological Bible readings for the year in PDF format at this link.
p.p.p.s. I would greatly appreciate it if you would pray for this Chronological Bible Blog ministry today. Thanks!
Chronological Bible Blog 