YOU GIVE THEM SOMETHING TO EAT

FEEDING THE FIVE THOUSAND

 

 Read John 6:1-13; Mark 6:30-44

 

      He (Jesus) said to Philip, "Where shall we buy bread for these people to eat?" He asked this only to test him, for he already had in mind what he was going to do. John 6:5b-6 NIV

* * *

      Nothing that Jesus did while on earth was just happenstance. Jesus said to the twelve, "You give them something to eat." (Mark 6:37) When everyone was fed, they were able to gather up enough for a basketful each for themselves. They served the bread, but it cost them nothing, and they had their own needs supplied. This is significant in light of Philip's protest; "eight months' wages would not buy enough bread for each one to have a bite!" (John 6:7)

* * *

      Lord, more often than not, I sound just like Philip. I see only the practical facts, and the impossibility of the situation. Help us to trust You for our daily bread, and for all other needs we may have. You Lord, are the Bread of Life and You know our requests even before we ask; but You did tell us to ask. I am asking You this morning, to provide for our financial and spiritual needs.

* * *

      After the people saw the miraculous sign that Jesus did, they began to say, "Surely this is the Prophet who is to come into the world." Jesus, knowing that they intended to come and make him king by force, withdrew again to a mountain by himself.    John 6:14-15 NIV

COMPASSION IN TIME OF SORROW

JOHN THE BAPTIST MARTYRED

Read Matthew 14:1–14

     The king…ordered that her request be granted and had John beheaded in the prison. John's disciples came and took his body and buried it. Then they went and told Jesus. Matthew 14:9-10, 12 NIV

* * *

     Jesus had just been given the news about the beheading of John the Baptist, the prophet God had sent to announce His coming. John's dramatic message of repentance to the adulterous King Herod ended with his death. His brief but powerful ministry, in accordance with God's sovereign will, had come to an end.

* * *

     Jesus, though He was God's Son, was still subject to the emotions and sorrows of a man. His response was to withdraw to a solitary place to be alone, but the crowds followed Him. Instead of insisting on time to Himself, He had compassion on the people and ministered to their needs.

* * *

     Lord, sometimes I feel irritated at the pressing demands on my time. Help me to be filled with the fruit of Your Spirit, especially patience, love and concern for the needs of my family. Help me to notice when others need a listening ear.

* * *

     When Jesus heard what had happened, he withdrew by boat privately to a solitary place. Hearing of this, the crowds followed him on foot from the towns. When Jesus landed and saw a large crowd, he had compassion on them and healed their sick. Matthew 14:13-14 NIV

THE TRINITY

EQUAL WITH GOD

Read John 5:1–23

     Therefore the Jews sought all the more to kill Him, because He not only broke the Sabbath, but also said that God was His Father, making Himself equal with God.    John 5:18 NKJV

* * *

     This passage in John is one of the strongest proofs that Jesus claimed to be one with the Father. The reason they wanted to kill Him was that He claimed equality with God. He not only said He was able to give life — He demonstrated it by raising people from the dead, and eventually rising from the dead Himself.

* * *

     Men and women come to our doors today claiming that they believe in Jesus, but not in the Trinity. They cannot honestly believe in the Jesus of the Bible, without making Him a liar, because He claimed deity for Himself. He was more than a good teacher - He was and is God.

* * *

     Lord, help me to give a confident and kind answer to those who come to my door with false teaching about Jesus. Perhaps some day one of them will be searching for the real Jesus.

* * *

     For just as the Father raises the dead and gives them life, even so the Son gives life to whom he is pleased to give it . . . that all may honor the Son just as they honor the Father. He who does not honor the Son does not honor the Father, who sent him.    John 5:21, 23 NIV

COULD THIS BE THE CHRIST?

 

THE SAMARITAN WOMAN

Read: John 4:1–42

      And many of the Samaritans of that city believed in Him because of the word of the woman who testified, "He told me all that I ever did." John 4:39 NKJV

* * *

      This story is one of the most beloved illustrations of grace in the New Testament. The setting was in Samaria where the religion was a mixture of idolatry with a smattering of Jewish influence. The Samaritan woman knew about a promised Messiah, but she lived a sinful life and Jesus kindly confronted her with her sin.
      In a conversation about "living water" she came to realize that this was the Messiah she had heard about. She said, "I know that Messiah" (called Christ) "is coming. When he comes, he will explain everything to us." Then Jesus declared, "I who speak to you am he." (4:25-26)

* * *

      Sometimes we think that people mixed up in cultish religions are unreachable with the gospel. In fact, they may be searching for the truth just as the woman at the well. She …went back to the town and said to the people, "Come, see a man who told me everything I ever did. Could this be the Christ?" (4:28-29 NIV)

* * *

      Lord, help me to share my faith with people regardless of how impossible it seems, trusting in the work of Your Spirit in their hearts.

* * *

      Then they said to the woman, "Now we believe, not because of what you said, for we ourselves have heard Him and we know that this is indeed the Christ, the Savior of the world." John 4:42 NKJV

SALT AND LIGHT

Read Matthew 5:1–16

     "You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned…" Matthew 5:13 NKJV

* * *

      Jesus referred to His disciples as the salt of the earth. Salt is used for seasoning and also for preservation to prevent spoilage. There came a point in Jesus ministry, as He began to reveal who He was, that many of his disciples fell away. They did not have the preserving salt in them that was necessary to be a disciple of Christ.

      The Christian life would not be easy – the early church would suffer persecution. Their light would truly shine before men as they stood up for what they believed. This would take genuine faith, not just an outward profession.

* * *

      Lord, give me the faith I need to persevere even when things are difficult. May my attitude be one that glorifies the Lord I serve. Give our family the presence of Your Holy Spirit as You have promised for those who ask. Lead us in Your perfect will.

* * *

      Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven. Matthew 5:16 NKJV

PAYING TAXES

A TRICK QUESTION

Read: Luke 20:20–26
     So the spies questioned him:… Is it right for us to pay taxes to Caesar or not?" Luke 20:21-22 NIV

* * *

     Jesus had just told a parable which implicated the religious leaders in the plot to kill Him. Not only that, but he referred to prophesies from Psalms and Isaiah: “Jesus looked directly at them and asked, "Then what is the meaning of that which is written: "'The stone the builders rejected has become the capstone'? Everyone who falls on that stone will be broken to pieces, but he on whom it falls will be crushed." (20:17-18 NIV)

* * *

     They knew He spoke the parable about them. So in order to trick Him into saying something against Rome they asked, "Is it right for us to pay taxes to Caesar or not?" He saw through their duplicity and said to them, "Show me a denarius. Whose portrait and inscription are on it?" "Caesar's," they replied…” (20:22-25a)

* * *

     Lord, those leaders thought they could trick You into a capital offense. But what they didn't realize was that no one could take Your life from You. They must not have been listening when You said, "My Father loves Me, because I lay down My life that I may take it again. No one takes it from Me, but I lay it down of Myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again." (John 10:17-18 NKJV)

* * *

     …He said to them, "Then give to Caesar what is Caesar's, and to God what is God's." (20:25b NIV)

BEHOLD YOUR KING!

THE TRIUMPHAL ENTRY

Read: Luke 19:28-40

     …the whole multitude of the disciples began to rejoice and praise God with a loud voice for all the mighty works they had seen, saying: "'Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the LORD! Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!" (Luke 19:37-38 NKJV)

* * *

     After leaving Zacchaeus' home in Jericho, Jesus went on toward Jerusalem, where a colt was already prepared for Jesus to make His entry. Jesus knew the donkey would be there, because His Father had prophesied "Behold, your King is coming to you; He is just and having salvation, Lowly and riding on a donkey, A colt, the foal of a donkey." (Zechariah 9:9b NKJV) The praise of the crowd echoed the words of the angels at His birth - all planned since the beginning of time.

* * *

     Lord, I want to praise You for all Your mighty works. You are the King of Kings who will one day return to Jerusalem again. You have ordained that the mouths of babes would praise You. I pray for the "babes" in my household that their lives will be lived in praise of the King and that one day we will all stand together and see You face to face.

* * *

     And some of the Pharisees called to Him from the crowd, "Teacher, rebuke Your disciples." But He answered and said to them, "I tell you that if these should keep silent, the stones would immediately cry out."   Luke 19:39-40 NKJV

UNEXPECTED GUEST

ZACCHAEUS

Read: Luke 19:1-10

      When Jesus came to the place, He looked up and saw him, and said to him, "Zacchaeus, make haste and come down, for today I must stay at your house." Luke 19:5 NKJV

* * *

      Zacchaeus was a man who was small in stature, but a big shot in his position as tax collector for the Roman government. The price for his dishonest position of wealth was contempt by his own people.

      Unlike many who stood by, Zacchaeus knew he was a sinner and believed that Jesus could forgive him. He also knew what he had to do next: He said, "Look, Lord! Here and now I give half of my possessions to the poor, and if I have cheated anybody out of anything, I will pay back four times the amount." (19:8 NIV)

      Jesus never did anything the way the leaders expected. To call a tax collector down from a tree and announce that He was going to his house; that was unprecedented behavior. But Jesus did things purposefully for eternal results, not human applause.

* * *

      Lord, I want to live for You in a way that pleases You, not just as others expect. I want to teach my children and grandchildren to seek Your will in their lives, not the applause of the world.

* * *

      And Jesus said to him, "Today salvation has come to this house, because he also is a son of Abraham; for the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost." Luke 19:9-10 NKJV

HUMILITY AND REPENTANCE

THE PHARISEE AND TAX COLLECTOR

Read: Luke 18:9-14

      The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself,'God, I thank You that I am not like other men -- extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this tax collector. Luke 18:11 NKJV

* * *

      This religious leader may have had much to be proud of in avoiding gross sin, but he missed the fact that he was still a sinner. Salvation comes through repentance, and Jesus is the Way, the Truth and the Life.
     The tax collector, so despised for his sin, had it right. He, standing afar off, would not so much as raise his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, 'God, be merciful to me a sinner!' (18:13)

      The Pharisee was like the rich young ruler who thought he could gain eternal life by doing good works. We must all come by way of repentance from sin and faith in Jesus Christ. Only then can we do genuinely good works, through the power of the Holy Spirit.

* * *

      Lord, forgive me when I am guilty of looking down on someone I judge to be more sinful than I.
      As You have extended mercy to us, we must desire mercy for others. You look beyond the outward appearance and see our hearts. Help us to discern the heart attitudes of our children and grandchildren and teach them humility by example.

* * *

      ". . . everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted." Luke 18:14 NKJV

THANKFULNESS

TEN LEPERS CLEANSED

Read Luke 17:11-19

           …There met Him ten men who were lepers, who stood afar off. And they lifted up their voices and said, "Jesus, Master, have mercy on us!" Luke 17:12-13 NKJV

* * *

      There were many in Israel willing to be healed of their diseases, to be fed with free bread and be part of an adoring crowd. But there were few who were willing to accept Jesus as Messiah, the Son of God, and commit their lives to Him. In the case of these ten very sick men, only one came back to give glory to God for his healing. In spite of the fact that ten were cleansed of leprosy, to only one he said, "Arise, go your way. Your faith has made you well." (17:19)
      There is a sickness of the soul that is far worse than leprosy and that is sin. Only faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of God, can heal us of that disease.

* * *

      Thank You Lord, that You were willing to cleanse me from sin, just as You cleansed those men from their leprosy. Forgive us when we go day after day without remembering to stop and say thank You. Help us to teach our children and grandchildren to be thankful as well.

* * *

      So Jesus answered and said, "Were there not ten cleansed? But where are the nine? Were there not any found who returned to give glory to God except this foreigner?" Luke 17:17-18 NKJV

OUR ETERNAL DESTINY

A WARNING FROM THE GRAVE

Read: Luke 16:19-31

      "I beg you therefore, father, that you would send him to my father's house, for I have five brothers, that he may testify to them, lest they also come to this place of torment." Luke 16:27-28 NKJV

* * *

      Jesus taught in this powerful story of life after death, that the circumstances of this life, wealth or poverty, are of little consequence in comparison to our eternal destiny. The rich man in Hell wanted God to send the godly beggar Lazarus to tell his brothers how to avoid this "place of torment."
      Abraham's answer that this man's brothers would not be convinced, "though one rise from the dead" was prophetic of what was about to happen. Jesus did rise from the dead and the Pharisees still did not repent and believe.

      It is not pleasant to consider the reality of eternal punishment. When people are still alive there is always the potential that they will hear the message and believe, but after death, there is no more hope.

* * *



      Lord, help us to remember this and realize the urgency of getting the message out. Bless our efforts in supporting our church and missions and telling others ourselves, about Jesus who died and rose again to pay the penalty for our sin.

* * *

      He said to him, 'If they do not hear Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded though one rise from the dead.'" Luke 16:31 NKJV

JOY IN HEAVEN

JESUS SEEKS THE LOST

Read: Luke 15

      I say to you that likewise there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine just persons who need no repentance. Luke 15:7 NKJV

* * *

      It was an affront to the religious leaders when Jesus spent time with "tax collectors and sinners." The parables in this passage were a message to these Pharisees and teachers of the law. He told the story of three lost things: a lost sheep, a lost coin and a lost son.

* * *

      Those Pharisees who complained were like the older brother of the prodigal son who said, "…All these years I've been slaving for you and never disobeyed your orders…But when this son of yours who has squandered your property with prostitutes comes home, you kill the fattened calf for him!' (15:29-30 NIV)

* * *

      Our role here on earth as Christians is not to congratulate ourselves on how good we have been. Our lives should so shine as to draw lost people to our Lord Jesus Christ. Lord, make our home a lighthouse so that those who are lost on the sea of life will find their way to shore. Give us a heart to love and disciple those who were lost and are found.

* * *

“…we should make merry and be glad, for your brother was dead and is alive again, and was lost and is found.'" Luke 15:32 NKJV

THE BEST PLACES

HUMILITY AND HONOR

Read Luke 14:1–24

      So He told a parable to those who were invited, when He noted how they chose the best places, Luke 14:7 NKJV

* * *

      Jesus went to eat in the house of a prominent Pharisee, where He was being carefully watched. They were hoping to find something against him, but what they didn't realize was that Jesus was watching them. What He saw was how the guests picked the places of honor at the table. (14:7 NIV)
      In His quiet and straightforward way, Jesus said, "When you are invited, take the lowest place, so that when your host comes, he will say to you, 'Friend, move up to a better place.' Then you will be honored in the presence of all your fellow guests." (14:10) One of those at the table said to Jesus, "Blessed is the man who will eat at the feast in the kingdom of God." 

      Jesus went on to tell a story about all those who would make excuses not to come to that feast. The host in the story said, “Go out quickly into the streets and alleys of the town and bring in the poor, the crippled, the blind and the lame.” "'Sir,' the servant said, 'what you ordered has been done, but there is still room.’ Then the master told his servant, 'Go out to the roads and country lanes… that my house will be full. I tell you, not one of those men who were invited will get a taste of my banquet.’'"    (14:21b–24 NIV)

* * *

      Lord, thank You for inviting us to the feast You have prepared for us. Help us to give the invitation to everyone we know, regardless of their excuses. Perhaps some will believe and come.

* * *

      For whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted."   Luke 14:11 NKJV

THE LORD'S PRAYER

JESUS TEACHES HOW TO PRAY

Read Luke 11:1–13; John 14:13–14

     "So I say to you, ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you."   Luke 11:9 NKJV

* * *

      Most of us are familiar with the "Lord's Prayer" in this passage. This is a model prayer for us to follow and Jesus goes on to teach more about how to pray. Following His example, we should pray to the Father in His name for our daily needs, for forgiveness, for protection from temptation and deliverance from the evil one.
      Jesus also said that we should ask with persistence, because, "If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him!" (Luke 11:13 NKJV) If we have the guidance of the Holy Spirit we can continue to ask without doubting God's ability to answer according to His perfect will for us.

* * *

      Lord, I cannot help but notice in this passage that asking for our daily needs results in the priceless gift of the Holy Spirit. The apostle Paul said, “He who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints in accordance with God's will.” (Romans 8:27 NIV) So I need not worry about asking for the wrong thing. If the Holy Spirit is praying for me, the result will be according to God's perfect plan. Thank You, Jesus!

* * *

     …We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express.   Romans 8:26 NIV

SONS OF THUNDER

GREATNESS IS SERVING

Read Matthew 20:20–28

     She said to Him, "Grant that these two sons of mine may sit, one on your right hand and the other on the left, in your kingdom."  Matthew 20:21 NKJV

* * *

    This was spoken by the mother of James and John, the sons of Zebedee, an ambitious mother if there ever was one! An insight to her two sons is found in Mark 3:17:

     When Jesus appointed the twelve apostles, He called James the son of Zebedee and John the brother of James…Boanerges, that is, "Sons of Thunder. Truly, they were leadership material and would be among the apostles who were the foundation of the Church, but Jesus had a more important lesson for them to learn: "…Whoever desires to become great among you, let him be your servant. And whoever desires to be first among you, let him be your slave–just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many." (Matthew 20:26-28)

* * *

     Lord, help us to teach our children the principles of servanthood, even as we train them to be their best and excel. Help us to put the spirit of competition in perspective and balance with love and kindness and serving others.

* * *

     "… just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many."    Matthew 20:28

RICH TOWARD GOD

THE RICH FOOL
Read Luke 12:13–34

     "Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; a man's life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions."   Luke 12:15 NIV

* * *



     It is a natural instinct to want to add to our possessions. The reasons are many–including the desire for security or just the pleasure of owning beautiful things. God does not condemn financial planning; in fact he condemns those who neglect their responsibilities. But this parable of the rich fool, as told by Jesus, is about greed or excessive worry over money. No matter how much we own, we will one day leave it all behind, through a natural disaster or the end of our earthly life. The important issue is to be "rich toward God."

* * *

     Heavenly Father, Thank You for all You have provided for our family. Forgive me when I worry about money, for You have said, "Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life? Since you cannot do this very little thing, why do you worry about the rest?"   (12:25-26)

* * *

     "But God said to him, 'You fool! This very night your life will be demanded from you. Then who will get what you have prepared for yourself?' "This is how it will be with anyone who stores up things for himself but is not rich toward God."   Luke 12:20-21 NIV

WHAT MUST I DO?

THE RICH YOUNG RULER

Read Mark 10:17-22

     As Jesus started on his way, a man ran up to him and fell on his knees before him. "Good teacher," he asked, "what must I do to inherit eternal life?"   Mark 10:17 NIV

     The first error that this young man made, was in assuming that eternal life was something he could earn by doing something "good." He put Jesus into the same category as himself, by calling Him a "good teacher.” Jesus reminded him that the only really good or righteous One is God. Jesus, the Son of God, was able to fulfill the law perfectly, but this man could not.

     Jesus looked at him and loved him. "one thing you lack," he said. "Go, sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.  At this the man's face fell. He went away sad, because he had great wealth. (10:21–22) ." He wasn't quite willing to be that good!

* * *

     Lord, only You know what keeps people from coming to You in faith. We cannot know men's hearts, so it is by the Holy Spirit that men and women will see their need of salvation. Just help us to be faithful in sharing our faith with others while trusting You for the results.

* * *

     Jesus looked around and said to his disciples, "How hard it is for the rich to enter the kingdom of God!" …The disciples were even more amazed, and said to each other, "Who then can be saved?" Jesus looked at them and said, "With man this is impossible, but not with God; all things are possible with God."   Mark 10:23, 26-27 NIV

MARY AND MARTHA

"ONE THING IS NEEDED"

Read Luke 10:38–42

     But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, "Lord, don't you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!" Luke 10:40 NIV

* * *

      No woman can read this story without feeling a bit sorry for Martha. We all have our Martha moments when we are hurrying about to get life together. But as I read this, I remember that the apostle John said, "Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus." (John 11:5)

* * *

      The most important part of this story is that Mary's part would never be taken away from her. That "one thing" also belonged to Martha, in spite of her troubled spirit - her relationship with Jesus. Shortly after this, Jesus would be crucified. Every moment spent at Jesus feet would be treasured on that day.

* * *

      Lord, I am so thankful that I too have that "one thing" that will not be taken from me. I praise You that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 8:38-39 NKJV)

* * *

      "…Martha, Martha, you are worried and troubled about many things. But one thing is needed, and Mary has chosen that good part, which will not be taken away from her."
Luke 10:41–42 NKJV

WHO IS MY NEIGHBOR?

THE GOOD SAMARITAN

Read: Luke 10:25–37

    But he, wanting to justify himself, said to Jesus, "And who is my neighbor?" Luke 10:29 NKJV

* * *

     On one occasion an expert in the law stood up to test Jesus. "Teacher," he asked, "what must I do to inherit eternal life?" (10:25) His error was in thinking he could earn eternal life by doing something. So Jesus, knowing his heart, asked him what the law said about it. The lawyer replied, "'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind'; and, 'Love your neighbor as yourself.'" (10:27)

     If the lawyer had been able to do this first commandment, he would not have needed a Savior. The story of the Good Samaritan illustrated that no one could keep the law perfectly–only God's perfect Son.

* * *

     Thank You Lord, that the burden of keeping the law was removed from our shoulders and carried to the cross. Help us, like the Good Samaritan, to notice when someone has a need we can supply. May we show our love by serving You and other people.

* * *

     "So which of these three do you think was neighbor to him who fell among the thieves?"   Luke 10:36 NKJV

INTERRUPTIONS

HEALING OF JAIRUS' DAUGHTER

Read Luke 8:40–56

     Then a man named Jairus, a ruler of the synagogue, came and fell at Jesus' feet, pleading with him to come to his house because his only daughter, a girl of about twelve, was dying. Luke 8:41–42 NIV

* * *

     Jesus was on His way to heal Jairus' daughter, who was dying; but on the way, the crowds prevented Him from making his way there. In the midst of the crowd, a woman was there who had been subject to bleeding for twelve years, but no one could heal her. (8:42) In spite of the urgency of His errand, Jesus took time for this woman, healed her and then he said to her, "Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace." (8:48)

* * *

     Jesus made it to his appointment with Jairus in time, because He planned to raise his daughter from the dead. God is never late, even though we often are impatient and don't understand how He is working.

* * *

     Lord, You hold our lives in Your hands and our best hope is to trust You and Your timing for all of our needs. Thank You for this reminder from your Word.

* * *

     "Stop wailing," Jesus said. "She is not dead but asleep." They laughed at him, knowing that she was dead. But he took her by the hand and said, "My child, get up!" Luke 8:52–54 NIV

WHO CAN THIS BE?

DOES HE CARE?

Read: Mark 4:35–41

     And a great windstorm arose, and the waves beat into the boat, so that it was already filling. But He was in the stern, asleep on a pillow. And they awoke Him and said to Him, "Teacher, do You not care that we are perishing?"    Mark 4:37–38 NKJV

* * *

     The question Jesus' disciples asked is an important one: Does the Son of God care? The Psalmist David said, "O LORD, what is man that you care for him, the son of man that you think of him?" (Psalm 144:3)

     It is hard to imagine that the God of the universe would really care about us individually. But the fact that He sent His only Son to lay down His life for us proves that He does care. In a very short moment in time Jesus dismissed their doubts. He arose and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, "Peace, be still!" And the wind ceased and there was a great calm.  Mark 4:39 NKJV

* * *

     Dear Jesus, I do believe that You care about us, but sometimes I still worry and I pray that You will increase my faith.

     You told Your disciples that they were to go to the other side of the lake and they should have believed they were safe with You in the boat.

     But they were human, and so am I. That kind of faith is a gift, and I am asking for the filling of Your Holy Spirit.  Help me to trust You throughout the day and for the days ahead.

* * *

     And they feared exceedingly, and said to one another, "Who can this be, that even the wind and the sea obey Him!"    Mark 4:41 NKJV

THE GOOD SOIL

WHO IS MY BROTHER AND SISTER?

Read Matthew 12:46–50; Mark 3:31–35; Luke 8:4–21

     While He was still talking to the multitudes, behold, His mother and brothers stood outside, seeking to speak with Him   Matthew 12:46 NKJV

* * *

     Jesus was teaching his disciples in an extremely crowded home, while outside the home were those who adamantly opposed Him. He told them the story of a farmer who sowed seed on thorny, rocky and good ground. He explained that the seed was the Word of God and the rocky or thorny ground represented those who allow the cares of life to choke out the Word. But the seed on good soil, He said, "stands for those with a noble and good heart, who hear the word, retain it, and by persevering produce a crop." (Luke 8:15 NIV)
     Then someone came in and said that Jesus’ mother and brothers were looking for him. “He looked around in a circle at those who sat about Him, and said, "Here are My mother and My brothers! For whoever does the will of God is My brother and My sister and mother." (Mark 3:34–35 NKJV) In spite of the interruption, this room was filled with “noble and good hearts”–and Jesus continued sowing the seed.

* * *

     Lord, I pray that I will not be one who allows the worries and cares of this life to choke out Your Word. Help me to retain the Word, persevere and produce fruit in my life that I too may be your "sister and mother."

* * *

      ...and they said to Him, "Look, Your mother and Your brothers are outside seeking You." Mark 3:32 NKJV  "...whoever does the will of My Father in heaven is My brother and sister and mother."  Mat 12:50

YOU CLAIM TO BE GOD

MY SHEEP HEAR MY VOICE

Read  John 10:1–33

     The Jews gathered around him, saying, "How long will you keep us in suspense? If you are the Christ, tell us plainly." John 10:24 NIV

* * *

     There was much disputing among the Jews about who Jesus was. They were ready, perhaps, to look for an earthly king to deliver them from Roman rule, but they were not ready for a Savior. Jesus knew those who were His because the Father had already given them to Him.

     To this question Jesus answered, "I did tell you, but you do not believe. The miracles I do in my Father's name speak for me, but you do not believe because you are not my sheep. (10:25-26) When they threatened to stone Him, He asked them which miracle deserved death. They replied, "We are not stoning you for any of these, but for blasphemy, because you, a mere man, claim to be God." (10:33)

* * *

     Lord, when false teachers come to my door to dispute the Trinity, I need to remember that Jesus was crucified because He claimed to be God. He was God the Son, One with the Father. Soon those who were His sheep would know the indwelling power of His Spirit and go forth to proclaim the gospel of Christ.

* * *

     "My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of my hand."    John 10:27–28 NIV

THE TRUTH SHALL MAKE YOU FREE

BEFORE ABRAHAM WAS, I AM

Read John 8:18–58

     Then Jesus said to those Jews who believed Him, "If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free."    John 8:31–32 NKJV

* * *

     Jesus was speaking in the temple to two different groups of people – those who believed and those who didn't. To those who would seize Him and kill Him if they could, He said, "You are from beneath; I am from above. You are of this world; I am not of this world. Therefore I said to you that you will die in your sins; for if you do not believe that I Am…, you will die in your sins." (8:23b-24)

     Then Jesus said, "When you lift up the Son of Man, then you will know that I am He”…As He spoke these words, many believed in Him. (8:28a, 30) To those who believed He said, “Most assuredly, I say to you, if anyone keeps My word he shall never see death." (8:51)

* * *

     Lord, your Son Jesus was Messiah, the One that Abraham looked forward to – who would come from his descendants. By faith, Abraham trusted in You – By faith, we look back to the cross and believe in Jesus Christ – who was and is the great "I AM." Thank you that the truth has made us free.

* * *

     "You are not yet fifty years old," the Jews said to him, "and you have seen Abraham!" "I tell you the truth," Jesus answered, "before Abraham was born, I AM!"    John 8:57–58 NIV

WHO IS WITHOUT SIN?

THE ADULTEROUS WOMAN

Read: John 8:1–11

     "Teacher, this woman was caught in adultery, in the very act. Now Moses, in the law, commanded us that such should be stoned. But what do You say?" John 8:4–5 NKJV

* * *

     Once again they were trying to trick Jesus–this time in regard to the law of Moses. If he contradicted the law, they could arrest Him for blasphemy. But Jesus would not be taken by trickery. He stooped down and wrote something in the sand. Then he said, "He who is without sin among you, let him throw a stone at her first.” (8:7b)

     Slowly the men left one by one and Jesus said to her, "Woman, has no one condemned you?" She said, "No one, Lord." And Jesus said to her, "Neither do I condemn you; go and sin no more." (8:10–11)

* * *

     This posse of religious leaders trying to find an excuse for murder, and a humiliated woman who calls Jesus, "Lord" sets a striking contrast. Jesus came to save sinners, and those men were sinners for whom He came, but pride and power prevented them from receiving the Son of God.

     Lord, help us to remember that no one is too sinful to be saved by Your matchless grace.

* * *

     Then Jesus spoke to them again, saying, "I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life."   John 8:12 NKJV

COURAGE

NICODEMUS

Read John 3:1–21

     Now there was a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a member of the Jewish ruling council. He came to Jesus at night… John 3:1-2b NIV

* * *

     Nicodemus believed that Jesus was a teacher sent by God because of the great miracles He performed. But Nicodemus did not have an understanding of saving faith. He was a teacher of the law, but he had not experienced the work of the Holy Spirit in his life. He needed to be born again–not natural birth but spiritual.
     Later, as Nicodemus continued to blend in with those who wanted to kill Jesus, they asked, "Have any of the rulers or the Pharisees believed in Him?" The best he could do was to say, "Does our law judge a man before it hears him and knows what he is doing?" (John 7:48–51) Later, after the cross, Nicodemus, along with Joseph of Arimathea risked their lives to ask for Jesus' body, indicating that they were His followers.

* * *

     It is very difficult to speak up about our faith among those who do not believe. But the Holy Spirit can give us the courage to do so. Lord, fill me with Your Holy Spirit, so that I will have the courage to share my faith in You.

* * *

     Jesus declared, "I tell you the truth, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again." John 3:3NIV

JESUS CLEANSES THE TEMPLE

Read: John 2:13–21; Mark 11:15–19

     "Is it not written: "'My house will be called a house of prayer for all nations'? But you have made it 'a den of robbers.'" Mark 11:17 NIV

* * *

     On these two different occasions–at the beginning and end of His ministry– we are told that Jesus physically exhibited anger. The Jews had turned the temple into a market place, carrying on dishonest business in a house of worship. In anger, Jesus drove the merchants out of His Father's house.
     The Jews demanded of him, "What miraculous sign can you show us to prove your authority to do all this?" Jesus answered them, "Destroy this temple, and I will raise it again in three days." (John 2:18–19) The temple He spoke of was His body, which they would seek to destroy on the cross.

* * *

     Although our churches today are not the same as the Jewish temple, we should still honor them as places of worship. Most of all, as believers, we should remember that our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit.

* * *

     Lord, I want to take good care of the body You have given me and dedicate it for the purpose of glorifying You. Help me to avoid anything that would compromise that purpose.

* * *

      After he was raised from the dead, his disciples recalled what he had said. Then they believed the Scripture and the words that Jesus had spoken. John 2:22 NIV

THE FIRST MIRACLE

THE WEDDING AT CANA

Read John 2:1–11

     "Dear woman, why do you involve me?" Jesus replied. "My time has not yet come." His mother said to the servants, "Do whatever he tells you."  John 2:4–5 NIV

     Once again, Mary's soul is pierced. When Jesus was twelve, she wasn't quite ready for him to be teaching in the temple, but now that He's thirty, she must be wondering when He is going to reveal His identity as the promised Messiah.  

     On both occasions Jesus gave her a soft rebuke. At twelve he said; "Why were you searching for me? Didn't you know I had to be in my Father's house?" But they did not understand what he was saying to them. (Luke 2:49–50) At thirty, he says, “Dear woman, why do you involve me?…My time has not yet come” (John 2:4)
     Mary realized once again that she must quietly wait on God for His perfect timing—In fact, it was time to begin his earthly ministry, and Jesus honored his mother by performing his first public miracle at her request.

* * *

     Lord, Mary is such a wonderful example of humility and love. I want to be a patient, loving mother who knows when to speak and when to be silent. I also want to wait on You to work out Your perfect plan for our family and each individual family member.

* * *

     This beginning of signs Jesus did in Cana of Galilee, and manifested His glory; and His disciples believed in Him.    John 2:11 NKJV

LOVE AND FORGIVENESS

SHE WHO WAS FORGIVEN MUCH

Read Luke 7:36–8:3

     Therefore, I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven-for she loved much. But he who has been forgiven little loves little." Then Jesus said to her, "Your sins are forgiven."   Luke 7:47-48 NIV
 

     Jesus was invited to dinner at the home of Simon, a Pharisee. A woman of the streets came in and she stood behind him weeping, she began to wet his feet with her tears. Then she wiped them with her hair, kissed them and poured perfume on them. (7:38) The Pharisee thought to himself that Jesus did not know what kind of woman this was.
     Not only did Jesus know all about the woman, he also knew what Simon was thinking. He gently told a story to Simon that concluded with, “Therefore, I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven–for she loved much. But he who has been forgiven little loves little." (7:47)
     Just following this scene we are given the names of other women who had been forgiven much. These women helped to support the ministry out of their own means, showing their deep gratitude for deliverance from evil spirits and diseases.

* * *

     Lord, may my life and generosity reflect the forgiveness I have received in my life as well. What a Savior, who honored women far above the culture of His time.

* * *

    The twelve were with him, and also some women who had been cured of evil spirits and diseases: Mary (called Magdalene) from whom seven demons had come out; Joanna the wife of Cuza, the manager of Herod's household; Susanna; and many others. These women were helping to support them out of their own means.    Luke 8:1b–3 NIV

A FIRM FOUNDATION

THE HOUSE ON THE ROCK

Read: Luke 6:39–49

     "I will show you what he is like who comes to me and hears my words and puts them into practice." Luke 6:47 NIV

* * *

     After appointing the twelve apostles, Jesus came down from the mountain and began to speak to a large crowd of people from all over Judea, Jerusalem, Tyre and Sidon, who had come to hear him and to be healed of their diseases. His message was different from any they had heard before – He told them, “love your enemies,” “do to others as you would have them do to you,” (vv. 27, 31) “do not judge,” “forgive, and you will be forgiven.”(v. 37) He finished with, "Why do you call me, 'Lord, Lord,' and do not do what I say?” (6:46) – they looked for healing and He looked for a life change.

     If there is going to be lasting change in my life that can withstand the storms, I must spend quality time getting to know God’s Word and applying it to my everyday circumstances.

* * *

     Lord, Thank You for the timeless principles You have given in Your Word. Help us to understand and apply this wisdom to our lives and to teach them to our children so that our home will have a firm and lasting foundation.

* * *

     "He is like a man building a house, who dug down deep and laid the foundation on rock. When a flood came, the torrent struck that house but could not shake it …" Luke 6:48 NIV

A NIGHT OF PRAYER

CHOOSING THE APOSTLES

Read Luke 6:1–16; Mark 3:7–19

      Jesus went out to a mountainside to pray, and spent the night praying to God. Luke 6:12

* * *

      Prior to this night of intense prayer, Jesus had withdrawn with his disciples to the sea. Such huge crowds followed him that "He told His disciples that a small boat should be kept ready for Him because of the multitude, lest they should crush Him." (Mark 3:9 NKJV)

* * *

      Now, Jesus goes alone to a mountain to spend the night in prayer. The next day He would call his followers to him and from them choose the twelve apostles. These men would be sent out to preach and heal and cast out demons. This was the Kingdom of Heaven confronting the kingdom of Satan. No wonder He spent the entire night in prayer for them.

* * *

      Lord, if You felt it necessary to get away by yourself to pray, then surely I need to make time for extended prayer. Help me to remember to carve out time from my busy schedule to find time alone with You – particularly when we are facing important decisions.

* * *

      When morning came, he called his disciples to him and chose twelve of them, whom he also designated apostles:     Luke 6:13 NIV

HE SEES THE HEARTS

MATTHEW THE TAX COLLECTOR

Read Mark 2:13–17

      When the scribes and Pharisees saw Him eating with the tax collectors and sinners, they said to His disciples, "How is it that He eats and drinks with tax collectors and sinners?" Mark 2:16 NKJV

* * *

      Matthew was a tax collector, a Jewish man who worked for the Roman government. The religious leaders saw a traitor–Jesus saw a man who needed a Savior. Jesus could look into a man's heart, because He was the Son of God. In fact, Jesus had no problem eating with sinners, because He knew that all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God…(Romans 3:23)

      A few of the religious leaders came to realize this, but most did not. This is why the first message Jesus preached was "The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the gospel." (Mark 1:15 NKJV) Repentance required admitting their sin, and receiving God’s Son, the promised Messiah.

* * *

      Jesus not only saw Matthew's heart, he saw his potential. He later chose Matthew as one of the twelve apostles. Lord, help me to understand the hearts of my children and envision their potential. I know that is not completely possible, but I can trust You to know their hearts and work all things together for their good.

* * *

      Jesus answered them, "It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance." Luke 5:31-32 NIV

THE FAITH OF FRIENDS

WHO CAN FORGIVE SINS?

Read Luke 5:17–26

      When Jesus saw their faith, he said, "Friend, your sins are forgiven." Luke 5:20 NIV

* * *

      In this story, some determined men brought their friend to Jesus to be healed. They removed some tiles from the roof of the house and lowered him right in front of the Lord. When Jesus saw their faith, he said, "Friend, your sins are forgiven." (5:20)
      The Pharisees thought to themselves, "Who is this fellow who speaks blasphemy? Who can forgive sins but God alone?" (5:21) and because Jesus was God, he knew what they were thinking. So He said, "Why are you thinking these things in your hearts?"(5:22)

* * *

      There is nothing that we can say or think in our hearts of which Jesus is not aware–He knows our every thought. Lord, I want to pray, as David did, "Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart Be acceptable in Your sight, O LORD, my strength and my Redeemer." (Psalm 19:14 NKJV)

* * *

      Jesus knew what they were thinking and asked, "Why are you thinking these things in your hearts? Which is easier: to say, 'Your sins are forgiven,' or to say, 'Get up and walk'? " Luke 5:22–23 NIV

HE KNOWS OUR HEARTS

FISHERS OF MEN

Read Luke 5:1–11

      When Simon Peter saw this, he fell at Jesus' knees and said, "Go away from me, Lord; I am a sinful man!"… Then Jesus said to Simon, "Don't be afraid; from now on you will catch men." Luke 5:8–10 NIV

* * *

      Simon Peter had seen Jesus heal his own mother-in-law and He had even witnessed demons coming out of people, shouting, "You are the Son of God!" (Luke 4:41)    

     Then one day, Jesus went fishing with Peter on a slow fishing day and they caught so many fish that the two boats began to sink from the weight. This was the miracle that convinced Peter and his partners that Jesus was no ordinary man – He was the Son of God. From then on, Peter, James and John left their fishing business and followed Jesus.

* * *

     Dear Father, You said, "it is by grace you have been saved, through faith-and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God" (Ephesians 2:8-9) You knew what Peter needed to bring him to faith, and You knew what I needed. Lord, give me the words to share with others in a way that is meaningful to them. Speak to the hearts of our children to inspire them in a walk of faith throughout their lives. Make us "fishers of men."

* * *

      He and all his companions were astonished at the catch of fish they had taken, and so were James and John, the sons of Zebedee, Simon's partners… So they pulled their boats up on shore, left everything and followed him. Luke 5:9–11 NIV

THE ACCUSER OF MAN

SATAN TEMPTS JESUS

Read Matthew 4:1–11

     Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the desert to be tempted by the devil. Matthew 4:1 NIV

* * *

      Satan, the enemy of God, is ever the accuser of man. In the book of Job, Satan tried to humiliate God by testing his servant, Job. Now, the Son of God himself has become a man, in order to redeem men back to God.

      As Satan tempts Jesus he repeatedly says, "If you are the Son of God," (4:3, 6) mocking His deity. Then as if Satan were God himself, he boasts, "All this I will give you, if you will bow down and worship me." (4:9) At this point, Jesus says, "Away from me, Satan! For it is written: 'Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only." (4:10)

* * *

      Lord, You said that we wrestle not with flesh and blood, but with the powers of darkness. You are the one who is able to put a hedge of protection around our immediate family and our church family. We are no match for Satan who is adept at quoting Scripture for his own purpose ─ we must pray as You have instructed, "lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one." (6:13)

* * *

      Then the devil left him, and angels came and attended him. Matthew 4:11 NIV

HE MUST BECOME GREATER

REPENT THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN IS AT HAND

Read Matthew 4:12–17; John 3:22–36

     The friend who attends the bridegroom waits and listens for him, and is full of joy when he hears the bridegroom's voice. That joy is mine, and it is now complete. He must become greater; I must become less" John 3:29-30 NIV

* * *

      John's ministry was about to come to an end. His message was: Repent! The kingdom of Heaven is at hand! The Messiah is here – prepare your hearts! As John was thrown into prison, Jesus' three year ministry began. When John heard in prison what Christ was doing, he sent his disciples to ask him, "Are you the one who was to come, or should we expect someone else?" (Matthew 11:2–3)

      Jesus sent word that he was indeed the Messiah, proven by the signs of His miracles. Of John, Jesus said, I tell you the truth: Among those born of women there has not risen anyone greater than John the Baptist; yet he who is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he. (Matthew 11:11)

* * *

      Lord, because of the ministry of faithful men and women, we heard the gospel. I pray that our home will be a lighthouse shining in the darkness, helping others find the Way. Like John said, "He must become greater and I must become less." May we do all things for Your glory.

* * *

      When Jesus heard that John had been put in prison, he returned to Galilee… From that time on Jesus began to preach, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near." Matthew 4: 12, 17 NIV

THIS IS MY SON

JESUS BAPTISM

Read: John 1:29-34, Matthew 3:13-17

      'The man on whom you see the Spirit come down and remain is he who will baptize with the Holy Spirit.' I have seen and I testify that this is the Son of God." John 1:33-34 NIV

* * *

      John had never seen Jesus as an adult before the day of His baptism. He said of Him, "I would not have known him, except that the one who sent me to baptize with water told me, 'The man on whom you see the Spirit come down and remain is he who will baptize with the Holy Spirit.' I have seen and I testify that this is the Son of God." (John 1:33-34) When the Spirit came down in the form of a dove, a voice from heaven said, "This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased." (Matthew 3:16-17)

      John the Baptist was not in the center of Jesus' earthly ministry, or even His early life. He was given the special task of calling people to repent before Jesus came. His ministry was brief in years and yet so important it was prophesied  by the angel Gabriel to his father before he was born. (Luke 1:17)

* * *

     Lord, we have a limited time on this earth to influence our generation and the next. But we have all the time we need to do Your perfect will. Help us to make the most of every opportunity and remember the priority of loving others and leading them to You.

* * *

      The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, "Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!     John 1:29

PREPARING THE WAY

JOHN THE BAPTIST

Read: Luke 3:1–20 

     Finally they said, "Who are you? . . . "John replied in the words of Isaiah the prophet, "I am the voice of one calling in the desert, 'Make straight the way for the Lord." John 1:22–23 NIV (Isaiah 40:3)

* * *

      John the Baptist was the last prophet preceding the coming of Messiah. He knew from the time he was a child that God had special plans for his life. No doubt, his parents prepared him as they told him of Gabriel's message to Zechariah,
      "And he will go on before the Lord, in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn the hearts of the fathers to their children and the disobedient to the wisdom of the righteous-to make ready a people prepared for the Lord." (Luke 1:17)

* * *

      We, like John, have a special purpose for living. As believers, our primary purpose is to glorify God with our lives. John was a special called-out prophet, but we believers are also called to be conformed to the image of Christ. For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son… (Romans 8:29 NKJV) 

     Lord, may our lives become more and more like Yours as we look into the mirror of Your Word.

* * *

John answered, saying to all, "I indeed baptize you with water; but one mightier than I is coming, whose sandal strap I am not worthy to loose." Luke 3:16 NKJV