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Reading the Gospels in 2026: (4/1) Luke 7:1-17

Apr1

A 5-day per week study.

April 1 – Reading Luke 7:1-17

Read and believe in Jesus.

“I tell you, not even in Israel have I found such faith.”  Luke 7:9b

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The Gospel according to Luke 7:1-17

Review – Jesus taught about LOVE: our enemies and each other (possible only with the indwelling Holy Spirit). He gave three illustrations: 1) A man with a speck of sawdust in his eye, and ME with a log in mine. 2) Two trees, bearing good or bad fruit, and what our hearts produce. 3) And two homebuilders with different foundations (knowing Christ or not) and different results in a storm (safety or destruction).

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Vss. 1-10.

From teaching on the hillside, Jesus goes into the town of Capernaum.

There was a Roman Centurion living there who “loved Israel” and had, in fact, built the synagogue for the Jews.

(He reminds me of the Centurian, Cornelius, in Acts 10, who loved God, and after Peter preached to him, was saved and filled with the Holy Spirit, and many in his house.)

This Centurion is unnamed, but his faith is strong as well. Knowing how Jews feel about entering a gentile home, he sends some elders to “Rabbi Jesus” to ask for healing for his deathly ill servant.  They plead his cause earnestly, saying that “He’s worthy.” And Jesus goes with them.

But near the Centurion’s home, they are met by some of his friends with the message, “Lord, do not trouble yourself, for I am not worthy to have you come under my roof.”

He tells Jesus that he’s a man of authority, and at his word, soldiers and servants obey. He sees Jesus with just such authority.  “Say the word and let my servant be healed.” And Jesus does. And from that moment, the servant is healed.

Then Jesus, marveling at this, turns to the crowd and says, “I tell you, not even in Israel have I found such faith.”

(Matthew’s account says Jesus adds these words, “Many will come from the east and the west and recline at the table with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven, while the sons of the kingdom will be thrown into the outer darkness.”)

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Vss. 11-17.

Soon afterward, Jesus, His disciples, and “a great crowd” go from Capernaum to a town called Nain, about 35 miles south-west of Capernaum.

As they got near the gate to the town, “a considerable crowd” was coming out of the city. It was a funereal procession. The only son of a widow was being carried out in an open bier to the graveyard.

Imagine the chaos when these two huge crowds met and mingled outside the gates to Nain.  But still … JESUS SAW THE WIDOW.  Yes, she was in black, but many mourners were too.  Yes, she was weeping, but mourners wept and wailed all around.  Jesus’s eyes and heart were drawn to that woman. Such empathy and compassion!

With no husband and no children to support her, she would probably become destitute, a beggar. Fear and despair mingled with her sorrow.

Jesus came near to her and said, “Don’t cry.”

Then Jesus TOUCHED the open coffin (officially in the eyes of the Jews, making Him “ceremonially unclean”). The procession stopped. Jesus said to the dead body of the widow’s son, “Arise.”  It was a command.

The dead man sat up and began to speak.

Imagine the astonishment! The fear! The people stumbling backward!  The rubbing of eyes in disbelief!

And gentle/powerful, kind/and kingly, Jesus “gave the boy to his mother.”

Fear seized them all, and they glorified God, saying, “A great prophet has arisen among us!” and “God has visited his people!”

That last statement was truer than they realized. Immanuel (God with us) was indeed there.

And yet another “report” about Jesus’ miracles went out through the surrounding country.

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(NOTE: The town of Shunem was just a couple of miles away.  This is where (800 years earlier) the great prophet Elisha stayed with a wealthy family when traveling.  The barren couple had asked him to pray for a son, and God answered his prayer.  Later, the couple’s son died, and when Elisha prayed, he was revived.   Surely, this was what was in the minds of the people of Nain when they said, “A great prophet has arisen among us!”   But so much greater was Jesus, the Son of God.)

 

 

Reading the Gospels in 2026: (3/30) Luke 6:12-26

Mar30

A 5-day per week study.

March 30 – Reading Luke 6:12-26

Read and believe in Jesus.

“In those days, He went out to the mountain to pray, and all night He continued in prayer to God.” Luke 6:12

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The Gospel according to Luke 6:12-26

Review – In the last study, Jesus and the Pharisees/Scribes head-butted about two aspects of Sabbath keeping. The definition of “work” differed greatly between them. The religious leaders kept adding layers of “fences” around God’s “Remember the Sabbath Day to keep it holy. On it you shall not do any work” commandment to keep it “safe.”  Jesus promoted rest, restoration, and mercy.

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Vss. 12-16.

There was a big decision coming up for Jesus. Out of the many “disciples” who followed Him, He was to choose twelve whom He would intimately teach and empower to be leaders. To illustrate the importance and as an example to us, Jesus spent the entire night alone in prayer to His Father.

(Wow, how often do I spend even 5 minutes praying about my decisions!)

(NOTE: There were many who believed in and followed Jesus. Luke 10 shows Jesus sending out 70 disciples, two by two, to proclaim the Gospel.  After His resurrection, He appeared to more than 500 disciples at one time.)

After a night of prayer, Jesus called all the disciples together and chose from them twelve, whom He named “Apostles” (messengers sent out with authority).  And yes, Judas, as one of the twelve, was also called “an apostle.”

  1. Simon, whom He named Peter,
  2. Andrew, his brother,
  3. James, and
  4. John,
  5. Philip,
  6. Bartholomew (Nathaniel),
  7. Matthew (Levi),
  8. Thomas,
  9. James, the son of Alphaeus,
  10. Simon, the Zealot,
  11. Judas, the son of James,
  12. Judas Iscariot, who became a traitor.

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Vss. 17-19.

Then Jesus and the twelve came down from the mountain.  A great crowd of His disciples, along with a great multitude of people from as far as Jerusalem in the south, to Tyre and Sidon in the north, came to HEAR Jesus teach and to be HEALED of their diseases and released from demon possession.

Jesus healed them ALL.

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Vss. 20-23.

(I never noticed this before, but Luke tells us that Jesus taught the Beatitudes (and the whole “sermon on the mount”) to HIS DISCIPLES, to those who were following Him, believers. See verse 20.)

Looking at His disciples, Jesus said,

  • Blessed are YOU who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God.
  • Blessed are YOU who are hungry now, for you shall be satisfied.
  • Blessed are YOU who weep now, for you shall laugh.
  • Blessed are YOU when people hate you and when they exclude you and revile you and spurn your name as evil, on account of the Son of Man!  Rejoice in that day, and leap for joy, for behold, your reward is great in heaven; for so their fathers did to the prophets.

(NOTE: Luke’s version of the Sermon on the Mount is shortened.  His audience was meant to be Gentiles, and some of the portions omitted were uniquely Jewish, such as Jesus’ teaching about the Law of Moses.)

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Vss. 24-26.

Jesus now (as in good debates) takes the negative side of the above 4 “blessed.”

  • WOE to you who are rich, for you have received your consolation.
  • WOE to you who are full now, for you shall be hungry.
  • WOE to you who laugh now, for you shall mourn and weep.
  • WOE to you, when all people speak WELL of you, for so their fathers did to the FALSE prophets.

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The poverty and riches, hunger and fullness, weeping and laughter are more than just physical things. Jesus points to the attributes of the heart.

The “poor” point to a deep humility and spiritual insufficiency before God, where we know we are “lost and hopeless” without His love, mercy, and grace.  Ephesians 2.

The “rich” are those who feel self-sufficient and capable in themselves. They believe they do not need a Saviour. They are good enough.

Jesus also speaks of a hunger and thirst for RIGHTEOUSNESS rather than for bread and meat. This isn’t the self-righteousness of the Pharisees, but a true relationship with God, through the work of Jesus on the cross.  2 Corinthians 5:21.

Weeping portrays a godly repentance that leads to salvation and a joy beyond measure at forgiveness. 2 Corinthians 7:10

Careless laughing and mocking the things of God will turn to mourning when the judgment comes.  Isaiah 65:13-14

And if believers suffer and even die for Jesus’ sake, their reward will be great in heaven.  If the proud cultivate the approval of man, THAT is all they will get.  “They have their reward” now.  Matthew 6:3, 5

More tomorrow on Jesus’ “Sermon” to His disciples.

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Reading the Gospels in 2026: (3/25) Luke 5:12-26

Mar25

A 5-day per week study.

March 25 – Reading Luke 5:12-26

Read and believe in Jesus.

“Lord, if You will, you can make me clean.” “I will. Be clean.”  Luke 5:13

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The Gospel according to Luke 5:12-26

Review – In the last study, we saw Jesus in an empty, cleaned fishing boat.  He taught the crowd, then told Simon Peter to “catch some fish.”  But they’d fished all night with not a sardine! Nevertheless, Peter pushed out into deep water and threw the freshly washed nets over the side.

And fish!!! So much so that, even with the help of other boats, they couldn’t hold them all. A picture of evangelism in Jesus’ Kingdom, when obedience is before human wisdom.  You will be “fishers of men,” Jesus told them.

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Vss. 12-16.

Jesus is now teaching in another town. A leper approaches Him, saying,“If You will … You can make me clean.”

Those with leprosy in that day had to stay far away from healthy people.  They had to cry out, “Unclean, unclean!” whenever people passed by as a warning of their contagion.  Dr. Luke describes this man as being “full of leprosy,” so this was an advanced case. 

The man had been suffering for a long time. He was desperate.  He’d heard one of the “reports” about Jesus, how He was healing ALL diseases and casting out demonic spirits.  A glimmer of hope had sprung up.  And then He SAW Jesus.

He didn’t run to Him; perhaps his feet were so diseased that he couldn’t.

He simply fell … on his (mutilated) face … and begged.

“Lord! IF YOU WILL, You can make me clean.”  There was no doubt of Jesus’ ability. Leprosy was no match for this Healer.  But WOULD He? Would He have mercy? 

And then came the TOUCH.  Jesus TOUCHED the fully leprous man.

“I will,” Jesus said.“Be clean.”

Four words, and the leprosy was gone.  Such power in the WORDS of Jesus.

Leprosy (a picture of sin in the world) did not infect Jesus. His cleanness “infected” the man.

Oh, what grace! Oh, what deliverance! Oh, what joy!

(This is such a vivid picture of a sinner coming to Jesus. He’s heard that He CAN save sinners, that He DOES save sinners, but WILL He save this one?  Will He save me?  [See Romans 10:9-13, John 3:16-19, Acts 16:30-31)

Jesus instructed the man to do what the Law of Moses demanded when a person was healed/cleansed of leprosy. They were to go to a priest, show their “clean” skin, wait a period, and be examined again. And if the priest declared it so, they would offer a sacrifice. (Leviticus 13:1-46)

Luke doesn’t say that the man didn’t tell everyone he knew that he was healed.  But they could SEE. The formerly leprous man had clean, whole skin. He again had fingers and toes, ears and nose.  Amazement abounded.

And the “report” of Jesus’ teaching, healing, and casting out demons expanded to include the cleansing of leprosy.  Great crowds of needy, hurting people gathered to hear Him and be healed.

And Jesus withdrew to desolate places to pray.

(Wow. If the perfect, powerful, sinless Son of God found the time, place, and opportunity (and the NEED) to quietly pray to His father … how much more should this be true of us.)

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Vs. 17.

On another occasion, as Jesus was teaching … Pharisees and teachers of the law were sitting there.  They’d come from every village of Galilee, Judea, and even Jerusalem to “check Him out.” The reports of Jesus were spreading. These “hawks” were watching Him critically.

We don’t know exactly where Jesus was, but He was inside a building, maybe someone’s house, large enough to hold such a “convocation” of Jewish hierarchy.

“And the power of the Lord was with Him to heal.”

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Vss. 18-20.

And still, the needy crowds flocked to Jesus.  A group of men, friends of a paralyzed man, heard where Jesus was and loaded up their friend on a stretcher-like mat.  The house was crowded, and people massed outside, listening to Jesus teach.  How would they reach Him with their friend?

  • Four sets of eyes raised to the roof, and the stairs leading to the “outdoor” room behind the parapet.
  • They carried their helpless friend up, laid him down, and began dismantling the roof.
  • Tiles were pried up and carefully laid aside, exposing the wood rafters.
  • Eventually, dust and pieces of “grout” filtered down inside the house.
  • All inside looked up, and the men lowered their friend’s mat, JUST IN FRONT OF JESUS.

Jesus looked UP and saw THEIR faith, and said to THE MAN, “Your sins are forgiven.”

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Vss. 21-26.

Of course, the hyper-religious Pharisees jumped on these words. In their hearts, they were condemning Jesus of blasphemy. WHO can forgive sins but God?  Is this man saying He is … GOD??

“Why do you question in your hearts?” Jesus knew their thoughts.

“Which is easier, to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven you,’ Or to say, ‘Rise and walk’?

But so that you may KNOW that the Son of Man HAS authority on earth to forgive sins…”  Jesus turns to the man who was paralyzed and says, “I say to you, rise, pick up your bed, and go home.”

Immediately, the formerly paralyzed man rose up, picked up what he’d been lying on, and went through the door and home, glorifying God (with his four friends, I’m sure). 

(Yes, I believe that later, they returned and, when the house was empty, repaired the roof.)

And amazement seized all who witnessed and heard of this miracle, and they glorified God, and were filled with awe, saying, ”We have seen extraordinary things today.”

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(Did the religious leaders also glorify God?  Or did they feel outrage at Jesus’ words and actions? Was the darkness of murder already filling their hearts and minds? This was only the beginning of clashes between Jesus and those who were supposed to lead Israel in holiness.)

 

Reading the Gospels in 2026: (2/26) Mark 14:66-72

Feb26

A 5-day per week study.

February 26– Reading Mark 14:66-72

Read and believe in Jesus.

“And Peter remembered….” Mark 14:72a

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The Gospel according to Mark 14:66-72

In the last study, the ordeal of our salvation begins. Jesus faces the High Priest and the full Sanhedrin (alone), where He is convicted of blasphemy and sentenced to death. And the nastiness begins. Spitting, mocking, slapping, and fist blows.  Jesus, the Son of God, the Messiah … for us.

Meanwhile His chief disciple is outside in the courtyard, warming himself by a fire.

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Vss.66-72.

Peter’s heart is racing, and his mind is in confusion.  What was happening with Jesus?  WHY did He allow Himself to be arrested? What will they do with Him?  And… what about us??  We thought…..!

A voice, that of one of the servant girls of the High Priest, jerks him from his thoughts.  “YOU also were with the Nazarene, Jesus!”  

Peter whips around and stares at her. “I neither know nor understand what you mean.”  He moves away, towards the exit gate.  A rooster crows, but it barely registers.

The servant girl gestures at Peter and says to the bystanders, “This man is one of THEM.”

“No, I am not.” His eyes are wide, his breathing is fast.

One of the bystanders then says, “Certainly you ARE one of them, for you are a Galilean.”

Peter invokes a curse on himself and begins to swear.  “I do not KNOW this man of whom you speak!”

And the rooster crows a second time.

Peter hears it.  And he remembers.  Jesus, his beloved Master, had told him, “Before the rooster crows twice, you will deny me three times.” Peter runs off into the fading darkness, breaks down, and weeps bitterly.  What… has… he… done?

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(How like Peter we are. At times more concerned with ourselves than our Savior. We devote our time to Him. We testify to His grace. We tell others of Him. We even pray for others, and God hears and heals.  Then something comes along that our sinful nature responds to, and we sin. We sin grossly.  Our “self” and its pleasure, safety, and pride are all that matter in the moment … and we turn our backs on Him.  We deny HIM.   The one we LOVE.  Is there any hope of forgiveness????)

In the last verses of our reading of Mark’s Gospel, we will get a hint of the answer.

 

 

 

 

Reading the Gospels in 2026: (2/4) Mark 9:14-29

Feb4

A 5-day per week study.

February 4– Reading Mark 9:14-29

Read and believe in Jesus.

“And Jesus said, ‘All things are possible for the one who believes.’”  Mark 9:23

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The Gospel according to Mark 9:14-29

Jesus and the “inner three” disciples have come down from Mount Hermon, where Jesus had been transfigured.  Those disciples had been stunned by the vision of Jesus in all his Heavenly glory, talking to Moses and Elijah.  When Peter tried to say something smart, the mighty voice of God broke through, saying He was very pleased with His Son … and told Peter (and us) to listen to HIM.

The atmosphere was quiet as they hiked down the mountain. Jesus had told them not to tell anyone about this incident until AFTER he’d been raised from the dead.  Not knowing how to respond to THAT, they thought of seeing Elijah and asked whether the prophet was yet to come.  Jesus told them yes, and no, so it was still as clear as mud to them.

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Vss. 14-18.

Reaching the end of their hike down, Jesus and the three saw a great crowd and some scribes clustered around the other nine disciples.

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(NOTE: After a “mountaintop” spiritually uplifting experience with the Lord, always be prepared to face problems in “the valley.”)

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“What’s going on here?”  Jesus demanded, His “mama bear” hackles rising at the possibility of His own being threatened.  And looking right at the learned scribes, Jesus added, “What are you arguing about with them?

But it was a man of the town who spoke up.  “Teacher, I brought my son to You for he has a spirit that makes him mute.  And whenever it seizes him, it throws him down, and he foams and grinds his teeth and becomes rigid.  So I asked your disciples to cast it out, but they were not able.”

(This is surprising when you think of the things the disciples did on their two-by-two training mission several months back, specifically casting out demons. (See Mark 6:13)

Jesus’ exasperation at the unbelief is shown by his questions, “O faithless generation, how long am I to BE with you?  How long am I to BEAR with you?”

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(NOTE:  So just who was Jesus so upset with?  Them all!  The father, for sure, the nine disciples, the unbelieving scribes who were probably gloating over the disciples’ failure, the crowd, and, yes, with unbelieving Israel in general.  Faith, belief in Jesus, was key to His entire mission on earth!)

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Vss. 19-27

“Bring him to Me,”  Jesus said to the father, and the child was brought.  Instantly, on seeing Jesus, the spirit convulsed the boy. He fell on the ground and rolled about, foaming at the mouth.”

“How long has this been happening to Him?  Jesus asked.

“From childhood,” the father said.  “And it has often cast him into the fire and into water to destroy him. But … if you can do anything … have compassion on us and help us!”

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(NOTE: The man said, “If you CAN.”  Compare this with others who brought their sick to Jesus, and asked, “If you WILL, have mercy on —.” or “If you WILL, you can heal me.”  Probably, since the other disciples were unable to help his son, the father’s hope had begun to waver. He had started to doubt that healing was possible – much like we do sometimes.)

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Jesus picked up on that word, “can.”  And seeing the man’s faith wavering like a “bruised reed,” Jesus did not break it, but strengthened it.

“‘If you can,'” Jesus quoted the man, then added, “All things are possible for the one who BELIEVES.”

“I believe!!  Help my unbelief!”  the man cried out.

Jesus rebuked the unclean spirit, ‘You mute and deaf spirit, I command you, come out of him and never enter him again!”

After crying aloud and convulsing the boy terribly, it came out.  But the boy lay still as a corpse.  “He’s dead!” some said.

But Jesus took him by the hand and lifted him up.  And he arose.  (Does this mean…..?)

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(NOTE:  Jesus often healed those in a crowd without requiring faith.  He has the power.  He can do that.  But sometimes – maybe looking at the man as one who would eventually believe unto salvation – Jesus tested and strengthened his faith.  Or maybe, Jesus glanced at the nine disciples when He said, “All things are possible for the one who believes.”)

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Vss. 28-29.

Later, in the house where they were staying, the disciples asked Jesus why THEY couldn’t cast out the unclean spirit?

“This kind cannot be driven out by anything but prayer,”  Jesus told them.

  • (NOTE: Both Matthew 17:21 and Mark 9:29b leave out the phrase, “and fasting,” in some versions.)
  • 1)  Perhaps the nine disciples had been overconfident because of past experience. Perhaps they had trusted in their own words and had neglected to draw on the power of the Spirit.
  • 2)  Matthew 17:18-20 says their faith was lacking.   
  • 3)  Some demons are more powerful and obstinate, more resistant to being cast out. (See Matthew 12:43-45)   

 

 

 

 

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Reading the Gospels in 2026: (1/21) Mark 5:35-43

Jan21

A 5-day per week study.

January 21 – Reading Mark 5:35-43.

Read and believe in Jesus.

“Do not fear, only believe.” Mark 5:36b

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The Gospel according to Mark 5:35-43.

Synagogue ruler, Jairus, had come to Jesus for help. He was in desperate need.  His 12-year-old daughter was deathly ill, at death’s door. “Please come and lay hands on her that she may live,” he had begged Jesus.  And Jesus went with him.

But there was a delay.

Another amazing healing.

A woman released from a daily “death.”

And while Jairus waited, anxious and fearful… his daughter faded.

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Vs. 35.

While Jesus was still speaking (to the woman), there came from the ruler’s house someone who said, “Your daughter is dead. Why trouble the Teacher any further?”

Imagine the pain in his heart. The grief that almost caused him to collapse. The wistful questions, “If only I’d come sooner. If only that woman hadn’t interrupted.”

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Vs. 36.

Jesus overheard the message, although it was probably spoken in a low voice for Jairus’s ears only.  He looked right at Jairus and said, “Do not fear, only believe.”

Jairus had a choice at that moment.  He was to believe.  But whom?  The servant from his own house, or the Teacher-healer, Jesus?

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Vss 37-40a.

When Jesus and His inner three disciples (Peter, James, and John) began walking quickly towards Jairus’ house, the synagogue ruler followed, hope rising in his heart. 

But at his house, the mourners they’d hired (in case) had already begun their loud dirge, weeping and wailing, fists to the sky.  Perhaps Jairus’ hope plunged.  It was true. His little girl was dead. It was too late…

Then Jesus spoke, “Why are you making a commotion and weeping?  The child is not dead but sleeping.”  Jairus’s heart beat wildly. Sleeping?  Not dead? 

But the mourners laughed at Jesus. They were professionals. They had seen death many times. They knew the girl was dead. 

Jesus put them all outside.  Then, taking His three disciples and Jairus and his wife, He entered the room where their daughter lay.  Taking her by the hand He said to her, “Talitha cumi.” (Little girl, I say, arise.)  And immediately the girl got up and began walking!   Everyone (except Jesus) was overcome with amazement!

I can imagine her parents hugging her, running their hands through her hair and down her arms. Yes. YES! She was alive. O praise, God, she is alive!  Our daughter, who was dead, is now ALIVE!” Such joy and celebration. They wanted to tell the world.  

But Jesus strictly charged them not to let anyone know this.  Then, to keep her parents busy and also to help their daughter, He told them to get her something to eat.  (She’d probably gone days or more without food when she was sick.)  

Mark doesn’t tell us, but it’s likely that Jesus quickly dispersed the mourners. They were wrong. She is okay and eating a meal. 

Mark’s next chapter has Jesus leaving Capernaum and going to his hometown of Nazareth.  It seems the miracle of resurrection WAS kept a secret.  Or maybe that’s why Jesus and his disciples left Capernaum for a while. We’ll see what’s next tomorrow.

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( Ponderings:  It’s interesting that this little girl was twelve years old, and the woman with the discharge had suffered her affliction for twelve years. Her illness had begun the year the girl was born, and now it was near the time for the girl to begin her monthly issue.  In a society that honored boys and men, Jesus lovingly took time to touch and heal an “unclean” woman and the “unclean” body of a dead little girl. Another picture of why Jesus came … to ultimately heal our fatal sin problem and give us new spiritual life in Him.  Thank You, Jesus!)

 Now, if I were a historical fiction writer, I would write this story as a book and connect these two “women” in some way.

Reading the Gospels in 2026: (1/20) Mark 5:21-34

Jan20

A 5-day per week study.

January 20 – Reading Mark 5:21-34.

Read and believe in Jesus.

“Daughter, your faith has made you well; go in peace, and be healed of your disease.” Mark 5:34

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The Gospel according to Mark 5:21-34.

Jesus and His disciples had been on the Eastern side of the lake for a day, and now they were back in Capernaum.  It was as if Jesus had just “popped” over there to free the man possessed by demons.  Now he was back “at headquarters,” and again the crowds ‘thronged’ around him, all with desperate needs.

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Vss. 21-24

As soon as Jesus left the boat and began to walk among the crowd, one of the rulers of the synagogue, Jairus by name, came and fell at His feet, pleading earnestly, 

“My little daughter is at the point of death. Come and lay your hands on her, so that she may be made well and live.”

Jesus went with Jairus towards his house. And the great crowd went along, also calling and pleading for help.

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Vss. 25-28.

In that crowd was a woman who was suffering from a condition that made her not only physically weak but ceremonially “unclean.”  She had “an issue of blood,” and that meant she could not enter a synagogue or the temple.  And if anyone touched her, THEY would become unclean too. All who knew of her condition shunned her… almost like a leper.

We might automatically think this was something to do with her monthly period, but it had persisted for twelve years. Perhaps it was a cancerous tumor that was causing the constant bleeding.

This poor woman had gone to doctor after doctor until her money was gone, but none helped her.  She was desperate. But then Jesus came to her town. She’d seen him with the sick, the paralyzed, the leper.  He was kind. He touched them. And He healed them all. An unfamiliar hope rose in her.  Perhaps, if she could but touch His garment…..

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Vss. 29-34.

Finally, the woman got near enough to Jesus to reach out and touch the “fringe” of His garment. This could have been one of the four tassels on the corners of the prayer garment that all Jewish men wore, including Jesus. It was a flimsy thing, a few blue and white strings.  But this “unclean” woman touched it, and immediately she felt in her body that she was healed. 

She was going to slip away quietly to rejoice and take the ceremonial mikvah (bath), so she would be “clean” again….

“Who touched me?” Jesus said, pausing and looking around, for He had “perceived that power had gone out of Him.”

“Master,” the disciples said in amusement, “You see the crowd pressing around You, and You ask, ‘Who touched me?'”

The crowd had stopped, too. They stood around Him as Jesus scanned the crowd. Did His eyes stop on the woman an instant before she came forward?  She came in fear, trembling, and fell at His feet.  She confessed the whole truth. (Did the crowd move back a step when she mentioned her bleeding?)  She also confessed to the healing she KNEW she’d received.

What would Jesus do?  What would He say?  She and the crowd waited in silence.

“Daughter, your faith has made you well. Go in peace, and be healed of your disease.”

 WHOA!  Now she could rejoice openly.  And Jesus’ proclamation of healing had also freed her from condemnation and shunning by the people around her.  Oh, PRAISE GOD!  Her heart must have swelled in worship as she left.

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But what of Jairus and his desperately ill daughter?  He must have been waiting anxiously, fearful, while Jesus took time with the woman.

We’ll catch up with him tomorrow.

 

 

 

Reading the Gospels in 2026: (1/6) Mark 2:1-12

Jan6

A 5-day per week study.

January 6 – Reading Mark 2:1-12.

Read and believe in Jesus.

“When Jesus saw their faith, He said to the paralytic, “Son, your sins are forgiven.”  Mark 2:5

 

The Gospel According to Mark 2:1-12.

Vss 1-2.

Jesus, and a few disciples, had been away preaching and casting out demons throughout all Galilee for several weeks or months. Then, after the glorious healing of the leper, Jesus had gone into seclusion for a bit because of the crowds thronged Him. 

Now, He had returned to Capernaum, to Peter’s house, and after a few days … it was reported that He was back.  Immediately many came to hear and be healed. They pushed into Peter’s house till it was packed like sardines, and they crowded around the door to try and hear Him. 

In that crowd, were some Scribes who had mananged to come inside. They were “sitting” and watching Jesus with hawk eyes.  And Jesus preached “the word.”  (The Gospel of grace, faith, and forgiveness.)

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Vss 3-5.

In Capernaum, there lived a man who was paralyzed in his legs. We aren’t told if this was an injury or a birth defect.  But this man was very fortunate. He had four friends, perhaps former co-workers, who cared about him deeply. They heard that Jesus, the miracle-healer, was back in town.  They got a stretcher for their friend and jogged (double-time) to Peter’s house. 

But before they got close enough to even hear Jesus speaking inside, they saw the crowds straining and pushing around the door. 

Perhaps they stopped, took in the situation, speaking among themselves. What to do?  Should they wait outside till Jesus came out?  Did the paralytic tell them to just take him home, that maybe later….

But no!  One had spied the steps leading to the roof of Peter’s house. (It was a flat place where the family could sit or sleep when it got too hot inside.)  The friends nodded. They went around the house and carefully carried their friend up the steps.  Once there, they began removing the roofing material, surely laying it aside neatly so they could later repair it.

Inside, Jesus was aware of their efforts.  Soon everyone was, as an opening appeared in the ceiling. Gasps? Dismay? Outrage? 

But Jesus saw something else.  He saw THEIR FAITH.  And as they let down the paralyzed man, Jesus said to him, “Son, your sins are forgiven.” 

(Was there joy on the man’s face?  Was THIS his main problem, the one that haunted him even more than his useless legs? What joy he must have felt!) 

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Vss 6-9.

Ah, but those Jewish scribes.  What were they thinking?  You could tell by their faces they weren’t happy. 

One was thinking, “Why does this man speak like this?“

The second one, “He is blaspheming!”

The third one, “Who can forgive sins but GOD alone??”

Just like Jesus could see into the paralytic’s heart, he saw the darkness in these men’s hearts.

“Why do you question these things in your hearts? Which is easier to say to the paralytic, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Rise, take up your bed and walk?’  But, that you man KNOW that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins…” Jesus turned to the paralyzed man and said, “I say to you, rise, pick up your bed, and go home.”

The man, whose sins were forgiven, rose and immediately, picked up his bed, and went out before them all.  The parting crowd was amazed and they glorified God.  They said, “We never saw anything like this!’“

 

(And of course, the friends of the man ran down the steps two at at time. The embraced him and joined in glorifying God. 

Yes, I think later they returned and repaired the roof.)

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(Back to the question Jesus asked the Scribes.  “Which is easier TO SAY?”  This is different from, “Which is easier TO DO?”  Anyone could say anything, but did that make it true?   Jesus had backed up His words with actions. The Scribes didn’t believe their EARS, but they had to believe their EYES.

The paralyzed man of course believed his ears at both things Jesus said. And so did his friends.  He was forgiven.  He was healed.   And he had acted on both. He got up and went home, a forgiven man.

Oh, Lord! for FAITH to believe ALL You say to us in Your Word! Like You said to Thomas, ‘Blessed are those who don’t see and yet believe!’)                                       

 

Journaling through the Bible Chronologically in 2025, Day 340

Dec6

The LAST Month of 2025’s Reading!

Day 340 – Reading – 2 Corinthians 10 – 13

Read and believe in Jesus!

 2 Corinthians 10-13

Chapters 10-13 have a somewhat different tone as Paul prepares the Corinthians for his promised 3rd visit.  In these chapters, he defends his ministry (as opposed to those “super-apostles” trying to turn them away); he “boasts” some about his travails; mentions that amazing vision of Heaven and subsequent “thorn in the flesh;” and gives his final exhortation to them to examine their own hearts.

2 Corinthians 10.

Paul agrees with his accusers that when he is away from the Corinthians, he’s bold in his rebukes, but when he is with them, he’s like a lamb.  It’s because he loves them and want’s sweet fellowship with them when he is there. 

He admits that they are all walking in their “fleshly” bodies, but the war for their sanctification is waged spiritually.

  • “The weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds. We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God. We take every thought captive to obey Christ, being ready to punish every disobedience, when your obedience is complete.”

Paul says he doesn’t want to appear frightening to them with his boasts of the authority, but the Lord gave him such authority so to reach them. 

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2 Corinthians 11.

Paul is stern with them because he is divinely jealous of them, as a husband to a wife. He’s afraid they will be led astray from a “sincere and pure devotion to Christ.”  Let any who proclaim another Gospel be accursed.

“Even if I am unskilled in speaking, I am not unskilled in knowledge. I am not in the least inferior to those “super-apostles” who attempt to sway them. THEY are deceitful workmen, disguising themselves as apostles of Christ.  And no wonder!  Satan disguises himself as an angel of light, so no surprise that his servants make themselves appear righteous!

Paul’s embarrassed to boast of his credentials, but he feels the Corinthians need it. 

  • He, too, is a Hebrew and Israelite, a son of Abraham, and a better servant of Christ. 
  • He’s done far greater labors, far more imprisonments, countless beatings, and often near death.
  • Five times he received the 39 whips from the Jews, three times he was beaten with rods. Once, he was stoned. Three times he was shipwrecked (with 24 hours adrift in the sea)
  • On frequent journeys, in danger from rivers, robbers, his own people, Gentiles, in the city, in the wilderness, at sea, and from false brothers.
  • In toil and hardships, through many sleepless nights, hungry and thirsty, often without food, in cold and exposure.
  • AND … apart from that, there is the daily pressure on him of the anxiety for all the churches.
  • And once – this seems to be the most humiliating of all to Paul – he was let down in a basket through a window in the wall of Damascus to escape the governor!!!

WOW!! How much have “I” suffered for Christ and the ministry?  Nada.

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2 Corinthians 12.

And then Paul tells of the most amazing happening of all.  He uses the 3rd person to avoid self-aggrandizement. 

  • “Fourteen years ago, ‘this man’ was caught up into Heaven (God’s dwelling place), whether in the body or not, he couldn’t tell. ‘This man’ was in Paradise, and he heard things that cannot be told, which man may not utter. On behalf of ‘this man I will boast, but on my own behalf I will NOT boast, except on my weaknesses. I refrain from boasting SO THAT no one will think more highly of him than he should.
  • “So… to keep me from becoming conceited because of the surpassing greatness of the revelations, a thorn was given to me in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to harass me, to keep me from becoming conceited. ****
  • “Three times I pleaded with the LORD about this, that it should leave me.  But He said, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness.”  Therefore, I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest on me.  For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak … then I am strong.”

Then Paul says he’s been a fool, but they forced him to do it.  THEY should have commended him, but he had to do it himself to show he was not inferior to those super-apostles. 

Paul did among them the signs of a TRUE APOSTLE – signs and wonders and mighty works.

Like a parent (which he was to them), he was glad to spend and be spent for their souls.  He LOVED them.

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2 Corinthians 13.

And so, before his third visit, Paul gives them final warnings. He would not “spare” those he’d warned before if they had not repented.

They are to “Examine themselves, to see whether they are IN THE FAITH.  They should test themselves to see if Jesus Christ is IN them.   “We pray to God that you may not do wrong, that you may have met the test and are doing what is right.”

THIS IS WHY he was writing to them.  Their restoration is what he prays for.  He doesn’t want to be so severe when he comes, using the authority the Lord gave him to build up the churches.

  • “And so, rejoice!  Aim for restoration, comfort one another, agree with one another, live in peace;  and the God of love and peace will be with you.”

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**** NOTE:  There have been many speculations as to what that “thorn in the flesh” was.  Yes, it was “a messenger of Satan,” but it was GOD who sent it.  Like Job, God allowed Satan to afflict Paul’s body in some way to keep him humble.

Some believe it was a continual eye problem, a gradual blindness, perhaps.  Paul mentions that the Galatian churches would have gladly gouged out their own eyes and given them to him. (Galatians 4:15)

Some believe this “thorn” was a demonized person, a demon indwelling the ringleader of the Corinthian conspiracy, the leader of those “false apostles.”  Paul says the “thorn” was sent to “harass” him. “Harass” always refers to ill-treatment from other people. And in the O.T., Israel’s opponents are described “thorns.”

However you view Paul’s thorn, I think the identity was kept vague, so that we, too, might see an evil person, a condition, or an experience as a warning from God or a way to keep us humble.  AND to be assured that God’s GRACE is sufficient in whatever situation.  We can trust Him.

 

 

 

Journaling through the Bible Chronologically in 2025, Day 338

Dec4

The LAST Month of 2025’s Reading!

Day 338 – Reading – 2 Corinthians 1 – 4.

Read and believe in Jesus!

2 Corinthians

SECOND Corinthians is probably the third letter Paul sent to Corinth, although we don’t have access to the missing one(s).  God oversees His Word, and these two letters are what WE are meant to read.

There was a letter FROM the Corinthians, then a “painful” visit by Paul to Corinth, and finally Paul’s “severe” letter back to Corinth carried by Titus. Paul probably wrote 2nd Corinthians from Philippi, after leaving Ephesus, and finally hearing good news from Titus.

The Corinthians were a carnal, cantankerous bunch, but Paul was determined to set his “spiritual children” right. (Have any of you ever had a child like that?)

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2 Corinthians 1.

The God of All Comfort

After greeting the Corinthians and saints in all of Greece, Paul turns to praising “the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.”  He calls Him “the Father of mercies” and “the God of all comfort.  He says that God comforts HIM in HIS affliction, so he can in turn comfort the Corinthians as they suffer for Christ.

Then Paul explains a bit of the affliction he experienced in Asia. He says he “despaired of life,” thinking that surely this time he would die for the Gospel and cut short his ministry. His hope that God could raise him from the dead was the only hope of rescue he had.

(Too bad we don’t know what this horrible experience for Paul was.)

Paul tells them that God “delivered him from a deadly peril” and he trusts He will do it again.  But he tells the Corinthians, “You must help us by prayer.”

Paul’s Change of Plans

Paul had wanted to go to Corinth again after his “painful” visit and “severe” letter, to bring a blessing of GRACE. But for some reason his plans changed and he went straight to Macedonia. Some false apostles took advantage of his change of plans, telling the Corinthians who “untrustworthy” he was. And they tried to discredit him in other ways, saying his yes didn’t mean yes, and his no didn’t mean no.

Paul counters by saying that it was for THEIR benefit that he didn’t come. To spare them.  He even calls God as his witness to this.

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2 Corinthians 2.

Forgive the sinner

Paul then brings up the incidence mentioned in his first letter about the gross sin they were allowing in the church – a man living with his mother in law, and their not correcting him. (1 Corinthians5:4-13) It seems they had obeyed and followed the correct process of discipline and punishment. Now, since the man had repented, they were to allow him back into fellowship in an act of forgiveness.  Forgiving a repentant sinner is just what God had done for them. Let the man experience joy again.

If they remain unforgiving and unwelcoming, they might be “outwitted by Satan’s designs,” which are to destroy unity in the church. God forbid.

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Triumph in Christ

Then Paul confesses his distraught feeling for them before he heard how things were in Corinth.  He’d arrived in Troas from Ephesus intending to preach the Gospel there.  But – even though a door was opened for him in the Lord – his spirit was not at rest, because he hadn’t heard news of them. (Titus hadn’t arrived yet.)  So, even with a door open to ministry in Troas, Paul sailed over to Macedonia, where he finally met up with Titus and rejoiced when he heard the good news.

  • But thanks be to God, who in Christ always leads us in triumphal processions and through us spreads the fragrance of the knowledge of Him everywhere.  For we are the AROMA of Christ to God among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing, to one a fragrance from death to death, to the other a fragrance from life to life.

And then a “slam” to those false apostles who were trying to discredit Paul while he was away,

  • For we are not – like so many (the majority of) peddlers of God’s word – but as men of sincerity, as commissioned by God. In the sight of God we speak in Christ.

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2 Corinthians 3.

Ministers of the New Covenant

The false apostles attacked Paul’s competency as a minister of the Gospel – he was not eloquent, he was poor and had to work for a living, he didn’t have the “right” documents of authority (from Jerusalem).

Paul answered that last accusation with,

  • YOU yourselves are our “letter of recommendation,” written on our hearts, to be known and read by all. You are a letter from Christ delivered to us, written not with ink, but wit the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone, but on tablets of human hearts.”

Paul claimed that his “sufficiency” came not from men, but from God, “who has made us competent to be ministers of a new covenant, not by LETTER but by the SPIRIT.”

Paul relates a story of the OT Israelites whose minds were hardened and to this day also when they read the Law. They did not grasp the glory then, nor now, because of their UNBELIEF.  But when a person comes to Christ, the veil is lifted and his spiritual perception is no longer impaired.  With the veil of unbelief lifted, believers are now able to see the glory of God revealed in Christ.

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2 Corinthians 4.

The Light of the Gospel

Paul continues from chapter 3, saying they have THIS MINISTRY by the mercy of God.  In comparison to those fake apostles, “We have renounced disgraceful, underhanded ways.  We refuse to practice cunning or to tamper with God’s word, but by the open statement of the truth, we commend ourselves in the light of God.

“If our Gospel is veiled, it is veiled only to those who are perishing.  The god of this world has blinded the minds of unbelievers to keep them from seeing the light of the Gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. 

“For what we proclaim is NOT ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, and ourselves as your servants for Jesus’ sake.

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Treasures in Clay Jars

Paul continues,

  • “But we have this treasure in jars of clay, so show that the surpassing power belongs to GOD and not to US.
  • We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed;
  • Perplexed, but not driven to despair;
  • Persecuted but not forsaken;
  • Struck down, but not destroyed;
  • Always carrying in the body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be manifested in our bodies.
  • Death is at work in us, but life in you.

It is all for your sake (o you Corinthians), so thanksgiving may increase to the glory of God.

  • “So we don’t lose heart.
  • Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day after day.
  • This light, momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comprehension.