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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. 

Journaling through the Bible Chronologically in 2025, Day 319

Nov15

Day 319 – Reading – Luke 24 and John 20-21

Read and believe in Jesus!

Luke 24 and John 20-21.

These chapters (like yesterday) tell of the Resurrection of Jesus.  He told Martha that He was “the resurrection and the life,” and He’s proved it now.  Luke provides more small details of the events, while John includes more events and the very purpose of His Gospel.

The Resurrection

On the first day of the week, while it was still dark, the faithful women walked to the tomb with spices to anoint the body of their Lord.  They were met instead by two brilliantly white angels who asked them,

“Why do you seek the living among the dead?  He is not here, but has risen.  Remember how he told you, while he was still in Galilee, that the Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men and be crucified and on the third day rise?”

Yes! They remembered His words!!  And they hurried to the eleven disciples to tell them the good news (which the men did not believe at first).

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Jesus and Mary Magdalene

But Mary just couldn’t take it all in. It was too much to bear?  Alive?  Where was His body? And Jesus appeared to her, calling her by name.  And THEN she believed.  She was like Thomas: she needed that little bit more to help her unbelief.  Jesus understands. He loves his followers and gives them what they need.

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Peter and John Check the Tomb

Meanwhile, Peter and John decided to check out what the women said.  They ran to the tomb. John, the faster runner, got there first but hesitated at the door.  Peter charged right in, and then John followed. Sure enough, the tomb was empty.

But they saw details that confused and encouraged them.  The grave clothes that Joseph had wrapped Jesus’ body in were still there, lying as if the body had risen right through them.  And the linen cloth that had been around Jesus’ head was … folded and laid aside … purposefully.  What grave robber would take the time to do that?  Could it be?  Was He?  John believed, for sure. Peter, maybe, but still hesitated. But he marveled at the thought as he went home. Jesus alive!!!

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On the Road to Emmaus

Two other disciples, one named Cleopas, decided to go back home. It was about a day’s walk, and as they went, they discussed all that had happened – from the triumphant entry of Jesus into Jerusalem on a colt, to His wonderful teaching and sparring with the religious leaders, to His arrest, trials, and finally, that horrible crucifixion and quiet burial.  They could not understand.  They thought Jesus was the Messiah, but now He was dead.  It all happened so quickly.

And while they were in deep, anguished conversation, another man joined them on the way, asking why all the earnest talk and sad faces.  They explained to this man (Jesus) all that had happened.  And HE explained to them how all those baffling things were the fulfillments of prophecy.  He listed the prophecies in the Law, the prophets, and the writings that this Jesus had fulfilled.  Gradually, the eyes of their understanding were opened.

They asked Jesus to stay at their house for a while ( for dinner) and He agreed.  Then, as He broke bread and blessed it … oh, that looks familiar… didn’t Jesus do it just that way?  Was… was… THIS MAN Jesus????  YES!  He was!  And as soon as Jesus revealed Himself, He vanished.

The two gobbled down the food and immediately started back to Jerusalem.  They HAD to tell the others.  They had SEEN the risen Jesus.  He was ALIVE!

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Jesus appears to 10 Disciples

Meanwhile, back in Jerusalem, the ten disciples (minus Thomas, who was somewhere, alone and despondent) were sitting behind locked doors, eating a bit of fish and bread.  They were mourning Jesus’ death, hardly believing what the women said, and what the two leaders had seen. What would they do now?

Then. there was Jesus, standing among them as always.  They about jumped out of their skin!  A ghost!!

“Peace, to you!  Calm down, brothers. It’s me.  See the nail scars in my hands and on my side?  Touch me and see, for a ghost does not have flesh and bones.  Do you have anything to eat?

They gave him some of the fish, and Jesus ate it.  Gradually, they believed it was Jesus, in the flesh (new flesh), risen from the dead.

After Jesus disappeared again, the ten told Thomas what had happened, wishing he had been there too.

“Unless I see in his hands the mark of the nails, and place my finger into the mark of the nails, and place my hand into His side …. I will never believe.”   

(Remember, Thomas had a melancholy disposition.  He usually saw things in a negative way. [At the feeding of the 5,000, he’d said they would NEVER have food enough. When Jesus said he was going to Bethany to see the dead Lazarus, Thomas said they should go along and DIE with Him.)  But Jesus understands all our personalities (like he did Mary’s).

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Jesus appears to all 11 Disciples

Eight days later, Jesus appears through the walls again, and Thomas is with them.

Jesus:  “Thomas, put your finger here and see my hands; and put out your hand and place it in my side.  Do not disbelieve, but believe.”

Thomas:  “My Lord and my God!”

Jesus:  “Have you believed because you have seen me?  Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”

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The Purpose of John’s Account

It’s here, after Thomas declares his belief, and Jesus blesses all who will not see Him, and yet believe, that John writes the purpose of his gospel.

“Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book; but THESE are written so that YOU MAY BELIEVE THAT JESUS IS THE CHRIST, THE SON OF GOD, and that by believing, you may have Life in His name.”

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Jesus Appears to 7 Disciples in Galilee

Later, back in their hometown, a few of the disciples decide to go fishing.  They are at loose ends. (Jesus hasn’t given them the “great commission” yet, or told them to wait in Jerusalem for the Holy Spirit.) He only said He would meet them in Galilee.

They fish all night without success (just like old times).

Meanwhile, on shore, they can see someone with a fire going.  The man calls and asks if they have any fish.  They say they haven’t.  Then … in a strangely familiar way … the man tells them to throw their nets on the other side of the boat.  They hesitate, then do it.  And WOW!  The fish are practically jumping into the boat.

They haul in a load, then Peter notices John is staring at the man.  “It’s the LORD,” John says in awe.  Peter swings around.  As he recognizes Jesus, he is already putting on his shirt. Unable to wait till the boat gets to shore, Peter dives in and power-strokes to his Master.  He is at Jesus’ feet, weeping, and Jesus is making him stand as the boat arrives.  (‘Later, Peter,’ Jesus whispers.)

Jesus adds a few fish to the fish he’s cooking and the bread He’s warming, and serves the men breakfast.  As Jesus broke the fish and bread and handed them out, an intense sense of Deja vu overwhelmed them, and they remembered the 5,000 and the 4,000, and many other times He’d fed them.

Did Jesus remind them again of His first call?  “Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men.”

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Jesus and Peter.

While the men finished eating and saw to the fish they’d caught, Jesus began reinstating Peter as the group’s leader. All listened quietly as Peter pledged his brotherly love for Jesus.  Three times Peter had denied Jesus (they all knew it), now Jesus asked Peter three times if he loved Him.  “Yes, Lord, You know I love You!’  ” Yes, Lord, You know that I love You!”  “Lord, You know everything, You know that I love You!” 

Jesus looked deeply into Peter’s soul and recommissioned him, “Feed my lambs.” “Tend my sheep.”  “Feed my sheep.”  Jesus had prayed for Peter in his hour of trial as He promised, and He saw Peter’s godly sorrow and repentance.  Now, Jesus showed the others that he was forgiven, and again in the leadership position.

Then Jesus alluded to what kind of martyrdom Peter would face.  He, too, would be crucified (so prepare yourself!), and God would be glorified through his death.  But that was in the future. Meanwhile, Peter was simply to “Follow me,” said Jesus.

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Jesus and John.

Then, as was Peter’s habit, he briefly looked away from Jesus – remember when Peter was walking on water? When he looked away from Jesus, he began to sink.  Here, he does the same.

Peter, looking at John: “Lord, what about this man?  How will he die?”

Jesus, again scolding him for taking his eyes off Himself: “If it is my will that he remain until I come, what is that to YOU. YOU follow ME.”

(Of course, the rumor then went around that John wouldn’t die. But that’s not what Jesus said.)

John indeed outlived the other disciples by many years, dying peacefully in his mid-nineties.   Jesus had another job for John.  Like Daniel in the Old Testament, John would see visions of the end times, both the horrors and the glories.  And he would write it all down in the book of REVELATION.

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Jesus’ Commission All His Disciples

Eventually, after spending time with His disciples in Galilee, and appearing before 500 of His followers at one time, Jesus appeared with the eleven back in Jerusalem for the Feast of Pentecost.

He taught them a “crash course” on how He fulfilled all the prophecies of the Messiah in the Law of Moses, the Prophets, and the Psalms.  He showed them HOW the Messiah had to suffer, die, and on the third day rise from the dead.  It was all there, and Jesus made it plain to them.  Of course, the Holy Spirit would also remind them of everything, as needed.

Then Jesus told them, “Repentance and forgiveness of sins shall be proclaimed in My name to all nations, beginning from Jerusalem.  YOU are witnesses of these things!  And behold, I am sending the promise of my Father upon you (the Holy Spirit). But stay in the city until you are clothed with POWER from on High.”

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Ascension

John gives a brief statement of His ascension.  Luke will provide a more detailed account at the beginning of Acts in tomorrow’s study.

John’s account:  “Jesus led them out as far as Bethany, and He blessed them.  WHILE He was blessing them, He parted from them and was carried up into heaven.  They worshiped Him and returned to the City with great joy, and were continually in the temple blessing God.”

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Journaling through the Bible Chronologically in 2025, Day 318

Nov14

Day 318 – Reading – Matthew 28 and Mark 16

Read and believe in Jesus!

Matthew 28 and Mark 16.

These chapters recount the glorious resurrection of Jesus, the Messiah, from the viewpoint of a detail of Roman guards, a few women, a couple of disciples, and then the eleven disciples together, where Jesus assures them and then assigns them the Great Commission to bring the Good News about Him to the whole world.  

  • (There is also the story of how the chief priests bribed the guards to say that the disciples had stolen the body away.  Luke and John‘s accounts [tomorrow] tell about a few other incidents:  1.) the account of the two on the road to Emmaus, 2.) Thomas’ discovery, 3.) Jesus meeting the disciples in Galilee, and 4.) the reinstatement of Peter after his denials.)
  • I will give the order of Jesus’ appearances at the bottom of this page.  

 

The Resurrection of Jesus

“After the Sabbath, toward the dawn of the first day of the week, there was a great earthquake, for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven and came and rolled back the stone (covering the entrance of the tomb). The angel then sat on the stone.  His appearance was like LIGHTNING, and his clothing as white as snow!”

And for fear of him, the guards trembled and all fell down in a faint.  (Remember that Roman guard, borrowed from Pilate by the chief priests to keep the disciples from stealing Jesus’ body and saying He’d risen?  These brave, armed to the hilt, men, fainted away at the sight of God’s angel.  They missed the Resurrection!

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The Fraud Perpetuated

Eventually, that unconscious Roman guard picked themselves up, and decided to cover their “behinds” by going to the chief priests right away.  They told the Jewish leaders about the earthquake, the huge, brilliant angel, and the stone rolling away from the tomb.

Nervous, the Jews took counsel, then passed out a ‘sufficient sum of money’ to the soldiers as a bribe. They were NOT to tell about the angel.  They WERE to say the disciples came by night and stole Jesus’ body while they slept.  (Roman soldiers sleeping on the job? A capital offense!)  Well, as it’s said, the sum of money was sufficient. 

The Jews also promised the soldiers that if their “sleeping on the job” came to the ears of Pilate, they would “satisfy him” with money too, and keep them out of trouble.  (First Judas, then the soldiers, then the Roman Governor: not a holy use of the Temple money.)

So the soldiers took the coins and spread the lie.  (And Pilate bought his sleepless wife a new necklace.)

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The Women

The women (who had stayed around after Jesus’ death to see where Joseph buried Him) returned with their spices to finish the job of anointing Jesus’ body. As they walked through the quiet pre-dawn morning, they wondered about the stone blocking the tomb’s entrance.  How would they get inside?

But the stone was already rolled away, and an angel waited.

“Do not be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified,” assured the angel. “He is not here, for He is RISEN, as He said.  Come, see the place where He lay.”

The women went inside the tomb, where another bright angel assured them. “See the place where he lay. Now go quickly and tell His disciples that He has risen from the dead, and behold, He is going to Galilee; there you will see Him.” (The angel was speaking of the time when more than 500 people would see Jesus at one time, not the personal appearances in Jerusalem.)

They ran out, excited, hardly believing in wonder, to find the disciples. But Mary Magdalene (and later the other women) were met by Jesus, who also told them to share the news of His resurrection with the disciples. The men, of course, did not believe them at first.

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Emmaus

Mark mentions that Jesus appeared to two of the disciples as they were walking in the country. They returned to Jerusalem, and were also not believed at first. Luke’s gospel tells of this in more detail.

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The Great Commission

After Jesus appeared to the eleven and rebuked them for not believing the women or the two from Emmaus. 

Matthew tells of the disciples in Galilee, where they worshipped Him.  Then Jesus gave them their commission, just before His ascension to Heaven.

“All authority (power) in heaven and on earth has been given to me.  Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you.  And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

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The List of Jesus’ Appearances.

  1. to Mary Magdalene at the tomb (John 20:11-18).
  2. to the women on the road (Matt. 28:9-10)
  3. to the disciples on the way to Emmaus (Luke 24:12-32)
  4. to Peter alone (Luke 24:34)
  5. to the 10, without Thomas (Luke 24:36-43, John 20:19-25)
  6. to  the 11, with Thomas (John 20:26-31)
  7. to the 7 by the sea of Galilee (John 21:1-25)
  8. to more than 500 in Galilee (Matt. 28:16 and I Cor. 15:6)
  9. to James, His brother (1 Cor. 15:7)
  10. to the apostles when He ascended (Acts 1:3-11)
  11. to Paul, after His ascension (1 Cor. 15:8)
  12. The next time Jesus appears will be in Glory (Matthew 24:30)

 

 

Journaling through the Bible Chronologically in 2025, Day 315

Nov11

Day 315 – Reading – John 14, 15, 16, 17.

Read and believe in Jesus!

John 14.  (as well as 15-17) is Jesus’ private teaching to the eleven disciples. Judas has gone, the meal is finished, and before they “sing a hymn” and go out to Gethsemane, Jesus comforts, teaches, promises, and prays for these closest of His chosen men.

Jesus has just told them in chapter 13 that in a little while He would be going away and that they couldn’t follow Him.  When Peter cried out that he would follow Jesus anywhere, even to death, Jesus told him of his failure that very night. (He’s still worrying about this.)

And now, looking at them, Jesus said, “Let not your hearts be troubled.”  He explains (though they do not understand right then) that He’s going away to prepare a “place” for them, but He will come back for them and take them there.

When Jesus told them that they knew the way to where he was going (back to His Father, John 7:33), Thomas asked in panic, “Lord, we do NOT know where you are going. How can we know the way?’  (Hear the anxiety in his voice.)   Gently, Jesus answers that He, Himself, is the Way AND the truth and the life.  That HE is the way to His Father.  “You know Him, right?  You’ve seen Him.”

Now Philip cries, “Lord, show us the Father, and it is enough for us.”

You can almost hear Jesus sigh.  “I have been with you so long, and you still don’t know me Philip?  If you’ve see ME, you’ve seen the FATHER.  I am in the Father, and He is in Me.  My words are His words. My miraculous works are His. Believe me!  I and the Father are one.”

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Jesus then continues with the amazing teaching about the Holy Spirit in chapters 14, 15, and 16..

  • I will ask the Father and He will give you another Helper to be with you forever, even the SPIRIT of Truth. He will dwell with you and be IN you.
  • The Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will TEACH you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you.
  • The Helper, the Spirit of Truth who proceeds from the Father, will BEAR WITNESS about me.
  • It is to your advantage that Jesus “was going away” because then He will send the Helper to you.
  • The Helper will convict the world of sin and righteousness and judgment concerning sin.
  • When the Spirit of Truth comes, He will GUIDE you into all truth.
  • He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears, He will speak and will declare to you the things to come.
  • He will glorify Me.

He also speaks of love in these chapters.

  • If you love Me, you will keep My commandments.
  • Whoever has my commandments and does them, that person loves me.
  • He who loves me will be loved by My Father, and I will love him and show myself to him.
  • If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word, and My Father will love him.  We will come to him and make our home with him.
  • Whoever does NOT love Me, does not keep My words.
  • As the Father has loved Me, so have I loved you. Abide in My love.
  • If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love.
  • This is My commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you.
  • Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends. You are my friends.

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John 15.

Jesus here gives an illustration of how their relationship with Him should be.

He describes a vineyard. His Father is the Vinedresser – the one who planted and cares for the vines.  Jesus Himself is the true vine (with roots deep into the soil).  They – His disciples and all who follow Him later – are the branches growing out from the vine onto wires to spread them out. From these branches, the grape clusters will grow.

As long as the branches are connected to the sturdy vine, they will bear fruit that will remain and grow until harvest.  But the branches MUST stay connected to the Vine.  If wind or animals/bugs, or even the Vinedresser when He prunes,  separates them from the Vine, they will quickly wither and die.  And of course, no grapes will come from those dead branches.

The Vinedresser does purposefully cut some of the branches off the Vine; those that are withered and do not bear fruit.  He does this so the fruit-bearing branches get more nourishment and produce more fruit.

Jesus uses this as a warning.  “Abide in me and bear much fruit.  Apart from Me, you can do nothing.”

And, “My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples.”

And, “You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit, and that your fruit should remain.”

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In Chapter 16, as well as explaining the Spirit’s ministry, Jesus tells them plainly that in a little while they won’t see Him. They will weep and lament, but the world will rejoice. They will be sorrowful, BUT their sorrow will turn to joy – like a woman in childbirth rejoices when the babe is laid into her arms.

“You WILL rejoice, and no one will take your joy from you.”

“But…. the hour is coming, indeed it has come, when you will be scattered, each to his own home, and will leave Me alone.” 

At their confused faces, Jesus says, “I have said these things to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation.  But take heart; I have overcome the world.”

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Chapter 17.

This entire chapter is Jesus praying.  THIS is the one we should be calling “the Lord’s Prayer.”  He prays like a priest, standing between God the Father and His own disciples (present and future).  He acknowledges His relationship with the Father, asking that He would glorify the Son (Himself) in order that the Son would bring glory to the Father.

Then Jesus prays for “the people God gave to Him out of the world.” These are the ones who believe in Jesus and the Father, have received His words, and know the truth.

  • “Holy Father, keep them in Your Name, that they may be one, even as We are one.” 
  • The world hates them, as they hated Me. I do not ask You to take them out of the world.  Keep them from the Evil One.”
  • Sanctify them in the truth. Your word is truth. 
  • I do not ask for these only, but also for those who will believe in Me through their word.” 
  • O righteous Father, even though the world does not know You, I know You, and these know that You have sent me.
  • The love with which You have loved Me, may it be in them, and I in them.”

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Amen! Thank You, Jesus!

Journaling through the Bible Chronologically in 2025, Days 306 & 307

Nov3

A NEW MONTH!

SUNDAY and MONDAY studies are posted together on Mondays

Day 306 – Reading – Luke 19

Day 307 – Reading – Mark 11 and John 12

Read and believe in Jesus!

SUNDAY – Day 306 – Luke 19.

Today’s chapter in Luke will revisit some of the events from yesterday’s reading in Matthew.  We will go back to Jericho and meet another Tax Collector named Zacchaeus.  He was a chief tax collector, and as such, he was very wealthy and very disliked. Not only did he collect taxes, but he also oversaw others and probably got a “cut” of their money. 

But Zacchaeus was different from that rich young ruler in the previous chapter.  We will see that his money meant little to him, and he was very eager to see Jesus. 

He was a “wee little man,” or so the children’s song goes, and he could not see Him over the heads of the crowd that followed Jesus as he walked through the city.  Quickly, the enterprising tax collector climbed up in a nearby sycamore tree and spotted Jesus.  Jesus saw him in the tree, knew the thoughts and intents of his heart, and stopped.  

“Zacchaeus, hurry and come down, for I must stay at your house today.”

As he scrambled down from the tree, did Zacchaeus wonder how Jesus knew his name? The crowd parted, and the short tax collector pushed through, joyfully leading the way to his house. 

Of course, the crowd grumbled when they saw Jesus go into “that sinner” Zacchaeus’ house.

Before Zacchaeus even called for lunch, he confessed to Jesus, “Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor. And if I have defrauded anyone of anything (of course, he had!), I will restore it fourfold.”

How different from that rich young ruler, who went away from Jesus sorrowfully, because he didn’t want to give away even a penny. Zacchaeus offered much more.  The law required only 20% restitution (not half), and replacement of twice the value, not four times.  His heart was truly repentant. 

“Today salvation has come to this house, since he also is a son of Abraham.  For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.”

.

Then Jesus told a parable, perhaps even as they all reclined around Zacchaeus’ meal.  It was to remind His followers that Jesus was NOT (right then) going to establish His Kingdom on earth. (He had to suffer and die first, but they seemed deaf to that message.)  So … Perhaps a parable would get them thinking.

He told a story about a nobleman who planned to claim his kingdom and then return.   While he was gone, his servants were to conduct business and make a profit for him. He gave them each 10 minas to work with. He went, received his kingdom, and returned home.  He asked each of his servants what they had gained for him.

One made a tenfold profit. “Good job. You shall have authority over ten cities in my kingdom.”

One made a fivefold profit. “Good job as well. You will be over five cities.”

One made zero profit. He said, “I put the ten mina in my handkerchief, for I was afraid of you. Here is your minas.”  “You wicked servant. Why did you not put my money in the bank so I might have at least collected the interest? Take that mina from him and give it to the one who earned a 10X profit.”

Perhaps the disciples scratched their heads at this, but probably Zacchaeus understood well about profit and loss and nodded his head in understanding.

 But did they all understand that He, the nobleman in the parable, was going away to claim his Kingdom, not seizing it in Jerusalem?

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Then, as we read yesterday, Jesus proceeded to Bethphage, where the disciples procured a donkey-colt for him to ride on. And as he rode down toward the gate of Jerusalem, the crowd began waving palm branches and strewing them and their cloaks on the ground for Jesus to ride over. 

“Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the LORD! Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!” they shouted.

Some Pharisees were in the crowd and shouted at Jesus. “Teacher, rebuke your disciples!”

“I tell you, if these were silent, the very stones would cry out,” He answered.

Then at one point, Jesus wept over the Holy City, saying, “Would that you, even you, had known on this day the things that make for peace!  But now they are hidden from your eyes.” And He predicted the time when Jerusalem would fall with not one stone left on another … because they didn’t recognize the “day of their visitation.”  (His time with them.)

Inside the city, the chief priests and scribe sought to destroy Him, but they did not find anything they could do … because all the people were hanging on  His Words.

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MONDAY – Day 307 – Mark 11.

Mark repeats the account of Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem and the brief time in the Temple court.

He tells of Jesus cleansing the temple from those who sold and bought there.  He overturned the tables of the money-changers and the seats of those who sold pigeons.  He ferociously quoted the passage in Isaiah about them making his Father’s house into a den of robbers, when it was supposed to be a place of prayer. 

Jesus left the city and spent the night in Bethany.  The next day, Mark also tells of Jesus cursing the barren fig tree because it had no fruit, perhaps indicating how, when He came to “His own,” He found Israel barren of “good” fruit, and not looking for their Messiah.

Inside, the Jewish leaders again challenge Jesus’ authority to do the things He did (cleansing the temple, etc.).  Of course, Jesus met their challenge with one of His own and they left.

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John 12.

John’s account backs up a little too, to the night they spent in Bethany before getting the donkey & colt at Bethphage the next day. 

It was at the home of Martha, Mary, and Lazarus, Jesus’s beloved home, about 2 miles from Jerusalem. They gave a dinner from Him, Martha served, and Lazarus reclined at the table near Jesus.  Mary, whose heart was wound up in her Lord, came with an expensive jar of ointment and anointed Jesus’s feet, wiping them with her hair.  The whole house was filled with the amazing aroma of the perfume.

“WHY was this ointment not sold for three hundred denarii and given to the poor?”  

Judas Iscariot just could not keep it in.  He saw Mary’s act of extreme love and worship as a big waste.  (Of course, he was the treasurer of the group and kept the money bag, pilfering some from time to time for himself.  If that 300 denarii had been in his pouch, he could have stolen quite a bit.)

“Leave her alone,” Jesus said. “She has kept it for the day of my burial.  YOU always have the poor with you, but you do not always have me.”

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When the large crowd discovered that Jesus was staying there, they crowded around to see Lazarus, whom Jesus had raised from the dead.  So the chief priests and scribes made plans to put Lazarus to death as well, because the miracle turned many Jews to believe in Jesus.

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Jesus then rode into Jerusalem the next day to the praises and blessings from the crowd. “Hosannah…the King of Israel,”  The Pharisees grumbled to each other, “You see that we are gaining nothing.  Look!  The world has gone after Him.”

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“The hour has come for the Son of man to be glorified,” Jesus says. “Unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit.

At one point, Jesus stops and prays to His father in growing anguish. “Now is my soul troubled. And what shall I say?  Father, save me from this hour:  but, for this purpose, I have come to this hour. Father… glorify Your name.”

A voice thundered from Heaven, “I have glorified it, and I will glorify it again!”

“This voice has come for your sake, not mine,” Jesus told the people. “Now is the judgment of this world; now will the ruler of this world be cast out. And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself.” (He said this, indicating how he would die.)

But the people responded that they read in the Law that the Messiah would live forever.  What was this about Him dying? Who is this Son of Man, anyway?

‘Walk while you have the light, lest darkness overtake you. While you have the Light, believe in the light.”   “Whoever believes in me believes in Him who sent me.   I have come into the world as Light, so that whoever believes in me may not remain in darkness,” said Jesus, the Holy One of God, among many other things. 

Many of the authorities believed in Him, but for fear of the Pharisees, they did not confess it.  They loved the glory that comes from man more than the glory that comes from God.

 

Journaling through the Bible Chronologically in 2025, Day 302

Oct29

Day 302 – Reading – John 11

Read and believe in Jesus!

John 11.

THIS Lazarus (brother to Martha & Mary) is not the same as the poor beggar, Lazarus, who sat begging at the rich man’s gate, died, and went to Abraham’s side, in yesterday’s reading.  This man is probably the youngest of the three siblings in a semi-wealthy family. Not rich by any means, but owning a house that could accommodate Jesus and His disciples. 

The Setting:  Jesus and His disciples are way North-East of the Holy City, on the other side of the Jordan River. Jesus had barely escaped being stoned to death for blasphemy in Jerusalem by the Jews. He was well aware of the events that must occur before Passover and His death, and He adjusted His ways.  He later referenced this when He said that the daylight was only for twelve hours each day, and He must “work” while it was light, before the darkness came.

Anyway, while there, a message comes to Him from Martha and Mary. “Lord, he whom You love is ill.” There was no demand for Him to come, although it was probably in their hearts.  Just a statement of need.

(Why aren’t our prayers so simple?  Why do we usually try to plan out all the ways God could answer our desperate needs?)

Jesus immediately tells his disciples that Lazarus’ illness does not lead to death. It is for the glory of God, and so the Son may also be glorified through it. They rest at ease.  Jesus loved this family, but He deliberately stayed two more days where he was.  The disciples didn’t question Him.

Finally, another message arrives saying, “Lazarus is dead.” 

Without sharing that news with His men, Jesus announces, “Let us go to Judea again.”  This confounded them.  If He didn’t go when His friend was sick, why was He going now?  It was dangerous there.  He was a “wanted man.” 

“Rabbi!’ they cried. “The jews were just now seeking to stone you, and you are going there again?”

“Our friend, Lazarus, has ‘fallen asleep,’  but I go to ‘awaken him.’“

“Lord, if he has fallen asleep, he will recover!” they cry.

“Lazarus is dead,” Jesus said plainly. “And for YOUR sake, I am glad that I was not there, so that you may believe.  Let us go to him.”

Thomas, that melancholy disciple, looked around at his fellows and said with a sigh, “Let us also go, that we may die with Him.”

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By the time Jesus arrived in Bethany (only 2 miles from Jerusalem), Lazarus had been in the tomb for four days. When Martha heard that Jesus was near, she went out to meet him.  “Lord! If You had been here, my brother would not have died!” Then she steadied herself. “But even now I know that whatever You ask from God, God will give you.”

Jesus: “Your brother will rise again.”

Martha: “I know that he will rise again… in the resurrection on the Last Day.”

Jesus: “I AM the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in Me, THOUGH HE DIES, yet shall he live. And everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die.  Do you believe this?”

Martha: “Yes, Lord; I believe that You are the Christ, the Son of God, who is coming into the world.”

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After proclaiming that truth, Martha went to Mary and told her privately (for there were many well-wishers around), that “The Teacher is here and is calling for you.”

Mary rose quickly and went to Him.  When she saw Him, she fell at His feet. “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died.”  (Surely the sisters had been saying that to each other for days.)

Jesus spoke to Mary much differently than to Martha.  He responded not in an intellectual way, as with Martha, but purely emotionally, like Mary herself.  He was greatly “moved” in His spirit, and wept with her.  “Where have you laid him?” He asked.  “Lord, come and see.”  

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Jesus was totally overwhelmed again when He arrived at the tomb with Mary.  Martha had gone there earlier. 

Jesus: “Take away the stone.”  (The tomb was a cave with a large stone rolled over the opening.) 

Martha: “Lord, by this time there will be a death odor, for he has been dead FOUR days.”

Jesus: “Did I not tell you that if you believed, you would see the glory of God?”

Martha stared at Him a moment, and then commanded that they take away the stone covering the tomb’s entrance.

Jesus looked to heaven and said, “Father, I thank You that You have heard me. I know that you always hear me, but I said this on account of the people standing around, that they may believe that You sent Me.”

Then, He shouted ……. “Lazarus, come out!”

Breathless silence, then…..

The man who had died came out, his hands and feet bound with linen strips, and his face wrapped with a cloth. (a living mummy)

“Unbind him, and let him go,” Jesus said.

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Many of the Jews who had come to comfort Mary and Martha SAW what Jesus did, and believed in Him.  However, (HOW CAN THIS BE TRUE???) some of them went to the Pharisees and told them what Jesus had done.

The chief priests and Pharisees gathered the Council and said, “WHAT are we TO DO?  This man performs many signs. If we let Him go on like this … everyone will believe in Him…. and then the Romans will come and take away both our place, and our nation!”

Caiaphas, the high priest that year, coolly responded, “You know nothing at all. Nor do you understand that …. it is better for you that ONE MAN should die for the people, and not that the whole nation should perish.”

(He didn’t realize that, as high priest, he was prophesying for God, that Jesus would die, not only for the nation of Israel, but to gather into ONE the children of God who are scattered abroad.)

And so, from that day on, they made plans to put Jesus to death.

Jesus, fully aware of His approaching trial and death, went with His men, about 12 miles north of Jerusalem, to a town near the wilderness, until it was time for His triumphal entry into the Holy City as the Messiah.

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Meanwhile, in Jerusalem, people were looking for and talking about Jesus. “What do you think? Will He not come to the festival at all?”

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Journaling through the Bible Chronologically in 2025, Days 299 and 300

Oct27

SUNDAY and MONDAY, posted on MONDAY

Day 299 – Reading – Luke 12 – 13

Day 300 – Reading – Luke 14 – 15

Read and believe in Jesus!

SUNDAY – Luke 12.

As the “day” of Jesus’ death drew closer, the crowds around Him increased.

  • Luke 11:29, “When the crowds were increasing…” 
  • Luke 12:1, “When so many thousands of people had gathered together that they were trampling one another….” 

And these were not all friendly crowds to Jesus. 

  • Luke 11:53-54, “the scribes and the Pharisees began to press Him hard and to provoke Him to speak about many things, lying in wait for Him, to snare Him in something He might say.”

Jesus warns the ordinary people to “Beware of the leaven (hypocrisy) of the Pharisees.”  He tells them not to fear those who kill today and afterward have nothing more they can do.  “Fear Him (God) who, after He has killed, has authority to cast into hell.”

Jesus warns them too, about denying Him out of fear of man. Those who do will be denied before God.  Jesus tells them, “Do not fear or be anxious.”  If and when they are brought before authorities about their commitment to Him, “the Holy Spirit will teach them in that hour what to say.”

Randomly, someone in the crowd steps close and asks Jesus to mediate between him and his brother on how to divide their inheritance. 

“What??” (Talk about a non-sequitur!) 

Jesus probably felt the same.  “Man, who made ME judge or arbitrator over you?’

Then, Jesus segued into the Parable of the Rich Fool, a man so covetous for every last grain (like this man questioning Jesus?), that he lost the abundance he had, plus his own life.  This man was rich. God blessed him with super harvests.  His barn overflowed.  Instead of sharing his wealth with the needy, he decided to build bigger barns to store his wealth. Then he could “Eat, drink, and be merry.”

God called him “a fool” and judged him for his selfishness and lack of compassion.  God took his life that very night.  Then the question.  “All the things you have prepared, whose will they be now?”  (You come into the world naked, and that’s how you go out.”

Then Jesus, perhaps again looking at the man who’d asked Him to arbitrate, encouraged His listeners not to worry about their lives, their food, clothing, or homes.  “Your Father knows that you need them.  Instead, seek His kingdom, and all these will be added to you.” 

And then this advice to them, and maybe also to the man who disputed with his brother. “Sell your possessions and give to the needy.  Provide for yourself a “treasure” in Heaven.  For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.”

And Jesus ties this freedom from encumbering wealth to a warning.  “Stay dressed for action. Be like the servants waiting for their master to come home, so they can open the door to Him, no matter what hour. “Blessed is that servant whom his Master will find doing so when he comes.”

And then, we get a glimpse into Jesus’ own heart when He confesses to His disciples His own fearful thoughts. “I have a baptism to be baptized with, and how great is my distress until it is accomplished!”

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Luke 13.

Someone then brought up a recent “news item.”  “What do you think about those Galileans, whose blood Pilate mingled with the sacrifices at the Temple?”  These men were probably Zealots, plotting something against the Romans. They were caught and killed in the temple by Roman authorities during the time of sacrifice. To the Jew, this would have been the grossest blasphemy.

Jesus answered them, “Do you think these Galileans were worse sinners than all the other Galileans, because they died this way?  No, they weren’t.  But unless YOU repent, you will all perish likewise.”

Wow, what was Jesus saying?  (Incidents like this inflamed the Jews’ hatred of Rome and finally led to rebellion … and the destruction of Jerusalem in A.D. 70.)

Jesus told them that no one is guaranteed time to prepare for death. Right NOW is the time of repentance for all.

Jesus then reminded them also of the 18 people who died at the Pool of Siloam when a tower collapsed on them.  Were they any worse sinners?  No. It is a warning, a reminder to ALL that they (we) would perish unless they (we) repented.

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He told a parable to further warn them.  A fig tree planted in a man’s vineyard did not bear fruit for three years.  The owner told the gardener to “cut it down,” for it was wasting space. But the gardener asked for a year’s mercy.  He would cultivate around it and fertilize it.  Then, if it didn’t produce the next year … he would cut it down.

The nation of Israel is often symbolized by a fig tree, so here, Jesus was pointing out their fruitlessness. Jesus had interceded for them, and His Father had so far shown mercy.  But the “ax” was coming.

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After this, Jesus was teaching in the synagogue on the Sabbath.  Without her asking, Jesus healed a woman with a spine that bent her double. She’d been that way for 18 years.  But it seems she had been faithful to come to worship. Jesus laid His hands on her and freed her from her disability.  Immediately, she was straight, and glorified God.

The ruler of the Synagogue was furious.  “You can come six days a week to be healed. Come on those days and not the Sabbath.” 

“Hypocrites!”  Jesus called them all, for none would hesitate to untie his ox or donkey and lead it to water on a Sabbath.  “Ought not this woman, a daughter of Abraham, be loosed from this bond on a Sabbath Day?”

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And Jesus went on His way through towns and villages, teaching and journeying toward Jerusalem.  Someone asked Him, “Lord, will there be FEW saved?”  Jesus answered, “The door is narrow. Many will seek to enter and will not be able.”

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Jesus was ministering near Herod’s residence when some Pharisees came to Him with the warning, “Get away from there, for Herod wants to kill you.”

What?  Weren’t THEY trying to do the same thing?  Perhaps they wanted Jesus to stop preaching, or maybe the warning would drive Him closer to Judea, where THEY had jurisdiction.

Jesus answered, “You can go tell that fox, I’m casting out demons and doing healing today and tomorrow and the day after.  I’ll finish my course as planned.”  Then Jesus reneged a little and said, “I must go on my way today for it cannot be that a prophet should PERISH away from Jerusalem.”

His face was always set for Jerusalem … and the cross.

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MONDAY – Luke 14.

Again, the Pharisees carefully watched Jesus on the Sabbaths to see if they could trap Him in some way. A man with dropsy came by. Jesus asked the ruler of the Pharisees if it was lawful for him to heal on the Sabbath.

They remained silent, so Jesus healed the man. “Which of YOU would not immediately rescue a son or ox that had fallen into a well on the Sabbath?”  Again, they kept their lips sealed.

As Jesus was dining at the house of that ruler of the Pharisees, He told THREE PARABLES about banquets. 

  1. At a Wedding Feast, the topic of NOT “taking the best seats” was covered. “Everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.”
  2. Then Jesus told of a Great Banquet, where the master invited the poor, crippled, lame, and blind to attend, instead of his friends, brothers, and family, who could then repay him by inviting him to another feast.  “You should do this and you will be blessed, and repaid at the resurrection.”
  3. Another master prepared a banquet and told His servant to go to those invited and tell them it was ready.  They all made excuses for not attending. So the master sent out his servant twice more to the streets and lanes of the city, and to the byways, to bring in the poor, crippled, blind, and lame …. and whomever wanted to come, “That my house may be filled.  And I tell you, NONE of those men who were invited shall taste my Banquet.”

Did these parables sting their consciences and prick their minds?  THEY were the “Pride of Israel” after all, the most important Jews in the society….

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Jesus reminded the crowds who accompanied him about the “cost” of being His disciple.  In comparison, they needed to hate their own families.  They had to bear their own cross and walk in His way.  They needed to count the cost of renouncing everything.  An uncommitted disciple, just like unsalted salt, was of no use to the Kingdom.

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Luke 15.

All kinds of tax collectors and sinners were attracted to Jesus. The Pharisees and scribes complained that Jesus “received and ate with them.” 

Jesus responded by telling them three parables about lost things. 

  1. The lost sheep.  The shepherd left the 99 to rescue the one lost one. When he finds it, he calls his neighbors to rejoice with him over the one found.  Jesus explains, “There will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine ‘righteous’ persons who (say they) need no repentance.”
  2. The Lost Coin. The woman who loses one of her ten coins does everything to find it, even cleaning the whole house.  When she finds it, she calls neighbors to rejoice with her.  “There is joy before the angels of God over one sinner who repents.”
  3. The Lost Son.  When the younger son of a wealthy man leaves to “do his own thing,” the father watches the road every day, hoping he will return. Time passes, the boy gets in a lot of trouble, and loses everything. The father is still watching when the worn, beaten-down, ragged boy stumbles home.  The father runs to him and hugs him with joy. “My son who was dead is alive!”  He holds a banquet to celebrate the homecoming. Yes, the older son is bitter, having ‘righteously‘ stayed home and done all the work.  But the loving father says, “Son, YOU are always with me, and all I have is yours. But come, celebrate your lost brother who has been found. It is fitting.“

Jesus was telling the Pharisees, who were complaining about the “sinners” Jesus welcomed, that they were the other 99, the other 9, the other, ‘righteous’ son, the chosen.  The lost sheep, coin, and son represented the needy and hated Tax Collectors and sinners they despised.  But God loved them, searched them out, and welcomed them lavishly into the kingdom, because they repented and sought Him. It was fitting that those Jewish leaders celebrated the low and lost also coming into the Kingdom.”

 

 

 

 

Journaling through the Bible Chronologically in 2025, Day 288

Oct15

Day 288 – Reading – Mark 4 – 5

Read and believe in Jesus!

Mark 4 and 5.

There are some repeated passages here from the other Gospels. I’ll just emphasize a couple of them.

“This little light of mine, I’m going to let it shine.

This little light of mine, I’m going to let it shine.

Let it shine, let it shine, all the time.

Hide it under a bushel, No! I’m going to let it shine.

Hide it under a bushel, No! I’m going to let it shine.

Let it shine, let it shine, all the time.”

This kids’ song is from Mark 4:21-25, and the “light” it refers to is a believer’s witness or testimony of the Lord dwelling in him. Don’t hide it under “a basket” or a bed, but put it on a lampstand. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Testify of the Lord Jesus Christ at home, and out in the world. Let your light shine!

Matthew 5:16 says, “Let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in Heaven.”

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(Mark 4:35-41)  Then, after Jesus was sitting in a boat and teaching the crowds at the shore of the Sea of Galilee, He turned to the disciples and said, “Let us go across to the other side.”  It was toward evening, so they might have hesitated, yet, at His word, they pushed off and began rowing.  Jesus made his way to the rear of the boat and lay down across the bench. Instantly, He was asleep.

Then one of those massive storms erupted on the Sea. “A great windstorm arose, and the waves were breaking into the boat, so that the boat was filling!”

One of them staggered to the stern and shook Jesus, “Master, don’t you care that we are perishing?!”

Jesus awoke, and maybe (who knows) before even sitting up, called out to the wind and sea, “Peace!  Be still!”  Instantly, the wind ceased, and there was a great calm on the Sea.

Jesus perhaps sat up then and looked around at His disciples. “Why are you so afraid?  Have you no faith?”

The disciples were maybe lacking in faith, but they sure weren’t in fear.  “They were filled with GREAT fear and asked each other, “WHO THEN IS THIS??? That even the wind and the sea obey Him??”

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This incident reminds me of Philippians 4:6-7.

“Do not be anxious about anything.

But in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving,

Let your requests be made known to God.

And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding,

will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

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Then, after that awesome incident, they arrived on the other (Gentile) side of the Sea. (Mark 5:1-20)

Peter and Andrew jumped out of the boat to secure it with ropes.

Jesus barely had a sandaled foot on the sand when a wild, crazy man RUSHED AT HIM, screaming.  He’d been living in the tombs, and with his bleeding, scratched skin, ragged clothes, and wild, unkempt beard and hair, he looked terrifying!   

The fishermen were about to climb back into the boat and push off when the wild man fell down at Jesus’ feet.

“What have You to do with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God. I beg you by God, do not torment me!” screamed the man.

While the man screamed this, Jesus commanded, “Come out of this man, you unclean spirit!”  (Whose voice do you think prevailed?)

When the screaming stopped, Jesus asked, “What is your name?”

The demon in the man answered, “My name is ‘Legion,’ for we are many. Oh, don’t send us out of the country!! Send us into those pigs!!“

Jesus looked at the massive herd of unclean swine and nodded.  Immediately, the herd – like a swarm of lemmings – plunged down the hill and off the cliff, falling into the Sea.

The herdsmen saw this and fled back to town, and people came out to see what had happened.  What they SAW was MORE amazing, although they didn’t acknowledge it.  No pigs were in sight, but the crazy man, the wild and dangerous demon-possessed man, who terrified them, was —

  • Sitting there calmly
  • Clothed
  • In his right mind.

“Go away, you Jesus!” they cried.

The disciples held the boat ready, and Jesus began to climb in.

“O Jesus,” the healed man begged. “Please let me go with You!“

Smiling, Jesus shook his head. He had a more important job than ‘disciple’ for this Gentile man.  “Go home to your friends and tell them how much the Lord has done for you, and how He has had mercy on you.” 

The ex-demoniac was to be a witness for Jesus and an evangelist.  And I can’t help but think that, like the town in Samaria that all came to the Lord at one shunned woman’s testimony, that THIS area (perhaps minus the pig owners) would do the same.  

He went away and began to proclaim in the cities of Decapolis how much Jesus had done for him.  And everyone marveled.

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(O LORD, thank you for your mercy and gentleness. Truly, like You told the disciples, You are “gentle and lowly at heart.” But Lord, I also saw your great power in these verses too!  You calmed a raging wind and sea instantly.  Creation recognized its Master and instantly obeyed!  How I wish I would do the same!  I also saw Your extreme power when thousands of demons instantly fell at your feet and immediately obeyed your word.  What a strong God I have!) 

Journaling through the Bible Chronologically in 2025, Days 285 and 286

Oct13

THE NEW TESTAMENT!

SUNDAY and MONDAY, posted on MONDAY

Day 285 – Reading – Matthew 11

Day 286 – Reading – Luke 11

Read and believe in Jesus!

SUNDAY – Matthew 11.

This chapter begins where we left off yesterday, with prisoner, John the Baptist, sending word to Jesus. “ARE you the One who has come, or shall we look for another?” Jesus answered him with both words  and actions which showed the fulfilling of Isaiah 29 and 35’s prophecies of the Messiah.  When John’s disciples returned with this message and what they saw, most assuredly John was encourage and comforted.

Jesus also praised the godly man who cleared the pathway so Jesus could begin His ministry, saying he was the greatest of “prophets,” and that John came in the spirit of Elijah.

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John’s message, like Jesus’, was generally not accepted by the people. Jesus looked around him and began to denounce the cities of Galilee, where He had done the most mighty works… because they did not repent.

Chorazin, Bethsaida, and the great Capernaum, which was the headquarter city of Jesus’ ministry in Galilee. Their sin?  Indifference to Jesus, the Son of God, their Messiah.  If/when the people of these cities stand beside the pagans of Tyre, Sidon, and even Sodom(!!) on the day of judgment, the cities of Jesus’ time will be judged more severely!

(O LORD, I am often blasé about the wonderful works and words of Jesus that I read in the Word, thinking they are SO familiar….  Please help me to treasure the One that You sent to save my soul!!)

But Jesus’ heart goes out to the people around him; they are so needy. He came that people would NOT be judged for their sin.  He wants ALL to believe in Him and be saved. But for the most part, His own people “received Him not.

Then he looks at his disciples and sees them as little children, and He prays, ‘Thank You, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that You have hidden these things from the wise and understanding and revealed them to little children; Yes, Father, for such was YOUR gracious will. NO ONE knows the Son except the Father, and anyone to whom the Son chooses to reveal Him.

Looking at the seeking crowd around Him, He said, “COME TO ME, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.  TAKE MY YOKE upon you, and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart and you will find rest for your souls. My yoke is easy and my burden is light. 

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MONDAY, Luke 11.

Once again, we see the story of John the Baptist’s questions to Jesus from prison.  

Perhaps we should REMEMBER “this three-times-repeated-incident,” and take heed to Jesus’ words and actions, especially when we have doubts and need assurance..

Jesus showed John by healing many people of diseases and plagues, casting out demons, and restoring sight to the blind.  Then He pointed to the Isaiah passages that predicted the Messiah doing these very same things. John KNEW Isaiah, the very prophet who predicted his work for the Messiah.  But he needed reminding how Jesus is fulfilling these same things.  And…. how (from Isaiah 53) Jesus, the Messiah, would die a horrible death, as that very Lamb of God that John pointed out, and would so pay for the sins of all who would believe in Him.  YES. Jesus was “the One” he was looking for.

I am going to REMEMBER this incident (finally, after reading it three times), that when I have doubts, when I need assurance, when I am discouraged, I should turn to God’s words.  READ them, see how many have been fulfilled.  Meditate on the WORDS of Jesus and apply it all to my heart. Then trust in them, in Him, and BELIEVE.

(O LORD, thank you for finally getting the POINT of John’s lesson into my head and heart. When I’m low, and doubting.  When I’m discouraged and need assurance, I need to….

  1. Go to Jesus and ask for help.
  2. Read the precious Word of God, slowly and engaged.  (Maybe read the passage THREE TIMES!)
  3. Meditate on what it says. Refer to other parts of scripture, if needed.
  4. Pray for wisdom. Submit to what I’ve read.  Offer thanksgiving, 

Thank You, LORD, for pounding this truth of Bible Reading into my thick skull!.)