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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 317

Nov13

Day 317 – Reading – Luke 23 and John 18-19

Read and believe in Jesus!

Luke 23 and John 18-19 review what we studied in the last two days and add some details. 

John 18 backs up to Judas’ betrayal and Jesus’ arrest, His time before the Jewish Council, Peter’s denials, and the high priest’s questioning. Then we see Jesus before Pilate (an extended conversation), before Herod, then His being delivered over to be crucified, more extensive details about His crucifixion, His death, and Burial.

 

Jesus’ Betrayal and His Arrest

Judas, having committed himself to betraying Jesus, and having been paid, now leads a band of soldiers and some officers from the chief priests and Pharisees to the Garden of Gethsmane.  He’s been there several times with Jesus and the other disciples and knows the spot well.

Jesus: “Whom do you seek?”

The crowd: “Jesus of Nazareth.”

Jesus: “I AM he.”  At those words, Judas and the soldiers all fell back to the ground, as if the very words had slammed into them. (Okay, so who is in control of this scene?  Jesus!)

Jesus again asks, “Whom do you seek?”

The crowd. (Were they afraid to answer?):  “Jesus of Nazareth.”

Jesus: “I told you that I am He, so if you seek ME, then let these men go.” He was protecting His disciples.

That’s when Simon did his brash thing with the sword, and Jesus had to fix the damage by healing the man’s ear.  To Peter, He said, “Shall I not drink the cup that the Father has given me?”

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Jesus and The High Priests, Annas and Caiaphas.

The soldiers stepped forward cautiously and tied Jesus’ hands. Then they led him to Annas, the former High Priest and the father-in-law of Caiaphas, who was the current High Priest.  Annas questioned Jesus about His disciples and His teaching.  Jesus answered that he’d been teaching in synagogues and in the temple, so why hadn’t they quizzed Him there?   When he said this, one of the officers back-handed Jesus, saying, “Is that how you answer the High Priest?’

Jesus: “If what I said is wrong, bear witness about the wrong; but if what I said is right, why do you strike me?”

Annas then sent Jesus, still tied up, to Caiaphas.

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Peter’s Denials

Meanwhile, outside in the courtyard of the high priest, Peter was warming himself by the fire.  He and John had followed Jesus there after His arrest.  John knew Annas, so he entered into the house with Jesus (so he could record the happenings).  John arranged for Peter to gain access to the court. 

Peter was recognized and asked three times if he was not a follower of the criminal inside.  Fear controlled the big fisherman, and he answered, “Woman, I do not know Him.”  “I do not know what you are talking about!”  “I am not a disciple of His!”  “I am not a Galilean!”  “I don’t know Him!”  “May God curse me! I DO NOT KNOW THIS MAN!”   Then the rooster crowed. And Peter ran out, weeping bitterly.

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Jesus before the whole Council (Sanhedrim)

All 70 members were present (even Joseph and Nicodemus).  

Them:  “If you are the Christ, tell us.”

Jesus:  “If I tell you, you will not believe. But from now on the Son of Man shall be seated at the right hand of the power of God.”

Them: “Are you the Son of God, then?”

Jesus: “I AM.”

And with that, they had their verdict. Guilty of blasphemy and death.  All they needed was someone to EXECUTE Him, for they did not have that power under Roman rule.

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Jesus and Pilate

The entire 70-man Sanhedrin brought Jesus to Pilate in the wee hours and started to accuse him.

Pilate: “What accusation do you bring before this man?”

“We found this man misleading our nation and forbidding us to give tribute to Caesar, and saying that He himself is Christ, a king.”

Pilate: “Take Him yourselves and judge Him by your own law.”

“It is not lawful for us to put anyone to death.”

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Jesus’ Kingdom

Pilate to Jesus, “Are you the king of the Jews?”

Jesus:  “Are you saying this, or did others say this about me?”

Pilate: “Am I a Jew? Your own nation and chief priests have delivered you to me.  What have you done?”

Jesus: “Yes, I am King of the Jews, but my Kingdom is not of this world.”

Pilate: “So you ARE a king.”

Jesus: “Yes. For this purpose I was born, and for this purpose I came into the world – to bear witness to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth listens to my voice.”

Pilate: “Ha!” Pilate said, walking away. “What IS truth!”

Pilate to the chief priests:  “I  find no guilt in this man.”

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Jesus and Herod

The Jews: “He stirs up the people teaching throughout all Judea, from Galilee even to this place.”

Pilate:  “Galilee?  Ha!  He’s in Herod’s jurisdiction.  Take Him there!”  Herod was in Jerusalem at the time.)

At Herod’s house, the Jewish king was happy to see Jesus.  Remember he’d thought Jesus was a reincarnation of John the Baptist, and wanted to see Jesus do some miracle.

Herod: “Are you John returned to life?”  “Do some miracle so I can see your power!”  “Can you heal people… raise them from the dead?  Aw, c’mon, do something!”

Jesus: Silence.

So, denied his entertainment, he let his servants mock Jesus, arraying him in a royal robe, bowing to him, etc.  Then Herod returned Jesus to Pilate.  (Herod and Pilate became friends with each other that very day.)

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Back at Pilate’s courtroom, he brought Jesus out to the people.  “I find no fault in Him. He is not guilty of any of the charges against him. Herod found none as well.  I will therefore punish Him and set Him free.”

The Jews and the crowd whom they had excited: “Away with this man and release to us Barabbas! 

(Pilate was in the habit of releasing one prisoner at Passover time, but Barabbas was an insurrectionist against Rome and a murderer!.  “He is innocent. I will release Jesus.”

The crowd: “Crucify! Crucify Him!

Pilate: “Why?  What evil has he done?  I have found no guilt deserving death. I will therefore punish Him and release Him.”

The crowd: “Crucify! Crucify Him!”

Pilate: “Take Him yourself and crucify Him. I find no guilt in Him.”

The Jews:  “We have a law, and according to that law, He ought to die because He has made himself the Son of God.”

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Pilate felt chills down his back. He took Jesus inside and asked, “Where are You from?”

Jesus; Silence.

Pilate: “You will not speak to me??!!  Don’t you know that I have the authority to release you and the authority to crucify You??

Jesus: “You would have no authority over me at ALL unless it had been given to you from ABOVE.  Therefore, he who delivered me over to you has the greater sin.”

This scared Pilate, and he tried even more to release Jesus.

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Jesus Delivered to Be Crucified

The Jews (desperate): “If you release this man, you are not Caesar’s friend. Everyone who makes himself a king opposes Caesar.”

When Pilate heard this, he brought Jesus out, sat down at the judgment seat, and wrote out the sentence. He gestured to Jesus, “Behold your King.

The Jews: “Crucify Him. Away with Him, away with Him, crucify Him.”

Pilate: “Shall I crucify your KING?”

The Jews: ‘We have NO KING but Caesar!”

So Pilate delivered him to be crucified.

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The Crucifixion.

They led Jesus away, conscripting one Simon from Cyrene to carry the cross for the weakened Messiah.  On the road a great crowd watched, including women who were mourning and lamenting for Him.

Jesus “Daughters of Jerusalem, don’t weep for me, weep for yourselves and your children. Behold the days are coming when you will wish you never gave birth. People will cry for the mountains to fall on them and cover them….”

Two other criminals were crucified with Jesus, one on each side.

As they pounded in the nails, Jesus (who had refused the drugged wine) cried out, “Father forgive them, for the know not what they do!”

As scripture foretold, (Psalm 22), they cast lots for his clothing.  Then the mocking began. The Jewish rulers mocked Him. The soldiers mocked Him. The bystanders mocked Him. The criminals on either side mocked Him.  And then, one of the criminals repented.

“Do you not fear God since you are under the same sentence of death?  We indeed justly, for we are receiving the due reward of our deeds, but this man has done nothing wrong. Then turning to Jesus, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.”

Jesus: “Truly I say to you, TODAY you will be with me in Paradise.”

Standing by the cross were Jesus’ mother and John, the “disciple whom Jesus loved”.  Looking at his mother, Jesus said, “Woman… behold your son.” And to John, “Behold your mother.”  And from then on, John took Mary into his home and cared for her. 

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Jesus’ Death

At noon, it grew dark.  Jesus, knowing that He’d accomplished everything, said, “I thirst.”  Someone brought some sour wine to moisten his mouth.  “Father into your hands I commit my Spirit.” 

Then with a cry of victory, Jesus shouted, “IT IS FINISHED!”  Then he bowed His head and died.

The thick veil inside the temple tore in two from top to bottom, opening the way for all to come to God.  The ground shook.  And when the Centurion saw all this, he confessed and praised God. “Surely this man was innocent.”

Because it was getting late, the Centurion went to each of the other criminals and broke their legs to hurry death by suffocation.  When He got to Jesus, he saw He was already dead.  He thrust his spear into his heart to be sure, and water with blood flowed, proving death.  He did not break Jesus’ legs, as scripture foretold that NONE of his bones would be broken (Numbers 9:12). 

Later, when Pilate inquired of him if Jesus was truly dead so Joseph could take the body, the Centurion could declare he was truly dead.

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Jesus’ Burial.

Joseph of Arimathea, a member of the Council, a “good and righteous man”, had NOT consented to their decision and action for he was a disciple of Jesus, looking for the kingdom of God.  Joseph went to Pilate and got permission to take down Jesus’ body. Nicodemus, also a “secret follower” of Jesus, joined Joseph, bringing a great amount of myrrh and aloes.  They wrapped Jesus’ body in a linen shroud and laid Him in a tomb cut in stone where no one else had been laid. They rolled the stone across the entrance.

Some woman, disciples of Jesus since Galilee, who had watched at the crucifixion, followed and saw where Jesus was laid. They would return with spices and ointments of their own after the Sabbath.

 

 

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 313 & 314

Nov10

SUNDAY and MONDAY studies are posted together on Mondays

Day 313 – Reading – Matthew 26 and Mark 14

Day 314 – Reading – Luke 22 and John 13

Read and believe in Jesus!

SUNDAY – Day 313 – Matthew 26 & Mark 14.

These two chapters follow the same order, so we will take them together, looking at the details from each.

  • The Plot to Kill Jesus.

Jesus once again reminds His disciples of His upcoming death, but they seem deaf to His words.  Meanwhile, the chief priests and scribes (Sadducees & Pharisees of the council) are meeting in Caiaphas’ palace, and plot how they can capture Jesus by stealth and kill Him. They want to avoid it on Passover, however, fearing a riot by the people.

 

  • Jesus is anointed at Bethany.

Jesus is once again having a meal in Bethany, this time at the home of Simon, an ex-leper, who probably had been healed by Jesus.  John tells us that this is Mary (sister to Martha & Lazarus), so perhaps they were serving the meal for Simon.  She broke a costly box of expensive ointment and anointed Jesus’ head and feet,  

All the disciples complained about this waste of money, but Judas Iscariot particularly took it to heart as a burning coal.  Meanwhile, Jesus scolded them all, saying “this woman” had anointed his body figuratively for burial. (Again no understanding.)   Jesus said what Mary had done would be remembered wherever the Gospel was preached.

 

  • Judas to betray Jesus.

Right after this “atrocity” (in Judas’ opinion), the betrayer, who had been contemplating it, now went to the religious leaders and offered to betray Jesus.  “What will you give me if I deliver Him over to you?”  They paid him 30 pieces of silver (a tenth of the cost of that ointment), and from then on, Judas looked for a way to betray Jesus.

 

  • The Passover with the Disciples.

The disciples ask Jesus where they should prepare the Passover meal for all of them. Jesus gave instructions, and they carried them out. 

 

  • Instituting ‘The Lord’s Supper.’

During the meal, as they reclined around the table, Jesus dropped a “bombshell.” “Truly, I say to you, one of you will betray me.” They were all sorrowful and asked, one after another, “Lord, is it I??” Jesus said it was one of them who ate with them. Then Jesus dipped a morsel into the sauce and handed it to Judas.  “Rabbi, is it I?” the betray asked. “Yep, Jesus responded quietly, then added to them all, “Woe to that man, for it would have been better for him if he had not been born.”

Next, Jesus instituted “the Lord’s Supper” as a part of the Passover Feast.  Taking the unleavened bread, breaking it and blessing it, it passed it around to them, saying, “Take and eat. This is my body.” Jesus then too the cup, gave thanks for it (Did He see His agonizing death in its depth?), and passed it around. “Drink, all of you, for this is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.  I won’t drink of this again, until I drink it new with you in My Father’s Kingdom.”

(NOTE: It seems from Matthew and Mark (and Luke) that Judas was still at the table when Jesus instituted “the Lord’s Supper.”  And it was only after this that Jesus announced a betrayer among them.  John writes that, once it was announced, Judas was sent away “to do it.”  And, except for John and Peter, none of the others had a clue about him.)

 

  • Jesus Foretells Peter’s Denial.

After they had sung the closing song of the meal, Jesus and the disciples went out to their favorite place on the Mount of Olives to the secluded garden of Gethsemane. 

There, Jesus tells His bold and brash, “right-hand-man” Peter that that very night he would deny Jesus.  In fact, Jesus said they ALL would flee away.  When Peter denied that HE would, Jesus made that familiar, detailed accusation, “This night, before the rooster crows, you will deny me THREE TIMES.”  But dear, foot-in-his-mouth Peter foolishly claimed, “Even if I must DIE for You, I will not deny You.”

 

  • Jesus prays in Gethsemane.

Then it begins. Everything is in place.  That “cup” that Jesus has been speaking about for three years is now poured and ready for Him to drink.  Jesus feels the horror of it deep in His soul. He must pray!  He asks his disciples to sit and wait for Him.  He asks his core three to come closer and “watch” (pray!) with Him.  

Then Jesus falls face down to the ground, and pleads that He might not drink this “cup.”  Is there any other way to purchase salvation for the elect? He asks His Father.  But he knows there is not.  “Nevertheless, not MY will, but THINE be done.” Jesus pleads and prays this three times … while His closest three disciples “snore away.”

 

  • Betrayal and Arrest of Jesus.

Finally, slowly, and perhaps with bodily pain from the anguish, Jesus rises and goes to His men.  He wakes them, “The hour is here. The Son of man is betrayed into the hands of sinners.  Get up, let us be going.  See, my betrayer is at hand.”  (Now the evil one is unmasked, and they see Judas.) 

Judas, at the head of the crowd of soldiers and men with clubs from the religious leaders, steps forward for the pre-arranged signal.  He walks up to Jesus, says, “Greetings, Rabbi!” and kisses Him.  Jesus acknowledges his action and calls Judas, “friend.”

Then the soldiers step forward to seize Jesus.   But Peter – remembering his vows – draws his short sword and slashes out. His sword hits and cuts off the ear of the High Priest’s servant, Malchus.   Jesus reprimands Peter (not wanting him to be immediately arrested or killed) and heals Malchus’s ear.  (What a story THAT man has!!)  

To Peter and the disciples, Jesus says intently, “Do you think that I cannot appeal to my Father, and He will at once send me more than twelve LEGIONS of angels?  (Enough to kill everyone who had ever lived on the earth!)  “But how else should the Scriptures be fulfilled?  This MUST be so.”

And as Jesus faced his accusers, calming the situation which had escalated at Peter’s rash move, those very disciples all fled into the darkness of the garden.  

 

  • Jesus Before Caiaphas and the Council.

The soldiers seized Jesus and led him to Caiaphas, the high priest, where the scribes and elders had gathered.

Peter and John followed them at a distance.  Then went into the courtyard and sat with the guards (John goes further inside for an eyewitness of the happenings.)

The religious leaders tried and failed to get false testimony against Jesus, but found none.   Finally, two came forward, saying they had heard Jesus say He would “destroy the temple and rebuild it in three days.” 

When they asked Jesus to answer this accusation, He remained silent.

Then the high priest said directly to Jesus, “I adjure you by the living God, tell us if You are the Christ, the Son of God.” (This was putting Jesus under a legal oath before God, so Jesus HAD TO answer.)

Jesus: “I AM. And you will see the Son of Man seated at the right hand of Power, and coming with the clouds of Heaven.”

Caiaphas tore his clothes at what he said was the ultimate blasphemy – saying Jesus was God. 

He said in rage (and satisfaction), “What further witnesses do we need? You heard his blasphemy! What is your decision?”

“He deserves death!”

Then, the abuse begins.  They spat in Jesus’ face and struck Him. Some covered His face, slapped Him, and said, “Prophesy who struck You.”  The guards began to beat Jesus as well.

 

  • Peter Denies Jesus.

Outside in the courtyard, perhaps hearing some of the angry shouts, Peter denied his Lord … three times. Then a rooster crowed, and Peter remembered.  He broke down and wept bitterly.

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MONDAY – Day 314 -Luke 22 & John 13.

Again, we will cover two chapters together, although there are differences.

  • The Plot to Kill Jesus.

It was Passover and the Jewish leaders were wondering HOW to put Jesus to death, for they feared the crowds there for the festivities.

 

  • Judas to Betray Jesus.

Judas provided that opportunity, offering to lead them to Jesus privately … for money.

 

  • Jesus Washes the Disciples’ Feet. 

After the disciples acquired a room and prepared it for the Passover meal. When the hour came and they were all reclining around the table, Jesus got up, removed his outer garment, took a towel, poured water into a basin, and began washing the disciples’ feet. (This was usually the task of the lowest servant.)  Peter objected loudly. “Wash my feet? You shall never wash my feet!!)

Jesus told him that he didn’t understand what He was doing, and if He didn’t wash Peter’s feet, the disciple had no part with Jesus.  “Lord, not my feet only but also my hands and head!”

Jesus told them there was no need. It was a picture of them already being clean through their faith in Him, and only their daily sins needed to be confessed and cleansed.  (All were clean, EXCEPT Judas, still among them.)

 

  • The Beginning of the Lord’s Supper.   

After Jesus was finished, he redressed and sat down. He explained to them that if HE, their Lord and Teacher, had washed their feet, they should follow his example and willingly be a lowly servant to each other.  If they wanted to know who was “greatest” among them, it was the one who served the others the most.

Jesus then explained the bread and cup that he passed around as His body and blood (to be) given for them, which would bring in the New Covenant (Testament). 

 

  • Jesus speaks of His Betrayal. 

And as they were eating, Jesus announced that “One of you will betray me.”  The disciples were disturbed. Peter, who was reclining across the table, motioned to John, who was right next to Jesus, to ask Him WHO the betrayer was.  John leaned back on Jesus and asked the question in a low voice.  Jesus said it was the one He dipped the bread into the sauce and gave to.  Jesus then dipped the morsel and gave it to Judas, reclining on His other side.  

Jesus told Judas quietly, “What you are going to do, do quickly,” and Judas immediately (still chewing that morsel of bread) got up and went out into the night.

 

  • Jesus Foretells Peter’s Denial. 

After commending the remaining disciples, “those who would stay with Him through His trials,” and reading Peter’s proud heart, Jesus turned to His disciples and said, “Simon, Simon, behold, Satan demanded to have you, that he might sift you like wheat, but I have prayed for you that your faith may not fail.  And WHEN you have turned again, strengthen your brothers.”

Peter: “Lord, I am ready to go with you both to prison and to death.”

Jesus: “I tell you, Peter, the rooster will not crow this day until you deny three times that you even know me.”

(Here, John’s Gospel ….

gives a 4-chapter parenthesis around Jesus’s private teaching to His disciples,

and His High Priestly prayer, in chapters 14 – 17.

We’ll study these tomorrow.

But Luke’s Gospel ….

continues with the happenings of that night,

leading up to the crucifixion.)

  • Jesus Prays in Gethsemane.

Out on the Mount of Olives, Jesus asked His disciples to pray that they may not enter into temptation. But they were tired and sleepy.  

Jesus agonized in prayer to His Father that He not have to drink the “cup” of suffering. “But not my will, but yours be done!”  The agony was so great, that Jesus sweat drops of blood!.  Afterward, an angel came and strengthened Him.

 

  • Betrayal & Arrest. 

And then the crowd and soldiers were upon them. The sleepy disciples rose to the noise, weapons, and torches.  A fellow disciple, Judas, comes to Jesus and kisses Him.

(Peter and John KNOW what he’s doing.  Peter draws his sword and lashes out, misses Judas, and cuts off the ear of Malchus.  Jesus mends the mess and scolds Peter.)

Then they seized Jesus and led him away to the high priest’s house. 

 

  • Peter Denies Jesus.

Peter, scared, does what he pledged not to do.  He denies His Lord three times in the presence of some servants, even swearing an oath for emphasis.  The cock crows just as Jesus is being led to another venue. Their eyes meet, and Peter’s heart rips in two.  He runs out into the darkness, weeping bitterly. 

 

  • Jesus is Mocked. 

Meanwhile, Jesus is mocked and brutally beaten. He is blindfolded and quizzed as to who is hitting Him. They blaspheme the Son of God.

 

  • Jesus before the Council.

At daybreak, the Jewish leaders led Jesus away to their council (Sanhedrin) where they further buffeted and demanded answers from Him. “ARE YOU THE SON OF GOD?” they shout over and over. 

“I AM.” Jesus answers.

And they take Him to the Roman ruler, Pilate for the death sentence.

 

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Journaling through the Bible Chronologically in 2025, Day 312

Nov8

A NEW MONTH!

Day 312 – Reading – Matthew 25

Read and believe in Jesus!

Matthew 25.

Jesus continues His warnings about the end times, this time using parables and illustrations.

The Parable of the Ten Virgins warns about being prepared. Ten young women, bridesmaids, waited at the Bride’s house for the Bridegroom to come, so they could form a procession to the festivities.  These gals waited a long time, all of them napping as it got later and later.  Their oil lamps burned lower and lower. 

Finally, the joyful call that the Bridegroom was coming!  Quickly, they trimmed the wicks of their lamps, and five of them refilled them with oil.  But the other five could not.

They thought they had an adequate supply in their lamps.  They did not bring extra oil.  They did not plan on waiting a long time or persevering through the long night.  When they asked to borrow some from the others, they were denied. Perseverance and faithfulness (the oil) are a personal thing: each must have their own supply in their heart.

“Watch therefore,” Jesus said, “for you know neither the day nor the hour (of the Lord’s coming).”

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The Parable of the Talents is a similar story about wasting opportunities or being faithful in the Lord’s work until He returns.  A businessman was going on a journey and called His three top servants together to assign work while he was gone. 

To his best worker, he gave a very sizable amount of money to be responsible for – FIVE talents of silver. (One silver talent was equivalent to 20 years’ wages for a common laborer).  To the man’s next best servant, the man gave the responsibility of TWO talents of silver. And to the third man, he gave the oversight of ONE silver talent.  Then the businessman went away, confident his men would do well by him.

The best worker traded on the stock market and doubled his master’s money.

The second-best worker did the same, doubling the two talents he had.

But the third man, fearful of any risk, hid the silver talent safely in a vault in the ground.  He was sure not to lose any of it that way.

When the businessman finally returned, he called all three to account.  He was very pleased with the first two servants’ wisdom and the increase in his money. He praised them and rewarded them handsomely.

But he was very disappointed and angry at the third man.  If indeed the servant knew he was a “hard man” who gathered where he did not sow, should he not have AT LEAST put the talent in the bank where it would have earned interest?  The servant was wicked and slothful, and he was kicked out into outer darkness, where there is weeping and gnashing of teeth.

The wait for the Lord’s second coming may seem long (2,000 years?).  But Jesus’ true followers must be faithful, prepared, and working for the Kingdom, as God has enabled them..

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The illustration of Judgment Day tells us about those who obey or disobey His Commands to love one another (even our enemies). This love reflects God’s great, undeserved love for us and the root of His salvation, planned from before the world began.

At the end, on judgment day, the King will divide the people of all the nations into “the sheep” and “the goats.”  Sheep on the right (the side of blessing) and goats on the left (the side of judgment).  He will bless the sheep and give them the Kingdom that the Father had prepared for them.

Why are we rewarded? they ask.  The King answered, “For when I was hungry, you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink. I was a stranger and you welcomed me. I was naked and you clothed me. I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me.”

“When did we do all this?” the sheep asked.

“When you did it to one of the least of these my brothers… you did it to me.”

THEN…

The King turned to the “goats” on His left and said, “Depart from me, you cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels!”

‘Na-a-a-a, why?” they asked, and were told that when confronted with the hungry and thirsty, strangers, naked ones, the sick and imprisoned … they – from their hard, selfish hearts – did not assist, supply, or help at all.  And because they did not do kindness to these, they had not done it for the King. 

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Again, the Lord is interested in our hearts. Do we look for His coming with longing, serving Him no matter how long it takes?  Do we shun laziness, and honor Him always with what little or abundance that we have?  And are we forsaking self desires and from out hearts serving others with love and kindness?

He knows.

Journaling through the Bible Chronologically in 2025, Day 311

Nov7

A NEW MONTH!

Day 311 – Reading – Matthew 24

Read and believe in Jesus!

Matthew 24.

This chapter covers what we’ve already read in Luke 21 and Mark 13.  

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The conversation between Jesus and his men is prompted by their admiration of the temple and walls of Jerusalem and Jesus’ abrupt news that it won’t be long before they all will lay in ruins.

This prompted more questions, such as: WHEN it would happen, and WHAT would be the SIGN of His coming and the end of the age.

Across the Kidron Valley on the Mount of Olives (possibly in the Garden of Gethsemane), Jesus sat down with them and began to answer their questions.  They weren’t entirely satisfied (as we are also not), but Jesus admits that even He does not know the exact time.

The warnings are the same as we’ve already read, “See that no one leads you astray,” and “See that you are not alarmed with what is coming.”

Jesus adds more information about their time of persecution and apostasy. “They will deliver you up to tribulation and put you to death (James’ death was coming soon!), and you will be hated by all nations for my name’s sake.  Then many will fall away, betray one another, and hate one another. Because lawlessness will increase, the love of many will grow cold.  But the one who endures to the end will be saved.”

Then Jesus told them WHEN the end would come.  Not a certain date or even year, but … “And this gospel of the kingdom will be proclaimed throughout the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.”

Jesus warns them about the “abomination of desolation” spoken about in the prophet Daniel (9:27 and 11:31) – another one coming who will be like Antiochus Epiphanes, only worse.  And during his time, “False messiahs and false prophets will arise and perform great signs and wonders, to lead astray, if possible, even the elect.”  Jesus told them not to be deceived.  The whole world will see Him at His coming in power. His glory will flash like lightning flashes from east to west.

The fig tree offers an illustration.  When the leaves appear, you know the fruit will follow soon after.

Noah offers another illustration.  Jesus says, “As it was in the days of Noah, so will be the coming of the Son of Man.  In those days, before the flood, they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day when Noah entered the ark. They were unaware until the flood came and took them all away.”

Jesus cautions them, “Don’t be like the wicked servant, who, when his master went away for a time, began to do evil. He beat his fellow servants, instead of providing food for them; he began to eat and drink with drunkards, using up his master’s goods selfishly. 

“When the master returns … ‘He will cut him in pieces and put him with the hypocrites in that place where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.”

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Whoa.  Okay,  I know the disciples were confused, but the message of Jesus was clear. 

“Don’t be afraid. Don’t be fooled.  Don’t turn aside from the work I’ve given you.  Endure persecution and death.  Be faithful, and you will be rewarded in the end when I return.”

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And, really, that’s how it is for US today!

 

 

 

 

Journaling through the Bible Chronologically in 2025, Day 310

Nov6

A NEW MONTH!

Day 310 – Reading – Mark 13

Read and believe in Jesus!

Mark 13.

Today’s reading is another account of the dire predictions we read about yesterday in Luke 21, and what we will read about again in Matthew 24 tomorrow.  The setting is Jerusalem, mid-week before the horrible time of Jesus’s suffering leading up to His crucifixion on Passover. He has had several encounters with Jewish leaders, who are even angrier now. 

Jesus also spoke some dire things about the future that have made His disciples curious.  When they leave the Temple, one of His disciples comments, “Look, Teacher, what wonderful stones and what wonderful buildings!”

Jesus answers him cryptically, “Do you see these great buildings? There will not be left here one stone upon another that will not be thrown down.”  

As they walked through Jerusalem and out the gates, through the Kidron Valley to the Mount of Olives, I’m sure they were thinking about what Jesus had predicted.  From their viewpoint, they could see the Holy City across the Western horizon, with the Temple prominently standing. All the enormous stones were “golden” in the setting sun.  It was hard to imagine it all in rubble.  (But hadn’t that very thing happened centuries before when Babylon attacked and destroyed the city and temple, taking Israel into exile?  Would that happen again?  (Sadly, yes.)

Sadly, this first part would happen in less than 40 years after Jesus’ warning. The destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple buildings by the Roman General Titus occurred in 70 A.D., and thousands of Jews were killed or taken as slaves.

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As they rested on the Mount of Olives – possibly in the Garden of Gethsemane – the four fisherman brothers (Peter & Andrew, James & John) approached Jesus privately. “Tell us, when will these things be, and what will be the sign when all these things are about to be accomplished?”

They wondered if this would happen very soon, not-so soon, or not for a long while. Should they start preparing? 

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His answer may have been confusing. 

Jesus begins with warnings, “Beware that no one leads you astray.”  “Don’t be alarmed.”  “Be on your guard.”  “Don’t be anxious.”  “The one who endures to the end will be saved.”

This first section seems to refer to the near future, and the persecution they will suffer after He has departed.  However, it could refer to any suffering by believers throughout the centuries.  There will be “false Messiahs” coming that try to fool believers into believing that He has returned.  There will be earthquakes, famines, and wars between nations, but these are just the beginning.

They are to expect persecution from the Jews and governments (think of all that happens in the book of Acts) as they spread the Gospel.  They will be brought to court to give their testimony.  In those times, the Holy Spirit will show them what to say. 

And they are to expect persecution even from their own families, including being put to death (possibly out of fear for their own lives).

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In the next section, Jesus seems to be warning believers IN THE END TIMES. (see verse 14, “let the reader understand.)  The Antichrist of the Great Tribulation will act and appear like that historical Antiochus Epiphanes, king of Syria in the second century B.C., who raided Jerusalem, killing 80,000 Jews, and then set up a statue of Zeus in the temple and sacrificed pigs on the holy altar. 

Jesus, “For in those days there will be such tribulation as has not been from the beginning of the creation that God created until now, and never will be.  And if the Lord had not cut short the days, no human being would be saved.  (Read Revelation for further details.)  But for the sake of the elect, whom God chose, He shortened the days.”

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I’m sure the disciples were thoroughly scared by then (I would be).  But Jesus has a little more to reveal.

“After that tribulation, the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light, and the stars will be falling from heaven, and the powers in the heavens will be shaken.”  (As if they were not fearful enough!)  

“And THEN they will see the Son of man coming in clouds with great power and glory. And then He will send out the angels and gather His elect from the four winds, from the ends of the earth to the ends of heaven.”

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And as for their “When?” question, Jesus gives an example of the fig tree.  When it begins to leaf out, you know that summer is near. “So, also, WHEN YOU SEE THESE THINGS TAKING PLACE, you know that he (and the Kingdom of God) is near, at the very gates. 

Then, before they can ask further, Jesus answers. “But concerning the DAY and the HOUR… no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.”  Only those alive in that final generation will live to see the return of Christ.

And some final warnings, “Be on guard. Keep awake. Stay awake.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

Journaling through the Bible Chronologically in 2025, Day 309

Nov5

A NEW MONTH!

Day 309 – Reading – Matthew 23 and Luke 20-21

Read and believe in Jesus!

Matthew 23.

Remember in yesterday’s study, Jesus was confronted with several groups of the Jewish religious leaders with questions meant to trick Him.  Jesus never faltered, and even asked THEM a question that left them stumped.  Then He warned his disciples to “Beware of the scribes/Pharisees for their hypocrisy.”

Now, this chapter is a series of scathing remarks or judgments on those very leaders to warn the crowds and his disciples about their evil ways.

But first, a caveat. Jesus tells his hearers that these leaders do “sit on Moses’ seat.” In other words, the laws they teach ARE holy as God gave them to Moses.  The people are to “practice and observe” what these leaders SAY from the Scriptures, but they are not to imitate what they DO.

Why?  As hypocrites, they “heap heavy burdens, hard to bear, on the people’s shoulders, but don’t lift a finger to help them.   And they “do all their deeds to be seen by others.”  They love the places of honor, the best seats, greetings in the marketplace, and to be called “rabbi.”  “Don’t be like that,” Jesus tells them. “The greatest among you shall be your servant.”

Then Jesus doubles down with seven “woes” or condemnations.

  1. WOE!  Jesus condemned their harsh demands on the people (far above what Moses wrote), and yet they did not observe them.
  2. WOE!  These hypocrites went to great lengths to make a single convert to Judaism, but then made him “a child of the devil” by their excessive demands.
  3. WOE!  These “blind fools” valued gold, offerings, and material objects more than the sacred things of God.
  4. WOE!  These hypocrites tithed minutely on everything, even the herbs they used, but they neglected the weightier things of God’s Law, like justice, mercy, and faithfulness.  They were straining out “gnats” while swallowing “camels.”
  5. WOE!  These blind hypocrites washed the “outside” of their cups and plates in precise, legalistic ways, while allowing the serving pieces to be full of greed and self-indulgence.  “First, clean the inside!” Jesus told them.
  6. WOE!  Jesus told these hypocrites that they were like white-washed tombs.  Pretty on the outside with their self-righteousness, but inside, they were full of “dead bones and uncleanness,” which is what Jesus called their hypocrisy and lawlessness.
  7. WOE!  They were such “false” leaders that they built monuments to honor the prophets of old who spoke God’s truth.  And all the while they were KILLING them because they did not want to hear God’s condemnation. Jesus calls these sons of murderers, “serpents” and a “brood of vipers” and asks, “How are you to escape being sentenced to hell?”  Jesus says HE is sending them prophets, wise men, and scribes, but they will kill and crucify some, and others flog and persecute … so that … on YOU may come all the righteous blood shed on earth, from Abel to Zechariah. 

 

Then Jesus turns to his surroundings and weeps.  “O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to it!  How often would I have gathered your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings … and you would not!

“See, your house is left to you desolate. For I tell you, you will not see me again, until you say, “Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord.”

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Luke 21.

While some were looking around and speaking of the temple, how it was adorned with noble stores and offerings, Jesus said,  “As for these things that you see, the days will come when there will not be left here one stone upon another that will not be thrown down.”   (Did they think of the first Temple’s destruction and their exile?)

“Teacher, when will these things be, and what will be the sign when these things are about to take place?  they asked, worried.

Jesus:  “See that you are not led astray. For many will come in my name, saying, ‘I am he!’ and ‘The time is at hand!’  Do not go after them.  And when you hear of wars and tumults, do not be terrified, for these things must first take place, but the end will not be at once.

Then Jesus lists events that will occur before His return.  Some are distant, even to us right now. Others will happen in 70 a.d. when the Romans destroy Jerusalem and the Temple.

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  • “Nation will rise against nation, kingdom against kingdom.
  • There will be great earthquakes, famines, and pestilences.
  • There will be terrors and great signs in the heavens.
  • Before all this, they will lay hands on you and persecute you, delivering you up to synagogues and prisons, before kings and governors for My name’s sake. (You will be given wisdom to witness.)
  • You will be delivered up even by parents and relatives and friends, and some of you will be put to death.
  • You will be hated by all for My name’s sake.
  • And when you see Jerusalem surrounded by armies, know that its desolation is near.  FLEE to the mountains.
  • There will be great distress upon the earth, and wrath against this people. They will fall by the sword and be led captive among all nations.
  • And Jerusalem will be trampled underfoot by the Gentiles, until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled.
  • There will be signs in the sun and moon and stars, and on the earth distress of nations because of the roaring of the sea and waves.
  • People will faint with fear and with foreboding of what is coming o the world, for the powers of the heavens will be shaken.
  • And THEN they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory.  When you see this begin to take place, straighten up and raise your heads, for your redemption is drawing near.
  • Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will not pass away.”

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Then Jesus turned to them with warning and encouragement.   “But WATCH yourselves lest your hearts be weighed down with dissipation and drunkenness and cares of this life … that the Day come on you suddenly like a trap.

“Stay awake at all times, praying that you may have strength to escape all these things that are going to take place … and to stand before the Son of Man.”

 

(Definitely a serious lesson and it may cause us to be fearful, but TRUST in Jesus, pray, and believe.)

 

 

Journaling through the Bible Chronologically in 2025, Day 308

Nov4

A NEW MONTH!

Day 308 – Reading – Matthew 22 and Mark 12

Read and believe in Jesus!

Matthew 22 and Mark 12.

These two chapters have similar accounts of Jesus, so we’ll take them together. The events take place in Jerusalem (sometimes in the Temple) after Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem, and before Passover Thursday.

Both of these chapters begin with parables (The Wedding Feast and The Tenants).  Both speak of people who were asked by someone to DO something. (attend the wedding and take care of the property).  Both decided NOT to comply, so a second group of people was then considered. (common people from the byways and a new set of tenants).   

The Jewish religious leaders knew that both of these parables were directed at THEM, and resented Jesus even more.  Jesus was saying that the very people who knew “the law and prophets” thoroughly did not see their Messiah when he came, but the common people did, and accepted Him. So THEY were chosen to enter the Kingdom.

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Now we’re going to see several different Jewish Religious groups coming to test Jesus. 

The Pharisees and Herodians.  (This was a weird combo. An uber-pious Jewish religious group and a secular political group with leanings toward Rome.)

First, the “butter up.” “Teacher, we know that you are true and do not care about anyone’s opinion. For you are not swayed by appearances, but truly teach the way of God.”

Then the test question. “Tell us what you think. Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar, or not? Should we pay them or should we not?”

(Heh, heh, heh.  They thought they had Him between “a rock and a hard place:” his Jewish heritage and the Roman rule they lived under.  WHICH would he say?)

Jesus asked for a coin commonly used at that time (think of a Quarter in the United States).   “Whose likeness and inscription is this?” 

They admitted, “Caesar’s.”

“So, then give to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.”  When they heard Jesus give this answer, they marveled and went away.

(Score one for Jesus.)

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Next, The Sadducees came to Jesus with a test question. (Now the Sadducees did not believe in the bodily resurrection. That was why they were “sad, you see.” Haha.)

First, understand the law (Deuteronomy 25:5-10) that gave a provision to ensure family ties were kept intact and that widows were cared for. It stated that if a woman became a widow without children (who cared for widows then), her dead husband’s brother should marry her and raise a child to carry on the deceased’s name and property rights in the Land, and to care for the widow.  It was a kindness.

And so, the Sadducees came with this facetious question.  If a woman’s husband died without giving her a child, and each of his seven brothers also tried but died without giving her a child … and then the woman died.  In the “resurrection,” WHOSE WIFE WOULD SHE BE?

Ha, ha, ha.  They thought they had Jesus trapped now. 

But Jesus landed on their one mistake. Although Jewish scholars, they obviously did not understand the Word.  “You are wrong because you know neither the Scriptures nor the power of God.”  Then Jesus went on to tell them that in Heaven, there would not be marriage.  That was a provision on earth to procreate.  And as far as people living on after death, Jesus asked them to consider the scripture where God said, “I Am” the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.” He is not God of the DEAD but of the LIVING.    

The crowd heard this and were astonished at His teaching.

(Score 2 for Jesus)

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When one of the Pharisees heard how Jesus had silenced their rivals, the Sadducees, they gathered together and appointed one as their spokesperson.

The Pharisee: “Teacher, which is the most important commandment in the Law?

Jesus: “‘Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’  And the second is this: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’  On these two commandments depend all the Law and Prophets.”

The Pharisee:  “You are right, Teacher. You have truly said that He is one, and there is no other besides Him. And to love Him with all the heart and with all the understanding and with all the strength, and to love one’s neighbor as oneself, is much more than all whole burnt offerings and sacrifices.”

Jesus:  “You are not far from the kingdom of God.”

And after that, no one dared to ask Him any more questions.

(Score 3 for Jesus)

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Jesus then ASKED THEM a question. “What do you think about ‘the Christ’?  Whose son is he?

Pharisees:  “He is the son of David.”

Jesus: “How is it then that David, in the Spirit, calls Him Lord, saying, ‘The Lord said to my Lord, Sit at my right hand, until I put your enemies under your feet?’  If then David calls Him Lord, how is He his son?”  (Psalm 110:1)

And no one was able to answer Him a word, nor from that day did anyone dare to ask a question.

(Score 4 for Jesus)

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Mark adds this vignette. 

Jesus and his disciples were sitting in the Temple court opposite the Treasury, watching people putting money into the offering box. Many rich people put in large sums.  And a poor widow came and put in two small copper coins, which make one penny.

Jesus: “Truly, I say to you, this poor widow has put in more than all those who are contributing to the offering box.”   And to the disciples’ questioning looks, He added, “They all contributed out of their abundance, but she, out of her poverty, has put in everything she had, all she had to live on.”

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“Beware of the scribes/Pharisees, who like to walk around in long robes and like greetings in the marketplaces and have the best seats in the synagogues and the places of honor at feasts, who devour widows’ homes and for a pretense make long prayers.  THEY will receive the greater condemnation”