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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”

 

Journaling through the Bible Chronologically in 2025, Day 303

Oct30

Day 303 – Reading – Luke 18

Read and believe in Jesus!

Luke 18.

In each of Jesus’ parables and teachings, notice WHO He is talking to. 

The Parable of the Persistent Widow is directed to His disciples (going back to 9:22 to verify).  It’s about prayer, persistence in prayer, and faith.

Jesus tells a story about a certain “unrighteous” judge who did not fear God or respect man.  He sounds very self-centered and arrogant.  Each day, this judge heard a request/complaint from a widow about some injustice. He refused to act, probably telling himself there was no benefit to him in doing so.

But she continued to come, day after day after day. He grew tired of seeing her face, of hearing her voice, of her taking up his time.  So finally, to stop her from coming to him, he gave her the justice she requested.  “Finally!” he thought, “I’ll get some peace and quiet!”

After the conclusion, Jesus asked His disciples a question.  “Will not God give justice to His elect who cry to Him day and night?  Will He delay long over them?  I tell you, He will give justice to them speedily.  But… when the Son of Man comes, will He find faith on earth?”   This suggests that there will be FEW “elect” who have genuine faith in the end times. (such as in the days of Noah). 

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The Parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector was directed to “those who trusted in themselves that they were righteous.”  You can guess Jesus is talking to and about the Pharisees.

Two men went into the temple to pray: a Pharisee and a Tax collector. 

Here’s how the Pharisee prayed. Standing apart from the others, he said,

“God, I thank you that I am not like other men, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even like… this tax collector.  “I” fast twice a week. “I” give tithes of ALL that I get.”

Here’s how the Tax Collector prayed. Standing far off, his eyes cast to the ground, and beating his chest in sorrow, he said,

“God, be merciful to me a sinner!”

Looking at those “who trusted in themselves for righteousness,” Jesus said, “I tell you, this (second) man went back to his house justified, rather than the other.”  Can you imagine the objections in the group of listeners?  No way!  That’s impossible!  You’re crazy!  And Jesus reminds them, “Everyone who exalts HIMSELF will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted.”

There is no one truly righteous in themselves. (Psalm 14:1-3) Everyone has sinned. The only hope of justification comes from God to the repentant.

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This conversation was directed to those around Jesus (bystanders and disciples) as well as directly to a “rich, young ruler” who asked a question – hoping perhaps to outdo the “stuck-up” Pharisees. “Good Teacher, what must “I” do to inherit eternal life?  This man wasn’t a pious teacher of the law, and he certainly wasn’t a hated tax collector. He was just a regular guy (who just happened to have everything – wealth, youth, and power).

Jesus: “Why do you call me good? No one is good by God alone?”  “Was this guy acknowledging Jesus as God? Or was he saying he recognized Jesus as “good” because he, himself, was also “good.”  If so, he was about to be corrected.

Jesus:  “You know the commandments: do not commit adultery, do not murder, do not steal, do not bear false witness, and honor your father and mother.” Notice that Jesus only quoted those commandments that related man to man.

Ruler: “All these have I kept from my youth.”

Jesus: “One thing you lack. Sell all you have and distribute the money to the poor, and you will have ‘treasure’ in heaven. Then, come, follow Me.”

Hearing this, the rich, young ruler became very sad, for he was “extremely rich.”  Slowly, he walked away.

Jesus then turned and said to those around Him: “How difficult it is for those who have wealth to enter the kingdom of God! For it’s easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God.” 

His listeners: “Then who CAN be saved?”

Jesus: “What is impossible with men is possible with God.”

Peter: “See, WE have left our homes and followed you.

Jesus: “There is no one who has left house or wife or brothers, or parents, or children, for the sake of the kingdom of God, who will not receive many times more in this time, and in the age to come … eternal life.”

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And lastly, Jesus directly tells His TWELVE special disciples (for the third time) what the future holds for Him.

“See, we are going up to Jerusalem, and everything that is written about the Son of Man by the prophets will be accomplished.  He will be delivered over to the Gentiles. He will be mocked and shamefully treated and spit upon. After flogging Him, they will kill Him. Then ON THE THIRD DAY, He will rise.”

But they understood NONE of these things.  It was hidden from them, and they did not grasp what He said.

(Were their minds and hopes too wrapped up in the “glory” of the Kingdom to come?  Did they still imagine Jesus as King and them as His “right-hand men ruling beside Him?”)  

 

(Lord, help me to listen and really hear the things You tell us in Your Word. Please give me wisdom and understanding, a soft heart, and a willing spirit.)

 

 

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 298

Oct25

Day 298 – Reading – Luke 10

Read and believe in Jesus!

Luke 10.

In the last few verses of chapter 9, Jesus laid out the “cost” of following Him to a few “want-to-be” disciples who tried to join up. 

  1. “I will follow You wherever You go!” said one enthusiastic man.  Jesus answered: “Foxes have holes, and the birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay his head.”
  2. Jesus saw another and said, “Follow me.”  But the man hedged. “Lord, let me go and bury my father.”  Jesus answered, “Leave the dead to bury their own dead. But as for you, go and proclaim the kingdom of God.”
  3. And a third, “I will follow you, Lord, but let me first say farewell to those at my home.”  Jesus answered him too: “No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for the Kingdom of God.”

And then (Luke 10), “the Lord appointed 72 OTHERS, and sent them on ahead of him, two by two, into every town and place where he was about to go.”

OTHERS.  These were ones without excuses.  They stayed.  They also need training.  So, as He had sent out the Twelve earlier, Jesus sends these out.  The instructions are the same:

  • Carry no moneybag, knapsack, or extra sandals.
  • Greet (stop and talk for a while) no one on the road.
  • Whatever house you enter, say, “Peace be to this house!” and see if there is a like response.
  • Remain in the same house, eating and drinking what they provide.
  • Heal the sick, say “the kingdom of God has come near you.”

Later, we see them returning with joy, saying, “Lord, even the demons are subject to us in Your name!”  

Jesus acknowledges their success. “I have given you authority to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, so that nothing will hurt you.  NEVERTHELESS … do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, BUT THAT your names are written in heaven.”

Jesus then has His own “moment of joy.” “Thank You, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that You have hidden these things from the wise and revealed them to little children. Yes, Father, for such was your gracious will.”

Then turning back to the disciples, He said privately, “Blessed are the eyes that see what you see!  For I tell you that many prophets and kings desired to see what YOU see, and did not, and to hear what YOU hear, and did not hear it.”

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Then (to spoil all that joy), a lawyer (a scribe expert in the law of God) stood up to put Jesus to the test.

  • He said, “Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?
  • Jesus:  “What is written the Law?  How do you read it:
  • Scribe: ‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your mind, and your neighbor as yourself.”
  • Jesus: “You have answered correctly; do this, and you will live.”
  • Scribe, desiring to justify himself: ‘”And WHO is my neighbor?”

Ah… what an opening.  Jesus replied with a true-to-life parable. 

  • “A man going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, fell among robbers who stripped him and beat him, and then left him half dead.” 
  • “Now, by chance, a PRIEST was going down that road and SAW him.  He passed by on the other side.” 
  • “Likewise, a LEVITE, when he came to the place and SAW him, passed by on the other side of the road.” 
  • “But a SAMARITAN, as he journeyed, came to where he was ….. and, when he SAW him, he had compassion. He went to him and bound up his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he set him on his own animal, brought him to an inn, and took care of him.  The next day, he paid the innkeeper TWO DINARI (2 days’ wages), saying, “Take care of him. Whatever more you spend, I will repay when I come back.”

Jesus: “Which of these three, do YOU think, proved to be a neighbor to the man who fell among the robbers?”

Jesus had turned the tables on this “intitled” lawyer. The scribe was asking whom HE had to love as a neighbor, but Jesus asked which of the traveling men acted as a neighbor. Not who WAS his neighbor, but who DID the neighborly thing. 

Scribe: “I suppose the one who showed him mercy.”

Jesus: “YOU go, and do likewise.”

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Next, we see Jesus at the home of Martha and Mary. 

Martha welcomed Jesus and then rushed to prepare a meal for Him and His men. While she worked, Jesus sat in the other room, quietly talking and teaching.  Martha’s younger sister, Mary, had quietly slipped in behind the disciples to sit on the rug and listen to His words. 

As Martha cooked and wiped the sweat from her brow, she worried about everything coming together and if it was enough.  Then everything was ready at once. She needed help laying the table, cutting the bread, and getting the wine!  She needed Mary to come help!  

She went to Jesus, twisting her apron, and said: “Lord, do You not care that my sister has left me to serve alone?  Tell her then to HELP ME”

Jesus softly answered: “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things. (Jesus acknowledged her concerns), “but only one dish is necessary. (after all, Jesus could stretch any meal to feed thousands!). Then, looking at her younger sister, Jesus said,” Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her.”

Did Marth feel scolded?  Or did she return, take a big breath, lay the food on the table, and then get the wine herself?  One glance showed the warmed food covered, no flies, the wine waiting to be poured.

Then, did she untie her apron and slip into the room quietly and sit beside Mary, gently clasping her hand?   Had they smiled at each other, then turned to see Jesus smiling, and then continuing to tell them all about His Father, and His own work to be done.

 

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Journaling through the Bible Chronologically in 2025, Day 294

Oct21

Day 294 – Reading – Matthew 17 and Mark 9

Read and believe in Jesus!

Matthew 17 and Mark 9,

After telling His disciples about His soon-to-arrive suffering, death, and resurrection, Jesus says something hard to understand. “Truly, I say to you, there are some standing here who will not see death until they see the Son of Man coming in His kingdom.”

Our first thought may be, well, WE are here, 2000 years later, and WE haven’t seen Jesus coming into His Kingdom.  But consider a few other thoughts. Jesus could have been referring to His resurrection.  Or, perhaps the coming of His Holy Spirit at Pentecost was in His mind. 

But most likely, Jesus was referring to His “transfiguration” when Peter, James, and John saw Jesus glorified.  In both Matthew and Mark (and Luke), it’s the very next thing that happened after those words.

Jesus and the disciples were still in northern Galilee around Caesarea Philippi. Mt. Hermon (9,000 ft.) is nearby. Jesus took the “inner-circle” disciples, Peter, James, and John, up into this “high mountain.”

Jesus was “transfigured” before them.  And these three disciples saw Him, in some of His ‘Eternal Glory.’

  • Peter says in his account – 2 Peter 1:16b-18. “…we (3) were eyewitnesses of His majesty. For when He received honor and glory from God the Father, and the voice was borne to Him by the Majestic Glory, ‘This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased,’ we ourselves heard this very voice borne from heaven, for we were with Him on the holy mountain.”

Matthew: “His face shone like the sun, and His clothes became white as light.”

Mark: “His clothes became radiant, intensely white, as no one on earth could bleach them.”

(Luke: “The appearance of His face was altered and His clothes became dazzling white.”)

Can you imagine?

And THEN, as if this vision was not enough, the revered Old Testament heroes, MOSES and ELIJAH (representing the Law and Prophets), appeared with Jesus.  These two men, whose own deaths are a mystery, were discussing Jesus’ own upcoming “departure,” which He was about to accomplish in Jerusalem in just a few months. 

  • What do you think they were saying to Jesus?  How were they encouraging Him, do you think?
  • I believe they were calling to His remembrance all the Old Testament scriptures that pointed to Him – beginning at Genesis 3:15 (which Moses wrote) about the “seed of the woman crushing the head of the serpent.”
  • Did Moses remind Jesus of the “Passover Lamb” whose blood on the doors saved a nation from the death angel? Now He would provide salvation to ALL who believed.
  • Perhaps Elijah brought the prophecy of Isaiah 53 to Jesus’ remembrance, reviewing His upcoming suffering, but also the final reward He would have in the Redeemed Saints He would take to Glory. 
  • Maybe Elijah, thinking of the chariot of fire that took him to heaven, encouraged Jesus that He too would return to His Father by being “lifted up to the sky,” while his disciples watched.

We don’t know. My thoughts are just speculation. But in some way, these Old Testament powerhouses strengthened Jesus for the road ahead, and the “cup” he would drink.

And then…

Peter’s words penetrated all that sweet communion. “Lord. It is good that WE are here. If You wish, I will make three tents here, one for You and one for Moses and one for Elijah…!”

But the Father interrupted him, covering the scene with a bright cloud and saying in majesty, “THIS is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased, LISTEN TO HIM.”

When the disciples heard this, they fell on their faces and were terrified. Perhaps they even fainted, because it took Jesus coming to them, touching them, and saying, “Rise, and have no fear” for them to see that the vision had gone.

On the way down the mountain, Jesus commanded the three, “You are to tell NO ONE about the vision, until the Son of Man is raised from the dead.”   They kept the matter among themselves, but they didn’t really understand what Jesus meant by ‘rising from the dead.’

###

When they came back to the rest of the disciples, they saw a crowd with them, some Jewish officials, a man, and a very distressed boy.  There was loud arguing by the Jewish scribes, and a great deal of distress in the crowd.

“What’s going on here? What are you arguing about?” Jesus wanted to know.

A man from the crowd answered, “Teacher, I brought my son to You, for he has a spirit that makes him mute. And whenever it seizes him, it throws him down, and he foams and grinds his teeth and becomes rigid.  So….I asked your disciples to cast it out, and they were not able.”

Jesus sighed. “O faithless generation, how long am I to be with you? How long am I to bear with you?  Bring him to me.”

They brought the boy to Jesus, and when it saw Him, immediately it convulsed the boy, and he fell on the ground and rolled about, foaming at the mouth.  

Jesus turned to the father, “How long has this been happening to him?

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

Jesus, to the man, “If YOU can.  All things are possible for one who believes.”

Immediately the father cried out, “I believe; help my unbelief!”

Jesus, seeing the crowd amassing around them, said, “You mute and deaf spirit, I command you, come of of him and never enter him again.”

And after crying out and convulsing him terribly, it came out, and the boy was like a corpse, so that some said he was actually dead.  But Jesus took the boy by the hand and lifted him up. And he arose.  And all were astonished at the majesty of God. 

Later, in the house, the disciples asked Jesus privately why they could not cast the spirit out.  Jesus confided in them that “This kind cannot be driven out by anything but prayer.”  

###

A little later, back in Galilee, Jesus was trying to keep His disciples isolated, for He was teaching them. “The Son of Man is about to be delivered into the hands of men, and they will kill him. And when he is killed, after three days He will rise.”

The disciples were greatly distressed and did not understand what He was saying. And they were afraid to ask Him.  Jesus would keep reminding then of what MUST happen to Him, clear up to the night of His arrest. But they didn’t understand and wouldn’t accept it.   

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How sweet it must have been to talk with Moses and Elijah on the mountain. They affirmed what was going to happen to Him. And they encouraged Him that indeed, He WOULD rise from the dead, to the glory of God. The plan of salvation, decided on before creation, would be accomplished. Jesus would conquer death and the devil and save His people from their sins.)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Journaling through the Bible Chronologically in 2025, Days 292 and 293

Oct20

SUNDAY and MONDAY, posted on MONDAY

Day 292 – Reading – Matthew 15 and Mark 7

Day 293 – Reading – Matthew 16 and Mark 8

Read and believe in Jesus!

SUNDAY – Matthew 15 and Mark 7.

The religious leaders are still trying to find something against Jesus so they can arrest Him. They watch him with hawk eyes. 

When Jesus and His disciples came into the marketplace after crossing the Sea, many sick people came to Him and touched Him or His garments. Jesus healed them all, but afterwards, when the hungry disciples bought some items to eat ….  AND ATE THEM …  the Pharisees pounced. 

“Why do your disciples break the tradition of the elders? 

For they do not wash their  hands when they eat.”

The Pharisees and all the Jews do not eat unless they first wash their hands, holding to the tradition of the elders. This washing involved someone pouring a specific amount of water over their hands while the fingers pointed upward, letting it drain off at the wrists. Then, the hands would be turned over with fingers pointed downward, and again water would be poured over them.  After that, each hand would rub over the fist of the other. (This was NOT in the law of Moses. It was a ritual added by the uber-strict scribes and Pharisees.  Other similar rituals applied to washing cups and pots and copper vessels …. AND ‘dining couches.’ (Say what?)

Jesus could see the heavy burdens the leaders put on the people (as compared to the light, easy burden He offered them (Matt. 11:28-30), and it made Him angry. 

He fired back at them, “Well did Isaiah prophesy of you hypocrites, as it is written,

‘This people honors me with their lips, but their heart is far from me;

In vain do they worship Me, teaching as doctrines. 

the commandments of men.’

“You leave the commandment of God and hold to the tradition of Men.”

Then Jesus went on to reveal just how they did that in other ways.  The Law says that man should honor their parents and take care of them when they age, but these hypocrite Pharisees, say about the money they decided to give to pay their vows (instead of taking care of Mom and Dad), that it was “Corbin.”  This meant it could ONLY be used for sacred purposes.  They get spiritual creds from the offering, and the parents suffer.

“When you do this, you are making void the word of God!”  Jesus called them “blind guides leading the blind.  When this happens BOTH will fall into a pit.

Then Jesus turned from the Pharisees and gathered the people together to teach them just what happens when you “eat with unwashed hands.”

Jesus: “Hear and understand; It is not what goes INTO the mouth that defiles a person, but what comes OUT OF the mouth.”

Peter: “Explain the parable to us.”

Jesus: “Are you also still without understanding?  Do you not see that whatever GOES INTO THE MOUTH passes into the stomach and is expelled? 

They all nod.

Jesus: “But what COMES OUT OF THE MOUTH proceeds from the heart.  THIS defiles a person. For out of the HEART come…..

  • evil thoughts,
  • murder,
  • adultery, 
  • sexual immorality,
  • theft,
  • false witness,
  • slander,
  • coveting,
  • wickedness,
  • deceit,
  • envy,
  • pride,
  • foolishness.  

“All THESE evil things come from within, and THEY defile a person. But to eat with unwashed hands does not defile anyone.”

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After this, Jesus went away from Galilee and withdrew north to the (Gentile) district of Tyre and Sidon.  There, He entered a house and did not want anyone to know.  But He could not be hidden. (Not this Light of the world!)

A Syrophoenician woman who lived there and had a little daughter with an unclean spirit heard of Him. She came to Jesus and fell at his feet.

  • The woman: “Have mercy on me, O Lord, Son of David, my daughter is severely oppressed by a demon!”
  • Jesus said not a word to her, and the disciples begged Him to send her away.
  • Jesus: “I was sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.”
  • The woman: “Lord, help me!”
  • Jesus: “Let the children be fed first. It’s not right to take the children’s bread and throw it to the dogs.”
  • The woman: “Yes, Lord, yet even the little dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their master’s table.”
  • Jesus: “O woman, great is your faith! Be it done for you as you desire. Go your way, the demon has left your daughter.”
  • And she went home and found the child lying in bed and the demon had gone.

Then Jesus left that area and returned to the Sea of Galilee in the area of Decapolis.  There they brought a man who was both deaf and mute, and begged Jesus to heal him.

In a private area, Jesus put his fingers into the mans ears, and after spitting touched his tongue. The He looked toward heaven, sighed, and said, “Ephphatha!  Be opened!”  The man’s ears were opened and his tongue was released and he spoke clearly.  The people were astonished beyond measure, and said, “He has done all things well. He even makes the deaf hear and the mute speak!”

Great crowd came to Him, bringing the lame, the blind, the crippled, the mute, and many others. They put them at His feet, and Jesus healed them.

And the people GLORIFIED THE GOD OF ISRAEL!

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###

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MONDAY – Matthew 16 and Mark 8.

As the news of all the healing spread, a large crowd of 4,000 men gathered.  Again Jesus had compassion on them because they’d been with Him for days now and they had nothing to eat. He didn’t want to send them away, unless they fainted on the way.

Again, as before, Jesus asked them what they had.  This time, the disciples found seven small loaves and a few fish.  Jesus directed the crowd to sit down on the dry ground.  He took the loaves, gave thanks, and broke them and gave them to his disciples to distribute.  He did the same with the few fish.

The people ate and were satisfied.  Then, as before with the 5,000, the disciples gathered up the left-overs. There were seven LARGE baskets full.

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Immediately, they got into a boat and left for the region of Magdala. (near Capernaum).

Stepping off the boat, Jesus and disciples were immediately met by a mixed group of Pharisees and Sadducees, there to once again “test” Him. 

(It was very unusual that these two groups of religious leaders should come together, for they hated each other.  Big thing?  The Sadducees did not believe in the resurrection of man, and the Pharisees did.)

Anyway, these two groups came to Jesus, asking Him for a “sign from Heaven.”

Jesus reminded them of their lack of discernment.  “When it’s evening and the sky is read, you say ‘It will be fair weather.’  And, when the sky is red in the morning, you say, ‘It will be stormy today.’  You know how to interpret the weather, but not the SIGNS OF THE TIMES!  An evil and adulterous generation seeks for a sign.  NO SIGN will be given except the sign of Jonah.”

Then they got back into the boat and left for Bethsaida. 

(Did the religious leaders go away scratching their heads?  Jonah?  The prophet who preached in Nineveh? That’s His sign?  Huh??)

In the boat, Jesus looked slowly around at His disciples and said, “Watch and beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and the Sadducees!”

The disciples looked at each other.  Leaven?  Is Jesus mad that we forgot to bring those seven baskets of bread pieces?

Jesus must have sighed.  They were missing the point of the warning!!  “Why are you discussing the fact that you have no bread? Don’t you perceive?  Don’t you remember the 5,000 and then the 4,000?  How is it you fail to understand???  I wasn’t talking about BREAD.  I was talking about the TEACHING of the Pharisees and Sadducees. Beware of that!”

At Bethsaida, Jesus healed a blind man. An unusual healing because it was in two steps. First the man got partial healing, seeing people like walking trees, and then was healed completely.

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Afterwards. Jesus led the disciples north to Caesarea Philipp. (This is the area that Herod Philip ruled.)  As they walked the 25 miles, Jesus asked them a question.

“Who do YOU say that I am?”

Peter answered immediately, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.”

Jesus: “Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah! For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but My Father who is in heaven. 

“You are Peter, and on this “rock” (your confession of who I am), I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.  I will give to you the keys of the kingdom of heaven (Peter was the first to introduce the Gentiles to salvation).  Whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.”

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Then Jesus began to teach them that He must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders and the chief priests and the scribes … and be killed. After three days he would rise again. He said this very plainly.

Peter – the one who just claimed Jesus as the Christ and the Son of God, now took Jesus aside and rebuked Him.  REBUKED the Son of God!!! He said,  “Far be it from You, LORD! This shall never happen to You!”

But Jesus whipped around and said to Peter, “Get behind me Satan! You are a hindrance to me. For you are not setting your mind on the things of God, but on the things of man!”

And then to them all,

  • “If anyone would come after Me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.
  • For whosoever loses his life for my sake and the gospel’s will save it.
  • For what does it profit a man to gain the whole world and forfeit his soul?
  • For what can a man give in return for his soul?
  • Whosoever is ashamed of me and my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, of him will the Son of Man also be ashamed when He comes in the glory of His Father with the holy angels.”

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(LORD, know my heart, and convict me. O may I never be ashamed of You. May I have courage to take up my cross and follow You!)

 

 

 

 

Journaling through the Bible Chronologically in 2025, Day 289

Oct16

THE NEW TESTAMENT!

Day 289 – Reading – Matthew 10

Read and believe in Jesus!

Matthew 10.

Chapter ten focuses on Jesus’ disciples (learners), whom He named apostles (messengers).

The order in the list fascinates me. Jesus seems to put them into pairs.  Was this the “two by two” order they went out? How did these men work together? Or challenge each other? Did their personalities clash? What if the tax collector and the Zealot had been together!! (whoa!)

  • First, Simon Peter and his brother Andrew,
  • James, the son of Zebedee and his brother John,
  • Philip and Bartholomew (or Nathaniel)
  • Thomas and Matthew, the tax collector,
  • James, the son of Alphaeus and Thaddaeus (or Judas, the son of James)
  • Simon the Cananaean (or Zealot)  and Judas Iscariot, who betrayed Him.

Jesus gave these men authority over unclean spirits so they could cast them out, and authority to heal every disease and every affliction. (He had been demonstrating these very things to them so far in His own ministry.) 

Jesus told them to AVOID Gentiles and Samaritans, and to go only to “the lost sheep of Israel.”  (Paul did this in the New Testament, although he was called to go to the Gentiles.  “To the Jew first,” was his mantra. Later, after Pentecost, the disciples would go “to the uttermost parts of the world.”)

Jesus gave His disciples the “message” to proclaim, “The kingdom of heaven is at hand.”  Then they were to heal the sick, raise the dead (wow!), cleanse lepers, and cast out demons.

They were to take no pay, only accepting meals and lodging in “worthy” homes. And they were to take no luggage, trusting God would supply their needs, either by making the clothing/sandals sufficient or by donations.

Jesus warned them to expect persecution. They would be like sheep among wolves, so they were to be WISE as serpents and INNOCENT as doves.  They might be arrested and taken to court, Jewish leaders from the synagogues might flog them, and they might even be dragged before governors and kings for Jesus’ sake. If so, they could trust the Holy Spirit to speak through them when the time came to testify.

They would be hated for Jesus’ sake, but “endure to the end” for they WOULD be saved!  They were to go fearlessly, not being afraid to die for His sake. Instead, they should fear God, who determines their eternal destiny.  But HE cares for them; He knows even the number of hairs on their heads.  So, Jesus says, acknowledge Me before men, and I will acknowledge YOU before My Father in Heaven.

He reminded them to expect enemies of the kingdom in their own families, and to remember that whoever loves father, mother, son, or daughter MORE than Jesus is not worthy of Him.  And, pointedly, “whoever does not take his cross and follow me is NOT WORTHY of me.”   Whoever “finds” his life will lose it, and whoever “loses” his life for Jesus’ sake, will find it.

Jesus then reminds them that they are His “ambassadors.”  The way that people treat them (well or poorly) is also how they treat Him. (Remember Jesus’ words to Paul on the road to Damascus? See Acts 9:4-5)  So anyone who even gives them a cool cup of water in His name won’t miss out on his reward.”

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These words of Jesus could well be taken by us today as we seek to serve Him and tell others about His Kingdom, and the precious salvation He “bought” for those who believe. 

(LORD, Help me not be shocked if I am persecuted for Your sake (even by loved ones), but show me how to depend on You to act the way YOU did when men despised You and treated You wickedly. 

And help me not to expect praise or to seek money, but only desire to serve You humbly, trusting that You will care for me.  Help me to always look forward to my unperishable reward in Heaven.

Oh LORD, may we be “worthy of You” in all we do.”)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Journaling through the Bible Chronologically in 2025, Day 287

Oct14

THE NEW TESTAMENT!

Day 287 – Reading – Matthew 13 and Luke 8

Read and believe in Jesus!

Matthew 13 and Luke 8. (There are similar passages in both.)

From Luke’s gospel:  “Jesus went on through cities and villages, proclaiming and bringing the GOOD NEWS of the kingdom of God. And the TWELVE were with Him. And also, SOME WOMEN.” 

These were women who had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities:  Mary, called Magdalene, from whom seven demons had gone out, Joanna, the wife of Chuza, Herod’s household manager, and Susan.  And many others, who provided for them out of their own means.

(Paul also mentions faithful women who helped to support his ministry. Thank God that there are ways that we (women) can be a part of spreading the GOOD NEWS, too, if only by our finances.

Then both Matthew and Luke give accounts of some of the miracles that Jesus spoke. The most well-known one was the Parable of the Sower (or Seeds).  That day, Jesus sat down by the sea. This was a sign that He would be teaching. Rabbis sat, and their disciples gathered around them to listen.

In this instance, the crowds of learners (or those seeking healing) were too great, and Jesus got into a boat and sat down, facing the people.  This time, the crown STOOD on the beach.

A Sower went out to sow. (a very typical sight in Galilee).

  1. He sowed some seed that fell along the packed pathway, and the birds came and devoured them.
  2. Other seeds fell on rocky ground, where they did not have much soil, and immediately they sprang up, but when the sun rose, they were scorched. And since they had no root, they withered away.
  3. Other seeds fell among thorns, and the thorns grew up and choked them.
  4. Other seeds fell on good soil and produced grain, some a hundredfold, some sixty, and some, thirty.  He who HAS EARS, let him HEAR.

People – including the disciples – went away scratching their heads. 

“Why do you speak to them in parables?” they finally asked him.

“To YOU it has been given to know the secrets of the kingdom of Heaven, but to them it has not been given. For to the one who HAS, more will be given, and he will have an abundance.  But from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away. THAT’S why I speak to them in parables, because, seeing they do not see, and hearing they do not hear, nor do they understand.”

Then Jesus quoted from Isaiah 6:9-10, which basically says that people hear and see, but they don’t get the message, because their hearts are not open to understanding and repenting. They simply like “cute or funny stories.”

Jesus said of His disciples that they were blessed.  Their eyes and ears DID see and hear. Then He explained the Parable of the Sower to them, so they would see how to interpret all the parables Jesus spoke.

  1. When anyone hears the word of the kingdom of heaven, the evil one comes and snatches it from his heart. (That is what was sown along the path.)
  2. The next is the one who hears the word and immediately receives it with joy, yet… he has no root in himself. He endures for a while, but when tribulation or persecution arises because of the Word, he immediately falls away. (This is the one sown on rocky ground.)
  3. As for what was sown among thorns, this is the one who hears the word, but the cares of the world and the deceitfulness of riches choke the word, and it proves unfruitful
  4. Lastly, as for what was sown on good soil, this is the one who hears the word and understands it. He indeed bears fruit and yields in one case 100fold, in another sixty, and in another thirty.

Jesus followed this with more parables, so they could practice understanding this new way that Jesus was teaching.

He told them the Parable of the WEEDS.  A man sowed good seed, but while he slept, his enemy came and sowed weeds among the wheat.  When the plants came up and bore grain, the weeds could be identified. The farmer’s servants asked if they should PULL UP the weeds, but he said not too, for it would disturb and possibly kill the good seed.  He told them to let them grow together until the harvest.  Then they could gather the weeds first and throw them into the fire. And THEN gather the wheat into the barn.

The disciples sort of understood, but later in private, they asked Jesus to explain it. 

  1. The One who sows in the Son of Man, the field is the world, and the good seed is the sons of the kingdom. 
  2. The weeds are the sons of the evil one, and the enemy who sowed them is the devil.
  3. The harvest is the close of the age, and the reapers are angels.
  4. And as the weeds were gathered and thrown into the fire, so it will be then. The Son of Man and His angels will gather out of His kingdom all causes of sin and all law-breakers and throw them into the fiery furnace. In that place, there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.
  5. Then the wheat – the righteous – will shine like the sun in the kingdom of their Father.

Jesus told them the Parable of the tiny Mustard Seed and the Parable of Leaven. Both will grow into much larger things.  This could represent evil, which must be stopped at the beginning, OR the Gospel truth that will spread and permeate hearts.

Jesus told them the Parables of The Hidden Treasure and The Pearl of Great Price. Both illustrate the great joy at finding Jesus, the Messiah, as one’s Savior and Lord.

The Parable of the Net is a bit like the one about good grain seeds and weeds.  Jesus tells about drawing in a net of fish, and picking out the good fish to save, and the bad fish to throw away. This will happen at the end of the age when angels separate the righteous and the evil, and throw these into the fiery furnace.

“Take heed HOW you hear” Jesus concludes, “for to the one who has, more will be given, and from the one who has not, even what he thinks he has will be taken away.”

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(O LORD, please help me to keep my heart and mind OPEN to all you say. Let me know be proud and think I know it all. Let me not become speak with contempt about others who don’t understand.  O, let me be as a child, seeking honestly, and loving YOU.”

 

 

Journaling through the Bible Chronologically in 2025, Day 283

Oct10

THE NEW TESTAMENT!

Day 283 – Reading – Matthew 5-7

Read and believe in Jesus!

Matthew 5- 7, (Luke 6:20-49) – Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount.

  1. You’ve probably read this section of the Bible many times, and perhaps you’ve memorized some of it, like the “Beatitudes” and other well-known verses. 
  2. Let’s look at them again, keeping in mind the things that Jesus has been experiencing (accusations, death threats, evil name-calling, and misunderstanding).
  3. He has officially “called” His 12 disciples, and He now wants to show how HIS Kingdom is different from the World’s (broad) and the Pharisees’ (imprisoning) ways.

“Blessed.” (Happy, fortunate, joyful) That glorious peace and feeling of well-being experienced by those who belong to Him.  

  1. Notice how this list is progressive, beginning with the required heart attitude: ‘poor in spirit.’  When a person comes to Jesus, he must realize his own neediness and inability to help (save) himself.  Only when he sees himself as a hopeless sinner can change begin. (“For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,’ and “There is none righteous, no, not one.”)
  2. “Mourning” over our sin is “repentance.”  “For godly grief produces a repentance that leads to salvation without regret.”
  3. Being “meek” does not mean “weak,” though they rhyme and are easily mistaken for going hand in hand.  It actually means “self-controlled strength.”  Jesus was meek. Moses was meek.  Do you consider either of these as weaklings?  Jesus said these believers who willing put others before themselves, will “inherit the earth,” and “delight themselves in an abundance of peace.”
  4. Those who hunger and thirst for righteousness are the opposite of the self-satisfied Pharisees who boast about keeping the minutiae of the Law. True believers see their need for the righteousness of God and realize they are unable to get it on their own. But, if they humbly ask for it, they will be satisfied.
  5. Realizing that our righteousness comes from God alone, through Jesus’ work on the cross and our belief, we can be merciful to others, especially for those still seeking.  It’s reciprocal.  If we are merciful and forgiving like our Savior, we will receive mercy and forgiveness in return.
  6. Is it even possible to have a pure heart?  Is it really possible to see God?  “Who shall ascend the hill of the LORD? And who shall stand in His Holy Place?  He who has clean hands and a pure heart, who does not lift up his soul to what is false, and does not swear deceitfully. He will receive blessing from the LORD and righteousness from the God of his salvation. SUCH is the generation of those who seek Him, who seek the face of God.”  
  7. Peacemakers, not Pacemakers!! These are those who have received God’s righteousness and whose hearts are merciful and pure. They are not self-seeking or self-centered. “Seek peace and pursue it.” And “as much as it depends on you, live peaceably with one another.” 
  8. Have you been persecuted for righteousness’ sake?  Persecuted because you claim Jesus as your Savior and Lord. Reviled and have all kinds of evil uttered against you falsely because of Jesus.  “If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. (But let none of you suffer as an evil doer or a meddler.) Yet, if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God.”    Why are we blessed to experience this?  BECAUSE, the Kingdom of Heaven is yours!  Your home!  Your reward is great in heaven, so REJOICE  and be GLAD!

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When we have been born from above, and have received the righteousness of God, and our hearts now reflect His own… 

  • THEN we are salt in the earth – prompting people to thirst for Jesus.
  • THEN we are lights to the world and to our families – showing the way to Jesus, and glorifying the Father in heaven. 

Jesus cautions that our righteousness must EXCEED that of the scribes and Pharisees.  It must come from God by grace, and not by working and striving on your own to keep the law.

Then Jesus corrects the people’s view of some of the Commandments (remembering that OUR righteousness must exceed that of the nit-picking Pharisees).

  1. Don’t Murder. (of course!)  But Jesus says anger against our brother or calling him a bad name in public makes us just as guilty as killing him.
  2. Don’t commit Adultery. (of course!)  But Jesus says that those lustful second and third looks, and the pornographic imaginations of our hearts, make us just as guilty of adultery.
  3. What God has joined together (in marriage), let no one separate. (agreed!)  Jesus says that anyone divorcing his wife (or she her husband), except for sexual immorality, makes her (or him) commit adultery. (The same with anyone who marries the divorced party.)
  4. Don’t bear false witness. (true!) But Jesus says Do not even resort to taking an oath in the first place. Let the truth of your WORD of “yes” and “no” be sufficient. 
  5. Exact from others “an eye for an eye” and “a tooth for a tooth.” God gave this law as a RESTRICTION.  A person or judge could only require equal to the offence.  BOTH eyes could not be required for one, neither could a mouthful of teeth be taken for a single one lost. But, Jesus goes WAY beyond that, saying, even in innocence, be willing to give more or even your all.  It’s a witness to the unsaved. And God will take care of it later.
  6. Love your neighbor. (yes!)  But hate your enemy?  Jesus says no.  Love them too! And even pray for them.  Why?  Because then you will be like your Father, who loves all and sends blessings on all, whether they are just or unjust.  Jesus says to be “perfect” in this. Perfect as your Father.

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Giving to the needy. 

Don’t be boastful about it, just to get the praise of others. Give in secret, and your Heavenly Father will reward you in secret.  This is the way to “lay up treasure in Heaven.”  That kind of treasure is safe.  It can’t be stolen or devalued.  If your “treasure” is in heaven, so will your heart be.  AND REMEMBER – you can’t serve God and money.

Praying like Jesus.

Don’t pray to be seen and thought of as “righteous.”  Pray in secret where only God hears you.  God is who you WANT to hear your prayers, right?   He will reward you. Besides, He knows what you need before you ask Him.  

Here’s a blueprint of prayer. Don’t pray the words. Use it as a pattern of how to pray.

“Our Father in heaven, hallowed be Your name.

Your kingdom come, Your will be done (not mine) as it is in heaven.

Give us this day our daily bread.

Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.

Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.

For YOURS is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever.*** Amen”

*** Some manuscripts omit that last line.  It would have been a very inflammatory statement for people living at that time under the rule of the Romans – that the kingdom, power, and glory ALL belonged to God.  That claim was punishable by death. To the Romans, the kingdom, power, and glory all belonged to Caesar.

Worry and Anxiety 

Jesus told the people NOT to be anxious about their lives, food & drink, clothes, or housing. All those things are secondary to your LIFE, and God knows you need them. HE will provide.  And besides, what has anxiety ever gotten you besides ulcers and stress?  Go outside and look at the BIRDS and the FLOWERS.  Beautiful, aren’t they?  Guess who gave them their lovely colors and plumage?  And God also “feeds” them.

“But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these ‘things’ will be added to you.  DON’T worry about tomorrow.”

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Then to sum up the whole sermon, Jesus said,

“So, whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them,

for this is the Law and the Prophets.”

 

“Yes, the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life.

And those who find it are few.”

 

“Some will say on the last day, ‘Lord, Lord, let us in!’

But only the ones who do the will of my Father will be able to go in.

Those others will cry out that they prophesied in my name,

cast out demons in my name,

and did many mighty works in my name.

But I will say, “I never knew you;

depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.”

WHOA!