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

Jan6

A 5-day per week study.

January 6 – Reading Mark 2:1-12.

Read and believe in Jesus.

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

 

The Gospel According to Mark 2:1-12.

Vss 1-2.

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

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

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

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Vss 3-5.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Vss 6-9.

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

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

The second one, “He is blaspheming!”

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

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

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

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

 

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

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

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

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

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

 

Reading the Gospels in 2026: (1/2) Mark 1:16-28

Jan2

A 5-day per week study.

January 2 – Reading Mark 1:16-28.

Read and believe in Jesus.

“And Jesus said to them, “Follow me, and I will make you become fishers of men.”  Mark 1:17

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The Gospel According to Mark.

Verses 16-20.  As Jesus walked along the shoreline of the Sea of Galilee, He saw four fishermen.  Two were casting a net into the sea and two were in their boat mending nets.  Nets need mending before they can be thrown out to catch fish. 

Jesus said, “Follow me, and I will make you become fishers of men.”  Jesus was going to teach these four fishers of fish how to mend and cast out the kind of nets that would bring in a harvest of men (and women) for the Kingdom of God.  It would take three years of training, but these four (two sets of brothers) were willing.  They “immediately” left both their nets and their “boss” (father) and fellow workers to follow Jesus.

Now this wasn’t an out-of-thin-air call to follow a stranger.  John, one of Zebedee’s sons, had been with John the Baptist when he’d pointed to Jesus and said, “Behold, the Lamb of God, that takes away the sin of the world.”  Simon’s brother, Andrew, had also heard the announcement. These two had followed the Baptist’s pointing finger.  They walked after Jesus, and when the Savior turned and asked who they were seeking, they responded, “Teacher, where are you staying?” 

“Come and you will see,” Jesus had said mysteriously.  So they went, saw where, and stayed with Jesus the whole day. Andrew and John knew who was asking them to follow Him.

So did Peter.  When Andrew realized the treasure he and John had found, he ran to Peter, shouting, “We have found the Messiah!” and brought him to Jesus.

“So, you are Simon, bar Jonah,” Jesus had said to the big fisherman.  “You shall be called Cephas (or Peter).”

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Verses 21-22.  And they went to Capernaum….  This was Peter’s hometown.  He had a house (and a wife and mother-in-law) living with him.  It must have been a good sized house because Jesus made it His headquarters while in Galilee.

There was also a prominant synagogue in Capernaum. 

“Immediately” on the Sabbath, Jesus entered it and began teaching.  (Any Jewish man who could read the Scriptures was allowed to read and “give a word” from them. He would stand to read, then sit to teach.)

Jesus, well, He not only knew the Scriptures, He had basically (via His Holy Spirit) authored the entire Old Testament. He knew what was “meant” by them, and did not have to quote other famous Rabbi’s to prove His point like the scribes did.  He taught with “authority.”  His listeners were astonished at his teaching. 

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(Remember when Jesus was twelve and had stayed behind in Jerusalem after the Passover celebration? (Luke 2:41-51)  His earthly parents were worried about Him, thinking He was “lost.” When they found him, they scolded Him, but Jesus told them, “Didn’t you know that I must be in my Father’s house?”  

And what had the boy Jesus be doing?  He was in the temple, sitting AMONG the teachers (Pharisees), listening to them and asking them (profound) questions. “All who heard Him were amazed at His understanding and answers.”)

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Verses 23-28.  “Immediately” (after Jesus’ authoritative teaching) a demon-possessed man in the synagogue cried out, “What have You to do with us, Jesus of Nazareth?  Have You come to destroy us?  I know who You are – the Holy One of God.”

It was like the man had been sitting there quietly before this. Perhaps no one knew that he was demon possessed.  But in the presence of “the Holy One of God” the demons inside him could not be restrained.

What a shock that must have been to the other people in the synagogue!  Eyes stared. Jaws dropped!

“Be silent, and come out of him,” Jesus commanded.

The unclean spirit, convulsing the man and crying out with a loud voice, came out of him.

Wide eyed and aghast, the congregants sat amazed.  Then they turned and whispered among themselves, questioning just WHO this Jesus was?  A new teaching with authority!  He commands and unclean spirits obey Him!!

And at once Jesus’ fame spread everywhere in the surrounding region of Galilee. 

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Were the four fishermen who “followed Jesus” there when this happened? The Bible doesn’t specifically say. They had followed Jesus on a “work day,” and this was the Sabbath.  Would they normally have attended this synagogue?  Perhaps. 

Peter must have heard about, or actually witnessed this, and later told it to Mark.

 

 

Journaling through the Bible Chronologically in 2025, Day 358

Dec24

Day 358 – Reading – 2 Timothy  1 – 4
Read and believe in Jesus!

2 Timothy

This is Paul’s LAST letter that we have recorded.  It’s to his beloved “son in the faith,” Timothy, who is currently ministering in Ephesus.  Paul is once again in prison in Rome, this time in the dungeon and not in a house under simple arrest.  It’s cold, lonely, and his old, achy body is yearning to “go home.” He will soon be martyred.  But he’s concerned with Timothy and the church in Ephesus…. and a few bodily comforts, if possible.

(I wonder what “my” or “your” last letter to a beloved convert would sound like.  Sadly, mine would probably be full of complaints. 

O LORD, help me! Make me a willing servant! Fill me with the Holy Spirit’s love. Help me to deny myself, take up my cross … and follow You to the death.)

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2 Timothy 1.

See Paul’s love for Timothy in the first verses.  “My beloved child.” “I remember you constantly in my prayers.” “I long to see you that I may be filled with joy.”

Paul is very grateful for the early work of Timothy’s Grandmother and mother, godly Jewish women, who established faith in the young ‘Timmy.’

You can also see Paul’s concern for Timothy, whom he’s leaving in charge of the considerable work in Ephesus.  There are 25 imperatives he gives to the young man in this book.  ALL would be suitable for us too!  Here are some:

  • Fan into flame the (ministry) gift of God, which is in you. 1:6
  • Do not be ashamed of the testimony about the Lord (or Paul). 1:8  (Paul says, “I am not ashamed, for I know whom I have believed, and I am convinced that He is able to guard until that Day what has been entrusted to me.”)
  • Share in suffering for the Gospel. 1:8
  • Follow the pattern of sound words that you have heard from me. 1:13
  • Guard the good deposit entrusted to you. 1:14

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2 Timothy 2.

Continuing in Paul’s admonitions to Timothy.

  • Be strengthened by the grace that is in Christ Jesus. 2:1
  • Share in suffering as a good soldier of Christ Jesus. 2:3
  • Remember Jesus Christ, risen from the dead, as preached in my gospel. 2:8
  • Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the Word of truth. 2:15
  • Avoid irreverent babble, for it will lead to more ungodliness. That talk will spread like gangrene. 2:16-17
  • Flee youthful passions and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord with a pure heart. 2:22.
  • Have nothing to do with foolish, ignorant controversies. They breed quarrels, and the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome, but kind, able to teach, patiently enduring evil, correcting his opponents with GENTLENESS. 2:22-25

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2 Timothy 3.

Then Paul tells Timothy that in “the last days” (which he and we are in right now!), there will be difficulty because of evil, unbelieving people.

Paul names some: lovers of self, lovers of money, proud, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to parents, ungrateful, unholy, heartless, unappeasable, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not loving good, treacherous, reckless, swollen with conceit, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having the “appearance” of godliness, but denying it’s power. Always learning and never able to arrive at a knowledge of the truth.

(WOW. does this ever sound like today!!  And, oh, no!, I see some of my own sins in this list!!!)

  • Avoid such people. 3:5

Paul tells Timothy that HE did not learn such. HE followed the teaching, conduct, aim, faith, love, steadfastness and persecutions of Paul.   (Indeed, ALL who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.)

  • Continue in what you have learned and have believed. 3:14

Paul is so grateful that Timothy was acquainted with the scriptures from a child (Thanks to his Mom and Grandma).  It’s why he became “wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.”

Then Paul tells of the supreme value of Scripture.  “All scripture is breathed out by God and is profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness.”

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2 Timothy 4.

You can hear the earnestness in Paul’s admonition to Timothy here.

  • Preach the word. Be ready in season and out of season. 
  • Reprove, rebuke, and exhort with complete patience and teaching. 4:2
  • Always be sober-minded.
  • Endure suffering. 
  • Do the work of an evangelist.
  • Fulfill your ministry. 4:5

Paul longs that Timothy be as he is, and to be able to say at the time of his own death…. 

“I am ready to be ‘poured out’ as a drink offering.  I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.  Henceforth, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord… will award to me on that day.  AND NOT ONLY TO ME, but to all who have loved His appearing.”

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And then we see some final personal words to Timothy.

  • Do your best to come to me soon. (For Demas, in love with this present world, has deserted me. Crescens and Titus are also working elsewhere.  Only Luke is with me.) 4:9
  • Get Mark and bring him with you, for he is very useful to me for ministry. 4:11
  • When you come, bring the cloak that I left at Troas…. also the books, and above all, the parchments. 4:13
  • Beware of Alexander the coppersmith, for he strongly opposed our message. 4:15

Paul affirms to Timothy, “The Lord stood by me and strengthened me.  The Lord will rescue me from every evil deed and bring me safely into His heavenly kingdom.”

  • Timothy, do your best to come before winter. 4:21

And the LORD be with your spirit. Grace be with you.

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And that’s all Paul wrote that has been recorded for us.  This was written in A.D. 67, shortly before he was executed.

Tradition says that he was beheaded (suitable for a Roman citizen) at the command of Emperor Nero, and that Christians took his body and buried it in a believer’s family tomb along the Ostia Way.

 

 

 

 

 

Journaling through the Bible Chronologically in 2025, Day 350 to

Dec16

Day 350 – Reading – Ephesians 1 – 6
Read and believe in Jesus!

Ephesians 1 – 6.

Ephesians was also written by Paul while he was under house arrest in Rome, perhaps at the same time as Colossians and Philemon.

Paul, Aquilla, and Priscilla were instrumental in the founding and growth of the church at Ephesus. It was a seaport and known for its massive Temple of Diana (Artemis). Paul pastored there for three years. When he left for Jerusalem (and eventually Rome), Timothy became the pastor. Like other churches, they were infiltrated by false teachers.

The first three chapters are theological, emphasizing doctrine, and the last three focus on the Christian walk. Paul reminds believers in Ephesus of their “immeasurable blessings in Jesus Christ.”  The blessings are both for saved Jews and Gentiles.  Both are heirs of the promises of Christ Jesus through the Gospel.

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Ephesians 1.

After his greetings, Paul spends paragraphs praising and uplifting Jesus Christ, and telling his readers how absolutely blessed they are IN HIM.  (chosen before the foundation of the world, predestined for adoption as sons, redeemed through His blood, forgiveness of sins, an inheritance, and the promised Holy Spirit)

He also continually gives thanks for the believers in Ephesus, and prays that God would give them wisdom, revelation, and knowledge, and that their eyes would be opened to the riches of His glory in their inheritance in Christ.

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Ephesus 2.

This chapter is a treasure of Gospel truth, emphasizing the grace given to believers through faith. 

Yes, while we were all DEAD IN TRESPASSES IN SIN… FOLLOWING THE DEVIL… SONS OF DISOBEDIENCE… CARRYING OUT THE PASSIONS OF OUR FLESH…. BY NATURE CHILDREN OF WRATH…

GOD LOVED US… GOD WAS RICH IN MERCY TOWARD US… GOD MADE US ALIVE WITH CHRIST… SAVED US… AND SEATED US WITH CHRIST IN HEAVENLY PLACES.

  • “By GRACE you have been saved through FAITH. And this is NOT your own doing, it is the GIFT of God, NOT as a result of works, so no one may boast.”

He urges both believing Jews and Gentiles to remember this.  It’s NOT by works that we have done, but according to God’s mercy that He saved us.

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Ephesians 3.

Here, Paul emphasizes again the “mystery” that was not clear in the Old Testament, that both Jews and Gentiles would be saved – both placed into the body of Christ – according to God’s grace.

And it seems as though Paul now falls to his knees in prayer for them….

  • “For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, that according to the riches of His glory, He may grant you to be strengthened with power through His Spirit in your inner being….
  • so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith….
  • that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may have strength to comprehend with all the saints, what is the breadth, and length, and height, and depth….
  • and KNOW the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge…
  • and that you may be filled with all the fullness of God!”

(Wow… to think that this prayer is directed to us as well.  Re-read it!)  And then he says that God is able to do this, and “far more abundantly above all we ask or think.”  Praise Him!

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Ephesians 4.

And so – with all that in mind, all the blessings, etc., – Paul urges them to “walk in a manner worthy of their calling, with humility, gentleness, patience with each other, love, and unity f the Spirit in peace.

(That’s not much to ask from ones so blessed!)

Paul then lists the people who are “gifts” of God to the church (workers in different ministries): Apostles, prophets, evangelists, shepherds, and teachers. These men will help the “body” to grow up into Christ and no longer be immature children, swayed by every wind of doctrine.

They are to “put off their OLD selves” which belong to their former way of living, and “be renewed.  They are to “put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness.”

Tough, but those gifted leaders will counsel and teach them.

And then, some practical notes:

  • Be angry, but don’t sin. Don’t let the sun go down on your anger.
  • Let the thief steal no more, but do honest work, so he can share with others.
  • Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouth.
  • Do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God.
  • Put away all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and slander from you.
  • Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God, in Christ, forgave you!

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Ephesians  5.

  • “Be imitators of God, as beloved children. And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave Himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.

Paul lists other details of the Christian life and walk, including what to avoid and what to do. And to sum it up,

  • “Walk as children of light, for the fruit of light is found in all that is good and right and true. 
  • And… try to discern what is pleasing to the Lord.”
  • Be filled with the Spirit, addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual song, singing and making melody to the Lord with your heart.

Wow, have you ever tried that last one???  Addressing each other with singing!  Amazing!

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Then, like with the Colossian letter, Paul touches on the Christian way of family life. He speaks to wives and husbands (in more detail in this letter).

Ephesians 6.

Continuing to instruct in Christian family life for children, fathers, and also slaves and masters, including specifics, and even blessings for obedience.

And finally, that familiar passage:

  • Be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might.
  • Put on the whole ARMOR OF GOD, to be able to stand against the devil.
  • Fasten on the belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, the shoes of readiness to share the Gospel, the shield of faith, the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God…. and with all this, PRAYING AT ALL TIMES IN THE SPIRIT. 

He asks the Ephesians, as he did the Colossians, to PRAY FOR HIM, that words may be given him to boldly proclaim the mystery of the Gospel.

(We should all be praying this for each other and ourselves.)

And he closes with brief salutations and blessings.

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Journaling through the Bible Chronologically in 2025, Day 347

Dec13

Day 347 – Reading – Acts  24  – 26
Read and believe in Jesus!

Acts 24.

Back to Paul’s story.  So far, he has tried to preach/testify twice in Jerusalem before being taken to Caesarea because of a plot to kill him. In Jerusalem, Paul confessed to being a ROMAN CITIZEN to the tribune in charge.

Now, in Caesarea. Governor Felix called the Jewish leaders to come present their case against Paul. They brought a fancy lawyer, who “kissed up” to the governor before accusing Paul of profaning the Temple, among other offences.

Finally, Paul gets to speak. He clearly shows that he has done nothing to profane the Temple; he was simply trying to fulfill a vow in the correct Jewish manner.  But…. then, like the missionary preacher he was, Paul starts in on his testimony.

  • “I confess to you, that according to “the Way” (Christianity), which they call a sect, I worship the God of our fathers, believing everything laid down by the law and written in the Prophets, having a hope in God, which these men themselves accept, that there will be A RESSURECTION of both the just and the unjust. 
  • So I always take pains to have a clear conscience toward both God and man.”

Then he explained how, while he was completing his vow in the Temple, doing nothing to excite a riot, they arrested him. And again he repeats the offence by which the Sadducees REALLY want to do away with him.

  • “It is about the RESURRECTION of the dead that I am on trial before you this day.”

Well, Felix knew all about “the Way,” having ruled between Jews and Gentiles for many years.  So he puts off a confrontation, saying,

  • “When Lysias the tribune comes down (to Caesarea), I will decide your case.”

A few days later, his wife, Drusilla (a Jew), came to Caesarea.  For his wife’s entertainment or curiosity, Felix called Paul again to “hear him speak about faith in Christ Jesus.”  As Paul reasoned with them about righteousness and self-control and the coming judgment, Felix became alarmed (convicted?) 

  • “When I get an opportunity, I will summon you!”  

Of course, also, Felix was hoping for some “bribe” money.  For two years, he sent for Paul often and conversed with him.  (Oh, what a stubborn heart!)  

And then the opportunity passed. He had heard the Gospel many times; now it was too late. (Oh, seize your chance to be saved now, when you hear the Gospel!)

Felix was recalled to Rome – probably on his mishandling of the Jew/Gentile situations – and Porcius Festus, a member of Roman nobility, was assigned to Caesarea in his place.

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Acts 25.

A few days after arriving, Festus went up to check out the scene in Jerusalem.  The chief priests and principal men of the jews approached him about Paul.  They asked a favor of this new guy – that he would summon Paul to Jerusalem for trial.  They did this because they STILL plotted to kill Paul. (Mind you, it’s been at least TWO YEARS from the original arrest!)

Festus said he was going back to Caesarea in a few days, and for the Jewish leaders to come with him and bring charges against Paul there.  He did, and they did.

Festus took his seat on the tribunal and ordered Paul to be brought.  The Jews brought many, and serious charges against Paul, that they could not prove. 

Paul answered by truthfully saying,

  • “Neither against the law of the Jews, nor against the temple, nor against Caesar, have I committed any offence.” (This was his ‘not guilty’ plea)

Festus asked Paul if he wished to go up to Jerusalem and be tried there by him. (He did this as a favor to the Jews.)   Then Paul makes a statement that secures his future calling, as God promised.

  • “I am standing before Caesar’s tribunal, where I ought to be tried. To the Jews, I have done no wrong, as you yourself know very well.  If then I am a wrongdoer and have committed anything worthy of death, I do not seek to escape. But if there is nothing to their charges against me, no one can give me up to them.
  • “I APPEAL TO CAESAR!”

Well then.  That’s that.

“To Caesar you have appealed; to Caesar you shall go.”

(End of problem with the Jews.)

Not long after, King Agrippa II and Bernice, his wife, arrived at Caesarea.  And as they stayed there many days, Festus laid out Paul’s case before the king. How the Jews came down to accuse Paul.

  • “They had specific points of dispute with him about their own religion and about a certain Jesus, who was dead, but whom Paul asserted to be alive. 
  • Being at a loss how to investigate these questions, I asked whether he wanted to go to Jerusalem and be tried there. But when Paul appealed for the decision of the emperor, I ordered him to be held until I could send him to Caesar.”

This story caught Agrippa’s interest.

  • “I would like to hear the man myself.”
  • “Tomorrow you will hear him.”

And so, Paul is once again called on to present his story. Festus, King Agrippa, and Bernice (with much pomp), with the military tribunes and the prominent men of the city, all came into the audience hall to hear Paul. 

Festus, almost acting like his attorney, said,

  • “You see this man about whom the whole Jewish people petitioned me, shouting that he ought not to live any longer. But I found that he had done nothing deserving death. (Boy, this sounds like Jesus’ trial before Pilate!). 
  • “And as he himself appealed to the emperor, I decided to go ahead and send him.  But I have nothing definite to write to my lord about him.  King Agrippa, after we have examined him, perhaps you can tell me what to write…”

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Acts 26.

After the king gave Paul a nod, he began his defense.  He acknowledged that Agrippa was “familiar with the customs and controversies of the Jews,” and Paul was glad. 

And so, he began with his own story of being a Jew of the Jews, a Pharisee.  And as all the Pharisees believed, Paul states his HOPE in the promise made to their fathers, of the resurrection of the dead.  THAT is what he was being accused for, by the Sadducee chief priests. (They are Sad-you-see, because they believe in no life after death.)

  • “Why is it thought incredible by any of you that God raises the dead??”

Paul continues his story about being a persecutor of the early church and specifically going to Damascus to put Christians to death (much as the chief priests wanted of HIM now). Paul tells of his meeting Jesus on the way, becoming blind, and being given the command to take the gospel to the Gentiles.went

  • “to open their eyes, so that they may turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith.”

He tells how he obeyed the vision and how he has gone to the Gentiles that they should repent and turn to God.  “AND FOR THIS REASON, THE JEWS SEIZED ME IN THE TEMPLE AND HAVE TRIED TO KILL ME.”

And as Paul continues, Festus shouts out,

  • “Paul, you are out of your mind; your great learning is driving you out of your mind.”  (Is he now offering a plea of not guilty by reason of insanity?)

Paul counters that he is NOT out of his mind.  The king knows about these things, and to HIM he speaks. None of these things has escaped the king’s notice, for this has not been done in a corner. 

  • “King Agrippa, do you believe the prophets?  I KNOW you do!”

Agrippa answered,

  • “Paul, in a short time, would you persuade me to be a Christian?”

Paul said,

  • “Whether short or long, I would to God that not only YOU but ALL who hear me this day might become such as I am ….. except for these chains.”

Then the king and all the regalia rose and exited the audience hall.  Later, Agrippa confessed to Festus, 

  • “This man has done nothing deserving death or prison.  He could have been set free if he had not appealed to Caesar.“

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But this was God’s way. Paul would go to Rome via a prison ship. He would witness to them aboard the doomed boat, as well as to an island of pagans, before getting to the Roman capital.  God’s ways and thoughts are far above ours, but they are perfect. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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 304

Oct31

Day 304 – Reading – Matthew 19 and Mark 10

Read and believe in Jesus!

Matthew 19 and Mark 10,

Both of these chapters speak about divorce.   It seems when Jesus was teaching and healing, that some legalistic Pharisees approached Him with a question … again, to test Him,

“Is it lawful to divorce one’s wife ‘for any cause’?”

“What did Moses say?” Jesus asked them, and went on to answer these “supposed” Bible scholars. “Have you not read that He who created them from the beginning made them male and female, and said, ‘Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become ONE flesh.’  Whatever, therefore, God has joined together … let not man separate.”

Pharisees:  “Moses allowed a man to write a certificate of divorce and then send his wife away!“

Jesus: “It was because of your hardness of heart that Moses allowed you to divorce your wives.  But from the beginning, it was not so.  I say to you, ‘Whoever divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, and marries another, commits adultery.'”

Later, in private, Jesus’ disciples asked him if it was better to NOT get married. Jesus told them that that way of life was not for everyone.  But if God called someone to abstain from marriage ‘for the sake of the kingdom,’ then it was a good thing.

Then, after blessing marriage, Jesus blesses children. He welcomed them and the Moms who brought them, scolding the disciples for trying to keep them away. “Let the little children come to me. Do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of God. Whoever does not receive the Kingdom of God like a child … shall not enter it.”

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The following incident is when Jesus counseled the rich young ruler, which we studied yesterday. The young man had “kept” the law as far as he was concerned, even saying that he “loved his neighbor as himself.”  However, he still felt some lack in his life that would keep him from “eternal life.”  What was it?

It was the FIRST great commandment. He did not love God with ALL his heart, mind, and strength. Jesus saw that his MONEY was first in his heart, and challenged him to sell everything he had, give the money to the poor, and follow Him with just the “shirt on his back.”   This man was sorrowful. He probably cringed at that thought.  And he just couldn’t do it.  Sadly, he went away.

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During this teaching on marriage, receiving children, and not having a heart for God, Jesus was still in Judea, East of Jericho.  Now, on that journey to Jerusalem, He headed west, passing through Jericho.  As usual, a great crowd followed Jesus and his disciples.

In the midst of the dust and noise of the crowd passing, a blind beggar sitting by the road heard the name, ‘Jesus of Nazareth.’  He began calling, “Jesus! Son of David, have mercy on me!  (Calling Jesus the Son of David meant he recognized Him as the promised Messiah.)

The people around him hushed him.  But Bartimaeus called even louder, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!”  This was his one and only chance. He called even louder.

And Jesus stopped the procession. “Call him.”  

Now the crowd changed its attitude. “Take heart. Get up; He is calling you!” Throwing off his cloak, he sprang up and came to Jesus.

“What do you want me to do for you?” Jesus asked.

“Rabbi, let me recover my sight!”

“Go your way. Your faith has made you well.” 

And Bartimaeus immediately recovered his sight and followed Jesus on the way. 

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Compare the response of the rich, young man and the poor, blind man to following Jesus.  The rich man had too much to lose to follow Jesus.  All that wealth and “stuff” held him back.  The blind man jumped at the chance, with nothing hindering him. He’d even thrown off his cloak.  Jesus was enough.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

Journaling through the Bible Chronologically in 2025, Day 301

Oct28

Day 301 – Reading – Luke 16 – 17

Read and believe in Jesus!

Luke 16.

Jesus teaches TWO more in parables, which seem to be about wealth and what one does with it, leading off from the Prodigal Son who wasted half a fortune.

Do the religious leaders who stalk Jesus understand?

Do the crowds hear what He is saying and apply it?

Are the disciples confused?

The first parable seems to be taught to the disciples. 

  • The Dishonest Manager. (Actually, all the characters in this parable are dishonest and corrupt.)  A wealthy man (Rich) had a manager (Manny) who oversaw everything in his master’s estate, including buying, selling, distributing, and collecting debts in his master’s name.   (Think of the righteous Joseph in Potiphar’s house.) Rich had nothing to worry about as long as Manny was on the job. He went out golfing almost every day.
  • But, unknown to Rich, Manny was wasting his wealth by pilfering, embezzling, or just not paying attention. The news reached Rich, and he brought charges against Manny.  He told his worker he had to “turn in the books.”  He was fired.
  • “What shall I do?” Manny asked himself. “I can’t do physical labor” (too fat, with soft hands and flabby muscles), “and I’m ashamed to beg.” (a big shudder)   “I know!” he said at last. “When I’m kicked out here, I’ll find a place among my ex-master’s debtors.”
  • Manny went around with the books and marked their debts as partly paid. No longer did they owe 200 Denarii, but 150, or even 100.  The greedy debtors (Dexter, Daniel, and Debby) gleefully signed the books. “Sure… We’ve got a spare room.  Any time,” they offered. Now both parties were guilty of fraud.
  • Of course, Rick discovered this when he went to collect what was owed. All the bills were signed and stamped, so he could do nothing.  And being a deceptive man himself, Rich recognized and applauded Manny’s shrewdness. (Hear that slow clap?)

Jesus turned to his disciples, who all had puzzled expressions.  “The sons of this world are more shrewd in dealing with their own generation than the sons of light.”

What did THAT mean?

“I tell you, make friends for yourselves by means of unrighteous wealth, so that when it fails they may receive you into the eternal dwellings,”  Jesus continued.

Huh?

Believers are to use their Master’s “money” to gain friends for eternity, by investing in the Gospel that brings sinners to salvation. When believers arrive in Heaven, those sinners will be there to welcome them.

And then, Jesus’ well know declaration: “No servant can serve two masters. He will hate one and love the other, or he will be devoted to one and despise the other.  YOU CANNOT SERVE GOD AND MONEY.”

The Pharisees ridiculed Jesus, of course, because they were lovers of money.

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The second parable is also about wealth, but how it will fail you in a crucial time.

  • The Rich Man and Lazarus. This parable contrasts two very different men. 
  • One is a rich man (Richie), clothed in purple and fine linen. The other, Lazarus (not Martha’s brother), lay at his gate in rags, covered with sores, which dogs came and licked.
  • Richie ate sumptuously every day. Lazarus desired only to be fed the crumbs that fell from Richie’s table.
  • Eventually, the poor man died. He was carried by the angels to Abraham’s side. Eventually, Richie died and was buried. He found himself in Hades, being in torment. 
  • Dimly, Richie could see far off Lazarus with Abraham.
  • “Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus to dip the end of his finger in water and cool my tongue, for I am in anguish in this flame.”
  •          (Whoa!  Richie still wants to order Lazarus around like a slave!)
  • “Sorry, Charlie (or Richie).  Remember that you, in your lifetime, received GOOD things, and Lazarus in like banner BAD things. But now he is comforted here, and you are in anguish,” stated Abraham.”
  • “And besides all this,” Abe continued, “between us and you, a great chasm has been fixed. Neither we, nor you, can pass from here to there.”
  • Richie wailed. “Then I beg you, Father Abraham, to send him to my father’s house – for I have five brothers – so that he may warn them, lest they also come into this place of torment!”
  • (Again with the ordering Lazarus to serve!!)
  • Abraham:  “They have Moses and the Prophets; let them hear THEM.”
  • Richie: “No, Father Abraham, but if someone goes to them FROM THE DEAD, they will repent.”
  • Abraham: “If they do not hear Moses and the Prophets, neither will they be convinced … if Someone should rise from the dead…..”

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Luke 17.

The apostles said to the Lord, “Increase our faith!”

Jesus: “If you had faith like a grain of mustard seed, you would say to the mulberry tree, ‘Be uprooted and planted in the sea,’ and it would obey you.”

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Still traveling with his face set for Jerusalem, Jesus entered a village and met TEN LEPERS there.  They stood at a distance (as they should) and cried, “Jesus, Master, have mercy on us.”

When Jesus saw them, he said, “Go and show yourselves to the priests.”  (This is what one who is cleansed from leprosy would do to prove his cleansing.)

As they went, they were cleansed.   One of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back praising God with a loud voice; and he fell on his face at Jesus’ feet, giving Him thanks. (He was a Samaritan.)

Jesus: “Were not ten lepers cleansed?  Where are the nine?  Was no one found to return and give thanks to God except this foreigner?  Then looking at him, Jesus said, “Rise and go your way; your faith has made you well.”

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Some Pharisees asked Jesus when the kingdom of God would come.  Jesus answered, “Behold, the kingdom of God is in your midst.”

Then to His disciples he said, “As the lightning flashes and lights up the sky from one side to the other, so will the Son of Man be in His day.  But FIRST, He must suffer many things and be rejected by this generation.”

“Just like it was in the days of Noah, so will it be in the days of the Son of Man. They were eating and drinking and marrying and being given in marriage until the day when Noah entered the ark.  And then the flood came and destroyed them all.”

“Likewise, just like it was in the days of Lot.  They were eating and drinking, buying and selling, planting and building. Then, when Lot left Sodom, fire and sulfur rained from heaven and destroyed them all.   

“So it will be on the day when the Son of Man is revealed.”

Whoa!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Journaling through the Bible Chronologically in 2025, Day 291

Oct18

Day 291 – Reading – John 6

Read and believe in Jesus!

John 6.

Jesus and his disciples are on the other, more quiet and less populated, side of the sea. But the crowds have followed Him there. Jesus knows they are not looking for the Messiah who was spoken of by the prophets who would change men’s hearts, but rather, one who would feed them and heal their bodies. Nevertheless, when Jesus sees the crowds, like sheep without a shepherd, He has compassion on them and welcomes them. The other Gospels tell us that Jesus spent the day teaching them and healing them.

When the afternoon waned, Jesus held a private conversation with His disciples … testing them, because He already knew what He was going to do. 

  • Jesus to Philip: “Where are we to buy bread, so that these people may eat?”
  • The disciples: “Send them away into the other towns so they can buy themselves food.“
  • Jesus: “They need not go away. You give them something to eat.“
  • Philip: “It would take “8-months wages” to buy them some food!”
  • Jesus to Andrew: “How many loaves do you have? Go and see.”
  • Andrew: “There is a boy here who has five small barley loaves and two fish. But what are they for so many people?”
  • Jesus: “Have them all sit down on the grass in groups of fifty. Then bring me the 5 loaves and 2 fish.”

The disciples went through the 5,000 men, plus all the women and kids, and settled them into groups. Jesus took the boy’s lunch, looked up to heaven, and said a blessing. Then He broke the loaves and fish and gave them to the disciples to distribute. Everyone ate as much as they wanted, and were satisfied.  At Jesus’ word, the disciples collected 12 small baskets of left-overs, enough for their own lunches.

After the free meal, the people began to talk among themselves. “This is indeed ‘the Prophet’ who is to come into the  world!” (See Deut. 18:18)

Jesus perceived that they were were about to make Him king, so He quietly sent the disciples home in their boat, and faded into the twilight up onto the mountain by Himself. There He prayed to the Father long into the night. 

(Later, He saw the disciples struggling, and went to them walking on the water.)

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The next day, after seeing that Jesus was no longer with them, and that the boat was gone, the crowd had hurried around (or across in boats) to the other side, to Capernaum looking for the food-supplying, healing Jesus.

Finding Him, they immediately heard Him say, “You are seeking me, not because you saw miracles, but because you ate your fill of the loaves.  DO NOT LABOR FOR THE FOOD THAT PERISHES, but for the food that endures to eternal life … which I will give to You.

  • (This reminds me of the verse Jesus used against Satan’s temptation. Deuteronomy 8:3 – “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of the Lord.”)

They passed right over the “food for eternal life” and went to “the LABOR” for eternal life” that they were so proud of doing. “What must we DO to be DOING the WORKS of God?”

Jesus: “This is the WORK of God, that you BELIEVE in Him whom He has sent.”

  • (This reminds me of Ephesians 2:8-9. “For by grace you are saved through FAITH. And this is NOT YOUR OWN DOING, it is the gift of God, not a result of WORKS, so that no one may boast.”)

Then the crowd went back to, “Okay, what SIGN (food) do You DO, that we may see and BELIEVE you. What WORK to YOU perform?  After all, our fathers ate manna in the wilderness.  Moses gave them ‘bread from heaven’ to eat.”

“MOSES didn’t give you that bread.  And by the way, my Father gives you the true bread from heaven, “He” who comes down and gives life to the world.”

“Sir!! Give us that bread always!!”

They were totally missing the point. They wanted the LOAVES they’d tasted across the Sea.  And they wanted them DAILY (always).

  • “I AM the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger and whoever BELIEVES in me shall never thirst.”
  • “ALL that the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me, I will never cast out.”
  • “And this is the will of my Father, that everyone who looks on the Son and believes in Him should have eternal life, and I will raise him up on the last day.”

The crowd, mostly led by the Jewish leaders now grumbled. (They couldn’t see the loaves coming.)  They said in disgust, “Is not this Jesus the son of Joseph whose father and mother we know?  How does he say ‘I have come from heaven’?”

  • “Do not grumble. NO ONE can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him.  Truly, truly I say to you … WHOEVER BELIEVES has eternal life.
  • “I am the bread of life.
  • “THIS is the bread that comes down from heaven, so that one my eat of it and not die.
  • “I am the living bread. If anyone eats this bread, he shall live forever.
  • “The bread that I give for the life of the world is my flesh.
  • “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink His blood, you have no life in you.
  • “Whoever feeds on my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise him up on the last day.”

Whoa, whoa, whoa.  This was just too much for the crowds.  Eat Jesus’ flesh and blood? (That’s not kosher! And it’s disgusting.)

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After this, many of his disciples turned back and no longer walked with Him.

Jesus turned to the Twelve: “Do you want to go away as well?”

Peter: “Lord, to whom shall we go? YOU have the words of eternal life, and we have BELIEVED and have come to know that You are the Holy One of God.”

Jesus: “Yes, did I not choose you, the Twelve? And yet … one of you is a devil.”  He spoke of Judas Iscariot, for he was going to betray Jesus.

 

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!