Tag Archive | Bible

Reading the Gospels in 2026 (9/9): Matthew 2:1-12.

Sep9

Read and Believe in Jesus.

“And going into the house they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they fell down and worshiped Him.” Matthew 2:11

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REVIEW – When Joseph heard that his betrothed “wife” was pregnant (and not by him), he was in turmoil. What to do? He loved Mary and didn’t want to shame her. But that she was pregnant meant only one thing, right? Infidelity. So sadly, he decided to “divorce” her privately, saving her from a spectacle or even severe judgment.

But before he could act, an angel visited him in a dream and explained the whole amazing story. Mary was pregnant by … the Holy Spirit! Her morality was intact! He, Joseph, would be the child’s legal father and so pass the right to King David’s throne to the boy. Joseph was to name this stepson Jesus because… He would “save His people from their sins.” The angel nodded at the dreaming Joseph and assured him it was right in God’s sight for him to marry Mary. So he did.

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And now we take a giant step in time.

If you read Luke’s gospel, you know that Joseph and Mary had to travel to Bethlehem “for a census” (or so Rome thought), but actually it was to fulfill scripture that the Messiah would be born in David’s hometown of Bethlehem. While there, Mary gave birth.

Eight days later, a local priest (perhaps even Zechariah, John’s father) circumcised the boy, and Joseph named Him Jesus. Forty days after Jesus’s birth, to fulfill all the Jewish laws, Joseph and Mary took Him to Jerusalem to “redeem” Him, as all firstborn males were to do. This was also the time of Mary’s ritual cleansing after a birth. She could now become “a wife” to Joseph. For this, they brought two doves, which were the appropriate sacrifice for the poor.

In the temple, old Simeon also blessed Jesus and identified Him as the long-awaited Messiah of Israel, and “a light for the Gentiles.” He told Mary that her Son would “pierce her heart.” An old prophetess, Anna, also blessed Jesus and His parents.

Then, preferring to live in Bethlehem and not return to Nazareth, the couple found a house, and Joseph set up his carpentry.

TWO YEARS HAVE PASSED.

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Matthew 2:1-2.

Then, one normal day in Herod’s palace, a foreign delegation arrived and upset the king and his household, and in fact, all Jerusalem, forever.

These majestic, blue-and-gold, star-crested, robed, and bejeweled foreigners dismounted their camels and entered the palace with smooth, assured bearing. They looked around, and then, in a tone that told they were used to dealing with mere “human” kings, asked Herod,

“Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we saw His star when it rose, and have come to worship Him“

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(NOTE: People have wondered about the star for ages. Could it have been a supernova? A conjunction of planets? Halley’s comet? Consider what Bible commentaries say: that this was supernatural reality, similar to the Shekinah that guided the Israelites in the days of Moses. Read Exodus 13:21; it is very enlightening.)

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Matthew 2:3-6.

Herod is stunned and angered at their audacity. HE is king of the Jews. HE is the one who rules in Jerusalem. What do they mean, a new King has been born?? But then a cold chill turns his heart to ice. King of the Jews? Do they mean … the Messiah? NO! It can’t be!

Smiling on the outside, Herod invites his important guests, these “Magi,” to a lounge to perhaps be refreshed and entertained while he finds the answer to their question.

Quickly, Herod assembles the chief priests and scribes and asks them WHERE the Messiah was to be born. These men are familiar with the Scriptures and don’t need to go searching. They know the passage written by the prophet Micah (5:2), and they quote it.

“And you, O Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for from you shall come a ruler who will shepherd My people Israel.”

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Matthew 2:7-8.

Calming himself and perhaps taking a deep breath and letting it out slowly, Herod calls back in these important Eastern “wise men.” First, he casually asks when they first saw this star, and then he directs them just a few miles southeast of Jerusalem to the little town of Bethlehem.

“Oh, and be sure to let me know where you find Him. I want to come worship him too.” Herod adds with false fervor as he escorts the men to their waiting camels.

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Matthew 2:9-12.

After getting the directions, the Magi (three or a dozen) went on their way. And, lo and behold, the star appeared again and seemed to lead the way. They rejoiced greatly and eagerly followed it. Soon it came to rest over a small house in Bethlehem. (What a stir they must have caused in the sleepy little town!)

They each took a prepared gift from the saddlebags of their camels and went to the house. Inside, they saw Jesus with his mother. They fell down before the little boy and worshipped Him. Then, they opened their treasures and gave Him gifts of gold and frankincense and myrrh.

I imagine Mary sitting (or perhaps standing by a stove with a wooden spoon in her hand), her mouth wide open in wonder at such a sight – the richly attired wise men, their worship of her Son, their magnificent gifts. WOW. Did she go call in Joseph? Did they stand in wonder?

And Jesus? Grinning and pointing with a chubby hand at the fancy-dressed men. Reaching for the shiny gifts, patting them and clapping His hands. “Looka, Imma! See, Abba!”

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Matthew 2:12.

How long did the Magi stay? Perhaps they brought in sweet treats from Babylon – baklava, honey & wafers, raisins & dates – and shared sweet wine with the family. But at some time, at least one of them received a warning dream from Jehovah God.

“Do not return to Herod!”

So they all mounted camels, waved at the joyful boy in Mary’s arms, and went towards their homeland … by another route.

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I know the Bible does NOT call these visitors Kings. And nowhere does it tell us how many there were, but the Christmas Carol “We Three Kings” has always been my favorite. Especially the final stanza, which describes what their three gifts “could have” depicted. 

"We Three Kings" by John H. Hopkins (1820-1891)

We three kings of Orient are;
Bearing gifts we traverse afar,
Field and fountain, moor and mountain,
Following yonder star.

Refrain:
O star of wonder, star of light,
Star with royal beauty bright,
Westward leading, still proceeding,
Guide us to thy perfect light.

Born a King on Bethlehem's plain
Gold I bring to crown Him again,
King forever, ceasing never,
Over us all to reign.

Refrain

Frankincense to offer have I;
Incense owns a Deity nigh;
Prayer and praising, voices raising,
Worshipping God on high.

Refrain

Myrrh is mine, its bitter perfume
Breathes a life of gathering gloom;
Sorrowing, sighing, bleeding, dying,
Sealed in the stone cold tomb.

Refrain

Glorious now behold Him arise;
King and God and sacrifice;
Alleluia, Alleluia,
Sounds through the earth and skies.

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Reading the Gospels in 2026 (9/7): Matthew 1:1-17.

Sep7

Read and Believe in Jesus.

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INTRO – (It’s long, I know. Sorry!)

Matthew’s gospel was the first of the four gospels to be written … at about 27 years after Jesus’ death and resurrection. It is only one of two gospels to be written by an apostle, although many believe that Mark is simply Peter’s gospel as he dictated it to the young man.

Matthew’s account is the longest of the four.

Matthew’s gospel is not written chronologically, so don’t be confused to see some events placed out of order. Instead, he writes the life of Jesus in a series of FIVE themes, each begun with a major speech (or discourse) and followed by narration of Jesus actions or other teachings.

There is also a short prologue and epiloge.

Matthew’s other name is Levi, a name that the other gospel writers use for him “before” Jesus called him. We don’t read of Jesus changing his name, like with Simon/Peter, so perhaps he changed it himself, or he used a second name. Matthew means “gift of the Lord.”

Matthew/Levi was a Publican, or tax collector. He was very wealthy and powerful. People feared and hated him as he sat in his booth at the crossroads and demanded the money owed to Rome. He was considered a traitor to the Jews, working for the enemy.

Perhaps it was a thirst for wealth and defference that made Levi volunteer to serve Rome. After he collected the listed tax for the Empire, he could add however much else he wanted for himself. And he did. His own people got poorer as he got richer.

But Matthew must have had an ache or vacant spot in his heart that the money did not completely satisfy, because when Jesus passed by and called him, Luke 5:27-28, reports that Levi ” left everything, rose, and followed Him.”

Perhaps Levi/Matthew had been hearing reports of Jesus, but it seens that it was the event where a paralytic’s friends let him down through a roof into a crowed house so he could see Jesus that softened Matthew’s heart. For the report was that Jesus not only healed the paralysis, but “forgave the man’s sins.” Mabe that was the deep, deep longing that Levi had too.

Right after this incident, Jesus passed by Levi’s tax booth and said, “Follow me.”

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Matthew presents Jesus as Messiah, and the King of the Jews. He writes his gospel mostly for a Jewish audience. He quotes O.T. scriptures 60 times, does not explain Jewish customs or holidays (because the Jews would know them), he refers to Jesus as “the son of David,” and he guards against Jewish sensibilities regarding the Name of God, rererring to the “kingdom of heaven” instead of the “kingdom of God” as in the other gospels.

His purpose in writing the gospel: to show that Jesus is the Jewish nation’s long-awaited MESSIAH.

Matthew’s opening geneology of Jesus documents Jesus’ credentials as Israel’s KING.

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Matthew 1:1-17

Matthew first refers to Jesus Christ as the son of David.

To David the Lord God had promised a descendant who would reign as king forever. (See 2 Samuel 8:16-17, the familiar Isaiah 9:6-7, and Psalm 89:35-36)

Matthew’s genealogy is divided into three 14-name sections, each either beginning or ending with David. They are not complete lists, but rather show three times/eras. Abraham to King David; King David to the deportation to Babylon; and after the deportation to the birth of Christ.

(If you’ve studied the history of the kings, you will know that because of their horrible evil, the last kings of Israel were removed from David’s line of promise. However, if you check Haggai 2:23, you will see that God basically put the promise (His signat ring) back onto Zerubbabel, the grandson of the exiled to Babylon king to whom God showed favor. Jesus’s Kingly line to David’s throne is then passed along through Zerubbabel’s descendents to Joseph, the “legal” father of Jesus.)

Matthew also begins with Abraham, the founder of the Jewish people.

God also promised Abraham a descendant “in whom all families/nations of the earth would be blessed.” Genesis 12:3. The Messiah.

So Matthew lays out his two purposes, to show JESUS as the promised Jewish MESSIAH, and the promised KING who will sit on David’s eternal throne.

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One other thing to notice: the inclusion of FOUR women in this genealogy before he even gets to Mary. (This is very unusual in genealogies of the time.)

  • Verse 3 – Tamar. She was Judah’s daughter-in-law whom he got pregnant, believing she was a prostitute. (Genesis 38:13-30)
  • Verse 5 – Rahab. She was a prostitute living in Jericho who saved the two Israeli spies, who then brought her into the “family.” ((Joshua 2:1-22)
  • Verse 5 – Ruth, a Moabite woman, daughter-in-law of Naomi who returned to Israel with her and married the rich landowner, who became her “redeemer.” (Book of Ruth)
  • Verse 6 – The wife of Uriah, whom David (yes, our David) raped, took into his house when he found she was pregnant, then had her husband killed to “cover up” his dirty deed. Matthew honors her innocent husband by naming Uriah. She was, of course, Bathsheba. (2 Samuel 11:1-27).

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And now, whew, we are ready for “the Birth Jesus Christ.” 1:18 (tomorrow)

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Reading the Gospels in 2026 (9/2): John 20:30-31.

Sep2

Read and Believe in Jesus.

“…these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing, you may have life in His name.” John 20:31.

REVIEW – After appearing to Mary Magdalene, Jesus, on that same day, appears to the disciples. They are locked away in a house, fearful that the Jews might come after them as well. Thomas is not with them.

Suddenly Jesus appears in their midst. They are terrified, and Jesus immediately speaks “peace” over them. He shows them His wounds, proving that it is indeed HE, Jesus, who was crucified. Then He commissions them to go out with the “good news,” just as God the Father had sent Him to the world.

Thomas disbelieves their account of the risen Jesus and refuses to change until he can see AND TOUCH Jesus himself. Compassionate Jesus does appear again when Thomas is present and encourages him to touch Him and BELIEVE! Jesus says those who believe without seeing are indeed blessed.

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John 20:30.

“Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book;…”

Just by reading the other three Gospel accounts, we are aware of this. Matthew alone is the longest Gospel and includes many teachings and miracles that John does not. Luke also includes details that John omits.

But John had something else in mind, writing this long after the other three gospels were finished and circulating. He wanted to methodically proclaim and prove that Jesus is the Messiah and the Son of God. He does this through selected “signs” (miracles) and “I AM” statements that Jesus made. Seven in all, of both. You may want to go back and read the story around these, if you have time.

The seven miracles Jesus did are;

  • Water made into wine
  • Healing the official’s son
  • Healing the lame man by the pool
  • Feeding 5,000 people with one boy’s lunch
  • Walking on water
  • Healing the man born blind
    Raising Lazarus from the dead

Jesus’ seven “I AM” statements are:

  • I AM the Bread of Life
  • I AM the Light of the world
  • I AM the Door of the sheepfold
  • I AM the Good Shepherd
  • I AM the Resurrection and the Life
  • I AM the Way, the Truth, and the Life
  • I AM the Vine

Truly, John reveals the supernatural abilities of the Messiah and the glorious and comforting attributes of the Son of God in his Gospel!

But he doesn’t simply do this as a form of literary prowess. See what he says next.

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John 20:21.

He’s written the above things (and all the actions and teaching connecting them) … so that YOU (and I) will BELIEVE that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, AND … that by believing, we may have (eternal) life in His name.

WOW! Aren’t you glad that you’ve read through John’s gospel? I am.

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(Oh, LORD, may all that I write or speak, and the way I live my life, be for the exact same reason… … that those I touch in any way, may BELIEVE in Your Son and be saved for eternity!)

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This was the intentional ENDING to John’s gospel, and what a great ending it is!

But John adds chapter 21 as an epilogue, mostly because a rumor began to circulate that he, John, would live until Jesus returned. John had to clear that up. (Yes, he lived longer than any of the others, way into his 90’s, but he did die.)

And also – remember the great friendly competition he had with Peter? He HAD to show the big fisherman’s reinstatement into leadership … through quite a humiliating interview. (That John!!) (But Peter has one last comeback, the one that started the rumor.)

Stay tuned tomorrow to read the “denouement” to the Gospel of John.

Reading the Gospels in 2026 (8/19): John 18:1-14

Aug19

Read and believe in Jesus

“I have told you that I am He, so if you seek Me, let these men go.” John 18:8

REVIEW – Jesus finished His “high-priestly” prayer for His disciples, including all of us who would also believe on His name through their testimony. Jesus’ earnest words for love and unity among them, as it was within the Trinity and including the disciples, were to prove to the world that God had indeed sent Him into the world to save all who would believe. Jesus WAS the promised Messiah, come out of immense love to save them.

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John 18:1-3.

It was then that Jesus led these men out of the upper room, through the darkened streets of Jerusalem, across the Kidron Brook, and up into a garden area where an “olive press” (Gethsemane) was located.

Jesus and the Twelve had probably met there often for private rest or teaching or maybe even overnight. It was here that Nicodemus came one night to talk with Jesus.

Perhaps it was a garden owned by a friend, such as Mark’s parents, who also had lent the upper room to Jesus for the Passover meal.

Regardless, all the disciples knew it.

Including Judas.

It was to this place that the betrayer led a band of soldiers and some officers from the chief priests and Pharisees, carrying lanterns, torches … and weapons.

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John 18:4-9.

Jesus stepped in front of His disciples, who I’m sure stood, shocked, with mouths agape, especially when they saw Judas. What was happening? They wondered.

“Whom do you seek?” Jesus demanded.

“Jesus of Nazareth,” they answered.

“I AM HE,” Jesus said, and at once the whole bunch stepped backward and fell to the ground, including Judas!

After getting up, brushing themselves off, and picking up their lanterns and weapons, Jesus asked them again, “Whom do you seek?”

Did it come hesitantly? “Er.. Jesus of Nazareth.”

“I told you that I am He, so… if you seek ME, let these men go.” This was to fulfill the word that He had spoken, “Of those whom you gave Me I have lost not one.”

(NOTE: If you like, you can review all the times where Jesus DID promise this. See John 6:39, 40, 44; 10:28; and 17:12)

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John 18:10-11.

Have you noticed that the disciples seem paralyzed and speechless through it all, in shock and fear? Even Peter says nothing.

But he does DO something.

Having a sword, Peter draws it, steps forward, and swings it at the High Priest’s neck.

Malchus, Caiaphas’s servant, steps in front and takes the blow, which severs his right ear. He grabs the side of his head and howls. Peter stands aghast, staring at the bleeding servant.

“Peter,” Jesus says softly. “Put your sword into its sheath; shall I not drink the cup that the Father has given me?”

(NOTE: Dr. Luke, in 22:51 of his Gospel, states that Jesus touched Malchus’s ear and healed him.)

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John 18:12-14.

And so, “the band of soldiers and their captain and the officers of the Jews arrested Jesus and tied Him up.” They led Him first to the house of Annas, the former High Priest, and father-in-law to Caiaphas, the man currently in that office. (He was the one who said it would be expedient that One Man should die for the people.)

But what of the disciples? Matthew 26:56 and Mark 14:51 both record, “And all the disciples left Him and fled.”

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NOTE: In the next reading, we’ll see that Peter turned back and followed Jesus at a distance and so did John. John had a little leverage at the Court, and arranged for Peter to come into the courtyard to warm himself by the fire. John himself then went into the place where Jesus was being interrogated and recorded for us what happened.

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Reading the Gospels in 2026 (8/11) John 15:18-27

Aug11

Read and believe in Jesus

“If the world hates you, know that it has hated Me before it hated you.” And, “Whoever hates Me hates my Father also.” John 15:19 & 23.

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The Gospel according to John

REVIEW – In the first half of chapter 15, Jesus uses the metaphor of a grapevine to show the close connection He has with His disciples and all true believers. Without Him, they can do nothing. But by remaining “in” Him and submitting to the vinedresser’s wise pruning, they can become abundant fruit-bearers.

Other blessings of abiding in Christ are guidance in prayer and promised answers, as well as assurance of both His and the Father’s love.

Jesus urges the disciples (and us) to obey the Father’s commandments, just as He has always done. And the result of this abiding and obeying and loving others, as Jesus did? His friendship and fullness of joy!

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John 15:18-25. 

Abiding in Jesus and obeying His commands, loving others sacrificially, being fruitful, and being loved and called Jesus’ friends are the bright, JOYFUL side of being a true believer. But there is a dark, hate-filled side as well that Jesus now prepares His disciples for.

“If the world hates you, know that it has hated ME before it hated you.“

“You are not OF the world. I chose you OUT of the world; therefore, the world hates you.”

“If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you.”

And note the hatred of the world goes both ways (up and down from Jesus). Because of Jesus’ teaching of God’s words, doing the miracles God ordained, and obeying His Father in everything, the world hates HIM, though they may not realize it!

“Whoever hates Me hates my Father also.

Why the hatred? Because of their sin. They refuse to accept the free offer of Jesus to come to God in faith and repentance, turning from their sin and being forgiven. And so, they remain in their guilt, and hate all that reminds them of it.

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(NOTE: As I (we) well know, feeling guilty and carrying unforgiven sin around makes me very unhappy, resentful, and hateful to everyone around me! Praise God, He has provided a way to be forgiven: confession and belief. 1 John 1:9)

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But it’s worse for the world when they reject Jesus, for God sent Him that they might be forgiven and experience eternal life (John 3:16), and they REFUSED His offer!! (That’s like punching God in the face!)

Because of their sin, the unbelieving world unwittingly fulfilled scripture. “They hated Me without a cause.” (Psalm 35:19, 69:4)

But… Jesus offers consolation to His own.

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John 15:25-26.

Jesus again reminds the disciples that He will send the Holy Spirit to them. He is their helper, the Spirit of Truth, directly from the Father.

The Spirit will bear TRUE witness about Jesus, His coming, His words and works, and His obedience in everything the Father asked of Him. With this precious promise of Help from above, THEY will be able to witness boldly about Jesus.

Yes, there will be persecution and even martyrdom for them, but they will KNOW the truth from the Spirit, who speaks like Jesus and causes them to remember everything that Jesus has said.

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Reading the Gospels in 2026 (8/4) John 13:18-30

Aug4

Read and believe in Jesus

“But the Scripture (Psalm 41:9) will be fulfilled, ‘He who ate my bread has lifted his heel against me.‘” John 13:18b

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The Gospel according to John

REVIEW – Jesus and the twelve were cloistered in the upper room for the Passover meal with all its rituals. Alone with His men (no servants around), Jesus took off his outer clothes and knelt to wash their feet. The disciples were shocked that their Lord and Teacher would do such a lowly thing, and Peter downright refused to let Jesus do it … until Jesus explained what it symbolized and what principle He was teaching them. Then Peter was “all in.” This lowly act, so similar to Mary’s anointing of Jesus’ feet earlier in the week, must have disgusted Judas Iscariot. And yet, Jesus stooped to do it for him too.

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John 13:18-20.

Jesus tells His men that they will be blessed as they serve others in His name. He glances at Judas and perhaps says quietly, “but not ALL of you.” And then he quotes Psalm 41:9, perhaps looking Judas straight in the eyes now. “He who ate my bread has lifted his heel against me.“

He goes on to tell the group, as they perhaps settle in reclining positions around the low table, that He is revealing these things, so when they happen … they will believe in Him.

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John 13:21-26.

Perhaps because of Judas’ proximity to Jesus (he reclined at Jesus’ left side), or maybe because of the darkness of evil that was coming, Jesus became troubled. And again in a low voice He claimed, “Truly, truly, I say to you, one of you will betray me.”

John heard it. John was reclining at Jesus’ right side, and could have leaned back on Jesus’ chest if he wanted to. Peter, directly across the table from John, heard it too.

The two disciples looked wide-eyed at each other, then Peter gestured to John to ask Jesus WHO it was. John leaned back against Jesus so he could speak softly and said, “Lord, who is it?”

Jesus answered just as softly, “It is he to whom I will give this morsel of bread when I have dipped it in the herbs.” Perhaps John gestured to Peter with his eyes toward the piece of bread in Jesus’ hand. And then, maybe they both watched silently as Jesus dipped the morsel into the bowl … and then handed it to Judas Iscariot to eat.

When Judas took the bread from Jesus’ hand, Satan entered into him.

“What you are going to do, do quickly,” Jesus said softly to Judas, and the man rose and left the room.

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John 13:27-30

Most of the other disciples thought maybe Jesus was sending Judas on a last-minute errand, for indeed, he did carry the moneybag. Maybe he was to buy something else for the feast… Or give some money to the poor… Peter and John knew Judas was the betrayer, but maybe even they thought he was on a simple errand. I mean… betray the Master on Passover??? No way!

But, alas…that was indeed just what Judas was intending to do. And when he went out, “it was night.”

Reading the Gospels in 2026 (7/30) John 12:20-36

Jul30

Read and believe in Jesus

“And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself.” John 12:32.

The Gospel according to John

REVIEW – On what we now call “Palm Sunday,” Jesus rode into Jerusalem on a donkey (the picture of a peaceful king). Crowds called out Hosanna, and Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord, but did they know what they were saying? Did they truly believe Jesus was their Messiah? The religious authorities were even more determined to arrest Jesus and put Him to death, jealous of his popularity, angered at His exposing their hypocrisy. The tide is going to quickly change … and Jesus knows it.

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John 12:20-26.

Interestingly, as the Jewish officials plot Jesus’ death, and the manic crowds are soon to turn their opinion against Him, some Greeks (Gentiles, probably converted to Judaism and in Jerusalem for Passover) are SEEKING Jesus.

They ask Philip, who asks Andrew, who goes to Jesus. (With this, we get just a peek of the door opening to the Gentiles, as the Jews, “His own people, receive Him not,” and the promise, “but to those who do believe and receive Him, He gave the power to become the children of God.” See John 1:11-12)

Jesus continues with the cost of following Him, starting with His own sacrifice. He compares Himself to “a grain of wheat that falls into the earth and dies,” and then, as with a seed, it abides alone a certain time, but then grows and bears much fruit. (He is speaking of His own death, burial, and resurrection, which will eventually bring in a harvest of both Gentiles and Jews.)

And then Jesus turns the concept to His followers (His disciples and the seeking Gentile Greeks). “If anyone serves me, he must follow me; and where I am, there will my servant be also. If anyone serves me, the Father will honor him.”

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I wonder if these Greeks went away satisfied with Jesus’ answer, stayed around for the horrendous happenings of the next week, heard about/saw His resurrection, and were ones of those who returned to their homes outside of Israel with the message of Salvation through Jesus. I wonder…

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John 12:27-30.

And now, the horror of what is to take place begins to hit Jesus. He will experience physical pain, yes, but greater still is the taking on of the wrath of God for the sins of the world. The SINLESS Savior!

2 Corinthians 5:21
"For OUR sake He made Him to be sin,
who knew no sin,
that in Him,
we might become the righteousness of God."

Philippians 2:5-8
"Have this mind among yourselves, 
which was in Christ Jesus, who, 
though He was in the form of God,
did not count equality with God, 
a thing to be grasped,
but,
made Himself nothing
taking the form of a servant,
being born in the likeness of men. 
And being found in human form, 
He humbled Himself 
by becoming obedient to the point of death,
even death on a cross."

Hebrews 12:2
"...looking to Jesus, 
the founder and perfecter of our faith, 
who for the joy that was set before Him, 
endured the cross, 
despising the shame..."

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“Now is my soul troubled. And what shall I say? ‘Father, save me from this hour?’ But for this purpose I have come to this hour. Father, glorify Your name.”

And a voice came from heaven: “I have glorified it, and I will glorify it again.”

But the crowd heard it only as thunder or perhaps an angel speaking.

“This voice has come for your sake, not mine. Now is the judgment of this world; now will the ruler of this world be cast out. And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, I will draw all people to myself!”

Jesus said this to reveal what death He would die (crucified and lifted up on a Roman cross). But the crowd disagreed. (Can you see them beginning to turn from Jesus?) “We have heard from the Law that the Christ remains forever. How can YOU say that the Son of Man must be “lifted up?” WHO is this Son of Man?”

Jesus knows they don’t understand, but urges them that, “The Light is among you for only a little while longer. Walk in the light while you HAVE the light. The darkness is coming and will overtake you.”

“WHILE YOU HAVE THE LIGHT, BELIEVE IN THE LIGHT, THAT YOU MAY BECOME SONS OF LIGHT.”

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And this warning is for us today, too. Jesus will return for those who believe in Him. Waste no time. Believe in Him while you can. Walk in that Light.

Reading the Gospels in 2026 (7/29) John 12:12-19

Jul29

Read and believe in Jesus

“Hosanna! Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord, even the King of Israel!” John 12:13 (Psalm 118:26a)

The Gospel according to John

REVIEW – At Sabbath, in the home of Martha, while they reclined at the meal, young, sweet Mary showed her love for her Master by anointing His feet with expensive oil and wiping them with her hair. Jesus accepted her worship, but sternly rebuked Judas, who claimed the oil was wasted on Him and the money much better spent on “the poor.” Jesus knew his heart, and that he had often stolen money from those very offerings for himself, and told him to “Leave her alone.” — Judas, disgusted, soon left to meet with the Jewish authorities to make his deadly deal of betrayal. Worship or betrayal, there is no middle ground.

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John 12:12-19.

Sunday, the day after Sabbath, Jesus sent two of His disciples to procure a young donkey. He told them where it would be and what to say. (Mark 11:1-9)

Jesus deliberately planned to present Himself to the nation in the manner prophesied in Zechariah 9:9. “Fear not, daughter of Zion, behold, your King is coming, sitting on a donkey’s colt.”

Whether from hype or the natural celebration of Passover, which often involved the waving of palm branches, the crowds following Jesus and those coming out from the city to meet him cut and waved the branches as they sang Hosannas (O Save us!), and “Blessed is He who comes in the Name of the Lord!”

John comments that the crowds were those who had been with him when He called Lazarus out of the tomb and raised him from the dead, and those from the city who’d heard about it and came out to meet Him for themselves.

They met around Jesus in a cacophony of celebration! What shouts of praise! What excitement! The title of “King” was picked up and shouted. “Hosanna – Save us!” was repeated over and over.

Meanwhile the Pharisees groaned and said to each other, “You see that you are gaining nothing. Look! The world has gone after Him.”

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It was just as they feared. Did they look around, expecting at any moment that the Roman guard would appear to quell the mob, to end their rule and take over Jerusalem?

“Shhhh!” “Shut up!” “Be quiet!” they cried among the manic crowds.

They even appealed to Jesus. “Teacher, rebuke them.”

But Jesus answered that if THE PEOPLE were quiet, the STONES would cry out. (Luke 19)

Reading the Gospels in 2026 (7/28) John 12:1-11

Jul28

Read and believe in Jesus

“The house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume.” John

The Gospel according to John

REVIEW – Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead. A joyous, praise-worthy thing, right? And yet the Jewish authorities seethed at Jesus’ growing popularity. They called a meeting of the Council to decide what to do with Him. “If He keeps growing in popularity, promoting Himself as King, the Romans will come and take away our place (Temple & priesthood) and destroy our nation. WE MUST DO SOMETHING!” And so they put out a warrant for Jesus’ arrest, planning to seize Him and kill Him. Jesus lay low. But now Passover was approaching. The BIG Question was whether He would show up in the Holy City or not.

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John 12:1-3.

Jesus had traveled back to Jerusalem with His disciples on the Friday before Passover, arriving in time for sundown and the beginning of the Sabbath. They are again staying with His friends in Bethany and eating the Sabbath meal with them. Martha is serving (but not complaining this time). Lazarus is reclining with Jesus and his men at the table.

And Mary, who in times past sat at Jesus’ feet listening to Him teach, is again in this position. However, her heart is overflowing with gratitude and love for the Master. As she kneels there, she breaks open a small, very expensive alabaster jar of pure nard. (Nard is an oil extracted from a plant grown in India and imported, so perhaps you can imagine its fragrance…and its cost.)

(Actually, my fave perfume is from India as well and called Shalimar. It’s sugary sweet in fragrance.)

Mary anoints Jesus’ feet with the oil, and wipes it with her long hair, which she has let down. It is an act of pure love flowing from a tender heart.

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John 12:4-8.

A harsh, brittle accusation splits the air as Judas Iscariot gets to his feet. “Why was this ointment not sold for 300 denarii and given to the poor?”

He perhaps points to Mary at Jesus’ feet, her hair tangled and oily, and looks away in disgust. 300 denarii was, after all, the equivalent of a year’s wages for a common laborer.

(John again adds a bit of explanation to his gospel narrative, telling us that, “Judas said this, not because he cared about the poor, but because he was a thief! And having charge of the money bag, he used to help himself to what was put into it.” )

Jesus knew this, of course, and I can imagine Him looking deep into Judas’s eyes and saying, “Leave her alone.”

Then He explained to the others, “She may keep it for the day of my burial. For the poor you always have with you, but you do not always have Me.”

As soon as he could, Judas left the meal and went to the chief priests in order to betray Jesus to them. And when they heard it, they were glad and promised to give him money. (Mark 14:10-11)

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John 12:9-11.

Somehow = perhaps Judas spread the word = a large crowd of Jews learned that Jesus was there, and they came, not only on account of Him, but also to see the risen Lazarus. So … the official Jews made plans to kill Lazarus again. Even now, many of them were believing in Jesus when they saw Lazarus!

Jesus remained the rest of the Sabbath day (Saturday, until sundown) with Martha, Mary, and Lazarus.

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The next day was Sunday … Palm Sunday.

Reading the Gospels in 2026 (7/27) John 11:45-57

Jul27

Read and believe in Jesus

“You know nothing at all. Nor do you understand that one Man should die for the people…” John11:50

The Gospel according to John

REVIEW – Jesus had finally arrived in Bethany. Lazarus was dead and in the tomb for four days. The sisters led Jesus to the burial cave that had a large stone covering the entrance. Martha protested for only a moment when Jesus said to take away the stone, thinking of decomposition. A simple reminder of seeing the glory of God moved her to obey. After Jesus prayed that the Jews observing would finally believe in Him, Jesus ordered Lazarus to come out of the tomb. And he did, amazing (shocking?) everyone. “Unbind him and let him go,” were Jesus’ words, and also His desire for all those enslaved in sin.

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John 11:45-46

“Many of the Jews who had come to mourn with Mary and Martha saw what happened and believed in Jesus.” (How could they not??) But, as we discovered before, the Jews in Judea/Jerusalem had a ‘divided opinion’ about Him.

“Some of the Jews (who also witnessed the dead Lazarus emerge from the tomb) “went to the Pharisees and told them what Jesus had done.”

Sheesh! Did they get any “brownie points?”

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John 11:47-53

It seems very casual at first that the Jewish leaders (chief priests/Saducees and Pharisees) called together the 70-member Sanhedrin, but this may be like calling the Supreme Court of the United States together during the summer recess. (Remember it is almost Passover.)

“What are we going to do?” Someone brings up, “This Man is performing many miracles.” (Yes, like raising the dead!)

“If we let Him go on like this … everyone will believe in Him … and the Romans will come and take away both our place and our nation!”

(Feel their panic and self-centeredness?)

Then the august high priest, Caiaphas, stands. “You know nothing at all. Nor do you understand that it is better for you that one Man should die for the people, not that the whole nation should perish.”

(John inserts here in his Gospel that Caiaphas ‘did not say this of his own accord, but being high priest that year, he prophesied that Jesus would die for the nation, and not for the nation only, but also to gather into one the children of God who are scattered abroad.’)

This was the last prophecy from God for Israel.

So from that day on they made plans to put Jesus to death.

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John 11:54

After raising Lazarus, Jesus stayed the Sabbath with His friends, then on Sunday, He went eastward to the region near the wilderness, to a town called Ephraim, and there He stayed with His disciples.

(NOTE: This town is probably Ephron, located 4 miles northeast of Bethel and about 12 miles from Jerusalem.)

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John 11:55-57.

And so Passover approached. Many people were flooding Jerusalem the week before to be “purified” for the sacred holiday.

They were looking for Jesus and asking one another, “What do you think? Will He come to the feast or not at all?” What if He does? What if He doesn’t?

The chief priests and Pharisees had given strict orders that if anyone knew where Jesus was, he should let them know, that they might arrest Him.

The mood was tense; people were watchful and jittery, guards were extra observant, and the religious leaders sat on pins and needles. Would Jesus try something spectacular? Would Roman soldiers flood their streets and take control?

(They were definitely NOT thinking of the meaning of Passover, and how God saved their ancestors from the death angel with a sacrificial lamb, whose blood stained their doors, allowing them to escape bitter slavery to an evil tyrant. )

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2 Corinthians 5:21

"For our sake 
He made Him to be sin 
who knew no sin, 
so that in Him, we might become 
the righteiousness of God."