Tag Archive | God

Reading the Gospels in 2026: (3/13) Luke 2:22-40

Mar13

A 5-day per week study.

March 13 – Reading Luke 2:22-40

Read and believe in Jesus.

“…my eyes have seen Your salvation that You have prepared in the presence of all peoples.”  Luke 2:30

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The Gospel according to Luke 2:22-40

(Review)  In the last study, we read the familiar story of Jesus’ nativity. Everything pointed to a lowly birth, except for one thing that happened in the middle.  It began with the long trip from Nazareth to Bethlehem, then no room to lodge in the usual places, and finally settling in a stable, where Jesus’ first “crib” was a feed trough.  Afterwards, the group of sheep-smelling men came to ooh and aah over the baby and tell their tale of a vision.

But right in the middle, Heaven couldn’t contain itself.  Jesus, the second person of the Trinity, who sat at the Almighty’s right hand, had made it safely to earth and mankind.  The glorious work of salvation – stolen from man in the Garden of Eden – was about to take place.  And… a Heavenly Host burst out in a song of praise, “Glory to God in the Highest!”

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Vss. 22-24.

At the end of yesterday’s study, the first “rite” of babyhood took place. At eight days old, Jesus was circumcised (initiated into the Community of Israel) and given His name. (which Gabriel has told Mary)

Now, at about 6 weeks, there were two more Jewish rites written in “the Law of the Lord” that had to be fulfilled.

  1. The Rite of Purification. (Leviticus 12:2-4)  When a woman had a baby boy, she was considered “ceremonially unclean” for 40 days. After that, she was to bring a lamb and a pigeon or dove (or two pigeons or 2 doves, if she was poor) to the priest, who would make an offering for her, and then she would be “ceremonially clean” and able to worship, fellowship, and partake in marital relations.  (Mary and Joseph’s offering was two birds.)
  2. The Dedication (and Redemption) of the Firstborn Son.  (Exodus 13:2, 12-15 and Numbers 18:16)  Because the LORD freed the Israelites from slavery with the death of Egypt’s firstborn sons, He claimed all the firstborn males of Israel to be HIS (man and beast). The animals would be sacrificed, but the baby boys were to be ‘redeemed’ or bought back.  The amount was five silver shekels.

Joseph and Mary faithfully performed these rituals according to “the Law of the Lord.”  Right from His beginning, Jesus fulfilled ALL the Law perfectly – for us – so He would be the perfect “spotless” Lamb of God sacrifice.

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Vss. 25-35.

Simeon, a special old man (not a priest), who was righteous, devout, and waiting (longing) for “the consolation of Israel” (a messianic title derived from the O.T., like in Isaiah 40:1-2).   The Holy Spirit had revealed to Simeon that he would not die until he saw the Messiah with his own eyes.

(Wow!  Can you imagine a promise like that?)  What hope and expectation he must have had!)

On that day, when Mary and Joseph brought Jesus to the temple to “redeem” Him, Simeon “just happened” to be there. The Spirit of God indicated somehow that THIS BABY was the Messiah Simeon had been looking for.  Simeon walked over to the couple, took baby Jesus up in his arms, and praised God.

“Lord, now you are letting your servant 

depart in peace,

According to Your word;

For my eyes have seen Your salvation

that you have prepared in the Presence

of all peoples;

a Light for revelation to the Gentiles,

and for Glory to your people Israel.”

 

Mary and Joseph stood there and marveled at what Simeon said about Jesus.  Then this dear old man blessed them.  He also warned Mary that “a sword will pierce through your own soul.”

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Vss. 36-40.

There was also an eighty-four-year-old prophetess named Anna in the Temple that day.  She had been married only seven years before becoming a widow.  Now, she didn’t leave the Temple area, but worshiped with fasting and prayer night and day.

When she saw the parents and Jesus, she began to give thanks to God and to speak of Him to all who were “waiting for the redemption of Jerusalem.” (Those who looked forward to the Messiah)

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(What a wonderful thing that God included these two old people early in the life of Jesus.  Yes, God still has a use for seniors.  Just think how grandparents and great-grandparents can have a godly influence on our children today!!  Thank You, Lord!)

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(NOTE:  Luke omits the visit of the Magi when Jesus was around 2-years old, and the flight to Egypt for a time, and picks up when they are heading back home.  Finally.)

The family travelled to Nazareth after years away.  They were a family now. Did anyone remember when Mary left in disgrace as an unwed mother?  (Well, yes. Some did.)   They settled back into the familiar patterns, and Jesus grew up.  He became strong and filled with wisdom.  And the favor of God was upon Him.

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Jesus fulfilled everything according to the Law, even when He was an enfant and couldn’t do it Himself.  He did what WE never could do – not sin, EVER.  And all that God required in the Law, it was done. Jesus lived sinless, in perfect harmony with His Father in Heaven.  Then He died – the spotless Lamb of God – to take away the sin of the world.  He paid sin’s debt = death.  For us.  THANK YOU, Jesus.

 

 

 

 

 

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Vss.

Reading the Gospels in 2026: (3/12) Luke 2:1-21

Mar12

A 5-day per week study.

March 12 – Reading Luke 2:1-21

Read and believe in Jesus.

“Behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all people.”  Luke 2:10

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The Gospel according to Luke 2:1-21

In the last study, we saw the birth and naming of John (the Baptist) and Zechariah’s voice returning. Immediately after confirming his son’s name, the old priest was filled with the Holy Spirit.  He praised God for the salvation He was sending and His great mercy. Zechariah also prophesied his son’s future ministry as a prophet and the herald of the Messiah.

Then we saw John grow and become strong in spirit, and retreat into the wilderness until God would call him to appear in Israel and begin his ministry.

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Vss. 1-7.

And now we return to Mary and follow the details of Jesus’ birth.

          (This chapter is very familiar to believers. We’ve probably heard it read many, many times at Christmas.  Some can probably recite it by heart.  But let’s read it with “fresh eyes” if we can.)

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The Roman ruler of the “world” said everyone had to be registered.  This was so Augustus wouldn’t miss anyone when levying taxes.  And at least for the Jews, who kept records of their genealogies, their ancestors’ birthplaces were mostly known to them. For both Mary and Joseph, the place was the same because both were of the “house and lineage of King David.”  And David was born in Bethlehem.

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(NOTE:  Luke records Jesus’ lineage back from Mary’s line, through King David’s son Nathan (3:31), to Adam.  Matthew records the lineage from Abraham down through King David’s son Solomon (Matt. 1:6) to Joseph, the husband of Mary.  BOTH these lineages were important.

           The line that came through Solomon was eventually cursed because of the last despicable king who reigned until Jerusalem fell. (See Jeremiah 22:30.) Jesus had no genetic connection to this line (other than title) because of His virgin birth.   Jesus, born of Mary, came through the line of Nathan, which had no curse.  Jesus, called the Son of David, would inherit the kingdom from his earthly ancestor David, through the “uncursed” line.)

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Okay, back to the account of Jesus’ birth.

Even though Mary was due to give birth very soon, she and Joseph were forced to travel to Bethlehem (more than 70 miles).  Were Joseph and Mary remembering Micah 5:2, which says the Messiah would be born in that little town … or were they just concentrating on the grueling trip and Mary’s condition?

They finally made it, and while they were there, she gave birth to Jesus in a lowly stable. (All the inns were full by then.)  She wrapped baby Jesus in swaddling cloths and laid him in an animal’s feed trough.

I love this painting by Gari Melchers, which is probably closer to how it was than our traditional nativity scenes…

Vss. 8-20.

Meanwhile, in the hills outside Bethlehem, there was a group of shepherds watching their sheep.  The animals were probably all snuggled down together, sleeping, while the men sat around a campfire that was fast going out.

THEN AN ANGEL APPEARED!

THE GLORY OF THE LORD SHONE AROUND THE SHEPHERDS!

They were VERY afraid.

But the angel (could it have been the messenger, Gabriel?) told them,

  • “Fear not, for behold, I bring you Good News of great joy that will be for all people.  For unto you is born this day in the city of David, a Savior who is Christ the Lord. And THIS will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying … in a manger.”

And then, more wonderfully terrifying, a multitude of heavenly hosts appeared, praising God and saying,

  • “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom He is pleased!”

And then they were gone, and again it was a dark, silent night.

“Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened which the Lord has made known to us!”

And so they did.  They didn’t search inns, but looked for a stable. (After all, the angel said the baby would be in a feed trough.)  And they FOUND Mary and Joseph and the baby … lying in the manger, just as the angel had said.  They told the couple what had happened out on that hillside.  And Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart.

And then the shepherds returned to their duties, glorifying and praising God for all they’d seen and heard, as it was told to them.  And everybody who heard their story was in wonder about it.

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Vs. 21.

And at eight days, Jesus was circumcised and officially named JESUS, the name that Gabriel had given to Mary before He was conceived.

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“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believed on Him, would not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16

 

Reading the Gospels in 2026: (3/11) Luke 1:67-80

Mar11

A 5-day per week study.

March 11 – Reading Luke 1:67-80

Read and believe in Jesus.

“And you, child, will be called the prophet of the Most High.”  Luke 1:76

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The Gospel according to Luke 1:67-80

In the last study, we saw Elizabeth giving birth to a baby boy. Since Zechariah was still mute (and possibly deaf), SHE announced his name at the circumcision ceremony.  He would be JOHN.  Of course, the family objected, saying he should be Zechariah Jr.  Nope!

The old priest took a notepad and clearly wrote out “His name will be called John.”  And immediately Zechariah’s speech returned.  Everyone was excited and eagerly listened to his account of all that had happened in the Temple with the angel, Gabriel.

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Vss. 67-75.

And now, the old priest is filled with the Holy Spirit and begins to speak forth God’s words and prophesy.  (Zech is really happy to be speaking again, I think.)

First, he praises the Lord God of Israel.  He recalls all the promises of God from Abraham onward and tells how God has now fulfilled them.  The LORD God has redeemed His people and raised up a “horn of salvation” in the house of His servant David… just as the prophets foretold.

Then Zecharia looks towards his son, perhaps laying his hand on the baby boy’s head, and by the Holy Spirit says, “And you, child, will be called the prophet of the Most High, for you will go before the Lord to prepare His ways, to give knowledge of salvation to his people in the forgiveness of their sins.”

And then, “The sunrise (Messiah) shall visit us from on high to give Light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death,  and to guide our feet into the way of peace.”

What a benediction!  What a way to end ten months of inability to utter one word!

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Verse 80.

“And the child (John) grew and became strong in spirit, and he was in the wilderness until the day of his public appearance to Israel.”

Out in the danger and loneliness of the desert, filled with the Holy Spirit from birth, John probably prayed long prayers and recalled the scriptures he’d learned as a youth in a priest’s house. Like Elijah, he was tough and lived on what the desert could supply.

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How did John know when he would begin his ministry and start baptizing and preparing the people for the Messiah?   

We will get into that in Chapter Three, but if you want to peek, see Luke 3;1-3.

 

 

Reading the Gospels in 2026: (3/10) Luke 1:57-66

Mar10

A 5-day per week study.

March 10 – Reading Luke 1:57-66

Read and believe in Jesus.

“What then will this child be? For the hand of the Lord was with him.”  Luke 1:66

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The Gospel according to Luke 1:57-66

Last time we saw Mary, who was barely pregnant, going to visit Elizabeth, who was already six months along. The baby in Elizabeth’s womb jumped for joy when Mary greeted her. And on hearing that, Mary burst out in a song of praise to the Lord.  What fellowship the women must have had!  Both were being used by God to carry out the “hope of the ages.” Strengthened in the Lord, Mary returned home.

John would be born first and prepare the way.  Then Jesus would come, be baptised by His cousin, and be identified as the Lamb of God.  Both John and Jesus would die at the hands of evil men.  Jesus would rise as Savior of the world.

Elder Elizabeth & teenage Mary; John, a prophet like Elijah, and Jesus, the Son of God. The Messiah!

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Vss. 57-61.

The time finally came for Elizabeth, and she gave birth to a son. All her neighbors and relatives heard that the Lord had shown mercy to the aged couple and rejoiced with them.

On the 8th day, when a baby boy would be circumcised and named, Elizabeth broke tradition and said, “He shall be called John.” All the couple’s friends and neighbors were shocked.  First, it was the father’s privilege to name his son; second, the firstborn should be named after his father.  But, remember, Zecheriah had been mute since that time inside the Temple when he’d disbelieved angel Gabriel’s good news.

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Vss 62-66.

Still, the family couldn’t believe Elizabeth’s choice and “made signs” to Zechariah. (Whoa!  Does this mean he was also deaf???)   The old priest called for a notepad and wrote “John.”  And immediately his voice returned and he blessed God!  All were amazed and filled with holy fear.

And these things were talked about through all the hill country of Judea.  All who heard the story, “laid them up in their hearts,” saying, “What then will this child be?” for the hand of the Lord was with him.

What indeed will John be?  The next study is Zechariah’s “benediction.” He will tell of the Son of David, and of John, the prophet of the Most High.

 

Reading the Gospels in 2026: (3/9) Luke 1:39-56

Mar9

A 5-day per week study.

March 9 – Reading Luke 1:39-56

Read and believe in Jesus.

“My soul magnifies the Lord,” Luke 1:46

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The Gospel according to Luke 1:39-56

The last scripture we looked at told us how Gabriel’s message to the young betrothed Mary about becoming the mother of the Messiah was accepted with humble grace.   “Let it be to me according to Your word,” although Mary had to know the problems that would arise in explaining her pregnancy to her family, and especially Joseph. (As an unwed mother, she could have been deemed an adulteress and stoned to death!)  The news of Elizabeth’s miracle pregnancy cheered her and assured her that “NOTHING will be impossible with God.”

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Vss. 39-45.

As soon as it could be arranged – probably as a big help for Elizabeth – Mary travelled in a group south into the hill country of Judea, where Zechariah and Elizabeth lived.

As she entered the house and called out a greeting to Elizabeth, something wonderful happened.  Elizabeth’s unborn baby – John – “leaped in her womb!”  And Elizabeth herself was filled with the Holy Spirit.

Her loud words revealed a knowledge that no one had told her.

“Blessed are you (Mary) among women, and blessed is the fruit of YOUR womb!  Why is it granted to me that the mother of my Lord should come to me?  For behold, when the sound of your greeting came to my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy.  Blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfillment of what was spoken to her from the Lord.”

How wonderful for the Lord to encourage Mary in this way.  If she’d had any doubts (and I don’t think she did), they were gone after Elizabeth’s prophecy.  How comforting to be able to talk it over with this “grandma-type” woman.  Mary had probably not told anyone of the angel Gabriel’s visit.

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Vss. 46-55.

In response to Elizabeth’s praise, Mary’s own heart soars.  The verses that follow are almost a song.  Can you imagine that?  Her words are full of praise to the Lord, and many Old Testament allusions and quotations.   Even as a woman in Jewish society where only the men studied, she knew the Word of God.  There are allusions to the Law, the Psalms, and the Prophets.  What sweet words to the “ears” of God.

  • “My soul magnifies the Lord,
  • and my spirit rejoices in God my Saviour,
  • for He has looked on the humble
  • estate of his servant.
  • For behold, from now on all generations,
  • will call me blessed;
  • for He who is mighty has done
  • great things for me,
  • and Holy is His Name.
  • And His mercy is for those
  • who fear him.
  • From generation to generation,
  • He has shown strength with His arm.
  • He has scattered the proud 
  • in the thoughts of their hearts;
  • He has brought down the mighty from their thrones
  • and exalted those of humble estate.
  • He has filled the hungry 
  • with good things,
  • and the rich,
  • He has sent away empty.
  • He has helped His servant Israel
  • in remembrance of His mercy,
  • as He spoke to our fathers,
  • to Abraham and to his offspring forever.”

 

(Perhaps Mary sang songs like this as lullabies to her baby Jesus, too.)

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Vs. 56.

I wish I knew more about the three months Mary spent with Elizabeth. They must have encouraged each other in the Lord.  Perhaps Elizabeth gave her advice or counsel about her family and Joseph, for when she returned home, “showing” her pregnancy.  Was she there when John was born? Did she hear (when Zecharia could finally speak again) how John would open the way for ministry for her own son, Jesus?

Regardless of our speculation, Mary finally returned to Nazareth “to face the situation.”  WHO would believe her?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Reading the Gospels in 2026: (3/6) Luke 1:26-38

Mar6

A 5-day per week study.

March 6 – Reading Luke 1:26-38

Read and believe in Jesus.

“For nothing will be impossible with God.”  Luke 1:37

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The Gospel according to Luke 1:26-38

It’s happening.  The time when the Old Testament writers and prophets foretold and longed for.  From Genesis 3:15 (s triumphant Savior will come) to Malachi 4:5-6 (a forerunner like the prophet Elijah will come first), it is happening.

Yesterday, we saw the announcement of the coming of John, the one who would prepare the way for the Messiah.  The old priest had a hard time believing it, even though it was the angel Gabriel in person telling him, AND while he was in the temple just outside the Most Holy Place.  And so, Zechariah was made mute and prevented from announcing this great miracle to the other priests and the people praying outside.

Soon, his wife became pregnant (and at a great age!).  He HAD to believe it now.  But still, Zechariah was mute.  Six months have passed. Elizabeth is in her last trimester.  And in a little town, way north of Jerusalem, Gabriel is sent to make another announcement.

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Vss. 26-30.

In Nazareth, a small, unappreciated town, there lived a young (possibly early teens) virgin named Mary.  She had been betrothed to an older man named Joseph.  Both were in the lineage of King David, although through different lines.  Mary was probably in her parents’ house doing chores when Gabriel appeared.

“Greetings, O favored one, the Lord is with you,”  came the bold announcement from the herald of God.  You get the feeling that Gabriel was the one honored in this situation.

Like Zechariah, Mary was more than startled.  Seeing a large, shining angel appear in your kitchen would be frightening. And hearing those words probably didn’t calm her.  What did this mean??

The angel spoke more gently this time, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God.”

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Vss. 31-33.

And then that wonderful, amazing announcement.  “Behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call His name Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. And the Lord God will give to Him the throne of His father David, and He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of His kingdom there will be no end.”

What a message!  What a prophecy!  “Son of the Most High?”  “The throne of David?”  “Reign forever?”  It was so much to take in, but you can be sure Mary remembered those words forever.

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Vss. 34-38.

Even as a young teenager, Mary knew the facts of life.  She’d been raised around animals.  And her mother had probably instructed her before she was betrothed to Joseph.  So….  when would this happen? It sounded like the angel’s words had an urgent, immediate tone, as if this conception would be very soon.  Her marriage was still a little way off.  Would Joseph be…..?

“How will this be, since I am a virgin?”

And then, those magnificent and scary words.  “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore, the child to be born will be called holy – the Son of God.”

“The Son of God….”

The angel continued, building Mary’s faith.  “And behold, your relative Elizabeth in her old age has also conceived a son, and this is the sixth month with her who WAS called barren.”  Did Mary’s mouth silently form a big, “WOW?”

And the words that sealed Mary’s faith.  ‘For nothing will be impossible with God.”

Well, that said it all.  Mary acquiesced with a bow of her head.  “Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.”

And Gabriel left.

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And so two women, one very aged, and the other barely a “woman” and a virgin, are miraculously “with child.”  Truly, nothing is impossible with God.

Mary is allowed, with other family members, to go and stay with Elizabeth for three months.  The family probably thought the young Mary could help the older woman (now advanced in age and “great with child”) with the housework.  She could probably learn more about being a wife and “eventual mother” as well.

Who knew that these two women, carrying “men of God,” would be able to encourage each other “in the Lord?”   Next time, we’ll read about their first meeting and of Mary’s great “song of praise” to the Lord.

 

 

 

 

Reading the Gospels in 2026: 3/4) Mark 16:1-8

Mar4

A 5-day per week study.

March 4 – Reading Mark 16:1-8

Read and believe in Jesus.

“He is risen.  He is not here.”  Mark 16:6b

The Gospel according to Mark 16:1-8

Jesus has been crucified and buried (not by His close disciples, but by two members of the elite Sanhedrin). What irony!

It was a cruel death for our Savior and a devastating shock for the disciples.

But it was a victory for the religious leaders.  They had finally (they thought) stopped an imposter and a blasphemer, a real thorn in their side, and a deep prick to the conscience.   For a few days, they did all they could to keep Jesus in the tomb, including setting a Roman guard, bribery, and circulating a slew of false rumors. But….

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Vss. 1-4.

Remember the women who watched the crucifixion from afar, saw the two men take down Jesus’s body and carry Him away.  They had followed them to Joseph’s tomb, watched them lay Jesus inside, then rolled the great stone over the opening.

NOW, early on Sunday (the first day of the week), as they walked to the tomb, carrying the necessary burial spices, Mary Magdalene, Mary, James’ mother, and Salome wondered who would roll the stone back for them.  Would there be a gardener there, other mourners?

But, miracle of miracles, when they arrived, they saw that the stone had already been rolled back!

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Vss 5-8.

Maybe they thought Joseph had returned to further anoint Jesus’ body. Anyway, they were not afraid to walk right into the tomb.  Once inside, they were totally alarmed, for sitting there on the right side of the slab where Jesus had been laid, was a young man dressed in a white robe.  WHO???

Seeing their alarm, he quickly spoke. “Do not be alarmed. You seek Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He has risen; He is not here. See the place where they laid him. But go, tell His disciples – AND PETER – that He is going before you to Galilee.  There you will see Him, just as He told you.”

And the women went out and fled from the tomb, for trembling and astonishment had seized them, and they said nothing (NOTHING??) to anyone, for they were afraid.

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And that’s where Mark left off his narrative.

Since the Gospel of Mark was later referred to as “the memoirs of Peter,” and Mark was known as “the disciple and interpreter of Peter,”  perhaps it was Peter who ended the narration of his story there. Citcumstances… Time constraints…  We don’t know.

But it seems that either Mark or someone else picked up the pen and “finished” the story, or, at least, made some notes about what happened later.  Verses 9-20 are not included in many Bibles, but they do appear in my English Standard Bible with that caveat.  So… I decided to write one more post in The Gospel of Mark, as a “bonus” study.  I’ll publish it shortly after this one goes live.

Reading the Gospels in 2026: (3/2) Mark 15:21-32

Mar2

A 5-day per week study.

March 2 – Reading Mark 15:21-32

Read and believe in Jesus.

“And they led Him out to crucify Him.”  Mark 15:20b

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The Gospel according to Mark 15:21-32

  • The Jewish leaders said, “He deserves death!”
  • The crowd said, “Crucify Him!”
  • Pilate said, “Ok, then. “Scourge and crucify Him.”

The verdict is agreed upon. A horrendous death is to be done to the precious, sinless Son of God.

Little did they all know that this event had been planned by the Trinity before the world was created. For US!  For our salvation.

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Vss. 16-20.

Jesus is humiliated, mocked, and scourged by the hardened soldiers of Governor Pilate.  His back is torn to shreds, dripping blood. They force the heavy crossbeam of the executional “tree” onto His back.  He staggers and takes the first step on the Via Dolorosa (Way of suffering).

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Vs. 21.

Jesus falls under the beam’s weight, and the soldiers grab and force the nearest man, one Simon from Cyrene, to pick up the beam and carry it. Jesus follows.

(NOTE:  Mark mentions that this Simon, a Jew from North Africa, in the Holy City for Passover, is the father of Alexander and Rufus.  Why is this noted?  Later, at the end of his letter to Rome, Paul sends greetings to Rufus and his mother.  He calls Rufus “brother,” who was evidently saved after his father’s contact with Jesus. Paul also says that Rufus’ mom, Simon’s wife, had cared for the apostle at some point. Mark later ministered with Paul in Rome, and could also have known this family.)

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Vss 22-28.

Mark is very succinct in his account of the crucifixion of Jesus. It’s almost as if he can barely stand to write about it at all.  He might have been there in person as a teenager, or, again, this might have been from Peter’s point of view, who, after his denials of Jesus only hours before, was standing way far off on Golgotha’s hill.

  1. The soldiers offered Jesus wine mixed with myrrh (a narcotic-type mix that would have deadened the pain).
  2. Jesus refused the drink.
  3. They crucified Him.
  4. They nailed His hands to the crossbeam and nailed his feet to the post. Then it was raised and set into a dug hole.
  5. The soldiers divided his clothes among themselves and cast lots for his robe.
  6. It was 9:00 in the morning.
  7. The inscription of the charge against Jesus was, “The King of the Jews.”
  8. They crucified two robbers with Him; one on the right, the other on the left.

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Vss 29-32.

Those who passed by derided Him, wagging their heads and saying, “Aha!  You who would destroy the temple and rebuild it in three days, save yourself, and come down from the cross.“

So also the chief priests with the scribes mocked Him to one another, saying, “He saved others; He cannot save Himself. Let the Christ, the King of Israel, come down now from the cross that we may see and believe.”

Those who were crucified with Him also reviled Him.

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(But… we know “WHO” it really was that was taunting Jesus to come down from the cross. It was that unholy one, the devil, speaking through these oh, so self-righteous men.   Satan knew that Jesus’ death was a mere “bite on the heel” by the serpent.  But Jesus, dying on that cross, and then His glorious rising from the dead, would be the heel crushing of the serpent’s head.  (Genesis 3:15)

Jesus HAD to stay on the cross. He HAD to be accursed of God, experience the wrath of God for sin, and make the payment for our sin – death.  But in the resurrection, God, His Father, showed His pleasure with the accomplished work of Jesus, and raised Him back to life. Sorry, Satan. You have only limited power for a limited time.) 

 

 

 

 

Reading the Gospels in 2026: (2/18) Mark 12:28-34

Feb18

A 5-day per week study.

February 18– Reading Mark 12:28-34.

Read and believe in Jesus.

“You are not far from the Kingdom  of God.”  Mark 12:34b

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The Gospel according to Mark 12:28-34.

Jesus has been matched up with the various sects of Judaism. The chief priests, scribes, and elders accused Him concerning the radical clean-out of the Temple courtyard. The Pharisees and Herodians tried to catch Him up about paying taxes.  The Sadducees thought they had Him with that portion of Deuteronomy about a dead man’s brother marrying his widow, and life after death.  But Jesus knows the hearts of men. He can see right through their connivings and traps.  He can confidently tell them, “You are wrong.”

And so, when a lone scribe approaches Jesus, He is anticipating something different.

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Vss. 28-31.

A scribe (an expert in Old Testament Scriptures and often associated with the Pharisees) had been watching these encounters with Jesus.  He saw how Jesus had “answered them all well and with astonishing authority.”  He came up to Jesus and asked a question.

Now we don’t know his heart, so we don’t know whether this was one of those “test” questions meant to trap Jesus, or if he wanted to solidify what he was beginning to realize about Him: that He was a true prophet.

And so, without any “buttering-up,” he said, “Which commandment is the most important of all?”

Seeing the scribe’s sincerity, Jesus answered, “‘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.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.”

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  1. (NOTE:  If you review the Ten Commandments that God gave to Moses on Mt. Sinai, you will see that this FIRST “great commandment” encompasses the first FOUR of the ten.  The SECOND “great commandment” that Jesus quoted to the scribe takes in the remaining SIX of the ten commandments.  Go and check them now, if you want.  Exodus 20:1-17.)
  2. (NOTE: Jesus also taught “who” was a person’s neighbor – basically everyone, including your enemies – in the parable of the Good Samaritan.  He also came right out and said, “Love (and pray for) your enemies,” in Matthew 5:44.)
  3. (NOTE: Later, Jesus expands again on the second great commandment for His disciples (and all believers to follow) in John 15:12-13.  He says, “This is my commandment, that you love ONE ANOTHER as I have loved you. Greater love has no man than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.”   This is the second great commandment, magnified.)

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Vss. 32-34.

The scribe heard Jesus speak the two greatest commandments (Wow, did they sound like the voice of God to Moses on Mt. Sinai?) and agreed. I can almost see the scribe’s body relax, any confrontational stiffness leaving him, as He heard the words so close to his own heart come from Jesus’ mouth.  I believe it was as if the two of them were alone, cocooned off from the crowds, speaking God’s heart back and forth to each other.

“Teacher, You have truly said that He is One, and there is no other besides Him.”  That must have brought joy to Jesus.

The scribe continued in wisdom, “And to love Him with all the heart, understanding, and strength, and to love one’s neighbor as oneself, is much more than all the whole burnt offerings and sacrifices.”

(Yes, hadn’t God told King Saul the same thing, through Samuel? “To obey is better than sacrifice.” See 1 Samuel 15:22.)

Jesus looked on the scribe with compassion because he had answered in this way.  “You are not far from the kingdom of God.”  An encouragement that I pray the scribe followed through on.

After THAT, no one dared to ask Jesus any more questions.

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Are those two great commandments the center of my own life?  Or do I use my time up on the outward actions of “good works” or, as the scribe said, “burnt offerings and sacrifices?”  Those are good, yes.  But what is in my heart?

 

 

 

Reading the Gospels in 2026: (2/17) Mark 12:13-27

Feb17

A 5-day per week study.

February 17– Reading Mark 12:13-27.

Read and believe in Jesus.

“Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar, or not?” Mark 12:14b

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The Gospel according to Mark 12:13-27

The religious leaders have been confronting Jesus ever since His triumphal entry into Jerusalem. “Tell the people to stop cheering!”  ” Who gave you authority to clear out the Temple?”  “Are you saying WE are the wicked tenants?”

Now, a different set of leaders approaches Jesus.  Two completely opposite sects: the uber strict, law-keeping Pharisees and the Roman-tolerant Herodians will now “test” Him. Later, the life-after-death-denying Sadducees will try their hand at a trick question.  But don’t worry.  Jesus can handle them all.

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Vss.13-17.

Having been defeated in confrontation and enduring a stinging parable against them, the chief priests, scribes, and elders sent some of the Pharisees and some of the Herodians to “trap Jesus in His talk.”

These came with flattery, “Teacher, we know that you are true and do not care about anyone’s opinion. You are not swayed by appearances, but truly teach the way of God.”  (Choke, choke, gag, gag!)

Then came the question to trap Him between a rock and a hard place.  “Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar, or not?  Should we pay them, or should we not?”

If Jesus said, “No,” which would please the Pharisees, He might be arrested by the Romans.  If He said, “Yes,” then the people would rise up in protest.   The questioners leaned back in smug pleasure.

‘Bring me a denarius and let me look at it,” Jesus said.

The coin was produced, and Jesus held it up for all to see.

“Whose likeness and inscription is this?” He asked.

“Caesar’s.” They said, not realizing they were falling into the very trap they laid.

Then render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.” 

And they marveled at Him!

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If you want to look further into a Christian’s obligation to the leader of the country where they live, check out:

  • Romans 13:1-7. “…be subject to the governing authorities.”  “…pay taxes, for the authorities are ministers of God…”   “Pay to all what is owed to them: taxes to whom taxes are owed, revenue… respect… honor…”
  • 1 Peter 2:13-17. “Be subject for the Lord’s sake to every human institution, whether it be to the emperor… or to governors…”   “Honor everyone. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the emperor.”
  • Genesis 1:26-27. “So God created man in His own image, in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them.”   (So, as we bear God’s own image, we are to give to HIM what is due Him.)

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Vss. 18-27.

As the Pharisees and Herodians leave, a group of Sadducees arrives.  (Remember they do NOT believe in life after death – that is why they are Sad, you see.)

These are the wealthiest Jewish leaders and include the High Priest, the chief priests, and almost all of the ruling body, the Sanhedrin.  They have loads of (ill-gotten) money now, so why should they hope for Heaven?

They consider ONLY the Torah – the five books of Moses – to be scripture.

Their long, complex question concerns life after death, specifically the “resurrection,” presumably to Heaven.  They are taking it from one point in the Mosaic Law. (Deuteronomy 25:5-6) 

In these verses, God made a provision for widows to preserve tribal names, families, and inheritances in the Promised Land before Israel even entered Canaan.  In it, a widow without children could marry her dead husband’s brother and have a child, which would bear the name and inherit the property of her former husband, and so carry on his place.  (Actually, Boaz did this for Ruth, in the book of that name. Check it out.)

These priests knew that Jesus highly regarded the scriptures and thought He couldn’t disagree with them on this, and they would defeat his teaching on the resurrection.

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They began,

“Teacher, Moses wrote that ‘if a man’s brother dies and leaves a wife with no child, the man must take the widow and raise up offspring for his brother.”   

All is well and good, so far, but they continue.

“There were seven brothers; the first took a wife, and when he died, left no offspring.  And the second took her, and died, leaving no offspring.  And the third likewise.  And the seven left no offspring. Last of all, the woman also died.”

Okay, this “could” happen, though pretty unlikely.  But the Sadducees’ assumption that followed was the real kicker. THIS would stump Jesus for sure!

“IN THE RESURRECTION, when they rise again, whose wife will she be? For the seven had her as wife.”

“Heh, heh, heh,” they thought as they leaned back and clasped their golden-ringed hands across their bulging bellies.

But, whoa!  Jesus smacked right back.

“The reason you are wrong is that YOU KNOW NEITHER THE SCRIPTURES NOR THE POWER OF GOD. 

Point one:  “For when they rise from the dead, they neither marry nor are given in marriage in Heaven, but will be like the angels. 

Point two:   “As for the dead being raised, HAVE YOU NOT READ IN THE BOOK OF MOSES (what a dig!), in the passage about the bush, how God spoke to Moses, saying, ‘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.  You are quite wrong.”

Whoa!  Talk about a slap in the face.

But they will have their vengeance… After Jesus is arrested, He will be tried in the High Priest’s home and then before the Sanhedrin.

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One more group will test Jesus with a question in tomorrow’s reading.  You will be surprised at how Jesus responds.