The Priestly Prayer of Jesus. “When Jesus had spoken these things, He lifted up his eyes to heaven and said, ‘Father, the hour is come.’” (John 17:1). The time to complete His self-emptying has arrived. He is ready to give Himself up, for no one can take His life from Him without …
The Pharisee in Me. “Then Jesus said to the crowds and to His disciples, ‘The scribes and the Pharisees sit on Moses’ throne as the authorized interpreters of the Law. So listen and follow what they teach, but don’t do what they do, for they tell you one thing and do another. They tie on …
(1.) On Christ as The Amen. “These things says the Amen, the Faithful and True Witness…” (Revelation 3:14). AMEN: A Hebrew word related to the same root as the word for truth. A positive assent to a truthful statement or prayer; “And all the people gathered as one at the square which was in front of …
Fear Not: Jesus and the Transfiguration. “The disciples were terrified and fell face down on the ground. Then Jesus came over and touched them. ‘Get up!’, he said. ‘Don’t be afraid.’ And when they looked up, Moses and Elijah were gone, and they saw only Jesus.” (Matthew 17:6-8). There was a time when Jesus told His disciples …
Jesus and Sinners: The Two Thieves. Please read this story in Luke 23:39-43. When Jesus was raised on the cross, he found Himself hanging between two thieves on their crosses, one thief on the right and the other thief on His left. The two thieves might have been similar in their criminal behavior, but it appears …
Jesus, Friend of Sinners. “Behold, a glutton and a wine drinker, a friend of tax collectors and especially wicked sinners.” (Matthew 11:19). An Inside look at Levi Matthew’s Banquet for Jesus. Please read the story of Matthew’s party in Matthew 9:10-13, Mark 2:15-17, and Luke 5:29-32. Also refer to Luke 15:1-2 and 19:1-7. LADIES OF THE …
Representing Jesus: The Seventy. “The Lord now chose seventy (or seventy-two) other disciples and sent them ahead in pairs to all the towns and places He planned to visit… When the seventy disciples returned, they joyfully reported to Him, ‘Lord, even the demons obey us when we use your name!” (Luke 10:1,17). Please read the story …
Representing Jesus: The Twelve. “And Jesus called His twelve disciples together and began sending them out two by two, giving them authority to cast out evil spirits… So the disciples went out, telling everyone they met to repent of their sins and turn to God. And they cast out many demons and healed many sick people, …
Jesus and Sinners: Judas. “So Judas came straight to Jesus, ‘Greetings, Rabbi!’ he exclaimed, and gave Him a kiss. Jesus said, ‘My friend, go ahead and do what you have come for.’ Then the others grabbed Jesus and arrested Him.” (Matthew 26:49-50). The tragic life of Judas Iscariot is well documented in the Gospels. He was …
Jesus and Sinners: Matthew’s Outcasts. “Later, Levi (Matthew) invited Jesus and his disciples to his home as dinner guests, along with many tax collectors and other disreputable sinners. There were many people of this kind among Jesus’ followers.” (Mark 2:15). Please read the story about Jesus and the sinners in Matthew 9:9-13, Mark 2:13-17, and Luke …
Jesus and Sinners: A Prostitute. “Then Jesus turned to the woman and said to Simon, ‘Look at this woman kneeling here. When I entered your home, you didn’t offer me water to wash the dust from my feet, but she has washed them with her tears and wiped them with her hair. You didn’t greet …
Jesus and Sinners: The Rich Young Ruler. “Now a certain ruler came up to Jesus and asked Him, saying, ‘Good Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?’ … But the man was sad at what Jesus said, and he went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions.” (Mark 10:17,22). Please read the story of Jesus …