
_Family-Style Devotions_

A Six-Month Focus on Jesus' Amazing Life

David Servant

Copyright 2012 by David Servant. All rights reserved. No portion of this book may be reproduced in any form without the written permission of the copyright owner, except for brief excerpts quoted in critical reviews.

Smashwords Edition

ISBN: 978-1-939788-98-6 (ePub edition)

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**Family- _Style_ Devotions**

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A Six-Month Focus on Jesus' Amazing Life

"How can a young person stay on the path of purity?

By living according to Your word."

(Psalm 119:9 NIV)

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**Introduction:**

I've had the privilege of serving in vocational ministry for the past twenty-four years, much of which I've served as a pastor. God-called pastors are preeminently concerned with the spiritual health of the people they serve, thus they "keep watch over the flock," always looking for signs of spiritual weakness or sickness. They are usually astute observers, because they care about their people, both young and old. As a pastor, I've observed a phenomenon in many, if not most churches, which troubles me more as each year passes. It's one that can be detected only by someone who observes a congregation very carefully for several years, which is probably why many "laypeople" have missed it.

What have I noticed that concerns me so deeply? The fact that many children, who are raised by good Christian parents and who regularly attend church, slowly grow cold toward God. These children, upon "leaving the nest," give no evidence of possessing any real relationship with Jesus Christ. I'm not speaking of children raised by hypocrites and counterfeit Christians, but of children whose parents love the Lord, parents who faithfully attend and support their church and who sincerely want their kids to know and serve God.

Because of many factors, few believers realize the frequency with which this happens. One of those factors is the general mobility of Americans, who are always changing jobs, homes and churches. They just aren't in one location long enough to realize what is happening with so much regularity in so many places.

It's also true that most Christian married couples tend to associate with other married couples who have children about the same ages as their own children. Consequently, like the proverbial frog in the boiling kettle, they and their married friends don't realize what's happening until it's too late.

Are parents the ones to blame? As difficult as it is for me to say it, I think God would point His finger first at pastors. Too many are failing to tell their flocks the truth and, at the same time, are promoting a lie. Specifically, they aren't teaching that God has given responsibility to the _parents_ to teach their children about God. Moreover, they're promoting a system of spiritual education for children that leaves the impression in the minds of most church members that _the church_ has been given that responsibility.

How many times have you heard a pastor promote from the pulpit his church's "fun-filled" children's church or "dynamic" youth ministry? Any church hoping to grow or even survive in 21st-century America is almost forced to offer an exciting cradle-to-diploma Christian education program that "your kids will just love." If we hope to compete with every other church in our city for a larger share of the church shoppers and hoppers, we must heed the bottom line of the church-growth surveys: "People are attracted to churches where there is exciting ministry for their kids." And so the message we send is clear: "Come to our church, and you can rest assured that your kids will grow up to love church and serve Christ. The only part you need to play in your children's spiritual growth is to make sure they're here to participate in our exciting program."

Unfortunately, by the time parents realize that the church can't deliver on its promise, it's too late. Their kids are adults who are heading down the wrong road. (Praise God for those who eventually turn back to the Lord, but how much better it is for kids to find and keep their parents' faith their entire lives.)

But the fault doesn't fall entirely on the shoulders of pastors. Pastors often promote the lie because they believe it themselves. At a recent prayer gathering for pastors only, the one prayer request I heard more than any other was for wayward children. Pastors, like laypeople, are victims of a lie built upon tradition. "We've always done it this way," and so our church programs continue as always, and only occasionally does a pastor wonder why there are no examples or instructions for children's Sunday school or special kids' ministry recorded in the New Testament. Following the lead of modern society, the church contributes to the fragmentation of families and the abdication of parental responsibility through a customer service policy that says, "leave the driving to us."

Please understand that I'm not discounting the value of church Christian education programs and the many wonderful people who serve in those programs. Certainly there is fruit for their labor. I am saying, however, that church Christian education programs, if they exist, should only serve to supplement and reinforce what children should be learning at home all the time from their parents. The problem is not Christian education programs _in_ themselves, but Christian education programs _by_ themselves. The solution is not the elimination of children's Christian education programs; the solution is the parental reclamation of their God-given responsibility. They should be teaching their children about God, as Scripture directs:

"Hear, O Israel! The Lord is 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 might. And these words, which I am commanding you today, shall be on your heart; and you shall teach them diligently to your sons and shall talk of them when you sit in your house and when you walk by the way and when you lie down and when you rise up" (Deut. 6:4-7, NASB, emphasis added).

And, fathers, do not provoke your children to anger; but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord (Eph. 6:4, NASB, emphasis added).

Probably the most well known verse in the Bible about raising children is Proverbs 22:6: "Train up a child in the way he should go, even when he is old he will not depart from it" (NASB). Christians have been known to disagree on whether this verse is a guaranteed promise of salvation for properly-trained children or just a general principle that is true much of the time, but not always.

Regardless of which interpretation is correct, a much more important issue is the definition of the phrase, _Train up a child in the way he should go_. The understood subject of the sentence is _you_ , indicating that parents have the responsibility of training their children. Can it be said that parents who play no active role in teaching their children the Word of God, leaving it all to the church, are training their children in the way they should go? No, they're expecting someone else to play a major part in their children's training. Those parents who consider Proverbs 22:6 to be a promise have no reason to expect the promise to be fulfilled unless they are doing their part to train their children. They can't claim the benefit unless they meet the conditions. And for those parents who think Proverbs 22:6 is a general principle, there isn't much difference. They've no reason to hope that the general principle will hold true for their kids unless they fulfill their God-given responsibility to train their children.

Parents often need help to teach God's Word to their kids, and that's where this daily devotional comes in. I've written it to assist parents who desire to teach their children the Bible. During the next 147 days, you and your children will be reading a small but significant portion of God's Word. We'll cover the life and ministry of Jesus. For each day's reading, I've provided a short commentary that highlights the most important spiritual truths. Also, I often pose a few questions that parents might want to ask their children.

The important thing is that you and your kids talk about what you've read. As your family grows more comfortable doing daily devotions, your kids will spontaneously instigate discussion. That is when it becomes fun.

"But what happens if my kids ask a question for which I have no answer?" you ask? Simply tell them you don't know the answer. That in itself can serve as a wonderful example of humility to your kids and a lesson about telling the truth. If it's any consolation, there are scores of questions about the Bible for which no one has yet come up with a truly satisfying answer. Honest theologians admit they are often stumped. If our daily reading raises an obvious question that I don't attempt to answer in my commentary, it's probably because I'm stumped as well.

What about those passages that contain sexual terminology or describe violence? As a parent, you are the most qualified to make a decision regarding what to do. You may just want to skip over certain verses if you think your children are too young. Or you may want to supply age-appropriate definitions, such as explaining adultery to young children as "when someone who is married falls in love with another person."

We must face up to the fact, however, that the Bible describes life as it is on planet Earth. Unregenerate people have the capacity for incredible acts of wickedness, and our children will discover it sooner or later. Exposure to such things within the moral framework of the Bible is much better than through the polluted rivers that spill out of TV sets into our living rooms. We want our kids to be trained regarding what is right and wrong, and the Bible doesn't conceal either. Your daily devotions will be springboards to life-directing conversations, many of which you'll cherish.

There will be other challenges you'll face, but which will pay rich dividends in your life and the lives of your family. Your first challenge might occur when, after reading a clear command in Scripture, one of your children asks you, "Why didn't you do that the other day at the grocery store when that lady ran her shopping cart into our shopping cart?" That is another positive benefit of family devotions---you'll grow spiritually and your kids will have the benefit of watching God work in your life. No longer will they be exposed only to the apparent perfection of Sunday morning Christianity contrasted with rest-of-the-week application, which otherwise appears as hypocrisy to younger minds. They'll learn what it means to "work out your salvation with fear and trembling" (Phil. 2:12, NASB) by observing you.

Here's how I suggest you conduct your daily family devotions: Gather your family together and pray a short opening prayer, such as, "Lord, help us to understand Your Word and apply it to our lives. In Jesus' name, Amen." Then read the day's portion(s) of Scripture out loud. I suggest that you use the _New Living Translation_ , which is one of the easiest translations to understand. Then, either read my commentary, or explain the scriptures yourself in your own words if you've read my comments previously. The idea is to help your kids understand what you've read.

When you finish reading, ask them questions about spiritual principles that surfaced in what you just read. I've usually included a few questions (with the answers) that you might want to ask to provoke dialogue. Work toward a discussion about how you and they can apply what you've learned in your own lives. Allow your kids to interrupt at any time with questions. When they do, you'll know they're interested.

Then spend a few minutes praying together. The idea is to get your kids comfortable with praying sincerely, out loud. Prayer can easily become a meaningless ritual, and the quickest route to ritualistic prayer is to pray the same thing every day. Don't let that happen. I suggest that you model your daily family prayers after this sequence: God, Others, Us. Give each member of your family a different part of the sequence to pray each day. Begin by praising and worshipping God, expressing thankfulness or affirming something about one of His attributes that surfaced in the Bible chapter you just read. The person who is assigned this sequence might simply say, "God, You are really powerful" or, "Thank You for Your great mercy." Next, pray for others. You could pray for a ministry in your church, a missionary you support or know, a sick friend or an unsaved neighbor. Finally, pray for your own needs. These could be material, emotional or spiritual needs among your family. ("Lord, help us to become more like You" or, "Lord, I request Your help on my English test today.")

When you first begin praying as a family, you may want to solicit ideas from the whole group for specific prayers for each category and then assign each member one item on your list. Once everyone grows more comfortable praying together, your prayer time will probably grow more spontaneous. Keep your prayer time short. One-sentence prayers are just fine. If they grow longer, let it happen naturally. Make sure that your prayer time is always meaningful and fresh, never just a time of "going through the motions." Your total time spent in family devotions can be as short as 15 minutes or as long as your schedule permits. If your kids are asking questions, keep going as long as you can!

I suggest ending each gathering with a short song and hugs all around. You'll need to set a regular time for devotions each day, depending on your family's schedule. Right before or after breakfast, right after dinner or just before your youngest child goes to bed are possibilities. Very young children who can't really participate will benefit by realizing that family devotions are something that is done every day. And they'll love the singing and hugs at the end. Curb your children's silliness during your time together but don't be too serious. Enjoy yourself. If you do, your kids are more likely to enjoy themselves too.

You've made a great decision that will pay off in this life and the next. My prayer is that your family will grow closer to the Lord and each other as you fulfill your God-given responsibility to teach your children God's Word.

# DAY 1, John 1:1-3; 17:5, 24* The Pre-existence and Deity of Christ

The story of Jesus begins long before He was born as a baby in Bethlehem. Because Jesus is and always has been God's Son, He existed before anyone or anything was created. John wrote that Jesus was with God "in the beginning" (John 1:2), which means before the world was created and before time began. When Jesus was conceived in Mary's womb, He was not created—)))He just moved from heaven to earth and changed His form into a tiny human being inside Mary's belly. It would be something like shrinking and transforming yourself into an ant in order to visit an ant colony.

Not only was Jesus _with_ God in the beginning, but John also said that Jesus _was_ God. There are three persons who, according to the Bible, can be called God: God the Father, God the Son (Jesus) and God the Holy Spirit. Jesus is just as much God as God the Father is God. We learned today that Jesus helped create everything that exists (see John 1:3).

We also read that Jesus prayed to God the Father just before He died, "Father, bring me into the glory we shared before the world began" (John 17:5). Before the world was created, Jesus lived in heaven, a place filled with God's glory, with His Father. What is God's glory? It is something like sunshine, only much brighter. It radiates from God.

The best part is that everyone who is a follower of Jesus will one day see God's glory in heaven, because Jesus requested that we would. He prayed, "Father, I want these whom you've given me [that includes us] to be with me [in heaven], so they can see my glory" (John 17:24). When we see Jesus one day in heaven, He'll be brightly shining with God's glory. The Bible tells us that His face will shine like the sun (see Matthew 16:27-17:2)!

Q. Where did God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit come from?

A. The answer is that They have always existed. They have no beginning and no end. That is hard for us to understand, but that is the answer. The reason we have difficulty understanding it is because most everything we know has a beginning and an end.

Q. Why did John call Jesus "the Word"?

A. The word _word_ sometimes means "a message." For example, your teacher might say, "I have a word from our principal," meaning a message from the principal. Or you might hear someone on a TV show say, "And now a word from our sponsor," which means a commercial is coming with a message from an advertiser. Jesus is given many symbolic titles in the Bible, such as "Lamb," "Cornerstone" and so on, which all describe something He has done for us. Perhaps He is called "the Word" (or "the Word of God"; see Rev. 19:13) because Jesus was God's message to all people of the world. Isn't it amazing that God had a message prepared for all the people of the world even before He ))) created anyone?

Application: _Because we will one day live with Jesus in heaven and see His glory, we should live "in a manner worthy of the God who calls [us] into His own kingdom and glory"_ (1 Thessalonians 2:12, NASB).

# DAY 2, John 1:14; Isaiah 7:14; 9:6 The Deity and Humanity of Jesus Christ

Yesterday we read what John wrote about Jesus being called "the Word." A few verses later in his Gospel, John said, "the Word [who is Jesus] became human and lived here on earth among us" (John 1:14). John was talking about when the glorious God Jesus was transformed into a baby in Mary's womb, lived there for nine months, was born, grew up, and lived for about 33 years on the earth as a human being. It was a really big miracle for God to become a man, but nothing is too hard for God!

It's very important for us to understand that Jesus was a very special person. He was God transformed into a man. He wasn't one-half human being and one-half God. He was 100% of both. That has not been the case with any other person who has ever lived. Jesus was one-of-a-kind! He wanted us to know that He was both human and divine, calling Himself the _Son of God_ and the _Son of Man_.

Hundreds of years before Jesus became a man, God told Isaiah the prophet what He was planning to do. He promised that a special baby would be born through a woman who had never been married. People often have special names that they call their babies, such as "sweet pea," "little guy" or "chubby cheeks." But the special baby that God told Isaiah about would be called "Immanuel," a name that means, ))) "God is with us" (Isaiah 7:14). That is what Jesus was. He was no longer the God in heaven—)))He was God living with us.

Through Isaiah, God the Father helped us understand how His Son, who had no beginning, would have a beginning as a human being. He promised, "For a child is born to us, a son is given to us" (Isaiah 9:6). It was a human being, a _child_ , who was born in Bethlehem, but the Father's _Son_ was not born because He always existed. Thus, He was _given_.

Finally, notice Jesus was born _to us_ and given _to us_. It was _for us_ that He came,))) because God loves us.

Q. Let's pretend that you wanted to show the dogs in your neighborhood how much you loved them. What would you do? If you had the power, would you be willing to change yourself into a baby dog inside its mother, live there for nine months, be born as a puppy and live for 33 years as a dog even though you could have been enjoying life as a human being? You would really have to love dogs to do that! Jesus becoming a man was a bigger step down than for us to become dogs. Does that give you an idea of how much Jesus loves us?

A. Yup!

Q. Are there any other major religions in the world besides Christianity that can truly say they were begun by a human being who was actually God?

A. Nope!

Application: _Since Jesus is God, we should pay careful attention to what Jesus said and obey Him._

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# DAY 3, John 1:18; Hebrews 1:1-3 One Reason Why Jesus Became a Human Being

Many people have wondered what God is like. They've looked at flowers, snowflakes, hummingbirds and rainbows and realized that God must be _very_ smart and _very_ powerful. The things He's made are amazing! And when people eat a crisp apple, sit by a warm fire on a cold day, or listen to musical instruments, they realize that all those wonderful things are made possible by God, and so He must also be very kind.

But knowing God through what He's made is somewhat like knowing an artist only through his paintings. How much more could you learn about that artist if you could actually meet him in person and be friends for a few years?

 God wants us to know Him personally, and not just through what He has created. That is one reason that God sent Jesus to the earth. We read today, "No one has ever seen God. But his only Son, who is himself God, is near to the Father's heart; he has told us about him" (John 1:18). Nobody knew God the Father better than Jesus. They had lived together forever! In the original language in which John wrote, he said something like, "Jesus and God the Father were bosom buddies!"

Not only did Jesus know more than anyone else about God the Father, He also _acted_ more like God the Father than anyone else. Have you ever heard the expression, "Like father, like son"? That was certainly true concerning Jesus and His Father. Jesus once said, "Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father!" (John 14:9). If we want to learn what God the Father is like, all we have to do is learn about Jesus. We read today, "Everything about [Jesus] represents God exactly" (Heb. 1:3). If God the Father had become a human being instead of Jesus, He would have said and done the same things.

Before Jesus came, there were only two ways to learn about God: through looking at His creation, and through studying the words of the people who wrote the Old Testament. Some of those people had experiences with God from which we can learn, and some of them (the prophets) actually spoke God's words. But ever since Jesus came, we now have three ways to learn about God! As we study the life and ministry of Jesus in the weeks ahead, we'll be learning about God, the creator of everything, a person with whom we'll be friends forever. What could be more exciting than that?

Q. Perhaps your parents are like most parents: one is a little more strict than the other. If you have to get a spanking, you probably would prefer to get it from your mother, because she doesn't spank quite as hard as your father! Do you think God the Father is more strict than Jesus is since He's the Father?

A. No. Both the Father and Son are equally loving and equally strict. They become equally angry over the same things and care about you the same.

Application: _Since God has put forth so much effort to help us to get to know Him, we should study His creation, His Word, and the life of Jesus so that He will become our closest friend._

# DAY 4, 1 Timothy 1:15; Hebrews 2:14-15 Another Reason Why Jesus Became a Human Being

Yesterday we learned one reason why God's Son became a human being: to teach us about God. But there was a second reason that is even more important. Jesus became a human being so our sins could be forgiven, as we just read: "Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners" (1 Timothy 1:15).

Why was it necessary for Jesus to come into the world in order for sinners to be saved? If God wanted to forgive sinners, why didn't He just do it from heaven? Why did God have to become a human being?

To answer those questions, we first have to understand something about God. He is perfect. He always does the right thing, and it wouldn't be right for God to simply forgive people who continually do bad and evil things. What would you think of your parents if they never punished a brother or sister who beat you up every day? You would think that they didn't love you and that they weren't fair.

If God didn't punish people when they did bad things, He would be unloving toward people who were hurt by other people's sins. And He would be acting unfairly. So God couldn't just decide not to punish people for their sins, or He would become a sinner Himself!

However, God loves the people He's created, and He needed a way to forgive them without becoming a bad person Himself. So God decided to become a human being who would face every temptation that anyone ever faced. He, however, would never sin. Then, as a substitute, He would take the punishment for everyone's sins! As an example: Imagine that you were about to be spanked for disobeying your mother or father, and your sister or brother volunteered to be spanked in your place! (Pretty slim chance of that happening, right?)

That is why God had to become a human being. God, of course, can't die, but humans can. So God became a human being in order to die. And His painful death was the payment for our sins. Jesus Himself said, "I...came here...to give my life as a ransom for many" (Mark 10:45). A ransom is a payment to set free someone who is a prisoner. Jesus gave His life as a payment to God's justice so He could set us free from our sins.

Q. Why couldn't some other human being have died for our sins instead of Jesus?

A. Because all of us have sinned, we all deserve to be punished. So none of us could serve as a substitute to die for the sins of others. It would be like two convicted murderers who become friends in prison. If both were sentenced to die for their crimes , it would be silly for one to say to the prison warden, "I will sacrificially volunteer to die in place of my friend." The warden would reply, "You can't die for him because you are going to die for your own crime."

We needed someone who was sinless, who didn't deserve any punishment for his own sins, to be punished in our place. Jesus was the only person who has ever lived without sin.

Q. How could the painful death of only one person be enough payment for the many sins of everyone who has ever lived?

A. It was not the _amount_ of suffering that made Jesus' death sufficient payment for everyone's sins; it was the fact of _who_ did the suffering. Let's say, for example, that your dog attacked and killed your neighbor's dog. Your neighbor might demand that your dog be killed so that your dog suffers just as much as his did. That could be considered fair. But what if he demanded that _you_ die for what your dog did? That would be unfair, because you are worth a lot more than a dog. You have more value than an animal!

In the same way, God has much more value than all the human beings put together. If Jesus had been _just_ a man, His sufferings would have been sufficient payment for only one other person who deserved to die. But because God's value is infinitely higher than all human beings combined, His painful suffering was more than sufficient to be able to pay fairly for everyone's sins.

Application: _Since God loved us enough to die as our substitute, we should show Him love in return by doing what He says. Jesus said, "If you love me, obey my commandments"_ (John 14:15).

# DAY 5, Luke 1:5-25 The Birth of John the Baptist Foretold

This story happened about 2,000 years ago in Jerusalem, Israel. The Jewish people had a big building something like a church that was called the Temple. God had said that all the men who were descendants of Moses' brother, Aaron, were supposed to work at the Temple doing various jobs. They were called priests. One of their jobs was to burn incense, something that smelled very nice, in an inner room of the Temple, called "the holy place."

There were so many descendants of Aaron at the time of this story that they took turns doing the various jobs. It just happened that Zechariah was chosen to be the one to burn incense inside the Temple, and it was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for him. He was probably really excited to go in the Temple into a special room that few people ever got to see! Imagine how shocked he was when an angel named Gabriel suddenly appeared before him! Have you ever been scared in your own house when you suddenly saw a family member whom you didn't know was in the same room with you? Think of how you'd feel if it was someone you didn't recognize. What if it was someone who looked like an angel? No wonder Zechariah was "overwhelmed with fear" (Luke 1:12).

The angel told Zechariah some amazing news: In answer to his prayer, his elderly wife would have a special baby. Zechariah's son would be a great prophet and preacher, and by the Holy Spirit's power, he would persuade many people in Israel to quit sinning. That way, they would be prepared for another very special person who was about to come: God in the form of a man!

Zechariah didn't believe what he heard because he thought he and his wife were too old to have a baby. They were as old or older than your grandparents! But nothing is too hard for God, and Zechariah should have believed what he heard. It was an angel who spoke to him, and that angel had just come from heaven to deliver the message from God.

God was a little bit angry with Zechariah's unbelief, so He took away Zechariah's ability to talk for about nine months! God expects us to believe what He says because He never lies. A lesson we can learn from Zechariah is that it is better to say nothing at all than to say something that disagrees with what God has said. God is always right in what He says.

Q. We learned today that many of the Israelite fathers weren't very good fathers, but when they heard John's preaching they repented and started to really show their kids that they loved them. What is the most important thing your father or mother could do to show you how much they love you?

A. Teach you about God and the Bible! (So you must have good parents!)

Q. When do you think Zechariah prayed to have a son?

A. Probably many years before when he was a younger man, since he didn't believe it was possible for his wife to have a baby even after hearing the angel's message. Our prayers are not always answered as soon as we'd like.

Application: _God's Word is always true, so we should never say anything that contradicts what God has said._

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# DAY 6, Luke 1:26-56 Jesus' Birth Foretold to Mary

Back in the days of Elizabeth and Mary, people got married at a younger age than people do today, often when they were teenagers. Mary may have been only sixteen or so when the angel Gabriel appeared to her and told her she would have a child. Imagine God coming to the earth through a teenager!

Because she was not married to Joseph yet, Mary wondered out loud how she would be able to have a baby. Gabriel explained to her that although the baby would be _her_ son, the child would not be Joseph's son. He would be _God's_ son, conceived by the Holy Spirit. He would be the first and only God-man, 100% human and 100% God.

Gabriel told Mary that her son would be given the throne of His ancestor David and that He would "reign over Israel forever" (Luke 1:33). His kingdom would have no end. David was a great king who had ruled over the nation of Israel about one thousand years before the time of Jesus. When David was still alive God had promised him, "When you die, I will raise up one of your descendants....and I will establish the throne of His kingdom forever. I will be his father, and he will be my son....Your dynasty and your kingdom will continue for all time before me, and your throne will be secure forever" (2 Samuel 7:12-16). After David died, his descendants did rule after him for about five hundred years, but since then there has been no descendant of David ruling over Israel.

When Jesus lived on the earth He never did rule over Israel. In fact, the people of Israel killed Him. But God's promises are true. The Bible tells us that Jesus will one day live in Jerusalem, and from there He will rule the entire world! Jesus' kingdom will be the only kingdom. And His kingdom will never end! Everyone should want to be in that kingdom.

Gabriel told Mary that her relative Elizabeth had also experienced a miracle: she was pregnant in her old age. So Mary journeyed to Elizabeth's house and stayed with her for three months, probably until John was born. Elizabeth probably appreciated having someone to chat with during those three months since her husband couldn't talk!

When Mary arrived at Elizabeth's house, John, who was probably already filled with the Holy Spirit (see Luke 1:15), "jumped for joy" inside his mother. The Holy Spirit in John knew who was inside Mary, and was quite happy about it! So what is the key to being joyful? Being close to Jesus!

Elizabeth may have heard about what Gabriel had told Mary, because when Mary arrived at her door she already knew that Mary was pregnant with a very special child. Or it's possible that the Holy Spirit inspired her with a gift of prophecy, because we read that she was filled with the Holy Spirit upon Mary's arrival. Regardless, Elizabeth knew that Mary's baby was even more special than her own. She called Mary "the mother of [her] Lord" (Luke 1:43), so she knew that God was living inside Mary's womb.

It seems that Mary was suddenly filled with the Holy Spirit then as well, because she responded to Elizabeth's greeting by speaking a beautiful poem. It was all about God's goodness toward her and to everyone who fears Him. The best thing God did for us was to send Jesus! Like Mary, we're blessed!

Q. Because Mary and Elizabeth were somehow related, we know that Jesus and John the Baptist were distant relatives. Do you know of anyone who is alive today who is related to Jesus?

A. Everyone who believes and follows Jesus is a brother or sister of Jesus!

Q. Jesus lived inside of Mary for nine months. Has He ever lived inside of anyone else?

A. Yes! If you believe in Him, Jesus lives inside of you! He doesn't live inside you physically, like a baby inside its mother, but spiritually, because the Holy Spirit lives in everyone who believes in Jesus, and the Holy Spirit is just like Jesus and the Father. That is why Jesus once promised everyone who loves Him that both He and His Father would come to live inside them (see John 14:23).

Application: _Since Jesus lives in us by the Holy Spirit, we should always remember that He is with us to direct our thoughts, words and deeds._

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# DAY 7, Luke 1:57-80 John the Baptist is Born

When new babies are born, people always make a fuss over them. If you've ever had a baby brother or sister born into your family, you may have felt like your mom and dad forgot about you for a little while. However, the fuss that was made over your baby brother or sister was nothing compared to the one that was made over John the Baptist when he was born. _Everybody_ was talking about it for miles around—)))a baby had been born to an old woman! Plus, an angel had appeared to the baby's father, and he had been unable to speak for nine months! Everyone who heard about it knew that Zechariah and Elizabeth had a special son for whom God had a special plan.

The people of Israel had been given many laws by God, one of which concerned baby boys. All of them were supposed to be circumcised on the eighth day of their lives. To be circumcised means to have a little piece of skin removed from a boy's private parts. It hurts for a little while, but quickly heals like any other cut. All the Israelite boys were supposed to be circumcised in order to mark them as being God's people. It showed that they belonged to God.

Like all other baby boys in Israel, John the Baptist was circumcised on the eighth day of his life, and that is when he was given the name _John_ according to the instructions of the angel who appeared to his father. _John_ means "God is very kind."

On the day of John's circumcision, his father was suddenly able to speak once again, and the first thing he spoke was praise to God. Soon after, the Holy Spirit spoke through him in a beautiful prophecy. If you listened to it closely, you probably noticed that the prophecy was more about Jesus than John. That's because Jesus was a million times more important than John. John was only a man made great by God. Jesus _was_ God. Zechariah's prophecy revealed that it was God's plan for John to prepare the way for Jesus to begin His ministry.

What did Zechariah's prophecy say regarding Jesus? It revealed that Jesus was God. It said that _God_ would _visit_ His people (see Luke 1:68).

When He visited, God would redeem His people (see Luke 1:68). In the New Testament, the word _redeem_ means to purchase someone's freedom from being a slave. Before we were born again, we were slaves to selfishness, sin and Satan.

Zechariah's prophecy also revealed that Jesus would be a mighty Savior (see Luke 1:69). We needed someone to save us from the penalty for our sins: having our souls and bodies destroyed in hell (see Matt. 10:28). Through our Savior, our sins have been forgiven because of God's wonderful mercy (see Luke 1:77-78).

That Savior would be a descendant of King David, just as God had promised David a thousand years before (see Luke 1:69b-70).

Jesus would also save God's people from their enemies. Through Jesus, we've already been saved from our spiritual enemies: Satan and his evil spirits. They can't control us as they used to. Now, as Zechariah said, we can serve God without fear of them (see Luke 1:74). And one day, all of God's people will be saved from their physical enemies, when we live in God's eternal kingdom. There won't be anyone there who hates us.

The truth that Jesus would bring to the people of the earth would be like light coming down from heaven. No longer would we have to stumble around in darkness, not knowing where we are going. His truth would guide us into peace (see Luke 1:79). Aren't you glad that Jesus came?

Q. Is there any evidence in today's reading that Zechariah was not only temporarily mute, but also temporarily deaf?

A. Yes. Read Luke 1:62 closely. If Zechariah had been able to hear, his friends and relatives wouldn't have needed to communicate to him "by making gestures."

Q. If you were unable to speak for nine months, what would be the first words out of your mouth when your speech was restored? Why?

Application: _Isn't it amazing that God had a plan for John's life even before he was born? Did you know that, according to Ephesians 2:10, God also had a plan for our lives even before we were born? All of God's children are somewhat like John the Baptist. Like John, our main job is to get people ready to meet the Lord._

# DAY 8, Matthew 1:18-25 Matthew Tells the Story of Jesus' Birth

When two people are engaged, that means they've promised to marry each other but are not yet actually married until their wedding. In our day, engaged people sometimes get "disengaged," and when they do, it's usually because one of them has discovered something about the other person that wasn't known previously. (That's why it's a good idea to get to know a person as much as you can before promising to marry him or her.)

That was the situation for Mary and Joseph. When Joseph discovered that Mary was pregnant, he figured that she had fallen in love with someone else. That greatly alarmed him for several reasons. First, Mary undoubtedly told Joseph that she would marry him because she loved him. But the baby in her belly indicated that she loved another man, and so she had lied to him. No one wants to marry a liar.

Second, in order for Mary to become pregnant, she must have had an intimate relationship with that other man. That meant she had broken one of the Ten Commandments, and so she was also an adulteress (or more technically, a fornicator). No one wants to marry an adulteress.

Third, in her defense, Mary surely explained to Joseph that the baby in her was conceived by the Holy Spirit. If she did, Joseph obviously didn't believe her. He must have thought she was going crazy, claiming to have seen an angel who told her she would give birth to God's Son! No wonder Joseph decided to break their engagement! He was a wise man.

Joseph was also a very good man. Even though he was surely very hurt by what he discovered, he knew that everyone would think badly about Mary if they also knew what he did. So he decided to break his engagement quietly, so as not to embarrass her. The Bible says that when we love someone, we won't want to advertise his or her sins, but keep quiet about them.

God, who knows everything, knew what Joseph was planning to do, so He had an angel appear to Joseph in a dream. The angel explained the truth about Mary's baby, and instructed him to name the child Jesus, which means "the Lord saves." Jesus would save us from our sins, and that was the main reason He came into the world. Joseph was greatly relieved to learn the truth, and he did what the angel told him.

Q. There were probably many people who passed judgment on Joseph and Mary when they saw that Mary was pregnant but not yet married to Joseph. It must have really hurt them. Have you ever had someone believe something bad about you that wasn't true? What should you do when that happens?

A. You should try to explain the truth to those who have passed judgment on you, hoping that they'll realize their error. But, even if they don't, you can be thankful that God knows the truth and trust that He will eventually clear you, just as He did Mary.

Q. Have you ever believed something bad about someone else that you later discovered wasn't true? Why did you believe it at first? What did you learn from that experience?

Q. Do you think you will ever get married? How long do you think you should be friends with a person before agreeing to get married? What are the most important traits you should look for in a person to marry?

A. Obedience to God and unselfishness.

Application: _We should always believe the best about people until we know differently, and when we do, if we love them, we will hide their sins, not tell everyone about them._

# DAY 9, Luke 2:1-20 Luke Tells Us More About the Birth of Jesus

Through the Old Testament prophet Micah, God had foretold that the Messiah would be born in Bethlehem: "But you, O Bethlehem...are only a small village in Judah. Yet a ruler of Israel will come from you, one whose origins are from the distant past" (Micah 5:2). So it was no accident that Mary and Joseph were in Bethlehem when Jesus was born. Before the world was created, God knew that around the year 6 B.C. the leader of the Roman Empire would decree that a census be taken of all the people in his domain. For that reason, Joseph and Mary had to journey about 65 miles to register in the town of Joseph's ancestor, David.

When we think about Jesus being born, we often imagine a picture similar to what we've seen on the front of Christmas cards: a soft golden glow surrounding a beautiful mother with a baby in her arms, as her husband and the animals of the manger scene adoringly watch. But Jesus' birth was not such a pretty picture. First, giving birth to a baby is not an easy thing to do---just ask your mom about when you were born! Then ask her how she would have enjoyed delivering you in a stinky barn, right on the floor, after several days of traveling! That is probably how Jesus was born. Mary laid him in a manger, which is a nice word for an animal feeding trough. How would you like to sleep in a box where animals had eaten and slobbered? Jesus went through a lot of trouble to become a human being, and that shows us how much He loves us.

I wonder if Mary and Joseph complained to each other about all their troubles. Just to register their names in Bethlehem, they had to make a long journey when Mary was very pregnant, and Mary had to give birth in very unpleasant surroundings. They probably didn't realize that they were right in the center of God's will, fulfilling an ancient prophecy. We often grumble about circumstances in our lives when we don't see God's plan. But if we could see our circumstances through God's eyes, we would rejoice. And so we should!

God's perspective of Mary and Joseph's plight was revealed to the shepherds of today's reading. The multitude of angels that God allowed them to see were praising God because the Son of God, the long-awaited Messiah, the Savior, had been born! At that time, it was the greatest event of history! Those angels had been sent from heaven to tell them the wonderful news because God was so excited about the birth of His Son. Just like when you were born, your dad wanted everyone to know about it!

Q. Why are we certain that the prophet Micah, in his prophecy about a ruler coming from Bethlehem, was talking about Jesus, and not some other ruler of Israel?

A. We are certain because Micah identified that ruler as being someone "whose origins are from the distant past" (see Micah 5:2). The Jewish leaders in Jesus' time knew that Micah could have only been speaking of the Messiah, even if they didn't understand that the Messiah would be God Himself, who existed from eternity (see Matt. 2:3-6).

Q. Looking back at your life, do you think that anything has happened to you that you complained about at the time, but that God was excited about because He could see the whole picture? Could that be true of anything you are complaining about right now in your life?

Application: _The Bible says,"God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to His purpose for them" (Romans 8:28). God doesn't cause all things, and not all things are good, but God does cause all things to work together for good. Since that's true, we should maintain a good attitude, even when things don't go the way we want them to._

# DAY 10, Matthew 1:1-17 Luke 3:23-38 The Records of Jesus' Ancestors

What long lists these are! Aren't you glad you don't have to memorize all those names for your history class?

Why are these two lists of Jesus' ancestors not identical? Probably because Matthew recorded Jesus' ancestry through His stepfather, Joseph, and Luke recorded Jesus' ancestry through His mother, Mary. Also, Matthew's list goes back to Abraham, whereas Luke's list goes all the way back to Adam. If you'll compare the lists closely, you'll discover that both Mary and Joseph were descendants of King David, but through two different sons. On both lists, the people from Abraham to David are the same, except that Matthew left out one name, perhaps to make his list easier to remember as three segments of fourteen generations, as he mentioned (see Matthew 1:17).

Did you know that some of the people on Luke's list are your ancestors? The reason is because they're everyone's ancestors! All of us are descendants of Adam, Seth, Enosh, Kenan, Mahalalel, Jared, Enoch, Methuselah, Lamech and Noah, so all of them are your great, great, great, great (and so on) grandfathers! You'll get to meet at least some of them in heaven someday!

To the Jewish people, keeping track of their ancestry was very important. All of them were descendants of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. Jacob was renamed _Israel_ by God, and that is why all his descendants are called "the people of Israel" or "the Israelites." Jacob had twelve sons who became twelve tribes, and all their descendants knew from what tribe they came.

There are two main reasons why these two lists are so important to us. First, because they prove that Jesus was a real person of history. Some people foolishly think that the story of Jesus is just a myth or fairy tale (like Santa Claus) that someone made up. But Jesus was a person who really was born just like everyone else. He was a person of history just as much as George Washington or Abraham Lincoln.

Second, these lists are important because God had promised in the Old Testament that the Messiah would be a descendant of Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Judah, Jesse and David. If Jesus had not been a descendant of those men, we could be sure that He was not really the Messiah. Matthew and Luke's lists prove, however, that Jesus was in the lineage of all six of those men through both His mother and stepfather.

Q. Luke recorded 76 generations from Adam until Jesus. If each generation was twenty-five years apart, how long ago could we conclude that Adam was created?

A. About 3,900 years [(25 x 76) + 2000]. If we use a high estimate for the average rate of growth of the world's population over the past centuries (.5%) and work backward from that, we can conclude that the earth's population consisted of just a few people around 4,000 years before Jesus, about the time of Noah's flood.

Q. Then why do some scientists say that the fossilized human bones they discover are millions of years old?

A. Because the dating methods of those scientists are very questionable. They try to determine the age of the bones based upon their location in the layers of rock, and the dates of those layers of rocks is a guess. Many scientists assume the rock layers were laid down gradually, over billions of years, underneath ancient oceans. They don't consider the fact of a worldwide flood during Noah's time, when rock layers could have formed very quickly. Nor do they seem to consider the fact that dead bodies don't normally turn into fossilized bones. The average dead dinosaur didn't fossilize---it rotted away. Only under catastrophic circumstances do living things fossilize, which is what may have happened during the worldwide flood of the Bible. People and animals may have been buried quickly under tons of sediment that is now exposed thousands of years later through the process of erosion.

Q. From which tribe of Israel was Jesus descended?

A. Judah

Application: _Since Jesus was a real person of history who was also the Son of God, we should want to learn all we can about Him and do what He says._

# DAY 11, Luke 2:21-40 Baby Jesus Presented in the Temple

When Jesus was just a newborn, He was like any other baby. He couldn't walk or talk, He cried when He wanted to be fed, and He dirtied His diapers regularly. Isn't it funny to think that God dirtied His diapers? More than making us chuckle, however, it should make us realize how much God must love us---He humbled Himself that much in order to save us from our sins.

In the Law that God gave to the descendants of Israel, there were several rules relating to the birth of children. Those rules revealed that God wanted His people never to forget how special it was to have a baby. All babies are made in God's image and are His own potential children, and parents should never forget that. Becoming a parent is a very serious and important thing. God required Israelite parents to bring their first-born sons to the Temple in Jerusalem to present them before Him there. Perhaps one reason for this law was to help new parents understand how valuable their children were and how important their responsibility was in His eyes. It was a way of saying to God, "This is not as much _my_ child as it is _Your_ child. Therefore, I will raise this child as You want me to."

Mothers were also required to offer a sacrifice at the Temple several weeks after their babies were born (see Lev. 12:1-8). This was a way of expressing thanks to God for giving them their babies, and it also served as a reminder to them of how good God had been to them in spite of their sins. They shouldn't think that having a baby was a sign of God's approval of their lives. Sometimes people think that God's blessings are proof that they are holy and fully pleasing to God, but it often only means that God is merciful and good. He is good to everyone, even to bad people! Anyone who has a baby should be thankful for God's goodness.

Simeon must have been a very spiritual man who studied the Scriptures closely. He knew God would keep His many promises to send the Savior, and must have hoped and prayed that he would live to see that day. God revealed to him that he would not die until his desire was realized. The Holy Spirit led him to baby Jesus the day that Mary and Joseph brought Him to the Temple. Simeon also knew that because God had sent His Son into the world, every human being would be faced with a decision: Would they reject or receive Him? Jesus' coming into the world would reveal what was in people's hearts. Because of the hardness of their hearts, many people of Israel would reject Jesus, and it would be "their undoing" just as Simeon predicted. That means they would go to hell. But to those who receive Jesus, it is their "greatest joy," because they know their sins are forgiven and they are going to heaven one day.

The Bible doesn't tell us much about the childhood of Jesus. We did learn today that He grew up in the town of Nazareth. We also read that He was "filled with wisdom beyond his years" (Luke 2:40), so He wasn't like a normal child in that respect. We'll learn in two days that when He was twelve years old, He had more spiritual wisdom than your parents probably do right now!

Q. What do you think Simeon meant when he told Mary that a "sword would pierce [her] very soul"?

A. She would be convicted by what Jesus would say and have to make a decision to obey or disobey Him.

Q. What do you think it means to have Jesus be your "greatest joy"?

A. It means that Jesus is the most special person in your life. Your relationship with Him is the most valuable thing you possess. Thinking about Him and what He has done for you should make you very happy on the inside.

Q. Has Jesus become your "greatest joy" yet?

Application: _Jesus was the most special person ever to have lived because He was the Son of God. Therefore, He should be more important than anything in our lives, and it should show by how we live our lives._

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# DAY 12, Matthew 2:1-23 The Wise Men Visit Jesus

Mary and Joseph remained in Bethlehem for at least a few weeks after Jesus was born, and it may well have been during that time when the wise men visited Him. They had seen a star appear in the sky about two years earlier that led them to Jerusalem. Unfortunately, we don't know much about those wise men. We can assume that the new star they saw was placed in the sky by God, and that He somehow revealed the significance of the star to them. We don't know, however, which country they came from or how long they traveled. If they departed from their home country soon after they first saw the star, they started on their journey almost two years before Jesus was born! It's quite obvious that they knew Jesus was worth traveling a long way to see, and that He was worthy to be worshipped and given expensive gifts appropriate for kings. He was God!

Wicked King Herod didn't like hearing the news that a baby had been born who was destined to be king of the Jews, because at that time, he was a king over the Jewish people. (Herod hadn't been elected by the Jewish people to be king, but was appointed to be king by the Roman government that then controlled Israel.) Herod wanted to kill the new baby, but all he knew about the child was that He had been born in Bethlehem (as the prophet Micah had predicted), and that His special star had appeared in the sky about two years before. So Herod told the wise men that once they found the child, they should return and tell him so that he could go to Bethlehem and worship Him also. He was lying of course, and was really planning to kill Jesus. Herod was so evil that when he realized that the wise men weren't going to return to him with the details he requested, he ordered that every boy two years old and younger in the region of Bethlehem be killed by Roman soldiers. It was just as horrible as you can imagine, and Jeremiah had predicted it about 600 years earlier in a prophecy about Rachel, the wife of Israel, weeping for her dead children. The murdered boys were perhaps some of Rachel's descendants through her sons Joseph and Benjamin. Rachel herself had died in Bethlehem.

We are blessed to live in a nation where no one has the kind of absolute power that Herod had. No one in the United States has the authority to order the mass killing of people he doesn't like. But no matter where injustice exists, we know that God will ultimately bring justice because He is loving and fair. Did you notice that it wasn't long after the slaughter of the little boys in Bethlehem that Herod died? (see Matthew 2:19). People always "reap what they sow," which means that God will treat them like they treat others. Unless Herod repented of his horrible sins and believed in Jesus, when he died he perished in hell.

Q. The wise men from the east brought Jesus some very expensive gifts, including gold. Can you think of a reason why Jesus may have needed those expensive things?

A. It's possible that Mary and Joseph used those gifts to support their little family during their flight to Egypt. If that was the case, God used the wise men to provide for their needs until they could return to Nazareth. There Joseph could support his family as a carpenter.

Q. What makes murder wrong?

A. Murder is wrong for several reasons. First, because every human being is created in God's image, and when a person is murdered, it is the killing of one who looks something like God. When someone angrily destroys or defaces a photograph of another person, it is an offence against the person in the photograph. If for no other reason, we should respect other human beings because they're created in God's image. Second, murder is wrong because every person is loved by God, so no one has the right to take the life of another person. When someone commits a murder, he has taken the life of someone who was loved by God. Murder is the highest form of selfishness.

Application: _Wise people know that Jesus is worth traveling to see, even if it takes months. He deserves to receive their best gifts, and is worthy to be worshiped. We are a wise family!_

# DAY 13, Luke 2:41-52 Jesus as a Young Boy

One of the many laws that the Israelites were required to obey was to observe the yearly Passover festival in Jerusalem. It was a time to remember when God delivered the Israelites from slavery in Egypt over a thousand years before Jesus was born. God's destroying angel had killed all the firstborn Egyptians, but he didn't harm the firstborn Israelites because they had obeyed God's instructions to kill a lamb and mark their doors with its blood. When the destroying angel came to a house that was marked with the blood, he "passed over" it. The Egyptians were so afraid of the Israelites' God that they released them from slavery, and all the people of Israel left Egypt to journey to a new land God would give them.

God had said that from then on, the Israelites should kill a lamb every year on that same day to remind them of what He had done for them in Egypt. He also wanted them to understand that their sins could be forgiven only through a sacrifice that served as a substitute. Of course, an animal can't really serve as a substitute for a human being, so we know that the animal sacrifices only served to reveal what Jesus would do for us when He died as our substitute on the cross. That is why Jesus is referred to as "the Lamb of God" in the Bible. Jesus died on the cross during a Passover festival.

When Jesus was young, He journeyed every year to Jerusalem to celebrate the Passover with Mary, Joseph and many other people who lived in Nazareth. The festival lasted for one week, and then everyone returned to their home towns. Mary and Joseph, probably knowing that Jesus was responsible enough to take care of Himself, didn't worry that He wasn't with them when they departed from Jerusalem. They assumed He was with their friends and relatives traveling back to Nazareth with them. Once they discovered He was missing, however, they went back to Jerusalem and frantically searched for Him, finally finding Him three days later talking to the religious leaders in the Temple. Mary and Joseph were probably very angry with Jesus at first, but they could hardly remain angry since He was amazing everyone in the Temple with His deep understanding of spiritual matters. (If you were missing for three days, your parents would be very angry with you, but if they found you at school teaching your teachers and the principal, they would probably cool down quickly!)

Jesus was surprised that Mary and Joseph had searched for a whole day in Jerusalem before they found Him. He thought they should have known right where He'd be, in His "Father's house," the Temple. But Mary and Joseph didn't understand what He meant, which is often the case with parents and their children!

Q. At twelve years of age, Jesus was most interested in spiritual matters. Does that mean He was a nerd?

A. No, it means that He was a very wise boy with whom God was pleased. Kids are often very interested in sports, hobbies and other fun activities, and there is nothing wrong with those interests. However, wise young people are most interested in learning more about their relationship with God. Knowing and obeying God should be the most important thing in everyone's life, young and old.

Q. Because Jesus remained in Jerusalem when His parents left for Nazareth, does that mean He was disobedient to His parents?

A. Although it may seem that way, it couldn't be that way because disobedience to parents is a sin, and Jesus never sinned. Mary and Joseph apparently departed from Jerusalem without being certain Jesus was with them, assuming that He was with others who were also departing. It could be considered a case of negligence on their part. Perhaps when Jesus discovered that His parents had departed without Him, He assumed they would soon return upon discovery of His absence. And the best place to wait for them was at the Temple, as that would surely be the first place they would look for Him, knowing who He was. One other possibility is that Jesus' heavenly Father had instructed Him to remain at the Temple. If that was the case, Jesus had to obey regardless of how Mary and Joseph reacted. The only time it is acceptable to disobey parents is when obeying them would mean disobeying God.

Application: _Since we are followers of Jesus, we should obey our parents just as Jesus obeyed Mary and Joseph_.

# DAY 14, Luke 3:1-20 John the Baptist Prepares the Way for Jesus

John the Baptist was the greatest evangelist who has ever lived, and today the world needs more evangelists who will imitate him. An evangelist's job is to preach the gospel, and that is what John did. He told people that the Messiah whom they had been waiting for was about to appear. They should get ready for Him by repenting, which means to stop doing what they knew was wrong and start doing what they knew was right.

John was called by God to do his job, and he was specially anointed by the Holy Spirit to preach powerfully. John told the people the truth, and he didn't water it down. First, he told them not to trust that they were saved just because they were descendants of Abraham. Sometimes people think that they are saved because their parents are saved, but God has no grandchildren, just children!

Second, John warned the people that they were sinners who were in danger of suffering God's judgment. If they didn't repent, they would perish in hell))). That is the truth, and truthful evangelists will warn people about hell.

Third, John told them that if they truly believed and repented, their lives would show it. People who didn't change weren't really saved. People who keep on sinning just as they did before their so-called conversion won't get into heaven.

John used examples that the people he was preaching to could understand. Most of the people were farmers, so John compared Jesus to a farmer separating the chaff from the grain. The farmers in John's day used a tool that looked like a big fork, which they would shove into a pile of wheat cuttings and then throw them up into the air. The wind would blow the chaff away (the part that couldn't be eaten), and the heavier grain would fall into one pile below. John said that Jesus would be doing the same thing, only with people instead of grain. He would separate believers from nonbelievers, and just like the farmer who burns up the chaff, Jesus would cast the unbelievers into hell. The believers, however, Jesus would gather into His "barn," bringing them into heaven. Everybody is in one of only two categories: grain or chaff, believers or nonbelievers, hell-bound or heaven-bound.

John didn't preach using only general terms that people could interpret any way they liked. He told people specifically what they should do. If they were sincere about repenting, they would quit acting selfishly and start considering others, treating them just like they wanted to be treated. John told the people to share their belongings and food with the poor, to do their work honestly and to be content with their wages.

John was also a very humble man. Although God used him in a mighty way, and Jesus later stated that he was the greatest man who ever lived, John considered himself unworthy to be even a slave of Jesus. He knew that Jesus was a million times more important than he, and it was his job to point people to Jesus. If only every evangelist today was like John!

Many people who heard John preach were convicted of their sins, and John told them that they should be baptized in the Jordan River as a public testimony of their repentance. When someone believes in Jesus, he should be baptized as soon as possible, and he should do it in front of other people. Jesus commanded those who believe in Him to be baptized (see Matthew 28:19), and so when someone who claims to be a believer in Jesus refuses to be baptized in obedience to what Jesus commanded, we know he really doesn't believe that Jesus is the Son of God. When new Christians are baptized, they are making a public declaration that they have become followers of Jesus and that they are turning away from sin. Have you been baptized yet? If you are a believer in Jesus, you should be baptized as soon as you can.

Q. We read today that Herod had John the Baptist put in prison. Could that Herod have been the same Herod who ordered the killing of the baby boys in Bethlehem?

A. No, he died when Jesus was very young. This Herod was one of his sons, and he was evil like his father.

Q. Have you become a follower of Jesus yet? Becoming a follower of Jesus begins with repentance, and if you have never yet repented of sin, you haven't begun following Jesus. If you have already become a follower of Jesus, what changes were evident in your life after you repented?

Application: _As followers of Jesus, we should be living lives that are different than those who are not saved. The things we say and do should make us stand out from people who are not followers of Jesus._

# DAY 15, Matthew 3:13-17; John 1:29-34 Jesus is Baptized by John the Baptist

John had baptized many people who had repented and believed his message that the Messiah would soon appear. When Jesus came to be baptized, John didn't yet realize that He was the Messiah, so it wasn't for that reason that he was hesitant to baptize Jesus. He must have been hesitant because, when he compared himself to perfect and sinless Jesus, his own sinfulness was evident. That is why John suggested that Jesus baptize him! This reveals to us that Jesus had a reputation of being a very holy person, which we would have expected anyway since we know Jesus never sinned.

It was right after John baptized Jesus that John saw the Holy Spirit descend upon Him in the form of a dove. God had foretold John that when he saw that happen, it would reveal the person who was the Savior. Can you imagine how John felt at that moment when Jesus came up out of the water? His own relative, the most holy person he had ever met, was actually God's Son! For thirty years Jesus had kept it a secret! From then on John began to tell everyone that Jesus was the Son of God. The secret was out!

John also understood something about the main reason why Jesus became a man, because he began referring to Jesus as "the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world" (John 1:29). For thousands of years the people of Israel had sacrificed lambs during every Passover, just as God had commanded. But those lambs only served to prefigure Jesus, who would die for everyone's sins, not just covering them, but, as John said, taking them away. If you are a believer in Jesus, you should know that He has taken away your sins. In God's eyes, you aren't just a sinner who was found guilty and then forgiven, you are a new person who has been declared "not guilty"! Wow!

Q. Why didn't John call Jesus "Lord" when he objected to baptizing Him?

A. Because John didn't know at that point that Jesus was Lord.

Q. Why do you think Jesus wanted to be baptized by John like everyone else?

A. It couldn't have been because Jesus needed to repent like everyone else, because He was sinless. Jesus told John that He should be baptized in order to "do everything that is right" (Matthew 3:15). Some people (including myself) think that Jesus was baptized as a way of foreshadowing His death on the cross. Picture it this way: Thousands of sinful people being baptized in the Jordan River, washing their dirty sins into the water, and then Jesus, who was clean and sinless, going down into the water and coming up with everyone's sins on Him. That is what happened on the cross, when Jesus took the sins of the world on Himself and suffered as our substitute.

Application: _Once we realize and believe, just as John the Baptist did, that Jesus is the Son of God, we need to tell other people, especially those who are searching for the truth._

# DAY 16, Luke 4:1-13 Satan Tempts Jesus

In order for Jesus to die on the cross bearing our sins, it was necessary that He have no sins of His own. If He had committed any sins, then He couldn't have taken our sins and died as our substitute. Therefore, Jesus had to be sinless, and in order to be proven sinless, He had to be faced with temptation (it's easy not to sin when there's no temptation). That is why the Holy Spirit led Jesus out into the desert to be tempted by the devil.

Jesus' temptations in the desert, however, were not the only times Satan tempted Him, because the Bible tells us that Jesus "faced all of the same temptations we do, yet he did not sin" (Hebrews 4:15). Jesus was tempted to do wrong throughout His entire life. He was tempted to lie, cheat, steal, disobey His parents and act selfishly, but He never gave in to those temptations even once.

We read today that Satan twice tried to get Jesus to doubt what God the Father had told Him just a few days before: that He was the Son of God. Satan always tries to make people doubt what God has said. That is how he got Adam and Eve to disobey the Lord. Anytime we hear something that does not agree with what God's Word says, we should realize that it is a lie from Satan. Satan can only fool people who don't know or don't believe what God has said. But once you know and believe the truth, you can't be tricked into believing one of Satan's lies. People who know and believe what God has said don't have to be scared of Satan. He can't hurt them at all.

Knowing that Jesus was hungry after fasting for forty days, Satan tempted Him to change a stone into a loaf of bread so He would have something to eat. But Jesus responded by quoting what God had said, "People need more than bread for their life" (Luke 4:4). When the devil tempts us, we overcome him by knowing, believing, saying and obeying what God has said.

According to the Bible, Satan is "the god of this evil world" (2 Corinthians 4:4). That means he is controlling all the people in the world who are not submitted to Jesus, and also controlling all the evil spirits who rule over those unsaved people. Since most people are unsaved, Satan has power over the majority of people in the world in practically every country. God has allowed him to rule over that domain, called in the Bible, "the kingdom of darkness." Satan offered Jesus the second-in-command position over his worldwide kingdom if Jesus would join his side, proving His allegiance by bowing down before the devil and worshiping him. Again, Jesus responded by knowing, believing, saying and obeying what God had said: "You must worship the Lord your God; serve him only." Jesus knew that one day He would be ruling over the entire earth and that Satan would one day be banished to hell forever.

Finally, Satan tried to twist some Bible verses to make them mean something that they really didn't say. He quoted from Psalm 91, saying that it promised Jesus protection if He jumped from the highest point of the Temple. But Jesus knew what the rest of the Old Testament had to say, and He knew that it would be wrong and foolish to jump off a high place and expect God to protect Him. That would be testing God. Again Jesus overcame the devil by knowing, believing, saying and obeying God's Word.

Aren't you glad Jesus didn't give in to any of Satan's temptations? If He had, you and I couldn't have been saved!

Q. What temptations have you faced in the last week? Did you give in or resist? What can you do the next time you face the same temptation?

Q. When you are tempted, does that mean that the devil himself is in your presence, right beside you, suggesting that you do the wrong thing?

A. No, the devil can only be in one place at one time. One of Satan's evil spirits might be present who is tempting you. However, the Bible says that temptation comes "from the lure of our evil desires" (James 1:14). That means we can be tempted without the help of Satan or one of his evil spirits.

Application: _When we face a temptation to do wrong, we should think of what God has said to do. If we don't know, we should find out what God has said to do. Then we should do it._

# DAY 17, John 1:35-51 Jesus' First Disciples

John the Baptist had a group of disciples with whom he was very close. They were men who were very excited that the Messiah was about to appear, and John shared with them everything he knew about spiritual things. Together, they were anticipating that they would soon meet the Savior of the world.

When John saw the Holy Spirit come upon Jesus, he knew that Jesus was the one they'd been waiting for, and he undoubtedly told his disciples soon after. Jesus, however, departed for the desert immediately after He was baptized, where He spent forty days. Thus John never had the opportunity to point at Jesus and tell anyone who He was. After the forty days, Jesus returned to a place where John was baptizing, and John began pointing Him out as "the Lamb of God." Two of John's disciples were the very first people who learned this wonderful news. One of those two was Andrew, and the other is unnamed in today's reading, but many people think he may have been John, who became one of Jesus' twelve disciples and who wrote the Gospel of John.

When people find out that Jesus is the Son of God, they naturally want their friends and families to know also, and so Andrew went and told his brother, Simon. Then he brought Simon to Jesus, and amazingly, Jesus already knew his name! Jesus also told him that one day people would call him a different name, Peter, which means "rock." Jesus knew the Holy Spirit would change Simon into a man who would be firm in his faith and hard to move, like a rock. God would use him in a mighty way to lay the foundation of the early church.

When Philip brought his friend Nathanael to meet Jesus, Nathanael was surprised that Jesus also knew some things about him. Jesus knew he was a very honest man, and He apparently had a vision of Nathanael sitting under a fig tree where Philip found him. Because of this, Nathanael was immediately convinced that Jesus was the Son of God. Jesus promised him that he would one day be in heaven and see angels. That's something to which everyone who believes that Jesus is the Son of God can look forward!

Q. As we learned from reading about Peter and Nathanael, God knows everything about you, including your personality, your past, present and future. How should that affect your relationship with Him?

A. It should motivate you to obey Him, trust Him, and want to get to know Him better. It should encourage you to seek His direction for your life.

Q. All the men we read about today, except Nathanael, became members of Jesus' band of twelve disciples. Many people think that Nathanael was also called Bartholomew, and if he was, then he, too, became one of the twelve. Can you think of any reason why Jesus may have chosen those men rather than others?

A. One obvious reason Jesus chose them was because they were very interested in Him. God chooses and uses spiritually hungry people.

Application: _Like Peter, the more we get to know Jesus, the more we'll be changed to become like Jesus. We can trust that Jesus is going to complete the good work He's begun in us._

# DAY 18, Luke 5:1-11 Four Fishermen Become Fishers of Men

As we learned before, Andrew and his brother Peter had already met Jesus through John the Baptist. Both Andrew and Peter were from the Galilean village of Bethsaida, and worked together as fishermen on the Sea of Galilee with their friends, James and John, who were also brothers.

One day shortly after Peter and Andrew had met Jesus, Jesus was preaching to great crowds of people along the shore of the Sea of Galilee. They were probably sitting on the steep banks as Jesus preached by the water's edge. But there were so many people who wanted to hear what He was saying that the crowd kept pressing in to get closer. Jesus didn't have a sound system to amplify His voice, so if people wanted to hear Him, they had to get close. As a result, they were forcing Jesus out into the water! So Jesus stepped into Peter's boat and asked him to push it out a little way from shore so He could continue teaching while sitting in the boat.

When we give or lend something to Jesus, He always pays us back, and so He did for Peter after borrowing his boat. Peter and his partners had worked hard all night but hadn't caught a single fish. (The reason they had fished at night was because that was the best time to catch fish. Perhaps they used a lantern to attract the fish at night to their nets.) Even though Peter had already cleaned his nets and was probably ready to head home to get some sleep, Jesus instructed him to put down his nets in the deep water during the daylight, promising him that he would catch a lot of fish. It certainly didn't seem like a very good idea to an intelligent fisherman. It sounded like it would be a waste of time, but Peter had already witnessed the fact that Jesus knew things supernaturally, and so he did what Jesus said.

Amazingly, Peter's net was soon so full of fish that it began to tear. So Peter yelled to James and John on the shore to bring their boat out, and when they did, they filled both boats with so many fish that they were close to sinking! Imagine how funny it must have been to watch them try to row their heavy boats successfully to shore without sinking or losing any fish!

It was a _huge_ catch of fish, more than anyone had ever caught before, and Peter and his partners knew it was miraculous. They were stunned when they looked at the big piles of fish in their boats. Peter, realizing how much money all those fish were worth at the market, couldn't believe how good God had been to him. He knew he didn't deserve such a blessing, and so he fell at Jesus' feet, confessing his sinfulness. But Jesus told him not to be afraid, and told him he would soon have a new job: catching people instead of fish!

Q. When Peter realized how kind God had been to him, even when he didn't deserve it, he became a changed man. He was saved. What evidence is there in what we just read that indicates Peter repented and believed in Jesus?

A. First, Peter humbled himself by falling at Jesus' feet. Not many people, especially grown men, and especially tough fishermen, would fall at someone's feet unless they truly believed that person was very special. Second, Peter called Jesus _Lord_. That indicates Peter believed Jesus was worthy to control his life. Third, Peter admitted that he was a sinner. Before anyone can be saved, they must admit that they are guilty sinners who need a Savior. And fourth, Peter began following Jesus from that day on, leaving everything behind. He made obeying Jesus the most important thing in his life.

Q. How was it, do you suppose, that Peter, Andrew, James and John were able just to quit their jobs to follow Jesus? How did they have money to live?

A. If they sold the great quantity of fish that Jesus just blessed them with, that probably provided their needs for quite some time. There's a proverb that says, "Where God guides, God provides." Also, many people supported the ministry of Jesus by giving Him money, so Jesus was able to take care of all His disciples. Finally, it is quite probable that some of the four fishermen we read about today were not yet married, so they didn't have families to support.

Q. Can you find any evidence in today's reading that Jesus was in the boat with Peter when they caught all the fish?

A. We read that Peter fell at Jesus' feet when he realized what had happened (see Luke 5:8-9). If Peter was in the boat (which he apparently was), then Jesus must have been there also. Additionally, Jesus told Peter that he would be catching men before the boats landed (see Luke 5:10-11).

Application: _It is always smart to do what Jesus said and trust His promises, even when others might think we are foolish. Jesus can't lie, and He knows what He's talking about!_

# DAY 19, John 2:1-11 Jesus Changes Water into Wine

If you've ever been to a wedding reception, you probably remember having lots of food to eat and wedding punch to drink. Can you imagine how embarrassed the bride and bridegroom would be if people were standing in line to get punch and were told the punch had run out? The wedding guests would know that the hosts hadn't planned properly, and in a hot climate like Israel, their thirst would certainly aggravate the situation. This is what occurred at this wedding in the village of Cana that Jesus, His mother and disciples attended.

When Mary told Jesus about the wine running out, Jesus responded with words we wouldn't have expected. "How does that concern you and me?" Jesus asked. "My time has not yet come" (John 2:4). If we read through the whole Gospel of John, we discover that Jesus spoke often about His "time" coming, and it becomes obvious that He was always referring to the time when He would die for the sins of the world. So when Jesus responded to Mary's statement about the lack of wine, He must have been thinking about people lacking, not wine, but something that wouldn't be provided until He died. It's possible that Jesus was referring to His own blood, which was symbolized by wine at the Last Supper. Or He may have been speaking about the Holy Spirit, who is sometimes symbolized by wine in the New Testament. Everyone needs to have his sins forgiven through the shedding of Jesus' blood and be born again by the Holy Spirit. Both of those are much greater needs than wine running out at a wedding feast. Jesus was concerned about _much_ more important things than Mary was.

Jesus, however, must have been somewhat concerned about the lack of wine at the wedding feast because He performed a miracle to solve the problem. That miracle may also have had a deeper spiritual meaning, because Jesus didn't change just _any_ water into wine---He changed water that was used by the Jews for the purpose of purification rites into wine. Because of the many laws that God gave the Jews to keep, they were very conscious (or aware) of their sinfulness, and they were always trying to keep themselves symbolically purified by various washings with water. But since Jesus died for us, cleansing us from all the guilt of our sins, we don't need any other way of getting spiritually clean. Knowing that we're cleansed, we can now enjoy ourselves, drinking Jesus' good wine. Now we can really celebrate!

But isn't it wrong to drink anything that is alcoholic? If so, why did Jesus change water into wine that day?

 Historians tell us that the Jews always diluted their wine with water, so the amount of alcohol in their wine was very small. It was more like what we today call "grape juice" than what we today call wine. We must also remember that, other than water, wine was practically the only beverage people could drink back in Jesus' day, and the water that was available was often contaminated and undrinkable in the villages and cities. We have many choices of beverages today, so no one _has_ to drink wine. Christians don't all agree if it is wrong for them to drink alcoholic beverages, but one thing all true Christians agree on is this: the Bible very clearly says that it is a sin to get drunk. Getting drunk starts with one drink, and if that one drink begins to cloud a person's thinking, he might more easily yield to the temptation for another drink and then another. The safest thing to do is completely abstain from all alcoholic drinks.

Alcohol has caused a lot of heartaches to multitudes of people. Many babies have been born with deformities because their mothers drank alcohol when they were pregnant. Many innocent people have been killed by drunk drivers. Many families have been ruined by parents who became addicted to alcohol. Because alcohol is responsible for so much that is evil and sinful, my advice to Christians is to abstain from drinking it at all. John certainly didn't record this miracle of Jesus changing water into watered-down wine for the purpose of encouraging Christians to drink modern alcoholic beverages. He recorded this miracle to prove that Jesus was the Son of God and to remind us of the wonderful salvation He's provided for us!

Q. Did you notice that the wine Jesus made was described by the master of ceremonies as being better than the first wine that ran out? Does this teach us anything about God?

A. Perhaps it does. It shows us that when God does something, He does a quality job, and He wants us to enjoy the best He has to offer us. He has provided a wonderful salvation for us that includes loads of benefits for all eternity, not just a temporary fixer-upper salvation that puts a band-aid on our problem. He doesn't want us to have mediocre families, but quality families, with truly loving relationships. Are you enjoying all the benefits of what God has to offer us?

Q. Does this miracle of Jesus' changing water into wine teach us anything about God's power?

A. Yes, it shows us that God can change anything into something else. If you believe in Jesus, He has changed you from a child of Satan into His own child. One day God will change your physical body into a brand new body that glows with His glory.

Application: _Because of this first miracle, Jesus' disciples believed in Him. For us, this miracle is one more proof that Jesus truly is the Son of God, and because we believe He is, we should trust and obey Him._

# DAY 20, John 2:13-25 The First Time Jesus Cleans Out the Temple

Many people like to hear about God's love, but they aren't interested in hearing about God's anger with sin and wrongdoing. Today's reading reveals that side of God. Jesus was obviously very angry about what was taking place in the Temple, and He reacted furiously.

What was Jesus so mad about? Of course, there's nothing sinful about buying or selling animals or exchanging money. Jesus was angry over the fact that the Temple in Jerusalem, a sacred place where His Father was supposed to be honored and worshipped, had been turned into a marketplace. The Temple was the place where the priests offered sacrifices to the Lord, and in the innermost part of the Temple, called "The Holy of Holies," God's presence resided. But in Jesus' day, the people around the Temple weren't focused on God or serving the people who came to worship God, but on making money. Not only that, but they were taking advantage of people who came from far away places to worship at the Temple, charging them very high prices to purchase animals and exchange their foreign currency. In another Gospel, the writer records Jesus saying to the merchants at the Temple, "'My Temple will be called a place of prayer,' _but you have turned it into a den of thieves_ " (Matthew 21:13, emphasis added). There was dishonesty in their dealings, and God doesn't like that, as Jesus so clearly revealed.

What we've read today contains a lot of proof that Jesus was the Messiah and was God in the form of a human being. First, we learned that a verse in the Old Testament book of Psalms foretold that the Messiah would have very strong emotions about God's house, or Temple. That same Psalm also predicted that the Messiah would be given sour wine to quench His thirst, just as Jesus was when He hung on the cross (see Psalm 69:21 and Matthew 27:34, 48).

Second, if Jesus wasn't God, then He had no right to chase out the oxen and sheep or overturn the tables of the moneychangers, spilling their money all over the ground. Any person who was not God and who did such a thing would be guilty of not showing respect for the private property of other people. God created everything and owns everything, so _everyone_ and his property belongs to Him! He can do what He wants with anyone's property, and Jesus, being God, knew He had that right.

Some of the Jewish leaders thought Jesus had no right to do what He did, and they asked Him to justify His actions. He responded by telling them about His resurrection, although they didn't understand what He was talking about. This is a third proof to us that Jesus was God. Not only did He come back to life after being dead for three days, He predicted it would happen three years before it did!

Q. Jesus told the Jewish leaders who questioned Him, "Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up" (John 2:19). He was speaking of the temple of His body, but His listeners thought He was speaking about the Jerusalem Temple building. How was Jesus' body even more of God's temple than the Jerusalem Temple?

A. Because Jesus was actually God in the form of a human being, His body was much more a temple of God than the Temple building, which only contained God's presence in the innermost parts.

Q. In the final verses of today's reading, we read that Jesus didn't trust everyone who said they believed in Him. Why didn't He?

A. Because Jesus knew that people are often liars, and just because someone says he believes in Jesus doesn't prove he actually does. A person's actions speak louder than his words, and so the true proof that someone believes in Jesus is his obedience to the Lord.

Application: _Because Jesus has come into our temples, and because we are now temples of God, we should keep our temple clean from sin and anything that is not pleasing to Jesus._

# DAY 21; John 3:1-16, A Jewish Teacher Visits Jesus at Night

The Pharisees of Jesus' time were a very strict sect of Jews. They tried to follow all of God's laws fully as well as many laws they made up themselves, thinking they could earn their way to heaven. Nicodemus was not only a Pharisee, but also a member of the Jewish ruling council and a very well known religious teacher. He was amazed by the miracles Jesus performed, and was convinced that Jesus was sent from God. However, he didn't yet know that Jesus was actually the divine Son of God. So Jesus knew He needed to explain some very important things to Nicodemus.

He began by telling Nicodemus that, in order to get into heaven, he had to be born a second time. Nicodemus didn't understand what Jesus meant. He couldn't imagine how he could ever go back inside his mother and be born another time! So Jesus explained that He wasn't talking about his _body_ being born again through his mother, but his _spirit_ being reborn through the Holy Spirit. The Bible says that every person is three parts: spirit, soul and body (see 1 Thess. 5:23). Your body is what you can see in the mirror. Your soul is your mind and emotions. Your spirit is the real you that lives inside your body. It is not made of bones or blood, but of spiritual material. It has a shape and form, just like your body. When your body dies, you, as a spirit, will leave your body and go to heaven if you are a follower of Jesus.

It is people's spirits that need to be reborn in order for them to get into God's future kingdom because if a person is not born again, his spirit has a sinful, satanic nature that has no relationship with God. He is spiritually dead. But when a person repents and believes in Jesus, the Holy Spirit comes into his spirit and removes the old sinful nature and gives that person a new nature, making him a child of God. Before a person is born again, the devil is his spiritual father. After he is born again, God is his spiritual Father.

As Jesus said, none of us can see the wind, and neither can we see people's spirits being born again nor the Holy Spirit that makes people's spirits new. However, just as we can see the effects of the wind, for example, leaves moving in the trees, so we can see the effects of the Holy Spirit when He moves inside a person's spirit. When He does, people start loving God and serving Him.

Jesus also explained to Nicodemus what he had to do in order to be born again. He told Nicodemus that He would be lifted up on a pole, meaning the cross, and that anyone who believed in Him would then forever have the new life that the Holy Spirit gives. It was just like the story of Moses and the people of Israel in the desert. One time God became very angry with them because of their sins, so He sent snakes into their camp, and anyone who was bitten, died. Moses prayed for God to have mercy, and so God told Moses to make a snake out of bronze and attach it to a pole. Moses then sent news to the people, "If anyone who is dying from a snake bite will come and look at the bronze snake on the pole, he will live."

The people who believed the news came, looked, and were healed. In the same way, all people have been filled with the venom of sin. Their spirits are dead and their bodies are dying. But if they will believe in the Lord Jesus who hung on the cross, bearing our sins, their dead spirits will be made alive and their bodies will one day live again forever. Have you believed that good news? If you have, you've been born twice! (Maybe you should try to convince your mom that you deserve two birthday parties every year!)

Q. Jesus said that people must be born of "water" as well as the Spirit. What do you think He meant?

A. Different Christians have different answers to that question. Some say Jesus was talking about when a person is born as a baby. When babies are inside their mothers, they are enclosed by a sac of water. Just before they're born, that water sac breaks, so water comes out before the baby does.

A second interpretation is that Jesus was referring to people being baptized. Everyone who believes in Jesus should be baptized in water soon after they first believe. However, you don't have to be baptized in order to be born again. Baptism represents what has already happened the moment a person first believes in Jesus: He was dead but now has come back to life. Being under the water symbolizes being buried, and coming out of the water symbolizes being raised from the dead.

A third interpretation is that water is symbolic for God's Word. Truly, in order to be born again, a person needs to first hear the good news of Jesus' sacrificial death. Then, if he believes it, the Holy Spirit causes his spirit to be born again. People need both the Word of God and the Holy Spirit to be reborn.

Q. We read the most famous verse in the whole New Testament today, John 3:16. It tells us why God gave us His only Son. Why did He?

A. Because He loves us.

Application: _Since our spirits have been born again, we should follow the inward leading of our new nature to obey God, and not the evil leading of the old nature that we also still possess. We're thankful that one day that old sinful nature will be completely done away with when we get brand new bodies._

# DAY 22, John 3:17-21 Jesus Continues His Conversation with Nicodemus

Jesus really wanted Nicodemus to understand how he could have his sins forgiven and be born again. Nicodemus needed to know that salvation is not something that _he could earn_ , but something that _was earned for him_ by Jesus Christ and is therefore a free gift from God. It is only through Jesus that anyone can be saved. That is why Jesus told Nicodemus that God sent His Son into the world, not to condemn it, but to save it. God wants everyone in the world to be saved because He loves us all.

If God wants every person to be saved, then why isn't everyone saved? The reason is because people have a part to play in their salvation. As Jesus explained to Nicodemus, every person must individually, by himself, believe that Jesus is the Son of God.

But why doesn't everyone believe that Jesus is the Son of God? Jesus explained the answer to that question by using the words _darkness_ and _light_. Darkness represents ignorance (which means not knowing the truth). Light is symbolic of knowing the truth. When you turn out the lights in your bedroom at night, you are somewhat ignorant of where things are. You can't see where you're going and might stub your toe on your bed. But when the light is on, you can clearly see your path. Now you know what you didn't know when you were in darkness.

Jesus said that light from heaven came into the world. He was speaking of the truth that He brought from God the Father and shared with people on earth. Jesus said that people love the darkness and hate the light. They stay away from the light. That is, they don't want to know the truth that Jesus brought.

But why don't people want to know the truth? Jesus also explained that. The reason is because people don't want to stop sinning, and they know that if they come to the light and believe the truth, they will have to change the way they live. So they remain in the darkness, purposely believing all kinds of lies from Satan so that they can continue rebelling against God.

That is the reason, for example, that some people believe that there is no God. Even though it is obvious from looking at all God has made that He must exist, people don't want to believe it because they know that if there is a God, He has a right to tell them how to live. They want to control their own lives and keep sinning, so they believe the lie that God doesn't exist.

Thankfully, _some_ people come out of the darkness into the light. Those are people who willingly repent of their rebellion against God because they believe the good news that Jesus is the Son of God who freely offers them salvation. This is why it is necessary to repent, or turn away from sin and selfishness, in order to be saved. Repenting of sin doesn't earn us our salvation---but repenting is the proof that we really believe that Jesus is the Son of God.

Some people think they are saved even though they have never repented of sin, but they are mistaken. True Christians, although not perfect, are trying to please God and obey Him. People who are constantly sinning aren't really saved. They are still living in darkness, believing the lie that they can have a relationship with God while they continue a lifestyle of disobedience to Him. They will go to hell when they die. But those who have truly believed in Jesus, as proven by how they live their lives, don't have to worry about going to hell. As Jesus said, "There is no judgment awaiting those who trust" Him (John 3:18).

Q. Nicodemus heard everything he needed to know in order to be saved, but our reading today doesn't tell us if he believed it. Do you think Nicodemus ever "came to the light"?

A. According to other scripture verses, we know that he did. He helped another man, Joseph of Arimathea, bury Jesus' body after He was crucified (see John 19:38-42). By doing so, because he was a ruler and well-known teacher of the Jews, Nicodemus risked being rejected by many people who hated Jesus. But it is better to believe in Jesus and be rejected by others than not to believe in Jesus and be rejected by God and cast into hell!

Application: _Sometimes kids who are raised in Christian homes and who have always been taught to do the right thing have a hard time remembering when they first believed in Jesus and repented of their sins. Perhaps you are one of those kids. If you are, don't let it concern you. The important thing is, do you believe in Jesus right now? And is your faith in Jesus evident by how you live your life? Are you trying to obey God? Perhaps your parents, if they were not raised in a Christian home, can tell you about when they first believed in Jesus and repented._

#

**Day 23; John 3:22-36 John's Final Testimony About Jesus**

Today we realize even more what a humble man John the Baptist was. We can learn a lot about humility by considering his words and deeds.

Although John was, according to Jesus, the greatest person to have ever lived (see Matthew 11:11), John knew that Jesus was far superior to himself, since Jesus was God from heaven. Pride sneaks into our lives when we compare ourselves with others. If we know we're better at doing something than someone else, we can become prideful. If, however, we will compare ourselves with Jesus, as John did, we won't be able to become proud.

Most often, we compare ourselves with people who have similar abilities and talents. If I'm a basketball player, I don't care how good another person might be at playing the piano---I'm only interested in other basketball players. For a while, John was the most famous preacher around. Multitudes traveled great distances to hear his anointed sermons and to be baptized. But then Jesus started doing the same things as John, preaching and baptizing, and Jesus' popularity began to grow. Additionally, God gave Jesus the Holy Spirit "without measure" (John 3:34), something He didn't do for John. Thus Jesus was able to perform miracles, something John never did, and those miracles really attracted large crowds. God the Father gave Jesus "authority over everything" (John 3:35), including sicknesses and demons. Before long, hardly anyone was coming to hear John, and some of his own disciples became jealous for him.

John, however, realized his place and time in God's plan. His job was to prepare the way for Jesus. The whole idea from the beginning was that _Jesus_ would be exalted, not John. John knew his ministry would be temporary and said of Jesus, "He must become greater and greater, and I must become less and less" (John 3:30). Proud people don't want to ever let go of something God has given them, even when it's obvious that God's plan for them is that they move on to do something else because God has anointed another person to take their place. Proud people want to be recognized and appreciated more and more. Christians, however, should want Jesus to become greater in people's minds, not themselves. They should be interested in building God's kingdom and not kingdoms for themselves. They should want to be servants, not rulers.

John also knew that Jesus was the only way to heaven, and that only Jesus could give eternal life to people who believed in Him. John clearly understood that those who truly believe in Jesus obey Him. John said, "Those who don't _obey_ the Son will never experience eternal life, but the wrath of God remains upon them" (John 3:36, emphasis added). This doesn't mean that if we commit a sin that we will go to hell, because no Christian is perfect and we all do sin at times. We know from reading the rest of the New Testament that John was talking about people who _never_ obey Jesus, living a lifestyle of sin and selfishness. They are not submitted to Jesus at all, which proves they don't believe in Him.

Q. Could God ever be guilty of the sin of pride?

A. No, it would be impossible for God to think too highly of Himself. When He speaks of His own wonderful attributes, He isn't bragging---He's only telling the truth.

Q. Is there something that you do better than others? (Parents, this would be a good time for you to compliment your kids for things they do well, as they may think they're being proud if they respond.) Could that talent be an inroad for pride? What can you do to keep pride out?

Q. Is it prideful to say, "I'm a good swimmer" if you _are_ a good swimmer?

A. No. Pride is having an inflated or unrealistic opinion of yourself. To say that you are a good swimmer when you _are_ a good swimmer is simply telling the truth. But, to say that you are the world's best swimmer (unless you are) would be prideful. It's best to talk as little as possible about yourself, your abilities and your accomplishments, because even if you are just telling the truth, some people might think you are pridefully boasting. As the proverb says, "Don't praise yourself; let others do it!" (Proverbs 27:2).

Application: _The Bible says that God humbles those who exalt themselves and exalts those who humble themselves. In which of these two categories do you fall?_

# DAY 24; John 4:1-26 The Bad Samaritan

The people who lived in the region of Samaria came from a mixed ancestry of Jews _and_ Gentiles. Because of that, the Samaritans were hated by the Jews who considered themselves of purer ancestry, and the Samaritans hated them in return. It was the same as it is today, when people of different races or cultures hate each other only because they're different.

But God isn't prejudiced. He loves everybody, no matter what color their skin is or what language they speak. Today's reading provides additional proof that Jesus was God, because He loved a Samaritan whom an ordinary Jew would have hated. This woman was very surprised when Jesus spoke to her, because usually, Jews didn't even speak to Samaritans!

Jesus told her that if she knew who He was and what He could give her, _she_ would have been the one to initiate the conversation, asking Him for some very special water. Obviously, when Jesus offered her living water, He was speaking symbolically of something else. What was it? Let's look at how Jesus described it.

First, it was something that only He could give. It wasn't available from any other source. Second, it was a free gift, not something that could be purchased or earned. Third, like water, it would go inside people, forever satisfying their spiritual thirst. And fourth, when the living water went inside, it would give people eternal life. Jesus must have been speaking about receiving the Holy Spirit and being born again. He was offering the Samaritan woman salvation.

She, however, didn't understand what Jesus was talking about, and she probably began to wonder if He was a little crazy. So she jokingly requested some of His living water so she wouldn't ever be thirsty or have to haul water again from the well to her house. She was probably thinking to herself, "How can I get away from this oddball?"

But Jesus knew how to make her seriously consider what He was saying. Before she could see her need for a Savior, she had to acknowledge she was a sinner. So Jesus told her to call her husband, and she replied that she didn't have a husband. By telling a partial truth, she was trying to hide a big secret of which she was very ashamed. And that is when Jesus really got her attention, telling her He knew that she had been married and divorced five times and that now she was living with a man who was not her husband. Now she knew she was talking with Somebody special! He must be a prophet to know things about her past, and she wanted to change the subject in a hurry before He began talking about anything else of which she was ashamed! So she quickly brought up a religious question about the proper place to worship.

Jesus downplayed the importance of what was at that time a big dispute between Jews and Samaritans. It doesn't make any difference _where_ a person worships. What matters is _how_ he worships. Just because a person is worshipping in Jerusalem or at Mount Gerizim doesn't mean his worship is acceptable to God. The important thing is the condition of a person's heart. The only kind of worship that is acceptable and pleasing to God is worship that is done by people who worship "in spirit and in truth" (John 4:23). That is, their worship has to originate from their spirits, or hearts, and it must be sincere, not just a ritual. They worship God with their lives, living obediently to Him all the time. Only people who are born again can worship that way, and that is exactly what this Samaritan woman lacked.

Still hoping to end their conversation, she tried an argument that guilty people have always used to evade their accountability before God: "People will always disagree about religious issues, but someday God will straighten us all out. So there's no sense in us discussing it now." This woman, however, made the mistake of saying that she figured that when the Messiah came, He would explain everything. So Jesus dropped the bomb, telling her that He was the Messiah! And He _was_ explaining to her what she needed to know, so she had no more excuses! Now she was faced with the biggest decision of her life, but we'll have to wait for tomorrow to find out what she decided. (This is what is known as a "cliff-hanger devotional"!)

Q. Is it OK for Christians to be prejudiced against people of other races or cultures?

A. No. Christians should reflect the love that God has for all people. Jesus died for everyone, and the greatest act of love we can show anyone is to tell them about Jesus.

Q. Have you ever tried to convince someone of his or her need for Jesus, but, like this Samaritan woman, he or she keeps trying to evade the issues? What did you learn from Jesus about how to deal with people like that?

A. Don't let them direct the conversation onto what is really not important. Keep it centered on two things: their sinfulness and need for a Savior, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who is the only way anyone can be saved.

Application: _Am I a person who worships "in spirit and truth," or am I just a religious person who practices certain rituals? Is worshipping God something I do just because I'm in church, or something I do because I love God with my heart? Is my daily life an act of worship to God?_

# **Day 25, John 4:27-42 Revival in Sychar**

When Jesus told this woman at the well of Sychar that He was the Messiah, she had to make a decision that everybody must make: to believe or not to believe. We can't be _absolutely_ certain from what we've read today, but it seems this woman at the well was convinced that Jesus was the Messiah. Soon after Jesus told her who He was, she left her water jar and went back into her village, telling everyone to come and meet a man who knew her past. "Can this be the Messiah?" she asked them. Perhaps she was sincerely uncertain at that point and wanted to hear the opinions of the people of her village. Or, perhaps she was already convinced about Jesus, and her apparent uncertainty was just a means of wise persuasion by a woman with a bad reputation in her village. Regardless, after Jesus stayed with the people of Sychar for two days, many of them believed that He was the "Savior of the world" (John 4:42). Though they had previously hated all Jews, these Samaritan people now loved a Jewish man who had first loved them.

While the woman was back in her village telling people what had happened to her, Jesus' disciples returned from the village with food. They urged Him to eat something, and, not surprisingly, Jesus saw the opportunity to convey a spiritual lesson. He responded, "No...I have food you don't know about" (John 4:32). They thought someone else had brought Him food, but Jesus was talking about His spiritual hunger being satisfied by doing the will of His Father. Just as they had a physical hunger that could only be satisfied with food, He had a spiritual hunger that could only be satisfied by obedience. And, just as we feel much better after eating a good meal (especially if we were really hungry beforehand), Jesus was enjoying the good feeling that came from sharing God's truth with the woman at the well.

Comparing them to harvesters, Jesus then encouraged His disciples to get involved in telling people the good news of who He was. They didn't need to wait for the harvest to ripen as do those who harvest wheat or apples. Jesus' followers were hired to harvest people, and there are always people who are ready to receive the gospel. When Jesus told His disciples this, they were just minutes away from being crowded by spiritually hungry people from Sychar who would soon be saved!

Q. Is there a spiritual hunger inside of us to do God's will?

A. Yes, if a person is born again, Jesus lives inside him by the Holy Spirit, and Jesus wants to obey God the Father. When we obey God by telling people His truth, we'll get a good feeling on the inside, because our spiritual hunger will be satisfied for a while.

Q. Is leading people to Jesus the only thing that we can do that contributes to the spiritual harvest that God desires?

A. No, Jesus said that some people plant seeds, while others harvest. We can plant seeds by loving unbelievers, living rightly before them and by sharing the good news. Although they might not believe in Jesus immediately, hopefully our good influence will lead to their eventual conversion, even if someone else gets the privilege of actually seeing them repent and become a follower of Christ. However, Jesus said that there is joy awaiting both planters and harvesters. When we get to heaven and see the people there whom we helped come to Christ, we will be very happy!

Application: _We should live our lives in such a way that people are attracted to Jesus. The most important thing that we can do is tell someone else about Jesus._

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# DAY 26; Luke 4:14-30 Jesus Visits His Hometown

After spending two days in Sychar (where Jesus met the woman at the well) Jesus and His disciples continued journeying to the region of Galilee. When they arrived, Jesus preached in many places, telling people to repent and believe the good news. He often taught on Saturdays, the Sabbath day of the Jews, in their small church buildings, called synagogues.

One of the places Jesus visited in Galilee was Nazareth, the town in which He had grown up. Because He never sinned, Jesus probably had a good reputation there. However, when He had lived among them, none of His friends or acquaintances realized He was God's Son. He had never told them who He was or worked any miracles. To the people of Nazareth, Jesus was just a good man, a carpenter by trade, one of the five sons of Mary and Joseph (see Matthew 13:55-56; Mark 6:3). Since they had last seen Him, however, He had received the power of the Holy Spirit, and they had heard He was performing miracles in other parts of Galilee. Now it was time for Jesus to tell them who He was, and so He joined the people of Nazareth at their synagogue one Saturday.

On this occasion, Jesus was given the scroll of the book of Isaiah to read before the congregation. He opened it to some verses that described the Messiah's ministry, hoping they would realize that He was the one of whom Isaiah had written. The word _messiah_ means "anointed one," and the portion of Isaiah's prophecy from which Jesus read, spoke of a person who would be anointed by God's Spirit to preach, deliver and heal. That is exactly what Jesus had been doing. In fact, the first thing the people of Nazareth noticed was Jesus' ability to speak. They were all "amazed by the gracious words that fell from his lips" (Luke 4:22).

Even though the people of Nazareth had heard the report of His miracles in other towns, most of them refused to believe that one of their hometown boys was the anointed person Isaiah had predicted would come. They wanted to see some miracles right before their eyes before they would believe in Him. Their hearts were hard, and Jesus responded to their unbelief by saying that prophets are usually not received in their hometowns.

Even though Jesus wasn't surprised by their unbelief, He was saddened by it, because He knew it would hinder God's work in their midst. Then He cited two other prophets who weren't received by their own people, and as a result, those people missed out on blessings that other people, even foreigners, enjoyed. Once during the time of Elijah the prophet, there was a three-and-one-half year famine in Israel. Jesus said that there were many Israelite widows who suffered during that famine, but God sent Elijah only to a foreign widow to provide food supernaturally for her. And during the time of the prophet Elisha, there were many Israelites who needed to be healed of leprosy, but God used Elisha to heal only one leper, and he also was a foreigner.

Jesus' message to the people of Nazareth was clear: because they rejected Him, an anointed man of God and the Messiah, they would forfeit God's blessing, just like the Israelites of Elijah and Elisha's day. When the people in the synagogue realized what Jesus was saying, their mood quickly changed. At the beginning of His sermon, "all who were there spoke well of him" (Luke 4:22). By the end of His sermon, they wanted to kill Him, revealing the wickedness within their hearts. As they often do, desires turned into deeds, and they attempted to kill Him by throwing Him over a cliff. Jesus, however, was somehow supernaturally delivered. Perhaps God the Father made Him temporarily invisible! Wouldn't that be fun if God did that to you?

Q. According to the Bible, Jesus had four younger brothers and at least two younger sisters. He knows what it is like to live as part of a family. What kind of an older brother do you think Jesus was?

A. He was the _perfect_ older brother! That means He always thought first of His younger brothers and sisters before thinking of Himself. He assisted them whenever they needed His help and shared with them what was His. Because Jesus lives in you by the Holy Spirit, you have the potential to be the kind of brother (or sister) that Jesus was as He grew up.

Q. Just as the people who knew Jesus before He was anointed by the Holy Spirit found it difficult to believe that He was the Messiah, often the people who knew us before we were born again by God's Spirit have a difficult time believing that we've been changed. What is the best way to convince them that you're not the person they knew before?

A. By our daily lives. As they listen to us and observe our actions, they'll see that we've changed. Then they'll be more open to hearing the good news about Jesus.

Application: _People who reject Jesus reject God's blessings. Because we believe in Jesus, God is going to bless us forever!_

# DAY 27; Mark 1:21-39 Jesus Demonstrates His Authority Over Evil Spirits and Sickness

For a while Jesus lived in Capernaum, a village on the coast of the Sea of Galilee, and He frequently taught in the synagogue there. The people who heard Him were amazed at His teaching because He taught "as one who had real authority" (Mark 1:22). That means Jesus came across as if He was absolutely certain of what He was saying. This is another proof that Jesus was God in the form of a human being. Naturally, God knows what He is talking about. Jesus never said, "I may be wrong, but let Me tell you how I feel about that subject" or, "Your opinion is as good as Mine." If He had said those things, we'd know He really wasn't God.

Once, right as Jesus was teaching in the synagogue in Capernaum, a man who was possessed by an evil spirit began shouting at Him. The evil spirit was actually the one speaking, using the man's mouth, and he said, "Why are you bothering us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are-the Holy One sent from God!" (Mark 1:24). Jesus, to whom God the Father had given authority over everything, including evil spirits (see John 3:35), commanded the evil spirit to come out of the man, and it did. From this incident, we can learn several things about Jesus and evil spirits.

If you're born again, you don't have to worry about evil spirits getting inside you or possessing you, because Jesus lives inside you by the Holy Spirit. This man who was possessed by an evil spirit wasn't born again. The Bible tells us, "The [Holy] Spirit who lives in you is greater than the spirit who lives in the world [the devil]" (1 John 4:4). Evil spirits are no match for Jesus. The evil spirit we just read about was afraid that Jesus was going to completely destroy him and all his fellow evil spirits.

This evil spirit also knew who Jesus was, calling Him "the Holy One sent from God" (Mark 1:24). Evil spirits like to brag about what they know, but in doing so, this particular demon showed how stupid he was. He said something in the synagogue that his boss, the devil, didn't want _anyone_ to know! I wonder if he got in trouble with the devil for shooting off his mouth!

Regardless, when the demon-possessed man was delivered, the news spread quickly in Galilee. God the Father was advertising His Son because He wanted people to listen to what Jesus was telling them. Believing Jesus' message was the only way people could have their sins forgiven.

Next we read about Jesus healing Peter's mother-in-law who had a very high fever. The news of that miracle also spread quickly, and when evening arrived, many sick and demon-possessed people came to Peter and Andrew's house seeking help. According to Matthew and Luke's Gospels, Jesus healed and delivered every single one of them (see Matthew 8:16; Luke 4:40-41). This not only again proves that Jesus was the Messiah sent from God, it also shows us that Jesus loves everyone who is sick or possessed by evil spirits. He loves them enough to heal and deliver them.

Q. In the final verses of our reading today, we read that Jesus arose early in the morning and went out into the wilderness to pray. Why would God need to pray? What do you think Jesus prayed about?

A. While Jesus was on earth, He was following His Father's orders. One reason He prayed was to receive those orders. From what we read today about Jesus' prayer time, it seems He received direction to leave Capernaum to preach in other towns (see Mark 1:38).

Q. We know that no true Christian could be possessed by a demon. But why is it that only _some_ unsaved people become possessed by demons?

A. No one knows for sure. However, it is quite likely that many unsaved people who become demon-possessed open the door to possession by continually thinking wrong thoughts and giving in to temptation. An evil spirit can't get inside any person it wants. Becoming demon-possessed is normally a gradual, progressive thing that begins when a person yields to the suggestions of a demon.

Application: _Just as elephants shouldn't be afraid of mice, we shouldn't be afraid of the devil and evil spirits. They're afraid of Jesus who lives in us!_

# DAY 28; Mark 1:40-45 Jesus Heals a Man With Leprosy

If you live in the United States or any other developed nation, you will probably never see a person with leprosy. It's a horrible skin disease that actually eats away at the parts of the body it has infected. People who are afflicted with leprosy watch their fingers and toes slowly dissolve. Eventually, they die from the disease. To make matters worse, leprosy is easily spread to other people, so no one wants to be near a leper. When a person gets leprosy, he soon loses all his friends. In the Old Testament, God made a law that required all leprous people to cry out, "Unclean! Unclean!" whenever they were in a public place where other people might be infected (see Leviticus 13:45).

The Greek word translated _leprosy_ was used to describe various skin diseases in Jesus' time, so it's possible that this man whom Jesus healed was not suffering from the disease we refer to today as leprosy. However, there's no doubt he had a very serious physical problem, and his situation was desperate. He fell on his knees before Jesus, begging to be healed. From the reports he had heard of others being healed, he knew Jesus was _able_ to cure him. But he didn't know if Jesus _wanted_ to heal him. Jesus, however, was moved with pity for the distraught man, and assured him that He did want to heal him. A second later, the leprous man felt something he hadn't felt in a long time: the touch of another person. As Jesus put His hand on him, instantly his leprosy was gone. Imagine how he felt as he looked at his new skin!

Some people think that Jesus healed people only to prove that He was the Son of God. Certainly Jesus' healings did prove that. Because God the Father had given Him authority over all things, including disease, Jesus simply spoke and the leprous man was instantly healed. We read today, however, that Jesus was "moved with pity" over the leprous man's situation. Jesus healed this man because He loved him, not just to prove that He was the Son of God.

For _all_ Christians, this healing story, along with the many others in the Bible, affirms that God cares about our health and will one day give us brand new bodies that will not be subject to sickness and disease. For _some_ Christians, like myself, the stories of people whom Jesus healed inspire us to trust that we don't have to wait until heaven to experience physical healing. Jesus never told anyone who came to Him requesting healing, "Rejoice, because in heaven you'll be healthy." In every case, He healed sick people, often crediting their faith. When we remain ill, we often claim that it must not be God's will for us to be healed, but more likely, our own lack of faith is to blame. Jesus said, "Anything is possible if a person believes" (Mark 9:23). Praise God that we can trust God for healing, and praise God that even if we fail to trust God for healing, He doesn't condemn us.

According to the Old Testament law, the priests were responsible to determine whether or not people had leprosy. If a person thought he might have contracted the disease, he was supposed to be examined by a priest. If the priest declared him a leper, he had to obey the laws of leprosy, removing himself from contact with non-leprous society. Likewise, if a leprous person was healed, only a priest could make the official determination and allow the former leper reentry into normal society.

Jesus commanded this leper to obey that law and show himself to the priest, taking along the required offering, as a testimony of his healing. It was probably the first time that priest ever performed that part of his job, declaring a leper to be cleansed! I wonder if he had to look up the appropriate scriptures just to find out what he was supposed to do!

Q. Why did Jesus tell this man He healed not to talk to anyone on his way to the priest?

A. Because Jesus didn't need any more advertising. If the former leper started spreading the news of what happened, Jesus knew He would soon be mobbed with people, and it would actually hinder His ministry. Sure enough, the man didn't obey Jesus, telling everyone what had happened, and Jesus was then unable to publicly enter any nearby towns. Several days later, Jesus did sneak back into Capernaum where He had been living, but was soon discovered. Within a short time, the house where He was staying was crammed with people, inside and out (see Mark 2:1-4).

Q. Wouldn't it be horrible never to be touched by anyone? Sometimes parents feel like they must have leprosy, because their kids never hug or kiss them (especially when their kids are with friends). Have you hugged your parents today?

Application: _In one way, we were like this leper. We had a spiritual disease that prevented us from ever hoping to enter the society of heaven. But Jesus cleansed us! Now we can look forward to enjoying eternal life with the many others like us whom Jesus has cleansed of sin._

# DAY 29; Mark 2:1-12 Jesus Heals a Paralyzed Man

Can you imagine what it would have been like to witness this miracle? Four men brought their paralyzed friend on a pallet to a house where they heard Jesus was staying. Upon arrival, they discovered that the house was jammed with people, and many others were standing outside looking in, blocking all the doors and windows. There was no way to get their friend close to Jesus.

But they would not be discouraged. The roofs of the houses in Capernaum were flat, and many of them had stairs that went from the outside of the house up to the roof. So they carried their paralyzed friend to the roof of the house, dug an opening through the clay, and then lowered him on his pallet by ropes right in front of Jesus. It must have taken a lot of time and effort to dig through the hardened clay roof and caused some commotion inside the house when the clay dust began falling from the ceiling. I wonder what the people inside were thinking as they coughed, wiped dust from their eyes, and watched a hole slowly form in the ceiling above their heads.

What was Jesus thinking then? He was thinking about the faith of the men who were going to so much trouble. The Bible says that it is "impossible to please God without faith" (Hebrews 11:6). Because of their faith, the paralyzed man was forgiven and completely healed within seconds. If they hadn't believed, they would never have gone to so much trouble, and their friend would have remained unforgiven and paralyzed, even though it was obviously God's will for the man to be forgiven and healed.

Why did Jesus first tell the paralyzed man that his sins were forgiven? No one knows for sure, but perhaps the paralyzed man was coming to Jesus both for healing _and_ forgiveness. Certainly being forgiven of sins is even more important than being healed. Or, perhaps the paralyzed man, because of all his sins, had doubts that he would be healed, so Jesus removed his doubts by assuring him of forgiveness. Or, possibly the man had become paralyzed as a direct result of some sin he had committed. In that case, Jesus took care of the cause before giving the cure.

Regardless, when Jesus told him that his sins were forgiven, it caused quite a stir among the religious teachers who were present. They knew that only God could forgive sins, so Jesus was claiming to be God! They thought He was guilty of blasphemy (saying something that was very offensive to God).

Jesus knew what the religious teachers were thinking, so He proved, right before their eyes, that He had the right to forgive sins, also proving His deity. Anyone could pretend to have the authority to forgive sins because there would be no visible result. But no one can convincingly pretend to have authority to heal paralysis, because the result would be plain for everyone to see. When Jesus instantly healed the paralyzed man, it proved He had authority to heal, and it gave credibility to His claim to be able to forgive sins.

To us, this is one more proof that Jesus was the Son of God. If an average sinful human being claimed to be able to forgive sins, we would know he was blaspheming. But when a virgin-born, sinless, miracle-working person forgives someone's sins, it's just one more proof of what we would already suspect: God had become a man!

Q. We read that Jesus actually _saw_ the faith of the four men and their paralyzed friend. How can faith be seen?

A. By actions. The Bible says, "faith is dead without good deeds" (James 2:26). Many people say that they believe in Jesus, but only those who have corresponding actions really do. Sometimes, Christians say they believe certain promises in the Bible, but their contrary actions prove that they really don't.

Q. Just like this man whom Jesus healed, our sins have been forgiven by Jesus. If we truly believe our sins are forgiven, we will act like forgiven people. How do forgiven people act?

A. At the minimum, they would be happy and grateful to God for their forgiveness, and would show their gratitude by obedience to God.

Application: _There has never been another person in history like Jesus. Other people in history may have claimed to forgive sins, but their lives proved they were phony. Any honest person who examines the evidence will be convinced that Jesus was God in the form of a human being._

# DAY 30; Luke 5:27-32 Jesus Dines With Matthew and His Sinful Friends

Apparently Levi, also known as Matthew, had been touched by Jesus' ministry in Capernaum. Perhaps he had listened as Jesus taught by the Sea of Galilee or heard the testimonies of people who had been healed. When Jesus called Matthew to be His disciple, he didn't hesitate for a minute, but left everything behind to follow his new Lord.

What was so amazing about Matthew's calling is that he was a very sinful man---at least until he met Jesus. Matthew was a tax collector, which meant that he worked for Rome, the country that occupied and controlled Israel at that time. The Israelites hated the Romans, and naturally they had no respect for any fellow Israelite who worked for them. Tax collectors were considered traitors by their countrymen.

Beyond that, tax collectors had a reputation for being very dishonest, forcing their fellow Israelites to pay more in taxes than Rome required and then keeping the extra money for themselves. In so doing, they became rich at the expense of their own neighbors. Thus, the only type of people who would have been Matthew's friends were fellow tax collectors and other people of very low moral character. Those were the type of people who came to Matthew's banquet.

Matthew, however, had become a disciple of Jesus, repenting of his sins, and as is the case of anyone who is a true follower of Jesus, he wanted his friends to meet Jesus also and be saved. That is the reason he held a banquet in Jesus' honor. It was a low-key evangelistic meeting, and Jesus, who loves everyone, gladly accepted the invitation to spend some time eating with Matthew's sinful friends.

Because He did, He was criticized by the Pharisees and religious teachers, who would never associate with such people. Jesus responded by informing them that the purpose of His coming was to "call sinners to turn from their sins" (Luke 5:32). In order to do that, He had to spend time with sinners, and that is exactly why He attended Matthew's banquet. Jesus didn't spend His time at that banquet talking about sports or the weather! He was telling sinners that they needed to repent and follow Him, just as their friend Matthew had!

Q. The Pharisees and religious teachers we read about today didn't understand two important things. First, they thought holy people shouldn't associate with sinful people. But just the opposite is true. If people are _truly_ holy, they _will_ associate with sinful people, because holy people are motivated by love to share Jesus with those who need to be saved.

That should give you a clue concerning the second thing about which the Pharisees and religious teachers were mistaken. What was it?

A. They thought they were holy, but actually they were themselves sinners who needed to be saved. Jesus referred to this fact when He said, "I have come to call sinners to turn from their sins, not to spend my time with _those who think they are already good enough_ " (Luke 5:32, emphasis added). Jesus was speaking of the Pharisees and religious teachers.

Q. What would you think if your pastor accepted an invitation to a party that was hosted by a newly-converted drug pusher for his drug pusher friends?

Application: _Jesus in us loves evil and sinful people. Do we? Or are we like the Pharisees who considered themselves too holy to spend time with sinners?_

# DAY 31; Luke 5:33-6:5 New Clothes and New Wine

The Pharisees were a sect of Jews who prided themselves in their holiness. They thought they were fully obeying God's laws and were certain that God especially favored them because of it. Surely God, impressed by how they had kept their religious duties, would welcome them into His kingdom. But now they had a big problem, and His name was Jesus. He claimed to be an authority on spiritual matters, and His popularity as a religious teacher was rapidly growing as He traveled about teaching and healing. To the Pharisees' alarm, Jesus' teaching about holiness was much different from theirs. Some of those differences surfaced in today's reading, as the Pharisees vainly tried to find fault with Jesus.

The first fault the Pharisees found in Jesus was that He and His disciples didn't fast. When someone fasts, he stops eating food for a while for some religious purpose. Not eating for a day or two is not an easy thing to do, and the Pharisees prided themselves that they fasted often. They thought they were earning points from God for their self-sacrifice.

Of course, skipping meals is foolish and pointless unless it is something God wants a person to do. And if it is, you can be certain God has a good reason for wanting a person to fast, since He obviously created people with a need to eat food regularly in order to live! So why would God want someone to fast? Probably the most valid reason for fasting is to have more time to spend in God's Word and prayer. This was especially true in ancient times, when the preparation of meals took much more time than it does today.

Jesus didn't say that fasting was wrong. He only said that, because the Pharisees and religious leaders didn't understand who He was, they were fasting during a time when it wasn't necessary. The main reason to fast is to spend more time in prayer to God. _But God was right in their midst!_ Why would they ever fast to try to get closer to God when they had direct access to Him in Jesus? Jesus said that people don't fast during someone's wedding simply because that is not an appropriate time to fast. It's a time to celebrate. Likewise, it was now a time to celebrate and enjoy God's presence! When Jesus returned to heaven, then they could intelligently resume their practice of fasting.

Then Jesus shared two illustrations that explained the heart of His problem with the Pharisees and religious leaders. Both illustrations present the folly of mixing new and old things.

Jesus said that people don't tear a piece of cloth from a new piece of clothing in order to patch a hole in an old piece of clothing. If they did, the new clothing would be ruined, and the old clothing would look bad with a patch that didn't match. The understanding of the Pharisees and religious teachers was like an old, worn-out garment that needed patching. But Jesus' teaching was like new clothing. It would be foolish to try to take a small part of Jesus' teaching and make it fit with the old ideas and traditions of the Pharisees. The only intelligent thing to do would be to simply discard the old, worn-out clothes and put on the new ones.

In His second illustration, Jesus mentioned wineskins. They were bottles made out of animal skins for the purpose of holding wine. Nobody would pour brand new wine into old wineskins, because as the grape juice fermented and released gas, the old, hard, inflexible wineskins would burst, and all the wine would be lost. People only put new wine into new wineskins that were more flexible and wouldn't burst as the grape juice fermented. The Pharisees and religious leaders were like the old, hardened, inflexible wineskins and Jesus was like the new wine. It was impossible for them to accept His new teaching because they were so set in their ways. They were satisfied with just holding the same old wine, and were unable to receive anything new and fresh from God. In fact, they considered their old understanding of spiritual matters to be superior. How wrong they were!

The second fault the Pharisees found with Jesus was His disregard of the law of the Sabbath. God did say in the Old Testament that the Sabbath should be a day of rest, and, therefore, no one should work on the Sabbath. The Pharisees, however, had taken that law to the extreme, claiming that Jesus and His disciples were sinning when they prepared a low-budget meal by breaking off heads of wheat in a field. It would be like claiming that you sinned by working on the Sabbath if you exerted effort in pouring milk over a bowl of breakfast cereal!

Jesus responded to their criticism by proving from the Old Testament that God was not opposed to what He and His disciples were doing. Once David had broken the law, eating bread that was supposed to be eaten only by the priests. David normally would not have eaten that consecrated bread, but he did it out of necessity because there was nothing else to eat, and he and his companions needed nourishment. God certainly understood, and He wasn't angry with David. The same was true concerning Jesus and His disciples. They needed to eat, and God wasn't angry with what they were doing. He gave the law of the Sabbath because He loves people and doesn't want them to work at their jobs seven days a week. He wants them to enjoy a day of rest. Picking a little grain to eat on the Sabbath is OK. Jesus said, "The Sabbath was made to benefit people, and not people to benefit the Sabbath" (Mark 2:27).

Beyond that, Jesus was God, and He is the One who gave the commandment about the Sabbath! So He certainly knew how to interpret His own law! Jesus' claim to be "master even of the Sabbath" (Luke 6:5) was equivalent to claiming to be God. The one who gives the law is greater than the law he gives. God can do anything He wants to do on the Sabbath, because He doesn't have to answer to anyone! On this occasion, Jesus acted like we would expect God to act, adding additional proof that He was who He claimed to be.

Q. Is it wrong to rake leaves in your yard or ride your bike up a steep hill on Sunday afternoon since God said the Sabbath should be a day of rest?

A. Only if you rake leaves for a living, and had raked leaves Monday through Saturday, then it might be wrong to rake leaves on Sunday! (And especially not if you are planning to jump in the pile of leaves you rake!) And only if you are a professional bike racer who had ridden his bike Monday through Saturday might it be wrong to ride your bike on a strenuous course on Sunday afternoon.

Additionally, the real Sabbath is not Sunday, but begins Friday evening and ends on Saturday evening! And the Sabbath commandment was not carried over into the New Covenant, proven by the fact that it is not found in any of the letters to the churches in the Bible.

Application: _Aren't you glad that your heart and mind are not closed, like the Pharisees', to Jesus' teaching? Some people's minds are like concrete: thoroughly mixed and well set! Ask God today to open your mind and heart even more, and show you if you are like an old wineskin in any way._

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# DAY 32; Matthew 12:9-21 Jesus Heals on the Sabbath

What a wrong idea the Pharisees held about keeping the Sabbath holy! They were hoping to catch Jesus healing someone on the Sabbath so they could bring charges against Him for breaking the fourth commandment. Their spiritual blindness is almost beyond our comprehension. No wonder that Mark wrote about Jesus' reaction, "He looked around at them angrily, because he was deeply disturbed by their hard hearts" (Mark 3:5). Because they classified healing as doing work, they actually thought God would be displeased if Jesus healed someone on the Sabbath day! They didn't know very much about God, did they?

Jesus exposed their hypocrisy by asking them what they would do if one of their sheep fell into a well on the Sabbath. Certainly they would work to pull it out, even on the Sabbath day. Jesus stated that a person is much more valuable than a sheep, and thus He was only doing for a man what they would do for their sheep. As Jesus so accurately pointed out, the Pharisees were actually claiming that it was wrong for Him to do good on the Sabbath!

Amazingly, even after Jesus exposed the error of their thinking and then instantly healed the man before their eyes, their reaction was not one of repentance. Rather, they called a meeting to discuss plans to kill the One God had sent to be their Savior.

Even though Jesus knew their plans, He was not afraid, but kept right on healing "all the sick among them" (Matthew 12:15). He knew He wouldn't die until His Father decreed it was time. Knowing the truth and trusting in God will make us courageous, too.

Q. Jesus said that a person is much more valuable than a sheep. Can you think of any modern examples of people placing more value on animals than people?

A. When it is a federal crime to kill a whale or some endangered species but it is lawful to kill unborn babies, it reveals how mixed up people's minds have become.

Q. Our reading today ends with Matthew quoting one of Isaiah's prophecies that was fulfilled by Jesus. How can we be sure that Isaiah was speaking of Jesus and not someone else?

A. Because the entire prophecy fits Jesus perfectly. Jesus was God's chosen servant. What God said through Isaiah about His servant being His beloved and that He was very pleased with Him also fits Jesus perfectly. The Father said of Jesus at His baptism, "This is my beloved Son, and I am fully pleased with him" (Matthew 3:17). Also, just like the person Isaiah wrote of, we know that Jesus had God's Spirit upon Him, because the Holy Spirit descended upon Jesus in the form of a dove at His baptism. Finally, we know that Isaiah's prophecy which Matthew quoted could only apply to Jesus, because it could only be said that in "his name will be the hope of all the world" (Matthew 12:21). No other person of history could make a similar claim.

Part of what God said through Isaiah is yet to be fulfilled, but it will be fulfilled one day when Jesus rules the entire world. Then He will bring "full justice with his final victory." Until that day, the world will be full of injustices.

Application: _Praise God that He is not mixed up in His thinking as are the majority of people. Praise God that He has opened our eyes to see things His way, which is the only right way._

# DAY 33; Mark 3:7-19 Jesus Chooses Twelve Apostles

As time went on, Jesus' fame spread far and wide. Curiosity seekers and spiritually hungry people journeyed as far as one hundred miles to see Him, which was quite a distance at a time when there were no cars, trains or airplanes. People had to walk or ride a donkey. But it was worth their effort to see the Son of God, especially for those who needed healing or deliverance from demons. Lots of those kinds of people sought Jesus. One day, there were numerous sick people trying to touch Jesus as He taught along the shore of the Sea of Galilee. So many of them were pressing their way through the crowd that Jesus instructed His disciples to have a boat ready---just in case He was forced into the water by the mob of people! Imagine what that must have been like!

We have to wonder why Jesus would need a boat in such a situation, when we know that on another occasion He walked on the water of the Sea of Galilee. The answer is that, although Jesus was the Son of God, when He became a man, He emptied Himself of some of the qualities that God possesses. For example, Jesus was no longer omnipresent (present everywhere), omniscient (all-knowing) or omnipotent (all-powerful). He didn't know everything about everybody, and He couldn't work a miracle at any time, but only as the Holy Spirit willed. That is why Jesus had to be anointed by the Holy Spirit before He began His ministry, and why He did no miracles until after He was baptized in the Holy Spirit. Although Jesus was God, in His ministry He operated as a man anointed with the gifts of the Holy Spirit, which operate as the Spirit wills (see 1 Corinthians 12:11; Hebrews 2:4). Therefore, we shouldn't doubt Jesus' deity when we read about Him relying on a boat to keep Him above water or asking questions to obtain knowledge.

Today we read about Jesus choosing twelve men to be apostles. The word _apostle_ means "one who is sent," and that is why Jesus chose His apostles---to send them out to preach the gospel. Jesus never could have, by Himself, preached the gospel to everyone who needed to hear it. These twelve men would be His helpers. Notice that there were two sets of brothers in the list: Simon Peter and his brother Andrew, and James and John, the sons of Zebedee. There were also three sets of people with the same name: Simon called Peter and Simon the Zealot, James son of Zebedee and James son of Alphaeus, and Judas son of James (here called Thaddaeus) and Judas Iscariot.

Q. Jesus gave authority to cast out demons to the twelve men He chose to be His apostles. Why do you think He did that?

A. To help them in their task of spreading the gospel. When people were delivered from demons by the apostles' command, it would advertise their ministry and draw more people to hear the gospel.

Q. Why do you think Jesus nicknamed James and John the "sons of thunder"?

A. To be a "son of thunder" would mean to be the product of something powerful and loud that startles people and gets their attention. For example, you may have heard the expression, "son of a gun." It's not a compliment to call someone the offspring of something that kills. Jesus would never have given James and John a nickname that would have been a continual criticism, so it must have been either a compliment or an encouragement. Probably it was an encouragement that God would transform them both into powerful preachers who would startle people like thunder and arrest their attention.

Application: _Just as Jesus chose twelve apostles to help Him reach more people with the gospel, so Jesus is still choosing people for the same task. Everyone who is a believer in Jesus is given some kind of ministry that contributes to the expansion of His kingdom._

# DAY 34; Matthew 5:1-16 Jesus Describes His True Followers

Many people came to Jesus seeking to be blessed, wanting to see a miracle or receive healing or deliverance. But Jesus didn't come to earth simply to attract large crowds of curiosity seekers or provide temporary blessings. He came to "call sinners to turn from their sins" (Luke 5:32), so people would be _eternally_ blessed. Although it's certainly a blessing to see a miracle or be healed of a sickness, people who are blessed by God _only_ to that degree will still spend eternity in hell when they die. Truly blessed people are those who are eternally blessed.

One day as the curious and blessing seekers were gathering, Jesus took the opportunity to explain what kind of people are eternally blessed of God. In short, they are people who have repented of their sins and have been born again. They are those who have made Jesus their Lord and are destined to spend eternity in God's kingdom. They can be recognized by how they live their lives, and Jesus described them in the first portion of His sermon on the mountainside. These are the people who are eternally blessed. Let's consider how Jesus described them.

First, Jesus said that the person who is eternally blessed of God is one who realizes his spiritual poverty apart from God (see Matthew 5:3). Before anyone can be saved, he must see his need for salvation and the impossibility of saving himself.

Second, Jesus said the person who is eternally blessed of God is one who mourns. What did He mean? Possibly Jesus was referring to the mourning a person experiences during the first stages of his repentance, when he realizes how he has offended God. Jesus taught that unless a person is sorrowful for his sins and repents, he would not get into heaven.

Perhaps Jesus was speaking of the sadness that all true Christians feel when they view the world around them, a world that is in rebellion against God and is so far from His original plan. One day those of us who mourn will be comforted, when God creates a new heaven and earth, a place where everyone will do God's will.

Third, people who are truly and eternally blessed by God are those who are gentle and lowly. One version of the Bible uses the word _humble_ to describe these blessed people. In order to be saved, a person has to humble himself, admitting his helplessness to save himself and depending solely on God's mercy for salvation. True followers of Jesus continue on the path of humility throughout their lives, recognizing their own inadequacy and complete dependence upon God for everything. As Jesus said, one day "the whole earth will belong to them" (Matthew 5:5). Those humble followers of Jesus will one day be the only people who live on the earth, eternally blessed, because God will have condemned everyone who is proud.

Fourth, truly blessed people are those who long for everyone to be obedient to Jesus. True followers of Jesus hate all the disobedience that exists in the world, but they can look forward to the time, according to Jesus' promise, when worldwide righteousness will be a reality. That will happen when Jesus rules the world.

Fifth, truly blessed people are merciful. Born-again people can't help but show mercy to others, because they realize how much mercy God has shown them. They will one day experience the fullness of God's mercy when they enter into God's heavenly kingdom, knowing how unworthy they are of such blessings.

Sixth, truly blessed people have pure hearts. Jesus promised that they would one day see God! All true Christians will experience that indescribable blessing, so Jesus must have been describing another characteristic of all His true followers. They have repented in their hearts of wickedness and evil, and now their hearts' desire is to obey their Lord. People who aren't born again have impure hearts and are motivated by selfishness.

Seventh, people who are truly blessed of God are "peacemakers." Jesus must have been describing another characteristic of all true believers, because He promised that the peacemakers would be called children of God, something that all true believers are. True Christians love people with the love God has deposited within them, and thus they hate discord and strife. They work to maintain harmony in their relationships. People who are full of hatred and are always involved in strife are not really saved. Paul wrote that people whose lifestyles are characterized by hostilities, quarreling, jealousy, outbursts of anger, divisions and envy will definitely not inherit the Kingdom of God (see Galatians 5:20-21).

Eighth, the truly blessed person is one who is persecuted because he lives for God. Once again, it's clear Jesus must have been describing another characteristic of all His true followers, because He promised them that the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs. Anyone who truly believes in Jesus will be persecuted. That doesn't mean he will be put in jail or tortured, but it at least means that he will be hated and talked about by others. Jesus once said, "Woe to you when all men speak well of you" (Luke 6:26, NASB). When we are persecuted, Jesus said we should be happy about it, because it indicates we're among the blessed group of people who are going to heaven. Peter wrote, "If you are reviled for the name of Christ, _you are blessed_ , because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you" (1 Peter 4:14, NASB, emphasis added).

Finally, Jesus described His true followers as being the "salt of the earth" and the "light of the world." In Jesus' time, salt was used primarily as a preservative---to keep foods from going rotten. If it weren't for the followers of Jesus, the world would surely become completely rotten and everything about it would be evil. However, our job is not only to keep the world from going completely rotten, but to work to improve the world by letting our lights shine. We should bring the light of God's truth to people who are living in the lies of darkness so that they can join us and be eternally blessed as well!

Q. Did you notice that most, if not all, of the blessings Jesus promised in today's list are future blessings? And that those who will enjoy those future blessings might suffer some in this life? What does that tell you about God's perspective of our present lives?

A. It tells us that this life is not as important as our future lives. Our present lives are temporary and will end someday, but our future lives will be eternal. Therefore, it is very wise to make temporary sacrifices in this life to enjoy eternal blessings in the next life. A well-known missionary once wrote, "He is no fool who gives up what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose."

Q. As you read through Jesus' description of a truly blessed person, did you think about your own life? Was Jesus describing you?

Application: _Although people who are not saved might think we're foolish for following Christ, and even though we might suffer temporarily because of it, we know we're truly blessed by God, because we will be citizens of God's kingdom forever._

# DAY 35, Matthew 5:17-30 Jesus Explains God's Standards of Holiness

As people listened to Jesus' new and authoritative teaching and heard Him frequently debate the Pharisees and religious teachers, some may have thought He had come to introduce a brand new religion, abolishing the Law of Moses and the writings of the prophets. But nothing could be further from the truth. God was the author of the Old Testament, and Jesus, being God, certainly wouldn't invalidate even one small part of it. There was no contradiction between Jesus' teaching and the teaching found in the Old Testament. He wanted everyone to know that obeying God's commandments was still of utmost importance and therefore said, "If you break the smallest commandment and teach others to do the same, you will be the least in the Kingdom of Heaven. But anyone who obeys God's laws and teaches them will be great in the Kingdom of Heaven" (Matthew 5:19).

Jesus wants our complete obedience, but from what we just read, He obviously wants us to know that we don't have to be perfect to get into heaven. He said that people who break small commandments and even teach others to do the same can still make it into heaven. However, Jesus made it clear that our degree of obedience in this life will affect our standing in the next life. There will be people in heaven who are lesser and greater than others who are there. And, lest anyone thinks Jesus was saying that it doesn't make _any_ difference how people live their lives, He went on to say, "But I warn you---unless you obey God better than the teachers of religious law and the Pharisees do, you can't enter the Kingdom of Heaven at all!" (Matthew 5:20).

Jesus disagreed very much with the way the Pharisees and religious teachers had interpreted and twisted what God had said in the Old Testament. Many of their interpretations of God's laws allowed them to sin. They thought, for example, that they could be filled with hatred, anger and bitterness, and be embroiled in cursing, name-calling, strife and lawsuits with one another, but as long as they didn't murder any of the people they hated, they figured they were OK. But Jesus explained that those kinds of people are going to hell just as much as any murderer! God expects much more of us than that, and all true heaven-bound Christians will do better than that. Jesus taught that _if our relationships with others aren't right, our relationship with God is not right_. God expects us to love others, to be patient and kind, and to work toward reconciliation when we do have disagreements.

(Note: Parents should preview this paragraph before reading it to their children.) The Pharisees and religious teachers thought that as long as they kept clear of committing adultery, they were OK in God's eyes, even if they were full of lust or sexually involved, short of adultery, with a person to whom they were not married. God, however, expects much more than that! Jesus explained that a person who imagines having a sexual relationship with a person to whom he is not married has sinned in God's eyes. The one who continually dwells upon impure sexual thoughts or is involved sexually with someone with whom he is not married is in danger of hell---just as much as the person who constantly commits adultery.

This is serious stuff, and Jesus wanted to make His point unforgettable since it involved eternal consequences---heaven or hell. So He used a figure of speech we call a _hyperbole_ , which is exaggerating to make a strong point. When your mother says, "I must have called you a thousand times to come home for dinner," that's a hyperbole.

Jesus said that if our eye or hand causes us to sin, we should cut them from our bodies, because it would be better to lose one part of our bodies than spend eternity in hell. We know, of course, that Jesus doesn't actually want us to cut off any parts of our bodies to keep from sinning. What He meant was that we should remove from our lives whatever is causing us to stumble into sin. Of course, cutting off a hand or gouging out an eye will not stop a person from lusting or committing acts of immorality. The problem is with people's hearts. However, once they repent of their sins, believe in Jesus and are born again, they will want to obey God from the inside. They will still be tempted to sin, but they will have the power not to give in to sin through the Holy Spirit within them.

Q. Was the point of Jesus' sermon saying that people could earn their way to heaven if they are holy enough?

A. No. Jesus clearly taught at other times that people are saved by believing in Him and being born again. In the sermon we've begun reading, Jesus was speaking to people who already were His disciples (see Matthew 5:1), and was revealing the standards of holiness He has set for them. He didn't want anyone who only held to the standards of the Pharisees to think they were actually saved. Jesus concluded this sermon by saying, "Not all people who sound religious are really godly. They may refer to me as 'Lord,' but they still won't enter the Kingdom of Heaven. The decisive issue is whether they obey my Father in heaven" (Matthew 7:21). True believers in Jesus live obedient lives according to God's standards.

Q. (For teens only) Regarding sex, people often ask, "How far can I go sexually with someone I'm not married to before I'm sinning?" Based on what we've read today, how do you think Jesus would respond to that question?

A. He might first ask us why we are asking such a question. Does our question reveal that we are like the Pharisees, looking for an excuse to gratify our sexual desires by using a person to whom we are not committed as a lifetime partner? Sex is a sacred experience designed by God to be enjoyed only within the marriage relationship. God also designed that sex would be a progressive thing, one thing leading to another. It begins with thinking about it, which leads to physical contact. Even when a man and woman are just kissing, their bodies are preparing for intercourse. If, according to Jesus, thinking about sex with a person with whom you are not married is a sin, then it is safe to say that doing the things that lead to more intimate sex is also a sin. Additionally, when you are kissing someone to whom you are not married, you are kissing someone who may well be someone else's future husband or wife! For these reasons and others, most Bible-believing pastors strongly recommend to the single people that they avoid any and all sexual involvement with anyone to whom they are not engaged. Engagement, unlike marriage, is not a license for sex.

Application: _God's standards for holiness are high when compared to what human beings normally expect from themselves. But, thanks to God, it is possible for us to attain His standards once we are born again. Then the Holy Spirit changes us, and we are no longer captive to sinful living._

# DAY 36, Matthew 5:31-48, Jesus Continues to Explain God's Standards of Holiness

During His sermon on the mountainside, Jesus continued to explain the difference between God's standard of holiness and the Pharisees' and religious teachers' standard of holiness. Today the first subject in our reading is divorce. Many of the religious teachers of Jesus' day misinterpreted, for their own convenience, what Moses had said about divorce. The Law of Moses made provision for divorce only in cases when adultery had been committed. However, the divorce had to be done legally, and it was required that an official divorce certificate be given by the husband to his wife. Many of the religious teachers, however, twisted what the Law actually said, teaching that a man could divorce his wife for any reason, as long as he gave his wife a certificate. As a result, men were divorcing their wives for reasons other than adultery and thinking that they were OK in God's eyes.

Jesus, however, said they were very guilty before God. In fact, they were triply guilty, because they were not only responsible for their own sin of divorcing their wives, but they were held accountable by God for the "adultery" of their divorced wives (who often had to remarry to survive) and the "adultery" of the men whom their divorced wives married! (I've put quotation marks around the word _adultery_ because it was adultery only because the first man had no right to divorce his wife. Thus it was equivalent to his forcing her to have a sexual relationship with another man while he was still married to her.)

Next in His sermon on God's standards of holiness was the subject of making vows, something else the Law of Moses spoke about which had been conveniently altered by the religious teachers of the day. They taught that if a person swore by the temple, the altar, or by heaven, he was not obligated to keep his vow, but if he swore by the gold of the temple, the offering on the altar, or God in heaven, he was obligated (see Matthew 23:16-22). Apparently there were other items by which a person could vow and not be obligated as well, such as the earth, Jerusalem and his own head (see Matthew 5:35-36). In short, the religious teachers had devised a way by which they could lie, supposedly without being guilty of sin.

Jesus said that God's standard is much higher than that. People should say what they mean and mean what they say. When someone says, "I swear to God that I'm telling the truth," he's admitting that he's usually a liar. Jesus said His followers should have no need to swear or make vows because they should always tell the truth. Their "yes" and "no" should be trustworthier than anyone else's most convincing vow.

Next was the subject of revenge. The Law of Moses said that when a person is found guilty in court of injuring another person, his punishment should be equivalent to the harm he caused. If he knocked out someone's tooth, in fairness and justice, his tooth should be knocked out. This was a commandment to insure that justice would be served in court cases.

However, once again, the religious teachers had twisted this scripture, making it into a commandment for getting personal revenge, something God's Word forbids (see Deuteronomy 32:35). Obtaining due justice in court is one thing, but getting revenge is another. Additionally, the religious leaders of Jesus' day had conveniently overlooked the fact that the Old Testament taught they should show kindness to their enemies (see Exodus 23:4-5; Proverbs 25:21-22). That was God's standard of holiness, and Jesus endorsed it further by telling us to turn the other cheek and go the extra mile when we are dealing with evil people. God wants us to be merciful, not revengeful, when we are wronged.

Finally, we read one more God-given commandment that the religious teachers of Jesus' day had changed to accommodate their hateful hearts. In the Old Testament, God had said, "Love your neighbor," but the religious teachers had conveniently assumed that if God wanted them to love their neighbors, then He must have meant for them to hate their enemies. But, according to Jesus, that is not at all what God meant! Jesus would later teach in the story of the Good Samaritan that we should consider _every_ person to be our neighbor. God wants us to love _everyone_ , which includes our enemies. That is God's standard for His children, a standard to which He Himself lives. He sends crop-growing sun and rain not only on good people, but also on evil people. We should follow His example, showing kindness to undeserving people. As Jesus said, if we only love people who love us, we are doing no more than wicked unbelievers. God's standard of holiness is perfection, and that is what we should be striving for in our lives.

Q. When Jesus commanded us to turn the other cheek and go the second mile when dealing with evil people, does that mean He wants us to allow people to take advantage of us, allowing them to ruin our lives if they desire?

A. No. Notice that Jesus did not say that we should kill ourselves when someone slaps us on the cheek, give someone our house and furniture when they sue us for our shirt, or walk a thousand miles with a soldier who demands that we carry his gear for a mile. Jesus was simply telling us to be merciful, not revengeful, when dealing with selfish, evil people.

Q. Under Roman law, a Roman soldier could demand that any person carry his gear for one mile, and the Roman soldiers took advantage of that law whenever they could. What did that reveal about the average Roman soldier? What kind of effect do you think it had on a soldier when he forced a Christian to carry his gear, and that Christian gladly accepted and then carried his gear two miles?

Application: _Too often, Christians are known for their snobbery or their doctrine. God wants us to be known for our love and servanthood. What do unbelievers think of when they think of you?_

# DAY 37, Matthew 6:1-18 Jesus Continues to Explain God's Standards of Holiness

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During the first part of His mountainside sermon, Jesus told His disciples that they had to obey God better than the Pharisees and religious teachers, or else they wouldn't enter the kingdom of heaven (see Matthew 5:20). After that, He began explaining the difference between what God expects and what the Pharisees and religious teachers practiced. One of the many faults that Jesus found with them is that they did their good deeds to be admired by other people. When they gave money to the poor, they announced what they were doing with trumpets! When they prayed, they did so on the street corners and in the synagogues where everyone could see them. When they fasted, they adjusted their appearance so everyone would know they were fasting and admire them. _Their good deeds were really evil deeds because their motives were selfish_. Jesus said that the only reward they would ever receive would be the praise of people.

God expects more from His children than that. When we give, we should be motivated by love for the person we're helping. As much as possible, we should give and serve in secret. If we will, Jesus promises that God will reward us. The same is true for our secret praying and fasting. Although our salvation is received purely through God's grace (undeserved mercy), many of God's blessings are bestowed because we earn them through our obedience.

In this part of His sermon, Jesus gave further instruction about prayer. He said that people of other religions pray the same thing over and over again, continually repeating the same requests. They think their god will hear them if they just pray long enough. But we are praying to a God who knows everything! He knows what we need before we ask Him, so it would be foolish for us to think we need to keep saying the same things over and over again! Continually repeating the identical prayer is insulting to God. We should converse with Him as we would with our most respected and trusted friend. He's listening to us, not ignoring us, and we don't need to pray long prayers to be heard.

Jesus gave us an example of a model prayer we could pray. Notice that it isn't a long prayer. Don't think that short prayers are a waste of time or that you don't have enough time to pray. You can pray short prayers all the time and any time!

We should begin by realizing that we are praying to our heavenly Father, which means we have a special relationship with the One we're addressing. We're not talking to a stranger! We're talking to someone who loves us dearly!

Beginning our prayers with worship is appropriate. "May your name be honored" (Matthew 6:9) is an example of a worshipful statement we could make, but there are many others.

After worship, we can begin with our requests, and the first ones should be for things that concern God. We should want, more than anything else, for God's kingdom to expand and for His will to be done on the earth. Many people want _their_ desires to become God's desires, and they try to change His will by their prayers. But God wants His desires to become everyone's desires, because His desires are best. More than anything, He wants people to hear the gospel and be saved. So we should pray first for things that relate to the spread of the good news of Jesus. We should pray for missionaries, the people of our church, and for opportunities to spread the gospel ourselves.

Next, we can pray for our own needs. Later in this same sermon, Jesus assured us that God will take care of our need for food, clothing and other material things, but _only if we are living for Him and making the Kingdom of God our primary concern_ (see Matthew 6:33). If our prayers are only for our own needs, that's a good indication that God's kingdom is not our primary concern.

One of our foremost needs is for forgiveness when we've sinned. Jesus said we can be assured that our requests for forgiveness will be answered as long as we forgive people who have sinned against us. Of course, God doesn't expect more of us than He does of Himself, and we know that He doesn't forgive people unless they admit their sin and ask for forgiveness. When people request our forgiveness, admitting their wrongs against us, then we must forgive them, or else God will not forgive our sins when we ask. This does not give us the right, however, to hate people who sin against us but who never ask our forgiveness. Jesus still expects us to be merciful and kind to such people, loving them and praying for them, as we have already learned from this sermon (see Matthew 5:43-47), and to even confront them if they are Christians. But forgiveness is impossible to give unless it's first requested.

Finally, we should pray that God will help us during times we are tempted to do the wrong thing, delivering us from giving in to the devil. This prayer request also indicates that our primary concern should be with pleasing God. We need His help to be obedient, and He will help us when we're tempted if we'll ask Him to help us.

Q. We read today what is commonly known as "The Lord's Prayer." Many people have memorized this exact prayer and pray it, word for word, all the time, without even thinking about what they are saying. Do you think that is what Jesus had in mind when He first taught this prayer?

A. No, because Jesus said in the verses preceding the prayer that our prayers shouldn't be meaninglessly repetitious. Of course, we can pray the Lord's prayer with meaning if we concentrate, and we are not limited to just praying this one prayer! It is a wonderful model for all prayers, however.

Q. If you had to summarize with one word what we've read so far of Jesus' sermon on the mountainside, what one word would you choose? Does this tell us anything about what is most important to Jesus?

A. I would choose the word "holiness." What is most important to Jesus is how we live our lives. Obedience to God is what should be most important to all Christians.

Application: _Do I act differently when I'm in public than when I'm alone? If I do, what does that reveal about me? What should I do about it?_

# DAY 38, Matthew 6:19-34 Jesus Teaches About Material Possessions

For many people, money is their god. Just like a god, money controls their lives, consuming all their energy, thoughts and time. Money is the main source of their joy, and they're never satisfied with how much they have but are always wanting more. This is often true for rich and poor people, and Jesus addressed both groups among His followers during His sermon on the mountainside. He explained how God expects His children to view money and material things, making it very clear that we can't serve both God and money. It's one or the other, but not both.

Wealthy people often reveal that money is their god by hoarding their riches, continually accumulating more and more for themselves, amassing much more than they really need. Jesus said, however, that we shouldn't store up treasures on earth. It's foolish to do so, because everything on this earth is destined to perish ultimately. In fact, most of it is slowly perishing right before our eyes. This was even more obvious to the people in Jesus' day, who didn't have the benefits of moth balls, rust-proofing paint or padlocks! But what Jesus said then is still true today.

For those of us who are saved, hoarding riches on earth is even more foolish, because there's a way we can convert our temporary riches into eternal riches. Jesus said that we should lay up our treasures in heaven. How can we do that? Jesus once told a very wealthy young man that if he sold his possessions and gave the money to the poor, he would then have treasure in heaven (see Matthew 19:21). We can do the same thing. When we give money on earth, it's like making a deposit into our bank accounts in heaven.

Rich people aren't the only people who often make money their god. Poor people frequently become just as consumed with material things. Their concern, however, is not with hoarding more and more riches, but with the simple necessities of life. They become worried about whether or not they are going to have enough food and clothing. Just like many wealthy people, their focus is on material things.

But God expects His children, even those who are poor, to be focused on Him and His kingdom. Jesus promised that if we will live for Him and make the kingdom of God our primary concern, then God will supply all our daily needs. He cares about us, so there's no need for us to worry. Look how well God takes care of all the birds, providing them with food. If you ever see the birds gathered in your yard having a prayer meeting for food, then you might begin to worry about God supplying your needs!

Q. Today we read something that is difficult to understand, when Jesus said, "Your eye is a lamp for your body. A pure eye lets sunshine into your soul. But an evil eye shuts out the light and plunges you into darkness. If the light you think you have is really darkness, how deep that darkness will be!" (Matthew 6:22-23). What do you think He was talking about? Hint: Look at the context of those statements.

A. Jesus was talking about two kinds of people, the saved and unsaved. People whose god is money are not saved, because Jesus said it is impossible to serve both God and money. His comments about the eye allowing light into the soul or shutting it out also describe the saved and unsaved. A person with a "pure eye" is a person who is looking for the truth (often symbolized by light), and when he finds it, he lets it into his soul. He then has God's truth within him. A person with an "evil eye" is a person who does not want God's truth, and when the light of God's truth shines in his face, he shuts his eyes because he doesn't want it to get inside him. Many people shut their eyes to God's truth because they think they already have the truth, but really they've believed only lies. Consequently, they are full of darkness even when they think they have light inside them. That kind of darkness is the worst kind.

Q. Can we rightly conclude from what we read today that it is wrong for us to work hard to make money, or save some of the money we earn?

A. Certainly not. We can't give any money away unless we first have some ourselves. Jesus was warning us that money cannot be our main priority in life if we are going to be His followers. Our primary concern should be with His kingdom and living for Him. We should guard ourselves against greed, and shouldn't worry about having enough, but rather, should trust in our heavenly Father's care.

Application: _Many kids don't have a lot of money, but nevertheless, like poor people, money can become their god. Is there evidence in your life that God is your god and not money? Do you give away a portion of what you do receive?_

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# DAY 39, Matthew 7:1-6 Jesus Teaches about Being Critical of Others

As Jesus continued teaching about God's standards of holiness, He told His followers to stop judging other people. What did He mean? A judge is someone who looks for faults in people who are brought to court. That's his job, and there is nothing wrong about what he does, as long as he judges according to proven facts. Judges are _supposed_ to judge people, measuring them by the standard of the law of the land. If there were no judges, criminals would never go to jail.

However, many people seem to think that they have been appointed as judges, and thus they are always looking for faults in others. That is wrong. Furthermore, they often judge people without considering all the facts, jumping to wrong conclusions. For example, they see a mother spank her child in the grocery store and conclude she must be a child abuser. They don't stop and think that perhaps the child deserved a spanking!

To make matters worse, these self-appointed judges usually measure other people by standards that they themselves fall short of, making themselves hypocrites. Jesus' funny illustration about trying to remove a speck from someone else's eye while you have a log in your own eye is a perfect example of this. Imagine trying to help someone get a little speck out of his eye with a big log sticking out of yours!

What would you think if you saw two little children sitting in a mud puddle, covered with mud, and one pointing his finger at the other and saying, "You are filthy!" That is how we look to God when we criticize others.

What right do imperfect people have to find faults in others? Absolutely none. As followers of Jesus, we should be more concerned with correcting our own faults.

Q. When brothers and sisters are constantly "telling" on each other, that makes them "tattletales." Do Jesus' words about judging others have any application to tattletales?

A. Occasionally telling your parents about a sin of a brother or sister can be OK, if it is done out of love and concern for that brother or sister. For example, telling your parents that your brother is not wearing his seat belt in the car is a good thing. But when you tell on your brother just because you want to see him get in trouble, that is wrong, especially if you are guilty of the same sin. Then you are a hypocrite. When brothers and sisters are _always_ telling on one another, constantly getting revenge for being told on, they demonstrate exactly what Jesus said about others treating you as you treat them. Like Jesus said, others will judge you by the same standard you use to judge them. People who are always finding fault aren't liked by the people with whom they find fault. Consequently, those people look for faults in the people who find fault with them!

Q. What if you see a fault in another person of which you are not personally guilty? You see the speck in his eye but don't have a log in your own eye. Should you speak to him about his fault?

A. Only if you know that the person is open to receive your constructive criticism. Otherwise, you would be giving your "pearls to a pig" (see Matthew 7:6). That is, he won't appreciate or receive what you have to tell him. A proverb says, "Don't bother rebuking mockers; they will only hate you. But the wise, when rebuked, will love you all the more" (Proverbs 9:8).

Constructive criticism offered by one who has a right to offer it is a holy thing. Jesus said we shouldn't give what is holy to unholy people.

Application: _Are people always finding fault with me? Could it be because I'm always finding faults with others, and thus I'm being measured by the same standard by which I measure others? If so, I determine to be less critical and more merciful. As a result, people will be less critical and more merciful with me._

# DAY 40, Matthew 7:7-11 Jesus Teaches About Persistence and Prayer

This portion of Jesus' sermon on the mountainside is commonly considered teaching about prayer. However, I think Jesus had more in mind than prayer in what we've just read. I think He was also talking about laziness and persistence.

Jesus first talked about asking for things, which could certainly apply to prayer. However, He then mentioned _looking_ and _knocking_. Do those terms also refer to prayer? Perhaps, yet as we continue to read, we have to wonder. Jesus went on to say that everyone who asks, receives, everyone who seeks, finds, and to everyone who knocks, the door is opened. We know that is not always true concerning prayer. Although there are scores of examples of answered prayer in the Bible, there are also examples of unanswered requests, and certainly it is not true that _everyone_ , non-Christians included, receives what he asks for in prayer.

For this reason, I wonder if Jesus was simply encouraging His followers to be askers, seekers and knockers in every area of their lives. It _is_ true that the only people who receive their requests are those who make requests, the only people who find are those who seek, and the only people who have doors opened to them are those who knock. Those who wait around for things to happen or improve without any effort on their part are usually disappointed. As one Chinese proverb says, "Man stand for long time with mouth open before roast duck fly in."

 Many people are lazy. Even Christians sometimes try to make excuses for their laziness by saying things such as, "Well, if God wants me to have a certain thing, He'll just get it to me." But that isn't true according to what Jesus said. People who get jobs are those who seek for employment, asking employers. People who go to college are those who knock on doors and fill out applications. People who get married are those who seek for a potential mate. If you want things to improve, you have to work at it and be persistent, never giving up. Everyone who puts forth that kind of effort is rewarded. But lazy people who refuse to ask, seek and knock never make any progress in life.

This concept also applies to prayer. Christians who assume that God will automatically give them whatever He wants them to have are wrong. According to Jesus, our heavenly Father wants to give us good gifts, but we _must_ ask (see Matthew 7:11). Furthermore, we shouldn't be satisfied, as many Christians often are, with receiving something other than what we've requested. Jesus said that if a child asks his parents for bread, they won't give him a stone. And if he asks for a fish, they won't give him a snake! Our heavenly Father loves us even more than any parents love their children. We should expect that He is not going to give us something other than what we request, and when it appears as if He has, we should not be discouraged, but continue to persevere in faith until we possess what we desire. Strong faith never quits!

Q. Have you ever become discouraged and given up on reaching a goal? What do you think Jesus would say about that?

A. If your goal is a good one, He would encourage you to keep asking, looking and knocking. With God on our side to help us, there is always good reason to persevere.

Q. Proverbs 22:13 says, "The lazy person is full of excuses, saying, 'If I go outside, I might meet a lion in the street and be killed!'" Can you think of any other funny excuses that lazy people use to avoid work? Are there any excuses that you use to avoid work?

Application: _Proverbs 26:14 says, " As a door turns back and forth on its hinges, so the lazy person turns over in bed."_

# DAY 41, Matthew 7:12-29 Jesus Summarizes His Sermon on the Mountainside

Jesus was the greatest teacher who ever lived, and what we've read today adds proof. He illustrated the truths He taught with examples His hearers could relate to easily. Today we've read about narrow gates and broad highways, wolves pretending to be sheep, trees producing good and bad fruit, houses built upon rock and sand, and winds and floods. All these things make it easy for us to remember what Jesus wants us to do.

The easiest way to remember how God expects us to treat other people is to recall what is called _The Golden Rule_ : "Do for others what you would like them to do for you" (Matthew 7:12). Jesus said that one rule summarizes the teaching of the Old Testament. How would you like other people to treat you? That's how you should treat them. Let's apply this to you and your brothers and sisters. Do you want your sister to share a favorite music CD? Share what you have with her. Do you want your brother to remember you before he eats the last piece of pizza, saving some for you? When you have the opportunity, save some pizza for him. One of the nicest things about following the Golden Rule is that when you treat others nicely, they will probably treat you nicely in return. It's hard being mean to someone who's nice to you!

Jesus told His followers early in this sermon that they had to obey God better than the religious teachers and the Pharisees did, otherwise they wouldn't get into heaven. Just like today, there were many religious people in Jesus' day who weren't really saved. The majority of people are on "the highway to hell," and it's the minority who are on the true narrow path to heaven. Jesus wanted those who were following Him to make sure they were His true disciples, and that they were following leaders who were also on the right path. The way they could tell if they or a religious leader were on the narrow path was by looking at how they lived their lives.

Jesus first talked about phony religious teachers by calling them false prophets and wolves in sheep's clothing. Outwardly they look harmless, but their inward motivation is selfish. They want to take advantage of those they lead. The way to identify them is to look at their "fruit," or their actions. Good people act good. Bad people act bad.

Also, we should be careful not to follow someone just because he does miraculous things. Jesus said many people would stand before His judgment seat, listing the miracles they did and hoping to convince Him))) to let them into Heaven. If they lived sinful lifestyles, however, they would be refused entrance. Jesus said that those who don't produce good fruit will be "chopped down and thrown into the fire" (Matthew 7:20). That means they will be cast into hell.

Jesus was not saying that we can earn our way into heaven by doing good things. Our salvation is a gift from God's grace, offered to anyone who will believe in Jesus. However, those who truly do believe in Jesus will produce good fruit, just as a good, healthy apple tree naturally produces good apples.

Q. When Jesus finished His sermon on the mountainside, the people were amazed at His teaching, because He taught as one who had real authority. That means Jesus spoke knowing exactly what He was saying, and no one had a right to disagree with Him. What does this tell us about Jesus?

A. It either indicates that He was a very proud, opinionated, bold and self-centered human being, or else He was God, pure and holy, telling the truth.

Application: _Have you ever built a sand castle close to the water along the seashore? If you have, you know what can happen to a house built upon sand when a big wave comes in. Anyone who is not doing what Jesus said is just like a person building his house on sand---he's heading for a big disaster. That's why we should take very seriously all that Jesus had to say, including everything He said in this sermon on the mountainside. Are you building your house on a rock, doing what Jesus said?_

# DAY 42, Matthew 8:5-13; Luke 7:1-10 A Roman Soldier's Faith

Because Jesus ministered in Israel, a nation predominantly inhabited by Jewish people, most of the people He helped were Jewish. However, during Jesus' time, Israel was controlled by the Roman Empire, so there were also Roman governmental leaders and soldiers living there. This Roman soldier of whom we just read was called a centurion, which meant he was an army officer in charge of one hundred other soldiers.

According to Luke's account, the centurion was a good man who loved the Jewish people, and he even helped them build a synagogue. These facts, along with what we've read about his words and actions as he related to Jesus, indicate to us that he was a godly man. He even considered himself unworthy to personally meet Jesus, sending some respected Jewish leaders to take his request for his servant to be healed.

Upon learning of the centurion's desire, without hesitation, Jesus began heading toward his house. However, when the centurion heard the news that Jesus was coming, he realized that the Jewish leaders he'd sent had partially misunderstood his request. He wasn't expecting Jesus to actually come to his house, but if He would just speak a word where He was, that would bring healing to his servant. He considered himself unworthy to have Jesus in his home, again revealing his high regard for Jesus. Perhaps he even realized that Jesus was God in the form of a human being. So he quickly sent another messenger, hoping to convey to Jesus before He arrived that it was not necessary for Him to come. Just as he had authority over other soldiers who obeyed his commands, he believed Jesus had authority over all sickness, and that He didn't have to be physically present to heal his servant.

Jesus was amazed by the Roman centurion's faith, a faith that was stronger than what He had yet encountered among Jewish people. He then seized the opportunity to tell everyone present that the kingdom of heaven is wide open to non-Jewish people who have faith. In fact, He said that many people who aren't Jewish will feast in heaven with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, while many Jewish people who don't believe in Him will be cast into hell, where there will be "weeping and gnashing of teeth" (Matthew 8:12). That was shocking news for the Jews, who prided themselves as being God's special people. They despised anyone who was not Jewish, calling them "dogs." Praise God that anyone who believes in Jesus can be saved! If you believe in Jesus, you'll get to eat one day with this centurion in heaven, along with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob!

For the centurion, his faith in Jesus not only paid off for eternity, but also during his earthly life, as his dying servant was healed "that same hour" (Matthew 7:13).

Q. You probably noticed that Matthew and Luke's versions of the same story were slightly different. Matthew said that the centurion personally made his request of Jesus, whereas Luke said that the centurion sent some Jewish leaders on his behalf. Some people claim that this contradiction proves that this story is just a myth, making the Bible unreliable. Does it?

A. No. There are _numerous_ details in this story that are identical, and only one apparent contradiction. Matthew must have either not known the detail of the Jewish leaders' involvement, or he simply chose not to include it, purposely condensing the story a little bit. When two people report the same incident, it's not unusual for one to omit details the other might include.

Q. Jesus talked about people eating in heaven, so there must be people who will have mouths and stomachs there. He also talked about people weeping and gnashing their teeth in hell, indicating that there will be people there with eyes and mouths. How can this be true if, when people die, they leave their bodies behind, and only their spirits go to heaven or hell?

A. The answer is that everyone, saved and unsaved, will one day receive new bodies. Those bodies will be somewhat different than what we have now, because they will never die, but will also be similar to our present bodies in some ways. Christians will receive their new bodies when Jesus comes back. The unsaved people now in hell will not receive resurrected bodies until after Jesus reigns for one thousand years on the earth. Then they will stand before the final judgment and be cast bodily into the lake of fire (see Revelation 20:5-6, 11-15).

Application: _Although some Christians don't want to face up to this fact, it is entirely scriptural: Those who trust Jesus receive blessings in this life that aren't received by those who don't believe. Jesus said the centurion had greater faith than any Jewish person He'd met. How do you think He would evaluate your faith?_

# DAY 43, John 4:46-54 Jesus Heals a Royal Official's Dying Son

Yesterday we read about Jesus healing a young man whom He did not see or touch. Jesus was perhaps several hundred yards away from the centurion's young servant when He spoke His healing word. But today's story even tops yesterday's, because Jesus was about _ten miles_ away from the governmental official's son when He healed him! Distance does not limit God's healing power. He can heal people from as far away as heaven!

This governmental official received the blessing he desired because he "believed Jesus' word" (John 4:50). Notice that he believed his son was healed before he had any evidence of it, other than Jesus' promise. It wasn't until the next day that he learned from his servants that his son had recovered. The Bible says that "faith...is the evidence of things _we cannot yet see_ " (Hebrews 11:1, emphasis added). When we have a promise from God, that's all the evidence we need, because it's impossible for God to lie. We don't need to see something to believe it.

For example, although we can't see, feel, or hear them, we can be certain that there are TV waves in the air all around us, otherwise our TV sets wouldn't work. We can also be sure that there are angels all around us even though we've never seen them, because God's Word says, "The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear Him, and rescues them" (Psalm 34:7, NASB).

When we read this story closely, the faith of this governmental official becomes even more evident. His son was dying in Capernaum, but hearing that Jesus was back in Judea, he had to travel about ten miles to track Him down in Cana. Jesus pronounced his son healed around one o'clock in the afternoon (see John 4:52-53), so the man could have journeyed the ten miles back to Capernaum that same day. But it wasn't until the _next_ day, before he arrived home, that he met some of his own servants who told him the good news about his son. So obviously, the governmental official trusted Jesus enough that he didn't rush home to see _if_ His promise had actually come to pass! Resting in Jesus' promise, he apparently stayed overnight in Cana, and departed the next day for his home in Capernaum.

This is a good lesson for us to learn as well. People who trust God don't worry. They know the outcome of their present problems in advance, so they can rest in God's promises. God doesn't want us to be worrywarts!

Q. Is there anything you are worried about? If so, is there a promise in the Bible that you can believe so you can stop your worrying?

Q. Yesterday we read about Jesus healing a servant who belonged to a man who had several servants (see Matthew 8:9; Luke 7:8), which tells us that the man was wealthy enough to have servants. Today we read about Jesus healing the son of a man who was also wealthy enough to have several servants (see John 4:51). Why do you think Jesus helped people who had so much money?

A. Because God loves everyone, rich and poor. Additionally, we shouldn't assume that God is holding something against a person just because he's rich. There are many rich people in the Bible of whom God approved. They obeyed God with their money by blessing others. The centurion we read about yesterday apparently used some of his money to help the Jews build a synagogue.

Application: _The final outcome of this healing miracle was that the official "and his entire household believed in Jesus" (John 4:53). Naturally, all of them were convinced that Jesus was the Son of God after witnessing the official's son being suddenly healed at the exact time when Jesus, ten miles away, said he would live. That ought to be enough to convince anyone!_

# DAY 44, Luke 7:11-17 Jesus Raises a Widow's Son From the Dead

O how I would love to have been present to see this miracle in person! How about you? If we use our imaginations, however, picturing in our minds what happened that day outside the gate of Nain, we can still share in some of the thrill of the eyewitnesses.

A weeping woman, who had already suffered the tragedy of her husband's death, is now following the funeral procession of her only son, trudging to the place where a fresh grave has been dug in the ground, right beside the place where her husband's body lay. Carried on a pallet in front of her is her son's lifeless body, cold, still and white, a child who once walked, laughed and held her hand. She has no other children of her own to comfort her, but her relatives and neighbors are walking with her, weeping out loud, sympathetic to her adversity, but helpless to do anything to reverse her misfortune. Many are wondering why God would allow their friend to face such anguish, and at the same time, secretly thankful that they are not wearing her shoes. Her future looks bleak with no husband or son to support her. How could things be worse?

That day the Holy Spirit led Jesus to the village of Nain, with a plan to turn mourning into joy and to glorify the Son of God. When Jesus saw the funeral procession, His "heart overflowed with compassion" (Luke 7:13), and He walked over to the coffin bearers and stopped them. Then, with the same spoken power He used to create the universe, Jesus commanded the dead boy to get up, which he instantly did! Shock waves of astonishment rippled through the crowd as the boy began speaking. He was dead, but now is truly alive! As the stunned crowd tried to make sense of what their eyes had just witnessed, Jesus helped the boy off his funeral pallet and gave him to his mother. No doubt they embraced with tears of joy and praise to God.

Although Jesus doesn't intervene every time people face similar tragedies, this story should remind us that He does deeply care when we suffer. Additionally, it proves that Jesus has power over death, and strengthens our faith that He is certainly the Son of God. There are no other religions in the world that claim that their founder raised people from the dead!

Q. Can you think of a reason why someone being raised from the dead is a greater miracle than someone being healed?

A. When a person is raised from the dead, he also has to be healed of whatever killed him, otherwise he'd immediately die again. Additionally, every cell in his body is healed, because all of them die once he's dead.

Q. What do you think would have been your reaction if you had seen Jesus perform this miracle?

Application: _Our Savior is master over death, and we've been delivered from our fear of it (see Hebrews 2:15). One day Jesus will resurrect every person who has died, and one day we will be united with our loved ones who have died in Christ. The joy this widow experienced when her son came back to life is nothing compared to the joy we'll have in heaven!_

# DAY 45, Luke 7:18-35 John the Baptist Questions Jesus

While John the Baptist was imprisoned by Herod (see Matthew 11:2), it was apparent that he began to doubt that Jesus actually was the Messiah, even though he had seen the Holy Spirit descend upon Jesus at His baptism. Just as we often do, John began to battle doubts when he faced adversity. This shows us that John was an ordinary person like the rest of us.

Jesus replied to John's questions by speaking of His authenticating miracles. The blind, lame, deaf and leprous were being healed. Even the dead were being raised. Only the Messiah sent from God could do such things.

John's doubts may have also stemmed from his misunderstanding of God's Word, just as our misunderstanding of God's Word sometimes fuels our doubts. Perhaps John was expecting the Messiah to set up the long-awaited kingdom, as the Old Testament promised He would. John's problem is that he didn't sufficiently understand all that the Old Testament promised concerning the Messiah. With His reply, Jesus may have been pointing him back to Scripture, specifically to a messianic prophecy in the book of Isaiah. Jesus knew John realized that Isaiah 40:3 was a reference to his own ministry. John had once quoted it, explaining his identity to some Jewish priests: "I am a voice shouting in the wilderness, Ô Prepare a straight pathway for the Lord's coming.'" In His reply to John, Jesus may very well have been quoting from Isaiah 61:1, a passage that refers to the Messiah's healing and preaching ministry.

Although John experienced temporary doubts about Jesus, Jesus still called him the greatest man who ever lived. This indicated that John wasn't great because of anything _he_ did, but because of what God did through him. He was chosen before conception in his mother's womb to be a prophet, a prophet who would prepare the way for the Messiah. His ministry had been foretold in the Old Testament. God made him into a bold, anointed preacher, and multitudes of people repented as a result.

The amazing thing that Jesus said is that "even the most insignificant person in the Kingdom of God" will be greater than John the Baptist. John was the greatest person who ever lived because of what God did through him, but every one of us will one day be able to rightly consider ourselves greater, because of what God will do through us in His kingdom! Wow! Perhaps it will be then that Jesus' amazing promise of John 14:12 will come to pass: "The truth is, anyone who believes in me will do the same works I have done, and even greater works..." John the Baptist never performed any miracles, but, speaking of His miracles (see John 14:12), Jesus said all believers would do the same works and even greater works! Can you imagine being used by God to heal the blind, lame and deaf, or raise someone from the dead? The Bible says that we will one day rule with Jesus for a thousand years over the whole earth, and perhaps it is then that we can look forward to being used by God so greatly!

Q. When we are tempted to doubt that Jesus is the Messiah and Son of God, what would be the best way we could eradicate our doubts?  
A. By re-examining the evidence for these facts in the Bible. God's Word builds faith within us.

Application: _In the final part of today's reading, Jesus compared those who rejected Him to children arguing with one another, who, no matter what, can't be pleased. Jesus' enemies found fault with John the Baptist for his fasting and abstinence, and criticized Jesus for His feasting and drinking. It wasn't that they couldn't believe; it was that they didn't want to believe, and so they used any and every excuse they could think of to remain unbelieving and disobedient. As sad as it may seem, there are some people whom we will never convince to believe the gospel._

# DAY 46, Luke 7:36-50 A Forgiven Woman Shows Her Faith and Gratitude

This woman who kissed Jesus' feet probably had a reputation as a prostitute. Although the Bible contains no such record, it seems likely that Jesus had previously ministered to her, accepting her repentance and forgiving her many sins. Now, at Simon the Pharisee's house, she returned to show her love and gratitude for her Savior. It's quite obvious she believed that Jesus was God in the form of a human being: How many people's feet would you wash with your tears and dry with your hair? How many people's feet would you repeatedly kiss and perfume? Hopefully only God's!

This story, for several reasons, also affirms that Jesus was who He claimed to be. First, because Jesus allowed the woman to do all those things to His feet, and there's no evidence that He was the least bit uncomfortable with it. Why? Because He was God, and God deserves to be worshipped. Would you allow someone to do that to you? Hopefully not! Any other human being who allowed another person to perform such a worshipful act would be guilty of great pride.

Second, Jesus told the woman that her sins were forgiven, something that only God has a right to do, as those present that day realized. If Jesus wasn't God, then He was one of the most evil people who ever lived, because He knowingly deceived people into believing that He was God and accepted worship of which only God is worthy. If you don't love Jesus, then you hate Him! But nobody should be neutral about Him, because He wasn't, as some think, "just a good man." Simon the Pharisee thought that what he was witnessing proved that Jesus wasn't even a God-sent prophet.

Simon assumed that a God-sent prophet would automatically know how immoral the woman was. It hadn't occurred to him that Jesus was God and that the woman had repented and had been forgiven by Him. So Jesus explained to him what was happening before his eyes. He was witnessing a redeemed person worshipping God with humble gratitude. Because she had been forgiven of so many sins, she was especially thankful, and it showed.

Then Jesus compared her actions with Simon's. Simon hadn't even offered Jesus the common courtesies of that day which any dinner guest should have received. No doubt Simon had a servant wash the feet of his other guests when they arrived, but he hadn't even offered Jesus water to wash His own feet! Yet the forgiven woman washed His feet with her tears and wiped them with her hair. Simon hadn't greeted Jesus with a common kiss of greeting as he had his other guests, but the forgiven woman repeatedly kissed His feet, an act of adoration. Neither had Simon extended to Jesus the common courtesy of anointing His head with olive oil as he probably had done for his other guests, but the forgiven woman anointed Jesus' feet with rare and very expensive perfume.

Simon's discourtesy revealed that he didn't invite Jesus to his house for dinner in order to get to know Him or ask Him honest questions, but to set Him up before his other Pharisee friends, so they could have a close-up chance to find fault with Him. They hated Jesus, and wanted to prove He wasn't even a God-sent prophet. How sad! If they had known and believed the truth, there would have been no room for the forgiven woman near Jesus' feet, because they would have all been on their knees there, weeping for their sins and asking for His forgiveness!

Q. How was the forgiven woman able to perform her act of worship while Jesus was eating with Simon and some other Pharisees? Do you think that she crawled under the table or did she stick her head under His chair?

A. That was a trick question! In Jesus' day, people ate their meals lying on their sides around a very low table, their legs pointed outward like spokes on a bicycle wheel. The woman in today's story knelt behind Jesus' feet and legs, where she was easily able to wash His feet with her tears and dry them with her hair.

Q. According to Jesus, what was it that channeled salvation from Him to the immoral woman?

A. Her faith in Him.

Q. How can we be certain that she did possess saving faith?

A. Her humble act of worship revealed her faith. She publicly, without shame, demonstrated that she believed Jesus was God. All true Christians possess a deep gratitude to God for the forgiveness of their sins, and it shows by how they live their lives.

Application: _Jesus said that a person who has been forgiven much, loves much, and a person who has been forgiven of little, loves little. Actually, all of us who are saved have been forgiven of much more than we realize. Does your love and gratitude for Jesus show by how you live?_

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_  DAY 47, Luke 8:1-3; 10:38-42 A Few Good Women

The United States Marines often advertise for recruits, saying they are looking for "a few good men." Jesus, however, found a few good men _and_ women as the first recruits for His growing army. They loved Him because He first loved them. According to what we just read, some of the female recruits had been previously ill or demon-possessed. Mary Magdalene, whom you will one day meet in heaven, had been delivered of seven demons, which tells us that she had been in a horrible condition before she met Jesus. Unsaved people can allow the entrance of demons into them by practicing wicked things, and so it's quite possible that Mary Magdalene was formerly a _very_ sinful person. But Jesus delivered and forgave her, and now she was following Him closely. She was the very first person to see Him after He had risen from the dead!

Another one of Jesus' female followers was Joanna, the wife of Herod's business manager. She, along with Mary Magdalene, was one of the first people to see Christ's empty tomb. She also helped to support Jesus and His disciples financially. Since Joanna's husband made his living working for Herod, it was actually some of Herod's money that was used to buy food for Jesus.

People who are true followers of Christ, male or female, want to support His cause, and one of the ways they do that is with their money. Today, Christ's followers financially support His cause by giving money to their church, missionaries and mission works. Anyone who claims to be Christ's follower (and who makes money) but gives no money to Christ's cause is only fooling himself. Do you give a portion of the money you receive to Christ's cause?

Joanna and her husband, who worked for the occupying Roman government's ruler were probably looked upon by most other Jews as traitors. But Jesus gladly accepted her as a member of His band of disciples, right along with a number of other people even though their reputations might hurt His. But Jesus was motivated by pure love, and He was unconcerned what judgmental people might think of Him because of those with whom He associated. We should follow His example.

Today we also read about _another_ Mary and her sister Martha, two women who were very good friends of Jesus. Jesus visited their home one day, and as Martha diligently worked to prepare dinner, Mary sat at Jesus' feet, listening to His teaching. Martha was trying to be a good hostess, worrying about every little detail, and she became angry that her sister wasn't helping her with all the preparations.

Under most other circumstances, her anger might have been justified, because her sister should have been helping her. But that day, _God_ was visiting their house! That doesn't happen often! Jesus commended Mary for her right priorities. Spiritual food is more important than physical food, especially when it is being served by God Himself!

Q. If there is work to be done at your house by you and your brother(s) and/or sister(s), based on what Jesus told Mary, is it OK if you don't help carry your share as long as you grab your Bible and start reading it?

A. Sorry! You can read your Bible any time, and you certainly shouldn't use Bible reading as an excuse to get out of acting like a Christian! Mary's case was different because Jesus was physically present and was teaching. I suppose if He had been taking a nap, He would have agreed with Martha.

Q. What do you think Jesus would say to the person who skips church on Sunday morning because he or she has so much to do to prepare for the church picnic on Sunday afternoon?

A. He would tell them that their priorities were mixed up.

Application: _God loves women just as much as men. Therefore, no Christians should think of themselves as being superior to the opposite sex._

# DAY 48, Matthew 12:22-37 Jesus is Accused of Working for the Devil

Today we realize even more how wicked the Pharisees were. After witnessing the instantaneous deliverance of a man who had been both blind and unable to talk, they claimed that Jesus got His power to cast out demons from Satan. Most of the other witnesses whose hearts weren't so hard began wondering out loud if Jesus was the Messiah.

Jesus easily exposed the lie of the Pharisees' accusation. Why would Satan empower someone to cast out his own evil spirits that he had commissioned? He would be undoing his own work, and if he continued, his kingdom would be doomed to self-destruction.

Jesus also mentioned that some of the Pharisees' own followers were casting out demons. Were they empowered by Satan as well? The Pharisees would of course deny such a thing, showing their double standard.

Jesus then explained that He cast out demons by the power of the Holy Spirit, who is much stronger than any evil spirit. The Bible says that Jesus came to "destroy the works of the devil" (1 John 3:8, NASB). Jesus explained that by using greater power, He was able to "tie up the strong man," Satan, and rob him of his possessions, the people he'd held captive. He then went on to warn the Pharisees that they were guilty of a sin that could never be forgiven: blasphemy against the Holy Spirit. What is that? The Pharisees were saying that the marvelous works of the Holy Spirit were actually works of the devil. That is blasphemy, aimed specifically at the Holy Spirit. When someone's heart is so hard that he can see the power of the Holy Spirit instantly heal a blind and mute man, and then call it the work of Satan, there is no hope for him to be saved. The condition of his heart is so bad that forgiveness is out of the realm of possibilities.

Sometimes the devil convinces young Christians that they have somehow blasphemed the Holy Spirit by something they've thought or said. But no true Christian could commit this sin. In fact, if you're even concerned that you've committed this sin, that proves you haven't, otherwise you wouldn't be concerned.

Referring to the Pharisees, Jesus said that the condition of their hearts was revealed by their words, just as fruit reveals whether a tree is good or bad. A bad tree can't produce good fruit, and likewise, evil men can't say "what is good and right" (Matthew 12:34). When people one day stand before God to be either allowed into heaven or thrown into hell, the words they spoke on earth will be used as evidence to prove whether they are saved or unsaved. People who have truly believed in Jesus will have spoken kind words, forgiving words, words about God and Jesus, words from the Bible, and words of praise and thanksgiving to God. People who have never believed in Jesus will have spoken many hateful, selfish words, words that mocked the Bible and Christians, and even used God's name as a swear word. Do your words prove that you're a believer in Jesus?

Q. How do you suppose some of the Pharisees' own followers were able to cast out demons?

A. We can read in another Gospel something that John once reported to Jesus, "Teacher, we saw a man using your name to cast out demons, but we told him to stop because he isn't one of our group" (Mark 9:38). Jesus replied, "Don't stop him!...No one who performs miracles in my name will soon be able to speak evil of me" (Mark 9:39). So we learn that other people, even those who weren't followers of Jesus, _were using His name_ to cast out demons. They had discovered a way to cast out demons that worked: tell the demons to come out _in Jesus' name_! That shows us that there's a lot of power in the name of Jesus! It also indicates that the followers of the Pharisees who were casting out demons must not have been too devoted to the Pharisees. Their hearts were obviously more open to Jesus, and they were on the verge of believing in Him.

Q. Jesus said that any city or home divided against itself is doomed. Can that same principle be applied to a church?

A. Yes. God wants His people to be unified, but when Christians in the same church start fighting with one another, it can ruin their church. The more unified we are, the stronger we are.

Application: _The Holy Spirit is a million times more powerful than any evil spirit from Satan. That's why the Bible says, "The Spirit who lives in you is greater than the spirit who lives in the world" (1 John 4:4)._

# DAY 49, Matthew 12:38-45 The Pharisees Request a Sign from Jesus

One day some religious teachers and Pharisees asked Jesus to show them a miraculous sign to prove that He was from God. Jesus had performed many miracles already, healings in particular, and the Pharisees had surely heard the reports and even witnessed some themselves. So they were probably asking for something even more spectacular, like fire falling from the sky or the Sea of Galilee being divided in two.

Jesus replied that their request showed how evil and faithless they were, but then promised them a spectacular miraculous sign: Just as Jonah was in the belly of a great fish for three days and nights and came back to life, so He would spend three days and nights inside the earth and come back to life! That would prove beyond all doubt that Jesus was from God, because He was dead and only God could bring Him back to life! No magician could pull that off!

Jesus knew, however, that even after He was resurrected, the Pharisees and religious teachers would not believe in Him. Hoping to bring them to their senses, He told them what would happen when they stood before God's judgment seat. God would assemble the people of Nineveh who repented at Jonah's preaching, and they would condemn those who rejected Jesus. Additionally, God would bring before His judgment seat the Queen of Sheba, who was so spiritually hungry that she journeyed hundreds of miles to hear Solomon's God-given wisdom. She also would condemn the Pharisees and religious teachers for rejecting Christ. Both she and the people of Nineveh demonstrated an openness to the truth, and were convinced of the truth with much less proof than that which God had granted to those to whom Jesus was speaking.

Finally, Jesus compared the people of His time to a demon-possessed person who was temporarily delivered. After the demon had gone out, the person's condition improved and he was temporarily clean. But he then allowed the demon to come back into him, and this time that demon brought with him seven other more wicked demons. Consequently, the man became more wicked than he was previously.

This comparison has been proven universally true. Our own nation has experienced several periods of national repentance and revival, however, the effects are short-lived. After a period of years the nation slides back into sin, and the people become more sinful than those who lived before the last revival. We are praying for another revival in our nation, but there will be no lasting righteousness until God's kingdom comes.

Q. Did you notice that Jesus claimed to be greater than both Jonah and Solomon? Isn't that an indication that He was prideful?

A. No, it's another indication that Jesus was God in the form of a human being. It would be prideful for any other human being to make such a claim. God, however, can't think too highly of Himself, because He is by far the greatest person ever. It would be impossible for Him to be guilty of pride.

Q. If a person is possessed by a demon or demons, but then becomes born again and delivered, according to what we just read, does he have to worry about becoming demon-possessed again?

A. A person who is born again has the Holy Spirit living inside him, and so he could never be demon-possessed and Spirit-born at the same time. The demons that formerly possessed him may come back to tempt him, but he can use God's Word, believing and obeying it, to resist them, and they will flee (see James 4:7). In the passage we just read, Jesus was making a comparison to describe the deteriorating spiritual condition of His generation. He wasn't trying to convey that every demon-possessed person who is delivered eventually becomes more demon-possessed.

Application: _Today we learned about the varying receptivity of people to the truth. Entire cities sometimes collectively repent, while other, more spiritually privileged groups of people harden their hearts. How would you rate your city's or country's receptivity to the truth? Do you think the people are becoming more or less receptive?_

# DAY 50, Matthew 12:46-50 Jesus' Mother and Brothers

This short section in Matthew's Gospel serves as additional evidence that Jesus was God in the form of a human being. Although He had a mother, four half-brothers and at least two half-sisters, He did not think of them like you or I think of our mother, brothers, or sisters. We consider our relationships with them as special, and unlike what we share with any other people on earth. They're our own "flesh and blood." Jesus, however, considered Himself to be more closely related to those who, as He said, do the will of His Father in heaven. Had He been _only_ a human being and not God, His reaction to the request of His mother and brothers to see Him could be considered thoughtless, uncaring, and even sinful. But because He was God, He spoke the pure truth, testifying that He had a closer, more important relationship with those who obeyed God than He did with His own mother and brothers.

At least two other points could be made about this short passage. When Jesus declared that His disciples had a relationship with Him that could be best compared to the relationships between family members, He endorsed the fact that family relationships ought to be the closest relationships among human beings. Again, notice that when He wanted to make a point about the closeness of His relationship with His disciples, He used a comparison of relationships within a family. He did not say, "Who are My favorite neighbors?" or, "Who are My best friends at school?" but, "Who is my mother? Who are my brothers?" (Matthew 12:48).

In our perverted and ungodly culture, many families are fragmented. Parents and children are alienated from one another; brothers and sisters hate each other. Families slowly drift apart as individual members seek deeper relationships elsewhere. That which God has intended to be an institution for building our closest relationships is often just a dormitory at best or a battleground at worst. But Christian families shouldn't be like that. God wants your closest relationships to be with your father, mother, sisters and brothers. It may sound hard to believe if you and your brother(s) and/or sister(s) are enemies, but _God wants you to be very close friends_. Are you?

There is, however, one possible exception to this, also made clear in this short passage in Matthew's Gospel. Just as Jesus acknowledged that His relationships with His spiritual brothers were higher than His relationships with his physical brothers, the same is true for all followers of Christ. As Christians, we can and should have relationships with one another that transcend the best relationships that non-Christians have with their own family members. If some or all of your family members aren't Christians, you may well have closer relationships with people outside your family, people who are believers like you. This doesn't mean, however, that you should neglect your relationships with unsaved members of your family. Rather, you should love them with God's love, attempting to win them to Christ. And if all of your family members are saved, then you are doubly blessed to have such special relationships with people who are your physical _and_ spiritual brothers and sisters!

Q. How would you describe your family and the relationships between members? Are you very close, close, not so close, drifting apart, or splintered? What could you do to improve the relationships within your family?

Q. How much time does your family spend doing things together? Do you think the amount of time you spend together is sufficient to build your closest relationships? Do the things you do together as a family truly contribute to drawing you closer to one another, or are they non-productive things, such as watching TV?

Application: _As believers in Jesus, we are members of the most wonderful family in the world. We've got millions of brother and sisters in heaven and on earth, an awesome big brother named Jesus, and a Father who cares for us like no other!   _

# DAY 51, Matthew 13:1-23 Jesus Tells a Story About Different Soils

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The best way to teach is to take what a person already understands and relate it to what he needs to understand. For example, if a person didn't know what a donut was, you could explain it by saying that donuts are round with holes in the middle, like car tires, but small enough to hold with one hand. They taste something like bread, and often have sweet-tasting icing on top, and so on.

Jesus wanted His followers to understand certain spiritual principles, and He explained those principles using parables, stories that compared natural things with spiritual things. Jesus' parables were not only meant to help His followers understand spiritual concepts, they were also designed to hide those same truths from those who were not His followers. Jesus, of course, wants _everyone_ to be His follower, but only those who _decide_ to become His followers receive certain privileges, such as going to heaven in the future and understanding spiritual truths right now. Jesus said, "To those who are open to my teaching, more understanding will be given, and they will have an abundance of knowledge" (Matthew 13:12). But those people who weren't open to His teaching would be cursed to remain ignorant of wonderful spiritual truths.

This particular parable we just read explains why so many people who hear God's truth are not changed by it. Speaking to people who understood about planting seeds, growing plants and harvesting a crop, Jesus compared God's Word to seeds and people to four different types of soil. Just as a seed planted in good soil sprouts, grows and bears fruit, so God's Word planted in a receptive heart will produce a changed life. But the same seed planted in poor soil will never produce fruit. It's important to realize that in Jesus' story, the seed and the sower, unlike the soils, didn't change. The reason that some people are never saved has nothing to do with God and everything to do with people's receptivity.

Jesus first spoke of seeds falling on a footpath. The soil there was packed hard from people always walking on it, so the seeds couldn't penetrate. Jesus said that this soil represents people who don't understand the good news. The reason they don't understand it is not because they can't understand it, but because they _don't want to_ understand it. Anyone, even a child, can understand that Jesus is the Son of God who died on the cross for his sins. And God certainly wouldn't hold someone responsible to understand something that is impossible for him to understand.

God's Word can't penetrate hardened hearts, and like the exposed seed that is quickly eaten by birds, so God's Word is snatched from hardened hearts by the devil. When that happens, a person who could have been born again remains unchanged.

The second type of soil Jesus spoke of was a shallow, thin layer over rocks. If you've ever planted anything in shallow soil, you can understand exactly what Jesus was talking about. The seed sprouts and the plant begins to grow, but when the sun shines, the shallow soil quickly dries, and the young plant withers and dies. This soil represents the person who enthusiastically receives the gospel at first, but when he faces trouble or persecution because of his new belief, his faith quickly dies. Most pastors and evangelists have seen a lot of people like that. Saving faith is a faith that perseveres no matter what. Every Christian will have his faith tested in difficulties and persecution, so hold fast to your faith.

In Jesus' third example, the seed fell on ground where thorn seeds had also been sown. The thorns ultimately dominated, and the little shoots from the good seeds were choked by the thorns and died. This represents a person who receives God's Word but doesn't make it his highest priority. Other things become more important, like making money. The good news about Jesus demands our utmost attention, because through it, Jesus calls us to be His devoted followers. You can't have a casual relationship with the Lord.

Finally, Jesus talked about the good soil where the seed sprouts, grows and produces fruit. Of the four types of soil, only this kind represents a person who is saved in the end. Only this kind produces fruit. Those fruits would include the fruit of the Spirit listed in the book of Galatians: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control (see Galatians 5:22). It would also include the fruit of obedience.

If you've become a true follower of Jesus, you can rejoice that you are good soil! Aren't you glad you are?

Q. According to this parable, will every Christian produce the same amount of fruit?

A. No, some produce thirty, some sixty, and some one hundred fold. Additionally, fruit is something that gradually ripens, and every Christian can grow in the fruit of the Spirit. Some of us still have some green apples, but at least they're apples!

It is also important to understand that if a person has no fruit at all, he is not really saved. Every true Christian will bear some fruit.

Q. Even though all true Christians could be classified as good soil, do you think there's any possibility of our soil becoming like any of the other three kinds?

A. Yes, there is that possibility, and we should guard ourselves from allowing it to happen. The writer of the book of Hebrews said, "Take care, brethren, lest there should be in any one of you an evil, unbelieving heart, in falling away from the living God" (Hebrews 3:12, NASB). This warns us that good soil can become bad soil.

Application: _The most wonderful thing is when we meet an unsaved person who is receptive, like the good soil of this parable. Let's pray today for God to direct us to encounter people like that, so we can share the good news with them._

# DAY 52, Matthew 13:24-43 Mustard Seeds and Satan's Weeds

The people who weren't Jesus' followers heard Him tell many parables, but they didn't understand what He was talking about. Jesus, however, would always explain the parables to His followers later on because they were open to the truth (see Mark 4:34). Aren't you glad that the Bible records many of Jesus' explanations so that His modern-day followers can also understand His parables?

Today we read the parable of the wheat and the tares. Tares are weeds that look very much like wheat, but when the wheat begins to produce grain, the tares produce nothing. From God's perspective, there are only two categories of people in the earth: "the people of the Kingdom" who are the followers of Jesus, and "the people who belong to the evil one" who are not followers of Jesus. Although saved and unsaved people look a lot alike, what differentiates them is their fruit, or lifestyles. True believers in Jesus act like it, just as true wheat produces grain.

At present, God is allowing both saved and unsaved to live side by side. But that will not always be the case. At the end of the world the two categories will be separated, and the unsaved will be gathered by God's angels and thrown into hell where there will be "weeping and gnashing of teeth" (Matthew 13:42). The godly people, however, will live together forever in God's kingdom with brand new glorified bodies. Perhaps Jesus was literally referring to those new bodies when He said we will "shine like the sun" (Matthew 13:43). (And you thought you were a bright kid now!)

Two other parables we read today illustrate the future outcome of what Jesus began two thousand years ago. Both parables are about things that grow large after a small start. A mustard seed is so tiny that it's difficult to see without a magnifying glass, but it grows into a huge plant. So God's kingdom began very small, with just Jesus and a few disciples. But it has been growing ever since then, and one day there will be nothing other than God's kingdom. And, only a little bit of yeast is added to bread dough to make it rise, but that little yeast permeates the entire lump, ultimately affecting the whole loaf of bread. So, too, one day Jesus' influence will affect the entire world. That is the day we're waiting for!

Q. Can you imagine living in a world where everyone is obedient to God and has a glorified body? Can you think of some things people now use that won't be necessary in God's kingdom?

A. Door locks, guns, burglar alarms, band-aids, and deodorant to name a few!

Q. Jesus never once referred to people as Christians and non-Christians. In what we read today, He defined people as either being "people of the kingdom" or people "who belong to the evil one," evildoers or godly (see Matthew 13:38,41,43). What do these terms tell us about who really is a Christian and who is not?

A. They tell us that people who are evildoers and claim to be Christians are not really Christians.

Application: _Most people think that things will always be the way they are right now. But what we read today from the lips of God's Son indicates that is not the case. The wisest thing anyone can do is to get ready for the eternal future, regardless of what anyone else thinks. Although Christians may be in the minority right now, one day we'll be a 100% majority._

# DAY 53, Matthew 13:44-50 Hidden Treasures, Priceless Pearls and Fishing Nets

In the ancient land of Israel where Jesus lived and taught, on occasion, people accidentally found hidden treasures that had been buried hundreds of years beforehand by some wealthy member of a forgotten civilization. Naturally, if the fortunate finder didn't own the land where he found the treasure, he would attempt to buy it, thus gaining the land and, more importantly, the treasure. If the purchaser thought the treasure was valuable enough, he might sell everything he owned to have enough money to purchase the field. It would be worth it, however, because he would regain all he sold and more, once the treasure was in his hands.

A place in the kingdom of heaven is like that because it is the most valuable thing anyone could possess, and it would be worth giving up anything and everything else to gain it. People who truly believe the gospel, who believe there is a place in heaven to gain, value their salvation above all else, and it shows in their lives. They repent of their sins and will give up anything that they know might keep them out of heaven. Their relationship with Jesus is the most important thing. It is their hidden treasure and their priceless pearl!

I'm sure you easily understood the parable of the fishing net, so there's no need for my explanation. However, this would be a good time to learn something about interpreting Jesus' parables. Usually, each parable serves to illustrate one primary point, and to try to find spiritual significance in every detail of a parable is dangerous. The point of the parable of the fishing net is that there are two categories of people in the world: the wicked and the))) godly. One day they will be separated, and the wicked will be cast into hell. That's what Jesus wanted to teach through this parable. There is no spiritual significance to the net, the beach or the crates mentioned by Jesus, and we shouldn't look for any.

Q. What would you be willing to take as a trade for your salvation?

A. If you answered, "A billion dollars," or named anything else, you probably don't really believe the gospel. True believers value their salvation above all else. There is nothing they would take in trade for it.

Application: _When the men of the first two parables realized what could be theirs, they did whatever it took to gain their desire. Following Jesus does cost us something, and many people decide not to follow Jesus because they value other things more highly than eternal life, like respect from other people, or their wealth that they don't want to share. We should value what God values, because He knows what is truly valuable.  _

# DAY 54, Mark 4:35-41; Jesus Calms a Storm

This story is a good illustration of what it means to trust God's Word. Jesus told His disciples, "Let's cross to the other side of the lake" (Mark 4:35), speaking of the Sea of Galilee. At that point, they knew it was His will to go to the other side, and Jesus expected them to believe what He said. However, after they launched out, they soon found themselves in a fierce storm, and waves were breaking over the edge of the boat, filling it with water. Amazingly, Jesus was taking a nap! He obviously believed, unlike His disciples, that they were going to make it to the other side of the lake.

Little children are often scared over things that their parents, who have a higher knowledge, aren't the least bit concerned about. We are often like those fearful little children and God is always like the confident parent. Like little children, we should look at our Father's confidence and have faith. When we trust Him, we can sleep even when things are going badly, because we know God has everything under control. Fear and anxiety are what keep people up all night long.

Jesus' disciples should have followed His example, believing His Word in spite of their predicament. They should have realized that if Jesus was asleep, He must not have been worried, and so there was no cause for them to be concerned either. They were, however, petrified over what was happening to them, and finally woke Jesus, who immediately calmed the wind and waves with a rebuke. Can you imagine seeing such a violent storm immediately stop?

After rebuking the wind and waves, Jesus then rebuked His disciples, asking why they were so afraid and why they had no faith in Him. _God expects us to trust Him._

Jesus' disciples were too stunned by what they'd just seen to attempt to answer Him, and probably missed what He was hoping they'd learn. But they would soon have another chance to use their faith against some wind out in the middle of the Sea of Galilee, only next time, Jesus wouldn't be in the boat with them! God is a great teacher!

Q. Certainly Jesus was always in the center of His Father's will, and was surely led by the Holy Spirit to cross over the Sea of Galilee that evening. And certainly God knew there would be a violent storm that would threaten their lives as Jesus and His disciples crossed. So why do you suppose God led Jesus to cross the Sea of Galilee when He did?

A. We don't know for sure, because the Bible doesn't say. However, we can read other stories in the Bible where God led His own people into difficulties with the purpose of delivering them. He wants us to learn to trust Him, and times of trial are great times to trust God! God may have been teaching the disciples a lesson about faith, as well as glorifying His Son before them.

Q. When you face difficulties that you can't control, what do you think God would want you to do?

A. He wants us to trust Him, taking Him at His Word. Of course, unless we know what He has said, we have nothing to trust. That is why it is so worthwhile to know the Bible. That is the only place we can find God's promises.

Application: _The only time we should worry about our circumstances is when God is worried about them. But since God never worries, we should never worry either!_

# DAY 55, Mark 5:1-20 Jesus Delivers a Demon-Possessed Man

As we read yesterday, not only did Jesus have authority over the wind, commanding it to stop, He also had authority over evil spirits. Remember John the Baptist said that God had given Jesus "authority over everything" (John 3:35). The demons that possessed the man we've just read about were obviously very powerful, to the point of being able to empower the man with the strength to break chains. However, they were no match for Jesus. In fact, all the evil spirits in the world together don't have a fraction of the power that God has.

The demons who inhabited this man drove him to do strange things. He lived in a cemetery, wandering through the tombs night and day without any clothes, screaming and cutting himself with stones. That shows us how wicked the devil and his evil spirits are. Because people are created in God's image, Satan loves to see that image marred. If you've ever had an enemy draw a mustache on a photograph of yourself, you have some idea what I mean. Satan would love it if every person would become demon-possessed and act like that man did.

Notice how afraid the demons were of Jesus. When Jesus came ashore, the demon-possessed man ran to meet Him and fell down before Him. Was that act the man's own doing or was he being motivated by the demons? Probably it was the demons, because it's unlikely the man had any idea of who Jesus was. The main demon, however, named Legion, knew Jesus was the Son of God, and confessed it through the man's shrieking voice, begging Jesus not to torture him. Later, all the demons repeatedly begged Jesus not to send them "to some distant place" (Mark 5:10). Those demons were scared to death of Jesus, because they knew who He was and what He could do! They were bowing before Him hoping for some mercy!

Also notice that Jesus asked the main demon inside the man what his name was. This is another indication that although Jesus was God, when He became a man He laid aside His attribute of omniscience, or knowing everything. God the Father, of course, knew what the demon's name was.

I don't know why Jesus gave the demons permission to go into the nearby herd of pigs. Perhaps it was just to display God's great power. Can you imagine seeing a herd of 2,000 serenely grazing pigs suddenly going crazy, stampeding to their deaths down a hill into a lake? This also seems to indicate that at least 2,000 demons were previously living inside one man. Either demons can squash really close together, or, more likely, there is no such thing as space in the spiritual realm.

This story should fill us with awe at the mercy, goodness and power of the Lord. One day in heaven we'll meet the man who was delivered, and rejoice with him for all that God has done for us. Not all of us were demon-possessed before our salvation, but all of us have been delivered from Satan's power over our lives.

Q. Should Christians be afraid of demons?

A. Absolutely not, because demons are afraid of Jesus who lives in all Christians.

Q. Wasn't it wrong of Jesus to allow the demons to go into someone else's pigs? Surely the owners were upset over the loss of 2,000 pigs.

A. Actually, Jesus' allowing the demons to enter the pigs serves as another proof that He was God, because God owns everything, including those 2,000 pigs. God can do anything He desires with people's private property, because it's more His property than theirs! Additionally, the Jews were forbidden in the Law to eat pork, and so perhaps the owners of those pigs were breaking God's law, and what Jesus allowed was an act of judgment.

Finally, this story also teaches us the value that God places on people, who are created in His image, compared to animals, who are not. One man is worth much more than 2,000 pigs! This is a message to our perverted society, which allows the killing of baby humans but forbids the killing of certain animals.

Application: _The people of the region who saw the formerly-possessed man were filled with fear, and rather than bowing before the Son of God and requesting forgiveness for their sins, they begged Him to leave them alone. Jesus sadly granted them their request, but instructed the delivered man to return to his friends with his testimony. This is a picture of the whole world today. They really don't want Jesus around, but Jesus, hoping that they will soften, has sent us, those He's delivered from Satan's power, to tell others what God has done for us._

# DAY 56, Mark 5:21-43 Jesus Raises a Dead Girl and Heals a Sick Woman

  In both of the healing stories we read today, faith was a factor. Jairus believed that if Jesus would lay His hands upon his dying daughter, she would live. His faith was evident from his actions. First, he journeyed to Jesus who was by the seashore. And second, he made his way through a crowd, fell at Jesus' feet, and publicly begged Him to come and lay His hands on his daughter, stating that she would live if He would. Only someone who had faith would do what Jairus did.

Also, when messengers from Jairus' house told him that his daughter had died, we read, "Jesus ignored their comments and said to Jairus, O Don't be afraid. Just trust me'" (Mark 5:36). Luke's Gospel records Jesus saying, "Don't be afraid. Just trust me, and she will be all right" (Luke 8:50). Naturally, Jairus was tempted to be afraid that his daughter would not be raised, but Jesus encouraged him to keep on believing. Obviously, Jairus' faith played a key part in his daughter's being raised from the dead.

The faith of the woman who had suffered for twelve years with internal bleeding also played an important role in her healing. Jesus plainly told her that it was her faith that had made her well (see Mark 5:34). Her faith was also evident by her actions. She, too, pressed through a crowd in order to touch Jesus. She had been thinking to herself, "If I can just touch his clothing, I will be healed" (Mark 5:28).

This helps us to understand better why more people aren't divinely healed today. If more of us truly believed, more of us would be healed. But we have been brain-washed (or better said, "brain-dirtied") to believe that God only chooses to heal some and not others. As a result, we doubt that we are among those whom God wants to heal, and our lack of faith stops our healing.

But this idea is proven to be biblically unsound by what we've just read. Obviously, healing is available to all who will believe, because the woman with internal bleeding was healed by Jesus _even before He knew who had touched Him_. He realized that power had gone out of Him for healing, but didn't know _who_ had been healed. Faith drew His healing power out, and it was available for anyone and everyone! The reason that woman believed Jesus would heal her was because she heard He never turned anyone away who came to Him requesting healing. She had heard that everyone who touched Him was healed.

This same story also disproves the idea that if it is God's will for someone to be healed, He will automatically heal that person. It was obviously God's will for the woman we just read about to be healed, but she wasn't healed until she did something: she put her faith into action. It was and is Jesus' will for everyone to be healed, but they have to do something. They have to put faith into action. It is just the same as salvation. God wants everyone to be saved, but not everyone is automatically saved. People have to believe the gospel.

One reason more preachers in America don't teach this truth is because they know it offends proud people who refuse to acknowledge that their lack of faith stops them from being healed. They would rather put the blame on God and His supposed will not to heal everyone.

Even people who believe that God wants them to be healed aren't always healed, because their faith is often very weak. I've personally experienced weak faith. But I would rather admit my weakness than say that God wants me to remain sick, contradicting His many healing promises. And I would rather have a weak faith that can grow stronger than be stuck with no faith for the rest of my life. And finally, I'm sure God would prefer weak or wavering faith over no faith at all!

Divine healing is a subject upon which we need to remain balanced. We shouldn't think that God condemns us for our lack of faith, or that He is opposed to our seeking a doctor's help. Jesus didn't condemn the sick woman in today's story for previously going to a doctor. But praise God that Jesus can fix _anything_ doctors can't! Let's trust Him more!

Q. According to something we've read today, is there any time when we should ignore people's comments?

A. Jesus ignored the negative reports that the messengers brought from Jairus' home. When anyone says something that contradicts what God has said, it's good to ignore it. We don't want to be influenced to doubt. Perhaps that is also the reason why Jesus cleared all the mourners from Jairus' house before He raised Jairus' daughter. Their weeping and wailing could have influenced Jairus and his wife to doubt, drawing their attention away from Jesus' promise to change their sad situation.

Q. Why do you suppose that Jesus commanded Jairus and his wife not to tell anyone what had happened?

A. Because Jesus already had more publicity than He needed. This also indicates that Jesus didn't raise and heal the little girl to prove that He was God's Son. He did it because He loved that family and wanted to help them.

Q. Why did Jesus instruct the parents to give their daughter some food?

A. Because her body needed nourishment, and Jesus was concerned that her parents, in their excitement, might overlook her need. Jesus really cares about people.

Application: _Today we read about a man who had something restored that he'd cherished for twelve years (see Luke 8:42) but lost. And we read about a woman who had something removed that she wanted to be rid of for twelve years. Jesus intervened in both situations at the same time, restoring and removing, according to the need. He is wonderful!_

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# DAY 57, Matthew 9:27-34 The Blind and Mute are Healed

According to Matthew's Gospel, these two miracles occurred right after the miracles we read about yesterday. Perhaps within the space of only one hour, Jesus healed a woman who had bled internally for twelve years, raised a young girl from the dead, opened the eyes of two blind men and cast a demon out of a man who had previously been unable to speak! No wonder the crowds who were with Him that day marveled. Yet the Pharisees, unable to improve upon their old explanation, continued to accuse Jesus of using Satan's power to cast out demons.

As we read yesterday's two miracles, we learned that faith was a key ingredient in both instances. Today's first miracle, the instant healing of two blind men, was also credited to faith. Jesus asked the blind men, "Do you believe I can make you see?" and they responded, "Yes, Lord, we do" (Matthew 9:28). What do you think would have happened if they had said, "No, Lord, we doubt it"? Obviously they would not have been healed, because Jesus then said, " _Because of your faith_ , it will happen" (Matthew 9:29, emphasis added). If they had not had faith, they would not have been healed, even though it was obviously God's will for them to be healed, because they _were_ healed.

This proves again that God's will doesn't always automatically come to pass. As I mentioned yesterday, this truth makes proud people angry, because they would rather put the blame on God, claiming that it's not His will for them to be healed, rather than admit that their faith is weak or nonexistent. However, Jesus said, "If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer" (Matthew 21:22). There are scores of examples in the Bible of people doing just that and receiving healing.

The faith of the two blind men was not only evident by what they said, it was evident by what they did. When they heard that Jesus was passing by, they followed along behind Him, shouting, "Son of David, have mercy on us!" It wouldn't have been easy to follow along behind Jesus without sight. Perhaps someone was guiding them. Notice also that, before crowds of people, they kept shouting to Jesus for mercy. They were obviously convinced He could open their eyes, and weren't ashamed to publicly and repeatedly ask Him. They were bold and persistent in their faith, to the point of going right inside the house where Jesus was staying! They would not be denied! True faith is always determined, and when people have strong faith, they don't quit.

Q. Nothing is mentioned in today's reading about the man who was mute having any faith. Is there any indication of his faith in the story?

A. Yes. The man must have possessed some amount of faith, or he wouldn't have cooperated with his friends who brought him to Jesus. It is also true that Jesus did sometimes heal people who apparently didn't demonstrate any outward signs of faith. Those cases could be categorized as "gifts of healing" mentioned in 1 Corinthians 12:9 (NASB). They operate as the Holy Spirit wills, and are sovereign acts of healing by God that don't necessarily require faith on the part of the person being healed.

Application: _You may not need to receive healing, but perhaps you are facing some other difficulty in which you could apply faith in God's Word. If so, imitate the faith of the two blind men we just read about. Be bold and persistent, and your faith will bring the miracle you need!_

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# DAY 58, Mark 6:1-6a Jesus Finds Little Faith in His Hometown

After reading the past two days about people who received miracles from Jesus through their faith, today we read about an entire town that, for the most part, missed out on receiving any miracles from Jesus because of their lack of faith. This once again proves that God's will coming to pass in our lives is dependent on our faith. Naturally, Jesus wanted to bring blessings to the people in the town where He had spent most of His life. The Bible, however, said that He couldn't do any mighty miracles there because of the people's unbelief (see Mark 6:5). This clearly indicates that He desired to do mighty miracles there. Notice also that the Bible said Jesus _couldn't_ , not _wouldn't_ do any mighty miracles there. It wasn't because He didn't want to perform mighty miracles for them, it was because He was actually limited by their unbelief.

All Christians know this is true concerning salvation, so why don't they realize that it's true concerning anything else we receive from God? It is God's will for everyone to be saved, but God's will doesn't come to pass in a person's life unless that person believes the gospel. That means there are people in hell right now whom God wanted to be in heaven. Likewise, if a person is ill, we should not conclude that it's God's will for that person to remain ill. God expects us to believe His Word, but so few do when it comes to healing because they've been wrongly taught that it may not be God's will for them to be healed. Thus they have no faith for healing, and Jesus is hindered by their unbelief.

Even when they pray for healing, many Christians confess their unbelief, saying, "Lord, if it is Your will, please heal me." They are admitting that they aren't sure what God's will is, which makes it _impossible_ for them to have faith. Faith can only be born from God's promises. Only when God's will is not revealed is it appropriate to say, "If it is Your will." Otherwise, we're saying to God, "Lord, I know what You've promised, but in case You were lying about it, I don't want to hold You to what You said." The Bible says, "Are any among you sick?...prayer offered in faith will heal the sick, and the Lord will make them well" (James 5:14-15). How can any Bible-believing Christian argue with that?

The reason the majority of people in Nazareth didn't believe in Jesus was because they had known Him and His family for decades. They knew He was a very good person, but they had no idea that He was God's Son. They refused to believe in Him, even though they had heard about His miracles in other places and heard Him speak before them with great wisdom. Thankfully, however, there were a few people in Nazareth who apparently had some faith, but who, as the original Greek indicates, had only minor ailments. Jesus laid His hands on them and healed them. But for the majority of people in Nazareth, Jesus was "amazed at their unbelief" (Mark 6:6).

Q. How do you think Jesus feels about the lack of faith in people today?

A. He is probably amazed at everyone who doesn't believe in Him because of the overwhelming evidence that He was a historical person whose life story is accurately recorded in the Bible. However, Jesus once wondered if anyone would have any faith when He returns, saying, "When the Son of Man comes, will He find faith on the earth?" (Luke 18:8, NASB).

Application: _Could it be that you may have hindered Jesus from working more in your life by your unbelief? In prayer today, ask the Lord is this is so, and if it is, ask Him to help you grow in faith._

# DAY 59, John 5:1-15 Jesus Heals a Lame Man at the Pool of Bethesda

Praise God for what Jesus did for this lame man at the pool of Bethesda! He had been suffering for thirty-eight years from his sickness, and perhaps had been unable to walk all that time. But he still had hope of being healed. He'd heard that an angel of the Lord would occasionally stir the waters at the pool of Bethesda. Afterwards, whoever stepped into the water first was healed of whatever ailed him. So the lame man joined many other sick people who sat around the pool each day, watching and waiting for the troubling of the waters. He had been present a number of times when the waters were previously stirred, but others who had more mobility reached the water before he did. So he kept on waiting for another opportunity, and hoped that the next time the waters were stirred, someone would care enough to help him be the first to get in.

Angels, of course, don't work independently of the Lord, and so we can be sure that the only time an angel stirred the Bethesda waters was when God sent him. So why didn't God send an angel every five minutes to stir the water so that everyone could be healed? Can we conclude from this story that it wasn't God's will for everyone there to be healed?

Actually, all the sick people at Bethesda could have been healed without ever stepping into the pool of Bethesda, because God promised health for every obedient Israelite in His covenant with them. God said in Exodus 23:25 (NASB), "But you shall serve the Lord your God, and He will bless your bread and your water; and I will remove sickness from your midst." In Deuteronomy 7:12-15, God promised the Israelites that, if they obeyed Him faithfully, He would remove all sickness from them. If any of the sick people at Bethesda had believed what God had promised, acting in faith, they would have been healed. Even if they had been disobedient to the Lord, thus not meeting the conditions of their covenant with God, they could have repented, received forgiveness, and then received healing. Anyone who disagrees with that is saying that God is a liar, and that His promises can't be trusted. It's true: _He promised health to obedient Israelites_!

By occasionally sending an angel to stir the waters of the pool of Bethesda, perhaps God was also trying to stir up His people by way of reminder that He was still in the healing business. Every time someone was healed, God was sending a message to all Israel that He'd spoken centuries earlier to their ancestors: "I am the Lord who heals you" (Exodus 15:26). Surely God didn't want all those sick people waiting at the pool to think His mercy was limited, or that His love was greater for sick people who were more watchful and mobile than other sick people. Surely He wasn't trying to encourage a selfish competition that would make the majority of suffering people continual losers. No, the God whom the Bible says shows no partiality (see Deut. 10:17; Rom. 2:11; Gal. 2:6) wanted His covenant people to know that He was their healer. And He was not choosing to heal specific ones and choosing not to heal specific others, because _anyone_ who got into the water first was healed. Individual responsibility was a factor.

The same God who occasionally sent an angel, sent His Son one day to the same pool. And just as when the angel visited, only one person was healed that day as well. Did Jesus want to convey to the sick people present that He loved only one person enough to heal him? No, like His Father, He was trying to show them that He had the power to heal them all, hoping that all would trust Him for their healing. Numerous times in the four Gospels, we can read about Jesus healing _everyone_ who came to Him requesting healing. This healing at the pool of Bethesda was an advertisement for Jesus and an encouragement for the rest to trust Him and be healed. This healing should encourage us today, because the Bible says that "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever" (Hebrews 13:8).

Q. Was this lame man at the pool of Bethesda healed through his faith?

A. No, this man, unlike so many others whom Jesus healed, was not healed through his faith. Here is the evidence: First, the man was not seeking Jesus, rather, Jesus found him. Second, Jesus said nothing to him about his faith healing him as He often did with others. And third, the lame man had no idea who Jesus was, even after he'd been healed. When he first conversed with Jesus, he wasn't looking to Him as someone who could heal him. In his mind, Jesus was no different than any other person present.

This healing, then, is an example of a "gift of healing" working through Jesus. Gifts of healings operate as the Holy Spirit wills (see 1 Cor. 12:11), and faith is not necessarily a requirement for the sick person to be healed. It is a sovereign act of God.

Q. Jesus later told the man He'd healed, "Stop sinning, or something even worse may happen to you" (John 5:14). What can we learn from that statement?

A. We can learn that sin can lead to God's judgment. If the healed man didn't repent and quit sinning, there was the possibility that he might wind up worse than he previously was. God is a loving God, but He is also holy. He will punish evildoers. We must be careful, however, that we don't conclude that all sick people are being punished for their sins. Then we would be guilty of passing judgment.

Application: _The people of the world often need signs from God to open their hearts to the gospel. Let's pray today that God would mercifully grant that more signs and wonders would be shown to the unbelieving world. Also that even people who have no faith would be healed, that more attention would be given to the good news of Jesus Christ._

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# DAY 60, John 5:16-47 Jesus' Special Relationship with God the Father

Rather than rejoicing over the healing of a man who had been lame for thirty-eight years, the Jewish leaders found fault with the man who had been healed, claiming that he was breaking the fourth commandment by carrying his pallet on the Sabbath. They also began harassing Jesus, accusing Him of also breaking the Sabbath by healing someone that day.

Jesus responded by truthfully and clearly stating that God was His Father, thus He was God's Son. Although God is perfect in holiness, some of the commandments He's given to human beings don't apply to Himself. For example, your parents might have a rule that you be in bed by nine o'clock each night, but you can't accuse them of doing wrong if they go to bed later than nine! Some of their rules apply only to you, and not to them.

The same is true of God. He commanded the Israelites to offer animal sacrifices on a regular basis, but that is not something God does! And no one can rightfully accuse Him of sinning because He doesn't offer sacrifices. By the same token, although God commanded the Israelites not to work on the Sabbath, that didn't mean it would be a sin for God to work that day! Because Jesus was God, He could work on any Sabbath He chose. That's why He responded to the Jewish leaders by saying, "My Father never stops working, so why should I?" Although God rested on the seventh day after the six days of creation, perhaps He hasn't rested since!

The Jewish leaders recognized that Jesus, in calling God His Father, was claiming to be equal with God, and hated Him all the more. But Jesus didn't back down from His claim. Rather, He expanded on it, showing that He had a unique relationship with God the Father that no one else ever had or ever will have.

Unlike any other person who had ever lived, Jesus perfectly obeyed God the Father. He was acting as the Father's perfect representative on earth, and they shared an intimate relationship. It was the Father who gave Jesus the ability to teach with amazing wisdom and work miracles, and those signs proved to all that He was God's Son.

God the Father, who is the only one who can give physical or spiritual life, determined and decreed that it would be only through Jesus that anyone could receive new physical life and be resurrected after he had died. Jesus will one day exercise His God-given authority to raise the dead by resurrecting everyone who has ever lived. Also, by the Father's decision, only through Jesus can anyone receive spiritual life and be born again. And just as physically dead people will one day be resurrected when Jesus speaks, so spiritually dead people are hearing Jesus' words and being spiritually reborn.

The Father has also appointed Jesus as judge of all people, and one day everyone will stand before Him to give an account of his or her life. He will determine who goes to heaven and who goes to hell. His judgment will be perfectly just because it will be in perfect accordance with the Father's judgment. Obviously, as Jesus said, God the Father wants Jesus to be equally honored with Himself. In light of such incredible claims, we can only conclude that Jesus was either God's divine Son or He was a very deranged and evil man.

In light of His amazing teaching and the miracles that God did through Him, however, the only intelligent choice of the two alternatives is that Jesus was indeed God's only Son!

Q. Jesus said that the Scriptures pointed to Him (see John 5:39), and specifically referred to the writings of Moses (see John 5:46). Can you think of any scriptures in the first five books of the Bible that speak of Jesus?

A. First, the entire system of sacrificing animals to atone for sins pointed to Jesus' sacrificial accomplishment on the cross as the Lamb of God. Second, the establishment of a high priest who stood between God and man, interceding on behalf of sinners, points to Jesus as our High Priest who reconciled us to God by His death. Third, God promised in the first books of the Bible that the Messiah would be a descendant of Abraham, Isaac, Jacob and Judah. And fourth, referring to the Messiah, Moses spoke prophetically of another prophet of great authority whom God would raise up (see Deuteronomy 18:18-19; John 1:21; Acts 3:22-23).

Application: _Jesus plainly stated that anyone who listens to His message and believes that God sent Him has eternal life. When people do believe, they will pass from the realm of death into the realm of life, and will not be condemned for their sins (see John 5:24-25). That's good news! Does it apply to you?_

# DAY 61, Matthew 9:35-10:39 Jesus Sends Out His Twelve Apostles

Because Jesus' love was so great, He wanted to serve everyone. He was limited, however, because He was only one human being. There were so many sick and demon-possessed people, and so many who needed to hear the good news and repent of their sins. So Jesus instructed His disciples to pray that God would send out more workers, and God answered their prayer by sending them!

Before Jesus sent them out to minister throughout the towns of Israel, He supernaturally equipped them for their job, giving them authority to cast out demons and heal every kind of disease and illness. He specifically commanded them to heal the sick, raise the dead, cure those with leprosy and cast out demons. Jesus knew that miracles would get people's attention to listen to His disciples' message, just as in His own ministry (see Luke 9:6).

Their message was one of repentance (see Mark 6:12-13), which is not always a popular message, but nevertheless is an integral part of the gospel. Jesus knew that many people would reject His disciples, and He didn't want them wasting their time trying repeatedly to reach unreceptive people. If a town or village didn't receive them, they were to shake the dust off their feet and journey to another one. If God loves everyone, why should anyone have two opportunities to receive Christ until everyone has had at least one?

Jesus' disciples weren't allowed to take any money or extra provisions with them. That would teach them to rely on God to supply their needs, and also provide motivation for them not to stay long in places where their message wasn't received, places where no one would feed or shelter them.

Jesus knew that His disciples would face the same persecutions He'd encountered. They would be slandered, hated and even killed. Some would face martyrdom because their own family members would betray them. We have no record in the Bible of this happening to any of the twelve, so perhaps it occurred after Jesus' ascension into heaven. With the exception of Judas and John, it is thought that all of Jesus' disciples died a martyr's death.

Perhaps the most challenging words in Jesus' commission were the standards He set for every one of His followers. He expects our fully committed allegiance. Our loyalty to Him should supersede the loyalty we have for the people we love the most, including our parents and children. Jesus knew that as a result of His coming, some households would be divided over Him. Unbelieving family members would turn against believing members. But true believers will not compromise their faith just to please their loved ones, because they love Jesus the most.

Incidentally, if Jesus wasn't God, He was a horrible person, because only God would have a right to demand a higher love and devotion to Himself than what we show for our own families. Jesus said, "If you cling to your life, you will lose it; but if you give it up for me, you will find it" (Matthew 10:39). He wasn't talking about physically dying as a martyr, but of giving up our own agenda in order to obey Him, another way of describing repentance. If anyone refuses to repent, he will miss out on experiencing life as God intended and miss out on eternal life. But whoever will give his life to Jesus, submitting to Him, that person will experience a life that he was created to live, one that is enriched by God forever. Aren't you glad you've given your life to Jesus?

Q. Jesus instructed His disciples to avoid preaching to Gentiles and Samaritans, ministering only to Jews (see Matthew 10:5-6). Why is that? Doesn't God love non-Jewish people?

A. We don't know the answer for sure, but we can be certain that it wasn't because God didn't or doesn't love non-Jewish people. Jesus loves everyone and died for the whole world. Perhaps Jesus sent His disciples to minister to Jews because they would most likely be more receptive than other groups, having a faith in the Old Testament that promised them a Messiah. They would also be more likely to receive a message from Jesus' Jewish messengers. God wants everyone to hear the gospel, and the quickest way for that to happen is to win the most receptive people who can then reach others. Jesus followed this strategy in His own ministry, ministering to Jews and then sending out some who believed. Later, Jesus commissioned His disciples to preach to all the ethnic groups of the world (see Matthew 28:19).

  Q. Jesus said that we are to acknowledge Him before others, also saying that if we deny Him publicly, He would deny us before the Father. Does that mean there is no hope for us going to heaven if we, under pressure, say that we don't know Jesus?

A. No, because God is merciful. No true Christian would deny Jesus at a time when he wasn't under pressure, but a true believer might yield to the temptation to deny the Lord if his life was in danger. Under pressure, Peter denied the Lord three times, but Jesus forgave, restored and used him greatly afterwards.

Application: _Today there is a need more than ever for workers to be sent into the harvest, as the world's population is more than six billion people. That is five billion, eight hundred million more people than the number that lived on the earth when Jesus sent out His apostles. Pray today that God will send out more laborers who are supernaturally equipped to spread the gospel._

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# DAY 62, Mark 6:14-29 John the Baptist is Martyred

Herod Antipas, the man who ordered the execution of John the Baptist, was the son of a murderer. His father was Herod the Great, who had once killed his own wife and two of his sons to preserve his power. It was Herod the Great who had also ordered the killing of all the male babies in Bethlehem in an attempt to kill Jesus. With such an example set before him as a child, it is no wonder that Herod Antipas was a wicked man. He had fallen in love with his half-brother's wife, Herodias, who also happened to be his niece, and she had fallen in love with him. So she divorced Herod Antipas's brother and married him.

John the Baptist, a preacher of righteousness, had declared that what Herod and his new wife had done was a sin. Herodias hated John as a result of this and wanted him killed. But Herod's conscience would not allow him to order John's execution, and so he only had John put in prison as a favor to his selfish wife. He was under conviction for his sin and knew that John did not deserve to die.

Herod, however, made a foolish public oath to Herodias's daughter, offering her anything she desired after she pleased him with a dance during his birthday party. Her mother instructed her to request John the Baptist's head on a tray. Herod was trapped by his promise, and so he reluctantly ordered John's beheading. A Roman soldier immediately carried out the gruesome task, and gave Herodias's daughter John's head on a tray. She in turn gave it to Herodias. What a sickening sight! Think how evil someone would have to be to desire such a thing!

 Although this is a sad story, for John it had a happy ending, because he was in heaven, enjoying God's presence, even before Herodias had possession of his head! The people I feel sorry for are Herod and Herodias, who, unless they experienced a repentance the Bible doesn't record, have been in hell now for almost two thousand years.

Q. Is it possible for murderers to get into heaven?

A. Yes, but only if they repent and are saved by faith. Remember that Moses, David and Paul could all be considered murderers. However, any murderer who dies without repenting will spend eternity in hell. The apostle John wrote, "You know that murderers don't have eternal life within them" (1 John 3:15).

Q. At present, the United States government says that it is legal for women to murder their babies before they're born. Because it's legal, does that make it O.K.?

A. No, because God has always said that murder is wrong. Murder is perhaps the highest expression of selfishness that exists, and murdering one's own child is the most debased murder a person could commit. There are millions of mothers and fathers in America who are child-murderers. Their only hope of escaping hell is to repent and believe in Jesus. Praise God that He offers them forgiveness.

Application: _Herod Antipas grew up having a murderer for a father. Herodias's daughter grew up with a mother and stepfather who were murderers. Aren't you glad you were born into your family? You are blessed to have parents who love Jesus and who are teaching you right from wrong._

# DAY 63, Mark 6:30-44 Jesus Multiplies Food for Five Thousand People

Can God use kids? According to John's record of this same story, the five small barley loaves and two small fish that Jesus multiplied belonged to a young boy (see John 6:9). Perhaps it was his lunch. Regardless, I'm sure that boy never forgot the day when his few loaves and fish fed five thousand men.

This story shows us that God can take what little we have to give and make it into something that can bless a lot of people. We may think, like that little boy, that we don't have very much to offer. But God can multiply what we have. In so doing, it is He, not us, who is rightfully made to look better in other people's eyes.

I've always wondered what it would have been like to see this miracle. Specifically, I've wondered when the food actually multiplied. Did it multiply only in Jesus' hands, or did it also multiply in His disciples' hands? It seems reasonable to conclude that it was both, due to the fact that so many thousands of people were fed. Remember that there must have been many women and children besides just the five thousand men who were fed.

I think it is also very likely that the bread and fish continued to multiply in the hands of the people sitting in the groups. If so, that could be how they all knew that a great miracle had just taken place (see John 6:14). Wouldn't that be something to see---food multiplying in your own hands? Regardless, this story is one more proof that Jesus was God. At least five thousand people witnessed what happened, and there is no record in history that anyone at that time even attempted to claim that it didn't happen.

This story also shows us how much God loves people. Jesus and His disciples were trying to get away from the crowds just to rest for a while and eat a meal without interruption. So they journeyed by boat across the Sea of Galilee to a desolate spot. But when they arrived at their destination, a vast crowd was waiting for them. Amazingly, Jesus displayed no aggravation, but rather, He felt compassion for them and ministered to them by teaching and healing (see Luke 9:11). Then, late in the afternoon, He was concerned that the people needed food to eat, so He provided a meal for them. Our God cares about us. He wants to supply our needs. We shouldn't ever feel that we're bothering Him. He loves us dearly!

Q. Once, a modern Pharisee who didn't believe in the miracles of the Bible, attempted to disprove Jesus' miracle of the feeding of the five thousand. He claimed that back in Jesus' time, the loaves of bread were very large. How do we know that wasn't true?

A. Because the loaves belonged to a young boy. There is no way he could have carried five loaves that were large enough to feed five thousand men. Keep in mind that the women and children who were fed that day weren't even counted, so it's possible Jesus fed more than twenty thousand people. Also, the boy's two fish fed everyone as well. Unless those fish were multiplied by Jesus, they must have been _extremely_ large fish to feed so many people! Finally, the disciples picked up twelve baskets of what was left over. One young boy couldn't have carried even a fraction of the leftovers.

Q. Why do you suppose Jesus instructed the disciples to collect all the leftovers?

A. Perhaps so everyone would see that food had been multiplied. Also, Jesus stated that He didn't want any of the food to be wasted. God wants us to be good stewards of what He gives us as well, not wasting things unnecessarily. (Also, God doesn't want us to be litterbugs!)

Q. What do you think Jesus did with the leftovers?

A. I would guess that He gave some to the little boy whose loaves and fish He multiplied. He may also have given some to designated people in the crowd to distribute to the poor. And He may have kept some for His disciples and Himself to eat later.

Application: _Has God given you a gift? Offer it to Him to be used as He sees fit, and He'll use you to bless other people._

# DAY 64, Matthew 14:22-36 Jesus Walks on Water

Do you remember the story we read a few days ago when Jesus and His disciples were caught in a violent storm in a boat on the Sea of Galilee? After He rebuked the wind and waves, Jesus rebuked His disciples for their lack of faith. They had been filled with fear, even though Jesus was asleep and had clearly said they were going to the other side. He expected them to believe His Word. In the similar story we just read, there was one thing that was different from the start: Jesus was not in the boat with them. This time they were on their own!

Certainly the disciples were in the center of God's will that night, rowing across the Sea of Galilee. They were just following Jesus' orders. And certainly God knew they would encounter threatening winds on their journey. He must have been giving them another opportunity to exercise their faith. From this story, we can learn what we should do when we face opposition that is hindering us from fulfilling God's will.

According to John's record of this same story, Jesus' disciples had rowed about three-and-a-half miles when the wind and waves grew menacing (see John 6:19). Jesus, after spending time praying high on a mountainside, saw that "they were in serious trouble, rowing hard and struggling against the wind and waves" (Mark 6:48). They had been rowing for hours, and now it was the middle of the night. They were sleepy and their muscles were aching. They were probably yelling directions at each other to keep their boat from capsizing. In their own strength, they were trying to make it to shore, but it looked impossible.

There is no indication that any of them even tried to exercise any faith. No one suggested that they pray. No one said, "Let's stop rowing and start praising God that we are going to make it to the other side, because we've been sent by Jesus to do just that." No one attempted to rebuke the wind, imitating Jesus.

Jesus, after waiting until three o'clock in the morning, finally stepped out onto the water and began walking toward the same destination as His disciples. When they saw Him walking by, they were terrified, not recognizing Him in the darkness, thinking He must be a ghost! But Jesus tried to calm their fears by telling them who He was. That is when Peter requested that Jesus command him to walk on the water.

Jesus actually said only one word to Peter: "Come!" Before then, Peter had nothing to stand on but water, and had he stepped out of the boat, he would have immediately sunk. But once Jesus spoke, Peter could stand on the Word of God. By faith, he stepped out of the boat and began walking toward Jesus on the water. He was literally walking by faith. When did Peter begin to sink? It was when he doubted. And why did he doubt? Because he began looking at the high waves around him, becoming fearful.

This is a great illustration of how we can walk by faith. When we have a promise from God to believe, it makes no difference what our circumstances are saying to us. God's Word is always true, and if we'll believe in spite of our circumstances, we'll experience the blessings God promises. If we doubt, however, we may well begin to go down, just like Peter.

Peter almost made it all the way to Jesus. When he began to doubt and sink, he cried out for Jesus to save him, and Jesus mercifully did. Praise God that even when our faith is failing, Jesus still loves us and will help us in our troubles.

Clearly it was Peter's doubts and lack of faith that caused him to sink. Proud people would rather find something else to blame, and amazingly, they often blame God for their failures, claiming that failure must have been God's will. I wonder what Jesus would have said if He had overheard Peter, once he was back in the boat, saying to the other disciples, "The reason I sank, of course, is because it wasn't God's will that I make it all the way to Jesus!"

Q. Jesus apparently wasn't initially planning on rescuing His disciples from their predicament, because Mark's Gospel said, "He started to go past them" (Mark 6:48), walking on the water right by their boat. Why do you suppose Jesus did that?

A. Perhaps because Jesus is so polite. He won't get involved in people's business unless they invite Him. This is a picture of many Christians. In the midst of life's storms, they try to make it in their own strength, and Jesus walks right by, wishing they'd ask for His help. Have you invited Jesus into your boat?

Q. When Jesus and His disciples arrived on the shore of their destination, people soon began bringing all their sick to be healed. The Bible says that all who touched the fringe of Jesus' robe were healed (see Matthew 14:36). What does this teach us about faith?

A. It was obviously God's will for everyone who was healed to be healed, but each sick person had to exercise faith to receive what God wanted him to have. People who have faith will demonstrate their faith by their actions.

Application: _Have you begun to sink in some area of your life because you've been doubting God? If so, look again at God's promises regarding your situation, and get back up on the water by faith!_

# DAY 65, John 6:22-71 Jesus Compares Himself with Food

After Jesus had miraculously fed five thousand people, He sent the multitudes back to their homes in the evening. That night was when He walked on water and rescued His disciples as they all journeyed to the other side of the lake. The next morning, the same crowds Jesus had fed searched for and found Him. Unfortunately, they were not motivated by their hunger for spiritual truth; rather, they were hoping for some more free food.

This greatly disappointed Jesus, so He exhorted them to seek not for what temporarily sustains _physical_ life, but for what was vastly more important, the _eternal_ life that only He could give them. One reason Jesus had supernaturally provided physical food was because He was hoping the people would see Him as their source for true spiritual food.

Jesus then explained that God's spiritual food is far superior to any physical food. All that physical food can do is keep a person's body alive, and it can only do it for a limited amount of time because everyone eventually dies. The spiritual food that God is offering, however, gives life to our spirits, the part of us that the Bible calls the "inward person." That inward person will live forever, but unless he eats some of God's spiritual food, he will be forever sinful and destined to spend eternity in hell. But if he eats God's spiritual food, he will be reborn and spend eternity in heaven.

Not only that, but God's spiritual food will one day affect his physical body as well. On the last day, God will resurrect everyone's body who has believed in Jesus, making them into "glorified bodies" that will never become sick, grow old or die! What physical food can't keep alive for more than a few decades, God's spiritual food will resurrect and keep alive forever! That's why Jesus said that when we eat God's spiritual food, we will never hunger or thirst again. He meant that His gift of eternal life, once received, was sufficient for all eternity. It's not something that needs constant replenishing. One meal is good forever!

 God wants _everyone_ to eat His spiritual food, and Jesus told the people that they could eat by simply believing in Him. They, however, were still much more interested in physical food, and, hoped that He would again provide free bread. They requested a sign that would convince them to believe in Him. Because it was food they were after, they mentioned how Moses had miraculously provided bread for the people of Israel, the manna they gathered each morning from the ground.

Jesus explained that it wasn't Moses who provided the bread, it was God. Now the same God was offering everyone "true bread," the spiritual food that could give them eternal life. Jesus then stated that He was God's true bread sent from heaven, indicating that what people really needed was for Him to come inside their spirits.

But His audience began to murmur over what He said. They knew He had been born like any other person, so how could He claim to have come from heaven? They didn't know, of course, that Joseph wasn't actually Jesus' father, and that Jesus had come from heaven via Mary's womb.

Finally, continuing to expand on His comparison of Himself to food, Jesus revealed what would uniquely qualify Him to offer eternal life to the world, and what people must believe in order to receive the eternal life He offered: He would die, offering Himself as a sacrifice so others could have eternal life. Jesus said, "This bread is my flesh, offered so the world may live....I assure you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you cannot have eternal life within you. But those who eat my flesh and drink my blood have eternal life, and I will raise them at the last day. For my flesh is the true food, and my blood is the true drink" (John 6:51, 53-55).

Of course, no one can, and neither does Jesus want anyone to actually eat His flesh and drink His blood. But Jesus wants us to receive Him into our spirits, just as we receive physical food into our bodies. And He wants us to believe that He died for us, pouring out His blood and giving His body so we can have eternal life. In Jesus' comparison, eating represents receiving and believing. Eating Jesus, God's true bread, means believing in Him. It means becoming one with Him, just as Jesus said, "All who eat my flesh and drink my blood remain in me, and I in them" (John 6:56).

Many people who were listening that day didn't like what they heard. They took what Jesus said literally, not figuratively as He intended, and just as any sincere person would have taken Him. They really didn't want to understand because they didn't want to believe what He was saying about Himself. So they left Him. But Peter, a sincere believer, confessed that he believed Jesus alone had the words of eternal life and that He was "the Holy One of God" (John 6:69), the Messiah. Even if he didn't fully understand all Jesus said, he and the rest would be staying with Jesus, as all true believers would.

Q. Jesus said that people can't come to Him unless they are drawn by the Father. Does this mean that God is only drawing certain people to Jesus?

A. No. Jesus said that if He was lifted up on the cross, that He would draw everyone to Himself (see John 12:32). So Jesus is drawing _everyone_ , but unless He and His Father drew people, none would come to Him, because all are so blinded by sin and hard-hearted.

Q. Did you see any correlation with what we read today and the church's practice of taking communion?

A. When we eat the bread and drink the grape juice, it represents eating Jesus' body and drinking His blood. That sounds like Christians are cannibals! However, we're not! I hope you realize now that partaking of the communion elements represents our becoming one with Jesus and reminds us of His substitutionary death for us. Just as the bread and grape juice go into our stomachs and then nourish every cell in our bodies, so Jesus, by His Holy Spirit, has come into our spirits and given us eternal life. Just as we become "one" with the bread and grape juice, so we've become one with Jesus. He's in us and we're in Him. That's why it's called communion, because what we do symbolizes our communion with Jesus (and each other). Also, communion reminds us that our oneness with Jesus was made possible by His sacrificial death, when His body was broken (like the bread is broken) and His blood was shed, represented by the grape juice.

Application: _Some of what we read today was difficult to understand, just as Jesus' disciples expressed to Him. However, we have a good idea of what Jesus meant in general. And, like Peter, even if we don't fully understand everything Jesus said, we know He's the only One who has the words of eternal life. So we'll keep right on following Him! Someday we will understand what we don't understand now._

# DAY 66, Mark 7:1-23 Jesus Teaches About Inner Purity

Has your mother taught you to wash your hands before you eat? Now you can tell her that Jesus is against her rule, right? Wrong! The Pharisees washed their hands before eating, but not to cleanse themselves of germs, because they didn't know about germs two thousand years ago. They washed their hands to obey their tradition, believing that if they ate with unwashed hands, they would become defiled and unacceptable to God. That small error in their thinking wouldn't have been so bad, except that their misconception about what made them acceptable or unacceptable to God extended much farther. Some of the traditions they kept actually _violated_ God's Word. Thus, as Jesus said, they rejected God's specific laws and substituted their own traditions. Obeying man-made rules, they disobeyed God's rules.

One example of this was their breaking of the fifth commandment: "Honor your father and mother." The Pharisees taught that a person didn't have to help his needy parents if he vowed to give his money to God. Because they were lovers of money (see Luke 16:14), this tradition was probably designed to increase their own personal wealth. The Pharisees wouldn't have to spend their money supporting their elderly parents, plus, other people vowed to give their money to the Pharisees to support "God's work" rather than help their parents. This was just one of many examples of how the Pharisees broke God's law in order to protect their own traditions.

Many churches today are guilty of this same sin---exalting their own traditions above God's laws. As a result, people who keep the traditions think they're acceptable to God, even though they break many of His commandments. They attend church every week, say the right things at the right times during the service, receive communion, and think that makes them acceptable to God. But the rest of the week, they lie, steal and take God's name in vain. They're full of lust, hatred and pride. And just like the Pharisees, they'll spend eternity in hell unless they come to their senses, truly repent and begin to follow Jesus. When they do, their lives will change dramatically.

Jesus went on to explain that what a person eats is not what makes him acceptable or unacceptable to God. It is what a person does and says. Unfortunately, even some Christians have fallen into deception in this regard, over-emphasizing the importance of what we eat, and sometimes even claiming that we must follow the dietary laws of the Old Testament. Thinking they are more pleasing to God, they look down on other Christians who don't also restrict their diets. But today we read that Jesus declared that every kind of food is acceptable to eat (see Mark 7:19). Let's be careful that we don't become sidetracked by minor things. God wants His people to live according to His, not our, standards of holiness.

Q. Because Jesus declared all foods are acceptable for us to eat, does that mean it would be OK for us to subsist on a diet of candy bars and Cokes?

A. When Jesus lived on the earth, there were no such things as candy bars and Cokes. In fact, there were not any foods that were processed like the many foods available to us today. In their natural state as God created them, all foods are acceptable for us to eat and contribute to our physical well-being. But foods that have been altered and stripped of their nutritional value are in a different category. There are many nutrients that are essential for our bodies to remain healthy, and a wise Christian will see that his diet contains all the nutrients he needs.

Q. Have you ever met someone who thinks they're holier than you because they keep certain rules that can't be found anywhere in the Bible? What do you think Jesus would say to them?

Application: _Like the people in yesterday's reading, the Pharisees of today's reading were more concerned with physical rather than spiritual things, and concentrated more on external rather than internal things. Without neglecting the physical and external, God wants us to be more concerned about the spiritual and internal._

# DAY 67, Matthew 15:21-31 A Gentile Woman Persists in Faith

This first story has always been a difficult one to fully understand, because Jesus doesn't act like we'd expect Him to act. We view Him as always kind, compassionate and impartial, but He seems to be uncaring and prejudiced as He relates to this Gentile woman. So how are we to interpret this story?

Some believe that Jesus, in order to teach His disciples a lesson, was at first pretending to act like the average prejudiced Jew. That may well be the correct interpretation, because Jesus did ultimately grant the woman her request, revealing His true compassion for her and her daughter.

Others have suggested that Jesus was simply testing her faith, again by acting as if He didn't want to heal her daughter. Would she persist in believing or would she give up? Was her faith genuine?

And others think that Jesus was being honest in everything He said to her. That is, He was truly sent by His Father to help only the lost people of Israel, and not Gentiles.

This third interpretation is difficult for me to accept for several reasons. First, because if Jesus was sent by His Father to help only the lost people of Israel and not the Gentiles, why then did He apparently disobey His Father by ultimately healing the woman's daughter? Second, why did He help other Gentiles, such as the Roman centurion? Third, why did He die for the sins of every Gentile in the entire world?

Beyond that, Jesus apparently referred to the woman as a dog, a common, derogatory term that prideful Jews used to describe Gentiles. It's difficult for me to believe that Jesus really felt this woman was worthy of such a demeaning title and more undeserving than Jews of receiving God's help. I can't believe that Jesus didn't feel as much compassion for her plight as He did for anyone else's plight, just because she was a Gentile. Chances are that practically every family reading this devotional is a Gentile family. Is this how Jesus feels about us?

For these reasons, I prefer a combination of the first two possible interpretations. Jesus' own disciples expressed no concern for this poor woman, and requested that Jesus send her away, complaining that her begging was bothering them. This could hardly be considered a commendable action on their part. Christian virtue requires a higher standard than that. So perhaps Jesus wanted to teach them a lesson about God's love of non-Jewish people. I wonder if Jesus was looking right at them when He pronounced the woman's daughter healed. I wonder what they were thinking when He did!

Also, we note that Jesus commended the Gentile woman for her great faith, proven by her persistence, and then immediately announced that her daughter was healed. No one can rightfully say that her faith wasn't severely tested, as it seems that even Jesus tried to discourage her. But her persistent faith paid off.

Finally, perhaps there was more to this story than what we realize. Possibly Jesus knew something about this Gentile woman's private life that truly disqualified her from having any right to approach Him. She may have been a devoted idol-worshipper. Perhaps it was some very perverted and sinful thing she did that provided an avenue for her daughter to become demon-possessed. By ignoring her, Jesus may have been initially sending her a message of her need of repentance.

Regardless of what we don't understand about this incident, the ending makes perfect sense. Jesus, the compassionate Son of God, healed the woman's daughter instantly! God's love is so great!

Q. What do you think would have happened if the Gentile woman had not persisted in faith?

A. Her daughter would not have been healed, even though her healing was obviously God's will. As I've said previously, proud people don't like to hear such things, because they don't want to take responsibility for their unbelief and would rather blame God for their prayers that have gone unanswered. Most of us, like Jesus' twelve disciples, have doubted and failed in our faith. Let's be humble enough to accept responsibility, and wise enough to continue building our faith by feeding it with God's Word and exercising it. Our faith can grow! And praise God that, although He may be disappointed in our lack of faith, He never condemns us for it.

Q. When Jesus returned to Galilee, "a vast crowd brought him the lame, blind, crippled, mute, and many others with physical difficulties, and they laid them before Jesus" (Matthew 15:30). Matthew wrote that Jesus "healed them all" (Matthew 15:30). What does this teach us about God's will for healing?

A. It teaches us that God loves every sick person and it is His will to heal them all. If you had been lame, blind, crippled or mute and had been brought to Jesus that day, you would have been healed. Jesus didn't say to anyone, "I'm sorry, but it is not God's will for everyone to be healed, so I have to turn you away." No, everyone who came requesting healing was healed. Thus, it is certainly safe to assume that seriously ill people who didn't come that day could have been healed if they would have come. But because they didn't believe, they didn't come, and they weren't healed, even though it was God's will for them to be healed.

Application: _There is no doubt that our faith is sometimes tested. What we are believing for often doesn't seem as if it's going to come to pass. But we should be encouraged by the Gentile woman we read about today. Her persistence paid off, and so will ours._

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# DAY 68, Mark 7:31-8:10 Jesus Feeds Four Thousand

When someone is deaf, he normally will have difficulty speaking clearly and in an understandable way, even if there's nothing wrong with his mouth or vocal cords. The reason is because we learn to talk by comparing what we hear ourselves say with what others say. If we can't hear, we can't learn to talk. And if a hearing person becomes deaf, his speech will gradually become more difficult for others to understand, since he can no longer hear himself speak and thus judge how clearly he is speaking. This was perhaps the case of the deaf man with a speech impediment about whom we read.

We don't know why Jesus put His fingers in the man's ears or why He spit on His own fingers and then touched the deaf man's tongue, but we assume He was being led by the Holy Spirit. The wonderful thing is that the man was instantly healed. Can you imagine his joy? Think of how blessed you are if your hearing is good.

This man was only one of the many Jesus healed when He returned from the region of Tyre. As we read yesterday, He healed many who were blind, deaf, mute and lame. From today's reading, we can conclude that Jesus didn't heal them just to prove He was the Son of God. He told the crowd not to tell anyone about His miracles, indicating that He healed because He loved people, not because He was trying to prove His deity or advertise Himself. This should encourage those of us who need healing today, because Jesus is just as merciful now as He was when He walked on the earth. Too many people think that Jesus healed only during His earthly ministry to prove He was God in the form of a human being, and then conclude that He won't heal them since His deity was well-established two thousand years ago.

Today we also read how Jesus once again multiplied loaves of bread and fish. This time there were seven large baskets of food left over, showing how gracious God is---Jesus provided more than they even needed. We should expect that God will do the same for us. Let us not forget, however, that the people who were miraculously blessed with food were not those who were sitting at home, but those who had sought to be with Jesus. God has promised to supply all our needs _if_ we will live for Him and make His kingdom our primary concern (see Matthew 6:33).

Q. How many people did Jesus feed in today's story?

A. This is somewhat of a trick question! Mark's Gospel says that Jesus fed four thousand people (see Mark 8:9). So you may have answered four thousand. However, the same story is found in Matthew's Gospel, and Matthew specifies that Jesus fed four thousand men, "in addition to all the women and children" (Matthew 15:38). If every man was married and had four children, Jesus fed twenty-four thousand people that day!

Application: _We should look to Jesus not only as our Savior, but as the one who supplies all our needs. God is the one who created us with a need to eat, drink, sleep and be clothed, and so we should expect that He will take care of all those things for us._

# DAY 69, Matthew 16:1-20 The Faith and Doubts of Jesus' Disciples

As we continue reading the life story of Jesus, we'll learn that He faced a growing opposition from the Pharisees and other religious leaders. Those men who were supposed to be servants of God hated God's Son with a passion, and wanted to ruin Him. Ultimately they succeeded in killing Him, but that only lasted for three days!

Today we read about the Pharisees and Sadducees asking Jesus for a miraculous sign in order to prove His claims. This was at least the second time they'd made such a request (see Matthew 12:38). They had no doubt heard the reports of the many people who were healed; in fact, some of them actually had been present to see Jesus heal (see Luke 5:17-25). So they were probably asking for something really spectacular, like fire falling from heaven.

Their request revealed how evil they were, and Jesus responded by saying so. The Pharisees and Sadducees could read the weather signs in the sky, but they couldn't read the obvious signs that proved Jesus was their promised Messiah. He had already provided more than sufficient proof that He was God in the form of a human being. Their request of a sign was an indication of the hardness of their hearts, and Jesus promised them only one sign on the magnitude of what they were seeking, calling it "the sign of the prophet Jonah." Of course, Jonah's expulsion from the fish's stomach after three days foreshadowed Jesus' own resurrection.

Obviously, anyone who followed the teaching of the Pharisees or Sadducees was doomed, as Jesus later warned His disciples as they once again crossed the Sea of Galilee. Unfortunately, they completely misunderstood what He meant when He said, "Beware of the yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees" (Matthew 16:6). They thought He said that because they had forgotten to bring any bread with them in their boat, since yeast is a primary ingredient in bread. Knowing their thoughts, Jesus rebuked them. Why would they have ever thought that He, having recently multiplied bread twice, would be the least bit concerned about having no bread in the boat? Their thoughts revealed their lack of faith in Him, and He told them so.

However, in the final part of today's reading, we learn that Jesus' disciples weren't entirely lacking in faith. Peter, likely speaking as a representative for most of the twelve, confessed that he believed Jesus was the Messiah, the Son of God. Thus in one section of Scripture we have examples of the faith and doubts of the same followers of Christ. This clearly shows us that we may well believe that Jesus is the Son of God, but doubt that He will provide for our other needs, as is the case with too many of us. Sometimes we need to be reminded, like the disciples, of what God has done in the past to provide for our needs.

Like the disciples, all of us have faltered in our faith and failed. That, however, is not a reason to be discouraged, give up, or feel condemned. Jesus kept on working with His disciples, and He will keep on working with us!

Q. Jesus said to Peter, "You are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church, and all the powers of hell will not conquer it" (Matthew 16:18). What is the rock Jesus mentioned?

A. Peter had just declared his faith that Jesus was the Messiah and Son of God. The foundation upon which the church is built is the belief that Jesus is God's Son, and the church grows as more people believe it. The rock Jesus referred to was the fact of Him being God's Son and people's faith in that fact.

Q. What did Jesus mean when He promised Peter the keys of the Kingdom of Heaven?

A. Keys represent the means of opening something that is locked. In this case, Jesus promised to give Peter the means to unlock heaven while he was still on the earth. Heaven, in a sense, is locked to all sinners. But it can be opened to sinners if they are made righteous. The key that opens it to them is the gospel of Jesus Christ. Jesus was promising Peter that He would entrust him with the gospel, so that he could open the entrance to heaven for people. Likewise, Peter could boldly declare that heaven was shut to anyone who refused to believe the gospel.

Application: _Like Peter, we're blessed to know and believe that Jesus is the Son of God, because so many people don't know or believe it. We're now part of a worldwide church that, as Jesus said, the powers of hell will not conquer. We're on a winning team!_

# DAY 70, Matthew 16:21-17:9 Jesus Foretells His Death, Resurrection and Glorification

Peter was convinced that Jesus was the Messiah and Son of God, but when Jesus announced to His disciples that He would soon die in Jerusalem, Peter politely took Him aside to correct Him. Surely Jesus was mistaken! What good would it do for God's Son to die? Obviously, Peter didn't yet understand the main reason why Jesus became a man---to die for our sins. Jesus rebuked him sternly, wanting to make a lasting impression on Peter and the rest of His disciples. _It was God's will for Him to die._ It would be no accident or twist of fate, and Jesus was certainly not mistaken. He had been born to die.

Obviously, Jesus was not playing games and was fully committed to His cause. He was paying the highest price possible to redeem humanity. And just as He was giving His life for the people He would save, He expected those He saved to give up their lives for Him. He wasn't requiring that they all die physically as martyrs, but He was calling all of them to die to their selfish desires and live for Him. That is what He meant when He said, "If any of you wants to be my follower, you must put aside your selfish ambition, shoulder your cross, and follow me. If you try to keep your life for yourself, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for me, you will find true life" (Matthew 16:24-25).

Although the price might seem high, any other course would be foolish. By seeking after your own selfish desires, you might, as Jesus said, eventually own everything that can be bought, but you would spend eternity in hell. Jesus Christ is the one who will one day judge all people according to their deeds, and only those who were submitted to Him will be permitted entrance into His eternal kingdom. So no matter what the cost, the only smart choice is to die to selfishness and live for Jesus.

Jesus went on to say that there were some present who would not die before they would see Him coming in His kingdom. His promise was fulfilled just six days later, when Peter, James and John saw Him transfigured and glorified before them. "His face shone like the sun, and his clothing became dazzling white" (Matthew 17:2). That is how our Savior and God will look when we see Him in His kingdom! That is how Jesus will look when we stand before Him to give an account of our lives. Imagining that day should provide all of us with ample motivation to serve Him with all our hearts while we're on the earth.

Q. When Jesus was transfigured on a high mountain before Peter, James and John, Moses and Elijah appeared and began talking with Jesus. Does this teach us anything about what happens to people after they die?

A. This proves that people's spirits live after their bodies die. Some people think that when people die, they die like an animal, ceasing to exist. Some cults teach that when people die, they cease to exist until God resurrects them. The error that both are making is that they are not acknowledging that human beings have spirits. When their bodies die, their spirits live on, and go to heaven or hell. One day everyone's body will be resurrected and rejoined with his or her spirit. But in the meantime, their spirits are very much alive. The spirits of Moses and Elijah must have come from paradise to meet with Jesus that day on the mountain. One day they, like us, will receive new, glorified bodies.

Q. Why do you think that Moses and Elijah were chosen by God to meet with Jesus that day?

A. Nobody knows for sure because the Bible doesn't say. Perhaps it was to make an impression upon Peter, James and John's minds that Jesus' future kingdom would include all the redeemed people of the ages, including the great men of the Old Testament. Or, maybe God wanted them to be certain that Jesus was not Moses or Elijah, because we know that some people thought Jesus was Elijah (see Matthew 16:14). Or perhaps Moses and Elijah made a request of God to meet with His Son! Regardless, we'll all someday have the same privilege as they had.

Application: _Peter, James and John never forgot what happened that day on the mountain. Peter later wrote about it in a letter, saying, "For we were not making up clever stories when we told you about the power of our Lord Jesus Christ and his coming again. We have seen his majestic splendor with our own eyes. And he received honor and glory from God the Father when God's glorious, majestic voice called down from heaven, 'This is my beloved Son; I am fully pleased with him.' We ourselves heard the voice when we were there with him on the holy mountain" (2 Peter 1:16-18). What we've read about today really happened, as did everything else we can read about Jesus in the Bible!_

# DAY 71, Mark 9:14-29 Jesus Casts Out A Demon His Disciples Couldn't

Jesus, Peter, James and John were just coming down from the mountain where Jesus had been transfigured when they found the other disciples engaged in an argument with some religious teachers. A man had brought them his son who was possessed by an evil spirit, but they had failed to cast it out.

We know that, prior to this, Jesus had given His disciples authority to cast out demons (see Matthew 10:1; Mark 3:14-15; Luke 9:1). And, prior to this, they had successfully cast out demons (see Mark 6:13). So why, this time, did they fail? When they later asked Jesus that very question, according to Mark's Gospel, He told them it was because that particular kind of demon could only be cast out through prayer. However, Matthew recorded Jesus' response as being: "You didn't have enough faith" (Matthew 17:20). Both Matthew and Mark were inspired by the Holy Spirit to write their books, and so we must conclude that Jesus gave both reasons as to why the disciples failed.

Lack of faith seems to have been the primary reason for their failure, because as soon as Jesus heard they'd failed, He lamented, "You stubborn, faithless [or, _unbelieving_ ] people! How long must I be with you until you believe?" (Matthew 17:17). Also, when the boy's father asked Jesus to help him if He could, Jesus responded, "If I can?...Anything is possible if a person believes" (Mark 9:23).

Even though the disciples had God-given authority to cast out demons, their authority didn't work unless they exercised faith. Again, this is proof that God's will doesn't always automatically come to pass in our lives. We must believe what God has said, or else we may not experience what God has promised. As Jesus said, "Anything is possible _if_ a person believes" (Mark 9:23, emphasis added). Notice that what is possible depends upon each individual's faith.

In previous times when the disciples had successfully cast out demons, they must have had sufficient faith. Had their faith grown weaker? Probably not. I would be more inclined to think that this particular demon required stronger faith to expel than any demon they had previously dealt with. The reason is because this demon manifested itself in some very dramatic ways. It would take more faith to cast out a demon when it was making someone fall to the ground in violent convulsions, foam at the mouth and grind his teeth than it would to cast out a demon from a calm-looking person! Faith requires disregarding the contrary circumstances, and when the contrary circumstances are greater, greater faith is needed. It takes more faith to move a mountain than a molehill!

Perhaps that was why Jesus also said that this demon could only come out through prayer. Spending time in prayer can't increase anyone's authority over demons, but it can increase his faith in the authority he already possesses as he meditates on God's promises.

Possibly this demon put on the same show for the disciples as it did for Jesus, robbing them of their faith. But Jesus' faith didn't waver during His encounter. He was not afraid, and immediately upon hearing of His disciples' failure, commanded that the boy be brought to Him. As soon as the evil spirit saw Jesus, it immediately threw the boy to the ground in a violent convulsion, making him writhe and foam at the mouth. It was probably hoping to scare Jesus, stealing His faith, and thus continue to torture the boy. Jesus, however, was not moved by what He saw, and confidently commanded the demon to come out of the child and never enter him again. It reluctantly obeyed, screaming and throwing the boy into another convulsion as it came out. Finally, the boy was motionless, and the unbelieving crowd thought he had died. Jesus, of course, wasn't thinking such thoughts, and, taking the boy by the hand, helped him to his feet. That was one happy boy, one happy father, and one amazed crowd!

Q. Jesus asked the boy's father how long his son had been afflicted. What does this reveal to us about Jesus?

A. First, it reveals His compassion. As Jesus saw the boy's agony, He began wondering how long the boy had been suffering to such a degree. It also reveals to us, once again, that Jesus was not all-knowing, even though He was divine. He stripped Himself of omniscience when He became a man.

Q. The demon-possessed boy's father told Jesus that his son had suffered since childhood with his affliction, and the demon had often thrown his son into fire and water, trying to kill him. What does that tell you about demons?

A. It tells us how evil and wicked they are. This particular demon took a perverted pleasure in making a little boy suffer for years, torturing and trying to kill him.

Application: _Thank God that Christians don't have to be afraid of demons or the devil, because Jesus has delivered us from their power. Because we have Jesus inside us, now they're afraid of us! We can learn from today's reading that when the devil puts on his best show to discourage us or fill us with fear, that means he is scared!_

# DAY 72, Matthew 17:24-27 Jesus Pays His and Peter's Temple Tax

The Temple tax was one that all Jews were supposed to pay once a year for the upkeep and maintenance of the Temple in Jerusalem. It wasn't a large tax, but it wasn't a small one either, equivalent to about two days' wages for a working man. Because the Temple tax, like most taxes, was unpopular, special tax collectors were assigned to certain areas, and were responsible to see that as many people as possible paid. Perhaps knowing how influential Jesus had become in Galilee, several tax collectors approached Peter to find out if Jesus endorsed and personally paid the tax. Confident that Jesus was a very upright person (to say the least), Peter assured his questioners that Jesus did pay the tax, but then went to talk to Jesus about it. He was perhaps fearful that he had misrepresented Jesus, or he may have been planning on asking Jesus for the money to pay the tax while the tax collectors waited outside.

In a small way, Peter _had_ misrepresented Jesus, and this becomes clear as we read Jesus' and Peter's conversation. As Peter entered the house where Jesus was, before he could ask Him about the Temple tax, Jesus asked Peter a question about who kings normally tax. Unfortunately, if you've been reading the _New Living Translation_ as I suggested, you missed something significant that Jesus said. In the _New American Standard Bible_ , Jesus' question to Peter is recorded as, "What do you think, Simon? From whom do the kings of the earth collect customs or poll-tax, from their sons or from strangers?" Peter responded, "From strangers," to which Jesus replied, "Consequently the sons are exempt" (Matthew 17:25-26). Jesus did not, as the _New Living Translation_ says, contrast citizens of a kingdom and foreigners, but as kings's sons and his subjects.

What difference does this make? A lot. Jesus was not implying that He, being a citizen rather than a foreigner, was exempt from paying the Temple tax. Rather, He was implying that He, the Son of the King of all creation, was exempt from paying a tax on a house that belonged to that King! He was, once again, claiming to be God's Son!

Although He really didn't have a responsibility to pay the Temple tax, Jesus didn't want to offend the tax collectors, indicating that they probably were waiting outside for His money. So He gave Peter instructions for getting enough money to pay the tax for both of them. All Peter had to do was walk to the shore of the Sea of Galilee, throw in a line, and the first fish he caught would have a coin in its mouth that would exactly pay their tax!

 Let's use our imaginations to picture what happened next. Peter walks out of the house and says to the waiting tax collectors, "I'll have the money for Jesus' and my tax in just a minute---I just need to go pick it up. Please follow me." Together they walk to the shore where Peter picks up his fishing rod and casts a line into the water. In a second or two, he has a fish on his line and reels it in. He takes the fish off the hook, opens its mouth, reaches in to pull out a coin, and hands it to the astonished tax collectors! I wonder if they had any more questions for Peter after that! I wonder if they became followers of Jesus themselves!

Q. What is it that made this story so miraculous?

A. God may have created a coin for a fish to pick up, but I think that's unlikely because it would make Him a counterfeiter. Therefore, He must have directed a fish to a coin that had accidentally fallen into the water from someone's purse, hand or pocket. So God had to know the exact whereabouts of a lost coin under the water, direct a fish to put it in its mouth, and have that same fish bite Peter's bait at a precise time! On top of all this, God had to let Jesus know in advance what was going to happen so He, in turn, could instruct Peter about getting their tax money!

Application: _Although God rarely supplies our needs through coins in the mouths of fish, He often surprises us by using unexpected sources. That way, we are more likely to realize that He is the supplier. He cares about His children, and He loves to provide for them as they trust and obey._

# DAY 73, Mark 9:30-48 Jesus Teaches His Disciples

As the time of His death drew nearer, Jesus began avoiding the crowds in order to spend time teaching His disciples. He knew that they would be the ones to carry on His work after His ascension, and He had a limited amount of time to get them ready.

If they were to succeed in doing Christ's work, it was of foremost importance that they have a correct view of themselves and other believers. God won't use people who think they're somebody important or who want to be somebody important. Proud or selfish people who want positions of respect disqualify themselves from Christ's ministry. Jesus wants us to consider ourselves servants, and see everyone else as being more important. Yet the disciples had been secretly arguing over who was the greatest! Jesus told them what we should all keep in mind: "Anyone who wants to be the first must take last place and be the servant of everyone else." In God's eyes, what makes people great is servanthood.

Jesus also needed to remind His disciples of the proper view they should have of other believers, especially "lesser" ones. God loves all of His children, and so all should be valued by us. Jesus took a little child in his arms, a person that very few others would even have noticed was present, and talked about how valuable he was. Children and other so-called "insignificant" people are often pushed aside, but according to Jesus, they shouldn't be. Jesus said that if we, as His representatives, take notice of and welcome a little child who believes in Him, we are actually welcoming Him. _We are called to love people as God loves them, and this is the heart of being a follower of Christ._

On the other hand, because God loves people the world deems insignificant and unimportant, we are guilty of a great sin if we don't value them as God does. Jesus said that if anyone causes a child who believes in Him to lose faith, it would be better for that person to be thrown into the sea with a large millstone tied around his neck! Why? Because that would be a better fate than what will actually happen to the person who causes a believing child to lose faith---he will spend eternity in hell! That shows us how much God loves "unimportant" people.

John told Jesus about a man who was using Jesus' name to cast out demons, but because he wasn't part of their group, the disciples told him to stop. This gave Jesus another wonderful opportunity to continue adjusting His disciples' view of others as they prepared to take over His work on earth. Too often, we're looking for what makes people different from us so we can exclude them. Jesus, however, is looking for what is similar so He can include them! He told His disciples that they shouldn't have stopped the man from using His name to cast out demons, explaining that, "No one who performs miracles in my name will soon be able to speak evil of me" (Mark 9:39). We should adopt this same attitude, working to include people rather than exclude them, because that is how God feels. Jesus said that God will reward anyone who shows even a little support for one of His followers!

Q. Jesus said, "If your hand causes you to sin, cut it off. It is better to enter heaven with only one hand than to go into the unquenchable fires of hell with two hands....And if your eye causes you to sin, gouge it out. It is better to enter the Kingdom of God half blind than to have two eyes and be thrown into hell, where the worm never dies and the fire never goes out" (Mark 9:43-44, 47-48). Did He really mean that people should cut off their hands and gouge out their eyes?

A. No, He must have been using a figure of speech we call hyperbole, or exaggerating to make a point unforgettable. Jesus couldn't have meant that people whose hands and eyes have caused them to sin should cut them off and gouge them out, because we all have hands and eyes that we have used to sin. If everyone literally obeyed Jesus on this, everyone in the world would be without hands and eyes. What Jesus was saying is that it is sin that sends people to hell, and so there is no price too high to pay to avoid sin. We should do what is necessary to avoid temptation, and if something is causing us to stumble, we need to remove it from our lives.

Application: _Are you guilty of valuing other believers based on their age, their profession, their skin color or where they live? Is there anyone that you've been convicted about undervaluing? Will you change?_

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# DAY 74, Matthew 18:10-14; 19:13-15 The Value of Children

The first part of today's reading is a continuation of what we read yesterday, when Jesus was teaching about the value of little children who believe in Him. Today we again learn that it's wrong to despise little believers because God places such a high value upon them. He cares about them so much that He has specially-assigned angels that watch over them. That tells us how God values them. People on earth hire guards to watch and protect only what is valuable to them, and God is the same. Also, those specially-assigned angels are not second-string angels who have nothing else to do, and thus God makes them watch children just to keep them busy. They are not angels who are low-on-the-totem pole angels, who live in the most remote places in heaven, far from the action. No, the angels who watch over God's little children are angels who are very close to God, constantly in His presence.

Some children believe in Jesus, but are led astray, just like a sheep might wander away from its flock. Jesus said that is was not the will of His Father that a believing child would ever go astray and ultimately perish, and He will go to great lengths to seek and rescue that child. So we should have the same attitude towards younger believers. Did you realize how special and important you are to God?

This is why your parents are taking time each day to teach you God's Word. You're very important to God, and no matter what other important things your parents have to do, the most important thing they can do is what they're doing right now.

Unfortunately, just one chapter later, we find that as parents were bringing their children to Jesus for Him to lay hands on them and pray for them, the disciples were telling the parents not to bother Him. Why? Simply because they didn't think that such children were worthy of Jesus' time. But Jesus corrected them sternly. Jesus treated kids like most people only treat politicians, company presidents and movie stars!

Q. So you're a kid and now you know how much God values you. Should you now strut around like a proud peacock, expecting people to treat you like a president or movie star?

A. No, God wants you to be a servant, considering others as being more important than yourself. He loves you a great deal, but not more than anyone else.

Application: _It's wonderful to know that God loves all His children very much, young and old. That is why we should love each other, and not overlook anyone who believes in Jesus._

# DAY 75, Matthew 18:15-35 What To Do When a Fellow Christian Wrongs You

Jesus wants His followers to love one another as devoted friends. But sometimes, through thoughtlessness or misunderstanding, two followers of Christ are divided. What should you do if that happens to you? In most cases, you should simply overlook other people's thoughtlessness, knowing that if they knew better, they'd do better. But when a fellow believer sins against you so that your relationship with him is severely damaged, you should follow Jesus' instructions about how to work out your problem.

First, you should privately confront the believer who has offended you. It should be done gently and lovingly for several reasons. One, because you yourself are imperfect, and your imperfection gives you less of a right to be critical of others. Two, because upon confrontation, you may discover that you are the one to blame for the problem once you hear the other person's side of the story. Often people discover that their disagreement was nothing more than a misunderstanding.

If the other believer did actually sin against you, the large majority of the time he will ask for your forgiveness when he's confronted. Occasionally he won't, and there can only be two possible reasons. Either he is stubborn and unrepentant, or he really hasn't sinned against you as you think. So at that point, you need the help of a few other believers. Jesus said you should take one or two of them with you to confront the offender again. Of course, you'll have to convince those you want to take with you that you are right and the other person is wrong. They may, at that point, help you to see that the fault actually does lie with you, and if they do, then you should be the one asking for forgiveness and seeking reconciliation.

But let's say that your one or two helpers agree that you've been wronged, and with you, confront the offender for the second time. Either one of two things will happen. Either the offender will acknowledge his guilt or maintain his innocence. Most times, under the influence of several others who agree with you, the person will admit his guilt and ask your forgiveness. You, of course, are obligated to forgive him according to what we read today in Jesus' parable of the unforgiving servant. And thus your relationship will be restored.

If the offender still refuses to admit guilt and ask for forgiveness, then the matter should be taken before the whole church. (Keep in mind that for the first three hundred years of Christianity, most churches met in homes and consisted of no more than twenty-five people.) This is the final way of making certain that you have truly been sinned against, as the church considers your story and the evidence. If they decide you are right, they should confront the offender one last time. When he realizes that the whole church agrees with you, he should be persuaded of his sin and ask your forgiveness, thus restoring your relationship as you in turn forgive him. However, if he still refuses to repent, then he should be put out of the church and treated like an unbeliever, because he is obviously not a true follower of Christ. Jesus said that the church has heaven-given authority to do such a thing (see Matthew 18:17).

Jesus' instructions provoked Peter to wonder how many times he was obligated to forgive a fellow believer, suggesting that seven times was a good limit. Jesus, however, said that there was no limit, and then He told a story that explained why God expects His children to be so merciful. We've been shown so much mercy from God that it would be wrong for us to refuse to give mercy to others. In fact, if we refuse to forgive a fellow Christian who asks for forgiveness, God will reinstate our formerly forgiven sins. That is serious!

We must keep in mind that God offers forgiveness only to those who admit their guilt. Those who don't admit their guilt aren't forgiven, although God mercifully and patiently waits for their confession because He wants to be reconciled to all who have sinned against Him. We should follow His example. God expects us to forgive anyone and everyone who asks for our forgiveness, and He expects us to be merciful to those who don't ask for our forgiveness. In the parable of the unforgiving servant, notice that the first man _asked_ for forgiveness, and his fellow servant also _asked_ for his forgiveness, but he refused to give what he had received. That is what made the king so angry. In a sense, forgiveness can't be given until it's first requested. Jesus once said, "If another believer sins, rebuke him; then _if he repents_ , forgive him" (Luke 17:3, emphasis added). Notice in what we read today that there is no forgiveness offered to the unrepentant man who was found guilty by the whole church.

Q. If a fellow Christian doesn't say hello to you in church, do you think you should begin the process Jesus outlined in Matthew 18:15-17?

A. No. You should work on becoming more like Christ yourself and less like a little baby who is offended so easily. Mature Christians overlook many things that offend others.

Q. How many times do you think God will forgive us when we ask for His forgiveness?

A. He will forgive us an unlimited amount of times, because that is what He expects of us. He certainly wouldn't expect more from us than He does from Himself!

Application: _Is there any fellow Christian with whom your relationship is not right? In light of what we've read today, what can you do to begin to work toward reconciliation?_

# DAY 76, Luke 9:51-62 Jesus' Forbearance With Unbelievers and His Expectations of Believers

When we read the story of Jesus' meeting with the Samaritan woman at the well, we learned that Jews and Samaritans generally hated each other. Samaritans were a mixed race of Jews and Gentiles, considered impure by other Jews. Jesus, of course, was a Jew, but He loved everyone because He was also God. And, unlike most Jews who traveled from Galilee to Judea by taking a long route that bypassed Samaria altogether, once again we read of Jesus journeying right through the heart of that region.

On His way, an entire Samaritan village refused to accommodate Him and His disciples only because they were Jews on the way to Jerusalem. This infuriated the two brothers, James and John, who consequently asked Jesus if they should call fire down from heaven on that Samaritan village, just as Elijah had once done upon a band of enemy soldiers. They felt the Samaritans should die for their offense.

Jesus rebuked both brothers for their attitude, saying (according to some manuscripts), "You don't realize what your hearts are like. For the Son of Man has not come to destroy men's lives, but to save them."

Like James and John, we sometimes think that God should immediately kill sinful people, and wonder why He doesn't. The reason is because He is so merciful and longsuffering. God is so merciful that He wants to give them plenty of time to repent. He knows that their fate is permanently sealed at death, and that hell awaits the unrepentant. Certainly Jesus wasn't pleased by the hatred of the people in that village, but He knew that they were acting just like most Jews acted toward Samaritans. In fact, His own disciples were no different than the unaccommodating Samaritans. If the Samaritan villagers deserved to be burned with fire for their prejudice, so did James and John!

In the second portion of today's reading we learn that, just like today, there were many people in Jesus' time who wanted to follow Him on their own terms. And, like today, those people disqualified themselves from being Jesus' true followers. Luke related three examples of such people.

The first man claimed he would follow Jesus no matter where He went. Jesus warned the man that he was making a vow that might be difficult for him to keep, because He had no place of His own to sleep each night. He and His disciples slept out in the open or relied on the hospitality of sympathetic friends. Of course, followers of Jesus today don't need to literally follow Him from place to place, but they, too, should first count the cost before becoming His disciples. Too many people want to follow Jesus as long as it doesn't inconvenience them. Consequently, they may think they've become His disciples, but they really haven't.

The second man agreed to be Jesus' disciple, but requested that he first return home to bury his father. It seems unlikely that his father had just died and that he just wanted to attend the funeral. More probable is that his father was elderly and could die at any time. So he wanted to delay his decision to follow the Lord. But the decision to delay following Jesus is a decision not to follow Jesus, because Jesus is calling everyone to follow Him now.

The third man also agreed to follow Jesus, but requested that he first say good-bye to his family. There is, of course, nothing wrong with saying good-bye to your family, but it seems Jesus knew this particular man was actually hesitating to follow through on his decision to become a follower and wanted to think about it for a while with the help of his family. The man had "put his hand to the plow" in the field, about to begin plowing, but was looking back toward his home, asking himself if he really wouldn't prefer to head back there and rest. Jesus expects that people who pledge allegiance to Him will follow through with their commitment.

Q. Jesus obviously expects us to be more devoted to Him than to anyone else, even our family members. What does this tell us about Him?

A. It tells us that Jesus is God, because only God has a right to expect us to be more devoted to Him than to our own families! It also tells us that we had better be more devoted to Him than to anyone else.

Application: _All three men we read about today verbalized a commitment to follow Jesus. But the real mark of a follower of Jesus is not what he says, but what he does. Those who aren't willing to make any sacrifice for Christ's cause, or who indicate that they will follow Him in the future, or who hesitate in following through with their promise are fooling themselves._

# DAY 77, Luke 10:1-24 Demons Must Obey Christ's Followers

Today we read about Jesus sending out seventy-two of His disciples to preach in towns He planned to visit. His instructions to them were very similar to those He gave His twelve disciples when He sent them out to preach. The seventy-two were also sent out in pairs, so they must have ministered in at least thirty-six towns. Jesus knew that some of the preaching pairs would be unwelcome where He was sending them. However, He sent them anyway, so that no one in those towns could accuse God before His judgment seat, saying, "You never sent anyone to tell me how I could be saved." The seventy-two were fully authorized as Jesus' messengers, just as much as Jesus was God the Father's authorized messenger. He told them, "Anyone who accepts your message is also accepting me. And anyone who rejects you is rejecting me. And anyone who rejects me is rejecting God who sent me" (Luke 10:16).

When the seventy-two returned from their missions, they were thrilled to report to Jesus that they had not only been able to heal sick people as He had promised them, but they had also been able to cast out demons in His name. They were amazed that demons, whose power had previously awed them, so quickly obeyed, as if they were powerless.

Jesus, however, wasn't surprised at all. He knew that Satan and his demons were no match for God's power, and told the seventy-two about something He'd witnessed ages ago. Before the world was created, Satan tried to exalt himself, but was cast out of heaven by God. When he was, he could put up no resistance, because God is infinitely more powerful. Satan fell from heaven _like lightning_. One second he was in heaven, and BOOM!, the next second he was on the earth! God the Father had given Jesus authority over everything (see Matthew 10:22), including the devil and demons, and Jesus in turn had given the seventy-two disciples authority "over all the power of the enemy" (Matthew 10:19). Demons are no match for God and for those who have God-given authority over them.

As happy as the seventy-two were about their authority over demons, there was something else Jesus said they should be even happier about---that their names were registered in heaven. Just thinking about how God had revealed the truth to those who were childlike, like the seventy-two who had just returned from their missions, moved Jesus to begin thanking His Father. As He later remarked, His disciples were so privileged to witness His ministry, something that Old Testament prophets and kings longed to see. How privileged _we_ are to be able to read about Jesus' life and ministry. How blessed we are to know Him and His Father! And how thankful we should be that our names are also recorded in heaven in "the Lamb's Book of Life" (Revelation 21:27)!

Q. From whom does God hide the truth?

A. From those who think they are wise and clever (see Luke 10:21). Those are people who are proud. That's why it's a good idea regularly to admit that you need God to enlighten you, because there's a lot you don't understand. Proverbs says, "With humility comes wisdom" (Proverbs 11:2).

Q. Jesus told the seventy-two that He had given them authority over all the power of the enemy and that they could "walk among snakes and scorpions and crush them" (Luke 10:19). Did He literally mean that they could crush snakes and scorpions?

A. That is unlikely, and we certainly don't have a biblical example of any of Jesus' disciples doing such a thing. More probable is that Jesus was referring to demons when He spoke of snakes and scorpions. Most people are afraid of those two creatures, and they're also afraid of evil spirits. But those who follow Jesus have authority over them and have no good reason to be afraid. According to what Jesus said in Mark 16:17, all believers in Him have authority to cast out demons.

Application: _Just as Jesus sent out the seventy-two, so we have been sent out by Him to be His representatives. The New Testament says that we are "Christ's ambassadors" (2 Corinthians 5:20). And just like the seventy-two, we are fully authorized by Jesus. He said in John 13:20, "Truly, anyone who welcomes my messenger is welcoming me, and anyone who welcomes me is welcoming the Father who sent me." Are you acting like Jesus' representative, doing what He would want you to do in every situation?_

# DAY 78, Matthew 11:28-30 Jesus Invites Weary People to Rest

In today's short reading, Jesus helps us to understand salvation. By using a _metaphor_ , He explains what He's offering us and what we need to do to receive it. What is a metaphor? A metaphor is a comparison of things that are basically not the same, but which have some striking similarities. For example, I might say, "That man is like an oak tree." What is similar between the man and an oak tree? I probably mean that he is very big and strong. I don't mean that leaves grow on him or acorns fall from him each September!

Jesus used metaphors that the people He was teaching could easily understand. He first spoke of carrying heavy burdens and being weary. All of Jesus' listeners could understand what He was talking about because they didn't have cars and trucks in their day to help them carry things. People carried most things on their backs if they didn't have a donkey or a cart. Can you imagine having to carry your groceries all the way from the supermarket to your home on your back? You'd be pretty worn out by the time you got home!

The burden Jesus was talking about was the burden of sin and guilt that unsaved people carry with them all the time. Some people do a good job of ignoring the weight of that load, but their weariness is evident from the looks on their faces. Jesus wants to remove that load of guilt, giving them rest from it. He wasn't talking about a _physical_ weariness and rest, because He promised rest for their _souls_ (see Matthew 11:29). Once a person has received forgiveness, a great load is removed from his mind and his conscience.

Jesus made it very clear that, in order to be saved, people first must recognize and admit that they are burdened and weary. Second, they have to _want_ to be unburdened. Then they must come to Jesus, which means they must recognize that He is the One who can help them.

Jesus also said that He had a yoke He would place on those who came to Him. A yoke is a big piece of wood that is placed around the neck of an ox, attached by ropes to a plow or wagon. When a man places a yoke on an ox, it means he has work for that ox to do, and it means that he is the owner and master of the ox. This tells us something very important about salvation that many people unfortunately don't understand. When we come to Jesus, we are making Him our owner and master; we are ready to go to work for Him. Being saved means being submitted to His will. It means listening to and learning from Him, being His disciple.

Many people have supposedly "accepted Jesus" as their Savior, but never have submitted themselves to obey Him. They still want to control their own lives, and they demonstrate no evidence of any submission to Jesus. Even though they may think they are saved, they really aren't.

Although Jesus wants to be our owner and master, He assures us that He will not be a harsh one. He won't whip us or drive us mercilessly! Rather, He said that He is a master who is humble and gentle. He loves us dearly, a million times more than any man ever loved his ox! The yoke that He puts on us "fits perfectly" (Matthew 11:30). That is, it's custom-made by His loving hands so that it won't scratch our backs or hurt us in any way. And the burden He gives us to pull is not heavy. We won't strain under His load. When people say that they don't want to become followers of Jesus because it would be too hard, we should remind them of what Jesus said here. His burden is _light._

Q. If a person claims to believe in Jesus but never attends church, reads his Bible, or listens to Bible teachers, is he really saved?

A. Probably not. Jesus said that those who come to Him must allow Him to teach them (see Matthew 11:29). If a person isn't interested in learning from Jesus, he hasn't really submitted himself to Jesus yet.

Q. When an unsaved person says that he doesn't have any guilt or doesn't need to be forgiven, what does that tell us about him?

A. It tells us that he is fooling himself and ignoring what he knows to be true. Everyone who is unsaved feels guilty whether he admits it or not, because God has placed a conscience inside everyone that convicts them when they do wrong. Until a person can admit his guilt, he can't be saved, because Jesus is offering him something that, in his own mind, he doesn't think he needs.

Application: _What does it mean to be saved? According to what we read today, it means becoming one of the blessed, beloved oxen that belong to Jesus. Have you taken His yoke upon you?_

# DAY 79, Luke 11:1-13 Jesus Teaches About Prayer

Like most teachers, Jesus sometimes repeated to one group what He'd already taught another group. Some of what we read today Jesus taught during His sermon on the mountainside (see Matthew 6-7), so we'll only consider what is new to us.

Teaching about prayer, Jesus used an illustration about a man who was visited late at night by a friend. Unfortunately, he didn't have any food to feed his guest, so he walked to another friend's house to ask if he could borrow three loaves of bread. The problem was that it was midnight, and the friend and his family were already in bed. Naturally, it was a bother for him to get up and give the man three loaves of bread, and he even said so.

If you've been reading from the _New Living Translation_ , the translators have, I believe, taken a little too much liberty at this point in the story. They make it sound as if the man who needed the bread ignored his friend's excuse and continued to knock on his door until he finally got up and gave him what he wanted. But the original Greek actually says that his friend got out of bed and gave him bread because of his _shamelessness_. That is, he was very bold to make such a request, expecting a favor so late at night. It took a lot of nerve to do what he did, and it showed that he had great faith in the kindness of his friend. His friend felt obligated to live up to what was obviously expected of him, and so he got up and gave the man what he wanted. Even the _New Living Translation_ says that the friend gave the man what he wanted so his reputation wouldn't be damaged. That is, he wanted the man to continue to think that he was a true friend and a kind person.

Jesus' point is not that we should continually repeat our prayer requests to God so that He'll eventually give us what we want. In fact, Jesus taught during His sermon on the mountainside that we shouldn't continually repeat the same words in prayer, because God knows what we need before we ask (see Matthew 6:7-8). Rather, Jesus was encouraging us to have boldness when we make our requests. People who have faith ask boldly, just like the man in Jesus' story. In everyday life, people who get what they want are people who expect to get what they want. People who expect little get little, and they don't ask, seek or knock. The same thing is true in prayer. People who expect little of God get little from God. But people who expect much of God boldly ask Him for what they want and get it. They have an "I don't take 'no' for an answer" type of attitude, and persist in faith.

To further encourage us in prayer, Jesus used an illustration about children making requests of their fathers. Kids are world-famous for boldly asking their parents for many things. Jesus said that if fathers grant their children what they ask for, how much more will God give His children the Holy Spirit when they ask Him. This indicates that one of the things God expects us to request boldly from Him is the Holy Spirit. And it teaches us that we should shamelessly make our requests to our heavenly Father just as we do with our earthly fathers.

Q. Do born-again Christians who already have the Holy Spirit living inside them have any business asking God for the Holy Spirit?

A. Yes, they do. Jesus' promise that God would give the Holy Spirit was given to people who can call God their heavenly Father. They could only be people who are already born again, otherwise God is not their Father. And people who are born again already have the Holy Spirit living in them because they're born of the Spirit. So, Jesus' promise definitely applies to those who are already born again. The New Testament tells us that God wants to baptize His children in the Holy Spirit in order to empower them for service and witnessing, but they must boldly ask Him.

Q. If you are born again, have you shamelessly asked your heavenly Father for the Holy Spirit?

Application: _Are you, like so many people, waiting for opportunity to knock on your door? Or are you, as Jesus encouraged us, boldly knocking on opportunity's door? Are you expecting much from God? Does it show by your bold requests and acts of faith?_

# DAY 80, Luke 11:37-54 Jesus Criticizes the Religious Leaders

Although the Pharisee we first read about today may have wanted to appear as if he was a hospitable person, you can be sure he wasn't being motivated by kindness when he invited Jesus to share a meal at his house. Rather, he was hoping to find fault with Jesus in order to report it to his fellow Pharisees. And it didn't take him long. He was amazed to see that Jesus "sat down to eat without first performing the ceremonial washing required by Jewish custom" (Luke 11:38).

Knowing the Pharisee's thoughts, Jesus used the occasion to illustrate the basic flaw of all the Pharisees. They were primarily concerned with outward cleanliness at the neglect of inward cleanliness, making themselves hypocrites. Jesus said that God made both inside and outside, so both were important, but the Pharisees' insides were full of greed and wickedness. The only way for them to become inwardly clean was to repent, and Jesus said that the way to repent of greed was to give to the needy what the Pharisees greedily possessed.

Also, for the sake of outward appearance, the Pharisees majored in minors. That is, they emphasized the least important things and neglected what was most important. For example, when they picked some of their garden herbs, they would be careful to take a tenth of them and give them to the priests, because the Law of Moses required the Israelites to tithe on their increase. Jesus endorsed their tithing, but criticized them for neglecting other much more important things, like teaching people about and sharing God's love, or defending those who were treated unjustly.

The final proof of the outward show of the Pharisees' religion was their love of the seats of honor at the synagogue and the respectful greetings they received from people in the marketplace. They were not the kind of people who gave secretly to the poor or who prayed behind closed doors. Everything they did was a show so that people would see how holy they supposedly were. They loved it when they were honored by others for putting on their act!

In the same category were the religious teachers who considered themselves experts in the Law of Moses. They taught the common people their own strict interpretations of what God required, putting burdens on them that God never intended for them to carry. They made it next to impossible for people to please God. Jesus said they were no different than the evil religious leaders of the Old Testament who persecuted and killed the prophets whom God sent. In fact, Jesus predicted that they would persecute and kill future prophets and apostles whom God would send, one of them, of course, being Himself. Both Pharisees and religious teachers were very religious people who, unless they repented and believed in Jesus, would spend eternity in hell.

Q. Why do you suppose Jesus said that the generation of His day would be held responsible for the murder of all God's prophets from the creation of the world, from Abel to Zechariah? Is that fair? Will He not hold responsible the _actual_ murderers?

A. Jesus knew that His generation would be responsible for His own death, and certainly, as God's only Son, Jesus was much more valuable than all the former prophets combined. They were men created in God's image and sent by God, but Jesus _was_ God! So perhaps He meant that His generation would lay up more guilt by killing Him than if they had been responsible for the death of every prophet God had sent since the creation of the world.

Application: _All of us, and especially Christian leaders, can become guilty of being Pharisaical. Here are some healthy questions that we need to ask ourselves from time to time: Does my religion consist mainly of outward conformity to a few aspects of the Christian faith, such as going to church once a week and paying my tithes? Am I living for Christ every hour of every day, spreading God's love, giving to the needy and defending those who are treated unjustly? Do I act more holy when I'm in church than I do at home? Do I do any good deeds privately, proving that my Christianity is not just an act to gain the praise of others?_

# DAY 81, Luke 12:13-21 Jesus Warns Against Greed

When an unmarried person dies, all his possessions usually become the property of other people, based on the instructions in the deceased person's will. If the deceased person has children, his possessions are usually divided equally among them. When possessions are not divided among the children equally, problems occur, because if one child gets less than another, he feels cheated. This must have been what happened to the man who asked Jesus to tell his brother to divide their father's estate.

Although God knows everything, and Jesus is God, Jesus voluntarily stripped Himself of that ability to know everything when He became a man. Therefore, because He didn't know all the facts, He wasn't able to make an instant judgment in the matter, as God the Father could have. We don't know, and neither did Jesus, if the man had _really_ been cheated by his brother. It seems unlikely that he had received absolutely nothing while his brother had received everything. More likely, he'd received close to half of what his father owned, but felt his brother got the "bigger" half. The situation required a judge who would carefully examine the facts, appraise the value of the estate, and then determine if it had been divided fairly. Jesus, being perfectly fair, refused to make a judgment without knowing all those important facts.

However, Jesus did detect that the man was in danger of allowing himself to be gripped by greed. This man was so dominated by the desire for his fair share that he interrupted Jesus' sermon to make his request, foolishly hoping that Jesus would make a judgment so he could hastily possess what he thought belonged to him. Jesus seized the opportunity to warn us all against the sin of greed, a sin that manifests itself in many ways in people's lives.

Using an illustration of a rich man who became richer, Jesus explained that greed is basically a selfish attitude toward material things. The rich man's land was very productive, and his barns couldn't store all his crops. Rather than realizing that his abundance came from God, obligating him to share it, he built bigger barns to store it all so he could retire early and live a life of ease. He didn't think of those who had no food, and said nothing about giving a tithe to the Lord. He was rich in material things, but did not have, as Jesus said, a "rich relationship with God" (Luke 12:21). Otherwise, he would have acted differently.

Jesus said the man was a fool. The reason is clear: Although he was prepared for retirement, he was unprepared for eternity. He died the very same day that he made his selfish decision, making that decision his _final_ decision.

No one knows the day he or she will die, but one thing is certain: everyone will die one day. And everyone will have to stand before God to give an account of his life. Our actions on earth will be what God uses to determine our eternal destiny, because our actions reveal what is really in our hearts. _The most important thing in life is to have a rich relationship with God_. If we do, we'll let God direct us in what we do with the material things He gives us. A little later, in this same sermon, Jesus instructed His followers, "Sell what you have and give to those in need. This will store up treasure for you in heaven! And the purses of heaven have no holes in them. Your treasure will be safe---no thief can steal it and no moth can destroy it. Wherever your treasure is, there your heart and thoughts will also be" (Luke 12:33-34).

Q. Was Jesus telling us that it is wrong for us to own any material things?

A. No, He Himself promised in this same sermon to provide for our material needs (see Luke 12:31). He wouldn't give us something that was sinful for us to have. He was warning us against a selfish attitude toward what we own, and of placing a higher priority on material things than our relationship with God. The best way to guard against greed is to give away a portion of what God gives you regularly.

Q. What do you think Jesus would say about the kid who brings his parents a toy catalog and tells them, "I want everything on pages twelve through forty-one!"

A. He would probably say that material things were much too high of a priority for that child.

Q. What do you think Jesus would say to a child who told his mother, "Please take part of what you'd spend on me for Christmas presents this year and give it to a native missionary"?

A. He would probably say that He is pleased with that child's unselfishness.

Application: _Are you guarding against greed from gripping you? How are you doing it?_

# DAY 82, Luke 12:35-48 Jesus Tells His Followers to be Ready for His Return

The old Boy Scout motto, "Be Prepared," should also be a motto for every follower of Christ. Boy Scouts are supposed to be prepared for whatever might happen, but Christians should be prepared, above everything else, for the return of Jesus. He said He will come when "least expected" (Luke 12:40). Thus, there exists the potential for people to be caught off guard. Some will be very surprised and completely unprepared.

What is it that will determine who is prepared and who is unprepared for Jesus' return? Those who are obeying Jesus will be prepared, and those who are not obeying Him will be unprepared. Jesus said we should wait for Him as a servant waits for his master to return from a wedding feast. This once again teaches us that, although we are saved through our faith in Jesus, real faith manifests itself in obedience. If Jesus is truly our Savior then He is also our Master, and we are His servants.

Unfortunately, there are many people who think they are Christ's servants but who prove they aren't by what they do. Specifically, Jesus mentioned people who oppress His other servants (see Luke 12:45). At another time, Jesus said that love for one another is the mark of His true disciples (see John 13:34-35). Those who oppress and hate Christians definitely aren't Christians. Jesus also specifically mentioned in today's reading that some of the unprepared will be partying and getting drunk. The Bible plainly teaches that drunkards will not get into heaven (see 1 Corinthians 6:10).

According to Jesus, at His return the unprepared will be treated just like unbelievers (see Luke 12:46), with one exception. They will be punished even more severely because they knew their duty, but refused to do it. Those people who are found to be disobedient at Christ's return but who didn't know much about what He expected of them will be punished less severely. This indicates that the "unprepared" of whom Christ was speaking are probably professing Christians, supposed servants of Christ who have some knowledge of the Bible, but who are not really saved. Both the knowledgeable unprepared and the ignorant unprepared will be banished to hell, although their punishments will vary there. This means that it would be much worse to be the child of Christian parents and only a "church kid" who has no real relationship with Jesus than an ignorant pagan who knows little about Jesus. Both will spend eternity in hell, but the "church kid" will be punished even more severely there.

Jesus said that the servants whom He finds doing His will when He returns will receive a special favor and reward. Amazingly, Jesus said that He would reward His obedient servants by serving them a meal! God foretold through the prophet Isaiah of a fabulous meal that He would prepare for His people: "The Lord Almighty will spread a wonderful feast for everyone around the world. It will be a delicious feast of good food, with clear, well-aged wine and choice beef" (Isaiah 25:6). We can also read in the book of Revelation about something called "the wedding feast of the Lamb" and how blessed are those who are invited to it. If you are a true follower of Jesus who is prepared for His return, you're one of those blessed ones!

Q. Kids of Christian parents often outwardly conform to their parents' standard of behavior while they're growing up, but once they grow old enough to leave home, their lifestyles change dramatically for the worse. What does this tell us about those kids?

A. They were perhaps never really saved in the first place. That is why parents should not only teach their children about what is right and what is wrong, they should teach them _why_ certain things are right and certain things are wrong. And even more importantly, they should teach their children about Jesus and who He is, so that their children's good behavior results from their personal relationship with Him and their desire to obey Him---not just a temporary outward conformity.

Q. Jesus compared Himself to a burglar in today's reading. At other times He compared Himself to a "thief in the night." Why would Jesus ever use evil people to describe Himself?

A. Both comparisons teach us the limitations of comparisons and the foolishness of trying to find too much meaning in Jesus' parables and metaphors. Remember that a metaphor is a comparison of things that are basically _not the same_ , but which have some striking similarities. The only similarity between Jesus and a burglar is that people are not expecting either, and are caught by surprise when they come. That is where the similarities end.

Application: _If Jesus returned at this instant, are you ready this instant?_

# DAY 83, Luke 13:1-9 Jesus Warns People to Repent

We are sometimes tempted to think that people who suffer some tragedy are more wicked than most people, and that God is punishing them for their sins. Surely, it is with _those_ people that God is angry. In today's reading, however, we gain Jesus' perspective of such things, and because Jesus is God, we can be sure His perspective is correct.

Two tragic things had recently occurred in Jerusalem. The first was Herod's murder of some people from Galilee as they were sacrificing in the Temple. We don't know any details of what happened, but can be sure it was the talk of all Judea and Galilee for some time. The second was the accidental death of eighteen men who were killed when a big stone tower toppled over onto them. In both cases, many Jews of Jesus' day had assumed that God was punishing them because of their wickedness. They also assumed that because they were alive, they themselves must not be deserving of such a fate, and they, unlike those who died, had God's approval.

Jesus said, however, that the people who died were not greater sinners than anyone else, and warned the living that unless they repented, they would also perish. In other words, from God's perspective, the survivors were just as deserving of a tragic death as those who perished. The survivors, however, had simply received more time to repent. So, the question people should have been asking was not, "Why did those people die?" Rather, they should have been asking, "Why are any of us still alive?"

Jesus answered that question using an illustration of the unfruitful fig tree. The man who planted the fig tree was tired of waiting for the tree to produce figs and decided that the tree should be cut down because it was wasting space in his garden. His gardener, however, persuaded him to give the tree one more year, promising to give it more fertilizer and special attention. Then, if it didn't produce any figs after that year, he would cut it down.

Those who survived the contemporary tragedies of that time were like the fruitless fig tree that deserved to be cut down. God, however, had mercifully decided to give them more time to repent and produce the fruit of obedience in their lives. The people who died couldn't complain over their fate, because they'd received only what they deserved. In fact, they, too, had doubtlessly deserved to perish long before they did, but also received undeserved mercy.

Although God didn't cause the Tower of Siloam to fall on eighteen men and kill them, and although God didn't inspire Herod to murder the Galileans, no one can intelligently say that God didn't _permit_ both tragedies to occur. Jesus said that both served as warnings to the living that they needed to repent. Those warnings, too, were indications of God's mercy to the survivors, who really didn't even deserve to be warned!

Q. If _everyone_ died on his or her eightieth birthday, and _no one_ died before then, how do you think that would affect the way people live their lives?

A. Most people would lead very sinful lives and then, as the time of their eightieth birthday drew near, would become very holy! But, because everyone knows that death can occur at any time, and because we are constantly reminded of that fact by the tragic, unexpected deaths of so many people, smart folks are motivated to repent immediately. That way they're ready to stand before God's judgment seat at any time.

Q. Was it fair that God allowed some people to die in those two tragedies and allowed others who were equally deserving of death to live?

A. It was not really a matter of fairness from God's standpoint since everyone deserved to die before he did. For example, suppose there were two murderers in prison who had both killed many people and who were sentenced to die. One is scheduled to be executed on Monday and the other on Tuesday. What would the prison warden say to the Monday murderer if he complained of unfair treatment? He would say, "You have no right to complain of unfair treatment, because you deserved to die a long time ago. Fairness for you is not something that is an issue at this point. And did you treat the people you murdered with fairness?"

Application: _People have been asking for ages, "Why do bad things happen to good people?" Their question reveals their ignorance about God's holiness and humanity's sinfulness. Jesus said that no one is good except God alone (see Mark 10:18), so that disqualifies every person from being classified as "good." In light of our sinfulness and God's holiness, the question people should be asking is, "Why does anything good ever happen to such bad people?" The answer to that question would be, "Because God is so merciful."_

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# DAY 84, Luke 13:10-17 Jesus Heals a Crippled Woman on the Sabbath

When faultfinders want to find faults, they find them! Right before this synagogue leader's eyes, a woman who had suffered for eighteen years was instantly healed. And what did he see? He didn't see a woman who was healed, he saw a man who sinned by "working" on the Sabbath, performing a healing. His words revealed what was in his evil heart and his actions exposed his hypocrisy. Jesus said that everyone takes care of the needs of his animals on the Sabbath day, doing things that could be classified as work but nevertheless are considered unavoidable responsibilities. If it is acceptable to take care of animals on the Sabbath, is it not all right to take care of people on the Sabbath? Certainly it is. Just as in our day, some people of Jesus' day placed a higher value on animals than on people!

By the same token, some modern Christians seem to want to take all the enjoyment out of Sundays on the basis that we should "keep the Sabbath holy." They demonstrate a similar attitude to that of the synagogue leader. Certainly our Sabbath, which most Christians practice on Sunday, not Saturday, is a special day in which we can focus even more on spiritual things. But to forbid children to play on Sunday afternoons, or to say that it is a sin to fix a meal on Sunday to serve hungry people, is not what God had in mind when He gave the Sabbath commandment.

Q. What should have been the response of the synagogue leader?

A. He should have begun to praise God with the woman who was healed, and then fall on his face before Jesus, repenting of his sins and asking for forgiveness.

Q. Jesus said that Satan had held the formerly-crippled woman in bondage for eighteen years. What does this tell us about the source of sickness and God's will concerning healing?

A. It tells us that Satan is the real source of sickness. This also provides additional proof that God wants us well, since the devil is His enemy and the Bible says that Jesus came to destroy the works of the Devil (see 1 John 3:8).

Application: _Can you imagine being bent double for eighteen years, unable to stand up straight all that time? Think of how excited and thankful this woman must have been when Jesus healed her. For us, this story is one more proof that Jesus is the Son of God, and it should encourage us to look to Him to grant us the miracles we need in our lives. He is full of compassion._

# DAY 85, Luke 13:22-35, Jesus Teaches About the Narrow Door to Heaven

The main reason why Jesus became a human being was to die for our sins so we could be forgiven. Jesus was the "Lamb of God," and it was God's will that He die in Jerusalem during the Passover feast with all the other Passover lambs. As Jesus made His final journey from Galilee to Jerusalem, He taught in towns and villages on the way, and one day someone asked Him a very important question: "Lord, will only a few be saved?"

Using different words, Jesus restated what He'd taught during His sermon on the mountainside, revealing that only a minority of people would be saved, while the majority would go to hell: "You can enter God's Kingdom only through the narrow gate. The highway to hell is broad, and its gate is wide for the many who choose the easy way. But the gateway to life is small, and the road is narrow, and only a few ever find it" (Matthew 7:13-14).

In this instance, Jesus told His questioner that many people would try to enter heaven, but they would be kept out for one reason---because they were evildoers. Some people will even claim that they ate and drank with Jesus and listened to Him teach in their streets, which will be true of many people who were alive when Jesus walked the earth. However, their association with Him won't be enough for them to be saved. It's not being just _associated_ with Jesus that gets a person into heaven, it's believing with an obedient faith that He is the Son of God. If a person only _associates_ with Jesus, he obviously doesn't believe that Jesus is the Son of God, otherwise he would give his life to Him in obedient service, and no longer be categorized as an evildoer. He may believe that Jesus is a nice person, a good teacher or a faithful friend, but that is not enough. Are you a part of the minority who will enter heaven through the narrow gate?

Jesus also made it plain that there are only two places people will go after they die: heaven or hell. There is no purgatory as some think, a place where people pay for their sins and then are eventually released into heaven.

In the final part of today's reading, we read of Jesus lamenting over Jerusalem. Take note that although He knew He would soon be crucified in that city, He wasn't feeling sorry for Himself. Rather, He was feeling sorry for the people of Jerusalem because He knew the consequences they would suffer for rejecting Him. Within forty years, their city would be destroyed, and tens of thousands of the inhabitants would be crucified by the Roman army. Worse than that, those who rejected Christ would spend eternity in hell.

It was God's perfect will that all the people of Jerusalem be saved, expressed by Jesus when He said, "How often I have wanted to gather your children together as a hen protects her chicks beneath her wings" (Luke 13:34). But why wasn't He able to do what He wanted? Jesus explained: "But you wouldn't let me." It won't be God's fault that anyone is in hell.

Q. Jesus said that in the future, when His kingdom comes, there will be people who are despised now but who will be greatly honored then, and there will be some who are greatly honored now who will be despised then. About what kinds of people do you think He was speaking?

A. For the most part, those who are devoted followers of Christ are not being honored by the world, but are being despised as fanatics and fools. They will be honored by God in His kingdom. On the other hand, there are many unsaved people whom the world presently honors, but who will be despised by God when they stand before Him.

Q. In today's reading, Jesus quoted from Psalm 118. We can read in that same psalm these words: "The stone rejected by the builders has now become the cornerstone" (Psalm 118:22). What do you think the writer of that Psalm was talking about?

A. According to Jesus and Peter, Jesus is the rejected stone that became the cornerstone (see Matthew 21:42; Acts 4:11). If you don't know what a cornerstone is, ask your parents.

Application: _Jesus promised in today's reading that people from all over the world would be citizens of His future kingdom. This proves that Jesus died for everyone and that God loves every member of every race and nationality. He is not prejudiced at all. When you think of people of other races or nationalities, are your thoughts like God's thoughts? Christians, above all people, should not be prejudiced.   _

# DAY 86, Luke 14:1-14 Jesus Teaches About Humility and Servanthood

Just the fact that the only fault the Pharisees could find with Jesus was that He healed on the Sabbath tells us that He must have been a very good person. (We know that he was sinless). Jesus wasn't content to let them think that He was guilty of even one little sin, so He explained that the fault they'd found in Him wasn't a fault at all. Rather, they were criticizing Him for a virtue. He was helping someone who needed help on the Sabbath, just as they would do for their sons or animals if they were in need on the Sabbath. So Jesus proved that their only criticism of Him was unjustified. He was sinless.

As we've previously seen, the religion of the Pharisees was mostly just a show. They worked hard at looking good on the outside, but their inward motivation was all wrong. They were seeking the praise of men rather than the praise of God, something that usually characterizes religious people who are not born again. Jesus saw through them, and noted that their desire to be honored before others was evident even in how they seated themselves to eat a meal together. Each one tried to sit near the head of the table where the most "important" people sat, and Jesus seized the opportunity to teach a lesson about humility. When we exalt ourselves, we run the risk of being humbled, just like the man who takes a seat of honor at a wedding feast. It's much better and more pleasing to God if we will humble ourselves. If we will, we're more likely to be exalted.

Humble people are always thinking, not of themselves, but of others. For that reason, they have a servant's attitude, looking for opportunities to be a blessing. However, just because someone serves others isn't sure proof that he's a true servant. Many people outwardly seem to be kind and generous, but often they are just acting in order to gain people's favor. They are hoping to personally benefit in the long run. For example, people sometimes give gifts in order to make others feel indebted to them. That is one reason Jesus told us to give secretly. Secret gifts are motivated by pure love.

That is also why Jesus told the host of the dinner not to invite his friends, brothers, relatives and rich neighbors when he gave a dinner. They could and would repay him for his kindness. A higher, more godly love would be demonstrated by giving a dinner for those who could not repay him. Jesus told him that if he would give a dinner for people who could not repay him, such as the poor, crippled, lame and blind, _God_ would reward him at the resurrection of the godly.

This doesn't mean that it's wrong for us to show love to our friends, brothers, relatives and neighbors. But our love for them could be just selfishness disguised as love if we have hidden motives. God is calling us to a higher love, one that is pure like His. He wants us to show love to those whom most people neglect, ignore, and even hate.

Q. What do you think God would say to a person who wants to look good in the eyes of others when he humbles himself with the hope of being exalted?

A. God would say that person is guilty of _false humility_. True humility has no plans for being exalted by other people. It only desires the praise of God.

Q. How do you think God feels about social _cliques_ , small groups of exclusive people who look down upon or don't associate with those who don't meet their standards for acceptance?

A. He's against them, because they are held together by selfishness and convey hatred toward people He loves.

Application: _Is there anyone you know that most people ignore, a person who receives very little love from others? It may even be someone in your school or church who is a little different from everyone else. In light of what Jesus said, what do you think He wants you to do? Will you?_

# DAY 87, Luke 14:15-24 A Feast For Everyone

This important story was told by Jesus while He was dining with a group of Pharisees. Just after He had said something about the resurrection of the godly people, one of the diners expressed what a privilege it would be to share in the Kingdom of God. The man was, perhaps, conveying the heart-felt feelings of everyone present, and Jesus recognized His opportunity to tell them who will and who will not be one of those privileged people.

Amazingly, the point of Jesus' story is that it is _not_ God who determines who gets into His kingdom. People themselves determine their destiny. God has sent an invitation to everyone, but unfortunately many are making excuses to decline His offer.

Their excuses, as Jesus so wonderfully illustrated, make no sense to anyone with good sense. One man in Jesus' story had just purchased a field and wanted to inspect it. Not only was he rude for declining the invitation, but his reason for declining was insulting to the host. He considered the inspection of his field, something he could do at any time, to be more important than his invitation to the feast, which he would never have another opportunity to attend. He also appears foolish not to have inspected his field before he bought it.

The second man was equally insulting, conveying that he would rather spend time with his new oxen than with the host and his guests.

The third man stated that he'd just been married so he couldn't attend. Perhaps this man represents the person who lets other people make his decisions for him, in this case, a wife.

The wealthy host was angry when his servant returned, informing him how his invitations had been denied. So he instructed his servant to go to the streets and alleys of the city and invite the poor, the crippled, the lame and the blind, and all of them gratefully accepted his invitation. But there was room for still more, so the host instructed his servant to go to remote places where few people lived to urge anyone he could find to come to his feast. He wanted his house to be full. He was obviously a very gracious man. He clearly represents our God, who has extended His salvation invitation to everyone.

Q. Many of the people of Jesus' day considered the poor, the crippled, the lame and the blind to be cursed by God, assuming they were deserving their of plight because of their sinfulness. As a result, they had little compassion on such people. What does Jesus' story teach us about that viewpoint?

A. It teaches us that it is entirely wrong. Although we may not understand why some people are born with birth defects, or why some people suffer tragedies in their lives, we should never assume that it is because they are greater sinners than the rest of us. God loves every one of them, and He wants them to accept His invitation to be saved.

Q. Jesus wanted to point out in this story that people who reject God's salvation invitation are very foolish. What could be more foolish than refusing eternal life and living forever in heaven, and choosing to spend eternity in hell? Can you think of any foolish excuses that people use today to decline God's invitation?

Application: _The wealthy host in today's story finally told his servant to go to the remote, less-populated areas to invite people to his feast. God loves people in far-away places, and all Christians should be involved in helping those kinds of people hear about God's invitation. We can do that by praying for God to send people, by giving money and praying for those who are taking God's message to far-away places, or by going ourselves. Are you like the servant of the wealthy host?_

# DAY 88, Luke 14:25-33 The Cost of True Discipleship

By studying almost everything that the Gospels record about the life of Jesus, we have an advantage over daily devotionals that only consider random portions of Scripture: we don't avoid or miss anything that God wants us to know about Jesus. The only record we have of Jesus' life is found in the writings of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. The Holy Spirit inspired them to write exactly what they did, so all of it is important, and we shouldn't neglect any part.

Today's reading is one of those portions that some people avoid, because what Jesus said seems too demanding of them. But ignoring what Jesus taught doesn't do away with what He said! Everyone needs to face up to what we've just read.

Jesus was very plainly teaching that there is a cost to be His disciple. He expects our highest devotion, and He couldn't have made His standards more clear.

First, we must love Him even more than the people we love the most: our fathers, mothers, spouses, children, brothers and sisters. In fact, Jesus said we must love Him more than our own lives. True disciples of Jesus are sold out to Him. Jesus is not just a _part_ of their lives, He is the _center_ of their lives.

Second, Jesus said that we must carry our own cross in order to be His disciples. What did He mean? He wasn't saying, of course, that His followers must literally carry a cross on their backs wherever they go. The carrying of the cross that Jesus talked about must be symbolic of something.

In Jesus' day, when crucifixion was a common means of punishment, the expression He used was probably common. It would have meant, "Do the))) thing that you would naturally not want to do," or "Deny your selfish desires for a greater cause." Those who are Christ's true disciples have done just that. The most important thing in their lives  is))) no longer pleasing themselves, but pleasing God.

Third, we must love Jesus more than any material thing if we are to be His disciples. Jesus owns us and everything we own. Therefore, He should have control over everything we possess, and we should do with it as He directs.

Unfortunately, too many people decided to become followers of Christ without first considering what it might cost them. When they do realize the cost, they change their minds. For example, a person might decide to follow Christ, but when he does, all his friends abandon him. So, in order to gain back their friendship, he stops obeying Jesus. Or a new follower of Christ who didn't count the cost might be required by his employer to lie to customers or lose his job. In order to keep his job, he stops following Jesus.

Have you considered the cost of following Jesus? It seems like a contradiction, but it's true: Salvation is a gift that could cost you everything!

Q. Can someone be a Christian without being a disciple of Christ?

A. Not according to the Bible. Neither Jesus nor any of the apostles taught that a person could be a believer in Christ without becoming a follower of Christ. There are not two classes of Christians, the uncommitted who believe in Him and the devoted followers. Those who truly believe in Jesus become His disciples.

Q. Is it possible for a person to be a disciple of Jesus, but not give away any of his earnings to support the spread of the gospel or help the poor?

A. In light of all that Jesus said about our responsibility as His followers pertaining to money, it seems highly unlikely that such a person could actually be a true follower of Christ.

Application: _A major problem in churches today is that many people claim to be Christian, but they really aren't. They think they're going to heaven just because they prayed a prayer to receive Jesus, even though their lives are no different from that of non-Christians. They are unwilling to sacrifice anything for the sake of following Christ, such as their time, their selfish pursuits, their money or their reputation. Those kinds of people are going to be very surprised when they are condemned to hell. We need to tell them the truth._

# DAY 89, Luke 15:1-32 God's Lost and Found

Today we read of another fault the Pharisees and religious teachers found in Jesus: He spent time with sinful people. This once more strengthens our belief that Jesus was sinless, because the only faults anyone could find in Him weren't faults at all, they were virtues. Jesus explained why He spent time with sinners: they were valued by God, just as a lost sheep is to a shepherd and a lost coin is to a woman who owns ten coins.

The Pharisees who criticized Jesus were self-righteous, and were actually just as lost as the people they condemned as being sinners. Jesus considered everyone to be a sinner who needs to be saved, but those who didn't think they were sinners could never be saved, because they thought they already were!

The story of the lost son was really a story about the bad attitude of the older brother, who represented the Pharisees. The younger son was definitely guilty, but he repented before his father, who received him back with rejoicing and a feast. His son had been lost, but was back home where he belonged. The older brother became angry when he saw how gracious his father was toward his brother. He had always obeyed his father and never had received a similar party. To him it didn't seem fair.

Every time I read this story, I always feel myself siding with the older brother. If my father did what his father had done, I would probably react the same way. But when I put myself in the shoes of the father, I'm sure I would do just what he did for his repentant son. There were two different perspectives in the matter, and we must realize that our God has the father's perspective. He loves all of His own, so we should adopt His attitude and rejoice when He blesses someone who has recently repented after committing big sins, even if we feel like God is showing favoritism. Of course, God shows no favoritism, but like the father in the story, He can't help but express His love when a repentant son returns home.

Q. If the younger brother was so graciously received and restored when he returned home, was there any advantage for the older brother to have stayed home, remaining obedient to his father all those years?

A. Absolutely. Everything the father owned was divided between his two sons. The younger of the two had wasted his entire inheritance, but the older brother still possessed all of his. That is why his father reminded him, "Everything I have is yours" (Luke 15:31b). The wayward son, although blessed to be restored, would regret all his life what he did with his inheritance. He would never have another opportunity to receive it again. And the older brother could use his inheritance to have as many feasts with his friends as he wanted.

Q. How do you think Jesus feels about Christians who look down on sinful people who are not Christians?

A. He knows they are guilty of spiritual pride. All of us were sinners at one time who needed a Savior. We were no different than the sinful people we now look down upon, except that we heard and believed the gospel and God forgave and changed us. We need to be merciful toward sinners as God is.

Application: _Did you notice the father's love for his repentant son in today's final story? When the returning son was still a long distance away, his father saw him coming. He had been hoping and longing for his son's return, always looking into the distance. He didn't wait for his son to make it to him. Rather, he ran to his son, filled with love and compassion. When they met, he didn't wait for his son's confession, but immediately embraced and kissed him. When his son confessed his sin, he didn't scold him to make him feel worse, but immediately called for the finest robe, a ring for his finger, sandals for his feet and a great feast in celebration. Does that help you understand God's loves?_

# DAY 90, Luke 16:1-14 The Story of the Shrewd Money Manager

Jesus' story of the shrewd money manager is one that many people have difficulty understanding. However, if we first consider the lessons of the story that Jesus shared at its conclusion, it's easier to understand how the story leads to those lessons.

Jesus mentioned at least three lessons His story teaches, and all of them revolve around the use of and our attitude about money. The last of the three is, "No one can serve two masters. For you will hate one and love the other, or be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money" (Luke 16:13). Jesus does not want money to be our highest priority as it is for many people. _Every_ aspect of some people's lives revolves around money. For example, when faced with a decision about choosing a career, the most important question they ask themselves is, "What can I do that will make me the most money?" A servant of God, considering the same question, would ask, "What does God want me to do?" Those whose god is money are literally controlled by money, as it directs their every decision. And that was the case with the shrewd money manager. He deceived and cheated his master, sinning against God, because money was his highest priority. It was his god. By their actions, the Pharisees also proved they loved money more than God.

The second lesson was about trustworthiness. Jesus said, "Unless you are faithful in small matters, you won't be faithful in large ones. If you cheat even a little, you won't be honest with greater responsibilities" (Luke 16:10). Trustworthiness is something that must be earned, and it is first earned by proving yourself trustworthy in small things. The shrewd money manager in Jesus' story was found unfaithful, and that was why he lost his job. God is testing everyone's faithfulness by watching what we do with what He's given us, including our money. Christians who don't give anything when they're making only a little money are proving they wouldn't give anything if they made a lot of money, in spite of what they may claim. So why would God bless them with more money? Christians who waste money that God gives them are also proving themselves untrustworthy and provide no reason for God to entrust them with more.

This is more important than many Christians realize. How we spend our money is a primary indicator of our spiritual lives. In fact, it can reveal whether we are truly saved or not. Jesus said, "If you are untrustworthy about worldly wealth, who will trust you with the true riches of heaven?" The shrewd money manager in Jesus' story proved, by his mishandling of his master's money, that he was not truly devoted and obedient to his master. So his master rejected him, just as God will reject those who, by their use of their money, prove that they aren't truly submitted to Him.

The third lesson is perhaps the most difficult one to understand, especially if you are reading from a translation other than the _New Living Translation_. Jesus said, "I tell you, use your worldly resources to benefit others and make friends. In this way, your generosity stores up a reward for you in heaven" (Luke 16:9). The shrewd money manager made friends out of his master's debtors by lowering their debts. Because he'd helped them save money by cheating his master, they'd feel obligated to help him once he lost his job. Jesus, of course, doesn't want us to make friends by cheating anyone, but He does expect that we will assist our brothers and sisters in Christ who are in financial need. And we, like the shrewd manager, will ultimately benefit from helping them when we are rewarded in heaven.

Q. Do you think what we've read today has any application to kids?

A. If they receive any money, either by earning it or receiving it as a gift, it certainly does. They should demonstrate their obedient faith in Jesus by what they do with their money, and it doesn't make any difference how little money they have. In fact, by proving to God at a young age that He can trust them with a little money, kids can ensure themselves a better financial future.

Q. Many people think it's O.K. to tell "little" lies, as long as their lies don't hurt anyone. And they claim they would never tell a "big" lie. How do you think God feels about that?

A. God knows they're lying about not lying! When they're faced with a small temptation to tell a small lie and yield, God knows they'll tell a big lie when faced with a big temptation. God never tells any lies, big or small, and neither should we.

Application: _When you are faced with a decision, are the financial consequences more important to you than the spiritual consequences? Say, for example, that you have just enough money to buy a certain thing you've wanted for a long time. However, you haven't given away any portion of that money yet, to someone less fortunate, to your church or to a missionary. What is the proper thing to do?_

# DAY 91, Luke 16:19-31 The Rich Man and Lazarus

Jesus told this story of the rich man and Lazarus directly after He told the story we read yesterday of the shrewd money manager. Both stories teach us something about how God expects us to view and use money.

The final conclusion of yesterday's story was, "No one can serve two masters. For you will hate one and love the other, or be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money" (Luke 16:13). The rich man in today's story was a perfect illustration of this truth. Money was obviously his god, not because he was wealthy but because of what he did with his money. He repeatedly ignored the pathetic plight of a diseased and starving beggar lying at his doorstep, who became too weak to even chase away the dogs that licked his open sores. The rich man could have easily provided food and shelter for Lazarus, yet he showed him no pity until Lazarus eventually died right on his doorstep. The rich man's actions proved that the love of money controlled his life, and not the love of God. The point of this story is not, "Rich people go to hell and poor people go to heaven." There are many wealthy people mentioned in the Bible as being godly and righteous.

The point of this story is that people whose god is money are unsaved people. The rich man's lack of compassion for Lazarus was a telling sin, but you can be sure it wasn't his only sin. In fact, in hell he knew that the greatest need of his living brothers was that they "turn from their sins" (Luke 16:30). If he would have had faith in God during his life, he, too, would have turned from his sins. True faith is always manifested by obedience. But during his life, the rich man served money, not God.

Jesus obviously believed there was such a place as hell, and made it clear that it's a place of conscious torment. Although the rich man had left his body on earth, his spirit was very much alive, and he was able to see, hear, touch, taste and remember. He longed for some relief from the heat of hell's flames. But, because he had previously ignored the plight of Lazarus, now he was being justly repaid for that sin and all his sins. Praise God that those who believe in Jesus and repent on earth are forgiven of their sins because Jesus suffered the punishment they deserved! Aren't you glad you're one of them?

Q. Do you have to be wealthy to be guilty of the sin of loving money?

A. No, middle-class and even poor people can be guilty of that sin. However, wealthy people are probably more often guilty of it than others. Studies show that wealthy people generally give a smaller percentage of their money to charities than people with smaller incomes.

Q. Does what we've read today apply to kids?

A. It does if they are followers of Christ and have any money of their own, either earned or received as a gift. A portion of it should be used to help those who are less fortunate. One way to do that is to give to needy people that you know, or perhaps to sponsor a needy child in another country. Many churches give a portion of their income to the poor, and thus, by giving to their churches, people are also giving to the poor.

Application: _We sometimes mistakenly think, like the rich man in hell, that if people witnessed a miracle they would turn from their sins. However, God is doing miracles every day for everyone, trying to get their attention. He uses snowflakes and stars, flowers and fruit, babies being born and water turning to ice, but people ignore His call. Beyond that, God is speaking to them through their consciences and His words in the Bible. Still they don't listen. The real problem isn't the lack of miracles, it's the hardness of people's hearts._

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# DAY 92, Luke 17:1-10 Temptation, Sin, Forgiveness, Faith and Obedience

_The most important thing that people can and should do is to obey God. More than anything else, God wants our obedience._ He does not want the kind of obedience that the Pharisees demonstrated, an outward obedience to man-made laws; He wants an obedience that springs from a heart that loves Him. Because obedience to God is so important, anything relating to obedience in our lives is also very important. Jesus talked about the importance of several of those related things in our reading today.

First, disobedience usually begins with a temptation, so God is very opposed to anyone who tempts others to sin. Those kinds of people will incur worse punishment in hell than anyone else because they will not only be held responsible for their own sins, but will also be held partly responsible for the sins of others. Many people make their living at tempting others and causing them to sin, such as publishers of pornography and sellers of illegal drugs.

Second, the opposite of one who helps others to sin is the one who hinders other people from sinning. One way God wants us to help others not to sin is by rebuking fellow believers if they sin against us. Of course, a rebuke such as that should be given gently in love. If the fellow believer repents, we are supposed to forgive him or her. If we don't, we are sinning.

Third is the relationship between faith and obedience. Like the apostles, we would like to have more faith, thinking that the primary result of greater faith would be the working of miracles in our lives. Jesus said, however, that even a very small amount of faith can produce a major miracle. _So miracles aren't the evidence of great faith_. In fact, there are instances in the Gospels of people who performed miracles in Jesus' name who weren't even followers of Jesus. They may have had a little faith in Jesus in regard to His ability and power, but they didn't have faith in Him as being the Savior, Lord and Judge before whom all people must one day stand. Thus, the working of miracles is not what proves a person has faith in all that Jesus is. Rather, it is obedience that indicates a person has that kind of faith, which is why Jesus then immediately proceeded to talk about obedience.

Finally, a fourth issue related to obedience to God is the danger of becoming proud when we are obedient. Because pride is a sin, there exists the danger that not sinning can lead to a sin! So, as Jesus instructed, we should always view ourselves as servants who deserve no praise. When we obey God, we are only doing our duty, not going above and beyond our duty.

Q. If a fellow believer sins against you seven times in one day and you forgive him seven times, what should you do if he sins against you an eighth time that same day?

A. You should forgive him. Jesus wasn't placing a limit of seven acts of forgiveness per day per believer. He was saying that there should be no limit to our forgiveness. It is very unlikely that you will ever have an opportunity to forgive one person seven times in one day, and Jesus knew that!

Q. What sin can most easily originate from obedience?

A. The sin of pride. People who don't sin can easily become proud of it, which means they're sinning again!

Application: _What is the most important thing in life? Obedience to God! This should be on our minds all the time._

# DAY 93, Luke 17:11-19 Jesus Cleanses Ten Lepers

Leprosy is a terrible disease that causes a person's body parts to slowly rot away. Lepers often lose their fingers and toes, and eventually the disease kills them. It is very contagious and is spread by touch. For that reason, lepers in Jesus' day were outcasts of society, and no one wanted to be near them. So they hung around each other, and in today's story we find a group of ten who called on Jesus to heal them. From examining the details of the story, it's obvious that they had faith in His healing power.

First, their faith was evident by their calling out to Jesus to be healed.

Second, when Jesus told them to go and show themselves to the priests, they obeyed. Under the Law of Moses, before a cleansed leper could begin normal interaction with non-leprous people, he had to be examined by a priest and declared cleansed of his leprosy. That is what Jesus was requiring the ten lepers to do, and so they started off on a 25- or 30-mile journey to Jerusalem. They must have believed that they would be better by the time they got to the priests, and as they acted on their faith, they were!

And third, Jesus told the one leper who returned to give thanks that it was his faith that had healed him. For this reason, we can conclude that all ten were healed through their faith in Jesus. Where did these ten lepers get their faith? They must have heard that Jesus was healing all who asked to be healed.

What would have happened if they wouldn't have asked Jesus for healing? What would have happened if they wouldn't have obeyed Him, acting on their faith by heading toward Jerusalem to show themselves to the priests? The answer to both questions is this: They would not have been healed, even though we know from reading the story that it was obviously God's will for them to be healed. This once again proves that God's will doesn't always automatically happen regardless of what we do. And it once again proves that unless we believe, God's will may not come to pass in our lives.

Q. Jesus healed _all ten_ of the lepers. What does this say to us?

A. It leads us to believe, once again, that God wants everyone to be healed. Many Christians today will say that it is God's will to heal some but not all. But Jesus healed _all_ the lepers. And, if they had believed that it was only God's will for a few of them to be healed, none of them would have been healed, because none of them could have had faith for individual healing.

Q. The one leper who returned to give Jesus thanks was a Samaritan. His faith was actually more impressive than the faith of the other nine. Why?

A. Because Jews and Samaritans had no dealings with one another in Jesus' time. Because of that, he, more than the others, would have been tempted to doubt the wisdom of obeying Jesus' instructions to show himself to the priests. He knew the priests would probably have nothing to do with him. But he obeyed Jesus anyway and was healed.

Application: _If we believe in Jesus as our healer, let us begin to talk and act like it!_

# DAY 94, Luke 17:20-37 Jesus Teaches About the Coming Kingdom

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There are many places in the Old Testament that tell about the time when God's kingdom will rule over all the earth. That promised future kingdom is something the Jewish people anticipated for a long, long time. As Christians, we also are waiting for that day, knowing that Jesus is the One who will then rule the world. It will be heaven on earth.

One day some of the Pharisees asked Jesus when God's kingdom would come. Knowing that they would not be citizens of that kingdom unless they believed in Him, Jesus answered their question by telling them that the kingdom of God was among them. That is, the God of that kingdom, the One who would one day rule the world, was standing right in front of them, offering blessings that would be enjoyed by every one of that kingdom's citizens. In that sense, God's kingdom isn't coming, it's here right now! Although Jesus is not yet ruling everyone in the world, He is ruling over everyone who has submitted his life to Him.

Later with His disciples, Jesus spoke more about the time when He would return to rule the world. He didn't tell us everything we might want to know, but He told us everything He wanted His disciples and us to know.

First, Jesus made clear to His disciples certain things that modern Christians know quite well: He would suffer and die and then be gone from earth for a considerable amount of time. His followers would want Him to come back much sooner than He would. Knowing how much we would long to see Him, Jesus warned us against being deceived by reports of His supposed return. When He comes back, Jesus said we'll know it, because He won't be sneaking back and hiding somewhere! His return will be as evident as lightning flashing across the sky.

Second, Jesus reiterated to His disciples what He previously said to the Pharisees: His return would not be ushered in with visible signs immediately preceding it. People would be caught unprepared and would be living their lives just as they always had.

Third, when Jesus returns to the earth, He will come with judgment. Many people will die, suffering God's wrath, just as they did during the flood of Noah and the destruction of Sodom. Because entire cities and towns will be destroyed, Christ's followers will have to be cautious not to put themselves into danger by joining the ungodly when God's wrath falls upon them. Jesus reminded us of Lot's wife, who died looking back to a city that God was destroying. However, although there is the possibility of one of us making a mistake, there is no danger of God making a mistake. We don't have to worry about Him accidentally killing us, because Jesus told us that two people could be working side by side or even sleeping in the same bed, and one would be taken and the other saved. God knows those who are His, and He won't treat them like the ungodly.

Q. If you heard a report on the television news that Jesus had recently returned and was living in France, would you believe it?

A. I hope not! Jesus told us not to believe any reports of His return because we'll all know it when it happens.

Q. Let's suppose you are alive when Jesus returns. You happen to be driving home from a vacation and have just about arrived at the outskirts of your city when fire falls from the sky over and on your entire city. Should you drive as fast as you can to get to your house to rescue your prized possessions?

A. No, you should stay away from any area that looks as if God's wrath is falling on it.

Application: _All true Christians hope that Jesus will return in their lifetime. But even if He doesn't, at death we get to immediately be with Jesus in heaven. Then, when He does return, we will return with Him. That might be even better than being on the earth and seeing Him return!_

# DAY 95, Luke 18:1-8 Jesus Encourages His Followers to Trust Him for Justice

In many places around the world over the last two thousand years, Jesus' followers have been persecuted. Some persecution is not too difficult to take, such as when someone lies about you to hurt your reputation as a Christian. But sometimes persecution can be very harsh, for example, if you lost your job for following Christ, or were kicked out of your home, or perhaps were even tortured and martyred for your faith. Any Christian in that kind of a situation begins to question why his heavenly Father is allowing the people who are persecuting him to get away with it. It's not fair, and since God is fair, why doesn't He punish the evildoers and stop their persecution?

Because the world will grow even worse as the time of Jesus' return draws closer, persecution against Christians will increase, and thus more and more of God's people will be crying out to Him for justice "day and night" (Luke 18:7). We know, of course, that eventually God will act in justice against those who persecute His people, but it won't happen as soon as those who are being persecuted would like. They will be tempted to doubt God's justice, give up hope and quit praying. Some may even be tempted to quit following Jesus.

But Jesus wants all of His persecuted people to be encouraged, and that's why He told this story of the persistent widow. Because she didn't give up, but rather, kept persisting in her quest for justice, she got what she wanted from a godless and uncaring judge. Jesus' point is this: If that widow got justice from a godless judge through her persistence, how much more will God's persistent people obtain justice from their perfectly just and caring heavenly Father? He will, as Jesus said, bring about justice for them quickly. Maybe not as quickly as they'd like, but quickly as far as God is concerned.

Q. Why do you suppose God allows His people to be persecuted for even a minute? Why doesn't He judge persecutors immediately?

A. There may be several reasons. First, He is merciful toward the persecutors and wants to give them time to repent and be saved. Once they die and go to hell, they will never have another chance. When the persecutors experience the love of the Christians they persecute, who return good for evil, they may very well come to their senses and receive Jesus.

Second, God can use persecution to test His people. Those whose faith in Jesus is fake are exposed when they are persecuted. They quit following Jesus. Perhaps that's why Jesus asked at the end of today's story, "But when I, the Son of Man, return, how many will I find who have faith?" (Luke 18:8).

Third, God can use persecution to help His children grow spiritually and become more like Jesus. Persecution gives us a chance to obey His command to love our enemies and develop the fruit of the Spirit. At the same time, we can prove our love for Him as we endure.

Finally, because God lives in a timeless realm, and because He knows all about the glorious eternity that we will experience, His perspective of persecution is different from ours. He will reward us in His kingdom for the persecution we experience now. When that time comes, we might wish that we had experienced more persecution on earth!

Q. Do Jesus' comments about persistence in prayer apply to every prayer we might pray?

A. No, they don't. We know they apply when we're praying for justice but not seeing immediate answers. However, when someone is praying for salvation, for example, he only needs to pray one time in faith and immediately receive what God has promised. This would be true for other things God has promised as well, such as the Holy Spirit (see Luke 11:13).

Application: _If persecutors of Christians don't repent, you can be sure they will be punished fairly in hell when they die. Jesus even promised some persecuted Christians in the ancient city of Philadelphia that He would force their persecutors to bow down at their feet (see Revelation 3:9)._

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# DAY 96, Luke 18:9-14 The Pharisee and the Tax Collector

This story was aimed at the Pharisees, who were generally proud of themselves for their supposed obedience to God and consequently despised everyone else. They were no different than many modern religious people who are proud of their outward conformity to God's law and who look down on others who don't come up to their standards.

The good points that the Pharisee listed about himself were commendable, as all of them indicated some obedience to God. He claimed that he never cheated, sinned or committed adultery. He fasted regularly and tithed. However, he had at least one major flaw: he was very proud. He thought that his good works earned his salvation. He didn't feel like he needed a Savior because he had saved himself!

We know, however, that the Pharisee needed a Savior, if for no other sin than the sin of pride. And most likely, he was guilty of a number of other sins as well. One, to be sure, was his lack of compassion for other people like the tax collector.

Unlike the Pharisee, the tax collector knew he was a sinner who needed forgiveness if he was to be saved. So he humbly admitted his sinfulness and asked for mercy from God. And Jesus said that his prayer was answered. He left his place of prayer saved, whereas the Pharisee left unsaved. To be saved, a person must humble himself, admitting that he is a sinner who needs a Savior. If we think, like the Pharisee, that we don't need a Savior, then we cannot be saved.

Q. Jesus said that the tax collector, unlike the Pharisee, left the Temple _justified_ before God. Do you know what it means to be "justified"?

A. The easiest-to-remember definition of the word _justified_ is this: _"just as if I'd_ never sinned." When a person goes to court and the judge says at the end of his trial, "You are justified," he means, "I find you not guilty for the crime of which you've been accused." A person who is justified is not a forgiven sinner, he is a person who has not sinned! The Bible teaches us that Jesus bore our sins and gives believers His right standing before God the Father. Because Jesus never sinned, He has perfect standing before God, and that is what we get when we believe in Him!

Q. Would it be possible to have a perfect standing before God apart from Jesus?

A. Only if a person never sinned could he have a perfect standing before God without Jesus. However, since every person has sinned (even so-called good religious people who might be more obedient than the average person), everyone needs Jesus to be saved.

Application: _Kids raised in Christian homes are often well taught to do what is right, and consequently they do what is right most of the time. The danger that exists for them is that they might tend to think that their good behavior is what saves them, and they might not see their great need for Jesus to save them. The cure for such a proud attitude is to ask the Lord to show us our sins, especially the ones that are hidden from others, like wrong thoughts, motives and attitudes. Why don't you ask the Lord to reveal to you how much you need Him as your Savior today in prayer?_

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# DAY 97, John 7:1-36, The Unbelief of Jesus' Brothers and People of Jerusalem

According to what John wrote, before Jesus' death and resurrection, His own brothers didn't believe in Him. This teaches us that believing in Jesus means believing more than the fact that He was just a person in history. And it means believing more than the fact that Jesus did miracles. Jesus' brothers certainly believed He was a real person, and they also knew He did miracles. But they didn't believe that He was the divine Son of God, as indicated by how they spoke to Him, scoffing at Him. _In order to be saved, we must believe that Jesus is the Son of God._

Being members of the same family, Jesus' brothers were perhaps embarrassed by His claims that seemed so outrageous and His growing unpopularity. We are told in Mark's Gospel that on at least one occasion, Jesus' family tried to drag Him back home with them, saying to other people that He was out of His mind (see Mark 3:21). On this occasion that John recorded, Jesus' brothers chided Him for what they perceived as His inconsistency. If He wanted to succeed in His mission, why would He hesitate to go to a well-attended Jewish feast in Jerusalem?

Jesus replied that it wasn't time for Him to go, indicating His obedience to His Father. He knew that, because many people in Jerusalem didn't like His convicting message, there was a growing opposition there that would eventually result in His crucifixion. It was important that He not be crucified prematurely, before the Passover Feast. So, in order not to cause too much of a stir, Jesus went to Jerusalem secretly, separately from His brothers.

Even though at first very few people knew He was there, Jesus was the main topic of conversation at the feast, and the Jewish leaders were on the lookout for Him. People debated about Him. Some thought He was a wonderful man while others considered Him to be a deceiver or even demon-possessed. Some believed He was the Messiah because of all His miracles. Others thought He couldn't be the promised One because they didn't know enough of the Scriptures and assumed the Messiah would simply appear, having no known origin. They knew, however, that Jesus was the son of Mary and (they thought) Joseph, and was from the town of Nazareth. So how could He be the Messiah?

Jesus, as always, answered His critics truthfully. He told them that He wasn't trying to pretend that He had just appeared or that He had no earthly origin. (Such credentials were not required of the Messiah.) And He clearly claimed to have come from God, having been sent as God's representative to bring God's teaching, that He was seeking to honor God, and that He would soon be going back to God. He was claiming to be much more than just a wonderful person or a prophet. He was claiming to be the Messiah, the Son of God!

Q. We read today that the Jewish leaders in Jerusalem tried to arrest Jesus, but no one laid a hand on Him because, "His time had not yet come" (John 7:30). What do you think that means?

A. We find that phrase, "His time had not yet come" and variations of it a number of times in the Gospel of John. As we read in later chapters, it becomes clear that Jesus was referring to the time of His crucifixion, the event for which He had been born. Jesus was predestined to die at the Passover Feast in Jerusalem, thus, when men made plans to arrest Him before then, God somehow prevented it from happening. Jesus would die when it was God's preordained time.

Q. Jesus told the Pharisees that they would not be able to come where He would be going. What did He mean?

A. He meant that they would not be able to enter heaven, joining Him there, because they did not believe in Him.

Application: _People today have the same opinions about Jesus as they did back when Jesus walked the earth. The reason John recorded so much of their debate is because the most important thing anyone can do is to decide who Jesus is. Those who believe that He is who He claimed to be are given eternal life, just as John wrote near the end of his Gospel, "[I have written] so that you may believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing in him you will have life" (John 20:31)._

# DAY 98, John 7:37-53 Jesus Offers Living Water to Thirsty People

Can you imagine Jesus shouting to the Jerusalem crowds, "If you are thirsty, come to me! If you believe in me, come and drink! For the Scriptures declare that rivers of living water will flow out from within" (John 7:37b-38)? That would take a lot of nerve to do, unless you were crazy---or you were the Son of God.

Speaking figuratively, Jesus was once again offering what only He can give. He wasn't offering actual water to quench people's physical thirst---He was offering living water that would quench people's spiritual thirst. John wrote that the "living water" of which Jesus spoke was really the Holy Spirit. Jesus gives the Holy Spirit to everyone who comes to Him in faith, and the Holy Spirit lives within every true Christian from the moment of his conversion.

Jesus made this declaration on the last day of a Jewish celebration called _The Festival of Shelters_. It was a feast instituted by God to help the people of Israel remember their wanderings in the wilderness when they lived in temporary shelters after their exodus from Egypt. Each day during the festival, the priests would draw water from the Pool of Siloam and pour it out at the altar in the Temple. It was done in remembrance of the water that supernaturally came forth from a rock that Moses struck. Unfortunately, the Jews of Jesus' day missed the real significance of that original miracle and its yearly commemoration. God gave His people physical life through Moses by providing water when they were once dying of thirst. But much more important, He, through an even greater man, wanted to give living water to everyone who was dying of spiritual thirst. Jesus wanted everyone to know that He was the One whom Moses prefigured, and He was like the water that saved the thirsty Israelites.

As expected, the reaction of those who heard Jesus make His claim was divided. Some considered Him to be the great Prophet whom Moses had predicted. Others thought He was the Messiah. And others, especially the religious leaders, were convinced that Jesus was neither the Messiah nor a prophet because He was originally from the region of Galilee. They knew that the Messiah would be born in Bethlehem and that He would be David's descendant. Too bad they didn't do their homework, or they would have found out that Jesus met those conditions!

Q. When the leading priests and Pharisees learned that the Temple guards didn't arrest Jesus as they had been ordered, they mocked them, saying, "Have you been led astray, too? Is there a single one of us rulers or Pharisees who believes in him? These ignorant crowds do, but what do they know about it?" (John 7:47-49). Does this teach us anything about following religious leaders?

A. Yes, it does. Many people today refuse to think for themselves about spiritual matters, assuming that if something was important for them to know, their learned priest or pastor would surely tell them. That's a big mistake, because many modern "Christian" leaders don't believe that Jesus is the Son of God or the inspiration of the Bible. They are, to borrow one of Jesus' phrases, "blind leaders of the blind."

Q. What kinds of people did Jesus invite to come to Him?

A. He invited thirsty people to come to Him and drink. Only when people realize that they are dying of spiritual thirst do they see their need to come to Jesus.

Application: _Jesus spoke of two experiences with the Holy Spirit in this passage. First, He spoke about people coming to Him and drinking. Then He spoke of rivers of living water flowing out from people who drank. God wants us to receive the Holy Spirit, but not just for our benefit. He wants the living waters within us to flow out to others, spreading His life to them._

# DAY 99, John 8:1-11 Jesus Shows Mercy to an Adulterous Woman

Because they didn't believe in Him, the Pharisees and religious teachers wanted to prove that Jesus was not from God. So they formed a plan that they hoped would expose Him as a fraud. In the Law of Moses, God commanded that adulterers be stoned to death for their sin, and the Pharisees figured that if Jesus didn't endorse what God's Law required, that would be proof that He really wasn't from God. So, they somehow caught a woman in the act of committing adultery and brought her to Jesus to see if He would say the same thing God said through Moses.

Filled with wisdom, Jesus masterfully turned the tables on the Pharisees. They had passed judgment on Him and the woman they'd brought, but He forced them to judge themselves. "All right, stone her," He told them, "but let those who have never sinned throw the first stones!" (John 8:7). Jesus actually proved that they were guilty of what they accused Him of: not keeping the Law of Moses. In Moses' Law, the one who accused another person of a sin that was punishable by death was required to throw the first stone if the accused person was found guilty. Jesus was simply asking the woman's accusers to obey the Law, and He reminded them of part of the reason God required accusers to throw the first stone at people they helped condemn: When a person is as guilty as the person he's accusing, he has no right to accuse that person, much less throw the first of many stones that will kill that person!

Jesus' challengers got the message, and slowly snuck away, beginning with the oldest. They realized that none of them had the right to throw the first stone.

The only person who had the right to stone the woman was Jesus, because He was sinless. He, however, demonstrated God's mercy, giving the guilty woman a chance to repent and begin following Him. I hope she did!

Q. When she died years later, what would have happened to the adulterous woman if she didn't do as Jesus said, repenting of her sins after He showed her mercy?

A. She would have been condemned to hell forever. Just because God shows a person mercy during his or her lifetime doesn't guarantee that person will receive mercy after death.

Q. What do you think Jesus was writing in the dust with His finger as the Pharisees waited for His answer to their question?

A. No one knows because the Bible doesn't say. However, many have wondered if He wasn't writing the names of the women with whom the accusing Pharisees had committed adultery!

Application: _God has treated everyone in the world just like Jesus treated the adulterous woman. All of us have broken God's laws, but He has shown us mercy and given us an opportunity to repent and come to Him. As those who have repented, let us be especially careful that we don't become like the Pharisees, condemning people who are just like we were!_

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# DAY 100, John 8:12-59 Jesus Makes Amazing Claims

As we've often realized from other readings, if Jesus wasn't God's Son, He was guilty of making outrageous claims about Himself. If He was only a man, His claims could be considered blasphemous, because what He said about Himself can only be rightfully said of God. Today's reading contains a number of Jesus' specific claims regarding who He is and only what He can do. As we read them, we realize that there has never been and never will be another person like Jesus. If Jesus wasn't God's Son, He told the biggest tales anyone has ever told. Let's consider some of Jesus' claims that we just read.

Jesus once again declared that God was His Father and that they had a unique relationship. For example, He had come from His Father, having been sent by Him to the earth, and was going back to Him. In a special way, His Father was always with Him, and Jesus said only what His Father told Him to say. Likewise, He always did what was pleasing to His Father, and so He never sinned. Not even once! Jesus claimed that God wanted to glorify Him and that He knew the Father like no one else. Finally, He declared that He existed before Abraham was born, making Himself thousands of years old. Jesus literally told His Jewish audience, "Truly, truly, before Abraham was, I Am." _I Am_ was a name by which God revealed Himself to Moses, and so Jesus was actually claiming to be the eternal God of the Old Testament! When Jesus made that claim, the unbelievers who heard Him decided He was worthy of death for such blasphemy, and they picked up stones to kill Him.

Because Jesus was who He was, He could do what no one else could do. He claimed to be the "light of the world" (John 8:12). Light stands for truth whereas darkness represents ignorance of the truth. Everyone who doesn't believe in Jesus is ignorant of the truth and believes lies, stumbling in darkness, just as Jesus said. But if they'll follow Him, just as a person follows a light in the darkness, He'll lead them to eternal life.

Notice that Jesus didn't claim to be just a small candle or the light of a little town. He claimed to be the light of the _entire world!_ What a claim! He was saying that every single person in the entire world should look to Him as _the_ source of truth and the _only_ way to find eternal life!

This was not Jesus' only claim to be the sole source of salvation for humanity. He declared that anyone who wouldn't believe in Him would die in their sin. That means they would go to hell. However, whoever would believe in Him, He would set them free from their sins. Whoever would obey Him would _never_ die.

Can you understand why it is so absurd for people to say that Jesus was a good man, but not the Son of God? Jesus left us no option to believe that He was just a good man. If He wasn't God, He was either a liar or a lunatic.

Why are Jesus' amazing claims so important? Because they force everyone to make a decision to either believe in Him or not believe. And everyone's eternal destiny is determined by what he or she believes.

If a person truly does believe that Jesus is who He claimed to be and that Jesus can do what He claimed only He can do, that person will begin to obey Jesus. That is why Jesus talked about Himself setting people free from their slavery to sin, and why He said, "Anyone who _obeys_ my teaching will never die!" (John 8:51, emphasis added). And that is why He said, "You are truly my disciples if you keep obeying my teachings" (John 8:31). Many people make claims of being Jesus' disciples, but aren't, as proven by how they live. Jesus' _true_ disciples keep obeying Him.

Q. When people first believe in Jesus, are they set free from all their sins immediately?

A. No, they are progressively set free from their sins as they learn and grow spiritually. Jesus said that we would be set free by knowing the truth. When we first believe in Him, we gain knowledge of some truth and are set free from some of the more major sins. And as we learn more about Jesus, we grow more like Him, becoming less and less sinful. One day in heaven, we'll all be sinless!

Q. When Jesus promised that people who obey Him will never die, did He mean that they will never die physically?

A. No, because everyone in the Bible who believed in Him died physically. Jesus must have meant that those who display an obedient faith will never die _spiritually_ , which is much worse than physical death. Physical death is a separation of the body and spirit, whereas spiritual death is a separation of the spirit from God. When people believe in Jesus with an obedient faith, their spiritually dead spirits are reborn and they receive God's life inside. As they continue in their faith, they never have to be concerned about dying spiritually.

Application: _As Jesus said, those who are not born again have Satan as their spiritual father. Because of that, they act like the devil, who is a liar by nature. Those of us who have truly believed in Jesus, however, have God as our spiritual Father. He has caused our spirits to be reborn. Because of that, we act like Him. He always tells the truth, and so should we. People who always lie prove that they aren't saved. The Bible says that all liars will spend eternity in the lake of fire (see Revelation 21:8)._

# DAY 101, John 9:1-41 Jesus Heals a Man Born Blind

Have you ever wondered why some people are born with what are called "birth defects"? That is, they have something wrong with them physically, like the man blind from birth that we just read about. It doesn't seem fair, because most people with birth defects have to live with their problems all their lives. Why does God allow such things?

The Jews of Jesus' day thought they had the answer to this question, and Jesus' disciples expressed it when they passed a blind beggar. They assumed that God was punishing the man either for his own sin or his parents' sins. But their answer to the question wasn't a very good one. If God was punishing the man for his own sins, then the man must have sinned in his mother's womb, because he had been _born_ blind. What could a baby in its mother's womb possibly do that would make God that angry?

And if God were punishing the man for his parents' sins, that would be completely unfair of God. He Himself stated in His own Law that no child should be punished for its parents' crimes (see Deuteronomy 24:16; Ezekiel 18:19-20).

Jesus' disciples were wrong in their assumptions, and He told them so. The man wasn't born blind because of his or his parents' sins. Jesus said it was so the power of God could be seen in him. That is, the man was born blind so that Jesus could heal him.

This still doesn't answer every question we might have because we might wonder why God would have a man suffer blindness for years just so His supernatural power could be demonstrated in him. Something about that doesn't seem right, even though we know God has the right to do anything He pleases. And what about the many people born blind whom Jesus has never healed? Since they don't fall into the category of being afflicted so God's power could be demonstrated in them, why are they born blind?

God has not given us the answers to all these questions, but the one major consolation that all Christians share is the knowledge that Jesus died for everyone. And any person who believes in Him is guaranteed one day to receive a new body that has no defects. And for those Christians like myself who strongly believe in God's healing promises, we take heart knowing that healing is available in this life. We believe that everyone who has been born with birth defects is a potential candidate for God's power to be displayed in them, just as everyone whom God has declared a sinner is a potential candidate to be saved---if they'll only believe. In Jesus' day, every single person who came to Jesus requesting healing was healed if they believed. Our problem today is lack of faith. Unfortunately, unbiblical teaching has fueled our doubts.

Nothing is mentioned in this story about the blind man's faith being the reason for his healing, so his healing probably fell under the category of what the Bible calls "gifts of healing" (see 1 Corinthians 12:9). Gifts of healings are sovereign acts of God that don't necessarily require any faith on the part of the person needing healing. However, notice that the blind man in today's story did have to obey Jesus by walking to the Pool of Siloam and washing his eyes. That required some faith on his part.

John recorded this story, not only to glorify Jesus, but also to show the various reactions to the miracle. Most of the proud Pharisees refused to believe that Jesus was from God, because He performed this miracle on the Sabbath, breaking their interpretation of God's Law! And at first, the healed man thought Jesus must be a prophet. Later, however, Jesus spoke to him privately and told him that He was the Son of Man. Some of the ancient manuscripts of John's Gospel record that Jesus told the man that He was the Son of God. Regardless, the healed man believed in Him. How do we know? Because he confessed his faith in Jesus and then proved his faith by worshipping Jesus. If the man had believed that Jesus was only a prophet, he would have shaken His hand or hugged Him, but he wouldn't have worshipped Him.

Q. Why do you suppose Jesus put mud on the blind man's eyes in order to heal him? Why didn't He just lay His hand on the man, or simply declare him healed?

A. As Jesus said, He only did exactly what His Father told Him to do. So He must have been following the orders of His Father. Perhaps His Father was trying to help people realize that Jesus was not just a prophet, but God. The original human being was made from the soil. Now some new eyes were being made from soil, something that only God could do!

Q. What did Jesus mean when He said, "I have come to give sight to the blind and to show those who think they see that they are blind" (John 9:39)?

A. Jesus was talking about two kinds of blindness, physical and spiritual. Jesus came to give sight to the physically and spiritually blind. To be spiritually blind means to be ignorant of the truth that Jesus is the Messiah and Son of God. The problem is that, unlike physically blind people, spiritually blind people often don't even realize they're blind.

Application: _People may be able to argue against your theology or what you believe, but they can't reasonably argue against what has happened to you since you believed in Jesus. That's your testimony. Just like the man in today's story said, "I was blind, and now I can see!" (John 9:25), so you can tell others how God has changed your life. For some people, your testimony could be what sparks their interest in learning more about Jesus!_

# DAY 102, John 10:1-21 Jesus Compares Himself to a Gate and a Good Shepherd

Jesus was a great teacher, and that's why He used so many comparisons when He taught. In today's reading He compared Himself to a gate and a shepherd. Unlike many of us, the people Jesus taught knew all about sheep and shepherds, however, they didn't initially understand the spiritual truths Jesus was trying to convey. So He explained.

Sheep, like other livestock, are usually confined within fences or walls when they're not grazing in open pasture. Regardless of what confines them, there must be a gate to let them as well as the shepherd in or out.

Jesus said that He was like the gate to the sheepfold. Those who believe in Him are, of course, the sheep. The only legitimate way to be a part of the sheepfold, or to be a part of God's true church and kingdom, is to enter through Jesus, believing in Him. Some try to enter without going through Jesus, but that proves they really don't belong among the sheep. They have an evil motive, usually to harm the sheep and get something for themselves. For example, a thief might climb over a wall to steal a sheep.

Not only is Jesus the gate, He is also the shepherd. When a shepherd wants to lead his sheep out to graze, he comes through the gate and calls his sheep. Even if his sheep are mixed with another flock, only his sheep will follow him out of the gate. Sheep won't be deceived into following another shepherd because they recognize their shepherd's voice. _They know to whom they belong._

Jesus is like the shepherd who is calling His sheep. Many sheep may hear His voice, but only those who are His, those who believe in Him and love Him, will come out from among the other sheep and follow Him, obeying Him. That is how true Christians are known---they follow Jesus when others don't. When false prophets and false teachers call out to the masses of sheep, leading many astray, true Christians aren't deceived because they know their shepherd and they know what He's said.

Jesus is not comparable to just _any_ shepherd. He's a _good_ shepherd who is devoted to His own sheep. In fact, He was willing to die for His sheep. He knows them and they know Him. He leads them to green pastures where there is abundant food. He wants them to enjoy His blessings. He cares about each one. There is no better shepherd than Jesus!

Q. Jesus talked about having other sheep that were not "in this sheepfold" (John 10:16), promising to bring them also into His flock. About whom was He talking?

A. Most likely, He was speaking of the Gentiles who would be saved and brought into His kingdom as equal citizens with Jewish believers.

Q. Jesus made it plain that no one could take His life from Him, but that He laid down His life voluntarily. Why is this so important for us to know?

A. Because we otherwise might be tempted to think that Jesus' death was involuntary. That is, we might think He had no choice but to die, having been the victim of unfortunate circumstances. If that were the case, then it couldn't be said that Jesus died for our sins according to the preordained plan of God. He would have died just like any other martyr.

Application: _David wrote, "The Lord is my shepherd; I have everything I need" (Psalm 23:1). Before we know Him as Shepherd, we have to know Him as Lord, just like David did. Sheep look to their shepherd, not just as someone to take care of them and lead them, but also as someone to obey and follow. Wandering sheep don't have a shepherd!_

# DAY 103, Matthew 19:1-9 Jesus Teaches About Divorce and Remarriage

The religious teachers of Jesus' day were divided over the question of divorce. The Law of Moses spoke about a man finding some "indecency" in his wife and giving her a certificate of divorce (see Deuteronomy 24:1). The question was, what qualified as an "indecency"? Some religious teachers taught that if a man found _anything_ he didn't like about his wife, that was an indecency and he could lawfully divorce her. Others considered that the only indecency over which a man could lawfully divorce his wife was the sin of adultery. The question that the Pharisees posed to Jesus doesn't reveal which group they were in: "Should a man be allowed to divorce his wife for _any reason?_ " (Matthew 19:3).

Jesus first responded by telling them what God had said in the Scriptures. God initially created one man and one woman and joined them together as one. It was His intention that they never be separated, and that is His intention for every marriage. Divorce is not His plan for anyone.

The Pharisees then brought up the issue of the provision for divorce in the Law of Moses. Jesus explained that, because of the people's hard-hearted wickedness, God permitted divorce. He may have meant that because of people's general selfishness, it was inevitable that married people would fight and separate. Again, this was never God's original intention for any marriage, but it inevitably occurs. Therefore, the Law of Moses had a regulation to govern divorce when it happened, part of that regulation being that the man had to give his wife a certificate so she could prove she was divorced.

Jesus also clearly endorsed the fact that adultery was the only indecency by which a man could lawfully divorce his wife. It's possible that when Jesus said that Moses permitted divorce because of the hardness of people's hearts, He meant that Moses permitted divorce when adultery had been committed because of the hardness of people's hearts. That is, a truly loving husband would forgive an adulterous wife who was repentant. If his heart was soft, he would not divorce her.

But what about Jesus' words, "A man who divorces his wife and marries another commits adultery"? (Matthew 19:9). It is my opinion that He must have been talking about a married man who falls in love with a woman who is not his wife, quickly finds some small "indecency" in his wife, divorces her, and marries the other woman. He thinks to himself that he has not sinned, and has kept the requirements of God's Law. What he's done, however, is no different than adultery.

I find it hard to believe that Jesus' words apply to other divorced people, like a person who was divorced before he was saved, and then, after he's born again, falls in love with and marries another Christian. That hardly seems like something that could be considered equivalent to adultery. Nor do I think Jesus' words would apply to a Christian who finds himself divorced from a nonbeliever, and who later marries a Christian. If everyone who has been divorced and is now remarried is living in the sin of adultery, then not one of them is going to heaven, because the Bible plainly says that adulterers will not inherit the kingdom of God (see 1 Corinthians 6:9-10). That fact in itself tells me that what Jesus said has little application to many divorced and remarried people.

It's important that we consider all that God has said when we interpret the few things Jesus said about divorce and remarriage. Some people seem to ignore everything else in the Bible, including the gospel of the wonderful forgiveness that is offered us through Christ, in order to form a theology about divorce! In their minds, God will forgive every sin except divorce or remarriage. If that were true, we'd have to start preaching the gospel differently, telling people, "If you believe in Jesus, all your sins will be forgiven, except if you've been divorced and remarried, because then you're an adulterer as long as you remain married, and adulterers aren't saved!"

Q. What could an unmarried person do to avoid ever getting a divorce?

A. First of all, he should make sure that he is fully committed to Christ. Second, he should make certain that the person he intends to marry is fully committed to Christ. Third, he should not hurry into marriage, but take his time in getting to know his potential mate. Fourth, he should learn to be unselfish and walk in love, and look for those same qualities in a potential spouse. Fifth, he should seek the advice of his parents and friends, getting their perspective about any potential spouse. Finally, he should keep in mind that it is better to be unhappily unmarried than unhappily married!

Application: _There is much more that could be said about the subject of divorce and remarriage from a biblical standpoint. However, the most important thing to remember is that God never intends for anyone to be divorced, but when it occurs, He has made provision for forgiveness._

# DAY 104, Matthew 19:16-30 A Rich Young Man Rejects Jesus

The first question that the rich young man asked Jesus was, "What good things must I do to have eternal life?" (Matthew 19:16). His question contained his assumption that a person could receive eternal life by doing certain good things. He assumed eternal life was something to be earned by good behavior.

Immediately recognizing the error in the man's thinking, Jesus tried to help him realize that he was a sinner who fell short of God's standards of holiness by saying, "Why ask me about what is good? Only God is good" (Matthew 19:17). If only God is good, then everyone else is bad, including the rich young man, and Jesus wanted him to know it.

Jesus also wanted the man to know that, even though he was a sinner, he could be saved if he repented, which is why He told him he could receive eternal life by keeping God's commandments. He then immediately asked Jesus _which_ of the commandments he needed to keep.

Jesus listed six of the Ten Commandments that dealt with how we treat other people. The rich young man claimed to have kept them all, which was very doubtful. He then asked if there was anything else that he must do to have eternal life. And there was. He needed to become a believer in and a follower of Jesus, the only Savior and Lord. That is God's requirement for anyone to be saved.

There were, however, two things standing in the man's way, and Jesus knew it. First, the man didn't believe that Jesus was the Son of God; he only believed that Jesus was a good teacher. That's how he addressed Jesus at first (see Mark 10:17). In order for a person to have eternal life, he must believe in Jesus, and if he believes in Jesus, he will follow and obey Him.

Second, money was the rich man's god. As Jesus once said, it's impossible to serve God and money. If Jesus had been the rich man's God, he would have obeyed Jesus and given his money away to the poor as Jesus commanded him. But the man didn't believe in Jesus, so he didn't obey Jesus. Even though he walked away saddened by what he'd heard, he wouldn't give up any of his many possessions.

As He watched the rich young man walk away, Jesus commented to His disciples, "It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the Kingdom of God!" (Matthew 19:24). The reason is because so many rich people are just like the rich young ruler. They love money and are unwilling to submit to Jesus, making Him their Lord and the Lord of their money. Jesus expects everyone who follows Him to be generous and share what God gives to them.

Q. Wasn't Jesus asking the rich man to give up an awful lot in order to follow Him?

A. Actually, it could be said that Jesus wasn't asking him to give up anything, because He promised the rich man that if he gave his money away to the poor, he would have treasure in heaven. If the rich man was giving up anything, it was only temporarily. And what he gave up he would have had to give up anyway when he died, whereas what he gained in heaven would be his for eternity. As martyred missionary Jim Elliot once said, "He is no fool who gives up what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose."

Q. In heaven, will anyone regret any earthly sacrifice he made for Christ's cause?

A. No, most will probably wish they had made greater sacrifices and given more when they were on the earth.

Application: _Praise God that not all wealthy people are like the rich young man we read about today. Paul wrote to Timothy, concerning wealthy Christians, "Tell those who are rich in this world not to be proud and not to trust in their money, which will soon be gone. But their trust should be in the living God, who richly gives us all we need for our enjoyment. Tell them to use their money to do good. They should be rich in good works and should give generously to those in need, always being ready to share with others whatever God has given them. By doing this they will be storing up their treasure as a good foundation for the future so that they may take hold of real life" (1 Timothy 6:17-19)._

# DAY 105, Matthew 20:1-16 The Parable of the Vineyard Workers

What was Jesus trying to teach us in this parable? Some think the point is that we'll all have the same reward in heaven no matter how long or hard we work for the Lord on earth. But that can't be right, because the Bible teaches that each person will be rewarded individually, according to his own labor (see 1 Corinthians 3:8).

The best way to interpret this parable is to consider the context in which it was spoken. Notice that Jesus told this parable right after Peter had asked what reward he and the other disciples would receive for giving up everything to follow Jesus. Jesus promised him that they would be abundantly rewarded in heaven for the earthly sacrifices they made for His cause. In fact, He promised that "everyone who has given up houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or property, for my sake, will receive a hundred times as much in return and will have eternal life" (Matthew 19:29).

The lesson of this parable is that God rewards us based upon the opportunities that He gives us. The later workers would have been willing to go to work earlier, but they were not given the opportunity by the employer.

Had you been given a lot of money, you may have been willing to give a lot of money away to the poor. But if God gave you only a little money, you were not given the opportunity to give away lots of money. Still, if you are faithful with the small opportunities that God gives you, God will reward you with just as much as someone who was faithful with large opportunities that God gave them. He is perfectly fair.

Q. Jesus concluded the parable of the vineyard workers by saying, "And so it is, that many who are first now will be last then; and those who are last now will be first then" (Matthew 20:16). In light of the parable, can you describe someone who might be first now but last in God's kingdom, and vice versa?

A. Some who are faithful with the small opportunities that God gives them, now "last" in the eyes of people, might receive more reward than one who is "first" in the eyes of people but who is unfaithful with the bigger opportunities God has given him.

Application: _Are you being faithful with the opportunities God has given you?_

# DAY 106, John 10:22-42 Jesus Claims to be One With the Father

The Jewish leaders who asked Jesus to tell them if He was the Messiah weren't asking so they could consider believing in Him. They wanted to hear Him plainly and publicly state what they knew He had already been claiming using other terminology. Then they could put Him on trial for blasphemy.

Jesus, wise to their plan, refused to grant them what they wanted. However, at the same time, He made a claim that believers would easily recognize as being even greater than a claim to being the Messiah, but vague enough that unbelievers would have a difficult time using it as evidence to prosecute Him for blasphemy. That is, Jesus said, "The Father and I are one" (John 10:30).

We know that when Jesus spoke of the Father, He was speaking of God the Father, and His claim to be one with Him was a claim to be everything that God was. The Jewish leaders who heard Him say it rightly suspected He was claiming to be God and accused Him of it. But it would be difficult to prosecute Him for blasphemy on such a vague statement. That is why they wanted Him to make a clear claim of being the Messiah.

Realizing that they weren't going to get a public statement from Jesus that they could use to have Him legally executed, the Jewish leaders decided to take the law into their own hands by stoning Him immediately. In their minds, His claim to be one with the Father was grounds enough to justify His stoning. To them, it mattered not that they were about to end a ministry that was responsible for the healing of thousands of sick and suffering people, raising the dead and feeding the multitudes. It mattered not how Jesus was able to do such things supposedly without God's endorsement or help. It mattered not that He was sinless.

Jesus even reminded His accusers of a verse in the Old Testament when God spoke of certain leaders as being gods, rulers over their domain. So how could they consider it blasphemous for the one who was sent from heaven to call Himself the Son of God? Jesus' life works and claims were all the proof anyone should need that He was and is the Messiah, the Son of God!

Q. How do you suppose Jesus escaped the hostile crowds of Jewish leaders who had surrounded Him in the Jerusalem Temple with stones in their hands, ready to kill Him?

A. It seems that He must have had God's supernatural help. Either God blinded the eyes of those in the crowd, or somehow hid Jesus, or supernaturally transported Him away.

Q. Jesus promised eternal life to those who follow Him, joining His flock, saying that they will never perish in hell. Moreover, He promised that no one will be able to snatch them away from Him like sheep are sometimes stolen from their flock. Does this mean that once a person is saved he could never become unsaved?

A. According to other scriptures, it's possible for a saved person to become unsaved if he, after truly believing in Jesus, decides in his heart to stop believing. Most people who apparently believe and then become unbelievers probably never truly believed in Jesus in the first place. As true believers in Jesus, we are responsible to continue believing in Him, and as we do, we are assured that we will go to heaven (see Romans 11:22; 1 Corinthians 15:1-2; Philippians 3:17-19; Colossians 1:21-23; Hebrews 3:12-14). We never have to worry about losing our salvation because of God's unfaithfulness or weakness!

Application: _In today's reading, Jesus made three incredible claims: (1) "The Father and I are one," (2) "I am the Son of God," and (3) "The Father is in me, and I am in the Father" (John 10:30,36,38). Just like today, many didn't believe Him then. But many did (see John 10:42). And just like to those who believed in Him then, Jesus gives eternal life to those who believe in Him today (see John 10:28)._

# DAY 107, John 11:1-57 Jesus Raises Lazarus From the Dead

When Jesus heard that His friend, Lazarus, was sick, He stated that Lazarus's sickness would not end in death, but that He would receive glory from it. Jesus, of course, was talking about how He would be glorified when Lazarus was raised from the dead.

Some people, misapplying what Jesus said, talk about how God is glorified by their sickness, thinking that God wants them to remain sick so that He can be continually glorified. But Jesus wasn't claiming to be glorified by Lazarus's sickness! He was claiming that He would be glorified by Lazarus's resurrection. Jesus isn't glorified by our being sick, but by our being healed by His power!

Following the leading of the Holy Spirit, Jesus delayed journeying to Bethany where Mary, Martha and Lazarus lived. God wanted Jesus to perform a miracle that would convince everyone whose heart wasn't hopelessly hardened that Jesus was the Son of God. When Jesus finally did arrive in Bethany, Lazarus had been dead for four days. Thus, no one would be able to intelligently claim that Lazarus had only been unconscious and had simply been revived!

Both Mary and Martha believed that Jesus could and would have healed Lazarus if He had been near when Lazarus was still alive. They didn't realize that Jesus had purposely stayed away so that He could heal _and_ resurrect Lazarus, rather than just heal him! Even when Jesus promised Martha that her brother would rise again, she initially assumed He was referring to the general resurrection of many people foretold in the Old Testament. Then Jesus made another wonderful claim: "I am the resurrection and the life. Those who believe in me, even though they die like everyone else, will live again. They are given eternal life for believing in me and will never perish" (John 11:25-26). Lazarus's resurrection would serve as a proof that Jesus was the one who would be in charge of the promised future resurrection, and it would serve as a foreshadowing of what Jesus would do for everyone who believes in Him.

Notice that even though Jesus supernaturally knew that Lazarus had died, He didn't know exactly where Lazarus's tomb was and asked about the location. This is further proof that, although Jesus was the Son of God, He stripped Himself of omniscience when He became a man. In His ministry, He operated as a man anointed by the Holy Spirit, empowered with gifts of the Holy Spirit that operated as the Spirit willed. Jesus said that He could do nothing by Himself, but only what He saw His Father doing (see John 5:19). What God didn't tell Him by the Holy Spirit, He had to learn like anyone else.

Amazingly, although the leading priests and Pharisees knew of Jesus' many miracles, they refused to believe in Him. Moreover, they were fearful that the whole nation might believe in Him, resulting in political turmoil, an invasion by the Roman army, and the deaths of many people. But Caiaphas, the high priest, rebuked them, saying that the solution was simple. They didn't need to fear that many people would die---if Jesus died instead. Caiaphas unknowingly prophesied when he said it this way: "Let this one man die for the people" (John 11:50). That is exactly what happened, and what God had planned from eternity past!

Q. Why do you think Jesus at first told His disciples that Lazarus was asleep and that He was going to wake him up?

A. In the Bible, Christian death is sometimes described using the word "sleep". The reason is because death is always temporary, like sleep, for those who believe in Jesus. They know their bodies will one day be resurrected, whereas unbelievers view death as a permanent state. Additionally, for God, raising Lazarus from the dead was no more difficult than awakening someone from sleep!

Q. Jesus' disciples were fearful of Jesus' plans to journey back to Judea where the Jewish leaders were waiting to kill Him. Jesus replied, "There are twelve hours of daylight every day. As long as it is light, people can walk safely. They can see because they have the light of this world. Only at night is there danger of stumbling because there is no light" (John 11:9-10). Jesus' words have a natural and a spiritual meaning. What are they and how can you apply them to your life?

A. The natural meaning is plain. When there is light, people are safer, because evil deeds are usually done in darkness. That is when evil people normally get drunk, steal and murder, because they have a better chance of not getting caught. You can increase your chances of not being a victim of someone's crime by staying away from dark places and being extra cautious at night. For example, most people who are killed by drunk drivers are killed at night, so if you must drive after dark, you should be extra cautious. The later it is at night, the more cautious you should be. Jesus knew that He was safe in a dangerous city as long as His enemies knew where He was only during the day. It was Judas who ultimately told the Jewish leaders where Jesus was at night, and that is when He was arrested and tried before the Jewish council.

The spiritual meaning behind Jesus' words is this: When people walk in the light of Jesus and the truth of His word, they are spiritually safe, because Satan and his evil spirits can only work in spiritual darkness. When people don't follow Jesus, the spiritual light of the world, they are walking in darkness, not knowing where they are going and destined to be deceived by Satan, stumble over sin and fall into hell.

Application: _In one sense, all of us who believe in Jesus are like Lazarus. With the exception of those who will be alive when Jesus returns, all of us will one day die and Jesus will be glorified as He resurrects our bodies all at the same time! So when you get to heaven, you'll have something to talk about with Lazarus when you see him!_

# DAY 108, Mark 10:32-45 The Greatest Servant Teaches About Serving

When we read about James' and John's selfish request to sit at Jesus' right and left hand in His kingdom, it makes us realize how much they needed to grow spiritually at that point in their lives. But praise God, they did eventually grow up, although not overnight. James and John should also serve as reminders to us that God is dedicated to our spiritual growth, and He will complete the good work He's begun in us. Additionally, we should be patient with young believers who still have a long way to grow. James and John were like we were at one time, and like some of us still are! But God is patient with us all, as demonstrated by Jesus' patience with His disciples.

There were several problems with the request made by James and John. First, God the Father would only consider granting that kind of honor to those who were equally devoted to Him as Jesus was, and who served others to the degree that Jesus did. So Jesus asked James and John if they were able to drink from the same bitter cup and be baptized with the same baptism of suffering as He was to experience. Jesus was speaking of being mocked, spit upon, beaten, flogged and crucified. Although they probably didn't understand what He was talking about, they claimed they were able. Jesus prophesied to them that they _would_ suffer and die for His cause, although again, they probably didn't understand what He meant.

The second problem with the request of James and John is that they were asking for something that Jesus didn't have a right to grant. Jesus explained that it was not His place to decide who sits next to Him in the future kingdom. That is a decision made only by God the Father. This also shows us that God the Father and Jesus are two distinct persons, and not the same identical person as some mistakenly think.

The third problem with the request of James and John is that it revealed their lack of understanding of what God considers the greatest virtue a person can possess. He honors servanthood and exalts those who humble themselves. Conversely, He humbles those who exalt themselves. If anything, James' and John's request got them further away from the seats of honor in which they desired to sit!

The lesson for us? God is not looking for rulers; He's looking for servants. And servants aren't seeking for honor, they are looking for opportunities to serve. Is that you?

Q. We already know who will be seated at Jesus' left hand from other Scriptures. Do you know who it will be?

A. It will be God the Father, because Jesus is now seated at His right hand.

Q. Jesus will obviously be exalted and honored by His Father in the future kingdom. Will it be only because He is the Son of God?

A. No, it will also be because Jesus is the greatest servant, giving His life for everyone, and because Jesus humbled Himself more than anyone else ever has. Paul wrote, "Your attitude should be the same that Christ Jesus had. Though he was God, he did not demand and cling to his rights as God. He made himself nothing; he took the humble position of a slave and appeared in human form. And in human form he obediently humbled himself even further by dying a criminal's death on a cross. Because of this, God raised him up to the heights of heaven and gave him a name that is above every other name" (Philippians 2:5-9).

Application: _In our reading today, Jesus revealed not only that He would die, but also why He would die. He said it was to give His life as a ransom for many (see Mark 10:45). A ransom is a payment made to release someone from captivity. Jesus' death was the payment required by God's own justice to release us from our captivity to sin and our destiny in hell. Jesus' servanthood on our behalf will bring blessing to us for eternity, so we can say that Jesus will be serving us forever, which is one reason we'll be praising Him forever!_

# DAY 109, Mark 10:46-52 Jesus Heals a Blind Man Named Bartimaeus

Bartimaeus must have heard about Jesus and the many people who were being healed by Him. It sparked a faith within him that he would be healed if Jesus would ever visit Jericho, and when he heard that Jesus was passing nearby, his faith went into action. Bartimaeus began calling out, "Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!" That shows how much faith he had. He wasn't embarrassed to request healing publicly. He was certain Jesus could give him what he wanted if he could only get His attention. Even after people around him tried to discourage him, telling him to be quiet, he just yelled all the louder.

When Bartimaeus was told that Jesus had stopped and invited him to come to Him, he knew he would soon be seeing. He threw aside his coat and excitedly jumped up. Some say that blind people back in Jesus' time wore special coats that identified them to everyone else as being blind. If that was the case, Bartimaeus throwing aside his coat was another act of faith. He believed he no longer had any need of a blind man's coat!

With someone guiding him, Bartimaeus made his way to Jesus. Testing his faith one more time, Jesus asked him what he wanted Him to do. Without hesitation, Bartimaeus made his request: "Teacher, I want to see!" Obviously he wouldn't have made such a request unless he believed Jesus could and would grant it. And Jesus gave him exactly what he requested.

Q. According to Jesus, Bartimaeus was healed because of his faith. What would have happened if Bartimaeus had not believed?

A. He would not have been healed, even though it was obviously God's will for him to be healed. This once again proves that God's will doesn't always automatically come to pass. When people say, "If God wants me to be healed, I'll be healed," they're mistaken.

Q. Was Bartimaeus instantly healed?

A. He was instantly healed once Jesus told him, "Go your way. Your faith has healed you" (Mark 10:52). However, it took some time and persistence before Bartimaeus heard Jesus speak those words. Actually, he was believing even before Jesus visited Jericho, and kept on believing as he continually cried out to Jesus. In that sense, his healing wasn't instantaneous.

Application: _We will probably never know the joy that Bartimaeus experienced when he regained his sight. Why not close your eyes for the first five minutes of your next family meal to experience a small sampling of the frustration that blind people face all day, every day? When you open your eyes to finish your meal, think of how Bartimaeus felt when Jesus opened his eyes._

# DAY 110, Luke 19:1-10 Zacchaeus is Saved

You may remember that most Jews despised tax collectors in Jesus' time. Not only did they work for the occupying foreign government, Rome, but they also made themselves very rich by overcharging their own countrymen. Zacchaeus was no different than any other tax collector of his day: selfish, greedy and dishonest.

However, he heard that Jesus was visiting his town of Jericho, and people were mobbing this well-known teacher and miracle worker as He walked through. Being short, Zacchaeus climbed a tree down the street so that when Jesus passed by, he could catch a glimpse of Him.

But God had more planned for Zacchaeus than just a glimpse of Jesus. He wanted Zacchaeus to know Jesus personally. And was Zacchaeus ever shocked when Jesus stopped, looked up at him, called his name and told him that He must be a guest at his house that day. Zacchaeus quickly climbed down and excitedly led Jesus to his house.

But finding himself in Jesus' loving and holy presence, Zacchaeus became even more conscious of his own sinfulness, and he realized how uncomfortable he would be with pure and holy Jesus as his guest. What would he do? Unlike most wealthy people whose god is money, Zacchaeus decided to change, making Jesus his Lord. Because money would no longer be his god, he immediately changed his attitude and actions concerning it.

This story illustrates a very important point about salvation. Jesus said that salvation had come to Zacchaeus's home that day after Zacchaeus repented. That is, Zacchaeus admitted his guilt and changed his ways. Beyond even that, he promised to make restitution to those he'd wronged.

Repentance is an essential part of salvation. In fact, there is no true salvation apart from repentance. Too many people think they're saved because they've prayed a prayer for salvation, but they've never truly repented, but have continued living their same old sinful lives. How do you think Jesus would have responded if Zacchaeus had said, "Jesus, I accept you as my Lord and Savior. However, I'm going to continue being greedy and dishonest"?

Q. How did Jesus know Zacchaeus's name?

A. The Holy Spirit must have revealed it to Him. That is an example of the gift of the Spirit called "the word of knowledge."

Q. In order to be saved, is it necessary for us to make restitution to people we've wronged, like Zacchaeus did?

A. No. We must repent, which means changing our attitude and actions from that point onward. Usually there is no possible way we could make restitution to everyone we've wronged before our salvation. However, it is a good idea to try to make as much restitution as is reasonably possible, as a way of showing others that you've changed and as a way to gain an entrance to share the gospel with them as well.

Application: _The crowds grumbled about Jesus wanting to be a guest at the house of a notorious sinner. But Jesus came to save sinners, and God, knowing the hearts of all people, led Jesus to reach out specifically to Zacchaeus. He knew that Zacchaeus was on the verge of repentance and that a visit from Jesus would be all he needed to nudge him to make the right decision. Let's pray today that God will also lead us to people who are ready to repent._

# DAY 111, Luke 19:11-27 The Parable of the Ten Servants

Many of Jesus' followers, including His closest disciples, assumed it would be just a short time before He would do what the Old Testament said He would do: set up God's kingdom on the earth and rule over it from Jerusalem. But the truth was, in less than a week's time, Jesus would die for the sins of the world just as the Old Testament said He would, and it would be at least two thousand years before He would begin ruling the entire world from Jerusalem.

Jesus wanted His followers to understand that He would be leaving the earth for a time but would eventually return. While they waited during the interim, there was something He wanted them to do. And that's why He told them the parable of the ten servants.

In the story, the nobleman who was called away to a distant empire to be crowned king obviously represented Jesus. When He arrived in heaven after His resurrection and ascension, the Bible says that Jesus was "crowned with glory and honor because He suffered death for us" (Hebrews 2:9).

The servants who each received ten pounds of silver from the nobleman represent those who are servants of Christ. The silver or money they were given represents the gifts, talents and opportunities He gives us, by which we can serve Him and others.

The people who hated the nobleman and sent a delegation after him to tell him that they didn't want him to be their king, represent all those who refuse to repent and follow Jesus.

When the nobleman returned, he called his servants in for an accounting. The first two had used the money they'd been given to make more money for the nobleman, so he rewarded them by giving them cities over which to rule. But the third hadn't made any profit, having hidden his money. The nobleman was enraged at the unfaithful servant. At least he could have put the money in the bank and made a little interest on it! There was no excuse for what he did. Not only did he not receive a reward as the others had, but what he did have was taken away from him.

Whom does this unfaithful servant represent? He represents a professing servant of Christ, who, by his actions, proves he is not a true servant. True followers of Christ will produce some fruit, even if it's only a little. If the third servant had produced even a little profit for the nobleman by depositing his money in the bank, he would have received a reward and would not have been reprimanded and punished. But he was, as the nobleman said, "unfaithful" (Luke 19:26). That is, he had no faith and didn't believe what the nobleman said. True faith is always manifested by actions.

Finally, when the nobleman was done dealing with his servants, he dealt with his rebellious subjects who didn't want to submit to his lordship. They were immediately executed. When Jesus returns, it will mean swift judgment upon all those who refused to believe in and follow Him.

Notice that everyone in the story, believers and unbelievers alike, were judged by their works, just as the Bible teaches in other places. We are saved by God's grace through our faith in Jesus, but, as the apostle James wrote, "Faith is dead without good deeds" (James 2:26).

Q. The unfruitful servant described the nobleman as being "a hard man to deal with, taking what isn't [his] and harvesting crops [he] didn't plant" (Luke 19:21). Is that an accurate description of what Jesus is like, since the nobleman in the story represents Him?

A. No, that is not an accurate description of Jesus. It was just the third servant's opinion, and it describes the opposite of what Jesus is. He is not hard to deal with, but is the most merciful person who's ever existed. He doesn't take what isn't His and He doesn't harvest crops He didn't plant.

Q. The money that was taken from the unfaithful servant was given to the most faithful servant, and some people complained about it. They thought the first servant was already blessed enough. How did the nobleman feel about that?

A. He didn't agree at all. He wanted the most faithful servant to be rewarded the most.

Application: _There are two applications of today's parable to our lives: First, let's make certain we're proving ourselves to be true servants of Jesus by how we live our lives. Is God getting a return on what He's invested in us? And second, let's be diligent to produce as much fruit as we can for our Master. One day, we'll be rewarded for all of it._

# DAY 112, Luke 19:28-44 Jesus' Triumphal Entry Into Jerusalem

Jesus had finally made it to Jerusalem, the capital city of Israel, the place where He knew He was destined to die on a cross in one week's time. Many of Jesus' followers, in spite of what He said in the story of the ten servants that we read yesterday, believed that Jesus would immediately set up His kingdom, and they gave Him a king's greeting as He entered Jerusalem. But the story was anticlimactic. His triumphal entry ended with His looking around the Temple and then leaving the city to sleep overnight in the nearby town of Bethany (see Mark 11:11). So what was the point of Jesus' dramatic entrance into Jerusalem?

Although Luke didn't mention it in His Gospel, Jesus actually fulfilled an ancient prophecy as He entered Jerusalem on a colt. Matthew and John both recorded what the prophet Zechariah had foretold: "Tell the people of Israel, 'Look, your King is coming to you. He is humble, riding on a donkey---even on a donkey's colt'" (Matthew 21:5).

That was not the only miraculous aspect of Jesus' entry into Jerusalem. Jesus knew that there would be a colt tied in a certain place, and He knew that when He sent some of His disciples to get it, the colt's owners would object to their taking it. Jesus also knew that if the disciples told the owners that He had need of the colt and would return it, they would allow it to be taken. Additionally, Jesus knew that the colt had never been previously ridden. And amazingly, the colt allowed Him to ride on its back, not bucking Him off! These are just more proofs that Jesus is the Son of God.

Jesus' great mercy for the people of Jerusalem was revealed as He wept over the city, grieving for the calamity they would face in the future. In about forty years, the Roman army would come and destroy the city, and thousands of people would die violent deaths, many by being hung on crosses. Why would God allow such a thing to happen? It was an act of judgment upon them for their rejection of Jesus, as Jesus said, "Because you have rejected the opportunity God offered you" (Luke 19:44). In this we see both the love and holy judgment of God. God's love is seen in Jesus' weeping over the city, and His holy judgment is seen in His predicting and allowing the future disaster to occur. Those who reject God's love have no choice but to suffer His judgment. Aren't you glad you've received His love?

Q. The hard-hearted Pharisees, as they witnessed the crowds shouting and singing praises to God for the miracles they'd seen, requested that Jesus quiet His followers. Jesus replied, "If they kept quiet, the stones along the road would burst into cheers!" (Luke 19:40). What do you think He meant?

A. He must have been speaking in _hyperbole_ , defined as "exaggeration for effect." Jesus meant that what His followers were doing was the only appropriate response to what was happening. Those who were not rejoicing and praising God were the abnormal ones who were out of order. The situation _demanded_ praise to God, so much that if people wouldn't praise God, something else would.

Application: _Jesus didn't try to stop anyone from treating Him like a king as He entered Jerusalem, even to the point of allowing people to spread their garments on the road before Him, creating a long carpet on which His donkey could walk. Jesus knew He was God and acted the part. It would be sinful for anyone else to accept such favored treatment, honor that God alone deserves._

# DAY 113, Mark 11:12-25 Jesus Curses a Fig Tree and Clears the Temple

Keep in mind that we are reading about the final week before Jesus' crucifixion. The Holy Spirit must want us to know more about that week than any other week of Jesus' life, because the four Gospel writers, Matthew, Mark, Luke and John, devoted almost one third of their combined writings to it. It was the most important week in human history.

The incident of Jesus cursing the fig tree has raised some questions. First, why did Jesus, upon seeing the fig tree from a distance, need to get close to see if it had any figs? If He was God, why didn't He automatically know the tree was fruitless, since God knows everything?

The answer, as you hopefully already know by now, is that Jesus stripped Himself of omniscience when He became a human being. Any knowledge He possessed that could be categorized as supernatural was given to Him as God might give it to any of His servants---through the Holy Spirit's gift of the word of knowledge. Unless God revealed something to Jesus, He had to obtain information like anyone else. It was too early in the fig season for figs in the region of Jerusalem, and Jesus discovered that the fig tree was fruitless.

 So why did He curse a fruitless fig tree that was fruitless because of the season? You can be certain Jesus wasn't angry at the tree and certainly wasn't holding the tree responsible for its fruitlessness. Trees aren't people, and God isn't holding them accountable for their actions!

Some people think the fig tree was representative of fruitless Israel, and that Jesus cursed it as a foreshadowing of God's soon-coming curse. Perhaps that's true, but the Bible doesn't say. More likely, Jesus was using the fig tree to teach His disciples a lesson about faith. The next day, they were amazed that the fig tree had withered, and Jesus explained to them the power of faith in God. If they would believe and not doubt in their hearts, they could speak to mountains and make them move! Jesus went on to explain that faith was an important key to answered prayer.

We must understand that faith can only be born from God's promises, and unless we have a promise from God that He wants an actual mountain moved, we couldn't have faith to move it. But there are many "mountains" for which we do possess promises, and, with faith, we can move them by speaking to them. The key is not to doubt in our hearts, even when it appears as if our mountains aren't moving. They _will_ move if we believe God's promise.

When Jesus cleared the Temple of those who were buying and selling there, it was the second time He did so, the first being about three years earlier (see John 2:13-17). Again, He was angered that a place that God had intended to be a place of prayer had been turned into a marketplace dominated by dishonesty. With a right only God possesses, Jesus acted as if He owned everything and cleaned house. That's our Jesus---not just loving and compassionate, but holy and righteous.

Q. When we trust God to keep a promise, does what we believe for always come to pass instantly?

A. No, not always. According to Mark's Gospel, the disciples didn't notice that the fig tree had withered until about twenty-four hours after Jesus had cursed it.

Q. If we want our prayers to be answered, according to Jesus, what is even more important than having faith?

A. It is more important that we first forgive others, otherwise we have no assurance that God will forgive our sins.

Application: _Jesus is still cleansing temples today, purifying them of sin and making them pleasing to God. Has He cleansed your temple?_

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# DAY 114, Matthew 21:23-46 The Stories of the Two Sons and Evil Farmers

Today's reading contrasts Christ's reception by the common people with His rejection by the religious leaders. When the leading priests demanded that Jesus tell them by what authority He had driven out the merchants from the Temple, He responded by asking them a question: Had God commissioned John the Baptist or did John act on his own initiative and power? Jesus knew the religious leaders would have trouble answering publicly, because He knew they really didn't believe John was commissioned by God, otherwise they would have repented at his preaching. However, Jesus also knew that the majority of the common people felt that John was a God-sent prophet, and the religious leaders would be taking a great risk to say otherwise publicly. They were trying to force Jesus to say something in public that they could use to discredit Him, but by His question, Jesus put them in that same place! Afraid of the people, they wouldn't give an honest answer, and their fear also prevented them from openly arresting Jesus later on, because so many people considered Him to be a God-sent prophet.

Then Jesus told the parable of the two sons to illustrate the difference between the religious leaders and the sinners who had repented. The first son, when told by his father to work in the vineyard, said, "No, I won't go." But he later changed his mind and obeyed. He represents those who were previously in rebellion toward God, but who repented.

The other son, when told by his father to go and work in the vineyard, said, "Yes, sir, I will." But he never followed through on what he promised. He represents the religious leaders who always talked about obedience to God's commands, but who never really obeyed. Jesus reprimanded them, saying that the worst sinners of their day, tax collectors and prostitutes would get into heaven before them because they repented when they heard John the Baptist preach.

Incidentally, notice that it wasn't their repentance that saved them; it was their belief in John's message that the kingdom of heaven was at hand. Because they believed John's message, they repented, proving that they really did believe. Salvation works the same way today. We are saved by God's grace through a faith that moves us to repent and begin a life of obedience. True faith always produces fruit.

The story of the evil farmers is easy for us to understand, but the religious leaders apparently missed its meaning at first. After hearing it, they unknowingly pronounced their own judgment when they condemned the wicked farmers who killed the vineyard owner's son. And once they understood that they were the wicked farmers in Jesus' story, they still refused to repent, fulfilling the scripture in the Psalms that talks about the builders rejecting a stone that would become the chief cornerstone. The chief cornerstone was the first and most important stone in any significant building in Jesus' time. Every other stone in a building had to be properly related to that most important stone, by being lined up with it. Those who aren't properly lined up with that stone are destined for trouble. As Jesus said, "Anyone who stumbles over that stone will be broken to pieces, and it will crush anyone on whom it falls" (Matthew 21:44).

Q. If a person is unsaved, is he more likely to become saved if he's self-righteous or if he's a horrible sinner?

A. He is more likely to become saved if he realizes he needs to be saved. Self-righteous people often don't think they need a Savior, because they assume they have saved themselves by their good deeds. That's why horrible sinners are more likely to be saved, and that's why tax collectors and prostitutes were saved when John the Baptist preached while the religious leaders remained unsaved.

Q. In the parable of the evil farmers, the owner of the vineyard sent representatives and finally his own son to collect some of the fruit. What did the fruit represent? What does this tell us about what God desires from us?

A. The fruit represents acts of obedience, which is what God expects from His people.

Application: _It's good for us to read sections of Scripture that contrast the reaction of believers and non-believers, because it helps us evaluate which category we are in. With whom did you identify in today's reading?_

# DAY 115, Matthew 22:1-14 The Parable of the Wedding Guests

Here is another parable Jesus told that was packed with significance for both believers and unbelievers, modern and ancient. However, when we interpret any parable, we must realize that every parable is an _imperfect_ comparison, and we need to discern which details are significant and which details have no significance at all in illustrating spiritual truths.

This parable is about the kingdom of heaven, and Jesus compared it to a great wedding feast prepared by a king for his son. Just like a wedding feast, heaven is going to be a place of celebration, fun and enjoyment. Like a wedding feast, it won't be a pointless party. It will be a place to honor God's Son.

Jesus may have also used the marriage feast illustration because the Bible speaks of those who believe in Jesus as being His bride (see Ephesians 5:25-32; Revelation 19:7-9). Marriage is a good illustration of our relationship with Jesus, because true believers are inseparably joined with Him in an intimate, trusting and devoted relationship. As husband and wife become one in God's eyes, so we have become one with Jesus. True Christians are not just Christ's neighbors or acquaintances, they are married to Him!

Many guests were invited to the wedding feast but refused the invitation. The king mercifully sent his messengers with invitations more than once, but they were ignored and even mistreated. The invited guests were more interested in other things, illustrating the attitude of so many people who hear and ignore the gospel.

Eventually, however, the king's patience ran out, and he became furious with those who spurned his kindness. Consequently, he sent his army to destroy them. This teaches us that although God is love, He will not be merciful forever with those who ignore Him. Judgment is coming.

Then the king sent his servants out again to invite anyone they could find to attend the wedding feast. If this part of the parable has any significance, it represents the gospel invitation that was rejected by the Jews and offered to the Gentiles.

Of course, even those on the street corners who were invited had a choice to accept or reject the invitation. Unfortunately, one man tried to accept the invitation but not abide by the rules of the king. In Jesus' time, wealthy people often provided special wedding robes for their wedding guests. In Jesus' parable, the wedding robes may well represent the "robes of righteousness" spoken of in the book of Revelation (see Rev. 19:8). The man who was caught without a robe was either lacking Christ's righteousness, something that is given as a free gift to every believer in Jesus, or he was lacking any personal obedience, the fruit of real faith. Consequently, he didn't belong in heaven.

Jesus' primary point, as He summarized in the conclusion of the parable, was, "Many are called, but few are chosen" (Matthew 22:14). That is, many are invited to the kingdom of heaven, but _the invitation doesn't guarantee salvation_. Only those who truly believe are chosen to attend God's great wedding feast.

Q. What does this parable have to teach us about the idea that some people are predestined by God to be saved while others are predestined by God to be unsaved?

A. This parable teaches that everyone has a choice in the matter of his salvation, and that God has not predestined certain ones to be saved and certain ones to be unsaved. This parable shows us that it is God's will for people to be in heaven who will not be there.

Q. In Jesus' story, once the man at the wedding feast was discovered to be without a wedding robe, he was cast out. Is Jesus trying to tell us that some people who don't really belong in heaven will be mistakenly allowed in and then later be cast out and thrown into hell?

A. No, and this is where we must draw the line in trying to find significance in every detail of the parable. Jesus was only illustrating the fact that, even though the invitation is so freely extended to everyone and so many people do apparently accept the invitation, there will be those who will try to accept the invitation on their own terms and who ultimately will be rejected. The man who was cast out represents a false believer. He accepted the invitation but didn't do what the king required.

Application: _The most important thing in life is accepting God's salvation invitation and then doing His will the rest of your life. If you've done that, you're on the right track and have a happy future indeed!_

# DAY 116, Mark 12:13-27 Jesus Answers Two Trick Questions

In Jesus' time, Israel was under the domination of the Roman Empire, led by a king named Tiberius Caesar who lived in Rome. In Israel, one of the men who represented the Roman government was Herod Antipas. Among other things, he was responsible to see that the Jews under his jurisdiction paid their appropriate taxes to Rome, taxes that every Jew resented having to pay.

One day, some Pharisees came to Jesus, bringing with them some of Herod's supporters. They hoped to trick Jesus into saying something that would get Him in trouble with the Roman government. That way, He'd be arrested, tried and maybe executed. So they asked Him if they should pay taxes to the Roman government, hoping Herod's supporters would hear Him say that they shouldn't. They figured they had Jesus trapped, because they knew He always told the pure truth. Surely He wouldn't endorse paying unjust taxes to a cruel, dominating foreign power, a tax that everyone who would hear Him resented paying.

But Jesus saw through their trickery, and answered in a way they didn't expect. The Bible teaches that us that all government has been established by God (see Romans 13:1-2), and so our government deserves our respect and obedience---as long as our government doesn't require us to sin against God. On the other hand, some people look to governmental leaders as if they were God, giving them praise, honor and devotion that only God deserves. We, as Jesus said, should give to Caesar what belongs to him and give to God what belongs to Him.

Next, a religious group called the Sadducees stepped up to ask Jesus a difficult question. They didn't believe that there was life after death or that people would one day be resurrected, even though those truths were taught in the Old Testament. (No wonder they were _sad, you see!_ ) So they posed a ridiculous question, hoping to make Jesus look foolish as He tried to defend the doctrine of the resurrection. Their question was about a woman who had been widowed seven times. Whose wife would she be when they were all resurrected, since she'd had seven husbands?

Jesus replied that she would be no one's wife, because in heaven, no one will be married. That is why, at Christian weddings, couples promise to be husband and wife only until death. In heaven, there will apparently be no exclusive relationships. We'll all be deeply devoted to one another and, of course, to the Lord.

Jesus then furnished scriptural proof that people live after they die, citing God's conversation with Moses at the burning bush. God said to Moses, "I am the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob." Notice God spoke using the present, not the past tense, indicating that all three men were still alive right then, long after they had physically died. The Sadducees had made a serious error in their understanding.

Q. If our government makes a law saying it is illegal to worship Jesus Christ, should we obey that law?

A. Although the government is an authority over us, there is a higher authority: God. If the lower authority tells us to disobey the higher authority, we shouldn't obey the lower authority.

Q. Why is it, as Jesus said, such a serious error not to believe that people live after their bodies die?

A. Because if there is no life after death, there is no judgment and no heaven or hell. If that is the case, there is no need to be saved and so there's no need for Jesus to save us. And there's no ultimate reason to obey God in this life. That is why believing in the resurrection is so important.

Application: _If Jesus had ever answered someone's question by saying, "I'm sorry, but I just don't know the answer to that one. You've stumped Me," we'd be tempted to think that He wasn't God in the form of a human being. But Jesus never was stumped by anyone. One day, we'll get to ask Him all the questions for which we don't presently have answers. In the meantime, we can thank God for what He has revealed to us, and ask Him to help us understand everything He wants us to know in this present life._

# DAY 117, Mark 12:28-37 Jesus Answers and Asks a Difficult Question

Because Jesus was God in the form of a human being, He had a right to judge which commandments were the most important. No one else has this right, yet even Christians sometimes seem to think they have that right. They take one commandment, verse, subject, or principle in the Bible and emphasize it above everything else in God's Word. In so doing, they unknowingly are saying that Jesus' judgment is wrong. Although He clearly stated which commandments were the most important, they've supposedly found more important ones.

There is nothing more important than loving God with all our heart, soul, mind and strength, and loving our neighbor as ourselves. These are the two things on which we ought to be focused. It is sad indeed when Christians greatly emphasize other biblical concepts to the point of neglecting or even violating the greatest commandments. For example, some Christians emphasize a certain Bible translation, a certain dress code, or a favorite doctrine, and refuse to fellowship with those who don't agree with them. They are, in effect, saying to Jesus, "What You said is most important is not most important." Everything that God says is important, but God Himself said that part of what He said is the most important.

Having been asked a series of questions, Jesus decided to ask a question of His own. He, of course, knew the answer to His question, but He wanted to provoke people to think about God's Word and what it said about Him. The religious teachers of His day correctly believed and taught that, according to the Old Testament, the Messiah would be a descendant of David, which, of course, Jesus was through His mother Mary. However, neglecting or not understanding other messianic prophecies, the religious leaders were anticipating a Messiah who would be only a human being, and not God Himself. Hoping to help them realize that the Messiah would not only be David's descendant, but also God, Jesus posed a question about David addressing the Messiah as his Lord. How could the Messiah be David's descendant if David himself called Him his Lord? The only way that would be possible was if God became a man through the agency of one of David's descendants, and that is what Jesus wanted everyone to understand about Himself. He was more than a descendant of David, He was the Lord Himself!

Q. Jesus told the teacher who asked Him what the greatest commandment was, "You are not far from the Kingdom of God" (Mark 12:34). This indicates the teacher, although close to God's kingdom, was not actually in it yet. What did he need to do to enter?

A. Although he recognized what the two most important commandments were, he needed to realize how much he had broken those two commandments. Then, he needed to repent and believe in Jesus, recognizing that Jesus was the only One who could save him from his sins.

Q. Some Christians emphasize faith and how it works in a believer's life more than anything else. How do you suppose God feels about that?

A. He considers it unbalanced. Taking his cue from Jesus, Paul wrote that love is greater than faith (see 1 Corinthians 13:13).

Application: _Because Jesus told us what are the most important commandments, it would be a good thing to ask ourselves this question all the time: "Am I loving God with all my heart, soul, mind and strength, and loving my neighbor as myself?" If we are, it will be reflected in how we live our lives._

# DAY 118, Luke 10:25-37 The Parable of the Good Samaritan

Like the religious teacher we read about yesterday, the teacher in today's story also understood that the most important commandments were to love God with all our heart, soul, mind and strength, and love our neighbor as ourselves. If a person did those things, he would, according to Jesus, inherit eternal life. The religious teacher in today's story obviously felt guilty for not loving his neighbor as himself. He wanted to justify his lack of love by embracing a very narrow definition of what a neighbor is. If God was speaking of us only loving our next-door neighbor, then perhaps this teacher could justify his lack of love and even hatred for so many other people. So he asked Jesus, "And who is my neighbor?" (Luke 10:29), and Jesus told him the story of the Good Samaritan.

The lesson of the story is that anyone and everyone is our neighbor by God's definition, even people of other races or religions who are usually despised by those with whom we identify. As you probably remember, in Jesus' day, Jews and Samaritans hated each other. But the Samaritan in Jesus' story showed love to a Jewish man, probably saving his life, while other Jews showed him no love at all.

When Jesus asked the religious teacher, "Now which of these three would you say was a neighbor to the man who was attacked by bandits?" (Luke 10:36), his hatred of Samaritans surfaced in his answer. Not wanting to admit that the one who obeyed God's second most important commandment was a member of a race he despised, he simply replied, "The one who showed him mercy" (Luke 10:37). Jesus then told him, "Go and do the same" (Luke 10:37). This seems to indicate that he had not been showing mercy to those who needed it, thus not loving his neighbor as himself. Now he was confronted with his own sin and need for repentance.

Q. In the story of the Good Samaritan, why do you suppose that two very religious people, the priest and the Temple assistant, didn't help the dying man?

A. Because they were religious but not actually saved. They were hypocrites, claiming to be followers of God's law, but breaking His second most important commandment. They no doubt justified their actions in some way, because everyone who sins justifies his actions in order to salve his conscience.

Q. If Jesus told this same story today in the United States, do you think He might change the identities of the characters in the story? If so, how?

A. He would probably use characters that would be more applicable to the prejudices of our own society. Perhaps the two who passed by the dying man would be pastors or Sunday school teachers. Perhaps the dying man would be black or white, depending on the color of Jesus' audience.

Application: _In many ways, Jesus was like a good Samaritan to us. We were attacked by the devil and demons, robbed of the truth, and left spiritually dead and destined to die physically. No religion or person could save us, but Jesus felt compassion for us and saved us from death. Praise God for His love for us!_

# DAY 119, Matthew 23:1-36 Jesus Warns the Religious Leaders

What we read today was certainly not the only time Jesus strongly rebuked the Pharisees and religious teachers. In fact, we've previously read in Luke's Gospel of a time when Jesus spoke some of the very same words while dining in a Pharisee's home (see Luke 11:37-52)! Because He was God, Jesus had every right to make such a critical judgment. Moreover, His criticism could be considered an act of love, because He was only telling them what they will hear Him say in the future when they stand before His throne of judgment. Jesus' warning was spoken when the religious leaders still had time to repent and be saved from their eternal fate in hell.

Just like the religious leaders of Jesus' day, modern Christian leaders also face the same temptations to abuse their authority. Because people often think more highly of Christian leaders than they should, these leaders are often tempted to take advantage of the people they lead. However, if Christians and their leaders will simply do what Jesus said, a problem that is widespread in the church will end.

The solution is two-fold. First, Christians should be careful how they view their leaders, respecting but not revering them. God is the only Person who should be revered. Too many Christians are focused more on human leaders than they are on God, giving them even more praise than God! Jesus said we should avoid using any titles when we speak of our leaders, such as "Teacher," "Father," or "Master," because we should consider God alone to be all of these to us.

Second, Christian leaders should be careful how they view themselves. They should not allow those they lead to give them titles, teaching their followers that, as Jesus said, we're all equal brothers and sisters in God's family. God should be the One we're focused on, not any man who has been gifted by God. Personally, I discourage people in the church I pastored from calling me "Pastor David" for the same reason I wouldn't allow them to call me "Teacher David," "Father David," or "Master David." God alone is our Shepherd, which is what the word _pastor_ means. I wanted the people of my church to consider God to be their only Pastor and consider me to be only His servant. The word minister means "servant," and that is how all Christian leaders should view themselves, just as Jesus said in today's reading, "The greatest among you must be a servant" (Matthew 23:11). I told my congregation that if they wanted to attach a title to my name, they should call me "Slave Dave."

All of us, not just leaders, should monitor our own lives for hypocrisy. If our private lives are different than our public lives, if we preach what we don't practice ourselves, if we interpret or bend God's Word to fit our own lifestyles, if we emphasize what is minor and neglect what is most important, then we're hypocrites just like the Pharisees. Outwardly, they appeared holy and clean, but inwardly they were filthy, just like whitewashed tombs. Jesus called them blind guides, snakes, sons of vipers and sons of hell! We don't want to be one of them!

Q. Jesus promised the religious leaders that He would send them prophets, wise men and teachers whom they would persecute. How is this statement an indirect claim to His being God?

A. Only God sends prophets, so Jesus' claim that He would send prophets was a claim to be God.

Q. Kids sometimes make a promise to a friend, but because they had their fingers crossed behind their backs when they spoke, later claim that they don't have to keep their promise. How do you think God feels about that?

A. He would feel the same way about that as He did about the Pharisees claiming that they could break an oath if they swore "by God's Temple," but were obligated to keep an oath if they swore "by the gold in the Temple." Lying is lying.

Application: _Today is a good time to examine ourselves. We all need to make sure our insides---our motives, thoughts and desires---are just as clean as our outsides. Why not ask the Lord to show you if you are in any way guilty of an inward sin so you can purify yourself from it?_

# DAY 120, Mark 12:41-44 A Poor But Generous Widow

People who love God will show their love by how they live their lives. One area in which their love for God will be manifested is how they spend their money. If how they spend their money isn't affected by their relationship with God, they probably have no relationship with Him.

For example, parents love their children, and their love shows when they use their money to take care of their children's needs or buy them gifts. If a parent never spent any money on his children, we would doubt his love. People love their friends, and their love shows when they, among other things, spend money to show hospitality to, or help their friends. People love their dogs, and their love shows when they spend money on their dogs.

By the same token, when people love God, it affects their pocketbooks. Unfortunately, many people who claim to love God actually prove by their actions that they love their dogs more!

Of course, there is no way to give God money or any material thing directly. The only way we can give to God is to support what He is interested in, and He is primarily interested in His kingdom and the advancement of it. He wants people to be saved and discipled. So we can show our love for God by supporting our church, missionaries and other biblical ministries.

As today's story clearly illustrates, God is not so impressed by how much we give, but by how much we give in proportion to how much we have available to give. It's easy for a millionaire to give a thousand dollars to God's work, but in God's eyes, a poor person's gift of one dollar could be a bigger gift. This is something for us to consider in our own lives. Every Christian should regularly be giving a portion of his income to God's work, but those who have more should be giving a larger percentage---if they want their gifts to be equivalent to the smaller percentages that poorer Christians are giving.

Q. Is there a biblical percentage of income that is the minimum that every Christian should be giving? If so, what is that percentage?

A. In the Old Testament, God commanded all of His people to give ten percent of their income to His work, regardless of how rich or poor they were. It would seem reasonable to conclude that God does not expect less of His people under the new covenant, and so giving ten percent is a good place to start.

Q. Let's say your parents give you an allowance of five dollars a week and you give it all to a missionary. Would that be the same as your parents giving away all of their weekly income?

A. Your giving would be commendable, but your parents' giving would be a much greater sacrifice. This is not because the amount of their gift was greater, but because they gave what they had to live on for a week, something you really didn't do. You probably didn't need any of your money to buy food, pay electric bills or purchase clothing for your kids!

Application: _Because God knows everything, He views things differently than we often do. What impresses us might not impress Him, and vice versa. Jesus once said, "What this world honors is an abomination in the sight of God" (Luke 16:15)._

# DAY 121, Matthew 24:1-28 Jesus Talks About Jerusalem's Destruction and the End Times

If you were giving Jesus a tour of your city and pointed out the city hall, public library and largest old stone church, and He told you that the time was coming when those buildings would be completely destroyed, you'd probably want to know when! That is how the disciples felt when Jesus predicted that the massive Temple buildings in Jerusalem would be destroyed. They knew that if the Temple was to be demolished, a building that took forty-six years to build, it could only be for one of two possible reasons. Either a highly motivated enemy would destroy it during a major war, or God would destroy it. In either case, to the disciples, such an event would surely be a sign of the end of the world. So they asked Jesus when this would take place, and what signs would signal His return and the end of the world.

We know from history that Jerusalem and the Temple _were_ destroyed about forty years later by the Roman army, and Jesus told His disciples what would happen immediately preceding that disaster so they could preserve their lives. However, only Luke recorded that portion of what Jesus said: "When you see Jerusalem surrounded by armies, then you will know that the time of its destruction has arrived. Then those in Judea must flee to the hills. Let those in Jerusalem escape, and those outside the city should not enter it for shelter. For those will be days of God's vengeance, and the prophetic words of the Scriptures will be fulfilled. How terrible it will be for pregnant women and for mothers nursing their babies. For there will be great distress in the land and wrath upon this people. They will be brutally killed by the sword or sent away as captives to all the nations of the world. And Jerusalem will be conquered and trampled down by the Gentiles until the age of the Gentiles comes to an end" (Luke 21:20-24).

History tells us that Jerusalem was surrounded by Roman armies around A.D. 70, but for a short time they were drawn away to fight elsewhere, and that is when all the Christians escaped, obeying Jesus' words. When the Roman armies returned to besiege the city and destroy it, not one true follower of Christ was harmed during the siege, while tens of thousands of nonbelievers lost their lives.

Matthew, whose record we've read today, seemed to focus more on Jesus' predictions that related to His return and the end of the age. Notice that Jesus first talked about things that would _not_ be signs of His return and the end of the world. False christs, wars, famines and earthquakes would be many, but they are not signs that the end is near. Neither are severe persecution, false prophets or rampant sin and selfishness indications that Jesus will soon come back.

However, Jesus did give us two signs that will occur within a short time before His return. First, when the gospel has been proclaimed to the whole world, the end will be near. As I write this, as many as half the people in the world have not heard the name of Jesus. However, that looks like it is changing as the church takes Christ's command to preach the gospel to every person more seriously.

The second sign is something that Daniel predicted about 2,500 years ago, what Jesus called "the sacrilegious object that causes desecration standing in the holy place" (Matthew 24:15). We don't have the space to explore this in detail, but one day a man whom the Bible calls the antichrist will walk into the new Temple in Jerusalem and proclaim that he is God. Paul wrote to the Christians in Thessalonica about that man, saying, "He will exalt himself and defy every god there is and tear down every object of adoration and worship. He will position himself in the temple of God, claiming that he himself is God" (2 Thessalonians 2:4).

That event will be a sign that the end of the world and Christ's return are very near. Many Bible scholars believe that, according to other scriptures, that event will precede Christ's return by three-and-a-half years. It will be a time of terrible distress for people in Jerusalem and around the world, what the Bible calls the "great tribulation," of which we can read in the book of Revelation. God's wrath will be poured out upon the inhabitants of the earth like never before. At the end of it, Jesus will return in a way that no one will miss seeing Him, lighting up the entire sky like a flash of lightning does for only a split second. And although the world will consider that to be the end, we will consider it to be another beginning!

Q. The Jerusalem Temple that was destroyed in A.D. 70 has never been rebuilt. Does this mean that Daniel, Jesus and Paul were mistaken about the future antichrist walking into the holy place of the Temple to proclaim himself as being God?

A. No, you can be sure that Scripture will be fulfilled. Obviously a new Temple will have to be built before the antichrist can fulfill Daniel's, Jesus' and Paul's predictions. Therefore, when we hear that a new Temple is being constructed in Jerusalem, this will be a sign to us that the end is drawing closer. Think about this: It wasn't until 1948 that the Jews repossessed the region of ancient Israel as their homeland for the first time since A.D. 70, and it wasn't until a short war in 1967 that they repossessed Jerusalem as their own city. These are two relatively recent events that were both necessary before the Jerusalem Temple could ever be rebuilt.

Q. When God's wrath is poured out upon the earth during the tribulation period that the Bible tells us about, will true Christians be punished along with nonbelievers?

A. No, they will not. Some Bible scholars believe that all true Christians will be taken up to heaven _prior_ to the tribulation period. This is called the "rapture," and Paul wrote about it in 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18. There is no doubt that it will happen; the only question is when it will happen. Those who think the rapture won't happen until some point during the tribulation period or at the end of the tribulation period agree that Christians will be protected from God's wrath upon the ungodly, as this is what God has always done in the past. They will not, however, be necessarily spared from the persecution of the anti-Christ.

Application: _It sure is good to know that we have nothing to dread about the future. We will not have to suffer God's eternal wrath like those who don't follow Jesus. And any trials we face on the road to heaven are only temporary.  _

# DAY 122, Matthew 24:29-51 Jesus Exhorts Everyone to be Ready for His Return

Today we continue reading Jesus' response to His disciples' question about the signs that will precede His return and the end of the world. After a time of terrible, worldwide tribulation, there will be some unmistakable signs that Jesus is just about to return. The sun will be darkened, and the moon, because it only reflects the sun's light, will not shine. The stars will fall from the sky. Can you imagine seeing that? It will terrorize those who are unprepared. Isaiah predicted this almost three thousand years ago, writing, "The land will be destroyed and all the sinners with it. The heavens will be black above them. No light will shine from stars or sun or moon....The heavens above will melt away and disappear like a rolled-up scroll. The stars will fall from the sky, just as withered leaves and fruit fall from a tree" (Isaiah 13:9-10; 34:4).

Then Jesus will return, shining brightly in a black sky, in clouds of God's radiant glory. All who are alive on earth will see Him and mourn, for they will have no doubts then that their eternal fate is sealed because they rejected Him. A great trumpet will sound, and God's angels will gather His people from the farthest ends of the earth and heaven.

That will mark the beginning of Jesus' reign over all the earth, and people would be foolish to be unprepared for such a momentous event. Jesus therefore admonished us to be ready by watching for the signs He predicted and by living obedient lives. Although no one knows the exact day or hour of His return, everyone should be able to recognize when the time is near. The signs He described will not be spread out over centuries of time.

Unfortunately, multitudes _will be_ caught unprepared, living their normal lives right up until the day when Jesus comes back. In spite of the distress that will exist during the time just prior to Jesus' return, people will be working, eating and partying right up until the end. In some cases, they will be working right alongside people who have come to believe in Jesus, and will see them disappear when Jesus sends His angels to gather His people. The unsaved will be completely caught off guard.

Those who are ready for Christ's return will be those who believe in Him, and naturally, their faith will be evident by their lifestyles. When Jesus comes back, they will be doing His will. Those who are selfishly living for themselves, always partying and getting drunk, prove that they don't believe in Jesus or His promise to return. And, as Jesus said, they will be banished to hell.

Are you ready?

Q. We read today about some major changes that will one day occur to some things most people think are permanent: the sun, moon and stars. Jesus also mentioned a major change in something else people consider permanent. What is it?

A. Jesus said that one day the earth would disappear (see Matthew 24:35). Don't be alarmed, however, because God will create a new one right after He destroys the present one (see Revelation 21:1)!

Application: _In today's reading and throughout Scripture, we are told that every material thing we presently own will one day disappear. For that reason we should view material things from a spiritual perspective. We should, as much as possible, use material things for spiritual purposes, to serve God and others. Our use of material things is a test of our Christlikeness, and one day we'll be rewarded for every unselfish act._

# DAY 123, Matthew 25:1-30 Ten Bridesmaids and Three Servants

Today's reading is a continuation of Jesus' response to His disciples' questions about His return. The first parable of the ten bridesmaids is a little difficult for us to understand unless we know something about the wedding customs of Jesus' day.

Back then, people didn't get married in churches, but in their own homes. With his friends, the bridegroom would walk from his house to the house of the bride. From there he would take her back home in a wedding procession, and the wedding guests would light their way through the darkened streets with oil lamps. The ten bridesmaids in this story were either stationed at the bride's home, waiting for the bridegroom to arrive, or at his house, waiting for both bride and bridegroom to arrive.

The important point of the story is that, because the bridegroom was delayed, five of the bridesmaids ran out of oil to fuel their lamps and had to go and purchase more oil. When they returned, they couldn't gain entrance into the wedding feast that was by then in progress.

We should be very cautious about searching for significance in every detail of parables such as this, otherwise we'll become confused. Every parable is an imperfect comparison that usually serves to make one major point. We don't need to wonder what the oil represents, what is the significance of the number of bridesmaids, or why the five foolish ones were excluded from the wedding feast just because they arrived late. The obvious point of this parable is that we need to stay ready for the return of our bridegroom, Jesus, even if it seems He's delayed. People who are spiritually asleep will miss out on a great eternal wedding feast.

The story of the three servants is very similar to the parable of the ten servants we read in the nineteenth chapter of Luke's Gospel. Notice that in this parable, the unfaithful servant was cast into "outer darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth" (Matthew 25:30), obviously hell. We can be sure he wasn't a Christian. So what did the one bag of gold he was entrusted with represent? It represented either his life, a gift given to him by God, or it represents gifts, abilities and opportunities that God gave him. When he had to give an account at the final judgment, he had nothing to show for what God had given him. He was considered to be lazy, wicked and useless by God (see Matthew 25:26, 30). The least he could have done would have been to invest his master's money in the bank and earn a little interest for him. A true believer would have at least produced a little fruit in his life. But this man had none.

The other two servants represent those who, by their obedience, prove their faithfulness. (The reason they had been given more money than the other servant was perhaps because they had already proven themselves faithful with one bag of gold). As God finds us faithful, He entrusts us with more responsibility. This is true in this life and the next one.

The primary point of this parable is that every person is accountable to God for what God entrusts to him. Those who prove to be completely faithless will suffer eternally, but those who prove themselves faithful to serve God with their gifts will be rewarded. Again, this parable teaches us that true believers are identifiable by their deeds.

Q. If Jesus visited the earth for the first time today, do you think He would tell people the same parable of ten bridesmaids as He did two thousand years ago?

A. He probably wouldn't, because it doesn't fit our modern customs. He would probably adapt it to fit modern weddings or use an entirely different story to illustrate the same truth. Perhaps He would talk about a man who was late for his job interview and who wasn't hired, or a young lady who arrived late for her college entrance exams and was consequently prohibited from entering the room where the test was being taken.

Q. How do you think Jesus might change the parable of the three servants to fit our modern culture?

A. He might change the wealthy master into an employer who, upon leaving for a business trip, gave his employees certain assignments according to their abilities. Upon his return, he would discover that one employee, to whom he gave the easiest task, had accomplished nothing. That employee would be fired. Or Jesus might tell a story about a mother who gave her three children jobs to do while she went grocery shopping. When she returned earlier than expected, she found out that one child had been watching TV the whole time. Because of this, his mom grounded him for a week!

Application: _What did we learn today? Stay ready, and be faithful. If Jesus returned right now, would you be ready to meet Him?_

# DAY 124, Matthew 25:31-46 Jesus Talks About the Final Judgment

Continuing to answer His disciples' questions about His return, Jesus concluded by telling them what would happen soon after He did come back. That will be the time when He will judge everyone on the earth, ultimately allowing them to remain in His kingdom or be cast into hell.

The question most asked about this portion of Scripture centers on the criteria used by God to determine who is saved and who is not. If we are saved by grace through faith and not by works, then why are people's works the determining factor in their salvation or damnation? The answer is that our deeds show if we believe or don't believe in Jesus. The Bible often declares that every person will be judged according to his or her deeds. The reason is because deeds alone reveal the faith a person possesses or doesn't possess.

True believers in Jesus love others who believe in Jesus. Jesus Himself said, "Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples" (John 13:35). The apostle John wrote, "If we love other Christians, it proves that we have passed from death to eternal life" (1 John 3:14). Love is manifested in deeds, and that is why the saved in today's reading were the ones who gave food, drink, hospitality and clothing to their needy brothers and sisters, cared for them when they were sick and visited them when they were in prison. That is what true believers do, and when they show their love for the brethren, they show their love for Christ.

On the other hand, unbelievers could care less about Christians who are suffering. In fact, they are often glad because of it. And when they show their hatred for Christians, they show their hatred for Christ. Again, the apostle John wrote, "Anyone who hates another Christian is really a murderer at heart. And you know that murderers don't have eternal life within them" (1 John 3:15).

Q. Today's reading gives us another indication that God wants everyone to be saved. What indication is that? (Clue: It has something to do with for whom hell is prepared.)

A. Jesus said that hell was prepared for the Devil and his demons. That could indicate that is wasn't originally intended to be a place for human beings. God's will is for everyone to be saved, even for those who will spend eternity in hell. The unsaved forfeit what God wants for them by their unbelief.

Q. Jesus said that His kingdom was prepared for saved people from the foundation of the world. Does this prove that God has predestined only certain people to be saved?

A. No, that would contradict what He said about salvation being offered to everyone. God planned from the foundation of the world that anyone who would believe in His Son would inherit His kingdom. The kingdom has been prepared from the foundation of the world for all who will believe the gospel.

Application: _The most important question any of us could ask is this: Is my love for Jesus Christ evident in how I treat fellow Christians? More specifically, what needy Christian have I served or am I serving?_

# DAY 125, John 12:20-33 Jesus Talks Again About His Impending Death

Jesus knew that He would be crucified in Jerusalem during the Passover festival in just a few days. He had already predicted His death on several occasions to His disciples, but now He wanted them to begin to understand the purpose of His death.

First of all, Jesus didn't consider His death to be an end, but a beginning. He said, "The time has come for the Son of Man to enter into his glory" (John 12:23). That is, it was time for Him to go to heaven. The death of any Christian should also be viewed as a beginning. However, Christians enter into God's glory when they die, not their own glory, as did Jesus.

Second, Jesus' death was not an accident or twist of fate. It was God's intention that He die. In fact, it was the main reason Jesus became a human being and lived on the earth (see John 12:27).

Third, the result of His death would be new life for a lot of people. Jesus compared Himself to a kernel of wheat that dies and is planted in the ground. The result is new life for many more kernels of wheat that grow from that single seed.

Fourth, Jesus explained what we must do to reap the benefits of His death, saying, "Those who love their life in this world will lose it. Those who despise their life in this world will keep it for eternal life" (John 12:25). Before a person can be saved, he must come to the place of despising his life, recognizing that he is a sinner trapped in his sins, and is displeasing to God. Then and only then will he be motivated to come sincerely to Jesus, repenting of his sins and seeking a new life that is pleasing to God.

Fifth, Jesus' death would glorify God (see John 12:28) because it would reveal the greatness of His love for humanity.

Sixth, Jesus' death would be the beginning of the end of Satan's rule over the millions of sinful people in the world (see John 12:31). The reason is because God has allowed Satan to hold everyone who is a sinner in captivity. But once the penalty for people's sins was paid, those who were made righteous by believing are released from Satan's captivity. Moreover, one day only righteous, redeemed people will be living on the earth, and then Satan will have no authority whatsoever. He himself will ultimately be cast into hell. And it will be due to Jesus' sacrificial death.

Seventh, Jesus' death would, more than anything else He did, draw people to Him as they learn of His great sacrifice on their behalf (see John 12:32). His death on the cross is the central part of the gospel.

Q. People often "accept Jesus" for different reasons. For example, some people hope God will give them a better edge in their business or enhance their relationship with others. Are these valid reasons for becoming a Christian?

A. No, according to Jesus, they're not. A person must despise his life in this world if he wants eternal life. People who supposedly "accept Jesus" to help them become more successful in life aren't meeting the requirements Jesus laid down. They are those, who, as Jesus said, love their lives in this world, and don't recognize their pathetic condition---rebellious, lost, and hell-bound.

Q. We read today about God speaking in an audible voice to Jesus so that the crowd who was listening to Jesus heard it. Everyone heard the same thing, but not everyone who heard God's voice agreed about what they'd heard. Why do you suppose they disagreed?

A. Because everyone in the crowd was more or less receptive to the truth, either believing or doubtful. The less receptive ones didn't want to admit that anything supernatural had happened, so they explained God's voice by saying it was thunder. The more receptive ones thought an angel had spoken. However, all of them knew that Jesus had just addressed His Father in prayer, but none of them were apparently receptive enough to believe that God Himself had spoken.

Application: _The problem is not that people can't believe, it's that they won't believe because of the hardness of their hearts. Here is a modern example of the same kind of unbelief Jesus encountered, found in an article in Popular Mechanics magazine that explains how Jesus was able to raise Lazarus from the dead:_

_ _

_ _ "Dr. Gerald A. Larue, professor emeritus of biblical history and archeology at the University of Southern California and president of the Committee for the Scientific Examination of Religion (CSER), a secular humanist organization, says it's possible Lazarus was either in a coma or a catatonic state....Larue says that a person in a catatonic state shows few signs of a heartbeat or breathing. The biblical account leads him to suspect Lazarus was actually in a coma, since in this condition hearing is often the last sense lost. "Assuming Jesus had a loud voice, and he called out 'Lazarus,' the man may have heard him and come out of the coma," Larue says. (Popular Mechanics, Vol. 173, No 12, p. 42).

_What do you think?_

# DAY 126, John 12:34-50 Jesus Again Claims to be God

When Jesus told the crowd that He would die by being lifted up on a cross, they were confused. How could He claim to be the Messiah if He was going to die? Didn't the Old Testament promise that the Messiah's kingdom would have no end?

The problem was their limited understanding of the Old Testament messianic predictions. Yes, the Scriptures did promise a never-ending messianic kingdom, but they also revealed that the Messiah would die for our sins.

Jesus emphasized that His remaining time on earth was limited, and encouraged His audience to take advantage of the opportunity that would soon be gone. Comparing Himself to a light that was about to be shut off, He told them to walk in His light and believe in it. Light is symbolic of truth, and that is all Jesus spoke. In fact, He Himself was a revelation of God's truthfulness, because He was the Savior God promised to send. Those who walk in His light, that is, base their lives on what He said, and believe in Him, become His spiritual offspring, members of His family, or as Jesus said, "children of the light" (John 12:36).

Perhaps anticipating that some of his readers might wonder why so many Jews rejected Jesus if He was their long-awaited Messiah, John mentions that Isaiah the prophet foretold Christ's rejection. Thus Jesus' widespread rejection is not reason for readers to doubt He is the Messiah; rather, it is even more reason to believe He is the Messiah.

Unfortunately, the _New Living Translation_ , in translating John's paraphrase of Isaiah's prophecy, makes it seem as if God hardened people's hearts so that they could not believe in Him even if they wanted to. However, other translations leave room for varied interpretations of Isaiah's words. It would certainly seem strange and unfair if God expected people to do what He made it impossible for them to do! Paul wrote that it is _Satan_ , not God, who blinds the minds of the unbelieving (see 2 Corinthians 4:4).

In the final part of today's reading, Jesus again repeated His often-made claims, clearly conveying that He was nothing less than God. To believe in Him was to believe in God. To see Him was to see God. He was the sole source of truth in the world. He had come to save the world. He should be obeyed. The truth He had spoken would be the standard by which every person will be judged on the last day. His words were actually the words of God the Father, and they were the words that could bring eternal life. Anyone other than God who would make those kinds of claims would be guilty of blasphemy!

Q. Although many people rejected Jesus, according to John, many people also believed in Him, including some Jewish leaders. However, John told us that they wouldn't admit their faith to anyone for fear that the Pharisees would throw them out of the synagogue. Does that mean that they weren't true believers?

A. No, it just means they were timid believers. John criticized them for loving the praise of men more than the praise of God. When we are hesitant to confess Christ openly and boldly, we are guilty of the same fault.

Q. According to what we read today, Jesus expects people to believe in Him and obey Him. Which is more important?

A. That was a trick question. They are equally important, and, in fact, the two can't be separated. If a person believes in Jesus, he will also obey Jesus.

Application: _Jesus, although obviously the Son of God sent from heaven, is still rejected by the majority of people. Because of the hardness of their hearts, they refuse to believe in Him. As the saying goes, "The majority is not always right." Be glad that you're a part of the minority who is right!_

_ _

# DAY 127, Matthew 26:1-16; John 12:1-11 Jesus is Twice Anointed

To a casual reader, it might seem as if Matthew and John were writing about the same incident. The two stories, however, contain details that differ significantly. Mary anointed Jesus _six days_ before the Passover, and the unnamed woman anointed Him _two days_ before the Passover. It seems Mary anointed Jesus while He was visiting her, her sister Martha and her brother Lazarus in their home; the unnamed woman anointed Jesus in the home of a man named Simon the Leper. Mary anointed Jesus' feet and wiped them with her hair; the unnamed woman poured her perfume on His head.

Both women were expressing their love for Jesus in a costly act of worship, spending the equivalent of a year's wages in a few minutes of adoration. Both women obviously believed Jesus was God! He was worth it.

Both women were rebuked for what they did, the unnamed woman by Jesus' disciples, and Mary by Judas Iscariot. This gives us some more insight into Judas's evil character. The disciples' rebuke of the unnamed woman was motivated by concern for the poor, certainly a worthy motive. Still, Jesus rebuked them, correcting their perspective. Four days later, they again watched as another year's wages was spent on Jesus' feet. Even after being among those rebuked by Jesus four days earlier, Judas still grumbled about it. Beyond that, John informs us that Judas really wasn't concerned with the poor. He often stole money from the box where Jesus kept money that was to be given to the poor, and he wanted the perfume to be sold only so there would be more money for him to steal.

Judas was a classic example of someone whose true god is money. Anyone who enriches himself in ways that are sinful or unethical proves that money, and not the Lord, is his god. People have often speculated what Judas's motive was in betraying Jesus for thirty pieces of silver. The answer is that he saw an opportunity to make a large sum of money easily.

Q. Let's pretend that your parents spent thirty thousand dollars in one day on your sister, buying her all kinds of expensive and unnecessary things. Let's also pretend that you complained about it, saying that the money could have been spent on a much more worthy cause, perhaps given to the poor for the basic necessities of life. If your sister responded as Jesus did, essentially saying that she was more important than all the poor people who could have been helped, what would that say about her?

A. It would prove she had a huge ego and was incredibly selfish.

Q. Then what about Jesus? Didn't His answer prove the same about Him?

A. No, because Jesus was God. He is infinitely more valuable than all the people of the world, rich and poor, combined. It would be impossible for Him to think a thought or say a word that could be considered egotistical. He has no equals and couldn't do anything that could rightfully be considered selfish. Selfishness is a sin that can only be committed by a human being.

Application: _When Mary anointed Jesus' feet with her expensive perfume, the house was filled with the fragrance. Likewise, when we sincerely worship Jesus from our hearts, there seems to be a heavenly fragrance of God's Spirit that fills the place where we worship._

# DAY 128, Luke 22:7-20, The Last Supper

Today we've read about a portion of Jesus' final full day on earth. Thousands of Jews from all over Israel had journeyed to Jerusalem for the weeklong Feast of Unleavened Bread, which began with the Passover celebration. On that day, every Israelite family would kill a year-old lamb, commemorating the time when the angel of death, who killed all the firstborn in Egypt, passed over their homes on the night of their exodus from Egypt. The Bible refers to Jesus as the Lamb of God because He came to fulfill what every previous Passover lamb prefigured---His substitutionary death for the sins of the world.

Jesus and His disciples had been staying each night in the nearby town of Bethany. On this particular day, Jesus sent Peter and John before Him into Jerusalem to prepare the Passover meal so Jesus and His disciples could eat it together. The instructions Jesus gave them for the preparations were amazing. Just as they entered through a gate in Jerusalem's wall, they would meet a man carrying a pitcher of water. They should simply follow him to a house he would enter. Then they were to say to the owner of that house, "The Teacher asks, 'Where is the guest room where I can eat the Passover meal with my disciples?'" He would take them to a large upstairs room that was already set up for them.

Apparently, the owner had some prior knowledge that Jesus wanted to use his upper room for a meal with His disciples, but how he knew that, we don't know. Either Jesus had previously made arrangements with him, or God had somehow informed him. The man, whom Peter and John followed, was on an errand to bring a pitcher of water to the house they needed to find. He wasn't specifically waiting for Peter and John at the Jerusalem Gate, but just "happened" to be walking there at the same time they entered the city. God had arranged the circumstances so that they were all at the right place at the right time. If He desires, God can slow us down or speed us up to make sure that we're in the right place at the right time as well. For example, God might arrange for a slowpoke driver to be ahead of your car to help you avoid an accident in which you would otherwise be involved.

Once Jesus and His disciples had gathered for the Passover meal, Jesus made it very clear that it would be the last time He would eat the Passover meal until it came to fulfillment in the Kingdom of God (see Luke 22:16). Either He was speaking of the time of His thousand-year reign on the earth, indicating that He would join people then who would celebrate the Passover in commemoration of His sacrifice, or He was speaking of celebrating the Passover in a spiritual sense with every person who would believe in Him.

Although Luke didn't record it, as Jesus shared the cup of wine with His disciples, He said, "This is my blood, which seals the covenant between God and his people. It is poured out to forgive the sins of many" (Matthew 26:28). God couldn't simply forgive people's sins by a decree of forgiveness; otherwise He would be compromising His own holiness and justice. As the Creator and moral Judge of all humanity, He must punish all sin. Amazingly, Jesus was willing to suffer our deserved punishment, dying as our substitute. His blood being poured out speaks of His violent and painful death. And like all ancient covenants that were ratified by blood being shed, God has entered into a covenant with us, promising to forgive all our sins. That covenant is ratified by Jesus' shed blood.

Just as the wine Jesus shared represented His blood, so the bread He broke and shared represented His body. Our eating and drinking what represents His body and blood is symbolic of our becoming one with Him. We're in Him and He's in us. Our sins have been paid for in full by the One who now lives in us by His Holy Spirit.

Q. Did Jesus tell us how often we are to share in what is now called _Communion_ or the _Lord's Supper_?

A. No, He didn't. He just said that as often as we do it, we should do it in His remembrance.

Q. Is the Lord's Supper something we can only celebrate in a church service officiated by an ordained minister?

A. No, not according to the Bible. When Jesus broke bread and drank wine, He did something that was extremely common in His day. People broke and ate bread at practically every meal of their lives. Wine was the most common beverage other than water. For this reason, some Christians believe that every meal we eat can be viewed as Communion, blessed at the beginning, done in Christ's remembrance and serving as a reminder of our oneness with Him.

Application: _The author of Hebrews wrote, "We have become partakers of Christ" (Hebrews 3:14, NASB). One of the greatest truths of the New Testament is that Jesus lives inside of everyone who truly believes in Him. Now Christ in us wants to live through us. Our job is to allow Him to do just that._

# DAY 129, John 13:1-17 Jesus Washes His Disciples' Feet

In Jesus' time, foot washing was a common practice. People wore sandals, and their feet would often become dirty from traveling dusty roads and paths. Upon entering a house, the first order of business was the washing of feet. If a person were wealthy enough to have a servant, his servant would wash his feet and the feet of visiting guests.

By washing His disciples' feet, Jesus was doing what an ordinary servant would do. What made His act so extraordinary is that He was their Lord and Teacher. In their society (and ours) no one of any stature would stoop to such a lowly level of servanthood. But Jesus wanted to demonstrate to them what true greatness was in God's eyes. In God's kingdom, the greatest person is the one who serves others. Jesus, of course, is the greatest servant there ever was---He gave His life for us all.

If Jesus visited you and wanted to teach the same lesson, He probably wouldn't wash your feet, but would do something more culturally relevant. He would perform some equivalent lowly and undesirable task to demonstrate true servanthood. Perhaps He would wash out your garbage cans or clean your toilet. If He was visiting your church on Sunday, He might work in the nursery, changing diapers. Then He would say, "I have given you an example to follow. Do as I have done to you" (John 13:15). God wants His children to serve each other in practical ways. The question is: _Are we?_

Peter was at first very reluctant to allow Jesus to wash his feet, feeling that it wasn't the Lord's place to be kneeling before him, performing such a humble task. But Jesus responded by saying, "If I don't wash you, you won't belong to me" (John 13:8). He must have been speaking of the spiritual cleansing that Jesus gives us when we're born again. Peter replied, "Then wash my hands and head as well, Lord, not just my feet!" (John 13:9). He knew that his hands and head were in more need of cleansing than his feet, for his hands had done sinful things and his head had harbored sinful thoughts.

Jesus then compared Peter to a person who had recently taken a bath. He might need his feet washed if he'd walked somewhere, but the rest of him was still clean. Peter had already been cleansed of his sins but, like all Christians who commit a sin, needed a partial cleansing. Perhaps a better analogy for our day would describe the washing of hands rather than feet. Even the cleanest people need to wash their hands occasionally. When they do, it doesn't mean they're a dirty person; it only means they have dirty hands. When we sin as Christians, it doesn't mean we're sinful. It means we've dirtied ourselves somewhat. We need to go to Jesus, the One who has already cleansed us entirely, and request a partial cleansing.

Q. What could you do to obey Jesus' command to wash the feet of others in regard to your relationship with your brothers or sisters? (Hint: they will be lowly tasks that you would probably rather not do!)

Q. Even though Jesus knew that Judas was going to betray Him, do you think Jesus washed his feet as well?

A. Yes, Jesus did wash Judas's feet. By doing so, Jesus demonstrated something else that He preached: loving our enemies. Can you imagine what Judas must have been thinking as the One he was about to betray unto death knelt before him and humbly washed his feet?

Application: _Jesus said that the path of blessing is the path of servanthood. Families whose members serve one another are truly blessed. Is your family on that blessing path?_

# DAY 130, John 13:18-38 Jesus Predicts Judas's Betrayal and Peter's Denial

Jesus knew from the beginning that Judas would betray Him (see John 6:64,70-71), and of course God knew it from eternity past. In fact, it was predicted in Psalm 41:9 that the Messiah would be betrayed by one with whom He would share His food. Jesus revealed to Peter that Judas was the betrayer, and in so doing proved His foreknowledge of what was about to happen.

Was Judas really responsible for what he did? Didn't someone have to betray Jesus in order for prophecy to be fulfilled? And doesn't Satan really bear the responsibility, since the Bible says he entered Judas? And what about Jesus? Wasn't He partly responsible for His own betrayal, since He instructed Judas to do quickly what he was about to do?

The answer to those questions is that Judas bore most of the responsibility for Christ's betrayal, Satan bore some and Christ bore none. The Scriptures only _foretold_ what God knew would happen, so we shouldn't think that someone _had_ to betray Jesus or that Judas was predestined to do it. Judas decided to betray Christ on his own (see Matthew 26:14-16).

The Bible does indicate that Satan was involved in tempting Judas, so he also bears some guilt. However, his tempting of Judas didn't remove Judas's guilt in the matter. Satan didn't force Judas; he only tempted him. Judas still had to decide whether or not he would yield to the temptation.

Finally, when Jesus told Judas to do quickly what he had planned, we shouldn't think Jesus was encouraging Judas to betray Him. Judas had already made up his mind what he was going to do; Jesus was revealing to Judas that He knew he was about to betray Him. Jesus' words should have made it more difficult for Judas to follow through on his plan, since he certainly didn't want Jesus to know what he was about to do, but now he knew that Jesus knew.

Jesus also realized that His time with His disciples was very short. He would soon be in heaven. So He took His final opportunity to share what was most important with those who would carry on His work. They would be the ones who would lead the church, and the one thing that could ruin them before they got started was strife. However, if they would love one another, they would remain unified and strong. So Jesus commanded them to love one another, saying that their love would be the identifying mark that they were His disciples.

Unfortunately, either this truth hasn't sunk into the hearts of many Christians, or many people who claim to be Christians are just fooling themselves, because they don't display what Jesus said would mark them as being His. Sitting in church once a week is not the identifying mark of a true Christian, neither is prophesying, possessing Bible knowledge, going on youth retreats, nor playing on the church softball team. True followers of Christ love each other.

Q. Why did the chief priests need someone to betray Jesus? Why didn't they just arrest Jesus when He was teaching in the Temple each day?

A. Because they were afraid that the people would riot if they arrested Jesus in a public place. So they needed someone to inform them of Jesus' whereabouts when He would be alone or with only His twelve disciples (see Matthew 26:3-5; Luke 22:6).

Q. Jesus not only knew Judas's plans, He also knew what Peter would do: denying Him three times after boasting that he was ready to die for Him. Can you think of a spiritual principle that describes what happened to Peter?

A. "Pride goes before destruction" (see Proverbs 16:18).

Application: _Jesus didn't suggest that we love one another. He commanded it. And the standard by which He said we should measure our love for one another is by His love for us. That means we should really love each other, from our hearts, proving our love through our words and actions._

# DAY 131, John 14:1-31 Jesus Comforts His Disciples

As Jesus' disciples listened to Jesus talk after their Passover meal, their hearts became troubled. He had told them that He would be leaving them very soon, and that they would not be able to go where He was going (see John 13:33). Keep in mind that they had been with Him for over three years, so the thought of being separated from Him was traumatic. Jesus told them not to be troubled, and gave them at least five good reasons why they shouldn't be.

First, He said He was going to prepare a place for them in His Father's house, a house in which there were many rooms.

Second, He promised that He would ultimately come back for them to take them with Him to His Father's house. Then they would never be separated from Him again.

Third, during the time they were apart, He would send them another Helper, the Holy Spirit, who would never leave them. The Holy Spirit would lead them into truth, teaching them and reminding them of what Jesus had said.

Fourth, soon after His departure, they would see Him again for a time after His resurrection and be assured that He was alive forevermore. Once they saw Him raised from the dead, they wouldn't entertain the idea that He was dead and gone.

And fifth, He would give them peace in their hearts, His own peace, as a gift. They only needed to tap into it. What more could they ask?

In today's reading, Jesus made several claims, most of which only God could rightfully make. He claimed to be the way, the truth and the life (see John 14:6). That is, He is the only way to heaven, the only One who knew and revealed spiritual truth, and the only One who could give eternal life. He claimed to be one with the Father, to the extent that anyone who saw or knew Him could say they'd seen and known the Father.

He claimed that His words were His Father's, and His ability to do miracles came from the Father. As I've written before, Jesus didn't leave us the option to think of Him as just a good man or a prophet. His claims were too outrageous. If He wasn't God, He was the biggest liar who has ever lived.

Finally, Jesus made it very clear who His people are. They are those who love Him and who prove their love by their obedience to Him. And those are the people whom God indwells by His Holy Spirit. Isn't it great to be one of them?

Q. Near the end of today's reading, Jesus said, "I don't have much more time to talk to you, because the prince of this world approaches. He has no power over me, but I will do what the Father requires of me, so that the world will know that I love the Father" (John 14:30-31). Who is the "prince of this world"?

A. Satan.

Q. What did Jesus mean when He said that the prince of this world was approaching?

A. He was referring to how Satan was orchestrating His imminent betrayal, arrest, and crucifixion. Jesus implied that Satan was only doing what God was permitting him to do, and, unknowingly, was playing right into God's hands. By motivating men to kill Jesus, Satan was setting the stage for Jesus to fulfill God's preordained plan for His Son to be sacrificed for the sins of the world!

Application: _Jesus said, "For I will live again, and you will, too" (John 14:19). For Christians, death is not something to be feared. It's the beginning of a new life. We have that promise from someone we can trust, someone who knows what He's talking about, and someone who's crossed over the line of death and come back to life!_

# DAY 132, John 15:1-17 We are Branches in Jesus' Vine

Using the analogy of a vine, Jesus explained what a true Christian is: he is a person who, as a result of being joined to Jesus, produces fruit. Fruit, of course, represents the good things that we do. It includes our actions, attitudes, words and answers to our prayers. We can only produce that fruit if we are connected with Jesus.

Notice how Jesus emphasized fruitfulness, stressing its great importance. Whether a person produces fruit is what determines his eternal destination. Those who don't produce fruit are like worthless branches on the grapevine---and they are destined to be burnt by fire, spending eternity in hell. God prunes those who do produce fruit so they may become more fruitful.

If you've believed in Jesus, then you are already producing some fruit. But God will not be satisfied until you are just like Jesus. So, like a gardener who prunes his grapevine so it might produce more fruit, God will work with us, cutting off what is displeasing to Him. He is dedicated to our spiritual growth.

Our job, according to Christ's command, is to remain in Him (see John 15:4). To "remain in Jesus" means to continue to believe that He is the Son of God and thus continue to follow and obey Him. If we will remain in Him, He'll remain in us and we'll produce much fruit.

Jesus also instructed His followers to remain _in His love_ (see John 15:9). That's the same thing as remaining _in Him_ , because the proof of a person's remaining in Jesus' love is the same proof as that of a person's remaining in Jesus: his obedience. In today's reading, Jesus stressed the importance of our obeying His commandment to love one another. He expects us to love one another just as He loves us. He literally laid down His life for us, and wants us to give sacrificially of ourselves to one another. John wrote, "Let us stop just saying we love each other; let us really show it by our actions" (1 John 3:18). Have you demonstrated your love for a fellow Christian recently?

Q. Jesus talked about the branch that was cut off from the vine because it wasn't bearing fruit. Does this prove that a person can be joined to Christ but produce no fruit?

A. As with every parable and comparison, we must be careful about searching for significance in every detail, because at some point, the similarities in the comparison end. We shouldn't necessarily conclude, just because the fruitless branch was connected to the vine, that it's possible for a person who doesn't produce fruit to be connected to Christ. That might be reading more into His analogy than Jesus intended. The way a person becomes connected to Jesus is by faith, and the Bible tells us that "faith without works is dead" (see James 2:26, NASB). For that reason, it seems unlikely that Jesus was trying to teach that a person can be joined to Him yet remain fruitless. In fact, Jesus said that fruitlessness is what results in being cut off from the vine.

Q. For those who do remain in Him, Jesus has given tremendous promises regarding their prayers. He said, "But if you stay joined to me and my words remain in you, you may ask any request you like, and it will be granted!" (John 15:7). Does that mean we could ask for all our enemies to be killed in car crashes on the same day?

A. People who remain in Jesus and who allow Jesus' words to remain in them would never make such a prayer request, because Jesus said in another place that we should bless our enemies and pray _for_ them, not _against_ them! We can pray with assurance for anything that God has promised us in His word, and we should only want to pray for what is His will.

Application: _Jesus is our Lord and Master, but He's not a distant master who only cares about our obedience and doesn't care about us. He's our Friend. But don't forget that He's only our Friend if He's first our Master and Lord. Jesus plainly said that those who obey Him are His Friends (see John 15:14). Too many people want Jesus as their friend but not their Lord. But Jesus does not offer such a relationship to anyone._

# DAY 133, John 15:18-16:4 Jesus Warns His Disciples of the World's Hatred

Keep in mind that Jesus would be gone in less than twenty-four hours. This was the final opportunity He would have to speak with His disciples before His crucifixion.

Jesus knew that unsaved people would hate His disciples just like they had hated Him, and He wanted to prepare them for what lay ahead. The hatred they would experience would tempt them to fall away from their faith in Him. They would wonder, as all persecuted Christians are tempted to wonder, why God would allow them to suffer at the hands of evil people. But because Jesus has forewarned all of us, we shouldn't doubt God when we're persecuted. He told us it was coming. Jesus even told us that some of us would be killed for our faith in Him, but that doesn't change His love for us.

The apostle Paul wrote, "Everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution" (2 Timothy 3:12). Rather than be concerned when we _do_ suffer persecution, we should be concerned if we _aren't_ suffering some persecution. Although we aren't persecuted nearly as much in our country as Christians are in other places in the world, anyone who takes a stand for Christ anywhere will be talked about and hated by others. We should expect that. Jesus said, "Woe to you when all men speak well of you" (Luke 6:26, NASB).

Pre-teens and teenagers, perhaps even more so than older adults, want to be accepted by others. But if you are going to be a true follower of Christ, you'll have to be willing to face some rejection. The place to receive love and acceptance is from your family and other fellow believers in Christ. Their love for you should more than counterbalance the hatred of the world.

Jesus also explained the reason the world hates us. It is because they hate Him and His Father whom we serve and represent. We are not the main target of the world's hatred. It is actually God Himself. We are just being caught in the crossfire.

The amazing thing is that it is often people who claim to be Christians who persecute those who are born again. Jesus said, "The time is coming when those who kill you will think they are doing God a service" (John 16:2). These kinds of "Christians," however, aren't really saved, as proven by their hatred for true believers. John wrote, "If someone says, 'I love God,' but hates another Christian, that person is a liar; for if we don't love people we can see, how can we love God, whom we have not seen?" (1 John 4:20).

Q. When non-Christians express their hatred for us, what should be our response?

A. We should show them love in return. Jesus said, "Love your enemies. Do good to those who hate you. Pray for the happiness of those who curse you. Pray for those who hurt you" (Luke 6:27-28). The love we show our persecutors can have a profound influence upon them, softening their hearts toward Jesus.

Q. Can you think of a reason why God rarely seems to stop persecution against His own people?

A. One reason is because He's so merciful to His enemies. He is acting toward them the same way He expects us to act, loving them in spite of their hatred. He's hoping that during the time He's showing them mercy, they'll come to their senses and repent. He knows that if they die without repenting, they'll suffer eternally. That is only one reason, among others, that God allows persecution against His people.

Application: _Do you know of anyone who doesn't like you, or who has said something derogatory about you because you are a follower of Christ? If so, what has been your response?_

# DAY 134, John 16:5-33 Jesus' Final Words to His Disciples

As we read today, we realize what an advantage we have over Jesus' disciples, because we understand what they didn't. Unlike them, we know exactly what Jesus meant when He said, "In just a little while I will be gone, and you won't see me anymore. Then, just a little while after that, you will see me again" (John 16:16). Because we do understand that Jesus was speaking of His death and resurrection, let us not overlook the amazing fact that Jesus foretold what was about to take place. How did He know? Only God could know or reveal such knowledge.

Even though Jesus was going away, He would not be leaving His disciples alone. He would send them the Holy Spirit, and amazingly, that would actually be better for them than if He remained. Jesus was limited to being in one place at a time, but the Holy Spirit could indwell every one of His followers, and He would help them. One of the ways the Holy Spirit will help us is in spreading the gospel and leading people to Jesus. He is the One who convicts people of their sin of not believing in Jesus, and of God's righteousness and the future judgment. When we talk about those things with unbelievers, we can be certain that the Holy Spirit is helping us and convicting those with whom we speak.

Another way the Holy Spirit would help Jesus' disciples would be by teaching them. Jesus said that He had many other things He wanted to tell them, but they weren't ready to receive it yet. However, the Holy Spirit would pick up where Jesus left off. That is why, in the New Testament, we have the many letters written to the churches. They contain truths, given by the Holy Spirit to the apostles, which build on Jesus' teaching.

To further comfort His disciples about His leaving them, Jesus emphasized that they had a special relationship with the Father who loved them dearly. They could go directly to Him in prayer using Jesus' name, so Jesus' departure wouldn't mean the end of their communication with God. Jesus assured them that His Father wanted to answer their prayers so that their joy would be made full. The Father feels the same way about all His children, not just Jesus' original eleven disciples. He loves us dearly!

Q. Some Christians refer to the Holy Spirit using the word "it," speaking as if the Holy Spirit is a term for God's power. Is this correct?

A. No, the Holy Spirit is not just a power and shouldn't be referred to as "it." Jesus always spoke of the Holy Spirit as a person, using the personal pronoun "He." The Holy Spirit can be referred to as God, just as much as Jesus and the Father. To have Him live in us is to have God live in us!

Q. When the Holy Spirit wants to tell us what He has heard from Jesus or the Father, how does He communicate with us?

A. According to the record of what happened in the early church, the Holy Spirit can communicate with us in a number of ways. He can speak to us in dreams, visions, through the gift of prophecy or by using an audible voice. He can also speak to us by impressions within our spirits where He lives, and this seems to be the most common way He communicates with us. It may not be as spectacular as a vision or an audible voice, but it is just as supernatural. Our job is to learn to listen and remain sensitive to His leadings.

Application: _Why not make a decision to try to be more sensitive to the Holy Spirit who indwells you for a specified period of time, perhaps for a few hours or a day, and see what happens? Do you think you'll act more or less like Jesus?_

# DAY 135, John 17:1-26 Jesus Prays for His Disciples

Although Jesus knew that He would die an excruciatingly painful death in just a few hours, His mind was not on Himself. Rather, He was primarily thinking about those who did and would believe in Him. Jesus' great love and concern for them is made obvious in the prayer we just read.

As Jesus stated in His prayer, He told His disciples everything the Father had told Him to tell them. As a result, they had come to believe in Him, and Jesus considered them to be gifts from His Father. Unlike the majority of people, those eleven men believed that Jesus was sent from God, and Jesus was so proud of them, he called them His "glory" (John 17:10).

Now, as Jesus returned to His Father in heaven, they would remain in a world that hated them, a world ruled by a spiritual leader who would love to destroy them and their work. While in their presence, Jesus had provided for their spiritual protection, so that none of them, except Judas, was led astray. Now He prayed that the Father would keep them safe in His absence, so that none of them would be divided or led astray by Satan or false doctrine. Jesus prayed that they would be unified and would be pure and holy. He prayed that they would reach out to the world in a convincing way.

Did you notice that Jesus also prayed these same things for you? Jesus said, "I am praying not only for these disciples but also for all who will ever believe in me because of their testimony" (John 17:20). All of us who believe in Jesus have done so as a result of the passed-down testimony of the original eleven disciples.

It seems that more than anything else, Jesus desired and prayed for our oneness, indicating that our unity is a major key in convincing the world that God sent Jesus. When the world looks at the church and sees us disagreeing, fighting and dividing, it certainly doesn't help convince them that God sent His Son. Our unity should be based on our common belief in Jesus and our common goal of making disciples of all nations. Anything else that we disagree about is not important enough to divide us. But, by and large, the church has been divided over hundreds of issues that fall into this secondary category, even giving themselves identifying titles that advertise their separation from other Christians. All who believe in Christ should share one title: Christian. Anything beyond that demonstrates disunity.

Q. What do you think would happen if all the churches in the world that truly believe in Jesus would remove their present titles and unite with the rest of the body of Christ under the one name of Christian for the common cause of spreading the gospel to the whole world?

A. It would make a lot of people angry because they are more loyal to their brand of Christianity than to Christ, but it would also result in the world hearing the gospel.

Application: _Today, as Jesus did, pray for the unity of those who believe in Jesus so that the world will believe in Him._

# DAY 136, Matthew 26:36-56 Jesus is Arrested

It was the night before His crucifixion. Having counseled, comforted and prayed for His disciples, there was nothing left for Jesus to do but wait for His arrest, trial and execution. Jesus decided to wait in a grove of olive trees called Gethsemane, just outside of Jerusalem, a place where He and His disciples had often met. Judas would know right where to find Him.

Anticipating what He was about to endure, Jesus was "filled with anguish and deep distress" (Matthew 26:37). He told His disciples that His soul was "crushed with grief to the point of death" (Matthew 26:38), and even prayed that, if possible, the cup of suffering might be taken away from Him. It was not, however, just the thought of being beaten, whipped and crucified that disturbed Jesus so much. He was about to bear the sins of the world as He hung on the cross. He knew He would suffer God's holy wrath, as had no other human being. Jesus would become the guiltiest person who ever lived, having no guilt of His own, but taking the guilt for our sins. The anguish Jesus would experience would be the combined anguish of every sinner at the moment of His condemnation, and the "cup" that Jesus requested be taken away if possible was the cup of God's wrath spoken of in other places in the Bible (see Isaiah 51:17; Jeremiah 25:15; Revelation 14:10; 16:19). By the time He was led away from Gethsemane by the soldiers, Jesus had fully resolved to take what was due us. He responded to Peter's defending Him from arrest by saying, "Shall I not drink from the cup the Father has given me?" (John 18:11).

John recorded in his Gospel that when Judas arrived with soldiers and Temple guards in Gethsemane, Jesus stepped forward to meet them and asked, "Whom are you looking for?" (John 18:4). They replied, "Jesus of Nazareth." When Jesus said, "I am he," they all fell backward to the ground! They got a small taste of God's power when God speaks! John also revealed that it was Peter who cut off the ear of the high priest's slave, and Luke revealed in his Gospel that Jesus immediately healed the man! That was the second miracle in Gethsemane witnessed by the mob who came to arrest Jesus. Still they arrested Him.

One of the most significant statements we read today was what Jesus said about His being able to call for thousands of angels to protect Him from arrest. This makes it ever so clear that Jesus didn't have to die. His death was not an accident or twist of fate. It was God's plan. And the only possible reason such a thing could be God's plan was because Jesus' death would accomplish something good. We know, of course, that Jesus' death is what satisfied the requirements of God's justice on our behalf. If Jesus hadn't died, we would have to spend eternity in hell, enduring the punishment we deserve for our sins.

Praise God for Jesus! Praise God that we've had the privilege of knowing about what we've read today!

Q. Jesus prayed essentially the same prayer three times in Gethsemane. Does this teach us that we should follow His example, repeatedly making the same requests?

A. No, because Jesus was not praying a prayer of faith, that is, a prayer based on one of God's promises. In fact, He knew what He requested was _not_ God's will. His was actually a prayer of consecration, submitting to God's will. To ask continually for what God has promised us is to doubt Him.

Q. When Peter cut off the ear of the high priest's slave with his sword, do you suppose he was aiming for the man's ear?

A. More likely, Peter was aiming for the man's neck, and the man ducked in the nick of time. I almost wish the man hadn't ducked so that Jesus, rather than healing a severed ear, could have healed a severed head! That would have been considered one of His greatest miracles!

Application: _When Jesus was arrested, the mob apparently tried to arrest Jesus' disciples as well (see Mark 14:51-52; John 18:8). Yet they all escaped, deserting Jesus, fearing for their own lives. Jesus had predicted this, and the Old Testament had foretold it as well (see Matthew 26:31). But when He was resurrected, Jesus received and restored deserters and then used them to build His church. This shows us how merciful Jesus is. In the world, deserters are rarely given a second chance. In God's kingdom, there is abundant grace available._

# DAY 137, Matthew 26:57-75 Jesus' Trial Before the Jewish Council

It was probably very early in the morning and certainly still dark when Jesus was arrested in Gethsemane. This was the plan of the Jewish leaders so that most of the people wouldn't know about what was happening to Jesus. From Gethsemane, He was taken to the home of the high priest, where the Jewish council gathered for His trial. The plan of the majority was to find Him guilty of blasphemy and have Him executed, but according to the Law of Moses, they needed the consistent testimony of at least two people. Those witnesses who agreed to lie about Jesus were found inconsistent, making their testimony invalid. This shows us that there must have been some sense of true justice among at least a few members of the council who were holding the rest accountable.

Those who were dead set against Christ were unable to find anyone who would say he'd heard Jesus directly claim to be the Messiah and Son of God. So they gathered witnesses who heard Jesus say things that could be considered claims that implied those things. Finally they found two witnesses who said they'd heard Jesus claim that He could rebuild the Temple in three days if it were destroyed. That was the best evidence they could come up with to find Him guilty of the charge of blasphemy. Was this claim not a claim of deity?

We know, of course, that it was indeed a claim of deity, and also a prediction of Jesus' death and resurrection! The Jewish council was about to help fulfill that very claim!

Jesus kept quiet during His trial, a silent testimony of the absurdity of what was happening. Finally, in desperate frustration, the high priest directly questioned Jesus in a customary manner by which Jesus was obligated to respond. Was He the Messiah and Son of God?

Jesus replied that He was, and even quoted an Old Testament messianic prophecy as being a reference to Himself. Finally they had what they wanted. He was indeed guilty of claiming to be divine, and they found Him guilty of blasphemy, just as the majority had hoped. They hated Him passionately. As if in celebration of their victory, they began mocking, hitting, slapping, and spitting on Him. They had found God guilty of claiming to be Himself!

Peter, who had followed at a distance behind the mob who arrested Jesus, then gained entrance into the courtyard of the high priest's house. He was questioned three times by bystanders about his association with Jesus. Each time Peter denied knowing Him. Close to daybreak, he denied Jesus the third time, just as a rooster crowed. Although he had declared a few hours before that he was ready to die for Jesus, his words proved to be only boasts, just as Jesus had predicted. When Peter realized what he'd done, denying his Lord, he went away, crying bitter tears. Jesus knew Peter better than he knew himself.

Q. Why didn't the Jewish council, upon reaching their verdict of blasphemy, immediately execute Jesus by stoning Him, as Jewish law required?

A. The Jews were under the authority of the occupying Roman government. Although they were permitted by the Roman government to put their own people on trial and punish them, they were not permitted to execute anyone without Roman permission (see John 18:29-31). Had this not been the case, they would have stoned Jesus immediately. We know, however, that the Old Testament predicted that the Messiah would die by crucifixion rather than stoning.

Q. What was it that made some of the bystanders suspicious that Peter was one of Jesus' disciples?

A. His accent revealed that he was from Galilee, the region where Jesus lived most of His life. Jesus, too, probably spoke with a Galilean accent.

Application: _Jesus obviously believed that He was the Messiah and Son of God, because He was willing to die for His belief. Had He denied it at His trial, He probably would have escaped crucifixion. This destroys the foolish theory that Jesus was only playing a game, pretending to be someone He knew He wasn't. Had that been the case, Jesus would have declared an end to the game at His trial before it cost Him His life._

# DAY 138, Matthew 27:1-10 Judas Commits Suicide

When Judas agreed to betray Jesus' whereabouts to the chief priests and elders, he apparently didn't anticipate that it would result in Jesus' crucifixion. When he realized that he would be partly responsible for the death of a man he knew was innocent, he was filled with remorse. In a vain attempt to reverse what he'd done, Judas went back to the chief priests and elders with the money he'd received from them. He was planning to return it, perhaps hoping his act would spark some remorse in them so they might release Jesus. But Judas the betrayer soon realized that they had betrayed him. Although they previously treated him as an important partner, he had served their purpose, and they could now care less about him, his money or his guilty conscience. And they certainly didn't want to hear anything that would tempt them to feel guilty for their part in Jesus' death.

Realizing that he had been their pawn, Judas angrily threw the thirty pieces of silver onto the floor of the Temple. He knew he was guilty of a great sin, and to keep the money, profiting by his betrayal, would make his sin even greater. But getting rid of the money didn't alleviate his guilt. Jesus was still going to die and Judas couldn't reverse what he'd done. Utterly in despair, he committed suicide.

Why did Judas hang himself? He saw death as a solution to his problem. We don't know, however, what problem Judas hoped to solve by killing himself. Did he think that death would end his guilt? Or did he think that by dying he could somehow atone for his sin? One thing we can be certain of is that Judas did not believe he could receive forgiveness from God for what he'd done, although the Bible leads us to believe that he could have. Had Judas believed that, he would have asked for and received it, and then acted like he was forgiven; thus he wouldn't have killed himself.

Suicide is never a good solution to any problem. His taking his own life didn't lessen Judas' guilt. Nor did he atone for his sin by his act. What Judas needed was faith that Jesus was the Son of God. If he had possessed such faith, he would have never betrayed Jesus in the first place. Had he gained such a faith after betraying the Lord, he would have believed that Jesus could forgive him.

Judas went to hell when he died, not just because he betrayed Jesus, but for the same reason anyone else goes to hell: he was a sinner who didn't believe in Jesus. Judas was set apart from everyone else in hell because he was guiltier than the average sinner, having lived with Jesus for three years and having seen His many miracles. His unbelief is almost unbelievable.

Matthew highlights the hypocrisy of the chief priests and elders who wouldn't put the returned money in the Temple treasury because it was unlawful to accept donations earned by doing what they had just paid Judas to do! And after they'd condemned an innocent man, the very Son of God, they wanted to do the right thing before God with the returned betrayal money. So they purchased a field owned by a potter to be used as a place to bury people from other countries who died while in Jerusalem and naturally didn't own a burial place of their own. In doing so, they helped prove to everyone since then that Jesus was the Messiah, unknowingly fulfilling one of Jeremiah's prophecies that the thirty pieces of silver used to betray the Messiah would be used to purchase a potter's field!

Q. Was Judas the only person responsible for Jesus' death?

A. No, many others were responsible, including the chief priests and elders. The truth is, we're all responsible for Jesus' death, because Jesus died according to the preordained plan of God for our sins. If none of us had sinned, Jesus wouldn't have needed to die. In that sense, we're all like Judas. Thank God we've received the forgiveness offered to us.

Q. Is feeling sorry when you've done wrong the same as repenting?

A. No, a person can feel remorse without repenting. Repenting means at least attempting to change your actions from then on. Remorse is usually a temporary emotion. Many people feel sorry for what they've done only because they've been caught or suffered some consequence, and not because they know they've disobeyed God. Christians, on the other hand, feel remorse when they've done wrong because they know they've offended God and in many cases hurt another person. Their remorse leads them to repent.

Application: _When people commit suicide, there is something wrong with their thinking. If they knew and believed the truth, they would solve their problems in a different way rather than by taking their own life. People think they are ending their problem by committing suicide, but, like Judas, they're getting into a bigger problem from which they'll never escape._

# DAY 139, John 18:28-19:16 Jesus Stands Trial Before Pilate

 During Jesus' time, Israel was under the domination of the Roman Empire, and although the Jews were permitted to conduct judicial proceedings and punish criminals, they were forbidden to punish anyone by death. Consequently, the chief priests and elders needed the agreement of Pilate, the Roman governor, if Jesus was to be executed as they hoped. So early in the morning, they brought Jesus to him.

Knowing that Pilate would not consider the crime of blasphemy to be worthy of death, they accused Jesus of opposing the payment of taxes to Caesar and claiming to be a king (see Luke 23:2). Such crimes were capital offences against the Roman government.

Pilate knew that it was out of envy that the chief priests wanted Jesus dead, because they were threatened by His growing popularity (see Mark 15:10). So he ordered Jesus to be brought to him inside his palace where he could privately question Him. Jesus made it clear to Pilate that He was indeed a king, but that His kingdom was not an earthly one. His kingdom was in heaven because it was only there that everyone gave Him allegiance. The reason He had left His heavenly kingdom was to bring truth to the world, but it was only those who loved the truth who recognized the truthfulness of His words.

Pilate realized that Jesus was not a dangerous threat to the stability of his kingdom, and to his credit, he did practically everything he could to spare Jesus' life. First, he boldly announced to the chief priests and the crowd outside his palace that Jesus was not guilty of any punishable crime. They responded by telling him that Jesus had been stirring up crowds all over Judea, having already done the same in Galilee (see Luke 23:5). Seeing an opportunity to pass the decision of Jesus' destiny to someone else, Pilate had Jesus sent to be examined by Herod, who happened to be visiting Jerusalem, because Jesus was under Herod's Galilean jurisdiction. So Jesus was taken to Herod, and was again accused by the chief priests of crimes worthy of death.

According to Luke's Gospel, Herod had wanted to see Jesus for a long time, hoping to see Him perform a miracle. But even though Herod questioned Him extensively, Jesus did not respond to any of his questions. After mocking Him, Herod sent Jesus back to Pilate dressed in a royal robe (see Luke 23:8-11).

Once again Pilate was faced with the crowd of Jewish leaders who were demanding Jesus' death. Apparently there were other Jews at his doorstep who wanted him to release one prisoner, as was the custom every Passover. Seeing another opportunity to obtain Jesus' release, Pilate offered them a choice: Did they want him to release a murderer named Barabbas or Jesus? Surely, given the choice, the crowd that now consisted of others besides the chief priests and elders would pick Jesus. But the chief priests and elders were able to persuade the crowd to request Barabbas's release and cry out for Jesus to be crucified.

Pilate's second attempt to release Jesus had failed, and pressure was mounting on both sides. Not only was the growing crowd becoming more boisterous, but also according to Matthew's Gospel, Pilate's wife sent him a message, saying, "Leave that innocent man alone, because I had a terrible nightmare about him last night" (Matthew 27:19).

Wanting even more to release Jesus but facing the pressure of a large crowd that included many Jewish leaders, Pilate offered a compromise: he would punish Jesus and then release Him. He ordered that Jesus be flogged with a lead-tipped whip, a brutal punishment that ripped a person's back to shreds and often resulted in death. The soldiers who performed the flogging also mocked Jesus, placing a crown of thorns on His head and hitting Him. Before presenting Him to the crowd, Pilate again declared Jesus' innocence, and then brought Him out, beaten and bloody, to be seen by all, hoping the sight of His suffering would compel them to have some compassion. But the crowd continued to call for His crucifixion.

In desperation, Pilate cried out, "You crucify him...I find him not guilty" (John 19:6). The Jewish leaders, realizing that Pilate would not be persuaded that Jesus was guilty of breaking Roman law, appealed by revealing their true charges against Him. Jesus had broken Jewish law by claiming to be God's Son. Now Pilate knew more of the truth, and it frightened him. He took Jesus back inside his palace to further question Him, but Jesus did not answer.

It had been a long morning, and it was almost noon. Having exhausted his resources, Pilate finally caved in to the crowd. In one final, symbolic act, he washed his hands in front of them and declared, "I am innocent of the blood of this man. The responsibility is yours!" (Matthew 27:24). Then he turned Jesus over to his soldiers to be crucified.

Q. Although Pilate declared his own innocence before the crowd, was he completely innocent before God?

A. No, because he could have stood his ground against the crowd, regardless of what it cost him. Jesus told him that he was guilty of sin (see John 19:11). People often claim their innocence by putting the blame on others. For example, people who write and produce sinful TV programs and movies often justify what they do by saying that they are only giving people what they want. But that is not an acceptable excuse before God. Some people justify their lying by saying that their boss requires it. But they could quit their job. The most important question we could ask is, "What does God think about what I'm doing?" He is the one to whom we must ultimately answer to.

Q. When Pilate said to Jesus, "Don't you realize that I have the power to release you or to crucify you?" Jesus responded, "You would have no power over me at all unless it were given to you from above" (John 19:10-11). What did Jesus mean?

A. He meant that Pilate would not have any authority to decide Jesus' fate unless God had allowed him to have such authority. God is the source of all authority, and no one possesses any authority without His permission. Pilate could not have been a Roman governor unless God had allowed it.

Application: _We're all like Barabbas in today's reading. We deserved to die, but Jesus took our place. I wonder what Barabbas was thinking when he was saved from his fate and released, and then watching Jesus, an innocent man, being led away to be crucified?  _

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# DAY 140, Matthew 27:32-44 Jesus' First Three Hours on the Cross

According to John's Gospel, Jesus initially carried His own cross on the way to Golgotha, but at some point the Roman soldiers forced a man named Simon, visiting from northern Africa, to carry Jesus' cross. Due to His physical condition, Jesus must have been unable to carry it Himself. Remember that He had endured several beatings and had been mercilessly whipped by the Roman soldiers, no doubt losing lots of blood.

Once at Golgotha, just outside the walls of Jerusalem, Jesus was offered wine mixed with bitter gall by the soldiers. It would have considerably lessened the excruciating pain He was about to suffer, but upon tasting it, Jesus refused to drink. Because He was paying for our sins, Jesus knew that it was God's will that He suffer to the full degree. So He refused what would have made Him less conscious as the nails were pounded through His wrists and feet.

The soldiers then stripped Jesus of His clothing so He was completely naked, nailed Him to the cross as it lay on the ground, and then raised it upright. Amazingly, according to Luke's Gospel, Jesus prayed that His Father would forgive the soldiers because they didn't know what they were doing (see Luke 23:34). To them, Jesus was just one more condemned criminal. It was their responsibility to remain stationed at Golgotha until all the condemned men were dead, lest someone rescue them from their fate. In some cases, it took days for people to die by crucifixion. Jesus had been so abused prior to being crucified that He died in six hours.

John reported in his Gospel that as the four soldiers waited for death to claim its victims, they divided Jesus' clothing into four shares. However, because His robe was seamless, woven in one piece from top to bottom, they didn't want to tear it. So they drew lots to decide who would get it. This fulfilled exactly what David had predicted in Psalm 22:18: "They divide my clothes among themselves and cast lots for my garments," proving again that Jesus was the Messiah.

John also reported that the words on the sign posted above Jesus' head which read, "Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews," were Pilate's idea and were written in Hebrew, Latin and Greek. Normally, the crimes of crucified individuals were written on signs above their crosses so that everyone would know why they were being executed. The leading priests complained to Pilate about the sign, requesting that he change it to read, " _He said_ , I am King of the Jews'" (John 19:21, emphasis added). But Pilate refused. It was his small way of showing his contempt for them and to gain some revenge for the way they had pressured him into condemning Christ.

Many people came to watch Jesus hang on the cross. Some came because they loved Him and others because they hated Him. Those who loved Him may have been hoping to witness His being miraculously delivered. According to John's account, two of those people were Jesus' mother, Mary, and His one disciple, John, who were standing together. Apparently, Jesus' stepfather, Joseph, was dead by this time, and Jesus was concerned for His mother's wellbeing. So He said to His mother, "Woman, he is your son," referring to John. And to John, Jesus said, "She is your mother" (John 19:26-27). From then on John took Mary into his home to take care of her. This was before any of Jesus' brothers believed in Him, and so it's probable that after they became believers they took responsibility for caring for their own mother. It also indicates that Jesus' four half-brothers may have alienated themselves from their own mother, perhaps due to her faith in Jesus. Jesus had predicted that families would be divided over Him, and His own certainly was.

According to Matthew and Mark's accounts of Jesus' crucifixion, the two thieves who were crucified on either side of Jesus mocked Him. However, Luke reveals that after almost three hours of hanging on a cross, one of the thieves had a change of heart. Perhaps he was moved to repentance by witnessing Jesus' prayer for the forgiveness of those who crucified Him, and that he did not return the insults of the many who mocked Him. Jesus loved those who hated Him. The one thief realized that Jesus was an extraordinary person, obviously innocent and holy, and came to believe that He really was the Messiah. He rebuked the other thief for mocking Jesus, saying, "Don't you fear God even when you are dying? We deserve to die for our evil deeds, but this man hasn't done anything wrong" (Luke 23:40-41). Then, without shame, he asked the Lord, "Jesus, remember me when you come into your Kingdom" (Luke 23:42). Jesus promised him even more than he asked for, saying that they would be together in paradise that very day (see Luke 23:43).

Q. Is it possible for a person who has led a sinful life to be saved right before he dies and go to heaven?

A. Yes, and the one thief on the cross is proof. Because salvation is a gift of God's grace, people can be completely forgiven at any time in their lives, even with their last breath. God's mercy is amazing.

Q. The one thief was saved by God's grace by means of his faith. But like all authentic faith, his had corresponding actions. Can you list any of his actions that proved his faith was genuine?

A. First, he openly confessed that he was a sinner, which is the first step toward salvation. Second, he stated his belief that Jesus was innocent and unworthy of death, defending Him before the other thief. Third, without shame he looked to Jesus as the source of salvation and publicly asked him for it before a hostile crowd.

Application: _Those who hated Jesus also made a point of coming to see Him as He hung on the cross. The chief priests and teachers of the law who had condemned Him stopped by to mock Him, calling for Him to come down from the cross if He was actually the Messiah. Unknowing, in their mocking, they declared the reason for His death, saying, "He saved others.... but he can't save himself!" (Mark 15:31). The only way we could be saved was if Jesus didn't save Himself.     _

# DAY 141, Matthew 27:45-56 Jesus' Second Three Hours on the Cross and Death

Although it was now noon, the brightest time of day, we read that there was darkness until Jesus died at three o'clock. We are told very little in the Gospels of what happened during those three hours, but many think that was the time when God's wrath fell upon Jesus in a way that is unimaginable to us. Near the end of that three-hour period Jesus cried out, "Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?" which means, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" (Matthew 27:46). This gives us some insight into Jesus' emotional state. He felt utterly abandoned by the One with whom He had shared intimate fellowship from eternity past. To Jesus, it hurt more than the nails pounded through His wrists and feet. We must remember, however, that the Father had a reason for abandoning His Son. God forsook Jesus so He could accept us.

Some of those who were nearby heard Jesus' cry, and mistakenly thought He was calling for Elijah. According to John's Gospel, at about the same time Jesus also declared that He was thirsty, so one of the bystanders offered Him some sour wine in a sponge. The rest waited to see if Elijah would come and save Him.

After He drank from the sponge, Jesus said only two other sentences from the cross, probably one right after the other. The first was, "It is finished!" (John 19:30), a phrase that can also be translated, "It has been paid in full!" When Jesus died, the full price had been paid for the sins of humanity. Potentially, everyone could be forgiven.

The last thing Jesus said from the cross was, "Father, I entrust my spirit into your hands!" (Luke 23:46), after which His body immediately died and His spirit departed. But that was not all that happened. As Jesus cried out His final words and then expired, there was an earthquake and that split rocks in the immediate vicinity. Some tombs even opened, and the bodies of many holy people were resurrected. What they saw terrified the Roman soldiers standing guard, to the degree that they exclaimed, "Truly, this was the Son of God!" (Matthew 27:54). Jesus' birth, life, and death were like no other. But the biggest surprise was yet to come in three days!

Q. Some teachers say that Jesus became a spiritual child of Satan on the cross, and, after He died, He went to hell to suffer for three days for our sins. From what we've read yesterday and today, how do we know those two things aren't true?

A. We know that Jesus wasn't a spiritual child of Satan, as unsaved people are, because He spoke to God as being His Father right before He died. We know that Jesus didn't go to hell where unsaved people go when they die, because Jesus told the repentant thief that they would be together in paradise that very day.

Q. We read today that the veil in the Temple was torn in half, from top to bottom, just as Jesus died. What do you think that signified?

A. The Temple curtain that was torn divided the holy place from the holy of holies, which only the high priest could enter once a year, and only with great precaution. God's holy presence remained there, and no human being could get near it without dying. When it was torn, it obviously signified that there was no longer a barrier between God and man, and that through Jesus' substitutionary sacrifice, people now have access to a holy God.

Application: _Jesus' crucifixion had been predicted by David in Psalm 22, written hundreds of years before Jesus was born. By inspiration of the Holy Spirit, David wrote, "My God, my God! Why have you forsaken me? ... Everyone who sees me mocks me. They sneer and shake their heads, saying, Is this the one who relies on the Lord? Then let the Lord save him! If the Lord loves him so much, let the Lord rescue him'.... My life is poured out like water, and all my bones are out of joint. My heart is like wax, melting within me. My strength has dried up like sun-baked clay. My tongue sticks to the roof of my mouth.... My enemies surround me like a pack of dogs; an evil gang closes in on me. They have pierced my hands and feet.... They divide my clothes among themselves and throw dice for my garments" (Psalm 22:1,7-8,14-16,18). This is further proof that Jesus was the Messiah, and that it was God's plan for Him to die on a cross._

# DAY 142, John 19:31-42; Matthew 27:62-66 Jesus' Burial

When people were nailed to a cross in Roman times, all of their weight was suspended on the nails through their wrists and hands. The muscles in their arms and legs were severely stressed and soon became exhausted, resulting in the dislocation of shoulder bones and a tightening of the rib cage. This made breathing a difficult task, and victims would find themselves attempting to hoist themselves on the nails from which they dangled in order to get enough air into their lungs to stay alive. Because the Jews didn't want three crucified men screaming outside the city walls on a special Sabbath, they requested that Pilate order their legs broken. This would make it impossible for the condemned men to exert any pressure from their legs to hoist themselves for air, and they would quickly die from lack of oxygen.

Pilate granted their request, but when the soldiers arrived to carry out their gruesome task, they found that Jesus was already dead, so there was no need to do to Him what they did to the other two men. This fulfilled what God had spoken to the people of Israel, forbidding them to break any bones of their Passover lambs. As the Lamb of God, none of Jesus' bones were broken either.

One of the soldiers, however, did thrust his spear in Jesus' side to make certain of His death, and John, an eyewitness, said that he saw blood and water flow out. Modern medical authorities tell us this indicates that a ruptured heart was the actual cause of Jesus' death. This incident also offered further proof that Jesus was the Messiah, as it fulfilled a scripture in the book of Zechariah that foretold the Messiah would be pierced (see John 19:37).

Joseph of Arimathea, a member of the Jewish council that condemned Jesus, but one who had not agreed with the council's decision, requested Pilate's permission to take Jesus' body down from the cross. He and Nicodemus wrapped Jesus' body with a long linen cloth along with about seventy-five pounds of embalming ointment made from myrrh and aloes. Jesus' body looked like a mummy. Then they placed it in Joseph's own tomb that had been cut out of rock, like a small cave, and rolled a large stone, also specially cut for the tomb, across its opening. According to other Gospel accounts, a number of women who had come with Jesus from Galilee, including Mary Magdalene and another woman named Mary, watched as Jesus was buried, planning to return at a later date with other spices and perfumes to anoint His body.

By requesting a guard to be stationed at Jesus' tomb in order to prevent His body from being stolen, the chief priests and Pharisees actually helped authenticate Jesus' resurrection. Had there been no guard posted, they could have easily claimed His disciples stole Jesus' body, a simple task to accomplish if there was no guard to prevent it. However, since there was a guard posted, they had to concoct a less believable story, claiming that Jesus' disciples were able to roll away a large stone and steal Jesus' body without waking sleeping soldiers, who by Roman law would have been executed for falling asleep while on watch!

Q. Some skeptics have theorized that when Mary returned to Jesus' tomb on Easter morning, she mistakenly went to the wrong place, finding an empty tomb that was not the one in which Jesus had been buried. How do we know that theory is false?

A. First, because Mary saw exactly where Jesus was buried, and so did a number of other women who returned together on the first Easter morning. If Mary was mistaken, so were the other women. We also know, according to John's Gospel, that Jesus' tomb was very near the place of His crucifixion, making it highly unlikely for Mary and her companions to make a mistake. Others visited the empty tomb also, and no one suggested that they were at the wrong place. Finally, if anyone had wanted to disprove the fact of Jesus' resurrection (and many did), all they would have needed to do was locate the actual tomb, roll away the stone, and pull out Jesus' dead body. But no one ever did because there was no doubt His body was gone, which is why the Jewish leaders had to make up a story to explain where the body went.

Q. Why do you think that Christians often refer to the day of Jesus' death as "Good Friday"?

A. Although the events that surrounded Jesus' death were not good at all, and although Jesus suffered immeasurably, and although His death was a sad thing to His first disciples, we now know that Jesus died for our sins on the cross. And that is the best thing that has ever happened to us!

Application: _Although Jesus' body was dead, His spirit was very much alive. He waited for three days in paradise for the moment when He would be reunited with His resurrected body and walk out of His tomb. The world was in for a shock!_

# DAY 143, Matthew 28:1-15 Jesus is Resurrected!

Matthew, Mark, Luke and John all record the story of Jesus' resurrection, and when we read them without careful comparison, they seem to be contradictory. However, upon closer examination, we see that all four Gospel writers told different details of the same event, and the four accounts can be reconciled.

There were at least three women, and Luke indicates that there were more (see Luke 24:10), who had agreed to meet together to anoint Jesus' body at daybreak on the first Easter Sunday. They apparently did not all arrive at the tomb at the same time, and it seems that Mary Magdalene, either alone or with two other companions, arrived first while it was still dark (see John 20:1). Sometime before they arrived, however, an angel had moved the stone from the tomb's entrance and sat upon it, paralyzing the Roman guards with fear. When Mary and her companions arrived, the angel had disappeared, but it's very possible that the Roman soldiers were still lying unconscious on the ground. If that was the case, Mary may have assumed that they'd been killed.

Upon discovery that the stone had been rolled from the entrance to the tomb, Mary, apparently by herself, ran to tell Peter and John, while her companions remained at the tomb. They entered it and immediately saw an angel, who said to them, "Don't be afraid! ... I know you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He isn't here! He has been raised from the dead, just as he said would happen. Come; see where his body was lying. And now, go quickly and tell his disciples he has been raised from the dead, and he is going ahead of you to Galilee. You will see him there. Remember, I have told you" (Matthew 28:5-7). The two women immediately ran from the tomb to find the disciples.

Shortly thereafter, a second group of women arrived and found the same scene. They entered the tomb and immediately noticed Jesus' body was missing and wondered what had happened. But suddenly, two angels appeared to them, clothed in dazzling robes. The women were terrified and fell on their faces to the ground, and the angels said to them, "Why are you looking in a tomb for someone who is alive? He isn't here! He has risen from the dead! Don't you remember he told you back in Galilee, that the Son of Man must be betrayed into the hands of sinful men and be crucified, and that he would rise again the third day?" (Luke 24:5-7). That second group of women also fled to tell Jesus' disciples.

By that time, Mary Magdalene had found Peter and John, and told them, "They have taken the Lord's body out of the tomb, and I don't know where they have put him!" (John 20:2). Both men immediately ran to the tomb and, upon entry, saw the linen cloth that Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus had wrapped around Jesus' body lying there. It was an empty cocoon, and John realized then that no one had stolen Jesus' body! He had been raised from the dead. Peter, however, still had doubts (see Luke 24:12). They then went back to where they had been staying, while the other disciples were also being informed of what happened by the women who had seen the angels.

Shortly thereafter, Mary again arrived at the tomb and stood weeping at its entrance, still clueless about what had happened. Finally, she also stooped and peered into the tomb, and saw two angels sitting at the head and foot of where Jesus' body had been lying. This time, either the angels didn't appear as majestic as when the first women had seen them, or Mary was so emotionally distraught that what she was seeing didn't fully register in her mind. They asked her, "Why are you crying?" and she responded, "Because they have taken away my Lord and I don't know where they have put him" (John 20:13). But they didn't respond to her because the Lord Himself wanted to tell her the good news.

Mary glanced over her shoulder as she was still stooped down at the tomb's entrance and saw someone standing behind her. He, too, asked her, "Why are your crying? ...Who are you looking for?" (John 20:15).

Thinking He was the gardener, Mary said, "Sir, if you have taken him away, tell me where you have put him, and I will go and get him" (John 20:15).

Jesus then said, "Mary!" She turned toward Him, and realizing who He was, embraced Him, hardly believing what was happening. Jesus told her, "Don't cling to me, for I haven't yet ascended to the Father. But go find my brothers and tell them that I am ascending to my Father and your Father, my God and your God" (John 20:17). And so she headed back to Jerusalem to tell the disciples the good news. Apparently, on her way, another woman joined her, and Jesus appeared to them both. As they clasped His feet and worshiped Him, He instructed them to tell His disciples to go to Galilee where He would appear to them (see Matthew 28:9-10).

Unfortunately, none of the disciples, with the exception of John, believed the reports of any of the women. They were still mourning and weeping (see Mark 16:10-11) when they should have been rejoicing! But they, too, would soon be convinced that Jesus had been raised from the dead!

Q. Jesus had told the repentant thief that they would be together that very day in paradise. But, three days later, Jesus told Mary that He had not yet ascended to the Father. Did Jesus lie to the repentant thief?

A. No, Jesus never lies. He told His disciples that He would spend three days and nights in the heart of the earth (see Matthew 12:40). Considering other scriptures, it is thought that there must have been a place called _Paradise_ in the heart of the earth where Old Testament saints went when they died. It is also thought that Jesus emptied that place when He ascended into heaven. Now, when a Christian dies, he goes to heaven.

Q. The Jewish leaders bribed the guards to spread the story that the disciples stole Jesus' body while they were asleep. What makes that story so difficult to believe?

A. First, why weren't the guards awakened when the stone was rolled away? Second, what were they doing sleeping, when Roman law would execute guards if they were caught sleeping while on duty? Third, if they were sleeping, how did they know what had happened?

Application: _Jesus' resurrection was more than just a miracle. It was God's ultimate proof that Jesus is the Messiah and Son of God, and a sign to us that the penalty for our sins has been fully paid and accepted by God._

# DAY 144, Luke 24:13-43; John 20:24-31 Jesus Appears to His Disciples

Both Jesus and the angels who appeared to various women on the first Easter morning had told them to tell Jesus' disciples to go to Galilee. There He would appear to them. However, because virtually none of the disciples believed the report of the women, none of them left Jerusalem for Galilee. Jesus was going to have to convince them personally that He had risen from the dead.

So Jesus appeared to Peter, although we don't know any details of that appearance. Next, He appeared to two of His disciples as they journeyed to Emmaus, a village about seven miles from Jerusalem. God prevented them from recognizing Him at first, and Jesus pretended not to know anything about what had happened in Jerusalem over the past few days. They expressed their sadness about Jesus' death, explaining that they had hoped He was the Messiah, and were wondering about the reports of His resurrection. Finally, quoting many scriptures, Jesus explained to them that the Old Testament had predicted the Messiah would suffer just as He had, and that He would be resurrected. How privileged they were to be a part of that Bible study! It began to dawn on them that the reports they'd heard about His resurrection had to be true, because that was what God had foretold.

The moment God opened the eyes of the two disciples to realize that it was Jesus who was with them, He disappeared. Filled with joy, they hurried back to Jerusalem to tell the eleven disciples and other followers of Jesus what had happened. When they arrived, they were immediately told that Jesus had appeared to Peter! As they related their experience, Jesus appeared to them all!

Jesus' appearances were not visions, or just pictures in the people's minds. Jesus was actually present physically when He made His appearances. He was able to appear and disappear at will and travel from place to place instantly and invisibly.

When Jesus appeared to all His disciples, it frightened them terribly because they thought they were seeing a spirit or ghost. But Jesus proved to them that He really was there in a physical body by allowing them to touch Him, and by eating a piece of fish in their presence. When they realized it was really Jesus, they were elated!

Thomas was not present at that gathering, and when he heard the report, he became suspicious that someone who was impersonating Jesus had deceived his friends. How did they know it was really Jesus they had seen? Two of the disciples spent several hours with Him without recognizing Him. Perhaps it was someone who just looked very much like Jesus.

They probably told him that they were sure it was Jesus because He showed them the nail prints in His hands and the wound in His side. So Thomas stated that he would not believe Jesus was alive unless four conditions were met. First, he had to see Jesus for himself. Second, he had to see the nail marks in His hands. Third, to be certain those nail marks weren't just painted on His skin, he had to put his finger in the holes. Finally, to be sure the wound in Jesus' side wasn't also just the work of an artist, he had to put his hand in the spear hole.

The next time Jesus appeared to His disciples, Thomas was with them, and for several reasons he was immediately convinced that Jesus was alive. First, the doors were all locked, so there was no way for an impersonator to gain entrance. Second, Jesus suddenly appeared right in their midst. He didn't walk in from another room. He was suddenly there. Third, Jesus instructed Thomas to put his finger in the nail holes and his hand in the wound in His side. If He was an impersonator, He was collaborating with the other disciples, because at least one had informed Him of Thomas's previous words. Otherwise, this person was obviously the all-knowing Lord.

The evidence was overwhelming, and Thomas confessed that Jesus was his Lord and God.

Q. Thomas has been nicknamed "Doubting Thomas" for obvious reasons. However, was Thomas any more a doubter than the rest of the disciples?

A. Not really. The biblical record indicates that none of the eleven, with the exception of John, believed the women's reports of Jesus' resurrection, and John believed only because he personally saw the empty cocoon of Jesus' body wrappings. Furthermore, John recorded that when Jesus first appeared to all the disciples, He showed them the wounds in His hands and side, an obvious attempt to convince them that it was really He they were seeing (see John 20:20). So it's really unfair to label only Thomas as one who doubted.

Q. Is there any reason to be glad that Jesus' disciples were so doubtful?

A. Yes. Their skepticism provides fuel for our faith. Because we know they weren't easily convinced, we are all the more certain that their testimony of Jesus' resurrection is the truth.

Application: _Jesus promised, "Blessed are those who haven't seen me and believe anyway" (John 20:29). Although we, unlike Thomas and the rest of Jesus' original disciples, haven't actually seen Him after His resurrection, our faith can rest firmly in the testimonies of those who have seen Him, especially since we know that they weren't easily convinced themselves. We're blessed!_

# DAY 145, John 21:1-25 Jesus Appears to His Disciples in Galilee

Luke tells us that, after His crucifixion, Jesus appeared to His disciples from time to time over a period of forty days, talking to them about the Kingdom of God (see Acts 1:3). Soon after His second appearance, Jesus' disciples left Jerusalem at His orders and went back to the region of Galilee (see Matthew 26:32; 28:7,10; 28:16).

Three years earlier, Peter, Andrew, James and John had left their fishing nets on the shore of the Sea of Galilee to follow the man who did miracles. Now, back in Galilee, Peter decided to go fishing again, and six of Jesus' disciples joined him.

After fishing all night and catching nothing, at dawn, Jesus appeared on the shore. The disciples didn't recognize Him, either because He was too far away, or because God supernaturally prevented them from recognizing Him, just as He had done with the two disciples on the road to Emmaus. However, once they followed His simple instructions and succeeded in catching an amazing quantity of fish, they realized who He was.

Peter may well have had a flashback of his other miraculous catch of fish three years earlier when he first encountered Jesus. This new catch was perhaps a sign that was intended to assure him of Jesus' love, regardless of the condemnation he still felt in his heart for denying his Lord.

Remember that Peter had previously boasted that even if all the other disciples deserted Jesus, he would not, even claiming his willingness to go to prison and die if need be (see Matthew 26: 33-35; Luke 22:33). It was a claim that he loved the Lord more than the others. But his actions proved that his love wasn't nearly as devoted as he'd thought.

Apparently during the other times that Jesus had appeared when Peter was present, the issue of what Peter had done had not been raised. Peter hadn't confessed his sin, and Jesus hadn't mentioned it either, waiting for the appropriate time. He wanted to be alone with Peter so as not to humiliate him. And He first wanted Peter to be assured that His love was unchanged. Peter had to be confronted, but Jesus didn't want the confrontation to crush him. Peter already felt condemned in his heart for what he'd done. He probably wondered if his relationship with Jesus could ever be the same. Would the Lord ever trust him again, or use him in the ministry? The very fact that he had decided to go fishing may have been an indication that he was considering returning to his old vocation, thinking he had disqualified himself for the Lord's service.

So after a breakfast of fish and bread that Jesus prepared and served, again demonstrating His undying love for the disciples who deserted Him, Jesus privately asked Peter a question, to which He, of course, already knew the answer. "Do you love me more than these?" (John 21:15). What were the "these" Jesus was referring to? Probably the other disciples. Jesus was asking, "Do you still claim to love Me more than they do?"

Peter's response, "Yes, Lord, you know I love you" (John 21:15), is better understood if we know something about the original Greek language in which he and Jesus conversed. The word Jesus used that is translated "love" is the word _agapeo_ , which is a deep, self-sacrificing love. Peter responded by using the Greek word _phileo_ , which is a lesser love of friendship. Jesus asked Peter, "Do you still believe that you love Me with a love that is more self-sacrificing than the other disciples?"

A few days earlier, Peter would have responded with a proud, "Yes!" But now he realized that Jesus knew him better than he knew himself. With a sigh of acknowledgement, he replied, "Yes, Lord, You know the truth. I've proven that my love for You doesn't go beyond the love of friendship." Peter had confessed his pride.

But Jesus didn't condemn Peter as Peter was condemning himself. He knew Peter loved Him more than what Peter now thought. He'd left everything behind to follow Jesus and had repeatedly obeyed Him for three years. Wanting Peter to know that He still believed in him and still had a plan to use him, Jesus replied, "Then feed my lambs" (John 21:15). Jesus was saying, "It isn't My plan for you to be a fisherman for the rest of your life, because I've called you to serve Me."

Jesus then asked Peter another question: "Simon, son of John, do you love me?" (John 21:16). He again used the word _agapeo_ , but didn't add the "more than these." This question and its related commandment are perhaps an indication that Peter had indeed decided to quit the ministry. Jesus wanted Peter to realize that he couldn't do that, regardless of whether his love was the agape or phileo kind. Peter's answer was, again, self-condemning: "Yes, Lord, You know that I obviously only possess a _phileo_ love for You." But Jesus believed Peter's love was greater than that, and He wanted Peter to believe it too, and so He commanded him, "Take care of my sheep" (John 21:16). Jesus was saying, "Your evaluation of yourself doesn't matter; only Mine does. I believe in you, and to prove it, I'm entrusting My very own sheep to your care."

Finally, Jesus again asked Peter if he loved Him, but this third time, Jesus used the word _phileo_. Jesus, of course, didn't now doubt that Peter possessed a _phileo_ kind of love for Him. Rather, He was trying to help Peter understand himself. It grieved Peter that Jesus had questioned his _phileo_ for Him, and he objected to the question. "Lord, You know everything," he replied. "You _know_ I _phileo_ You," defending and yet still condemning himself. The hurt Peter felt at the question would help him to see that he did possess a heart-felt devotion for Jesus. And again, Jesus wanted him to realize that He knew Peter better than Peter knew himself. Jesus' evaluation is all that matters, and His faith in Peter was unchanging. "Feed my sheep," Jesus commanded him.

Concluding their conversation, Jesus, the One who knew that Peter would deny Him three times, the One who knew Peter better than he knew himself, also knew how Peter would die. And in his death, Peter would prove his _agape_ love for his Lord. So Jesus told him how he would glorify God by martyrdom, conveying to Peter that his past failure had no bearing on his future.

In the process of a few days, Peter had gone from overestimating his love to underestimating it. Just as Peter's appraisal of himself a few days before had been wrong and Jesus' appraisal had proved to be true, now, again, Peter's appraisal was wrong, and Jesus' would prove true. Peter's pendulum of perception had swung from pride to self-condemnation, but Jesus realigned it.

Q. Jesus gave Peter three commandments in today's reading: 1) Feed my lambs, 2) Take care of my sheep, and 3) Feed my sheep. What do you think He meant?

A. Lambs and sheep represent those who believe in Jesus, some spiritual babies and some more mature in their faith. Feeding them is symbolic of teaching them the Word of God, and taking care of them represents a concern for their wellbeing, spiritually and in every other way. Jesus needs those in His body who will do just that, and He calls certain individuals for that purpose.

Q. Because of what Jesus said to Peter about John, many thought that John wouldn't ever die. Why did they misunderstand?

A. Because they added to what Jesus actually said, making an assumption. We should be careful that we don't make the same mistake, as Christians are often known to do.

Application: _Jesus believed the best about Peter in spite of his failures. And He lifted Peter out of condemnation, showing him mercy and giving him hope for the future. Jesus also knew the sins and mistakes you would commit before you committed them, but He still loves you. And He doesn't want our failures to be stumbling blocks. Rather, He wants them to be stepping-stones. The answer to all our problems is gaining Jesus' perspective._

# DAY 146, Matthew 28:16-20; Mark 16:15-20 Jesus' Final Words and Ascension to Heaven

On one of the occasions when Jesus appeared to the eleven disciples in Galilee, He told them what He wanted them to do for the remainder of their lives. It would be their job to make disciples of all the nations. The Greek word translated "nations" could be better translated, "ethnic groups," which is a group of people who are distinct from other groups by virtue of their culture, circumstances, language or the location where they live. For example, many Americans think that all Chinese people are part of the same ethnic group, but there are many different minorities living in China. America itself is made up of many ethnic groups, and God wants us to make disciples among them all. In order for that to happen, someone from one culture has to purposely cross over a cultural line, showing love for people who are different. At present, there are thousands of ethnic groups in the world without a single Christian among them. No one is trying to reach them with the good news of Jesus Christ. If a person within one of those un-reached groups wanted to find out about Jesus, _he_ would have to cross a culture to find out. Our prayers and money should be directed toward those un-reached groups of people. And if God sends us to one of them, we should go.

Notice also that Jesus doesn't want just converts made; He wants disciples. Disciples are true believers in Christ; thus they are obedient followers. Jesus said they should be baptized, which would be the first indication of their true faith, and that they should be taught to obey His commandments. Of course, one of those commandments which they should teach their disciples was the commandment Jesus gave for disciples to make disciples. Every true believer in Christ should be doing what he can to make disciples. That is not a job that God has given only to pastors.

From Mark's Gospel we learn that there should be certain supernatural signs that follow those who believe. Jesus listed five. The first one is that they will cast out demons in His name. Every believer has the authority to cast out demons if the need arises.

Second, Jesus said that believers would speak in new tongues. According to the pattern found in the book of Acts, speaking in tongues is something every believer should expect to experience when he is baptized in the Holy Spirit.

The next sign Jesus mentioned was the safe handling of poisonous snakes. He certainly did not mean that Christians should pass around poisonous snakes during church services, because that would be the same as testing God, and there is no record of such a thing being done by the early church in the book of Acts. However, Luke did record that Paul was once accidentally bitten by a deadly snake and suffered no harm. That is more likely the kind of thing Jesus had in mind. He knew that snakes might bite those who would be carrying the gospel to remote places.

The fourth sign Jesus mentioned is probably in the same category. Jesus promised no harm to believers who drank poisonous liquids. As they take the gospel to other places, believers might accidentally drink something poisonous, or unbelievers might intentionally poison their water. In those cases, believers could claim Jesus' promise.

The fifth sign that should follow believers is the healing of others as they lay their hands upon them. This does not mean that every single sick person upon whom a believer lays his hands will be healed. But it does indicate that God wants to use all believers in healing others. In the context of Jesus' command to preach the gospel to everyone, this fifth sign should also be considered an aid to effective evangelism. Divine healing can get people's attention to listen to the gospel. We read in the very last verse of Mark's Gospel that God worked with the first disciples by confirming their words with miraculous signs. No doubt many of those signs were the five that Jesus listed, and the record of the book of Acts proves this to be so.

Q. Jesus promised His disciples that He would be with them always, even to the end of the age. Soon after He made that promise, He left them to sit at the right hand of God the Father. Did He break His promise?

A. No, Jesus didn't break His promise. He only departed physically. However, spiritually He now lives within every believer. That is why Paul wrote, "I myself no longer live, but Christ lives in me" (Galatians 2:20). Besides that, God is omnipresent, which means His presence is everywhere. In that sense, Jesus is always with us as well.

Q. In Mark's Gospel, we read that everyone who believes the good news about Jesus and is baptized will be saved. Does this mean that a person who believes in Jesus but who dies before being baptized goes to hell?

A. No, it does not. However, it does indicate to us that true believers in Jesus will want to obey Him, and since He commanded all who believe in Him to be baptized, people who profess to believe in Him but who refuse to be baptized prove their faith is not genuine.

Application: _As believers, our job is not just to wait for the time we'll go to heaven but, our job is to work for Jesus, helping to expand His kingdom. Are you doing something to help?_

# DAY 147, Luke 24:44-53; Acts 1:1-11 Luke Summarizes Jesus' Final Days on Earth

Jesus appeared to His disciples enough times over a period of forty days that all of them became convinced that He had risen from the dead. They were not just having visions, and no one was impersonating Jesus. The apostle Paul informs us in his letter to the Corinthians that Jesus once appeared to over five hundred people at one time (see 1 Corinthians 15:6)!

First, it was Jesus' plan that His disciples would soon begin to take the gospel to the whole world, and He wanted them to begin in Jerusalem and Judea. Because most of the people living in those places were Jews, it was important for Jesus' disciples to understand the many messianic scriptures in the Old Testament so they could prove that He was the promised Messiah. Jesus said that there were things written about Him in Moses' books, the first five books of the Bible, as well as in the books of the prophets and Psalms. He then opened their minds to understand those many scriptures.

Second, it was important that Jesus' disciples proclaim the message Jesus wanted proclaimed. So He made it very clear to them. They should tell people that He had suffered, died and risen three days later. Now, forgiveness of sins was being offered to anyone who would repent of his sins, and believe in Him. That is the message Jesus still wants us to proclaim.

Finally, Jesus knew His disciples needed supernatural help to be successful in proclaiming the gospel and making disciples. So He promised to send them the Holy Spirit so they would be filled with power. Just a few days later, the Holy Spirit came suddenly upon one hundred and twenty of Jesus' disciples, and they all began speaking in foreign languages, speaking of the wonderful things God had done. This was a sign that got the attention of a lot of people in Jerusalem, and as a result, three thousand people turned to the Lord, many of whom were foreign visitors. This miracle of speaking in other languages was also probably a reminder to Jesus' disciples that the Holy Spirit was being given to them because God loves every different ethnic group, and God wants the gospel taken to all of them.

The story of Jesus' life and ministry certainly doesn't end with His ascension into heaven. In fact, Luke began the book of Acts by stating that his Gospel was only an account of everything Jesus "began to do and teach" (Acts 1:1, emphasis added). Jesus continued to work after His ascension by using His people. Jesus is still working today through everyone who believes in Him, and the most wonderful thing in the entire world is to be used by God.

Q. Jesus' disciples asked Him, "Lord, are you going to free Israel now and restore our kingdom?" (Acts 1:6). What were they hoping for and why were they hoping for it?

A. It was foretold in the Old Testament that a time would come when the Messiah would rule over Israel on David's throne. During that messianic age, Israel would become an exalted nation, but when the disciples asked Jesus their question, Israel was under the domination of the Roman Empire. Because the disciples believed that Jesus was the promised Messiah, they expected that Jesus would soon usher in the promised age. Jesus, however, knew that the kingdom age was still a long time away. There was still much to be done before then. Because Jesus' kingdom was not a political but a spiritual kingdom, it was first necessary that people submit to Him, the King. That would occur as the disciples proclaimed the gospel. Then, according to God's predetermined plan, Jesus will one day rule the world from Jerusalem.

Application: _Two angels promised Jesus' disciples that He would return to the earth just as He had departed from the earth. That promise hasn't been fulfilled yet, or you can be sure we'd know it! But it will come to pass! We should live every day of our lives in anticipation of that day._

# DAY 148, Some Final Words

Yesterday was the final day of our 147-day study of Jesus' life. I hope that you and your children enjoyed our journey together, and that you all grew closer to God and to one another. I also hope that your family has established a practice that will continue for many years, and I hope that I can be of further service to you. I haven't had time to write a family devotional that covers the rest of the New Testament, but I have written a general devotional that takes readers through the New Testament chronologically in one year by just reading one Bible chapter every weekday. That devotional, called HeavenWord Daily, can be used for family devotions, and can be ordered from our website at HeavensFamily.org/hwd. It is also available through weekday emails that you can start receiving in your inbox by signing up at HeavensFamily.org/devotional.

We've also produced a high-quality 7-minute daily video devotional that we call HeavenWord 7 and a 30-minute weekly video devotional called HeavenWord TV. You can view those devotionals at our HeavenWord TV website, and there you can also subscribe to the podcasts or subscribe to receive the devotionals by email. Visit us at HeavenWord.tv.

Finally, I invite your participation in the ministry of Heaven's Family. Our hope is to be your love-link to the "least of these" among Jesus' world-wide family, as we strive to meet their pressing needs together.

May God bless you as you and your children continue to follow our Lord Jesus Christ!

In Him,

David

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