John Chapter Twenty One - August 30, 2008

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I love reading this chapter to close out the Journey With Jesus Challenge. Here we see Jesus once again appear to His disciples after He came back to life. Were the disciples just chilling, had some of them gone back to their former lives, or were they simply in between "speaking engagements?" Was Peter fishing naked? Did Jesus conceal His identity from them like He did the travelers on their way to Emmaus, or did the disciples simply not catch on that this was Him?

And I love the symbolism of Jesus asking Peter three times if he loved Him. Peter denied Jesus three times, so Jesus asks for confirmation three times. I can only imagine what was going through Peter's head at this time. And then to be told that he will be killed for his faith, wow. But he does not run away from his responsibility this time. Peter has grown up in his faith.

We should be like Peter. We are fallen, but Jesus asks us to do much. We should follow Him and His example and do it.

John Chapter Twenty - August 29, 2008

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It amazes me that even with everything the 12 were taught by Jesus while He was with them that they still did not get that Jesus had beaten death and was alive. Their first thoughts are that someone stole His body. And they were cowering in fear, locked away in case the Jews decided to come after them to exact some revenge. Where was their faith? It was like they were in the boat on the stormy sea all over again. The forgot that Jesus is in control, and began to rely upon their own strength and their own abilities. It kind of reminds me of us today.

We do the same things. We trust God for a while, but forget about how powerful He is when things get tough. We start to try and do things on our own instead of allowing Him to do things through us. It amazes me that these 12 men were the building blocks for the church, and they were just as flawed as we are today. It is comforting to know that even those men dealt with the same thoughts, feelings, doubts and fears that we do today.

I look forward to someday learning what happened that John did not include in his account...

How about you?

John Chapter Nineteen - August 28, 2008

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It breaks my heart when I read how broken and hateful humanity is...

John Chapter Eighteen - August 27, 2008

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I find it very interesting that the Jews only took Jesus to Pilate when they realized that their laws could not allow them to execute Jesus. Now bear in mind that there were included in the Law crimes and sins that required death. But Jesus had committed none of these. So they tried to convince the people that it would be good for one person to die for all Jews, and to convince Pilate that Jesus was trying to start an insurrection by claiming kingship when the Jewish nation was under the rule of the Roman empire. It's all political jockeying by the Jewish leaders. Jesus was killed because He spoke the truth, and the truth was that the leaders were wrong. And they did not like that so they wanted to be rid of Jesus. How often do we find ourselves trying to find loopholes in Jesus' commands ("it's for a good cause", "it's not sex", "I'll ask for forgiveness later", etc.) when the truth in them commands us to remove ourselves from enticing sin?

And I love Pilate's question to Jesus: "What is truth?" So many people are wondering that today. I get the impression that Pilate would have willingly listened t and been changed by Jesus' message.

What were your thoughts?

John Chapter Seventeen - August 26, 2008

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Wow.

This is prayer. We see so many pastors today trying to deliver the greatest, most wordy, intellectual, spiritual prayer. But here Jesus speaks plainly and directly to God. He yields that God is in control, and He makes requests of Him. Not requests to gain things, or favor. But requests for God to lead, comfort and guide Jesus' disciples, and for all who will become believers to be unified with God as a result of the disciples' efforts. We are still disciples today. Are we fulfilling Jesus' prayer here? Or are we falling short because we are afraid, or lazy? Are we operating in the world, yet not OF the world as Jesus was and as He asked for us to be? Or do we look so much like the world that they cannot tell us apart from themselves?

John Chapter Sixteen - August 25, 2008

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I have not much to offer today. Merely my amazement once again at Jesus' skill for prophecy and figurative language, and His disciples' inability to comprehend. But once again they don't ask Him for answers, they ask themselves. We are so much like the disciples. I am so much like the disciples.

How about you?

John Chapter Fifteen - August 24, 2008

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Today's reading was actually a part of a church service I was a part of this morning. I was on vacation with some friends from college, and we read through the first part of this chapter as part of a discussion on renewing our Spiritual Passion in our relationships with God. Every time I read this passage, I am struck by how little of God we picture in our minds. We blame God for things that hurt us. We think of Has someone who only does good things for us, but when things go wrong it is His fault for not keeping the painful things away from us. But here we have a picture of God as a gardener. Gardeners cut off dying or fruitless branches as part of their care for the harvest. How many times have you blamed God for something that you did not perceive as being right, but did not stop to think about whether or not you were remaining in Him in the first place? Maybe He was working to prune out something that you were not to be involved in, or to have. Or maybe Has working on you period because you were producing no fruit? How many times has He done this to me and I have missed it?

This passage reminds us once again that to follow Christ is costly, and that we will not be popular if we do follow Him. The world will indeed hate us and our message. They do not understand it. But whose attention is more important? God's? Or the World's?

John Chapter Fourteen - August 23, 2008

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Read the first section over again. Does it say that Jesus is preparing a mansion for you in heaven? No. What we fail to understand is that Jesus was speaking of a Jewish tradition of building on a room to an existing house for a new member of the family. (As in weddings. A man would build onto the house to give himself and his bride a place to live for at least the first year). Jesus is telling us that our union with Him on the other side of death will be one of being close, not separation. Not everyone gets their ow space and can hide from others. But a relationship of closeness. Why do we have to feel the need to change what Jesus says here?

Again Jesus is bold and states that the only way to gain this relationship is through Him. Not works. Not Hinduism. But through Jesus Christ, by accepting Him and making Him Lord. Not just praying a prayer, but allowing Him to run our lives. We forget this item when we become Christians. It is a free gift, but it takes a lot on our part to accept because we have to give ourselves up completely to His rule. "If you love Me you will obey what I command." You can't get any clearer than that.

Now, I could go on for days blogging about what the relationship between Loving God, accepting the free gift of salvation and obedience to God's commands is. But I want to hear your thoughts. So tell me, how do these all work together?

John Chapter Thirteen - August 22, 2008

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There is so much symbolism in Jesus' washing His disciples' feet. Not only is it a common practice physically in that time, but it is a symbolic act of what He does for our souls on a regular basis. He cleanses us. We have already been washed clean by His sacrifice, but from time to time we need Him to clean us up so we can start walking again. When was the last time that you allowed Jesus to "wash your feet?" Also, when we are commanded to wash the feet of others, Jesus broke with tradition and societal norms to wash His disciples' feet. He lowered Himself to and beyond the disciples' status in society to serve them. We are to do the same, to serve those who we might consider beneath us. When was the last time that you served someone you couldn't stand?

It is refreshing to see John balance Jesus' godhood and His humanness at the same time. Jesus is troubled in His spirit by the betrayal He is about to experience. But He knows what Judas is to do in order to betray Him, and He commands Judas to go ahead and do it. For as we have read up to this point, He knows that He has come to the city to be killed for our reconciliation to God.

What are your thoughts?

John Chapter Twelve - August 21, 2008

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And here we come to the final week of Jesus' life here on earth. We have read it before in two other Gospels this summer. It is different reading it from John's perspective. I especially enjoy Jesus' imagery that He gives the disciples about the wheat needing to fall to the ground in order to produce more plants. And His imagery of being the light and His commands to walk in the light while it is there... wow. It just really grabs me.

When I get to verse 43 I really see that we have come such a little distance in the past 2,000 years. People today still refuse to proclaim God's name because they are afraid to lose the praise of men. What dose that make those that follow through on this process? Those who like Jesus, but won't follow Him because it means they lose their status amongst others? And when He says that one who believes in Jesus has to believe in God. Wow. It really is all or nothing to follow Christ, isn't it?

What grabbed you?

John Chapter Eleven - August 20, 2008

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I really love this account of Lazarus. Jesus is close enough with the family that they send word for Him to come. And His statement about how the sickness will not end in death is amazing. True, Lazarus did die. But it was not the end. Jesus came even after 4 days and death was not the end. I just love that statement. And It is true, that death does not have to be the end for us either. We can continue living alongside Jesus after death. Our sicknesses do not have to end in death.

And is it not amazing that when we read John's account here we see that the Priests and Pharisees thought that they were going to crucify Jesus to bring the Jewish nation together? It was them trying to do what they thought right... or was it. Did Caiaphas' prophecy merely happen because he wanted to get Jesus out of the picture so HIS will could guide the Jews?

What do you think?

John Chapter Ten - August 19, 2008

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Jesus once again is bold, simple... and confusing. All at the same time. I sometimes wonder if He truly ever got tired of His disciples just not getting it? I know that at one point He kind of went off on them, asking them if they were really that slow (paraphrased), but think about it. Sharing earth-shattering Truth with them each and every day that they just don't get? That had to be frustrating! I especially love verse 10. Note that Jesus says that He came that we might have life to the full. Not the perfect life. Not so that we can have everything that we want. But to have life to the full. What do you suppose that means? And did you catch the subtle reference that the Jews were not the only people God cared about in verse 16? Such a powerful metaphor, using sheep. Even further on in the chapter when He talks about how God the Shepherd holds all the sheep in His and and no one can take them from Him. Are you a sheep? Or do you follow a thief?

John Chapter Nine - August 18, 2008

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I find it very interesting that the disciples assumed that the man could be blind because of sin passed on from his parents. (There is a Biblical precedent for them to expect this). Or he might be blind as a result of his own sins. There are so many instances in Scripture where sin had a negative effect on a person's physical body. Why do we here in America simply assume that someone has physical limitations simply because of nature? And why do so many of us assume that physical problems are not set in place to see God's glory revealed? There are a few who do see this, but why do we pray for healing, but so rarely ask that in this instance God reveal His glory?

And from there, this man takes some of the Pharisees' own words about how a sinful man cannot perform such miraculous signs and throws it back at them! And they refuse to listen to him! The truth is so simple to see, yet impossible or these Pharisees to accept because it would necessitate them stepping aside and admitting that they have been wrong about Jesus. They would have to swallow their pride, and that is something that they are not willing to do. Humility es not grace the Pharisees.

I love how this chapter wraps it all up. Jesus tells the Pharisees that they claim to see, which in fact makes them blind because they do not see who He really is. Wow. So bold again. Jesus certainly was not here to make friends, eh?

What d you walk away from this passage with?

John Chapter Eight - August 17, 2008

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• Go now and leave your life of sin. Such powerful words to forgive this woman, yet so simple.
• People still don't listen to Jesus, and continue to question Him.
• I laughed out loud when I read that the people were asking if Jesus was going to commit suicide.
• "Everyone who sins is a slave to sin." How true, especially today.
• Again Jesus does not sugar-coat anything and tells the people who are not listening to Him that the belong to the devil. How many churches would run their pastors out of town today if a message like this was given?
• I like how Jesus keeps saying the same thing over and over about who He is to the people. But they still don't get it. And I can't get over how the people just can't get past Jesus' age and claims (that have been backed up).
  
• Jesus avoids death before His predestined time at the hands of an angry mob yet again.

What were your thoughts?

John Chapter Seven - August 16, 2008

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Wouldn't it be interesting to be one of Jesus' brothers? To not even believe His claims, yet be related to Him? It is interesting to me to see how Jesus went to the feast in secret. He sticks to the practice that He has kept so far in His ministry to be secretive. Not to make a public showing. And still the disciples want Him to make public displays so that more people will believe Him.

And when Jesus teaches, what studying did He do as a child? Did He study the Torah like every other Jewish boy did growing up? Or did His knowledge of the Law come instinctively? Are they merely referring to that Jesus did not study with a Rabbi, or something else? And how do they know if He has been teaching with the authority of a committed and educated Rabbi? Hmm...

It is interesting to see so many people who are well-versed in the prophecies of the Messiah in this section, but they still are looking for someone else to come and save them .They are still holding out for a military leader to save them from Roman rule, not the Son of God to save them from eternal separation from God.

I enjoyed seeing Nicodemus coming back into play here. He is still in the fold of the Pharisees, yet he is trying to work to change from the inside out. Hmm... I wonder what that might look like today...

What did you think?

John Chapter Six - August 15, 2008

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• I love John's account of the feeding of the people with bread and fish. It is the only place where we see Jesus deliberately testing a disciple's faith in the situation. How often does God ask us questions He already knows the answers to?
• Again Jesus withdraws by Himself from the crowd...
• Did Jesus tel His disciples to head to Capernaum by themselves, or did they do this on their own accord?
• The people go to look for Jesus when they realize that He did not get into the boat. Hmm... Could there be some symbolism here about people looking for Jesus where we expect Him to be and not finding Him because our expectations are so limited? Probably not in the original intention, but we can definitely draw that parallel.
• Jesus is not only living water to quench our thirst forever, but also bread to eat and be fulfilled. Notice the foreshadowing of the Last Supper between this chapter and Jesus' conversation with the Samaritan woman in chapter 4?
• I love how Jesus confuses the Jews utterly. They are unwilling to accept Him as who He says He is, so of course they will not understand what He is telling them. They want a miraculous sign, not a message. Reminds me of modern Americans today. Especially modern American Christians...
• Jesus again makes a hard statement that drives people away from Himself. Why do so many modern pastors and "Christians" say that the Christian life is easy, or that God will bless us physically here and now? Why is there such a call for universalism when the Truth is stated so clearly here? One way to eternal relationship with God, one way only. Hmm...

So what did you think?

John Chapter Five - August 14, 2008

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• I find it interesting that this man does not answer Jesus' question yet Jesus heals him anyway.
• I also find it just plain awful that the people around are more concerned with the letter of the law than the spirit of the law.
• And then the man meets Jesus later on and is told that his sin has a direct impact on his physical status. Hmm... Might our sins impact our physical well-being as well? Or was Jesus merely referring to hell when He spoke to the man? Hmmm...
• I love the way Jesus answers the Jews who are trying to kill Him for "disgracing" the Law and making Himself equal with God.
• I am intrigued by this peek into what happens after death. And Jesus' condemnation of the Jews who were placing their hope on a dead human being. Not on God. Doe we trust God, or is our faith in humans and human practices?

What did you think?

John Chapter Four - August 13, 2008

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Notice in verse two how even 2,000 years ago information was still not properly given? I wonder if the Pharisees were misinformed intentionally or not?

I love this passage where Jesus interacts with the Samaritan woman. In fact, I have preached on it twice in the past couple of years. Every time I read through it I get to see the God of the universe ignoring racial lines (the Jews and the Samaritans hated each other, even though they were very similar), class systems, and even breaking the rule of genders (men and women would not freely converse in public) to minister to a broken heart. This woman has no secrets from Jesus and He pulls no punches (again) with her. But He shows her compassion and love, and invites her to His side. And she accepts! He does not berate her for being an adulteress. He does not focus so intently on her sins that she is loaded up to her neck with guilt. He does not tell her that if she does not accept Him tonight she will go to hell. He has a conversation with her. And He shows her genuine love. I think that we need to spend more time emulating Jesus' evangelism style than we do creating our own. It worked for this woman (and most of her village).

And then Jesus returns home (remember in Luke how the town wanted to kill Him after He read Scripture?) to Galilee and heals a man's son. But what really catches me in this passage is what Jesus says in verse 48: "Unless you people see miraculous signs and wonders you will never believe." Why can't we believe and trust Him without needing a miraculous sign, without wanting proof? Why can't we just trust and have real faith?

What do you think?

John Chapter Three - August 12, 2008

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I love how Nicodemus starts out his conversation with Jesus. "Rabbi, we know you are a teacher who comes from God." Think about that for a minute. A Pharisee who s coming to Jesus and not only is admitting that more than he knows that Jesus is from God, but he is addressing Jesus as Rabbi! (Rabbis were very authoritative teachers, and it would be obscene for Nicodemus to admit that Jesus was such a teacher if others saw him). If someone as highly placed as Nicodemus was could see this in Jesus, why do so many of us have a problem with admitting the teachings are solid and that we should follow them instead of just listening to them?

I especially enjoy the symbolism Jesus uses about the snake being lifted up by Moses to Israel (check it out for yourself). I especially love the verses following 16 here, there is such weight and no fence-sitting whatsoever. Jesus is incredibly blunt. Either you are with Him and love the light, or you are not and love the dark. No gray area. The same with John the Baptist. I love the fact that neither of these men are pulling punches and just laying it down. No hem-hawing, or fidgeting their fingers. Just plain, simple truth. No sugar coating.

I wonder why more of us don't do this today? Are we afraid to lose our status? Our friends? Our jobs? To be honest, this chapter reminded me a little bit of CJ's words on Youth Sunday.

So what did you think?

John Chapter Two - August 11, 2008

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Jesus shows up at a wedding... keeps the party going! There are a lot of things about first-century Jewish wedding practices that we here in the 21st century do not know about, but really should look into to understand the background behind our text better. (Just for your benefit, check out here, here, or read the first couple of chapters from Rob Bell's SexGod sometime). And we need to know that the wine that Jesus created was not grape juice (how would they keep it from fermenting without refrigeration?) What does this tell us about Jesus? That He approves of and blesses this marriage (and marriage as an institution) and that He is obedient to His mother (as all of us should be). It also shows us that this was His very first public miracle. Pretty interesting, eh?

The rest of the chapter gives us even more insight into Jesus' clearing of the Temple (He made a whip and used it to scare the thieves out. Didn't see that coming, eh?) and fast-forwards into the disciple's reactions to His prophecy about tearing down the Temple and raising it back up. I wonder how many times in our lives God tells us something and we do not understand it until far down the road?

So what did you think?

John Chapter One - August 10, 2008

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Of all the Gospels, for some reason I find that I spend the least amount if time in John. This is not because I dislike it or anything like that. I just wind up in the other three mostly. There is so much great to be found in John though, and I am looking forward to rediscovering it this month.

• I like how John refers to Jesus simply as The Word. It really sets the tone for his book. It also shows just a fraction of the power that Jesus has, as nothing can happen without Him.
• Just imagine for a moment just what it took for Jesus to become flesh.
• I love the way that John answered the questions of the people and the Pharisees. Very matter-of-fact and simple, yet loaded with meaning and expectancy.
• It is interesting to see that Jesus stuck in the area for a little while after being baptized, seeing as how He walked by John again after being baptized.
• Isn't it interesting that this is the only place we really get a view into how Philip and Nathanael were called? Interesting...
• Where does this calling fit with the rest of the 12? Obviously Simon James and John have already been called, but after reading Nathanael's admission to Jesus' identity, has Jesus already asked Peter who he thinks that Jesus is?

Just some thoughts. How about yours?

Luke Chapter Twenty Four - August 9, 2008

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Again, Luke showcases women in his Gospel. The women went to the tomb while the male disciples were hiding! And then the angels (the men in white) reminded the women of the prophecies that Jesus told His disciples about His return to life. And even when Peter views the strips in the tomb, he wonders what happened. Even after all that he saw while Jesus was ministering before His crucifixion, he still does not believe completely that Jesus is back!

It also really amazes me that Jesus kept His identity a secret from the men on the way to Emmaus. Was it merely to hear their thoughts out loud? Or was it to teach them to keep alert when they finally did recognize Him? And how about when He appears to the 11 and one of the first things He does is to ask them for food! I love it.

All of the excitement from this chapter really is getting me interested in reading on into the rest of the story in Acts. Check it out for yourself...

Luke Chapter Nineteen - August 4, 2008

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The familiar story of Jesus and Zacchaeus. I could tell this story in my sleep, I have heard it that many times. But if I were to gloss over it I would miss a couple of key elements. Jesus chose to go to Zacchaeus' house because Zacchaeus was a repentant sinner. Not because he was a righteous man. The religious crowd has it so wrong that Jesus came (comes) for we who already know Him. He came to seek and to save the lost, not to make the already knowledgeable more so. Plus, just a thought to ponder, was Zacchaeus short, or was Jesus? The text can be read either way. Could Zacchaeus not see Jesus because he himself was short and could not see over the crowd, or was Jesus too short to be seen over the heads of those listening to Him? Not a salvation issue at all, but one more reason to really pay attention to the text.

And can I just say that I love that the Pharisees could do nothing about Jesus because the crowd loved listening to Him? I love that aspect that the people of God controlled (for a time, anyway) what the leaders could do. Their obedience to God kept the pride of the selfish humans from getting in the way for a while.

So what do you think?

Luke Chapter Eighteen - August 3, 2008

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I love reading Jesus' words. It makes me feel like I was right there with the disciples, and I hang on every word! And I have so many questions!!

Like when Jesus is talking about persistent faith, and God doing justice, when He talks about returning, does He mean when He will be resurrected, or the second coming?

I was very convicted by the lesson on prayer. Are we prideful when we pray? Or are we broken and realize we need God? I pray that God helps me to be as humble as the tax collector.

What do you think it means to have the faith of a child?

I always loved the story of the rich man. He has followed the letter of the Law so well through life....BUT he is unwilling to sacrifice his worldly gain to follow Christ. How true of all of us to a certain extent. What haven't we sacrificed to follow Christ fully?

And we end the chapter with a story of persistence, just like the chapter started. Sometimes I feel like I give up too easily in pursuing God. I think God wants us to pursue Him, to seek Him out, so He can meet our needs in a more profound way.

Thoughts?

Luke Chapter Seventeen - August 2, 2008

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There is alot in this chapter. What do you think about what Jesus says about duty? How does that fit into our idea of what Christianity is all about?

I love the story of the ten lepers. I always wonder what the other nine were thinking. Jesus TOLD them to go to the priest.....why would they turn around? But Jesus seems to rebuke them for following orders! I wonder if He is trying to show the Pharisees and even the disciples that letting the Spirit guide us instead of following strict guidelines is a good thing? Maybe He is showing that not only Jews are going to inherit the Kingdom, since the only leper who came back to Jesus was a Samaritan? What do you think?

I love this imagery of the Kingdom. This is proof that the Kingdom is already upon us! I think those who believe that the Kingdom is here NOW, have a totally different perspective of Jesus than people who think the Kingdom is purely after death, awaiting us on the other side. What do you think those differences of perspective may be?

Luke Chapter Sixteen - August 1, 2008

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The first part of this chapter was very confusing to me! I really didn't understand what Jesus was saying, at least not completely. I urge you to read this in different translations to get the full meaning behind the text!

Jesus is still talking to the disciples, with the Pharisees around. I think Jesus is really talking more to the Pharisees at this point. He keeps trying to get them to understand the spirit of the law, and they just don't get it! They think they are so self righteous that they are blind to God trying to open their eyes!!

Also, I love the Rich man and Lazarus story. Read the last line.....so powerful. What is Jesus telling us through this parable?

I am looking forward to discussion on this chapter!

Luke Chapter Fifteen - 7/31/08

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The infamous Lost chapter. We went over this in our Evangelism 101 study during WNL last year. Anyone remember? I would love if anyone could leave thoughts about these parables.

I think that Jesus said these parables directly to the "sinners" and tax collectors that were listening. These people were outcasts, totally dimissed by the Pharisees and other religious leaders. I think Jesus may have wanted them to identify with wither the sheep, coin, or lost son, and realize how much God sought after them! They have probably heard all of their life how they are not good enough, they dont follow the law perfectly, etc, and never shown the true love and grace of God. How wonderful for Jesus to speak in this way to these people who should, according to the Pharisees, have no hope.

What do you think??

Luke Chapter Fourteen - 7/30/2008

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Can you believe the parables Jesus told?! He was turning the "truth" the Pharisees (and probably most Jews) upside down!! Can you imagine what was going through their minds as they heard this? I wonder if any were humbled, or if it just made them more angry, and gave them more "reason" to want Jesus killed.

The banquet imagery is amazing! And Jesus told them NOT to invite their friends and family, but people off the street. I don't know about you, but if I were throwing a party, I would be inviting people i knew and cared about. hmmmm......so what is Jesus' saying here?

In the parable of the great banquet, which character do you identify with the most? Are you the one giving every excuse in the book to not take the time to spend with the one throwing the banquet? Are you the one in the streets who joyfully accepted the invitation?

Jesus also talks about the cost of being his disciple. Do any of you remember when we talked about the hate your family passage before. What is Jesus really saying? I don't know where some believers have found that it is easy being a follower of Christ. Right here he shares how HARD it really is, because it takes sacrifice of everything we love, in order to be filled with true JOY.

Thoughts??

Luke Chapter Thirteen - 7/29/2008

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Like always, this chapter is so full of great truths and insights into the life and ministry of Jesus.

I hope the story of the woman who was bent over sounded very familiar to you. I love reading this story in the different gospel accounts to get the different perspectives. And how awesome was it when Jesus called the Pharisees out on their hypocrisy. It is so cool how Jesus took their legalism and threw it back in their face. No wonder they wanted to kill Him!

The imagery of the Kingdom intrigues me. What do you think of his mustard seed and yeast comparisons?

The narrow door aways makes me question so many things. What is Jesus really saying? It almost sounds works based....but is it?? I encourage you to read this passage in another translation. The Message really opened my eyes to what Jesus was really saying.

I love the prophesy at the end of the chapter. It is so amazing reading how Jesus was THE Prophet, Priest, and King.

Your thoughts???

Luke Chapter Twelve - July 28, 2008

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Brett is in Pittsburgh for the week, so I (Kelly) will be taking over leading the discussion!

We have a lot of warnings mixed with encouragement in this chapter. I felt so encouraged by Jesus' statements of not to worry. I am one of those people who worry about every little thing. How amazing that God knows my every need, and promises to fulfill it, especially when my eyes are focused on the Kingdom. Jesus also included in this that we should also not store up for ourselves, because we never know when our last moment is - that those stores here on earth are useless to us dead. Do you think that he doesn't want us to store up anything? what about storing the pantry in case of famine? what about savings accounts?? What is the true point of these statements?

As I read, I was feeling very convicted for my actions as a believer. God says that those who receive much, much is expected. I think Jesus was speaking about monetary things, since that statement is surrounded by other money and possessions language. Do you think this may also extend to our gifts and talents? other blessings?

And what are your thoughts of Jesus saying He did not come to bring peace on earth but division? what? i thought he was the prince of peace?? What do you think Jesus meant by this statement?

Luke Chapter Eleven - July 27, 2008

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I love reading Jesus' teaching on prayer here. First He gives us a prayer to repeat, that also doubles as a model for how we should pray, praising God, acknowledging His glory, asking Him for what we need (not what we want), and praising Him again. Then he shares with us that God will not withhold anything that we need when we ask Him for it. It is a great comfort to me to see this.

And does it surprise you that people thought Jesus was using the power of Satan instead of God? He makes a great argument against His using Satan's power to undermine His own work. No kingdom that works against itself can stand. Makes me think, anyway...

And once again, He lets the Pharisees have it with both barrels. As I read through this list, I feel conviction that it is far too easy for me to fall into the trap of acting just like the Pharisees did. Sometimes I can ask too much of others without offering to walk alongside them. There are many times when I become too much like the Pharisees, and I do not like it. I don't want to be on the receiving end of God's wrath.

What about you?

Luke Chapter Ten - July 26, 2008

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This chapter gives us a lot of great insight to how Jesus wants us to spread His message. He sent out those 72 disciples with some great instruction on how to respond to people, especially those who did not want to receive the message of Truth. And then we are told of the Good Samaritan. What better way is there to show God's love than to serve someone who hates you? Remember, the Samaritans and the Jews were bitter enemies, and would typically go out of their way to avoid each other.

And what about Mary and Martha? Does Jesus here say that it is more important to sit at His feet and listen to His teaching than to do anything else in this world?

What do you think about all this?

Luke Chapter Nine - July 25, 2008

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• Herod is perplexed (remember back in Mark?) and wants to see Jesus. Hmm...
• I find it quite interesting that Jesus tells the disciples to give the crowd food in Luke's account. "You give them something to eat."
• Jesus warns the 12 not to tell anyone who He is after they tell Him who they believe He is. Do you suppose that it could be because He does not want them telling people who He is and not telling them the cost of following Him?
• Again, Peter allows his mouth o run away from his brain...
• It interests me to see that the 12 did not understand Jesus and allowed that to keep them from talking to Jesus about it.
• James and John have immense tempers.
• Do any of the excuses at the end of this chapter seem familiar to you? Even though we might not use the dead as an excuse to do something before following Jesus, there are other things that we fall back on far too often.

What did you think?

Luke Chapter Eight - July 24, 2008

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Pretty interesting start to today's reading. Do you notice that Luke mentions many women traveling with Jesus and the Twelve? And that they are supporting Him with their own means? I sometimes wonder if any of the Twelve had wives in this group. Luke doesn't mention them, but that doesn't mean that they weren't there. Hmmm...

So which soil type are you? And are you a lamp on a stand? Do you proclaim the glory of God to all who can see or do you hide your relationship with Him from your friends? And why do you suppose that Jesus seemingly ignored His biological mother and brothers here?

Legion. Hmmm. Probably the most famous demon-possession account. Stop and think for a minute. Why was it important for the demons to command a host body? Why did Jesus make a deal with the demons to send them into the pigs? (remember that pigs were not allowed to be eaten by Jews). Do you suppose that there might have been some fear in the people not only that Jesus was that powerful, but that if He stayed He might ruin the entire town's economy by casting more demons out into other food sources?

She is not dead, but is asleep. I think a lot of us are asleep and need to be woken up by Jesus.

What did you think?

Luke Chapter Seven - July 23, 2008

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Jesus performs some very public healings in this chapter. And contrary to the practice we have seen to this point, He does not tell those He healed to keep quiet. Of course, by this point the cat is out of the bag, so it probably wouldn't have done much good, but it is interesting to see these two instances. Especially since Jesus was amazed at the Roman centurion's faith. Jesus amazed at the faith of a man who is despised by many of the people that Jesus came to save. Hmm...

And what is up with John? Is he just questioning Jesus' identity because he is in jail? He declared to the people that Jesus was the Messiah! Then Jesus takes the opportunity to share with the crowd a little bit about wisdom. Check out Proverbs 1 and 31 for some similar thoughts...

I would probably at times act just like Simon. Sometimes I get caught up in the outer appearance and stop looking to the heart. But those who have been forgiven of much definitely feel a greater weight lifted and are more grateful. How much have you been forgiven of? How much have I been forgiven of?

So what do you think?

Luke Chapter Six - July 22, 2008

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• Those Pharisees are so uptight about the Law. They practice the letter of the law and forget the spirit of the law. I find that I am far too often like the Pharisees here. I am a very justice-oriented person, and sometimes I am blind to what the spirit of a rule or a law really is when dealing with others. Not so much about the Sabbath, but in other areas of life, yes, I am a Pharisee.
• What would it have been like to be in that group of disciples who were called to Jesus in verse 13 who were not picked to be among the 12?
• Some of these blessings and woes sting pretty badly. Even though it is the Truth, I can understand why the religious leaders got so miffed. I know that my first instinct when I am called out on something is usually to balk and defend myself...
• I can think of no finer definition or explanation fr love than what we read in this chapter. I really need to continue to work on this. Especially the mercy part...
• Anyone remember some of these statements from when we talked about them @ WNL this past spring?
• I think that verses 37-42 are quite possibly the most mis-quoted verses in all of Scripture. In today's America we are quick to tell others that they are not supposed to judge us. But we as Christians are supposed to call others' sinful behavior to the light so that it can be corrected and changed. This is not a judgment of the person, merely showing them there is sin that is harmful that they may not see. We also need to be prepared for when others call out sin in our lives, for if we do not then we are ignoring the plank in our own eye, and focusing on someone else's speck.

What did you think?

Luke Chapter Five - July 21, 2008

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I love when Jesus calls Simon. Simon falls to his knees and sees that Jesus is indeed a man with power. He has never met Jesus! And since we already know that Simon is married, do you suppose that Jesus had Simon haul in this large catch (probably the largest of his life) so that his family would be taken care of while Simon was gone? And when Jesus calls Levi, Levi then throws a huge party full of all his friends - tax collectors! Levi's friends were from the same walk of life as he was, and a lot of them probably began following Jesus after this day... but the Pharisees were mad because Jesus was eating with sinners. Man, I think we are more like the Pharisees every day.

I also love that Luke makes it a point to tell us that Jesus often withdrew to solitary places to pray. How often do we do this? Most likely not as often as we should...

Old and new wine skins. I love it.

What did you think?

Luke Chapter Four - July 20, 2008

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It still amazes me every time I read about Jesus' temptation. He was starving, exhausted and spent. He probably had to struggle with incredible hunger pangs just to drive away Satan's first attempt to sway Him. And how does he refuse Satan's temptations? He relies upon Scripture. He has placed His trust completely in the Word of God and uses it to rebuke Satan! Why is this not our first place to turn to in times of temptation? Why is it often not my first place to go in times of trouble? And a special note here, Satan only leaves until another opportune time comes...

Then He journeys back home. Do you think anyone expected to hear those prophetic words come from His mouth? He was merely the son of a carpenter! Here He is telling the people that they are fulfilling the same role to other prophets throughout Israel's history... the role of wrongheadedness. And how exactly did He escape from the mob? Luke simply says He walked through them. Was this a miraculous happening, or was there simply too much confusion going on?

And again we see demons ordered to stay silent about who Jesus is. And see Jesus get away to be alone with God early in the day.

What did this passage make you think about?

Luke Chapter Three - July 19, 2008

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Early on in this chapter we have John preaching a baptism of repentance. He accuses some of the crowd of being a brood of vipers who are seeking to escape the coming wrath. It kind of reminds me of people who respond to an invitation to accept Christ as their savior and Lord solely for the purpose of escaping hell. Their lifestyle does not change, and they do not allow Christ to truly dwell in them and to change them to become more like Him. (Click on the hyperlink above and change the translation to The Message. The language used there is pretty revealing and ma even be easier to catch the thrust with). John is not out to make any friends, and brings up the tree that does not bear fruit analogy. (One that we saw Jesus bring up in Mark). It is pretty impressive that as bold and... harsh as his words are, people from all walks of life are drawn to him and his message. Almost like an ancient street preacher (though different from today's variety). And even though Herod (according to Mark) was intrigued by what John had to say, he still bristled at being called out in his sin and locked John up.

Pay special attention to the genealogy. If you are familiar with the Old Testament narratives at all, there should be a few familiar names in there... and some that would shock you if you knew who they were...

What were your thoughts?

Luke Chapter Two - July 18, 2008

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Today is another very familiar passage. A lot of churches and pastors use this account of Jesus' birth at Christmas every year. In fact, Linus recites this passage in the Charlie Brown Christmas special that runs on ABC most years.

There are just a few things I really wanted to make you think about.

When the shepherds came to see Jesus, Mary treasured what the shepherds said and pondered them in her heart. Just let that one sink in for a bit. She pondered them in her heart. Hmmm...

I want to be like Simeon. Devoted to God, listened to the prompting of the Holy Spirit, and spoke God's words. I especially pay attention to his prophecy to Mary about Jesus. We tend to forget a lot about that part of Jesus' role in the world.

Luke showcased Anna. Not something that was done in first-century literature. Luke puts a woman at the forefront here, and even gives her backstory. And people listened to her! Pretty cool, huh? God chose to use someone who the world did not give any attention to.

Even Mary and Joseph are bewildered at Jesus' comments in the Temple. Hmmm. It is a small comfort to know that even Jesus' parents were confused by what Jesus said at times. But aside from that, can you imagine scolding God incarnate for not following you home?

What are your thoughts?

Luke Chapter One - July 17, 2008

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Luke is probably my favorite account of the Gospel. I studied it a lot in college, and I came to really enjoy Luke's writing style. He likes to focus on women and children, demolishing the "second-class" status that they had in our world in favor of showing them as important to Jesus in the Kingdom.

This is evident from the start. Not only are Mary and Elizabeth featured here, but Mary is visited by an angel, a messenger from God! We see them receive their news. We see them visit together. Mary's song at the joy of her news is included here. It is pretty amazing to see this much time given to women a society such as they were living in.

And Zachariah's story is petty amazing too. He asked God how He could accomplish such a feat, focusing on his own human failings, and God gave him something to remember just how powerful God is. If God would shut my mouth when I question Him I might learn not to.

What did you think?

Mark Chapter Sixteen - July 16, 2008

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And we come to the end of the Gospel of Mark. It seems almost... compressed. God incarnate rises from death, reveals Himself to women and His disciples, gives them a directive to spread His Gospel, and ascends into heaven... all in less verses than any other chapter so far. Wow.

I think that when Jesus tells the women to tell the disciples and Peter that He may be asking them to make a point to let Peter know that He is back from the dead. Peter had to be tortured by guilt over denying that he was one of Christ's disciples. I also find it quite interesting that Mark shows that the first people to encounter Jesus after His resurrection are women, second class citizens in the world at that time. It seems fitting that the two main points before Mark ends his account are this encounter with women, and Jesus' command to the disciples to carry His message to the ends of the earth.

How about you?

Mark Chapter Fifteen - July 15, 2008

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I have read and listened to this passage in all its different accounts for many years. It is so familiar to me that I can almost recite it with my eyes closed instead of reading it. So much pain and suffering is endured in these few short sentences that I am aware of just how broken, sinful and in need of a Savior I truly am. As much as I would like to say I could, the truth is that I could not walk those steps on my own. I have built too many relationships with many close people to give them up for so many people that more than likely hate me or at least do not care about me or my life. How is it that Jesus could do that? Sure, the Sunday School answer is that He is God and He can do anything. But meditate on that. Could you have taken His place if the opportunity presented itself? I would like to say that I would, but the truth is that I probably couldn't.

What about you?

Mark Chapter Fourteen - July 14, 2008

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Today's reading built upon yesterday's service beautifully. To open my Bible and my scheduled reading for the day is about Jesus and His disciple's observation of communion was so powerful. We see many things in this chapter of Mark, many things that I am sure you are familiar with. Communion. Judas' betrayal of Jesus. Jesus praying in Gethsemane. Jesus arrested and tried. Peter denying Jesus three times, as per Jesus' prophecy. It is all familiar.

Yet there are a few things I want to share. What was it that motivated Judas to betray Jesus? Did the encounter with the woman at the beginning of this chapter set the desire into his heart, or was it the last straw for him? Why is it that Mark makes no mention of Judas slipping out between communion and the time of Jesus' arrest? Just who was the man following Jesus who left his clothes behind as Jesus was led away?

I love how Jesus and His 12 sang together after their meal. If anyone needs more reason for us to do the same today (singing together corporately), look no further than this chapter. Jesus Himself did it. I also enjoyed seeing that He confided in the men He took to the Garden with Him about the state of His soul. We do this far too infrequently today. And it comforted me to read once again that Jesus Himself dealt with weakness. But He also desired for God's will to be done and asked that God's will supersede His own. At least twice! How often do I fail at this particular prayer? Way too often.

In today's chapter, we get to see Jesus as a man looking at His own mortality. He has to deal with the fact that very soon, He will die a death of horribly excruciating pain, and not for anything that He did, but for everything that we did and will do. We who are like Peter, running away denying that we even know Jesus. How much God loves us to allow Jesus to do this for us.

What did you think?

Mark Chapter Thirteen - July 13, 2008

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Today there is a lot of Apocalyptic prophecy to be read. And instead of trying to explain it and understand just what the sequence of events will be leading up to the time when Christ comes back (for we cannot understand and know those details), I will merely share two things that strike me in this passage.

One, that Jesus Himself, being a part of the Trinity, does not know when His return will be (verse 32). It makes my head hurt to try to understand this one completely. Even a little understanding is difficult. But it astounds me, confounds me, and causes me to want to watch for Him.

Two, that we should watch for Christ's return no matter what. We cannot predict the day, but we can see the signs. (Though just how long was the generation that Jesus was talking about in verse 30?) Be on the lookout for Jesus. Live your life in order to please Him, aligning yourself with His life, so that when He does return you might share eternity in His presence.

What about you?

Mark Chapter Twelve - July 12, 2008

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Today's reading is once again packed to the gills with great teaching. There are a few that really popped out at me and grabbed me.

The first parable is among my favorites. Not for its violence, but for its teaching. We today are just as guilty as those men from centuries ago that willingly killed the servants and even the vineyard owner's son (yes it is a parable, but bear with me). We today are still trying to take over the vineyard (the earth, even our lives themselves) from the rightful owner, God. But on top of that, the Pharisees who hated Jesus understood clearly just what this parable was about. And it angered them. How often do we get angry with God for not running things the way we would want Him to?

I love how Jesus spoke to the crowd about who the Son of David is, and even though the answer did not really come, the crowd ate it up! The sermon was confusing, the answer did not come, but they loved it! Why do we have to be in search of easy answers and simple solutions when we know that we cannot always receive them? Why can't we be content with sitting at the feet of Jesus and allowing HIM to teach us what HE desires?

I really enjoyed reading about a teacher who did not want to question Jesus in order to trap Him. And not only that but Jesus acknowledged and congratulated him on being wise.

The last thing that really popped at me was Jesus' teaching on marriage. Sure the question was flawed, and it was people asking for an answer that they really didn't want to hear. There is one thing that still puzzles me to this day (an will for probably the rest of my life) about Jesus' teaching on marriage. The original design was for man and woman to be united in marriage, so why here does Jesus state that marriage won't be around? Is it just that it won't be in the form we know it as? Was it just Jesus throwing the Sadducees off their game?

What do you think?

Mark Chapter Eleven - July 11, 2008

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Today's reading has a lot of great, familiar stories for us to read. We have Jesus entering Jerusalem on a donkey, which we always read around Easter and seldom read the rest of the year. We have Jesus clearing the Temple of moneychangers and sellers of goods, which we seem to always use when talking about anger. And we have more confrontations with Pharisees.

• Did you catch that this seems to be the first time that Jesus foretells the immediate future in Mark?
• Did you look at any footnotes to discover what the word Hosanna means? And how it seems clumsy when translated into English and placed in front of the words "in the highest?"
• Why do you suppose Jesus got angry with the people in the Temple and threw them out?

I really enjoy reading the account of the fig tree. There is so much symbolism at play that it is just mind-boggling. Think of the fig tree as the Jewish faith. Jesus comes searching for fruit and finds none (yes it is out of season, but within human life, we are always "in season" to be bearing fruit). So He curses it, and it dies off. Then the disciples see it the next day, withering away, and are amazed. Do you get the message that we should always bear fruit in our lives to show Christ, even when it does not seem to be easy, or comfortable? I think that is a message that we really need to be reminded of all the time.

Then Jesus tells them about prayer. And unfortunately this is a teaching that we tend to twist to fit our own needs. When people are told this passage and do not receive what they asked for, we tend to tell them they did not receive what they asked for because they did not have enough faith. The reality is that God has a plan, and honestly, a lot of the things that we might ask for are either outside of that plan (He uses suffering to show us may things we would not learn otherwise) or are things we do not need to live our live as glorifying examples for Him. I wonder if the disciples ever really got the full symbolism of the fig tree.

I love how Jesus once again trips the Pharisees up, and they realize that they cannot answer without showing that they are wrong. It is too bad that their pride got in the way. I know how hard it is to admit you are wrong. I wrestle with it every day of my life. Sometimes it is a little easier to admit I am wrong, but more often than not I really have to swallow my pride in order to say that someone else is right. Especially when it is someone I am not a fan of. Man. I can really be like a Pharisee.

So what did you think?

Mark Chapter Ten - July 10, 2008

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Wow. There is a lot of ground covered in today's chapter. Did your head feel full after reading? I know that mine did. I didn't know where to start. So after re-reading in another translation, and checking out a few commentaries, I figured I would start at the beginning.

Divorce is such a heavy subject. To quote the current statistics, the divorce rate amongst Christians is just as high as those who do not claim to be Christians. Right around 50% (it might be higher now). And when the Pharisees try to trap Jesus with a legal question, He turns it on them to show that God never intended for divorce to happen. Only human sinfulness created a desire for divorce. Can God forgive those who go through with divorce? Of course! But we should never enter into a marriage with divorce as an option (Pleasepleasepleaseplease hear me on this. I am not a proponent for staying in an abusive marriage. Just note that here I am merely offering my thoughts on Jesus' position of divorce). Unfortunately this word is broken, and there are times when divorce is the only resolution to a marriage gone horribly wrong. (This could be a good reason to not align ourselves with someone who does not follow God, eh)? But God never desired to see it happen according to Jesus. This could be an entire sermon series, but I'll end my thoughts there for today.

Mark liked to point out when Jesus spoke highly of children! Pretty cool that in a culture where children are no more than property, Mark shows Jesus showering them with attention and reverence. Though after the rich man goes away disappointed that Jesus told him to sell all he owns and follow Him to gain eternal life, Jesus calls His disciples children. Was that just a reference to their own stature in the Kingdom (God's children), or was Jesus using that to tell them they were not thinking as they should? Hmmm...

And that rich man, he reminds me of myself at times. Here is a man who has so much and unfortunately is fixated on it so much that it has become an idol to him, getting in the way of his following after Jesus. And though I do not have much by American standards, I have enough that can get in my way. It is a rough reminder to see someone else called to the carpet for their reluctance to give things in their life over to Jesus.

Two last questions to ponder. Why did Jesus not tell Bartimeus that he could not follow Him? He told him to go, but after Bartimeus started following Him He did not tell him to go away.
And two, How do you suppose we twist verses 29-31 to meet our desires?

What do you think?

Mark Chapter Nine - July 9, 2008

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Today's chapter is full of confusing items. From Jesus telling His disciples some of them would not die before seeing the Kingdom of God come with power, to Jesus telling His disciples to keep their mouths shut about the Transfiguration, to the followers being told it is better to mutilate themselves than to sin. But are they really all that confusing?

The Kingdom of God that Jesus is talking about is not a city, but God establishing His rule. A favorite expression amongst Bible scholars when they talk about this Kingdom is "already but not yet." This essentially means that the Kingdom is already here, but not completely. Jesus coming to earth set up the Kingdom to be here, but God has not finished that work yet. So was Jesus referring to a specific act, or was He just talking about His ministry?

I find it quite interesting that Jesus told His disciples not to tell anyone about the Transfiguration. But I find it even more intriguing that He put a time table on it. It was widely believed within Jewish circles that Elijah would come back from before the Messiah would come. Elijah comes first, then the Messiah. To which Jesus tells His disciples essentially "He was already here" and hints at the idea that Elijah is not going to come back. Is Mark missing something here, or are the ideas of Revelation taking place in the modern day, and one of the prophets being Isaiah just wrong? And with Elijah appearing there, could this possibly be a sign of the Kingdom that Jesus just referred to before this section was nearly here? Hmm...

I love when Jesus uses hyperbole to talk to His disciples. I also love that He took the time to state that children are indeed important and they need to be given time and attention as well. (That does not mean that they are always right, but we do need to listen for them). And to lead a child astray, whew. As a youth pastor that passage has sat with me for a long time, and it does not get any easier to read it now. Have I been responsible for teens going astray? Have I led youth down paths that they were not supposed to go down? Has my teaching been incompatible with Scripture? I really have to watch for these things as I walk on my Journey with Christ.

So what did you think?

Mark Chapter Eight - July 8, 2008

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It really kind of stuns me that the disciples not long before what took place in today's reading, witnessed Jesus feeding 5,000 men (plus the unaccounted for women and children), and not one of them seems to remember that when this new crowd of 4,000 (and more) shows up and needs fed with seven loaves of bread and a few fish. Did they so easily forget, or did they think that was a one-time deal? And then Pharisees show up on the scene and start demanding a miraculous sign and Jesus says nope. No one in your generation will see one. It makes me think of us today. How often do we demand that God show us some miracle so that we can believe in Him? Is it not enough to look at creation, or basic human development to see miracles? Why do we need to see a "sign" in order to know that we can have hope in God?

Again Jesus tells someone He has healed not to tell anyone. Why so? And why was it that the healing of this man's sight was more of process than an at once healing? Is there any significance in the man's life, or was this just part of God's plan for the healing be a process for reasons we can never fully comprehend?

And finally we come to Peter. He is probably my favorite of the Twelve, in part because I find that I relate to him the most frequently. He tends to run off at the mouth a lot, and does not normally hold his tongue. He likes to leap before he looks. And here he is, rebuking (reprimanding or criticizing sharply) GOD! Can you imagine? Peter is trying to tell God Himself that He is wrong! I do find it interesting that Jesus does not begin to tell His disciples about His plan for death until after they have stated who He is.

So what did you think?

Mark Chapter Seven - July 7, 2008

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Here come the Pharisees again! Armed with their accusations, and searching eyes, backed up by their cold and hardened hearts. They again search for a way to trip Jesus up, calling upon an ancient tradition that they not only taught but practiced themselves. Washing their hands before they eat (yes, I make it seem less significant with this sentence, and there was a lot more ceremony to it than we observe). Does this not seem like a small thing to argue over? Something to nitpick and niggle about? I mean, here you are a leader in the religious world, the equivalent of a successful preacher and a bit of a rock star, and you have to pick fights over small infractions against the Law like this? Wow. How often do we lose sight of what God wants, and try to enforce our own rules on those around us? How many times have we started a sentence with "The Bible says..." only to look back and discover that we were only using that to convey our own feelings and ideas? How guilty of this am I?

(Just a side note, Jesus here is discussing clean and unclean food according to Hebrew dietary restrictions. Don't make the mistake of using this to support your consumption of media that is not honoring to God).

Also today, a very confusing passage at first reading. What in the world were the Syrophonecian woman and Jesus talking about? Dogs and bread to have her daughter healed? Remember that the Gospel came first to the Jews and then to the Gentiles. Jesus was a Jew, this woman was a Gentile. Now why do you suppose this conversation took place and why it had the affect that we read about?

So what are your thoughts?

Mark Chapter Six - July 6, 2008

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Whew. Today's chapter was a long one. There was a lot of stuff that went on, and I don't know about you, but I really found myself immersed in this reading. There was so much that seemed new and fresh. Events and occurrences that I realize I spend far too little time thinking about.

For instance, when Jesus tells his disciples to shake the dust from their sandals of unwelcoming houses, I hear this passage thrown about heavily for anyone who does not line up with our interpretations of Scripture, or of Christianity, or of how to live a morally upright life period! But we live with these people in community. The people Jesus was referring to were individuals that the disciples did not live with. How often can we twist this Scripture to meet our needs instead of working through problems with others we disagree with? I am not saying that it does not apply, but I think we may be a bit too quick to hop onto this passage to defend our behavior instead of allowing it to guide and inform our behavior.

Also, I tend to forget that though Herod was perplexed by what he heard when John the Baptist spoke (did he travel down to the Jordan to hear or was this what he heard while holding John in prison?), he enjoyed hearing John speak. Wow. Even though it was tough for him to hear, he still wanted to listen. Do you suppose that there might be a deeper reasoning to the beheading than what we see at face value?

Jesus' compassion towards he people, and His power over something as simple as bread and fish. The passage says there were 5,000 men there. But how many more were women and children? And the disciples still gathered 12 baskets of leftovers? Wow. No matter how many times I read or hear this, it never gets old.

So what did you think?

Mark Chapter Five - July 5, 2008

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Again Jesus encounters demons possessing humans. It is sometimes astounding just how prevalent demon possession was around the first century. I have heard reports of it in some third-world countries, but not often here in America. I wonder, have we so fully jumped into our selfish, consumeristic lifestyles that Satan does not need to have demons possess us in order to prevent us from coming together with God? Just a thought. Anyhoo, Jesus here casts out many demons from one man. I have read this account many, many times in my life, and I still cannot get my brain to wrap around just how the people of that community responded to Him and His miracle. Sure, their economy took a serious nose-dive by losing that many pigs I am sure, but think of the man who was healed! Were they like us and too wrapped up in their own lives to see who God is?

And Jesus creates an evangelist here who will carry His message to the community that He has been asked to leave. Jesus changed one man's life and then used that man to (quite possibly) change a whole community. Hmmm...

Jairus is another very familiar passage for me. He had faith, as a synagogue ruler, to break from what many of the rest of Israel's religious leaders were doing, and came to Jesus for help for his daughter. And then Jesus again tells Jairus and his wife not to tell anyone about what happened! I wonder what those next few days would have been like. Was Jairus reprimanded for reaching out to the rebel Jesus? How did he and his wife explain their daughter's healing?

What do you think?

Mark Chapter Four - July 4, 2008

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Three things leaped out to me about Jesus while I was reading today's passage. The first was Jesus' teaching style. As we read through Scripture together we will find that Jesus loved to use parables when He shared Truth with a crowd. But when He was alone with the 12 Apostles, He would open up and speak plainly so that they would understand better. Do you suppose this is because they would be entrusted with continuing to teach after Jesus was done with His physical earthly ministry? I do believe that He was cryptic in the large group settings so that those who really desired to know would search for the answers, almost like a test. Those with ears to hear would hear, and those who did not desire to hear simply would not.

The second thing that really popped out at me was all of the parable to teach about the Kingdom of God. This is the one thing that Jesus is recorded to have taught about more than anything else. (Don't believe me? Take notes and compare when the Journey wraps up). And He nearly always uses parables to teach about it. Heavy stuff.

The third thing that struck me was Jesus' power. Here He is, exhausted enough to sleep through an immense storm, He is roused from His slumber, with 3 words calms the storm (and freaks His disciples out), and then asks them why they were so afraid. I can only imagine what my response would have been like were I one of the 12 that time around.

What do you think?

Mark Chapter Three - July 3, 2008

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Again we cruise along at a breakneck pace. In the span of 35 verses we continue the discussion about Jesus being the Lord of the Sabbath, the Pharisees plot to kill Him, demons are cast out of people, Jesus appoints 12 men to serve as Apostles, He is accused of being the Devil, His family claims He is losing His mind, and He then seemingly ignores His family. Whew, what a lot of stuff for one chapter.

I was really struck by Jesus' anger and frustration over the hard hearts of the Pharisees. Here is Jesus, serving God by healing on the Sabbath, and they are so caught up in their hunger to control the religion that they want to see Jesus done away with. And even when they realize that He is right, it just makes them want Him gone even more! And Here is Jesus, giving them an opportunity to side with Him, and they refuse. It is no wonder that He was distressed and angry with them. I wonder how many times in a day I do that to Him?

I also had to chuckle at Jesus' own family claiming that He was getting carried away (read verses 20-30 in a couple of different translations, like The Message, the NIV and the NASB. Go ahead, I'll wait) and might be going crazy. Think about it. You believe that this man is God, yet you think He might be going too far? I think that we all tend to do that today, questioning God's wisdom all the time, assuming that ours is better. And again He tells the demons to stay silent about who He is. Hmmm..

What are your thoughts on today's passage?

Mark Chapter Two - July 2, 2008

Read Today's Passage

I feel as if we are just cruising along with Jesus. It's like a fast-paced novel or movie where we come into the action somewhere in the middle. And Mark is not slow to show that Jesus and the Pharisees disagreed on many things (who do you think was right?) and those confrontations were typically public. There are many things that this passage sparks in my mind, especially the talk about the old and new wine skins. How indeed could the disciples be fasting, awaiting the Messiah, their Savior, when He was already there? Sure, we are all encouraged to fast elsewhere as a means of dedicating that time we would normally be eating to spending with God, but HE WAS ALREADY THERE! Man those Pharisees were afraid of Jesus wresting power from them. I am noticing a trend with the Pharisees...

And the argument (was it really an argument if Jesus' words just flat-out silenced the Pharisees?) over the forgiveness of sins versus simply healing the man. I know that at this point the Pharisees are at best afraid that Jesus is who He says He is, and at worse they believe Him to be a liar, but if I were in their position and I saw someone healing and forgiving sins, I wonder if I would react the same way. I probably would today, since Jesus was already here, but how would I have reacted then, after years of awaiting the Messiah? Would I have the same attitude toward sinners? Would I look down my nose at them? How many times have I placed incredibly high expectations on people who do not know Christ, or have just come to know Him? Expectations that cannot be met by this person and then I look down upon them? I shudder as I think through just how much I can be like the Pharisees from 2,000 years ago.

Make sure you read a couple of different translations for today's passage, especially the sections of fasting and the Sabbath. You might be surprised at how they share the same thing, just phrased a little bit differently.

So share with us what you think about today's reading...

Mark Chapter One - July 1, 2008

Read Today's Passage

I find in my reading that Mark is very dry. I read the chapter and find that I yearn to know more details about what is happening. Did Jesus say anything to James and John beyond what we read here? What else does he say to Simon? And what about Simon's family? He has a mother-in-law, so obviously he is married (or was). Does he have children? Other in-laws? What is it that motivates Jesus to be baptized by John? Mark chooses to be pretty straightforward with his presentation of the Gospel. He gives us the larger picture, but so far is not diving into what happens in the human heart, or what is going on in Jesus' mind.

There are a few things that really struck me as I read. First, John's quoting of Isaiah 40.3 (in verse 2), giving Israel hope in their Messiah. Is this what might have attracted so many people to come to John for baptism? I mean, today we have to search for people who want to hear the Gospel far more often than we have people come to us. Is it something in our lifestyle that makes people not come to us looking for God?

Simon, Andrew, James and John all willingly left their jobs to follow a man they had more than likely never met or heard of before. How crazy is that? Would any of us do that today if Jesus showed up?

Was Jesus keeping demons from saying who He was simply because of what we see at the end of the chapter, or is there more to it?

Those are my thoughts. What are yours?

How Do I Take Part in the Challenge?

It's simple. Read. But to get more out of your reading, try journaling your thoughts. Any questions you have about the passage, insights that God gives you through your reading, things that you never thought about before and any other things that come to mind.

Also, at the conclusion of this challenge there will be a reward for the teen (or teens) who stick it out and make it the whole way through the challenge. No details about what this reward will be yet (but I do have it in mind... just keeping it a secret), but to be eligible for it, you will need to journal your experience.

Remember one thing. When journaling, you don't have to write a whole lot. It might be just one sentence on one day, and a page the next. Don't get caught up in counting words. Just write what the Spirit tells you to.

A Quick Tutorial

Over the course of this challenge, each post will house a link into that day's Scripture reading at biblegateway.com. There are a few fun things that you can play with at Bible Gateway, and I wanted to take a post to share them with you. When you click on that day's link, you will see a screen similar to this one:


It will already have the passage set up for you to read in the NIV translation. If you want to read another translation, simply use the drop down icon in the box beside the UPDATE button to select a different translation and click UPDATE.


There are several different options to choose from, including (but not limited to) NIV, NLT, NASB, KJV NKJV, ESV, CEV, The Message, NCV and more. Feel free to use more than one translation as it will enrich your reading experience greatly. Additionally, you can utilize a commentary on the selected passage by clicking on the button circled in the picture below.


You can also have the passage read to you by using the audio bible button:


So there you go. There are more bells and whistles, but I'll let you discover those on your own.

Check Out the Reading Schedule

Here it is, make sure to follow it... (click on the image to enlarge it)

Welcome

This blog is designed to be a resource to you as you journey alongside us with Jesus in your reading. Each day will bring a new post from Pastor Brett as he journeys as well. You can expect thoughts from his reading, questions to help guide your own reading, and some encouragement as well.