Read Today's Passage
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?
Monday, August 11, 2008
Sunday, August 10, 2008
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.
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?
Saturday, August 9, 2008
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...
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...
Monday, August 4, 2008
Luke Chapter Nineteen - August 4, 2008
Read Today's Passage
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?
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?
Sunday, August 3, 2008
Luke Chapter Eighteen - August 3, 2008
Read Passage Here
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?
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?
Saturday, August 2, 2008
Luke Chapter Seventeen - August 2, 2008
Read Passage Here
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?
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?
Friday, August 1, 2008
Luke Chapter Sixteen - August 1, 2008
Read Passage Here
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!
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!
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