John 4: 7-14 the Woman of Samaria

There came a woman of Samaria to draw water. Jesus *said to her, “Give Me a drink.” For His disciples had gone away into the city to buy food. Therefore the Samaritan woman said to Him, “How is it that You, being a Jew, ask me for a drink since I am a Samaritan woman?” (For Jews have no dealings with Samaritans.) Jesus answered and said to her, “If you knew the gift of God, and who it is who says to you, ‘Give Me a drink,’ you would have asked Him, and He would have given you living water.” She *said to Him, “Sir, You have nothing to draw with and the well is deep; where then do You get that living water? You are not greater than our father Jacob, are You, who gave us the well, and drank of it himself and his sons and his cattle?” Jesus answered and said to her, “Everyone who drinks of this water will thirst again; but whoever drinks of the water that I will give him shall never thirst; but the water that I will give him will become in him a well of water springing up to eternal life.”

Most Christians understand that the Samaritans were a reproach to the Jews. The reason is that in former years, when the Jews were divided between the Kingdom of Israel and the Kingdom of Judah, Samaria was the capitol city of Israel. After they were defeated by Assyria the Israelites of the north scattered, and many married pagan men or women. For this reason, they were considered to be only a mixed Jewish race. In this story, Jesus isolates this Samaritan woman from even his own disciples, knowing that they would not welcome her. But he comes to her for the purpose of bringing salvation to this fragmented people. He does this by using something she is familiar with which is the well for water. He explains to her that just as that water brings temporal life, He, the Jewish Messiah, can bring everlasting life. Life is found in its source and Jesus is the only source God has provided for deliverance of his people.

Daily Prayer: Father, I understand that life is found in the Son alone and that apart from him there is no life, only spiritual and physical death. Yet today, many don't seem to get it. I have placed myself as your witness to the world who needs to know. By your Spirit, let my words fall on ears who understand and are changed as a result of your word and promises for believers. In Jesus name and for his sake I pray Amen.

John 3: 1-6 Being born of the spirit.

Now there was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews; this man came to Jesus by night and said to Him, “Rabbi, we know that You have come from Godas a teacher; for no one can do these⁾signs that You do unless God is with him.” Jesus answered and said to him,” Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.”

Nicodemus said to Him, “How can a man be born when he is old? He cannot enter a second time into his mother’s womb and be born, can he?” Jesus answered, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.

Whenever you hear a Christian speak of being "born again," they speak this way because it is the teaching of Jesus. Their are other expressions that mean the same thing. For example, if a person is "regenerated," he is born again. The same is true for "transformation." In each of these cases, it is a birth of the inner man and not the physical person. It is a new ability to discern the teaching of God that a person is not born with as an infant. This regeneration means simply that the Christian is now indwelt with the Holy Spirit of God and this is why it is required to inherit eternal life.

John 1: 1-5, 14, 16-17 the Word became flesh and dwelt among us.

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things came into being through Him, and apart from Him nothing came into being that has come into being. In Him was life, and the life was the Light of men. The Light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it. And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we saw His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth. For of His fullness we have all received, and grace upon grace. For the Law was given through Moses; grace and truth were realized through Jesus Christ. No one has seen God at any time; the only begotten God who is in the bosom of the Father, He has explained Him.

The prologue to the Gospel of John is a summary of the theology surrounding the Christian faith. We believe that Jesus Christ is the incarnate Word of God. Jesus came into the world that is under Satanic domination and these unregenerate man will not understand the Word of God taking on flesh to be with us. It is also a contrast, not only of Satanic power verses the Word of God, but it is a contrast of how people are to live in light of this new revelation. Previously the people of God only understood the Law as presented by Moses. Now, One who is Greater than Moses is here and He represents grace and truth. By grace we are saved by faith and not by works, because forgiveness is an act of God and not from natural man and nobody except God and the Son are to be credited for this.

Daily Prayer: The gospel, the Good News, is now available to me and to all who come to Jesus Christ recognizing Him as the Eternal Son of God who came to take away the sin of the World. God so loved the world that He gave his only Begotten Son, so that whoever believes in Him shall inherit Eternal Life. In Jesus name I pray Amen.

Luke 24: 13-35 On the Road to Emmaus Jesus appears

And behold, two of them were going that very day to a village named Emmaus, which was about seven miles from Jerusalem. And they were talking with each other about all these things which had taken place. While they were talking and discussing, Jesus Himself approached and began traveling with them. But their eyes were prevented from recognizing Him. And He said to them, “What are these words that you are exchanging with one another as you are walking?” And they stood still, looking sad. One of them, named Cleopas, answered and said to Him, “Are You the only one visiting Jerusalem and unaware of the things which have happened here in these days?” And He said to them, “What things?” And they said to Him, “The things about Jesus the Nazarene, who was a prophet mighty in deed and word in the sight of God and all the people, and how the chief priests and our rulers delivered Him to the sentence of death, and crucified Him. Was it not necessary for the Christ to suffer these things and to enter into His glory?” Then beginning with Moses and with all the prophets, He explained to them the things concerning Himself in all the Scriptures. And they got up that very hour and returned to Jerusalem, and found gathered together the eleven and those who were with them, saying, “The Lord has really risen and has appeared to Simon.” They began to relate their experiences on the road and how He was recognized by them in the breaking of the bread.

It is not uncommon for Jesus to visit his people, but blind them from recognizing him so that he might test them. It happened at the Sea of Galilee, at the empty tomb, and even in our life time, Jesus comes to test our faith. Jesus is the Living Lord, and all that we need to know about him is found in the Holy Scriptures. This was the setting in this reading. They witnessed Jesus' crucifixion and death, but they ignored the word that said he would be resurrected. Their faith was shallow and skewed by their physical witness. Some people still do not recognize Jesus, but how do you account for his living testimony in each of our lives?

Daily Prayer: You are indeed the Risen Lord. You appear to me and all who have eyes in their hearts to see. It is the natural man who is blind, because all who have spiritual eyes see you working in their lives every day. Glory be to you Amen.

Luke 20: 34 - 38 Life after death

Jesus said to them, “The sons of this age marry and are given in marriage, but those who are considered worthy to attain to that age and the resurrection from the dead, neither marry nor are given in marriage; for they cannot even die anymore, because they are like angels, and are sons of God, being sons of the resurrection. But that the dead are raised, even Moses showed, in the passage about the burning bush, where he calls the Lord THE GOD OF ABRAHAM, AND THE GOD OF ISAAC, AND THE GOD OF JACOB. Now He is not the God of the dead but of the living; for all live to Him.”

We tend to think of our lives after our physical death as being a continuation of the same life we had previously. We often times see a mother taking her children to church and a father staying home. Or we see mom and dad going for worship and the children do not follow. Be aware that just as our bodies represent the physical life God has given us, through the new life offered through the Cross at Calvary, now men and women can join their Creator and Savior for eternal life within the twinkling of an eye from the time of their last breath. But nobody comes as a married man or woman when they enter eternity. Instead, each is a separate life which is hidden in Christ saved by his very blood. Do not rely upon the faith of your spouse or parents. Instead call on the name of Jesus Christ and you will be saved.

Daily Prayer: Father, I thank you for choosing me for salvation. Draw near to my children so that they are insured eternal life with you. People don't understand the tragedy of separation from you. Bring this realty into light so that we fear you and trust you with our lives. In Jesus name I pray Amen.

Luke 18: 1-8 Parables on prayer

Now He was telling them a parable to show that at all times they ought to pray and not to lose heart, saying, “In a certain city there was a judge who did not fear God and did not respect man. There was a widow in that city, and she kept coming to him, saying, ‘Give me legal protection from my opponent.’ For a while he was unwilling; but afterward he said to himself, ‘Even though I do not fear God nor respect man, yet because this widow bothers me, I will give her legal protection, otherwise by continually coming she will wear me out.’” And the Lord said, “Hear what the unrighteous judge said; now, will not God bring about justice for His elect who cry to Him day and night, and will He delay long over them? I tell you that He will bring about justice for them quickly. However, when the Son of Man comes, will He find faith on the earth?”

This is a tale of contrasts. Jesus often compares the resources of the Child of God with those who are of this world (a child of Satan). He also compares the poor (the widow) with the elect. Jesus gives credit to those who do not belong to God when they show craftiness or perseverance in this world. In the same way, if the Chosen were to live with the same zeal, life would be a breeze for them, because they petition to an all powerful and sovereign Father. Our lesson is that we should strive to have our concerns heard by the Ultimate Just Judge in the Father.

Daily Prayer: Father, it is strange that a disciple of Jesus Christ should be found saying, Teach me how to pray." A child never asks his parent for instructions on how to speak. Speaking with earnest desire is what prayer is. Let us not stray from this daily need in our life. Satan does not want us to pray or feel that we will be heard, but rebuke Satan in the name of Jesus Christ, my Lord and Savior. In his holy name I pray Amen.

Luke 16: 19-25 the Richman and Lazarus

“Now there was a rich man, and he habitually dressed in purple and fine linen, joyously living in splendor every day. And a poor man named Lazarus was laid at his gate, covered with sores, and longing to be fed with the crumbs which were falling from the rich man’s table; besides, even the dogs were coming and licking his sores. Now the poor man died and was carried away by the angels to Abraham’s bosom; and the rich man also died and was buried. In Hades he lifted up his eyes, being in torment, and saw Abraham far away and Lazarus in his bosom. And he cried out and said, ‘Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus so that he may dip the tip of his finger in water and cool off my tongue, for I am in agony in this flame.’ But Abraham said, ‘Child, remember that during your life you received your good things, and likewise Lazarus bad things; but now he is being comforted here, and you are in agony.

Jesus continues to give illustrations concerning the Kingdom of Heaven. In this section it points to the source for hope for those who live marginal lives. It shows that from a kingdom standpoint, those who are last will be first, and those who are first will be last. Living a life of honor and riches before men does not honor God. God considers the wealth in this age to be a full reward for such persons. Those who honor God and sacrifice for him in this life will be rewarded richly in the eternal life. In the story of the Rich man and Lazarus, the Rich man begs that someone be sent to warn his family about the penalties of the after-life for those who don't honor God. But Abraham says if they don't honor the prophets and even One who has risen from the dead, then who can be sent?

Daily Prayer: Father, I thank you for your wisdom for revealing the truth to those who are marginal in the world. It gives hope for us to know that you have neither forgotten us or abandoned us. Instead, give us this day our daily bread and be satisfied and grateful for that. In your holy name I pray Amen.

Luke 15: 4, 8-9,11-13, 21-22 the lost sheep, the lost coin, the lost son.

“What man among you, if he has a hundred sheep and has lost one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the open pasture and go after the one which is lost until he finds it? “Or what woman, if she has ten silver coins and loses one coin, does not light a lamp and sweep the house and search carefully until she finds it? When she has found it, she calls together her friends and neighbors, saying, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found the coin which I had lost!’ And He said, “A man had two sons. The younger of them said to his father, ‘Father, give me the share of the estate that falls to me.’ So he divided his wealth between them. And not many days later, the younger son gathered everything together and went on a journey into a distant country, and there he squandered his estate with loose living. And the son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and in your sight; I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’ But the father said to his slaves, ‘Quickly bring out the best robe and put it on him, and put a ring on his hand and sandals on his feet.

This is a high point in Jesus' teaching. He compares things that are valuable to the people of his day. Many herded sheep, so he knows that they understand the value of finding a single lost sheep. Widows were the poorest in Palestine, so people understood the value of finding a lost coin. Much greater is finding a lost son. Even though the son is a prodigal son, reconciliation is everything to the heart of Father God. That's who the father in this story is. That is why he sent his only son, so that he can do his father's will by reconciling the lost sons of the world to himself.

Daily Prayer: Father, we are always in rebellion against you by what we do and also by what we fail to do. Reconcile us to yourself through the blood of Jesus so that we can come into fellowship with you and be recipients of your grace and love. In your holy name I pray Amen.

Luke 13: 22 - 27 Christ divides men

And He was passing through from one city and village to another, teaching, and proceeding on His way to Jerusalem. And someone said to Him, “Lord, are there just a few who are being saved?” And He said to them, “Strive to enter through the narrow door; for many, I tell you, will seek to enter and will not be able. Once the head of the house gets up and shuts the door, and you begin to stand outside and knock on the door, saying, ‘Lord, open up to us!’ then He will answer and say to you, ‘I do not know where you are from.’ Then you will begin to say, ‘We ate and drank in Your presence, and You taught in our streets’; and He will say, ‘I tell you, I do not know where you are from; DEPART FROM ME, ALL YOU EVILDOERS.’

Self righteousness is the worst trap men and women face. It is far better to be known as a sinner in need of a Savior, than to presume innocence when you are clouded in darkness and deceit. Ever since Jesus Christ was crucified, died, and was risen from the dead to ascend to heaven, we have been living in the period known as "the age of grace." In this time, salvation is found in trust in Jesus Christ alone and his finished work on the cross for one's salvation. Apart from trust in Christ alone, there is no salvation, only separation from God forever. It would seem that this is the easiest time in history to be put in right standing before God, but people still insist that their actions are not all that bad. To those who presume innocence, they will surely be saved, but to those who admit their guilt before the Judge, he will cover their sins with his very blood.

Daily Prayer: Father, forgive us because we know not what we are doing. So often we try to please you with our behavior. On our best day, however, we are sinners saved by grace. Through our life, we cannot please you, so that God for the gift of the son, who through his work reconciles all who trust in him to you. In Jesus name I pray Amen.

Luke 12: 1 - 5 There is nothing hidden from God

Under these circumstances, after so many thousands of people had gathered together that they were stepping on one another, He began saying to His disciples first of all, “Beware of the leaven of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy. But there is nothing covered up that will not be revealed, and hidden that will not be known. Accordingly, whatever you have said in the dark will be heard in the light, and what you have whispered in the inner rooms will be proclaimed upon the housetops. “I say to you, My friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body and after that have no more that they can do. But I will warn you whom to fear: fear the One who, after He has killed, has authority to cast into hell; yes, I tell you, fear Him!

One of the problems we have in controlling our sin problem is that we convince ourselves that if something is done privately, nobody will ever know. This is the biggest deception Satan has accomplished. God always knows the deeds of your hands and the condition of your heart. Christians also have a misunderstanding concerning the fear of God. The grave misunderstanding is that they believe that fear and reverence are the same. Jesus exhorts us in this reading that we should have fear and trembling for the one who can judge your deeds and cast your soul into Hell! Just as Mount Sinai quaked before the Israelites with the giving of the Law, so will Mount Zion quake for those who have not taken refuge in Jesus Christ our Savior.

Daily Prayer: Father, teach me to fear you as I ought to. Never let me consider in my mind that if I sin, that you will not act or care. You always act and care. Keep me from temptation and deliver me from evil. In Jesus name I pray Amen.

Luke 10: 25-29 Who is my neighbor?

And a lawyer stood up and put Him to the test, saying, “Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?” And He said to him, “What is written in the Law? How does it read to you?” And he answered, “YOU SHALL LOVE THE LORD YOUR GOD WITH ALL YOUR HEART, AND WITH ALL YOUR SOUL, AND WITH ALL YOUR STRENGTH, AND WITH ALL YOUR MIND; AND YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF.” And He said to him, “You have answered correctly; DO THIS AND YOU WILL LIVE.” But wishing to justify himself, he said to Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?”

The question, "Who is my neighbor?" is the grounds for all evangelism and causes us to look again at the role of works in our salvation. Jesus answered the question by giving an example of the good Samaritan. He says that a man had been robbed and left to die. When the "so called" religious leaders came by they did not stop and help the man. When a Samaritan who was despised by society came by, he helped the man to be restored at his own expense and asked nothing in return. The Samaritan was the one who treated this stranger as a neighbor and loved him in the same way he loved himself. It is as James said, "What good is it to tell someone who is cold and hungry to be worm and be full, without making provision for them? Works cannot bring about salvation, because it takes the forgiveness of our Savior for that, but works are an outward sign of an inward change brought about by our salvation.

Daily Prayer: Father, let me live out my salvation in Christ. Apart from Christ, I can do nothing, but with Christ's help, there is nothing that I cannot do. Let this be according to your will. In Jesus name and for his sake I pray Amen.

Luke 7: 36-39 the relationship between love & forgiveness

Now one of the Pharisees was requesting Him to dine with him, and He entered the Pharisee’s house and reclined at the table. And there was a woman in the city who was a sinner; and when she learned that He was reclining at the table in the Pharisee’s house, she brought an alabaster vial of perfume, and standing behind Him at His feet, weeping, she began to wet His feet with her tears, and kept wiping them with the hair of her head, and kissing His feet and anointing them with the perfume. Now when the Pharisee who had invited Him saw this, he said to himself, “If this man were a prophet He would know who and what sort of person this woman is who is touching Him, that she is a sinner.”

In the Bible, we see patterns of behavior so that we might learn from them. In this lesson, Jesus is dining with a Pharisee who is a religious leader. A woman who is a labeled sinner in the community (maybe a harlot) comes to Jesus to worship him with her body. The Pharisee is surprised that someone of Jesus stature would permit it. Jesus proceeds with a parable to teach what the kingdom of heaven is like. He tells the story of the two debtors in which one man is forgiven much, and another little. So he questions his host, "If one is forgiven much and the other little, which of them does he love more?" So his host replies, "The one he forgave the most." This is quite right and Jesus gives a learning lesson by forgiving all of the sins of the woman which were many, because her love and faith has saved her.

Daily Prayer: Jesus said at the cross, "Father forgive them, because they know not what they are doing." The Son of Man did not come into the world to condemn it, but to forgive it. Great is the love of my Father and my Savior. Father, do not permit my heart to be hard, but instead, allow me to freely extend forgiveness, just as you have done for me. In Jesus name I pray Amen.

Luke 7: 2-9 Jesus heals a centurion's servant

And a centurion’s slave, who was highly regarded by him, was sick and about to die. When he heard about Jesus, he sent some Jewish elders asking Him to come and save the life of his slave. When they came to Jesus, they earnestly implored Him, saying, “He is worthy for You to grant this to him; for he loves our nation and it was he who built us our synagogue.” Now Jesus started on His way with them; and when He was not far from the house, the centurion sent friends, saying to Him, “Lord, do not trouble Yourself further, for I am not worthy for You to come under my roof; for this reason I did not even consider myself worthy to come to You, but just say the word, and my servant will be healed. For I also am a man placed under authority, with soldiers under me; and I say to this one, ‘Go!’ and he goes, and to another, ‘Come!’ and he comes, and to my slave, ‘Do this!’ and he does it.” Now when Jesus heard this, He marveled at him, and turned and said to the crowd that was following Him, “I say to you, not even in Israel have I found such great faith.”

Throughout the New Testament, we see repeated signs of gentiles being found with great faith. Although Jesus was sent to the House of Israel, when he came to his own people, they did not receive him. When he was among the gentiles, they came to him as unworthy of him, seeking his mercy on them. Jesus was free to do signs and wonders among them, because they were found to have faith, and that's what is needed to please God.

Daily Prayer: Father, I thank you for the faith you have given me. Do not withhold faith from others in my household. Draw near to them, because unless you do, they may not know you and love you. I praise your name and the name of your son for all that you have done and for all the plans you have for me. In Jesus name I pray Amen.

Luke 6: 1-5 , 10-11 Jesus is Lord of the Sabbath

Now it happened that He was passing through some grain fields on a Sabbath; and His disciples were picking the heads of grain, rubbing them in their hands, and eating the grain. But some of the Pharisees said, “Why do you do what is not lawful on the Sabbath?” And Jesus answering them said, “Have you not even read what David did when he was hungry, he and those who were with him, how he entered the house of God, and took and ate the consecrated bread which is not lawful for any to eat except the priests alone, and gave it to his companions?” And He was saying to them, “The Son of Man is Lord of the Sabbath.” And Jesus said to them, “I ask you, is it lawful to do good or to do harm on the Sabbath, to save a life or to destroy it?” After looking around at them all, He said to him, “Stretch out your hand!” And he did so; and his hand was restored. But they themselves were filled with rage, and discussed together what they might do to Jesus.

The Gospel of Luke is filled with times where Jesus is healing on the Sabbath. The central theme in Luke is that Jesus is Lord of the Sabbath. Jesus explains that the Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath. The religious leaders were angered at these words, because they were trying to please God by being legalistic. But one cannot please God in the flesh, because God is spirit. To reach Gods tender side, one needs to come to him in spirit and in truth. To love the father, you must also love the son whom he sent.

Daily Prayer: Father, let me learn to imitate you in my life. Just as a boy imitates his father and grows up to be a man, let me imitate my father and grow up mature in my faith. In Jesus name I pray Amen.

Luke 2: 25, 32-35 in Jesus there is salvation

And there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon; and this man was righteous and devout, looking for the consolation of Israel; and the Holy Spirit was upon him. And His father and mother were amazed at the things which were being said about Him. And Simeon blessed them and said to Mary His mother, “Behold, this Child is appointed for the fall and rise of many in Israel, and for a sign to be opposed— and a sword will pierce even your own soul—to the end that thoughts from many hearts may be revealed.”

Simeon was faithfully seeking the consolation of Israel in the promised Messiah. It was because of his faith that the Christ was revealed to him through the Holy Spirit. Simeon spoke to Mary and Jusepph as their son being "a light to the gentiles, and the glory of the people Israel." He also understood that this world is under the power of Satan and that he would be opposed. That is why Jesus said in his trials that my kingdom is not of this world. The mission that his father gave him was clear, which was to be the source of salvation to all who come to him by faith, just as Simeon had done.

Daily Prayer: Father forgive us our sins, and set us back on the path of faith so that we can come to Jesus and know him as our personal Savior. In Jesus name I pray Amen.

Mark 14: 32-36 Jesus in Gethsemane

They *came to a place named Gethsemane; and He said to His disciples, “Sit here until I have prayed.” And He *took with Him Peter and James and John, and began to be very distressed and troubled. And He said to them, “My soul is deeply grieved to the point of death; remain here and keep watch.” And He went a little beyond them, and fell to the ground and began to pray that if it were possible, the hour might pass Him by. And He was saying, “Abba! Father! All things are possible for You; remove this cup from Me; yet not what I will, but what You will.

This is the greatest hour of Jesus life as the son of man. In his flesh, he did not want to be delivered into the hands of sinful men to suffer and die. This is why he asks the father if it is possible that this cup be taken from him. The reply was that it is God's will, and not his will be done. This is the high point of Jesus' obedience to the father. It was the will of God that the son die for the satisfaction of the sins for those who come to him in faith. It started in the Garden of Eden when Adam and Eve brough sin into the composition of humanity. Now it ends as the second Adam, who is Jesus Christ, is also in a garden submitting to the will of God.

Daily Prayer: I pray the Lord's Prayer, which says "thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven." May those words prick me in my soul so that my obedience comes as a result of this answered prayer. In your holy name I pray Amen.

Mark 14: 12, 22-25 the Lord's Table Instituted

On the first day of Unleavened Bread, when the Passover lamb was being sacrificed, His disciples said to Him, “Where do You want us to go and prepare for You to eat the Passover?” While they were eating, He took some bread, and after a blessing He broke it, and gave it to them, and said, “Take it; this is My body.” And when He had taken a cup and given thanks, He gave it to them, and they all drank from it. And He said to them, “This is My blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many. Truly I say to you, I will never again drink of the fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it new in the kingdom of God.”

The passion of the Christ occurred during Passover week which is the most holy time of the year in Judaism. They were to sacrifice a lamb without blemish and eat it in haste to remember God's deliverance of the Jews from their bondage in Egypt. This was the grounds for the covenant God made with Israel. Now, Jesus is introducing a new thing. Instead of sacrificing animals over and over again for the remission of sin, He will be the new Lamb of God, who will take away the sins of the world. It is a once and for all sacrifice, based on the laying down of his life on the cross for all who come to him in faith. This is the grounds for the New Covenant because it is not only a Jewish festival, but one for Jews and gentiles alike and for anyone who bases their hope of eternal life on Jesus life, death, and resurrection on the cross.

Daily Prayer: Lord Jesus, this day plant the spirit of faith in the hearts of those who are trying to come to you for salvation and strengthen and uphold those who already have. Let the gospel be spread to everyone by everyone telling someone about your free gift of eternal life if only they call on your name. Amen.

Mark 12: 41-44 the Widow's Mite

And He sat down opposite the treasury, and began observing how the people were putting money into the treasury; and many rich people were putting in large sums. ⁴² A poor widow came and put in two small copper coins, which amount to a cent. ⁴³ Calling His disciples to Him, He said to them, “Truly I say to you, this poor widow put in more than all the contributors to the treasury; ⁴⁴ for they all put in out of their surplus, but she, out of her poverty, put in all she owned, all she had to live on.”

Jesus has shown that where ever our purse is, there our heart will be also. The kingdom of heaven asks us to contribute three things: time, talent, and treasure. These are the grounds for stewardship. The way in which we handle our finances is an indicator of the extent that we trust in Jesus. Jesus prefers to watch what we give. In today's story, he witnesses the widow, who is among the poorest in Israel, offer two copper coins (pennies) and Jesus wanted his followers to see what she gave. The point he was making is not that the amount was large, but it was all she had! Later in the gospels Jesus says that when we seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, all these other things will be added to us, but our belief in Jesus words is measured by the actual giving that takes place.

Daily Prayer: Lord, we are all greedy people and do not trust you sufficiently. Forgive us of our sins and help us to repent by the power of the Holy Spirit so that we let go of the control of our own lives, and give it to you. In your holy name I pray Amen.

Mark 11: 15-18 Jesus drives out the money changers

Then they came to Jerusalem. And He entered the temple and began to drive out those who were buying and selling in the temple, and overturned the tables of the money changers and the seats of those who were selling doves; and He would not permit anyone to carry merchandise through the temple. And He began to teach and say to them, “Is it not written, ‘MY HOUSE SHALL BE CALLED A HOUSE OF PRAYER FOR ALL THE NATIONS’? But you have made it a ROBBERS’ DEN.” The chief priests and the scribes heard this, and began seeking how to destroy Him; for they were afraid of Him, for the whole crowd was astonished at His teaching.

Jesus' words were taken from Isaiah, "My house shall be a house of prayer." The money changers were the Pharisees who were selling pigeons and other animals for sacrifice. Jesus was showing that the religious leaders were not representing the heart of God. God desires worship, not sacrifice. If the heart of the Pharisees were in the right place, they could have learned from Jesus' actions in the temple. But they did not regard Jesus as the Son of God, so instead they despised him and started finding a way to destroy him.

Daily Prayer: Father, it is not only in the Jewish temple where leaders are confused, they are also sometimes misguided in the church. No servant can be above his master. And the business of the church should never take priority over the worship of the church. Whoever desires to be servant needs to be servant of everyone. Give us, the church, the spirit of humility in our service to you. In Jesus name I pray Amen.

Mark 10: 2, 7-12 Jesus teaches about divorce

Some Pharisees came up to Jesus, testing Him, and began to question Him whether it was lawful for a man to divorce a wife. From the beginning of creation, God MADE THEM MALE AND FEMALE. FOR THIS REASON A MAN SHALL LEAVE HIS FATHER AND MOTHER, AND THE TWO SHALL BECOME ONE FLESH; so they are no longer two, but one flesh. What therefore God has joined together, let no man separate. ”In the house the disciples began questioning Him about this again. And He *said to them, “Whoever divorces his wife and marries another woman commits adultery against her; and if she herself divorces her husband and marries another man, she is committing adultery.”

You are on the wrong track when you seek to justify changing God's created order. God loves the world and his man and women, so much so that he sent his son to redeem them from their sin. This is the unconditional love from which we should learn from. With that understanding, how silly does it sound to say, "Yes Jesus loves me, but can I divorce my wife?" No, you cannot divorce your wife, but you can forgive her. Somehow we think others are a reproach, but we are lovable. Fallen man is not so lovable, but does need mercy and grace for their forgiveness.

Daily Prayer: Father forgive us, we often times do not know what we do. These words from the cross describe the human condition before salvation. We know not what we do. Father, for those who are in my family and have not receive saving grace, draw near to them so that they my place their trust in you and be born again. In your loving name I pray Amen.

Mark 9: 17, 20-24 all things are possible

And one of the crowd answered Him, “Teacher, I brought You my son, possessed with a spirit which makes him mute. They brought the boy to Him. When he saw Him, immediately the spirit threw him into a convulsion, and falling to the ground, he began rolling around and foaming at the mouth. ²¹ And He asked his father, “How long has this been happening to him?” And he said, “From childhood. ²² It has often thrown him both into the fire and into the water to destroy him. But if You can do anything, take pity on us and help us!” ²³ And Jesus said to him, “ ‘If You can?’ All things are possible to him who believes.” ²⁴ Immediately the boy’s father cried out and said, “I do believe; help my unbelief.”

The power of God is unleashed to those who believe or have faith. Without faith, it is impossible to please God. The problem of this father is greater than the problem of his son. The son was struggling with an unclean spirit. This problem is from outside the boy. The father is struggling with believing the only one who can set his son free. This is a greater problem because it is a problem of the heart. Jesus has compassion on them and gives the father the faith and belief necessary for the boy to be freed from his problem. The moral of the story is that all things are possible in our lives if we have faith and never doubt Jesus.

Daily Prayer: Lord, so often I do believe in you and all that you are able to do in my life. Yet I am sure there are areas of my life where I try to accomplish the impossible in my own flesh, which cannot be done. Forgive me my sins, and help me to surrender all areas of my life to you. In your name I pray Amen.

Mark 8: 1-8 Jesus feeds the 4000

¹ In those days, when there was again a large crowd and they had nothing to eat, Jesus called His disciples and *said to them, ² “I feel compassion for the people because they have remained with Me now three days and have nothing to eat. ³ If I send them away hungry to their homes, they will faint on the way; and some of them have come from a great distance.” ⁴ And His disciples answered Him, “Where will anyone be able to find enough bread here in this desolate place to satisfy these people?” ⁵ And He was asking them, “How many loaves do you have?” And they said, “Seven.” ⁶ And He *directed the people to sit down on the ground; and taking the seven loaves, He gave thanks and broke them, and started giving them to His disciples to serve to them, and they served them to the people. ⁷ They also had a few small fish; and after He had blessed them, He ordered these to be served as well. ⁸ And they ate and were satisfied; and they picked up seven large baskets full of what was left over of the broken pieces.

Here, Jesus is being presented as the one who is greater than Moses. Just as Moses led the people from their bondage in Egypt and manna from heaven was fed to them (bread), here Jesus is leading the people from their spiritual bondage and feeding them bread until they were satisfied. This was done as a sign to the Israelites that he is the one sent from God.

Daily Prayer: Father, the church has received the son of God, but his own people who are the Jews don't claim him as their king. Remove their blindness so that they can receive the rightful king and be blessed by their father in heaven. In Jesus name I pray Amen.

Mark 7: 5-9 followers of tradition

The Pharisees and the scribes asked Him, “Why do Your disciples not walk according to the tradition of the elders, but eat their bread with impure hands?” ⁶ And He said to them, “Rightly did Isaiah prophesy of you hypocrites, as it is written:’ THIS PEOPLE HONORS ME WITH THEIR LIPS, BUT THEIR HEART IS FAR AWAY FROM ME.‘BUT IN VAIN DO THEY WORSHIP ME,
TEACHING AS DOCTRINES THE PRECEPTS OF MEN.’

What Jesus was pointing out to them was that whatever is taken from your hand and fed to you mouth is clean, because the body disposes of anything which is vile. But when vile comes from your mouth, it shows the condition of a person's heart. Within Judaism, there is as much keeping tradition as there is keeping the word of God. And this is Jesus’ point also. The Pharisees were making themselves out to be hypocrites and enemies of God by putting themselves higher than Jesus' disciples on principles of men and not of God.

Daily Prayer: Father, let me be slow to criticize. It is all too easy to find yourself in the position of the Pharisees by thinking more of ones-self than one ought to. Instead, let me be tireless in doing your work and walking humbly before my Lord. In Jesus name I pray Amen.

Mark 5: 1-13 the Gerasene Demoniac

¹ They came to the other side of the sea, into the country of the Gerasenes. ² When He got out of the boat, immediately a man from the tombs with an unclean spirit met Him, ³ and he had his dwelling among the tombs. And no one was able to bind him anymore, even with a chain; ⁴ because he had often been bound with shackles and chains, and the chains had been torn apart by him and the shackles broken in pieces, and no one was strong enough to subdue him. ⁵ Constantly, night and day, he was screaming among the tombs and in the mountains, and gashing himself with stones. ⁶ Seeing Jesus from a distance, he ran up and bowed down before Him; ⁷ and shouting with a loud voice, he *said, “What business do we have with each other, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? I implore You by God, do not torment me!” ⁸ For He had been saying to him, “Come out of the man, you unclean spirit!” ⁹ And He was asking him, “What is your name?” And he *said to Him, “My name is Legion; for we are many.” ¹⁰ And he began to implore Him earnestly not to send them out of the country. ¹¹ Now there was a large herd of swine feeding nearby on the mountain. ¹² The demons implored Him, saying, “Send us into the swine so that we may enter them.” ¹³ Jesus gave them permission. And coming out, the unclean spirits entered the swine; and the herd rushed down the steep bank into the sea, about two thousands of them; and they were drowned in the sea.

This is the second instance is this gospel account of Jesus encountering demon possessed persons. This is also the most profound instance as this man was possessed by Legion, a group of unclean spirits. Yet they instantly recognize and obey Jesus as their master. Demons must indwell something or they wonder aimlessley through the air seeking a dwelling place. Jesus gives them permission to go into the herd of pigs, and when the people saw that the pigs killed themselves over this entry, they were very afraid of Jesus and it was unsafe for him to stay.

Daily Prayer: Lord Jesus, we welcome and appreciate your work and who you are. Glory be to your name. Let us now become busy with sharing the good news of the gospel so that people may find you and love you. In your holy name I pray Amen.

Mark 1: 22-28 Who do men say that Jesus is?

²² They were amazed at His teaching; for He was teaching them as one having authority, and not as the scribes. ²³ Just then there was a man in their synagogue with an unclean spirit; and he cried out, ²⁴ saying, “What business do we have with each other, Jesus of Nazareth? Have You come to destroy us? I know who You are—the Holy One of God!” ²⁵ And Jesus rebuked him, saying, “Be quiet, and come out of him!” ²⁶ Throwing him into convulsions, the unclean spirit cried out with a loud voice and came out of him. ²⁷ They were all amazed, so that they debated among themselves, saying, “What is this? A new teaching with authority! He commands even the unclean spirits, and they obey Him.” ²⁸ Immediately the news about Him spread everywhere into all the surrounding district of Galilee.

Jesus' early ministry began in the northern part of Palestine known as Galilee. He began his teaching in the synagogues and people perceived him as one teaching with authority in contrast to the teaching usually heard from the scribes. By this, they mean that Jesus teaching was deep and relevant to their lives, not only the letter of the law. They wondered who spoke with such understanding and then the story opens up that the demons knew well who he was and questioned what business they had (knowing that they were judged). From his early days until his time of passion, people did not understand they were dealing with the Son of God.

Daily Prayer: Father, unless someone reveals Jesus as the incarnate son, people continue to misunderstand him. Now about a third of the world confess him as the Christ, but there is much work left undone. Unless people call on his name for the forgiveness of sins they will surely perish. I volunteer my time and life to tell the gospel to others so that they may be drawn to you. In Jesus name I pray Amen.

Matthew 28: 16-20 the Great Commission

¹⁶ But the eleven disciples proceeded to Galilee, to the mountain which Jesus had designated. ¹⁷ When they saw Him, they worshiped Him; but some were doubtful. ¹⁸ And Jesus came up and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. ¹⁹ Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, ²⁰ teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”

The conclusion of the Gospel of Matthew features the Risen Christ appearing to his disciples to give them their instructions. Originally he sent them only to the Lost Sheep of Israel. Now he instructs them to take the Gospel of Jesus Christ to the nations. It is through this bank of eleven men that Christ would become known. They accomplished this by writing down what they have personally seen and heard. It is this inspired word that endured after the passing of the eye-witnesses to Jesus life and work. They are to make disciples, which are mature believers in his saving work. They are to baptize them, which is a means of grace for the forgiveness of sin. He assures them that he will be with them and will also send the Holy Spirit so that their work would be fruitful and be accomplished.

Daily Prayer: Lord Jesus, I realize that your command her was originally to the eleven disciples, but it is also for me. I too, am a witness of your saving grace and can help accomplish the Great Commission by sharing my story and your work with my neighbors. In your holy name I pray Amen.

Matthew 24: 3-8, 21, 27 Signs of Christ's Return

³ As He was sitting on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to Him privately, saying, “Tell us, when will these things happen, and what will be the sign of Your coming, and of the end of the age?” ⁴ And Jesus answered and said to them, “See to it that no one misleads you. ⁵ For many will come in My name, saying, ‘I am the Christ,’ and will mislead many. ⁶ You will be hearing of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not frightened, for those things must take place, but that is not yet the end. ⁷ For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom, and in various places there will be famines and earthquakes. ⁸ But all these things are merely the beginning of birth pangs.²¹ For then there will be a great tribulation, such as has not occurred since the beginning of the world until now, nor ever will.²⁷ For just as the lightning comes from the east and flashes even to the west, so will the coming of the Son of Man be.

Jesus told us that in this world there will be trouble, and the trouble continues up until the time of his return. Jesus exhorts his believers to be well-read in the Scriptures so that they do not become deceived. The horrific time known as the Great Tribulation, when literally all restraint against Satan is removed must proceed Christ's return. It literally is hell on earth for a period of seven years which is the culmination of Daniel's 70-week prophecy. This period is written first t0 the Jews who will have a major conversion before Christ's return. But it does not apply to the Church, because they will be taken out of the world before Christ's second advent.

Daily Prayer: There is some, even in the church , who are uninformed about the signs pertaining to the latter days. Father, illumine the hearts of your children so that they may watch with vigilance in this late hour. In Jesus name I pray Amen.

Matthew 17: 1-5 the Transfiguration of Jesus Christ

¹ Six days later Jesus *took with Him Peter and James and John his brother, and *led them up on a high mountain by themselves. ² And He was transfigured before them; and His face shone like the sun, and His garments became as white as light. ³ And behold, Moses and Elijah appeared to them, talking with Him. ⁴ Peter said to Jesus, “Lord, it is good for us to be here; if You wish, I will make three tabernacles here, one for You, and one for Moses, and one for Elijah.” ⁵ While he was still speaking, a bright cloud overshadowed them, and behold, a voice out of the cloud said, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well-pleased; listen to Him!”

These verses have both historic and future importance. As with the baptism of Jesus when the Holy Spirit fell on Jesus identifying him as the Son of God, here also the voice of God speaks to the disciples revealing Jesus as the son. Jesus if found speaking with Moses and Elijah. Why are these Old Testament saints revealed? It is because in the latter days, these saints will reappear in the period of Great Tribulation. The Bible teaches us that there are "two witnesses" who work miraculous signs as in the time before. For Moses, it means turning the waters of the rivers to blood. Elijah will come again to close up the sky from rainfall. So there is a functional relationship that God is disclosing concerning these two witnesses and the son is revealed in all of his glory for the disciples to see a glimpse of Christ's glory.

Daily Prayer: Father, we await the return of our Savior with a "blessed hope." This is the coming of Jesus in power and glory. Until that time, let my hands be found faithful doing my father's work until the son's return. In your holy name I pray Amen.