John 4: 27-36 The Harvest is Plenty

At this point His disciples came, and they were amazed that He had been speaking with a woman, yet no one said, “What do You seek?” or, “Why do You speak with her?”  So the woman left her water pot, and went into the city and said to the men,  “Come, see a man who told me all the things that I have done; this is not the Christ, is it?”  They went out of the city, and were coming to Him. Meanwhile the disciples were urging Him, saying, “Rabbi, eat.”  But He said to them, “I have food to eat that you do not know about.”  So the disciples were saying to one another, “No one brought Him anything to eat, did he?”  Jesus said to them, “My food is to do the will of Him who sent Me and to accomplish His work.  Do you not say, ‘There are yet four months, and then comes the harvest’? Behold, I say to you, lift up your eyes and look on the fields, that they are white for harvest. Already he who reaps is receiving wages and is gathering fruit for life eternal; so that he who sows and he who reaps may rejoice together.  For in this case the saying is true, ‘One sows and another reaps.’ I sent you to reap that for which you have not labored; others have labored and you have entered into their labor.”

This is the second part to what we started yesterday.  Jesus had intentionally sent His disciples into town for food, knowing the discrimination to the Samaritans’ with whom He was going to see.  He had a meaningful conversation with the Samaritan woman at the well and she receives him as the Promised One.  Now the disciples return saying “Master come and eat.”  And He replies His food is doing the will and the work of the Father.  He pronounces to them that the number needing salvation is many.  He refers to them as the harvest and declares that the harvest is many but the workers are few.

Daily Prayer:  Lord Jesus, let it be my focus to proclaim the gospel.  Let all people hear about Your saving grace so that the do not perish in their sins.  In Your holy name I pray Amen.

John 4:15-26 Jesus Dwells With Us. Do We Recognize Him?

 The woman said to Him, “Sir, give me this water, so I will not be thirsty nor come all the way here to draw.”  He said to her, “Go, call your husband and come here.” The woman answered and said, “I have no husband.” Jesus said to her, “You have correctly said, ‘I have no husband’;  for you have had five husbands, and the one whom you now have is not your husband; this you have said truly.”  The woman said to Him, “Sir, I perceive that You are a prophet.  Our fathers worshiped in this mountain, and you people say that in Jerusalem is the place where men ought to worship.”  Jesus  to her, “Woman, believe Me, an hour is coming when neither in this mountain nor in Jerusalem will you worship the Father.  You worship what you do not know; we worship what we know, for salvation is from the Jews.  But an hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth; for such people the Father seeks to be His worshipers.  God is spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.”  The woman said to Him, “I know that Messiah is coming (He who is called Christ); when that One comes, He will declare all things to us.”  Jesus *said to her, “I who speak to you am He.”

These passages illustrate many things.  Jesus deliberately went to Samaria to engage them there.  He intentionally asked a Samaritan woman for a drink from her well just to receive reproof that why would a Jew drink from a Samaritan well?  This is a life lesson that Jesus came to save the Jews, but the gentiles as well.  She speaks to Him of differences in worship style between them and the Jews.  Jesus explains to her that the reasons are different that what she thinks.   Just as God Himself is spirit, worship must be in spirit and in truth.  The differences that she knows of are not from God but from man.  It comes to  her mind that their Savior will come.  He declares to her that the Savior is here speaking to her!

Daily Prayer:  Lord, You are so often with us and we do not recognize you.  We become so involved in the world that we miss the Kingdom of God!  Let us settle down and listen to you so that Your words may go from our minds to our hearts and then to our feet so that we may come to You.  In Your holy name I pray Amen.

John 4:5-14 He Will Give You Living Water

So He came to a city of Samaria called Sychar, near the parcel of ground that Jacob gave to his son Joseph;  and Jacob’s well was there. So Jesus, being wearied from His journey, was sitting thus by the well. It was about the sixth hour. 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.”

“If you knew the gift of God who it is who says to you, ‘Give Me a drink,’ you would have asked Him, and He would give you living water.”  Is this any different today.  If only we understand who Jesus is, that is, the Son of God, will we put him second in our lives?  What we have is an intellectual knowledge of God and Christ, but not a living knowledge of Him.  We continually underestimate his ability and willingness to bless us and to lift us up.  Instead, we say things like “I am determined to work hard for my reward.”  But the reward has already  been earned by Christ.  So let go and let God who is willing and able to do all that you can imagine.  In Jesus name I pray Amen.

John 3:13-21 Jesus Did Not Come To Condemn, But To Save

No one has ascended into heaven, but He who descended from heaven: the Son of Man.  As Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of Man be lifted up;  so that whoever believes will in Him have eternal life.  “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life. For God did not send the Son into the world to judge the world, but that the world might be saved through Him.  He who believes in Him is not judged; he who does not believe has been judged already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.  This is the judgment, that the Light has come into the world, and men loved the darkness rather than the Light, for their deeds were evil.  For everyone who does evil hates the Light, and does not come to the Light for fear that his deeds will be exposed.  But he who practices the truth comes to the Light, so that his deeds may be manifested as having been wrought in God.”

Jesus says, that He did not come into the world to condemn it, but instead to save it.  But many people do not come to Jesus, but instead they draw back.  Why?  Because they love the dark life they live and are not sorry for it.  It’s not that they do not know right from wrong, but they refuse to repent.  That’s the bottom line is that the reject Jesus and the righteousness be brings.  Their thinking is my way or no way.  But they fail to see themselves as prisoners to their flesh and will eventually pay the prisoner’s price.  So lets try again to encourage them to leave their baggage behind and try a new way that leads to life.  In Jesus name I pray Amen.

John 3:9-12 The Secrets of Heaven

Nicodemus said to Him, “How can these things be?” Jesus answered and said to him, “Are you the teacher of Israel and do not understand these things?  Truly, truly, I say to you, we speak of what we know and testify of what we have seen, and you do not accept our testimony.  If I told you earthly things and you do not believe, how will you believe if I tell you heavenly things?"
Nicodemus was a member of the political elite Pharisees.  Most Pharisees did not follow Jesus because they did not have sufficient faith.  This is why Jesus said to him how can I share the secret of heaven when you find the facts of earth to be a stumbling block?  Nicodemus will in time come around because he sought Jesus and determined that God must be in Him for Him to do as He does.  Our journey even today is not to testify about what we can see, but to have faith in that which we cannot see.
Daily Prayer:  Lord Jesus, circumcise my heart and fill it with child like faith.  Let me not be the captain of my own ship, but a laborer in Your's.  In Your holy name I pray Amen.   

John 3:1-6 The Need to be Born Again

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 God as 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.

Nicodemus was one of the few Pharisees that Jesus did not condemn.  He had insight beyond the others because he recognized that God was within Him.  Jesus reveals the key to the Kingdom of God which is the necessity of being born again, this time birth by the Spirit and not of the flesh, to inherit God’s Kingdom.  This is because the Spirit and the flesh war against one another for the possession of our soul.

Daily Prayer:  Lord Jesus, You have given me the gift of eternal life because you have given me the ability to believe.  Let all who are under the sound of my voice today, receive faith enough to believe so that they will never perish, but have eternal life.  In Jesus  name I pray Amen.

John 2:13-25 "My House Shall Be a House of Prayer"

The Passover of the Jews was near, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem.  And He found in the temple those who were selling oxen and sheep and doves, and the money changers seated at their tables. And He made a scourge of cords, and drove them all out of the temple, with the sheep and the oxen; and He poured out the coins of the money changers and overturned their tables;  and to those who were selling the doves He said, “Take these things away; stop making My Father’s house a place of business.”  His disciples remembered that it was written, “Zeal for Your house will consume me.”  The Jews then said to Him, “What sign do You show us as your authority for doing these things?” Jesus answered them, “Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.”  The Jews then said, “It took forty-six years to build this temple, and will You raise it up in three days?”  But He was speaking of the temple of His body.  So when He was raised from the dead, His disciples remembered that He said this; and they believed the Scripture and the word which Jesus had spoken. Now when He was in Jerusalem at the Passover, during the feast, many believed in His name, observing His signs which He was doing.  But Jesus, on His part, was not entrusting Himself to them, for He knew all men, and because He did not need anyone to testify concerning man, for He Himself knew what was in man.

When I first heard that Jesus had driven out the traders in the Temple, I was of the impression that they were bargaining for a profit in the House of God. But the scene is the Passover, and it seems they were selling animals to common folk for the purposes of sacrifice.  The conclusion of this matter is that God and His house are holy, more holy than what man can understand.  When Jesus said “The house shall be a house of prayer” , He was quoting the Old Testament prophet Isaiah.  The fact that He drove them out was a sign that the Temple leadership is changing.  It is changing from the self-righteous Pharisees’ to a new order selected by God.

Daily Prayer:  Most merciful Jesus, forgive Your people our sins, because we know not what we do.  Instead, lift us up and lead us so that we may prosper by Your Godly guidance.  In Your holy name I pray Amen.

John 2:1-12 Miracle at Cana

On the third day there was a wedding in Cana of Galilee, and the mother of Jesus was there;  and both Jesus and His disciples were invited to the wedding.  When the wine ran out, the mother of Jesus said to Him, “They have no wine.”  And Jesus said to her, “Woman, what does that have to do with us? My hour has not yet come.”  His mother said to the servants, “Whatever He says to you, do it.”  Now there were six stone water pots set there for the Jewish custom of purification, containing twenty or thirty gallons each.  Jesus said to them, “Fill the water pots with water.” So they filled them up to the brim.  And He said to them, “Draw some out now and take it to the headwaiter.” So they took it to him.  When the headwaiter tasted the water which had become wine, and did not know where it came from (but the servants who had drawn the water knew), the headwaiter called the bridegroom,  and said to him, “Every man serves the good wine first, and when the people have drunk freely, then he serves the poorer wine; but you have kept the good wine until now.”  This beginning of His signs Jesus did in Cana of Galilee, and manifested His glory, and His disciples believed in Him.  After this He went down to Capernaum, He and His mother and His brothers and His disciples; and they stayed there a few days.

Jesus’ first miracle was more a matter of parental obedience than work for the Kingdom of God.  Jesus said that His time had not yet come, but His mother Mary kept pleading with Him.  In an act of obedience, He converts common water into extraordinary wine.

The text says that His disciples believed in Him, but more strenuous days lay ahead.

Daily Prayer:  Lord Jesus, You are the God of the universe and yet I need you to lead my simple life.  Thank you for availing Yourself to me for my simple problems instead of raising Yourself up to the heavens where I cannot reach.  In Your holy name I pray Amen.

John 1:36-51 Jesus Calls His Disciples

“Behold, the Lamb of God!”  The two disciples heard him speak, and they followed Jesus.  And Jesus turned and saw them following, and said to them, “What do you seek?” They said to Him, “Rabbi (which translated means Teacher), where are You staying?”  He said to them, “Come, and you will see.” So they came and saw where He was staying; and they stayed with Him that day, for it was about the tenth hour.  One of the two who heard John speak and followed Him, was Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother. He found first his own brother Simon and said to him, “We have found the Messiah” (which translated means Christ).  He brought him to Jesus. Jesus looked at him and said, “You are Simon the son of John; you shall be called Cephas” (which is translated Peter).  The next day He purposed to go into Galilee, and He found Philip. And Jesus said to him, “Follow Me.”  Now Philip was from Bethsaida, of the city of Andrew and Peter. Philip found Nathaniel and said to him, “We have found Him of whom Moses in the Law and also the Prophets wrote—Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.”  Nathaniel said to him, “Can any good thing come out of Nazareth?” Philip said to him, “Come and see.”  Jesus saw Nathaniel coming to Him, and said of him, “Behold, an Israelite indeed, in whom there is no deceit!”  Nathaniel said to Him, “How do You know me?” Jesus answered and said to him, “Before Philip called you, when you were under the fig tree, I saw you.”  Nathaniel answered Him, “Rabbi, You are the Son of God; You are the King of Israel.”  Jesus answered and said to him, “Because I said to you that I saw you under the fig tree, do you believe? You will see greater things than these.”  And He said to him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, you will see the heavens opened and the angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of Man.”

It can be said that belief in Jesus is a matter of faith.  Jesus did not overwhelm His first converts, but instead provided them a simple invitation to follow Me.  Jesus keenly identifies particular traits with these men and is what is common in Bible text, He renames Simon into Cephas or Peter.  Remember, Abraham was changed from Abram into Abraham, Jacob into Israel, and Saul into Paul.  Now Peter takes on his new God given name.  These men will be asked to leave all they have for the sake of Jesus and to become His disciples as He begins His ministry.

Daily Prayer:  Lord Jesus, I realize Your invitation to me is the same as it was to these men, to leave what I have to follow You.  Everything about this is a transformation because we are leaving the physical world in which we live to learn how to take our first steps of living in the Kingdom of God which has come with Your coming.  Help us as we take our daily steps with You.  Amen.

Luke 24:44-53 The Holy Spirit Promised

Now He said to them, “These are My words which I spoke to you while I was still with you, that all things which are written about Me in the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms must be fulfilled.”  Then He opened their minds to understand the Scriptures,  and He said to them, “Thus it is written, that the Christ would suffer and rise again from the dead the third day,  and that repentance for forgiveness of sins would be proclaimed in His name to all the nations, beginning from Jerusalem.  You are witnesses of these things.  And behold, I am sending forth the promise of My Father upon you; but you are to stay in the city until you are clothed with power from on high.”  And He led them out as far as Bethany, and He lifted up His hands and blessed them.  While He was blessing them, He parted from them and was carried up into heaven.  And they, after worshiping Him, returned to Jerusalem with great joy,  and were continually in the temple praising God.

The Gospel of Luke concludes with Jesus equipping his disciples from on high, which is the sending of the Holy Spirit to indwell them.  But not them alone but to all who place their trust in Christ.  The second of Luke’s books, The Book of Acts, tells the story of the apostles taking the gospel of Jesus Christ from Jerusalem to the ends of the earth.  This is called the Great Commission and we are still fulfilling it today.

Daily Prayer:  Lord Jesus, I carry Your gospel into the world in my lifetime where I live.  All who call themselves Your disciples join in this mission.  It is a mission that cannot fail, because it bears the stamp of God’s approval in fulfilling it.  When You return again, let me be found doing Your will and Your labor.  In Your holy name I pray Amen.

Luke 24:33-43 The Uncommon Savior Jesus Christ

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. While they were telling these things, He Himself stood in their midst and said to them, “Peace be to you.” But they were startled and frightened and thought that they were seeing a spirit. And He said to them, “Why are you troubled, and why do doubts arise in your hearts?  See My hands and My feet, that it is I Myself; touch Me and see, for a spirit does not have flesh and bones as you see that I have.” And when He had said this, He showed them His hands and His feet.  While they still could not believe it because of their joy and amazement, He said to them, “Have you anything here to eat?”  They gave Him a piece of a broiled fish;  and He took it and ate it before them.

This reminds us if the saying, “This is too good to be true.”  While they longed for their Savior, they also witnessed Him crucified.  Jesus had forewarned them of His resurrection, but because they had never witnessed it, it went in one ear and out the other. The future holds other startling events for the eleven.  In the days to come, they will watch Him ascend into heaven with promises of a Second Coming.

Daily Prayer:  Lord Jesus, we need for You to build faith in our very souls.  In Your flesh, You appear as a common man, but being sent from God, everything else about You is not common.  We can no longer rely on our senses.  But by faith, we can walk a straight path and not be afraid.  This I ask in Your holy name Amen.

Luke 24:13-32 The Risen Christ Appears

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. But we were hoping that it was He who was going to redeem Israel. Indeed, besides all this, it is the third day since these things happened. But also some women among us amazed us. When they were at the tomb early in the morning,  and did not find His body, they came, saying that they had also seen a vision of angels who said that He was alive.  Some of those who were with us went to the tomb and found it just exactly as the women also had said; but Him they did not see.”  And He said to them, “O foolish men and slow of heart to believe in all that the prophets have spoken! 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 approached the village where they were going, and He acted as though He were going farther.  But they urged Him, saying, “Stay with us, for it is getting toward evening, and the day is now nearly over.” So He went in to stay with them.  When He had reclined at the table with them, He took the bread and blessed it, and breaking it, He began giving it to them.  Then their eyes were opened and they recognized Him; and He vanished from their sight.  They said to one another, “Were not our hearts burning within us while He was speaking to us on the road, while He was explaining the Scriptures to us?”
Daily Prayer:  Lord Jesus, while it is true we await Your coming, when You do come, we don't recognize You.  Let us draw near to You as You draw near to us.  Set aside our transgressions and remember them no more.  Come in Lord, so we can fellowship together.  In Your holy name I pray Amen.

Luke 23:44-49 “Father, into Your hands I commit My spirit.”

It was now about the sixth hour, and darkness fell over the whole land until the ninth hour, because the sun was obscured; and the veil of the temple was torn in two. And Jesus, crying out with a loud voice, said, “Father, into Your hands I commit My spirit.” Having said this, He breathed His last. Now when the centurion saw what had happened, he began praising God, saying, “Certainly this man was innocent.” And all the crowds who came together for this spectacle, when they observed what had happened, began to return, beating their breasts. And all His acquaintances and the women who accompanied Him from Galilee were standing at a distance, seeing these things.

Can you imagine crucifying the Son of God?  As Jesus ended his life, even the Romans and the gentiles could see the injustice.  The text says that the sun quit giving its light and darkness prevailed.  The veil of the holy of holies was rent, as a symbol that followers of Jesus now have access to God.  There was no joy in His passing, only a feeling of emptiness and solitude.  Nobody was declaring victory as men and women were left alone with no spirit remaining. The Son of God was for a short while, removed from His creation, but does anyone remember or believe His promises?

Daily Prayer:  Lord Jesus, the time of Your death was a short-while in history, but a long while who were awaiting your promises of resurrection.  We say we have faith, but our eyes deceive us.  You will indeed walk with us again, but will we recognize You?

Luke 23:39-43 Today You Will Be With Me In Paradise

One of the criminals who were hanged there was hurling abuse at Him, saying, “Are You not the Christ? Save Yourself and us!”  But the other answered, and rebuking him said, “Do you not even fear God, since you are under the same sentence of condemnation?  And we indeed are suffering justly, for we are receiving what we deserve for our deeds; but this man has done nothing wrong.”  And he was saying, “Jesus, remember me when You come in Your kingdom!”  And He said to him, “Truly I say to you, today you shall be with Me in Paradise.”

Today’s message is one of the most profound lessons found in the Holy Scriptures.  The Gospel of Jesus Christ hinges on this, All who are saved, are saved on the grace of Christ alone without any good work from man.  Jesus Christ died on the Cross and was raised from the dead so that all that come to Him in faith alone will be saved.  The instance of this man, dying on the cross for his sins and repents and asks Jesus to save him, Jesus freely saves those who depend on Him alone and this instance was recorded for all of history to demonstrate this man, who hung on the cross, could not have done anything worthy for Jesus, but because he believed in Jesus, he was taken today into paradise.

Daily Prayer:  Lord Jesus, why do we keep trying to please you in our flesh when our flesh will die, but our soul need Your saving grace.  Today, let me surrender to you, not on anything that I have done, but based on what You alone have done.  In Your holy name I pray Amen.

Luke 23:33-38 The Crucifixion

When they came to the place called The Skull, there they crucified Him and the criminals, one on the right and the other on the left.  But Jesus was saying, “Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing.” And they cast lots, dividing up His garments among themselves.  And the people stood by, looking on. And even the rulers were sneering at Him, saying, “He saved others; let Him save Himself if this is the Christ of God, His Chosen One.”  The soldiers also mocked Him, coming up to Him, offering Him sour wine,  and saying, “If You are the King of the Jews, save Yourself!”  Now there was also an inscription above Him, “THIS IS THE KING OF THE JEWS.”

In this world, we have our hands full with trouble.  In the midst of our trouble, the people of This Day set aside their hunger, strife, domination by Rome, all for the purposes of setting to death the One who came to bring them everlasting life.  Jesus was correct in His saying, “Father forgive them, for they no not what they are doing.”  Our vision is limited by the amount of light which shines in our heart.  

Daily Prayer:   Most of the time, man’s heart is darkened by their own sin and they cannot save themselves.  Even now, it is time to recognize the Savior of man so that we are spared judgment for our crimes.  In Jesus name I pray Amen.

Luke 23:26-32 The Prince of Peace is Removed

When they led Him away, they seized a man, Simon of Cyrene, coming in from the country, and placed on him the cross to carry behind Jesus. And following Him was a large crowd of the people, and of women who were mourning and lamenting Him.  But Jesus turning to them said, “Daughters of Jerusalem, stop weeping for Me, but weep for yourselves and for your children.  For behold, the days are coming when they will say, ‘Blessed are the barren, and the wombs that never bore, and the breasts that never nursed.’  Then they will begin to say to the mountains, ‘Fall on us,’ and to the hills, ‘Cover us.’  For if they do these things when the tree is green, what will happen when it is dry?” Two others also, who were criminals, were being led away to be put to death with Him.

Jesus is on the way to the cross to be killed for the transgressions of man. In the Old Covenant, there was no forgiveness with the shedding of  blood, the innocent for the guilty.  And Jesus warns the weeping women of the days to come when the Prince of Peace is removed from this land.  He says there will be times of great distress and the world will seek to overcome the living.

Daily Prayer:  Lord Jesus, protect us in the times to come.  Raise up the Spirit that dwells in us because greater is He who is in me, than He who is in the world.  Amen.

Luke 23: 1-5 Jesus before Pilate

Then the whole body of them got up and brought Him before Pilate.  And they began to accuse Him, saying, “We found this man misleading our nation and forbidding to pay taxes to Caesar, and saying that He Himself is Christ, a King.” So Pilate asked Him, saying, “Are You the King of the Jews?” And He answered him and said, “It is as you say.” Then Pilate said to the chief priests and the crowds, “I find no guilt in this man.”  But they kept on insisting, saying, “He stirs up the people, teaching all over Judea, starting from Galilee even as far as this place.”

While the Jews had the right to hold trials against their own, they had no law to put a man to death.  For this reason, the sought Roman officials to try Jesus seeking a conviction of blasphemy.  Repeatedly Jesus did not make bold claims that I am the King, but instead left it to others to say.   When the scriptures were fulfilled by their turning on Him and crucifying Him He said “Father forgive them, they no not what they are doing.”

Luke 22:66-71 Jesus before the Sanhedrin

When it was day, the Council of elders of the people assembled, both chief priests and scribes, and they led Him away to their council chamber, saying, ^“If You are the Christ, tell us.” But He said to them, “If I tell you, you will not believe; and if I ask a question, you will not answer.  But from now on the Son of Man will be seated at the right hand of the power of God.” And they all said, “Are You the Son of God, then?” And He said to them, “Yes, I am.” Then they said, “What further need do we have of testimony? For we have heard it ourselves from His own mouth.”

Up until this time, Jesus was betrayed by Judas, He was arrested without cause, He was beaten, and now stands trial before the Temple leadership.  They want Him to be arrested for blasphemy and now seek His confession.  During the trials, Jesus was mostly silent, but on this occasion, when they framed Him as the Son of God, His reply is that’s who you say I am.  They took that as a confession, and because their hearts are hard, they do not believe who He came into the world as. They will be the ones in the days to come who cry out crucify him!

Lord Jesus, even though the people turned on You and cried out “crucify him,” You did not fight back, but instead said, “Father forgive them, they don’t know what they are doing.”  Your love is great and unconditional.  I know that God is love, but let me imitate You who is the author and perfector of faith.  In Your holy name I pray Amen.

Jesus said, "The power of darkness are yours."

While He was still speaking, behold, a crowd came, and the one called Judas, one of the twelve, was preceding them; and he approached Jesus to kiss Him.  But Jesus said to him, “Judas, are you betraying the Son of Man with a kiss?”  When those who were around Him saw what was going to happen, they said, “Lord, shall we strike with the sword?”  And one of them struck the slave of the high priest and cut off his right ear.  But Jesus answered and said, “Stop! No more of this.” And He touched his ear and healed him. Then Jesus said to the chief priests and officers of the temple and elders who had come against Him, “Have you come out with swords and clubs as you would against a robber? While I was with you daily in the temple, you did not lay hands on Me; but this hour and the power of darkness are yours.”

In the New Testament, the apostle Paul taught us that our struggle in not against flesh and blood.  But instead against power, principalities, and dark forces of this age.  And this is what Jesus is declaring here.  In the midst of His betrayal by Judas, the one they call Iscariot, Jesus declares that while he was teaching in the open, even in the Temple of God, he was not interrupted.  Now, while he prays in the garden, gangs come against Him as with a robber or a criminal.   This instigation is the work of Satan, the Man of Perdition, and Jesus declares rightly that the power of darkness is yours.

Daily Prayer:  Lord Jesus, the forces of evil are constant in this world.  It is possible to live apart from them by taking refuge in You.  If the world went against you and stuck you, they will surely do so to Your followers.  For this reason, I don’t ask that You build me up as though I can war against the Evil One along, but instead I ask for Your protection so that when forces of darkness oppress me, You will deliver  me.  In Your holy name I pray Amen.

Luke 22:39-46 Pray That You Do Not Enter Into Temptation

And He came out and proceeded as was His custom to the Mount of Olives; and the disciples also followed Him.  When He arrived at the place, He said to them, “Pray that you may not enter into temptation.”  And He withdrew from them about a stone’s throw, and He knelt down and began to pray,  saying, “Father, if You are willing, remove this cup from Me; yet not My will, but Yours be done.”  Now an angel from heaven appeared to Him, strengthening Him.  And being in agony He was praying very fervently; and His sweat became like drops of blood, falling down upon the ground.  When He rose from prayer, He came to the disciples and found them sleeping from sorrow, and said to them, “Why are you sleeping? Get up and pray that you may not enter into temptation.”

What is the main point that Jesus is speaking of here?  Is it that Jesus wants the cup of wrath to be taken from Him if God is willing.  While Jesus does ask that in His time of agony, twice He tells His closest followers to pray that they will not enter into temptation.  We cannot live the Christian life with good intentions or in the flesh alone.  Since our trouble is not of flesh, but from angelic warfare, we are to live a life, strengthened by the Spirit of God and initiated by our lives of prayer.  In this way, the heavenly warfare will be won.

Daily Prayer:  Lord Jesus, in a way of learning from You I ask that for today, not my will, but Your will be done.  Help me in my life to be an imitator of You and to experience victory in the spiritual realm by the Spirit who live within me.  In Your Name I pray Amen.

Luke 22:35-38 In Christ, We Lack Nothing

And He said to them, “When I sent you out without money belt and bag and sandals, you did not lack anything, did you?” They said, “No, nothing.”  And He said to them, “But now, whoever has a money belt is to take it along, likewise also a bag, and whoever has no sword is to sell his coat and buy one.  For I tell you that this which is written must be fulfilled in Me, ‘And He was numbered with transgressors’; for that which refers to Me has its fulfillment.”  They said, “Lord, look, here are two swords.” And He said to them, “It is enough.”

One of the great lessons in the Bible is to remember.  He wants the disciples to remember they need neither sword or money or belongings, because they admit that they were satisfied without them.  Now Jesus is warning the disciples that He must pay the price for all transgressors and the time is at hand, but they could not comprehend it.

Daily Prayer:  Lord, make me aware of the warnings you send to me.  But not only aware, but let me act according to the foreknowledge You give so that when Your time comes, I will be waiting for You.  Amen.

Luke 22:31-34 Peter's Resurgence form Denying Christ

“Simon, Simon, behold, Satan has demanded permission to sift you like wheat;  but I have prayed for you, that your faith may not fail; and you, when once you have turned again, strengthen your brothers.”  But he said to Him, “Lord, with You I am ready to go both to prison and to death!”  And He said, “I say to you, Peter, the rooster will not crow today until you have denied three times that you know Me.”

Based on these verses, one can say it was not Christ’s will that Peter would stumble.  But even though He prays for Peter, it seems He is praying mostly for Peter’s rebound from falling.  I say this because our Lord says, “Once you have turned again, strengthen your brothers.”  This is very similar to what Jesus says to Peter personally when the meet after Christ’s resurrection where Jesus tells Peter, “Feed my sheep.”  It is a statement that Jesus knows Peter will fall, but the condition will not last and Peter will come back to his Lord and serve Him.

Daily Prayer:  Lord, many of us are like Peter and stumble in our faith.  We get caught up, especially when sin hinders us and for a time, become separated from you.  But like Peter, when this condition arises, let us rebound in our faith and be drawn to You once again.  In Your holy name I pray Amen.

Luke 22:28-30 Rewards to Jesus' Followers

“You are those who have stood by Me in My trials; and just as My Father has granted Me a kingdom, I grant you  that you may eat and drink at My table in My kingdom, and you will sit on thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel.”

Although we do not serve Jesus for the sake of reward, Jesus does reward His followers. To the twelve apostles, He grants them rule over the 12 tribes of Israel.  To us He assures us that who so ever brings a cup of cold water in His name by no means will lose reward.

Jesus has in storage many splendorous things that are beyond our imagination.  Though our salvation is reward enough, He showers other reward on those who believe.

Daily Prayer:  Lord Jesus, I cannot imagine the wonderful things You have in store for me, a lowly sinner.  I do know that I have been saved by Your resurrection from the dead and that You love and care for me.  But not only me, but all who place their trust in You.  Thank you for all you have done and continue to do.  Amen.

Luke 22:24-27 Who Is Greatest

 And there arose also a dispute among them as to which one of them was regarded to be greatest.  And He said to them, “The kings of the Gentiles lord it over them; and those who have authority over them are called ‘Benefactors.’  But it is not this way with you, but the one who is the greatest among you must become like the youngest, and the leader like the servant.  For who is greater, the one who reclines at the table or the one who serves? Is it not the one who reclines at the table? But I am among you as the one who serves.

It is a human tendency to elevate our position in the world.  Here the disciples are disputing who among them is “greatest.”  It is interesting to note that Jesus does not use this word to describe either himself or Father-God.  Earlier in this gospel, someone came to Jesus and called him “Good Teacher.”  Jesus tells him “Why do you call me good when only God along is good?”  Jesus calls God good and did not refer to Him as great.  Yet the disciples who are mere men dispute who among them is great!  Jesus draws them back to Kingdom principles when He points out that the servant is the best among them.

Daily Prayer:  Lord, why do people rate themselves in contrast to their brother or neighbor?  Are we so shallow that we need to appoint ourselves as the best one?  Let us be content with the gifts you have given to each of us according to Your will and use those gifts for the benefit of others.  In Your holy name I pray Amen.

Luke 22:19-23 Christ's True Body & Blood Given

And when He had taken some bread and given thanks, He broke it and gave it to them, saying, “This is My body which is given for you; do this in remembrance of Me.”  And in the same way He took the cup after they had eaten, saying, “This cup which is poured out for you is the new covenant in My blood.  But behold, the hand of the one betraying Me is with Mine on the table.  For indeed, the Son of Man is going as it has been determined; but woe to that man by whom He is betrayed!”  And they began to discuss among themselves which one of them it might be who was going to do this thing.

Christians believe that in communion we are partaking of the body and blood of our Savior.  This is possible by having Christ’s presence in these symbols for his body and blood.  We must remember that elsewhere Jesus said only My body and blood are true food.  When he said this many fell away from Him and no longer followed.  This actual presence in the wine and bread is know as His “Means of Grace.”  It is God’s way of distributing himself to his followers.  In this passage we also see the first of Christ’s defectors found in Judas Iscariot.  We learn that Satan entered him for the purposes of having Jesus crucified, unaware that it is the Cross that God used to free people from their sins and draw believers to Himself.

Daily Prayer:  Lord Jesus, You know the beginning from the end.  Because You are the Son of God and God indeed, nobody can steal from Your hand.  You came not to condemn, but to save.  You, as the Good Shepherd draw people to Yourself so that death, sin, and the devil will have no authority over those who are with You.  I thank You in Your holy name Amen.

Luke 22:14-18 God's "Here, but not yet Kingdom"

When the hour had come, He reclined at the table, and the apostles with Him. And He said to them, “I have earnestly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer;  for I say to you, I shall never again eat it until it is fulfilled in the kingdom of God.”  And when He had taken a cup and given thanks, He said, “Take this and share it among yourselves;  for I say to you, I will not drink of the fruit of the vine from now on until the kingdom of God comes.”

In theology, we refer to the Kingdom of God as the here, but not yet Kingdom.  In today’s verses, Jesus is offering His body and blood for the atonement of sin.  He gives thanks, as is a pattern for us to do and declares that He will refrain from partaking of the fruit of the vine until God’s Kingdom comes.   But earlier in the gospel He says the Kingdom of God is at hand.  When Jesus came into the world, He inaugurated God’s Kingdom on earth.  But Satan is still present in the world so until the time when sin is no longer present in the world, it is the here, but not yet Kingdom.  In the mean time we continue to pray Thy Kingdom come, and  Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.

Daily Prayer:  Lord Jesus, the Kingdom is indeed here even now.  After You ascended to the right hand of the Father, You sent us a Helper, an Advocate to help us in our time of trouble.  That Helper is the Holy Spirit and He leads us into all righteousness until the Day of Your return.  In Your holy name I pray Amen.

Luke 22:7-13 The Beginning of the End - Jesus Institutes The Lord's Table

Then came the first day of Unleavened Bread on which the Passover lamb had to be sacrificed. And Jesus sent Peter and John, saying, “Go and prepare the Passover for us, so that we may eat it.” They said to Him, “Where do You want us to prepare it?” And He said to them, “When you have entered the city, a man will meet you carrying a pitcher of water; follow him into the house that he enters. And you shall say to the owner of the house, ‘The Teacher says to you, “Where is the guest room in which I may eat the Passover with My disciples?”’ And he will show you a large, furnished upper room; prepare it there.” And they left and found everything just as He had told them; and they prepared the Passover.

Today we are seeing the beginning of  the end of Jesus’ earthly ministry.  Jesus and the twelve are now in Jerusalem at the time of the sacred holiday called Passover.  This is the shedding of innocent blood, a sign of the greater sacrifice found in Jesus at the Cross. Sometimes the Bible reveals patters of behavior.  Jesus and the disciples don’t have a home or belongings.  But Jesus in His foreknowledge sends the disciples to seek out a particular person to give use of a place to hold the Passover.  It is here where Jesus will institute the Lord’s Table which will be an everlasting covenant for His followers for the forgiveness of their sins.  It is offered freely to all who believe.

Daily Prayer:  Jesus, I am so glad that the crucifixion is over and that You reign as King of Kings and the everlasting Prince of Peace.  How thankful that I am for Your washing away my sins and remembering them  no more.  Therefore let us live a bold life proclaiming Your name so that all who have been given to you may be saved.  In Your holy name I pray Amen.

Luke 21:34-38 Be Watchful and Cling to the Holy Spirit

“Be on guard, so that your hearts will not be weighted down with dissipation and drunkenness and the worries of life, and that day will not come on you suddenly like a trap;  for it will come upon all those who dwell on the face of all the earth.  .  But keep on the alert at all times, praying that you may have strength to escape all these things that are about to take place, and to stand before the Son of Man.”.”  Now during the day He was teaching in the temple, but at evening He would go out and spend the night on the mount that is called Olivet.  And all the people would get up early in the morning to come to Him in the temple to listen to Him.

Over the past two days, we examined the sign of the times and understood that Jesus will come once again to earth.  Christians in particular are zealous for His return but we have commented that nobody knows the day or the hour of His return except the Father alone.  Many have searched the scriptures seeking to know the season of His return and many have been disappointed.  Jesus tells us that many hearts will be weighted down, especially when they enjoin the “troubles of this world.”  We have been given all the strength we need in the Person of the Holy Spirit who dwells within the believer.  With that beings said, we must learn to call on our Advocate for the strength we need not to fall away before the Master’s return.

Daily Prayer:  Lord, you have equipped me for this time before Your return.  It is said greater is He who is in me than he who is in the world.  Keep me mindful of practicing the accessing of the Spirits power and let  not me frustrate  His efforts to make me into the image You gave us in the beginning.  In Your holy name I pray Amen.

Luke 21:29-33 The Parable of the Figtree

Then He told them a parable: “Behold the fig tree and all the trees;  as soon as they put forth leaves, you see it and know for yourselves that summer is now near.  So you also, when you see these things happening, recognize that the kingdom of God is near.  Truly I say to you, this generation will not pass away until all things take place.  Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will not pass away."

These words are known as “The Parable of the Fig Tree.”  Here Jesus’ words are difficult to grasp.  He says that this generation will not pass away until all things take place. What does He mean by that?  It is easy to see the turbulence around you in the form of hostile weather, angry nations, and other conflict and reason in your own mind that the time has arrived, forgetting all the while that Jesus told us elsewhere that nobody knows the time of His return except the Father alone.  I can only say to be careful of what you say to others, less you draw them into a false faith.  Indeed Jesus will come again, but just like the weather which often time surprises us, just when we think it is going to be a sunny day, Jesus will come like a whirl-wind.

Daily Prayer:  Lord Jesus, I am among those who expected Your return by now.  Though I do not know the time, I do know the season.  So until Your return, I shall continue to grow in faith and in the knowledge of You.  Amen.

Luke 21:25-28 The Return of Christ

“There will be signs in sun and moon and stars, and on the earth dismay among nations, in perplexity at the roaring of the sea and the waves,  men fainting from fear and the expectation of the things which are coming upon the world; for the powers of the heavens will be shaken.  Then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory.  But when these things begin to take place, straighten up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.”

Jesus is explaining the end of the age to his disciples, even before He was crucified.  He notes that there will be a period of great tribulation before His return with even heaven being shaken.  People will be in distress at the time appointed for Christ to make a glorious return.  In my own mind I have wondered how all of the earth will know of Jesus return.  My perception is that Christ will fill the skies in every place before every nation. The Jewish people will recognize Him as the One who was crucified. To those who were anxiously awaiting Him, it will be a time of celebration, but to the ones who were acting as though there is no god, it will be a time of remorse and fear.  Regardless of our preparation He will return for the purposes of judgment and to reign from the throne of David as prophesied.

Daily Prayer:  Lord Jesus, we do not know the time of Your return, but we are looking for it.  Not because of our righteousness, but because of Your holiness, let us walk with You until You make Your glorious advent.  In Your holy name I pray Amen.

Luke 21:20-24 The Temple Destroyed

“But when you see Jerusalem surrounded by armies, then recognize that her desolation is near. Then those who are in Judea must flee to the mountains, and those who are in the midst of the city must leave, and those who are in the country must not enter the city; because these are days of vengeance, so that all things which are written will be fulfilled.  Woe to those who are pregnant and to those who are nursing babies in those days; for there will be great distress upon the land and wrath to this people; and they will fall by the edge of the sword, and will be led captive into all the nations; and Jerusalem will be trampled under foot by the Gentiles until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled.”

In these verses, Jesus is foretelling the fall of the Temple in Jerusalem.  He also foretells a period of time in which the Jews will be ruled over by gentile nations.  This is referred to as the Time of the Gentiles.  And with the certainty of Jesus words, the Temple in Jerusalem was thrown down by Rome in AD 70, a historical fact now.  He said that Israel will be subject to gentile nations until the time of the return of Lord Jesus. 

Daily Prayer:  Lord Jesus, even today we see evidence of the tensions spoken of in these verses.  Israel and the Palestinians are again at war over the holy territory in Palestine.  Such events have occurred before, but it is evidence of the tension against Your people and Your nation.  You are the Lord of Hosts and will lead Your people when they place their trust in You and Michael the archangel will also protect the City of God.  Amen and Amen.

Luke 21:12-19 The Battle Is The Lord's

“But before all these things, they will lay their hands on you and will persecute you, delivering you to the synagogues and prisons, bringing you before kings and governors for My name’s sake.  It will lead to an opportunity for your testimony.  So make up your minds not to prepare beforehand to defend yourselves;  for I will give you utterance and wisdom which none of your opponents will be able to resist or refute.  But you will be betrayed even by parents and brothers and relatives and friends, and they will put some of you to death,  and you will be hated by all because of My name.  Yet not a hair of your head will perish.  By your endurance you will gain your lives."

Throughout the New Testament, from words spoken by Jesus and uttered by the Apostle Paul, believers are encouraged to persevere, endure,  hold fast, stand firm, proclaim, battle, for Christ’s name sake and for the sake of the gospel.  Whenever we follow this path, we will meet resistance because our battle is not against flesh and blood, but by rulers, authorities, principalities, and forces for the darkness who war against Christ Jesus and against our Father.  So be sure, is you are a disciple of Christ, evil forces will not leave you alone.  When trouble comes, this testing will either destroy us or make us even stronger.  We must remember that greater is He who is in us, than he who is in the world. As Jesus said to his followers Mary and Martha, “Do You believe this?”  If so, rejoice, because through the Cross of Christ, He has gained our victory and defeated evil forces of the world.

Daily Prayer:  Lord Jesus, I know that what is said in the Scriptures is also true in my life.  I have experienced this testing where the Spirit of God has supplied the words I need to deliver me at the very moment I needed to speak them.  For this to come to pass, we must have not have a doubting heart, but instead hold fast to those things You promise to all who believe and trust in You.  In Your holy name I pray Amen.

Luke 21:5-11 CONTRASTING PROPHECY - THINGS TO COME

And while some were talking about the temple, that it was adorned with beautiful stones and votive gifts, He said,  “As for these things which you are looking at, the days will come in which there will not be left one stone upon another which will not be torn down.”  They questioned Him, saying, “Teacher, when therefore will these things happen? And what will be the sign when these things are about to take place?”  And He said, “See to it that you are not misled; for many will come in My name, saying, ‘I am He,’ and, ‘The time is near.’ Do not go after them.  When you hear of wars and disturbances, do not be terrified; for these things must take place first, but the end does not follow immediately.”  Then He continued by saying to them, “Nation will rise against nation and kingdom against kingdom,  and there will be great earthquakes, and in various places plagues and famines; and there will be terrors and great signs from heaven.

If you are a Christian, prophecy can be a burden.  As we long for our Savior’s promised and imminent return, we begin to examine “signs of His return.”  We notice natural disasters, wars, and open rebellion and we say to ourselves “This is part of the signs of Jesus’ return.” But when the commotion ceases, we find ourselves alone and lonely.  We know in our mind that nobody knows the day of our of Christ’s return, less the Father alone.  And when Jesus comes, even if I am examining signs of His return right now, when He does return, I will be totally caught off-guard.  Since it seems futile to search for the key to Jesus’ return, then what should you and I do in the time of our waiting?  We are to grow in grace and the knowledge of Jesus Christ.  Amen.

Daily Prayer:  Lord Jesus, You in particular know how I ache for Your return and have been heavily disappointed when it hasn't yet come to pass.  Lord, I am like Abel who cries from the heavenlies , “How long?”  But in the meantime, let me spend my time profitably in service to You and Your church who is the family of Christ.  In Your holy name I pray Amen.

Luke 21:1-4 God Loves A Cheerful Giver

And He looked up and saw the rich putting their gifts into the treasury.  And He saw a poor widow putting in two small copper coins.  And He said, “Truly I say to you, this poor widow put in more than all of them;  for they all out of their surplus put into the offering; but she out of her poverty put in all that she had to live on.”

Often times we hear people complain that, “All the church wants is my money.”  Well, as you can see, Jesus Himself cared about people’s giving habits.  However, to Jesus, the one who gave the most was not most recognized by God, but the one who gave at a  sacrifice.  What honor comes from giving to God leftovers?  God loves a cheerful giver so the motivation of one’s heart is the measure of their love of God.

Daily Prayer:  Lord Jesus, let me never complain about what I give in Your Name.  You gave me eternal life and what can a man give for that?  So let me be a cheerful giver because it is an outward sign that Christ lives within me.  Amen.

Luke 20:39-47 Leaders Have Greater Responsibility

Some of the scribes answered and said, “Teacher, You have spoken well.”  For they did not have courage to question Him any longer about anything. ‘The Lord said to my Lord, “Sit at My right hand, Until I make Your enemies a footstool for Your feet.”’  Therefore David calls Him ‘Lord,’ and how is He his son?”  And while all the people were listening, He said to the disciples,  “Beware of the scribes, who like to walk around in long robes, and love respectful greetings in the market places, and chief seats in the synagogues and places of honor at banquets,  who devour widows’ houses, and for appearance’s sake offer long prayers. These will receive greater condemnation.”

It is strange that because David became king over all of Israel, that even to this day, people hold to the words of their greatest king David.  But when the King of Kings appears before them, they become stiff-necked and stubborn.  It is for this reason that Jesus presents them with the secrets of the Kingdom.  Jesus reminds the people and their leaders that David proclaimed Him as the Anointed One, so how can He be the son of David?  To the non-believer, this is non-sense, but to the Child of God, they instantly know that Jesus is the Son of God (The Anointed One) and the Son of Man (Son of David).  Jesus condemns the leaders as being blind guides and ones who do not shepherd the people as David did.  For this reason, they will be judged harshly because they led others who depend on them astray.

Daily Prayer:  Lord Jesus, You are indeed King of Kings and Lord of Lords.  Apart from You, there is none other.  Yet many still don’t believe and don’t understand.  Because our leaders are undependable, draw near to them so that the work of the Holy Spirit can take affect in their lives.  I pray this in Your holy name Amen.

Luke 20:27-38 God is the God of the Living

Now there came to Him some of the Now there came to Him some of the Sadducees (who say that there is no resurrection), and they questioned Him, saying, “Teacher, Moses wrote for us that if a man’s brother dies, having a wife, and he is childless, his brother should marry the wife and raise up children to his brother.  Now there were seven brothers; and the first took a wife and died childless;  and the second  and the third married her; and in the same way all seven died, leaving no children.  Finally the woman died also. In the resurrection therefore, which one’s wife will she be? For all seven had married her.” 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.”

In Luke’s gospel, we continue to see groups of people who seek Jesus to justify Himself to them instead of them receiving Him as the True Son of God and receiving Him as such.  Today it is the Sadducees who are a Jewish sect. that do not believe in the resurrection (the raising from the dead) as Jesus instructs.  The lesson Jesus is teaching them here is that salvation comes to individuals, not to groups of persons.  Each must be forgiven their sins and justified in Christ in order to be saved.  The salvation of a wife does not justify her husband and vice versa.  Finally we need to stop thinking as dead people, and recognize God is a God of life, and in Him lies eternal life.

Daily Prayer:  Lord God, I recognize that our “inner man” called our soul cannot perish as does flesh.  For this reason, I choose to build up my soul in order that my flesh can sustain life, the life that You give to all who believe.  In Jesus name I pray Amen. (who say that there is no resurrection), and they questioned Him, saying, “Teacher, Moses wrote for us that if a man’s brother dies, having a wife, and he is childless, his brother should marry the wife and raise up children to his brother.  Now there were seven brothers; and the first took a wife and died childless;  and the second  and the third married her; and in the same way all seven died, leaving no children.  Finally the woman died also. In the resurrection therefore, which one’s wife will she be? For all seven had married her.” 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.”

In Luke’s gospel, we continue to see groups of people who seek Jesus to justify Himself to them instead of them receiving Him as the True Son of God and receiving Him as such.  Today it is the Sadducees who are a Jewish sect. that do not believe in the resurrection (the raising from the dead) as Jesus instructs.  The lesson Jesus is teaching them here is that salvation comes to individuals, not to groups of persons.  Each must be forgiven their sins and justified in Christ in order to be saved.  The salvation of a wife does not justify her husband and vice versa.  Finally we need to stop thinking as dead people, and recognize God is a God of life, and in Him lies eternal life.

Daily Prayer:  Lord God, I recognize that our “inner man” called our soul cannot perish as does flesh.  For this reason, I choose to build up my soul in order that my flesh can sustain life, the life that You give to all who believe.  In Jesus name I pray Amen.