Category: Gospels
Simeon’s blessing!
Scripture reading for March 16th: Luke 2:1-35, Psalms 59:1-17, Proverbs 11:14
“Now there was a man in Jerusalem called Simeon, who was righteous and devout. He was waiting or the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. It had bee revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Lord’s Christ. Moved by the Spirit, he went into the temple courts. When the parents brought in the child Jesus to do for Him what the custom of the Law required, Simeon took Him in his arms and praised God, saying, “Sovereign Lord, as You have promised, you now dismiss Your servant in peace. For my eyes have seen Your salvation, which You have prepared in the sight of all people, a light for revelation to the Gentiles and for glory to your people Israel.” (Luke 2:25-32)
Simeon was one of the faithful in Israel who walked by faith in God’s promises. Simeon had been looking for the promised Messiah and God had revealed to him that he would not see death before he beheld the desire of his heart. On that day that Joseph and Mary brought Jesus into the temple to be dedicated and circumcised, God moved Simeon to go to the temple as well. When he laid eyes on the Child, Simeon immediately knew that this was the promised Messiah! His heart’s desire had been granted! He knew that this Child would bring salvation to not only Israel, but the Gentiles as well! God always confirms His word and plans by the prophets and He alone knows the end from the beginning!
Simeon spoke a blessing over the parents and gave a word from God to Mary. “This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be spoken against, so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your own soul too.” Simeon’s word was a blessing and also a word of warning to Mary about the mission of her Son. His life and ministry would be controversial. Some would speak against Him, others would have their hearts opened and revealed. In the end, Mary’s heart would be pierced! What a simple word of insight on the ministry of Jesus! God alone could have revealed that! Simeon was faithful to his Lord!
His Name is John!
Scripture reading for March 15th: Luke 1:57-80, Psalms 58:1-11, Proverbs 11:12-13
Zechariah, father of John the Baptist, had been struck dumb, unable to talk, since he was told by an angel that his old and barren wife would have a child. Zechariah had been offering incense and prayers in the Holy Place at the altar of incense when this visitation took place. (Luke 1:11-20) Now the baby had arrived and the time for dedication and naming was at hand. Evidently, family members were helping select a name and were considering naming him ‘Zechariah’ after his father. (Luke 1:59) The mother, Elizabeth, spoke up and stated that his name would be “John”.
The relatives made some signs to Zechariah to see what he wanted and he took a table and wrote emphatically, “His name is John”. He then could talk and began praising God, something that he hadn’t been able to do for the entire time of the pregnancy! This supernatural event caused quite a stir among the people of that region and they wondered about what was happening. (Luke 1:62-66)
Zechariah was then filled with the Holy Spirit and began to prophesy: “Praise be to the Lord, the God of Israel, because He has come and has redeemed His people. He has raised up a horn of salvation for us in the house of His servant David (as He said through His holy prophets of long ago), salvation from our enemies and from the hand of all who hate us–to show mercy to our fathers and to remember His holy covenant, the oath He swore to our father Abraham: to rescue us from the hand of our enemies, to enable us to serve Him without fear in holiness and righteousness before Him all our days. And you, my child will be called a prophet of the Most High; for you will go on before the Lord to prepare the way for Him,. . .” (Luke 1:68-76)
At the birth of his son, Zechariah’s mouth was opened to prophesy and praise God. Through him, God foretold the coming of the Lord and John’s preparatory work of repentance. The long-awaited ‘Redeemer’ was at hand and John would prepare the way. God’s plans are worked out through simple men and women who by faith allow the Lord to use them. Are you available today to “prepare the way for the Lord” by sharing Christ’s love and Gospel?
Mary, the Lord’s servant!
Scripture reading for March 14th: Luke 1:26-56, Psalms 57:1-11, Proverbs 11:9-11
Angels were busy when God was preparing to bring His Son into the world! Zechariah, had a visit from Gabriel and was told about the birth of his son, John. Zechariah questioned the angel about how this might be since he and his wife were old. Zechariah was unable to speak for the whole pregnancy because of his unbelief. Now Gabriel was sent again six months later to a young virgin named Mary. “The angel went to her and said, “Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.” (Luke 1:28) This greeting troubled Mary and she was afraid.
“But the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, you have found favor with God. You will be with child and give birth to a Son, and you are to give Him the name Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David, and He will reign over He house of Jacob forever; His kingdom will never end.” (Luke 1:30-33) For a young girl who was engaged to be married, this announcement must have brought all kinds of questions. These promises concerning the child were amazing! “Jesus”–the Lord Saves–was to be His name. He would be great, taking the throne of David! His kingdom would never end! “How will this be?” Mary asked the angel, “since I am a virgin?”
The angel Gabriel explained how she would be overshadowed with the power of the Most High and pregnant with the Son of God. Nothing would be impossible with God! Mary did not waver or hesitate at the angel’s explanation. “I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May it be to me as you have said.” (Luke 1:38) Mary’s faith response is a beautiful example of how we should all respond to God’s will and direction.
Mary was blessed to carry in her body the Son of God and to nurse Him and raise him. There are no menial tasks in God’s economy! Whatever He has asked you to do is important to Him. Many wait for an angel to deliver instructions, but this is not God’s normal way of directing His people. His people hear His voice through His word and obey it. Are you responding to God’s directions through His word?
Preparing a way for the Lord!
Scripture reading for March 13th: Luke 1:1-25, Psalm 56:1-13, Proverbs 11:8
Luke was a Greek doctor who became a follower of Jesus Christ. He wrote a detailed account of the life of Jesus that we now know as the Gospel of Luke. He followed this with Acts, a history of the early church from Pentecost through the spread of the Gospel to Rome by the Apostle Paul. Luke’s theme in his Gospel is that Jesus is the Son of Man. (Luke 3:23-37) Luke also emphasizes prayer. Let’s begin our journey through Luke by looking again at the life of John the Baptist.
Luke begins his account with the supernatural announcement of a coming pregnancy and birth to a couple who had been barren but prayed for a child. Zechariah was a Levite who served in the temple and his wife Elizabeth was also a descendant of Aaron. They had served faithfully and were getting older. Zechariah was chosen by lot to go and offer incense before the Lord in the Holy Place at the Altar of Incense. As he was performing this duty, an angel of the Lord appeared to him and spoke. “Do not be afraid, Zechariah: you prayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you are to give him the name John. He will be a joy and a delight to you, and many will rejoice because of his birth, for he will be great in the sight of the Lord. He is never to take wine, and he will be filled with the Holy Spirit even from birth. Many people of Israel will he bring back to the Lord their God. And he will go on before the Lord, in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn the hearts of the fathers to their children and the disobedient to the wisdom of the righteous–to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.”
John was the child’s name and he was to be set apart for the Lord as a Nazarite. He would be filled with the Holy Spirit and turn many back to the Lord. He would go before the Lord in the spirit and power of Elijah the prophet. His would be a ministry of preparation for the coming Lord. This preparation would bring restoration of families and repentance of the people. Repentance prepares the way for Christ’s grace and rule!
Preaching good news to all!
Scripture reading for March 12th: Mark 16:1-20, Psalms 55:1-23, Proverbs 11:7
Jesus rose from the dead on the third day, just as He said He would. Death could not hold Him and He showed Himself alive to the women, the disciples, and others. The eleven remaining disciples had a hard time believing the reports of those who had seen Him. “Later Jesus appeared to the eleven as they were eating; He rebuked them for their lack of faith and their stubborn refusal to believe those who had seen Him after He had risen.” (Mark 16:14) These men should have been expecting the resurrection because Jesus had repeatedly told them about the crucifixion and coming resurrection. To whom much is given, much is required. A rebuke is a sign of love to those who can be corrected by it. (Proverbs 13:1) (Revelation 3:19)
Jesus had final instructions for these disciples. They were not to sit around feeling sorry for themselves and thinking of the good old days when Jesus was with them. They must now go into all the world with the good news of Jesus Christ and preach to every creature. Some would believe and be baptized unto salvation and others would refuse the good news and be eternally condemned. (Mark 16:15-16)
Those who believed had Jesus’ promise to confirm the good news with signs that would follow them and the preaching of the Gospel. They would drive out demonic forces as they spoke in His name. They would lay hands on the sick and see people healed in His name. If they were poisoned or ran into satanic opposition, God promised to protect them. Jesus would give them support.
Jesus was then taken up into heaven and He sat down at the right hand of God. (Mark 16:19) Acts records that Jesus was taken up into heaven on a cloud and would return the same way as He left. (Acts 1:9-11) Jesus had told the high priest and elders that they would see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Might One and coming on clouds of heaven. (Mark 14:62) From that position of power and authority, Jesus prays for us and watches over us as we preach the Gospel to every creature. This is His plan to reach the entire world! When this command is fulfilled, Jesus will come again on the clouds for His Bride, the church! What exciting days we live in!
The King with a crown of thorns!
Scripture reading for March 11th: Mark 15:1-47, Psalms 54:1-7, Proverbs 11:5-6
“They bound Jesus, led Him away and handed Him over to Pilate. “Are you king of the Jews?’ Asked Pilate. “Yes, it is as you say,” Jesus replied. (Mark 15:1b-2) Jesus openly admitted that He was indeed king of the Jews. In fact, had He been asked, He would have told Pilate that He was the King of Kings. (Revelation 19:16) Pilate did not know enough to ask about that! Pilate was confused by all the charges leveled against Jesus. He asked Jesus to respond to these charges, but Jesus answered not a word! (Mark 15:3-5)
Pilate tried to get the crowd to release Jesus, but the chief priests stirred up the crowd to ask for Barabbas instead. Pilate then asked the crowd what should be done with their king. “”Crucify Him!” they shouted!” (Mark 15:13-15) Because Pilate desired to please the crowd, he turned Jesus, king of the Jews, over to be crucified.
The soldiers took Jesus and dressed Him in a purple robe and twisted a crown of thorns and set it on His head. “And they began to call out to Him, “Hail, king of the Jews!” Again and again they struck Him on the head with a staff and spit on Him. Falling on their knees, they paid homage to Him. And when they had mocked Him, they took off the purple robe and put His own clothes on Him. Then they led Him out to crucify Him.” (Mark 15:18-20) The crown of thorns was mean to mock Jesus and cause Him greater suffering. They beat it into His brow, causing blood to flow as they taunted Him and bowed down in mock homage.
This crown really represented the curse of sin that Jesus willingly bore for us for our healing and deliverance. Jesus was made a curse for us and took the curse of God’s wrath on broken law. All who will bow before Him, repent of their sins, and ask for mercy will be forgiven and given eternal life! This King is really the King of Kings and has the power to give pardon because of the price He paid! Jesus bought justice by taking our place! Should you not bow before Him now in humble adoration, giving yourself to Him as a living sacrifice? It’s the only reasonable response!
Silent before false accusers!
Scripture reading for March 10th: Mark 14:53-72, Psalms 53:1-6, Proverbs 11:4
Jesus was betrayed in the Garden of Gethsemane by Judas with a kiss. The soldiers and religious leaders took Him off to bring Him before the high priest and elders of the Sanhedrin. They were looking for evidence against Jesus to put Him to death. It was not that they had evidence already, because all their attempts to catch Him had failed. Their law said that for offenses leading to the death penalty, two or three witnesses must testify and agree. They found false witnesses but their testimony did not agree! (Mark 14:55-59)
“Then the high priest stood up before them and asked Jesus, “Are you not going to answer? What is this testimony that these men are bringing against you?” But Jesus remained silent and gave no answer.” (Mark 14:60-61) Jesus knew the high priest’s tactic was to get Him to incriminate Himself. He also knew the Scripture which told that Messiah would remain silent before His accusers. (Isaiah 53:7)
Peter later remembered this incident as well when he wrote, “When they hurled their insults at Him, He did not retaliate; when He suffered He made no threats. Instead, He entrusted Himself to Him who judges justly.” (1st Peter 2:23) Peter used this to encourage those in the church who were suffering for their faith. He knew that God was their defender as He had vindicated Jesus by resurrection from the dead!
“Again the high priest asked Him, “Are you the Christ, the Son of the Blessed One?” “I am,” said Jesus. “And you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Mighty One and coming on the clouds of heaven.”” (Mark 14:61b-62) Jesus could not tell a lie. He answered truthfully and gave a powerful revelation of His authority and coming glory! This should have caused those who were questioning Him to stop and ponder this. They had seen and heard about His miracles. He had fed thousands, healed countless sick people, cast out demons, and even raised the dead. His teaching was like no other!
But this statement was the one that these religious leaders jumped on to condemn Him! They chose to reject the truth and believe a lie for their own murderous plan to succeed. (2nd Thessalonians 2:10-12) In doing so, God would work His plan to show mercy to all who would believe the truth!
This is My Body!
Scripture reading for March 9th: Mark 14:22-52, Psalms 52:1-9, Proverbs 11:1-3
“While they were eating, Jesus took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to His disciples, saying, “Take it; this is My body.” (Mark 14:22)
Jesus and His disciples were eating the Passover meal together. Judas had already betrayed Him and He had told them all that one of them had done this. They were saddened and one by one asked if it was them. Jesus, in Matthew, actually identified Judas as the one. (Matthew 26:25) Jesus knew exactly what had happened and would happen. He had a plan that the Father had revealed to Him and went about laying out that plan so that His followers would remember Him.
In the breaking of the bread, Jesus was giving the disciples a visual picture of His own body being broken for them. He first took the bread from the table, then He gave thanks to God for the bread, then He gave it to the disciples with this simple instruction: “Take it; this is My body.” This pattern of taking, thanking, breaking and giving, had been used in the feeding of the 5000 and the 4000 as well. (Mark 6:41, Mark 8:6) We have nothing that we have that is not given to us by God. We must take it willingly for ourselves. The bread was broken apart and distributed as Christ was Himself broken to be distributed to all who would believe. This bread of His Body must be taken with thanksgiving because of the sacrifice that it represented. It is a gift from God to all His children to nourish them for eternal life!
The final act was eating or feeding on the bread. Bread is the staff of life, and is used in almost every culture as a basic food. Jesus had declared, “I am the Bread of Life. He who comes to me will never go hungry, and he who believes in Me will never be thirsty.” (John 6:35) “I am the Living Bread that came down from heaven. If anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever. This bread is My flesh, which I will give for the life of the world.” (John 6:51) When we eat this bread, we join the disciples of Jesus in the true Passover meal! We are nourished with the Living Bread unto eternal life! As we eat, we desire to be like Him!
Broken and poured out!
Scripture reading for March 8th: Mark 14:1-21, Psalm 51:1-19, Proverbs 10:31-32
“While He (Jesus) was in Bethany, reclining at the table in the home of a man known as Simon the Leper, a woman came with an alabaster jar of very expensive perfume, made of pure nard. She broke the jar and poured the perfume on His head.” (Mark 14:3)
This very unusual incident was recorded by Mark and marked another emphasis on women who served Jesus and were especially noted by Him. This woman’s name was Mary, and she was probably the sister of Martha. (John 12:1-3) She was known to have taken time to sit at Jesus’ feet and listen to Him while her sister Martha served Jesus. Martha was rather upset with her for this, but Jesus noted that she had chosen what was better! (Luke 10:38-42)
Mary came to the dinner where Jesus was the guest of honor and reclining at table. He was the guest of Simon the Leper. We are not sure if Jesus had healed this man earlier, but he must have been clean for them to be with him for a meal. Jesus loved to be around sinners and those who were considered outcasts by the religious people. Mary came with a box or jar of expensive perfume, worth about a year’s wages. She broke the container and poured it’s expensive contents on Jesus’ head and even His feet. This was an act of extravagant love and prophetic worship.
Jesus, Himself, was preparing to be broken and poured out for the sins of the world. He was in Jerusalem for Passover week as the final sacrifice. He was being examined in the temple every day by the Pharisees and teachers of the law. They were plotting to have Him killed. Jesus said that this costly anointing was to prepare Him for His burial. (Mark 14:6-9) His blood would be a costly sacrifice that would atone for sin. His prayer for our forgiveness from the cross would be a fragrant incense to the Father of His complete obedience. His act of giving Himself would be an act of extravagant love for us and prophetic worship, enabling all to enjoy forgiveness of sins. As he was anointed in the home of Simon the leper, His sacrifice took place in this world to deliver us from the leprosy of sin! Take time and worship Him today with a thankful heart!
No one knows the day or hour!
Scripture reading for March 7th: Mark 13:14-37, Psalms 50:1-23, Proverbs 10:29-30
Mark’s account of Jesus teaching as they left the temple emphasizes the need to be watchful in the last days. Jesus was asked by Peter, James, John and Andrew to explain when the temple would be torn down and the sign that these things would be fulfilled. (Mark 13:1-3) They were interested in understanding when the massive stones in the temple would be torn down and what things would mark that happening.
“Jesus said to them: “Watch out that no one deceives you. Many will come in My name claiming ‘I am He,’ and will deceive many. When you hear of wars and rumors of wars, do not be alarmed. Such things must happen but the end is still to come.” (Mark 13:5-7) The first thing to watch out for was deception. The last days would be marked by false teachers and people claiming to be “Christ”. They would draw people after them who would be deceived. They are gullible because they have never been born again and received the true Christ. They had never repented of sins and obtained Christ’s cleansing mercy through faith.
“Heaven and earth will pass away, but My word will never pass away. No one knows about that day or hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. Be on guard! Be alert! You don’t know when that time will come.” God has warned His people by His word which will never pass away or change. Part of the deception will be people or religions that set the time of Christ’s coming. The Jehovah’s Witnesses have set the time of Jesus’ coming at least 4 times and been wrong each time. Many have been disillusioned by the setting of dates.
In fact, Jesus said that even He did not know the day or the hour, only the Father knew that timing! In other words, the end could come “in the evening, or at midnight, or when the rooster crows, or at dawn. If He comes suddenly, do not let Him find you sleeping. What I say to you, I say to everyone: ‘Watch!'” (Mark 13:35b-37) The best thing we can do is be ready regardless of when it might be. Worry is a sin, but watchfulness is obedience to Christ! Jesus is coming back! We must prepare and watch out!