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Signs of His Glory!
Scripture reading for May 2nd: John 2:1-25
Jesus Christ was a glorious man and the Son of God! His glory came from within, as He had nothing supernaturally special about His physical appearance. (Isaiah 53:2) This glory came from a life totally submitted to God and under control of the Holy Spirit. (John 5:30) This glory came as a result of purity in thought, word, and deed that no other human was capable of because of their sin nature. Jesus revealed His glory through His life of obedience to the Father and John the Apostle has written down some unique miracles and incidents that show this glory and prove Jesus was the Son of God and worthy to believe in.
The wedding at Cana in Galilee was graced by Jesus and His mother. At this wedding feast, they ran out of wine and Jesus’ mother came to Him and asked for help. Jesus at first was reluctant to get involved, but wanting to honor God by honoring His mother, He gave instructions to the servants to draw water in six stone jars of about thirty gallons each. They then took this water to the banquet host to sample. When he tasted it, he was amazed that this wine was the best of the banquet! “This, the first of His miraculous signs, Jesus performed at Cana in Galilee. He thus revealed His glory, and His disciples put their faith in Him.” (John 2:11) This revelation of glory produced faith in His disciples.
The next sign of His glory wasn’t so exciting to the religious folks of His day. Jesus entered the temple courts and found men selling and trading and changing money. He made a whip and drove them out, overturning the tables of the money changers! Jesus reprimanded them, “Get these out of here! How dare you turn My Father’s house into a market!” (John 2:16) His disciples remembered later that the Scriptures said that zeal for God’s house would consume the Messiah.
The religious leaders asked Jesus for a miraculous sign to give proof of His authority to drive the money changers from the temple. Jesus answered them, “Destroy this temple, and I will raise it again in three days.” (John 2:18-23) This was to be the greatest sign of His glory given to the whole world! Jesus spoke of the resurrection of His body after three days in the grave! He arose!
A Lamb for the sins of a lost world!
Scripture reading for May 1st: John 1:29-51
“The next day John (the Baptist) saw Jesus coming toward him and said, “Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world! This is the One I meant when I said, ‘A man who comes after me has surpassed me because He was before me.'” (John 1:29-30) John the Baptist came calling all people to repent and be baptized in the Jordan river. He had told them that One was coming after him whose sandals he was not worthy to untie. This One would surpass him, and would baptize people with the Holy Spirit. (John 1:26, 33) He also told the people plainly that Jesus was the Son of God! Speaking prophetically, John announced that Jesus was the Lamb of God who would take away the sins of the whole world!
This story of the lamb is richly embedded in the history of Israel. When Abraham and Isaac went up Mt. Moriah to offer Isaac as a sacrifice, Abraham had told his son that the Lord would provide a sacrifice. (Genesis 22:8) As Abraham lifted the knife to slay his son, God stopped him and provided a ram in place of the boy! (Genesis 22:10-13)
On the night of the Passover in Egypt, Moses was instructed each family take a lamb without spot or blemish and slay that lamb, catching the blood. With hyssop, the head of each house was to apply the blood to the doorposts and lentils of the house to keep the death angel from taking the firstborn. (Exodus 12:3-12) They were to eat the lamb roasted in fire and with bitter herbs and unleavened bread, ready to travel out of Egypt. This lamb would sustain them and there would be no feeble or sick among them. The lamb would atone for a family!
Once a year, the High Priest, would take a goat and sacrifice it, taking the blood and sprinkling it on the atonement cover inside the Holy of Holies. This was to take place on the Day of Atonement. This goat died to cover the sins and rebellion of the whole nation of Israel. (Leviticus 16:15-17, 34)
Jesus Christ came as the Lamb of God taking away the sins of the whole world! He was the final sacrifice, His blood being offered in Heaven to cover the sins of each person who would repent and believe! (Hebrews 9:6-14) Hallelujah!
The mission!
Scripture reading for April 29th: Luke 24:13-53
The resurrection brought fear, doubt, and amazement to the disciples of Jesus. On resurrection day, two disciples were walking on the road to Emmaus, talking about what had happened in Jerusalem. As they walked along, Jesus began to walk with them. They did not recognize Him as He questioned them about the experiences they were discussing. They shared their hopes of redemption through Jesus and how He was crucified. Then they told Him how some of the women had told them that Jesus was alive and how others had found the tomb empty. They weren’t sure what to believe!
After listening to them, “He said to them, “How foolish you are, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken! Did not the Christ have to suffer these things and then enter His glory?” And beginning at the Prophets, He explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning Himself.” (Luke 24:25-27) Jesus was instructing His disciples and correcting their unbelief and they did not recognize Him! These two disciples asked Jesus to stay with them that evening and as He broke bread with them, they did recognize Him. He then disappeared from their sight!
They quickly returned to Jerusalem to tell the others! As they were telling their story, Jesus appeared to them saying “Peace be with you.” (Luke 24:36) They were frightened and thought it might be a ghost! He showed them His hands and feet and invited them to touch Him. He even ate some fish with them. He was a real man with flesh and bones.
The real task for these disciples lay ahead. “This is what is written: The Christ will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day, and repentance and forgiveness of sins will be preached in His Name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. You are witnesses of these things. I am going to send you what My Father has promised: but stay in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high.” (Luke 24:46-49) Jesus was still seeking out lost people and calling them to repent. These disciples would now be the witnesses who would share this truth. They would begin in Jerusalem and go to the nations! The gift of the Father would clothe them with power! His mission was their great commission!
He is risen!
Scripture reading for April 28th: Luke 23:44-24:12
What a shock it must have been to those disciples to see Jesus actually crucified and then dead! Even though Jesus had told them that this would happen, the reality of it had to be painful and heart-rending. Added to this grief for their beloved Master, was the fact that each of them had denied Him in His hour of need. They had followed Him willingly and had learned so much, but this last day was something that none of them had courage to deal with. Their lack of prayer had led to failure during temptation! (Luke 22:46)
A member of the Sanhedrin, Joseph, who had not been in agreement with their actions, went to Pilate and asked for Jesus’ body. He took it and wrapped it in linen cloths and laid it in a new tomb right before sundown. The women went home and prepared spices for the body, but because of the Sabbath did not get to put them on Jesus’ body. (Luke 23:50-56)
After the Sabbath was over, early on the first day of the week, the women took their spices and went to the garden tomb to anoint the body for proper burial. On arrival, they found the stone rolled away and they entered and looked around. “While they were wondering about this, suddenly two men in clothes that gleamed like lightning stood beside them. In their fright the women bowed down with their faces to the ground, but the men said to them, “Why do you look for the living among the dead? He is not here; He has risen! Remember how He told you while He was still with you in Galilee: “The Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, be crucified and on the third day be raised again.”” (Luke 24:5-8)
Jesus rose from the grave! He was declared the Son of God with power through resurrection from the dead! (Romans 1:4) No other religion or person can claim this truth! Jesus not only rose, but announced it before hand to confirm His claim to be the Son of God. Can you put your faith in Jesus Christ today? This act of believing can change you eternal destiny and how you live each day of the rest of your life! Jesus is alive and calling you and me to follow Him in resurrection life!
Today, in Paradise!
Scripture reading for April 27th: Luke 23:11-43
“Two other men, both criminals, were also led out with Him to be executed. When they came to the place called ‘the Skull’, there they crucified Him, along with the criminals–one on His right, the other on His left. Jesus said, “Father forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” And they divided up His clothes by casting lots.” (Luke 23:32-34) The scene of the crucifixion was on a hill overlooking the city that had a strange shape on it’s vertical face that made it appear to be a human skull. These Roman soldiers had probably executed criminals there many times. Jesus was fulfilling prophetic words written by Isaiah that stated He would be numbered with the transgressors. (Isaiah 53:12)
It is interesting to note Jesus’ prayer from the cross recorded by Luke. Jesus asked for mercy on those who accused Him falsely and those who nailed Him there following orders. His thoughts were not on His own needs, but on the needs of those He came to save. Even as the soldiers gambled for His clothes, His last earthly possession, He was calling on His Father to have mercy on His enemies, just as He had taught! What an example of grace! How prayer strengthened Him to avoid temptation!
These two criminals who hung on each side of Jesus heard His prayer. One of them mocked Jesus and insulted Him, calling on Jesus to save Himself and them. The other, humbled by Jesus’ prayer and confessing his own sinfulness, rebuked the first criminal for his insults. “Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when You come into Your kingdom.” Jesus answered him, “I tell you the truth, today you will be with Me in paradise.” (Luke 23:42-43)
How simple was the response of the second criminal! A simple plea for remembrance and a confession of belief that Jesus had a kingdom and was a king brought a positive answer from Jesus’ lips. The truth, according to Jesus, was that even that day, they would both be together in paradise! Have you placed your faith in Jesus Christ? No matter what you have done or how many things you are guilty of, Jesus stands ready to hear your humble plea and confession of faith! He came to seek and save that which was lost! (Luke 19:10)
What will you do with Jesus?
Scripture reading for April 26th: Luke 22:55-23:10
“When Herod saw Jesus, he was greatly pleased, because for a long time he had been wanting to see Him. From what he had heard about Him, he hoped to see Him perform some miracle. He plied Him with many questions, but Jesus gave him no answer.” (Luke 23:8-9) This was the Herod who had earlier killed John the Baptist and was the ruler in Galilee. Herod was curious about Jesus. The news of Jesus’ miracles had reached his ears, and he wanted to meet this man. He wanted to see one of the miracles, but not so he could believe on Him! His miracles were not for entertainment or to satisfy someone’s curiosity.
This refusal to answer brought mockery from Herod and those around him. Herod had an elegant robe put on Jesus and they hailed Him as ‘king of the Jews’. Jesus looked like an unlikely ‘king’, as He stood there bruised, accused falsely, and mocked by those in authority and by the religious leaders in Jerusalem. Herod sent Jesus back to Pilate, and these two political leaders who had been enemies, became friends over dealing with Jesus. How sad to think that these who had the opportunity to find truth and eternal life, were oblivious to their own need and to Jesus who could truly help them if they would ask sincerely.
Just previous to this, Jesus had given straight answers to serious questions. When asked by the council of elders if He was the Christ, Jesus answered,”If I tell you, you will not believe Me, and if I asked you, you would not answer. But from now on, the Son of Man will be seated at the right hand of the mighty God.” They then asked point blank, “Are You then the Son of God?” He replied, “You are right in saying I am.” (Luke 22:67-70) Jesus told them truth but they did not want to believe. They had made up their minds. Using Jesus’ answer, they accused Him of blasphemy.
Each person must decide who Jesus is. Do we believe Jesus or not? The religious leaders refused to believe Him after seeing miracles. The rulers Herod and Pilate refused to believe. All rejected truth because of a lack of humility. Today is a day of decision. What will you do with Jesus?
Satan’s sifting!
Scripture reading for April 24th: Luke 22:14-24
As Satan entered Judas and he ended up betraying Jesus, so Satan was active in testing the disciples during the final hours of Jesus’ time here on earth. If you are a follower of Jesus, you also will be tested by Satan to see if your faith is sound!
“In the same way, after the supper He took the cup, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in My blood, which is poured out for you. But the hand of him who is going to betray Me is with Mine on the table. The Son of Man will go as it has been decreed, but woe to that man who betrays Him.” They began to question among themselves which of them it might be who would do this. Also a dispute arose among them as to which of them was considered to be the greatest.”” (Luke 22:20-23) Jesus was conducting the final rites of the Passover Feast when He announced that one of the Twelve would betray Him. This caused them all to question who could or would do such a thing. Evidently, each of them thought that they would not, and they began to boast about who would be the greatest in the kingdom. Their minds and hearts were filled with pride, not humble faith.
Jesus encouraged them to pursue greatness through serving. He had set the example of serving them earlier in the meal by washing their feet. (John 13:2-17) He then turned to Peter, who was probably the chief boaster. “Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift you as wheat. But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers.” (Luke 22:31-32) Jesus had a word of knowledge for Peter. Peter was sure he would follow Jesus even to death, but Jesus knew the truth. He prayed for Peter that his faith would not fail! Peter would be restored and he was to use his faith to strengthen his brothers. In fact, all were going to fall away on account of Him!
Jesus knows each of us. We will all have our faith sifted by Satan! Some of us will stumble and fall to temptation, but Jesus is praying for us. (Romans 8:34) By humbly turning back to Jesus, we can be restored as Peter, and strengthen our brothers!
Judas Iscariot
Scripture reading for April 23rd: Luke 21:29-22:13
Do you ever think about what it would have been like to be one of the disciples that Jesus originally chose? I would have loved to see the miracles, gotten to know the Son of God, and learned how to fish for men’s souls! These disciples were so blessed, and yet one of them did not recognize it!
“Now the Feast of Unleavened Bread, called the Passover, was approaching, and the chief priests and teachers of the law were looking for some way to get rid of Jesus, for they were afraid of the people. Then Satan entered Judas, called Iscariot, one of the Twelve. And Judas went to the chief priests and the officers of the temple guard and discussed with them how he might betray Jesus. They were delighted and agreed to give him money. He consented, and watched for an opportunity to hand Jesus over to them when no crowd was present.” (Luke 22:1-6)
Judas was evidently aware of this plot to kill Jesus. Jesus had warned them several times prior to this about His coming death and resurrection. (Luke 18:31-33) Luke stated that “Satan entered Judas” and he went to the leaders of the Jews and conspired with them to betray Jesus. He did this for an agreed upon sum of money, thirty pieces of silver. ( This is said to have been the common price of a slave in that time.) The question is how could one who had been so close to Jesus for so long allow Satan to enter his life?
The Apostle John gives us insight into Judas’ problem. When the woman came and anointed Jesus with the expensive perfume, Judas spoke up. “Why wasn’t this perfume sold and the money given to the poor? It was worth a year’s wages.” He did not say this because he cared about the poor but because he was a thief; as keeper of the money bag, he used to help himself to what was put into it.” (John 12:5-6) Judas may have started out right, but his love of money was stronger than his love for Jesus.
Sadly, this same problem can happen today in our culture! Jesus taught that it was impossible to serve God and money. Examine your life today as a disciple of Jesus Christ. Is there anything in your life that might cause you to betray your Lord?
Standing firm!
Scripture reading for April 22nd: Luke 21:1-28
“Then He said to them: “Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be great earthquakes, famines and pestilences in various places, and fearful events and great signs from heaven. . . .You will be betrayed even by parents, brothers, relatives and friends, and they will put some of you to death. All men will hate you because of Me. But not a hair of your head will perish. By standing firm you will gain life.”(Luke 21:10-11, 16-19)
As Jesus approached the time of His crucifixion and departure, He spoke plainly to His disciples of events surrounding His second coming. He knew how these followers would be shaken and tested by the turmoil and trouble coming upon the earth in the last days and sought to give them (and us) fair warning. God does nothing by judgment unless he warns His people through the prophets. (Amos 3:7)
Today, we are experiencing many of these signs that Jesus said would happen. He promised that the end would not come right away. (Luke 21:9) He emphasized that His followers had nothing to fear, even if they were killed for their testimony of faith in Christ. Standing firm requires faith. We must decide to trust Jesus and believe His promises. In a time where many are mocking those who believe, we must not give in to fear or be swayed by the philosophy of the current culture. There are not many ways to God, there is only one way: Jesus Christ! We must stay firm in that belief! Seeking the approval of men by refusing to publically take a stand is not standing firm either. Standing firm means we will proclaim our faith and Jesus Christ as Lord. We will live for Him alone and die if necessary for that stand.
Jesus ended this discourse with a warning to His followers: “Be careful, or your hearts will be weighed down with dissipation, drunkenness and the anxieties of life, and that day will close on you unexpectedly like a trap. For it will come upon all who live on the face of the whole earth. Be always on the watch, and pray that you may be able to escape all that is about to happen, and that you may be able to stand before the Son of Man.” (Luke 21:34-36) Please stand firm, watch, and pray! The time is short!
The God of the Living!
Scripture reading for April 21st: Luke 20:27-47
Are we eternal beings or just here on earth by time and chance? What happens when we die? Will there be life after death? If so, what will life after death be like? Jesus had such a discussion with the Saducees in today’s reading. These Saducees were sad you see, because they did not believe in the resurrection or heaven! (Luke 20:27)
These religious leaders called the Saducees were the ancient equivalent of the anti-supernatural believers of our day. They had trouble in thinking about the subject of resurrection because when a person died, it looked to them that it was all over. The body went into the ground and when a person was dead, they were gone forever! This view has serious implications for how we live our lives here on earth.
They came to Jesus to debate this question and try and trap Him. They asked about a situation where a man who was married had seven brothers. He passed away and according to the Law of Moses, a brother was to marry the widow and have children for his dead brother. In their story, each died in turn after having married the widow, until all seven and the widow had died and left no children. Their question for Jesus was: “Now then, at the resurrection whose wife will she be, since the seven were married to her?” (Luke 20:33)
“Jesus replied, “The people of this age marry and are given in marriage. But those who are considered worthy of taking part in that age and in the resurrection from the dead will neither marry or be given in marriage, and they can no longer die: for they are like the angels. They are God’s children, since they are children of the resurrection. …He is not the God of the dead, but of the living, for to Him all are alive.” (Luke 20:34-36,38)
Jesus challenged their lack of faith in the resurrection. He explained that those who would take part in that age and the resurrection were alive. He explained from the books of Moses that God was the God of the living and Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob were alive! Have you accepted God’s offer to be a “child of the resurrection?” Today is the best day to respond by repentance and faith in Jesus Christ!