November 15 - Luke 24; John 20-21: Jesus Passes Leadership to Peter

Today’s Reading: Luke 24; John 20-21

The Message

English Standard Version

Congratulations! You've made it through the Gospels and have 23 books to go in the New Testament. We are also halfway through the New Testament! Way to read!

Thought to Guide Your Reading

Jesus tells Peter—after he denied knowing Jesus—to lead His Disciples.

Summary in 100 Words or Less

Two women, and later Peter and another Apostle, went to Jesus' Tomb, but found it empty. The two women later saw Jesus.
Jesus showed two men why He came, using Scripture. They told the Apostles what they saw.
Jesus joined and ate with them. They would go into the world with God's Power.
Thomas wanted visual proof of Jesus' Resurrection.
John wrote to encourage belief.
Eating with the disciples, Jesus asked Peter three times if he loved Him unconditionally. He was tasked with leading the Disciples.
Jesus was carried into Heaven. The Apostles spent their time praising God!

How Today’s Reading Contributes to the Gospel: God is Setting All Things Right

Jesus is risen!

(Repeat from yesterday's comment)
It is yesterday's and today's readings that provide the foundational belief of Christianity: the resurrection of the body and its reconnection to the spirit. Christianity does not hinge on a cross. It hinges on Jesus coming back to life! Jesus' Crucifixion meant we could all have our relationships set right with God. Jesus' Resurrection means we will all one day be alongside Him. Praise God! Death will not have the last say!

The Old Testament pointed to Jesus coming to die to set everything right.

Unfortunately, we do not know what Old Testament books Jesus used to show that He needed to die. We do know, however, that Jesus complained that the Pharisees read the Bible thinking it would save them but instead missed the point—Jesus! Yet Jesus' own Disciples did not understand why He came! They were depressed because they thought He would save them from the Romans. Instead, He saved them from the guilt of their mistakes and to remove the onerous burden of the Law.
In the same vein, the New Testament, especially John's Gospel, was written about Jesus. John explicitly mentions that he wrote so that we would believe in Jesus. I hope you read the New Testament for the same reason.

Jesus sent the Apostles to change the religious discourse from sacrifice and religion to forgiveness.

God did not like all of Israel's religion because they wanted all of the blessings with none of the responsibility. With the Apostles, God opened His Chosen People to the world and taught the direct forgiveness of sins through Jesus' Sacrifice. What an awesome message to give to the world! Jesus forgives!

Jesus did not abandon Peter.

Peter denied Jesus three times. Still, Jesus wanted him to shepherd His Disciples. We should take heart—God will never abandon us when we are willing to obey Him.

Do you feel God has abandoned you? Stop! He hasn't!

November 13 - John 18-19; Luke 23: The New Passover Lamb

Today’s Reading: John 18-19; Luke 23

The Message

English Standard Version

Thought to Guide Your Reading

On the day when God's Chosen People celebrated God's greatest act to rescue them, they executed His Son.

Summary in 100 Words or Less

Judas betrayed Jesus to the Pharisees and religious scholars.
Pilate sent Jesus to Herod. Herod sent Him back.
Jesus kept silent through many accusations and told Pilate His Kingdom was not a political one.
The Jews wanted a murderer to receive mercy but Jesus to receive death. Pilate handed Him over for execution.
The Roman soldiers mocked Jesus and nailed Him to the Cross.
Jews mocked Jesus' fate.
Jesus cried out and died—this was seen by many.
The Roman captain believed that Jesus was the Son of God.
Joseph, from Arimathea, buried Jesus.
Everyone rested on the Sabbath.

How Today’s Reading Contributes to the Gospel: God is Setting All Things Right

Jesus' Kingdom is not a political one.

Pilate's question was not benign. He had the responsibility to stop any and all threats to Caesar's authority. If Jesus claimed to be a king, He would be executed. Jesus had to be cagy with His answers because to answer directly may have lead to His execution for rebellion, not as a result of God's Chosen People rejecting Him. Jesus' answer settled Pilate's uneasiness. Jesus is not the king of a landmass or a social structure. He is the King of Truth, shedding light on all things.
We must be careful when discussing Jesus and politics. Jesus wants to set all things right. He wants justice. He wants mercy. He healed the sick and He taught holiness. Jesus should not be grabbed onto and pulled into your one issue or problem. He is bigger than all issues or problems. Don't make Jesus a conqueror, as done for centuries by Europeans. Don't make Jesus the champion for socialism, as done today by many welfare-state proponents. Jesus is the King of Truth. If you have to hide facts to get people on your side, He is not there with you, no matter how good what you want to do may be.

The Jews did not understand what they were doing.

Yesterday I mentioned that Israel's greatest act of rebellion provided the opportunity for all people to have their relationship set right with God. I believe this is what Jesus meant when He said, "Father, forgive them; they don’t know what they’re doing" (Luke 23:34, The Message). The Jews thought they were getting rid of their fly-in-the-ointment prophet. Instead, they were providing the means for the world to join them in having a personal relationship with the Creator. The Jews should have no blame in crucifying Jesus. They never realized the awesome thing they did.

Do you see how God used the Jews' rebellion to set all things right?

November 11 - John 14-17: The Spirit Helps Jesus' Disciples with God's Mission to Set All Things Right

Today’s Reading: John 14-17

The Message

English Standard Version

Thought to Guide Your Reading

Jesus would leave behind the Spirit to guide the Apostles to the Truth.

Summary in 100 Words or Less

"You can only get where I am going through Me.
"The Spirit of Truth will live in you since the world can't see God's Message in Me.
"Be connected to Me—the Vine—for an abundant harvest. Love each other.
"The world hates Our Father.
"I am leaving so the Spirit can guide you to Truth.
"My Death will help you speak directly to the Father."
The Apostles finally believed, though right before they abandoned Jesus.
Jesus prayed to God. "Protect My Disciples and their spiritual offspring from the world. Keep them unified so the world may see Our Mission."

How Today’s Reading Contributes to the Gospel: God is Setting All Things Right

Jesus is the Way to the Father.

No one who accepts God can reject Jesus because they are one. They teach the exact things because They have the same goal—to set all things right. Many Jews never understood this about Jesus, and for that reason they have rejected Him to today. To obey the Father, you must first accept Jesus.

Whatever we request from the Father, within His Will and His Being, will be granted.

I appreciate how Jesus couched this request. He does not want us to think God is obligated to grant anything we desire. However, God is generous and wants to give what we need. Ask God what you need and He will provide.

The Holy Spirit was given to guide the Apostles to the Truth.

One of the most confusing parts of God is understanding the Holy Spirit. What is His purpose? How does He work? Does He work today? The most important thing to know is the Holy Spirit's Goal. The Goal will inform every other question we have. The Holy Spirit guided the Apostles to write the truth. He gives God's Chosen People the ability to speak the Truth while on trial. The Goal of the Holy Spirit is to set things right by leading people to the Truth. How that is done today should not be our focus. Our focus should be on what Truth the Spirit leads us to.

The world cannot see Jesus because they refuse to submit to Him.

The World could not see Jesus because they did not know what to look for. Because of Jesus' celebrity status, He needed His Disciples to spread the Truth. The Spirit would help through guiding His Chosen People to provide the Truth to the world. We should not be surprised when the world cannot accept Jesus' teachings; however, we should allow the Spirit to guide us in telling the world the Truth.

The best way to love is the way Jesus loved His Apostles.

Jesus told them that the best way to love was to put your life on the line for your friends. Then Jesus called them His Friends. He would die for them. How awesome is our God!

Some will believe they are doing God's Will by persecuting Jesus' Disciples.

This will come into focus in a few days.

The Spirit will show the world how it sins.

Christians struggle with the balance of telling others that they sin and getting along. Jesus came into the world to both save the world and call sinners to repent. We should remember that we are not the one convicting others of their wrongs. The Spirit shows the world the errors of their ways. Most of the time the specific action is not the problem—a failure to submit is the real problem. Christians should realize that we are to show the world the foundation of their mistakes instead of complain that their actions are wrong. By helping others submit to God we help the Spirit show them how their actions are wrong. This is one of the major reasons Christians need to be friendly with people in the world and why Jesus ate with sinners—we cannot help them submit to God unless they have a trusting friendship with us. To use a cliché, "No one cares how much you know until they know how much you care." Jesus showed the spiritually sick that He cared and that convinced them to submit their lives to God (or so we hope, the Gospels are vague on how well Jesus' meals changed people's lives). Christians should do the same.

Real, Eternal Life is knowing God.

When we know God, we have the ability to live in inner peace, allow that peace to permeate into our relationships, and live in peace with the world. Then we can live with God, the Creator of the universe, because He is forever peaceful.

Jesus did not want His Disciples out of the world. He wanted the world out of His Disciples.

Jesus never prayed that His Disciples would build gated communities which would keep out any person who was a bad influence. He wanted their holiness to be a shining light into the world to complete His Mission. By living as one as Jesus and God are one, we show the world that Jesus came to set things right.

Do you allow the Spirit to convict others of their sin?

November 10 - John 13; Luke 22: Jesus' New Command: Love Each Other

Today’s Reading: John 13; Luke 22

The Message

English Standard Version

Thought to Guide Your Reading

At a time when Jesus was preparing to be brutally executed for being Himself, He told His Apostles to love each other.

Summary in 100 Words or Less

The Jews wanted Jesus removed swiftly.
During the Passover, Jesus gave bread and wine to represent His body and blood.
Jesus washed the Apostles' feet, "I, your Teacher, washed your feet. Lead and serve."
Jesus told them about His betrayer.
Jesus continued, "My Moment is here. Your new commandment: Love each other as I loved you."
Peter would deny Jesus three times. Satan wanted to sift him like wheat.
Jesus warned of tough times ahead.
On the Mount of Olives, Jesus prayed but the Apostles slept.
Judas betrayed Jesus.
Peter denied knowing Jesus three times.
Jesus was beaten and mocked.

How Today’s Reading Contributes to the Gospel: God is Setting All Things Right

Jesus modeled love.

I have tried to stay away from trite phrases like "Jesus was the model …" because they were so overdone while I grew up. With that in mind, I love the fact that Jesus modeled love with His Apostles until the end. As a teacher, I realize there are times when you want to pound your students' heads in. Jesus had Apostles that didn't get it. They kept looking for a political kingdom when Jesus wanted them to think of an action kingdom. They wanted to be the greatest when Jesus wanted them to get rid of competition. Through all of that Jesus continued to love and teach them. How awesome is our Savior!

Jesus washed the Apostles' feet to show both His submission and holiness.

Jesus wanted the Apostles to focus on serving as many as possible, not setting up different classes of people. It also symbolized holiness, something that went over Peter's head. Unless we are clean (holy), we cannot be God's Chosen People.

Jesus added a new command: love each other.

It seems simple until you realize He is speaking to the Apostles who don't understand what He is about. If they could not figure it out, we should not expect people born today to have everything down. What Jesus added at the end provides the impetus for our love—so the world may know we are His Disciples. We cannot show Jesus to the world unless we are willing to love each other.

Peter was commissioned to help regroup.

Jesus knew everyone would abandon Him. He gave Peter the job of reorganizing the Movement after they abandoned Him. Remember: this was before he denied Jesus. No matter what we do, Jesus still calls us to our task.

Are you letting your past prevent you from helping others set their relationships right?

November 3 - Mark 11; John 12: Jesus would be Lifted Up to Shine Light to the World

Today’s Reading: Mark 11; John 12

The Message

English Standard Version

Thought to Guide Your Reading

When Jesus is lifted to give light to the world, they can set things right.

Summary in 100 Words or Less

Mary, Lazarus' sister, anointed Jesus' Feet with oil. This infuriated Judas, who was embezzling money and preparing to betray Jesus.
Jesus entered Jerusalem on a donkey to a fanfare.
Jesus threw merchants out of the Temple.
The Apostles could do great things if they embraced the God-life.
Jesus trapped His opponents when they questioned His Authority.
The Time to fulfill His Purpose had come. "I must be lifted up to draw everyone to Me. Believe in the Light."
Many leaders believed but in secret to keep their positions.
Jesus taught, "If you do not believe, My Words will judge you."

How Today’s Reading Contributes to the Gospel: God is Setting All Things Right

Jesus told His Apostles to pray for everything in faith.

As I mentioned earlier, I am not very good with prayer. This passage is difficult for me to do because in this section Jesus tells His Apostles that if they pray with the outcome expected that God would do it.

That’s why I urge you to pray for absolutely everything, ranging from small to large. Include everything as you embrace this God-life, and you’ll get God’s everything. (Mark 11:24, The Message)

God's Chosen People should pray for everything because we should submit everything to God.

Judas, though an Apostle hand-picked by Jesus, was not dedicated to setting things right.

Jesus prayed all night before choosing the 12, yet one of them betrayed Him. The reason was not limited to the need for Jesus to be crucified. Judas was not dedicated to setting things right because he allowed his heart to serve money, not God. He used the poor as a club to guilt-trip people into giving to his purse, which he liberally took a piece of. Beware people who complain that you are not giving them enough under the guise of helping the poor. Their motives may not be good—although we should not become paranoid that all charities or social programs are corrupt.

Unless we die, we cannot gain Eternal Life.

"[A]nyone who holds on to life just as it is destroys that life. But if you let it go, reckless in your love, you’ll have it forever, real and eternal " (John 12:25). We must give up on our lives and allow God to direct them. Until then we cannot set all things right.

If Jesus is raised, many people see the Light and set things right.

Jesus came to be the greatest example of God setting things right. This would be done by sacrificing himself. By telling the crowd that He must be lifted up He told them how He would die. Since Jesus is the Light, putting Him high shines light on the largest area. Jesus wants His Disciples to be Children of Light—shining God's Light into dark places. If God's Chosen People lift the Light, All People will have a chance to set things right.

There will be no subjective judging by God. Either you set things right or you did not.

Jesus told the crowds that He would not judge everyone. Instead, His Words would judge everyone. We will not have a chance to sweet-talk our way out of punishment. Nor will we need to prove our case. Either we set things right or we did not. It makes obeying Jesus a lot less mysterious. Listen to Jesus' Words. They will show you how to set things right.

Do you lift Jesus for the world to see His Light?

October 29 - John 11: Jesus Shows a Sample of the Resurrection

Today’s Reading: John 11

The Message

English Standard Version

Thought to Guide Your Reading

Jesus is not some distant, aloof god. He joins in the weeping over the death of a friend.

Summary in 100 Words or Less

Jesus' friend Lazarus was sick, to show God's Glory given to God's Son. Two days later, Jesus informed His Disciples, "Lazarus is dead and I will wake him."
Lazarus' sisters were distraught. Jesus told Martha, "I am the Resurrection. Anyone believing in Me will live."
As Mary ran to greed Him, Jesus wept.
Jesus called Lazarus out of the tomb. Many believed.
Jesus kept performing miracles—the Pharisees' worst nightmare. One man suggested Jesus become a martyr. Unbeknownst to them, they were preparing a world-wide sacrifice for sin.
Jesus and His Disciples went into seclusion.
The Passover came once again.

How Today’s Reading Contributes to the Gospel: God is Setting All Things Right

Lazarus' death was meant to show Jesus' Glory given by the Father.

Jesus' miracles were meant to help others believe in Him. In this instance, He gave a clear sign that He was from the Father—He did something no other person could do.

Lazarus' resurrection provided an object lesson into how God will make all things right in the end.

Jesus wanted everyone to know He is the Resurrection and the Life. He had the power to take away death and return life. His Resurrection was meant to give hope that one day we, too, would be given life again. It is this Resurrection that makes Christianity worthy of its sacrifice.

The Pharisees set up the ultimate irony—their political move to martyr one to save their power was used to set relationships around the world right with God.

John is not a great storyteller if you love suspense. He adds commentary which gives the end of the story. In this case, the cat is out of the bag—Jesus is going to be murdered for the salvation of the world. The Pharisees, on the other hand, do not know this and think their prudent action to sacrifice one to save their power will work. It shows a great truth about God we saw way back in Joseph's day—God can use acts meant for harm to set things right. The greatest act to set things right was meant to hold power in one group's hands.

How has God used harmful situations to set things right in your life?

October 25 - Luke 10-11; John 10:22-42: Setting Things Right with Your Neighbor

Today’s Reading: Luke 10-11; John 10:22-42

The Message

English Standard Version

Thought to Guide Your Reading

Similar to the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus wants His Chosen People to no longer focus on "standards" or definitions. He wants us to set things right because we can.

Summary in 100 Words or Less

Jesus sent 70 disciples to teach. God's Authority would protect them.
Jesus was asked "Who is my neighbor?" Jesus told a parable about a Samaritan man who helped a stranger. The Samaritan was the man's neighbor.
Jesus taught the disciples to persistently ask God to give what they needed. God would give what was best.
Jesus complained, "You want 'signs' but argue over minutia. Your eyes are too narrow to allow in My Saving Light. Stop looking for loopholes around God's Law."
Pharisees and religious scholars wanted Jesus murdered.
Jews refused Jesus as their Shepherd, but many believed in Him.

How Today’s Reading Contributes to the Gospel: God is Setting All Things Right

Jesus' missionary style was to allow insiders to call people to the messengers.

Churches have a problem going out. We love to stay in and wait for people to somehow find us. Jesus wanted His disciples to find a generous person and let them bring others to hear about Jesus. This is similar to how the first city accepted Jesus as their Lord. Find people in your city who can call others to listen to the Good News.

Jesus removed any limitation to the definition of a "neighbor".

As He did in the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus took a standard (or a request for a definite answer) and turned it into a mindset. The Samaritan helped the man because He wanted to set things right. There was no law or moral code requiring him to act. There was no money in helping the man. The injured stranger needed someone to help him and the Samaritan was the one. There is no rule or standard to who constitutes your neighbors. Help anyone who needs your help.

Mary understood what was essential and what could wait.

I believe Jesus' point wasn't that kitchens were unnecessary. His point was that priority should go to learning how to set things right. We should not use this story as an excuse to never leave our lecture halls or living room small groups to do community service projects. We should learn from this example not to siphon time from the essentials in order to keep up a sparkling-clean home.

Jesus taught that prayer is like a friend calling another friend to help.

I struggle with prayer. It isn't because I don't think God hears my prayer or that He doesn't want to answer them. I struggle because I have difficulty seeing prayer as calling out to a friend to help in the middle of the night. It seems too distant, too formal. I struggle to balance rote prayers for the sake of praying and persistently praying for what I need. However, persistence pays off—especially when it comes to God. Before you start praying a million times for $10 million, remember that God gives us what we need. Don't bargain, ask for tradeoffs, or give ultimatums. Continuously ask God to set things right until it happens.

Jesus came to set things right, not perform magic tricks.

The Pharisees, religious scholars, and Jews wanted Jesus to perform sign after sign. They were not interested in following Jesus but discrediting Him, as I mentioned earlier. Jesus would not perform a miracle at their every beck-and-call. They had all the evidence they needed. They lacked faith not evidence.

It is not the outside that matters. The outside should mirror the inside.

The Pharisees struggled to obey God because they wanted all of the esteem from obeying God without the hard task of changing themselves to set things right. This is why Jesus has to make them see they are like a clean tomb—the dirty, dead bones are inside.

Do you struggle with praying like you are asking a friend for help?

October 24 - John 9-10:21: Jesus is the Good Shepherd who Sets Things Right

Today’s Reading: John 9-10:21

The Message

English Standard Version

Thought to Guide Your Reading

Jesus calls His Sheep by name and sacrifices Himself for them. The Pharisees argue with their sheep and insult them.

Summary in 100 Words or Less

Jesus told His Disciples that God shows His Power by healing.
Once blind, a man confessed to his townspeople that the Prophet Jesus healed him. The Pharisees sneered at this ridiculous idea.
The man's parents confirmed that he was once blind. Angry, the Pharisees threw the new believer out.
Later, Jesus told the man, "I give sight to the blind and blind arrogant 'see-ers'. I am the gate only shepherds use. I sacrifice Myself for the sheep. I will soon merge them all into one Flock. I give Myself freely and can retrieve My Life by the Father's Word."

How Today’s Reading Contributes to the Gospel: God is Setting All Things Right

The Apostles wanted to find someone to blame for the man's blindness.

Jesus' point was not that handicaps never occur because of sin. We know some issues are caused by mothers abusing their bodies during pregnancy. Others are caused by lifestyle choices. Jesus point is that trying to find someone or something to blame for a person's handicap detracts from God's purpose—setting all things right. A Chosen Person should seek ways God can set the situation right, not find out who is to blame for its existence.

The man was wiser than the Pharisees.

As I mentioned yesterday, the Pharisees were trying to discredit Jesus using technicalities. The man Jesus healed received the same treatment. They questioned him, doubted his infirmity, and bullied him to get their way. The man held firm—Jesus, the one who healed him, was a Prophet. All the evidence he needed was found in his eyes. It is here that Jesus' statement about the blind receiving sight and the arrogant "see-ers" being blinded comes into focus. Those who see God's Work believe faster than those who want to control God's Work. The man believed because of what Jesus did. The Pharisees insulted and threw out a person healed by God because they could not control Jesus.

Jesus' Sheep would be in one flock.

This is one of the earliest inklings that enrollment in God's Chosen People would become open for the world. Jesus wanted to bring all of His Sheep into one flock, where He would lead and die for them. Jesus' death would allow the entire world to enter His Flock.

Jesus laid down His Life so we could gain ours.

Jesus became the Good Shepherd because He was willing to sacrifice Himself to prevent His Flock from suffering. If we want to be like Jesus, we must be willing to sacrifice ourselves to prevent others from suffering.

Are you part of Jesus' Flock?

October 23 - John 7-8: Jesus Passes Light to the World, Except Those who Reject Him

Today’s Reading: John 7-8

The Message

English Standard Version

Thought to Guide Your Reading

The Pharisees try to find every little thing they can to discredit Jesus.

Summary in 100 Words or Less

Jesus showed the world their evil hearts. They wanted Him dead.
The Jews were impressed by Jesus' Wisdom. Jesus told them, "Anyone can understand what I teach except those who refuse to set things right." Many people believed.
On the last day of the feast, Jesus openly called for followers. The police refused to arrest Him. Nicodemus stood up for Him.
An adulteress was brought to Jesus but let go for lack of an executioner with perfect morals.
The Pharisees failed to see Jesus as the Light because they missed God. This prevented them from understanding Jesus' Ways and Teachings.

How Today’s Reading Contributes to the Gospel: God is Setting All Things Right

The world wants to destroy Jesus because He sheds light on their evil hearts.

Jesus tells us, in exact terms, why the world wanted to destroy Him: He was a threat to keeping their evil intentions hidden. He had to be destroyed.

The Jews and Pharisees wanted to discredit Jesus on technicalities.

One of the parts of Jesus' Ministry I love is His dedication to the larger picture without losing the details, and vice-versa. Jesus understood the Real Story of life but made sure all of the prophecies were completed. Because the Jews and Pharisees could not defeat Him by finding fault in His teachings, they resorted to picking at Him—His hometown, His healing on the Sabbath, a lack of corroborating witnesses, His Father's identity, His identity, and their freedom and lineage. They wanted to discredit Jesus so much they were willing to do any and everything to get rid of Him.

The "religious scholars" rejected Jesus. The "religiously ignorant" accepted Him.

Before we discuss education and training for God's Chosen People, we must first remember that Jesus was not rejected by people who knew the Law. He was rejected by those who had studied the Law since birth. People ignorant of the Bible may be the ones who accept Jesus easiest.
It is this reason that I find the fact that Americans are growing less and less knowledgeable about the Bible to be a two-sided coin. On the one hand, they will not know what Jesus did because He is unknown to them. On the other hand, Jesus' teachings can be taught fresh because they do not have the baggage which prevents many from accepting them.

Nicodemus defended Jesus.

Jesus had friends in high places.

Jesus realized the adulteress was brought to Him to test Him, not because the crowd wanted justice done.

We do not know if this story is really in the Bible or not. Either way, what is important to see is that the Pharisees and Jews did not want Jesus to bring justice upon this woman. They wanted to put Him in a lose-lose situation. When he not only refused to execute her but also condemned them, they had no recourse but to walk away. Beware moral traps meant to snare a quick win and not a substantial dialogue on how to set things right.

Anyone who sins is a slave to sin.

It is a difficult statement which is essential for us to understand. Stay away from sin! It will make you a slave!

Jesus provides plenty of Light to free the world from its slavery.

We are to be lighthouses for the nations. We do this not by originating light but by reflecting the Light that comes from God through Jesus. Jesus' Light frees the nations from their bondage in sin because His Way is the Truth, meaning His Way is the right way to live.

Do you live in the Light or are a slave to sin?

October 18 - John 6: Jesus is the Bread of Life

Today’s Reading: John 6

The Message

English Standard Version

Thought to Guide Your Reading

Jesus wants them to follow Him because of spiritual bread, not physical bread.

Summary in 100 Words or Less

Jesus fed five thousand people using five loaves and two fish. His Apostles crossed the lake. Jesus joined them, walking on the water.
Jesus challenged the crowd, "Seek My Food—you will never hunger or thirst again."
The Jews were outraged, "How dare You say that!"
"Eat My Flesh and drink My Blood and you will have Life."
Jesus' disciples complained these teachings were too tough. Jesus warned them, "People come to Me only through God's Guidance." Many deserted; however, Peter exclaimed, "You have the way to eternal life."
Jesus replied, "One of you, my hand-picked 12, will betray Me."

How Today’s Reading Contributes to the Gospel: God is Setting All Things Right

The Jews wanted Jesus as their political ruler, not their Guide to setting all things right.

Israel never understood their true purpose as God's Chosen People. During Jesus days, under occupation by the Romans, they finally had their Messiah. Instead of wanting Him to set all things right in the world, they wanted Jesus to set their politics in order. They were ready for the charismatic leader to lead a successful rebellion. Jesus' had to tell them (repeatedly, so expect this theme again) that He did not come to restore the physical kingdom of Israel. He came to restore the spiritual Kingdom of God. The difference is stark—the physical kingdom of Israel never obeyed God in spirit. The spiritual Kingdom of God first puts their spirits under God's Reign and from there disciplines their bodies to act accordingly. God's Kingdom is first a spiritual kingdom.
We struggle with keeping our priorities right, too. Israel as a nation today was created by people called "Zionists" who thought God wanted a physical kingdom of Israel forever. The Jews who returned to the new nation are not necessarily people fully converted to God setting all things right (at least that was not the criteria used to repopulate the nation). They were chosen because they were physical descendents of Abraham. We have a difficult time remembering that Jesus did not come to set up a political body. He came up to set up a world-wide movement of people setting things right because they can.

The Jews wanted Jesus to keep giving them free bread, not teach them how to set things right.

Jesus' entire discourse on bread vs. Bread was to help them get out of their physical mindset. They took the prophets' words to mean the Shoot of David's tree would be a physical savior, not a spiritual liberator. This is why they wanted more bread and why their "test" was to reproduce God's feeding of Israel in the wilderness. They were completely unprepared for what came next.

Jesus is the Bread of Life.

Jesus came to offer everlasting life to anyone willing to follow Him. Everlasting life comes from His Teachings—the Bread of Life. Follow the Bread of Life. Follow Jesus.

Jesus' teachings are not easy to swallow.

Jesus' disciples realized their publicity campaign went south when He told the masses following Him to eat His Flesh (the Bread of Life) and drink His Blood (cleansing of sin). The crowds wanted a physical kingdom and more bread for their poor. Jesus wanted them to set things right. Many of them deserted to jump off the doomed train. Peter's remark showed the 12's loyalty,

Master, to whom would we go? You have the words of real life, eternal life. We’ve already committed ourselves, confident that you are the Holy One of God. (vv. 68-69, The Message)

Are you willing to eat of the Bread of Life and drink the Blood of Jesus?

October 8 - John 5: The Pharisees Read the Bible but Miss Jesus

Today’s Reading: John 5

The Message

English Standard Version

Thought to Guide Your Reading

The Pharisees read the Bible thinking they could game the system.

Summary in 100 Words or Less

Jesus healed a man by telling him to get up and carry his bedroll. Jews accused the man of working during the Sabbath. Later, Jesus suggested he put it down to maintain peace. The Pharisees confronted Jesus.
He answered, "The Father works on the Sabbath, and so does the Son. Dishonoring Me is the same as dishonoring the Father. I am not out for My Interests. My Works prove My Authority. By missing Me you miss the Father.
"You think that reading the Scriptures will set things right but they point to Me! If you believe Moses, believe Me."

How Today’s Reading Contributes to the Gospel: God is Setting All Things Right

The Pharisees did not understand the purpose of the Sabbath.

All of the Gospels will have something to say about the Sabbath. Today is John's day. All of them say similar things about the Pharisees, too. They are zealous for the Law. They want to obey God, but they are more interested in rules than finding God. God said not to work, so they were determined not to work. They dissected every action to see if was work or not. But in doing so they missed the purpose of the Sabbath—growing closer to God through rest. If we spend our time dissecting the Law, we may miss its purpose—setting our relationships right.

Jesus told the man to stop sinning to keep peace with the Pharisees.

Jesus' suggestion to the man is strange. We have no clue what sins the man has committed in the past and Jesus asked him to carry his bedroll. Why would Jesus, then, tell the man to stop sinning so nothing worse would happen to him? What was his sin? I believe the suggestion was Jesus not wanting to give the Pharisees fodder for their complaints against Him. It's possible (to me, at least) that when Jesus says "sin no more" He doesn't mean a "sin" like we think—going against God's Way. I believe He means "offend", as in the man was offending the Pharisees by carrying his bedroll in front of them. Jesus is protecting the man from the wrath of the Pharisees.
For today, I believe it may be better from time-to-time to conform to the less-free people in a congregation just to keep the peace. We know what they want is not important in the long-term, but in the short-term peace is better than fighting. Sometimes, the better choice is peace over freedom. Sometimes, not always.

Jesus and God were One because They were of the same Mind.

Jesus was God. Jesus became flesh so we might see the Light. He did only what God did because they wanted the same thing—to set things right. Jesus did nothing to make His name greater than God. This is why dishonor of Jesus is the same as dishonor of God. They do the same thing.

Those who set things right will live forever. Those who do not will be punished forever.

God's Judgment through Jesus has often become the only thing Christians want to talk about. We wonder if every action will help us gain Eternal Life or if it will cause Eternal Punishment. Although that level of interest is not good, we cannot go to the other end of the spectrum and state that God's Judgment is no big thing. It becomes the day when everyone will either be punished or rewarded for their role in setting things right. We should want to set things right not only because God's Way is superior, but because we want everyone to have Eternal Life.

Reading the Scripture does not give Eternal Life.

I cannot comment on this verse without the sense of irony that for over nine months I have been reading through the Bible for several hours a day. With that said (or written), this verse led me to do this project. I felt with all of my years of study, all of the lectures and sermons I had heard, and the years of class I attended I had one, important deficiency—I struggled to see Jesus in the Scriptures. I did what Jesus complained the Pharisees did—I "miss[ed] the forest for the trees" (v. 39, The Message). So much of theology today falls into that category. We debate the authenticity of Moses writing the Pentateuch, Isaiah's authorship of the book bearing his name, and how much written in the Gospels actually happened. We argue over church theology, personal theology, and whether we should fight liberalism or conservatism. We read to see how much we can get away with before we land on the hot seat or how rigid our lives must be to be acceptable. In the end, I think Jesus would say the same to us,

You have your heads in your Bibles constantly because you think you’ll find eternal life there. But you miss the forest for the trees. These Scriptures are all about me! And here I am, standing right before you, and you aren’t willing to receive from me the life you say you want. (vv. 39-40)

Reading the Scriptures alone seeing how little you must do to gain eternal life will not set things right. We must see God in them to understand the Scriptures.

Do you read the Bible thinking it will give you Eternal Life?

October 6 - John 2-4: Jesus Tells the Whole Story

Today’s Reading: John 2-4

The Message

English Standard Version

Thought to Guide Your Reading

The two people with the most faith were not part of God's Chosen People.

Summary in 100 Words or Less

Jesus provided a glimpse into His Glory while attending a wedding.
Jesus forced bankers and merchants to stop transactions in the Temple and prophesied that He would rebuild it in three days.
Jesus told Nicodemus that only those reborn physically and spiritually could see God's Way.
God sent Jesus to save the world, not condemn it.
John the Baptizer said Jesus' success did not diminish his work. He would fade into the background.
Outside Sychar, Jesus had a conversation with a woman who then called her neighbors to listen. Many believed.
A Roman official begged Jesus to heal his son.

How Today’s Reading Contributes to the Gospel: God is Setting All Things Right

Not all of Jesus' acts were meant to call attention to Himself.

The feast at Cana was not a moment when Jesus called many people to follow Him. He helped a bridegroom and his family from embarrassment without even taking the credit. Later he healed the son of a Roman ruler without being in the same city. By the time the man knew Jesus had done it, Jesus was far away. An interesting thing happened, though. His disciples believed in Him at Cana. The Roman ruler and his entire household believed in Jesus in Capernaum. Neither followed Jesus because they wanted more miracles. When we set things right without calling attention to ourselves we may wind up setting more things right than if we had publicized our actions.

Jesus became angry that the Temple was used for something other than setting relationships right.

The Temple was built as a place to meet God and others. The Jews used it as a place to sell animals and loan money to the poor. Jesus wanted to retake the Temple and make it wholly for God again. Buildings wholly dedicated to God should stay wholly dedicated to helping people be wholly for God.
Church buildings can be a double-edged sword. They can be a great, holy meeting place. They can also be a temptation to house non-God-centered business. Treat a religious building with care—if it is wholly for God, make it holy. If you do not need a dedicated place to worship God, don't build a building.

Jesus did not trust His Life to just anyone.

Jesus knew the hearts of the people who came to Him. He knew some would profess faith but would not change their heart. Be careful who you trust your life to—they may not want to set things right.

Only those reborn physically and spiritually will see God because they are the only ones who will understand His Way.

So many people love John 3:16, and rightfully so. But it comes after Jesus has told Nicodemus what it takes to truly understand John 3:16: rebirth. We must be changed spiritually and physically to understand God's Way. And here is an important point: it's not a religious act. If it had been a religious act, Nicodemus would have understood it. It is much larger than a religious act. It is a complete transformation of body and spirit. That is the only way a person can understand what God is doing in the world. This is also the reason why a person who does not believe has already been under a death sentence—they refuse to look at the evidence and understand the Truth about God.
For this reason we should not be surprised when people who are not reborn cannot understand why we have faith or act the way we do (this includes "religious" people who are not reborn). They cannot understand because they lack the transformed eyes to see. Our goal is not to make them see, it is to help transform their body and spirit to see God at work.

Where we worship no longer matters because God cares for the heart of worship, not its location.

Jerusalem became the location of worship to God because the Temple in Honor of God resided there. Even with the Temple in Jerusalem, the location of worship did not determine whether a person was acceptable or not. The heart was the determining factor. When Israel cheated on God with foreign gods, their sacrifices at the Temple were not wanted. God wanted their wills to change. Where we worship is a moot point because now God rests among us (we'll read that later). What is still true is that God cares for our heart when we worship.

The Samaritan woman became the sower Jesus mentioned.

Jesus told the woman her life's story. She, in turn, told others to listen to Him. Her reward came when everyone told her, "We’re no longer taking this on your say-so. We’ve heard it for ourselves and know it for sure. He’s the Savior of the world!" (4:42, The Message). Think about it—a woman who was the wrong type of person, had a bad past, and a bad present was the first to bring an entire city to Jesus. Her city asked Jesus to stay, not because they wanted physical healing but because they wanted to know more from the Savior of the world. When you tell others what Jesus has done for you, they will see He is their Savior, too.

Are you fed by setting things right?

October 5 - John 1:15-51; Matthew 4; Luke 4-5: Jesus Tempted and Teaching

Today’s Reading: John 1:15-51; Matthew 4; Luke 4-5

The Message

English Standard Version

Thought to Guide Your Reading

Jesus was tempted to cut straight to the goal of His Ministry. He turned it down.

Summary in 100 Words or Less

Jesus passed all three temptations given by the Devil.
He went throughout Galilee healing the sick. Nazareth rejected and threw Him out of the city.
Jesus taught the massive crowds from a boat.
John pointed everyone to Jesus, the one who would baptize with the Holy Spirit. Andrew and Simon (now named Peter) followed Jesus because of John the Baptizer. James and John also followed Jesus.
Philip called Nathanael to join.
Jesus forgave the sins of a paraplegic. To prove His Authority, He healed them man, too.
Jesus ate with sinners because they needed an invitation to a changed life.

How Today’s Reading Contributes to the Gospel: God is Setting All Things Right

John the Baptizer understood his purpose and remained content with it.

The Old Testament was full of examples of people having power and instead of staying content with setting things right they exercised their power to the fullest extent. John the Baptizer, however, understood his purpose was to call people to Jesus. He did just that. When God's Chosen Messengers stay behind the Message, God can set things right.

Philip told Nathanael to "Come, see for yourself" (John 1:46).

It is a small thing, but Philip's statement when Nathanael questioned Jesus' Authority provides the best response anyone can have when dealing with another person's prejudices. The answer wasn't a refutation of Nathanael's prejudice or an attack on his character. Racists, bigots, etc. need to see their prejudices are wrong because it prevents them from seeing the truth, not because it is inhumane or uncultured. When they see how God works through the people considered worthless based on their background, they give glory to God.

The Devil's three temptations touch the most dear parts of a person's life.

The first dealt with a physical problem—hunger. Jesus would not perform cheap parlor tricks to solve His physical problems. The second dealt with pride. Even as the Son of God He would not force God to perform cheap parlor tricks to prove His Faithfulness. With the third, Jesus could have finished His Ministry by gaining control of the entire world. He could have backstabbed the Devil by worshiping long enough to get the power then setting things right afterwards; however, He would have compromised His Holiness in the process. Shortcuts in ministry meant to bring more people to Jesus will eventually fail because we sacrificed our holiness—God's Power in us. The world will be won to God through seeing His Awesome Holiness, not His cheap parlor tricks.

Jesus' answer to his Nazarene neighbors describes a huge problem in God's Kingdom—familiarity.

The two examples Jesus used, Elijah and Elisha, were two of the greatest prophets Israel had. Yet during their days, no Israelite would listen to them. We struggle to hear hard truths from people we know well. When we know a person's weaknesses, it's hard to see beyond that to listen to their challenges.

Jesus came to set things right in the world, not only to heal the sick.

This was mentioned yesterday, but today's passage has another example of the same. Jesus first healed the lame man's relationship with God. Then Jesus healed the man to prove His Authority. The priority was on the relationship with God. The physical issues were healed, but were secondary to the main goal—set things right with God. This was the reason He ate with sinners, not because they were outcasts but because they were outsiders. They needed their relationship set right. Jesus came to set things right—first relationally, then physically.

Are you helping the outsider set their relationship with God right?

October 1 - Luke 1; John 1:1-14: God Sends a Messenger to Prepare His Chosen People for the Light

Today’s Reading: Luke 1; John 1:1-14

The Message

English Standard Version

We made it to the New Testament!
The Gospels chronicle the same time period, so we will read all four books concurrently. We will not read them in strict chronological order but by story content (for example, Jesus' teachings on the Sabbath will push Matthew 12:1-21 out of order but will keep it with other passages on the Sabbath). If this sounds confusing, use the links above to read each day's section in your browser.
Blessings on your reading!

Thought to Guide Your Reading

Zechariah doubted God's angel but praised God when John was born.

Summary in 100 Words or Less

The Word was God. The Word created everything.
Luke used first-hand reports to legitimize the teachings.
Zechariah and Elizabeth were barren. An angel said they would have a son named John—a revivalist preparing Israel for God. Skeptical, Zechariah was struck mute.
Gabriel told Mary, David's descendant, that she, a virgin, would carry the Son of God, the eternal ruler of Jacob's house.
Mary, Elizabeth, and Zechariah praised God for their good fortune.
John showed everyone how to find the Light. The Light moved into the neighborhood but His neighbors rejected Him because He was too much like the Father.

How Today’s Reading Contributes to the Gospel: God is Setting All Things Right

God moved into the neighborhood.

God was in the Garden at the beginning. When God came to Israel in the wilderness they asked that He use Moses as an intermediary. God not only came back to Earth, He came in human form and lived among His Chosen People. God wanted to set His relationship with Israel right, so He came to live with them. He also came to make us what we should be—"God-begotten" (John 1:13, The Message). This means Jesus came to help us understand we are much greater than the son or daughter of humans. By submitting to Him we become our true selves—children of God. God came to Earth in human form to set our relationship right and make us what we should be—Children of God.

John's purpose was to show the way to Jesus—the Light made flesh.

John was the fulfillment of what we read yesterday. He came with two purposes: call Israel to God and show them where to find Jesus. He would turn many people back to God and prepare them to meet Jesus. God provides His Chosen People messengers to show the way to Him.

Luke's purpose in writing his Gospel was to confirm what was taught.

Luke, a doctor, wanted to give assurance to the new Christians who believed in Jesus as the Word made flesh but were unsure if what was being said about Him was true. Luke wrote to dispel doubt and clear up the matter for everyone by using what would be considered court-approved evidence—word of mouth.

Mary, Elizabeth, and Zechariah understood how awesome God was to them.

I love Elizabeth's welcome of Mary, Mary's praise for carrying the Son of God, and Zechariah's praise when John was born. They all knew God had been good to them and His Chosen People and praised Him for it. Praise God because He is awesome!

Do you know how awesome God is to you?