Jesus

How Jesus Responds To Sincere Doubt

How Jesus Responds To Sincere Doubt "My Lord and my God!" (Jn 20.28) "Thomas? was not with them when Jesus came." (Jn 20.24) The room was alivewith the storyThomas missed. Hands movedas they retold it.Voices roseas each man addedhis piece o

Friday

Friday "Did not our hearts burn within us as He spoke to us on the road, as He opened the Scriptures to us?" (Lu 24:32) Where to Find Jesus "Did not our hearts burn within usas He spoke to us on the road,as He opened the Scriptures to us?"

Jesus May Be Delayed, But He's Never Late

Jesus May Be Delayed, But He's Never Late "Do not fear, only believe." (Mark 5:36) "Do not fear, only believe." Mark 5:36 The laughter that once filled his home-now silent.Each breath-thinner than a thread.Each moment-the last grain sliding

The Fifth Most Important Question Jesus Asked

The Fifth Most Important Question Jesus Asked Jesus walks into a crowded courtyard in Jerusalem,near the Pool of Bethesda-a place where the sick, blind, and paralyzed gather,hoping for healing. One man has been there 38 years,lying on a mat

You May Not Know This About Jesus: He Is the God of the Gap

You May Not Know This About Jesus: He Is the God of the Gap "If You can do anything, take pity on us and help us." (Mark 9:22)

Why Jesus Confused the Crowd on Purpose

Why Jesus Confused the Crowd on Purpose "Unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink His blood, you have no life in you. Whoever feeds on My flesh and drinks My blood has eternal life." (John 6:53-54)

Jesus Didn’t Always Know Everything

If Jesus is fully God, shouldn’t He have always known everything — even as a baby in the manger?

How to Be Jesus' Friend

Commentary "You are My friends if you do what I command you." (John 15:14) How to Be Jesus' Friend "You are My friendsif you do what I command you."John 15:14 Most people assumeeveryone who believes in Jesusis automatically His friend. But

How to Experience the Joy of Jesus

Devotional "If My words remain in you?" (Jn 15:7) How to Experience the Joy of Jesus "These things I have spoken to youso that My joy may be in you,and your joy may be full."- John 15:11 You may not know this about Jesus,but He gives only o

What it Means to Glorify God

Commentary "By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit, and so prove to be My disciples." (John 15:8) What it Means to Glorify God "By this My Father is glorified,that you bear much fruit,and so prove to be My disciples."John

The Kind of Prayer God Answers

Commentary "If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you." (John 15:7) The Kind of Prayer God Answers "If you abide in Me,and My words abide in you,ask whatever you wish,and it will be do

How Jesus Lives in You

Devotional "If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you?" (John 15:7) How Jesus Lives in You "If you abide in Me,and My words abide in you?"John 15:7 In the verses before this,the movement flowed one way-you remain in Him,you remain in Hi

How Often Should I Forgive Someone?

Commentary "Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? Up to seven times?" (Matthew 18:21) How Often Should I Forgive Someone? "Lord, how often shall my brothersin against me,and I forgive him?Up to seven times?"Mat

How to Stand When Everything Around You Falls

Devotional "I have treasured Your word in my heart that I may not sin against You." (Ps 119:11) How to Stand When Everything Around You Falls "If you keep My commands,you will remain in My love?" Everyone wants a lifethat can stand in the s

What Does It Mean to Remain?

Commentary "As the Father has loved Me, so have I loved you. Remain in My love." (John 15:9) What Does It Mean to Remain? "As the Father has loved Me, so have I loved you.Remain in My love." John 15:9 Remain.The same word Jesus used for the

How to Love Like Jesus Loved

Devotional "Love one another; as I have loved you." (John 13:34) How to Love Like Jesus Loved "Love one another;as I have loved you."John 13:34 Years ago I fell on my kneesbeside my bedand begged Godto save mefrom myself. I could not love p

How to Obey

Commentary "This is My commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you." (John 15:12) How to Obeythe Impossible Command "This is My commandment,that you love one anotheras I have loved you." John 15:12 Jesus does not hide the sta

When Jesus Holds You Close

Devotional "Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me." (Matthew 5:11) When Jesus Holds You Close "Blessed are youwhen people insult you, persecute you,and falsely say

Seek the Peacemaker, Not the Peace

Commentary "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called children of God." (Matthew 5:9) Seek the Peacemaker, Not the Peace "Blessed are the peacemakers,for they shall be called children of God." Matthew 5:9 Peace isn't something J

How to See God

Commentary "Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God." (Matthew 5:8) How to See God "Blessed are the pure in heart,for they shall see God." Matthew 5:8 There is a longing we all know-the longing to see God clearly.We believe.We

Blessed Are The Merciful

Devotional "Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy." (Matthew 5:7) Blessed Are The Merciful "Blessed are the merciful,for they shall receive mercy."Matthew 5:7 Mercy is more than feeling someone's pain.It removes the source

The Beatitudes

Commentary "Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be satisfied." (Matthew 5:6) The Beatitudes Blessed Are The Hungry "Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,for they will be satisfied."(

The Beatitudes

Devotional "Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth." (Matthew 5:5) The Beatitudes Finders Losers, Losers Keepers "Blessed are the meek,for they shall inherit the earth."Matthew 5:5 The world grabs.Yet God blesses us when we

The Beatitudes

Commentary "Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted." (Matthew 5:4) The Beatitudes The Comfort of God "Blessed are those who mourn,for they shall be comforted."Matthew 5:4 There is a mourningevery human heart knows-the grie

The Blessing of Poverty

Devotional "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the Kingdom of heaven." (Matthew 5:3) The Blessing of Poverty "Blessed are the poor in spirit,for theirs is the Kingdom of heaven."Matthew 5:3 He sat down-the posture of a teaching R

Giving Away Treasure

Commentary "Every scribe trained for the Kingdom is like a householder who brings out treasures- new and old." (Matthew 13:52) Giving Away Treasure "Every scribe trained for the Kingdomis like a householderwho brings out treasures-new and o

Devotional - The Dragnet

Devotional - The Dragnet "The kingdom of heaven is like a net that was let down into the lake and caught all kinds of fish." (Matthew 13:47) The Great Separation "The kingdom of heaven is like a netthat was let down into the lake and caught

The Priceless Pearl

The Priceless Pearl "The Kingdom of heaven is like a gem dealerlooking for beautiful pearls.One day he found a pearl of great price,and he went and sold all he had and bought it." (Matt.13:45-46) Jesus said the Kingdom is likea merchantsear

Jesus-The Treasure Hunter

Jesus-The Treasure Hunter "The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field,which a man found and hid; and in his joy he goes and sells all he hasand buys that field." (Mt?13:44) Jesus uses hidden treasureto show how the Kingdom can

How to Let the Future In

How to Let the Future In "The kingdom of God is in the midst of you." - Luke 17:21 Jesus says the Kingdom works like leaven-quiet, steady, unstoppable-until the whole life becomes shapedby the future God has already begun. Paul says the sam

Leaving the Old Life Behind

Leaving the Old Life Behind "Beware the leaven of the Pharisees" (Mt. 16:6) "Beware the leaven of the Pharisees." - Matthew 16:6 Leaven is a small piece of old doughsaved from yesterday's batch. It's alive.It's active.And once you press it

Celebrate Small Beginnings

Devotional "when it has grown? the birds of the air come and make nests in its branches." (Matthew 13:32) Celebrate Small Beginnings "The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed?the smallest of all seeds." - Matthew 13:31 Jesus is speaking

Why God Doesn't Remove the Weeds Now

Commentary "Do you want us to pull them up?" (Mt 13:28) Why God Doesn't Remove the Weeds Now "He who sows the good seed is the Son of Man?the field is the world?" - Matthew 13:37 Jesus follows the Parable of the Sowerwith a paired agricultu

The Soil of My Heart

The Soil of My Heart "Today if you hear His voice, Do not harden your hearts." (Psalm 95:7-8) "Today if you hear His voice,Do not harden your hearts." Psalm 95:7-8 The last three posts have exploredthe Parable of the Sower.Today, we turn th

What Determines Your Spiritual Growth

What Determines Your Spiritual Growth "Those who were sown on the good soilare the ones who hear the wordand accept it and bear fruit." - Mk 4:20 Jesus is teachinghow the kingdom grows:not by force,but by the condition of the heart. One see

The Sower Who Never Stops Sowing

The Sower Who Never Stops Sowing "The seed is the word of God." - Lu 8:11 Jesus steps out of the houseand sits beside the sea. (Mt 13:1-2)The crowds gather,and He gives them one word-the word that shapeseverything that follows: Sower. Not b

The Mercy of Parables

Commentary "To you it has been given to know the secrets of the Kingdom." (Mt 13:11) The Mercy of Parables "I will open my mouth in parables;I will utter things hiddensince the foundation of the world." - Mt 13:35 Matthew 13 is the moment J

The Exodus You Never Saw

Devotional "spoke about His exodus" (Lk 9:31) The Exodus You Never Saw Suddenly a soundlike a mighty rushing windcame from heaven." - Acts 2:2 You may know the stories.Moses at the sea (Ex 14).Elijah in the sky (2 Kgs 2).Pentecost in the up

Healing the Wound Judas Left

Commentary "And they cast lots for them, and the lot fell on Matthias." (Acts 1:26) Healing the Wound Judas Left "And they cast lots for them,and the lot fell on Matthias." (Acts 1:26) They had spent three years with Judas.Walking the same

The First Miracle Was Unity

Devotional "that they may all be one" (Jn 17:21) The First Miracle Was Unity "All these with one accordwere devoting themselves to prayer?"- Acts 1:14 Before the rushing wind of Pentecost.Before the flamesthat rested on each one.Before the

Why Wait for the Power

Commentary "Stay in the city until you are clothed with power from on high." (Luke 24:49) Why Wait for the Power "Stay in the cityuntil you are clothedwith power from on high."Luke 24:49 Before Jesus sent them,He stopped them. Before the mi

When Jesus' Presence Isn't Enough

Devotional "And remember, I am with you always, Even to the end of the age." (Matthew 28:20) When Jesus' Presence Isn't Enough "And remember, I am with you always,Even to the end of the age." Matthew 28:20 Jesus promised His presenceas we s

Have you ever read Scripture

Commentary "Then He opened their minds to understand the Scriptures." (Luke 24:45) "Then He opened their mindsto understand the Scriptures."Luke 24:45 Have you ever read Scriptureand felt like you should understand it-but you don't? You kno

The Day Jesus Handed Us the Mission

Devotional The Day Jesus Handed Us the Mission "You will be My witnesses?" (Ac?1:8) After the resurrection,Jesus did not remainwith His disciplescontinuously.But He did appear to themon many occasionsover forty days (Ac?1:3). He came to the

The Key to Making Disciples

Commentary "Follow me as I follow Christ." (1 Cor 11:1) The Key to Making Disciples"Teach them to obeyeverything I have commanded you?"- Matthew 28:20 Teach them to obey?Everything Jesus commanded? For many of us,this is the part of the Gre

The Hidden Meaning of Baptism

Devotional The Hidden Meaning of Baptism "Baptizing them into the Nameof the Father, and of the Son,and of the Holy Spirit."- Mt?28:19 Sometimes a mystery defies understanding.Yet even when we can't fully grasp it,a single word can give us

We Are Excavators

Commentary We Are Excavators "As you go,make disciples."- Matthew 28:19 When Jesus said "make disciples,"He was inviting usinto the same kind of lifeHe had been forming in the men and womenwho walked with Him. A disciple is someonewho learn

Jesus Was Baptized Twice

Jesus Was Baptized Twice "But I have a baptism to undergo, and how distressed I am until it is accomplished!" (Lk 12:50) "But I have a baptism to undergo,and how distressed I amuntil it is accomplished!" (Lk 12:50) We often think of Jesus'

Two Verbs That Changed The World

Two Verbs That Changed The World "Go therefore and make disciples of all nations?" (Matt 28:19) When Jesus finally gave themtheir mission,He didn't hand them a planto admire.He gave them wordsto obey. "Go?and make disciples?"(Matt 28:19) Tw

The Moment the Disciples Finally Saw Their Future

The Moment the Disciples Finally Saw Their Future "Do not be afraid. Go and tell My brothers to go to Galilee, and there they will see Me." (Matt 28:10) Jesus told His disciplesto meet Him on a mountain in Galilee,north of the Sea of Galile

The Question Jesus Asks a Broken Man

The Question Jesus Asks a Broken Man "When they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, 'Simon, son of John, do you love Me more than these?'" (Jn 21:15) "When they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter,'Simon, son of

Jesus Final Four Miracles

Jesus Final Four Miracles "Afterward Jesus appeared again to his disciples, by the Sea of Galilee." (Jn 21:1) Jesus hadn't appeared in over a week. So Peter said, "I'm going fishing." (Jn 21:3)Six others went with him.All night they fished.

The Day Jesus Completed Earlier Stories

The Day Jesus Completed Earlier Stories "Children, do you have any fish?" (Jn 21:5) "Children, do you have any fish?" (Jn 21:5) You may not know this about Jesus,but on the seashore after His resurrection,He wasn't just creating new scenes-

Jesus Turned Yesterday into Tomorrow

Jesus Turned Yesterday into Tomorrow "As the Father sent Me, so I send you." (Jn 20.21) As the Father sent MeJn 20.21 Fear clung to themlike smoke after a fire.The doors were shut.The room felt small.The fatigue of sleepless nights.And into

When Your Theology Keeps You From Seeing the Truth

When Your Theology Keeps You From Seeing the Truth "Then He opened their minds to understand the Scriptures." (Luke 24:45) "Then He opened their mindsto understand the Scriptures." Luke 24:45 I counted thirty-one timesJesus mentionedHis dea

When Jesus Walks Through Locked Doors

When Jesus Walks Through Locked Doors "Peace I Leave With You." (John 20:21) John 20:19-21When Jesus Walks Through Locked Doors "Peace I Leave With You."John 20:21 Evening settled over Jerusalemlike a gathering storm. Fear barred the doors.

Thursday

Thursday "Do not cling to Me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father?" (Jn 20:17) A Name Jesus Used For The First Time "Do not cling to Me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father?" (Jn 20:17) Mary reached for Himand held Him tightly,a

Tuesday

Tuesday Why Jesus Appeared to Mary First "Woman, why are you weeping?Who are you looking for?" - Jn 20:15 Mary stood outside the tombweeping. As she wept,she stoopedand looked in. She saw two angels in white-one at the head,one at the feetw

Monday after Easter

Monday after Easter Who Stole the Body? "Then the other disciple, who had reached the tomb first,also went in, and he saw and believed." - Jn 20:8 As she ran,Mary encountered Peter and John "They have taken the Lord out of the tomb,and we d

Easter Sunday

Easter Sunday "They saw that the stone had been rolled away, though it was very large." (Mk 16:4) Why Was The Stone Removed? "They saw that the stone had been rolled away, though it was very large." (Mk 16:4) Before sunrise,the women came t

Good Friday

Good Friday Jesus' Sixth Word From The Cross "It is finished."- John 19:30 Jesus didn't whisper this word.He declared it. A single breathcarrying the weightof His mission. In the ancient world,a man's charges were written on a scrolland nai

Thursday

Thursday "My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?" (PS 22:1) Jesus' Third Word From The Cross "My God, My God,why have You forsaken Me?"(PS 22:1) When Jesus cried these words,He hadn't lost faith.Abandonment wasn't the story.Confusion was

Wednesday

Wednesday "Truly I tell you, today you will be with Me in paradise." (Luke 23:43) Jesus Second Word From the Cross "Truly I tell you, today you will be with Me in paradise."Luke 23:43 One of the most encouraging storiesin the Gospelsis abou

Tuesday

Tuesday Jesus' First Word From the Cross "Father, forgive them,for they don't knowwhat they're doing."-?Lu?23:34 He hung there-suspended by nailsthrough His wrists and feet. Soldiers laughing.Leaders sneering.The crowd mocking. Both crimina

Monday

Monday The Most Beautiful Word In Greek "I came into the world-to bear witness to the truth." - John 18:37 When I studied Greek,I cherished one word. A word so beautiful,my wife and I would have given it to a daughterhad God blessed us with

The God of Six Chances

The God of Six Chances "Everyone who is of the truth listens to My voice."- John 18:38 God didn't rush the verdict-He interrupted it at every turn,giving Pilate room to choosewhat was right,even though it held risk. The six trials of Jesus

The High Priest Condemned Our High Priest

The High Priest Condemned Our High Priest "You have heard His blasphemy.What is your decision?"And they all condemned Him to death." - Mk 14:64 You may not know this about Jesus,but after the first trial,they dragged Him to a second hearing

What Happened Between the Garden and the Cross

What Happened Between the Garden and the Cross "The soldiers arrested Jesus and bound Him, and brought Him first to Annas." (John 18:12-13) "The soldiers arrested Jesusand bound Him,and brought Him first to Annas."John 18:12-13 Most people

Surrounded by an Invisible Army

Surrounded by an Invisible Army "When Jesus said to them, 'I am he,'they drew back and fell to the ground." - Jn 18:6 They thought they had Jesus surrounded.Two hundred soldiers.Torches.Armor.It looked easy-a rabbi cornered in a garden. You

Why Jesus Called Judas "Friend"

Why Jesus Called Judas "Friend" "Friend, do you betray the Son of Man with a kiss?" (Luke 22:48) A kiss.A word.Two gestures in the Gardenthat seem like expressionsof friendship. But neither meanswhat it appears to mean. Judas' kisswasn't af

The Wolf in the Garden

The Wolf in the Garden "Father, if You are willing, take this cup from Me;yet not My will, but Yours be done." - Luke 22:42 You may not know this about jesusbut He felt itwhen He entered the garden- like stepping into a caveand knowing your

The Press In The Garden

The Press In The Garden "My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me; yet not as I will, but as You will." (Matt. 26:39) "My soul is overwhelmed with sorrowto the point of death." - Mark 14:34 Gethsemane-olive press.A garden whe

How the Father Lifts You

How the Father Lifts You "I am the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser." (John 15:1) "I am the true vine,and My Father is the vinedresser."John 15:1 It was a cold night when they left the Upper Room,cold enough that later the guards

It Was Night

It Was Night "And it was night." (Jn 13:30) "And it was night."Jn 13:30 The door closed behind Judas,and John wrote,"And it was night." To the city, it looked like any other Passover night-crowded streets,lamps burning inside homes,families

Why Jesus Taught Us To Pray To The Father

Why Jesus Taught Us To Pray To The Father "Father? glorify Your Son" (John 17:1) "In that day you will ask the Father in My name?for the Father Himself loves you." John?16:23,?27 The hour had come (John 17:1)The Cross cast its shadowover th

THE FOUR BREATHS OF GOD

THE FOUR BREATHS OF GOD "And with that He breathed on them and said, 'Receive the Holy Spirit.'" (John 20:22) "And with that He breathed on them and said,'Receive the Holy Spirit.'"John 20:22 In the beginning, God spoke-and darkness gave wa

God's Terrifying Grace-A Personal Story

God's Terrifying Grace-A Personal Story "Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you." (John 14:27) "Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you.Not as the world gives do I give to you."John 14

HOW JESUS TRIES TO PROTECT YOU FROM YOURSELF

HOW JESUS TRIES TO PROTECT YOU FROM YOURSELF "I am telling you now before it happens,so that when it does happen you will believe."- John 13:19 In the Upper Room Jesus warned them.All of them.Before a sword was drawn,or a rooster crowed. "T

Jesus Replaced the Golden Rule With a Higher One

Jesus Replaced the Golden Rule With a Higher One "Love one another; as I have loved you." (John 13:34) "Love one another; as I have loved you."John 13:34 Judas has left the room.The seat he left still warm.The door still swinging. Peter rem

Jesus Made A Vow That Involves You

Jesus Made A Vow That Involves You "I will not drink again of the fruit of the vine until the Kingdom comes" (Luke 22:18) Jesus made a vow in the Upper Roomthat's easy to overlook. And that's no wonder.After all, it sitsin the shadow of the

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- "He went out to the mountain to pray, and continued all night in prayer to God. And when it was day, He called His disciples to Him; and from them He chose twelve?" (Luke 6:12-13) Why Did Jesus Choose Judas Iscariot "He went out to the mo

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- "Having loved His own who were in the world, He loved them to the end." (John 13:1) Passover to Pentecost Why Jesus Laid Aside His Robe of Honor"Having loved His own who were in the world,He loved them to the end."John 13:1 The Upper Room

Why His Disciples Couldn't Find Jesus

Why His Disciples Couldn't Find Jesus "Simon and his companions went to look for Him."-Mark 1:36 "Very early in the morning,while it was still dark,Jesus got up, left the house,and went off to a solitary place,where He prayed."-Mark 1:35 Be

Jesus Restores the Ones You Love

Jesus Restores the Ones You Love "They begged Him to help her."-Luke 4:38 Jesus had just silenced a demon in the synagogue.The room was still buzzing.(Mark 1:21-28) But when He stepped into Peter's house,He stepped into a new front in the s

Jesus Understands When A Truth About You Is Weaponized

Jesus Understands When A Truth About You Is Weaponized "In the synagogue there was a man possessed by a demon?'I know who You Are-the Holy One of God!'"-Luke 4:33-34 I used to read the deliverance in the synagogueas just a dramatic scene in

Jesus' First Encounter With a Demon

Jesus' First Encounter With a Demon "Be silent. Come out of him." (Mark 1:25) "Be silent. Come out of him." (Mark 1:25) The Capernaum synagoguewas crowded with men in clean linen robes-cream, beige, soft blues, muted reds-sandals wiped clea

Jesus Sees The You Others Can't See

Jesus Sees The You Others Can't See "Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick." -Matthew 9:12 As Jesus taught by the shore,a crowd pressed around Him-hungry for His words-manna in the desert. He finished teachi

Jesus Touched a Lepers Skin and Reached His Soul

Jesus Touched a Lepers Skin and Reached His Soul "A man full of leprosy fell on his face and begged Him, saying, 'If You want to, You can make me clean.'" (Luke 5:12) "A man full of leprosy fell on his faceand begged Him, saying,'If You wan

Why Peter Fell to His Knees in a Boat

Why Peter Fell to His Knees in a Boat "Behold the Lamb." (John 1:29, 36) "Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men."And immediately they left their nets and followed Him. - Matthew 4:19-20 Peter, Andrew, James, and John hadn't known Je

He Fills Net--Sized Obedience With Nets--Sized Blessing

He Fills Net--Sized Obedience With Nets--Sized Blessing "From now on you will catch men." (Luke 5:10) "When He had finished speaking, He said to Simon, 'Put out into the deep water and let down your nets for a catch.' (Jordan, this verse is

The Woman at the Well Isn't Who You Thought

The Woman at the Well Isn't Who You Thought "Many of the Samaritans from that town believed in Him because of the woman's testimony." - John 4:39 Before we talk about the woman Jesus met at Jacob's well,we need to talk about the well itself

He Leads Us Through What We Want to Go Around

He Leads Us Through What We Want to Go Around "On His way He had to pass through Samaria" (John 4:4) "On His way He had to pass through Samaria" (John 4:4). Jesus often leads us into places we would never choose.And that's where discipleshi

Jesus Is The Paradigm Shift

Jesus Is The Paradigm Shift "Unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God." (John 3:3) "Jesus answered him, 'Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.'" - John 3:3 A paradigm shift

Why Jesus Didn't Entrust Himself to People

Why Jesus Didn't Entrust Himself to People "But Jesus on His part did not entrust Himself to them, for He knew all people." (John 2:24) Jerusalem was alive with Passover pilgrims-word spreading that a young Rabbi from Galileewas doing signs

The Jesus Who Warms You Also Purifies You

The Jesus Who Warms You Also Purifies You "And Jesus entered the Temple, and His zeal rose like fire, driving out what did not belong." (John 2:13-17) "And Jesus entered the Temple, and His zeal rose like fire,driving out what did not belon

Why Did Jesus Seemed to Contradict Himself?

Why Did Jesus Seemed to Contradict Himself? "Woman, what is this to Me and to you?" (John 2:4) "Woman, what is this to Me and to you?" (John 2:4) Yesterday we saw this wasn't a rebuke to Mary,but the opening of a quiet conversationbetween J

Did Jesus Really Rebuke His Mother?

Did Jesus Really Rebuke His Mother? "This, the first of His signs, Jesus did at Cana in Galilee, and manifested His glory. And His disciples believed in Him." (John 2:11) "This, the first of His signs, Jesus did at Cana in Galilee,and manif

Jesus Began His Ministry With a Bridge

Jesus Began His Ministry With a Bridge "Follow Me" (John 1:43) InsightAndrew was the first to meet Jesus (John 1:35–37).The first to stay with Him (John 1:39).The first to bring someone else (John 1:40–41). He brought his brother—Simon (Joh

Jesus' First Invitation

Jesus' First Invitation "Behold, the Lamb of God" (John 1:36) "Come and see." — John 1:39John 1:35–39; John 15:4 Jesus turned and saw them following—Andrew and the unnamed disciple. Moments earlier they had been standing beside John the Bap

An Invisible Disciple Fostered Expectation

An Invisible Disciple Fostered Expectation "My soul waits for the Lord more than watchmen wait for the morning." (Psalm 130:6) "My soul waits for the Lord more than watchmen wait for the morning." Psalm 130:6 The riverbank heaved with peopl

Jesus Revealed Why The Father Loves The Unlovable

Jesus Revealed Why The Father Loves The Unlovable "He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous." (Matthew 5:45) "He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good,and sends rain on

Why The Pharisees Resisted The Father's Love

Why The Pharisees Resisted The Father's Love "And he was angry and refused to go in." (Luke 15:28) "And he was angry and refused to go in."Luke 15:28 Let's look again at the Lord's most famous parable—the prodigal son. The younger son broke

1/22/26

Why Jesus Ate With Sinners "And the Pharisees and the scribes grumbled, saying,'This man receives sinners and eats with them.'"Luke 15:2 The Pharisees' unspoken question hung in the air:"Why does He eat with sinners?" They couldn't understa

01/20/26 Christ's Claim to Deity

01/20/26 Christ's Claim to Deity "When Jesus saw their faith, He said to the paralytic, 'Son, your sins are forgiven.'" (Mark 2:5) One Miracle Proved Jesus is God "When Jesus saw their faith, He said to the paralytic,'Son, your sins are for

Christ's Claim to Deity 01-19-26

Christ's Claim to Deity 01-19-26 A Jew Called Jesus God — And Jesus Didn't Correct Him "Thomas said to Him, 'My Lord and my God.'" — John 20:28 All the evidence Thomas demandedevaporated the moment Jesus stood before him—fully alive,fully e

Christ's Claim to Deity

Christ's Claim to Deity "Before Abraham was, I AM." (John 8:58) Jesus Claimed God's Name "Before Abraham was, I AM." (John 8:58) InsightSome ask where Jesus explicitly claimed to be God.They insist He never made such a claim.But the people

Christ's Claim to Deity

Christ's Claim to Deity "You will see the Son of Man seated at the right hand of Power and coming on the clouds of heaven." (Mark 14:62) Jesus' Unequivocal Claim to Be God "You will see the Son of Manseated at the right hand of Powerand com

Why Jesus Waited for Lazarus to Die

Why Jesus Waited for Lazarus to Die "So then he told them plainly,'Lazarus is dead, and for your sake I am glad I was not there,so that you may believe.'" -John 11:14-15 "Glad."Not for death itself-His weeping at the tomb reveals His heart.

You Don't Know This About Jesus-The Most Important Question Jesus Asked

You Don't Know This About Jesus-The Most Important Question Jesus Asked "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God." (Matthew 16:16) InsightJesus didn't begin by questioning the crowd.He spoke first to His disciples:"Who do people say t

The Second Most Important Question Jesus Asked

The Second Most Important Question Jesus Asked "Simon son of John, do you love Me more than these?" - John 21:15 Peter had failed.Not quietly or privately-he denied Jesus three times,just as Jesus said he would. And after the resurrection,J

The Third Most Important Question Jesus Asked

The Third Most Important Question Jesus Asked "Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!" (Luke 18:38) "What do you want me to do for you?" - Luke 18:41 As Jesus entered Jericho,a blind man cried out:"Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!" (L

The Fourth Most Important Question Jesus Asked

The Fourth Most Important Question Jesus Asked "Why are you so afraid?" - Mark 4:40 Before the storm,the disciples had seen Jesus heal the sick,cast out demons,and multiply food. They had watched supernatural power flow through Him-over bod

Jesus Really Was a Refugee

Jesus Really Was a Refugee "take the child and His mother and escape to Egypt." (Matthew 2:13) "Get up," the angel said, "take the child and His mother and escape to Egypt." Matthew 2:13 Jesus was a refugee.Not metaphorically.Not symbolical

Nine Witnesses Who Established Christ's Identity

Nine Witnesses Who Established Christ's Identity "A matter must be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses." —Deuteronomy 19:15 Christmas is not a whisper—it's a verdict. The Father would not allowHis Son's identityto rest on

Jesus' First Temple Visit Ended a Watchman's Vigil

Jesus' First Temple Visit Ended a Watchman's Vigil "Simeon took Him in his arms and praised God, saying, 'Sovereign Lord, as You have promised, You may now dismiss Your servant in peace.'" —Luke 2:28–29 Christmas celebrates His birth—but yo

His Birth Proved God is Safe

His Birth Proved God is Safe "And she gave birth to her firstborn son; she wrapped Him in cloths and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn." — Luke 2:7 InsightWhen Israel camped at Sinai,the mountain shook,wrap

The Baby's Cry Was God's First Breath

The Baby's Cry Was God's First Breath "For today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord." (Luke 2:11) "For today in the city of Davidthere has been born for you a Savior,who is Christ the Lord." Lu

The Star of Bethlehem Isn't What You Thought

The Star of Bethlehem Isn't What You Thought "And behold, the star which they had seen in the east went before them until it came and stood over where the young child was. When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceedingly great joy." (

A Shepherd Tells What He Saw

A Shepherd Tells What He Saw "And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God." — Luke 2:13 The sheep were asleep,a quilt of white wool across the hillside,their soft shifting the only rhythm in the silen

While Yet Unborn, John Announced the Arrival of Jesus

While Yet Unborn, John Announced the Arrival of Jesus When Elizabeth heard Mary's greeting, the baby leaped in her womb. (Luke 1:41) Silence—in the womb.Two mothers carried mystery,two children carried promise. Mary's greeting broke the qui

The Burden Joseph Carried for Jesus

The Burden Joseph Carried for Jesus "The Lord Himself will give you a sign. Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a Son." (Isaiah 7:14) "She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus" — Matthew 1:21 The whispers

The Room Joseph Built Became Heaven's Pattern For You

The Room Joseph Built Became Heaven's Pattern For You "In My Father's house are many rooms… I go to prepare a place for you." (John 14:2–3) "In My Father's house are many rooms… I go to prepare a place for you." (John 14:2–3) Joseph and Mar

A Dreamer Saved Jesus' Life

A Dreamer Saved Jesus' Life "He arose and took the child and His mother by night and departed for Egypt." —Matthew 2:14 No waiting for the alarm.No packing the house.No warning to neighbors.No delay—birds escaping the hunter's net. Why such

12-15 CHRISTMAS POST

12-15 CHRISTMAS POST "The angel told Joseph, 'You shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins.'" (Matthew 1:21) Jesus Was Named Twice Before His Birth "The angel told Joseph, 'You shall call His name Jesus, for He

12-12 CHRISTMAS POST

12-12 CHRISTMAS POST Jesus is the God of the Third Way "He arose and took the child and His mother by night and departed for Egypt." —Matthew 2:14 Let's consider Joseph.He didn't wait for the alarm.He didn't pack the house.He didn't warn hi

Devotion 12-11 CHRISTMAS POST

Devotion 12-11 CHRISTMAS POST You Don't Know This About Jesus—What He Brought With Him In the beginning was the Word,and the Word was with God,and the Word was God.He was with God in the beginning.—John 1:1–2 InsightJohn begins his Gospel b

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You Don't Know This About Jesus: He Compared Himself to the Serpent "Just as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so the Son of Man must be lifted up, that everyone who believes may have eternal life in Him." —John 3:14–15 In the

12-09

When Jesus demanded repentance, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand." —Matthew 3:8"Repent and believe the good news." —Mark 1:15 InsightMost people hear "repent" and picture behavior:Stop sinning. Start obeying.Turn around. Walk t

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You May Not Know This About Jesus: He Received Worship in a Scandalous Way "As she stood behind him at his feet weeping, she began to wet his feet with her tears. Then she wiped them with her hair, kissed them and poured perfume on them." L

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You Don't Know This About Jesus: The Father Loves You as He Loves the Son "I in them and You in Me—so that they may be brought to complete unity. Then the world will know that You sent Me and have loved them even as You have loved Me." — Jo

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When You Consume His Words, You Consume His Flesh "I am the living bread that came down from heaven. If anyone eats this bread, he will live forever. And the bread that I will give for the life of the world is my flesh." — John 6:51 Jesus h

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Why Jesus Let 5,000 Demons Drown 2,000 Pigs "He gave them permission, and the impure spirits came out and went into the pigs. The herd rushed down the steep bank into the lake and was drowned." — Luke 8:32 Decapolis—ten Gentile cities east

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Have rebuked the demon behind the storm "He got up and rebuked the wind and the raging waters; the storm subsided, and all was calm." — Luke 8:24 Jesus didn't just calm a storm.He rebuked it. The word used—epitimaō—is the same word He spoke

Why Jesus Didn't Heal Everyone "This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us." -1 John 5:14

Why Jesus Didn't Heal Everyone "This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us." -1 John 5:14 "all who came to Him" (Matthew 8:16) Thanksgiving invites us to pause, to name what

Why Jesus Didn't Heal Everyone

Jesus didn't heal to impress crowds. He healed to unveil the Father's heart. And sometimes, silence unveils it even more.

You Don't Know This About Jesus: He Gave Thanks Knowing What the Bread and Wine Meant

You Don't Know This About Jesus: He Gave Thanks Knowing What the Bread and Wine Meant "He took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, 'This is my body given for you?'" (Luke 22:19-20) He did not give thanks for pain-H

You Don't Know This About Jesus: He Gave Thanks Surrounded by Betrayal

You Don't Know This About Jesus: He Gave Thanks Surrounded by Betrayal And He gave thanks before Gethsemane's bloody sweat-before the scourging and the crown of thorns,before the slander, the mocking, and the nails. Gratitude remained His p

You May Not Know This About Jesus: He Gave Thanks Before the Miracle

You May Not Know This About Jesus: He Gave Thanks Before the Miracle It never occurs that He might feedas the Father fed in the wilderness..They had seen JesusTurn water into wine,heal the sick and lame,calm a storm,even raise the dead-but

You Can't See Jesus Through a Peephole

You Can't See Jesus Through a Peephole

You May Not Know This About Jesus: He Passed a Forgotten Test

You May Not Know This About Jesus: He Passed a Forgotten Test Title: You May Not Know This About Jesus: He Passed a Forgotten Test"Do not put the Lord your God to the test, as you did at Massah." - Deuteronomy 6:16Insight When Satan tempted

You May Not Know This About Jesus: He Offers an Alternative to Worry

You May Not Know This About Jesus: He Offers an Alternative to Worry "Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?" (Matt. 6:27)

Why The Father Spoke at the Transfiguration

He didn’t just affirm Jesus—the Father commanded attention. At the transfiguration, obedience became the message.

How Jesus Dealt With Distractions

Because I work from home, I continually deal with distractions. Unread e-mails, sports scores to check, news to read, phone calls to answer, phone calls to make, my wife asking for help, the dog wanting to go out, the dog wanting to come in

Is Jesus like Superman?

Some people think following Jesus is as impossible as following Superman. They have no problem tailing Clark Kent up fifty flights of stairs, but things get tougher when the Man of Steel leaps off the roof and flies away. Such thinking is b

The disciples' myside bias

Like a radar system that only detects enemy planes while ignoring friendlies, our minds tend to pick up information that supports what we already believe and ignores the rest. This is called confirmation, or myside bias. It’s the tendency t

How did the disciples miss this

Twenty-three times Jesus made direct or indirect reference to his death and resurrection. And yet, the disciples never understood what he was talking about. Once, after he told them he would die and be raised from the dead, the disciples “d

What would you do?

Every week the news carries stories of vulnerable people who have been beaten, robbed, harassed, and murdered. Because such stories are about people who live on the other side of the world, across town, or in another city, it’s normal to fe

Believing an unbelievable promise

While Jesus made some astounding promises, none is harder to believe than this one: “Whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these . . . ” (John 14:12). But before concluding we

A Promise Nobody Believes

Have you ever considered the unbelievable promises Jesus made? Personally, I find comfort in most of the Lord’s promises. For instance, in John 14:27 Jesus said, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the worl

What do you see in this picture?

What do you see when you look at the image above? Before reading on, take a moment and examine the picture. Most people see either a rabbit or a duck. And then after a moment or so they see both. It’s amazing that something can be right in

My New Year’s Challenge

Forty-seven months ago I had an insight that changed my life. I realized that while I had written three books based on the ministry model of Jesus, read numerous books on his life, contributed notes on the Gospels to three study Bibles, tak

Is Jesus Really Superman?

Of course, it would be easy to think we could no more follow Jesus' example than we could follow the example of Superman. After all, Jesus was fully God and man. I suspect most people figure they could at least try to follow him when he was

What a ride!

I’ve always loved roller coasters. My favorite car is the first one. From that perspective you see nothing but track and blue sky when you reach the highest summit. I’ve ridden with white knuckles gripping the security bar. I’ve ridden with

Hold up my hands, please!

You would never expect a battle to be won because a man, standing on a hill, held up his hands. And yet, that’s what happened when the Jews fought an enemy in the wilderness of Rephidim. Understanding why this happened involves a small deta

I can't do this without you

I’ve never needed the partnership of friends more than now. I’ve worked for a year to bring The Jesus Story to a place where it’s ready to be printed and shipped. It’s been a labor of love and I think when you watch the video, or watch it a

Get The Jesus Story Now!

I’m nervous and curious

I’ve got to admit, I’m nervous. Not a frightened kind of nervous. But an excited kind of nervous. Like a kid before the first day of school. Or, an athlete before a championship game. The good kind of nervous. You would be too, I think. Aft

COUNTDOWN: 8 days to launch

Several years ago I realized I didn’t know Jesus very well. This insight surprised me. After all, I had been his follower for four decades, taught about his life and teaching, written two books based on his life and ministry, and contribute

The Countdown Begins—15 Days Till Launch

Never in the history of Christianity has the story of Jesus been told as it will be told on August 1, 2015. Here’s the backstory. After reading it, check out the short trailer to get a glimpse of what's to come. In March of 2012 I began rea

One Word That Changed My View

I'm not sure why Jesus brought Peter, James and John into the garden of Gethsemane with him. Did he hope, like disciplined sentries, they would alertly stand guard? Or, was he like a soldier who lets his young son sleep with him the night b

What Jesus Do You Listen To?

Last month I read through the four Gospels and looked for instances where Jesus referred to his death and resurrection. As I did, I found myself amazed at how many times his disciples heard him speak on the subject without understanding its

Facing What You Fear

Had you sat next to Jesus in Gethsemane, knowing what he would face the next day, you probably would have concluded he wasn't up to the task. If just the thought of crucifixion affected him so dramatically, what would the actual event itsel

What Would You Do With This Woman?

Even though most women have been hurt by men at some time in their lives, efforts are made in our culture to protect the rights of women. Such wasn’t the case in ancient Israel. At the time of Jesus, women suffered under cultural, legal, an

The One Word Jesus Said Ten Times

The outdoor survivalist talking on television sported a stubby beard, worn jeans, a faded camo-shirt, and dirty hiking boots. Holding a small magnifying glass he had swiveled out of a vinyl case, and speaking out the side of his mouth he sa

The Whisper of Satan We Hear Every Day

I don’t like to think I’m lazy. I mean, I don’t want to be. Yet, I seem to constantly battle it. Except when I don’t. On those days Laziness and I kick back and relax—like old friends. There are even weeks when we hang out for days at a tim

The Power of Desperation

In the movie, Wild , there is a scene where the lead character, Cheryl Strayed, played by Reese Witherspoon, enters a clothing boutique in Ashland, Oregon after hiking 700 miles along the Pacific Coast Trail, alone. After putting on some br

I Never Saw That Before

One of the most memorable learning experiences of my life occurred when Professor Howard Hendricks required all of his students, including me, to come up with 25 observations from Acts 1:8. As a first year seminary student the assignment se

I Was Wrong About Jesus

For the first eight years of my life, my family attended a Baptist church. So every Sunday I crafted felt cutouts of Jonah, Moses, and David, sang about the walls of Jericho crumbling down, and acted out stories of Jesus and his many miracl

Would Jesus Endorse Gay Marriage?

I never would have stuck my nose into this business except for what I heard Elton John say during a CNN interview last week, “If Jesus Christ was alive today, I cannot see him, as the Christian person that he was and the great person that h

How to Encourage a Discouraged Friend

Leaders typically manipulate others to acquire power. That's why you'd expect a king's son to use his push and pull to acquire his father's throne. And that's what makes Jonathan so unusual. He was the ancient prince who wanted somebody els

Do This to Make Friends

It may surprise you to discover that there is nothing you can do to endear yourself to others more than opening up and being vulnerable. If you'll build more windows and fewer walls, you'll have more shoulder to shoulder friends. We all nee

How to Avoid a Bad Decision

It's so easy to gather all of the information, get wise counsel, weigh the pros and cons and then forget to pray before making an important decision. And yet, if the greatest leader of all time who was without sin, who never made a bad deci

Removing Gum Out of Someone's Hair

Telling someone how to give a rebuke is a bit like telling him how to get gum out of someone's hair. No matter how careful he might be, it's going to hurt. On the other hand, who wants to go through life with a wad of gum stuck on the back

The IRS Scandal and You

I've had the privilege of being audited by the IRS on three separate occasions. In each instance the auditor found a legitimate mistake an accountant had made and a payment had to be made. No big deal. Right? Well, not exactly. It was a big

How to Communicate a Vision

Time and again Jesus reminded his disciples that his driving purpose was to seek and save lost people. On the day he called his first disciples he said, "I will make you fishers of men" (Matthew 4:19). When he recruited Levi he said, "I hav

Jesus Repeated One Word Ten Times

Jesus' words and deeds on the night of the Last Supper were focused on helping the disciples grasp a truth as revolutionary as the first use of an incandescent light. "On that day you will realize that I am in my Father, and you are in me,

Buy Into Two Truths!

Dwight D. Eisenhower defined leadership as, "the art of getting someone else to do something you want done because he wants to do it." If you accept that definition of leadership (it's my favorite) then you're buying into two truths. First,

Stay Where You Are!

All of us periodically suffer from the myth of the greener grass. Haven't there been times in your life when you thought things looked better on the other side of the fence? In your drive to succeed, haven't you dreamed of a field with less

He Slammed His Fist on My Desk!

Jesus struck at the root of pride with a sharp ax. He said, "Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother's eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? How can you say to your brother, 'Brother, let me take the speck o

Everything Stands or Falls On This

Confused and afraid, the disciples left the upper room and stepped onto the narrow Jerusalem street. The frigid air--just like their growing fear--surrounded them, nipping at their faces and cutting through their robes. Holding their flutte

I Saw a Miracle

I suspect over the years I've prayed for thousands of sick people. I'm happy to say most of them recovered ... but not everyone. Some of the most agonizing prayers I've uttered seemed to have no effect on the outcome. Such unspectacular and

Rein in Toxic Thoughts and Emotions

I was eight years old and riding a quarter horse across some land my family owned outside of Roswell, New Mexico. As I headed the horse away from the stables he repeatedly resisted my lead and tried to reverse direction. After we had gone a

Fear Buster--Break the Power of Fear

Fear is a powerful emotion that can steal hope, dissipate energy, trigger depression, and undermine confidence. It's also a culprit I know too well. In fact, last December I was battling a fear that almost pushed me into a vortex of depress

Can You Do This? Got the Guts to Try?

I was thinking a negative thought the other night. It was the kind of negative thought I frequently had. In fact, it was so common I believed it was me--part of my identity. I was thinking about winters in Oregon. Since I moved here in 82'

Jesus was Narrow Minded!

I suspect the majority of people in the world would argue that Jesus is not the only way to God. Furthermore, many believe that Christianity is a broad and accepting religion that would eliminate no one who sincerely seeks God. While they b

I Don't Want to Be a Control Freak!

Lately the Lord has been prodding me to stop trying to control other people. This direction from God is in response to how I often try to fix family members, friends, strangers, businesses and, well, you name it. I don't mean I shouldn't di

What Are You Afraid Of?

Men have a tendency to isolate themselves. Our culture admires independent tough-guys like Dirty Harry, Rambo, Terminator, Robocop, and James Bond. Nobody gives an inch. Nobody opens up. Nobody gets hurt. (I looked for some current tough-gu

Tapping Blue Jays

Just the other day, while I was working in my home office, there was a blue jay on my roof, banging away on an unshelled peanut he'd taken from the bird feeder on the back deck. It was the sort of tapping that can't be ignored, especially i

The Value of Solitude

As the October release of my new book, The Jesus Experiment, draws near I want to give you a sneak peek. It’s understandable to think we could no more emulate Jesus than we could copy Superman. We might shadow Clark Kent up a flight of stai

Is Following Jesus as Impossible as Following Superman?

Imitating Jesus in prayer might sound as impossible as emulating Superman's flying capabilities. We might shadow Clark Kent up a flight of stairs, but we're not going to follow the Man of Steel off a tall building. Likewise, I suspect most