Jesus is the Bread of Life ~
Jesus is back on land and great crowds are once again following Him. However, they are looking for more physical miracles instead of looking for the Messiah. Jesus redirects them, telling them that they need to be looking for eternal life, not physical comfort. He then tells them that He is the bread of life, He is all they need, they need to look no further. All they need to do is believe.
Oh, how easily we chase after physical comfort and wonderful displays. The people in this passage were present at the miracle of bread and fish and they are looking for more. Wow us, feed us, what will you do for us today? As if Jesus is simply a really cool entertainer. Is that how you view Him? I hope not.
Jesus continues to point the people back in the right direction. He does the same for us. Stop looking at the physical, stop chasing the material. Instead, look to the eternal. Believe that Jesus is the Son of God. That's all you need to do - believe. Those who believe will gain eternal life - what more could you ask for?
Thursday, November 29, 2012
Wednesday, November 28, 2012
Matthew 14:34-36; Mark 6:53-56
Jesus Heals the Sick in Gennesaret ~
Isn't it awesome that Jesus heals everybody. There is no prior mention of Jesus' ministry in Gennesaret, yet word of His ministry has spread to the extent that these people know of it. Just to touch the fringe of His robe is enough. So, people from all over the region flocked to the marketplace to be healed.
So, the healing draws the crowd, but what about the bigger picture? Jesus was able to heal their bodies, but He came to heal their souls. His healing power drew them in, but it was His teaching that truly changed their lives. I think we often get caught up in the physical and we miss the eternal. As you go about your week - make an effort be conscious of your motives. Are you looking at the immediate, the physical? Or are you seeking the eternal?
Isn't it awesome that Jesus heals everybody. There is no prior mention of Jesus' ministry in Gennesaret, yet word of His ministry has spread to the extent that these people know of it. Just to touch the fringe of His robe is enough. So, people from all over the region flocked to the marketplace to be healed.
So, the healing draws the crowd, but what about the bigger picture? Jesus was able to heal their bodies, but He came to heal their souls. His healing power drew them in, but it was His teaching that truly changed their lives. I think we often get caught up in the physical and we miss the eternal. As you go about your week - make an effort be conscious of your motives. Are you looking at the immediate, the physical? Or are you seeking the eternal?
Tuesday, November 27, 2012
Matthew 14:22-33; Mark 6:45-52; John 6:16-21
Jesus walks on water ~
This is a story we all know . . . or is it? We know that the disciples were in the boat and Jesus was on the land. Do you remember why? After the miracle of the loaves and fishes, Jesus crossed the lake to pray in solitude. While He never turned away a crowd, He also made sure that He had alone time with God - even if it was the middle of the night. Think of all the wonderful things Jesus accomplished, the wisdom He had, the compassion He showed. Where did all of that come from? God. Do you look at yourself in the mirror & wonder how you ended up where you are? How you lost that zeal for life? How your faith seems so small and insignificant? Why you are so far away from living the life Christ has set out for you? There's a simple solution - you're not spending quality time with God. He is our lifeline, without Him we are nothing.
It is now between 3-6am. Jesus is ready to head back, but the disciples are out on the lake - several miles away according to John. So, Jesus starts walking . . . on the water. Mark tells us that Jesus intended to simply walk to the other side of the lake & meet the disciples there. But the disciples see Him & freak out. I guess I would too. You don't really think you'll see someone walking across the lake, on the water, during a storm. I do think it's interesting that their minds immediately go to "ghost." Aren't these the same guys who just saw an awesome miracle performed? Don't they know who Jesus is by now? Not really. See they expect a person - regardless of the incredible miracles they have seen, to just be a person. We fall into expectations & blind ourselves to reality. Mark calls this a "hardened heart." No matter the miracle, we still refuse to accept what is clearly in front of our faces.
Finally, Peter. Ah, abrupt, bull-headed Peter. He speaks and acts before thinking, often finding himself in tricky situations. Reminds me of myself. So, what can we learn from Peter? Well, he thought he would test this situation out. If it really was Jesus walking on the water and not a ghost, then Peter should be able to walk out their with Him. So, out he jumps. Now you would think this shows great faith, but really, I think Peter just didn't give it much thought. Sometimes this is like our faith - we jump into a decision during an emotional, spiritual high. We take the right steps with the wrong motivation. Now, don't get me wrong - there is nothing wrong with stepping out in faith. I'm just saying sometimes we make these promises to God with our hearts but we leave our heads behind. We are simply going with the emotion. Then we get out there in life & our flesh starts talking. "It windy, dark, and wet. And by the way, what am I thinking standing out here on top of the water? Every fool knows that you can't walk on water." And poof, your faith is gone. Just like that your drowning in doubt. Ah, but here is where Peter's faith shines through - even in his doubt he calls out to Jesus to save him. And what does Jesus do? He picks him up & helps Him back in the boat.
So what do we learn from this? Don't take risks? Never step out in faith? NO! Step out in faith, do what God is calling you to do. Just don't be rash about it. Spend time in prayer. Line up your heart and your head with the will of God and always, always, always fall back on Him. Notice - Jesus didn't doubt and He didn't sink. He was lined up with God. It comes back to quality vs. quantity. Spend real, focused time communicating with God and you'll be amazed at the results.
This is a story we all know . . . or is it? We know that the disciples were in the boat and Jesus was on the land. Do you remember why? After the miracle of the loaves and fishes, Jesus crossed the lake to pray in solitude. While He never turned away a crowd, He also made sure that He had alone time with God - even if it was the middle of the night. Think of all the wonderful things Jesus accomplished, the wisdom He had, the compassion He showed. Where did all of that come from? God. Do you look at yourself in the mirror & wonder how you ended up where you are? How you lost that zeal for life? How your faith seems so small and insignificant? Why you are so far away from living the life Christ has set out for you? There's a simple solution - you're not spending quality time with God. He is our lifeline, without Him we are nothing.
It is now between 3-6am. Jesus is ready to head back, but the disciples are out on the lake - several miles away according to John. So, Jesus starts walking . . . on the water. Mark tells us that Jesus intended to simply walk to the other side of the lake & meet the disciples there. But the disciples see Him & freak out. I guess I would too. You don't really think you'll see someone walking across the lake, on the water, during a storm. I do think it's interesting that their minds immediately go to "ghost." Aren't these the same guys who just saw an awesome miracle performed? Don't they know who Jesus is by now? Not really. See they expect a person - regardless of the incredible miracles they have seen, to just be a person. We fall into expectations & blind ourselves to reality. Mark calls this a "hardened heart." No matter the miracle, we still refuse to accept what is clearly in front of our faces.
Finally, Peter. Ah, abrupt, bull-headed Peter. He speaks and acts before thinking, often finding himself in tricky situations. Reminds me of myself. So, what can we learn from Peter? Well, he thought he would test this situation out. If it really was Jesus walking on the water and not a ghost, then Peter should be able to walk out their with Him. So, out he jumps. Now you would think this shows great faith, but really, I think Peter just didn't give it much thought. Sometimes this is like our faith - we jump into a decision during an emotional, spiritual high. We take the right steps with the wrong motivation. Now, don't get me wrong - there is nothing wrong with stepping out in faith. I'm just saying sometimes we make these promises to God with our hearts but we leave our heads behind. We are simply going with the emotion. Then we get out there in life & our flesh starts talking. "It windy, dark, and wet. And by the way, what am I thinking standing out here on top of the water? Every fool knows that you can't walk on water." And poof, your faith is gone. Just like that your drowning in doubt. Ah, but here is where Peter's faith shines through - even in his doubt he calls out to Jesus to save him. And what does Jesus do? He picks him up & helps Him back in the boat.
So what do we learn from this? Don't take risks? Never step out in faith? NO! Step out in faith, do what God is calling you to do. Just don't be rash about it. Spend time in prayer. Line up your heart and your head with the will of God and always, always, always fall back on Him. Notice - Jesus didn't doubt and He didn't sink. He was lined up with God. It comes back to quality vs. quantity. Spend real, focused time communicating with God and you'll be amazed at the results.
Monday, November 26, 2012
Matthew 14:13-21; Mark 6:30-44; Luke 9:10-17; John 6:1-15
Jesus feeds five thousand ~
This was a big miracle, very important to Jesus' ministry. It was such a big deal, all four gospels speak about it. Let's take a look:
Matthew links this to the beheading of John. When Jesus heard of the beheading, He withdrew into the wilderness. Mark let's us know that the apostles (the 12 that had been sent out on missionary work) had returned and updated Jesus on their missions. Luke tells us this miracle took place in Bethsaida (which is located in the region of Galilee.) John tells us that the Passover was upcoming, so we know this happened in the spring. John also tells us that a small boy provided the five loaves and two small fish. All four gospels agree that Jesus had compassion on the people, that five thousand men were fed, and twelve baskets of food were collected after the meal. They also tell us that the apostles were dumbfounded on how to feed these people, but Jesus was calm and assured.
I find it interested that Jesus never turns people away. Even when He was looking for some quiet time, He ministered to the people. Jesus always put others first. He met their needs, He comforted them and healed them. We are to follow His example - put others first. He also shows us that a deep relationship with God results in a calm confidence. When you are linked in with God, when you really get that He has your back, when His desires are your desires - there is no need to worry, no need to fret, no need to calculate the impossibility of the situation. Give thanks to the Lord and trust that He will work all things together for good.
This was a big miracle, very important to Jesus' ministry. It was such a big deal, all four gospels speak about it. Let's take a look:
Matthew links this to the beheading of John. When Jesus heard of the beheading, He withdrew into the wilderness. Mark let's us know that the apostles (the 12 that had been sent out on missionary work) had returned and updated Jesus on their missions. Luke tells us this miracle took place in Bethsaida (which is located in the region of Galilee.) John tells us that the Passover was upcoming, so we know this happened in the spring. John also tells us that a small boy provided the five loaves and two small fish. All four gospels agree that Jesus had compassion on the people, that five thousand men were fed, and twelve baskets of food were collected after the meal. They also tell us that the apostles were dumbfounded on how to feed these people, but Jesus was calm and assured.
I find it interested that Jesus never turns people away. Even when He was looking for some quiet time, He ministered to the people. Jesus always put others first. He met their needs, He comforted them and healed them. We are to follow His example - put others first. He also shows us that a deep relationship with God results in a calm confidence. When you are linked in with God, when you really get that He has your back, when His desires are your desires - there is no need to worry, no need to fret, no need to calculate the impossibility of the situation. Give thanks to the Lord and trust that He will work all things together for good.
Wednesday, November 21, 2012
Matthew 14:1-12; Mark 6:14-29; Luke 9:7-9
Herod kills John the Baptist ~
Herod Antipas was known for his ruthless ambition and John the Baptist has no problem calling him on it. In fact, John was very vocal about Herod's lack of character. Herod was a ruler, a leader, yet he was no role model. Herod had John imprisoned for speaking out about his illegal marriage to his brother's wife, Herodias. Herodias wanted John killed, but Herod at least respected John as a righteous and refused to put him to death.
However, Herod's pride and selfish ambition ended up being his downfall. He made a pledge in public and felt compelled to keep it. Because of his hasty tongue and ego, John the Baptism was murdered. After John's death, news of the miracles of Jesus spread to Herod's court. Some said Jesus was the resurrected John the Baptist, others claimed He was the prophet Elijah, still others simply claimed Him as a prophet. All this talk had Herod intrigued for he knew that Jesus was not a resurrected John. Remember this passage during the trial of Jesus. It casts light on the interaction between Jesus and Herod later on.
So, what can we learn from this passage? Selfish ambition and pride will always lead to poor choices. It's as simple as that.
Herod Antipas was known for his ruthless ambition and John the Baptist has no problem calling him on it. In fact, John was very vocal about Herod's lack of character. Herod was a ruler, a leader, yet he was no role model. Herod had John imprisoned for speaking out about his illegal marriage to his brother's wife, Herodias. Herodias wanted John killed, but Herod at least respected John as a righteous and refused to put him to death.
However, Herod's pride and selfish ambition ended up being his downfall. He made a pledge in public and felt compelled to keep it. Because of his hasty tongue and ego, John the Baptism was murdered. After John's death, news of the miracles of Jesus spread to Herod's court. Some said Jesus was the resurrected John the Baptist, others claimed He was the prophet Elijah, still others simply claimed Him as a prophet. All this talk had Herod intrigued for he knew that Jesus was not a resurrected John. Remember this passage during the trial of Jesus. It casts light on the interaction between Jesus and Herod later on.
So, what can we learn from this passage? Selfish ambition and pride will always lead to poor choices. It's as simple as that.
Tuesday, November 20, 2012
Matthew 10:17-42
Jesus prepares the disciples for persecution ~
Christianity doesn't guarantee an easy life. In fact, Jesus tells us that we will experience persecution. Why? Well, we are in a spiritual war. Satan is doing everything in his power to take us down in order to hurt God. So, how do we handle persecution & where will it come from?
The government - some governments are controlled by religious men who seek to destroy Christianity. Other governments may bend to the will of the people & order persecution. But we are not to worry. God will give us the words and peace needed during these trials.
Family & friends may turn against you. When persecution comes to one place, God tells us to leave that place and find a more welcoming area. He also tells us not to be afraid of man. God has control over what matters - our eternal souls. Man can only take away this world, but this world isn't where our focus should be. This world holds a few short years, but heaven will last forever.
The Jews were looking for a king who would bring peace to the land & establish Israel once again as a sovereign nation. However, Jesus tells us He didn't come to set up a worldly kingdom, He came to set up an eternal kingdom.
So, look to God. Speak His words to others, share His message. Receive Him & He will receive you. This is where our focus should be, not on the opinions and actions of others.
Notice how often this theme comes up - it's not about what others think, it's not about what the world tells you, it's all about Jesus. Look to Him & all the other issues fade away. Anything is possible through Christ.
Christianity doesn't guarantee an easy life. In fact, Jesus tells us that we will experience persecution. Why? Well, we are in a spiritual war. Satan is doing everything in his power to take us down in order to hurt God. So, how do we handle persecution & where will it come from?
The government - some governments are controlled by religious men who seek to destroy Christianity. Other governments may bend to the will of the people & order persecution. But we are not to worry. God will give us the words and peace needed during these trials.
Family & friends may turn against you. When persecution comes to one place, God tells us to leave that place and find a more welcoming area. He also tells us not to be afraid of man. God has control over what matters - our eternal souls. Man can only take away this world, but this world isn't where our focus should be. This world holds a few short years, but heaven will last forever.
The Jews were looking for a king who would bring peace to the land & establish Israel once again as a sovereign nation. However, Jesus tells us He didn't come to set up a worldly kingdom, He came to set up an eternal kingdom.
So, look to God. Speak His words to others, share His message. Receive Him & He will receive you. This is where our focus should be, not on the opinions and actions of others.
Notice how often this theme comes up - it's not about what others think, it's not about what the world tells you, it's all about Jesus. Look to Him & all the other issues fade away. Anything is possible through Christ.
Tuesday, November 13, 2012
Matthew 5:43-48; Luke 6:27-36
What sets Christians apart? Our love for other people. Not just fellow Christians, our friends or those that can benefit us, but everyone. We love those who hurt us, steal from us, those who curse us. We give without expecting something in return. We give to those who ask, to those who are in need.
I think this reading is especially important right now. We seem to find ourselves in an us vs. them mentality. The election outcome might not be what we wanted, the special interest groups might been pushing an agenda that we do not agree with. Just remember to hate the sin, not the sinner. It's not about us vs. them. It's about us with Him. Look to Jesus, treat others the way He treated them. Even better, treat others the way Jesus has treated you - with compassion, forgiveness, and a blank slate.
I think this reading is especially important right now. We seem to find ourselves in an us vs. them mentality. The election outcome might not be what we wanted, the special interest groups might been pushing an agenda that we do not agree with. Just remember to hate the sin, not the sinner. It's not about us vs. them. It's about us with Him. Look to Jesus, treat others the way He treated them. Even better, treat others the way Jesus has treated you - with compassion, forgiveness, and a blank slate.
Tuesday, November 6, 2012
Matthew 10:1-16; Mark 6:7-13; Luke 9:1-6
Jesus Sends Out the Twelve Disciples ~
Up until now, Jesus has been doing the preaching & healings. Now, He has trained up a select 12 to send out on missions. As He sends them out, He gives them some advice:
1) Trust God - they are not to take anything with them. Instead, they are to rely on others for food, shelter, and clothing. Faith is built when we rely on God and others rather than ourselves. This is why Jesus tells us that it is hard for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven. The rich rely on their ability & the ability of their money to help them out rather than on God.
2) Treat everyone equally - heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those with leprosy, drive out demons, give as has you have received. This is mission work.
3) Stick to the Jewish towns. Jesus came first to the Jews, then to the Gentiles (Romans 1:16). They were His chosen people. However, the Bible is clear that Jesus' message is for everyone. It simply started with the Jewish people and then spread out from there. Jesus is sending these men out to preach among their own people - I would think that would be a little more comfortable for them. After the resurrection of Jesus, the disciples began preaching the message to everyone, both Jew & Gentile alike.
4) If you are not received, shake off the dust of the town. This was a symbolic gesture used when visiting Gentile cities to show their separation from Gentile practices. Jesus now tells the disciples to use this gesture to show a cities' rejection of Jesus.
5) Have you heard the phrase, "shrewd as snakes and innocent as doves"? It is used here - as Christians we are to be gentle and nonjudgmental with everyone; however, we are not to put ourselves foolishly in harms way. There are many out there who want to destroy us. We are to treat them with respect and love, but not let their words or actions damage our faith or relationship with God.
Up until now, Jesus has been doing the preaching & healings. Now, He has trained up a select 12 to send out on missions. As He sends them out, He gives them some advice:
1) Trust God - they are not to take anything with them. Instead, they are to rely on others for food, shelter, and clothing. Faith is built when we rely on God and others rather than ourselves. This is why Jesus tells us that it is hard for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven. The rich rely on their ability & the ability of their money to help them out rather than on God.
2) Treat everyone equally - heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those with leprosy, drive out demons, give as has you have received. This is mission work.
3) Stick to the Jewish towns. Jesus came first to the Jews, then to the Gentiles (Romans 1:16). They were His chosen people. However, the Bible is clear that Jesus' message is for everyone. It simply started with the Jewish people and then spread out from there. Jesus is sending these men out to preach among their own people - I would think that would be a little more comfortable for them. After the resurrection of Jesus, the disciples began preaching the message to everyone, both Jew & Gentile alike.
4) If you are not received, shake off the dust of the town. This was a symbolic gesture used when visiting Gentile cities to show their separation from Gentile practices. Jesus now tells the disciples to use this gesture to show a cities' rejection of Jesus.
5) Have you heard the phrase, "shrewd as snakes and innocent as doves"? It is used here - as Christians we are to be gentle and nonjudgmental with everyone; however, we are not to put ourselves foolishly in harms way. There are many out there who want to destroy us. We are to treat them with respect and love, but not let their words or actions damage our faith or relationship with God.
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