Monday, March 8, 2010
John 12:1-11
John gives many more details to this story than the other gospels. John tells us that they are at Lazarus' house. The woman is named, it is Jesus' friend Mary. We are told that Judas is upset by the extravagance of the act because he is a thief. A large crowd gathered outside to see Jesus and Lazarus, whom Jesus had raised from the dead. Whether the details are part of the story or not, Jesus is headed towards his death. I can't help but think that he must have found a moment of comfort as Mary put the ointment on him. Maybe for that moment he could forgot about the cross that laid before him.
Saturday, March 6, 2010
March 6
Matthew 25:31-46
"Whenever you did one of these things to someone overlooked or ignored, that was me -- you did it to me." This is verse 40 in the Message translation. I found it thought provoking for I have become so accustomed to the phrase "the least of these". I think it gives it a different feel to consider that the least of these in terms of being "overlooked or ignored". I don't know about you but at times I become so focused on tasks that I completely ignore others. Others seem to be so in touch with the needs of people around them, I am not that way. However, I don't think that excuses my behavior. I believe Jesus expects me to be intentional in how I live.
"Whenever you did one of these things to someone overlooked or ignored, that was me -- you did it to me." This is verse 40 in the Message translation. I found it thought provoking for I have become so accustomed to the phrase "the least of these". I think it gives it a different feel to consider that the least of these in terms of being "overlooked or ignored". I don't know about you but at times I become so focused on tasks that I completely ignore others. Others seem to be so in touch with the needs of people around them, I am not that way. However, I don't think that excuses my behavior. I believe Jesus expects me to be intentional in how I live.
Friday, March 5, 2010
March 5
Matthew 25:1-30
Remember this is a passage from Tuesday. By Friday Jesus will be on the cross. When we keep that context in mind, we can hear how Jesus is giving a final call for us to live in such a manner that we are always prepared for his return. He wants us to live so that it does not matter when he returns, for we will have used our lives in a way that carries out his work and our souls are ready for his return.
Remember this is a passage from Tuesday. By Friday Jesus will be on the cross. When we keep that context in mind, we can hear how Jesus is giving a final call for us to live in such a manner that we are always prepared for his return. He wants us to live so that it does not matter when he returns, for we will have used our lives in a way that carries out his work and our souls are ready for his return.
Thursday, March 4, 2010
March 4
Matthew 24
Many love to speculate as to when the end of time will be. They take parts of scripture, like Matthew 24 or Revelations, and try to determine when Christ will return. Yet, Jesus is rather direct in saying that no one will know the time (verse 36). What Jesus is doing is calling us to right living. That if we live in relationship with him, it will not matter when the end comes, we will be ready.
Many love to speculate as to when the end of time will be. They take parts of scripture, like Matthew 24 or Revelations, and try to determine when Christ will return. Yet, Jesus is rather direct in saying that no one will know the time (verse 36). What Jesus is doing is calling us to right living. That if we live in relationship with him, it will not matter when the end comes, we will be ready.
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
March 3
Matthew 23
Do you think Jesus is unhappy with hypocrites? What I had never noticed before is how Jesus tells the crowds, "So you must obey them and do everything they tell you. But do not do what they do, for they do not practice what they preach." Striving to make our words and our actions consistent is a vital part of the life of faith.
Do you think Jesus is unhappy with hypocrites? What I had never noticed before is how Jesus tells the crowds, "So you must obey them and do everything they tell you. But do not do what they do, for they do not practice what they preach." Striving to make our words and our actions consistent is a vital part of the life of faith.
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
3/2 - Matthew 22
Matthew 22
Over the last several months, as a church we have spent a great deal of time focusing on the second commandment, to love your neighbor as yourself. One thought to remember is that it is the second commandment. The first commandment is to love God. All the rest of our lives, including loving our neighbor is based on our love of God.
Over the last several months, as a church we have spent a great deal of time focusing on the second commandment, to love your neighbor as yourself. One thought to remember is that it is the second commandment. The first commandment is to love God. All the rest of our lives, including loving our neighbor is based on our love of God.
Monday, March 1, 2010
March 1
Matthew 21:23-46
This section includes some of the most direct teaching of Jesus. He is on the way to the cross and there is little time. Jesus is challenging the religious leaders with the lack of results in their lives. He tells them the Kingdom of God will be taken away from them and given to others who will produce fruit. What would Jesus say about the fruit of your life?
This section includes some of the most direct teaching of Jesus. He is on the way to the cross and there is little time. Jesus is challenging the religious leaders with the lack of results in their lives. He tells them the Kingdom of God will be taken away from them and given to others who will produce fruit. What would Jesus say about the fruit of your life?
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)