Bible Pathways

[Judy Harder]

Read Mark 12
Highlights:

Wicked husbandmen; tribute to Caesar; Great Commandment; widow's mite; signs of the end.
And one of the scribes came, and having heard them reasoning together, and perceiving that He had answered them well, asked Him, Which is the first commandment of all? (Mark 12:28).

The presence of the One True God set Israel apart from all the nations of the earth and ensured their being a peaceful, prosperous, and powerful people. This glorious truth was found in Moses' key message: Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God is one Lord (Deut. 6:4). Israel was called not only to confess this to an idolatrous world, but they were also to condemn the world's false gods and destroy their worship centers.

In today's reading, this grand truth was made clear by our Lord Jesus Christ. When questioned by a scribe as to what was the greatest commandment, Jesus quoted Hear, O Israel; The Lord our God is one Lord: and thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first Commandment (Mark 12:29-30). Jesus commends this scribe who added to love Him (God) with all the heart, and with all the understanding, and with all the soul, and with all the strength, and to love his neighbour as himself, is more than all whole burnt offerings and sacrifices ( Mark 12:33).

This scribe knew that character and conduct are of supreme importance and that the only conclusive evidence that a man has received genuine redemption and has experienced the renewing power of the Holy Spirit is in a life that is ruled by Christ's love in every aspect..

Today there is a tendency to give diligent attention to external conduct, worship services, and religious activities, and neglect the weightier matter of the law, judgment, mercy, faith and the willingness to be kind, patient, and loving (Matt. 23:23). To be acceptable, we must express ourselves in practical ways. To say that we love the Lord means that we truly worship Him with our whole being in obedience to His Word. If our love toward God is genuine, it will reveal itself in our language and our conduct with all those we meet.

How wonderful to realize we have an exalted position in Christ — we are privileged far beyond what earthly Israel ever knew — to know the One God of Israel, manifest in the flesh, our soon coming King who said: I and My Father are One . . . the Father is in Me, and I in Him (John 10:30, 38).

Thought for Today:

Do you pray daily for those in authority over you, that you may lead a quiet and peaceful life?
Cross References:

For Mark 12:1: See Is. 5:2. Mark 12:10-11: See Ps. 118:22-23. Mark 12:19: See Deut. 25:5. Mark 12:26: See Ex. 3:3-6. Mark 12:29: See Deut. 6:4. Mark 12:30: See Deut. 6:5. Mark 12:31: See Lev. 19:18. Mark 12:32: See Deut. 4:35. Mark 12:33: See Deut. 6:5; Hos. 6:6. Mark 12:36: See Ps. 110:1. Mark 13:14: See Dan. 9:27; 11:31; 12:11. Mark 13:24: See Is. 13:10. Mark 13:26: See Dan. 7:13. Mark 13:27: See Deut. 30:4; Zech. 2:6.
Word Studies:

12:1 let it out, rented it; 12:17 Render to Caesar, Give to Caesar; 12:34 durst, dared; 12:42 two mites, a farthing (a penny).
Prayer Needs:

Pray for Internet Radio: sponsored by Thursday Morning Prayer • Pray for Government Official: Rep. Dennis A. Ross (FL) • Country: Australia (19 million) an island continent between the Indian and Pacific Oceans • Major languages: English and native languages • Religious freedom • 40% Protestant; 27% Roman Catholic; 3% Orthodox; 2% Muslim • Prayer Suggestion: When you pray, be brief and pray from your heart (Eccl. 5:2).
Memory Verse for the Week: Psalms 139:7-8

[Judy Harder]

Read Mark 14
Highlights:

Plot against Jesus; Jesus' last Passover; Lord's Supper instituted; prayer in Gethsemane; Judas' betrayal; Peter's denial; Jesus on trial; Christ's crucifixion, burial, resurrection, and ascension.
Being in Bethany in the house of Simon the leper, as He sat at meat, there came a woman having an alabaster box of ointment (Mark 14:3).

Simon, a former leper, had invited Jesus and the disciples to his home for supper. As they sat eating, Mary poured a cruise of oil upon the head of Jesus (John 12:1-8; Matt. 26:6-13). This very precious ointment of spikenard was valued at three hundred denari, almost a year's wages (Matt. 20:2). But the disciples were indignant saying: Why was this waste of the ointment made? For it might have been sold for more than three hundred pence, and have been given to the poor. And they murmured against her . . . . saith . . . Judas Iscariot . . . because he was a thief, and had the bag (Mark 14:4-5; John12:4-6).

Mary's anointing of Jesus reveals an important contrast between her insight and devotion to the Lord and the insensitive response of the disciples. We read that she brake the box, and poured it on His head (Mark14:3). Her actions not only demonstrated her deep devotion and love for the Savior but also the keen insight she had into His true identity and purpose. This is made clear by Christ's own interpretation (14:6-9).

Her actions revealed that she knew Christ as King. Since such an extravagant gift was only lavished on a king. She knew Him as Priest since as our Royal Priest, He received the anointing (14:. And she also grasped that fact that He must die. Jesus had revealed this fact to the disciples but they hadn't understood. His anointing was an act of faith and devotion. Like Mary, we should all understand that the reason for His death was her (our) sin and the significance of His death and resurrection was her (our) salvation.

Mary turned all attention on the Lord and His person. Judas and the disciples turned the issue from Christ onto the poor. The disciples were motivated by greed and jealousy. This also shows that the spiritual always takes precedence over the social. To turn the Gospel of the Savior into just a social Gospel is to pervert the message of the cross.

Like Mary, as Christ followers we should always take advantage of any opportunity to serve the Savior according to our capacity and ability. Jesus has said: She hath done what she could: she is come aforehand to anoint my body to the burying (Mark 14:.

Thought for Today:

Jesus' death on the cross brought victory over the power of sin. By His sacrifice we receive life everlasting!
Cross References:

For Mark 14:27: See Zech. 13:7. Mark 14:62: See Ps. 110:1; Dan. 7:13. Mark 15:24: See Ps. 22:18. Mark 15:28: See Is. 53:12. Mark 15:29: See Ps. 22:7-8. Mark 15:34: See Ps. 22:1. Mark 16:19: See Ps. 110:1.
Word Studies:

14:31 spake the more vehemently, protested emphatically; 14:65 buffet Him, hit Him with their fists; 15:15 scourged, whipped; 15:38 twain, two; 16:16 damned, condemned to eternal hell.
Prayer Needs:

Pray for Government Official: Rep. Kurt Schrader (OR) • Country: Austria (8.1 million) in central Europe • Major language: German • Religious freedom • 78% Catholic; 6% Protestant; 3% Other Christian; 2% Muslim; .1% Jewish; 1.9% Other • Prayer Suggestion: Pray that God will teach you His ways and transform your life by His Word (Is. 2:3).
Memory Verse for the Week: Psalms 139:7-8

[Judy Harder]

Read Luke 1
Highlights:

Virgin birth of Jesus foretold; Mary's visit to Elizabeth; Mary's praise; birth of John the Baptist.
The angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favor with God. And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call His name JESUS. He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto Him the throne of His father David (Luke 1:30-32).

Then we read that Mary arose in those days, and went into the hill country with haste . . . into the house of Zacharias a priest, whose wife, Elisabeth, was Mary's cousin.

When Mary arrived, she greeted Elisabeth. And, immediately, Elisabeth was filled with the Holy Ghost: And she spake out with a loud voice, and said, Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb. And whence is this to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? (1:39-43).

How delightful this must have been to Mary's heart. Instead of suspicion there was salutation and miraculous revelation from Elisabeth who felt so privileged and yet unworthy of being in the presence of the mother of her Messiah.

Following this, the Holy Spirit speaks through Mary, saying: My soul doth magnify the Lord, And my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour . . . . For He that is mighty hath done to me great things; and Holy is His name and His mercy is on them that fear Him from generation to generation (1:46-50).

After being unable to speak, Zacharias was filled with the Holy Spirit, and prophesied, saying, Blessed be the Lord God of Israel; for He hath visited and redeemed His people, And hath raised up an horn of salvation for us in the house of His servant David . . . . To give knowledge of salvation unto His people by the remission of their sins (1:67-69,77).

The greatness of that promised Child was threefold. It related first to His divine origin. He was to be called the Son of the Highest (1:32) and shalt call His name JESUS (1:31) because He shall save His people from their sins (Matt.1:21). Secondly, not only does Jesus deliver us from the curse of sin, but He raises us to the high heritage of adopted sons (Gal. 4:5; Eph. 1:5). And, most glorious of all, He shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of His Kingdom there shall be no end (Luke 1:33).

Thought for Today:

Magnifying and praising the Lord are two of our most blessed privileges.
Word Studies:

1:40 saluted, greeted, embraced; 1:46 magnify, exalt, praise; 1:54 holpen, helped.
Cross References:

For Luke 1:17: See Mal. 4:5-6. Luke 1:50: See Ps. 103:17. Luke 1:53: See Ps. 107:9. Luke 1:71: See Ps. 106:10. Luke 1:76: See Mal. 3:1. Luke 1:79: See Is. 9:1-2; 59:8.
16Pray for Government Officials: Rep. Pat Meehan (PA), Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse (RI), and Sec'y. Hilda L. Solis (Dept. of Labor) • Country: Azerbaijan (7.7 million) southern Transcaucasia between Europe and Asia • Major languages: Azeri and Russian • Religious freedom • 65% Shi'a Muslim; 30% Sunni Muslim; 2% Russian Orthodox; 2% Armenian Apostolic; 1% Jewish • Prayer Suggestion: Ask the Lord to make you willing to go wherever He wants to send you (Is. 6:.

Memory Verse for the Week: Psalms 139:7-8

[Judy Harder]

Read Luke 2
Highlights:

Birth of Jesus; shepherds' adoration; Simeon's and Anna's prophecies; return to Nazareth; Jesus among the doctors; ministry of John the Baptist; baptism of Jesus; genealogy of Jesus through Mary.
And it came to pass, that after three days they found Him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the doctors, both hearing them, and asking them questions (Luke 2:46).

Now His (Jesus) parents went to Jerusalem every year at the Feast of Passover (Luke 2:41). Each year every man in Israel must celebrate three feasts: the Feast of Passover/Unleavened Bread; the Feast of Weeks/Pentecost; and the Feast of Tabernacles (Deut. 16:16). When He was twelve years old, they went up to Jerusalem. . . . When they had fulfilled the days, as they returned, the child Jesus tarried behind . . . and His (parents) . . . knew not of it (Luke 2:42-43).

In all of the preparation for returning to Nazareth, His parents, Mary and Joseph, were under the impression that He must be in the company of other boys in the caravan. Up to this time in His life, being perfect as He was, they had never had any reason to question His absolute obedience, submission, and cooperation. At evening they discovered He was not with them.

When Mary questioned Him: Why hast thou thus dealt with us? He answered: wist ye not that I must be about My Father's business? (2:48-49). I must be about My Father's business parallel with His words later in life: I must work the works of Him that sent Me (John 9:4). Jesus was always found doing His Father's will.

His devotion to being about His Father's business drew Him to the Temple, but His submission to His Father's will caused Him also to return to Nazareth, and was subject unto them (Luke 2:51). The One to whom all things are subject willingly submitted Himself to His earthly parents.

In this age of rebellion, there is a growing number of young people who do not submit to God ordained parental authority, The first Commandment with promise (Eph. 6:2). Many parents also rebel against restrictions which are placed on them on the job, at church, or in the community, setting a wrong example for their children.

We are told to: let every soul be subject unto the . . . power . . . of God (Romans 13:1-2). Whatsoever we ask, we receive of Him, because we keep His Commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in his sight (I John 3:22).

Thought for Today:

Talking with our Heavenly Father in prayer is vital to living a victorious Christian life.
Cross References:

For Luke 2:23: See Ex. 13:2,12. Luke 2:24: See Lev. 12:8. Luke 2:32: See Is. 9:2; 42:6; 49:6. Luke 3:4-6: See Is. 40:3-5.
Word Studies:

2:7 swaddling clothes, linen cloth wrapped around an infant; 2:46 doctors, the rabbis who were the instructors in the Law; 3:1 tetrarch, ruler of a fourth part or one of four rulers of a country or province.
Prayer Needs:

Pray for Internet Radio: in honor of Lee Rutherford's Birthday • Pray for Government Officials: Rep. Jerry Lewis (CA) and Rep. Patrick J. Tiberi (OH) • Country: Bahamas (284,000) in the northern portion of the West Indies • Major languages: English and some Creole • Religious freedom • 72% Protestant; 26% Roman Catholic; • Prayer Suggestion: Pray with a heart of righteousness, keeping the truth of God, and know He will hear your prayers (Is. 26:2).
Memory Verse for the Week: Psalms 139:16

[Judy Harder]

Read Luke 4
Highlights:

Temptation of Jesus; His teachings; healings; miracles; call of Matthew.
He came to Nazareth, where He had been brought up: and, as His custom was, He went into the synagogue on the Sabbath day (Luke 4:16).

During the Sabbath service there were two lessons read. The first was always taken from the Pentateuch, the five books of Moses, and the other from the prophets. No doubt, Jesus was invited to speak since our Lord was well known in His hometown and had recently gained a great reputation as a preacher and a healer. He stood up for to read. And there was delivered unto Him the book of the prophet Esaias (Isaiah) (4:16-17).

It could be no coincidence that the opening words that the Lord read contained a clear mention of the three Persons of the Trinity: the Holy Spirit, the Father, and Himself, the Anointed One. And He read: The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, because He (God) hath anointed Me to preach the Gospel to the poor. He gives eternal treasures not material wealth to the poor; healing, not freedom from trial to the hurt and brokenhearted; freedom from sin to the captives; the recovering of sight to those groping in darkness; liberty to the bruised in spirit; and freedom to all imprisoned ones. The Great Physician was now in their midst ready to heal the brokenhearted (4:18-19; Isaiah 61:1-2).

After closing the book: He began to say unto them, This day is this Scripture fulfilled (Luke 4:21).

You can imagine how startled the little congregation was when Jesus said that He, their carpenter's son, was the expected Messiah. Aware of their thoughts of scorn and unbelief, the Lord reminds them that in rejecting Him, they would be rejected for their unbelief. Even as Israel was rejected for its unbelief during the days of Elijah when a despised Phoenician woman living near Sidon was mightily blessed with God's mercies (I Kings 17:9-24) and Naaman, the Syrian leper, was healed of his leprosy (II Kings 5:1-14). The messiah was praising a Syrian and a Sidonian, both Gentiles. And, as one man, the congregation interrupted the worship service, seized the Preacher, and attempted to put Him to death by pushing Him over a rocky precipice (Luke 4:29). But He passing through the midst of them went His way (4:30). As far as we know, He never returned to Nazareth.

Jesus, the Anointed One, In His own country. . . . He could there do no mighty work. . . . And He marvelled because of their unbelief (Mark 6:4-6).

Thought for Today:

Every Christian is responsible to take part in the work of God.
Cross References:

For Luke 4:4: See Deut. 8:3. Luke 4:8: See Deut. 6:13-14. Luke 4:10-11: See Ps. 91:11-12. Luke 4:12: See Deut. 6:16. Luke 4:18-19: See Is. 61:1-2. Luke 5:14: See Lev. 14:1-32.
Word Studies:

4:29 brow of the hill, edge of a cliff; 5:9 draught, catch; 5:27 a publican, a tax collector for Rome; 5:36 rent, tear.
Prayer Needs:

Pray for Staff: Pam Murton • Pray for Internet Radio: sponsored by Lt. Col. Walter and Penny Swanson • Pray for Government Officials: Gov. Haley Barbour (MS) and Rep. Patrick T. McHenry (NC) • Country: Bahrain (629,000) 11 islands in the Persian Gulf near Saudi Arabia • Major languages: Arabic and English • No evangelical work is permitted • 85% Muslim; 5% Roman Catholic; 2% Protestant; 1% Orthodox • Prayer Suggestion: Keep your mind on the Lord and trust Him; He will give you peace (Is. 26:3).
Memory Verse for the Week: Psalms 139:16

[Judy Harder]

Read Luke 17
Highlights:

Necessity of forgiveness; ten lepers; second coming of Jesus foretold; more parables; children blessed; rich young ruler; death and resurrection foretold.
And He spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint (Luke 18:1).

What did the young man mean when he came running, then knelt and asked: What shall I do to inherit eternal life? (Luke 18:18). What a searching question! He was no hypocrite, but felt a desperate need as he knelt down before Jesus, with no concern as to what others might think. Clearly, he understood there was an eternity beyond this physical life. In one's lifetime, no question could be of greater importance. To be misdirected in the destiny of one's soul would mean eternal separation from God.

Luke referred to the "young man" as a certain ruler indicating this was not a parable but a true story. Three of the Gospels mention his great wealth (Matt. 19:20-22; Mark 10:17-22; Luke 18:18-23). His question concerning eternal life indicates that he was a Pharisee. For eternal life was one of their major doctrinal convictions while the Saducees did not believe in an afterlife.

After the young man asserted he had kept all the commandments, Jesus, recognizing what was at the heart of the matter, said to him: Yet lackest thou one thing: sell all that thou hast, and distribute unto the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, follow me. And when he heard this, he was very sorrowful: for he was very rich (Luke 18:22-23). He refused to give up the pleasant life he loved so well and the things he prized so highly. He was very religious and very sincere, but also very covetous.

Jesus clearly said that eternal life can not be earned by self-effort. For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast (Eph. 2:8-9).

It may seem a simple thing to keep the Law, but when the word "love" is substituted for the word "Law," and with the Lord's response on how to gain eternal life, Jesus was demanding a test of faith in Him. The Lord was asking for the man to surrender his riches, and to follow Him with the promise of treasure in heaven.

But seek ye first the Kingdom of God, and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you (Matt:6:33).

Thought for Today:

God always hears and answers the prayers of His children — although it is not always a definite yes or no, sometimes it's wait!
Cross Reference:

For Luke 18:20: See Ex. 20:12-16; Deut. 5:16-20.
Word Studies:

17:8 sup, eat, dine; 17:9 trow not, think not; 18:1 faint, give up; 18:3 Avenge me of, Provide justice and protection against.
Prayer Needs:

Pray for Country: Benin (6 million) in western Africa • Major languages: French and tribal languages • Some hostility toward Christians • 59% animism and voodoo; 17% Muslim; 16% Roman Catholic; 3% Protestant • Prayer Suggestion: Amidst uncertainty, seek the guidance of God (Is. 42:16).
Memory Verse for the Week: Psalms 119:33-34

 

[Judy Harder]

Read Luke 19
Highlights:

Zacchaeus; triumphal entry; cleansing of the Temple; Jesus' authority questioned; paying tribute.
But He perceived their craftiness, and said unto them, Why tempt ye Me? (Luke 20:23).

The Pharisees were always present in the crowds that surrounded Jesus. On this occasion the Pharisees conspired against Him with the cooperation of a minority group called the Herodians, irreligious Jews who urged submission to the Roman government (Matt. 22:16).

They asked Him a question on a burning issue that has caused much rebellion in Palestine: Should they be forced to pay taxes to a foreign government (Mark 12:13-14)? Since the minority Jews deeply resented being forced to pay Gentile taxes to the Roman government, the crowds would have turned against Jesus if He had said no.

The Herodian party would accuse Him of conspiracy against the Roman government, and Pilate then could have arrested Him for treason. If He said yes, the Pharisees would have been suspicious of Him. The Pharisees thought they had Him trapped.

In His wisdom, Jesus asked them to show Him a pence, one of their coins, a Roman denarius, which was accepted currency among the Jews. He then said, whose image and superscription hath it? They answered, Caesar's.

And He said unto them, Render therefore unto Caesar the things which be Caesar's. But the rest of His comment came as a stinging rebuke to their hypocrisy when He told them to render unto God the things which be God's (Luke 20:24-25). By his reply, Jesus not only answered their question, but He also exposed their inconsistency and hypocrisy in front of the crowds.

We, too, should obey the laws of the land as well as give our tithes and offerings to the Lord. As Christians faithfully render to God the things that are His, the Word of God can be more effectively proclaimed throughout the world.

Give unto the Lord the glory due unto His name; worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness (Ps. 29:2). Many people pay their taxes for no other reason than that they are terrified over the consequences of failure to do so; but Christians pay taxes, not as men-pleasers, but as seeking to please the Lord. As Christians, we may deplore how the government uses the taxes. But this does not exempt us from paying what the government requires.

Put them in mind to be subject to principalities and powers, to obey magistrates, to be ready to every good work (Titus 3:1).

Thought for Today:

Have the vile thoughts of greed and covetousness been removed from your life?
Cross References:

For Luke 19:38: See Ps. 118:26. Luke 19:46: See Is. 56:7; Jer. 7:11. Luke 20:17: See Ps. 118:22. Luke 20:28: See Deut. 25:5. Luke 20:37: See Ex. 3:6. Luke 20:42-43: See Ps. 110:1.
Word Studies:

19:13 Occupy, Use your talent to buy and sell; 19:16 pound, a unit of money to illustrate opportunities to increase; 19:21 austere, stern, exacting; 20:20 feign themselves just men, pretend to be sincere followers.
Prayer Needs:

Pray for Staff: Clarence & Linda Rathbone Anniversary • Pray for Internet Radio: sponsored by Leon & Ann Hataway • Pray for Country: Bhutan (2 million) in the eastern Himalayas of central Asia • Major languages: Tibetan and Nepalese dialects • Public worship, evangelism, and proselytization are illegal • 50-70% Buddhist; 24-45% Hindu; 5% Muslim; 1% Protestant/Roman Catholic • Prayer Suggestion: Seek the Lord in prayer, turn from your sinful ways, and God will have mercy and pardon for you (Is. 55:6-7).
Memory Verse for the Week: Psalms 119:33-34

[Judy Harder]

Read Luke 21
Highlights:

The widow's mite; signs of the end; return of the Lord; plot against Jesus; Jesus' last Passover; Lord's Supper; Jesus' arrest; Peter's denial.
Saying, Father, if Thou be willing, remove this cup from Me: nevertheless not My will, but Thine, be done (Luke 22:42).

On the last night of our Lord's earthly ministry, Jesus did not sleep. Instead, He went . . . to the mount of Olives; and His disciples also followed Him . . . He said unto them, Pray that ye enter not into temptation. And He was withdrawn from them about a stone's cast, and kneeled down, and prayed (22:39-41). First kneeling, then falling on His face before His Father, He was exceedingly sorrowful unto death (Matt. 26:38-39). As our key verse says, He prayed intensely to know the Father's will. How long He remained in prayer we do not know, but His prayer was no brief ritual. And being in an agony He prayed more earnestly: and His sweat was as it were great drops of blood falling down to the ground (22:44).

Jesus knew that a holy Father must turn His back on Him, His only begotten Son (John 3:16), if he accepted the penalty for all the sins of the world.

That very night Jesus began the fulfillment of His mission as He started the journey that would ultimately lead to Calvary's cross. Worthy is the Lamb that was slain (Rev. 5:12). The Redeemer at that moment asked the Father if the cross was the only means of gaining forgiveness for sins and saving the souls of unnumbered millions who would confess Him as Lord. Could God in His unlimited power have another way of reconciliation? God answered His prayer, not by removing the crisis, but by supplying the strength to bear it. He gave Jesus the strength to fulfill the mission He was meant to complete. Beyond this garden prayer experience, the cross was waiting.

And being found in fashion as a man, He humbled Himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. Wherefore God also hath highly exalted Him, and given Him a name which is above every name: That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in Heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father (Phil. 2:8-11)

Thought for Today:

Have you been to Jesus for His cleansing power? Are you washed in the blood of the Lamb?
Cross References:

For Luke 21:27: See Dan. 7:13. Luke 22:37: See Is. 53:12. Luke 22:69: See Ps. 110:1.
Word Studies:

21:4 penury, poverty; 21:13 shall turn to you for a testimony, will turn out to be an opportunity to tell the Good News; 21:15 to gainsay, to refute, to refuse; 21:34 surfeiting, overindulgence; 22:39 wont, in the habit of.
Prayer Needs:

Pray for Staff: Beth Carlton • Pray for Government Officials: Rep. Bruce L. Braley (IA), Rep. Joe Heck (NV), and Rep. Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ) • Country: Bolivia (8 million) in South America • Major languages: Spanish and Quechua • Religious freedom • 92% Roman Catholic; 3% Protestant; 3% Baha'i • Prayer Suggestion: Pray and call upon the Lord with assurance that He will answer if you pray with a godly spirit free from sin (Is. 58:9-11).
Memory Verse for the Week: Psalms 119:33-34

[Judy Harder]

Read Luke 23
Highlights:

Jesus before Pilate and Herod; Jesus' crucifixion and resurrection; ministry of the risen Christ; His commission; the ascension.
And they found the stone rolled away from the sepulchre (Luke 24:2).

It was very early in the morning, reports Luke (Luke 24:1); when it was yet dark, says John (John 20:1); as it (the day) began to dawn says Matthew (Matt. 28:1); and at the rising of the sun wrote Mark (Mark 16:2). The women were walking toward the rock-hewn tomb of Joseph of Arimathea, in which the Body of Jesus had been hastily laid. Foremost on their minds was: Who shall roll away the stone from the door of the sepulchre (tomb)? (16:3).

Just as the women had no thought of deserting the Lord whom they loved just because the world had hated and crucified Him, our genuine love of the Lord will be unaffected by opposition. Love will survive the contentions and the hatred of a hostile society. It will continue to press forward to show its loyalty and eagerness of service, not waiting for the last hour of necessity, but for the first hour of opportunity.

The disappearance of difficulties as we go on our way of faithful service reminds us of the Lord's assurance that we shall reap, if we faint not (Gal. 6:9), meaning don't give up. These women had been apprehensive about how they would get the stone rolled away from the entrance to the tomb (Mark 16:3). But as they continued toward the tomb to express their love, they found their difficulty had vanished (Luke 24:2).

Matthew records the shock of the great earthquake, and the terror which seized the guards who were watching the sealed tomb (Matt. 28:2-4) as an angel of the Lord. . . rolled back the stone from the door and sat upon it (28:2). The women had come to the tomb to complete embalming procedures. They entered in, and found not the body of the Lord Jesus. . . . they were much perplexed when they saw two men . . . in shining garments . . . who said, Why seek ye the living among the dead? He is not here, but is risen (Luke 24:4-6). The women rushed to the disciples to relate their discovery.

Instead of a sorrowful experience, these women found an empty grave, a new hope, pure joy! This is the usual experience of the one who is seeking to serve the Lord.

Jesus saith unto Him, Go and do Thou like wise (Luke 10:37). And ye shall be witnesses unto Me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth (Acts: 1:.

Thought for Today:

Each person must decide for himself whether to receive or reject Jesus as his own personal savior.
Cross References:

For Luke 23:30: See Hos. 10:8. Luke 23:34: See Ps. 22:18.
Word Studies:

23:5 Jewry, the Judean region; 23:19 for . . . sedition, for having started a riot; 23:23 instant, insistent or persistent; 23:29 paps, breasts; 23:32 malefactors, criminals, ones who do evil; 24:29 far spent, almost over.
Prayer Needs:

Pray for Staff: Rick Hash • Pray for Government Officials: Gov. Luis Fortuno (PR) and Rep. John Barrow (GA) • Country: Bosnia and Hercegovina (4 million) on the Balkan Peninsula in southeastern Europe • Major language: Serbo-Croatian • Little evangelism being done • 40% Muslim; 28% Serbian Orthodox; 14% Roman Catholic • Prayer Suggestion: Confess and forsake all sin (Is. 59:12-13).
Memory Verse for the Week: Psalms 119:33-34

[Judy Harder]

Read John 1
Highlights:

Deity of Christ; Jesus announced as the Lamb of God; first miracle in Cana; cleansing of the Temple; Nicodemus and the new birth.
And looking upon Jesus . . . he (John the Baptist) saith, Behold the Lamb of God! . . . . One of the two which heard John speak, and followed him, was Andrew, Simon Peter's brother. He first findeth his own brother Simon, and saith unto him, We have found the Messias, which is, being interpreted, the Christ. And he brought him to Jesus (John 1:36, 40-42).

Andrew had been a follower of John the Baptist, who spoke of Jesus in such a way that his faith, adoration, and worship were directed toward Christ. Realizing that Jesus was the Messiah, Andrew left John the Baptist and became a faithful witness of "the Lamb of God." Andrew set an example for us today. We may have important work that we are doing. However, how does that work compare when it comes to matters of eternity? Andrew was already involved in the work of the Lord. He was about to go further than his current circumstances could ever take him. Following Jesus is the greatest thing we could ever do with our lives. Then said Jesus unto His disciples, If any man will come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me (Matt. 16:24).

Andrew's brother, Peter, is especially noted for his great preaching on the day of Pentecost and his writing of I and II Peter. We sometimes tend to think Peter's ministry was more important than the person-to-person witness of Andrew. But we must not forget that Andrew shared in all of Peter's accomplishments. If Andrew had failed to tell his brother about Christ, there might never have been a ministry such as that of Peter's.

Many times we feel the work we are doing is not great in the big picture of what God is doing. We may see our part of the plan as insignificant and small. Nothing could be further from the truth. That thing you are doing for God may make a huge impact. And He called unto Him His disciples, and saith unto them, Verily I say unto you, That this poor widow hath cast more in, than all they which have cast into the treasury (Mark 12:43).

Andrew was just an average Christian, not a great soul winner, but he did what we all can do. God keeps a record of all the "Andrews" who are never recognized for a great ministry, but who do as the Holy Spirit directs in telling others, We have found the Messias, the Savior.

The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life; and he that winneth souls is wise (Prov. 11:30).

Thought for Today:

God never said a Christian has to be great — Just faithful.
Cross References:

For John 1:23: See Is. 40:3; Mal. 3:1. John 2:17: See Ps. 69:9.
Word Studies:

1:5 the darkness comprehended it not, did not take it in; the unbelieving world cannot see its need for a Savior; 1:39 tenth hour, 4 p.m. by Jewish time, two hours before evening.
Prayer Needs:

Pray for Internet Radio: sponsored by Vincent and Rebecca Naughton • Government Official: Rep. Darrell Issa (CA) • Country: Croatia (5 million) in southeastern Europe • Major language: Serbo-Croatian • Religious freedom • 73% Roman Catholic; 15% Serbian Orthodox; 5% Muslim • Prayer Suggestion: Seek God as more important than food to satisfy your hunger (Prov. 3:13-18).
Memory Verse for the Week: Psalms 119:33-34