Bible Pathways

[Judy Harder]

October 30, 2010 

Read Luke 21 -- 22
Highlights:

Disciples question when the end will come (Luke 21:6-7); signs preceding the end (21:8-36). Judas' cruel betrayal (22:1-6,47-53). The Passover meal (22:7-30). Peter's denial (22:31-36; 22:54-62). Agonizing prayer of Jesus; an angel ministers to Him (22:39-46).
The Israelites' annual Passover meal was a reminder that the blood of an innocent lamb and obedience to the Word of God had made it possible for their ancestors to be redeemed from death, set free from Pharaoh and Egyptian slavery, and to enjoy freedom in the promised land.

On the evening of the Passover, Jesus took bread, and gave thanks, and brake it, and gave unto them (His 12 disciples), saying, This is My body which is given for you: this do in remembrance of Me. Likewise also the cup after supper, saying, This cup is the New Testament in My blood, which is shed for you (Luke 22:19-20). At this Passover, our Lord identified Himself with the sacrificial Passover Lamb.

The Lord's Supper is a reminder that Jesus' death on the cross delivered us from Satan, and set us free from the condemnation for our sins to receive eternal life. This ordinance is so sacred that the Holy Spirit emphasized its importance through the Apostle Paul who wrote: The Lord Jesus the same night in which He was betrayed took bread: And when He had given thanks, He brake it, and said, Take, eat: this is My body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of Me. . . . This cup is the New Testament in My blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of Me. For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord's death till He come (I Cor. 11:23-26). It is of the utmost importance that we consider carefully that our Lord said: This do in remembrance of Me. He did not make a suggestion but a command. Jesus reminds all His followers: Why call ye Me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say? (Luke 6:46).

The Lord wanted us to know that His death on the cross made the difference for us between spending eternity in the lake of fire (Rev. 20:14-15) or in heaven with Him (John 3:16; 14:2-3). The Lord's Supper is a continuing reminder that there is forgiveness for all who, by faith, accept Jesus' atoning sacrifice as the only means of receiving eternal life. It is also a time to consider what attitudes of ill will toward others, revenge, and lust need to be confessed and forsaken. The Lord's table is a reminder that whosoever shall eat this bread, and drink this cup of the Lord, unworthily, shall be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord. But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that (the) bread, and drink of that (the) cup (I Cor. 11:27-28).

Thought for Today:

Jesus reminds us: If a man love Me, he will keep My words (John 14:23).
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.
Cross References:

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

Pray for Government Officials: Rep. Bruce Braley (IA), Gov. Felix Perez Camacho (Guam), Rep. Peter Hoekstra (MI), and Rep. Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ) • Country: Gambia (1 million) in West Africa • Major languages: English and Mandinka • Religious freedom • 87% Muslim; 10% animism and ancestral spirit worship; 2% Roman Catholic; .7% Protestant • Prayer Suggestion: Call upon the Lord in adversity, for He will hear (Ps. 116:1-4,8).
Memory Verse for the Week: Mark 4:19

 

[Judy Harder]

Read Luke 23 -- 24
Highlights:

The mock trials, crucifixion, death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus. Don't miss a word of this soul-stirring description of how Jesus carried all our shame and sin that He might save us. Praise the Lord for His great love! (Luke 24:46-47).
Some of the women who were followers of Jesus watched as He died on the cross, and then watched as the body of their beloved Lord was hastily laid in the rock-hewn tomb of Joseph of Arimathea. That day was the preparation. . . . And the women. . . . returned, and prepared spices and ointments; and rested the Sabbath day according to the commandment (Luke 23:54-56). Now upon the first day of the week, very early in the morning (24:1), on their way to the tomb, these women were greatly concerned about Who shall roll . . . away the stone from the door of the sepulchre (tomb)? . . . the stone . . . was very great (large) (Mark 16:3-4). They soon discovered that their concern had been satisfied by an angel.

Matthew recorded the terror experienced by the Roman guards who watched the sealed tomb, when the angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and . . . rolled back the stone from the door, and sat upon it (Matt. 28:2,4). When the women came to the tomb to complete the burial procedures, they entered in, and . . . . behold, two men stood by them in shining garments: And. . . . said unto them, Why seek ye the living among the dead? He is . . . risen: remember how He spake unto you . . . Saying, The Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, and be crucified, and the third day rise again (Luke 24:3-7). Excitedly, the women rushed to the disciples to relate their thrilling discovery.

These women had no thought of deserting their Lord in death, even though a hostile crowd had crucified Him. Neither the women, nor the apostles, were expecting such a glorious experience on that resurrection morning. God always has better things in store for us than we think possible, That He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might by His Spirit in the inner man . . . And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God. Now unto Him that is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, Unto Him be glory in the Church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen (Eph. 3:16,19-21).

Thought for Today:

And every man that hath this hope in Him purifieth himself, even as He is pure (I John 3:3).
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.
Cross References:

For Luke 23:30: See Hos. 10:8. Luke 23:34: See Ps. 22:18.
Prayer Needs:

Pray for International Broadcasts in honor of Dr. Cindy Lynn Perry, Missionary in Nepal, India • Bible Pathway Media Producer: Rick Hash • Government Official: Rep. John Barrow (GA) • Country: Gambia (1 million) in West Africa • Major languages: English and Mandinka • Religious freedom • 87% Muslim; 10% animism and ancestral spirit worship; 2% Roman Catholic; .7% Protestant • Prayer Suggestion: Know that God answers prayer (Ps. 118:5).
Memory Verse for the Week: Luke 14:33

[Judy Harder]

Read John 1 -- 3
Highlights:

The One True God who is Jesus Christ in His Deity, the Living Word, the Word of God, the only Virgin born Son of God (John 1:1-5,14,34,48-51; 2:1-11) who said: I am The Way (for anyone to get to Heaven — v. 3:1-18) . . . no man cometh unto the Father, but by Me (14:6).
There was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews: The same came to Jesus by night (John 3:1-2). This prominent rabbi probably wanted an uninterrupted conversation with Jesus, so he chose to see Him at night. He was a member of the Sanhedrin, the council which controlled the religious life of Israel, yet he confessed to Jesus: Rabbi, we know that Thou art a teacher come from God (3:2).

Jesus said to Nicodemus: Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the Kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh (human parents) is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit (sons of God v. 1:13) (3:5-6). Ye must be born again (3:7) of God (1:13). Ye have purified your souls . . . Being born again . . . by the Word of God (I Pet. 1:22-23). To illustrate how essential it is to be born again (receive eternal life), Jesus reminded Nicodemus of the Israelites, who near the end of their 40 years of wilderness wandering, once again complained about their circumstances. Consequently they were no longer under the protection of God. Thousands of people died in the desert by fiery serpents. When the people cried out to God, He commanded Moses to make a serpent of brass and lift it up on a pole. The people were healed by turning their eyes and looking up at the brazen serpent (Num. 21:5-9). Jesus then said: As Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of Man be lifted up: That whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have eternal life (John 3:14-15). He that believeth on Him is not condemned (judged): but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the Name of the Only Begotten Son of God (3:18). That serpent was made of brass since brass is a biblical symbol of judgment.

The one who is born again of the Holy Spirit loves the things he once ignored, and he now hates the things he once desired. When we were born the first time, we received the sinful nature which was inherited from Adam. When we are born again into the family of God, we receive His divine nature and will: Walk (live) as children of light: (For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth;) Proving what is acceptable unto the Lord (Eph. 5:8-10).

Thought for Today:

Thou shalt not avenge, nor bear any grudge against the children of thy people, but thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself: I am the Lord (Lev. 19:18).
Word Studies:

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

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

Pray for our Military worldwide • International Broadcasts for Novembers sponsored by Mary Hoffmeyer • Staff: Dr. John A. Hash • Government Officials: Rep. Darrell Issa (CA) and Rep. John Spratt, Jr. (SC) • Country: Georgia (5.38 million) west and central Transcaucasia between Asia and Europe • Major languages: Georgian and Russian • Religious opposition to Christianity • 57% Georgian (and Russian) Orthodox; 21.2% Muslim; 5% Armenian Apostolic; .8% Catholic (Greek-Catholic); .5% Protestant (mainly Baptist); .5% Jewish; 15% Atheist/Agnostic • Prayer Suggestion: Ask for understanding of the Word of God so you can share it with others (Ps. 119:27).
Memory Verse for the Week: Luke 14:33

 

[Judy Harder]

Tuesday, November 2, 2010   


Read John 4 -- 5

Highlights:

Some have wondered who Jesus of Nazareth really is. Read on!! Without hesitation you can say that He is The Living Water (John 4:5-14); The Great Physician (4:46 — 5:16); equal with God (5:18). Confirmed by many witnesses: (1) John the Baptist (5:33-35); (2) His works (5:36); (3) The Father (5:37-38); (4) Scripture (5:39-47). Worship Him in Spirit and in Truth (4:23-24).
The sheep gate where lambs were bought for sacrifice was located at the northeast area of the Temple court in Jerusalem. Nearby the sheep market (is) a pool, which is called . . . Bethesda, having five porches (John 5:2). At this pool lay a great multitude of impotent (sick, invalid, and physically disabled) folk (5:3). It was believed by some that the first to enter the pool of water after an angel stirred it up would be cured (5:4). Jesus, the Great Physician, approached this crowd of helpless sufferers, but no one recognized Him.

In this crowd of helpless people was a certain man . . . which had an infirmity thirty and eight years (5:5). What possibility was there that anyone would care if he were ever healed? When this man expressed his hopelessness, Jesus looked beyond the man's problem and asked him to do something about it, saying: Rise, take up thy bed, and walk. And immediately the man was made whole, and took up his bed, and walked (5:8-9).

Like this man, you and I once were spiritually helpless. We should be eternally grateful that Jesus did not pass us by but through a loving friend, a pastor, the Bible itself, or some other means, asked us if we wanted to be made whole. Jesus cares for even the most hopeless sinner and desires that all recognize Him as their personal Savior and Lord. It doesn't matter whether they are intellectual leaders such as Nicodemus, or like the pitiful Samaritan woman at the well, or any other lost person.

The sheep gate illustrates Jesus, the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world (1:29). The pool called Bethesda means "house of mercy or grace." It is only through the compassion of Christ that any lost sinner, without exception, can find mercy and grace by accepting His sacrifice on the cross for our sins.

The Apostle Paul reminds us that we once were children of wrath, but we have been cleansed from our sins and given a new nature with the privilege to put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness (Eph. 2:3; 4:24).

Thought for Today:

And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might (Deut. 6:5).
Word Studies:

4:6 sixth hour, noon by Jewish time and 6 pm by Roman time; 5:21 quickeneth them, gives them life.
Prayer Needs:

Pray for International Broadcasts sponsored by Sherry Blondeau • Bible Pathway Media Producer: Rick Hash • Country: Germany (82 million) in north-central Europe • Major language: German • Religious freedom • 33.8% Evangelical (Lutheran); 33.6% Catholic; 3.4% Muslim; 1% Orthodox; 1% Other Christian; .2% Other; 27% None • Prayer Suggestion: Ask for understanding of the Word of God as you read each day (Ps. 119:34).
Memory Verse for the Week: Luke 14:33

[Judy Harder]

November 4, 2010   

Read John 9 -- 10

Highlights:

Have you asked Jesus to change you? The power of a changed life vs. spiritual blindness (John 9:1-41). The Good Shepherd and His sheep (10:11). Jesus, the Father, the sheep, and eternal life (10:23-30). False accusations against Jesus; the enemy seeks to kill Him (10:31-42).
The religious authorities in Israel were considered the shepherds of Israel; but they were false, self-serving leaders, as Ezekiel had foretold: Woe be to the shepherds of Israel that do feed themselves! should not the shepherds feed the flocks? (Ezek. 34:2). Ezekiel then revealed the True Shepherd: I will set up one Shepherd over them, and He shall feed them, even My servant David. . . . And I the Lord will be their God, and My servant David a prince among them. . . . I will make with them a Covenant of Peace (34:23-25).

Jesus identified Himself with the prophecy of Ezekiel when He said: I am the Good Shepherd: the Good Shepherd giveth His life for the sheep. . . . an hireling . . . seeth the wolf coming, and leaveth the sheep, and fleeth: and the wolf catcheth them, and scattereth the sheep. . . . I am the Good Shepherd. . . . I lay down My life for the sheep (John 10:11-15).

One of the distinguishing marks of a Christian is that he recognizes the need for guidance and desires to follow the Good Shepherd. The sheep follow Him: for they know His voice. And a stranger will they not follow, but will flee from him (10:4-5).

The Holy Spirit led the Apostle Paul to write: Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that Great Shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting Covenant, Make you perfect in every good work to do His will, working in you that which is well-pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory for ever and ever (Heb. 13:20-21).

Jesus also said: I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of My hand. My Father, which gave them [to] Me, is greater than all (John 10:28-29). Here Jesus reveals Himself as both co-equal and coeternal with God the Father. How comforting it is to be assured that we have Jesus the Good Shepherd caring for us.

The Apostle Peter foretold: When the Chief Shepherd (Christ) shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away (I Peter 5:4).

Thought for Today:

Love ye therefore the stranger: for ye were strangers in the land of Egypt (Deut. 10:19).
Word Studies:

10:3 porter, doorkeeper; watchman; 10:41 resorted unto Him, came to Him.
Cross Reference:

For John 10:34: See Ps. 82:6.
Prayer Needs:

Pray for International Broadcasts sponsored by Carl E. Miller and Thursday Morning Prayer • Staff: Benjamin Wallace • Government Official: Rep. John Yarmuth (KY) • Country: Greece (10.5 million) in southeastern Europe • Major languages: Greek and English • Government restrictions on witnessing to others about Christ • 87% Orthodox; 8% Old Calendar Orthodox; 2% Catholic; 1.2% Muslim; .5% Jehovah's Witness; .3% Protestant; 1% Other • Prayer Suggestion: In times of trouble, pray and seek comfort in the Word of God (Ps. 119:50).
Memory Verse for the Week: Luke 14:33

[Judy Harder]

 

Bible Pathways



Friday, November 5, 2010   



Read John 6 -- 8
Highlights:

Jesus: The Bread of Life (John 6:1-14,22-51); The Light of the World (8:12). During all the storms of life, Jesus still says: Be not afraid (6:18-20).
Jesus entered into the Temple (Court), and all the people came unto Him; and He sat down, and taught them (John 8:2). Jesus was interrupted by the scribes and Pharisees who brought unto Him a woman. . . . They say unto Him, Master, this woman was taken in adultery, in the very act. Now Moses in the Law commanded us, that such should be stoned: but what sayest Thou? (8:3-5). They brought this woman to Jesus not because their hearts were grieved that the Law of God had been broken, but that they might have (a reason) to accuse Him (8:6). Had He said: "Let her go," they would have accused Him of compromising with sin and breaking the Mosaic Law. If He had said: "Stone her," He would have broken Roman law and been accountable to Rome.

Jesus brought conviction to each one of the woman's accusers when He said: He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her (8:7). And they which heard it . . . went out one by one, beginning at the eldest . . . Jesus was left alone, and the woman standing in the midst (8:9). Then Jesus said to her: Woman, where are . . . thine accusers? hath no man condemned thee? She said, No man, Lord. And Jesus said unto her, Neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more (8:10-11). Jesus resumed His teaching, saying: I am the Light of the world: he that followeth Me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the Light of life (8:12).

It is possible to follow the Light of the world for the wrong motives. During a time when some face serious troubles or terminal illness, they may "appear" to trust Jesus as Savior and Lord. However, let health return or let there be a change of circumstances for the better. All who are truly born again remain faithful regardless of circumstance. Some will revert to their self-centered ways. But as many as received Him, to them gave He power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on His Name: Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God (John 1:12-13). Whoso keepeth His Word, in him verily (truly) is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in Him (I John 2:5).

Thought for Today:

And now, Israel, what doth the Lord thy God require of thee, but to fear the Lord thy God, to walk in all His ways, and to love Him, and to serve the Lord thy God with all thy heart and with all thy soul (Deut. 10:12).
Word Studies:

6:24 took shipping, got into boats.
Cross References:

For John 6:31: See Ex. 16:4; Neh. 9:15; Ps. 78:24. John 6:45: See Is. 54:13.
Prayer Needs:

Pray for International Broadcasts sponsored by Vincent & Rebecca Naughton • Government Officials: Rep. Mazie Hirono (HI) and Rep. Lynn Woolsey (CA) • Country: Ghana (19 million) in western Africa • Major languages: English and African languages • The government permits freedom to churches and missionaries that do not get involved in politics • 31% belief in spirits and witches; 22% Protestant; 17% Muslim; 11% Roman Catholic • Prayer Suggestion: Ask for boldness in telling others about the Lord (Ps. 119:46).
Memory Verse for the Week: Luke 14:33

 

[Judy Harder]

November 6, 2010 

Read John 11 -- 12

Highlights:

Inevitably death enters all of our homes, but there is hope because believers in Jesus pass from death unto life eternal (John 11:25-26). Power of the Word and prayer (11:38-44).
Throughout the years of Jesus' ministry, we often see Him withdrawing Himself from public notice and bidding His disciples that they should tell no man that He was Jesus the Christ (Messiah) (Matt. 16:20). When He raised the daughter of Jairus, He charged them straitly (strictly) that no man should know it (Mark 5:43). When they came down from the Mount of Transfiguration, He instructed His disciples that they should tell no man what things they had seen, till the Son of Man were risen from the dead (9:9). The reason for this can be seen when the 5,000, who were miraculously fed by two fish and five loaves of bread, intended to make Him a king, He departed again into a mountain Himself alone (John 6:15). When His unbelieving brethren urged Him to shew Thyself to the world. . . . Jesus said unto them, My time is not yet come (7:4,6).

Now Jerusalem was crowded with worshipers who had come from Judea, Samaria, Galilee, and as far away as Greece. They came several days ahead in order that they might be ceremonially qualified to partake of the feast: The Jews' Passover was nigh at hand: and many went out of the country up to Jerusalem . . . to purify (cleanse) themselves (11:55), as well as to see Jesus.

As Jesus made His public entry into Jerusalem, the religious leaders were overwhelmed by the immense crowd that followed Him, and they were heard to say: Behold, the world is (has) gone after Him (12:19). Finally, at the God-appointed time, Jesus openly and rightly accepted the acclaim of the multitude that He was their promised Messiah.

The prophet had foretold almost 500 years earlier: Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion; shout, O daughter of Jerusalem: behold, thy King cometh unto thee . . . having salvation; lowly, and riding upon an ass, and upon a colt the foal of an ass (Zech. 9:9). Israel's True King now officially presented Himself to the nation as fulfilling that prophecy. Many believed on Him; but because of the Pharisees they did not confess Him, lest they should be put out of the synagogue: For they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God (John 12:42-43).

Thought for Today:

Take good heed therefore unto yourselves, that ye love the Lord your God (Josh. 23:11).
Word Studies:

12:46 I am come a Light, I have come to reveal the Truth.
Cross References:

For John 12:13: See Ps. 118:26. John 12:15: See Zech. 9:9. John 12:38: See Is. 53:1. John 12:40: See Is. 6:9-10; Ex. 4:21.
Prayer Needs:

Pray for International Broadcasts sponsored by Pricilla C. Wilcox • Staff: Ilene Wallace • Government Official: Gov. Ted Kulongoski (OR) • Country: Greenland (60,000) northeast of Canada • Major languages: Eskimo dialects and Danish • Religious freedom • 98% Protestant; .1% Roman Catholic • Prayer Suggestion: Lift up your prayers to God with your whole heart (Ps. 119:58,145).
Memory Verse for the Week: Luke 14:33

[Judy Harder]

Read John 13 -- 16
Highlights:

The defiled cannot enter the Kingdom of God, BUT Jesus can and will cleanse them (John 13:4-17). Are we guilty of betrayal or denial. (13:18-38)? The Comforter promised (14:16-17; 15:26; 16:7-15). New relationship (14:20-21;15:12-21) described (15:1-11). Jesus overcomes sorrow and trials with joy and peace (16:16-33).
Eleven of the apostles were convinced that Jesus was the Messiah. Along with the multitudes, they too had joined in shouting: Hosanna: Blessed is the King of Israel (John 12:13). But, Jesus had earlier said that He must suffer many things of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed (Matt. 16:21). Now, as they celebrated the Passover, the disciples were "perplexed" because Jesus had said He was leaving them (John 13:33) and troubled that He had said that one of their own number would betray Him (13:21-22).

Some of the most comforting words of Jesus were spoken at the very moment that the religious leaders were planning how to kill Him and He knew it. With the utmost calm He said: Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in Me. . . . I go to prepare a place for you. . . . I will come again, and receive you unto Myself; that where I am, there ye may be also. . . . Peace I leave with you, My peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid (14:1-3,27).

The picture is much clearer to us 2,000 years later, as we read the full story. However, like the disciples, occasionally, each of us is faced with fears of what tomorrow may bring. When we are facing financial loss, divorce, disease, handicaps, or other "things" that happen to those who love the Lord, we need to remember that the Lord knows how to take care of our tomorrows. Along with the disciples, we too can have the utmost confidence in our Lord's comforting words: Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in Me (14:1). We make the choice whether we will or will not allow "our hearts to be troubled." With every disappointment the Lord provides an opportunity to overcome stress, fear, and depression, and instead, develop patience and faith in Him.

Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial (painful ordeal) which is to try (test) you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers (sharers) of Christ's sufferings (I Pet. 4:12-13).

Thought for Today:

But let all those that put their trust in Thee rejoice: let them ever shout for joy, because Thou defendest them: let them also that love Thy Name be joyful in Thee (Ps. 5-11).
Word Studies:

13:10 but not all, but not every one; all were clean except Judas; 15:2 purgeth it, eliminates what is keeping it from bearing better fruit.
Cross References:

For John 13:18: See Ps. 41:9. John 15:25: See Ps. 35:19; 69:4.
Prayer Needs:

Pray for Government Officials: Sec. Arne Duncan (Dept. of Education) and Rep. John Carter (TX) • Country: Grenada (97,000) southernmost of the Windward Islands • Major language: English • Religious freedom • 61% Roman Catholic; 31% Protestant • Prayer Suggestion: Ask for understanding as you read the Word of God (Ps. 119:73).
Memory Verse for the Week: Luke 14:33

 

[Judy Harder]

Monday, November 8, 2010   

Read John 17 -- 18
Highlights:

Looking beyond the cross and the tomb, Jesus asks the Father for seven things (John 17:1, 5,11,15,17,21-24). He prays for Himself (17:1-5); His disciples (17:6-19), and us (17:20-26). The love gift of God to the world is Jesus (3:16).
After the Passover meal, Jesus began praying: Father, the hour is come; glorify (honor) Thy Son. . . . I have glorified (honored) Thee on the earth. . . . I have manifested (made known) Thy Name unto the men which Thou gavest Me . . . and they have kept Thy Word (John 17:1,4-6). All true believers should unite in glorifying the Father and Christ our Lord and in keeping His Word.

Jesus continued praying for all who would ever believe in Him, that they may be one, even as We are One (17:20-22). Jesus and the eleven disciples then went to the Mount of Olives. Jesus knew that Judas would soon arrive with the religious leaders who would lead the hostile mob and the Roman military to crucify Him. Soon, all of Jesus' followers forsook Him.

Satan is the accuser of our brethren (Rev. 12:10); but it is comforting to know that Jesus sees far more in His followers than we see in ourselves or in each other. He knew His disciples would leave Him; but He loved them and forgave them and they became even more loyal.

The difference between the weakest of Jesus' disciples and the worldly, unsaved person is revealed in Jesus' prayer to His Father in heaven: I have given unto them the words which Thou gavest Me; and they have received them . . . and they have believed that Thou didst send Me (John 17:. Notice the order: You gave Me the words; I gave the words to them; and They received the words. This emphasizes that faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God (Rom. 10:17). Faith and spiritual discernment are imparted as we daily meditate upon the Word of God. We should pray: Shew me Thy ways, O LORD; teach me Thy paths. Lead me in Thy truth . . . for Thou art the God of my salvation (Ps. 25:4-5).

Jesus also prayed to the Heavenly Father to keep through Thine own Name those whom Thou hast given Me (John 17:11). How comforting to know that His prayer included everyone of us as He prayed: I have given them Thy Word. . . . They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. Sanctify (keep holy for God's service) them through Thy truth: Thy Word is Truth. . . . Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on Me through their word (John 17:14,17-20).

Thought for Today:

O love the Lord, all ye His saints: for the Lord preserveth the faithful, and plentifully rewardeth the proud doer (Ps. 31:23).
Word Studies:

17:12 son of perdition, Judas Iscariot; 18:30 malefactor, evildoer, criminal.
Cross Reference:

For John 17:12: See Ps. 41:9.
Prayer Needs:

Pray for Government Official: Rep. Sam Graves (MO) • Country: Guatemala (12.3 million) in Central America • Major languages: Spanish and Indian languages • Religious freedom • 60% Catholic; 35% Protestant; 2% Animist; 1.5% Other; 1.5% None • Prayer Suggestion: Rise early in the morning to lift up your prayers to God and hope in His Word (Ps. 119:147).
Memory Verse for the Week: Luke 14:33

[Judy Harder]

November 9, 2010   

Read John 19 -- 21

Highlights:

The cross. Cruelty of soldiers emphasized (John 19:1-3). Jesus' death (19:28-37), His burial and the witnesses of His resurrection (19:38-42; 20:1-29; 21:14). Why John wrote this Book (20:30-31). A threefold emphasis, not just to Peter, but to all of us: Feed My sheep (21:15-17).
Judas had led a mob and Roman soldiers to arrest Jesus. After His arrest, they led Him away to Annas first . . . father in law to Caiaphas, which was the high priest that same year (John 18:13).

According to the Word of God, the high priest was to be a direct descendant of Aaron and was to retain his office until death (Ex. 40:15; Num. 35:25). However, Rome appointed a new high priest every year. Annas was high priest through Aaronic succession but had been deposed by Rome. He was succeeded by his son-in-law Caiaphas, who was the "official" high priest according to Rome. However, many people still considered Annas to be the true high priest.

Jesus, the prophesied Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world (John 1:29), was led first to the Jewish and then the Gentile-appointed high priests. With Caiaphas were the scribes, the elders, the chief priests and all the council (Matt. 26:57,59). In response to the question by the high priest regarding His deity, Jesus said: Hereafter shall ye see the Son of Man sitting on the right hand of power, and coming in the clouds of heaven (26:64). Understanding that Jesus was claiming to be coequal with God and the prophesied Messiah, Caiaphas ripped his robe of authority as a sign of righteous indignation and shouted: What further need have we of witnesses? behold, now ye have heard His blasphemy (26:65). However, Caiaphas had ignored God's promise of a Prophet like Moses to whom they were to hearken (Deut. 18:15). That Prophet — Jesus the Messiah — was standing before him.

When they had bound Him, they . . . delivered Him to Pontius Pilate the governor (Matt. 27:2). Pilate knew Jesus was innocent of any criminal offense and said: I find in Him no fault at all (John 18:38). But, the religious leaders cried out violently: Crucify Him, crucify Him. . . . He ought to die, because He made Himself the Son of God. . . . If thou let this Man go, thou art not Caesar's friend (19:6-7,12). Pilate had to choose between Jesus the Son of God and the angry crowd; he chose the "religious" authorities. When a person compromises what is right in God's sight for fear of losing his job or anything else, he has taken the first step toward eternal hell. Jesus said: No servant can serve two masters (Luke 16:13).

Thought for Today:

Let all those that seek Thee rejoice and be glad in Thee: let such as love thy salvation say continually, The Lord be magnified (Ps. 40:16).
Word Studies:

19:1 scourged, whipped with leather cords weighted with sharp pieces of bone or lead; 19:30 It is finished, His physical ministry was complete.
Cross References:

For John 19:24: See Ps. 22:18. John 19:36: See Ex. 12:46; Ps. 34:20. John 19:37: See Zech. 12:10.
Prayer Needs:

Pray for International Broadcasts sponsored by Mr. & Mrs. John O. Mitchell, Sr. and Mrs. Judith Anne Ross • Staff: Beth Carlton • Government Official: Rep. Dennis Moore (KS) • Country: Guinea (8 million) on the Atlantic coast of western Africa • Major languages: French and tribal languages • Freedom for nationals, but strict limitations on missionaries • 83% Muslim; 12% tribal religions; 4% Roman Catholic; .6% Protestant • Prayer Suggestion: Praise God for His mercy (Ps. 136:2).
Memory Verse for the Week: Luke 14:33