Bible Pathways

[Judy Harder]

Read Luke 8 -- 9

Highlights:

Women healed of evils spirits and infirmities (Luke 8:1-3). Parable of the Sower (8:4-15). Our new relationship with the Lord: My mother and My brethren are these which hear the Word of God, and do it (8:19-21). He stills the storms (8:22-25), defeats the demons (8:26-39), heals the sick (8:43-48), and feeds the hungry (9:12-17). Don't miss this key verse — 9:23. The cost to us (9:57-62).
Our Lord did not welcome the volunteers who had appeared at first so willing to join Him (Luke 9:57-62). Their excuses revealed divided hearts that were unworthy of His high calling. That single eye of devotedness to Christ (Matt. 6:22-24), where all else in this world fades into insignificance, was lacking. Love dictated the sternness of our Lord's words.

How differently Jesus handled the situation from the way some churches would accept these prospects! But, like Gideon, it may be that we should take a new look at our crowds and settle for the few who truly mean business. But, there are those who are obsessed with numbers. Thus, some look on these "prospects" as a good showing on the books!

Is there anything in your heart or your life that keeps you from giving Christ your undivided attention? Jesus said: No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon (material things) (Matt. 6:24). Rather than being a halfhearted compromiser, stand fast in the Lord. . . . Rejoice in the Lord alway. . . . Be careful (anxious) for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God . . . shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus (Phil 4:1,4,6-7).

Jesus calls us to Himself — to give to us His life and His forgiving love. For the Son of Man is not come to destroy men's lives, but to save them (Luke 9:56). The more carefully we read His Word and listen to His voice with submissive hearts, the more all worldly ambitions and human standards fade into insignificance. Nothing the world can offer has any lasting eternal value. Our heart's desire should be that of the Apostle Paul, who said: I determined not to know (esteem as important) any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and Him crucified (I Cor. 2:2).

The harvest truly is great, but the labourers are few: pray ye therefore the Lord of the Harvest, that He would send forth labourers into His harvest (Luke 10:2).

Thought for Today:

That I may know Him, and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being made conformable unto His death (Phil. 3:10).
Cross Reference:

For Luke 8:10: See Is. 6:9. For Luke 9:35: See Ps. 2:7.
Word Studies:

8:44 stanched stopped flowing; 9:3 staves staffs, walking sticks; scrip small bag for money or food; 9:29 glistering shining with brilliance.
Prayer Needs:

Pray for Staff: Mary Kay Wagner • Government Officials: Rep. Mary Bono Mack (CA), Sen. Jeff Merkley (OR), Gov. Mike Rounds (SD), Rep. José Serrano (NY), and Rep. Bradley Sherman (CA) • Country: Chad (7 million) in north-central Africa • Major languages: French and Arabic • Limited religious freedom • 35% Muslim; 31% animist; 11% Protestant; 5% Roman Catholic • Prayer Suggestion: Trust the Lord and ask Him to direct your steps (Ps. 143:.
Memory Verse for the Week:

Matthew 7:4

[Judy Harder]

 Bible Pathways
     
Read Luke 10 -- 11

Highlights:

Importance of witnessing (Luke 10:1-19). Most important Commandment (10:27) and question (10:29). How to pray (11:1-13)! Let your light shine (11:33-36). Insincere, self-righteous life condemned by Jesus (11:39-54).
Jesus was tested by a certain lawyer (Luke 10:25) concerning His interpretation of Law. The lawyer's own interpretation gave him an excuse for his dislike for the Samaritans. His demand to know whom he must love exposed a life which was governed by religious rules and regulations.

The sufferer who fell among thieves which stripped him and left him half dead was A . . . man (10:30) — nothing more. The others are designated by profession or nationality, but this man had no label around his neck to label him as neighbour (10:29). The Samaritan acted as a neighbor prompted by his heart and not his prejudices. He was generous and self-denying when he saw someone who had fallen among thieves, which . . . wounded him, and departed, leaving him half dead. This certain Samaritan . . . went to him, and bound up his wounds . . . and set him on his own beast, and brought him to an inn, and took care of him (10:30-34).

Both a priest and a Levite had also seen this dying man and should have been first to show compassion. Instead, they avoided him — perhaps justifying their cruel indifference with excuses that they did not want to even temporarily disqualify themselves from serving God in His Temple if the man died in their arms (see Num. 19:11-19).

The nationality of the helper must not be overlooked. Samaritans were descendants of the poorest Israelites left behind in Israel during the exile. Those Israelites had intermarried with the Gentiles brought in by the Assyrians who had defeated the Northern Kingdom.

This parable leaves no doubt as to who is my neighbour (10:29); it brushes away all prejudices of race, all differences of creed, all enmities rooted in history. One is your Master . . . and all ye are brethren (Matt. 23:.

This despised Samaritan responded with a Christ like love which others lacked because of their theological dogmatism.

The characteristic mark of genuine love is to ask if the neighbor needs love rather than if he deserves it. The lawyer inquired: "Who is my neighbor?" But the Samaritan asked quite another question: "To whom can I be a neighbor?"

Give none offence . . . Even as I please all men in all things, not seeking mine own profit, but the profit of many, that they may be saved (I Cor. 10:32-33).

Thought for Today:

My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth (I John 3:18).
Cross References:

For Luke 10:27: See Lev. 19:18. Luke 10:28: See Lev. 18:5.
Word Studies:

10:40 cumbered about much serving trustrated over all she had to do; 10:41 careful overly concerned; 11:8 importunity persistence; 11:39 ravening freed, covetousness; 11:46 lade load; 11:53 vehemently fiercely.
Prayer Needs:

Pray for International Broadcasts in honor of Bonnie Wilhite • Staff: Ilene Wallace • Country: Chile (15 million) on the southwestern coast of South America • Major language: Spanish • Religious freedom • 73% Catholic; 20% Protestant; 1% Other; 6% None • Prayer Suggestion: Sing unto the Lord with thanksgiving (Ps. 147:7).
Memory Verse for the Week:

Matthew 7:4

[Judy Harder]

Read Luke 12 -- 13

Highlights:

Jesus denounces scribes and Pharisees as hypocrites (Luke 12:1-12). Verses to heed (12:4-5,8-10). Learn of greed, money, possessions (12:13-15). Don't be a fool (12:19-20). Repent; be prepared for the Master; don't be left out (12:35-48; 13:1-5,22-30)! Jesus, Lord of the Sabbath (13:10-17). Jesus grieves for us too (13:31-35).
One cannot read these impressive verses without catching the solemnity in which they were uttered. Jesus warned: Beware of covetousness: for a man's life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth (Luke 12:15). There is something very grim and terrifying in the finality of our Lord's next parable concerning sharing our faith and our possessions with those who need help (Matt. 19:21-22; James 2:14-17).

The ground of a certain rich man brought forth plentifully: And he thought . . . What shall I do . . . I will pull down my barns, and build greater; and there will I bestow ALL MY . . . goods. . . . But God said . . . Thou fool, this night thy soul shall shall be required of thee. . . . So is he that layeth up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God (Luke 12:16-21). This financially rich man was a prudent, worldly man who rose to great affluence in the wholesome occupation of farming. He had all the virtues which the world applauds and often holds up as a model to young men. But he unconsciously implied how little satisfaction his wealth had brought him. Take thine ease (12:19) was a confession that his life was burdened by the care of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches (Matt. 13:22).

The world measures people by their bank account, new cars, and fine homes; yet nothing could be more wrong, because godliness with contentment is great gain (I Tim. 6:6). Contentment accompanying true godliness is not dependent on worldly possessions. The fact is, the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, (as a result) they have erred from the faith (6:10). If we have little, we are taught to be content with that little; if we have much, we are taught how fragile is our hold upon it and how essential it is to be rich toward God since we must give an account to the Giver of all good gifts.

Christian friend, whoever you are and regardless of how much or how little you possess, the Lord knows you and your circumstances and has chosen you to be His representative in the area in which you live. Fix your heart on Him.

The psalmist prayed: Incline my heart unto Thy Testimonies, and not to covetousness (Ps. 119:36).

Thought for Today:

For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul (Mark 8:36)?
Cross References:

For Luke 13:27: See Ps. 6:8. Luke 13:35: See Ps. 118:26.
Word Studies:

12:50 straitened dressed with intense sorrow; 12:58 hale take by force; 12:59 mite fraction of a cent; 13:8 dung it fertilize it; 13:24 strait narrow, strict, illustrating no deviation from what God has said in His Word.
Prayer Needs:

Pray for Staff: Bill Beach • Government Officials: Rep. Emanuel Cleaver (MO), Rep. Geoff Davis (KY), and Sec. Hillary Clinton (Dept. of State) • Country: China, Mainland (1.242 billion) in eastern Asia • Major languages: Standard Chinese (Putonghua) or Mandarin (based on the Beijing dialect) • Renewed persecution of the Church • 16% Asian (including Fulun Gong); 8% Buddhist; 3% Muslim; number of Christians unknown but growing; 10% Atheist • Prayer Suggestion: Praise the Lord for His wonderful blessings (Ps. 150:2).
Memory Verse for the Week:

Matthew 7:4

 

[Judy Harder]

Read Luke 14 -- 16

Highlights:

Read all the Word of God so as not to miss His call (Luke 14:15-24). Consider the true devotion of discipleship (14:26-35). Together with Jesus, seek the lost (note 15:7). Parable of the shrewd steward. No one can serve two masters (16:10-13). Rich man and Lazarus (16:19-31).
The self-centered prodigal son resented his father's authority and wished to be free to do what he chose without anyone giving him orders. In short, he wanted to be his own master.

The fall of the younger son began when he claimed "his right" to take his interests from the interests of his father before he (the prodigal) went into a far (foreign) country (Luke 15:12-13). When we use the word "prodigal" perhaps we think of it as meaning one who falls into a very disorderly life. But the prodigal is a waster; and though the word is not found in the parable, it is derived from the phrase in this verse, he wasted his substance.

He began by demanding a share of his father's goods; he got it and wasted it. It is true that he wasted it in riotous living, but the emphasis is contained in his older brother's words to his father: Thy son (my brother) . . . hath devoured thy living (15:30).

The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God (Ps. 14:1), but there are greater fools than he. There is the fool who says: "There is a God; but I am going to live as I please anyway."

The mark of true repentance is discernible in the shame of the prodigal. He confessed his selfish offense and desired to abide by his father's decision. This characteristic of shame is essential to true repentance. Godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation (II Cor. 7:10). Another mark of repentance is the desire to be subject to the authority of God, not simply to have the past wiped out and to begin another course of self-indulgence. The prodigal desired to come back to his father in humility and submission — as one of thy hired servants (Luke 15:19).

Just as the prodigal son discovered that his father's compassion and love were far greater than he had realized, so too will every repentant sinner discover that the Heavenly Father is waiting, with love and compassion, to transform the wasted lives of all who come to Him. However, as wonderful as this is, it does not, and cannot, restore or reverse the result of wasted years. It is an inevitable and irreversible Law that whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap (Gal. 6:7). Since the believer's true citizenship is in heaven (Phil. 3:20), we dare not make material gain and physical satisfactions our priority.

See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, Redeeming the time, because the days are evil (Eph. 5:15-16).

Thought for Today:

For thus saith the Lord God, the Holy One of Israel: In returning and rest shall ye be saved; in quietness and in confidence shall be your strength (Is. 30:15).
Cross Reference:

For Luke 16:15: See Prov. 21:2.
Word Studies:

14:26 hate not . . . all natural affections are to be as compared with the Christian's devotedness and love for Christ. Jesus clarified this when He said: Who is My mother? and who are My brethren? . . . For whosoever shall do the will of My Father which is in heaven, the same is My brother, and sister, and mother (Matt. 12:48-50); 14:32 ambassage delegation; 15:16 would fain craved to; 16:11 unrighteous mammon the use of your money in this world.
Prayer Needs:

Pray for International Broadcasts sponsored by Lt. Col. & Mrs. Walter Swanson • Staff: Micheal Moore • Government Official: Rep. Maurice Hinchey (NY) • Country: Colombia (38.6 million) in northwestern South America • Major language: Spanish • New government has declared religious freedom • 93% Catholic; 4% Protestant; .5% Tibal; .2% Muslim; .1% Baha'i; .1% Jewish; 2.1% non-Religious/Other • Prayer Suggestion: Let your prayers be praise to the Lord (Ps. 150:6).
Memory Verse for the Week:

Matthew 7:4

[Judy Harder]

Read Luke 17 -- 18

Highlights:

Christian conduct includes unlimited and unconditional forgiveness, faith, and surrender to the will of God as revealed in His Word (Luke 17:1-10). Signs that the end is near (17:20-37). Lessons from an evil judge (18:1-8); self-righteous Pharisee and humble tax collector who both pray (18:9-14); warning for those with riches (18:18-27); assurance of gaining the best in this life and life everlasting (18:28-30); a blind man who would not give up (18:35-43).
The Pharisee seemed to have everything in his favor as he went to the Temple to pray. The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank Thee, that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican. I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess (Luke 18:11-12). The Pharisee's prayer was hardly a prayer of thanksgiving to God. Rather, it was an arrogant congratulatory praise of himself in contrast to others. Sadly, he didn't realize that he merely was praying thus with himself.

The Pharisee observed the publican (tax collector) and portrayed him in his prayer as a dark background on which the bright colors of his own virtues were gloriously displayed. His pride and contempt for others revealed the true state of his heart. He felt the need of nothing and his prayer became a long-flowing boast of self-righteousness, claiming to go beyond even the requirements of the Laws of God. With each act of self-congratulation, the Pharisee probably should have followed it by confessing: "I have not been an extortioner, but I have often coveted what was not my own. I have not been unjust, but I have been far from generous. I have not been an adulterer, but my heart has harbored many sinful thoughts."

The Pharisees disappeared from history long ago, but many people still follow the legalistic spirit of the Pharisees.

The publican's prayer was short but, oh, how sincere! He would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven. He was as great a sinner as his prayer implied when he smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner (18:13). The publican felt his unworthiness to stand before the One True Holy God! He did not measure himself with other people nor mention his neighbor's sins. Instead, he was burdened by the consciousness of his own personal guilt and knew that he had no hope but in the mercy and grace of a loving God.

Remember not the sins of my youth, nor my transgressions: according to Thy mercy remember Thou me for Thy goodness' sake, O Lord (Ps. 25:7).

Thought for Today:

For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith (Rom. 12:3).
Cross Reference:

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

17:8 sup sat, 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 Staff: Dr. John A. Hash • Country: Comoros (563,000) in the Mozambique Channel of the Indian Ocean • Major languages: Shaafi Islam (Swahili dialect) and Malagasy • Limited religious freedom • 99.7% Muslim; .2% Roman Catholic/Protestant • Prayer Suggestion: The heart of the wise teacheth his mouth, and addeth learning to his lips (Prov. 16:23).
Memory Verse for the Week:

Matthew 7:4

[Judy Harder]

Read Luke 19 -- 20

Highlights:

The real reason why Jesus came (Luke 19:10). Individual Christian ministry (19:13). Jesus answers questions concerning the resurrection (20:27-40).
Jericho, the city of palm trees, was a wealthy town which was enriched by its palm and balsam trees and its streams of fresh water. Jesus entered and passed through Jericho. And, behold, there was a man named Zacchaeus, which was the chief among the publicans, and he was rich (Luke 19:1-2).

Obviously a Jewish tax collector was looked upon by the Jews as a thief and an agent of the Roman government. He was considered to be very unpatriotic to the Jews and even less religious. Many felt that his position indicated he had sold his soul for wealth: He was rich (19:2). But in spite of his wealth and apparent greed there was a deep dissatisfaction. He desperately longed for something that his money could not buy.

Zacchaeus had long been accustomed to ridicule and wasn't concerned about what people would think of him. He was lost in sin, and he knew it. He was little. . . . So he ran before, and climbed up into a sycomore tree to see Him (Jesus): for He was to pass that way (19:3-4).

It was the love which Christ had for a world of sinners that led Him from heaven's glory to earth and caused Jesus to say to this unloved and unlovely publican: Zacchaeus, make haste, and come down; for to day I must abide at thy house (19:5). Zacchaeus made haste, and came down, and received Him joyfully (19:6), for he found his Savior, and Jesus rejoiced over the salvation of a lost sinner.

Earlier Jesus had said to some: Why call ye Me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say (Luke 6:46)? Not every one that saith unto Me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the Kingdom of Heaven; but he that doeth the will of My Father which is in heaven (Matt. 7:21). But Zacchaeus immediately began to show tangible evidence of his faith and repentance. His life was transformed, and he said: Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor; and if I have taken any thing from any man by false accusation, I restore him fourfold (19:. Zacchaeus offered twice the restitution required of thieves under Jewish Law (Ex. 22:1,4,7,9; Num. 5:6-7). And Jesus said unto him, This day is salvation come to this house (Luke 19:9).

For the Son of Man is come to seek and to save that which was lost (Luke 19:10).

Thought for Today:

Bring forth therefore fruits worthy of repentance (Luke 3:.
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 Government Official: Rep. Marcia Fudge (OH) • Staff: Clarence Rathbone • Country: Congo, Republic of the (2 million) in west-central Africa • Major languages: French and Lingala • Limited religious freedom, but government hostility has lessened • 41% Roman Catholic; 20% fetishism and belief in ancestral spirits; 17% Protestant; 9% cults • Prayer Suggestion: Study and heed the instruction of the Word of God that your prayers may be heard (Prov. 1:28-30).
Memory Verse for the Week:

Matthew 7:4

 

[Judy Harder]

Read Luke 21 -- 22

Highlights:

Signs preceding the end (Luke 21:6-36). 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).
While the disciples were admiring the magnificent stone work of the Temple (Luke 21:5), and the wealthy worshippers — whose gifts had made the Temple the pride of the nation — passed by, Jesus had been observing a poor widow (2:1-2). He was touched by her sacrifice in sharing her gift of two small coins. She . . . cast in all the living that she had (21:4) — two mites (21:2). She still would have been generous if she had kept one of them. In fact, to a self-centered world the reaction would have been: "How foolish of her to give anything." But her gift remains as a cutting rebuke to the selfish calculating of the world. She loved her Lord, and she gave her all to him.

Neither she nor her gift were of any value in the world's estimation. Yet she alone received praise from the Lord, who said: This poor widow hath cast in more than they all (21:3). To Him who seeth not as man seeth (I Sam. 16:7), she gave immeasurably above all others.

The Lord is concerned with who gives, what they give, and why they give, as well as what they didn't give. He said nothing to the widow — nothing within her hearing. Surely, until the day she died she never considered herself or her gift as of any greath worth. It is a fair question, isn't it, to ask: "What is Christ's estimate of our giving? Are we offering to Him a sacrifice or just something we will never miss?" Jesus told the rich young ruler: 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 (Luke 18:22).

The blessing of the Lord is upon the offerer who gives with heartfelt gratitude and self-denial. To follow Christ faithfully, often we must give up self-interests when we have an opportunity to serve the Lord by helping someone. It is through unselfish love, like that of Jesus, that the world has been redeemed. Do we learn from His example that we need to give like Him?

What is the cross but the symbol of the greatest of all sacrifices — the complete surrender of Jesus' life for the glory of God with the intent of saving a lost world.

And He said to them all, If any man will come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me. For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: but whosoever will lose his life for My sake, the same shall save it (Luke 9:23-24).

Thought for Today:

Whosoever he be of you that forsaketh not all that he hath, he cannot be My disciple (Luke 14:33).
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 Government Official: Rep. Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ) • Country: Costa Rica (4 million) in Central America • Major languages: Spanish and English • Religious freedom is increasing • 90% Roman Catholic; 6% Protestant • Prayer Suggestion: Ask the Lord for wisdom and discernment (Prov. 2:1-6).
Memory Verse for the Week:

Matthew 7:5

[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 in order to save us. Praise the Lord for His great love (Luke 24:46-47)!
There was probably malice in the arrangement by which Jesus was hung between the two thieves. Yet there was a divine purpose behind the wrath of man. Jesus had come to identify Himself with sinners, and He had lived among them with open arms for all who desired to follow Him. Even in death, His arms were spread open to receive the one thief who prayed for mercy.

On one cross was a hardened criminal who sank deeper into sin as he defied and railed upon the Savior. On the other cross was a man who, at first, blasphemed Christ along with the other criminal (Matt. 27:44). Then, in the presence of the chief priests and scribes and an angry skeptical crowd, he could no longer resist Christ. He turned to the crucified Christ and exclaimed: Lord, remember me when Thou comest into Thy Kingdom (Luke 23:42).

There is no reason to doubt that this thief was a great sinner and deserved to die. But he sought the mercy of God and was saved. There are only two kinds of people — those who continue to reject the Lord and those who accept Him as their Savior and Lord. For one there is the certainty of eternal damnation, for the other the promise of everlasting life (Rom. 6:23). Just as Jesus' mercy is sufficient for Matthew, the publican, Mary Magdalene, and this thief, it is sufficient for all: The blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanseth us from all sin (I John 1:7).

Christians rejoice in the cross of Christ because it was there that He paid the price for our redemption. We rejoice also in the resurrection of Christ, for it assures us of our heavenly home with Him: That being justified by His grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life (Titus 3:7). We have the assurance that the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed (I Cor. 15:52). This is the great and glorious assurance of every Christian, the comfort at the graveside of a loved one, the victory that removes the sting of death, and the anticipation that we too shall be like Jesus.

It is wonderful to know we have been forgiven of all our sins (I John 1:9) and have the assurance of soon being with Christ (John 14:1-3). But until that time, we can praise Him that we have been set free from the power of sin (Rom. 6:10-11). We can live in that deliverance by faith. The preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God (I Cor. 1:18).

Thought for Today:

But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon Him; and with His stripes we are healed (Is. 53:5).
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 International Broadcasts sponsored by Dr. John A. Hash • Bible Pathway Media Producer: Rick Hash • Government Officials: Rep. John Barrow (GA) and Gov. Luis Fortuno (PR) • Country: Cote d'Ivoire (16 million) in western Africa • Major languages: French and over 60 native dialects • Religious freedom • 40% animist; 25% Muslim; 10% Roman Catholic; 5% Protestant • Prayer Suggestion: Let your faith in the Word of God overrule all fears (Prov. 3:6).
Memory Verse for the Week:

Matthew 7:5

[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 — 3:1-18) . . . no man cometh unto the Father, but by Me (14:6).
The Gospel of John introduces Jesus as the preexistent, Eternal Word who Himself became a Man. In the beginning was the Word (as recorded in Genesis), and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. . . . And the Word was made flesh (John 1:1,14). Because of this, the Holy Spirit led John to recognize Jesus as God, that all things were made by Him; and without Him was not any thing made that was made (1:3). And God saw every thing that He had made, and, behold, it was very good (Gen. 1:31).

John portrays Jesus as the Son of God, the Creator of all things, and the Perfecter of our lives. But He was also known as a Man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief (Is. 53:3). He came unto His own, and His own received Him not (John 1:11). In fact, when Jesus spoke of Himself as the fulfillment of prophecy, worshipers in His hometown seized Him, forced Him out of the synagogue, and attempted to kill Him (Luke 4:29). Even His friends (literally those near Him, which would include family) said of Him: He is beside Himself (Mark 3:21). Judas, one of the chosen twelve, betrayed Him (John 18:2-3). And His own people, the Israelites, joined with the Romans and nailed Him to a cross (Mark 14:53; 15:25; Luke 23:1,13,24-25; John 18:12-13).

None of us escape sorrows during our lifetime. So, as we follow in the footsteps of our Savior, we should expect that all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution (II Tim. 3:12). But, it is also written: If we suffer, we shall also reign with Him: if we deny Him, He also will deny us (2:12). If ye suffer for righteousness' sake, happy (blessed) are ye: and be not afraid of their terror, neither be troubled (I Pet. 3:14). If ye be reproached for the Name of Christ, happy (blessed) are ye; for the Spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you. . . . Wherefore let them that suffer according to the will of God commit the keeping of their souls to Him in well doing, as unto a faithful Creator (4:14,19).

We have the utmost confidence that our Savior and Creator never makes a mistake. Regardless of our suffering, sorrows, or tragedies, we can be sure that all things (no exceptions) work together for good to them that love God (Rom. 8:28).

P.S. If you think there is an exception, please read 8:35-39.

Thought for Today:

For by Him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible . . . all things were created by Him, and for Him (Col. 1:16).
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 our Military worldwide • International Broadcasts sponsored by Gloria Schmidt • Staff: Dr. John A. Hash • 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).
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Memory Verse for the Week: Matthew 7:5

[Judy Harder]

Read John 4 – 5

Highlights:

Who is Jesus of Nazareth? Read on!! 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).
Jesus sat down at Jacob's well while the disciples went to the village to buy food. But the real reason that He remained at Jacob's well was to share eternal life with a Samaritan woman whom Jesus knew would soon come to draw water from the well. All Samaritans were despised by the Jews. Consequently, our Lord surprised her by asking for a drink of water. She replied: How is it that Thou, being a Jew, askest drink of me, which am a woman of Samaria? for the Jews have no dealings with the Samaritans (John 4:9).

He continued talking with her, showing that He was free from Jewish prejudice: Whosoever drinketh of this water shall thirst again: But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life (4:13-14). She replied: I know that Messias cometh, which is called Christ: when He is come, He will tell us all things (4:25). Undoubtedly, the Samaritan woman was astonished at the words of Christ when He then said: I that speak unto thee am He (4:26).

Christ revealed Himself to this woman as the fulfillment of her great spiritual need, for she was thirsty for something that neither her religion nor the world could satisfy. Jesus had told her: Go, call thy husband. . . . The woman answered and said, I have no husband. Jesus said unto her, Thou hast well said, I have no husband: For thou hast had five husbands (4:16-18). The Samaritan woman now realized that Jesus is the Messiah. She left her waterpot, and went her way into the city, and saith to the men, Come, see a Man, which told me all things that ever I did: is not this the Christ (4:28-29)? Her encounter with Christ became the turning point in her life.

The person who continues drinking from the wells of temporal satisfactions will thirst again. They will never satisfy. The living presence of the Savior in the hearts of all who trust in Him continually satisfies the longings of the soul. Ho, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters, and he that hath no money; come ye, buy, and eat . . . without price. Wherefore do ye spend money for that which is not bread? and your labour for that which satisfieth not (Is. 55:1-2)?

Thought for Today:

Then Simon Peter answered Him, Lord, to whom shall we go? Thou hast the words of eternal life (John 6:68).
Word Studies:

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

Pray for International Broadcasts sponsored by James P. Devery • Staff: Chris Robison • Government Official: Gov. Scott Walker (WI) • Country: Cuba (11.2 million) on the northern rim of the Caribbean • Major language: Spanish • Strict government surveillance of all true Christian activities • 40% Catholic; 10% Protestant; 2-10% Santeria; 1% Other; 40% None • Prayer Suggestion: Commit your fears to the Lord and He will give you peace (Prov. 3:24-26).
Memory Verse for the Week: Matthew 7:5