Bible Pathways

[Judy Harder]

Read Luke 2 -- 3

Highlights In Today's Reading:

Jesus, the plan of God to rescue mankind from eternal damnation (2:7). Angels declare the heavenly birth (2:9-14). Jesus presented in the Temple (2:21-24). Simeon and Anna speak (2:25-40). Jesus speaks (2:41-52). John prepares the way (3:1-22).
The Law required all Jewish men to appear before the Lord God at three major feasts every year: The Passover, including the Feast of Unleavened Bread; the Feast of Pentecost; and the Feast of Tabernacles (Ex. 23:17; Deut. 16:16; Luke 2:41). The Passover Feast, for Jesus, spoke of His death on the cross for the sins of the world. Thus He had real concern in being about the business of His Father -- sitting in the midst of the doctors, both hearing them, and asking them questions. All . . . were astonished at His understanding and answers (2:46-47). In the midst of the doctors implies that Jesus was sitting in the place of authority, for teachers would sit surrounded by their students and would ask and answer questions.

Up to this time in Jesus' life, being perfect as He was, Mary and Joseph could expect His absolute obedience to their parental roles. So, they assumed that He was in the company returning with them to Nazareth, until they discovered that evening that He was not. When they found Him, Mary's words, Son, why hast Thou thus dealt with us? Behold, Thy father and I have sought Thee sorrowing (2:48), implied that Jesus was inconsiderate. But He said unto them, How is it that ye sought Me? Wist ye not that I must be about My Father's business? (2:49). This commitment to the Word of God paralleled His testimony later in life when He said: I seek not Mine own will, but the will of the Father which hath sent Me (John 5:30). But Jesus returned with them to Nazareth, and was subject unto them (Luke 2:51).

In this day of rebellion, a growing number of children are not taught to be in subjection to their parents. Honoring and obeying God-ordained parental authority is the first Commandment with promise (Eph. 6:2). All who ignore God-ordained authority, including parents, employers, and government leaders, will experience disappointments and suffering because they have cut themselves off from the blessings of God.

Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers (governing authorities). For there is no power (authority) but of God (by His permission). . . . Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation (Rom. 13:1-2).

Thought for Today:

We are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them (Eph. 2:10).
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.
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.
Prayer Needs:

Pray for International Shortwave Broadcasts in honor of Lee Rutherford • Staff: Dan Murton • Government Officials: Rep. Jerry Lewis (CA) and Rep. Patrick Tiberi (OH) • Country: Haiti (7 million) in the West Indies • Major languages: French and Creole • Religious freedom • 75% Roman Catholic; 17% Protestant • Prayer Suggestion: Lift up your hands in surrender and praise as you pray (Ps. 63:4).
Memory Verse for the Week: Matthew 15:19

[Judy Harder]

Read Luke 4 -- 5

Highlights In Today's Reading:

Note, the devil attacks when and where we're weakest. Read how Jesus stopped him (4:1-13). Jesus says He is the Anointed (Messiah) of Isaiah 61:1-3, but the religious leaders reject Him (4:18-30). People amazed, Jesus speaks, demons flee (4:33-37). Miracles happen when Jesus is in the boat (5:1-11).
The fame of Jesus' miracles spread throughout all Galilee. He came to Nazareth, where He had been brought up: and . . . He went into the synagogue on the Sabbath day (4:16).

Jesus was invited to read Scripture. There was delivered unto Him the Book of the prophet Esaias. And . . . He found the place where it was written, The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me (the Messiah), because He hath anointed Me to preach the Gospel to the poor; He hath sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives (of sin), and recovering of sight to the blind (conflicting popular teachings), to set at liberty them that are bruised (imprisoned by satanic addictions) . . . to preach the acceptable year of the Lord. And He closed the Book, and He gave it again to the minister, and sat down (4:17-20; Is. 61:1-3).

The Great Physician was now in their midst. The Jewish people were expecting a Messiah who would be a conquering king like David -- one who would deliver them from oppressive Roman rule and would usher in a golden age of peace and prosperity. You can imagine how startled the congregation was when Jesus said that He, the (supposed) Son of a carpenter (Luke 3:23), was their long-awaited Messiah (4:21).

Exposing the unbelief of the Israelites, Jesus praised a Syrian (4:27) and a Sidonian (4:26), both Gentiles, for their faith in the God of Israel. This so infuriated the congregation that they interrupted the worship service, seized the Teacher, and attempted to put Him to death (4:29). But He passing through the midst of them went His way (4:30). As far as we know, Jesus never returned to Nazareth. The cynical unbelief displayed at Nazareth contrasted sharply with the simple faith of the widow at Zarephath and the obedience of Naaman the leper. Jesus simply revealed that God answers prayer for people who have faith in Him.

In His own country, and among His own kin, and in His own house . . . (Jesus) could . . . do no mighty work. . . . And He marvelled because of their unbelief (Mark: 6:4-6).

Thought for Today:

Trust ye in the Lord for ever: for in the Lord Jehovah is everlasting strength (Is. 26:4).
Word Studies:

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

Pray for English International Shortwave Broadcasts sponsored by A Family That Loves Jesus • Staff: Pam Pendergrast • Government Officials: Gov. Haley Barbour (MS), Rep. Patrick McHenry (NC), and Rep. John Shadegg (AZ) • Country: Honduras (6 million) in Central America • Major languages: Spanish and Indian dialects • Religious freedom • 86% Roman Catholic; 10% Protestant • Prayer Suggestion: All men need to pray to the Lord, who hears prayers (Ps. 65:2).
Memory Verse for the Week: Matthew 15:19  

[Judy Harder]

Read Luke 6 -- 7

Highlights In Today's Reading:

Religious leaders make the Sabbath a heavy burden. Jesus challenges them (6:1-11). Disciples named (6:12-16). Biblical conduct (6:17-45). Note 6:36! Foundation for life (6:47-49). Jesus heals the sick (7:1-10), raises the dead (7:11-18), forgives sin (7:36-50).
As we associate with others, we naturally observe their conduct . This is not what Jesus spoke against when He said: Why beholdest thou the mote (speck) that is in thy brother's eye, but perceivest not the beam that is thine own eye? . . . Thou hypocrite, cast out first the beam out of thine own eye, and then shalt thou see clearly to pull out the mote that is in thy brother's eye (Luke 6:41-42).

Jesus did not say the mote of sin did not exist, nor did He say not to take action concerning it; but He said we must first remove the beam of sin in our own life. We all have faults to be forgiven and forsaken. If we are truly humble, we will approach other sinners with mercy and compassion as the Lord does us.

It is our responsibility to recognize the mote for what it is; but we must first deal with our own beam, then examine our attitude toward the other sinner, and then the mote (sin).

Do we have the compassion of Paul, who said: I have great heaviness and continual sorrow in my heart. . . . for my brethren (Rom. 9:2-3)? Such a concern contrasts with the attitude of those who overlook their own faults and failures, but can't wait to criticize others' conduct; imply evil motives to their deeds; repeat slander, often exaggerating it; and take great pleasure in condemning others. This reveals an attitude of pride going beyond a mere mote. God is a merciful God, forgiving us when we repent of our sins and forsake them. But in response for His mercy to us He expects us to show mercy to others.

Some of us are prone to jump to conclusions of condemnation without taking time to hear or confirm the facts. Consequently, the mote becomes magnified to look like a beam. Surely one of our great needs is to put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering; forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye (Col. 3:12-13).

Surely those who are quick to voice uncharitable comments toward others have joined with Satan, the accuser of our brethren . . . which accused them before our God day and night (Rev. 12:10).

Thought for Today:

With the merciful Thou wilt shew Thyself merciful, and with the upright man Thou wilt shew Thyself upright (II Sam. 22:26).
Word Studies:

6:11 communed =discussed; 7:14 bier =open coffin on which a corpse was carried to burial.
Cross References:

For Luke 7:22: See Is. 61:1. Luke 7:27: See Mal. 3:1.
Prayer Needs:

Pray for Staff: Ken Sharp • Government Officials: Sen. Jim Bunning (KY) and Sen. Mel Martinez (FL) • Country: Hong Kong (7 million) in eastern Asia • Major languages: Chinese and English • Limited religious freedom • 90% Chinese religions; 10% Protestant • Prayer Suggestion: Confess any sins in your life so that your prayers can be heard (Ps. 66:18-19).
Memory Verse for the Week: Matthew 15:19

[Judy Harder]

Read Luke 8 -- 9

Highlights In Today's Reading:

Women support Jesus in missions (8:1-3). Jesus scatters the seed (8:4-15). The Lord ready to meet every need -- He stills the storms (8:22-25), defeats the demons (8:26-40), and heals the sick (8:43-48). He feeds the hungry (9:12-17). Don't miss this key verse -- 9:48. The cost to us (9:57-62).
Jesus put the sincerity of "would-be" disciples to the test when a certain man said unto Him, Lord, I will follow Thee whithersoever Thou goest. And Jesus said unto him, Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests; but the Son of Man hath not where to lay His head (9:57-58). Jesus pointed out to this man that he would have to face many hardships in order to follow Him. When Jesus said the Son of Man hath not where to lay His head, He was saying that He was not attached to any earthly possessions. The foxes and birds of the air build for themselves places of protection and security; but He offered no guaranteed earthly resources such as salary, promotion, retirement, or insurance plan.

Another also said, Lord, I will follow Thee; but let me first go bid them farewell, which are at home at my house. And Jesus said unto him, No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the Kingdom of God (9:61-62). Jesus is emphasizing that the time to be about the Heavenly Father's business is now, with wholehearted commitment. Our Lord did not welcome volunteers who appeared to be willing to join Him at their "convenient" time. Love dictated the sternness of our Lord's words. Jesus was not counting converts to establish His popularity, but seeking true disciples who wanted only His will to be done (11:2).

The cost of discipleship keeps many from fulfilling the Lord's highest spiritual calling. They are not willing to deny themselves the pleasures or other interests that would enable them to achieve their material goals in life. But the few who are willing to truly put Christ first in their decisions will discover that true satisfaction of hearing Him say: Well done, good and faithful servant (Matt. 25:23), far exceeds fleeting earthly ambitions.

Is there someone in your life or something in your heart that keeps you from giving first place to Christ, His Word, and His will? The more carefully we read His Word and listen to the Holy Spirit, the more all worldly ambitions will fade into insignificance.

Whosoever will save (for his personal ambitions) his (temporal) life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for My sake shall find it (Matt. 16:25).

Thought for Today:

Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another (Rom. 14:19).
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.
Cross Reference:

For Luke 8:10: See Is. 6:9. For Luke 9:35: See Ps. 2:7.
Prayer Needs:

Pray for 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: Hungary (10.1 million) in east-central Europe • Major language: Hungarian • New freedom has opened the door to evangelism and Bible distribution • 61.7% Roman Catholic; 24.4% Protestant; 12.5% non-Religious/Other; .8% Jewish; .3% Orthodox; .2% Marginal; .1% Muslim • Prayer Suggestion: Pray for our nation, that it would truly be a Christian nation (Ps. 67:1-7).

Memory Verse for the Week: Matthew 15:19

[Judy Harder]

Read Luke 10 -- 11

Highlights In Today's Reading:

Importance of witnessing, (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 (11:42-54).
Jesus had chosen the 12 Apostles (6:13-16). Now He appointed other seventy also, and sent them two and two before His face into every city and place, whither He Himself would come. Therefore said He unto them, 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 . . . I send you forth as lambs among wolves (10:1-3).

Jesus cautioned that His disciples would not always be accepted and would often meet with opposition. And, in a similar way, He sends us out today dependent upon the Holy Spirit for our provision, protection, and guidance.

The miracle of salvation makes each of us responsible to reach others with the Good News of eternal life provided by our Savior. Whatsoever house ye enter, first say, Peace be to this house. And if the son of peace be there, your peace shall rest upon it: if not, it shall turn to you again (10:5-6). As Christ's followers we should express His love and humility when confronted with hostility.

We are healers of divisions, making every effort to be peacemakers, but not at the price of compromising biblical truth. The wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated (seeking reconciliation), full of mercy and good fruits (James 3:17). Our Lord reminds us: If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peacably with all men (Rom. 12:18).

We should not be surprised when we face opposition for living a godly life, for Jesus said: If they have persecuted Me, they will also persecute you (John 15:19-20). But, Christ endured the cross, despising (ignoring) the shame (Heb. 12:2), He saw beyond the cross to the crown.

Far from being downcast or murmuring at the hostility of the religious or secular world, we should rejoice in the high honor of suffering for His Name's sake.

Jesus said that because of our loyalty, obedience, and refusal to compromise His eternal Truth, the world will revile you . . . and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for My sake. Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven (Matt. 5:11-12).

Thought for Today:

I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that He is able to keep that which I have committed unto Him against that day (II Tim. 1:12).
Word Studies:

10:40 cumbered about much serving =frustrated over all she had to do; 10:41 careful =overly concerned; 11:8 importunity =persistence; 11:39 ravening =greed, covetousness; 11:46 lade =load; 11:53 vehemently =fiercely.
Cross References:

For Luke 10:27: See Lev. 19:18. Luke 10:28: See Lev. 18:5.
Prayer Needs:

Pray for Radio Sri Lanka International Shortwave Broadcasts for the week sponsored by Kathryn McKee • Country: Iceland (272,000) at the northern end of the Atlantic • Major language: Icelandic • Religious freedom • 94% Protestant; 6% Roman Catholic • Prayer Suggestion: Encourage others to praise the Lord throughout the day (Ps. 67:5).

Memory Verse for the Week: Matthew 15:20

[Judy Harder]

Read Luke 12 -- 13

Highlights In Today's Reading:

Jesus denounces scribes and Pharisees as hypocrites (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).
The Lord illustrated the deceptive danger of covetousness by saying: The ground of a certain rich man brought forth plentifully: And he thought within himself, saying, What shall I do, because I have no room where to bestow my fruits? And he said, This will I do: I will pull down my barns, and build greater; and there will I bestow all . . . my goods (12:16-18).

By hard work in the highly respected occupation of farming, this man had become wealthy. There is no intimation that he had gained his wealth by dishonest methods. His soul-destroying sin was that he did not acknowledge the Lord as his enabler or see the needs of others around him. He spent his lifetime accumulating only for himself. God called him a fool and then added: So is he that layeth up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God (12:20-21).

The message of our Lord contrasts with the world's determined ambition to accumulate more and more "things" as a means of daily satisfaction and security for the future. The Christian attitude is to be: Take no thought (do not worry) for your life, what ye shall (have to) eat; neither for the body, what ye shall (have to) put on. The life is more than meat, and the body is more than raiment. . . . But . . . seek ye the Kingdom of God; and all these things (necessities of life) shall be added unto you (12:22-23,31).

Just as an award-winning athlete, who has the supreme desire to win, will prepare himself with severe discipline to win, we are to take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat; neither for the body, what ye shall put on. As important as food, clothing, and shelter are to maintaining good health, our foremost concern must be to seek . . . the Kingdom of God.

Christ taught that life is fulfilling only when we seek to extend and build His Kingdom by loving, serving, and giving to others. They that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition. For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows (I Tim. 6:9-10).

Thought for Today:

The Lord is good, a strong hold in the day of trouble; and He knoweth them that trust in Him (Nah. 1:7).
Word Studies:

12:50 straitened = 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.
Cross References:

For Luke 13:27: See Ps. 6:8. Luke 13:35: See Ps. 118:26.
Prayer Needs:

Pray for International Shortwave Broadcasts in memory of Henry Rogers • Staff: Mary Kay Wagner • Government Officials: Rep. Emanuel Cleaver (MO), Rep. Geoff Davis (KY), and Sec. Hillary Clinton (Dept. of State) • Country: India (986 million) in southern Asia • Major languages: Hindi and English • Religious freedom, but increasing harassment and persecution of Christians by religious radicals • 78% Hindu; 12% Muslim (mostly Sunni); 3% Christian; 2.5% Indigenous; 2% Sikh; .9% Buddhist; .5% Jain; .3% Parsi; .2% Baha'i; .1% Jewish; .5% non-Religious • Prayer Suggestion: Praise the Lord for the privilege of publishing His Word (Ps. 68:11).
Memory Verse for the Week: Matthew 15:20

[Judy Harder]

Read Luke 14 -- 16

Highlights In Today's Reading:

Read the Word of God so as not to miss His call (Luke 14:15-24). Count the true cost 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).
Our Lord illustrates two ways of wasting our lives. The first is that of a self-centered prodigal son who demanded freedom from his father's authority and wasted his substance (inheritance) . . . And when he had spent all. . . . And he came to himself, he said, How many hired servants of my father's have bread enough and to spare, and I perish with hunger! (15:13-18).

The "prodigal" is a wanderer from the faith. But more importantly it also means a waster; he wasted his father's substance by living in rebellion against the Father's authority. Finally he recognized how foolish he was and returned to his father saying: Father, I have sinned against heaven, and in thy sight (15: 21). After he repented, his father rejoiced and revealed the seriousness of his sin: This my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found (15:24).

It is in our nature to be proud and self-suffficient -- living in rebellion against the authority of God. Although God transforms lives of all who repent, He doesn't restore wasted years. Whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap (Gal. 6:7).

Jesus also told of a rich man who never recognized that he had "wasted" his life, for he was "very successful." But, he disregarded the needs of the beggar Lazarus. The sick man died sooner than expected. In hell . . . he cried . . . I am tormented in this flame (Luke 16:23-24). Although tormented in this flame, there is no indication he had lied, cheated, or stolen during his life. He had lived to please himself rather than God.

All mankind, rich or poor, has one thing in common: It is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment (Heb. 9:27).

This rich man was tormented in this flame (Luke 16:24). I pray thee therefore, father, that thou wouldest send him (Lazarus) to my father's house: For I have five brethren; that he may testify unto them, lest they also come into this place of torment. Abraham saith . . . They have Moses and the prophets; let them hear them (16:27-29). Jesus' final remark about man's hard heart is true today: If they hear not Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded, though one rose from the dead (Luke 16:31).

Thought for Today:

For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of His good pleasure (Phil. 2:13).
Word Studies:

14:32 ambassage =delegation; 15:16 would fain =craved to; 16:11 unrighteous mammon =the use of your money in this world.
Cross Reference:

For Luke 16:15: See Prov. 21:2.
Prayer Needs:

Pray for International Shortwave Broadcasts in memory of Iva Ann McElvoy • Staff: Benjamin Wallace • Government Official: Rep. Maurice Hinchey (NY) • Country: Indonesia (211.8 million) five large and 13,662 lesser islands in Southeast Asia • Major languages: Bahasa Indonesian (modified form of Malay) and English • Growing pressure from Muslim leaders to limit advances of Christianity by not renewing many of the missionaries' permits to stay in the country • 83% Muslim; 9% Protestant; 4% Catholic; 2% Hindu; 1% Buddhist; 1% Other • Prayer Suggestion: Pray and thank God for all His blessings (Ps. 68:19).
Memory Verse for the Week: Matthew 15:20

[Judy Harder]

Read Luke 17 -- 18

Highlights In Today's Reading:

Christlike living includes forgiveness, faith, and surrender to the will of God as revealed in His Word (17:1-10). Signs that the end is near (17:20-37). Lessons from evil judge (18:1-8); self-righteous Pharisee and humble tax collector who both pray (18:9-14); those with riches (18:18-30); a beggar who would not give up (18:35-43).
Feeling a desperate need, a certain ruler ran to Jesus, and asked Him . . . Good Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life? (18:18-25; Matt. 19:16-30; Mark 10:17-31). No question could be of greater importance. To be deceived about the destiny of our soul could mean missing the supreme purpose for our creation. This wealthy young ruler knelt before Jesus with no concern as to what others might think. He rightly believed that Jesus was the Messiah and that, beyond his physical life, there was a real personal existence.

Responding to this most vital question, Jesus said: 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). How it must have broken the heart of our Lord to see one whom He loved turning away, preferring material riches to becoming His disciple.

Note carefully, the ruler's question was not what should he "believe," or "confess," or "pray," but what should he do. Jesus did not criticize the question but answered it and showed him that he really had not kept the Commandments at all. He loved himself and his possesions more than he loved God or his neighbor.

However, this should not be twisted to mean that eternal life can be earned by self-effort or sacrificial giving. It is not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost (Spirit) (Titus 3:5).

Faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone (James 2:17). We must be doers of the Word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves (1:22). In our Lord's famous Sermon on the Mount, Jesus taught: Take heed that ye do not your alms before men, to be seen of them: otherwise ye have no reward of your Father which is in heaven (Matt. 6:1). But He also taught: Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven (Matt. 5:16).

Thought for Today:

But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear (I Pet. 3:15).
Word Studies:

17:8 sup =eat, dine; 17:9 trownot =think not; 18:1 faint =give up; 18:3 Avenge =provide justice and protection.
Cross Reference:

For Luke 18:20: See Ex. 20:12-16; Deut. 5:16-20.
Prayer Needs:

Pray for Staff: Ilene Wallace • Government Official: Rep. Zach Wamp (TN) • Country: Iran (66.2 million) in southwestern Asia • Major languages: Farsi and Turki • Hostile to all Christian activity • 87% Shi'a; 12% Sunni; .5% Baha'i; .4% Christian; .03% Jewish; .04% Parsi (Zoroastrian); .03% Other • Prayer Suggestion: What a comfort to know that we depend upon the strength of the Lord (Ps. 71:16).
Memory Verse for the Week: Matthew 15:20

[Judy Harder]

Read Luke 19 -- 20

Highlights In Today's Reading:

The real reason why Jesus came (19:10). Individual Christian ministry (19:13). Jesus answers questions concerning the resurrection (20:27-40).
The Pharisees were always present in the crowds that surrounded Jesus. The Sanhedrin would send investigative committees to question His "Messianic Movement" while pretending to be interested followers. On this occasion, the Pharisees conspired with the Herodians (Matt. 22:16) who were nonreligious Jews that urged submission to Rome. Together they deceitfully asked Jesus: Master, we know that Thou sayest and teachest rightly, neither acceptest Thou the person of any, but teachest the way of God truly: Is it lawful for us to give tribute unto Caesar, or no? (Luke 20:21-22).

Since the majority of Jews deeply resented paying taxes to Rome, this "committee" was sure the crowds would turn against Jesus if He said: "Yes." But if He said: "No," the Herodian party would then accuse Him of rebellion against the Roman government, and Pilate could arrest Him for treason. If He refused to answer, then everyone would be suspicious of Him. The Pharisees thought they had Him trapped.

Jesus perceived their craftiness (evil plan), and said unto them. . . . Shew Me a penny (20:23). Jesus asked: Whose image and superscription hath it? They answered and said, Caesar's. And He said unto them, Render therefore unto Caesar the things that be Caesar's (20:24-25). But the rest of His comment came as a stinging rebuke to their hypocrisy when He added: And unto God the things which be God's (20:25). The words of Jesus are still true.

Christians are to pay taxes, not just to please the government but as a requirement to please God. Peter, guided by the Holy Spirit, also warned: Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord's sake: whether it be to the king, as supreme; Or unto governors, as unto them that are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers (I Pet. 2: 13-14; Titus 3:1). Consequently, as a matter of conscience, we must declare our income honestly and take only legitimate deductions. We pay what the government requires, obeying its laws, and praying for kings, and for all that are in authority (I Tim. 2:1-2). For this cause (reason) pay ye tribute (taxes). . . . Render (pay) therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due (Rom. 13:6-7; I Pet. 2:13-14). (Note: An exception to the rule is if it requires us to disobey the Law of God -- Daniel chapters 3 & 6; Acts 5:29.)

Thought for Today:

The Lord will be the hope of His people, and the strength of the children of Israel (Joel 3:16).
Word Studies:

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

Pray for Staff: Clarence Rathbone • Government Official: Rep. Marcia Fudge (OH) • Country: Iraq (22 million) in southern Asia • Major languages: Arabic and Kurdish • Fierce harassment of non-Muslims • 96% Muslim; 3% Christian • Prayer Suggestion: Pray that your decisions will always be to please the Lord (Ps. 73:24).
Memory Verse for the Week: Matthew 15:20

[Judy Harder]

Bible Pathways

Friday, October 30, 2009 

Read Luke 21 -- 22

Highlights In Today's Reading:

Disciples question when the end will come (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 annual Passover meal reminded the Israelites that it was the blood of a slain, innocent lamb that made it possible for them to be forever free from Egyptian slavery. However, the Israelites also had to observe a fast day called the "Day of Atonement" (Lev. 16:15-34).

On this day, the high priest presented two goats depicting the two aspects of the sin-cleansing process. One goat was slain and its blood sprinkled as required, foreshadowing the redemptive death of Jesus.

Following the sacrifice, the high priest placed both his hands upon the head of the live goat, called the "scapegoat," confessing all the iniquities of the children of Israel. This act symbolically transferred all their sins for the past year to the scapegoat. Then the goat was led away into the wilderness (16:21) illustrating how all their sins were removed.

The need of Israelites for an annual Day of Atonement, even after all the daily offerings, the Passover, and the many sin offerings, showed that all their sacrifices could not fully atone for sin, which is so abominable, devastating, and spiritually deadly. But by one offering He (Jesus) hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified (Heb. 10:11-14).

On the night of Passover, Jesus took bread, and gave thanks, and brake it, and gave unto them, 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 22:8,19-20).

Jesus knew that the Holy God must forsake Him, the Sin-bearer (II Cor. 5:21). This "cup" is the reason our Lord did not sleep on the last night of His earthly ministry.

Instead, He went . . . to the Mount of Olives; and His disciples also followed Him (Luke 22:39). Then saith He unto them, My soul is exceeding sorrowful, even unto death . . . And prayed . . . O My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from Me (Matt. 26:38-39).

However, in submission to the will of His Heavenly Father, Jesus also prayed: Not My will, but Thine, be done (Luke 22:42; Matt. 26:39,42). That is why on the cross, Jesus cried with a loud voice . . . My God, My God, why hast Thou forsaken Me? (Matt. 27:46).

Thought for Today:

Seek ye the Lord while He may be found, call ye upon Him while He is near (Is. 55:6).
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 Staff: Bernice Rathbone • Government Officials: Rep. Bruce Braley (IA), Gov. Felix Perez Camacho (Guam), Rep. Peter Hoekstra (MI), and Rep. Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ) • Country: Ireland (3.7 million) off the coast of western Europe • Major languages: English and Irish (Gaelic) • Religious freedom • 92% Catholic; 3.7% Anglican; 1% Other Protestant; .2% Muslim; .1% Jewish; 2% Other; 1% None • Prayer Suggestion: Your prayer should always be to please the Lord (Ps. 73:25).
Memory Verse for the Week: Matthew 15:20