Chronological Bible Blog

Luke 24:13-43; Mark 16:12-13; John 20:19-23; Mark 16:14; John 20:24-21:25; Matthew 28:16-20; Mark 16:15-18; Luke 24:44-49
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Matthew: The Great Commission at the end of Matthew chapter 28 in verses 18-20 is so important for us as followers of Jesus on Earth today: “Jesus came and told his disciples, “I have been given complete authority in heaven and on earth. Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.””  I like that we see the Trinity in this commission – the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit.  Amen!  The NIV Study Bible commentary today says that Jesus’ Great Commission has three steps:  1.  Go  2.  Baptize them.  3.  Teach them to obey everything Jesus has commanded.  I know the Great Commission encourages many to go on mission trips, which is wonderful and makes sense.  However, I believe that often times the mission field many of us are called to “go” into is in our own backyards.  Our own towns.  Our own cities.  Maybe even our own homes.   Let us go where the Lord calls us to go – near or afar.  Will you go?

Johh: John 21 is one of my favorite chapters of the Bible in so many ways!  In some ways it is because of a beautiful modern day book written by the late Henri Nouwen titled “In the Name of Jesus: Reflections on Christian Leadership“, which is based on this chapter and Jesus asking Peter 3 times if he loves him.  Has anyone else read this book by Nouwen?  If so, please post up reviews in the Comments section below.  I know I make a lot of book recommendations on this blog over the course of a year, but if there is just 1 book you read based on my recommendations (other than the One Year Bible of course :), “In the Name of Jesus” by Henri Nouwen would be the book.  In this book Henri writes about the end of his life ministry where he is a spiritual director at a L’Arche Daybreak community in Toronto, working amongst mentally handicapped.  It is so incredible to read about how Henri learns from what the world would see as “the least of these” and how Henri realizes in his Christian ministry throughout his life he’s been fighting 3 temptations:
1. the temptation to be relevant.
2. the temptation to be spectacular.
3. the temptation to be powerful.
I could go on and on about this book, but the last thing I will say is that it is so beautiful how Henri ties his learnings in this book to Jesus and Peter’s Q & A here in John 21. If you serve in any way, shape, or form in Christian ministry (or even if you don’t :), please pick this book up.  You will be blessed by it immensely!

Okay, back to the Bible.  🙂  Below is an image of the risen Jesus from today’s readings by the Sea of Galilee (Tiberias is the same Sea, just another name for it) by artist William Hole:

One of my absolute favorite red letter quotes from Jesus in the Gospels arrives today in John 21.  Verse 12: “”Now come and have some breakfast!” Jesus said.”  There is something about the simplicity and beauty and every-day-ness of this command from Jesus to the 7 disciples that I just absolutely love!  Can you image Jesus saying this to you?  Can you imagine Jesus making breakfast for you on the beach?  In the words of the famous Mercy Me song, “I can only imagine…” 

Okay, now onto the big question probably for many of us from today’s readings is why did Jesus ask Peter 3 times if he loved him?  Many commentaries call these passages “the reinstatement of Peter” – meaning that he was reinstated as the rock / confessor of the foundation of Jesus’ church based on Matthew 16:16.  And that he needed this reinstatement after denying knowing the Lord 3 times before his crucifixion (and the then rooster crowing, as we know…).  Interestingly, Tyndale’s One Year Bible Companion has the following suggestions on the original Greek used when John wrote about this Q & A exchange between Jesus and Peter:  “Two different Greek words are used for “love.” The first two times the word agapo, which means devoted love, is used.  When Peter refuses to use the same word, Jesus turns to the word phileo, which indicates the love of friendship.  Peter accepts this word and admits that he loves Jesus in this way.  Peter was humbler now than earlier in his life, and was making no claim to superior love (see John 13:36-37).”  In verse 18 Jesus says to Peter: “The truth is, when you were young, you were able to do as you liked and go wherever you wanted to. But when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and others will direct you and take you where you don’t want to go.”  The early church understood this as a prophecy of crucifixion.  Peter would be a martyr and tradition suggests that he was crucified upside down.  Below is a beautiful stained glass image of this exchange between Peter and Jesus in today’s readings:

Okay, I realize this has been a long post today… but the last thing I want to point out is that I love Jesus’ response to Peter when Peter asks about what will happen to John and Jesus says this is verse 22: “Jesus replied, “If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you? You follow me.”  I think this is a great word from Jesus to both you and me today as well!  How often do we worry about others and their relationship with the Lord?  How often do we perhaps think that we are so saved, and “they” are so not…?  Or how often do we wonder why someone seems like they are so blessed, and perhaps we think that we are not?  Well, what does Jesus say to all of this to you and me today?  I believe he would say the same words from verse 22:  “What is that to you? You follow me.”   Indeed, let us not worry so very much about others.  But let us worry instead about ourselves simply following Jesus! 

Bible.org’s commentary on today’s John readings titled “What is this thing called Love?” is at this link.

Worship Video: Today’s readings in John about Thomas’ doubts reminded me of the FFH song “Come Undone.” Here’s a great live version of this song:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aCLLNcWO6fo

Have you come undone?  Click here and become undone!

Please join us in memorizing and meditating on two verses of Scripture today: “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Matthew 28:19-20 NIV

Prayer Point: Pray that you will be an active participant in Jesus’ Great Commission this year. Pray that you will go and make disciples, baptizing them and teaching them to obey everything Jesus has commanded us.

Comments from You:  What verses or insights stand out to you in today’s readings?  Please post up by clicking on the “Comments” link below!

God bless,
Mike

p.s. Download our monthly Small Group study notes for our Chronological Bible readings at this link.

p.s. #2 – Download a schedule of our Chronological Bible readings for the year in PDF format at this link.

p.s. #3 – I would greatly appreciate it if you would pray for this Chronological Bible Blog ministry today! Please also consider partnering with us by financially supporting this ministry. Thank you!

Mark 15:42-47; Matthew 27:57-61; Luke 23:50-56; John 19:38-42; Matthew 27:62-66; Mark 16:1-8; Matthew 28:1-7; Luke 24:1-12; Mark 16:9-13; John 20:1-18; Matthew 28:8-15
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Matthew: Verses 57 through 60: “As evening approached, Joseph, a rich man from Arimathea who was one of Jesus’ followers, went to Pilate and asked for Jesus’ body. And Pilate issued an order to release it to him. Joseph took the body and wrapped it in a long linen cloth. He placed it in his own new tomb, which had been carved out of the rock….”

Matthew 28 is one of the most important chapters of the Bible we will read this year! Jesus’ resurrection is the key to the Christian faith.  The resurrection is the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy and of Jesus’ own statements.  The Christian faith stands or falls on the bodily resurrection of Jesus.  We can read more about this important point from Paul in 1 Corinthians 15.  Tyndale Publishers outlines these 5 points in their commentary today that the resurrection guarantees:
1. Jesus was truly the Son of God. (Romans 1:4)
2. God the Father accepted what Jesus did at Calvary on the basis of the resurrection. (Romans 4:25)
3. Jesus as our Risen Lord pleads for his people before the Father. (Romans 8:34)
4. Believers have the hope of eternal life. (1 Peter 1:3-5)
5. Believers will also rise and have resurrected bodies like that of Jesus.  (1 Corinthians 15:49, Philippians 3:21, 1 John 3:2)

Worship Video:  Today’s readings reminded me of TobyMac and Blessing Offur’s song “The Goodness:”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-L5xi8DbQ5c

Do you know God’s Goodness?  Click here for True Goodness!

Comments from You:  What verses or insights stand out to you in today’s readings?  Please post up by clicking on the “Comments” link below!

God bless,
Mike

p.s. Download our monthly Small Group study notes for our Chronological Bible readings at this link.

p.s. #2 – Download a schedule of our Chronological Bible readings for the year in PDF format at this link.

p.s. #3 – I would greatly appreciate it if you would pray for this Chronological Bible Blog ministry today! Please also consider partnering with us by financially supporting this ministry. Thank you!

Mark 15:21-24; Matthew 27:32-34; Luke 23:26-31; John 19:17; Mark 15:25-32; Matthew 27:35-44; Luke 23:32-43; John 19:18-27; Mark 15:33-41; Matthew 27:45-56; Luke 23:44-49; John 19:28-37
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~ Listen to today’s Scripture on The ESV Bible ~

Matthew: Today in Matthew 27 verse 32 we read: “As they were on the way, they came across a man named Simon, who was from Cyrene, and they forced him to carry Jesus’ cross.”

Verses 37 & 38: “A signboard was fastened to the cross above Jesus’ head, announcing the charge against him. It read: “This is Jesus, the King of the Jews.” Two criminals were crucified with him, their crosses on either side of his….”

Today in Matthew chapter 27 verse 54 we read, just after Jesus’ death on the cross: “The Roman officer and the other soldiers at the crucifixion were terrified by the earthquake and all that had happened. They said, “Truly, this was the Son of God!” Reflect on these words of the Roman officers and soldiers for a moment. Do you believe these words of the soldiers are true? If these words are true, what does this mean for our lives today? Are we really living our lives in such a way that reflects that these words are true? Or, is it possible, that sometimes we just say these words of the Roman soldiers, and then just go about our lives as business as usual? If Jesus truly is the Son of God, how then should we be living our lives this very day?

Verse 51 is significant – “50Then Jesus shouted out again, and he gave up his spirit. 51At that moment the curtain in the Temple was torn in two, from top to bottom.” The curtain separating the Most Holy Place was torn in two at Jesus’ death, symbolizing that the barrier between God and humanity was removed.  Now all people are free to approach God because of Jesus’ sacrifice for our sins.  Hebrews chapter 10 verses 19 & 20 puts it this way: “And so, dear brothers and sisters, we can boldly enter heaven’s Most Holy Place because of the blood of Jesus. This is the new, life-giving way that Christ has opened up for us through the sacred curtain, by means of his death for us.”

Worship Video:  Reading about Jesus’ crucifixion today reminds me of the song “Above All” and the lyrics: “Crucified. Laid behind the stone. You lived to die. Rejected and alone. Like a rose trampled on the ground. You took the fall. And thought of me. Above all.”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PtS7UuNI2Vk
Do you worship Jesus Above All? Click here and worship Him!

Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture today: “When the centurion and those with him who were guarding Jesus saw the earthquake and all that had happened, they were terrified, and exclaimed, “Surely he was the Son of God!” Matthew 27:54 NIV

Prayer Point: Pray that you would daily meditate on what Jesus did for you on the Cross. Pray that you would daily say what the centurion said at the foot of the Cross: “Jesus is the Son of God!”

Comments from You:  What verses or insights stand out to you in today’s readings?  Please post up by clicking on the “Comments” link below!

God bless,
Mike

p.s. Download our monthly Small Group study notes for our Chronological Bible readings at this link.

p.s. #2 – Download a schedule of our Chronological Bible readings for the year in PDF format at this link.

p.s. #3 – I would greatly appreciate it if you would pray for this Chronological Bible Blog ministry today! Please also consider partnering with us by financially supporting this ministry. Thank you!

Mark 15:2-5; Matthew 27:11-14; Luke 23:1-12; John 18:28-40; Mark 15:6-15; Matthew 27:15-26; Luke 23:13-25; John 19:1-16; Mark 15:16-20; Matthew 27:27-31
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~ Listen to today’s Scripture with The ESV Bible ~

Matthew: The Passion readings today are always tough…  they bring home the reality of what Jesus did for each of us.  Tomorrow’s readings are tougher.  An image of Pilate asking the crowd in verse 22: “”But if I release Barabbas,” Pilate asked them, “what should I do with Jesus who is called the Messiah?”

I read an interesting commentary on verse 24 today: “Pilate saw that he wasn’t getting anywhere and that a riot was developing. So he sent for a bowl of water and washed his hands before the crowd, saying, “I am innocent of the blood of this man. The responsibility is yours!”  Tyndale’s commentary said that even though Pilate verbally said the “responsibility is yours” and even though he washed his hands – his responsibility remained.  He was essentially afraid about losing his job, because there was the threat to report him to Caesar (John 19:12).  Pilate was the Roman governor from AD 26-36 for Judea and Samaria.  One of his main duties was to simply “keep the peace” in this outlying area of the Roman Empire – and to do “whatever was necessary” to maintain the “peace”…  Below is a painting by Mattia Preti from 1663 of Pilate trying to wash his hands of guilt…  Pilate seems to be looking at the viewer in this painting with a “Who are you looking at?” expression…  Who are we looking at here?

John: Today in John chapter 18 verse 38 we come across what many say is the most ironic question asked in all of history, as Jesus stands before Pilate: “”What is truth?” Pilate asked.”  Why is this ironic?  Because Pilate asks what is truth, when Truth is standing right before him!  Jesus is Truth!  And Pilate couldn’t see it.  Below is a painting from 1890 by Russian artist Nikolay Gay titled “Quod Est Veritas?” Christ and Pilate. This is a fascinating painting!  At first glance I do not like it at all, because Jesus is painted so darkly.  But, maybe that’s the point of this painting. Pilate is asking What is Truth? – and he cannot see the very Truth right before him! Wow. . .  think there are people in our world today who see Jesus so dimly, like Pilate does in this painting?  I pray you and I see Jesus much more clearly, and much more as the Light! What is truth. This is a question that is still asked today of you and me.  What is truth?  Who is truth?

Bible.org’s commentary on today’s John readings titled “Jesus before Pilate: Part I” is at this link and “Part II” is at this link.

Worship Video: Today’s readings remind me of the song “How Great Thou Art,” sung here live by Donnie McClurkin:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cxSqm6OpwKA
Is your soul singing “How Great Thou Art?” Click here and Sing!

Please join us in memorizing and meditating on two verses of Scripture today: “You are a king, then!” said Pilate. Jesus answered, “You are right in saying I am a king. In fact, for this reason I was born, and for this I came into the world, to testify to the truth. Everyone on the side of truth listens to me.” “What is truth?” Pilate asked.” John 18:37-38 NIV

Prayer Point: Pray that you realize Jesus is Truth. Pray that Jesus is your King. Pray that you are listening, trusting, and obeying Jesus.

Comments from You:  What verses or insights stand out to you in today’s readings?  Please post up by clicking on the “Comments” link below!

God bless,
Mike

p.s. Download our monthly Small Group study notes for our Chronological Bible readings at this link.

p.s. #2 – Download a schedule of our Chronological Bible readings for the year in PDF format at this link.

p.s. #3 – I would greatly appreciate it if you would pray for this Chronological Bible Blog ministry today! Please also consider partnering with us by financially supporting this ministry. Thank you!

Mark 14:53-65; Matthew 26:57-68; Mark 14:66-72; Matthew 26:69-75; Luke 22:54-65; John 18:25-27; Mark 15:1; Matthew 27:1-2; Luke 22:66-71; Matthew 27:3-10
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~ Listen to today’s Scripture with The ESV Bible ~

Matthew: When Jesus is before the Council, verse 64 is so powerful when Jesus is asked if he is the Messiah, the Son of God: “Jesus replied, “Yes, it is as you say. And in the future you will see me, the Son of Man, sitting at God’s right hand in the place of power and coming back on the clouds of heaven.””

Well, as I read today’s readings, Passion plays came to mind for me. Anyone make a habit of seeing Passion plays?  I like seeing them if I can prior to Easter.  It’s a powerful reminder of what Jesus did for us on the road to Calvary.  Below is an image of Jesus before Pilate from today’s readings by the Italian artist Tintoretto from 1567:

Worship Video:  Our readings today reminded me of the Building 429 song “Glory Defined.”  Here’s a great live version of this song:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=euFrzV-sids
Do you know our glory defined? Click here for Glory!

Comments from You:  What verses or insights stand out to you in today’s readings?  Please post up by clicking on the “Comments” link below!

God bless,
Mike

p.s. Download our monthly Small Group study notes for our Chronological Bible readings at this link.

p.s. #2 – Download a schedule of our Chronological Bible readings for the year in PDF format at this link.

p.s. #3 – I would greatly appreciate it if you would pray for this Chronological Bible Blog ministry today! Please also consider partnering with us by financially supporting this ministry. Thank you!

John 18:1-2; Mark 14:32-42; Matthew 26:36-46; Luke 22:39-46; Mark 14:43-52; Matthew 26:47-56; Luke 22:47-53; John 18:3-24
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~ Listen to today’s Scripture with The ESV Bible ~

Matthew: Matthew 26:35 always stands out to me whenever I read it: “No!” Peter insisted. “Not even if I have to die with you! I will never deny you!” And all the other disciples vowed the same.” I guess what jumps out at me in this verse is the question – are we really any different from Peter?  Would we proclaim that we would not deny Jesus if you asked us straight up?  Yes I think we would proclaim that.  But then…  I get to thinking.   About how we live our life sometimes.  About the decisions we make.  About maybe even the bad habits we foreswore off when we were a new Christian.  And yet…  do we still find ourselves going back to those bad habits – back to those sins?  And, if we are doing this conscientiously – are we in a way denying Jesus when we knowingly sin now?  Are we at times denying Jesus as our Lord by our actions?  At times, are we really that different from Peter?

The Garden of Gethsemane… verses 38 & 39 are heartbreaking: “Jesus told them, “My soul is crushed with grief to the point of death. Stay here and watch with me.” Jesus went on a little farther and fell face down on the ground, praying, “My Father! If it is possible, let this cup of suffering be taken away from me. Yet I want your will, not mine.””  Zondervan’s commentary on these 2 verses really seemed to shake me up a bit about what Jesus did for us – and how we was not a typical martyr – “Jesus did not die serenely as many martyrs have.  He was no mere martyr – he was the Lamb of God bearing the penalty of the sins of the entire human race.  The wrath of God was turned loose on him.  Only this can adequately explain what took place at Gethsemane.”   The atonement was coming the next day.  And Jesus knew it.  And he prayed for God’s will above all else.  And God’s will was done.  And those who believe in Jesus as the Son of God must be so thankful for Jesus’ fervent face down prayers in the Garden of Gethsemane…  Through Jesus’ atoning death, we are saved from our sins.  We are saved from God’s wrath.  I think it’s really worth reflecting upon – Jesus took God’s wrath in our place.  Think this qualifies Jesus as Savior?  Below is Italian painter Sebastiano Conca’s beautiful “Christ in the Garden of Gethsemane” from the year 1746:

In Matthew chapter 26 we read about Jesus’ arrest.  Below is reproduction of a 5th century mosaic of the infamous “Judas Kiss”:

Verses 53 & 54 stood out to me today when Jesus says: “Don’t you realize that I could ask my Father for thousands of angels to protect us, and he would send them instantly? But if I did, how would the Scriptures be fulfilled that describe what must happen now?””  After praying in the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus was prepared for what must happen now…  Notice how prayer came before this confidence for Jesus of what must happen now.  (and Jesus knew that he could call down angels for protection – but he knew he shouldn’t)   Do you model Jesus’ action of praying before embarking on a significant life decision or trial?  Below is Jesus on trial before the Council:

Worship Video: Today’s readings remind me of Switchfoot’s song “Restless:”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ql_B6_fAOdo
Are you restless? Click here for true Rest!

Comments from You:  What verses or insights stand out to you in today’s readings?  Please post up by clicking on the “Comments” link below!

God bless,
Mike

p.s. Download our monthly Small Group study notes for our Chronological Bible readings at this link.

p.s. #2 – Download a schedule of our Chronological Bible readings for the year in PDF format at this link.

p.s. #3 – I would greatly appreciate it if you would pray for this Chronological Bible Blog ministry today! Please also consider partnering with us by financially supporting this ministry. Thank you!

John 15:18-17:26
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~ Listen to today’s Scripture with The ESV Bible ~

John: John chapter 16 is amazing today!  I love verse 8’s teaching from Jesus about the Holy Spirit: “And when he comes, he will convince the world of its sin, and of God’s righteousness, and of the coming judgment.”  One commentary on this verse and verse 9 today says:  “Apart from the Spirit’s convicting work, people can never see themselves as sinners.”  Wow.  This is powerful to reflect upon.  Did you ever have a time in your life that you did not see yourself as a sinner?  Was this time before you experienced the Holy Spirit?  Do you believe this to be true – that many in our world today cannot see themselves as sinners, apart from the work of the Holy Spirit and Jesus?  This I think should demonstrate to us who is truly doing conversion work in our world – not us, but Jesus and the Spirit.  We cannot convert anyone on our own human power.  The Holy Spirit must enter the room…

Bible.org’s commentary on our John readings today titled “The Ministry of the Holy Spirit” is at this link.

John 17 is such an amazing chapter… this is Jesus praying!  So powerful.  I honestly am at a loss for words on this chapter.  I could probably try to write something about each and every verse.  But, maybe what makes the most sense is for you to re-read this chapter again.  Do you see Jesus praying for you in this chapter?

Bible.org’s commentary on today’s John readings are extensive!  They’ve divided this chapter up into 3 commentaries, which shows the depth of what’s going on in this chapter.  I recommend you take a few minutes to check out each of these commentaries.  The first commentary titled “The High Priestly Prayer of Jesus: Part I” is at this link, “Part II” is at this link, and “Part III” is at this link.

Worship Video: Today’s readings in John about the ministry of the Holy Spirit reminded me of Abandon’s song “Feel it in your Heart:”

Do you feel the Spirit in your heart? Click here and receive the Spirit!

Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture today: “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33 NIV

Prayer Point: Pray for peace in your life. Pray for more of Jesus in your life. Pray that when trouble comes to you in this world – and it will come – that you will take heart in knowing that Jesus overcame the world.

Comments from You:  What verses or insights stand out to you in today’s readings?  Please post up by clicking on the “Comments” link below!

God bless,
Mike

p.s. Download our monthly Small Group study notes for our Chronological Bible readings at this link.

p.s. #2 – Download a schedule of our Chronological Bible readings for the year in PDF format at this link.

p.s. #3 – I would greatly appreciate it if you would pray for this Chronological Bible Blog ministry today! Please also consider partnering with us by financially supporting this ministry. Thank you!

John 13:31-38; Mark 14:27-31; Matthew 26:31-35; Luke 22:31-38; John 14-15:17
~ Click here to read today’s Scripture on Bible Gateway ~
~ Listen to today’s Scripture with The ESV Bible ~

John: I love the dialogue today between Thomas and Jesus in John 14 verses 4 through 6!  Somehow I didn’t quite remember the context of Thomas’ question setting up Jesus’ profound statement in verse 6.  Beautiful.  Jesus starts us off in verse 4 – “And you know where I am going and how to get there.”” “No, we don’t know, Lord,” Thomas said. “We haven’t any idea where you are going, so how can we know the way?” Jesus told him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me.”  These last two sentences of Jesus’ we’ve probably all heard many times.  But how often have we asked Thomas’ question either to ourselves or to God or to now one in particular – “how can I know the way?”  Jesus answers this for us perfectly.  Have you ever felt in your life that you didn’t know the way? Do you believe that Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life?

Verses 12 through 14 today are so convicting for me – because I really rarely follow this teaching (or fully believe in it?) of Jesus’ – “The truth is, anyone who believes in me will do the same works I have done, and even greater works, because I am going to be with the Father. You can ask for anything in my name, and I will do it, because the work of the Son brings glory to the Father. Yes, ask anything in my name, and I will do it!” Do you believe that you can do the same works Jesus has done, and even greater works?  I’ll confess – I’m not so sure that I do.  I mean, it’s encouraging to think that I could, even if I don’t fully believe it.  And, yet, I believe most everything else Jesus teaches.  Why would I doubt this teaching?  Maybe it’s because I have some sort of inferiority complex – or maybe I think it would be prideful to think this.  But Jesus teaches it quite plainly!  Or…  maybe…  I haven’t really asked Jesus for the guidance and wisdom to believe this – and asked for even just this in his name.

Bible.org’s commentary on our John readings today titled “Having a Friend in High Places” is at this link.

Wow.  Today’s John chapter 14 readings start off strong with a very short sentence of teaching from Jesus in verse 15 – “If you love me, obey my commandments.”  Not too complicated there, eh?  🙂  Really… it’s quite easy to understand.  And believe.  But to obey… hmmm…   I’ve been thinking about that “obey” word quite a bit lately.  In fact, it’s a word that has been spray painted around my neighborhood lately – “obey” – I think for some political statement reasons.  It’s not really a popular word.  But it’s a pretty straightforward teaching from Jesus.  Obey.  Obey my commandments.  “If you love me, obey my commandments.”  I really do believe that true freedom is found in this.  When we are obedient to Jesus’ teachings and God’s will in our lives, we truly will be living “free” lives.  I know it sounds like an oxymoron.  But I believe it is true.  The more we obey Jesus’ teachings, the freer we truly become.  Do you think this is true?  Are you obeying Jesus’ teachings in your life?  Do you feel freer?  And below is a little obedience humor for you based on verse 15 above… 🙂

Well, if we are wondering how on earth we can possibly obey Jesus’ teachings, He graciously answers this for us in the next two verses in today’s readings: “And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Counselor, who will never leave you. He is the Holy Spirit, who leads into all truth. The world at large cannot receive him, because it isn’t looking for him and doesn’t recognize him. But you do, because he lives with you now and later will be in you.”  Basically, we cannot obey Jesus’ teachings on our own.  Using our own will power or smarts or strength, we will fail.  We need the Holy Spirit, living with in us, to give us the grace and strength to obey Jesus’ teachings.  The Holy Spirit rounds out the Trinity and leads us and guides us.  Are you looking for the Holy Spirit?  Do you recognize the Holy Spirit living within you?  Do you believe the Holy Spirit is leading you into all truth?

Verse 27 is a beautiful teaching from Jesus: “”I am leaving you with a gift–peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give isn’t like the peace the world gives. So don’t be troubled or afraid.”  Have you received the gift of peace from Jesus?  Do you have peace of mind and heart? 

Today we begin reading one of my favorite chapters in the Bible – John 15. I cannot tell you how much this chapter means to me and I hope to you as well. John 15 takes place just after the Last Supper, the night before Jesus dies on the cross, so this is one of Jesus’ last teachings to the disciples – and to you and me. It is so beautiful. My quick personal story on this chapter is that I have only preached verbally once – and it was when I was in Bulgaria several years ago on a short-term mission trip. Our team ended up going to a small Roma church – and I mean small – in a village outside of the capital city of Sofia. As we drove up to the village where the church was located I saw rows and rows of grape vines in and around the village. I knew I would be preaching that evening – each person on our team took a turn every night. And initially I was planning to preach from a Psalm – but, when I saw the vineyards I quickly decided to preach from John 15, and it turned out to be so beautiful. I literally ended up outside of the church – all of us could not fit in the tiny 1 room church – under some grape vines preaching from John 15. God showed up. I cannot even remember what I said, but God moved. I pray that as you read John 15 today God moves for you as well. John 15 is something special. (John 16 & 17 are something special as well. . .)

Today in John 15 verses 12 & 13 we read these words of Jesus’ – “My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.” Why would Jesus give us such a command as this? Why would Jesus give this command the night before he died on the cross? How did Jesus show his love for us? Do you agree that there is no greater love than laying down one’s life for his friends? Did Jesus do this for you and me? If we are to love each other as Jesus loved us, how do we do this? When we look at Jesus’ life and how he lived it, what might we be able to model in our lives? When we look at Jesus laying down his life for us, how might we be able to “lay down our life” for our friends? Do you love others as Jesus loved you?  Below is a moving painting by Spanish Baroque era painter Francisco de Zurbaran from the year 1635 titled “Agnus Dei”:

Bible.org’s commentary on today’s John readings titled “Abiding in Christ” is at this link and “The Christian and the World” is at this link.

Worship Video: Today’s readings in John reminded me of Delirious’ song “What a Friend I’ve Found:”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dECktsxlNfY
Is Jesus your friend? Click here and meet your best friend forever!

Please join us in memorizing and meditating on two verses of Scripture today: “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” John 13:34-35 TNIV

Prayer Point: Pray that you are loving everyone you come in contact with in your life. Pray that the world will see you are a disciple of Jesus, because of your love for others. Pray that you will love others like Jesus loves you.

Comments from You:  What verses or insights stand out to you in today’s readings?  Please post up by clicking on the “Comments” link below!

God bless,
Mike

p.s. Download our monthly Small Group study notes for our Chronological Bible readings at this link.

p.s. #2 – Download a schedule of our Chronological Bible readings for the year in PDF format at this link.

p.s. #3 – I would greatly appreciate it if you would pray for this Chronological Bible Blog ministry today! Please also consider partnering with us by financially supporting this ministry. Thank you!

Mark 14:1-2; Matthew 26:1-5; Luke 22:1-2; Mark 14:10-11; Matthew 26:14-16; Luke 22:3-6; Mark 14:12-16; Matthew 26:17-19; Luke 22:7-13; John 13:1-17; Mark 14:17-26; Matthew 26:20-30; Luke 22:14-30; John 13:18-30
~ Click here to read today’s Scripture on Bible Gateway ~
~ Listen to today’s Scripture with The ESV Bible ~

Matthew: In Matthew chapter 26 today we read the beautiful story of Mary, the sister of Martha and Lazarus (Mark 14 identifies Mary), who anoints Jesus, and as he tells us in verse 12: “She has poured this perfume on me to prepare my body for burial.”  An interesting insight from the NIV Study Bible’s commentary – In Jesus’ day it was a normal Jewish custom to anoint a dead body with aromatic oils in preparing for burial.  Jesus seems to be anticipating suffering a “criminal’s” death, for only in that circumstance was there no anointing of the dead body…

Today in Matthew 26 verse 14 we read: “Then Judas Iscariot, one of the twelve disciples, went to the leading priests and asked, “How much will you pay me to betray Jesus to you?” And they gave him thirty pieces of silver.” The NIV Study Bible says that 30 pieces of silver was equivalent to about 120 denarii.  Laborers at that time typically received 1 denarius for 1 day’s work.  So, Judas was basically paid about 4 months worth of work for the betrayal of Jesus.  Sad…  Bible.org has a powerful essay on “The Biography of the Betrayer” at this link.    Below is a fresco from the early 14th century by the Italian Renaissance Florentine painter Giotto titled “Pact of Judas.”  In this fresco the two priests on the right discuss Judas’s treachery, while the third plots with Judas, who is in the clutches of the devil…

Verses 26 through 28 today certainly will remind us of why Communion / the Lord’s Supper is so important to us as believers in Jesus.  This all took place the night before Jesus was crucified.  The bread represents Jesus’ body, given for us.  The wine represents Jesus’ blood, poured-out for many through Jesus’ atoning death. 

Worship Video:  Matthew 26:26-28 reminded me of the song by the Christian band Kutless called “Sea of Faces”.  This song reminds me of The Lord’s Supper every time I hear it – “I see the city lights all around me – Everyone’s obscure.  Ten million people each with their problems – Why should anyone care? And in Your eyes I can see – that I am not just a man, vastly lost in this world. Lost in a Sea of Faces. Your body’s the bread, Your blood is the wine. Because you traded Your life for mine….”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jLHE4P-B2FA
Do you feel lost in a sea of faces? Click here and be Found!

Please join us in memorizing and meditating on three verses of Scripture today: “While they were eating, Jesus took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to his disciples, saying, “Take and eat; this is my body.” Then he took the cup, gave thanks and offered it to them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you. This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.’” Matthew 26:26-28 NIV

Prayer Point: Pray that you will examine yourself and confess your sins to Jesus before partaking in the Lord’s Supper. Pray that you will fully receive Jesus when partaking in the Lord’s Supper.

Comments from You:  What verses or insights stand out to you in today’s readings?  Please post up by clicking on the “Comments” link below!

God bless,
Mike

p.s. Download our monthly Small Group study notes for our Chronological Bible readings at this link.

p.s. #2 – Download a schedule of our Chronological Bible readings for the year in PDF format at this link.

p.s. #3 – I would greatly appreciate it if you would pray for this Chronological Bible Blog ministry today! Please also consider partnering with us by financially supporting this ministry. Thank you!

Mark 13:32-37; Matthew 24:36-51; Luke 21:34-38; Matthew 25:1-46
~ Click here to read today’s Scripture on Bible Gateway ~
~ Listen to today’s Scripture with The ESV Bible ~

Matthew: Jesus’ teaching in Matthew chapter 24 verse 36 has always stood out to me – particularly when my friends today want to dive into conversations about “if” the end is near: “However, no one knows the day or the hour when these things will happen, not even the angels in heaven or the Son himself. Only the Father knows.” No one knows the day or the hour – only God.  Good for us to keep in mind. We’re not God. 🙂   For more commentary on “The Textual Problem Of oujdeV oJ uiJov” In Matthew 24:36″ at bible.org click on this link.  No, I don’t think oujdeV oJ uiJov is a typo.  🙂  Can someone tell me – is this the original Greek?  I think so.

Today in Matthew chapter 25 we read about the 10 bridesmaids and verse 13 certainly stands out as Jesus teaches: “”So stay awake and be prepared, because you do not know the day or hour of my return.”  What do you think it means in our lives today to be “awake” and ready for Jesus’ return?  Are you “awake” this very moment and ready for Jesus’ return?  One of the most important points of this parable is that when Jesus returns you won’t be able to barter or buy your way into the Kingdom.  (as the 5 un-wise bridesmaids tried to do).  You yourself will be ultimately responsible for your own spiritual condition!  Have you owned up to this responsibility?  Below is a watercolor by William Blake from 1822 of the parable of the ten bridesmaids:

Today we read in Matthew chapter 25 verses 14 through 30 Jesus’ “Parable of the Talents.” This story of the three servants has often been a parable I have struggled with.  For a long time I didn’t get what was so wrong about the guy who buried the money. “He at least gave back to the master the same amount he was originally given,” I thought.  “What’s so wrong with that?”  Well, as I read this parable again, the thing that really stands out to me is that this parable is not talking about simply money. . . but I think it is talking about our very lives and our time here on earth.  I read it now as if God gives each of us a certain amount of time to live on this earth and a certain amount of gifts and skills.  And then, we have to ask ourselves – will we simply just go through life very stably & comfortably with those gifts and skills – perhaps even just going through the motions and serving ourselves – to the extent that when God calls us home, we have really not produced much of anything in our lives?  What if we spend our time & gifts in such a way that by the end of it we haven’t really blessed or served others?   We simply give back to God at the end of our lives what God gave to us and nothing more.  OR – is it possible that God is calling each of us to do so much more with our lives?  Is God calling us to really use the time, gifts and skills he has given us for something bigger than ourselves?  Is God calling us to produce a great harvest of loving and serving and blessing others in our lives?  So that when we arrive at heaven’s gate at the end of our lives we will hear verse 21 from God Himself – “The master was full of praise. `Well done, my good and faithful servant. You have been faithful in handling this small amount, so now I will give you many more responsibilities. Let’s celebrate together!’”  How about your life today?  Are you multiplying the skills and gifts that God has given you in your life?  Are you investing your skills and gifts in loving service of others?  Are you at least “doubling” God’s investment in you?

Great commentary on Matthew chapter 25 titled “The Parables in the Olivet Discourse” is online at bible.org at this link.

Today in Matthew chapter 25 we read about the Final Judgment.  Verses 34 is an amazing thing to imagine coming in the future: “`Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the Kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world.”   What a beautiful thought – come and inherit the Kingdom prepared for YOU from the foundation of the world!  Do you believe in this inheritance?   Do you look forward to this inheritance?

Verses 37 through 40 are so powerful for each of us to consider while we are still here on earth: “Then these righteous ones will reply, `Lord, when did we ever see you hungry and feed you? Or thirsty and give you something to drink? Or a stranger and show you hospitality? Or naked and give you clothing? When did we ever see you sick or in prison, and visit you?’ And the King will tell them, `I assure you, when you did it to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were doing it to me!’”  Whatever we do for one of the least among us, we do for Jesus.   And – what we do not do for the least among us, we do not do for Jesus.  Is God calling you in any way to give food, give water, show hospitality, give clothing, visit the sick, or visit those in prison for the least among us?  Will you do this for Jesus?

Worship Video:  Today’s readings in Matthew today about the Parable of the Talents reminded me of the fantastic Matthew West song called “The Motions.” Here are two video versions of this song, below. The first video is a great live version of the song. The second video is from a documentary shows Matthew going through vocal cord surgery, which is quite a scary thing for any of us to go through, much less a singer..

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U_cTzNCskJ0

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6d23mBY0nGY
Are you just going through the Motions? Click here for Eternal Motion!

Please join us in memorizing and meditating on three verses of Scripture today: “Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’” Matthew 25:34-36

Prayer Point:  Pray that you will be on Jesus’ right hand side when He comes again to judge the living and the dead. Pray that you will feed, clothe, visit in prison, care for and provide hospitality to the “least of these” here on Earth today, in Jesus’ name.

Comments from You:  What verses or insights stand out to you in today’s readings?  Please post up by clicking on the “Comments” link below!

God bless,
Mike

p.s. Download our monthly Small Group study notes for our Chronological Bible readings at this link.

p.s. #2 – Download a schedule of our Chronological Bible readings for the year in PDF format at this link.

p.s. #3 – I would greatly appreciate it if you would pray for this Chronological Bible Blog ministry today! Please also consider partnering with us by financially supporting this ministry. Thank you!