Chronological Bible Blog

Mark 3:7-19; Luke 6:12-16; Matthew 5:1-12; Luke 6:17-26; Matthew 5:13-48; Luke 6:27-36; Matthew 6:1-4
~ Click here to read today’s Scripture on Bible Gateway ~
~ Listen to today’s Scripture with The ESV Bible ~

Matthew: Okay, today is a big day my friends!  We are starting the Sermon on the Mount!  Whoo-hoo! (are you cheering here with me?? 🙂  And as we do, let me encourage you in a few ways on what we’ll be reading here.  First of all, personally, these 3 chapters of Matthew (5, 6, 7) have been transformative for me over the years.  Before I had faith in Jesus, I would continually read these chapters and I kept thinking to myself – “This guy has got some wisdom!  I like what he’s saying!”  And I do believe that the Spirit was no doubt working on me as I read these chapters.  So, I do ask that you would be sensitive to the Spirit as you read The Sermon on the Mount.  What is the Spirit speaking to you as you read?  Which verses are really jumping out at you – maybe making you think about some areas of your life that might need some tidying up…  I know that this happens to me every time I read the Sermon on the Mount.  It’s probably because of reading chapter 5 today, and the Beatitudes, that I went into my pride / Tower of Babel thing above…  🙂

Here’s my other big request for you as you read through the Sermon on the Mount – and really all of the gospels.  Try to experience what you are reading as something more than just “historical” teachings or “historical” readings.  Try to envision yourself maybe down at your local park and maybe imagine that Jesus was actually at that park surrounded by a bunch of your neighbors and imagine that you heard Jesus actually saying these words to you and your neighbors – today.  Would this change your perception of what you are reading?  Or, maybe imagine that indeed Jesus is not just at your local park – but in your very home saying these words to you.   And truly – He is – as you are reading the Bible you are hearing directly from Jesus.  I just want to encourage you that the words you read here in the Sermon on the Mount are incredible spiritual food.  And I don’t think we can come back to these 3 chapters of Matthew often enough. I pray that you will let the Spirit of Jesus speak directly into your mind and your heart as you read and meditate on the meanings of these 3 chapters of the gospel of Matthew…

We read the Beatitudes today!  I would love to share with you the Beatitudes from Eugene Peterson’s paraphrase of the Bible called The Message.  I really like the way he looks at the Beatitudes –
“”You’re blessed when you’re at the end of your rope. With less of you there is more of God and his rule.
“You’re blessed when you feel you’ve lost what is most dear to you. Only then can you be embraced by the One most dear to you.
“You’re blessed when you’re content with just who you are–no more, no less. That’s the moment you find yourselves proud owners of everything that can’t be bought.
“You’re blessed when you’ve worked up a good appetite for God. He’s food and drink in the best meal you’ll ever eat.
“You’re blessed when you care. At the moment of being “carefull,’ you find yourselves cared for.
“You’re blessed when you get your inside world–your mind and heart–put right. Then you can see God in the outside world.
“You’re blessed when you can show people how to cooperate instead of compete or fight. That’s when you discover who you really are, and your place in God’s family.
“You’re blessed when your commitment to God provokes persecution. The persecution drives you even deeper into God’s kingdom.”   – Matthew 5:3-10 The Message

I know verses 17 & 18 probably are interpreted in different ways – but a friend of mine has encouraged me when in doubt, just stick to the text, which is wise.  So, let’s look at the Jesus’ words here in this text – “Don’t misunderstand why I have come. I did not come to abolish the law of Moses or the writings of the prophets. No, I came to fulfill them.  I assure you, until heaven and earth disappear, even the smallest detail of God’s law will remain until its purpose is achieved.”   What does the reading of this text say to you?

And now that we’ve looked at the text… I need to dive into a commentary on these verses… 🙂   I’m quoting this from Tyndale’s One Year Bible Companion book – which I have found to be a very helpful commentary to our daily readings:  “In the Old Testament, there were 3 categories of law:  ceremonial, civil, and moral.  1.  The ceremonial law was related specifically to Israel’s worship.  Its primary purpose was to point forward to Jesus Christ; these laws are therefore no longer necessary after Jesus’ death and resurrection.  However, the principles behind these laws – to worship and love a holy God – still apply.  2. The civil law applied to daily living in Israel and these laws cannot be followed specifically today in our modern society and culture.  But the principles behind theses laws are timeless and should guide our conduct. 3.  The moral law (such as the Ten Commandments) is the direct command of God, and requires obedience.  The moral law reveals the nature and will of God, and it still applies today.”   So, there you have it from one evangelical commentary.  I know probably different people reading this blog are going to interpret these verses a bit differently.  This framework of these 3 categories of laws above and their fulfillment in Jesus I personally have found helpful and agree with.  One other commentary I found related to these verses says this: “Christ does not terminate the law. Do we then make void the law through faith? God forbid; we establish the law. (Romans 3:31) The law will always be there to point out what sin is, but the law is not the focus, Christ is the focus. Only He can cleanse, and sanctify and change the heart and mind.”  Again, I know this can be a hot topic to say the least.  I recommend everyone please spend a few minutes reading this wonderful article on this topic from Bible.org titled, “The Mosaic Law: Its Function and Purpose in the New Testament,” at this link.

Bible.org’s commentary on our readings today in Matthew titled “The Beatitudes” is at this link and “A Pinch of Salt in the Recipe for Persecution” is at this link.

Matthew 5:27-30 are Jesus’ teachings about adultery.  And really I think these teachings, along with many others in the Sermon on the Mount, are even more so about what is going on inside our hearts.  Jesus discusses how the law says clearly how we are “not to do” something – it’s very apparent and very “exterior” if we commit a sin like adultery.  Jesus says that the exterior/apparent/obvious sin is wrong for sure – but Jesus is equally as concerned with what’s going on in the “interior” –  inside our hearts.  Jesus proposes that if we have looked at someone lustfully with our “interior”, we have committed the same sin as if we had actually committed adultery on the “exterior.”  Do you see how Jesus’ teachings in today’s readings are really focusing on the condition of our hearts?  How is the condition of your heart today when it comes to these teachings?

I know these can be seen as “hard teachings.” Please note that I do not believe that Jesus is advocating self-mutilation in these readings – he is being figurative, not literal, in his speech about gouging out an eye or cutting off a hand.  (someone can be blind and still lust) But he wants the point to be made very strongly.  These teachings are obviously important for us to meditate on and learn from and obey.  I am sure we all know it is true that what we “think” can often become what we “do”.  So, it seems to me that Jesus is trying to stop us from even committing sin at the “thinking” level, because it may later manifest itself into action.  Or – even if it does not manifest itself into action the thinking of the sin can actually affect us just adversely as much as the actual doing of the sin.  Let us not let our minds wander into cloudy territory, but let us keep our minds clean and focused on Jesus, His Kingdom, and His Righteousness. Jesus’ teachings today in Matthew 5 can certainly keep us from cloudy thinking and the confusion of internal sin:

I do actually want to say a few more things about the whole adultery / lust issue brought up in today’s readings.  And it is this – probably many of us have struggled with lust, or are struggling with lust right now.  I have.   And I know many of my friends who have.  I am very saddened by many things I have seen and heard and experienced over the years.  However sad I am or have been though, I am sure God grieves for us so much more.  I guess I just want to encourage anyone now who is reading this that might be struggling with lust or pornography or adultery or pre-marital sex etc. – there truly is freedom from what you are struggling with.  And that freedom ultimately only is found in the healing love of Jesus.  I just pray that you will do everything you can to allow Jesus to free you from what’s enslaved you – seek professional counseling, find an accountability partner, confess your sins, read empowering books about freedom from what you are struggling with, avoid R-rated movies or Hollywood entertainment magazines if you need to, avoid situations or locations that will tempt you, and above all pray to Jesus and ask for healing continually.  He will heal you.  It may take time.  But Jesus will heal you.  God bless you as you work your way out of this and into amazing freedom!  God will get you there! Let the healing begin!

Bible.org’s commentary on today’s readings in Matthew titled “Flames of Desire” is at this link, “Avoiding the Sin of Adultery” is at this link, and “Jesus and the Law of Retaliation (Lex Talionis)” is at this link.

Worship Video: Our Matthew Chapter 5 readings on lust seems an appropriate point to share with you this phenomenal song by Rebecca St. James that she wrote for her future husband called “Wait for Me:”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1thVi6T9rEo

Do you know that God is waiting for you?  Click here and wait no more!

Please join me in memorizing and meditating on two verses of Scripture today: “You have heard that it was said, ‘Do not commit adultery.’ But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart.” Matthew 5:27-28 NIV

Prayer Point: Pray that you will not commit adultery in your life. Pray that you will not look at another person lustfully. Pray that if you are committing adultery in your heart right now that you will repent and turn to Jesus for healing.

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 5:1-47; Mark 2:23-28; Matthew 12:1-8; Luke 6:1-5; Mark 3:1-6; Matthew 12:9-14; Luke 6:6-11; Matthew 12:15-21
~ Click here to read today’s Scripture on Bible Gateway ~
~ Listen to today’s Scripture with The ESV Bible ~

John: I’m not sure if you noticed this unique thing about Jesus’ healing of the man at the pool of Bethesda today – the man did not seem to have faith in Jesus or know who Jesus was!  You’ll recall with many of the healings we read about in the Gospels people yell out to Jesus for healing, or reach for Jesus’ garment, and show some sort of faith or recognition of who Jesus truly is.  Well, here in John chapter 5 verse 6 Jesus asks this man at the pool: “Do you want to get well?”  And then in the following verses the man still doesn’t realize who Jesus is and doesn’t ask Jesus for healing, but instead frets about not getting into the waters of the pool where he thinks the waters will heal him.  Well, come verse 8 Jesus says, “Get up!  Pick up your mat and walk.”  I find this whole scene awesome and a great example of God’s grace!  Perhaps sometimes in our lives when we miss seeing what Jesus is doing, He will still often heal us or care for us!  Even sometimes (though I don’t think always…) when we seem to looking for the other “waters” that we think will heal us.  Even sometimes when we don’t ask Jesus for healing, he’ll still do it for us.

Bible.org’s commentary on our readings in John chapter 5 today titled “Jesus Heals the man at the Pool of Bethesda” is at this link.

I am intrigued by Jesus’ words in John chapter 5 verse 30 today, particularly in light of the book of Judges that we recently read, which was a dark time in Israel’s history – “But I do nothing without consulting the Father. I judge as I am told. And my judgment is absolutely just, because it is according to the will of God who sent me; it is not merely my own.”  I love that Jesus says his judgment is absolutely just.  And I believe this is true – 1. that Jesus will judge us and that 2. his judgment is just.  I think this is both something to be celebrated – there is no one else I would want to judge me… – and I think this can be sobering – if his judgment is absolutely just, then it is obvious that we cannot “sneak” anything by Jesus.  Everything we have ever done or will do will be judged by Jesus.  I think ultimately it is very healthy to recognize this.  Maybe initially this realization will keep us from sinning because of some fear of judgment – but ideally this realization matures into a love for Jesus that encourages us not to sin because we would not want to disappoint Jesus whom we love with all that we are.  Do you believe that Jesus is your judge?  Do you believe that Jesus will judge you absolutely justly?

Bible.org’s commentary on John chapter 5’s readings today titled “Like Father, Like Son” is at this link.

Matthew: Today in Matthew chapter 12 we read about Jesus’ teachings surrounding his healing on the Sabbath.  Note that in verse 14 the plots to kill Jesus begin: “Then the Pharisees called a meeting and discussed plans for killing Jesus.” Why do you suppose these plots started at this point?  I don’t think it was this one incident per se that began the plots in and of itself – but it was probably a culmination of Jesus’ teaching, preaching, and healing ministries up to this point that started murmurs and discussions and finally led to plots.  I think Jesus’ wisdom and power and popularity with the people were seen as a threat.  Do you suppose that Jesus’ wisdom and power and popularity with the people are seen as a threat by some in our world today?

I read an interesting commentary on verses 11 & 12 today: “And he (Jesus) answered, “If you had one sheep, and it fell into a well on the Sabbath, wouldn’t you get to work and pull it out? Of course you would. And how much more valuable is a person than a sheep!” The commentary said that in this verse Jesus contrasts the worth of an animal with that of a human being.  I think for most of us, we would agree that a human life is more valuable than an animal life.  However – interestingly, not everyone in our world today feels that way.  I recently heard a radio talk show host ask a woman if she saw both her beloved dog and a stranger drowning in a lake and she could only save one of the two, who would she save.  And the woman basically said her dog – she hemmed and hawed about saying that straightforwardly, but basically she said her dog was her family…  And so the stranger – the human – would lose out in that situation.  What about you – if you could only save your beloved pet or a stranger (human) from drowning, who would you save?  Who would God save?  Do you think God places a higher value on human life than animal life?  (since we just read the creation narrative in Genesis, this should be a slam-dunk answer! 🙂

I love the Isaiah prophecy in today’s readings, summarizing the quiet aspects of the ministry of Jesus!  Verse 21 makes me tear up to really meditate upon: “And his name will be the hope of all the world.” How does this verse strike you?  Do you believe that Jesus’ name is the hope of the world?  Is Jesus’ name the hope of your own personal world?

Bible.org’s commentary on today’s readings in Matthew chapter 12 titled “The Lord of the Sabbath” is at this link.

Worship Video: Today’s readings remind me of For King & Country’s song “For God is With Us:”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9HErRFLapu4

Do you know our God who is with us?  Click here to be with Him!

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!

Luke 5:1-11; Mark 1:40-45; Matthew 8:1-4; Luke 5:12-16; Mark 2:1-12; Matthew 9:1-8; Luke 5:17-26; Mark 2:13-17; Matthew 9:9-13; Luke 5:27-32; Mark 2:18-22; Matthew 9:14-17; Luke 5:33-39
~ Click here to read today’s Scripture on Bible Gateway ~
~ Listen to today’s Scripture with The ESV Bible ~

Luke: In Luke chapter 5 verses 10 & 11 we read – “From now on you’ll be fishing for people!” And as soon as they landed, they left everything and followed Jesus.”  Can you imagine being called by Jesus like this?  If you were called by Jesus to stop your “work” that you are doing now and instead work to bring people closer to God, would you do so?  Can you imagine yourself today being like these disciples and leaving everything and following Jesus?

Bible.org’s commentary on Luke chapter 5’s readings today entitled “How to Hook a Fisherman” is at this link.

In Luke chapter 5 we read one of my favorite healings’ of Jesus – where he heals the paralyzed man on the mat – in very large part because of the paralyzed man’s friends who carry him to Jesus!  I love that his friends did this.  I pray if I was paralyzed I would have friends like these!  Check out verses 18 through 20 – “Some men came carrying a paralyzed man on a sleeping mat. They tried to push through the crowd to Jesus, but they couldn’t reach him. So they went up to the roof, took off some tiles, and lowered the sick man down into the crowd, still on his mat, right in front of Jesus. Seeing their faith, Jesus said to the man, “Son, your sins are forgiven.””   I am fascinated by this – “seeing their faith” – I don’t know if this is a quirk of the New Living Translation or if indeed Jesus literally saw the faith of the paralyzed man’s friends.  My hunch is that he did.  And this makes me realize that sometimes when our faith is at a low point, maybe our friends can help carry us along and bring us closer to Jesus.  And maybe we should act like these friends for someone in our life who is “paralyzed” by something….  Is there someone in your life that you can help “carry the mat for” and in doing so bring them closer to Jesus?  Wow.  I pray I have friends like this – and I pray I can be a friend like this to others…

Bible.org’s commentary on today’s readings in Luke chapter 5 titled “Stretcher Carriers and Sermon Critics” is at this link.

Today in Luke chapter 5 verses 31 & 32 we read this teaching from Jesus: “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.” How does this verse speak to you? Are you healthy or sick? Are you righteous or a sinner? Do you need Jesus? Are you heeding his call to repentance? Do you believe that Jesus is the one true Doctor who can heal you for eternity?   Below is a painting of Jesus at the house of Levi by the Italian painter Paolo Veronese from the year 1573: (with of course the Pharisees looking on…)

Bible.org’s commentary on Luke chapter 5’s readings today titled “On Eating, Drinking, and Being Merry” is at this link.

Worship Video: Luke chapter 5 reminds me of Steven Curtis Chapman’s great song “For the Sake of the Call:”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1sb4RrF9VxI
Will you abandon it all for the sake of the call? Click here for the Call!

Please join us in memorizing and meditating on two verses of Scripture today: “Then Jesus said to Simon, “Don’t be afraid; from now on you will catch men.” So they pulled their boats up on shore, left everything and followed him.” Luke 5:10-11 NIV

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 1:14-15; Matthew 4:12-17; Luke 3:23; John 4:46-54; Luke 4:16-30; Mark 1:16-20; Matthew 4:18-22; Mark 1:21-28; Luke 4:31-37; Mark 1:29-34; Matthew 8:14-17; Luke 4:38-41; Mark 1:35-39; Luke 4:42-44; Matthew 4:23-25
~ Click here to read today’s Scripture on Bible Gateway ~
~ Listen to today’s Scripture with The ESV Bible ~

Apologies, short post today… Back to a full post tomorrow!

YouTube – Today’s readings somehow reminded me of the movie starring Kirk Cameron called Fireproof.  Have you seen this movie yet?  It is terrific! It is an awesome movie about marriage and God. Below is the trailer:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M5lSu6GkC2kDo you think you are Fireproof?  Click here for a Fireproof faith!

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 3:1-4:45; Luke 3:19-20
~ Click here to read today’s Scripture on Bible Gateway ~
~ Listen to today’s Scripture with The ESV Bible ~

John: Today in John chapter 3 we will read about Jesus’ interactions with Nicodemus, a member of the Pharisees. This is obviously a powerful chapter, as Jesus’ words in this chapter include the famous John 3:16. In verse 3 we will read this from Jesus – “I tell you the truth, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again.” And to this Nicodemus asks in verse 4 – “How can a man be born when he is old? Surely he cannot enter a second time into his mother’s womb to be born?” What do these verses mean to you? Do you understand Jesus’ statement in verse 3? Do you understand Nicodemus’ confusion and why he asked the question like he did in verse 4? Jesus later goes on in chapter 3 to say that he is referring to being born again in “the Spirit.” It is not a physical rebirth Jesus is referring to in verse 3, but a Spiritual rebirth. I do think this is an appropriate time in our One Year Bible readings – the gospel of John and John chapter 3 in particular – for each of us to ask ourselves if we have been born again in the Spirit? If not, do you want to be born again in the Spirit? Will you pray today to God and Jesus for this Spiritual rebirth?

Bible.org’s commentary on John chapter 3 titled “The Doctrine of Salvation” is at this link and commentary on “Jesus and Nicodemus” is at this link and at this link.

An image is below for verses 14 & 15 as Jesus says this to Nicodemus – “And as Moses lifted up the bronze snake on a pole in the wilderness, so I, the Son of Man, must be lifted up on a pole, so that everyone who believes in me will have eternal life.”

Wow… I love John the Baptist’s words about Jesus in John chapter 3 today!  Great stuff.  Please read these verses again and meditate upon them in your life today.  The verse that really stood out to me today was verse 30 when John said this about Jesus – “He must become greater and greater, and I must become less and less.” How very true and how very applicable to our lives today.  We must let Jesus become greater and greater in our lives, hearts, and actions, and our individualism / selfishness must become less and less.  How are you doing on this?  Are you allowing Jesus to become greater and greater in your life and are “you” becoming less and less? 

Bible.org’s commentary on John chapter 3’s readings today titled “John’s Joy and his Disciples Jealousy” is at this link.

Wow.  The Jacob’s Well story in John chapter 4 today is beautiful on so many levels.  I definitely recommend you check out Bible.org’s commentary on this chapter at this link if you aren’t familiar with all of the meanings of this story. 

I love Jesus’s words in verse 34 – “My nourishment comes from doing the will of God, who sent me, and from finishing his work.”  If this is true for Jesus – think this might be true for us too?  Do you believe that our nourishment comes from doing the will of God?

Worship Video  Our readings in John 3 today reminded me of MercyMe’s song “All of Creation:”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UADsz7ToO8w

Are you singing along with all of creation? Click here and sing forevermore!

Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture today: “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16 NIV

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 1:12-13; Matthew 4:1-11; Luke 4:1-15; John 1:19-2:25
~ Click here to read today’s Scripture on Bible Gateway ~
~ Listen to today’s Scripture with The ESV Bible ~

Three days ago, we began the New Testament! I’ll highlight each of the 4 Gospels overviews these first 4 days, with John today. One thing I’ll recommend to everyone, if you have a chance this next week, is to watch the movie “The Gospel of John”. Have you seen it? It is incredibly well done. It was released in theaters on a limited basis a few years ago, and I was fortunate enough to have caught it in the theater. It is a 3 hour movie that goes word-for-word through the Gospel of John, based on the Good News Bible translation. Or, perhaps you’ll want to read the Biblical text first and then watch the movie later. Either way. I definitely recommend this film. You can hopefully pick it up at a video rental store. A friend of mine was surprised to have found it at the local supermarket little video rental section recently.  And, actually, I have the first 10 minutes of the movie in the YouTube below today, and it looks like you can watch the entire movie now on YouTube. 

The Gospel of John
Author: John
Place: Ephesus
Date: A.D. 85-96
Content: The Gospel of John was written many years after Jesus’ death and resurrection by the apostle John so that those who read it might believe in Christ and thus have life through his name. John begins with a prologue unique to this Gospel where Jesus’ preexistent life with the Father is depicted to show that Jesus was not simply a great man, but God. Miracles of Jesus as well as many of Jesus’ teachings not found elsewhere are then described. A long section in John chapters 14 through 17 describes Jesus’ teaching to his apostles before his death. After Jesus’ death and resurrection, special place is given to Jesus’ appearance to his apostles.
Theme: The Gospel of John more than any other Gospel stresses the deity of Christ and provides us with an interpretation of his life. He is explained in figurative terms as light, truth, love, good shepherd, the door, the resurrection and the life, living water, true bread, and more. The beautiful material found in John chapters 14 through 17 shows the deep love of Jesus for the believer and the peace that comes from faith in Christ. (Above commentary is from “The One Year Bible Companion” pp. 22-23) Great commentary on John by Bob Deffinbaugh at bible.org is at this link: https://bible.org/page.php?page_id=2348 

John: I absolutely love John chapter 1 verse 29 – “The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, “Look! There is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!”  Do you believe Jesus is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world?

Verses 45 & 46 I find so truthful, along with Nathanael’s reply being amusing – but mostly Nathanael’s reply demonstrates how very humble of a background Jesus came from – “Philip went off to look for Nathanael and told him, “We have found the very person Moses and the prophets wrote about! His name is Jesus, the son of Joseph from Nazareth.” “Nazareth!” exclaimed Nathanael. “Can anything good come from there?”  Are we ever like Nathanael – having preconceived notions about places or things or maybe even Jesus?  Can we leave our preconceived notions about things behind us and move forward in the spirit of truth, particularly when it comes to Jesus and who He is?

Bible.org’s commentary on John chapter 1 titled “The Witness of John” is at this link and commentary titled “The First Disciples” is at this link.

John chapter 2 verse 11 is of note – “This miraculous sign at Cana in Galilee was Jesus’ first display of his glory. And his disciples believed in him.”  It is interesting that John refers to Jesus’ miracles as “signs.”  Signs seems to indicate the significance of Jesus’ actions, rather than the marvel.  What do you think Jesus’ miracles might have been “signs” of?  Below is “The Marriage of Cana” by the Florentine Italian painter Giusto de’ Menabuoi from the year 1378, and this fresco is located in the baptistry of the Cathedral in Padua:

Tyndale’s One Year Bible Companion has a very interesting commentary on John chapter 2 verse 14 – “In the Temple area he saw merchants selling cattle, sheep, and doves for sacrifices; and he saw money changers behind their counters.”  Tyndale answered the question of why there were merchants & money changers in the temple as follows:  “The temple tax had to be paid in local currency, so foreigners had to have their money changed.  But the moneychangers would often charge exorbitant exchange rates.  The people were also required to make sacrifices for sins.  Because of the long journey, many could not bring their own animals.  The price of sacrificial animals was much higher in the temple than elsewhere.”  It is understandable why Jesus was upset with all of this.  Thank goodness we do not have this system still in place for us today – with moneychangers & merchants for tax & animal sacrifices…  thank you Jesus!  Below is a fresco of “The Money-Changers in the Temple” by the Italian artist Giotto from the year 1306:

Bible.org’s commentary on John chapter 2 titled “The First Sign: Jesus Turns Water into Wine” is at this link and commentary titled “The Cleansing of the Temple” is at this link.

Matthew:Now – I think what happens just after Jesus’ baptism in yesterday’s readings is something each of us should take heed of – the devil comes in full force after Jesus.  I heard someone tell me just before I was baptized about 6 years ago that whenever we make a public declaration that we love God: the Father, Jesus the Son, & the Holy Spirit and that we want to follow Him, the devil and temptation very likely will appear.  The devil isn’t happy when we are moving forward in our love of Jesus and loving others – and he wants to derail it.   And that’s what we see here in Matthew chapter 4 – God: the Father, Jesus the Son, & the Holy Spirit have just declared “Game On!” with Jesus’ public ministry via the baptism – and then who should show up coming after Jesus?  If the devil showed up to tempt Jesus, don’t you think he might try to show up in our lives when we are starting something big in our faith walk?  Fortunately, Jesus gives us all the answers we need in chapter 4 to thwart the devil’s attacks.

Chapter 4 verse 4 I believe is one of the most important verses for us to commit to memory in all of the Bible: “But Jesus told him, “No! The Scriptures say, `People need more than bread for their life; they must feed on every word of God.’” (NLT).  Or, you might recognize this verse a bit better in NIV format: “Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’”  This is such a powerful spiritual truth that Jesus is conveying – we will not live full and true lives if we live simply on bread alone.  We need spiritual nourishment – food – from every Word of God.  Where do we get this Word of God?  You got it – the Bible.  And note that Jesus says “every” word of God.  This means the whole Bible is spiritual food for us.  All of it.  Not just the parts we like the best.  🙂  We can learn something and be nourished by even the long genealogies!  Seriously.   So – I want to applaud you for going through the One Year Bible – you will be getting nourishment from “every” Word of God this year!  Below is an oil painting by Juan De Flandes from 1504 – (he actually painted this piece for Queen Isabella of Spain’s private altar at that time):

One other important point to make in Matthew 4:4 and the 2 other temptations in this chapter.  We see the devil tempting Jesus with things that may look enticing to Jesus or to us.  But they are lies.  And note – this is important – how Jesus fends off the devil’s temptations and lies – by quoting Scripture!  Jesus knew Scripture (well, yes, technically He is Scripture…:) The point is this. I do believe that we need to do more than just read the Bible.  We need to memorize many portions of the Bible to protect us when the devil is attacking.  If we have Scripture memorized, when we are tempted, we can quickly call to mind a verse or two that will bring us back into right state of mind – focusing back on God: the Father, Jesus the Son, & the Holy Spirit and their love and strength available through the Holy Spirit.  If we don’t have Scripture memorized, as Jesus clearly did in this chapter, we are at risk of falling prey to the deception and lies of the temptation.  So – I am mostly preaching this to myself!  🙂  But, I really want to do more memorization of Scripture this year.  I have several verses down – but not enough.  Proverbs 3:5-6 certainly comes to mind for me often when I am worried or stressed and it transforms my state of mind immediately!  What can you apply in your life today based on how Jesus rebuked the devil’s temptations?

Very important to note is what happened when Jesus rebuked the devil’s temptations with Scripture, the Word of God, in verse 11: “Then the Devil went away.”  Amen to that!  🙂

Bible.org’s commentary on our readings today in Matthew titled “The Baptism of Jesus” is at this link, “The Temptation of Jesus, Part 1” is at this link, “Satan’s “Leap of Faith”” is at this link, and “The Third Temptation of Jesus” is at this link.

Luke: Today we read about the temptation of Jesus in Luke.  This is a powerful narrative for each of us to consider.  We all obviously face temptations in our life.  Jesus faced temptations as well.  The difference of course is that Jesus did not give into the temptations.  He did not sin.  I love the fact that Jesus combated the devil’s temptations with the Word of God, the Bible.  We each would do well to pay attention to how powerful the Word is in thwarting the devil’s temptations of us today.  Here’s a very amazing image I found below, with a look at Jesus being tempted by the devil.  Check out the cloud of temptation above him… the devil.  Ever feel this cloud of temptation hovering above you?  I know I have…  And I know that faith in Jesus, calling upon Jesus’ name, and bringing to mind the Word of God in times of darkness & temptation can send this cloud away from us!

Bob Deffinbaugh at Bible.org has 4 great commentaries on the temptation of Jesus in the Gospel of Luke at this link, and at this link, and at this link, and at this link.  And his look at verses 14 through 30 in Luke chapter 4 titled “On Prophets and Popularity” is at this link.

Worship Video:  I mention the Gospel of John movie in my comments above.  Here’s the trailer, below:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UXBJODa1Dm8

Do you know the Word? Click here for the Word made flesh!

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!

Matthew 2:1-23; Luke 2:41-52; Mark 1:2-8; Matthew 3:1-12; Luke 3:1-18; Mark 1:9-11; Matthew 3:13-17; Luke 3:21-22
~ Click here to read today’s Scripture on Bible Gateway ~
~ Listen to today’s Scripture with The ESV Bible ~

Two days ago, we began the New Testament! I’ll highlight each of the 4 Gospels overviews these first 4 days, with Mark today.

~Mark~
Author: Mark
Place: Rome
Date: A.D. 60-65
Content: John Mark was a companion of the apostle Paul. He finally settled in Rome where he wrote down the remembrances of the apostle Peter. Thus Mark’s Gospel reflects the words of an eyewitness of the events he describes. Mark’s purpose was to put together an expanded Gospel message. Hence it centers upon the acts of Jesus rather than his words and devotes a disproportionately large amount of material to the last week of Jesus’ life. Mark’s Gospel begins with Jesus’ public ministry and preaching of the gospel of the Kingdom of God. Several explicit predictions of his coming death are made (Mark 8:31; 9:31; 10:33-34, 45) and then Jesus goes to the cross to die for the sins of the world.
Theme: Mark depicts Jesus as the Servant of God who came to do God’s will. The miracles, healings, victory over demons, and personal power show the world that Jesus was no ordinary servant, but was truly the Son of God (Mark 15:39). Jesus’ resurrection authenticated all that he did, and now we await his return in glory from heaven. Mark also wrote to encourage the Roman Christians in a time of persecution.  (Above commentary is from Tyndale Publishers “The One Year Bible Companion” pages 21-22)  Excellent commentary on the Gospel of Mark is at this link.

You’ll notice in Mark chapter 1 today that there is no nativity narrative – Mark and John’s Gospels do not have the nativity narrative.  Verse 1 (which we read 2 days ago) starts off powerfully with: “Here begins the Good News about Jesus the Messiah, the Son of God.”  (Good News = Gospel.  Gospel comes from the Old English word godspel, which means “good story”  or “good tidings” or “good news” and accurately translates the original Greek word: evangelion.)  And what is the Good News?  It is that God has provided salvation through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.  This is very Good News indeed!

Matthew Chapter 2 verse 6 is very powerful in that the 2010 One Year Bible crew recently read about the prophet Micah’s prophesying of Jesus being born in Bethlehem: “O Bethlehem of Judah, you are not just a lowly village in Judah, for a ruler will come from you who will be the shepherd for my people Israel.” Here again you can see Matthew writing for his Jewish audience – quoting an Old Testament prophet and also focusing in on the town of “Bethlehem of Judah” – the City of David.  This was to demonstrate again that Jesus was from the lineage of King David.

Matthew 2:10 is a brief verse showing us the reaction of the magi in being led to Jesus: “When they saw the star, they were filled with joy!”   The magi were also Gentiles and likely astrologers – following a star might lead one to think this… 🙂  But no matter where they were from and what they believed prior, they were filled with joy at being led to the Messiah, Jesus.  And they gave him gifts and worshipped him.  And for us today – are we filled with joy in reading about the birth of Jesus?  Do we realize what this meant back then – and still means today?  That Immanuel was born – that God came to be with us.  (Note that some Biblical scholars say that contrary to popular tradition, it is believed that the magi did not visit Jesus at the manger on the night of his birth, as did the shepherds, but that the magi came months later and visited him as “child” in his “house” – see verse 11.)

In Matthew today we read about The Escape to Egypt.  Two things stood out to me in Joseph’s behavior in today’s readings.  In verse 13 an angel tells Joseph to “get up and flee to Egypt” – and Joseph responds by leaving THAT NIGHT with the family, as we see in verse 14.  That’s beautiful obedience.  Then, in verse 21 we see Joseph respond similarly when he is told by an angel to return to Israel – he leaves with the family “immediately.”  I like this – Joseph is acting obediently to God’s will in his life – and he is acting pronto!  He’s not sitting around worrying or fretting or thinking that he’ll get to it tomorrow.  He goes that night!  He returns immediately!  Can we learn from Joseph’s amazing obedience in these readings? Is God calling you to do something in your life that you are hemming and hawing about? Is God calling you to forgive someone? To love someone? To serve someone? To encourage someone? Will you be like Joseph and obey God’s call for your life immediately? Since we’ve turned the new year, I hope you don’t mind if I post up my favorite image demonstrating obedience below… 🙂  Do you have obedience like this when it comes to God’s will for your life?

Today in Matthew chapter 3 we are introduced to John the Baptist!  I don’t know exactly what it is about John the Baptist – but I love reading about him and his life.  He is just on fire for God and Jesus and he is encouraging others to get on fire too!  I guess I like that in a person. 🙂 Another thing about John is that he is so focused on his mission to call others to repentance and to baptize them, that he really does not care about worldly things – like how he looks or what he wears or what he eats.  None of that really matters to him.  It is the message of the coming of Jesus that matters to him.  Maybe it is verse 4 that really stands out to me about John:  “John’s clothes were woven from camel hair, and he wore a leather belt; his food was locusts and wild honey.”  I think this is really saying that John lived a simple life.  He did not “major in minor things” – he “majored in the major thing” – Jesus!  Is there something we can learn from John the Baptist in our lives today?  Are you perhaps focusing too much on things of this world and not enough on God and Jesus? Are you truly loving God and loving people like John did? Or are you spending your life “majoring in minor things”? Will you instead “major on the major thing” that John is calling you to even today – complete passion and love for God: the Father, Jesus the Son, the Holy Spirit; and other people?

Bible.org’s commentary on our readings today in Matthew titled “The Slaughter of the Infants and Innocent Suffering” is at this link and “John the Baptist and Jesus” is at this link.

Today’s Matthew readings are incredible on so many levels.  We begin by reading about John the Baptist scolding the Pharisees and Sadducees!  John is not joking around here…  I think one verse that really stood out to me was verse 8: “Prove by the way you live that you have really turned from your sins and turned to God.”  and verse 10: “Yes, every tree that does not produce good fruit will be chopped down and thrown into the fire.”  I think what I hear John saying here is that we are called to truly repent and change our ways.  Not just to say some nice words or just show up to church on Sundays – but to be transformed.  Our lives should be visibly different from our past if we have really turned from our sins and turned to God.  And this change will be evident by our lives producing “good fruit” – examples of which can certainly be seen in any of the Ten Commandments or loving our neighbor as ourselves and above all loving God with all our hearts, minds, soul and strength.  Our lives should look very different from our past.  Do they?  Does yours? Below is a stained glass image of John the Baptist used by permission and copyright held by cambridge2000.com/gallery:

Verses 16 & 17 are phenomenal as we see the three persons of the Trinity interacting with each other! God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit: “After his baptism, as Jesus came up out of the water, the heavens were opened and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and settling on him. And a voice from heaven said, “This is my beloved Son, and I am fully pleased with him.””  Jesus’ baptism is very significant because it is the act that opens up the public ministry phase of Jesus’ life.

In Luke chapter 2 today we read about Jesus’ wisdom at the young age of 12.  How’s this for a profound statement from Jesus to Mary & Joseph when they found him in the Temple in verse 49 – “But why did you need to search?” he asked. “You should have known that I would be in my Father’s house.” I like that!  And I like that Jesus was paying such respect for the Temple as well – essentially calling it the house of God.  I do believe this can be carried forward today to Jesus’ love for his body, the church.  I often think to myself, when I’m on my way to church, that “I’m going to the house of God.”  Do you believe that we can find Jesus today in his Father’s house?  Or are you searching elsewhere?  I do believe of course Jesus can be found outside of church… but I also know that I oftentimes experience his presence so profoundly at church – and Communion in church clearly being one such a time & place where I cannot help but find Jesus in a profound way. Below is “Jesus in the Temple at Twelve” by Duccio di Buoninsegna from the early 14th century:

Bible.org’s commentary on today’s readings in Luke titled “The Day Jesus went AWOL” 🙂 is at this link..

I always love reading about John the Baptizer! John is sometimes referred to as the “last Old Testament prohet.” Jesus said this about John in Luke 16:16 – “The Law and the Prophets were proclaimed until John.” Jesus is the fulfillment of the Old Testament prophets, priests and kings. I find it very helpful to know Jesus is my Prophet, Priest and King. Prophets in the Old Testament typically preached repentance from sins, and John was no exception to this rule in our readings in Luke chapter 3 today. John preached repentance! Have you repented from your sins? Is your life showing the fruits of your repentance?

Commentary from Bible.org on Luke chapter 3’s readings today titled “John the Baptizer” is at this link.

Worship Video: Today’s readings in Luke today reminded me of Josh Wilson’s song “I Refuse:”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6B1Lv8k5pEc

Do you refuse to settle for less in your life? Click here and settle no more!

Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture today: “And the Holy Spirit descended on Jesus in bodily form like a dove. And a voice came from heaven: “You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased.” Luke 3:22 NIV

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!

Luke 1:39-80; Matthew 1:18-25; Luke 2:1-40
~ Click here to read today’s Scripture on Bible Gateway ~
~ Listen to today’s Scripture with The ESV Bible ~

Yesterday we began the New Testament! I’ll highlight each of the 4 Gospels overviews these first 4 days, with Matthew today. Below is Northern Renaissance painter Jan Sanders van Hemessen’s “Jesus Summons Matthew to Leave the Tax Office” from the year 1536:

~Matthew~
Author: Matthew
Place: Perhaps Antioch
Date: A.D. 60-70
Content: Matthew was a tax collector, called by Jesus to follow him early in his public ministry; hence, he was an eyewitness of most of the events he describes. He begins with a detailed account of Jesus’ birth of the virgin Mary, his baptism, and temptation in the wilderness. Jesus came preaching the kingdom of God, entrance into which meant eternal life. One entered by repentance and faith. Matthew blocks the teaching of Jesus together into five discourses in which may be seen the ethics, the proclamation, the parables, the fellowship, and the consummation of the kingdom. Jesus’ death and resurrection end the Gospel with the command to go into all the world with the good news (gospel) of Jesus Christ.
Theme: Matthew’s main purpose in writing his Gospel is to show that Jesus fulfills the promise of God in the Old Testament. For this reason Jesus is introduced as a “descendant of King David and of Abraham,” and Matthew makes use of numerous Old Testament prophecies and quotations to explain Jesus’ life. Jesus came to be the Savior of the Jews, the Gentiles, and ultimately the world. The ethics required by members of God’s kingdom are found in the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew chapters 5-7) where the world’s values are rejected and the Kingdom of God and his righteousness become supreme. (Above commentary is from Tyndale Publishers “The One Year Bible Companion” p. 21)  A wonderful commentary on the book of Matthew by Daniel Wallace is at this link.  Below is a painting (I absolutely love this painting!) titled “The Inspiration of St. Matthew” by the Baroque Italian artist Caravaggio, circa 1602:

Matthew chapter 1 verse 23 is certainly a huge prophecy from the Old Testament prophet Isaiah being fulfilled through the birth of Jesus: “Look! The virgin will conceive a child! She will give birth to a son, and he will be called Immanuel (meaning, God is with us).” Jesus is God and came to literally be with us.  To experience our human sufferings and temptations – and joys and triumphs.  The importance of this birth of Immanuel cannot be overstated.  God came to be with us in flesh and blood.

In Luke chapter 1 verses 46 through 55 we read an amazing hymn known as Mary’s Song or the Magnificat, which means “glorifies” in the Latin Vulgate translation. This is indeed a song from the mother of Jesus that glorifies God in a beautiful way. As you read through this song, below, please meditate upon its words. And maybe ask yourself this – are there ways in your life that you “sing songs” like this to God? Maybe it’s not through literal song – but maybe you praise God through loving others, through serving others, through art, through prayer, through your church, and this list could go on… What is your unique way of glorifying God? Do you want to glorify God with all you do in your life?  Please take a few moments to mediate upon the glorious words of Mary’s Song:

“My soul glorifies the Lord
      and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,
for he has been mindful
      of the humble state of his servant.
From now on all generations will call me blessed,
      for the Mighty One has done great things for me–
      holy is his name.
His mercy extends to those who fear him,
      from generation to generation.
He has performed mighty deeds with his arm;
      he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts.
He has brought down rulers from their thrones
      but has lifted up the humble.
He has filled the hungry with good things
      but has sent the rich away empty.
He has helped his servant Israel,
      remembering to be merciful
to Abraham and his descendants forever,
      even as he said to our fathers.”

Bible.org’s commentary on Luke chapter 1 titled “The Worship of Two Women” is at this link.

I love Zechariah’s prophecy in today’s readings in Luke chapter 1!  In particular verses 76-79 when speaking about his son John the Baptist: “And you, my little son, will be called the prophet of the Most High, because you will prepare the way for the Lord. You will tell his people how to find salvation through forgiveness of their sins. Because of God’s tender mercy, the light from heaven is about to break upon us, to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, and to guide us to the path of peace.””  Amen!  Below is Leonardo Da Vinci’s portrait of John the Baptist from the year 1516:

Bible.org’s commentary on our readings in Luke today titled “Why John Was Not Named ‘Little Zach’” is at this link.

Okay, any fans out there of Charlie Brown’s Christmas Special recognize anything here from Luke chapter 2?? 🙂  Yes, indeed, Linus’ speech to Charlie Brown about the meaning of Christmas comes straight from the KJV of this chapter, Luke 2:8-14.  Great speech Linus! 

One thing that seems to be standing out to me quite a bit in reading Luke this year is how much Luke writes about Mary.   I like how Luke gives us a little bit more of a glimpse of the mother of Jesus in his Gospel.  We saw this obviously in our readings 2 days ago about the Magnificat.  And then today we read about Mary listening to the shepherds’ words in verse 19: “Mary quietly treasured these things in her heart and thought about them often.”  And then in verses 34 & 35 today we read: “Then Simeon blessed them, and he said to Mary, “This child will be rejected by many in Israel, and it will be their undoing. But he will be the greatest joy to many others. Thus, the deepest thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your very soul.””  This last sentence of Simeon’s seems to be the first glimpse of Jesus’ suffering and death that will come later in his life….  Here’s a nice image of Simeon holding Jesus:

Bible.org commentary on Luke chapter 2 titled “The Birth of the Messiah” is at this link, and “Acclamations of the Birth of Christ” is at this link.

YouTube – Based on my reference above to Linus telling Charlie Brown about the true meaning of Christmas in Luke Chapter 2, here’s the clip:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eff0cqYefYY

Do you know the true meaning of Christmas? Click here for your Christmas today!

Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture today: “But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart.” Luke 2:19 NIV

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 1:1; Luke 1:1-4; John 1:1-18; Matthew 1:1-17; Luke 3:23-38; Luke 1:5-38
~ Click here to read today’s Scripture on Bible Gateway ~
~ Listen to today’s Scripture with The ESV Bible ~

Today we begin the New Testament!! I’ll highlight each of the 4 Gospels overviews these next 3 days, starting with Luke today.

Author: Luke
Place: Perhaps Caesarea
Date: A.D. 60-65
Content: Luke was a physician and a traveling companion of the Apostle Paul. He wrote his Gospel for a cultured Greek named Theophilus in order to show the true humanity of Jesus and his place in history. For this reason Luke was careful to examine all the evidence very carefully and give precise dates for the events that took place. He begins with an account of Jesus’ virgin birth, giving many details not found elsewhere. Jesus’ Galilean ministry is described, followed by a lengthy account of Jesus’ trip to Jerusalem. After Jesus’ death and resurrection, the disciples are left rejoicing, waiting for the promised power of God from heaven to fill them.
Theme: Whereas Matthew shows Jesus to be the Jewish Messiah and Mark shows Jesus as the servant of God, Luke depicts Jesus as the perfect God-man whose genealogy may be traced back to Adam. Jesus is the greatest man in history and is placed within the flow of world events by Luke. He is the greatest man because of what he taught, what he did, why he died – and because he rose again from the dead. For this reason we ought to accept him as our Lord. (Above commentary is from Tyndale Publishers “The One Year Bible Companion” p. 22) More commentary on the Gospel of Luke is at this link.  Below is “Saint Luke” from an illuminated manuscript, circa 1130:

You’ll notice that Luke’s genealogy in chapter 3 today is different from the genealogy in Matthew chapter 1 in a couple of ways: 1.  Matthew starts with Abraham and goes to Jesus & Luke starts with Jesus and goes all the way back to Adam.  This was done by Luke to show Jesus’ relationship to the entire human race.  Matthew focused more on Jesus’ relationship with the Jews by going back to Abraham.  2. Matthew traces Jesus legal genealogy through his father Joseph back to Solomon son of David, while Luke traces Jesus bloodline through his mother Mary back to Nathan son of David.  This is an interesting slight distinction.  Line up Luke & Matthew’s genealogies and you’ll see the differences in the names between David & Jesus.  Below is an image of Luke’s genealogy of Jesus, from the Book of Kells transcribed by Celtic monks circa 800:

Bible.org’s commentary on the genealogy of Jesus is at this link.

In today’s Matthew readings, we read the genealogy of Jesus. I know that genealogy’s can sometimes seem a bit boring to read, but this one in Matthew is phenomenal!  If you just finished reading the One Year Bible this past year, you will recognize many of these names.  Or – let me encourage you to come back and read this genealogy again on January 1st of next year, if you are going through the entire Bible for your first time this year.  This genealogy will amaze you.  One of the interesting things to note in this genealogy is the mention of 5 women – Tamar, Rahab, Ruth, Bathsheba, and Mary.  It was not the norm in the 1st century to list women in genealogies – only men were typically listed.  At least 3 of these women were Gentiles (not Jewish) – Tamara, Rahab, and Ruth.  Matthew was potentially trying to indicate to his Jewish readers that God’s work in this world is not limited to the people of Israel – nor was God’s work limited to men.   The genealogy in Matthew is sometimes illustrated by a “Jesse Tree” showing the lineage of Jesus from Jesse, father of King David:

Today in John Chapter 1 verse 14 we read – “The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.”  Do you believe that Jesus is the Word John is referring to?  What does this mean to you that the Word became flesh?  Do you believe that Jesus was born into this world both fully divine and fully human (yet sinless)?  Why would God send Jesus, full of light, grace and truth into the world?  Why was this necessary?

Today in John Chapter 1 verses 10 & 11 we read – “He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him. He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him.”  Do you believe that the world was made through Jesus?  Do you believe the world is Jesus’ own?  Have you ever gone through periods in your life where you have not recognized Jesus for who he truly is? ( I know that I have) Have you gone through periods of your life where Jesus has come to you and you did not receive him? ( Again, I know that I have) As you read through the Gospel of John this year will you prayerfully read it?  Will you ask God to reveal to you through John’s Gospel who Jesus really is? And will you ask God to make Jesus more known to you this year than ever before? Do you believe this is possible – for you to know Jesus more this year than in your prior years?  Do you believe the Gospel of John and prayer can help you to truly know Jesus more?

Bible.org’s commentary on our readings in John today titled “What Child is This?” is at this link.

Worship Video:  Today’s genealogies reminded me of “Matthew’s Begats” by Andrew Peterson:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=snURV57_tjo

Do you know our God of genealogies?  Click here to meet Him!

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!

Malachi 2:10-4:6; Joel 1:1-3:21
~ Click here to read today’s Scripture on Bible Gateway ~
~ Listen to today’s Scripture with The ESV Bible ~

Today we finish the book of the prophet Malachi!  The first half of Malachi chapter 3 verse 1 is prophesying 400 years in advance of the coming of John the Baptist, who will prepare people’s hearts for Jesus by preaching repentance of sins: ““Look! I am sending my messenger, and he will prepare the way before me.” This is a great thing to reflect on as we close out one year and begin anew.  Do we need a messenger from God to encourage us to repent from our sins?  Will we listen to that messenger and make way for the coming of Jesus into our hearts and lives?  The second half of verse 1 then prophesies that Jesus is indeed coming to usher in the new covenant, or the new testament: “The messenger of the covenant, whom you look for so eagerly, is surely coming,” says the LORD Almighty.”  The Good News for us today is that Jesus has come already for the forgiveness of sins and Jesus is coming again in glory!

Art used by permission by Pat Marvenko Smith, copyright 1992.
To order prints visit her “Revelation Illustrated” site.

Verse 2 tells us this about Jesus: “For he will be like a blazing fire that refines metal or like a strong soap that whitens clothes.”  Will you allow Jesus to refine you through his holy fire?  And make you pure through his holy soap?  (Okay, I realize this is a bit cheesy wording here – has anyone ever called Jesus holy soap before?? 🙂 Actually, would you believe it – I found an image of “Jesus soap” online, as you’ll see below! How this all ties into our Malachi readings today I’ve lost track of… I apologize for my end-of-year giddiness… 🙂

Verses 6 & 7 are so powerful for us to reflect upon: “”I am the LORD, and I do not change. That is why you descendants of Jacob are not already completely destroyed. Ever since the days of your ancestors, you have scorned my laws and failed to obey them. Now return to me, and I will return to you,” says the LORD Almighty.”  As I reflect back upon our One Year Bible readings this year, it is so true that God does not change.  He has shown so much compassion over and over again to the Israelites in the Old Testament.  And he continues to show so much compassion to us today over and over again.  In light of God’s holy and unchanging love and compassion for us, will we return to Him?  As you look back on our Bible readings this year, do you agree with God’s statement here that He does not change?

Verse 10 is one of my favorites and one of the most challenging in the Bible: “Bring all the tithes into the storehouse so there will be enough food in my Temple. If you do,” says the LORD Almighty, “I will open the windows of heaven for you. I will pour out a blessing so great you won’t have enough room to take it in! Try it! Let me prove it to you!”   This verse has and will continue to be interpreted so many ways.  Check out the NIV translation of Malachi 3:10 (slightly different than the NLT version above) – “Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,” says the LORD Almighty, “and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that you will not have room enough for it.”   It is very rare in the Bible that God says “test me” and follows it up with an incredible promise of a blessing.  This year, will you test God with a tithe?  This year, will you trust God with your tithe?

Chapter 4 verse 2 makes me smile with the metaphor of us being compared to a calf frolicking in a field: “But for you who fear my name, the Sun of Righteousness will rise with healing in his wings. And you will go free, leaping with joy like calves let out to pasture.”  Do you want to be set free?  Truly free from your burdens and doing things that you do not want to do?  Will you entrust your life to the Sun (Son?) of Righteousness, Jesus?   And then – are you looking forward to leaping with joy like a calf let out to pasture??  🙂   I love this metaphor…  it will stick with me.

Bible.org’s commentary on today’s readings in Malachi titled “God’s Justice and Faithfulness” is at this link and “Preparing for the Day of the Lord” is at this link.

Today we start and finish the book of Joel!  The book is basically about locusts.  🙂  Well, okay, more than that.  This book was written by pretty much an unknown author.  There are 12 other Joel’s mentioned in the Old Testament, and none are thought to be this book’s author.  Joel’s name means “The Lord is God” or “Yahweh is God.”  Not a bad name eh!  This name is actually the reverse of Elijah – “God is Lord/Yahweh”.   Different commentators estimate that this book was probably written between the 8th and 5th centuries B.C.  And, yes, since you know I like images on this blog, will you please indulge me in one locust swarm picture? 🙂

~ Joel ~
Author: Joel
Date: Ninth century B.C.
Content: This beautifully written book uses a plague of locusts to describe symbolically God’s coming judgment on Jerusalem. Just as locusts devour the land, so will the enemy armies devour Jerusalem unless the nation repents of its sins. If the people do respond, there will be a time of prosperity and a return of God’s favor. God’s favor is seen as going beyond the immediate future to a time when God would pour out his Holy Spirit upon all flesh. The New Testament sees this as being fulfilled at Pentecost.
Theme: Joel’s message is one of coming judgment if Jerusalem does not repent. Just as surely as the locusts strip the trees bar, so will God strip bare the land. Joel also speaks of coming prosperity, and final blessing, if the people respond in faith. (Above commentary is from “The One Year Bible Companion” pp. 15-16)  A wonderful commentary on the book of Joel by Hampton Keathley IV is at this link.  Below is an image of Joel prophesying when Israel had just been struck by two plagues – locusts and drought – from a 14th century illuminated Bible:

Joel chapter 2 verse 13 stood out to me in today’s readings: “Don’t tear your clothing in your grief; instead, tear your hearts. Return to the LORD your God, for he is gracious and merciful. He is not easily angered. He is filled with kindness and is eager not to punish you.” I like that – tear your hearts.  One of my favorite musicians, David Wilcox, often talks and sings about hearts not working right – until they are broken.  I think he’s actually preaching the Gospel message with this thinking.   When we finally get to the point of surrendering our lives to Jesus, we come with broken-open hearts.  Hearts that have been torn.  We’ve given up our pride.  We’re reading for God to fill our hearts instead.  And as this verse tells us – God is gracious and merciful.  Has your heart been torn for God?

Joel chapter 2 verses 28-32 are amazing!  “”Then after I have poured out my rains again, I will pour out my Spirit upon all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy. Your old men will dream dreams. Your young men will see visions. In those days, I will pour out my Spirit even on servants, men and women alike. I will cause wonders in the heavens and on the earth–blood and fire and pillars of smoke. The sun will be turned into darkness, and the moon will turn bloodred before that great and terrible day of the LORD arrives. And anyone who calls on the name of the LORD will be saved. There will be people on Mount Zion in Jerusalem who escape, just as the LORD has said. These will be among the survivors whom the LORD has called.”  I didn’t realize until recently that these verses were quoted by Peter on the day of Pentecost – seven weeks after Jesus’ resurrection – in the book of Acts.  Check out the similarities at this link, Acts Chapter 2 verses 16-21.  Back to Joel chapter 2 verse 29: “In those days, I will pour out my Spirit even on servants, men and women alike.”  We are in those days…  Has God’s Spirit been poured out upon you?  Into your heart?

Worship Video: Today’s readings reminded me of Josh Wilson’s song, “Carry Me:”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9huooelamNA

Is God carrying you?  Click here and be carried!

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!