Sermon Notes; a Daily Devotional

Matthew 20:22 "But Jesus answered and said, Ye know not what ye ask. Are ye able to drink of the cup that I shall drink of, and to be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with? They say unto him, We are able." These are some "RIDE OR DIE" guys! They want to go the distance for their Rabbi. Their mother came to Jesus pridefully asking for HER sons to receive the highest of honors, the loftyist positions in Jesus's "royal court." Her eyes seem to be filled with thoughts of pomp and grandeur! She wants her boys to be successful. She doesn't understand what Jesus has been teaching. She doesn't understand what Jesus has been doing. Jesus knows this. "Ye know not what ye ask." Her response is oblivious to Jesus's coming arrest, torture and crucifixion. She can't be asking for her boys to go through that! That is not what she wants. When Jesus asked her "What is it you want?" If Jesus were to ask you this question w...

Matthew 20:21 "21 And He said unto her, What wilt thou? She saith unto Him, Grant that these my two sons may sit, the one on Thy right hand, and the other on the left, in Thy kingdom." "What is it you want?" A question we all need to answer. In these verses it's obvious that Jesus knows why He is going to Jerusalem. Jesus told His Disciples in detail. Somehow they don't understand. The mother of James and John asked Jesus "Grant that these my two sons may sit, the one on Thy right hand, and the other on the left, in Thy kingdom." Jesus has been exceedingly generous to James and John. The family has embraced and sacrificed to help the ministry grow. Their mother pridefully asked for HER sons to receive the highest of honors, the loftyist positions in Jesus's "royal court." Her eyes seem to be filled with thoughts of pomp and grandeur! She doesn't understand what Jesus has been teaching. She doesn't understand what Jesus has bee...

Matthew 20:19&20 "19 And shall deliver Him to the Gentiles to mock, and to scourge, and to crucify Him: and the third day He shall rise again. 20 Then came to Him the mother of Zebedee's children with her sons, worshipping Him, and desiring a certain thing of Him." We are studying the questions that Jesus asked. This week we will study Jesus's question "What is it you want?" A question asked of two of the Disciple's mother. And, a question we all need to answer. In the verses we are reading, it's obvious that Jesus knows why He is going to Jerusalem, He was going to the cross. Jesus told His Disciples this. In yesterday's verse He said He would be betrayed, and the chief priests would CONDEMN Him to DEATH! In today's verses He tells His Disciples MORE details. "And shall deliver Him to the Gentiles to mock, and to scourge, and to CRUCIFY Him: and the THIRD day He shall RISE again." Somehow they don't understand. What Jesus w...

Matthew 20:17&18 "17 And Jesus going up to Jerusalem took the twelve disciples apart in the way, and said unto them, 18 Behold, we go up to Jerusalem; and the Son of man shall be betrayed unto the chief priests and unto the scribes, and they shall condemn Him to death," We are studying the questions that Jesus asked. Last week was "Do you see anything?" We learned about spiritual blindness. Before that was "Where are your accusers?" We learned about forgiving one another. Before that was "Why did you doubt?" We learned about FAITH and TRUST in our Lord and Savior. Before that was "Who acted like a NEIGHBOR to this victim?" As we learned to be GOOD SAMARITANS! Before that was "What is thy name?" Teaching us about the labels and names we are given and how they do and don't define us. Before that was "Who is Jesus to you?" The CORRECT answer requires us to acknowledge Jesus as the Messiah, the Son of God, and t...

John 8:12 "Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life." Jesus is the light of the world! As He stated in today's verse. This week we studied how Jesus cured the blind man. And, how He gives everyone sight to believe. If someone is struggling in spiritual darkness, it's because they have rejected God’s truth. Even if we can see perfectly well, if we have no LIGHT we are as good as blind. As the Light of the World, Jesus, embodies enlightenment, wisdom, Divinity, the presence of God, joy and Truth. All part of Him being the Son of God, our Lord and Savior. Jesus shines forth His glory, character, and truth, offering hope and illumination to all who follow Him. It's all summed up in Jesus’ declaration, “I am the Light of the World!”

2 Kings 6:17 "And Elisha prayed, and said, LORD, I pray thee, open his eyes, that he may see. And the LORD opened the eyes of the young man; and he saw: and, behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire round about Elisha." Jesus healed the blind man. Now, the blind man sees clearly. While this was an actual event where physical blindness was reversed. We can also see this as a metaphor for spiritual blindness, which Jesus heals also. In this metaphor, we are the people bringing the blind to Jesus. Jesus hears your prayers. He is the only one who can open the eyes of a spiritually blind person. Jesus will touch them and heal them. We can have conversations with the blind, but it's Jesus who will open their eyes. We have a part to play, being them and beg for them. We want to see Jesus as He is and not how the world sees Him. Today, people like to think of Jesus as a teacher and a wise man, not as the Son of God. We want to open our eyes to the FACT that He...

Mark 8:24 "And he looked up, and said, I see men as trees, walking." The people who brought the blind man believed Jesus would heal his sight. The Disciples believed Jesus would heal his sight. When Jesus gets His hands on the blind man, the healing begins. Jesus asks him "Do you see anything?" Jesus is easing the man into sight. A little bit at a time. Jesus opens eyes. The blind man says "I see men as trees, walking." We are the people bringing the blind to Jesus. Jesus hears your prayers. He is the only one who can open the eyes of the spiritually blind person. Jesus will touch them and heal them. We can have conversations with the blind but it's Jesus who will open their eyes. We have a part to play, being them and beg for them. 

Mark 8:23 "And He took the blind man by the hand, and led him out of the town; and when He had spit on his eyes, and put His hands upon him, He asked him if he saw ought." We are studying the questions that Jesus asked. We are in the Gospel of Mark. Jesus and His Disciples arrived in Bethsaida. It's a small fishing village located on the northeastern shore of the Sea of Galilee. This was the hometown of three of Jesus’ disciples: Peter, Andrew, and Philip. As they are arriving here, people bring forward a blind man pleading with Jesus to heal him. "And He took the blind man by the hand, and led him out of the town; and when He had spit on his eyes, and put His hands upon him, He asked him if he saw ought." The people who brought the blind man believed Jesus would heal his sight. The Disciples believed Jesus would heal his sight. When Jesus gets His hands on the blind man, the healing begins. Jesus asks him "Do you see anything?" Jesus is easing the man...

Mark 8:22 "And He cometh to Bethsaida; and they bring a blind man unto Him, and besought Him to touch him." We are studying the questions that Jesus asked. Last week we read about the woman caught in adultery and Jesus asking her "Where are your accusers?" It's worth paying attention to the fact that Jesus doesn't ask questions because He doesn't know anything. Jesus isn't hoping to learn from the answer. A lot of the time, Jesus asks questions as a way for the hearers to notice something or understand a larger lesson.  Today we turn to the Gospel of Mark. Jesus and His Disciples arrived in Bethsaida. It's a small fishing village located on the northeastern shore of the Sea of Galilee. This was the hometown of three of Jesus’ disciples: Peter, Andrew, and Philip. As they are arriving here, people bring forward a blind man pleading with Jesus to heal him.

Ephesians 4:32 "And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you." "Where are your accusers?" Jesus asked the woman that the scribes and Pharisees wanted to stone to death. They all left her alone with Jesus. One day we will all be in her position, alone with Jesus, and all our accusers will have walked away. Until then, we need to take today's verse to heart and make the here and now a better place. Keep in mind that we are often our own worst "accuser." We might even withhold forgiveness from ourselves. We need to reset the past. We can't change it. No one should condemn you, not even you. We might need to forgive GOD. We can be bitter over a death, an illness or some other way, we feel that God let us down. We often struggle with God. God can take our questions and fears. We need to ask GOD our questions and then surrender to His will. We need to forgive others. We are sinne...

John 8:10&11 "10 When Jesus had lifted up Himself, and saw none but the woman, He said unto her, Woman, where are those thine accusers? hath no man condemned thee? 11 She said, No man, Lord. And Jesus said unto her, Neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more." "Has no one condemned you?" Jesus asks. This blessed woman was about to be killed. The scribes and Pharisees wanted her to be stoned for committing adultery. The motivation of the scribes and Pharisees was not glorifying God. They could NOT cast a stone with a clear conscience. The most prestigious among them left first. And, they all left. Giving everyone a clear idea of how exceedingly corrupt people are. Now, the woman is alone with Jesus, and He asks, "Where are your accusers?" They have all left.  We wish it was this easy. We wish our "accusers" would leave us alone. If we were honest with ourselves, we are too often our own worst "accuser." We might even withhold for...

John 8:9 "9 And they which heard it, being convicted by their own conscience, went out one by one, beginning at the eldest, even unto the last: and Jesus was left alone, and the woman standing in the midst." "LEFT ALONE." Jesus told them "He that is WITHOUT SIN among you, let him first cast a stone at her." The scribes and Pharisees had drug in this unfortunate woman they caught in the act of adultery. (The man is conspicuously absent.) They were pressuring Jesus to say she needs to be stoned according to Mosaic law. Jesus bowed down and wrote something in the dirt. We don't know what. The motivation of the scribes and Pharisees was not glorifying God. They had their own selfish agenda. They were abusing the Law, this poor woman, and the community by their actions. All just to catch Jesus in some legal and philosophical trap. AND! It did not work. While the scribes and Pharisees were a FIERCE opposition, they were also intellectually honorable. They we...

John 8:7&8 "7 So when they continued asking Him, He lifted up Himself, and said unto them, He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her. 8 And again He stooped down, and wrote on the ground." Don't miss the tension and stress on display here. Jesus came to the Temple to teach. The scribes and Pharisees have drug in a unfortunate woman they caught in the act of adultery. (The man is conspicuously absent.) They are pressuring Jesus to say she needs to be stoned according to Mosiac law. Everyone needs to take a deep breath and count to ten. Jesus bowed down and wrote something in the dirt. We don't know what. Possibly, it was a stalling tactic to give everyone some time to think about it. Maybe cool down the emotions. "So when they continued asking Him, He lifted up Himself, and said unto them, He that is WITHOUT SIN among you, let him first cast a stone at her. And again He stooped down, and wrote on the ground." The motivation of th...

John 8:6 "6 This they said, tempting Him, that they might have to accuse Him. But Jesus stooped down, and with His finger wrote on the ground, as though He heard them not." The scribes and Pharisees conspired to teach Jesus a lesson. They have brought forward a woman caught in the act of adultery. Conspicuously absent is her "partner in crime." It takes two to tango. The scribes and Pharisees are trying to trap Jesus. They think they have presented Him with a loose-loose opportunity. If He answers that she should be stoned, it would put Him on a collision course with the Roman Empire. On the other hand, if Jesus did not hold the adulterer accountable, they would charge Him with breaking the Law! They would take Him to the Sanhedrin, saying He is a false Messiah. Today's verse gives us one a mystery. What did Jesus write in the dirt? Was it the Ten Commandments? Implying the sins of the men present? Was it the name of the man from the adulterous relationship? Was...

John 8:4&5 "4 They say unto Him, Master, this woman was taken in adultery, in the very act. 5 Now Moses in the law commanded us, that such should be stoned: but what sayest thou?" We should never doubt Jesus. Sometimes, however, it is good to doubt people. Jesus has shown up at the Temple to offer some lessons. The scribes and Pharisees conspired to teach Jesus a lesson. They have brought forward a woman caught in the act of adultery. Conspicuously absent is her "partner in crime." It takes two to tango. Just what are the scribes and Pharisees up to? Scholars argue about the punishment here of stoning being the correct "law." Some say strangulation would be the correct punishment. I think they might be missing the point. The scribes and Pharisees are trying to trap Jesus. They think they have presented Him with a loose-loose opportunity. If He answers that she should be stoned, many people would be furious with Him. The immorality of Rome had spread th...

John 8:2&3 "2 And early in the morning He came again into the temple, and all the people came unto Him; and He sat down, and taught them. 3 And the scribes and Pharisees brought unto Him a woman taken in adultery; and when they had set her in the midst," Last week we studied doubts. While we should never doubt Jesus. We need to continually seek God through Bible study and prayer. We must attend a local Church of believers to be nourished by biblical preaching and have fellowship. Trust and belief in what we learn from Holy Scriptures is exceedingly good. Sometimes, however, it is good to doubt.  Today we return to the Gospel of John to read the record of a tension-filled event. Jesus has shown up at the Temple to offer some lessons. The scribes and Pharisees conspired to teach Jesus a lesson. They have brought forward a woman caught in the act of adultery. Conspicuously absent is her "partner in crime." It takes two to tango. Just what are the scribes and Pharis...

Psalms 22:1 "My God, my God, why hast Thou forsaken me? why art Thou so far from helping me, and from the words of my roaring?" This past week, we studied Jesus asking Peter "Why did you doubt?" As Peter sank into the stormy waters of the Sea of Galilee, which he walked on. While walking on water is unique, doubting is NOT. It is very common. We might even consider it part of the human condition.  Since it's natural for our minds to doubt, fear and question what the Bible says rather than simply believe. We want to overcome doubt. Christians should continually seek God through Bible study and prayer. We should attend a local Church of believers to be nourished by biblical preaching and have fellowship with like-minded believers. So, the doubtful mind can and will become increasingly stable. Rest in the assurance that we are all children of GOD.  And, our doubts, fears and questions are nothing new. Today's verses, written by Kind David, about three thousand ...

Matthew 14:32&33 "32 And when they were come into the ship, the wind ceased. 33 Then they that were in the ship came and worshipped Him, saying, Of a truth thou art the Son of God." JESUS is the Son of GOD. This is the only conclusion the witnesses to this event could come to. He calmed the storm. He walked on water. Distance did not keep Him from saving His Disciples. These things were recorded for you and me to believe also. Don't forget PETER WALKED ON WATER, too! Jesus wanted Peter to walk on water! It had to be the coolest thing he had ever done. Jesus was encouraging him along the way. Peter had GREAT faith to go as far as he did! When he was aware of what he was doing he faltered and sank. And Jesus caught him and asked him "Why did you doubt?" Jesus might ask you and me the same question. Jesus will encourage us along the way. Life is dangerous, like a stormy sea. Step out of your boat. Walk on the water with Jesus. Life and the storm are frightening...

Matthew 14:30&31 "30 But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me. 31 And immediately Jesus stretched forth His hand, and caught him, and said unto him, O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt?" PETER WALKED ON WATER! The Disciple, the fisherman, the ordinary human being! He is with Jesus in the storm. Stepping on the surface of the water! This is mind-blowing! The other Disciples are witnesses to this event! Their excitement has to be off the charts!  And then, today's verses. "But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me. And immediately Jesus stretched forth His hand, and caught him, and said unto him, O thou of little faith, WHEREFORE DIDST THOU DOUBT?" Jesus wanted Peter to walk on water! And he did, briefly! Jesus said “come.” Peter walked on water! It had to be the coolest thing he had ever done. If only he could have ...

Matthew 14:28&29 "28 And Peter answered Him and said, Lord, if it be Thou, bid me come unto Thee on the water. 29 And He said, Come. And when Peter was come down out of the ship, he walked on the water, to go to Jesus." Jesus rushed over to save His Disciples. He was on a secluded mountain top miles away. He was trying to get some downtime after feeding five thousand people. Now, a storm in the Sea of Galilee is threatening to sink the Disciples ship! This is some superhero type of action! When they see Jesus walking on the stormy waters, they don't even recognize Him. It was terrifying to be in a storm, in a ship about to sink, and see a person walking on the water towards you! Jesus told them "Be NOT afraid." This event has been amazing, so far. But, look at what happened next! "And Peter answered Him and said, Lord, if it be Thou, bid me come unto Thee on the water. And He said, Come. And when Peter was come down out of the ship, HE WALKED ON the WAT...

Matthew 14:26&27 "26 And when the disciples saw Him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, It is a spirit; and they cried out for fear. 27 But straightway Jesus spake unto them, saying, Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid." "Be NOT afraid." This is Jesus's message to His Disciples when they see Him doing ANOTHER incredible thing. Jesus is walking on water! He rushed over to save them. He was on a secluded mountain top miles away. He was trying to get some downtime after feeding five thousand people. But, it was not to be. Now, a storm in the Sea of Galilee is threatening to sink the Disciples ship! This is some superhero type of action! It's definitely supernatural and unprecedented! From our perspective, we can see that Jesus is the Son of God. It makes sense to us that He can walk on water. His Disciples knew Jesus as a man, a teacher and a friend. When they see Him walking on the stormy waters they don't even recognize Him. "the...

Matthew 14:24&25 "24 But the ship was now in the midst of the sea, tossed with waves: for the wind was contrary. 25 And in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went unto them, walking on the sea." We are reading in the Gospel of Matthew to study a miraculous moment and learn from a very important question that Jesus asks. At the beginning of this chapter, Jesus learned of King Herod beheading His cousin, John the Baptizer. Jesus went on to feed the 5,000 people with five loaves of bread and two fish. After ALL this, Jesus sought out a little time alone. "He went up into a mountain apart to pray: and when the evening was come, He was THERE ALONE." But not for long. The Disciples are in trouble! "But the ship was now in the midst of the sea, tossed with waves: for the wind was contrary. And in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went unto them, WALKING ON THE SEA." Think about this. Jesus was on top of a mountain and the Disciples were in the middle of th...

Matthew 14:22&23 "22 And straightway Jesus constrained His disciples to get into a ship, and to go before Him unto the other side, while He sent the multitudes away. 23 And when He had sent the multitudes away, He went up into a mountain apart to pray: and when the evening was come, He was there alone." Last week we studied the parable of the Good Samaritan. Jesus's ending point was "Go, and do thou likewise." Telling us to show mercy, compassion and sacrificial generosity. We need to help the least and lowest, like we were helping Jesus.  Yesterday, we read from the Gospel of Luke where Jesus prayed for Peter's FAITH. Even praying for Peter's conversion! Then The Son of God asked Peter to "strengthen thy brethren" as he was building the Church.  The Holy Scriptures are a very rich resource for our knowledge and experience of the FAITH walk with Jesus. The hopes and prayers that Jesus has for Peter, Jesus has them for you and me, too!!! Jes...

Luke 22:31&32 "31 And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat: 32 But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren." Think about it, Simon Peter needed to be "converted." We are used to thinking about him as the founding father of the Christian church. And! Jesus prayed for him. Our Lord and Savior praying for Peter's FAITH. The Son of God asking Peter to "strengthen thy brethren." Amazing thoughts to read about and contemplate. Now, for the real mind blower, these hopes and prayers, that Jesus has for Peter, Jesus has them for you and me, too!!! Jesus wants us to be His followers. He wants our FAITH to be strong, and He wants us to strengthen one another. This past week we studied the parable of the Good Samaritan. At the end of it, Jesus got the expert in the law to admit that the Samaritan was the good neighbor. And! Jesus told him...

Matthew 25:37-40 "37 Then shall the righteous answer Him, saying, Lord, when saw we Thee an hungred, and fed Thee? or thirsty, and gave Thee drink? 38 When saw we Thee a stranger, and took Thee in? or naked, and clothed Thee? 39 Or when saw we Thee sick, or in prison, and came unto Thee? 40 And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these My brethren, ye have done it unto Me." "Go, and do thou likewise." is what Jesus said to an expert in Old Testament law after telling the parable of the Good Samaritan. Jesus is saying BE LIKE the Good Samaritan! Show mercy, compassion and sacrificial generosity! This was a slap in the face to this self-righteous Jew. This standard is not reserved for this type of Pharisee only. Jesus wants us all to be GOOD NEIGHBORS. Jesus demands that we feed the hungry, quench the thirsty, take in the homeless, clothe the naked, heal the sick, visit the prisoners, hel...

Luke 10:36&37 "36 Which now of these three, thinkest thou, was neighbour unto him that fell among the thieves? 37 And he said, He that shewed mercy on him. Then said Jesus unto him, Go, and do thou likewise." "Who acted like a NEIGHBOR to this victim?" Jesus asked the expert in Old Testament law. The victim was attacked by thieves and left for dead. A PRIEST, a LEVITE and a SAMARITAN all pass by. But only the Samaritan "had compassion on him." The SAMARITAN went above and beyond! He performed first aid. He used his beast of burden to carry the nearly dead victim. Took the victim to an inn, where he continues to administer care. And, then arranged to pay the expenses incurred at the inn. While the victim heals and recovers. The Samaritan uses ALL he has to help this victim he found lying on the side of the road. When Jesus asks "Which now of these three, thinkest thou, was neighbour unto him that fell among the thieves?" It's a loaded ques...

Luke 10:34&35 "34 And went to him, and bound up his wounds, pouring in oil and wine, and set him on his own beast, and brought him to an inn, and took care of him. 35 And on the morrow when he departed, he took out two pence, and gave them to the host, and said unto him, Take care of him; and whatsoever thou spendest more, when I come again, I will repay thee." Jesus is telling the parable of the Good Samaritan. We are paying attention to the questions He asked. An expert in Old Testament law asked Jesus, "WHO is my neighbor?" To answer this question, Jesus begins the parable of the Good Samaritan. "A certain man..." was attacked by theives and left for dead. A PRIEST, a LEVITE and a SAMARITAN all pass by. But only the Samaritan "had compassion on him." This flew in the face of all the first listeners to this parable. Samaritans were thought of as lower than low and the last person a Jew would think would help. In today's verses we read t...

Luke 10:31-33 "31 And by chance there came down a certain priest that way: and when he saw him, he passed by on the other side. 32 And likewise a Levite, when he was at the place, came and looked on him, and passed by on the other side. 33 But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was: and when he saw him, he had compassion on him," We are paying attention to the questions Jesus asks as He tells the parable of the Good Samaritan. Jesus asked the expert in Old Testament law, "What is written in the law? how readest thou?" He did NOT share his interpretation of the law. He did NOT offer any expert insights on the subject. Being evasive and wanting to justify himself, he asks Jesus, "WHO is my neighbor?" To answer this question, Jesus begins the parable of the Good Samaritan. "A certain man..." was attacked by theives and left for dead. In today's verses we read that a priest, a Levite and a Samaritan all pass by. But only the Sama...

Luke 10:29&30 "29 But he, willing to justify himself, said unto Jesus, And who is my neighbour? 30 And Jesus answering said, A certain man went down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among thieves, which stripped him of his raiment, and wounded him, and departed, leaving him half dead." We are paying attention to the questions Jesus asks as He tells one of His most famous parables. An expert in Old Testament law asked, "What shall I do to inherit eternal life?" Jesus flipped the question back to the expert by asking, "What is written in the law? how readest thou?" Or, "you can answer your own question." So, to speak. The expert recites The Shama. He did NOT share his interpretation of the law. He did NOT offer any expert insights on the subject. The Shema is commonly known and used. This "expert" has NOT impressed anyone, so far. And, in today's verse, he asks another question, which he should have known the answer. "But ...

Luke 10:27&28 "27 And he answering said, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbour as thyself. 28 And He said unto him, Thou hast answered right: this do, and thou shalt live." We are about to read a very familiar parable that Jesus told. We are going to pay attention to the questions He asks along the way. An expert in Old Testament law, maybe a Pharisee, asks, "What shall I do to inherit eternal life?" He did not ask this because he didn't know. He asked because he was trying to catch Jesus on a technicality. This was a common question in Jesus's day. One that was taught in Jewish synagogues. Jesus doesn't recite the answer, He asks another question, "What is written in the law? how readest thou?" To paraphrase, "you're an expert in the Law, you can answer your own question." What the expert recites in today's verse is c...