Sermon Notes; a Daily Devotional

John 1:47 "Jesus saw Nathanael coming to Him, and saith of him, Behold an Israelite indeed, in whom is no guile!" The word "guile" refers to cunning or deceitful behavior, and Jesus affirms that Nathanael is free from this character. Jesus recognizes Nathanael's genuine and sincere nature. In a world filled with deceit and falsehood, Nathanael stands out as someone who is authentic and sincere in his faith. By calling Nathanael an "Israelite," Jesus is affirming his connection to the heritage and faith of his ancestors. This shows the continuity and fulfillment of God's plan throughout history, as the message of the gospel is passed down from generation to generation. In the pervious verse, Nathanael had expressed skepticism about Jesus, questioning whether anything good could come out of Nazareth. Jesus is changing Nathanael's perception. Jesus sees beyond outward appearances and into the hearts of individuals. Jesus CHOOSES His students. ...

John 1:46 "And Nathanael said unto him, Can there any good thing come out of Nazareth? Philip saith unto him, Come and see." Jesus CHOOSES His students. Usually a student CHOOSES the teacher. In the verses we are reading, Jesus has already called Andrew and Simon, who He renamed Peter. Jesus decided to go to Galilee and found Philip, saying to him, "Follow me". And Philip does. Philip then shared the Good News with Nathanael. They knew the Holy Scriptures and the prophecies. Philip is trying to convince Nathaniel that Jesus is the Messiah! Nathaniel is not buying it. In today's verse, "Can there any good thing come out of Nazareth?" Nathaniel's response is prejudice against anyone important coming from Nazareth. Instead of arguing or debating, Phillip simply invited him to meet Jesus for himself. "Come and see."

John 1:45 "45 Philip findeth Nathanael, and saith unto him, We have found Him, of whom Moses in the law, and the prophets, did write, Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph." We have started a new series about Jesus calling His followers. Titled "Follow Me," we are going to see how different our Lord and Savior IS. "Discipleship" is usually a student following a teacher. In our world, the STUDENT CHOOSES the teacher. In Jesus's situation, He CHOSE His students. Some responded right away and some needed convincing. In the verses we are reading, Jesus has already called Andrew and Simon, who He renamed Peter. Jesus decided to go to Galilee and found Philip, saying to him, "Follow me". Notice Jesus actively seeks out people. In the example of Philip, who was found by Jesus before he had the opportunity to find Jesus himself. So, the call to follow Jesus is not solely based on human effort but is also a result of Jesus' initiative a...

John 1:43&44 "43 The day following Jesus would go forth into Galilee, and findeth Philip, and saith unto him, Follow me. 44 Now Philip was of Bethsaida, the city of Andrew and Peter." Last week we wrapped up our series on Eating with Jesus. We focused on "hospitality." We should all be inspired by Mary's willingness to prioritize spiritual learning over peer pressure! Jesus also teaches us that we can grow a lot spiritually by serving other people. Jesus is calling us to follow His example in our daily lives, showing love and service to others. Today we start a new series about Jesus calling His followers. Titled "Follow Me," we are going to see how different our Lord and Savior IS. Basically, "Discipleship" is a student following a teacher. In our world, the STUDENT normally CHOOSES the teacher. In Jesus's situation, He CHOSE His students. Some responded right away and some needed convincing. In today's verses, Andrew, who had pr...

John 13:14&15 "14 If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another's feet. 15 For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you." We have been studying "hospitality" in the pages of the Gospel of Luke. When Jesus visited Martha's home, Martha made herself busy with serving the numerous guests. Her sister, Mary, chose to sit at Jesus' feet, listening to His teachings. "Help me!" Martha said. She felt put upon. Jesus' responded to Martha's frustration by saying that Mary had chosen the better path by focusing on spiritual engagement. We should all be inspired by Mary's willingness to prioritize spiritual learning over peer pressure! Your relationship with Jesus needs to be above all else! That being said, Jesus also teaches us that we can grow a lot spiritually by serving other people. Jesus is calling us to follow His example in our daily lives, showing love and serv...

Luke 10:42 "But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her." When Jesus visited Martha's home, Martha made herself busy with serving the numerous guests. Her sister, Mary, chose to sit at Jesus' feet, listening to His teachings. "Help me!" Martha said. She felt put upon. Asking Jesus to make her sister help her. This plea to Jesus to intervene suggests a sense of entitlement and a desire for recognition. Discipleship is about wholehearted devotion and service to God and often SACRIFICE. In today's verse, Jesus' response to Martha's frustration highlights that Mary had chosen the better path by focusing on spiritual engagement. He acknowledges that while work is important, it should not overshadow the significance of spending time in communion with God. The verse serves as a reminder to believers to seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, as this pursuit will not be taken away fro...

Luke 10:41 "And Jesus answered and said unto her, Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things:" "Help me!" Martha said. She felt put upon. She has a whole bunch of people visiting her home along with JESUS! AND! Her sister is not helping her with the "hospitality." Martha felt overwhelmed by her responsibilities. Martha's frustration may reveal a deeper desire to be acknowledged and recognized for her efforts in serving Jesus. Her plea to Jesus to intervene suggests a sense of entitlement and a desire for recognition. This serves as a powerful reminder that discipleship is not about seeking validation or recognition for our actions but about wholehearted devotion and service to God and often SACRIFICE. We want to be careful that we don't become too consumed by the demands of "hospitality," which can distract us from spiritual growth and devotion. We need to examine our priorities and reevaluate where we invest our time...

Luke 10:40 "But Martha was cumbered about much serving, and came to Him, and said, Lord, dost Thou not care that my sister hath left me to serve alone? bid her therefore that she help me." "Help me!" Martha feels put upon. She has a whole bunch of people visiting her home along with JESUS! AND! Her sister is not helping her with the "hospitality." Martha felt overwhelmed by her responsibilities. Martha's actions reflect her commitment to serving Jesus and providing him with the best she could offer. Hospitality is very important in her culture, and it is core to our way of life as Christians.  Martha's frustration may reveal a deeper desire to be acknowledged and recognized for her efforts in serving Jesus. Her plea to Jesus to intervene suggests a sense of entitlement and a desire for recognition. This serves as a powerful reminder that discipleship is not about seeking validation or recognition for our actions but about wholehearted devotion and ...

Luke 10:39 "And she had a sister called Mary, which also sat at Jesus' feet, and heard His word." We are focused on "hospitality" being what GOD expects of us. We are reading from the Gospel of Luke to learn what Jesus thinks of "hospitality." Jesus has arrived at Martha's house, and she is ready to show Him her BEST hospitality. They are friends, and it is a little like a reunion. Everyone is very happy and excited to be together. Emotions and expectations are running HIGH. In today's verse we are introduced to Martha's sister. "Mary, which also sat at Jesus' feet, and heard His word." The act of sitting at Jesus' feet is symbolic of a disciple's position of learning and reverence, indicating Mary's intentional choice to focus on spiritual instruction, learning from Jesus. 

Luke 10:38 "Now it came to pass, as they went, that He entered into a certain village: and a certain woman named Martha received Him into her house." This week we are focused on "hospitality." It's what GOD expects of us. Yesterday we read from the letter to the Hebrews, to begin thinking about what the Disciples thought about hospitality. "Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares." Know that showing hospitality to strangers is a way of demonstrating love and care for others. Clearly, we must treat others with kindness and respect, as one might do when interacting with divine beings! Today we flip to the Gospel of Luke to learn what Jesus thinks of "hospitality." We need to appreciate that in modern times we think of "hospitality" as a service provided in restaurants and hotels. In biblical times, "hospitality" was entertaining and serving guests in YOUR HOME. Hospitality w...

Hebrews 13:2  "Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares." Last week we focused on Jesus and His Disciples feeding the five thousand. With the help of a young man supplying them with five loaves and two fishes. Our miracle workers retreated by boat. In the morning, the multitude found them AGAIN! They were looking to Jesus for more FREE food! When Jesus educated them, they asked what they needed to do? Jesus emphasizes that the most important "work" is to BELIEVE IN HIM as the one sent by God! To this day, there are many among us who wish Jesus had given out marching orders. A list that has "A, B, and C." outlines exactly what to do. "BELIEVE IN HIM." Leaves room for interpretation and requires some thinking and responsibilities from the believers. Now, we need to pay attention to His teachings and discern what Jesus would want. This week we will dive into the subject of what Jesus wants us to do. ...

John 6:28&29 "28 Then said they unto Him, What shall we do, that we might work the works of God? 29 Jesus answered and said unto them, This is the work of God, that ye believe on Him whom He hath sent." We have been studying Jesus feeding the five thousand. It was a VERY long day for the Disciples. Exciting, amazing, eventful and LOONG. After a stormy night, they got some rest. And then what happened was the multitudes found them AGAIN! The Gospel of John has a record of Jesus's interaction with them. Jesus called out the crowd saying they were looking to Jesus for more FREE food! Jesus educates them. The spiritual food that Jesus offers is not something that can be earned through our effort, but it is a gift from God. It's more important than physical sustenance. The miracle they witnessed and all that He is GOD'S "seal of approval" on Jesus. In today's verses, the crowd asks what they need to do. Jesus emphasizes that the most important "w...

John 6:26&27 "26 Jesus answered them and said, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Ye seek Me, not because ye saw the miracles, but because ye did eat of the loaves, and were filled. 27 Labour not for the meat which perisheth, but for that meat which endureth unto everlasting life, which the Son of man shall give unto you: for Him hath God the Father sealed." This week we are studying Jesus feeding the five thousand. This is a miracle that has us amazed to this day! After a VERY long day for the Disciples. They tried to GET AWAY. The crowds were so numerous that they overwhelmed the disciples. Jesus preached to the multitudes and then ordered His Disciples to feed them! It's an impossible task. Jesus takes care of it! Two fishes and five loaves are divided up and distributed to the people there! Everyone ate till they were full. And, when they were done, they had LEFTOVERS! Twelve baskets full! From here, the Disciples set sail again and Jesus retreats to a mountain. The ...

Mark 6:41-44 "41 And when He had taken the five loaves and the two fishes, He looked up to heaven, and blessed, and brake the loaves, and gave them to His disciples to set before them; and the two fishes divided He among them all. 42 And they did all eat, and were filled. 43 And they took up twelve baskets full of the fragments, and of the fishes. 44 And they that did eat of the loaves were about five thousand men." This has been a VERY long day for the Disciples. After returning from a long day of evangelism work. They had not eaten and needed to GET AWAY. The crowds were so numerous that they overwhelmed the disciples. By now they were getting hangry! The Disciples think sending the crowds of people away is the solution. Jesus thinks otherwise. He tells His Disciples to feed the multitudes! They refuse. It's an impossible task. This crowd is over five thousand people. We estimate it would take around $16,000 in today's dollars. It was a lot. In today's verses we...

Mark 6:37-40 "37 He answered and said unto them, Give ye them to eat. And they say unto Him, Shall we go and buy two hundred pennyworth of bread, and give them to eat? 38 He saith unto them, How many loaves have ye? go and see. And when they knew, they say, Five, and two fishes. 39 And He commanded them to make all sit down by companies upon the green grass. 40 And they sat down in ranks, by hundreds, and by fifties." The Disciples returned from a long day of evangelism work. They had not eaten and needed to GET AWAY. But the crowds ran ahead on foot, wildly eager to see Jesus. Maybe be healed? Maybe hear a lesson? Maybe see Jesus correct the Pharisees? The crowds were so numerous that they overwhelmed the disciples. By now they might be getting hangry! They are concerned about the crowds. The Disciples think sending the crowds of people away is the solution. Jesus thinks otherwise. In today's verses, He tells His Disciples to feed the multitudes! They refuse. It's an...

Mark 6:34-36 "34 And Jesus, when He came out, saw much people, and was moved with compassion toward them, because they were as sheep not having a shepherd: and He began to teach them many things. 35 And when the day was now far spent, His disciples came unto Him, and said, This is a desert place, and now the time is far passed: 36 Send them away, that they may go into the country round about, and into the villages, and buy themselves bread: for they have nothing to eat." The Disciples returned from evangelism work. They had not eaten and needed to take time off. So, they set sail to GET AWAY. But the crowds ran ahead on foot from all the towns and arrived before them. The people are wildly eager to see Jesus. Maybe be healed? Maybe hear a lesson? Maybe see Jesus correct the Pharisees? The crowds were so numerous that they overwhelmed the disciples. They must have been at their wits' end. And then Jesus decides to preach to the crowd. Did He preach for an hour? Or, longer?...

Mark 6:32&33 "32 And they departed into a desert place by ship privately. 33 And the people saw them departing, and many knew Him, and ran afoot thither out of all cities, and outwent them, and came together unto Him." This week we are studying the largest meal that Jesus shared with people! The feeding of the five thousand! This event is reported in all four of the Gospels! We can learn a lot about God in these verses. The Disciples returned from evangelism work. They had not eaten and needed to take time off from the day's work. We can see Jesus' compassion and concern for His Disciples. Jesus understands they need rest after their busy day of ministry. So, they set sail to GET AWAY. But the crowds, recognizing where they were going, ran ahead on foot from all the towns and arrived before them. The people are wildly eager to see Jesus. Maybe be healed? Maybe hear a lesson? Maybe see Jesus correct the Pharisees? The crowds were so numerous that they overwhelmed t...

Mark 6:30&31 "30 And the apostles gathered themselves together unto Jesus, and told Him all things, both what they had done, and what they had taught. 31 And He said unto them, Come ye yourselves apart into a desert place, and rest a while: for there were many coming and going, and they had no leisure so much as to eat." Last week we studied Jesus celebrating with Matthew. On the occasion of Matthew leaving tax collection to follow Jesus. The Pharisees saw it as scandalous! Jesus preached to them that true righteousness comes from recognizing one's need for grace and showing love to others, rather than from strict adherence to religious rituals. A lesson for everyone. This week we will study the largest meal that Jesus shared with people! The feeding of the five thousand! This event is reported in all four of the Gospels! We can learn a lot about God in these verses. The Disciples returned from evangelism work. Jesus had taught them and sent them out. They are eager t...

Hosea 6:6 "For I desired mercy, and not sacrifice; and the knowledge of God more than burnt offerings." This week we have studied verses from the Gospel of Matthew, chapter 9. Where Jesus celebrated with Matthew. On the occasion of Matthew leaving tax collection to follow Jesus. This event was attended by other tax collectors and SINNERS. The Pharisees saw it as scandalous that Jesus was dining with them! Jesus preached to them that true righteousness comes from recognizing one's need for grace and showing love to others, rather than from strict adherence to religious rituals. The words that our Lord and Savior used are the same as the words in today's verse from the Old Testament. The prophet Hosea wrote during a time when Israel had turned away from God, engaged in idolatry and experienced profound moral decay. God's message through Hosea is a call to prioritize compassion, kindness, and a sincere relationship with GOD rather than focusing solely on external rel...

Matthew 9:13 "But go ye and learn what that meaneth, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice: for I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance." Jesus gives the Pharisees a homework assignment. "go ye and learn what that meaneth," The Pharisees don't understand what Jesus is doing. AND, that comes from them not understanding who Jesus is. IF they understood, they would sit down at the table with GOD, asking for forgiveness for their own SINS. The Pharisees were focused on the letter of the law but lacked compassion for those in need. Jesus is challenging their self-righteousness. He came to help those who recognize their need for spiritual healing rather than those who believe they are already righteous. God values compassion and genuine relationships over mere religious observance. Jesus is at the table with the tax collectors and SINNERS, inviting them to believe in Him. AND! The Pharisees who refuse to sit at the table, He is inviting them to r...

Matthew 9:12 "But when Jesus heard that, He said unto them, They that be whole need not a physician, but they that are sick." Who did they ask? The Disciples. Jesus is right there. Why would they not talk to Him? He's right there. He can hear them. It says a lot about the Pharisees. And, it shows there is some kind of jealousy going on. "Why is the cool guy spending time with the unworthy?" "Why doesn't Jesus eat with us?" To their way of thinking, Jesus should come to them, and they would decide who gets to eat with Jesus. The Pharisees' reaction reflects their disdain for those they considered morally inferior. Jesus does not respect their hierarchy. Jesus does answer their question, "They that be whole need not a physician, but they that are sick." Jesus is here to help those who have a spiritual need, much like a physician helps those who are physically ill. In this instance, He is dining at the home of Matthew, a tax collector, a...

Matthew 9:11 "And when the Pharisees saw it, they said unto His disciples, Why eateth your Master with publicans and sinners?" WHY? The Pharisees were known for their strict adherence to both the written and oral law, emphasizing the importance of ritual purity and legal traditions. Like everyone else, they were watching Jesus's ministry. Listening to His messages. Witnessed His miracles. And, like everyone else, they had questions. We can read records of their interactions with Jesus in the Gospels. Like any person who is a hot topic, there is an allure to them. Everyone wants to see them, hear them, know them. Even people in powerful positions. The Pharisees were influential in Jewish society and had a significant presence in the Sanhedrin, the Jewish ruling council. I can see some jealousy in today's verse. "Why?" "Why is the cool guy spending time with the unworthy?" "Why doesn't Jesus eat with us?" To their way of thinking Jesus ...

Matthew 9:10 "And it came to pass, as Jesus sat at meat in the house, behold, many publicans and sinners came and sat down with Him and His disciples." Matthew’s peers would have thought he was a wicked SINNER. They probably hated him. Tax collectors, like Matthew, would use the muscle of the Roman army to collect from the Jewish people. Brutality would not be out of the question in tax collection. The money Matthew was collecting went to support the occupation and subjugation of Israel. No doubt Matthew had to deal with this animosity and he would need wrestle with his own conscience.  There was a lot going on in Matthew’s heart and mind. So, when Jesus comes to him and says "Follow Me." It was probably an answer to his prayers. It reads as a simple action for Matthew to rise and follow Jesus.  This event is also mentioned in Luke's gospel, which states that Matthew, hosted a celebratory feast in his own house. As today's verse points out Jesus attended. Al...

Matthew 9:9 "And as Jesus passed forth from thence, He saw a man, named Matthew, sitting at the receipt of custom: and He saith unto him, Follow Me. And he arose, and followed Him." That's it. It's that simple: rise and follow Jesus. Easy. Right? We want to follow Jesus. We don't want to be goats. The metaphor of "sheep without a shepherd" is used to illustrate people's need for guidance and protection. In this part of the Gospel, Jesus is healing the blind and making the lame walk. There is buzz spreading about Jesus. Matthew is seeing and hearing this. We don't know to what extent. The Chosen TV series does a great job showing Matthew very attentively following what Jesus is doing. So, it makes sense when Matthew drops everything to rise and follow Jesus. And, Matthew’s conversion is a miracle. When Jesus called Matthew, he is sitting in the seat of the tax collector. He was collecting money for the Roman Empire. The money went to support the o...

Matthew 9:36 "But when He saw the multitudes, He was moved with compassion on them, because they fainted, and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd." Last week we studied verses about Jesus's final judgment. How Jesus will divide people into groups of sheep or goats. We do NOT want to be a goat. Listen to the voice of our Lord and Savior. Follow Him. He is our Good Shepherd.  This week we will read more from the Gospel of Matthew to learn about following Jesus. Today's verse shows us Jesus' deep emotional and spiritual concern for people. Jesus sees people's suffering and He responds.  The metaphor of "sheep without a shepherd" is used to illustrate the people's need for guidance and the guidance and protection we need. We are encouraged to follow Jesus's example and help others in need. Sheep helping sheep.  🐑🐑🐑

Matthew 25:45&46 "45 Then shall He answer them, saying, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye did it NOT to one of the least of these, ye did it NOT to Me. 46 And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal." 😯 GOT IT? Bible scholars have invested a lot of ink in writing about these verses. As you might imagine, many twist themselves up to explain why "everlasting" doesn't really mean "everlasting." But, that's MISSING Jesus's point. Jesus is teaching us something we already know. Among us are sheep and goats. The difference between the two is their hearts and minds. And, that difference is revealed in their actions. The sheep will listen to Jesus, and they will help the desperate and the needy. The goats will NOT help the desperate and the needy. The goats will NOT listen to Jesus. The goats don't want to be around Jesus and their choice will be honored for all eternity. Friends and family, you...

Matthew 25:43&44 "43 I was a stranger, and ye took Me NOT in: naked, and ye clothed Me NOT: sick, and in prison, and ye visited Me NOT. 44 Then shall they also answer Him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, or athirst, or a stranger, or naked, or sick, or in prison, and did not minister unto Thee?" We are studying a profound message from Jesus. Saying what we do to help the desperate and needy is the same as helping Jesus. Then! In today's verses, Jesus switches His attention to the "goats." The unrightous who would NOT help the desperate and needy. Jesus directs them into hell. If this is the plan for those not willing to help, what's in store for the violent and wicked people who cause trouble? Jesus is teaching us the significance of how we treat others, especially those in need. Our faith is demonstrated through actions, particularly in caring for the marginalized and suffering. This verse also reflects the idea that neglecting to help others...

Matthew 25:40-42 "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. 41 Then shall He say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from Me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels: 42 For I was an hungred, and ye gave me no meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me no drink:" "You have done it to Me." These words need to ring in our ears. It's a powerful message. Saying what we do to help the desperate and needy is the same as helping Jesus. Then! In today's verses, Jesus switches His attention to the "goats." The unrightous who would not help the desperate and needy. Jesus directs them into hell. If this is the plan for those not willing to help, what's in store for the violent and wicked people who cause trouble? Again and again in the Holy Scriptures we learn that Jesus looks into our hearts and minds....

Matthew 25:37-39 "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?" We might be surprised to learn that Jesus comes to us in "Distressing Desguises." This lesson continues the thought we learn in the parable of the Good Samaritan. If we are good sheep, we will help the desperate and needy. If we are a bad goat, we will walk on by. Our actions reveal what is in our hearts and minds. We want to be righteous and show compassion and kindness to the least of society, including the hungry, thirsty, stranger, naked, sick, and imprisoned. Jesus emphasizes that how we treat these individuals is how we treat Him, highlighting the importance of caring for the vulnerable.

Matthew 25:34-36 "34 Then shall the King say unto them on His right hand, Come, ye blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: 35 For I was an hungred, and ye gave Me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave Me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took Me in: 36 Naked, and ye clothed Me: I was sick, and ye visited Me: I was in prison, and ye came unto Me." We are in the Gospel of Matthew, seeking to learn more from our Lord and Savior. Chapter 25, part of the "Olivet Discourse," where Jesus speaks about the end times and the judgment that will occur when He returns. We are focusing on the "Judgment of the Nations." Here Jesus eloquently describes the final judgment. The righteous, represented as sheep, will be placed on His right, while the wicked, represented as goats, will be placed on His left. This separation symbolizes the spiritual state of individuals! 👀 The righteous are those who have shown compassion and kindn...

Matthew 25:31-33 "31 When the Son of man shall come in His glory, and all the holy angels with Him, then shall He sit upon the throne of His glory: 32 And before Him shall be gathered all nations: and He shall separate them one from another, as a shepherd divideth his sheep from the goats: 33 And he shall set the sheep on his right hand, but the goats on the left." Coming off last week's study of the Last Supper, we begin to understand that we all betray Jesus in small ways and sometimes in very large ways. We should not let this turn us away from GOD. We need to return to Jesus, seeking a deeper and stronger relationship with God, and embrace the grace and forgiveness offered. We need to repent and confess our sins. We want to become better at being obedient to God's teachings we learn about in the pages of the Holy Bible. Today we return to the Gospel of Matthew, seeking to learn more from our Lord and Savior. Chapter 25 contains several parables and teachings of Je...