Sermon Notes; a Daily Devotional

Mark 10:22 "And he was sad at that saying, and went away grieved: for he had great possessions." Grieved! He won't follow Jesus! The young man earnestly sought eternal life, but his attachment to material possessions highlights the challenge of entering God's Kingdom. Despite his sincere desire, he couldn't let go of his wealth. This underscores how "wealth"—material or otherwise—can hinder discipleship. Yet, Jesus looked at him with love, just as He looks at you, knowing the sincerity in your heart. We pray you'll choose Jesus over your own "wealth," whatever it may be. Amen.

Mark 10:21 "Then Jesus beholding him loved him, and said unto him, One thing thou lackest: go thy way, sell whatsoever thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, take up the cross, and follow Me." A man asked Jesus, "What must I do to inherit eternal life?" Jesus replied, "Follow the Ten Commandments." Yet the man trusted in his own righteousness, showing a shallow grasp of God's law. Jesus guides us all to deeper faith in today's verse. Despite the man's self-interest, Jesus showed compassion, loving him for his moral earnestness and potential for growth. Jesus pinpointed a flaw: the man's wealth was an idol, overshadowing his devotion to God. He instructed the man to sell his possessions and give to the poor—a test of allegiance, revealing his greater love for riches. The call to "take up the cross" signifies self-denial and sacrifice, echoing Jesus’ crucifixion. The promise of "treas...

Mark 10:20 "And he answered and said unto Him, Master, all these have I observed from my youth." The man asked Jesus, "What must I do to inherit eternal life?" Jesus told him to follow the Ten Commandments, listing several. Today's verse shows the man trusts in his own righteousness through strict adherence to the commandments, revealing his shallow understanding of God's moral law. He hasn't learned from Jesus, who calls for genuine faith and true piety. Jesus seeks a deeper spiritual relationship, but the man's misplaced priorities show he doesn't understand. Jesus will guide us all to a deeper understanding...  

Mark 10:18&19 "18 And Jesus said unto him, Why callest thou Me good? there is none good but one, that is, God. 19 Thou knowest the commandments, Do not commit adultery, Do not kill, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Defraud not, Honour thy father and mother." The man asked Jesus, "Good Master, what must I do to inherit eternal life?" Today's verses cover Jesus's response. By stating only God is good, Jesus challenges the man to recognize Him as GOD. Jesus then instructs him to follow the Ten Commandments, listing several. Earlier, people brought children to Jesus for blessing, but the disciples dismissed them as insignificant. Indignant, Jesus welcomed the children, declaring that the kingdom of God belongs to such as these, affirming their worth. The children at Jesus's feet, the man seeking eternal life, Mark recording this Gospel from Peter's experiences, and us reading this devotional—we are all precious to Jesus.

Mark 10:17 "And when He was gone forth into the way, there came one running, and kneeled to Him, and asked Him, Good Master, what shall I do that I may inherit eternal life?" Last week, we explored how everyone must respond to Jesus' life and teachings as recorded in the Bible. Today, we address a common question. In the preceding verses, people bring children to Jesus for blessing, but the disciples, viewing them as insignificant, turn them away. Indignant, Jesus welcomes the children, declaring that the kingdom of God belongs to such as these, affirming their worth and showing that everyone is precious to God. In today's verse, a man runs to Jesus and kneels, urgently seeking the way to eternal life. He calls Jesus "Good Teacher," a rare title reflecting his respect, though Jews typically avoided calling others "good." His question shows he understands eternal life as a gift from God but believes it can be earned through human effort. ...

Mark 10:15&16 "15 Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child, he shall not enter therein. 16 And He took them up in His arms, put His hands upon them, and blessed them." In our "Follow Me" series, we're studying Jesus calling His disciples. Last week, we discussed how everyone must respond to Jesus' life and teachings as recorded in the Bible. Do you believe it? This week, in Mark's Gospel, people bring children to Jesus for blessing, but the disciples, viewing them as insignificant, turn them away. Indignant, Jesus insists the children come to Him, declaring that the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. Jesus highlights the children's complete dependence and lack of self-reliance, reflecting our ideal relationship with God. This contrasts with adult traits like pride, self-sufficiency, and doubt, which hinder spiritual life. Jesus then demonstrates this by embracing the children, laying hands on t...

Mark 10:13&14 "13 And they brought young children to Him, that He should touch them: and His disciples rebuked those that brought them. 14 But when Jesus saw it, He was much displeased, and said unto them, Suffer the little children to come unto Me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God." In our "Follow Me" series, we're studying Jesus calling His disciples. Last week, we explored Jesus revealing Himself to the Jewish leaders, who witnessed His miracles but refused to believe, even plotting to kill Him. Everyone must respond to Jesus. The Bible records His life and teachings—do you believe it? Will you follow the Good Shepherd? This week, in Mark's Gospel, we see people bringing children to Jesus for blessing, but the disciples rebuked them, likely viewing the children as insignificant. Jesus, indignant, told the disciples to let the children come to Him, declaring that the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. The Greek word aganakte...

John 10:30&31 "30 I and My Father are one. 31 Then the Jews took up stones again to stone Him." Jesus revealed His identity to the Jewish leaders. They witnessed His miracles but chose not to believe. In today’s verse, they even sought to kill Him! What is your response to Jesus? The Bible records His life and teachings. Do you believe it? Will you follow the Good Shepherd? Jesus laid down His life for us. Hear His voice, know Him, and let His message guide your heart and actions. Amen.

John 10:29 "My Father, which gave them Me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of My Father's hand." Jesus told the Jewish leaders they were not His sheep, their unbelief showing they were not chosen by the Holy Spirit and remained in their sins. True believers recognize and obey Jesus’ teachings, actively following His commands. Jesus grants His sheep eternal life—a present spiritual reality in communion with God, starting at belief. They are eternally secure, held firmly in His hand, safe from any external force. Jesus emphasizes believers’ eternal security, asserting the Father’s supreme power protects them from all threats—human, angelic, or demonic. Salvation, a gift from God, is maintained by His power and cannot be lost.

John 10:27&28 "27 My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me: 28 And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of My hand." Jewish leaders surrounded Jesus, aggressively questioning His identity as the Messiah, seeking to trap and stone Him. Jesus reaffirmed His Messiahship, citing miracles like healing the sick, restoring sight, and raising the dead. He bluntly told the leaders they were not His sheep, their unbelief proving they were not chosen or called by the Holy Spirit, remaining in their sins. Jesus explained that true believers recognize and actively follow His teachings. Listening to Him requires heeding and obeying His commands. Jesus grants His sheep eternal life—a present spiritual reality in communion with God, beginning at belief. His sheep are eternally secure, held firmly in His hand, safe from any external force, human or spiritual.

John 10:26 "But ye believe not, because ye are not of My sheep, as I said unto you." Jesus and His disciples walked in the temple’s covered, open-air corridor of tall columns, the Jewish leaders’ home turf. They surrounded and aggressively questioned Jesus’s identity as the Messiah, aiming to trap and stone Him. Jesus clearly restated the evidence that He is the Messiah. Pointing to His miracles—such as healing the sick, restoring sight to the blind, and raising the dead. The healing of the blind fulfills Isaiah 35. Similarly, His healing and raising the dead fulfills Isaiah 53. These miracles were purposeful signs, authenticating Jesus as the promised Messiah and demonstrating the arrival of God’s Kingdom to everyone. In today's verse, Jesus plainly tells the religious leaders they are not His sheep. Their unbelief is proof that they were not chosen. They have not been called by the Holy Ghost, and that they are still in their sins. To people who think very highly of the...

John 10:25 "Jesus answered them, I told you, and ye believed not: the works that I do in My Father's name, they bear witness of Me." During the Festival of Dedication (Hanukkah), Jesus and His disciples walked in the temple’s covered, open-air corridor of tall columns, the Jewish leaders’ home turf. They aggressively questioned Jesus’s identity as the Messiah, aiming to trap and stone Him. In John 10, Jesus clearly declares Himself the Messiah, pointing to His miracles—such as healing the sick, restoring sight to the blind, and raising the dead—as evidence of His divine mission and authority, performed in His Father’s name. The healing of the blind fulfills Isaiah 35: “Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened, and the ears of the deaf unstopped.” Similarly, His healing and raising the dead fulfill Isaiah 53, where “He took up our pain and bore our suffering.” These miracles were purposeful signs, authenticating Jesus as the promised Messiah and demonstrating the arrival...

John 10:24 "Then came the Jews round about Him, and said unto Him, How long dost thou make us to doubt? If Thou be the Christ, tell us plainly." In our "Follow Me" series, we’re studying Jesus calling His disciples. Last week, we explored His "new" commandment: "Love one another." This week, in "Listening for the Voice of Jesus," we continue in John 10. During the Festival of Dedication (Hanukkah), a non-Mosaic feast, Jesus and His disciples walked in an old part of the temple, a covered, open-air corridor of tall columns—home turf of the Jewish leaders. They questioned Jesus’s identity as the Messiah. They surrounded Him aggressively, as if seeking answers, but their true intent was to trap and stone Him.

John 10:22&23 "22 And it was at Jerusalem the feast of the dedication, and it was winter. 23 And Jesus walked in the temple in Solomon's porch." In our "Follow Me" series, we’re studying Jesus calling His disciples. We explored Jesus calling Nathanael, impressed by his faith and promising great revelation, followed by Simon and Andrew at the Sea of Galilee, transforming them into saints. Last week, we examined Jesus’s "new" commandment at the Last Supper: "Love one another as I have loved you," a vital call to care for others. This week, in "Listening for the Voice of Jesus," we continue in the Gospel of John, chapter 10. During the Festival of Dedication (Hanukkah), a non-Mosaic feast established after the Maccabean revolt, Jesus was in Jerusalem. John highlights the Jewish leaders’ spiritual state, noting they questioned Jesus’s identity as the Messiah at a human-initiated feast.

John 21:17 "He saith unto him the third time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou Me? Peter was grieved because He said unto him the third time, Lovest thou Me? And he said unto Him, Lord, thou knowest all things; Thou knowest that I love Thee. Jesus saith unto him, Feed My sheep." The Last Supper was a profound moment filled with significant events. Amid this, Jesus gave the "new" commandment: "Love one another as I have loved you. By this, all will know you are My disciples." This call to selfless, transformative love is challenging but possible through Jesus' example and empowerment. The lesson on "Love one another" was interrupted by the events of the first Easter. Jesus later revisited this theme on the shores of the Sea of Galilee, saying to Peter, "Feed My sheep" (John 21). This moment, where Jesus restores Peter after his betrayal, underscores that "Feed My sheep" is another expression of "Love one another."...

John 13:38 "Jesus answered him, Wilt thou lay down thy life for My sake? Verily, verily, I say unto thee, The cock shall not crow, till thou hast denied Me thrice." At the Last Supper, Jesus delivers a heavy moment, telling Peter he will deny Him three times. This emotionally charged conversation covers profound topics. God bless all involved. Amid this, Jesus gives the “new” commandment: “Love one another as I have loved you. By this, all will know you are My disciples." Though simple, this call to selfless, transformative love is challenging. Loving even the difficult is possible through Jesus’ example and empowerment. Overcoming barriers requires intentional steps: practicing empathy, forgiving gradually, seeking understanding across differences, and drawing strength from faith, church community support and prayer. 🙏✝️

John 13:37 "Peter said unto Him, Lord, why cannot I follow Thee now? I will lay down my life for Thy sake." Jesus commanded His disciples to “love one another,” calling it a new commandment: “Love one another as I have loved you. By this, all will know you are My disciples.” Then, Jesus said He was going away. Peter, misunderstanding the spiritual nature of Jesus’ words, assumed it was a physical journey he could follow, boldly declaring, “I will die for You!” Peter’s response shifts focus from Jesus’ command to love. Like Peter, we often avoid challenging topics, hearing what we want instead of what’s said. His bold faith inspires, and like Peter we can all do better at truly listening, especially when Jesus clearly commands us to “love one another.”

John 13:36 "Simon Peter said unto Him, Lord, whither goest Thou? Jesus answered him, Whither I go, thou canst not follow Me now; but thou shalt follow Me afterwards." Jesus commanded His disciples to “love one another,” calling it a new commandment: “Love one another as I have loved you.” He emphasized, “By this all will know you are My disciples, if you love one another.” Peter, misunderstanding the spiritual nature of Jesus’ journey, assumes it’s a physical destination he can follow. Jesus clarifies that Peter cannot yet accompany Him on His path of sacrificial death, but “later” refers to the future when Peter and the disciples will follow Him spiritually, through their own martyrdoms and into eternal life. I’m not suggesting Peter is deflecting. However, Jesus’ crucial point about love is shifted to a less demanding topic. We often do this to avoid challenging or uncomfortable issues, like prioritizing “loving one another.”

John 13:35 "By this shall all men know that ye are My disciples, if ye have love one to another." At the Last Supper, Jesus calls His disciples to “love one another.” After witnessing His miracles and teachings, they gather for Passover. Jesus washes their feet, predicts betrayal, and calls them “little children,” preparing them for His crucifixion, resurrection, and ascension, where they cannot yet follow. He gives a new commandment: “Love one another as I have loved you.” He repeats, “By this all will know you are My disciples, if you love one another.” This implies that without love, we are not His disciples. This is challenging due to self-centeredness, past hurts, cultural and political divisions, misunderstandings of love, distractions, and spiritual resistance. Those we try to love have their own struggles. Yet, through Jesus’ example and empowerment, this love is possible. We can overcome barriers by practicing empathy, forgiving gradually, seeking understanding acros...

John 13:34  "A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another." Jesus calls His disciples to “love one another.” In our “Follow Me” series, we see Jesus choose His disciples—ordinary men who left everything to follow Him. Through time and experience, they were transformed into great saints. Returning to the Gospel of John, we focus on Jesus’ words at the Last Supper. After years of witnessing miracles and learning from Him, the disciples gather for Passover. Jesus shocks them by washing their feet, unsettles them with predictions of betrayal, and tenderly calls them “little children.” He tells them they cannot yet follow where He is going—toward His crucifixion, resurrection, and ascension. Knowing they will feel desolate, Jesus prepares them for this separation. With their full attention, He gives a “new” commandment: “Love one another, as I have loved you.” This sets a high bar—selfless, sacrificial, uncondition...

John 13:33 "Little children, yet a little while I am with you. Ye shall seek me: and as I said unto the Jews, Whither I go, ye cannot come; so now I say to you." We’re studying Jesus calling His disciples in our "Follow Me" series. We began with Jesus calling Nathanael, impressed by his faith and promising great revelation. Next, we explored Jesus calling Simon and Andrew by the Sea of Galilee, transforming these ordinary men into great saints. Today, we return to the Gospel of John, focusing on Jesus’s words to His disciples at the Last Supper. After years of following Him, witnessing miracles, and learning lessons, they gather for Passover. Jesus shocks them by washing their feet and unsettles them by predicting their betrayal. Now, He gently calls them “little children,” a term of affection, and tells them they cannot follow Him. Knowing His crucifixion, resurrection, and ascension lie ahead—a path they cannot yet take—Jesus prepares them for the impending separa...

Mark 12:31 "And the second is like, namely this, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. There is none other commandment greater than these." Jesus taught that the greatest commandments are to "love thy neighbor as thyself" and to love God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength. These are challenging, as we are flawed and our neighbors can be difficult. (For more, see: https://grok.com/share/bGVnYWN5_352b1109-b5f3-44fb-8ecc-9b547e6aacca ) We cannot fulfill these commands alone. The Holy Spirit helps us, and Jesus promises to transform His followers, as seen in the Book of Acts and New Testament letters. This gives us hope and faith in our Lord and Savior. If we learned one thing this week let it be that Jesus teaches that God has a plan for all creation, including ordinary people like you and me. Amen.

Mark 12:30 "And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment." Jesus called His disciples, promising to transform them. In Acts, the Sanhedrin marveled at Peter and John’s boldness despite their lack of formal education, showing God uses anyone to advance His kingdom, regardless of human limitations. Notably, Jesus chose no Pharisees or scribes as disciples until Saul (Paul). In Mark, Jesus declares the cornerstone of faith: the entire law and prophets rest on God’s singular nature. Quoting the Shema from Deuteronomy 6, He affirms the one true God of Israel, distinct from false gods. The command to "hear" calls for understanding, accepting, and obeying this truth, the foundation of all commandments. Today’s verse completes the "first commandment." We choose to delight in God and act faithfully on His behalf. Trusting God leads to obedience. We mak...

Mark 12:29 "And Jesus answered him, The first of all the commandments is, Hear, O Israel; The Lord our God is one Lord:" Jesus called His disciples, promising to transform Simon and Andrew. He used the metaphor of Himself as the vine, the source of life, with believers as branches drawing fruitfulness from Him. In Acts, the Sanhedrin was astonished by Peter and John's boldness despite their lack of education, showing God uses anyone to advance His kingdom, transcending human limitations. Notably, Jesus chose no Pharisees or scribes as disciples until Saul (Paul). In Mark, Jesus declares the cornerstone of faith: the entire law and prophets hinge on God’s singular nature. This monotheistic principle, quoting the SHEMA from Deuteronomy 6, affirms the ONE TRUE GOD of Israel, distinct from false gods. The command to "hear" calls for understanding, accepting, and obeying this TRUTH, the foundation for all commandments.  

Acts 4:13 "Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marvelled; and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus." We are studying how Jesus calls His disciples. Earlier, we read how Jesus approached Simon and Andrew, saying, "Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men." Only God can transform us to fulfill His purpose. Yesterday, in the Gospel of John, we saw Jesus use a metaphor: He is the vine, the source of life, and believers are branches, drawing life and fruitfulness from Him. Today, we read from Acts about the Sanhedrin’s reaction to Peter and John after their arrest for preaching and healing in Jesus’ name. The Jewish leaders were astonished by their confidence and boldness, despite being uneducated and untrained, lacking formal theological or rhetorical training. They were not religious elites or rabbis. Jesus chose no Pharisees, Sanhedrin, or scribes as disciples. God c...

John 15:5  "I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in Me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without Me ye can do nothing." In our "Follow Me" series, we explore Jesus calling His disciples. Yesterday, we read how Jesus approached Simon and Andrew, saying, "Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men." Remarkably, they immediately left their jobs to follow Him. This exchange reveals a profound truth: only God can transform us to fulfill His purpose. Today, in the Gospel of John, Jesus uses a metaphor: He is the vine, the source of life, and believers are branches, drawing life and fruitfulness from Him. The core message is total dependence: apart from Christ, believers cannot produce spiritual fruit. To "abide" in Christ means maintaining a life-giving connection through union, dependence, and perseverance in faith and His teachings. Abiding is not a one-time event but an ongoing state. The fruit believers bear i...

Matthew 4:19&20 "19 And He saith unto them, Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men. 20 And they straightway left their nets, and followed Him." In our "Follow Me" series, we study Jesus calling His disciples in the Gospel of Matthew. By the Sea of Galilee, a thriving fishing hub, Jesus saw Simon and Andrew casting nets as humble fishermen. His disciples were ordinary workers, not wealthy or educated elites. Jesus approached them and said, "Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men." Remarkably, they immediately left their jobs to follow Him. This brief exchange conveys a profound truth: Jesus says, "I will make you." Only God can transform us to accomplish His purpose. We should often pray, "Help me, God," seeking Jesus' guidance to follow His plan for our lives.

Matthew 4:18 "And Jesus, walking by the sea of Galilee, saw two brethren, Simon called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea: for they were fishers." Last week, we studied Jesus calling Nathanael to follow Him, impressed by his faith and promising great revelation and blessings. May we, like Nathanael, study God’s word with faith, opening our hearts to the Holy Spirit’s inspiration for further revelations and blessings. Today, in our "Follow Me" series, we turn to the Gospel of Matthew, focusing on Jesus calling His disciples. By the Sea of Galilee, a hub for the thriving fishing industry, Jesus saw Simon and Andrew casting nets, engaged in their trade as fishermen. Their humble occupation highlights that Jesus’ disciples were ordinary workers, not wealthy, educated, or privileged, but everyday people.

John 1:51 "And He saith unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Hereafter ye shall see heaven open, and the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of man." Today's verse is a reference to Jacob's dream in Genesis 28, where Jacob saw a ladder reaching from earth to heaven with angels ascending and descending on it. Jesus is explaining that He is the bridge between heaven and earth, the mediator through whom God communicates with humanity! He is sharing this with Nathanael at the very beginning of their extraordinary relationship. Nathanael confessed that Jesus was the Messiah. Jesus is plainly saying that he is the means by which heaven and earth are connected, and that His disciples will witness this connection through His ministry and the work of the Holy Spirit! The phrase "ascending and descending on the Son of Man" suggests that the angels are moving between heaven and earth through Jesus, highlighting his unique role in God's plan of ...

John 1:50 "Jesus answered and said unto him, Because I said unto thee, I saw thee under the fig tree, believest thou? thou shalt see greater things than these." Jesus approved of Nathanael's suddenly found faith! Jesus promises Nathanael will have further revelations. The "greater things" refer to more profound proofs of His divinity and messianic role, such as the miracles He would perform and the ultimate revelation of His nature as the Son of God.Jesus' signs are intended to lead people to recognize Him as the Messiah and the Son of God. It worked for Nathanael. I like to think Nathanael had a moving spiritual moment "under the fig tree." Possibly an encounter with God, most likely the Holy Ghost at work. It was something that only Nathanael and God knew about. So, when Jesus said He was there, He gained Nathanael's undivided attention! And, unending devotion. When Nathanael calls Him "Son of God," Nathanael affirms his belief in J...

John 1:48&49 "48 Nathanael saith unto Him, Whence knowest Thou me? Jesus answered and said unto him, Before that Philip called thee, when thou wast under the fig tree, I saw thee. 49 Nathanael answered and saith unto Him, Rabbi, Thou art the Son of God; Thou art the King of Israel." No "guile." And now, NO DOUBT! Nathanael knows Jesus is the Messiah. I like to think Nathanael had a moving spiritual moment "under the fig tree." Possibly an encounter with God of one type of another. Likely the Holy Ghost at work. It was something that only Nathanael and God knew about. So, when Jesus said He was there, He gained Nathanael's undivided attention! And, unending devotion. When Nathanael calls Him "Son of God," Nathanael affirms his belief in Jesus' deity and his recognition of Jesus as the ultimate source of truth and salvation. And then, the title "King of Israel" holds deep significance in Jewish history and prophecy. Throughout...