THE STORY OF JESUS: Mark 1:1-8 “A voice of one calling in the wilderness, ‘prepare the way for the Lord.’” (Mark 1:3) Mark starts his biography of Jesus when His ministry begins, as an adult. John the Baptist is the unusual fanfare that announces the coming Messiah. To prepare for God’s coming, people need to repent. This…
Sharing the grace that graced me!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Matthew 28:16-20 “All authority has been given to me… go and make disciples.” (Matthew 28:19) Jesus came for one purpose: to establish the victory over Satan, sin, death and hell. He initiates the victory, but we must implement it. Our task is to show and share the victory… to be disciples that make…
The faith of unbelief
THE STORY OF JESUS: Matthew 28:11-15 “And this story has been widely circulated among the Jews to this very day.” (Matthew 28:15) The religious leaders do NOT want to believe that Jesus is alive. They are as devoted to their faith that Jesus is not the Messiah. Just as His disciples were devoted to their confidence that…
I will die and rise again!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Matthew 28:5-10 “He is not here; he has risen.” (Matthew 28:6) I’ve been with people when they died; I know the grief and sorrow of death. But imagine what it must have felt like to hear an angel say, ‘He is not here, He has risen!’ These women must have been shaking with…
I can stand on mountains!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Psalm 40 “He set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand.” (Psalm 40:2) The psalmist had experienced God’s resurrection power before. Now he looks to God to do it again: “Come quickly, Lord, to help me!” ((Psalm 40:13) Our confidence in God is not just when things are…
And He became our commander!
THE STORY OF JESUS: 1 Samuel 20-23 “All who were in distress, in debt or discontented gathered around him.”(1 Samuel 22:2) It is interesting how, like Jesus, David is followed by the outcasts of society. Those who are weary and heavy burdened come to him to find rest. Life is not easy, they are constantly threatened; and yet they…
Strengthened by His Spirit!
THE STORY OF JESUS: 1 Samuel 16-19 “Now the Spirit of the Lord had departed from Saul… (1 Samuel 16:14) There are many references to God’s Spirit in this reading. The Spirit of the Lord comes powerfully on David (16:13), but departs from Saul (16:14). The Spirit of God comes on Saul and his men, and they prophesied (19:20,23)….
Is anyone else excited?
THE STORY OF JESUS: Matthew 28:1-4 “The guards were so afraid of him that they shook and became like dead men.” (Matthew 28:4) Frightening angels and powerful earthquakes… what is going on? The whole creation – spiritual and physical reality – is convulsing in wonder. At this moment, everything changes; Jesus overcomes the curse and restores God’s…
Who are the deceived?
THE STORY OF JESUS: Matthew 27:62-66 “His disciples may steal the body and say he has been raised from the dead.” (Matthew 27:64) How do you fake someone coming back to life, especially when their death was public. And even if they did make it all up, would it be a lie they’d be willing to die…
Risking reputation for Jesus!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Matthew 27:57-61 “Joseph took the body, wrapped it in a clean linen cloth, and placed it in his own new tomb.” (Matthew 27:59) Joseph, a rich and respected man (Mark 15:43), took a huge risk to do what he does. Essentially he surrenders his reputation and future memory to honour Jesus. His life memorial…