#Mark11 - From Hero to Zero

Click here to read Mark 11:

1. What stood out to me from this chapter?

In 31 years of my life, I have been through 31 seasons of lent, 31 Holy weeks, and 31 Easters. I still can't get over how much Jesus is heralded as King and Savior on Sunday, and on Thursday of the same week the crowds are screaming at Pilate to crucify him, though an innocent man. I realize we are getting into that in the next couple chapters, and in this season of the church, but I know the end of the story. It's the same every time. This isn't a cinderella story. This isn't a pauper or frog turned prince. This is no rags to riches story. This is a Hero to Zero story, of the king of heaven who set aside his divinity and glory to become a man, in order that he might teach us about the Father's love and kingdom, show us the way to live, and ultimately die on the cross so that everyone who believes in him would not perish but have eternal life.

2. How does this passage relate to any other Scripture I know?

In verse 18, the Pharisees look for a way to kill him, but decide not to because, "The whole crowd was amazed at his teaching." This description of Jesus's teaching ministry reminds me of the end of the Sermon on the Mount recorded in Matthew 5-7, which says, "When Jesus had finished saying these things the crowds were all amazed at his teaching. Because he taught as one who has authority and NOT teachers of the law." (emphasis added). People were amazed at his teaching, because I believe it was full of truth, full of grace, and right on the money every time.

3. What does this mean for my life?

Never get into a religious debate with Jesus. :) Seriously though, I mentioned that I can't understand the quick change of tone in the crowds shouting throughout the Holy Week readings. Yet, when I take a deep look at my life and my heart, I recognize times when I'm serving close to Jesus, and then later push him back a little to allow me to think or do my own things. I need to be aware of those times when I step into the slow fade track away from him.

4. What questions do I have about this chapter?

I have always wondered how to interpret this fig tree story. I'm not really sure of the significance of the fig tree story. Jesus uses it to teach about faith and prayer. But again, I'm not sure. Can I speak in faith and tell a mountain to throw itself into the sea? Is that a literal phrase from Jesus?

Those are my questions and thoughts. I'd love to hear yours. God bless, and keep digging' in.

In Christ,
Dan

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#Mark10 - Help for the Helpless

Click here to read Mark 10:

1. What stood out to you from this chapter?

It's not a stretch to say that this whole chapter in some way shows God's heart of compassion for the vulnerable and "helpless." Jesus shares that God's design for marriage is that one man and one woman would be united and never separated. One of the reasons divorce is not just "okay" with God is that it affects the husband, wife, children, family, and friends of those involved. It leaves many people vulnerable, hurt, poor, and insecure. Jesus then focuses on children being a part of the kingdom of God as well. When Jesus addresses the rich man, he says that whoever leaves behind their worldly riches and security for the sake of the gospel will certainly be provided for. He goes on to talk again about servant leadership and how it is not the rich and powerful who will be rewarded for being rich and powerful. Rather it is those who give their lives in service to others. He closes by helping Bartimaeus, who is blind and begging - virtually helpless in his society.

2. How does this passage relate to any other Scripture I know?

The story of Bartimaeus receiving his sight is one that reminds me of so many other healing miracles, not just because they were healing miracles in general, but because Jesus says, "Your faith has healed you." In Mark 5:34 Jesus says the same thing to the woman suffering from bleeding. In Acts 3:16, we see that the lame man was healed because of his faith. In Luke 7:50 the woman who washes Jesus' feet was forgiven of her sins, and Jesus again said, "Your faith has saved you." The word for salvation, saved, healing, and forgiven are all tied together and related. It is by grace we have been saved, through faith, and it is by faith we are healed in Jesus' name.

3. What does this mean for my life?

When Jesus shares about rulers and leaders serving others, I am reminded of my own leadership roles. Whether it's as a husband, a father, a business leader, a Sunday School teacher, or board member, we are called to serve others. I always need to keep that in my mind.

4. What questions do I have about this chapter?

How are we supposed to interpret the story of the rich man for us today? Does Jesus's command for the man to sell everything apply to every Christian. Is it wrong to own anything? To save anything? To store anything? My hunch is no, not to that extreme, but I still don't know to what degree it applies to us.

Those are my thoughts. I'd love to hear yours. God bless and keep digging in.

In Christ,
Dan

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#Mark9 - Servant Leadership

Click here to read Mark 9:

1. What stood out to me from this chapter?

I love that two times in this chapter Jesus tries to explain to the disciples that he will be killed and then rise from the dead (v.9 and v.31). The first time the disciples were trying to figure out what "rising from the dead" meant. The second time they didn't understand again. I have to give them a little credit because Jesus often spoke in parables and metaphors, but it doesn't seem like it should need much explanation. What gets me most about this though is not the slowness of the disciples, but the resolve of Jesus whose mission was set from his birth. He knew his path was to die on the cross to be the sacrifice for our sins. Yet he did not waver in allowing his mission to be fulfilled. That's the kind of leader I want to follow.

2. How does this passage relate to any other Scripture I know?

"Servant leadership" has become sort of a buzzword in both Christian and secular environments. It sounds really spiritual and can be thrown around lightly, but it really is the model Jesus teaches and preaches. This chapter brings that out in verses 33-37. "Anyone who wants to be first must be the very last, and the servant of all." This was modeled in his life in many ways, but none perhaps so vividly as in John 13 when he got down and washed his disciples feet to show them how to serve. This was also written about Jesus in Philippians 2:3-11, how he humbled himself and took on the nature of a servant. So it's not just some catchy slogan to keep leaders humble, it is THE model of leadership that comes from Jesus.

3. What does this mean for my life?

Of all of the people in the Bible, I think the person I most connect with and relate to, is the father of the boy with the impure Spirit in this chapter. He knows Jesus is the answer, and he comes before Jesus for the solution, but his question reveals his true lack of faith. "If you can do anything..." Jesus is quick to reply, "'If you can...?" He had just been transfigured on the mountaintop after teaching, healing, and doing ministry for a long time now, and this father comes to him and says, "IF you can..." The father quickly and honestly clarifies, "I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief." When I am really honest, that is the cry of my heart. I do believe in Jesus as the Son of God, able to do all things, but I need him to help me overcome my unbelief in my times of doubting.

4. What questions do I have about this chapter?

The disciples were unable to drive out this particular demon, and Jesus seemed to rebuke both the disciples and the crowds for their unbelief. Yet when the disciples asked about it, Jesus replied, "This kind can come out only by prayer." What did Jesus mean? Some demons can come out by commanding them and others only by prayer? Jesus commanded the demon to leave and it left. But maybe for us we need to pray. Not that my whole faith rides on which demons to cast out by command or prayer, but that response just made me wonder.

Those are my thoughts for the day. I'd love to hear yours. God bless, and keep digging in.

In Christ,
Dan

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#Mark8 - It's All About The Bread...Or Not

Click here to read Mark 8:

1. What stood out to me from this chapter?

Within a short span of time (at least as the gospels read) Jesus feeds a crowd of 5,000 men (plus women and children) and then a crowd of about 4,000 with only a few loaves each time. After the second miracle, Jesus starts to teach about the yeast of the Pharisees. Because the disciples had forgotten to bring bread, they thought Jesus was just "rubbing it in" in a way. This was a point in time when Jesus was on a whole different plane of thought than the disciples. They were worried about physical bread, and Jesus was using bread and yeast as a metaphor. The teaching and self-righteousness of the Pharisees is kind of like yeast that works itself throughout the loaf of bread. The wrong teaching can also work itself through a person until their hearts are hard towards repentance and surrender to God.

2. How does this passage relate to any other Scripture I know?

I thought first of how God provided manna or "bread from heaven" for the Israelites when they were wandering in the the desert. Every day he provided enough for them to eat, but commanded them not to store up extra or it would spoil. This also connects with the Lord's Prayer, when we say, "Give us this day our daily bread." We are not asking for silos full of bread, but enough to sustain us for that day. I believe this is a similar concept to what Jesus alludes to as he asks the disciples about the feeding incidents. He reminds them that there were 12 and 7 baskets left over. Both of those numbers in the Jewish culture indicated a meaning of being complete or full. Jesus seemed to be saying, "Don't worry about bread, I will provide enough. Focus more on your heart, your life, your teaching, and your faith in me."

3. What does this mean for my life?

Verses 34-36 of this chapter have always struck a chord deep inside of me. It seems like backward thinking on the surface. The more we surrender our lives to God, the more we will actually discover true life. I have a tendency to try and do things myself, to create and control my circumstances, to be the master of my own fate and captain of my soul. The truth is that I have found the most purpose, joy, freedom, and adventure in life when I let go of that control and trust God to lead and guide me.

4. What questions do I have about this passage?

Jesus uses yeast as an analogy for both the good (the kingdom of heaven in Matthew 13) and the bad (teaching of the Pharisees here in this chapter). I'm just curious if yeast had any inherent good or bad connotations for the Jews at that time. I know that they celebrated a feast of unleavened bread to remember how they left Egypt in such a hurry that they didn't have time to let their bread rise. It's a silly, almost insignificant question, but one I wondered about anyway.

Those are my thoughts for the day. I'd love to hear yours. God bless and keep digging in.

In Christ,
Dan

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#Mark7 - No Germ-X for Jesus

Click here to read Mark 7:

1. What stood out to me from this chapter?

In today's American culture where everything has to be super-sanitized and squeaky clean, many people might look at the Pharisee's objection as very appropriate. After all, we probably should wash before eating, and who wouldn't wash their dishes before using them. But this isn't really what Jesus was talking about. You see, the Pharisees weren't really concerned with the spread of germs as they were about making rules as to who was "in" and who was "out" of God's favor. It was almost a sort of competition as to who could add the most rules to God's command and keep them. In this "game" they played, it was worth bonus points if you could find fault in others to keep them out of arms reach of you in your quest for self-righteousness. Declaring someone unclean was the equivalent of saying, "You are out of God's favor until you play by our rules." While Jesus didn't neglect the commands of God, he did speak out strongly against this "game" the Pharisees and teachers of the law were into playing. He made it very clear that abstaining form certain kinds of food and ceremonial washings was not what made a person righteous. Rather, it was a heart turned towards God and set on doing his will that made a person "clean."

2. How does this passage relate to any other Scripture I know?

I started this chapter-a-day journey by reading the book of Acts. In chapter 10, Peter receives a vision from God who reassured him that it was okay to eat certain foods that the Jewish people had traditionally declared "off-limits." In fact, in this vision the voice specifically clarified that we should not call anything impure that God has made clean. In Mark 7 here, we also see clarification that Jesus is specifically declaring all foods to be "clean" (that is, they are not "off-limits" from a religious standpoint).

3. What does this mean for my life?

I know this story of the Syrophoenician woman appears in the other gospels with even a little more dialogue recorded, but what struck me about reading this is that even though she could have dismissed her own request as insignificant, she asked nonetheless. She could have written herself off as secondarily important (as Jesus sarcastically replies). She could have said, "There are other more pressing things Jesus has to do; I shouldn't bother him." But she didn't. She had faith that Jesus could and would bring healing. I have often held back prayers and requests for myself or others because I didn't feel like I was worthy, or the requests weren't worthy of God's attention. I need to have faith to trust that God cares about every aspect of his children's lives, and be bold about asking in prayer.

4. What questions do I have about this chapter?

Spit? on someone's tongue? Why? I also love that Jesus told people not to spread the news of his healings, but "the more he did so, the more they kept talking about it." Why did he say that, and why didn't they listen? I think I know the answer to both of those questions, but kind of just wonder any way.

Those are my thoughts. I'd love to hear yours. Keep digging in.

In Christ,
Dan

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#Mark6 - Got Any Tartar Sauce?

Click here to read Mark 6:

1. What stood out to me from this chapter?

The feeding of the 5,000 is one of the few miracles that appears in all four gospels. I don't know if that makes it the most significant (outside of the resurrection of course) or just one of the most memorable for the gospel writers. But there were a few details that caught my attention this time. The first detail is that Jesus didn't set out to do that miracle, or even to have a large crowd around him. We see from verse 31 and 32 that Jesus and the disciples were trying to get away from the crowds, but the crowds came to him. He didn't yell or scream at them to get away and get a life. Instead, "he had compassion on them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd." Another detail is that they had 12 baskets leftover. Not only is that "a lot" but there were 12 disciples. God even provided for them. Finally, I was reminded that it wasn't 5,000 people. Scripture clarifies that this is just the number of men, not including women and children that may have been present.

2. How does this passage relate to any other Scripture I know?

In Matthew 16, Jesus asks his disciples, "Who do people say that I am?" The disciples respond by saying, "Some say you are John the Baptist, others Elijah, and others say you are one of the prophets." This theme exactly is represented here in this chapter, as Herod was wrestling with that very question. But unlike Peter, who confessed Jesus as Christ, Herod figured that Jesus was a resurrected John the Baptist and was never saved because of that answer.

3. What does this mean for my life?

Jesus sends the disciples out in a boat ahead of him, while he heads up to a mountain to pray. The timing of this next part caught me. "Later that night" he saw the boat struggling against the wind, but it wasn't until "almost dawn" when he went out to them. Sometimes I think God does that. He can see that we are struggling, but he promises to be with us during times of trial and seeming defeat. Sometimes we don't see God in it until we're almost totally through it.

4. What questions do I have about this passage?

In verse 5 and 6 there seems to be a direct correlation between the faith of the people and the ability to perform miracles. Is that how Jesus operated? Operates? Would we as a church " see more miracles if we had more faith? Just a question.

Those are my thoughts for the day. I'd love to hear yours. Keep Digging In!

In Christ,
Dan

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#Mark5 - "Who touched me?"

Click here to read Mark 5:

1. What stood out to me from this chapter?

This story has always been one of my favorites in the gospels. This sick woman, who has tried everything, spent everything, and basically given up on everything, has one hope left. She needs Jesus. She knows that if she can just touch him she can be healed. This is a bold move on her part because like someone with leprosy, she was "unclean" and was not really allowed to be in close company with others. So for her to push through the crowd to touch Jesus was a total act of faith and even desperation. Finally, I love when Jesus asks, "Who touched me?" As if there weren't hundreds of people touching him as he walked through the crowds. Yet he asks the question implying that not only had someone simply touched him physically, but someone had touched him with great faith for healing. So he doesn't even need to "heal" the woman. He just declares in a loving freeing way what had just happened. "Your faith has healed you. Go in peace..."

2. How does this passage remind me of any other Scripture I know?

In this story of the woman who touches Jesus, the gospel writer clarifies that Jesus realized that POWER had gone out of him. At first I think, well of course Jesus has "powers" because He is God. But I think the power Jesus had came not from his own divine nature, but from the Holy Spirit which was poured out on him in his baptism. It reminds me of what Jesus says in Acts 1:8, "But you will receive power, when the Holy Spirit comes on you..." So the power they had to do ministry was simply through the power of God through the Holy Spirit.

3. What does this mean for my life?

I know there are other stories in this chapter, but I'm still gonna focus on the bleeding woman story. I hope I have faith enough to turn to Jesus for healing (of body, mind, soul, and spirit) even way before I have spent everything and tried everything.

4. What questions do I have about this passage?

Why would Jesus let the Legion demons possess and kill the pigs? Obviously, that's a great improvement over the man, but why didn't Jesus just name it and banish it or something? Kind of wierd.

Those are my thoughts for the day. Feel free to join me and leave your comments on any and each question.

In Christ,
Dan

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#Mark4 - The Power of Analogy

Click here to read Mark 4:

1. What stood out to me from this chapter?

The Gospel of Matthew (which we just finished reading a week ago) also records many of Jesus' parables. It seems to be Jesus' favorite way of communicating about the kingdom of God. I am a very visual person, so object lessons and illustrations are very effective with me. I enjoy analogies and examples because they almost always brings lofty philosophical ideas down to earth and close to home. Jesus used examples like farming, planting and harvesting, tending vineyards, caring for sheep, and losing something of great value because his audience would have a great familiarity with these things and be able to relate to those deeper truths in that way.

2. How does this passage relate to any other Scripture I know?

The story of Jesus calming the storm today reminded me of another time God calmed a storm almost instantly. In the story of Jonah (which can be found in the book of Jonah in the Bible), he is aboard a ship headed away from the direction God told him to go. While on the ship a great storm arises, and they deduce that it is Jonah's punishment for running away. When they throw him overboard the storm quieted down (Jonah 1).

3. What does this mean for my life?

In many ways I view my job as planting and watering seeds. When people come to our camp for a programmed event or a weekend retreat, they are coming to connect with God. Our purpose at Ingham Okoboji Lutheran Bible Camps is "To know Jesus Christ and to make Christ known to all." This is largely accomplished by using Scripture to help people understand God, life, and themselves better through worship, small group interactions, and lots of fun! In one week or one weekend we will rarely see the fruit of the work we invested, the seeds that we planted and watered. But I have to trust that God is going to use those seeds and that water to nurture life into those who come. So don't give up planting and sharing the good news.

4. What questions do I have about this passage?

Although I love parables and analogies, there are some that still make me say, "What? I don't understand." I feel like the disciples whom Jesus' rebukes when he says, "Don't you understand this parable? How then will you understand any parable?" Why does Jesus speak in so many parables like this and end up with people who are unsure.

I've got enough for today. Join me tomorrow, and remember "KEEP DIGGING IN"

In Christ,
Dan

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#Mark3 - The Plot Thickens...

Click here to read Mark 3:

1. What stood out to you from this chapter?

I was taken aback in Mark's gospel that it only took until the 3rd chapter before the Pharisees and teachers of the law began to plot together how they might kill Jesus. That didn't take long. I know Jesus didn't do things the way they did, but this seems a little extreme. Even at the end of the chapter they accuse him of being possessed by the prince of demons. The funny thing is that Jesus didn't set out to do any harm to these leaders. Rather he came to show everyone the heart of the Father. Yet when their hearts were not only hardened but persistently unreceptive, Jesus uses strong words to try and wake them up and bring them back.

2. How does this passage relate to any other Scripture I know?

In the last verse of the chapter, Jesus says that whoever does God's will is his brother and sister and mother. In the book of Hebrews, the author describes God as a Father who is redeeming his sons and daughters. It says in verse 11, "Both the one who makes people holy and those who are made holy are of the same family. So Jesus is not ashamed to call them brothers and sisters." So besides being Lord of Lords, King of Kings, Messiah, Son of God, the Light of World, and other things, we can also think of Jesus as our big brother. What a powerful relationship that creates.

3. What does this mean for my life?

When Jesus was talking to the religious leaders about the Sabbath, he said, "Which is lawful on the Sabbath: to do good or do do evil, to save life or to kill?" Neither the leaders nor Jesus gave a verbal answer, but the unspoken answer was to do good. In Galatians 6:9-10 says, "Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers." As I look at Jesus I am reminded that there is NEVER a wrong time to do the right thing.

4. What questions do I have about this chapter?

It appears that talk about demons and dealing with demons is very common in the early church. It was even the stuffy religious leaders that brought up the issue of demons. My question is, are there still demons today? I know that even in Acts the apostles were driving out evil spirits, and from a historical standpoint we are still in the same "chapter of God's history" as the disciples in the book of Acts. If not, where did they go? Are they just not as prevalent in the U.S.? That seems silly. If they are still around, how do we know what they are and who they might be affecting?

Those are my thoughts from the day. I hope you'll share yours. God's blessings to you and keep digging in!

In Christ,
Dan

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#JoshuaDaniel - A Lesson in Names

Joshua Daniel - 8 lbs 6.2 oz, 20" long

Today, I became a dad for the third time. My wife and two daughters (6 and 3) welcomed into the world the newest member of our family - Joshua Daniel Antoine. He was a healthy baby, and though I don't have time to blog about the bible chapter (I'll get it tomorrow), I want to share briefly about our son's name.

Joshua means "God is my salvation" or "The Lord saves!" Daniel means "God is my judge" or "The Lord will judge me". These two names combined form an interesting lesson in the character of God. On the one hand, we will all stand before God one day who will judge the "living and the dead" according to our works during our lifetime. And the reality is, nobody can stand up against that judgment as innocent. We have all sinned against God and have fallen short of his glory, making us guilty and deserving of punishment. Yes (Daniel) God is our judge.

But God is also the one who has provided salvation through the death and resurrection of his Son Jesus (a variant of the name Joshua). So even though God is the one we are accountable to, He is also the one who saves us. This may seem contradictory, but it's really not at all. It's just two different attributes of the same God.

It's like this. If I am a good dad, then I will protect and rescue my children at the risk of my own life. But I will also be the one to lovingly discipline them when they cross the boundaries we have set as acceptable. Disciplining my child does not diminish in any way my love for him/her.

Those are just some quick thoughts. If you want to read more about Joshua or Daniel as characters in the Bible, they both have whole books devoted to telling their stories that also happened to be named after them.

God bless, and keep digging in!

In Christ,
Dan

#Mark2 - Jesus Heals, Eats, Fasts, and Rests "Wrong"

Click here to read Mark 2:

1. What stood out to you from this chapter?

In each story contained in this chapter, Jesus is being criticized for doing a certain kind of ministry "wrong." Jesus forgives a man and heals him, and the teachers of the law are upset. Jesus eats dinner with tax collectors and "sinners" and the leaders are upset. His disciples weren't fasting at the same time as the Pharisees and they were upset. Jesus wasn't following all of the Pharisee's extra commands on the Sabbath, and they were upset. It was just amazing to me how Jesus did things that were right on target with the heart of God, but people were so caught up in their religious traditions and rules that they couldn't see it.

2. How does this passage relate to any other Scripture I know?

When Jesus offered forgiveness of sins to the paralyzed man, the Jewish audience recognized right away that he was revealing his divinity. He might as well have said, "Since I am God, I forgive you of your sins against me and my Father, Yahweh." Except then they may have crucified him at that point. Anyway, this isn't the only time Jesus openly reveals his identity as divine. In a conversation with the Pharisees in John 8, Jesus used the words, "I am" about himself. The Jews immediately recognized that he was saying his name is Yahweh. When Peter declares that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of the living God, in Matthew 16:16 Jesus says that this was revealed by God. There are other places too where Jesus describes himself as the bread of life, the light of the world, the resurrection and the life, and other names.

3. What does this mean for my life?

I think that many times I am afraid of going outside of the expectations of regular church practices that it's hard for me to just really focus on what God might have for me. I really do love all people, but sometimes I need to think about ministering outside of planned programs. In fact, most of my really memorable ministry experiences have been in personal relationships.

4. What questions do I have about this chapter?

I wonder what Jesus was talking about when he said that the disciples will fast when he was taken from them. He said it would be when he is taken from them. I wonder if he meant when he was killed, or if he meant when he ascended into heaven. Maybe he meant something else.

That's it for today. Until tomorrow, keep digging in.

In Christ,
Dan

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#Mark1 - Mark's Action-Packed Gospel

Click here to read Mark 1:

1. What stood out to me from this chapter?

Many scholars agree that the gospel of Mark is almost certainly the first of the gospels to be written. Even looking at the type of Greek language used to write it (not the formal educated Greek, but the common street language Greek), Mark was mostly written for an audience of the ordinary citizens. It's the shortest of all the gospels, with only 16 chapters, but it's not for lack of content. I was struck by how quickly he moves from story to story. He doesn't spend a lot of time on dialogue. He doesn't spend any time talking about the birth story of Jesus. He just wants to get out the news about all that Jesus did during his adult ministry, ending with his death and resurrection. It's kind of like the Twitter version of the gospel. #JesusPreachesCallsTeachesExorcisesHealsPrays

2. How does this passage relate to any other Scripture I know?

Because Mark was likely the first gospel written, scholars believe that Matthew and Luke were also written using Mark as a template. They simply added their own perspective and some other details that Mark left out. So it follows that most of the stories in Mark will be very similar to reading through those other two gospels. Outside of the other gospels however, one of the verses stood out to me, Mark 1:34 said that Jesus would not let the demons speak because they knew who he was. This reminds me of James 2:19 which says, "You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that - and shudder." It gives us some insights about the spiritual world. The demons all knew and believed that Jesus was the Son of God, the Holy One. It's funny that humans had (and still have) such a hard time seeing and believing that.

3. What does this mean for my life?

Jesus was the Son of God, but he was fully human. In fact, I believe that Jesus's miracles didn't necessarily come from his own "power" but from the Holy Spirit which filled him. I also believe that Jesus knew God's will so perfectly not just because he was a part of the Trinity, but because he was constantly seeking God in Scripture and in prayer. Mark 1:35-39 reminds us that even Jesus snuck away from the crowds (and even from his disciples) to pray and seek God in solitude. I need to do that regularly. That's a part of what this blog is all about. Carving out 30ish minutes each day to seek God in his word and in prayer and find out what he wants for me and from me.

4. What questions do I have about this chapter?

I understand there was a little bit of a mystery and plan to the time when Jesus was fully revealed as the Son of God, but why was he so intent on telling everyone to be quiet about who he was and what he had done? He quiets the demons before they can "spill the beans" about his identity. He tells the healed leper not to tell anyone. Why?

Those are my thoughts for the day! I'd love to hear yours. God bless and keep digging in!

In Christ,
Dan

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#Matthew28 - Can't Keep a God Man Down

Click here to read Matthew 28:

1. What stood out to me from this chapter?

Despite everything that had happened to Jesus in the previous two chapters, he still came through victorious. This is no Karate Kid or Battle of Bunker Hill story where Jesus was beaten down or greatly outnumbered but still came back to win. HE WAS DEAD. His greatest victory wasn't in any might or force. His victory was 100% total trust and submission to God the Father and the power of the Holy Spirit to fulfill the promise and plan to raise him up again. In that trust and in that obedience, Jesus allowed himself to hang on the cross to bear upon himself the fullness of the sin from all humanity, thereby becoming the sacrifice that truly could take away the sin of the world. God then raised him from the dead, giving him victory over sin, victory over death, and victory over the devil and all the forces of evil. It just goes to show...you can't keep a God-Man down. :)

2. How does this passage relate to any other Scripture I know?

As I read this line for line, there were many other verses and scripture passages that flickered through my mind. Here are just a few:
Verse 3 - In Revelation 1:12-16, it describes Jesus as being white as wool and shining like the sun
Verse 4 - In Joshua 5, Revelation 22:8, and other places in Scripture, one of the most common reactions to seeing an angel is to fall down out of fear and reverence
Verse 5 - "Do not be afraid..." This seems to be the most common opening line for angels, as in Luke 2, as part of the Christmas story.
Verses 16-20 - There is a similar passage in the opening chapter of Acts, though worded differently

3. What does this mean for my life?

Well, the resurrection of Jesus probably has more implications and impact on my life than any other single event in all of human history. What comes to my mind first and foremost, however, is that because Jesus rose from the dead I know that death does not have the final word. All the promises of Scripture about living forever with God, about eternal life in his presence after we die on this earth, are now believable. In fact, they are not only believable, but they are certain. I can bank my life on it. My faith is in Christ to hold my eternity, and I can think of no better way to spend forever than living in his presence, in a home where the Bible says there will be no more pain, no more crying, no more death, no more darkness, and no more sin.

4. What questions do I have about this passage?

What Jesus was like in this brief time after being resurrected? I know that he just "appeared" and "disappeared" with different people. He didn't seem to be limited any more to physical dimensions, but the disciples could still touch his hands and his side. I will have to wait and find that one out when I myself am resurrected into a new body. I might understand better then.

That's it for today. Tomorrow we'll start the gospel of Mark. God bless, and keep digging in.

In Christ,
Dan

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#Matthew27 - THE KING OF THE JEWS

Click here to read Matthew 27:

1. What stood out to me from this chapter?

Pontius Pilate is a fascinating part of this story. He questions Jesus, finds no fault in him. He is caught between a rock (or more aptly THE ROCK) and a hard place. Should he sentence an innocent man to death to please the people and prevent an uprising, or should he release Jesus? He in turn does the most diplomatic thing to do - please the people, kill Jesus, but wash his hands of the guilt and place the guilt of it on the Jews who were demanding it. One detail that is really intriguing about his actions is how he places the sign above Jesus that reads THIS IS JESUS, THE KING OF THE JEWS. In the Gospel of John, chapter 19, he shares that the leaders of the Jews actually objected to this sign. They wanted it to read, "He claimed to be the king of the Jews," but Pilate left the sign as it was. This little tidbit almost leads me to believe that Pilate had some level of faith in Christ. We will never truly know.

2. How does this passage relate to any other Scripture I know?

Well, this part of Jesus's life, death and resurrection are recorded by all four of the gospel writers. Each account varies slightly in that different details are included. This makes total sense though since the four writers would have had four different perspectives of the events in the chapter - whether witnessing them firsthand or recording down what they heard from firsthand witnesses. It is really interesting to read this account in each of the four gospels. The others can be found in Mark 14-16, Luke 22-24, and John 18-20,

3. What does this mean for my life?

It's always easy for me to read this story and get really angry with the Jews and the soldiers for betraying and killing Jesus. But when I take a closer look and try to imagine myself in the crowd, I wonder if I might also be one to yell, "Crucify Him!" It would have been easy to be self-righteous and go along with the crowd in doing so. One thing I know for sure, even if it wouldn't have been my voice that led to his crucifixion, it would have surely been my sin. One of the lines in a favorite modern hymn, "How Deep the Father's Love For Us," reads like this, "It was my sin that held him there, until it was accomplished. His dying breath has brought me life; I know that it is finished."

4. What questions do I have about this passage?

So the Jewish leaders, the chief priests and Pharisees, convinced Pilate to seal the tomb and secure it by posting a guard. This makes the resurrection story even more believable, because if it didn't happen the way the Bible says, there would have been plenty of witnesses. I mean, it would have been obvious if the disciples had overcome this troop of soldier guards, out smarted the Pharisees, and stolen Jesus's body. Besides, the Bible itself basically says the disciples were gathered together in hiding - mostly because of fear. My question is, even after all this and after the resurrection happens, "WHY DIDN'T THE JEWISH LEADERS BELIEVE?" That is crazy.

Looking forward to finishing up the gospel of Matthew tomorrow. I'll be moving on to the gospel of Mark after that. I hope you'll join me. God bless, and keep digging in.

In Christ,
Dan

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#Matthew26 - Passover's Perfect Timing

Click here to read Matthew 26:

1. What stood out to you from this chapter?

This is a part of the Scriptures that I feel like I know really well. Not only is it read and acted out every Easter, but because the death and resurrection of Jesus are pivotal to all of Christianity, I feel like these final chapters of the gospels are almost always being referenced and read. Still, as I read this chapter today, what stood out to me was the fact that the Passover celebration was just taking place. Passover is a Jewish holiday that was celebrated every year to remind the Jews of how God had sent the final plague when they were slaves in Egypt which ultimately led to their freedom. The plague? - the angel of death that killed the firstborn male in each houshold unless the family heeded God's warning to smear the blood of a pure lamb above the doorpost and on the gate. That's really what the last supper was: a celebration of this holiday. And even though I knew this connection before, Jesus was about to die on a cross, and we would be made pure and clean through his blood. In fact, John the Baptist even announces early on, "Behold the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world." It was perfect timing that Jesus would shed his blood on the Passover holiday.

2. How does this passage relate to any other Scripture I know?

The words Jesus speaks during the last supper are almost verbatim what most Christian churches say when celebrating communion in church services. But there is another place in Scripture that also states it in very similar words: 1 Corinthians 11:23-26. It's pretty much the same.

3. What does this mean for my life?

Well, I can often relate to Peter. It's so easy to make a pledge to do something for Christ in a moment of passion or at an event with a lot of emotions involved. But inevitably I fall sometimes. Sometimes it's not denying Christ to others, but sometimes I let things slide when I have "resolved" to take a stand for Christ in a certain area. Something like, "Jesus if you do _______, I'll never do _____________ again." Instead I should just live your life in honor to God and trust fully in his grace and forgiveness when we fall.

4. What questions do I have about this Chapter?

During the Last Supper, Jesus says, "woe to that man who betrays the Son of Man! It would be better for him if he had not been born." What is Jesus referring to? I assume it means the agony they will experience in hell.

That's it for today. Keep digging in!

In Christ,
Dan

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#Matthew25 - Ready or Not...

Click here to read Matthew 25:

1. What stood out to you from this chapter?

So these parables have always been a little confusing to me. But this time reading through it, I noticed something different. Although one hints at stewardship and another at social justice, I these three parables could all be under the category of "being ready. " This has two major implications. The first is that we should realize Jesus could come back at any moment and life our life in a way that he would approve of. The second is that we should be ready at any moment to be available for his use, for anything from feeding the hungry to visiting the poor. Coming on the heels of chapter 24 and the end of the age, I think it makes sense that these illustrations would all be about being ready.

2. How does this passage relate to any other Scripture I know?

In verse 12, the Lord's response to the virgins who had to go buy more oil is, "I tell you, I don't know you." Jesus shares a similar response in describing good and bad fruit in Matthew 7. He said, "Many will say to me on that day, Lord, Lord..." Then I will tell them plainly I never knew you." This idea of salvation and condemnation is linked with knowing Christ,

3. What does this mean for my life?

As I mentioned in the first question, I need to open my eyes more to see the opportunities every day to reach out to others that God has placed in my path. I need to be ready to serve others when I am able.

4. What questions do I have about the passage?

Why did the third servant get punished for his careful handling of his master's money? Would the master's reaction have been different if the two had invested the coins but not gotten any return or lost some principle?

That's all for tonight. God bless, and keep digging in.

In Chirst,
Dan Antoine

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#Matthew24 - Behold He Comes...

Click here to read Matthew 24:

1. What stood out to you from this chapter?

As Jesus is describing the signs of the coming of the end of the age, there are several pieces that have made it into the fairly popular worship song, Days of Elijah. "Behold he comes, riding on the clouds, shining like the sun, at the trumpet call." But I think this is a part of truth about Scripture that not all Christians are aware of. Almost all Christians understand that we celebrate Jesus's birth at Christmas and bits of the story surrounding that. Most Christians understand that he died on the cross, and still most understand that he was raised from the dead. I think a smaller percentage, but still a majority of Christians understand that he ascended into heaven after rising from the dead. But I don't think it's a majority of Christians who realize that JESUS IS COMING AGAIN! When the right time comes, he'll come. And the overarching message I hear from Jesus, as the disciples are asking for signs, is "If you have to be told that it's me, it's probably not. When I come, there will be no mistaking it."

2. How does this relate to any other Scripture I know?

In previous chapters of Matthew (13 especially) Jesus talks about angels coming as harvesters of his souls. That is mentioned again. There are also some other passages that talk about Jesus coming back. 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18, 2 Thessalonians 1-2, and Revelation (esp. 19). I don't believe Jesus intended for us to spend all our time interpreting these signs and trying to figure out the dates for the end of the world. In fact in the chapter of Matthew he says, no one knows the day or the hour. Instead, he encourages us to live in a way that shows we are ready at anytime. This message is consistent throughout the Bible, especially the New Testament.

3. What does this mean for my life?

This was a really simple but sobering personal application. There is no "break" from living a God-honoring life. We simply can't hang up our "Jesus" hat on the hook while we take a break for awhile then put it back on. We are called to maintain integrity and be filled with the Spirit at all times. I see this as a challenge for myself in the down time, when nobody's watching or when there's "nothing at stake."

4. What questions do I have about this chapter?

TONS. But Jesus already gave the answer to most of them...NOBODY KNOWS BUT THE FATHER. I know the concept of the rapture is actually relatively new in Christian teachings (like the last 120 years or so), but this passage sure sounds a lot like that. Someone will be working next to someone else and they vanish. Will this happen suddenly like that?

Good stuff. Keep digging in!

In Christ,
Dan

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#Matthew23 - Warnings Hit Close To Home

Click here to read Matthew 23:

1. What stood out to me from this chapter?

I think more than any one thing in this chapter, what stood out to me was that Matthew used a whole chapter to share Jesus words of warning against the Pharisees and teachers of the law. The gospel of Matthew was written for a Jewish audience who would understand all the nuances of Jewish customs and laws. In addition, they would have a generally strong knowledge of the "Old Testament" Scriptures and would know a lot about the prophecies about the Messiah. So Matthews gospel was written largely to say, "See how Jesus fulfills all of this?" So in this chapter, it seems that Matthew wanted to emphasize Jesus' teaching about all of these practices of the teachers of the law that missed God's heart behind the law in a big way.

2. How does this passage relate to any other Scripture I know?

In Matthew 5-6 (part of the Sermon on the Mount), Jesus also addresses some of these issues more generally. For instance, today's chapter talks about their desire to be seen in public by others for their public acts of prayer. Jesus contrasts that in Matthew 6 by encouraging us not to pray in order to be seen by people but rather in secret. In Matthew 5 he talks about making oaths, that we should instead simply let our "yes be yes and our no be no". In this chapter, he simply points out these things specifically in the Pharisees.

3. What does this mean for my life?

Well, as the title indicates this chapter would be easy to dismiss as irrelevant since it is directed at a group of Pharisees 2000 years ago. But there are pieces of these that seemed to hit close to home for me. Am I shutting the door of heaven in anyone's face? Have I dismissed anyone too quickly? Have I let my prejudices shape my ministry? Have I painted such a beautiful religious exterior to mask a sinful interior? I know that really every Christian would technically be a hypocrite to some degree or another, but that is really part of espousing to the goal of "being perfect as our heavenly Father is perfect." It's the openness and honesty about those flaws that create the humility the Pharisees obviously never had.

4. What questions do I have about this chapter?

In the last verse of the chapter, Jesus says that they will not see Jesus again until they 'Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord." What does this mean? We're already past his triumphal entry into Jerusalem. Is he talking about his resurrection? Is he talking about his second coming? We know the disciples saw him after he was resurrected, but I'm not sure about the "crowds" that Jesus was also speaking to (v.1).

That's it for today. God bless, and keep digging in!

In Christ,
Dan

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#Matthew22 - Three Round KO With Jesus

Click here to read Matthew 22:

1. What stood out to me from this chapter?

This whole chapter is sort of a standoff between the teachers of the law and Jesus. After Jesus shares the parable of the wedding banquet, there are three different groups of religious and civic leaders who come to Jesus trying to trap him in his words. Each time Jesus answers in such a way that the leaders are silenced. They can't argue or debate with him because he has actually not only answered the deeper meaning of the question, but in doing so pointed out their error and flaws of logic and heart. After the three questions, Jesus takes his turn to ask one. This question is kind of like a knock-out punch in a boxing match. In fact, the way Jesus answers their questions is not as much like a boxer trying to dodge or deflect, it's more like Neo in the first Matrix movie when he stops the bullets and sees the agents for what they truly are. Still, even though Jesus delivers a knock-out punch to their tricky questions, I don't think his intention was to shame and humiliate. I think it was to wake them up. He was very harsh with the religious leaders, but not to destroy them. Only to get through to their hard hearts that they too would have a chance to repent and be born again (just like Nicodemus, with whom Jesus spoke very gently).

2. How does this passage relate to any other Scripture I know?

Well the parable of the wedding banquet follows immediately after the parables from yesterdays reading in Matthew 21. They all share a similar message. The father asks one son to do a job and he doesn't do it. The landowner hires an initial group of people to manage the vineyard and give him dues. The king invites an initial group of people to the wedding banquet. In each scenario, I think Jesus is referring to the nation of Israel at large, specifically those who call themselves religious leaders. They rejected the prophets, actually neglected God at times, and ultimately killed the Son of God. Jesus is saying that God's patience doesn't last forever, and he is already alluding to the fact that God is now "allowing" Gentiles to become a part of the kingdom and family of God through faith in Christ. The Gentiles and "sinners" were always seen as outsiders of the blessings of God, but in each of these stories, Jesus is saying that those Gentiles and "sinners" who are hungry and eager to receive the blessings of God will be welcomed while those heart-hearted among the Jews will be cast out. Paul also teaches this way using the illustration of natural branches vs. grafted branches on a tree in Romans 11:11-24

3. What does this mean for my life?

I don't know if this was intended to be a Christian finance 101 class with the question of paying taxes, but Jesus' answer helps me to think through my personal finances. There is a pretty common question among Christians of whether we are supposed to give or "tithe" a percentage of our gross income (before taxes are taken out) or net income (what we take home after taxes have been taken out). The best answer is probably, "It doesn't really matter, as long as you give generously and joyfully." But this answer Jesus gives in Matthew 22:18-21 helps me think that really, we should give a percentage of our gross income. As long as we live under a government there will be taxes, and we should give to the government what they have allotted, and give to God what He has asked. Jesus doesn't say, "pay your taxes and then if there is any left over give it to God." Anyway, that's kind of a funny way of looking at it, but it helps me to be a little more generous in giving off of the gross.

4. What questions do I have about this passage?

I think I understand the big picture meaning of the wedding parable, as explored in question #2, but there is still a little piece that I don't really understand. When the servants go out and bring in everyone off the street, there is a man who is not wearing wedding garments. Even though he is called "friend" by the king, he is still tied up and thrown outside. I heard once that everyone attending would have been given garments, so he must have either rejected them or chosen not to wear them. Yet my question is still, "What significance does this have for us today? Or what meaning would have been implied to the listeners then?"

That's it. I'd love to hear your thoughts.

In Christ,
Dan


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#Matthew21 - The King They Most Needed but Nobody Wanted

Click here to read Matthew 21:

1. What stood out to you from this chapter?

EVERYTHING in this chapter points to Jesus as king. He is fulfilling the prophecy about Zion's King. He commands authority in the Temple. He teaches with authority. His parables and the explanations point to him as the coming Messiah, the Son of God. But this wasn't exactly the rise to the throne that people wanted. Sure they were shouting "Hosanna," which means both "Save us!" and "Salvation is here!" For a really cool quick lesson on the meaning and history of the word, Hosanna, click on this article by John Piper! The people are rightly shouting for salvation for the one who can bring it. But they are thinking of a different salvation. They wanted Jesus to march right up to the palace and lead a rebellion against the Roman government. They probably would have supported him too. But he didn't go to the palace. He went to the temple. And he wasn't teaching about the kingdom of Israel; he was teaching about the kingdom of God. He was the king they most needed but nobody wanted.

2. How does this passage relate to any other Scripture I know?

Well, on a downer note, I can't help but read this passage and think about what's coming next in the story of Holy Week (in Matthew 26 and 27 - we'll get there). Today, crowds are shouting hosannas to the Son of David. In five days they will be shouting "Crucify Him!" Today they are laying down their coats for him. In five days they will be stripping his clothes off of him and mocking him. Today they are waving palm branches in his honor, in five days they will be whipping him and putting a crown of thorns to dishonor him. Today he is at the height of his (earthly) glory, and in five days he will be buried in death.

3. What does this mean for my life?

This piece of the story about the fig tree really hit home for me today. Not too many chapters ago, Jesus said that even if we had faith the size of a mustard seed you can tell a mountain to move. Now Jesus again says, "If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer." I'm just convicted because I think if Jesus were to stand in front of me today and look at me, he would lovingly look at me as he did the disciples and say, "Oh you of little faith." I feel much more like the man who asked Jesus to heal his boy who confessed, "I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!" (Mark 9:24)

4. What questions do I have about this chapter?

I think I just have more of a rhetorical or almost disappointed question about this passage. Why were the teachers of the law so hard-hearted towards Jesus. They should have been the ones most eagerly awaiting the Messiah, most aware of the prophecies, and most ready to receive this king. But I sort of answered the question above in large part.

God's blessings. Keep Digging In!

In Christ,
Dan

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