While Judas was being deceived and doing what Jesus had revealed he was about to do, Peter and all the disciples didn’t realize their own weakness and fears. As he had done with Judas when he revealed he knew about his betrayal, Jesus warned Peter of his coming denial. As Judas went out willingly andContinue reading “Being Strong In Difficulty”
Category Archives: Adversity
Faith & Perseverance
When Jesus retired to Tyre and Sidon, he was met by a Canaanite woman requesting healing for her demonized daughter. At first Jesus didn’t respond. Then he told her that his mission was to reach out to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. Later he told her that it was not right forContinue reading “Faith & Perseverance”
Addressing Opposition
It is interesting to observe the opposition rising against Jesus. As the crowds increasingly came to the conclusion that Jesus was the long expected Son of David, their Messiah, the Pharisees became more radical in their opposition. Since Jesus demonstrated that he had power and authority over the demonic spirits, the Pharisees literally demonized JesusContinue reading “Addressing Opposition”
Defeating Temptations
Jesus’ 40 days in the desert to be tested by the devil give us a strategy for defeating temptation. First Satan may use our physical needs against us, in order to tempt us to live for ourselves, rather than living in a dependent relationship on our heavenly Father. Jesus refused to use his own powerContinue reading “Defeating Temptations”
Divine Surprises
The story found in Matthew 2 of the Magi coming from the east to worship the newly born King of the Jews demonstrates one of the amazing ways that God encourages, protects and provides for his people. In a manner that the Magi, who study the stars, would understand, God revealed to them that theContinue reading “Divine Surprises”
Life’s Challenges
The episode of Jesus and Peter walking on the water illustrates how we often live our lives. After sending the disciples in the boat to cross the lake, Jesus sent the crowds away and retired to a mountain to pray. In the middle of the night, as the disciples were struggling to cross against aContinue reading “Life’s Challenges”
Jesus’ Truth Revealed Through Unbelief
The response of the religious leaders after Jesus’ death reveals a curious phenomenon that takes place in those who do not believe what Jesus said. The day following Jesus’ death and after he was buried, the religious leaders went to Pilate requesting that the tomb be guarded and sealed. Their reason? They remembered that JesusContinue reading “Jesus’ Truth Revealed Through Unbelief”
Adjusted Thinking
After the disciples returned from preaching and healing in the surrounding villages, Jesus invited them to a deserted location to rest. However, what had been supposed to be a place of rest, became a place of the miraculous. The crowd followed Jesus and the disciples into the deserted place. After teaching the crowd, the disciplesContinue reading “Adjusted Thinking”
Dealing with Questions
Why did Jesus cry out on the cross, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me” (Mark 15:34)? Why didn’t God ever give Job an explanation for all that had befallen him (Job 38:1-3)? Why didn’t Paul give an answer to his readers as to why God choses some and rejects others (Romans 9:19-20)?Continue reading “Dealing with Questions”
Why people may reject Jesus
Observing the reaction of the religious leaders to Jesus is instructive. Jesus did amazing things; primarily he helped people. So we must ask the question, why would the religious leaders react so negatively to him? What do we know about the religious leaders? They often did not act or speak the truth, because they fearedContinue reading “Why people may reject Jesus”
David Freitag 