Jesus’ Authority

How do we know that Jesus has the authority to forgive us our faults and infractions? Many consider Jesus to be a great teacher and prophet, but some of us go further and declare him to be the holy son of God and therefore divine. Why is there this difference of opinion? Jesus himself answeredContinue reading “Jesus’ Authority”

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”

Living with in the world with a heavenly mindset.

Although the question posed to Jesus about paying taxes was designed to find fault with him, in one sentence Jesus shed light on how his followers are to live in the world. Jesus’ contemporaries chaffed at being ruled by the Romans; paying taxes to Caesar was particularly aggravating to them. However, it was necessary forContinue reading “Living with in the world with a heavenly mindset.”

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”

Distracted by the Good

Most of us are aware of how negative things can distract us from following Jesus, but we may fail to recognize that sometimes the allure of good things can do the same. This was the point of one of Jesus’ parables to the people. Jesus taught that a master had prepared a banquet and invitedContinue reading “Distracted by the Good”

The Love and Wisdom of Jesus

On an occasion in which Jesus taught in the synagogue on the Sabbath, he saw a woman who was disabled for 18 years. She was crippled to the extent that she could not stand up straight. When he saw her, he healed her by laying hands upon her for which she glorified God. However theContinue reading “The Love and Wisdom of Jesus”

Rest In Our Father’s Care

Jesus warned his disciples not to fear what their enemies could do to them (Luke 12:1-7), because their enemies only had power in the physical realm, but no power in the spiritual. Rather, they were to respect God who had authority and power in both the physical and spiritual realms. As God cares for nature,Continue reading “Rest In Our Father’s Care”

Choosing The Better Over The Good

The story of Martha and Mary in Luke 10:38-42 is a curious one. It reveals that the values of Jesus’ Kingdom are quite opposite to the values of the world. In our world those who accomplish are valued and praised. Martha was a doer; she accomplished; she served Jesus. She was also stressed out becauseContinue reading “Choosing The Better Over The Good”

Jesus Meets Our Real Needs

While Jesus was alone praying, his disciples gathered around him. Jesus asked who the people said he was. Responding, the disciples said John the Baptist, Elijah or one of the ancient prophets raised again. Then Jesus directed his question to the disciples and asked them, Peter responded that he was the Christ (Messiah) of God,Continue reading “Jesus Meets Our Real Needs”

Defeating Fear

The account of Jesus accompanying Jairos to heal his daughter reminds us of an important life principle. When messengers from Jairos’ home came to inform him that his daughter had died, Jesus told him not to be afraid. Literally, Jesus told him to stop being afraid, and believe or have faith. Jairos was to haveContinue reading “Defeating Fear”