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”

True Joy

After the 70 returned from proclaiming the kingdom of God throughout Galilee, they reported to Jesus that they saw that spirits obeyed their commands. Experiencing such authority over the spiritual realm brought them great joy. Even Jesus told them that he had seen Satan fall from the heavens like lightning. However, Jesus cautioned them thatContinue reading “True Joy”

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”

Freedom or Fear

Jesus came to set people free! His purpose is revealed in the liberation of the man possessed by many demons. The man’s liberation set off a chain of events which revealed much about him and those living in that area. Oddly, rather than rejoicing because the man had been healed, his neighbors were filled withContinue reading “Freedom or Fear”

Moment of Truth

At certain times in our life we encounter situations that can define the rest of our life. After Pilate heard the priests declare that Jesus made himself to be the Son of God; Pilate paused and went back to Jesus for further information. Already he had determined that Jesus didn’t deserve to die, but toContinue reading “Moment of Truth”