Chronological Gospels: Matthew 17; Mark 9; Luke 9:28-62

Chronological Gospels: Matthew 17; Mark 9; Luke 9:28-62

Chronological Gospels: Matthew 17; Mark 9; Luke 9:28-62

This week we catch up with Jesus as He takes Peter, John, and James up a mountain to be alone and pray. Here, Jesus transfigured and “shone like the sun” in all His glory and suddenly Moses and Elijah were with Jesus, talking with Him. Peter here cracks me up and reminds me so much of myself in those nervous moments you don’t know what to do so you just say whatever comes to mind.

Peter interrupts Jesus’s conversation with Elijah and Moses by telling Him “it’s good we’re here”. How often do we have those types of thoughts? “Wow God, it’s good I’m here so I can help You!” When really, we were there because He made it so – not by mere coincidence. Peter’s reaction reminds me that it’s so important to remain humble and remember God places us where He wants us for His purposes.

When was the last time you knew you were exactly where you were meant to be? Explain.

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After Peter, John, and James totally miss yet another miracle, they decide to ask Jesus about a prophecy regarding Elijah. In Matthew, we read that Jesus tells the disciples that Elijah had already returned before Jesus as prophesied but he was not recognized, and they understood that Jesus was talking about John the Baptist. With this, Jesus also tells them that the Son of Man will suffer and be raised from the dead.

Describe a time God clarified something for you that you had been confused about.

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Later, Jesus is brought a boy who has an evil spirit. The disciples were unable to cast the demon out, for which Jesus rebukes their unbelief. He tells them that if they do not have faith, they will not be able to do it. If they have faith the size of a mustard seeds, the smallest of all seeds, then nothing will be impossible for them.

Having faith is one of the biggest challenges we face a lot of the time. Our unbelief is often what hinders us. By growing in our faith and dependence on God, and growing in our belief that all things are possible through Christ, we can accomplish whatever it is God presents for us to do.

When was the last time you found yourself lacking faith? How can you grow in your faith and dependence on Jesus in these times?

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The disciples later argued about which one of them was greatest, and Jesus’ response is one we need to remember. So often we, too, wonder about who is the best, the greatest, or even the worst. We try to put ourselves first, but in doing so we push ourselves to the back of the line. Jesus reminds us that it is the least who are the greatest, meaning it is those who are humble and don’t seek their own glory or status who are the greatest. Humility is a trait we all need to learn and reside in.

Describe a time your pride needed to be humbled.

The disciples then told Jesus they had told someone not to cast out demons in the name of Jesus. This comment makes me think of all the different ways God uses people to accomplish His divine purposes. Where one person is called to serve the Lord and spread the gospel in one manner, the next person is given a totally different means to accomplish the same goal.

Describe a time someone glorified God and shared the gospel in a way that differed from your own calling. What did this teach you?

Chronological gospels week 20 Matthew 16; Mark 8; Luke 9:18-27
Chronological Gospels: Matthew 17; Mark 9; Luke 9:28-62

Chronological Gospels: Matthew 16; Mark 8; Luke 9:18-27

Chronological Gospels: Matthew 16; Mark 8; Luke 9:18-27

This week we meet back up with Jesus and the disciples after Jesus has just fed another multitude, this time 4,000, with 7 baskets leftover. Last time it was 5,000 with 12 baskets leftover, which happened in Jewish territory, and this time it happens in gentile lands. Jesus is showing the people that He came for the Jews and the Gentiles alike.

After He feeds yet another many thousand people, the disciples head out with Jesus. Jesus gives a warning to beware of the teachings and example of the Pharisees and Sadducees, but the disciples again miss the point. They also miss the miracle of Jesus feeding another many thousand people…again.

Jesus and the disciples then carry on a very important conversation we can learn several things from. Peter confesses his belief that Jesus I truly the Messiah, and Jesus praises the fact that Peter did not come to this because of man, but because God has revealed it to him and he believed it. This is what we are all called to.

Jesus then explains the importance of holding onto this belief in faith. Those who want to truly follow Jesus must be willing to give everything up for Jesus, even their own life. This is both figurative and literal. Some will be faced with a literal life and death decision for their faith, but all of us are faced with a decision to die to our old selves and allow the Jesus to fill us with Himself giving us His spiritual life. As we go through our life growing in faith we should become more like Jesus and less like ourselves. This is a tough concept for many of us, but is well worth every ounce of pain, suffering, and discomfort for the promise ahead.

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How has Christ transformed you and your life to bring Him more honor and glory?

The other main point that struck me in these passages is Jesus’ first reference to the Church. This is a passage that can be controversial for some. Based on the surrounding passages as well as the rest of scripture in context with this passage in Matthew 16, I believe Jesus is telling the disciples that He is the Rock on which the Church will be built, and that our faith in Him and testimonies build up the church. We read throughout the New Testament about Jesus as the chief cornerstone and the testimonies of the prophets and apostles are the foundation built upon Christ the rock and cornerstone.

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Our testimony and witness to the world matters. Sharing the gospel and living in God’s truth help to build up the Church on the cornerstone, rock, and true foundation of Jesus Christ. Just like it was vital for the disciples to go out into all the world and proclaim the gospel to build up the early church, it is still the responsibility and privilege of followers of Jesus today to do likewise in the ways God calls, leads and provides for us to do.

How do you share your testimony and the gospel with others?

What impact have others had in your life by sharing their faith and testimony?

Chronological gospels week 20 Matthew 16; Mark 8; Luke 9:18-27
Chronological Gospels: Matthew 15; Mark 7

Chronological Gospels: Matthew 15; Mark 7

Chronological Gospels: Matthew 15; Mark 7

This week as we dive into the gospels, we head into Matthew 15 and Mark 7 where we catch up with Jesus and one of His conversations with the Pharisees. John the Baptist has recently been beheaded, the Pharisees are hunting for ways to entrap Jesus, and Jesus has just performed the miracle of feeding the five-thousand with the loaves and fish.

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The Pharisees here call out the disciples for not holding to the traditions of the elders, as they call it. In the Jewish culture, tradition was extremely important. They all held to the traditions that had been passed down from generation to generation. One such tradition was a ceremonial washing of hands before eating. To us washing hands before eating sounds simple enough, especially in a world over two years into a pandemic, but in this time it was ceremonial – not just for washing the dirt and grime off of your hands. The Pharisees were not talking about physical cleanness but were pointing out that the disciples were not holding to a tradition for ceremonial cleanness.

Do you have certain traditions you and/or your family follow? Describe some of them and where they came from.

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I love Jesus’s response here. His responses are always an opportunity for us to learn something. Here, Jesus rebukes the Pharisees because they are touting that the disciples are not following a man-made tradition, yet the Pharisees are not upholding God-given commands. They are choosing to put their own traditions over God.

Thinking about your own traditions again, how do these traditions coordinate with God’s commands for your life? Are they complimentary or contradictory?

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Jesus’s response to the Pharisees should cause us to evaluate our own routines, traditions, and intentions behind them. We should take the time to filter all of our habits, routines, and traditions through God’s Word to make sure they don’t take hold a higher place in our lives than God’s commands, but also to ensure they don’t contradict God’s Word.

We have to be willing to put aside man-made for God-commanded. Our intentions matter, and keeping God first takes intention and effort. Our intentions are known by God, and if our intentions are wrong it will come out of our hearts. If our heart is misaligned and not founded on Christ our hearts are defiled and that will flow out of us.

What areas of your life do you need to realign with God’s Word and commands?

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Right after this, we see the gentile woman come to Jesus and beg His help. This image is so important at this moment in the story. The Pharisees, those who the Jewish people looked to for spiritual wisdom and guidance, were just called out for being “blind guides”. Now we see Jesus praise a gentile woman, an outsider, someone the Jewish people would have seen as an enemy of God in those times, praised for her faith and her child healed of a demon.

Jesus seeks to save ALL who will come to Him and have faith in Him. No matter your background, family, experiences, or sins He wants you to come to Him, trust in Him, and receive salvation through faith in Him.

Take some time to consider what you have not felt like you can bring to God. What is stopping you from trusting Him fully? What burden feels too heavy to be forgiven? Pray over it this week.

Chronological Gospels Week 19 Matthew 15; Mark 7
Chronological Gospels: John 6

Chronological Gospels: John 6

Chronological Gospels: John 6

This week we take a leap into John chapter 6 which is packed with some off Jesus’s more complex and difficult teachings. We see just how difficult this can be, not only for us but for the people Jesus was speaking directly to, when many of His disciples stopped following Him because what He was teaching them was too difficult for them to comprehend. I want to start out today by encouraging you to press forward! As difficult as some things are to grasp, Jesus also teaches us within this very same lesson that it is by His Holy Spirit that we are given understanding. Lean into the Holy Spirit today, and let’s explore this complex chapter.

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We begin with John’s account of the feeding of the five thousand, which we discussed last week from the other 3 gospel accounts. What really gets complicated is the people’s response after they were fed by the miracle of Jesus. They went to the other side of the water to find Jesus. Here are several key takeaways from this passage.

  • We should not chase after earthly things.
  • We cannot work for eternal life – it is a gift to those who believe.
  • Jesus is the only way to be eternally satisfied and provide for our spiritual needs.
  • Those who believe in Jesus will have eternal life.
  • God invites everyone to believe, but only some will believe and be given spiritual life.
  • If we seek to be satisfied by anything but Christ, we will never be truly satisfied.

What stands out to you the most in these key points from this week’s reading? Why?

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The most difficult thing about this chapter is the idea of Jesus as the Bread of Life. This is where most of Jesus’ disciples bailed on Him because this was too difficult for them to understand and they did not believe.

When we take communion, we take of the bread as a symbol of Jesus’ body broken for us, and drink of the wine or juice as a symbol of His blood spilled for us. Some believe these to be literal blood and flesh, and some see this as figurative. But here is the main point most can agree on – when we take the wine and bread, we do so in remembrance and honor of the sacrifice Jesus made for ourselves – us, you, me, each of us individually, and all of us entirely. With this, we are reminded, and our appreciation and love for Him should be rekindled and grown as we take time to remember His sacrifice for our sake and what He saved us from.

What are your beliefs about communion? How often do you take communion, and why do you personally do so? Reflect on this, and take some time to pray over this.

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This Bread of Life in the original language is referring to spiritual life through faith and dependence on Jesus that results in eternal life through Jesus. When we choose to believe and have faith in Jesus, the Son of God, and depend on Him, we are given spiritual life that gives true satisfaction. He satisfies our spiritual needs while we are trusting Him to guide and provide for our physical needs. Jesus wants our faith and dependence and He will satisfy us forever with true spiritual life.

What do you understand or wish you understood better about Jesus as the Bread of Life? Take some time to pray over this and reread this chapter in multiple translations.

Chronological Gospels Week 18 John 6
Chronological Gospels: Matthew 14; Mark 6; Luke 9:1-17

Chronological Gospels: Matthew 14; Mark 6; Luke 9:1-17

Chronological Gospels: Matthew 14; Mark 6; Luke 9:1-17

This week we will read Matthew 14; Mark 6; Luke 9:1-17. In these passages, we begin with the devastating death of John the Baptist. John the Baptist had been beheaded by King Herod, who scripture tells us regretted this deed. He made this decision out of pride and an obligation to an oath. This story reminds me of the many Proverbs that talk about oaths and how we should take oaths very seriously, never making a careless oath.

When was a time you made a promise or oath you later regretted making?

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What happens next really struck me today. Reading this story in conjunction with the following passages puts matters into a different perspective than reading each piece on its own. Moving forward, we see Jesus find out about John’s death. It is important to know that Jesus knew this was going to happen, knew the way, the reason, the timing, but still we see that Jesus left to be alone when He found out.

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When Jesus left to be alone, He was bombarded by more people seeking His help and healing. Instead of telling them to go away, or that He would come back, or anything like that we read that He had compassion on them and tended to them. Jesus wanted some time alone, but we see Him set the example that sometimes we need to keep pressing forward and keep serving God’s Kingdom.

Have you ever wanted to be alone, but life demanded your full attention anyway? How did you respond?

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We see here that Jesus took time to heal people, and to spend time with them and teach them. He took full advantage of the opportunity He had to teach the crowds that swarmed Him, with compassion and patience. Then, as the day pressed on toward night, we see what the disciples were up to.

They, not understanding John’s death themselves, were surely still mourning him, and were very likely exhausted from the long day of ministry with Jesus. They wanted to send the people away. Jesus’s response here is a massive lesson for all of us.

While the disciples were ready to call it a day, Jesus told them to feed the people themselves. While the disciples were likely mourning and exhausted, ready to be alone with Jesus, He called on them to serve these people instead of sending them away. In Luke’s account, Jesus compared the crowds to sheep without a shepherd. They, with obvious doubt, brought Him 5 loaves of bread and 2 fish, and Jesus blessed them, broke them, and had the disciples distribute them. At the end, 12 baskets of leftovers remained.

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Two things I don’t want to miss here. One, how Jesus sees the same people the disciples want to tell to go away and not deal with anymore. He sees them with compassion, humbles Himself, and helps them. Secondly, Jesus delegated responsibilities to the disciples, asking them to also humble themselves and help these people in faith. He not only showed compassion and patience, but asked His followers to do likewise.

Do you tend to see people as a nuisance you don’t want to deal with, or with compassion, as those we can help and serve?

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The disciples, having completely missed the miracle of the loaves and fish, were told by Jesus to take a boat to the other side of the water. Jesus finished up with the crowd, and then He took time to be alone with God in prayer now that the people were tended to. After a while, He walked out onto the water and asked Peter to come to Him there. Peter begins to sink, and we read that not only is this due to Peter’s doubt, but in Mark 6:51 we see another reason. Because they had missed the point of the miracle of feeding the people, their hearts were hardened, and they were afraid.

Take some time to reflect on miracles God has done in your own life and thank Him for being there, providing, having compassion and patience with you, and reaching His hand out to you as if to Peter in the water.

Chronological Gospels Week 17 Matthew 14; Mark 6; Luke 9:1-17
Chronological Gospels: Matthew 9-10

Chronological Gospels: Matthew 9-10

Chronological Gospels: Matthew 9-10

Throughout Matthew 9 and 10 several key things happen. The first is Jesus healing a paralyzed man and telling him that his sins are forgiven. At this, some of the scribes thought Jesus was a blasphemer because only God can forgive sins. I love what happens next. Don’t miss the lesson here – Jesus calls them out for their thoughts and the evil in their heart. Jesus is showing them that He knows their every thought, their intent, and the condition of their hearts. They were inwardly accusing Jesus of blaspheming, and Jesus responded in a way that proved His divinity and authority.

How does this lesson convict or encourage you? Why?

Jesus then tells the paralyzed man to get up, pick up his mat, and go home – and he did! Now many of the people saw this and gave glory to God in their amazement. In every situation there is something to learn. We can even learn from the experiences of the critics and doubters. Here we get to see Jesus prove His divinity to the scoffers, and can praise God for the incredible works done knowing that the same Christ who performed these miracles and discerns the very thoughts and intentions of all people indwells every believer who has faith in Him.

What does knowing Christ indwells you mean to you?

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Jesus goes and to perform many more miracles, and every time we read about these miracles we can be reminded of His glory, power, authority, and great love for mankind. He came to save us, and when He accomplished the works on the cross and ascended to Heaven, He gave His Spirit to those who would believe in Him.

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ater, after Jesus calls Matthew, a tax collector, to follow Him the Pharisees question his companionship. Jesus again has an important lesson to teach us. He came to save those who recognize their need for a Savior. He came for the broken sinners like you and me who know that we cannot be enough, but that He is.

Reflect this week on what Christ has saved you from. Remember how He has shown up before, and pray over areas you are currently struggling and holding onto.

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Throughout Matthew 9 and 10 one lesson is particularly prominent. We see Jesus questioned, doubted, mocked, and read about many seeking to entrap Him. We see so many difficulties He faced in His earthly ministry, and then He goes on to give us some needed encouragement. Jesus tells us that those who have faith in Him have no need to be afraid. He will always provide for His people. He wants us to take up our cross, to pick up every burden and sin, and carry it to the cross, and lay it down where it has been put to death. Recognize that His sacrifice is enough. We can find rest in Him as we lay it all down at the foot of the cross.

What are you holding onto and struggling to lay down at the cross? What can you do to take steps forward in faith?

Chronological Gospels Week 16 Matthew 9-10
Chronological Gospels: Matthew 8:14-34; Mark 4-5

Chronological Gospels: Matthew 8:14-34; Mark 4-5

Chronological Gospels: Matthew 8:14-34; Mark 4-5

We pick up this week in Matthew 8, finishing up the second half in verses 14-34. Here and in Mark 4:35-41 we read about Jesus and His disciples taking a boat across the sea. While crossing, Jesus slept but a storm came that terrified the disciples. They woke Jesus wondering if He cared about the raging storm.

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This story is one that sticks with me and every time I read it I am reminded that Jesus is with me in every storm. Not only is He with me, but He isn’t worried – so neither should I be. He has authority over every storm, knows every storm, and is with me in every storm. I don’t have to worry, but only have faith in Him before, during, and after each and every storm I face in my life.

Are you in the midst of a storm in your life? Think about past storms you have been through, and describe how Christ was with you, even if you didn’t know it at the time.

We also read again about the parable of the sower, as well as the bowl an the lamp, growing seed, and the mustard seed. In all of these parables we get to learn vital lessons as believers. The Kingdom of God is equated to a seed that is sown, and that grows over time until harvest. It is also equated to the smallest of all seeds, the mustard seed, that starts out tiny, but over time it grows into the tallest and most fruitful plant in all the garden.

How do these parables speak to you today? What is this teaching you in this present season of your life and faith?

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One thing that stands out to me in all of these passages this week is that Jesus teaches each of us according to what He knows we are ready for, and He gives each of us the understanding we need at the time and in the way He determines is best for us. He did this with the disciples, and He still does that for us every day.

Jumping into the story of Jesus casting out the Legion of demons, I am always struck by this story in a new way every time I read it. Reading all of these parables alongside this story today I am reminded that, just like the demon possessed man whom Jesus healed, He heals us of our many afflictions. Again just like this man he healed, he does not immediately call us all home to dwell with Him but instead commands us to take our testimony out, plant seeds for the gospel, and participate in growing the Kingdom of God before the time of the harvest comes.

What are you doing in your life right now to grow in your faith?

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We are all called to go out into all the world and share the gospel, and we are all given a testimony to share. Our testimony is powerful because it has Jesus’ fingerprints all over it. We should constantly be thanking Him for all He has done, humbling ourselves as we remember how much we have needed and still need Him, and planting seeds around us so that others may come to know Him and experience the healing power of Jesus through faith as well.

What can you do in your life right now to plant seeds and share your testimony?

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We don’t have to have it all figured out. Jesus grants us the understanding He knows we need and are ready for, and the understanding He gives us He wants us to use. What we use will be measured, and we will be given more understanding according to the measure we use. If we fail to use the wisdom granted to us, He will take it away.

Let the light of Christ shine from you and your life and encourage others everyday.

Chronological Gospels Week 15 Matthew 8:14-34; Mark 4-5
Chronological Gospels: Matthew 13; Luke 8

Chronological Gospels: Matthew 13; Luke 8

Chronological Gospels: Matthew 13; Luke 8

This week in Matthew 13 and Luke 8 we will read through many of Jesus’ parables, as well as some of the miracles He performed. These passages give us several important explanations that will help us understand much of Jesus’ teachings throughout the gospel accounts.

When Jesus tells the Parable of the Sower, the people are confused and the disciples ask Him why He teaches in parables. Jesus explains, both plainly to them in private as well as in further parables, that those who truly seek God’s wisdom with an honest heart and right intentions will receive understanding from God. Those who seek with ill or wrong motives, who hear and see with hardened hearts, closed eyes and ears, will not understand.

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It is important for us to soak in this lesson because as people of God we need to check our own hearts and seek God’s help and guidance. We need to be growing in righteousness with the help of the Holy Spirit, and not fall backward and wither up like the seeds sown on rocky, thorny, or bad ground that all get swallowed up. We need to be growing strong roots in Christ every day so that when the storms come, like in Luke 8:22-25, we have strong roots of faith clinging to Jesus, our firm foundation, and not being swept away by worry and panic like the seeds planted in thorns.

What stands out the most to you from the many parables in today’s readings? Why?

As believers, it is vital that we be watchful, and that we listen carefully to all that the Lord has to say and instruct us in. We learn to listen by being in the Word of God regularly, growing strong roots in scripture, and that we do so with an honest heart. One of the biggest lessons we should take away from Jesus’ teachings throughout the gospel is that our intentions make all the difference in the world. If our intentions are not right, we will lack. If our intentions are right, we will be blessed.

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Another thing that stands out to me in this week’s reading is that again we see many paths being described and explained, but also yet again we see only one path that leads to salvation. The only way to salvation is through Jesus, through Him sowing the good seeds, growing sturdy roots in Him, and through strong and growing faith in Him.

In what ways have you grown in your faith, and how has this impacted your life?

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It is important to stop and remember where we started, where we have been, and where the Lord has taken us so far. Looking back to remember all He has done in and through us and our lives, what we can see, is so helpful to our faith. I constantly stop and remember and thank God for all He has saved me from and all the ways He has helped me to grow and learn along the way. Our readings this week are a perfect reminder to check your heart, evaluate your roots, and reflect on how far you have come with Christ.

Reflect on some of the trials you have been through, and notice from where you are now how God showed up. What are some things you see God was with you in that you maybe didn’t see as much while you were there?

Chronological Gospels Week 14 Matthew 13; Luke 8
Chronological Gospels: Matthew 12:22-50; Luke 11

Chronological Gospels: Matthew 12:22-50; Luke 11

Chronological Gospels: Matthew 12:22-50; Luke 11

Matthew 12:22-50 and Luke 11 are filled to the brim, overflowing with vital truths for all believers to know and understand. Picking up at Matthew 12:22 and Luke 11, we jump right into Jesus responding to the Pharisees accusing Jesus of driving out demons by the power of Satan rather than of God. This particular passage is one that can be very difficult to understand, so I dove into some keywords in Greek to help me understand Jesus’ responses.

The very first thing to notice is that verse 25 begins with “knowing their thoughts” indicating, and reminding us, that Jesus knows the thoughts and innermost heart and intentions of us all. He knew the thoughts and intentions behind the Pharisee’s words and actions. He goes on to teach that those who blaspheme the Holy Spirit, also translated as “grieve the Holy Spirit”, will not be forgiven. This is often referred to as the “unforgivable sin”. Throughout Jesus’ explanation, He points again and again to the heart and intention of a person.

When someone who knows the truth but slanders or speaks in an injurious way of the Holy Spirit, they are blaspheming the Holy Spirit. This is a sin against spiritual knowledge. This is to say, someone who has known the truth but denies it and slanders it, not only in word but in their very nature and character, they are guilty of blaspheming the Holy Spirit. Putting it more simply, this is to know yet still choose knowingly to reject and slander the truth in the way you speak and live.

Moving forward, Jesus continues on to explain the difference between good and evil fruits. Good is to be of excellent character and nature, and bad is to be rotten, corrupt, worthless, evil, and unfit for use. Good fruits come from those who are of good character, and bad fruits come from those of corrupt character. He then explains that we will be either justified or condemned by our words, but digging into this more Jesus is saying that we will be justified of condemned not only by words but by the very nature of our soul, thoughts, lives, and words.

What about this passage stands out the most to you?

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Matthew 12:43-45 and Luke 11:24-26 drive the point home that those who are not filled with God are leaving room for things of Satan. If we, like the Pharisees set on their Jewish traditions over truth, focus on earthly things over eternal things, we will remain empty, refuse regeneration, and be filled with things opposed to God rather than of God. If we are not filled with God, having faith in Jesus and filled by the Holy Spirit, we are easy pickings for satanic influences.

What is the importance of this passage to you?

This passage strikes me as a vital passage about spiritual condition and spiritual warfare. If we refuse God, disobey God, deny His truth, reject His Son and salvation, blaspheme His Holy Spirit, fail to repent, remain in our stubbornness and sin, we are destined for destruction. The beautiful thing is that we see in Matthew 12:46-50 and Luke 11:28 that those who have faith in Jesus, who hear the truth and believe, and who obey God will be blessed. Not only will we be blessed, but we will become a part of God’s own family.

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We see the Lord’s Prayer again here in Luke 11, which we also read in week 10. I’d like to touch on this a little bit more today, though. It is always important to read and study again even parts we have read 1,000 times. I have been working on re-memorizing the Lord’s Prayer as it is given in Matthew, and here we see a simpler rendition of it. For me, this has been an incredible lesson about how to pray.

  • Give glory, honor and thanks to God
  • Focus myself on heavenly things and God’s will in my life over my own desires
  • Request God’s provisions in my life
  • Confess and repent of my sins, and forgive others as well
  • Request God’s help, wisdom, and guidance in my life

The ultimate focus becomes acknowledging God’s will in my life and placing full dependence on God in all matters.

What does the Lord’s Prayer mean to you? I encourage you to memorize it this week.

Study with Me Chronological Gospels: Matthew 12:22-50; Luke 11
Chronological Gospels: Matthew 8:1-13; Luke 7

Chronological Gospels: Matthew 8:1-13; Luke 7

Chronological Gospels: Matthew 8:1-13; Luke 7

This week we are exploring Matthew 8:1-13 and Luke 7. Right off the bat we get to read about Jesus healing the leper. I love this story because this man living with a terrible disease came to Jesus in faith that Jesus could heal him but was humble enough not to assume Jesus would be willing.

So often in my life I have come to Jesus knowing He could heal my brokenness, but submitted myself to His will, whatever that may be. Sometimes our idea of how we want to be healed or helped is different than God’s way and we need to be willing to submit to His ways and timing in faith. His ways are always better than our own.

Describe a time in your life you trusted God’s will to be done in your life even if it meant you would continue to suffer.

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When we call on Jesus in faith, trusting in His power and plan, He will do miracles in our lives. It won’t necessarily look like this leper who was literally healed of his leprosy in a moment, but our faith can move mountains in our lives and in our hearts. We give Him our faith and allow Him to have power over us and our lives for His divine plans and purposes.

We see this again with the faith of the Centurion. This Centurion made it clear he was a leader of men and understood what it meant to have great authority. Yet this man in such a position was humble enough to call upon Jesus yet not assume himself so great as to be worthy of Jesus’ help or presence.

Jesus then tells the people, and therefore us, that there will be many gentiles, those not born of the line of Abraham, not of Jewish heritage, who will come to Jesus, but that there will be some born of Abraham’s line who are not truly faithful to God and will not see the Kingdom of Heaven. This teaches us that anyone can come to Jesus, and that He wants true repentance and faith, not lip-service or false faith. Christ came to save ALL who would come to Him in faith.

What difference has faith and repentance made in your life? Why is it important to remember this?

Later in Luke 7 we see Jesus bring a widow’s son back to life. This is such a wonderful story and reminder of God’s power. We also see that this was to bring God glory – not just to help the widow and restore the boy.

We must always remember that all we do should be to glorify God, and that what He does is for His glory. This is a blessing that we get to be a part of His plan and participate in bringing Him glory so that others may also come to Him and likewise bring Him glory through their faith.

Describe a time in your life God was glorified in a way you did not expect.

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Jesus reminds us through this chapter of Luke that those who are not offended by Him, those who come to Him in faith, those who truly repent, those who seek and receive His forgiveness are those who bring God glory. Those who have been forgiven much love much.

Those who fail to repent, who remain in their unbelief, do not know the forgiveness and love of God because their hearts remain hardened against Him. Those who have been forgiven the most are more grateful and love God deeper than those who harbor or deny their sin, or who don’t have as much to be forgiven of.

How have you experienced or witnessed the reality of Jesus’ statement that those who are forgiven much love much?

Study with Me Chronological Gospels: Matthew 8:1-13; Luke 7
Chronological Gospels: Matthew 5-7

Chronological Gospels: Matthew 5-7

Chronological Gospels: Matthew 5-7, Week 10

Studying the gospels in chronological order is wonderful for comparing the different perspectives of each person’s account. This week we are diving into a section of Matthew that is packed with wisdom and warnings.

Last week we ready through the Beatitudes in Luke’s account of the gospel, and this week we begin with Matthew’s account. Matthew recalls more of what is usually called the Sermon on the Mount. He tells us that those who are poor in spirit, who mourn, are humble, who long for righteousness. are merciful, are pure in heart, are peacemakers, and are persecuted are blessed.

What about the Beatitudes stands out the most to you and why?

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Jesus goes on to explain that we are the salt of the earth as well as the light of the world. He uses these images to explain that we are meant to go out and share the love and light of Jesus with the world. Salt must maintain its seasoning and light must not be hidden. We must be active participants in God’s plan to redeem the whole world by sharing what we have learned with others.

What are some ways you can share your faith in your day-to-day life?

One of the main lessons in the whole of Matthew 5-7 is that all we do should be for the glory of God. Jesus gives specific ways we can bring God glory, and He also provides many warnings for us. He commands us to not judge, hate, murder, commit adultery, lie, and may other things. Where there are instructions for how to live, there are also warnings for what to avoid.

One aspect of Matthew 5 that is a particular struggle in our culture is Matthew 5:38-48 where Jesus tells us that we are to be different than the world – when the world says to take revenge, to do as others have done to you, Jesus says do as you would want others to do to you. He takes this even further in commanding us to love our enemies. With this command it is vital to remember and understand God’s definition of love found in 1 Corinthians 13:4-8.

How can you love your enemies better, according to God’s definition of love?

Matthew 6 focuses on not showing off and stresses the point to be earnest. There is a time to share your faith and pray with and for others, and there is also a time for private intimacy with God alone. On the one hand, share your faith! Live it out! On the other, make sure you take time to grow in your relationship with the Lord privately just between the two of you.

Where do you need more balance in your own faith and relationship with God?

Through Matthew 6 and 7 Jesus instructs us in generosity, prayer, fasting, finances and wealth, anxiety, judgment, obedience, and bearing fruit. I appreciate that Jesus took time to specifically address each of these points.

What about these instructions stands out the most to you and why?

Study with Me Chronological Gospels Week 10
Chronological Gospels: Matthew 12:1-21; Mark 3; Luke 6

Chronological Gospels: Matthew 12:1-21; Mark 3; Luke 6

WEEK 9: Matthew 12:1-21; Mark 3; Luke 6

This week we are focusing on a beautiful set of passages that include so many important lessons. Matthew 12:1-21, Mark 3:1-12, and Luke 6:1-11 all reflect on Jesus proclaiming Himself as Lord of the Sabbath. He and His disciples were walking through a field and picking grain to eat, and later Jesus healed a man with a withered hand when He was teaching in the Synagogue, both of which happened on the Sabbath which caused quite a stir.

Jesus has quite a message for those who were angered at these works being done on the Sabbath. Jesus declared in Matthew 12:12b “…it is lawful to do what is good on the Sabbath.” He also declared in Luke 6:5 that He, the Son of Man, is Lord of the Sabbath.

What do these declarations tell you about God’s intent for the Sabbath?

After this, we see Jesus choose the twelve apostles; Peter, Andrew, James, and John sons of Zebedee, Philip, and Bartholomew, Matthew, Thomas, James son of Alpheus, Simon the zealot, Judas son of James, and Judas Iscariot, who would betray Him.

What about Jesus’s choices in Apostles stands out to you the most?

Personally, I love that there is such a variety of people from a variety of backgrounds. This paints a picture for us that Jesus doesn’t look for perfect people or those who are not seeking Him. He chooses those who are in need of a spiritual doctor, whom only He can be for them.

Luke 6:20-49 is filled with so much wisdom straight from Jesus Himself. Throughout most of Luke 6, Jesus is clarifying who are the blessed ones and who are in danger. He instructs all of us in how to live, treat others, not judge, be generous, love others, do what is good, and to build our lives on Him and Him alone.

His message here is very clear – if you are not building every area of your life on the foundation of Christ alone, it will not last. If we are not living and loving the way He teaches us to both in commands and example then we are not centered on Him.

Are there areas of your life, or relationships you have that are not built on Christ? How can you give that area or relationship to the Lord?

At the end of Luke 6 Jesus asks this question: “Why do you call me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and don’t do the things I say?”

This question really hits home every time I read it, as it should. Reading this passage this week I encourage you to reflect on this question. He asks this right after giving a lot of necessary wisdom and instruction, and scripture is filled with even more godly wisdom and instruction. We can too easily fall into complacency and fall away from Christ’s instruction, and we should constantly strive to identify those areas, repent, and seek His help to remedy the situation, and follow His instruction. We should always be seeking how to obey Him better.

What areas of your life are you not doing what Christ tells you to do?

Study with Me Week 9 Chronological Gospels Matthew 12:1-21; Mark 3; Luke 6

Chronological Gospels: John 5

Chronological Gospels: John 5

WEEK 8: John 5

This week we explore John 5 which begins with the story of Jesus healing a man at the Pool of Bethesda. The Greeks built “healing centers” around natural springs and pools because they believed the pagan god of healing would use the water to heal the sick and disabled.

They built a sort of temple around the “healing center” where the sick would sleep, pray and fast while they waited for what they believed was this pagan god and his serpents to churn the water and release the healing powers. When the natural springs would bubble up, the people would then drink or bathe in the water to experience healing miracles and lay around the pool while it was calm.



When Jesus comes to the Pool of Bethesda, he wasn’t just there to heal this man – Jesus was there to debunk yet another pagan myth and display His divine power and authority. Immediately, though, and the Jewish people there rebuked the healed man for getting up and picking up the mat he’d been sleeping on by the pool, as Jesus had instructed him to do.

It was the Sabbath and Jewish Law had a lot of rules for the Sabbath, which these people believed the healed man was violating. They focused on this man, healed by a divine miracle, breaking the rules rather than seeing the miracle for what it was.

Have there been times you miss the work of God in your life because you are focused on the wrong things? How did this impact you?

Jesus goes on to proclaim Himself the Son of God, which kindled much hatred in the hearts of the people, and also explained that anyone who does not honor Him as the Son of God does not honor God. Jesus boldly proclaims His position and authority, and rebukes and warns those who do not believe Him.

One of the key things that stands out to me is that Jesus knows the heart, thoughts, intentions, words and deeds of everyone. We do not, but He does. He knows the deepest secrets and cervices of our very hearts and minds. We cannot hide anything from Him, and He will reveal all darkness in us.


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How does this knowledge that God knows our very heart and deepest thoughts and intentions help or change you in your relationship with Him?

In John 5:28-29 Jesus gives us an important lesson. We know from all over scripture that only God is good, but here Jesus says “those who have done good things” and “those who have done wicked things”. He goes on to explain that those who have done “good things” are those who have faith in Jesus as the Son of God.


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Those who have faith in Jesus are destined for the resurrection of life, while those who do not believe in Jesus as the Son of God are destined for the resurrection of condemnation. No “good works” are done without faith in Jesus Christ, and Jesus tells us this so that we may believe and be saved, as He explains in John 5:33.

Jesus takes it further and explains that just because someone reads scripture, or says they have faith, that does not mean they have a relationship with God. Only those who have true faith in Jesus are saved and enter a personal relationship with God.

What about this passage resonates with you and why?

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Study with Me Chronological Gospels Week 8 John 5

This study is part of the Study with Me: Chronological Gospels study series. It is an annual 48-week Bible study designed to encourage readers to follow along all year and dive deeper into the meat of the passages designated each week. I pray that you learn more about your Savior and grow in your relationship with Him through this study series. There is a free printable booklet available for download as well which allows you to print and take notes as you go through this study with me.

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Chronological Gospels: Mark 2

Chronological Gospels: Mark 2

WEEK 7: Mark 2

This week we will explore Mark 2 where there are quite a few big points to hit on. This chapter opens up with the story of the paralytic man being lowered down into the house Jesus was teaching in. I absolutely love this story as it is a great example of the lengths these people went because their faith was so strong. They did what it took to be in the presence of Jesus and believed that He would heal the man.

As they had faith He would do, Jesus healed the man – but not in the way many onlookers expected. He told the man “your sins are forgiven” rather than telling him that he was healed. Jesus then showed His divinity by acknowledging the thoughts of the crowd and displaying His power and authority.



I appreciate these reminders that Jesus knows our inner thoughts and our very heart and intentions. We cannot keep anything hidden from Him. I find this helpful as it reminds me to keep my mind, thoughts, intentions and heart focused on Him and when I realize I am not, I hear this verse 8 where Jesus asks them “Why are you thinking these things in your hearts?” It causes me to evaluate my thoughts and intentions, and to repent and refocus.

What does this passage teach you about Jesus and your relationship with Him?


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When we are convicted, we should be led to repentance. When we repent, this is turning away from sin and turning to righteousness. When we are convicted this is a cause for worship. So often when we realize we have sinned we beat ourselves up and so often that ends up pushing us away from Christ.

I encourage you, though, to take those as opportunities to grow in your faith and come closer to Jesus, not further away. Worship Him with a heart that is grateful for your Savior and the works He is doing in you.

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Later we read about Jesus calling on Matthew (Levi) to follow Him, and He was then seen by the Pharisees sitting with and teaching “tax collectors and sinners”. The Pharisees cannot understand this, but Jesus explains to them that sinners are like sick people who need a doctor, and He is the Great Physician.

How does seeing Jesus as your Great Physician change your perspective of Him?


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The goal of spending time with those who are not yet believers of Jesus Christ is to help lead them to His truth and to repentance so that they, too, can accept Him as their personal Savior and come into a personal relationship with Him as well. We should not be selfish with our own salvation but go out and share the truth so that others may share in salvation as well.

What are some things you can do in order to draw people to Jesus?

Another point that has taught me a lot within my own relationship with the Lord is that “The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath.” The Lord commands us to take a day of rest, which is intended to be a day of spiritual rest and refreshment as well as physical rest. Spending that time being replenished with and by the Lord and growing in our relationships with Him.

How can/do you participate in the Sabbath? How has/can this help you in your faith?

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Study with Me, Chronological Gospels: Week 7, Mark 2

This study is part of the Study with Me: Chronological Gospels study series. It is an annual 48-week Bible study designed to encourage readers to follow along all year and dive deeper into the meat of the passages designated each week. I pray that you learn more about your Savior and grow in your relationship with Him through this study series. There is a free printable booklet available for download as well which allows you to print and take notes as you go through this study with me.

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Chronological Gospels: John 2-4

Chronological Gospels: John 2-4

WEEK 6: John 2-4

In this week’s study, we open up with Jesus’ first sign where He turned water into wine. I love this story in John 2 because His mother, Mary, pleaded with Jesus to help the wedding hosts and Jesus obliged. Jesus’ love for His mother is so beautiful and I love each glimpse we get into their relationship. As a mother myself, I can’t imagine what it would be like to be raising the Begotten Son of God, but I do know the love of a mother for her child and this moment is such a mom moment to me.

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I also love that through this first sign it says that His disciples believed in Jesus by this display of His glory. Jesus displayed His glory in helping with the wine, which brought praise on the wedding hosts, but it also revealed Jesus’ glory and led to true belief in Him.

What about this story jumps out at you and why do you think that is?

The next part of the story tells us about a moment where Jesus was angry. This story is an easy one to miss the true message within. Jesus is showing His anger, and yes God does get angry, but remember that we are instructed to be angry and do not sin. Here, Jesus is displaying righteous anger – this is anger caused by the defiling of God’s temple by turning it into a marketplace, a place for profits to be made, versus reserving it with honor as a place of worship.



What is the difference between righteous anger and sinful anger? Why is this important?

Chapter 3 teaches us of the importance of focusing on things of Heaven versus earthly things. Jesus explained to Nicodemus, a Pharisee, that only those born of the Spirit will understand things of Heaven, things of light. Unfortunately, people love the darkness and struggle to enter the light where their sin is revealed.

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This is where Jesus says one of the most quoted passages in all of scripture – John 3:16. Don’t miss the next verses, though. Because of the love of God, He sent His only begotten Son so that those who will believe in Jesus will have eternal life – but that’s not all. Jesus came not to condemn, but to save the world through Him. The world is saved through Jesus – through faith in Jesus as the only begotten Son of God.

Those who choose to live in the light will learn the truth, love the truth, live in the truth, and shine the light of Christ wherever they go. We must be lovers of the light and not lovers of the darkness, attempting to live in and conceal our sin. We must repent and believe in the only Son of God to be saved from the penalty of sin and be born again, made alive by God’s Spirit, and receive the promise of eternity with Him.


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What about this passage stands out to you for the very first time?

Through the remainder of John 3 and into John 4 there is a very clear message – all that we have is a gift from God. When we have faith and believe in Jesus, He blesses us immeasurably, and provides rest for our souls. Jesus Christ is the Living Water for the thirsty land of our very soul.

Throughout our lives we are drawn into Jesus by our Heavenly Father. We are given a great thirst that can only be satisfied by Jesus Christ. We all long for Jesus, but so often we are deceived into thinking our longing is for things of this earth instead.

How does this news impact your life today?

Not only is Jesus the Living Water our souls long for, but He is also the Gardener of our souls. He refreshes us, satisfying the thirst of our souls, and then He plants, prunes, and waters us as we grow in our faith and relationship with Him and bear fruit of His Spirit.


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By abiding in Him, we abide in the Vine, and we bear His fruits in this world, planting seeds for the gospel in the lives of others who have not yet discovered that Jesus is what they are longing for. We have been given a great honor to be saved by the grace of God through faith in His Son, and with this we then have another great honor to be used by God for His great purposes.

How has God called on you to serve Him lately?

We see the Samaritan woman go and tell her whole village of her testimony, drawing others to Jesus, and they too came to believe in Him. Testifying to the truth of the gospel, letting the Living Water of Jesus and the fruits of His Holy Spirit plant seeds in the hearts of others through your faithfulness is a vital responsibility and privilege every Christian has.

We are called to be unashamed of the gospel, and we also are taught here that our testimony is meant to be shared with others in order to plant seeds for the gospel and help draw others to Him. We get to participate in God’s great plan, doing the work He has prepared for us to do, and sharing our own testimonies along the way.

Who in your life could you share your testimony with this week?

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Study with Me Chronological Gospels Week 6 John 2-4

This study is part of the Study with Me: Chronological Gospels study series. It is an annual 48-week Bible study designed to encourage readers to follow along all year and dive deeper into the meat of the passages designated each week. I pray that you learn more about your Savior and grow in your relationship with Him through this study series. There is a free printable booklet available for download as well which allows you to print and take notes as you go through this study with me.

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