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 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 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: Matthew 4; Luke 4-5; John 1:15-51

Chronological Gospels: Matthew 4; Luke 4-5; John 1:15-51

WEEK 5: Matthew 4; Luke 4-5; John 1:15-51

In this week’s passages we read about the temptation of Jesus. Jesus was led by the Holy Spirit into the wilderness where He fasted and underwent temptations by Satan for 40 days and nights. This story in scripture is incredibly important for all Christians to read as we get to see the Son of God go through temptations and resist as only He can do.



This example of His divine strength should stand as a hope and encouragement to us that Jesus understands what it is like to be tempted, but also, we can trust in His strength to resist our own temptations. By His strength we can endure, persevere, and grow in faith and strength.

What is it about Jesus’ time in the wilderness that sticks out to you the most, and why?

The devil leaves, John the Baptist is arrested, and then Jesus ventures over to Galilee which fulfills the prophecy from Isaiah 9:1-2. In the very beginning of His public ministry Jesus immediately jumped into preaching about repentance.

Nevertheless the gloom will not be upon her who is distressed,
As when at first He lightly esteemed
The land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali,
And afterward more heavily oppressed her,
By the way of the sea, beyond the Jordan,
In Galilee of the Gentiles.
The people who walked in darkness
Have seen a great light;
Those who dwelt in the land of the shadow of death,
Upon them a light has shined.

Isaiah 9:1-2 NKJV

Why is it important that Jesus immediately began to preach about repentance?


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Soon after Jesus began His public ministry, He began calling His first disciples to follow Him. We see Andrew go and get his brother Peter, which is a great example to us. Andrew has a habit of going to get others to come and follow Jesus with him. We then see John and James, sons of Zebedee, called to follow Jesus. He then calls on Philip, Nathanael and Matthew to follow Him.

When Jesus calls on Nathanael, Nathanael is stunned that Jesus knows him and understands that Jesus is the Son of God. Nathanael’s faith is also a wonderful example to us of how we are called to respond when we learn about Jesus. We should have faith that He is truly who He says He is, that He is in-fact the Only Begotten Son of God.

What stands out the most to you about Jesus calling on these disciples to follow Him?

The remainder of Luke 5 shows us some of the first miracles Jesus performed in His public ministry. We also see Jesus take time away from the crowds and the disciples to pray alone. For me, this speaks volumes about the need for us to take time to do God’s work, and also to take time to be alone with God. Even Jesus took time to be alone with God. In our culture there are extremes of people being completely anti-social and introverted, and the opposite of feeding off of social interaction. It can be difficult to find balance.

I am also reminded here that there is a time and a place for being with others, for doing the Lord’s word, and for being alone with God. In all of this we also see that no matter where Jesus was, no matter what He was doing or who He was with, He was praying, worshiping, serving, teaching, healing… He was constantly focused on God the Father and His plan.

Are there areas of your life, relationships, or situations where you do not focus on God? How can Jesus’ example in our passages encourage you today?


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Matthew 4; Luke 4-5; John 1:15-51

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.

Chronological Gospels: Matthew 3; Mark 1; Luke 3

Chronological Gospels: Matthew 3; Mark 1; Luke 3

WEEK 4: Matthew 3; Mark 1; Luke 3

We begin this week with Matthew 3, Mark 1, and Luke 3. Here we read about John the Baptist preaching in the wilderness of Judea calling on the people to repent. He declares that the kingdom of heaven is near, and proceeded to baptize people in the Jordan River.



Repentance and baptism are important parts of each person’s faith journey. There are so many different beliefs and various traditions regarding both. This passage makes me stop and prayerfully consider if there are any areas of my life I might be harboring sin, or that I have not yet given over fully to the Lord. In these moments of conviction, I find encouragement in recalling my own baptism and what it means for me.

Is there any sin you have not repented of? Take some time to pray to God, repent, and seek Him today. Pray for a clean heart and a renewed spirit, that you may glorify God.

Personally, I love the story of John the Baptist. He is the first person in the New Testament we see martyred for his faith in Jesus, and he was the one sent ahead of Jesus to prepare the way for Him. This is someone people think is a total lunatic. He was bold and fearlessly stood up for his faith and convictions.


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John also got to baptize Jesus, whom he did not feel worthy to even remove Jesus’ sandals. Yet Jesus was baptized by John, the heavens opened up, and God declared His pleasure for His Son.

What about this moment stands out to you the most, and why?

Luke 3:7-14 stands out to me as a pivotal moment. John rebukes the people, gives them various encouragements, and tells them to produce fruit consistent with repentance.

What does it mean to produce fruits consistent with repentance? Do you see this in your own life?

It is so important for us to remember that John was a human being just like you and me. He had a God-given job to do and faithfully did it even to death. His methods often make our eyebrows go up to our hairlines, but his boldness is a wonderful example for us to stand strong in our beliefs and faith in Jesus no matter what we face.

At the end of Luke 3, we see another account of Jesus’ genealogy. If you are like me, you notice that it is different from that in Matthew 1. I was interested to find out more about this and discovered there are 3 possibilities, but they all seem to tie together into one answer – Luke’s account likely includes Mary’s AND Joseph’s genealogy.

To me, this is one of those moments in scripture where faith takes a front seat. We see 2 very different accounts, but we can rest in the truthfulness and promises of God, and know without a doubt that regardless of the reason for this God’s Word is without error. Just because we may not understand does not make the Bible wrong.

I encourage you to do a little digging of your own regarding the genealogies and make some notes of what you discover. What did you learn after doing so?


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Matthew 3; Mark 1; Luke 3

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.

Chronological Gospels: Matthew 2; Luke 2:39-52

Chronological Gospels: Matthew 2; Luke 2:39-52

WEEK 3: Matthew 2; Luke 2:39-52

We don’t know a lot about Jesus’ life between His birth and Him coming into His ministry, but Matthew 2 touches on some important events during His early life. We see King Herod find out about the birth of the “King of the Jews”, deceive the wise men, and then murder children under the age of 2. God sends a message to Joseph warning him of King Herod’s intent to murder the baby Jesus and instructs him to flee with Mary and Jesus to Nazareth.

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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Sometimes the way God protects us is by warning us and making a way to flee from danger. He did this with Jesus and He does this with us as well.

Describe a time God gave you a way of escape to protect you from danger. How did this impact you and your faith?

I also find it important to note that Herod believed these prophecies about a coming Messiah, but instead of worshiping Him Herod committed mass murder of infants and toddlers to protect his earthly kingdom and treasures.

What are some other passages of scripture that come to mind here and how do they encourage and convict you?

In Luke 2:39-52 we again see a small bit about Jesus’ early life. We learn that young Jesus becomes strong, wise, and gracious. Fast forward to 12-year-old Jesus. While Joseph and Mary are taking their annual trip to Jerusalem for Passover Jesus decides to stay behind in the temple. Mary and Joseph found Jesus teaching with great authority after they had failed to notice He was missing for several days.

What about this peek into Jesus’ early life stands out to you?

This part of the story always makes me laugh because it shows us an example of Mary and Joseph, mortal people, raising their son, the divine Son of God. This would have had to be an incredible task for them.

Throughout these passages, I love seeing so many examples of how God took care of His Son while He dwelt among us on earth, as well as Mary and Joseph who were raising Him. I also enjoy seeing the ways that Jesus’ childhood was like any other kid’s yet seeing glimpses of His divine nature even as a child. He displays such confidence, which reminds me that as I am also a child of God and am called to be confident in the Lord also.

What does this insight into Jesus’ childhood teach you about who God is?

Week 3 Study with Me Matthew 2; Luke 2:39-52
Chronological Gospels: Matthew 1; Luke 2:1-38

Chronological Gospels: Matthew 1; Luke 2:1-38

WEEK 2: Matthew 1; Luke 2:1-38

This week we explore Matthew 1 and Luke 2:1-38 for part two of our Chronological Gospels study. Matthew opens up with the genealogy of Jesus. It seems like most people see lists of names and kind of gloss over it, but I encourage you to truly investigate and absorb the names on this list.



What names in the genealogy of Jesus listed in Matthew 1 stand out to you and why?

I love that Rahab, the prostitute from Joshua 2 and Joshua 6, is part of Jesus’ genealogy. In Joshua, she was an unexpected participant in the story of Jericho. She hid some men of the Lord, saving their lives, and she was spared when the city fell. We then get to see that she was the mother of Boaz, who later married Ruth, which we learn in Ruth 4.

Each of these people is named in the lineage of Jesus Christ. Every name mentioned in scripture is important and intentional. This passage may seem mundane, but I find it incredible to discover ties to other stories of the Old Testament right here in this list of names. We get to learn so much from a seemingly simple list of people, but each served an incredible role in God’s plans to send His Son to earth.

Who else on this list do you recognize from other Bible passages?


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After telling us the lineage of Jesus, we get to read about His birth in Matthew 1:18-25 and again in Luke 2:1-24. This is the fulfillment of the prophecy from Isaiah 7:14 and is a beautiful reminder that God is a promise keeper.

14 Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a Son, and shall call His name Immanuel.[a]

Isaiah 7:14 NKJV

What promises have you seen God keep in your life and how has this helped your faith?

In Luke 2 we learn that God used the census to lead Mary and Joseph to Bethlehem in order to fulfill the prophecy from Micah 5:2. God works all things together for the good of those who love Him (Romans 8:28), and He absolutely uses these details, that so often we see as burdensome or as getting in the way, to lead us where He wants us to go.

28 And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.

Romans 8:28 NKJV

“But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah,
Though you are little among the thousands of Judah,
Yet out of you shall come forth to Me
The One to be Ruler in Israel,
Whose goings forth are from of old,
From [a]everlasting.”

Micah 5:2 NKJV

Explain a time you felt burdened by a situation and later learned God was working in it.

When Mary and Joseph brought Jesus to be presented at the temple, we see beautiful examples from Simeon and Anna. They were led by the Holy Spirit to the knowledge of who Jesus, this little infant in His parent’s arms, truly was. They both not only believed what was revealed to them but proclaimed and praised this wonderful news!

This was the news they waited all their lives, and many generations, for, and here He was in their temple. These people who faithfully waited and prayed for the coming of the Messiah were blessed with being participants in presenting this Holy child to the Lord. They welcomed this opportunity and gave great, bold praise to God.

What stands out to you within our readings today?


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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.

Chronological Gospels: Luke 1; John 1:1-14

Chronological Gospels: Luke 1; John 1:1-14

WEEK 1: Luke 1; John 1:1-14

Today we are diving into Luke 1 and John 1:1-14. There are so many nuggets here and I invite you to read these passages over the next week and join the conversation to study alongside one another.



What are some things you found interesting about the message from Gabriel to Zechariah about the coming birth of John?

One thing I noticed today is that Elizabeth is from the tribe of Aaron, which was the tribe ordained by God to be priests. John the Baptist was of the line of Aaron, which is fitting for the one who would be the prophet born to go before Christ and make the way ready for His coming.

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I also love that even in the womb, John was filled with the Holy Spirit and that it was revealed to Elizabeth also that Mary would bear the Lord and Savior. Throughout this whole chapter, I love seeing Mary and Elizabeth both praising God and being faithful, willing, and obedient to the will of God, to be used in such ways as they were.

Throughout this whole first chapter in Luke, I cannot help but notice the theme of God as a Promise Keeper. Sometimes it can be so difficult to remember not only that God keeps His promises, but that He MAKES promises.

How can remembering that God makes and keeps promises encourage you or someone you know today?

Hopping over to the first bit of John we see John’s account of the birth of John and proclamation of Jesus. Throughout both passages this morning I am drawn to the different names for Jesus we see right off the bat; Son of the Most High, Son of God, the Word, the Light, the Life, the only Son from the Father.

What names of Jesus that we read today stand out to you the most, and mean the most to you?

I also love what John tells us that Jesus, the Word, was with God from the very beginning and that all things were created through Him. Not only was Jesus sent to redeem all of creation, but creation was created through Him as well as redeemed through Him.

What does knowing Jesus the light mean to you?

Jesus is the light, and no darkness can overcome Him. When we believe in Jesus as the Son of God, we have His light in us, we are children of God with Him, and His light cannot be overcome. We should bring His light into the world, and participate in the great and wonderful work of drawing more and more people to God through faith in Jesus Christ.

What stands out to you within our readings today?


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Chronological Gospels Week 1 Luke 1; John 1:1-14

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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