Category: 2024 Bible reading plan

Everything Changed

Old Testament: Deuteronomy 19 & 20

Poetry: Job 37

New Testament: Romans 5

I remember it like it was yesterday – okay maybe more like a couple days ago.  While attending the Atlanta Bible College, I had the privilege of studying God’s word and living with “the guys”.  We got along great, and to this day they are some of my closest friends.  While we got along great, we would often be confronted with our strong, opposing opinions on various topics – most of which would have little to no bearing on our quality of life.  One such topic was what we would do if we were in a situation where our child and wife’s lives were in danger and we could only save one of them.  Mind you, this was coming from a handful of guys who at the time had no wife or any children.  Regardless, we had pretty strong thoughts and feelings on what we would do in such a situation.  We spoke as men with a lot of conviction in what we were saying.

I’m guessing you have had similar discussions or thoughts.  What would you do if a loved one of yours was on the cusp of death?  Would you give up your own life for the life of someone else?  Maybe you too speak on similar topics with such conviction.  We may talk a big game, but when it comes down to it, it would be so hard to pinpoint how exactly we would respond in a life-or-death scenario. 

Not many people would die for a good person.  On top of that, fewer people would die for their enemies – that is almost unheard of.  I can only think of one example of someone willingly dying for their enemies.  Paul sheds light on this one example in Romans 5:6-11.  That one example is Christ dying for the ungodly, the sinners, and the enemies of God.  Paul is talking about you and I!  Christ died for us while we were enemies.  In addition to Christ dying for the ungodly, the sinners, and the enemies of God, contemplate the fact that God sent his son to die for the ungodly, the sinners, and his enemies. 

If it came down to it, I’m not sure the number of people I would be willing to die for.  That’s a hard scenario to consider.  What I can guarantee you is the number of people I would send my child to die for is incredibly smaller.  We could go on and on about the love that God has for us by sending his own son to die for the ungodly, the sinners, and the enemies of God – you and I!

Now, we have to be careful pointing out that while Paul is essentially talking about you and I when discussing who Christ died for, Paul identifies us by our former identities.  We WERE ungodly.  We WERE sinners.  We WERE enemies of God.  Paul seems to imply that all of this changes through Christ Jesus.  No longer are we identified as ungodly sinners who are enemies of God.  Instead, we are identified by our right standing with God through the works of Christ Jesus.  We WERE sinners, but Paul states, “we HAVE BEEN justified,” (Romans 5:1).

Paul continues along these same lines near the end of chapter five, as he compares and contrasts the likes of Adam and Jesus.  When talking about these two, Paul states, “For as by the one man’s (Adam) disobedience the many were made sinners, so by the one man’s (Jesus) obedience the many will be made righteous,” (Romans 5:19).  You and I are now justified and redeemed all because there is a God who sent his son to die for us while we were ungodly, sinners, and his enemies.  Through this one act of love, everything changed for us.

-Kyle McClain

Reflection Questions

  1. What does Paul teach us about God and Jesus and the relationship between these two?
  2. How have you been an enemy of God? Are you still an enemy of God? Have you accepted the gift of God’s salvation that was made possible by the death of His son?
  3. How would you try to describe God’s love to someone who has never read Romans 5? Who does God want you to tell about His love?
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What Faith Brings

Old Testament: Deuteronomy 17 & 18

Poetry: Job 36

New Testament: Romans 4

Today, in Romans 4, Paul takes us way back to a patriarch of our faith – Abraham.  Abraham was and continues to be a key figure in the grand scheme of the world.  Three of the main religions in the world can trace their lineage back to the man himself.  He was a special man whom God made special arrangements with a couple thousand years before Jesus was born.  Abraham is the central focus all throughout Romans chapter 4 – pretty impressive for a man who lived 2,000 years before Paul wrote this letter.  Abraham is the central focus, as Paul finds common ground in Abraham – for the Jews and Gentiles.

Specifically, Paul looks at how Abraham attained his status as righteous, as somehow, someway Abraham was justified (declared righteous) in the eyes of God.  Was it through his works?  Was it through some other means?  Paul reveals to us that Abraham was not justified by his works; rather, he was justified by his belief/faith.  Paul quotes Genesis 15:6 when he writes, “Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness,” (Romans 4:3 ESV).

Context is key.  What in the world was going on in Genesis 15?  I’m glad you asked!  To save you a bit of time, I’ll refresh your memory.  In Genesis 15, Abraham had already left his home to travel to the land that God would show him.  God then told Abraham, “Look toward heaven, and number the stars, if you are able to number them… so shall your offspring be,” (Genesis 15:5).  Unfortunately for myself and most of you reading this, surrounding lights mute the starry sky at night.  However, God told this to Abraham long before the fateful invention of the light bulb.  If not too cloudy or humid, Abraham would have viewed a starry sky like many of us never have.  I can only imagine the sight of a starry sky that is not infiltrated by the invention of the lightbulb. 

The idea of Abraham’s descendants being as numerous as the stars of the sky is great and all except for the fact that Abraham is getting up there in age and has ZERO children!  How in the world is an old man with no children supposed to have descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky?!  If you are anything like me, then you would appreciate logic, reason, and common sense.  This bold statement totally goes against sound logic, reason, and common sense.  I get a bit uncomfortable reflecting on how I would respond in those circumstances.  What would be your response if you were put in Abraham’s shoes?  Abraham’s response was simple: “And he believed the LORD,” (Genesis 15:6).  Boom!  End of story.  Abraham believed in God.  And Abraham believed God. If God told him his descendants would be as numerous as the stars in the sky, then somehow, someway God would make his descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky.  Because of Abraham’s belief, God “counted it to him as righteousness,” (Genesis 15:6).

That is the moral of the story here that Paul brings our attention to.  We are justified by what we put our faith/belief in.  We all put our belief in someone/something whether it be ourself, our spouse, our finances, our parents, our home, or God himself.  You are justified if you put your faith in God.  Abraham chose to put his faith in God, as he was “fully convinced that God was able to do what he had promised,” (Genesis 4:21).  Because of this, Abraham was counted as righteous.  You and I have that same offer today.  Let me ask you, are you putting your faith in God?

-Kyle McClain

Reflection Questions

  1. What do you appreciate most about Abraham?
  2. What is the difference between believing in God and believing God? Where are you?
  3. Are you putting your faith in God?
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A Pretty Awesome Formula

Old Testament: Deuteronomy 15 & 16

Poetry: Job 35

New Testament: Romans 3

Remember that time that you held an imaginary debate or argument in your mind with either an imaginary figure or your spouse, coworker, boss, or friend?  We have all been there before.  Evidently, Paul has been there before as well.  Except this time, Paul records this imaginary debate in Romans 3.  How exciting! 

Romans 3:1-8 gives the impression that Paul is debating an imaginary figure on how the Jews fit into the bigger picture.  Paul’s conclusion to this mini debate is that the Jews are not better off, “For we have already charged that all, both Jews and Greeks, are under sin,” (Romans 1:9 ESV).  There we have it.  All of mankind is under sin.  This conjoins the Jews and the Greeks together.  If you don’t believe Paul, no need to worry.  Paul has plenty of ammunition to help prove this point.  Paul quotes a number of scriptures from the Old Testament in the following verses to bring home this point.

After Paul’s introduction, his letter to the saints at Rome has been rather gloomy thus far.  However, verse 21 is where we start to see a shift.  Paul recognizes that we are all under sin… “BUT NOW…”.  This is where it gets fun!  This passage in Romans 3:21-31 can preach!  Essentially, this is a teaching on the doctrine of salvation, as the righteousness of God is revealed through faith in Christ Jesus for all who believe.

Many are able to quote Romans 3:23: “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.”  Paul is only halfway through his sentence when we have a verse break.  Don’t forget about verse 24: “And are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus.”    Paul compares God’s grace to a gift.  Whenever you are given a gift from someone, you have two choices: you can receive it and open it or you can deny the gift.  I have many memories as a child of receiving gifts from my parents for Christmas, my birthday, or other special occasions.  Not once did I ever reject a gift that my parents gave me; I openly received the gifts every single time.  Nearly every child receives the gifts they are given without a second thought.  We need to mimic the attitude of a child here and gladly receive God’s gift of grace with open arms.  How do we receive God’s grace?  Well, fortunately for us, Paul tells us exactly how to receive that grace in the following verse.  Paul tells us that it is “to be received by faith,” (Romans 3:25).

Paul crams a lot in this short passage to conclude chapter three, as he talks about our salvation.  You can sum up Paul’s discussion in the following formula: sin + grace + faith = justification.  Paul will later reveal to his audience that the justification leads to eternal salvation. For you math nerds out there, that’s a pretty awesome formula.  For those of you not interested in math, trust me, that’s still a pretty awesome formula.

As we go through our lives, let’s remember to keep our arms open wide ready to receive God’s free gift of salvation.

-Kyle McClain

Reflection Questions

  1. Have you ever rejected a gift given to you? Have you rejected or gladly received God’s free gift of salvation? Who do you know who might need some more information or encouragement to receive this gift?
  2. How would you define and describe each of the words in the following formula: Sin + Grace + Faith = Justification. What is the importance of each one?
  3. In the gloomy moments of your life, how can Romans 3 lift your spirits and bring joy, hope and peace?
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Their Sin, Your Sin

Old Testament: Deuteronomy 13 & 14

Poetry: Job 34

New Testament: Romans 2

Have you noticed how much easier it is to condemn others for their actions than to condemn ourselves, and our own actions? Too often, we become critics of everyone around us – judging the way they live their lives, the words they say, the things they do – critics of everyone except ourselves. For this particular sin, a trap we all probably fall into from time to time, Romans 2 really hits hard. Paul over-emphasizes repeatedly that wrong is always wrong, and sin is always sin, no matter who does it, no matter your intentions or your justification. Yes, our God is a loving God, forgiving and merciful forever and always. But our God is also a just God, and He will judge each and every person accordingly. As Romans 2:3-4 expresses, just because we serve a God who is kind, patient and forgiving does NOT mean that you can get away with any evil deed, continuing to live in unrighteousness relying only on the idea that all will be forgiven. 

“Do you suppose, O man – you who judge those who practice such things and yet do them yourself – that you will escape the judgement of God? Or do you presume on the riches of his kindness and forbearance and patience, not knowing that God’s kindness is meant to lead you to repentance?” Romans 2:3-4

God’s abounding love and kindness is not a means to live however we desire, it’s a call to repentance, because He so wants us to live with Him in eternity, and if we truly want it as well, we would not continue living in sin, but repent and grow and strive to reach the very highest of our potential. We would strive to be just the tiniest bit worthy of His love and mercy. Because in all God’s perfection and all our imperfection, we are utterly incompatible. And yet He still loves us and desires a relationship with us, a relationship that lasts for all eternity. 

As we continue throughout this week, whenever we catch ourselves judging the actions of others, let us remember to instead look within ourselves. I pray that we may see through God’s eyes how we can improve and grow closer to who God made us to be, and ask forgiveness for our own sins, rather than judging the people around us for theirs. Let us obey the truth today for the sake of eternity, and not obey unrighteousness for the sake of today. “For those who are self-seeking and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, there will be wrath and fury… but glory and honor and peace for everyone who does good” (Romans 2:9-10).

-Isabella Osborn

(originally posted May 18, 2022 for SeekGrowLove)

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:

  1. If God has instilled in us a conscience, allowing us to discern right from wrong, (which according to Romans 2:15, He has) then why do we persistently live in sin?
  2. How should we move forward after acting in an unrighteous, ungodly manner, in order to continue seeking everlasting life with God- living for Him and not for ourselves? 
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Go and Tell

Old Testament: Deuteronomy 11 & 12

Poetry: Job 33

New Testament: Romans 1

He is risen indeed!  I write this devotion to you on the heels of celebrating Resurrection Sunday with our church family.  What a joyous celebration, as we celebrate the victory that Jesus had over death and what that means for us today.  The first people who heard that Jesus has risen from the grave were the ladies present when the angel rolled the stone away.  The angel told them that Jesus “is not here, for he has risen” (ESV Matthew 28:6).  The angel then gave the ladies simple instructions: “go quickly and tell his disciples that he has risen from the dead” (Matthew 28:7). Go and tell.  That’s what the ladies were to do; they were to go and tell others that Jesus is alive.  If there has ever been a bona fide star of someone who simply goes and tells others about Jesus, it would have to be the apostle Paul.

From the moment that Paul placed his faith in Christ Jesus, his whole life seemed to revolve around spreading the gospel message of the king and the kingdom.  He took a few missionary journeys and wrote many letters seeking to advance the gospel message of the king and the kingdom.  What we have here in Romans is another example of Paul’s innate desire to go and tell others about Jesus and what was important to him.

Romans 1:1 identifies Paul as the author of this letter: “Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle, set apart for the gospel of God.”  I would say that is a pretty good summary of who Paul is.  Paul served Jesus from the moment that Jesus appeared to him on the road to Damascus, and Paul was sent off to advance the gospel message of God.  Romans 1:7 identifies the target audience of this letter: “To all those in Rome who are loved by God and called to be saints.”  Paul was writing to all of the saints in the city of Rome.  A saint is simply someone who, like Paul, is set apart from the world around them.  Paul is writing to those in Rome who have set themselves apart from the world by putting their faith in Christ Jesus.

It is believed that Paul wrote this letter around 56-58 AD – less than 30 years after the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus.  The Roman Empire is nearing its peak in power.  In 49 AD, the Roman emperor Claudius banished all Jews from the city of Rome.  This decree lasted until Claudius’ death 5 years later.  Thus, at the time of the writing, the Jews were just able to reenter the city of Rome.  Around 56-58 AD, Nero would have just become the emperor.  He would eventually wreak havoc on the Christians in the city of Rome, but this would not have come until after Paul’s letter to the saints in Rome.  The saints in Rome would have consisted of both Jewish Christians and Gentile Christians.  I am sure they experienced similar tension that other groups of Christians experienced as well.

Paul would eventually find his way to the city of Rome in chains, but at the time of his writing, he had not yet been to Rome.  Verses 8-15 detail Paul’s desire to go to Rome.  We learn that Paul was “eager to preach the gospel to you also who are in Rome,” (Romans 1:15).  Paul wanted to go preach the gospel to them in person, but in the meantime, he would write a unifying letter to them about the gospel message.  That is largely what the letter of Romans is – Paul’s presentation of the gospel message.  I like to break down Paul’s presentation of the gospel message in Romans into three parts: 1. Our sin and need of salvation. 2. God’s plan of salvation for us. 3. How to live a Christian life.

After Paul’s introduction in the first 17 verses or so, Paul transitions into the topic of our sin and our need of salvation.  It is not a fun section to read though, but it is needed to get to the fun sections.  Why talk about salvation if we have no need of being saved?  There would be no point!  However, as we will see in the next couple of chapters, Paul does a pretty stand-up job of expressing mankind’s desperate need of salvation.

I look forward to progressing through this letter with you.  In the meantime, I encourage you to consider Paul’s task and desire of going and telling others about the risen savior. Just as the ladies present at the tomb of Jesus and the apostle Paul himself, I implore you to go and tell!

-Kyle McClain

Reflection Questions

  1. Where and to whom might God be directing you to Go and Tell? Paul used both letters and visits to tell the gospel message of the king and kingdom. How could you share the message with those you know – and those you have yet to meet?
  2. What is the importance of each part of Paul’s message: 1. Our sin and need of salvation. 2. God’s plan of salvation for us. 3. How to live a Christian life? What happens when any one of those are not shared and taught?
  3. Pray for the God’s wisdom, words and direction as you follow Paul’s example. Then Go and Tell!
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From Death to Life!

Old Testament: Deuteronomy 9 & 10

Poetry: Job 32

New Testament: Mark 16

       Looking at Mark 15 allowed us to consider what Jesus suffered, and why. But the dawn has come, and now we can eagerly seek the news that our savior is raised to life. That transition from death to life is as simple for us as turning a page in our Bibles. Most Christians cannot approach Mark 16 without being aware of what should come next, which may always have been the case. Mark may not have written his Gospel primarily to tell people about Jesus, but to remind and encourage believers in their faith. We might imagine the text being read aloud in a group setting.

       We can envision the early listeners to this passage trying to put themselves in the places of Mary Magdalene, James’ mother Mary, and Salome. Certainly they understood what brought those women to the tomb: love, and mourning, and the wish to offer Jesus what support was possible by caring for his body. But from hindsight it was also clear that the tomb would be found open and empty – what a wonderful surprise for the mourners!

       And so as the account was read the listeners waited to hear of the women’s overcoming joy at learning about Jesus’ new life. It was not to be. Rather the three were left trembling, astonished, and afraid. And upon exiting the tomb they say nothing. (We know that ultimately more happened – particularly in the case of Mary Magdalene – but that is where the text stops.)

       Your Bible version, whatever version you are reading, probably does not cut off after verse 8. Perhaps it offers a footnote discussing what scholars think about the verses that follow (they doubt that the verses are legitimate). In fact different manuscripts contain four endings for the Gospel of Mark – aside from the version that simply cuts off after verse 8. That variety of endings not only shows us that some people were disappointed with the ending they had received, and tried to “fix” the issue, but it also demonstrates that the version which cuts off at verse 8 is from a pretty early date (so if there is a “real” ending of Mark lost due to damage that happened a long time ago).

       The way Mark 16 ends at verse 8 has been compared to how the book of Jonah ends. After God reprimands Jonah we never learn Jonah’s response. In Mark there may be a similar tone of leaving issues hanging at 6:52.

       So, let’s consider the possibilities. Mark may have intended to have a somewhat jarring ending to spur his audience to think about their own situations – each of them had the knowledge of Jesus’ resurrection (and had received sufficient time to get over the shock about it), so would they be silent, or would they proclaim it? Perhaps the closing line of Mark’s book was intended to open a discussion, an interactive lesson plan which is so old we have lost the details for it.

       Or it may be that Mark was unconcerned about how the ending of his book came across, because the middle of his book already set up all the promises that were needed regarding Jesus’ new life, they just need to be believed. Having arrived at the end of Mark’s gospel, we certainly have not arrived at the end of Jesus’ story. To quote from Donald H. Juel, who discussed this idea,

There is every reason to believe that the rest of his promises will be fulfilled: James and John will drink from the cup; the disciples will give testimony; the gospel will be preached to all the Gentiles. Jesus will be enthroned at God’s right hand and will one day come with the clouds of heaven so that ‘all will see’ and will send his angels to gather the elect from the four winds.

(Mark, in the Augsburg Commentary on the New Testament series.) The trust that these promises will be fulfilled is not based on human effort, and neither is the end of the story. “The story is not over and will not be until Jesus returns.” (Juel).

       Knowing if one of these possibilities about Mark is correct is not the most important thing. We know that Jesus is alive. Both of these ways of viewing Mark’s book can be useful ways for us to think about our relationship with our living savior, and to better prepare ourselves to continue serving him. We sometimes approach Resurrection Sunday as a time to think about our own future lives, but there is much to be done in the meantime to be prepared, and to invite others.

       Dear God, on this Resurrection Sunday help me recommit my heart to you and to your son Jesus, the Christ, my savior. Allow me to examine myself through the guidance of your Spirit and to determine both what I need to set aside and what I need to take up for the improvement of my service. You offered me a new life, a resurrection into immortality. Please help me be more responsible in how I live this life, so I can relay your wisdom to those around me. Make me a witness of your grace and mercy and love. In the blessed name of your son Jesus I pray these things, Amen.

-Daniel Smead

Reflection Questions

  1. Do you find it strange for a Gospel not to include an appearance of the resurrected Jesus?
  2. Might Mark have stopped where he did because he saw the alternative as a much longer book (perhaps with part of what we know as Acts)?
  3. Over 500 believers saw Jesus alive in his resurrected state (1 Corinthians 15:6), but most have needed to wait to see Jesus, and are blessed for having believed without seeing (John 20:29). What affect do you think it would have had on the church if Jesus had been taken up to heaven without appearing to anyone?
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Crucified for Us

Old Testament: Deuteronomy 7 & 8

Poetry: Job 31

New Testament: Mark 15 – again

In Jesus’ time, crucifixion was reserved for the worst of criminals. The torture a person endured on a cross would last for hours, and killing Jesus in this manner likely appealed to the religious leaders who hated Him so deeply. In an effort to hide their move against Jesus from His many supporters, the Jewish leaders arrested and tried Jesus in the middle of the night. When Jesus was brought before Pontius Pilate—the only one with authority to order a crucifixion—it was still early in the morning (Matthew 27:1–2). When Pilate presented Jesus and Barabbas to the people, the chief priests whipped the crowd into a frenzy, encouraging them to call for Barabbas’s release (Mark 15:11). When Pilate asked what they wanted done to Jesus, the crowd, again influenced by the chief priests, shouted, “Crucify Him!” Pilate, the people-pleaser, gave them what they demanded. He had Jesus flogged and then turned Him over for crucifixion. After the scourging, the entire battalion of soldiers gathered around this faint and bleeding man, put a scarlet robe on him, pressed the weight of a scarlet robe onto his torn shoulders, set a reed in his right hand, knelt down before him, and mocked him, “Hail, King of the Jews.” They struck him with their hands. They spit on him. They wove a crown out of thorns—probably not the kind of thorns you see on rose bushes, but the longer kind that are more like needles. Then they not only put the crown on his head, but hit him over the head—to drive the thorns into his skull (Mark 15:17-19).

At the beginning of the week, there was a crowd in Jerusalem celebrating Jesus as the Messiah; by Friday, there was a crowd crying, “Crucify Him!” The incredible change of the people naturally causes some confusion. It’s good to remember that not everyone at the Triumphal Entry was celebrating Jesus. Most of the city was puzzled: “When Jesus entered Jerusalem, the whole city was stirred and asked, ‘Who is this?’” (Matthew 21:10), and the Jewish leaders were resentful (verse 15). Some of the same crowd who shouted, “Hosanna!” may also have been part of the crowd shouting “Crucify Him!” but we can’t be sure. If some people did join both crowds, it may be because they had grown disillusioned with Jesus when they discovered he was not going to set up the kingdom immediately—or perhaps they disliked Jesus’ insistence that they repent. Also, it’s quite possible that the crowd gathered before Pilate at that early hour had been assembled secretly to do an unlawful thing by the Jewish leaders.

In the end, it wasn’t the crowd’s cries of “Crucify Him!” that put Jesus on the cross. Our sin did that. From the very beginning, when Adam and Eve disobeyed God, the Lord had promised to send a Savior who would crush the reign of sin and death (Genesis 3:15). Throughout the ages God worked His plan to send a Savior, and that plan culminated in Jesus Christ: God’s own Son who became the perfect offering so he could take upon himself the punishment for sin. Although wicked men were involved in Jesus’ death on the cross, His sacrifice was ultimately the will of God (Isaiah 53:10; John 10:18). The shedding of Jesus’ blood fulfilled God’s promise to mankind to provide a Savior and sealed the New Covenant (Luke 22:20). Jesus would then defeat the power of death and the grave by rising again three days later and ascending to His Father’s right hand in heaven.

Do you feel the heaviness of his death? Do you understand that he died for you so you may have a chance at a new life? My hope and prayer for you this morning is that you have accepted Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior. That because of his death you live for him. Your sin killed Jesus. But his righteousness saves you. May that truth motivate you and give you peace of mind knowing that God loves you so much that he gave his son to die for you. What will you do with this information?

-Andy Cisneros

Reflection Questions

  1. Do you feel the heaviness of his death? Do you understand that he died for you so you may have a chance at a new life?
  2. Have you accepted Jesus as your Savior?
  3. What questions do you have for God? What praise and thanks to Him and His Son? Spend some time in prayer today.
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Crowd Pleaser

Old Testament: Deuteronomy 6

Poetry: Job 30

New Testament: Mark 15

We are nearing resurrection Sunday. Before we can talk about his resurrection, we must talk about his death. In our text in Mark 15 we are seeing Jesus facing his death out in the open for all to see. The Sanhedrin brought Jesus before the Roman governor, Pontius Pilate. He could not find any fault in Jesus, and he said so three times. Late in the trial, Pilate sought a way to free Jesus. It was a Passover festival custom that the governor release a prisoner to the people, so, in a ploy to satisfy the crowd of Jewish leaders who had gathered and to secure Jesus’ release, Pilate allowed them to choose between a convicted criminal named Barabbas and Jesus. Instead of choosing Jesus, as Pilate had hoped, the crowd chose Barabbas for release. Shocked that they would free a hardened criminal, Pilate asked, “What shall I do, then, with the one you call the king of the Jews?” (Mark 15:12). The crowd cried out, “Crucify him!” (verse 13).

Pilate was confused by the crowd’s reaction, for barely a week earlier the people of Jerusalem had welcomed Jesus into the city with the waving of palm branches and shouts of “Hosanna!” (Mark 11:1–11). What Pilate may not have known was the extent to which the religious and political leaders hated and opposed Jesus. Not only did Jesus point out their extreme hypocrisy on many occasions (Mark 7:1–14), but He also claimed to be the Son of God, which was blasphemy to the unbelieving teachers of the law (see Mark 14:60–64). The religious leaders wanted to destroy Jesus (Mark 3:6). Only His death would satisfy them. Over the course of Jesus’ ministry, his teachings had angered the Pharisees, the scribes, the Herodians, and the Sadducees.  But not the crowd. Not the ones who saw Jesus’ love. Who saw him heal, support, encourage, teach. Who gave dignity to those who were oppressed. How could they hear the cries of crucify him and betray him like this? How could they hear Pilate offer Barabbas and choose him over a man who has done nothing wrong? Jesus was no longer the crowd pleaser, but the scorned suffering servant spoken about in the Old Testament. They had no idea who was standing before them. They chose Barabbas. We too face the same decision these Jews had to make between Barabbas and Jesus. When I read this story its hard for me to understand why Jesus is even in this predicament. He is the son of God. Save him. Sometimes, I have a hard time understanding God. How could he let his perfect son suffer and die?

Have you ever expected Him to act in a certain way because of what you understood about Him and His nature—but He did not do things the way you thought they should be done? I have. If I were Jesus, I would be angry. All he ever did was follow what God wanted him to do and it got him killed. Have you ever been angry and disappointed in God? I have been all but convinced that He did not live up to His promise, for I was sure that I knew what He was going to do, and God let me down. My heart was filled with rage that God would act that way, even though God has told us all, again and again, ‘For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are my ways your ways,’ declares the LORD. ‘As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts’ (Isaiah 55:8-9). We cannot figure out God. He will be true to Himself, He will never lie, He will never deceive us; but He is more than we can handle. He is bigger than we are. Jesus understood this. He understood the bigger picture. He understood the need for his death. While he did not want to die he gave up his will and took all of the suffering so that we might live. Sometimes I don’t understand God but then I remember God loved us so much that he gave His one and only son for a chance for us to accept his love and have a relationship with Him. Mark 12:10-11  “The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone, this was the LORD’s doing and it is marvelous in our eyes.”  All these words to say, I don’t want to be like the crowd who didn’t understand God’s plan. I don’t want to live another life other than the one I can have with Jesus. I know I’m like the crowd more than I care to admit. And like this crowd, when I (we) get angry with God and don’t want to follow his son and turn from Him, there is always another Barabbas waiting in the wings for me (us) to choose. Another crowd pleaser. One that is a murderer. One that I know is not right, but I choose anyway because I don’t want to follow Jesus. But I’m thankful that God is patient and loving and I have his son as a mediator who draws me gently back to him. Who calms my fears. Who alleviates my doubts. One who is the great shepherd and high priest.

-Andy Cisneros

Reflection Questions

  1. When have you been upset with or disappointed in God’s plan or ways?
  2. When have you been reminded His ways are higher – and better – than yours?
  3. How does the path laid out for Jesus – and his willingness to walk it – remind us that God can be trusted even when we think it doesn’t make sense or isn’t “right”?
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A Beautiful Thing

Old Testament: Deuteronomy 5

Poetry: Job 29

New Testament: Mark 14

“Leave her alone, said Jesus. Why are you bothering her? She has done a beautiful thing to me.” Mark 14:6

In Mark 14 we see the story of Jesus being anointed with  perfume. Jesus takes this beautiful moment and shows us just how great this event truly was. Mary’s actions may signal more than she knows. But, although she may not fully comprehend the messianic significance of her anointing, she appreciates Christ’s worth more than anyone else at the table. But Jesus receives the woman’s gift as a selfless act of love and devotion—an appropriate way to honor the Messiah. Jesus reveals that He will not be with them much longer, which references His soon death and burial.

Jesus says five things about it that mark it as an extremely beautiful act. First, he says, “she has done a beautiful thing to me”. The beauty of it lay in its extravagance. This woman did not spare any of the costly perfume but broke the flask and poured the whole quantity out on him. Judas, with his practical and corrupt mind, counted it up as worth three hundred denarii. A denarius was the day’s wage for a laborer. Three hundred days’ wages would be a tremendous sum. In the eyes of Judas, this woman wasted an enormous amount of money when she poured out the perfume on Jesus. It was such a lavish over the top act, and there lies the beauty of it. When have you done something extravagant and beautiful for Jesus?

Second, He said that it was a timely thing she had done. It was something that could only be done now. Any time you want to do good to the poor you can, because they are always around. And it is right to help the poor. But there are opportunities that come in our life that must be seized at that moment. Mary had sensed this and seized the moment to offer this gift, for such a time would never occur again. It was out of the sensitivity of her heart that she realized that the timing was right, and Jesus recognized this. I’m sure you’ve heard the phrase timing is everything. Mary is preparing Jesus for his death. The timing was now.

Third, she did what she could. She could not fix Him a meal; there was no time for that. She could not make a garment for Him; there was no time for that. There was nothing else she could do to show her love but this. She did what she could. I am sure Jesus has called our attention to that because it is so practical for us. Someone said, “I can’t do everything, but I can do something. And what I can do I ought to do. And what I ought to do, I’m available to do”. Are you doing what you can? Or are you doing what’s easy? Are you doing at least what you are capable of for God and his son?

The fourth element of this act was that it was insightful. Jesus says she has anointed my body beforehand for burying. Many times, Jesus said to these disciples that He was going to die. Not one of them believed or understood him–except maybe Mary of Bethany. She could have understood that he was heading for burial. And since she could not be sure she would ever have the opportunity later to find his body and anoint it for burial, she did it now, as a loving act of service. Of all these friends who were around Him at this time, only this one had the sensitivity of heart to understand what was happening.

Finally, what she did was deserving of being remembered. It was memorable. Jesus said, the story of this beautiful act will be told in memory of her wherever the gospel is preached in the whole world. Here we are today, two thousand years later, fulfilling this very word, telling again of the act of Mary of Bethany when she anointed our Lord’s head and feet.

I hope we can be as understanding and extravagant as Mary was. What can you do today to show your love and appreciation of Jesus? Something extravagant. Something with meaning.

-Andy Cisneros

Reflection Questions

  1. What is Jesus Christ’s worth to you? When have you done something extravagant and beautiful for Jesus? How can you – and will you – honor him?
  2. Are you doing what you can? Or are you doing what’s easy? Are you doing at least what you are capable of for God and his son?
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Are You Asking Good Questions?

Old Testament: Deuteronomy 3

Poetry: Job 27

New Testament: Mark 12

As we look into Mark 12 and prepare our hearts for resurrection Sunday the question that I wanna ask is Are you ready for the Kingdom? Have you put your heart in the right standing with God? Have you asked good questions? One of the questions that comes up that is a good question is from the book of Mark.

In Mark 12:28–34, Jesus has an interaction with a scribe who asked him what the most important commandment in the Old Testament was. Jesus responded by telling him that the most important commandments were to love God and love your neighbor (see Deuteronomy 6:4–5 and Leviticus 19:18). The scribe understood Jesus’ teaching and recognized that loving God and loving others were far more important than burnt offerings and sacrifices. When he heard his response, Jesus said, “You are not far from the kingdom of God” (Mark 12:34).

One reason Jesus told the scribe, “You are not far from the kingdom of God” is that the scribe faithfully interpreted Jesus’ words regarding the most important commandment in the law. After hearing Jesus’ answer to his question, the scribe didn’t correct Jesus or even challenge Him more. He simply acknowledged that what Jesus said was right and good. When Jesus heard this response from the scribe, he knew that the man was “not far from the kingdom of God” because his heart reflected God’s.

Isn’t that what we all want. To be able to reflect God perfectly? To know God’s heart and follow in it. This was a great question the scribe asked, and it moved him towards greater understanding. Are you asking good questions?

Another key reason why Jesus said to the scribe, “You are not far from the kingdom of God” is found in the last part of the scribe’s response to Jesus. The scribe said that loving God and loving your neighbor are “more important than all burnt offerings and sacrifices” (Mark 12:33). The scribe here understood that God is more concerned with whether people are loving Him and others than with how well they follow the law’s other requirements. After all, it is possible to go to church and not love God, it is possible for someone to bring a burnt offering and have hatred in his heart toward his brother. It is possible to do the right thing and still be wrong. Such a heart condition is not pleasing to God, no matter how many sacrifices one offers.

By acknowledging the importance of loving God and loving your neighbor, the scribe proved that he was “not far from the kingdom of God.” The only thing he needed to officially enter the kingdom of God was to follow Jesus. Then he would come to truly understand what it means to love God and love your neighbor, for the secret of the kingdom of God is embodied in Jesus Himself. Given the scribe’s response to Jesus, it is entirely possible that the scribe ultimately believed in Jesus after the Lord’s death and resurrection.

Today, many people talk about the importance of loving others. Some will say things like “Love is love” or “Love is all you need” to convey this message. Such beliefs and sayings show that many people understand the importance of loving others. However, until one chooses to follow Jesus—the One who performed the greatest act of love (John 15:13)—he or she will not be able to understand what it means to truly love. More importantly, our love for other people is rooted in our love for God. Jesus taught this by putting these two commands together in Mark 12:30–31.

There may be many people in this world who are “not far from the kingdom of God.” But until believers preach the gospel to them and help such people place their faith in Jesus, these individuals cannot be a part of the kingdom of God. It would be wise for you to ask this question to yourself. Have I put myself in a position to be not far from the Kingdom of God?

-Andy Cisneros

Reflection Questions

  1. What grade would you give yourself for Loving the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength?
  2. What grade would you give yourself for Loving your neighbor as yourself?
  3. Where do you get stuck following the laws/traditions/giving the burnt offerings, but without a heart of love?
  4. What changes can you make to love God and others more and more?
  5. Ask yourself: Have I put myself in a position to be not far from the Kingdom of God? What do I need to get even closer to the Kingdom of God?
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