BIBLE IN TEN

Matthew 11:3

Saturday, 21 June 2025
 
and said to Him, “Are You the Coming One, or do we look for another?” Matthew 11:3
 
“...they said to Him, ‘You, You are ‘the coming,’ or do another we anticipate?” (CG).
 
In the previous verse, it noted that John the Baptist had heard about Jesus’ works in prison and sent two of his disciples. Now, it notes that “they said to Him, “You, You are ‘the Coming?’”
 
One can see the emphatic nature of his question, directly speaking to Jesus with the pronoun su, You, followed by the verb which repeats the thought, You are. John’s question about “the Coming” suggests nothing other than the anticipated Messiah. However, it is debated what he is referring to. Several general suggestions are –
 
* His faith is failing, and he is wondering if his original thoughts concerning Jesus were incorrect.
* He has heard of the works of Jesus and is not sure if this is the same Person he baptized.
* His disciples need to know that He is the Messiah, and so he sent them to confirm to them that this is the One.
* He is trying to spur Jesus to make his proclamation that He is, in fact, the Messiah.
 
Proponents of these, and various other scenarios, state their reasons for their view. As for John’s words, they continue with, “or do another we anticipate?”
 
The word prosdokaó, to anticipate, is introduced. This anticipation can be in thought, in waiting, in hope, in fear, etc. It is derived from pros, to or toward, and dokeuo, to watch. It is as if someone is leaning forward intently, watching for their anticipation to arrive or materialize. What John asks about concerning this anticipation is “another.”
 
Here he uses the word héteros, another, but of a distinct kind. The word állos, another of the same kind, is not used. John has heard of the works of the Christ. Hearing of them, he is now confused. The works of Jesus have been clearly presented to him, something Jesus will confirm in His response to John. Jesus’ response will imply that He knows John is already aware of those things.
 
Therefore, John is not questioning his faith in Jesus. He would know full well that this is the same Person he baptized. His disciples also already know He is the proclaimed Messiah. John could have saved them the effort and just reminded them of this.
 
This is especially so because John 1 records that two of John’s disciples heard his words and followed Jesus. The fact was already known and established. There is no reason to assume that John is trying to spur Jesus to proclaim that He is the Messiah. If that were so, Jesus would have responded as He did with His mother, saying that His hour had not yet come.
 
The use of “the Christ” in the previous verse could have been substituted with “Jesus.” If that were the case, one could assume John was questioning Jesus as the Christ. The use of the word heteros, another of a different kind, is telling us that John is thinking of another Person who will come to do other types of things for Israel, including securing his release from prison as Isaiah prophesied.
 
John is turning inward just as Elijah and Jeremiah did. He has temporarily misunderstood that God’s plans may not include his personal comfort or happiness, and he is wondering if someone else would be coming to fulfill the prophecies that Jesus is clearly leaving unfulfilled. Jesus’ response to his petition will confirm this.
 
Life application: How often do we hear of people prophesying healing, financial breakthrough, the date of the rapture, and so forth? These utterances are complete fabrications without any biblical support for their words. And yet, these are the most popular types of promises, and those who make them generally will have many followers.
 
Even when their words don’t come true, they will just make up more promises and keep stringing people along. Why does this happen? The answer is that people want to be reassured that their suffering will end. They want to be reassured that their financial woes will be remedied. They want release from the pains, trials, and demands of this life and so they listen to rapture predictors who will give them words of exit into eternal bliss.
 
This is the human condition. It is not limited to Christianity. This is why there are astrologists, horoscope teachers, palm readers, and ear ticklers in any religion around the world. People want something to meet their expectations, and so they will go to any length to obtain words that will provide an acceptable answer to what they seek.
 
The Bible does not tell us when the rapture will happen. The Bible does not tell us that we can be healed of afflictions by a call from the pulpit. If you want to get out of your financial woes and alleviate your hunger, the Bible tells you to be industrious and work for it (see 2 Thessalonians 3:10 and spend time in the Proverbs).
 
God does not promise you a life of ease while here on earth. In fact, we can expect the opposite (John 16:33, etc.). God promises us forgiveness of sins and eternal fellowship with Him when we call on Jesus. Until we are brought to Him at the resurrection/rapture, everything else may be good or it may be bad. We have to accept this and press on in the hope of His future promises. Be sure to have this attitude. When you do, you will avoid many mental pitfalls.
 
Lord God, help us to keep our focus on Jesus as we walk through this difficult and trial-filled world. May we remember to thank You for each blessing we receive, and may we be faithful to not charge You with wrong when difficult times come. Help us to have this attitude until that great Day when we are finally brought to You when Jesus calls. Amen.
 

Matthew 11:2

Friday, 20 June 2025
 
And when John had heard in prison about the works of Christ, he sent two of his disciples... Matthew 11:2
 
“And John, having heard in the prison the works of the Christ, having sent two of his disciples” (CG).
 
In the previous verse, Jesus departed to teach and preach in their cities. It now says, “And John, having heard in the prison.”
 
The word desmótérion, prison, is introduced. It is derived from desmon, a bond, chain, or fetter. As such, it speaks of a place of bondage, such as a dungeon or prison. The reason for his imprisonment is not recorded until Matthew 14 –
 
“At that time Herod the tetrarch heard the report about Jesus 2 and said to his servants, ‘This is John the Baptist; he is risen from the dead, and therefore these powers are at work in him.’ 3 For Herod had laid hold of John and bound him, and put him in prison for the sake of Herodias, his brother Philip’s wife. 4 Because John had said to him, ‘It is not lawful for you to have her.’ 5 And although he wanted to put him to death, he feared the multitude, because they counted him as a prophet.” Matthew 14:1-5
 
John is in prison, but it is apparent that he had freedoms while there. In Mark 6, during his time in prison, it says –
 
“Therefore Herodias held it against him and wanted to kill him, but she could not; 20 for Herod feared John, knowing that he was a just and holy man, and he protected him. And when he heard him, he did many things, and heard him gladly.” Mark 6:19, 20
 
It is during this time in prison that John heard about “the works of the Christ.” Including the article before Christ changes the tone of the narrative –
 
John heard about the works of Christ.
John heard about the works of the Christ.
 
What appears to be the intent is that while in prison, John has heard about the things the Christ (the Messiah) had been doing. But one of the things the Messiah was prophesied to do would have affected him personally –
 
“The Spirit of the Lord God is upon Me,Because the Lord has anointed MeTo preach good tidings to the poor;He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted,To proclaim liberty to the captives,And the opening of the prison to those who are bound.” Isaiah 61:1
 
Because of his imprisonment and because of the promises stated in Isaiah, John may have been wondering where the disconnect was. Therefore, it says, “having sent two of his disciples.” 
 
This continues to tell us that John had freedoms while in prison. He was allowed to be visited by his disciples and give word to them to go on a mission. As for the words, some texts say dia, through, instead of duo, two. In other words, it would mean he sent a message by his disciples rather than he sent two disciples. Luke 7:19 says duo, two.
 
Life application: Concerning the difference between through and two above, a few commentaries give their thoughts –
 
“For ‘two of his disciples’ read, on the best MS. authority, by means of his disciples.” Cambridge
 
“Possibly the slight difference between διά, the true reading here, and δύο, which is genuine in Luke, points to the common source (observe here a Greek source) having been written, but with the close similarity in sound this need not have been the case. Observe that the true reading lays slightly more emphasis on the fact of the inquiry coming from John himself.” Pulpit Commentary
 
“Two of his disciples (δύο)But the correct reading is διά, by. He sent by his disciples. So Rev.” Vincent’s Word Studies
 
Cambridge says the text which says dia is “the best.” Pulpit says it is “the true reading.” Vincent’s says it is “the correct reading.” Did you accept their thoughts? Did you ask yourself, “How do they know this?” Did you consider that “best” is a subjective word in the manner in which it is being used?
 
Luke clearly says two. We have ancient witnesses that do not agree, and because one of them is older, it is assumed to be the better, even though it was found later. Why is it necessary to say dia, through, and meaning “by,” when the initiator is already identified? The Pulpit Commentary says that by saying dia, it “lays more emphasis on the fact of the inquiry coming from John himself.” Does it?
 
And John, having heard in the prison the works of the Christ, having sent two of his disciples...
And John, having heard in the prison the works of the Christ, having sent by his disciples...
 
Maybe the focus is on the two, not that they were merely his disciples.
 
As always , be careful not to merely accept some scholar’s words without questioning how they came to their conclusions. Seemingly strong arguments will often not seem as strong when an alternate and opposing evaluation is suggested. You will only get out of your time in the word what you put into it. Take commentaries with a grain of salt, but don’t hesitate to read and consider them, even when they come to different conclusions.
 
Lord God, thank You for challenging us with Your word. It is a treasure trove of delight. But You have allowed man to transmit it from its originals. Men are faulty, and so help us to identify where things may have been incorrectly copied or intentionally manipulated. Give us wisdom in Your precious word. Amen.
 

Matthew 11:1

Thursday, 19 June 2025
 
Now it came to pass, when Jesus finished commanding His twelve disciples, that He departed from there to teach and to preach in their cities. Matthew 11:1
 
“And it was, when Jesus, He finished through-arranging His twelve disciples, He departed thence to teach and proclaim in their cities” (CG).
 
In the previous verse, Jesus finished up His words to the apostles concerning their commission to go forth and preach the gospel. Chapter 11 begins with, “And it was, when Jesus, He finished through-arranging His twelve disciples.” Of the words, “And it was, when Jesus, He finished...” The Pulpit Commentary notes –
 
The same formula recurs in Matthew 7:28; Matthew 13:53; Matthew 19:1; and Matthew 26:1. In all five cases, it marks the end of important speeches.
 
Because of this, we know that the direction of thought will make a change, and it does. In Matthew’s note, a new word diatassó is used. It is from dia, through, and tassó, to arrange, assign, appoint, etc. Thus, it speaks of thoroughly arranging a matter. It thus gives the sense of Jesus having completely instructed His apostles, preparing them for what lay ahead. With them properly and thoroughly instructed, it next says that “He departed thence.”
 
Where “thence” is, cannot be defined. The last hint of any location they were at was as Chapter 9 was ending –
 
“Then Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every sickness and every disease among the people. 36 But when He saw the multitudes, He was moved with compassion for them, because they were weary and scattered, like sheep having no shepherd. 37 Then He said to His disciples, ‘The harvest truly is plentiful, but the laborers are few. 38 Therefore pray the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest.’” Matthew 9:35-38
 
Thus, this instruction probably came at some unrecorded point along their travels throughout the Galilee. With that noted, another difficult set of words arises, noting that He left there “to teach and proclaim in their cities.”
 
The words themselves are not complicated, but it begs the question, “Who is ‘their’ referring to?” The nearest personal antecedent would be the twelve disciples. As such, one would think it would be either the towns where they had gone to or maybe the cities where they were from. However, it may be Matthew making a general statement about the cities of the Galilee. This is how Vincent’s Word Studies and some others take the words.
 
Life application: Jesus carefully instructed those He was sending forth so that they would be prepared for what lay ahead. Some of His instructions apply to things that would happen in the distant future in relation to Israel, demonstrating that His words carry beyond the immediate disciples listening to His instruction.
 
However, they are words that apply to evangelizing Israel. The context needs to be maintained. If not, people will incorrectly insert themselves into the narrative, and faulty connections will be inevitable. Continue to remember this as Matthew and the other synoptic gospels are read.
 
There are various truths that Jesus will state at times that apply in any situation and to anybody. But the specific directions and prophesied events He speaks of apply to Israel, not the church. By keeping this in mind, His words will always fit harmoniously with the rest of the New Testament.
 
When the church is inappropriately inserted, there will be conflicts between what Jesus says and what is presented later in the epistles. Israel, as a nation, eventually rejected Jesus. They will be exiled and receive the curses of the law until a set time when they will be regathered. At some point, the church will be removed, and the attention of the Lord will predominantly be on Israel once again.
 
With Israel back in the land, we can assume that this change is coming sooner rather than later. Although the day is unknown and will come without any advanced notice (1 Thessalonians 5:1), it will come. Until then, remember that Israel is not the church nor has it been replaced by the church. With this understanding, there will be no contradictory thoughts between Jesus’ words and those of the epistles.
 
Lord God, one step at a time, You are working through history to bring all things back to the state of perfection that was lost so long ago. Help us to see clearly how You are doing these things and to rightly divide Your word according to this marvelous plan. Yes, Lord, give us insights into these wonderful things. Amen.

Matthew 10:42

Wednesday, 18 June 2025
 
And whoever gives one of these little ones only a cup of cold water in the name of a disciple, assuredly, I say to you, he shall by no means lose his reward.” Matthew 10:42
 
“And whoever, if he should give drink to one of these least a cup of cold water, only in a disciple’s name, amen, I say to you, no – not he should lose his reward” (CG).
 
In the previous verse, Jesus told the apostles that receiving a prophet means receiving a prophet’s reward, and receiving a righteous person means receiving a righteous person’s reward. Stepping down another level, He continues with, “And whoever, if he should give drink.”
 
Here is a new word, potizó. It signifies to give a drink or irrigate, being derived from pinó, to drink. The word is similar to potabilis, the Latin etymological root of our modern-day word potable, a word signifying fit to drink. This giving of drink is next said to be “to one of these least.”
 
Another new word is used, mikros, little or least. It can refer to people who are little in society or within the family (as in the little brother of...), it can be used to identify the smallest type of seed, the smallest in stature, or a little in distance.
 
The gradations of authority thus far tell us that “these least” is not merely referring to little children, but to anyone who is undeveloped in theology but who bears the name of Christ –
 
Receives Me 🡪 receives 🡪 Him who sent Me.
Receives prophet 🡪 receives 🡪 prophet’s reward.
Receives righteous 🡪 receives 🡪 righteous man’s reward.
Receives these least 🡪...
 
The meaning of these least may be inclusive of children, but that is not the main intent, as if Jesus were saying little children were innocent. The intent is that it refers to anyone, child or adult, who bears His name.
 
Jeremiah was only a youth when called (Jeremiah 1:7), but he was a prophet of the Lord. A plumber may not understand deep theology, but he can still say, “I am a Christian and I love Jesus with all my heart.” Of this little individual, it next says, “a cup of cold water.”
 
Both words are new. The first, potérion, signifies a cup. It is also derived from pinó. Being a cup, it gives the sense of a full cup of water. The second word, psuchros, is an adjective signifying chilly or cold. It can be literal, or it can refer to being cold-hearted or cold in attitude. The latter is reflected in the words of Jesus in Revelation 3:15 when he told those at Laodicea that He wished they were either hot or cold. As for His words now, He continues with, “only in a disciple’s name...”
 
The word only is referring to the little one just described. If a person gives a cup of cold water in a disciple’s name, meaning a disciple of Jesus. Then Jesus finishes with, “amen, I say to you, no – not he should lose his reward.”
 
The sense here is that the plumber has said he is a Christian. He is a disciple of Jesus. Someone might say, “Don’t give him a thing. No job, no recommendation, and not a cup of water.” But someone hearing might say, “He has identified with Jesus. I am now identifying with Jesus by helping him with this cup of cold water. He isn’t Jesus, he isn’t a prophet, he isn’t a righteous man, but he is still a follower of Jesus and is deserving of my help.” Such a person will receive his reward for the act of kindness to this least of Jesus’ disciples.
 
Life application: In Israel, outside of the Holocaust memorial, there is a garden called the Righteous Among the Nations Garden. Trees are planted in the name of someone who has somehow helped the nation of Israel.
 
This is a nice memorial, and it stands as a witness to those who have made some sort of contribution or sacrifice for the Jewish people. It is right that Christians support the nation because God’s word promises they will someday be brought into the covenant and restored as His particular people. Those who understand this and support the nation for this reason should be applauded.
 
Despite this, the Jews as a people rejected Jesus. Those who have not accepted Him will be eternally separated from them. There is no salvation just for being a Jew. On the other hand, there is salvation for everyone who has believed the true gospel, which is based on the true Jesus, as described in the Bible. The righteous among the nations, according to the Bible, are those – Jews or Gentiles – who have received Jesus Christ by faith.
 
Those who have received Him and those who have identified with Him, even to the least of them, will receive their reward for doing so. Not a single act of beneficence will be left unrewarded. While earthly trees are planted to remember deeds for helping the Jewish people, God will bestow heavenly blessings upon those whose deeds have been directed to followers of Christ.
 
God is perfectly just and perfectly fair. Those who are in Christ are a part of Him and are in intimate union with God because of Him. In identifying with His followers, one identifies with Him. Be assured that if this is so, how much more is God watching over you!?
 
If you are suffering from financial distress, cancer or some other physical affliction, family disharmony, or any other thing that is eating at your soul, don’t think God has forgotten you. He has not. He is there with you, allowing whatever has come about for His own purposes. Be assured of this. Life is tough, but eternity lies ahead. Because of Jesus, you are remembered and will be forever tended to by your heavenly Father.
 
Lord God, help us to have an eternal and heavenly perspective in our minds. It is tough, especially when the world is bringing us down. But we know that by fixing our eyes, hearts, and minds on You, we can make it through until the day You call us to Yourself. Help us in this, O heavenly Father. Amen.

Matthew 10:41

Tuesday, 17 June 2025
 
He who receives a prophet in the name of a prophet shall receive a prophet’s reward. And he who receives a righteous man in the name of a righteous man shall receive a righteous man’s reward. Matthew 10:41
 
“The ‘receiving a prophet’ in a prophet’s name, a prophet’s reward he will receive. And the ‘receiving a righteous’ in a righteous’ name, a righteous’ reward he will receive” (CG).
 
In the previous verse, Jesus said, “The ‘receiving you,’ Me receives. And the ‘Me receiving,’ he receives the ‘having sent Me.’” In a similar manner, He now steps down the level of reception, saying, “The ‘receiving a prophet’ in a prophet’s name, a prophet’s reward he will receive.”
 
This is obviously referring to a true prophet of the Lord. Although the reciprocal could still hold true. Someone receiving a false prophet, if taken in and accepting of his message, will eventually receive the false prophet’s same fate. But that is not the intent here.
 
Of the prophet, in the Old Testament, he was the highest form of believer in God, having a word issued from God through Him. Although not necessarily an ambassador, he is one who speaks the word of the Lord. In Genesis 20:7, Abraham is specifically said to be a prophet of God. Moses notes he is a prophet in Deuteronomy 18:18.
 
In receiving such a person, there is an acknowledgment that what the prophet receives, the person will also receive. Although Jesus is probably referring to the reception of rewards in the next life, it is a truth that accompanied some in their earthly lives.
 
In 1 Kings 17, the widow of Zarephath received Elijah. In turn, she received a supply of food during the drought that consumed the land. In Jeremiah 39, Ebed-Melech tended to Jeremiah the prophet, and the Lord promised to deliver him during the terrible siege upon the city.
 
Likewise, in Jeremiah 45, Baruch the scribe was given words of assurance from the Lord for his faithfulness to the word of the Lord through Jeremiah. As for a later prophet’s reward, meaning at the resurrection, one is recorded in Daniel 12 –
 
“But you, go your way till the end; for you shall rest, and will arise to your inheritance at the end of the days.” Daniel 12:13
 
Based on Jesus’ words, it can be assumed that those who are saved and raised at the resurrection, and who received Daniel, would receive a similar inheritance. Next, Jesus says, “And the ‘receiving a righteous’ in a righteous’ name, a righteous’ reward he will receive.”
 
This is another step down the ladder, going from the prophet to the righteous. The categories are set, just as they are in the list given by Paul in 1 Corinthians 12:28. This demonstrates the wisdom of God in apportioning out His gifts and His grace in various ways.
 
As for the righteous, the Bible, even during the times of the law, identifies them as those who are of faith. This is made explicit in Hebrews 11, where those of faith are spoken of as righteous. Rahab the harlot received the spies and received her reward because of that. As in the prophet, it can be assumed that this truth goes beyond this life, though.
 
Those who receive the righteous, holding to their standard themselves, will receive the resurrection of the righteous and what it entails. Jesus is making a point about rewards. This thought will continue in the next verse.
 
Life application: In Matthew 11:11, Jesus says –
 
“Assuredly, I say to you, among those born of women there has not risen one greater than John the Baptist; but he who is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.”
 
One reason for Jesus’ word is certainly that a person who has entered the kingdom of heaven, meaning that which is promised through the Messiah, has received all of what has been spoken of since the beginning, as outlined in the received word.
 
In receiving the word that speaks of God’s plan, we have received the prophet through whom that word came. In receiving the words of the writings of the gospels, we have received those who authored those books. And in receiving the words of the apostles as written in the epistles, we have received those apostles who penned them.
 
But people receive the words at various levels of faith. There are those who say they believe Paul was an apostle, but they don’t accept everything he says. For example, they may attend a church with a female pastor, something Paul’s writings forbid.
 
This will not affect their salvation (assuming they are truly saved), but it will affect their rewards. They have not truly received Paul in the fullest sense. The judgment seat of Christ is something that lies ahead for all believers. Our eternal rewards and losses will be based on our faith and our deeds done in faith.
 
This must be inclusive of how we receive and apply the word of God to our lives. What level of understanding are you willing to attain concerning God’s word? The church you select, the Bible studies you attend, the manner in which you accept the doctrines contained within the word, etc., are certainly all a part of how God is evaluating you.
 
Many in the world have never had a copy of the Bible. They lived by faith but without a fuller understanding of the word. Many today hunger for a copy of the word in their own language, waiting years to receive a translation to hold and cherish.
 
In Western countries, we have innumerable translations available at our fingertips. And yet, who among those who believe has read even a single translation from beginning to end?
 
The more you are willing to receive, the greater will be the return on your investment of time, doctrine, and closer fellowship. Be sure to make the word an integral and intimate part of your life.
 
Heavenly Father, help us to think clearly about how we tend to Your word. It is our connection to understanding You and what You have done in the stream of human existence, culminating in the coming of Christ Jesus. How can we ignore such a gift? May it not be so in our lives. Amen.
 

Matthew 10:40

Monday, 16 June 2025
 
“He who receives you receives Me, and he who receives Me receives Him who sent Me. Matthew 10:40
 
“The ‘receiving you, Me receives. And the ‘Me receiving,’ he receives the ‘having sent Me’” (CG).
 
In the previous verse, Jesus noted that “The ‘having found his soul,’ he will lose it, and the ‘having lost his soul’ because of Me, he will find it.” Now, He will give a few verses to explain relational interactions, especially in regard to a state of rewards for those interactions. He begins with, “The ‘receiving you,’ Me receives.”
 
The words convey the thought of an ambassadorship. When one is an ambassador, he is sent on behalf of his leader, be it a king, president, dictator, etc. When a nation receives such an ambassador, it is an acknowledgment that he has received the one sending him. Paul speaks of this in 2 Corinthians 5 –
 
“Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us: we implore you on Christ’s behalf, be reconciled to God. 21 For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.” 2 Corinthians 5:20, 21
 
Paul is saying that he was sent on behalf of Christ Jesus. In receiving him and his message, the individual (family, church, etc.) receives Jesus. This is because Paul’s message is the message of reconciliation between God and man through Christ. That continues to be seen in Jesus’ next words, “And the ‘Me receiving,’ he receives the ‘having sent Me.’”
 
God sent Jesus as His representative on earth. When one accepts Jesus, by default, he accepts God. Obviously, because of the incarnate nature of Jesus, the truth is more nuanced than in other such situations, but it is a truth that Jesus refers to elsewhere –
 
“Then they said to Him, ‘What shall we do, that we may work the works of God?’29 Jesus answered and said to them, ‘This is the work of God, that you believe in Him whom He sent.’” John 6:28, 29
 
God sent Jesus with a message. It is a message that was conveyed both verbally and through demonstrable acts. In believing Jesus’ claim that He is the Messiah, one accepts God’s sending Him as the Messiah. In other words, in believing in the Son, one believes in the Father who sent Him.
 
The opposite is true as well. When one rejects the Son, he rejects the Father. There is no relationship between the two because of this. For example, in the case of the Jews who have rejected Jesus, they are called “a synagogue of Satan” by Jesus. They are not worshippers of God but are rather followers of Satan.
 
This is true with anyone who hears the message and rejects it. They belong to the devil and they remain of the devil through their rejection. John explains this in his first epistle, saying – 
 
“He who sins is of the devil, for the devil has sinned from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that He might destroy the works of the devil. 9 Whoever has been born of God does not sin, for His seed remains in him; and he cannot sin, because he has been born of God.” 1 John 3:8, 9
 
Life application: If you tell people they belong to the devil, you will get all kinds of reactions out of them. Some will laugh and tell you they are fine with God. Some will punch you in the nose for dissing them. Some will be shocked at your arrogance. If you do it at work, you might get everyone angry at you and fired as well.
 
As such, the best way to approach the issue, even though it is true, is to start by telling them what Jesus came to do, who He is (meaning His nature which is fully Man and fully God), explain why God sent Jesus (such as citing 1 John 3:8, 9), and telling them that this is what the Bible proclaims.
 
There is a disconnect between God and man because of sin. When man fell, the devil gained control over man’s destiny. God sent Jesus to correct that and reclaim the right to men’s souls. The incredible part of this is that He then gives us the choice to accept the proposition, believe, and be saved, or we can reject it and remain dead in our sins.
 
Upon our physical death, the separation will remain forever. God has made the first move. He has sent Jesus while we are at enmity with Him. He is not going to force the choice on us. Rather, the offer is made. Be sure to explain the catastrophic situation man is in without Jesus.
 
There is no need to be pushy, arrogant, or accusatory. Just lay out what the Bible says, explain to them the remedy, and appeal to them not to delay in their decision.
 
“For He says:‘In an acceptable time I have heard you,And in the day of salvation I have helped you.’Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.” 2 Corinthians 6:2
 
Heavenly Father, may we not withhold the good news of Jesus when we can easily share it with others. Without it, there is no hope for the lost soul. Give us hearts that feel pity at the plight of such people and the desire to speak! May it be so, to Your glory. Amen.

Matthew 10:39

Sunday, 15 June 2025
 
He who finds his life will lose it, and he who loses his life for My sake will find it. Matthew 10:39
 
“The ‘having found his soul,’ he will lose it, and the ‘having lost his soul’ because of Me, he will find it” (CG).
 
In the previous verse, Jesus noted that he who did not take his cross and follow after Him was not worthy of Him. Now, to build upon that, He says, “The ‘having found his soul,’ he will lose it.”
 
The words at first seem paradoxical. However, Jesus is using the thought of the psuché, the soul, in two ways at the same time. The word itself was introduced in Matthew 2:20. It is derived from psucho, breath. The meaning is based on the context, and it can mean the breath of one’s life, the seat of affection, the self, a human person, or an individual. The word corresponds to the Hebrew word nephesh.
 
In the case of Jesus’ words, He indicates that a person who has found his soul, meaning his earthly self, will wind up losing his soul, meaning his eternal self. Finding one’s earthly self involves looking after oneself, getting the best out of life, advancing in one’s career, or whatever motivates a person to ingratiate his existence apart from God’s guiding hand.
 
The problem with this type of life is two-fold. The first and main consideration is that it leaves God, the Creator, out of the picture. It ignores man’s responsibilities to Him and sets one’s course for self-directed aims. The second problem with this is obvious to all and yet it is ignored most of the time. Man is destined to die.
 
As this is so, all self-directed advances and aims have an end because the self has an end. Jesus says elsewhere –
 
“For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul?” Matthew 16:26
 
This is Jesus’ intent. The person finds his soul, the epitome of self-satisfaction and aggrandizement, maybe even living to the point of hedonism, but because he has left God out of the equation, he winds up losing his soul. On the other hand, Jesus next says, “and the ‘having lost his soul’ because of Me, he will find it.”
 
The “because of Me” is the key point of His words. Many scholars and philosophers have stated words similar in thought to Jesus’ words –
 
Plato said, “O my friend! I want you to see that the noble and the good may possibly be something different from saving and being saved, and that he who is truly a man ought not to care about living a certain time: he knows, as women say, that we must all die, and therefore he is not fond of life; he leaves all that with God, and considers in what way he can best spend his appointed term” (“Gorgias,” 512). (via Vincent’s Word Studies).
 
Euripides said, “Who knows if life be not death, and death life.” (via Vincent’s Word Studies).
 
The Pulpit Commentary notes, “In Talm. Bab., ‘Tamid,’ 32a, Alexander the Great asks ‘the elders of the south’ ten questions, among them, ‘What shall a man do that he may live?’ They answer, ‘Let him put himself to death.’ ‘What shall a man do that he may die?’ ‘Let him make himself alive.’”
 
Such sayings are found in cultures around the world, and many live lifestyles that bear this concept, such as those living as monks or in asceticism, stoicism, etc. The problem with such lives is that such people are still set to die. Without the “because of Me” of Jesus’ words, their end is the same as the others. The main difference between them and those in the first half of Jesus’ words is that those in the first category probably had a lot more fun in the process.
 
Jesus is telling His disciples that the pursuit of God in Christ is the key to finding one’s soul, meaning his eternal existence in the presence of God.
 
Life application: It is common for Christians to use Jesus’ words here and in similar passages to give up various earthly delights, to reject wealth, to live in hovels when they could live in a mansion, etc.
 
Some, such as the Judaizers and Hebrew Roots Movement adherents, live for self while claiming they are living for God. They do this by living by precepts of the Law of Moses instead of living in Christ. Their religion is self-directed because it has rejected the fulfillment of the law by Jesus.
 
Many such paths of existence in Christianity are unbiblical. For example, concerning wealth, Paul says –
 
“Command those who are rich in this present age not to be haughty, nor to trust in uncertain riches but in the living God, who gives us richly all things to enjoy. 18 Let them do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to give, willing to share, 19 storing up for themselves a good foundation for the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life.” 1 Timothy 6:17-19
 
Paul did not say that rich people need to give up their wealth. He instructs them how to use it in a godly manner. People who are attempting to “find life” since the completed work of Jesus need to simply believe in the full, final, finished, and forever work of Christ. That is how one finds his life. Trust. Believing the gospel and trusting God that it is true by faith is how one finds life.
 
Jesus’ words in this verse in Matthew have a context. Our instructions for finding life now, because of His completed work, have a new context. Don’t stop part of the way in the redemption story. When you get to the cross and resurrection, you have come to the point where God has brought you for life. Find life by finding the risen Savior and trusting in Him.
 
Heavenly Father, our lives are short, and we often focus way too much on making the best of our days without considering You in the process. Forgive us for this. Help us to include You in our every thought and action. Whether we are rich or poor, healthy or sick, single or married, or in any other way, may our priority be to include You in our lives and interactions! Amen.
 

Matthew 10:38

Saturday, 14 June 2025
 
And he who does not take his cross and follow after Me is not worthy of Me. Matthew 10:38
 
“And who not, he receives his cross and he follows after Me, not he is worthy of Me” (CG).
 
In the previous verse, Jesus noted that those who love son or daughter more than Him are not worthy of Him. He now elevates the thought further, saying, “And who not, he receives his cross.”
 
In His words, the stauros, cross, is introduced. The word is derived from the base of the verb histémi, to stand, set, establish, place, etc. Of the word, Strongs says, “a stake or post (as set upright), i.e. (specially), a pole or cross (as an instrument of capital punishment); figuratively, exposure to death, i.e. Self-denial.” A lengthier explanation is provided by HELPS Word Studies –
 
...the crosspiece of a Roman cross; the cross-beam (Latin, patibulum) placed at the top of the vertical member to form a capital "T." "This transverse beam was the one carried by the criminal" (Souter).
Christ was crucified on a literal Roman cross ... ("cross") is also used figuratively for the cross (sacrifice) each believer bears to be a true follower-of-Christ (Mt 10:38, 16:24, etc.). The cross represents unspeakable pain, humiliation and suffering – and ironically is also the symbol of infinite love! At the cross, Jesus won our salvation – which is free but certainly not cheap! For more discussion on the untold suffering of Christ on the cross see ... /stauróō ("to crucify on a cross").
[The "cross" (Mk 8:34) is not a symbol for suffering in general. Rather it refers to withstanding persecution (difficult times), by the Lord's power, as He directs the circumstances of life. As Christ's disciples, believers are to hold true – even when attacked by the ungodly.]
 
As this is the first mention of the cross, something Jesus knew He would eventually have to suffer the torture of, His thoughts probably went forward to that moment and contemplated what He would endure for those gathered around Him. Of this, however, Vincent’s Word Studies probably takes that point too far, saying –
 
“This was no Jewish proverb, crucifixion not being a Jewish punishment; so that Jesus uses the phrase anticipatively, in view of the death which he himself was to die.”
 
Though not a traditional Jewish punishment, it was a common one within the empire. As Israel was ruled by the Romans, everyone would know full well the meaning of the saying. In essence, it had by default become a Jewish saying as much as a Roman saying.
 
As noted in the explanation by HELPS Word Studies, those with Him would have understood this as a metaphor for withstanding persecution. Saying “his cross” makes the situation personal. Each person hearing the gospel could expect to face his own personal cross when accepting the message. Understanding this, He continues with, “and he follows after Me, not he is worthy of Me.”
 
Jesus was essentially bearing a cross, a state of persecution. The apostles would have seen this with each city they visited as He received blowback from the Pharisees, Sadducees, and others who constantly came against Him and His teaching. His words are telling them that they, too, would face this type of persecution as they went out.
 
This is the point of the instruction He is giving to them. They are being commissioned to go to the lost sheep of the House of Israel. When they speak, they will be persecuted for it. And more, those who hear and accept should expect this as well. There will be a cost to accepting the message that Jesus is the Messiah. He is telling them this in advance.
 
Life application: There are various views on what Jesus’ cross was like. Some say it was an upright pole with a beam on top like a capital T. Some have it as an upright pole with a cross beam somewhere in the midst of the pole, like a small t.
 
The Jehovah’s Witnesses call it a “torture stake” and say that it was a single upright pole with one’s arms affixed above the head and the body hanging down below that. The Hallelujah Scriptures say Jesus was impaled on a stake. There are other forms of crucifixion, but these are the ones generally provided. Is there a way to tell which is correct? The answer is, “Yes. There is a way to tell. Check Scripture.”
 
Jesus was not impaled. Twice, the notion of Him being nailed to the cross is stated –
 
“Now Thomas, called the Twin, one of the twelve, was not with them when Jesus came. 25 The other disciples therefore said to him, ‘We have seen the Lord.’So he said to them, ‘Unless I see in His hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the print of the nails, and put my hand into His side, I will not believe.’” John 20:24, 25
 
“And you, being dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, He has made alive together with Him, having forgiven you all trespasses, 14 having wiped out the handwriting of requirements that was against us, which was contrary to us. And He has taken it out of the way, having nailed it to the cross. 15 Having disarmed principalities and powers, He made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them in it.” Colossians 2:13-15
 
Did Jesus die on a “torture stake?” No. He did not. It says in Matthew –
 
“And they put up over His head the accusation written against Him:THIS IS JESUS THE KING OF THE JEWS.” Matthew 27:37
 
If Jesus was crucified on a stake, Matthew would have said “over His hands,” not “over His head.” That leaves the big T and the little t. Which is it? The answer is a little t. If Jesus were crucified on a big T, the sign could not be over His head. Therefore, the standard little t is what Jesus died on after being nailed to it.
 
In Israel, there are Christian baptismal fonts (Jewish mikvehs) that have been found in the shape of this cross. The standard cross has been accepted since the earliest days as the one on which Jesus died. The main question is whether He carried only the lintel or the entire cross to His death. That can be argued over, but the shape of the cross, once erected, is clearly identifiable from Scripture.
 
But this should be no surprise. The shape of the cross is actually seen in Old Testament types and pictures as well. Though too long to include such a study here, it was clearly identified long before.
 
The question that should arise in our minds is, “Why do people try to change what has always been accepted as Jesus’ type of crucifixion into something else?” The reason seems obvious when considering the source. People like the Jehovah’s Witnesses and the Hebrew Root Movement adherents are heretics.
 
In order to draw people away from traditional Christianity and set orthodoxy, they introduce destructive heresies to confuse those who do not check things out, pulling them away from sound doctrine while drawing them to their own perverse instruction.
 
“But God forbid that I should boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.” Galatians 6:14
 
Lord God, thank You for the cross of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
 

Matthew 10:37

Friday, 13 June 2025
 
He who loves father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me. And he who loves son or daughter more than Me is not worthy of Me. Matthew 10:37
 
“The ‘affectionating father or mother’ above Me, not he is worthy of Me. And the ‘loving son or daughter’ above Me, not he is worthy of Me” (CG).
 
In the previous verse, Jesus said that a man’s enemies will be the members of his own household. Having said that, He next builds upon that thought, saying, “The ‘affectionating father or mother’ above Me, not he is worthy of Me.”
 
The words are based on what He said in verse 35. He noted that He had come to set a man against his father, a daughter against her mother, etc. He would become the main Subject of the individual’s life. The allegiance to Him would be greater than to even such a close relationship.
 
If it were not so, it would mean that the person had set a member of the family over Him. But, as will be seen in verse 40, receiving Him means something else is involved that disallows such a notion. To further enforce this thought, He continues with, “And the ‘loving son or daughter’ above Me, not he is worthy of Me.”
 
The natural affections for one’s child are normally exceedingly strong. They are an extension of who we are, and our children are a product of all the time and effort we have put into them. Parents generally would put their children above their own lives. And yet, Jesus tells them that someone who would do this is not worthy of Him.
 
Again, the reason for this is based on who He is in reality. There are people who might make such statements but who are just cult leaders leading the blind to destruction.  However, if Jesus is who He claims to be, and if He is coming on behalf of God, then such an allegiance to Him must be the highest priority in one’s life.
 
Life application: The thought presented in this verse can be summed up in the question, “Who do you say Jesus is?” If Jesus were like the leader of North Korea, He would have demanded submission from those under Him and ruled them with an authoritarian hand, caring little about their lives.
 
If He is like Jim Jones or David Koresh, leaders of religious cults, He would have looked to benefit from their allegiance, taking their possessions and money and even their wives as His own. In the end, He would have led them to destruction and separation from God.
 
However, despite noting that those who follow Him must make Him the highest priority in their lives, He doesn’t threaten them, benefit personally from their labors, or order them into submissive lives. Jesus gave (and gives) free will to those who come to Him. Peter was allowed to stray, but Jesus did not permanently reject him.
 
And for those who have died in the cause of Jesus Christ and His gospel, there is still the sure hope of the resurrection and glory to come. None of those who come to Him will be lost. These are guarantees that other leaders cannot give.
 
Think of all of the waste of human life of those who have followed false religions and false teachers. They have exerted their efforts in life, been led down a false path, and will die apart from God, eternally separated from Him because of the sin in their lives.
 
Only Jesus can restore man to God because only Jesus has dealt with the issue of sin. Without that, the existence of humanity is ultimately pointless. We strive for the wind during our lives, we die, and we will be forever removed from God’s glory. Only in Jesus is this corrected because only Jesus is God incarnate.
 
Be sure to get Jesus right. In doing so, your allegiances will be rightly directed.
 
“I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” John 14:6
 
Lord God, help us never to waver in our convictions. May our devotion to You through Jesus be steady and uncompromising. May we never presume to put anyone or anything above You in our lives. You are the Creator. We owe all of who we are to You. Through Jesus, this becomes a joy that will restore us to You forever. Thank You for Jesus. Amen.
 

Matthew 10:36

Thursday, 12 June 2025
 
and ‘a man’s enemies will be those of his own household.’ Matthew 10:36
 
“and the man’s enemies – his household” (CG).
 
In the previous verse, Jesus explained the way He did not come to bring peace, as mentioned in the verse before that, telling the apostles that He came to sunder a man against his father, a daughter against her mother, and a bride against her mother-in-law. Now, He completes that thought, as cited from Micah 7:6, saying, “and the man’s enemies – his household.”
 
The words are close to the original Hebrew. A literal translation of the clause from Micah would be “hatings man – men his house.” The verb oyev signifies hating or an adversary. Thus, it refers to an enemy. Jesus acknowledges that this will be the case with those who separate a family over His gospel message.
 
One can see that the way He expressed the thought, just as in the Hebrew, is direct. The man’s enemies equate directly to his household.
 
Life application: When a Jew comes to Christ, there is a great chance his family will cut him right out of their lives. A Christian Jew named Stan Telchin wrote a book about this experience entitled Betrayed. His daughter told him that she believed Jesus was the Messiah. He kind of went ballistic and was determined to prove her wrong.
 
However, in his attempt to do so, he found that Jesus is, in fact, the fulfillment of the messianic prophecies found in Scripture. Until his death, he was belittled and shunned by many in the Jewish community. But for anyone who is willing to honestly evaluate Scripture, putting aside biases and presuppositions, they will come to the realization that Jesus is the Messiah.
 
Jewish families are ripped apart over this fact, but so are Muslim households. Leaving Islam can be a life-threatening experience, but many have made the bold move to accept Jesus and be saved by His shed blood.
 
Likewise, faith in Jesus brings about condemnation from adherents of Hinduism, Buddhism, and a plethora of other isms, including atheism. Jesus’ message is one that divides, but a family division over Jesus is worth every bit of rejection and hatred that a person can be subject to.
 
Only through Him can eternal life be found. Once the conversion is made, there is always the possibility that others will be honest in their thinking and willing to check. If they are, they too will come to the realization that life eternal is found in Him.
 
Pray for those going through such family difficulties. There are many out there, and their finding reconciliation with others through the blood of Christ is the sweetest reunion of all. The enmity can end. It did for Stan Telchin and his daughter. So keep such people in prayer.
 
Lord God, receiving Jesus may have worldly repercussions that seem overwhelming, but the fact is that this world, and our lives in this world, are temporary and will pass away. But reconciliation with You through Jesus Christ is eternal. So, Lord, give us wisdom, perseverance, and a positive attitude about our walk with You. Amen.

Matthew 10:35

Wednesday, 11 June 2025
 
For I have come to ‘set a man against his father, a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law’; Matthew 10:35
 
“For I came to sunder man against his father, and daughter against her mother, and bride against her mother-in-law” (CG).
 
In the previous verse, Jesus noted that He did not come to bring peace on earth, but a sword. In explanation of that, He next cites Micah 7:6, turning it from a proclamation concerning the conduct of the people of Israel to a statement concerning the sword He referred to. He does this beginning with, “For I came to sunder man against his father.”
 
In Micah, this clause reads, “For son dishonors father.” In Jesus’ statement is a word found only once in the New Testament, dichazó, The word is derived from dis, twice. Thus, it is a cutting apart. Hence, to sunder. Figuratively, it means to set at variance. It is akin to our modern prefix dis, such as in discord, disharmony, or the commonly used idiom to dis someone.
 
Jesus is probably saying that those who dishonor their father are the type to reject Christ. Such a person has ignored the Fifth Commandment, placing himself as one who rejects the structure of the home as ordained by God. As such, there will be a sword between the unrepentant son and the repentant father when the gospel is presented. Next, Jesus says, “and daughter against her mother.”
 
Micah 7:6 says, “Daughter rises against her mother.” This is like the first clause in that the daughter is set at variance with her mother, similar to that of the son dishonoring the father. There will be strife between the two because of His gospel. He next says, “and bride against her mother-in-law.”
 
Another new word is introduced here, numphé, a bride or a daughter-in-law. It is derived from nupto, to veil, as in a veiled bride. This is cognate to the Latin nupto, to marry. The word extends to a betrothed girl.
 
Micah 7:6 says, “Daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law.” Again, we see a discord being explained by Jesus as cited by Micah. In the Hebrew of Micah, the word kalah, completer is used to describe the daughter-in-law. It signifies a bride because the daughter-in-law is what completes a family unit.
 
In other words, having a son allows a man to continue his name and family, but without a daughter-in-law, a completer, the family remains incomplete. As such, she is to be a treasured member of the family.
 
But that should go both ways. She should honor those of the family she is uniting with. However, with the gospel introduced, this special bond between the mother and the household completer is divided.
 
Life application: Despite the fact that Jesus is speaking to Israel while under the law, the truths explained by Him do not end there because these are truths that extend beyond to law. The family unit was established prior to the law. When something interrupts that unit, discord leading to dishonor will naturally result.
 
Paul even refers to the necessity of maintaining the soundness of the Fifth Commandment in Ephesians 6:1-3 –
 
“Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. 2 ‘Honor your father and mother,’ which is the first commandment with promise: 3 ‘that it may be well with you and you may live long on the earth.’”
 
This is not a matter of salvation in the church, but it is a precept that bears the weight of the family unit established by God at the very beginning. Son is born to father. Because of this, there should be honor given to him. This is not explicitly stated prior to the law, but it is a precept clearly understood in the Genesis and Exodus narrative prior to the giving of the law.
 
This follows through with respect by the females within the house as well. Honoring the mother is considered an essential part of the makeup of the nuclear family. As such, one can see why those on the left throughout the world are doing their utmost to destroy the nuclear family. In doing so, the supposed shackles of God’s unjust plan are cast off, and the chaos of perversion becomes the welcomed standard.
 
Be sure to understand the spiritual battle that is taking place each time a government is influenced by those on the left. Their stand is ultimately a stand against God’s structure and order for the family, something quite clearly upheld by the gospel because Jesus is God.
 
Lord God, help us to think clearly and reasonably about what Your word is telling us regarding biblical principles. There are things we are to do to retain a godly balance and propriety in our lives. Without knowing what Scripture says, we cannot do this. So, help us in this daily pursuit of Your precious word. Amen.

Matthew 10:34

Tuesday, 10 June 2025
 
“Do not think that I came to bring peace on earth. I did not come to bring peace but a sword. Matthew 10:34
 
“Not you should deem that I came to cast peace upon the earth. Not I came to cast peace, but a sword” (CG).
 
In the previous verse, Jesus finished the thought about confessing Him or denying Him. Now, the results of such a decision are noted by Him, beginning with, “Not you should deem that I came to cast peace upon the earth.”
 
Here, Jesus introduces the word eiréné, peace, to the New Testament. It is believed to be from the primary verb eiro, to join. As such, it would signify peace through enjoinment, such as when God and man are reconciled. It leads to a state of wholeness where parts are joined together.
 
The idea of using the word “cast” is that people might suppose that the Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6) would come and simply toss out peace upon the earth like casting a net over it. Jesus says this is not why He came.
 
Rather, by the very nature of claiming to be the Messiah, people would take a side for Him or against Him. A decision has to be made. In such a decision, peace between those who decide contrary to one another is not possible.
 
The peace that Jesus provides is a result of the decision of the individual, bringing a state of peace between himself and God, a state which currently is one of enmity –
 
“For He Himself is our peace, who has made both one, and has broken down the middle wall of separation, 15 having abolished in His flesh the enmity, that is, the law of commandments contained in ordinances, so as to create in Himself one new man from the two, thus making peace, 16 and that He might reconcile them both to God in one body through the cross, thereby putting to death the enmity. 17 And He came and preached peace to you who were afar off and to those who were near. 18 For through Him we both have access by one Spirit to the Father.” Ephesians 2:14-18
 
Rather than casting peace upon the earth, Jesus says, “Not I came to cast peace, but a sword.” The decision for peace between oneself and God will, by the very nature of the decision for Jesus, result in a sword, figuratively or actually, for those who reject His offer.
 
For example, if someone says, “I believe Jesus is the Messiah,” after hearing His words to the disciples about Him being the only way to reconciliation with God, someone else might say, “That is not true! All paths lead to God.”
 
Or they may say, “Jesus is a false Messiah! His disciples say that Gentiles are accepted through Him. No way, Jose!” In fact, this is just the reaction that the Jews of Jerusalem exhibited when Paul said that he was sent to the Gentiles.
 
In such instances, enmity between adherents and those who reject will arise. Throughout the ages, since the time of Jesus’ ministry until this day, this has been the case. Many swords have been drawn and much blood has been spilled because of the proclamation that Jesus is the Christ.
 
Life application: If you want trouble in this world, believe in and proclaim Jesus. Trouble of some measure is likely to follow. If you want more trouble, learn and apply proper doctrine concerning Jesus to your walk. Even believers will stand at enmity with you when they disagree with your position, even if it is the correct one.
 
The peace Jesus brings is, is as described in Luke 2 –
 
“Glory to God in the highest,And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!” Luke 2:14
 
God is glorified through Christ, and His peace will rest upon those who accept what He has done. A state of eternal harmony between the Creator and His creatures is realized. This is the peace that Christ offers. Until those who oppose this message are removed, the world will remain in a state of strife, and the sword will remain.
 
“Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” John 14:27
 
Lord God, how good You are to us to have sent Jesus Christ our Lord to reconcile us to You. We are the enemies of Your goodness. We have failed You. And yet, You, out of love for Your creatures, have sent Jesus. He is our Peace, and He is our Lord. Thank You for Jesus. Amen.