Jesus – Page 6 – Not My Life

Mark Chapter 2 Simplified: Weddings, Weaving and Wine

Published on August 2023 by DaveLeave a comment

Jesus entered back into Capernaum after a few days and people knew he was at home. Many people gathered around until there was no room to move, even at the door. He spoke the word to them.

Four people carried a disabled person to him. They couldn’t bring the person because of the crowd, so they removed the roof of the house. After digging through, they lowered the bed on which the disabled person was lying.

Jesus saw their belief and said to the disabled person, “Child, your sins are forgiven.”

Some law experts were sitting nearby and thought about this to themselves. “Why does he speak like this; disrespectfully? Who can forgive sins except just God?”

Jesus, knowing in his spirit they were thinking like this, said to them, “Why are you thinking these thoughts in your hearts? What’s easier to say to the disabled? Your sins are forgiven or stand, pick up your bed and walk? So that you know that the Son of Man has the authority on earth to forgive sins.”

He then said to the disabled person, “I’m telling you: stand, pick up your bed and go home.”

The disabled person stood, picked up his bed and left in front of everyone.

Everyone was amazed and praised God, saying, “We’ve never seen this before!”

Jesus then left again next to the sea, and everyone was coming to him. He taught them.

Going past Levi, Alphaeus’ son, sitting at a tax booth, Jesus said to him, “Follow me!”

Levi stood and followed him.

Jesus was having dinner in his house with many tax collectors and sinners who were also reclining with Jesus and his disciples. The Pharisee law experts saw that Jesus was eating with sinners and tax collectors and asked his disciples, “Why eat with tax collectors and sinners?”

Jesus overheard and replied, “Healthy people don’t need a doctor. Sick people do. I’ve not come for the good people, but the sinners.”

Both John’s disciples and the Pharisees were fasting. People came to Jesus and asked, “Why do John’s disciples and the Pharisees’ disciples fast, but your disciples don’t fast?”

Jesus replied, “The groom’s attendants can’t fast while the groom is with them. However long the groom is with them, they cannot fast. But the time comes when the groom is taken from them and then they will fast.

You don’t sew a patch of unshrunk fabric on old clothes. The new patch pulls from the old fabric, and the rip gets worse.

No one puts new wine into old wineskins. The wine would burst the wineskin and both the wine and wineskin will be ruined. New wine goes into new wineskins.”

Jesus passed through farming land on the holy day and his disciples began picking heads of grain.

The Pharisees asked him, “Look, why are they doing what is not allowed on the holy day?”

Jesus replied, “Did you never read what David did when he had needs and everyone with him was hungry? He went into God’s temple during the high priest Abiathar’s time and ate the special bread that’s not allowed to be eaten, except by the priests, and David also gave it to those with him.

The holy day was made for people, not people for the holy day, so the Son of Man is also the master of the holy day.

Mark Chapter 2 Summary

Jesus shows His miraculous healing and teaching abilities, starting with a disabled person’s healing. The crowd’s large size forced four people to lower the person through a roof to Jesus. Seeing their belief, Jesus forgave the disabled person’s sins and healed him, causing controversy among the law experts who questioned His authority to forgive sins. Jesus then called Levi to follow Him, an invitation which Levi accepted immediately. Jesus later dined with tax collectors and sinners, causing the Pharisees to question His company. But Jesus said His mission is to help sinners, not the good people.

Jesus compared His presence with His disciples to a groom at a wedding, implying that fasting would occur when He was absent. He further illustrated this with the analogy of old and new wineskins. Lastly, when the Pharisees challenged His disciples’ actions on the holy day, Jesus said that He is the master of the holy day, saying the holy day was made for man’s benefit, not the other way around.

Mark Chapter 2 Bible Study Questions and Answers

What can we learn about faith from the friends of the disabled person in this story?
Answer: The friends’ actions show the importance of believing and how far one can go to seek Jesus. They remind us that belief can lead to amazing things and that we should not let obstacles stop us from finding Jesus.
Why did Jesus choose to eat with tax collectors and sinners, and what lesson can we draw from this for our own lives?
Answer: Jesus ate with sinners to show that His mission was to help the spiritually ill, not the good people. This teaches us the importance of understanding and including everyone, reminding us not to judge others but to love and help those in need.
How can Jesus’ response about fasting apply to our spiritual lives today?
Answer: Jesus’ response suggests that practices like fasting should have the right context and intention. This teaches us that our spiritual actions must align with the presence and purpose of Christ in our lives.
What did Jesus mean when He said that new wine should be put into new wineskins?
Answer: This implies that the old religious practices couldn’t contain His new teachings. We can interpret this to mean that we should be open to new teachings and experiences in our spiritual journey.
What does Jesus’ statement about the holy day teach us about our relationship with religious laws?
Answer: Jesus’ statement means that the holy day was made for the benefit of people, not the other way around. This instructs us to understand the point of religious laws, which are designed for our wellbeing, rather than blindly holding to them.

Mark Chapter 2 Explained

Mark Chapter 2 shows Jesus as a revolutionary figure challenging conventional norms and religious authority. The chapter begins with Jesus healing a disabled person, showing His authority over physical illness and sin. This power to forgive sins brings controversy, highlighting the tension between Jesus and the religious leaders of the time.

Jesus’ call to Levi, a tax collector, also sends a powerful message. Tax collectors were generally viewed as bad people during this period. By openly being with them, Jesus challenged societal norms and showed His inclusive love, indicating that everyone, regardless of their past, can be part of His Kingdom.

The dinner with tax collectors and sinners underlines Jesus’ mission to seek out and save the lost. It’s a reminder of His care and compassion, and His belief that everyone, even those considered sinners by society, deserves kindness and mercy.

Jesus’ reply to questions about fasting showed His understanding of spiritual practices as changeable based on contexts, rather than just tasks. His explanation of the new wine and wineskins shows the inability of old religious rules to contain the new spirit of His teachings.

Finally, Jesus’ stance on the holy day was a revolutionary one. Instead of accepting the holy day’s fixed observance, Jesus said that it was made for people’s benefit, prioritising human needs over formal observances. This chapter lays the foundation for Jesus’ teachings that challenge religious traditions and prioritises love, care, and respect.

To read the next chapters, you might like to follow or subscribe to this blog!

Continue exploring Mark 2

If you’d like to read Mark 2 in other translations, here are a few BibleHub links:
For a translation that aims to be word-for-word, try Mark 2 in the English Standard Version.
For a translation that aims to be more thought-for-thought, try Mark 2 in the New International Version.
For a translation that aims to communicate the overall meaning, try Mark 2 in the Contemporary English Version.

If you prefer to read the Bible in a hard-copy format, here are cheaper versions from Amazon:
[These are Amazon affiliate links which support the production of this blog]
For a translation that aims to be word-for-word, ESV Economy Bible
For a translation that aims to be more thought-for-thought, NIV, Economy Bible, Paperback: Accurate. Readable. Clear.
For a translation that aims to communicate the overall meaning, Holy Bible: Contemporary English Version

If you’d like to explore Mark in more depth, here are two commentaries I would recommend:
[These are Amazon affiliate links which support the production of this blog]
Easy to access commentaries that include life applications:
The NIV Application Commentary: Mark
Mark (The Story of God Bible Commentary)
For a commentary that goes into more depth:
The Gospel of Mark (The New International Commentary on the New Testament)

Mark Chapter 1 Simplified: What does it mean to be fishers of men?

Published on July 2023 by DaveLeave a comment

The start of the good news of Jesus Christ.

Isaiah the prophet wrote, “Look, I’m sending my messenger before you who’ll prepare your way. A voice is shouting in the desert, ‘Prepare the Lord’s way and make his path straight.'”

John baptised in the desert, announcing a baptism of a changed mind for the forgiveness of sin. The whole Judean area and all the people of Jerusalem went to him and were baptised by him in the Jordan River, admitting their sins. John wore camel hair and a leather belt around his hips. He ate locusts and wild honey.

John was teaching, “Someone more powerful than me is coming after me. I am not enough to even bend and unfasten his sandal straps. I baptise you with water, but he will baptise you with Holy Spirit.”

During that time, Jesus came from Nazareth, in Galilee, and was baptised in the River Jordan by John. As soon as Jesus came up from the water, the skies opened. The Spirit came down like a bird to him.

A voice said from the sky, “You are my loved Son. I am pleased with you.”

The Spirit then forced him into the desert.

Jesus was in the desert for forty days, tested by Satan. He was with the animals, and the angels served him.

After John was captured, Jesus went to Galilee and announced the good news of God. He said, “The time is complete, and God’s Kingdom approaches. Reconsider and trust in the good news!”

Going past the Sea of Galilee, Jesus saw Simon and his brother, Andrew, fishing in the sea because they were fishermen.

Jesus said to them, “Follow me, and I’ll make you fisherman of people.”

They immediately left their nets and followed him. Going further, Jesus saw James and John, Zebedee’s sons. They were in a boat fixing nets. Jesus immediately called for them. They left their father, Zebedee, in the boat with the hired men and went with Jesus.

Jesus and his disciples then went to Capernaum and first thing on the Sabbath, Jesus began teaching in the synagogue. Everyone was amazed at his teaching because he was teaching like someone with authority, not like the other teachers.

Then there was a man in the synagogue with a demonic spirit who cried out, “What are we doing here together, Jesus the Nazarene? Come to destroy us? I know who you are: Holy of God.

Jesus warned him, “Be quiet and come out of him.”

Shaking him and crying out loudly, the demonic spirit left the man.

Everyone was amazed, and they discussed together, “What is this? New teaching with authority, and commanding demonic spirits who obey him.”

The news about Jesus went everywhere in the entire area of Galilee.

Jesus then left the synagogue and went to Simon and Andrew’s house with James and John. Simon’s mother-in-law was lying down with a fever. They immediately told Jesus about her. He came and sat her up, holding her hand. The fever left her, and she served them.

In the evening, when the sun set, people brought anyone who was sick or demon-possessed to him. Everyone from the whole town gathered at the door. He healed many sick from diseases and sent out many demons. He didn’t allow the demons to speak because they knew about him.

Early in the morning, while it was still very dark, Jesus got up and went to an empty place to pray.

Simon and those with him looked for Jesus.

They found him and said to him, “Everyone is looking for you.”

Jesus replied, “Let’s go to the neighbouring towns to teach there because that’s why I’ve come.”

He went throughout Galilee, teaching in the synagogues and sending out demons.

A diseased man came to Jesus, kneeling and begging, “If you desire, you can make me clean.”

Jesus became concerned. He stretched his hand and touched the man. Jesus said, “I desire. Be clean.”

The disease immediately left the man and he was clean.

Jesus warned the man and sent him away. “Look, don’t say anything to anyone but go, show yourself to the priest and present for your purification what Moses ordered, as evidence to them.

But the man went and started talking about it and spreading what happened. Jesus was then not able to go back openly into the town, but he stayed outside in the wilderness and people came to him from everywhere.

Mark Chapter 1 Summary

John the Baptist prepares the way for Jesus in the desert. He baptised people for forgiveness of sins and predicted the coming of one greater, who would baptise with the Holy Spirit. Jesus then arrives from Nazareth and is baptised by John. As he emerges from the water, a voice from heaven declares him the loved Son. Afterward, Jesus is led to the desert and tested by Satan for forty days.

Following John’s arrest, Jesus announces the arrival of God’s Kingdom and urges people to believe in the good news. He then calls his first disciples: Simon, Andrew, James, and John, who abandon their lives to follow him. In Capernaum, Jesus teaches with authority and sends out a demonic spirit, amazing the crowd. His fame spreads across Galilee. Jesus also heals many others. Despite the spreading news of his acts, Jesus seeks being alone for prayer. He continues his ministry throughout Galilee, including healing a diseased man, who spreads the news, forcing Jesus to stay in the wilderness.

Mark Chapter 1 Bible Study Questions and Answers

What does John the Baptist’s role suggest about preparation for Jesus?
Answer: John’s role indicates the importance of preparing our hearts and minds to receive Christ. He baptised people, showing that accepting Jesus requires acknowledging and turning away from our sins.
How does Jesus’ baptism highlight his mission?
Answer: Jesus’ baptism symbolises the start of his ministry. The voice confirms his approval from God, showing his unique role as God’s chosen one to fulfil His mission on earth.
What can we learn from the immediate response of Simon, Andrew, James, and John to Jesus’ call?
Answer: Their immediate response shows their belief and readiness to leave their familiar lives for Jesus. It shows the level of commitment and self-sacrifice required in following Christ.
How does Jesus show power in this chapter, and what does it mean for Christians today?
Answer: Jesus shows power in teaching, sending out demons, and healing. It reassures Christians of his divine power, helping us to trust and rely on Him in all aspects of our lives.
What significance does the diseased man’s healing have in our understanding of Jesus’ ministry?
Answer: The healing of the diseased man demonstrates Jesus’ care and his desire for wholeness in people. It also highlights his power over disease, emphasising his role as a healer.

Mark Chapter 1 Explained

Mark chapter 1, the opening of Mark’s Gospel, introduces us to the good news of Jesus Christ, launching straight into the narrative. It begins with John the Baptist’s prophecy about the coming Messiah and the preparation of His way, reinforcing the fulfilment of Old Testament prophecy and that God’s plan is continuing.

Jesus’ baptism is an important scene, because it confirms that he is God’s son and marks the start of his public ministry. The voice from sky and the Spirit descending like a bird signify the heavenly approval and the divine nature of Jesus’ mission.

The calling of the first disciples shows the power of Jesus’ message. Their immediate willingness to leave everything behind shows the shift that comes with becoming a follower, signifying a complete commitment and trust in Jesus.

Jesus’ power over unclean spirits, diseases, and his unique style of teaching highlight his divine power and the new nature of his ministry. His actions left an impression on people, leading to his widespread fame.

The healing of Simon’s mother-in-law and the diseased man shows Jesus’ care and his mission to restore health and wholeness. His ministry wasn’t merely about physical healing, but also about spiritual healing.

Yet, amidst his expanding ministry, Jesus looked to be alone for prayer, teaching us the importance of quiet communion with God.

The account of Mark Chapter 1 emphasises Jesus’ power and mission, encouraging Christians to trust, follow him wholeheartedly, and experience change through his divine power and love.

To read the next chapters, you might like to follow or subscribe to this blog!

Continue exploring Mark 1

If you’d like to read Mark 1 in other translations, here are a few BibleHub links:
For a translation that aims to be word-for-word, try Mark 1 in the English Standard Version.
For a translation that aims to be more thought-for-thought, try Mark 1 in the New International Version.
For a translation that aims to communicate the overall meaning, try Mark 1 in the Contemporary English Version.

Matthew Chapter 28 Simplified: What Happened After Jesus’ Resurrection?

Published on July 2023July 2023 by DaveLeave a comment

After the Sabbath, in the morning on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary came to see the tomb.

There was a large earthquake because a Lord’s angel came down from heaven, rolled the stone and sat on it. His appearance was like lightning, and his clothes were as white as snow. The guards shook with fear and passed out.

The angel told the women, “Don’t be scared, because I know you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here but has woken up, as he said. Come and see where he was lying. Then go quickly and tell his disciples, ‘He woke from the dead and going before you into Galilee. See him there.’ I have told you.

The women went quickly from the tomb, scared but with great joy. They ran and told his disciples.

Jesus met them and said, “Hello.” They approached him, grabbed his feet and worshipped him.

Jesus said to them, “Don’t fear. Go tell my brothers they should go to Galilee. There they will see me.”

While they were gone, some of the guards came to the city and told the chief priest everything that happened. They assembled with the elders and talked together. They gave a large amount of money to the soldiers and told them, “Say ‘His followers came at night and stole him while we slept’. If this is heard by the governor, we will convince him and keep you untroubled.”

The guards took the money and did as they were told. They shared this message among the Jews until today.

The eleven disciples went to Galilee, and then to the mountain Jesus had arranged for them. They saw him and worshipped him, but they were sceptical.

Jesus approached and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me, so go away and teach all the people groups. Baptise them in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Teach them to preserve everything I’ve ordered of you. Look, I am with you every day until the end.”

To read the next chapters, you might like to follow or subscribe to this blog!

Continue exploring Matthew 28

If you’d like to read Matthew 28 in other translations, here are a few BibleHub links:
For a translation that aims to be word-for-word, try Matthew 28 in the English Standard Version.
For a translation that aims to be more thought-for-thought, try Matthew 28 in the New International Version.
For a translation that aims to communicate the overall meaning, try Matthew 28 in the Contemporary English Version.

If you’d like to explore Matthew in more depth, here are two commentaries I would recommend:
[These are Amazon affiliate links which support the production of this blog]
Easy to access commentaries that include life applications:
The NIV Application Commentary: Matthew
Matthew (The Story of God Bible Commentary)
For a commentary that goes into more depth:
The Gospel of Matthew (The New International Commentary on the New Testament)

Matthew Chapter 27 Simplified: Jesus Died On The Cross

Published on July 2023July 2023 by DaveLeave a comment

In the early morning, all the chief priests and people’s elders held a counsel about Jesus and how to kill him.

They tied him up and led him to Pilate, the governor, where he was delivered.

Judas, who betrayed Jesus, realised he was guilty and was regretful. He gave back the thirty silver coins to the chief priests and elders.

He said to them, “I sinned by betraying innocent blood.”

“What’s that to us?” They replied. “You deal with it.”

He threw the silver coins into the temple and left. He went and hanged himself.

The chief priests picked up the silver and said, “It is not right to put this into the temple account because it is blood money.”

They held counsel and then used the coins to buy the potter’s field as a cemetery for strangers. That’s why that field is now called Blood Field.

What the prophet Jeremiah said was fulfilled, “They took the thirty silver coins, the price of the valued, who had been priced by the people of Israel, and paid the coins for the potter’s field as the Lord ordered me.”

Jesus stood before the governor, who asked him, “Are you the Jew’s king?”

“So, you say,” Jesus answered.

When Jesus was accused by the chief priest and elders, he didn’t answer.

Pilate said to him, “Don’t you hear many witnesses against you?”

Jesus didn’t answer, not responding to a single word. The governor was very amazed.

During each festival, the governor customarily released one prisoner to the people, whomever they wanted. There was a well-known prisoner back then named Jesus Barabbas. The people gathered and Pilate asked them, “Whom do you want me to release to you? Jesus Barabbas or Jesus, who they call Christ?”

Pilate knew they had handed Jesus over because of jealousy.

While he sat in the judge’s chair, his wife sent a message to him, “Don’t involve yourself with the innocent man because I had a lot of pain from a dream today about him.”

However, the chief priests and elders convinced the crowd to ask for Barabbas and kill Jesus.

The governor asked them, “Which of the two do you want me to release to you?”

The crowd replied, “Barabbas.”

Pilate asked, “Then what should be done with Jesus, the one called Christ?” Everyone said, “Crucify him!”

“Because of what bad actions?” he asked.

They shouted loudly, “Crucify him!”

Pilate saw nothing was getting done. It was just becoming a commotion. He washed his hands with water before the crowd and said, “I’m innocent of this man’s blood. Do it yourselves.”

Everyone answered, “His blood on us and our children.”

Pilate released Barabbas to them.

Jesus was then whipped and delivered to be crucified. The governor’s soldiers took Jesus to the governor’s house and surrounded him with a whole cohort. They stripped him and put a red cloak on him. They made a crown of thorns and placed it on his head and put a stick in his right hand. They kneeled before him and made fun of him, saying, “Hello, Jew king!”

They spat on him, took the stick and smacked his head.

After mocking him, they stripped him again, put his clothes back on and led him to be crucified. On the way, they found a Cyrene man called Simon. They forced him to carry the cross.

They arrived at Golgotha, which means ‘skull place’, and they gave Jesus wine mixed with herbs to drink. He tasted it but didn’t want to drink it.

They crucified him and then distributed his clothes by making bets. They sat and watched him. They put above his head his charge, writing, “This is Jesus, the Jew king.”

Two rebels were crucified with him, one on the right and one on the left.

Those who walked past shamed Jesus and shook their heads. “Destroy the temple and rebuild in three days. Rescue yourself. If you’re God’s son, get off the cross.”

The chief priests, academics and elders also mocked him. “He rescued others but can’t rescue himself, being king of Israel. Get off from the cross now and we will believe him. He believes God could rescue him now, if he wanted, because he said, ‘I’m God’s son.'”

The robbers being crucified with him also mocked him.

Darkness covered the land from midday until three in the afternoon.

Around 3pm, Jesus shouted loudly, “Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani“, which means ‘My God, my God, why have you left me?’

Some people standing nearby said, “This man is calling for Elijah!”

One of them immediately ran, grabbed a sponge, filled it with wine vinegar, and put the sponge on a stick for Jesus to drink.

But the others said, “Leave him to see if Elijah comes and rescues him.”

Jesus cried out again loudly and gave his spirit. And look, the temple curtain tore in half from top to bottom. The ground shook. Rocks tore apart. Tombs opened and many bodies of God’s people who had died woke up. They came out of their tombs after Jesus’ resurrection and went into the holy city and appeared before the crowds.

The centurion and those with him guarding Jesus saw the earthquake and everything happening and were extremely scared. “He really was God’s son!”

Many women were watching from afar who had followed Jesus from Galilee to serve him. There was Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James and Joseph and the mother of Zebedee’s sons.

When it became evening, a rich man from Arimathea named Joseph, who was also one of Jesus’ disciples, arrived. The man approached Pilate and asked for Jesus’ body. Pilate ordered the request to be granted.

Joseph took the body, wrapped it in a clean sheet and placed it in his unused tomb that he had cut into the rock. He rolled a large stone to the tomb’s entrance and left. Mary Magdalene and the other Mary were there and sat opposite the tomb.

The next day, after the day of preparation, the chief priests and Pharisees gathered before Pilate and said, “Lord, we remember that when the deceiver was still alive, he said, ‘After three days, I will wake up.’ So, order the tomb to be secured until the third day, just in case his disciples come and steal his body and tell everyone, ‘He woke from being dead.’ This last deception will be worse than the first.”

Pilate replied, “Have a group of guards. Go secure it however you can.”

They went with the group of guards to the tomb and secured it by sealing up the stone.

To read the next chapters, you might like to follow or subscribe to this blog!

Continue exploring Matthew 27

If you’d like to read Matthew 27 in other translations, here are a few BibleHub links:
For a translation that aims to be word-for-word, try Matthew 27 in the English Standard Version.
For a translation that aims to be more thought-for-thought, try Matthew 27 in the New International Version.
For a translation that aims to communicate the overall meaning, try Matthew 27 in the Contemporary English Version.

Matthew Chapter 26 Simplified: What did Jesus say about Judas’ betrayal?

Published on June 2023July 2023 by DaveLeave a comment

After Jesus had said these things, he said to his disciples, “You know, in two days the Passover will happen, and the Son of Man will be given up to be killed on a cross.”

The leader priests and people’s elders gathered at head priest Caiaphas’ palace and discussed how they could secretly capture Jesus and heal him. They said, “We won’t do it during the feast, or the people might riot.”

Jesus was in Bethany at Simon the leper’s house. A woman came to him with an alabaster bottle of expensive perfume and poured it on Jesus’ head while he was reclining at a table. The disciples saw this and were angry. “What a waste! That could have been sold for a lot of money and donated to the poor.”

Jesus heard them and said, “Why are you bothering this woman? She had been kind to me. There will always be poor people with you, but you won’t always have me. When this woman poured the perfume on me, she did it to get me ready to be buried. I’m telling you, where the gospel is told across the world, it will also be told what this woman did, to remember her.”

One of the 12 disciples, Judas Iscariot, went to the leader priests and asked, “What would you give me if I gave you Jesus?” They promised him 30 silver coins. From then on, Judas waited for a good opportunity to betray Jesus.

On the first day of the Bread Feast, the disciples can to Jesus and asked, “Where do you want us to get ready for you to eat the Passover meal?”

Jesus replied, “Go to the city, find somebody and say, ‘The teacher says my time is coming. I am preparing the Passover meal to have with you and my disciples.'”

The disciples followed Jesus’ instructions and got the Passover meal ready.

In the evening, Jesus was reclining at the table with his 12 disciples. While they were eating, he said, “I’m telling you, one of you will betray me.”

All of the disciples were distraught and asked, “It’s not me, is it, Lord?”

Jesus answered, “Whoever dips their hand into the same bowl as me will be the one who will betray me. The Son of Man will leave just like it is written, but I feel sorry for whoever will betray the Son of Man. It would be better for him if he had never been born.

Judas, the betrayer, asked, “It’s not me, is it, teacher?”

“So you say,” Jesus replied.

While they were eating, Jesus took some bread, prayed over it, broke it and gave it to his disciples. “Take and eat it. It’s my body.”

Then he took a cup, prayed over it and gave it to them. “Each of you drink it because this is my blood of the agreement which will spill to forgive many people’s sins. I’m telling you, from now on I won’t drink this vine fruit until the day I’ll drink it differently with you in my father’s kingdom.”

Then they all sang and went to the Mount of Olives.

Jesus then said to his disciples, “You will all fall because of me tonight, because it is written, ‘Strike the shepherd and the flock’s sheep will be dispersed.’ But after I wake up, I’ll go before you into Galilee.”

Peter said, “If they fall because of you, I still won’t fall!”

“I’m telling you, during the night, before the rooster crows, you’ll deny me three times,” Jesus replied.

Peter said, “Even if I need to die I won’t deny you.” The rest of the disciples said the same thing.

Jesus went with them to a place called Gethsemane. He told them, “Sit here while I go away and pray.”

He took Peter and Zebedee’s two sons aside and began to be sad and anxious. Jesus said to them, “My soul is distraught to death. Stay here and awake with me.”

He went on a little further and fell to the floor, praying, “Father, if possible, can this cup go away from me. But only as you desire.”

He returned to the disciples and found them asleep. He asked Peter, “Couldn’t you have stayed awake for one hour? Stay awake and pray you won’t be tempted. The spirit is keen, but the body is weak.”

Jesus went away again and prayed, “My Father, if this cannot go away unless I drink it, your desire must happen.”

He returned again and found the disciples asleep because they were tired. Jesus left and prayed for a third time, saying the same thing again.

He returned to his disciples and said, “Still sleeping and relaxing? Look, the hour is coming when the Son of Man is being handed over to sinners. Get up and let’s go. Look, the betrayer is coming.”

As he was still speaking, one of the twelve disciples, Judas, arrived with a large group of people with swords and weapons from the chief priests and elders of the people.

The betrayer had given them a sign, “Who I kiss is to be taken.”

Judas came straight to Jesus and said, “Hello, teacher,” and kissed him.

Jesus replied, “Friend, do what you have come to do.”

They came and grabbed Jesus and captured him. One of those with Jesus lunged, drew his sword and sliced at the high priest’s slave, cutting off his ear.

Jesus said to him, “Put your sword away because everyone who arms themselves will die by the sword. Do you think I can’t ask my Father for backup? He would immediately send 12 legions of angels. How would the writings be satisfied if it happened like that?” Jesus then said to the crowd, “You’ve come with swords and weapons to capture me like I’m a robber? I sat, teaching, in the temple every day and you didn’t capture me then. This has all happened to fulfil the prophet’s writings.”

All the disciples abandoned him and ran away.

Those who captured Jesus took him to the high priest, Caiaphas, where the law experts and elders had also gathered.

Peter followed from a distance to the high priest’s courtyard. He went inside and sat with the servants to see what would happen.

The chief priests and the leading council in Jerusalem looked for false testimony against Jesus so they could kill him. They could not find one, despite many false witnesses coming forward to try.

Finally, two arrived and said, “This man said, ‘I can destroy the temple of God and build it up again in just three days.'”

The high priest stood and asked Jesus, “Don’t you have an answer for what these people are saying against you?”

Jesus didn’t reply.

The high priest said. “You are obligated by the living God to tell us if you are the Christ, the Son of God.”

Jesus said, “So you say. But I’m saying from now you’ll see the Son of Man sitting to the right of power and coming on heavenly clouds.”

The high priest ripped at his clothes and said, “He’s insulting God! Why would we need more witnesses? Think, you’ve heard him insult God! What’s your opinion?”

The others answered, “He should be killed.”

They spat at his face and punched and slapped him. They said “Teach us from God, Christ. Who hit you?”

Peter was sitting out in the courtyard when a servant girl came to him and said, “You were with Jesus the Galilean.”

Peter denied it in front of everyone. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

He was leaving by the front door when another servant saw him and said to some others, “He was with Jesus the Nazarene.”

He denied it again, swearing, “I don’t know him!”

A little later, others standing around came to Peter and said, “You are really one of them. Even your accent is telling.”

He began swearing and promised them, “I don’t know the man!” A rooster immediately crowed.

Peter remembered what Jesus had said, ‘Before a rooster crows, you’ll deny me three times.’

Peter went outside and cried in agony.

To read the next chapters, you might like to follow or subscribe to this blog!

Continue exploring Matthew 26

If you’d like to read Matthew 26 in other translations, here are a few BibleHub links:
For a translation that aims to be word-for-word, try Matthew 26 in the English Standard Version.
For a translation that aims to be more thought-for-thought, try Matthew 26 in the New International Version.
For a translation that aims to communicate the overall meaning, try Matthew 26 in the Contemporary English Version.

Matthew Chapter 25 Simplified: What does Jesus say about how we should serve God and others?

Published on January 2023July 2023 by Dave1 Comment

“At that time, the Heavenly Kingdom will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went to meet the groom. Five of them were stupid and five were wise, and the stupid ones forgot to bring extra olive oil for their lamps. The wise ones brought olive oil for their lamps.

The groom was late, and the ten became tired and fell asleep.

In the middle of the night, someone shouted, “Look, it’s the groom! Come and meet him!”

The virgins got up and prepared their lamps. The stupid ones said to the wise ones, “Give us your olive oil because we are running out.”

The wise ones answered, “There isn’t enough oil to share. Go buy some.”

While the stupid ones were away buying olive oil, the groom arrived. The wise ones who were ready to go went with him to the wedding celebration, and the door was shut behind them.

The other virgins eventually arrived and said, “Sir, sir! Open up!”.

The groom answered, “I’m telling you, I don’t know you!”

So be ready, because you don’t know when it will happen.

“It is like a man going away. He called his servants and asked them to look after his things.

He gave one servant five coins. He gave another two coins. He gave another one coin. This was due to their differing abilities. He then immediately left on his journey.

The servant who received five coins went and invested them and gained five more. The servant who received two coins also invested them and gained two more. But the servant who received one coin dug a hole and buried his master’s coin.

A long time later, the master returned to check on the servants. The servant who received the five coins showed the five extra coins and said, “Sir, you gave me five coins. Look, I’ve gained five more.”

The master replied, “Good job, good and trusted servant. You were trustworthy with a few things so I’ll put you in charge of many things. Come into the happiness of your master!”

The servant who received two coins came and said, “Sir, you gave me two coins. Look, I’ve gained two more.”

The master replied, “Good job, good and trusted servant. You were trustworthy with a few things so I’ll put you in charge of many things. Come into the happiness of your master!”

The servant who received one coin came and said, “Sir, I know you are a mean person, harvesting what you did not grow and gathering from places you didn’t plant the seeds. I was afraid and hid your coin in the ground. Look, now you have it back.

His master answered, “You’re an evil and lazy servant. If you know I harvest what I don’t grow and gather from places where I didn’t plant the seeds, then you should have put my money in the bank so that I would have gotten back my coin plus interest. So take the coin from him and give it to the other servant with ten coins.

For everyone who has it, they will be given more, and they will have heaps. For anyone who doesn’t have it, even what they have will be taken. Throw the worthless servant into the outside darkness where there is crying and teeth grinding.”

“When the Son of Man gloriously arrives with the angels, he will sit on his glorious throne. Everyone on earth will come before him. He will sort them like a shepherd sorting sheep from goats. He will sort sheep to the right and goats to the left.

The king will say to those on the right, “Let’s go. My father blesses you. You can receive the kingdom that has been prepared for you from the world’s foundations. Because you gave me food when I was hungry. You gave me a drink when I was thirsty. I was a stranger and you invited me in as a guest. You gave me clothes when I was naked. You cared for me when I was sick. You came to me when I was in prison.”

The good people will answer, “Lord, when did we feed you or give you something to drink? When did we welcome you in as a guest or give you clothes? When did we care for you or visit you in prison?

The king will reply, “I’m telling you, when you did those things to the least of my brothers, you did it to me.

The king will say to the people on his left, “Go away, cursed people, into the eternal fire that is ready for the devil and his angels. Because you didn’t feed me when I was hungry or give me a drink when I was thirsty. You didn’t welcome me in when I was a stranger, give me clothes when I was naked or care for me when I was sick or in prison.

The ones on his left will also say, “Lord, when did we see you hungry, thirsty, as a stranger, naked, sick or in prison and not serve you?

The king will answer, “I’m telling you, as you didn’t do it to the least of people, you didn’t do it for me.”

They will go into eternal suffering, but the good will go into living forever.

To read the next chapters, you might like to follow or subscribe to this blog!

Continue exploring Matthew 25

If you’d like to read Matthew 25 in other translations, here are a few BibleHub links:
For a translation that aims to be word-for-word, try Matthew 25 in the English Standard Version.
For a translation that aims to be more thought-for-thought, try Matthew 25 in the New International Version.
For a translation that aims to communicate the overall meaning, try Matthew 25 in the Contemporary English Version.

If you’d like to explore Matthew in more depth, here are some commentaries I would recommend:
[These are Amazon affiliate links which support the production of this blog]
Easy to access commentaries that include life applications:
The NIV Application Commentary: Matthew
Matthew (The Story of God Bible Commentary)
For a commentary that goes into more depth:
The Gospel of Matthew (The New International Commentary on the New Testament)

Matthew Chapter 24 Simplified: Jesus warns about how unexpected the future will be

Published on November 2022July 2023 by DaveLeave a comment

Jesus was leaving the temple when his disciples pointed out the temple buildings.

Jesus said to them, “Don’t you see everything? I’m telling you, no stone will remain on top of another stone. They will all fall down.”

The disciples met with him privately on the Mount of Olives. They asked, “When will it happen? What are the signs of your return and the end of time?”

Jesus answered, “Watch out that no one tricks you because many people will arrive in my name and say, ‘I am the Christ,’ and they will trick many people. You are going to hear about wars and rumours of wars. Don’t be concerned because these must happen, but it’s not the end yet. Cultures will go against other cultures, and countries will go against other countries. There will be famines and disasters, but these are all just the beginning of the pain.

“Then they will attack and kill you, and you’ll be hated by everyone because of me. Then, many people will be made to sin and betray and hate each other. Many fake prophets will arrive and trick many people. Because there will be more illegal activities, many people will stop loving each other. But the person who lasts to the end will be saved. And this good news about the kingdom will be announced as evidence to everyone, everywhere. Then the end will come. So when you see the horrible destruction that the prophet Daniel spoke about when he was standing in the holy place (if you read it, you’ll understand) then those people in Judea need to run away into the mountains. Whoever is on their roof shouldn’t get down to grab things from inside their house. Whoever is on their farm shouldn’t return to grab their coat. And it will be horrible for pregnant women breastfeeding during that time

So pray that your escape does not happen in winter or on the Sabbath because there will be many troubles; worse than have ever happened since the start of time or will happen in the future. Unless that time is reduced, no one will be rescued. But, for the chosen ones, that time will be reduced. During that time if anyone says to you, “Look, this is the Christ” or “This is Christ over here”, don’t believe them. Fake ‘Christs’ and prophets will appear and make amazing powers and miracles happen to trick, if they can, even the chosen ones. Listen up, I’ve told you this before it happens. So if anyone says, “Look, he is in the wilderness”, don’t go there. If they say, “Look, he’s inside”, don’t believe them. Because, just like lightning is in the east and flashes all the way to the west, the arrival of the Son of Man will happen. The vultures will gather wherever there is a dead body.

Straight after those days of trouble, The sun will go dark, the moon won’t shine, the stars will fall from the sky and the sky’s power will be shaken up. Then, the Son of Man’s signs will appear in the sky and everyone on earth will grieve. Then they will see the Son of Man come on sky clouds with strength and great glory. He will then send his angels out with a loud trumpeting and the angels will gather his chosen people together from across the earth; from one end of the sky to the other.

Now learn the story about the fig tree: When its branch becomes soft and grows leaves, you know summer is coming. In the same way, when you see all these things happen, know that the end is near, right at the door.

I’m honestly telling you this generation of people will not disappear until these things happen.

The whole universe and earth will disappear, but my words will stay.

However, no one, not even the heavenly angels or the son, knows the day and hour when it will happen. Only the father knows.

The Son of Man’s arrival will be just like during Noah’s time. Before the flood, people were eating and drinking and marrying and having weddings until Noah got into the boat. They didn’t know what was coming until the flood came and took them all away. The Son of Man’s arrival will be just like that. Two people will be on the farm. One will be taken and one will be left behind. Two people will be grinding grain at the mill. One will be taken and one will be left behind. So be alert because you don’t know when your Lord is arriving. But know this: If the master of the house knew during which guard’s shift the thief would come, he would have stayed awake and not let his house be burgled. In the same way, you should also be ready because the Son of God is coming when you won’t expect it.

So who is the dependable and wise slave who the master has put in charge of the rest of the slaves and gives them food at the right time? If the slave is doing this when the master returns, the slave will be rewarded. I’m honestly telling you the master will put that slave in charge of everything he owns. But if a bad slave thinks, “My master is away for a long time” then he beats the other slaves and eats and drinks with other drunk people, the slave’s master will return unexpectedly. The master will cut the slave in half and put him with the other fakers; a place where there will be crying and teeth grinding.

To read the next chapters, you might like to follow or subscribe to this blog!

Continue exploring Matthew 24

If you’d like to read Matthew xx in other translations, here are a few BibleHub links:
For a translation that aims to be word-for-word, try Matthew 24 in the English Standard Version.
For a translation that aims to be more thought-for-thought, try Matthew 24 in the New International Version.
For a translation that aims to communicate the overall meaning, try Matthew 24 in the Contemporary English Version.

Matthew Chapter 23 Simplified: Jesus tells off the Pharisees

Published on March 2022July 2023 by DaveLeave a comment

Jesus said to the crowds and his disciples, “The Pharisees and religious teachers sit on Moses’ seat. So, do everything they tell you to do, but don’t do what they actually do. They don’t practice what they preach. They create heavy burdens that are hard to hold and place them on men’s shoulders but aren’t willing to move the burdens themselves with even their fingers. Everything they do is done to be seen by other people. They make their accessories and clothing fancier. They love to sit at the head of the table at banquets and in the front row in the assemblies, love being greeted in the markets, and being called ‘Teacher’. But, don’t call yourselves ‘Teacher’, because you have a teacher. You are all brothers. Don’t call anyone on earth ‘Father’, because you have a father who is in heaven. Also, don’t be called ‘Master’. Christ is your one master. The greatest here will be your servant. So anyone who helps themselves succeed will be made low, and anyone who makes themselves low will succeed.

I’m sorry for you, scholars and Pharisees. You are fakers because you close off the kingdom of heaven from everyone. You don’t go in yourselves, and you don’t let anyone else in.

I’m sorry for you, scholars and Pharisees. You are fakers because you take over widow’s houses and say long prayers just for show. You will receive a harsher punishment because of this.

I’m sorry for you, scholars and Pharisees. You are fakers because you travel everywhere to convert people, and when someone converts, you make them ready for hell even more than yourselves.

I’m sorry for you, you guides to the blind. You say, ‘It means nothing to give promises to the temple, but if you make promises to the temple’s gold, you owe us.’

You blind idiots! What is more important? Gold, or the temple that set apart the gold for God? You say, if someone makes a promise on the altar it means nothing. But if someone makes a promise on the gifts on the altar, they are obligated to follow through with the promise.

You blind men. What is more important? The gift or the altar which sets the gift apart for God. If someone makes a promise by the altar, they are making a promise by the altar and the gifts that are on it. If someone makes a promise by the temple, they are making a promise by the one who lives in it. If someone makes a promise by heaven, they make a promise by God’s throne and the one sitting on it.

I feel sorry for you teachers and Pharisees. You are fakers! You give mint, dill and cumin but have forgotten the more important law matters including justice, mercy and faithfulness. You should have done these things, not forgetting to do anything.

You blind guides! You filter out the flies but swallow the camel!

I feel sorry for you, teachers and Pharisees. You are fakers! You clean the outside of the cup and dish but inside they are full of greed and no self-control. You blind Pharisees! Clean the inside of the cup and the dish first so that the outside can be clean as well.

I feel sorry for you, teachers and Pharisees. You are fakers! You are like graves that have been decorated. Outside they look beautiful, but inside they are full of dead people’s bones and impurities. In the same way, you look good to people on the outside, but inside you are full of fake and illegal stuff.

I feel sorry for you, teachers and Pharisees. You are fakers! You build graves for the prophets and decorate the monuments of the good people. You also say that if you lived in the previous generation, you wouldn’t have taken part in killing the prophets.

So you admit that you are descendants of the people who killed the prophets. Finish what your ancestors started. You snakes! Sons of vipers! How are you going to escape hell?

This is why I’ve sent prophets and wise men and teachers to you. You will torture and kill some of them. Some of them you will flog in your synagogues and hunt them from town to town until all the good people’s deaths will be your fault, from the death of the good man Abel until the death of Berekiah’s son Zechariah, who you killed between the temple and the altar. I’m honestly telling you, All this will happen to this generation.

Jerusalem, Jerusalem is killing the prophets and stoning the people sent to her. I often gathered your children together, like a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you were not interested! Look, the abandoned house is yours. I’m telling you, you won’t see me from now until you say, ‘We bless the one coming in the Lord’s name.'”

To read the next chapters, you might like to follow or subscribe to this blog!

Continue exploring Matthew 23

If you’d like to read Matthew 23 in other translations, here are a few BibleHub links:
For a translation that aims to be word-for-word, try Matthew 23 in the English Standard Version.
For a translation that aims to be more thought-for-thought, try Matthew 23 in the New International Version.
For a translation that aims to communicate the overall meaning, try Matthew 23 in the Contemporary English Version.

My Plan vs God’s Plan – Proverbs 9:21

Published on April 2021April 2021 by DaveLeave a comment

Proverbs 9:21
“Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the Lord that will stand.”

My plan is to have a successful job.
God’s plan is for me to glorify him in everything I do.

My plan is to have a comfortable income and a healthy investment portfolio.
God’s plan is for me to look at gathering treasures in heaven, not treasures on earth.

My plan is to not get sick or injured.
God’s plan is for me to live our lives unceasingly seeking after him, no matter if I feel fine or on the edge of death.

My plan is to have a happy family; a happy wife and happy kids.
God’s plan is for me to put the kingdom of God first and lead by example as a man under the discipline and instruction of the Lord.

My plan is to be loved and respected by my peers.
God’s plan is for me to share the gospel and truth in love, even when it causes people to hate me.

My plan is short term, earth bound.
God’s plan is long term, eternity bound.

1 John 5:4
For everyone who has been born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith.

This world’s no good, and that’s good – Romans 8:28

Published on April 2021 by DaveLeave a comment

Romans 8:28 (NIV)
And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.

Wouldn’t it be nice if that verse said: “And we know that for those who love God, all things work together for good here on earth, right now, straight after you start trusting in him, for those who are called according to his purpose.”

I want good safety, I want good money, I want good peace. Or in other terms: I want comfort, I want comfort, I want comfort. But Romans 8:28 doesn’t say I get good things on earth, and that’s proof God is much smarter than I am.

In my pursuit of comfort, I’m only thinking about the here and now, the immediate future.

God doesn’t promise physical comfort because he knows that which is physical is fleeting. This damaged physical world is going to fade away either at the end of our life or when Christ returns.

But knowing that we will be with God for eternity is knowledge that brings comfort that lasts forever! Why would God invest in good things for us physically that are just going to evaporate one day?

He doesn’t owe us anything. He doesn’t have to let us live. He’s not obliged to let us breathe every couple of seconds.

He is an all-powerful, genius God who allows us to live, breathe, enjoy his creation, worship him, eat, love one another and have the knowledge that we will one day be with him forever in paradise.

This world’s no good, and that’s good because it gives us hope for the better life with God.

As Paul wrote it:

Romans 5:3-5 (NIV)
Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.