Jesus is King!

The book of Matthew focuses on Jesus as King. Language, topics, Scripture quotations from the Old Testament all emphasize Jesus royalty. Keep this in mind as you read Matthew. In chapter two Matthew purposely presents us with a contrast of two kings. Herod is an earthly king, with an earthly, self centered focus. Herod will protect his position at all costs--and proves it by killing children! Jesus is a heavenly king, with a focus on bringing salvation to helpless people. Jesus will provide salvation for his subjects regardless of the cost--and proves this by dieing on the cross! Amazing! A ruler, a King who comes to serve! Let's be like our King. Scott

Mary

Consider how frustrated Mary must have been trying to communicate the virgin birth to her betrothal Joseph. And guess what? He didn't believe her. The days between Joseph discovering her pregnancy and his angelic visitor were certainly trying for Mary. I imagine she had multiple conversations with God that went something like this, "Please make Joseph understand!" God brought her through her trouble and he will do the same for us!

Check out the new poll in the top right column on this page. Scott

Congratulations!

Congratulations for reading through the gospels! Tomorrow we will go back to the top and start over with the book of Matthew. You might want to read through this time in a different translation. In a day or two I'll post a new survey to record your translation choice. If the translation you are going to read in is not on the current list, please send the translation name to me ASAP so I can add it to the survey--it's impossible to edit the survey after I post it. I'll be using the New King James Version this time around.

As you've noticed I will not post on every chapter. Please feel free to comment "off topic" if you wish. I will also be naming posts topically from now on. Have fun reading! Scott

John 11

After waiting two days before heading out to Judea to see Lazarus, Jesus' disciples were concerned that it was too dangerous to travel there. Evidently when he initially decided to NOT go to Judea, the disciples were in agreement--however for a different reason. Jesus delayed because of God's timing. The disciples delayed to protect their lives! To answer their concerns Jesus said, “Are there not twelve hours in the day? If anyone walks in the day, he does not stumble, because he sees the light of this world." (John 11:9) Look at J. Vernon McGee's comment on this verse:

There are twelve hours in the day, and you can’t change that. Because the Father has given the Son a work to do, nothing can stop Him. There is a great principle here. God has given to each man a lifework. You can’t extend that for one day any more than you can keep the sun from going down in the afternoon. But, thank God, you are absolutely invulnerable until your work is done. Nobody, not even Satan, can thwart God’s purpose in your life if you are following Him. To fail to follow Him is dangerous. (McGee)

Jesus went to Judea when the time was right. While we don't have Jesus' insight into perfect timing, we do have Scripture and the Spirit of God to give us direction. Are we listening? SWC