In a family of talkers it's probably unwise to classify "favorite" conversations, but this one is no doubt in my top three -- right up there with the romantic proposal in a hot air balloon floating over Lake Winnebago in July 2003 and the one-sided assurance that yes we were in fact pregnant, and no I wasn't crazy as Jason sat in stunned silence in July of 2008.
I was sitting on the bed Sunday afternoon, when Charlie climbed up and nestled in next to me...
Charlie: Mommy, I love you. Will you marry me?
Mommy: Oh, Sweetie, I love you too, but I can't marry you. I'm married to Daddy. Someday you'll find someone wonderful to marry -- just make me two promises.
Charlie: What?
Mommy: First, make sure she loves God. And second, make sure she is your very, very best friend in the whole world.
Charlie: You're my best friend. Will you marry me?
Mommy: Oh Buddy, I love you so much, and trust me someday you're going to find someone that you love much, much more than you love Mommy... (sniff...sniff)
Swamp
Tuesday, April 24, 2012
Saturday, April 21, 2012
We knew it would happen eventually...
...and today was the day. Charlie was playing in the yard with some former neighbors back for a visit when Beaufort (Louie's best friend) took off with the jumper ball that we got Charlie for Easter.
I was lounging on the porch, enjoying the fact that Charlie had some kids to play with on a Saturday morning and didn't even consider getting up to give chase.
The next thing I knew, Blake and Charlie appeared from behind Bob & Donna's garage with Charlie soaking wet with long, green strings streaming down his sweatpants and only one fireman boot.
He fell in the pond.
I have worried about this moment since the day I found out I was pregnant, and Charlie is expressly forbidden from going anywhere near the pond unless he is with Mommy, Daddy or Mr. Bob, and must always be able to see the back door when he's playing in the yard.
In recent months I have come to realize that the pond is only about 5" deep at the edges, but you know what they teach you about drowning in an inch of water in all those baby classes and books.
Amazingly, though, I didn't stand up shrieking, race to Charlie, scoop him up in my arms and completely embarrass him in front of Blake and Bowen. Nor did I stand up shrieking, race to Charlie and yell at him for breaking the rules.
What did I do?
I slowly stood up, shook my head, called him up to the house, watched as he took off and poured water and seaweed out of his remaining fireman boot, asked him what happened, reminded him he's not to go near the pond, stripped him down and brought him inside for a shower. After which I even obliged by spiking his hair "like Blake's".
Yes, Charlie disobeyed, and yes, the pond could still be very dangerous, but it's actually kind of a relief that one of my worst fears has finally come to fruition and I realized a few things:
1 - I don't have to be 6 inches away if he's with a bigger kid who can help him when he gets in trouble.
2 - He will get into trouble and have to get out of it sometimes in his life.
3 - Sometimes an incident in itself is enough of a lesson, and punishment isn't required.
4 - Good friends stick around and are ready to play when you come back from your shower.
I was lounging on the porch, enjoying the fact that Charlie had some kids to play with on a Saturday morning and didn't even consider getting up to give chase.
The next thing I knew, Blake and Charlie appeared from behind Bob & Donna's garage with Charlie soaking wet with long, green strings streaming down his sweatpants and only one fireman boot.
He fell in the pond.
I have worried about this moment since the day I found out I was pregnant, and Charlie is expressly forbidden from going anywhere near the pond unless he is with Mommy, Daddy or Mr. Bob, and must always be able to see the back door when he's playing in the yard.
In recent months I have come to realize that the pond is only about 5" deep at the edges, but you know what they teach you about drowning in an inch of water in all those baby classes and books.
Amazingly, though, I didn't stand up shrieking, race to Charlie, scoop him up in my arms and completely embarrass him in front of Blake and Bowen. Nor did I stand up shrieking, race to Charlie and yell at him for breaking the rules.
What did I do?
I slowly stood up, shook my head, called him up to the house, watched as he took off and poured water and seaweed out of his remaining fireman boot, asked him what happened, reminded him he's not to go near the pond, stripped him down and brought him inside for a shower. After which I even obliged by spiking his hair "like Blake's".
Yes, Charlie disobeyed, and yes, the pond could still be very dangerous, but it's actually kind of a relief that one of my worst fears has finally come to fruition and I realized a few things:
1 - I don't have to be 6 inches away if he's with a bigger kid who can help him when he gets in trouble.
2 - He will get into trouble and have to get out of it sometimes in his life.
3 - Sometimes an incident in itself is enough of a lesson, and punishment isn't required.
4 - Good friends stick around and are ready to play when you come back from your shower.
Wednesday, April 18, 2012
Out of the Mouths of Babes
Slowly I'm realizing that Charlie's words are much more interesting and telling than mine...so be prepared for more and more excerpts from our daily lives...
En route to school each morning I eat a mint to protect Charlie's teachers from my coffee breath. A few months ago, he started insisting on getting a mint, too...and somehow I introduced the idea of "Two for Tuesdays", so he gets 2 mints on Tuesday mornings...
Charlie: Can I have two more?
Me: No. It's not "Four for Tuesdays", it's "Two for Tuesdays".
Charlie: When will I get four?
Me: You won't. Four is a lot of mints. If you ate four you would get sick.
Charlie: Did Mrs. Jan eat four?
Me: No, buddy. She got sick from something else, but she's doing much better now.
Charlie: Let's say a little prayer for her.
So we did...
Charlie: Is Hayden at her house? (Jan's niece)
Me: (Laughing) No buddy. She's probably at home in Columbia.
Charlie: Oh.
Hayden from last July (the last time he saw her...)
En route to school each morning I eat a mint to protect Charlie's teachers from my coffee breath. A few months ago, he started insisting on getting a mint, too...and somehow I introduced the idea of "Two for Tuesdays", so he gets 2 mints on Tuesday mornings...
Charlie: Can I have two more?
Me: No. It's not "Four for Tuesdays", it's "Two for Tuesdays".
Charlie: When will I get four?
Me: You won't. Four is a lot of mints. If you ate four you would get sick.
Charlie: Did Mrs. Jan eat four?
Me: No, buddy. She got sick from something else, but she's doing much better now.
Charlie: Let's say a little prayer for her.
So we did...
Charlie: Is Hayden at her house? (Jan's niece)
Me: (Laughing) No buddy. She's probably at home in Columbia.
Charlie: Oh.
Hayden from last July (the last time he saw her...)
Tuesday, April 17, 2012
Love this kid...
En route to lunch with Daddy on a cloudy, gloomy day...
Charlie: What is that gray thing?
Mommy: What gray thing? You mean the tall chimney-like thing? It's a smokestack.
Charlie: What does it do?
Mommy: Well...you see...they are burning something in that building and just like a chimney, that tall gray thing let's out the smoke and--
Charlie: No! It lets out the clouds! It's a cloud-letter-out!!!
Who could argue with that??
Charlie: What is that gray thing?
Mommy: What gray thing? You mean the tall chimney-like thing? It's a smokestack.
Charlie: What does it do?
Mommy: Well...you see...they are burning something in that building and just like a chimney, that tall gray thing let's out the smoke and--
Charlie: No! It lets out the clouds! It's a cloud-letter-out!!!
Who could argue with that??
Monday, April 16, 2012
Alive and kicking...(literally)
As a few readers may have noticed, it's been quite a while since I've posted a Charlie update. Never fear -- he is as healthy as a horse (well...as far as we can tell, at least...we actually missed his 3 year check-up and decided to forgo it since he wasn't going to get any shots, he's roughly the height of his friends and he's clearly smarter than Jason or me. We took all that to mean he's fine).
So why the silence? Well, to be frank, we're in the midst of a war -- not a battle of wills this time, but a full out war. In fact, to return to the horse metaphor, it feels like Jason and I have been charged with taking a wild horse and breaking him for show...and we are flat out exhausted.
Yes, we still adore Charlie so much it makes our hearts hurt from time to time, but his stubborn little spirit just might be the death of us. I'm not talking about a sassy word here or there, a sprinkling of "Nos" through the week or even a random bout of tears. I am talking about an angelic looking three year old who will burst into tears and start throwing punches at the first sign of the word "No."
In truth, Charlie has always been a bit stubborn like his Mommy and easily frustrated like his Daddy, but the past few weeks have been mentally, physically and emotionally exhausting for all three of us.
I truly believe that the root of the problem lies in a combination of the greater sense of self he seemed to develop the instant he turned three with our stricter expectations upon realizing just how much he does understand.
That said,we know in our hearts that the only way we'll get through this is to maintain a united, consistent front, refuse to compromise on the critical issues (No back talk, No hitting, No spitting, No bad words, Do your chores, Treat everyone with love), pick our battles (if we're not willing to ruin the next 20 minutes for something, don't even go there) and most importantly, pray.
Still though, there has been more than one instance in which Jason and I have been ready to just give in and let Charlie be a sassy little spoiled brat. Honestly, it would be so much easier to just let him have his way...
But relax, Mom and Dad, we haven't caved in yet and don't intend to for two primary reasons.
So....clearly giving up isn't an optin, and while each day is something of a minefield, we still have wonderfully fun moments together full of laughter, hugs and love. And of course, Charlie is still the cutest, sweetest, most wonderful thing that's ever happened to us.
But please pray for me and Jason that we may maintain our high expectations of Charlie, but temper them with patience, mercy and love...after all, over dinner the other night (while trying to ignore shrieks of "I hate tomatoes! They are disgusting!") Jason and I realized together that our own stubbornness, temper tantrums and selfishness certainly frustrate and disappointment God more than Charlie ever could us...
Some recent fun...
So why the silence? Well, to be frank, we're in the midst of a war -- not a battle of wills this time, but a full out war. In fact, to return to the horse metaphor, it feels like Jason and I have been charged with taking a wild horse and breaking him for show...and we are flat out exhausted.
Yes, we still adore Charlie so much it makes our hearts hurt from time to time, but his stubborn little spirit just might be the death of us. I'm not talking about a sassy word here or there, a sprinkling of "Nos" through the week or even a random bout of tears. I am talking about an angelic looking three year old who will burst into tears and start throwing punches at the first sign of the word "No."
In truth, Charlie has always been a bit stubborn like his Mommy and easily frustrated like his Daddy, but the past few weeks have been mentally, physically and emotionally exhausting for all three of us.
I truly believe that the root of the problem lies in a combination of the greater sense of self he seemed to develop the instant he turned three with our stricter expectations upon realizing just how much he does understand.
That said,we know in our hearts that the only way we'll get through this is to maintain a united, consistent front, refuse to compromise on the critical issues (No back talk, No hitting, No spitting, No bad words, Do your chores, Treat everyone with love), pick our battles (if we're not willing to ruin the next 20 minutes for something, don't even go there) and most importantly, pray.
Still though, there has been more than one instance in which Jason and I have been ready to just give in and let Charlie be a sassy little spoiled brat. Honestly, it would be so much easier to just let him have his way...
But relax, Mom and Dad, we haven't caved in yet and don't intend to for two primary reasons.
- The Selfish Reason: In the event that Charlie remains an only child, Jason's and my pride couldn't handle being the parents of the stereotypical only child who treats his parents like dirt and annoys everyone else who comes in contact with him.
- The Good Reason: If Charlie never learns to submit to authority, not only will his life be difficult, but he will struggle to ever truly put his faith in God through Jesus Christ, because if he can't accept authority, he can't accept that alone he has no hope and his only hope is in the realization that God is sovereign, Charlie is a sinner and Charlie's only hope is in accepting God's authority and trusting in His Son for salvation.
So....clearly giving up isn't an optin, and while each day is something of a minefield, we still have wonderfully fun moments together full of laughter, hugs and love. And of course, Charlie is still the cutest, sweetest, most wonderful thing that's ever happened to us.
But please pray for me and Jason that we may maintain our high expectations of Charlie, but temper them with patience, mercy and love...after all, over dinner the other night (while trying to ignore shrieks of "I hate tomatoes! They are disgusting!") Jason and I realized together that our own stubbornness, temper tantrums and selfishness certainly frustrate and disappointment God more than Charlie ever could us...
Some recent fun...
Dying Eggs with Daddy
Our Little Rockstar
"I Survived Soccer" Party with Philip and friends
Tractor Rides with Carter
No hard hats at the table!
Sunday, April 8, 2012
Resurrection Day
But on the first day of the week, at early dawn, they came to the tomb, bringing the spices which they had prepared. And they found the stone rolled away from the tomb, but when they entered, they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus. And it happened that while they were perplexed about this, behold, two men suddenly stood near them in dazzling apparel; and the women were terrified and bowed their faces to the ground, the men said to them, "Why do you seek the living One among the dead? He is not here, but He has risen. Remember how He spoke to you while He was still in Galilee, saying that the Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men and be crucified and the third day rise again?"
And they remembered His words and returned from the tomb and reported all these things to the eleven and to all the rest. Now they were Mary Magdalene and Joanna and Mary the mother of James; also the other women with them were telling these things to the apostles. And these words appeared to them as nonsense, and they would not believe them.
But Peter arose and ran to the tomb; stopping and looking in, he saw the linen wrappings only; and he went away to his home, marveling at that which had happened.
And behold, two of them were going that very day to a village named Emmaus, which was about seven miles from Jerusalem. And they were conversing with each other about all these things which had taken place. And it came about that while they were conversing and discussing, Jesus Himself approached and began traveling with them. But their eyes were prevented from recognizing Him.
And He said to them, "What are these words that you are exchanging with one another as you are walking?"
And they stood still, looking sad. And one of them, named Cleopas, answered and said to Him, "Are You the only one visiting Jerusalem and unaware of the things which have happened here in these days?"
And He said to them, "What things?"
And they said to Him, "The things about Jesus the Nazarene, who was a prophet mighty in deed and word in the sight of God and the people, and how the chief priests and our rulers delivered Him up to the sentence of death and crucified Him. But we were hoping that it was He who was going to redeem Israel. Indeed, besides all this, it is the third day since these things happened. But also some women among us amazed us. When they were at the tomb early in the morning and did not find His body, they came, saying that they had also seen a vision of angels who said that He was alive. And some of those who were with us went to the tomb and found it just exactly as the women also had said; but Him they did not see."
And He said to them, "O foolish men and slow of heart to believe in all that the prophets have spoken! Was it not necessary for the Christ to suffered these things and to enter into His glory?"
And beginning with Moses and with all the prophets, He explained to them the things concerning Himself and the Scriptures. And they approached the village where they were going, and He acted as though He would go farther.
And they urged Him, saying, "Stay with us, for it is getting toward evening, and the day is now nearly over." And He went in to stay with them.
And it came about that when He reclined at the table with them, He took the bread and blessed it and breaking it, He began giving it to them. And their eyes were opened and they recognized Him; and He vanished from their sight.
And they said to one another, "Were not our hearts burning within us while He was speaking to us on the road, while He was explaining the Scriptures to us?"
And they arose that very hour and returned to Jerusalem and found gathered together the eleven and those who were with them, saying, "The Lord has really risen and has appeared to Simon."
And they began to relate their experience on the road and how He was recognized by them in the breaking of bread.
And while they were telling these things, He Himself stood in their midst. But they were startled and frightened and thought that they were seeing a spirit. And He said to them, "Why are you troubled and why do doubts arise in your hearts? See My hands and My feet, that it is I Myself; touch Me and see, for a spirit does not have flesh and bones as you see that I have." And when He said this, He showed them His hands and His feet.
And while they still could not believe it for joy and were marveling, He said to them, "Have you anything to eat?" And they gave Him a piece of a broiled fish; and He took it and ate it before them.
Luke 24:1-43
Other References
Genesis 3:15
Deuteronomy 18:15
II Samuel 7:12-16
Isaiah 7:14
Isaiah 9:1
Isaiah 42:1
Isaiah 53:4
Daniel 7:13
Micah 5:2
Zechariah 9:9
Matthew 28:1-15
Mark 16:2-14
John 20:1-23
Acts 1:1-3
And they remembered His words and returned from the tomb and reported all these things to the eleven and to all the rest. Now they were Mary Magdalene and Joanna and Mary the mother of James; also the other women with them were telling these things to the apostles. And these words appeared to them as nonsense, and they would not believe them.
But Peter arose and ran to the tomb; stopping and looking in, he saw the linen wrappings only; and he went away to his home, marveling at that which had happened.
And behold, two of them were going that very day to a village named Emmaus, which was about seven miles from Jerusalem. And they were conversing with each other about all these things which had taken place. And it came about that while they were conversing and discussing, Jesus Himself approached and began traveling with them. But their eyes were prevented from recognizing Him.
And He said to them, "What are these words that you are exchanging with one another as you are walking?"
And they stood still, looking sad. And one of them, named Cleopas, answered and said to Him, "Are You the only one visiting Jerusalem and unaware of the things which have happened here in these days?"
And He said to them, "What things?"
And they said to Him, "The things about Jesus the Nazarene, who was a prophet mighty in deed and word in the sight of God and the people, and how the chief priests and our rulers delivered Him up to the sentence of death and crucified Him. But we were hoping that it was He who was going to redeem Israel. Indeed, besides all this, it is the third day since these things happened. But also some women among us amazed us. When they were at the tomb early in the morning and did not find His body, they came, saying that they had also seen a vision of angels who said that He was alive. And some of those who were with us went to the tomb and found it just exactly as the women also had said; but Him they did not see."
And He said to them, "O foolish men and slow of heart to believe in all that the prophets have spoken! Was it not necessary for the Christ to suffered these things and to enter into His glory?"
And beginning with Moses and with all the prophets, He explained to them the things concerning Himself and the Scriptures. And they approached the village where they were going, and He acted as though He would go farther.
And they urged Him, saying, "Stay with us, for it is getting toward evening, and the day is now nearly over." And He went in to stay with them.
And it came about that when He reclined at the table with them, He took the bread and blessed it and breaking it, He began giving it to them. And their eyes were opened and they recognized Him; and He vanished from their sight.
And they said to one another, "Were not our hearts burning within us while He was speaking to us on the road, while He was explaining the Scriptures to us?"
And they arose that very hour and returned to Jerusalem and found gathered together the eleven and those who were with them, saying, "The Lord has really risen and has appeared to Simon."
And they began to relate their experience on the road and how He was recognized by them in the breaking of bread.
And while they were telling these things, He Himself stood in their midst. But they were startled and frightened and thought that they were seeing a spirit. And He said to them, "Why are you troubled and why do doubts arise in your hearts? See My hands and My feet, that it is I Myself; touch Me and see, for a spirit does not have flesh and bones as you see that I have." And when He said this, He showed them His hands and His feet.
And while they still could not believe it for joy and were marveling, He said to them, "Have you anything to eat?" And they gave Him a piece of a broiled fish; and He took it and ate it before them.
Luke 24:1-43
Other References
Genesis 3:15
Deuteronomy 18:15
II Samuel 7:12-16
Isaiah 7:14
Isaiah 9:1
Isaiah 42:1
Isaiah 53:4
Daniel 7:13
Micah 5:2
Zechariah 9:9
Matthew 28:1-15
Mark 16:2-14
John 20:1-23
Acts 1:1-3
Saturday, April 7, 2012
Saturday
Now on the next day, which is the one after the preparation, the chief priests and the Pharisees gathered together with Pilate, and said, "Sir, we remember that when He was still alive that deceiver said, 'After three days I am to rise again.' Therefore, give orders for the grave to be made secure until the third day, lest the disciples come and steal Him away and say to the people, 'He has risen from the dead,' and the last deception will be worse than the first."
Pilate said to them, "You have a guard; go, make it as secure as you know how."
And they went and made the grave secure, and along with the guard they set a seal on the stone.
Matthew 27:62-66
Other References
Daniel 6:17
Luke 23:56
Pilate said to them, "You have a guard; go, make it as secure as you know how."
And they went and made the grave secure, and along with the guard they set a seal on the stone.
Matthew 27:62-66
Other References
Daniel 6:17
Luke 23:56
Friday, April 6, 2012
"Good" Friday
Now when morning had come, all the chief priests and the elders of the people took counsel against Jesus to put Him to death; and they bound Him and led Him away and delivered Him up to Pilate the governor.
Then when Judas, who had betrayed Him, saw that He had been condemned, he felt remorse and returned the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and elders, saying, "I have sinned by betraying innocent blood."
But they said, "What is that to us? See to that yourself!"
And he threw the pieces of silver into the sanctuary and departed; and he went away and hanged himself. And the chief priests took the pieces of silver and said, "It is not lawful to put them into the temple treasury, since it is the price of blood." And they counseled together and with the money bought the Potter's Field as a burial place for strangers. For this reason that field has been called the Field of Blood to this day. Then that which was spoken through Jeremiah the prophet was fulfilled, saying, "And they took the thirty pieces of silver, the price of the one whose price had been set by the sons of Israel; and they gave them for the Potter's Field, as the Lord directed me."
Now Jesus stood before the governor, and the governor questioned Him, saying, "Are You the King of the Jews?"
And Jesus said to him, "It is as you say." And while He was being accused by the chief priests and elders, He made no answer.
Then Pilate said to Him, "Do You not hear how many things they testify against You?"
And He did not answer him with regard to a even a single charge, so that the governor was quite amazed. Now at the feast the governor was accustomed to release for the multitude any one prisoner who they wanted. And they were holding at that time a notorious prisoner, called Barabbas. When therefore they were gathered together, Pilate said to them, "Whom do you want me to release for you? Barabbas or Jesus who is called Christ?" For he knew that because of envy they had delivered Him up.
And while he was sitting on the judgment seat, his wife sent to him, saying, "Have nothing to do with that righteous Man; for last night I suffered greatly in a dream because of Him."
But the chief priests and the elders persuaded the multitudes to ask for Barabbas and to put Jesus to death.
But the governor answered and said to them, "Which of the two do you want me to release for you?"
And they said, "Barabbas."
Pilate said to them, "Then what shall I do with Jesus who is called Christ?" And he said, "Why, what evil has he done?"
But they kept shouting all the more, saying, "Let Him be crucified!"
And when Pilate saw that he was accomplishing nothing,k but rather that a riot was starting, he took water and washed his hands in front of the multitude, saying, "I am innocent of this Man's blood; see to that yourselves."
And all the people answered and said, "His blood be on us and on our children!"
Then he released Barabbas for them; but after having Jesus scourged, he delivered Him to be crucified.
Then the soldiers of the governor took Jesus into the Praetorium and gathered the whole Roman cohort around Him. And they stripped Him and put a scarlet robe on Him. And after weaving a crown of thorns, they put it on His head and a reed in His right hand; and they kneeled down before Him and mocked Him, saying, "Hail, King of the Jews!" And they spat on him and took the reed and began to beat Him on the head. And after they had mocked Him, they took His robe off and put His garments on Him and led Him away to crucify Him.
And as they were coming out, they found a man of Cyrene named Simon, whom they pressed into service to bear His cross.
And when they had come to a place called Golgotha, which means Place of a Skull, they gave Him wine to drink mingled with gall; and after tasting it, He was unwilling to drink. And when they had crucified Him, they divided up His garments among themselves, casting lots; and sitting down, they began to keep watch over Him there. And they put up above His head the charge against Him which read, "This is Jesus The King of the Jews."
At that time two robbers were crucified with Him, one on the right and one on the left.
And those passing by were hurling abuse at Him, wagging their heads and saying, "You are going to destroy the temple and rebuild it in three days, save Yourself! If You are the Son of God, come down from the cross."
In the same way the chief priests also, along with the scribes and elders, were mocking Him and saying, "He saved others; He cannot save Himself. He is the King of Israel; let Him now come down from the cross, and we shall believe in Him. He trusts in God; let Him deliver Him now, if He takes pleasure in Him; for He said, 'I am the Son of God.'"
And the robbers also who had been crucified with Him were casting the same insult at Him.
Now from the sixth hour darkness fell upon all the land until the ninth hour. And about the ninth hour Jesus cried out with a loud voice, saying, "Eli, Eli, lama sabachtani?" that is, "My God, My God, why hast Thou forsaken Me?"
And some of those who were standing there when they heard it began saying, "This man is calling for Elijah."
And Jesus cried out again with a loud voice, and yielded up His spirit. And behold, the veil of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom, and the earth shook, and the rocks were split, and the tombs were opened, and many bodies of the saints who had fallen asleep were raised and coming out of the tombs after His resurrection they entered the holy city and appeared to many.
Now the centurion and those who were keeping guard over Jesus, when they saw the earthquake and the things that were happening, became very frightened and said, "Truly this was the Son of God!"
And many women were there looking on from a distance, who had followed Jesus from Galilee, ministering to Him, among whom was Mary Magdalene, along with Mary the mother of James and Joseph and the mother of the sons of Zebedee.
And when it was evening, there came a rich man from Arimathea, named Joseph, who himself had also become a disciple of Jesus. This man went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus. Then Pilate ordered it to be given over to him. And Joseph took the body and wrapped it in a clean linen cloth and laid it in his own new tomb, which he had hewn out in the rock; and he rolled a large stone against the entrance of the tomb and went away. And Mary Magdalene was there, and the other Mary, sitting opposite the grave.
Matthew 27:1-61
Other References
Zechariah 11:12-13
Genesis 20:6; 31:11
Joshua 2:19
Psalm 69:21
Psalm 22:18
Psalm 22:7
Psalm 22:8
Psalm 22:1
Exodus 26:31
Then when Judas, who had betrayed Him, saw that He had been condemned, he felt remorse and returned the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and elders, saying, "I have sinned by betraying innocent blood."
But they said, "What is that to us? See to that yourself!"
And he threw the pieces of silver into the sanctuary and departed; and he went away and hanged himself. And the chief priests took the pieces of silver and said, "It is not lawful to put them into the temple treasury, since it is the price of blood." And they counseled together and with the money bought the Potter's Field as a burial place for strangers. For this reason that field has been called the Field of Blood to this day. Then that which was spoken through Jeremiah the prophet was fulfilled, saying, "And they took the thirty pieces of silver, the price of the one whose price had been set by the sons of Israel; and they gave them for the Potter's Field, as the Lord directed me."
Now Jesus stood before the governor, and the governor questioned Him, saying, "Are You the King of the Jews?"
And Jesus said to him, "It is as you say." And while He was being accused by the chief priests and elders, He made no answer.
Then Pilate said to Him, "Do You not hear how many things they testify against You?"
And He did not answer him with regard to a even a single charge, so that the governor was quite amazed. Now at the feast the governor was accustomed to release for the multitude any one prisoner who they wanted. And they were holding at that time a notorious prisoner, called Barabbas. When therefore they were gathered together, Pilate said to them, "Whom do you want me to release for you? Barabbas or Jesus who is called Christ?" For he knew that because of envy they had delivered Him up.
And while he was sitting on the judgment seat, his wife sent to him, saying, "Have nothing to do with that righteous Man; for last night I suffered greatly in a dream because of Him."
But the chief priests and the elders persuaded the multitudes to ask for Barabbas and to put Jesus to death.
But the governor answered and said to them, "Which of the two do you want me to release for you?"
And they said, "Barabbas."
Pilate said to them, "Then what shall I do with Jesus who is called Christ?" And he said, "Why, what evil has he done?"
But they kept shouting all the more, saying, "Let Him be crucified!"
And when Pilate saw that he was accomplishing nothing,k but rather that a riot was starting, he took water and washed his hands in front of the multitude, saying, "I am innocent of this Man's blood; see to that yourselves."
And all the people answered and said, "His blood be on us and on our children!"
Then he released Barabbas for them; but after having Jesus scourged, he delivered Him to be crucified.
Then the soldiers of the governor took Jesus into the Praetorium and gathered the whole Roman cohort around Him. And they stripped Him and put a scarlet robe on Him. And after weaving a crown of thorns, they put it on His head and a reed in His right hand; and they kneeled down before Him and mocked Him, saying, "Hail, King of the Jews!" And they spat on him and took the reed and began to beat Him on the head. And after they had mocked Him, they took His robe off and put His garments on Him and led Him away to crucify Him.
And as they were coming out, they found a man of Cyrene named Simon, whom they pressed into service to bear His cross.
And when they had come to a place called Golgotha, which means Place of a Skull, they gave Him wine to drink mingled with gall; and after tasting it, He was unwilling to drink. And when they had crucified Him, they divided up His garments among themselves, casting lots; and sitting down, they began to keep watch over Him there. And they put up above His head the charge against Him which read, "This is Jesus The King of the Jews."
At that time two robbers were crucified with Him, one on the right and one on the left.
And those passing by were hurling abuse at Him, wagging their heads and saying, "You are going to destroy the temple and rebuild it in three days, save Yourself! If You are the Son of God, come down from the cross."
In the same way the chief priests also, along with the scribes and elders, were mocking Him and saying, "He saved others; He cannot save Himself. He is the King of Israel; let Him now come down from the cross, and we shall believe in Him. He trusts in God; let Him deliver Him now, if He takes pleasure in Him; for He said, 'I am the Son of God.'"
And the robbers also who had been crucified with Him were casting the same insult at Him.
Now from the sixth hour darkness fell upon all the land until the ninth hour. And about the ninth hour Jesus cried out with a loud voice, saying, "Eli, Eli, lama sabachtani?" that is, "My God, My God, why hast Thou forsaken Me?"
And some of those who were standing there when they heard it began saying, "This man is calling for Elijah."
And Jesus cried out again with a loud voice, and yielded up His spirit. And behold, the veil of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom, and the earth shook, and the rocks were split, and the tombs were opened, and many bodies of the saints who had fallen asleep were raised and coming out of the tombs after His resurrection they entered the holy city and appeared to many.
Now the centurion and those who were keeping guard over Jesus, when they saw the earthquake and the things that were happening, became very frightened and said, "Truly this was the Son of God!"
And many women were there looking on from a distance, who had followed Jesus from Galilee, ministering to Him, among whom was Mary Magdalene, along with Mary the mother of James and Joseph and the mother of the sons of Zebedee.
And when it was evening, there came a rich man from Arimathea, named Joseph, who himself had also become a disciple of Jesus. This man went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus. Then Pilate ordered it to be given over to him. And Joseph took the body and wrapped it in a clean linen cloth and laid it in his own new tomb, which he had hewn out in the rock; and he rolled a large stone against the entrance of the tomb and went away. And Mary Magdalene was there, and the other Mary, sitting opposite the grave.
Matthew 27:1-61
Other References
Zechariah 11:12-13
Genesis 20:6; 31:11
Joshua 2:19
Psalm 69:21
Psalm 22:18
Psalm 22:7
Psalm 22:8
Psalm 22:1
Exodus 26:31
Thursday, April 5, 2012
Thursday
Then came the first day of Unleavened Bread on which the Passover lamb had to be sacrificed. And He sent Peter and John, saying, "Go and prepare the Passover for us, that we may eat it."
And they said to Him, "Where do You want us to prepare it?"
And He said to them, "Behold, when you have entered the city, a man will meet you carrying a pitcher of water; follow him into the house that he enters. And you shall say to the owner of the house, 'The Teacher says to you, "Where is the guest room in which I may eat the Passover with My disciples?"' And he will show you a large furnished upper room; prepare it there. "
And they departed and found everything just as He had told them; and they prepared the Passover.
And when the hour had come He reclined at the table, and the apostles with Him. And He said to them, "I have earnestly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer; for I say to you, I shall never again eat it until it is fulfilled in the kingdom of God." And when He had taken a cup and given thanks, He said, "Take this and share it among yourselves; for I say to you, I will not drink of the fruit of the vine from now on until the kingdom of God comes."
And when He had taken some bread and given thanks, He broke it, and gave it to them, saying, "This is My body which is given for you; do this in remembrance of Me."
And in the same way He took the cup after they had eaten, saying, "This cup which is poured out for you is the new covenant in My blood. But behold, the hand of the one betraying Me is with Me on the table. For indeed, the Son of Man is going as it has been determined; but woe to that man by whom He is betrayed!"
And they began discussing among themselves which one of them it might be who was going to do this thing.
And there arose also a dispute among them as to which one of them was regarded to be greatest. And He said to them, "The kings of the Gentiles lord it over them; and those who have authority over them are called 'Benefactors.' But not so with you, but let him who is the greatest among you become as the youngest, and the leader as the servant. For who is greater, the one who reclines at the table or the one who serves? Is it not the one who reclines at the table? But I am among you as the one who serves. And you are those who have stood by Me in My trials; and just as My Father has granted Me a kingdom, I grant you that you may eat and drink at My table in My kingdom, and you will sit on thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel."
"Simon, Simon, behold, Satan has demanded permission to sift you like wheat; but I have prayed for you, that your faith may not fail; and you, when once you have turned again, strengthen your brothers."
And He said to Him, "Lord, with You I am ready to go both to prison and to death!"
And He said, "I say to you, Peter, the cock will not crow today until you have denied three times that you know Me."
And He said to them, "When I sent you out without purse and bag and sandals, you did not lack anything, did you?"
And they said, "No, nothing."
And He said to them, "But now let him who has a purse take it along, likewise also a bag, and let him who has no sword sell his robe and buy one. For I tell you, that this which is written must be fulfilled in Me, 'And He was numbered with Transgressors'; for that which refers to Me has its fulfillment."
And they said, "Lord, look, here are two swords."
And He said to them, "It is enough."
And He came out and proceeded as was His custom to the Mount of Olives; and the disciples also followed Him. And when He arrived at the place, He said to them, "Pray that you may not enter into temptation." And He withdrew from them about a stone's throw, and He knelt down and began to pray, saying, "Father, if Thou art willing, remove this cup from Me; yet not My will, but Thine be done."
Now an angel from heaven appeared to Him, strengthening Him. And being in agony He was praying very fervently; and His sweat became like drops of blood, falling down upon the ground. And when He rose from prayer, He came to the disciples and found them sleeping from sorrow, and said to them, "Why are you sleeping? Rise and pray that you may not enter into temptation."
While He was still speaking, behold, a multitude came, and the one called Judas, one of the twelve, was preceding them; and he approached Jesus to kiss Him.
But Jesus said to him, "Judas, are you betraying the Son of Man with a kiss?"
And when those who were around Him saw what was going to happen, they said, "Lord, shall we strike with the sword?"
And a certain one of them struck the slave of the high priest and cut off his right ear.
But Jesus answered and said, "Stop! No more of this." And He touched his ear and healed him.
And Jesus said to the chief priests and officers of the temple and elders who had come against Him, "Have you come out with swords and clubs as against a robber? While I was with you daily in the temple, you did not lay hands on Me; but this hour and the power of darkness are yours."
And having arrested HIm, they led Him away, and brought Him to the house of the high priest; but Peter was following at a distance. And after they had kindled a fire in the middle of the courtyard and had sat down together, Peter was sitting among them. And a certain servant-girl, seeing him as he sat in the firelight, and looking intently at him, said, "This man was with Him too."
But he denied it, saying, "Woman, I do not know Him."
And a little later, another saw him and said, "You are one of them too!"
But Peter said, "Man I am not!"
And after about an hour had passed, another man began to insist, saying, "Certainly this man also was with Him, for he is Galilean too."
But Peter said, "Man, I do not know what you are talking about." And immediately, while he was still speaking, a cock crowed.
And the Lord turned and looked at Peter. And Peter remembered the word of the Lord, how He had told him, "Before a cock crows today, you will deny Me three times." And he went out and wept bitterly.
And the men who were holding Jesus in custody were mocking Him and beating Him and they blindfolded Him and were asking Him, saying, "Prophesy, who is the one who hit You?" And they were saying many other things against Him, blaspheming.
Luke 22:7-65
Other References
Exodus 24:8
Jeremiah 31:31
Psalm 41:9
Job 1:6-12; 2:1-6
Amos 9:9
Isaiah 53:3
Matthew 26:17-75
Mark 14:12-72
John 13:1 - 18:27
And they said to Him, "Where do You want us to prepare it?"
And He said to them, "Behold, when you have entered the city, a man will meet you carrying a pitcher of water; follow him into the house that he enters. And you shall say to the owner of the house, 'The Teacher says to you, "Where is the guest room in which I may eat the Passover with My disciples?"' And he will show you a large furnished upper room; prepare it there. "
And they departed and found everything just as He had told them; and they prepared the Passover.
And when the hour had come He reclined at the table, and the apostles with Him. And He said to them, "I have earnestly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer; for I say to you, I shall never again eat it until it is fulfilled in the kingdom of God." And when He had taken a cup and given thanks, He said, "Take this and share it among yourselves; for I say to you, I will not drink of the fruit of the vine from now on until the kingdom of God comes."
And when He had taken some bread and given thanks, He broke it, and gave it to them, saying, "This is My body which is given for you; do this in remembrance of Me."
And in the same way He took the cup after they had eaten, saying, "This cup which is poured out for you is the new covenant in My blood. But behold, the hand of the one betraying Me is with Me on the table. For indeed, the Son of Man is going as it has been determined; but woe to that man by whom He is betrayed!"
And they began discussing among themselves which one of them it might be who was going to do this thing.
And there arose also a dispute among them as to which one of them was regarded to be greatest. And He said to them, "The kings of the Gentiles lord it over them; and those who have authority over them are called 'Benefactors.' But not so with you, but let him who is the greatest among you become as the youngest, and the leader as the servant. For who is greater, the one who reclines at the table or the one who serves? Is it not the one who reclines at the table? But I am among you as the one who serves. And you are those who have stood by Me in My trials; and just as My Father has granted Me a kingdom, I grant you that you may eat and drink at My table in My kingdom, and you will sit on thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel."
"Simon, Simon, behold, Satan has demanded permission to sift you like wheat; but I have prayed for you, that your faith may not fail; and you, when once you have turned again, strengthen your brothers."
And He said to Him, "Lord, with You I am ready to go both to prison and to death!"
And He said, "I say to you, Peter, the cock will not crow today until you have denied three times that you know Me."
And He said to them, "When I sent you out without purse and bag and sandals, you did not lack anything, did you?"
And they said, "No, nothing."
And He said to them, "But now let him who has a purse take it along, likewise also a bag, and let him who has no sword sell his robe and buy one. For I tell you, that this which is written must be fulfilled in Me, 'And He was numbered with Transgressors'; for that which refers to Me has its fulfillment."
And they said, "Lord, look, here are two swords."
And He said to them, "It is enough."
And He came out and proceeded as was His custom to the Mount of Olives; and the disciples also followed Him. And when He arrived at the place, He said to them, "Pray that you may not enter into temptation." And He withdrew from them about a stone's throw, and He knelt down and began to pray, saying, "Father, if Thou art willing, remove this cup from Me; yet not My will, but Thine be done."
Now an angel from heaven appeared to Him, strengthening Him. And being in agony He was praying very fervently; and His sweat became like drops of blood, falling down upon the ground. And when He rose from prayer, He came to the disciples and found them sleeping from sorrow, and said to them, "Why are you sleeping? Rise and pray that you may not enter into temptation."
While He was still speaking, behold, a multitude came, and the one called Judas, one of the twelve, was preceding them; and he approached Jesus to kiss Him.
But Jesus said to him, "Judas, are you betraying the Son of Man with a kiss?"
And when those who were around Him saw what was going to happen, they said, "Lord, shall we strike with the sword?"
And a certain one of them struck the slave of the high priest and cut off his right ear.
But Jesus answered and said, "Stop! No more of this." And He touched his ear and healed him.
And Jesus said to the chief priests and officers of the temple and elders who had come against Him, "Have you come out with swords and clubs as against a robber? While I was with you daily in the temple, you did not lay hands on Me; but this hour and the power of darkness are yours."
And having arrested HIm, they led Him away, and brought Him to the house of the high priest; but Peter was following at a distance. And after they had kindled a fire in the middle of the courtyard and had sat down together, Peter was sitting among them. And a certain servant-girl, seeing him as he sat in the firelight, and looking intently at him, said, "This man was with Him too."
But he denied it, saying, "Woman, I do not know Him."
And a little later, another saw him and said, "You are one of them too!"
But Peter said, "Man I am not!"
And after about an hour had passed, another man began to insist, saying, "Certainly this man also was with Him, for he is Galilean too."
But Peter said, "Man, I do not know what you are talking about." And immediately, while he was still speaking, a cock crowed.
And the Lord turned and looked at Peter. And Peter remembered the word of the Lord, how He had told him, "Before a cock crows today, you will deny Me three times." And he went out and wept bitterly.
And the men who were holding Jesus in custody were mocking Him and beating Him and they blindfolded Him and were asking Him, saying, "Prophesy, who is the one who hit You?" And they were saying many other things against Him, blaspheming.
Luke 22:7-65
Other References
Exodus 24:8
Jeremiah 31:31
Psalm 41:9
Job 1:6-12; 2:1-6
Amos 9:9
Isaiah 53:3
Matthew 26:17-75
Mark 14:12-72
John 13:1 - 18:27
Wednesday, April 4, 2012
Wednesday
Interestingly, the gospels don't tell us what happened on Wednesday, or as the theologians put it, "the record is silent."
Recognizing that Jesus was fully aware of what was about to happen, I have to wonder what was going through His mind...what was He feeling? After all, He is just as much man as He is God, susceptible to all of the same emotions as I am...
Dread of the torture?
Hurt by the denials that were sure to come?
Disappointed in the lack of faith all around Him?
Fear for His disciples?
Anticipation of fulfilling His purpose?
Excitement at the thought of returning to His Father?
Peace in the knowledge that God's plan is perfect and "all things work together for good for those who love Him"?
I imagine He spent Wednesday praying (or "talking to God" as Charlie understands it) in preparation for the worst and the best days of His life...
Recognizing that Jesus was fully aware of what was about to happen, I have to wonder what was going through His mind...what was He feeling? After all, He is just as much man as He is God, susceptible to all of the same emotions as I am...
Dread of the torture?
Hurt by the denials that were sure to come?
Disappointed in the lack of faith all around Him?
Fear for His disciples?
Anticipation of fulfilling His purpose?
Excitement at the thought of returning to His Father?
Peace in the knowledge that God's plan is perfect and "all things work together for good for those who love Him"?
I imagine He spent Wednesday praying (or "talking to God" as Charlie understands it) in preparation for the worst and the best days of His life...
Tuesday, April 3, 2012
Tuesday
And as they were passing by in the morning, they saw the fig tree withered from the roots up. And being reminded, Peter said to Him, "Rabbi, behold, the fig tree which You cursed has withered."
And Jesus answered saying to them, "Have faith in God. Truly I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, 'Be taken up and cast into the sea,' and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that what he says is going to happen, it shall be granted him. Therefore I say to you, all things for which you pray and ask, believe that you have received hem, and they shall be granted you. And whenever you stand praying, forgive, if you have anything against anyone; so that your Father also who is in heaven may forgive you your transgressions. [But if you do not forgive neither will your Father who is in heaven forgive your transgressions.]
And they came again to Jerusalem. And as He was walking in the temple, the chief priests, and scribes, and elders came to Him, and began saying to Him, "By what authority are You doing these things, or who gave You this authority to do these things?"
And Jesus said to them, "I will ask you one question, and you answer Me, and then I will tell you by what authority I do these things. Was the baptism of John from heaven or from men? Answer Me."
And they began reasoning among themselves, saying, "If we say, 'From heaven,' He will say, 'Then why did you not believe him?' But shall we say, 'From men'?" -- they were afraid of the multitude, for all considered John to have been a prophet indeed. And answering Jesus, they said, "We do not know."
And Jesus said to them, "Neither will I tell you by what authority I do these things."
And He began to speak to them in parables: "A man planted a vineyard, and put a wall around it, and dug a vat under the wine press, and built a tower, and rented it out to vine-growers and went on a journey. And at harvest time he sent a slave to the vine-growers, in order to receive some of the produce of the vineyard from the vine-growers. And they took him, and beat him, and sent him away empty-handed. And again he sent them another slave, and they wounded him in the head, and treated him shamefully. And he sent another and that one they killed; and so with many others, beating some and killing others.
He had one more to send, a beloved son; he sent him last of all to them, saying, 'They will respect my son.'
"But those vine-growers said to one another, 'This is the heir; come, let us kill him, and the inheritance will be ours!'
"And they took him and killed him, and threw him out of the vineyard.
"What will the owner of the vineyard do? He will come and destroy the vine-growers and will give the vineyard to others. Have you not even read the Scripture: 'The stone which the builders rejected, this became the chief corner stone; this came about from the Lord, and it is marvelous in our eyes'?"
And they were seeking to seize Him; and yet they feared the multitude; for they understood that He spoke the parable against them. And so they left Him and went away.
And they sent some of the Pharisees and Herodians to Him, in order to trap Him in a statement. And they came and said to Him, "Teacher, we know that You are truthful and defer to no one; for You are not partial to any, but teach the way of God in truth. Is it lawful to pay a poll-tax to Caesar or not? Shall we pay or shall we not pay?"
But He, knowing their hypocrisy, said to them, "Why are you testing Me? Bring Me a denarius to look at."
And they brought one. And He said to them, "Whose likeness and inscription is this?"
And they said to Him, "Caesar's."
And Jesus said to them, "Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's and to God the things that are God's."
And they were amazed at Him.
And some Sadducees (who say that there is no resurrection) came to Him and began questioning Him, saying, "Teacher, Moses wrote for us that if a man's brother dies and leaves behind a wife and leaved no child, his brother should take the wife and raise up offspring to his brother. There were seven brothers; and the first took a wifeand died, leaving no offspring. And the second one took her and died, leaving behind no offspring; and the third likewise; and so all seven left no offspring. Last of all the woman died also. In the resurrection, when they rise again, which one's wife will she be? For all seven had her as wife."
Jesus said to them, "Is this not the reason you are mistaken, that you do not understand the Scriptures or the power of God? For when they rise from the dead, they neither marry nor are given in marriage, but are like angels in heaven. But regarding the fact that the dead rise again, have you not read in the book of Moses in the passage about the burning bush, how God spoke to him, saying, 'I am the God of Abraham and the God of Isaac and the God of Jacob?' He is not theGod of the dead, but of the living; you are greatly mistaken."
And one of the scribes came and heard them arguing and recognizing that He had answered them well, asked Him, "What commandment is the foremost of all?"
Jesus answered, "The foremost is, 'Hear, O Israel! The Lord our God is one Lord; and you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.' The second is this, 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself.' There is no other commandment greater than these."
And the scribe said to Him, "Right, Teacher, You have truly stated that He is one; and there is no one else beside Him; and to love Him with all the heart and with all the understanding and with all the strength, and to love one's neighbor as himself, is much more than all burnt offerings and sacrifices."
And when Jesus saw that he had answered intelligently, He said to him, "You are not far from the kingdom of God." And after that, no one would venture to ask Him any more questions.
And Jesus answering began to say, as He taught in the temple "How is it that the scribes say that the Christ is the son of David? David himself said in the Holy Spirit, 'The Lord said to my Lord, "Sit at My right hand, until I put Thine enemies beneath Thy feet.'" David himself calls Him 'Lord'; and so in what sense is He his son?"
And the great crowd enjoyed listening to Him.
And in His teaching He was saying: "Beware of the scribes who like to walk around in long robes and like respectful greetings in the market places and chief seats in the synagogues and places of honor at banquets, who devour widows' houses, and for appearance's sake offer long prayers; these will receive greater condemnation."
And He sat down opposite the treasury and began observing how the multitude were putting money into the treasury; and many rich people were putting in large sums. And a poor widow came and put in two small copper coins, which amount to a cent. And calling His disciples to Him, He said to them, "Truly I say to you, this poor widow put in more than all the contributors to the treasury; for they all put in out of their surplus, but she, out of her poverty, put in all she owned, all she had to live on."
And as He was going out of the temple, one of His disciples said to Him, "Teacher, behold what wonderful stones and what wonderful buildings!"
And Jesus said to him, "Do you see these great buildings? Not one stone shall be left upon another which will not be torn down."
And as He was sitting on the Mount of Olives opposite the temple, Peter and James and John and Andrew were questioning Him privately, "Tell us, when will these things be, and what will be the sign when all these things are going to be fulfilled?"
And Jesus began to say to them, "See to it that no one misleads you. Many will come in My name, saying, 'I am He!' and will mislead many. And when you hear of wars and rumors of wars, do not be frightened; those things must take place; but that is not yet the end. For nation will arise against nation and kingdom against kingdom; there will be earthquakes in various places; there will also be famines. These things are merely the beginning of birth pangs.
"But be on your guard for they will deliver you to the courts, and you will be flogged in the synagogues, and you will stand before governors and kings for My sake, as a testimony to them. And the gospel must first be preached to all the nations. And when they arrest you and deliver you up, do not be anxious beforehand about what you are to say, but say whatever is given you in that hour; for it is not you who speak, but it is the Holy Spirit.
"And brother will deliver brother to death, and a father his child; and children will rise up against parents and have them put to death. And you will be hated by all on account of My name, but the one who endures to the end, he shall be saved.
"But when you see the abomination of desolation standing where it should not be (let the reader understand), then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains. And let him who is on the housetop not go down or enter in to get anything out of his house; and let him who is in the field not turn back to get his cloak. But woe to those who are with child and to those who nurse babes in those days! But pray that it may not happen in the winter. For those days will be a time of tribulation such as has not occurred since the beginning of the creation which God created, until now and never shall. And unless the Lord had shortened those days, no life would have been saved; but for the sake of the elect whom He chose, He shortened those days.
"And then if anyone says to you, 'Behold, here is the Christ'; or, 'Behold, He is there'; do not believe him; for false Christs and false prophets will arise and will show signs and wonders, in order, if possible, to lead the elect astray.
"But take heed; behold, I have told you everything in advance."
"But in those days, after the tribulation, the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light, and the stars will be falling from heaven, and the powers that are in the heavens will be shaken. And then they will see the Son of Man coming clouds with great power and glory. And then He will send forth the angels and will gather together His elect from the four winds, form the farthest end of the earth to the farthest end of heaven.
"Now learn the parable from the fig tree; when its branch has already become tender and puts forth its leaves, you know that summer is near. Even so, you too, when you see these things happening, recognize that He is near, right at the door. Truly I say to you, this generation will not pass away until these things take place. Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will not pass away. But of the day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in the heaven nor the Son, but the Father alone.
"Take heed, keep on the alert; for you do not know when the appointed time is. It is like a man, away on a journey, who upon leaving his house and putting his slaves in charge, assigning to each one his task, also commanded the doorkeeper to stay on the alert. Therefore, be on the alert -- for you do not know when the master of the house is coming, whether in the evening, at midnight, at cock-crowing or in the morning -- lest he come suddenly and find you asleep. And what I say to you I say to all, 'Be on the alert!'"
Now the Passover and Unleavened Bread was two days off; and the chief priests and the scribes were seeking how to seize Him by stealth, and kill Him; for they were saying, "Not during the festival, lest there be a riot of the people."
And Judas Iscariot, who was one of the twelve, went off to the chief priests in order to betray Him to them. And they were glad when they heard this and promised to give him money. And he began seeking how to betray Him at an opportune time.
Mark 11:20 - 14:2,10,11
Other References
Isaiah 5:1-2
Psalm 118:22-23
Deuteronomy 25:5
Exodus 3:6
Deuteronomy 6:4-5
Leviticus 19:18
Deuteronomy 4:35
Deuteronomy 6:5
I Samuel 15:22
Hosea 6:6
Micah 6:6-8
Psalm 110:1
Daniel 9:27; 11:31; 12:11
Daniel 12:1
Isaiah 13:10
Ezekiel 32:7
Joel 2:10, 31; 3:15
Isaiah 34:4
Daniel 7:13
Deuteronomy 30:4
Zechariah 2:6
Exodus 12:1-27
Matthew 21:20 - 26:5,14-16
Luke 20:1 - 22:6
John 12:20 - 17:26
Monday, April 2, 2012
Monday
And on the next day, when they had departed from Bethany, He became hungry. And seeing at a distance a fig tree in leaf, He went to see if perhaps He would find anything on it; and when He came to it, He found nothing but leaves, for it was not the season for figs. And He answered and said to it, "May no one ever eat fruit from you again!" And His disciples were listening.
And they came to Jerusalem. And He entered the temple and began to cast out those who were buying and selling in the temple, and overturned the tables of the money changers and the seats of those who were selling doves; and He would not permit anyone to carry goods through the temple. And He began to teach and say to them, "Is it not written, 'My house shall be called a house of prayer for all the nations'? But you have made it a robbers' den."
And the chief prests and the scribes heard this, and began seeking how to destroy Him; for they were afraid of Him, for all the multitude was astonished at His teaching.
And when evening came, they would go out of the city.
Mark 11:11-19
Other References
Isaiah 56:7
Jeremiah 7:11
Matthew 21:12-19
Luke 19:45-48
And they came to Jerusalem. And He entered the temple and began to cast out those who were buying and selling in the temple, and overturned the tables of the money changers and the seats of those who were selling doves; and He would not permit anyone to carry goods through the temple. And He began to teach and say to them, "Is it not written, 'My house shall be called a house of prayer for all the nations'? But you have made it a robbers' den."
And the chief prests and the scribes heard this, and began seeking how to destroy Him; for they were afraid of Him, for all the multitude was astonished at His teaching.
And when evening came, they would go out of the city.
Mark 11:11-19
Other References
Isaiah 56:7
Jeremiah 7:11
Matthew 21:12-19
Luke 19:45-48
Sunday, April 1, 2012
Palm Sunday
And after He had said these things, He was going on ahead, ascending to Jerusalem.
And it came about that when He approached Bethpage and Bethany, near the mount that is called Olivet, He sent two disciples, saying, "Go into the village opposite you, in which as you enter you will find a colt tied, on which no one yet has ever sate; untie it, and bring it here. And if anyone asks you, 'Why are you untying it?' thus shall you speak, 'The Lord has need of it.'"
And those who were sent went away and found it just as He had told them. And as they were untying the colt, its owners said to them, "Why are you untying the colt?"
And they said, "The Lord has need of it."
And they brought it to Jesus, and they threw their garments on the colt, and put Jesus on it. And as He was going, they were spreading their garments in the road. And as He was now approaching, near the descent of the Mount of Olives, the whole multitude of the disciples began to praise God joyfully with a loud voice for all the miracles which they had seen, saying, "Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the Lord; Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!"
And some of the Pharisees in the multitude said to Him, "Teacher, rebuke Your disciples."
And He answered and said, "I tell you, if these become silent, the stones will cry out!"
And when He approached, He saw the city and wept over it, saying "If you had known in this day; even you, the things which make for peace! But now they have been hidden from your eyes. For the days shall come upon you when your enemies will throw up a bank before you, and surround you, and hem you in on every side, and will level you to the ground and your children within you, and they will not leave in you one stone upon another, because you did not recognize the time of your visitation."
Luke 19:28-44
Other references of note:
Psalm 118:26
Zechariah 9:9
Mark 11:1-11
John 12:12-19
And it came about that when He approached Bethpage and Bethany, near the mount that is called Olivet, He sent two disciples, saying, "Go into the village opposite you, in which as you enter you will find a colt tied, on which no one yet has ever sate; untie it, and bring it here. And if anyone asks you, 'Why are you untying it?' thus shall you speak, 'The Lord has need of it.'"
And those who were sent went away and found it just as He had told them. And as they were untying the colt, its owners said to them, "Why are you untying the colt?"
And they said, "The Lord has need of it."
And they brought it to Jesus, and they threw their garments on the colt, and put Jesus on it. And as He was going, they were spreading their garments in the road. And as He was now approaching, near the descent of the Mount of Olives, the whole multitude of the disciples began to praise God joyfully with a loud voice for all the miracles which they had seen, saying, "Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the Lord; Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!"
And some of the Pharisees in the multitude said to Him, "Teacher, rebuke Your disciples."
And He answered and said, "I tell you, if these become silent, the stones will cry out!"
And when He approached, He saw the city and wept over it, saying "If you had known in this day; even you, the things which make for peace! But now they have been hidden from your eyes. For the days shall come upon you when your enemies will throw up a bank before you, and surround you, and hem you in on every side, and will level you to the ground and your children within you, and they will not leave in you one stone upon another, because you did not recognize the time of your visitation."
Luke 19:28-44
Other references of note:
Psalm 118:26
Zechariah 9:9
Mark 11:1-11
John 12:12-19
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)