I absolutely love John chapter 1 verse 29 - "The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, "Look! There is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!" Do you believe Jesus is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world?
Verses 45 & 46 I find so truthful, along with Nathanael's reply being amusing - but mostly Nathanael's reply demonstrates how very humble of a background Jesus came from - "Philip went off to look for Nathanael and told him, "We have found the very person Moses and the prophets wrote about! His name is Jesus, the son of Joseph from Nazareth." "Nazareth!" exclaimed Nathanael. "Can anything good come from there?" Are we ever like Nathanael - having preconceived notions about places or things or maybe even Jesus? Can we leave our preconceived notions about things behind us and move forward in the spirit of truth, particularly when it comes to Jesus and who He is?
Bible.org's commentary on John chapter 1 titled "The Witness of John" is at this link and commentary titled "The First Disciples" is at this link.
Worship Video: Today's readings reminded me of the song "Way Maker:"
Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture today:"The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, "Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!" John 1:29 NIV
Prayer Point: Pray that Jesus has taken away your sins through your faith in his life, death on the cross for your sins, and his resurrection. Pray that you have repented from your sins and have left them at the Cross.
Comments from You: What verses or insights stand out to you in today's readings? Please post up by clicking on the "Comments" link below!
God bless, Mike
p.s. I would greatly appreciate it if you would pray for this Bible Blog ministry today! Please also consider partnering with us by financially supporting this ministry. Thank you!
I am so excited that we are starting the Gospel of John today!! I won’t necessarily say that it is my favorite Gospel – because all 4 are amazing. But, I will say that John is different from the other 3. If by chance you felt like reading Luke these past few weeks has gotten repetitive when compared to Matthew and Mark, hang in there! John is different. Beautifully different. John Chapter 15 is definitely one of my favorite chapters in the Bible. I cannot wait to read it again! I actually have a powerful personal story to share with you all about John Chapter 15. I’ll do so either in a future email or on the blog when we get to this chapter.
I have a feeling there are probably a few folks who have dropped off the One Year Bible readings over this past few months. I’d like to invite you to jump back in and join us now as we’re beginning John and will soon be starting Ruth. These are 2 great books for you to start back up with us again!
One thing I’ll recommend to everyone, if you have a chance this next week, is to watch the movie “The Gospel of John”. Have you seen it? It is incredibly well done. It was released in theaters on a limited basis a few years ago, and I was fortunate enough to have caught it in the theater. It is a 3 hour movie that goes word-for-word through the Gospel of John, based on the Good News Bible translation. Or, perhaps you’ll want to read the Biblical text first and then watch the movie later. Either way. I definitely recommend this film. You can watch it on Amazon for free if you have Prime.
The Gospel of John Author: John Place: Ephesus Date: A.D. 85-96 Content: The Gospel of John was written many years after Jesus’ death and resurrection by the apostle John so that those who read it might believe in Christ and thus have life through his name. John begins with a prologue unique to this Gospel where Jesus’ preexistent life with the Father is depicted to show that Jesus was not simply a great man, but God. Miracles of Jesus as well as many of Jesus’ teachings not found elsewhere are then described. A long section in John chapters 14 through 17 describes Jesus’ teaching to his apostles before his death. After Jesus’ death and resurrection, special place is given to Jesus’ appearance to his apostles. Theme: The Gospel of John more than any other Gospel stresses the deity of Christ and provides us with an interpretation of his life. He is explained in figurative terms as light, truth, love, good shepherd, the door, the resurrection and the life, living water, true bread, and more. The beautiful material found in John chapters 14 through 17 shows the deep love of Jesus for the believer and the peace that comes from faith in Christ. (Above commentary is from “The One Year Bible Companion” pp. 22-23) Great commentary on John by Bob Deffinbaugh at bible.org is at this link: https://bible.org/seriespage/1-john-man-and-his-gospel
Today in John Chapter 1 verse 14 we read – “The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.” Do you believe that Jesus is the Word John is referring to? What does this mean to you that the Word became flesh? Do you believe that Jesus was born into this world both fully divine and fully human (yet sinless)? Why would God send Jesus, full of light, grace and truth into the world? Why was this necessary?
Today in John Chapter 1 verses 10 & 11 we read – “He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him. He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him.” Do you believe that the world was made through Jesus? Do you believe the world is Jesus’ own? Have you ever gone through periods in your life where you have not recognized Jesus for who he truly is? ( I know that I have) Have you gone through periods of your life where Jesus has come to you and you did not receive him? ( Again, I know that I have) As you read through the Gospel of John this year will you prayerfully read it? Will you ask God to reveal to you through John’s Gospel who Jesus really is? And will you ask God to make Jesus more known to you this year than ever before? Do you believe this is possible – for you to know Jesus more this year than in your prior years? Do you believe the Gospel of John and prayer can help you to truly know Jesus more?
Bible.org's commentary on our readings in John today titled "What Child is This?" is at this link.
Worship Video: Today's readings remind me of For King and Country's song "Fix My Eyes:"
Please join us in memorizing and meditating on three verses of Scripture today:"In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made." John 1:1-3 NIV
Prayer Point: Pray that you personally are in relationship with the Word, Jesus. Pray that you know that Jesus is the eternal Alpha and Omega, first and last Word of all things. Pray for those that you know who are not in relationship with Jesus, that they will come to know the Word made flesh.
Comments from You: What verses or insights stand out to you in today's readings? Please post up by clicking on the "Comments" link below!
God bless, Mike
p.s. I would greatly appreciate it if you would pray for this Bible Blog ministry today! Please also consider partnering with us by financially supporting this ministry. Thank you!
We finish up the Gospel of Luke today! It's been awesome to read through Luke again this year. I hope it has been for you as well. And tomorrow... the Gospel of John! Yep, I'm excited. John is just one of those books in the Bible that speaks to me on a spiritual level - at a level I fully can't even consciously comprehend - every time I read it. By the way, I do think this happens actually with any and all books of the Bible that we read. I believe our spirit is fed in ways we do not even consciously realize when we read any and all portions of God's Word. But, somehow, when I read John, I know it's happening! Luke's wrap-up is fantastic today... Below is the artist Rembrandt's oil painting "The Supper at Emmaus" from the year 1648:
The Road to Emmaus! This is a phenomenal portion of the Bible. I actually heard a sermon on this passage of the Bible not too long ago - just after Easter. And the pastor said that each of us as Christians are journeying along the Road to Emmaus. And Jesus is coming up to walk beside us. He is with us. And all too often we do not realize that Jesus is with us! Our eyes are not opened. The pastor encouraged us to open our eyes - through prayer, reading God's Word, and reflection on God's Word - and realize that Jesus is journeying on the road to Emmaus with us. Let us not miss him. Do you believe that Jesus is journeying along side you in your Walk today? Yes, at this very moment, is Jesus with you?
I love Jesus' first words to all of the disciples in verse 36 - ""Peace be with you."" Wow... how simple - and profound - and true! Jesus is the Prince of Peace. He brings peace into our lives, minds and hearts if we will let him in. Do you believe that Jesus' words to you at this very moment might be - "Peace be with you." Will you accept the heavenly peace that can only come from Jesus?
Verses 46 & 47 today sum up the Gospel message very nicely - "And Jesus said, "Yes, it was written long ago that the Messiah must suffer and die and rise again from the dead on the third day. With my authority, take this message of repentance to all the nations, beginning in Jerusalem: `There is forgiveness of sins for all who turn to me.'" Do you believe this to be true?
Bible.org's commentary on Luke chapter 24 titled "Christ our Companion" is at this link and commentary titled "From Invisibility to Invincibility" is at this link and commentary titled "The Ascension" is at this link.
Worship Video: Today’s readings remind me of Darlene Zschech's song "Shout to the Lord:"
Comments from You: What verses or insights stand out to you in today's readings? Please post up by clicking on the "Comments" link below!
God bless, Mike
p.s. I would greatly appreciate it if you would pray for this Bible Blog ministry today! Please also consider partnering with us by financially supporting this ministry. Thank you!
In Luke chapter 23 verse 45 we read just before Jesus died on the cross: "The light from the sun was gone. And suddenly, the thick veil hanging in the Temple was torn apart." The tearing of the veil in the Temple symbolized that men and women could now access God the Father directly through Jesus the Son. No longer was the veil needed to keep separate the Holiest of Holy place in the temple, where God dwelled in the Old Testament. No longer could only the High Priest approach God in the Temple on behalf of men and women. Jesus' death and coming resurrection signified that the veil was no longer needed. God is accessible now directly through faith in Jesus!
An image is below for Luke chapter 23 verse 53 - "Then Joseph took the body down from the cross and wrapped it in a long linen cloth and laid it in a new tomb that had been carved out of rock."
Bible.org's commentary on Luke chapter 23 readings today titled "Dealing with the Death of Jesus" is at this link and commentary titled "From Heartbreak to Heartburn" is at this link.
Worship Video: Today's readings emind me of Crowder's version of "How He Loves:"
Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture today:"The light from the sun was gone. And suddenly, the curtain in the sanctuary of the Temple was torn down the middle." Luke 23:45 NLT
Prayer Point: Pray thanksgiving to the Father in Jesus' Holy Name that you can now approach the throne of grace because of Jesus' death on the cross for your sins and His Resurrection to the right hand of the Father.
Comments from You: What verses or insights stand out to you in today's readings? Please post up by clicking on the "Comments" link below!
God bless, Mike
p.s. I would greatly appreciate it if you would pray for this Bible Blog ministry today! Please also consider partnering with us by financially supporting this ministry. Thank you!
New Testament - Today in Luke chapter 23 verse 34 we read this when Jesus was on the cross: "Jesus said, "Father, forgive these people, because they don't know what they are doing."" Tyndale's One Year Bible companion has a great commentary on this verse today, as follows - "There are seven sayings of Jesus uttered from the cross. They were spoken in the following order:
1) the word of forgiveness: "Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do." (Luke 23:24)
2) the word of salvation: "Today shalt thou be with me in paradise" (Luke 23:43)
3) the word of affection: "Woman, behold thy son"; "Behold thy mother." (John 19:26-27)
4) the word of despair: "My God, my God, why has thou forsaken me?" (Matt 27:46; Mark 15:34)
5) the word of physical torment: "I thirst" (John 19:28)
6) the word of triumph: "It is finished" (John 19:30)
7) the word of committal: "Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit.""
Bible.org's commentary on today's readings in Luke chapter 23 titled "The Rejection of Israel's Messiah" is at this link.
Worship Video: Today's readings in Luke remind me of the song "Mighty to Save" sung here live by Michael W. Smith:
Comments from You: What verses or insights stand out to you in today's readings? Please post up by clicking on the "Comments" link below!
God bless, Mike
p.s. I would greatly appreciate it if you would pray for this One Year Bible Blog ministry today! Please also consider partnering with us by financially supporting this ministry. Thank you!
Luke chapter 22 verse 70 is powerful - "They all shouted, "Then you claim you are the Son of God?" And Jesus replied, "You are right in saying that I am."" Check out those last two words of Jesus' - I am. Sound familiar? Remember from Exodus 3:14 when Moses asks the burning bush who he should say sent him to free the Israelites from Egypt. And what did God reply? "I am. Tell them that I am is sending you." And here we see Jesus use this same terminology that God used - I am. Below is a powerful image of Jesus before Pilate:
In Luke chapter 23 verses 8 & 9 today we read: "Herod was delighted at the opportunity to see Jesus, because he had heard about him and had been hoping for a long time to see him perform a miracle. He asked Jesus question after question, but Jesus refused to answer." Herod wanted a miracle "performed." And Jesus simply stayed silent. Beautiful... I wonder if there are moments in our life when we would do well to model Jesus here - to stay silent in the face of a ridiculous request - or in the face of a ridiculous attack on our faith. Silence may be the perfect thing in the face of ridiculousness... Below is "Jesus before Herod Antipas" by the artist Duccio from the year 1308:
Bible.org's commentary on Luke chapter 22 titled "The Rejection of Israel's Messiah - Part I" is at this link and Part II is at this link.
Worship Video: Today's readings remind me of Chris Tomlin's song "Praise Him Forever:"
Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture today: "But from now on the Son of Man will be seated in the place of power at God’s right hand." Luke 22:69 NIV
Prayer Point: Pray to Jesus today, who rules and reigns over all creation and sits at the right hand of the Father in honor and glory. Pray to your King, Jesus.
Comments from You: What verses or insights stand out to you in today's readings? Please post up by clicking on the "Comments" link below!
God bless, Mike
p.s. I would greatly appreciate it if you would pray for this Bible Blog ministry today! Please also consider partnering with us by financially supporting this ministry. Thank you!
I don't think I've really ever noticed this visit from an angel before in Luke chapter 22 verse 43 when Jesus is praying at the Mount of Olives! "Then an angel from heaven appeared and strengthened him."
Bible.org's commentary on our Luke chapter 22 readings today titled "The Garden of Gethsemane" is at this link.
Worship Video: Today’s readings remind me of Third Day's song "You Are Mine:"
Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture today:"Why are you sleeping?" Jesus asked them. "Get up and pray so that you will not fall into temptation." Luke 22:46 NIV
Prayer Point: Pray that you are not spiritually sleeping. Pray that you will not fall into temptation.
Comments from You: What verses or insights stand out to you in today's readings? Please post up by clicking on the "Comments" link below!
God bless, Mike
p.s. I would greatly appreciate it if you would pray for this Bible Blog ministry today! Please also consider partnering with us by financially supporting this ministry. Thank you!
Today in Luke chapter 22 we read about the Last Supper!
Every time I read verses 19 & 20 I am reminded of the amazing beauty of the Lord's Supper in our churches today: "Then Jesus took a loaf of bread; and when he had thanked God for it, he broke it in pieces and gave it to the disciples, saying, "This is my body, given for you. Do this in remembrance of me." After supper he took another cup of wine and said, "This wine is the token of God's new covenant to save you--an agreement sealed with the blood I will pour out for you." Do these verses remind you of the Lord's Supper at your church? Do you find the Lord's Supper to be a beautiful experience at your church? Why do we participate in the Lord's Supper in our churches today?
Bible.org's commentary on our Luke chapter 22 readings today titled "The Last Supper" is at this link and commentary titled "Perspective, Personal Ambition, and Prophecy" is at this link.
Worship Video: Today feels like a great day to share with you the entire 2 hour "JESUS" film based on the Gospel of Luke. Called by some "one of the best-kept secrets in Christian missions," a number of mission experts have acclaimed the film as one of the greatest evangelistic tools of all time. Since 1979 the "JESUS" film has been viewed by several billion people all across the globe, and has resulted in more than 225 million men, women and children indicating decisions to follow Jesus. Learn more about this film and ministry at https://www.jesusfilm.org/.
Please join us in memorizing and meditating on two verses of Scripture today:"Jesus took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, "This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me." In the same way, after the supper he took the cup, saying, "This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you." Luke 22:19-20 NIV
Prayer Point: Pray that you will participate in the Lord's Supper remembering Jesus' life, death and resurrection. Pray that you will receive Jesus' broken body and shed blood remembering how Jesus saved you.
Comments from You & Questions of the Day: What verses or insights stand out to you in today's readings? Please post up by clicking on the "Comments" link below!
God bless, Mike
p.s. I would greatly appreciate it if you would pray for this One Year Bible Blog ministry today! Please also consider partnering with us by financially supporting this ministry. Thank you!
Today in Luke chapter 22 we read in verses 3-6: "Then Satan entered into Judas Iscariot, who was one of the twelve disciples, and he went to the leading priests and captains of the Temple guard to discuss the best way to betray Jesus to them. They were delighted, and they promised to give him money. So he agreed and began looking for an opportunity to betray Jesus so they could arrest him when the crowds weren’t around." Sad... Bible.org has a powerful essay on "The Biography of the Betrayer"at this link. Below is a fresco from the early 14th century by the Italian Renaissance Florentine painter Giotto titled "Pact of Judas." In this fresco the two priests on the right discuss Judas's treachery, while the third plots with Judas, who is in the clutches of the devil...
Bible.org's commentary on our Luke readings titled "The Second Coming of Christ" is at this link and commentary titled "Preparations for the Passion of Christ" is at this link.
Worship Video: Today's readings reminded me of the terrific worship song "Graves into Gardens:"
Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture today:"Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away." Luke 21:33 NIV
Prayer Point: Pray that you are investing your life in learning and growing in the Word, Jesus, Who will never pass away. Pray that heaven and earth are not distracting you from loving Jesus with all of your heart, mind, soul and strength.
Comments from You: What verses or insights stand out to you in today's readings? Please post up by clicking on the "Comments" link below!
God bless, Mike
p.s. I would greatly appreciate it if you would pray for this Bible Blog ministry today! Please also consider partnering with us by financially supporting this ministry. Thank you!
Comments from You: What verses or insights stand out to you in today's readings? Please post up by clicking on the "Comments" link below!
God bless, Mike
p.s. I would greatly appreciate it if you would pray for this Bible Blog ministry today! Please also consider partnering with us by financially supporting this ministry. Thank you!
