November 13 – Luke 23, and John 18 & 19

Below are my thoughts from the daily Bible reading of the West Side Church of Christ. Today’s reading comes from Luke 23, and John 18 & 19. Before reading I invite you to pray and asked God to speak to you as you read his word. Also above in the tabs is a link to the Bible reading plan.

Photo Credit: Serf Publishing Inc.

The reason the Jews chanted crucify was they felt threatened. They felt threatened by the claims Jesus made. They felt threatened that He might mess up the power they had by causing a revolt, and bringing the hand of Rome down even stronger. So to get rid of the threat, they sought Jesus death. I do not believe any of this went unnoticed by Pilate.

When Jesus was placed on the cross, Pilate had a sign simply reading … “Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews.” (John 19:19 NLT) Did Pilate do this because he really believed Jesus was the King of the Jews? I do not believe so. Did he do this because he couldn't stand what the Jewish leaders were making him do? Possibly. Did he do this to get back at the Jews? Absolutely. I am sure he saw these people as a problem, so just to grind it in, he did something that made them mad.

And did it ever. Like little children crying to their parents to make someone else change their behavior, they objected and said … “Change it from ‘The King of the Jews’ to “He said, I am King of the Jews.” (John 19:21 NLT) They did not want people believing that Jesus was their King. But they did not get their way. Pilate told them no.

What the Jews did not understand is that what Pilate had written was the truth. Jesus was the King of the Jews. His family tree took Him all the way back to King David. His blood line was pure royalty, both as a descendent of David and as the Son of God. Now the King of the Jews was about to become the savior of the world. These men who sent Jesus to cross, who felt threatened by His claims, did what was necessary. Their fear brought salvation to the world. For that I am thankful. 

November 11 – John 14-17

Below are my thoughts from the daily Bible reading of the West Side Church of Christ. Today’s reading comes from John 14-17. Before reading I invite you to pray and asked God to speak to you as you read his word. Also above in the tabs is a link to the Bible reading plan.

In our reading today we find Jesus discussing in great length what is about to happen to Him. While He discusses it in great length, there is a lot of detail that was probably confusing to the disciples. In fact it was confusing to me and I have the ability to look back with the cross and resurrection already in mind. Regardless this is a wonderful discussion given by Jesus that reveals His true identity and purpose on this earth.

The discourse concludes with Jesus offering a prayer for Himself, the disciples who made up the remaining eleven, and all followers to come. This prayer ends with Jesus praying for us, the followers throughout the ages. As I finished the prayer I wandered if Jesus would look at the church today and feel sad for the state it’s in. Look back at the words of His prayer … “May they experience such perfect unity that they world will know that you sent me and that you love them as much as you love me.” (John 17:23 NLT) Do you think the church makes Jesus proud?

I do not know the answer to that per say, but I do not the church today is not unified. How many “brands” of Christianity exist? How may different doctrines have split churches? How many worship wars have wreaked havoc on congregations? How many building programs have created a wedge between people of faith?

As a minister of a “restoration” church it my mission to seek unity. I love the phrase, “in matters of faith unity, in matter of opinion liberty, in all things love.” I also love the saying, “not the only Christians but Christians only.” These remind me that no matter what difference we may have, there is only one church and that church is made up of all people who have found a life saving relationship with Jesus Christ. When we begin to live like that, we begin to fulfill the prayer of Jesus. 

October 29 – John 11

Below are my thoughts from the daily Bible reading of the West Side Church of Christ. Today’s reading comes from John 11. Before reading I invite you to pray and asked God to speak to you as you read his word. Also above in the tabs is a link to the Bible reading plan.

Jesus says something rather remarkable in our reading today. Jesus has been close with three siblings from the Jerusalem suburb of Bethany. Lazarus, the brother and possible bread winner of this family has taken ill. Jesus is a considerable distance away from Bethany, but certainly close enough to come to the aid of Lazarus. However, when the news of his illness reaches Jesus ears, Jesus stays back and says … “Lazarus’s sickness will not end in death. No, it happened for the glory of God so that the Son of God will receive glory from this.” (John 11:4 NLT) At first glance that statement does not seem all that remarkable but let’s break it down.

Jesus has insight into what will happen to Lazarus. Jesus knows that Lazarus is going to die. He also knows that He will bring Lazarus back to life. If you happened to be someone who was reading this for the first time you may not have picked up on that bit of information. But as someone who knows the story, who has read it multiple times, we are able to see the foreshadowing Jesus is giving. None of that is the amazing part.

What amazes me is the reason for death. Jesus is going to let Lazarus die, even though He has the ability to heal him remotely. Why? So that glory will come to Jesus and God through the resurrection. And that is exactly what happens. Many people believe and they could not keep quiet. God and Jesus were both being glorified for this event. But the glory does not stop here.

It is through this event that eventual glory will take place in Jesus own death and resurrection. Look at verse fifty-three again … “So from that time on, the Jewish leaders began to plot Jesus’ death.” (John 11:53 NLT) Had Jesus not returned like His disciples advised Him to, then maybe something else would have been the catalyst for the crucifixion. But Jesus foreshadowed in a powerful way. Not only do we have the glory of the here and now event, but we have the glory of the cross from this one event. I find that remarkable.

So … on a side note, maybe the events in your life; the ups and downs, the joys and pains, the tears and laughter, are part of God orchestrating and event to bring Himself glory. Approaching situations with that mindset might help you through the trying times. 

October 23 – John 7 & 8

Below are my thoughts from the daily Bible reading of the West Side Church of Christ. Today’s reading comes from John 7 & 8. Before reading I invite you to pray and asked God to speak to you as you read his word. Also above in the tabs is a link to the Bible reading plan.

I love Jesus. Our reading today may just be one of the boldest two days of Jesus life. Here He is in Jerusalem, in the Temple area, and making some of the most outlandishly true statements of His ministry. Our reading opens up with His brothers encouraging Him to go to Jerusalem. They want Him to do publicly there what he has been doing in other regions. They are beginning to believe He is the political Messiah they have been waiting on. Jesus knows that He is not, and that the heat is too much, and that a trip to Jerusalem would possibly be deadly. He stays back, but only for a short amount of time.

In Jerusalem people are looking for Jesus but He is laying low. Finally He speaks and when He does, He gives them some bold proclamations …

“For if the correct time for circumcising your son falls on the Sabbath, you go ahead and do it so as not to break the law of Moses. So why should you be angry with me for healing a man on the Sabbath? Look beneath the surface so you can judge correctly.”” (John 7:23-24 NLT)

  

“Anyone who is thirsty may come to me! Anyone who believes in me may come and drink! For the Scriptures declare, ‘Rivers of living water will flow from his heart.’” (John 7:37-38 NLT)

“I am the light of the world. If you follow me, you won’t have to walk in darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life.” (John 8:12 NLT)

“Since you don’t know who I am, you don’t know who my Father is. If you knew me, you would also know my Father.” (John 8:19 NLT)

“No,” Jesus said, “I have no demon in me. For I honor my Father—and you dishonor me. And though I have no wish to glorify myself, God is going to glorify me. He is the true judge. I tell you the truth, anyone who obeys my teaching will never die!” (John 8:49-51 NLT)

“Jesus answered, “I tell you the truth, before Abraham was even born, I Am!” At that point they picked up stones to throw at him. But Jesus was hidden from them and left the Temple.” (John 8:58-59 NLT)

Jesus does not mince words. He speaks pointedly about who He is and who it that sent Him. While not everyone understands all that He says, it is clear that Jesus is calling God His father and making deity claims about Himself.

The question that remains for us is simple … are we willing to follow Jesus example and stand boldly in our world making the same claims to an unbelieving generation?

October 18 – John 6

Below are my thoughts from the daily Bible reading of the West Side Church of Christ. Today’s reading comes from John 6. Before reading I invite you to pray and asked God to speak to you as you read his word. Also above in the tabs is a link to the Bible reading plan.

Jesus has just feed five thousand men plus women and children with two fish and five loaves of bread. This is the same story that we experienced yesterday in the other three gospels. After the feeding, the next morning the crowds wake up to find that Jesus and his disciples are not there. Now they know how the disciples got across, they saw them leave by boat. But Jesus went up on the hillside to pray. It was during the night that Jesus walked to them on the water. They are surprised and perplexed as to how Jesus beat them to that side of the sea.

Jesus knows what’s on their minds when they show up … “I tell you the truth, you want to be with me because I fed you, not because you understood the miraculous signs. But don’t be so concerned about perishable things like food. Spend your energy seeking the eternal life that the Son of Man can give you. For God the Father has given me the seal of his approval.” (John 6:26-27 NLT). They come wanting what Jesus can give them. They do not necessarily want a relationship with Him. They are focused on here and now not the eternal life He has come to provide.

How much are we like them? Examine your prayer life; is it full of request for the here and now or does it encompass a broader spectrum of your relationship with Christ? We live in the here and now. We have aches and pains, broken hearts, and real physical needs. There is an element to our relationship with God that we trust He will provide and care for us. But our relationship with Christ should be much deeper and broader than just the physical needs of our life. We have been promised eternal life with God through Jesus. Cherish that each and every day! 

October 8 – John 5

Below are my thoughts from the daily Bible reading of the West Side Church of Christ. Today’s reading comes from John 5. Before reading I invite you to pray and asked God to speak to you as you read his word. Also above in the tabs is a link to the Bible reading plan.

Too often we look at the Pharisees in negative light. Their actions give us many valid reasons to do so. In our reading today they looked at the man Jesus healed and gave this condemnation, “You can’t work on the Sabbath! The law doesn't allow you to carry that sleeping mat!” (John 5:10b NLT) Too often they were more concerned about the letter of the Law than the heart of the Law. We give them a bad reputation for their hatred toward Jesus. In our minds, we think of them in completely negative terms.

However, as an honest man, I do have to give them credit where it is deserved. When they come to Jesus to harass Him for breaking Sabbath rules, they fully understand His claims. Jesus responds to their harassment by saying, “My Father is always working, and so am I.” (John 5:17 NLT) They were furious and wanted Jesus killed. In their reaction, they understood the claims Jesus was making.

We praise the Apostles for their ministries, and rightly so. But we often forget how much they struggled to understand Jesus and His claims. From very early in Jesus ministry the Pharisees understood the claims he was making. While they understood them, they certainly did not accept them. However, what it does show is that their education and study of scripture brought them to a point where they understood the rich claims Jesus was making.

How are you in your Bible reading and knowledge? Is it preparing you to be ready to see the evidence of God all around you? While they did not accept it, the Pharisees where prepared intellectually to understand the claims that Jesus was making. That is a valid lesson for us to learn and apply to our lives. 

October 1 – Luke 1 & John 1

Below are my thoughts from the daily Bible reading of the West Side Church of Christ. Today’s reading comes from Luke 1 & John 1. Before reading I invite you to pray and asked God to speak to you as you read his word. Also above in the tabs is a link to the Bible reading plan.

We have finally arrived and started the New Testament. Our first encounter of the New Testament is the book of Luke. Each gospel writer wrote to a specific audience and for a specific purpose. Their audience and purpose dictate the way their gospel is arranged. We will examine Luke’s purpose and writing as we start the New Testament.

Luke’s gospel was written for a Gentile audience. We know that Luke is the author of both Luke and Acts. We believe Acts is simple a continuation of his first book Luke. There is speculation that these two works were written to present to the Roman Emperor of the day as a defense for the Apostle Paul. Paul was on trial because he had appealed to Caesar when he was arrested in Jerusalem (Acts 21-28). To bring the Emperor up to speed on what Christianity is he needed the whole story. So Luke wrote his Gospel as well as a history of the church. Now we do not fully know this was the case for sure, however it is evident the audience of Luke was not Jewish.

The first chapter of Luke is very interesting. Two angels appear to two Jews. Each Jew is told they are going to have a child. One is an old man named Zechariah, and the other was a teenage girl from Nazareth named Mary.

Zechariah was a priest and as a priest he knew the Old Testament very well. He knew that a coming Messiah was promised. Many in his day thought the time was just right. To convey this understanding to a Gentile audience Luke includes a prophecy of Zechariah into his Gospel that outlines the History of Israel and the promise past down from God. With this Luke has established the tradition which the Jews had been waiting for the one to come.

Luke does this again with Mary. When the angel comes and shares that God is with her and that she will give birth to His Son, she sings a song of praise. This song of praise highlights the tradition and the promise that God had made through Abraham. The small town teenage girl knew her scripture very well.

What Luke has done is given the back story needed. In fact he had done what we at West Side did with The Story. We unveiled the problem that sin created and we showed by walking through the Old Testament how God worked to restore mankind. This is an important step for Luke to make, because this is all the foundation for everything Jesus will do and start with His time on earth.