Today’s Reading: Matthew 21:33-46; Mark 12:1-12; Luke 11:37-54, 20:9-19

“What sorrow awaits you! For you build monuments for the prophets your own ancestors killed long ago. But in fact, you stand as witnesses who agree with what your ancestors did. They killed the prophets, and you join in their crime by building the monuments! This is what God in his wisdom said about you: ‘I will send prophets and apostles to them, but they will kill some and persecute the others.’” —Luke 11:47-49

Jesus told a story about a man who owned some land. He could have done anything with this land that belonged to him, but he chose to build a vineyard on it. The man took great care of this vineyard by building a wall around it for protection, as well as building a lookout tower to be used for guarding against approaching threats. He even built a pit for pressing out the grape juice so that the workers of the vineyard would have what they needed to produce wine from the fruit that grew on the vines.

The landowner found some tenant farmers to lease his vineyard and an agreement or covenant was made to define how much of the profit the farmers would keep and how much they would pay the landowner. When the time came for the farmers to bring in the harvest, the man sent his servants to collect his share of the crop. But the farmers attacked the servants by beating one, killing one and stoning another. So the landowner sent a large group of servants to collect the agreed upon amount, but they killed them too.

Imagine the grief and frustration of the landowner. He had thoughtfully provided this beautiful vineyard and entered into a covenant agreement with those to whom he was entrusting his property, yet his tenants had broken their covenant and viciously killed his servants.

“Finally, the owner sent his son, thinking, ‘Surely they will respect my son.’

“But when the tenant farmers saw his son coming, they said to one another, ‘Here comes the heir to this estate. Come on, let’s kill him and get the estate for ourselves!’ So they grabbed him, dragged him out of the vineyard, and murdered him. – Matthew 21:37-39

The owner of the vineyard had equipped them with a watchtower to be used to protect the fruit of their labor, but they used it instead to plot against the son he had sent to make right all they had made wrong. Had they forgotten the promises they had made? Had they allowed their hearts to harden against the one who had been so generous towards them?

WHAT WILL HAPPEN TO THOSE WHO REJECT HIS SON?

The religious leaders replied, “He will put the wicked men to a horrible death and lease the vineyard to others who will give him his share of the crop after each harvest.”

Then Jesus asked them, “Didn’t you ever read this in Scriptures?
‘The stone that the builders rejected has now become the cornerstone.
This is the Lord’s doing, and it is wonderful to see.’

“I tell you, the Kingdom of God will be taken away from you and given to a nation that will produce the proper fruit. Anyone who stumbles over that stone will be broken to pieces, and it will crush anyone it falls on.” – Matthew 21:41-44

WHAT WILL HAPPEN TO THOSE WHO DO NOT PRODUCE FRUIT?

There were times when those listening did not understand the meaning behind Jesus’ parable, but this day the religious leaders fully understood he was talking about them. They were the wicked farmers who were plotting against God’s son.

But what about us? Do we see ourselves in this story? We may not be plotting against Jesus but are we living out our covenant relationship with God as we promised Him we would do? Are we using the gifts He has given us and grateful for the territory He has provided for us?

Father God, give us hearts of obedience and hands willing to work for you. Renew in us a passion to walk in relationship with you, remaining faithful to our promises. Refresh a spirit of generosity and gratitude for all you have done for us and all you have provided.

Today’s Reading: John 14:1-14

“Don’t let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust also in me.” – John 14:1

The disciples were unaware of what was ahead, but Jesus knew. He spoke the words he would want them to remember when times ahead became difficult – TRUST ME. Do not be troubled or afraid. Place your trust in me and I will give you peace of mind and heart.

“I am leaving you with a gift – peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid.” – John 14:27

These last few years, God has taken me on a journey of faith and trust. When faced with an unfamiliar situation, I can hear God say, “Trust me.” When faced with a tough decision, I can hear God say, “Trust me.” When asked to let go of something God has given me, I can hear God say, “Trust me.” When asked to walk away from the known into the unknown, I can again hear God saying, “Trust me.”

There are many times when I have to trust God with my girls, something that is often difficult to do. Other times I am at such a loss that it is easier to trust God because I know I do not have the answers. But what I do know is that God is God, and I can trust Him. So when Libby moves to Missouri for medical school this summer, I have to place her in God’s hands. When Madeira gets married in a couple of months and moves out of our home, I have to trust God. When Brooke spends another summer traveling around the midwest to do ministry, I have to believe that the God who called her will be with her. When Scott goes back for his next surgery, I choose faith in the God who keeps saying, “Trust me.” He is worthy of my trust and it is in Him that I put my hope.

HE IS WORTHY OF MY TRUST AND IT IS IN HIM THAT I PUT MY HOPE…ALL DAY LONG!

This week we have been soaking in one of my favorite verses:

Show me your ways, Lord, teach me your paths.
Guide me in your truth and teach me,
for you are God my Savior and my hope is in you all day long. – Psalm 25:4-5

When what is ahead is unknown, we can submit to God’s sovereignty and say – I trust you, Lord. Show me your perfect ways and teach me how to walk the path you have set before me. Guide me in what is true and teach me what you need me to learn. You are my God and you are my Savior. I place my hope in you no matter what today brings. I trust you — all day long.

This morning, I pray that you hear God’s voice saying, “Trust me.” I pray the response of your heart is to say with confidence – You are God, my Savior, and my hope is in YOU all day long!

Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take. – Proverbs 3:5-6

Praise the Lord! For he has heard my cry for mercy. The Lord is my strength and shield. I trust him with all my heart. He helps me and my heart is filled with joy. I burst out in songs of thanksgiving. The Lord gives his people strength. – Psalm 28:6-8a

But I am trusting you, O Lord, saying, “You are my God!” My future is in your hands. – Psalm 31:14-15a

But when I am afraid, I will put my trust in you. – Psalm 56:3

We know how much God loves us, and we have put our trust in his love. God is love, and all who live in love live in God, and God lives in them. – 1 John 4:16

Can you add to this? What verse or words has the Lord given you when you need to trust Him in any situation? What situation do you need to trust God with today? Find us on Facebook at My Morning Coffee and share a word of encouragement with all of us.

Today’s Reading: Matthew 26:26-35; Mark 14:22-31; Luke 22:7-38; John 13:31-38

Jesus, our Savior, poured out his life as a sacrifice for our sins. He knew what was ahead and willingly accepted the role of the sacrificial lamb. His body would be broken and his blood would confirm the covenant between Creator and creation. The next few days would be difficult and he encouraged his disciples to trust God through the pain.

As they were eating, Jesus took some bread and blessed it. Then he broke it in pieces and gave it to the disciples, saying, “Take this and eat it, for this is my body.” And he took a cup of wine and gave thanks to God for it. He gave it to them and said, “Each of you drink from it, for this is my blood, which confirms the covenant between God and his people. It is poured out as a sacrifice to forgive the sins of many. Mark my words – I will not drink wine again until the day I drink it new with you in my Father’s Kingdom.” – Matthew 26:26-29

HOW COULD HE? How could Jesus keep talking about leaving them, about dying? Peter was so upset. He did not understand why all of this was happening. He had more questions than he had answers. He wanted to know where Jesus was going. He couldn’t imagine life without his friend, his teacher, so he desperately tried to come up with a way to stop his world from spinning. He tried to negotiate and volunteered to die in Jesus’ place.

“I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other. Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.”

Simon Peter asked him, “Lord, where are you going?”

Jesus replied, “Where I am going, you cannot follow now, but you will follow later.”

Peter asked, “Lord, why can’t I follow you now? I will lay down my life for you.”

Jesus answered, “Die for me? I tell you the truth, Peter – before the rooster crows tomorrow morning, you will deny three times that you even know me.” – John 13:34-38

HOW COULD HE? How could Peter deny knowing the One who loved him so much? As much as he was willing, It was not part of the plan for Peter to die for Jesus. Jesus was going to die for Peter, for the rest of the disciples, and for all of us. God sent His son as the Passover Lamb and as a sacrifice for all of our sins.

“If you trust me, you are trusting not only me, but also God who sent me. For when you see me, you are seeing the one who sent me. I have come as a light to shine in this dark world, so that all who put their trust in me will no longer remain in the dark.” – John 12:44-46

We often walk away not understanding the bigger picture of God’s plan — why He allows some things to happen and others not to happen. But we are His children and He is our Savior, and in that we find our HOPE. Let’s sit at His feet and learn from the One who willingly died for us. Let’s trust God and allow Him to be the light that shines into our situation; let’s pray for Him to replace our confusion with clarity.

Show me your ways, Lord, teach me your paths.
Guide me in your truth and teach me,
for you are God my Savior and my hope is in you all day long. – Psalm 25:4-5

Today’s Reading: Matthew 26:1-5, 14-25; Mark 14:1-2, 10-21; Luke 22:1-6; John 13:1-30

When Jesus had finished saying all these things, he said to his disciples, “As you know, Passover begins in two days, and the Son of Man will be handed over to be crucified.”

At that same time the leading priests and elders were meeting at the residence of Caiaphas, the high priest, plotting how to capture Jesus secretly and kill him. “But not during the Passover celebration,” they agreed, “or the people may riot.” – Matthew 26:1-5

HOW COULD HE? Caiaphas had been set apart from the rest of the community to carry out duties of worship and sacrifice. He was called to be a mediator of God’s presence. How many times had he heard or spoken the Ten Commandments? Did he hear the words “Thou shalt not murder” when he joined in with the others in this plot to kill Jesus.

Then Judas Iscariot, one of the twelve disciples, went to the leading priests and asked, “How much will you pay me to betray Jesus to you?” And they gave him thirty pieces of silver. From that time on, Judas began looking for an opportunity to betray Jesus. – Matthew 26:14-16

HOW COULD HE? Judas had been chosen among all of Jesus’ followers to be one of the elite Twelve. They did not come to him, he went to them. He went out seeking an opportunity and found it. Judas had spent all of that time following Jesus without ever becoming a true follower of Jesus.

It was time for the Passover Lamb to be sacrificed, so the disciples asked Jesus where he wanted them to prepare the Passover meal. He sent them on ahead of him and they found a room already set up for this ceremonial moment. They began their preparations for this special time in the Jewish tradition – the Festival of Unleavened Bread.

Before the Passover celebration, Jesus knew that his hour had come to leave this world and return to his Father. He had loved his disciples during his ministry on earth, and now he loved them to the very end…So he got up from the table, took off his robe, wrapped a towel around his waist, and poured water into a basin. Then he began to wash the disciples’ feet, drying them with the towel he had around him…

“No,” Peter protested, “you will never ever wash my feet!” – John 13:1, 4-5, 8

HOW COULD HE? How could the son of God stoop down to the level of a servant? How could the King of Kings humble himself to clean the dirty feet of those who were there to serve him?

After washing their feet, he put on his robe again and sat down and asked, “Do you understand what I was doing? You call me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord,’ and you are right, because that is what I am. And since I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you ought to wash each other’s feet. I have given you an example to follow. Do as I have done to you. I tell you the truth, slaves are not greater than their master. Nor is the messenger more important than the one who sends the message. Now that you know these things, God will bless you for doing them.” – John 13:12-16

Jesus turned to his disciples and told them that one of them would betray him. They were confused and wondered who it would be. Jesus dipped a piece of bread in the bowl and gave it to Judas. Judas ate the bread and scripture says that Satan entered into him. Jesus told him to hurry and do what he was going to do. No one understood but Judas, who left at once, going out into the night (John 13:21-30).

HOW COULD HE? How could Judas miss this opportunity to change his mind? How could he look into the eyes of Jesus and still walk away with a plan to betray him? There was a bigger plan in place – a battle waging around them that they were unaware of. Jesus was more than just a carpenter and a teacher, he was their Savior and the time had come for him to give his life for our salvation.

We often walk away not understanding the bigger picture of God’s plan and why He allows some things to happen and others not to happen. But we are His children and He is our Savior. Let’s sit at His feet and learn from the One who was willing to die for us.

Show me your ways, Lord, teach me your paths.
Guide me in your truth and teach me,
for you are God my Savior and my hope is in you all day long. – Psalm 25:4-5

Today’s Reading: Matthew 25:1-46; Luke 19:11-27

Every day Jesus would go to the temple to teach, and each evening he returned to spend the night on the Mount of Olives (Luke 21:37). One evening, his disciples came to him privately with their questions. “Tell us, when will this happen? What sign will signal your return and the end of the world?” (Matthew 24:3). Their request was like that of the psalmist and their desire to understand was very much like our own. Show me. Teach me. Guide me (Psalm 25:4-5).

Jesus wanted to help them understand what was ahead so he painted three word pictures. These were the final stories or parables that Jesus used to teach his followers for this was the week before his death. What significance is there to what Jesus saved for last?

Picture this: Ten bridesmaids stand waiting for the bridegroom, five have come prepared with extra oil for their lamps and five have not. By the time the bridegroom arrives, only five bridesmaids remain; the other five did not have enough oil to keep their lamps lit. They were not prepared for his coming and therefore missed their opportunity to go with the bridegroom to the marriage feast. The door was locked by the time they returned with more oil and they were left standing outside. It was too late (Matthew 25:1-13).

What keeps my light burning? When I neglect my time in God’s presence, I miss the chance to daily be filled with His Spirit. When I am not feeding my relationship with Jesus and I find myself empty, my light begins to fade. “But he called back, ‘Believe me, I don’t know you!’” (25:12). The bridegroom is coming back for those he has a relationship with, those he knows by the Spirit living within them.

Picture this: A man is going on a long trip. He is going to be gone for a long time so he calls in his servants and entrusts them with his money while he is gone. He gives five bags of silver to one, two bags to another and one bag to the last servant. When he returns, he finds that the one with five bags of silver has invested the money and earned five more. The servant with two bags of silver has earned two more. To both of these servants, the Master responds, “Well done, my good and faithful servant. You have been faithful in handling this small amount, so now I will give you many more responsibilities. Let’s celebrate together!”

However, the last servant has not been about his Master’s business while he was gone. The servant brings the one bag of silver back to his master, having done nothing with that which was entrusted to him. “You wicked and lazy servant!…Take the money from this servant, and give it to the one with ten bags of silver. To those who use well what they are given, even more will be given, and they will have an abundance. But from those who do nothing, even what little they have will be taken away. Now throw this useless servant into outer darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth” (Matthew 25:14-30).

What has God asked of me? To what has He called me? What am I doing with what He has entrusted to me? Is my life marked by multiplication or am I simply maintaining the status quo?

Picture this: The Son of Man comes in all His glory. Angels surround Him as He sits on His throne. All the nations have gathered in His presence and He begins to separate the people into two groups, as a shepherd would separate the sheep from the goats in his flock.

To those on His right, the King will say, “Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the Kingdom prepared for you from the creation of the world. For I was hungry, and you fed me. I was a stranger, and you invited me into your home. I was naked, and you gave me clothing. I was sick, and you cared for me. I was in prison, and you visited me…I tell you the truth, when you did it to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were doing it to me!” – Matthew 25:34-40

To those on His left, the King will say, “Away with you, you cursed ones, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his demons. For I was hungry, and you didn’t feed me. I was thirsty, and you didn’t give me a drink. I was a stranger, and you didn’t invite me into your home. I was naked, and you didn’t give me clothing. I was sick and in prison, and you didn’t visit me…I tell you the truth, when you refused to help the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were refusing to help me.” – Matthew 25:41-45

“And they will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous will go into eternal life” (Matthew 25:46). Jesus’ time was nearing the end and he chose to talk to his closest companions about eternal punishment and eternal life. This topic was obviously very important to Jesus yet how often do I consider the reality of these two endings? How many of us accept the truth of heaven and hell?

Lord, give me eyes to PICTURE THIS — people around me with needs, both physical and spiritual. Help me to PICTURE THIS — YOU in the eyes of those in need around me. Fill me with a love and passion for the unsaved that desires to rescue them from a life marked by hunger, nakedness, sickness and bondage. Give me eyes to PICTURE THIS — people around me walking on the path that leads to eternal punishment. Forgive me for taking their destiny lightly and only focusing on my own future with You. Master, may I hear you say, “Well done, my good and faithful servant. You have been faithful in handling this small amount, so now I will give you many more responsibilities. Let’s celebrate together!” (Matthew 25:21)

Show me your ways, Lord, teach me your paths.
Guide me in your truth and teach me,
for you are God my Savior and my hope is in you all day long. – Psalm 25:4-5

Today’s Reading: Matthew 23:13-36 and 24:1-51; Mark 12:41-44, 13:1-37; Luke 21:1-38

Show me your ways, Lord, teach me your paths.
Guide me in your truth and teach me,
for you are God my Savior and my hope is in you all day long. – Psalm 25:4-5

As the day of his death neared, Jesus’ words became stronger. He warned the church and he prepared his faithful followers for what was ahead. His words from long ago can speak clearly to us today as we sit at his feet and ask him to once again teach us the path he wants us to walk.

BE GENEROUS: “What sorrow awaits you teachers of religious law and you Pharisees. Hypocrites! For you are careful to tithe even the tiniest income from your herb gardens, but you ignore the more important aspects of the law – justice, mercy, and faith. You should tithe, yes, but do not neglect the more important things…” – Matthew 23:23

Justice – There are industries in our world that are destroying thousands of lives each week (abortion, pornography, gambling, sex trafficking, drugs), but we spend more time planning our next church party than we do planning the rescue of those who are in slavery to these profit-making industries.

Mercy – We are quick to judge those who have walked away from the church instead of reaching out and loving them as Jesus would.

Faith – We say we have faith in God but do we trust Him with immediate obedience when He asks us to do something?

It’s not enough to attend church every time the doors are open, teach a Sunday School class, and tithe. It is more than just meeting a minimum standard, it is giving our lives! It’s about generosity.

Jesus sat down near the collection box in the Temple and watched as the crowds dropped in their money. Many rich people put in large amounts. Then a poor widow came and dropped in two small coins. Jesus called his disciples to him and said, “I tell you the truth, this poor widow has given more than all the others who are making contributions. For they gave a tiny part of their surplus, but she, poor as she is, has given everything she had to live on.” – Mark 12:41-44

INWARD CONDITION, not OUTWARD APPEARANCES: “What sorrow awaits you teachers of religious law and you Pharisees. Hypocrites! For you are so careful to clean the outside of the cup and the dish, but inside you are filthy – full of greed and self-indulgence! You blind Pharisee! First wash the inside of the cup and the dish, and then the outside will become clean, too…For you are whitewashed tombs – beautiful on the outside but filled on the inside with dead people’s bones and all sorts of impurity. Outwardly you look like righteous people, but inwardly your hearts are filled with hypocrisy and lawlessness.” – Matthew 23:25-28

Jesus, forgive me for all the times I have worried about what other people would think. Lord, wash me from the inside out. Purify my heart, Oh God!

ENDURE: “Then you will be arrested, persecuted and killed. You will be hated all over the world because you are my followers. And many will turn away from me and betray and hate each other. And many false prophets will appear and will deceive many people. Sin will be rampant everywhere, and the love of many will grow cold. But the one who endures to the end will be saved. And the Good News about the Kingdom will be preached throughout the whole world, so that all nations will hear it; and then the end will come.” – Matthew 24:9-14

What is ahead will not be easy, but endure. We live in a world full of false teachings, let the truth of God endure. There is power in the gospel message and it will endure until all nations have heard the message of salvation.

KEEP WATCH: “So you, too, must keep watch! For you don’t know what day your Lord is coming. Understand this: If a homeowner knew exactly when a burglar was coming, he would keep watch and not permit his house to be broken into. You also must be ready all the time, for the Son of Man will come when least expected.” – Matthew 24:42-44

No matter how hard things get, keep watch, be ready and stay faithful.

BE FAITHFUL: “A faithful, sensible servant is one to whom the master can give the responsibility of managing his other household servants and feeding them. If the master returns and finds that the servant has done a good job, there will be a reward. I tell you the truth, the master will put that servant in charge of all he owns. But what if the servant is evil and thinks, ‘My master won’t be back for a while,’ and he begins beating the other servants, partying, and getting drunk? The master will return unannounced and unexpected, and he will cut the servant to pieces and assign him a place with the hypocrites. In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.” – Matthew 24:45-51

Show me your ways, Lord, teach me your paths.
Guide me in your truth and teach me,
for you are God my Savior and my hope is in you all day long. – Psalm 25:4-5

Today’s Reading: Matthew 21:23-27, 22:15-46, 23:1-12; Mark 12:13-40; Luke 20:1-8, 20-47

As Jesus’ time on earth shortened, the religious leaders were ramping up their opposition to him, trying to trip him up through the questions they were asking. If they could get him to say the wrong thing, they would have a reason to have him arrested.

Jesus took advantage of this opportunity to teach his followers. His time was short and there was still so much he wanted them to know. Jesus focused on preparing them for how they should live their lives as they wait for his return.

His wisdom is still valid for us today as we wait for the day when Jesus will come back for us. His words are encouraging as we face persecution and opposition for our Christian values. Let’s simply sit at the feet of Jesus this morning and soak in all of the things he felt it was important for his followers to hear before he left them. Let’s start by sincerely praying the words of the psalmist:

Show me your ways, Lord, teach me your paths. Guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior and my hope is in you all day long. – Psalm 25:4-5

GIVE: “…give to Caesar what belongs to Caesar, and give to God what belongs to God.” – Matthew 22:21

There’s an element of honesty here. As we live in a community, we cooperate with the government and authorities by giving what is required of us. In the same way, we live a generous and honest life with God, giving the tithe that is required but also responding generously to anything He asks us to give.

STUDY: When the Sadducees asked him a question about the resurrection from the dead, Jesus said, “Your mistake is that you don’t know the Scriptures, and you don’t know the power of God” (Matthew 22:29).

By studying God’s word, I increase my knowledge of the Scriptures and gain a clearer understanding of who God is and how incredibly BIG He is! This understanding helps me face any situation before me.

LOVE: When the Pharisees tried to trap Jesus with the question of which commandment in the Law of Moses was the most important, Jesus answered: “’You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul and all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. A second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ The entire law and all the demands of the prophets are based on these two commandments” (Matthew 22:37-40).

The Law of Moses can be quite overwhelming with its 613 rules. But if we focus on living our lives out of a deep love for God and love for others, the result will be a life marked by holy living. Our walk becomes about our devotion to a relationship rather than our commitment to a religion.

PRACTICE: When we love God with all our heart, soul and mind, we live a life to please only Him rather than focusing on pleasing people. Our religion becomes more than just what we say but how we live. Unlike the Pharisees, we practice what we preach.

“So practice and obey whatever they tell you, but don’t follow their example. For they don’t practice what they teach. They crush people with unbearable religious demands and never lift a finger to ease the burden. Everything they do is for show.” – Matthew 23:3-5a

BE HUMBLE: “The greatest among you must be a servant. But those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.” – Matthew 23:11-12

Lord, give me a servant’s heart. Create in me a heart that only desires what you desire. Lord, I want my life to be honest and generous, demonstrating a love for you and a love for others. Show me YOUR ways. Teach me your word and live through me in such a way that my life brings you glory, Father God. Amen.

Show me your ways, Lord, teach me your paths. Guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior and my hope is in you all day long. – Psalm 25:4-5

Today’s Reading: Mark 11:15-19, 27-33; Luke 13:1-5, 31-36; John 10:22-44

AT THE TEMPLE

It was in the temple that Jesus taught the people, healed the sick and gave sight to the blind. Many came to believe in him while standing in the temple listening to all he had to say, yet others rejected him.

AT THE TEMPLE

It was at the temple that Jesus was surrounded by people who were demanding he make it clear right there and right then whether or not he was the Messiah.

Jesus replied, “I have already told you, and you don’t believe me. The proof is the work I do in my Father’s name.” — John 10:25

AT THE TEMPLE

It was at the temple that people picked up stones to kill Jesus. When he reminded them of all the good works he had done at his Father’s direction, they replied that they were stoning him because he, a mere man, claimed to be God.

“Why do you call it blasphemy when I say, ‘I am the Son of God’? After all, the Father set me apart and sent me into the world. Don’t believe me unless I carry out my Father’s work. But if I do his work, believe in the evidence of the miraculous works I have done, even if you don’t believe me. Then you will know and understand that the Father is in me, and I am in the Father.” – John 10:36-38

AT THE TEMPLE

It was at the temple that Jesus drove out all of the people who were buying and selling animals for sacrifice. They were taking advantage of God’s people and taking the focus of worship away from God. He stood up for the poor and needy; he defended those who had traveled so far. When the religious leaders heard what Jesus had done, they made plans to kill him (Mark 11:15-19).

AT THE TEMPLE

It was at the temple that Pilate killed some who had traveled from Galilee to offer sacrifices to God. The place that had been built to restore life had become a place of death (Luke 13:1-5).

AT THE TEMPLE

It was at the temple that the religious leaders demanding Jesus prove his authority. Because they were not able to answer his question, he did not answer theirs.

“I’ll tell you by what authority I do these things if you answer one question,” Jesus replied. “Did John’s authority to baptize come from heaven, or was it merely human? Answer me!” – Mark 11:29-30

AT THE TEMPLE

It was at the temple that those who were appointed to prepare God’s people for the coming of the Messiah plotted to kill the one they were supposed to be celebrating. Jesus cried out over the devastation that Jerusalem had become and pointed out to them that their temple was no longer a dwelling place for the God they had been called to serve.

“O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones God’s messengers! How often I have wanted to gather your children together as a hen protects her chicks beneath her wings, but you wouldn’t let me. And now, look, your house is abandoned. And you will never see me again until you say, ‘Blessings on the one who comes in the name of the Lord!’” – Luke 13:34-36

AT THE TEMPLE

We are God’s temple, the place He chooses to have His Spirit dwell. It is in that temple that God teaches us and prepares us for the life to which He is calling us. It is in that temple that our faith is strengthened and our healing begins. At times, God does a clearing of all of the ungodly habits and practices we have let creep into our life. At times, we question His character and challenge His motives. But it is also at this temple that God’s sanctifying power begins to take away our sinful desires and replace it with His righteousness. Have you opened the door of the temple to allow God to clean out and remodel your heart?

Don’t you realize that all of you together are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God lives in you? God will destroy anyone who destroys this temple. For God’s temple is holy, and you are that temple. – 1 Corinthians 3:16-17

Today’s Reading: – Mark 4:21-25; Luke 8:16-18; John 12:17-19

When all the people heard of Jesus’ arrival, they flocked to see him and also to see Lazarus, the man Jesus had raised from the dead. Then the leading priests decided to kill Lazarus, too, for it was because of him that many of the people had deserted them and believed in Jesus. – John 12:9-11

LAZARUS’ STORY BROUGHT JESUS GLORY

Lazarus was making a difference in the lives of so many people because he allowed his story to be shared. Jesus had done something miraculous in his life and he used that miracle to share with others the difference Jesus could make in their lives. Once he was dead, but now he is alive! What Jesus had done for him became his story, but it did not stay Lazarus’ story. His healing was about Jesus; it was HIS story. It was used for Jesus’ glory, so that others could see the power of the Messiah.

Many in the crowd had seen Jesus call Lazarus from the tomb, raising him from the dead, and they were telling others about it. That was the reason so many went out to meet him – because they had heard about this miraculous sign. Then the Pharisees said to each other, “There’s nothing we can do. Look, everyone has gone after him!” – John 12:17-19

HIS STORY FOR JESUS’ GLORY

Many came to faith because Lazarus allowed his story to be told. He did not hide from the impact Jesus had made in his life, nor did he claim any of that glory for himself. He became a light in a very dark place and many gained understanding of who Jesus was because of the story of Lazarus’ healing.

Then Jesus asked them, “Would anyone light a lamp and then put it under a basket or under a bed? Of course not! A lamp is placed on a stand, where its light will shine. For everything that is hidden will eventually be brought into the open, and every secret will be brought to light. Anyone with ears to hear should listen and understand.”

Then he added, “Pay close attention to what you hear. The closer you listen, the more understanding you will be given —and you will receive even more. To those who listen to my teaching, more understanding will be given. But for those who are not listening, even what little understanding they have will be taken away from them.” – Mark 4:21-25

Let’s not forget that death came before the healing. Grief came before the peace. The story of Lazarus was not just about the joy of death resurrected; his story began from a place of pain and tears. As he was sick and dying, he might have wondered where Jesus was. When he was told that his friends had gone to bring Jesus back, he might have questioned what was taking Jesus so long. As he felt his life fading away, he must have felt a lot like we do when we cannot see the answer to our prayers. Later, when the leading priests began to plot his death, Lazarus must have felt a lot like we do when we are bullied or criticized for our faith.

Will you allow God to have the rest of your story? Will you allow Him to be glorified through both the pain and the triumph? Even if He chooses to be glorified through your death instead of through your healing, do you trust Him?

MY STORY FOR JESUS’ GLORY

But when Jesus heard about it he said, “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

That is the desire of my heart this morning – for God to be glorified through the circumstances of my life. I want it to be said that I trusted God in both sickness and health, in both disappointment and victory. I want everything God does in my life to be more than just my story, but to be for Jesus’ glory.

Today’s Reading: Today’s Reading: Matthew 21:1-11; Mark 11:1-11; Luke 19:28-44; John 12:12-16

The town of Bethany was on the eastern slope of the Mount of Olives, while Jerusalem was on the western side. So as Jesus was leaving Bethany to head to Jerusalem for the week of Passover, crowds began to form. Word was spreading that Jesus was back and lots of people were coming out to give him the triumphant welcome he deserved.

As Jesus and the disciples approached Jerusalem, they came to the town of Bethphage on the Mount of Olives. Jesus sent two of them on ahead. “Go into the village over there,” he said. “As soon as you enter it, you will see a donkey tied there, with its colt beside it. Untie them and bring them to me. If anyone asks what you are doing, just say, ‘The Lord needs them,’ and he will immediately let you take them.”

This took place to fulfill the prophecy that said,
“Tell the people of Jerusalem,
‘Look, your King is coming to you.
He is humble, riding on a donkey – riding on a donkey’s colt.’” – Matthew 21:1-5

NOT FOR THEIR PURPOSES BUT FOR JESUS’ GLORY

The only thing the owners had to hear was that the Lord needed what they had, and their response was to IMMEDIATELY let the disciples take them. They did not get possessive with what they owned or concerned whether they would ever see the animals again. They did not focus on the value of what was theirs, but they shared with Jesus without questioning what he had planned. The donkey and its colt were no longer needed for their purposes as much as they were needed for Jesus’ glory. I like to believe that the owners followed the disciples; that they were in the crowd of people that day.

Then they brought the colt to Jesus and threw their garments over it, and he sat on it. Many in the crowd spread their garments on the road ahead of him, and others spread leafy branches they had cut in the fields. Jesus was in the center of the procession, and the people all around him were shouting.

“Praise God!
Blessings on the one who comes in the name of the Lord!
Blessings on the coming Kingdom of our ancestor David!
Praise God in highest heaven!” – Mark 11:7-10

What an incredible moment in history. Prophecy was being fulfilled and Jesus was receiving glory for all God was doing through him. But the reality was that not all of Jerusalem was ready to receive the Messiah. As Jesus came closer to Jerusalem, he began to weep over the condition of Jerusalem. He had come that all would experience life but he knew what was ahead. He knew this city would not accept their opportunity for salvation (Luke 19:41-44).

Jesus entered the Temple and began to drive out the people buying and selling animals for sacrifice. He knocked over the tables of the money changers and the chairs of those selling doves. He said to them, “The Scriptures declare, ‘My temple will be called a house of prayer,’ but you have turned it into a den of thieves!” – Matthew 21:12-13

DENYING GOD THE GLORY

The Temple was built to give God’s people a place to worship Him. It was to be a building where God was glorified, but the people had lost their focus. The building was now more about ritual instead of relationship; about profit instead of the Great Prophet. Jesus’ time on earth was drawing close to an end and the people were still so focused on themselves that they were missing the presence of the Messiah. Jesus’ words to the people that day held great purpose:

“Now the time has come for the Son of Man to enter into his glory. I tell you the truth, unless a kernel of wheat is planted in the soil and dies, it remains alone. But its death will produce many new kernels – a plentiful harvest of new lives. Those who love their life in this world will lose it. Those who care nothing for their life in this world will keep it for eternity. Anyone who wants to be my disciple must follow me, because my servants must be where I am. And the Father will honor anyone who serves me.” – John 12:23-26

That is the desire of my heart this morning – to follow Jesus, to be where He is. I want everything God does in my life to be more than just my story, but to be for Jesus’ glory. I want my possessions to be available for His use and for His glory. I want to be in the crowd welcoming Jesus with garments and palm branches, instead of missing the moment because I am too caught up in the chaos of the Temple. I do not want Jesus to weep when he considers my future, but to be pleased with the plentiful harvest of his power at work in my life. Oh Jesus, this is my prayer!

Not to us, O Lord, not to us, but to your name goes all the glory for your unfailing love and faithfulness. – Psalm 115:1