“A sterling reputation is better than striking it rich; a gracious spirit is better than money in the bank.” ~King Solomon
Jesus warns us constantly and consistently about the dangers not focusing on God and focusing on wealth. It is a …
Tag Archives: Betrayal
“You don’t understand now what I’m doing, but it will be clear enough to you later.” ~Jesus
There are days I just don’t understand what Jesus is doing or saying. I like to think I do. I …
Betrayal — Why does it carry such acute feelings for its victims?
Betrayal is very, very painful. Sometimes it seems like I just can’t let it go. It haunts me. Other days, …
Toleration — It should be exercised for the benefit of those whose faith is weak
How toleration of other believers should I be? Even when disputing/dialoguing over prominent doctrines, a disciple of Jesus should exercise …
“Brother will betray brother to death, and a father his child; and children will rise up against parents and cause them to be put to death.” ~Jesus
God has a goal in mind for me. It could bring me into conflict with those I love most. Betrayal …
Compassion — A Vital Character Requirement in the Followers of Jesus
Compassion is an attitude of care and concern, grounded in pity and sympathy towards others, given to me by Jesus. …
“Woe to you … ” ~Jesus
Jesus is upset. Jesus is upset with the elite religious leaders of the day. Jesus hasn’t gotten over it. I …
“Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock.” ~Jesus
Jesus is about to wrap His Manifesto. There is one final parable to lay it all out. There is a contrast …
Materialism — Material Goods can Turn the Heart Away From God
Material goods can turn my heart away from God. The pursuit of possessions and wealth and a preoccupation with physical things …
“A healthy tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a diseased tree bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.” ~Jesus
Jesus is beginning to wrap up His manifesto. Jesus changed his brief metaphor from sheep and wolves to trees and …
Betrayal — It is a Part of a Disciple’s Experience
Betrayal is a gross violation of trust and can be one of the most devastating forms of pain inflicted upon …
“You know that Passover comes in two days. That’s when the Son of Man will be betrayed and handed over for crucifixion.” ~Jesus
The religious leaders were afraid of a riot. Now that is rich. They arrested Jesus during Passover anyway and there …
“Father, into your hands I commit my spirit!” ~Jesus
There is a break from the horror of Good Friday! Jesus is carrying out the plan of His Father. His …
“Truly I tell you, this very night, before the rooster crows, you will disown me three times.” ~Jesus to Peter
Judas betrays Jesus. Peter and the others deny they know Jesus. Nobody is with Jesus at the end. I am …
“This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you.” ~Jesus
Maundy Thursday, also known as “Holy Thursday,” is the Thursday of Passion Week, one day before Good Friday (the Friday before …
“What are you willing to give me if I deliver Jesus over to you?” ~Judas
According to the traditional interpretation of the Bible, Holy Wednesday is the day on which Jesus was anointed with spikenard during a …
“Let her alone, so that she may keep it for the day of My burial.” ~Jesus
Jesus came to Bethany the day before Palm Sunday. This actually starts our most holy week! In the Orthodox church, …
Everything Jesus had to say about the homeless, wealth, prosperity, poverty, riches, the poor, the needy and giving
Jesus had a lot to say about the homeless, wealth, prosperity, poverty, riches, the poor, the needy and giving. Here …
“I have something hard but important to say to you.” ~Jesus
After sunset he came with the Twelve. As they were at the supper table eating, Jesus said, “I have something …
“Beware … ” ~Jesus — What the New Testament has to say on deception by religions leaders
This is a series of quotes to emphasize the seriousness of deception and our responsibility to look out for it …
“You haven’t a shred of authority over me except what has been given you from heaven.” ~Jesus
Pontius Pilate was the fifth prefect of the Roman province of Judaea from AD 26–36. He served under Emperor Tiberius. Essentially he was a Governor in the Roman empire. …
“Who are you after?” ~Jesus
Jesus is on a mission. There are a lot of details to work out so that he can complete that …
“My concern, you understand, is holiness, not hygiene.” ~Jesus
Jesus knows what is important. I think I do some days. I have my to do list. It isn’t always …
“Let her alone. She’s anticipating and honoring the day of my burial.” ~Jesus
Breaking news! Jesus raises Lazarus from the dead so the religious leaders decide to kill Lazarus. Talk about not getting …
The King who loved a humble maiden. Would he renounce his throne to win her over?
Here is Soren Kierkegaard’s version of the story: Suppose there was a king who loved a humble maiden. The king …
“Come back to our God, who is lavish with forgiveness.” ~Isaiah
God is God. God can’t betray who he is. God is good. God is lavish. God forgives me. God forgives …
“God, God-of-Heaven, the great and awesome God, loyal to his agreement and faithful to those who love him and obey his commands.” ~Nehemiah
Nehemiah was an amazing man of God. He had a big yes going on in his life. He knew how …
Where does my identity come from?
Jesus knew before he selected Judas that he would betray him. He wanted him as a part of the 12 …
“With Jesus leading the way, and the disciples were astonished, while those who followed were afraid.” ~John Mark
Am I astonished or afraid? Those who simply follow get afraid. Perhaps they were more curious than committed. Jesus wants …
“Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence?” ~King David
Ever heard of Francis Thompson? Young guy, drop out, drug addict, drifter, sometime homeless. Eventually diseased and dead at …
