Friends — Will I find unity in the love and fear of the Master Jesus?
The Master Jesus the Messiah gave us the definition of a true friend: “Greater love has no one than this, …
Tag Archives: Jesus
“Don’t listen to them; just trust me.” ~Jesus
Jesus wants to perform a miracle in my life. There are many competing voices telling me it won’t happen. Who …
Jesus — Is Jesus the Messiah?
“Christ” means “Messiah” or “anointed one”. As the Messiah, Jesus is the one who fulfills all old testament expectations. I …
“For your husband is your Maker, whose name is the Master of hosts; and your Redeemer is the Holy One of Israel, who is called the God of all the earth.” ~Isaiah
Without faithfulness to God there can be no discipleship life. Following Jesus is based first on faith that God is, …
“I am the Good Shepherd. The Good Shepherd puts the sheep before himself, sacrifices himself if necessary.” ~Jesus
King David knew that our Master (Lord) is our shepherd. We all love Psalm 23. Jesus is the good shepherd. …
“Now, Father, glorify Me together with Yourself, with the glory which I had with You before the world was.” ~Jesus
Glory of Jesus Jesus the Messiah’s beauty, radiance and splendor reflects the glory of the Father. It is both revealed to and …
I AM — “I am the Bread of Life” ~ Jesus
“I am the Bread of Life” (John 6:35) is one of the seven “I Am” statements of Jesus. Jesus used …
Reconciliation — Does God take the initiative in bringing about reconciliation?
I miss God’s goal (aka sin) for my life. That separates me from God. I need reconciliation to God. When …
“Seeing the people, He felt compassion for them, because they were distressed and dispirited like sheep without a shepherd.” ~Matthew about Jesus
This is striking. The first thing to note here is that Jesus saw the people. He didn’t look past them. …
What is God’s response to those who reject Him and His Son Jesus?
The godless have abandoned God. They have rejected God. I see it everywhere. You see it as well. It seems …
Rest — Do I need it? Can Jesus provide it?
I need rest. I get tired. There is good news. Jesus gives me rest. I find it in Him. Jesus, …
“Courage, it’s me. Don’t be afraid.” ~Jesus
The five thousand had just been feed. It was a stunning day. God had been shown, through His son Jesus, …
“Thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Master Jesus the Messiah.” ~Apostle Paul
Can I do good? I want to but there is this evil nature that can get in the way. God shows …
“Watch out for the religion scholars.” ~Jesus
Jesus is constantly challenging the religious elites and leaders of His time here on earth. He still does today. This …
Hypocrisy — What happens when my deeds do not match my words?
Jesus is clear. Jesus detests hypocrites. Jesus calls it out all the time. My contempt allows me to ignore its …
Did some religious elite appoint me as a spokesperson for Jesus?
I am astounded at how many companions in faith I have. Due to the power of the world wide web, …
“Happy are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad!” ~Jesus
How did Jesus expect me to react under persecution? Rejoice and be glad! That is right. I’m jump up and down for …
False Doctrine — It may be of demonic origin
Doctrine is “a set of ideas or beliefs that are taught or believed to be true.” Biblical doctrine refers to …
“I who speak to you am the Messiah.” ~Jesus
Jesus is the anointed King. Jesus is the anointed Priest. Jesus is the anointed Prophet. Jesus is anointed by the …
Peacemakers — The Importance of Pursuing Peace
I can’t make peace if I don’t have peace myself. That is the first task, find peace in Jesus. Then, …
“You’re looking for someone to blame.” ~Jesus
I’m not asking the right question. I’m looking to blame someone. I know this is directed at me. A judging …
“Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you.” ~Jesus
It starts with faith. I need to get clear with my faith in Jesus. When peace leaves me, I need to …
“How can we picture God’s kingdom?” ~Jesus
Jesus invites me to picture what God’s kingdom is like. Jesus wants me to understand Him as King of the …
“You can see now how it is written that the Messiah suffers, rises from the dead on the third day.“ ~Jesus
Scripture presents conclusive evidence that Jesus the Messiah was in fact resurrected from the dead to an incorruptible body. The …
“Or do you think lightly of the riches of His kindness and tolerance and patience, not knowing that the kindness of God leads you to change your mind?” ~Apostle Paul
I should be patient, even as Jesus is patient. Naturally, in and of myself, I am not. God’s kindness is …
Pharisees (religious elites) — Accusing Jesus the Messiah of being demon-possessed
Pharisees (religious elites) opposed Jesus the Messiah during his ministry and were among those who brought about his crucifixion. Some Pharisees, …
Am I being fickle? Do I get swayed by the next great thing?
Am I being fickle? Do I get swayed by the next great thing spoken by the new charismatic religious leader …
I cry out! I shout out! Κύριε Ἰησοῦ Χριστέ, Υἱέ τοῦ Θεοῦ, ἐλέησόν με τὸν ἁμαρτωλόν
Κύριε Ἰησοῦ Χριστέ, Υἱέ τοῦ Θεοῦ, ἐλέησόν με τὸν ἁμαρτωλόν Translated: “Master Jesus the Messiah, Son of God, have mercy …
“What do you make of this?” ~Jesus
Jesus wants to know. Jesus has a question. What do I make of this? Do I understand? Am I listening? …
“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 …
“Even as You gave Him authority over all flesh, that to all whom You have given Him, He may give eternal life.” ~Jesus
Jesus rules in every case, over everything and everyone. He is the Master. PERIOD! I am His slave. Jesus is …
“My house is a house of prayer; You have turned it into a religious bazaar.” ~Jesus
Jesus is upset. Jesus let’s the religious elites know it. It just isn’t right turning God’s holy temple into the …
“Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” ~Jesus
What does the gentleness of Jesus the Messiah look like? Jesus gave us the perfect picture of gentleness: “See, your …
“Freedom is never voluntarily given by the oppressor; it must be demanded by the oppressed.” ~Martin Luther King, Jr.
Freedom is fought for, not given freely. Freedom must be stood up for. Freedom may send us to jail. Freedom …
“Happy are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.” ~Jesus
Is my heart pure? That is an essential issue to address. Jesus lays it out in His manifesto (Matthew 5 — …
“Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” ~Jesus
Grace is a gift. God gives me grace when I am humble. There is no peace if I am proud …
“Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.” ~Jesus
Jesus clearly calls me to do good works! The purpose of my good works is to glorify the amazing and …
Authority of Jesus — It is Questioned
The authority of Jesus is questioned by others: Am I questioning that Jesus has the authority from God? I need …
“This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins.” ~Apostle John
Love isn’t about me. Love is about God and Jesus. I don’t know the first thing about love. Anything I …
Discipleship — The cost of Discipleship Involves a Denial of Self-interests and Desires
Jesus was quite explicit about the cost of following Him. Discipleship requires a totally committed life: “Any of you who does …
“The sinless one among you, go first: Throw the stone.” ~Jesus
Jesus challenges me. Am I “sinless“? If so, I get to throw the first stone. Jesus challenged the elite religious …
“Don’t be afraid. I know you’re looking for Jesus the Nazarene, the One they nailed on the cross. He’s been raised up; he’s here no longer.” ~An Angel
I am looking for Jesus in all the wrong places. I think “he was”. My language and my attitude is …
“A disciple is not above his teacher, nor a slave above his master.“ ~Jesus
Am I a Christian or a disciple of Jesus? I need to think this through. It is an important question. …
Forgiveness — Jesus the Messiah’s Ministry of Forgiveness was Foretold
I need forgiveness. I have missed God’s goal for my life (aka sin). I am guilty. God forgives me. Now …
“Be faithful until death and I will give you the crown of life.” ~Jesus
I am called to be faithful and trustworthy. I am challenged by this some days. When I think about it and …
“Woman, where are they? Did no one condemn you?” ~Jesus
Jesus has a requirement for me as I stand before Him, confessing I have missed God’s goal, I am a …
Forgiveness — True Love is Forgiving
I miss God’s goal (aka sin). There is a penalty for that. Unless … I am forgiven. So there is …
Justice — It is Declared in Jesus the Messiah
Justice is a term used for what is right or “as it should be.” Justice is one of God’s attributes …
“For their sakes I sanctify (set apart as holy) Myself, that they themselves also may be sanctified (set apart as holy) in truth.” ~Jesus
I avoid some things because they sound very geeky and smack of theology. Jesus talks about sanctification. Maybe I need …
“There is far more at stake here than religion.” ~Jesus
Jesus is not a fan of organized religion and the elite attitudes that go with it. Jesus is in favor …
Son of God — God Proclaims it and Jesus the Messiah Affirms It
Jesus, the Messiah, is the Son of God. God says it and Jesus affirms it. As the Apostle John says …
“Before you know it, his justice will triumph; the mere sound of his name will signal hope, even among far-off unbelievers.” ~Isaiah about Jesus
I need to find more hope. God is good and in a good mood. Justice, while lacking here some days, will be done. …
Prophet — Jesus is the Rejected Prophet of God
God had told Moses that someday He would send another prophet to Israel, “and I will put my words in …
“Then there’s only one thing left to do: Sell everything you own and give it away to the poor. You will have riches in heaven. Then come, follow me.” ~Jesus
Where is my treasure? What is important to me? Is Jesus my Master? Jesus told us to “store up for …
“Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life.” ~Jesus
There are a lot of details to life. What to eat. What to wear. Which way to drive to work. …
Truth — As Opposed to Falsehood and Lies
Truth as opposed to falsehood and lies. Truth may be used to convey a sense of being in accordance with fact …
“Be brave. Be strong. Don’t give up. Expect God to get here soon.” ~King David
Now here is some good news. God is going to take care of me. My job is to love God. …
Lamb — Jesus the Messiah is Likened to a Lamb
I don’t get it. What is the big deal about Jesus being the lamb of God? They are cute and …
“Behold, your mother!” ~Jesus
Consider the tenderness of Jesus the Messiah. Everywhere we turn, Jesus is moved and full of compassion. Jesus shows the goodness of …
Discipleship – Joy is a Benefit and Results from Being a Disciple
Joy is closely related to gladness and happiness, although joy is more a state of being than an emotion; a …
New Covenant — Jesus the Messiah, the Mediator of the New Covenant Sealed in Jesus Blood
What is a covenant? A covenant (διαθήκη diathēkē) is an agreement or contract between two parties. In the scriptures, it …
“The world is against me because I expose the evil behind its pretensions.” ~Jesus
Jesus stands firm against evil. Jesus challenges me to do the same. As God’s child, I walk according to this …
Denial of Jesus — The Jewish People Rejected Jesus
Denial is the making of a conscious, informed decision not to accept Jesus as the Messiah or his claims and …
“Jesus came and preached peace to you who were far away, and peace to those who were near.” ~Apostle Paul
Prophecies of peace are fulfilled in the coming of Jesus the Messiah. Peace is real. Jesus wants me to experience peace. …
“Be very careful. Keep a sharp eye out for the contaminating yeast of the Baptist, Methodist, Episcopals, Lutherans or the Catholics. Also the yeast of Obama, Cruz, Sanders, Clinton or Trump.” ~Jesus
This is a special message for our current toxic political and religious environment. Jesus has something to say about all …
“This has to be the Son of God!” ~Roman Captain at the Crucifixion
A crucifixion is a most painful, cruel and protracted form of execution which involved the victim being roped or nailed …
Does Jesus really mean what He is saying? Am I “buying it” at all? Is there good news?
I know what Jesus is saying. I say “is” in the present tense. I hear Him. The questions are these: …
Listening — To Jesus the Messiah
What does Jesus want from me? Jesus wants me to listen. Jesus wants me to be a good and faithful servant. …
“Teacher, do You not care that we are perishing?” ~Disciples to Jesus
How important is rest? God needed it and got it. Jesus needed it and got it. Even in the middle of a …
“You have neglected the more important matters of the law — justice, mercy and faithfulness.” ~Jesus
How is God’s justice declared? Justice is a term used for what is right or “as it should be.” Justice is …
“My time is not yet here, but your time is always opportune.” ~Jesus
Jesus the Messiah’s life was lived under the shadow of the cross. He was concerned that people should understand his …
Obedience — Jesus the Messiah is Totally Obedient to His Father’s Will
I have a lot to learn about obedience. I have a great teacher in Jesus the Messiah. Jesus “learned obedience” …
“A disciple is not above his teacher, nor a slave above his master.” ~Jesus
Jesus is my Master. Jesus owns me. I am His slave. I should be happy with that being enough. This …
“The people have been like spoiled children whining to their parents.” ~Jesus
Am I to be a child in my understanding of Jesus? We all know what whining children are like. I …
“Hard trials and temptations are bound to come, but woe to him for whoever brings them on!” ~Jesus
Life is tough. Jesus knows that. He really knows that. Jesus has a warning. Am I ready to hear it? …
“Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his life for his friends.” ~Jesus the Messiah
Is there Good News? There is good news. The Word of God and Jesus offers an understanding of the source, character, …
“It is better for you to lose one of the parts of your body, than for your whole body to be thrown into hell.” ~Jesus
According to the Bible, though, hell is just as real as heaven. The Bible clearly and explicitly teaches that hell …
Justice — A Quality Displayed in Jesus the Messiah’s Life
Justice is a term used for what is right or “as it should be.” Justice is one of God’s attributes …
“God, my God, I yelled for help and you put me together.” ~King David
God answers prayer. Mighty King David knows this in his heart. He has seen lots of trouble. God comes through. …
“Work for the food that sticks with you, food that nourishes your lasting life, food the Son of Man provides.” ~Jesus
Jesus is going to declare something. It is going to be bold. It is being set up by this conversation. …
“We don’t want the crowds up in arms” ~Religious Leaders
The religious leaders wanted to kill Jesus. They would. The religious elites just didn’t want people to be upset about …
“When you do all the things which are commanded you, say, ‘We are unworthy slaves; we have done only that which we ought to have done.’ ”
I am a slave of Jesus. Jesus is my Master (aka Lord). Jesus owns me. I have to be clear about …
“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 …
“But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but the Father alone.” ~Jesus
God is God. No one else is. God alone is in control. God is Great and God is Good. I …
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 …
I am a Devoted Slave of Jesus, the Messiah
My role is one of a slave. I am a devoted slave of Jesus, the Messiah. Really? Yes, a slave. …
Glory — It Existed in Jesus the Messiah Before His Incarnation
Jesus the Messiah’s beauty, radiance and splendor reflects the glory of the Father. It is both revealed to and reflected …
“Jesus rejoiced, exuberant in the Holy Spirit!” ~Luke
Jesus rejoiced. Jesus is exuberant in the Holy Spirit. Jesus came to usher in the Kingdom of God in the …
“Don’t think you have to put on a fund-raising campaign before you start.” ~Jesus
The continuation of Jesus the Messiah’s mission is through his followers. Believers are empowered by the Holy Spirit and sent …
“What kind of a man is this, that even the winds and the sea obey Him?” ~Disciples of Jesus
God is God and God is great. God empowered his son Jesus. There are so many amazing and supernatural acts …
Victory — It is Complete in Jesus as He defeated Temptation
Jesus the Messiah triumphs over and disarms all the powers of evil arrayed against him. Jesus has won the victory. …
“A slave of the Messiah Jesus …” ~Apostle Paul
How did Paul see himself? Paul saw himself as a slave of Jesus. This is not a fluke. Paul also …
“You are masters at making yourselves look good in front of others, but God knows what’s behind the appearance.” ~Jesus
Am I a master at making myself look good? What Jesus has to say to the religious elites (aka Pharisees) …
“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 …
Jesus is the Messiah — Are you sure it isn’t Mr. Christ?
We hear Jesus Christ all the time. Sometimes it is even said in a profane way. So, is it the …
“For everything created by God is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with gratitude.” ~Apostle Paul
God is good — We see it in his work of creation I have good news. God is God and perfect. …
“In Jesus you have been made complete, and He is the head over all rule and authority.” ~Apostle Paul
What gives Jesus the right to speak and act on his Father’s behalf in forgiving sin, pronouncing judgment and promising …
Resurrection of Jesus the Messiah — It is Foretold In Scripture
Scripture presents conclusive evidence that Jesus the Messiah was in fact resurrected from the dead to an incorruptible body. The …
“Hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us.” ~Apostle Paul
Am I wrong to hope? Now this is amazing. I am not disappointed when I hope. In my hope, I …
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 …
