Members phkrause Posted April 8, 2011 Author Members Posted April 8, 2011 April 7, 2011 Daniel 3:1-30 (Good News Translation) God’s Word Goes Forth: Trust in God’s Promises Introduction Daniel 3:1-30: King Nebuchadnezzar orders a gold statue to be built and commands all people to worship it. Three Jewish court officials, Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, refuse. The king has them thrown into a fiery furnace, and then is amazed to see them walking in the furnace, unburned. More amazing still, is the sight of an angel with them. The king calls them out of the furnace and praises their God and their faithfulness. Today’s Scripture: Daniel 3:28 “Praise the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego! He sent his angel and rescued these men who serve and trust him. They disobeyed my orders and risked their lives rather than bow down and worship any god except their own.” Today’s Reading 1 King Nebuchadnezzar had a gold statue made, ninety feet high and nine feet wide, and he had it set up in the plain of Dura in the province of Babylon. 2 Then the king gave orders for all his officials to come together—the princes, governors, lieutenant governors, commissioners, treasurers, judges, magistrates, and all the other officials of the provinces. They were to attend the dedication of the statue which King Nebuchadnezzar had set up. 3 When all these officials gathered for the dedication and stood in front of the statue, 4 a herald announced in a loud voice, “People of all nations, races, and languages! 5 You will hear the sound of the trumpets, followed by the playing of oboes, lyres, zithers, and harps; and then all the other instruments will join in. As soon as the music starts, you are to bow down and worship the gold statue that King Nebuchadnezzar has set up. 6 Anyone who does not bow down and worship will immediately be thrown into a blazing furnace. ” 7 And so, as soon as they heard the sound of the instruments, the people of all the nations, races, and languages bowed down and worshiped the gold statue which King Nebuchadnezzar had set up. 8 It was then that some Babylonians took the opportunity to denounce the Jews. 9 They said to King Nebuchadnezzar, “May Your Majesty live forever! 10 Your Majesty has issued an order that as soon as the music starts, everyone is to bow down and worship the gold statue, 11 and that anyone who does not bow down and worship it is to be thrown into a blazing furnace. 12 There are some Jews whom you put in charge of the province of Babylon—Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego—who are disobeying Your Majesty's orders. They do not worship your god or bow down to the statue you set up. ” 13 At that, the king flew into a rage and ordered the three men to be brought before him. 14 He said to them, “Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, is it true that you refuse to worship my god and to bow down to the gold statue I have set up? 15 Now then, as soon as you hear the sound of the trumpets, oboes, lyres, zithers, harps, and all the other instruments, bow down and worship the statue. If you do not, you will immediately be thrown into a blazing furnace. Do you think there is any god who can save you? ” 16 Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego answered, “Your Majesty, we will not try to defend ourselves. 17 If the God whom we serve is able to save us from the blazing furnace and from your power, then he will. 18 But even if he doesn't, Your Majesty may be sure that we will not worship your god, and we will not bow down to the gold statue that you have set up. ” 19 Then Nebuchadnezzar lost his temper, and his face turned red with anger at Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. So he ordered the furnace to be heated seven times hotter than usual. 20 And he commanded the strongest men in his army to tie the three men up and throw them into the blazing furnace. 21 So they tied them up, fully dressed—shirts, robes, caps, and all—and threw them into the blazing furnace. 22 Now because the king had given strict orders for the furnace to be made extremely hot, the flames burned up the guards who took the men to the furnace. 23 Then Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, still tied up, fell into the heart of the blazing fire. 24 Suddenly Nebuchadnezzar leaped to his feet in amazement. He asked his officials, “Didn't we tie up three men and throw them into the blazing furnace?” They answered, “Yes, we did, Your Majesty.” 25 “Then why do I see four men walking around in the fire?” he asked. “They are not tied up, and they show no sign of being hurt—and the fourth one looks like an angel.” 26 So Nebuchadnezzar went up to the door of the blazing furnace and called out, “Shadrach! Meshach! Abednego! Servants of the Supreme God! Come out!” And they came out at once. 27 All the princes, governors, lieutenant governors, and other officials of the king gathered to look at the three men, who had not been harmed by the fire. Their hair was not singed, their clothes were not burned, and there was no smell of smoke on them. 28 The king said, “Praise the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego! He sent his angel and rescued these men who serve and trust him. They disobeyed my orders and risked their lives rather than bow down and worship any god except their own. 29 “And now I command that if anyone of any nation, race, or language speaks disrespectfully of the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, he is to be torn limb from limb, and his house is to be made a pile of ruins. There is no other god who can rescue like this.” 30 And the king promoted Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego to higher positions in the province of Babylon. Reflect Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego were Jews living in exile in Babylon. They lived among people who had different gods and observed different religious practices. How do you think they felt when they were pressured to worship a statue? What helps you stay true to your faith when you feel pressure to compromise your values? Pray Almighty God, strengthen my faith today. Deepen my faith in moments of temptation, and make me ever confident in your love and protection. Surround me with your care today. Amen. Prayer Concern Those suffering from the nuclear disaster in Japan Quote phkrause When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; But when a wicked man rules, the people groan. Proverbs 29;2
Members phkrause Posted April 8, 2011 Author Members Posted April 8, 2011 April 8, 2011 Daniel 6:1-28 (Good News Translation) God’s Word Goes Forth: Trust in God’s Promises Introduction Daniel 6:1-28: Daniel becomes a strong leader in Babylon. Other government leaders conspire to undermine him. They ask King Darius to order that for thirty days, no one request anything from any god except the king. Darius signs the order, but Daniel continues praying to God. He is thrown into a pit of lions, but God’s angels save him from harm. Darius marvels at this miracle and praises God. Today’s Scripture: Daniel 6:26 “I command that throughout my empire everyone should fear and respect Daniel’s God. He is a living God, and he will rule forever. His kingdom will never be destroyed, and his power will never come to an end.” Today’s Reading 1 Darius decided to appoint a hundred and twenty governors to hold office throughout his empire. 2 In addition, he chose Daniel and two others to supervise the governors and to look after the king's interests. 3 Daniel soon showed that he could do better work than the other supervisors or the governors. Because he was so outstanding, the king considered putting him in charge of the whole empire. 4 Then the other supervisors and the governors tried to find something wrong with the way Daniel administered the empire, but they couldn't, because Daniel was reliable and did not do anything wrong or dishonest. 5 They said to each other, “We are not going to find anything of which to accuse Daniel unless it is something in connection with his religion.” 6 So they went to see the king and said, “King Darius, may Your Majesty live forever! 7 All of us who administer your empire—the supervisors, the governors, the lieutenant governors, and the other officials—have agreed that Your Majesty should issue an order and enforce it strictly. Give orders that for thirty days no one be permitted to request anything from any god or from any human being except from Your Majesty. Anyone who violates this order is to be thrown into a pit filled with lions. 8 So let Your Majesty issue this order and sign it, and it will be in force, a law of the Medes and Persians, which cannot be changed. ” 9 And so King Darius signed the order. 10 When Daniel learned that the order had been signed, he went home. In an upstairs room of his house there were windows that faced toward Jerusalem. There, just as he had always done, he knelt down at the open windows and prayed to God three times a day. 11 When Daniel's enemies observed him praying to God, 12 all of them went together to the king to accuse Daniel. They said, “Your Majesty, you signed an order that for the next thirty days anyone who requested anything from any god or from any human being except you, would be thrown into a pit filled with lions.” The king replied, “Yes, that is a strict order, a law of the Medes and Persians, which cannot be changed.” 13 Then they said to the king, “Daniel, one of the exiles from Judah, does not respect Your Majesty or obey the order you issued. He prays regularly three times a day.” 14 When the king heard this, he was upset and did his best to find some way to rescue Daniel. He kept trying until sunset. 15 Then Daniel's enemies came back to the king and said to him, “Your Majesty knows that according to the laws of the Medes and Persians no order which the king issues can be changed.” 16 So the king gave orders for Daniel to be taken and thrown into the pit filled with lions. He said to Daniel, “May your God, whom you serve so loyally, rescue you.” 17 A stone was put over the mouth of the pit, and the king placed his own royal seal and the seal of his noblemen on the stone, so that no one could rescue Daniel. 18 Then the king returned to the palace and spent a sleepless night, without food or any form of entertainment. 19 At dawn the king got up and hurried to the pit. 20 When he got there, he called out anxiously, “Daniel, servant of the living God! Was the God you serve so loyally able to save you from the lions?” 21 Daniel answered, “May Your Majesty live forever! 22 God sent his angel to shut the mouths of the lions so that they would not hurt me. He did this because he knew that I was innocent and because I have not wronged you, Your Majesty. ” 23 The king was overjoyed and gave orders for Daniel to be pulled up out of the pit. So they pulled him up and saw that he had not been hurt at all, for he trusted God. 24 Then the king gave orders to arrest all those who had accused Daniel, and he had them thrown, together with their wives and children, into the pit filled with lions. Before they even reached the bottom of the pit, the lions pounced on them and broke all their bones. 25 Then King Darius wrote to the people of all nations, races, and languages on earth: “Greetings! 26 I command that throughout my empire everyone should fear and respect Daniel's God. He is a living God, and he will rule forever. His kingdom will never be destroyed, and his power will never come to an end. 27 He saves and rescues; he performs wonders and miracles in heaven and on earth. He saved Daniel from being killed by the lions. ” 28 Daniel prospered during the reign of Darius and the reign of Cyrus the Persian. Reflect On what grounds did Daniel’s fellow officials try to get the king to get rid of Daniel? What was King Darius’ reaction to the news that Daniel had broken his new decree? What was his reaction to Daniel being saved? What is your reaction to this story? Pray Merciful God, make me like your servant Daniel, honest, reliable, and ever faithful. Be present with all who suffer unbearable injustice. Strengthen their confidence in you. Amen. Prayer Concern Refugees Quote phkrause When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; But when a wicked man rules, the people groan. Proverbs 29;2
Members phkrause Posted April 9, 2011 Author Members Posted April 9, 2011 April 9, 2011 John 5:1-18 (Good News Translation) God’s Word Goes Forth: Trust in God’s Promises Introduction John 5:1-18: In today’s passage, Jesus heals a sick man, then tells him to pick up his mat and walk. Jewish leaders criticize the man for carrying his mat on the Sabbath. Soon they start making trouble for Jesus because he does things that are considered work on the Sabbath. But Jesus says he is acting on God’s authority rather than his own. Today’s Scripture: John 5:8, 9 Jesus said to him, “Get up, pick up your mat, and walk.” Immediately the man got well; he picked up his mat and started walking. The day this happened was a Sabbath. Today’s Reading 1 After this, Jesus went to Jerusalem for a religious festival. 2 Near the Sheep Gate in Jerusalem there is a pool with five porches; in Hebrew it is called Bethzatha. 3 A large crowd of sick people were lying on the porches—the blind, the lame, and the paralyzed. 5 A man was there who had been sick for thirty-eight years. 6 Jesus saw him lying there, and he knew that the man had been sick for such a long time; so he asked him, “Do you want to get well?” 7 The sick man answered, “Sir, I don't have anyone here to put me in the pool when the water is stirred up; while I am trying to get in, somebody else gets there first.” 8 Jesus said to him, “Get up, pick up your mat, and walk.” 9 Immediately the man got well; he picked up his mat and started walking. The day this happened was a Sabbath, 10 so the Jewish authorities told the man who had been healed, “This is a Sabbath, and it is against our Law for you to carry your mat.” 11 He answered, “The man who made me well told me to pick up my mat and walk.” 12 They asked him, “Who is the man who told you to do this?” 13 But the man who had been healed did not know who Jesus was, for there was a crowd in that place, and Jesus had slipped away. 14 Afterward, Jesus found him in the Temple and said, “Listen, you are well now; so stop sinning or something worse may happen to you.” 15 Then the man left and told the Jewish authorities that it was Jesus who had healed him. 16 So they began to persecute Jesus, because he had done this healing on a Sabbath. 17 Jesus answered them, “My Father is always working, and I too must work.” 18 This saying made the Jewish authorities all the more determined to kill him; not only had he broken the Sabbath law, but he had said that God was his own Father and in this way had made himself equal with God. Reflect Jewish law forbade Jews and their servants from working on the Sabbath (Exodus 20:8-11; Deuteronomy 5:12-15). But Jesus told the sick man to pick up his mat and walk, even though it was the Sabbath. Why do you think Jesus interpreted Sabbath law differently than the other Jewish leaders? What sources do you use to help you interpret God’s call? Pray God who grants wisdom, I want to understand your will and your call in my life. Help me to interpret your Word in truth, and fill me with your Spirit as I try to walk in your way. Amen. Prayer Concern All who are sick Quote phkrause When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; But when a wicked man rules, the people groan. Proverbs 29;2
Members phkrause Posted April 11, 2011 Author Members Posted April 11, 2011 April 10, 2011 John 5:19-47 (Good News Translation) God’s Word Goes Forth: Trust in God’s Promises Introduction John 5:19-47: Jesus claims his authority as God’s Son. He says that God works through him, and that refusing to honor Jesus is the same as refusing to honor God. Jesus says that his works prove that God sent him. Then he tells the Jewish leaders that they do not really love God. Today’s Scripture: John 5:30 “I can do nothing on my own authority; I judge only as God tells me, so my judgment is right, because I am not trying to do what I want, but only what he who sent me wants.” Today’s Reading 19 So Jesus answered them, “I tell you the truth: the Son can do nothing on his own; he does only what he sees his Father doing. What the Father does, the Son also does. 20 For the Father loves the Son and shows him all that he himself is doing. He will show him even greater things to do than this, and you will all be amazed. 21 Just as the Father raises the dead and gives them life, in the same way the Son gives life to those he wants to. 22 Nor does the Father himself judge anyone. He has given his Son the full right to judge, 23 so that all will honor the Son in the same way as they honor the Father. Whoever does not honor the Son does not honor the Father who sent him. 24 I am telling you the truth: those who hear my words and believe in him who sent me have eternal life. They will not be judged, but have already passed from death to life. 25 I am telling you the truth: the time is coming—the time has already come—when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God, and those who hear it will come to life. 26 Just as the Father is himself the source of life, in the same way he has made his Son to be the source of life. 27 And he has given the Son the right to judge, because he is the Son of Man. 28 Do not be surprised at this; the time is coming when all the dead will hear his voice 29 and come out of their graves: those who have done good will rise and live, and those who have done evil will rise and be condemned. 30 I can do nothing on my own authority; I judge only as God tells me, so my judgment is right, because I am not trying to do what I want, but only what he who sent me wants. 31 If I testify on my own behalf, what I say is not to be accepted as real proof. 32 But there is someone else who testifies on my behalf, and I know that what he says about me is true. 33 John is the one to whom you sent your messengers, and he spoke on behalf of the truth. 34 It is not that I must have a human witness; I say this only in order that you may be saved. 35 John was like a lamp, burning and shining, and you were willing for a while to enjoy his light. 36 But I have a witness on my behalf which is even greater than the witness that John gave: what I do, that is, the deeds my Father gave me to do, these speak on my behalf and show that the Father has sent me. 37 And the Father, who sent me, also testifies on my behalf. You have never heard his voice or seen his face, 38 and you do not keep his message in your hearts, for you do not believe in the one whom he sent. 39 You study the Scriptures, because you think that in them you will find eternal life. And these very Scriptures speak about me! 40 Yet you are not willing to come to me in order to have life. 41 I am not looking for human praise. 42 But I know what kind of people you are, and I know that you have no love for God in your hearts. 43 I have come with my Father's authority, but you have not received me; when, however, someone comes with his own authority, you will receive him. 44 You like to receive praise from one another, but you do not try to win praise from the one who alone is God; how, then, can you believe me? 45 Do not think, however, that I am the one who will accuse you to my Father. Moses, in whom you have put your hope, is the very one who will accuse you. 46 If you had really believed Moses, you would have believed me, because he wrote about me. 47 But since you do not believe what he wrote, how can you believe what I say? ” Reflect For Jesus to call God his Father was to claim a special relationship with God and authority in relation to God’s people. Since the Jewish leaders believed no human being could be equal with God, they thought Jesus was dishonoring the Law of Moses by saying God was his Father. Why did Jewish leaders respond to Jesus the way they did? What do you think it would have taken for them to understand who he was? Why do we sometimes fail to recognize God in our midst? Pray Holy God, you surround my life with your love. Open my eyes that I may experience your transforming presence in my life and respond with faithful obedience. Amen. Prayer Concern Relief workers Quote phkrause When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; But when a wicked man rules, the people groan. Proverbs 29;2
Members phkrause Posted April 12, 2011 Author Members Posted April 12, 2011 April 11, 2011 John 6:1-24 (Good News Translation) God’s Word Goes Forth: Trust in God’s Promises Introduction John 6:1-24: Jesus performs a miracle, feeding more than five thousand people with five loaves of bread and two fish. The people eat all they want, and there are twelve baskets of leftovers. That evening, as Jesus’ disciples sail to Capernaum, they see Jesus walking on the stormy waters. Today’s Scripture: John 6:11 Jesus took the bread, gave thanks to God, and distributed it to the people who were sitting there. He did the same with the fish, and they all had as much as they wanted. Today’s Reading 1 After this, Jesus went across Lake Galilee (or, Lake Tiberias, as it is also called). 2 A large crowd followed him, because they had seen his miracles of healing the sick. 3 Jesus went up a hill and sat down with his disciples. 4 The time for the Passover Festival was near. 5 Jesus looked around and saw that a large crowd was coming to him, so he asked Philip, “Where can we buy enough food to feed all these people?” ( 6 He said this to test Philip; actually he already knew what he would do.) 7 Philip answered, “For everyone to have even a little, it would take more than two hundred silver coins to buy enough bread. ” 8 Another one of his disciples, Andrew, who was Simon Peter's brother, said, 9 “There is a boy here who has five loaves of barley bread and two fish. But they will certainly not be enough for all these people.” 10 “Make the people sit down,” Jesus told them. (There was a lot of grass there.) So all the people sat down; there were about five thousand men. 11 Jesus took the bread, gave thanks to God, and distributed it to the people who were sitting there. He did the same with the fish, and they all had as much as they wanted. 12 When they were all full, he said to his disciples, “Gather the pieces left over; let us not waste a bit.” 13 So they gathered them all and filled twelve baskets with the pieces left over from the five barley loaves which the people had eaten. 14 Seeing this miracle that Jesus had performed, the people there said, “Surely this is the Prophet who was to come into the world! ” 15 Jesus knew that they were about to come and seize him in order to make him king by force; so he went off again to the hills by himself. 16 When evening came, Jesus' disciples went down to the lake, 17 got into a boat, and went back across the lake toward Capernaum. Night came on, and Jesus still had not come to them. 18 By then a strong wind was blowing and stirring up the water. 19 The disciples had rowed about three or four miles when they saw Jesus walking on the water, coming near the boat, and they were terrified. 20 “Don't be afraid,” Jesus told them, “it is I!” 21 Then they willingly took him into the boat, and immediately the boat reached land at the place they were heading for. 22 Next day the crowd which had stayed on the other side of the lake realized that there had been only one boat there. They knew that Jesus had not gone in it with his disciples, but that they had left without him. 23 Other boats, which were from Tiberias, came to shore near the place where the crowd had eaten the bread after the Lord had given thanks. 24 When the crowd saw that Jesus was not there, nor his disciples, they got into those boats and went to Capernaum, looking for him. Reflect How did Jesus express his concern for the crowd? How did the people get fed? In what ways are you and/or your faith community helping to alleviate hunger among the poor? What was the reaction of the disciples when they saw Jesus walking on water? How might you have reacted? Pray Lord Jesus, you are the source of life and salvation. May I feast on your Word every day and share the riches of your grace and love with others. Amen. Prayer Concern Soup kitchens and food pantries Quote phkrause When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; But when a wicked man rules, the people groan. Proverbs 29;2
Members phkrause Posted April 13, 2011 Author Members Posted April 13, 2011 April 12, 2011 John 6:25-59 (Good News Translation) God’s Word Goes Forth: Trust in God’s Promises Introduction John 6:25-59: Following the miracle of the feeding of the five thousand, the crowd goes looking for Jesus. Jesus teaches at the synagogue in Capernaum, and describes himself as “the bread of life” and the source of eternal life. Today’s Scripture: John 6:51 “I am the living bread that came down from heaven. If you eat this bread, you will live forever. The bread that I will give you is my flesh, which I give so that the world may live.” Today’s Reading 25 When the people found Jesus on the other side of the lake, they said to him, “Teacher, when did you get here?” 26 Jesus answered, “I am telling you the truth: you are looking for me because you ate the bread and had all you wanted, not because you understood my miracles. 27 Do not work for food that spoils; instead, work for the food that lasts for eternal life. This is the food which the Son of Man will give you, because God, the Father, has put his mark of approval on him. ” 28 So they asked him, “What can we do in order to do what God wants us to do?” 29 Jesus answered, “What God wants you to do is to believe in the one he sent.” 30 They replied, “What miracle will you perform so that we may see it and believe you? What will you do? 31 Our ancestors ate manna in the desert, just as the scripture says, “He gave them bread from heaven to eat.” ” 32 “I am telling you the truth,” Jesus said. “What Moses gave you was not the bread from heaven; it is my Father who gives you the real bread from heaven. 33 For the bread that God gives is he who comes down from heaven and gives life to the world. ” 34 “Sir,” they asked him, “give us this bread always.” 35 “I am the bread of life,” Jesus told them. “Those who come to me will never be hungry; those who believe in me will never be thirsty. 36 Now, I told you that you have seen me but will not believe. 37 Everyone whom my Father gives me will come to me. I will never turn away anyone who comes to me, 38 because I have come down from heaven to do not my own will but the will of him who sent me. 39 And it is the will of him who sent me that I should not lose any of all those he has given me, but that I should raise them all to life on the last day. 40 For what my Father wants is that all who see the Son and believe in him should have eternal life. And I will raise them to life on the last day. ” 41 The people started grumbling about him, because he said, “I am the bread that came down from heaven.” 42 So they said, “This man is Jesus son of Joseph, isn't he? We know his father and mother. How, then, does he now say he came down from heaven?” 43 Jesus answered, “Stop grumbling among yourselves. 44 People cannot come to me unless the Father who sent me draws them to me; and I will raise them to life on the last day. 45 The prophets wrote, “Everyone will be taught by God.” Anyone who hears the Father and learns from him comes to me. 46 This does not mean that anyone has seen the Father; he who is from God is the only one who has seen the Father. 47 I am telling you the truth: he who believes has eternal life. 48 I am the bread of life. 49 Your ancestors ate manna in the desert, but they died. 50 But the bread that comes down from heaven is of such a kind that whoever eats it will not die. 51 I am the living bread that came down from heaven. If you eat this bread, you will live forever. The bread that I will give you is my flesh, which I give so that the world may live. ” 52 This started an angry argument among them. “How can this man give us his flesh to eat?” they asked. 53 Jesus said to them, “I am telling you the truth: if you do not eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you will not have life in yourselves. 54 Those who eat my flesh and drink my blood have eternal life, and I will raise them to life on the last day. 55 For my flesh is the real food; my blood is the real drink. 56 Those who eat my flesh and drink my blood live in me, and I live in them. 57 The living Father sent me, and because of him I live also. In the same way whoever eats me will live because of me. 58 This, then, is the bread that came down from heaven; it is not like the bread that your ancestors ate, but then later died. Those who eat this bread will live forever. ” 59 Jesus said this as he taught in the synagogue in Capernaum. Reflect Why did the crowd go to Capernaum looking for Jesus? How did Jesus respond to their questions? What caused the crowd to become angry? What does it means to you to eat of the bread that Jesus describes? Pray Lord Jesus, you came from heaven and are the true bread that gives life to the world. Thank you for your gracious sustenance. Help me to know new life through you. Amen. Prayer Concern Wheat farmers recovering from drought in China Quote phkrause When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; But when a wicked man rules, the people groan. Proverbs 29;2
Members phkrause Posted April 14, 2011 Author Members Posted April 14, 2011 April 13, 2011 John 6:60-7:24 (Good News Translation) God’s Word Goes Forth: Trust in God’s Promises Introduction John 6:60-7:24: Jesus’ followers experience a sense of disillusionment. Some complain, some refuse to believe, and some reject him. Yet Simon Peter affirms that Jesus knows the way to eternal life. Later, Jesus teaches at the Temple during the Festival of Shelters. Today’s Scripture: John 6:68, 69 “Lord, to whom would we go? You have the words that give eternal life. And now we believe and know that you are the Holy One who has come from God.” Today’s Reading 60 Many of his followers heard this and said, “This teaching is too hard. Who can listen to it?” 61 Without being told, Jesus knew that they were grumbling about this, so he said to them, “Does this make you want to give up? 62 Suppose, then, that you should see the Son of Man go back up to the place where he was before? 63 What gives life is God's Spirit; human power is of no use at all. The words I have spoken to you bring God's life-giving Spirit. 64 Yet some of you do not believe. ” (Jesus knew from the very beginning who were the ones that would not believe and which one would betray him.) 65 And he added, “This is the very reason I told you that no people can come to me unless the Father makes it possible for them to do so.” 66 Because of this, many of Jesus' followers turned back and would not go with him any more. 67 So he asked the twelve disciples, “And you—would you also like to leave?” 68 Simon Peter answered him, “Lord, to whom would we go? You have the words that give eternal life. 69 And now we believe and know that you are the Holy One who has come from God. ” 70 Jesus replied, “I chose the twelve of you, didn't I? Yet one of you is a devil!” 71 He was talking about Judas, the son of Simon Iscariot. For Judas, even though he was one of the twelve disciples, was going to betray him. 1 After this, Jesus traveled in Galilee; he did not want to travel in Judea, because the Jewish authorities there were wanting to kill him. 2 The time for the Festival of Shelters was near, 3 so Jesus' brothers said to him, “Leave this place and go to Judea, so that your followers will see the things that you are doing. 4 People don't hide what they are doing if they want to be well known. Since you are doing these things, let the whole world know about you! ” ( 5 Not even his brothers believed in him.) 6 Jesus said to them, “The right time for me has not yet come. Any time is right for you. 7 The world cannot hate you, but it hates me, because I keep telling it that its ways are bad. 8 You go on to the festival. I am not going to this festival, because the right time has not come for me. ” 9 He said this and then stayed on in Galilee. 10 After his brothers had gone to the festival, Jesus also went; however, he did not go openly, but secretly. 11 The Jewish authorities were looking for him at the festival. “Where is he?” they asked. 12 There was much whispering about him in the crowd. “He is a good man,” some people said. “No,” others said, “he fools the people.” 13 But no one talked about him openly, because they were afraid of the Jewish authorities. 14 The festival was nearly half over when Jesus went to the Temple and began teaching. 15 The Jewish authorities were greatly surprised and said, “How does this man know so much when he has never been to school?” 16 Jesus answered, “What I teach is not my own teaching, but it comes from God, who sent me. 17 Whoever is willing to do what God wants will know whether what I teach comes from God or whether I speak on my own authority. 18 Those who speak on their own authority are trying to gain glory for themselves. But he who wants glory for the one who sent him is honest, and there is nothing false in him. 19 Moses gave you the Law, didn't he? But not one of you obeys the Law. Why are you trying to kill me? ” 20 “You have a demon in you!” the crowd answered. “Who is trying to kill you?” 21 Jesus answered, “I performed one miracle, and you were all surprised. 22 Moses ordered you to circumcise your sons (although it was not Moses but your ancestors who started it), and so you circumcise a boy on the Sabbath. 23 If a boy is circumcised on the Sabbath so that Moses' Law is not broken, why are you angry with me because I made a man completely well on the Sabbath? 24 Stop judging by external standards, and judge by true standards. ” Reflect Why did some followers turn away from Jesus? What prompted Simon Peter to say that he would follow Jesus? Why did Jesus call one of his disciple a “devil”? Are you surprised to learn that Jesus’ own people did not believe in him? What do their remarks say about their relationship with Jesus? Pray Lord Jesus, I want to follow you. Whenever I grumble or complain, remind me of your saving love. Strengthen my relationship with my family, that it may reflect the love between you and God. Amen. Prayer Concern Siblings who are estranged Quote phkrause When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; But when a wicked man rules, the people groan. Proverbs 29;2
Members phkrause Posted April 14, 2011 Author Members Posted April 14, 2011 April 14, 2011 John 7:25-52 (Good News Translation) God’s Word Goes Forth: Trust in God’s Promises Introduction John 7:25-52: Jesus continues teaching at the temple, and people are confused about who he is. Guards are sent to arrest him, but the power of his words seems to prevent them from doing it. People are divided as to whether or not Jesus is the Messiah. Today’s Scripture: 7:37b, 38 “Whoever is thirsty should come to me, and whoever believes in me should drink. As the scripture says, “Streams of life-giving water will pour out from his side.” Today’s Reading 25 Some of the people of Jerusalem said, “Isn't this the man the authorities are trying to kill? 26 Look! He is talking in public, and they say nothing against him! Can it be that they really know that he is the Messiah? 27 But when the Messiah comes, no one will know where he is from. And we all know where this man comes from. ” 28 As Jesus taught in the Temple, he said in a loud voice, “Do you really know me and know where I am from? I have not come on my own authority. He who sent me, however, is truthful. You do not know him, 29 but I know him, because I come from him and he sent me. ” 30 Then they tried to seize him, but no one laid a hand on him, because his hour had not yet come. 31 But many in the crowd believed in him and said, “When the Messiah comes, will he perform more miracles than this man has?” 32 The Pharisees heard the crowd whispering these things about Jesus, so they and the chief priests sent some guards to arrest him. 33 Jesus said, “I shall be with you a little while longer, and then I shall go away to him who sent me. 34 You will look for me, but you will not find me, because you cannot go where I will be. ” 35 The Jewish authorities said among themselves, “Where is he about to go so that we shall not find him? Will he go to the Greek cities where our people live, and teach the Greeks? 36 He says that we will look for him but will not find him, and that we cannot go where he will be. What does he mean? ” 37 On the last and most important day of the festival Jesus stood up and said in a loud voice, “Whoever is thirsty should come to me, and 38 whoever believes in me should drink. As the scripture says, “Streams of life-giving water will pour out from his side.” ” 39 Jesus said this about the Spirit, which those who believed in him were going to receive. At that time the Spirit had not yet been given, because Jesus had not been raised to glory. 40 Some of the people in the crowd heard him say this and said, “This man is really the Prophet!” 41 Others said, “He is the Messiah!” But others said, “The Messiah will not come from Galilee! 42 The scripture says that the Messiah will be a descendant of King David and will be born in Bethlehem, the town where David lived. ” 43 So there was a division in the crowd because of Jesus. 44 Some wanted to seize him, but no one laid a hand on him. 45 When the guards went back, the chief priests and Pharisees asked them, “Why did you not bring him?” 46 The guards answered, “Nobody has ever talked the way this man does!” 47 “Did he fool you, too?” the Pharisees asked them. 48 “Have you ever known one of the authorities or one Pharisee to believe in him? 49 This crowd does not know the Law of Moses, so they are under God's curse! ” 50 One of the Pharisees there was Nicodemus, the man who had gone to see Jesus before. He said to the others, 51 “According to our Law we cannot condemn people before hearing them and finding out what they have done.” 52 “Well,” they answered, “are you also from Galilee? Study the Scriptures and you will learn that no prophet ever comes from Galilee. ” Reflect What did Jesus say that confused the religious authorities? How did the authorities seek to discredit him? What caused the division among the people? Who spoke up for Jesus? Why? Has your faith ever been challenged? How did you react? Pray Jesus Christ, the giver of life, you offer life-giving water for my thirsty soul. Enlighten my mind with your teachings and strengthen my faith in you. I love you and praise your holy name. Amen. Prayer Concern All who yearn to understand God’s Word Quote phkrause When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; But when a wicked man rules, the people groan. Proverbs 29;2
Members phkrause Posted April 16, 2011 Author Members Posted April 16, 2011 April 15, 2011 John 11:1-44 (Good News Translation) God’s Word Goes Forth: Trust in God’s Promises Introduction John 11:1-44: Jesus receives word that his friend Lazarus is ill. Yet he delays going to Bethany. When Jesus does decide to travel to Judea, it is with an awareness that he is the target of death threats. When he arrives, Lazarus is already dead. Jesus raises him to life. Today’s Scripture: John 11:25, 26 “I am the resurrection and the life. Those who believe in me will live, even though they die; and those who live and believe in me will never die.” Today’s Reading 1 A man named Lazarus, who lived in Bethany, became sick. Bethany was the town where Mary and her sister Martha lived. ( 2 This Mary was the one who poured the perfume on the Lord's feet and wiped them with her hair; it was her brother Lazarus who was sick.) 3 The sisters sent Jesus a message: “Lord, your dear friend is sick.” 4 When Jesus heard it, he said, “The final result of this sickness will not be the death of Lazarus; this has happened in order to bring glory to God, and it will be the means by which the Son of God will receive glory.” 5 Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus. 6 Yet when he received the news that Lazarus was sick, he stayed where he was for two more days. 7 Then he said to the disciples, “Let us go back to Judea.” 8 “Teacher,” the disciples answered, “just a short time ago the people there wanted to stone you; and are you planning to go back?” 9 Jesus said, “A day has twelve hours, doesn't it? So those who walk in broad daylight do not stumble, for they see the light of this world. 10 But if they walk during the night they stumble, because they have no light. ” 11 Jesus said this and then added, “Our friend Lazarus has fallen asleep, but I will go and wake him up.” 12 The disciples answered, “If he is asleep, Lord, he will get well.” 13 Jesus meant that Lazarus had died, but they thought he meant natural sleep. 14 So Jesus told them plainly, “Lazarus is dead, 15 but for your sake I am glad that I was not with him, so that you will believe. Let us go to him. ” 16 Thomas (called the Twin) said to his fellow disciples, “Let us all go along with the Teacher, so that we may die with him!” 17 When Jesus arrived, he found that Lazarus had been buried four days before. 18 Bethany was less than two miles from Jerusalem, 19 and many Judeans had come to see Martha and Mary to comfort them about their brother's death. 20 When Martha heard that Jesus was coming, she went out to meet him, but Mary stayed in the house. 21 Martha said to Jesus, “If you had been here, Lord, my brother would not have died! 22 But I know that even now God will give you whatever you ask him for. ” 23 “Your brother will rise to life,” Jesus told her. 24 “I know,” she replied, “that he will rise to life on the last day.” 25 Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Those who believe in me will live, even though they die; 26 and those who live and believe in me will never die. Do you believe this? ” 27 “Yes, Lord!” she answered. “I do believe that you are the Messiah, the Son of God, who was to come into the world.” 28 After Martha said this, she went back and called her sister Mary privately. “The Teacher is here,” she told her, “and is asking for you.” 29 When Mary heard this, she got up and hurried out to meet him. ( 30 Jesus had not yet arrived in the village, but was still in the place where Martha had met him.) 31 The people who were in the house with Mary comforting her followed her when they saw her get up and hurry out. They thought that she was going to the grave to weep there. 32 Mary arrived where Jesus was, and as soon as she saw him, she fell at his feet. “Lord,” she said, “if you had been here, my brother would not have died!” 33 Jesus saw her weeping, and he saw how the people with her were weeping also; his heart was touched, and he was deeply moved. 34 “Where have you buried him?” he asked them. “Come and see, Lord,” they answered. 35 Jesus wept. 36 “See how much he loved him!” the people said. 37 But some of them said, “He gave sight to the blind man, didn't he? Could he not have kept Lazarus from dying?” 38 Deeply moved once more, Jesus went to the tomb, which was a cave with a stone placed at the entrance. 39 “Take the stone away!” Jesus ordered. Martha, the dead man's sister, answered, “There will be a bad smell, Lord. He has been buried four days!” 40 Jesus said to her, “Didn't I tell you that you would see God's glory if you believed?” 41 They took the stone away. Jesus looked up and said, “I thank you, Father, that you listen to me. 42 I know that you always listen to me, but I say this for the sake of the people here, so that they will believe that you sent me. ” 43 After he had said this, he called out in a loud voice, “Lazarus, come out!” 44 He came out, his hands and feet wrapped in grave cloths, and with a cloth around his face. “Untie him,” Jesus told them, “and let him go.” Reflect What did Martha and Mary say to Jesus when he arrived? What do their statements indicate abut Jesus? What did some of the mourners say? How was God’s glory revealed? Have you ever experienced a time when you felt God’s glory revealed? Pray Lord Jesus, you are the resurrection and the life. My hope and faith are in you. When I am afraid, your loving presence surrounds me and calms my fears. Glory be to you, Lord Jesus. Amen. Prayer Concern Hospice caregivers Quote phkrause When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; But when a wicked man rules, the people groan. Proverbs 29;2
Members phkrause Posted April 19, 2011 Author Members Posted April 19, 2011 April 16, 2011 John 11:45-12:11 (Good News Translation) God’s Word Goes Forth: Trust in God’s Promises Introduction John 11:45-12:11: The council began plotting Jesus’ death because they feared that if people started to worship him, the Romans would destroy the Jewish people. Jesus returns to Bethany, where Mary pours expensive oil on him in preparation for his burial. Today’s Scripture: John 12:3 Then Mary took a whole pint of a very expensive perfume made of pure nard, poured it on Jesus’ feet, and wiped them with her hair. The sweet smell of the perfume filled the whole house. Today’s Reading 45 Many of the people who had come to visit Mary saw what Jesus did, and they believed in him. 46 But some of them returned to the Pharisees and told them what Jesus had done. 47 So the Pharisees and the chief priests met with the Council and said, “What shall we do? Look at all the miracles this man is performing! 48 If we let him go on in this way, everyone will believe in him, and the Roman authorities will take action and destroy our Temple and our nation! ” 49 One of them, named Caiaphas, who was High Priest that year, said, “What fools you are! 50 Don't you realize that it is better for you to have one man die for the people, instead of having the whole nation destroyed? ” 51 Actually, he did not say this of his own accord; rather, as he was High Priest that year, he was prophesying that Jesus was going to die for the Jewish people, 52 and not only for them, but also to bring together into one body all the scattered people of God. 53 From that day on the Jewish authorities made plans to kill Jesus. 54 So Jesus did not travel openly in Judea, but left and went to a place near the desert, to a town named Ephraim, where he stayed with the disciples. 55 The time for the Passover Festival was near, and many people went up from the country to Jerusalem to perform the ritual of purification before the festival. 56 They were looking for Jesus, and as they gathered in the Temple, they asked one another, “What do you think? Surely he will not come to the festival, will he?” 57 The chief priests and the Pharisees had given orders that if anyone knew where Jesus was, he must report it, so that they could arrest him. 1 Six days before the Passover, Jesus went to Bethany, the home of Lazarus, the man he had raised from death. 2 They prepared a dinner for him there, which Martha helped serve; Lazarus was one of those who were sitting at the table with Jesus. 3 Then Mary took a whole pint of a very expensive perfume made of pure nard, poured it on Jesus' feet, and wiped them with her hair. The sweet smell of the perfume filled the whole house. 4 One of Jesus' disciples, Judas Iscariot—the one who was going to betray him—said, 5 “Why wasn't this perfume sold for three hundred silver coins and the money given to the poor? ” 6 He said this, not because he cared about the poor, but because he was a thief. He carried the money bag and would help himself from it. 7 But Jesus said, “Leave her alone! Let her keep what she has for the day of my burial. 8 You will always have poor people with you, but you will not always have me. ” 9 A large number of people heard that Jesus was in Bethany, so they went there, not only because of Jesus but also to see Lazarus, whom Jesus had raised from death. 10 So the chief priests made plans to kill Lazarus too, 11 because on his account many Jews were rejecting them and believing in Jesus. Reflect In ancient times, perfumed ointment and oil were kept in sealed jars, which could be opened only by breaking them. Such perfume was very expensive. What was Judas’ complaint? How did Jesus respond? How do you go about discerning the best way to use precious resources? Pray Loving God, in a world of scarcity, make me mindful of your great abundance. Help me discern the best uses of your resources, not for personal gain, but to share your justice, love and grace with others. Amen. Prayer Concern Those facing economic turmoil Quote phkrause When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; But when a wicked man rules, the people groan. Proverbs 29;2
Members phkrause Posted April 19, 2011 Author Members Posted April 19, 2011 April 17, 2011 Matthew 21:1-17 (Good News Translation) God’s Word Goes Forth: Trust in God’s Promises Introduction Matthew 21:1-17: Jesus enters Jerusalem on the back of a humble donkey, to the cheers of crowds. Then he chases the moneychangers from the temple and begins healing people. In doing so, he becomes a threat to the temple leadership. Today’s Scripture: Matthew 21:9b “Praise to David’s Son! God bless him who comes in the name of the Lord! Praise be to God!” Today’s Reading 1 As Jesus and his disciples approached Jerusalem, they came to Bethphage at the Mount of Olives. There Jesus sent two of the disciples on ahead 2 with these instructions: “Go to the village there ahead of you, and at once you will find a donkey tied up with her colt beside her. Untie them and bring them to me. 3 And if anyone says anything, tell him, ‘The Master needs them ’; and then he will let them go at once. ” 4 This happened in order to make come true what the prophet had said: 5 “Tell the city of Zion, Look, your king is coming to you! He is humble and rides on a donkey and on a colt, the foal of a donkey.” 6 So the disciples went and did what Jesus had told them to do: 7 they brought the donkey and the colt, threw their cloaks over them, and Jesus got on. 8 A large crowd of people spread their cloaks on the road while others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road. 9 The crowds walking in front of Jesus and those walking behind began to shout, “Praise to David's Son! God bless him who comes in the name of the Lord! Praise be to God!” 10 When Jesus entered Jerusalem, the whole city was thrown into an uproar. “Who is he?” the people asked. 11 “This is the prophet Jesus, from Nazareth in Galilee,” the crowds answered. 12 Jesus went into the Temple and drove out all those who were buying and selling there. He overturned the tables of the moneychangers and the stools of those who sold pigeons, 13 and said to them, “It is written in the Scriptures that God said, “My Temple will be called a house of prayer.” But you are making it a hideout for thieves! ” 14 The blind and the crippled came to him in the Temple, and he healed them. 15 The chief priests and the teachers of the Law became angry when they saw the wonderful things he was doing and the children shouting in the Temple, “Praise to David's Son!” 16 So they asked Jesus, “Do you hear what they are saying?” “Indeed I do,” answered Jesus. “Haven't you ever read this scripture? “You have trained children and babies to offer perfect praise.” ” 17 Jesus left them and went out of the city to Bethany, where he spent the night. Reflect Jesus’ boldness becomes a threat to the status quo of the temple community. With symbolic actions that mark the coming of God’s kingdom and call for the restoration of true worship, Jesus angers religious leaders. Has a situation ever occurred in your church that threatened the status quo? What was the outcome? How does your situation inform your understanding of this reading? Pray All-powerful God, be ever present with my community of faith. Remind us constantly how best to worship you, and empower us when change is needed. Amen. Prayer Concern Those in church leadership Quote phkrause When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; But when a wicked man rules, the people groan. Proverbs 29;2
Members phkrause Posted April 19, 2011 Author Members Posted April 19, 2011 April 18, 2011 Matthew 21:18-46 (Good News Translation) God’s Word Goes Forth: Trust in God’s Promises Introduction Matthew 21:18-46: Jesus tells a story of two sons to teach that people who repent for their sins and change their ways are welcome into God’s Kingdom. Even those who believe themselves to be religious must work to remain faithful to God’s teachings. He also tells a parable about a vineyard to teach God’s justice. Today’s Scripture: Matthew 21:42 “The stone which the builders rejected as worthless turned out to be the most important of all. This was done by the Lord; what a wonderful sight it is!” Today’s Reading 18 On his way back to the city early next morning, Jesus was hungry. 19 He saw a fig tree by the side of the road and went to it, but found nothing on it except leaves. So he said to the tree, “You will never again bear fruit!” At once the fig tree dried up. 20 The disciples saw this and were astounded. “How did the fig tree dry up so quickly?” they asked. 21 Jesus answered, “I assure you that if you believe and do not doubt, you will be able to do what I have done to this fig tree. And not only this, but you will even be able to say to this hill, “Get up and throw yourself in the sea,” and it will. 22 If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer. ” 23 Jesus came back to the Temple; and as he taught, the chief priests and the elders came to him and asked, “What right do you have to do these things? Who gave you such right?” 24 Jesus answered them, “I will ask you just one question, and if you give me an answer, I will tell you what right I have to do these things. 25 Where did John's right to baptize come from: was it from God or from human beings? ” They started to argue among themselves, “What shall we say? If we answer, “From God,” he will say to us, “Why, then, did you not believe John?” 26 But if we say, “From human beings,” we are afraid of what the people might do, because they are all convinced that John was a prophet. ” 27 So they answered Jesus, “We don't know.” And he said to them, “Neither will I tell you, then, by what right I do these things. 28 Now, what do you think? There was once a man who had two sons. He went to the older one and said, “Son, go and work in the vineyard today.” 29 “I don't want to,” he answered, but later he changed his mind and went. 30 Then the father went to the other son and said the same thing. “Yes, sir,” he answered, but he did not go. 31 Which one of the two did what his father wanted? ” “The older one,” they answered. So Jesus said to them, “I tell you: the tax collectors and the prostitutes are going into the Kingdom of God ahead of you. 32 For John the Baptist came to you showing you the right path to take, and you would not believe him; but the tax collectors and the prostitutes believed him. Even when you saw this, you did not later change your minds and believe him. 33 “Listen to another parable,” Jesus said. There was once a landowner who planted a vineyard, put a fence around it, dug a hole for the wine press, and built a watchtower. Then he rented the vineyard to tenants and left home on a trip. 34 When the time came to gather the grapes, he sent his slaves to the tenants to receive his share of the harvest. 35 The tenants grabbed his slaves, beat one, killed another, and stoned another. 36 Again the man sent other slaves, more than the first time, and the tenants treated them the same way. 37 Last of all he sent his son to them. “Surely they will respect my son,” he said. 38 But when the tenants saw the son, they said to themselves, “This is the owner's son. Come on, let's kill him, and we will get his property!” 39 So they grabbed him, threw him out of the vineyard, and killed him. 40 “Now, when the owner of the vineyard comes, what will he do to those tenants?” Jesus asked. 41 “He will certainly kill those evil men,” they answered, “and rent the vineyard out to other tenants, who will give him his share of the harvest at the right time.” 42 Jesus said to them, Haven't you ever read what the Scriptures say? ‘The stone which the builders rejected as worthless turned out to be the most important of all. This was done by the Lord; what a wonderful sight it is!’ 43 “And so I tell you,” added Jesus, “the Kingdom of God will be taken away from you and given to a people who will produce the proper fruits.” 45 The chief priests and the Pharisees heard Jesus' parables and knew that he was talking about them, 46 so they tried to arrest him. But they were afraid of the crowds, who considered Jesus to be a prophet. Reflect Have you ever been in a religious rut, going through the motions of faith but not necessarily being present in it? Holy Week is a perfect time to reconnect with the meaning of Christ’s teachings in your life. Think about how to renew your habits of faith in ways that help you experience the presence of God in all aspects of your life. Pray Dear Jesus, forgive me for the times when I go through the motions of faith without applying their meaning to my life. Enable me to renew my spirituality as I come to the end of this Lenten season, that I may truly live by your Word. Amen. Prayer Concern Those seeking to deepen their faith Quote phkrause When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; But when a wicked man rules, the people groan. Proverbs 29;2
Members phkrause Posted April 19, 2011 Author Members Posted April 19, 2011 April 19, 2011 Matthew 26:1-35 (Good News Translation) God’s Word Goes Forth: Trust in God’s Promises Introduction Matthew 26:1-35: Jesus prepares his disciples for his crucifixion and resurrection. As he shares a meal with his disciples, he predicts his betrayal and tells of God’s covenant and love. Throughout the events in this passage, Jesus acknowledges the brokenness of humanity and the hope of God’s promises. Today’s Scripture: Matthew 26:31 “This very night all of you will run away and leave me, for the scripture says, “God will kill the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock will be scattered.” Today’s Reading 1 When Jesus had finished teaching all these things, he said to his disciples, 2 “In two days, as you know, it will be the Passover Festival, and the Son of Man will be handed over to be crucified.” 3 Then the chief priests and the elders met together in the palace of Caiaphas, the High Priest, 4 and made plans to arrest Jesus secretly and put him to death. 5 “We must not do it during the festival,” they said, “or the people will riot.” 6 Jesus was in Bethany at the house of Simon, a man who had suffered from a dreaded skin disease. 7 While Jesus was eating, a woman came to him with an alabaster jar filled with an expensive perfume, which she poured on his head. 8 The disciples saw this and became angry. “Why all this waste?” they asked. 9 “This perfume could have been sold for a large amount and the money given to the poor!” 10 Jesus knew what they were saying, and so he said to them, “Why are you bothering this woman? It is a fine and beautiful thing that she has done for me. 11 You will always have poor people with you, but you will not always have me. 12 What she did was to pour this perfume on my body to get me ready for burial. 13 Now, I assure you that wherever this gospel is preached all over the world, what she has done will be told in memory of her. ” 14 Then one of the twelve disciples—the one named Judas Iscariot—went to the chief priests 15 and asked, “What will you give me if I betray Jesus to you?” They counted out thirty silver coins and gave them to him. 16 From then on Judas was looking for a good chance to hand Jesus over to them. 17 On the first day of the Festival of Unleavened Bread the disciples came to Jesus and asked him, “Where do you want us to get the Passover meal ready for you?” 18 “Go to a certain man in the city,” he said to them, “and tell him: “The Teacher says, My hour has come; my disciples and I will celebrate the Passover at your house.” ” 19 The disciples did as Jesus had told them and prepared the Passover meal. 20 When it was evening, Jesus and the twelve disciples sat down to eat. 21 During the meal Jesus said, “I tell you, one of you will betray me.” 22 The disciples were very upset and began to ask him, one after the other, “Surely, Lord, you don't mean me?” 23 Jesus answered, “One who dips his bread in the dish with me will betray me. 24 The Son of Man will die as the Scriptures say he will, but how terrible for that man who will betray the Son of Man! It would have been better for that man if he had never been born! ” 25 Judas, the traitor, spoke up. “Surely, Teacher, you don't mean me?” he asked. Jesus answered, “So you say.” 26 While they were eating, Jesus took a piece of bread, gave a prayer of thanks, broke it, and gave it to his disciples. “Take and eat it,” he said; “this is my body.” 27 Then he took a cup, gave thanks to God, and gave it to them. “Drink it, all of you,” he said; 28 “this is my blood, which seals God's covenant, my blood poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. 29 I tell you, I will never again drink this wine until the day I drink the new wine with you in my Father's Kingdom. ” 30 Then they sang a hymn and went out to the Mount of Olives. 31 Then Jesus said to them, “This very night all of you will run away and leave me, for the scripture says, “God will kill the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock will be scattered.” 32 But after I am raised to life, I will go to Galilee ahead of you. ” 33 Peter spoke up and said to Jesus, “I will never leave you, even though all the rest do!” 34 Jesus said to Peter, “I tell you that before the rooster crows tonight, you will say three times that you do not know me.” 35 Peter answered, “I will never say that, even if I have to die with you!” And all the other disciples said the same thing. Reflect Jesus shares the Passover meal with his disciples, using bread and wine as symbols of God’s covenant of forgiveness. What does taking communion mean to you? How do you understand and experience the mystery of God’s grace in your own life? Pray Holy God, I struggle to be the person you call me to be. Be persistent with me, God, enabling me to understand the mysteries of your love and to respond in faith and action. Amen. Prayer Concern The homeless Quote phkrause When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; But when a wicked man rules, the people groan. Proverbs 29;2
Members phkrause Posted April 21, 2011 Author Members Posted April 21, 2011 April 20, 2011 Matthew 26:36-75 (Good News Translation) God’s Word Goes Forth: Trust in God’s Promises Introduction Matthew 26:36-75: Jesus grieves and prays at Gethsemane in preparation for his betrayal. His disciples fail him by falling asleep, revealing his identity to arresting authorities, and denying their relationship with him. Jesus succumbs to arrest, as he expresses his disappointment. Today’s Scripture: Matthew 26:39 He went a little farther on, threw himself face downward on the ground, and prayed, “My Father, if it is possible, take this cup of suffering from me! Yet not what I want, but what you want.” Today’s Reading 36 Then Jesus went with his disciples to a place called Gethsemane, and he said to them, “Sit here while I go over there and pray.” 37 He took with him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee. Grief and anguish came over him, 38 and he said to them, “The sorrow in my heart is so great that it almost crushes me. Stay here and keep watch with me.” 39 He went a little farther on, threw himself face downward on the ground, and prayed, “My Father, if it is possible, take this cup of suffering from me! Yet not what I want, but what you want.” 40 Then he returned to the three disciples and found them asleep; and he said to Peter, “How is it that you three were not able to keep watch with me for even one hour? 41 Keep watch and pray that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak. ” 42 Once more Jesus went away and prayed, “My Father, if this cup of suffering cannot be taken away unless I drink it, your will be done.” 43 He returned once more and found the disciples asleep; they could not keep their eyes open. 44 Again Jesus left them, went away, and prayed the third time, saying the same words. 45 Then he returned to the disciples and said, “Are you still sleeping and resting? Look! The hour has come for the Son of Man to be handed over to the power of sinners. 46 Get up, let us go. Look, here is the man who is betraying me! ” 47 Jesus was still speaking when Judas, one of the twelve disciples, arrived. With him was a large crowd armed with swords and clubs and sent by the chief priests and the elders. 48 The traitor had given the crowd a signal: “The man I kiss is the one you want. Arrest him!” 49 Judas went straight to Jesus and said, “Peace be with you, Teacher,” and kissed him. 50 Jesus answered, “Be quick about it, friend!” Then they came up, arrested Jesus, and held him tight. 51 One of those who were with Jesus drew his sword and struck at the High Priest's slave, cutting off his ear. 52 “Put your sword back in its place,” Jesus said to him. “All who take the sword will die by the sword. 53 Don't you know that I could call on my Father for help, and at once he would send me more than twelve armies of angels? 54 But in that case, how could the Scriptures come true which say that this is what must happen? ” 55 Then Jesus spoke to the crowd, “Did you have to come with swords and clubs to capture me, as though I were an outlaw? Every day I sat down and taught in the Temple, and you did not arrest me. 56 But all this has happened in order to make come true what the prophets wrote in the Scriptures. ” Then all the disciples left him and ran away. 57 Those who had arrested Jesus took him to the house of Caiaphas, the High Priest, where the teachers of the Law and the elders had gathered together. 58 Peter followed from a distance, as far as the courtyard of the High Priest's house. He went into the courtyard and sat down with the guards to see how it would all come out. 59 The chief priests and the whole Council tried to find some false evidence against Jesus to put him to death; 60 but they could not find any, even though many people came forward and told lies about him. Finally two men stepped up 61 and said, “This man said, “I am able to tear down God's Temple and three days later build it back up.” ” 62 The High Priest stood up and said to Jesus, “Have you no answer to give to this accusation against you?” 63 But Jesus kept quiet. Again the High Priest spoke to him, “In the name of the living God I now put you under oath: tell us if you are the Messiah, the Son of God.” 64 Jesus answered him, “So you say. But I tell all of you: from this time on you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right side of the Almighty and coming on the clouds of heaven!” 65 At this the High Priest tore his clothes and said, “Blasphemy! We don't need any more witnesses! You have just heard his blasphemy! 66 What do you think? ” They answered, “He is guilty and must die.” 67 Then they spat in his face and beat him; and those who slapped him 68 said, “Prophesy for us, Messiah! Guess who hit you!” 69 Peter was sitting outside in the courtyard when one of the High Priest's servant women came to him and said, “You, too, were with Jesus of Galilee.” 70 But he denied it in front of them all. “I don't know what you are talking about,” he answered, 71 and went on out to the entrance of the courtyard. Another servant woman saw him and said to the men there, “He was with Jesus of Nazareth.” 72 Again Peter denied it and answered, “I swear that I don't know that man!” 73 After a little while the men standing there came to Peter. “Of course you are one of them,” they said. “After all, the way you speak gives you away!” 74 Then Peter said, “I swear that I am telling the truth! May God punish me if I am not! I do not know that man!” Just then a rooster crowed, 75 and Peter remembered what Jesus had told him: “Before the rooster crows, you will say three times that you do not know me.” He went out and wept bitterly. Reflect Several people betray Jesus in this story. What reasons did each person have for betraying him? Can you identify with any of the characters that betrayed him? What has caused you to betray Jesus in the past? How can you repent and change? Pray Jesus, I know there are times when I have betrayed you and turned away from your Word. Forgive me and make me ever aware of your grace, that I may always follow in your ways. Amen. Prayer Concern Broken marriages Quote phkrause When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; But when a wicked man rules, the people groan. Proverbs 29;2
Members phkrause Posted April 23, 2011 Author Members Posted April 23, 2011 April 21, 2011 Matthew 27:1-26 (Good News Translation) God’s Word Goes Forth: Trust in God’s Promises Introduction Matthew 27:1-26: Jesus is taken to Pilate and questioned. He brings Jesus before a crowd and offers them the choice of freeing a criminal or freeing Jesus. The crowd calls for Jesus to be crucified. Meanwhile, Judas hangs himself. Today’s Scripture: Matthew 27:24 When Pilate saw that it was no use to go on, but that a riot might break out, he took some water, washed his hands in front of the crowd, and said, “I am not responsible for the death of this man! This is your doing!” Today’s Reading 1 Early in the morning all the chief priests and the elders made their plans against Jesus to put him to death. 2 They put him in chains, led him off, and handed him over to Pilate, the Roman governor. 3 When Judas, the traitor, learned that Jesus had been condemned, he repented and took back the thirty silver coins to the chief priests and the elders. 4 “I have sinned by betraying an innocent man to death!” he said. “What do we care about that?” they answered. “That is your business!” 5 Judas threw the coins down in the Temple and left; then he went off and hanged himself. 6 The chief priests picked up the coins and said, “This is blood money, and it is against our Law to put it in the Temple treasury.” 7 After reaching an agreement about it, they used the money to buy Potter's Field, as a cemetery for foreigners. 8 That is why that field is called “Field of Blood” to this very day. 9 Then what the prophet Jeremiah had said came true: “They took the thirty silver coins, the amount the people of Israel had agreed to pay for him, 10 and used the money to buy the potter's field, as the Lord had commanded me. ” 11 Jesus stood before the Roman governor, who questioned him. “Are you the king of the Jews?” he asked. “So you say,” answered Jesus. 12 But he said nothing in response to the accusations of the chief priests and elders. 13 So Pilate said to him, “Don't you hear all these things they accuse you of” 14 But Jesus refused to answer a single word, with the result that the Governor was greatly surprised. 15 At every Passover Festival the Roman governor was in the habit of setting free any one prisoner the crowd asked for. 16 At that time there was a well-known prisoner named Jesus Barabbas. 17 So when the crowd gathered, Pilate asked them, “Which one do you want me to set free for you? Jesus Barabbas or Jesus called the Messiah?” 18 He knew very well that the Jewish authorities had handed Jesus over to him because they were jealous. 19 While Pilate was sitting in the judgment hall, his wife sent him a message: “Have nothing to do with that innocent man, because in a dream last night I suffered much on account of him.” 20 The chief priests and the elders persuaded the crowd to ask Pilate to set Barabbas free and have Jesus put to death. 21 But Pilate asked the crowd, “Which one of these two do you want me to set free for you?” “Barabbas!” they answered. 22 “What, then, shall I do with Jesus called the Messiah?” Pilate asked them. “Crucify him!” they all answered. 23 But Pilate asked, “What crime has he committed?” Then they started shouting at the top of their voices: “Crucify him!” 24 When Pilate saw that it was no use to go on, but that a riot might break out, he took some water, washed his hands in front of the crowd, and said, “I am not responsible for the death of this man! This is your doing!” 25 The whole crowd answered, “Let the responsibility for his death fall on us and on our children!” 26 Then Pilate set Barabbas free for them; and after he had Jesus whipped, he handed him over to be crucified. Reflect Reread verse 24. Pilate washed his hands to claim that he was innocent of sentencing Jesus to death. He wanted to prove that it was the peoples’ decision to put Jesus to death, not his, though the execution would not have happened without his final approval. Can you think of a time when you failed to take responsibility for something you knew was wrong but allowed to happen anyway? Pray Holy God, forgive me for the times when I have failed to take responsibility for my sins—for all the ways in which I have succumbed to my own will instead of to yours. Embrace me with your love and fill me with a sense of your purpose for my life. Amen. Prayer Concern Corrupt political leaders Quote phkrause When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; But when a wicked man rules, the people groan. Proverbs 29;2
Members phkrause Posted April 23, 2011 Author Members Posted April 23, 2011 April 22, 2011 Matthew 27:27-56 (Good News Translation) God’s Word Goes Forth: Trust in God’s Promises Introduction Matthew 27:27-56: Soldiers mock Jesus, nail him to a cross, and then gamble for his clothes. Passersby jeer and yell, and even the criminals crucified on either side of Jesus scorn him. Jesus is completely abandoned. Upon his death, the earth shakes. Today’s Scripture: Matthew 27:54 When the army officer and the soldiers with him who were watching Jesus saw the earthquake and everything else that happened, they were terrified and said, “He really was the Son of God!” Today’s Reading 27 Then Pilate's soldiers took Jesus into the governor's palace, and the whole company gathered around him. 28 They stripped off his clothes and put a scarlet robe on him. 29 Then they made a crown out of thorny branches and placed it on his head, and put a stick in his right hand; then they knelt before him and made fun of him. “Long live the King of the Jews!” they said. 30 They spat on him, and took the stick and hit him over the head. 31 When they had finished making fun of him, they took the robe off and put his own clothes back on him. Then they led him out to crucify him. 32 As they were going out, they met a man from Cyrene named Simon, and the soldiers forced him to carry Jesus' cross. 33 They came to a place called Golgotha, which means, “The Place of the Skull.” 34 There they offered Jesus wine mixed with a bitter substance; but after tasting it, he would not drink it. 35 They crucified him and then divided his clothes among them by throwing dice. 36 After that they sat there and watched him. 37 Above his head they put the written notice of the accusation against him: “This is Jesus, the King of the Jews.” 38 Then they crucified two bandits with Jesus, one on his right and the other on his left. 39 People passing by shook their heads and hurled insults at Jesus: 40 “You were going to tear down the Temple and build it back up in three days! Save yourself if you are God's Son! Come on down from the cross!” 41 In the same way the chief priests and the teachers of the Law and the elders made fun of him: 42 “He saved others, but he cannot save himself Isn't he the king of Israel? If he will come down off the cross now, we will believe in him! 43 He trusts in God and claims to be God's Son. Well, then, let us see if God wants to save him now! ” 44 Even the bandits who had been crucified with him insulted him in the same way. 45 At noon the whole country was covered with darkness, which lasted for three hours. 46 At about three o'clock Jesus cried out with a loud shout, “ Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani? ” which means, “My God, my God, why did you abandon me?” 47 Some of the people standing there heard him and said, “He is calling for Elijah!” 48 One of them ran up at once, took a sponge, soaked it in cheap wine, put it on the end of a stick, and tried to make him drink it. 49 But the others said, “Wait, let us see if Elijah is coming to save him!” 50 Jesus again gave a loud cry and breathed his last. 51 Then the curtain hanging in the Temple was torn in two from top to bottom. The earth shook, the rocks split apart, 52 the graves broke open, and many of God's people who had died were raised to life. 53 They left the graves, and after Jesus rose from death, they went into the Holy City, where many people saw them. 54 When the army officer and the soldiers with him who were watching Jesus saw the earthquake and everything else that happened, they were terrified and said, “He really was the Son of God!” 55 There were many women there, looking on from a distance, who had followed Jesus from Galilee and helped him. 56 Among them were Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James and Joseph, and the wife of Zebedee. Reflect God’s entrance into the world through Jesus was a way for God to be fully present with us. Through the experiences of Jesus, God fully understands our experiences of suffering, abandonment, and loneliness. What do you need in order to trust that God is with you, even when you feel most alone? Pray Holy God, I am grateful for your willingness to enter into the suffering of humanity. Remind me of your presence even in my darkest times, that I may experience your grace amid my struggles. Amen. Prayer Concern Those who feel lost Quote phkrause When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; But when a wicked man rules, the people groan. Proverbs 29;2
Members phkrause Posted April 25, 2011 Author Members Posted April 25, 2011 April 23, 2011 Matthew 27:57-66 (Good News Translation) God’s Word Goes Forth: Trust in God’s Promises Introduction Matthew 27:57-66: Joseph of Arimathea buries Jesus’ body, and Mary Magdalene and the other Mary keep watch at the tomb. Pilate sends soldiers to guard the tomb as well, in order to prevent Jesus’ disciples from stealing his body and claiming his resurrection. Today’s Scripture: Matthew 27:59, 60 So Joseph took it [the body of Jesus], wrapped it in a new linen sheet, and placed it in his own tomb, which he had just recently dug out of solid rock. Then he rolled a large stone across the entrance to the tomb and went away. Today’s Reading 57 When it was evening, a rich man from Arimathea arrived; his name was Joseph, and he also was a disciple of Jesus. 58 He went into the presence of Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus. Pilate gave orders for the body to be given to Joseph. 59 So Joseph took it, wrapped it in a new linen sheet, 60 and placed it in his own tomb, which he had just recently dug out of solid rock. Then he rolled a large stone across the entrance to the tomb and went away. 61 Mary Magdalene and the other Mary were sitting there, facing the tomb. 62 The next day, which was a Sabbath, the chief priests and the Pharisees met with Pilate 63 and said, “Sir, we remember that while that liar was still alive he said, “I will be raised to life three days later.” 64 Give orders, then, for his tomb to be carefully guarded until the third day, so that his disciples will not be able to go and steal the body, and then tell the people that he was raised from death. This last lie would be even worse than the first one. ” 65 “Take a guard,” Pilate told them; “go and make the tomb as secure as you can.” 66 So they left and made the tomb secure by putting a seal on the stone and leaving the guard on watch. Reflect Mary Magdalene and others keep the first Easter vigil at Jesus’ tomb. It is a time of mourning over the past and hoping for the future. On this day before Easter, reflect on your past year, and consider how you can better follow Christ as you prepare to celebrate his resurrection. Pray Jesus, as I watch and wait for your coming, I am reminded of the ways in which I have failed to follow you. Forgive my failings, and prepare my heart to experience the joy and grace of your resurrection. Amen. Prayer Concern Those who are grieving the death of a loved one. Quote phkrause When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; But when a wicked man rules, the people groan. Proverbs 29;2
Members phkrause Posted April 25, 2011 Author Members Posted April 25, 2011 April 24, 2011 Matthew 28:1-20 (Good News Translation) God’s Word Goes Forth: Trust in God’s Promises Introduction Matthew 28:1-20: An angel rolls the stone from the tomb, revealing that Jesus has been raised! The women rush to tell the disciples, and on the way, they encounter the risen Christ. Later, Christ appears to the disciples on a mountain in Galilee, calling them to go forth and make disciples of all people. Today’s Scripture: Matthew 28:5, 6 “You must not be afraid,” he said. “I know you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here; he has been raised, just as he said. Come here and see the place where he was lying.” Today’s Reading 1 After the Sabbath, as Sunday morning was dawning, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to look at the tomb. 2 Suddenly there was a violent earthquake; an angel of the Lord came down from heaven, rolled the stone away, and sat on it. 3 His appearance was like lightning, and his clothes were white as snow. 4 The guards were so afraid that they trembled and became like dead men. 5 The angel spoke to the women. “You must not be afraid,” he said. “I know you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. 6 He is not here; he has been raised, just as he said. Come here and see the place where he was lying. 7 Go quickly now, and tell his disciples, “He has been raised from death, and now he is going to Galilee ahead of you; there you will see him!” Remember what I have told you. ” 8 So they left the tomb in a hurry, afraid and yet filled with joy, and ran to tell his disciples. 9 Suddenly Jesus met them and said, “Peace be with you.” They came up to him, took hold of his feet, and worshiped him. 10 “Do not be afraid,” Jesus said to them. “Go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee, and there they will see me.” 11 While the women went on their way, some of the soldiers guarding the tomb went back to the city and told the chief priests everything that had happened. 12 The chief priests met with the elders and made their plan; they gave a large sum of money to the soldiers 13 and said, “You are to say that his disciples came during the night and stole his body while you were asleep. 14 And if the Governor should hear of this, we will convince him that you are innocent, and you will have nothing to worry about. ” 15 The guards took the money and did what they were told to do. And so that is the report spread around by the Jews to this very day. 16 The eleven disciples went to the hill in Galilee where Jesus had told them to go. 17 When they saw him, they worshiped him, even though some of them doubted. 18 Jesus drew near and said to them, “I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. 19 Go, then, to all peoples everywhere and make them my disciples: baptize them in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, 20 and teach them to obey everything I have commanded you. And I will be with you always, to the end of the age. ” Reflect The risen Christ appears first to the women—a surprise, since women in the ancient world had lower status than men. Then Jesus commands his followers to make disciples of all nations, though foreigners had lower status as well. How does it feel to know that Jesus’ grace extends to all people, empowering the oppressed and sharing God’s love with all? How can you be an extension of Jesus’ grace to others? Pray Hallelujah! Christ is risen! Thank you, God, for the resurrection of Jesus and the promise of justice, grace, and hope that he brings! Send me to go forth and make disciples, showing Christ’s love to all people! Amen. Prayer Concern All who suffer from oppression Quote phkrause When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; But when a wicked man rules, the people groan. Proverbs 29;2
Members phkrause Posted April 26, 2011 Author Members Posted April 26, 2011 April 25, 2011 John 20:1-30 (Good News Translation) God’s Word Goes Forth: Trust in God’s Promises Introduction John 20:1-30: When Mary Magdalene returns to Jesus’ tomb, she sees that the stone has been rolled away. She rushes to tell others, who confirm that Jesus is gone. Then Jesus appears to Mary, and tells her that he is going to be with God. Later he appears to his disciples, testing Thomas’ faith. Today’s Scripture: John 20:29 “Do you believe because you see me? How happy are those who believe without seeing me!” Today’s Reading 1 Early on Sunday morning, while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene went to the tomb and saw that the stone had been taken away from the entrance. 2 She went running to Simon Peter and the other disciple, whom Jesus loved, and told them, “They have taken the Lord from the tomb, and we don't know where they have put him!” 3 Then Peter and the other disciple went to the tomb. 4 The two of them were running, but the other disciple ran faster than Peter and reached the tomb first. 5 He bent over and saw the linen cloths, but he did not go in. 6 Behind him came Simon Peter, and he went straight into the tomb. He saw the linen cloths lying there 7 and the cloth which had been around Jesus' head. It was not lying with the linen cloths but was rolled up by itself. 8 Then the other disciple, who had reached the tomb first, also went in; he saw and believed. ( 9 They still did not understand the scripture which said that he must rise from death.) 10 Then the disciples went back home. 11 Mary stood crying outside the tomb. While she was still crying, she bent over and looked in the tomb 12 and saw two angels there dressed in white, sitting where the body of Jesus had been, one at the head and the other at the feet. 13 “Woman, why are you crying?” they asked her. She answered, “They have taken my Lord away, and I do not know where they have put him!” 14 Then she turned around and saw Jesus standing there; but she did not know that it was Jesus. 15 “Woman, why are you crying?” Jesus asked her. “Who is it that you are looking for?” She thought he was the gardener, so she said to him, “If you took him away, sir, tell me where you have put him, and I will go and get him.” 16 Jesus said to her, “Mary!” She turned toward him and said in Hebrew, “Rabboni!” (This means “Teacher.”) 17 “Do not hold on to me,” Jesus told her, “because I have not yet gone back up to the Father. But go to my brothers and tell them that I am returning to him who is my Father and their Father, my God and their God.” 18 So Mary Magdalene went and told the disciples that she had seen the Lord and related to them what he had told her. 19 It was late that Sunday evening, and the disciples were gathered together behind locked doors, because they were afraid of the Jewish authorities. Then Jesus came and stood among them. “Peace be with you,” he said. 20 After saying this, he showed them his hands and his side. The disciples were filled with joy at seeing the Lord. 21 Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father sent me, so I send you.” 22 Then he breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit. 23 If you forgive people's sins, they are forgiven; if you do not forgive them, they are not forgiven. ” 24 One of the twelve disciples, Thomas (called the Twin), was not with them when Jesus came. 25 So the other disciples told him, “We have seen the Lord!” Thomas said to them, “Unless I see the scars of the nails in his hands and put my finger on those scars and my hand in his side, I will not believe.” 26 A week later the disciples were together again indoors, and Thomas was with them. The doors were locked, but Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you.” 27 Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here, and look at my hands; then reach out your hand and put it in my side. Stop your doubting, and believe!” 28 Thomas answered him, “My Lord and my God!” 29 Jesus said to him, “Do you believe because you see me? How happy are those who believe without seeing me!” 30 In his disciples' presence Jesus performed many other miracles which are not written down in this book. Reflect Thomas is convinced that Jesus has been raised from the dead because he can see the wounds Jesus received when he was crucified. But Jesus says that those who have faith without seeing are the ones who are truly blessed. What does it mean to you to have faith without seeing? What is the role of doubt in faith? Pray Lord Jesus, sometimes I feel like Thomas, wanting proof of your love and grace. Reassure me in times of doubt. Increase my faith, that I may have confidence in you and live according to your will. In your name, amen. Prayer Concern Those who doubt Quote phkrause When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; But when a wicked man rules, the people groan. Proverbs 29;2
Members phkrause Posted April 26, 2011 Author Members Posted April 26, 2011 April 26, 2011 John 21:1-25 (Good News Translation) God’s Word Goes Forth: Trust in God’s Promises Introduction John 21:1-25: Jesus appears to seven disciples on the shoreline and shares a meal with them. He calls upon Peter to “feed the sheep” (verse 18), imploring Peter to care for Jesus’ followers in his absence. He also indicates that Peter will die for the work of Christ in this world. Today’s Scripture: John 21:18 “I am telling you the truth: when you were young, you used to get ready and go anywhere you wanted to; but when you are old, you will stretch out your hands and someone else will tie you up and take you where you don't want to go.” Today’s Reading 1 After this, Jesus appeared once more to his disciples at Lake Tiberias. This is how it happened. 2 Simon Peter, Thomas (called the Twin), Nathanael (the one from Cana in Galilee), the sons of Zebedee, and two other disciples of Jesus were all together. 3 Simon Peter said to the others, “I am going fishing.” “We will come with you,” they told him. So they went out in a boat, but all that night they did not catch a thing. 4 As the sun was rising, Jesus stood at the water's edge, but the disciples did not know that it was Jesus. 5 Then he asked them, “Young men, haven't you caught anything?” “Not a thing,” they answered. 6 He said to them, “Throw your net out on the right side of the boat, and you will catch some.” So they threw the net out and could not pull it back in, because they had caught so many fish. 7 The disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, “It is the Lord!” When Peter heard that it was the Lord, he wrapped his outer garment around him (for he had taken his clothes off) and jumped into the water. 8 The other disciples came to shore in the boat, pulling the net full of fish. They were not very far from land, about a hundred yards away. 9 When they stepped ashore, they saw a charcoal fire there with fish on it and some bread. 10 Then Jesus said to them, “Bring some of the fish you have just caught.” 11 Simon Peter went aboard and dragged the net ashore full of big fish, a hundred and fifty-three in all; even though there were so many, still the net did not tear. 12 Jesus said to them, “Come and eat.” None of the disciples dared ask him, “Who are you?” because they knew it was the Lord. 13 So Jesus went over, took the bread, and gave it to them; he did the same with the fish. 14 This, then, was the third time Jesus appeared to the disciples after he was raised from death. 15 After they had eaten, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you love me more than these others do?” “Yes, Lord,” he answered, “you know that I love you.” Jesus said to him, “Take care of my lambs.” 16 A second time Jesus said to him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” “Yes, Lord,” he answered, “you know that I love you.” Jesus said to him, “Take care of my sheep.” 17 A third time Jesus said, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” Peter became sad because Jesus asked him the third time, “Do you love me?” and so he said to him, “Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you!” Jesus said to him, “Take care of my sheep. 18 I am telling you the truth: when you were young, you used to get ready and go anywhere you wanted to; but when you are old, you will stretch out your hands and someone else will tie you up and take you where you don't want to go. ” 19 (In saying this, Jesus was indicating the way in which Peter would die and bring glory to God.) Then Jesus said to him, “Follow me!” 20 Peter turned around and saw behind him that other disciple, whom Jesus loved—the one who had leaned close to Jesus at the meal and had asked, “Lord, who is going to betray you?” 21 When Peter saw him, he asked Jesus, “Lord, what about this man?” 22 Jesus answered him, “If I want him to live until I come, what is that to you? Follow me!” 23 So a report spread among the followers of Jesus that this disciple would not die. But Jesus did not say he would not die; he said, “If I want him to live until I come, what is that to you?” 24 He is the disciple who spoke of these things, the one who also wrote them down; and we know that what he said is true. 25 Now, there are many other things that Jesus did. If they were all written down one by one, I suppose that the whole world could not hold the books that would be written. Reflect Peter is remembered as a leader of the early Christian church. How does God call people to ordained and lay ministries? Have you ever felt a sense of God’s call to deepen your commitment to the ministry of the church? What other biblical call stories can you think of? Pray Jesus, you call all of your followers to share the good news with all creation. Heighten my awareness of your specific call on my life, that I may respond in joy and faith. Amen. Prayer Concern Those discerning a call to ministry Quote phkrause When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; But when a wicked man rules, the people groan. Proverbs 29;2
Members phkrause Posted April 27, 2011 Author Members Posted April 27, 2011 April 27, 2011 Hebrews 4:14-5:14 (Good News Translation) God’s Word Goes Forth: Trust in God’s Promises Introduction Hebrews 4:14-5:14: In today’s passage, the writer says that God made Jesus the great High Priest, who “became the source of eternal salvation for all those who obey him?” Later in the passage, he compares the hearers of this letter to children who still need to learn the difference between right and wrong. Today’s Scripture: Hebrews 4:14, 15 Let us, then, hold firmly to the faith we profess. For we have a great High Priest who has gone into the very presence of God - Jesus, the Son of God. Our High Priest is not one who cannot feel sympathy for our weaknesses. On the contrary, we have a High Priest who was tempted in every way that we are, but did not sin. Today’s Reading 14 Let us, then, hold firmly to the faith we profess. For we have a great High Priest who has gone into the very presence of God—Jesus, the Son of God. 15 Our High Priest is not one who cannot feel sympathy for our weaknesses. On the contrary, we have a High Priest who was tempted in every way that we are, but did not sin. 16 Let us have confidence, then, and approach God's throne, where there is grace. There we will receive mercy and find grace to help us just when we need it. 1 Every high priest is chosen from his fellow-men and appointed to serve God on their behalf, to offer sacrifices and offerings for sins. 2 Since he himself is weak in many ways, he is able to be gentle with those who are ignorant and make mistakes. 3 And because he is himself weak, he must offer sacrifices not only for the sins of the people but also for his own sins. 4 No one chooses for himself the honor of being a high priest. It is only by God's call that a man is made a high priest—just as Aaron was. 5 In the same way, Christ did not take upon himself the honor of being a high priest. Instead, God said to him, “You are my Son; today I have become your Father.” 6 He also said in another place, “You will be a priest forever, in the priestly order of Melchizedek.” 7 In his life on earth Jesus made his prayers and requests with loud cries and tears to God, who could save him from death. Because he was humble and devoted, God heard him. 8 But even though he was God's Son, he learned through his sufferings to be obedient. 9 When he was made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation for all those who obey him, 10 and God declared him to be high priest, in the priestly order of Melchizedek. 11 There is much we have to say about this matter, but it is hard to explain to you, because you are so slow to understand. 12 There has been enough time for you to be teachers—yet you still need someone to teach you the first lessons of God's message. Instead of eating solid food, you still have to drink milk. 13 Anyone who has to drink milk is still a child, without any experience in the matter of right and wrong. 14 Solid food, on the other hand, is for adults, who through practice are able to distinguish between good and evil. Reflect Today’s passage says that Jesus understands our weakness because he was tempted just as we are. Where in your life do you encounter temptation? How does it feel to know that Jesus can empathize with your experience? How can you find strength in Jesus’ strength? Pray Lord Jesus, even in the face of great temptation, you taught us to be strong and faithful. Forgive me for the times when I have given in to temptation. Strengthen me against the temptations in my life, that I may live like a true disciple. In your name. Amen. Prayer Concern Those struggling with addiction Quote phkrause When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; But when a wicked man rules, the people groan. Proverbs 29;2
Members phkrause Posted April 29, 2011 Author Members Posted April 29, 2011 April 28, 2011 Hebrews 6:1-20 (Good News Translation) God’s Word Goes Forth: Trust in God’s Promises Introduction Hebrews 6:1-20: Christ’s followers are warned not to turn their backs on God’s message but to be mature in their faith, living like people who expect to be saved. The writer reminds the people of God’s justice, promises, and grace. Today’s Scripture: Hebrews 6:11, 12 Our great desire is that each of you keep up your eagerness to the end, so that the things you hope for will come true. We do not want you to become lazy, but to be like those who believe and are patient, and so receive what God has promised. Today’s Reading 1 Let us go forward, then, to mature teaching and leave behind us the first lessons of the Christian message. We should not lay again the foundation of turning away from useless works and believing in God; 2 of the teaching about baptisms and the laying on of hands; of the resurrection of the dead and the eternal judgment. 3 Let us go forward! And this is what we will do, if God allows. 4 For how can those who abandon their faith be brought back to repent again? They were once in God's light; they tasted heaven's gift and received their share of the Holy Spirit; 5 they knew from experience that God's word is good, and they had felt the powers of the coming age. 6 And then they abandoned their faith! It is impossible to bring them back to repent again, because they are again crucifying the Son of God and exposing him to public shame. 7 God blesses the soil which drinks in the rain that often falls on it and which grows plants that are useful to those for whom it is cultivated. 8 But if it grows thorns and weeds, it is worth nothing; it is in danger of being cursed by God and will be destroyed by fire. 9 But even if we speak like this, dear friends, we feel sure about you. We know that you have the better blessings that belong to your salvation. 10 God is not unfair. He will not forget the work you did or the love you showed for him in the help you gave and are still giving to other Christians. 11 Our great desire is that each of you keep up your eagerness to the end, so that the things you hope for will come true. 12 We do not want you to become lazy, but to be like those who believe and are patient, and so receive what God has promised. 13 When God made his promise to Abraham, he made a vow to do what he had promised. Since there was no one greater than himself, he used his own name when he made his vow. 14 He said, “I promise you that I will bless you and give you many descendants.” 15 Abraham was patient, and so he received what God had promised. 16 When we make a vow, we use the name of someone greater than ourselves, and the vow settles all arguments. 17 To those who were to receive what he promised, God wanted to make it very clear that he would never change his purpose; so he added his vow to the promise. 18 There are these two things, then, that cannot change and about which God cannot lie. So we who have found safety with him are greatly encouraged to hold firmly to the hope placed before us. 19 We have this hope as an anchor for our lives. It is safe and sure, and goes through the curtain of the heavenly temple into the inner sanctuary. 20 On our behalf Jesus has gone in there before us and has become a high priest forever, in the priestly order of Melchizedek. Reflect According to the passage, being mature in faith means thinking about more than just the basic things you were taught about Christ. You need to focus your thoughts on the ways in which you can live as a follower of Christ day-to-day. How do you connect teachings about Christ with the challenges of your daily life? Pray God, I want to be spiritually mature. Grow my understanding of your ways, that I may live by the teachings of Jesus even in challenging times. Increase my wisdom as I faithfully serve you. Amen. Prayer Concern Children without access to education Quote phkrause When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; But when a wicked man rules, the people groan. Proverbs 29;2
Members phkrause Posted April 30, 2011 Author Members Posted April 30, 2011 April 29, 2011 Hebrews 7:1-28 (Good News Translation) God’s Word Goes Forth: Trust in God’s Promises Introduction Hebrews 7:1-28: The author of today’s reading says that Jesus’ sacrifice was a new agreement with God’s people that extends beyond the promises God gave to Moses. The old agreement was based on the Law of Moses, but the new agreement is based on Christ’s gift of grace through his death and resurrection. Therefore, Jesus has become the perfect High Priest. Today’s Scripture: Hebrews 7:26 Jesus, then, is the High Priest that meets our needs. He is holy; he has no fault or sin in him; he has been set apart from sinners and raised above the heavens. Today’s Reading 1 This Melchizedek was king of Salem and a priest of the Most High God. As Abraham was coming back from the battle in which he defeated the four kings, Melchizedek met him and blessed him, 2 and Abraham gave him one tenth of all he had taken. (The first meaning of Melchizedek's name is “King of Righteousness”; and because he was king of Salem, his name also means “King of Peace.”) 3 There is no record of Melchizedek's father or mother or of any of his ancestors; no record of his birth or of his death. He is like the Son of God; he remains a priest forever. 4 You see, then, how great he was. Abraham, our famous ancestor, gave him one tenth of all he got in the battle. 5 And those descendants of Levi who are priests are commanded by the Law to collect one tenth from the people of Israel, that is, from their own people, even though they are also descendants of Abraham. 6 Melchizedek was not descended from Levi, but he collected one tenth from Abraham and blessed him, the man who received God's promises. 7 There is no doubt that the one who blesses is greater than the one who is blessed. 8 In the case of the priests the tenth is collected by men who die; but as for Melchizedek the tenth was collected by one who lives, as the scripture says. 9 And, so to speak, when Abraham paid the tenth, Levi (whose descendants collect the tenth) also paid it. 10 For Levi had not yet been born, but was, so to speak, in the body of his ancestor Abraham when Melchizedek met him. 11 It was on the basis of the levitical priesthood that the Law was given to the people of Israel. Now, if the work of the levitical priests had been perfect, there would have been no need for a different kind of priest to appear, one who is in the priestly order of Melchizedek, not of Aaron. 12 For when the priesthood is changed, there also has to be a change in the law. 13 And our Lord, of whom these things are said, belonged to a different tribe, and no member of his tribe ever served as a priest. 14 It is well known that he was born a member of the tribe of Judah; and Moses did not mention this tribe when he spoke of priests. 15 The matter becomes even plainer; a different priest has appeared, who is like Melchizedek. 16 He was made a priest, not by human rules and regulations, but through the power of a life which has no end. 17 For the scripture says, “You will be a priest forever, in the priestly order of Melchizedek.” 18 The old rule, then, is set aside, because it was weak and useless. 19 For the Law of Moses could not make anything perfect. And now a better hope has been provided through which we come near to God. 20 In addition, there is also God's vow. There was no such vow when the others were made priests. 21 But Jesus became a priest by means of a vow when God said to him, “The Lord has made a solemn promise and will not take it back: “You will be a priest forever.”” 22 This difference, then, also makes Jesus the guarantee of a better covenant. 23 There is another difference: there were many of those other priests, because they died and could not continue their work. 24 But Jesus lives on forever, and his work as priest does not pass on to someone else. 25 And so he is able, now and always, to save those who come to God through him, because he lives forever to plead with God for them. 26 Jesus, then, is the High Priest that meets our needs. He is holy; he has no fault or sin in him; he has been set apart from sinners and raised above the heavens. 27 He is not like other high priests; he does not need to offer sacrifices every day for his own sins first and then for the sins of the people. He offered one sacrifice, once and for all, when he offered himself. 28 The Law of Moses appoints men who are imperfect to be high priests; but God's promise made with the vow, which came later than the Law, appoints the Son, who has been made perfect forever. Reflect In biblical times, priests made sacrifices as an act of thanksgiving and also to seek God’s forgiveness for the sins of the people. The author says that Jesus is the great High Priest whose death eliminated the need for ritual sacrifice and offered the reassurance of forgiveness to all. Do you think it might have been difficult for people to change their religious practices? Why or why not? How does your church respond in the face of change? Pray Gracious God, who brings opportunity for new beginnings, I know change can be challenging, but open my mind to the new possibilities you have for my life, my faith community, and my world. Amen. Prayer Concern Faith communities facing change Quote phkrause When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; But when a wicked man rules, the people groan. Proverbs 29;2
Members phkrause Posted April 30, 2011 Author Members Posted April 30, 2011 April 30, 2011 Hebrews 8:1-13 (Good News Translation) God’s Word Goes Forth: Trust in God’s Promises Introduction Hebrews 8:1-13: God gave Moses the plans for building the first sacred tent (Exodus 25:40). Israel’s priests offered sacrifices first at this tent, and later at the temple. But God created a new paradigm for worship through Christ. The author says that the ultimate place for worship is now in heaven. Today’s Scripture: Hebrews 8:10b “I will put my laws in their minds and write them on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be my people.” Today’s Reading 1 The whole point of what we are saying is that we have such a High Priest, who sits at the right of the throne of the Divine Majesty in heaven. 2 He serves as high priest in the Most Holy Place, that is, in the real tent which was put up by the Lord, not by human hands. 3 Every high priest is appointed to present offerings and animal sacrifices to God, and so our High Priest must also have something to offer. 4 If he were on earth, he would not be a priest at all, since there are priests who offer the gifts required by the Jewish Law. 5 The work they do as priests is really only a copy and a shadow of what is in heaven. It is the same as it was with Moses. When he was about to build the Sacred Tent, God told him, “Be sure to make everything according to the pattern you were shown on the mountain.” 6 But now, Jesus has been given priestly work which is superior to theirs, just as the covenant which he arranged between God and his people is a better one, because it is based on promises of better things. 7 If there had been nothing wrong with the first covenant, there would have been no need for a second one. 8 But God finds fault with his people when he says, “The days are coming, says the Lord, when I will draw up a new covenant with the people of Israel and with the people of Judah. 9 It will not be like the covenant that I made with their ancestors on the day I took them by the hand and led them out of Egypt. They were not faithful to the covenant I made with them, and so I paid no attention to them. 10 Now, this is the covenant that I will make with the people of Israel in the days to come, says the Lord: I will put my laws in their minds and write them on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be my people. 11 None of them will have to teach their friends or tell their neighbors, “Know the Lord.” For they will all know me, from the least to the greatest. 12 I will forgive their sins and will no longer remember their wrongs.” 13 By speaking of a new covenant, God has made the first one old; and anything that becomes old and worn out will soon disappear. Reflect In biblical times, the high priest was in charge of the holy place in the temple. He was the only one who could go into the inner part of the temple, the most holy place, the place of God’s dwelling. This passage says that God provides access for all people to what is now the most holy place—heaven. What does God’s promise mean to you? Pray Everlasting God, through Christ our Lord, you welcome everyone into your holy and sacred presence. Help me to extend your welcome to others by sharing the Good News of Christ. In your holy name. Amen. Prayer Concern Those who experience discrimination Quote phkrause When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; But when a wicked man rules, the people groan. Proverbs 29;2
Members phkrause Posted May 1, 2011 Author Members Posted May 1, 2011 May 1, 2011 1 Corinthians 15:1-34 (Good News Translation) God’s Word Goes Forth: Rejoice in Hope Introduction 1 Corinthians 15:1-34: Today we begin reading excerpts from Paul’s letters to the people of Corinth. In this passage, Paul gives his most detailed teaching about the Christian hope for life after death. He says that God’s people will be raised to new life, just as God raised Jesus from death. When this happens, he says that earthly bodies will be changed into eternal, or spiritual bodies. Today’s Scripture: 1 Corinthians 15:20 But the truth is that Christ has been raised from death, as the guarantee that those who sleep in death will also be raised. Today’s Reading 1 And now I want to remind you, my friends, of the Good News which I preached to you, which you received, and on which your faith stands firm. 2 That is the gospel, the message that I preached to you. You are saved by the gospel if you hold firmly to it—unless it was for nothing that you believed. 3 I passed on to you what I received, which is of the greatest importance: that Christ died for our sins, as written in the Scriptures; 4 that he was buried and that he was raised to life three days later, as written in the Scriptures; 5 that he appeared to Peter and then to all twelve apostles. 6 Then he appeared to more than five hundred of his followers at once, most of whom are still alive, although some have died. 7 Then he appeared to James, and afterward to all the apostles. 8 Last of all he appeared also to me—even though I am like someone whose birth was abnormal. 9 For I am the least of all the apostles—I do not even deserve to be called an apostle, because I persecuted God's church. 10 But by God's grace I am what I am, and the grace that he gave me was not without effect. On the contrary, I have worked harder than any of the other apostles, although it was not really my own doing, but God's grace working with me. 11 So then, whether it came from me or from them, this is what we all preach, and this is what you believe. 12 Now, since our message is that Christ has been raised from death, how can some of you say that the dead will not be raised to life? 13 If that is true, it means that Christ was not raised; 14 and if Christ has not been raised from death, then we have nothing to preach and you have nothing to believe. 15 More than that, we are shown to be lying about God, because we said that he raised Christ from death—but if it is true that the dead are not raised to life, then he did not raise Christ. 16 For if the dead are not raised, neither has Christ been raised. 17 And if Christ has not been raised, then your faith is a delusion and you are still lost in your sins. 18 It would also mean that the believers in Christ who have died are lost. 19 If our hope in Christ is good for this life only and no more, then we deserve more pity than anyone else in all the world. 20 But the truth is that Christ has been raised from death, as the guarantee that those who sleep in death will also be raised. 21 For just as death came by means of a man, in the same way the rising from death comes by means of a man. 22 For just as all people die because of their union with Adam, in the same way all will be raised to life because of their union with Christ. 23 But each one will be raised in proper order: Christ, first of all; then, at the time of his coming, those who belong to him. 24 Then the end will come; Christ will overcome all spiritual rulers, authorities, and powers, and will hand over the Kingdom to God the Father. 25 For Christ must rule until God defeats all enemies and puts them under his feet. 26 The last enemy to be defeated will be death. 27 For the scripture says, “God put all things under his feet. ” It is clear, of course, that the words “all things” do not include God himself, who puts all things under Christ. 28 But when all things have been placed under Christ's rule, then he himself, the Son, will place himself under God, who placed all things under him; and God will rule completely over all. 29 Now, what about those people who are baptized for the dead? What do they hope to accomplish? If it is true, as some claim, that the dead are not raised to life, why are those people being baptized for the dead? 30 And as for us—why would we run the risk of danger every hour? 31 My friends, I face death every day! The pride I have in you, in our life in union with Christ Jesus our Lord, makes me declare this. 32 If I have, as it were, fought “wild beasts” here in Ephesus simply from human motives, what have I gained? But if the dead are not raised to life, then, as the saying goes, “Let us eat and drink, for tomorrow we will die.” 33 Do not be fooled. “Bad companions ruin good character.” 34 Come back to your right senses and stop your sinful ways. I declare to your shame that some of you do not know God. Reflect At the time this letter was written, some people in Corinth were being baptized on behalf of friends or relatives who had died before being baptized into the Christian faith. Paul says that such baptizing is not necessary. What is the message that Paul says has the power by which believers are “saved”? What would cause this message to be “for nothing”? Why does Paul say he is “like someone whose birth was abnormal” (verse 8)? Pray Gracious God, thank you for the gift of your son, Jesus Christ. Make me ever mindful of his death and resurrection, trusting in your presence through my struggles and in your promise of new life. Amen. Prayer Concern Those facing terminal illness Quote phkrause When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; But when a wicked man rules, the people groan. Proverbs 29;2
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.