In the Life of Christ I sometimes wonder how much faithful work we postpone while waiting for circumstances to change. We imagine serving more freely when life settles down, speaking about Jesus when we feel more confident, or using our abilities when the right opportunity arrives. Then I read Luke 19:11–27 and hear Jesus directingContinue reading “What Will We Do Until the King Returns?”
Category Archives: A Day in the Life
When Grace Reaches the Checkbook
In the Life of Christ “And Zacchaeus stood, and said unto the Lord; Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor; and if I have taken any thing from any man by false accusation, I restore him fourfold” (Luke 19:8, KJV). I find something wonderfully practical about Zacchaeus’s encounter with Jesus.Continue reading “When Grace Reaches the Checkbook”
When Jesus Stopped for the Voice in the Crowd
In the Life of Christ I can picture the road outside Jericho: people walking with Jesus, voices rising and falling, and Bartimaeus sitting where travelers might pass him. Mark identifies him by name, something the crowd may rarely have bothered to ask. He was blind and begging, yet he understood something vital about the manContinue reading “When Jesus Stopped for the Voice in the Crowd”
The Man Jesus Saw in the Tree
In the Life of Christ Zacchaeus wanted to see Jesus, but the crowd stood between them. Luke tells us that he was a chief tax collector, that he was wealthy, and that he was too short to see over the people lining the road. So he ran ahead and climbed a sycamore tree. I canContinue reading “The Man Jesus Saw in the Tree”
The Seat Beside Jesus
In the Life of Christ James and John approached Jesus with a request many of us might have wished we were bold enough to make: when His kingdom came, could they sit at His right and left? They wanted to be close to Him, but they also wanted the places of highest honor (Mark 10:35–37).Continue reading “The Seat Beside Jesus”
He Knew What Awaited Him
In the Life of Christ Have you ever explained something carefully and realized that the person listening could not yet take it in? I think of that as I walk with Jesus and the Twelve toward Jerusalem. He takes them aside and tells them what lies ahead: He will be handed over, mocked, flogged, andContinue reading “He Knew What Awaited Him”
Known by Their Fruit
By His Word A person can speak beautifully about kindness and still leave others feeling diminished. Another may speak quietly, without much polish, yet consistently point people toward Christ. Jesus gives us a way to look beyond the first impression: “Each tree is recognized by its own fruit” (Luke 6:44, NIV). His words invite usContinue reading “Known by Their Fruit”
When Grace Reaches the Last Worker
In the Life of Christ If I had worked through the heat of the day and watched someone who arrived an hour before closing receive the same pay, I would probably have questions. Jesus knows that. In Matthew 20:1–16, He invites us to feel the early workers’ disappointment before we hear the landowner’s answer. TheContinue reading “When Grace Reaches the Last Worker”
The Children Jesus Would Not Turn Away
In the Life of Christ When people brought children to Jesus, the disciples rebuked them. Mark does not tell us whether the disciples thought Jesus was too busy or believed the children could wait. He does tell us how Jesus responded: He was indignant. He called the children to Himself, took them in His arms,Continue reading “The Children Jesus Would Not Turn Away”
When Jesus Restores the Meaning of Marriage
In the Life of Christ “‘So they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate.’” —Matthew 19:6 When the Pharisees approached Jesus in Matthew 19, they were not seeking pastoral guidance for a troubled marriage. Matthew tells us that they came to test Him. Their question—“IsContinue reading “When Jesus Restores the Meaning of Marriage”