In the Life of Christ “For with authority and power he commands the unclean spirits, and they come out.” — Luke 4:36 Luke 4:28–41 takes me from the fury of Nazareth to the astonishment of Capernaum. Jesus’ hometown neighbors had heard His gracious words, but they became enraged when He exposed their unbelief and remindedContinue reading “When the King Speaks”
Category Archives: A Day in the Life
The Ministry That Knows Where to Point
In the Life of Christ “John answered and said, A man can receive nothing, except it be given him from heaven.” — John 3:27 John the Baptist spoke these words when his ministry appeared to be losing momentum. His disciples had noticed that people were leaving them and going to Jesus. They approached John withContinue reading “The Ministry That Knows Where to Point”
When Jesus Reaches the Deeper Need
In the Life of Christ Matthew 9:1–34 moves rapidly from one human need to another. A paralyzed man lies helpless on a mat. A tax collector sits isolated at his booth. A grieving father pleads for his dying daughter. A suffering woman reaches anonymously through a crowd. Two blind men cry for mercy, and aContinue reading “When Jesus Reaches the Deeper Need”
The Man Jesus Saw Differently
In the Life of Christ “And as he passed by, he saw Levi the son of Alphaeus sitting at the receipt of custom, and said unto him, Follow me. And he arose and followed him.” — Mark 2:14 When I read the calling of Levi, I am struck by the way Jesus saw people. TheContinue reading “The Man Jesus Saw Differently”
When the Familiar Hides the Savior
In the Life of Christ “Today this Scripture is fulfilled in your hearing.” —Luke 4:21 I try to imagine the silence in the synagogue when Jesus finished reading from Isaiah, returned the scroll, and sat down. Every eye was fixed upon Him. Then He preached a sermon consisting of one astonishing sentence: “Today this ScriptureContinue reading “When the Familiar Hides the Savior”
The Verdict Christ Has Already Changed
In the Life of Christ “He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.” — John 3:18 When I read John 3:18, I hear both wonderful assurance and an urgent warning. Jesus doesContinue reading “The Verdict Christ Has Already Changed”
The Touch He Did Not Have to Give
In the Life of Christ When I walk with Jesus through Matthew 8:1–4, I am struck by the courage of the man who approached Him. The biblical term translated “leprosy” could describe several serious skin diseases, all of which carried consequences beyond physical suffering. According to Leviticus 13–14, such a person could be declared ceremoniallyContinue reading “The Touch He Did Not Have to Give”
When Jesus Sees What We Cannot
In the Life of Christ “When Jesus saw their faith, he said unto the sick of the palsy, Son, thy sins be forgiven thee.” —Mark 2:5 When I walk through the crowded house in Mark 2:1–12, I am immediately drawn to the determination of four friends. The doorway is blocked, the room is overflowing, andContinue reading “When Jesus Sees What We Cannot”
When Good News Walked into Nazareth
In the Life of Christ “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor.” —Luke 4:18 When Jesus returned to Galilee, reports about Him traveled quickly. People praised His teaching, and His name became familiar throughout the region. Yet popularity is not the sameContinue reading “When Good News Walked into Nazareth”
The Rescue We Could Never Provide
In the Life of Christ “For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.” —John 3:17 When I read John 3:17, I hear the heartbeat of Christ’s mission. Jesus did not enter the world looking for people to condemn. He came becauseContinue reading “The Rescue We Could Never Provide”