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”
Category Archives: Jesus Christ
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”
When Jesus Asks for the One Thing We Keep
In the Life of Christ The man came running. He knelt before Jesus and asked what he must do to inherit eternal life. There is something moving about his urgency. He was asking a question that mattered more than his possessions, though he had not yet discovered how closely the two were tied. Jesus spokeContinue reading “When Jesus Asks for the One Thing We Keep”
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”
The Prayer God Receives
In the Life of Christ “For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.” —Luke 18:14 Jesus tells this parable to people who were confident in their own righteousness and looked down upon others. That introduction is important because the problem is not merely that the PhariseeContinue reading “The Prayer God Receives”
When Heaven Seems Silent, Keep Praying
In the Life of Christ “Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up.” —Luke 18:1 There are seasons when prayer feels less like a conversation and more like repeatedly knocking upon a closed door. We pray for healing, reconciliation, justice, guidance, or the returnContinue reading “When Heaven Seems Silent, Keep Praying”
Ready While Life Looks Ordinary
In the Life of Christ “For the Son of Man in his day will be like the lightning, which flashes and lights up the sky from one end to the other.” — Luke 17:24 When I read Jesus’ teaching about His return, I hear both a promise and a warning. The promise is that ChristContinue reading “Ready While Life Looks Ordinary”