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”
Tag Archives: life of christ
Clear Eyes and Merciful Hands
In the Life of Christ “Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven.” — Luke 6:37 When Jesus tells me not to judge, He is not asking me to surrender spiritual discernment or pretend that wrongdoing does not matter.Continue reading “Clear Eyes and Merciful Hands”
When the Miracle Became a Threat
In the Life of Christ Some moments reveal more than people intend. The raising of Lazarus should have led everyone who witnessed it to worship. A man who had been dead four days walked out of his tomb at the command of Jesus. Many who had come to comfort Mary saw what happened and believed.Continue reading “When the Miracle Became a Threat”
When the King Speaks
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”
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”
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”
Faith That Refuses to Leave a Friend Outside
In the Life of Christ “Then they came to Him, bringing a paralytic who was carried by four men. And when they could not come near Him because of the crowd, they uncovered the roof where He was.” —Mark 2:3–4 When Jesus returned to Capernaum, word spread quickly that He was in the house. PeopleContinue reading “Faith That Refuses to Leave a Friend Outside”
When Jesus Refuses to Stay Popular
In the Life of Christ There is something wonderfully unsettling about Jesus in Mark 1:38–45. Just when His ministry appears ready to become a local sensation, He refuses to settle into popularity. The people of Capernaum are searching for Him because they have seen His miracles and want more. Peter finds Jesus and announces, “EveryoneContinue reading “When Jesus Refuses to Stay Popular”
When Being Good Is Not Good Enough
In the Life of Christ “For I tell you, unless your righteousness surpasses that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.” — Matthew 5:20 I can imagine the silence that must have followed those words. Jesus was speaking to ordinary people who knew the reputation of the scribes andContinue reading “When Being Good Is Not Good Enough”