Interpreting the Times
Unable to see the turbulent spiritual battles in front of them, Jesus tells us (“he said to the crowd”) to look at the evidence in front of us. The NIV Study Bible notes provide this insight: Despite the insistence of the Pharisees, despite the Roman system and even despite the pressure of family, a person …
Warnings and Encouragements
The crowds have gathered again and Jesus teaches on several key concepts in these 12 verses: hypocrisy of the Pharisees fear him who has authority to throw you into hell good or bad news for those who publicly acknowledge or disown Jesus blasphemy against the Holy Spirit support from the Holy Spirit That’s a lot …
Woes on the Pharisees and the Experts in the Law
Woe to those who held positions of leadership, the ones who were directing God’s chosen ones down a path that would lead to destruction. The timing of Jesus ministry is wrapped up in the history of our Jewish ancestors: their system was broken. God provided laws to create order and discipline; the Pharisees added layer upon …
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Jesus accused of serving Beelzebul
“Any kingdom divided against itself will be ruined…” Jesus provides strong teaching to those who accuse him of serving the “prince of demons” by explaining the impossibility of such an accusation. This passage includes some significant themes to unpack as Jesus preaches unity wrapped in the context of “those who hear the word of God …
The good shepherd and his sheep, Jews divided
Jesus is the gate, the good shepherd. “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy;” Jesus came to provide life to the full. The good shepherd is willing to lay down his life for the sheep, not so with the hired hand. In this passage Jesus is speaking to the Pharisees; some hear …
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Healing of a man born blind – Part 3
Jesus found the man who the Pharisees threw out of the synagogue and preaches on spiritual blindness. Some of the Pharisees heard this lesson and begin to wonder if they are blind too for they cannot seem to understand that Jesus is the Son of Man. Thoughts about serving othersThis link includes a list of …
Healing of a man born blind – Part 2
The Pharisees inquisition and excommunication of the man. Perhaps that’s a better title! The Pharisees decide to check into this matter by talking to the man who was healed, then to his parents (though his parents are not exactly the model leaders in the community). The man is questioned a second time and provides a …
Conflict over Jesus’ claim to be the light of the world
Jesus speaks to the people in the temple courts again, this time he says “I am the light of the world” and the Pharisees respond that Jesus is making an invalid claim because of a lack of witnesses. It’s like they’re speaking two different languages or having two completely separate conversations. The content of what …
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The Pharisees and Sadducees demand a sign
This brief encounter with the Pharisees and Sadducees reminds us not to test God. Thoughts about serving othersThis link includes a list of posts about Serving the Least, the Lost, and the Lonely.My prayer is for you to join me on this journey. Subscribe to this blog below to get an email when a new …
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