(Inspired by John 14:7-31) At this Passover meal, instead of joy, hope, and gladness, Jesus’s disciples were completely crushed. Their Master had just told them that this very night Rock would deny three times that he even knew Jesus and that all the rest of them would forsake Him. When Jesus saw the devastating sorrow that this news caused His followers, the Lord’s calm response was, “Don’t worry about it. You only need to trust in the Father and Me.” Essentially Jesus had just confessed their sins for them before they had even committed them, then He indicated that He and the Father had a plan in place to take care of it all. Knowing that His closest friends were about to turn their backs on Him, Jesus didn’t urge them to ‘be strong and resist temptation’ or coach them how to not ... Read More about 33 – Christ’s Response to Our Failures
32 – The Only Way to God
(Inspired by John 13:31-14:6) As soon as Jesus sent Judas out from the Passover meal to put his plan of betrayal into action, the Teacher exhaled deeply and gave a smile of relief to His remaining disciples. All of the Lord’s followers noticed the dramatic change. When Judas had been there, the tension and heaviness in the room was palpable, but as soon as he left, everything seemed to change. “What happened, Lord?” Nathaniel, son of Talmay,* asked. “You were so concerned earlier, but now you seem very relieved. What’s going on?” “It has started!” Jesus exclaimed. “The true glory of the Son of Man is finally being revealed. And not only Mine, but the glory of My Father is being revealed in Me as well. But it’s even better than that! If God is glorified in Me, then He will also glorify ... Read More about 32 – The Only Way to God
31 – Betrayed by a Friend
(Inspired by John 13:18-30) Something wasn’t right. The Passover Feast was supposed to be a happy, joyous, and hopeful time, and all of their past celebrations had been…but not this one. This Passover was very different, and they all felt it. The disciples had been to gatherings with Jesus before, and they knew that parties were always better when Jesus was there. His smile would light up a room, and his booming laugh was contagious. He wasn’t that way now. To the disciples Jesus seemed to be more somber than usual. The few smiles that they saw from Him this night had a sadness behind them. On top of that, the Teacher had just quoted a prophecy of David saying, “He who eats my bread has lifted up his heal against Me.” Then He indicated that this Passover meal was the fulfilment of ... Read More about 31 – Betrayed by a Friend
Really Great News!
I wanted to let each of you know that my two latest books, The Maker's Medicine Girl and The Dancing Ghosts and now available on The Book Depository! This is fantastic news because that means all of my books can be ordered from almost any place in the world and they will be delivered with FREE SHIPPING! What a blessing for missionary families or you folks in Australia or New Zealand who read my books. If you know of someone in another country who you think would enjoy exciting adventure stories with a godly message please let them know about this great opportunity. The links for the Book Depository can be found on my website here, or you can go directly to the Book Depository site here for The Maker's Medicine Girl and here for The Dancing Ghosts. God's richest blessings to all of you, ... Read More about Really Great News!
30 – Clean Feet and a Dirty Heart
(Inspired by John 13: 2-20) The sun had set, and Rock was finishing putting all of the food on the tables for the Passover meal when the door to the upper room opened, and in walked John leading Jesus and the other disciples. As they entered, Rock hurried over to the basin and pitcher of water resting on a table by the door. “We have prepared the urchatz here,” he announced. Each guest took turns holding their hands over the basin while Rock poured water over them. When everyone had completed the cleansing ceremony, the big fisherman directed them to the tables. “Lord, You will sit here and be our host tonight,” Rock announced. “The rest of you find a place. As everyone made their way to the low tables, John closed the door against the cool night air. “John,” the Teacher called, “do ... Read More about 30 – Clean Feet and a Dirty Heart
29 – Rejecting or Accepting the Better Lamb
Jesus and his disciples were resting in the Garden of Gethsemane on the Mount of Olives. The Lord was staring intently at Jerusalem to the west. Finally the Teacher turned to face His followers. They could tell by the look on His face that He had something important to say. “You know that I love you,” Jesus began. “I have loved each of you since before I called you, and I have never stopped.” He looked around at his disciples, making eye contact with each. His eyes seemed to linger a little longer on Judas; so long, in fact, that it made the disciple uncomfortable. “Rock!” Jesus called. “Yes, Teacher?” “Take John with you and go arrange all we need for the Passover supper,” the Teacher directed. “Where shall we prepare it?” There was a pause before the Lord answered. “When you enter ... Read More about 29 – Rejecting or Accepting the Better Lamb