Perplexed And Wondering

Luke 24:1-12

Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, Salome, and other women witnessed Jesus breathe His last breaths from the blood-stained cross. It’s rather unfortunate how Jesus’ disciples hid away from fear of the Jews, while a handful of loyal women stood by the side of the suffering Savior, until the end of His assignment. These same women also followed closely, as Joseph of Arimathaea and Nicodemus carried the lifeless body of Jesus to a tomb, where they assumed His body would remain forever.

On multiple occasions, Jesus told those who followed Him the details of His Father’s plan, but for some reason, they could not grasp the simplicity of His words. Jesus’ message to His followers literally went in one ear, and out the other, in the same way many today disbelieve He’ll return a second time to gather the Saints. A few days after the two men placed the body of Jesus in a tomb, the same women who witnessed His death and burial, returned, bringing spices prepared for His body. Bringing spices to a tomb could be compared to bringing flowers to a grave in our day, as a sign of love and respect for the deceased. To their surprise, the women arrived at the tomb to see the stone that sealed the entrance rolled away. First of all, they should have been home with their family and friends during this time, waiting and anticipating the risen Savior’s arrival, but they believed He was still laying lifeless in the tomb.

After witnessing an empty tomb and wearing a perplexed look on their faces, the women were greeted by two angels, who reminded them of Jesus’ words. Then, they remembered, and their faith was restored. The women hurriedly sought out the disciples, to tell them the great news. Unfortunately, when they arrived and told the men what they experienced, the disciples didn’t believe their words, just as the women disbelieved before being reminded by the angels. How could the men who were closest to Jesus, not believe what He had told them plainly, and on multiple occasions?

Can you relate to the women and disciples in our lesson, who heard the Word, but failed to believe it? Are there moments in your life, when your feelings supercede the infallible and unadulterated Word of God, that speaks truth alone? How often do you take Scripture for what is says, without doubting; believing that what’s written, will come to pass? God’s Word is truth, and those who live by it will avoid harboring worry and doubt, concerning the things He promised. Build your faith and confidence in God, and stand firm knowing that His Word shall not return unto Him void, but it shall accomplish that which He please, and it shall prosper in the thing where He sends it.

Faithful Women

Luke 8:1-3; Mark 15:40; John 20:10-18

As a non-Jew recording the words and works of Jesus’ life, Luke demonstrates a special sensitivity to other “outsiders” with whom Jesus came into contact. For instance, Luke records five events involving women that are not mentioned in the other Gospels. In first-century Jewish culture, women were usually treated as second-class citizens and had few of the rights men had. But Jesus crossed those barriers, and Luke showed the special care Jesus had for women. Jesus treated all people the with equal respect (Life Application Study Bible). The women mentioned in our text, proved their loyalty to Jesus, after being healed of evil spirits and infirmities. Not only were the aforementioned women loyal to Jesus, but Mary Magdalene, Joanna the wife of Chuza (Herod’s steward), and Suzanna were few among many, who consistently supported the ministry of Jesus financially. Mary Magdalene was healed by the hand of Jesus, supported His ministry, was by His side all the way to the cross, and after His resurrection. Her loyalty was proven to be as solid as the love Jesus had shown to her and others, and she serves as a great example of how all who follow after Christ should live.

“Never judge what you don’t understand, because it could be an integral part of God’s divine plan.” – Ell

Rolling Stone

Matthew 28:1-10

The stone that secured the tomb where Jesus’ body was laid, was not rolled away by the disciples, whom the chief priests and Pharisees assumed would steal the body away, but by an unexpected visitor from Heaven. The angel of the Lord removed the stone, so that others could see that Jesus had indeed risen from the dead, as He boldly prophesied. History records that stones made to secure tombs were an average of a few tons, and while it was task rolling it into place to cover the opening, it was even more difficult to remove it. Fortunately, God sent an angelic being with powers beyond normal men, who entered earth’s atmosphere, causing a great earthquake, then easily rolled the stone away and sat on top of it, until the women who followed Jesus arrived. God knew the disciples and women who followed Jesus still didn’t believe, nor understand the words He spoke concerning His resurrection, so He had a plan to make certain all their doubts would be removed.

At The Cross

John 19:25-30

Even while bearing the weight of all the sins of men, a brutal scourging, and hanging from a cross, Jesus was still concerned about his family. Enduring pain and struggles are difficult by default, but God offers strength that can help a person maintain focus on those things we tend to shun away when we suffer, but are of vital importance.

In our text, Jesus was at the tail end of His time in the earth, and wanted to make sure His mom was taken care of. From the cross, Jesus looked upon His mother with eyes of eternity, and made certain she would be cared for, despite all that was taking place. The disciple whom Jesus loved (John), was also near the cross, and took on the responsibility of housing Mary. It’s good to know that at least one of the disciples stayed near Jesus, when all the others were away in hiding. Jesus also had brothers, so some may wonder why He didn’t leave his mother with them. Well, John stayed with Jesus all the way to the cross, and this was enough for Jesus to know that he was the perfect person to entrust with His mom.

The moment you need people most, is when they scurry away into hiding, but those who are bold enough to stand with you, even if it causes them to suffer, will not hesitate to be strength to you, until the end.

A Big Deal!

Luke 2:28-35

From the time Mary and Joseph received words from the angel Gabriel concerning the Son of God, to the prophetic words from the just and devout Simeon, Jesus’ earthly parents could only marvel at all that was being spoken of the child sent by God.

Jesus would soon be a big deal, not only to his family, but to the entire world. Even when Mary went to visit her pregnant cousin Elizabeth to share the great news concerning God’s plan, John the Baptist leaped in her womb at the very salutation of Mary, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Ghost at that moment. That’s intense! The shepherds who came to Bethlehem to see what God had made known to them with their very eyes, witnessed the child, then made known abroad all that was told to them by God, concerning Jesus. Mary pondered over those things which she had heard, as they were no doubt wonderful, yet possibly confusing at the same time.

When the days of purification were accomplished, Joseph and Mary brought the child to Jerusalem, to present him to the Lord. This is where Simeon would get his opportunity to see Jesus for himself. The Bible mentions, it was revealed to Simeon, by the Holy Ghost, that he would not see death, before he had seen the Lord’s Christ. After being led by the Spirit to go to the Temple (around the same time Joseph and Mary would arrive…God’s timing is impeccable!), Simeon finally saw the child, held him in his arms, and gave God thanks from his very soul. Just as Gabriel and the shepherds prophesied Jesus as a big deal, Simeon did the same. Joseph and Mary also marveled at the words the wise elder had spoken, in the same way they received the words of all the other prophecies.

Can you imagine being in the shoes of either Joseph or Mary? The hardest thing to overcome was the fact that Mary would be impregnated by the Holy Ghost. Coming to terms with that was literally impossible, without help directly from Heaven. But the young couple leaned unto the Lord’s understanding, and supported each other the entire time. In addition, hearing all the great prophecies from men of different backgrounds, also added pressure and encouragement to Joseph and Mary, as they would need all the support and strength available, to help them on this path.

Jesus was, and still is a big deal. Despite how men have negatively portrayed Him in the past, and still today, He fulfilled what was written of Him, all the way from the Old Testament, and will close out the latter prophesies soon, and very soon…

Don’t Forget

Luke 24:5-10

“The Son of man must suffer many things, and be rejected of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be slain, and be raised the third day.” (Luke 9:22). “Let these sayings sink down into your ears: for the Son of man shall be delivered into the hands of men.” (Luke 9:44). “Behold, we go up to Jerusalem, and all things that were written by the prophets concerning the Son of man shall be accomplished. For he shall be delivered unto the Gentiles, and shall be mocked, and spitefully entreated, and spitted on: And they shall scourge him, and put him to death: and the third day he shall rise again.” (Luke 18:31-33).

On multiple occasions, Jesus warned His followers of the horrible things that were destined to happen to Him. He made mention that He would be rejected by those who were supposed to support Him, beaten, mocked, bruised, scourged, and even put to death. But, He never left out the most fascinating of all prophecy; He would rise again, after death!

Our text references the tail end of Jesus’ brief, yet impactful ministry, and also rings some very alarming bells. Following His death, Jesus was taken from the cross and placed in Joseph’s unused tomb. Days following the Savior’s death, the women who had followed Jesus and witnessed His burial, had prepared spices and ointments to use on the body of their loving teacher, while the disciples were keeping themselves out of sight. Ding! Ding! Ding! Helloooooo! Did these folk forget what Jesus had told them, time and time again? Apparently so. But, how could they be in the very presence of Jesus, witness miracles done by His hand, yet forget the most important message He ever told them; “and the third day, He shall rise again.” What purpose was there to prepare spices and ointments, if the Son of man would rise from the tomb? Why hide yourselves from those who were responsible for the death of Jesus, if you knew He would be dead only three days? The disciples and those who followed after Jesus weren’t distracted by Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, or any other media source, but were fully focused on the prophetic events that took place during their time. I can understand if they were with Jesus during the 21st century, when men are so easily beguiled, but there was hardly anything happening to take their focus off Jesus’ words (that’s just my opinion).

How could they so easily forget that Jesus would rise again? Maybe they thought it was a fairytale, or that Jesus meant something else, or they possibly just didn’t believe. For this reason, God already had a someone in place to remind the people, His Son was indeed raised from the dead. Do you believe what the Bible teaches, or do take in some parts, and disbelieve others? All verses of Scripture are interconnected, and the root of every text is Jesus. The Words of God were written for our instruction, whether we think they are fairytale or not, but despite what we believe, all Scripture will soon be fulfilled.

All For His Glory

John 11:1-11

Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to an exciting episode of, “All For His Glory”! Starring, Martha, Mary, Lazarus, Jesus, and the Disciples! I’m your host, “holyell”, and I’ll be bringing you all the details of tonight’s most fascinating scenes!

Lazarus: (Moaning in pain and agony) Mmmmm… ugghhh… Martha…. Mary….

Martha: Lazarus! Lazarus! Oh no! Mary, his condition is getting worse!

Mary: God, if you’re listening, please help our ailing brother.

Martha: If Jesus was here, He would save our brother. Mary, let’s send word to Jesus that we desperately need His help.

Mary: Alright sister, I’ll make haste to do so. Lazarus, you hold on. I’m sending a messenger to find Jesus.

Lazarus: (Moaning goes from intense, to subtle, as Lazarus drifts into sleep) mmm…hmmm…Mar..

(Messenger arrives where Jesus is, and is met by the disciples)

Messenger: Excuse me. Pardon me, but is the healer here?

Disciples: If you’re referring to Jesus, yes. He is.

Messenger: If possible, could you bid Him to come, because I have an urgent message to deliver.

Disciples: Whatever you have to tell the Master, you can say to us.

Messenger: Well, if you insist. The message reads, “Lord, behold, he whom thou lovest is sick.”

(Jesus overhears the message)

Jesus: Worry not kind sir, “This sickness is not unto death, but for the glory of God, that the Son of man might be glorified thereby.”

Disciples: Oh, hello Master. We were just…

Jesus: It’s ok men. Tell them I will come soon (to the messenger).

Messenger: Thank you my Lord. I shall.

Disciples: Master, what’s going on? What was that all about? Do you know who the man was referring to?

Jesus: Prepare yourselves men, for in two days, we will journey again to Judea.

Disciples: Woah woah woah! Wait a minute. My Lord, a few weeks ago the Jews there sought to stone you. It’s too dangerous to return there now. Don’t you agree?

Jesus: Gentlemen, when you know the plan of the enemy, you can wisely plan around it.

Disciples: Oooooh, right. That makes so much sense. You are beyond man’s wisdom, my Lord

Jesus: Besides, you’ll soon see and understand my purpose in doing things the way I do, then youI’ll believe.

*The disciples often questioned the methods Jesus used in certain situations, and failed to see the spiritual significance behind it, but the longer they observed His works, the more they realized how amazing the power of God was, working through His Son. Oftentimes we see things in our own lives that may appear as dead, but God allows things to be put on hold, long enough for the world to assume it’s over, so that He can then restore life and purpose to that dead situation. In times when you don’t understand God’s plan, keep the faith, and watch how He works things out in your favor.

This concludes the exciting episode of, “All For His Glory”! Thanks for tuning in.

Busy Bee!

Luke 10:38-42

If Jesus came to visit you for a day, what questions would you ask Him (if any)? Would you spend most of your time making His stay pleasant and comfortable, or would you focus all your attention on hearing everything He has to say? This was the situation that took place in Bethany, when Jesus visited His friends Martha and Mary.

The sisters were fond of Jesus, and He in turn thought it necessary to visit them. Martha received Jesus into their home, then made preparations to accommodate His stay, whereas Mary kept her eyes and ears focused on Jesus alone. At some point during the day, Martha had become aggravated at the fact that while she seemed to be doing all the serving, Mary’s lack of help was bothersome. So, Martha approached Jesus and asked, “Lord, dost thou not care that my sister hath left me to serve alone? Bid her therefore that she help me.” While serving Jesus wasn’t bad at all, hearing what He had to say was more important, in that moment. Jesus was only visiting for a brief time, and it was better to first hear Him speak, then go from there. Not everyone was privileged to be in the presence of Jesus, and Mary knew to take advantage of the opportunity.

Oftentimes we find ourselves being too busy to take time out for God. Many of us work our fingers to the bone, or occupy our time with things that can be delayed, in order to spend a little time in the Word. While Martha did well in serving the Lord, she failed to realize, He came to render service to her household. Never allow yourself to become too busy until God is placed last on your to-do list. Do as Mary did and choose the good part (The Word of God), which is something that can never be taken away from you, then all else will fall into place.

They Just Don’t Understand

Luke 4:23-30

There are some people in life, who try hard to shine in the spotlight, and are willing to go over and beyond normal means, simply to gain the attention and approval of others. On the other hand, there are those who try hard to remain hidden from the realm of popularity, but their righteous acts keep them at the forefront. Jesus came to the earth to make no reputation for Himself, rather to do as His Father commanded Him to do. As His fame began to spread during the early moments of His ministry, He decided to return to the place where He had been brought up. Walking through the streets of Nazareth must have brought many old memories to Jesus, one of which led Him to visit the synagogue on the Sabbath day.

While in the midst of those gathered together, Jesus read a familiar passage from the book of Isaiah, that was a literal reference to His mission. Rather than appreciate the son of Joseph for all the great works they heard Him perform in Capernaum, the people became filled with wrath instead. They allowed their familiarity with who Jesus was in a natural sense to cloud their judgment of who He was in the spirit realm. The Son of God had just told the people His purpose for His time in the earth, yet they deliberately rejected Him, and literally tried to throw Him over a cliff! Say what?! Yes, they were ready to kill Jesus, knowing He was of their own people, and the son of Joseph and Mary. I’m convinced, Jesus could only shake His head, and repeat in His mind, “No prophet is accepted in His own country” (vs.24).

Are you guilty of rejecting people who have gifts and talents, but are too familiar? Learn to love and accept those who you may be accustomed to, and appreciate their gifts, rather than showing more respect to strangers who seem to be experts. Be not surprised when your Christian life and faith are not easily understood by those who know you well, but keep doing what you do, and God will see you through.

Special Delivery

Luke 1:26-38

Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to an exciting episode of, “Special Delivery!” Starring, Mary, and Gabriel the Messenger! I’m your host, “holyell”, and I’ll be bringing you all the details of tonight’s most fascinating scenes!

(Mary walks from the kitchen to the living room while cleaning, then suddenly sees the angel Gabriel appear before her)

Mary: (Screams frantically!!!) Who are you? What are you doing here? How did you get in my house? What is happening right now?

Gabriel: Calm down Mary, everything is fine. I am Gabriel. I was sent by God to give you some very exciting news!

Mary: I’m extremely sorry I screamed in your face. Allow me a moment to sit, and catch my breath.

(Mary sits on the couch, and looks puzzled at Gabriel’s presence)

Gabriel: Oh Mary, you are highly favored, and the Lord is with you. You are truly blessed among women.

Mary: I don’t understand your words sir. What do you mean? What is this about?

Gabriel: Fear not, Mary. You have found favor with God. I’ve come to tell you, you will conceive in your womb, and bring forth a son, and will call his name JESUS.

(Mary’s puzzling look grows more intense)

Gabriel: The child you birth will be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David.

Mary: I…..but…..

Gabriel: And he shall reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there shall be no end.

Mary: Forgive me kind sir for my puzzled gaze, but how shall this be, seeing I know not a man.

Gabriel: The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God.

Mary: All this seems unreal, and hard to fathom.

Gabriel: I understand how you must feel right now, but if it makes you feel any better, your cousin Elisabeth, the one who was called barren, she’s already six months pregnant, even in her old age.

Mary: How did you know that?

Gabriel: Mary, with God, nothing shall be impossible.

Mary: Well sir, be it unto me, according to thy word.

(Gabriel departs, and Mary sits for hours, pondering over the message she had received from the angel)

*Every word spoken of Jesus before His birth, was fulfilled. He, along with his cousin John, would be great, but Jesus would be even more greater, because He was indeed, the Son of God. God saw something in Mary, to trust her with birthing the Savior of the world, and her humility and submission to Gabriel’s message, proved that she was well able to carry out God’s plan for her life. What has God called you to do? Have you submitted yourself to carrying out His plan for your life? Or, are you too busy concerning yourself with the business of others? Focus your time and efforts on doing what God has called you to do, then watch Him bless you, as you walk in obedience to His commands.

This concludes the exciting episode of, “Special Delivery”! Thanks for tuning in.