Today we read John 1-4, about Jesus’ interactions with several people in the early stages of His ministry. Their stories inspire us to respond. Nicodemus was a Pharisee, a very religious man who held authority. He would have known the scriptures backward and forwards. Jesus had caught his attention when word spread of His …
Read-Through-The-Bible [10.22.19]
As Jesus begins His public ministry, two important things take place. The first is His baptism by John at the Jordan River. John publicly proclaims Him as the “Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world.” The Trinity of God is seen, as the Spirit of God descends as a dove and …
Read-Through-The-Bible [10.21.19]
The infancy and youth of Jesus are summed up in just a few short verses. Matthew 2 and Luke 2:39-52 tells us what happened to Jesus from birth until 12-years-old; scripture is silent on the remaining years until He begins His ministry at around age 30. Today I read two familiar stories: the wise …
Read-Through-The-Bible [10.20.19]
Today’s read includes Luke 1-2 and Matthew 1:18-25. We are given many details surrounding the birth of two babies: John the Baptist, and Jesus. Their mothers, Elizabeth and Mary, were relatives, though we don’t know how closely they were related. Both babies were born under unusual circumstances, and their destinies would be intertwined. Zechariah, Elizabeth’s …
Read-Through-The-Bible [10.19.19]
Today I read two genealogies. One begins with Abraham and traces Joseph’s line to Jesus (Matthew 1:1-17). The other begins with God, who made Adam, and traces Mary’s line to Jesus (Luke 3:23-38). Why are these lists important? The gospel writers are presenting Jesus as the promised Messiah, the fulfillment of hundreds of O.T. prophecies. …
