Jesus Took Care of Us

By Mary Vee
Mark 6, Matthew 14

From Matthew's Journal 

Sea of Galilee. Israel. Photo by Mary Vee

Jesus had asked us, his apostles, to go to cities and villages and teach his message, which is the Gospel. Before we left, He made sure we understood what to do and asked us to go in groups of two.

We've been gone for a time, and I must admit, I'm glad I went. So many men and women are anxious to hear what Jesus has to teach. So many are in need of healing. When we did as Jesus said, great miracles happened.

We returned at the appointed time and met with Jesus. We all had so much to share. Such great stories of our experiences.

There were many people coming and going around us, wanting to hear from Jesus and wanting to speak with him that we didn't get a chance to eat. I was hungry and needed a break.

Jesus noticed our need and said, "Come with me. Just you apostles. We'll go to a quiet place and get some rest." He always took care of our needs.

We climbed into a boat, just Jesus and his apostles. The water was peaceful and the sky clear. We were able to rest and talk. The ride took just enough time to restore us.

Many of the men and women whom we left on shore saw the direction we were headed. They ran on foot and told others along the way where we were going. 

The boat eased to the shore on the other side. A large crowd had gathered. They waved and called out to Jesus. I looked at him and saw the same compassion he'd showed me. These people were like sheep without a shepherd. 

We docked the boat and stepped onto shore. The crowd hushed. They were waiting for Him to speak. 

Jesus welcomed them and taught them about the kingdom of God. He healed those who needed healing. We moved to a hill so the people could sit and still hear Jesus.

The time of year was near the Jewish Passover Feast.

 Come back to read the next story.

*Author of blog's note: If you have questions, please feel free to leave them in the comment section. I will see them and will answer as best I can or direct you to a source.


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sources: 
*A Harmony of the Gospels for Historical Study, An Analytical Synopsis of the Four Gospels by William Arnold Stevens and Ernest DeWitt Burton, Charles Scribner's Sons, New York 1932
*New International Version, New King James Version. 
*My Bible College training.
*My notes and walk through classes I've taught in Children's church. Answers to student questions, etc.
*Pastoral sermons on this time
*Matthew Henry Commentary
*F. LaGard Smith Commentary
*My notes from my trip to Israel.
*Photos from my trip to Israel.

Who Ruined Herod's Birthday Party?

By Mary Vee
Mark 6

From Herod's Journal 

What remains of one of Herod's palaces - Israel
photo by Mary Vee

My name is Herod. I am a king and rule from Jerusalem. I'm not a Jew, but have been given this position from my connections in Rome.

I have heard of a man who is gaining a lot of attention in Israel. He travels through the cities and villages with his disciples healing the sick, performing miracles, and teaching about God in Heaven.

We've had many men rise up and gather followers. They usually want political power. Most of the time these groups die out, and I don't have to worry about them. If they gain too many followers, I send my army to squash them. 

This new man that has gathered many followers and has become well known in the land, is a mystery. His name is Jesus.

I called my counsel together. "Tell me about this man who has risen to such popularity."

The counsel answered, "Some say he is John the Baptist raised from the dead and that is why miraculous powers are at work in him."

Others said, "He is Elijah."

And still others claimed, "He is a prophet, like one of the prophets of long ago."

Their words upset me. "John has been raised from the dead! I beheaded John. Who then, is this man I'm hearing about?"

From that moment on I wanted to see this man called Jesus and know for myself who he really was.

I remember the day I beheaded John the Baptist. I gave orders to have him arrested. Had him bound and put in prison. I had to. I had to. John the Baptist created such a stir. He came to my palace and had the nerve to say I had done something unlawful. Well, I did. I had my brother Philip killed so that I would be king then I married his wife, Herodias. But I am king and can do as I wish.

Herodias heard about John the Baptist's accusations. From that moment on she carried a grudge so vehemately she wanted him killed. I couldn't let her do that. This man made me nervous. He said things with such authority. I protected him. I had to, he was a righteous and holy man.

Every time this man spoke his words puzzled me, yet I couldn't resist hearing what he had to say. 

One year I gave a banquet and invited my high officials, military commanders, and the leading men of Galilee to celebrate my birthday. The food poured out of the kitchens. The hall decorated in all the best. Everyone had a wonderful time. At the end of the meal, I ordered the entertainment to begin.

Herodias' daughter entered the room. The music began. The next several moments voices stilled. Her dance thoroughly pleased me and my dinner guests.

I had to reward her. "Ask me for anything you want, and I'll give it to you. Whatever you ask I will give it to you, up to half of my kingdom."

"I need a moment." She met her mother at the doorway and spoke with her then returned. "I would like you to give me the head of John the Baptist on a silver platter."

I never expected her to say that. Had I known, I would have pharased my reward differently. Her request upset me terribly, but I had to honor it. I had said I would give what she asked in front of all my guests. My word must be honorable. 

My smile and pleasure in her dance had long left. I inhaled deeply and did the only thing I could. I called for an executioner to go to the prison where John had been safely protected. "Bring me back the head of John the Baptist.

The man left the room. Any celebration after that point was pure show. Happiness had completely left me. 

The executioner left the hall, beheaded John in the prison, and brought back John's head on a platter. He presented it to Herodias' daughter. She accepted the platter and took it to her mother.

John's disciples came later that evening requesting his body for burial. I, of course, had it given to them.

In the next days I wanted to find out who this Jesus really was.

 Come back to read the next story.

*Author of blog's note: If you have questions, please feel free to leave them in the comment section. I will see them and will answer as best I can or direct you to a source.


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sources: 
*A Harmony of the Gospels for Historical Study, An Analytical Synopsis of the Four Gospels by William Arnold Stevens and Ernest DeWitt Burton, Charles Scribner's Sons, New York 1932
*New International Version, New King James Version. 
*My Bible College training.
*My notes and walk through classes I've taught in Children's church. Answers to student questions, etc.
*Pastoral sermons on this time
*Matthew Henry Commentary
*F. LaGard Smith Commentary
*My notes from my trip to Israel.
*Photos from my trip to Israel.

Jesus Asked Us To Go and Tell His Message

By Mary Vee
Matthew 10

From Matthew's Journal 

Photo by Mary Vee

My name is Matthew. I am a disciple, a follower of Jesus. I and the other disciples have listened to Jesus teach for a while and have learned a lot from Him. 

Jesus spoke to the twelve of us, whom He called His closest disciples, away from the crowds many times. He taught us deep truths, their meanings, and today, He gave us warnings. 

The warnings are to prepare us for when we go out and share Jesus' teachings. Here is what He told us today: 

"Those who stand up for me and my teachings I will stand up for to my heavenly Father. Those who are embarrassed or don't stand up for me to others, I will do the same before my heavenly Father.

"If you think I came to bring peace, you're wrong. I came with a sharp sword to divide 
a man against his father
a daughter against her mother
a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law
a man's enemies will be the members of his own household

"Those who love anyone or anything more than me have nothing to do with me. Give up everything that holds your attention. Focus your thoughts and actions on me. 

"When you go out and teach people, there will be those who will accept you. Those who accept you, accept me, the One who has sent you. Those who accept Me, accept the Father who has sent Me.

"Anyone who accepts the words of a messenger of God will receive the same reward as the messenger."


And with those last words of instruction, Jesus sent us on our way. Jesus took on the same assignment as we twelve disciples: go to the towns in Israel. Teach and preach the gospel and heal people in the name of Jesus.

This was our chance to remember and show what Jesus taught us. As the days went by, the job became easier. The disciple who went with me and I figured out a system and traded duties. 

When I first listened to Jesus I was interested in learning. I didn't think I would become one who would teach others His message. But here I am. And I find I truly enjoy this work.

 Come back to read the next story.

*Author of blog's note: If you have questions, please feel free to leave them in the comment section. I will see them and will answer as best I can or direct you to a source.


*********************************************************************************************

sources: 
*A Harmony of the Gospels for Historical Study, An Analytical Synopsis of the Four Gospels by William Arnold Stevens and Ernest DeWitt Burton, Charles Scribner's Sons, New York 1932
*New International Version, New King James Version. 
*My Bible College training.
*My notes and walk through classes I've taught in Children's church. Answers to student questions, etc.
*Pastoral sermons on this time
*Matthew Henry Commentary
*F. LaGard Smith Commentary
*My notes from my trip to Israel.
*Photos from my trip to Israel.

Stands Strong Against Bullies

By Mary Vee
Matthew 10

From Matthew's Journal 

Photo by Mary Vee

My name is Matthew. I am a disciple, a follower of Jesus. I and the other disciples have listened to Jesus teach for a while. 

Jesus gathered we twelve disciples and gave us an interesting assignement. He felt we had learned what we needed to carry on this project. 

We were to go in teams to cities not yet visited by Jesus. Teach the people His teachings. Heal the sick. And help the people. In the last two posts below this one you can see what He has said to prepare us for this mission. Here is what he said next:

"People will realize you are talking about a living God and not some idol they have worshiped. They will be offended and angry. They will turn against you because you bring my message. Don't quit. Stand firm to the end. Your strength and faith will be worth all you experience in the end. You are not after success. That is God's business. You are after survival and the continued teaching of my truth. And don't worry. Before you run out of options, the Son of Man will have arrived. 

"At times this will be a difficult task for you. A student is not above his teacher, nor a servant above his master. All the student must do is to be like his teacher, and the servant like his master. There are those who have called me Beelzebub, sadly, they will do the same to you. Don't let this stop you. Soon everyone will know the truth. Stand strong. Don't hesitate to complete this mission.

"I have taught you hidden meanings to my teachings in private. Take these and tell the people. Don't be afraid of those who threaten you. They are bullies who may even kill you. And while what the bully says and does may frighten you, the one who should be feared is the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell. 

"Think of a small sparrow. Two are sold for only a penny. God cares about what may happen to that bird even more than you do. So don't be intimidated by those who threaten you. You are worth more to God than many sparrows.


I thought about his warnings. What all could happen to us while we were gone. The assignment seemed scary in a way. Exciting in another. Jesus didn't send us just yet. He taught us more before we left. I'll share that next time.

 Come back to read the next story.

*Author of blog's note: If you have questions, please feel free to leave them in the comment section. I will see them and will answer as best I can or direct you to a source.


*********************************************************************************************

sources: 
*A Harmony of the Gospels for Historical Study, An Analytical Synopsis of the Four Gospels by William Arnold Stevens and Ernest DeWitt Burton, Charles Scribner's Sons, New York 1932
*New International Version, New King James Version. 
*My Bible College training.
*My notes and walk through classes I've taught in Children's church. Answers to student questions, etc.
*Pastoral sermons on this time
*Matthew Henry Commentary
*F. LaGard Smith Commentary
*My notes from my trip to Israel.
*Photos from my trip to Israel.

If Anyone Rejects You

By Mary Vee
Matthew 10

From Matthew's Journal 

Photo by Mary Vee

My name is Matthew. I am a disciple, a follower of Jesus. I and the other disciples have listened to Jesus teach for a while. After teaching the crowds, He always took us aside to explain special meanings in his message to us. Today I learned why He only explained the meanings to the disciples.

Jesus met with the twelve of us. He wanted us to go in teams to cities in Israel He hadn't visited yet. He asked us to teach the people what He'd taught. Do what He showed us. Have compassion like He had for us. 

He then said, "Whatever town or village you enter, look for a worthy person and stay at his house until you leave. Then, as you enter the home, give it your greeting. If the home is deserving, let your peace rest on it. If it is not deserving, let your peace return to you. If anyone in that home will not welcome you, leave and go to another. And if anyone in the city will not welcome you or listen to your words, shake the dust off your feet as you leave. You know how the cities Sodom and Gomorrah have been judged, right?"

We answered yes.

"On the day of judgement, Sodom and Gomorrah will bear what happens easier than any home or city that rejects you."

While the crowds stood in the distance waiting to hear Jesus speak, He gave us more instructions.

"I am sending you out like sheep among wolves. You must be shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves.

"Be on your guard against the men you meet. They will hand you over to the local councils and have you whipped in the synogogues for your words. Because of me, you will be brought before govenors and kings as witnesses to share what I've taught you. But when they arrest you, do not worry about what to say or how to say it. At that time you will be given what to say, for it will not be you speaking, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you."

I thought about his warnings. What all could happen to us while we were gone. The assignment seemed scary in a way. Exciting in another. Jesus didn't send us just yet. He taught us more before we left. I'll share that next time.

 Come back to read the next story.

*Author of blog's note: If you have questions, please feel free to leave them in the comment section. I will see them and will answer as best I can or direct you to a source.


*********************************************************************************************

sources: 
*A Harmony of the Gospels for Historical Study, An Analytical Synopsis of the Four Gospels by William Arnold Stevens and Ernest DeWitt Burton, Charles Scribner's Sons, New York 1932
*New International Version, New King James Version. 
*My Bible College training.
*My notes and walk through classes I've taught in Children's church. Answers to student questions, etc.
*Pastoral sermons on this time
*Matthew Henry Commentary
*F. LaGard Smith Commentary
*My notes from my trip to Israel.
*Photos from my trip to Israel.