The Narrow Door

By Mary Vee
John 10

Peter

The Jordan River.
Men and women being baptized.
Photo by Mary Vee

My name is Peter. 

The other disciples and I left Jerusalem with Jesus after the Pharisees threatened to stone Him yesterday. We crossed the Jordan and stopped at the place where John had baptized many in the early days. 

Rather than visit villages, we stayed in this place for quite some time. Word of mouth spread the news of Jesus' location. Many men and women came to talk to him.

During those days, some people said, "Though John never performed a miraculous sign, we have seen that all John said about this man was true."

During those days near the Jordan, many believed in Jesus. The restful days from our hectic schedule felt good. 

Some days later, we continued on visiting towns and villages. The route took us back in the direction of Jerusalem. Jesus taught all who wanted to listen at every opportunity. 

One man said, "Lord, are only a few people going to be saved?"

Jesus answered, "The door is narrow. This is the only way, though. Only those who enter at this place will be saved. There are many who will try to go through this door and yet not enter. Once the owner of the house gets up to close the door, those who have not entered will stand outside knocking and pleading, 'Sir, open the door for us.'

"But he will say, 'I don't know you or where you come from.'

"Then you will respond, 'We ate and drank with you. You taught in our streets. We saw you there.'

"He will say, 'Go away. I don't know you or where you come from. Leave at once you evildoers.'

"At this time there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth when you see Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and all the prophets in the kingdom of God go in...and you are forced to leave. Men and women will come from the east, west, north, and south, and will take their places at the feast in the kingdom of God. 

"There will be those who are considered last who will be made first, and those thought to be first who will be made last."

A group of Pharisees arrived as he finished speaking. They said, "Leave this place and go somewhere else. Herod wants to kill you."

Come back to read the next story.

*Note from Mary Vee: 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.

What Jesus Gives To Those Who Believe

By Mary Vee
John 10

Peter

The Temple-Photo by Mary Vee

My name is Peter. 

Autumn is nearly over. December has come. It was about 197 years ago when Judas Maccabaeus began the celebration called Dedication, later called Hanukkah. 

This is a feast held in December to remember the refurbishing and opening of the temple after Antiochus Epiphanes ruined the grounds and building in168 BC.

The person who took the photo is unknown. The photo
courtesy goes to this individual who posted this winter photo
of the Western Wall on the Spirit of Israel Facebook page.

Hanukkah is an eight day feast held in Jerusalem. Jews travel from all over Israel to attend. 

It is at this time that I begin today's story. 

Photo courtesy: ebibleTeacher.com

I found Jesus in the Temple area, walking in Solomon's Colonnade. A group of Jews gathered around him. Their leader said, "How long will you keep us in suspense? Are you or are you not the Christ? Tell us plainly.

Jesus said, "I did tell you, but you do not believe me. The miracles I have done in my Father's name speak for me. You don't believe because you do not follow me as a sheep would his master. 





"My sheep listen to my voice. I know them, and they follow me. I give each one eternal life. None will ever perish. Neither can anyone snatch them from me.

"My Father, the One who has given me my sheep, is greater than all. No one can snatch my sheep out of my Father's hand. I and the Father are one."

Inside the Temple, a room for females only-
Photo by Mary Vee

Although Jesus answered their question, they became angry. They bent low and picked up stones to hurl at him.


Jesus said, "I have shown you many great miracles from the Father. Which one of these gives you a reason to stone me?"

Their leader said, "We are not stoning you for any of those. We will stone you for blasphemy, though. You are a mere man and yet you claim to be God."

"Then don't believe me if I do not do what the Father does. 

"But, if I do these things, even though you do not believe me, believe the miracles. Then you will know and understand that the Father is in me, and I am in the Father."

The men lunged toward Jesus, grabbing for Him, but He escaped their grasp.

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.

The Benefit of Persistent Prayer

By Mary Vee
Luke 11 

Peter

My name is Peter. 

Only moments ago, Jesus taught us the way to pray. I shared his instructions the last time I wrote. You can scroll down to read it.

After He finished the prayer, Jesus told us a story. He often did this before teaching a principle.

Jesus said, "Suppose one night, a friend came to your house after traveling on a long journey. You open the door and welcome him.

But you soon discover you have no food to give your guest.

You walk to your neighbor's house. He also is a good friend. You knock until the neighbor calls out, 'What do you want?'

"'Please,' you say, 'I have a guest who only just arrived after a long journey. I have no food to give him. Loan me three loaves of bread.'

"The neighbor answers, 'Go away. Don't bother me. The door is locked for the night. My children are in bed. I can't get up to give you anything.'

Photo by Mary
Land near Jerusalem

"Even with all of these excuses, the neighbor finally opens the door and shares three loaves of bread.

"He didn't do this because the one who asked was a friend. He gave the bread because the one who asked continued to ask.

"So I say, Ask and it will be given, seek and you will find, knock and the door will be opened to you."

Jesus explained what He meant by that teaching. I will share what he said the 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.