Jesus-Don't Worry About Food and Clothing

By Mary Vee
Matthew 5, Luke 6

From Matthew's Journal 

Photo by Mary Vee. View down to the Sea of Galilee from
the Mountain where it is believed Jesus was at this time.
Capernaum is down and to the left by the shore.

My name is Matthew. I am a disciple of Jesus. I am here with other disciples, so they may add something to today's post. 

We are sitting on the side of a mountain bordering the Sea of Galilee, and there is a large number of people here with us, some have traveled a long ways to hear Jesus speak.

Jesus has been speaking most of the morning. You may know this talk as the Sermon on the Mount. Posts telling what he said already are below.  Just scroll down.

I am here to tell you what Jesus said on that day.

Jesus said, "Don't worry about your life, what you will eat or drink. Don't think about your body, what you will wear. Life is much more important than food, and the body is more important clothes. Look up. See the birds. they don't plant or reap or store away their food in barns, and yet, your heavenly Father feeds them. Aren't you more valuable than they? How can worrying add a single hour to your life? It can't. 

"So why worry about our clothes? Look about you. See how the lilies of the field grow? They don't work or spin their clothes. Not even Solomon in all his spender was dressed like one of these. If God shows care for the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow thrown into the fire, won't he care for your clothes? 

"You have such little faith. Don't worry and say, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink' or 'What shall we wear?' The pagan are the ones who fret over these things. Your heavenly Father knows you need them. Instead, look first for his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you.

"I'll repeat this, don't worry about tomorrow for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own."

And so Jesus continued, but those words will be told next time. 

Author's note, this section is from the Sermon on the Mount. Come back to read the next story.

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

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 had Four Brothers

By Mary Vee
Luke 2

From Mary's Notes

My name is Mary. I never expected the blessings God has given to me. What girl would expect an angel to appear and tell her she would have a child who would save people from their sins--when she'd never been with a man? And that this child would be God's Son? No girl ever had. And because He was God's only Son no girl ever would after me. 

Since that moment, nearly every day has brought surprises. I didn't expect the responsibility. What mother wouldn't be shocked and upset to find her child missing? But then, find him in the temple talking with the priests and Rabbi's, understanding their questions that went beyond the typical Bar Mitzvah questions.

So much has happened that has cause me to ponder and think about God.

Since Jesus' birth, God has blessed Joseph and me with children. We had four sons, James, Joses, Jude, and Simon. We also had daughters.

Our family lived in Nazareth. Joseph worked hard as a carpenter. He provided for our family, and we had what we needed. He trained our sons to carry on his work as a carpenter. 

A lot happened during the eighteen years after Jesus' Bar Mitzvah. Since He was the oldest, the duty fell on him to support us when Joseph was gone. Jesus worked hard. The people liked Him and His work. He listened to people, really listened to what was said then always had the right words to say back. 

His brothers didn't see Jesus as I did and their mean words hurt me. I hope and pray that God will help James, Joses, Jude, and Simon to one day understand who Jesus really is.

Living in Nazareth is a safe place to raise a family. Our town is nestled in the mountains, away from trading routes. The issues with politics and the Romans rarely reach our small community, which has kept us safe. I am so glad we live here. It is a good home to raise a family.

Come back for the next story.

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

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

* Jewish History.org
*Jewish Virtual Library.org

My research in Israel.

We Found Jesus--in the Temple Talking with Rabbis. He Was Only a Boy.

By Mary Vee
Luke 2

From Joseph's Notes

My name is Joseph. My wife is Mary, and we have a son named Jesus who was given to us by God. We have other children too.

Last time, I told you about our trip to Jerusalem for the Passover and for Jesus celebration from boyhood to manhood. During this celebration Jesus was asked questions by the Rabbis and priests, as is typical of all boys. I mean, I had to go through these questions as well back when I was a boy. This was a test to see that our young men had learned what they should have from the Scriptures.

After the week of Passover, we packed our things and left Jerusalem with all our relatives to go back to Nazareth. The large group had walked a day when I thought about Jesus. Since he was a man now, he should be riding up with the men instead of back with the children. I went back to look for him and didn't see him. I asked Mary where he was. She said she thought Jesus was with me.

That's when we panicked.

The uncles, aunts, cousins and every other relative searched for Jesus. When he couldn't be found, Mary and I left our family and walked back to Jerusalem.

"Joseph," Mary said. "By the time we get there Jesus will have been on his own for two days. He must be hungry and thirsty. Where did he sleep?"

I didn't know the answers, but I had a peace. "God is watching him, Mary. We can only do our best."

That next night we arrived back in Jerusalem before the city gates closed. We searched everywhere we could think. "Mary, we need to sleep somewhere tonight and begin searching again tomorrow."

"Joseph, I can't sleep. Not until I know where he is."

"He won't be in the streets. Everyone has gone in their homes. There isn't anyone to ask. We'll search again tomorrow."

So we found a place to sleep. But neither of us slept very well. The next morning we ran to the temple hoping to find him there. Maybe the priests took pity on him and gave him food and a place to sleep. 

The temple grounds were very big. We asked every person we saw if they'd seen him. Finally we found him in the temple courts. He was sitting with a crowd of people around him. He was asked questions and he answered them, surprising those listening with his answers.

Mary ran to him. "Jesus! Jesus!" He looked up at her. "Son, why have you treated us like this? Your father and I have been anxiously searching for you."

Jesus stepped away from the crowd and walked closer to her. "Why were you searching for me?" he asked. "Didn't you know I had to be in my Father's house?"

In truth, I didn't understand what he meant by that. "Time to go home, son."

Jesus said his goodbyes to the priests and walked with us as I asked. As we journeyed, I asked him what he and the priests talked about. He told me their questions and his answers. I had no idea he knew so much about the Scriptures.

Once we arrived home, Mary told me she treasured the conversation and thought about the questions from the priests and Jesus' answers.

In the years that followed, Jesus continued to show us his respect. He worked hard and learned so much. Actually, I often wondered how he simply knew things. I've seen this child that God has given us grow from an infant to a young man and can witness that he grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men.


Come back for the next story.

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

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

* Jewish History.org
*Jewish Virtual Library.org

My research in Israel.

We've Lost Jesus!

By Mary Vee
Luke 2

From Joseph's Notes

My name is Joseph. My wife is Mary, and we have a son named Jesus who was given to us by God. We have other children too.

Each year, I take my family and join our other relatives for the annual trip to Jerusalem to offer sacrifices at the Passover.

Jesus is twelve years old this time. It is the custom of the Jews to have a celebration for a boy turning into a man at his birthday. A ceremony is held for the family. We sing, eat, laugh, and celebrate the man who was a boy. Then, the boy must answer questions from the Rabbis. 

Between Mary's relatives and mine, our family has become quite large. We pack enough to last several days then meet our relatives for the long walk through the mountain passes toward Jerusalem. 

I've noticed that this is the week of the Passover Feast for you as well. How fitting that my story is being told at this very time! God be praised.

When we travel, the men go first. There are so many of us, we have plenty to talk about as we walk. There are a lot of political issues, ways to do this and ways to do that, all must be discussed over and over because I may think this way but my cousin thinks another. Actually, I think he is wrong and should listen to what I say.

The women ride with the children in the carts. I can hear them talking and laughing at times. These family times are so important to us.

Photo by Mary Vee A Bar Mitzvah
held at the top of Masada

When at last we reach Jerusalem, we go about the usual Feast requirements. We offer sacrifices, at the Temple, make our food, hold the ceremony for Jesus who was soon to be proclaimed a man. The week flies by before I realize it. And when the week ends, we pack to go home.

With all the family there, the children play with one another and ride with cousins. This is nothing new. I ride in the front with the other men, and Mary rides with the women and children. 

The day is about near to the end, and we've planned to camp. I start thinking that Jesus should be riding up front with the men. After all, he had his celebration. He no longer should be with the children. I pull away from my cousins, saying, "I'll be right back." I turn back to the wagon that Mary would have ridden in and ask for Jesus to come join me up with the men.

She looks at me like I've asked for some rare jewel. She says, "Because he is now a man, I thought he was with you already, Joseph. I haven't seen him."

"He isn't up with the men."

She holds her hands to her face. "Joseph, we need to search the caravan."  

I hurry to the front of the line and ask the men to stop. "Jesus is missing."

Each family searches the entire caravan. Jesus is nowhere to be found. I rush back to Mary.

She is frantic. "What should we do?"

"We have to go back to Jerusalem and find him," I say. "He'll be all right." This is one of those moments when I wish an angel would visit me and tell me what to do. But none do this time. I have to figure this one out and believe God will show me what to do.

Come back for the next story.

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

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

* Jewish History.org
*Jewish Virtual Library.org

My research in Israel.

Nazareth: Tucked in the Hills and Far From the Lime Light

By Mary Vee
Matthew 2
Luke 2

From Matthew's Notes

My name is Joseph. My wife, Mary, and I have returned to Nazareth. This is home. This is where our family is. Hah, everyone was so happy to see little Jesus. I must admit, I'm pretty proud of him too.

I'm not a big city guy, that's why Nazareth is the perfect place to live. The town is tucked between to large hills, eh, you may call them mountains. It's not near a road well traveled. There are some Israelites who have never been here, and I can understand why. There is nothing but a community living their lives.

Photo by Mary Vee
Sepphori, Israel

As a carpenter, I need work which sometimes takes me out of my small town. There is a wealthy city called Sipphori on the hill. And I mean wealthy.

Photo by Mary Vee
Sepphori, Israel

My work has stretch beyond working with wood to other types of construction. On the floors, I've placed mosaic tiles. The decorative ones are usually placed in the sitting room where guests are entertained. Guests would sit on the floor around the edge and comment on the patterns and images in the tile after a meal. 



The people who live here, though want to please everyone. There goal is to get along with anyone, any politics, any religion. This has both good and bad. First, they never make a commitment. All they want is to do is have fun and live their lives without harm. 

Photo by Mary Vee
Sepphori, Israel

So, I could freely talk about the Almighty and practice my Jewish ways there and not be bothered. 

They also let the Greeks sacrifice pigs in temples to Zeus. Romans sacrifice as they want. Those who wish to worship trees or any other object. Many of the people living here were Jews who did not stay true to their faith. Some came here to impress the Romans and to gain power. 

Photo by Mary Vee
Sepphori, Israel

I bring my son Jesus to help me. He works along my side, building, crafting, setting, sanding, whatever is needed. In truth, seeing him with me makes the day go by quickly. I know God has an important plan for Jesus. He told me so. At least for now, Jesus is by my side.

Come back for the next story.

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

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

* Jewish History.org
*Jewish Virtual Library.org

My research in Israel.

The Great Escape

By Mary Vee
Matthew 2

From Luke's Notes

Photo Courtesy

My name is Joseph, my wife is Mary. I would have never expected the guests who visited us today to come to our home. 

Several men who, by their clothing and language, traveled from the east. They said they'd seen a star in the night sky. One that, through their studies led them to understand a king had been born. The star led them to our home.

They wanted to see Jesus. They had gifts, gold, frankincense, and myrrh. The conversation amazed me. These men did not worship God. 

An angel hadn't spoken to them like one who visited me in a dream or like the one who visited the shepherds telling them to come see Jesus. All these men knew they'd figured out from writings, the night sky, and their conversations.

I went outside with them. They showed me the stars and the one bright one over our home. They told me how they'd come to their conclusion that Jesus was the one born to be king of the Jews."

After they left, Mary and I talked about their visit for a while. She then put Jesus down to sleep. 

During the night, I had a dream. An angel spoke to me. He sounded concerned. He said, "Hurry, get up now. Take the child and his mother and escape to Egypt. Stay there until I tell you. Herod is going to search for the child to kill him."

I awoke instantly. Wide awake as if I'd slept all night. I woke Mary. "We have to leave."

She climbed out from her blankets. "What's wrong?"

"An angel spoke to me in my dream. He said we need to leave right away. Herod is searching for the child and wants to kill him. Hurry. We are to go to Egypt."

We packed only what we'd need and left the house. 

She didn't look back, or try to leave messages. We didn't tell anyone what we were doing. The child didn't make a sound while we walked in the city. We simply left in the dark of the night with Jesus asleep in her arms and travelled to Egypt.

The journey was not difficult. No one chased after us. We found a wonderful home to live in and made our lives in Egypt, planning to stay as long as God wanted us to and knowing He would let us know when we should go back home.

Come back for the next story.

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

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

* Jewish History.org
*Jewish Virtual Library.org

The Compass Star

By Mary Vee
Matthew 2

From Luke's Notes

Photo Courtesy

I and at least two of my colleagues set out on a journey. It was a journey of curiosity. 

We saw a star when studying the night sky. It was brighter than any other and it was new. We talked about the strange occurrence and decided there had to be some meaning behind it.

As men who enjoy studying and thinking we considered what the meaning might be. We all came to the conclusion that a new king had been born. Not just any king. This king deserved the greatest of honors.

We assumed the star not only told us about the new king but also where he was born. We packed for a long journey, not knowing where we would end or how long we would be gone. Included with our supplies were gifts for this special king. So we set out across plains, mountains, rivers, dessert, following the star as it led us westward. 

We arrived in Judea, unsure where to go next. To gather information, we went to the capital city of Jerusalem to speak with wise men from there. We asked to speak with their king, Herod. He agreed to meet with us.

He sat in his chambers and invited us to join him. He ordered his servants to bring drink. "So tell me, why have you come?"

"We are from the eastern regions. There we saw a new star in the sky. Our studies lead us to believe a new king has been born. We followed the star this far and are not sure where to go next. Perhaps you or your wisemen know? We are anxious to get back to our journey to find the King of the Jews."

"If you would give me some time to consult with my advisors, I'm sure we can find an answer for you." He called his servant. "Take these men to the court and make them comfortable."

The servant bowed.

We waited at least a day. From the whisperings in the court, news of the reason for our visit spread to all the people in the city quickly.

The king finally invited us back to his chambers. His advisors were in the room with him. "Come, sit with me. I believe we have the answer you seek."

We sat and waited for the information. "What time did this star appear?"

I answered, "Shortly before we left our homes in the east."

"Yes. That matches with what we have discovered. I have spoken with my advisors. They say you should go to Bethlehem to find the king you seek."

"Thank you. We appreciate your help." We bowed and stood to leave.

"But wait," the king stood. "Once you have found the king, stop back and tell me where you found him. I would like to go and worship him."

We bowed again. Once we reached the road, the star appeared again, leading us toward Bethlehem, like Herod said. It wasn't a long journey. We arrived before nightfall. We followed the star searching for the right home. When the star stopped, we looked at each other.

"This is the place!!" I'm sure the other wise men were as happy as I was. We sprang off our animals and laughed. We have found him! We announced ourselves at that home and asked to see the young child. We were led to a room where the child sat with his mother. She told us her name was Mary and the child's name, Jesus.

We were overcome with understanding that this child would be a king who would make a big difference in the world. We bowed before him and worshipped the child. After a time we brought out the gifts for him and presented them to him. We brought gold, frankincense, and myrrh.

I would not have given up that journey for anything in the world. Inside I was leaping. That night I barely slept. Neither did the others. We all had the same dream. An angel spoke to us saying we should return home a different way and not stop by to visit Herod, nor tell him about the baby.

And so we did. We left early that morning and went a different direction, avoiding Herod and his army.

When we returned home, we told our families and everyone we knew about the child named Jesus who would be King of the Jews.


Come back for the next story.

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

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

* Jewish History.org
*Jewish Virtual Library.org