He Came To Stir Division

By Mary Vee
Luke 12 

Author's note: the timeliness of "the next Bible event" amazes me. This walk-through-the-Bible started nine years ago. And on this day, during passover week, the next event is this one. Truly amazing.

From Luke's Journal 

Outskirts of Jerusalem- Photo by Mary Vee

My name is Luke, I am a disciple of Jesus. The other disciples are here with me as well. 

There are times when Jesus spoke with a gentle, kind voice. 

There are times when Jesus spoke with sorrow, a deep heartfelt hurt.

Then there were times like today, when Jesus spoke with fire, rage, and purpose.




Jesus said, "I have come to start a fire on the earth. No, not in the physical way you are thinking. I am talking about a passion to fight evil and focus every minute, every deed, on serving God. I wish the fire blazed right now.

"I have come to change the way you think. To turn everything rightside-up. Oh, how I long for this to be finished.

"Do you believe that I came to bring peace, unity, a calm to the turmoil here in the land? That I would bring an army to change the political situation and return Israel to its own reign?

"I haven't. I came to disrupt the wrong. To confront those who are misleading and those who are walking in the wrong direction... away from God.

"Because of me, you will find five people living in one family divided against each other. Three against two and two against three. They will be divided, father against son and son against father. Mother against daughter and daughter against mother. Mother-in-law against daughter-in-law and daughter-in-law against mother-in-law."

Jesus took a short break.

As for me, Luke, disciple of Jesus Christ, I have made my choice. 

I have chosen to follow in the ways of Christ. 



I will share more of what Jesus taught next time.

 Come back to read the next story.

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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.

News Flash! More Than One Healed At The Pool of Bethesda

By Mary Vee
John 5

From John's Journal 

Photo by Mary Vee
Sign outside the area of the Pool of Bethesda

My name is John. I am a disciple of Jesus. I am here with other disciples, so they may add something to what I share today. 

We left Galilee and walked to Jerusalem. I say we walked "up" to Jerusalem, even though we headed south, because the city is up on a hill.

This was a time of feast. The Passover. And as expected, we went to Jerusalem for the celebration. A time to remember how God protected, guided, and cared for the Israelites through the escape from Egypt long ago.


We were near the Sheep Gate, at the pool of Bethesda, there is a map of the city below.

Photo by Mary Vee
The ruins of the Pool of Bethesda 

This is a rather large pool surrounded by five colonnades. There is also a picture of a colonnade below. So the pool was really big.

People who were very sick, injured, blind, those who had all kinds of physical problems came here to the pool each day. They would lie by the water. If they could not get to this place, friends or family might bring them there. 

The came to this pool because when the water stirred, the first one in the water was healed.

The Sheep Gate from
today's story is near the top.
Map by Mary Vee

We walked with Jesus to the pool. He stopped and spoke with a man who said he had been an invalid for thirty-eight years. Jesus said to him, "Do you want to get well?"

We were all quite surprised with the question. Of course he wanted to get well or he wouldn't be there. Later we learned what Jesus really meant by that question.

The man answered, "Sir, I have no one to help me into the pool when the water is stirred. When ever I try, someone gets down into the water before me."

Jesus said, "Get up. Pick up your mat and walk."

We stood behind Jesus, but could still see the man. Right before our eyes he stood. His ankles were strong, no wobbling at all. His legs did not buckle. He stood straight and looked as surprised as we were. Then he bent over and picked up his mat like Jesus told him to and walked away. He seemed to be too stunned to say anything.

Photo by Mary Vee
A colonnade in Jerash, Jordan

This happened on a Sabbath. There are many rules about what a man can and cannot do on a Sabbath. Some Jews stopped the man who had been healed. They said to him, "you know this is the Sabbath, right? And that the law strictly forbids you to carry your mat?"

The man who was healed pointed toward Jesus. "He made me well. He told me to pick up my mat and walk."

The Jews said, "Who is this person who said you should pick up a mat and walk?"

He looked back toward the pool and searched the crowd. "I don't see him any more."

Later, we saw the man at the temple. Jesus said to him, "See, you are well, again. Stop sinning or something worse may happen to you."

The man nodded then hurried away. He went straight to the Jews who spoke with him earlier. "That man who healed me was Jesus."

They left him and hurried through the crowd, searching for Jesus to speak with him. They didn't look happy at all. Actually, they looked like they wanted to get after him for violating their idea of the Sabbath law.

I'll tell you more about that next time.

Come back to read the next story.

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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.

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.

Hezekiah- Invited Everyone to the Best Party Ever

By Mary Vee
II Chronicles 30

From the Journals of Hezekiah

I am so excited. 

The service of the temple had restarted. What amazed me the most was how fast the people worked to get things done.

I immediately wrote letters to our brothers in Israel, in all of Judah, in Ephraim, and Manassah, inviting them to come to the temple of the Lord in Jerusalem to celebrate the Lord's Passover, the God of Israel.

I met with the assembly of men and together we decided to hold the Passover in the second month. Unfortunately we couldn't celebrate at the appointed time because not all of the priests had made themselves clean in time. Also, we needed more time for the rest of our brothers to arrive in Jerusalem.

I commanded couriers to go throughout Israel and Judah with my letters and ordered them to deliver the messages to the kings. This is the letter I wrote:

"People of Israel, return to the Lord, the God of Abraham, Isaac and Israel, that he may return to those of you who are left, who have escaped from the hand of the kings of Assyria.

"Do not be like your fathers and brothers, who were unfaithful to the Lord, the God of their fathers, which brought punishment on them. Do not be stubborn as your fathers were. Submit to the Lord. Come to the sanctuary, which he has made clean forever. Serve the Lord your God so that his fierce anger will turn away from you. If you return to the Lord, then your brothers and your children will be shown compassion by their captors and will come back to this land, for the Lord your God is gracious and compassionate. He will not turn his face from you if you return to him."

The curriers obeyed my command and went from town to town in Ephraim and Manasseh, as far as the sea of Zebulun, but the people made fun of them and wouldn't listen. There are some men from Asher, Manasseh and Zebulun, though, who humbled themselves and came to Jerusalem. 

In Judah, the hand of God was on our people. He helped us work together to carry out the orders following the word of the Lord to prepare for Passover.

As the large crowd of people arrived, we removed the altars in Jerusalem and cleared away the incense altar and thew these evil things in the Kidron Valley.

So many more wonderful things have happened. I'll tell you more next time.

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1.  Why was Hezekiah excited?
2.  Why did Hezekiah write to Israel, Ephraim, Manasseh, and all Judea?
3.  Hezekiah tol the people to not be foolish like their fathers. What did he say God would do? He would ________ his _______ from_______ if you return to him.
4.  What happened to the curriers?
5.  What happened in Judah as they prepared?

6.  Where did they throw the evil incense altar and other altars?

God Can Save You-Passover

By Mary Vee

Exodus 11:1-28

Moses called a meeting of all the Israelites.  The people gathered after supper in a large open space.  Moses climbed up on a rock to help everyone see him. 

Photo Courtesy

When the crowd hushed, Moses smiled.  "Our time has come.  The God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob has spoken instructions for us."

The Hebrew people cheered.  Moses raised his hands. "Hear me.  God instructs every man and woman to ask the Egyptians for articles of silver and gold. Do this tomorrow then return for more instructions.

The next evening, after supper, the people gathered and shared their stories from the day. "I did as Moses said.  The Egyptian woman gave me all this gold and silver--look!" 

Other's chimed in about their experiences. "Pharaoh's servants said you are a great man, Moses.  So many of the Egyptians spoke of your greatness."

Moses raised his hands to quiet the people. "Here is your next instruction: each household is to take a lamb big enough to feed those in the home. If your household is too small, share with your neighbor. The lamb is to be a yearling male without blemish. Paint the doorpost of your home with the blood of the lamb then cook the meat over fire.  No one is to leave your home. At midnight the Lord will pass over the land of Egypt and will strike the firstborn dead in every home where the door post has not been painted with the blood of a lamb. Be ready, for the Lord will tell us to leave."

The people bowed their heads and worshiped the Lord then left to obey God's instructions.

Aaron and Moses walked side by side back to their home.  "Tonight's the night, Moses?  We're finally leaving this place?"

"Yes. The Lord said we'll leave after this next plague."

They joined the other Hebrew families choosing a male lamb without blemish.  Aaron pointed to a lamb. "I think this one will do, it's a male yearling about the right size for our family, and I don't see any blemishes."  After Aaron chose the lamb, he and Moses took it to their home for dinner. 

Photo Courtesy

Women in the neighborhood called their children to help prepare the meal inside the homes. Men painted the doorposts by dipping a bunch of hyssop into the blood.  The men nodded to their neighbors, wished them peace then went in their own homes. 

Each family gathered around their table for the special supper.  After the meal they talked about what might happen the next day and sang songs.  Not long after, the children went to bed while the adults prepared to leave.

Aaron sat quietly and listened.    "Is it midnight?"

"Soon. I expect Pharaoh will call for us yet tonight." 

"What will our new home be like?"

Moses smiled.  "We will harvest our crops and have plenty to feed our animals.  We will live in our own homes and worship the Lord in freedom."

Aaron leaned on his staff. "What if some Egyptians took a perfect yearling lamb, cooked it over fire and painted their doorposts with the blood.  Do you think God would save them?"

Moses nodded.  "God is just.  He gave Pharaoh many chances before hardening his heart."

"I suppose we'll find out tonight if any did."

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1.  What was Aaron and Moses waiting to happen?

2.  What name did God give this special night?

3.  Why did God ask the Israelites to eat this special meal on this night?

4.  What kind of lamb did the families have to get?