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.

Jesus- The Nine Blesseds

By Mary Vee
Luke 6

From Luke'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 Luke. I am a disciple of Jesus. I am here with other disciples, so they may add something to today's post. 

As of today, Jesus has chosen twelve disciples from the many who followed him. This didn't mean the others who wanted to follow Him couldn't. They just wouldn't be with Him as often as the twelve.

After Jesus chose his close disciples, who were also called apostles, we went to a wide plain and met with the many other disciples who followed Him. 

I learned Jesus chose this location to have a place where many people could come. And they did. People came from Judea, Jerusalem, Tyre, Sidon and more to hear him speak and to be healed of their diseases. 

Those who were troubled by evil spirits were cured.

People pressed forward, wanting to touch Jesus because power came from him, healing them all. 

Now Jesus, being wise, knew his voice would not carry to all the people who came to that flat plain. He turned and walked to the nearby mountain at Capernaum. The people, very curious to see what he would say, followed him.

They sat on the mountainside as Jesus began to speak. From here, He sat, and His voice easily carried to all who came.

Jesus began by saying:

"Blessed are the poor in spirit for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are those who mourn for they will be comforted.
Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.
Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.
Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God.
Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you."

But all of you who are rich, you are in danger because you have so much.
All of you who are full now are in danger because one day you will be hungry.
All of you who laugh now are in danger because one day you will grieve and cry.
And when someone speaks well of you, you re in danger because your ancestors spoke well of the false prophets too.

Amazing words, right? There  is much more to what he said. I and the other disciples will break it into pieces for you. Trust me, you won't want to miss a single bit!

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.