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.

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

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.

You Never Know When...

By Mary Vee
Luke 12 

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. 

Jesus has been speaking to a crowd about trusting God to provide for our needs and using those provisions to do what he has instructed us to do.

He then illustrated his points with this story:

"You should always be prepared for service. Keep your lamps burning like men waiting for their master to return from a wedding banquet." 

In our day, we did not have electric lights to turn on with a switch as you can. We had to fill lamps with oil. If the oil is burned, more oil must be poured into the lamp. Those without a light will not be able to find their way in the dark and miss an opportunity.

If the servant is prepared, he can open the door when his master comes and knocks.

Jesus said, "Their master will be very pleased to find them watching when he comes, even if it is in the middle of the night.

"I tell you the truth, the master will dress himself to serve, will have his servants sit at the table, and he will wait on them. 

"Understand this, though, if the owner of the house had known at what time the thief was coming, he would not have let his house be broken into.

"You also much be ready at all times, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him."

Peter, the disciple, then asked, "Lord, are you telling this parable to us or to everyone?"

Jesus answered, "Well, let's look at the answer this way. Who is the faithful and wise manager the master put in charge of his servants to give them their food allowance at the proper time? It will be good for that servant if the master finds him doing his work as he was instructed. 

"If he is, the master will put him in charge of all his possessions. But, suppose the servant says to himself, 'My master is taking a long time. I can do what I want. So he beats the menservants and the maidservants then sits down to a wonderful meal and drinks until he is drunk. The more he finds available time to mistreat his duty, the more he will do so. 

"The master then will come home when the servant in charge is not aware. The master will see what all that the servant has done. He will thrash him and demote him to the lowest level, with unbelievers.

"The servant who knows what his master wants and ignores it b doing whatever he pleases  will be beaten with many blows. 

"But the servant who does not know what his master wanted him to do and fails to do the job, will be only receive a light punishment. 

"Everyone who has been given a great gift has a great responsibility."



I will share more of what Jesus taught next time.

 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.

Life is So Much More Than Things

By Mary Vee
Luke 12 

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. 

Jesus had just spoken to the crowds about greed. Seems one man wanted his brother to give him more of the family inheritance. When he finished speaking, the crowds left.

Jesus turned to we disciples and said, "Spending your time worrying about what you will eat or what you will wear is not worth your time. Life is so much more than what food you will eat. Your bodies are much more than what clothes you will wear. 

Jesus looked up at some birds. "Consider the ravens. They don't sow or reap. They have no storeroom or barn to keep their food. Yet God feeds them. You are much more valuable than birds! Who of you can add a single hour to your life by worrying about anything? Since you can't add even a simple hour to your life this way, why worry?

Lily Photo Courtesy

Think about the lily and how it grows. It does not work yet it grows freely and is beautiful in the fields. Not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these flowers. If God clothes the grass of the field with such beautiful flowers which is only here today and tomorrow thrown into the fire, how much more with God clothe you who trust Him? If only you had faith.

"Don't set your heart on what you will eat or drink. Don't worry about which cut of meat, or the finest cheese, or the best vegetables. Those who worship idols run after these things. Your Father knows what you need before you ask Him. Choose to seek his kingdom. When you do, all these things will be given to you as well.

"So, don't be afraid. Your Father wants to give you the kingdom. Sell your possessions and give to the poor. Make purses and wallets for yourselves that will not wear out. A treasure in heaven that will not be exhausted and is kept where no thief will come near and no moth will destroy. 

"Remember, where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."


I will share more of what Jesus taught next time.

 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.

The Inheritance

By Mary Vee
Luke 12 

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. 

We walked with Jesus along a road where a crowd had gathered. They came to hear what Jesus had to say, to ask Him questions, and to bring their sick for healing. 

One man caught Jesus' attention. He said, "Teacher, tell my brother to divide the inheritance with me."

Of course the man seemed angry. He apparently thought Jesus would take up his cause and help fight for him. Our culture holds that the oldest son receives a given portion of the inheritance and the other sibling receive their portion. 

Jesus answered the man saying, "Why do you think I am a judge or an arbitrator who can help set up new arrangements for your family's inheritance?"

Jesus turned to the crowd and said, "Be on your guard against all kinds of greed. Money is not the answer to a good life. You see, life is only so long and it is not dependent up what all a man has earned or gained, or has to spend."

He paused then told this story, "The ground of a certain rich man produced a good crop. He thought to himself, 'What should I do with the abundance? I have no place to store the extra crop I have reaped.'

"The man thought to himself and said, 'I know what I'll do. I'll tear down my barns and build bigger ones, there I will store all my grain and my goods. He felt very pleased with the idea and said to himself, "I have plenty of good things stored up for many years. I can take life easy. I can eat, drink, and be merry.'

"But God said to him, 'You are not as wise as you think. This very night you will die. Then who will get what you have prepared for yourself and not shared with those in need?'

"This is how it will be with anyone who stores up earthly things for himself, but doesn't store up riches in heaven."


Our goal should be to do the things God teaches in His Word. Those deeds will bring true and lasting riches.




I will share more of what Jesus taught next time.

 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.

The One We Should Fear

By Mary Vee
Luke 11 

From Luke's Journal 

Inside Jerusalem's city walls.
Photo by Mary Vee.

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

Jesus continued His mission which was to go into the cities and villages and preach the Good News. As his disciples, we went with Him wherever He went. 

The Pharisees and keepers of the law followed as well, but for a different reason. They didn't care to learn from Jesus. They pounded Him with questions, clearly trying to trap Him into saying or doing something wrong so they could arrest him.

But while the Pharisees tried to prove to the people that Jesus did not speak the truth, the crowds didn't listen to them. Instead they came by the thousands pushing and shoving one another so they could stand nearer to Jesus and hear what He said.

One day, Jesus turned to us, his disciples, and said, "Please be aware of these Pharisees and the way they pretend to be good. They are not. Their hypocrisy can't be hidden forever. The people will see their deceit as easily as they see yeast in dough.

"Whatever the Pharisees have said in the dark, those deceitful words will be heard in the light, and the truth you have whispered in the inner rooms will be broadcasted from the housetops for all to hear!

"My friends, don't be afraid of these men who want to murder you. As Moses told the Israelites before the Egyptians released them, these men may kill the body, but they have no power over your souls. 

"There is One whom you should fear, though. Fear God who has the power to kill and cast those who do not obey Him into Hell.

"Tell me, what is the price of five sparrows? A couple of pennies? It's not much more than that. Yet, God your Heavenly Father doesn't forget a single one of them. He also knows the number of hairs on your head. You, my friends, are far more valuable to Him than a whole flock of sparrows. 

"I the Messiah will publicly honor you in the presence of God's angels if you publicly admit that I am your Friend and believe in me as the Messiah. Keep this in mind, though, I will deny you before those same angels if you choose not to follow me and believe my words. 

"Those who speak against me may be forgiven if they turn from their selfish ways. Those who speak against the Holy Spirit, will never be forgiven.

Jesus looked at all of us with such kindness and care in his eyes and said, "When you are brought to trial before these Jewish rulers and authorities in th synagogues, don't be concerned about what to say in your defense. The Holy Spirit will give you the right words to say at the right moment.


I will share more of what Jesus taught next time.

 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.

The War of the Pharisees and The Legal Experts

By Mary Vee
Luke 11 

From Luke's Journal 

Inside Jerusalem's city walls.
Photo by Mary Vee.

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

We have been at a home where Jesus is talking to Pharisees. There is a crowd of people listening who have entered the home to hear what Jesus says. Needless to say the house is packed with people.

After a long time of Pharisees asking questions, we finally had our meal. It was clear to me that the Pharisees wanted to make Jesus mad. To get him to make a mistake in what he said or did. But Jesus never did.

We ate our meal, and even while we had our food, the Pharisees continued to fire questions at Jesus. He answered every question, teaching the people the truth.

As Jesus finished his meal he said three things to the Pharisees: Woe to you because you neglect justice and you don't love God. Woe to you because you do things for attention. Woe to you because you think you are important and you are not.

When Jesus finished saying those words, an expert in the law said, "Teacher, when you talk like that, you offend us and our profession."

Jesus faced him and said, "The same horrors wait for you, because you create so many demands that weigh the people down. Demands you would never follow yourself. 

"Woe to you because you're no different from your ancestors who killed the prophets from long ago. You are murderers!  You agree with what they did and would do the same thing today, yet you build tombs to honor the prophets. Hypocrites. 

"God in his wisdom said, 'I will send prophets and apostles, some of whom the religious leaders will kill and others will be persecuted.' Your fathers before you have done this and you will too. 

"You will be held responsible for killing all of God's servants since the beginning of the world, from the murder of Abel to the murder of Zechariah, who was killed between the altar and the sanctuary in the Temple. Yes, you will be charged for this.

"Woe to you because you have hidden the truth from the people. You've chosen not to accept or believe what you've discovered then you prevented them from hearing and believing the truth for themselves."

The Pharisees and experts of the law stood and shook their fists. Their anger raged. From that time on, they worked hard to oppose everything Jesus said and did. They opposed him fiercely and threw wicked questions at him, waiting to catch him in anything he might say to arrest him. 

These leaders rarely got along before, but now they worked together to arrest and get rid of Jesus, the Messiah.    


I will share more of what he taught the next time.

 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.

Light Illuminates the Soul

By Mary Vee
Matthew 12, Mark, 3; 

From Luke's Journal 

Inside Jerusalem's city walls.
Photo by Mary Vee.

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

We have been at a home where Jesus is talking to Pharisees. 

In our day, bystanders come into homes at will. In this particular home, Jesus, and those of us who are his disciples had been invited for dinner.

We've been here quite some time and haven't eaten yet. The Pharisees raised questions and arguments from the moment we arrived. Men and women came into the home to listen to the discussion, taking up the space allotted for the meal.

My stomach grumbled.

The last few posts tell what Jesus has discussed already. The next topic discussed deals with lights and lamps.

Jesus said, "No one lights a lamp and puts it in a place where it will be hidden, or sets a bowl over the flame to block the light.

"Instead, he puts the lamp on a stand where the entire area is illuminated. 

"Your eye is like a lamp for your body. When your eyes are good, your soul radiates light. When your eyes are bad, you body is steeped in darkness and sin.

"Watch that the pure light for your soul is not hampered in any way. When you do, even your face will show the light from inside you."

After Jesus spoke these wise words, the host, who was a Pharisee invited him in to a room where the meal had been arranged. Jesus and we disciples followed the host and sat.

The Pharisee watched Jesus walk past the ceremonial water bowl prepared for washing hands. "Rabbi, you did't wash."

Jesus said, "You Pharisees wash your outsides, keeping your body clean, but your soul is full of greed and wickedness. You are fools. Didn't the One who created your outside also create your insides? You show the purity within you by giving to the poor. 

"You give a tenth of your garden herbs, but you neglect important issues like justice and the love of God. Tithing is good, but anyone who truly honors God does both.

"You love the best seats in the temple and the glory you receive by walking through the marketplace in your robes. All eyes are on you, not your heavenly Father.

"In truth, you are nothing but unmarked graves, which men walk over without knowing you are buried there."

The Pharisees sitting at the meal with us didn't show any sign of being bothered by Jesus' words. In truth, I'm not so sure they truly listened. They simply liked the conversation sport.


I will share more of what he taught the next time.

 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.

Everyone is Equally Welcomed To Hear Jesus Speak

By Mary Vee
Matthew 12, Mark, 3; Luke 8

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. The other disciples are here with me as well. 

We have been at a home where Jesus is talking to Pharisees. 

He answered a question about evil spirits a moment ago. 

A man came to me and said that Jesus was wanted outside.

I made my way through the crowded home and out the door. Mary and Jesus' brothers stood there. They knew they could come inside to listen to Jesus' teachings. I wasn't sure why they hadn't. 

"We need to speak with him."

"I'll tell him," I said.

I excused myself through the crowd until I reached Jesus. He was talking with some men about another topic. I felt a little awkward interrupting him, and had she not been his mother and his brothers with her I wouldn't have done so. "Master, excuse me. Your mother and brothers are waiting outside. They said they want to speak with you."

"You say my mother and brother are waiting to speak with me?" This was not said in a whisper. "They know where I am. Could their issue that can wait outside be more important than the duty my Father has given to me?

He pointed to the other disciples and me then said, "Here are my mother and my brothers. You see, everyone who does the will of my Father in heaven, is my brother and sister and mother."

 So, he didn't make his way through the crowded home to go outside and speak with his mother and brothers. They, instead were as welcomed as anyone to come inside and hear what Jesus had to teach.

And he did. I will share more of what he taught the next time.

 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 is Not a Genie

By Mary Vee
Matthew 12:38-42, Luke 11:29-32

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. The other disciples are here with me as well. 

We have been at a home where Jesus is talking to Pharisees. 

The Pharisees aren't the only ones in the home. Actually the house is so full of people we, the disciples of Jesus, and Jesus didn't have a place to eat the meal offered by the host. 

You know that look on someone's face when they want to cause trouble. They haven't said a word yet but the intent is there. Their eyebrows are lowered. Their eyes a bit squinted. They whisper to their buddies. These words describe the Pharisees at this moment. 

One of the Pharisees took the lead and said to Jesus, "Teacher, we want to see a miraculous sign from you."

Even I knew this is not Jesus' purpose for His work. He is not a genie.

"Only a person with no respect would say, "Do a miracle for me," like they wanted to see magic or entertainment. 

Jesus said, "Only an evil, faithless nation would ask for a sign of proof of My Words. I won't give any except the sign that was given to the prophet Jonah, which was a sign for all mankind. 

"Just as Jonah lived for three days and three nights in the belly of a huge fish, so I, the Messiah, will be in the heart of the earth for three days and three nights. 

"The men of Ninevah will rise up at the judgement and condemn you.

"When Jonah preached to them, they repented of their evil ways and, believing the message, turned to God.

"And now, one far greater than Jonah is here. And you, the leaders and teachers of the people refuse to believe in him.

"Even the Queen of Sheba will rise up against this generation in the judgement. How is this so? She came from a distant land to hear the wisdom of Solomon. And now one far greater than Solomon is here and you, the leaders and teachers of the people refuse to believe in him.

"This generation is like a man who has an evil spirit. When the evil spirit is forced to leave, it goes through the aired places looking for a place to rest and does not find it. The evil spirit says, 'I will go back to the man.' When it arrives, it finds the man's heart clean but empty. The evil spirit calls seven spirits, all more wicked than itself and welcomes them to live in the man's heart. The man, who once had been free of the evil spirit, is now in far worse condition."

A woman who heard what Jesus said to the Pharisees shouted, "Blessed is the mother who gave you birth and fed you."

Jesus said, "Yes, but even more blessed are all who hear the Word of God and put it into practice."

The Pharisees did not leave. They seemed bent on starting an argument. I will continue the next time. 

 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.