The Search For Jesus

By Mary Vee
John 6

One of the 5,000 

Photo by Mary Vee. Ruins at Capernaum

Yesterday, I brought my wife and children to the place where others said Jesus would be. I wanted to hear what He had to say. My friends tell me this man has healed even the very sick and His teachings are like none any have heard before.

We spent the day listening to Jesus and around evening, we grew hungry. The story has already been told how Jesus miraculously fed all the people who were there. 5,000 men plus women and children! 

After we finished eating, the people wanted to make Jesus king. Some of the men and women pressed in toward Jesus. It looked like they wanted to lift him up in their arms and place a crown on his head. 

Jesus whispered to his disciples. They nodded, walked down the hill to their boat, and sailed away. Sometime after, Jesus left, I'm not sure when. There were so many people I didn't see him leave or which direction He went. 

Everyone hung around, assuming the disciples would return, which meant Jesus would also come back. When they didn't come back right away, some of the people boarded boats and went out searching for the disciples hoping to also find Jesus.

Nightfall came. Those of us who had stayed still didn't see Jesus. By the next morning, ships from Tiberias docked at the shore. We watched and saw neither Jesus nor His disciples stepping on to the shore.

We were confused. The disciples must have sailed to Gennesaret across the sea. No one could figure out where Jesus went.

We talked and decided the only answer that made sense was Jesus must have climbed into a boat and met His disciples across the sea.

We climbed into boats and sailed for Capernaum in search of Jesus and were so happy to see him when we docked. "Rabbi, when did you get here?"

Jesus said, "You are only looking for me because you had your fill of food yesterday. You haven't come because of the miraculous sign that you saw or what you learned. Don't work for food that spoils. Work for food that lasts eternally. The Son of Man will give this to you. On him, God the Father has placed his seal of approval."

We asked him, "What work does God want us to do?"

Jesus said, "God asks you to believe in the one he has sent."

We asked, "What miraculous sign can you give to help us believe you? Our forefathers ate manna in the desert given to them from heaven."

Jesus said, "Moses is not the one who gives bread from heaven. My Father gives the true bread from heaven. The bread of God is he who comes down from heaven and gives life to the world."

We asked Jesus to sit. "From now on, give us this bread."

Jesus said, "I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry. Whoever believes in me will never be thirsty. But you have seen me and don't believe. Whoever comes to me, I will never drive away. I have come down from heaven not to do my will but the will of Him who sent me. Everyone who looks to the Son and believes will have eternal life and will be raised up at the last day.

 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.

The People Longed to See Jesus

By Mary Vee
Mark 6, Matthew 14

Peter 

Near the area where Jesus fed the 5,000.
Northern area, up a high hill, The Sea of Galilee
Photo by Mary Vee

My name is Peter, I am one of Jesus' disciples.

We twelve disciples and Jesus crossed the Sea of Galilee last night and weighed anchor on the northwest shores at the city of Gennesaret this morning.

While out on the water, we saw crowds of people swarming to the shore and expected their greetings. Why? Because of Jesus. He'd fed 5000 people only the day before and the news had traveled. 

Over these many months, He has healed the sick, caused the lame to walk, the blind to see and ordered demons to leave those infirmed.

The people who came to the shore to greet us desperately cared about their loved ones who needed help and were willing to carry them wherever Jesus happened to be. Longing for a simple moment with Him. And while their first interest was the healing of their child or father, they also heard the teachings of God while with Him.

Jesus walked throughout the region teaching truths about His Father. Because he had healed those in need, family members brought their lame and blind and sick loved ones and sat them on mats. Everyone had a chance to hear Jesus' teachings, not just the healthy. Then with the compassion we'd known Jesus to have, He healed the loved ones.

Jesus walked into the countryside into small villages, and towns sharing the teachings of His Father to everyone. In those places, the people begged him to let them touch a tiny piece of his garment. 

Every time I watched another person healed, I marveled. The family smiled and rejoiced. The sick person rose up, well. 

Jesus cares for the people like no other man we have seen before. As I saw out on the sea, when my feet slipped into the water and he caught me, this man truly is the Son of God. Only He has the power to heal people. Only He knows the words of God to teach us. He is the promised Messiah.

 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.

They Saw What Happened And Believed

By Mary Vee
Mark 6, Matthew 14, John 6

Peter 

Near the area where Jesus fed the 5,000.
Northern area, up a high hill, The Sea of Galilee
Photo by Mary Vee

My name is Peter, I am one of Jesus' disciples.

A few moments ago, more than five thousand people shared one boy's lunch. Imagine that! Jesus took the bread and fish from the boy, blessed it, and served enough food for everyone. I saw it happen. Jesus truly amazed us with that miracle. 

We'd barely finished gathering the extra food when men and women from the crowd stood. They walked closer to Jesus and said, "Surely this is the Prophet who is to come into the world."

With the people crowding Jesus, we disciples barely had room to stand. 

Jesus said, "You need to get into the boat and sail ahead of me. I will meet you in Bethsaida."

We looked at the people than him, not wanting to leave his side.

"Go," he said. "I will dismiss them."

Later we learned that Jesus knew the people wanted to make him king right then and there. This was not His time, He said. After the crowds left, Jesus walked up the mountain to pray.

Dark filled the sky. We'd sailed for a while expecting Jesus to catch up in another boat. A strong wind pushed the sails tossing our ship about. Waves rose up and smacked against the sides of the ship, splashing in on us. We held the oars steady with all our strength working to keep the boat upright.

The wind and water pummeled the ship hour after hour. Although we knew what to do, we were frightened the ship would sink. How we longed for Jesus to come and save us. 

Long about the fourth watch we looked and saw a man walking on the water toward the ship. We had no idea who or what it was. He continued walking even alongside the boat. The man had to be a ghost. Who else could walk on water? We became terrified and cried out for mercy.

The man answered our cries right away, saying, "Take courage!" Then I knew. It was the voice of Jesus. "It is I. Don't be afraid."

The other disciples and I looked at each other. We hardly knew how to respond.

I looked at Jesus, still a bit uncertain, and said, "Lord, if it's you, tell me to come to you on the water."

Jesus held his arms out and said, "Come."

I glanced at the others. The wind and storm became nothing to me. I had an opportunity to walk out to Jesus on the water. Did I trust him? Absolutely.

I climbed out of the boat and set first one foot on the water than the other. I fixed my eyes solely on Jesus'. I stepped once, twice, and again. Not looking to the right or to the left.

Suddenly a gust of wind swept past me. My focus broke away from Jesus. I looked down at the water and became afraid. My feet sank into the waves, then my legs then my waist. I looked up to Jesus and cried, "Lord, save me!"

Jesus reached out his hand and caught me. "You of little faith. Why did you doubt?"

In His kindness and compassion, He walked me back to the boat and helped me climb inside. The wind died down as Jesus entered the boat. 

The other disciples who'd witnessed what had happened couldn't find words to say.  

Jesus continued to surprise us with things we did not understand. We couldn't help but say, "Truly you are the Son of God."

While the other disciples did not know what it felt like to walk on the water toward Jesus, they saw what had happened and believed.

 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.

Feeding 5,000

By Mary Vee
Mark 6, Matthew 14, Luke 9, John 6

From Matthew's Journal 

Near the area where Jesus fed the 5,000.
Northern area, up a high hill, The Sea of Galilee
Photo by Mary Vee

The hour grew late. We disciples had a busy day with Jesus.

Thousands of men and women rushed to the Sea of Galilee's northern shores to see Jesus. 

The break time Jesus gave us ended the moment we landed on shore. We docked the boat and stepped onto shore with Him. He looked at all the people greeting him and had such compassion.

Jesus walked up the hill to a grassy area where the people could sit and hear him talk. He taught them until the evening hour which is now. The people were hungry. We disciples were hungry.

I spoke with the other disciples and we all agreed that the crowd needed to be sent away. There still was time for them to walk to a city or villages, buy bread, and eat before returning home. We agreed the idea should be suggested to Jesus. So we did.

Jesus turned to Philip and said, "Where is a place we could buy bread for these people to eat?"

We all were surprised at the question, but waited for Philip to answer.

Philip shrugged and said, "Eight months wages wouldn't buy enough bread for each person here to have a single bite!"

We leaned later that Jesus already knew what he would do even though he posed this question to Philip.

Andrew had been away during this conversation. He guided a boy to take a step forward. "This boy is willing to give his lunch. He only has five small barley loaves and two small fish." He shook his head. "It won't feed many people."

We were perplexed. Jesus didn't seem to want to tell the people to leave, yet we didn't have the food to feed them. We didn't even have the money to buy enough food. 

In all this time, Jesus never once seemed concerned how to handle the problem.

He looked at us and gave this instruction: "Direct the people to sit in groups of hundreds and fifties."

So we did. He obviously knew what he was doing. We walked among the crowd and helped them section themselves into the groups Jesus asked for. When we finished we returned to Jesus who still ha the boy's lunch. 

Jesus held the fish and bread in his hands and looked up toward heaven. He prayed to His Father asking a blessing, said amen, then began breaking the bread and fish into pieces. The pieces were placed into baskets.

The twelve of us walked to our assigned groups of people and passed out the food, letting them take what they needed then went back for more. I continued returning to Jesus and taking more bread and fish to the people until everyone in my group had eaten.

We disciples also ate and were satisfied like the people. When everyone finished, we took the baskets around to the people, gathering up the extra food. Twelve baskets came back to Jesus filled with uneaten food.

There were five thousand men and this didn't count the number of women and children present who also ate.

When the people saw the miracle Jesus had done, they said, "Surely this is the Prophet who is to come into the world."

 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 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.


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

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.

Who Ruined Herod's Birthday Party?

By Mary Vee
Mark 6

From Herod's Journal 

What remains of one of Herod's palaces - Israel
photo by Mary Vee

My name is Herod. I am a king and rule from Jerusalem. I'm not a Jew, but have been given this position from my connections in Rome.

I have heard of a man who is gaining a lot of attention in Israel. He travels through the cities and villages with his disciples healing the sick, performing miracles, and teaching about God in Heaven.

We've had many men rise up and gather followers. They usually want political power. Most of the time these groups die out, and I don't have to worry about them. If they gain too many followers, I send my army to squash them. 

This new man that has gathered many followers and has become well known in the land, is a mystery. His name is Jesus.

I called my counsel together. "Tell me about this man who has risen to such popularity."

The counsel answered, "Some say he is John the Baptist raised from the dead and that is why miraculous powers are at work in him."

Others said, "He is Elijah."

And still others claimed, "He is a prophet, like one of the prophets of long ago."

Their words upset me. "John has been raised from the dead! I beheaded John. Who then, is this man I'm hearing about?"

From that moment on I wanted to see this man called Jesus and know for myself who he really was.

I remember the day I beheaded John the Baptist. I gave orders to have him arrested. Had him bound and put in prison. I had to. I had to. John the Baptist created such a stir. He came to my palace and had the nerve to say I had done something unlawful. Well, I did. I had my brother Philip killed so that I would be king then I married his wife, Herodias. But I am king and can do as I wish.

Herodias heard about John the Baptist's accusations. From that moment on she carried a grudge so vehemately she wanted him killed. I couldn't let her do that. This man made me nervous. He said things with such authority. I protected him. I had to, he was a righteous and holy man.

Every time this man spoke his words puzzled me, yet I couldn't resist hearing what he had to say. 

One year I gave a banquet and invited my high officials, military commanders, and the leading men of Galilee to celebrate my birthday. The food poured out of the kitchens. The hall decorated in all the best. Everyone had a wonderful time. At the end of the meal, I ordered the entertainment to begin.

Herodias' daughter entered the room. The music began. The next several moments voices stilled. Her dance thoroughly pleased me and my dinner guests.

I had to reward her. "Ask me for anything you want, and I'll give it to you. Whatever you ask I will give it to you, up to half of my kingdom."

"I need a moment." She met her mother at the doorway and spoke with her then returned. "I would like you to give me the head of John the Baptist on a silver platter."

I never expected her to say that. Had I known, I would have pharased my reward differently. Her request upset me terribly, but I had to honor it. I had said I would give what she asked in front of all my guests. My word must be honorable. 

My smile and pleasure in her dance had long left. I inhaled deeply and did the only thing I could. I called for an executioner to go to the prison where John had been safely protected. "Bring me back the head of John the Baptist.

The man left the room. Any celebration after that point was pure show. Happiness had completely left me. 

The executioner left the hall, beheaded John in the prison, and brought back John's head on a platter. He presented it to Herodias' daughter. She accepted the platter and took it to her mother.

John's disciples came later that evening requesting his body for burial. I, of course, had it given to them.

In the next days I wanted to find out who this Jesus really was.

 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 Asked Us To Go and Tell His Message

By Mary Vee
Matthew 10

From Matthew's Journal 

Photo by Mary Vee

My name is Matthew. I am a disciple, a follower of Jesus. I and the other disciples have listened to Jesus teach for a while and have learned a lot from Him. 

Jesus spoke to the twelve of us, whom He called His closest disciples, away from the crowds many times. He taught us deep truths, their meanings, and today, He gave us warnings. 

The warnings are to prepare us for when we go out and share Jesus' teachings. Here is what He told us today: 

"Those who stand up for me and my teachings I will stand up for to my heavenly Father. Those who are embarrassed or don't stand up for me to others, I will do the same before my heavenly Father.

"If you think I came to bring peace, you're wrong. I came with a sharp sword to divide 
a man against his father
a daughter against her mother
a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law
a man's enemies will be the members of his own household

"Those who love anyone or anything more than me have nothing to do with me. Give up everything that holds your attention. Focus your thoughts and actions on me. 

"When you go out and teach people, there will be those who will accept you. Those who accept you, accept me, the One who has sent you. Those who accept Me, accept the Father who has sent Me.

"Anyone who accepts the words of a messenger of God will receive the same reward as the messenger."


And with those last words of instruction, Jesus sent us on our way. Jesus took on the same assignment as we twelve disciples: go to the towns in Israel. Teach and preach the gospel and heal people in the name of Jesus.

This was our chance to remember and show what Jesus taught us. As the days went by, the job became easier. The disciple who went with me and I figured out a system and traded duties. 

When I first listened to Jesus I was interested in learning. I didn't think I would become one who would teach others His message. But here I am. And I find I truly enjoy this work.

 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.

Stands Strong Against Bullies

By Mary Vee
Matthew 10

From Matthew's Journal 

Photo by Mary Vee

My name is Matthew. I am a disciple, a follower of Jesus. I and the other disciples have listened to Jesus teach for a while. 

Jesus gathered we twelve disciples and gave us an interesting assignement. He felt we had learned what we needed to carry on this project. 

We were to go in teams to cities not yet visited by Jesus. Teach the people His teachings. Heal the sick. And help the people. In the last two posts below this one you can see what He has said to prepare us for this mission. Here is what he said next:

"People will realize you are talking about a living God and not some idol they have worshiped. They will be offended and angry. They will turn against you because you bring my message. Don't quit. Stand firm to the end. Your strength and faith will be worth all you experience in the end. You are not after success. That is God's business. You are after survival and the continued teaching of my truth. And don't worry. Before you run out of options, the Son of Man will have arrived. 

"At times this will be a difficult task for you. A student is not above his teacher, nor a servant above his master. All the student must do is to be like his teacher, and the servant like his master. There are those who have called me Beelzebub, sadly, they will do the same to you. Don't let this stop you. Soon everyone will know the truth. Stand strong. Don't hesitate to complete this mission.

"I have taught you hidden meanings to my teachings in private. Take these and tell the people. Don't be afraid of those who threaten you. They are bullies who may even kill you. And while what the bully says and does may frighten you, the one who should be feared is the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell. 

"Think of a small sparrow. Two are sold for only a penny. God cares about what may happen to that bird even more than you do. So don't be intimidated by those who threaten you. You are worth more to God than many sparrows.


I thought about his warnings. What all could happen to us while we were gone. The assignment seemed scary in a way. Exciting in another. Jesus didn't send us just yet. He taught us more before we left. I'll share that 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.

If Anyone Rejects You

By Mary Vee
Matthew 10

From Matthew's Journal 

Photo by Mary Vee

My name is Matthew. I am a disciple, a follower of Jesus. I and the other disciples have listened to Jesus teach for a while. After teaching the crowds, He always took us aside to explain special meanings in his message to us. Today I learned why He only explained the meanings to the disciples.

Jesus met with the twelve of us. He wanted us to go in teams to cities in Israel He hadn't visited yet. He asked us to teach the people what He'd taught. Do what He showed us. Have compassion like He had for us. 

He then said, "Whatever town or village you enter, look for a worthy person and stay at his house until you leave. Then, as you enter the home, give it your greeting. If the home is deserving, let your peace rest on it. If it is not deserving, let your peace return to you. If anyone in that home will not welcome you, leave and go to another. And if anyone in the city will not welcome you or listen to your words, shake the dust off your feet as you leave. You know how the cities Sodom and Gomorrah have been judged, right?"

We answered yes.

"On the day of judgement, Sodom and Gomorrah will bear what happens easier than any home or city that rejects you."

While the crowds stood in the distance waiting to hear Jesus speak, He gave us more instructions.

"I am sending you out like sheep among wolves. You must be shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves.

"Be on your guard against the men you meet. They will hand you over to the local councils and have you whipped in the synogogues for your words. Because of me, you will be brought before govenors and kings as witnesses to share what I've taught you. But when they arrest you, do not worry about what to say or how to say it. At that time you will be given what to say, for it will not be you speaking, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you."

I thought about his warnings. What all could happen to us while we were gone. The assignment seemed scary in a way. Exciting in another. Jesus didn't send us just yet. He taught us more before we left. I'll share that 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.