Category: Blog

Lenten Devotions

A Walk through the Book of Luke

March 4, 2023

Luke 6:12-16

Jesus’ 12 Apostles

“52 MAB ST”

(One of my youth groups is shown here eating the largest ice cream sundae in the world.)

I served at three different churches during my almost 25 years in youth ministry. That is not to say I had only three youth groups. Students age out, go to college, move, or sometimes stop attending group activities. So, over my time in youth ministry, I probably served and led at least 10-12 youth groups.

Some students, like adults, are followers or supporters of the group. They attend regularly, are involved with group activities, and even attend church. It’s okay to be a follower. Because without followers, there would be no need for leaders.

Other students are leaders. Some of their ability is learned, but much of it is God-given. In my first youth group, back in the 1990s, I had two young men who were the group’s leaders. They would contact the other students regularly and encourage them to attend youth nights, church, and activities.

I had the same thing happen in the successive churches I served at. So, I like to think that I at least had a part in growing some of my students into leaders.

Today one of my former students serves as a missionary in the United Kingdom. Another serves as a Director of Christian Education in Texas. And yet another is a Lutheran school principal, also in Texas.

Jesus had many disciples. From those disciples, He was very deliberate in choosing His twelve apostles.

***********************The Point**********************

If you were unaware of it, there is a distinction between a disciple and an Apostle. Jesus had many disciples but only chose twelve to be His Apostles.

“One of those days, Jesus went out to a mountainside to pray and spent the night praying to God. When morning came, he called his disciples to him and chose twelve of them, whom he also designated apostles: Simon (whom he named Peter), his brother Andrew, James, John, Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew, Thomas, James son of Alphaeus, Simon who was called the Zealot, Judas son of James, and Judas Iscariot, who became a traitor.” Luke 6:12-16

Jesus specifically chose these twelve men to be His Apostles. So, what’s the difference, you may ask?

A disciple is a learner and follower of Jesus. An Apostle is also a follower of Jesus, but they are sent out to spread the Good News of Jesus Christ. Jesus’s Apostles were explicitly chosen to carry on His work after He was gone. They were a part of Jesus’ inner circle. Christ’s Apostles traveled with Him, ate with Him, and, most importantly, learned from Him. He gave them inner strength, so they could carry on His work without Him.

Today, we can be both. We can be learners and followers of Jesus, but we can and should share the Good News with others.

Early on in my ministry, I learned how to memorize the names of Jesus’ 12 Apostles, as they appear in the book of Luke. It’s a great teaching tool for students. I’ve even shared this teaching tool during children’s messages.

The Apostle’s address is 52 MAB ST. Let me explain.

Those 12 Apostles. What were their names again?

Here’s a fun way to learn to memorize the names of Jesus’ 12 Apostles, using the address at the top of the page. On a whiteboard or newsprint, write out the address 52 MAB ST, like this:

5

2

M

A

B

S

T

Now have the students go back to the reading from Luke. If they read it carefully, they may actually figure it out. So, here’s the answer to the address question.

5 John, James, James, Judas, Judas

2 Phillip, Peter

Matthew

Andrew

Bartholomew

Simon

Thomas

So, there are five apostles whose name starts with the letter J. There are two apostles whose name begins with the letter P. The rest are just the first letter of the remaining five’s first name.

Bartholomew seems to be the hardest for students to remember, so I tell them to remember “Bart Simpson 😊.

Learning the names of the 12 Apostles can be fun. But Jesus chose them for some very serious business. First and foremost, they were selected to spread Christ’s Gospel message to the world.

Lenten Devotions

A Walk through the Book of Luke

March 3, 2023

Luke 2:41-52

The Boy Jesus at the temple

“Where have you been, young man?”

As many of you already know, it wasn’t that many years ago that our ability to communicate with each other was much more limited. Today we have what I like to call our false God, a cellphone (Yes, I have one). With it, we can reach almost anyone, anywhere in the world, at any hour of the day. We can text people, use Instagram and Twitter, and have computers. But, of course, computers are just a large version of a cellphone.

When I was a teenager in the 1960s, we had two forms of helpful communication. We could talk to someone face to face (still very useful even today) or call someone on a home or pay phone. Back in the 1960s, most people did not have answer machines. So, when you called someone, you hoped and prayed they answered because you couldn’t leave them a message. (If you’re under 25 years old, you may call me a dinosaur if you wish).

On more than one occasion, I remember telling my mom or dad I was going out and who I’d be with, and of course, they would tell me what time I needed to be home. I was anywhere from 15-30 minutes late getting home several times over the years. Then the third degree would begin! “Where were you? Why are you late? Why didn’t you call? And, of course, the inevitable, “You’re grounded!”

Jesus was just 12 years old when something similar happened. In Jesus’ case, He was missing for three (3) days. (I can only imagine what my punishment would have been for that). Jesus also got the third degree, but His answers struck a different chord with His parents.

*************************The Point**********************

Let’s join Mary, Joseph, and their 12-year-old Son Jesus, as they attend and depart the Festival of the Passover in Jerusalem.

“Every year, Jesus’ parents went to Jerusalem for the Festival of the Passover. When he was twelve years old, they went up to the festival, according to the custom. After the festival was over, while his parents were returning home, the boy Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem, but they were unaware of it. Thinking he was in their company, they traveled on for a day. Then they began looking for him among their relatives and friends. When they did not find him, they went back to Jerusalem to look for him. After three days, they found him in the temple courts, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions. Everyone who heard him was amazed at his understanding and his answers. When his parents saw him, they were astonished. His mother said to him, “Son, why have you treated us like this? Your Father and I have been anxiously searching for you.”

 “Why were you searching for me?” he asked. “Didn’t you know I had to be in my Father’s house?” But they did not understand what he was saying to them.

Then he went down to Nazareth with them and was obedient to them. But his mother treasured all these things in her heart. And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man.” Luke 2:41-52

From the time Jesus was a baby or very young, we don’t hear about His life again until He is 30.

“The unknown years of Jesus (also called his silent years, lost years, or missing years) generally refers to the period of Jesus’s life between his childhood and the beginning of his ministry, a period not described in the New Testament.” https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unknown_years_of_Jesus

There is one exception in these silent years, and the story is contained in today’s reading from Luke.

Mary, Joseph, and Jesus, age twelve, go to Jerusalem to celebrate The Passover. Jerusalem’s average population at this time is no more than about 25,000. But because of the Passover celebration, an estimated 60-100,000 people pack themselves into the city. (New Bible Commentary, 21^st-century edition, Luke 2, pp. 985).

After the completion of the Passover festivities, Mary, Joseph, and they thought Jesus was part of a group of hundreds, if not thousands heading back to their hometowns. Unfortunately, the Bible story doesn’t give us much information, but for some reason, Mary and Joseph don’t realize that Jesus isn’t with them until they are a day into their travels. After looking furtively for Him for three days, they finally find their Son, Jesus, in the temple court.

My brain has all sorts of red flags going up on this portion of the story. I realize hundreds and hundreds of people are on the road with you, but how do you not keep track of your twelve-year-old Son? And what did Jesus do for food and water for three days until his parents arrived? I realize many explanations could answer both of these questions. But, as a parent myself, the circumstances leave me wondering.

Interestingly, Jesus’ parents find Him at the last place they would expect. He was in the temple court, listening to the teachers of the law and asking questions. At the age of twelve, Jesus was probably not teaching. But, as the reading says, “Everyone who heard him was amazed at his understanding and answers.”

In my eyes, the actual theme of this passage is obedience. When Mary approaches her Son and, in so many words, says, “How could you do this to us? Your dad and I’ve been looking for you for three days. We thought you were lost or worse.”

Interestingly enough, the twelve-year-old (speaking for the first time in the book of Luke) rebukes His mother.

“Why were you searching for me? Didn’t you know I had to be in my Father’s house?”

As I read this passage several times, I concluded that, at times, Mary and Joseph forgot who their Son was. For all the amazing things the angel Gabriel told them, they sometimes lost sight of what was shared with them. Their Son, Jesus, was and is the Son of God sent to save His people from sin.

At a very early age, Jesus knew who He was and put His relationship with His Father, God, first.

I’ve mentioned something many times in my devotions and Bible studies.

God comes; first, family comes second, work comes third, and everything else comes after that. Jesus understood that. The mission His Father sent Him on was His top priority, even at the age of twelve.

Lenten Devotions

A Walk through the Book of Luke

March 2, 2023

Luke 2:21-40

Jesus presented at the temple

“The Nunc Dimittis”

The photo you see above is of my Mom. The year is 1951. She is holding me in her arms, and we are 0n the way to church for my baptism.

I was born on June 30. I know very little about my baptism other than it was in the Catholic Church. But I do know I was baptized 2-3 weeks after my birth. I know this because I was a Cesarean birth, and my Mom was in the hospital for over a week after I was born.

When I was born, my family lived in an apartment in Chicago, just off Waveland ave. and Grace St. If the word Waveland and Chicago rings a bell with you at all, it’s because Waveland runs just outside Wrigley Field (Right Field). At the time, we only lived 4 blocks from the park. Perhaps that’s why I’m a lifelong Cubs fan. 😊

Sorry I got a little off track.

A little over 2000 years ago, Jesus was born. He, too, was presented at the temple (church). It’s interesting how rituals change and how much religious laws dictated when and how the mother and son could be presented at the temple.

*************************The Point*********************

As you read the account of Jesus’ presentation at the temple, let’s focus on three things. The circumcision and purification, Simeon, and the prophet Anna.

“On the eighth day, when it was time to circumcise the child, he was named Jesus, the name the angel had given him before he was conceived.

When the time came for the purification rites required by the Law of Moses, Joseph and Mary took him to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord (as it is written in the Law of the Lord, “Every firstborn male is to be consecrated to the Lord,” and to offer a sacrifice in keeping with what is said in the Law of the Lord: “a pair of doves or two young pigeons.”

Now, there was a man in Jerusalem called Simeon, who was righteous and devout. He was waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was on him. It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Lord’s Messiah. Moved by the Spirit, he went into the temple courts. When the parents brought in the child Jesus to do for him what the custom of the Law required, Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying:

“Sovereign Lord, as you have promised,

you may now dismiss your servant in peace.

For my eyes have seen your salvation,

which you have prepared in the sight of all nations:

a light for revelation to the Gentiles,

and the glory of your people Israel.”

The child’s father and mother marveled at what was said about him. Then Simeon blessed them and said to Mary, his mother: “This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel and to be a sign that will be spoken against so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your own soul too.”

There was also a prophet, Anna, the daughter of Penuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was very old; she had lived with her husband seven years after her marriage and then was a widow until she was eighty-four. She never left the temple but worshiped night and day, fasting and praying. Coming up to them at that very moment, she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem.

When Joseph and Mary had done everything required by the Law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee to their own town of Nazareth. And the child grew and became strong; he was filled with wisdom, and the grace of God was on him.” Luke 2:21-40

I’m not sure if you picked up on it, but circumcision and purification were two separate events. The circumcision of Jesus took place eight days after He was born. We don’t know where it took place. But when it did, it was the day He was given the name Jesus as Gabriel told Mary to do. Joseph was told to give him the name Jesus during a dream in the Gospel of Matthew.

“an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus because he will save his people from their sins.” Matthew 1:20-21

The purification rites were for Mary, not Jesus. Jewish law said that after the birth of a male child, his mother was unclean for seven days. She was then required to stay home for an additional 33 days. Following this period, a purification sacrifice had to be offered. As stated in the text, the sacrifice was two doves or two pigeons. Mary and Joseph were not affluent, so they probably provided two pigeons as sacrifices.

As you read in the Bible passage, Simeon had been promised by the Holy Spirit that he would not die until after he saw the coming Savior, Jesus Christ. So Simeon was “Moved by the Spirit” to enter the temple. There he encountered Mary, Joseph, and the baby Jesus.

At that moment, Simeon knew that this baby was the Christ. So he took Jesus into his arms and praised God.

Simeon’s praise song is called the “Nunc Dimittis.” The words Nunc Dimittis mean, “Now let us depart” The Holy Spirit had done exactly what He promised. Simeon had seen the Savior of the world before he died.

Once again, here is Simeon’s song/words, The Nunc Dimittis.

“Sovereign Lord, as you have promised,

you may now dismiss your servant in peace.

For my eyes have seen your salvation,

which you have prepared in the sight of all nations:

a light for revelation to the Gentiles,

and the glory of your people Israel.”

It’s pretty self-explanatory. The Holy Spirits’ promise had been fulfilled. Simeon had seen the source of the salvation of the world, Jesus. He was ready to depart this world.

As late-night commercials say, “But wait, there’s more.” Enter Anna. The NIV calls her a prophetess. Perhaps, her words were not quite as dramatic as Simeon’s, but when she saw the baby, Jesus, she gave thanks to God. She, like Simeon, recognized the baby as the promised Savior. Then, Anna took it one more step. She went out and spread the word of the newborn Savior to everyone who would listen.

Luke’s account does not speak of the coming of wise men. But, he does say something at the end of this passage that I have always felt was necessary.

“He was filled with wisdom, and the grace of God was upon him.”

One only has to think of Jesus’ encounters later in life and the wisdom He showed as He spoke, healed, and taught. God’s grace was truly upon Him.

Remember this. As a believer and follower of Jesus, God’s grace is upon you too.

Lenten Devotions

A Walk through the Book of Luke

March 1, 2023

Luke 2:1-7

The Birth of Jesus

The map above depicts the distance from Merritt Island, FL., where my wife and I live, and Port St. Lucie, FL. The distance between the two cities is approximately 93 miles via I-95. I’ve traveled between my home and Port St. Lucie many times. Depending on traffic, the trip takes about 1 ½ hours.

When you look at it from the perspective of driving your car between the two cities, the distance doesn’t seem far at all. But what if you had to walk or ride a donkey 93 miles on a rocky dirt road? How long would it take you to travel, say, 6-8 hours a day?

Mary and Joseph took just such a trip. They traveled from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Bethlehem. The distance was about the same, about 90 miles. But, it is believed that they took upwards of a week to make the journey. Maybe it’s because Mary was pregnant and in her third trimester. She was very close to giving birth to God’s Son when she and Joseph made the trip.

***********************The Point*******************

Let’s take a look at the NIV of Jesus’ birth as described in Luke’s Gospel.

“In those days, Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. (This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.) And everyone went to their own town to register.

So, Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem, the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger because there was no guest room available for them.” Luke 2:1-7 (NIV)

Luke’s account of the birth of Jesus is stated very simply. A census was taken, so everyone had to return to their hometown to be counted. Mary was pregnant with Jesus at the time, and she and Joseph traveled to Bethlehem for the census. While they were there, she gave birth to her firstborn son, Jesus. As there was no room in the local inn, the baby was born in a manger (a feeding trough), so we can presume they were in a barn when Jesus was born.

This is how the Son of God came into the world. Quietly, unassuming with no fanfare or celebration. Just a baby being born in a stable because there was no room in the inn.

I’d like you to reread verses 1-5, but this time from the KJV of the book of Luke.

“And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Cæsar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed. (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.) And all went to be taxed, everyone into his own city. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:) to be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.”                    Luke 2:1-5 (KJV)

Mary and Joseph did indeed go to Bethlehem because of the census. And at the same, they, like everyone else, paid a tax. Not only were they taxed, but the text says,

“And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Cesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed.”

Caesar Augustus decreed that the entire world should be taxed. This is why Joseph and Mary, who was great with child, traveled to Bethlehem to be counted (Census) and taxed accordingly.

As I said earlier, there was no fanfare (until the angels appeared to the shepherds after the birth). Then, Jesus came quietly into this world, born in a manger in a stable/barn.

In my introduction, I mention the distance from Nazareth to Bethlehem. It was, and is, just a little over 90 miles. However, in my research, I found that Mary and Joseph probably only traveled 2 ½ miles per hour because of the terrain. So if they traveled 8 hours a day, the trip to Bethlehem would have taken 4 ½ days.

The Bible and history don’t tell us anything other than the trip was made and Mary was pregnant. There is no evidence that the couple traveled with a donkey for Mary to ride. If that’s true, I can’t even imagine how she made the trip at all. Several sources said the trip probably took closer to a week.

God must have given Mary and Joseph amazing strength and perseverance to travel that distance under less-than-ideal conditions and Mary being pregnant. Yet, donkey or no donkey, they made the trip. They survived, arrived, and had to be content with staying in a stable, and Mary gave birth there.

Do you know who I think was the happiest? Mary? Joseph? No, I believe God was delighted. Because Mary and Joseph had listened to the angel Gabriel, He had sent. They followed instructions, and they stuck with God’s plan.

Because of their faith, and love of God, Jesus was born in Bethlehem. Just as God had planned it.

Lenten Devotions

A Walk through the Book of Luke

February 28, 2023

Luke 1:67-80

Worship and Bible study, Zechariah’s Song

I’m not really big into quoting statistics. But did you know only 48% of American attend church services regularly (Barna Group)? Looking at Barna’s statistics for the last 10 years or so, that number has never exceeded 50%, but by a few percentage points. The numbers of those who read the Bible daily are much lower. According to Christianity Today, only 11% of Americans read the Bible daily. (https://www.christianitytoday.com/news/2022/april/state-of-bible-reading-decline-report-26-million.html)

As a follower of Christ, I believe that Worship and Bible study go hand in hand. Therefore, attending Worship regularly is essential. There, we commune with God and others, but it’s not the best place for interaction with fellow Christians.

Sure, there are many fun events at church, like meals and family nights. But the combination of Worship and Bible study gives us an interaction with God/Christ and others. In church, we worship, but other than reciting prayers and songs, there’s very little interaction.

In Bible study, we experience in-depth learning about God’s Plan, our Savior Jesus, and how the Holy Spirit lives within us. We also share our thoughts and prayers with others.

You’re probably asking, “Why is Joe talking about Worship and Bible study in a devotion about Zechariah’s Song? Well, I think I can answer that question for you.

Zechariah’s song is broken up into two parts. The first part is praise and Worship for the Lord. The second part is a great study concerning Zechariah’s son, John. It discusses what John will be called and how he will share the knowledge of salvation. And how John will offer a baptism of forgiveness. It also tells how he, John, will prepare the way for the Lord, Jesus.

**************************The Point*********************

Let’s look at the Luke reading and see if you can pick up on this passage’s Worship and Bible study separation.

“And his father Zechariah was filled with the Holy Spirit and prophesied, saying,

“Blessed be the Lord God of Israel,

for he has visited and redeemed his people

and has raised up a horn of salvation for us

in the house of his servant David,

as he spoke by the mouth of his holy prophets from of old,

that we should be saved from our enemies

and from the hand of all who hate us;

to show the mercy promised to our fathers

and to remember his holy covenant,

the oath that he swore to our father Abraham to grant us

that we, being delivered from the hand of our enemies,

might serve him without fear,

in holiness and righteousness before him all our days.

And you, child, will be called the prophet of the Most High;

for you will go before the Lord to prepare his ways,

to give knowledge of salvation to his people

in the forgiveness of their sins,

because of the tender mercy of our God,

whereby the sunrise shall visit us from on high

give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death,

to guide our feet into the way of peace.”

And the child grew and became strong in spirit, and he was in the wilderness until the day of his public appearance to Israel.”

Luke 1:67-80

The Song of Zechariah actually gets its name from the Latin “Benedictus Dominus”; the NIV translates it as: “Praise to the Lord.” So, yes, the Lord is praised as in Worship throughout this passage, but especially in verses 67-75.

Verse 67 says explicitly that Zechariah “Was filled with the Holy Spirit and prophesied.”

So, not only did Zechariah praise the Lord for the birth of his son, but also for all the things He would do in the future, including how He would use John.

Verses 76-80 is a prophecy of the great things Zechariah’s son, John, will do as a forerunner of Jesus.

Zechariah prophesies that John will be called a great prophet and will prepare the way for the Lord (Jesus) vs. 76. He will give the people knowledge of salvation and offer forgiveness through the waters of baptism. Zechariah also intertwines the coming of Jesus, who will shine on those living in darkness.

Finally, the writer Luke says,

“And the child grew and because strong in spirit, and he lived in the desert until he appeared publicly to Israel.”

John had much more than physical growth; he also grew spiritually. He had a hard-arduous road ahead of him. Not unlike Jesus, John spent time in the wilderness. This would toughen him up for the task ahead. John had a significant job in God’s plan for salvation. He would spread the word and prepare the people for Jesus’ coming onto the scene.

Worship and Bible study. This is how I see these passages. In a few days, I’ll post a Bible study that will highlight and give you time for thought, ponderance, and discussion of these passages.

Lenten Devotions

A Walk through the Book of Luke

February 27, 2023

Luke 1:57-66

The Birth of John the Baptist

“What are you going to be when you grow up?”

When I grow up, I want to be a fireman. I want to be a doctor. I want to be an astronaut. These are all common answers from a youngster who, when they are asked, “What do you want to be when you grow up?”

When I was young, I dreamt of being a teacher. Little did I know what God had in mind for me in that vocation. As a result, my first 28 years in the workforce were in the retail food industry.

I worked in several supermarkets over the years. I was also a salesman for a food distributor and was promoted to sales manager after a year. All of these retail jobs kept me wanting more. I always felt that I could or should be doing more.

It wasn’t until 1992 when I began teaching a middle school Bible class at my church, that God lifted the veil from my eyes and heart and gave me the direction I craved. God wanted me to teach students about Him and His love for mankind. So that began my new career as a youth minister, teaching students about God and His promises.

For John (The Baptist), it was different. The angel Gabriel had already come to his father before he was born and told him how John would be a part of God’s plan of salvation.

**************************The Point************************

Take a moment to read the passage about John’s birth. We’ll be focusing in on two points. John’s name and what he (John) would be when he grew up.

“Now the time came for Elizabeth to give birth, and she bore a son. And her neighbors and relatives heard that the Lord had shown great mercy to her, and they rejoiced with her. And on the eighth day, they came to circumcise the child. And they would have called him Zechariah after his father, but his mother answered, “No; he shall be called John.” And they said to her, “None of your relatives is called by this name.” And they made signs to his father, inquiring what he wanted him to be called. And he asked for a writing tablet and wrote, “His name is John.” And they all wondered. And immediately his mouth was opened, and his tongue loosed, and he spoke, blessing God. And fear came on all their neighbors. And all these things were talked about through all the hill country of Judea, and all who heard them laid them up in their hearts, saying, “What then will this child be?” For the hand of the Lord was with him.”

Both Zechariah and Elizabeth knew what their son’s name was to be. The angel Gabriel had directly told Zechariah when he came to him in the temple. And, we know that Elizabeth had been filled with the Holy Spirit when Mary had come to visit.

Neighbors and relatives of Elizabeth and Zechariah could not understand why they would call their son John when they had no relative with this name. But when they asked Zechariah what the child’s name would be, he wrote on a tablet, “His name is John.”

The kicker was that after writing this on a tablet, Zechariah suddenly started to speak after nine months of silence. The angel told them this small part of God’s plan, and they listened.

Interestingly, everyone who heard about how John had been named realized this was no ordinary child. So they wondered, “What then is this child going to be?”

Once again, you and I have the blessing of time, knowledge, and the Gospels. We already know what this child will be. In Luke 1:13-17, the angel Gabriel was very specific with instructions on what to expect from their child, John.

“But the angel said to him, “Do not be afraid, Zechariah, for your prayer has been heard, and your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you shall call his name John. And you will have joy and gladness, and many will [rejoice at his birth, for he will be great before the Lord. And he must not drink wine or strong drink, and he will be filled with the Holy Spirit, even from his mother’s womb. And he will turn many of the children of Israel to the Lord their God, and he will go before him in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just, to make ready for the Lord a people prepared.”

John had a specific part in God’s plan of salvation. He would prepare the way for Jesus, God’s Son, the Savior of the world. First, John would preach repentance and baptize with water. But soon, Jesus would come and baptize with the Holy Spirit.

Lenten Devotions

February 26, 2023

Matthew 4:1-11

The Temptation of Jesus

“Mr. Joe, I’m Hungry!”

During the late 1990s and early 2000s, students from my youth groups and I participated in World Vision’s “30-Hour Famine” several times. The 30-Hour Famine is a teaching tool and fundraiser for needy children worldwide.

Our famine time was also a 30-hour lock-in. So, if you’ve ever done a lock-in with your students, multiply the time of planning, patience organization needed for this lock-in by 3.

Of course, the number one thing is that we did not eat for 30 hours. For my groups, we did not eat any solid food during that time. I always had water and juice available for them throughout the lock-in.

Before the lock-in, the students would get financial pledges from families, friends, and neighbors. All the funds raised would go to World Vision to support their ongoing cause of bringing food to needy people worldwide.

 I always kept the students busy with activities, such as Bible studies and mission work; several students would inevitably come to me and say, “Mr. Joe, I’m hungry.” My answers varied, but I always encouraged them to push through the hunger, as what they were doing by fasting for 30 hours was a small example of people starving around the world. I’m sure we were all tempted to break the fast and sneak eat some food. I know that I was.

We finished our 30 hours with worship and breaking fast with a meal prepared by the students’ families.

I imagine anyone reading this might think, “Wow, 30 hours with no food; that’s a long time.” My answer to you would be, “Wow, 40 days with no food or drink; that is a long time.”

Who did that? I think you already know the answer. Jesus fasted for 40 days and nights. And if that wasn’t difficult enough, Satan tempted Him while He was in His food and water-deprived state.

*****************************The Point*****************************

In Matthew 4:1-11 we are given three specific times when the devil tempted Jesus in the desert.

“Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. After fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry. The tempter came to him and said, “If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread.”

Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.”

Then the devil took him to the holy city and had him stand on the highest point of the temple. “If you are the Son of God,” he said, “throw yourself down. For it is written:

“‘He will command his angels concerning you,

and they will lift you up in their hands,

so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.”

Jesus answered him, “It is also written: ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test.”

Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor. “All this I will give you,” he said, “if you will bow down and worship me.”

Jesus said to him, “Away from me, Satan! For it is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God and serve him only.”

Then the devil left him, and angels came and attended him.” Matthew 4:1-11

In this reading, Jesus has been fasting for 40 days and nights. He had nothing to eat. The Bible doesn’t tell us whether He drank water at all. Medical experts say a person could live between one and two months without food but without food and water, only 5-7 days.

Jesus’ survival in the desert could be considered a miracle in and of itself. But the intriguing thing is that even in His weakened state, He was able to fend off the temptations of the devil.

Each time Jesus was tempted, He replied with scripture. (Re-read the passage) Finally, the devil left Him in disgust, anger, or perhaps waiting for another day. The Bible says,

“Then the devil left him, and angels came and attended him.”

This means that as Jesus had a human body, He was given food, water, and wounds would have been dressed.

This passage is about God’s Son resisting temptation and false promises from the devil. Jesus had been sent by the Father with a purpose, and He would not be swayed from his desired conclusion.

One of my favorite Bible passages is 1 Corinthians 10:13.

“No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.” 1 Corinthians 10:13 (In Greek, temptation or tempted can be used for the word tested or testing)

I don’t want to give you the “book” explanation for this verse. So instead, here is what I was taught it means.

Any temptation or testing we encounter is not new to the world or you. It may look slightly different or use other words, but it’s not new.

“God will not let us be tempted beyond what you can bear.”

God will not give us more than we can handle. We may feel overwhelmed, or things may seem impossible, but God always gives us the tools we need to bear up to temptation.

Finally, when we are tempted, God will always find a way for us to endure it. He may have us go around the temptation, over it, or face it head-on. He is always with us and will guide us to a way from, through, or away from temptation.

Whenever you are tempted, remember God’s words to Joshua:

“Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9               

Lenten Devotions

A Walk through the Book of Luke

February 25, 2023

Luke 1:46-56

Mary’s Song

“The Magnificat”

“And Mary said:

“My soul glorifies the Lord

, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,

for he has been mindful

of the humble state of his servant.

From now on, all generations will call me blessed,

for the Mighty One has done great things for me—

holy is his name.

His mercy extends to those who fear him,

from generation to generation.

He has performed mighty deeds with his arm;

he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts.

He has brought down rulers from their thrones

but has lifted up the humble.

He has filled the hungry with good things

but has sent the rich away empty.

He has helped his servant Israel,

remembering to be merciful

to Abraham and his descendants forever,

just as he promised our ancestors.”

Mary stayed with Elizabeth for about three months and then returned home.”

Luke 1:46-56

Yesterday, we saw Mary visiting her cousin Elizabeth. As Mary entered Elizabeth and Zechariah’s home, she greeted them. But she was not ready for what happened next. Mary must have been overwhelmed by her cousin’s greeting.

The Holy Spirit filled Elizabeth, and she immediately knew that Mary was pregnant and that the baby she was carrying was the Son of God. Elizabeth even praises Mary’s faith.

“Blessed is she who has believed that what the Lord has said to her will be accomplished.”

After hearing Elizabeth’s praises heaped on her, Mary also breaks into praise. She praises the Lord in a poem, a song that has become known as “The Magnificat.”

The Magnificat is Latin for “My soul magnifies.” So the first line of the Magnificat says,

“My soul magnifies (or praises) the Lord.”

Mary is overwhelmed. She praises God and addresses Him as “God my Savior.” In her own way, Mary understands what is happening. She is pregnant with God’s Son, whom her husband Joseph and she will name Jesus. Her pregnancy has occurred for a specific reason. To allow Jesus to enter the world as a child while maintaining his heavenly presence and power as God’s Son.

My favorite line from the Magnificat comes in verse 50.

“His mercy extends to those who fear Him, from generation to generation.”

Mary is not speaking of people’s fear of drowning, being fired from their job, or death. Instead, in this context, fear connotates the respect and awe we should have for God.

As you can see in the passage (above), Mary speaks of God’s many deeds. He has brought down rulers, lifted up the humble, and finally, how:

“He helped His servant Israel, remembering to be merciful.”

Just a quick reminder. It is generally accepted that Mary was a very young girl (perhaps 14 years old) when she became pregnant with Jesus. She was pregnant with the Son of God, so it stands to reason Mary, like Elizabeth, was filled with the Holy Spirit. Her eyes, heart, and soul had been opened to many things. It only stands to reason that she would proclaim the Glory and wonders of God to the world.

Lenten Devotions

A Walk through the Book of Luke

February 24, 2023

Luke 1:39-45

Mary Visits Elizabeth

“Leaping for Joy”

Have you ever been so happy or overjoyed by something you literally jumped up and down? I’ve seen many athletes jump up and down after they’ve won a sporting event. Likewise, children leap up and down when they’re excited, especially if you say something like, “We’re going to Disney World tomorrow!” And there was the one time I remember jumping up and down in joy. It was the night I shot a 300-game bowling in 2011.

I’ve been around many pregnant women who held their stomachs and said, “The baby is kicking again.” But I can’t say I’ve ever heard anyone say, “My baby is leaping for joy.” I’ve only heard that phrase in today’s Bible passage.

Of course, Elizabeth’s baby lept for joy, with good reason. The unborn baby John knew he was in the presence of God’s unborn Son, Jesus.

******************************The Point***********************

Today’s Bible passage is only six verses long. But, in those six verses, we learn how God’s Holy Spirit can enlighten, direct and make us leap for joy.

“At that time, Mary got ready and hurried to a town in the hill country of Judea, where she entered Zechariah’s home and greeted Elizabeth. When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the baby leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. In a loud voice, she exclaimed: “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the child you will bear! But why am I so favored that the mother of my Lord should come to me? As soon as the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy. Blessed is she who has believed that the Lord would fulfill his promises to her!” Luke 19:39-45

The angel Gabriel had recently appeared to Mary, telling her she would give birth to the Son of God. The Bible says,

“At that time,” Mary visited her older cousin Elizabeth. The passage above says, “Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit.”

This all happened over two thousand years ago. Then, there were no telephones, telegraphs, Instagram, or Facebook Messenger. So Elizabeth had no way of knowing in advance that her young cousin was with child. But as Mary approached Elizabeth, the Holy Spirit enlightened her.

How else would she know she was pregnant (at this time, Mary would have been a month or less pregnant)? Mary was not ready for the greeting she received from her cousin. Elizabeth greeted Mary with a blessing and mentioned her pregnancy. And then Elizabeth really hits the nail on the head when she says to Mary,

“But why am I so favored, that the mother of My Lord should come to me?”

Finally, Elizabeth praises Mary for believing and having faith.

“Blessed is she who has believed that what the Lord has said to her will be accomplished.”

One might wonder where this praise that Elizabeth gives comes from. It came from the Holy Spirit, who enlightened her and filled her with joy because she was in the presence of the mother of God Himself.

Oh, and don’t forget one more thing. The unborn baby John leaped in Elizabeth’s womb. This happened when Mary greeted her. So, the unborn child John, who was destined for greatness in the eye of the Lord, knew He was in the presence of Christ.

Perhaps we as Christians should be leaping for joy each Sunday as we worship God, pray, and rejoice in song. Because of what God did for us by sending His son as a living sacrifice and our faith in Christ Jesus, we can now feel confident that we will have eternal life.

Lenten Devotions

A Walk through the Book of Luke

February 24, 2023

Luke 1:26-38

The Birth of Jesus Foretold

“You’re going to have a baby!”

“You’re going to have a baby.”

In previous devotions, I’ve told the story of my daughter Heather’s adoption several times. Simply said, it was almost 36 years ago now when we adopted her. For whatever reason, Kathy and I could not have our own children, so we decided to adopt. Eight and a half months after we first pursued adopting a child, Heather was in our arms, in our home.

Kathy and I could not plan too far ahead for the birth of Heather. But, it isn’t easy to plan for the baby’s arrival until the birth mother signs the papers and releases custody of her child (usually a day or two after the birth).

Mary, the mother of Jesus, had time to plan for the birth of her child. Everything was pretty normal. She got pregnant and had nine months to prepare for her child’s arrival, right? Well, except for the part that Mary was a virgin and bore God’s Son.

****************************The Point*************************

Many theologians believe Mary was only 14 years old when she was visited by the angel Gabriel. So, as you read the passage below, remember that the “woman” that Gabriel is speaking to is a young teenager.

In the sixth month of Elizabeth’s pregnancy, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. The angel went to her and said, “Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.”

Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. But the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God. You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over Jacob’s descendants forever; his kingdom will never end.”

“How will this be,” Mary asked the angel, “since I am a virgin?”

The angel answered, “The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So, the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God. Even Elizabeth, your relative, is going to have a child in her old age, and she, who was said to be unable to conceive, is in her sixth month. For no word from God will ever fail.”

“I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May your word to me be fulfilled.” Then the angel left her.” Luke 1:26-38

Less than a year after Gabriel visits Zechariah and tells him that he and his wife will have a son in their advanced years, Gabriel returns to communicate to a teenage (14) Mary that she will have a child and he will be the Son of the Most High.

Let’s look at two points in this passage.

First, let us compare Mary’s reply to Gabriel as opposed to what Zechariah said.

Gabriel appeared to Zechariah in the temple while he was on duty as a priest. Gabriel lays out precisely what will happen. What a delight the child will be, and how he will prepare the people for the coming of the Lord (Jesus). But Zechariah asked, “How can I be sure of this? I am an old man, and my wife is well along in years.”

Zechariah did not take the angel Gabriel at his word; he asked for reassurance. Some six months later, Gabriel visits Mary and tells her she will give birth to the Son of God. Mary, too, asked a question, but Gabriel was not harsh with her as he was with Zechariah (taking away his ability to speak for the duration of Elizabeth’s pregnancy).

Mary asked, “How will this be since I am a virgin.” This a valid question from a 14-year-old girl. The angel replied to her, saying, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you.”

In other words, you will be made pregnant by God, and you will give birth to His Son, Jesus.

Here is my second point. You’re an adult female or male. We know and understand how people get pregnant and how babies are made, right? So, the first time you heard this story, did it ring true, or did your mind say, “yeah, right.”

We only have to read two lines further when Gabriel tells Mary about her cousin Elizabeth. Even though she had been unable to bear children, Elizabeth was now 6 months pregnant.

Here’s the line that reinforces the angel Gabriel’s words,

“For nothing is impossible with God,”

Nothing is impossible when God is in the equation. Not for a young couple who adopted their daughter almost 36 years ago, not for a 14-year-old girl to become pregnant and give birth to God’s Son. No, nothing is impossible for God.