“But when the leading priests and the elders made their accusations against him, Jesus remained silent” (Matthew 27:12 NLT). The Roman governor, Pontius Pilate marveled greatly at Jesus’s silence in the face of His accusers. Surely he had judged and condemned many a man, but never one like this. Who was this man that stood
“But this is all happening to fulfill the words of the prophets as recorded in the Scripture” (Matthew 26:56 NLT). On the night of Christ’s betrayal and arrest, He ordered His disciples not to resist. For He said that what was happening was according to the Scriptures. Hearing this, the disciples deserted Him and ran
“Then make another altar of acacia wood for burning incense” (Exodus 30:1 NLT). The Lord gave Moses specific instructions for the furnishings inside the Tent of Meeting. Among these instructions were detailed plans for the making and use of an altar for burning incense. Meditation on these furnishings are a worthy pursuit for the Christ-follower.
“I tell you the truth, wherever the Good News is preached throughout the world, this woman’s deed will be remembered and discussed” (Matthew 26:13 NLT). What Jesus said is true. Wherever the gospel is preached, the story of this woman’s extravagant generosity towards Jesus is told. For she had approached Jesus with “an alabaster flask
“Then the Kingdom of Heaven will be like ten bridesmaids who took their lamps and went to meet the bridegroom. Five of them were foolish, and five were wise” (Matthew 25:1-2 NLT). It appears that the parable of the ten bridesmaids was given by Jesus to his disciples in a private setting, as a further
“You have turned my mourning into joyful dancing. You have taken away my clothes of mourning and clothed me with joy” (Psalm 30:11 NLT). When we receive God’s comfort, He not only wipes away our tears, He strengthens our weak knees and sagging spirits, so that our “mourning is turned into dancing.” This comfort flows
“You must not follow the crowd in doing wrong” (Exodus 23:2 NLT). After giving the Ten Commandments to Moses, the Lord gave specific examples of how to apply them. He warned that following the crowd in doing wrong would not excuse the breaking of the commandments. How many of us as teens tried this excuse
“O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones God’s messengers! How often I have wanted to gather your children together as a hen protects her chicks beneath her wings, but you wouldn’t let me” (Matthew 23:37 NLT). Jesus grieved over Jerusalem and its people’s rejection of Him. How He wanted to gather
“The greatest among you must be a servant. But those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted” (Matthew 23:11-12 NLT). Jesus not only taught, but modeled the art of servant leadership. He showed that true greatness was not about exalting oneself, but being humble enough to wash another’s
“I will stand before you on the rock at Mount Sinai. Strike the rock, and water will come gushing out. Then the people will be able to drink” (Exodus 17:6 NLT). The people of Israel complained of thirst, threatening to stone Moses for leading them into the desert. Moses brought their complaint to the Lord