Psalm 182 from Beyond Psalm 150 The next nine psalms come from the book of Isaiah. Isaiah writes in Judah during the reigns of kings Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah. During Isaiah’s lengthy time as a prophet, Assyria conquers the nation of Israel and exiles most of the people. Only the nation of Judah remains, […]
Today’s passage: Acts 1:9, along with Mark 16:19 and Luke 24:50–52 Focus verse: He was taken up before their very eyes, and a cloud hid him from their sight. (Acts 1:9) After Jesus gives his parting instructions to his disciples and commissions them to be his witnesses throughout the entire world, he has completed all […]
The Promised Gift of the Holy Spirit Today’s passage: Acts 1:4–5, along with Luke 24:49 Focus verse: “John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.” (Acts 1:5) After Luke concludes his introduction to the book of Acts, straightaway he shares a story about Jesus and his […]
Missionaries for Jesus Today’s passage: John 20:21–23 Focus verse: “As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.” (John 20:21) Jesus again says, “Peace be with you!” He’s already said this twice (Luke 24:36 and John 20:19). And he’ll say it a fourth time to Thomas in one week (John 20:26). Jesus says this […]
Anticipating Jesus Today’s passage: Luke 24:25–27 Focus verse: Beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, [Jesus] explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself. (Luke 24:27) After hearing the two men tell Jesus about himself, the Savior responds. He begins with some harsh criticism. He calls them foolish and slow to […]
Don’t Be Afraid Today’s passage: Matthew 28:5–7, Mark 16:5–7, and Luke 24:4–8 Focus verse: “He is not here; he has risen, just as he said.” (Matthew 28:6) In Matthew’s account of what happens, the angel—the one sitting on the stone—says to the women, “Don’t be afraid.” As we read throughout Scripture, this is often the […]
Present During Suffering Today’s passage: John 19:25, along with Matthew 27:55–56, Mark 15:40–41, and Luke 23:49 Focus verse: Near the cross of Jesus stood his mother, his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. (John 19:25) In our biblical narrative we don’t move directly from Jesus’s death to his resurrection. There’s much […]
The Disciples Get Ready to Celebrate the Holy Day with Jesus Today’s passage: Matthew 26:17–19, Mark 14:12–16, and Luke 22:7–13 Focus verse: “Go into the city to a certain man and tell him, ‘The Teacher says: My appointed time is near. I am going to celebrate the Passover with my disciples at your house.’” (Matthew […]
The Traitor Sells His Master For a Few Coins Today’s passage: Matthew 26:14–16, Mark 14:10–11, and Luke 22:1–6 Focus verse: “What are you willing to give me if I deliver him over to you?” (Matthew 26:15) Right after the woman anoints Jesus’s head, preparing him for his burial, we read of Judas deciding to betray […]
A Woman Prepares Jesus’s Body for Burial Today’s passage: Matthew 26:6–13 and Mark 14:3–9 Focus verse: “When she poured this perfume on my body, she did it to prepare me for burial.” (Matthew 26:12) As we continue reading about Jesus’s last week on earth before his execution, Matthew notes he is now in Bethany and […]