Should We Vote to Pick Our Church Leaders? Today’s passage: Acts 1:21–26 Focus verse: “Show us which of these two you have chosen to take over this apostolic ministry, which Judas left to go where he belongs.” (Acts 1:24–25) After Peter quotes these two passages from Psalms, he moves directly to make his point. He […]
Jesus Gives 5 Traits Believers Will Have Today’s passage: Mark 16:15–18 Focus verse: “And these signs will accompany those who believe . . .” (Mark 16:17) Mark also records Jesus’s parting remarks to his disciples. This passage is not well known. It’s mostly ignored. I don’t recall ever hearing a sermon about it. The likely reason is that […]
Focus on Jesus and Don’t Worry about Others Today’s passage: John 21:20–23 Focus verse: When Peter saw [John], he asked, “Lord, what about him?” (John 21:21) After restoring Peter into a right relationship with him, Jesus adds a cryptic line that implies Peter will die by crucifixion when he is older. This must make Peter […]
Discover How Jesus Fulfills Old Testament Prophecy Today’s passage: Luke 24:44–47 Focus verse: Then he opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures. (Luke 24:45) After Jesus appears to the disciples, Luke records additional details not found in John’s account. The risen Savior begins with a polite I-told-you-so reminder to his disciples of what […]
Today’s passage: Luke 24:19–24 Focus verse: “He was a prophet, powerful in word and deed before God and all the people.” (Luke 24:19) Jesus pretends he doesn’t know what the men on the road to Emmaus are talking about. Though I’m uncomfortable saying that Jesus plays dumb, that’s essentially what he does. “What things?” he […]
Jesus Has Risen! Today’s passage: John 20:1, along with Matthew 28:2–4, Mark 16:4, and Luke 24:2–3 Focus verse: Mary Magdalene went to the tomb and saw that the stone had been removed from the entrance. (John 20:1) John, Mark, and Luke all simply write that when Mary Magdalene and her friends arrive at the tomb, […]
It Is Finished Today’s passage: John 19:28–30, with Matthew 27:45–54, Mark 15:33–39, and Luke 23:44–48 Focus verse: Jesus said, “It is finished.” With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit. (John 19:30) Together, Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John combine to record seven things Jesus says on the cross as he dies. One […]
Going Back to Twelve Disciples Today’s passage: Acts 1:15–20 Focus verse: “Scripture had to be fulfilled in which the Holy Spirit spoke long ago through David concerning Judas, who served as guide for those who arrested Jesus.” (Acts 1:16) Besides praying, the disciples also do something else as they wait for the Holy Spirit. Peter […]
Go and Make Disciples Today’s passage: Matthew 28:18–20 Focus verse: “Go and make disciples of all nations.” (Matthew 28:19) As Jesus prepares to return to heaven, he has one final bit of instruction for his disciples. He commissions them to continue what he started and tell others the good news about how he died in […]
Feed My Sheep Today’s passage: John 21:15–19 Focus verse: Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, “Do you love me?” (John 21:17) Right before Jesus was crucified, he predicted that Peter would deny him three times. The confident disciple was adamant it wouldn’t happen, that he was willing to go to prison […]