simplelife

Many times, people tried to trap Jesus into saying or doing something for which they could condemn him. Jesus relied on God's wisdom. Jesus updated all the commandments with this: "Love God most. Love others as much as you love yourself." Luke 11:1-25 Luke 12:1- 12 Luke 12:13-34 Luke 12:35-44 What do I do when someone asks "difficult" questions about my faith or tries to catch me in a trap? Am I dependent on God to live for him and give answers to those with sincere questions? What about the resurrection of the dead? Is there marriage in heaven? Do I spend time speculating on questions that don't have any bearing on a good life and loving others? In my search to be righteous, how well do I obey the laws of Jesus - to love God and others? Or do I just want to keep rules to please other people?

Jesus had no formulas for doing's God's work. Sometimes we think we need to copy a "famous" healer or preacher. But Jesus took one person at a time, listening for what God wanted to do for them. Mark 8:12-9:1 Mark 9:2-29 Mark 9:30-50 Mark 10:1-29 Mark 10:30-52 Am I drawn to copy others in my faith? What might please God more? Who do I say Jesus is? Do I tell others about him? Why or why not?

Jesus took time alone to refresh himself after being among crowds of people. Mark 6:30-56 Mark 7:1-30 Mark 7:31-8:20 How did the disciples respond to the amazing miracles of Jesus? Did they easily believe in him when they saw what he was doing? Today, we have the scriptures which tell us the Good News from beginning to end. How am I responding - with faith, skepticism, or doubt? Jesus demonstrates the hospitable presence of God. But Jesus did not have a home where he had people over. Am I hospitable? How can we be hospitable if we don't have a home in which to entertain? If we are not rich or otherwise able to host others?

The remarkable miracles and authoritative teaching both pleased offended people. Who was Jesus anyway? What claims did he make? After experiencing great faith in God among strangers - from a Roman centurion to an unclean woman - Jesus is rejected by his own neighbors. He could do almost nothing in his hometown. Mark 4:35-5:10 Mark 5:11-43 Mark 6:1-29 How do we treat people we know? Do we believe God can use them or do we treat them familiarly and with contempt? If Jesus was treated with disrespect, how do we expect people to treat his followers? Are we eager to hear more from God, or are we avoiders and those who turn away? Why?

The appointment of 12 disciples resonates through history. Mark recalls their names - and many characteristics. What always surprises me is that Judas - who would betray Jesus - was chosen and did miracles alongside of all the others. From the start, the religious and political leaders did not know what to make of Jesus. They were confused, condemning, and spoke against him. Jesus explained his work and how God was willing to forgive everything except the "sin against the Holy Spirit". What is the unforgivable sin? When the Spirit draws people to God, we can refuse him - which means that we never come to God for reconciliation. Mark 3:13-35 Mark 4:1-34 The claims of his family and friends did not deter Jesus from his mission. He stayed focused on what God asked him to do. Am I as deliberate in doing only what God asks of me? How is the good seed received in my heart? Do I understand what God is saying through Jesus? (I can ask God for understanding, just as Jesus...

Today we start the gospel of Mark. Mark is known as being more direct and story-focused. He is writing to a non-Jesus audience and tells of what Jesus did. Mark starts his account with the baptism of Jesus and the calling of his disciples. He moves quickly into the ministry of Jesus - teaching and healing with authority. Mark 1:1-20 Mark 1:21-45 Mark 2:1-22 Mark 2:23-3:1-12 Mark is very interested in Jesus' interactions with people. He notes that Jesus never cashed in on his popularity. Mark tells how Jesus was cautious of applause or criticism, and how he explained what it meant to be empowered with Good News of the kingdom of God. What do you expect when you hear the story? How does Jesus surprise you? Imagine what it would be like if Jesus showed up in your hometown with miraculous healing? Would you believe or are you put off by miracles?

Who could have dreamed up such a thing? Someone in a secure, guarded tomb disappears as an earthquake shakes the area? A dead man is suddenly alive and talking? As you listen to this scriptural account, prepare to be astonished. Click to watch:  Matthew 27:57-66; 28:1-20 The resurrection of Jesus  is a pivotal point of faith for all believers of Christ. Christians believe that God exerted the power of the Holy Spirit to raise Jesus from the dead. If I believe this, I agree with Paul, who wrote (Philippians 3:8-12): "Everything else is worthless when compared with the infinite value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have discarded everything else, counting it all as garbage, so that I could gain Christ and become one with him. "I no longer count on my own righteousness though obeying the law; rather, I become righteous through faith in Christ.  For God's way of making us right with himself depends on faith. "I want to know Ch...

Jesus was given over to a Roman judicial system be crucified. There were many participants - angry, vengeful, remorseful, and prophetic - at the trial and death of Jesus. Which one do you most identify with? Those protecting their position, the mob, Judas, the foreigner ruling over others? Or ? Warning: these videos have some graphic content not suitable for young children. Jesus was bruised for us, beaten for our sins, killed for the punishment we deserved. What is your response as you listen? Matthew 27: 1-31 Matthew 27:32-56

The words of Jesus could not go without a response. He challenged the spiritual systems of his day - and created powerful enemies among the leaders. How do I respond to the words of Jesus? Would he consider me a sheep or a goat at the judgment of God? Jesus was arrested and condemned by political and religious rulers. But he was also betrayed by someone in his inner circle, one of his closest friends. Matthew 25:31-46; 26:1-16 Matthew 26:17-35 Matthew 27:36-56 Matthew 27:57-75 We'll read more details about the betrayal of Peter in the other gospels. Jesus not only warned Peter but included him in the intimate last supper without holding him at arms' length. Have I ever betrayed a friend? (Or been betrayed by someone I trusted?) How did I respond?

Part 1: Jesus was scathing in his condemnation of those who are hypocrites. He enraged the leaders who were trying to look good for others. Yet, if we admit it, each of us sometimes pretends to be more than we are. What would Jesus say to us if he were walking beside us this day? (But how tender is God to those who repent!) Matthew 23:29-39; 24:1-2 Part 2: Jesus warned of the coming catastrophes that Rome would bring on Israel. Few people believed him, but it worried his disciples to hear of the warnings of the "last days". Prophecy in Scripture is fulfilled in history as well as in the distant future. Jesus warns his followers about his return from heaven to judge the world. Jesus talks about how we can invest our lives for eternal rewards. If Jesus was telling the truth, we must take him seriously. Those who do not act on his warnings live as though Jesus was the greatest liar in history. Are you and your family taking Jesus at his word and investing well? Why...

Jesus told a story about the wedding feast to explain God's invitation to live in his eternal presence. How does Jesus' explanation match your expectations of heaven and eternal life? Does that make you more or less interested in following Jesus? Watch today's videos and comment below. Matthew 22:1-24 Matthew 22:25-46 What was Jesus' view of political and religious leaders of his time? How are leaders today the same or different? Matthew 23:1-28 What stands out for you from the scriptures today?

Jesus had a very different view of a rich and great person than most of us do. He never claimed that he deserved special treatment. Whether people applauded or derided him, he knew who he was - and what authority he had from God his Father. People appealed to Jesus for power, riches, and other personal benefits. He quickly put them in their place - telling them what he considered true riches ... and true authority over all manner of human life. Lets' listen to these videos today: Matthew 19:16-30; 20:1-16 Matthew 20:17-34 Matthew 21:1-22 Matthew 21:23-46 Who did Jesus consider "rich" or "great"? Do we have the same view? (Why/why not?) What was the response of those around him? What were the priorities of Jesus? What other comments do you have? (Write them below)

Jesus used children as examples of those who pleased God. He illustrated what it meant to follow God by telling stories of shepherds and sheep. He talked about love, forgiveness, and the generosity of God in answering prayers. Watch the following videos and ask yourself the questions or note what captures your attention. (Post comments below) Matthew 18:1-14 Matthew 18:15-35 Matthew 19:1-15 Observations: How are we like sheep? How is God like a shepherd? What obligation do we have to correct our brothers and sisters? How many times do we have to forgive them? What does that look like in practical terms? What does God want for marriage and family? Do your relationships align with Jesus' teachings?

Jesus lived in Israel a long time ago. He obeyed the law (unless it contradicted what God asked him to do.) Watch the following videos to see what daily life might have been like for Jesus and his disciples. Matthew 16:5-16 Matthew 17:1-13 Matthew 17:14-27 Observations: Jesus talked about faith (the term means  trusting obedience ). Describe the faith of Jesus. What is my faith like? What expectations did Jesus have of his disciples? Of people? If we are part of God's kingdom, are we still obligated to obey governments? If so, what are my responsibilities?

Jesus freaked out his disciples by walking on the lake. They were terrified - and one of them had a snap request. Jesus once again demonstrates his power over nature. He also shows that he can empower his followers with the same supernatural ability. Matthew 14:22-36 Matthew 15:1-28 Matthew 15:29-16:4 Observations (post your comments below): Would you have been like Peter or one of the other disciples cowering in the boat? Why? What is the significance of the encounter of Jesus and Peter?  Jesus fed a huge crowd starting with a lunchbox. When have you needed God to multiply your resources or to feed you when you had no food? (And when does he ask you to do the same for others?)

Jesus hid a lot of truth in his stories. He used everyday examples to explain what God's kingdom was like. Some people understood what he was saying, but most were puzzled or felt confused. Watch the following videos and see if you can understand the meaning of Jesus' parables. Matthew 13:1-23 Matthew 13:24-43 Matthew 13:44-58 Matthew 14:1-21 Observations: (post your comments below) Why would Jesus speak in parables? Why wouldn't he just tell the truth openly? What story speaks to me? Why? How did Jesus handle his grief at losing John the Baptist, his cousin?

Jesus was a popular guest in some circles and a questionable citizen in others. As you watch the videos, ask yourself, "Would I have approved of Jesus?" Why or why not? Matthew 11:1-24 Matthew 11:25-12:21 Matthew 12:22-50 What caught your attention? Post your comments below.

Jesus sometimes sent his followers to do his work in other places. Can you imagine being sent to do God's work? As you watch the videos, ask yourself what these stories tell you about Jesus. What was he like? Matthew 9:9-26 Matthew 9:27-10:15 Matthew 10:16-42 Observations: What did Jesus care about? Status, wealth, prestige, peoples' opinions? Or ... ? How did he treat people who were suffering or worried?  Do I do the same? Why or why not?

Today's videos include more teachings and Jesus' power over hature. Watch these videos for the end of the Sermon on the Mount and what happened when Jesus visited villages in his time. He met the needs of those around him. Do we? Matthew 7:7-2 9 Matthew 8:1-22 Matthew 8:23-9:6 Observations: (answer as many as you like - or put your own comments below) Do I know any ill people? People who are suffering? Do I think God cares about them (or me)? What would my neighbors and I think if Jesus came to our town and did these miracles? Have I ever needed God to intervene when it seemed I was in a disastrous situation? How did I get through that?

We call this section of Jesus' teachings "The Sermon on the Mount." Some of the things Jesus says are startling! Things like ... Don't worry about tomorrow because every day has its own worries. Chop your hand off if it draws you into sin?  The lilies of the field are better-dressed by God than the glorious wardrobe of King Solomon (the most wealthy of Israelite kings). Watch these short videos today: how about asking your family to watch with you? Post any comments below. Matthew 5:1-20 Matthew 5:21-32 Matthew 5:33-48 Matthew 6:1-23 Matthew 6:24-7:6 Ask yourself: Which teaching of Jesus are the most surprising to me?  Could I live this way? Why or why not?

Today we’re in Matthew 3-4.  These chapters cover John the Baptist, the baptism and temptation of Jesus, and the beginning of Jesus’ ministry. (Click on each link to watch) https://youtu.be/py2zZMiQYjA https://youtu.be/A23A_Lw6E3I It wasn’t all smooth sailing for Jesus and his cousin John. But they faithfully did what God asked. As you hear the story, how do you react? What do you think was the appeal of John the Baptist? Why did people come to listen to him? Imagine you are a friend of Jesus’ family, watching their eldest son growing up and beginning to preach. What stands out to you? What did you not know about John the Baptist or the beginning of Jesus’ ministry. What does this mean to you? (Post comments below)

So how does the story of Jesus and Christianity start? For Lent this year, I invite you to watch a wonderful video series accompanied by readings from the Christian scriptures. All you who love an adventure, come with us as we examine the stories of Jesus together. Today is the first day of Lent - 40 days of moving forward the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus. We’ll conclude at Easter. Today, let’s watch the following short videos for Matthew 1-2. https://youtu.be/VED-6OkM7Js https://youtu.be/LspA-t_DZbw https://youtu.be/6k-cTzw1XSY Questions: In the comments below, please tell us what is new and fresh to you as you watch? What surprises you about the birth of Jesus? What is familiar? Is there anything that applies to you? Me? I’m always amazed at how God orchestrated the lives of government officials, poor people like Mary and Joseph, and heavenly beings. The story tells me that I can be confident that God is in control of my heritage, my activities, and my future. I...