The King Who Came to Die

God’s Story:
Because my Son knows what is ahead, his soul is troubled. In fact, he will soon be in such agony in Gethsemane that his souls will be overwhelmed with sorrow. But will Jesus ask me to save him from this hour? He will ask but he will accept it when I tell him, “No.” He knows that the reason he came to earth was to die. He wants my name to be glorified, no matter what the cost! My Son will be lifted up, first through his crucifixion and then through his resurrection and ascension to reign at my side — drawing all people to himself.

Read John 12:1-50

Your Story:
Mary didn’t fully realize who Jesus was, but she knew that no material expense was too great to expend on him. If you were called to meet the President of the United States, what would you say, what would you wear, how would you feel? Obviously, you would tell everyone you know about the experience. Do you realize that every day you are living in the presence of royalty because you are living before the King of kings? Are your actions appropriate for royalty? Does your speech give him honor & glory? Have you told others about him?

The Wake-up Call
God’s Story:
I know how the sting of death hurts people. But the death of Lazarus will display my glory and will glorify my Son. Jesus does not just give resurrection and life he IS resurrection and life! Permanent death is impossible for him — and for everyone who believes in him. My people may die physically, but that is not their end. Through my Son, death has been swallowed up in victory!

Read John 11:1-57

Your Story:
After a tragic situation, have you ever found yourself reviewing the events and saying, “If only . . .”? If only I had called. If only I had answered the phone. If only I had arrived home sooner. Mary & Martha both reacted that way, (vs. 21 & 32). They believed that Jesus could heal their brother of anything because they had seen him do it. But Lazarus was dead; now, they reasoned, there was nothing left for Jesus to do except cry. To them the situation was impossible. But for Jesus, anything is possible, even life after death. Drop the “if only” and trust that God can handle anything.

The Shepherd Knows Your Name

Backstory:
Over and over again, Jesus indirectly told the people who he was. Now he told them about another aspect of himself and about his love for them: He is the loving shepherd who leads his sheep and calls them by name. His sheep follow because they know his voice, and he is willing to die so they can live. The Jews still didn’t get it; they expected Jesus to give them a straight answer regarding his identity.

God’s Story:
I love how my Son is willing to sacrifice his life for those he loves — his sheep. He will die willingly to save them. This is the climax of my plan: My Son will gather my people, die in their place to redeem them and bring them back into fellowship with me. This was my plan all along; now it is revealed.

Read John 10:1-42

Your Story:
When an average citizen or a first responder saves a life, he or she is often touted and heralded as a hero. Jesus sacrificed himself willingly to save countless people, his “sheep.” He knew that sacrifice was God’s purpose for him in coming to earth. Jesus saves each of his sheep and calls them by name. What does it mean to you that Jesus knows your name? What does it mean to you that he died in order to enable you to live with him forever?

The Complicated Jesus
Backstory:
One day, Jesus’ followers witnessed 2 outstanding miracles; the next day, they were confused and stunned by words they didn’t understand. The thought of eating the flesh of the Son of Man and drinking his blood probably was shocking to most of Jesus’ Jewish audience. But Jesus was looking ahead. “Flesh” and “blood” point to the crucified Christ and the source of life.

God’s Story:
I realize it is difficult for people to grasp the fact that a common man, a carpenter’s son, is also my divine Son come down from heaven. My Son can do all things and meet all the needs of the people if they will just believe. They want to use their brains to reason and rationalize the aspects of my Son’s existence, when what they really need to use is their hearts.
Read John 6:1-71

Your Story:
Jesus is complicated. He grew up like other kids, the son of a humble carpenter, yet he multiplied a few loaves of bread and a few fish to feed a stadium-sized crowd. He also walked on the waves of the sea. The people and even Jesus’ disciples couldn’t figure it out. Are you as baffled as they were about Jesus, or do you believe with your heart and realize that Jesus’ complexities don’t all have to be understood?

God or Money?
God’s Story:
The treasures of my kingdom are not of this world; they will last forever. People have a marvelous opportunity to make eternal investments with the resources I give them. Those who love the things of this world do not have their priorities straight. People cannot simultaneously love money and me. They have to choose whom they will serve. If people love me more than money, they will use their money to accomplish my purposes. If people love money more than me, they will try to use me to get more money, or they will ignore me altogether.

Read Luke 16:1-31

Your Story:
Jesus’ teachings in this passage, address the contrast between the wealth of this world and the wealth in God’s kingdom. One is far more valuable than the other. Jesus taught about priorities and money. He did some straight talking on the subject, and that upset the Pharisees, who loved money. He said what had to be said: “No one can serve two masters . . . You cannot serve both God and money” (Luke 16:13). What are your thoughts as you reflect on this verse? Which one have you claimed as your master? How does that affect your outlook on life?

Lost and Found

Backstory:
Jesus was ministering in Jewish territory on the east side of the Jordan River, in modern Jordan. Tax collectors were especially detested because they were Jewish agents who collected taxes for the pagan Roman conquerors and frequently defrauded their own people in the process. “Sinners” were notoriously evil people as well as those who refused to follow the Mosaic Law as interpreted by the teachers of the law. The religious leaders of the day were appalled by Jesus’ association with such ilk. Instead of preaching to these leaders directly, Jesus told them 3 parables that contrasted their exclusiveness with God’s love.

God’s Story:
I care for every person. Each one is precious to me. Some know and follow me; others are lost or lose their way. I call and search and wait for them to come back to me. No wrong is too great, no corner is too dark, no one has wandered too far. I will search and find the lost ones of my creation.

Read Luke 15:1-32

Your Story:
Remember the last time you misplaced your keys, lost your watch or couldn’t find your cell phone? Remember that feeling of joy and relief when you found what you were looking for? Then you can understand just a little bit of the great jubilation the shepherd, the woman and the father in these stories experienced. God rejoices every time one of his precious children finds their way back to him. All heaven explodes with hallelujahs because one more of the lost souls are back in relationship with God.

Being Neighborly
Backstory:
While Jesus and his disciples were in Judaea, he was questioned by “an expert in the law” (Luke 10:25), a scholar well-versed in the Jewish Scriptures. The expert in the law addressed Jesus as “teacher” and asked him about eternal life (discussions about achieving eternal life and about the essence of the law were common in Judaism). The man’s follow-up question prompted Jesus to tell one of his most memorable parables.

God’s Story:
Living in such a way that my people love all their neighbors, regardless of how different they are from them, is the vision I have for my kingdom to come. Prejudice and pride have no place in my future community.

Read Luke 10:25-37

Your Story:
To best understand what Jesus said in the parable of the Good Samaritan, you need to realize that the priest and the Levite were temple personnel who could trace their ancestry back to the tribe of Levi. The Samaritans were a mixed-blood race resulting from the inter-marriage of Israelites left behind when the people of the northern kingdom were exiled, and Gentiles brought into the land by the Assyrians. This “good” Samaritan, therefore, was a social outcast in Jewish society. Think of some modern equivalents today and you’ll get the full impact of this story. It was a pretty radical message. The key application is not “Who is my neighbor?” But “Who has proved themselves to be my neighbor?” Have you?

Coming Again
Backstory:
While Jesus was with his disciples in Jerusalem, he spoke to them about future events. His prediction of the destruction of the temple was fulfilled in A.D. 70 when the Romans completely destroyed Jerusalem and the temple. The disciples, thinking that the destruction of the temple would come at the end of the age (see Matthew 24:3), wanted to know when this would happen and what sign would precede it. But Jesus refused to give them signs. He was more concerned about preparing them for the trials that lay ahead.

God’s Story:
My Son’s first time on earth included moments of sorrow and defeat as well as moments of victory and glory. His second coming will be ALL victory and glory. It will be a celebrated day. My Son will return in the clouds with great power and in triumph. After that I will transform the heavens and the earth and I will restore the relationship that was lost in the Garden of Eden.

Read Mark 13:1-37

Your Story:
Reading about the end times can be both exhilarating and frightening. Some of Jesus’ predictions came true within 40 years or so, and some have yet to be fulfilled. Famines, wars and earthquakes have occurred for 2000 years — and false prophets, teachers and preachers have made predictions — but Jesus has not yet returned. Jesus did not reveal these things so that people could play a guessing game as to when he would return. He wants you to live each day as if it might be THE day! He wants you to remain spiritually healthy and prepared. Are you ready?

Membership Requirements

God’s Story:
Entrance into my kingdom is a mystery to some people, but all it requires is the faith of a little child. No amount of money will help you. In fact, power and position are of no value; servanthood is what counts. But being a member of my kingdom is not easy. Any barrier that keeps a person from fully devoting themselves to me must be willing to give up everything, even if it means suffering and dying, to follow my Son.

Read Mark 10:1-52

Your Story:
While it may be simple to enter the kingdom of heaven, Jesus said it wouldn’t necessarily be easy. People grow complacent and they rely on the comforts of this earth, such as money, houses and cars. But these things are just that — things. Nothing is as fulfilling as the love found through a relationship with the Creator of all these things. Like the rich young ruler or James and John, you probably want the benefits of being in the kingdom of God. But have you thought about the cost of membership? Jesus loved you so much that he gave his life so you could enter the kingdom. What are you willing to give up?

Mountain Top Experience

God’s Story:
My Son’s disciples have seen him do amazing things. They have heard him teach, and one of them, Peter, has openly stated who Jesus really is. They believe, but they still have some doubts. So I will show my Son’s glory and declare my love for him right in front of them. Jesus is greater than Moses and Elijah — he is the Messiah prophesied about so long ago.

Read Mark 9:2-13

Your Story:
What’s the most spectacular sight you have ever witnessed? Did it dazzle you? Leave you mesmerized and speechless? Did it give you chills? The “special effects” on the mountain where Jesus’ transfiguration occurred, far exceeded anything you have witnessed. And then, Jesus stood there chatting with Moses and Elijah! The disciples had reason to be doubtful since they did not know the extent of the events that were yet to transpire. They needed reassurance. You, however, know God’s plan because it’s recorded in the Bible. You can shield against unbelief by delving into God’s Word and studying the far-reaching significance of Jesus’ death, resurrection and ascension.