Author: The Sun Porch Lady

From Luke’s Gospel (Luke 22:39 – 46), we know that after the Passover meal, Jesus led His disciples to the Mt. of Olives, where He spent time with His Father.  However, John gives us more insight into the prayer that Jesus prayed that night. 

Jesus began by acknowledging that He knew what was about to happen.  He also knew that the purpose of those coming events was two-fold.  First, it was to give glory to God, the Father (John 17:1), and secondly, that the Son might give eternal life (John 17:2). This was the culmination of the mission that Jesus had been sent to complete, and Jesus looked forward to returning to His Father.

Jesus then turned His attention to His disciples, the ones God had chosen for divine appointment and the ones He had taught over the last three years. He knew that they had finally come to believe that Jesus had been sent by God (John 17:8), and He began to pray for them as they remained in the world without Him.  He prayed for their protection and that they might be one as the Father and the Son are one (John 17:11). He knew the coming days and years would not be easy, so He prayed for protection from the evil one (John 17:15), and that God would sanctify them by the truth (John 17:17) as He sent them out into the world, just as He had been sent to the world.

The prayer didn’t end there.  Jesus concluded that last recorded prayer by praying for “those who will believe in me through their message” (John 17:20 NIV84) –that’s us!  At His final hour, He looked forward some 2000 years and prayed for you and me.  He prayed that we might have unity so that the world might know that God sent Him to save mankind. His love for each of us was utmost in His mind, and His greatest desire was that we might have that same love for Him and the Father.  He concludes with this: “I have made you known to them, and will continue to make you known in order that the love you have for me may be in them and that I myself may be in them” (John 17:26 NIV84).  Our job is to continue to make Him known to the rest of the world!

Read: Luke 22:39 – 46 & John 17

Food for Thought:

• Why do you think “that they may be one” is one of the main points of Jesus’ prayer?
• Does knowing that Jesus prayed for you just before His crucifixion encourage you?  If so, how should you respond?

That last Passover meal with Jesus must have been lengthy, as the Apostle John recounts His teachings in chapters 13 -17 of John’s Gospel.  Following His example of servanthood and His talk of the betrayals that were to come, Jesus began to speak to His Disciples about what to expect in the days to come. 

He comforted them by telling them about the place He was preparing for them and His desire that they would be with Him (John 14:1-4). Those words immediately followed His statements regarding their betrayal, so perhaps they found solace in knowing He would forgive them. 

After making it clear that He is “the way and the truth and the life” and that “No one comes to the Father except through [Him]” (John 14:6), He began to speak about the One who would come after Him.  He announced that the Counselor, the Spirit of Truth, the Holy Spirit would come to “teach you all things and remind you of everything I have said to you” (John 14:26b NIV84). Yes, Jesus was leaving, but He was not forsaking them.  God was about to send the third person of the Trinity to guide them into an uncertain future. 

Finally, He gave them instructions on how to persevere in a world about to be turned upside down.  He said, “I am the vine; you are the branches.  If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing” (John 15:5 NIV84). Just as a branch that is detached from the vine withers and dies, the Disciples’ survival and ours are dependent on our “attachment” to the Vine.  That “attachment” enables us to bear fruit for the Kingdom, love others as He has loved us, and withstand the persecution that will come.  Their strength, and ours, comes from the Holy Spirit who lives within us.  The Holy Spirit empowered those eleven men to change the world forever through their testimony.  He gives us the same power today. 

Jesus concluded His final teaching with this message, “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace.  In this world you will have trouble.  But take heart! I have overcome the world” (John 16:33 NIV84). That message is still true today!

Read: John 14:1 – 16:33

Food for Thought:

• Think about how you can show others that Jesus is the “way, the truth, and the life.”
• What are you doing or can you do to stay connected to the Vine?  How can you encourage others to strengthen their connection?

Jesus spent those last hours with His disciples teaching them and preparing them for what lay ahead.  As God, He knew exactly what was about to happen.  As a human, He knew the pain and confusion the coming events would cause His disciples.  What was about to happen was beyond anything that they had imagined, beginning with betrayal.

As the meal began, Jesus said, “I tell you the truth, one of you is going to betray me” (John 13:21b, NIV84).  The disciples immediately questioned who it might be, but Jesus knew.  He knew that Judas had already betrayed Him for thirty pieces of silver (Matthew 26:14 – 16).  He also knew that all the disciples would desert Him when He was arrested (Matthew 26:56b). Finally, He knew that Peter would deny Him three times before the sun came up (John 18:15 – 27).  These were the men He had chosen, the men He had traveled with and taught, the men who had seen His miracles, including His raising of Lazarus.  Yet, they were only men, simple, ordinary men. 

Betrayal is never easy, even when the betrayed One is the Son of God.  John tells us that Jesus was “troubled in spirit” (John 13:21a).  I don’t think He was troubled for Himself.  I believe His concern was for His disciples.  He knew the shame that would drive Judas to the hangman’s tree and would cause Peter to go “outside and weep bitterly” (Matthew 26:75b). He knew they would all regret their actions, but He also knew who would seek His forgiveness, which He would freely give.

We’ve probably all been betrayed by someone we trust and care about.  It’s painful, and often we can’t turn back the clock to restore the broken relationship.  We are hurt and disappointed, but I wonder if we ever stop to consider the betrayer’s afterthoughts. Did they regret their actions?  Were they ashamed?  Were they too embarrassed to ask for forgiveness?  I guess the more important question might be, “Are we willing to forgive, regardless of whether they ask?”  Jesus gave Judas ample opportunity to change his mind.  He also gently restored Peter to his place as a trusted colleague (John 21:15 – 19).  Perhaps it’s time we approach betrayal with a new perspective.

Read: John 13:21 – 38

Food for Thought:

• Have you betrayed anyone?  If so, isn’t it time that you seek forgiveness?

• Has someone betrayed you?  Have you forgiven them?  Have you told them that you forgave them?

As Jesus and His disciples came together to celebrate the Passover Meal, one tradition had been neglected.  As the people of Israel walked the dusty roads in their sandals, their feet became coated with dirt and dust.  It was considered offensive to welcome someone into one’s home without washing one’s guests’ feet.  However, as Jesus’ group gathered, there was no servant to attend to this menial task.  That’s when Jesus stepped into the servant role.

Jesus knew that His time was short, so He used that time to show His disciples “the full extent of his love” (John 13:1b NIV84).  Jesus knew exactly who He was.  He knew the full extent of His power.  He knew where He had come from and where He was returning to.  He knew His mission was about to be completed.  It was at that moment that “he got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around his waist.  After that, he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples’ feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around him” (John 13:4, 5 NIV84). He took on the role of a servant to teach His disciples and us a valuable lesson.  He was their leader and teacher.  He was their Rabbi.  He had already given up the splendor of heaven to take on this mission of salvation (Philippians 2:6 – 8), and now He willingly became their servant.  His actions were a lesson in love and humility!

The lesson He brought to life that evening was for His disciples, but it was also for us.  Jesus said, “I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you” (John 13:15 NIV84). I don’t think He was talking about foot washing, although there is nothing wrong with it.  I think the lesson was much deeper. I believe this was another reminder of the kind of leadership that Christ expects from each of us: servant leadership.  Humility is key to Christian leadership.  Position, power, and prestige do not make anyone greater than others.  It may, however, entail greater responsibility to serve, love, and encourage those being led.  We can all lead someone.  The question is: Will we serve them as we lead?  Will we exhibit power or humility?  Christ set the example.  Will we follow?

Read: John 13:1 – 17

Food for Thought:

• When was the last time you “served” someone else?  What opportunities are right in front of you to display a servant heart?

• When someone “serves” you, how do you respond?  Are you more like Peter, or do you graciously accept the love that is being poured out on you?

The first Passover was designed to prepare the Israelites for their escape from Egypt.  Everything about their preparations indicates that they would be leaving in haste (Exodus 12:11).  God was about to bring tragedy on the Egyptians but would spare the Israelites so long as they followed His instructions (Exodus 12:12, 13). Later, He designated the Feast as a permanent reminder of the Lord’s deliverance (Exodus 13:3-5). While the Jewish leaders added various requirements to the celebration over the years, three key elements remained constant: remembrance, purification, and praise.

The miracle of God’s deliverance was one the Israelites had to remember, so they would be reminded not just of God’s great power but also of His love and care.  It was God’s “mighty hand” that delivered them, and generations to come needed to remember that.

The Feast was also sacred, a holy day (Exodus 12:16).  In the days of King Hezekiah, the Passover Feast was reinstated.  It had been neglected because the priests had not consecrated themselves (II Chronicles 20:15).  When the Israelites returned from captivity, Ezra called the people to celebrate the Passover, only after the priests and Levites had purified themselves and were made ceremonially clean (Ezra 6:20).

Finally, praise was an essential part of the Feast.  Psalms 113 and 114, known as the Hallel Psalms, may have been sung by a Temple choir as the lambs were slaughtered.  They were sung again by the individual families, both before and after the Feast. 

Remembrance, purification, and praise.  These are all reminders of another Feast, one that our Lord instituted for us at His last Passover Meal.  We celebrate communion as a reminder of the sacrifice our Lord and Savior made for us.  However, before the celebration, the Apostle Paul reminds us to “examine” ourselves (I Corinthians 11:28), which should lead to repentance and the purification that only Christ can provide (I John 1:7).  Finally, the Lord’s Supper is a celebration of the new life we have in Christ and a reminder that He is worthy of all praise!

Read: Exodus 13:1-16, II Chronicles 35:1-19, Ezra 6:19-21, & I Corinthians 11:17-32

Food for Thought:

• Why do you think purification was a key component of the Passover Feast?

• Why is Christ our Passover Lamb? See I Corinthians 5:6-8.

• How should we celebrate our “Passover Feast,” the Lord’s Supper?

For a fictional account of what a Passover Feast might have looked like in Jesus’ time, read Chapter 16 of The Shepherd’s Quest, by Elaine C. Duncan, available on Amazon.

On Thursday of Passion Week, many would have been making the final preparations to celebrate the Passover Feast.  For those who followed God’s instructions given when He delivered them from Egypt, Thursday evening would have been the time for the meal.  Those who followed later traditions would celebrate on Friday evening.  Both groups would have needed to prepare for the feast.

The lamb that would be the center of the Passover meal should have been chosen on Monday, the 10^th of Nissan, which was the first month of the year (Exodus 12:1-3).  The lamb had to be a year-old male, without defect (Exodus 12:5).  Each family had to determine how much lamb would be needed based on the number of people joining them for the feast.  In addition to the lamb, they had to acquire the bitter herbs, bread, and wine that would be part of the feast and ensure that all leaven had been removed from the household, since only bread without yeast was acceptable for the meal (Exodus 12:8).

On that Thursday, Jesus chose Peter and John to prepare for their Passover meal.  He told them to go into Jerusalem and look for a man carrying a water jar, which would have been an extraordinary sight, since that was normally a woman’s job.  They were to follow the man to a house where they would ask the owner about a place for the Teacher to eat the meal with His disciples.  They were led to a large upper room where the final preparations could be made for the meal they would share that evening (Luke 22:7-13).

The Scripture doesn’t tell us what their exact preparations were, but most likely they sacrificed the lamb at twilight, somewhere between 3:00 and 5:00 that afternoon.  Then, they would spread the blood of the lamb on the doorpost of the dwelling and begin roasting the lamb over an open fire (Exodus 12:6-8).  Once the lamb was cooked, they would be ready for the feast.

Read: Exodus 12:1-11, Matthew 26:17-19, Mark 14:12-16 & Luke 22:7-13.

Food for Thought:

• We know that the blood on the Israelites’ doorpost allowed them to escape the death angel, but why blood instead of some other sign?  See Leviticus 17:11, Hebrews 9:22, & I John 1:7.

• Why did the Jews continue to celebrate the Passover Feast? See Exodus 12:14. What is the comparable celebration for Christians? See I Corinthians 11:23-29.

For more information about the Passover Feast, read A Note from the Author and Chapters 14 & 15 of The Shepherd’s Quest, by Elaine C. Duncan, available on Amazon

The Apostle John tells us, “Even after Jesus had done all these miraculous signs in their presence, they still would not believe him” … “Yet at the same time many even among the leaders believed in him. But because of the Pharisees they would not confess their faith for fear they would be put out of the synagogue; for they loved praise from men more than praise from God” John 12:37, & 42 – 43 NIV84, emphasis added.

We don’t know for certain who the leaders were, but there are two definite possibilities.  First, there was Nicodemus, a member of the Jewish ruling council, who came to see Jesus under the cover of darkness.  He freely admitted that Jesus was a teacher who had come from God, but he failed to comprehend who Jesus was.  Jesus was amazed that Nicodemus was a teacher but still failed to understand the Scriptures.  Jesus taught Nicodemus several crucial points that night, including God’s love for the world in sending His Son to die for those who believe, but there is no further comment from Nicodemus recorded. (John 3:1 – 21). 

Nicodemus may have been one of the leaders who believed, but the next time we hear about him is after Jesus’ death.  He joined a fellow Jewish leader, Joseph of Arimathea, in arranging for Jesus’ burial.  Joseph “was a disciple of Jesus, but secretly because he feared the Jews” (John 19:38a NIV84). He had not agreed to the Jewish council’s condemnation of Jesus (Luke 23:50, 51), but there is nothing other than his actions to tell us what Nicodemus thought of Jesus. Two men, and possibly more, who had the training and the knowledge to understand prophecy and recognize Jesus as the promised Messiah.  Two men who loved the praise of men and the acceptance of society more than they loved the One who had come to save them. 

Verses 42 and 43 of John 12 are among the saddest in Scripture, but unfortunately, they are still often true today.  How often do we remain silent rather than risk ridicule or embarrassment?  As Christians, the same power that raised Jesus from the dead lives within us.  What do we have to fear? Where is the boldness of our convictions?  As we move closer to the celebration of Jesus’ resurrection, I pray that each of us will be free of our fears and put our faith and trust in Christ, that we may boldly proclaim His birth, death, and resurrection.  He lives!  Don’t keep it to yourself!

Read: John 12:37 – 43, John 19:38 – 40, & Luke 23:50 – 54.

Food for Thought:

• When was the last time you were bold for Christ?  What held you back?

• How does the power of the Holy Spirit give you the strength to proclaim the Gospel boldly?

Shortly before the Passover, some Greek men approached one of the disciples, requesting a personal audience with Jesus.  We don’t know what Jesus said to them, but immediately following that encounter, Jesus gave a final message for the world. 

As He had done so often, he referenced seeds and gardening to make His point.  He knew that the time had come for His final hour, but He also knew that when one seed is planted, it will produce many seeds.  He was about to lay down His life for the world, but from that sacrifice would come much fruit.  His human side was troubled by what lay ahead, but as God, He knew this was the very reason that He had come to the earth (John 12:27), so that the Son of Man could glorify His Father in heaven!  It was at that point that a voice from Heaven spoke, glorifying His name. 

The crowd heard something that day, but most were confused.  Some heard what they thought was thunder, while others thought the angels had spoken.  While they scratched their heads in disbelief, Jesus said, “Now is the time for judgment on this world; now the prince of this world will be driven out.  But I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all men to myself” (John 12:31, 32 NIV84).

Jesus knew exactly what lay ahead, but the crowd was still fixated on the “Son of Man”. They didn’t ask about the voice from heaven or about how He intended to glorify God or who the “prince of this world” was.  They only wanted to know who the “Son of Man” was.  Unfortunately, that remains a question many people still ask today.

Who is the Son of Man?  He is God who willingly became man, for the purpose of paying the debt of all mankind.  As the Son of God, He was obedient, fulfilling His mission, regardless of the cost, so that God would be glorified.   

While the crowd questioned and wondered, He gave one final message to them.  It’s a message that still rings true for us today. “Walk while you have the light, before darkness overtakes you.  The man who walks in the dark does not know where he is going.  Put your trust in the light while you have it, so that you may become sons of light” (John 12:35b-36a NIV84).  Jesus’ final message was an invitation to all who would believe.  If we fail to walk in the “light,” the darkness will overcome us.

Read: John 12:23 – 50

Food for Thought:

• Why do you think John mentioned the Greek men, but didn’t tell us about the conversation?
• Why was the crowd fixated on who the “Son of Man” was?  How do you think you would have responded if you had heard a voice from heaven?
• What does it mean to “put your trust in the light”?

Wednesday of that last week is not identified in the Gospels, and so we don’t know what Jesus was doing that day.  He may have been spending quiet time with His Father, preparing for what was to come.  We do know that He spent much of that week at the home of His good friends, Mary, Martha, and Lazarus.

Approximately six months earlier, Jesus had raised Lazarus from the dead; however, he was not the first person to be raised.  The Old Testament mentions at least two, and Jesus raised others as well.  However, all the others had only been dead a short while.  Lazarus had been in the tomb for four days when Jesus called him to “come out!” That was a miracle unlike any of the others that Jesus had performed.

That miracle not only caught the attention of the people but also the Religious Leaders.  Their discontent with Jesus was already evident, but this event took their concern to a new level, prompting the high priest to say, “You do not realize that it is better for you that one man die for the people than that the whole nation perish” (John 11:50 NIV84). So, the plot to kill Jesus grew more intense.

As the Passover approached, Jesus returned to the home of His friends, who gave a dinner in His honor.  Then, Mary, Lazarus’s sister, anointed Him with oil, an act that Jesus indicated was in preparation for His burial. 

Time was running out for Jesus, but Jesus was not the only one being threatened.  When the people realized Jesus was at Lazarus’s home, many of them showed up, not just to see Jesus, but also to see Lazarus. That’s when the Leaders’ plot expanded to include Lazarus.  They didn’t realize that the miracle of Lazarus’s resurrection was a foreshadowing of what was to come, but they knew that allowing either of these men to live could bring trouble, as more people were drawn to Jesus. 

Read: John 11:1 – 12:11

Food for Thought:

• How do you think Jesus spent that Wednesday before His crucifixion?  When you are facing a difficult decision or unpleasant circumstances, how do you prepare?

• Why do you think the raising of Lazarus created more interest than Jesus’ other miracles?  Why was it significant that he was in the tomb for four days?

• Why were the Religious Leaders determined to kill Lazarus as well as Jesus? 

For one fictional perspective on the raising of Lazarus, read Chapters 11, 12 & 13 of The Shepherd’s Quest, by Elaine C. Duncan, available on Amazon.

When Jesus returned to the Temple on Tuesday, the Religious Leaders began to question His authority.  He answered by asking them about John the Baptist.  It was a question they couldn’t answer without incriminating themselves, so they said they didn’t know.  Jesus then refused to answer their question as well (Matthew 21:23 – 27).

Then, Jesus began teaching His disciples and the people who had gathered (Matthew 21:28 – 22:14).  But the Leaders weren’t finished with Him yet.  The Pharisees began with a question about paying taxes.  Then, the Sadducees tried their own tactics by bringing up the question of marriage in the resurrection.  When nothing worked, the Pharisees sent a lawyer, but Jesus answered each question quickly and completely. 

Then, Jesus turned the tables on them by asking about the Messiah, a question they should have answered easily. The people were delighted by the discussion (Mark 12:37), but the Religious Leaders were finally silenced (Matthew 22:46). 

Then, the mood changed as Jesus began to condemn the Religious Leaders by calling them hypocrites, blind guides, white-washed tombs, snakes, and a brood of vipers. He also accused them of seeking their own honor and prestige, so that they would be held in high regard by the people, while neglecting the most important aspects of the law—justice, mercy, and faithfulness (Matthew 23:5 – 33).

The Scripture doesn’t tell us how the people responded to Jesus’ condemnation of their leaders, but the Religious Leaders had heard enough.  They plotted to arrest and kill Jesus (Matthew 26:3-4).

Read: Matthew 21:23 – 26:5 & Mark 11:27 – 12:44

Food for Thought:

• Do you think any of the Religious Leaders stopped to examine themselves to see if Jesus’ accusations held any truth?  When was the last time you examined yourself to see if there was any sin in your life?

• How do you think the people might have responded to Jesus’ condemnation of their Religious Leaders? How would you respond if someone came into your church and condemned your Minister?

• What can we as individuals learn from Jesus’ charges against the Religious Leaders?  What can we do to better “walk the walk” and “talk the talk”?

For a fictional discussion of how some of the people may have responded, read Chapter 9 of The Shepherd’s Quest, by Elaine C. Duncan, available on Amazon.

As Jesus approached the last few days of His life on earth, He had been teaching and performing miracles for approximately three years.  Still, there was much division about who He was. 

According to John’s Gospel, one of the first to recognize Jesus as the Son of God was Nathaniel (John 1:49), but it is doubtful that he completely understood the meaning behind that title.  The Disciples put their faith in Him (John 2:11b), but later asked, “What kind of man is this?  Even the wind and waves obey him!” (Matthew 27b NIV84).

Many witnessed His miracles first-hand and showed great faith that He could provide the healing that was needed, yet they still didn’t know who Jesus was.  The paralytic whom Jesus healed at the pool near the Sheep Gate was questioned about who had done this miracle but had no idea who Jesus was (John 5:13). After He fed more than 5000 people with five loaves and two fish, the people called Him “the Prophet who is come into the world” (John 6:14b). Some of them even dared to argue with Him, recognizing Him only as the son of Joseph (John 6:42). Some called him a Samaritan and demon-possessed (John 8:48).

The Religious Leaders never made a sincere effort to determine who Jesus was, but they did try to trick Him with numerous questions (Luke 11:53, 54). Ultimately, they plotted to kill Him (John 11:47–53).

So, many people were undecided about who Jesus was.  Many were sure He was someone sent from God, but just a small few recognized Him as the Messiah.  The discussions that week must have been fierce as individuals tried to determine who this man, who could heal, calm the waves, and cast out demons, really was. It would be Sunday before many of them realized the Truth.

Read: John 5:1 – 13, John 7:25 – 52, & John 11:45 – 53

Food for Thought:

• Before the resurrection, do you think the Disciples knew who Jesus was? 

• Do you know someone who questions who Jesus was?  How can you help them understand that He is Christ, the Son of the living God?

• Why do you think the people were not looking for the Messiah?  Are you looking for the Messiah to return?

For a fictional discussion regarding Jesus’ identity, read Chapters 6, 7 & 8 of The Shepherd’s Quest, by Elaine C. Duncan, available on Amazon.

The day after the triumphal entry, Jesus returned to the city, going straight to the Temple.  There, He found money changers and men buying and selling animals.  Not only were these practices contrary to the purpose of the Temple, but they were often sanctioned theft.  Those who examined the animals brought for sacrifices would frequently declare them “unfit”, forcing the worshiper to purchase a suitable animal at the Temple market at an unreasonable price.  Similarly, those who came to pay the Temple tax with foreign coins were charged exorbitant rates by the money changers. 

When Jesus walked into the Temple, He was ready to assert His authority, and He did so with power, overturning tables and driving out those who were buying and selling.  Then, with one sentence, He made His authority known.  He said, “My house will be called a house of prayer, but you are making it a ‘den of robbers’” (Matthew 21:13 NIV84 emphasis added).  Who else but God could declare the Temple “my house”?

The story didn’t end there.  People came to be healed by Him, and the children began shouting praises towards Him.  The Chief Priests and Teachers of the law were not amused.  They chastised Jesus for allowing the children to praise Him, but Jesus rebuked them, quoting Psalm 8:2. Then, He left the Temple to return to Bethany.

With Jesus’ one action of cleansing the Temple, the sides had been drawn.  On one side were the people, desperate for His healing power, and on the other were the Religious Leaders, threatened by His assertion of power.  Yet, the Scripture doesn’t tell us how many were still undecided about who Jesus was.  We don’t even know if the ones who sought healing were convinced that He was the Messiah or if they even cared one way or the other.  By Friday, they will be forced to decide.

Read: Matthew 21:12 – 17; Mark 11:15 – 19; & Luke 19:45 – 46

Food for Thought:

• Do you think that the people and the Religious Leaders reacted more to Jesus’ actions or to His statement that the Temple was His house?

• The Religious Leaders knew what took place every day in the Temple market.  Do you think they were angry because Jesus challenged their authority or because of guilt or both?

• Why do you think the people immediately came to Jesus for healing after He cleansed the Temple?

For a fictional account of the Temple cleansing and one’s family’s reaction, read Chapter 5 of The Shepherd’s Quest, by Elaine C. Duncan, available on Amazon.

Most people know the basics surrounding Jesus’ birth, including the manger where he lay and the visits by the shepherds and the Wise Men.  What some may not know, and what we sometimes ignore, is what happened after the Wise Men left.

When the Wise Men inquired of Herod about the birth of the Jewish King, Herod feigned interest so that he could worship the newborn king.  Fortunately, God alerted the Wise Men to his true intent, and they avoided him by taking a different route (Matthew 2:12). 

Unfortunately, that did not stop Herod in his ruthless quest for power.  He had killed multiple family members and was ready to take on anyone who challenged his rule—even a toddler.  From the conversation with the Magi, he knew the child was no more than two years old, so he ordered the murder of every male child in Bethlehem who was two or younger.  The prophet, Jeremiah, had foreseen Satan’s attack long before it took place (Jeremiah 31:15), but I’m sure that was little comfort to the grieving parents. 

Bethlehem was a small village, so the number that were slaughtered was probably small, but the effect on the families would have been tremendous.  The thought of a soldier ripping a child from a mother’s arms is terrifying, but for the parents, it would have been devastating.  Did those parents blame God for saving His child and not theirs?  When Jesus began His ministry, did they realize that He was that child? 

The slaughter in Bethlehem was Satan’s feeble attempt to destroy the Savior of the world. Thankfully, God stepped in to stop him. Today, Satan continues his attacks on the Lord’s Church, as millions around the world are faced with loss of family, jobs, homes, freedom, and even their lives.  God still sees the pain and continues to provide the strength to persevere.  Our faith prevails because we’ve read the end of the Book and we know that we win in the end! 

Read: Matthew 2:1 – 18

Food for Thought:

• How do you view God when bad things happen to those you love?  Do you seek shelter in His arms, or do you rage against Him?

• How can we find peace in Christ even when the world seems to be spinning out of control?  How can we help others to do the same?

• How can we learn to trust God more, knowing that He sees the “big picture” and is working all things out for our good?

For a fictional perspective on the grieving parents of Bethlehem, read Chapter 4 of The Shepherd’s Quest, by Elaine C. Duncan, available on Amazon.  

“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God” (John 1:1 NIV84). “This is how you can recognize the Spirit of God: Every spirit that acknowledges that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God,” (I John 4:2 NIV84).

The Apostle John makes it very clear that the most important thing we can know about Jesus Christ is that He is both God and man.  Our Savior took on human likeness so that He could be the perfect sacrifice for our sins (Philippians 2:6-8).

Jesus’ humility began in a manger in the small village of Bethlehem.  The town was crowded because so many had returned to the home of their ancestors to comply with the government’s census.  As a result, our Savior was most likely born in a part of someone’s home that usually housed their animals.  On top of that, He was greeted first by a bunch of smelly shepherds. That was not exactly a proper welcome for a King!

The sad thing is that only a few knew the Truth.  Mary and Joseph knew, better than anyone, that Jesus’ birth was a miracle.  The shepherds knew because the angels told them.  The people of Bethlehem knew because the shepherds told them.  The Wise Men knew because God sent a star to guide them to Him.

Yet, the Religious Leaders didn’t know or at least, didn’t care.  When Herod asked where the Messiah was to be born, they immediately recognized the prophecy about the birth (Micah 5:2). Still, there is no indication that they were even slightly interested in why Herod had asked that question.  Their lack of curiosity shows that the coming of the Messiah was not important to them.  That position apparently never changed, as all their discussions concerning Jesus’ miracles and teachings are focused on the potential unrest He might cause.  They never once considered that He might be the Messiah!

Read: Luke 2:1 – 20, Matthew 2:1 – 12, & Philippians 2:5 -11

Food for Thought:

• Why is it important to understand that Jesus was both God and man?
• The Scripture says that the people were “amazed” by the shepherds’ announcement. Do you think they were convinced, or were they like the undecided people during Passover week?  Would you have been convinced?

• Do you think the Religious Leaders believed that God would send a Messiah?  Do you think the Messiah will come again?  Why or why not? 

For a look back at Jesus’ birth through the eyes of a fictional shepherd, read Chapter 3 of The Shepherd’s Quest, by Elaine C. Duncan, available on Amazon.

Passover Week was always a busy time for the Jewish people as they made detailed preparations for the festival.  However, the events of the prior years most likely added uncertainty and, perhaps, even anxiety to the preparations.

The crowds in Jerusalem would have been large as people traveled from surrounding places to celebrate Passover and the Feast of Unleavened Bread.  Many of them had probably seen some of the miracles Jesus had performed, and almost everyone had heard how He had raised Lazarus from the dead (John 11:1- 44).  It’s no wonder then that they talked among themselves, wondering if Jesus would show up for the Feast.

The crowd would have included a wide variety of people. If the blind man Jesus healed was present, he was most likely continuing to testify that Jesus was from God (John 9:33).  Then, there were those who were undecided.  Some thought He was demon-possessed or mad or both, while others weren’t sure.  They were convinced that no one who was demon-possessed could open the eyes of the blind, but beyond that, they weren’t sure of who He was (John 10:19-21). Finally, some believed (John10:42). 

The Pharisees were in a group all by themselves.  They didn’t care who Jesus was.  They just realized that if He were allowed to continue with His miracles, He would stir unrest among the people, threatening their uneasy peace with the Romans (John 11:47-48). 

I can’t help but wonder how many discussions took place in Jewish households that week as the people searched for the truth.

Read: John 9:1 – 34, John 10:19 – 42, & John 11:45 – 53.

Food for Thought:

1. Have you ever considered how you might have responded if you had been there to see Jesus’ miracles? Do you think He still performs miracles today? If so, how do you respond when you witness them? If not, why not?
2. Do you know someone who is undecided about who Christ is? If so, what can you do to help them see the Truth?
3. Why do you think the Pharisees did not even consider who Jesus might have been? What do you think blinded them from the Truth?  What blinds us today?

For a fictional look at some of the “quests for truth”, read Chapter 2 of The Shepherd’s Quest, by Elaine C. Duncan, available on Amazon.