“He is not here, He has risen, just as He said. Come and see the place where He lay.” Matthew 28:6 (NIV) After a quiet yet distressing Sabbath, Mary and Mary rushed to Jesus’ tomb with heavy hearts. Their beloved teacher, the One who knew them, the One who loved them, had died. It was…
He Is With HIM, Part VIII
Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you.” Deuteronomy 31:6 (NIV) A new day dawned. Silence prevailed. Jesus was gone, He had died by the will of the people. He had died a…
He Is With HIM, Part VII
“About three in the afternoon, Jesus cried out in a loud voice, ‘My God, My God, why have you forsaken me.’” Matthew 27:47 (NIV) Excruciating pain pulsated with each weakened beat of His heart. His back ached against the coarse cross. Splinters dug into His skin with every move. His hands, sides and feet burned…
He Is With HIM, Part VI
“But Jesus made no reply, not even to a single charge – to the great amazement of the governor.” Matthew 27:14 (NIV) The time had come. Awaiting His sentence, He stood silently before the Governor, Pilate. The memories of betrayal, of the rough guards “guiding” Him through the garden, still fresh in His mind. Jesus…
He Is With HIM, Part V
Whoever gives heed to instruction prospers and blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord.” Proverbs 16:20 NIV Jesus’ final day as a free man. His last chance to instruct His disciples on what they needed to know, to do, and how to make life work. Jesus knew His time with His disciples was…
He is With HIM, Part IV
“The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified.” John 12:23 NIV It was the heaviest of burdens. It was literally the world against Him. Just four days after praises from Palm Sunday still ringing in His ears, He now felt none of the accolades or the glory. Instead of a reception…
He Is With HIM, Part III
“You are in error because you do not know the Scriptures or the power of God.” Matthew 22:29 (NIV) Five days until death is conquered. Tensions mount and the Enemy provokes Jesus through humans who confidently act without knowledge. The three main passages we will include for this day’s events are Mark 11:12-14, Mark…
He Is With HIM, Part II
“Do not be afraid, O Daughter of Zion; see, your King is coming, seated on a donkey’s colt.” John 12:15 NIV Six days until His reunion with His Father. It’s time to enter Jerusalem, a place where Jesus is a marked man. Religious rulers didn’t like how this man riled the people and called the…
He is with HIM, Part I
Seven days and counting. Seven days before His much anticipated reunion with His Father. Walking the hot, dusty road, Jesus leads the way to Bethany with His disciples. Each step brings Him closer to His destiny, a calling His disciples could not comprehend. How did God encourage His Son throughout the most difficult week of…
Mary’s Treasures, Part VI
Mary and Joseph receive a special blessing together when the obediently present Jesus at the temple.