trust Jesus – Be Still…

Hebrews 1:1-14 – Meet Jesus

We are not in one of the gospels, and yet here we meet Jesus and learn more about him. When we see Jesus, we see God. “The Son radiates God’s own glory and expresses the very character of God.” To know Jesus is to know God.

The author of Hebrews is unknown or unverified, but scholars do agree that the author had a good grasp of the Old Testament and who Jesus was. It is unlikely that the author was one of the original twelve disciples. We may pick up more clues along the way, but there must be a reason his identity is not given. The authority of God and the inspiration of the Holy Spirit are still present in a mighty way. Continue reading “Hebrews 1:1-14 – Meet Jesus”

Mark 13:24-37 – Be Watching!

Read Mark 13:24-37

What a passage to reflect on for Advent! We hear from Jesus directly about what his second coming will be like. How helpful it is to know what we are preparing for. Advent reminds us that our job is to be ready, stay alert, and keep watch.

Jesus shares some details so that we’ll be able to recognize them. Otherwise, we might miss some of the signals. Just like when we see trees blooming or grass sprouting up from the ground. We know what those signals mean and can respond accordingly. I’m especially thankful to live in Mexico, where all the flowers and fruits bloom year-round. Continue reading “Mark 13:24-37 – Be Watching!”

John 15:7 – What Do You Want?

“But if you remain in me and my words remain in you, you may ask for anything you want, and it will be granted!” (John 15:7)

Let’s unpack this memory verse. It’s important to know from the start that this is not Jesus telling his followers that he is a magic genie in a bottle who will grant all wishes. That is not who Jesus is or ever will be. Jesus is talking about the importance of our relationship with him here.

Context (John 15:1-17): Jesus describes himself in this passage as the “true grapevine.” That image would have spoken more directly to his audience, but we are all familiar to a degree with the importance of pruning to keep our plants healthy and growing. We also know that branches cut off from the tree soon wither and die. Jesus doesn’t want us to be separated from him, but to abide in him, be in relationship with him, and trust him with our lives. Continue reading “John 15:7 – What Do You Want?”

Advent ? John 14:1-3 – Trust

Have you ever wondered where Jesus went when he left his followers on the mountain that day? Luke tells us in Acts 1 about Jesus’ ascension. In his last in-person appearance, Jesus was “taken up into a cloud while they were watching, and they could no longer see him.” (Acts 1:9) Surely the disciples must have wondered where he went!

Jesus had prepared them, and these verses from John 14:1-3 tell us where Jesus might have gone.

“Don’t let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust also in me. There is more than enough room in my Father’s home. If this were not so, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you?When everything is ready, I will come and get you, so that you will always be with me where I am.”

Mark 16:1-8 – The Empty Tomb

Read Mark 16:1-8

When is an ending not the end? When death ends in a victorious resurrection! The tomb was empty! Jesus is alive!

You also noticed that Mark’s gospel abruptly ends (in most ancient manuscripts) with verse 8. The sentences that follow here are thought to have been added to help bring a better closure to this climatic ending.