One of the reasons Jesus might have cleansed the temple was because roadblocks had been thrown in the doorway of entering the temple. The mere idea of entering the temple might have become a burden and distraction for many. Moneychangers were in the temple court to help foreigners exchange their money for the acceptable currency. ...
Ask any attorney who practices criminal defense and they are likely to express that their highest and most sacred objective is to protect the innocent man from false accusation; and in doing so, establish hope that the truly guilty party might meet justice. In the case of Christ, we see this model flipped completely on its head. Let us examine some of those who played a role in the horrific and unjust plot to kill Jesus....
The chief priests, the scribes, and the elders came to ask questions of Jesus. This would have been part of their responsibilities as religious leaders. They wanted to make sure the truth was taught; however, Mark 11:18 tells us they already had their minds made up. They were working their own purposes rather than serving the mission of God....
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When Jesus entered the temple and began driving out the money changers, He was not alone in His anger on the historic occasion. Filled with the Holy Spirit, Jesus spoke from the prophets, “Is it not written, ‘My house shall be called a house of prayer for all nations? But you have made it a den of robbers.” These words were not lost on the chief priests and the scr...
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Knowing He was hated by the most powerful men in Jerusalem, Jesus could have chosen to slip into the city quietly for the Passover Feast. Not only did He choose a public arrival, but Jesus entered in the midst of a joyous celebration. He embraced the suffering ahead of him......
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A quick search on ways to ease anxiety will produce common results: focus on what you can control; exercise deep breathing; and practice self-care. While opinions on this subject vary, it is widely accepted genetics, chemistry, trauma, or a combination, are contributing factors to the anxiety many experience today. Our Creator is glorified any time we trust in him through...
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The New Testament has much to say about the appointment of leadership in the church. As Paul traveled on his missionary journeys he made it a practice to appoint elders in every church. He instructed Timothy to recognize those elders who rule and especially those who labor in preaching and teaching. Paul exhorted Titus to appoint elders in every town. Notably, Paul used th...
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Some men excel at gift-giving, but a large swath of the male population is relatively unsuccessful at this endeavor. The commercialization of Christmas amplifies the situation. Online searches lead some husbands to choose disastrous gift options such as a map of the stars, a phone sanitizer, or even monogrammed coasters. [Disclaimer: if you have received or given any of th...
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Steeped in Judaism, Saul miraculously became a spirit-filled follower of Jesus Christ...a Hebrew of Hebrews; as to the law, a Pharisee; as to zeal, a persecutor of the church; as to righteousness under the law, blameless. What a shock it must have been when he was blinded by the light and questioned, “Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?” He answered, “Who are You, ...
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There is tremendous continuity throughout the New Testament concerning baptism. Jesus said, “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit…” Matthew 28:19, ESV. A review of the New Testament reveals the unity of the meaning and application regarding baptism. Let’s take a look......
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