39: The key of this verse is found in the words ‘for my sake.’ If we are charged with any thing for the cause of identification with Christ, then we are not chargeable, he is. To sentence us is to sentence him. If, however, we are held liable for that which we did not do for…

38: Jesus is showing here the level of willingness to serve him that his followers must have. Any who will fail to gladly suffer for the cause of Christ is not fit for the cause. This is made quite apparent by Jesus language here. The ‘cross’ seems much more friendly to us than it was…

37: This saying of Christ is not meant in any way to diminish the importance of love for our family members. However, it does point out once again a theme in Christ’s teachings that is often missed by those who would rather not see it. Jesus is God. As God, he deserves our absolute devotion.…

36: This verse, as well as the previous one, comes from Micah 7:6. This statement was true of Christ, and not just his disciples. His own brothers did not, at that time, accept his position as the Messiah. His close friend, Judas, would betray him. His disciples would run off and leave him. Also we…

35: Here where Jesus says these individuals will be ‘set at variance’ he is saying they will be divided from each other. Although the gospel does not have to divide up families, Jesus is warning that it often will. He is being very frank and open with his disciples about the trouble that the gospel…

34: Jesus is not ruling out future peace. One day he will rule and reign on this earth and we will have a time of great peace. It is this yet future era that the Jews, including the disciples, expected to come at that time. Though Jesus will come for that later, this time he…

33: There have been examples, such as Peter, of those who have failed to claim Christ. However, such failure has been due to weakness, not a permanent attitude of heart. Those who truly belong to Christ find themselves unable to persist in denying him. Daily Bible Reading: Romans 16:1-1 Corinthians 2:16 Daily Memory Verse: 1…

32: Though in this world it will be largely missed and forgotten, they who minister for the Lord are recognized by the Father through the ministry of Jesus Christ. Jesus has given us the task of taking the message of his gospel to the lost world. But, he has the task of representing us to…

31: The Scriptures tell Christians not to fear on many occasions. It is one of the most common messages of Scripture. Almighty God knows that, as weak human beings, fear is a big problem. We are tempted to be afraid of just about everything. And, if we do not stop it, we can become afraid of…

30: Like the sparrows, Almighty God knows all about us. He says here that God knows how many hairs we have. Of course, we lose hair continually, and new hair grows constantly. What is the purpose of this numbering? What could God gain by knowing the number of our hairs? Though Jesus does not here…