Jesus makes a puzzling expression to Mary Magdalene on the first Resurrection morning. Mary had gone out to properly embalm Jesus’s body because there hadn’t been time due to Sabbath restrictions. When Mary arrived at the tomb, it was empty. She was understandably upset and sent for Peter and John. They both entered the tomb …
The Festival of First Fruits is always connected with Passover. God connected this third festival time with Passover from the beginning. Leviticus 23: 11 On the day after the Sabbath, (following the Passover) the priest will lift it up before the Lord so it may be accepted on your behalf.[1] It was God’s timing that directed the celebration of …
What is the first fruits principle? Many times, we look at a law commanded in the Old Testament and assume it is outdated today. But I have found that the way God guided His people in the Old Testament gives insight into how God works and guides us today. The First Mention of First Fruits …
Jesus had predicted a triumph over the grave when He told the disciples that Lazarus’ illness would not result in death. The disciples must have been confused when they arrived at Lazarus’ home, as he had been in the grave for four days. But that wasn’t the end. When Jesus went to visit Lazarus’ tomb, …
Jesus’ prayer precedes God’s power in the raising of Lazarus. John 11: 41 So they rolled the stone aside. Then Jesus looked up to heaven and said, “Father, thank you for hearing me. 42 You always hear me, but I said it out loud for the sake of all these people standing here, so that they will …
The struggle with unbelief is common both in Jesus’ time and today, providing insight into people’s hearts. When Jesus was brought to the temple in Jerusalem as an infant for the purification offering, an elderly man named Simeon met them. As he held the child in his arms, he spoke prophetic words about His future. …
The story of the raising of Lazarus illustrates Jesus’ anger and sorrow at death. John 11: 33 When Jesus saw her weeping and saw the other people wailing with her, a deep anger welled up within him, and he was deeply troubled.. 35 Then Jesus wept.[1] The crowd surrounding the grieving sisters and Jesus assumed that Jesus …
‘I am the resurrection and the life’ are some of the most comforting words for a believer written in the Scriptures. Jesus spoke these words of comfort to Martha, the sister of Lazarus, before He raised him from the dead. John 11:23 Jesus told her, “Your brother will rise again.” 24 “Yes,” Martha said, “he will rise …
Jesus has a divine timetable. When I began to realize that the Lord operates on a divine timetable in both His ministry on earth and in my life, it was like a light turning on. Suddenly, the Scriptures and Jesus’ ministry took on a greater perspective. Have you ever struggled with God’s timing, especially when …
Jesus tells us about the sacrifice of the good shepherd. John 10:11I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd sacrifices his life for the sheep.[1] Jesus’ audience was well aware that the life of a shepherd could be dangerous. Large predators, like wolves, love a meal of lamb. The shepherd had to protect his sheep, …