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 Contents -The Four Gospels in the  New Testament    last edit 6-8-2023
Copyright 2022, 2023 by Greg Clements
Nearly finished.  I might do some proofreading.  Last proofreading 11/16/2023 
This started as my attempt to create something like a Table of Contents for books (New Testament at least) of the Bible, but it expanded beyond a list of contents. This document has the book, chapter and verse reference, and my summary of those verses. I may create a shorter document that just has book, chapter, verse, and topic. This document should, in no way, replace your own reading of the Bible. You should read the BIble to get more of the original meaning and to get context.
References that I may use in this document are listed below.
NET (NET) Bible. THE NET BIBLE, NEW ENGLISH TRANSLATION, COPYRIGHT © 1996 BY BIBLICAL STUDIES PRESS, L.L.C. This Bible is a free download from www.bible.org. The First edition without notes is free from https://netbible.com/download. The second edition with notes is $4.95 download as of 2018. The NET 2nd edition can be read online for no cost at https://netbible.org/bible/Romans+1 (starts at Romans Chapter 1).
(ESV) ESV Study Bible 2007 Crossway Bibles
(QUEST) The Quest Study Bible 1983 Zondervan
(glc) Thoughts from Greg Clements … I put this (glc) in this document sometimes to emphasize that the following are my thoughts. I tried to reference the material I pulled from other sources (Morris, etc).
Some of the Bible studies I create are posted on www.gpclements.com .
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MATTHEW
(ESV…”The earliest traditions of the church are unanimous in attributing the first Gospel to Matthew.” “...second century in the writings of Papias, bishop of Hierapolis in Asia Minor (c. AA.D. 135) and Irenaeus, bishop of Lyons in Gaul (c. 175).”  “In light of Irenaeus’s assertion (c. A.D. 175) that Matthew composed his Gospel while Peter and Paul were still iving,...,it is traditionally dated to the late 50s or 60s.”)
(QUEST…”Matthew possibly wrote this book in the A.D. 70s (though some believe he may have written it in the 50s or 60s), primarily for Jewish readers.  He offered a persuasive account of the Good News of Jesus, citing Old Testament evidence that supported the claims believers had been making about Jesus.”)
Mt 1:1 - 17 The genealogy of Jesus, a list of fathers from Abraham to Joseph. Tamar, Rahab, and the wife of Uriah (Bathsheba) are mentioned.
Mt 1:18 - 15 The circumstances of Jesus’ birth. Joseph treated the pregnant Mary honorably. An angel gives Joseph a message in a dream that he should marry Mary and the son to be born will fulfill scripture.
Mt 2:1 - 12 Wise men travel to Jerusalem and then find Jesus and worship him. They are warned in a dream to not return to Herod.
Mt 2:13 - 18 An angel tells Joseph in a dream to take the family to Egypt. Herod kills baby boys under 2 years of age.
Mt 2:19 - 23 After Herod dies an angel tells Joseph in a dream to take the family back to Israel. In Israel, Joseph receives another message in a dream to go to the Galilee region and they settle in Nazareth.
Mt 3:1- 12 John the Baptist proclaims repentance. Many people came to him to be baptized and confess their sins. Your works should line up with your repentance. John proclaims another will come who will baptize with the Holy Spirit and fire, gather up his wheat, and burn the chaff.
Mt 3:13 - 17 Jesus is baptized by John to “fulfill all righteousness.” Jesus saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove. A voice from heaven proclaims Jesus is his son.
Mt 4:1 - 11 Jesus is led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. He fasts for 40 days. Jesus replies to Satan’s three temptations with scripture. After this angels come to minister to Jesus’ needs.
Mt 4:12 - 17 After John is imprisoned Jesus goes to Galilee and makes his home in Capernaum in fulfillment of scripture. He preaches to people that they would repent as the kingdom of heaven is near.
Mt 4:18 - 22 Jesus starts gathering disciples by the Sea of Galilee. Those he calls leave their work and family to follow Jesus.
Mt 4:23 - 25 Jesus teaches in the synagogues of Galilee, preaching about the kingdom, and healing people. Jesus’ “fame” spreads and sick people come to him and are healed. Large crowds follow him with people from various regions of Israel.
Mt 5:1 - 12 The Beatitudes Jesus teaches (his disciples) about blessings that come to people who are poor in spirit, mourn, are meek, hunger for righteousness, are merciful, are pure in heart, are peacemakers, are persecuted for righteousness. Those who are persecuted have a reward in heaven.
Mt 5:13 - 16 Be salt, make the world better. Bad salt is thrown out and trampled. Be the light of the world. Let people see your good deeds so they give honor to God in heaven.
Mt 5:17 - 20 Jesus did not come to abolish the OT. He came to fulfill its message. Obey the OT commands. Be more righteous than the Pharisees. The righteousness you need is given by faith in Jesus.
Mt 5:21 - 48 Jesus expands OT commands to have them apply to inner thoughts, not just to actions. Murder, approaching God when a relationship is broken, disagreements, adultery, divorce, oaths, retaliation, and enemies. Be perfect like God is. This is only possible through accepting Jesus’ sacrifice for your sins.
Mt 6:1 - 4 Don’t do good things just to be seen by people and elevate others’ opinions of you . Give in secret and God will reward you.
Mt 6:5 - 8 Pray in secret, don’t pray to impress others. Don’t think flowery or many words improve your prayers. Be direct in your prayers.
Mt 6:9 - 15 “The Lord’s Prayer”
v9 Acknowledge God is in heaven and give him honor.
v10 Agree with God’s plans and seek to have them come to pass on Earth.
v11 Depend on God for daily needs.
v12 Ask for forgiveness from God, and give forgiveness to people who have wronged you.
v13 Acknowledge that God doesn’t lead you into temptation (James 1:13.14; 1 Corinthians 10:13). Rely on God to deliver you from Satan’s plans.
v14 Forgive others and God will forgive you.
Mt 6:16 - 18 When you fast, don’t make it obvious to others. God will reward you. Don’t look to get rewards from people for your attempted show of righteousness.
Mt 6:19 - 21 Don’t live your life with the purpose of accumulating money and possessions. Do actions that God will reward you for in heaven. You will be guided by where you think your treasure is located.
Mt 6:22 - 24 Let good things come into your body (seeing and hearing) and your body will have light. Control what comes into you so you are influenced for good, not for bad.
Mt 6:25 - 34 Don’t let concerns about food, clothes, etc. control your life. You are valuable to God. Trust him to take care of you. Pursue God and his kingdom. Don’t let your life be controlled by worrying about what you need in the future.
Mt 7:1 - 6 Do not judge others. Spend that timer examining your own life for flaws and take care of your own flaws. This will let you help others with problems in their lives. (see Matthew 18:15ff)
Mt 7:7 - 12 Ask and you will receive. God gives good gifts to those who ask him. Your actions to others should be what you would want them to do to you.
Mt 7:13 - 14 Don’t just take the easy way in life. The harder path may lead to better results for your life.
Mt 7:15 - 20 A good person does good things. A bad person does bad things. Observe what people are doing.
Mt 7:21 - 23 True faith in God is shown by your obedience to God, not by what you say about God. God will reject those who sin (and don’t have forgiveness through Jesus). God will not accept those who just put on a show of aligning themselves with God.
Mt 7:24 - 27 Seek out Jesus’ words and put them into practice in your life. Then you can survive the troubles of life. Those who hear Jesus’ words but don’t let them impact their thinking and their lives will be damaged by the troubles of life.
Mt 7:28 - 29 The people were impressed by the way Jesus taught them. They recognized his confidence and authority in what he taught. Those who should have had authority, the experts in the law, knew the words of scripture but did not teach with confidence and true authority.
Mt 8:1- 4 Jesus heals a leper after he asks and expresses confidence in Jesus’ ability to heal.
Mt 8:5 - 13 Centurion asks Jesus to heal his servant. The Centurion has faith that Jesus can just say the word without traveling to the servant.
Mt 8:14 - 17 Jesus heals Peter’s mother-in-law. In the evening Jesus heals all who come to him. Isaiah 53:4 is fulfilled.
Mt 8:18 - 22 A scribe says he will follow. Jesus says he has no place to rest. A disciple (follower) asks to leave and go bury his father. Jesus tells him to follow and let others bury the father.
Mt 8:23 - 27 Storm buffets the boat with Jesus and disciples. Jesus calms the wind and sea. The disciples are amazed.
Mt 8:28 - 34 Jesus casts demons out of two people in the region of Gadarenes. The people of the town come to meet Jesus but beg him to leave their region.
Mt 9:1 - 8 Jesus forgives the sins of a paralytic after seeing the faith of his friends. When religious leaders complain Jesus tells the paralytic to walk to show that he, Son of Man, has authority to forgive sins.
Mt 9:9 - 13 Jesus calls Matthew, tax collector, to follow him. The Pharisees see Jesus and his disciples eating with sinners and complain. Jesus quotes OT “mercy, not sacrifice.” Jesus came to call sinners, not those who claim to be righteous.
Mt 9:14 - 17 John the Baptist’s disciples question Jesus as to why Jesus’ disciples don’t fast. Jesus says they will fast when he is taken away. He gives two parables about things being done in a new way now.
Mt 9:18 - 26 A religious leader asks Jesus to come and heal his daughter. On the way a woman who needs healing touches Jesus’ cloak. “Your faith has made you well.” At the leader’s house the people are in “funeral” mode. Jesus puts the crowd outside and gently takes the girl’s hand and she gets up. This news was spread throughout that area.
Mt 9:27 - 31 At another place, two blind men ask Jesus for mercy (healing). They say they believe Jesus can heal them. They are healed according to their faith. They spread the news of their healing throughout that area.
Mt 9:32 - 34 A little later Jesus casts out a demon from a man and the man starts speaking. The people are amazed but the religious leaders say Jesus is using the authority of Satan.
Mt 9:35 - 38 Jesus travels to several towns, teaching in synagogues, preaching about the kingdom, and healing people from many illnesses. Jesus has compassion and tells the disciples to ask God to send out workers into the fields of people ready to be helped and given the good news about God’s kingdom.
Mt 10:1 - 15 Jesus gives authority over demons and sickness. 12 apostles are listed. Jesus sends out the 12 to Israel. They are to look to people in worthy towns to provide for them.
Mt 10:16 - 20 Be wise and innocent. People will persecute you. God’s Spirit will speak through you to the authorities.
Mt 10:21 - 23 Your relatives will participate in persecuting you. The people will hate you. Endure and you will be saved. When a town persecutes you go to another town.
Mt 10:24 - 25 Be like Jesus, don’t try to be greater. The people who did not respect Jesus will not respect you.
Mt 10:26 - 31 Don’t fear people, fear God who can send souls to hell. God values you.
Mt 10:32-33 Admit you believe in Jesus before people. Jesus will name you before God the Father.
Mt 10:34 - 36 Jesus did not come to bring peace on Earth. There will be divisions in families because of Jesus.
Mt 10:37 – 39 Love Jesus more than any person. You will have life if you lose your earthly life because of your faith in Jesus.
Mt 10:40 - 42 Those who receive Jesus receive God the Father. Those who help prophets and righteous people will be rewarded.
Mt 11:1 Jesus instructed the 12 disciples and then preached in the towns (of the disciples…probably).
Mt 11:2 - 6 Jesus responds to John the Baptist’s questions by telling John’s disciples to tell John what they see Jesus doing …blind see, lame walk, lepers cleansed, deaf hear, dead raised, good news proclaimed to the poor.
Mt 11:7 - 15 Jesus tells the crowd that John was more than a prophet, he is a fulfillment of OT scripture, of Elijah. Yet, all in the kingdom of heaven are greater than John. Be careful that you think about what you are hearing.
Mt 11:16 - 19 Jesus points out that people are not thinking clearly. They complain about John having a demon and Jesus is a friend of “sinners.” Look at the deeds of Jesus.
Mt 11:20 - 24 Jesus criticizes the cities that did not repent after seeing Jesus’ miracles.
Mt 11:25 - 30 Jesus gives praise to God the Father who reveals truth to children (those who accept Jesus for his miracles) and hides truth from the spiritually “mature.” Jesus and the Father know each other. Jesus reveals the Father to some people (glc…who accept his teaching). Go to Jesus for rest for your soul.
Mt 12:1 - 8 Jesus' disciples eat wheat from a field on the Sabbath. Pharisees complain. Jesus talks to the Pharisees about spiritual priorities. Jesus is greater than the temple and Jewish religious system.
Mt 12:9 - 14 Jesus heals a person in the synagogue on the Sabbath. The Pharisees leave and make plans to kill Jesus.
Mt 12:15 - 21 Jesus moves on, crowds follow, Jesus heals all and warns them to not talk about Jesus. Jesus fulfills Isaiah 42:1-4 by keeping a low profile.
Mt 12:22 - 32 Jesus heals a demon-possessed man. The crowds are amazed. The Pharisees say Jesus is using evil powers. Jesus teaches that a divided kingdom cannot stand. Jesus teaches that they are seeing the kingdom of God in action. Whoever speaks against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven.
Mt 12:33 - 37 Your mouth speaks what is in your heart. Your actions also reveal your heart. At the judgment, you will have to give an account for your worthless words. Your words will be a testimony against you or for you.
Mt 12:38 - 42 Jewish leaders ask Jesus to perform a sign. Jesus says the only sign for the unbelieving will be the Son of Man being in the heart of the earth for 3 days. Those who repented when hearing Jonah’s message will condemn the people who listen to Jesus and don’t believe. Jesus is greater than Jonah. The Queen of Sheba (South) had spiritual questions for Solomon. She sought wisdom. She will condemn the unbelieving people also. Jesus is greater than Solomon.
Mt 12:43 - 45 When a person is set free from a demon but does not prevent demons from returning the final state is worse than the first. This is the case for those who hear Jesus but don’t believe.
Mt 12:46 - 50 Jesus’ family seek out Jesus. Jesus says his followers, those who do God the Father’s will, are his family.
Parables - Spiritual lessons taught in illustrations people should understand
Mt 13:1 - 9 Jesus taught the crowd on the shore. Seed was sown in many places but only the seed that fell on good soil produced a crop. Hear and understand.
Mt 13:10 - 17 The disciples want to know why Jesus speaks parables. Whoever has will be given more. Use the spiritual understanding you already possess to grow into more spiritual understanding. The prophecy in Isaiah 6:9,10 was fulfilled. Israel developed a dull hear for understanding spiritual truth. OT prophets and righteous people wanted to see Jesus, see God’s kingdom be established, but they did not see it in their lifetime. Knowing Jesus and reading the New Testament puts you in a special time. Make use of your God-given time.
Mt 13:18 - 23 Jesus explains the parable of the sower. Those who don’t understand the message have the message stolen by Satan. When you read something in the Bible that you don’t understand, ask God for help in understanding. If you don’t seek God’s answers the message becomes unfruitful. Those who briefly join Christianity without making the kingdom truths part of their life risk falling away when persecution comes to them (as it will). Those who hear the gospel message but put more value in things of the world cut off the growth of the word in their lives. They don’t keep close to God and don’t give true spiritual help to others. Those who hear and understand the message bear fruit and growth in God’s kingdom.
Mt 13:24 - 30 The message of the kingdom is good seed that is planted. Satan sows bad seed next to where the good seed is planted. At the end times God will separate the good from the bad. The good will be with Jesus. The bad will be punished.
Mt13:31-33 The kingdom of heaven is like seed that starts small but grows and provides a home. God’s kingdom may start small on Earth but it is important and provides a home. The kingdom of heaven is like yeast that affects all the dough. God’s kingdom may start in one place but it spreads and is effective throughout the world.
Mt 13:34 - 35 Speaking in parables fulfilled Psalm 78:2. Jesus is revealing truth.
Mt 13:36 - 43 Jesus is alone with his disciples. He explains the parable of the wheat and the weeds. People who accept Jesus’ message are the wheat. People who follow the leading of Satan are the weeds. Angels will separate the good from the bad at the end of the age…which God the Father has in his plan. The sinful and the things that lead to sin will be removed at the end of the age. The righteous will shine with a pure light in heaven. Hear and understand.
Mt 13:44 - 52 The kingdom of heaven is like….
-a treasure in a field that people will sell all they have and buy the field
-a net that catches many types of fish. The good fish are kept and the bad are thrown away
Jesus is talking to the disciples.  (glc… Having a right relationship with God …through acceptance of Jesus’ sacrifice…is more important than anything else and is worth more than Earthly treasure.  The gospel message of the New Covenant through Jesus fulfills and explains the Old Covenants.)
Mt 13:53 - 58 Jesus in Nazareth Jesus taught in their synagogue. The people recognized him and were amazed at his teaching and working of miracles. Jesus’ brothers and sisters were in the town. The people were upset with Jesus and did not give him honor. There was unbelief and Jesus did not do many miracles.
Mt 14:1 - 12 Herod thought Jesus was a resurrected John the Baptist. Herod’s wife had tricked Herod into killing John. John’s disciples bury John’s body and tell Jesus what happened.
Mt 14:13 - 21 Jesus spends time alone, but people eventually find out where he is and gather. Jesus heals the sick. Jesus tells his disciples to feed the people. Jesus gives thanks for the 5 loaves and 2 fish. Everyone (5,000 plus women and children) eats until satisfied and there are 12 baskets of leftovers.
Mt 14:22 - 33 Jesus sends the disciples ahead in the boat while he dismissed the people. Jesus walks on the water and catches up with the boat. Peter walks on the water toward Jesus. When Peter sees the strong wind he fears and sinks. Jesus grabs his hand and tells him he has little faith and should not be afraid. Those in the boat worshiped Jesus.
Mt 14:34 - 36 On shore, people recognize Jesus and spread the word. Many sick people are brought to Jesus. Those who touch the edge of his cloak are healed. (glc because of their faith)
Mt 15:1 - 9 Religious leaders question Jesus why the disciples don’t follow religious traditions. Jesus asks why they disobey God’s command regarding honoring father and mother. Jesus quotes Isaiah 29:13 that the religious leaders' hearts are far from God.
Mt 15:10 - 20 You are defiled by what comes out of your mouth. What comes out of your mouth comes from your heart. Out of your heart come evil ideas, murder, sexual immorality, theft, lying, and slander.
Mat 15:21 - 28 Jesus at first ignores the request of the Canaanite woman to heal her daughter of a demon. The woman is respectful and persistent. Jesus proclaims that her faith is great and her daughter is healed (from a distance).
Mt 15:29 - 31 Jesus was on a mountain by the Sea of Galilee. He heals people who are brought to him. People see the healed people and praise God.
Mt 15:32-39 Jesus has compassion for the hungry crowd that has been there for 3 days. Jesus gives thanks for the 7 loaves and the few fish. The disciples give them to the crowd. Seven baskets of leftovers were gathered after 4,00 men plus women and children ate. Jesus dismisses the crowd and leaves by boat.
Mt 16:1 - 4 Religious leaders came to test Jesus and ask for a sign. Jesus admonishes them for not seeing the signs of the times. Only the sign of Jonah will be given (3 days in the belly of the great fish).
Mt 16:5 - 12 Jesus warns the disciples about the teaching of the religious leaders.
Mt 16:13 - 20 Jesus asks his disciples what they think the people are saying about the Son of Man (Jesus). Jesus asks the disciples what they think of Jesus. Peter says Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God. Jesus says God has revealed this to Peter. This truth will be the foundation of the church.
Jesus says they will have the keys to the kingdom of heaven and will have the authority to bind and to loose.  (ESV…The message that the disciples preach releases people from the control of sin when the message is believed.  The church has the authority to discipline Matthew 18:18 and John 20:23 
Jesus tells the disciples not to tell people he is the Christ.
Mt 16:21 - 28 Jesus starts to teach the disciples that he must go to Jerusalem, be killed, and rise on the 3rd day. Peter says this must not be. Jesus calls Peter Satan and says he is setting his mind on man’s interests, not God’s. To save your life, lose your life for Christ. Your eternal life is more important than your earthly life. Jesus will reward each person for what he has done. (glc Salvation comes from believing in Jesus but people will receive different rewards in heaven because of their actions on Earth.)
Mt 17:1 - 8 Jesus, Peter, James, and John go up a mountain. Jesus is transfigured with a shining face and white clothes, like light. Moses and Elijah appear. A bright cloud is above them (glc…clouds usually make things dark but not this one). A voice from the cloud proclaims Jesus is his Son, and he delights in Jesus, and they should listen to him. The disciples are afraid. Jesus tells them to not be afraid.
Mt 17:9 - 13 Going down the mountain, Jesus tells the disciples to not tell what happened until he rises from the dead. Elijah has already come (glc…John the Baptist filled that role.). Jesus says the Son of Man will suffer at the hands of men.
Mt 17:14 - 21 At the bottom of the mountain there is a crowd. A father tells Jesus the disciples could not heal him from seizures. Jesus says the people are unbelieving. Jesus tells the demon to leave the boy. Jesus tells the disciples they did not have enough faith.
Mt 17:22 - 23 In Galilee, Jesus tells them the Son of Man will be killed but on the third day he will rise. The disciples were very concerned.
Mt 17:24 - 27 In Capernaum Peter is asked if Jesus pays the temple tax. Peter says yes. Jesus says he is not subject to the tax but in order to not offend the religious leaders Peter is to catch a fish and take a coin from its mouth to pay the tax for Jesus and for Peter.
Mt 18:1 - 5 The disciples ask who is most important in the Kingdom of Heaven. Jesus says the one who is humble like a child will enter heaven and be important in the kingdom. Those who are good to children who trust Jesus are welcoming Jesus.
Mt 18:6 - 9 Those who cause children to sin will be punished. Don’t be a stumbling block to others or yourself. v7 The world has evil in it. Don’t let your hand or foot or eye bring sin into your life. Sin leads you to hell.
Mt 18:10 - 14 Don’t disregard children. They have angels who are close to God the Father. God the Father does not want even one person, especially children, to be lost.
Mt 18:15 - 17 If you see another Christian in sin, go privately to them and help them move away from sin. If the person doesn’t listen to you go to them again with one or two other Christians. If that doesn’t succeed tell the church. If the person still doesn’t turn away from sin separate from them. (glc…This must be done in humility, after praying for insight from God. Matthew 7:5)
Mt 18:18 - 20 What you bind on Earth will be bound in heaven. What you release will be released in heaven. If two or three on Earth agree about what they ask, God the Father will do it for them. Where two or three are gathered Jesus is with them.
(see comments on Matthew 16:18ff)
Mt 18:21 - 22 Jesus tells Peter to not limit how many times he forgives his fellow Christian.
Mt 18:23 - 35 Parable of a man who owed the king a large sum of money. The man asks for patience and mercy. The king agrees and forgives the debt. The man finds someone who owes him money and puts him into prison. Others tell the king. The king puts that man into prison to be punished. God will do this to us if we don’t truly forgive others.
Mt 19:1 - 12 Jesus leaves Galilee and goes to Judea beyond the Jordan river. Religious leaders test Jesus concerning divorce. The current religious laws allowed the man to divorce for any reason. Jesus quotes OT Genesis 2:24. What God has joined together let no one separate. Jesus said Moses allowed divorce because the people had hard hearts (glc …caring more about themselves than God’s ways). Jesus says immorality is the only basis for divorce. Otherwise, the remarriage after the divorce is adultery. The disciples don’t like this restriction. Jesus says not all will accept this statement.  Some forsake marriage for the good of the kingdom of heaven.
Mt 19:13 - 15 People bring children to Jesus for his touch and prayer. The disciples try to discourage the people from doing this. Jesus says the kingdom of heaven belongs to those who are like children.
Mt 19:16 - 22 A man asks Jesus what he must do to get eternal life. Jesus prompts him to consider what is “good.” Only God is good. One starting point for eternal life is to keep the commandments: no murder; no adultery; no theft; no lying; honor parents; love you neighbor. The man claims he has obeyed the commandments and asks what else he must do. Jesus tells him if he wants to be perfect he should sell all he has and give the money to the poor. Then he will have treasure in heaven. Then, follow Jesus. The man goes away sad because he was rich (glc…and didn’t want to give up the riches).
Mt 19:23 - 30 Jesus tells the disciples it will be hard for the rich to enter the kingdom of heaven. The disciples are surprised. (glc…They think the rich are close to God and have been favored by God. ) Jesus tells them God can save all. Jesus tells the disciples they will sit on thrones in heaven and judge Israel. They will receive more than they gave up to follow Jesus and they will inherit eternal life. Many who are first will be last, and the last first.
Mt 20:1 - 16 The kingdom of heaven is described with a parable.  A landowner hires people to work in his vineyard early in the morning, at 9 a.m., noon, 3 p.m., and 5 p.m.  In the evening his manager pays with workers as instructed by the owner.  Those who started last received a full day’s pay.  Those who started first received the same pay, as agreed.  They complained that those who did only 1 hour of work had been made equal to those who did more work.  The owner reminded them that he was fair to them.  He had paid the standard wage.  The owner says he can pay what he wants.  He asks if they are envious because he is generous.  The last will be first and the first will be last.  (glc…Some people come to believe in Jesus at a young age.  Some first believe when they are older.  They both receive eternal life, which is beyond comparing to anything on Earth.  We should rejoice that the old come to faith in Jesus.  Those who come to believe in Jesus while they are young should be thankful they enjoyed knowing God for a longer stretch of their lives than those who accept Jesus later in their lives.  God does not have a waiting period on Earth from the time you accept Jesus to the time you are eligible to enter heaven.)
Mt 20:17 - 19 Near Jerusalem, Jesus told the 12 disciples privately that he would be handed over to the religious leaders and condemned to death.  The Gentiles will mock him, flog him, and crucify him, but on the third day he will be raised.
Mt 20:20 - 28  James and John’s mother asked Jesus to permit them to sit at the right hand and left hand at Jesus’ throne in heaven. (glc…they were with their mother)  Jesus asks James and John if they can go through what Jesus will go through.  They said yes.  Jesus said they would go through what he goes through but the Father has prepared who will sit at his right and left.  The other 10 disciples are upset with James and John.  Jesus tells the group that whoever wants to be in a high position must serve the others.  Jesus came to serve humanity and give his life as a ransom (glc…as payment for our sins).
Mt 20:29 - 34 A large crowd followed Jesus from Jericho towards Jerusalem.  Two blind men sitting along the road shouted to Jesus, asking for mercy.  The crowd wanted them to be quiet.  Jesus stopped walking and talked to them, asking them what they wanted him to do.  They asked to see again.  Jesus had compassion for them and healed them.  The men, now seeing, followed Jesus.
Mt 21:1 - 11 Jesus and the disciples came to a village near Jerusalem, at the Mount of Olives.  Jesus sent two disciples to get a donkey and colt and bring them to him.  If anyone questioned their actions they were to tell them that “The Lord needs them.”  This fulfilled Zechariah 9:9 that prophesied that their king would come seated on a colt, the foal of a donkey.  The disciples placed their outer cloaks on the animal and Jesus sat on them.  A large crowd spread their cloaks on the road.  Others cut branches from the trees and laid them on the road.  The crowds walking by Jesus shouted “Hosanna to the Son of David!” and “Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord!” (Psalm 118:25-26).  Jerusalem was thrown into an uproar.  The crowds told people who asked about Jesus, that he was the prophet Jesus, from Nazareth in Galilee.
Mt 21:12 - 17 Jesus entered the temple area and forcefully drove out the merchants and the money changers.  Jesus told them “My house will be called a house of prayer.” (Isaiah 56:7)  Jesus also identified their actions as creating “a den of robbers.” (Jeremiah 7:11)  Jesus left them and spent the night in Bethany.
Mt 21:18 - 22  Jesus returned to Jerusalem early in the morning.  He was hungry.  He saw a fig tree with leaves but no fruit.  He told the tree, “Never again will there be fruit from you!”  The fig tree withered right away.  (QUEST  A tree that had leaves was promising fruit.  This action served as a warning to people to be truly fruitful and not just have the appearance of fruit.)  The disciples were amazed that the tree withered so fast.  Jesus told them that if they had faith, without doubt, they could do, not only what happened to the tree but, could even have a mountain thrown into the sea.  Whatever you ask in prayer, if you believe, you will receive.
Mt 21:23 - 27 Jesus taught in the temple courts.  The religious leaders asked him to tell them what authority he had for teaching and who gave it to him.  Jesus asked them to tell him if John’s baptism came from heaven or from people.  They said they didn’t know because if they said “from heaven” Jesus would ask why they didn’t believe John.  If they said “from people” the crowd would not like the answer because the crowd considered John to be a prophet.  Jesus said he would not make a statement as to the authority he had.
Mt 21:28 - 32  Jesus told a parable of two sons.  One son refused to work in his father’s vineyard but later changed his mind and did the work.  The other son said he would do the work but he did not work.  Jesus asked the religious leaders to state which one did the father’s will.  They replied the first son.  Jesus told them that tax collectors and prostitutes will go ahead of them into the kingdom of God for John came in righteousness but they did not believe him, but the tax collectors and prostitutes believed.  The religious leaders saw this but did not change their minds and believe John.
Mt 21:33 - 46  Jesus told a parable of a landowner who improved the land and leased it to farmers.  Then he went on a journey.  At harvest time the landowner sent his slaves to collect his portion of the crop.  The tenants beat one slave and killed another and stoned another.  The landowner sent his son but the tenants decided to kill him to get the inheritance.  Jesus asked the religious leaders what the landowner will do when he comes to the tenants.  They said he will destroy the evil tenants and lease the land to better tenants.  Jesus asked them if they had not read (Psalm 118:22,23) that the stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone and this is from the Lord.  Jesus told them that the kingdom of God will be taken from them and given to people who will produce its fruit.  The religious leaders realized the parable was spoken about them.  They wanted to arrest Jesus but they were afraid of the people who regarded Jesus as a prophet.
Mt 22:1 - 14 Jesus spoke a parable about the kingdom of heaven.  He compared it to a king who gave a wedding banquet for his son.  Slaves were sent to gather those who had been invited but those people would not come.  More slaves were sent to tell them the feast that was prepared for them was ready.  Those people gave various excuses.  Some mistreated and even killed the slaves. (glc…the parable is speaking about prophets in the OT being mistreated and ignored)  The king was angry and had his soldiers put the murderers to death and burn their city. 9glc…picture of the captivity of Israel) The king told his slaves that those who were invited are not worthy of the banquet.  The slaves were sent into the city to gather ordinary people to fill the wedding hall.  The king saw a man who was not wearing wedding clothes.  The man could not justify his presence without the proper clothes. (glc…we are accepted by God if we are clothed in the righteousness of Jesus ….have accepted Jesus’ sacrifice for our sins)  The man was thrown out where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. (glc…regrets for not believing in Jesus).  Many are called but few are chosen. (glc…the gospel has gone out to the world, but not all believe)
Mt 22:15 - 22  The Pharisees seek to entrap Jesus by what he speaks.  They send some of their students and some supporters of Herod to Jesus.  They tell Jesus they know he is truthful and teach God’s ways, and that he is impartial.  Then they ask if it is right to pay taxes to Caesar.  Jesus knew they were trying to trap him.  Jesus calls them hypocrites (glc…they had just praised Jesus and now were trying to destroy him) and asks why they are testing him.  He asks to see a coin used for the tax.  He asks them to describe the image and inscription on the coin.  They tell him it is Caesar’s.  Jesus speaks that one should give Caesar the things that are his and to give God the things that are God’s.  The interrogators were stunned and went away.
Mt 22:23 - 33  The Sadducees don’t believe in resurrection, life after death.  They asked Jesus to solve a problem about marriage in heaven.  The Sadducees proposed a scenario in which a woman’s husband dies without having any children.  The Jewish custom was that the next oldest brother would marry the widow and care for her.  The Sadducees proposed that this happened 7 times.  There would now be 7 men in heaven.  They asked whose wife she would be in heaven after she died.  Jesus answered them that they did not know the scriptures or the power of God.  After resurrection there is no marriage in heaven.  We will be like angels (glc…spiritual beings without earthly cares).  Jesus teaches them that God is the God of the living…Abraham, Isaac, Jacob (Exodus 3:6).  He is not the God of the dead but of the living.  The crowds of people were amazed at Jesus' teaching.  (glc…Jesus’ teaching rang true to them and they would have been surprised that an ordinary person could teach religious leaders.)
Mt 22:34 - 40 The Pharisees heard that Jesus had silenced the Sadducees.  One of the Pharisees asked Jesus a question to test him.  They asked him which commandment is greatest?  Jesus said, “Love God with all your heart, soul, and mind.  Jesus also told which was the second greatest commandment, Love your neighbor as yourself.  All the law and the prophets depend (glc..have these as foundation) on these two commandments.
Mt 22:41 - 46 Jesus asked the Pharisees a question, “What do you think about the Christ? Whose son is he?”   They answered he is the son of David.  Jesus posed another question, “How does David, by the Spirit, call him Lord in Psalm 110:1, “The Lord said to my lord, ‘Sit and my right hand, until I put your enemies under your feet?’ “ Jesus asked them, “If David then calls him Lord, how can he be his son?  None of the Pharisees could answer and they no longer dared to ask him questions.  (glc…The messiah is descended from David’s ancestral line…Jesus was born in Bethlehem, David’s hometown.  But, the Messiah is a special person.  David recognizes the the Messiah, even though a descendent, is worthy of greater honor than himself.)
Mt 23:1 - 12  Jesus spoke to the crowds and his disciples.  The religious leaders sit on Moses’ seat so you should pay attention to what they tell you to do and do it.  But do not do what they do.  They don’t do what they teach.  They make life difficult for people and don’t help them.  They put on the outer trappings of religion and seek to be honored.  You are not to be called ‘Rabbi” for you have one teacher (glc…Jesus…see v10)  and you all are brothers.  Don’t call anyone ‘father’ on Earth for you have one Father, who is in heaven.  You are not to be called ‘teacher,’ for you have one Teacher, the Christ.  The greatest among you will be your servant.  Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.
Mt 23:13 - 33  Woe to experts in the law and Pharisees, hypocrites.  They lock people out of the kingdom of heaven, and they don’t go in either.  They make efforts to convert people but then make them twice as much one who belongs to hell as themselves.
Woe to the blind guides who teach that swearing by the gold on the temple is more important than the temple.  It is the temple that makes the gold sacred.  The blind guides teach that swearing by the gift on the altar is more important than the altar.  It is the altar that makes the gift sacred.  Those who swear by the altar swears by it and everything on it.  Whoever swears by the temple swears by it and the one who dwells in it.  Wherever swears by heaven swears by the throne of God and the one who sits on it. (Matthew 5:33-37  don’t swear on things to make your speech seem more important.  Let your yes be yes and your no be no.)
Woe to the religious leaders who tithe on their spices but ignore justice, mercy, and faithfulness which are more important.  You should tithe and have justice, mercy, and faithfulness.  Their advice is shortsighted.  They pay attention to small things and ignore big issues.  They clean the outside of the cup and dish (glc…their outward appearance) but have greed and self-indulgence on the inside.  Clean your inside first (glc…e.g. your thought life, your motivations, etc.) so you will be clean on the outside.  The experts in the law and Pharisees are hypocrites.  They are like whitewashed tombs that have the bones of the dead inside and are unclean.  They appear to be righteous but they are full of hypocrisy and lawlessness.  They build tombs for the prophets and decorate the graves of the righteous.  They claim they would have not participated in the shedding of the blood of the prophets.  But they testify that they are descendants of those who murdered the prophets.  They will continue their ancestors' behavior.  They are snakes.  How will they escape hell?
Mt 23:34 - 36  I (glc…Jesus) am sending prophets and wise men and experts in the law.  You will kill some, flog some in your synagogues, and pursue them from town to town, so that they will share in the responsibility for the righteous blood that has been shed on the Earth.  This generation will be held responsible for all these things.
Mt 23:37 - 39  Jesus calls out to Jerusalem, “you who kill the prophets and stone those sent to you! I have longed to gather and protect you but you would have none of it.  Look, your house (glc…religious system ) is left to you desolate. They will not see Jesus from now until they say “Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord!” (Psalm 118:26). (glc…there is coming a time when Jesus will be gone)
Mt 24:1 - 2 Jesus and the disciples were going out of the temple courts.  The disciples pointed out the temple buildings.  Jesus told them that they will all be torn down.
Mt 24:3 - 8  When they could talk privately, the disciples asked him when the buildings would be torn down and what sign will precede Jesus’ coming and the end of the age (glc…the end of the current state of affairs in Israel).  Jesus said to be watchful that no one misleads them.  There will be people saying they are the Christ and they will mislead many.  There will be wars and rumors of wars but don’t be upset.  These will happen but the end will still be in the future.  There will be wars between nations, famines, and earthquakes that are just the beginnings of the end times.
Mt 24:9 - 14 Jesus told the disciples that people would hand them over to be persecuted and killed.  The disciples will be hated by all nations because they follow Jesus.  People (glc…including those who follow Jesus' way)  will be led into sin, betray each other and hate each other.  (glc…this almost describes some conflicts between denominations).   Many false prophets (glc…those who misinterpret and misuse scripture) will be present and lead many astray.  The growth of sin and lawlessness will cause many followers to lose their love of God.  But those who endure to the end (glc…keep faith in Jesus, Revelation 3:10) will be saved.  The good news of God’s kingdom will be preached wherever people live on Earth.  This will be a testimony, a witness, to the nations, and then the end times will come.
Mt 24:15 - 28  When you see the abomination of desolation (see Daniel 9:27; Mark 13:14,19,24; Revelation chapter 13 …glc…  defilement of the temple; false worship )  then those in Judea must run away from their homes and into the mountains without any delay.  This will be a difficult time for traveling for those who are pregnant or have infants.  Pray that this does not happen in winter when it would be more difficult to get away, or on Sabbath when those who follow rules bout limited travel on a Sabbath would be hindered. There will be great suffering in the world.  If the difficult time did not have a limited duration all would die.  But for the sake of those God looks on with favor, the duration will be limited.  Be careful not to follow, or seek after, false messiahs and false prophets.  These people will appear and even do great signs and wonders to try to deceive God’s people.  Remember Jesus’ words of warning here.  Don’t believe those who tell you Jesus is in a certain place.  When Jesus returns he will not be isolated to one hidden location on Earth but will be seen by everyone.  In this time of suffering and death, those who have evil intent will be present, and people will see the situation from a distance..
Mt 24:29 - 31  After this time of suffering the sun will be darkened and the moon will not give its light (glc…this could be a solar eclipse …Moon blocks sunlight and the Moon is at the New phase which is dark…or it could be a supernatural removal of sunlight and moonlight); the stars will fall from heaven, and the powers of heaven will be shaken. (glc…sounds like a description of a meteor shower…but not an ordinary meteor shower, but a meteor storm …. This also sounds like a description of spiritual warfare in heaven.  Evil wars against God but the evil is thrown out of heaven.     Revelation 20:7-10)  The sign of the Son of Man (glc…Jesus - Daniel 7:13,14; 2 Thessalonians 1:7-10; Revelation 19:11-16 ) will appear in the sky and people on Earth will mourn (glc…some will see their unworthiness and repent…some will continue to disavow Jesus and face judgment)  .   All will see Jesus in the sky with power and great glory.  Jesus will send his angels with a loud trumpet blast to gather Christians from the whole world.
Mt 24:32 - 35  Jesus tells the disciples to watch for the signs just as they watch for the fig tree to put out its leaves as an indication that summer is near.  Anticipate Jesus coming when you see these signs.  This generation (glc…some take this to mean the Jewish believers; some interpret this as the generation of people who do evil; some interpret this to mean the end time events will take place in a short span of years) will not die until all I have told you takes place.  The universe will pass away but Jesus’ words are eternal.
Mt 24:36 - 44 Only God the Father knows the exact time of the end.  The end times will be similar to the days of Noah when people were living their lives, doing what they wanted without concern for God, until Noah and his family entered the ark and the rest of humanity were swept away in the flood.  At the end times, God will take people who have faith in Jesus and leave those who don’t have faith in Jesus.  This will happen even as the mix of people are standing together in the same location.  Stay alert (glc…stay spiritually aware and in a state of faith in Jesus) and don’t try to repent at the last moment before you die.  Be ready for Jesus’ return at all times.
Mt 24:45 - 51  Do the tasks God has given you to do (glc…obey God’s commands written in the Bible, have faith in Jesus, tell others about Jesus … Ecclesiastes 12:13).  God will bless those who are doing his will when he comes. (glc… There will be rewards in heaven.  We do good deeds because God has loved us, not because we are seeking rewards.)  Those who live for themselves and don’t think God knows what they are doing will be surprised by Jesus’ return and will face punishment for not continuing to trust in Jesus.  Revelation 20:11 - 15) 
Mt 25:1 - 13 At the end times the kingdom of heaven will be like 10 virgins who took their lamps to meet the bridegroom.  Five of the virgins were foolish and did not plan ahead and did not take along extra oil for their lamps.  Five of the virgins were wise and took along flasks of oil.  The bridegroom was delayed and all 10 fell asleep.  At midnight they were awakened and called out to meet the bridegroom.  All of the virgins trimmed their lamps.  The foolish virgins asked the wise virgins for oil because their lamps were going out.  The wise virgins refused and told them there would not be enough oil for both of them.  They told the foolish virgins to go buy oil.  While they were gone to buy oil the bridegroom arrived along with the wedding guests and the door was shut.  The foolish virgins arrived later and asked to be let in.  They were denied and were told that they were in the state of not being known by the bridegroom.   Jesus told the group that they should stay alert (and prepared) because they do not know the day or the hour when the end will come.
Mt 25:14 - 30 The end times are like a property owner who went on a journey.  As he left, he entrusted his property to his servants.  One servant received five units of money, another two, and another one, each according to the ability that the owner was familiar with.  The one who received five units put the money to work and earned five units more.  The one who received two units put the money to work and earned two units more.  The one who received one unit dug a hole in the ground and hid the owner’s money.  After a long time the owner came to settle his accounts with the three servants.  The servants who received five and two units brought the original money and the profit to the owner.  The owner told them they had done well and they were faithful servants.  The owner told them they would be put in charge of many things and they should enter into the joy of the owner.  The servant who was given one unit of money told the owner he knew the owner was a hard man who was strict in his business dealings.  He explained he was afraid so he hid the money he was given.  The owner called him an evil and lazy slave.  He was told that he should have at least invested the money so it would earn a little interest.  The one unit of money was taken and given to the servant who came with 10 units of money.  Jesus told them that the one who has will be given more, and he will have more than enough.  And, the one who does not have, even what he has will be taken from him.  The worthless servant was thrown into the outer darkness where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.
Mt 25:31 - 46 After Jesus has returned to Earth in glory and with angels, he will sit on his glorious throne.  All people will come before him and he will put them into two groups.  To those on his right, he will say “Come, you who are blessed by my father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world.  For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I was naked and you gave me clothing, I was sick and you took care of me, I was in prison and you visited me.” Those on the right, the righteous, will ask Jesus when they did these things.  Jesus will answer that as they did these things for the least of his brothers and sisters, they did it for Jesus.  
Jesus will tell those on his left to depart from him into eternal fire that has been prepared for the devil and his angels.  For they did not do these things for the least of people.  Those on his left will depart into eternal punishment, but the righteous will go into eternal life (glc…with God).
Mt 26:1 - 5 Jesus tells his disciples “the Son of Man” will be crucified. The religious leaders make plans to arrest and kill Jesus.
Mt 26:6 - 13 Jesus is anointed with expensive oil. The disciples complain about the cost. Jesus defends her actions as doing good to Jesus and preparing him for burial.
Mt 26:14 - 16 Judas Iscariot goes to the religious leaders and receives money to betray Jesus.
Mt 26:17 - 25 Jesus tells the disciples to prepare Passover in a house in the city. Jesus tells the group one of them will betray him.
Mt 26:26 - 30 Jesus gives bread and wine to the disciples. His blood will be for the forgiveness of sins. Jesus won’t drink wine again until he drinks it with them in his Father’s kingdom. They sang a hymn and then went to the Mount of Olives.
Mt 26:31 - 35 Jesus tells them they will abandon him that night but he will be raised and see them in Galilee. Jesus tells Peter he will deny Jesus 3 times before morning. Peter and all the disciples say they will die with Jesus.
Mt 26:36 - 46 In Gethsemane Jesus prays with Peter James and John near; and then he goes further by himself. Jesus asks to not go through what is coming but he submits to the Father’s will. The disciples sleep. Pray that you don’t fall into temptation. The spirit is willing but the flesh is weak.
Mt 26:47 - 56 Judas and an armed crowd arrive. Judas identifies Jesus and Jesus is arrested. One of the disciples uses his sword to strike one in the crowd. Jesus stops the defense and submits so that scripture would be fulfilled. All the disciples run away.
Mt 26:57 - 68 False witnesses testify against Jesus to the religious leaders. Peter is watching. Jesus says he is the Son of God, Son of Man. The religious leaders declare Jesus is guilty and strike him.
Mt 26:69 - 75 Peter is accused of being with Jesus and he denies this three times. Peter does outside and weeps.
Mt 27:1 - 2 Ealy in the morning the religious leaders plotted to execute Jesus.  Jesus was tied up and handed over to Pilate, the Roman governor.
Mt 27:3 - 10  Judas, who betrayed Jesus, saw the Jesus had been condemned, he regretted his actions and gave back the 30 silver coins to the religious leaders.  He told them he had betrayed an innocent man.  They told him they didn’t care what he said now.  Judas threw the silver coins into the temple and went out and hanged himself.  The chief priests said it was unlawful to put the money into the temple treasury, since it was blood money.  The religious leaders decided to buy the Potter’s Field with the money and used it as a burial place for foreigners.  Jeremiah’s prophecy (concepts are written in Jeremiah 18:2-6; 32:6-15; 19:1-13; Zecharaiah 11:12,13) was fulfilled: “30 silver coins, the price of the one whose price had been set by the people of Israel were given for the potter’s field…”
Mt 27:11 - 23 Pilate asked Jesus if he was the king of the Jews.  Jesus said, “You say so.”  The religious leaders accuse Jesus but he does not respond, to the amazement of Pilate.  It was a tradition to release one prisoner during Passover.  Pilate asked if they wanted Barabbas or Jesus who is called the Christ to be released.  Pilate knew the religious leaders were jealous of Jesus.  Pilate’s wife sent him a message that she had a dream and he should have nothing to do with this innocent man.  The religious leaders stirred up the crowd to ask for Barabbas.  Pilate asked what should be done with Jesus who is called the Christ.  The crowd all said, “Crucify him!”  Pilate asked what wrong had he done but the crowd shouted more fervently, “Crucify him!”
Mt 27:24 - 31 Pilate saw that a riot was starting.  He washed his hands in view of the crowd and said he was innocent of this man’s blood.  The crowd replied, “Let his blood be on us and on our children.  Pilate released Barabbas.  Jesus was flogged and handed over to be crucified.  The soldiers took Jesus inside the governor’s residence.  They stripped him, put a scarlet robe around him, and put a crown of thorns on his head.  They put a staff in his right hand, knelt before him and mocked him saying, “Hail, king of the Jews!”  They spat on him and struck him many times on his head with the staff.  Then they took off the robe, put his clothes back on him, and led him away to be crucified.
Mt 27:32 - 44 On the way, they forced Sion from Cyrene to carry the cross.  At Golgotha some  offered wine mixed with gall (NET…perhaps to lessen the pain) to Jesus but Jesus did not drink it.  Jesus was crucified and the soldiers divided his clothes by throwing dice (Psalm 22:18).  The guards sat down to keep watch.  Above Jesus’ head there was a sign, “This is Jesus, the king of the Jews.”  Two outlaws were crucified with him.  Those who walked by Jesus defamed him and said, “You who can destroy the temple and rebuild it in three days, save yourself!  If you are God’s Son, come down from the cross!”  The religious leaders mocked him in the same way saying, “He saved others, but he cannot save himself! He is the king of Israwl! If he comes down now from the cross, we will believe in him!  He trusts God - let God deliver him because he said, ‘ I am God’s Son’!”  The robbers also spoke abusively to him.
Mt 27:45 - 56 From noon until three there was darkness on the land. (NET…parallels in Joel 2:10; Amos 8:9; Zephaniah 1:15)  Around three o’clock Jesus shouted in Aramaic, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” (Psalm 22:1)  Some bystanders heard this and said Jesus is calling for Elijah.  One person put wine on a sponge, put it on a stick, and gave it to Jesus to drink.  But the rest said to leave him alone and see if Elijah comes to save him.  Jesus cried with a loud voice and gave up his spirit.  At this time the temple curtain was torn from top to bottom. (NET…signifying access to God was opened up).  There was an earthquake.  Tombs were opened dn the bodies of many siants who had died were raised.  (They came out of the tombs after his resurrection and appeared to many people in Jerusalem.)  The centurion and soldiers saw the earthquake and what happened and were terrified and said, “Truly this one was God’s Son!”  Many women who had followed Jesus from Galilee and supported him were there, watching from a distance.  Among them were Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James and Joseph, and the mother of the sons of Zebedee (glc…James and John).
Mt 27:57 - 61 Joseph of Arimathea, a disciple of Jesus, went to Pilate and asked for Jesus’ body.  Pilate granted this request and Joseph took the body, wrapped it in a linen cloth, and placed it in his new tomb that was carved into rock.  He rolled a large stone across the entrance.  Mary Magdalene and the other Mary were watching this.
Mt 27:62 - 66 On the next day (ESV…the sabbath day) the religious leaders went to Pilate and told him that the deceiver (glc…Jesus) had said he would rise after three days.  They asked the the tomb be secured until the third day so Jesus’ disciples would not come and steal the body and tell the people Jesus had been raised from the dead, which would be an even greater deception.  Pilate told them to take a guard of soldiers and secure the tomb.  The religious leaders went with the soldiers and sealed the tomb.
Mt 28:1 - 10 After the Sabbath, at dawn on the first day of the week (glc…Sunday) Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to the tomb.  There was a large earthquake as an angel of the Lord came down from heaven and rolled away the stone and sat on it.  The angel had the appearance of lightning and his clothes were white as snow.  The guards were frightened and didn’t move.  The angel told the women to not be afraid and that he knew they were looking for Jesus, who was crucified.  The angel told them he had been raised just as he said.  The angel told them to look in the tomb where he had been lying.  He told them to go soon and tell his disciples.  Jesus me the women and greeted them.  They held on to his feet and worshipped him.  Jesus told them to not be afraid and to go and tell his brothers to go to Galilee where they would see him.
Mt 28:11 - 15 Meanwhile, some of the guards went into Jerusalem and told the chief priests what had happened.  The religious leaders made a plan and gave a large amount of money to the soldiers.  They told them to say that Jesus’ disciples came at night and stole the body while they were sleeping.  They said they would keep them out of trouble if Pilate heard of this matter.  The soldiers took the money and did as they were told.  Jews still repeat this explanation.
Mt 28:16 - 20 The 11 disciples went to Galilee to the mountain where Jesus planned to meet them.  When the disciples saw him they worshipped him but some doubted.  Jesus approached them and told them that all authority in heaven and on earth had been given to him.  Therefore they should go out and make disciples from all nations, baptizing people in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.  The disciples are also to teach the people to obey all of Jesus’ commands.  They are to remember that he would be with them always, to the end of the age.
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MARK
(QUEST…”John Mark, the son of a Jerusalem widow whose home was a meeting place for early believers …Acts 12:12.  Mark most likely recorded the events as he heard them firsthand from the disciple Peter.”  … written sometime in the range of 50 to 70 A.D.)
(ESV…”Widespread evidence from the early church fthers affirms that Peter passed on reports of the words and deeds of Jesus to his attendant and writer, John Mark.”  “ The external and internal data most convincingly point to Rome as the place of composition and a date for Mark in the mid-to late-50s.)
Mk 1:1 - 8  The good news of Jesus Christ, the Son of God.  Isaiah wrote in Isaiah 40:3 “Look, I am sending my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way, the voice of one shouting in the wilderness, ‘Prepare the way for the Lord, make his paths straight.’ “  In the wilderness, John the Baptist preached a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins.  People from the countryside and Jerusalem came to him and were baptized by him in the Jordan River as they confessed their sins.  John wore clothes and ate food like someone who lived in the desert.  (glc…he did not put on an outward show of fine clothes like the religious leaders)  John told the people that a more important person was coming, who John was not worthy to untie his sandals.  This person will baptize the people with the Holy Spirit, not with water as John was doing.
Mk 1:9 - 13 Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan River.  As Jesus was coming up out of the water, he saw the heavens (glc…sky) open and the Holy Spirit descending on him like a dove.  A voice from heaven said “You are my one dear Son; in you I take great delight.” (glc…Jesus obeyed God the Father and sought to be in relationship with him)  The Holy Spirit directed Jesus to go into the wilderness.  Jesus was there 40 days and endured (glc…resisted, overcame …  see Matthew chapter 4) temptations from Satan.  Angels, not people, ministered to his needs.
Mk 1:14 - 20  After John was put into prison (glc…by Herod), Jesus went into Galilee and proclaimed the good news of God.  He told the people, “The time is fulfilled and the kingdom of God is near.  Repent and believe the gospel!”  (glc…this is still the message for us … repent, turn away from evil, and have faith in Jesus, who brought the good news of forgiveness of sins and restoration of fellowship with God through his sacrifice on the cross.  People lost fellowship with God by choosing to do things our way since the time of Adam and Eve.  The good news is that by having faith and trust in Jesus’ sacrifice for your sins, God forgets your sin and sees the righteousness of Jesus on you.)  Jesus was walking along the Sea of Galilee and saw Simon and Andrew fishing.  He told them that if they would follow him he would make them fishers of people.  They left their fishing equipment and followed Jesus.  Jesus also called James and John to follow him and they did, leaving their father and the fishing crew.
Mk 1:21 - 28 Jesus and his followers went to Capernaum.  On the Sabbath, Jesus taught in the synagogue.  He taught with authority and the people were amazed.  He didn’t just base his teaching on traditions handed down by men.  A demon-possessed man in the synagogue cried out “Leave us alone, Jesus the Nazarene!  Have you come to destroy us?  I know who you are - the Holy One of God!”  Jesus told the spirit to be silent and to come out of the man.  The spirit made the man convulse and came out.  The people were amazed that Jesus taught with authority and had authority over demons.  News about Jesus spread quickly in the region around Galilee.
Mk 1:29 - 34  Jesus and his followers went to Simon and Andrew’s house.  Jesus healed Simon’s mother-in-law and she began to serve them.  In the evening the sick and demon-possessed were brought to Jesus.  The whole town gathered by the door of the house.  Jesus healed many who were sick and drove out many demons.  Jesus would not let the demons speak because they knew him.
Mk 1:35 - 39 Before sunrise, Jesus got up and went to a deserted place to pray.  Simon and his companion searched for Jesus.  When they found him they told him “Everyone is looking for you.”  Jesus replied that the group would go into the surrounding villages so he could preach there because that is what he came (glc…to Earth) to do.  Jesus went into all of Galilee preaching in synagogues and casting out demons.
Mk 1:40 - 45 A leper came to Jesus, fell on his knees, and asked for help, “If you are willing, you can make me clean.”  Jesus was moved with indignation (glc…there is some debate if the translation should be indignation, or anger, or compassion), stretched out his hand to touch the leper and said, “I am willing, Be clean!”  The leprosy left him at once, and he was clean.  Jesus sent the man away with a very strong warning to “See that you do not say anything to anyone, but go, show yourself to a priest, and bring the offering that Moses commanded for your cleansing, as a testimony to them.”   But the former leper made public announcements about his healing and Jesus was no longer able to enter any town openly, but stayed outside in remote places.  But people kept coming to him from everywhere.  (glc…I think, at this point, the people were coming for healing rather than for seeking a closer relationship with God.)
Mk 2:1 - 12  Some days later Jesus returned to his home in Capernaum.  The news spread and the house was full.  Jesus preached the word to them.  Some people came carrying a paralytic.  They removed the roof above Jesus and lowered the paralytic on his stretcher.  Jesus saw their faith and said “Son, you sins are forgiven.”  The religious leaders thought about this and thought, “Why is Jesus blaspheming.  Who can forgive sins but God alone?”  Jesus realized in his spirit they had these thoughts, so he said to them, “Why are you thinking such things in your hearts?  Which is easier, to say to the paralytic, ‘’Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say ‘Stand up, take your stretcher, and walk’?  But so that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on Earth to forgive sins,” - he said to the paralytic = “I tell you, stand up, take your stretcher, and go home.”  Immediately the man stood up, took his stretcher, and went out in front of them all.  They were all amazed and glorified God, saying, “We have never seen anything like this!”
Mk 2:13 - 17  Jesus went out by the sea, the crowd came to him, and he taught them.  As he went along he saw Levi sitting at the tax booth.  “Follow me,” he said to him and Levi got up and followed Jesus.  Jesus ate in Levi’s home along with his disciples and many tax collectors and sinners.  The religious leaders saw this and asked his disciples, “Why does he eat with tax collectors and sinners?”  Jesus heard this and told them, “Those who are healthy don’t need a physician, but those who are sick do.  I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.”
Mk 2:18 - 22  John’s disciples and the Pharisees were fasting. (NET … zealous Jews fasted on Monday and Thursday)  They came to Jesus to ask him why his disciples did not fast, since the disciples of John and the Pharisees did fast.  Jesus told them people don’t fast when the bridegroom (glc…Jesus) is with them, but the days are coming when the bridegroom will be taken and they will fast.  He also said that no one sews a patch of unshrunk cloth on an old garment, as the patch would pull away and make the tear worse.  Also, no one pours new wine into old wineskins as the wine would burst the old wineskin and destroy the wineskin and wine.  New wine is poured into new wineskins. (glc…Jesus is teaching that his way and teaching does not fit into the old traditions.  His new teaching …new revelation of good news … is for people willing to accept new teaching, who are not rigid in their old way of thinking.)
Mk 2:23 - 28  Jesus and his disciples walked through grain fields on the Sabbath and the disciples picked some heads of wheat.  The Pharisees told Jesus to watch what his disciples were doing since it was against the law (glc…against their interpretation of the law).  Jesus responded that they should think about what David did when his followers were hungry.  They ate the sacred bread from God’s house in violation of the law that only the priests were to eat this bread.  Jesus told the Pharisees that the Sabbath was made for people.  The people were not made for the Sabbath.  For this reason the Son of Man is lord even of the Sabbath.  (glc…Jesus is teaching that the religious leaders should change their thinking and not use religious laws to constrain the people.  He also teaches that he is greater than the Sabbath.)
Mk 3:1 - 6 Jesus entered a synagogue.  One of the men there had a withered hand.  The religious leaders watched Jesus to see if he would heal on the Sabbath, so they could accuse him as a religious law-breaker.  Jesus did not try to hid the healing.  He had the man stand up.  Jesus askd, “Is it lawful to do good on the Sabbath, or evil, to save a life or destroy it?”  The religious leaders were silent.  Jesus was angry at their lack of response and hard hearts (glc…not open to what God was doing among them.)..  He told the man to stretch out his hand.  The hand was restored.  The Pharisees went out and started plotting with the Herodians (NET…Matthew 22:16; Mark 3:6; Mark 12:13 …Jewish supporters of the Herodian dynasty…who had nationalism goals to oppose Roman rule.) as to how they could kill Jesus.
Mk 3:7 - 12  Jesus and his disciples went to Galilee and a large crowd followed.  Many people from Judea, Jerusalem, regions beyond the Jordan, and from around Tyre and Sidon (glc…northwest of Galilee, along the Mediterranean) came to Jesus after they heard of the things he had done.  Jesus had the disciples get a small boat for him so the crowd would not press in on him.  Jesus had healed many and people with diseases pressed toward him to try to touch him.  When evil spirits saw him they (glc…the people they possessed)  fell down before him and cried out, “You are the Son of God.”  Jesus commanded them to not make Jesus known.
Mk 3:13 - 19  Jesus went up a mountain and invited some to come up with him.  He appointed the 12 apostles (NET…Luke 6:13) to be with him, to be sent out to preach, and to have authority to cast out demons.  He renamed Simon as Peter, and called James and John, the sons of Zebedee, “sons of thunder.”  Also with him were Andrew, Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew, Thomas, James the son of Alphaeus, Thaddaeus, Simon the Zealot, and Judas Iscariot, who betrayed him.
Mk 3:20 - 30  Jesus went home (glc…in Capernaum , Mark 2:1) and a crowd gathered.  Jesus’ family heard Jesus was there and they came to restrain him since they thought he was out of his mind.  The religious leaders said he is possessed by Satan (QUEST 2 Kings 1:2-17) and that he was casting out demons by the ruler of demons.  Jesus called to them and spoke in parables. He told them it was not reasonable that Satan would cast out Satan, and that a kingdom divided against itself will fall.  If Satan rises against himself and is divided he will not stand and his end has come.  He also told them that no one is able to enter a strong man’s house and rob him unless he first ties up the strong man.  Jesus emphasized that people will be forgiven all sins and blasphemies except blasphemy (ESV Study Bible … flagrant, willful, judgment that the Spirit’s testimony about Jesus is satanic)  against the Holy Spirit.  Jesus said this because the religious leaders were saying that Jesus had an unclean spirit (glc…v22).  
Mk 3:31 - 35  Jesus’ mother (glc…Mary) and his brothers (glc…see Matthew 13:55 …James, Joseph, Simon, Judas; Mark 6:3, and John 7:3 …NET…half-brothers)  came to the house.  They sent a message to Jesus to have him come out of the house.  The people near Jesus told him his mother and brothers were outside, looking for him.  Jesus asked the people around him, “Here are my mother and my brothers!  For whoever does the will of God is my brother and sister and mother. 
Mk 4:1 - 9 Jesus, in a boat, teaches a large crowd on the shore. Parable of the sower: seed on the path; seed on rocky ground; seed in thorns; seed on good soil produces grain. Hear and understand.
Mk 4:10 - 20 Jesus spoke in parables to fulfill Isaiah 6:9,10. The disciples have received the revelation of the kingdom of God. Some people are not open to receiving spiritual truth. Jesus explains the parable to the disciples. Seed on the path represents those who hear the word but Satan takes the word from them. Seed on the rocky ground represents those who hear the word with joy but the word does not take root in them so they fall away when troubles come. Seed in the thorns represents those who hear but they let worldly attractions become more important than the word. Seed on good soil represents those who accept the word and make the word a part of their lives. They bear spiritual fruit in keeping with the word.
Mk 4:21 - 25 Jesus’ word reveals truth and brings it to the light for people to see. Hear and understand. Be careful what you let influence your life. Those who receive truth will get more truth. Those who don’t grow in truth will lose the little truth they have.
Mk 5:1 - 13 Jesus and the disciples arrive in Gerasenes' territory. A demon-possessed man meets them. The people of the region tried, unsuccessfully, to chain him in a graveyard. The demon recognizes Jesus as Son of God. Jesus gave permission for the demons to enter nearby pigs, who rush into the lake.
Mk 5:14 - 20 The people herding the pigs report what happened to the townspeople and the surrounding area. The people come to see for themselves and find the man, no longer demon-possessed, with Jesus. The people beg Jesus to leave. Jesus tells the man to share his story with the people of his family and town and he does so.
Mk 5:21 - 34 Jesus and his disciples cross the lake and a large crowd gathers. A synagogue leader, Jairus, asks Jesus to heal his very sick daughter. Jesus and the crowd go with him. A woman who had been bleeding for 12 years touches Jesus’ cloak in faith and she is healed.
Mk 5:35 - 43 Messengers bring a message that Jairus’ daughter has died. Jesus tells Jairus to not be afraid; but believe. Peter, James, John go with Jesus and Jairus to the house where people are mourning. The four plus the mother and father go to the child. Jesus holds her hand and tells her to get up and she does so. They were amazed. Jesus tells them to keep silent about the healing.
Mk 6:1 - 6 Jesus and the disciples go to Nazareth. Jesus teaches in the synagogue on the Sabbath. The people are amazed at his teaching, wisdom, and miracles. They only see him as what he was when he left Nazareth: carpenter, Mary’s son, having brothers and sisters. Jesus says a prophet has no honor among his family and town. Jesus only heals a few people in the town. He goes to other villages and teaches.
Mk 6:7 - 13 Jesus sends out disciples two by two. He gives them authority over demons. He tells them to not take many supplies with them but to receive hospitality from the people in towns. If the town doesn’t welcome them they are to shake its dust from their feet and leave. The disciples preach repentance. They cast out many demons, anointed many sick people, and heal them.
Mk 6:14 - 29 Herod hears about Jesus. He says Jesus is John the Baptist, raised from the dead. Herod had put John in prison because Herod had married his brother’s wife. Herod liked to listen to John and respected him. Herod’s daughter dances for Herod’s guests and Herod rashly promises to grant her request. She gets advice from her mother and asks for the head of John the Baptist. John is beheaded. His disciples bury his body.
Mk 6:30 - 44 The apostles report to Jesus on their ministry. Jesus goes by boat with them to an isolated place. The people see them leave and go by foot along with people from other towns to meet Jesus. Jesus has compassion on the large crowd and teaches them. At the end of the day the disciples tell Jesus to disperse the crowd. Jesus tells the disciples to give them food. The disciples say they can’t. Jesus tells the people to sit down in groups. Jesus looks up to heaven and gives thanks. All the people (5,000 men plus women and children..Matthew) eat and are satisfied. There are 12 baskets of leftovers.
Mk 6:45 - 52 Jesus has the disciples take the boat and go back across the sea. Jesus disperses the crowd and then prays on the mountain. Jesus sees the boat struggling in the wind. Jesus walks on water to the boat. The disciples are afraid. Jesus tells them to not be afraid and gets into the boat. The wind stops. The disciples did not understand the meaning of the leftover loaves.
Mk 6:53 - 56 At Gennesaret people recognize Jesus. People in the region bring the sick to where Jesus is rumored to be. Jesus goes to towns and the countryside. The sick touch his cloak and are healed (glc…because of their faith in Jesus).
Mk 7:1 - 16 The religious leaders from Jerusalem complain that some disciples did not wash their hands before eating. Jesus quotes from Isaiah 29:13 that the people say meaningless words and have hearts that don’t seek God. The doctrines they have are from men and they are not worshipping God. They are disobeying God’s command to honor Father and Mother in order to get more money from the people. They have other rules that disobey God’s commands. Jesus tells the crowd that it is what comes out of a person (speech and actions) that defile a person.
Mk 7: 17 - 23 Jesus teaches the disciples about what he said. What goes into your mouth goes out into the sewer. All foods are clean. Out of the heart come evil ideas, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, greed, evil, deceit, debauchery, envy, slander, pride, and folly. These defile a person.
Mk 7:24 - 30 Jesus goes to Tyre and tries to not draw attention but people recognize him. A Greek woman’s daughter is demon-possessed. She asks Jesus to heal her. Jesus says the Jews should be tended to first. The woman says she will accept leftovers and will be close to the Jews. Jesus heals the daughter (at a distance) and the woman finds the daughter well at her home.
Mk 7:31 - 37 Jesus goes through Tyre and Sidon to the Decapolis (10 Greek-culture towns) on the east side of the Jordan. Jesus heals a deaf man privately. Jesus tells him to not tell others but he proclaims the healing. People are amazed.
Mk 8:1 - 10 Another large crowd (4,000) are with Jesus for 3 days. The disciples despair of finding enough food in the remote location to feed the crowd. Jesus asks how many loaves they have, 7. He gives thanks and the disciples pass out the bread. Everyone eats, and are satisfied. Seven baskets of leftovers are gathered. Jesus dismisses the crowd and gets into a boat with the disciples.
Mk 8:11 - 13 Pharisees ask Jesus for a sign from heaven. Jesus says no sign will be given. Jesus gets into the boat and leaves.
Mk 8:14 - 21 The disciples only had one loaf of bread in the boat. Jesus tells them to be alert for the yeast (glc…contamination, bad teaching) of the Pharisees and Herod. Jesus chides the disciples for not understanding what they have seen and heard. (glc … Jesus is the provider and true teacher.) (glc…I suppose the leftovers were taken by the crowd of people as they left.)
Mk 8:22 - 26 Jesus heals a blind man in Bethsaida who was brought to Jesus. Jesus sends him home and tells him not to go into the village.
Mk 8:27 - 30 Jesus and disciples walk to Caesarea Philippi. They talk as they travel and Jesus asks what they are hearing about him from the people. The disciples report: John the Baptist, Elijah, a prophet. Jesus asks the disciples who he is. Peter says “the Christ.” Jesus warns the disciples not to tell anyone. (glc …Jesus did not want to become too well known and popular. He wanted to fulfill his mission on Earth of being the sacrifice for our sins at the Passover celebration.)
Mk 8:31 - 33 Jesus teaches the disciples that he must suffer, be rejected by religious leaders, be killed, and rise after 3 days. Peter rebukes Jesus. Jesus makes eye contact with the disciples and tells Peter he is Satan and has his thoughts on what men want, not on what God wants.
Mk 8:34 - 38 Jesus teaches a crowd and the disciples. To follow Jesus you must deny yourself and reject the world’s ways. Those who lose their life for Jesus will save their true, eternal, life. Those who are ashamed of Jesus and his teaching on Earth will face Jesus’ judgment in heaven when Jesus returns to Earth from heaven.
Mk 9:1 - 13 Jesus tells the disciples some will see the kingdom of God soon. Six days later Jesus goes up a mountain with Peter, James, and John. He is transfigured in appearance with a shining brightness for his clothes. Elijah and Moses appear and talk with Jesus. A voice from a cloud tells the disciples Jesus is the one dear Son, listen (glc…and obey) him. Jesus tells them not to tell what they saw until the Son of Man rises from the dead. The disciples don’t understand. The disciples know the religious leaders teach that Elijah must come before Messiah comes. Jesus tells them Elijah has already come. (glc…John the Baptist)
Mk 9 14 - 29 At the bottom of the mountain were the other disciples, religious leaders, and a large crowd. A father tells Jesus his son is demon-possessed and the disciples could not heal him. Jesus speaks that the people are unbelieving. (glc…Jesus is frustrated that the people are slow to understand him and his message.) The father asks for any help Jesus can give. Jesus says everything is possible for one who believes. The father says he has a mix of belief and unbelief and asks for help for his faith. Jesus commands the demon to leave the boy. Jesus gently lifts the boy from the ground. The disciples ask why they couldn’t heal the boy. Jesus tells them this kind of demon required prayer.
Mk 9:30 - 32 Jesus and the disciples walk through Galilee and Jesus teaches the disciples and keeps a low profile. Jesus tells them he will be betrayed, killed, and rise after three days. The disciples don’t understand and don’t ask for an explanation due to their fear.
Mk 9:33 - 37 The disciples argue about which disciple was most important. Jesus teaches that those who want to be important must serve all. Jesus teaches that welcoming children leads to welcoming Jesus which leads to welcoming God the Father.
Mk 9:38 - 41 Jesus tells them to not think so exclusively. Let others do works in Jesus’ name. Those who don’t oppose Jesus are for Jesus. Those who help the disciples will have a reward.
Mk 9:42 - 50 Don’t lead others into sin. Be careful to avoid things leading you into sin - hand - foot - eye. Do what you must to enter into eternal life in heaven. Hell is eternal punishment. Be a good influence in the world, a preservative, and have peace amongst yourselves.
(glc … Jesus is emphasizing the importance of avoiding sin in your life.)
Mk 10:1 - 12 Jesus went to Judea and past the Jordan River. Jesus taught the crowds. Religious leaders come to try to trap Jesus in his words. They ask about divorce. Jesus tells them Moses allowed a man to divorce his wife because they didn’t listen to God and only cared about themselves. Jesus tells them God had different plans for marriage and that what God has joined together, no person should separate. It is adultery in God’s sight when a man or woman divorces and remarries. (see Matthew 19:9 and 1 Corinthians 7:14,15)
Mk 10:13 - 16 Jesus wanted little children to come to him. Receive the kingdom of God like a child (glc…receive in simple faith and trust). Jesus blessed the children.
Mk 10:17 - 27 A man asks Jesus what to do to get eternal life? Only God is good (glc…the man called Jesus good … Jesus is inviting the man to believe in him.) Jesus lists some commandments. The man claims to have obeyed them. Jesus asks the man to give up his worldly wealth to gain treasure in heaven, and then follow Jesus. The man (rich) walks away. Jesus tells the disciples it is very hard for the rich to enter heaven. (glc…The rich have many distractions and cares about this world that can overwhelm their care for heaven.) But, God can save. All things are possible for God.
Mk 10:28 - 31 Jesus tells the disciples that they will receive blessings, rewards, in this life for what they have given up to follow him. And then they will have eternal life. But many who are first will be last and the last first.
Mk 10:32 - 34 Jesus leads the way to Jerusalem. He teaches the disciples that the religious leaders will condemn Jesus to death. Jesus will be insulted, punished, and killed. But he will rise after 3 days.
Mk 10:35 - 45 James and John request to sit beside him in heaven. Jesus tells them they are asking for something they are ignorant about (the consequences). They will experience the sufferings Jesus experiences, but there are plans already for who will sit beside Jesus. The other 10 disciples are upset with James and John. Jesus teaches the disciples that they are to be different in their attitudes than the authorities. The great person must be a servant. Jesus did not come to be served but to be the ransom (from sin) for people.
Mk 10:46 - 52 As they left Jericho, Jesus, the disciples, and a crowd pass by a blind beggar. He asks Jesus for mercy. People tell him not to bother Jesus, but he shouts louder. Jesus tells others to have the man come to him. He comes in a hurry. The man asks Jesus that he see again. Jesus tells him his faith has healed him and can see. He follows Jesus.
Mk 11:1 - 11 Near Jerusalem, Jesus sends two disciples ahead to get a colt for Jesus to ride into Jerusalem. People laid their outer garments on the road and spread branches on the road. The people around Jesus shouted “Hosanna” and “blessed is the coming Kingdom of...David.” Jesus went into the temple but then went to Bethany with the disciples.
Mk 11:12 - 14 The next day they left Bethany. Jesus was hungry but the fig tree did not have any figs. Jesus tells the tree that no one will eat fruit from you again. He said this so the disciples could hear it. see v 20ff
Mk 11:15 - 19 Jesus enters the temple in Jerusalem and clears out the people who were making money in the Temple courts. Jesus teaches that it should be a house of prayer but they have made it a den of robbers. Isaiah 56:7 and Jeremiah 7:11 The religious leaders talk how they could kill Jesus because they feared his influence on the people. In the evening Jesus and the disciples leave Jerusalem.
Mk 11:20 - 25 The next day the group sees that the fig tree has withered. Jesus uses this as a teaching on faith. When you pray believe that what you have prayed for will happen. When you pray forgive others and your Father in heaven will forgive your sins. (See Lord’s Prayer Matthew 6:12)
(glc… It would be good to do a study of the word Faith in the Bible passages and the impact of Faith in our lives.)
Mk 11:26 may be a late edit to the text … if you don’t forgive…see Matthew 6:15
Mk 11:27 - Jesus is in the temple courts in Jerusalem. The religious leaders questing Jesus authority. Jesus asks them about the authority of John the Baptist’s ministry. The religious leaders are trapped … if they say, “from heaven” Jesus can ask them why they didn’t believe John. If they say “from people” the crowd will turn against them because the people trusted John as a prophet. The Religious leaders say they don’t know. Jesus refuses to state where his authority comes from.
Mk 12:1 - 12 Jesus tells the religious leaders a parable about tenants who don’t respect the owner of a vineyard. The analogy is to the prophets that God sent to Israel that the leaders of Israel did not listen to and killed. The owner of the vineyard destroys the tenants and gives the vineyard to others. The religious leaders understand the parable is spoken against them. They want to arrest Jesus but they fear the crowd so they go away.
Mk 12:13 - 17 The religious leaders seek to trap Jesus by asking if they should pay taxes to Caesar. Jesus looks at a coin and says to give Caesar his things and give God his things. The religious leaders are amazed.
Mk 12:18 - 27 Sadducees did not believe in a life after death. They test Jesus by asking who will be a husband in heaven to a woman who legally had 7 husbands on Earth. Jesus tells them they have wrong conclusions because they don’t understand God’s word or power. There is no marriage in heaven. You will be like an angel - a spiritual being. Jesus teaches about life after death. God is the god of the living, not the dead.
Mk 12:28 - 34 An expert in God’s law asked Jesus what commandment is most important. Jesus says 1) the Lord is one. Love God completely. 2) Love your neighbor as yourself. Jesus respects the attitude of the expert and tells him he is not far from the kingdom of God. A person is close but not in until the person has faith in Jesus.
Mk 12:35 - 37 Jesus taught in the temple courts. He teaches that David calls the Christ his Lord. The crowd likes Jesus’ teaching.
Mk 12:38 - 40 Jesus warns the people about religious leaders who make a show of their position but mistreat widows. They will be punished.
Mk 12:41 - 44 Jesus watched people bring their offerings. He teaches the disciples that a poor widow had given more than anyone because she gave out of her poverty, others gave out of their abundance.
Mk 13:1 - 8 As the group left the temple courts, the disciples were impressed by the religious buildings. Jesus says the buildings will not last forever. When the group is on the Mount of Olives Peter, James, John, and Andrew ask what the sign will be before the end comes. Jesus warns them to not be misled by people and not to think the end is near when wars and earthquakes take place.
Mk 13:9 - 13 Jesus tells them they will be persecuted but they will witness to authorities. The good news that Jesus is teaching must be told to all nations. At their trials, the Holy Spirit will direct their words.
Mk 13:14 - 23 Daniel 9:27 has words about the abomination. This likely refers to events described in Revelation end of Chp 9 and Chp 13. If you are on Earth and see these spiritual signs get away from it. There will be Christians who are saved from the troubles. Don’t follow false messiahs and false prophets. They will even perform signs. Be alert.
Mk 13:24 - 27 After the troubles there will be signs in the sky with the sun and moon and meteor showers. THEN all will see Jesus arrive in the clouds. Jesus will send angels to gather Christians. These Christians will be on Earth (and outside the Earth??).
Mk 13:28 - 31 You see signs of the seasons in plant activity. Be aware of, and understand, spiritual signs. V30 is difficult. “This generation” might be the Jewish people, or people who have the attitudes and activities that are described, or the events may take place and finish in less than the lifespan of a generation.
Mk 13:32 - No person knows the time the events will take place. Ignore predictions of the end. You should be spiritually prepared at all times. Be prepared personally.
Mk 14:1 - 2 Just before Passover the religious leaders were planning how they could arrest and kill Jesus. They were concerned about the people being angry.
Mk 14:3 - 9 Jesus is in a house in Bethany. A woman anoints Jesus with expensive lotion.  300 denarii is more than the 30 coins given to Judas for betraying Jesus. Some people in the house are angry with the woman for not selling the lotion and giving the money to the poor. Jesus defends her. She has anointed Jesus for his burial.
Mk 14:10 - 11 Judas goes to the religious leaders to betray Jesus for a payment (Mt 26:15 30 pieces of silver).
Mk 14:12 - 16 Jesus sends two disciples to the city to locate a room for Passover that has already been prepared.
Mk 14:17 - 21 In the evening, Jesus comes to the house with the 12 disciples. During the meal, Jesus tells them that one of the 12 will betray him. They all say, not me. Jesus is fulfilling OT prophecies, but the one who betrays Jesus should not have been born.
Mk 14: 22 - 26 Jesus gives them bread and the cup. He tells them it is his body and his blood. His blood is covenant blood that is for the benefit of many. Jesus tells them this is his last drink of wine until he drinks it in the kingdom of God. They sing a hymn and go to the Mount of Olives.
Mk 14:27 - 31 Jesus tells them they will abandon him, but after he rises he will go to Galilee. Peter says he will not fall away. Jesus says it will happen before morning. All the disciples say they will not fall away.
Mk 14:32 - 42 In Gethsemane, Jesus takes Peter, James, and John, and tells them he is in distress. Jesus goes a short distance away and prays. Jesus asks for a different plan but submits to God the Fathere’s will. Jesus goes back and finds the disciples sleeping. Jesus tells them to stay awake and pray they won’t fall into temptation. The spirit is willing but the flesh is weak. Again Jesus prays and again the disciples sleep. Jesus tells them the time has come to meet his betrayer.
Mk 14:43 - 52 Judas arrives with an armed crowd that the religious leaders had provided. Jesus goes up to Jesus to identify him for the armed crowd. Jesus submits to the arrest to fulfill OT scripture. The disciples run away.
Mk 14:53 - 65 Jesus is taken to the High Priest and religious leaders. Peter followed into the courtyard. False testimony is given against Jesus. The High Priest asks Jesus if he is the Christ, the Son of the Blessed One? Jesus says I am and that he will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of God the Father. The religious leaders are offended and condemn Jesus to death. Jesus is mistreated.
Mk 14:66 - 72 Peter is confronted that he is a follower of Jesus. Peter denies it and a rooster crows for the first time. Peter is confronted as a follower of Jesus two more times. A rooster crows for the second time and peter weeps as he remembers what Jesus told him.
Mk 15:1 - 5 The religious leaders bind Jesus and take him to Pilate. Pilate questions Jesus and the religious leaders state their accusations. Jesus does not say much. Pilate is probably used to prisoners talking more in their defense.
Mk 15:6 - 15 The Romans had a tradition of releasing one prisoner, whom the people asked for, at Passover. Pilate knew Jesus was given to him due to Jesus’ differences with the religious leaders. The religious leaders prompted the crowd to have Barabbas, a murderer, released. The crowd demanded that Jesus be crucified. Pilate wanted to placate the crowd so he had Jesus punished and sent to be crucified.
Mk 15:16 - 20 The soldiers mock Jesus and punish him.
Mk 15:21 - 32 Simon of Cyrene is forced to carry Jesus’ cross. Jesus is crucified at Golgotha with a sign “The king of the Jews.” Two outlaws are crucified as well. People walking by, and the outlaws, mock Jesus.
Mk 15:33 - 41 at noon, darkness came over the area. (see Joel 2:10; Amos 8:9; Zephaniah 1:15) Near 3:00 Jesus calls out; “ why have you forsaken me.” (see Psalm 22:1) Jesus dies. The heavy curtain in the temple is torn in two. The Roman guard says “This was God’s Son.” Women who had followed Jesus were there.
Mk 15:42 - 47 Joseph of Arimathea, a religious leader (See John’s gospel) asked Pilate for Jesus’ body. Joseph wraps Jesus’ body in a linen cloth, puts the body in a tomb, and rolls a stone in front of the tomb. Some of the women see where the tomb is.
Mk 16:1 - 8 On Sunday, women take spices to anoint Jesus’ body. At the tomb, they find the large stone has been rolled away. Inside the tomb is a young man dressed in white (angel Mt 28:2). He tells them Jesus has been raised. The women are to tell the disciples that they will see him in Galilee. The women were afraid and didn’t tell anyone.
This is likely the end of the original Mark document. The rest of Mark was probably added later.

Mk 16:9 - 11 Jesus appeared to Mary Magdalene. The others did not believe her when she told them.
Mk 16:12 - 20 Jesus appeared to two of his followers who were traveling out of Jerusalem. They went back to tell other disciples. But they were not believed. Jesus appeared to the eleven disciples and rebuked the group for not believing the reports that he had risen. Jesus gave them a command to preach the good news in all the world. Those who believe will be saved. Those who believe will be accompanied by signs: driving out demons, speaking a new language, not hurt by snakes or poison, and healing the sick. Jesus was taken up to heaven. The disciples proclaimed the good news and their message was confirmed by signs.
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LUKE
(QUEST…”Who wrote the book” Luke, a companion of Paul the apostle.” When was it written?  Possibly A.D. 59 to 63, although some think it may have been 15 to 20 years later.”)
(ESV…”The Lukan authorship of Luke-Acts is affirmed by both external evidence (church tradition) and internal evidence.”  “The earliest possible date of Luke-Acts is immediately after the events that LUke recorded in Acts 28, c. A.D. 62.”)
Lk 1:1 - 4 Luke notes that others have written about what has happened. Eyewitnesses and disciples have told what they saw. Luke has been a careful follower of these reports and now seeks to write an organized report for Theophilus (See Acts 1), so Theophilus can become more certain of what he has been taught.
Lk 1:5 - 7 While Herod was king, Zechariah, a priest, and his wife Elizabeth were living. They were righteous in God’s sight, but had no children and now they were old.
Lk 1:8 - 17 Zechariah was selected by lot (like dice) to enter the Holy Place (outside of the Holy of Holies) to burn incense. An angel appears to Zechariah and tells Zechariah not to be afraid. Further, Gabriel tells him that Elizabeth will give birth to a son. They will name him John. John will be great in God’s sight and will be filled with the Holy Spirit, even before his birth. He will lead many in Israel to turn to God. He will have the spirit and power of Elijah to correct the hearts of fathers in their family life. And he will turn the disobedient to wisdom. This will prepare people for the Lord.
Lk 1:18 - 20 Zechariah says he is not sure this can happen since he and Elizabeth are old. The angel announces that Gabriel stands in God’s presence, and was sent to him. Gabriel tells Zechariah, since he did not believe, he won’t be able to speak until what Gabriel said takes place (birth of John).
Lk 1:21 - 23 Zechariah comes out of the Holy place. He can’t speak. The people realize he saw a vision. Zechariah goes home.
Lk 1:24 - 25 After a span of time, Elizabeth becomes pregnant but doesn’t go out in public. She acknowledges what God has done for her.
Lk 1:26 - 38 Six months later Gabriel is sent by God to a virgin, Mary, in Nazareth. Gabriel tells her she has found favor with God. Mary will give birth to a Son, Jesus. Jesus will be great and will be called the Son of God. Jesus will be given David’s throne. Jesus will reign forever. Mary asks how this can happen. Gabriel tells her the Holy Spirit and God’s power will accomplish this. Jesus will be called the Son of God. Gabriel tells Mary that Elizabeth is pregnant and will soon have a son, and nothing is impossible with God. Mary submits as a servant of God.
Lk 1:39 - 56 Mary travels to be with Zechariah and Elizabeth. Elizabeth is filled with the Holy Spirit and proclaims that Mary is blessed and the child she is carrying is blessed. The child is the Lord. Mary is blessed for believing Gabriel’s message. Mary praises God for blessing her. God is holy, and he is merciful to those who fear (revere) him. God works on the Earth to help Israel. Mary stayed with Elizabeth for about three months.
Lk 1:57 - 66 John is born. On the eighth day, Zechariah and Elizabeth bring him to be circumcised. Elizabeth proclaims that he will be named John. Zechariah writes on a tablet that his name will be John. Zechariah is not able to speak and he blesses God. The people have fear and the events are discussed in the surrounding area. People wondered what would be the outcome of this.
Lk 1:67 - 79 Zechariah is filled with the Spirit and speaks prophecy: He blesses God and recognizes God has come to help Israel; salvation (saved from enemies) has come to Israel as foretold by prophets. God has shown mercy and remembered his covenant to Abraham that the people will be rescued and serve God without fear, having holiness and righteousness. Zechariah gives a prophecy that John will be called a prophet of God and will prepare the way for God. The people will have knowledge of salvation and forgiveness of sins by God’s mercy. God’s light will shine to give light to those in darkness.
Lk 1:80 John grows in body and in spirit. He goes to the wilderness.
Lk 2:1 - 7 The Romans order a census to be taken. Joseph and Mary travel to Bethlehem because Joseph descended from David. Mary gives birth and they stay in a stable because the inn was full.
Lk 2:8 - 20 Shepherds near Bethlehem were watching the sheep at night. An angel appears to them in glory. The angel tells them to not be afraid. The angel gives them the good news that their Savior, Christ, The Lord, has been born in Bethlehem. They are told how to find the baby and then a multitude of heavenly beings appear and praise God. The shepherds go to Bethlehem and find Jesus. They told Joseph and Mary (and others?) what they had been told in the field. Mary stored up the words and thought about them. The shepherd returned to their field. They praised God that they had found Jesus just as they had been told.
Lk 2:21 After 8 days Jesus is circumcised and officially named Jesus.
Lk 2:22 - 24 Joseph and Mary follow Jewish law to present Jesus to God and make and offering.
Lk 2:25 - 35 In Jerusalem, Simeon had been watching for the restoration of Israel. He was righteous and the Holy Spirit influenced him to be in the temple courts. Simeon holds Jesus and blesses God. Simeon says he can now die in peace as God has let him see the salvation that God has prepared. There will be revelation for Gentiles and glory for Israel. Joseph and Mary are amazed at his words. Simeon blesses them. And he tells Mary, Jesus will cause turbulent times in Israel and will be rejected. Mary will have sorrow.
Lk 2:36 - 38 An elderly prophetess, Anna, lived in the temple worshipping God. She approached Joseph and Mary thanking God. She spoke about Jesus to all who were waiting for Jerusalem’s redemption.
Lk 2:39 - 40 Joseph and Mary fulfill the law and then return to Nazareth with Jesus. Jesus grows well and God’s favor was on him.
Lk 2:41 - 51 Joseph and Mary went to Jerusalem every year at Passover. When Jesus was 12 he was with them but stayed behind when they started back to Nazareth. They return to look for Jesus. Jesus is found with the religious teachers, who were amazed at Jesus’ insights. Mary and Joseph find Jesus and they are relieved and perturbed. Jesus tells them he had to be in his Father’s house. Mary and Joseph don’t understand. Jesus goes back to Nazareth and obeys them. Mary ponders what this all means.
Lk 2:52 Jesus grows physically and spiritually. He has favor with God and people.
Lk 3:1 - 9 At a historical point in time, John the Baptist received a message from God while he was in the wilderness. He started preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins to people around the Jordan river.
(glc…In what way did the people receive forgiveness? Note in NET Bible points to John’s ministry being a call for people to prepare for salvation from God.  The Old Testament had instructions about forgiveness for sins. The forgiveness the OT people received was not long lasting.   Leviticus 16:30 - atonement; Numbers 14:19-21 - God pardons; Psalm 32:1-2 - sins are covered; Psalm 130:7,8 - God will redeem Israel from sins;  Isaiah 1:18 - sins will be changed from scarlet to white; Isaiah 38:7 - God put sin behind his back; Isaiah 43:5 - God can remember sin no more;  Ezekiel 36:33 God will cleanse you from sin; Micah 7:18-19 God pardons from sin.  With Jesus’ sacrifice for our sins there is permanent forgiveness for sins.)
v4ff John’s ministry fulfills Isaiah 40:3-5. John is preparing the way for Jesus’ ministry. John did not sugar-coat his message to the people who came to him - “offspring of vipers. (NET)” John warners people that their actions must match their words of repentance. Don’t rely on the religious reputation of ancestors. God will judge those who don’t produce good fruit - those who don’t have actions that line up with God’s character and actions.
Lk 3:10 - 14 The people asked what they should do. John tells them to help others and don’t misuse your position in society or your authority.
Lk 3:15 - 17 John lets the people know he is not the Christ. He says another, more powerful, one is coming who will baptize with the Holy Spirit and fire. He will separate the bad from the good.
Lk 3:18-20 John was enthusiastic and persistent in preaching the good news. John rebuked Herod for marrying the wife of Herod’s brother and for his evil deeds. Herod puts John in prison.
Lk 3:21 - 22 Jesus was baptized. Jesus prayed (words not recorded) and the Holy Spirit descends on him in the form of a dove. A voice from heaven declares that Jesus is his Son and that he delights God.
Lk 3:23 - 38 Jesus began his ministry around the age of 30. His list of ancestors is traced through the male line including Joseph (glc ..only to fit the pattern of naming male ancestors, … (NET) Joseph was Jesus’ legal father, not biological). Ancestors (this is not the complete list) include Amos, Nahum, Zerubbabel, Joshua, David, Boaz, Juda, Jacob, Isaac, Abraham, Shem, Noah, Seth, and Adam.
Lk 4:1 - 13 After his baptism, Jesus is led by the Holy Spirit into the wilderness and is tempted by Satan for forty days. He fasts for 40 days. Three temptations are recorded here. Satan tells Jesus to prove he is the Son of God by making bread out of a stone. Jesus refutes the temptation by quoting Deuteronomy 8:3. There are more important things than food. Satan offers Jesus all the kingdoms of the world and their glory, if Jesus will worship him. Jesus responds with Deuteronomy 6:13 … only worship God. Satan tells Jesus to prove he is the Son of God by jumping off the top of the temple in Jerusalem. Satan quotes Psalm 91:11 ff in a wrong way. Jesus responds with Deuteronomy 6:16. Jesus believes in God’s faithfulness and it is wrong to test this. Satan leaves until some other opportunity arises.
(glc … application 1. know and understand scripture 2. worship and obey only God)
Lk 4:14 - 15 Jesus returns to Galilee with the power of the Spirit. People talk about him. He teaches in the synagogues and everyone praises him.
Lk 4:16 - 30 Jesus reads Isaiah 61:1-2a in the synagogue in Nazareth. … annointed to preach good news..release to captives…people healed..proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor. He tells the people that this scripture was fulfilled as he read it. For a while they speak well of him. Then someone says he grew up here. Jesus tells them they want to see a miracle and that a prophet is not accepted in his hometown. He tells them a widow outside of Israel was helped by Elijah, and a lepper not from Israel was cleansed in the time of Elisha. The people seek to kill Jesus but he walks away.
Lk 4:31 - 37 Jesus goes to Capernaum and teaches in the synagogue. An unclean demon speaks through a man and identifies Jesus as the Holy One of God. Jesus rebukes the demon and casts it out of the man. The people are amazed at Jesus’ authority and power. News about Jesus spreads.
Lk 4:38 - 41 Jesus commands a fever to leave Simon’s mother-in-law. People bring the sick to Jesus and Jesus heals them. Jesus casts out demons.
Lk 4:42 - 44 Jesus leaves the house early in the morning. People try to make him stay, but Jesus tells them he must proclaim the good news of the kingdom to other towns.
Lk 5:1 - 11 At the Lake of Gennesaret, (=Sea of Galilee) Jesus gets into Simon’s boat and teaches the crowd from the boat. Then he tells Simon to try to catch more fish. There is a large catch. Simon tells Jesus he is a sinner and Jesus should not be near him. Jesus tells him he will be catching people. Simon, James and John leave everything and follow Jesus.
Lk 5:12 - 16 In a town a leper asks Jesus to make him clean. Jesus touches him and heals him. Jesus tells him to go to a priest with the offering for cleansing. News about Jesus spreads. Large crowds gather to hear Jesus and to be healed. Jesus often went by himself to the wilderness to pray.
Lk 5:17 - 26 On a day when Jesus was teaching, the religious leaders from a wide area who were near Jesus. Men let down a paralyzed man through the roof of a house. Jesus recognizes their faith nad tells the man his sins are forgiven. The religious leaders think to themselves: who can forgive sins but God alone?. Jesus know their thoughts and asks if it is easer to say your sins are forgiven or to say stand and walk? Jesus says so that they may know that the Son of Man (Jesus) has authority to forgive sins -he tells the paralyzed man to stand up, take his mat, and go home. The man gives glory to God. The crowd is amazed and glorifies God.
Lk 5:27 - 32 Jesus tells Levi the tax collector to follow him. Levi leaves everything. Levi prepares a large meal for Jesus and has other tax collectors join in the meal. The religious leaders complain to the disciples that they are eating with sinners. Jesus tells the religious leaders he has come to call sinners to repentance.
(glc..we are all unrighteous before putting our faith in Jesus.)
Lk 5:33 - 39 The religious leaders complain that their disciples and the disciples of John the Baptist frequently fast and pray, but Jesus' disciples do not. Jesus says the time (when he is gone) will be the time for them to fast. Jesus tells a parable that essentially says his teaching does not fit in the current religious system. And, those who like to old system will not seek out the new system (glc …that Jesus is teaching).
Lk 6:1 - 5 The religious leaders complain when the disciples pick grains of wheat and eat them on the Sabbath. Jesus reminded them that David and his followers ate the sacred bread. Jesus tells them the Son of Man is lord of the Sabbath.
Lk 6:6 - 11 On another Sabbath Jesus heals a man in a synagogue. The religious leaders were staying near Jesus to find things to accuse him of. Jesus asks them to consider if doing good is allowed on the Sabbath. The religious leaders are angry with Jesus and talk amongst themselves as to what they should do.
Lk 6:12 - 16 Jesus prayed all night on a mountain. In the morning he selected 12 apostles.
Lk 6:17 - 19 They go down the mountain. Many disciples and a large crowd from Judea, Jerusalem, and regions of Tyre and Sidon are there. The crowd came to listen and for healing. There was great power from Jesus for healing.
Lk 6:20 - 26 Jesus teaches the disciples that the poor, the hungry, those who weep, and those who are hated are blessed. The disciples include many in these categories. Jesus pronounces woe on the rich, those satisfied with food, those who have happiness, and those who are spoken well of…because the false prophets of the past had these characteristics.
Lk 6:27 - 36 Jesus teaches them to love their enemies, bless others instead of cursing, don’t fight back, let people have your tunic, and give without expecting anything back. When you act like this God will give you a reward. God the Father is merciful. Be like him.
Lk 6:37 - 38 Don’t judge or condemn others so you won’t be condemned. Forgive. Give and you will receive. The way you behave will come back to you.
Lk 6:39 - 42 Don’t try to lead others if you can’t see the way. Be like your teacher. Take care of faults in your life before trying to help others with their faults.
Lk 6:43 - 45 Your life will be known by the fruit you bear. Your mouth speaks from what is in your heart.
Lk 6:46 - 49 Don’t call Jesus Lord if you don’t obey. Put Jesus’ word into practice and you will be able to stand against hardship in your life.
Lk 7:1 - 10 After teaching the people, Jesus entered Capernaum. A centurion sends Jesus a message via Jewish elders to ask Jesus to come and heal his slave. The elders report to Jesus that the centurion has helped the synagogue. As Jesus neared the house the centurion sent people to tell Jesus he is not worthy for Jesus to enter his house. He recognizes Jesus’ authority to just say the word and the servant would be healed. Jesus was amazed at his faith. The servant is healed without Jesus coming to the house.
Lk 7:11 - 17 Jesus went to the town of Nain with the disciples and a large crowd. They encounter a funeral procession for the only son of a widower. Jesus has compassion on her and tells the dead man to get up. He does, and he starts speaking, and is reunited with his mother. The people are in wonder and glorify God. They say a great prophet is here and God has come to help his people. News about this spreads in Judea and elsewhere.
Lk 7:18 - 23 John the Baptist sends two disciples to ask Jesus if he is the one to come (glc…that John had preached about). Jesus was healing people. He told John’s disciples to report what they have seen in the healings, and report the good news is proclaimed.
Lk 7:24 - 30 Jesus talks to the crowd about John the Baptist, that he is a prophet and more than a prophet. John has fulfilled Malachi 3:1. John is greater than all other people, but he is less than those in the kingdom of God. Those baptized by John acknowledged God’s justice but the religious leaders turned away from letting God use them in not being baptized by John.
Lk 7:31 - 35 Jesus teaches that the people have their own expectations. They say John has a demon and Jesus is a friend of sinners. (glc…perhaps…The followers of John and Jesus verify their teachings.)
Lk 7:36 - 50 Jesus has dinner at the house of a Pharisee. A sinful woman washes Jesus’ feet with her tears and anoints him with oil. The Pharisee had not given basic hospitality to Jesus. The Pharisee says Jesus cannot be a prophet because he let the sinful woman touch him. Jesus tells the Pharisee the woman's many sins are forgiven and she is returning love. Those at the table wonder how Jesus can forgive her sins. Jesus tells the woman her faith has saved her.
Lk 8:1 - 3 Jesus went to other towns preaching the good news of God’s kingdom. The 12 disciples and some women, who had been healed, were in their group. The women provided for the group from their money.
Lk 8:4 - 8 Jesus spoke to a gathering crowd in a parable about seed. The sower spreads seed. Some falls on a path where it is walked on and eaten by birds. Some falls on rock and has no root. Some falls among thorns and is overwhelmed. Some falls on good soil and produces a good crop. He who hears should understand.
Lk 8:9 - 15 The disciples don’t understand. Jesus tells them they are granted the opportunity to know the secrets of God’s kingdom. (glc…11 of the disciples took the opportunity) For the crowd, they are not yet given full understanding. The parable is about God’s word. On the path, the devil takes away the word and they are not saved. The rock represents the place where some hear the word with joy but don’t keep believing. They fall away. Those in the thorns are those who hear but are distracted by worries, riches, and pleasures of life. They don’t bear fruit. The good soil represents those who keep the word close to them and bear fruit with endurance.
Lk 8:16 - 18 A lamp should give light to all in the house. All will be revealed. Those who have will receive more. Those who don’t have will lose what they think they have.
Lk 8:19 - 21 Jesus’ mother and brothers come to talk to Jesus but the crowd is too large. Jesus says those who hear and do the word are his family.
Lk 8:22 - 25 On another day, Jesus and the disciples travel across the lake. (glc…Galilee) Jesus sleeps and a bad storm develops with water coming into the boat. The disciples wake up Jesus. Jesus rebukes the storm and the sea becomes calm. Jesus asks where their faith is. The disciples are afraid and amazed that Jesus can command the storm.
Lk 8:26 - 39 They encounter a demon-possessed man in the area of Gerasenes. He lived in a graveyard. He shouts that Jesus, Son of God, should leave him alone. Jesus has a brief conversation with him. The demons ask to be sent into pigs. Jesus gives permission. The pigs run into the lake and drown. The pig herders report what happened to the town. The people see the healed man with Jesus and are afraid. The people are afraid and ask Jesus to leave. The healed man asks to go but Jesus tells him to tell others what God has done for him.
(glc…note…Jesus tells him to report what God did for him. The man reports what Jesus did for him. [Jesus is God.])
Lk 8:40 - 56 The group is now back across the sea. There is a crowd. A leader of the synagogue pleads with Jesus to heal his daughter. As the group walks to his house, a lady with a long-term bleed touches Jesus’ cloak. Jesus asks who touched him. The woman tells why she touched him, and says she is healed. Jesus tells her that her faith has made her well. A message arrives that the daughter has died. Jesus says not to fear, believe, and she will be healed. Jesus only allows the mother, father, Peter, John, and James to go into the house with him. The crowd is weeping. Jesus tells the crowd she is not dead and the crowd makes fun of Jesus. Jesus gently touches her hand and tells her to get up. She becomes alive and eats. Her parents are amazed and Jesus tells them to not tell anyone the details of what happened.
Lk 9:1 - 6 Jesus sends out the twelve to proclaim the kingdom of God and heal the sick. He gives them power and authority over demons and to heal. They are to use the hospitality of the community. If they are not well received they should shake the dust off their feet to testify against them. They went to villages proclaiming the good news and healing people.
Lk 9:7 - 9 Herod heard what was happening in the country and wants to learn more about Jesus.
Lk 9:10 - 17 The apostles return and report to Jesus. They go privately to Bethsaida but people find out and gather. Jesus teaches and heals. At the end of the day, Jesus tells the twelve to feed to crowd. They bring five loaves and two fish and they know it is not enough. Jesus looks to heaven and gives thanks. The disciples pass out the food. All eat and are satisfied. Twelve baskets of food are picked up.
Lk 9:18 - 22 Jesus and the disciples are alone. He asks who the people say he is. The reports are John the Baptist; or Elijah; or another OT prophet. Jesus asks who they say he is. Peter says The Christ (Messiah, anointed one). Jesus strictly tells them not to tell anyone. He explains that the Son of Man must suffer, be rejected by the religious leaders, be killed, and be raised on the third day.
Lk 9:23 - 27 Jesus’ followers must put Jesus first, accept the world’s rejection, and follow Jesus. Those who lose their life because of Jesus will save it. Life that Jesus gives is worth more than any worldly item. Don’t be ashamed of Jesus, as then Jesus will not acknowledge you in heaven.
Lk 9:28 - 36 Eight days later Jesus took Peter, James, and John up a mountain to pray. As Jesus prayed he was transfigured. His face changed. His clothes became bright white. Moses and Elijah are there in splendor. They talk with Jesus about his departure. The three disciples awake and see Jesus, Moses, and Elijah. A cloud covers them and the disciples are afraid. A voice from the cloud says Jesus is my son and the Chosen one, Listen to him. The disciples don’t tell anyone what they experienced.
Lk 9:37 - 45 One day later they are down from the mountain. The disciples were not able to cast out a demon from a child. Jesus comments that the generation is unbelieving. Jesus reukes the demon and heals the boy. The crowd was amazed at the power of God. Jesus tells his disciples the Son of Man will be betrayed. They did not understand. They had not been given spiritual understanding. They were afraid to ask Jesus what his statement meant.
Lk 9:46 - 48 The disciples argue about who is the greatest of them.  Jesus knew their thoughts.  He tells them whoever welcomes a child in his name welcomes Jesus.  Whoever welcomes Jesus welcomes the one who sent him (God the Father).  The one who doesn’t seek 1st position is great.
Lk 9:49,50 John reports that they tried to stop a non-disciple from casting out demons.  Jesus tells them to not oppose good spiritual activity.  Whoever is not against you is for you.
Lk 9:51 - 56 Jesus takes the group towards Jerusalem.  Messengers went ahead of the group to make preparations.  A Samaritan village refuses hospitality because Jesus is going to Jerusalem.  The disciples thought the village should be judged.  Jesus rebukes the disciples and they travel to another village.
Lk 9:57 - 62 Some people think about joining the group. Jesus points out the group has no place to rest; they need to leave their family.  Jesus tells them that they can’t look to their past life.  (glc…A disciple must put Jesus first.)
Lk 10:1 - 15  Jesus sent out 72 disciples to visit the towns he was going to travel through.  He told them to ask God to send out workers into God’s harvest.  Jesus sent out the 72 as vulnerable people surrounded by those who would oppose them.  They were to depend on the hospitality of the villages.  They were to heal the sick and proclaim that the kingdom of God had come upon them.  If the town’s people did not welcome them they were to wipe the dust off their feet.  The towns that reject them will be judged in the future.  There had been towns (Chorazin, Bethsaida, Capernaum) that saw miracles but did not follow Jesus.  Whoever listens to the disciples, listens to Jesus.  Those who reject them, reject Jesus and God the Father.
(glc…I don’t often think about the larger group of disciples who followed Jesus….the 72)
Lk 10:17 - 20  The 72 return and report the demons submitted to them in Jesus’ name. Jesus saw Satan fall from heaven.  Jesus gave them authority over snakes and scorpions and demonic powers so that they would not be hurt.  But don’t rejoice over this.  Rejoice you have eternal life.
Lk 10:21 - 24 Jesus rejoiced in the Holy Spirit and praised God the Father that spiritual things were hidden from the religious leaders but revealed to the spiritually young. (See 1 Corinthians 1:26-31). Only God the Father knows the Son, only the Son knows the Father, … and those to whom the Son reveals God.  Jesus tells the disciples their eyes are blessed.  Prophets and kings desired to see what they saw and hear what you have heard.
Lk 10:25 - 37  A religious leader tried to test Jesus by asking what is needed to get eternal life.  Jesus asks him what the law says.  The leader responds with 1) love God completely, and 2) love your neighbor as yourself. (Deuteronomy 6:5; Leviticus 19:18)  Jesus says he is correct and if he does this he will live.  The leader wants to put limits on who he has to be nice to so he asks who his neighbor is.  Jesus tells him a man was robbed and beaten on the road from Jerusalem.  A priest and Levite pass by.  A Samaritan stops, bandages his wounds, takes him to an inn, and promises to pay his expenses.  The religious leader admits the one who showed mercy became the neighbor.  Jesus tells him to follow this example.
Lk 10:38 - 42 Jesus goes to Martha and Mary’s house.  Mary sits by Jesus to listen to him.  Martha makes preparations for Jesus (and the disciples?).  Martha complains to Jesus that she is doing all the work.  Jesus says Mary has made the best decision.
Lk 11:1 - 4 Jesus was praying.  When he stopped praying, a disciple asked Jesus to teach them to pray.  John the Baptist had taught his disciples to pray.  The Lord’s prayer is a guideline for praying.  Honor, and revere, God’s name…do your part in respecting and advancing God’s name.  Look for God’s kingdom to be more visible and do your part in advancing the influence of God in this world.  Depend on God for your life and your sustenance.  Seek God’s forgiveness for your sins, and forgive others.  Ask for God’s mercy in not being led into a time of testing.  (glc…God doesn’t tempt anyone…James 1:13 …God provides a way of escape from temptation … 1 Corinthians 10:13)
Lk 11:5 - 13 In Jewish society, if you persist in asking a friend for something, they will help you, even though it may not be convenient for them.  In prayer, ask and you will receive; seek and  you will find; knock, and the door will be opened.  People are imperfect but give good gifts to their children.  God the Father will give the Holy Spirit (NET notes … perhaps for wisdom and guidance sought in prayer) to those who ask him.
Lk 11:14 - 23 Jesus was casting out a demon.  The crowds were amazed by the healing.  Some said Jesus is using the power of evil to cast out demons.  Jesus teaches that Satan’s kingdom will fall if evil is casting out evil.  Evidently, other Jews had cast out demons, and they could support Jesus.  Jesus cast out demons with God’s power and the kingdom of God has come.  Those who don’t support Jesus oppose him and cause disorder.
Lk 11:24 - 26 An evil spirit can leave a person looking for a better place.  When it doesn’t find a better place it can return to the person, and may bring other evil spirits.  (glc…A person who is delivered must align with God, submit to God, to immunize them from a return of the evil spirit.)
Lk 11:27,28 A woman says Jesus’ mother is blessed. Jesus replies that it is even better to hear God’s word and obey …they are blessed.
Lk 11:29-32 A larger crowd gathered.  Jesus says it is bad to just look for a sign from heaven.  The only sign will be the sign of Jonah (3 days of death, then life). The Queen of Sheba visited Solomon and saw his wisdom.  She (and others…people of Nineveh) will speak out that the people of the current generation have ignored Jesus’ wisdom and teaching.
Lk 11:33 - 36 Understand what you are seeing.  Let God’s light enter you and give effective light to your heart and thinking.
Lk 11:27 - 44 A Pharisee invites Jesus to a meal.  The religious leader is amazed that Jesus did not do the ceremonial washing before the meal.  Jesus tells him the religious leaders look clean on the outside but have greed and evil inside them.  Jesus tells them to change their thinking.  They should give from their heart (without seeking human rewards) to get a proper attitude and to be clean.  Jesus says the Pharisees should tithe but should not neglect justice and love for God.  The Pharisees seek public recognition and are dead inside.
Lk 11:45 - 52 A religious expert complains that Jesus is insulting them.  Jesus gets more specific in his judgment of them.  The experts give people a long list of what they must do and the experts don’t help the people seek God.  The religious leaders don’t speak against the wrongs done to OT prophets because it was their ancestors who hurt the prophets. The religious leaders are not seeking God and make it difficult for the public to find God.
Lk 11:53,54 The religious leaders vigorously oppose Jesus.  They try to get Jesus to implicate himself on religious questions. 
Lk 12:1 - 12 The crowd around Jesus grows to the thousands.  Jesus spoke to the disciples first to warn them against the false teaching of the Pharisees.  All secrets will be exposed.  Fear (have reverent awe of) God, not people.  People can kill you but God can put your soul into eternal judgment.  God knows all, even lowly birds.  You are valuable to God.  Jesus will speak up in heaven for those who speak up for him on Earth.  There is no forgiveness for those who blaspheme against the Holy Spirit.  The Holy Spirit will help you speak when you are brought before religious and government authorities who accuse you.
Lk 12:13 - 21 A person in the crowd asks Jesus to settle a family dispute over an inheritance. Jesus tells the crowd to avoid all types of greed.  Your life is not measured by your possessions.  He told a parable of a rich man who had a large crop.  He planned to build bigger barns and then relax in his wealth.  God ended his earthly life and told him he would receive what he prepared for his eternal life.  Be sure to be rich towards God. (glc…support the work of God’s kingdom on Earth with your possessions, don’t live for just yourself)
Lk 12:22 - 34 Jesus taught the disciples to not worry about the necessities of this life.  God takes care of the birds.  You are much more valuable to God.  You can’t live longer by worrying about your life.  God gives splendor in nature to the plants.  The plants die and are burned.  God cares much more about you and will provide.  Have faith in God.  God knows your needs.  Seek God’s kingdom and God will even provide for your needs.  God wants to include you in his kingdom.  Take care of the poor.  Create safe treasure in heaven by doing what God wants you to do.  Your focus in life will be where your treasure is.  Value your treasure in Heaven more than your treasure on Earth.
Lk 12:35 - 40 Be prepared for, and anticipate, the Son of Man arriving. Keep alert and be ready to serve God.
 Lk 12:41 - 48 Peter wondered if this parable applied to the crowd or just the disciples.   Those who are serving God must be faithful in their duties.  Those who have been given much will be expected to be responsible in their actions.
Lk 12:49 - 53 Jesus will bring judgment to Earth.  But he must suffer first.  Jesus’ ministry will result in family divisions and lack of peace. (glc…when some in the family follow Jesus and others do not.  If all in the family follow Jesus there will be peaceful relationships.)
Lk 12:54 - 56 Jesus rebuked the crowd for knowing the signs of the weather but not understanding his presence on Earth.  
Lk 12:57 - 59 Settle your conflicts out of court.  Authorities will not be gentle with you (glc…when you are guilty).

Lk 13:1 - 5 All sinners will be punished, regardless of the severity of the sin.  Trust Jesus for the  forgiveness of your sins.
Lk 13:6 - 9  Jesus told a parable about a fig tree. The tree was given one more year to produce good fruit before being cut down.  (glc..learn from this parable.  God expects us to be useful for his plans on Earth.  God has put resources into our lives.  If you don’t respond with good activities for God you will eventually be judged.)
Lk 13:10 - 17 Jesus healed a woman, in a synagogue, on the Sabbath, from her physical problem.  The synagogue leader complained that healing should just be done on the other six days, not on the Sabbath.  Jesus rebuked them by saying they water their animals on the Sabbath so why do they complain about a person being helped.  The crowd rejoiced at what Jesus was doing.
Lk 13:18 - 21 Jesus teaches about the kingdom of God.  It provides shelter for us.  It is spreading in this world.
Lk 13:22 - 30 Jesus traveled through towns on his way to Jerusalem. He taught the people.  He was asked if only a few will be saved.  Jesus let them know they should strive to be saved.  Don’t just be generally acquainted with Jesus.  Be known by him.  Otherwise, you will be shut out of God’s kingdom.  People from far-off places will be a the banquet in the kingdom of God.  Some who are last (glc…to enter the kingdom) will be first.  Some who are first will be last.  (glc…God will decide the ordering of people in the kingdom.)
Lk 13:31 - 35 Some Pharisees warned Jesus that Herod wanted to kill Jesus.  Jesus is not too concerned.  He states that a prophet must be killed in Jerusalem, not out in the countryside where he is.  Jesus states that Jerusalem’s house is forsaken.  They don’t listen to prophets.
Lk 14:1 - 6 On a sabbath, Jesus is eating at the house of a religious leader.  A man near Jesus needed healing.  The religious leaders do not reply to Jesus’ question about the legality of healing on the Sabbath.  Jesus heals the man.  Jesus reminds the religious leaders that they would help their son or ox on the Sabbath.
Lk 14:7 - 14 Jesus was watching how people selected places of honor at the meal.  He teaches that you should be humble, sit at a less desirable place,  and let the host invite you to sit at a more honored place.  Those who promote themselves will be humbled, but the humble person will be exalted. (glc…Do your best, but let God give you honor and recognition.)  Jesus tells the host to not invite those who can easily return his favor.  He should invite the poor.  God will bless you in heaven.
Lk 14:15 - 24 A person at the meal says to Jesus that those who will feast in heaven is blessed.  Jesus tells a story of a man who made large preparations for a feast but those he invited made excuses and didn’t come.  The master of the house is angry and has his servants bring in the poor and disabled.  There is still room so the master has the servants bring in people from the roads to fill the house so there won’t be any room for those who were originally invited.
(glc…If you have declined God’s invitation to believe in him, don’t think that you can just make a commitment at the last minute before you die.  You don’t know when it will be too late to accept Jesus.)
Lk 14:25 - 35 Large crowds followed Jesus.  Jesus told them that being his disciple is more important than family relationships and your earthly life.  Consider the cost of following Jesus.  You should come to the conclusion that following Jesus is more important than anything on Earth.

Lk 15:1 - 10 The religious leaders complained that Jesus welcomed sinners to hear his teaching and he ate with them.  Jesus told the religious leaders parables related to his seeking, recovering sinners.  A shepherd would leave the 99 sheep in the flock in a safe place and seek one lost sheep.  When he finds the lost sheep he rejoices with his friends.  There is rejoicing in heaven when one sinner repents. (glc … all on Earth need to repent and accept Jesus).  If a person loses a coin and then finds it after a search, there is rejoicing with friends.  There is joy among God’s angels when one sinner repents.
Lk 15:11 - 32 The Prodigal Son parable.  The younger of two sons asks his father to give him his inheritance early.  The son takes a trip and wastes the money living for himself.  When he runs out of money and is hungry he comes to his senses and decides to return to his father and admit his mistakes.  He decides to repent to God and his father.  As he nears his home his father runs out to greet him and welcome him home.  The older son had stayed and worked the land with his father.  He is upset when he sees the celebration for the younger brother.  The father reminds this son that he is not going to lose any possessions.  And he makes it clear that it is good to celebrate the return of the younger brother.
Lk 16:1 - 9 Jesus tells about a manager who fell into disfavor with his master.  The manager acted shrewdly and had people who owed the master money rewrite their accounts so they owed less money.  The master commended the manager for his plan.  Jesus teaches that righteous people need to be more clever.  The disciples are encouraged to use worldly wealth to make friends so when the wealth disappears they will have an eternal welcome.  (QUEST pg 1448 … Use earthly wealth to make an eternal impact.  Don’t buy friends but be generous towards others.)
Lk 16:10 - 13 Start by being faithful in little things.  This will build your character and put you on track to be faithful in larger situations.  You won’t have much spiritual impact if you are dishonest in earthly affairs.  You can’t serve God and money.
Lk 16:14-18 The Pharisees heard the above teaching and disregarded it.  Jesus told them God knows their hearts and how they seek to look good in people’s eyes.  What men value, God despises. The good news of God’s kingdom is opening up a new teaching that requires new thinking about the law and the prophets (and all the religious ‘laws’ put in place by the religious leaders.). Nevertheless, the OT law will not fail in its purpose.  Those who divorce and remarry commit adultery (see Matthew 5:32).
Lk 16:19 - 31 Jesus told the story of a poor man who dies and goes to heaven.  A rich man dies and goes to hell.  The rich man appeals to Abraham to have the poor man give him water.  Abraham tells him no person can cross between heaven and hell.  The rich man asks that the poor man return to Earth to testify to his brothers so they won’t end up in hell.  Abraham says the OT prophets and words of Moses are enough testimony and if they don’t believe those words they won’t believe even if someone rises from the dead.
Lk 17:1 - 6 Don’t lead others into sin.  If someone sins against you forgive them.  The apostles were surprised by this teaching.  Even a small amount of faith can lead to great actions.
Lk 17:7 - 10 Don’t expect a reward for what you do in obeying God.  Be humble and be faithful in obedience to God.
Lk 17:11 - 19  As Jesus was traveling to Jerusalem 10 lepers met him in a village.  They knew they should keep their distance but they spoke loudly and asked Jesus for mercy.  Jesus tells them to present themselves to the Jewish priests.  As they go, they are healed.  One returns to thank Jesus.  Don’t get bogged down in religious rituals such that you ignore God.  Jesus tells him his faith made him well.
Lk 17:20 - 37 A religious leader asks Jesus when the kingdom of God would come.  Jesus tells him not to look for signs.  Jesus says the kingdom of God is among them.  (glc …It is worth your time to do a Bible study on “kingdom of God.”  It is not a place but rather an authority.)  Jesus tells the disciples they will not see what they look for.  He warns them to not be misled by people.  The Son of Man must suffer and be rejected.  When the Son of Man is revealed, people will be carrying on their business ignorant of God and ignoring God.  On that day let loose of earthly possessions and focus on God.  Live for God.
Lk 18:1 - 8 Jesus taught a parable about being persistent in prayer.  Don’t give up on God.  God wants to help his children. Jesus asks if he will find faith on Earth when he returns.
Lk 18:9 - 14 Jesus tells a parable about a religious leader and a tax collector (sinner) who go to pray.  The religious leader states that he is better and has good actions.  The tax collector admits his sin and asks for mercy.  The tax collector is the only one who is justified and accepted by God.
Lk 18:15 - 17 Jesus tells the disciples to let children come to him.  The kingdom of God belongs to those who have simple faith in Jesus.
Lk 18:18 - 30 A religious leader asks Jesus what he had to do to get eternal life. Jesus tells him only God is good.  Jesus lists some of the 10 commandments.  The man says he has kept these since the time he knew right from wrong.   Jesus tells him to sell his possessions and give to the poor so he will have treasure in heaven.  The man is sad (and doesn’t follow this advice).  Jesus notes that the rich have distractions that make it hard for them to enter the kingdom of God.  Jesus says that God can make all things possible.  Peter notes that the disciples have left everything to follow Jesus.  Jesus responds that those who left home and family will receive many things in this life and in eternal life.
Lk 18:31 - 34 Jesus speaks privately to the twelve disciples to tell them that the words of the prophets will come true…that the Son of Man will be mocked, mistreated, beaten, and killed.  But on the third day he will rise.  The twelve did not comprehend.
Lk 18:35 - 43 Near Jericho a blind man calls out for Jesus’ mercy.  Jesus has him brought forward and asks him what he wants.  The man asks to see again.  Jesus tells him to see, that his faith has healed him.  He sees and follows Jesus praising God.  People nearby praise God also.
Lk 19:1 - 10 Jesus is walking through Jericho.  Zacchaeus, a short tax collector, wanted to see Jesus so he climbed a tree.  As Jesus passed him, Jesus sais he had to stay at his house.  Zacchaeus welcomed him.  People complained that Jesus would go to the house of a sinner.  Zacchaeus told Jesus he planned to give to the poor and pay back people he cheated.  Jesus said salvation has come to his household and that the Son of Man came to seek and save the lost.
Lk 19:11 - 27 Jesus told the people a parable about the kingdom of God.  A nobleman traveled to receive a kingdom.  He gave 10 of his servants 1 coin each to engage in business while he was gone.  The citizens did not like the nobleman and sent people to proclaim they did not want him to be a king.  On his return, the nobleman had his servants account for their business dealings.  The servants were rewarded in measure to their business profits.  One servant had not dealt in any business and had no profits.  The nobleman was upset with him and had his coin given to the one who had earned the most profits.  More will be given to those who have.  Those who do not have will have things taken away.  Those who did not want him to be king were killed.
Lk 19:28 - 40 As Jesus neared Jerusalem he sent two disciples to get a colt for him.  The owner of the colt let the disciples have it.  Jesus rode it into Jerusalem.  The disciples (more than 12) put their cloaks on the road.  The disciples praised God and said, “Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord.”  Some of the religious leaders told Jesus to correct and rebuke his disciples.  Jesus said that if the disciples were quiet the rocks would cry out.
Lk 19:41 - 44 Jesus wept over Jerusalem.  Jesus knew that the city would have troubles in the future and be demolished, because they did not recognize and accept Jesus.
Lk 19:45 - 48 Jesus drove out the merchants from the temple courts.  He wanted a temple that honored God but it had become a place of business.  Jesus taught daily at the temple.  The religious leaders sought to kill him but his popularity with the people prevented them from doing anything.
Lk 20:1 - 8 Jesus was teaching in the temple courts.  The religious leaders questioned his authority to teach.  Jesus asks them if John the Baptist had authority from heaven or from people.  The religious leaders know they will be in trouble if they answer either way so they say they don’t know.  Jesus tells them he won’t answer them.  They should have recognized God was working through Jesus.  Do you?
Lk 20:9 - 19 Jesus tells a parable of a man who planted a vineyard, leased it to tenants, and went on a journey.  At harvest time the man sent servants to collect his share of the crop.  The tenants mistreated the servants (prophets).  The man sent his son (Jesus) and the tenants killed him so they could claim the vineyard (religious system). Jesus said the owner will destroy the tenants and give the vineyard to others (gentiles…).  The people who were listening said this should not happen.  Jesus quotes from Psalm 118:22,23 that what the people reject becomes the most important.  The religious leaders know that the parable was pointing them out as being in the wrong.  They want to arrest Jesus but they fear the people who support Jesus.
Lk 20:20 - 26 The religious leaders try to trap Jesus by what he says.  The spies flatter Jesus and then ask if it is right to pay taxes to Caesar. Jesus has them show him a coin (that has Caesar’s image on it). Jesus answers that they should give Caesar what is his, and give God what is his.  The spies are amazed at his answers.
Lk 20:27 - 40 Sadducees (who don’t believe in an afterlife) try to trap Jesus with a question about marriage in heaven.  On Earth, Jewish tradition had a brother marry his brother’s widow if she had no son.  Jesus tells them there is no marriage in heaven.  Those in heaven are equal to angels and are children of God.  God is the God of the living.  The religious leaders stop asking questions.
Lk 20:41 - 44 Jesus poses a question for them about how can the Christ be said to be David’s son.  They don’t understand how God has worked through the Jewish people to prepare this time for Jesus to be on Earth.
Lk 20:45 - 47 Jesus talks to his disciples while people are listening.  He warns them to beware of religious leaders who put on a show but don’t act with justice.  God will punish them.
Lk 21:1 - 4 Jesus is at the temple in Jerusalem. He saw the rich put in their offerings.  He saw a poor widow put in a small offering.  Jesus commented that she put in more.  She gave what she could not afford to give and showed her devotion to God and her dependence on God.
Lk 21:5 - 9 People are admiring the temple.  Jesus tells them that it will be destroyed in the future.  The people ask when this will happen.  Jesus warns them to not be misled by false messiahs.  Jesus tells them that wars and rebellions will take place before the end comes.
Lk 21:10 - 19 Before the wars, earthquakes, famine, plagues, and signs in the sky, the disciples will be brought before authorities because they followed Jesus. The disciples are to use these times as opportunities to witness, and Jesus will give them wisdom and words to say that their opponents will not be able to refute. Family members will betray them and they will be hated.  They must endure to gain their lives.
Lk 21:20 - 24 When Jerusalem is surrounded by enemies, the people must flee.  Jerusalem will be trampled down by Gentiles for a time.
Lk 21:25 - 28 There will be signs in the sun, moon, and stars.  Nations and people will be worried.  The Son of Man will arrive in a cloud with glory.  At this time lift up your head because your redemption is close at hand.
Lk 21:29 - 33 Jesus tells a parable of trees.  He reminds them that they know summer is near when leaves appear.  When they see these things take place they should know that the kingdom of God is near.  This will happen in a short number of years.  Jesus’ words will never pass away.
Lk 21:34 - 36 Be alert and don’t get distracted by the world.  Be ready for Jesus’ return.  Ask God to help you through the troubles that come so you remain faithful to Jesus.
Lk 21:37,38 Jesus was teaching at the temple every day.  He slept outside of Jerusalem at the Mount of Olives.  The people came early each morning to listen to Jesus.
Lk 22:1 - 6 As Passover approached, the religious leaders sought for a way to kill Jesus.  Satan entered Judas and he went to the religious leaders to discuss how to betray Jesus.  They offered him money and Judas looked for a way to betray Jesus when there was no crowd around.
Lk 22:7 - 12 Jesus sent Peter and John to prepare for Passover for the group at a location that would be shown to them as they entered the city.  They found the room and prepared the Passover.
Lk 22:14 - 20 Jesus tells his disciples that this is his last meal before he suffers.  He will eat again in the kingdom of God.  Jesus shares wine and bread with the disciples.  He tells them to eat in remembrance of him.  He tells them his blood is creating a new covenant.
Lk 22:21 - 30 Jesus tells them his betrayer is with them at the table.  God’s plan will be fulfilled, but woe will come to the betrayer.  The disciples talk amongst themselves as to who would do this.  Then they argue as to who is the greatest, who will be the future leader.  Jesus tells them not to follow the example of the Gentiles.  The leader must serve.  Jesus gave them an example of being a servant.  Jesus grants the disciples a kingdom.  They will fellowship with Jesus in his kingdom and they will judge the tribes of Israel.
Lk 22:31 - 34 Jesus tells Simon Peter that Satan is seeking to destroy all of them.  Jesus has prayed for Simon that he will keep his faith.  Simon is to strengthen the other disciples when he returns.  Peter says he will go with Jesus to death.  Jesus tells him he will deny Jesus three times before the morning.
Lk 22:35 - 38 Jesus tells them that now they should take preparations when they travel and have a sword.  The swords will fulfill OT Isaiah 53:12, he was counted to be a lawbreaker.
Lk 22:39 - 46 Jesus and the (11) disciples go to the Mount of Olives.  Jesus tells them to pray that they will not give in to temptation.  Jesus goes on a short distance and prays to the Father that if it is possible he does not want to go through what is ahead, but he will obey the Father’s will.  An angel strengthens Jesus.  Jesus prays fervently.  Jesus finishes praying and finds the disciples asleep.  He tells them again to pray they won’t give in to temptation.
Lk 22:47 - 53 Judas and a crowd arrive.  Judas identifies Jesus.  The disciples ask if they should use the swords and one cuts off the ear of a servant.  Jesus heals the man.  Jesus chides the mob for sneaking up on him while he is away from the crowds.
Lk 22:54 - 62 The crowd arrests Jesus and takes him to the high priest’s house.  Peter follows and sits in the courtyard by a fire. Over about an hour, a servant, and another person, and another person accuse Peter of being a follower of Jesus.  Peter denies their accusations.  A rooster crows at morning and Jesus makes eye contact with Peter.  Peter leaves the place and weeps.
Lk 22:63 - 71 Those holding Jesus beat him and mock him.  Jesus is taken to the Jewish council at daylight.  Jesus tells them they will not believe he is the Christ.  He tells them the Son of Man will sit at the right hand of God.  The accusers ask if he is the Son of God.  Jesus basically tells them they are right.  The council says they don’t need other witnesses as Jesus has said what would incriminate him (in their eyes).
Lk 23:1 - 12 Jesus was taken to Pilate, who had the authority to execute people.  The religious leaders accused Jesus of subverting the nation, forbidding payment of taxes, and claiming he is Christ, a king.  Pilate has a brief interview with Jesus and tells the religious leaders he found no basis for their accusations.  The religious leaders complain about Jesus' teaching.  When Pilate learns that Jesus is from Galilee he sends Jesus to Herod, who ruled that area.  Herod wants Jesus to perform a sign.  He questions Jesus but Jesus does not reply.  The religious leaders are there, again bringing charges against Jesus.  Herod and his soldiers mistreat and mock Jesus.  Herod sends Jesus back to Pilate.
Lk 23:13 - 25 Pilate again tells the religious leaders he finds no guilt in Jesus.  The religious leaders shout to have Jesus crucified after Pilate says he will just flog Jesus.  Pilate gives in to the crowd and hands Jesus over to be crucified.  
Lk 23:26 - 38  A large crowd follows Jesus to his crucifixion.  They are mourning for him.  Jesus tells them to weep for themselves for troubles are coming to them and their children.  Two other criminals are crucified with Jesus.  Jesus asks the Father to forgive his executioners.  The religious leaders and soldiers mock Jesus.  An inscription is put above Jesus: This is the King of the Jews.
Lk 23:39 - 49 One criminal mocks Jesus but the other asks Jesus to remember him.  Jesus tells him he will be with Jesus in paradise today.  From noon to three there is darkness over the land.  The curtain in the temple rips in two.  Jesus gives up his spirit to the Father and dies.  The centurion praised God and says Jesus must have been innocent.  The onlookers went home, mourning.  Jesus’ followers stood at a distance.  The women who followed Jesus saw what happened at the crucifixion.
Lk 23:50 - 56 Joseph of Arimathea, a righteous man, and member of the council who had not agreed to Jesus’ crucifixion, asks  Pilate for Jesus’ body.  He puts Jesus’ body in a linen cloth and lays it in a rock tomb.  The women followers saw the tomb and went home to prepare spices for the body.
Lk 24:1 - 12 On Sunday, women who had followed Jesus took spices to his grave.  The stone had been rolled away and they did not see his body.  Two men in bright clothes asked them why they were seeking the living among the dead.  They told them he had been raised and told them to remember what Jesus told them about being crucified and rising on the third day.  The women remembered Jesus’ words.  The women told the 11 disciples what they experienced at the tomb.  The apostles did not believe them.  Peter ran to the tomb and found it was empty so he went home thinking about these things.
Lk 24:13 - 35 Two of Jesus’ followers were walking on the road to Emmaus, near Jerusalem.  They were talking about the recent events.  Jesus walked with them but they did not recognize him.  They told Jesus of the recent events and that women from their group found the tomb empty and had seen visions of angels.  Some of the men from the group had gone to the tomb and found it empty.  Jesus explained what was written in the OT about him.  The two men asked Jesus to stay with them.  Inside Jesus blessed and broke the bread, and gave it to them.  Then they recognized Jesus, and Jesus vanished.  They immediately returned to Jerusalem and told the 11 apostles.
Lk 24:36 - 42 In Jerusalem, Jesus appeared to them.  He said “Peace be with you,” but they were afraid.  They thought Jesus was a ghost.  Jesus told them to look at his hands and feet and to touch him. Jesus ate some fish in front of them.
Lk 24:43 - 49 Jesus told them that all in the OT written about him must be fulfilled.  Jesus opened their minds to understand the OT.  He told them it was written that the Christ would suffer and rise from the dead on the third day, and repentance for forgiveness of sins would be proclaimed in his name to all nations. Jesus told them to stay in the city until they were clothed with power from heaven.
Lk 24:50 - 53 Jesus led the group to Bethany.  He blessed them and he departed up into heaven.  They worshipped Jesus and returned to Jerusalem with great joy.  They were continually in the temple courts blessing God.

—--------------- 
John
(QUEST…author “John, the apostle - one of the twelve original disciples of Christ.” written  in the range of 80 to 95 A.D.)
(ESV…”The title says that the Gospel was written by John, and other evidence identifies this John as the son of Zebedee.”  “The most likely date of writing is the period between A.D. 70 and A.D. 100…”)
Jn 1:1 - 5 The Word (Jesus) was fully God before coming to Earth in bodily form.  The Word took part in creating all things.  In Jesus was life.  The life was the light of all people.  Darkness has not overcome the light.
Jn 1:6 - 13 John (the Baptist) was sent by God to testify about the light.  The true light (Jesus) came into the world but the world did not recognize or acknowledge him.  The Jewish people did not receive him.  Those who believe in him (Jesus) were given the right to become God’s children.  Those are God’s children because of God’s decision.
Jn 1:14 - 18  The Word became flesh (Jesus was born) and lived among the people.  John and others saw his glory, the glory of God, and he came from the Father.  John proclaimed that he is greater than himself and existed before John (glc..even though John the Baptist was born before Jesus.  Jesus existed before the universe was created.)  Jesus brought grace and truth to the world.  Jesus is God, fellowships with God, and has made God more fully known to us.
Jn 1:19 - 28 The religious leaders sent representatives to John the Baptist to ask him if he was Elijah or the Prophet.  John told them he was not the Christ or Elijah or the Prophet.  John said he was preparing the way for the Lord (Isaiah 40:3).  The representatives asked why he was baptizing with water (glc..questioning his authority).  John told them another person is coming after him.  This person is much more important than John.
Jn 1:29 - 34 The next day, John saw Jesus approaching.  John proclaimed that Jesus is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.  John baptized people so Jesus could be revealed to Israel.  John testified that he saw the (Holy) Spirit landing on Jesus.  This sign was preannounced to John by God.  John testified that Jesus is the Chosen One of God.
Jn 1:35 - 42  The next day, John again saw Jesus and announced he is the Lamb of God.  Two of John’s disciples heard that and started following Jesus.  They asked where Jesus was staying.  They went with Jesus.  One of the two disciples was Andrew.  Andrew found his brother, Peter, and told him they had found the Messiah (Christ).  Jesus knew the name of Peter’s father and said Peter would be called Cephas (a translation of Peter).
Jn 1:43 - 51  The next day, Jesus made plans to go to Galilee.  He told Phillip to follow him.  Phillip was from the same town as Andrew and Peter, Bethsaida.  Phillip brought Nathaniel to Jesus.  Jesus gave a warm greeting to Nathaniel and revealed that he saw Nathaniel under a tree when Phillip found him.  Nathaniel calls Jesus the Son of God and king of Israel.  Jesus says that Nathaniel will see greater things than this revelation, he will see angels of God ministering to the Son of Man.
Jn 2:1 - 11 On the third day Jesus attended a wedding in Cana with his mother and disciples.  Mary told Jesus the wine had run out.  Jesus says his time has not yet come but Mary tells the servants to do whatever Jesus says to do.  Jesus tells the servants to fill large jars with water and then give a sample to the head steward.  The head steward tells the bridegroom that he has kept the good wine (made by Jesus) until now.  Jesus’ disciples believed in him.
Jn 2:12 - 22 Jesus, his mother, brothers, and his disciples go to Capernaum for a few days.  Passover was approaching so Jesus went to Jerusalem.  Jesus drove out those selling animals, and those exchanging money, from the temple courts.  Jesus told them to not make his Father’s house a marketplace.  The religious leaders asked for a sign to verify his authority for his actions in the temple.  Jesus tells them if they destroy this temple (he means his body), he will raise it up again.  The disciples remembered that he said this after his resurrection.
Jn 2:23 - 25  Jesus was performing miraculous signs (glc…healing?) and many people believed in him.  Jesus did not rely on people because he knew the nature of people.
Jn 3:1 - 15 Nicodemus, a Pharisee, talked to Jesus at night.  Nicodemus admitted that the signs Jesus did showed he was from God.  Jesus told him that a person must be born from above to see God’s kingdom (glc…have faith in Jesus and thus gain acceptance in God’s sight).  Nicodemus connects this to ordinary childbirth.  Jesus said you must be born of water and spirit to enter the kingdom of God (glc..be a human and have God’s Spirit renew them).  Nicodemus says he doesn’t understand.  Jesus remarks he is a teacher of Israel but doesn’t understand.  Jesus says he (and disciples) tesitfy about want they have seen but the religious leaders don’t believe.  Only the Son of Man (glc…Jesus) has been in heaven and on Earth.  The Son of Man must be lifted up (glc…on the cross) like Moses lifted the bronze serpent in the wilderness (glc…and the Israelites were healed).  Everyone who believes in Jesus has eternal life.
Jn 3:16 - 21 God has loved the world.  He gave his one and only Son so that everyone who believes in him will have eternal life.  God sent his Son to save the world, not to condemn it.  Those who believe in Jesus are not condemned.  God judges the world because the world loved darkness more than light (glc…Jesus).  Those who follow and execute truth come to the light and show their deeds were done in God.
Jn 3:22 - 36  Jesus and the disciples were in Judea.  Jesus spent time with them and was baptizing.  John the Baptist was also baptizing.  John’s disciples argued with a religious leader about ceremonial washing.  John’s disciples were concerned that more people were going to Jesus than to John.  John is not concerned and is content with what God has given him.  John had joy that Jesus was doing ministry.  He was willing that Jesus became more important while John became less important (glc…to the public).  John says that he who came from heaven is superior to all.  John notes that Jesus speaks about heavenly things but people don’t accept his testimony.  The ones who accept his testimony confirms that God is truthful.  The Father loves the Son and has given all authority to the Son.  The person who believes in the Son has eternal lilfe.  The person who rejects the Son will not have life and God’s wrath will be on him.
Jn 4:1 - 3 Jesus knew the Pharisees heard he was becoming more popular than John the Baptist.  Jesus left Judea and walked towards Galilee.
Jn 4:4 - 26 In Samaria, Jesus sits down by Jacob’s well.  The disciples had gone into the town.  A Samaritan woman comes to the well to draw water.  Jesus asks her to give him a drink.  The woman is surprised a Jewish man would talk with her.  Jesus tells her he can give her living water.  The woman says that Jesus has no bucket.  She proposes that Jesus is not greater than Jacob, who dug the well.  Jesus says that the water he gives will lead to eternal life.  She asks for the water.  Now Jesus asks her to bring her husband.  She admits she doesn’t have a husband and Jesus tells her he knows this and that she has had five husbands.  The woman admits that Jesus is a prophet.  She has a question about where to worship God.  Jesus says that the Jews worship what they know because salvation is from the Jews.  He also tells her a time is coming when true worshippers will worship the Father in spirit and truth.  God is spirit.  The woman says she knows Messiah is coming.  Jesus tells her he is the Messiah.
Jn 4:27 - 30 The disciples are shocked that Jesus is talking to the woman.  The woman goes to town (glc…in a hurry) and testifies about her conversation with Jesus.  The people in town start coming to Jesus.
Jn 4:31 -  38 The disciples offer some food to Jesus but he tells them he has food they don’t know about.  Jesus’ food is to do God’s will and complete God’s work.  Jesus tells the disciples to observe that the fields (glc….people) are ready for harvest (glc..to receive the gospel).  Some sow and others reap.  The disciples are the reapers from what others have prepared.
 Jn 4:39 - 42 Based on the testimony of the woman, many Samaritans believed in Jesus.  They asked Jesus to stay in the town and Jesus stayed two days.  Many more believed.  They told the woman that they believed Jesus is the savior of the world.
Jn 4:43 - 45  Jesus goes to Galilee (glc…and not to Nazareth).  Jesus had told them that a prophet is not honored in his own country.  The Galileans welcomed him for they had seen his works in Jerusalem at Passover.
Jn 4:46 - 54  Jesus goes to Cana.  A royal official in Capernaum comes to Jesus and begs that Jesus come to his house and heal his son.  Jesus remarks that he has not found faith among the people unless they see a sign.  The official respectfully asks Jesus again to come to his house.  Jesus tells him the son will live.  The official believes and returns home.  On the way his servants meet him to tell him his son is well.  The healing of his son took place at the same time that Jesus spoke that his son would live.  The official and his household believe in Jesus.
Jn 5:1 - 15 Jesus went up to Jerusalem for a Jewish feast.  There is a pool called Bethzatha (NET…Bethsaida, Bethesda, Bet Esda ‘’house of the flowing’) by the Sheep Gate (NET…near the temple) in Jerusalem that has five covered walkways.  A large number of sick, blind, lame, and paralyzed people were lying on these walkways.  A man was there who had been disabled for 38 years.  When Jesus realized the man had been disabled a long time, Jesus said to him “Do you want to become well?”  The sick man answered, “Sir, I have no one to put me into the pool when the water is stirred up.  While I am trying to get into the water, someone else goes down there before me.”  Jesus said to him, “Stand up! Pick up your mat and walk.”  Immediately the man was healed, and he picked up his mat at walked (on a Sabbath day).  The religious leaders told the man he was not permitted to carry his mat since it was the Sabbath.  The man answered them, “The man who made me well said to me, ‘Pick up your mat and walk.’ “  The religious leaders asked him who said this but the man did not know who it was, for Jesus had slipped out, since there was a crowd in that place.  Later, Jesus found him at the temple and said to him, “Look, you have become well.  Don’t sin any more, lest anything worse happen to you.”  The man went away and told the religious leaders that Jesus had made him well.
John 5: 16 - 47  This is a long series of quotes from Jesus.  Perhaps I should paraphrase these verses (but retain the quotes).
Jn 5: 16 - 30  The religious leaders persecuted Jesus because he was doing these things (glc…healing) on the Sabbath.  Jesus told them, “My Father is working until now, and I too am working.” The religious leaders tried even harder to kill Jesus because not only was he breaking the Sabbath (glc…doing healing on the Sabbath), but he was also calling God his own Father, thus making himself equal with God.  Jesus answered them, “I tell you the solemn truth, the Son can do nothing on his own initiative, but only what he sees the Father doing.  For whatever the Father does, the Son does likewise.  For the Father loves the son and shows him everything he does, and will show him greater deeds than these, so that you will be amazed.  For just as the Father raises the dead and gives them life, so also the Son gives life to whomever he wishes.  Furthermore, the Father does not judge anyone, but has assigned all judgment to the Son, so that all people will honor the Son just as they honor the Father.  The one who does not honor the Son does not honor the Father who sent him.”   “I tell you the solemn truth, the one who hears my message and believes the one who sent me has eternal life and will not be condemned, but has crossed over from death to life.  I tell you the solemn truth, a time is coming - and is now here - when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God, and those who hear will live.  For just as the Father has life in himself, thus he has granted the Son to have life in himself, and he has granted the Son authority to execute judgment because he is the Son of Man.”  “Do not be amazed at this because a time is coming when all who are in the tombs will hear his voice and will come out - the ones who have done what is good to the resurrection resulting in life, and the ones who have done what is evil to the resurrection resulting in condemnation.  I can do nothing on my own initiative.  Just as I hear, I hedge, and my judgment is just because I do not seek my own will, but the will of the one who sent me.”
(glc paraphrase of vv15 - 30 … Jesus’ statements carry the meaning that God is Jesus’ Father in a spiritual sense.  They both are working to advance the kingdom of God.  Jesus and the Father have one, unified, purpose.  God gives eternal life to people, and so does Jesus through his sacrifice for sin on the cross.  Jesus is entrusted with the right to bring judgment by God the Father.  The one who does not honor Jesus also does not honor God the Father. The person who hears and believes Jesus’ words and believes in God the Father has eternal life and has crossed over spiritually from death to eternal life.  Those who have died on Earth and are appointed to eternal life will hear Jesus’ voice and live.  God the Father has granted that Jesus have life in himself and has appointed him to speak judgment.  Those who have died will come out of their graves.  Those who have done good …e.g. Romans 4:1-13 - Abraham believed God and it was counted righteousness to him  … Those who have not had faith in God will be condemned.  Jesus’ words and actions are in agreement with God the Father.  )
Jn 5:31 - 47  Jesus continued, “If I testify myself, my testimony is not true.  There is another who testifies about me, and I know the testimony he testifies about me is true.  You have sent to John, and he has testified to the truth. (I do not accept human testimony, but I say this so that you may be saved.)  He was a lamp that was burning and shining, and you wanted to rejoice greatly for a short time in his light.”  “but I have a testimony greater than that from John.  For the deeds that the Father has assigned me to complete - the deeds I am not doing - testify about me that the Father has sent me.  And the Father who sent me has himself testified about me.  You people have never heard his voice nor seen his form at any time, nor do you have his word residing in you because you do not believe the one whom he sent.  You study the scriptures thoroughly because you think in them you possess eternal life, and it is these same scriptures that testify about me, but you are not willing to come to me so that you may have life.”  “I do not accept praise from people, but I know you, that you do not have the love of God within you.  I have come in my Father’s name, and you do not accept me.  If someone else comes in his own name, you will accept him.  How can you believe, if you accept praise from one another and don’t seek the praise that come from the only God?”  “Do not suppose that I will accuse you before the Father.  The one who accuses you is Moses, in whom you have placed your hope.  If you believed Moses, you would believe me because he wrote about me.  But if you do not believe what Moses wrote, how will  you believe my words?”
(glc paraphrase of vv 31 - 47    Jesus can make claims about himself, but John the Baptist and the works Jesus was doing testifiy about him.  God the Father has testified about Jesus by giving Jesus the ministry of doing miracles on Earth.   Those who don’t believe in Jesus 1) have not heard God’s voice, 2) have not seen God, 3) don’t have God’s word residing in them.  Their study of the OT scriptures is in vain.  It should not be this way because the OT scriptures testify about Jesus.  They reject Jesus and don’t have the love of God.  Jesus came in God’s name and was rejected.  The people accept someone who comes in his own name.  Moses will accuse the Jews before God the Father.  The people don’t fully understand Moses’ words and don’t believe Jesus’ words.  )
 Jn 6:1 - 15  Some time after this (NET…months may have passed), Jesus went to the other side of the Sea of Galilee.  (glc…away from Jerusalem, and away from Capernaum)  A large crowd followed Jesus because they saw the healing miracles he was doing.  Jesus went up on a mountainside and sat down with his disciples.  The time of Passover was near (glc…late March, or early April  Passover is observed on the date of the Full Moon after March 21st.  The Hebrew calendar is based on lunar cycles.).  Jesus saw the large crowd coming toward him and said to Philip, “Where can we buy bread so that these people may eat?”  Jesus said this to test Phillip, for Jesus knew he would be feeding the people.  Philip replied that it would take an amount of money equal to about 200 days of work to just get enough bread so each could have a little bread.  One of Jesus’ disciples, Andrew, Peter’s brother, told Jesus there was a boy who has five barley loaves and two fish, but this would not be nearly enough to feed the people.  Jesus told the disciples to have the people sit down on the grass.  There were about 5,000 men in the crowd.  Jesus took the bread, gave thanks, and had the bread distributed to the people.  He did the same with the fish.  The people took as much as they wanted.  When they were all satisfied Jesus told the disciples to gather up the broken pieces so nothing is wasted.  They filled 12 baskets with the broken pieces left over by the people.  The people recognized this miracle and said to one another, “This is certainly the Prophet (NET…Deuteronomy 18:15  prophet like Moses … glc…Israel had been fed with manna in the desert as they were being led by Moses.) who is to come into the world.”  Jesus knew the people were close to seizing him and making him a king, so he withdrew up the mountainside by himself.
(John 6:1-15 glc paraphrase. Jesus went across the Sea of Galilee.  Many people followed Jesus because they saw the healing miracles he was doing.  Jesus was on a mountainside with his disciples.  Jesus asked Phillip how they could feed the people.  A boy in the crowd had five loaves of bread and two fish.  Jesus had the people - over 5,000 men plus women and children - sit down on the grass.  Jesus gave thanks for the food and had the bread and fish distributed to the people.  The people took all they wanted and then 122 baskets were filled with the leftover portions.  The people understood a miracle of food had taken place and said Jesus must be the Prophet foretold in the OT.  Jesus knew the people were about to proclaim him to be king so he went further up the mountain by himself.  )
Jn 6:16 - 24  At sunset, the disciples went down to the lake, got into a boat, and started to go across the lake to Capernaum.  It was now dark and Jesus was not with them.  A strong wind was blowing and the sea was rough.  After they had rowed three or four miles they saw Jesus walking on the lake, approaching the boat, and they were frightened.  Jesus said to them, “It is I.  Do not be afraid.”  Then they wanted to take him into the boat, and immediately the boat came to the land where they had been heading.  The next day the crowd that was still on the mountainside realized only one small boat had been there and that Jesus had not gotten into the boat with the disciples.  Other boats from Tiberias (NET…SW side of Sea of Galilee) came to the shore near the people.  The people realized that neither Jesus nor the disciples were there so they got into the boats and went to Capernaum to look for Jesus.
(glc paraphrase….John 6:16 - 24  At the end of the day the disciples went down to the lake, got in a boat, and started across the lake.  It was windy and the sea was rough.  After they had gone a few miles on the lake, they saw Jesus walking on the water and were afraid.  Jesus spoke to them to calm their fears.  Immediately the boat reached the shore.  The next day the crowd on the mountainside realized Jesus and the disciples were gone, and that Jesus had not got into the boat.  Other boats from across the sea arrived and the people got into those boats to go to Capernaum to look for Jesus.)  
Jn 6:25 - 31  The people found Jesus on the other side of the lake and said to him, “Rabbbi, when did you get here?”  Jesus replied, “I tell you the solemn truth, you are looking for me not because you saw miraculous signs, but because you ate all the loaves of bread you wanted.  Do not work for the food that disappears, but for the food that remains to eternal life - the food which the Son of Man will give to you.  For God the Father has put his seal of approval on him.”  The people asked what they must do to accomplish the deeds that God requires.  Jesus replied, “This is the deed God requires - to believe in the one whom he sent.”  (glc…God’s plan, God’s requirement, is that people believe in Jesus.  It is through faith in Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross that we have forgiveness of sins.)  The people asked Jesus to perform a miraculous sign so they would believe.  The people said that their ancestors ate manna in the wilderness.  They quote (NET…Psalm 78:24) “He gave them bread from heaven to eat.”
(glc paraphrase … John 6:25-31  The people found Jesus and asked him how he got there … without a boat.  Jesus told them they were looking for him now because they had been given food, not because of the healing miracles they had seen.  He warned them to seek food that leads them to eternal life, the food that Jesus, Son of Man, can give them.  God the Father has shown he approves of Jesus.  The people asked Jesus what God wanted them to do.  Jesus told them that God wants them to believe in Jesus, who was sent by God.  Now the people asked to see a miracle so they can believe in Jesus.  Their ancestors had eaten manna in the desert, they want more proof about Jesus.)
Jn 6:32 - 40 Jesus senses that the people were giving too much credit to the man Moses.  He tells them “I tell you the solemn truth, it is not Moses who has given you the bread from heaven, but my Father is giving you the true bread from heaven.  For the bread of God is the one who comes down from heaven and gives life to the world.”  (glc…In Exodus 16 it is recorded that the people grumbled to Moses because they were hungry.  God told Moses that God would rain bread from heaven so the people could gather it each day for food.  Moses did not ask God for the bread from heaven.  It was God’s plan.)  The people asked to have bread from heaven all the time.  Jesus told them he is the bread of life and the person who comes to him will never go hungry and the one who believes in him will never be thirsty. (glc…Jesus is moving the conversation to spiritual truths.  Jesus can fulfill and satisfy their spiritual hunger and thirst.) Jesus recognizes the unbelief in the people.  God the Father has planned for people to come to faith in Jesus.  Jesus will not reject those who come to him.  Jesus will raise all those who come to him in faith on the last day.  Everyone who looks on the Son (glc…Jesus) and believes in him will have eternal life.
(glc paraphrase … John 6:32-40 Jesus tells them to trust God, not Moses.  And, God the Father has sent Jesus to give life to the world.  The people were still thinking about literal, earthly, bread.  Jesus told them he is the heavenly bread that gives life.  Those who believe in Jesus will not be spiritually hungry or thirsty.  Everyone who believes in Jesus will have eternal life.)
Jn 6:41 - 51  Jews who were hostile to Jesus complained about Jesus’ statements about coming down from heaven.  They argued that Jesus was part of Joseph’s family, who they knew.  Jesus answered that they should not complain about him to other people.  God the Father gives people the desire to come to Jesus.  All who hear and learn spiritual truths from the Father will come to Jesus.  Only Jesus has actually seen God the Father.  (glc…no person on Earth has fully understood God but Jesus has. see John 1:18)  Those who believe  (glc…as Jesus has taught) have eternal life.  Jesus is the (glc…spiritual)  bread of life.  The Jewish ancestors ate manna from God in the wilderness but died.  Jesus is providing (glc…spiritual) food that those who accept it and make it part of them will have eternal life.  Jesus is the living bread from heaven.  Jesus provides spiritual truths that give life to those who believe.   (glc…John chapter 1…Jesus is the living word of God).
(glc paraphrase … John 6:41 - 51  Some religious leaders were offended that Jesus said he came down from heaven.  They pointed to Jesus’ earthly family.  Jesus teaches that God the Father give people the spiritual longing to come to Jesus.  Those who are seeking God and growing in spiritual truth come to Jesus.  Jesus has seen God the Father.  The ones who believe Jesus’ teachings have eternal life.  Jesus gives spiritual food to people that enables them to have eternal life.)

Jn 6:52 -  58  The Jews who were hostile to Jesus argued with each other about Jesus’ statement that he would give them his flesh to eat.  Jesus said to them, “I tell you the solemn truth, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you have no life in  yourselves.  The one who eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise him up on the last day.  For my flesh is true food, and my blood is true drink.  The one who eats my flesh and drinks my blood resides in me and I in him.  Just as the living Father sent me, and I live because of the Father, so the one who consumes me (NET…internalizes Jesus) will live because of me.  This is the bread that came down from heaven; it is not like the bread your ancestors ate, but then later died.  The one who eats this bread will live forever.”
(ESV … Jesus is using physical terms to teach a spiritual truth.     QUEST…”To eat and drink Jesus is to assimilate him and allow him into every aspect of our lives.”)
(glc paraphrase … John 6:52 - 58  The religious leaders who opposed Jesus argued about Jesus statement that he would give them his flesh to eat.  They did not understand the spiritual meaning of his statement.  Those who take Jesus words inside themselves and believe his teachings have eternal life.  Jesus will give them eternal life.  The food the OT Jews ate in the wilderness (and the OT religious practices) did not give them eternal life.  Faith in Jesus leads to eternal life.)

Jn 6:59 - 65  Jesus said these things while teaching in the synagogue in Capernaum.  Many of his disciples said this was a difficult saying and hard to understand.  Jesus was aware that his disciples where complaining about this and he asked them if they were offended.  He also asked “what if you see the Son of Man ascending where he was before?”  “The Spirit is the one who gives life; human nature is of no help.  The words that I have spoken to you are spirit and are life.  But there are some of you who do not believe.”  (Jesus always knew who would not believe him and who would betray him.)  Jesus added, “Because of this I told you that no one can come to me unless the Father has allowed him to come.”
(glc paraphrase … John 6:59-65  Jesus spoke these things in a religious setting, in a synagogue in Capernaum.  Even some disciples did not understand the spiritual meaning of his words.  Jesus asked what their reaction would be if they saw him ascend to heaven.  We receive eternal life by God’s spirit.  Our human efforts are of no use in obtaining eternal life with God.   Jesus’ words are spirit and life.  Some disciples did not believe in Jesus.  Those who don’t believe will not have eternal life with God.)
Jn 6:66 - 71   After this many of Jesus’ disciples stopped following him.  Jesus asked the twelve, “You don’t want to go away too, do you?”  Peter answered there was no one else to go to since Jesus had the words of eternal life.  Peter also said they had come to believe and to know that Jesus was the Holy One of God.  Jesus replied, “Didn’t I choose you, the twelve, and yet one of you is the devil?”  (He said this about Judas Iscariot who was going to betray him.)
(glc paraphrase … John 6:66-71  Many disciples quit following Jesus because of this teaching.  Peter spoke up that only Jesus had the message of eternal life.  Peter added that those who remained believed Jesus was the Holy One of God.  Jesus chose the twelve disciples and knew Judas would betray him.)
Jn 7:1 - 13 Jesus stayed in Galilee instead of Judea for a time because of opposition from the religious leaders.  Jesus knew the time was not right for a confrontation.  Jesus’ brothers did not believe Jesus was the Christ.  It sounds like they had some resentment towards Jesus that he was popular.  Jesus tells his brothers to go to Jerusalem to the feast of Shelters without him.  After they left, Jesus also went to Jerusalem but kept a low profile at first.  The religious leaders were looking for him and the people had confusion about who Jesus was.  Talking about Jesus was dangerous because the religious leaders opposed Jesus.
Jn 7:14 - 24 In the middle of the feast celebration, Jesus started teaching in the temple courts.  The religious leaders were amazed by his teaching since they knew he didn’t have the religious education they conducted.  Jesus told them his teaching came from the one who sent him.  Those who want to do God’s will recognize that Jesus’ teaching came from God.  Those who speak to give honor to the one who sent them have integrity and righteousness.  Jesus chides the religious leaders and crowd for not keeping the law Moses gave.  Jesus asks them why they want to kill him.  The crowd says Jesus is demon-possessed.  Jesus replied that they are amazed by the one miracle he performed but they complained about the healing being done on the Sabbath.  He points out that a male child is circumcised on a Sabbath to keep the law of Moses.  He tells them to change their thinking and not just look at external factors.
Jn 7:25 - 36  The people speculate on the actions and thinking of the religious leaders.  The leaders know Jesus is publicly teaching but are not stopping him.   The people say they know where Jesus came from but that no one will know where the Christ comes from.  Jesus picks up on these thoughts and tells them he did not come on his own initiative.  He tells them they don’t know (glc…understand) who sent him.  Jesus says he knows him because he came from him and was sent by him.  There is an attempt to seize Jesus but it fails because it is not the right time.  Many in the crowd believe Jesus' words.  The religious leaders here see support for Jesus in the crowd and seek to arrest him.  Jesus says he will be with them for only a little while longer and then he will go to the one who sent him.  He says they cannot go where he will be.  The religious leaders are confused by his statement.
Jn 7:37 - 44  On the last day of the feast, Jesus tells the people who are spiritually thirsty to come to him.  The OT references for the living water include Isaiah 44:3; 55:11; 58:11; and Zecharaiah 14:8 (NET notes).  The crowd has various opinions about Jesus.  Some say he is the Prophet, some say he is the Christ, some say his hometown in Galilee disqualifies him since the Christ is to come from Bethlehem.  Some in the crowd want to arrest Jesus but that does not happen.
Jn 7:45 - 52 The security officers sent by the religious leaders return to them without Jesus.  These officers were impressed by how Jesus spoke.  The religious leaders say they have been deceived and that Jesus has not been approved by them.  They say the crowd doesn’t know the law and are inferior.  Nicodemus points out that the law says a person should not be condemned before the person is heard by the leaders.  The other leaders bring up Jesus’ Galean background as evidence against Jesus being a prophet.
Jn 7:53 - 8:11 is not in the oldest manuscripts.
Jn 8:1 - 11 Jesus went to the Mount of Olives (glc…to pray).  The next day Jesus was teaching people in the temple courts.  The religious leaders brought a woman who had been caught in adultery (glc…set up by the leaders?) to Jesus.  The leaders point out that the law says she should be stoned.  They ask what Jesus would do to her.  Jesus says that whoever has no sin among them should throw the first stone.  The leaders slowly disperse, starting with the older leaders.  Jesus asks the woman who is accusing her.  The accusers have all left.  Jesus says he does not accuse her and tells her to go and stop sinning.
Jn 8:12 - 20 Jesus is teaching again.  He says he is the light of the world and that those who follow him will have the light of life that will take darkness away from them.  The religious leaders complain that Jesus' statements about himself are not true.  Jesus says his statements are true because he knows where he came from and where he is going, but the religious leaders do not know these things.  The leaders judge by outward appearances.  Jesus does not judge, but if he judges, he judges correctly because he and the Father who sent him judge together.  Jesus and the Father (glc….through his miracles and spiritual teaching) testify about Jesus.  The leaders ask who his father is.  Jesus says that if they would have known who Jesus is they would know his father.
Jn 8:21 - 30 Jesus says he will go away but they will die in their sin.  They cannot go where Jesus is going (glc…heaven).  Jesus says he is from above and they are from below.  Jesus is not of this world, they are from this world.  Unless they believe in Jesus they will die in their sins.  The leaders ask Jesus who he is.  Jesus says he has been telling them (glc…he is from the Father).  Jesus says he is telling the world what he has heard from the Father but the religious leaders did not understand.  Jesus says that when he is lifted up (glc…crucified) they will know
more and that Jesus does not do these things on his own plan, but he speaks what the Father taught him. Jesus says he is not alone because his actions please the one who sent him.  Many people believe in Jesus.

Jn 8:31 - 41a Jesus tells the people who believe in him that if they continue to follow his teaching they are his disciples, they will know the truth, and the truth will set them free. (glc…set free from sin and from the limiting rules of the religious leaders)  The people (glc…religious leaders and their followers?) say they are descendants of Abraham and have never been slaves.  Jesus tells them that those who practice sin are slaves of sin.  If the son sets you free you will be really free.  Jesus knows they want to kill him because they don’t let his teaching affect the way they think and act.  Jesus is telling them what he has seen while with the Father.  Jesus says they practice what they have heard from your father (glc… Satan).  The people say Abraham is their father.  Jesus says their deeds don’t line up with Abraham.  They are trying to kill him and he has told them truth he heard from God.  They are doing acts of their father. 

Jn 8:41b - 59 The people cast dispersions on Jesus’ ancestry.  They claim God is their father.  Jesus says they would love him if God was their father, because he came from God.  God sent him.  Jesus says they cannot accept his teaching and cannot understand his message.  Jesus says directly that their father is the devil and they want to do what their father desires.  The devil was a murderer from the beginning and has no truth in him.  He is a liar and the father of lies. (glc…The devil’s method of telling lies and distorting scripture is evident in Genesis 3:1-6 and Luke 4:2-13).  Jesus says the people are doing what the devil desires.  The devil seeks to destroy and has no truth in him.  The devil speaks from what is his nature, lies.  Jesus is telling truth (glc…which is in conflict with the lies of the devil, which they accept,  so they can’t accept Jesus’ teaching ).   Jesus challenges them to prove he is guilty of sin.  Jesus challenges them to believe in the truth.  The one who believes fully in God listens and responds to God’s words.  The people are not believing in Jesus because they don’t belong to God.  The people from Judea accuse Jesus of being a Samaritan and controlled by a demon.  Jesus says they are wrong and that he is honoring his Father.  The people are dishonoring Jesus.  Jesus is not seeking fame and honor for himself.  God demands honor and God judges.  Jesus tells them solemnly that those who obey his teaching will not see death (glc…eternal separation from God).  The people say Jesus is incriminating himself by his speech.  They point out that Abraham and the prophets died and ask Jesus if he is greater than Abraham.  Jesus says that his Father (God) glorifies Jesus.  Jesus says the people do not know God.  Jesus cannot lie and tell them he doesn’t know God.  Jesus obeys God’s teaching.  Jesus says that Abraham had joy in seeing Jesus’ day (glc…coming to Earth and God’s plan for salvation).  The people exclaim that Jesus is younger than 50, how can you have seen Abraham!?  Jesus solemnly tells them that before Abraham lived, I AM!  The people seek to stone Jesus but he is hidden from them and walks away.

Jn 9:1 - 12 Jesus walks by a man who has blind since his birth.  The disciples ask Jesus if the blindness was caused by the man’s sin or his parents’ sin.  Jesus tells them the blindness is not the result of sin but the purpose was to let the acts of God be revealed by his healing.  Jesus says to do the deeds of God while Jesus is on Earth.  There will be a time when no one can work (glc….?right after the crucifixion when the disciples lacked faith?).  Jesus is the light of the world.  Jesus puts mud on the man’s eyes and tells him to wash in the pool of Siloam. (glc…water from this pool was used during the Feast of Tabernacles..(NET) )  The man did so and came back to Jesus able to see.  Some people who knew the person when he was blind recognized him.  Some people did not recognize him.  The man who had been blind proclaimed he was the one they had seen before he was healed.  He told them that Jesus put mud on his eyes and told him to wash in the pool of Siloam.  He told them that after he washed he could see.  The man did not know where Jesus was now.

Jn 9:13 - 39 The man was taken to the Pharisees.  The Pharisees asked how he was able to see and the man told them the process.  Some of the Pharisees said Jesus could not be from God because he doesn’t follow the rules about the Sabbath.  Other Pharisees said a sinner could not do this miracle.  They asked the man who was healed for his opinion about Jesus.  He says that Jesus is a prophet.  The religious leaders doubted the man had been blind (glc…they could obviously see that he could see now).  They summon his parents.  The parents declare he is their son who was born blind, but they don’t make a statement as to how he can now see.  They tell the Pharisees to ask their son themselves.  The parents feared the religious leaders, that they would be removed from practicing their Jewish faith.  The Pharisees again summon the man who was healed and put pressure on him to tell the truth before God.  They call Jesus a sinner.  The man says he doesn’t know if Jesus is a sinner but he knows he can see after being blind.  The Pharisees again ask how he was healed.  The man says he has told them but they didn’t listen (glc…they only heard and understood what they wanted to hear and rejected the honest testimony).  The man asks if they want to become Jesus’ disciples.  They insult the man and claim to be disciples of Moses.  They say they know God spoke to Moses but they don’t know where Jesus came from.  The man stands up to them and says that they don’t know where Jesus came from but Jesus caused him to see.  The man says God doesn’t listen to sinners, but if a person is devout and does God’s will, God listens to him. (glc…interesting … God pays attention to those who are devout and to his will.)  The man says this healing of a person born blind has not happened before.  The man says if Jesus was not from God he could do nothing.  The Pharisees say he was born full of sin and that he can’t teach them.  They throw him out.  Jesus hears about this confrontation and finds the man.  Jesus asks him if he believes in the Son of Man.  Jesus says he is the Son of Man and is speaking to him now.  (glc…v38 is not in the earliest manuscripts)  Jesus says he has come to the world to give (glc…spiritual ) sight to those who cannot see, and that those who claim to (glc…have spiritual sight) might become (glc…spiritually) blind.

Jn 9:40-41  Some Pharisees hear this and ask if they are blind.  Jesus tells them if they were blind they would not be guilty of sin.  But, since they claim to see, their guilt remains. (glc…this reminds me of Romans 3:23,24 and 1 John 1:8-10)

Jn 10:1 - 18  Jesus tells an illustration that he is the one who provides the way to God.  The shepherd of the sheep knows them individually and leads them.  The sheep follow the shepherd because they know him.  The people did not understand the illustration.  Jesus told them directly that he is the door for the sheep(glc…people).  The ones who came before Jesus (glc…religious leaders) are robbers and the sheep did not listen to them.  Jesus came to give abundant life.  Jesus is the good shepherd who lays down his life for the sheep.  Hired hands (glc…religious leaders??) have no commitment to the sheep.  Jesus is the good shepherd who knows his sheep and he lays down his life for them.  v16 Jesus has other sheep (glc…not Jews, Gentiles??) who he wants to bring in.  There will be one flock.  The Father loves Jesus because he lays down his life.  Jesus has the authority to lay down his life and to take it back again.  The Father gave him this command.

Jn 10:19 - 21 The people were divided in their opinion of Jesus.  Some thought his words were crazy and that he was demon-possessed.  Some thought his healing of the blind man verified his words.

Jn 10:22 - 39 At the feast of dedication in Jerusalem (NET…Hanukkah celebrates the victory over Syrians and rebuilding the altar, 164 BC), the religious leaders confronted Jesus in the temple area.  They asked him to tell them plainly if he was the Christ.   Jesus said he had told them but they didn’t believe.  The deeds Jesus had done testified about Jesus.  He told them they didn’t believe because they are not his sheep.  Jesus’ sheep listen to his voice and he knows them.  Jesus gives them eternal life.  No one can take them from Jesus.  The Father has given them to Jesus and he is greater than all.  No one can take them from the Father.  The Father and I are one.  (glc…Jesus clearly claimed to be God.   NET…Jesus and the Father … are one “thing,” not one person…essential unity of essence)  The religious leaders picked up rocks to stone Jesus to death because they understood that Jesus was claiming to be God. (NET…OT judges could be called gods because they were vehicles of the word of God.) Jesus is the word of God (John 1).  Jesus was set apart and sent into the world.  Jesus told them they should believe the deeds he has done so that they would come to understand that he is in the Father and the Father is in him.  The religious leaders attempted to seize Jesus but he escaped.

Jn 10:40 - 42 Jesus went back across the Jordan river.  Many came to him and believed in him.

Jn 11:1 - 16 Mary, Martha, and Lazarus lived in Bethany (glc…about 2 miles from Jerusalem) .  The incident of Mary anointing Jesus is in John 112:3.  Jesus received a message from Mary and Martha that Lazarus was sick.  Jesus said the sickness would lead to God’s glory and glory for the Son of God.  Jesus loved (biblehub.com … love word in Greek is phileo…to be a friend, with affection) Lazarus.  v5 loved (biblehub.com…love…egapa…love, wish well, take pleasure in, long for).  Jesus stayed in his location for two days.  Then he told the disciples they should go to Judea.  The disciples brought up that the religious leaders were seeking to stone him.  Jesus told them a person will not stumble if they walk in the daytime.  He told them Lazarus had fallen asleep (NET…Greek word literally means ”sleep” … but is used as a euphemism for death when speaking of believers) but Jesus was going to waken him.  The disciples did not pick up on this euphemism.  Jesus told them directly that Lazarus had died.  Jesus tells them that this will help them believe.  Thomas tells the disciples they should go with Jesus so they may die with him.

Jn 11:17 - 37  When Jesus arrives in Bethany, Lazarus had been in the tomb four days.  Many Jewish people from Jerusalem had come to comfort Martha and Mary.  Martha went to meet Jesus.  She stated that if Jesus had been there, Lazarus would not have died.  She also stated that she knew God would grant whatever Jesus would ask.  Jesus replied that Lazarus would come back to life.  Martha said she knew he would come back to life at the resurrection at the last day.  Jesus told her that he is the resurrection and the life.  The one who believes in Jesus will live (glc…eternally), even if he dies (glc…on Earth). And the one who lives and believes in me will never die (NET…the Greek means…will never die forever).  Jesus asked if Martha believed this.  She says yes and that she believes Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God.  Martha went to Mary and said Jesus was asking for her.  Mary went quickly to him.  Some of the people in the house thought Mary was going to the tomb to weep.  Mary fell at Jesus’ feet and said to him that Lazarus would not have died if he had been there.  Jesus saw Mary and the people weeping and was intensely moved in spirit and distressed.  Jesus asked where the tomb was.  Mary said to come and see.  Jesus wept.  The people who were there noted this and said how much Jesus loved him.  Some of the people wondered if Jesus could have done something to keep Lazarus from dying.

Jn 11:38-44 Jesus showed emotion again as he came to the tomb.  The tomb was a cave with a stone across the opening. (glc…foreshadows Jesus’ tomb and resurrection).  Jesus gave a command to take away the stone.  Martha warned that there would be a smell.  Jesus responded that he had told her that if she believed she would see the glory of God.  The stone was taken away and Jesus thanked the Father for listening to him.  He also said that he knew the Father always listens to him but he said this for the benefit of the people standing around there, that they would believe the Father sent Jesus.  Jesus shouted, “Lazarus come out!”  Lazarus, who had died, came out with his burial cloth wrapped around him.  Jesus told the people to unwrap him and let him go.

Jn 11:45 - 53 Many of the people there believed in Jesus.  Some others went to the Pharisees to report what Jesus had done.  The religious leaders had a meeting.  They worried that all the people would believe in Jesus and cause the Romans to take away the sanctuary and the country.  The high priest, Caiaphas, said that it would be to their advantage to have one man die for the people rather than that the whole nation perishes.  Caiaphas’ words were not just from him, the words were a prophecy that Jesus would die for the Jewish people and to gather into one the children of God who are scattered.  The religious leaders started making plans to kill Jesus.  With this opposition, Jesus dropped out of public view with the disciples.  (NET…the location mentioned might be 12 miles from Jerusalem.)  The Feast of Passover was near and there were many people from outside Jerusalem in the city to cleanse themselves ritually.  These people were looking for Jesus and talking about him.  The religious leaders had directed that anyone who knew Jesus’ position should report it to them so they could arrest him.

Jn 12:1 - 11  Six days before Passover, Jesus came to Bethany where Lazarus, Mary, and Martha lived.  They prepared a dinner for Jesus.  Mary anointed Jesus' feet with expensive oil/  Judas complained that it could have been sold for 300 silver coins (glc…Judas got 30 silver coins for betraying  Jesus.).  Judas said it could have helped the poor, but John writes that Judas used to steal from the group’s money supply.  Jesus said that the anointing was for his burial.  A large crowd from Judea came to see Jesus and to see Lazarus.  The religious leaders planned to kill Jesus and Lazarus.  Many people were believing in Jesus because of Lazarus.

Jn 12:12 - 19 The next day the large crowd at the feast heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem.  They took branches of palm trees and went to meet Jesus.  They shouted, “Hosanna! Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord!” (NET  Psalm 118:25,26),  and “Blessed is the king of Israel!” Jesus rode on a young donkey. (Zechariah 9:9).  The disciples did not understand the significance of all this until after Jesus’ resurrection.  The people who saw Lazarus raised from the dead testified about the miracle.  The crowd was motivated to see Jesus because of this miracle.  The Pharisees complained that the people were flocking to Jesus.

Jn 12:20 - 26 Greeks (NET..probably God-fearers rather than converts to Judaism.) were at the feast to worship.  They asked Philip to see Jesus.  Jesus replied to Philip and Andrew that the time has come for the Son of Man to be glorified.  Jesus gave the illustration that a kernel of wheat falls into the ground and dies to produce much grain.  The one who loves his life in the world destroys his life, and the one who does not focus on his life in the world guards his life for eternal life. (glc…make eternal life your priority). To serve Jesus, you must follow him.  If you serve Jesus, the Father will honor you.

Jn 12:27 - 36 Jesus was in distress for knowing what would happen to him.  He would not ask the Father to deliver him from the death that was coming.  He asked the Father to glorify the Father’s name.  A voice from heaven said “I have glorified it and I will glorify it again.”  Some in the crowd said they heard thunder.  Others said an angel had spoken to Jesus.  Jesus said the voice came for the benefit of the people.  Satan will be driven out of this world.  Jesus said that he would draw all people to himself when he was lifted up (glc…crucified, lifted up like Moses lifted up the bronze serpent to bring healing to the people. (Numbers 21:9)  The crowd replied that the Christ will remain forever so why do you say the Son of Man will be lifted up?  They asked who is the Son of Man.  Jesus replied that the light would be with them a little longer and they should walk while they have the light so darkness would not overtake them.  He said they should believe in the light so they would become sons of light.  Then Jesus slipped away and hid himself from the people.

Jn 12:37 -  43  Even though Jesus had performed many miracles, the people still refused to believe in him.  This fulfilled Isaiah 53:1, “...who has believed our message…”  The people could not believe as prophesied in Isaiah 6:10 “...he has hardened their heart so that they would not..understand with their heart, and turn to me, and I would heal them.” (glc…God hardens their hearts in the way they have already chosen.  Jesus had given many invitations to believe but the people were slow to believe.  Don’t delay in putting your faith in Jesus.).  God had revealed Christ’s glory to Isaiah.  Some of the religious leaders believed in Jesus but would not openly admit this because they feared being put out of the synagogue.  They loved praise from men more than praise from God.

Jn 12:44 - 50  Jesus shouted out “The one who believes in me does not believe in me, but in the one who sent me.” (glc…if you believe in Jesus,  you believe in God the Father.).  Also, “the one who sees me sees the one who sent me.” (glc…Jesus revealed the nature of the Father.)  Jesus came as a light to the world (glc..that was in spiritual darkness, not in relationship with God) so that those who believe should not remain in darkness. Jesus did not come to judge the world.  The words of Jesus will judge those who reject Jesus at the last day.  Jesus did not speak from his own authority.  The Father who sent Jesus told Jesus what to say.  The Father’s commandment is eternal life.  Jesus says what the Father has told him.

Jn 13:1 - 17 Just before the Passover Feast, Jesus knew he would soon die and go to be with the Father.  Jesus had cared for his disciples and continued to care for them and do the best for them now. The Passover meal was in progress and Satan had influenced Judas that he should betray Jesus.  Jesus knew he would not be with the disciples much longer but would be returning to the Father. Jesus got up from the meal and began to wash the feet of the disciples.  Peter did not want Jesus to do this.  Jesus told Peter he would understand why he did this later.  Peter asked Jesus to wash his hands and head.  Jesus said only his feet needed washing now.  He said the disciples, except for one, are clean.  After washing their feet Jesus returned to the table.   He explained that they rightly called him Teacher and Lord.  He washed their feet and they also should wash one another’s feet (glc…they should be the servants of each other). Jesus gave them an example that they should follow. The one who is sent as a messenger is not greater than the one who sent him.  If you understand these things (glc…these principles), you will be blessed if you do them.

Jn 13:18 - 30 Jesus’ words are not about all the disciples.  Jesus quotes from Psalm 41:9, “The one who eats my bread has turned against me.” Jesus' words are preparing the disciples for upcoming events that they would believe in Jesus as the Christ.  Whoever accepts the one I send accepts me, and whoever accepts me accepts the one who sent me.  Jesus was distressed in his spirit and told them one of them would betray him.  The disciples looked at each other and wanted to know which of them he was talking about.  Peter asked (glc…John) who he was talking about.  Jesus said it is the one to whom I give this piece of bread.  Jesus gave the bread to Judas.  Satan entered Judas.  Jesus told Judas to quickly do what he was going to do.  The disciples thought Jesus had sent Judas on an errand.  Judas left the group.

Jn 13:31 - 38  After Judas left Jesus told them that the Son of Man is glorified and God is glorified in him.  Jesus said that God will also glorify him (Son of Man).  Jesus tells the group that he will be with them a little while, then they will look for him, and just as he said to the religious leaders, “Where I am going you cannot come.”  Jesus gave them a commandment to love one another.  Just as Jesus loved them they are to love each other.  The love they have for each other will let people know they are Jesus’ disciples.  Peter asked where Jesus was going.  Jesus said he could not follow now, but would follow later.  Peter said he would lay down his life for Jesus.  Jesus told him that he would deny Jesus three times before the rooster crows.

Jn 14:1 - 4 Jesus tells the disciples to not be distressed.  They believe in God, they need to believe in Jesus.  Jesus is going to where the Father is to prepare a place for them.  He will come again and take them to be with him.  Jesus tells them they know the way to where he is going.

Jn 14:5 - 14 Thomas says they don’t know where Jesus is going so how can they know the way.  Jesus tells them he is the way, and the truth, and the life.  All who come to the Father go through Jesus.  If you have known Jesus you will know the Father.  Jesus tells them from now on you do know him and have seen him.  Philip asks Jesus to see the Father.  Jesus remarks that he should know Jesus by now, and the person who has seen him has seen the Father.  Jesus asks if they believe he is in the Father and the Father is in him. Jesus' words have not come from his own initiative, but rather, the Father in Jesus performs miraculous deeds.  Believe Jesus is in the Father and that the Father is in him.  If you don’t believe him, believe because of the miracles.  Jesus proclaims that the person who believes in him willo perform those miracles and will perform greater deeds because he is going to the Father.  Do whatever you ask in Jesus’ name, so that the Father is glorified in the Son.  If you ask Jesus anything in his name, he will do it.

Jn 14:15 - 21  If you love Jesus you will obey his commandments.  Then Jesus will ask the father to give you another Advocate (glc…Holy Spirit)  to be with you forever.  The Holy Spirit is truth and the world cannot accept him because it does not see or know him.  The disciples know him because he resides with them and will be in them.  Jesus will not abandon the disciples as orphans.  Jesus will come to them (glc…after the resurrection).  In a short time the world will not see Jesus, but the disciples will see him.  Because he will live (glc…after the crucifixion) they will live too.  Then they will know that Jesus is in the Father, they are in Jesus, and Jesus is in them.  The person who has Jesus’ commandments and obeys them is the one who loves Jesus.  The one who loves Jesus will be loved by (glc…God the) Father and Jesus will love and reveal himself to that person.

Jn 14:22 - 31  Judas (not Iscariot) asks what has happened that he will reveal himself to them and not to the world.   Jesus replies that the one who loves him will obey his word.  Then Jesus’ Father will love this person and God the Father and Jesus will reside in the person.  The person who does not love Jesus does not obey his words.  The words Jesus spoke are from the Father who sent him.  Jesus taught them, but the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in Jesus’ name, will teach you and cause you to remember everything he said to them.  Jesus spoke peace to them and gave his peace to them.  His peace is different than peace from the world.  Jesus tells them to not be distressed or discouraged.  Jesus reminded them he told them he is going away and is coming back.  If they loved Jesus they would be glad he his going to the Father because the Father is greater than Jesus.  Jesus told them this before his crucifixion so that when it happens they would believe.  Jesus would not be with them much longer because Satan was about to have a temporary victory.  Satan has no power over Jesus.  Jesus did what the Father commanded him to do, so that the world would know he loves the Father.  Then the group left that area.

Jn 15:1 - 8 Jesus gives the illustration of a vine and branches.  Jesus is the true vine (glc…he is truthand speaks truth) and God the Father tends to the vine.  People are branches from the vine.  God the Father removes branches that are not bearing fruit in Jesus and prunes the branches that are bearing fruit so they may produce more fruit.  The disciples are clean because of the words of Jesus that they have believed.  For those who continue to believe in Jesus, Jesus will remain in them.  A person cannot bear fruit (glc…for Jesus and God the Father) unless they remain in Jesus.  The one who remains in Jesus, and Jesus remains in them, will bear much fruit.  You can’t bear fruit apart from Jesus (glc…follow Jesus’ teaching and examples, don’t do things based on human wisdom alone).  If one leaves Jesus they are like branches separated from the vine that dry up, are gathered by the gardener, and are burned.  Remain in Jesus and let Jesus’ word remain (glc…be effective) in you, and you can ask (glc…pray in agreement with Jesus’ teaching) and it will be done for you.  Jesus’ Father is honored when you bear much fruit and show you are Jesus’ disciples.  God the Father has loved Jesus and Jesus loves his disciples, so remain in Jesus’ love.  If you obey Jesus’ commandments you will remain in Jesus’ love, just as Jesus has obeyed his Father’s commandments and has remained in his love.  Jesus is teaching them these things that his joy may be in them, and their joy will be complete.  Jesus’ command is to love one another just as Jesus has loved the disciples.  No one has greater love than this - that one lays down their life for their friends.  You are Jesus’ friend if you do what he has commanded you to do.  Jesus calls the disciples friends because they know what Jesus is doing and Jesus has revealed what he heard from God the Father.  They did not choose Jesus, but Jesus chose them and appointed them to go and bear fruit that remains, so that whatever they ask the Father in his name, he will give them.  Jesus commands us to love one another.

Jn 15:18 - 27  The world hated Jesus and will hate the disciples of Jesus.  The world hates the disciples because they don’t belong to the world (glc…don’t have the world’s thinking and actions).  The world hates Jesus’ disciples because Jesus chose them out of the world.  Remember that the servant suffers what happens to the master.  The world has persecuted Jesus and will persecute Jesus’ disciples.  Those who obey Jesus’ words will obey the teachings of the disciples.  The disciples will be persecuted because of Jesus and because they don’t know the one who sent Jesus (glc…God the Father).  If Jesus had not come and taught them they would not be guilty of sin (glc…the sin of rejecting Jesus).    They no longer have an excuse (glc…of being ignorant of the truth) for their sin.  Those who hate Jesus (glc…don’t obey his teaching) hates God the Father (glc…don’t obey him) also.  If Jesus had not performed the miracles (glc…the testimony they can’t argue against) they would not be guilty of sin.  They have seen the miracles but have rejected Jesus and God the Father.  This fulfills “They hated me without reason.” (  Psalms 35:19; 69:40). When the Advocate (glc…Holy Spirit) comes, whom Jesus will send to the disciples from God the Father - the Spirit of Truth from the Father - he will testify about Jesus (glc…the Holy Spirit will confirm Jesus’ words and reveal spiritual truth to those willing to accept it).  The disciples will also testify about Jesus because they have been with Jesus since the beginning of his ministry.

Jn 16:1 - 11 Jesus taught the disciples so they would not fall away when persecuted.  Jesus’ disciples would be put out of the synagogue and killed by those who think they are doing service for God.  Those who persecute you do not know God the Father or Jesus.  The disciples will remember Jesus’ words about persecution when persecution comes.  Jesus is teaching them this now because he will soon be going to the one who sent him.  The disciples are not asking where Jesus is going because they are sad due to Jesus’ words.  Jesus teaches them that he is telling them truth, that it will be to their advantage that he goes away.  After Jesus goes, he will send the Advocate (glc…Holy Spirit).  The Advocate will prove the world wrong concerning sin (because they don’t believe in Jesus), and righteousness (because Jesus is going to the Father and they won’t see him), and judgment (because Satan has been condemned).  

Jn 16:12 - 18  Jesus has more to tell the disciples, but it is too much for them to handle.  The Holy Spirit will guide them into all truth.  The Holy Spirit will speak what he hears (glc…from the Father and Jesus) and will tell them what is to come.  (glc…There is one God, with three aspects…Father, Son, Holy Spirit.  They are combined in a divine being we cannot fully comprehend, they are in unity, have the same thinking, and work towards the same goal….Trinity, three in one, we see different aspects at different times).  The Holy Spirit will glorify Jesus because he will receive from Jesus and tell it to the disciples.  Jesus has all that the Father has so the Spirit can receive from Jesus and tell it to the disciples.  In a little while, they will not see Jesus, and in a little while after this they will see Jesus.  (glc…Jesus was not seen until the third day after the crucifixion.  Then, over 40 days Jesus appeared to his followers.)  Some of the disciples pondered and discussed the meaning of what Jesus was telling them.  They did not understand.

Jn 16:19 - 24 Jesus knew they had questions.  He explained further that they will weep and wail but the world would rejoice (glc…at his crucifixion), but their sadness would turn to joy (glc…after the resurrection).  When a woman gives birth there is distress and pain before the birth.  But after the birth the suffering is not important because (glc…in most cases) the child is born into the world.   (glc…even if the child does not survive childbirth I believe they will be in heaven with God.  2 Samuel 12:15-23. Psalm 139:13-16; Jeremiah 1:4, 5; Genesis 1:27 )  Jesus knows the disciples will have sorrow soon, but he will see them again adn they will rejoice with a joy no one can take away.  When this happens they won’t ask Jesus anything.  The disciples can depend on the fac that whatever they ask the Father in Jesus’ name, the Father will give to them.  Until know the disciples have not asked for anything in Jeus name.  Jesus tells them: ask and you will receive so that your joy may be complete.

Jn 16:25 - 33 Jesus did not talk to them plainly.  The time is comine when he will not speak in obscure figures but will tell them plainly about the Father.  At that time they will ask in Jesus’ name and Jesus will not have to ask the Father on their behalf.  The Father loves the disciples because they have loved Jesus and believed Jesus came from God.  Jesus came from the Father and entered the world.  Jesus is now leaving the world and going back to the Father.  The disciples remark that Jesus is now speaking plainly and not in obscure figures of speech.  They remark that they know everything and do not need anyone to ask you anything.  With this faith they believe Jesus came from God.  Jesus stated, “Do you now believe?  The time is now here when you will be scattered and I will be left alone.”  He told them he would not be alone because his Father is with him.  Jesus told them these things so that in Jesus they would have peace.  He tells them they will have trouble and suffering in the world but they should have courage because Jesus has conquered the world.  (glc…Jesus has not been polluted by the world and he taught the good news.)

Jn 17:1 - 5 Jesus looked up to heaven and prayed “Father, the time has come. Glorify your Son, so that your Son may glorify you.”  The Father gave Jesus authority over all humanity, so that he may give eternal life to everyone the Father has given him.  Eternal life is that you know God the Father, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom the Father sent.  Jesus glorified the Father on Earth by completing the work the Father gave him to do.  Jesus asked the Father to glorify him at the Father’s side with the glory Jesus had before the world was created. (glc…see John Chapter 1)

Jn 17:6 - 19  Jesus prayed to the Father for the disciples.  He said he had revealed God to the disciples.  The disciples belonged to the Father and the Father gave them to Jesus.  The disciples obeyed the Father’s word that Jesus spoke to them.  Through the words Jesus has spoken, the disciples understand that all that the Father gave to Jesus, came from the Father.  The disciples accepted the words and understand that Jesus came from, and was sent by, the Father.  Jesus is now praying on behalf of the disciples because the disciples belong to the Father.  He is not now praying on behalf of the world.  Everything Jesus has belongs to the Father, and everything the Father has belongs to Jesus.  This glorifies Jesus.  Jesus knows he will soon leave the world and come to the Father, while the disciples will be in the world.  Jesus asks that the Father keep them safe by the authority of your name that the Father has given to Jesus, so that the disciples may be one just as Jesus and the Father are one.  Jesus kept the disciples safe and watched over them in the authority the Father gave Jesus.  Only the one destined for destruction was lost (glc…it was prophesied in the OT that the Messiah would be betrayed Psalm 41:9; Zechariah 11:12,13;  ).  Jesus is telling the disciples these things since he is coming to the Father and he wants the disciples to experience his joy fulfilled in them.  Jesus gave them the Father’s word and the world hates them because they don’t belong to the world, just as Jesus did not belong to the world (glc…didn’t follow the worldly manner of living and believing.)   Jesus asks the Father that the disciples would be in the world and that the Father would keep them safe from the devil.  The followers of Jesus don’t belong to the world just as Jesus does not belong to the world.  Jesus asks the Father to consecrate the disciples in the truth.  The Father’s word is truth.  Jesus is sending the disciples into the world just as the Father sent Jesus into the world.  Jesus set himself apart (glc…to do the Father’s will) for the benefit of his followers, so they would truly be set apart.

Jn 17:20 - 26  Jesus is also praying for those who believe in Jesus because of the testimony of his followers.  Jesus prays that all believers would be one just as the Father is in Jesus and as Jesus is in the Father.  Jesus asks that the believers will be in them (glc…the Father and Jesus) so the world will believe that the Father sent Jesus.  Jesus gave the disciples the glory (glc…good character; love of God; dedication to their mission) that they would be one just as the Father and Jesus are one, so that the world will know the Father sent Jesus and that the Father has loved them just as the Father has loved Jesus.   Jesus wants those the Father gave him to be with him so they can see his glory, the glory the Father gave him before the world was created.  God the Father is righteous.  Jesus knows the Father even if the world does not know the Father.  The disciples know the Father sent Jesus.  Jesus has revealed the Father to the disciples and Jesus will continue to make him known, so that the love the Father has given to Jesus may be with the disciples and that Jesus may be in them.

Jn 18:1 - 11  Then, Jesus and the disciples go across the Kidron Valley to an orchard.   Judas knew the place Jesus had often met there with his disciples.  Judas obtained a squad of soldiers and some officers of the chief priests and Pharisees.  This group brought lanterns and torches and weapons.  Jesus knew what was going to happen and spoke to the group.  He asked who they were looking for.  They said “Jesus the Nazarene,”  and Jesus told them he was the person they were looking for.  Judas, the betrayer, was standing with the group.  When Jesus said “I am he” the group backed up and fell to the ground.  Jesus asked them again who they were looking for and they repeated “Jesus the Nazarene.”  Jesus told them he was the person and they should let his followers go.  This was to fulfill his word that he had spoken that not a single follower the Father had given him would be lost.  Peter struck the slave of the High Priest with a sword cutting off his ear.  Jesus told Peter to put the sword away.  Jesus said he was going to drink the cup the Father had given him.

Jn 18:12 - 14  Jesus was arrested and bound.  The soldiers and officers brought Jesus to Annas, the father-in-law of Caiaphas, the high priest.  Caiaphas had advised the religious leaders that it was best that one man die for the people.

Jn 18:15 - 18  Peter and another disciple followed the group, that had Jesus, to Annas.  The other disciple (NET…perhaps John) was acquainted with the high priest and he went with Jesus into the high priest’s courtyard.  Peter was outside.  The other disciple came out and spoke to the slave girl, who watched the door, and brought Peter inside.  This girl asked Peter if he was a disciple of Jesus.  Peter said he was not.  The slaves and guards were warming themselves around a fire.  Peter was also standing by the fire.

Jn 18:19 - 27  While this was happening, the high priest questioned Jesus about his disciples and about his teaching.  Jesus replied that he had spoken publicly and taught in the synagogues and temple courts to the Jewish people.  He had not spoken in secret.  Jesus said they should ask those who heard his teaching.  One of the high priest’s officers struck Jesus on the face and told Jesus he should not be addressing the high priest like that.  Jesus replied that if he has spoken something wrong, tell him what is wrong, but if he spoke correctly why was he struck.  Then Annas sent him bound to Caiaphas the high priest.  Peter was standing in the courtyard warming himself.  The people there said to him that he was one of Jesus’ disciples.  Peter denied it.  One of the high priest’s slaves, a relative of the man whose ear Peter had cut off, said he saw Peter in the orchard with Jesus.  Peter denied this again and then a rooster crowed.

Jn 18:28 - 32 Jesus was brought from Caiaphas to the Roman governor’s home in the very early morning.  The Jews did not go inside since that would defile them for the upcoming Passover meal.  (QUEST…Jews would be “unclean” for 7 days after entering the house of a gentile.)
 (ESV … continue the whole feast celebration …glc…it is now Friday morning, the specific Passover meal was on Thursday evening but the Passover celebration was still continuing)
Pilate came outside and asked what was the accusation against Jesus.  The religious leaders replied that if he wasn’t a criminal they would not have handed him over to Pilate.  Pilate told them to take Jesus and pass judgment on him according to Jewish law.  They replied that they could not legally put anyone to death.  This happened to fulfill Jesus word as to the kind of death he would have (John 12:32).

Jn 18:33 - 40 Pilate went back inside his house and summoned Jesus.  Pilate asked Jesus if he was the king of the Jews.  Jesus asked Pilate if he was saying this on his own initiative or if others told this about Jesus.  Pilate exclaimed that he wasn’t a Jew and that Jesus’ people and religious leaders had handed Jesus over to him.  Pilate asked what Jesus had done.  Jesus told Pilate that his kingdom was not of this world.  If his kingdom was of this world his servants would have fought to prevent Jesus from being handed over to the Jewish authorities.  Jesus said his kingdom is not from here.  Pilate said “So you are a king!”  Jesus replied that Pilate says he is a king.  For this reason Jeuss was born, and for this reason Jesus was in the world - to testify to the truth.  Jesus said that everyone who belongs to the truth listens to his voice.  Pilated asked “What is truth?”  After this interview Pilate went outside and told the Jewish leaders he did not find a basis for an accusation against Jesus.  Pilate reminded them that it was a custom for one prisoner to be released at Passover.  Pilate asked if he should release the king of the Jews.  The religious leaders shouted No! Release Barabbas, (who was a revolutionary).

Jn 19:1 -  7  Pilate had Jesus flogged severely.  The soldiers made a crown of thorns and put it on his head.  They put a purple robe on Jesus.  They repeatedly cem up to him and said “Hail, king of the Jews!” and struck him in the face.  Pilate spoke to the Jewish leaders that he will bring Jesus before them so that they would know that Pilate finds no basis for an accusation against Jesus.  Jesus came outside wearing the purple robe and crown of thorns.  Pilate said “Look at him.”  The chief priests and their officers saw Jesus and shouted, “Crucify him!”  Pilate told them to take Jesus and crucify him but he finds no reason for an accusation.  The Jewish leaders replied that they have a law that says Jesus must die because he claimed to be the Son of God.

Jn 19:8 - 14  The leaders remarks made Pilate afraid.  Pilate went back inside his house and asked Jesus where he came from.  Jesus did not answer.  Pilate told Jesus why do you refuse to speak to me, don’t you know I have the authority to release you or crucify  you.  Jesus replied that Pilate would have no authority at all unless it was given to  you from above, and the one who handed him over to Pilate is guilty of greater sin.  Pilate tried to release Jesus again, but the Jewish leaders shouted that if he releases Jesus then Pilate is not a friend of Caesar because everyone who claims to be a king opposes Caesar.  Pilate brought Jesus outside and sat down in the judgment seat.  It was now about noon on the day of preparation for Passover, about noon.  Pilate said to the leaders, Look, here is your king.  They shouted, away with him, crucify him!  Pilate asked if he should crucify their king.  The high priests replied that hey had no king except Caesar.  Pilate handed Jesus over to be crucified.

Jn 19:17 - 22  Jesus carried his cross to Golgatha (the place of the skull) (glc…a hill outside the city). Jesus was crucified along with two others, with Jesus in the middle.  Pilate had this message written and fastened to the cross, “Jesus the Nazarene, the king of the Jews.” Many Jewish residents of Jerusalem read the notice because Golgotha was near the city and the notice was written in Aramaic (NET…Hebrew), Latin, and Greek.  The chief priests told PIlate that the notice should read, this man said, I am king of the jews.  Pilate replied that what he has written, he has written (glc…it would not be changed).

Jn 19:23 - 27 The soldiers who crucified Jesus took his clothes and made four shares.  The tunic was one piece so they decided to throw dice to see who would get it.  This fulfilled Psalm 22:18 …they divided my garments among them, and for my clothing they threw dice.  Jesus mother was near the cross, and his mother’s sister, and Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene (NET…it is likely that four women are identified, not three).  Jesus saw his mother and one of his close disciples (glc…John). Jesus told them that John was to take care of his mother.

Jn 19:28 - 37  Jesus realized that everything was completed (glc…he knew he had done the work God intended him to do and would be the acceptable sacrifice to God for the forgiveness of peoples’ sins).  He fufilled Psalm 69:21 by saying he was thirsty and having the soldiers put a sponge with sour wine to his lips.  Jesus said, “It is completed!” and gave up his spirit.  The Jewish leaders did not want the victims to be on their crosses on the Sabbath so they asked Pilate to command that the victims legs would be broken (glc…so they would die from dificulty of breathing) and that the victims would be taken down.  The soldiers broke the legs of the other two victims but they saw Jesus was already dead so they did not break his legs.  One soldier pierced his side with a spear and blood and water flowed out.  (NET…the blood matches the blood sacrifices made in the temple)  Jesus manner of death fulfilled the scripture that none of his bones would be broken (Exodus 12:46; Numbers 9:122; Psalm 34:20), and that they would look on the one they have pierced (Zechariah 12:10  and read the whole chapter 12).

Jn 19:38 - 42  Joseph of Arimathea was a secret disciple of Jesus (secret because he feared the religious leaders).  He asked Pilate for permission to remove Jesus’ body.  Pilate gave him permission and he took the body away.  Nicodemus, who had talked with Jesus at night (John 3:1-21), helped Joseph and brought about 75 pounds of myrrh and aloes.  They wrapped the body in strips of linen cloth, along with the spices, according to Jewish burial customs.  There was a garden with a new tomb near the place of crucifixion and they put Jesus’ body there because it was the Jewish day of preparation. (NET…sabbath would start at 6 p.m.)

Jn 20:1 - 9  Very early on the first day of the week (glc…Sunday), Mary Magdalene came to the tomb and found the stone had been moved away from the tomb entrance.  Mary ran to Peter and John and told them someone had taken the Lord from the tomb and we (Luke 24:1) don’t know where they have put him.  Peter and John ran to the tomb and John arrived first.  He looked into the tomb and saw the strips of linen cloth.  Peter arrived and went into the tomb.  He saw the linen cloth and the face cloth that had wrapped Jesus’ head rolled up neatly.  John came into the tomb, saw the scene, and believed. (NET…in the resurrection).  They did not understand the scripture (glc…OT)  that Jesus must rise from the dead.

Jn 20:10 - 18 The disciples went back to their homes.  Mary stood outside the tomb, weeping.  She looked into the tomb and saw two angels sitting where Jesus’ body had been laid.  The angels asked why she was weeping.  Mary replied that they have taken her Lord away and she did not know where they put him.  Mary turned around and saw Jesus standing there but she did not recognize Jesus (glc…Mary had last seen Jesus on the cross after his beatings.  Now his body is restored.)  Jesus asked her why she was weeping and who she was looking for.  Mary thought he was the gardener and asked him where he had put Jesus’ body, that she would take the body.  Jesus addressed her as “Mary.”  Mary turned and said “Rabboni” (in Hebrew it means Teacher).  Jesus replied that she should not touch him because he had not yet ascended to his Father.  Jesus told her to go to his brothers (glc…disciples) and tell them that he was ascending “to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.”  Mary went and told the disciples that she had seen the Lord and she told them what Jesus had said to her.

Jn 20:19 - 23  On Sunday evening, the disciples were gathered behind a locked door because they feared the Jewish leaders.  Jesus came and stood among them and said “Peace be with you.”  Jesus showed them (glc…the wounds on) his hands and side.  The disciples rejoiced.  Jesus said to them, “Peace be with you. Just as the Father has sent me, I also send you.” (glc…Jesus is commissioning them to spread the good news and teach the people.)  Jesus breathed on them (Genesis 2:7; Ezekiel 37:1-14; John 7:38,39)  and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit. (NET…Here they received eternal life, in Acts 2 they received power to witness and carry out the mission they had been given.)  If you forgive anyone’s sins, they are forgiven; if you retain anyone’s sins, they are retained.”

Jn 20:24 - 31  Thomas, one of the twelve disciples, was not with them when Jesus came.  The other disciples (glc…10 at this point) told him they had seen Jesus.  Thomas replied that he would have to see the wounds and put his finger into the wounds, he would never believe.   Eight days later the disciples were together in the house.  The doors were locked, but Jesus came and stood among them and said, ”Peace be with you!”  (glc…Jesus sudden appearance would be unsettling to them.  This greeting would put them at ease and pass on a blessing of peace to them.)  Jesus told Thomas to examine his hands and his side.  Jesus wanted Thomas to leave his unbelief and fully believe he was risen from the dead.  Thomas replied to Jesus, “My Lord and my God!”  Jesus said to him, “Have you believed because you have seen me?  Blessed are the people who have not seen and yet have believed.” (glc…People now believe in Jesus after reading God’s word, after listening to the testimonies of others as to how God has affected their lives, after receiving a revelation that opens their minds to the truth that Jesus rose from the dead, and in other ways.  Be open to growing in your trust and faith in Jesus. )  Jesus performed many other miracles that the disciples saw that are not written down.  The ones that are recorded are enough for you to believe that Jesus is the CHrist, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.

Jn 21:1 - 8  After this, Jesus revealed himself again to the disciples by the Sea of Galilee.  Peter, Thomas, Nathanael, James and John, and two other disciples were together.  Peter told them he was going fishing.  They all went with him in a boat but did not catch anything after fishing all night.  Early in the morning Jesus stood on the beach but the disciples did not know it was Jesus.  Jesus said to them, “Children, you don’t have any fish, do you?”  They replied, “No.”  Jesus told them to throw their net on the right side of the boat to get fish.”  They did so and caught a large number of fish.  Then the disciple whom Jesus loved (ESV…almost certainly the author of the book,  John) told Peter, “It is the Lord.”  Peter jumped into the water to get to the shore, about a hundred yards away.  The other disciples came in the boat, dragging a net full of fish.

Jn 21:9 - 14  When they got to the beach they saw a charcoal fire ready with a fish on it and bread.  Jesus told them to bring him some fish that they just caught.  Peter pulled the net ashore.  Even though the net was full of large fish the net did not break.  Jesus told them to come and have breakfast.  None of the disciples dared to ask Jesus who he was because they knew it was the Lord.  Jesus took the bread and the fish and gave it to them.  This was the third time Jesus was revealed to the disciples after he was raised from the dead.

Jn 21:15 - 19  After breakfast Jesus asked Peter if he loved Jesus more than the other disciples do.  Peter replied, “Yes, Lord, you know I love you.”  Jesus told Peter “feed my lambs.”  Jesus asked Peter this question a second time and Peter again stated his love for Jesus.  Jesus told him, “Shepherd my sheep.”  Jesus asked Peter this question a third time.  Peter was distressed and replied, “Lord, you know everything.  You know that I love you.”  Jesus replied that Peter should feed Jesus’ sheep.  (glc..the feeding would be by leading and by proclaiming the good news of Jesus.)  He also told him that when is old he would stretch out his hands and people would tie him and bring him to where he would not want to go.  Jesus said this to clearly indicate what kind of death Peter would have (glc…crucifixion).   After he said this, Jesus told Peter, “Follow me.”  (glc…this applies to us today…follow Jesus teachings and examples.)

Jn 21:20 - 23 Peter turned around and saw John.  This disciple had been close to Jesus at the Last Supper and had asked Jesus who would betray him.  Peter asked Jesus, “Lord, what about him?”  Jesus replied, “If I want him to live until I come back, what concern is that of yours?  You follow me!”  (glc…Don’t compare your life with how God works in the lives of others.  Each person should follow Jesus and do what God wants them to do in their lives.  You don’t have to copy others in their actions and you should not expect your life to get the same circumstances as others have.)  This reply of Jesus was interpreted by some followers of Jesus to mean that John was not going to die.  But this was not Jesus’ meaning.  Jesus meaning was that they should not be concerned about John’s future (glc… but should be concerned about their own future.).

Jn 21:24, 25  The author of the book testifies about what is written and we know that his testimony is true (glc..he was an eyewitness … ESV..this is written in the construction of a self-reference).  Jesus did much more than is written in the book.  The other words and actions of Jesus, and their meanings, would take a great deal of space to write down.  (glc…We can’t completely comprehend Jesus and his teachings, but we have enough written down that we can fully believe in Jesus’ teachings, and his sacrifice for our sins through his death, and his testimony of being alive after having died.)

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