Luke 13, 365 DAYS OF LOVE #6: PICKING UP PAPER & PRAYER

Passage: Repent or Perish, A Crippled Woman Healed on the Sabbath, The Parables of the Mustard Seed and the Yeast, The Narrow Door, Jesus' Sorrow for Jerusalem


Memory Verse: "From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work" -Ephesians 4:16


Notes: (v.1-9) Jesus urges the people to repent: "Do you think that these Galileans were worse sinners than all the other Galileans because they suffered this way? I tell you, no! But unless you repent, you too will all perish."
(v.1-17) On the Sabbath, Jesus met a woman who had been crippled by a spirit for eighteen years. He called her forward and set her free from her infirmity, and praised God. At this, the Pharisees were indignant because he had healed on the Sabbath, but Jesus rebuked them by saying, "You hypocrites! Doesn't each of you on the Sabbath untie his ox or donkey from the stall and lead it out to give it water? Then should not this woman, a daughter of Abraham, whom Satan has kept bound for eighteen long years, be set free on the Sabbath day from what bound her?" The people were delighted with the things he was doing.
-(v.18-21) The kingdom of God is like a mustard seed, which grew and became a tree that all the birds perched on. Again, the kingdom of heaven is like yeast that was mixed into a large amount of flour until it was mixed through all the dough.
-(v.22-30) When asked if only a few people were going to be saved, Jesus said, "Make every effort to enter through the narrow door, because many, I tell you, will try to enter and will not be able to. Once the owner of the house gets up and closes the door, you will stand outside knocking and pleading, 'Sir, open the door for us. But he will not recognize them, and they will be cast out where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. "
-(v.31-35) Jesus mourns for Jerusalem, who "kill[s] the prophets and stone[s] those sent to you." 

ACT OF LOVE: 1. 'Twas a very, VERY windy day in LA! So much that when I was coming out of the back entrance of West, I saw that a multitude of papers had been blown across the floor by the wind. Seeing that there was no one around to claim them, and that someone eventually was going to have to clean up the mess, I decided to pick up the papers myself, and make West just a tad prettier :)
2. I didn't plan on doing another one today, but tonight when I was about to shower I felt convicted to go to my mother again and pray for her. At first I thought it would be sorta weird, since she was most likely asleep and who would wake someone up just to pray for them? But, as we could always use more prayer, I obeyed and went up to my mom (who wasn't asleep yet!) Lately, during my prayer times, I've been compelled to pray for physical and spiritual rest and strength for my mom, and it turns out that it was what she needed! I got to pray for her wellbeing, some future speaking engagements she has, as well as some other miscellaneous things in her life. It was nice =)

CHALLENGE: Go up to someone and offer to pray for them! :) It can be quite fun.

Luke 12, 365 DAYS OF LOVE #5: TEA TIME WITH MOM

Passage: Warnings and Encouragements, The Parable of the Rich Fool, Do Not Worry, Watchfulness, Not Peace but Division, Interpreting the Times


Memory Verse: "Do not keep talking so proudly or let your mouth speak such arrogance, for the LORD is a God who knows, and by him deeds are weighed." -1 Samuel 2:3


Notes: (v.1-12) Jesus warns the crowd against the "yeast of the Pharisees"--namely, hypocrisy. Everything hidden or concealed will eventually be made known; "what you have said in the dark will be heard in daylight."
He then encourages the people to not fear "those who kill the body and after that can do no more." Instead, fear the one who can kill both body AND throw you into hell. But whoever acknowledges Him before men will be acknowledged before the angels of God. And "when you are brought before synagogues, rulers and authorities," do not worry about what to say, for "the Holy Spirit will teach you at that time what you should say."
          I know one of my shortcomings is fearing men over fearing God. But this is a great reminder that there isn't much that people can do--I probably won't even encounter someone who will "kill the body" because of Jesus in my lifetime! So what do I have to fear?
-(v.13-21) "A MAN'S LIFE DOES NOT CONSIST IN THE ABUNDANCE OF HIS POSSESSIONS." The parable of the rich fool: if you store up all your treasures here on the earth, what do you have prepared for yourself in heaven? BE RICH IN JESUS!
-(v.22-34) Do not worry: "Life is more than food, and the body more than clothes." Look at the birds: they don't have a storeroom or barns, and yet God feeds them. How much more valuable are we than birds!! But seek his kingdom, and these things will be given to you as well. "your Father has been PLEASED to give you the kingdom...for where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."
-(v.35-48) Keep your lamps BURNING, like those of a faithful servant who eagerly awaits his master's arrival
-(v.49-59) Just as you can predict rain with the clouds in the sky, so interpret the present time and judge for yourselves what is right.

ACT OF LOVE: Ever since I began this "Love Challenge," I have been gaining a new perspective on not only how I can serve others, but also the ability to see how others have served me. My mother is one of the most selfless and serving people I know, and she is a great example of someone who truly lives out loving others. That's why today, for my act of love, I decided to spend some time with her after school to show my appreciation for her! I took a break from all that studying and AP preparation to spend an hour talking and praying with her over a cup of tea. It turns out that the Mandarin congregation is taking turns fasting for a sister who recently was diagnosed with breast cancer, and today is her turn to fast. Seeing that she was very tired, I gave her a well-deserved massage and told her I loved her! =)

Luke 11, 365 DAYS OF LOVE #4: FEED A FRIEND

Passage: Jesus' Teaching on Prayer, Jesus and Beelzebub, The Sign of Jonah, The Lamp of the Body, Six Woes


Memory Verse: "This is what the Lord says: 'Stand at the crossroads and look; ask for the ancient paths, ask where the good way is, and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls" -Jeremiah 6:16


Notes: (v.1-13) Jesus teaches his disciples on prayer: "Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened." If a son asks for a fish, what kind of father would give him a snake? Or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion? 
"If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!"
This reminds me of one of John Piper's sermons, in which his message is, "You have not because you ask not." I realize that often, it's easy to have a one-sided mindset towards God's blessing; that it might be considered "selfish" or "self-seeking" to ask God for blessings. But, as John Piper says, we often deprive ourselves of blessings that God WANTS to give us because we don't ask! (*Provided that what we ask aligns with His will)
-(v.14-28) After Jesus had driven out a demon, he spoke to the crowd, for some accused him of being "the prince of demons" (Beelzebub):
"Any kingdom divided against himself will be ruined. If Satan is divided against himself, how can his kingdom stand?"
The importance of a well-stocked "spiritual armory:" "When a strong man, fully armed, guards his own house, his possessions are safe. But when someone stronger attacks and overpowers him, he takes away the armor in which the man trusted and divides up the spoils."
-(v.29-36) The wicked generation asks for a sign, but the only sign that it will be given is the sign of Jonah. 
"Your eye is the lamp of your body. When your eyes are good, your whole body also is full of light...See to it, then, that the light within you is not darkness."
-(v.37-54) Six Woes:
1. Woe to those who give God money and "garden herbs," but neglect justice and the love of God.
2. Woe to those who love the most important seats in the synagogues
3. Woe to those who are like "unmarked graves, which men walk over without knowing it."
4. Woe to the experts in the law who load people down with unmanageable burdens, but will not lift a finger to help.
5. Woe to those who build tombs for the prophets, for it was their forefathers who killed them. This generation will be held responsible for those who were killed
6. Woe to the experts of law who have taken away to the key to knowledge, who have not entered themselves, and who have hindered those who were entering. 


ACT OF LOVE: Today, my hungry friend did not have a lunch. So I gave her mine.
A FEW DETAILS ABOUT SAID LUNCH:

-I eat a sandwich almost every day, but this is not your ordinary sandwich. It is TRIPLE-LAYERED (with three pieces of toasted bread), laden with lettuce, generous amounts of meat, pepper jack cheese, avocado, and onion. Seriously, I must make you all this sandwich sometime. It's like the big mac of sandwiches. You have to practice to get your mouth around the whole thing, or have a really big mouth. 
-A bag of apple crisps from costco (to fulfill the fruit portion of your daily nutritional servings)

Luke 10, 365 DAYS OF LOVE #3: NASTY CARDBOARD

Passage: Jesus Sends Out the Seventy Two, The Parable of the Good Samaritan, At the Home of Martha and Mary


Memory Verse: "Who is going to harm you if you are eager to do good? 14But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. 'Do not fear what they fear; do not be frightened'" -1 Peter 3:14


Notes: (v.1-24) Jesus sent out seventy two to every town and place; "the harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few."
"He who listens to you listens to me; he who rejects you rejects me; but he who rejects me rejects him who sent me."
Jesus had given them authority to "trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; HOWEVER, do not rejoice that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven."
"Blessed are the eyes that see what you see. For I tell you that many prophets and kings wanted to see what you see but did not see it, and hear what you hear but did not hear it."
-(v.25-37) An expert in the law asked Jesus what he must do to inherit eternal life. Jesus replied, "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind, and, 'Love your neighbor as yourself."
When asked who his neighbor was, Jesus told the parable of the good samaritan:
A man, on his way to Jericho, was attacked and stripped by robbers who beat him and went away. 3 people crossed his way:
1. PRIEST: passed by the other side when he saw the man
2. LEVITE: Also passed to the other side.
3. SAMARITAN: took pity on him and bandaged his wounds. He then took him to an inn and paid for his care. He told the innkeeper to look after him, taking up the pay for any extra expense.
Jesus said, "Go and do likewise."
Talk about acting in LOVE!

Act of LOVE: I had art today, and since I'm painting from a stand, I have to get pieces of cardboard to set on the easel so that my picture doesn't fall off. Normally, I try and get the nice, perfectly-sized cardboard, but today I looked for the worst piece of cardboard (it had crusted paint and was slightly molding..HAHA..!) so that the other painters could have [clean] nicely-shaped cardboard pieces.

Luke 9, 365 DAYS OF LOVE #2: BARNA-BOX AND POOP

Memory Verse: "If I speak in the tongues of men and angles, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal." 1 Corinthians 13:1

Passage: (v.1-9) Jesus called the Twelve and gave them power and authority to cure diseases and drive out demons. He sent them to preach the kingdom of God, and to take nothing for the journey. Herod, who has killed John the Baptist, heard of this and was perplexed.

-(v.10-17) Jesus went to Bethsaida and a crowd followed him. When it was late in the afternoon, Jesus told his disciples to give them something to eat, but they only had five loaves of bread and two fish. Jesus took the five loaves and two fish and gave thanks and fed all who were there (about five thousand men).

-(v.18-27) Jesus was asking his disciples who they say Jesus is. Some say he is John the Baptist, and others say he is Elijah or one of the prophets from long ago. But Peter said that he is the Christ of God, and Jesus warned them not to tell anyone.

"If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will save it. What good is it for a man to gain the whole world, and yet lose or forfeit his very self?"

-(v.28-36)Jesus took Peter, John, and James to a mountain to pray. While praying, Jesus' clothes became bright as a flash of lightning, and Moses and Elijah appeared in glorious splendor. Peter started talking about building them three shelters, but was interrupted by a cloud that enveloped them. A voice came saying, "This is my Son, whom I have chosen; listen to him."

-(v.37-45) A man brought his son to Jesus, who was possessed by a demon--his disciples could not drive out the demon. Jesus drove out the demon, and Jesus told his disciples, "The Son of Man is going to be betrayed into the hands of men." But they did not understand and were afraid to ask him.

-(v.46-62) The greatest will be the least, and the least will be the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. Whoever welcomes a child in His name welcomes Jesus.

Foxes have holes and birds have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay his head.

ACT OF LOVE: 1. I decided to take home the Barnabas Box and give it a little make-over! SO GET READY..sike. It didnt turn out nearly as pretty as I would have liked it to be (I suck at crafts and stuff, ironically), but at least it's in good condition now! (But still sorta ghetto.) AND, there is a fresh supply of paper/pen! Plus a little compartment to the side for old prayer requests.

2. When I came home, my mom was out so I took Bambi out to relieve himself. After a few minutes I saw that he had pooed...ALOTTT. Way more than usual. So much that I had to take TWO trips to the dumpster. (TMI, but--) I used layers of newspaper, and his poop was so mushy that I could feel the texture and warmth of it through the multiple layers of paper. EW. But now the yard is pretty and poop-free <3

Luke 8, 365 DAYS OF LOVE #1: TAKING OUT TRASH

[NOTE: This is actually Friday's QT--I was just too tired to blog it]

Passage: The Parable of the Sower, A Lamp on a Stand, Jesus' Mother and Brothers, Jesus Calms the Storm, The Healing of a Demon-Possessed Man, A Dead Girl and a Sick Woman

Memory Verse: "If anyone considers himself religious and yet does not keep a tight rein on his tongue, he deceives himself and his religion is worthless. Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world" -James 1:26-27

Notes: (v.1-15)Jesus tells the crowd the parable of the sower:

1st SEED: Fell along the path, which was trampled on and eaten by the birds.

These people hear, and then the devil comes and takes away the word from their hearts so that they may not be saved.

2nd SEED: Fell on rock, and withered when the plants came up because it had no moisture.

These people receive the word with joy when they hear it, but have no root. They believe for a while, but in the time of testing they fall away.

3rd SEED: Fell among thorns, which choked the plants when they grew.

These people hear the word, but they area choked by life's worries, riches, and pleasures.

4th SEED: Fell on good soil. It came up and yielded a crop, a hundred times more than what was sown.

These people have a noble and good heart; they hear the word, retain it; and by persevering produce a crop.

When I read this passage, I immediately thought of JAMES 1:23-25 (a memory verse from October, i think), which states: "Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. For whoever listens to the word but does not do what it says is like the man who looks at himself in the mirror, and after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. But the man who looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues to do so, not forgetting what he has heard, but doing it, he will be blessed in what he does."

That's partly why I also chose the two proceeding verses--v.26-27, as today's memory verse! :)

-(v.16-21) "For there is nothing hidden that will not be disclosed, and nothing concealed that will not be known or brought out in the open."

Jesus said, "My mother and brothers are those who hear God's word and put it into practice."

-(v.22-25) Jesus fell asleep when he was in a boat with his disciples. While napping, a storm came and they were in danger. His disciples called out to Jesus, and he rebuked the wind and the raging waters, and asked them where their faith was.

-(v.26-39) Jesus drove out demons from a possessed man, and the demons begged Jesus to cast them into a herd of pigs. (wow!)When the demons came out and went into the pigs, the herd rushed into the lake and drowned. At this, the people were amazed.

-(v.40-56) When Jesus was on his way to heal a sick girl, a woman who had been bleeding for twelve years came up behind him and touched his cloaked and was healed immediately. Jesus felt the power go from him and asked who touched him. The woman came trembling and told him why she touched him. Jesus was pleased by her faith and told her to go in peace.

He then was notified that the sick girl had died, but he told the people that she was just asleep. Jesus commanded her to get up, and her spirit returned.

I recently saw Jaeson Ma's 365 Days of Love (and a shorter version--31 Days of Love) and was inspired to try and pursue this myself! :)

ACT OF LOVE (ONE): [this is for SATURDAY] I normally don't do many chores around the house, but today I saw that the trash was conveniently full--perfect for me to empty! So I took out the trash and set a new trashbag into the bin for my mom. It felt good.

Luke 7

Passage: The Faith of the Centurion, Jesus Raises a Widow's Son, Jesus and John the Baptist, Jesus Anointed by a Sinful Woman

Notes: (v.1-10) A centurion, who was highly respected, sent some elders to plead with Jesus to heal the centurion's servant, who was about to die. Jesus went with them, and when he was not far from the house the centurion sent his friends to say to him, "Lord, don't trouble yourself, for I do not deserve to have you come under my roof. That is why I did not even consider myself worthy to come to you. But say the word, and my servant will be healed." At this, Jesus was amazed at this man's faith, and he healed his servant.

-(v.11-17) When Jesus went to the town of Nain, he passed by a dead person being carried out--the only son of his widowed mother. WHen he saw her, his heart went out to her and he told her not to cry. Then he went up and touched the coffin and ordered the man to get up. The dead man sat up and began to talk, and Jesus gave him back to his mother.

-(v.18-35) John the Baptist sent men to ask Jesus if he was the one who was to come, and Jesus replied, "Blessed is the man who does not fall away on account of me." Jesus began to speak to the crowd about John, identifying him as a prophet:"I tell you, among those born of women there is no one greater than John; yet the one who is least in the kingdom of God is greater than he."

Jesus then compares the people of this generation to children in the marketplace.

-(v.36-50) The Pharisees invited Jesus to have dinner with them. When Jesus was reclining at the table, a sinful woman came in a brought a jar of perfume, which she poured onto Jesus' feet after she wet his feet with her tears. When the Pharisee saw this, he thought to himself that if Jesus were a prophet, he would know that she is a sinner. Jesus answered him by asking him a question: if two men owed money to a certain moneylender--one five hundred denarii and one fifty, who would be more grateful if the debts were cancelled? Simon replied, "the one with the bigger debt." Jesus then said, "Therefore I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven--for she loved much. But he who has been forgiven little loves little."

Luke 6

Passage: Lord of the Sabbath, The Twelve Apostles, Blessings and Woes, Love for Enemies, Judging Others, A Tree and Its Fruit, The Wise and Foolish Builders

Memory Verse: “I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father's hand. I and the Father are one.”- John 10:28-30

Notes: (v.1-11) Jesus was picking grain and eating kernels on the Sabbath when some of the Pharisees accused Jesus of doing what is unlawful of the Sabbath. But Jesus replied, "The Son of Man is Lord of the Sabbath." On another Sabbath Jesus met a man whose right hand was shriveled. The Pharisees were looking for a way to accuse Jesus, but Jesus asked them, "I ask you, which is lawful on the Sabbath: to do good or to do evil, to save life or to destroy it?" He then restored the man's hand, and the Pharisees were furious.

-(v.12-16) Jesus went to a mountainside to pray, and the next morning chose twelve of his disciples.

-(v.17-26) Blessed are the poor, for yours is the kingdom of God

Blessed are you who hunger now, for you will be satisfied.

Blessed are you who weep now, for you will laugh

Blessed are you when men hate you, when they exclude you and insult you and reject your name as evil, because of the Son of Man. Rejoice in that day and leap for joy, because great is your reward in heaven. For that is how their fathers treated the prophets

But woe to you who are rich, for you have already received your comfort

Woe to you who are well fed now, for you will go hungry

Woe to you who laugh now, for you will mourn and weep

Woe to you when all men speak well of you, for that is how their fathers treated the false prophets

-(v.27-36) Give to everyone who asks you, and if anyone takes what belongs to you, do not demand it back. Do to others as you would have them do to you. Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.

-(v.37-42) Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother's eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother's eye

-(v.43-49) "The good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and the evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored him in his heart. For out of the overflow of his heart his mouth speaks"

A man who goes to Jesus and hears his words and puts them into practice is like a man building a house who dug down deep and laid the foundation on rock. When floods and torrents came, the house was not shaken because it was well built. But the one who hears his words and does not put them into practice builds his house on the ground with no foundation. It collapses the moment a torrent strikes a house.

Luke 5

Passage: The Calling of the First Disciples, The Man With Leprosy, Jesus Heals a Paralytic, The Calling of Levi, Jesus Questioned About Fasting

Memory Verse: "So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness" -Colossians 2:6-7

Notes: (v.1-11) Jesus was standing by the Lake of Gennesaret when he saw two boats at the water's edge. He went into one of the boats that belonged to Simon and taught people from the boat. When he had finished speaking, he told Simon to put out into deep water and to let the nets down for a catch. Simon replied, "Master, we've worked hard all night and haven't caught anything. But because you say so, I will let down the nets." When he had done so, they had caught so many fish that their nets began to break, and partners in the other boat came to help. It was so filled that both boats began to sink. At this, Simon Peter fell to Jesus' knees and said, "Go away from me, Lord; I am a sinful man!" Jesus told them to not be afraid, for they will catch men. Then Simon and his partners pulled the boats up on the shore, left everything and followed him.

-(v.12-16) A leper came up to Jesus and asked for healing if Jesus was willing. Jesus healed him and ordered him to not tell anyone but to offer the sacrifices that Moses commanded for his cleansing as testimony to the priest. But the news spread all around so that crowds of people came to Jesus.

-(v.17-26) One day when Jesus was teaching, some men lowered a paralytic to Jesus from the roof because there was no room in the crowd. When Jesus saw their faith, he forgave their sins. The Pharisees began to accuse Jesus of blasphemy amongst themselves, but Jesus rebuked them and healed the paralytic. Everyone was amazed and praised God.

-(v.27-32) A Levi was called by Jesus to follow him, and so he had a great banquet for Jesus and invited tax collectors and others. The Pharisees saw this and complained, "Why do you eat and drink with tax collectors and 'sinners'?" But Jesus said, "It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but the sinners to repentance."

-(v.33-39) Jesus was asked why other disciples fast and pray, but his go on eating and drinking.

Jesus replied, "Can you make the guests of the bridegroom fast while he is with them? But the time will come when the bridegroom will be taken from them; in those days they will fast." He then told them the parable of new and old garments, and new wine and old wineskins.

Luke 4

Passage: The Temptation of Jesus, Jesus Rejected at Nazareth, Jesus Drives Out and Evil Spirit, Jesus Heals Many,

Memory Verse: "To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory."-Colossians 1:24

Notes: (v.1-13) the Spirit led Jesus into the desert, where for forty days he was tempted by the devil; he ate nothing those forty days.

1st TEMPTATION: The devil said: If you are the Son of God, tell this stone to become bread

Jesus said: "It is written: Man does not live on bread alone."

2nd TEMPTATION: The devil showed Jesus in an instant all the kingdoms of the world and said, "I will give you all their authority and splendor if you worship me."

Jesus said: "It is written: 'Worship the Lord your God and serve him only"

3rd TEMPTATION: The devil lead Jesus to the highest point of the temple and said, "If you are the Son of God, through yourself down there (ref. Psalm 91:11-12)."

Jesus said" "It says: 'Do not put the Lord your God to the test."

The devil left him when he had finished all his tempting

-(v.14-30) Jesus went to Nazareth and stood up to read the scroll of Isaiah (Isaiah 61:1-2). When he finished, he told them that the scripture is fulfilled today. Jesus said, "I tell you the truth, no prophet is accepted in his hometown." He proceeded to speak about the prophet Elijah, who was not sent to the famine through his land nor were the lepers cleansed. At this, the people were furious and drove him out of town.

-(v.31-37) When Jesus went to Capernaum and began to teach, they were amazed because his message had authority. Then a man possessed by a demon cried to Jesus, "Ha! What do you want with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are--the Holy One of God!" At once, Jesus silenced the demon and ordered it to come out of the man. The demon threw the man down and came out without injuring him. All the people were amazed, and the news about him spread throughout the area.

-(v.38-44) Jesus left the synagogue and went to the home of Simon, whose mother was suffering from a high fever. He bent over her and rebuked the fever, and she was immediately healed.

People came with various diseases, and Jesus placed his hands on each one and healed them. Demons came out of people, shouting, "You are the Son of God!" But he rebuked them so that they were not allowed to speak.

At daybreak Jesus went into solitude, but the people came looking for him and tried to keep him from leaving. But he told them that he must preach the good news to other towns, and he continued to preach in Judea.

Luke 3

Passage: John the Baptist Prepares the Way, The Baptism and Genealogy of Jesus

Memory Verse: "As far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us" -Psalm 103:12

Notes: (v.1-20) John son of Zechariah received the word of God and he went and preached baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins all throughout the country. The words of Isaiah were fulfilled (ref. Isaiah 40:3-5). He preached bearing fruit in keeping with repentance; "the ax is already at the root of the trees, and every tree that does not produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire." He told men with two tunics to share some with him who has none; tax collectors to collect only what is required; soldiers to be content with their pay and not accuse people falsely. The people wondered if John might possibly be the Christ, but John said that the one more powerful than him will come--the thongs of whose sandals he is not worthy to untie. John baptizes them with water, but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.

When John rebuked Herod the tetrarch, he locked John up in prison.

-(v.21-37) When Jesus was baptized the heavens opened and the Holy Spirit descended on him. A voice from heaven came down and said, "You are my son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased."

Jesus was about thirty when he began his ministry.

Luke 2

Passage: The Birth of Jesus, The Shepherds and the Angels, Jesus Presented in the Temple, The Boy Jesus at the Temple

Notes:(v.1-7): Caesar Augustus issued a census for the Roman world, and Joseph and Mary had gone to register from the town of Nazareth. When they were there, Mary gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, as there was no room in the inn.

-(v.8-20) An angel of the Lord appeared to shepherds who were living the fields nearby, and brought them news of great joy that will be for all people. In the town of David, a Savior has been born: he is Christ the Lord. A great company of heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God. The angel left, and the shepherds hurried off and found Mary and Joseph and the baby. When they had seen him, the spread the word of his birth, and glorified and praised God for what they had seen.

-(v.21-39) Jesus had been circumcised and named on the eight day, and Joseph and Mary took him to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord and to offer a sacrifice. In Jerusalem, a righteous and devout man named Simeon was told by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Lord's Christ. He went to the temple courts and when he saw Jesus, he took him in his arms and praised God and blessed Jesus.

A prophetess, Anna, old and widowed, gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all. The child grew to be filled with wisdom.

-(v.41-52) When Jesus was twelve years old, they went up to the Feast of the Passover as custom. His parents returned home, thinking Jesus was with him. When they realized that he was not there, they went back to Jerusalem and found him in the temple, sitting among the teachers and asking them question. Everyone was amazed at his understanding and his answers, so his parents were astonished when they saw him. They questioned him about being there, and he responded, "Didn't you know I had to be in my Father's house?"

Luke 1

Passage: Introduction, The Birth of John the Baptist Foretold, The Birth of Jesus Foretold, Mary Visits Elizabeth, Mary's Song, The Birth of John the Baptist, Zechariah's Song

Memory Verse: "And Mary said: My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior"-Luke 1:46

Notes: (v.1-25) Zechariah and his wife, Elizabeth, were upright in the sight of God but had no children, because Elizabeth was barren and they were both old. Once when he was serving as priest, he was chosen to go into the temple of the Lord and burn incense. An angel of the Lord appeared to him and told him that he and his wife will bear a son, and they were to give him the name John. He will be a joy and delight for he will be great in the sight of the Lord. He is never to take wine or fermented drink (why?) and he will bring many people of Israel back to the Lord.

Zechariah asked, "How can I be sure of this?"

The angel answered, "I am Gabriel, and stand in the presence of God. You will not be able to speak until the day this happens because you did not believe my words, which will come true at their proper time."

When Zechariah finally came out, he could not speak to them and they realized that he had seen a vision. When he returned home, his wife became pregnant and remained in seclusion for five months.

-(v.26-38) In the sixth month, God sent Gabriel to Nazareth to a virgin pledged to be married to Joseph. The angel to Mary that she will be with child and give birth to a son, and that she is to give him the name Jesus. He will be called the Son of the Most High, and will be given the throne of his father David. As she was a virgin, the angel told her that the Holy Spirit will come upon you so that the one born will be called the Son of God. Mary replied, "I am the Lord's servant. May it be to me as you have said."

-(v.39-56) When Mary visits Elizabeth, the baby inside Elizabeth leaped and she was filled with the Holy Spirit. She exclaimed praises to God, and Mary stayed with Elizabeth for about three months.

-(v.57-66) When Elizabeth gave birth to a son, they came to circumcise the child on the eighth day. They were going to name him Zechariah after his father, but Elizabeth said to call him John. The people said that there is no one among her relatives named John, so they asked the father to name the son. With a writing tablet, Zechariah replied that his name is to be John. Immediately, his mouth was opened and he began to speak and praise God.

-(v.67-80) Zechariah was filled with the Holy Spirit and prophesied. The child grew and became strong in spirit.

Mark 16

Passage: The Resurrection

Memory Verse: "But if anyone obeys his word, God's love is truly made complete in him. This is how we know we are in him: 6Whoever claims to live in him must walk as Jesus did."-1 John 2:5-6

Notes: (v.1-8) When the Sabbath was over, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome went to the tomb with spices to anoint Jesus' body. When they were on their way, they asked each other, "Who will roll the stone away from the entrance of the tomb?" However, when the got there they saw that the stone had been rolled away, and in the tomb was a young man dressed in a white robe sitting on the right side. The man told them not to be alarmed, for Jesus, who was crucified, has risen and is not here. He told them to go and tell his disciples and Peter, 'He is going ahead of you into Galilee. Then you will see him, just as he told you.' The women were bewildered, but said nothing to anyone because they were afraid.

-(v.9-20) [earliest manuscripts do not have Mark 16:9-20]Jesus appeared first to Mary Magdalene, out of whom he had driven seven demons. She went and told those who were mourning, but they did not believe her. Afterwards, he appeared to two of them in a different form, and they told the others but the rest did not believe them. Later, Jesus appeared to the Eleven and rebuked them for their lack of faith. Then he told them to go to all the world and preach the good news to all creation. In his name they will drive out demons, they will speak in new tongues, they will pick up snakes with their hands and when they drink deadly poison, it will not hurt them at all; they will place their hands on sick people, and they will get well.

After, Jesus was taken up into heaven and he sat at the right hand of God. The disciples went out and preached everywhere, and the Lord worked with them.

Mark 15

Passage: Jesus Before Pilate, The Soldiers Mock Jesus, The Crucifixion, The Death of Jesus, The Burial of Jesus

Memory Verse: "In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven." -Matthew 5:16

Notes: (v.1-15) Jesus was bound and taken to Pilate by the chief priests, the elders, the teachers of the law and the whole Sanhedrin. Pilate asked Jesus, "Are you the king of the Jews?"

Jesus replied, "Yes, it is as you say." The chief priests then accused him of many things, but Jesus may no reply to any of these accusations--Pilate was amazed.

It was custom at the Feast to release a prisoner by the request of the people. Barabbas, a murderer, was one of the prisoners. Pilate, knowing that Jesus was here because of the chief priests' envy, asked the crowd if Jesus was to be released. But the chief priests persuaded the crowd to have Pilate release Barabbas.

Pilate then asked what should be done to Jesus, and the entire crowd shouted, "Crucify him!" Pilate then asked what crime has he committed to deserve this, but the crowd shouted all the more to crucify Jesus. Wanting to satisfy them, Pilate released Barabbas and handed Jesus over to be flogged and crucified.

-(v.16-20) A whole company of soldiers came and put a purple robe on him and twisted together a crown of thorns to set on his head. In mockery, they began to call out to him, "Hail, king of Jews!" while striking him on the head with a staff and spitting on him. They "paid homage" to him by falling on their knees. After they mocked him, they replaced his purple robe with his own clothes and took him to be crucified.

-(v.21-32) They forced Jesus to carry the cross as they brought him to Golgotha (The Place of the Skull)

They offered him wine mixed with myrrh, but he did not take it.

They crucified him and cast his clothes to lots

They wrote a notice against him: "The King of the Jews"

They hurled insults at him, mocking him and challenging him to save himself.

-(v.33-41) At the sixth hour, darkness came over the entire land until the ninth hour. At the ninth hour, Jesus cried out, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?"

After one man offered Jesus a drink from a sponge with wine vinegar, Jesus breathed his last. Immediately, the curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom--the centurion who stood in front of Jesus realized that Jesus was the Son of God

-(v.42-47) Joseph of Arimathea, who was waiting for the kingdom of God, asked for Jesus' body from Pilate. Joseph brought some cloth, took down the body, wrapped it in linen and placed it in a tomb cut out of rock. He then rolled a stone against the entrance. Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of Joses saw where he was laid.

Mark 14

Passage: Jesus Anointed at Bethany, The Lord's Supper, Jesus Predicts Peter's Denial, Gethsemane, Jesus Arrested, Before the Sanhedrin, Peter Disowns Jesus

Memory Verse: "You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. 7Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous man, though for a good man someone might possibly dare to die. 8But God demonstrated his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us." -Romans 5:6-8 [an addition to previously memorized verse Romans 5:3-5]

Notes: -(v.1-11) It was two days before the Passover and the Feast of Unleavened Bread, and the chief priests and teachers of the law were looking for a way to kill Jesus.

While Jesus was in Bethany, a woman came in with an alabaster jar of very expensive perfume, which she poured onto Jesus' head. At this, some of the guests were indignant, accusing her of wasting good perfume that could have been sold for money to give to the poor. "They rebuked her harshly."

Hearing this, Jesus defended her by saying that she has done a beautiful thing: "the poor you will always have with you, and you can help them any time you want. But you will not always have me. She did what she could."

"Wherever the gospel is preached throughout the world, what she has done will also be told, in memory of her."

Then, Judas Iscariot, one of the disciples, went to the chief priests and promised to betray Jesus for money.

-(v.12-26) Jesus and his disciples were getting ready for the Passover: he sent two of his disciples to go into the city and make preparations for him in the house of the man carrying a jar of water.

When evening came and Jesus was eating with the Twelve, he announced that one of the twelve, who were eating with him, will betray him. All the disciples denied it, but Jesus said that the one who dips bread into the bowl with me is the one who will betray Jesus.

While they were eating, Jesus took bread, gave thanks, and gave it to his disciples saying, "Take it' this is my body." Then he took the cup, gave thanks, and offered it to his disciples, saying, "This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many."

-(v.27-31) Jesus predicts that they will all fall away (ref. Zecheriah 13:7). Peter denied that he will ever fall away, but Jesus tells him that he will deny Jesus three times tonight, before the rooster crows. Peter still insisted that he will never disown Jesus.

-(v.32-42) Jesus went to Gethsemane, and told his disciples to sit while he went to pray. He was deeply distressed and troubled, and prayed that if possible the hour might pass from him. Jesus said, "Abba, Father, everything is possible for you. Take this cup from me. yet not what I will, but what you will."

When he returned, he found them sleeping and said, "Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the body is weak." Once again he went away and prayed, but they were sleeping again when he came back. Jesus told them to wake up because the Son of Man "is betrayed into the hands of sinners."

-(v.43-51) Judas appeared with a crowd armed with weapons, and told the chief priests that the one he kisses is the man to arrest. At once he went to Jesus, called out to him, and kissed him. The men seized Jesus and arrested him, but one of those standing near drew his sword and cut off a servant's ear.

-(v.53-65) When Jesus was brought before the high priest, the chief priests were looking for evidence against Jesus but could not find any. Many testified falsely against him, but their stories did not match up. Then the high priest asked him, "Are you the Christ, the Son of the Blessed One?"

"I am," Jesus replied. "And you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Mighty One and coming on the clouds of heaven." At this, the priest called Jesus blasphemous and the crowed condemned him as worthy of death.

-(v.66-72) When Peter was in the courtyard, a servant girl came and claimed that Peter was with Jesus the Nazarene. Peter denied knowing Jesus.

At the entryway, the servant girl saw him and said to those around that he was one of the disciples. Again he denied it.

After a while, those near Peter said, "Surely you are one of them, for you are a Galilean." He swore to them that he didn't know Jesus.

Immediately, the rooster crowed and Peter remembered Jesus' words, and he wept.

Mark 13

Passage: Signs of the End of Age, The Day and Hour Unknown

Memory Verse:"All men will hate you because of me, but he who stands firm to the end will be saved." -Mark 13:13

Notes: (v.1-8) Peter, James, John, and Andrew asked Jesus on the Mount of Olives when "these things" will happen (referring to the End of Age). Jesus tells them the beginning of birth pains:

Many will come claiming that he is Jesus, and will deceive others. When you hear of wars and rumors of wars, do not by alarmed, for such things must happen: nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom.

There will be earthquakes in various places, and famines.

-(v.0-13) Jesus warns to be on guard: we will be handed over to the local councils, and on account of Jesus we will stand before governors and kings as witnesses to them. When arrested and brought to trial, do not worry beforehand about what to say, but say whatever is given for it is the Holy Spirit speaking.

Brother will betray brother to death, and a father his child. Children will rebel against their parents and have them put to death. Men will hate you, but he who stands firm will be saved.

-(v.14-23) when you see "the abomination that causes desolation" (ref. Daniel 9:27), then let those in Judea flee to the mountains; let no one on the roof of his house go down or enter the house to take anything out. Let no one go back to get his clothes--those will be days of distress unequaled from the beginning, when God created the world, until now--and never to be equaled again.

If anyone says to you, "Look, here is the Christ!" do not believe it, for false Christs and false prophets will appear and perform signs and miracles to deceive the elect. Be on your guard

-(v.24-27) In the days following that distress:

The sun will be darkened, the moon will not give its light. The stars will fall from the sky and the heavenly bodies will be shaken (ref. Isaiah 13:10)

Men will see the Son of Man coming in clouds with great power and glory, and he will send his angels and gather his elect from the four wins, from the ends of the earth to the ends of the heavens.

-(v.28-31) Just as you know that summer is near when fig tree's twigs get tender and its leaves come out, so will the end be near when you see these things happen. "Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away."

-(v.32-37) No one knows the day or hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father--be on guard. Keep watch because you do not know when the owner of the house will come back--whether in the evening, or at midnight, or when the rooster crows, or at dawn.

If he comes suddenly, do not let him find you sleeping.

Mark 12

Passage: The Parable of the Tenants, Paying Taxes to Caesar, Marriage at the Resurrection, The Greatest Commandment, Whose Son Is the Christ?, The Widow's Offering

Memory Verse: "On hearing this, Jesus said to them, 'It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners." -Mark 2:17

Notes: (v. 1-12) Jesus told the parable of a man who planted a vineyard, which was rented to some farmers when he went away on a journey. At harvest he sent servants to the tenants to collect the fruit of the vineyard, but the tenants seized the servant and beat him. The man sent another servant, but they did the same to the second servant. Still he sent others, but they killed and beat them. Finally, he only had a son left to send, whom he loved. He sent him last of all, saying, "They will respect my son." But the tenants killed the son to gain his inheritance. The owner of the vineyard will then kill those tenants and give the vineyard to others. (ref. Psalm 118:22-23).

-(v.13-17) Some Pharisees came to Jesus and tried to trap him by asking about paying taxes to Caesar. Jesus told them to bring a denarius and tell him whose portrait is on the coin. Since it was Caesar's, Jesus said to the, "give to Caesar what is Caesar's and to God what is God's." And they were amazed at him.

-(v.18-27) The Sadducees, who do not believe in the resurrection, came to Jesus and asked who a woman widowed seven times will be married to in heaven. Jesus rebuked them by referencing Scriptures, which say that "When the dead rise, they will neither marry nor be given in marriage; they will be like the angels in heaven." (Exodus 3:6).

-(v.28-34) One of the teachers of the law asked Jesus which was the most important commandment. Jesus replied that the most important commandment is this: "Love the your God will all your heart and will all your soul and will all your mind and with all your strength. The second is this: Love your neighbor as yourself. There is no commandment greater than these."

The man replied, "To love him will all your heart, with all your understanding, and with all your strength, and to love your neighbor as yourself is more important than all burnt offerings and sacrifices." Jesus saw that he had answered wisely, and told him that he was not far from the kingdom of God.

-(v.35-40) Jesus warned against the teachers of the law, who walk around "in flowing robes" and like to be "greeted in marketplaces," who devour widows' houses and for a show make lengthy prayers. Such men will be punished.

-(v.41-44) Jesus sat opposite the place where the offerings were put, and many rich people poured large amounts. But a poor widow came and put only two copper coins, worth a fraction of a penny. Jesus said to his disciples that this widow has put in more treasure than all others, for they "gave out of their wealth; but she, out of her poverty, put in everything--all she had to live on."

Mark 11

HAPPY EASTER! He is risen :)

Passage: The Triumphal Entry, Jesus Clears the Temple, The Withered Fig Tree, The Authority of Jesus Questioned

Memory Verse: "I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us." -Romans 8:18

Notes: (v.1-11) Jesus told two of his disciples to go into the village and untie a colt there and bring it to him. If anyone asks what they are doing, they were to tell them that the Lord needs it, and will send it back here shortly.

When the colt was brought to Jesus, many people spread their cloaks and branches on the road, and shouted "Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Blessed is the coming kingdom of our father David!" (ref. Psalm 118:25-26)

-(v.12-19) The next day, Jesus was hungry and saw a fig tree in leaf. When he reached it, there was nothing but leaves, so Jesus said to the tree, "May no one ever eat fruit from you again."

When he reached Jerusalem, Jesus began driving out those who were buying and selling in the temple area and overturning tables of the merchants. He said, "Is it not written: My house will be called a prayer for all nations? (ref. Isaiah 56:7) But you have made it a den of robbers (ref. Jeremiah 7:11)"

The teachers of the law began looking for a reason to kill him, for they were afraid of him.

-(v.20-25) In the morning they passed by the fig tree that Jesus cursed. He told them to have faith in God, for if anyone does not doubt but believes that what he says will happen, it will be done for him.

"Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours. And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive him, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins."