Jesus challenged His followers to “be perfect, just as your heavenly Father is perfect.” It seemed like a goal for the day of salvation—the day that Saint Paul said to call “now.” God takes in hand what we give and makes the most of it: Perfect! If we store up shining treasure but have lackluster love for all but a few, if we fret about tomorrow until today has passed, or if we get wordy in prayer but stay wanting in faith, we miss opportunities in the moment at hand. When we find it hard to go the extra mile in helping or forgiving o

Jesus called His followers “light of the world.” Good works shine as a beacon of hope in Him. Preaching the Beatitudes, the Lord recognized that people become downtrodden, mourn, find it hard to obey instead of going their own way, and experience injustice even if they show mercy. The Lord said that believers serve as “salt of the earth.” Impurities cause salt to lose its flavor. Surrounded by other influences, some in the crowds lost the taste for following Him. They had the Law handed down by Moses on stone tablets but failed to envis

Pharisees begrudgingly paid taxes so that the Romans would not interfere with their religious authority. Herodians, a political group, backed the Roman Empire. In an unlikely alliance, they cunningly asked Jesus if He regarded a census tax as lawful. The Lord said to repay to Caesar and to God what belonged to each. Sadducees denied resurrection and smugly asked Jesus whose wife a remarried widow becomes in the next life. Jesus said they underestimated God’s power. Although He criticized scribes who used their legal expertise to defraud widow

Peter pointed out that the Disciples had given up everything. Jesus responded that anyone who sacrifices for the Lord will receive a hundred times more in blessings here (despite hardships), and eternal life besides. After Jesus listened to the request that James and John receive places of honor in His Kingdom, the Lord advised that the greatest one serves everyone else. Jesus came to serve and granted many requests made of Him. When a blind man named Bartimaeus repeatedly called out to Him, the Lord rewarded his persistent faith by giving him

As the Crucifixion loomed before Him, Jesus told the Disciples that He would rely on the Father when His friends scattered. Lessening the sting of His words, Jesus said that He wanted them to have peace. Jesus prayed that the Father would protect them, helping them to remain dedicated to the truth and its proclamation. Following the Resurrection, the Lord had a seaside breakfast with Peter and half a dozen other Disciples. Knowing that Peter had denied even knowing Him three times before the Crucifixion, our forgiving Savior encouraged him to s

Jesus had much that He wanted to tell the Apostles before the Crucifixion, but He didn’t want to overwhelm them. He saw his closest friends already grieving as they realized that Jesus would soon depart. On the bright side, the Lord said that they would see Him again soon and, not only that, but would receive the Holy Spirit to guide them. Whatever they needed, the Father would give them. After the Ascension of the Lord, the Acts of the Apostles relate mixed reactions to their preaching. In Athens, for instance, Saint Paul talked about Jesus