Loving God with every part of our being seems to leave no room for loving neighbors as ourselves, except that God exists in people. Jesus told the parable of a good Samaritan to make the point. Two sisters, Martha and Mary, had different ideas of how to show hospitality when Jesus came to visit. Jesus sided with Mary, who listened to Him without distraction. Saint Paul showed an amazing lack of tact when he called the Galatians stupid if they believed that obedience to the law entitled them to the Spirit. In a story about a friend knocking at t

In the Old Testament, Job did not understand why he lost his work animals, his herd of sheep, and even his children, but his faith stood up. Introduced to Jesus for the first time, Nathanael realized that the Lord already knew him and knew the doubts he had expressed to Philip by a fig tree. Before following Jesus, one person wanted to bury his deceased father, and another just wanted to say good-bye to his family. Jesus’ responses seemed harsh but revealed that He knows everything that holds us back. Seventy-two disciples sent in advance to

God exists in everyone, but people have different gifts and ways of showing their love and faith. Called away from his customs post by Jesus, Matthew responded by throwing a party. Proverb 21 of the Old Testament warns against ignoring the poor. Of course, poverty exists in an empty wallet, in loneliness, in unbelief, and in other forms. When Jesus sent the Twelve as missionaries and said to take nothing with them, they had to trust in the Lord and the goodness of people they would meet. Speculation about Jesus’ identity mounted. Peter rightl

On the Cross, Jesus executed a plan of salvation that requires personal willingness to do God’s will. Our Savior cautioned that spiritual growth can get trampled or crowded out, as illustrated in His parable of seed falling on different types of ground. Saint Paul explained that people have different gifts and the responsibility to use them with love as the reason. In a residence with a courtyard, a Pharisee could allow the public to listen to conversation with a notable guest. At the home of a disdainful Pharisee named Simon, a sinful woman

Scribes and Pharisees became enraged when Jesus cured a man’s withered hand on the Sabbath, even though they could have said not to do it when He asked. Jesus promised blessings for people dispirited, sad, hungry, or hated because of Him. Those who say, “Who needs Him?” turn away from His help! Doing to others what we would want done to us seems fair enough. When treated in unjust ways, we may still find it hard not to hope that wrongdoers will get what they deserve. Jesus provided a huge challenge in telling His followers to love enemies

In the synagogue in Nazareth, Jesus read Scripture from the prophet Isaiah and proclaimed its fulfillment in Him. Beyond the simple, literal meaning of the passage, Jesus came to bring Good News to the poor in spirit, to free captives from sin, and to enable people to see God’s desires. At Peter’s house, the Lord cured his mother-in-law and others who came to the door. Nevertheless, tired and cranky after a night of fishing without a catch, Peter skeptically went back out at Jesus’ instruction. Two boatloads of fish proved humbling and mo

Somebody hailing from Nazareth did not fit the image of the One foretold by Moses and the prophets. Nathanael said as much but quickly changed his mind after Philip introduced him to the Lord. By comparing scribes and Pharisees to whitewashed tombs filled with decay, Jesus criticized the rottenness of their hypocrisy. Jesus wants His followers to become faithful, responsible servants, ready to welcome the Master whenever He comes again. Sometimes we get busy or interrupted or worn out. How much inner resolve do we really have to respond to peop