November 26 / Mark 15:1-15

Mark 15:1-15 Let’s continue to pray for Jim and Marty. “Notice what you notice.” But Jesus made no further answer, so that Pilate was amazed. (v. 5) My Study Bible pointed out that under Roman law an accused prisoner was automatically guilty if he did not reply to an accusation. So Pilate’s amazement was likely …

November 25 / Luke 23:13-25

Luke 23:13-25 Let’s continue to pray for Jim and Marty. “Notice what you notice.” I imagine it was not difficult for the Jewish leaders to incite the crowd to have Barabbas released, a man charged with insurrection and murder. What might the insurrection have been about? I’m guessing against the occupation by the Roman authorities. …

November 24 / Matt. 27:15-26

Matthew 27:15-26 Let’s continue to pray for Jim and Marty. “Notice what you notice.” Now the chief priests and the elders persuaded the crowd to ask for Barabbas and destroy Jesus. (v. 20) I have heard it said that the Jewish leaders had put together “their own crowd” and persuaded them to ask for Barabbas. …

November 23 / Luke 23:1-12

Luke 23:1-12 Let’s continue to pray for Jim and Marty. “Notice what you notice.” Jesus before Pilate and Herod… It’s funny to me – and probably to many of you – that when we think of Herod, we think of <insert accompanying music> “So you are the Christ, you’re the great Jesus Christ. Prove to …

November 22 / Matt. 27:1-14

Matthew 27:1-14 Let’s continue to pray for Jim and Marty. “Notice what you notice.” Judas: “I have sinned by betraying innocent blood.” (v. 4) Again, my sympathies for Judas… Is Judas’ quote a confession, a sign of true repentance? Did he get that part right before deciding his own fate a few hours later? I …

November 21 / John 18:12-27

John 18:12-27 Let’s continue to pray for Jim and Marty. “Notice what you notice.” Again I reflect on this year’s reading program – just a few verses a day. In the past when we have read through the Chronological Bible we have read all four accounts of Jesus before the high priests (today’s and the …

November 20 / Luke 22:54-71

Luke 22:54-71 Let’s continue to pray for Jim and Marty. “Notice what you notice.” It seems a small item (but maybe not) that Luke has Peter’s denial before Caiaphas’ “trial” while Matthew and Mark have that order reversed. It is probably the case that Luke has it more correct. According to my Study Bible the …

November 19 / Mark 14:53-72

Mark 14:53-72 Let’s continue to pray for Jim and Marty. “Notice what you notice.” And some began to spit on Him and to cover His face and to strike Him, saying to Him, “Prophesy!” And the guards received Him with blows. (v. 65) It was very troubling to me as I read this verse. I’m …

November 18 / Matt. 26:57-75

Matthew 26:57-75 Let’s continue to pray for Jim and Marty. “Notice what you notice.” Then those who had seized Jesus led Him to Caiaphas the high priest, where the scribes and the elders had gathered. And Peter was following Him at a distance, as far as the courtyard of the high priest, and going inside …

November 17 / John 18:1-11

John 18:1-11 Let’s continue to pray for Jim and Marty. “Notice what you notice.” When Jesus said to them, “I am He,” they drew back and fell to the ground. (v. 6) Two items struck me in this verse. The first is that the ESV translation had a footnote on “I am He”, telling us …