Church Of The Lost Sheep

Jesus Washes His Disciples’ Feet 'Before the Passover celebration, Jesus knew that his hour had come to leave this world and return to his Father. He had loved his disciples during his ministry on earth, and now he loved them to the very end. It was time for supper, and the devil had already prompted Judas, son of Simon Iscariot, to betray Jesus. Jesus knew that the Father had given him authority over everything and that he had come from God and would return to God. So he got up from the table, took off his robe, wrapped a towel around his waist, and poured water into a basin. Then he began to wash the disciples’ feet, drying them with the towel he had around him. When Jesus came to Simon Peter, Peter said to him, “Lord, are you going to wash my feet?” Jesus replied, “You don’t understand now what I am doing, but someday you will.” “No,” Peter protested, “you will never ever wash my feet!” Jesus replied, “Unless I wash you, you won’t belong to me.” Simon Peter exclaimed, “Then

Jesus Appears to Mary Magdalene "Early on the first day of the week, after Jesus had risen, He appeared first to Mary Magdalene, from whom He had driven out seven demons. She went and told those who had been with Him, who were mourning and weeping. And when they heard that Jesus was alive and she had seen Him, they did not believe it. Jesus Appears to Two Disciples After this, Jesus appeared in a different form to two of them as they walked along in the country. And they went back and reported it to the rest, but they did not believe them either." Mark 16:9-12 Today is the last day of our 40 Day Lenten study, and we read in part what was recorded to have happened during that first Holy Week, in the Book of Mark. We did skip some verses and that is a good oppprtunity to read those on our own quiet time with the Lord. As we read though the passage, even the people who were with Jesus did not believe that He rose from the grave during that first Resurrection Sun

The Burial of Jesus "Now it was already evening. Since it was Preparation Day (that is, the day before the Sabbath), Joseph of Arimathea, a prominent Council member who himself was waiting for the kingdom of God, boldly went to Pilate to ask for the body of Jesus. Pilate was surprised to hear that Jesus was already dead, so he summoned the centurion to ask if this was so. When Pilate had confirmed it with the centurion, he granted the body to Joseph. So Joseph bought a linen cloth, took down the body of Jesus, wrapped it in the cloth, and laid it in a tomb that had been cut out of the rock. Then he rolled a stone against the entrance to the tomb. Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of Joseph saw where His body was laid." Mark 15:42-47 There are only two more days left on our 40 Day Lenten study, as we continue reading the events that happened during that first Holy Week, from the Book of Mark. The things that was written in the passage above happened on the evening

The Death of Jesus "From the sixth hour until the ninth hourf darkness came over all the land. At the ninth hour, Jesus cried out in a loud voice, “Eloi, Eloi, lema sabachthani?” which means, “My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?” When some of those standing nearby heard this, they said, “Behold, He is calling Elijah.” And someone ran and filled a sponge with sour wine. He put it on a reed and offered it to Jesus to drink. “Wait!” he said. “Let us see if Elijah comes to take Him down.” But Jesus let out a loud cry and breathed His last. And the veil of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. When the centurion standing there in front of Jesus saw how He had breathed His last, he said, “Truly this man was the Son of God!” Mark 15:33-39 On these last three days of our 40 Day Lenten study, we will continue reading the things that happened during that first Holy Week as we read through the Book of Mark. In the passage above, the plot of the paparazzis to k

Jesus Prays at Gethsemane "Then they came to a place called Gethsemane, and Jesus told His disciples, “Sit here while I pray.” He took with Him Peter, James, and John, and began to be deeply troubled and distressed. Then He said to them, “My soul is consumed with sorrow to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch.” Going a little farther, He fell to the ground and prayed that, if it were possible, the hour would pass from Him. “Abba, Father,” He said, “all things are possible for You. Take this cup from Me. Yet not what I will, but what You will.” Then Jesus returned and found them sleeping. “Simon, are you asleep?” He asked, “Were you not able to keep watch for one hour? Watch and pray so that you will not enter into temptation. For the spirit is willing, but the body is weak.” Again He went away and prayed, saying the same thing. And again Jesus returned and found them sleeping—for their eyes were heavy. And they did not know what to answer Him. When Jesus returned the thi

Judas Agrees to Betray Jesus "Then Judas Iscariot, one of the Twelve, went to the chief priests to betray Jesus to them. They were delighted to hear this, and they promised to give him money. So Judas began to look for an opportunity to betray Jesus."  Mark 14:10-11 On this last week of our 40 Day Lenten study, we will continue reading the things that happened during that first Holy Week as we read through the Book of Mark. In the passage above, the plot of the paparazzis to kill Jesus finally looks like it had moved into phase two. They now have someone within the inner circle of Jesus in their corner, his name -- Judas. We will continue to learn about this betrayal as we continue reading the Book of Mark. We should do our own private reading in our own quiet times with the Lord. But join us again tomorrow as we continue this 40 day journey together. Shalom. Lenten Series

The Plot to Kill Jesus "Now the Passover and the Feast of Unleavened Bread were two days away, and the chief priests and scribes were looking for a covert way to arrest Jesus and kill Him. “But not during the feast,” they said, “or there may be a riot among the people.” Mark 14:1-2 On this last week of our 40 Day Lenten study, we read the things that happened during that first Holy Week as we continue reading the Book of Mark. In the passage above, the usual paparazzis are now not only content in following Jesus around and trying to make Him fall into their traps, now they have escalated to full beast mode. This narrative was also recorded by all the other gospel writers in Matthew 26:1-5, Luke 22:1-6 andJohn 11:45-57. Now these schemes will continue to unfold as we continue reading. We should do our own private reading in our own quiet times with the Lord. But join us again tomorrow as we continue this 40 day journey together. Shalom. Lenten Series

The Greatest Commandment "Now one of the scribes had come up and heard their debate. Noticing how well Jesus had answered them, he asked Him, “Which commandment is the most important of all?” Jesus replied, “This is the most important: ‘Hear O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is One. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ No other commandment is greater than these.” “Right, Teacher,” the scribe replied. “You have stated correctly that God is One and there is no other but Him, and to love Him with all your heart and with all your understanding and with all your strength, and to love your neighbor as yourself, which is more important than all burnt offerings and sacrifices.” When Jesus saw that the man had answered wisely, He said, “You are not far from the kingdom of God.” And no one dared to question Him any further." Mark 12:28-34

Triumphal Entry "As they approached Jerusalem and came to Bethphage and Bethany at the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent out two of His disciples and said to them, “Go into the village ahead of you, and as soon as you enter it, you will find a colt tied there, on which no one has ever sat. Untie it and bring it here. If anyone asks, ‘Why are you doing this?’ tell him, ‘The Lord needs it and will return it shortly.’” So they went and found the colt outside in the street, tied at a doorway. They untied it, and some who were standing there asked, “Why are you untying the colt?” The disciples answered as Jesus had instructed them, and the people gave them permission. Then they led the colt to Jesus and threw their cloaks over it, and He sat on it. Many in the crowd spread their cloaks on the road, while others spread branches they had cut from the fields. The ones who went ahead and those who followed were shouting: “Hosanna!” “Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!”

Jesus Heals Bartimaeus "Next, they came to Jericho. And as Jesus and His disciples were leaving Jericho with a large crowd, a blind beggar named Bartimaeus, the son of Timaeus, was sitting beside the road. When he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to cry out, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” Many people admonished him to be silent, but he cried out all the louder, “Son of David, have mercy on me!” Jesus stopped and said, “Call him.” So they called the blind man. “Take courage!” they said. “Get up! He is calling for you.” Throwing off his cloak, Bartimaeus jumped up and came to Jesus. “What do you want Me to do for you?” Jesus asked. “Rabboni,” said the blind man, “let me see again.” “Go,” said Jesus, “your faith has healed you.” And immediately he received his sight and followed Jesus along the road." Mark 10:46-52 Continuing our Lenten series -- we are now coming up to our last week of reading through the Book of Mark. It is just fit

“As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commands and remain in his love. I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete."  -Jesus speaking to His disciples, John 15:9-11 Aside from peace and hope, another gift that Jesus gave to His followers was love and also joy -- twin gifts which are evidence of being a true follower of Christ. Real Love Love was poured out into the world through the person of Jesus Christ. God is love, His love is personal and He will not force it upon anyone. The bible describes His love as patient, kind, not envious, not boastful nor proud, not self-seeking, not easily angered, keeps no record of wrongs, does not delight in evil, rejoices with the truth, always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres and never fails. Not sure where else to find this, but God. Love is given,

Jesus Comforts His Disciples “Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me. My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. You know the way to the place where I am going.” John 14:1-4 Aside from peace, one more gift that Jesus left behind to His followers was hope. Jesus taught them that He is the Resurrection and the Life. And He showed them that He had the power over death as He brought Lazarus back to life after He was dead and buried for four days. What more, before He left His followers, He gave them the assurance that He Himself will come back to take them back with Him to be where He was going. Scriptures refer to this as the blessed hope (Titus 2:13). So hope, like peace, is one more present, Christians have received that has been given them

“I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give." John 14:27 Before Jesus was betrayed and arrested, He left His followers a lot of life lessons and words of wisdom which He knew they will need after He leaves them. But aside from all these and aside from praying with and for them, Jesus said He was leaving them something they cannot find elsewhere -- His peace -- a peace not of this world, a peace that surpasses all understanding, a peace non-believers can never understand or experience. Easily Lost Now, if something that just happened causes you to lose peace (peace of mind or peace of heart) then that did not come from God. God is not, pardon the term, an 'Indian giver'. [He is not one who gives a gift and later takes it back, or who expects something of equivalent worth in return for it.] If you have no peace right now, then an enemy has sneaked in and planted something else that caused you to l

The Empty Tomb "Early on the first day of the week, while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene went to the tomb and saw that the stone had been removed from the entrance. So she came running to Simon Peter and the other disciple, t c.ehe one Jesus loved, and said, “They have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we don’t know where they have put him!” John 20:1-2 Jesus Appears to His Disciples "On the evening of that first day of the week, when the disciples were together, with the doors locked for fear of the Jewish leaders, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!” After he said this, he showed them his hands and side. The disciples were overjoyed when they saw the Lord." John 20:19-20 No one saw this coming. Yes, even though Jesus told His disciples about this, and even though Jesus just brought Lazarus back from the dead, four days after being buried. After Jesus was arrested, tried, found guilty and was put to death, His disciples all wen

The Burial of Jesus "Afterward Joseph of Arimathea, who had been a secret disciple of Jesus (because he feared the Jewish leaders), asked Pilate for permission to take down Jesus’ body. When Pilate gave permission, Joseph came and took the body away. With him came Nicodemus, the man who had come to Jesus at night. He brought about seventy-five pounds of perfumed ointment made from myrrh and aloes. Following Jewish burial custom, they wrapped Jesus’ body with the spices in long sheets of linen cloth. The place of crucifixion was near a garden, where there was a new tomb, never used before. And so, because it was the day of preparation for the Jewish Passover and since the tomb was close at hand, they laid Jesus there." John 19:38-41 Secret agent believers (followers), have been around since Jesus started His ministry. Fear Their reasons were varied but mostly it is fear, although this have not stopped many of them from continuing to believe and even doing somethin

It is Finished Following the mock trials and the proceedings to prove Jesus deserved to be sentenced to death, Pilate was eventually persuaded to send Jesus to be flogged and to be executed. Let us follow what Luke wrote, as he narrated for us what happened next. The Crucifixion of Jesus "Two others, both criminals, were taken along with him [Jesus] for execution. When they got to the place called Skull Hill, they crucified him, along with the criminals, one on his right, the other on his left. Jesus prayed, “Father, forgive them; they don’t know what they’re doing.” Dividing up his clothes, they threw dice for them. The people stood there staring at Jesus, and the ringleaders made faces, taunting, “He saved others. Let’s see him save himself! The Messiah of God—ha! The Chosen—ha!” The soldiers also came up and poked fun at him, making a game of it. They toasted him with sour wine: “So you’re King of the Jews! Save yourself!” Printed over him was a sign:this is

Following the time when Jesus prayed in the garden of Gethsemane for the last time. Judas led a gang from the high priests and religious leaders who came with him to arrest Jesus using swords and clubs. Judas, the betrayer had worked out a sign that whoever he kissed would be the one they would arrest. After the infamous kiss and a short scuffle, Jesus was taken in and tried in a kangaroo court. He was brought to face Pontius Pilate, the Roman governor. Let us follow this on this narrative. Pilate "Jesus was placed before the governor, who questioned him: “Are you the ‘King of the Jews’?” Jesus said, “If you say so.” But when the accusations rained down hot and heavy from the high priests and religious leaders, he said nothing. Pilate asked him, “Do you hear that long list of accusations? Aren’t you going to say something?” Jesus kept silence—not a word from his mouth. The governor was impressed, really impressed." Matthew 27:11-14 From here, we can see that J

After Judas left to sell Jesus out, Jesus and His other disciples partake of the Last Supper. For what happened next, let us read this narrative by Matthew. Jesus Prays in Gethsemane "Then Jesus went with them to the olive grove called Gethsemane, and he said, “Sit here while I go over there to pray.” He took Peter and Zebedee’s two sons, James and John, and he became anguished and distressed. He told them, “My soul is crushed with grief to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with me.” He went on a little farther and bowed with his face to the ground, praying, “My Father! If it is possible, let this cup of suffering be taken away from me. Yet I want your will to be done, not mine.”  Matthew 26:36-39 Before this happened, Jesus already knew His short earthly mission is already coming to an end. But not without Him having to go through the ultimate reason why He came down to earth -- being the once and for all sacrifice for all humankind. He prayed earnestly an

On the middle of the first Holy Week, we see this happening: Judas Agrees to Betray Jesus "Then Judas Iscariot, one of the twelve disciples, went to the leading priests and asked, “How much will you pay me to betray Jesus to you?” And they gave him thirty pieces of silver. From that time on, Judas began looking for an opportunity to betray Jesus." Matthew 26:14-16 30 pieces of silver There is a saying that goes 'keep your friends close and your enemies closer'. Judas Iscariot was one of the closest followers of Jesus. In fact Judas was among the few disciples who Jesus said were His friends. Judas even had a position among the closest friends of Jesus. He was their group's treasurer. Hence on the event before the verses above (as written in the gospel of John), Judas rebuked the woman who anointed Jesus with expensive oils. Jesus then rebuked Judas and this (among other things) led to him betraying Jesus. Scriptures say, Judas sold Jesus out to h

"As he [Jesus] walked away from the Temple, one of his disciples said, “Teacher, look at that stonework! Those buildings!” Jesus said, “You’re impressed by this grandiose architecture? There’s not a stone in the whole works that is not going to end up in a heap of rubble.” Mark 13:1-2 It is not an accident that the Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris almost got burned down yesterday, as it graphically illustrates this statement of Jesus. Through the centuries, millions of French citizens have taken pride and millions of tourists visit Paris every year to marvel at the magnificence and the grandeur of this centuries old monument. But like what happened with or will eventually happen to all other old structures, those too will lose their majesty, as nothing will last forever. Let us continue with this narrative of Mark, telling us what Jesus told His followers at that time that they were at the great Temple of Jerusalem, that first Holy Week. Doomsday Deceivers "Later