Bible Reading Plan

God pre-ordained those who place their faith in Him to be His children and receive an inheritance. He seals believers with the Holy Spirit as a sign of the inheritance they will receive. Paul recognized the church as the body of Christ, for which Christ gave His life and of which He is now and will forever be the head. Believers are saved by grace through faith in Jesus Christ, not by works. Believers were created for good works in Christ Jesus. Believers are one through the Spirit. Believers are being built together by the Spirit as a dwelling place for God.

Paul continued to address false teachers who taught justification through the Law, and that Gentiles must be circumcised to be saved. Paul wrote that false teachers would be under condemnation, and he wished they would emasculate themselves. Freedom in Christ allows believers to exhibit the fruit of the Spirit, and believers no longer live according to the flesh. Believers bear one another’s burdens, doing good to one another. Believers are to boast in Christ and refuse to take pride in the flesh. Men who would teach anything according to the flesh boast in themselves.

Paul emphasized justification by faith in Jesus Christ because the Gentiles were being taught a works salvation by some of the Jews. God’s covenant with Abraham was fulfilled through Jesus. He completed the Law and offers freedom to those who place their faith in Jesus. Believers are adopted as children of God, becoming heirs of God. Paul was concerned that the Gentiles were returning to false gods and returning to captivity under the Law. Some Jews confused the Gentile believers and insisted they must live according to the Law. Believers are children of God who are born in the Spirit. Paul taught that believers were free, having no purpose in being held captive by the Law.

This letter was written by Paul to the church/churches at Galatia. The believers were primarily Gentile. Believers were being pulled away from the true gospel by men who claimed that Gentiles were required to be converted to Judaism through the Law. Paul wrote that the men who taught this false gospel were accursed. Paul defended his sincerity by reminding believers of his past persecution of the church, his experience of being confronted by Christ, his conversion to Christianity, and his call to preach the gospel. The true gospel is justification by faith in Christ and not by works. This gospel leads us to total surrender of our lives to Christ. It is no longer we who live, but Christ who lives in us.

Beware of false prophets because they deceive those who are immature in faith. Test a prophet’s teachings according to scripture and his actions instead of his ability to impress with speech. Paul was content in his weakness and suffering because he understood God made him strong in his weakness. Paul desired to visit the church a third time and find the believers to be faithful and repentant for any past sin. He was confident in his faithfulness and defended his walk and ministry. Paul ended his letter to the church at Corinth by encouraging them in love and unity in Christ.

Paul was confident that the church would be generous toward others in need. He boasted in their generosity and was eager for their gift to be realized and for the church to be proven faithful. Generous giving according to Paul is not performed reluctantly or under compulsion. God loves a cheerful giver. Those who sow sparingly will reap sparingly. Those who are generous will be blessed by God. Paul boasted in the work of the Lord. He defended his ministry by reminding the church that he lived what he taught. He was confident in his calling. He did not boast in his work, but the work of God in the ministry of spreading the gospel of Jesus.

Believers in Corinth brought joy to Paul through their faithfulness. Believers encouraged one another, even in the face of persecution and trials. Paul’s previous message to the church condemned actions that were ungodly. He was confident that his message led them to repentance. Paul urged the church to give generously for the sake of others who were in need. He explained their generosity reflected their understanding of the grace they received from Christ. Paul commended Titus and others he sent to minister as men who had been tested and found to be faithful. He urged the church to continue in love and faithfulness.

We are in earthly bodies for a temporary time. God prepares us, protects us, and empowers us as we face the challenges of this life. We will one day go to our eternal home where we will inherit new bodies. God has given us the Holy Spirit as a promise until we are united with Him. If we are in Christ, we have been made right with God. We are now ambassadors for Christ. Paul experienced pain and suffering for the sake of sharing the gospel, but many still refused to hear. Believers are set apart for the glory of God. Paul called believers to honor this separation in relationships and in worship. He compared the relationship of believers and unbelievers to that of light and darkness. They have nothing in common and do not serve the same purpose.

The hearts of those who are ministered to testify of God’s work in them. Jesus has brought life, offering freedom to whoever trusts in Him. We no longer live in condemnation and judgement under the Law. We experience His glory, we are free from sin, and we are transformed into His likeness. We are to teach the gospel of Jesus Christ who is the light. Unbelievers do not see the light because they are blinded by the world. Our spirits are strong in the Lord. We are dying in our bodies, but our spirits are made alive, and we strive for what is eternal through the spirit.

If we suffer, we suffer with Christ for the sake of others hearing the gospel. If we are comforted, we are comforted in Christ as a witness to others. Paul experienced persecution (suffering) and received comfort in Christ, escaping death only by the grace of God. Paul’s suffering was beyond his ability to handle which led him to fully trust in God. Paul made plans based on God’s will and did not waver in his intentions or in his word. Believers must be willing to forgive those who cause grief. The church must not seek to punish such a person, but to bring them back into fellowship. We are to share the gospel where God has placed us with sincere hearts.

If any believe in a false gospel, then their belief is in vain. Christ died for our sins, was buried, and He rose from the dead. Jesus conquered death once for all. He will one day raise the dead to have spiritual bodies. Those who are still living when Christ returns will be changed in a moment. God has given us victory through Christ Jesus our Lord. Stand firm in the Lord and know that your work is not in vain. Paul prepared the church to give an offering for those in need in Jerusalem. Paul looked forward to a time when he could visit the church at Corinth for an extended time. He encouraged the church to welcome Timothy and to love one another in Christ. He concluded this letter with his own expressions of love in Christ.

Nothing replaces or is equal to love. Love is selfless and focuses on the needs of others. We see God through human eyes as the Holy Spirit allows, but we will one day see Him completely and clearly. Until this time, we must abide in faith and hope, and ultimately abide in love. Spiritual gifts are given for the edification of the church. Some gifts were desired more than others by believers at Corinth. The gift of prophesy should be desired above other gifts. All things done in the church should be orderly. God is a God of order. Paul commended women to follow the Law as it applied in the synagogues by not speaking during the assembly of the church. This was the place of instruction and teaching of the doctrines of the church.

Paul wrote about customs to represent the relationships of man and woman, and their relationship to God. His example addressed the customs of head covering in the church. Paul concluded we should follow a conscience led by God, not by the customs of man. The Lord’s Supper was instituted by Jesus. Paul condemned the church for participating with poor motives and with impure hearts. There is one God and one Spirit who provides various spiritual gifts to believers for the building up of the body (the kingdom of God). All believers are important to the working of the body of Christ.

Paul understood his freedoms as a believer and his rights as a minister, but he chose not to use them for personal gain. He considered the needs of others to provide an opportunity to share the gospel. He chose to surrender his rights for the sake of the gospel. Paul became all things to all people, but he never suggested he participated in sinful acts to reach sinners. He disciplined himself for holiness. Paul warned the church against idolatry, which many in the day of Moses were guilty of doing. Believers cannot serve God and demons. God will provide a way out when we are tempted. Do everything for the glory of God and for the benefit of others as a means for sharing the gospel that they may hear and be saved.

Paul instructed single men and women who felt they were unable to control their passions to seek a spouse. Consider the needs of your spouse and do not withhold physical attention without reasonable cause. An unbelieving spouse should receive encouragement from their believing spouse and the unbeliever may become a believer as a result. Paul is not suggesting a believer marry an unbeliever to win them over. We are to live as God has called us to live, whether married or single. Consider how your actions effect other believers. Do not take advantage of your freedom in Christ to offend your brother or cause him to be tempted.

The church is made up of followers of Christ. We are to disassociate with people who claim to be believers but are living according to the world. We should not judge the world, but we are to hold believers accountable. Paul condemned the church for ignoring sin in the church. Sinfulness is like leaven. When ignored, it leavens the whole, devastating the church. Paul commanded to church to “Purge the evil person from among you” (1 Cor. 5:13). The church should work together to resolve conflict between believers. We are to flee from sexual immorality, which is sin against the body. Our bodies belong to God who bought us with a price. We are to glorify God with our bodies.

Strife and jealousy in the church are signs of spiritual immaturity. Paul fed the spiritually immature with what he referred to as milk because they were not mature enough to have solid food. They relied on the flesh and committed themselves to those who were mere preachers and teachers instead of to Christ. God is the righteous judge, and we should determine our actions by His Word. Disciples may endure hardships, persecution, and death for the sake of the gospel. Paul encouraged believers to imitate him in sharing the gospel and discipling others as they were led to Christ.

Paul greeted the church at Corinth and recognized the grace of God shown to them. God provided His church with every spiritual gift leaving it lacking in nothing. The church is called to be unified in Christ. Paul was burdened with divisions in the church. God’s grace is poured out on those who hear and accept His Word, but His Word is foolishness to those who will not hear. We boast in the Lord, not in ourselves. Paul’s speech was centered on Christ, and Him crucified. We do not understand the mind of God in our own wisdom, but the Spirit helps us in our understanding. Our wisdom comes from the Holy Spirit.

Christians are to be patient with one another, even when the circumstances call for us to be inconvenienced. God is the God of the Jews and of the Gentiles. We can have hope and peace because of faith in Jesus. Paul was pleased to be chosen to share Christ with the Gentiles. He wanted to visit Rome, but he continued ministering in other regions. He planned to visit Rome on his way to Spain on a future journey after he returned to Jerusalem to deliver love offerings to people in need. Paul gave a personal greeting and appealed to believers to accept one another in love. He warned them to protect the church from false teachers and doctrines, and he reminded believers of the glory of Christ.

Nothing happens without the Lord knowing and allowing it. Therefore, respect and obey governing authorities as those appointed by God. We are to obey God above all others. His Law is above all laws. Believers are called to love one another and walk according to Christ, not according to the flesh. Do not quarrel with others concerning opinions. We are to love one another in Christ, knowing that God will convince our hearts of that which honors Him as we seek His will. Follow God in obedience and in good conscience. Protect others from temptation or offense. Do everything in faith which leads to pure and holy living, free from sin.

Some Jews chose to rely on their deeds or other gods for salvation. All who place their faith in God will be grafted into God’s kingdom like a stem is grafted to an existing root. Paul prayed that Jews who rejected God would see the grace experienced by the Gentiles and turn to God in faith. God chose to show grace to those who place their faith in Him. Believers are called to be living sacrifices by being transformed into His likeness. Christians are given gifts to be used for God’s glory. Each part of the body is important and necessary for God’s Church to operate according to His will. Paul completed chapter 12 with some important marks of a true followers.

God the creator has the right to determine on whom He will have mercy. He chose the people of Israel to represent and glorify Him. God determined to provide salvation through faith in Jesus, even though much of Israel sought salvation through works. Paul’s heart’s desire and his prayer to God was for all to be saved. God chose to show mercy to those who place their faith in Him, and the message of salvation is available to all. If you confess Jesus as Lord and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. We must determine to spread the good news to all. Evangelism is a beautiful act of obedience to God, and grace toward others.

The body is bound by the Law, but those who have trusted Christ have died to the Law and are alive in Christ. We now live according to the Spirit. We are without hope if we rely on our ability to live according to the Law. The Law is not evil, and without it, we would not understand sin and the need for Christ. We now live according to the Spirit because Jesus freed us from the Law of sin and death. Those who live according to the Spirit are sons of God. He has predetermined to conform His children to the likeness of Christ. We trust in the Spirit in our weakness. No one can condemn us or separate us from the love of God.

We are reconciled to God through faith because Jesus paid our debt at the right time when we were sinners in need of forgiveness. Forgiveness results in peace with God. The Holy Spirit enables us to endure, producing hope in the believer. God’s love is poured out on us through the Holy Spirit. Death entered because of sin, but the gift of grace was made available through Christ. Grace reigns in righteousness resulting in eternal life. The righteous were once dead in sin but are made alive in Christ. We no longer present our bodies as slaves to sin, but as slaves to righteousness. Sin leads to death, but the grace of God leads to eternal life in Christ.

No one, Jew or Greek is capable of being found righteous because of their deeds. All are guilty of breaking God’s Law. The Law shines light on sin. We can be justified by grace. Jesus gave His life as a substitute for our sins. We obey the Law because of faith in God. Abraham is the father of those who have faith in God, and blessed is the man who is forgiven because of faith in God. He faced tribulations and temptations to turn from God, but he did not abandon God. His faith was counted to him as righteousness.

Paul was honored to serve God and the message of Christ. He was not ashamed of the gospel because he believed in its power to save. Paul desired to visit the church in Rome. He prayed for them and encouraged them in this letter. God unleashed His wrath on sinners by giving them over to their depraved minds. They created for themselves gods after their own image. The righteous will inherit eternal life while the unrighteous will experience wrath and fury. Those who know and teach the Law and yet do not live according to the Law lead others from the Law. God’s children are those who are made righteous in heart, not just in appearance.

The ship Paul was on was wrecked on the island of Malta. Paul was welcomed by the people. He was bitten by a viper while placing sticks on a fire, but he was not harmed. Many people were healed through Paul. He was eventually taken to Rome where he requested to speak with the Jewish leaders. He shared the good news concerning Jesus and the fulfillment of prophesies about the messiah. Some believed, but others did not. Paul reminded the leaders that Isaiah prophesied concerning their disbelief. He stated that the Gentiles would hear and believe. He remained there for two years preaching and teaching the message of Christ.

Paul testified before King Agrippa. Paul shared how he held to the Law and even persecuted Christians until he was confronted by Jesus on the road to Damascus. He explained how he shared the good news of God fulfilling prophesy through Jesus. He hoped that King Agrippa and all who heard would become followers of Christ. Paul could have been released if he had not insisted on standing trial before Caesar. Paul was taken by ship to begin his journey to Rome to be tried by Caesar. They experienced treacherous waters and storms. An angel appeared to Paul and assured him that he and all the men on board would be safe, but the ship would run a ground. All that was told to Paul came true and they became shipwrecked, but all were safe.

Felix offered an opportunity for the high priest and others to explain their accusations against Paul. Paul offered his defense and challenged the Jews to prove any wrongdoing on his part. When no proof was provided, Felix detained Paul to please the Jews and to offer opportunity for Paul to bribe him. Festus succeeded Felix as governor and heard the charges against Paul, as well as Paul’s defense. He found Paul guilty of nothing worthy of death. Paul requested to be tried by Caesar since he was a Roman citizen. Festus arranged for King Agrippa to question Paul in hopes of identifying the charges before sending him to Caesar.

Paul shared his testimony of how Jesus confronted him, while he traveled the road to Damascus, for persecuting the church. The crowd shouted for him to be put to death. As they were preparing him to be flogged and questioned, Paul explained he was a Roman citizen. The religious leaders were eager to kill him, but the governing officials were concerned because of his citizenship. The Pharisees and Sadducees were divided, and some of the Jews made an oath not to eat until they killed Paul. The plot was discovered by Paul’s nephew and told to the governing rulers. Soldiers were ordered to take Paul to Felix (governor) with a letter explaining his Roman citizen and explaining he had not been found guilty of anything deserving death.

Paul continued his missionary journey. He was warned that he would be persecuted and handed over to the Gentiles in Jerusalem. The disciples asked him not to return to Jerusalem, but he stood firm and made it clear that he was willing to face persecution and even death for the sake of the gospel. When Paul arrived in Jerusalem, he was told that the Jews believed he preached against the Law given through Moses. They told him to show that he did not forsake their customs. Crowds were stirred against Paul, and he was beaten and arrested. He was given permission to speak to the crowds as he was taken to be jailed.

Believers in Ephesus were baptized in the name of Jesus. Paul laid hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit and began speaking with power from the Spirit. Sons of Sceva (exorcists) misused the name of Jesus and were overtaken. Men who worshiped the goddess Artemis began a riot against the disciples, but it was soon dispersed. The disciples continued their journey to Troas where Paul preached in an upper room for an extended time. A young man in a window fell asleep and fell to his death, then he was healed. Paul traveled to Miletus and called for the Elders of Ephesus. He charged them to care for the spiritual welfare of the flock (the church) which God obtained with His own blood.

Paul and Silas preached in Thessalonica but were forced to leave because of persecution. They continued to preach in Berea but the mob from Thessalonica pursued them. Paul was taken to Athens and was led to the place of judgement (Areopagus) to share his message. Paul preached a message of repentance. Some people believed, including Dionysius, a member of the court. Paul went to Corinth and began preaching. Some raised claims against Paul with the rulers, but they refused to condemn Paul for religious matters. Paul began his third missionary journey by strengthening disciples. A man named Apollos went to Ephesus and began preaching Jesus. Priscilla and Aquila, fellow servants of God, explained the truth of the gospel to Apollos.

Timothy joined Paul and Silas on a journey led by the Holy Spirit to share the gospel. Paul, through the power of the Spirit, led Lydia to believe in Christ. Paul cast a spirit out of a woman who was a fortune teller. Her owners, out of anger, stirred the crowds against Paul and Silas. Paul and Silas were jailed. Paul shared the gospel with other prisoners. An earthquake caused the doors and chains to open for the prisoners to escape, but none of them escaped. The guard asked Paul how he could be saved. After hearing the gospel, he believed and was baptized. The magistrates, after learning Paul and Silas were Roman citizens, apologized and asked Paul and Silas to leave quietly, and they left in peace.

Some in Iconium believed the message of Paul and Barnabas, but others sought to persecute them. They fled to Lycaonia and continued preaching. Some believed Paul and Barnabas were gods. Paul and Barnabas explained they were men and pointed the crowd to God, the creator of all things. Paul was stoned at Lystra, but he continued to preach. Paul and Barnabas returned to Antioch and strengthened the disciples. Pharisees in Jerusalem attempted to hold Gentiles to the Law for salvation. Peter, Paul, and Barnabas proclaimed salvation by the grace of the Lord Jesus. The council at Jerusalem sent a letter to Gentile believers to encourage them, to condemn the message of the Pharisees, and to support the message of grace.

Herod killed James, the brother of John, and arrested Peter intending to present him to the people. An angel released Peter from his chains and the jail was opened for him to escape. Herod thought of himself as a god and was punished with a painful death. The Holy Spirit called Paul (Saul) and Barnabas to preach the gospel. They performed miracles and people believed, including a proconsul (governor). Paul preached at a synagogue, telling the history of God’s people and preaching Jesus as the Messiah. When they returned the following Sabbath to preach, the Jews became jealous and incited the crowds against them. Paul condemned their acts and preached salvation to the gentiles.

An angel told Cornelius in a vision to send messengers for Peter. While Peter was praying intently, God showed him a vision that God did not show partiality, but all who believe would be saved. Peter went with the messengers. Peter preached the gospel to the gentiles, and they were saved and received the Holy Spirit and began speaking as the Holy Spirit led them. The apostles questioned Peter because he preached to the gentiles. Peter explained his vision and God’s work through the Holy Spirit. The apostles knew God would offer salvation to the gentiles. Those who had been scattered spread the gospel and many came to know Jesus as Savior. Believers continued to help others as there was need.

The high priest gave Saul permission to persecute Christians and to take them to Jerusalem to be jailed. Jesus appeared to Saul on the road to Damascus. Saul was blinded and taken to Damascus where God healed him through Ananias. Saul believed and was filled with the Holy Spirit and began preaching Jesus as the Son of God. The Jews sought to kill Saul, but he was let down in a basket through the city wall at night to escape. Hellenistic Jews (adapters to Greek culture) sought to kill Saul, but he escaped to Tarsus. Peter healed a man in Lydda who was paralyzed. He healed a woman named Tabitha (Dorcus) who was a disciple who fell sick and died. Many became believers because of Peter’s message and the miracles he performed.

Saul approved of the stoning of Stephen. A great persecution against the church led to a scattering of believers and the gospel being spread. Saul persecuted believers and placed them in prison. Philip proclaimed the gospel in Samaria and performed many miracles. A magician named Simon believed, but his heart was not pure in seeking the power of the Holy Spirit. The Lord led Philip to an Ethiopian eunuch who was reading from the prophet of Isaiah. Philip explained to the eunuch that the messiah who the prophet was speaking about was Jesus. The eunuch believed and was baptized. Philip continued going and preaching the gospel.

Stephen told the history of God’s people from the time of Abraham in Genesis 12 through the resurrection as documented in the gospels. Stephen confronted the religious leaders for their persecution of God’s prophets, and for their refusal to receive Jesus as Lord just as their fathers refused to trust God and resisted the Holy Spirit. Saul was present at the stoning of Stephen. Stephen saw the glory of God and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. They took Stephen outside of the city and stoned him to death. Stephen cried out, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit”, then fell to his knees and cried out, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.” Even in his death, Stephen followed the example of Christ.

Ananias and Sapphira sold a piece of land and attempted to deceive by withholding a portion of the money. They were confronted by the apostles, and both died. Great fear came upon those who heard. The apostles continued to perform miracles. They were arrested and told not to preach. An angel opened the door of the jail and sent the apostles to the temple to preach. They were arrested, questioned, beaten, then released with a warning not to preach. They left and began to preach again. Seven men were chosen to serve (deacons) the people’s needs to allow the apostles to focus on preaching. False witnesses accused Stephen of blasphemy. When he stood before the council, his face was like the face of an angel.

Peter and John were entering the temple for prayer when a crippled beggar asked them for money. Peter told him they did not have silver or gold and told the man to rise and walk. Peter took the man’s right hand and the man stood and walked, then entered the temple leaping and praising God. Peter explained the man was healed by the name of Jesus. Peter called the crowd to repent and about five thousand men believed. Peter and John were arrested and questioned by the council. They were ordered not to speak about Jesus, but Peter and John told them of the power of Jesus and how He fulfilled prophesy. They continued to speak with boldness. Believers had everything in common and provided for the needs of one another.

Acts documents the start of the NT Church. Jesus ascended to be with the Father. The disciples chose Matthias to replace Judas as a witness of the works of Jesus. The Holy Spirit rested on the disciples, and the disciples became witnesses at home and around the world. They spoke by the power of the Holy Spirit, not from carnal minds. People from every nation heard them speak in their own languages. Peter preached a message of repentance. About three thousand souls were saved that day. Believers devoted themselves to the apostles’ teachings, to fellowship, the breaking of bread, and the prayers. They had all things in common and gave as anyone had need. The Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.

Seven disciples fished all night in the Sea of Tiberias (Sea of Galilee) without catching anything. Jesus called from land and told them to cast their nets on the right side of the boat and they caught 153 fish. They realized they were talking to Jesus. Peter jumped out of the boat and went to Him. Jesus told Peter if he loved Him, feed His lambs, tend His sheep, and feed His sheep. Jesus explained He would bless each person as He determined. Disciples were to focus on following Him. John wrote that Jesus did so many things that if it were written, the world could not contain all the books that would be written.

The Jews insisted Jesus be crucified. Jesus was beaten, then crucified. Before His final breath, He said, “It is finished” meaning the payment for sin was complete, and His purpose was complete. One of the soldiers pierced Jesus through His side with a spear. Water and blood poured from Him. The body of Jesus was laid in a tomb. On the third day, the tomb was found to be empty. Jesus appeared to Mary Magdalene and the disciples. He allowed Thomas to touch Him to confirm His identity. John wrote these words so you would believe that Jesus is the Christ, Son of the living God, and believing, you may have eternal life in His name.

Jesus sought to glorify the Father. He prayed for the protection of all His disciples from the evil one. Disciples of Christ are in the world, but not of the world. Jesus desired His disciples to experience unity and love. Judas betrayed Jesus. Jesus stopped Peter from protecting Him so Jesus could submit to the Father’s plan. Jesus was questioned by the high priest’s father-in-law. Peter denied Jesus. Jesus was questioned by the high priest, and Peter denied Him a second and third time. Jesus was taken to the governor (Pilate) to be questioned, but Pilate found no fault in Him. Pilate offered to release Jesus, but the Jews insisted he release Barabbas, a robber.

Disciples are like branches connected to the vine (Christ), and they bear fruit. Unbelievers are not connected to the vine and will bear no fruit. Disciples love one another as Christ loved them and gave His life for them. Disciples will be persecuted just as Christ was persecuted. The Spirit of truth will guide you into all truth. Unbelievers are without excuse. The Holy Spirit will convict the world concerning sin and righteousness and judgement. Jesus explained He would be leaving, but they would see Him again and their joy would return. The world brings tribulation, but Christ has overcome the world.

Jesus washed the disciples’ feet in an act of humility and service. He used the opportunity to symbolize the uncleanness of the one who would betray Him (Judas). Jesus told His disciples He would be leaving and commanded them to love one another as He loved them. Others would know they were disciples by their love for one another. Jesus told Peter he would deny Jesus three times. Jesus promised to return for His followers to take them to a place He prepared for them. He explained He was the way, the truth, and the life…the only way to the Father. Followers of Christ would perform great works through the power of the Spirit. Jesus promised the Father would send the Spirit as a gift to His followers.

A dinner was given for Jesus in Bethany. Martha served while Lazarus reclined at the table with Jesus. Mary anointed the feet of Jesus with expensive ointment, wiping it with her hair. Judas, being more concerned about money than honoring Jesus, questioned Mary’s wisdom for not selling the ointment and giving to the poor. The chief priests sought to kill Lazarus because many were believing because of His witness. Jesus entered Jerusalem as a king on a colt, fulfilling prophesy. Those who wish to serve Jesus must follow Him. The Father spoke through a loud voice (like thunder) concerning His glory, and many heard it and marveled. Jesus was the light, the One who came to save the world. He spoke of the authority of the Father.

Mary and Martha sent word to Jesus that their brother Lazarus was sick. Jesus replied to them that his illness would be to the glory of God. Jesus delayed going to Judea to see Lazarus. When Jesus was ready to go, the disciples became concerned that the Jews would find Jesus and kill Him. When Jesus arrived, Lazarus had died, and Jesus wept. Jesus explained to Martha that He was the resurrection and the life, Martha confessed Him as the Christ, and Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead. Some of the witnesses became believers that day, but the chief priests and Pharisees met with the Council and prepared a plan to arrest Jesus.