TODAY IN THE WORD

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: John 13:18-38
By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another. - John 13:35
TODAY IN THE WORD
In Reliving the Passion, Walter Wangerin marveled: “The Lord Jesus, the same night in which He was betrayed, took bread. Oh, let that pastor murmur those words, the same night, with awe. For who among us can hear them just before receiving the gift of Christ’s intimacy and not be overcome with wonder, stunned at such astonishing love? . . . That same night! When absolutely nothing recommended us. When 'we were enemies.’ Enemies! In the night when His people betrayed Him--the night of intensest enmity--the dear Lord Jesus said, 'This is my blood of the covenant, poured out for many.’ Then! Can we comprehend the joining of two such extremes, the good and the evil together? In the night of gravest human treachery He gave the gift of Himself.”

During the Last Supper, Jesus broke three pieces of bad news to His disciples. First, one of them would betray Him (cf. Ps. 41:9). They could not imagine who would do such a thing, so He offered them a clue. From a reader’s standpoint, giving Judas the bread looks like a dead giveaway, so it’s unclear why no one figured it out. Judas, at any rate, certainly understood the jig was up. Since offering bread was a cultural gesture of friendship or goodwill, Jesus was making one final appeal to Judas to turn away from his wicked choice. Instead, Judas made a horrible final decision and surrendered fully to Satan (vv. 26–27).

Additionally, Jesus told the disciples that He would be killed. Though they did not think so at the time, this was actually good news, for Christ’s death would bring redemption. God would be glorified.

Finally, He had a specific prophecy for Peter--the outspoken disciple would three times deny even knowing His Lord. In the crunch, Peter’s brash human courage would not be enough.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
You have probably seen the famous painting The Last Supper by Leonardo da Vinci. Actually, many well-known artists have painted pictures of this event. You can seek out some of these paintings at a museum, library, or on the Internet.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: John 14:1-30
I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. - John 14:6
TODAY IN THE WORD
According to a recent survey, 76 percent of Americans say they believe in heaven. Of those, 75 percent believe that their actions on earth will determine whether they go there.

In other words, God wouldn’t send “basically good” people to hell, would He? This is one of the oldest deceptions around, and Satan must chuckle to hear such opinions. The truth is that we are all condemned sinners, and Jesus Christ is our only way to salvation: “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me” (v. 6).

In yesterday’s reading, Jesus had said He was going somewhere, and the disciples would not be able to follow until later (13:36). Seeing that they were dismayed and confused by this statement, Christ comforted them. They needed the peace or shalom that passes human understanding (vv. 1, 27; cf. Phil. 4:7).

One basis for their encouragement was the person of God. To trust in the Son, which the disciples had done, was the same as trust in the Father. Another basis was the presence of God (v. 23), and still another was the certain hope of heaven (v. 3). Christ Himself is preparing a place for us!

The disciples were still full of questions. Where did you say you were going? And how do we get there? Christ responded that He Himself is the way to heaven. Here, way, truth, and life are parallel concepts--some translators even render the verse, “I am the way in that I am the truth and the life.” These ideas are inseparable.

Jesus is the only way to God, not one way among many. In our “tolerant” age, which would like to believe there are many paths up the mountain, this exclusive message often falls on deaf ears. As we swim upstream against these cultural currents, we must hold firmly to the truth.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
“I am the way and the truth and the life” is Jesus’ sixth (of seven) “I am” statement in John’s Gospel. Take a moment to list the previous five statements that we have covered; you can peek ahead to tomorrow to see the seventh “I am” statement.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: John 15:1-17
I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. - John 15:5
TODAY IN THE WORD
Henry Alline, an eighteenth-century Canadian evangelist, wrote in his journal,

“Christ is the fountain of life, the source of happiness, the glory of angelic realms, and the triumph of saints, and I trust is the life of my soul, the joy of my life, my present and everlasting portion. I therefore desire, and intend by His grace that His name should be my theme, until the last period of my days. And O may His blessed Spirit be breathed into all my endeavours, may His love sweeten all my trials, invigorate all my labours.”

Christ is our all-in-all! The fullness of our purpose and joy is to abide in Him. “I am the vine” is Jesus’ seventh and final “I am” statement in the Gospel of John (vv. 1, 5). In this beautiful metaphor, He is the vine, we are the branches, and the Father is the gardener.

The Old Testament had already described God’s people as His “vineyard.” Isaiah 5:1–7, for example, speaks of God’s just judgment on a vineyard (Israel) that failed to produce fruit (cf. Jesus’ parable in Matt. 21:33–43). For that they would be punished, though the Lord promised to “plant them” again in their own land (Amos 9:13–15).

Jesus’ teaching had similar themes. The relationship between God (gardener) and us (branches) is one of accountability. If people are not fruitful, He cuts them off and throws them into the fire. This picture may mean that such a person was never a true Christian, or it may show how such a person has wasted his or her life. If we are fruitful, though, we do not merely “coast in” to heaven; God prunes us to improve us.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
We are surrounded by object lessons to remind us that Christ is the Vine! Sometime today, take a walk outdoors. Keep an eye out for vines or other plants. Since grapevines may be scarce where you live, any fruit-bearing vegetation will do--perhaps wild blueberry plants, a pecan tree, or even tomato vines in the vegetable garden you may already have planted. Depending on where you live, you may not see any fruit, but you can still reflect on what it will take for that plant or tree to be fruitful.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: John 15:18-16:4
I have chosen you out of the world. - John 15:19
TODAY IN THE WORD
Christ said that the world will oppose His followers in the same unjust and violent ways that it opposed Him. The story of Perpetua illustrates this truth.

A young mother who had an infant son, Perpetua was arrested during a time of persecution ordered by a third-century Roman emperor. It’s possible her husband may have abandoned her because of her faith. Her father urged her to renounce it. She stood firm, however, and was sentenced to be thrown to wild beasts.

On the day of execution, Perpetua was stripped and sent into the arena. She wasn’t immediately killed, however, so she was taken to a gladiator for beheading. Near the end, she called out to some Christian friends, “Stand fast in the faith, love one another, and don’t let our suffering become a stumbling block to you.”

To be sheep following the Good Shepherd, and to be branches abiding in the Vine, means that the world will treat us as they treated Him. The good news is that just as His example leads the way in showing us how to abide and obey, so also it encourages us in enduring suffering and persecution.

Many people stood condemned because they had seen Jesus’ miracles and heard His teachings, but blatantly refused to believe. After His ascension, His disciples would be likewise hounded, persecuted, treated as heretics, and killed (v. 2).

All believers must testify to Christ and stand firm against such opposition--not in our own strength, but with the help of our Counselor, the Holy Spirit. In that way, our attitudes and actions will be a witness to others (cf. 1 Peter 2:11-12).
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
We have been reading since John 1 that although Jesus brings light, many people prefer the darkness. Make a list of the kinds of opposition Jesus faced during His life here on earth.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: John 16:5-33
When he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all truth. - John 16:13
TODAY IN THE WORD
“We will overcome!” was one of the rallying cries of the civil rights movement. In 1999, a group nicknamed the “Little Rock Nine” was awarded the Congressional Gold Medal, the nation’s highest civilian honor. In 1957, just three years after a Supreme Court ruling ended school segregation, these men and women--teenagers at the time--broke the color barrier at Central High School in Little Rock, Arkansas. Escorted by soldiers, they faced jeers, threats, and violence. During the medal ceremony, they were praised for showing “grace in the face of hatred, poise in the face of tumult, and courage in the face of violence.”

“We will overcome!” is also the rallying cry of believers as we face a hostile world. And we can be so confident because Christ has already overcome (v. 33) and because the Holy Spirit is on our side (v. 7). The disciples needed to look beyond their grief over Jesus’ impending death to rejoice at what lay ahead for them.

What is the ministry of the Holy Spirit? He convicts the world in regard to sin, righteousness, and judgment (vv. 8–11). That is, while we are responsible to testify, the results are up to Him. It is His job to persuade people of the sin of unbelief, the righteousness found in Christ’s completed work of redemption, and the reality of judgment on those who reject Him and side with Satan.

The Spirit is also a guide to truth (vv. 13–15). By revealing truth and speaking the words of God, the Spirit brings glory to Christ. Just as the Son spoke only what He heard from the Father, so the Spirit would take from what belongs to Christ and make it known to the disciples.

At the time, the disciples did not understand all this, so Jesus simply assured them that their grief would turn to joy, just as a woman’s pain in childbirth turns to joy in the new life that is born (vv. 20–21).
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Thankfully, we are told in today’s reading that Christ has overcome the world (v. 33). Through Him, we, too, are “more than conquerors”!

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: John 17:1-26
I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, that all of them may be one. - John 17:20–21
TODAY IN THE WORD
Theologian John Baillie wrote in A Diary of Private Prayer: “Grant that the remembrance of the blessed Life that once was lived out on this common earth under these ordinary skies may remain with me in all the tasks and duties of this day. Let me remember--His eagerness, not to be ministered unto, but to minister: His sympathy with suffering of every kind: His bravery in the face of His own suffering: His meekness of bearing, so that, when reviled, He reviled not again: His steadiness of purpose in keeping to His appointed task: His simplicity: His self-discipline: His serenity of spirit: His complete reliance upon you, His Father in heaven. And in each of these ways give me grace to follow in His footsteps. Amen.”

We see many of these characteristics of Christ in His own prayer life, especially in today’s reading. In this longest recorded prayer of our Lord, prayed on the night before His crucifixion, He prayed for Himself, His disciples, and all future believers in the gospel.

Jesus prayed that the Father would honor His mission of redemption, bring it to a successful conclusion, and restore Him to His side. He knew His prayer would be answered “yes,” for the Father had given Him all authority. The result of the answered prayer would be glory for God and eternal life for believers. Appropriately, “eternal life” is defined here as knowing both the Father and the Son (v. 3).

For His disciples, Jesus prayed for protection against the world and Satan, unity, sanctification through the Word of truth, and joy. He prayed confidently, both because He knew all this was the Father’s will, and because He had taught them much about His mission and how to follow Him. To be “sanctified” means to be made holy, as well as to be set apart for doing God’s will, both in the context of being sent out as witnesses of Christ.

For future believers, Jesus made a simple request: unity (vv. 20–22). Unity proclaims Christ and His love to the world (v. 23). One day, all who respond in faith will behold Christ’s glory forever (v. 24).
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
The example of Jesus’ prayer in today’s reading can spur us on in our own prayer lives. Here are some suggestions for your own spiritual discipline in this area:

• Schedule a regular prayer time, and commit to keeping it no matter what the distractions or temptations.

• Start keeping a prayer journal, in which you write out your prayers to the Lord.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: John 18:1-19:16
My kingdom is not of this world. - John 18:36
TODAY IN THE WORD
The Badwater Ultramarathon is one of the world’s toughest endurance tests. From Death Valley, the lowest point in the Western hemisphere, to a point more than 8,000 feet up Mount Whitney, “ultra-athletes” cover 135 grueling miles, pressing on through searing heat, rising altitude, and severe pain.

Last July, a woman won the Badwater Ultramarathon for the first time in the race’s 25-year history. Pam Reed of Arizona crossed the finish line in just under 28 hours. Other runners took several days to finish.

Jesus’ road to the cross may have felt like an ultramarathon. First, He endured Judas’ betrayal, then Peter’s denials, then interrogations, trials, mob hostility, mockery, torture, and finally a death sentence.

When the Last Supper concluded, Jesus and His disciples left the Upper Room and went to the Mount of Olives. When Judas arrived, despite Peter’s actions, Jesus chose to go with His enemies in obedience to His Father. The cup is an image of suffering and God’s wrath, which Jesus was willing to endure to accomplish His mission of redeeming love (18:11).

Peter’s three fearful denials happened exactly as Jesus had predicted. The other disciple who was allowed into the inner courtyard was probably John himself (v. 15).

The interviews with Annas and Caiaphas were a sham, since the leaders had already decided Jesus must die. When Pilate asked about the charges, they replied with circular logic-- since we arrested Him, He must be a criminal (18:30). They were not concerned with justice, truth, or the Law, but simply with getting what they wanted.

Pilate, on the other hand, had no idea who Jesus was or why they hated Him. He smelled a rat and tried to turn Jesus back over to the Jews. But they wanted the death penalty, and for that they needed the power of Rome. So they whipped up the crowd to call for Jesus’ death, and threatened to report Pilate for disloyalty or treason if he did not give in.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
To help make Passion Week come alive for your family or small group, we encourage you to explore either drama or reader’s theater.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: John 19:17-42
They will look on me, the one they have pierced, and they will mourn for him as one mourns for an only child. - Zechariah 12:10
TODAY IN THE WORD
The word maudlin means weakly or effusively sentimental, weepy, mushy, or emotionally silly. This word is derived from Magdalene, that is, from Mary Magdalene in the Bible. In religious paintings from the Middle Ages, she was often shown crying or with red eyes. She cried as a penitent sinner. She cried during the Crucifixion. She cried in front of the tomb. Gradually, Magdalene evolved into maudlin and took on its present meaning.

As today’s reading shows, though she and Christ’s other friends had reason to mourn, they would soon have ample reason to rejoice!

The death sentence, demanded by the crowd and acquiesced to by Pilate, was carried out Roman-style. The means of execution was a cross, which Jesus had to carry Himself. The place of execution was Golgotha (Calvary from the Latin), which means “the skull,” a grim name likely derived from the place’s grisly function.

John’s Gospel continues to make sure that readers see that indeed, Jesus is who He said He is. The writer described the trilingual sign put up by Pilate, “Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews” (v. 19). He mentioned several Old Testament prophecies fulfilled during the Crucifixion (vv. 24, 28, 36–37). John himself was an eyewitness of these events and testified to their truth so that others might believe (v. 35).

In addition, John also gave evidence from Jesus’ actions on the cross. Jesus remained in control throughout His suffering. He showed love for His mother, Mary, taking responsibility as her eldest son and entrusting her to John’s care. He consciously acted to fulfill Scripture, and knew when His mission was completed. He chose when to surrender His spirit. He died victorious!
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
The next time your church celebrates communion, re-read today’s passage. So that you don’t forget, you may want to write this down in your personal organizer or calendar. The purpose of doing so will be to spiritually prepare your mind, heart, and soul to remember Christ’s redemptive sacrifice.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: John 20:1-31
These are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God. - John 20:31
TODAY IN THE WORD
In the 2002 World Cup, the U.S. men’s soccer team stunned the world. Though the team had lost all three of its games at the previous World Cup, and had not beaten a European team in the tournament since 1950, the players and coach Bruce Arena believed they could do it. Shrewd tactics, a high level of fitness, and plenty of hard-nosed hustle made the difference. Facing a Portugal team that many had chosen as favorites to win it all, the Ameri-cans stormed out to a 3-0 lead in the first half before holding on for a 3-2 win.

Victory is even sweeter when it’s a surprise. No one expected Jesus to rise from the dead--but He did! His victory over death, the foundation of our faith, won for us the blessing of eternal life with God.

In today’s passage, Mary Magdalene was the first to discover the empty tomb, the first to tell others the good news, and the first to meet the risen Lord. Even though many people at this time had a low view of women, she is boldly cited as the first eyewitness. Why did she fail to recognize the “gardener” right away? Probably His glorified body looked radically different, or perhaps He prevented her recognition until the right moment.

When Peter and John heard the news, they ran to the tomb to see for themselves. When they found the grave open, the burial linens empty, and the head cloth folded up separately, they believed that Jesus had been raised from the dead (v. . At this point, though, they still didn’t grasp the prophetic necessity of the Resurrection (v. 9).

Later, Jesus appeared to all the disciples. After calming their fears and showing them His wounds, He gave them a lifetime assignment: “As the Father has sent me, I am sending you” (v. 21). They would go in the power of the Holy Spirit (v. 22), bearing the gospel’s message of God’s forgiveness of sin (v. 23).
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
As part of your personal devotions today, respond to the Resurrection story by singing a hymn appropriate to Easter Sunday. “Christ the Lord Is Risen Today” would be a good choice, as would a number of other songs. Check the index in your hymnbook for suggestions.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: John 21:1-25
Feed my sheep. - John 21:17
TODAY IN THE WORD
In Timbuktu in modern Mali, an African man invited Northwestern University professor John Hunwick to see his family library. He pulled out an old trunk filled with manuscripts--documents some scholars did not believe existed. Academic opinion has long held that there were oral traditions, but almost no written records, of ancient African cultures. Recently this view has been forced to change.

Hunwick has found about 3,000 manuscripts, including letters, fragments of books, and complete books, on a wide range of subjects like religion, law, and history. One scholar compared Hunwick’s find to the discovery of the Dead Sea Scrolls. These manuscripts are likely to rewrite the entire history of Africa!

Similarly, the four Gospels, including John, rewrote, as it were, the entire history of God’s plan of salvation. John closed his Gospel in today’s reading with one final encounter between the risen Christ and His disciples.

Peter and the others had returned to their old trade of fishing, perhaps to have work to do while they absorbed the significance of recent events. A miraculous catch of fish served as Jesus’ “calling card,” and they sat down together over an open-fire breakfast.

The conversation between Peter and Christ restored the disciple to leadership. Not that Peter doubted Christ’s love--surely that had been already settled. But Christ wanted to publicly restore Peter to a position of leadership and commission him for ministry.

To redress his three denials, Jesus asked Peter three questions. In the first two, Jesus used the verb agape, which often indicates whole-person love and commitment. Although Peter responded affirmatively, he used the verb phileo, meaning affection or emotional love. The third time, Jesus also used phileo. Peter may have felt that saying agape was too rash--he had learned his lesson--and he also showed humility by admitting Christ’s knowledge of him, “Lord, you know all things” (v. 17). Peter was commanded to be a spiritual leader and shepherd the church. His life would be consumed, as ours should also be, with Christ’s simple command, “Follow me” (v. 19).
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Have you blown it spiritually? Has something you have said or done denied our Lord? Take heart--He still loves you as His child and is waiting to forgive you.

If you have trouble believing that He could love and accept you, review our study of the claims of Christ about Himself this month. If He could still the storm and feed 5,000 people, if He is the Bread of Life and the Good Shepherd, if He could sacrifice His life for you and then rise from the dead--He is more than willing and able to forgive you and call you His child!

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: John 1:35-51
We have found the one Moses wrote about in the Law, and about whom the prophets also wrote–Jesus of Nazareth. - John 1:45
TODAY IN THE WORD
One year ago, a visiting museum director from Scotland was sifting through old boxes of drawings at the Cooper-Hewitt design museum in New York when he spotted a piece that instantly caught his eye. Sir Timothy Clifford stared in amazement at the drawing, rendered in black chalk on cream paper, depicting a candelabrum on a two-part pedestal. He felt sure it was the work of the great Italian artist Michelangelo, and further examination by other art experts confirmed that Clifford had made an incredible discovery. Cooper-Hewitt had purchased the drawing in 1942 in a batch of designs from a dealer in London, paying $60 for the lot. Today this Michelangelo original, only 10 x 17 inches, is valued at up to $12 million. “I’ve made many discoveries,” said Sir Clifford, “but this one tops them all.”

Although a once-in-a-lifetime discovery like this is exciting, it pales in comparison to the treasure that Jesus’ future disciples discovered when they met Him. Andrew and John made the thrilling discovery about Israel’s Messiah when John the Baptist pointed to Jesus one day and said, “Look, the Lamb of God!” (John 1:36). Jesus chose these two disciples of John the Baptist to join Him in His earthly ministry, a treasure far above whatever valuable objects this world might offer.

Andrew and John brought their brothers, Peter and James, to Jesus–and the next day Jesus called Philip and Nathanael. There is no doubt that Jesus deeply loved these men who left everything to follow Him. In fact, the Bible is clear that Jesus displayed His perfect love to everyone He encountered during His ministry, whether that love was returned or refused.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
We are going to meet more of the disciples Jesus called to follow Him. If Christ is your Savior, you are His disciple too. Jesus said, “It is enough for the student [or disciple] to be like his teacher” (Matt. 10:25).

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Luke 9:57-62
No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God. - Luke 9:62
TODAY IN THE WORD
James 1:8 says, “A double-minded man [is] unstable in all he does.” Commenting on this verse, Bible teacher Chuck Swindoll offers this description of people who can’t make up their minds about Jesus and the issues of faith: “Double-mindedness is a common disease that leaves its victims paralyzed by doubt, hesitant, hypocritical, full of theoretical words, but lacking in confident action. Lots of talk but no guts.”

If we had photos of the three would-be disciples in today’s story, we could put them in the dictionary next to “double-minded.” They could not decide whether following Jesus was right for them. Jesus loved these three reluctant disciples too much to let them limp along in their indecision. He was completely honest with them about the costs and challenges of commitment to Him. Each of the three encounters is a little different, and each one has a distinct lesson for us.

The first man seemed to be the most willing. He declared his intention to follow Jesus wherever He went, with no exceptions (v. 57). But Jesus’ answer suggests that the man had not considered the true cost of discipleship. If he was determined to follow Jesus, all he had to do was fall in line and start walking. Contrast his response with that of Peter, James, and John after their miraculous catch of fish: “They . . . left everything and followed him” (Luke 5:11). No “theoretical words,” just “confident action.”
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Today’s lesson is a good follow-up to yesterday’s study of Jesus’ first disciples. If you have identified an area of your life in which you want to become more like Jesus this month, then ask yourself if there is anything hindering you from reaching your goal. If there is a blockage, the Holy Spirit will reveal it to you. The next step is up to you. You can either tell the Lord, “I’ll do what You want, but first . . . ,” or you can follow Him in obedience, dealing with the problem through “confident action” taken in the Spirit’s power.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Mark 6:45-52
Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid. - Mark 6:50
TODAY IN THE WORD
Mark Twain once wrote about friendship, “The proper office of a friend is to side with you when you are in the wrong. Nearly anybody will side with you when you are in the right.”

Jesus was the consummate Friend to His disciples, using the term friend on the last night He was with them to describe the new relationship that He would have with His followers (John 15:15). Jesus is the perfect example of the Scripture that says, “A friend loves at all times” (Prov. 17:17), because He never stopped loving His disciples even when they failed to act in faith or were in the wrong. In fact, it was at these times that the disciples really needed a friend who would not write them off or turn against them.

The scene before us in Mark 6 is one of those times. The irony of this story of fear and doubt is that it comes “immediately” (v. 45) after Jesus had performed perhaps His greatest miracle by feeding at least five thousand people. The disciples had served as the “waiters” at this incredible meal and had collected twelve baskets full of leftovers. It seems as if this miracle would have erased any doubts or questions they had about Jesus.

But once the meal was over, the disciples ran into a storm in the middle of the Sea of Galilee, and their perspective changed. It’s understandable that they would react with fear to a figure coming toward them on the water in the early morning darkness. But even after Jesus revealed Himself, calmed the storm, and joined them in the boat, they still didn’t get the picture.

Mark said the disciples’ hearts were hard with unbelief (v. 52). He should know; scholars believe that he heard this story from Peter. You may recall that Peter tried to walk to Jesus on the water that night and sank when he took his eyes off Jesus (Matt. 14:28–31).
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
All of us need friends who will hang in there with us when we are wrong. But it takes a special friend to confront us with the truth and make sure we don’t stay in the wrong.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Matthew 28:16-20
All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations. - Matthew 28:18–19
TODAY IN THE WORD
A nomadic herder in the deserts of Africa recently told a missionary, “When you can put your church on the back of a camel, then I will think that Christianity is meant for us Somalis. We only see you Christians praying once a week inside a special building.” The missionary was deeply challenged by the herder’s statement, and later said, “This motivates me every day to look for ways to show the relevance of Jesus Christ to people who aren’t used to living in settled communities.”

That missionary has the right idea. Jesus did not commission us to make other people into clones of ourselves, but into His disciples. Jesus Christ loves all the people of the world and has sent His followers into every corner of the earth with the gospel of salvation. And so today, dedicated missionaries live a nomadic lifestyle in order to reach nomads with the love of Christ. Why would these missionaries try to “put their church on the back of a camel?” Because they take the Great Commission very seriously.

The heart of Jesus’ instruction, and the only command in these verses, is to “make disciples.” We accomplish this as we go to where the people are, baptize them following Jesus’ example as they are won to Him, and teach them the truths of His Word. Every Christian is included in the Savior’s call, since all of us owe Him an unpayable debt of love, and we should share that love with others who don’t know Him.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Many of us can identify with the doubters. Maybe that’s because doubt comes so naturally to us.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Mark 2:13-17
I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners. - Mark 2:17
TODAY IN THE WORD
Several summer missionaries working in the city of Cleveland were standing in a city park one day when they noticed a concrete wall covered with gang-related graffiti. When they asked what gang the markings represented, an 8-year-old boy nearby spoke up, naming the gang and announcing that he was a member of it. One of the missionaries asked skeptically, “You are?”

“Well,” the boy replied, “really I’m not yet 'cause I have to let one of the older boys shoot me in the leg and I haven’t got the courage yet to do that.” The missionaries were heartbroken that this young boy thought courage means undergoing initiation into a gang.

Sin is heartbreaking. But Jesus loves sinners–good news for all of us. Today’s verse is one of the most succinct statements Jesus made about His ministry. Jesus never skirted the issue of sin or called it anything but what it was, as we’ll see over the next few days. And He did not hesitate to call people sinners.

When He used the term sinners, however, Jesus had an entirely different definition and motivation than the Pharisees of His day. To these Jewish leaders, the word sinners was a term of contempt they used for common people who did not follow their strict religious rules. The New International Version attempts to preserve this special designation by putting it in quotation marks (see vv. 15–16).
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Does your daily prayer list include friends, co-workers, neighbors, and family members who don’t know Christ as their Savior?