Matthew 26:26–29

God’s grace rest in the blood of Jesus Christ. In Communion we remember His sacrifice that gave us salvation and set us free from the bondage of sin. No greater love exists! It is finished.

In Him and in the power of  Holy Spirit  we can share the Good News.

We have devices today that can track our every heartbeat … but there is no technology that will show a person's inner heart, the heart only God can see. Yet the secret to having a clean heart before Him is no longer a secret. The Apostle John summarizes it in one verse: "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness" (1 John 1:9). Examining our hearts on the inside allows us to bring our sin to God, and every time, He is faithful to forgive us and cleanse us. What a faithful God! First5 

You can dedicate a decade of anxious thoughts to the brevity of life and not extend it by one minute. Worry accomplishes nothing.

God doesn’t condemn legitimate concern for responsibilities, but rather the continuous mindset that dismisses God’s presence. Destructive anxiety subtracts God from the future, tallies up the challenges of the day without entering God into the equation.

Jesus gives us this challenge: “Your heavenly Father already knows all your needs. Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need” (Matthew 6:32-33 NLT).

Matthew 26:26–29

26 And as they were eating, Jesus took bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to the disciples and said, “Take, eat; this is My body.” 27 Then He took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you. 28 For this is My blood of the new covenant, which is shed for many for the remission of sins. 29 But I say to you, I will not drink of this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it new with you in My Father’s kingdom.” The New King James Version

Jesus’ body was the final sacrifice that would atone for sins, just as the Passover lamb signified the atonement for the people’s sins every year. The Passover meal includes four (sometimes five) cups of wine; this is likely the third, the cup of blessing.

In the ancient Near East, covenants often were ratified using blood (through sacrifice). At Sinai, Moses sprinkled the people with the blood of the covenant (Exodus 24:8). The elements of the Lord’s Supper serve as signs of the new covenant. Faithlife Study Bible

This is My blood of the new covenant refers to the covenant that had been promised in the Old Testament. The Lord Jesus specifically said that His blood … is shed for many for the remission of sins. The word many anticipates the command to preach the Good News to all the world. This verse anticipates God’s kingdom when Christ will reign on the throne of David. Today He is seated with the Father on His throne and intercedes for us.

Matthew wrote his Gospel to demonstrate to his Jewish audience that Jesus is indeed the long-awaited Messiah. Who is the Messiah and why were the Jews waiting for such a person?

In Hebrew or Aramaic, the word Messiah means “anointed.” The Greek equivalent of the word is the title Christ. In the Old Testament, prophets, priests and kings were literally anointed with oil to consecrate them for special service or to signify the endowment of the Spirit of God. These practices pointed to the promised arrival of God’s Anointed One, who would fulfill all three offices as the Prophet, the Priest, and the King.  The NKJV Study Bible

This ordinance of the Lord’s supper is to us the passover supper, by which we commemorate a much greater deliverance than that of Israel out of Egypt. Take, eat; accept of Christ as he is offered to you; receive the atonement, approve of it, submit to his grace and his government. Meat looked upon, be the dish ever so well garnished, will not nourish; it must be fed upon: so must the doctrine of Christ. This is my body; that is, spiritually, it signifies and represents his body. We partake of the sun, not by having the sun put into our hands, but the beams of it darted down upon us; so we partake of Christ by partaking of his grace, and the blessed fruits of the breaking of his body. The blood of Christ is signified and represented by the wine. He gave thanks, to teach us to look to God in every part of the ordinance. This cup he gave to the disciples with a command, Drink ye all of it. The pardon of sin is that great blessing which is, in the Lord’s supper, conferred on all true believers; it is the foundation of all other blessings. He takes leave of such communion; and assures them of a happy meeting again at last; “Until that day when I drink it new with you”, may be understood of the joys and glories of the future state, which the saints shall partake with the Lord Jesus. That will be the kingdom of his Father; the wine of consolation will there be always new. While we look at the outward signs of Christ’s body broken and his blood shed for the remission of our sins, let us recollect that the feast cost him as much as though he had literally given his flesh to be eaten and his blood for us to drink. Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

Exodus 24:8 And Moses took the blood, sprinkled it on the people, and said, “This is the blood of the covenant which the LORD has made with you according to all these words.”

Matthew 20:28 just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.”

Mark 14:23 Then He took the cup, and when He had given thanks He gave it to them, and they all drank from it.

Mark 14:25 Assuredly, I say to you, I will no longer drink of the fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it new in the kingdom of God.”

Luke 22:18 for I say to you, I will not drink of the fruit of the vine until the kingdom of God comes.”

Acts 15:6–11

In the Old Testament man was under the Law but NOW that Jesus Christ came and fulfilled the Law the spiritual is within us in the person of Holy Spirit. 

We are no longer under the Law but under Grace. 

We are being transformed daily by Holy Spirit into the image of Jesus, precept by precept. 

Does this excuse sin? No, but when we listen to  Holy Spirit He will convict us, knowing that as believers,  it is our desire to please the  Father   in all we do.

Come Into The Quiet
As we enter into the quiet stillness of this present moment,
we awaken to everything around us,
without and within,
as if for the first time,
seeing with new eyes,
with an open heart,
resting in peace,
flowing with joy,
in the loving radiance
of our Beloved...
Seeing as if from our heart,
with eternal eyes.
Bob Holmes

Acts 15:6–11

6 Now the apostles and elders came together to consider this matter. 7 And when there had been much dispute, Peter rose up and said to them: “Men and brethren, you know that a good while ago God chose among us, that by my mouth the Gentiles should hear the word of the gospel and believe. 8 So God, who knows the heart, acknowledged them by giving them the Holy Spirit, just as He did to us, 9 and made no distinction between us and them, purifying their hearts by faith. 10 Now therefore, why do you test God by putting a yoke on the neck of the disciples which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear? 11 But we believe that through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ we shall be saved in the same manner as they.” The New King James Version

Luke (the narrator) stresses that the ruling of the Jerusalem Council will represent the Church’s official verdict on the matter. Peter cites his own experience with the Gentile Cornelius and his vision about clean and pure food, which he has already explained to the church leadership in Jerusalem. Peter reasons that since God is working among both Jews and Gentiles that to demand that the Gentiles become Jews is to doubt what God has declared. This point seems to be based on Peter’s vision about clean and pure food. Peter reminds the audience that no Jew was able to satisfy the law. Faithlife Study Bible

It was from the mouth of Peter that Cornelius and his Gentile friends heard the gospel of Jesus Christ. Yoke here refers to the law. These are the last words of Peter in the Book of Acts. He leaves us with the eternal truth that we are saved through faith by grace alone. The emphasis in the Book of Acts now moves from Peter to Paul, from the presentation of the gospel message among the Jews to its presentation to the Gentiles. The NKJV Study Bible

We see from the words “purifying their hearts by faith,” and the address of St. Peter, that justification by faith, and sanctification by the Holy Ghost, cannot be separated; and that both are the gift of God. We have great cause to bless God that we have heard the gospel. May we have that faith which the great Searcher of hearts approves, and attests by the seal of the Holy Spirit. Then our hearts and consciences will be purified from the guilt of sin, and we shall be freed from the burdens some try to lay upon the disciples of Christ. Paul and Barnabas showed by plain matters of fact, that God owned the preaching of the pure gospel to the Gentiles without the law of Moses. Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

Matthew 23:4 For they bind heavy burdens, hard to bear, and lay them on men’s shoulders; but they themselves will not move them with one of their fingers.

Acts 10:28 Then he said to them, “You know how unlawful it is for a Jewish man to keep company with or go to one of another nation. But God has shown me that I should not call any man common or unclean.

Acts 10:44 While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit fell upon all those who heard the word.

Acts 10:47 “Can anyone forbid water, that these should not be baptized who have received the Holy Spirit just as we have?”

Mark 6:31

It is OK to rest. In this Holiday Season let us remember to rest in God’s peace and reflect on His mercy in sending  Jesus Christ! 

The Father knows that we are mere humans!

…Choose to remember God's character.

God's steadfast love. (Psalm 69:13;  Psalm 69:16)

God's faithfulness. (Psalm 69:13)

God's abundant mercy. (Psalm 69:16)

God's salvation. (Psalm 69:29)

God's compassion to hear the needy. (Psalm 69:33)

We are so obsessed with doing that we have no time and no imagination left for being. As a result, men are valued not for what they are but for what they do or what they have — for their usefulness. Thomas Merton

Mark 6:31

31 And He said to them, “Come aside by yourselves to a deserted place and rest a while.” For there were many coming and going, and they did not even have time to eat. The New King James Version

Matthew 14:13 When Jesus heard it, He departed from there by boat to a deserted place by Himself. But when the multitudes heard it, they followed Him on foot from the cities.

Mark 3:20 Then the multitude came together again, so that they could not so much as eat bread.

Mark 6:34

Believers are blessed in unmerited grace  by our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ! God’s love and compassion for us sets us  free.

Those in authority in our homes, in our Churches or  our government, who govern without compassion, negate the goodness and love of God.

To choose joy is to see all existence as a gift, which is why the practice of joy is inseparable from the practice of gratitude. Gratitude gives birth to joy because gratitude teaches us to receive life as a gift in the moment we’re in.’ It teaches us that our very existence is a gift.” Tish Harrison Warren

Mark 6:34

34 And Jesus, when He came out, saw a great multitude and was moved with compassion for them, because they were like sheep not having a shepherd. So He began to teach them many things. The New King James Version

Sheep without a shepherd was a  common old testament expression used to describe Israel’s inadequate or oppressive leadership. Faithlife Study Bible

The Gospels record several times that when Jesus saw a need He was moved with compassion. That compassion led to action. The NKJV Study Bible

Let not ministers do any thing or teach any thing, but what they are willing should be told to their Lord. Christ notices the frights of some, and the toils of others of his disciples, and provides rest for those that are tired, and refuge for those that are terrified. Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

1 Kings 22:17 Then he said, “I saw all Israel scattered on the mountains, as sheep that have no shepherd. And the LORD said, ‘These have no master. Let each return to his house in peace.’ ”

Luke 9:11 But when the multitudes knew it, they followed Him; and He received them and spoke to them about the kingdom of God, and healed those who had need of healing.

John 13:31-35

It is very early on the day before Thanksgiving later this morning my little sister and her son will come to my home! Today I will cook in preparation for tomorrow. I am so very grateful to God for all the people that He has placed in my life…praise be to His Son, Jesus Christ!! His love covers a multitude of sin…

To God be all glory!

The words ‘gratitude’ and ‘grace’ come from the same root word, gratia in Latin... ‘Grace’ is a theological word, one with profound spiritual meaning. Grace means ‘unmerited favor.’ When I think of grace, I particularly like the image of God tossing gifts around—a sort of indiscriminate giver of sustenance, joy, love, and pleasure. Grace—gifts given without being earned and with no expectation of return—is, as the old hymn says, amazing. Because you can neither earn nor pay back the gift, your heart fills with gratitude. And the power of that emotion transforms the way you see the world and experience life. Grace begets gratitude, which, in turn, widens our hearts toward greater goodness and love.” SabbathMoments 

Henri Nouwens... “Every time we decide to be grateful, we see new things to be grateful for. Gratitude begats gratitude just as love begats love.” 

John 13:31-35

31 So, when he had gone out, Jesus said, “Now the Son of Man is glorified, and God is glorified in Him. 32 If God is glorified in Him, God will also glorify Him in Himself, and glorify Him immediately. 33 Little children, I shall be with you a little while longer. You will seek Me; and as I said to the Jews, ‘Where I am going, you cannot come,’ so now I say to you. 34 A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. 35 By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.” The New King James Version

Jesus understands that He must suffer in order for His role as the Son of Man to be fulfilled and for God to glorify Him.  Because Jesus allowed God’s will to be done when presented with the option of stopping the person who would betray Him, God makes Jesus great. 

The new part of the commandment is that Jesus’ disciples are instructed to love other people the way Jesus loved them—serving them like a slave would, as He does in this scene, even to the point of laying down their lives for others. The indicator of a Christian is the way they treat others. Faithlife Study Bible

Jesus would be revealed as the divine Son of God and Savior of the world by His death and resurrection, and the gift of the Holy Spirit. God would be glorified in Him in that God’s love, truth, and righteousness would be revealed in what Jesus was doing. 

The time had come for Jesus to announce His departure to His disciples. Little children is an expression of tender affection used nowhere else in the Gospels. The command to love was new because Jesus gave it a new standard. Moses said, “Love your neighbor as yourself”. Jesus said the new standard was as I have loved you. Jesus gave His disciples the example of love that they were to follow. 

Unbelievers recognize Jesus’ disciples not by their doctrinal distinctives, nor by dramatic miracles, nor even by their love for the lost. They recognize His disciples by their deeds of love for one another. The NKJV Study Bible

Leviticus 19:18 You shall not take vengeance, nor bear any grudge against the children of your people, but you shall love your neighbor as yourself: I am the LORD.

1 John 2:5 But whoever keeps His word, truly the love of God is perfected in him. By this we know that we are in Him.

1 John 2:7 Brethren, I write no new commandment to you, but an old commandment which you have had from the beginning. The old commandment is the word which you heard from the beginning.

Luke 12:29-31

Tonight my sister and her son arrive from Texas for our Thanksgiving Dinner. My sister and her family will arrive tomorrow from North Carolina and California. My brother and his family  from Ohio, Wisconsin and New York. I am so thankful for my family. I will host dinner for about 30 of my relatives…sisters and brother, nieces and nephews, children and grands…a quiver full, a cherished blessing! As the oldest of 6 siblings I have hosted Thanksgiving dinner for over 46 years…wow am I old!! 

May you all have a blessed Thanksgiving. God loves you so.

And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us. (John 1:14-17)

Jesus came to offer salvation to anyone, anywhere, at any time, who trusts in Him. (John 3:16)

Holiday travel. It isn’t easy. Then why do we do it? Why cram the trunks and endure the airports? You know the answer. We love to be with the ones we love. The four-year-old running up the sidewalk into the arms of Grandpa. The cup of coffee with Mom before the rest of the house awakes. That moment when, for a moment, everyone is quiet as we hold hands around the table and thank God for family and friends and pumpkin pie. 

We love to be with the ones we love.

May I remind you? So does God. How else do you explain what he did? Between him and us there was a distance—a great span—and he couldn’t bear it. He couldn’t stand it. So he did something about it. Philippians 2:7 reminds us, “He gave up his place with God and made himself nothing.” Max Lucado

Luke 12:29-31

29 “And do not seek what you should eat or what you should drink, nor have an anxious mind. 30 For all these things the nations of the world seek after, and your Father knows that you need these things. 31 But seek the kingdom of God, and all these things shall be added to you. The New King James Version

Little flock refers to believers who belong to God’s kingdom and live under God’s loving care. This image recalls the old testament depiction of God as a caring shepherd of His people. Faithlife Study Bible

The Lord knows our problems and will provide us with what we need. We can trust God to provide for us because God knows precisely what we need. The NKJV Study Bible

1 Kings 3:11 Then God said to him: “Because you have asked this thing, and have not asked long life for yourself, nor have asked riches for yourself, nor have asked the life of your enemies, but have asked for yourself understanding to discern justice,

Matthew 5:6 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,For they shall be filled.

Jeremiah 5:26–31

Be as wise as the serpent but as gentle as the dove. 

Holy Spirit should have the most influence in our life. Without Him we can do nothing. Forever gentle and speaking in a still, small voice we need to tune into His voice and His wisdom to survive evil that in this world. Social justice matters to God. Jesus exemplified this He went against the norm to defend women, the oppressed and the poor. He did not shy away from speaking the truth. His speaking His truth resulted in His death. 

Jesus willingly gave up His life so that through Him we could be set free!

We overcome evil with the fruit of the Spirit in love. We do not fight against man but against the principalities of darkness that seek to destroy him.

Matthew 12:34-35

Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks

Man was formed in God’s creativity and every good and perfect gift comes from Him. There is a battle going on in the earth…evil vs good. 

Adam gave up his glory, his covering in God, Jesus bought it back. Joseph Prince

Matthew 11:29 (ESV) "Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls."

When we come and learn from Jesus, He provides the rest and the peace we seek. (Matthew 11:29;  Isaiah 26:3) 

We praise You, Jesus, our King. Because You have loved us first, we can come to You, walk with You and learn from You. Thank You that we can share in Your purposes and can work in Your energy in this world as long as we are yoked to You by faith. Thank You that, in faith, we can experience rest in the midst of lives that sometimes seem out of control. Thank You for the assurance of Your Word, teaching us that You are our King and that You are who You say You are. May we stand firmly on Your Truth as the foundation of our faith. In Jesus' name, amen. First 5

Jeremiah 5:26–31

26 ‘For among My people are found wicked men; They lie in wait as one who sets snares; They set a trap; They catch men. 27 As a cage is full of birds, So their houses are full of deceit. Therefore they have become great and grown rich. 28 They have grown fat, they are sleek; Yes, they surpass the deeds of the wicked; They do not plead the cause, The cause of the fatherless; Yet they prosper, And the right of the needy they do not defend. 29 Shall I not punish them for these things?’ says the Lord. ‘Shall I not avenge Myself on such a nation as this?’ 30 “An astonishing and horrible thing Has been committed in the land: 31 The prophets prophesy falsely, And the priests rule by their own power; And My people love to have it so. But what will you do in the end? The New King James Version

The wicked engage in behaviors that will trap the innocent, foolish, and weak in order to enrich themselves. 

The metaphor of the wicked setting traps is common in biblical poetry. Jeremiah now connects the wicked with the leaders of Israelite society. Criticizing the leaders for failing to observe their obligations for social justice is a common prophetic indictment. The religious leaders have failed just as thoroughly as the civil leaders. Faithlife Study Bible

Those responsible for the welfare of the whole populace had abused their positions by exploiting the lesser elements of Israelite society. The picture presented is one of birds, or the poor, being ensnared by great men who were building wealth at the expense of orphans and the needy. The deterioration of the leadership of the land reached to the prophets and priests, the very people who were to be the mainstays of righteousness among the people. Both offices had succumbed to the temptation of abusing their power, rejecting their responsible roles as messengers and servants of God. The NKJV Study Bible

Psalm 10:9 He lies in wait secretly, as a lion in his den; he lies in wait to catch the poor; he catches the poor when he draws him into his net.

Proverbs 1:11 If they say, “Come with us, let us lie in wait to shed blood; let us lurk secretly for the innocent without cause;

Isaiah 1:23 Your princes are rebellious, and companions of thieves; everyone loves bribes, and follows after rewards.They do not defend the fatherless, nor does the cause of the widow come before them.

Jeremiah 5:9 Shall I not punish them for these things?” says the LORD.“And shall I not avenge Myself on such a nation as this?

Matthew 1:24–25

And the Word of God was conceived of  Holy Spirit and made flesh and came to dwell among men. Through Him all things were made and salvation was born.

Micah 5:2 

“But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, 

Though you are little among the thousands of Judah,

Yet out of you shall come forth to Me

The One to be Ruler in Israel,

Whose goings forth are from of old,

From everlasting.”

Doing can not save us, Jesus can. Grace, the pure grace of God made flesh.

Luke 4:18-19

18 “The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, Because He has anointed Me To preach the gospel to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, To proclaim liberty to the captives And recovery of sight to the blind, To set at liberty those who are oppressed; 19 To proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord.”The New King James Version 

Heavenly Father, thank You for the promise of eternal life in heaven through Jesus' death on the cross. Give me an eternal perspective, and help me see the places in my life where I am more focused on this world than Your Kingdom. I want to be a disciple who honors You with my life. In Jesus' name, amen. First5 

O Come into the quiet,
and enter into rest.
A banquet is prepared for you,
A full and wholeness blessed.
Come drink the wine of being,
And let the rivers flow,
Awakening the glory,
Of heaven in your soul.
Bob Holmes
Contemplative Monk

Matthew 1:24–25

24 Then Joseph, being aroused from sleep, did as the angel of the Lord commanded him and took to him his wife, 25 and did not know her till she had brought forth her firstborn Son. And he called His name Jesus. The New King James Version

The Greek word used here, parthenos, reflects the Septuagint (ancient Greek translation of the old testament) version of Isaiah 7:14, which Matthew drew from when quoting the Hebrew Bible. 

Matthew appropriates this prophecy and applies it to the virgin birth of Jesus. However, women of marriageable age in ancient patriarchal culture like Matthew’s were expected to be virgins. “The Virgin Shall Conceive” Matthew presents Jesus as the fulfillment of Isaiah 7:14, which says that the child’s name will be Immanuel (meaning “God with us”). While in the original context of Isaiah, this is a prophecy about a child born during the reign of King Ahaz of Judah, Matthew sees this prophecy as finding its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus. 

The book of Isaiah as a whole connects Immanuel with the Messiah figure from David’s line and by extension the Suffering Servant. Like the Messiah in Isaiah’s portrayal over 500 years earlier, Jesus comes from David’s line as God’s anointed one and then suffers and dies on behalf of humanity—to save people from their sins. He is also prophesied as being resurrected. 

Matthew is careful to indicate that no human father had any role in Jesus’ conception. The date of Jesus’ birth is approximately 5 bc, based on aligning it with the reign of Herod the Great. Faithlife Study Bible

Matthew makes it clear that Isaiah’s words find their ultimate fulfillment in the virgin birth of Jesus, a sign to people of all ages that God was with them. 

Joseph did not know Mary physically until she gave birth to Jesus. The clear implication of this verse is that Mary was a virgin only until the birth of Jesus. The brothers and sisters of Jesus were probably younger siblings born to Joseph and Mary after Jesus’ birth. Joseph could not have had children by a previous marriage, as some suppose, for then Jesus would not have been heir to the Davidic throne as the oldest son of Joseph. The NKJV Study Bible

Exodus 13:2 “Consecrate to Me all the firstborn, whatever opens the womb among the children of Israel, both of man and beast; it is Mine.”

Luke 2:7 And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.

Luke 2:21 And when eight days were completed for the circumcision of the Child, His name was called JESUS, the name given by the angel before He was conceived in the womb.

Luke 2:1–7

2 And it came to pass in those days that a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. 2 This census first took place while Quirinius was governing Syria. 3 So all went to be registered, everyone to his own city. 4 Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, 5 to be registered with Mary, his betrothed wife, who was with child. 6 So it was, that while they were there, the days were completed for her to be delivered. 7 And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn. The New King James Version

Augustus Born Gaius Octavius in September of 63 bc, the Roman senate gave him the name “Augustus” in 27 bc to honor his defeat and annexation of Egypt. Formerly one of three co-rulers, Augustus gained sole control of the empire and reigned from 27 bc to ad 14. Although harsh and unrelenting, he was a master administrator who restored order to the empire after two decades of civil war. He was responsible for ushering in Rome’s Golden Age—an era known as Pax Romana or Pax Augusta (meaning “Roman Peace” or “Augustus’ Peace”), which lasted for roughly 250 years.

After narrating John’s birth, Luke relates the birth of Jesus. In this section, he explains how Jesus came to be born in Bethlehem. 

Known censuses in proximity to Caesar Augustus’ reign (27 bc–ad 14) occurred around 28 bc, 8 bc, and ad 14. Given the size of the Roman Empire, the task of registering its people would have taken years; consequently, Luke could be pointing to the census of 8 bc. Based on the reference to Quirinius, this would place Jesus’ birth around 6–4 bc. Quirinius was a legate or emissary of Augustus Caesar. He served in this capacity ad 6–9, and conducted a census in about ad 6. However, he may have served on two separate occasions. A possible term in 6–4 bc would align with a potential date for Jesus’ birth

Joseph must travel to his ancestral city for the census. Since he is a descendant of King David, he travels to David’s hometown of Bethlehem. A Roman census normally did not require people to travel to their ancestral town. Censuses served the purpose of registering people for military service or taxation, and it is possible that Joseph owned land in Bethlehem on which he paid taxes.

Yahweh had consecrated Israel’s firstborn children. 

Wrapping or swaddling provides warmth, comfort, and security to newborn infants (and is still practiced today). A trough out of which animals were fed. This may imply that they were in a barn of some sort, but a house is a stronger possibility; animals were often kept indoors at night in the house’s lower level. The Greek text here (at the end of this verse) uses the term katalyma in reference to a guest room. Faithlife Study Bible

The journey from Nazareth to Bethlehem was about 90 miles, at least a three-day trip. The fact that Mary made the journey with Joseph suggests that they were already married. However, the marriage had not yet been consummated.

Firstborn Son implies that Mary had other children. Jesus was probably born in a stable or in a cave that served as one. The NKJV Study Bible

1 Samuel 16:1 Now the LORD said to Samuel, “How long will you mourn for Saul, seeing I have rejected him from reigning over Israel? Fill your horn with oil, and go; I am sending you to Jesse the Bethlehemite. For I have provided Myself a king among his sons.”

Colossians 3:22–24

We are servants of Christ, not in the letter of the Law, but in the desire of our heart. 

We are able to love others because God  first loved us!

Micah 6:8

8 He has shown you, O man, what is good; 

And what does the Lord require of you 

But to do justly, To love mercy, 

And to walk humbly with your God?

Through the leading of the Holy Spirit, may we cast aside whatever holds us back and joyfully embrace every aspect of our radically new life in Christ!

"Go and learn what this means: 'I desire mercy, and not sacrifice. ' For I came not to call the righteous, but sinners" (Matthew 9:13).

Jesus came to save every sinner who would believe in Him and to bring us home to God. First5 

I want to live with a soft heart; to create a place for sanctuary, empathy, inclusion, compassion and kindness; a space to come alive, a space to take delight, a space where we are refueled to spill light. SabbathMoments 

Colossians 3:22–24

22 Bondservants, obey in all things your masters according to the flesh, not with eyeservice, as men-pleasers, but in sincerity of heart, fearing God. 23 And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, 24 knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ. 25 But he who does wrong will be repaid for what he has done, and there is no partiality.The New King James Version

God does not make unfair distinctions between people, treating some better than others. Therefore, He does not condone the use of social status or our identity in Christ as license for wrongdoing. Faithlife Study Bible

The question of slaves and masters may appear to be out-of-date and inapplicable to modern society, but on second glance there are important principles in this passage. Even though slavery might not be officially condoned or practiced today, the admonition to work hard as though one was working for God, and not people, applies to employees. 

The strong motivation to serve someone well is found in the future reward that Christ gives to those who are faithful in this service. We normally think we receive eternal rewards for spiritual practices like reading the Bible, prayer, or evangelism. Here Paul asserts that all work done to the honor of Christ will bring an eternal reward. The NKJV Study Bible

How happy would true religion make the world, if it every where prevailed, influenced every state of things, and every relation of life! Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

Ecclesiastes 9:10 Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with your might; for there is no work or device or knowledge or wisdom in the grave where you are going.

Ephesians 6:7 with goodwill doing service, as to the Lord, and not to men,

Mark 2:25-28

Jesus, as man, knew we needed certain things to survive and thrive. Jesus, as God, knew that in Him He supplies all of those needs. Just believe! 

Grace, unmerited and underserved, the blessed grace of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ!

Seek first the Kingdom of God and let Him take care of the rest!

If we're unclean from sin, He has the authority to cleanse and forgive us. (Matthew 8:1-3)

If we're paralyzed by fear, He has the authority to free us with His peace. (Matthew 8:5-7)

Even if we are under spiritual attack, demons are powerless against Christ's power. (Matthew 8:16-17;  Luke 4:35-37)

After Jesus rescued His disciples from a great storm, "the men marveled, saying, 'What sort of man is this, that even winds and sea obey him? '" (Matthew 8:27). And that's the point! Jesus is unlike any man.

He is the son of David, (Matthew 1:1) which connects Him to His Jewish lineage. And Jesus is also the only begotten Son of God, (Matthew 8:28-29) which connects Him to His deity. "For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities," says Colossians 1:16, and "all things were created through him and for him." 

Even when we sit with a sorrow or face a struggle, may we know nothing is more powerful than Jesus. (Jude 1:25) First5 

"only say the word, and my servant will be healed" (Matthew 8:8).

"And to the centurion Jesus said, 'Go; let it be done for you as you have believed. ' And the servant was healed at that very moment." (Matthew 8:13) 

Maya Angelou “My wish for you is that you continue. Continue to be who and how you are, to astonish a mean world with your acts of kindness. Continue to allow humor to lighten the burden of your tender heart.”

Mark 2:25-28

25 But He said to them, “Have you never read what David did when he was in need and hungry, he and those with him: 26 how he went into the house of God in the days of Abiathar the high priest, and ate the showbread, which is not lawful to eat except for the priests, and also gave some to those who were with him?” 27 And He said to them, “The Sabbath was made for man, and not man for the Sabbath. 28 Therefore the Son of Man is also Lord of the Sabbath.” The New King James Version

Pharisees. One of the three Jewish schools of thought in Palestine at the time of Jesus according to the Jewish historian Josephus. While the extent of their influence is unclear, the Pharisees apparently had some influence in political, religious and social spheres in Jewish Palestine. The Pharisees were known for their skill at interpreting the Law of Moses, and they held strict views on what was appropriate behavior for a righteous person. In Mark, Jesus criticizes the Pharisees for holding to traditions rather than obeying God’s commands. In chapter 2, they condemn Jesus’ choice to eat with those they viewed as unrighteous and unworthy, but Jesus is not interested in their rules about who is worthy of His attention. Faithlife Study Bible

When David was fleeing from King Saul, he persuaded a priest to give him consecrated bread by claiming that he was on his way to a secret meeting with other servants of the king. Because David had need, his action was justified the same is true for Jesus’ disciples.

This enigmatic statement likely means that the Sabbath was established in order to give people rest. The Pharisees’ overzealous protection of the Sabbath has lost sight of its purpose and turned it into something burdensome. Jesus’ ministry often takes place on the Sabbath. By asserting lordship over the Sabbath, He claims authority over its laws and limitations, and he claims the ability to heal on the Sabbath. Faithlife Study Bible

Part of Jesus’ defense was to recall the story of David’s eating the showbread from the tabernacle. Since that bread was intended for the priests, it was not lawful for others to eat. Jesus does not declare directly the innocence of either David or His disciples, but instead reminds His critics of the meaning of the Sabbath for humans and His own Lordship over it. The NKJV Study Bible

The sabbath was instituted for the good of mankind, as living in society, having many wants and troubles, preparing for a state of happiness or misery. Man was not made for the sabbath, as if his keeping it could be of service to God, nor was he commanded to keep it outward observances to his real hurt. Every observance respecting it, is to be interpreted by the rule of mercy. Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary