Questions Jesus Asked Help Your Pastor Get Refreshed and Revitalized for Ministry by Sending Him to Pastors’ Conference at Moody Bible Institute in Chicago

APRIL 2 015

I am the resurrection and the life. Do you believe this?

John 11:25, 26

Questions Jesus Asked Help your pastor get refreshed and revitalized for ministry by sending him to Pastors’ Conference at Moody Bible Institute in Chicago. Your pastor will hear invigorating Bible teaching, connect with peers, and learn strategies for ministry challenges. New this year: Your pastor can choose sessions from eight specialty tracks.

Register your pastor today! Visit www.moodyconferences.com/pastors Eight Ministry tracks • Youth Ministry • Church Management • Stronger Marriages and Families • Legal Issues in Ministry • Sexual Identity • Stories from 1,000 Sundays • Preaching • Ministry to Victims of Abuse

Conference Speakers

Robert Crummie Kevin DeYoung Jack Graham J.D. Greear Pastor Senior Pastor Pastor Pastor Mt. Calvary Missionary University Reformed Prestonwood Baptist The Summit Church Baptist Church Church Church Raleigh-Durham, NC College Park, GA East Lansing, MI Plano, Texas

Chip Ingram Paul Nyquist Glenn Packiam E. Dewey Smith Senior Pastor President Lead Pastor Senior Pastor/Teacher Venture Christian Church Moody Bible Institute New Life Downtown The House of Hope Los Gatos, CA Chicago, IL Colorado Springs, CO Atlanta Decatur, GA

Lon Solomon George Waddles Senior Pastor Pastor McLean Bible Church Zion Hill Missionary McLean, VA Baptist Church Chicago, IL TODAY WITH PAUL NYQUIST President of Moody Bible Institute Don’t Be Afraid to Ask

When Moody Radio’s puzzling his mind, “How can a man be born program Open Line when he is old?” (John 3:5). Jesus answered goes on air, we don’t Nicodemus, “Are you the teacher of Israel always know what and do not understand these things?” ( v. 10 ). will happen. Their conversation continued as Jesus explained to Nicodemus the difference The live, call-in between earthly and heavenly things. program provides a way for listeners to ask their most puzzling Their conversation shows how difficult it is for biblical questions. One d a y, a woman our earthly minds to comprehend what is asked: “Where in the Bible does it say that spiritual. Our questions are often a necessary Sunday is the day for Christians to wor- part of understanding our faith. And as the ship?” A man queried, “Does the Bible have conversation between Jesus and Nicodemus an opinion about the treatment of animals?” demonstrates, turning to God with our deepest questions can be life-changing. The program provides an open forum for listeners to ask honest and sometimes Jesus did not reject or dismiss difficult difficult questions about God and the Bible. questions. As the Son of God, Jesus was not Host Dr. Michael Rydelnik—one of our posing questions to learn the answer. Moody faculty—explores each issue, often Rat h e r, He desired to engage people, referencing Scripture in his answers. It is allowing them to reflect, struggle, and clear that we have plenty to ask about why discover truth. His questions revealed His and what we believe. identity, and His answers transformed the lives of His disciples, His enemies, and others. This issue of Today in the Word will Jesus asked questions that demanded a consider questions that Jesus asked and personal answer. People listened, heard, answered as recorded in the New and some believed. Jesus used questions as Testament. By example, Jesus showed His a way to disciple and to teach. followers that inquiry is not the enemy of faith. He tackled difficult questions posed To Pe t e r, He asked: “Who do people say by the Pharisees and even His disciples. that I am?” (Mark 8:27). Jesus was not He answered their inquiries by quoting asking Peter for the latest gossip. Instead, He Scripture, telling parables, or even by was pushing His disciples to know and responding with follow-up questions. articulate what He had been teaching them. He was the Son of God, come to die, rise One d a y, a Pharisee named Nicodemus again, and offer eternal salvation. Jesus came to Jesus with questions. He addressed used questions to help us see that He is the the question pressing on his heart and ultimate answer—the Son of the living God.

1-800-356-6639 THEOLOGY MATTERS by John Koessler Questioning Faith

The first question recorded in the Bible was Since Adam and Eve were created in asked by Satan. Speaking through the God’s image, the serpent’s challenge to serpent in Genesis 3:1, Satan asked Eve: God’s wisdom also implied criticism of “Did God really s a y, ‘ Yo u must not eat from humanity’s status. Satan’s affront put Eve any tree in the garden’?” The aim of this on the defensive and prompted her to question was not to learn what God had overstate God’s original prohibition actually said but to sow doubt in E v e’s mind. (Gen. 3:3). This provided the opening that Satan desired. He repudiated the This was accomplished in two ways. First, warning Eve had been given and chal- the way the question was worded implied lenged God’s motive for setting the surprise and scorn. By misquoting the actual forbidden tree off limits (Gen. 3:4–5). prohibition, Satan drew E v e’s attention to the Satan’s seed of doubt bore bitter fruit and forbidden tree and caused her to doubt the poisoned all of creation. truth of God’s warning. Second, instead of asking the question directly, Satan used the Questions are not always wrong. Job is serpent as his emissary placing Eve in the an example of a righteous person who uncomfortable position of defending God’s questioned God. When Mary heard the reputation to a mere creature. Since Adam angel’s announcement in Luke 1:34 that and Eve were created to “r u l e over … all she would give birth to the Savior she the creatures that move along the ground,” asked, “How will this be, since I am a this exchange reflected a shocking role virgin?” The psalms frequently combine reversal (Gen. 1:26). poignant questions addressed to God with bold affirmations of faith (cf. Ps. 13 ; The serpent seems to have been chosen 35:17–18). by Satan because of its shrewdness. Elsewhere in Scripture the Hebrew word Questions can also be an expression of that is translated “crafty” in Genesis 3:1 doubt and outright rebellion (Matt. 22:23; has positive as well as negative implica- Mark 8:11; Luke 20:21). Such questions are tions. In Proverbs it often refers to wisdom not really questions at all but accusations. or prudence (Prov. 12:16, 23; 13:16; 14:8, 15, Satan’s example is proof that the motive is 18 ). Satan twisted the serpent’s natural as important as the question. Even though shrewdness to his own evil purpose. The God does not always provide an answer, fact that the serpent was cleverer than any He will consider any question asked in of the other wild animals added a note of genuine faith. insult to Satan’s query.

For Further Study

To learn more about faith and doubt, read Know Doubt by John Ortberg (Zondervan).

www.todayintheword.com FROM THE EDITORS by Elena Mafter “This is my gospel”

Two wonderful holidays punctuate our like to share with you a letter and a poem year—Christmas and Easter. Both are we received about a year and a half ago. great mysteries—God’s awesome power and mercy manifested on earth. But I It came from Mr. Robert Damewood, a often think I understand Christmas. The man of God and a faithful reader of Today manger, the little town of Bethlehem, the in the Word, who is currently an inmate in farm animals, the shepherds, and even the the Colorado State Penitentiary. We’r e glad gifts represent the familiar material world this Easter presented an opportunity to echoed in countless movies, plays, paint- publish our reader’s message and his cre- ings, and stories. I have something to hold ative pursuits. on t o, to “make it real.” There is something to wrap my mind around. I am a 64-year-old, justly incarcerated—having been imprisoned for Easter is different. All we have is an empty the last 20 years as a consequence t o mb, and we don’t even know exactly of sinful and criminal conduct. If, in which one. I can’t wrap my mind around His providence, God should grant me Christ’s resurrection. And yet, without Eas- another ten years of this life, I may t e r, there is no Christianity s t o r y, according experience release from this environ- to Paul’s radical words: “And if Christ has ment—although that is not a primary not been raised, your faith is futile; you concern of mine. Though, by trust in are still in your sins” (1 Cor. 15:17). All I can Christ Jesus and what He did in my do is trust the Holy Spirit by the power of place, I am in right relation with our God’s Word to reveal the truth of the res- Father and so forgiven for my crimi- urrection to my spirit—and wrap my heart nal past, yet such forgiveness does around it. not necessarily absolve me from the temporal consequences and due As we celebrate Christ’s resurrection, we punishment resulting from my past pray this m o n t h’s study in Today in the wrongdoing. It took a while for me to Word will help you see Christ more clearly. own and face up to this reality and Should the world try to whisper to y o u, truth. Yet over the years, God has God is dead, our prayer is that God’s truth, given me increased maturity and un- love, and mercy will dispel doubt and dis- derstanding—for which I am grateful. couragement. We pray that you will wrap your heart around the resurrection, as you Enclosed in this letter is a poetic ad- keep Paul’s words in mind: “Remember aptation I composed [over 14 years Jesus Christ, raised from the dead, ago]. Over the years, I have copied it descended from David. This is my gos- repeatedly and shared it with others. pel” (2 Tim. 2:8). To encourage y o u, w e ’d Having been, for some length of time,

Continued on page 38

1-800-356-6639 VOLUME 28 ISSUE 4

EXECUTIVE EDITOR Paul B. Currie

MANAGING EDITOR Heather Moffitt

ASSOCIATE EDITOR Questions Jesus Asked Elena Mafter

CONTRIBUTING EDITORS John Koessler Jesus’ way of teaching may seem not very efficient in Jamie Janosz our age of instant connection and quick solutions for WRITER daily living. When people posed questions to Him, they Heather Moffitt usually received a question in response. When He asked 1-800-DL MOODY (356-6639) www.moodyglobal.org a question, He would leave it without an answer. In the four Gospels, Jesus answered directly only three of the many questions He asked.

PRESIDENT The Greek philosopher Socrates used an interrogative J. Paul Nyquist technique to stimulate critical thinking and to illuminate ideas. PROVOST Jewish rabbis also used questions to delve into the layers of Junias Venugopal Scripture and help the learner understand the deep truths EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT through questions and parables. AND CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Steven Mogck This month in Today in the Word, we’ll look at some of SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT the questions Jesus asked and we’ll see the uniqueness Greg R. Thornton of His approach. We’ll see that Rabbi Jesus, Messiah Jesus, CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER Ken Heulitt Savior Jesus uses the “Holy Spirit method” with questions that reveal who He is, make us understand who we are as VICE PRESIDENTS Larry Davidhizar His disciples, and ultimately transform our lives. Jim Elliott Bruce Everhart Christine Gorz We hope this month’s study will help you look at Teacher John A. Jelinek Collin G. Lambert Jesus in a new way. We pray that, as you wrestle with the Frank W. Leber Jr. Paul Santhouse Savior’s questions together with His first-century listeners, James Spencer Janet Stiven you’ll give Him honest answers. May His questions guide, Debbie Zelinski strengthen, and comfort you on your Christian road,

TRUSTEE CHAIRMAN whether you meet Him for the first time on your Damascus Jerry B. Jenkins road or follow Him as a disciple on your Emmaus road. TRUSTEES Keep your eyes on Jesus, and bon voyage! Christopher Denison T. Randall Fairfax Thomas S. Fortson Manuel Gutierrez J. Paul Nyquist Bervin C. Peterson Moody Bible Institute is the sole publisher of Today in the Word, copyright David Schipper © 2015 by Moody Bible Institute. All rights reserved. Please direct all Today Julianna Slattery in the Word inquiries to Donor Resource Management, 820 N. LaSalle Blvd., Paul Von Tobel Chicago, IL 60610. Scripture taken from the Holy Bible, New International Mark Wagner Version®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.TM Richard E. Warren Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide. Scripture taken from Richard Yook the New American Standard Bible®, Copyright © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by TRUSTEE EMERITUS permission. Printed in the U.S.A. Today in the Word is published monthly. Paul Johnson Printed on 30% recycled paper.

www.todayintheword.com Read: Luke 2:41–52 Wednesday, April 1

Didn’t you know I had to be in my Father’s house?

According to a study of parents’ worries This incident is the only story from Jesus’ conducted by the Mayo Clinic, nearly 75 childhood that is recorded in the Gos- percent of parents said they feared that pels. Jesus’ response to Mary’s question their child might be abducted, and over 30 illustrates several themes that will unfold percent said they feared this more than throughout His life and ministry. First, any other potential source of harm such Jesus often responded to questions as car accidents or drug addiction. Thank- with other questions, as we’ll explore in fully, kidnapping of children by strangers detail throughout our study this month. is rare—most abductions He replied, “Why were you are perpetrated by family searching for me?” Jesus members, and most chil- Jesus grew in used questions to prompt dren who are kidnapped wisdom and stature, His hearers to think, are found alive. and in favor with to confront their own mis- God and man. conceptions, and to reveal We can sympathize with His identity. the alarm of Joseph and Luke 2:52 Mary in today’s passage. Second, Jesus reminds His They naturally assumed earthly parents who His that their twelve-year-old son was with true Father is. Mary had said “your father friends and relatives as they journeyed and I”; Jesus replied, “Didn’t you know home from Jerusalem. When no one had I had to be in my Father’s house?” (v. 49). seen Him, they returned to Jerusalem and In a demonstration of the wisdom that searched frantically for three days un- was astounding the teachers in the til they found Him in the temple—“sitting temple, Jesus gently reminds Mary and among the teachers” (v. 46). Mary’s ques- Joseph that He is not their son who will tion to Jesus seems perfectly reasonable: follow traditional expectations. He is the “Son, why have you treated us like this? Son of God. Your father and I have been anxiously searching for you.”

Apply the Word Pray with Us

For the rest of this week we will be focusing on The undergraduate faculty of questions that reveal Jesus’ identity. Do we Communications department at acknowledge that He is the Son of God? Are we Moody—Angela Brown, Rosalie searching for Him in the right places? Do we de Rosset, David Fetzer, and Bob allow His wisdom to challenge and amaze us, or Gustafson—will appreciate your prayers for their work as they do we think He should follow our traditional share their knowledge and expectations? Ask the Son of God to give you experience with Moody students. more insight into who He is this month.

6 • Moody Bible Institute Read: Matthew 21 Thursday, April 2

Was it from heaven, or from human origin?

In verse 23 of our reading today, we were consistent with those of the expected again see Jesus teaching in the temple Messiah—His miracles of healing, His zeal courts. And He is also questioned, but this for the worship of God, the praise from time it is not Mary and Joseph but the children. Or they could focus on the threat chief priests and elders. They demand to that Jesus posed to their status as lead- know, “By what authority are you doing ers. They chose the latter, and demanded these things? … And who gave you this to know just why Jesus thought He had authority?” the right to be teaching and healing and receiving praise. Before we examine Jesus’ answer, we should look at Jesus responded to their the context immediately The Lord has done question with another preceding this. The day this, and it question: did John’s bap- before, Jesus had entered is marvelous in tism come from heaven or Jerusalem to the cries of our eyes. from human origin? Jesus’ “Hosanna to the Son of question went to the heart David!” (v. 9). He had driv- Matthew 21:42 of their fear of the loss of en out the money changers their prestige. They couldn’t and salesmen who were answer “heaven,” because using worship in the tem- they would be exposed as ple as an excuse to exploit the poor. The hypocrites for not believing the message chief priests were irritated that Jesus was of John the Baptist. But they were afraid of healing the blind and lame with a chorus the crowd who did believe that John was of children praising Him as the Messiah a prophet, so they didn’t want to say “hu- (vv. 14–16). man origin,” either. Jesus then offered two parables to reveal the truth that He was The religious leaders had a choice: they the Messiah, the Son whom they were could see whether the actions of Jesus rejecting (vv. 37–45).

Apply the Word Pray with Us

Do we fear to cede any areas of our lives to the Again, we praise God today for authority of Jesus? Maybe we’re afraid that He’ll the valuable contribution of the demand more of our finances, or that praising Communications faculty to the Him will cost us some social status. Or maybe we learning process at Moody and just don’t want Him to shake up our comfortable their dedication. Please pray for Karyn Hecht, Brian Kammerzelt, way of doing things. Follow the example of the Maria Mocuta, Jill White, and children in our passage today and praise Him as Kelli Worrall. the Messiah who brings healing and truth.

Today in the Word • 7 Read: Matthew 27:32–66 Friday, April 3

My God, why have you forsaken me?

Leonard was a year old when his father Notice in verses 38 to 44 how everyone left the family. He visited Leonard once a else mentioned in this passage mocks year until he remarried when Leonard was Jesus as the Son of God. Passersby 5 and he decided to give up his parental laughed at how the supposed “Son of rights. When Leonard was 15, he needed God” was now nailed to a cross. They his father’s signature for some legal docu- taunted Him to come down from the cross ments; his father agreed, but included a to prove He was really God’s Son. The letter noting that he had no relationship chief priests and other religious leaders with his son and did not snorted that they would want parental rights. “It felt believe Jesus was the Son like being rejected all over of God if He saved Himself again,” Leonard said. “Part Surely he was the from the cross. Even the of me hoped that maybe Son of God! others being cruciﬁed with now he would want to know Him joined in the mockery. me, but he doesn’t really Matthew 27:54 care what happens to me.” They could not grasp that in not saving Himself from Today is Good Friday, the the humiliation of the cross day that Christians remember the suffering, and the pain of bearing the guilt of the cruciﬁxion, and death of Jesus. In addition sins of the world, Jesus was making salva- to all the physical torment that He endured, tion possible for everyone. The one person His question—a loud cry—of “My God, at the scene who recognizes the truth was my God, why have you forsaken me?” re- not a religious leader but a Roman cen- veals the heart-wrenching emotional and turion: “Surely he was the Son of God!” spiritual agony of His obedience in dying (v. 54). on the cross for our sin.

Apply the Word Pray with Us

One of the great gifts of Good Friday is that We are proud of the Solheim Jesus has made it possible for us to have a Center, Moody’s athletic facility in relationship with God. Instead of rejection, He Chicago. In addition to the offers us acceptance as His children. Instead of ministry to the local community, it abandonment, He offers us eternal life with Him. provides our students with first-class sports training. Would Instead of guilt and shame, He offers us love and you pray for its staff, Troy Fichter joy. Thank the Lord today for His promise to never and Josie Scott? leave or forsake us (Heb. 13:5).

8 • Moody Bible Institute Read: Mark 2 Saturday, April 4

How can the guests of the bridegroom fast?

The book Olive Kitteridge by Elizabeth laration of forgiveness is not empty words, Strout tells the story of the title character He also heals the man, performing a through thirteen interconnected stories. miraculous act in front of the skeptics. Even when a story doesn’t seem to feature Jesus is the God who forgives and heals. Olive, by the end of the book the reader realizes that each vignette has offered Next, the Pharisees grumble that Jesus another perspective on the title character eats with known sinners, accepting the and provided a richer portrait of a com- offer of hospitality in their homes. The plex human being. Pharisees also complain that Jesus’ disciples didn’t At ﬁrst glance, our pas- The Son of Man follow their practice of sage today appears to fasting and they picked be a random collection of is Lord even of and ate grain on the stories from the life of Je- the Sabbath. Sabbath. Each of these sus. The Gospel of Mark Mark 2:28 practices violated the Phari- is noted for its rapid-ﬁre, sees’ understanding of what bullet-point exposition, but was required to have ritual when we slow down and purity before God. read carefully we see that this chapter is presenting different angles to the same They were missing the point. Trying to theme: Who is Jesus? maintain religious purity through rigid rules was unnecessary when God Himself In verses 1 through 12, Jesus proclaims the was standing before them. He was call- forgiveness of sins for a paralyzed man. ing them not to religious perfection but The religious leaders immediately rec- to compassion for sinners. He was asking ognize that Jesus has claimed the ability them not to fast but to follow Him. Jesus is to perform the divine act of forgiveness. the Lord of the Sabbath, the true rest from Jesus goes further: to prove that His dec- our religious exertion.

Apply the Word Pray with Us

This passage is not calling us to abandon worship We invite you to support in and service for God. It does ask us to evaluate prayer the service of Moody why we are doing these. Are we trying to impress president, Dr. Paul Nyquist, and God and others with our piety and good deeds? his executive cabinet as they Or are we responding out of faith, obedience, make vital leadership decisions about the future of Moody’s and gratitude like the healed paralytic? We must ministries. Pray for the acknowledge we are the sick and the sinners, and Holy Spirit’s guidance and that Jesus is the God who heals and forgives us. good teamwork.

Today in the Word • 9 Read: John 11:1–44 Sunday, April 5

I am the resurrection and the life. Do you believe?

Christians around the world are celebrat- The conversation between Jesus and ing the resurrection of Jesus from the Mary and Martha, the grieving sisters of dead today. Many churches will be ﬁlled Lazarus, reveals faith seeking understand- for worship services, and some gather ing. They both declare that Jesus had the outside for a dawn sunrise service. In power to prevent their brother from dy- Ethiopia, Christians go to church at 8:00 ing (vv. 21, 32, 37). And Martha believed p.m. the night before for a vigil that lasts that God had the power to raise the dead until 3:00 a.m., and then they return home “at the last day” (v. 24). But they hadn’t to have the Easter meal to grasped that Jesus, God the celebrate the resurrection. Son, had power over death. Whoever lives by In our passage for today, In one of the Gospel’s no one was feeling like believing in me will powerful “I am” statements, celebrating. Lazarus, a never die. Jesus declares, “I am the beloved brother and John 11:26 resurrection and the life friend, had died. Despite … Do you believe this?” receiving an urgent mes- (v. 26). Jesus was asking sage to come, Jesus had Martha to believe that He not arrived in time to heal Lazarus. We was God—the I AM—who can not only see early in the chapter that something heal the sick but also raise the dead. unexpected is happening—Jesus inten- Martha responded in faith, acknowledg- tionally waits for several days before ing Jesus as the Messiah and Son of God. leaving for Bethany, He speaks cryptically Jesus then conﬁrmed His identity by resur- about Lazarus being asleep, and then He recting Lazarus, a foretaste of the defeat announces to the confused disciples that of the power of death that would come Lazarus is in fact already dead (vv. 1–16). when God raised Him from the dead.

Apply the Word Pray with Us

As we celebrate Jesus’ resurrection from the dead This is a day of rejoicing for all today, we also look forward to the glorious day Christians throughout the world. when God will defeat death forever, and we will no As we celebrate Christ’s longer have any “death or mourning or crying or resurrection today, we invite you pain” (Rev. 21:4). We have confidence in this promise to reflect on the questions He asked—the theme of this of eternal life because we have seen the faithfulness devotional—and what they of God in raising Jesus from the dead. His resur- reveal about His salvation. rected life makes possible our eternal life with God!

10 • Moody Bible Institute Read: Luke 24:13–35 Monday, April 6

Did not the Messiah have to suffer these things?

Shakespeare loved to use the plot device in order to get the two men to share of mistaken identity in his comedies. From their perspective on what has happened. A Comedy of Errors to Much Ado About This in turn opens the door for Jesus to Nothing to Twelfth Night, much of the respond afterward with a masterful ex- humor results from being unsure exactly position of Scripture that revealed the who someone is. truth about the events that had happened.

Our passage today includes an under- Interestingly, the men still don’t recognize current of humor for the Jesus after this amazing reader for the same rea- Bible lesson. Though Je- son. We know that the man sus explained that His life, who joins the two travelers It is true! The Lord death, and resurrection on the way to Emmaus is has risen. fulﬁlled the Scriptures, they Jesus, but they don’t have did not realize that Jesus any idea. Part of the de- Luke 24:34 Himself was the one who light in this text is seeing was teaching them. Jesus how Jesus uses questions pretended to be traveling to prod Cleopas and his further, but they begged friend toward the truth about who He is. Him to stay with them. When He “took the bread, gave thanks, broke it and began New Testament scholar Conrad Gempf to give it to them,” they ﬁnally recognized argues that Jesus’ question in verse 19, Him (v. 30). This sequence of actions is the “What things?” is intentionally play- same as described in the Feeding of the ful, perhaps akin to Bugs Bunny’s query, Five Thousand (Luke 9:16) and the Last “What’s up, Doc?” The original Greek text Supper (Luke 22:19). Now there was no seems to support the idea that Jesus is us- doubt that this was Jesus—the resurrected ing this question as a way to “play dumb” Lord (v. 34).

Apply the Word Pray with Us

Jesus illustrates the truth that our identity is revealed Frank Leber, vice president of more by what we do than what we say (though the Information Technology Services two should be consistent!). Our habits, our relation- requests your prayers for his ships, and our fellowship with God and others are a department. Especially pray for powerful testimony to the truth that we proclaim. Do wisdom and skills in managing Moody’s expanding computer others see Jesus through your actions of hospitality, network, various databases, and generosity, and kindness? Are you known as a numerous websites. person of prayer and love for Scripture?

Today in the Word • 11 Read: Matthew 16:13–28 Tuesday, April 7

Who do you say I am?

Today we conclude our week of studying The task associated with the Messiah Jesus’ questions that reveal His identity, was one of deliverance. And most Jews and this one is perhaps the most signiﬁ- at this time believed they needed deliver- cant question of all. Many commentators ance from the Roman Empire. Just as God describe this as the hinge moment of the had delivered them from Pharaoh, He Gospels: “Who do you say I am?” (v. 15). would deliver them from Caesar—right? Everything leading up to this moment with the disciples has pushed them toward this Peter was correct that Jesus was the confession of faith, and Messiah, but he didn’t everything following this understand the scope leads to Jesus’ obedience You are the of deliverance that was in the cruciﬁxion (v. 21; see needed. When Jesus then Luke 9:51). Messiah, the Son of explained that He would the living God. die, Peter loudly protested. When Jesus asked them Matthew 16:16 That’s no way to defeat the crucial question about Rome! A dead messiah in His identity, Peter went be- Jerusalem would not do yond the usual thinking anyone much good. that Jesus was a prophet and proclaimed, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the liv- But the true Anointed One would de- ing God” (v. 16). The disciples had already feat powers far greater than Caesar. said that Jesus was the Son of God (see Jesus would abolish the power of sin and 14:33), but His identity as Messiah is an death. He would die—but He would also interesting addition. The term Messiah or be raised to life (v. 21). He is the Messi- Christ is something like a job description. ah, the Son of God who delivers us from It means “Anointed One,” indicating some- the clutches of Satan to a relationship one chosen by God for a particular task. with God.

Apply the Word Pray with Us

Who do you say that Jesus is? This is the question Thank you for praying for our before every one of us. He invites us to examine computer programmers in His life and death and resurrection and accept Information Technology Services His work of deliverance for us. If you have never department: John Sauceda, trusted in Jesus as your Messiah—the One who Diane Rogers, and Pepi Manieson. Praise God can deliver you from sin—you can do so today. for their practical help Today can be the “hinge” moment of your life, and dedicated service! when you accept His salvation.

12 • Moody Bible Institute Read: John 3:1–21 Wednesday, April 8

Nicodemus: Do you not understand these things?

A survey by the National Center for From what Nicodemus said to Jesus, we Education Studies (NCES) revealed that know that some of the religious leaders 30 percent of chemistry and physics recognized that Jesus had some kind of teachers and 50 percent of earth sci- divine blessing based on His teaching and ence teachers in public high schools had miracles (v. 2). But he almost certainly did neither majored nor earned teaching not expect this opening compliment to be certificates in those fields. In some cases, met with a discussion about being born taking one chemistry class in college was again in order to see the kingdom of God. considered sufficient quali- How was this possible? fication. “If you don’t have God did not send Nicodemus was so focused content knowledge then on the natural mechanism of it’s very difficult to teach his Son into the birth that he couldn’t grasp the class, and it’s virtually world to condemn the work of God’s Spirit. impossible to inspire some- the world, but to body,” said Tom Luce, CEO save the world Jesus then drew on an im- of the National Math and through him. age that Nicodemus would Science Initiative. have known: the bronze John 3:17 serpent that Moses erected Nicodemus was supposed in the wilderness to provide to be a teacher of the law, salvation from a plague of a Pharisee, a member of the ruling council. venomous snakes (see Num. 21:4–9). Like And yet he did not understand heavenly that serpent, Jesus would also be lifted up things. Today we begin a week of study- to provide life—eternal life—for everyone ing Jesus’ questions that transform lives, who looked to Him in faith. Nicodemus and His conversation with Nicodemus thought Jesus was a wise teacher; he has been changing the lives of men and learned that Jesus was the Son of God women for thousands of years. who brought life and salvation.

Apply the Word Pray with Us

This chapter doesn’t tell us what happened to Continuing our prayers for the Nicodemus, but later in John’s Gospel we see that computer specialists on Moody’s he defended Jesus and helped to claim and campus in Chicago, please add anoint His body (see John 7:50; 19:39). Christian Juan Lemus, Gina Lee, and tradition claims that he was martyred for his faith Sherman Jules to your prayer list. May the Lord bless their efforts in Jesus a few years later. It seems that he finally at the workplace and their grasped that spiritual life is worth more than contribution to Moody’s earthly prestige. web presence.

Today in the Word • 13 Read: John 4:1–42 Thursday, April 9

Samaritan Woman: Will you give me a drink?

According to the Chronicle of Philanthro- worship, not true worship of God “in spirit py, people who earn $50,000 per year and in truth” (v. 24). give twice the percentage of their income to charity compared to people who make Unlike Nicodemus, this woman was at over $200,000—8 percent compared to the bottom of the social order. He was just over 4 percent. And during the reces- a wealthy, educated man who was a sion, wealthier people gave less while religious leader. She was an immoral lower-income people donated more. “It’s Samaritan woman shunned by the rest a really curious pattern,” of her village. It was high- said researcher Paul Piff. ly unconventional that “What we’ve been ﬁnding We know that this Jesus had even initiated a is that people who have conversation with such a less, give more.” man really is the person! Jesus proclaims Savior of the world. the truth about Himself Yesterday we read about John 4:42 and offers eternal life to all, Jesus’ conversation with regardless of status or Nicodemus, a religious background. leader. Today we’re reading His conversation with a Samaritan Notice how the Samaritan woman woman, recorded in the very next chapter responded to the declaration that Jesus of John. These conversations are juxta- was the Messiah: she shared her testi- posed so that we can see key similarities mony of faith in Him with her town (v. 39). and differences in the ways that people Jesus had offered her living water, and respond to Jesus. she couldn’t keep it to herself. This Samari- tan village begged Jesus to stay to teach Like Nicodemus, the Samaritan wom- them, and He agreed. As a result, “be- an is at ﬁrst focused only on the literal, cause of his words many more became earthly meaning of their conversation. believers” (v. 41). A revival swept through She is thinking only about natural water, this Samaritan town! not spiritual water; about literal places of

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How do we respond to the news that Jesus really The Education branch of Moody is the Savior of the world? Are we eager to tell operates under the wise our friends and family and neighbors and leadership of Dr. Junias co-workers? Do we want to know Jesus more Venugopal, provost and dean of Education. Please ask the Lord for each day? Can we share with others how Jesus His guidance and continuing has transformed our lives? Pray for opportunities presence at all Moody’s and eagerness to share the good news of eternal education initiatives. life with someone you know.

14 • Moody Bible Institute Read: Luke 7:36–50 Friday, April 10

Woman at Simon’s House: Do you see this woman?

When Charles Dickens was twelve years love. He did not see Jesus’ acceptance of old, his father was imprisoned for owing her generosity as an expression of divine money to a baker. Young Charles was grace and forgiveness. He just saw a sinful sent to work in a boot-blacking factory woman. And he doubted that Jesus could to earn money. At that time, over half of even be a prophet if He was allowing that the inmates at the notorious Marshalsea kind of woman to be near Him. He judged prison were debtors. Dickens used the Jesus and the woman according to his misery of his family’s imprisonment in sev- own standards of purity and righteousness, eral of his books, notably and he decided that neither Little Dorrit. of them measured up. Your faith has In our reading today we Jesus revealed not only again ﬁnd a contrast be- saved you; go in what Simon had been tween a Pharisee and an peace. thinking privately but also immoral woman. Jesus had Luke 7:50 Simon’s public failure to accepted the invitation of offer even basic hospital- Simon the Pharisee to dine ity. In contrast, this woman at his home, and a local had given Jesus expensive woman “who had lived a sinful life” came perfume and her own tears of love and and anointed His feet with her tears and gratitude. Simon couldn’t recognize Jesus expensive perfume (vv. 37–38). as the Son of God because he didn’t think he was all that bad; the woman received Simon’s reaction to this scene reveals forgiveness for her sins and the blessing both his priorities and his view of Jesus. of Jesus because she accepted who He He did not see the tears of this woman as was and what He had done for her. a powerful expression of repentance and

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It’s easy to be like Simon. We want Jesus to come Moody Theological Seminary is dine with us—but we don’t want Him to upset our an integral part of a Moody view of the world. We want to think we’re better education. Today and tomorrow than those sinners over there. We want to judge we’ll pray for its professors on others by their worst deeds instead of by the the Chicago campus. Today, let’s encourage in prayer Jayanthi measure of God’s grace. This deprives us of Benjamin, James Coakley, Ryan recognizing how much love and forgiveness Jesus Cook, and Daniel Green. offers each of us.

Today in the Word • 15 Read: John 9 Saturday, April 11

Blind Man: Do you believe in the Son of Man?

John Newton, the man converted from the price for parental sin? The answer being the captain of a slave ship to was neither—God was at work through becoming a preacher of the gospel, was this blindness to reveal the light of Jesus. inspired by the key verse from our passage today. He included it in the lyrics of The Pharisees also missed the point of his beloved hymn, “Amazing Grace”: “I the miraculous healing. They focused only once was lost, but now I’m found / was on a perceived violation of the Sabbath, blind, but now I see.” and decided that they would rather ad- here to their religious rules From the beginning of the than accept that Jesus had account of this healing, One thing I do the power of God to heal Jesus makes it clear that people blind from birth. His encounter with the know, I was blind When they witnessed the man who was born blind but now I see! conversation in which Jesus involves more than physi- John 9:25 forgave the sins of the man cal healing. He wants to born blind, they persisted illustrate truths about sin, in spiritual blindness rather spiritual blindness, and the than trust in the Light from ways that God works in people’s lives. heaven who stood before them.

The disciples wondered whose sin was to The man born blind, however, chose for- blame for this man’s blindness—his own, giveness and healing. “Do you believe or his parents. They no doubt thought they in the Son of Man?” Jesus asked (v. 35). were asking a difﬁcult theological ques- The man responded with worship. Jesus tion; illness and deformity was often at- healed the man’s physical eyesight and tributed to sin, so was it possible that a also corrected his spiritual vision. newborn had sinned or did the child pay

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Take some time today to respond to God’s work As we keep the MTS–Chicago of forgiveness with worship and praise. Sing or faculty in prayer, please add listen to “Amazing Grace” as part of your prayer these professors to your prayers of thanks to God. The lyrics by John Newton have today: Sajan Mathews, Andrew been paired with different tunes and arranged in Pflederer, William Thrasher, Julius Wong Loi Sing, and David a variety of musical styles; no matter what kind of Woodall. May God’s blessing rest music you prefer, you can be blessed by this on their interaction with students. powerful testimony to the amazing grace of God.

16 • Moody Bible Institute Read: Mark 5:21–43 Sunday, April 12

A Sick Woman: Who touched my clothes?

Dr. Catherine Hamlin, now 90 years old, The passage opens with a desperate is an obstetrician from Australia who de- father pleading with Jesus to heal his voted her life to treating obstetric fistula dying daughter. Jesus agreed, and began patients in Ethiopia. She and her husband to make His way to Jairus’s house through opened the first clinic dedicated to fistula a crushing crowd. As He traveled, a des- treatment in Addis Ababa in 1959 and perate woman sought healing from Jesus. planned to stay for three years. They nev- She had been suffering from her hem- er left; decades later, their hospital has orrhage for twelve years, she had spent treated tens of thousands all she had on doctors of women, and Dr. Hamlin who were unable to help, still does clinical work once Daughter, your faith and her constant bleeding a week. An interviewer has healed you. meant that she was always asked her why she would Go in peace and ritually unclean and could stay, given her privileged not go to the temple. family background, and be freed from she replied: “It’s because I your suffering. She thought her act of am a Christian. I feel that Mark 5:34 touching His cloak would God is behind this work. I be so subtle and incon- know … God is real and spicuous that she would somebody who loves these escape detection. After all, women far more than I do.” Jesus was being jostled in a large crowd. But she learned that Jesus was not just a Dr. Hamlin is right—God does love these magic totem that offered healing—He women, for He is the same God who gra- was the God who transforms lives. He ciously healed an unclean woman and called her out and announced her heal- raised a dead girl to life in our passage ing and peace. Jesus then brought Jairus’s for today. daughter back to life.

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Dr. Hamlin has used her medical training to Training future Christian leaders express God’s love for hurting women in Ethiopia. is the focus of Moody education. How can we be part of God’s transformation of We’d like to lift up to God our lives, demonstrating His love for people? Ask the students today as they near the Lord to show you what you can do—perhaps visit end of the semester—that they would have joy, strength, and lonely people in a nursing home, write letters to endurance in their studies. those who are incarcerated, or financially support medical missions teams.

Today in the Word • 17 Read: John 21 Monday, April 13

Peter: Do you love me?

Many American juvenile justice systems text today He first provided them with a have embraced the principle of restitu- miraculous catch of fish and then gath- tion for juvenile offenders. The main idea ered them around a fire for breakfast. is that offenders be held accountable for Then he had a conversation with Peter their crimes and repay their victims for the that would transform his life from impetu- harm they have caused, either through ous fisherman to bold evangelist. actual financial compensation or through community service. Research has shown Notice that Jesus didn’t berate Peter for his that juveniles who are re- failure. Instead, He offered quired to make restitution restoration. Three times He have lower rates of repeat gave Peter the opportunity offense than those who are to affirm his love rather merely put in jail. Feed my sheep. than deny Him: “Yes, Lord, John 21:17 you know that I love you” In order to understand (vv. 15–17). Peter now rec- our passage today, it’s ognized that Jesus knew important to remem- his heart better than he ber what happened with himself did. Peter in John 18. After Jesus was arrested, Peter stood around the fire at the high Each affirmation was followed by Jesus’ priest’s courtyard and denied that he instruction to “take care of my sheep” knew Jesus three separate times. He had (v. 16). We’ve seen that words and actions bragged that he would die for Jesus; now are connected for Jesus; His miracles he wouldn’t even admit that he knew Him verify His claims. Now He offered Peter (see John 13:31–38). the opportunity to act in a way that veri- fied his declarations of love. Serving the Jesus had already appeared to the church was a demonstration of his love for disciples after His resurrection (John and obedience to Christ. 20:19–29), and at the beginning of our

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If you think you have done something beyond the Dr. Larry Davidhizar, VP and scope of God’s forgiveness, Peter’s story should dean of the Undergraduate encourage you. Peter willfully rejected Jesus three School welcomes the prayers of times, yet he was forgiven, restored, and given a the Moody community for the ministry to the church. After you ask for forgive- undergraduate education at Moody. Pray for the success of ness, ask the Lord to show you how you can live the new programs and new and serve in a way that demonstrates your love ministry opportunities for both for Him and His power in your life. the students and faculty.

18 • Moody Bible Institute Read: Acts 9:1–22 Tuesday, April 14

Paul: Why do you persecute me?

In 1985, Steve looked like a failure. He was present when Stephen was martyred, was a college dropout and had been and he approved (8:1). fired from a good job. Nothing he tried seemed successful—the government On the road to Damascus, Jesus asked rejected his job application, no one Paul a question that transformed his life: wanted to hire him, and people thought “Saul, why do you persecute me?” (v. 4). the products he tried to sell were too Paul entered Damascus intent on having expensive. Twenty years later, Steve— believers in Jesus arrested; he ended up Steve Jobs—was recog- preaching in the syna- nized as one of the most This man is my gogues “that Jesus is the influential people in the chosen instrument to Son of God” (v. 20). He world in the fields of com- proclaim my name thought he would stamp puting, design, marketing, to the Gentiles and out a heretical sect who movies, and music. their kings and to the opposed the law of God; he ended up being filled people of Israel. Paul was an incredibly with the Spirit of God unlikely choice to become Acts 9:15 (v. 17). He thought he was one of the most influential protecting the religion of Christians in the world—the man who the Jewish people; instead he was called would write letters that comprised almost to proclaim the gospel to the Gentiles, half of the New Testament and who plant- including their leaders. ed churches across the Roman Empire. Paul was a Pharisee (Acts 26:5; Phil. 3:5)! It’s also worth noting the obedience of He was full of zeal—against the followers Ananias in this passage. He had every of Jesus! Our text today describes him as reason to fear Paul (vv. 13–14). But he “breathing out murderous threats” against obeyed God’s command to go to him and believers (v. 1). In the previous chapter, he serve as the instrument of God’s healing.

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Who seems to you like an unlikely servant of God? Let’s pray today for the Is it a wayward child? Someone in a different administrative staff at the dean’s political party? A celebrity who is outspoken office: Claudia Beguin, Linda against Christianity? Pray today for that one who Pankratz, and Paula Siebold. seems like an impossible candidate for having a We appreciate all the work they do behind the scenes with life transformed by faith in God. And pray that the commitment and dedication. Holy Spirit will show you how to be obedient like Ananias and be an example of God’s grace.

Today in the Word • 19 Question and Answer By Dr. Michael Rydelnik, Professor of Jewish Studies and Open Line Host

Since Jesus said that He We should not be surprised to find idioms would be in the grave in the Scriptures—we use them all the time. for three days and three None of us have actually ever seen it rain nights (Matt. 12:40), it “cats and dogs” nor have we ever paid “an seems that there was insufficient arm and a leg” for anything. We should re- time in the grave from Good Fri- tain the biblical chronology of Passion day to Resurrection Sun da y. week: Jesus shared His last supper with His Should we recalculate the Passion disciples on Thursday night, was crucified week to understand that the on Friday, and raised from the dead on crucifixion actually took place on early Sunday morning. Thursday? Why did the Lord Jesus This attempt at recalculation is quote Psalm 22:1 “My based on the best motives, God, my God, why have namely, taking the Bible literally you forsaken me” (Matt. when it says three days and 27:46)? Did Jesus not understand three nights. The problem is that the Bible why He was dying? also literally says that the crucifixion and burial took place on the “Preparation Day Certainly the Lord Jesus under- (that is, the day before the Sabbath)” (Mark stood that He was going to die. 15:42; see also Matt. 27:62; Luke 23:54, He told His disciples, “The Son 56; John 19:31, 42) and that Jesus was of Man will be delivered over raised on the first day of the week or Sun- to the chief priests and the teachers of the day (Matt. 28:1; Mark 16:1–2; Luke 24:1; law. They will condemn him to death and John 20:1). A better alternative is to recog- will hand him over to the Gentiles, who will nize that when Jesus said He would be in mock him and spit on him, flog him and kill the grave for three days and three nights, him. Three days later He will rise” (Mark He was using a common Jewish idiom 10:33–34). Not only did the Lord know that called inclusive time reckoning. He would die, but He also knew that the reason for His death would be to provide “a In the first century, Jewish people spoke ransom for many” (Mark 10:45). idiomatically of any part of a day to count as referring to a full day (day and night). So when the Lord Jesus quotes Psalm 22:1, An example of inclusive time reckoning in regarding God’s forsaking of Him, it should the Hebrew Scriptures is when Esther called be understood as a rhetorical question, for for a fast “for three days, night or day” certainly He understood the reason for His (Esther 4:15–16) but then saw the end of the own suffering. Moreover, it is an emotional fast “on the third day” (Esther 5:1). expression, since God did not literally forsake the Messiah. Some have suggested Continued on next page

20 • Moody Bible Institute The Lord knew that He would die, and He knew that the reason for His death would be to provide “a ransom for many” (Mark 10:45).

Continued from previous page that God is “too pure to look on evil” (Hab. Ephesians 4:9 says that the Lord Jesus “de- 1:13) and therefore He literally abandoned scended to the lower, earthly regions.” But the Messiah when the sin of all the world this refers to the Incarnation, when the Son fell upon Him at His crucifixion and the eter- of God became a man, not a descent to nal fellowship of the Father and the Son hell. First Peter 3:19–20 says, “He went and was broken. This explanation is problemat- made proclamation to the imprisoned spir- ic; the words in Habakkuk mean that God its—to those who were disobedient long will not look with approval on sin, not that ago when God waited patiently in the days God cannot look on evil, or else He could of Noah.” This is not talking about preach- not look on any person. Additionally, Jesus ing in hell; rather, the passage refers to the Messiah did not literally become sinful Jesus preaching through Noah in the past on the cross. As 2 Corinthians 5:21 states, to people who were alive in the days of “God made him who had no sin to become Noah. Because they rejected Noah’s mes- sin for us,” meaning that God made the sin- sage, they are now “imprisoned spirits.” less one to be “a sin offering.” The eternal fellowship of the Father and the Son was Finally, John 20:17 records Jesus’ words to never broken. Mary Magdalene: “Do not hold on to me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father.” Where did Jesus’ spirit This is not saying that Jesus’ spirit had not go between Good Fri- yet been to His Father, but rather that Mary day and Resurrection should stop clinging to the Lord Jesus be- Sunday? Did Jesus go cause His bodily ascension was yet to come. to hell? In other words, Jesus is saying, You can let go of me, Mary. I will be with you for the The idea that the Lord Jesus next forty days because I have not yet went to hell between the cruci- made my final ascension to the Father (cf. fixion and the resurrection, Acts 1:9–11). frequently called “the harrowing of hell,” has been believed since ancient The Scriptures teach that when the physical times. In fact, the Apostles’ Creed seems to body of the Lord Jesus died, His spirit went teach it when it says, “He suffered under to His Father immediately. In Luke 23:43, Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died and was Jesus assures the criminal on the cross: buried; he descended into hell; on the third “Today you will be with me in paradise.” day he rose again from the dead.” Luke 23:46 records the Lord Jesus’ words at the point of death: “ Father, into your hands The earliest versions of the creed omit the I commit my spirit.” phrase “he descended into hell.” The belief in the harrowing of hell is based on the misinterpretation of several passages.

Today in the Word • 21 Read: Luke 18:31–43 Wednesday, April 15

What do you want me to do for you?

Children love to make wish lists of what answer. The blind beggar in our reading they would do with $100 (or perhaps was used to asking for things—mostly given inflation, $1 million!). They dream of alms and assistance. When he heard getting a pony or new toys or taking an that Jesus was passing by, he cried out, exciting trip to see a favorite sports team “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” play or to visit loved ones. Many children (v. 38). He was physically blind, but he include altruistic endeavors, such as “feed had enough spiritual insight to identify all the hungry people” or “give everyone Jesus as the Son of David, the Messiah. a house to live in.” At first glance, Jesus’ ques- If you could have anything He received tion to the man seems that you wanted, what strange. Jesus knew he was his sight and would you ask for? Most blind; isn’t it obvious what of us know that genies in followed Jesus. he wanted? But Jesus’ ques- magic bottles don’t exist, Luke 18:43 tion isn’t some perfunctory and we are wise enough exercise, akin to making to know that God isn’t a a child say “please.” Jesus heavenly vending machine, was asking the man to re- waiting for us to put in our prayer so that veal the desire of his heart—did he only He can dispense the particular candy we want money? A temporary fix? want. But in our passage today, a man did encounter the Son of God, and Je- Instead, the blind man asked to be healed, sus asked him to name what it was that trusting thatPr aJesusy wit hthe U sMessiah had the he wanted. power and the compassion to do that. Jesus healed his sight, commended his faith, For the next several days we’re going to and God received the glory, praise, and focus on Jesus’ questions that demand an worship.

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Jesus’ question is a good one for us to ponder: Wise counsel at the right time What do we want God to do for us? Ask the Holy may change the life of a student. Spirit to search your heart as you reflect on your Would you uphold in prayer the deepest desires. Deep down, do we want more ministry of our Counseling Services on campus in Chicago money or more security? Or do we want God’s ? Pray for Stephen Brasel, Gayla healing for our brokenness? Do we want more Gates, and Holly Porter as they opportunities to praise and worship Him? minister to hurting students.

22 • Moody Bible Institute Read: Matthew 8:23–27; 14:22–36 Thursday, April 16

Why did you doubt?

When God called Jonah to go preach toward His disciples; when Peter realized in Nineveh, he sailed in the opposite it was Jesus, he walked on the water to- direction. The Lord, however, sent a violent ward Him. Then he noticed the wind and storm that threatened to destroy the boat. began to sink. Jesus saved him but asked, While Jonah snoozed, the sailors feared “Why did you doubt?” for their lives and jettisoned the cargo. After determining that Jonah was the What exactly was Jesus asking Peter? cause of the storm and following his Peter’s problem was not that he doubted direction to throw him his ability to walk on the overboard, the sailors water, nor even that he were amazed to see the doubted that it was Jesus sea instantly stilled. They Truly you are the who had called him out of then worshiped God (see Son of God. the boat. When he saw the Jonah 1). wind, Peter doubted who Matthew 14:33 Jesus was—was He a “kind In Matthew 8, we see of man” or was He actually another storm, another God? Jesus was confront- sleeping passenger, and ing Peter with his doubts distressed disciples. Jesus stilled the storm about His identity. If He is truly the God with just a word—but notice how the dis- who created the seas and stills them with ciples respond. Unlike the sailors in Jonah a word, no amount of wind can change 1, they do not worship God. They ask, His plans. “What kind of man is this?” (8:27). This time the disciples react to Jesus’ mira- A few chapters later, we read about an- cle with worship. Instead of puzzling over other storm and boat and worried crew. the nature of this man, they declare, “Truly This time, Jesus walked across the water you are the Son of God” (14:33).

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Jesus’ question challenges readers today. Why do Moody’s Operations branch we doubt? Do we believe that God is who He ensures smooth functioning says He is? Then we can follow His call, leave our of all Institute departments. boats, and brave the winds of opposition. He is Overseeing this important part sovereign over the storms of life, and He is faithful of Moody’s ministry is Steven Mogck, executive VP and chief to save. What is God asking you to do for Him? operating officer. He welcomes Worship and praise and obey Him! your prayers today.

Today in the Word • 23 Read: Mark 8:1–21 Friday, April 17

Do you still not understand?

On October 8, 2008, John Ehrman plead- He fed five thousand men with just five ed guilty to making a false filing with the loaves and two fish (see Mark 6:30–44). Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC); he was sentenced to six months in But the disciples still tended to hear with federal prison and ordered to pay a fine physical ears, not spiritual ones. Even after of more than $700,000. Ehrman seems to witnessing another miraculous provision have learned the wrong lesson from his of food for the crowd of four thousand, conviction: In December 2014, he was they thought Jesus was scolding them for indicted for 29 counts of forgetting bread, as if He wire fraud for a scheme could not provide enough that defrauded investors bread to feed them all with of more than $2.3 million. I have compassion just a word (v. 16)! If convicted, Ehrman faces for these people. the possibility of decades Notice the sequence of Mark 8:2 in prison and fines of Jesus’ questions in these several million dollars. verses—seven questions in all in just five verses. He In our reading today, we uses these questions rhe- might be forgiven for thinking that the dis- torically to remind them of the evidence ciples were also failing to learn the right they have seen about who He is. Jesus lesson about Jesus. By this time, the dis- didn’t want them to be like the Pharisees, ciples had seen Jesus heal people who who insolently demanded a sign from had leprosy and were deaf, blind, or par- heaven—after all the miracles Jesus had alyzed. They had heard Him teach and performed (vv. 11–13)! Jesus was push- pray and drive out evil spirits. They had ing them to acknowledge that He was witnessed Him challenge the Pharisees more than miracle-worker or teacher. He and calm a storm. They were there when is God.

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A spiritual journal can be a good resource for Join us in prayer for the Event remembering how Jesus has worked in our lives. and Guest Services department You can record prayer requests and answered on Moody’s Chicago campus. prayers, or use it to remember times of provision Amber Rae Adames, Stacey from God. You can also jot down insights and Craelius, Lysa Ellis, and Joy Gruber greet Moody’s questions from your Bible study. This tool can visitors with a smile and ensure that our spiritual eyes see who God is and coordinate events on our spiritual ears hear how He is working. campus with dedication.

24 • Moody Bible Institute Read: Luke 17:11–19 Saturday, April 18

Were not all ten cleansed?

Rick Sacra made international head- In addition to the physical misery of lines last year when he contracted Ebola suffering from leprosy, the disease also after serving as a medical missionary in rendered people ritually unclean and Liberia. He was treated at a hospital in unable to enter the temple (see Leviticus Nebraska and survived the deadly virus. 13–14). Healing involved more than medi- International Christian mission agency cal intervention, it also required religious SIM announced in December that Dr. restoration. When Jesus sent the ten Sacra would return to Liberia this year lepers to the priests, He was following to treat malaria patients. the protocol established in “Rick has such a heart for the law, and also signaling serving others,” said Bruce One of them, when that their healing would be Johnson, president of SIM he saw he was complete and would allow USA. “He has spent nearly healed, came back, them to worship God. 20 years serving patients in praising God in a Liberia, and now he’s ready All ten were obedient to to get back to work doing loud voice. the command to go to the the things he’s trained and Luke 17:15 priests, but only one—a gifted to perform.” Samaritan!—recognized the power of God at work Christian doctors and nurs- through Jesus and came es have long served the most desperately back to thank Him. The others had missed ill people in the world, founding hospitals the point about worship. Jesus had healed and clinics from teeming cities to remote them for a purpose: so that they could jungles. They follow the example of Jesus, praise the Lord. The miracle was not just who extended healing and compassion for their own comfort but also to bring to sick people who were social and re- glory to God. ligious outcasts. In our reading today, we see Jesus heal ten lepers.

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We easily lose sight of praise and worship in the Uphold in prayer these additional midst of our blessings. As one pastor exhorted his Event and Guest Services congregation, “Don’t let a rock cry out in your employees: Sonya Valeff, place!” As you think about God’s gifts to you, use Brenda McCord and Nathan this time to thank Him and also praise Him for Jacobs. Thank God for the organizational skills, attention to granting you the ability and opportunity to detail, and positive attitude they worship Him. Let’s make sure no one wonders demonstrate daily at the whether we know the source of our blessing. workplace.

Today in the Word • 25 Read: John 6:25–71 Sunday, April 19

You don’t want to leave too, do you?

The Chicago Cubs baseball team has one thousand, and were eager to have more of the largest and most loyal fan bases bread and ﬁsh. of any sports teams in the country. This is particularly noteworthy because the Second, Jesus disappointed those who team has not won a World Series since only wanted to see a succession of mir- 1908 nor even played in a Series since acles on demand (v. 30). Even though 1945—the longest drought of any base- Jesus had just performed an astounding ball team. In a Spring 2011 article in work of feeding thousands of people, they Baseball Research Journal, demanded more. Third, Bill Savage tried to explain people grumbled about the durable popularity of Lord, to whom Jesus’ claims to be the Son the team and also won- shall we go? You of God. “Is this not Jesus, dered whether changes have the words of the son of Joseph, whose to the iconic Wrigley Field eternal life. father and mother we stadium where the team know?” (v. 42). They want- plays and to the Cubs’ tele- John 6:68 ed to keep Jesus in box vision schedule would dent of relationships that they the fan base. understood, and His claim to be from heaven couldn’t be tolerated. Jesus had had large crowds following Him, but in our passage today we see Finally, others deserted Jesus because His that His popularity was waning. As their teaching was too hard to understand and reasons for following Jesus were exposed too challenging to believe (v. 60). Jesus and stripped away, fewer and fewer peo- turned to His twelve disciples and asked ple wanted to associate with Him. First, whether they too would leave. Peter gave Jesus confronted those who only wanted the reason for remaining with Jesus: “You another free meal (v. 26). They had wit- have the words of eternal life” (v. 68). nessed the miracle of the feeding of ﬁve

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Why are we following Jesus? Do we want an The importance of media in easy, predictable Savior, or do we want the words God’s work on earth is constantly of life? Do we want to put Jesus in a box that suits increasing in our digital age. our preferences, or do we believe that He is the Greg Thornton, senior vice president of Media, requests your “Holy One of God” (v. 69)? Even if everyone else prayers today for all the around us deserts the Savior, may we not be challenging tasks facing the fair-weather fans but rather faithful disciples. media ministry at Moody.

26 • Moody Bible Institute Read: John 7:1–24 Monday, April 20

Why are you trying to kill me?

In recent decades the uses and types of excuse to kill Jesus (v. 1). His brothers, the lasers available for medical procedures children of Mary and Joseph, taunted Him have expanded dramatically. From eye because they didn’t believe that He was surgery to dermatology to endovascular anyone special (v. 5). The crowd was am- operations to foot procedures, lasers are bivalent—some said He was a good man; transforming surgery options. Laser sur- others said He was a fraud (v. 12). But they gery often results in less bleeding than were all amazed when they heard Him conventional surgery, and the heat from teach. No one could deny the power and the laser reduces the risk insight of His proclama- of infection at the surgical tions in the temple. site. The precision of the He who seeks the lasers allows surgeons to glory of the one Jesus’ brothers had claimed perform treatments that who sent him is a that He only wanted atten- were nearly impossible man of truth. tion for Himself, but Jesus with a scalpel. rebuts that charge. His John 7:18 teaching is intended to Jesus’ question in our point people toward God, passage today functioned not create a fan club for like a laser penetrating the hearts of His Himself. His motivation was always to listeners and exposing the motives and point people to His Father and the mes- intentions of their hearts. Yesterday we sage that a relationship with God was saw how many followers abandoned possible through His Son. Jesus after He didn’t fulﬁll their wishes; today we see how the crowds and Everything that Jesus said and did was religious leaders grew increasingly consistent with His desire to live in com- antagonistic toward Him. plete obedience to His Father—even when He was misunderstood, threatened, By this time in His ministry, the religious and unpopular. leaders were already looking for an

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Some of us know the pain of rejection by family Harrison Gunter, Susan Malnati, and friends for our faith in Jesus. You are not Richard Peterson, Thinh Pham, alone—Jesus knows exactly how you feel! And if Jeffrey Reynolds, and Edgar you know someone who has been alienated from Santiaqo serve at Moody their family because of their commitment to Christ, Publishers Finance on our Chicago campus. Would invite them to be part of your church, small group, you support in prayer or family gatherings. This is a wonderful opportu- their ministry today? nity for the body of Christ to support one another.

Today in the Word • 27 Read: Matthew 5:38–48 Tuesday, April 21

What reward will you get?

Niccolo Machiavelli, a sixteenth-century it means to pursue discipleship. This text Italian diplomat, is probably best known occurs in the middle of the Sermon on for his treatise, The Prince. One of its the Mount, an extended teaching session famous passages states: “And here comes by Jesus that is filled with instruction and in the question of whether it is better to be examples of what it means to follow Him. loved rather than feared, or feared rather This section, however, is arguably the most than loved. It might perhaps be answered challenging. Jesus is by no means naïve that we should wish to be both; but since about the extent of evil in the world, and love and fear can hardly yet He calls us to love our exist together, if we must enemies and pray for those choose between them, it Love your enemies who bring persecution. is far safer to be feared and pray for those than loved.” Our motive for loving our who persecute you. friends is simple: it’s easy, Politicians and corporate Matthew 5:44 and it ensures that our directors and military benefits of loyalty and leaders have been follow- protection remain intact. ing Machiavelli’s advice for Our motive for loving centuries. But our passage today reveals our enemies is different: We love them that Jesus calls His followers to precisely because we are following the exam- the opposite way of living. We are not ple of God Himself (v. 45). He provides instructed to instill fear in our enemies (or graciously even for a fallen, rebellious our employees or citizens) or pursue our world. Our decision to be beacons of love own safety. We are called to love. in a world filled with hatred reflects the extent to which we have embraced Jesus’ For the rest of our study this month we’ll call to discipleship. examine Jesus’ questions that reveal what

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We often encourage you to pray for Christians Please pray for Collin Lambert, around the world who are suffering for their faith vice president of Moody Radio, in Jesus. Today, add to your prayer list those who and all the radio teams he leads. perpetrate persecution. Kim Jong-Un in North We are grateful for the fruitful Korea, the Ayatollah in Iran, Abubakar Shekau and unique ministry over the airwaves that the Lord has given (the leader of Boko Haram) in Nigeria—commit Moody, and also would like to these names and others to prayer before God, remember in prayer all our trusting that He will work in His perfect way. friends who give to Moody Radio.

28 • Moody Bible Institute Read: Matthew 6:25–34 Wednesday, April 22

Why do you worry about clothes?

Back in 1983, Dena Al-Fassi said that A focus on our physical needs leads to she and her estranged husband, worry and materialism, both of which Mohammad, who declared himself the blur our view of God’s provision. Worry sheik-in-residence in Beverly Hills, each tempts us to believe that we will never spent $200,000 on clothes—per month. have enough, and materialism tempts us Perhaps we can’t imagine spending that to think that the solution is our own effort much money each month on anything, and acquisition. The answer is to pursue much less clothes, but many of us can discipleship and the kingdom of God first. relate to overstuffed clos- Following Jesus reorients ets and the need to rotate our perspective so that we our clothes from storage Seek first his can see all the ways that to closet each season God provides for us and because we own too much kingdom and his we can trust Him to con- to fit in one space. righteousness. tinue to care for us. Matthew 6:33 As we continue looking at Jesus reminds us that we Jesus’ questions that call have abundant evidence us to discipleship, we are of the faithfulness and again looking at a section of the Sermon generosity of God—His beauty and on the Mount. It’s important to note that provision fill the natural world. Every Jesus is not calling us to renounce neces- beautiful birdsong, every extravagant sities like food or clothes. God knows that splash of color in a flower garden, ev- we need these in order to survive as the ery change from one season to the next human beings He created (v. 32). But our reveals the delight and care that God has physical needs should not distract us from in taking care of us. the true source of our life, God Himself.

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Many of us have become “stuffocated,” a term Radio Moody reaches the coined to describe feeling trapped by one’s numerous Spanish-speaking possessions. If your life choices are dictated by community in Chicagoland, and your material goods, consider adopting a plan to around the world over the reduce the amount that you own. We can Internet, with the truth of God’s Word. Please uphold in your declutter and down-size as a way to express prayers Elsa Mazon, Gersón more trust in God and re-focus our energies on García, and Mercida Garcia- serving Him rather than our stuff. Rojas.

Today in the Word • 29 Read: Luke 6:37–42 Thursday, April 23

Can the blind lead the blind?

Commentator Conrad Gempf discussed This text instructs us to avoid the temp- our passage today this way: “This always tation to want other people to follow us seemed a slapstick image more suitable rather than follow Jesus. This means that for the Three Stooges than Jesus. I can discipleship requires humility. We are see Timber-brain, with the long tree trunk called to avoid our tendencies to judge protruding several feet from the front and and condemn others (v. 37); instead, we back of his head. He turns toward Speck- should extend forgiveness and generosity eye, ‘Here, I’ll ﬁx that eye of yours in no (v. 38). This text does not mean that the time’. But when he turns his Christian life is an “anything head, it causes the whole goes” exercise with no tree to sweep in a huge For with the right and wrong. Instead, it arc . . . while in front of him, measure you use, reminds us that the process Speck-eye is also whacked of following Jesus should it will be measured off his feet.” cultivate a growing aware- to you. ness of our own limitations, Jesus knew that we have Luke 6:38 an expanded understand- an easier time seeing ing of how much we have microscopic particles in been forgiven, and an in- someone else’s eye than we do seeing creasing willingness to offer forgiveness giant planks of timber in our own eyes. rather than condemnation to the people As Gempf described it, Timber-brain’s around us. attempts to help are more likely to harm Speck-eye. Jesus put it even more suc- Humility is the antidote to hypocrisy, and cinctly: “Can the blind lead the blind? it reveals whether we are being con- Will they not both fall into a pit?” (v. 39). formed to the image of our Savior (see Whether we have a speck or a plank in Phil. 2:5–11). our eye, we are not able to see perfectly.

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Have you acted like a Timber-brain? Probably all Ken Heulitt, chief financial of us have at some point. If you find yourself officer, requests your prayers focusing on the speck in someone else’s eye, ask today for G o d ’s help, wisdom, the Holy Spirit to work in your heart so that you and good stewardship of the can see yourself as a forgiven child of God and financial resources provided to us through the faithful support of then see the people around you as men and G o d ’s people. Thank you for women also in need of forgiveness. supporting Moody’s ministries!

30 • Moody Bible Institute Read: Luke 6:43–49 Friday, April 24

Why do you call me “Lord”?

In the classic musical My Fair Lady, pho- and another bad actually passing judg- netics professor Henry Higgins accepts ment? It’s important to remember the a wager from Colonel Pickering that he call to discipleship that Jesus issues to His can transform the Cockney accent of a followers here. The larger point is the call young ﬂower-seller so completely that she to humility, not hypocrisy. As we noted will pass as an aristocratic lady. In a cli- yesterday, refraining from a posture of mactic scene at the Embassy Ball, a rival judgment against other people is not the phonetician declares that Eliza Doolittle same thing as saying there is no good or is “of royal blood—she is bad. But the exhortation a princess!” about a good tree bearing The mouth speaks good fruit is one we should Speech—accent, vocabu- primarily apply to ourselves lary, dialect—can reveal what the heart rather than to make deter- much about us, including is full of. minations about others. what part of the country Luke 6:45 we’re from and demo- To emphasize His point graphic information like about humility and hypoc- our ethnicity or social class. risy, Jesus concludes this In our passage today, Jesus is not inter- sermon with the story of the wise and ested in this kind of speech, however. He foolish builders. Hearing the words of Je- warns us again about hypocrisy, warning sus and refusing to obey them is no better us that our speech reveals the true state than building a house with no foundation of our hearts. in a storm-prone area. Why do we call Him “Lord”? The answer should be that At ﬁrst glance, our text seems to contra- we call Him “Lord” because we want to dict the verses we read yesterday about obey His word and become more like Him. not judging. Isn’t declaring one tree good

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Are we trees that bear good fruit? Review the Ben Chelladurai, Gregory fruit of the Spirit listed in Galatians 5:22–23 and Gaertner, Daniel Hassler, Norma ask the Spirit to reveal any areas where we need Malave, Paul Perrin, and Camille pruning in order to bear the fruit of love, joy, Ward in the Office of Institutional peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, Effectiveness oversee many aspects of our academic life— gentleness, or self-control. Pray that your life as research, finances, accreditation, well as your speech would be a testimony to your and assessment. Thank God in desire to follow Jesus. prayer for their faithful service.

Today in the Word • 31 Read: John 5:1–15 Saturday, April 25

Do you want to get well?

Chris Greicius was an honorary office in At first this exchange seems like the con- the Arizona Department of Public Safety versation Jesus had with the blind beggar (DPS). He had a full uniform and badge on the road to Jericho. But there are some and earned his motorcycle officer’s wings. key distinctions. Unlike the blind beggar, But Chris was only 7 years old and this man did not call out to Jesus; in fact, dying of leukemia. His wish to become a law he had no idea who Jesus was even after enforcement officer was granted by his his healing (v. 13). When Jesus asked him family friend Tommy Austin with the sup- if he wanted to be well, he did not an- port of other DPS officers. swer “yes,” but instead he Moved by the experience described the obstacles in of seeing Chris so elat- his way. He was focused on ed in his uniform, Austin It was Jesus who the reasons why he hadn’t and several DPS officers had made him well. been healed and not on founded the Make-A-Wish the One who stood before Foundation to support John 5:15 him who could heal. children diagnosed with life-threatening illnesses. Jesus demonstrated His compassion and power to Though Make-A-Wish brings joy to many heal with a command: “Pick up your mat thousands of children each year, they can’t and walk” (v. 8). It must have seemed like grant the kind of requests that Jesus did a horrible joke to the man when, just after in our passage today. When He saw a being healed and instructed to carry his paralyzed man who had been lying by mat, the Jewish leaders detained him for the pool of Bethesda for thirty-eight years, violating the Sabbath by carrying his mat. Jesus asked “Do you want to get well?” What a contrast to the compassion of Jesus! (v. 6).

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Jesus’ final instruction to the man is important: Today we have the privilege of “Stop sinning or something worse may happen to praying for Moody’s Human you” (v. 14). As wonderful as physical healing is, Resources department headed spiritual healing is even more important. How can by vice president Debbie you follow Jesus’ example of compassion for the Zelinski. May our God strengthen all the staff with sick and suffering? Cards, phone calls, visits, and the joy of knowing Him better prayers are all ways that we can minister to those and with the new revelation who need encouragement. of His love.

32 • Moody Bible Institute Read: Mark 8:31–38 Sunday, April 26

What can anyone give in exchange for their soul?

Jason Brown was the highest-paid center ambitions and desires and impulses with in the National Football League (NFL), His values and priorities (v. 34). In order earning $25 million. But in 2012, at the to do this, we need to understand what age of 29 and with teams interested in has true value and worth. All the riches signing him to another contract, he left the and power in the world are worthless NFL—to grow sweet potatoes. “My agent, if we have sacriﬁced our souls on the he told me, ‘You are making the biggest altar of self. Jesus poses the question to mistake of your life.’ And I looked right jolt us awake to the seriousness of what back at him and I said, ‘No is at stake: “What good I am not’.” Brown donates is it for someone to gain his harvest to food banks; Whoever loses their the whole world, yet forfeit in 2014, he gave away life for me and for their soul?” (v. 36). over 46,000 pounds of the gospel will sweet potatoes and 10,000 save it. Jesus does not pretend to pounds of cucumbers. call us to a life that will be Mark 8:35 easy or comfortable. He Our culture tells us that equates discipleship with money has the highest carrying a cross, a badge value. Society says that self-fulﬁllment has of shame and implement of suffering. the highest worth. But in our passage to- But He promises that faithful disciple- day, Jesus says that making more money ship results in true, abundant, eternal life: and pursuing self-interest will be worth- “Whoever loses their life for me and for less pursuits if we neglect what is most the gospel will save it” (v. 35). When we important: following Him. understand God’s value system, we know that we have made the worthwhile choice In fact, following Jesus requires a willing- to follow Jesus. ness to deny ourselves—to realign our

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When ESPN described Jason Brown’s choice to Moody Alumni Association leave football to become a farmer who donates reaches out to our graduates his crops, they titled the story, “The Curious Case and keeps them connected to of Jason Brown.” When we make the choice to their alma mater. Today, we ask follow Jesus and change our priorities, people will that you uphold in prayer the service of its executive director, find it curious, strange, even weird. But no life is Nancy Hastings, and all those more satisfying or fulfilling as the one lived in who help her in this vitally service to God! important ministry.

Today in the Word • 33 Read: Mark 9:33–50 Monday, April 27

How can you make it salty again?

Americans love ranking things—from 41). They sought status for their religious the AP poll of college sports teams credentials, but Jesus said that it was bet- to U.S.News’s college rankings to Yelp ter to be blind or crippled and be faithful restaurant reviews to Buzzfeed lists, we to God (vv. 42–48). love to see who’s #1. But it is a problem when we try to apply rankings in the Jesus’ question at the end of this pas- church. Who is the greatest preacher of all sage is a rhetorical device intended to time? Who has the best church? Where make readers attentive to His point. “Salt can you ﬁnd the greatest is good, but if it loses its choir or the shortest ser- saltiness, how can you mons? Who has a top-ten make it salty again?” (v. children’s ministry? Be at peace with 50). Without its saltiness, each other. salt is worthless. The disciples weren’t im- Mark 9:50 mune to this mentality. In What is this spiritual salti- our text today, they argued ness that Jesus is referring among themselves about to? He continues, “Have who was the greatest. Jesus salt among yourselves, responded that this way of thinking was and be at peace with each other.” Com- deadly for discipleship. petition about who was the greatest was counterproductive to a “salty,” grace-ﬁlled The disciples wanted to be the greatest; witness to a watching world about the Jesus said that welcoming a little child was joy of following Jesus. Discipleship means more important than seeking status (vv. renouncing claims of status and recog- 35–37). They wanted to claim the credit nition in order to follow the example of for impressive miracles, but Jesus said that Christ to serve “one of these little ones” even offering a cup of water to someone with even a cup of cold water. in His name was an act of service (vv. 38–

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Over forty Bible verses mention salt! Jesus Christine Gorz, vice president of describes His followers as the salt of the earth corporate communications, leads (Matt. 5:13), and the apostle Paul encourages several teams on Moody’s believers to “Let your conversation be always full Chicago campus, communicating of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may Moody’s brand and vision to the local and national communities. know how to answer everyone” (Col. 4:6). Put one Your prayers are vital for of these verses on a notecard by your saltshaker Christine’s ministry! to remind you to be a “salty” witness for Jesus.

34 • Moody Bible Institute Read: Luke 10:25–37 Tuesday, April 28

Which of these three do you think was a good neighbor?

The phrase “Good fences make good our neighbor (vv. 31–32). The priest and neighbors” is often associated with the Levite avoided the wounded man; they poem “Mending Wall” by Robert Frost. kept their religious trappings intact be- Frost is actually drawing on a proverb cause they were not willing to take a risk that can be traced back to medieval to extend compassion. Spain and then was translated into English in 1797. Ralph Waldo Emerson recorded Second, Jesus notes that loving our neigh- it in his journal in 1832 as “A wall bor involves risk and sacriﬁce. The Good between both, best pre- Samaritan had to change serves friendship.” his plans and spend his money in order to care for Jesus’ deﬁnition of Love your neighbor this suffering man. The priest neighbor was all about as yourself. and Levite were observ- destroying walls, not building a “good fences” policy, ing them. The story of the Luke 10:27 but the Good Samaritan Good Samaritan was told went beyond his comfort in response to a question zone in order to show love posed to Jesus by a teach- and mercy. er of the law. The text makes clear that this expert was motivated by a desire to test Finally, Jesus reminds us that our neigh- Jesus, not actually receive any wisdom or bor is not just the person who lives next truth (v. 25). When Jesus didn’t fall into his door or the person we like or the person initial rhetorical trap, the man pushed fur- who is like us. We might be called to be ther: “And who is my neighbor?” (v. 29). a neighbor to someone we aren’t naturally attracted to, or someone we don’t Jesus’ story in reply confronts several understand. But through God’s power assumptions held by the religious lead- and grace, we can love our neighbor ers. First, Jesus makes clear that being as ourselves. religious is not the same thing as loving

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If we’re honest, “love your neighbor as yourself” is We are proud of our Student one of Jesus’ most challenging calls to discipleship. Services team in Spokane, WA As a way to focus your heart and mind on what it who take good care of Moody means to love, review 1 Corinthians 13, perhaps students. Please pray for Brian even writing it out in your journal or on a Jaworski and Daniel Ward and their ministry on Moody’s notecard. When confronted with a person in campus in Spokane. need, ask the Lord to show you what it means to show love to that person as a good neighbor.

Today in the Word • 35 Read: Matthew 19:16–30 Wednesday, April 29

Why do you ask me about what is good?

In Aesop’s fable “The Tortoise and the misunderstands this inheritance. Through- Hare,” a speedy rabbit loses a race to a out His ministry Jesus stressed that plodding turtle when the bunny decides inheriting eternal life depends on believ- its lead is so great that it can enjoy a brief ing that He is who He says He is—the snooze. When the rabbit awakes, he sees Son of God—not on impressing God with that the tortoise is crossing the finish line. good deeds. An ancient Greek commentator noted that “many people have good natural So what then does Jesus mean by His abilities which are ruined instruction to sell posses- by idleness; on the other sions? At that time—and hand, sobriety, zeal and Many who are first often in our day as well— perseverance can prevail will be last, and wealth was viewed as a over indolence.” many who are last sign of God’s blessing. will be first. Possessions were seen as In our text today, Jesus also vindication of one’s righ- describes a surprising fin- Matthew 19:30 teousness. Jesus upends ish at the end of life’s race. that calculus. The command People who seemed to be to sell possessions and give winning according to all the standards to the poor requires giving up trust in valued by the world—wealth and status wealth and status and placing all trust in and power and connections and even re- Jesus instead. The willingness to get rid of ligious propriety—discover that they have any thing that claims our devotion other missed the point of discipleship. than our Lord reveals the reality of a life transformed by the saving power of God. As we saw yesterday, another man is ask- Jesus notes that all sacrifice for the sake ing Jesus, “What good thing must I do to of following Him will be worth it in light of inherit eternal life?” (v. 16). His question, eternity (v. 29). however well intentioned, fundamentally

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Are we clinging to anything other than Jesus as a Bruce Everhart, vice president sign of our religious respectability? Do we hold of Donor Development and tightly to our possessions or status instead of Channel Strategy, welcomes obeying Jesus’ call to follow Him into a ministry the prayers of the Today in the Word family, as he and his teams that might cost us? May we not, like the rich man, expand Moody’s contacts with turn away sad rather than choose discipleship. our constituents around the Instead, may we, like the disciples, be willing to world. leave everything to follow Jesus.

36 • Moody Bible Institute Read: Mark 14:32–50; Matthew 28:16–20 Thursday, April 30

Could you not keep watch for one hour?

The Gospels record over three hun- Then it gets worse. The religious leaders dred questions that Jesus asked—we’ve arrive with an armed crowd to arrest Je- only covered about 10 percent of them sus. All the disciples, from converted tax this month! We’ve studied questions that collector to rough fishermen to political reveal Jesus’ identity as the Messiah, the activist, all abandon Him. “Then everyone Son of God. We’ve seen His questions deserted Him and fled” (Mark 14:50). transform lives. Jesus asked rhetorical questions, and posed questions that As readers, we should identify with the demanded an answer to disciples. We know our reveal something about the own failures and imperfec- hearts of His listeners. And Watch and pray so tions. We know all the times today we’ll study our final that we have wilted in the question this month that that you will not fall face of opposition instead challenges us to embrace into temptation. of standing firm for Jesus. the call to discipleship. Mark 14:38 We know that so often we cannot keep watch for In some ways this is a dif- one hour. ficult passage to read. Our Savior took Peter, James, and John Thankfully, this is not the end of the story. with Him into the Garden of Gethsemane Jesus restores His terrified followers to to pray. He was “deeply distressed and fellowship. He promises the presence of troubled … overwhelmed with sorrow to the Holy Spirit. And He charges them with the point of death” (Mark 14:33–34). But the Great Commission, the call to extend surely His closest friends will be there for the offer of discipleship to all people Him at a time like this, right? Of course we around the world (Matt. 28:19–20). Will know the answer. The disciples repeatedly we share this good news? fall asleep.

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Have you felt like a spiritual failure? Your story is To conclude our prayers this not over! God can transform a life that looks like month, please mention Scott a disappointment into a powerful testimony. Jesus Pinnow from Records calls you to follow Him and declare the good Management during your news of forgiveness through His work of salvation. time with God today. This department serves our students Commit today to “watch and pray” so that you well, from their first day at will be empowered to choose Jesus over the Moody to graduation, and temptations offered by this world. we value Scott’s ministry.

Today in the Word • 37 FROM THE EDITORS Continued from page 4

a reader of (and learner from) Today that I am grateful to all involved in the in the Word, I send it to you. Perhaps composition, production, and dissemi- God will employ this verse to uplift, nation of Today in the Word. I thank encourage, or bless someone. Know God for you all and for your ministry.

He Is Risen! (A Poetic Adaptation of John 20, Verses 1 and 11–18)

The woman walked slowly, toward the tomb; She felt the heartache of a Love lost too soon. Her movement was joyless, sad and forlorn In the darkness of that early morn.

She walked with sorrow deep in her heart, For her Lord was dead (or so she thought). Tears of anguish ﬂowed from her eyes, As she wondered, “Did He really have to die?”

When she came to the place His lifeless form was laid; Where the entrance had been covered by a stone so great; She gasped in shock and quickened her pace, For she saw the huge stone had been rolled away!

In confusion and sorrow, with brokenhearted woe, She looked into the tomb and saw that His body was gone! Stunned by the empty tomb that she had just seen, The woman lost her strength . . . and fell to her knees.

Then as she wept, two angels in white Appeared and sat—in peace—nearby. They looked upon her as dawn drew nigh. For they had heard her heartbroken cry.

Then they asked her, “Why do you weep? Who is it, woman, you so anxiously seek? And what is this burden of grief you so heavily bear?” So she answered, “They’ve taken my Lord . . . I know not where!”

Continued on next page

381-800-356-6639 • Moody Bible Institute FROM THE EDITORS

Then she turned and saw, standing nearby, A man who also heard her anguished reply. With tenderness He asked, “Whom do you seek, and why do you cry?” Again she answered, “They’ve taken my Lord . . . Him I must ﬁnd!”

Then said He—one word!—her name, And Mary voiced a cry of joy as recognition came! For she knew then, it was Him (her Lord returned to Life again!), Who she had thought was for all time slain.

So with joyous heart and happy smile she ran, To tell the others of God’s glorious plan! With tears this time of joyful vision, With renewed hope and mended heart, she proclaimed:

“Our Lord is not dead! He’s Alive! He is Risen!”

~R. W. Damewood April 2000

Today in the Word • 39 New Bible study from authors Mary Kassian & Nancy Leigh DeMoss

In True Woman 201, bestselling authors Mary Kassian and Nancy Leigh DeMoss dig deep into the book of Titus to focus on important elements of redeemed womanhood. Each week of this 10-week study is divided into five lessons leading to a group time of sharing and unpacking the powerful truths in God’s Word.

Available at your favorite local or online bookstore or call (800) 678-8812. Is fear an unwelcome companion in your life?

Whatever it is that you fear, you are not alone—noralone—nor without hope. In Fear and Faith, author Trillia Newbell reects on Scripture and on her own story to encourage you as you embark on your own transforming journey.

Available at your favorite local or online bookstore or call (800) 678-8812. Visit us online | www.todayintheword.com Like us on Facebook | Today in the Word Follow us on Twitter | @TodayintheWord

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