Daily Notes & Observations is a 365-part series that follows a chronological daily Bible reading schedule and contains a short article based on something found in the text for each day. This material is also available in paperback.

November 13, 2012

What the Thief on the Cross Understood (11/13)

Thought from today’s Bible reading from Luke 23; John 18-19.

There are several lessons to be learned from the thief who was crucified next to Jesus. Notice what Luke recorded in his gospel:

“One of the criminals who were hanged there was hurling abuse at Him, saying, ‘Are You not the Christ? Save Yourself and us!’ But the other answered, and rebuking him said, ‘Do you not even fear God, since you are under the same sentence of condemnation? And we indeed are suffering justly, for we are receiving what we deserve for our deeds; but this man has done nothing wrong.’ And he was saying, ‘Jesus, remember me when You come in Your kingdom!’ And He said to him, ‘Truly I say to you, today you shall be with Me in Paradise’” (Luke 23:39-43).

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November 12, 2012

“Pressed Into Service to Bear His Cross” (11/12)

Thought from today’s Bible reading from Matthew 27; Mark 15.

While on the way to crucify Jesus, the Roman soldiers compelled another man to carry Jesus’ cross. Why? Tradition tells us that Jesus stumbled on the way to Golgotha and, because He was physically unable to carry the cross, the soldiers found someone else to carry it. What does the text say?

“After they mocked Him, they took the scarlet robe off Him and put His own garments back on Him, and led Him away to crucify Him. As they were coming out, they found a man of Cyrene named Simon, whom they pressed into service to bear His cross” (Matthew 27:31-32).

At what point did Jesus stumble or fall under the weight of the cross? It is absent from the text. Examining the other gospels will also reveal nothing about Jesus stumbling on the way to Golgotha (Mark 15:21; Luke 23:26; John 19:17).

So why was Simon forced to carry Jesus’ cross?
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November 11, 2012

If You Love Jesus (11/11)

Thought from today’s Bible reading from John 14-17.

“If you love Me, you will keep My commandments” (John 14:15).

There are many people who claim to love Jesus. But how many are diligent to obey Him? Many in the religious world reject the necessity of obedience. They might say that obeying His commandments is good, but not something that the Lord requires. But notice what Jesus later said:

“You are My friends if you do what I command you” (John 15:14).

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November 10, 2012

“If I Tell You, You Will Not Believe” (11/10)

Thought from today’s Bible reading from Luke 22; John 13.

While Jesus was on trial, He showed us that there will be some who will not accept the truth, even when it is plainly presented to them.

“When it was day, the Council of elders of the people assembled, both chief priests and scribes, and they led Him away to their council chamber, saying, ‘If You are the Christ, tell us.’ But He said to them, ‘If I tell you, you will not believe; and if I ask a question, you will not answer. But from now on the Son of Man will be seated at the right hand of God.’ And they all said, ‘Are You the Son of God, then?’ And He said to them, ‘Yes, I am.’ Then they said, ‘What further need to we have of testimony? For we have heard it ourselves from His own mouth’” (Luke 22:66-71).

During His time on the earth, Jesus had done enough to prove that He was “the Christ, the Son of the living God” (Matthew 16:16). Yet the members of the Council refused to accept it. When they asked this question, Jesus knew that they would not believe the truth. They had already made up their minds that Jesus was a blasphemer and worthy of death.
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November 9, 2012

Praying That the Hour Might Pass Him By (11/9)

Thought from today’s Bible reading from Matthew 26; Mark 14.

Jesus prayed in the Garden of Gethsemane before His betrayal. Some have interpreted His prayer to mean that Jesus was praying that He might be able to avoid the cross. Notice what Jesus said as it was recorded by Matthew:

“And He went a little beyond them, and fell on His face and prayed, saying, ‘My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me; yet not as I will, but as You will’” (Matthew 26:39).

Some read of this desire for “this cup” to pass from Him and conclude that Jesus, in a moment of weakness, desired to escape the cross. In other words, though Jesus came to this world to save sinners, when the time was near for Him to offer the sacrifice, in an act of human weakness He wanted to abandon the mission. Can this possibly be true of our Lord?

Mark, in his gospel, offers us an inspired commentary explaining what Jesus’ words meant:
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November 8, 2012

“Each According to His Own Ability” (11/8)

Thought from today’s Bible reading from Matthew 25.

In the parable of the talents, Jesus’ teaching reminds us of the need for each one of us to do what we are capable of doing.

“For it is just like a man about to go on a journey, who called how own slaves and entrusted his possessions to them. To one he gave five talents, to another, two, and to another, one, each according to his ability; and he went on his journey” (Matthew 25:14-15).

The “talents” were amounts of money that the master entrusted to his three slaves to manage while he was away. They were not each given the same amount. Each received what the master expected him to be able to manage. When he returned later, they were held accountable for how they managed what they received.
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November 7, 2012

“Most People’s Love Will Grow Cold” (11/7)

Thought from today’s Bible reading from Matthew 24.

Jesus warned His disciples about some difficult times that would be in their future. Sadly, the hardships would cause many to turn away from God and “grow cold” in their love and dedication for Him.

“Then they will deliver you to tribulation, and will kill you, and you will be hated by all nations because of My name. At that time many will fall away and will betray one another and hate one another. Many false prophets will arise and will mislead many. Because lawlessness is increased, most people’s love will grow cold. But the one who endures to the end, he will be saved” (Matthew 24:9-13).

Notice what Jesus said can cause His followers to turn away from Him:
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