Podcasts about Sheep Gate

Nehemiah 3 NIV 3 Eliashib the high priest and his fellow priests went to work and rebuilt the Sheep Gate. They dedicated it and set its doors in place, building as far as the Tower of the Hundred, which they dedicated, and as far as the Tower of Hananel. 2 The men of Jericho built the adjoining section, and Zakkur son of Imri built next to them. 3 The Fish Gate was rebuilt by the sons of Hassenaah. They laid its beams and put its doors and bolts and bars in place. 4 Meremoth son of Uriah, the son of Hakkoz, repaired the next section. Next to him Meshullam son of Berekiah, the son of Meshezabel, made repairs, and next to him Zadok son of Baana also made repairs. 5 The next section was repaired by the men of Tekoa, but their nobles would not put their shoulders to the work under their supervisors.[a]6 The Jeshanah[b] Gate was repaired by Joiada son of Paseah and Meshullam son of Besodeiah. They laid its beams and put its doors with their bolts and bars in place. 7 Next to them, repairs were made by men from Gibeon and Mizpah—Melatiah of Gibeon and Jadon of Meronoth—places under the authority of the governor of Trans-Euphrates. 8 Uzziel son of Harhaiah, one of the goldsmiths, repaired the next section; and Hananiah, one of the perfume-makers, made repairs next to that. They restored Jerusalem as far as the Broad Wall. 9 Rephaiah son of Hur, ruler of a half-district of Jerusalem, repaired the next section. 10 Adjoining this, Jedaiah son of Harumaph made repairs opposite his house, and Hattush son of Hashabneiah made repairs next to him. 11 Malkijah son of Harim and Hasshub son of Pahath-Moab repaired another section and the Tower of the Ovens. 12 Shallum son of Hallohesh, ruler of a half-district of Jerusalem, repaired the next section with the help of his daughters.13 The Valley Gate was repaired by Hanun and the residents of Zanoah. They rebuilt it and put its doors with their bolts and bars in place. They also repaired a thousand cubits[c] of the wall as far as the Dung Gate.14 The Dung Gate was repaired by Malkijah son of Rekab, ruler of the district of Beth Hakkerem. He rebuilt it and put its doors with their bolts and bars in place.15 The Fountain Gate was repaired by Shallun son of Kol-Hozeh, ruler of the district of Mizpah. He rebuilt it, roofing it over and putting its doors and bolts and bars in place. He also repaired the wall of the Pool of Siloam,[d] by the King's Garden, as far as the steps going down from the City of David. 16 Beyond him, Nehemiah son of Azbuk, ruler of a half-district of Beth Zur, made repairs up to a point opposite the tombs[e] of David, as far as the artificial pool and the House of the Heroes.17 Next to him, the repairs were made by the Levites under Rehum son of Bani. Beside him, Hashabiah, ruler of half the district of Keilah, carried out repairs for his district. 18 Next to him, the repairs were made by their fellow Levites under Binnui[f] son of Henadad, ruler of the other half-district of Keilah. 19 Next to him, Ezer son of Jeshua, ruler of Mizpah, repaired another section, from a point facing the ascent to the armory as far as the angle of the wall. 20 Next to him, Baruch son of Zabbai zealously repaired another section, from the angle to the entrance of the house of Eliashib the high priest. 21 Next to him, Meremoth son of Uriah, the son of Hakkoz, repaired another section, from the entrance of Eliashib's house to the end of it.22 The repairs next to him were made by the priests from the surrounding region. 23 Beyond them, Benjamin and Hasshub made repairs in front of their house; and next to them, Azariah son of Maaseiah, the son of Ananiah, made repairs beside his house. 24 Next to him, Binnui son of Henadad repaired another section, from Azariah's house to the angle and the corner, 25 and Palal son of Uzai worked opposite the angle and the tower projecting from the upper palace near the court of the guard. Next to him, Pedaiah son of Parosh 26 and the temple servants living on the hill of Ophel made repairs up to a point opposite the Water Gate toward the east and the projecting tower. 27 Next to them, the men of Tekoa repaired another section, from the great projecting tower to the wall of Ophel.28 Above the Horse Gate, the priests made repairs, each in front of his own house. 29 Next to them, Zadok son of Immer made repairs opposite his house. Next to him, Shemaiah son of Shekaniah, the guard at the East Gate, made repairs. 30 Next to him, Hananiah son of Shelemiah, and Hanun, the sixth son of Zalaph, repaired another section. Next to them, Meshullam son of Berekiah made repairs opposite his living quarters. 31 Next to him, Malkijah, one of the goldsmiths, made repairs as far as the house of the temple servants and the merchants, opposite the Inspection Gate, and as far as the room above the corner; 32 and between the room above the corner and the Sheep Gate the goldsmiths and merchants made repairs. 

John 5:1-2 After this there was a feast of the Jews, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem. Now there is in Jerusalem by the Sheep Gate a pool, in Aramaic called Bethesda, which has five roofed colonnades. John 5:3-5 In these lay a multitude of invalids—blind, lame, and paralyzed. 5 One man was there who […]

John 5:1-9   After Jesus healed the son of the official in Capernaum, there was a festival of the Jews, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem. Now in Jerusalem by the Sheep Gate there is a pool, called in Hebrew Beth-zatha, which has five porticoes. In these lay many invalids-- blind, lame, and paralyzed. One man was there who had been ill for thirty-eight years. When Jesus saw him lying there and knew that he had been there a long time, he said to him, "Do you want to be made well?" The sick man answered him, "Sir, I have no one to put me into the pool when the water is stirred up; and while I am making my way, someone else steps down ahead of me." Jesus said to him, "Stand up, take your mat and walk." At once the man was made well, and he took up his mat and began to walk. Now that day was a sabbath.

After this there was a festival of the Jews, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem. Now in Jerusalem by the Sheep Gate there is a pool, called in Hebrew Beth-zatha, which has five porticoes. In these lay many ill, blind, lame, and paralyzed people. One man was there who had been ill for thirty-eight years. [...] Read More... The post To Be Or To Do appeared first on Open Table Metropolitan Community Church.

This week's Gospel reading John 5:1-9 recounts the story of an invalid Jesus encounters at the Sheep Gate in Jerusalem. In this encounter Jesus asks, 'Do you want to get well?" Jesus does not presume to know what is wanted, but reflects God's goodness in giving us our own 'free will'. God does not pressure creation to come to Him, but instead asks gently and extends His invitations into our lives- invitations towards wholeness, community and care. The invalid responds by listing a range of reasons why he is not already well! Through His compassionate listening Jesus discerns the man's desire for healing and so tells him to 'Get up!". Immediately the man is healed. Here is something we learn- that Jesus invites, and that God gives. We have faith through the Holy Spirit drawing us into trust in a God who truly cares for us, is generous, and does not seek God's own way. God gives each of us the final say in how we choose to live. How can you choose, this week, to reflect your trust in God's generosity? Could you invite someone you know into a deeper conversation, or share generously of your time and resources to improve someone else's wellbeing? Are you willing to follow their lead in how to do this? May Jesus guide you in showing others His face.This message was written and presented by Pr. Havard Osland of the Norwegian Lutheran Church Aust.Support the show

JOHN 5:1-18 - TAKE UP YOUR MATT - BRIAN SUMNER - 2025JOHN 5:1-18 "After this there was a feast of the Jews, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem. 2 Now there is in Jerusalem by the Sheep Gate a pool, which is called in Hebrew, Bethesda, having five porches. 3 In these lay a great multitude of sick people, blind, lame, paralyzed, waiting for the moving of the water. 4 For an angel went down at a certain time into the pool and stirred up the water; then whoever stepped in first, after the stirring of the water, was made well of whatever disease he had. 5 Now a certain man was there who had an infirmity thirty-eight years. 6 When Jesus saw him lying there, and knew that he already had been in that condition a long time, He said to him, “Do you want to be made well?”7 The sick man answered Him, “Sir, I have no man to put me into the pool when the water is stirred up; but while I am coming, another steps down before me.”8 Jesus said to him, “Rise, take up your bed and walk.” 9 And immediately the man was made well, took up his bed, and walked.And that day was the Sabbath. 10 The Jews therefore said to him who was cured, “It is the Sabbath; it is not lawful for you to carry your bed.”11 He answered them, “He who made me well said to me, ‘Take up your bed and walk.' ”12 Then they asked him, “Who is the Man who said to you, ‘Take up your bed and walk'?” 13 But the one who was healed did not know who it was, for Jesus had withdrawn, a multitude being in that place. 14 Afterward Jesus found him in the temple, and said to him, “See, you have been made well. Sin no more, lest a worse thing come upon you.”15 The man departed and told the Jews that it was Jesus who had made him well.16 For this reason the Jews persecuted Jesus, and sought to kill Him, because He had done these things on the Sabbath. 17 But Jesus answered them, “My Father has been working until now, and I have been working.”18 Therefore the Jews sought all the more to kill Him, because He not only broke the Sabbath, but also said that God was His Father, making Himself equal with God."To support this channel and partner with Brian in Ministryhttps://www.briansumner.net/support/For more on Brianhttp://www.briansumner.nethttps://www.instagram.com/BRIANSUMNER/https://www.facebook.com/BRIANSUMNEROFFICIALTo listen to Brians Podcast, click below.https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...Purchase Brians Marriage book at https://www.amazon.com/Never-Fails-Da...Brian is a full time "Urban Missionary" both locally and internationally with a focus on MISSIONS - MARRIAGES - MINISTRY. Since coming to faith in 2004 doors continued opening locally and internationally to do more and more ministry with a focus on Evangelism, Outreach Missions, Marriage, Counsel, Schools, Festivals, Conferences and the like.  Everything about this ministry is made possible because of people personally partnering through the non profit. God Bless and thank you. †Support the showSUPPORT THE SHOW

Gospel Reading: John 5:1-15At that time, Jesus went up to Jerusalem. Now there is in Jerusalem by the Sheep Gate a pool, in Hebrew called Bethesda which has five porticoes. In these lay a multitude of invalids, blind, lame, paralyzed, waiting for the moving of the water; for an angel of the Lord went down at certain seasons into the pool, and troubled the water; whoever stepped in first after the troubling of the water was healed of whatever disease he had. One man was there, who had been ill for thirty-eight years. When Jesus saw him and knew that he had been lying there a long time, he said to him, "Do you want to be healed?" The sick man answered him, "Sir, I have no man to put me into the pool when the water is troubled, and while I am going another steps down before me." Jesus said to him, "Rise, take up your pallet, and walk." And at once the man was healed, and he took up his pallet and walked.Now that day was the sabbath. So the Jews said to the man who was cured, "It is the sabbath, it is not lawful for you to carry your pallet." But he answered them, "The man who healed me said to me, 'Take up your pallet, and walk.' "They asked him, "Who is the man who said to you, 'Take up your pallet, and walk'?" Now the man who had been healed did not know who it was, for Jesus had withdrawn, as there was a crowd in the place. Afterward, Jesus found him in the temple, and said to him, "See, you are well! Sin no more, that nothing worse befall you." The man went away and told the Jews that it was Jesus who had healed him.

Jenn Schmidt from Intimate Covenant joins us to overcoming sexual abuse and building a healthy, intimate sex life with your husband. NOTE: J totally got the episode number wrong! Not the first time she's been wrong. ~wink~ Sponsor Visit Better Help to get matched with a therapist who shares your values and can address your issues. Use code 4CW to get 10% off your first month. From the Bible Praise the Lord, my soul,     and forget not all his benefits— who forgives all your sins     and heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit     and crowns you with love and compassion, who satisfies your desires with good things     so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's.The Lord works righteousness     and justice for all the oppressed. Psalm 103:2-6 Now there is in Jerusalem near the Sheep Gate a pool, which in Aramaic is called Bethesda and which is surrounded by five covered colonnades. Here a great number of disabled people used to lie—the blind, the lame, the paralyzed. One who was there had been an invalid for thirty-eight years. When Jesus saw him lying there and learned that he had been in this condition for a long time, he asked him, “Do you want to get well?”“Sir,” the invalid replied, “I have no one to help me into the pool when the water is stirred. While I am trying to get in, someone else goes down ahead of me.”Then Jesus said to him, “Get up! Pick up your mat and walk.” At once the man was cured; he picked up his mat and walked. John 5:2-9a For your Maker is your husband— the Lord Almighty is his name— the Holy One of Israel is your Redeemer; he is called the God of all the earth. Isaiah 54:5 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God. For just as we share abundantly in the sufferings of Christ, so also our comfort abounds through Christ. 2 Corinthians 1:3-5 Resources Intimate Covenant Podcast Intimate Covenant Retreat Trapped by Trauma | The Forgiven Wife Mending the Remnants of Brokenness | The Forgiven Wife For My Sister Sexual Assault Survivors | The Forgiven Wife Your Wife Has Been Sexually Harassed - Hot, Holy & Humorous Episode 64: Healing from Sexual Abuse, with Mary DeMuth - Sex Chat for Christian Wives My Larry Nassar Testimony Went Viral. But There's More to the Gospel Than Forgiveness. - Christianity Today Triggers: What They Are, How They Form, and What to Do Box Breathing for Stress - CHI Health About EMDR Therapy - EMDR International Association The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma by Bessel van der Kolk M.D. Is Your Wife a Survivor? - Knowing Her Sexually Thanks for joining us at the virtual kitchen table for another great chat! If you could, we'd appreciate you leaving a rating and/or review so that others can find the show. Please be sure to check out our website and webinars at forchristianwives.com. And visit our individual ministry pages for more resources as well: Strong Wives - Bonny Burns Honeycomb & Spice - Chris Taylor Hot, Holy & Humorous - J. Parker

John 5:1-18,After this there was a feast of the Jews, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem.2 Now there is in Jerusalem by the Sheep Gate a pool, in Aramaic called Bethesda, which has five roofed colonnades. 3 In these lay a multitude of invalids—blind, lame, and paralyzed. 5 One man was there who had been an invalid for thirty-eight years. 6 When Jesus saw him lying there and knew that he had already been there a long time, he said to him, “Do you want to be healed?” 7 The sick man answered him, “Sir, I have no one to put me into the pool when the water is stirred up, and while I am going another steps down before me.” 8 Jesus said to him, “Get up, take up your bed, and walk.” 9 And at once the man was healed, and he took up his bed and walked.Now that day was the Sabbath. 10 So the Jews said to the man who had been healed, “It is the Sabbath, and it is not lawful for you to take up your bed.” 11 But he answered them, “The man who healed me, that man said to me, ‘Take up your bed, and walk.'” 12 They asked him, “Who is the man who said to you, ‘Take up your bed and walk'?” 13 Now the man who had been healed did not know who it was, for Jesus had withdrawn, as there was a crowd in the place. 14 Afterward Jesus found him in the temple and said to him, “See, you are well! Sin no more, that nothing worse may happen to you.” 15 The man went away and told the Jews that it was Jesus who had healed him. 16 And this was why the Jews were persecuting Jesus, because he was doing these things on the Sabbath. 17 But Jesus answered them, “My Father is working until now, and I am working.”18 This was why the Jews were seeking all the more to kill him, because not only was he breaking the Sabbath, but he was even calling God his own Father, making himself equal with God. One of the realities of our humanity is that we can be wrong sometimes.Being wrong, a lot of times, isn't a terrible thing, we know we don't always get it right — but there are some big things in life that we can't afford to get wrong because the stakes are too high. And Jesus targets one of those things in our passage today, John Chapter 5. It's all about the way that God works in this world. That's the focus in this passage — it's the activity of God, the power of God, the working of God in this world. We must get that right. And we find here two things it is not, and one thing it is. And that's the outline of this sermon. We're going to consider two misconceptions about God's work and then thirdly, we're gonna see how Jesus answers both.Father, the unfolding of your word gives light. This morning, we ask, that by the power of your Spirit, shine on our hearts, and speak to us, in Jesus's name, amen. 1. God's work is not impersonal to us. John starts in verse 1 with the setting of this story: Jesus is back in Jerusalem, and he's in a particular part of the city John describes for us. By the Sheep Gate (in the northeast part of the city) there was a pool called Bethesda.This pool would have been a pretty big rectangle — think the size of a football field — and then surrounding the pool is what verse 2 calls “five roofed colonnades.” This is a shelter held up by columns. There would have been a shelter surrounding the four sides of the pool, and then a shelter through the middle section, and verse 3 says that under this shelter, or in these colonnades, lay a “multitude of invalids—blind, lame, and paralyzed.” Keyword there is “multitude” — down in verse 13 John says that there was a crowd in the place, so we should imagine here:A long pool, surrounded by a swarm of people. And many of the people in this area would have been disabled folks, many of them were likely homeless and they found shelter here.So imagine this to look like a homeless encampment. There's lots of people who hang around here, and there's shopping carts scattered around and backpacks and pallets and stuff laid out.And one person in this multitude, verse 5 says, was a man who had been an invalid for 38 years. We don't know the exact details of his condition, but most likely he was paralyzed in some way.Everybody find verse 6 for a minute. There's an important detail to the story in verse 6 I want you to see. John 5, verse 6:“When Jesus saw him lying there and knew that he had already been there a long time, he said to him, ‘Do you want to be healed?'”Again, imagine what's going on here: It's a swarm of people. People everywhere. But Jesus saw this one man in the crowd and he knew he'd been there a long time — now how'd Jesus know that? We're not sure. Maybe he knew because he knows things, or maybe he asked around, either way, Jesus was interested in this man. He knew he'd been there a while, and he wanted to know what the man was looking for. So Jesus asked him, verse 6, “Do you want to be healed?”And this is when the action starts. Kind of like in Chapter 4 with the Samaritan woman, Jesus asks the questions and that's when things start to unravel … The Unraveling BeginsThe man responded to Jesus with an implied “Yes” but he jumped straight to the problem. Look at verse 7. The man said:“Sir, I have no one to put me into the pool when the water is stirred up, and while I am going another steps down before me.”What in the world is he talking about? Again, there's some unraveling here …This is the situation that was going on: during this time in Jerusalem there was a superstition that God would occasionally send an angel to infuse these pools with healing power — the waters would apparently be stirred up — and whoever would get in the water first, would be healed. (So it was like part healing, part contest.)The reason the man had been there by the pool for a long time was because he was waiting for his moment — and apparently a lot of other people were doing the same. Remember it's a multitude of people. They're all looking for their chance. But each time the ‘magic' came, this man was too disabled to get himself in the water first. So he was constantly just missing out. So I think the man's reply to Jesus in verse 7 is an indirect request. Try to track with this: in verse 7 the man is telling Jesus his problem to see if Jesus would solve this problem by helping him get to the pool. Because this man thinks that's where the power of God is. He thinks God's work is in the pool, and he thinks his problem is that he doesn't have anyone to help him get access to where God works — and he's telling this to Jesus! Which is super ironic, isn't it? We're supposed to read this and be like Oh my goodness! We should think: This guy has it all wrong.He is complaining to Jesus about not having access to where he thinks God works.All he needs is for Jesus to say the word, like Jesus did in Chapter 4. He just spoke the word and 25 miles away the fever broke!The Vaguely SpiritualWhat this man gets wrong is that he thinks the work of God in the world is impersonal to us.According to how this man viewed the world: he believed that God was the one behind miraculous things — God was the one who made the water magic — but that's the thing: it was the water that became magic at random, arbitrary times, which means the power of God is disconnected from the person of God. This thinking disconnects the work of God from the will of God.And this kind of thinking, this misconception, still exists today in those who we could call the vaguely spiritual. That's the title I'm putting on this thinking. These are people who don't deny the existence of a higher power — they're not atheists — but they're also not committed to the God of the Bible. And you find this everywhere. I remember one Sunday I was talking with someone after the service and they were going on and on about Sedona, Arizona and this rock formation that has divine healing power. It's making the work of God impersonal to us. That's what the vaguely spiritual do. A lot of these people might even consider themselves to be Christians, but they really only appreciate the ‘inspirational' side of things. They only want the self-help stuff — which is an attempt to have blessing without relationship.And this is where we start to see that the belief that God's work is impersonal is not just something people get wrong, it's also a preference. People are very interested in the good God can do for them, but they're not interested in daily trusting him. A lot of people love the idea of ‘getting from God what we want without having to deal with God on his terms.' See, that prefers to keep things non-committal and vague.The vaguely spiritual are ‘spiritual' enough not to be atheist, but ‘vague' enough not to be subject to God's moral demands. But look: that's wrong … Wrong.That's not how God works. God's work is not impersonal to us. Here's the second thing we see about God's work in the world.2. God's work is not dictated by us. Jesus says the word, heals this man, and then John tells us, verse 9,“Now that day was the Sabbath.” Verse 9 is like a hard right turn that takes us into what seems like a whole different topic. We go from pool superstition to Sabbath controversy like this. Verse 10 says right away that the Jewish leaders said to the man who had been healed:“It is the Sabbath, and it is not lawful for you to take up your bed.” And it's interesting here how the man deflects the blame. He said he took up his bed because the man who healed him told him to. Baked into that statement is a recognition of authority. It's like the man is saying, I've been paralyzed for 38 years, and a man just showed up from this crowd and told me to get up, and I did. So yeah, I'm just gonna do whatever he says.Look how they respond, verse 12. Again, they just want to know who healed him and where he went — not so they can meet Jesus and be in awe of him, but because they want to correct him.And again, the irony here is thick. The only person who does not need to be corrected in this story is Jesus. That's how misguided these people are!And in case you were wondering, there's no law in the Old Testament that says you can't take up your bed on the Sabbath. The statement in verse 10 that it's not lawful is according to the Mishnah — that's Jewish oral tradition. A bunch of rabbis had analyzed the Sabbath command and came up with 39 categories of prohibited work, one of which included that on the Sabbath you can't carry anything from one place to another. That was their rule. So the Jewish leaders here are not trying to defend God's word, but this is their own word.Again, there's irony: they think they're defending God's law, but they're actually defending their misapplication of God's law in opposition to God himself!I wanna make sure you see what's going on here: These Jewish leaders meet this guy who has been paralyzed for 38 years and now he's not! He's up! He's walking! They don't give him a high-five! They're not amazed by the fact that this man has been healed! But instead they interrogate him because according to them the timing of his healing didn't make sense!For them, this healing, which was God's work, happened when it wasn't supposed to, and that became their concern. The Legalistic HenchmenWhat these Jewish leaders get wrong is that they think the work of God in the world is dictated by us. According to how these people viewed the world, they believed that God did miraculous things, but only so long as it fits with their expectations and their standards. The issue here is that they've disconnected the work of God from the word of God by making it subject to their own word. They've separated the power of God from the freedom of God by putting themselves in the place of God. And this kind of thinking, this misconception, still exists today in those who we could call the legalistic henchmen. That's the title I'm putting on this one. These are people who believe that God is at work in the world, but they've drawn very clear lines of where that work can happen and where it can't, and anything outside their lines is rejected. If it doesn't fit in their construct and conform to their rules then it's dismissed. And this is where we can see that this belief also — the belief that God's work is dictated by us — is not just something people get wrong, it too is a preference. Because it means that we as humans are the ones in control. The ‘legalistic henchmen', see, never get corrected, but they're always the ones doing the correcting, because “they're always right and they're the only ones who really do God's work.”Now there are very few people who would admit that they think this way, but it's out there. It's the inability to appreciate God's work in things you had nothing to do with. The legalistic henchmen are so blinded by their own man-made ideals that they miss the work of God when it's right in front of them. That's what's going on here. And it's wrong … Wrong.That's not how God works. God's work is not dictated by us. So let's just track what we've seen so far in the pool superstition and the Sabbath controversy. Two misconceptions:So far we know that God's work is neither impersonal to us nor dictated by us. We don't wanna be vaguely spiritual or legalistic henchmen — so how should we be?How should we understand God's work in the world?3. God's work in the world is what Jesus is doing, who is both personal and active. I want you to see how Jesus engages both of these misconceptions. First, let's go back to what Jesus said to the paralyzed man. This is for the vaguely spiritual. Jesus says to the man in verse 8,“Get up, take up your bed, and walk.”Verse 9: And at once the man was healed, and he took up his bed and walked.I want you to see here that there is a beautiful contrast between where this man was looking for healing and what he actually experienced.He is looking to somehow find his way into that pool because he thinks the work of God is impersonally connected to the water, meanwhile, the true work of God is in the person of Jesus Christ who finds his way to this man. In this crowd, Jesus saw him and learned about him and healed him.And look at verse 14. After the healing there was some commotion and Jesus withdrew from the crowd. But verse 14. Look at verse 14: “Afterward Jesus found him in the temple …”Not only did Jesus see him that once, and learn about him, but Jesus was looking for him again. How much more personal can this get?! Jesus found him again! Look, some of you in this room should know that the reason you're here today is because Jesus has been looking for you. Jesus has found you. Look what Jesus says in verse 9. He says, “See, you are well! [Yes, you're walking! I just hear the joy of Jesus in these words! … Then he says:] Sin no more, that nothing worse may happen to you.”Jesus here is calling this man to a new way of life. He's calling this man to true faith and repentance. What is worse than being paralyzed for 38 years is to be able to walk but still die in your sin. You know one thing about the Gospels and these stories is that they show us real-life people who encounter Jesus, which makes me think of other real-life people who have encountered Jesus. People at our church. This story makes me think of Jean Swenson, our dear sister. This man had been paralyzed for 38 years, and Jean has been there for 45 years (and she has an amazing testimony — if you've not heard it, Jean wrote something for our church I'm gonna share this week).Jesus has not healed Jean's body yet, but Jean has experienced the work of God in her life in the most important way. She has believed in the Lord Jesus Christ. She has been forgiven. And Jean has a perspective on life that we all need. She says, “My value lies in something that can never be taken away…and that's the fact that God loves me.” Do you hear that? “God loves me.” Jean knows: Jesus sees her, knows her, he found her.There's nothing impersonal about that. Jesus Is WorkingLastly, here, I want you to see what Jesus says to these Jewish leaders in verse 17. This is for the legalistic henchmen. Now John gives us a summary statement in verse 18 — the reason these Jewish leaders despised Jesus is not just because he was breaking their man-made rules about the Sabbath, but, end of verse 18, “he was even calling God his own Father, making himself equal with God.”Jesus was doing that in verse 17, when he said, “My Father is working until now, and I am working.”See, implied here is that God the Father is always working. God doesn't take breaks. He neither sleeps nor slumbers, Psalm 121. God is exempt from having to stop work on the Sabbath because we need him constantly to uphold the universe. We need God to always keep things in orbit and sustain life, and the Jewish worldview understood that. Jesus says, The Father is working until now — and they all would have been like, Yes, of course — but then Jesus says, and I am working. And they knew what he meant. Jesus was saying that his working, what he's doing, is what God is doing. What God is doing is what Jesus is doing. Jesus is not one of several different ways God works, but Jesus is the only way. God's work in the world is never apart from Jesus, but it's always through Jesus, centered on Jesus, lifting high Jesus. We will see more of this in the Gospel of John. Jesus will say in Chapter 14, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”That is the final answer to our question …God's work in the world is what Jesus Christ is doing, and he is both personal and active. Jesus finds us where we are, he calls us to himself, and he is doing this all the time. He's active every single day.Which means, as for God's work in the world, we should be neither vaguely spiritual nor legalistic henchmen, but we should be attentive to Jesus Christ. Focusing on Jesus Christ. Remembering Jesus Christ.And that's what brings us to the Table.The TableI'm convinced that the greatest need in the Christian life is to keep Jesus clear in our hearts. We need to remember his realness in all of life. And that's something we do on purpose together at this table each week. We remember that the definite work of God in the world was when Jesus died for us on the cross. Jesus was working then, and Jesus is working now by his Spirit every time the message of his cross is heard and shared and embraced. And that's what we're doing at the table. If you're not a Christian yet — if you've not put your faith in Jesus — this moment is an invitation for you. Trust in Jesus. That could look like a prayer of the heart that says:Jesus, I can't save myself and I'm done trying. You died on the cross to save me, and I trust you. Save me.And for those of us who have done that, who have trusted in Jesus, we receive this table with thankfulness, and we remember Jesus and his work in our lives, in our church, in this world. Rejoice in Jesus Christ.

Today's Topics: 1) Gospel - John 5:1-16 - There was a feast of the Jews, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem. Now there is in Jerusalem at the Sheep Gate a pool called in Hebrew Bethesda, with five porticoes. In these lay a large number of ill, blind, lame, and crippled. One man was there who had been ill for thirty-eight years. When Jesus saw him lying there and knew that he had been ill for a long time, He said to him, "Do you want to be well?" The sick man answered him, "Sir, I have no one to put me into the pool when the water is stirred up; while I am on my way, someone else gets down there before me." Jesus said to him, "Rise, take up your mat, and walk." Immediately the man became well, took up his mat, and walked. Now that day was a sabbath. So the Jews said to the man who was cured, "It is the sabbath, and it is not lawful for you to carry your mat." He answered them, "The Man Who made me well told me, 'Take up your mat and walk.'" They asked him, "Who is the man who told you, 'Take it up and walk'?" The man who was healed did not know Who it was, for Jesus had slipped away, since there was a crowd there. After this Jesus found him in the temple area and said to him, "Look, you are well; do not sin any more, so that nothing worse may happen to you." The man went and told the Jews that Jesus was the one Who had made him well. Therefore, the Jews began to persecute Jesus because He did this on a sabbath. Bishop Sheen quote of the day On April 1st, the Church celebrates the feast day of Saint Mary of Egypt, a woman who lived a life of prostitution before becoming a hermit and a powerful symbol of redemption and forgiveness https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/saint/st-mary-of-egypt-422#:~:text=Mary%20of%20EgyptFeast%20day,the%20life%20of%20a%20hermit 2, 3, 4) The Industrial Hymnal complex https://www.lepantoin.org/wp/the-hymnal-industrial-complex/

‭‭John‬ ‭5‬:‭2‬-‭3‬, ‭5‬-‭8‬ “Inside the city, near the Sheep Gate, was the pool of Bethesda with five covered porches. Crowds of sick people—blind, lame, or paralyzed—lay on the porches. One of the men lying there had been sick for thirty-eight years. When JESUS saw him and knew he had been ill for a long time, HE asked him, “Would you like to get well?” “I can't, sir,” the sick man said, “for I have no one to put me into the pool when the water bubbles up. Someone else always gets there ahead of me.” JESUS told him, “Stand up, pick up your mat, and walk!”

We read in the gospel of today, Tuesday 01 April 2025, about one of the miracles of Jesus performed in the pool of Bethesda, near the Temple and the Sheep Gate. He pitied a man who has been ill for 38 years already and was there together with many other people with their respective maladies, waiting for the water of the pool to stir. The first one who is able to get to the pool would be cured. Jesus cured him instantaneously. But the Jews took issue with this because Jesus told the man to take up his mat and go home. The taking up of the mat constituted in their view some work. Work was prohibited on the Sabbath. Violators of the Sabbath rest were stoned to death according to the Law. Check out the homily how this issue is resolved by the Lord.

Gospel Sermon on: John 5 : 1 - 18 1 After this there was a feast of the Jews, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem. 2 Now there is in Jerusalem by the Sheep Gate a pool, which is called in Hebrew, Bethesda, having five porches. 3 In these lay a great multitude of sick people, blind, lame, paralyzed, waiting for the moving of the water. 4 For an angel went down at a certain time into the pool and stirred up the water; then whoever stepped in first, after the stirring of the water, was made well of whatever disease he had. 5 Now a certain man was there who had an infirmity thirty-eight years. 6 When Jesus saw him lying there, and knew that he already had been in that condition a long time, He said to him, "Do you want to be made well?" 7 The sick man answered Him, "Sir, I have no man to put me into the pool when the water is stirred up; but while I am coming, another steps down before me." 8 Jesus said to him, "Rise, take up your bed and walk." 9 And immediately the man was made well, took up his bed, and walked. And that day was the Sabbath. 10 The Jews therefore said to him who was cured, "It is the Sabbath; it is not lawful for you to carry your bed." 11 He answered them, "He who made me well said to me, "Take up your bed and walk."' 12 Then they asked him, "Who is the Man who said to you, "Take up your bed and walk'?" 13 But the one who was healed did not know who it was, for Jesus had withdrawn, a multitude being in that place. 14 Afterward Jesus found him in the temple, and said to him, "See, you have been made well. Sin no more, lest a worse thing come upon you." 15 The man departed and told the Jews that it was Jesus who had made him well. 16 For this reason the Jews persecuted Jesus, and sought to kill Him, because He had done these things on the Sabbath. 17 But Jesus answered them, "My Father has been working until now, and I have been working." 18 Therefore the Jews sought all the more to kill Him, because He not only broke the Sabbath, but also said that God was His Father, making Himself equal with God. Glory be to God forever.

In his sermon, Pastor Dave emphasizes that everyone experiences moments of paralysis in their lives, whether spiritually, physically, or emotionally. He reminds the congregation that true healing comes from Jesus, who asks each of us if we truly want to be made well. Pastor Dave encourages listeners to stand up, pick up their "mats"—their pasts and burdens—and move forward, sharing their testimonies rather than hiding from them. Ultimately, he assures the congregation that their identity is not defined by past mistakes but by the transformative power of God's grace.John 5:1-9 - Afterward Jesus returned to Jerusalem for one of the Jewish holy days. 2 Inside the city, near the Sheep Gate, was the pool of Bethesda, with five covered porches. 3 Crowds of sick people—blind, lame, or paralyzed—lay on the porches. 5 One of the men lying there had been sick for thirty-eight years. 6 When Jesus saw him and knew he had been ill for a long time, he asked him, “Would you like to get well?”7 “I can't, sir,” the sick man said, “for I have no one to put me into the pool when the water bubbles up. Someone else always gets there ahead of me.”8 Jesus told him, “Stand up, pick up your mat, and walk!”9 Instantly, the man was healed! He rolled up his sleeping mat and began walking! But this miracle happened on the Sabbath,Psalms 62:5 My soul is quiet and waits for God alone. My hope comes from Him.Only God gives inward peace, and I depend on him.Acts 2:14 14 Then Peter stood up with the Eleven, raised his voice and addressed the crowd: “Fellow Jews and all of you who live in Jerusalem, let me explain this to you; listen carefully to what I say.Ezekiel 2:1-2 He said to me, “Son of man, stand up on your feet and I will speak to you.” 2 As he spoke, the Spirit came into me and raised me to my feet, and I heard him speaking to me.2 Corinthians 5:17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.

In his sermon, Pastor Dave emphasizes that everyone experiences moments of paralysis in their lives, whether spiritually, physically, or emotionally. He reminds the congregation that true healing comes from Jesus, who asks each of us if we truly want to be made well. Pastor Dave encourages listeners to stand up, pick up their "mats"—their pasts and burdens—and move forward, sharing their testimonies rather than hiding from them. Ultimately, he assures the congregation that their identity is not defined by past mistakes but by the transformative power of God's grace.John 5:1-9 - Afterward Jesus returned to Jerusalem for one of the Jewish holy days. 2 Inside the city, near the Sheep Gate, was the pool of Bethesda, with five covered porches. 3 Crowds of sick people—blind, lame, or paralyzed—lay on the porches. 5 One of the men lying there had been sick for thirty-eight years. 6 When Jesus saw him and knew he had been ill for a long time, he asked him, “Would you like to get well?”7 “I can't, sir,” the sick man said, “for I have no one to put me into the pool when the water bubbles up. Someone else always gets there ahead of me.”8 Jesus told him, “Stand up, pick up your mat, and walk!”9 Instantly, the man was healed! He rolled up his sleeping mat and began walking! But this miracle happened on the Sabbath,Psalms 62:5 My soul is quiet and waits for God alone. My hope comes from Him.Only God gives inward peace, and I depend on him.Acts 2:14 14 Then Peter stood up with the Eleven, raised his voice and addressed the crowd: “Fellow Jews and all of you who live in Jerusalem, let me explain this to you; listen carefully to what I say.Ezekiel 2:1-2 He said to me, “Son of man, stand up on your feet and I will speak to you.” 2 As he spoke, the Spirit came into me and raised me to my feet, and I heard him speaking to me.2 Corinthians 5:17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.

In this powerful message, we're invited to explore the profound symbolism of rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem as depicted in the book of Nehemiah. This isn't just a historical account; it's a blueprint for how we can strengthen and build up our church community today. We're challenged to consider the various 'gates' of our spiritual lives - from the Sheep Gate representing our foundational understanding of Christ's sacrifice, to the Inspection Gate reminding us of our accountability before God. Each gate serves a unique purpose in our spiritual journey, calling us to deepen our relationship with God's Word, with fellow believers, and with the Holy Spirit. As we reflect on these gates, we're encouraged to ask ourselves: Are we truly equipping new believers? Are we helping each other through life's valleys? Are we experiencing the living waters of the Spirit? This message compels us to move beyond surface-level Christianity and actively participate in building God's kingdom, both in our personal lives and as a church body.

I. Jesus Provides Access to Salvation II. Jesus Provides Access to Freedom III. Jesus Provides Access to Life

Pastor John Ryan Cantu brings this week's message, “Stuck in the Suffering." Key Verse: Romans 5.1-5 ESV: “Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. Through him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God. Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.” John 5:2-9 ESV: “Now there is in Jerusalem by the Sheep Gate a pool, in Aramaic called Bethesda, which has five roofed colonnades. In these lay a multitude of invalids—blind, lame, and paralyzed. One man was there who had been an invalid for thirty-eight years. When Jesus saw him lying there and knew that he had already been there a long time, he said to him, “Do you want to be healed?” The sick man answered him, “Sir, I have no one to put me into the pool when the water is stirred up, and while I am going another steps down before me.” Jesus said to him, “Get up, take up your bed, and walk.” And at once the man was healed, and he took up his bed and walked.” If you enjoyed the podcast, please subscribe and share it with your friends on social media. For more information about PNEUMA Church, visit our website at mypneumachurch.org.  Sermon Topics: Faith, Hope Connect with Us: Instagram: https://instagram.com/mypneumachurch YouTube: https://youtube.com/mypneumachurch Facebook: https://facebook.com/mypneumachurch Time Stamps: 00:00 - Introduction 00:30 - Welcome 05:43 - Romans 5:1-5 ESV 07:05 - Stuck in the Suffering

Welcome to The Passion Project series with Pastor Tyler Lynde, where we uncover the profound impact of teamwork through the story of Nehemiah. This ancient Jewish leader discovered Jerusalem's walls in ruins and recognized that rebuilding them meant more than physical protection—it meant restoring hope and identity. Tyler walks us through Nehemiah's remarkable leadership, showing how he invited everyone to join in the effort by saying, “Come, let us build,” rather than simply demanding they follow.In Nehemiah 2:17-18, we see a vision unfold as people from all backgrounds—priests, artisans, and everyday community members—came together to reconstruct the walls. The high priest was the first to rise up and work on the Sheep Gate, setting an example of servant leadership that sparked unity. Drawing from 1 Corinthians 12:14-20, Tyler emphasizes how every part of the body, or community, holds unique value. Even the Tekoites, who stepped in twice to repair separate sections (Nehemiah 3:5, 3:27), remind us that no contribution is too small or repeated efforts too many when pursuing a collective goal.Tyler also addresses the challenges Nehemiah faced—past failures and complacency had left people reluctant to act. Yet faith and determination turned “we tried that before” into “let us rise up and build.” By exploring Psalm 133:1, Tyler reveals how God values unity and pours out blessings when people dwell together in harmony. A quick look at John 5:1-9 further illustrates the transformative power of divine intervention, reminding us that God meets us in the midst of our brokenness and ushers in healing.As Tyler unpacks these Scriptures, he shows how a passionate commitment to teamwork and reliance on God's guidance can lead to remarkable change in our lives today. Whether you're seeking to rebuild a fractured relationship, strengthen a ministry, or pursue a new calling, Nehemiah's story serves as a testament that faith-fueled collaboration makes the impossible possible. Join Tyler in reclaiming your passion for unity, and discover how God can use your unique gifts to accomplish something far greater than you ever imagined.We are Trinity Community Church in Knoxville, Tennessee.Subscribe to our Podcast & YouTube channel to find past sermons, classes, interviews, and more!Find us on Facebook & Instagram

John 5:1-18English Standard Version5 After this there was a feast of the Jews, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem.2 Now there is in Jerusalem by the Sheep Gate a pool, in Aramaic called Bethesda, which has five roofed colonnades. 3 In these lay a multitude of invalids—blind, lame, and paralyzed. 5 One man was there who had been an invalid for thirty-eight years. 6 When Jesus saw him lying there and knew that he had already been there a long time, he said to him, “Do you want to be healed?” 7 The sick man answered him, “Sir, I have no one to put me into the pool when the water is stirred up, and while I am going another steps down before me.” 8 Jesus said to him, “Get up, take up your bed, and walk.” 9 And at once the man was healed, and he took up his bed and walked.Now that day was the Sabbath. 10 So the Jews said to the man who had been healed, “It is the Sabbath, and it is not lawful for you to take up your bed.” 11 But he answered them, “The man who healed me, that man said to me, ‘Take up your bed, and walk.'” 12 They asked him, “Who is the man who said to you, ‘Take up your bed and walk'?” 13 Now the man who had been healed did not know who it was, for Jesus had withdrawn, as there was a crowd in the place. 14 Afterward Jesus found him in the temple and said to him, “See, you are well! Sin no more, that nothing worse may happen to you.” 15 The man went away and told the Jews that it was Jesus who had healed him. 16 And this was why the Jews were persecuting Jesus, because he was doing these things on the Sabbath. 17 But Jesus answered them, “My Father is working until now, and I am working.”18 This was why the Jews were seeking all the more to kill him, because not only was he breaking the Sabbath, but he was even calling God his own Father, making himself equal with God.

Matthew 22:37-38 NIV“‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' 38 This is the first and greatest commandment. Key #1 - Fans Cheer, Followers CommitLuke 9:23 NLTThen he said to the crowd, “If any of you wants to be my follower, you must give up your own way, take up your cross daily, and follow me. Key #2 - Fans Observe, Followers ObeyLuke 5:17 NKJVNow it happened on a certain day, as He was teaching, that there were Pharisees and teachers of the law sitting by, who had come out of every town of Galilee, Judea, and Jerusalem. And the power of the Lord was present to heal them. Luke 5:26 NKJVEveryone was amazed and gave praise to God. They were filled with awe and said, “We have seen remarkable things today.”John 14:15 NIV“If you love me, keep my commands.” Key #3 - Fans Watch, Followers WorkMatthew 9:35-38 NLTJesus traveled through all the towns and villages of that area, teaching in the synagogues and announcing the Good News about the Kingdom. And he healed every kind of disease and illness. 36 When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them because they were confused and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.37 He said to his disciples, “The harvest is great, but the workers are few. 38 So pray to the Lord who is in charge of the harvest; ask him to send more workers into his fields.”James 2:17 NIVIn the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead. Key #4 - Fans Walk Away, Followers Finish StrongJohn 5:2-5 NLTInside the city, near the Sheep Gate, was the pool of Bethesda, with five covered porches. 3 Crowds of sick people—blind, lame, or paralyzed—lay on the porches. 5 One of the men lying there had been sick for thirty-eight years.

Matthew 22:37-38 NIV“‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' 38 This is the first and greatest commandment. Key #1 - Fans Cheer, Followers CommitLuke 9:23 NLTThen he said to the crowd, “If any of you wants to be my follower, you must give up your own way, take up your cross daily, and follow me. Key #2 - Fans Observe, Followers ObeyLuke 5:17 NKJVNow it happened on a certain day, as He was teaching, that there were Pharisees and teachers of the law sitting by, who had come out of every town of Galilee, Judea, and Jerusalem. And the power of the Lord was present to heal them. Luke 5:26 NKJVEveryone was amazed and gave praise to God. They were filled with awe and said, “We have seen remarkable things today.”John 14:15 NIV“If you love me, keep my commands.” Key #3 - Fans Watch, Followers WorkMatthew 9:35-38 NLTJesus traveled through all the towns and villages of that area, teaching in the synagogues and announcing the Good News about the Kingdom. And he healed every kind of disease and illness. 36 When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them because they were confused and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.37 He said to his disciples, “The harvest is great, but the workers are few. 38 So pray to the Lord who is in charge of the harvest; ask him to send more workers into his fields.”James 2:17 NIVIn the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead. Key #4 - Fans Walk Away, Followers Finish StrongJohn 5:2-5 NLTInside the city, near the Sheep Gate, was the pool of Bethesda, with five covered porches. 3 Crowds of sick people—blind, lame, or paralyzed—lay on the porches. 5 One of the men lying there had been sick for thirty-eight years.

2/2/2025 Paul Bang Nehemiah 3:1-5 3 Then Eliashib the high priest rose up with his brothers the priests, and they built the Sheep Gate. They consecrated it and set its doors. They consecrated it as far as the Tower of the Hundred, as far as the Tower of Hananel. 2 And next to him the men of Jericho built. And next to them Zaccur the son of Imri built. 3 The sons of Hassenaah built the Fish Gate. They laid its beams and set its doors, its bolts, and its bars. 4 And next to them Meremoth the son of Uriah, son of Hakkoz repaired. And next to them Meshullam the son of Berechiah, son of Meshezabel repaired. And next to them Zadok the son of Baana repaired. 5 And next to them the Tekoites repaired, but their nobles would not stoop to serve their Lord.

This is the third installment in a seven-part series "Signs & Wonders: Miracles in the Gospel of John" at Greenfield Presbyterian Church in Berkley, MI. The scripture lesson for this message is from John 5:1-18. Sabbath healing 5 After this there was a Jewish festival, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem. 2 In Jerusalem near the Sheep Gate in the north city wall is a pool with the Aramaic name Bethsaida. It had five covered porches, 3 and a crowd of people who were sick, blind, lame, and paralyzed sat there. 5 A certain man was there who had been sick for thirty-eight years. 6 When Jesus saw him lying there, knowing that he had already been there a long time, he asked him, “Do you want to get well?” 7 The sick man answered him, “Sir, I don't have anyone who can put me in the water when it is stirred up. When I'm trying to get to it, someone else has gotten in ahead of me.” 8 Jesus said to him, “Get up! Pick up your mat and walk.” 9 Immediately the man was well, and he picked up his mat and walked. Now that day was the Sabbath. 10 The Jewish leaders said to the man who had been healed, “It's the Sabbath; you aren't allowed to carry your mat.” 11 He answered, “The man who made me well said to me, ‘Pick up your mat and walk.'” 12 They inquired, “Who is this man who said to you, ‘Pick it up and walk'?” 13 The man who had been cured didn't know who it was, because Jesus had slipped away from the crowd gathered there. 14 Later Jesus found him in the temple and said, “See! You have been made well. Don't sin anymore in case something worse happens to you.” 15 The man went and proclaimed to the Jewish leaders that Jesus was the man who had made him well. 16 As a result, the Jewish leaders were harassing Jesus, since he had done these things on the Sabbath. 17 Jesus replied, “My Father is still working, and I am working too.” 18 For this reason the Jewish leaders wanted even more to kill him—not only because he was doing away with the Sabbath but also because he called God his own Father, thereby making himself equal with God.

Welcome to Day 2536 of Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me. This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom – Theology Thursday – Who Took Verse 4 Out of my Bible – I Dare You Not To Bore Me With The Bible. Wisdom-Trek Podcast Script - Day 2536 Welcome to Wisdom-Trek with Gramps! I am Guthrie Chamberlain, and we are on Day 2536 of our Trek. The Purpose of Wisdom-Trek is to create a legacy of wisdom, to seek out discernment and insights, and to boldly grow where few have chosen to grow before. Today is the thirty-seventh lesson in our segment, Theology Thursday. Utilizing excerpts from a book titled: I Dare You Not To Bore Me With The Bible written by Hebrew Bible scholar and professor the late Dr. Michael S Heiser, we will invest a couple of years going through the entire Bible, exploring short Biblical lessons that you may not have received in Bible classes or Church. The Bible is a wonderful book. Its pages reveal the epic story of God's redemption of humankind and the long, bitter conflict against evil. Yet it's also a book that seems strange to us. While God's Word was written for us, it wasn't written to us. Today's lesson is: “Who Took Verse 4 Out of My Bible?” Most of us have read John 5:1-9, the story of the blind, paralyzed man at the pool of Bethesda, many times, but I'll bet there's something that escaped your attention. Some time later, Jesus went up to Jerusalem for a feast of the Jews. 2 Now there is in Jerusalem near the Sheep Gate a pool, which in Aramaic is called Bethesda and which is surrounded by five covered colonnades. 3 Here a great number of disabled people used to lie—the blind, the lame, the paralyzed.5 One who was there had been an invalid for thirty-eight years.6 When Jesus saw him lying there and learned that he had been in this condition for a long time, he asked him, “Do you want to get well?” 7 “Sir,” the invalid replied, “I have no one to help me into the pool when the water is stirred. While I am trying to get in, someone else goes down ahead of me.” 8 Then Jesus said to him, “Get up! Pick up your mat and walk.” 9 At once the man was cured; he picked up his mat and walked (John 5:1-9 niv). If you read closely you'll notice that verse 4 is missing! Start at verse one and count out loud: 1, 2, 3 ... 5? In case your Bible version doesn't have the verse, the omitted words read: “for an angel of the Lord went down at certain seasons into the pool and stirred up the water; whoever then first, after the stirring up of the water, stepped in was made well from whatever disease with which he was afflicted” (nasb). The verse is not just missing in the niv; the situation is the same in the esv, nrsv, cev, NLT, and the net Bible. If you use the nasb or ncv you will see the verse, but it's been placed inside brackets, whereas the kjv and the nkjv contain verse 4 without any notation or demarcation. So what's going on here? Who took John 5:4 out of the Bible? If you're using a study Bible that doesn't have verse 4, you will likely see a note at the end of verse 3, or the beginning of verse 5, explaining why it isn't there. This is a textbook case of a disagreement between manuscripts of the Greek New Testament. What would be John 5:4 (the missing material that begins in verse 3) is not found in any of the earliest and most accurate manuscripts of the Gospel of John. Scholars who make a career of comparing manuscripts (“textual critics” and “paleographers”) have...

John 5:1-16   5:1 After these things there was a feast of the Jews, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem. 2 Now in Jerusalem, by the Sheep Gate, there is a pool which in Hebrew is called Bethesda, having five porticoes. 3 In these porticoes lay a multitude of those who were sick, blind, limping, or paralyzed. 5 Now a man was there who had been ill for thirty-eight years. 6 Jesus, upon seeing this man lying there and knowing that he had already been in that conditionfor a long time, *said to him, “Do you want to get well?” 7 The sick man answered Him, “Sir, I have no man to put me into the pool when the water is stirred up, but while I am coming, another steps down before me.” 8 Jesus *said to him, “Get up, pick up your pallet and walk.” 9 Immediately the man became well, and picked up his pallet and began to walk. Now it was a Sabbath on that day. 10 So the Jews were saying to the man who was cured, “It is a Sabbath, and it is not permissible for you to carry your pallet.” 11 But he answered them, “He who made me well was the one who said to me, ‘Pick up your pallet and walk.'” 12 They asked him, “Who is the man who said to you, ‘Pick it up and walk'?” 13 But the man who was healed did not know who it was, for Jesus had slipped away while there was a crowd in that place.14 Afterward, Jesus *found him in the temple and said to him, “Behold, you have become well; do not sin anymore, so that nothing worse happens to you.” 15 The man went away, and informed the Jews that it was Jesus who had made him well.16 For this reason the Jews were persecuting Jesus, because He was doing these things on a Sabbath.     BIBLE READING GUIDE - FREE EBOOK - Get the free eBook, Bible in Life, to help you learn how to read and apply the Bible well: https://www.listenerscommentary.com     GIVE -  The Listener's Commentary is a listener supported Bible teaching ministry made possible by the generosity of people like you. Thank you! Give here:  https://www.listenerscommentary.com/give     STUDY HUB - Want more than the audio? Join the study hub to access articles, maps, charts, pictures, and links to other resources to help you study the Bible for yourself. https://www.listenerscommentary.com/members-sign-up   MORE TEACHING - For more resources and Bible teaching from John visit https://www.johnwhittaker.net

Some time later, Jesus went up to Jerusalem for one of the Jewish festivals. Now there is in Jerusalem near the Sheep Gate a pool, which in Aramaic is called Bethesda and which is surrounded by five covered colonnades. John 5:1-2 NIVIn these lay a multitude of invalids, blind, lame, and paralyzed. One man was there who had been an invalid for thirty-eight years. John 5:3-4 ESVMercy without the Messiah can bring temporal comfort but not real healing and transformation.Worth is measured by what someone is willing to pay!You were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God's. 1 Corinthians 6:20 NKJVWhen Jesus saw him lying there and knew that he had already been there a long time, he said to him, “Do you want to be healed?” John 5:5 ESV Jesus knows and cares about you and your challenges! The question is not how did you get broken, but do you want to be made whole?The sick man answered him, “Sir, I have no one to put me into the pool when the water is stirred up, and while I am going another steps down before me.” John 5:6 ESVIf you focus on your problems you're likely to miss your provision!The victim mentality might be a legit argument against destiny and freedom if it wasn't for Jesus.Jesus said to him, “Get up, take up your bed, and walk.” John 5:8 ESVAnd at once the man was healed, and he took up his bed and walked. John 5:9 ESVJesus is here to speak healing to the most bound and broken places in your heart and life! Afterward Jesus found him in the temple and said to him, “See, you are well! Sin no more, that nothing worse may happen to you.” John 5:14 ESV

Some time later, Jesus went up to Jerusalem for one of the Jewish festivals. Now there is in Jerusalem near the Sheep Gate a pool, which in Aramaic is called Bethesda and which is surrounded by five covered colonnades. John 5:1-2 NIVIn these lay a multitude of invalids, blind, lame, and paralyzed. One man was there who had been an invalid for thirty-eight years. John 5:3-4 ESVMercy without the Messiah can bring temporal comfort but not real healing and transformation.Worth is measured by what someone is willing to pay!You were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God's. 1 Corinthians 6:20 NKJVWhen Jesus saw him lying there and knew that he had already been there a long time, he said to him, “Do you want to be healed?” John 5:5 ESV Jesus knows and cares about you and your challenges! The question is not how did you get broken, but do you want to be made whole?The sick man answered him, “Sir, I have no one to put me into the pool when the water is stirred up, and while I am going another steps down before me.” John 5:6 ESVIf you focus on your problems you're likely to miss your provision!The victim mentality might be a legit argument against destiny and freedom if it wasn't for Jesus.Jesus said to him, “Get up, take up your bed, and walk.” John 5:8 ESVAnd at once the man was healed, and he took up his bed and walked. John 5:9 ESVJesus is here to speak healing to the most bound and broken places in your heart and life! Afterward Jesus found him in the temple and said to him, “See, you are well! Sin no more, that nothing worse may happen to you.” John 5:14 ESV

Then Eliashib the high priest rose up with his brothers the priests, and they built the Sheep Gate. They consecrated it and set its doors. They consecrated it as far as the Tower of the Hundred, as far as the Tower of Hananel. - Nehemiah 3:1   This Episode's Links and Timestamps: 00:24 – Scripture Reading 07:13 – Thoughts on the Reading 36:38 – A Philosophical Enquiry into the Nature of Walls 1:10:45 – What the Bible Says About Walls

John 5:1-18; John 7:21-24 1 After this there was a feast of the Jews, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem. 2 Now there is in Jerusalem by the Sheep Gate a pool, in Aramaic called Bethesda, which has five roofed colonnades. 3 In these lay a multitude of invalids—blind, lame, and paralyzed. 5 One man was there who had been an invalid for thirty-eight years. 6 When Jesus saw him lying there and knew that he had already been there a long time, he said to him, “Do you want to be healed?” 7 The sick man answered him, “Sir, I have no one to put me into the pool when the water is stirred up, and while I am going another steps down before me.” 8 Jesus said to him, “Get up, take up your bed, and walk.” 9 And at once the man was healed, and he took up his bed and walked. Now that day was the Sabbath. 10 So the Jews said to the man who had been healed, “It is the Sabbath, and it is not lawful for you to take up your bed.” 11 But he answered them, “The man who healed me, that man said to me, ‘Take up your bed, and walk.'” 12 They asked him, “Who is the man who said to you, ‘Take up your bed and walk'?” 13 Now the man who had been healed did not know who it was, for Jesus had withdrawn, as there was a crowd in the place. 14 Afterward Jesus found him in the temple and said to him, “See, you are well! Sin no more, that nothing worse may happen to you.” 15 The man went away and told the Jews that it was Jesus who had healed him. 16 And this was why the Jews were persecuting Jesus, because he was doing these things on the Sabbath. 17 But Jesus answered them, “My Father is working until now, and I am working.” 18 This was why the Jews were seeking all the more to kill him, because not only was he breaking the Sabbath, but he was even calling God his own Father, making himself equal with God. 21 Jesus answered them, “I did one work, and you all marvel at it. 22 Moses gave you circumcision (not that it is from Moses, but from the fathers), and you circumcise a man on the Sabbath. 23 If on the Sabbath a man receives circumcision, so that the law of Moses may not be broken, are you angry with me because on the Sabbath I made a man's whole body well? 24 Do not judge by appearances, but judge with right judgment.”

The devotion for today, Wednesday, June 05, 2024 was written by Hardy Haberman and is narrated by Larry Carter. Today's Words of Inspiration come from John 5:2-15Now in Jerusalem by the Sheep Gate there is a pool, called in Hebrew Beth-zatha, which has five porticoes. In these lay many ill, blind, lame, and paralyzed people. One man was there who had been ill for thirty-eight years. When Jesus saw him lying there and knew that he had been there a long time, he said to him, “Do you want to be made well?” The ill man answered him, “Sir, I have no one to put me into the pool when the water is stirred up, and while I am making my way someone else steps down ahead of me.” Jesus said to him, “Stand up, take your mat and walk.” At once the man was made well, and he took up his mat and began to walk.Now that day was a Sabbath. So, the Jews said to the man who had been cured, “It is the Sabbath; it is not lawful for you to carry your mat.” But he answered them, “The man who made me well said to me, ‘Take up your mat and walk.' ” They asked him, “Who is the man who said to you, ‘Take it up and walk'?” Now the man who had been healed did not know who it was, for Jesus had disappeared in the crowd that was there. Later Jesus found him in the temple and said to him, “See, you have been made well! Do not sin anymore, so that nothing worse happens to you.” The man went away and told the Jews that it was Jesus who had made him well.  Support the Show.

Gospel Reading: John 5:1-15 At that time, Jesus went up to Jerusalem. Now there is in Jerusalem by the Sheep Gate a pool, in Hebrew called Bethesda which has five porticoes. In these lay a multitude of invalids, blind, lame, paralyzed, waiting for the moving of the water; for an angel of the Lord went down at certain seasons into the pool, and troubled the water; whoever stepped in first after the troubling of the water was healed of whatever disease he had. One man was there, who had been ill for thirty-eight years. When Jesus saw him and knew that he had been lying there a long time, he said to him, "Do you want to be healed?" The sick man answered him, "Sir, I have no man to put me into the pool when the water is troubled, and while I am going another steps down before me." Jesus said to him, "Rise, take up your pallet, and walk." And at once the man was healed, and he took up his pallet and walked. Now that day was the sabbath. So the Jews said to the man who was cured, "It is the sabbath, it is not lawful for you to carry your pallet." But he answered them, "The man who healed me said to me, 'Take up your pallet, and walk.' "They asked him, "Who is the man who said to you, 'Take up your pallet, and walk'?" Now the man who had been healed did not know who it was, for Jesus had withdrawn, as there was a crowd in the place. Afterward, Jesus found him in the temple, and said to him, "See, you are well! Sin no more, that nothing worse befall you." The man went away and told the Jews that it was Jesus who had healed him.

April 19, 2024 - Friday 2:30PM Auditorium Speaker   Speaker:  Wayne Jones   John Chapter 5 - The Healing at the Pool on the Sabbath 5 After this there was a feast of the Jews, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem. 2 Now there is in Jerusalem by the Sheep Gate a pool, in Aramaic[a] called Bethesda,[b] which has five roofed colonnades. 3 In these lay a multitude of invalids—blind, lame, and paralyzed.[c] 5 One man was there who had been an invalid for thirty-eight years. 6 When Jesus saw him lying there and knew that he had already been there a long time, he said to him, “Do you want to be healed?” 7 The sick man answered him, “Sir, I have no one to put me into the pool when the water is stirred up, and while I am going another steps down before me.” 8 Jesus said to him, “Get up, take up your bed, and walk.” 9 And at once the man was healed, and he took up his bed and walked. Now that day was the Sabbath. 10 So the Jews[d] said to the man who had been healed, “It is the Sabbath, and it is not lawful for you to take up your bed.” 11 But he answered them, “The man who healed me, that man said to me, ‘Take up your bed, and walk.'” 12 They asked him, “Who is the man who said to you, ‘Take up your bed and walk'?” 13 Now the man who had been healed did not know who it was, for Jesus had withdrawn, as there was a crowd in the place. 14 Afterward Jesus found him in the temple and said to him, “See, you are well! Sin no more, that nothing worse may happen to you.” 15 The man went away and told the Jews that it was Jesus who had healed him. 16 And this was why the Jews were persecuting Jesus, because he was doing these things on the Sabbath. 17 But Jesus answered them, “My Father is working until now, and I am working.” Jesus Is Equal with God 18 This was why the Jews were seeking all the more to kill him, because not only was he breaking the Sabbath, but he was even calling God his own Father, making himself equal with God. The Authority of the Son 19 So Jesus said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, the Son can do nothing of his own accord, but only what he sees the Father doing. For whatever the Father[e] does, that the Son does likewise. 20 For the Father loves the Son and shows him all that he himself is doing. And greater works than these will he show him, so that you may marvel. 21 For as the Father raises the dead and gives them life, so also the Son gives life to whom he will. 22 For the Father judges no one, but has given all judgment to the Son, 23 that all may honor the Son, just as they honor the Father. Whoever does not honor the Son does not honor the Father who sent him. 24 Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life. He does not come into judgment, but has passed from death to life. 25 “Truly, truly, I say to you, an hour is coming, and is now here, when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God, and those who hear will live. 26 For as the Father has life in himself, so he has granted the Son also to have life in himself. 27 And he has given him authority to execute judgment, because he is the Son of Man. 28 Do not marvel at this, for an hour is coming when all who are in the tombs will hear his voice 29 and come out, those who have done good to the resurrection of life, and those who have done evil to the resurrection of judgment. Witnesses to Jesus 30 “I can do nothing on my own. As I hear, I judge, and my judgment is just, because I seek not my own will but the will of him who sent me. 31 If I alone bear witness about myself, my testimony is not true. 32 There is another who bears witness about me, and I know that the testimony that he bears about me is true. 33 You sent to John, and he has borne witness to the truth. 34 Not that the testimony that I receive is from man, but I say these things so that you may be saved. 35 He was a burning and shining lamp, and you were willing to rejoice for a while in his light. 36 But the testimony that I have is greater than that of John. For the works that the Father has given me to accomplish, the very works that I am doing, bear witness about me that the Father has sent me. 37 And the Father who sent me has himself borne witness about me. His voice you have never heard, his form you have never seen, 38 and you do not have his word abiding in you, for you do not believe the one whom he has sent. 39 You search the Scriptures because you think that in them you have eternal life; and it is they that bear witness about me, 40 yet you refuse to come to me that you may have life. 41 I do not receive glory from people. 42 But I know that you do not have the love of God within you. 43 I have come in my Father's name, and you do not receive me. If another comes in his own name, you will receive him. 44 How can you believe, when you receive glory from one another and do not seek the glory that comes from the only God? 45 Do not think that I will accuse you to the Father. There is one who accuses you: Moses, on whom you have set your hope. 46 For if you believed Moses, you would believe me; for he wrote of me. 47 But if you do not believe his writings, how will you believe my words?”   It has been dubbed the trial of the century. So many watched the OJ Simpson trial. We like drama. The gospel of John is the complete trial of Jesus. The book questions everything such that you may understand and believe. With every accusation Jesus not only answers his accusers he turns the accusation back on the accusers. When Jesus heals on the Sabbath, Jesus shows his authority over the Sabbath.   Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fv3zCgXzuD4   Duration 39:13

Logan Holloman | NextGen Pastor | April 14, 2024 John 5:1-7 (NIV)Some time later, Jesus went up to Jerusalem for one of the Jewish festivals. Now there is in Jerusalem near the Sheep Gate a pool, which in Aramaic is called Bethesda and which is surrounded by five covered colonnades. Here a great number of disabled people used to lie—the blind, the lame, the paralyzed. One who was there had been an invalid for thirty-eight years. When Jesus saw him lying there and learned that he had been in this condition for a long time, he asked him, “Do you want to get well?” “Sir,” the invalid replied, “I have no one to help me into the pool when the water is stirred. While I am trying to get in, someone else goes down ahead of me.” Jesus- invitation to be made whole “do you want to be well” Pool- what we look to for wholeness and healing. What’s your pool? John 5:8-15 (NIV)Then Jesus said to him, “Get up! Pick up your mat and walk.” At once the man was cured; he picked up his mat and walked. The day on which this took place was a Sabbath, and so the Jewish leaders said to the man who had been healed, “It is the Sabbath; the law forbids you to carry your mat.” But he replied, “The man who made me well said to me, ‘Pick up your mat and walk.’” So they asked him, “Who is this fellow who told you to pick it up and walk?” The man who was healed had no idea who it was, for Jesus had slipped away into the crowd that was there. Later Jesus found him at the temple and said to him, “See, you are well again. Stop sinning or something worse may happen to you.” The man went away and told the Jewish leaders that it was Jesus who had made him well. Mat- symbolic of sin/pain used for Jesus’ purposes in our lives. What’s your mat? God never wastes our suffering John 1:29b (NIV)“Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world! John 20:30-31 (NIV)Jesus performed many other signs in the presence of his disciples, which are not recorded in this book. But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name. Jesus’ invitation …is to be made whole, …it’s beyond our pools …he’ll redeem/use our mats Reflection Questions:1. What is one felt need you are aware of at the moment?2. What gets in the way (i.e. fear, control, lack of trust) of receiving what God wants to do for, in, or through us?3. Jesus warns the man to not return to sin, in what areas are you tempted to return to your mat? Next Steps: Complete the Connect Card to receive more information, have us pray for you, or to ask us any question: http://journeybozeman.com/connectcardWant to worship through giving and support the ministry of Journey Church: https://journeybozeman.com/giveDownload our app: https://journeybozeman.com/app Join our Facebook Group to stay connected throughout the week: https://facebook.com/groups/JourneyChurchBozemanGet your children connected to our children's ministry, Base Camp: https://journeybozeman.com/childrenOur Student Ministry is for High School and Middle School students: https://journeybozeman.com/studentsSubscribe to our YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/JourneyChurchBozemanNotes Page:

John 5:1-9 After this there was a feast of the Jews, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem. 2 Now there is in Jerusalem by the Sheep Gate a pool, in Aramaic called Bethesda, which has five roofed colonnades. 3 In these lay a multitude of invalids—blind, lame, and paralyzed. 5 One man was there who had been an invalid for thirty-eight years. 6 When Jesus saw him lying there and knew that he had already been there a long time, he said to him, “Do you want to be healed?” 7 The sick man answered him, “Sir, I have no one to put me into the pool when the water is stirred up, and while I am going another steps down before me.” 8 Jesus said to him, “Get up, take up your bed, and walk.” 9 And at once the man was healed, and he took up his bed and walked.   [Message by: Cesar Contreras] Thisismosaic.org

Saturday, 30 March 2024   “And when we all had fallen to the ground, I heard a voice speaking to me and saying in the Hebrew language, ‘Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me? It is hard for you to kick against the goads.' Acts 26:14   In the previous verse, Paul told the king about the light from heaven, brighter than the sun, that was shining around him and those with him. He continues next with, “And when we all had fallen to the ground.”   Again, Paul gives a bit more detail than in the past. He says that not only he fell to the ground, but those with him did as well. This was not stated by Luke in Acts 9, and Paul left it out of his words to those of Israel gathered before him in Acts 22.   Apparently, the light was so overwhelming that they were simply stunned by it to the point of bringing them to the ground. From there, he next says, “I heard a voice speaking to me and saying in the Hebrew language.”   Paul specifically identifies the voice as being in Hebrew. This was unnecessary in Acts 9 and Acts 22. However, Paul is addressing a room filled with various people, all of whom would have spoken Greek, along with any other language they knew. Therefore, Paul continues with the words spoken to him, saying, “‘Saul, Saul.”   The spelling of the name of Saul in both Acts 9 and Acts 22 indicated a Hebrew, not a Greek, address. The Hebrew is SAOUL, the Greek is SAULOS. There was no need for him to tell the audience this in Acts 22 as they were Jews who listened to the account.   However, it may be that he specifically addresses the council with the words “in the Hebrew language” to let the non-Hebrews know that it was the Jewish Lord who spoke to him, thus definitively identifying to them that the Messiah is, in fact, Jewish.   Further, this is one of the many proofs that the NT was written not in Aramaic or Hebrew, but in Greek. If not, then this, and each other such instance, is a non-scriptural addition. In this case, it is the spelling of the name that indicates this to us. Of the words spoken by the voice to him, he next says, “why are you persecuting Me?”   Again, as in the past, the voice asks, “Why are you persecuting Me?” In fact, Paul had persecuted Christians. Therefore, an attack against the body is an attack against the head. Paul's efforts were only hurting himself as the voice then tells him with the words, “It is hard for you to kick against the goads.”   Rather, the Greek is less specific, saying, “Hard for you to kick against goads.” It is an exact repeat of Acts 9:5, and it is how a Hebrew would speak, normally using less definitive wording than a Greek to express the same thought. Of kicking against the goads, the scholars at Cambridge describe that action –    “The figure is from an ox, being driven on in his work. When restive or lazy, the driver pricks him, and in ignorance of the consequences, he kicks back, and so gets another wound. The words would imply that God had been guiding Saul towards the true light for some time before, and that this zeal for persecution was a resistance of the divine urging. It is not unusual for men who are moved to break away from old traditions at such times, by outward acts, to manifest even more zeal than before for their old opinions, as if in fear lest they should be thought to be falling away. This may have been Saul's case, his kicking against the goads.”   According to Vincent's Word Studies, this metaphor concerning the goads is not found in Hebrew writing, but it was common among Greek and Roman writings.   Life application: As noted above, the words of Paul in this verse, as recorded by Luke, clearly indicate that the New Testament was first penned in Greek. Paul conveyed his name in Hebrew in the past, but he does so in Greek now for the benefit of the hearer. From there Luke clearly expresses the Greek form, something unnecessary in the previous accounts of this event.   Instances like this are found throughout the New Testament as well –   “‘Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel,' which is translated, ‘God with us.'” Matthew 1:23   “Then He took the child by the hand, and said to her, ‘Talitha, cumi,' which is translated, ‘Little girl, I say to you, arise.'” Mark 5:41   Now there is in Jerusalem by the Sheep Gate a pool, which is called in Hebrew, Bethesda, having five porches. John 5:2   And they gathered them together to the place called in Hebrew, Armageddon. Revelation 16:16   These are just a few examples. If the words were not originally penned in Greek, but rather in Hebrew (or Aramaic), such explanations would not be necessary. And more, their inclusion now would mean that the words are not inspired.   This is important because we can see the transfer of the redemptive message away from only Israel to the entire world. But this was initiated long before the writing of the gospels when the Greek translation of the Old Testament was made. That is what is most commonly cited in the New Testament.   God was preparing the world for the message of the Messiah to go out in the most common language of the day, Greek. From there, it would then be translated into other languages. Some alphabets, such as the Cyrillic, were actually developed for the purpose of bringing Scripture to the people of the world.   Because of the work of Christian ministries, the Cyrillic alphabet is now used from Mongolia and Russia even to Ukraine and Serbia, along with many other nations. To this day, new written alphabets are being developed by people groups that do not have a written alphabet. This is being done to share the good news about Jesus.   From the Hebrew and Aramaic of the Old Testament to the Greek of the New, the whole world is being given this wonderful treasure we call the Holy Bible in their own languages. Thanks be to God for those who are going forth to make this possible!   Lord God Almighty, we lift up the missionaries who are sharing the good news of Jesus around the world. Give them wisdom and fortitude to continue on. May Your hand guide them and bless them each step of the way. To Your glory, we pray. Amen.

A Sermon by Pastor Richard Sfameni, Lead Pastor of Victory Church in Providence, RI.  Change is Possible John 5:1-9 A Man Healed at the Pool of Bethesda 1 After this there was a feast of the Jews, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem. 2 Now there is in Jerusalem by the Sheep Gate a pool, which is called in Hebrew, Bethesda, having five porches. 3 In these lay a great multitude of sick people, blind, lame, paralyzed, waiting for the moving of the water. 4 For an angel went down at a certain time into the pool and stirred up the water; then whoever stepped in first, after the stirring of the water, was made well of whatever disease he had. 5 Now a certain man was there who had an infirmity thirty-eight years. 6 When Jesus saw him lying there, and knew that he already had been in that condition a long time, He said to him, “Do you want to be made well?” 7 The sick man answered Him, “Sir, I have no man to put me into the pool when the water is stirred up; but while I am coming, another steps down before me.” 8 Jesus said to him, “Rise, take up your bed and walk.” 9 And immediately the man was made well, took up his bed, and walked. And that day was the Sabbath. 

Today's Topics: 1) Gospel - Jn 5:1-16 - There was a feast of the Jews, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem. Now there is in Jerusalem at the Sheep Gate a pool called in Hebrew Bethesda, with five porticoes. In these lay a large number of ill, blind, lame, and crippled. One man was there who had been ill for thirty-eight years. When Jesus saw him lying there and knew that he had been ill for a long time, he said to him, "Do you want to be well?" The sick man answered Him, "Sir, I have no one to put me into the pool when the water is stirred up; while I am on my way, someone else gets down there before me." Jesus said to him, "Rise, take up your mat, and walk." Immediately the man became well, took up his mat, and walked. Now that day was a sabbath. So the Jews said to the man who was cured, "It is the sabbath, and it is not lawful for you to carry your mat." He answered them, "The Man Who made me well told me, 'Take up your mat and walk.'" They asked him, "Who is the Man who told you, 'Take it up and walk'?" The man who was healed did not know Who it was, for Jesus had slipped away, since there was a crowd there. After this Jesus found him in the temple area and said to him, "Look, you are well; do not sin any more, so that nothing worse may happen to you." The man went and told the Jews that Jesus was the One Who had made him well. Therefore, the Jews began to persecute Jesus because He did this on a sabbath. Bishop Sheen quote of the day Today's Topics: 2, 3, 4) Leo Severino on the new movie on Saint Frances Xavier Cabrini (Mother Cabrini) titled: Cabrini https://youtu.be/ZaMlUazXvyY?si=BAlHynzpo5jbAiSw

Today's Topics: 1, 2 3 4) Gospel - Jn 5:1-16 - There was a feast of the Jews, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem. Now there is in Jerusalem at the Sheep Gate a pool called in Hebrew Bethesda, with five porticoes. In these lay a large number of ill, blind, lame, and crippled. One man was there who had been ill for thirty-eight years. When Jesus saw him lying there and knew that he had been ill for a long time, he said to him, "Do you want to be well?" The sick man answered him, "Sir, I have no one to put me into the pool when the water is stirred up; while I am on my way, someone else gets down there before me." Jesus said to him, "Rise, take up your mat, and walk." Immediately the man became well, took up his mat, and walked. Now that day was a sabbath. So the Jews said to the man who was cured, "It is the sabbath, and it is not lawful for you to carry your mat." He answered them, "The man who made me well told me, 'Take up your mat and walk.'" They asked him, "Who is the man who told you, 'Take it up and walk'?" The man who was healed did not know who it was, for Jesus had slipped away, since there was a crowd there. After this Jesus found him in the temple area and said to him, "Look, you are well; do not sin any more, so that nothing worse may happen to you." The man went and told the Jews that Jesus was the one who had made him well. Therefore, the Jews began to persecute Jesus because he did this on a sabbath. Bishop Strickland and Terry discuss Cardinal Burke's Nine Month Novena seeking Our Lady's intercession beginning today, 12 March 2024 https://guadalupeshrine.org/post/what-is-cardinal-burkes-nine-month-novena/

In this episode, we begin a study of sicknesses, diseases, and demons. Using the scriptures from the bible, they deal with both sicknesses and diseases. In the book of Jubilees, we investigate the origin of demons. John 5:1-9, 14 Sometime later, Jesus went up to Jerusalem for one of the Jewish festivals. 2 Now there is in Jerusalem near the Sheep Gate a pool, which in Aramaic is called Bethesda[a] and which is surrounded by five covered colonnades. 3 Here a great number of disabled people used to lie—the blind, the lame, the paralyzed. [4] [b] 5 One who was there had been an invalid for thirty-eight years. 6 When Jesus saw him lying there and learned that he had been in this condition for a long time, he asked him, “Do you want to get well?” 7 “Sir,” the invalid replied, “I have no one to help me into the pool when the water is stirred. While I am trying to get in, someone else goes down ahead of me.” 8 Then Jesus said to him, “Get up! Pick up your mat and walk.” 9 At once the man was cured; he picked up his mat and walked. 14 Later Jesus found him at the temple and said to him, “See, you are well again. Stop sinning or something worse may happen to you.” 15 The man went away and told the Jewish leaders that it was Jesus who had made him well. Jubilees 10:1-13 1 And in the third week of this jubilee the unclean demons began to lead astray the children of the sons of Noah, and to make to err and destroy them. 2 And the sons of Noah came to Noah their father, and they told him concerning the demons which were leading astray and blinding and slaying his sons' sons. 3 And he prayed before YAHWEH his Sovereign Ruler and said: 'YAHWEH of the spirits of all flesh, who have shown mercy unto me And have saved me and my sons from the waters of the flood, And have not caused me to perish as You did the sons of perdition; For Your free unmerited pardon has been great towards me, And great has been Your mercy to my soul; Let Your free unmerited pardon be lifted up upon my sons, And let not wicked spirits rule over them Lest they should destroy them from the earth. 4 But do You bless me and my sons, that we may increase and Multiply and replenish the earth. 5 And You know how Your Watchers, the fathers of these spirits, acted in my day: and as for these spirits which are living, imprison them and hold them fast in the place of condemnation, and let them not bring destruction on the sons of your servant, my Sovereign Ruler; for these are malignant, and created in order to destroy. 6 And let them not rule over the spirits of the living; for You alone can exercise dominion over them. And let them not have power over the sons of the righteous from henceforth and forevermore.' 7 And YAHWEH our Sovereign Ruler bade us to bind all. 8 And the chief of the spirits, Mastema, came and said: 'YAHWEH, Creator, let some of them remain before me, and let them listen to my voice, and do all that I shall say unto them; for if some of them are not left to me, I shall not be able to execute the power of my will on the sons of men; for these are for corruption and leading astray before my judgment, for great is the wickedness of the sons of men.' 9 And He said: Let the tenth part of them remain before him, and let nine parts descend into the place of condemnation.' 10 And one of us He commanded that we should teach Noah all their medicines; for He knew that they would not walk in uprightness, nor strive in righteousness. 11 And we did according to all His words: all the malignant evil ones we bound in the place of condemnation and a tenth part of them we left that they might be subject before Satan on the earth. 12 And we explained to Noah all the medicines of their diseases, together with their seductions, how he might heal them with herbs of the earth. 13 And Noah wrote down all things in a book as we instructed him concerning every kind of medicine. Thus the evil spirits were precluded from (hurting) the sons of Noah.

Preacher: Conner Faucher Date: 2/18/24 Series: Seven Signs Key Scriptures: John 5:2–18 (CSB)2 By the Sheep Gate in Jerusalem there is a pool, called Bethesda in Aramaic, which has five colonnades. 3 Within these lay a large number of the disabled—blind, lame, and paralyzed. 5 One man was there who had been disabled for thirty-eight years. 6 When Jesus saw him lying there and realized he had already been there a long time, he said to him, “Do you want to get well?” 7 “Sir,” the disabled man answered, “I have no one to put me into the pool when the water is stirred up, but while I'm coming, someone goes down ahead of me.” 8 “Get up,” Jesus told him, “pick up your mat and walk.” 9 Instantly the man got well, picked up his mat, and started to walk. Now that day was the Sabbath, 10 and so the Jews said to the man who had been healed, “This is the Sabbath. The law prohibits you from picking up your mat.” 11 He replied, “The man who made me well told me, ‘Pick up your mat and walk.' 12 “Who is this man who told you, ‘Pick up your mat and walk'?” they asked. 13 But the man who was healed did not know who it was, because Jesus had slipped away into the crowd that was there. 14 After this, Jesus found him in the temple and said to him, “See, you are well. Do not sin anymore, so that something worse doesn't happen to you.” 15 The man went and reported to the Jews that it was Jesus who had made him well. 16 Therefore, the Jews began persecuting Jesus because he was doing these things on the Sabbath. 17 Jesus responded to them, “My Father is still working, and I am working also.” 18 This is why the Jews began trying all the more to kill him: Not only was he breaking the Sabbath, but he was even calling God his own Father, making himself equal to God.

Listen: Nehemiah 3:1-32. “Then Eliashib the high priest rose up with his brothers the priests, and they built the Sheep Gate. They consecrated it and set its doors. They consecrated it as far as the Tower of the Hundred, as far as the Tower of … Continue reading →

Support Common Prayer Daily @ PatreonVisit our Website for more www.commonprayerdaily.com_______________EpiphanyAnd nations shall come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your rising.Isaiah 60:3 ConfessionOfficiant: Let us humbly confess our sins unto Almighty God.People: Almighty and most merciful Father, we have erred and strayed from your ways like lost sheep. We have followed too much the devices and desires of our own hearts. We have offended against your holy laws.We have left undone those things which we ought to have done, and we have done those things which we ought not to have done; and apart from your grace, there is no health in us. O Lord, have mercy upon us. Spare all those who confess their faults. Restore all those who are penitent, according to your promises declared to all people in Christ Jesus our Lord. And grant, O most merciful Father, for his sake, that we may now live a godly, righteous, and sober life, to the glory of your holy Name. Amen.Officiant: Almighty God have mercy on us, forgive us all our sins through our Lord Jesus Christ, strengthen us in all goodness, and by the power of the Holy Spirit keep us in eternal life. Amen. The Lord's PrayerOur Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy Name, thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever and ever. Amen. Invitatory & PsalmsOfficiant: O God, make speed to save us. People: O Lord, make haste to help us. Officiant & People: Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen. O Gracious Light Phos hilaronO gracious Light, pure brightness of the everliving Father in heaven, O Jesus Christ, holy and blessed!Now as we come to the setting of the sun, and our eyes behold the vesper light, we sing your praises, O God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.You are worthy at all times to be praised by happy voices, O Son of God, O Giver of life,and to be glorified through all the worlds. Psalm 37 Part I Noli æmulari1Do not fret yourself because of evildoers; *do not be jealous of those who do wrong.2For they shall soon wither like the grass, *and like the green grass fade away.3Put your trust in the Lord and do good; *dwell in the land and feed on its riches.4Take delight in the Lord, *and he shall give you your heart's desire.5Commit your way to the Lord and put your trust in him, *and he will bring it to pass.6He will make your righteousness as clear as the light *and your just dealing as the noonday.7Be still before the Lord *and wait patiently for him.8Do not fret yourself over the one who prospers, *the one who succeeds in evil schemes.9Refrain from anger, leave rage alone; *do not fret yourself; it leads only to evil.10For evildoers shall be cut off, *but those who wait upon the Lord shall possess the land.11In a little while the wicked shall be no more; *you shall search out their place, but they will not be there.12But the lowly shall possess the land; *they will delight in abundance of peace.13The wicked plot against the righteous *and gnash at them with their teeth.14The Lord laughs at the wicked, *because he sees that their day will come.15The wicked draw their sword and bend their bowto strike down the poor and needy, *to slaughter those who are upright in their ways.16Their sword shall go through their own heart, *and their bow shall be broken.17The little that the righteous has *is better than great riches of the wicked.18For the power of the wicked shall be broken, *but the Lord upholds the righteous. Part II Novit Dominus19The Lord cares for the lives of the godly, *and their inheritance shall last for ever.20They shall not be ashamed in bad times, *and in days of famine they shall have enough.21As for the wicked, they shall perish, *and the enemies of the Lord, like the glory of the meadows, shall vanish;they shall vanish like smoke.22The wicked borrow and do not repay, *but the righteous are generous in giving.23Those who are blessed by God shall possess the land, *but those who are cursed by him shall be destroyed.24Our steps are directed by the Lord; *he strengthens those in whose way he delights. Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen. The LessonsEzekiel 27:1-5 English Standard Version27 The word of the Lord came to me: 2 “Now you, son of man, raise a lamentation over Tyre, 3 and say to Tyre, who dwells at the entrances to the sea, merchant of the peoples to many coastlands, thus says the Lord God:“O Tyre, you have said,    ‘I am perfect in beauty.'4 Your borders are in the heart of the seas;    your builders made perfect your beauty.5 They made all your planks    of fir trees from Senir;they took a cedar from Lebanon    to make a mast for you.Ezekiel 27:26-36 English Standard Version26 “Your rowers have brought you out    into the high seas.The east wind has wrecked you    in the heart of the seas.27 Your riches, your wares, your merchandise,    your mariners and your pilots,your caulkers, your dealers in merchandise,    and all your men of war who are in you,with all your crew    that is in your midst,sink into the heart of the seas    on the day of your fall.28 At the sound of the cry of your pilots    the countryside shakes,29 and down from their ships    come all who handle the oar.The mariners and all the pilots of the sea    stand on the land30 and shout aloud over you    and cry out bitterly.They cast dust on their heads    and wallow in ashes;31 they make themselves bald for you    and put sackcloth on their waist,and they weep over you in bitterness of soul,    with bitter mourning.32 In their wailing they raise a lamentation for you    and lament over you:‘Who is like Tyre,    like one destroyed in the midst of the sea?33 When your wares came from the seas,    you satisfied many peoples;with your abundant wealth and merchandise    you enriched the kings of the earth.34 Now you are wrecked by the seas,    in the depths of the waters;your merchandise and all your crew in your midst    have sunk with you.35 All the inhabitants of the coastlands    are appalled at you,and the hair of their kings bristles with horror;    their faces are convulsed.36 The merchants among the peoples hiss at you;    you have come to a dreadful end    and shall be no more forever.'”Officiant: The Word of the LordPeople: Thanks be to God. The Song of Mary - MagnificatMy soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord, my spirit rejoices in God my Savior; * for he has looked with favor on his lowly servant From this day all generations will call me blessed: * the Almighty has done great things for me, and holy is his Name. He has mercy on those who fear him * in every generation.He has shown the strength of his arm, * he has scattered the proud in their conceit.He has cast down the mighty from their thrones, * and has lifted up the lowly. He has filled the hungry with good things, * and the rich he has sent away empty. He has come to the help of his servant Israel, * for he has remembered his promise of mercy, The promise he made to our fathers, * to Abraham and his children for ever.Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: *as It was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen. John 5:1-15 English Standard Version5 After this there was a feast of the Jews, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem.2 Now there is in Jerusalem by the Sheep Gate a pool, in Aramaic called Bethesda, which has five roofed colonnades. 3 In these lay a multitude of invalids—blind, lame, and paralyzed. 5 One man was there who had been an invalid for thirty-eight years. 6 When Jesus saw him lying there and knew that he had already been there a long time, he said to him, “Do you want to be healed?” 7 The sick man answered him, “Sir, I have no one to put me into the pool when the water is stirred up, and while I am going another steps down before me.” 8 Jesus said to him, “Get up, take up your bed, and walk.” 9 And at once the man was healed, and he took up his bed and walked.Now that day was the Sabbath. 10 So the Jews said to the man who had been healed, “It is the Sabbath, and it is not lawful for you to take up your bed.” 11 But he answered them, “The man who healed me, that man said to me, ‘Take up your bed, and walk.'” 12 They asked him, “Who is the man who said to you, ‘Take up your bed and walk'?” 13 Now the man who had been healed did not know who it was, for Jesus had withdrawn, as there was a crowd in the place. 14 Afterward Jesus found him in the temple and said to him, “See, you are well! Sin no more, that nothing worse may happen to you.” 15 The man went away and told the Jews that it was Jesus who had healed him.Officiant: The Word of the LordPeople: Thanks be to God. The Song of Simeon - Nunc dimittisLord, you now have set your servant free * to go in peace as you have promised; For these eyes of mine have seen the Savior, * whom you have prepared for all the world to see: A Light to enlighten the nations, * and the glory of your people Israel.Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: * as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen. The CreedI believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth.I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord. He was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary. He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried. He descended to the dead. On the third day he rose again. He ascended into heaven, and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again to judge the living and the dead.I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen. The PrayersOfficiant: The Lord be with you.People: And also with you.Officiant: Let us pray The SuffragesThat this evening may be holy, good, and peaceful, We entreat you, O Lord.That your holy angels may lead us in paths of peace and goodwill, We entreat you, O Lord.That we may be pardoned and forgiven for our sins and offenses, We entreat you, O Lord.That there may be peace to your Church and to the whole world, We entreat you, O Lord.That we may depart this life in your faith and fear, and not be condemned before the great judgment seat of Christ, We entreat you, O Lord.That we may be bound together by your Holy Spirit in the communion of all your saints, entrusting one another and all our life to Christ, We entreat you, O Lord.Take a moment at this time to reflect and pray for the needs of others. Epiphany 3 (Anglican Prayer Book)ALMIGHTY and everlasting God, mercifully look upon our weaknesses and, in all dangers and needs, stretch out your right hand to help and defend us; through Jesus Christ our LORD. Amen.A Collect for PeaceMost holy God, the source of all good desires, all right judgments, and all just works: Give to us, your servants, that peace which the world cannot give, so that our minds may be fixed on the doing of your will, and that we, being delivered from the fear of all enemies, may live in peace and quietness; through the mercies of Christ Jesus our Savior. Amen.A Collect for Aid against PerilsBe our light in the darkness, O Lord, and in your great mercy defend us from all perils and dangers of this night; for the love of your only Son, our Savior Jesus Christ. Amen.For MissionKeep watch, dear Lord, with those who work, or watch, or weep this night, and give your angels charge over those who sleep. Tend the sick, Lord Christ; give rest to the weary, bless the dying, soothe the suffering, pity the afflicted, shield the joyous; and all for your love's sake. Amen. ThanksgivingsThe General ThanksgivingAlmighty God, Father of all mercies, we your unworthy servants give you humble thanks for all your goodness and loving-kindness to us and to all whom you have made. We bless you for our creation, preservation, and all the blessings of this life; but above all for your immeasurable love in the redemption of the world by our Lord Jesus Christ; for the means of grace, and for the hope of glory. And, we pray, give us such an awareness of your mercies, that with truly thankful hearts we may show forth your praise, not only with our lips, but in our lives, by giving up our selves to your service, and by walking before you in holiness and righteousness all our days; through Jesus Christ our Lord, to whom, with you and the Holy Spirit, be honor and glory throughout all ages. Amen.A Prayer of St. ChrysostomAlmighty God, you have given us grace at this time with one accord to make our common supplication to you; and you have promised through your well-beloved Son that when two or three are gathered together in his Name you will be in the midst of them: Fulfill now, O Lord, our desires and petitions as may be best for us; granting us in this world knowledge of your truth, and in the age to come life everlasting. Amen. ConclusionMay the God of hope fill us with all joy and peace in believing through the power of the Holy Spirit. Amen. - Romans 15:13

With family: 2 Chronicles 17; Revelation 6 2 Chronicles 17 (Listen) Jehoshaphat Reigns in Judah 17 Jehoshaphat his son reigned in his place and strengthened himself against Israel. 2 He placed forces in all the fortified cities of Judah and set garrisons in the land of Judah, and in the cities of Ephraim that Asa his father had captured. 3 The LORD was with Jehoshaphat, because he walked in the earlier ways of his father David. He did not seek the Baals, 4 but sought the God of his father and walked in his commandments, and not according to the practices of Israel. 5 Therefore the LORD established the kingdom in his hand. And all Judah brought tribute to Jehoshaphat, and he had great riches and honor. 6 His heart was courageous in the ways of the LORD. And furthermore, he took the high places and the Asherim out of Judah. 7 In the third year of his reign he sent his officials, Ben-hail, Obadiah, Zechariah, Nethanel, and Micaiah, to teach in the cities of Judah; 8 and with them the Levites, Shemaiah, Nethaniah, Zebadiah, Asahel, Shemiramoth, Jehonathan, Adonijah, Tobijah, and Tobadonijah; and with these Levites, the priests Elishama and Jehoram. 9 And they taught in Judah, having the Book of the Law of the LORD with them. They went about through all the cities of Judah and taught among the people. 10 And the fear of the LORD fell upon all the kingdoms of the lands that were around Judah, and they made no war against Jehoshaphat. 11 Some of the Philistines brought Jehoshaphat presents and silver for tribute, and the Arabians also brought him 7,700 rams and 7,700 goats. 12 And Jehoshaphat grew steadily greater. He built in Judah fortresses and store cities, 13 and he had large supplies in the cities of Judah. He had soldiers, mighty men of valor, in Jerusalem. 14 This was the muster of them by fathers' houses: Of Judah, the commanders of thousands: Adnah the commander, with 300,000 mighty men of valor; 15 and next to him Jehohanan the commander, with 280,000; 16 and next to him Amasiah the son of Zichri, a volunteer for the service of the LORD, with 200,000 mighty men of valor. 17 Of Benjamin: Eliada, a mighty man of valor, with 200,000 men armed with bow and shield; 18 and next to him Jehozabad with 180,000 armed for war. 19 These were in the service of the king, besides those whom the king had placed in the fortified cities throughout all Judah. (ESV) Revelation 6 (Listen) The Seven Seals 6 Now I watched when the Lamb opened one of the seven seals, and I heard one of the four living creatures say with a voice like thunder, “Come!” 2 And I looked, and behold, a white horse! And its rider had a bow, and a crown was given to him, and he came out conquering, and to conquer. 3 When he opened the second seal, I heard the second living creature say, “Come!” 4 And out came another horse, bright red. Its rider was permitted to take peace from the earth, so that people should slay one another, and he was given a great sword. 5 When he opened the third seal, I heard the third living creature say, “Come!” And I looked, and behold, a black horse! And its rider had a pair of scales in his hand. 6 And I heard what seemed to be a voice in the midst of the four living creatures, saying, “A quart1 of wheat for a denarius,2 and three quarts of barley for a denarius, and do not harm the oil and wine!” 7 When he opened the fourth seal, I heard the voice of the fourth living creature say, “Come!” 8 And I looked, and behold, a pale horse! And its rider's name was Death, and Hades followed him. And they were given authority over a fourth of the earth, to kill with sword and with famine and with pestilence and by wild beasts of the earth. 9 When he opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of those who had been slain for the word of God and for the witness they had borne. 10 They cried out with a loud voice, “O Sovereign Lord, holy and true, how long before you will judge and avenge our blood on those who dwell on the earth?” 11 Then they were each given a white robe and told to rest a little longer, until the number of their fellow servants and their brothers3 should be complete, who were to be killed as they themselves had been. 12 When he opened the sixth seal, I looked, and behold, there was a great earthquake, and the sun became black as sackcloth, the full moon became like blood, 13 and the stars of the sky fell to the earth as the fig tree sheds its winter fruit when shaken by a gale. 14 The sky vanished like a scroll that is being rolled up, and every mountain and island was removed from its place. 15 Then the kings of the earth and the great ones and the generals and the rich and the powerful, and everyone, slave4 and free, hid themselves in the caves and among the rocks of the mountains, 16 calling to the mountains and rocks, “Fall on us and hide us from the face of him who is seated on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb, 17 for the great day of their wrath has come, and who can stand?” Footnotes [1] 6:6 Greek choinix, a dry measure equal to about a quart [2] 6:6 A denarius was a day's wage for a laborer [3] 6:11 Or brothers and sisters. In New Testament usage, depending on the context, the plural Greek word adelphoi (translated “brothers”) may refer either to brothers or to brothers and sisters [4] 6:15 For the contextual rendering of the Greek word doulos, see Preface (ESV) In private: Zechariah 2; John 5 Zechariah 2 (Listen) A Vision of a Man with a Measuring Line 2 1 And I lifted my eyes and saw, and behold, a man with a measuring line in his hand! 2 Then I said, “Where are you going?” And he said to me, “To measure Jerusalem, to see what is its width and what is its length.” 3 And behold, the angel who talked with me came forward, and another angel came forward to meet him 4 and said to him, “Run, say to that young man, ‘Jerusalem shall be inhabited as villages without walls, because of the multitude of people and livestock in it. 5 And I will be to her a wall of fire all around, declares the LORD, and I will be the glory in her midst.'” 6 Up! Up! Flee from the land of the north, declares the LORD. For I have spread you abroad as the four winds of the heavens, declares the LORD. 7 Up! Escape to Zion, you who dwell with the daughter of Babylon. 8 For thus said the LORD of hosts, after his glory sent me2 to the nations who plundered you, for he who touches you touches the apple of his eye: 9 “Behold, I will shake my hand over them, and they shall become plunder for those who served them. Then you will know that the LORD of hosts has sent me. 10 Sing and rejoice, O daughter of Zion, for behold, I come and I will dwell in your midst, declares the LORD. 11 And many nations shall join themselves to the LORD in that day, and shall be my people. And I will dwell in your midst, and you shall know that the LORD of hosts has sent me to you. 12 And the LORD will inherit Judah as his portion in the holy land, and will again choose Jerusalem.” 13 Be silent, all flesh, before the LORD, for he has roused himself from his holy dwelling. Footnotes [1] 2:1 Ch 2:5 in Hebrew [2] 2:8 Or he sent me after glory (ESV) John 5 (Listen) The Healing at the Pool on the Sabbath 5 After this there was a feast of the Jews, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem. 2 Now there is in Jerusalem by the Sheep Gate a pool, in Aramaic1 called Bethesda,2 which has five roofed colonnades. 3 In these lay a multitude of invalids—blind, lame, and paralyzed.3 5 One man was there who had been an invalid for thirty-eight years. 6 When Jesus saw him lying there and knew that he had already been there a long time, he said to him, “Do you want to be healed?” 7 The sick man answered him, “Sir, I have no one to put me into the pool when the water is stirred up, and while I am going another steps down before me.” 8 Jesus said to him, “Get up, take up your bed, and walk.” 9 And at once the man was healed, and he took up his bed and walked. Now that day was the Sabbath. 10 So the Jews4 said to the man who had been healed, “It is the Sabbath, and it is not lawful for you to take up your bed.” 11 But he answered them, “The man who healed me, that man said to me, ‘Take up your bed, and walk.'” 12 They asked him, “Who is the man who said to you, ‘Take up your bed and walk'?” 13 Now the man who had been healed did not know who it was, for Jesus had withdrawn, as there was a crowd in the place. 14 Afterward Jesus found him in the temple and said to him, “See, you are well! Sin no more, that nothing worse may happen to you.” 15 The man went away and told the Jews that it was Jesus who had healed him. 16 And this was why the Jews were persecuting Jesus, because he was doing these things on the Sabbath. 17 But Jesus answered them, “My Father is working until now, and I am working.” Jesus Is Equal with God 18 This was why the Jews were seeking all the more to kill him, because not only was he breaking the Sabbath, but he was even calling God his own Father, making himself equal with God. The Authority of the Son 19 So Jesus said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, the Son can do nothing of his own accord, but only what he sees the Father doing. For whatever the Father5 does, that the Son does likewise. 20 For the Father loves the Son and shows him all that he himself is doing. And greater works than these will he show him, so that you may marvel. 21 For as the Father raises the dead and gives them life, so also the Son gives life to whom he will. 22 For the Father judges no one, but has given all judgment to the Son, 23 that all may honor the Son, just as they honor the Father. Whoever does not honor the Son does not honor the Father who sent him. 24 Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life. He does not come into judgment, but has passed from death to life. 25 “Truly, truly, I say to you, an hour is coming, and is now here, when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God, and those who hear will live. 26 For as the Father has life in himself, so he has granted the Son also to have life in himself. 27 And he has given him authority to execute judgment, because he is the Son of Man. 28 Do not marvel at this, for an hour is coming when all who are in the tombs will hear his voice 29 and come out, those who have done good to the resurrection of life, and those who have done evil to the resurrection of judgment. Witnesses to Jesus 30 “I can do nothing on my own. As I hear, I judge, and my judgment is just, because I seek not my own will but the will of him who sent me. 31 If I alone bear witness about myself, my testimony is not true. 32 There is another who bears witness about me, and I know that the testimony that he bears about me is true. 33 You sent to John, and he has borne witness to the truth. 34 Not that the testimony that I receive is from man, but I say these things so that you may be saved. 35 He was a burning and shining lamp, and you were willing to rejoice for a while in his light. 36 But the testimony that I have is greater than that of John. For the works that the Father has given me to accomplish, the very works that I am doing, bear witness about me that the Father has sent me. 37 And the Father who sent me has himself borne witness about me. His voice you have never heard, his form you have never seen, 38 and you do not have his word abiding in you, for you do not believe the one whom he has sent. 39 You search the Scriptures because you think that in them you have eternal life; and it is they that bear witness about me, 40 yet you refuse to come to me that you may have life. 41 I do not receive glory from people. 42 But I know that you do not have the love of God within you. 43 I have come in my Father's name, and you do not receive me. If another comes in his own name, you will receive him. 44 How can you believe, when you receive glory from one another and do not seek the glory that comes from the only God? 45 Do not think that I will accuse you to the Father. There is one who accuses you: Moses, on whom you have set your hope. 46 For if you believed Moses, you would believe me; for he wrote of me. 47 But if you do not believe his writings, how will you believe my words?” Footnotes [1] 5:2 Or Hebrew [2] 5:2 Some manuscripts Bethsaida [3] 5:3 Some manuscripts insert, wholly or in part, waiting for the moving of the water; 4for an angel of the Lord went down at certain seasons into the pool, and stirred the water: whoever stepped in first after the stirring of the water was healed of whatever disease he had [4] 5:10 The Greek word Ioudaioi refers specifically here to Jewish religious leaders, and others under their influence, who opposed Jesus in that time; also verses 15, 16, 18 [5] 5:19 Greek he (ESV)

Psalms and Wisdom: Psalm 100 Psalm 100 (Listen) His Steadfast Love Endures Forever A Psalm for giving thanks. 100   Make a joyful noise to the LORD, all the earth!2     Serve the LORD with gladness!    Come into his presence with singing! 3   Know that the LORD, he is God!    It is he who made us, and we are his;1    we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture. 4   Enter his gates with thanksgiving,    and his courts with praise!    Give thanks to him; bless his name! 5   For the LORD is good;    his steadfast love endures forever,    and his faithfulness to all generations. Footnotes [1] 100:3 Or and not we ourselves (ESV) Pentateuch and History: 2 Kings 9 2 Kings 9 (Listen) Jehu Anointed King of Israel 9 Then Elisha the prophet called one of the sons of the prophets and said to him, “Tie up your garments, and take this flask of oil in your hand, and go to Ramoth-gilead. 2 And when you arrive, look there for Jehu the son of Jehoshaphat, son of Nimshi. And go in and have him rise from among his fellows, and lead him to an inner chamber. 3 Then take the flask of oil and pour it on his head and say, ‘Thus says the LORD, I anoint you king over Israel.' Then open the door and flee; do not linger.” 4 So the young man, the servant of the prophet, went to Ramoth-gilead. 5 And when he came, behold, the commanders of the army were in council. And he said, “I have a word for you, O commander.” And Jehu said, “To which of us all?” And he said, “To you, O commander.” 6 So he arose and went into the house. And the young man poured the oil on his head, saying to him, “Thus says the LORD, the God of Israel, I anoint you king over the people of the LORD, over Israel. 7 And you shall strike down the house of Ahab your master, so that I may avenge on Jezebel the blood of my servants the prophets, and the blood of all the servants of the LORD. 8 For the whole house of Ahab shall perish, and I will cut off from Ahab every male, bond or free, in Israel. 9 And I will make the house of Ahab like the house of Jeroboam the son of Nebat, and like the house of Baasha the son of Ahijah. 10 And the dogs shall eat Jezebel in the territory of Jezreel, and none shall bury her.” Then he opened the door and fled. 11 When Jehu came out to the servants of his master, they said to him, “Is all well? Why did this mad fellow come to you?” And he said to them, “You know the fellow and his talk.” 12 And they said, “That is not true; tell us now.” And he said, “Thus and so he spoke to me, saying, ‘Thus says the LORD, I anoint you king over Israel.'” 13 Then in haste every man of them took his garment and put it under him on the bare1 steps, and they blew the trumpet and proclaimed, “Jehu is king.” Jehu Assassinates Joram and Ahaziah 14 Thus Jehu the son of Jehoshaphat the son of Nimshi conspired against Joram. (Now Joram with all Israel had been on guard at Ramoth-gilead against Hazael king of Syria, 15 but King Joram had returned to be healed in Jezreel of the wounds that the Syrians had given him, when he fought with Hazael king of Syria.) So Jehu said, “If this is your decision, then let no one slip out of the city to go and tell the news in Jezreel.” 16 Then Jehu mounted his chariot and went to Jezreel, for Joram lay there. And Ahaziah king of Judah had come down to visit Joram. 17 Now the watchman was standing on the tower in Jezreel, and he saw the company of Jehu as he came and said, “I see a company.” And Joram said, “Take a horseman and send to meet them, and let him say, ‘Is it peace?'” 18 So a man on horseback went to meet him and said, “Thus says the king, ‘Is it peace?'” And Jehu said, “What do you have to do with peace? Turn around and ride behind me.” And the watchman reported, saying, “The messenger reached them, but he is not coming back.” 19 Then he sent out a second horseman, who came to them and said, “Thus the king has said, ‘Is it peace?'” And Jehu answered, “What do you have to do with peace? Turn around and ride behind me.” 20 Again the watchman reported, “He reached them, but he is not coming back. And the driving is like the driving of Jehu the son of Nimshi, for he drives furiously.” 21 Joram said, “Make ready.” And they made ready his chariot. Then Joram king of Israel and Ahaziah king of Judah set out, each in his chariot, and went to meet Jehu, and met him at the property of Naboth the Jezreelite. 22 And when Joram saw Jehu, he said, “Is it peace, Jehu?” He answered, “What peace can there be, so long as the whorings and the sorceries of your mother Jezebel are so many?” 23 Then Joram reined about and fled, saying to Ahaziah, “Treachery, O Ahaziah!” 24 And Jehu drew his bow with his full strength, and shot Joram between the shoulders, so that the arrow pierced his heart, and he sank in his chariot. 25 Jehu said to Bidkar his aide, “Take him up and throw him on the plot of ground belonging to Naboth the Jezreelite. For remember, when you and I rode side by side behind Ahab his father, how the LORD made this pronouncement against him: 26 ‘As surely as I saw yesterday the blood of Naboth and the blood of his sons—declares the LORD—I will repay you on this plot of ground.' Now therefore take him up and throw him on the plot of ground, in accordance with the word of the LORD.” 27 When Ahaziah the king of Judah saw this, he fled in the direction of Beth-haggan. And Jehu pursued him and said, “Shoot him also.” And they shot him2 in the chariot at the ascent of Gur, which is by Ibleam. And he fled to Megiddo and died there. 28 His servants carried him in a chariot to Jerusalem, and buried him in his tomb with his fathers in the city of David. 29 In the eleventh year of Joram the son of Ahab, Ahaziah began to reign over Judah. Jehu Executes Jezebel 30 When Jehu came to Jezreel, Jezebel heard of it. And she painted her eyes and adorned her head and looked out of the window. 31 And as Jehu entered the gate, she said, “Is it peace, you Zimri, murderer of your master?” 32 And he lifted up his face to the window and said, “Who is on my side? Who?” Two or three eunuchs looked out at him. 33 He said, “Throw her down.” So they threw her down. And some of her blood spattered on the wall and on the horses, and they trampled on her. 34 Then he went in and ate and drank. And he said, “See now to this cursed woman and bury her, for she is a king's daughter.” 35 But when they went to bury her, they found no more of her than the skull and the feet and the palms of her hands. 36 When they came back and told him, he said, “This is the word of the LORD, which he spoke by his servant Elijah the Tishbite: ‘In the territory of Jezreel the dogs shall eat the flesh of Jezebel, 37 and the corpse of Jezebel shall be as dung on the face of the field in the territory of Jezreel, so that no one can say, This is Jezebel.'” Footnotes [1] 9:13 The meaning of the Hebrew word is uncertain [2] 9:27 Syriac, Vulgate (compare Septuagint); Hebrew lacks and they shot him (ESV) Chronicles and Prophets: Zechariah 14 Zechariah 14 (Listen) The Coming Day of the Lord 14 Behold, a day is coming for the LORD, when the spoil taken from you will be divided in your midst. 2 For I will gather all the nations against Jerusalem to battle, and the city shall be taken and the houses plundered and the women raped. Half of the city shall go out into exile, but the rest of the people shall not be cut off from the city. 3 Then the LORD will go out and fight against those nations as when he fights on a day of battle. 4 On that day his feet shall stand on the Mount of Olives that lies before Jerusalem on the east, and the Mount of Olives shall be split in two from east to west by a very wide valley, so that one half of the Mount shall move northward, and the other half southward. 5 And you shall flee to the valley of my mountains, for the valley of the mountains shall reach to Azal. And you shall flee as you fled from the earthquake in the days of Uzziah king of Judah. Then the LORD my God will come, and all the holy ones with him.1 6 On that day there shall be no light, cold, or frost.2 7 And there shall be a unique3 day, which is known to the LORD, neither day nor night, but at evening time there shall be light. 8 On that day living waters shall flow out from Jerusalem, half of them to the eastern sea4 and half of them to the western sea.5 It shall continue in summer as in winter. 9 And the LORD will be king over all the earth. On that day the LORD will be one and his name one. 10 The whole land shall be turned into a plain from Geba to Rimmon south of Jerusalem. But Jerusalem shall remain aloft on its site from the Gate of Benjamin to the place of the former gate, to the Corner Gate, and from the Tower of Hananel to the king's winepresses. 11 And it shall be inhabited, for there shall never again be a decree of utter destruction.6 Jerusalem shall dwell in security. 12 And this shall be the plague with which the LORD will strike all the peoples that wage war against Jerusalem: their flesh will rot while they are still standing on their feet, their eyes will rot in their sockets, and their tongues will rot in their mouths. 13 And on that day a great panic from the LORD shall fall on them, so that each will seize the hand of another, and the hand of the one will be raised against the hand of the other. 14 Even Judah will fight at Jerusalem.7 And the wealth of all the surrounding nations shall be collected, gold, silver, and garments in great abundance. 15 And a plague like this plague shall fall on the horses, the mules, the camels, the donkeys, and whatever beasts may be in those camps. 16 Then everyone who survives of all the nations that have come against Jerusalem shall go up year after year to worship the King, the LORD of hosts, and to keep the Feast of Booths. 17 And if any of the families of the earth do not go up to Jerusalem to worship the King, the LORD of hosts, there will be no rain on them. 18 And if the family of Egypt does not go up and present themselves, then on them there shall be no rain;8 there shall be the plague with which the LORD afflicts the nations that do not go up to keep the Feast of Booths. 19 This shall be the punishment to Egypt and the punishment to all the nations that do not go up to keep the Feast of Booths. 20 And on that day there shall be inscribed on the bells of the horses, “Holy to the LORD.” And the pots in the house of the LORD shall be as the bowls before the altar. 21 And every pot in Jerusalem and Judah shall be holy to the LORD of hosts, so that all who sacrifice may come and take of them and boil the meat of the sacrifice in them. And there shall no longer be a trader9 in the house of the LORD of hosts on that day. Footnotes [1] 14:5 Other Hebrew manuscripts you [2] 14:6 Compare Septuagint, Syriac, Vulgate, Targum; the meaning of the Hebrew is uncertain [3] 14:7 Hebrew one [4] 14:8 That is, the Dead Sea [5] 14:8 That is, the Mediterranean Sea [6] 14:11 The Hebrew term rendered decree of utter destruction refers to things devoted (or set apart) to the Lord (or by the Lord) for destruction [7] 14:14 Or against Jerusalem [8] 14:18 Hebrew lacks rain [9] 14:21 Or Canaanite (ESV) Gospels and Epistles: John 4:43–5:18 John 4:43–5:18 (Listen) 43 After the two days he departed for Galilee. 44 (For Jesus himself had testified that a prophet has no honor in his own hometown.) 45 So when he came to Galilee, the Galileans welcomed him, having seen all that he had done in Jerusalem at the feast. For they too had gone to the feast. Jesus Heals an Official's Son 46 So he came again to Cana in Galilee, where he had made the water wine. And at Capernaum there was an official whose son was ill. 47 When this man heard that Jesus had come from Judea to Galilee, he went to him and asked him to come down and heal his son, for he was at the point of death. 48 So Jesus said to him, “Unless you1 see signs and wonders you will not believe.” 49 The official said to him, “Sir, come down before my child dies.” 50 Jesus said to him, “Go; your son will live.” The man believed the word that Jesus spoke to him and went on his way. 51 As he was going down, his servants2 met him and told him that his son was recovering. 52 So he asked them the hour when he began to get better, and they said to him, “Yesterday at the seventh hour3 the fever left him.” 53 The father knew that was the hour when Jesus had said to him, “Your son will live.” And he himself believed, and all his household. 54 This was now the second sign that Jesus did when he had come from Judea to Galilee. The Healing at the Pool on the Sabbath 5 After this there was a feast of the Jews, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem. 2 Now there is in Jerusalem by the Sheep Gate a pool, in Aramaic4 called Bethesda,5 which has five roofed colonnades. 3 In these lay a multitude of invalids—blind, lame, and paralyzed.6 5 One man was there who had been an invalid for thirty-eight years. 6 When Jesus saw him lying there and knew that he had already been there a long time, he said to him, “Do you want to be healed?” 7 The sick man answered him, “Sir, I have no one to put me into the pool when the water is stirred up, and while I am going another steps down before me.” 8 Jesus said to him, “Get up, take up your bed, and walk.” 9 And at once the man was healed, and he took up his bed and walked. Now that day was the Sabbath. 10 So the Jews7 said to the man who had been healed, “It is the Sabbath, and it is not lawful for you to take up your bed.” 11 But he answered them, “The man who healed me, that man said to me, ‘Take up your bed, and walk.'” 12 They asked him, “Who is the man who said to you, ‘Take up your bed and walk'?” 13 Now the man who had been healed did not know who it was, for Jesus had withdrawn, as there was a crowd in the place. 14 Afterward Jesus found him in the temple and said to him, “See, you are well! Sin no more, that nothing worse may happen to you.” 15 The man went away and told the Jews that it was Jesus who had healed him. 16 And this was why the Jews were persecuting Jesus, because he was doing these things on the Sabbath. 17 But Jesus answered them, “My Father is working until now, and I am working.” Jesus Is Equal with God 18 This was why the Jews were seeking all the more to kill him, because not only was he breaking the Sabbath, but he was even calling God his own Father, making himself equal with God. Footnotes [1] 4:48 The Greek for you is plural; twice in this verse [2] 4:51 Or bondservants [3] 4:52 That is, at 1 p.m. [4] 5:2 Or Hebrew [5] 5:2 Some manuscripts Bethsaida [6] 5:3 Some manuscripts insert, wholly or in part, waiting for the moving of the water; 4for an angel of the Lord went down at certain seasons into the pool, and stirred the water: whoever stepped in first after the stirring of the water was healed of whatever disease he had [7] 5:10 The Greek word Ioudaioi refers specifically here to Jewish religious leaders, and others under their influence, who opposed Jesus in that time; also verses 15, 16, 18 (ESV)

John 5–6 John 5–6 (Listen) The Healing at the Pool on the Sabbath 5 After this there was a feast of the Jews, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem. 2 Now there is in Jerusalem by the Sheep Gate a pool, in Aramaic1 called Bethesda,2 which has five roofed colonnades. 3 In these lay a multitude of invalids—blind, lame, and paralyzed.3 5 One man was there who had been an invalid for thirty-eight years. 6 When Jesus saw him lying there and knew that he had already been there a long time, he said to him, “Do you want to be healed?” 7 The sick man answered him, “Sir, I have no one to put me into the pool when the water is stirred up, and while I am going another steps down before me.” 8 Jesus said to him, “Get up, take up your bed, and walk.” 9 And at once the man was healed, and he took up his bed and walked. Now that day was the Sabbath. 10 So the Jews4 said to the man who had been healed, “It is the Sabbath, and it is not lawful for you to take up your bed.” 11 But he answered them, “The man who healed me, that man said to me, ‘Take up your bed, and walk.'” 12 They asked him, “Who is the man who said to you, ‘Take up your bed and walk'?” 13 Now the man who had been healed did not know who it was, for Jesus had withdrawn, as there was a crowd in the place. 14 Afterward Jesus found him in the temple and said to him, “See, you are well! Sin no more, that nothing worse may happen to you.” 15 The man went away and told the Jews that it was Jesus who had healed him. 16 And this was why the Jews were persecuting Jesus, because he was doing these things on the Sabbath. 17 But Jesus answered them, “My Father is working until now, and I am working.” Jesus Is Equal with God 18 This was why the Jews were seeking all the more to kill him, because not only was he breaking the Sabbath, but he was even calling God his own Father, making himself equal with God. The Authority of the Son 19 So Jesus said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, the Son can do nothing of his own accord, but only what he sees the Father doing. For whatever the Father5 does, that the Son does likewise. 20 For the Father loves the Son and shows him all that he himself is doing. And greater works than these will he show him, so that you may marvel. 21 For as the Father raises the dead and gives them life, so also the Son gives life to whom he will. 22 For the Father judges no one, but has given all judgment to the Son, 23 that all may honor the Son, just as they honor the Father. Whoever does not honor the Son does not honor the Father who sent him. 24 Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life. He does not come into judgment, but has passed from death to life. 25 “Truly, truly, I say to you, an hour is coming, and is now here, when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God, and those who hear will live. 26 For as the Father has life in himself, so he has granted the Son also to have life in himself. 27 And he has given him authority to execute judgment, because he is the Son of Man. 28 Do not marvel at this, for an hour is coming when all who are in the tombs will hear his voice 29 and come out, those who have done good to the resurrection of life, and those who have done evil to the resurrection of judgment. Witnesses to Jesus 30 “I can do nothing on my own. As I hear, I judge, and my judgment is just, because I seek not my own will but the will of him who sent me. 31 If I alone bear witness about myself, my testimony is not true. 32 There is another who bears witness about me, and I know that the testimony that he bears about me is true. 33 You sent to John, and he has borne witness to the truth. 34 Not that the testimony that I receive is from man, but I say these things so that you may be saved. 35 He was a burning and shining lamp, and you were willing to rejoice for a while in his light. 36 But the testimony that I have is greater than that of John. For the works that the Father has given me to accomplish, the very works that I am doing, bear witness about me that the Father has sent me. 37 And the Father who sent me has himself borne witness about me. His voice you have never heard, his form you have never seen, 38 and you do not have his word abiding in you, for you do not believe the one whom he has sent. 39 You search the Scriptures because you think that in them you have eternal life; and it is they that bear witness about me, 40 yet you refuse to come to me that you may have life. 41 I do not receive glory from people. 42 But I know that you do not have the love of God within you. 43 I have come in my Father's name, and you do not receive me. If another comes in his own name, you will receive him. 44 How can you believe, when you receive glory from one another and do not seek the glory that comes from the only God? 45 Do not think that I will accuse you to the Father. There is one who accuses you: Moses, on whom you have set your hope. 46 For if you believed Moses, you would believe me; for he wrote of me. 47 But if you do not believe his writings, how will you believe my words?” Jesus Feeds the Five Thousand 6 After this Jesus went away to the other side of the Sea of Galilee, which is the Sea of Tiberias. 2 And a large crowd was following him, because they saw the signs that he was doing on the sick. 3 Jesus went up on the mountain, and there he sat down with his disciples. 4 Now the Passover, the feast of the Jews, was at hand. 5 Lifting up his eyes, then, and seeing that a large crowd was coming toward him, Jesus said to Philip, “Where are we to buy bread, so that these people may eat?” 6 He said this to test him, for he himself knew what he would do. 7 Philip answered him, “Two hundred denarii6 worth of bread would not be enough for each of them to get a little.” 8 One of his disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter's brother, said to him, 9 “There is a boy here who has five barley loaves and two fish, but what are they for so many?” 10 Jesus said, “Have the people sit down.” Now there was much grass in the place. So the men sat down, about five thousand in number. 11 Jesus then took the loaves, and when he had given thanks, he distributed them to those who were seated. So also the fish, as much as they wanted. 12 And when they had eaten their fill, he told his disciples, “Gather up the leftover fragments, that nothing may be lost.” 13 So they gathered them up and filled twelve baskets with fragments from the five barley loaves left by those who had eaten. 14 When the people saw the sign that he had done, they said, “This is indeed the Prophet who is to come into the world!” 15 Perceiving then that they were about to come and take him by force to make him king, Jesus withdrew again to the mountain by himself. Jesus Walks on Water 16 When evening came, his disciples went down to the sea, 17 got into a boat, and started across the sea to Capernaum. It was now dark, and Jesus had not yet come to them. 18 The sea became rough because a strong wind was blowing. 19 When they had rowed about three or four miles,7 they saw Jesus walking on the sea and coming near the boat, and they were frightened. 20 But he said to them, “It is I; do not be afraid.” 21 Then they were glad to take him into the boat, and immediately the boat was at the land to which they were going. I Am the Bread of Life 22 On the next day the crowd that remained on the other side of the sea saw that there had been only one boat there, and that Jesus had not entered the boat with his disciples, but that his disciples had gone away alone. 23 Other boats from Tiberias came near the place where they had eaten the bread after the Lord had given thanks. 24 So when the crowd saw that Jesus was not there, nor his disciples, they themselves got into the boats and went to Capernaum, seeking Jesus. 25 When they found him on the other side of the sea, they said to him, “Rabbi, when did you come here?” 26 Jesus answered them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, you are seeking me, not because you saw signs, but because you ate your fill of the loaves. 27 Do not work for the food that perishes, but for the food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give to you. For on him God the Father has set his seal.” 28 Then they said to him, “What must we do, to be doing the works of God?” 29 Jesus answered them, “This is the work of God, that you believe in him whom he has sent.” 30 So they said to him, “Then what sign do you do, that we may see and believe you? What work do you perform? 31 Our fathers ate the manna in the wilderness; as it is written, ‘He gave them bread from heaven to eat.'” 32 Jesus then said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, it was not Moses who gave you the bread from heaven, but my Father gives you the true bread from heaven. 33 For the bread of God is he who comes down from heaven and gives life to the world.” 34 They said to him, “Sir, give us this bread always.” 35 Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst. 36 But I said to you that you have seen me and yet do not believe. 37 All that the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never cast out. 38 For I have come down from heaven, not to do my own will but the will of him who sent me. 39 And this is the will of him who sent me, that I should lose nothing of all that he has given me, but raise it up on the last day. 40 For this is the will of my Father, that everyone who looks on the Son and believes in him should have eternal life, and I will raise him up on the last day.” 41 So the Jews grumbled about him, because he said, “I am the bread that came down from heaven.” 42 They said, “Is not this Jesus, the son of Joseph, whose father and mother we know? How does he now say, ‘I have come down from heaven'?” 43 Jesus answered them, “Do not grumble among yourselves. 44 No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him. And I will raise him up on the last day. 45 It is written in the Prophets, ‘And they will all be taught by God.' Everyone who has heard and learned from the Father comes to me—46 not that anyone has seen the Father except he who is from God; he has seen the Father. 47 Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever believes has eternal life. 48 I am the bread of life. 49 Your fathers ate the manna in the wilderness, and they died. 50 This is the bread that comes down from heaven, so that one may eat of it and not die. 51 I am the living bread that came down from heaven. If anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever. And the bread that I will give for the life of the world is my flesh.” 52 The Jews then disputed among themselves, saying, “How can this man give us his flesh to eat?” 53 So Jesus said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you have no life in you. 54 Whoever feeds on my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise him up on the last day. 55 For my flesh is true food, and my blood is true drink. 56 Whoever feeds on my flesh and drinks my blood abides in me, and I in him. 57 As the living Father sent me, and I live because of the Father, so whoever feeds on me, he also will live because of me. 58 This is the bread that came down from heaven, not like the bread8 the fathers ate, and died. Whoever feeds on this bread will live forever.” 59 Jesus9 said these things in the synagogue, as he taught at Capernaum. The Words of Eternal Life 60 When many of his disciples heard it, they said, “This is a hard saying; who can listen to it?” 61 But Jesus, knowing in himself that his disciples were grumbling about this, said to them, “Do you take offense at this? 62 Then what if you were to see the Son of Man ascending to where he was before? 63 It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh is no help at all. The words that I have spoken to you are spirit and life. 64 But there are some of you who do not believe.” (For Jesus knew from the beginning who those were who did not believe, and who it was who would betray him.) 65 And he said, “This is why I told you that no one can come to me unless it is granted him by the Father.” 66 After this many of his disciples turned back and no longer walked with him. 67 So Jesus said to the twelve, “Do you want to go away as well?” 68 Simon Peter answered him, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life, 69 and we have believed, and have come to know, that you are the Holy One of God.” 70 Jesus answered them, “Did I not choose you, the twelve? And yet one of you is a devil.” 71 He spoke of Judas the son of Simon Iscariot, for he, one of the twelve, was going to betray him. Footnotes [1] 5:2 Or Hebrew [2] 5:2 Some manuscripts Bethsaida [3] 5:3 Some manuscripts insert, wholly or in part, waiting for the moving of the water; 4for an angel of the Lord went down at certain seasons into the pool, and stirred the water: whoever stepped in first after the stirring of the water was healed of whatever disease he had [4] 5:10 The Greek word Ioudaioi refers specifically here to Jewish religious leaders, and others under their influence, who opposed Jesus in that time; also verses 15, 16, 18 [5] 5:19 Greek he [6] 6:7 A denarius was a day's wage for a laborer [7] 6:19 Greek twenty-five or thirty stadia; a stadion was about 607 feet or 185 meters [8] 6:58 Greek lacks the bread [9] 6:59 Greek He (ESV)

Old Testament: Proverbs 5–6 Proverbs 5–6 (Listen) Warning Against Adultery 5   My son, be attentive to my wisdom;    incline your ear to my understanding,2   that you may keep discretion,    and your lips may guard knowledge.3   For the lips of a forbidden1 woman drip honey,    and her speech2 is smoother than oil,4   but in the end she is bitter as wormwood,    sharp as a two-edged sword.5   Her feet go down to death;    her steps follow the path to3 Sheol;6   she does not ponder the path of life;    her ways wander, and she does not know it. 7   And now, O sons, listen to me,    and do not depart from the words of my mouth.8   Keep your way far from her,    and do not go near the door of her house,9   lest you give your honor to others    and your years to the merciless,10   lest strangers take their fill of your strength,    and your labors go to the house of a foreigner,11   and at the end of your life you groan,    when your flesh and body are consumed,12   and you say, “How I hated discipline,    and my heart despised reproof!13   I did not listen to the voice of my teachers    or incline my ear to my instructors.14   I am at the brink of utter ruin    in the assembled congregation.” 15   Drink water from your own cistern,    flowing water from your own well.16   Should your springs be scattered abroad,    streams of water in the streets?17   Let them be for yourself alone,    and not for strangers with you.18   Let your fountain be blessed,    and rejoice in the wife of your youth,19     a lovely deer, a graceful doe.  Let her breasts fill you at all times with delight;    be intoxicated4 always in her love.20   Why should you be intoxicated, my son, with a forbidden woman    and embrace the bosom of an adulteress?521   For a man's ways are before the eyes of the LORD,    and he ponders6 all his paths.22   The iniquities of the wicked ensnare him,    and he is held fast in the cords of his sin.23   He dies for lack of discipline,    and because of his great folly he is led astray. Practical Warnings 6   My son, if you have put up security for your neighbor,    have given your pledge for a stranger,2   if you are snared in the words of your mouth,    caught in the words of your mouth,3   then do this, my son, and save yourself,    for you have come into the hand of your neighbor:    go, hasten,7 and plead urgently with your neighbor.4   Give your eyes no sleep    and your eyelids no slumber;5   save yourself like a gazelle from the hand of the hunter,8    like a bird from the hand of the fowler. 6   Go to the ant, O sluggard;    consider her ways, and be wise.7   Without having any chief,    officer, or ruler,8   she prepares her bread in summer    and gathers her food in harvest.9   How long will you lie there, O sluggard?    When will you arise from your sleep?10   A little sleep, a little slumber,    a little folding of the hands to rest,11   and poverty will come upon you like a robber,    and want like an armed man. 12   A worthless person, a wicked man,    goes about with crooked speech,13   winks with his eyes, signals9 with his feet,    points with his finger,14   with perverted heart devises evil,    continually sowing discord;15   therefore calamity will come upon him suddenly;    in a moment he will be broken beyond healing. 16   There are six things that the LORD hates,    seven that are an abomination to him:17   haughty eyes, a lying tongue,    and hands that shed innocent blood,18   a heart that devises wicked plans,    feet that make haste to run to evil,19   a false witness who breathes out lies,    and one who sows discord among brothers. Warnings Against Adultery 20   My son, keep your father's commandment,    and forsake not your mother's teaching.21   Bind them on your heart always;    tie them around your neck.22   When you walk, they10 will lead you;    when you lie down, they will watch over you;    and when you awake, they will talk with you.23   For the commandment is a lamp and the teaching a light,    and the reproofs of discipline are the way of life,24   to preserve you from the evil woman,11    from the smooth tongue of the adulteress.1225   Do not desire her beauty in your heart,    and do not let her capture you with her eyelashes;26   for the price of a prostitute is only a loaf of bread,13    but a married woman14 hunts down a precious life.27   Can a man carry fire next to his chest    and his clothes not be burned?28   Or can one walk on hot coals    and his feet not be scorched?29   So is he who goes in to his neighbor's wife;    none who touches her will go unpunished.30   People do not despise a thief if he steals    to satisfy his appetite when he is hungry,31   but if he is caught, he will pay sevenfold;    he will give all the goods of his house.32   He who commits adultery lacks sense;    he who does it destroys himself.33   He will get wounds and dishonor,    and his disgrace will not be wiped away.34   For jealousy makes a man furious,    and he will not spare when he takes revenge.35   He will accept no compensation;    he will refuse though you multiply gifts. Footnotes [1] 5:3 Hebrew strange; also verse 20 [2] 5:3 Hebrew palate [3] 5:5 Hebrew lay hold of [4] 5:19 Hebrew be led astray; also verse 20 [5] 5:20 Hebrew a foreign woman [6] 5:21 Or makes level [7] 6:3 Or humble yourself [8] 6:5 Hebrew lacks of the hunter [9] 6:13 Hebrew scrapes [10] 6:22 Hebrew it; three times in this verse [11] 6:24 Revocalization (compare Septuagint) yields from the wife of a neighbor [12] 6:24 Hebrew the foreign woman [13] 6:26 Or (compare Septuagint, Syriac, Vulgate) for a prostitute leaves a man with nothing but a loaf of bread [14] 6:26 Hebrew a man's wife (ESV) Psalm: Psalm 65 Psalm 65 (Listen) O God of Our Salvation To the choirmaster. A Psalm of David. A Song. 65   Praise is due to you,1 O God, in Zion,    and to you shall vows be performed.2   O you who hear prayer,    to you shall all flesh come.3   When iniquities prevail against me,    you atone for our transgressions.4   Blessed is the one you choose and bring near,    to dwell in your courts!  We shall be satisfied with the goodness of your house,    the holiness of your temple! 5   By awesome deeds you answer us with righteousness,    O God of our salvation,  the hope of all the ends of the earth    and of the farthest seas;6   the one who by his strength established the mountains,    being girded with might;7   who stills the roaring of the seas,    the roaring of their waves,    the tumult of the peoples,8   so that those who dwell at the ends of the earth are in awe at your signs.  You make the going out of the morning and the evening to shout for joy. 9   You visit the earth and water it;2    you greatly enrich it;  the river of God is full of water;    you provide their grain,    for so you have prepared it.10   You water its furrows abundantly,    settling its ridges,  softening it with showers,    and blessing its growth.11   You crown the year with your bounty;    your wagon tracks overflow with abundance.12   The pastures of the wilderness overflow,    the hills gird themselves with joy,13   the meadows clothe themselves with flocks,    the valleys deck themselves with grain,    they shout and sing together for joy. Footnotes [1] 65:1 Or Praise waits for you in silence [2] 65:9 Or and make it overflow (ESV) New Testament: John 5 John 5 (Listen) The Healing at the Pool on the Sabbath 5 After this there was a feast of the Jews, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem. 2 Now there is in Jerusalem by the Sheep Gate a pool, in Aramaic1 called Bethesda,2 which has five roofed colonnades. 3 In these lay a multitude of invalids—blind, lame, and paralyzed.3 5 One man was there who had been an invalid for thirty-eight years. 6 When Jesus saw him lying there and knew that he had already been there a long time, he said to him, “Do you want to be healed?” 7 The sick man answered him, “Sir, I have no one to put me into the pool when the water is stirred up, and while I am going another steps down before me.” 8 Jesus said to him, “Get up, take up your bed, and walk.” 9 And at once the man was healed, and he took up his bed and walked. Now that day was the Sabbath. 10 So the Jews4 said to the man who had been healed, “It is the Sabbath, and it is not lawful for you to take up your bed.” 11 But he answered them, “The man who healed me, that man said to me, ‘Take up your bed, and walk.'” 12 They asked him, “Who is the man who said to you, ‘Take up your bed and walk'?” 13 Now the man who had been healed did not know who it was, for Jesus had withdrawn, as there was a crowd in the place. 14 Afterward Jesus found him in the temple and said to him, “See, you are well! Sin no more, that nothing worse may happen to you.” 15 The man went away and told the Jews that it was Jesus who had healed him. 16 And this was why the Jews were persecuting Jesus, because he was doing these things on the Sabbath. 17 But Jesus answered them, “My Father is working until now, and I am working.” Jesus Is Equal with God 18 This was why the Jews were seeking all the more to kill him, because not only was he breaking the Sabbath, but he was even calling God his own Father, making himself equal with God. The Authority of the Son 19 So Jesus said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, the Son can do nothing of his own accord, but only what he sees the Father doing. For whatever the Father5 does, that the Son does likewise. 20 For the Father loves the Son and shows him all that he himself is doing. And greater works than these will he show him, so that you may marvel. 21 For as the Father raises the dead and gives them life, so also the Son gives life to whom he will. 22 For the Father judges no one, but has given all judgment to the Son, 23 that all may honor the Son, just as they honor the Father. Whoever does not honor the Son does not honor the Father who sent him. 24 Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life. He does not come into judgment, but has passed from death to life. 25 “Truly, truly, I say to you, an hour is coming, and is now here, when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God, and those who hear will live. 26 For as the Father has life in himself, so he has granted the Son also to have life in himself. 27 And he has given him authority to execute judgment, because he is the Son of Man. 28 Do not marvel at this, for an hour is coming when all who are in the tombs will hear his voice 29 and come out, those who have done good to the resurrection of life, and those who have done evil to the resurrection of judgment. Witnesses to Jesus 30 “I can do nothing on my own. As I hear, I judge, and my judgment is just, because I seek not my own will but the will of him who sent me. 31 If I alone bear witness about myself, my testimony is not true. 32 There is another who bears witness about me, and I know that the testimony that he bears about me is true. 33 You sent to John, and he has borne witness to the truth. 34 Not that the testimony that I receive is from man, but I say these things so that you may be saved. 35 He was a burning and shining lamp, and you were willing to rejoice for a while in his light. 36 But the testimony that I have is greater than that of John. For the works that the Father has given me to accomplish, the very works that I am doing, bear witness about me that the Father has sent me. 37 And the Father who sent me has himself borne witness about me. His voice you have never heard, his form you have never seen, 38 and you do not have his word abiding in you, for you do not believe the one whom he has sent. 39 You search the Scriptures because you think that in them you have eternal life; and it is they that bear witness about me, 40 yet you refuse to come to me that you may have life. 41 I do not receive glory from people. 42 But I know that you do not have the love of God within you. 43 I have come in my Father's name, and you do not receive me. If another comes in his own name, you will receive him. 44 How can you believe, when you receive glory from one another and do not seek the glory that comes from the only God? 45 Do not think that I will accuse you to the Father. There is one who accuses you: Moses, on whom you have set your hope. 46 For if you believed Moses, you would believe me; for he wrote of me. 47 But if you do not believe his writings, how will you believe my words?” Footnotes [1] 5:2 Or Hebrew [2] 5:2 Some manuscripts Bethsaida [3] 5:3 Some manuscripts insert, wholly or in part, waiting for the moving of the water; 4for an angel of the Lord went down at certain seasons into the pool, and stirred the water: whoever stepped in first after the stirring of the water was healed of whatever disease he had

TODAY'S SCRIPTURE: JOHN 5:1-9 - After this there was a feast of the Jews, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem. 2 Now there is in Jerusalem by the Sheep Gate a pool, in Aramaic called Bethesda, which has five roofed colonnades. 3 In these lay a multitude of invalids—blind, lame, and paralyzed. 5 One man was there who had been an invalid for thirty-eight years. 6 When Jesus saw him lying there and knew that he had already been there a long time, he said to him, “Do you want to be healed?” 7 The sick man answered him, “Sir, I have no one to put me into the pool when the water is stirred up, and while I am going another steps down before me.” 8 Jesus said to him, “Get up, take up your bed, and walk.” 9 And at once the man was healed, and he took up his bed and walked. MENTIONED ON TODAY'S EPISODE: Listen or subscribe to the parenting podcast, "God Fearing Kids and the Parents Who Raise Them" : http://GodFearingKids.com  ADDITIONAL RESOURCES