Acts 7 - Jason

"You stiff-necked people, uncircumcised in heart and ears, you always resist the Holy Spirit. As your fathers did, so do you. Which of the prophets did your fathers not persecute? And they killed those who announced beforehand the coming of the Righteous One, whom you have now betrayed and murdered, you who received the law as delivered by angels and did not keep it."

Acts 7:51-53.

Stephen gave a great speech before the religious leaders of Israel, and by the end he concluded that they were the ones who needed to repent and renounce the ways of their ancestors who had been resisting God ever since they were delivered from Egypt. This is an amazing statement, and shows me that true prophets do not pull their punches in terms of speaking what God has to say about sin. God is calling these men to repent and be delivered through Steven by exposing their double-mindedness, but instead they lose control in their anger and kill Stephen. This is a sad story, but it is happy overall for Steven, who goes to be with the Lord. These men had an opportunity to repent at his preaching, but they refuse in the worst way. Please help me Lord to listen to your prophets and preaching. Please help me to come away from my fathers and follow you as Stephen did. I want to know you, belong to you, and listen to those whom you put in authority over me.

Acts 3, 4, 5 and 6 - Jason

Finally caught up! I love reading about the Acts of the apostles and how through faith in Jesus and the power of the Holy Spirit they spread the gospel by loving one another and doing powerful works to help other people. The leaders were opposing them and charging them to not speak in the name of Jesus, but at this time the Lord granted favor to his people in Jerusalem and they were not being killed, yet.

In Chapter 6, they appointed men to be servants of the Greek widows in the city. The men were going to serve tables, but their qualifications were high! I believe that God has high standards and qualifications for all his people, not just the highest leaders. Stephen was one man who was appointed and he will be killed by the Jewish leaders through false accusations. The apostles were also bold in pointing out the sins of the religious leaders who had rejected Jesus who is the Messiah. The Scripture shows that Jesus is the one True God who came and died for the salvation of mankind. He rose again in power and we have salvation through faith in Him, and He gives us the power to live in Him. God I pray for your Holy Spirit to fill me and my family, and use us through faith in the name of Jesus to do the works that you have prepared for us to do.

I read Acts 2 - Jason

Acts 5 - Nathanael

Wow! Another exciting chapter, but this one is also rather sobering! 

When Ananias heard this, he fell down and died. And great fear seized all who heard what had happened. 

Acts 5:5‭

Wow! If people always died when they lied to God, the churches would all have fired off! Quite sobering! 

It seems that as good begins a new era or stage in his work he both increases the supernatural healings and miracles but also increases consequences for wrong doing. When God brought the Israelites out of Egypt he killed many Egyptians who were standing in God's way, when they entered the promised land Akin's sin caused a battle to be lost and Akin and his family to die. Here again there are great miracles but also this situation with Annanias and Saphira.

As a result, people brought the sick into the streets and laid them on beds and mas so that at least Peter's shadow might fall on some of them as he passed by. Crowds gathered also from the towns around Jerusalem, bringing their sick and those tormented by impure spirits, and all of them were healed.  

Acts 5:15-16

God is displaying his power to confirm his presence and words. 

The apostles left the Sanhedrin, rejoicing because they had been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the Name.

Acts 5: ‬41 NIV

This is an attitude we rarely have. We usually are afraid, discouraged or angry that we suffer on account of Jesus's name. I think there is something we are missing. 

http://bible.com/111/act.5.5-41.NIV

Acts 4 - Esther

"After they prayed, the place where they were meeting was shaken. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly." -Acts 4:31

Acts 4 - Nathanael

This is such as exciting chapter! 

then know this, you and all the people of Israel: It is by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified but whom God raised from the dead, that this man stands before you healed. Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved."  When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus. 

Acts 4:10‭, ‬12‭-‬13‭

Being with Jesus changes you're life. He changes the ordinary to be extraordinary, he makes the unschooled to be wise, he makes the cowardly bold!

Now, Lord, consider their threats and enable your servants to speak your word with great boldness. Stretch out your hand to heal and perform signs and wonders through the name of your holy servant Jesus."  After they prayed, the place where they were meeting was shaken. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly.

Acts 4:‬29‭-‬31 NIV

It is so cool to me that they prayed for more boldness in the face of threats and God filled them again with his holy spirit!

 

http://bible.com/111/act.4.10-31.NIV

John 13 - 21 & Acts 1 - 3

Some of the verses that stood out to me.

It is hard to explain I know exactly how it feels to be a believer.

"If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first." -John 15:18

"You have made known to me the paths of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence." -Acts 2:28

Acts 3 - Nathanael

By faith in the name of Jesus, this man whom you see and know was made strong. It is Jesus' name and the faith that comes through him that has completely healed him, as you can all see.

Acts 3:16 NIV

Jesus's name and faith in him are a powerful combination. Jesus's name is a symbol of his authority and his person and he is the source of the power. Not only that but he is the source of the faith as well: it is faith that comes through him! 

Thank you Jesus for working in us and giving us faith! 

http://bible.com/111/act.3.16.NIV

Acts 2 - Nathanael

 "Therefore let all Israel be assured of this: God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Messiah."

37 When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, "Brothers, what shall we do?"

38 Peter replied, "Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39 The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call."
Acts 2:36-39

Peter's first sermon was quite powerful and full of the Spirit of God.  He spoke boldly and didn't hold back the truth ("whom you crucified") and the Holy Spirit worked through him to touch the hearts of many people ("what shall we do?").
His call to repentance and baptism still ring true today.  We need to recognize our wrong ways and turn to what is right and follow Jesus.  

They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. 43 Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles.
Acts 2:42-43

God continued to work through the apostles.  Those who began to follow Jesus devoted themselves to following by devoting themselves to 1) the teaching of the apostles - this required them to be with the disciples regularly 2) to fellowship - this required them to be together with other believers regularly 3) breaking of bread - they ate together regularly and 4) prayer - they prayed regularly.

This sounds like a good list of items for us to follow as well!

Acts 1 - Nathanael

"Men of Galilee," they said, "why do you stand here looking into the sky? This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven."  

Acts 1:11

It is exciting to think about Jesus's return when he comes down from the clouds in a very visible way!

So they nominated two men: Joseph called Barsabbas (also known as Justus) and Matthias. Then they prayed, "Lord, you know everyone's heart. Show us which of these two you have chosen to take over this apostolic ministry, which Judas left to go where he belongs." Then they cast lots, and the lot fell to Matthias; so he was added to the eleven apostles.

Acts 1:11‭, ‬23‭-‬26 NIV

Casting of lots isn't a primary method of guidance and has certain parameters around it. 1) it is used for a decision that is righteous and God wants us to make. 2) it is used to distinguish between two equally valid choices, both of which would be acceptable before God. 

3) it is entered into with prayer and committing the result to God 

http://bible.com/111/act.1.11-26.NIV

John 21 - Nathanael

This is the disciple who testifies to these things and who wrote them down. We know that his testimony is true.  Jesus did many other things as well. If every one of them were written down, I suppose that even the whole world would not have room for the books that would be written.

John 21:24‭-‬25 NIV

John was intentionally selective in what he wrote down. He testified that he wrote these things so that we would believe. 

http://bible.com/111/jhn.21.24-25.NIV

John 18 - Nathanael

Jesus said, "My kingdom is not of this world. If it were, my servants would fight to prevent my arrest by the Jewish leaders. But now my kingdom is from another place."   "You are a king, then!" said Pilate. Jesus answered, "You say that I am a king. In fact, the reason I was born and came into the world is to testify to the truth. Everyone on the side of truth listens to me."   "What is truth?" retorted Pilate. With this he went out again to the Jews gathered there and said, "I find no basis for a charge against him.
John 18:36‭-‬38 NIV

Jesus's kingdom is the kingdom of heaven. He is truth and speaks the truth. Pilate could find no reason to kill Jesus but Jesus came to die and defeat death. 

http://bible.com/111/jhn.18.36-38.NIV

John 17 - Nathanael

Now this is eternal life: that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent.  

John 17:3

We normally think of eternal life as more of a state of being. But, like other things in the kingdom of God, it is all about a relationship with God! 

For I gave them the words you gave me and they accepted them. They knew with certainty that I came from you, and they believed that you sent me.  

John 17:8

I like that phrase:  they knew with certainty

All I have is yours, and all you have is mine. And glory has come to me through them.  

John 17:10

Am interesting picture. Jesus gives/ brings glory to God the father and we bring glory to Jesus! Quite an honor! 

I have made you  known to them, and will continue to make you known in order that the love you have for me may be in them and that I myself may be in them."
John 17:‬26 NIV

Thank you Jesus for your love and die putting your live and yourself inside us! 

http://bible.com/111/jhn.17.3-26.NIV

John 16 - Nathanael

"Though I have been speaking figuratively, a time is coming when I will no longer use this kind of language but will tell you plainly about my Father.

John 16:25

It is interesting how Jesus not only spoke in parables but also figuratively. He was wanting his disciples to seek out the truth and ask when they didn't understand. 

   "I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world."

John 16:33 NIV

Jesus certainly does bring peace in the middle of the storms of life! 

http://bible.com/111/jhn.16.25-33.NIV

John 15 and 16 - Jason

John 15:5 - I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.

I need to keep reading and praying and devoting myself to God, cultivating a deep relationship with Him, because only then can I be successful in the purpose that God has given me.

John 16:7 - Nevertheless, I tell you the truth: it is to your advantage that I go away, for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you.

I wonder if the disciples wanted both--to have Jesus physically present with them as their King and to be filled with the Holy Spirit, who is the Helper. Jesus said that it is better to have his Holy Spirit with us than to have Jesus with us physically. This is an amazing truth! Lord God, please fill me with your Spirit and let me experience the benefits of knowing You through the Holy Spirit.

John 15 - Nathanael

He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes  so that it will be even more fruitful.  

Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.   

John 15:2‭, ‬4‭

Jesus makes some clear and powerful calls to obedience and holiness in this chapter. 

God loves us so much that he doesn't leave us the way we are. He had bigger and better plans for our lives. So he prunes - takes away things that are hindering or growth - so that we can be more productive in the kingdom of God. 

If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.  

John 15:7

Quite a promise and a call to remain in Christ Jesus! 

Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one's life for one's friends. 

John 15:13

And this is what Jesus did for us! 

 If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you.

John 15:19 NIV

It is an uncomfortable truth that when we follow Jesus, many in the world will hate us because of him. 

http://bible.com/111/jhn.15.2-19.NIV

John 14 - Jason

Jesus is talking with his disciples after the last supper and describing to them what is going to happen and what he wants them to do. He promised to give them peace and prepare them for the difficulty of his death and resurrection. They will be his witnesses in the world. Today, the Lord gives us his Holy Spirit more to do the work of ministry and be witnesses for him in the world to the people we meet and interact with. This is why it is important for us to be salt and light. God, please help me to trust in you more, and ask you for the big things that I think can't or won't be done. Please give me a stronger desire to see your kingdom grow--I want to see and participate in more people believing in Jesus and being saved from their sins.

John 13 - Jason

Jesus washed his disciples feet, demonstrating his love for them and his servants heart. He wanted his disciples to also love and serve each other as well as people outside the church. He said that this is how others will know that we are disciples of Christ, that we love one another. Lord, please help me to grow in serving others and loving them as Jesus loves me. Let me begin by loving my wife and children in the way that you love me, and grow to love my church members and people in my life that you have provided.

John 12 - Esther

"Anyone who serves me must follow me. And where I am, my servant will also be." -John 12:26

John 12 - Jason

I was surprised that the religious leaders wanted to kill Lazarus as well as Jesus. They said that so many people were believing in Jesus because of raising Lazarus from the dead. When Jesus entered Jerusalem on the donkey, people worshiped him. They believed that he is the Messiah, but they had some misunderstandings about what the Messiah would do. They did not understand that it was God's will for Jesus to die and rise again to eternal life. Lord, I want to trust in you more and more. I pray for your Holy Spirit to fill me to believe in Jesus and see him as he is--not as the world makes him to look and not as I want him to be. Please help me to worship you in spirit and in truth.

John 11 - Esther

"I am the resurrection and the life... Those who live and believe in me will never die." -John 11:25-26

John 11 - Jason

Even though Lazarus was a man who was close to Jesus, when he got sick Jesus did not immediately come to help but waited for two days before starting to go where he was. He had been dead for four days by the time that Jesus arrived, but this was not an emergency in Jesus' mind because he knew that God would raise him from the dead. When Lazarus came back to life this was not a resurrection like Jesus rising from the dead to eternal life. This was more of a resuscitation--Lazarus still grew old and died again someday. Jesus was the first and only person to rise again from the dead forever, but we all look forward to that day just like when Martha was saying that she believed Lazarus will rise again on that final day. Lord, please increase my faith, and help me to see what your will is in different situations. Please speak to me and guide me in your ways, and help me to trust that nothing is too difficult for you.

John 10 - Nathanael

The reason my Father loves me is that I lay down my life—only to take it up again.

John 10:17

Jesus's act of love inspires and produces love from the father. I think that a general pattern is that acts of love produce love. So there is an ever increasing cycle of love! 

  I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand.

John 10:28

A strong promise! 

  I and the Father are one."   

"We are not stoning you for any good work," they replied, "but for blasphemy, because you, a mere man, claim to be God."
John 10:‬30‭, ‬33 NIV

Another of Jesus's clear claims to be God! 

http://bible.com/111/jhn.10.17-33.NIV

John 8, 9, and 10 - Esther

"I am the light of the world. Those who follow me will never walk in darkness. They will have the light that leads to life." -John 8:12

John 8, 9 and 10 - Jason

I love these chapters of John because Jesus is having many conversations with people trying to show them that he is the Messiah--that he is God in the flesh. He shows some signs as well, such as healing a man who was born blind, and he forgave a woman caught in adultery and saved her from being stoned to death by the authorities. Jesus spoke to many people and they wanted to kill him because he was claiming to be God, but they did not believe him. They thought that he is just a man claiming to be God, but he had not demonstrated it yet. Jesus said that they will know for certain after he is crucified and rises again from the dead. Jesus had perfect confidence and knowledge of who he was and he spoke plainly about it. Even though he had things to say that were difficult for the people to hear, it seems that he was speaking gently and with respect as we were discussing in 1 Peter 3 about giving the reason for our hope in God.

John 9 - Nathanael

Jesus said, "If you were blind, you would not be guilty of sin; but now that you claim you can see, your guilt remains.

John 9:41 NIV

This is similar to Jesus saying that it is not the well who need a doctor but the sick. In both cases there is a need for us to recognize that we need God's help. If we think that we have it all together, God cannot help us, even though we really need help. Our first and greatest need is to recognize that we are sinners in need of a savior, blind and needing healing. 

I need you Jesus! 

Thank you for your love and help! 

http://bible.com/111/jhn.9.41.NIV

John 8 - Nathanael

When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life."   

John 8:12

Jesus is the source of life and light. Following him gives us direction, clarity, peace and real life! 

 "Very truly I tell you," Jesus answered, "before Abraham was born, I am!"  At this, they picked up stones to stone him, but Jesus hid himself, slipping away from the temple grounds.

John 8:‬58‭-‬59 NIV

Another of Jesus's clear claims to be God 

http://bible.com/111/jhn.8.12-59.NIV

John 7 - Nathanael

However, after his brothers had left for the festival, he went also, not publicly, but in secret. 

John 7:10

Not until halfway through the festival did Jesus go up to the temple courts and begin to teach. 

John 7:14

At this they tried to seize him, but no one laid a hand on him, because his hour had not yet come. Still, many in the crowd believed in him. They said, "When the Messiah comes, will he perform more signs than this man?"  The Pharisees heard the crowd whispering such things about him. Then the chief priests and the Pharisees sent temple guards to arrest him.
John 7:‬30‭-‬32 NIV

It is interesting to see how God is leading and directing Jesus ay this tricky time. They Jewish leaders are trying to kill Jesus but because Jesus is following God's direction, they are unable to lay a hands on him. This is a great example of how trusting in and obeying God protects us from evil. 

http://bible.com/111/jhn.7.10-32.NIV

John 7 - Esther

This chapter showed that many people were questioning "Is Jesus the Christ?"

I'm so glad to see from the verse 41 stated someone said "He is the Christ."

John 7 - Jason

I think Chapter 7 is very interesting because it shows several groups of people trying to decide if Jesus is the Messiah or not. It seems like many people knew that the Messiah would be born in Bethlehem, but they did not know that he would come from Nazareth or Galilee. Jesus proved that he is the Messiah by his words, deeds, and miracles. He knew God intimately, because he came from God and he is part of the Godhead. Why were the Pharisees so opposed to Jesus? It is unclear, but this is in line with the Scriptural prophecies about the people of Israel who would crucify him. Jesus is the Messiah and he revealed himself to many people and he behaved in wise ways to avoid their arrest and killing him early. Overall, God's plan is really amazing, and it is interesting to see how so many people struggled to believe in God's will. I want to follow God's will for my life, and be aware of what he is doing in and around me. Please help me Lord, to see and believe in all that you are doing.

John 6 - Nathanael

On hearing it, many of his disciples said, "This is a hard teaching. Who can accept it?"  

John 6:60

At this point Jesus had many followers - he had just fed over 5000. But he knew that most of them were not true believers. So in a very counter - intuitive way, he began to teach some hard things - that we must eat his flesh and drink his blood - words that he later says are spiritual words. But as a result many turned back and no longer followed him. As we see below, it takes the work of God in our lives to enable us to believe, to trust, in Jesus and truly follow him. 

Thank you Father for working in my heart and enabling me to follow Jesus! 

The Spirit gives life; the flesh counts for nothing. The words I have spoken to you—they are full of the Spirit  and life.  

John 6:60

He went on to say, "This is why I told you that no one can come to me unless the Father has enabled them."   From this time many of his disciples turned back and no longer followed him.

John 6:65‭-‬66 NIV

http://bible.com/111/jhn.6.60-66.NIV

John 5 and 6 - Jason

I liked in Chapter 5 how John points out that Jesus was consistently claiming to be God because he addressed God as his personal Father, and this was understood by all around him that he was claiming to be the unique Son of God--"making himself equal with God." (John 5:18) Jesus clearly claimed to be God, and I believe his words. I want my faith to grow and I want to trust in God for my daily needs in every situation more and more.

I loved in Chapter 6 how Jesus fed the five thousand and then withdrew so that the people could not find him. They continued looking for him, and when they found him they wanted him to produce more bread for them (verse 30-31). Jesus said that he is the bread of life, and we need to eat what he provides and we will never hunger or thirst. I pray that I will receive everything that the Lord has for me, and I will have peace and satisfaction for the rest of my life. Being in a good relationship with God is so deeply satisfying that I don't know how I could have lived without him. I want to grow closer and closer and trust in him all day every day.

John 6 - Esther

"Lord, who can we go to? You have the words of eternal life. We believe and know that you are the Holy One of God." -John 6:68

John 5 - Esther

"You study the Scriptures carefully. You study them because you think they will give you eternal life. The Scriptures you study give witness about me." -Luke 5:39

John 2, 3, and 4 - Esther

"God loved the world so much that He gave his one and only Son. Anyone who believes in Him will not die but will have eternal life." -John 3:16

It is amazing to see many Samaritans believe in Jesus on chapter 4.

John 4 - Jason

I love how in John 4 Jesus speaks with a Samaritan woman at the public well. He reveals many things to her as he has a short conversation with her that begins naturally talking about water. Then it shifts to talking about receiving the Spirit and salvation from Jesus. The woman gets really excited and tells all her friends in the town that this could be the Messiah they had heard about and were waiting for. I think it's interesting that they were waiting for the Messiah, similar to the Jews, even though this woman was not particularly religious, or it seems like she did not live a devout lifestyle. Nonetheless, many of the people believed in Jesus. Lord I pray that I will always believe in your words, and be ready for the return of Jesus. Help me to look for the signs of what is coming, and be ready to receive what you have to give.

John 2 and 3 - Jason

In Chapter 2 when Jesus clears the temple in Jerusalem of the money changers, it seems like this was done very early in ministry. People challenged him to show a sign to prove his authority, and he said that, "Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up." He was speaking about his death and resurrection, but his disciples did not understand what he meant until after he was crucified and rose again from the dead. I pray that the Lord will increase my faith as I read the Scripture and that I can understand what He is saying will happen, and faith in his plans.

John 2 - Nathanael

Now while he was in Jerusalem at the Passover Festival, many people saw the signs he was performing and believed in his name.  But Jesus would not entrust himself to them, for he knew all people. He did not need any testimony about mankind, for he knew what was in each person.
John 2:23‭-‬25 NIV

In our day, fame is something that people clamor for and desire greatly. But Jesus understood the emptiness of fame. He already was the highest name and the greatest man though people didn't know it. He didn't need their validation as we often, though wrongly, feel that we do. He knew what was in people's hearts - duplicity and evil of all kinds - and want looking to impress them nor gain their approval. 

We should take stock of this. 

http://bible.com/111/jhn.2.23-25.NIV

John 1 - Nathanael

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was with God in the beginning. 3 Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made.4 In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind.
John 1:1-4

John gives a clear, concise description of Jesus, the Word of God, who is God himself, and exists alongside God the father, and has always existed.  He created everything, he gives life and light to all mankind.  He is the source of everything that exists, and he is still the one giving physical and spiritual life and spiritual understanding today.

Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God
John 1:12

We are not automatically children of God, but through believing/trusting in the name of Jesus, we become children of God

Andrew, Simon Peter's brother, was one of the two who heard what John had said and who had followed Jesus.

John 1:40

Andrew as one of John the Baptist's disciples who followed Jesus because of what John had said about Jesus.  John the Baptist prepared the way for Jesus not just in opening the hearts of many to Jesus, but he also helped in bringing together some of the core of Jesus' followers, his disciples.

John 1 - Esther

"In the beginning, the Word was already there. The Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning." -John 1:1-2

John 1 - Jason

"In the beginning was the Word. The Word was with God and the Word was God." John 1:1. I love this chapter of John because it is so foundational to our understanding of who Jesus is. Jesus is God and yet he is part of the trinity. We see God the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit at work together in John 1. Lord, please increase me faith and trust in you on a daily basis for all of my needs, struggles, and dreams.

Luke 24 - Esther

"They will tell others to turn away from their sins and be forgiven." -Luke 24:47

Luke 23 and 24 - Jason

I'm always touched in Luke's gospel how he describes the thieves that were crucified next to Jesus and their interactions with the Lord. I'm not sure what crimes they committed, but they were probably hardened criminals, and one of them mocked Jesus while the other accepted his punishment and had faith in Jesus. I'm touched by the faith that the other thief had, and Jesus had mercy on him even at the end of his life when he expressed his faith in Christ. Jesus has amazing patience and mercy, thank you Lord!

I also am touched by how Jesus met some disciples on the road to Emmaus after he had risen from the dead. Somehow they did not recognize him, but he spoke to them about how all the prophecies and words of the Scriptures were about Christ and how he would suffer and rise again on the third day in his glory. They said that their hearts burned within them as he spoke to them on the road, but they did not recognize him as Jesus until he ate with them and broke the bread with them. I pray that my heart will always burn to hear the words the words of Jesus, and that I would do what I can to meet with Him and have close fellowship with Him each day.

Luke 24 - Nathanael

This is such a joyous sand exciting chapter! 

In their fright the women bowed down with their faces to the ground, but the men said to them, "Why do you look for the living among the dead? He is not here; he has risen! Remember how he told you, while he was still with you in Galilee:

Luke 24:5‭-‬6

Why do you search for the living among the dead? Many looking for truth still do this. They look to dead philosophy, dead hero's of the past or even those alive today who though alive, they are dead in their sins. But truth and life is not found there. Jesus is alive! He is the truth and the life! 

 And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself.  

Luke 24:27

That would have been cool to hear this from Jesus! 

But they urged him strongly, "Stay with us, for it is nearly evening; the day is almost over." So he went in to stay with them.

Luke 24:29

There are situations where we want something from God but are hesitant or afraid to ask. These men urged Jesus strongly and received a reward. We need to be in the habit of urging Jesus strongly! 

  They asked each other, "Were not our hearts burning within us while he talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us?"  

Luke 24:32

When our minds are opened by God to understand the scriptures, the scriptures are not dry or boring, but they are powerful and full of life and cause our hearts to burn! 

Then he opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures. 

Luke 24:45

I/ we need God to do this for us on a regular basis! 

Lord Jesus, I urge you strongly, open my mind to understand the scriptures! 

Then they worshiped him and returned to Jerusalem with great joy.

Luke 24:52

Jesus is king and he is God! When we realize this and experience his work in our lives, it causes us to worship him and to have great joy! 

Luke 24:5‭-‬6‭, ‬27‭, ‬29‭-‬29‭, ‬32‭, ‬45‭-‬45‭, ‬52 NIV
http://bible.com/111/luk.24.5-52.NIV

Luke 23 - Esther

" 'The people will say to the mountains, "Fakl on us!" They'll say to the hills, "Cover us!" ' -Luke 23:30

Luke 23 - Nathanael

But all those who knew him, including the women who had followed him from Galilee, stood at a distance, watching these things.  The women who had come with Jesus from Galilee followed Joseph and saw the tomb and how his body was laid in it. Then they went home and prepared spices and perfumes. But they rested on the Sabbath in obedience to the commandment.
Luke 23:49‭, ‬55‭-‬56 NIV

The disciples are conspicuously absent in these scenes

http://bible.com/111/luk.23.49-56.NIV