Category Archives: Share the Good News

Disobeying, Rebelling Against, Ignoring God, Doubt / Lacking Faith, Faith / Trusting God, Jesus Christ / Yeshua, Share the Good News

From Testimony to Truth (John 4:39-45)

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A personal testimony can open hearts—but it’s encountering Yeshua directly that transforms them forever.

Key Verse:
“It is no longer because of what you said that we believe, for we have heard for ourselves and know that this One is indeed the Savior of the world.” —John 4:42 (NASB)

Background Context:
The story of the Samaritan woman at the well doesn’t end with her conversation with Yeshua. Transformed by her encounter, she runs back to her city, boldly proclaiming what He revealed to her. Her simple testimony—“He told me all the things that I have done”—is enough to stir curiosity and spark belief among many.

But something deeper happens when the Samaritans hear Yeshua for themselves. They invite Him to stay, and He does—two full days. During that time, many more believe, not just because of the woman’s words, but because they encounter the Word Himself. Her witness brought them to the door, but it was the voice of the Messiah that truly opened their hearts.

Meanwhile, Yeshua travels to Galilee, where He notes that “a prophet has no honor in his own country.” The contrast is striking—foreigners welcome Him with openness, while those who should have honored Him often respond with skepticism. Even still, the Galileans, having seen His signs in Jerusalem, receive Him—though it seems their welcome is based more on miracles than on understanding who He really is.

(Continued and expanded after scripture.)

John 4:39-45

The Samaritans

      39From that city many of the Samaritans believed in Him because of the word of the woman who testified, “He told me all the things that I have done.” 40So when the Samaritans came to Jesus, they were asking Him to stay with them; and He stayed there two days. 41Many more believed because of His word; 42and they were saying to the woman, “It is no longer because of what you said that we believe, for we have heard for ourselves and know that this One is indeed the Savior of the world.”

      43After the two days He went forth from there into Galilee. 44For Jesus Himself testified that a prophet has no honor in his own country. 45So when He came to Galilee, the Galileans received Him, having seen all the things that He did in Jerusalem at the feast; for they themselves also went to the feast.

Reflection on John 4:39–45:
This passage shows the power of a changed life and a bold testimony. One woman’s transformation leads to an entire community encountering the Messiah. Never underestimate how your story of redemption—no matter how simple—can draw others to seek Yeshua.

Yet it also reminds us that true belief is not secondhand. People may come to faith through someone else’s testimony, but lasting faith is built on a personal relationship with Yeshua. The Samaritans believed first because of her words, but they stayed and listened to Him, and then they knew He was the Savior.

Notice also the reality of rejection: Jesus, the Son of God, was not honored by His own people. This shows us that acceptance and praise are not always signs of truth being received deeply. And rejection is not necessarily a sign that we’ve failed in our witness. If they rejected the perfect One, we shouldn’t be surprised when some reject us too.

Application:
Are you sharing your testimony with others—even if it feels simple? Are you encouraging those around you not just to hear about Jesus but to seek Him personally?

Don’t be discouraged if others reject the message at first. Keep planting seeds. And make sure your own faith rests not only on what others have said but on what you have experienced in relationship with Yeshua yourself.

Closing Prayer:
Father, thank You for the power of a transformed life and the boldness to share what You’ve done. Help me to speak truthfully and clearly about my testimony, pointing others to Your Son. May those who hear not stop at my words but go on to hear Your voice and follow You. Strengthen my faith as I listen to You daily, and help me never grow weary of proclaiming the hope found in Yeshua. Amen.

May the grace and peace of our Lord, Yeshua, be with you.

John Golda

Do you know for sure if you will go to heaven or hell when you die? Are you experiencing in your life the peace and joy of a personal relationship with our Creator and Father? Learn more about salvation through The Message of the Cross.

Share the Good News, Submitted / Servant

Harvest Eyes (John 4:31-38)

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Are you looking for the harvest, or are your eyes still on the distractions?

Key Verse:
“My food is to do the will of Him who sent Me and to accomplish His work.” —John 4:34 (NASB)

Background Context:
After His conversation with the Samaritan woman, Jesus is still at the well when His disciples return and urge Him to eat. But His response confuses them: He says He has food they don’t know about. They’re still thinking physically, but Jesus is focused spiritually. His nourishment—the thing that drives and satisfies Him—is doing the Father’s will and finishing the task He was sent to do.

Then He redirects their attention to the harvest. He uses a familiar farming reference to shake them out of their delay-oriented mindset: “There are four months, and then comes the harvest.” But Yeshua says, “Look! The fields are ready now.” In other words, don’t wait. Don’t be distracted. Don’t assume it’s not yet time to work. The harvest of souls is ripe—now.

He emphasizes that this work is a shared effort. Some sow, others reap. But all rejoice together in the eternal fruit that is gathered. And His disciples, then and now, are called to join in the labor.

(Continued and expanded after scripture.)

John 4:31-38

    31Meanwhile the disciples were urging Him, saying, “Rabbi, eat.” 32But He said to them, “I have food to eat that you do not know about.” 33So the disciples were saying to one another, “No one brought Him anything to eat, did he?” 34Jesus said to them, “My food is to do the will of Him who sent Me and to accomplish His work. 35“Do you not say, ‘There are yet four months, and then comes the harvest’? Behold, I say to you, lift up your eyes and look on the fields, that they are white for harvest. 36“Already he who reaps is receiving wages and is gathering fruit for life eternal; so that he who sows and he who reaps may rejoice together. 37“For in this case the saying is true, ‘One sows and another reaps.’ 38“I sent you to reap that for which you have not labored; others have labored and you have entered into their labor.”

Reflection on John 4:31–38:
Yeshua challenges us to lift our eyes. Too often, we are consumed by physical needs, comfort, or routine. But He wants us to see what He sees—people ready to receive truth, hearts longing for hope, lives hungry for the gospel.

Are you so distracted by daily demands or waiting for a “better time” that you miss what’s already in front of you? The harvest isn’t later—it’s now. The people around you—coworkers, neighbors, even strangers—are fields ready for seed, water, and harvest.

You may think you’re not equipped to reap. But Yeshua reminds us that others have already labored. Some have planted seeds of truth; others have watered with kindness and prayer. He calls us to step into the ongoing work—whether sowing, watering, or harvesting—and trust that it’s His field and His reward.

Application:
Are your eyes lifted to the spiritual harvest? Are you actively seeking opportunities to share truth and love with others?

Pray for open eyes to see the opportunities around you. Ask God to use you, whether to plant seeds or reap the fruit. Don’t wait for the “perfect time”—step into the work today.

Closing Prayer:
Father, help me to desire Your will more than my own comfort. Open my eyes to the harvest all around me. Let me not miss the work You’ve prepared for me. Use me to sow, water, or reap, and may I find joy in every part of the process. I want to do Your will, just as Yeshua did. In His name I pray, amen.

May the grace and peace of our Lord, Yeshua, be with you.

John Golda

Do you know for sure if you will go to heaven or hell when you die? Are you experiencing in your life the peace and joy of a personal relationship with our Creator and Father? Learn more about salvation through The Message of the Cross.

Grace / Forgiveness, Loving / Kind, Merciful, Share the Good News, Teachable

Living Water for a Thirsty Soul (John 4:1-30)

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What if the very thing you’ve been searching for is standing right in front of you?

Key Verse:
“But whoever drinks of the water that I will give him shall never be thirsty; but the water that I will give him will become in him a fountain of water springing up to eternal life.” —John 4:14 (NASB)

Background Context:
John 4 opens with Jesus traveling through Samaria—an unusual choice for a Jewish teacher, as Jews and Samaritans traditionally avoided each other. Tired from the journey, Yeshua stops at a well and initiates a conversation with a Samaritan woman who comes alone to draw water, a detail suggesting social rejection. He asks her for a drink, then quickly shifts the conversation from physical thirst to spiritual need.

Jesus offers her “living water,” a gift that satisfies deeper than any physical source. She doesn’t understand at first, so He lovingly reveals her hidden sin and brokenness—not to condemn, but to awaken her need for Him. He speaks of worship not bound by place but in spirit and truth. The woman, amazed, runs to tell others about the man who “told me all the things that I have done.” She came for water but left with salvation.

(Continued and expanded after scripture.)

John 4:1-30

Jesus Goes to Galilee

      1Therefore when the Lord knew that the Pharisees had heard that Jesus was making and baptizing more disciples than John 2(although Jesus Himself was not baptizing, but His disciples were), 3He left Judea and went away again into Galilee. 4And He had to pass through Samaria. 5So He came to a city of Samaria called Sychar, near the parcel of ground that Jacob gave to his son Joseph; 6and Jacob’s well was there. So Jesus, being wearied from His journey, was sitting thus by the well. It was about the sixth hour.

The Woman of Samaria

      7There came a woman of Samaria to draw water. Jesus said to her, “Give Me a drink.” 8For His disciples had gone away into the city to buy food.9Therefore the Samaritan woman said to Him, “How is it that You, being a Jew, ask me for a drink since I am a Samaritan woman?” (For Jews have no dealings with Samaritans.) 10Jesus answered and said to her, “If you knew the gift of God, and who it is who says to you, ‘Give Me a drink,’ you would have asked Him, and He would have given you living water.” 11She said to Him, “Sir, You have nothing to draw with and the well is deep; where then do You get that living water? 12“You are not greater than our father Jacob, are You, who gave us the well, and drank of it himself and his sons and his cattle?” 13Jesus answered and said to her, “Everyone who drinks of this water will thirst again; 14but whoever drinks of the water that I will give him shall never thirst; but the water that I will give him will become in him a well of water springing up to eternal life.”

      15The woman said to Him, “Sir, give me this water, so I will not be thirsty nor come all the way here to draw.” 16He said to her, “Go, call your husband and come here.” 17The woman answered and said, “I have no husband.” Jesus said to her, “You have correctly said, ‘I have no husband’; 18for you have had five husbands, and the one whom you now have is not your husband; this you have said truly.” 19The woman said to Him, “Sir, I perceive that You are a prophet. 20“Our fathers worshiped in this mountain, and you people say that in Jerusalem is the place where men ought to worship.” 21Jesus said to her, “Woman, believe Me, an hour is coming when neither in this mountain nor in Jerusalem will you worship the Father. 22“You worship what you do not know; we worship what we know, for salvation is from the Jews. 23“But an hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth; for such people the Father seeks to be His worshipers. 24“God is spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.” 25The woman said to Him, “I know that Messiah is coming (He who is called Christ); when that One comes, He will declare all things to us.” 26Jesus said to her, “I who speak to you am He.”

      27At this point His disciples came, and they were amazed that He had been speaking with a woman, yet no one said, “What do You seek?” or, “Why do You speak with her?” 28So the woman left her waterpot, and went into the city and said to the men, 29“Come, see a man who told me all the things that I have done; this is not the Christ, is it?” 30They went out of the city, and were coming to Him.

Reflection on John 4:1–30:
This passage reveals Yeshua’s heart to meet us where we are, even in our brokenness. He crossed cultural, gender, and moral boundaries to speak truth and extend grace. He didn’t wait for the woman to clean up her life—He offered living water right there at the well.

Each of us has our own “well”—places we return to seeking purpose, identity, or healing, but never quite finding satisfaction. The Messiah calls us to stop striving and come to Him. His living water quenches the deepest thirsts of our soul.

Notice also the woman’s response: she left her water jar behind. The thing that brought her to the well no longer mattered once she met Yeshua. She was so transformed that she immediately began to share the good news, inviting others to come and see.

Application:
Are you still drawing from dry wells—relationships, achievements, distractions—that can’t satisfy? Yeshua offers you living water today. Will you receive it?

Take time to reflect on areas where you are spiritually thirsty. Invite the Holy Spirit to reveal what you may need to leave behind—like the woman’s water jar—to follow Yeshua fully. And like her, don’t keep the good news to yourself. Go and tell others what He’s done for you.

Closing Prayer:
Lord Yeshua, thank You for meeting me in my brokenness and offering living water. I confess the ways I’ve looked elsewhere for what only You can provide. Fill me with Your Spirit and satisfy my soul. Help me to worship You in spirit and truth, and to boldly share with others what You’ve done in my life. In Your name I pray, amen.

May the grace and peace of our Lord, Yeshua, be with you.

John Golda

Do you know for sure if you will go to heaven or hell when you die? Are you experiencing in your life the peace and joy of a personal relationship with our Creator and Father? Learn more about salvation through The Message of the Cross.

Humility, Share the Good News, Submitted / Servant

He Must Increase, But I Must Decrease (John 3:22-36)

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What does it look like to truly embrace humility in our walk with God?

Key Verse:
“He must increase, but I must decrease.” —John 3:30 (NASB)

Background Context:
After Yeshua’s conversation with Nicodemus, the scene shifts to a parallel ministry—John the Baptist continues baptizing and preparing hearts, while Yeshua’s own ministry begins to draw increasing attention. This passage is significant not only for its theological clarity but also for the heart posture that John the Baptist models. When faced with the reality that people were beginning to follow Yeshua more than him, John didn’t express jealousy or fear. Instead, he embraced his role with contentment and clarity.

John understood something essential: he was never the focus. He was the forerunner. He rejoiced to see Yeshua, the Bridegroom, come for His people. Rather than striving to hold on to influence, John proclaimed, “He must increase, but I must decrease.” It is a posture we must learn to adopt if we are to live faithfully as disciples of the Messiah.

This passage also reiterates the eternal significance of believing in Yeshua. He speaks the words of God. He has been given all authority. To reject Him is to reject life itself.

(Continued and expanded after scripture.)

John 3:22-36

John’s Last Testimony

     22After these things Jesus and His disciples came into the land of Judea, and there He was spending time with them and baptizing. 23John also was baptizing in Aenon near Salim, because there was much water there; and people were coming and were being baptized— 24for John had not yet been thrown into prison.

      25Therefore there arose a discussion on the part of John’s disciples with a Jew about purification. 26And they came to John and said to him, “Rabbi, He who was with you beyond the Jordan, to whom you have testified, behold, He is baptizing and all are coming to Him.” 27John answered and said, “A man can receive nothing unless it has been given him from heaven. 28“You yourselves are my witnesses that I said, ‘I am not the Christ,’ but, ‘I have been sent ahead of Him.’ 29“He who has the bride is the bridegroom; but the friend of the bridegroom, who stands and hears him, rejoices greatly because of the bridegroom’s voice. So this joy of mine has been made full. 30“He must increase, but I must decrease.

      31“He who comes from above is above all, he who is of the earth is from the earth and speaks of the earth. He who comes from heaven is above all. 32“What He has seen and heard, of that He testifies; and no one receives His testimony. 33“He who has received His testimony has set his seal to this, that God is true. 34“For He whom God has sent speaks the words of God; for He gives the Spirit without measure. 35“The Father loves the Son and has given all things into His hand. 36“He who believes in the Son has eternal life; but he who does not obey the Son will not see life, but the wrath of God abides on him.”

Reflection on John 3:22–36:
John’s humility is deeply convicting. In our culture, we often strive for recognition, validation, and control. But the kingdom of God flips all of that on its head. True greatness in the kingdom comes not from building our own platform but by pointing others to the King.

We live in a time when even ministry can become self-centered, with leaders clinging to influence or spotlight. But John shows us a better way—rejoicing not in his own prominence, but in Yeshua’s.

Verse 36 gives us a sobering reminder. There are two paths: belief in the Son that leads to eternal life, and rejection of the Son that results in God’s wrath remaining. It is not enough to be religious or well-meaning. We must submit to the Son and live accordingly.

Application:
Do you find yourself striving for personal recognition, even in areas of service or ministry? Ask the Lord to help you decrease—so that Yeshua may increase in every part of your life.

Are you boldly proclaiming the message of Yeshua to others, knowing that belief in Him is the only way to life? Let your words and actions point consistently to Him.

Closing Prayer:
Father, help me to be like John the Baptist—to rejoice in seeing Yeshua increase in influence while I decrease. Teach me humility and contentment in serving Your purposes. Let me not seek glory for myself, but give all glory to the One who alone is worthy. Thank You for giving us life through the Son. May I live every day pointing others toward Him. In Yeshua’s name, amen.

May the grace and peace of our Lord, Yeshua, be with you.

John Golda

Do you know for sure if you will go to heaven or hell when you die? Are you experiencing in your life the peace and joy of a personal relationship with our Creator and Father? Learn more about salvation through The Message of the Cross.

Purposeful / Intentional, Seeking God, Share the Good News, Teachable

The First Disciples—Seeking, Finding, and Following Yeshua (John 1:35-51)

When Yeshua calls, how do we respond?

John 1:35-51 gives us a glimpse into the very first moments of Yeshua’s public ministry—when His first disciples were drawn to Him. Each person encountered Him in a unique way, yet the pattern remained the same: seeking, recognizing, and following. These first followers did not hesitate; they responded immediately, inviting others to do the same.

Key Verse:
“Philip found Nathanael and said to him, ‘We have found Him of whom Moses in the Law and also the Prophets wrote—Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.’” – John 1:45 (NASB)

Background Context:
At this point, John the Baptist had already identified Yeshua as the Lamb of God. His disciples, recognizing the significance of this statement, began to follow Yeshua. Andrew, one of John’s disciples, quickly sought out his brother Simon (Peter) and declared, “We have found the Messiah.” Philip did the same, telling Nathanael, “Come and see.”

Nathanael, initially skeptical, questioned whether anything good could come from Nazareth. However, his doubts vanished when Yeshua demonstrated supernatural knowledge about him. Seeing this, Nathanael declared Yeshua to be the Son of God and the King of Israel. Yeshua responded by promising that even greater things were yet to come.

(Continued and expanded after scripture.)

John 1:35-51

Jesus’ Public Ministry, First Converts 

      35Again the next day John was standing with two of his disciples, 36and he looked at Jesus as He walked, and said, “Behold, the Lamb of God!”37The two disciples heard him speak, and they followed Jesus. 38And Jesus turned and saw them following, and said to them, “What do you seek?” They said to Him, “Rabbi (which translated means Teacher), where are You staying?” 39He said to them, “Come, and you will see.” So they came and saw where He was staying; and they stayed with Him that day, for it was about the tenth hour. 40One of the two who heard John speak and followed Him, was Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother. 41He found first his own brother Simon and said to him, “We have found the Messiah” (which translated means Christ). 42He brought him to Jesus. Jesus looked at him and said, “You are Simon the son of John; you shall be called Cephas” (which is translated Peter).

      43The next day He purposed to go into Galilee, and He found Philip. And Jesus said to him, “Follow Me.” 44Now Philip was from Bethsaida, of the city of Andrew and Peter. 45Philip found Nathanael and said to him, “We have found Him of whom Moses in the Law and also the Prophets wrote—Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.” 46Nathanael said to him, “Can any good thing come out of Nazareth?” Philip said to him, “Come and see.”47Jesus saw Nathanael coming to Him, and said of him, “Behold, an Israelite indeed, in whom there is no deceit!” 48Nathanael said to Him, “How do You know me?” Jesus answered and said to him, “Before Philip called you, when you were under the fig tree, I saw you.” 49Nathanael answered Him, “Rabbi, You are the Son of God; You are the King of Israel.” 50Jesus answered and said to him, “Because I said to you that I saw you under the fig tree, do you believe? You will see greater things than these.” 51And He said to him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, you will see the heavens opened and the angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of Man.”

Reflection on John 1:35-51

Beholding the Lamb of God

  • John the Baptist continued to point others to Yeshua, showing humility in directing his own disciples toward the Messiah.
  • His statement, “Behold, the Lamb of God,” emphasized that Yeshua came to take away sin, fulfilling the sacrificial system of the Torah.

An Invitation to Seek and See

  • When Andrew and another disciple followed Yeshua, He asked them, “What do you seek?” This is a question for all of us. Are we truly seeking Yeshua and His truth, or are we looking for something else?
  • Yeshua’s response, “Come, and you will see,” reveals that faith requires an active pursuit. When we seek Him, He reveals Himself to us.

A Chain Reaction—Disciples Bringing Others

  • Andrew found Peter and brought him to Yeshua.
  • Philip found Nathanael and told him about Yeshua, saying, “Come and see.”
  • Discipleship is not just about personal faith; it involves bringing others to Yeshua.

Overcoming Skepticism

  • Nathanael initially doubted, but his skepticism disappeared when Yeshua demonstrated knowledge of him beyond human ability.
  • Many people today are skeptical about Yeshua. Like Philip, we don’t need to argue; we simply invite them to “Come and see.”

Summary Key Points

  • When Yeshua calls, we must respond with faith and obedience.
  • True discipleship involves seeking Yeshua and bringing others to Him.
  • Skepticism can turn to faith when we personally encounter Yeshua.
  • Yeshua sees and knows us completely, even before we come to Him.

Application

  • Ask yourself: Are you actively seeking Yeshua in your life?
  • Consider who in your life you can invite to “come and see” Yeshua.
  • If you have doubts, bring them to Yeshua in prayer—He will reveal Himself in His time.
  • Study the Scriptures as the first disciples did, recognizing that Yeshua is the fulfillment of the Law and the Prophets.

Closing Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank You for revealing Your Son, Yeshua, to us. Help us to seek Him wholeheartedly and to share the good news with others. Give us the courage to invite people to “come and see” who He truly is. Remove our doubts and strengthen our faith, knowing that greater things are yet to come. In Yeshua’s name, Amen.

Like the first disciples, may we seek, find, and follow Yeshua with joy—and lead others to Him along the way!

May the grace and peace of our Lord, Yeshua, be with you.

John Golda

Do you know for sure if you will go to heaven or hell when you die? Are you experiencing in your life the peace and joy of a personal relationship with our Creator and Father? Learn more about salvation through The Message of the Cross.

Holy / Set Apart, Jesus Christ / Yeshua, Purposeful / Intentional, Share the Good News

A Chosen People, A Holy Calling (1 Peter 2:4-10)

Do you see yourself the way God sees you?

1 Peter 2:4-9 reminds us that as believers, we are not just individuals—we are living stones in God’s spiritual house, chosen and set apart to proclaim His glory. This passage challenges us to embrace our identity in Christ and live as His holy people.

Key Verse:
“But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession, so that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.” – 1 Peter 2:9 (NASB)

Background Context:
Peter writes to scattered believers who faced persecution and uncertainty. He encourages them by reminding them of their identity in Christ. Using imagery from the Old Testament, he describes Jesus as the cornerstone of God’s house and believers as living stones being built upon Him. This passage teaches us that our faith is not just personal—it connects us to a greater calling in God’s kingdom.

(Continued and expanded after scripture.)

1 Peter 2:4-10

As Living Stones

      4And coming to Him as to a living stone which has been rejected by men, but is choice and precious in the sight of God, 5you also, as living stones, are being built up as a spiritual house for a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.

6For this is contained in Scripture:
“BEHOLD, I LAY IN ZION A CHOICE STONE, A PRECIOUS CORNER stone,
AND HE WHO BELIEVES IN HIM WILL NOT BE DISAPPOINTED.”

7This precious value, then, is for you who believe; but for those who disbelieve,
“THE STONE WHICH THE BUILDERS REJECTED,
THIS BECAME THE VERY CORNER stone,”

8and,
“A STONE OF STUMBLING AND A ROCK OF OFFENSE”;
for they stumble because they are disobedient to the word, and to this doom they were also appointed.

      9But you are A CHOSEN RACE, A royal PRIESTHOOD, A HOLY NATION, A PEOPLE FOR God’s OWN POSSESSION, so that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light; 10for you once were NOT A PEOPLE, but now you are THE PEOPLE OF GOD; you had NOT RECEIVED MERCY, but now you have RECEIVED MERCY.

Reflection on 1 Peter 2:4-10:

  • Jesus, the Living Stone:
    Peter describes Jesus as the cornerstone, rejected by men but chosen and precious to God (1 Peter 2:4-6). Just as a cornerstone is the foundation of a building, Jesus is the foundation of our faith. Is your life built firmly upon Christ?

  • We Are Living Stones in God’s Spiritual House:
    As believers, we are not isolated—we are part of a greater structure that God is building (1 Peter 2:5). Together, we form a spiritual house where God dwells. Are you actively contributing to God’s kingdom, using your gifts to build up His people?

  • A Royal Priesthood:
    In Christ, we are called to be a royal priesthood (1 Peter 2:5, 9). In the Old Testament, priests stood between God and the people, offering sacrifices. Now, as followers of Jesus, we have direct access to God and the privilege of offering our lives as spiritual sacrifices. Are you living as a priest, representing God to those around you?

  • A Holy Nation, A People for His Possession:
    God has called us out of darkness into His marvelous light (1 Peter 2:9). We belong to Him, set apart for His purposes. This means living differently from the world, reflecting His holiness. Does your life reflect your identity as one of God’s chosen people?

  • Called to Proclaim His Excellencies:
    As those redeemed by Christ, we are called to proclaim His goodness and share His truth with others (1 Peter 2:9). Are you using your voice to glorify God and point others to Him?

Summary Key Points:

  • Jesus is our cornerstone: Our faith must be firmly built on Him.
  • We are living stones: Together, we form God’s spiritual house.
  • We are a royal priesthood: We have access to God and serve as His representatives.
  • We are set apart as God’s people: Our lives should reflect His holiness.
  • We are called to proclaim His greatness: Our purpose is to share His love and truth.

Application:
Take time to reflect on your identity in Christ. Are you living as a chosen, set-apart child of God? Ask God to help you build your life on Jesus as your foundation. Look for ways to serve as part of His spiritual house, offering your life as a living sacrifice and proclaiming His goodness to those around you.

Closing Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank You for choosing me and calling me into Your marvelous light. Help me to live as part of Your spiritual house, built on Christ as my foundation. Teach me to walk in holiness, serve as a royal priest, and proclaim Your goodness to those around me. May my life glorify You in all things. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

May the grace and peace of our Lord, Yeshua, be with you.

John Golda

Do you know for sure if you will go to heaven or hell when you die? Are you experiencing in your life the peace and joy of a personal relationship with our Creator and Father? Learn more about salvation through The Message of the Cross.

Contentment, Discerning / Judging, Immutable (unchanging), Love, Share the Good News, Teachable

Living Out Our Faith (Hebrews 13)

What does a life of faith in action look like?

Hebrews 13 provides practical guidance for living as followers of Yeshua. It emphasizes love, hospitality, contentment, obedience, and worship as key components of a life that honors God and reflects His grace to others.

Key Verse:
“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” – Hebrews 13:8 (NASB)

Background Context:
Hebrews 13 concludes the letter with instructions on how believers are to live out their faith in practical ways. These teachings are grounded in the unchanging nature of Yeshua, who is our example and source of strength. This chapter reminds us that faith is not just about belief but about living in a way that honors God and impacts others.

(Continued and expanded after scripture.)

Hebrews 13

The Changeless Christ

      1Let love of the brethren continue. 2Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by this some have entertained angels without knowing it. 3Remember the prisoners, as though in prison with them, and those who are ill-treated, since you yourselves also are in the body. 4Marriage is to be held in honor among all, and the marriage bed is to be undefiled; for fornicators and adulterers God will judge. 5Make sure that your character is free from the love of money, being content with what you have; for He Himself has said, “I WILL NEVER DESERT YOU, NOR WILL I EVER FORSAKE YOU,”

6so that we confidently say,
“THE LORD IS MY HELPER, I WILL NOT BE AFRAID.
WHAT WILL MAN DO TO ME?”

      7Remember those who led you, who spoke the word of God to you; and considering the result of their conduct, imitate their faith. 8Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. 9Do not be carried away by varied and strange teachings; for it is good for the heart to be strengthened by grace, not by foods, through which those who were so occupied were not benefited. 10We have an altar from which those who serve the tabernacle have no right to eat. 11For the bodies of those animals whose blood is brought into the holy place by the high priest as an offering for sin, are burned outside the camp. 12Therefore Jesus also, that He might sanctify the people through His own blood, suffered outside the gate. 13So, let us go out to Him outside the camp, bearing His reproach. 14For here we do not have a lasting city, but we are seeking the city which is to come.

God-pleasing Sacrifices

      15Through Him then, let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that give thanks to His name. 16And do not neglect doing good and sharing, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.

      17Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they keep watch over your souls as those who will give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with grief, for this would be unprofitable for you.

      18Pray for us, for we are sure that we have a good conscience, desiring to conduct ourselves honorably in all things. 19And I urge you all the more to do this, so that I may be restored to you the sooner.

Benediction

      20Now the God of peace, who brought up from the dead the great Shepherd of the sheep through the blood of the eternal covenant, even Jesus our Lord, 21equip you in every good thing to do His will, working in us that which is pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be the glory forever and ever. Amen.

      22But I urge you, brethren, bear with this word of exhortation, for I have written to you briefly. 23Take notice that our brother Timothy has been released, with whom, if he comes soon, I will see you. 24Greet all of your leaders and all the saints. Those from Italy greet you.

      25Grace be with you all.

Reflection on Hebrews 13:

  • Love in Action:
    The chapter begins by encouraging believers to love one another, show hospitality, and remember those in prison or mistreated (Hebrews 13:1-3). These acts of love reflect the heart of God. Are you demonstrating love through your actions toward others?
  • Contentment in God’s Provision:
    We are reminded to avoid the love of money and to be content with what we have, trusting in God’s promise to never leave or forsake us (Hebrews 13:5-6). Are you finding contentment in God’s presence and provision?
  • Faithful Leadership and Teaching:
    The chapter calls us to honor those who teach God’s Word and to imitate their faith (Hebrews 13:7). It also warns against strange teachings, urging us to stay anchored in God’s grace. Are you discerning and faithful in following godly leadership?
  • Sacrificial Worship:
    Believers are called to offer a sacrifice of praise to God, continually giving thanks to His name, and to do good and share with others (Hebrews 13:15-16). Are you living a life of worship that pleases God through praise and generosity?
  • Confidence in Christ’s Unchanging Nature:
    The declaration that Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever (Hebrews 13:8) anchors all these instructions. His consistency provides a firm foundation for our faith and conduct. Are you relying on Yeshua’s unchanging nature as your guide and strength?

Summary Key Points:

  • Love Others Deeply: Let your faith be evident in your love and care for others.
  • Be Content in God’s Provision: Trust His promise to never leave or forsake you.
  • Follow Faithful Leadership: Imitate the faith of those who teach God’s truth.
  • Offer Sacrificial Worship: Praise God continually and share generously with others.
  • Rely on Christ’s Unchanging Nature: Anchor your life in Yeshua, who is constant and faithful.

Application:
Examine your daily life in light of Hebrews 13. Are you showing love, practicing hospitality, and caring for others? Are you trusting in God’s provision and praising Him regularly? Commit to living a life that reflects your faith in Yeshua’s unchanging nature. Encourage others in their walk with God through love and generosity.

Closing Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank You for providing practical guidance for living out our faith. Help us to love others deeply, trust in Your provision, and worship You with thankful hearts. Teach us to follow faithful leadership and to rely on Yeshua’s unchanging nature as the foundation of our lives. May our actions reflect Your love and truth, bringing glory to Your name. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

May the grace and peace of our Lord, Yeshua, be with you.

John Golda

Do you know for sure if you will go to heaven or hell when you die? Are you experiencing in your life the peace and joy of a personal relationship with our Creator and Father? Learn more about salvation through The Message of the Cross.

Faith / Trusting God, Faithful, Praise / Worship / Glorify God, Psalms, Share the Good News

A Heart Steadfast in Praise and Trust (Psalm 108)

What do you turn to when facing challenges or uncertainty?

Psalm 108 teaches us to respond with a heart that is steadfast in praise, even in difficult times. This psalm invites us to declare God’s goodness and to trust His power to overcome every obstacle.

Key Verse: “My heart is steadfast, O God; I will sing, I will sing praises, even with my soul.” – Psalm 108:1 (NASB)

Background Context: Psalm 108 is a psalm of David, combining elements from Psalms 57 and 60. It begins with a declaration of praise and trust, focusing on God’s steadfast love and faithfulness. David’s words reveal a heart that chooses to praise God in the face of challenges, acknowledging God’s sovereignty and asking for His deliverance. This psalm reminds us that our confidence is not in our circumstances but in God, who is faithful and powerful.

(Summarized and continued after scripture)

Psalm 108

God Praised and Supplicated to Give Victory.

A Song, a Psalm of David.

      1My heart is steadfast, O God;
I will sing, I will sing praises, even with my soul.

      2Awake, harp and lyre;
I will awaken the dawn!

      3I will give thanks to You, O LORD, among the peoples,
And I will sing praises to You among the nations.

      4For Your lovingkindness is great above the heavens,
And Your truth reaches to the skies.

      5Be exalted, O God, above the heavens,
And Your glory above all the earth.

      6That Your beloved may be delivered,
Save with Your right hand, and answer me!

      7God has spoken in His holiness:
“I will exult, I will portion out Shechem
And measure out the valley of Succoth.

      8“Gilead is Mine, Manasseh is Mine;
Ephraim also is the helmet of My head;
Judah is My scepter.

      9“Moab is My washbowl;
Over Edom I shall throw My shoe;
Over Philistia I will shout aloud.”

      10Who will bring me into the besieged city?
Who will lead me to Edom?

      11Have not You Yourself, O God, rejected us?
And will You not go forth with our armies, O God?

      12Oh give us help against the adversary,
For deliverance by man is in vain.

      13Through God we will do valiantly,
And it is He who shall tread down our adversaries.

Reflection on Psalm 108:

  • A Heart Steadfast in Praise: David opens the psalm by declaring, “My heart is steadfast, O God” (Psalm 108:1). Despite the difficulties he faced, David chose to fix his heart on God, making praise his priority. He resolved to sing and praise God wholeheartedly, allowing worship to shape his response to life’s challenges. This steadfast heart demonstrates faith that God is worthy of praise, regardless of circumstances. When we choose to worship, especially in hard times, it strengthens our spirit and shifts our focus from our struggles to God’s greatness. Is your heart steadfast in praise, even when life is uncertain? Consider how you can make worship a daily practice, anchoring your heart in God’s unchanging goodness.
  • Declaring God’s Faithfulness to the World: In verses 3-4, David proclaims, “I will give thanks to You, O LORD, among the peoples, and I will sing praises to You among the nations. For Your lovingkindness is great above the heavens, and Your truth reaches to the skies.” David’s praise was not only personal but public. He wanted others to know of God’s faithfulness and love. This is a reminder that our testimonies and declarations of praise can impact those around us, pointing them to God’s goodness. When we share God’s faithfulness openly, we encourage others to seek and trust Him. Who can you share your testimony with this week? Your words might inspire someone else to find hope and strength in God.
  • Trusting God’s Strength in Battles: David moves from praise to prayer, asking God to save him and lead him in victory over his enemies (Psalm 108:5-6). He acknowledges that human strength is inadequate without God: “Give us help against the adversary, for deliverance by man is in vain” (Psalm 108:12). This verse highlights David’s reliance on God as the source of true strength and victory. Like David, we face battles in our lives—whether physical, emotional, or spiritual—but we do not face them alone. God is our defender, and His strength is greater than any challenge. Are you facing a battle that feels overwhelming? Invite God into the situation, trusting that He is able to lead you to victory in ways beyond human understanding.
  • Confidence in God’s Promises: David expresses confidence in God’s promises, remembering that God has spoken of Israel’s victories and blessings. In verses 7-9, he reflects on God’s promises about the land and their future. David’s assurance comes from knowing that God is faithful to fulfill His Word. When we remember God’s promises, it builds our faith and gives us courage to face whatever lies ahead. The Bible is filled with promises that remind us of God’s love, provision, and protection. Take time to meditate on a promise of God that speaks to your current situation. Let it encourage and remind you that God’s Word is true and trustworthy.
  • Victory Through God Alone: The psalm concludes with a powerful declaration of faith: “Through God we shall do valiantly, and it is He who will tread down our adversaries” (Psalm 108:13). David knows that ultimate victory belongs to God. His trust is not in his own strength or abilities but in God’s power to overcome. This verse inspires us to rely fully on God’s strength, believing that He is fighting on our behalf. No matter what challenges we face, we can be confident that God will guide us through. Are you leaning on God’s strength in your life, or are you trying to handle things on your own? Surrender your battles to Him, knowing that His strength is made perfect in our weakness.

Summary Key Points:

  • Steadfast Praise Anchors Us in God’s Goodness: Choosing to worship God in all circumstances keeps our hearts focused on His unchanging nature.
  • Sharing God’s Faithfulness Encourages Others: Our testimonies of God’s love and provision can inspire those around us to seek and trust Him.
  • Trusting God’s Strength in Our Battles: We are called to rely on God, not human strength, for victory in life’s challenges.
  • Confidence in God’s Promises: God’s Word is true and trustworthy, giving us courage and assurance to face the future.
  • Victory Belongs to God Alone: Our confidence is not in our own abilities but in God’s power to overcome every obstacle.

Application: Reflect on areas in your life where you need to develop a steadfast heart of praise. Consider making worship a daily practice, even during difficult times, to strengthen your faith and focus on God’s goodness. If you are facing a specific challenge, turn to God for strength and remember His promises. Share a testimony of God’s faithfulness with someone who may need encouragement. Trust that through God, you can face each challenge valiantly, knowing that He is your source of victory.

Closing Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for being our source of strength and our reason for praise. Help us to develop a steadfast heart, one that trusts in Your goodness and faithfulness at all times. Forgive us for the times we’ve tried to face challenges on our own. Teach us to rely fully on You, remembering that true victory comes only through Your power. May our lives be a testimony of Your love and faithfulness, and may we share Your goodness with others. Lead us in the battles we face, and help us to trust in Your promises every day. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

May the grace and peace of our Lord, Yeshua, be with you.

John Golda

Do you know for sure if you will go to heaven or hell when you die? Are you experiencing in your life the peace and joy of a personal relationship with our Creator and Father? Learn more about salvation through The Message of the Cross.

Faith / Trusting God, Guide, Joy / Happiness / Rejoicing, Obeying God, Praise / Worship / Glorify God, Protector / Deliverer, Psalms, Share the Good News

Remembering God’s Faithfulness: Praise for His Wonders (Psalm 105)

How often do you take time to reflect on God’s faithfulness in your life?

Psalm 105 calls us to remember the many ways God has worked in history and in our own lives, leading us to respond with praise and trust in His promises.

Key Verse: “Remember the wonders He has done, His miracles, and the judgments He pronounced.” – Psalm 105:5 (NIV)

Background Context: Psalm 105 is a hymn of praise that recounts the mighty works of God throughout Israel’s history, from His covenant with Abraham to the miraculous deliverance of His people from Egypt. The psalmist encourages God’s people to remember and proclaim His deeds, reminding them of His faithfulness to keep His promises. It’s a psalm that calls us not only to reflect on God’s past works but also to trust Him for the future, knowing that His promises are unchanging.

(Summarized and continued after scripture)

Psalm 105

The LORD’S Wonderful Works in Behalf of Israel.

1Oh give thanks to the LORD, call upon His name;
Make known His deeds among the peoples.

      2Sing to Him, sing praises to Him;
Speak of all His wonders.

      3Glory in His holy name;
Let the heart of those who seek the LORD be glad.

      4Seek the LORD and His strength;
Seek His face continually.

      5Remember His wonders which He has done,
His marvels and the judgments uttered by His mouth,

      6O seed of Abraham, His servant,
O sons of Jacob, His chosen ones!

      7He is the LORD our God;
His judgments are in all the earth.

      8He has remembered His covenant forever,
The word which He commanded to a thousand generations,

      9The covenant which He made with Abraham,
And His oath to Isaac.

      10Then He confirmed it to Jacob for a statute,
To Israel as an everlasting covenant,

      11Saying, “To you I will give the land of Canaan
As the portion of your inheritance,”

      12When they were only a few men in number,
Very few, and strangers in it.

      13And they wandered about from nation to nation,
From one kingdom to another people.

      14He permitted no man to oppress them,
And He reproved kings for their sakes:

      15“Do not touch My anointed ones,
And do My prophets no harm.”

      16And He called for a famine upon the land;
He broke the whole staff of bread.

      17He sent a man before them,
Joseph, who was sold as a slave.

      18They afflicted his feet with fetters,
He himself was laid in irons;

      19Until the time that his word came to pass,
The word of the LORD tested him.

      20The king sent and released him,
The ruler of peoples, and set him free.

      21He made him lord of his house
And ruler over all his possessions,

      22To imprison his princes at will,
That he might teach his elders wisdom.

      23Israel also came into Egypt;
Thus Jacob sojourned in the land of Ham.

      24And He caused His people to be very fruitful,
And made them stronger than their adversaries.

      25He turned their heart to hate His people,
To deal craftily with His servants.

      26He sent Moses His servant,
And Aaron, whom He had chosen.

      27They performed His wondrous acts among them,
And miracles in the land of Ham.

      28He sent darkness and made it dark;
And they did not rebel against His words.

      29He turned their waters into blood
And caused their fish to die.

      30Their land swarmed with frogs
Even in the chambers of their kings.

      31He spoke, and there came a swarm of flies
And gnats in all their territory.

      32He gave them hail for rain,
And flaming fire in their land.

      33He struck down their vines also and their fig trees,
And shattered the trees of their territory.

      34He spoke, and locusts came,
And young locusts, even without number,

      35And ate up all vegetation in their land,
And ate up the fruit of their ground.

      36He also struck down all the firstborn in their land,
The first fruits of all their vigor.

      37Then He brought them out with silver and gold,
And among His tribes there was not one who stumbled.

      38Egypt was glad when they departed,
For the dread of them had fallen upon them.

      39He spread a cloud for a covering,
And fire to illumine by night.

      40They asked, and He brought quail,
And satisfied them with the bread of heaven.

      41He opened the rock and water flowed out;
It ran in the dry places like a river.

      42For He remembered His holy word
With Abraham His servant;

      43And He brought forth His people with joy,
His chosen ones with a joyful shout.

      44He gave them also the lands of the nations,
That they might take possession of the fruit of the peoples’ labor,

      45So that they might keep His statutes
And observe His laws,
Praise the LORD!

Reflection on Psalm 105:

  • A Call to Remember God’s Wonders: The psalm begins with a powerful invitation to give thanks, sing praises, and make known God’s deeds among the nations (Psalm 105:1-2). The psalmist commands the people to “remember the wonders He has done, His miracles, and the judgments He pronounced” (Psalm 105:5). Reflecting on God’s past works helps us to cultivate gratitude and strengthens our faith in His ongoing work in our lives. Remembering what God has done in the past builds our confidence in His faithfulness today. How often do we take time to reflect on the ways God has answered prayers, provided for us, and guided us through difficult seasons? Make it a habit to remember His faithfulness, especially in moments when you’re facing uncertainty.
  • God’s Covenant and Promises: Psalm 105 emphasizes God’s covenant with Abraham and His faithfulness to keep His promises to His people (Psalm 105:8-11). The psalmist recounts how God established His covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, promising them the land of Canaan as their inheritance. Despite the challenges and trials that Israel faced, God remained faithful to His word. This reminds us that God’s promises are sure and steadfast. He is not a God who forgets or fails to keep His word. In a world where promises are often broken, we can find comfort in the fact that God’s promises never fail. Are there promises in God’s Word that you are holding onto today? Trust in His faithfulness, knowing that what He has spoken will come to pass.
  • God’s Protection and Guidance: The psalm goes on to describe how God protected and guided His people through various trials and challenges. When they were few in number and vulnerable, God preserved them and protected them from their enemies (Psalm 105:12-15). He sent Joseph ahead of them to Egypt to prepare a way, and through Joseph’s trials, God ultimately saved Israel from famine (Psalm 105:16-22). Even in times of hardship, God was working behind the scenes to bring about His purposes for His people. This is a reminder that God’s guidance and protection are constant, even when we can’t see the bigger picture. Just as He guided and provided for Israel, He is doing the same for us today. In what ways has God been guiding and protecting you, even in difficult seasons? Take time to acknowledge His hand at work in your life.
  • God’s Power to Deliver: One of the most powerful sections of Psalm 105 is the recounting of Israel’s deliverance from slavery in Egypt (Psalm 105:23-38). God sent Moses and Aaron to perform signs and wonders before Pharaoh, and through a series of miraculous plagues, God demonstrated His power over Egypt. The ultimate act of deliverance came when God parted the Red Sea, allowing His people to escape and journey toward the Promised Land. This part of Israel’s history is a profound reminder of God’s ability to rescue and deliver His people from bondage. It also points us to the greater deliverance we have in Jesus Christ, who sets us free from the bondage of sin and death. How has God delivered you from spiritual or physical bondage? Reflect on His power to save and give thanks for the freedom you have in Christ.
  • The Importance of Obeying God’s Laws: Psalm 105:45 ends with an important command: “so that they might keep His statutes and observe His laws.” The psalmist emphasizes that remembering God’s works is not just about praise but also about living in obedience to His commands. God’s faithfulness to us calls for a response of faithful living. As God delivered and provided for His people, it was not just so they could enjoy freedom but so they could live in alignment with His will. For us today, following God’s statutes is a natural response to His love and faithfulness. Obedience is not a burden but a way to honor God and live in the fullness of His blessing. Are you faithfully keeping God’s commands in response to His goodness? Reflect on areas of your life where you need to align more closely with His Word.
  • The Importance of Proclaiming God’s Deeds: The psalmist ends by encouraging the people to “proclaim His great deeds among the nations” (Psalm 105:1). Remembering God’s works is not just for our benefit but also for the benefit of others. When we testify to God’s faithfulness, we encourage others to trust Him and draw closer to Him. Sharing what God has done in your life can be a powerful witness to His love, power, and grace. Who in your life needs to hear about the ways God has been faithful to you? Don’t hesitate to proclaim His goodness and invite others to experience His love.

Summary Key Points:

  • Remember God’s Wonders and Miracles: Psalm 105 calls us to reflect on the many ways God has worked in history and in our own lives, building gratitude and trust in His faithfulness.
  • God’s Promises Are Unchanging: God’s covenant with Abraham reminds us that He is faithful to keep His promises. We can trust in His Word, knowing that what He has spoken will come to pass.
  • God Protects and Guides His People: Just as God guided and protected Israel through trials, He is with us today, guiding and providing for us even when we can’t see the bigger picture.
  • God’s Power to Deliver: The deliverance of Israel from Egypt points to God’s power to save and rescue His people from bondage. This reminds us of the ultimate deliverance we have in Christ.
  • Obedience as a Response to God’s Faithfulness: Remembering God’s wonders should lead us to live in obedience to His commands. Our response to His love is faithful living that aligns with His Word.
  • Proclaim God’s Faithfulness: As we remember God’s works in our lives, we are called to share His goodness with others, proclaiming His great deeds to those around us.

Application: Spend time reflecting on the ways God has been faithful in your life. Make a list of the specific ways He has answered prayers, provided for you, and delivered you from difficult circumstances. Use this list as a reminder of His goodness in moments of doubt or fear. If you are waiting for God to fulfill a promise, take comfort in knowing that He is faithful to keep His Word. Pray for patience and trust as you wait on Him. Reflect on areas where you need to better align with His statutes, and ask for the strength to live in obedience to His commands. Finally, look for opportunities to share God’s faithfulness with others. Whether through a conversation, a testimony, or a simple word of encouragement, let others know how God has worked in your life and invite them to trust in Him.

Closing Prayer: Heavenly Father, we thank You for Your faithfulness and the many ways You have worked in our lives. Help us to remember Your wonders and to trust in Your promises, knowing that You are always faithful to Your Word. Guide us in times of uncertainty and remind us of Your constant presence. Help us to live in obedience to Your statutes, honoring You with our lives. May we be bold in proclaiming Your great deeds to others, that they too may come to know Your love and faithfulness. Thank You for Your power to deliver and for the freedom we have in Christ. We give You all the praise and glory. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

May the grace and peace of our Lord, Yeshua, be with you.

John Golda

Do you know for sure if you will go to heaven or hell when you die? Are you experiencing in your life the peace and joy of a personal relationship with our Creator and Father? Learn more about salvation through The Message of the Cross.

Faith / Trusting God, Obeying God, Share the Good News, Submitted / Servant

Faithfulness in the Kingdom: Using What God Has Entrusted to Us (Luke 19:11-27)

What are you doing with the gifts, opportunities, and resources God has given you?

The Parable of the Ten Minas in Luke 19:11-27 challenges us to consider how we are using what God has entrusted to us, urging us to be faithful stewards in His kingdom.

Key Verse: “‘Well done, good slave, because you have been faithful in a very little thing, you are to be in authority over ten cities.’” – Luke 19:17 (NASB)

Background Context: Jesus shares this parable while He is nearing Jerusalem, where many of His followers expected Him to establish an earthly kingdom immediately. He uses this parable to illustrate a deeper truth about the kingdom of God. The nobleman in the story, who represents Jesus, goes away to receive a kingdom and then returns. In His absence, He entrusts resources (minas) to His servants, instructing them to do business until He returns. Upon His return, He rewards those who have been faithful with what was given and condemns the one who hid the mina out of fear. The parable emphasizes the importance of faithful stewardship and the consequences of neglecting what God has entrusted to us.

(Summarized and continued after scripture)

Luke 19:11-27

Parable of Money Usage

     11While they were listening to these things, Jesus went on to tell a parable, because He was near Jerusalem, and they supposed that the kingdom of God was going to appear immediately. 12So He said, “A nobleman went to a distant country to receive a kingdom for himself, and then return. 13“And he called ten of his slaves, and gave them ten minas and said to them, ‘Do business with this until I come back.’ 14“But his citizens hated him and sent a delegation after him, saying, ‘We do not want this man to reign over us.’ 15“When he returned, after receiving the kingdom, he ordered that these slaves, to whom he had given the money, be called to him so that he might know what business they had done. 16“The first appeared, saying, ‘Master, your mina has made ten minas more.’ 17“And he said to him, ‘Well done, good slave, because you have been faithful in a very little thing, you are to be in authority over ten cities.’ 18“The second came, saying, ‘Your mina, master, has made five minas.’ 19“And he said to him also, ‘And you are to be over five cities.’ 20“Another came, saying, ‘Master, here is your mina, which I kept put away in a handkerchief; 21for I was afraid of you, because you are an exacting man; you take up what you did not lay down and reap what you did not sow.’ 22“He said to him, ‘By your own words I will judge you, you worthless slave. Did you know that I am an exacting man, taking up what I did not lay down and reaping what I did not sow? 23‘Then why did you not put my money in the bank, and having come, I would have collected it with interest?’ 24“Then he said to the bystanders, ‘Take the mina away from him and give it to the one who has the ten minas.’ 25“And they said to him, ‘Master, he has ten minas already.’ 26“I tell you that to everyone who has, more shall be given, but from the one who does not have, even what he does have shall be taken away. 27“But these enemies of mine, who did not want me to reign over them, bring them here and slay them in my presence.”

Reflection on Luke 19:11-27:

  • The Nobleman’s Departure and Return: In the parable, the nobleman goes to a distant country to receive a kingdom and then return (Luke 19:12). This departure represents Jesus’ ascension after His resurrection and the time we now live in as we await His return. The nobleman entrusts each servant with a mina, a significant sum of money, and commands them to “do business with this until I come back” (Luke 19:13). Jesus has given each of us unique gifts, talents, and opportunities to use for His kingdom while we await His second coming. This time is not meant to be idle but active—using what He has given us to expand His kingdom and bring glory to His name.
  • Faithful Stewardship and Kingdom Responsibility: When the nobleman returns, he calls each servant to give an account of what they have done with the resources entrusted to them (Luke 19:15). The first servant reports that his mina has earned ten more, and the master praises him, saying, “Well done, good slave, because you have been faithful in a very little thing, you are to be in authority over ten cities” (Luke 19:17). The second servant’s mina produces five more, and he is rewarded with authority over five cities (Luke 19:18-19). Their faithfulness with what seemed like a small amount resulted in great responsibility and blessing in the kingdom. This reminds us that God values faithfulness and diligence, even in small things. Our obedience and stewardship in the “little things” prepare us for greater opportunities to serve and bless others in God’s kingdom.
  • Fear and Neglect of Responsibility: In contrast, the third servant reports that he hid the mina because he was afraid of the master, whom he describes as a “harsh man” (Luke 19:20-21). The servant’s fear paralyzes him, leading him to neglect his responsibility and fail to use what was entrusted to him. The master responds harshly, calling him a “worthless slave” and taking the mina away from him (Luke 19:22-24). Fear can prevent us from stepping out in faith and using our gifts for God’s glory. When we view God through a lens of fear and misunderstanding, we may choose to hide what He has given us rather than invest it for His kingdom. This servant’s attitude stands as a warning for us not to let fear or insecurity prevent us from being faithful with what God has entrusted to us.
  • Rewards and Consequences: The nobleman’s statement, “To everyone who has, more shall be given, but from the one who does not have, even what he does have shall be taken away” (Luke 19:26), reveals a principle of kingdom stewardship. Those who are faithful with what God gives them will be entrusted with more, while those who neglect or misuse their gifts will lose even what they have. This is not about accumulating material wealth but about being responsible and faithful stewards of God’s resources—whether time, talents, relationships, or opportunities. God honors those who use what they have been given for His glory, and He expects us to grow and multiply the resources He places in our hands.
  • Rejecting the Reign of the King: The parable ends with a stern warning about those who reject the nobleman’s reign: “But these enemies of mine, who did not want me to reign over them, bring them here and slay them in my presence” (Luke 19:27). This part of the parable refers to the ultimate judgment of those who reject Christ and refuse His lordship. The citizens who opposed the nobleman did not want him to rule over them, reflecting the attitude of those who reject Jesus as King. This serves as a sobering reminder that we must not only acknowledge Jesus as Savior but also submit to Him as Lord. Our stewardship is a reflection of our acceptance of His reign in our lives.

Summary Key Points:

  • God Has Entrusted Us with Resources: Jesus, like the nobleman, has entrusted each of us with gifts, talents, and opportunities to be used for His kingdom while we await His return.
  • Faithfulness in Small Things Leads to Greater Responsibility: God values faithfulness and diligence, even in small tasks. Our stewardship in these areas prepares us for greater opportunities to serve in His kingdom.
  • Fear and Neglect Lead to Loss: Fear and misunderstanding of God can cause us to hide or neglect what He has given us. God calls us to trust Him and use our gifts boldly for His glory.
  • Rewards for Faithfulness, Consequences for Neglect: Those who are faithful with what God has given will be entrusted with more, while those who neglect their gifts will lose what they have.
  • Submission to Christ’s Lordship: The parable emphasizes the importance of accepting Christ’s reign in our lives. We must not only be stewards of what He gives but also recognize and submit to His lordship.

Application: Reflect on the resources, gifts, and opportunities God has entrusted to you. Are you using them to glorify Him and expand His kingdom, or are you hiding them out of fear or neglect? Ask God to show you how you can be a faithful steward of all that He has given. Consider where you can step out in faith, trusting that He will guide and empower you to make an impact for His kingdom. If there are areas where fear or insecurity have kept you from using your gifts, surrender those fears to God and ask Him to give you courage and boldness to serve Him faithfully.

Closing Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for entrusting us with gifts, talents, and opportunities to serve You. Help us to be faithful stewards of all You have given us. When fear or insecurity creep in, remind us of Your love and faithfulness. Give us courage to use our gifts for Your glory, trusting that You will multiply them for the growth of Your kingdom. May we live our lives in joyful submission to Your lordship, knowing that everything we have is ultimately Yours. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

May the grace and peace of our Lord, Yeshua, be with you.

John Golda

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