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.

Faith / Trusting God, Proverbs (Wisdom & Folly), Wise

Trusting God in All Things (Proverbs 3)

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What happens when we surrender our ways and trust the Lord wholeheartedly?

Key Verse:
“Trust in the LORD with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.” —Proverbs 3:5–6 (NASB)

Background Context:
Proverbs 3 continues the voice of wisdom calling out to the reader like a parent to a child. Solomon urges his son to remember the teachings and commandments of the Lord—not as burdens, but as a source of life, peace, and favor. The heart of the chapter lies in learning to fully trust YHWH and reject self-reliance. True wisdom begins with acknowledging God in every area of life—not just when things get difficult, but continually, daily, in all decisions.

The chapter includes encouragements to be humble, generous, and faithful. It addresses discipline as a sign of God’s love and correction. It praises the value of wisdom above riches, and concludes with promises of security, peace, and the Lord’s blessing for those who walk in righteousness.

(Continued and expanded after scripture.)

Proverbs 3

The Rewards of Wisdom

1My son, do not forget my teaching,
But let your heart keep my commandments;

      2For length of days and years of life
And peace they will add to you.

      3Do not let kindness and truth leave you;
Bind them around your neck,
Write them on the tablet of your heart.

      4So you will find favor and good repute
In the sight of God and man.

      5Trust in the LORD with all your heart
And do not lean on your own understanding.

      6In all your ways acknowledge Him,
And He will make your paths straight.

      7Do not be wise in your own eyes;
Fear the LORD and turn away from evil.

      8It will be healing to your body
And refreshment to your bones.

      9Honor the LORD from your wealth
And from the first of all your produce;

      10So your barns will be filled with plenty
And your vats will overflow with new wine.

      11My son, do not reject the discipline of the LORD
Or loathe His reproof,

      12For whom the LORD loves He reproves,
Even as a father corrects the son in whom he delights.

      13How blessed is the man who finds wisdom
And the man who gains understanding.

      14For her profit is better than the profit of silver
And her gain better than fine gold.

      15She is more precious than jewels;
And nothing you desire compares with her.

      16Long life is in her right hand;
In her left hand are riches and honor.

      17Her ways are pleasant ways
And all her paths are peace.

      18She is a tree of life to those who take hold of her,
And happy are all who hold her fast.

      19The LORD by wisdom founded the earth,
By understanding He established the heavens.

      20By His knowledge the deeps were broken up
And the skies drip with dew.

      21My son, let them not vanish from your sight;
Keep sound wisdom and discretion,

      22So they will be life to your soul
And adornment to your neck.

      23Then you will walk in your way securely
And your foot will not stumble.

      24When you lie down, you will not be afraid;
When you lie down, your sleep will be sweet.

      25Do not be afraid of sudden fear
Nor of the onslaught of the wicked when it comes;

      26For the LORD will be your confidence
And will keep your foot from being caught.

      27Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due,
When it is in your power to do it.

      28Do not say to your neighbor, “Go, and come back,
And tomorrow I will give it,”
When you have it with you.

      29Do not devise harm against your neighbor,
While he lives securely beside you.

      30Do not contend with a man without cause,
If he has done you no harm.

      31Do not envy a man of violence
And do not choose any of his ways.

      32For the devious are an abomination to the LORD;
But He is intimate with the upright.

      33The curse of the LORD is on the house of the wicked,
But He blesses the dwelling of the righteous.

      34Though He scoffs at the scoffers,
Yet He gives grace to the afflicted.

      35The wise will inherit honor,
But fools display dishonor.

Reflection on Proverbs 3:
Many people quote verses 5 and 6, but to truly live them requires submission. Trusting God with all your heart is not partial—it means we release our need to control outcomes and stop relying on what makes sense to us. His wisdom far exceeds ours.

We are also called to honor the Lord with our wealth (v. 9), to not despise His discipline (v. 11), and to embrace wisdom as the source of happiness and blessing (vv. 13–18). These aren’t disconnected thoughts—they paint a full picture of a life built on fearing the Lord and walking in His ways.

YHWH’s promises in this chapter include long life, peace, favor with God and man, straight paths, healing, provision, and safety. But these blessings are not the goal—they are the fruit of a life submitted in obedience and trust.

Application:
Examine your life—are there areas where you are still leaning on your own understanding? Are there decisions, relationships, finances, or plans you haven’t surrendered to God?

Commit today to acknowledge Him in all your ways. Trust that He will make your path straight as you walk in obedience. Take time to read the full chapter and pray through each section, allowing the Spirit to speak into your heart.

Closing Prayer:
Father, I confess that I often try to handle things in my own strength. Teach me to trust You fully, with all my heart. Help me to acknowledge You in every decision, every plan, and every step I take. Thank You for Your wisdom, discipline, and the peace You promise to those who walk with You. May I seek Your ways above my own and live a life that brings You glory. 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.

Disobeying, Rebelling Against, Ignoring God, Jesus Christ / Yeshua, Psalms, Submitted / Servant

The Reign of the Son (Psalm 2)

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Why do the nations rage when they cannot overthrow the rule of the Almighty?

Key Verse:
“Do homage to the Son, that He not become angry, and you perish in the way, for His wrath may soon be kindled. How blessed are all who take refuge in Him!” —Psalm 2:12 (NASB)

Background Context:
Psalm 2 stands as a prophetic declaration of God’s sovereign authority and the coming reign of His Anointed One—Yeshua the Messiah. The psalm opens with the nations in rebellion, conspiring to throw off the rule of God and His Messiah. Yet their defiance is met not with concern, but with divine laughter. God affirms that His King is already established on Zion, and no earthly plan can undo what He has decreed.

Psalm 2 is often cited in the New Testament to affirm the identity and authority of Jesus as the Son of God (see Acts 4:25-28, Hebrews 1:5). The warning is clear: YHWH will not tolerate rebellion forever. There is an urgent call to submit to the Son, to revere Him, and to find refuge in Him before judgment comes.

(Continued and expanded after scripture.)

Psalms 2

1 Why are the nations so angry?
    Why do they waste their time with futile plans?
2 The kings of the earth prepare for battle;
    the rulers plot together against the Lord
    and against his anointed one.
3 “Let us break their chains,” they cry,
    “and free ourselves from slavery to God.”

4 But the one who rules in heaven laughs.
    The Lord scoffs at them.
5 Then in anger he rebukes them,
    terrifying them with his fierce fury.
6 For the Lord declares, “I have placed my chosen king on the throne in Jerusalem, on my holy mountain.”

7 The king proclaims the Lord’s decree:
“The Lord said to me, ‘You are my son. 
    Today I have become your Father. 
8 Only ask, and I will give you the nations as your inheritance,
    the whole earth as your possession.
9 You will break  them with an iron rod
    and smash them like clay pots.’”

10 Now then, you kings, act wisely!
    Be warned, you rulers of the earth!
11 Serve the Lord with reverent fear,
    and rejoice with trembling.
12 Submit to God’s royal son,  or he will become angry,
    and you will be destroyed in the midst of all your activities — for his anger flares up in an instant. But what joy for all who take refuge in him!

Reflection on Psalm 2:
We live in a world that mirrors the rebellion of Psalm 2. People rage against God’s Word, reject His commands, and pursue autonomy. Yet the authority of Yeshua is not subject to public opinion or human votes. He is King by divine decree.

The final verse is both a warning and a promise. “Do homage to the Son…” Some translations say “Kiss the Son”—a gesture of submission and allegiance. Those who defy Him will face judgment, but those who take refuge in Him will be blessed.

Let us not be deceived by the illusion of self-rule. True peace and protection are found in submission to the Messiah. His reign is not just future—it has already begun. Every knee will bow, either willingly in worship or forcibly in judgment.

Application:
Ask yourself whether your life reflects submission to the rule of the Son. Are there areas of resistance where you’ve clung to personal control or worldly thinking?

Recommit yourself today to do homage to the Son—not just in word but in action. Worship Him, obey Him, and walk in reverent awe of His authority.

Closing Prayer:
Father, I recognize that You have set Your Son on the throne, and He will reign forever. Forgive me for the times I’ve resisted Your authority or aligned with the rebellion of this world. I willingly bow before Yeshua and take refuge in Him. Let my life reflect my submission to His kingship. May I honor You with reverence, joy, and obedience. 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.

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.

Learning To Pray Effectively, Seeking God, Submitted / Servant

Is God Ignoring My Prayers?

Sometimes Yahweh may be answering our prayers and we don’t even know it. Perhaps His answer is “no” or “not right now”. However, if we feel like He is not answering us, we should also prayerfully reflect on whether or not we are in right relationship with Him. The problem, if there is one, is with us…not with Him. It is important that we turn the lordship of our lives over the Yahweh. We need to die to self and increase in Him.

John 3:30

30“He must increase, but I must decrease.

What are some situations in which the LORD will not hear our prayers? Keep in mind, this is not simply speaking about those who outright rebel against Him, but rather to those who claim to follow Him. Also note, this is not comprehensive, not even close. I encourage you to study more on your own to learn more about what may stand between you and the LORD.

The LORD hears the prayers of the righteous, but is far from the wicked, or sinners.

 31“We know that God does not hear sinners; but if anyone is God-fearing and does His will, He hears him. (John 9:31)

29The LORD is far from the wicked, but He hears the prayer of the righteous. (Proverbs 15:29)

   2But your iniquities have made a separation between you and your God, and your sins have hidden His face from you so that He does not hear. (Isaiah 59:2)

12“FOR THE EYES OF THE LORD ARE TOWARD THE RIGHTEOUS, aND HIS EARS ATTEND TO THEIR PRAYER, bUT THE FACE OF THE LORD IS AGAINST THOSE WHO DO EVIL.”(1 Peter 3:12).

Related to the one above, the LORD does not hear the prayers of one who turns away from the law, the teachings of God. This is actually the standard by which we can judge what is sin and what is not.

9He who turns away his ear from listening to the law, even his prayer is an abomination. (Proverbs 28:9)

Again the next one is related to the ones above, but a different emphasis that helps to drive additional clarity. We must choose to fear, or in this context, respect, the LORD as we would a father who has authority over us. When we reject the LORD and choose to go our own way, He will let us and we will face the consequences. However, do not assume that if we choose to go our own way, that He will then “bail us out” by answering our prayers when things go wrong.

24 “Because I called and you refused,  I stretched out my hand and no one paid attention;  25and you neglected all my counsel and did not want my reproof; 26I will also laugh at your calamity; I will mock when your dread comes, 27When your dread comes like a storm and your calamity comes like a whirlwind, when distress and anguish come upon you. 28“Then they will call on me, but I will not answer; they will seek me diligently but they will not find me, 29Because they hated knowledge and did not choose the fear of the LORD. 30“They would not accept my counsel, they spurned all my reproof. 31“So they shall eat of the fruit of their own way and be satiated with their own devices. (Prov 1:24-31)

Specific sins are called out for emphasis at times also:

7You husbands in the same way, live with your wives in an understanding way, as with someone weaker, since she is a woman; and show her honor as a fellow heir of the grace of life, so that your prayers will not be hindered. (1 Peter 3:7)

Sometimes people make empty prayers, for show before man more than based in humility and reverence before our Father.

 46“Beware of the scribes, who like to walk around in long robes, and love respectful greetings in the market places, and chief seats in the synagogues and places of honor at banquets, 47who devour widows’ houses, and for appearance’s sake offer long prayers. These will receive greater condemnation.” (Luke 20:46-47).

  5“When you pray, you are not to be like the hypocrites; for they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and on the street corners so that they may be seen by men. Truly I say to you, they have their reward in full. 6“But you, when you pray, go into your inner room, close your door and pray to your Father who is in secret, and your Father who sees what is done in secret will reward you. 7“And when you are praying, do not use meaningless repetition as the Gentiles do, for they suppose that they will be heard for their many words. 8“So do not be like them; for your Father knows what you need before you ask Him.  (Matthew 6:5-8)

Sometimes people may pray with words, but their heart is far from submitted to the lordship of the Father.

  13Then the Lord said, “Because this people draw near with their words and honor Me with their lip service, but they remove their hearts far from Me, and their reverence for Me consists of tradition learned by rote, (Isaiah 29:13).

9And He also told this parable to some people who trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and viewed others with contempt: 10“Two men went up into the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. 11“The Pharisee stood and was praying this to himself: ‘God, I thank You that I am not like other people: swindlers, unjust, adulterers, or even like this tax collector. 12‘I fast twice a week; I pay tithes of all that I get.’ 13“But the tax collector, standing some distance away, was even unwilling to lift up his eyes to heaven, but was beating his breast, saying, ‘God, be merciful to me, the sinner!’ 14“I tell you, this man went to his house justified rather than the other; for everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but he who humbles himself will be exalted.” (Luke 18:9-14 )    

Do not ask, not believing that He can answer.

 6But he must ask in faith without any doubting, for the one who doubts is like the surf of the sea, driven and tossed by the wind. 7For that man ought not to expect that he will receive anything from the Lord, 8being a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways. (James 1:6-8)

Reconcile with your brother (in Christ) before coming before the LORD. Seeking forgiveness from others is important when we have done them wrong.

23“Therefore if you are presenting your offering at the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you, 24leave your offering there before the altar and go; first be reconciled to your brother, and then come and present your offering. (Matthew 5:23)

These are just a few examples. I encourage you to seek out more and perhaps even add them to the comment trail on this article. When there is a problem in our prayer life with the Father, it is important to remember that the problem lies with us, not with Him. The first and best approach is to fully embrace and submit to Him, asking forgiveness and guidance.

For more, read Learning to Pray Effectively.

I invite you to pray with me:

Father, please forgive me for my sins. Help me to repent and turn to Your ways. Please draw me near to You and help me to be in right relationship with You so that You would hear my prayers and answer. When You answer “no” or “not now”, please help me to understand and stand strong in my faith and relationship with You. Amen. 

Devotion by John in service to Christ

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.

Learning To Pray Effectively

The Heart of Effective Prayer

God has a lot to say about prayer in the Bible. It is a very important two-way communication between God and His people. He wants to hear from us and wants us to hear from Him. God also wants us to selflessly pray for others, not just for ourselves.

Prayer is a topic that can and should be studied at great length by every believer. This teaching is longer than most that we provide. As such you may expect to go through it thoughtfully will take more than just a few minutes. Take it in pieces and come back to it if that helps but get started even if you can’t finish it all at once.

For the purposes of this teaching as a starting point to lead you toward righteous prayer we highlight several scriptures regarding prayer but will only break down into greater detail the teaching of Jesus, Himself, regarding prayer in Matthew 6:5-14. It was in this way that Jesus began teaching His disciples how to pray.

To learn more about prayer, you can review our devotions on prayer by selecting the Category “Prayer” or consider other resources such as those recommended on our site at “Study the Word: Books and Other Study Tools“.

1 Timothy 2:1-8

1First of all, then, I urge that entreaties and prayers, petitions and thanksgivings, be made on behalf of all men, 2for kings and all who are in authority, so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity. 3This is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, 4who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. 5For there is one God, and one mediator also between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, 6who gave Himself as a ransom for all, the testimony given at the proper time. 7For this I was appointed a preacher and an apostle (I am telling the truth, I am not lying) as a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and truth.

8Therefore I want the men in every place to pray, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and dissension.

Ephesians 6:18-20

18With all prayer and petition pray at all times in the Spirit, and with this in view, be on the alert with all perseverance and petition for all the saints, 19and pray on my behalf, that utterance may be given to me in the opening of my mouth, to make known with boldness the mystery of the gospel, 20for which I am an ambassador in chains; that in proclaiming it I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.

Philippians 4:4-7

4Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice! 5Let your gentle spirit be known to all men. The Lord is near. 6Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Matthew 5:23

23“Therefore if you are presenting your offering at the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you, 24leave your offering there before the altar and go; first be reconciled to your brother, and then come and present your offering.

Matthew 26:36-46

36Then Jesus came with them to a place called Gethsemane, and said to His disciples, “Sit here while I go over there and pray.” 37And He took with Him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, and began to be grieved and distressed. 38Then He said to them, “My soul is deeply grieved, to the point of death; remain here and keep watch with Me.”

39And He went a little beyond them, and fell on His face and prayed, saying, “My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me; yet not as I will, but as You will.” 40And He came to the disciples and found them sleeping, and said to Peter, “So, you men could not keep watch with Me for one hour? 41“Keep watching and praying that you may not enter into temptation; the spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.”

42He went away again a second time and prayed, saying, “My Father, if this cannot pass away unless I drink it, Your will be done.” 43Again He came and found them sleeping, for their eyes were heavy. 44And He left them again, and went away and prayed a third time, saying the same thing once more. 45Then He came to the disciples and said to them, “Are you still sleeping and resting? Behold, the hour is at hand and the Son of Man is being betrayed into the hands of sinners. 46“Get up, let us be going; behold, the one who betrays Me is at hand!”

Matthew 6:5-14

5“When you pray, you are not to be like the hypocrites; for they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and on the street corners so that they may be seen by men. Truly I say to you, they have their reward in full. 6“But you, when you pray, go into your inner room, close your door and pray to your Father who is in secret, and your Father who sees what is done in secret will reward you.

7“And when you are praying, do not use meaningless repetition as the Gentiles do, for they suppose that they will be heard for their many words. 8“So do not be like them; for your Father knows what you need before you ask Him.

9“Pray, then, in this way:
‘Our Father who is in heaven,
Hallowed be Your name.

10‘Your kingdom come.
Your will be done,
On earth as it is in heaven.

11‘Give us this day our daily bread.

12‘And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.

13‘And do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from evil. [For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.’]

14“For if you forgive others for their transgressions, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. 15“But if you do not forgive others, then your Father will not forgive your transgressions.

Please do not skip over verses 5-8. While these are not included in what we commonly refer to as “The Lord’s Prayer” or “The Our Father”, they are critical points in teaching common mistakes that what we should not be doing. Do not pray for attention before men, but rather pray in secret for relationship with God. Do not use meaningless repetition… including just empty recitation of the prayer that Jesus shares in verses 9-13! This prayer is not a formula of specific words that must be recited, but rather an outline to help you focus your prayer in relating to God. It is meaningless to just memorize and repeat the words without truly dwelling on what they mean and how to relate to our God!

To explore this further, we will explore how to apply this outline for prayer with greater depth, so we draw near to God rather than repeat memorized words. (I am grateful to those who shared with me what I now share with you as I find it a very good application of the Lord’s Prayer.)

“Our Father who is in heaven,”

Respect and honor who God is. Take a few moments and be still before God. Contemplate the character of God:

  • The Great I Am
  • Creator of All
  • All Knowing (omniscient)
  • All Powerful (omnipotent)
  • Present In All Places At All Times (omnipresent)
  • Unchanging (immutable)
  • Eternal (without beginning or end)
  • Incapable of Making a Mistake (flawless)
  • Without limit or boundaries (infinite)
  • Holy (worthy of devotion as one perfect in goodness)
  • Just (behaving according to what is morally right and fair)
  • The Beginning and the End (Alpha and Omega)

In Ephesians 1:18-19 Paul prays “…that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened, so that you will know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, and what is the surpassing greatness of His power toward us who believe.”

Reflect on the greatness of God’s power toward you as:

  • God the Father: Father, Provider, Shelter, Protector
  • God the Son: Righteousness, Holiness, Peace, Truth
  • God the Holy Spirit: Comforter, Counselor, Teacher, Guide

“Hallowed be Your name.”

God’s name is to be separated from the world. To do this, we must separate from the world and focus on God. Focus on the Old Testament names for God.

Consider, also, focusing on God through a worship song.

“Your kingdom come.”

God’s kingdom is where He has total rule and authority. It is a kingdom of righteousness based in free will. His servants choose willingly or even enthusiastically to obey Him.

This scripture represents submission to God to rule and control your life. You are asking God to make your character to transform to be more like His character to make the fruit you bear more like the fruit of Jesus’ life and ministry.

We must first pray “my kingdom go” before we can truly pray for God’s kingdom to come. Pray for God to take control of these areas of your life; release them into His hands.

  • My family
  • My future
  • My job
  • My finances
  • My ministry
  • My thought life

Write in your prayer journal any areas you feel like God is directing you to pray for specifically.

God’s character should be reflected in our character.

  • Compassionate
  • Gracious
  • Humble
  • Pure (in body and mind)
  • Merciful
  • Giving (in time and resources)
  • Slow to anger / Patient
  • Filled with love
  • Truthful
  • Forgiving
  • Kind
  • Faithful (to God)
  • Wise
  • Servant’s heart
  • Disciplined (self control)
  • Joyful
  • Holy (set apart from sin; set apart for God’s purpose)
  • Just (e.g. justice)

Periodically (e.g. once a week) pick one of God’s characteristics, starting with your weakest, and study its meaning completely including study of application in scriptures. This activity will renew your mind in that area and, in turn, transform your character to be more like God and our Lord Jesus Christ. After completing the list, start over again.

“Your will be done, On earth as it is in heaven.”

This should be our personal acknowledgment of God’s will to be done in our lives in His timing and His way. Ask God what His will is for decisions that you need to make this week or later this year and then listen and wait for His answer.

Proverbs 3:5-7 guides us to”Trust in the LORD with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight. Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD and turn away from evil.”

Write in your journal decisions you have to make and answers from God. Expect Him to answer, and then test the answer you hear against the scripture to ensure you are hearing from God and not from your own sin nature or from Satan.

God’s answer may not come during prayer time. It may come later that day or even the next couple days. Often His answer is not what we expect.

Pray for upcoming events as you write them in your journal. They may include things such as government (federal, state, local), schools, Christian leaders or ministry / church staff, missionaries, pastors, and of course events personal to your own life or that of your family and friends.

Pray for God’s will to be done for any individuals or groups for whom you are responsible or for individual people for whom God puts on your heart a desire to pray.

Consider writing down a prayer strategy in your journal and refer back to it periodically.

“Give us this day our daily bread.”

At this point, ask God to provide for your needs (e.g. home, family, finances, church, ministry, friends, etc.)

The body needs food to live, but the spirit also needs food to live. Jesus is our food because He is the Word. Ask Him to speak a word to your spirit. Consider reading a devotional from a book and/or a few verses from the Bible. Write down what stands out to you. Meditate on it and write in your journal an action plan for applying it to your life as you feel led by the spirit. (Meditation in the Christian walk is not emptying the mind and seeking nothingness as in some other faiths, but rather actively using our God-given minds to think about and apply the written word of God in our lives.)

“And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.”

This was so important to Jesus, that He came back to it in verses Matthew 6:14-15.

14“For if you forgive others for their transgressions, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. 15“But if you do not forgive others, then your Father will not forgive your transgressions.

Examine your heart and be completely honest with what you find because your Father knows anyway. Confess these things to God and ask forgiveness. Then turn from them and sin no more. Ask the Holy Spirit to convict you and reveal any sins you are unaware of at this time. Confess these sins to God and again ask forgiveness, turn from them and sin no more.

If there is a particular sin that keeps recurring, create an action plan to address it. The plan should include prayer, focused Bible study, and possibly additional resources or partnering with an accountability partner with whom you can share your struggle honestly.

Pray that God would forgive, bless and be good to the people who you believe have mistreated you. The only way God will continue to forgive us is if we continue to forgive others. Hold no bitterness or resentment in your heart. Purge from your heart any desire for revenge.

“And do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from evil.”

Ask God for protection. Ask Him to show you any snares of the enemy so that you might not be caught in them. This is where you must ponder your footsteps and consider where you are going or by whom something is coming. Write in your journal anything new that is coming into your life or anything that is already in your life that you do not have a peace about. Now, ask God if this is from Him or from the enemy or from our own internal sin nature. Test each situation against the word of God revealed in scripture. If something does not line up with the word, do not do it. If it lines up with the word, but you still can not get peace about it, seek advice from a mentor. Godly counsel can be very helpful.

“[For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.’]”

Acknowledge God and all of His attributes. Realize that God is on the throne and He is in charge. Everything is under His control. Let this truth comfort you.

Thank God for being with you during your prayer time and thank Him that He will be with you all day, because He will… our Father loves us!

Praying meaningfully through the Lord’s prayer can easily grow to take thirty minutes or more. Do not try to rush it! If you do not have as much time, pick some of the areas to focus on in each part of the prayer and then rotate which areas you focus on from day to day. Whatever you do, please heed Jesus’ advice:

5“When you pray, you are not to be like the hypocrites; for they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and on the street corners so that they may be seen by men. Truly I say to you, they have their reward in full. 6“But you, when you pray, go into your inner room, close your door and pray to your Father who is in secret, and your Father who sees what is done in secret will reward you.

7“And when you are praying, do not use meaningless repetition as the Gentiles do, for they suppose that they will be heard for their many words. 8“So do not be like them; for your Father knows what you need before you ask Him.

To study more teachings about effective prayer, review our category of teachings about Learning to Pray Effectively.

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

—-

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.

Jesus Christ / Yeshua, Salvation

More Than a Memory Verse: The Deeper Meaning of John 3:16

Many know John 3:16 by heart, but how many grasp the full weight of what follows?

Key Verse:
“For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life.” —John 3:16 (NASB)

Background Context:
John 3:16 is often called the “Gospel in a nutshell”—a beautiful and powerful declaration of God’s love and the gift of eternal life through belief in His Son. But this verse was not given in isolation. It is part of a larger conversation between Yeshua and Nicodemus, where Yeshua explained the necessity of being born again. When we continue through verses 17–21, we gain clarity and depth regarding what it truly means to believe and be saved.

God sent His Son not to condemn a world already under judgment, but to save it. The idea that Yeshua came to bring condemnation is contrary to the very reason for His mission—He came to rescue. Yet the reality remains: those who reject Him remain condemned, not because of Him, but because of their refusal to receive Him.

The passage makes a vital distinction. Believing in Him isn’t simply an acknowledgment of His existence—Satan and the demons believe and tremble (James 2:19). To believe means to entrust your life to Him, to submit, to repent, and to live in obedience to His ways. Those who reject this path remain in judgment. The light has come, but many choose the darkness.

(Continued and expanded after scripture.)

John 3:16-21

    16“For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life. 17“For God did not send the Son into the world to judge the world, but that the world might be saved through Him. 18“He who believes in Him is not judged; he who does not believe has been judged already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. 19“This is the judgment, that the Light has come into the world, and men loved the darkness rather than the Light, for their deeds were evil. 20“For everyone who does evil hates the Light, and does not come to the Light for fear that his deeds will be exposed. 21“But he who practices the truth comes to the Light, so that his deeds may be manifested as having been wrought in God.”

Reflection on John 3:16–21:
God’s love is not passive or permissive. It is active and sacrificial, offering a way of escape from sin and death. But love does not force itself. Those who desire to remain in sin are allowed to do so—God honors our choices, even if they grieve His heart.

This passage gives us insight into why so many resist the true gospel. It is not merely ignorance, but often a preference for the darkness. The Light exposes our need for repentance, and that can be uncomfortable. But those who practice truth are drawn to the Light. They are not afraid to be exposed, because their lives—though imperfect—are yielded to God and aimed at glorifying Him.

This section of scripture doesn’t just offer hope; it also offers a warning. The choice between light and darkness has eternal consequences. That truth should sober us and also spur us to share the gospel—not out of pride or fear, but out of love. Many are perishing because they’ve not yet received the truth. We must be the ones to carry it to them.

Application:
Are you clinging to John 3:16 while neglecting the weight of what follows? Do you “believe” in a way that results in submission and transformation, or is it only head knowledge?

If you are walking in the Light, are you sharing it with others who remain in darkness? Do you avoid shining the light because it might make others uncomfortable—or because it may cost you something?

Memorize John 3:16, yes—but don’t stop there. Let verses 17–21 shape your understanding of what it means to live as a child of the Light.

Closing Prayer:
Father, thank You for Your incredible love, shown in the gift of Your Son. Help me to walk in the Light, not only believing in Yeshua but submitting fully to Him. Let my life be a reflection of Your truth, and give me the boldness and love to share the gospel with others. May I never grow comfortable with darkness or silence, but live as a witness to Your saving grace. 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.

Am I on the path?, Born Again (spiritually), Repenting from Sin

You Must Be Born Again (John 3:1-21)

It is not enough to be religious or even recognize Yeshua as a teacher sent by God. We must be transformed—born again—by the Spirit.

Key Verse:
“Jesus answered and said to him, ‘Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.’” —John 3:3 (NASB)

Background Context:
Nicodemus, a respected Pharisee and teacher in Israel, came to Yeshua under the cover of night, perhaps out of caution or fear. He acknowledged Yeshua’s divine connection, yet he didn’t grasp the full spiritual reality of who Yeshua was or the nature of the kingdom He preached. Yeshua immediately took the conversation deeper—not focused on signs and miracles, but on the requirement for a complete spiritual rebirth.

Being born again is not about returning to the womb, as Nicodemus pondered. It is about the transformation that comes through the Holy Spirit. This rebirth shifts us from living according to the flesh to living by the Spirit. Yeshua’s explanation revealed not only the mystery of regeneration, but also His role as the fulfillment of God’s redemptive plan—from the bronze serpent lifted up by Moses to His own sacrificial lifting on the cross.

We’re reminded in John 3:16–21 that salvation is offered to all who believe in Him, but belief must be genuine—manifested in a life that comes to the Light and walks in the truth. This is not merely intellectual assent; it is a heart-level transformation that changes how we live.

(Continued and expanded after scripture.)

John 3:1-21

The New Birth

      1Now there was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews; 2this man came to Jesus by night and said to Him, “Rabbi, we know that You have come from God as a teacher; for no one can do these signs that You do unless God is with him.” 3Jesus answered and said to him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.”

      4Nicodemus said to Him, “How can a man be born when he is old? He cannot enter a second time into his mother’s womb and be born, can he?”5Jesus answered, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. 6“That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. 7“Do not be amazed that I said to you, ‘You must be born again.’ 8“The wind blows where it wishes and you hear the sound of it, but do not know where it comes from and where it is going; so is everyone who is born of the Spirit.”

      9Nicodemus said to Him, “How can these things be?” 10Jesus answered and said to him, “Are you the teacher of Israel and do not understand these things? 11“Truly, truly, I say to you, we speak of what we know and testify of what we have seen, and you do not accept our testimony. 12“If I told you earthly things and you do not believe, how will you believe if I tell you heavenly things? 13“No one has ascended into heaven, but He who descended from heaven: the Son of Man. 14“As Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of Man be lifted up; 15so that whoever believes will in Him have eternal life.

      16“For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life. 17“For God did not send the Son into the world to judge the world, but that the world might be saved through Him. 18“He who believes in Him is not judged; he who does not believe has been judged already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. 19“This is the judgment, that the Light has come into the world, and men loved the darkness rather than the Light, for their deeds were evil. 20“For everyone who does evil hates the Light, and does not come to the Light for fear that his deeds will be exposed. 21“But he who practices the truth comes to the Light, so that his deeds may be manifested as having been wrought in God.”

Reflection on John 3:1–21:
Nicodemus was a scholar of Torah, but he lacked the deeper understanding of how God transforms hearts. Yeshua pointed him to the need for spiritual rebirth, and His words remain essential for us today. Being born again is not a metaphor for religious reform—it is a radical re-creation that takes place when we surrender to Yeshua, accept His sacrifice, and receive the Holy Spirit.

Verse 16 is often quoted, but we must not stop there. Yeshua continued to explain that many reject the Light because they prefer their sin. Belief in Yeshua must come with repentance—a turning away from darkness and a decision to walk in the Light.

He did not come to condemn but to save. Still, those who reject Him are already under judgment. The Light has come. The question is whether we come to it or hide from it.

Application:
Have you experienced this new birth? Not just acknowledging who Yeshua is, but receiving Him, submitting your life to Him, and allowing the Spirit to transform you?

If you are already walking in the Light, ask yourself: do your actions and choices reflect the truth that you have been born of the Spirit? Are there areas where you still cling to the darkness?

Let your life bear testimony like John the Baptist’s—to point others to the true Light. Speak truth, walk in truth, and let your life be a reflection of the transforming work of Yeshua.

Closing Prayer:
Father, thank You for the gift of new life through Your Son. Help me not only to believe in Him but to live as one who has been born again. Fill me with Your Spirit and guide me into the Light, leaving behind every deed of darkness. Use me, like John, to point others to the true Light of the world—Yeshua our Messiah. 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.

Proverbs (Wisdom & Folly), Teachable, Unteachable / Foolish, Wise

The Treasure of Wisdom (Proverbs 2)

Have you ever found yourself seeking guidance in the midst of life’s complexities? In a world full of noise and temptation, the pursuit of godly wisdom is not optional—it is essential.

Key Verse:
“For the Lord gives wisdom; from His mouth come knowledge and understanding.” —Proverbs 2:6 (NASB)

Background Context:
Proverbs 2 continues Solomon’s instruction to his son and to all who desire to walk in the fear of the Lord. It opens with an impassioned plea to actively seek wisdom—not passively, but as one would pursue hidden treasure. The chapter presents a beautiful progression: those who treasure God’s commandments and diligently seek understanding will find it. And in finding it, they’ll be safeguarded from evil and equipped to walk in righteousness.

This isn’t about intellectual knowledge alone—it’s about a heart aligned with YHWH. Godly wisdom doesn’t just inform the mind; it transforms the life. The promise of protection, discernment, and blessing is extended to those who seek wisdom through obedience and relationship with God.

(Continued and expanded after scripture.)

Proverbs 2

The Pursuit of Wisdom Brings Security

     1My son, if you will receive my words
And treasure my commandments within you,

      2Make your ear attentive to wisdom,
Incline your heart to understanding;

      3For if you cry for discernment,
Lift your voice for understanding;

      4If you seek her as silver
And search for her as for hidden treasures;

      5Then you will discern the fear of the LORD
And discover the knowledge of God.

      6For the LORD gives wisdom;
From His mouth come knowledge and understanding.

      7He stores up sound wisdom for the upright;
He is a shield to those who walk in integrity,

      8Guarding the paths of justice,
And He preserves the way of His godly ones.

      9Then you will discern righteousness and justice
And equity and every good course.

      10For wisdom will enter your heart
And knowledge will be pleasant to your soul;

      11Discretion will guard you,
Understanding will watch over you,

      12To deliver you from the way of evil,
From the man who speaks perverse things;

      13From those who leave the paths of uprightness
To walk in the ways of darkness;

      14Who delight in doing evil
And rejoice in the perversity of evil;

      15Whose paths are crooked,
And who are devious in their ways;

      16To deliver you from the strange woman,
From the adulteress who flatters with her words;

      17That leaves the companion of her youth
And forgets the covenant of her God;

      18For her house sinks down to death
And her tracks lead to the dead;

      19None who go to her return again,
Nor do they reach the paths of life.

      20So you will walk in the way of good men
And keep to the paths of the righteous.

      21For the upright will live in the land
And the blameless will remain in it;

      22But the wicked will be cut off from the land
And the treacherous will be uprooted from it.

Reflection on Proverbs 2:
Solomon compares wisdom to silver and hidden treasure—things that people spend their lives striving after. But while many chase wealth, fame, or worldly knowledge, few pursue the kind of wisdom that leads to life. God’s Word tells us it’s not just available—it’s offered freely to those who ask and seek.

This wisdom does not come from man but from the Lord. It requires reverence, obedience, and a willingness to tune our ears to His voice. When we search with humility and hunger, God promises to answer with truth, clarity, and protection.

Wisdom helps guard us from the influence of the wicked and the lure of sin. It teaches us to recognize deceptive voices, avoid perverse paths, and stay rooted in God’s truth. In a culture that exalts self and excuses sin, Proverbs 2 calls us back to righteousness and purity, reminding us that the upright will dwell securely.

Application:
Take a moment to consider your own pursuit of wisdom. Are you truly seeking understanding and discernment, or are you coasting on your own logic or emotions? Are you investing time in God’s Word and prayer, trusting Him to guide your decisions?

Commit today to pursuing wisdom with intentionality—just as you would chase something of great earthly value. Let His Word dwell in you richly, and let your actions be shaped by obedience to His ways.

Closing Prayer:
Father, I come before You humbly, asking for wisdom. Help me to treasure Your words, to seek Your understanding as one seeks treasure. Let Your knowledge shape my life, guard my path, and guide my heart. Strengthen me to walk in righteousness and avoid the ways of wickedness. 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.

Discerning / Judging, Purposeful / Intentional, Study the Word, Teachable, Traditions / Holidays

Unleavened Insights: Rediscovering the Biblical Truth of Passover

Ever wondered why some traditions feel more like habits than heartfelt celebrations? In the whirl of Easter bunnies and egg hunts, the profound biblical significance of Passover and the Feast of Unleavened Bread often fades into the background.

Let’s peel back the layers of tradition to uncover the rich, scriptural roots of these observances and what they truly mean for us today.

Most Christians today are familiar with Easter, but the Bible paints a different picture of how we should remember Christ’s sacrifice. Instead of eggs and bunnies, Scripture highlights Passover and the Feast of Unleavened Bread, moments deeply significant to Yeshua (Jesus) and His disciples. There’s no biblical record of Christ celebrating Easter; instead, we see Him preparing to observe Passover, right before His crucifixion.

Tim O’Hearn offers an interesting perspective in his article, “Passover: No Leaven,” where he explores why leaven—or yeast—is avoided during Passover. Though not as authoritative as the Bible, O’Hearn’s insights encourage us to think deeply about the symbolism behind unleavened bread.

(Summarized and continued after article)

Passover: No Leaven

by Tim O’Hearn

In the fourteenth day of the first month at even is the LORD’S passover. And on the fifteenth day of the same month is the feast of unleavened bread unto the LORD: seven days ye must eat unleavened bread. In the first day ye shall have an holy convocation: ye shall do no servile work therein. But ye shall offer an offering made by fire unto the LORD seven days: in the seventh day is an holy convocation: ye shall do no servile work therein. (Lev. 23:5-8)

Seven days shall ye eat unleavened bread; even the first day ye shall put away leaven out of your houses: for whosoever eateth leavened bread from the first day until the seventh day, that soul shall be cut off from Israel. (Ex. 12:15)

Even many non-observant Jews observe Pesach (Passover). The Pesach Seder (the meal and the order of observance that goes with it) is central to Judaism. At least one aspect of it has even become a cliché in Gentile homes: spring-cleaning.

While there are many customs and laws associated with Pesach, the defining law is that there is to be no leavened bread in the household. This law governs the preparation of food, the discussion at the Seder, and even dictates the aforementioned spring-cleaning.

Because of the requirement to rid oneself of chametz (leaven), many have equated leaven with sin. Chametz, they argue, is something we need to get rid of in our lives; sin is something we need to get rid of in our lives. Therefore, leaven symbolizes sin. Sounds like a good argument. There is only one thing wrong with it.

Look at the passages above. How many days out of the year is leaven to be removed? Three hundred sixty five? No. Only seven. If leaven is bad, in and of itself, why must we only be without it for one week? If leaven is sin, are we allowed to sin all year, except for the week of Passover? I think not!

What is leaven?

The Jewish definition of leaven, dating from long before the first century, is any of the five biblical grains (and some include rice and corn) which has been exposed to moisture followed by the lapse of a certain period of time before baking in which the introduction of an agent of change may occur. Many rabbis set this time at eighteen minutes. By this definition, a bread made from wheat flour with no yeast added is considered leavened if the dough was mixed and the cook waited, for whatever reason, before baking it. It may even look exactly like unleavened bread, but it is considered leavened. This is also why wine, which is fermented, is able to be used at Passover. It is not made from a grain, so it does not fall under the prohibition against leaven. (Grain alcohols like beer and whiskey, on the other hand, would be prohibited.)

How does this definition help us to understand what leaven represents at Passover, and why it is acceptable at other times? It has to do with what bread represents.

Throughout Jewish history, and particularly since the destruction of the Second Temple, bread has represented the Torah, the word of God (Deut 8:3; Isa 55:1-4). Leaven, then, is grain that has had the opportunity for an outside element to be added and to work to change the grain. It has had time to ferment, if a fermenting agent is nearby. Does the fermenting agent make the grain unfit for consumption? No. Does it change the nature of the grain? Yes. And that is why a time is set aside each year for unleavened bread. Over time it would be easy for the teaching of God’s word, His Torah, to be fermented, changed, adulterated. Once a year God says, “Remember how it was at first. You received my pure law. Go back to the purity of your teaching. Go back to the unleavened bread of My Torah.”

Just as God gave his pure word at Sinai but in the passage of time men added agents of change to that word, so once a year God demands that we return to our roots. Is it because change is bad? No. It is just that we occasionally need a reminder that God brought Israel out with a mighty hand. In doing so, he communicated his word. That is also a part of the Passover.

The reason for the prohibition

Why was leaven originally prohibited? Perhaps if we understand that, we will understand the role leaven plays in our lives.

Years after the event commemorated by Passover, Moses explained, “Thou shalt eat no leavened bread with it; seven days shalt thou eat unleavened bread therewith, even the bread of affliction; for thou camest forth out of the land of Egypt in haste: that thou mayest remember the day when thou camest forth out of the land of Egypt all the days of thy life. (Deut 16:3)” The expressed reason is that they came out of Egypt in haste. How in haste? God told them four days in advance that they were to eat unleavened bread. Why does Moses say it is because it was in haste, if they had four days in which they could have made leavened bread? The answer is found in Ex. 12:34. “And the people took their dough before it was leavened, their kneading troughs being bound up in their clothes upon their shoulders.” Although they had four days to prepare, they immediately packed their kneading troughs. Of all the household goods they packed for the journey, the kneading trough was important enough not to pack last. As a result they had to bake unleavened loaves for four days. Actually, it turned out to be forty years before they needed the kneading troughs, but they could not know that yet.

The “haste” of Israel was not a blind rushing out of Egypt. Instead it was a planned and long awaited exodus. When the time came, the people were so eager to make haste that they packed in advance, and had to do without some things as a result. One of those things was leavened bread. A modern analogy, though imperfect, might be the wife who, preparing for a trip, reminds the family after having done the laundry not to wear anything they plan on taking with them. Other clothes, equally good, have to be worn. For the Israelites, other bread, equally good, had to be eaten.

Every year the Passover is a reminder that God will take His people out of bondage and give them a better land. The unleavened bread does not represent the bondage to sin. Instead it represents the eagerness of the people to leave that bondage. So in prohibiting leavened bread for seven days out of the year, perhaps God is reminding us that we need to set priorities. We need to be packed and ready for our trip to the world to come.

Leaven in the Christian scriptures

I think that if we look at the ways Jesus and Paul, themselves rabbis, used leaven, we will find that even in the first century of the Christian Era leaven did not represent sin, but something entirely different. Jesus even likened the kingdom of heaven to leaven (Matt 13:33; Lk 13:21), which hardly sounds like the totally negative thing many have tried to make it.

Perhaps the best known discourses of Jesus concerning leaven, though, are the times he warns his disciples against “the leaven of the Pharisees,” Sadducees, and Herod (Matt 16:6-12; Mk 8:15-21; Lk 12:1). In the Luke passage he calls it “hypocrisy.” In the Matthew passage, the writer says he was speaking of the “doctrine” of the Pharisees. By doctrine, however, he is not speaking of all the teachings of these holy men. In Matt 22:2-3, Jesus even commands his disciples to follow the teachings of the Pharisees, because the teachings are from Moses. Instead, the leaven of the Pharisees must be those things they do that don’t accord with their teachings. This accords with the idea, previously expressed, that once a year (at least) we need to examine our teachings and bring them back to the unfermented grain of God’s word.

When Paul spoke of leaven, it was always in the context of the Passover. Even in Galatians 5:9, where Pesach is not mentioned, it is the concept that even the minutest amount of leaven makes a loaf unfit for Passover that is expressed.

The other passage where Paul speaks of leaven is 1 Cor 5:1-8. The context is a discussion of the church glorying in one of their own who was living incestuously. In verse 6 he uses the same phrase as in Galatians 5, and in the same way. He continues by saying that Christians should consider every day as Passover, because our lamb has been sacrificed. Therefore, we need to constantly clean house lest any leaven be found. He does talk of the “leaven of malice and wickedness,” but he also speaks of the “old leaven” in a way that implies not that it is sin but any change from the pure word of God.

Why is leaven only prohibited for seven days out of the year? It is obviously not that leaven is in itself sinful. Instead we might as easily ask why Passover was designated to be observed once a year. God knows that man is a forgetful being. So at varying times throughout the year, but especially at Passover, God is telling us in varying ways to remember. Passover, with its unleavened bread and its ceremonies, is but one of God’s reminders that we are not in control.

Key Summary Points:

  • Biblical Foundation: Passover and the Feast of Unleavened Bread are deeply rooted in Scripture, marking significant events leading up to Christ’s sacrifice.
  • Symbolism of Leaven: Leaven in the Bible is not inherently bad but is used to symbolize external influences that can change or corrupt. During Passover, removing leaven represents returning to the purity of God’s teachings.
  • Historical Context: Leaven was avoided during Passover not just for symbolic reasons but also because of practical ones—the Israelites left Egypt in haste, symbolizing a quick and decisive break from the past.

Call to Action:

  1. Reflect on Tradition: This Passover, take time to consider which of your traditions are biblically grounded and which might need rethinking.
  2. Engage with Scripture: Read Exodus 12 and Leviticus 23 to better understand the origins and meanings of Passover and Unleavened Bread.
  3. Participate Actively: Consider hosting or joining a Passover Seder that focuses on the scriptural reasons behind the observance, enhancing your understanding of this pivotal event.
  4. Share Insights: Discuss with friends or family why leaven is avoided during Passover. Share articles, like Tim O’Hearn’s, that explore these themes to spark meaningful conversations.
  5. Purify Practices: Use this season as an opportunity to remove ‘spiritual leaven’ from your life—habits or influences that may have subtly shifted your focus away from God’s truths.

Closing Prayer: Heavenly Father, as we approach the season of Passover and the Feast of Unleavened Bread, inspire us to delve deeper into the truths of Your Word. Help us to discern the traditions that bring us closer to You and to let go of those that do not. Ignite in us a passion for authenticity in our faith practices, reminding us of the significance of each element of our observance. May our spirits be attuned to the lessons of purity and readiness that these feasts teach us. In the name of Yeshua, who fulfilled the Passover once and for all, Amen.

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

John Golda

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