God or Money?
God’s Story:
The treasures of my kingdom are not of this world; they will last forever. People have a marvelous opportunity to make eternal investments with the resources I give them. Those who love the things of this world do not have their priorities straight. People cannot simultaneously love money and me. They have to choose whom they will serve. If people love me more than money, they will use their money to accomplish my purposes. If people love money more than me, they will try to use me to get more money, or they will ignore me altogether.

Read Luke 16:1-31

Your Story:
Jesus’ teachings in this passage, address the contrast between the wealth of this world and the wealth in God’s kingdom. One is far more valuable than the other. Jesus taught about priorities and money. He did some straight talking on the subject, and that upset the Pharisees, who loved money. He said what had to be said: “No one can serve two masters . . . You cannot serve both God and money” (Luke 16:13). What are your thoughts as you reflect on this verse? Which one have you claimed as your master? How does that affect your outlook on life?

Lost and Found

Backstory:
Jesus was ministering in Jewish territory on the east side of the Jordan River, in modern Jordan. Tax collectors were especially detested because they were Jewish agents who collected taxes for the pagan Roman conquerors and frequently defrauded their own people in the process. “Sinners” were notoriously evil people as well as those who refused to follow the Mosaic Law as interpreted by the teachers of the law. The religious leaders of the day were appalled by Jesus’ association with such ilk. Instead of preaching to these leaders directly, Jesus told them 3 parables that contrasted their exclusiveness with God’s love.

God’s Story:
I care for every person. Each one is precious to me. Some know and follow me; others are lost or lose their way. I call and search and wait for them to come back to me. No wrong is too great, no corner is too dark, no one has wandered too far. I will search and find the lost ones of my creation.

Read Luke 15:1-32

Your Story:
Remember the last time you misplaced your keys, lost your watch or couldn’t find your cell phone? Remember that feeling of joy and relief when you found what you were looking for? Then you can understand just a little bit of the great jubilation the shepherd, the woman and the father in these stories experienced. God rejoices every time one of his precious children finds their way back to him. All heaven explodes with hallelujahs because one more of the lost souls are back in relationship with God.

Being Neighborly
Backstory:
While Jesus and his disciples were in Judaea, he was questioned by “an expert in the law” (Luke 10:25), a scholar well-versed in the Jewish Scriptures. The expert in the law addressed Jesus as “teacher” and asked him about eternal life (discussions about achieving eternal life and about the essence of the law were common in Judaism). The man’s follow-up question prompted Jesus to tell one of his most memorable parables.

God’s Story:
Living in such a way that my people love all their neighbors, regardless of how different they are from them, is the vision I have for my kingdom to come. Prejudice and pride have no place in my future community.

Read Luke 10:25-37

Your Story:
To best understand what Jesus said in the parable of the Good Samaritan, you need to realize that the priest and the Levite were temple personnel who could trace their ancestry back to the tribe of Levi. The Samaritans were a mixed-blood race resulting from the inter-marriage of Israelites left behind when the people of the northern kingdom were exiled, and Gentiles brought into the land by the Assyrians. This “good” Samaritan, therefore, was a social outcast in Jewish society. Think of some modern equivalents today and you’ll get the full impact of this story. It was a pretty radical message. The key application is not “Who is my neighbor?” But “Who has proved themselves to be my neighbor?” Have you?

Coming Again
Backstory:
While Jesus was with his disciples in Jerusalem, he spoke to them about future events. His prediction of the destruction of the temple was fulfilled in A.D. 70 when the Romans completely destroyed Jerusalem and the temple. The disciples, thinking that the destruction of the temple would come at the end of the age (see Matthew 24:3), wanted to know when this would happen and what sign would precede it. But Jesus refused to give them signs. He was more concerned about preparing them for the trials that lay ahead.

God’s Story:
My Son’s first time on earth included moments of sorrow and defeat as well as moments of victory and glory. His second coming will be ALL victory and glory. It will be a celebrated day. My Son will return in the clouds with great power and in triumph. After that I will transform the heavens and the earth and I will restore the relationship that was lost in the Garden of Eden.

Read Mark 13:1-37

Your Story:
Reading about the end times can be both exhilarating and frightening. Some of Jesus’ predictions came true within 40 years or so, and some have yet to be fulfilled. Famines, wars and earthquakes have occurred for 2000 years — and false prophets, teachers and preachers have made predictions — but Jesus has not yet returned. Jesus did not reveal these things so that people could play a guessing game as to when he would return. He wants you to live each day as if it might be THE day! He wants you to remain spiritually healthy and prepared. Are you ready?

Membership Requirements

God’s Story:
Entrance into my kingdom is a mystery to some people, but all it requires is the faith of a little child. No amount of money will help you. In fact, power and position are of no value; servanthood is what counts. But being a member of my kingdom is not easy. Any barrier that keeps a person from fully devoting themselves to me must be willing to give up everything, even if it means suffering and dying, to follow my Son.

Read Mark 10:1-52

Your Story:
While it may be simple to enter the kingdom of heaven, Jesus said it wouldn’t necessarily be easy. People grow complacent and they rely on the comforts of this earth, such as money, houses and cars. But these things are just that — things. Nothing is as fulfilling as the love found through a relationship with the Creator of all these things. Like the rich young ruler or James and John, you probably want the benefits of being in the kingdom of God. But have you thought about the cost of membership? Jesus loved you so much that he gave his life so you could enter the kingdom. What are you willing to give up?

Mountain Top Experience

God’s Story:
My Son’s disciples have seen him do amazing things. They have heard him teach, and one of them, Peter, has openly stated who Jesus really is. They believe, but they still have some doubts. So I will show my Son’s glory and declare my love for him right in front of them. Jesus is greater than Moses and Elijah — he is the Messiah prophesied about so long ago.

Read Mark 9:2-13

Your Story:
What’s the most spectacular sight you have ever witnessed? Did it dazzle you? Leave you mesmerized and speechless? Did it give you chills? The “special effects” on the mountain where Jesus’ transfiguration occurred, far exceeded anything you have witnessed. And then, Jesus stood there chatting with Moses and Elijah! The disciples had reason to be doubtful since they did not know the extent of the events that were yet to transpire. They needed reassurance. You, however, know God’s plan because it’s recorded in the Bible. You can shield against unbelief by delving into God’s Word and studying the far-reaching significance of Jesus’ death, resurrection and ascension.

Who Do You Say I Am?

Backstory:
The religious leaders again questioned Jesus about breaking their rules. Jesus responded by scolding the leaders, revealing their hypocrisy in elevating their own human traditions above the commands of God. As Jesus’ ministry progressed, his true identity remained a mystery to many people, even to his disciples. Finally, he asked the disciples a critical question.

God’s Story:
The disciples have been with my Son for a couple of years now. They have heard and seen his signs and wonders. They have heard his voice of authority over nature, sickness and even death. And now, their spokesman, Peter, realizes that Jesus is the Messiah. But Peter’s concept of what that means is far from complete. He and the other disciples still have much to learn about my Son’s suffering, rejection and death. And beyond that, they will discover that — following in my Son’s footsteps — each of them will have to take up their own cross.

Read Mark 8:1 – 9:1

Your Story:
The people of Jesus’ time were uncertain of his true identity. When he was a toddler, the Magi had declared him a king, but the common people in Nazareth saw him as just a carpenter. Most people knew he was a great teacher and miracle worker, and some considered him a prophet. Today, people still struggle with who Jesus is: Some think he was a great teacher, a prophet, an exemplary role model or a mentally disturbed fool. Others call him Savior and Lord, the Son of God. It really doesn’t matter what others say. What do YOU say? Who is Jesus to you?

Who Is He?

God’s Story:
My Son’s ministry continues to baffle both common people and royalty. They love Jesus’ wondrous signs and healing abilities, but they do not understand he has come to give them so much more. Those who are fed bread and fish will be hungry again; those who are healed will eventually die. But Jesus has come to bring eternal life and victory to all those who believe in him.

Read Mark 6: 1-56

Your Story:
The people in Nazareth, Jesus’ hometown, could not comprehend Jesus power and authority, and their unbelief caused Jesus to choose not to perform many miracles there. People are often baffled by a local person who becomes a celebrity because they knew the person as a child, a gawky “tween” or a rebellious teenager. They are stunned by the poise, wisdom and polished presence of this now-unfamiliar person. Is this the same person that knew as a kid? Some may respond in pride, others in resentment. If Jesus had grown up in your neighborhood, how do you think you would have responded to his wisdom, fame and miracles?

Super Powers
God’s Story:
My Son’s authority and power have no limits. Natural forces and the powers of demons are within his control. He exudes healing power, and his touch and voice can call a child back from the dead. His power changes things for the good and reveals the very best of my plans for my people.

Read Mark 5:1-43

Your Story:
The woman in this passage had a dreadful medical condition that caused her to bleed constantly (this bleeding was likely associated with menstruation, which would have made her ritually unclean and would have excluded her socially). She took a great chance in reaching out to touch Jesus’ cloak, because by doing so, she risked making him unclean as well. Yet she took the risk, touched his cloak and was healed. Why? Because she had faith! You too may at some point face (or may have already faced) a problem that makes you fearful and keeps you from reaching out to God. When you face such a situation, remember that God is always there for you, no matter what the problem. Fear can be debilitating, but don’t let it be stronger than your faith.

Powerful Parables
God’s Story:
My Son is both human and divine. He walks and talks like an ordinary man, falls asleep when he’s tired, eats when he’s hungry. But he also commands the wind and the waves to be still. He speaks to the people with love and compassion, telling them stories that relate to their lives and teaching them about my kingdom. Unfortunately, only some will hear the stories and understand the true meaning. Only some will embrace the Word, understand it and receive eternal life.

Read Mark 4:1-41

Your Story:
In teaching both his disciples and the crowds, Jesus used parables — stories out of ordinary life that illustrate spiritual or moral truth, sometimes in the form of brief similes, comparisons, analogies or proverbial sayings. He told stories about everyday things, but the stories contained spiritual truth understood by only a few. Re-read the parable of the sower. God sends the Good News — his Word, the seed — to everyone. It is scattered on all people, regardless of race, creed, nationality or location. But there are conditions that affect the acceptance of that seed. Of the 4 categories given, which type of “soil” best represents how you have responded to the Good News?