12:3 - What does it say about us that this verse makes us so nervous?
12:4-5 - There is something worse than death to fear.
12:8 - When was the last time you publicly acknowledged Jesus? Isn't it funny how we can come up with a million reasons why we haven't instead of admitting that it is because we are afraid of someone looking at us weird. You can publicly acknowledge God anywhere and at any time, but we say we can't because we work in a school or for the government or some other excuse. If we would honor God the right way, even if we lost our jobs, He would be honored and we would be provided for.
12:11-12 - This verse is often quoted by people about not be concerned with what to say when it is time. It is important to realize that Jesus was talking to His disciples, men who had studied the teachings of Jesus in depth. The Holy Spirit would draw from their preparation. many of us would have nothing in us for the Holy Spirit to draw from if we were questioned. I'm not saying He couldn't still do something, but why not make it easier by being full of the Word of God to start with?
12:15 - What are the different kinds of greed? Straight out greed, discontentment, the one more kind of greed, the this isn't quite good enough kind of greed, the get all you can kind of greed, the I have to live up to this world kind of greed. I have seen in my own life that greed sneaks in and many ways. I hate money and yet I have to fend off greed constantly.
12:16-19 - Look at all of the "I's" and "me's".
12:21 - Be rich towards God.
12:24 - You are MORE valuable than you may feel.
12:30 - God is not only aware of your needs, He has promised to provide for every one of them.
12:31 - What does it look like to seek?
12:35-36 - Are you ready right now for Jesus to return or would there be a lot of loose ends to tie up at work, at home, in your finances, with a person you haven't forgiven, with something God has called you to do, but you haven't done...? Would you be ready to go in a matter of minutes or would it take you a few days or weeks? We need to live ready. - Verse 46 says that not being ready = unbelief.
13:3/5 - Part of readiness is repentance.
13:6-9 - A couple of things drawn from this verse. Jesus expects fruit from our faith. Three years may or may not be significant. If a tree is not naturally producing fruit try to help by digging around it (getting involved???) and fertilizing it (teaching extra???). Trees that do not produce fruit are cut down.
13:23-24 - The people ask "Lord, are only a few people going to be saved?" Maybe they were thinking of Noah's ark where only 8 were saved. A couple times Jesus refers to Noah's time, so maybe they were wondering of only a few were going to make it so they would know whether to even try or not. Jesus answers that the road is narrow ans many won;t get through, but to work hard so you can get through. Jesus is teaching that while it is not easy, you can get through if you apply your heart and soul to it.
Love, Michael
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