God's Word Today: November 2023

Thursday, November 30, 2023

Luke 24:1-3

But very early on Sunday morning the women went to the tomb, taking the spices they had prepared. They found that the stone had been rolled away from the entrance. So they went in, but they didn't find the body of the Lord Jesus.

But very early on Sunday morning the women went to the tomb, taking the spices they had prepared.

Luke 23:56 Then they went home and prepared spices and ointments to anoint his body. But by the time they were finished the Sabbath had begun, so they rested as required by the law.

Matthew 28:1 Early on Sunday morning, as the new day was dawning, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went out to visit the tomb.

Mark 16:1-2 Saturday evening when the Sabbath ended, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome went out and purchased burial spices so they could anoint Jesus' body. Very early on Sunday morning, just at sunrise, they went to the tomb.

They found that the stone had been rolled away from the entrance.

Matthew 28:2-4 Suddenly there was a great earthquake! For an angel of the Lord came down from heaven, rolled aside the stone and sat on it. His face shown like lightning, and his clothing was as white as snow. The guards shook with fear when they saw him, and they fell into a dead faint.

Mark 16:3-4 On the way they were asking each other, "Who will roll away the stone for us from the entrance to the tomb?" But as they arrived, they looked up and saw that the stone, which was very large, had already been rolled aside.

John 20:1 Early on Sunday morning, while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene came to the tomb and found that the stone had been rolled away from the entrance.

So they went in, but they didn't find the body of the Lord Jesus.

Mark 16:5 When they entered the tomb, they saw a young man clothed in a white robe sitting on the right side.

John 20:11 Mary was standing outside the tomb crying, and as she wept, she stooped and looked in.

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Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved. Limited to 15 verses per post.

Wednesday, November 29, 2023

Luke 23:55-56

As his body was taken away, the women from Galilee followed and saw the tomb where the body was placed. Then they went home and prepared spices and ointments to anoint his body. But by the time they were finished the Sabbath had begun, so they rested as required by the law.

As his body was taken away, the women from Galilee followed and saw the tomb where the body was placed.

Luke 23:49 But Jesus' friends, including the women who had followed him from Galilee, stood at a distance, watching.

Matthew 27:61 Both Mary Magdalene and the other Mary were sitting across from the tomb and watching.

Mark 15:47 Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of Joseph saw where Jesus' body was laid.

Then they went home and prepared spices and ointments to anoint his body. But by the time they were finished the Sabbath had begun, so they rested as required by the law.

Exodus 12:16 "On the first day of the festival and again on the seventh day, all the people must observe an official day for holy assembly. No work of any kind may be done on these days except in the preparation of food."

Exodus 20:8-11 "Remember to observe the Sabbath day by keeping it holy. You have six days each week for your ordinary work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath day of rest dedicated to the LORD your God. On that day no one in your household may do any work. This includes you, your sons and daughters, your male and female servants, your livestock, and any foreigners living among you. For in six days the LORD made the heavens, the earth, the sea, and everything in them; but on the seventh day he rested. That is why the LORD blessed the Sabbath day and set it apart as holy." (see also Deuteronomy 5:12-15)

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Tuesday, November 28, 2023

Luke 23:53-54

Then he took the body down from the cross and wrapped it in a long sheet of linen cloth and laid it in a new tomb that had been carved out of rock. This was done late on Friday afternoon, the day of preparation, as the Sabbath was about to begin.

Then he took the body down from the cross and wrapped it in a long sheet of linen cloth and laid it in a new tomb that had been carved out of rock.

Isaiah 53:9 He had done no wrong and had never deceived anyone. But he was buried like a criminal; he was put in a rich man's grave.

Matthew 27:59-60 Joseph took the body and wrapped it in a long sheet of linen cloth. He placed it in his own tomb, which had been carved out of the rock. Then he rolled a great stone across the entrance and left.

Mark 15:46 Joseph bought a long sheet of linen cloth. Then he took Jesus' body down from the cross, wrapped it in the cloth, and laid it in a tomb that had been carved out of the rock. Then he rolled a stone in front of the entrance.

John 19:39-41 With him (Joseph) came Nicodemus, the man who had come to Jesus at night. He brought about seventy-five pounds of perfumed ointment made from myrrh and aloes. Following Jewish burial custom, they wrapped Jesus' body with the spices in long sheets of linen cloth. The place of the crucifixion was near a garden, where there was a new tomb, never used before.

This was done late on Friday afternoon, the day of preparation, as the Sabbath was about to begin.

Mark 15:42 This all happened on Friday, the day of preparation, the day before the Sabbath.

John 19:42 And so, because it was the day of preparation for the Jewish Passover and since the tomb was close at hand, they laid Jesus there.

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Monday, November 27, 2023

Luke 23:50-52

Now there was a good and righteous man named Joseph. He was a member of the Jewish high council, but he had not agreed with the decision and actions of the other religious leaders. He was from the town of Arimathea in Judea, and he was waiting for the Kingdom of God to come. He went to Pilate and asked for Jesus' body.

Matthew 27:57-58 As evening approached, Joseph, a rich man from Arimathea who had become a follower of Jesus, went to Pilate and asked for Jesus' body. And Pilate issued an order to release it to him.

Mark 15:43-45 Joseph of Arimathea took a risk and went to Pilate and asked for Jesus' body. (Joseph was an honored member of the high council, and he was waiting for the Kingdom of God to come.) Pilate couldn't believe that Jesus was already dead, so he called for the Roman officer and asked if he had died yet. The officer confirmed that Jesus was dead, so Pilate told Joseph he could have the body.

John 19:38 Afterward Joseph of Arimathea, who had been a secret disciple of Jesus (because he feared the Jewish leaders), asked Pilate for permission to take down Jesus' body. When Pilate gave permission, Joseph came and took the body away.

Sunday, November 26, 2023

Luke 23:47-49

When the Roman officer overseeing the execution saw what had happened, he worshiped God and said, "Surely this man was innocent." And when all the crowd that came to see the crucifixion saw what had happened, they went home in deep sorrow. But Jesus' friends, including the women who had followed him from Galilee, stood at a distance, watching.

When the Roman officer overseeing the execution saw what had happened, he worshiped God and said, "Surely this man was innocent."

Matthew 27:54 The Roman officer and the other soldiers at the crucifixion were terrified by the earthquake and all that had happened. They said, "This man truly was the Son of God!"

Mark 15:39 When the Roman officer who stood facing him saw how he had died, he exclaimed, "This man truly was the Son of God!"

And when all the crowd that came to see the crucifixion saw what had happened, they went home in deep sorrow.

Luke 18:13 "But the tax collector stood at a distance and dared not even lift his eyes to heaven as he prayed. Instead, he beat his chest in sorrow, saying, 'O God, be merciful to me, for I am a sinner.' " [see verses 9-14]

But Jesus' friends, including the women who had followed him from Galilee, stood at a distance, watching.

Luke 8:1-3 Soon afterward Jesus began a tour of the nearby towns and villages, preaching and announcing the Good News about the Kingdom of God. He took his twelve disciples with him, along with some women who had been cured of evil spirits and diseases. Among them were Mary Magdalene, from whom he had cast out seven demons; Joanna, the wife of Chuza, Herod's business manager; Susanna; and many others who were contributing from their own resources to support Jesus and his disciples.

Mark 15:40 Some women were there, watching from a distance, including Mary Magdalene, Mary (the mother of James the younger and of Joseph), and Salome. [see also Matthew 27:55-56]

John 19:25-27 Standing near the cross were Jesus' mother, and his mother's sister, Mary (the wife of Clopas), and Mary Magdalene. When Jesus saw his mother standing there beside the disciple he loved, he said to her, "Dear woman, here is your son." And he said to his disciple, "Here is your mother." And from then on this disciple took her into his home.

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Saturday, November 25, 2023

Luke 23:44-46 Part 2 of 2

By this time it was about noon, and darkness fell across the whole land until three o'clock. The light from the sun was gone. And suddenly, the curtain in the sanctuary of the Temple was torn down the middle. Then Jesus shouted, "Father, I entrust my spirit into your hands!" And with those words he breathed his last.

Then Jesus shouted, "Father, I entrust my spirit into your hands!" And with these words he breathed his last.

Mark 15:37 Then Jesus uttered another loud cry and breathed his last. (see also Matthew 27:50)

Psalm 31:5 I entrust my spirit into your hand. Rescue me, LORD, for you are a faithful God.

John 19:28-30 Jesus knew that his mission was now finished, and to fulfill Scripture he said, "I am thirsty." A jar of sour wine was sitting there, so they soaked a sponge in it, put it on a hyssop branch, and held it up to his lips. When Jesus had tasted it, he said, "It is finished!" Then he bowed his head and released his spirit.

John 10:18 "No one can take my life from me. I sacrifice it voluntarily. For I have the authority to lay it down when I want to and also to take it up again. For this is what my Father has commanded." (see verses 1-21)

1 Peter 2:22-25 He never sinned, nor ever deceived anyone. He did not retaliate when he was insulted, nor threaten revenge when he suffered. He left his case in the hands of God, who always judges fairly. He personally carried our sins in his body on the cross so that we can be dead to sin and live for what is right. By his wounds you are healed. Once you were like sheep who wandered away. But now you have turned to your Shepherd, the Guardian of your souls.

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Friday, November 24, 2023

Luke 23:44-46

By this time it was about noon, and darkness fell across the whole land until three o'clock. The light from the sun was gone.

Amos 8:9 "In that day," says the Sovereign LORD, "I will make the sun go down at noon and darken the earth while it is still day."

Matthew 27:45 At noon darkness fell across the whole land until three o'clock. (see also Mark 15:33)

Exodus 10:22 So Moses lifted his hand to the sky, and a deep darkness covered the entire land of Egypt for three days. (see verses 21-29)

Joel 2:31 The sun will become dark, and the moon will turn blood red before that great and terrible day of the LORD arrives. (see chapter 2)

Amos 5:18 What sorrow awaits you who say, "If only the day of the LORD were here!" You have no idea what you are wishing for. That day will bring darkness not light. (see verses 18-27)

And suddenly, the curtain in the sanctuary of the Temple was torn down the middle.

Exodus 26:31 "For the inside of the Tabernacle, make a special curtain of finely woven linen. Decorate it with blue, purple, and scarlet thread and with skillfully embroidered cherubim." (see verses 30-33)

2 Chronicles 3:14 Across the entrance of the Most Holy Place he (Solomon) hung a curtain made of fine linen, decorated with blue, purple, and scarlet thread and embroidered with figures of cherubim.

Matthew 27:51 At that moment the curtain in the sanctuary of the Temple was torn in two, from top to bottom. (see also Mark 15:38)

Hebrews 9:8 By these regulations the Holy Spirit revealed that the entrance to the Most Holy Place was not freely open as long as the Tabernacle and the system it represented were still in use. (see verses 6-10)

Hebrews 10:19-20 And so, dear brothers and sisters, we can boldly enter heaven's Most Holy Place because of the blood of Jesus. By his death, Jesus opened a new and life-giving way through the curtain into the Most Holy Place. (see chapters 9-10)

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Thursday, November 23, 2023

Luke 23:39-43 Part 2 of 2

One of the criminals hanging beside him scoffed, "So you're the Messiah, are you? Prove it by saving yourself--and us, too, while you're at it!" But the other criminal protested, "Don't you fear God even when you have been sentenced to die? We deserve to die for our crimes, but this man hasn't done anything wrong." Then he said, "Jesus, remember me when you come into your Kingdom." And Jesus replied, "I assure you, today you will be with me in paradise."

Then he said, "Jesus, remember me when you come into your Kingdom."

1 Corinthians 6:11 Some of you were once like that (see verses 9-10). But you were cleansed; you were made holy; you were made right with God by calling on the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.

Romans 3:22-23 We are made right with God by placing our faith in Jesus Christ. And this is true for everyone who believes, no matter who we are. For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God's glorious standard.

Romans 6:23 For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord.

Romans 10:9-10 If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is by believing in your heart that you are made right with God, and it is by confirming with your mouth that you are saved.

Romans 10:13 For "Everyone who calls on the name of the LORD will be saved." (Joel 2:32)

And Jesus replied, "I assure you, today you will be with me in paradise."

2 Corinthians 12:3-4 Yes, only God knows whether I was in my body or outside my body. But I do know that I was caught up to paradise and heard things so astounding that they cannot be expressed in words, things no human is allowed to tell.

Revelation 2:7 "Anyone with ears to hear must listen to the Spirit and understand what he is saying to the churches. To everyone who is victorious I will give fruit from the tree of life in the paradise of God."

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Wednesday, November 22, 2023

Luke 23:39-43 Part 1 of 2

One of the criminals hanging beside him scoffed, "So you're the Messiah, are you? Prove it by saving yourself--and us, too, while you're at it!"

Matthew 27:43-44 "He trusted God, so let God rescue him now if he wants him! For he said, 'I am the Son of God.' " Even the revolutionaries who were crucified with him ridiculed him in the same way. (see also Mark 15:32)

But the other criminal protested, "Don't you fear God even when you have been sentenced to die? We deserve to die for our crimes, but this man hasn't done anything wrong."

Luke 23:4 Pilate turned to the leading priests and to the crowd and said, "I find nothing wrong with this man!" (see also verses 14, 22, Matthew 27:23, Mark 15:14, John 19:4)

Isaiah 53:11 When he sees all that is accomplished by his anguish, he will be satisfied. And because of his experience, my righteous servant will make it possible for many to be counted righteous, for he will bear all their sins. (see verses 5-6)

Romans 4:25 He was handed over to die because of our sins, and he was raised to life to make us right with God.

2 Corinthians 5:21 For God made Christ, who never sinned, to be the offering for our sins, so that we could be made right with God through Christ.

1 Peter 2:22-23 He never sinned, nor even deceived anyone. He did not retaliate when he was insulted, nor threaten revenge when he suffered. He left his case in the hands of God, who always judges fairly.

Isaiah 53:7-8 He was oppressed and treated harshly, yet he never said a word. He was led like a lamb to the slaughter. And as a sheep is silent before the shearers, he did not open his mouth. Unjustly condemned, he was led away. No one cared that he died without descendants, that his life was cut short in midstream. But he was struck down for the rebellion of my people.

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Tuesday, November 21, 2023

Luke 23:36-38

The soldiers mocked him, too, by offering him a drink of sour wine. They called out to him, "If you are the King of the Jews, save yourself!" A sign was fastened above him with these words: "This is the King of the Jews."

The soldiers mocked him, too, by offering him a drink of sour wine.

Psalm 69:21 But instead, they give me poison for food; they offer me sour wine for my thirst. (see verses 19-21, and all Psalm 69)

Matthew 27:48 One of them (the bystanders) ran and filled a sponge with sour wine, holding it up to him on a reed stick so he could drink. (see verses 47-49, also Mark 15:35-36)

John 19:29 A jar of sour wine was sitting there, so they soaked a sponge in it, put it on a hyssop branch, and held it up to his lips. (sour wine, or sour vinegar, was the drink of common soldiers and laborers)

They called out to him, "If you are the King of the Jews, save yourself!"

Luke 23:3 So Pilate asked him, "Are you the King of the Jews?" Jesus replied, "You have said it." (see also Matthew 27:11, Mark 15:2, John 18:33-37)

Luke 23:35 The crowd watched and the leaders scoffed. "He saved others," they said, "let him save himself if he is really God's Messiah, the Chosen One."

A sign was fastened above him with these words: "This is the King of the Jews."

Jeremiah 23:5 "For a time is coming," says the LORD, "when I will raise up a righteous descendant from King David's line. He will be a king who rules with wisdom. He will do what is just and right throughout the land." (see verses 1-8)

John 1:49 Then Nathanael exclaimed, "Rabbi, you are the Son of God--the King of Israel!" (see verses 45-51)

Matthew 27:37 A sign was fastened above Jesus' head, announcing the charge against him. It read: "This is Jesus, the King of the Jews." (see also Mark 15:26)

John 19:19-22 And Pilate posted a sign on the cross that read, "Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews." The place where Jesus was crucified was near the city, and the sign was written in Hebrew, Latin, and Greek, so that many people could read it. Then the leading priests objected and said to Pilate, "Change it from 'The King of the Jews' to 'He said, I am the King of the Jews.' " Pilate replied, "No, what I have written, I have written."

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Monday, November 20, 2023

Luke 23:32-35 Part 2 of 2

Two others, both criminals, were led out to be executed with him. When they came to a place called The Skull, they nailed him to the cross. And the criminals were also crucified--one on his right and one on his left. Jesus said, "Father, forgive them, for they don't know what they are doing." And the soldiers gambled for his clothes by throwing dice. The crowd watched and the leaders scoffed. "He saved others," they said, "let him save himself if he is really God's Messiah, the Chosen One."

And the soldiers gambled for his clothes by throwing dice.

Psalm 22:18 They divide my garments among themselves and throw dice for my clothing.

Matthew 27:35 After they had nailed him to the cross, the soldiers gambled for his clothes by throwing dice. (see also Mark 15:24)

John 19:23-24 When the soldiers had crucified Jesus, they divided his clothes among the four of them. They also took his robe, but it was seamless, woven in one piece from top to bottom. So they said, "Rather than tear it apart, let's throw dice for it." This fulfills the Scripture that says, "They divided my garments among themselves and threw dice for my clothing." So that is what they did.

The crowd watched and the leaders scoffed. "He saved others," they said, "let him save himself if he is really God's Messiah, the Chosen One."

Psalm 22:7-8 Everyone who sees me mocks me. They sneer and shake their heads, saying "Is this the one who relies on the LORD? Then let the LORD save him! If the LORD loves him so much, let the LORD rescue him!" (see also verse 17)

Mark 13:29-32 The people passing by shouted abuse, shaking their heads in mockery. "Ha! Look at you now!" they yelled at him. "You said you were going to destroy the Temple and rebuild it in three days. Well then, save yourself and come down from the cross!" The leading priests and teachers of religious law also mocked Jesus. "He saved others," they scoffed, "but he can't save himself! Let this Messiah, this King of Israel, come down from the cross so we can see it and believe him!" Even the men who were crucified with Jesus ridiculed him. (see also Matthew 27:41-44)

Luke 9:20 Then he asked them, "But who do you say I am?" Peter replied, "You are the Messiah sent from God!" (see verses 18-22)

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Sunday, November 19, 2023

Luke 23:32-35 Part 1 of 2

Two others, both criminals, were led out to be executed with him.

Isaiah 53:12 I will give him the honors of a victorious soldier, because he exposed himself to death. He was counted among the rebels. He bore the sins of many and interceded for rebels.

Luke 22:37 "For the time has come for this prophecy about me to be fulfilled: 'He was counted among the rebels.' Yes, everything written about me by the prophets will come true."

When they came to a place called The Skull,

Matthew 27:33 And they went out to a place called Golgotha (which means "Place of the Skull"). [see also Mark 15:22]

John 19:17 Carrying the cross by himself, he went to the place called Place of the Skull (in Hebrew, Golgotha).

they nailed him to the cross. And the criminals were also crucified--one on his right and one on his left.

Matthew 27:38 The two revolutionaries were crucified with him, one on his right and one on his left. [see also Mark 15:27]

John 19:18 There they nailed him to the cross. Two others were crucified with him, one on either side, with Jesus between them.

Jesus said, "Father, forgive them, for they don't know what they are doing."

Matthew 5:44 "But I say, love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you!"

Luke 6:35 "Love your enemies! Do good to them. Lend to them without expecting to be repaid. Then your reward from heaven will be very great, and you will truly be acting as children of the Most High, for he is kind to those who are unthankful and wicked."

John 11:41 So they rolled the stone aside. Then Jesus looked up to heaven and said, "Father, thank you for hearing me." [see verses 17-44]

John 12:27-28 "Now my soul is deeply troubled. Should I pray, 'Father, save me from this hour'? But this is the very reason I came! Father, bring glory to your name." Then a voice spoke from heaven, saying, 'I have already brought glory to my name, and I will do so again." [see verses 20-36]

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Saturday, November 18, 2023

Luke 23:26-31 Part 2 of 2

As they led Jesus away, a man named Simon, who was from Cyrene, happened to be coming in from the countryside. The soldiers seized him and put the cross on him and made him carry it behind Jesus. A large crowd trailed behind, including many grief-stricken women. But Jesus turned and said to them, "Daughters of Jerusalem, don't weep for me, but weep for yourselves and for your children. For the days are coming when they will say, 'Fortunate indeed are the women who are childless, the wombs that have not borne a child and the breasts that have never nursed.' People will beg the mountains, 'Fall on us,' and plead with the hills, 'Bury us.' For if these things are done when the tree is green what will happen when it is dry?"

"For the days are coming when they will say, 'Fortunate indeed are the women who are childless, the wombs that have not borne a child and the breasts that have never nursed.' "

Luke 21:22-24 "For those will be days of God's vengeance, and the prophetic words of the Scriptures will be fulfilled. How terrible it will be for pregnant women and for nursing mothers in those days. For there will be disaster in the land and great anger against this people. They will be killed by the sword or sent away as captives to all the nations of the world. And Jerusalem will be trampled down by the Gentiles until the period of the Gentiles comes to an end." [see also Matthew 24:19, Mark 13:17]

Zechariah 12:10 "Then I will pour out a spirit of grace and prayer on the family of David and on the people of Jerusalem. They will look on me whom they have pierced and mourn for him as for a firstborn son who has died." [see all chapter 2]

"People will beg the mountains, 'Fall on us,' and plead with the hills, 'Bury us.' "

Isaiah 2:19 When the LORD rises to shake the earth, his enemies will will crawl into holes in the ground. They will hide in caves in the rocks from the terror of the LORD and the glory of his majesty. [see all chapter 2, see also Hosea 10:8]

Revelation 6:16-17 And they cried to the mountains and the rocks, "Fall on us and hide us from the face of the one who sits on the throne and from the wrath of the Lamb. For the great day of their wrath has come, and who is able to survive?" [see verses 12-17]

"For if these things are done when the tree is green what will happen when it is dry?"

1 Peter 4:17-18 For the time has come for judgment, and it must begin with God's household. And if judgment begins with us, what terrible fate awaits those who have never obeyed God's Good News? And also, "If the righteous are barely saved, what will happen to godless sinners?" [Proverbs 11:31]

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Friday, November 17, 2023

Luke 23:26-31 Part 1 of 2

As they led Jesus away, a man named Simon, who was from Cyrene, happened to be coming in from the countryside. The soldiers seized him and put the cross on him and made him carry it behind Jesus.

Mark 15:21 A passerby named Simon, who was from Cyrene, [a city in North Africa], was coming in from the countryside just then, and the soldiers forced him to carry Jesus' cross. (Simon was the father of Alexander and Rufus.) [See also Matthew 27:32, John 19:17]

A large crowd trailed behind, including many grief-stricken women. But Jesus turned and said to them, "Daughters of Jerusalem, don't weep for me, but weep for yourselves and for your children."

Luke 19:41-44 But as he came closer to Jerusalem and saw the city ahead, he began to weep. "How I wish today that you of all people would understand the way to peace. But now it is too late, and peace is hidden from your eyes. Before long your enemies will build ramparts against your walls and encircle you and close in on you from every side. They will crush you into the ground, and your children with you. Your enemies will not leave a single stone in place, because you did not accept your opportunity for salvation."

Jeremiah 16:1-4 The LORD gave me another message. He said, "Do not get married or have children in this place. For this is what the LORD says about the children born here in this city and about their mothers and fathers: They will die from terrible diseases. No one will mourn for them or bury them, and they will lie scattered on the ground like manure. They will die from war and famine, and their bodies will be food for the vultures and wild animals."

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Thursday, November 16, 2023

Luke 23:22-25

For the third time he demanded, "Why? What crime has he committed? I have found no reason to sentence him to death. So I will have him flogged, and then I will release him." But the mob shouted louder and louder, demanding that Jesus be crucified, and their voices prevailed. So Pilate sentenced Jesus to die as they demanded. As they had requested, he released Barabbas, the man in prison for insurrection and murder. But he turned Jesus over to them to do as they wished.

John 18:33-37 Then Pilate went back into his headquarters and called for Jesus to be brought to him. "Are you the king of the Jews?" he asked him. Jesus replied, "Is this your own question, or did others tell you about me?" "Am I a Jew?" Pilate retorted. "Your own people and their leading priests brought you to me for trial. Why? What have you done?" Jesus answered, "My Kingdom is not an earthly kingdom. If it were, my followers would fight to keep me from being handed over to the Jewish leaders. But my Kingdom is not of this world." Pilate said, "So you are a king?" Jesus responded, "You say I am a king. Actually, I was born and came into this world to testify to the truth. All who love the truth recognize that what I say is true."

John 19:13-15 When they said this [verse 12], Pilate brought Jesus out to them again. Then Pilate sat down on the judgment seat on the platform that is called the Stone Pavement (or in Hebrew, Gabbatha). It was now about noon on the day of preparation for the Passover. And Pilate said to the people, 'Look, here is your king!" "Away with him," they yelled. "Away with him! Crucify him!" "What? Crucify your king?" Pilate asked. "We have no king but Caesar," the leading priests shouted back.

Matthew 27:24 Pilate saw that he wasn't getting anywhere and that a riot was developing. So he sent for a bowl of water and washed his hands before the crowd, saying, "I am innocent of this man's blood. The responsibility is yours!"

So Pilate sentenced Jesus to die as they demanded. As they had requested, he released Barabbas, the man in prison for insurrection and murder. But he turned Jesus over to them to do as they wished.

Matthew 27:25-26 And all the people yelled back, "We will take responsibility for his death--we and our children!" So Pilate released Barabbas to them. He ordered Jesus flogged with a lead-tipped whip, then turned him over to the Roman soldiers to be crucified. [see also Mark 15:15, John 19:16]

[brackets are mine]

Wednesday, November 15, 2023

Luke 23:18-21

Then a mighty roar rose from the crowd, and with one voice they shouted, "Kill him, and release Barabbas to us!" (Barabbas was in prison for taking part in an insurrection in Jerusalem against the government, and for murder.) Pilate argued with them, because he wanted to release Jesus. But they kept shouting, "Crucify him! Crucify him!"

Matthew 27:15 Now it was the governor's custom each year during the Passover celebration to release one prisoner to the crowd--anyone they wanted. [see verses 15-26, also John 19:39-40]

Mark 15:7 One of the prisoners at that time was Barabbas, a revolutionary who had committed murder in an uprising. [see verses 6-15]

Matthew 27:20 Meanwhile, the leading priests and the elders persuaded the crowd to ask for Barabbas to be released and for Jesus to be put to death. [see also Mark 15;11]

Pilate argued with them, because he wanted to release Jesus. But they kept shouting, "Crucify him! Crucify him!"

John 19:4 Pilate went outside again and said to the people, "I am going to bring him out to you now, but understand clearly that I find him not guilty."

Mark 15:9-11 "Would you like me to release to you this 'King of the Jews'?" (For he realized by now that the leading priests had arrested Jesus out of envy.) [see also Matthew 27:17-18]

Matthew 27:21-23 So the governor asked again [see verse 17], "Which of these two do you want me to release to you?" The crowd shouted back, "Barabbas!" Pilate responded, "Then what should I do with Jesus who is called the Messiah?" They shouted back, "Crucify him!" "Why?" Pilate demanded, "What crime has he committed?" But the mob roared even louder, "Crucify him!" [see also Mark 15:12-14]

John 19:12 Then Pilate tried to release him, but the Jewish leaders shouted, "If you release this man, you are no 'friend of Caesar' [or 'ally of Caesar']. Anyone who declares himself a king is a rebel against Caesar."

[brackets are mine]

Tuesday, November 14, 2023

Luke 23:13-16

Then Pilate called together the leading priests and other religious leaders, along with the people, and he announced his verdict. "You brought this man to me, accusing him of leading a revolt. I have examined him thoroughly on this point in your presence and find him innocent. Herod came to the same conclusion and sent him back to us. Nothing this man has done calls for the death penalty. So I will have him flogged, and then I will release him."

Luke 24:20 "But our leading priests and other religious leaders handed him over to be condemned to death, and they crucified him." (see verses 13-36)

Luke 23:4 Pilate turned to the leading priests and to the crowd and said, "I find nothing wrong with this man!"

Luke 23:22 For the third time he demanded, "Why? What crime has he committed? I have found no reason to sentence him to death. So I will have him flogged, and then I will release him."

Matthew 27:23 "Why?" Pilate demanded. "What crime has he committed?" But the mob roared even louder, "Crucify him!"

Acts 3:13 "For it is the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob--the God of all our ancestors--who brought glory to his servant Jesus by doing this. This is the same Jesus whom you handed over and rejected before Pilate, despite Pilate's decision to release him." (see chapters 2-3)

"Herod came to the same conclusion and sent him back to us. Nothing this man has done calls for the death penalty."

Luke 23:11 Then Herod and his soldiers began mocking and ridiculing Jesus. Finally, they put a royal robe on him and sent him back to Pilate. (see verses 6-12)

"So I will have him flogged, and then I will release him."

John 19:1-4 Then Pilate had Jesus flogged with a lead-tipped whip. The soldiers wove a crown of thorns and put it on his head, and they put a purple robe on him. "Hail! King of the Jews!" they mocked, as they slapped him across the face. Pilate went outside again and said to the people, "I am going to bring him out to you now, but understand clearly that I find him not guilty."

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Monday, November 13, 2023

Luke 23:8-12

Herod was delighted at the opportunity to see Jesus, because he had heard about him and had been hoping for a long time to see him perform a miracle. He asked Jesus question after question, but Jesus refused to answer. Meanwhile, the leading priests and the teachers of religious law stood there shouting their accusations. Then Herod and his soldiers began mocking and ridiculing Jesus. Finally, they put a royal robe on him and sent him back to Pilate. (Herod and Pilate, who had been enemies before, became friends that day.)

Herod was delighted at the opportunity to see Jesus, because he had heard about him and had been hoping for a long time to see him perform a miracle.

Mark 6:14 Herod Antipas, the king, soon heard about Jesus, because everyone was talking about him. Some were saying, "This must be John the Baptist raised from the dead. That is why he can do such miracles." [see verses 14-29]

He asked Jesus question after question, but Jesus refused to answer.

Isaiah 53:7 He was oppressed and treated harshly, yet he never said a word. He was led like a lamb to the slaughter. And as a sheep is silent before the shearers, he did not open his mouth.

Matthew 27:12 But when the leading priests and the elders made their accusations against him, Jesus remained silent. [see verses 11-14]

Mark 14:61 But Jesus was silent and made no reply. Then the high priest asked him, "Are you the Messiah, the Son of the Blessed One?" [see verses 53-65]

John 19:9 He [Pilate] took Jesus back into the headquarters again and asked him, "Where are you from?" But Jesus gave no answer. [see verses 7-12]

Meanwhile, the leading priests and the teachers of religious law stood there shouting their accusations. Then Herod and his soldiers began mocking and ridiculing Jesus. Finally, they put a royal robe on him and sent him back to Pilate.

Matthew 27:19 Just then, as Pilate was sitting on the judgment seat, his wife sent him this message: "Leave that innocent man alone. I suffered through a terrible nightmare about him last night." [see verses 11-26]

Mark 15:6 Now it was the governor's custom each year during the Passover celebration to release one prisoner--anyone the people requested. [see verses 1-15]

John 19:2 The soldiers wove a crown of thorns and put it on his head, and they put a purple robe on him. [see verses 1-16]

(Herod and Pilate, who had been enemies before, became friends that day.)

Psalm 2:2 The kings of the earth prepare for battle; the rulers plot together against the LORD and against his anointed one.

Acts 4:27 "In fact, this has happened here in this very city! For Herod Antipas, Pontius Pilate the governor, the Gentiles, and the people of Israel were all united against Jesus, your holy servant, whom you anointed." [see verses 1-31]

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Sunday, November 12, 2023

Luke 23:5-7

Then they became insistent. "But he is causing riots by his teaching wherever he goes--all over Judea, from Galilee to Jerusalem!" "Oh, is he a Galilean?" Pilate asked. When they said that he was, Pilate sent him to Herod Antipas, because Galilee was under Herod's jurisdiction, and Herod happened to be in Jerusalem at the time.

Then they became insistent. "But he is causing riots by his teaching wherever he goes--all over Judea, from Galilee to Jerusalem!"

Mark 1:14 Later on, after John was arrested, Jesus went into Galilee, where he preached God's Good News. (see verses 1-15, also Matthew 4, Luke 4:1-13)

Luke 4:14-15 Then Jesus returned to Galilee, filled with the Holy Spirit's power. Reports about him spread quickly through the whole region. He taught regularly in their synagogues and was praised by everyone.

John 1:43 The next day Jesus decided to go to Galilee. He found Philip and said to him, "Come, follow me." (see verses 35-51)

John 2:1-2 The next day there was a wedding celebration in the village of Cana in Galilee. Jesus' mother was there, and Jesus and his disciples were also invited to the celebration. (see verses 1-12)

"Oh, is he a Galilean?" Pilate asked. When they said that he was, Pilate sent him to Herod Antipas, because Galilee was under Herod's jurisdiction, and Herod happened to be in Jerusalem at the time.

Matthew 14:1-2 When Herod Antipas, the ruler of Galilee, heard about Jesus, he said to his advisers, "This must be John the Baptist raised from the dead! That is why he can do such miracles." (see Luke 9:7-9)

Mark 8:15 As they were crossing the lake, Jesus warned them, "Watch out! Beware of the yeast of the Pharisees and of Herod." (see verses 11-21)

Luke 3:1 It was now the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius, the Roman emperor. Pontius Pilate was governor over Judea; Herod Antipas was ruler over Galilee; his brother Philip was ruler over Iturea and Traconitis; Lysanias was ruler over Abilene.

Luke 13:31 At that time some Pharisees said to him, "Get away from here if you want to live! Herod Antipas wants to kill you!" (see verses 31-35)

Acts 4:27 "In fact, this has happened here in this very city! (see Psalm 2:1-2) For Herod Antipas, Pontius Pilate the governor, the Gentiles, and the people of Israel were all united against Jesus, your holy servant, whom you anointed." (see verses 23-31)

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Saturday, November 11, 2023

Luke 23:1-4 Part 2 of 2

Then the entire council took Jesus to Pilate, the Roman governor. They began to state their case: "This man has been leading our people astray by telling them not to pay their taxes to the Roman government and by claiming he is the Messiah, a king." So Pilate asked him, "Are you the king of the Jews?" Jesus replied, "You have said it." Pilate turned to the leading priests and to the crowd and said, "I find nothing wrong with this man!"

Pilate turned to the leading priests and to the crowd and said, "I find nothing wrong with this man!"

Luke 23:14 "You brought this man to me, accusing him of leading a revolt. I have examined him thoroughly on this point in your presence and find him innocent."

2 Corinthians 5:21 For God made Christ, who never sinned, to be the offering for our sins, so that we could be made right with God through Christ.

1 Peter 2:21-23 For God called you to do good, even if it means suffering, just as Christ suffered for you. He is your example, and you must follow in his steps. He never sinned, nor ever deceived anyone. He did not retaliate when he was insulted, nor threaten revenge when he suffered. He left his case in the hands of God, who always judges fairly.

1 John 3:4-6 Everyone who sins is breaking God's law, for all sin is contrary to the law of God. And you know that Jesus came to take away our sins, and there is no sin in him. Anyone who continues to live in him will not sin. But anyone who keeps on sinning does not know him or understand who he is.

Jeremiah 23:5-6 "For the time is coming," says the LORD, "when I will raise up a righteous descendant from King David's line. He will be a King who rules with wisdom. He will do what is just and right throughout the land. And this will be his name: 'The LORD is Our Righteousness.' In that day Judah will be saved, and Israel will live in safety." (see also Jeremiah 33:15-16)

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Friday, November 10, 2023

Luke 23:1-4 Part 1 of 2

Then the entire council took Jesus to Pilate, the Roman governor.

Mark 15:1 Very early in the morning the leading priests, the elders, and the teachers of religious law--the entire high council--met to discuss their next step. They bound Jesus, led him away, and took him to Pilate, the Roman governor. (see also Matthew 27:2)

John 18:28 Jesus' trial before Caiaphas ended in the early hours of the morning. Then he was taken to the headquarters of the Roman governor. His accusers didn't go inside because it would defile them, and they wouldn't be allowed to celebrate the Passover.

Acts 3:13 "For it is the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob--the God of all our ancestors--who has brought glory to his servant Jesus by doing this. (see verses 1-11) This is the same Jesus whom you handed over and rejected before Pilate, despite Pilate's decision to release him."

They began to state their case: "This man has been leading our people astray by telling them not to pay their taxes to the Roman government and by claiming he is the Messiah, a king."

Luke 20:22 "Now tell us--is it right for us to pay taxes to Caesar or not?" (see verses 20-26)

Luke 20:25 "Well then," he said, "give to Caesar what belongs to Caesar, and give to God what belongs to God." (see also Matthew 22:15-22)

John 19:12 Then Pilate tried to release him, but the Jewish leaders shouted, "If you release this man, you are no 'friend of Caesar.' Anyone who declares himself a king is a rebel against Caesar."

Acts 17:7 "And Jason has welcomed them into his home. They are all guilty of treason against Caesar, for they profess allegiance to another king, named Jesus." (see verses 1-15)

So Pilate asked him, "Are you the king of the Jews?" Jesus replied, "You have said it."

Matthew 27:11-14 Now Jesus was standing before Pilate, the Roman governor. "Are you the king of the Jews?" the governor asked him. Jesus replied, "You have said it." But when the leading priests and the elders made their accusations against him, Jesus remained silent. "Don't you hear all these charges they are bringing against you?" Pilate demanded. but Jesus made no response to any of the charges, much to the governor's surprise. (see also Mark 15:2-5, John 18:33-38)

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Thursday, November 9, 2023

Luke 22:66-71 Part 2 of 2

At daybreak all the elders of the people assembled, including the leading priests and the teachers of religious law. Jesus was led before this high council, and they said, "Tell us, are you the Messiah?" But he replied, "If I tell you, you won't believe me. And if I ask you a question, you won't answer. But from now on the Son of Man will be seated in the place of power at God's right hand." They all shouted, "So, you are claiming to be the Son of God?" And he replied, "You say that I am." "Why do we need other witnesses?" they said. "We ourselves heard him say it."

"But from now on the Son of Man will be seated in the place of power at God's right hand."

Psalm 110:1 The LORD said to my Lord, "Sit at the place of honor at my right hand until I humble your enemies, making them a footstool under your feet."

Mark 14:62 Jesus said, "I AM. And you will see the Son of Man seated in the place of power at God's right hand and coming on the clouds of heaven." (see also Matthew 26:64)

They all shouted,"So, you are claiming to be the Son of God?"

Matthew 3:17 And a voice from heaven said, "This is my dearly loved Son, who brings me great joy." (see verses 13-17, also Mark 1:9-11)

Matthew 14:33 Then the disciples worshiped him. "You really are the Son of God!" they exclaimed. (see verses 22-34)

Matthew 16:16 Simon Peter answered, "You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God." (see verses 13-20)

Luke 1:35 The angel replied, "The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the baby to be born will be holy, and he will be called the Son of God." (see verses 26-38)

John 1:49 Then Nathanael exclaimed, "Rabbi, you are the Son of God--the King of Israel!" (see verses 45-50)

John 11:27 "Yes, Lord," she told him. "I have always believed you are the Messiah, the Son of God, the one who has come into the world from God." (see verses 1-44)

"Why do we need other witnesses?" they said. "We ourselves heard him say it."

Matthew 26:65 Then the high priest tore his clothing to show his horror and said, "Blasphemy! Why do we need other witnesses? You have all heard his blasphemy." (see verses 57-66, also Mark 14:63)

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Wednesday, November 8, 2023

Luke 22:66-71 Part 1 of 2

Matthew 26:83 But Jesus remained silent. Then the high priest said to him, "I demand in the name of the living God--tell us if you are the Messiah, the Son of God." (see verses 59-62, also Mark 14:55-61)

John 10:24-25 The people surrounded him and asked, "How long are you going to keep us in suspense? If you are the Messiah, tell us plainly." Jesus replied, "I have already told you, and you don't believe me. The proof is the work I do in my Father's name." (see verses 22-42)

But he replied, "If I tell you, you won't believe me. And if I ask you a question, you won't answer."

Luke 20:3-8 "Let me ask you a question first," he replied. "Did John's authority to baptize come from heaven, or was it merely human?" They talked it over among themselves. "If we say it was from heaven, he will ask why we didn't believe John. But if we say it was merely human, the people will stone us because they are convinced John was a prophet." So they finally replied that they didn't know. And Jesus responded, "Then I won't tell you by what authority I do these things." (see verses 1-19)

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