The Life of Jesus Christ- Part 10

While Jesus was on the earth, he showed us what it means to have compassion. He talked to those no one else would. He taught people how to be kind to others. And he healed those that had lost all hope of ever being healed.
Luke 13:10-11- And he was teaching in one of the synagogues on the sabbath. And, behold, there was a woman which had a spirit of infirmity eighteen years, and was bowed together, and could in no wise lift up herself.
There was once a poor woman that had been bowed over for 18 years. When she walked, all she could see was her feet. Others barely thought of this poor woman, but Jesus saw her while he was teaching in their worship building and He had compassion on her.
Luke 13:12-13- And when Jesus saw her, he called her to him, and said unto her, Woman, thou art loosed from thine infirmity. And he laid his hands on her: and immediately she was made straight, and glorified God.
Jesus healed her and she began praising God! What do you think others in the area did when they saw this?
Luke 13:14-17- And the ruler of the synagogue answered with indignation, because that Jesus had healed on the sabbath day, and said unto the people, There are six days in which men ought to work: in them therefore come and be healed, and not on the sabbath day. The Lord then answered him, and said, Thou hypocrite, doth not each one of you on the sabbath loose his ox or his ass from the stall, and lead him away to watering? And ought not this woman, being a daughter of Abraham, whom Satan hath bound, lo, these eighteen years, be loosed from this bond on the sabbath day? And when he had said these things, all his adversaries were ashamed: and all the people rejoiced for all the glorious things that were done by him.
The religious rulers were angry that Jesus healed her on the Sabbath day. They didn't think that it miracles should be done on their holy day. But, what better day to bring praise to God?
Jesus fussed at them for their lying ways. They themselves would let their animals out of the barn on the Sabbath day- that was considered work. All Jesus did was speak and let this woman stand up!
When Jesus reminded them of their morning chores they were ashamed. And, those who knew the woman and saw the miracle started worshiping God with her.
It wasn't only in the worship centers that Jesus would heal people. There was once a man that approached Him while He was walking. This man had the dreaded leprousy- the walking death.
Luke 5:12- And it came to pass, when he was in a certain city, behold a man full of leprosy: who seeing Jesus fell on his face, and besought him, saying, Lord, if thou wilt, thou canst make me clean.
This man shouldn't have been in the city. He was suppose to live outside the city. Because of the leprousy, he wasn't allowed to be near his friends or family. He couldn't even shake their hand or give them a hug. He had to live alone.
It had been such a long time since the leper had felt even the touch of another person.
Luke 5:13-15- And he put forth his hand, and touched him, saying, I will: be thou clean. And immediately the leprosy departed from him. And he charged him to tell no man: but go, and shew thyself to the priest, and offer for thy cleansing, according as Moses commanded, for a testimony unto them. But so much the more went there a fame abroad of him: and great multitudes came together to hear, and to be healed by him of their infirmities.
The first time someone laid a hand on the leper in along time was the time Jesus had compassion and healed him. He could now go home to his family!
There was another time that Jesus was teaching and some men brought their friend to Him to be healed.
Mark 2:1-3-  And again he entered into Capernaum after some days; and it was noised that he was in the house. And straightway many were gathered together, insomuch that there was no room to receive them, no, not so much as about the door: and he preached the word unto them.  And they come unto him, bringing one sick of the palsy, which was borne of four.
Jesus was preaching inside of a house. The house was packed, there were so many people that not another one could fit through the door!
Luke 5:17-18- And it came to pass on a certain day, as he was teaching, that there were Pharisees and doctors of the law sitting by, which were come out of every town of Galilee, and Judaea, and Jerusalem: and the power of the Lord was present to heal them. And, behold, men brought in a bed a man which was taken with a palsy: and they sought means to bring him in, and to lay him before him.
These men had brought their friend to Jesus, but they couldn't get him into the house. There were so many people! Perhaps the lame man thanked them, but told them not to worry about it. Maybe someone suggested giving up.
However it happened, someone had an idea!
Mark 2:4- And when they could not come nigh unto him for the press, they uncovered the roof where he was: and when they had broken it up, they let down the bed wherein the sick of the palsy lay.
Can you imagine? As Jesus was preaching, suddenly the roof started to be pulled away. Sunshine streamed through the hole in the ceiling. And then, something blocked the sun. It was slowly lowered into the room until everyone could see that it was a portable bed with a lame man on it.
Matthew 9:2- And, behold, they brought to him a man sick of the palsy, lying on a bed: and Jesus seeing their faith said unto the sick of the palsy; Son, be of good cheer; thy sins be forgiven thee.
Jesus took note of the friend's faith. They knew that if they could get this man to Jesus that he would be healed. Sometimes, when we don't have faith we need to rely on the prayers of our faithful friends.
What an odd thing to say to someone who wanted to be healed! Your sins are forgiven.
Mark 2:6-7- But there were certain of the scribes sitting there, and reasoning in their hearts, Why doth this man thus speak blasphemies? who can forgive sins but God only?
The religious rulers had learned not to outright rebuke Jesus. So, they kept their angry words inside. But, Jesus is God, and He can hear things even when we don't say them aloud!
Matthew 9:4-6- And Jesus knowing their thoughts said, Wherefore think ye evil in your hearts? For whether is easier, to say, Thy sins be forgiven thee; or to say, Arise, and walk? But that ye may know that the Son of man hath power on earth to forgive sins, (then saith he to the sick of the palsy,) Arise, take up thy bed, and go unto thine house.
Jesus scolded them for their thoughts. He was not only able to heal the outside of the body, but He was able to forgive the wickedness on the inside, too. He could do that because He was God! The religious leaders just refused to acknowledge it.
Luke 5:25-26- And immediately he rose up before them, and took up that whereon he lay, and departed to his own house, glorifying God.  And they were all amazed, and they glorified God, and were filled with fear, saying, We have seen strange things to day.
That man stood up, picked up his portable bed, and went home. He probably started out cautiously. But, in the end, I bet he was running and jumping and praising God!
Some of the people that saw this were afraid, they thought it strange that a man would rebuke the religious leaders, and then tell someone who was lame to walk. But, what was even more strange was that the man did walk!
Mark 2:12- And immediately he arose, took up the bed, and went forth before them all; insomuch that they were all amazed, and glorified God, saying, We never saw it on this fashion.
Others were amazed at God's mercy on this man. They glorified God!
Mark 5:1- And they came over unto the other side of the sea, into the country of the Gadarenes.
Jesus and His disciples went across the Sea of Gallilee and then they got to the other side, there was a frightful sight awaiting them!
Matthew 8:28- And when he was come to the other side into the country of the Gergesenes, there met him two possessed with devils, coming out of the tombs, exceeding fierce, so that no man might pass by that way.
Two demon possessed men met Jesus and His disciples. I'm sure the disciples were afraid!
A man who would later write the book of Mark, described one of these wild, demonic men!
Mark 5:3-5- Who had his dwelling among the tombs; and no man could bind him, no, not with chains: Because that he had been often bound with fetters and chains, and the chains had been plucked asunder by him, and the fetters broken in pieces: neither could any man tame him. And always, night and day, he was in the mountains, and in the tombs, crying, and cutting himself with stones.
What a horror!
But, Jesus wasn't afraid. He was God in the flesh. And the devils inside those two men knew it!
Luke 8:28-29- When he saw Jesus, he cried out, and fell down before him, and with a loud voice said, What have I to do with thee, Jesus, thou Son of God most high? I beseech thee, torment me not. (For he had commanded the unclean spirit to come out of the man. For oftentimes it had caught him: and he was kept bound with chains and in fetters; and he brake the bands, and was driven of the devil into the wilderness.)
Jesus had told the devils to come out of the man, but they didn't want to leave. They pleaded with Jesus to let them stay.
Matthew 12:43- When the unclean spirit is gone out of a man, he walketh through dry places, seeking rest, and findeth none.
They didn't want to wander in dry places. So, Jesus talked with the devils.
Mark 5:9- And he asked him, What is thy name? And he answered, saying, My name is Legion: for we are many.
These poor men were not possessed with just one or two devils, but with a legion of them. Do you know how much a legion is? It's 2,000!
Matthew 8:31- So the devils besought him, saying, If thou cast us out, suffer us to go away into the herd of swine.
The devils asked Jesus if He would let them go into the pigs that were there in the country. That way they wouldn't have to wander in dry places.
Mark 5:13-14- And forthwith Jesus gave them leave. And the unclean spirits went out, and entered into the swine: and the herd ran violently down a steep place into the sea, (they were about two thousand;) and were choked in the sea. And they that fed the swine fled, and told it in the city, and in the country. And they went out to see what it was that was done.
Jesus allowed the devils to enter into the pigs. And the moment they went into the pigs, they made the pigs run down a steep hill into the sea. And, all the pigs drowned.
The men that were watching the pigs were afraid and ran to the city to tell everyone what had happened.
Matthew 8:33- And they that kept them fled, and went their ways into the city, and told every thing, and what was befallen to the possessed of the devils.
Now, God had commanded the Jews was back during the time of Moses that they weren't suppose to eat pork. So, why were there pigs in the country? Why were they raising them?
Those in the city were curious to see if what these pig farmers said was true.
Luke 8:35-36- Then they went out to see what was done; and came to Jesus, and found the man, out of whom the devils were departed, sitting at the feet of Jesus, clothed, and in his right mind: and they were afraid. They also which saw it told them by what means he that was possessed of the devils was healed.
They went out and saw the two men sitting at Jesus feet. The men that they had tried to bind in chains, but they would break the chains and escape. The men that had cried and screeched in the night and woke their children with fright! These men were now clothed and sitting and behaving themselves.
Do you suppose the villagers thanked Jesus?
They didn't.
Matthew 8:34-  And, behold, the whole city came out to meet Jesus: and when they saw him, they besought him that he would depart out of their coasts.
Instead of thanking Him, they asked Him to leave.
Surely, someone could think of a friend or family member that could be healed by Jesus!
But, perhaps, they only thought of how much money they just lost when their pigs drowned themselves!
Luke 8:37- Then the whole multitude of the country of the Gadarenes round about besought him to depart from them; for they were taken with great fear: and he went up into the ship, and returned back again.
The whole country asked Him to leave.
So, Jesus turned around and went back to the ship He had just got off.
Mark 5:18-20- And when he was come into the ship, he that had been possessed with the devil prayed him that he might be with him. Howbeit Jesus suffered him not, but saith unto him, Go home to thy friends, and tell them how great things the Lord hath done for thee, and hath had compassion on thee. And he departed, and began to publish in Decapolis how great things Jesus had done for him: and all men did marvel.
The now healed demon possessed wanted to go with Jesus. But, Jesus had a job for them. He needed someone who could tell others about the mercy of God.
Someone needed to show that the Messiah had come. Someone that the villagers would listen to.
These men did just that! And, the next time Jesus came to their shores, they accepted Him and heard His teachings.
Jesus wants us to tell others about Him. You may think that you're too little. Or, maybe you think no one would listen. But, there's someone who needs to hear about Jesus from you.
And, who knows how many souls you can lead to the compassionate Savior if you just try!

The Life of Jesus Christ series coloring pages

The Life of Christ- Part 9

While Jesus was going about all Israel and Samaria teaching and healing and telling others about God's message, John the Baptist was sitting in a Roman prison.
This prison was not like anything we have today. There was no lights or air conditioning. There were no books or outside time. There may not have even been a bed or toilet.
The Roman prison would be made of large, strong blocks. There would be some sort of door or gate. There would be guards. Maybe there was a window, if he were lucky.
It's likely that there were bugs or rats. And, he could have  probably heard other prisoners as they were beaten or killed.
It was a lonely, dismal place. And, here John sat quite possibly for almost a year.
He probably heard the guards telling tales of things that were happening in the region. Maybe they spoke of the miracles that Jesus was performing. Or perhaps, he was able to have visitors and they told him about Jesus' ministry.
Somehow he got a message to some of his disciples.
Matthew 11:2-3- Now when John had heard in the prison the works of Christ, he sent two of his disciples, And said unto him, Art thou he that should come, or do we look for another?
John had sat in that lonely prison and had lost faith. Why was he there? He was the messenger of God sent to reveal the Messiah. But, had God forgotten about him? Why hadn't Jesus tried to free him?
He began to doubt.
The disciples took John's question to Jesus.
John 7:20 -When the men were come unto him, they said, John Baptist hath sent us unto thee, saying, Art thou he that should come? or look we for another?
Jesus wasn't mad at John for asking. As a human he knew how hard it could be to have very little, and to feel the trouble and pain of life.
Luke 7:21-23- And in that same hour he cured many of their infirmities and plagues, and of evil spirits; and unto many that were blind he gave sight. Then Jesus answering said unto them, Go your way, and tell John what things ye have seen and heard; how that the blind see, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, to the poor the gospel is preached. And blessed is he, whosoever shall not be offended in me.
Why would Jesus tell him that he would be blessed if he were not offended? Could it be that John was offended that he was only used by God for a small purpose? Did John think that God had cast him aside after he fulfilled his calling?
Jesus knew something that we don't. He showed all the sign to the disciples of John and sent this message back.
Luke 7:24-25- And when the messengers of John were departed, he began to speak unto the people concerning John, What went ye out into the wilderness for to see? A reed shaken with the wind? But what went ye out for to see? A man clothed in soft raiment? Behold, they which are gorgeously apparelled, and live delicately, are in kings' courts.
Maybe some of the people who heard these things were wondering about John. So, Jesus asked those who had heard him preach and seen him baptizing what they were expecting when they went to see and hear John preach.
Did they go because they expected to see someone close to royalty? They weren't going to see that from a man who lived in the wild.
Luke 7:26-28-  But what went ye out for to see? A prophet? Yea, I say unto you, and much more than a prophet. This is he, of whom it is written, Behold, I send my messenger before thy face, which shall prepare thy way before thee. For I say unto you, Among those that are born of women there is not a greater prophet than John the Baptist: but he that is least in the kingdom of God is greater than he.
Jesus said that John was more than a prophet. He was not just someone who God chose to become a prophet; he was created by God as a prophet with a special message- the Messiah is coming.
Only three times had God created someone by sending an angel and telling the mother that she was going to have a child for a specific purpose. Do you know who those babies were? They were Samson, John the Baptist, and Jesus.
All three were born with a divine job. And, all three would die to accomplish that job.
Jesus said that John was the greatest prophet to ever be born.
Matthew 11:12-14- And from the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffereth violence, and the violent take it by force. For all the prophets and the law prophesied until John. And if ye will receive it, this is Elias, which was for to come.
God had prophesied that before the Messiah came He would send a prophet. He promised a specific prophet- Elijah. Do you remember Elijah?
Elijah came during the time of wicked Ahab and Jezebel. When God's servants were being killed, and the Israelites were worshiping Baal. Elijah stood against them. He called for a time of no rain, and was fed by the ravens while living by a brook. When the brook dried up he went to live with a Gentile woman who was kept alive by a miracle of never failing oil and corn meal.
Elijah was a rough, tough prophet who stood up for God when other prophets were hiding in caves.
And, the same bold spirit that Elijah possessed was in John the Baptist. If they would accept Jesus as their Messiah, then John the Baptist would fulfill the role of Elijah.
Matthew 11:16-19- But whereunto shall I liken this generation? It is like unto children sitting in the markets, and calling unto their fellows, And saying, We have piped unto you, and ye have not danced; we have mourned unto you, and ye have not lamented. For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they say, He hath a devil. The Son of man came eating and drinking, and they say, Behold a man gluttonous, and a winebibber, a friend of publicans and sinners. But wisdom is justified of her children.
Jesus knew that most of the Israelites, and especially the religious leaders, wouldn't accept neither Him nor John. John came as a wild prophet whom they denied and claimed that he was demon possessed. And when Jesus' ministry started and he was compassionate and gentle they said that He was a drunkard who ate too much and associated with lowlife's.
Jesus said that wisdom is justified of her children.
Luke 7:29- And all the people that heard him, and the publicans, justified God, being baptized with the baptism of John.
Those lowlife's that the religious leaders were talking about were the ones who had been baptized by John. They were the ones who accepted Jesus as their Messiah. They were the children of wisdom!
God still had something for John to learn, or say. But, the time was coming that John's life on earth would end.
Do you remember how John came to be in prison?
Matthew 14:3-5- For Herod had laid hold on John, and bound him, and put him in prison for Herodias' sake, his brother Philip's wife. For John said unto him, It is not lawful for thee to have her. And when he would have put him to death, he feared the multitude, because they counted him as a prophet.
He preached against the sin of Herod, and so he was arrested and thrown in prison. But, Herod didn't condemn him to death because he was afraid that the people would revolt.
However, some time had passed. Now that Jesus was preaching, some had forgotten about John.
Mark 6:21- And when a convenient day was come, that Herod on his birthday made a supper to his lords, high captains, and chief estates of Galilee;
Herod's birthday came around, and a nice banquet type party was thrown.
Herodias had kept what John said in her mind and had devised a way to get what she wanted. She told her daughter to go dance at Herod's birthday. If Herod was pleased with the dance he would offer a reward.
Herod was pleased, and he did offer a reward.
Mark 6:22-23- And when the daughter of the said Herodias came in, and danced, and pleased Herod and them that sat with him, the king said unto the damsel, Ask of me whatsoever thou wilt, and I will give it thee. And he sware unto her, Whatsoever thou shalt ask of me, I will give it thee, unto the half of my kingdom.
Matthew 14:7- Whereupon he promised with an oath to give her whatsoever she would ask.
He swore with an oath. That means he swore on his life, or on his god. His promise would be done or else evil would befall.
Always be careful what you promise, especially if you promise before you hear what you have to give!
Mark 6:24-25- And she went forth, and said unto her mother, What shall I ask? And she said, The head of John the Baptist. And she came in straightway with haste unto the king, and asked, saying, I will that thou give me by and by in a charger the head of John the Baptist.
Oh no! Herod was sorry that he had made such a foolish promise. He promised her whatever she would ask and she wanted John the Baptist's head to be cut off and delivered to her on a serving platter!
Mark 6:26-28- And the king was exceeding sorry; yet for his oath's sake, and for their sakes which sat with him, he would not reject her. And immediately the king sent an executioner, and commanded his head to be brought: and he went and beheaded him in the prison, And brought his head in a charger, and gave it to the damsel: and the damsel gave it to her mother.
Herod didn't want to look like a fool for promising something and then taking it back. So, he sadly ordered the execution of John.
Mark 6:29- And when his disciples heard of it, they came and took up his corpse, and laid it in a tomb.
His disciples found out that he had been killed, and they came to lay his body to rest. Perhaps his parents had already died, and they buried him in the family tomb. Or maybe, his father or mother were standing there crying watching their only son, their promise child be laid to rest. We don't know.
Matthew 14:12- And his disciples came, and took up the body, and buried it, and went and told Jesus.
So, John the Baptist's life had ended. His disciples came and buried his headless body. Then, they went and told Jesus what had happened to his cousin.
As Jesus' fame started to spread, many came to tell Herod what was going on. Herod was scared! He thought that John the Baptist had risen from the dead!
Mark 6:14-16- And king Herod heard of him; (for his name was spread abroad:) and he said, That John the Baptist was risen from the dead, and therefore mighty works do shew forth themselves in him. Others said, That it is Elias. And others said, That it is a prophet, or as one of the prophets. But when Herod heard thereof, he said, It is John, whom I beheaded: he is risen from the dead.
Can you imagine how Herod must have felt? But, he was wrong.
Luke 9:9- And Herod said, John have I beheaded: but who is this, of whom I hear such things? And he desired to see him.
Herod wanted to see Jesus. He wanted to know if it was John risen from the dead.
No! Not John. It was someone much worse for him. It was the Lord God Almighty come in the flesh.
And, one day, Herod will stand before Him and give an account for his life, and John's death.

The Life of Jesus Christ series coloring pages

The Life of Jesus Christ- Part 8

All of Jesus' disciples were men. But, that didn't mean that He didn't care about women. There were many women who were friends with Jesus, and many others that Jesus blessed.
John 4:1-4- When therefore the Lord knew how the Pharisees had heard that Jesus made and baptized more disciples than John, (Though Jesus himself baptized not, but his disciples,) He left Judaea, and departed again into Galilee. And he must needs go through Samaria.
It's important to note that only Jesus' disciples baptized. If baptism were a part of Salvation, then Jesus Himself would've been baptizing people.
Jesus had to travel through the city of Samaria. Remember in the Old Testament when the nation of Israel split in two? Jerusalem was the capital of the part called Judah, and Samaria became the capital of the part called Israel.
When the Jews went into captivity, the people left in Samaria began to marry with the others who came to live in the land. They became half-Jew and half-Gentile. Because of this mixture, neither the Jews nor the Gentiles wanted anything to do with them.
But, Jesus wasn't afraid to go there.
John 4:5-8-  Then cometh he to a city of Samaria, which is called Sychar, near to the parcel of ground that Jacob gave to his son Joseph. Now Jacob's well was there. Jesus therefore, being wearied with his journey, sat thus on the well: and it was about the sixth hour. There cometh a woman of Samaria to draw water: Jesus saith unto her, Give me to drink. (For his disciples were gone away unto the city to buy meat.)
Jesus was sitting on a well the Jacob had digged way back before the Jews were even considered a nation. He was waiting for His disciples to bring food back for Him to eat.
As He was sitting there, a woman came out of the city to draw some water.  She was amazed when Jesus started talking to her.
John 4:9-  Then saith the woman of Samaria unto him, How is it that thou, being a Jew, askest drink of me, which am a woman of Samaria? for the Jews have no dealings with the Samaritans.
She asked Jesus why He was talking to her. Why was this Jew asking her for a drink of water?
John 4:10-  Jesus answered and said unto her, If thou knewest the gift of God, and who it is that saith to thee, Give me to drink; thou wouldest have asked of him, and he would have given thee living water.
Jesus proceeded to tell her that He could give her living water. Do you know what He was talking about?
He was trying to tell her that He was the Messiah, the one that they had been waiting for.
She thought He meant some miracle and wanted to know if He was mightier than their ancestor who had digged the well.
John 4:13-14-  Jesus answered and said unto her, Whosoever drinketh of this water shall thirst again: But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life.
Jesus told her that the water which He could give would be everlasting- it would never end. He wanted her to know that the Salvation that He was coming to bring could be received by asking and could never be lost!
John 4:15-  The woman saith unto him, Sir, give me this water, that I thirst not, neither come hither to draw.
She thought that He meant literal water. She was hoping that He could give her magical water that would fill her up and she would never have to lug her pitcher down to the well to draw water again.
Jesus asked her to go get her husband. She said she wasn't married. But, when Jesus told her that He knew how many times she had been married, and how she was living now, she realized that He knew things only a prophet could know.
She asked Him a question that her whole town had probably wondered about for many generations, "Do we really have to worship at Jerusalem only?"
You see, the Jews worshiped at the temple in Jerusalem. And, they required all who worshiped The Lord God Almighty to come there to worship and sacrifice. But, they hated the Samaritans, so the Samaritans didn't like going there.
John 4:21, 23-24-  Jesus saith unto her, Woman, believe me, the hour cometh, when ye shall neither in this mountain, nor yet at Jerusalem, worship the Father.  But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him. God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.
Jesus told her that the Lord God Almighty was a Spirit. He was like the wind- everywhere, but you couldn't see Him.
So, the woman told Jesus that she knew that one day the Messiah would come. The promise from God of a Holy Man that could be seen.
John 4:26- Jesus saith unto her, I that speak unto thee am he.
As Jesus was plainly telling her that He was the Messiah, His disciples were returning from the market.
John 4:27-29- And upon this came his disciples, and marvelled that he talked with the woman: yet no man said, What seekest thou? or, Why talkest thou with her? The woman then left her waterpot, and went her way into the city, and saith to the men, Come, see a man, which told me all things that ever I did: is not this the Christ?
The disciples themselves wouldn't talk to the Samaritans, they were Jews. So, they were surprised that Jesus was having a conversation with this woman. They were probably even more surprised when she ran back to the city without her water jug, and returned a short time later with many people from the city!
John 4:30, 39-41 - Then they went out of the city, and came unto him. And many of the Samaritans of that city believed on him for the saying of the woman, which testified, He told me all that ever I did. So when the Samaritans were come unto him, they besought him that he would tarry with them: and he abode there two days. And many more believed because of his own word;
The disciples couldn't believe that Jesus was willing to stay in the city of the half-breeds! But, Jesus had a message for them.
John 4:34-36-  Jesus saith unto them, My meat is to do the will of him that sent me, and to finish his work. Say not ye, There are yet four months, and then cometh harvest? behold, I say unto you, Lift up your eyes, and look on the fields; for they are white already to harvest. And he that reapeth receiveth wages, and gathereth fruit unto life eternal: that both he that soweth and he that reapeth may rejoice together.
Jesus told them that not only were they like fishermen who caught people, but that they were like gardeners who were gathering the ripe fruits and veggies from the fields. They were to gather souls through salvation from all over the world.
But, this wasn't the only woman that Jesus helped.
Luke 8:1-3-  And it came to pass afterward, that he went throughout every city and village, preaching and shewing the glad tidings of the kingdom of God: and the twelve were with him, And certain women, which had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities, Mary called Magdalene, out of whom went seven devils, And Joanna the wife of Chuza Herod's steward, and Susanna, and many others, which ministered unto him of their substance.
Jesus had many women who worshiped Him. There was one lady that had seven wicked devils living in her. Jesus told those devils to go away and leave her alone. She followed Jesus all the way to the foot of the cross. She was so thankful to Jesus that she stayed with Him whenever she got the opportunity. She was also the first person to see Jesus after He rose from the grave!
There were some other women who had gone to the grave to see Jesus when they found the empty tomb.They, too, were friends and followers of Jesus during his earthly ministry.
Luke 10:38-42- Now it came to pass, as they went, that he entered into a certain village: and a certain woman named Martha received him into her house. And she had a sister called Mary, which also sat at Jesus' feet, and heard his word. But Martha was cumbered about much serving, and came to him, and said, Lord, dost thou not care that my sister hath left me to serve alone? bid her therefore that she help me. And Jesus answered and said unto her, Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things: But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her.
Mary and Martha lived with their brother, Lazarus. Jesus would sometimes stop and visit them on his way through their village. Martha was busy running about serving Jesus and His disciples. But, Mary was sitting at His feet listening as He taught.
This made Martha upset. Here she was bustling about to make sure everyone was taking care of, and yet Mary wouldn't even move from her spot to assist.
When Martha complained to Jesus about it, Jesus told her that Mary had chosen something that was needful and good. She was learning what the Lord God Almighty wanted them to know. Martha should've been learning, too, but she was preoccupied with other, less important, things.
There was another time when the Pharisees had caught a woman doing something she shouldn't have been doing. Their law said that she was guilty of death! They dragged her out to Jesus to see what He would do.
John 8:1-6- Jesus went unto the mount of Olives. And early in the morning he came again into the temple, and all the people came unto him; and he sat down, and taught them. And the scribes and Pharisees brought unto him a woman taken in adultery; and when they had set her in the midst, They say unto him, Master, this woman was taken in adultery, in the very act. Now Moses in the law commanded us, that such should be stoned: but what sayest thou? This they said, tempting him, that they might have to accuse him. But Jesus stooped down, and with his finger wrote on the ground, as though he heard them not.
Jesus heard their accusations, but instead of saying, "Then kill her." He crouched down and started writing something in the dust. The Bible never tells us what He wrote.
It could be that He wrote the part of Scripture that said that the women should die, but so should the other person who sinned along with her. It could be that He listed out the 10 Commandments so that they were reminded that they were all sinners.
We won't know until we get to heaven, but we do know that whatever He wrote convicted them!
John 8:7-9- So when they continued asking him, he lifted up himself, and said unto them, He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her. And again he stooped down, and wrote on the ground.  And they which heard it, being convicted by their own conscience, went out one by one, beginning at the eldest, even unto the last: and Jesus was left alone, and the woman standing in the midst.
Those wicked Pharisees knew all the evil that they themselves tried to hide from others. They quietly turned around and walked away without saying another word to the woman or Jesus.
When Jesus finally stood back up, the only person left standing there from the tribunal was the woman.
John 8:10-11- When Jesus had lifted up himself, and saw none but the woman, he said unto her, Woman, where are those thine accusers? hath no man condemned thee? She said, No man, Lord. And Jesus said unto her, Neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more.
Jesus looked at her and asked where those men were that were shouting for her death. She probably felt embarrassed knowing that she deserved what they had brought her there to do, but she raised her eyes and said, "No man, Lord."
Those words ring out truth, because humans can't really accuse others of sin without acknowledging that they, too, are sinners. But, the Lord God Almighty is no man, or He wasn't. The only one who could truly accuse her of sin was standing before her- God as a man, the Messiah!
But, Jesus didn't kill her, or even accuse her! He forgave her.
The same loving Savior that forgave that woman so long ago, still forgives those who humbly come to Him and confess their sins.
 I John 1:9- If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
What a wonderful Savior to forgive us even when we are guilty!

The Life of Jesus Christ series coloring pages

The Life of Jesus Christ- Part 7

Jesus knew that those who would follow Him would have a hard time during their lives. He knew how the Jews of old times had treated the prophets that God sent to warn them of their sins.
So, He probably wasn't surprised that Herod had imprisoned John.
Matthew 4:12, 31-32- Now when Jesus had heard that John was cast into prison, he departed into Galilee; And came down to Capernaum, a city of Galilee, and taught them on the sabbath days. And they were astonished at his doctrine: for his word was with power.
Jesus had a ministry that hadn't been seen in Israel for a long time. John the Baptist was the first messenger from God to the Jews in about 400 years! And, now there was Jesus who preached the message of God with power.
But, Jesus could do things that John never could.
Matthew 4:33-34- And in the synagogue there was a man, which had a spirit of an unclean devil, and cried out with a loud voice, Saying, Let us alone; what have we to do with thee, thou Jesus of Nazareth? art thou come to destroy us? I know thee who thou art; the Holy One of God.
Did you know that devils know who Jesus is? They do! They knew that He was the Messiah!
Matthew 4:35-37- And Jesus rebuked him, saying, Hold thy peace, and come out of him. And when the devil had thrown him in the midst, he came out of him, and hurt him not. And they were all amazed, and spake among themselves, saying, What a word is this! for with authority and power he commandeth the unclean spirits, and they come out. And the fame of him went out into every place of the country round about.
Jesus commanded the devils to leave that poor man, and they obeyed Him. Never before in the Bible had anyone been able to make a devil leave the person they were inhabiting. But, Jesus had power from God that no other man possessed.
Matthew 4:38-39- And he arose out of the synagogue, and entered into Simon's house. And Simon's wife's mother was taken with a great fever; and they besought him for her. And he stood over her, and rebuked the fever; and it left her: and immediately she arose and ministered unto them.
Jesus was able to heal Peter's mother-in-law by simply telling the sickness to go away.
Matthew 4:40-41- Now when the sun was setting, all they that had any sick with divers diseases brought them unto him; and he laid his hands on every one of them, and healed them. And devils also came out of many, crying out, and saying, Thou art Christ the Son of God. And he rebuking them suffered them not to speak: for they knew that he was Christ.
Part of Jesus ministry was casting the devils out of their victims, part of His ministry was healing those who were diseased, and part of his ministry was preaching.
Mark 1:40-42- And there came a leper to him, beseeching him, and kneeling down to him, and saying unto him, If thou wilt, thou canst make me clean. And Jesus, moved with compassion, put forth his hand, and touched him, and saith unto him, I will; be thou clean. And as soon as he had spoken, immediately the leprosy departed from him, and he was cleansed.
Jesus often healed those who had such diseases that made people run away. This man with leprosy had been forced to live away from friends and family because of this dreaded disease. But, just one touch from Jesus and he was given his health and his life back! This is what it means to be compassionate.
Luke 12:14-16- And he charged him to tell no man: but go, and shew thyself to the priest, and offer for thy cleansing, according as Moses commanded, for a testimony unto them. But so much the more went there a fame abroad of him: and great multitudes came together to hear, and to be healed by him of their infirmities. And he withdrew himself into the wilderness, and prayed.
Often times, Jesus would have to leave the hustle and bustle of His ministry to spend time with the Lord. He knew how important it was for the human body to rest. He know how important it was for the spirit of man to spend time with God.
After spending time in prayer, He was back at the ministry showing people how God wanted them to live.
Luke 6:20-23, 27-28- And he lifted up his eyes on his disciples, and said, Blessed be ye poor: for yours is the kingdom of God. Blessed are ye that hunger now: for ye shall be filled. Blessed are ye that weep now: for ye shall laugh. Blessed are ye, when men shall hate you, and when they shall separate you from their company, and shall reproach you, and cast out your name as evil, for the Son of man's sake. Rejoice ye in that day, and leap for joy: for, behold, your reward is great in heaven: for in the like manner did their fathers unto the prophets. But I say unto you which hear, Love your enemies, do good to them which hate you, Bless them that curse you, and pray for them which despitefully use you.
Jesus told them the disciples that troubles would come. But, instead of fighting and being mean to people, Jesus told them to be kind, and compassionate, and that God would reward them for this behavior.
This was certainly strange to hear! Who ever thought about being nice to their enemies?
Luke 6:31-33, 35-36- And as ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise. For if ye love them which love you, what thank have ye? for sinners also love those that love them. And if ye do good to them which do good to you, what thank have ye? for sinners also do even the same. But love ye your enemies, and do good, and lend, hoping for nothing again; and your reward shall be great, and ye shall be the children of the Highest: for he is kind unto the unthankful and to the evil. Be ye therefore merciful, as your Father also is merciful.
God has mercy on those who are wicked. He allows evil people to continue living so that they may have a chance to hear the gospel and get saved. If we are going to be like Jesus, we need to be kind to those who aren't kind to us.
Jesus went to many places to tell others the words of God. Some times he walked, some times he rode an animal, and some times he sailed.
Luke 8:22- Now it came to pass on a certain day, that he went into a ship with his disciples: and he said unto them, Let us go over unto the other side of the lake. And they launched forth.
Jesus and his disciples were taking a boat across a large sea.
Luke 8:23-But as they sailed he fell asleep: and there came down a storm of wind on the lake; and they were filled with water, and were in jeopardy.
You must remember that at least 4 of these disciples were fishermen. They were use to sailing on the sea. They had been in storms before. So, for them to feel that they were in jeopardy meant that this was a frighteningly bad storm!
Luke 8:24- And they came to him, and awoke him, saying, Master, master, we perish. Then he arose, and rebuked the wind and the raging of the water: and they ceased, and there was a calm.
All Jesus had to do was speak... and just like the devils had to leave their victims, just like diseases were wiped from the bodies of the sick, even nature immediately obeyed!
The disciples were in awe. Never before had anyone spoken to a hurricane type tempest and it completely ceased!
Luke 8:25- And he said unto them, Where is your faith? And they being afraid wondered, saying one to another, What manner of man is this! for he commandeth even the winds and water, and they obey him.
Jesus wondered where their faith was. Did they realize that He was the Son of God? He was the Creator of the entire world!
Luke 4:16-  And he came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up: and, as his custom was, he went into the synagogue on the sabbath day, and stood up for to read.
Jesus went back to his home town. The place where he grew up. The city where he had spent time with Joseph learning to be a carpenter.
Matthew 13:54-56- And when he was come into his own country, he taught them in their synagogue, insomuch that they were astonished, and said, Whence hath this man this wisdom, and these mighty works? Is not this the carpenter's son? is not his mother called Mary? and his brethren, James, and Joses, and Simon, and Judas? And his sisters, are they not all with us? Whence then hath this man all these things?
The people of the town couldn't understand how Jesus had all this power. They had watched Him grow up. They knew his brothers and sisters. They could probably tell you every problem his family went through.
Luke 4:22-24- And all bare him witness, and wondered at the gracious words which proceeded out of his mouth. And they said, Is not this Joseph's son? And he said unto them, Ye will surely say unto me this proverb, Physician, heal thyself: whatsoever we have heard done in Capernaum, do also here in thy country. And he said, Verily I say unto you, No prophet is accepted in his own country.
Jesus knew that they were thinking back on his time in their city. They weren't going to listen to the little boy they watched grow into a man. They wouldn't accept that He was the Messiah.
Luke 4:25-27- But I tell you of a truth, many widows were in Israel in the days of Elias, when the heaven was shut up three years and six months, when great famine was throughout all the land; But unto none of them was Elias sent, save unto Sarepta, a city of Sidon, unto a woman that was a widow. And many lepers were in Israel in the time of Eliseus the prophet; and none of them was cleansed, saving Naaman the Syrian.
Jesus told them about two different times in their history where a great prophet had to help a Gentile because the people who knew them wouldn't listen.
Remember, the Jews hated the Gentiles. And, this didn't make them happy!
Luke 4:28-29- And all they in the synagogue, when they heard these things, were filled with wrath, And rose up, and thrust him out of the city, and led him unto the brow of the hill whereon their city was built, that they might cast him down headlong.
These people that He grew up around tried to kill Him. But, it wasn't time for Jesus to die.
Luke 4:30; Mark 6:5-6- But he passing through the midst of them went his way, And he could there do no mighty work, save that he laid his hands upon a few sick folk, and healed them. And he marvelled because of their unbelief. And he went round about the villages, teaching.
Isn't it sad that people can hinder the work of God. I'm sure Jesus wanted to do so much more for this town, and for these people. But, they just wouldn't believe.
This wouldn't be the last time Jesus came across unbelieving people in His ministry. It was going to happen again.

The Life of Jesus Christ series coloring pages

The Life of Jesus Christ- Part 6

Luke 3:3-4- And he came into all the country about Jordan, preaching the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins; As it is written in the book of the words of Esaias the prophet, saying, The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.
John was out doing his job telling others about the coming Messiah. People from all walks of life came to see what John was preaching.
Luke 3:10-11- And the people asked him, saying, What shall we do then? He answereth and saith unto them, He that hath two coats, let him impart to him that hath none; and he that hath meat, let him do likewise.
He preached about giving to others who were in need.
Luke 3:12-13- Then came also publicans to be baptized, and said unto him, Master, what shall we do? And he said unto them, Exact no more than that which is appointed you.
He preached that you shouldn't steal from others.
Luke 3:14- And the soldiers likewise demanded of him, saying, And what shall we do? And he said unto them, Do violence to no man, neither accuse any falsely; and be content with your wages.
He preached against lying and harming others and being content with what you have.
Luke 3:18- And many other things in his exhortation preached he unto the people.
John preached a lot of good things! But, his main message was, "Repent!"
John 3:22-23- After these things came Jesus and his disciples into the land of Judaea; and there he tarried with them, and baptized. And John also was baptizing in Aenon near to Salim, because there was much water there: and they came, and were baptized.
There was a small period of time when both Jesus and John were preaching. Some times their paths crossed. Other times, they were each in a different location with their disciples.
John 3:25-26- Then there arose a question between some of John's disciples and the Jews about purifying. And they came unto John, and said unto him, Rabbi, he that was with thee beyond Jordan, to whom thou barest witness, behold, the same baptizeth, and all men come to him.
John's disciples were confused that the man, Jesus, who John had baptized wasn't following John the Baptist, but had his own ministry. They asked John why Jesus seemed to be taking John's followers.
But, John understood that his ministry wasn't suppose to be forever. He knew that his message was suppose to help people turn to Jesus, and follow Jesus.
John 3:27-28, 30-31, 33-36- John answered and said, A man can receive nothing, except it be given him from heaven. Ye yourselves bear me witness, that I said, I am not the Christ, but that I am sent before him. He must increase, but I must decrease. He that cometh from above is above all: he that is of the earth is earthly, and speaketh of the earth: he that cometh from heaven is above all. He that hath received his testimony hath set to his seal that God is true. For he whom God hath sent speaketh the words of God: for God giveth not the Spirit by measure unto him. The Father loveth the Son, and hath given all things into his hand. He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.
John wanted his disciples to understand that it was Jesus that was the Messiah. God sent Jesus from heaven so that all mankind would believe on Him and have the chance to receive eternal life.
John knew that whoever rejected Jesus would end up facing the wrath of God by spending eternity in hell.
He tried very hard to teach his disciples this. He wanted to get this point across to the Jews.
Luke 3:5-6- Every valley shall be filled, and every mountain and hill shall be brought low; and the crooked shall be made straight, and the rough ways shall be made smooth; And all flesh shall see the salvation of God.
Things were getting really stirred up around the land of Israel. Between Jesus and John's preaching, the religious leaders were getting upset.
Luke 3:7-9- Then said he to the multitude that came forth to be baptized of him, O generation of vipers, who hath warned you to flee from the wrath to come? Bring forth therefore fruits worthy of repentance, and begin not to say within yourselves, We have Abraham to our father: for I say unto you, That God is able of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham. And now also the axe is laid unto the root of the trees: every tree therefore which bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.
John would tell anyone that they needed to repent. And, he was very plain in how he told them. But, some people just didn't want to hear what John preached.
Mark 6:17-20-  For Herod himself had sent forth and laid hold upon John, and bound him in prison for Herodias' sake, his brother Philip's wife: for he had married her. For John had said unto Herod, It is not lawful for thee to have thy brother's wife. Therefore Herodias had a quarrel against him, and would have killed him; but she could not: For Herod feared John, knowing that he was a just man and an holy, and observed him; and when he heard him, he did many things, and heard him gladly.
Not only did the religious leaders of the Jews hate his message, but so did the ruling leaders of the Romans. Herod had married his brother's wife, and John told him that he shouldn't have done that.
Herodias, Herod's unlawful wife, wanted to have John killed! But, Herod feared that a riot would ensue if he put John to death. So, he watched him, and he listened to him, and he waited until he couldn't ignore John's preaching anymore.
Luke 3:19-20- But Herod the tetrarch, being reproved by him for Herodias his brother Philip's wife, and for all the evils which Herod had done,  Added yet this above all, that he shut up John in prison.
Herod was mad that John the Baptist had pointed out his sin and told him to repent. And, he threw John into prison.
John's ministry was coming to an end. He would sit in Herod's prison for a while hearing about the things that Jesus was preaching and doing.
Perhaps he blamed Herod for all his woes. Or, maybe he blamed God for allowing Herod to put him into prison. We don't know what John did or thought while he was in there. The time would come when he would get a chance to ask Jesus about some things. But, until then he would just have to wait.

The Life of Jesus Christ series coloring pages

The Life of Jesus Christ- Part 5

Throughout Jesus ministry there were many who believed on Him, many who rejected Him, and a few who went about to destroy Him.
Not everyone started out that way. It came about gradually as they hardened their hearts to His teachings.
John 3:1-3-  There was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews: The same came to Jesus by night, and said unto him, Rabbi, we know that thou art a teacher come from God: for no man can do these miracles that thou doest, except God be with him. Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.
A religious man from the sect of the Pharisees came to see Jesus during the night. He didn't want others to see that he was talking with Jesus. He told Jesus that they knew that He was a teacher from God.
Jesus knew what this man was after and so He just answered the question- Ye must be born again.
John 3:4-7- Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter the second time into his mother's womb, and be born? Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again.
The man was confused. He thought that Jesus was talking about his physical body and that he had to go back to being a baby again.
But, Jesus was talking about his spiritual body. His soul needed to be "born" again. Jesus was telling him that his soul was sinful and needed to be renewed by God.
John 3:9-12-  Nicodemus answered and said unto him, How can these things be? Jesus answered and said unto him, Art thou a master of Israel, and knowest not these things? Verily, verily, I say unto thee, We speak that we do know, and testify that we have seen; and ye receive not our witness. If I have told you earthly things, and ye believe not, how shall ye believe, if I tell you of heavenly things?
Nicodemus still didn't understand. But, he should have. He was suppose to be a person who studied the Scriptures. He should have recognized that Jesus was his Messiah.
John 3:14-19-  And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up: That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life. For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.
Jesus tried to tell him that He was suppose to die for mankind so that mankind could be saved. Their souls could only gain eternal life if Christ paid for their sins.
But, they couldn't understand. They didn't want to admit that they were in darkness and in need of a Savior- and this is why they ended up killing their Messiah.
Luke 4:15-21- And he taught in their synagogues, being glorified of all. And he came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up: and, as his custom was, he went into the synagogue on the sabbath day, and stood up for to read. And there was delivered unto him the book of the prophet Esaias. And when he had opened the book, he found the place where it was written, The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised, To preach the acceptable year of the Lord. And he closed the book, and he gave it again to the minister, and sat down. And the eyes of all them that were in the synagogue were fastened on him. And he began to say unto them, This day is this scripture fulfilled in your ears.
Jesus often got up in their religious buildings and told them that He was their Messiah. But, they didn't understand. They thought that their Messiah was coming to start a war with their enemies; but, Jesus first came to save men's lives. It's His second coming where He destroys enemies.
Luke 4:22, 24- And all bare him witness, and wondered at the gracious words which proceeded out of his mouth. And they said, Is not this Joseph's son?  And he said, Verily I say unto you, No prophet is accepted in his own country.
The people of Nazareth had watched Jesus grow up. They knew Him. They couldn't believe that He was the Messiah because there was nothing special about Him.
Jesus went on to tell them that it was a Gentile woman who accepted what Elijah said during the famine, and that it was a Gentile man who was cleansed from leprousy by doing what Elisha told him to. It was the Gentiles who had the ability to hear and believe, not the Jews.
Luke 4:28-30-  And all they in the synagogue, when they heard these things, were filled with wrath, And rose up, and thrust him out of the city, and led him unto the brow of the hill whereon their city was built, that they might cast him down headlong. But he passing through the midst of them went his way,
They didn't like that! They tried to kill Jesus, but it wasn't His time to die. He left their unbelieving city and went elsewhere to try to convince His people that He was their Messiah.
Mark 3:7-8-  But Jesus withdrew himself with his disciples to the sea: and a great multitude from Galilee followed him, and from Judaea, And from Jerusalem, and from Idumaea, and from beyond Jordan; and they about Tyre and Sidon, a great multitude, when they had heard what great things he did, came unto him.
Matthew 12:22-23-  Then was brought unto him one possessed with a devil, blind, and dumb: and he healed him, insomuch that the blind and dumb both spake and saw. And all the people were amazed, and said, Is not this the son of David?
Jesus was healing people and casting out the devils that controlled them, and they couldn't see that He was their Messiah. But, the devils knew.
Mark 3:11-12- And unclean spirits, when they saw him, fell down before him, and cried, saying, Thou art the Son of God. And he straitly charged them that they should not make him known.
It was not a common things for someone to cast out devils. This should have been a sign that they could clearly see, but the religious leaders didn't want to believe. They made excuses.
Matthew 12:24-  But when the Pharisees heard it, they said, This fellow doth not cast out devils, but by Beelzebub the prince of the devils.
Matthew 12:25, 27-28-  And Jesus knew their thoughts, and said unto them, Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation; and every city or house divided against itself shall not stand: And if I by Beelzebub cast out devils, by whom do your children cast them out? therefore they shall be your judges. But if I cast out devils by the Spirit of God, then the kingdom of God is come unto you.
Again, Jesus was telling them that He was sent from God, but all they could see was that neither Jesus nor His disciples followed their rules.
Luke 5:30-32- But their scribes and Pharisees murmured against his disciples, saying, Why do ye eat and drink with publicans and sinners? And Jesus answering said unto them, They that are whole need not a physician; but they that are sick. I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.
Perhaps they thought that the Messiah would show up and praise them for their holiness. Or, maybe they thought that the Christ would follow their traditions and laws. But, God makes the rules; not mankind.
Matthew 12:33-35- Either make the tree good, and his fruit good; or else make the tree corrupt, and his fruit corrupt: for the tree is known by his fruit. O generation of vipers, how can ye, being evil, speak good things? for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh. A good man out of the good treasure of the heart bringeth forth good things: and an evil man out of the evil treasure bringeth forth evil things.
They didn't understand that you couldn't be both good and bad in God's sight. All mankind was bad because they had all sinned, so they all needed a Savior.
Mark 3:28-30-  Verily I say unto you, All sins shall be forgiven unto the sons of men, and blasphemies wherewith soever they shall blaspheme: But he that shall blaspheme against the Holy Ghost hath never forgiveness, but is in danger of eternal damnation: Because they said, He hath an unclean spirit.
They said that Jesus was the prince of devils, or that He had an unclean spirit. But, they knew in their hearts that He was sent from God, and that if they accepted that fact it would mean that all their rules and traditions were wrong. And they would rather blind themselves and harden their hearts than admit that!
Mark 7:1-3, 5-7, 13-  Then came together unto him the Pharisees, and certain of the scribes, which came from Jerusalem. And when they saw some of his disciples eat bread with defiled, that is to say, with unwashen, hands, they found fault. For the Pharisees, and all the Jews, except they wash their hands oft, eat not, holding the tradition of the elders. Then the Pharisees and scribes asked him, Why walk not thy disciples according to the tradition of the elders, but eat bread with unwashen hands? He answered and said unto them, Well hath Esaias prophesied of you hypocrites, as it is written, This people honoureth me with their lips, but their heart is far from me. Howbeit in vain do they worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.  Making the word of God of none effect through your tradition, which ye have delivered: and many such like things do ye.
Luke 6:1-2- And it came to pass on the second sabbath after the first, that he went through the corn fields; and his disciples plucked the ears of corn, and did eat, rubbing them in their hands. And certain of the Pharisees said unto them, Why do ye that which is not lawful to do on the sabbath days?
Luke 6:5-7- And he said unto them, That the Son of man is Lord also of the sabbath. And it came to pass also on another sabbath, that he entered into the synagogue and taught: and there was a man whose right hand was withered. And the scribes and Pharisees watched him, whether he would heal on the sabbath day; that they might find an accusation against him.
Luke 6:8-9: Mark 3:4b-  But he knew their thoughts, and said to the man which had the withered hand, Rise up, and stand forth in the midst. And he arose and stood forth. Then said Jesus unto them, I will ask you one thing; Is it lawful on the sabbath days to do good, or to do evil? to save life, or to destroy it?   But they held their peace.
Another time, Jesus was in their synagogue and He wanted to heal a man. This poor man had a hand that he couldn't use. Jesus was on this earth to seek and save the souls of men. But, the religious leaders were so stuck in what was on the outside, what others saw you do, that they couldn't accept that Jesus was doing what was right.
God created the law of the Sabbath, so Jesus knew what was lawful on the Sabbath! Jesus was come to fulfil the law, not break it.
Mark 3:5-  And when he had looked round about on them with anger, being grieved for the hardness of their hearts, he saith unto the man, Stretch forth thine hand. And he stretched it out: and his hand was restored whole as the other.
Luke 6:11-  And they were filled with madness; and communed one with another what they might do to Jesus.
Mark 3:6-  And the Pharisees went forth, and straightway took counsel with the Herodians against him, how they might destroy him.

Jesus knew that they would get upset. He knew that they were now going to try to find a way to destroy Him. But, He also knew that was why He came.

The Life of Jesus Christ series coloring pages

The Life of Jesus Christ- Part 4

Jesus is just getting started in his earthly ministry. He will preaching, teaching, exhorting, and healing people for about three and a half years.
The Bible takes note of the first miracle that Jesus ever performed.
John 2:1-2- And the third day there was a marriage in Cana of Galilee; and the mother of Jesus was there: And both Jesus was called, and his disciples, to the marriage.
Jesus and his disciples went to a marriage in one of the cities of Galilee. Perhaps it was a close friend of the family, since his mother was also there.
The Bible tells us that it was the third day. I could mean that the marriage was on the third day of the week, or maybe it was the third day after Jesus returned from the temptations by the devil.
The Bible uses certain words for a reason. The third day is significant, because there will be two thousand years between the time of Christ's earthly ministry and the tribulation on earth. During the tribulation, beginning the third thousandth year, there will be something called the Marriage Supper of the Lamb in heaven. All those who are saved will be called to this marriage!
John 2:3-  And when they wanted wine, the mother of Jesus saith unto him, They have no wine.
During this wedding, they ran out of grape juice. The Bible often refers to grape juice as wine, or new wine. Remember that Jesus came to fulfill the law, not break it, so He would not be drinking fermented wine.
John 2:4-5- Jesus saith unto her, Woman, what have I to do with thee? mine hour is not yet come. His mother saith unto the servants, Whatsoever he saith unto you, do it.
Mary wanted Jesus to help out with the problem of having no more grape juice. But, Jesus knew that it really wasn't time for Him to be openly showing Himself as the Messiah.
Mary then tells the servants who were serving the food and drink to do whatever Jesus told them to do. That's important! If Mary had any powers she would have been able to take care of the problem herself. But, Mary was a regular, sinful human being. She was chosen by God to be the vessel to bring the Messiah into the world because she was of the descendants of King David, and because she was trying to do right and obey the law- not because she was perfect or holy.
John 2:6-7-  And there were set there six waterpots of stone, after the manner of the purifying of the Jews, containing two or three firkins apiece. Jesus saith unto them, Fill the waterpots with water. And they filled them up to the brim.
Jesus told the servants to take the waterpots that were usually set out for people to wash their faces and hands in and to fill them with water. The servants were told to obey whatever Jesus said and so they filled them with water.
John 2:8- And he saith unto them, Draw out now, and bear unto the governor of the feast. And they bare it.
I'm sure this struck them as odd. They had just filled these waterpots with water, and now Jesus was telling them to take some out and bring it to the most noble man at the wedding!
I'm sure they were nervous as one of the servants brought a cup of what he knew to be water to the nobleman.
John 2:9- When the ruler of the feast had tasted the water that was made wine, and knew not whence it was: (but the servants which drew the water knew;) the governor of the feast called the bridegroom,
Their worry must have turned into fear when they heard the nobleman call for the bridegroom! Perhaps they thought that the governor was going to complain that the servants had given him water instead of grape juice!
But, we never need to fear when we obey what Jesus tells us to do!
John 2:10-  And saith unto him, Every man at the beginning doth set forth good wine; and when men have well drunk, then that which is worse: but thou hast kept the good wine until now.
The governor was praising the bridegroom for his tact. Most people wait until the guests are full and don't really care how the food and drink taste, then they bring out the not-so-good stuff. But, the nobleman was surprised when this was the best tasting grape juice!
Imagine the relief the servants must have felt!
John 2:11-  This beginning of miracles did Jesus in Cana of Galilee, and manifested forth his glory; and his disciples believed on him.
Jesus' disciples were going to witness many miracles performed by the Messiah. This was just the first. Each miracle was going to cement in their hearts and minds that Jesus was truly the Son of God.
John 2:12- After this he went down to Capernaum, he, and his mother, and his brethren, and his disciples: and they continued there not many days.
After the wedding ,Jesus went with His family and His disciples to Capernaum. He stayed there for a few days.
Then, He took His disciples and went to Jerusalem to celebrate the Passover like He did every year.
John 2:13-16- And the Jews' passover was at hand, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem, And found in the temple those that sold oxen and sheep and doves, and the changers of money sitting: And when he had made a scourge of small cords, he drove them all out of the temple, and the sheep, and the oxen; and poured out the changers' money, and overthrew the tables; And said unto them that sold doves, Take these things hence; make not my Father's house an house of merchandise.
When Jesus walked into the temple He got angry! He looked around at what should have been a holy place to worship the Lord God Almighty and saw people selling sheep and cattle and birds. There was probably animal poop everywhere, along with hay and bird seed for the animals to eat. Then He saw others sitting at a table with money which they had gotten from selling these animals to the visitors.
When God told the Jews back in the Old Testament to sacrifice an animal for their sin, it was to be an animal that they had raised. It was suppose to be something that they took care of, and something that they would be sad to lose. It was to remind them that sin had a cost!
But, here people were buying animals and sacrificing them without getting the full feeling of how bad their sin was!
Jesus sat down and began to braid a whip out of cords of material. Maybe He was praying that God would help Him, or perhaps He was just looking around and taking it all in.
When He finally stood up and began to drive out the sellers and the merchandise, He had tempered His emotions. He was not doing this out of sheer anger. He was doing this as a righteous man who was grieved by the wickedness He saw around Him.
Ephesians 4:26- Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath
It is not a sin to get angry. It's a sin to allow anger to consume you. If you get angry at evil doers, or at the wickedness that is happening around you it is not a sin. But, if you dwell on how angry it makes you, and don't let it go and give it over to God, then it is a sin.
Remember, Jesus came to fulfill the law, not break it. He didn't sin.
John 2:17-  And his disciples remembered that it was written, The zeal of thine house hath eaten me up.
The disciples were going to learn a lot about Jesus. And, by learning about Jesus and remembering what the Old Testament had to say, they were going to learn a lot about the Lord God Almighty.
John 2:18-19-  Then answered the Jews and said unto him, What sign shewest thou unto us, seeing that thou doest these things? Jesus answered and said unto them, Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.
Now, remember that the Jews always ask for a sign. Jesus just threw everyone and everything that shouldn't be there out of the temple. They wanted to know what sign He would show to prove that He was a prophet.
Jesus told them that if they destroyed this temple He would raise it up in three days. The Jews being human beings thought He was talking about the building.
John 2:20-21-  Then said the Jews, Forty and six years was this temple in building, and wilt thou rear it up in three days? But he spake of the temple of his body.
I Corinthians 6:19-  What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?
Jesus was talking about His body, not a building. Our bodies can be considered a type of temple. The temple is where the Spirit of the Lord God Almighty dwelt. When we get saved the Holy Spirit comes to live inside of us, and so our bodies become the temple of the Holy Ghost.
John 2:22-  When therefore he was risen from the dead, his disciples remembered that he had said this unto them; and they believed the scripture, and the word which Jesus had said.
Later, after Jesus would die and rise again, the disciples would remember that He had said this. And, this would help them to realize the Jesus was not only the Messiah, but He was the Son of God who could know the future.
John 2:23-25- Now when he was in Jerusalem at the passover, in the feast day, many believed in his name, when they saw the miracles which he did. But Jesus did not commit himself unto them, because he knew all men, And needed not that any should testify of man: for he knew what was in man.
On the day when they were to eat the passover lamb, Jesus did many miracles which helped people to believe that He was the Messiah. But, Jesus knew that they would try to force Him to become their king and that would start a war with the Roman Empire.
Jesus wasn't here to start a war! He was here to bring God's plan of salvation to pass. So, He left Jerusalem before anyone could try to start a revolt.
Mark 1:35-38-  And in the morning, rising up a great while before day, he went out, and departed into a solitary place, and there prayed. And Simon and they that were with him followed after him. And when they had found him, they said unto him, All men seek for thee. And he said unto them, Let us go into the next towns, that I may preach there also: for therefore came I forth.
Jesus knew how important it was to keep the communication between Himself and the Lord God Almighty open. Sometimes we need to leave all the hustle and bustle of life and find a quiet spot to read the Scriptures and pray. It's easier to hear God's voice when there aren't so many distractions around.
Jesus went out alone to pray. And, His disciples came looking for Him. They told Him that people were trying to find Him.
Jesus said they were going to leave Jerusalem and go to another city. In fact, they were going to travel to many cities in Israel. Jesus was sent to preach to as many people as He could!
Luke 4:42- And when it was day, he departed and went into a desert place: and the people sought him, and came unto him, and stayed him, that he should not depart from them.
When the people finally found Him in the quiet prayer place, they wanted Him to stay in their town. But, Jesus told them that He was sent to all Israel, not just their town.
Jesus was going to travel a lot during His three and a half year ministry!

Luke 4:43-  And he said unto them, I must preach the kingdom of God to other cities also: for therefore am I sent.

The Life of Jesus Christ series coloring pages