Category: 7 Arrows

Jesus disrupts the corrupt business in the temple. This got the attention of everyone.

The religious leaders were very angry. But the people who were there to worship- they recognized the corruption Jesus was angry about.

Anger in itself is not sinful. Anger can be warranted and the best response.

But what you do with the anger…that is the tricky part. Many times we humans are controlled by anger and catapulted into sinful behavior.

Reserve anger for what makes God angry, but don’t sin.

I don’t trust myself very much to do what Jesus did here. Unlike Jesus, my emotions and motives may not be pure, especially in a heated situation.

Lord Jesus, thank you for your boldness and that even your anger is just and actions pure.

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During the busiest, most demanding week of his time on earth, Jesus takes time to curse a fig tree. But there is more to this story.

Locals would be familiar with the fig tree being used as a picture of Israel, and figs representing prosperity. There is the analogy. God’s people should have been bearing fruit, but they were not. And now God’s blessing is about to go worldwide.

Faith is to be in God alone.

Men are amazed at answered prayers. By contrast, Jesus expected prayers to be answered.

Have faith in God.

Remember God’s plan is always bigger.

Father, I trust your plans entirely. Help my heart to follow.

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Jesus is welcome with cheers and his mind was on prayer.

Could King Jesus be about to take over? Is this the moment?

Jesus is King regardless if people recognize it or not.

People are fickle.

Hail King Jesus! Everyday.

You don’t really know where people’s hearts truly are…and maybe they don’t either.

Lord Jesus, you are the King of kings!

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Jesus miraculously heals bling Bartimaeus.

Many people knew (or knew of) this blind man. The news of this healing was huge! Word would have spread quickly.

God is able.

God gifts us with faith to acknowledge our deepest need.

Bring it to Jesus no matter what it is.

Mercy is a powerful and beautiful motivation. Recognizing it enough to be moved my mercy is by walking closely in step with the Holy Spirit.

Father, thank you for your great mercy and the power to meet our deepest needs.

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Jesus very plainly speaks of his upcoming crucifixion and resurrection.

This is plain talk. On the front end it was likely not understood because it made no sense. But after the events unfolded…prophetic.

The cross and resurrection were always the endgame of the earthly ministry of Jesus- the pinnacle.

We simply can’t process what we have no point of reference for.

Treasure Jesus’ great sacrifice and powerful triumph over sin and death.

Keep the main thing the main thing- Jesus and his great mission.

Lord Jesus, thank you for what you’ve done in order to settle my sin debt completely.

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Jesus speaks of the tension between wealth and the Kingdom.

In this culture (like our own), wealth was perceived as being blessed or favored and the poor were seen as less than…maybe even cursed. Jesus pointing out the accompanying problems was surprising.

God does not share worship.

Wealth or the pursuit of it can be a cruel master.

Don’t be distracted by dollars.

Even the most secular-minded people can see the obvious pitfalls of wealth above all else. This could be common ground for Gospel-centered conversation.

Jesus, I want you more. You alone satisfy my soul.

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Jesus blesses the children and uses the moment to teach about the Kingdom.

This interaction was directly after dealing with divorce (v.1-12). Children could have been abandoned along with their mothers. That makes this moment even more tender.

God values simple faith and honesty.

Sometimes people are selfish and see children as a burden rather than the blessing they are.

Embrace children and emulate their child-like faith.

We can learn much from children about how to love unconditionally.

Father, help my faith be pure and my joy overflowing.

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Pharisees try to trip up Jesus on a question about divorce.

In this culture, women could be “thrown away” by their husbands, leaving her shamed and abandoned to fend for herself.

God values the marriage covenant.

Men look for loopholes for their own benefit.

Marriage is a God ordained gift. Treasure it as intended.

Jesus elevated the place of the powerless. Wives are not to be thrown away on a whim, nor are husbands,

Father, thank you for the beautiful gift of marriage. Help us honor you with it.

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Jesus frees a boy from a particularly obstinate demon and the disciples get a prayer lesson.

The power and authority of Jesus seem limitless. It is.

God clearly sees the immense cosmic battle of the universe.

Man has vast limitations.

Pray- commune with the Father. Rest in his sovereignty.

Point to the kindness and ultimate power of God often.

Lord, you are the highest, wisest, and most powerful.

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Jesus shows Peter, James, & John a glimpse of his divinity.

Elijah and Moses appearing with dazzling Jesus would have helped Jewish folks connect major dots.

Jesus is fully God.

Even those who saw the “greatest hits” of Jesus first hand only saw a glimpse of his glory and majesty.

Listen to Jesus! (v.7)

Remember and trust the radiant fully God / fully man, Christ Jesus.

Jesus, thank you for glimpses of glory we see of you in scriptures. Help me ingest it in my deepest parts and remember you always.

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