Large crowds of people came looking for Jesus, especially after he raised Lazarus from the dead. The story gained legs, and everyone wanted a glimpse at the miracle-working teacher among them.

Everyone except the Pharisees. They wanted to get rid Jesus, do him in, put a permanent kibosh on his career. Now Lazarus emerged, a walking billboard for the power of Jesus. Like a good mafia family, the Pharisees decided to put a hit out on Lazarus as well.

What made this particular group of religious teachers, men who studied the scriptures their whole lives, devolve into a conniving band of cutthroats?

There may have been multiple reasons, but I suspect Jesus threatened their hold on power. The Pharisees controlled the religious practices of a deeply religious people, with authority extending to all levels of society. Jesus undermined this superiority and privilege.

So they put a contract out on Jesus and added Lazarus as well. While they succeeded in nailing Jesus to the cross, it appears Lazarus escaped unharmed, except, of course, for watching his friend suffer and die.

Power corrupts, in religious circles as anywhere else. At the same hour the Pharisees conspired, Jesus washed his disciples feet. He told them, I have set an example that you should do as I have done for you. Jesus sat his power aside in order to serve others.

Which is a much better way for me to practice my religion.

John 12 & 13 in reading the Bible cover to cover in 2022

Photo by mahdi rezaei

My wife and I enjoy songs from the 70’s (the golden era of rock ‘n roll). We both like the music, but my wife famously remembers almost none of the lyrics. Of course, lots of the lyrics make little sense—I’ve been through the desert on a horse with no name—so maybe she’s not missing much.

Ezekiel experienced a similar phenomenon. The Lord described those hearing his prophecies: Indeed to them you are nothing more than one who sings love songs with a beautiful voice and plays the instrument well, for they hear your words but do not put them into practice.

What went into the ear failed to penetrate the heart.

Which is my problem as well. It’s one thing to read the words of God or hear them taught, but it’s another thing altogether to put them into practice. Without applying them, all I get are vapid love songs with syrupy lyrics.

Some words, like lyrics, aren’t worth remembering. But others are worth memorizing and living by and passing on to others.

Good music combines words and tune. Just like the only true way to follow the Lord is to work His words deep into your life.

Ezekiel 33 in reading the Bible cover to cover 2022

Photo by Markus Spiske

Lots of interesting people asked Jesus questions. Pharisees grilled him over and over, expecting to trip him up. But others asked out of purer motives, hoping to gain insight into a life approved by God.

One day a rich, young ruler asked Jesus, Good teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?

After a discussion on the commandments, Jesus replied, You still lack one thing. Sell everything you have and give it to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.

The young man grew sad, because he was very wealthy, the implication being that he just couldn’t part with his riches. Perhaps someday he did? I hope these words from Jesus echoed in his heart in the coming years.

I find this passage super convicting—I see myself in the rich young ruler.

Compared to the 8 billion+ people in this world, I possess a great deal of money. I own a comfortable home and two vehicles. While I’m not young, I’m young at heart (not the same, but it’s all I got), and in good health. I enjoy an education most people around the world only dream of. Opportunities exist around me, and the U.S. is still the most coveted destination to live in the world.

I’ve been given great gifts—will I trust the Lord with them? Jesus wants everything I have and everything I am. He wants me to to sell it all for him again and again—am I willing to do so?

I don’t know. I wrestle with these questions. The words of Jesus never get less challenging, and his question remains—will you sell it all for me?

Luke 18 in reading the Bible cover to cover in 2022

Photo by Vita Vilcina

This past week we got the news that Steve Douglass, past president of Cru/Campus Crusade for Christ, passed on into glory.

Hebrews 13:7 encourages us to remember your leaders, those who spoke to you the word of God. Consider the outcome of their way of life, and imitate their faith.

I heard a story a few years ago from one of his assistants. Steve traveled extensively in his leadership role, always flying economy and working while on the plane. With his status from so much air travel, Steve was offered a free upgrade to first class on occasion. I assumed he took the bump up to more comfortable digs.

Apparently not. His assistant explained that Steve never wanted to give the impression that he spent funds raised to fulfill the Great Commission on a first class seat for himself. Economy worked just fine.

I was impressed. I always grab the upgrade when offered (such a rare occurrence). Steve sacrificed his comfort so others wouldn’t get distracted from coming to know Jesus.

That’s impressive from a leader.

Steve Douglass’s faith left a lot to imitate, and I appreciate working in the organization he led for many years. May he enjoy his eternal reward.

Read more at Cru.org