Malchus page 6

 Malchus page 6 by ric gustafson

Malchus tried to sneek through the kitchen.

" Malchus".

His master walked in. " Did you reassure the traders earlier?".

" Yes Master, I did".

" There will be a meeting here shortly". He frowned. " I want you to be here".

Later, forty five members of the Sanhedrin gathered. Some were chief priests, some scribes and elders. They sat around a large olive wood table. Sunlight beamed through a balcony opening. Oil lamps lit up the table. 

Malchus knew some of those present. He recognized Elias who was in charge of the treasury. He noticed Pelai who was the Temple jailer. 

Jonathan tried to hurry up and get to the meeting. All of a sudden, he was stopped by a young man with curly black hair.

" I have information you might be interested in".

Jonathan focused on the young man's face. " Who are you?".

" That is not important right now". His eyes darted around. " I can deliver him to you".

" Deliver whom to us".

The young man stared at Jonathan. " Jesus of Nazareth".

Jonathan scratched his chin. " And how do you know this Jesus?".

" I am a member of his core group".

research help: ' Malchus' by W. G. Griffiths

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Malchus page 5

 Malchus page 5 by ric gustafson

Malchus stood in front of the elderly merchant. " Your trading will not be bothered today".

The old man looked around with worry. " That's easy for you to say".

Just then, Malchus heard a commotion from the other side of the Temple. He ran toward the Court of the Gentiles. A man ran past him.

" I've been healed". The man hugged Malchus and then ran off. " It's a miracle".

Malchus ran behind a pillar. In front of it was the rabbi Jesus and his boss. Joining him was Jonathon and some other priests.

" Rabbi, by what authority are you doing these things?". He pointed a finger at Jesus. " Who gave you this authority?".

" I will ask you one thing too". Jesus stared at his accuser. " If you tell me, I will also tell you by what authority I do these things".

Caiaphas nodded his head in agreement.

" Was the baptism of John from heaven or from men?".

Caiaphas, Jonathon and the priests huddled together and conferred.

" We don't know".

" Then neither will I tell you by what authority I do what I do".

research help: ' Malchus' by W. G. Griffiths

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Malchus page 4

 Malchus page 4 by ric gustafson

Malchus walked by the Sheep Gate. He held his nose. Flocks came through the gate. Some went to the Temple to be sold and sacrificed. A crowd had gathered. Somebody bumped him.

" Sorry". He grinned. " I'm just trying to keep my place in this crowd".

Malchus looked around. " What's all the excitement about?".

" Everyone is heading toward the Pool of Bethesda". He was speaking in an excited voice. " Somebody said that Jesus was there".

As he walked with the crowd, Malchus knew the history of the Pool. It was used by sick and lame people trying to get well. Malchus had heard the Jewish belief that an angel sometimes comes and stirs up the water, The first person to step in gets healed.

When the crowd reached the Pool, Malchus was disappointed. The Rabbi had already left. Malchus walked to the outer gates of the Temple. The beauty of the Temple amazed the young slave. He decided to go talk with the traders about the recent incident involving Jesus.

research: ' Malchus' by W. G. Griffiths

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Malchus page 3

 Malchus page 3 by ric gustafson

Malchus tried to quietly walk past the meeting room.

" Malchus, come here".

He walked into the room. He saw his master talking to a tall man. He was the captain of the temple guard.

" You are back from taking care of my chariot horses".

" Yes Master".

" A den of thieves". Caiaphas banged a fist on a nearby table. " Jonathon, he called my temple a den of thieves".

" Sire, next time we will catch him".

" How could you have let him go?".

" Sire, by the time I arrived with my men". His voice hesitated. " He had already disappeared into the crowd".

He pointed a finger at the son of Annas. " There will not be a next time".

He turned to his young slave. " I want you to go to the temple tomorrow". He frowned. " I want to make sure this type of incident never happens again".

" Yes Master".

research help: ' Malchus' by W. G. Griffiths

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Lent 2021: our justification

 Lent 2021: our justification by ric gustafson

When we are justified, we have been tried and found innocent. We are found not guilty. Justifying is a verdict. In ordinary terms, justification is hopeless. Jesus Christ shed his blood to cancel the guilt of our crime. Romans 5:9 says we have now been justified by his blood. That is the removal of our guilt. That does not declare us righteous. Jesus cancelled our sin. Praise God's name.

research help: ' The Passion of Jesus Christ' by John Piper

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Malchus page 2

 Malchus page 2 by ric gustafson

The old man kissed the forehead of the donkey colt. " This donkey colt is the prophecy fulfilled over five hundred years ago by the prophet Zechariah".

" What did the prophecy say?".

" Behold your king is coming humble and mounted on a donkey even on a colt the foal of a donkey".

" What happened today Japhet?".

" I noticed two men untying the colt that was tied to that post behind you".

Malchus scratched his chin. " You did not know who they were".

" No". His voice hesitated. " I asked them what they were doing".

" What did they say?".

" They told me that the Lord has need of your animal".

Malchus scratched his chin again. " Did they return it unharmed?".

" Yes". Japhet smiled. " They told me Jesus of Nazareth rode on it".

Surprise came over Malchus. " Jesus of Nazareth".

" You know of him".

" A little bit based on what my Master has told me".

" Malchus my boy". Japhet patted the head of the colt. " Now I believe that the Messiah has come".

research help: ' Malchus' by W.G. Griffiths

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Malchus page 1

 Malchus page 1 by ric gustafson

Malchus turned off the main road. He started down a quiet road toward a small village. The village of Bethany was a break from the busyness of nearby Jerusalem. Two black Arabians pulled the temple chariot down a dusty lane. It stopped at the entrance to the Garden Stable.

Malchus led the team to a tree near the entrance. He got down and walked to a nearby well. As he drank, he noticed an old man walking toward him leading a donkey colt with a rope.

The old man shuffled up to the young man. " Malchus, is that you?".

" Yes Japhet it is". He shook the old man's hand. " I have not been here for quite a while".

The old man glanced at the Arabians. " Your master Caiaphas wants his horses reshod I assume".

" Yes". He stared at the colt. " Japhet, why are you holding onto that donkey colt like that?".

" Malchus, my boy". The old man began to cry. " Let me tell you what happened today".

research help: ' Malchus' by W.G. Griffiths

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I Sendler page 15

 I Sendler page 15 by ric gustafson

The Polish officer smiled at Irena. " You are a hero Frau Sendler".

" What do you mean?".

" You and your companion Adam fought with the resistance  during the Warsaw Uprising".

" Yes".

" Zegota got you out of Gestapo Headquarters".

" Yes".

" And you saved how many Jewish children?".

" 2,500".

" You are a Polish hero of the war".

" Thank you".

" No Frau Sendler". The Polish officer grinned. " Thank you".

The End.

research help: ' Irena's War' by James D Shipman

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I Sendler page 14

 I Sendler page 14 by ric gustafson

Colonel Wagner was angry.

" Rein". He stood up from his chair. " I want to see this food distribution Pole you have arrested".

Klaus rang a bell. A soldier appeared. " Bring me the prisoner from cell 9".

He left".

" Rein". The colonel gave Klaus an angry look. " You better be right about this Pole".

Klaus grinned. " She knows all about Zegota".

The guard returned. " The cell is empty".

Klaus yelled. " What do you mean it's empty?".

" The prisoner is gone".

" Rein, this is going in my report to Frank". He shook his head. " Your career is finished".

research help: ' Irena's War' by James D Shipman

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I Sendler page 13

 I Sendler page 13 by ric gustafson

" Irena".

She opened her eyes to notice that her wrists and ankles were tied to a chair.

" Where am I?". Her face showed terror. " Where is Kaji?".

" She's gone Irena". He frowned. " She's been sent east".

Irena began to cry. " There is no point in living".

" Irena". He gave her a serious stare. " I need to know about Zegota".

" I don't know anything about them".

" Yes, you do". Klaus sighed. " I will give you one hour to gather your thoughts".

" And if I can't".

" Harm will come to you". He sighed. " From me".

He rang a bell. A soldier came in. 

" Take this prisoner to cell 9".

research help: ' Irena's War' by James D Shipman

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I Sendler page 12

 I Sendler page 12 by ric gustafson

Irena ran down Smocza Street. She saw a large crowd of people walking toward the train station. Then she noticed the children.

She looked around. " Where was Kaji?".

" Frau Sendler". It was Klaus standing with some fellow officers. " What are you doing?".

" Looking for Kaji?".

Klaus pointed toward one of the train cars. Kaji was standing at the doorway with Dr Korczak.

Irena ran toward the railcar.

A soldier hit her in the back of the head with his rifle. She slumped to the ground. As she began to black out, she saw Dr Korczak and Kaji enter the railcar. Guards closed and locked the railcar doors.

When she was able to open her eyes to see, the train was gone.

" My little girl is gone".

The train's destination was Treblinka.

research help: ' Irena's War' by James D Shipman

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Lent 2021: forgiveness of our sins

 Lent 2021: forgiveness of our sins by ric gustafson

Forgiveness assumes grace. Grace gives what someone does not deserve. Forgiveness is not getting even. When we believe in Jesus, God no longer holds our sins against us. Sin is serious. That is why Jesus suffered and died. Forgiveness costs us nothing. Grace cost Jesus is life. God does not hold our sins against us. Praise be to God.

research help: ' The Passion of Jesus Christ' by John Piper

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I Sendler page 11

 I Sendler page 11 by ric gustafson

Klaus walked into the dark room.

" That's far enough".

He stopped. " I was told you have information for me".

" There is an operation in place to smuggle Jewish children out of the ghetto".

Klaus grinned. " Who's in charge of this operation?".

" A resistance group called Zegota".

Klaus laughed. " I have dealt with resistance groups before".

" This group is different".

" How is that?".

" They have deep pockets and deep connections".

Klaus scratched his chin. " How much do you want for this information?".

" 50,000 zlotys".

" Deal".

research help: ' Irena's War' by James D Shipman

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Lent 2021: a ransom for many

 Lent 2021: a ransom for many by ric gustafson

Satan was defeated at the cross. According to Hebrews 2:14, that through death he might destroy the one who has the power of death that is the devil. Jesus was the payment there was no negotiation. The ransom was received by God. Jesus was the substitute on our behalf. We are freed from the condemnation of God. Jesus gave up his life in death. Jesus paid the price. He gave his life as a ransom for us.

Praise God's name/

research help: ' The Passion of Jesus Christ' by John Piper

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I Sendler page 10

 I Sendler page 10 by ric gustafson

The blindfold was taken off of Irena's face. There was a man seated at a table.

" It's nice to see you again Irena".

She recognized the voice. " I've needed your help for a long time now".

" We had to make sure we could trust you".

" I need your help". She frowned. " I want to get the Jewish children out of the orphanage".

" We can help you".

" Who is we?".

" We are the Zegota". He grinned. " My name is Julian Grobelny".

" How can you help me?".

" Using the All Saints Church". His voice hesitated. " We might be able to get your children out".

" Please help me".

" Ok". He smiled. " Your code name is now Jolanta".

research help: ' Irena's War' by James D Shipman

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Lent 2021: Jesus's love for us

 Lent 2021: Jesus's love for us by ric gustafson

Jesus's love for us is immense. According to Galatians 2:20, Christ loved me and gave himself for me. Jesus loves me. I am lost and perishing. Because of my sins, I plead for mercy. Who did Jesus suffer and die for. Jesus died for me. According to Matthew 20:28, the Son of Man gave his life as a ransom for many. Jesus's love for me is eternal. Praise God's name.

research help: ' The Passion of Jesus Christ' by John Piper

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I Sendler page 9

 I Sendler page 9 by ric gustafson

It was July 1942. Irena was patiently waiting at the gate to enter the ghetto. It was very hot. Once inside, she walked to the orphanage. She was excited. Someone found Kaji and brought her to the safety of the orphanage. She wanted to get the little girl out of the ghetto. She decided to put Kaji in the corpse removal cart and get her out that way. She wondered why she was brought back.

Just then, her friend Janek ran up to her.

" What's wrong Janek?".

He shook his head. " I could not get Kaji out".

" Why not?".

" The ghetto is now sealed". A scared look came over his young face. " They are going to start taking us away".

" What do you mean?".

" They want six thousand to relocate to the east". He sighed. " Tomorrow".

Irena embraced her friend. " I'm sorry Janek".

" They want us to gather at the corner of Stawki and Dzika".

" Please be careful".

research help: ' Irena's War' by James D Shipman

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Lent 2021: blood of the covenant

 Lent 2021: blood of the covenant by ric gustafson

According to Hebrews 13:20, God brought Jesus from the dead. This was by the blood of the eternal covenant. This was the blood of Jesus Christ. This blood of the covenant is mentioned in Matthew 26:28. The blood of Jesus refers to his death. The wrath of God had to be satisfied with the suffering and death of Jesus. Then God raised his Son from the dead. Praise God's name.

research help: ' The Passion of Jesus Christ' by John Piper

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Lent 2021: the wrath of God

 Lent 2021: the wrath of God by ric gustafson

God is both just and loving. Sin is dishonoring God. According to Romans 3, all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. Sin is not small. God is worthy of respect, loyalty and admiration. Not loving God defames him and destroys happiness. Because we sin, the wages of sin is death. 

But God loves us more than anything else. God sent his Son to absorb his wrath and be our substitute. Jesus was the propitiation for our sins according to I John 4:10.

God be praised.

research help: ' The Passion of Jesus Christ' by John Piper

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I Sendler page 8

 I Sendler page 8 by ric gustafson

Irena walked into her office. She frowned. Klaus was standing there with some soldiers.

" Frau Sendler". He frowned. " Please sit down".

She sat down in her chair. " What can I do for you?".

" Where is she?".

" Where is who?".

" The Jew girl you are hiding".

" I don't know what you are talking about".

" Frau Sendler, don't play games with me".

" I don't know what you are talking about".

He pointed at two soldiers. " Find the girl".

They came back a short time later. " We don't see her".

" I will find her". He scowled at Irena. " And then I will attend your questioning".

He stormed out with his soldiers.

Then Irena found out that Kaji had been taken back to the ghetto by Jan her supervisor.

research help: ' Irena's War' by James D Shipman

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I Sendler page 7

 I Sendler page 7 by ric gustafson

Irena stood in frozen silence. All around her was suffering. She could not believe how crowded the ghetto had become. Starvation and disease were rampant. She had brought bread for her friend Adam. He was starving like everyone else. 

Once after leaving the ghetto, she heard a tiny voice from a nearby alley.

" Help me".

She walked into the dark alley. There against a wall was a little girl.

Irena bent down. " What is your name?".

" Kaji". She stroked her hair. " Where is your family?". She already knew the answer.

" All gone".

Irena looked toward the street. " How did you get out of the ghetto?".

The little girl pointed. " Through a small hole in the wall". The tiny voice began to cry. " Please take me with you".

Irena knew the risks. " I can't".

The tiny girl hung unto Irena's legs. " Please".

After thinking for a moment, Irena knew what she had to do.

research help: ' Irena's War" by James D Shipman

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I Sendler page 6

 I Sendler page 6 by ric gustafson

Irena walked through the new Jewish ghetto. It was full of people loaded down with luggage. She had never seen so many people in one place. She watched the Aryan Polish traffic at the southern gate. By the time she neared the northern gate, she had a good idea of what she needed to do.

The next morning, she noticed workers building a wall around the ghetto. It was to be sealed. 

In January of 1941, Irena was still taking care of her mother. She decided to come up with a way she could stay in the ghetto. It had been several months since her last food supplies to the hungry Jewish families. One day, she decided to threaten her boss to get into the ghetto. It worked and she got a new job of inspector for communicable diseases. She was thrilled. She could stay in the ghetto.

research help: ' Irena's War' by James D Shipman

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who we are: a fatherly inheritance

 who we are: a fatherly inheritance by ric gustafson

God wants us to be holy and blameless before him. When we stand firm in our Christian beliefs, spiritual victory is ours. From God we have an inheritance that is undefiled, imperishable and unfading. Because we have an inheritance, we are an heir to spiritual wealth. Grace is Jesus's gift to us. We are a joint heir with Jesus. God owes us nothing yet gives us everything. God loves us more than anything else.

research help: ' Defined who God says you are' by Stephen and Alex Kendrick

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I Sendler page 5

 I Sendler page 5 by ric gustafson

One day, Irena was shoved into a car. She was taken to a building she did not recognize. She was forced into a chair.

A voice spoke up. " You are Irena Sendler".

" Yes".

" Why are you helping the Jews?".

" I bring Jewish families food". She sighed. " The Germans give them nothing".

" We would like you to help us".

" Help you". She sighed again. " How?".

" We can help you". The voice hesitated. " We need help smuggling food into the new ghetto".

" And how will you be able to do that?".

" Members of our group will pick up the food and then smuggle it into the ghetto".

" That sounds dangerous".

" Will you help us?".

" Ok". Irena smiled. " I will do as you ask".

" Excellent".

research help: ' Irena's War' by James D Shipman

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who we are: God's dwelling place

 who we are: God's dwelling place by ric gustafson

God does not need a place to live. God wants to live in us. God wants to dwell among his people. As believers in Jesus, he lives in us. This is part of our identity. Jesus has come to dwell in our heart through faith. We are God's temple and the Spirit of God lives in us. Jesus wants to dwell in the church the body of Christ. God will never leave us or forsake us. That is his promise.

research help: ' Defined who God says you are' by Stephen and Alex Kendrick

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who we are: God's redeemed saint

 who we are: God's redeemed saint by ric gustafson

When we become one of God's own, Our account ledger says nothing owed, zero balance paid in full. We are forgiven and justified. We are justified in Christ in him. Satan pushes the identity button. Holy blameless no way. Satan tells us that we are not forgivable. When we are sanctified in Jesus, we are saints. We are dead to sin but alive in Jesus. Our name is written on his hands. Praise God's name.

research help: ' Defined who God says you are' by Stephen and Alex Kendrick

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I Sendler page 4

 I Sendler page 4 by ric gustafson

Irena was sitting at her desk.

Just then, two Germans burst in.

She recognized the first one. It was SS Captain Klaus Rein

She did not recognize the other one.

" Frau Sendler". Captain Rein frowned. " We have had reports of acts of treason among your social workers".

" I don't know anything about it".

" We were hoping you could help us find these people".

" I don't feed Jews". She stared at the Captain. " You know that".

" I know". He grinned. " You passed the test".

" What test?".

" I knew you did not". He smiled. " Keep up the good work".

They left.

She sighed relief.

research help: ' Irena's War' by James D Shipman

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I Sendler page 3

 I Sendler page 3 by ric gustafson

Irena was going over some reports. The reports discussed foodstuffs, wagons and families applying to receive government aid. She had to plead for workers, resources and anything that might help. 

One day, she received a letter telling her that all Jewish families would not be eligible for any welfare at all. 

Irena was livid. " They can't do this".

Jan, her supervisor, shook his head. " Yes Irena, they can".

" How will I take care of my Jewish families?".

" You have no choice". He sighed. " This order comes from the SS".

Irena was tired and sad. She had found out that her husband was in a POW camp in Germany.

Her job was getting harder each day. The Germans were cutting back on her food supplies.

Still, she was bringing the food in.

She was helping her fellow Jews the best she could.

She yawned. She was always tired.

research help: ' Irena's War' by James D Shipman

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I Sendler page 2

 I Sendler page 2 by ric gustafson

A German pushed Irena into a waiting car. She was blindfolded. She was not told where they were going. She was brought to a building. She was brought to a room and tied to a chair. The blindfold came off. A middle aged German was glancing at a file.

" My name is Hauptmann Rein Gestapo". He studied the file. " What is your name?".

" Irena Sendler".

He put down the file. " Are you a communist?".

" No".

" You were attempting to smuggle food into the city".

" I was trying to get our welfare distribution system going again".

She was handed a piece of paper. " Sign this".

She glanced at it. " What is this?".

" Sign please". She was handed a pen. " We want you to work for us".

Irena shook her head. " I cannot work for the Germans".

" You will be working for Poland not Germany".

" I need to think about it".

" Fair enough". He grinned. " I look forward to your answer".

research help: ' Irena's War' by James D Shipman

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I Sendler page 1

 I Sendler page 1 by ric gustafson

It was Sept 24 1939. Irena Sendler was staring out a window toward Ludwicki Street. She could hear artillery near. 

" Do you hear that?". It was the voice of her frail mother. " Is it theirs or ours?".

" Does it matter?". Irena frowned. " It draws closer each day".

She kept looking out the window for her husband to return.

Then, she left to walk the deserted streets of Warsaw to find her office.

On arrival, she thought the building was deserted. The only one there was her supervisor.

" Mr Dobraczynski". She grinned. " I need some money to get the soup kitchens going again".

" Irena, we have no phones or electricity". He smiled. " Go home and protect your family".

" Sir, I have connections". She begged. " Please let me open the soup kitchens again".

" Ok Irena". He had a worried look. " I will give you the money".

research help: ' Irena's War' by James D Shipman

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Lazarus page 15

 Lazarus page 15 by ric gustafson

Lazarus heard Jesus speaking his name. " Lazarus".

Lazarus could not move.

" Come out".

Lazarus slowly got up even though he was against a stone wall. He began to shuffle toward the entrance of the tomb.

As he neared the entrance, he could see that the stone had been moved.

He slowly walked out into sunlight.

" Take off the grave clothes". Jesus smiled. " And let him go".

The End.

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Lazarus page 14

 Lazarus page 14 by ric gustafson

One day, Lazarus woke up with a headache and a sore throat. He noticed two pale white spots. He was shaky when he walked. His speech was halted. At one point, his head was throbbing. His throat was parched. He could not tell Martha about what was happening to him. Later, his appetite disappeared and his strength left him.

One day, Lazarus only felt darkness and silence. He could hear his sister Mary weeping. He heard his sister Martha trying to console her. Then Lazarus began to float over a dead body. It was himself.

" If only Jesus had come". Mary began to cry again. " If only he had been here".

Martha began to cry. " Our brother would not have died".

At one point, Lazarus heard Jesus outside of his tomb. He could hear his friend weeping.

Jesus was weeping the loss of his friend.

research help: ' When Jesus Wept' by Bodie and Brock Thoene

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Lazarus page 13

 Lazarus page 13 by ric gustafson

One night, Jesus and Lazarus were walking through the Temple courts.

A group of Pharisees gathered.

Jesus began to teach. " No one can serve two masters".

A Pharisee spoke up. " How long will you keep us in suspense?". 

Another Pharisee spoke up. " If you are the Christ, tell us plainly".

" I told you and you don't believe". He stared at the man. " You are not among my sheep".

Enraged, the Pharisees picked up stones to stone Jesus.

Jesus and Lazarus quietly left.

research help: ' When Jesus Wept' by Bodie and Brock Thoene

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who we are: God's new creation

 who we are: God's new creation by ric gustafson

God rescued and saved us. He rescued Noah, Lot and Joseph. What were we rescued from?. We were rescued from our sin. The wages of sin is death. We see the wrath of God. What we deserve is eternal ever dying death. God sends us warnings. Yes the wages of sin is death. But the gift of God is eternal life through his Son Jesus. We are God's new creation. God loves us more than anything else.

research help: ' Defined who God says you are' by Stephen and Alex Kendrick

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who we are: God's spiritual son

 who we are: God's spiritual son by ric gustafson

We are blessed with every spiritual blessing. God has a willingness and a desire to bless. As a child of God, God pours out his blessings. Because we are considered God's son, we are entitled to big blessings. We are blessed with every spiritual blessing. Because we are in Christ, we are God's spiritual child. Because of that, we have every spiritual blessing. God loves us more than anything else. 

research help: ' Defined who God says you are' by Stephen and Alex Kendrick

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Lazarus page 12

 Lazarus page 12 by ric gustafson

Lazarus and Jesus stopped at the edge of the pool. It was the porticoes of Bethesda. In front of it was a man who had lain there for thirty eight years.

Jesus looked at the man with compassion in his eyes. " Do you want to be made well?".

" No man can help me into the pool". He began to cry. " When I try, another steps down before me".

" What is your name?".

" Bikri".

" Rise Bikri". Jesus smiled. " Take up your bed and walk".

Bikri sat up, picked up his mat and walked.

The Pharisees were mad. Jesus had healed on the Sabbath.

research help: ' When Jesus Wept' by Bodie and Brock Thoene

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who we are: an adopted child

 who we are: an adopted child by ric gustafson

The love of God is vast. His love comes from his heart. When we believe in Jesus, we have a new identity in him. We are a beloved, adopted, chosen child of God. God's love is poured upon us. The ways of God is not the way of men. In Jesus, we are loved. We are a beloved child of God. We have been chosen and adopted by God. God loves us more than anything else. 

research help: ' Defined who God says you are' by Stephen and Alex Kendrick

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Lazarus page 11

 Lazarus page 11 by ric gustafson

One day, Lazarus was visiting Jesus and Nicodemus.

A Pharisee approached. " You are trying to become famous and popular".

" I am not seeking glory for myself". He stared at the man. " My Father is the one who glorifies me".

Just then, Nicodemus was called away for a Sanhedrin meeting. He asked Lazarus to join him.

When they reached the Chamber of Hewn Stone, Lazarus noticed Peniel the blind beggar boy. He was standing in front of the religious leaders.

He was not blind any longer.

" A man put mud on my eyes". The boy smiled. " I washed and now I see".

Nicodemus walked up to Peniel. " Was it Jesus of Nazareth who healed you?".

The boy smiled. He nodded his head. " He must be a prophet".

A Pharisee screamed. " He's a sorcerer".

Later, Peniel the blind beggar boy became Peniel the scribe.

research help: ' When Jesus Wept' by Bodie and Brock Thoene

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Lazarus page 10

 Lazarus page 10 by ric gustafson

Lazarus listened as Jesus told the others he was the True Vine and the Bread of Life. Then he asked them if they would leave him as others have done.

Peter spoke up. " Lord, who would we go to". His voice hesitated. " You are the Messiah Son of the Living God".

Then Jesus turned to them. " One of you is a devil".

Lazarus was not sure who he was talking about. He went back home.

Between Passover and Pentecost, Jesus came to Lazarus's vineyard.

It had been a year since his wife and baby had died. He began to weep in front of Jesus. He missed his family.

Jesus hugged his friend. " My friend, why do you weep?".

" I miss my family so much".

Jesus grinned. " You will see them again".

research help: ' When Jesus Wept' by Bodie and Brock Thoene

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric