Prayer: O Jesus, I must accept your Kingdom like a little child. Imagination: (Picture Jesus surrounded by children and the disciples.) Context: After teaching on the permanency of marriage, Jesus welcomes children (the purpose of marriage). When the disciples hinder them, Jesus grows angry because a vital principal is at …
Prayer: O Jesus, restore creation as it was in the beginning. Imagination: (Picture Jesus explaining his ideals to his disciples.) Context: Jesus taught that the Kingdom of God was at hand. Through the power of this Kingdom, all creation can be restored to God’s original plan. Jesus believes that his …
Prayer: O Jesus, fill my heart with the Holy Spirit. Imagination: (Picture Jesus with his disciples) Context: The parable is about the Last Judgment and highlights the greatest demand upon every disciple, learning how to forgive. The warning is serious. God, who has granted the disciple forgiveness, will revoke that …
Prayer: O Jesus, always join me with others so you will be in our midst. Imagination: (Picture Jesus gathered with his disciples.) Context: Jesus has just spoken of the shepherd seeking out the wandering sheep. This sheep represents a disciple who has left the church and the Church must seek …
Prayer: Come, Holy Spirit. Fill me with your joy. Imagination: (Picture Mary entering Zechariah’s house). Context: This story contains many truths. First, Jesus begins his sanctifying ministry. Second, John begins his ministry, pointing out Jesus to his mother. Third, this is an early picture of Pentecost. All are filled with …
Prayer: O Jesus, you have made me a child of God and a citizen of heaven. Imagination: (Picture Jesus with his disciples, privately in a house.) Context: This is a unique little story, whose meaning can easily be lost. In Jesus’ time, Roman citizens paid no taxes. Rome was supported …
Prayer: O Jesus, give me total faith in you. Imagination: (Picture the disciples in their boat, surprised by Jesus’ visit.) Context: After multiplying food, Jesus orders his disciples to get in a boat. This prepares for the miracle of walking on the water. Jesus even communicates this power to Peter …
(Luke 1:39-45) Prayer: Come, Holy Spirit. Fill me with your joy. Imagination: (Picture Mary entering Zechariah’s house). Context: This story contains many truths. First, Jesus begins his sanctifying ministry. Second, John begins his ministry, pointing out Jesus to his mother. Third, this is an early picture of Pentecost. All are …
(Matthew 19:3-12) Prayer: O Jesus, restore creation as it was in the beginning. Imagination: (Picture Jesus explaining his ideals to his disciples.) Context: Jesus taught that the Kingdom of God was at hand. Through the power of this Kingdom, all creation can be restored to God’s original plan. Jesus believes …
(Matthew 18:21-19:1) Prayer: O Jesus, fill my heart with the Holy Spirit. Imagination: (Picture Jesus with his disciples) Context: The parable is about the Last Judgment and highlights the greatest demand upon every disciple, learning how to forgive. The warning is serious. God, who has granted the disciple forgiveness, will …
(Matthew 18:15-20) Prayer: O Jesus, always join me with others so you will be in our midst. Imagination: (Picture Jesus gathered with his disciples.) Context: Jesus has just spoken of the shepherd seeking out the wandering sheep. This sheep represents a disciple who has left the church and the Church …
(Matthew 18:12-14) Prayer: O Jesus, come and find me. Imagination: (Picture Jesus with His disciples.) Context: These twin parables are closely connected to the prodigal Son parable. A hundred sheep was a medium sized flock. The shepherd must have been poor, unable to pay a helper. Matthew’s gospel stresses the …
(Matthew 17:23-27) Prayer: O Jesus, you have made me a child of God and a citizen of heaven. Imagination: (Picture Jesus with his disciples, privately in a house.) Context: This is a unique little story, whose meaning can easily be lost. In Jesus’ time, Roman citizens paid no taxes. Rome …
(Luke 12:35-40) Prayer: O Jesus, may you find me watching when you return. Imagination: (Picture Jesus with His disciples.) Context: Jesus gives two crisis parables which emphasize the need for watchfulness. The master has many servants and all must keep watch. The second parable reverses the situation. The owner must …
