As Paul organizes his mercy ministry to Jerusalem and pleads with the Corinthian church to contribute, he puts together his "A" team to administer and accomplish it. That team includes Titus and two unnamed brothers who are reliable and will faithfully carry out the task. Every ministry in the Lord's Kingdom needs earnest men who will diligently carry it out to His glory.

We recite in the Apostles' Creed that Jesus died and was buried. Why is that so important? John indicates the fulfillment of Scripture in the details as we see both the humiliation and the exaltation of Jesus in His death and burial. Also encouraging is seeing how two of Jesus' "secret" disciples were no so secret anymore - then or now!

In this first of two introductory sermons to the book of Titus, we find out that Titus is a willing worker for the Gospel. His participation in the ministry of Corinth demonstrated a willingness to be a part of the tough love of the apostle Paul. Willing to be sent on a mission, even when there is no way of knowing how that mission will be received, we find out the joy of a congregation that demonstrated Godly grief leading to repentance.

Every detail of the events leading up to and surrounding the crucifixion are full of details that fulfill Scripture and facts that show Jesus' humble obedience. But of utmost importance is the word that Jesus uttered on the cross - "It has been finished!"

This last chapter in Deuteronomy both points us to the faithfulness of Moses but also to the One more faithful than Moses (Hebrews 3:1-6). While Moses died on the mountain having not seen the promised land, Jesus died and yet lives to bring His people with Him to eternal life.

Even here in His "suffering under Pontius Pilate," Jesus is shown to be both God and man; the Son of God and the Son of Man. He is the King and no Roman governor or Jewish ruling council could change Who Jesus is.

As Moses blesses the tribes of Israel, he clearly invokes the Presence of God upon them in each blessing, noting that God is the Provider and the Warrior Who is present with His people.

It's hard to hear the LORD telling Moses to die on the mountain. Scripture, in its clear, true, reality holds no punches but exposes even the faults of leaders. On the one hand, Moses' unfaithfulness led to his being barred to enter the promised land and yet, by grace, he is still described as a "man of God" who indicates that he is subject to the King.

John, unlike the Synoptic Gospels, includes an interrogation of Jesus by Annas, the father-in-law of Caiaphas and previous high priest, in the middle of the description of Peter's three denials of Christ. In so doing, John presents a contrast between Peter's failure and Christ's worthiness. Christ alone is our Savior!

The conclusion of the "Song of Moses" highlights the LORD's compassion on His people. Despite their rejection of Him, the One who called them as a nation to be His own and provided for them in amazing ways, He still - even through discipline - showed them compassion even through wreaking vengeance on His and their enemies.