The week before Jesus died on the cross Jews from all over arrived in Jerusalem to celebrate the Passover. The Sunday before the cross, Jesus had been welcomed into Jerusalem by crowds of people who heralded Him as the King and the hope of Israel (Palm Sunday). Now, a week later everyone is leaving Jerusalem, returning home having witnessed the unthinkable. Jesus had been beaten, crucified and buried. Followers of Jesus, who had begun the week full of hope, are now leaving town thinking that both Jesus and their hope of deliverance are dead. Luke 24:13-35 reveals the disappointment that so many felt at the death of Christ, but we also learn of the true hope that exists because He lives.

In the midst of all that we have been going through the week of Easter brings both disappointment and great expectation. Disappointment because we won’t have the chance to gather in person, but great expectation of how a week of thinking very intentionally and very purposefully about the work of Jesus can bring us hope, joy and peace.

As we enter our second week of sheltering at home and another week of uncertainty we return to the first chapter of James as he writes to Christians who are experiencing trials. As we move into the second part of this paragraph it is clear that James understands human nature. He knows our tendency to doubt God’s goodness and His plan in times of difficulty and he writes in order to help us think rightly about God’s nature and His character toward His people. We are in uncertain times and James 1:12-18 should serve as a protection for us. It should guard us from having wrong views of God and of our situation. James offers three reminders that should help us think rightly about God in times of trial.

This is has been a week that most of us never would have expected or predicted. As Coronavirus has spread throughout the nation most of us have found ourselves homebound. Now more than ever we recognize that we do not know what tomorrow holds. In times like these the question must be asked, how should we, as followers of Jesus, respond during these unusual and uncertain times? Today we turn to the book of James where we have this reminder: that while trials are certain and come in all shapes and sizes, joy is possible as we recognize God’s purpose and provision in the midst of our trials.

We never know what tomorrow holds, but this week we have been reminded in new way of how uncertain life can be. The spread of the Coronavirus and the response to the spread has brought a situation that we did not expect, but thankfully we know that none of this is outside of the knowledge and plan of God. Psalm 46 powerfully and effectively conveys this truth: No matter what happens, no matter what life brings, we are safe in the care of God. Even when the earth falls out from under our feet; even when chaos surrounds us; God is our refuge, our protector and our safe shelter.

What kind of people did Jesus come to save? For most Christians this should be an easy question to answer. We know that Jesus came to save sinners and that all have sinned. But then the question becomes, how does this truth impact our lives? Do we truly believe that God can save any sinner? And if we believe in the mission of Jesus to save sinners, are we taking the message of salvation to those who need to hear?

There are many things that are important and even necessary for our lives. Depending on who you ask you may get a variety of answers about what people need the most, but as Christians we believe that there is one thing that every person needs more than anything else: Every person is born in need of the forgiveness of God. While all Christians agree that every person needs God’s forgiveness, the reality is that we can be inclined at times think very little about this need and instead give our attention to less pressing things. We forget the forgiveness we have received and fail to help others see their own need of forgiveness.

What kind of thoughts have you had about Jesus this week? Have you had any thoughts of Jesus since last Sunday? If so, have your thoughts of Jesus been thoughts of hope or thoughts of doubt? Over the last several weeks we have been considering what the Gospel of Mark reveals about who Jesus is and why He came. As we continue to see Jesus more clearly through His Word it should lead us to a deeper trust in Him and a greater reliance on Him.

Last week we began with the question, what would it be like to spend a day with Jesus? As we read through Mark 1:21-39 there is a sense in which we get to do just that. Mark describes several events that carry us through an entire day in the life and ministry of Jesus. What we saw last week and what we will continue to see today is a series of events that reveal the authority and the power of Jesus. In verses 21-22 the authority of Jesus is revealed through His teaching. In verses 23-26 the authority and power of Jesus are revealed as He rebukes and silences a demon. As we continue through the passage we will continue to see signs from Jesus that display His power and authority, but we also see His ultimate aim. Jesus did not come to be known for his signs and miracles, but to proclaim His message and work of salvation (Luke 19:10). His miracles give proof of His identity and authority, but only the Gospel can offer true hope.

What would it be like to spend a day with Jesus? Have you ever thought about what it would have been like to be one of His disciples and to be with Him day in and day out? Well, in Mark 1 we get a chance to follow Jesus through one complete day. And it’s a day in which His power and His authority on are on full display. Most often when people think and talk about Jesus there is a lot of emphasis on His love and humility and servant lifestyle