Category: Christ’s earthly ministry

Without Blemish and Without Spot #1

Monday, March 30, 2026

“But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot:…” (1 Peter 1:19 KJV).

How was Israel to see Jesus Christ was “without blemish and without spot?”

In Exodus chapter 12, JEHOVAH God through Moses commanded the Jews to observe Passover, the perpetual memorial to Him delivering them from Egyptian bondage: “[3] Speak ye unto all the congregation of Israel, saying, In the tenth day of this month they shall take to them every man a lamb, according to the house of their fathers, a lamb for an house: [4] And if the household be too little for the lamb, let him and his neighbour next unto his house take it according to the number of the souls; every man according to his eating shall make your count for the lamb.

“[5] Your lamb shall be without blemish, a male of the first year: ye shall take it out from the sheep, or from the goats: [6] And ye shall keep it up until the fourteenth day of the same month: and the whole assembly of the congregation of Israel shall kill it in the evening. [7] And they shall take of the blood, and strike it on the two side posts and on the upper door post of the houses, wherein they shall eat it. [8] And they shall eat the flesh in that night, roast with fire, and unleavened bread; and with bitter herbs they shall eat it.”

On Abib 10th (roughly April), each Israeli house selected a young male lamb, sheep or goat, “without blemish.” After confining it to scrutinize it for any disability or illness, they killed it in the evening of the 14th. At the time, no one realized that Father God had laid this out as a template for Jesus Christ’s final days. With the so-called “triumphal entry” of early Matthew chapter 21, Christ enters Jerusalem. He will remain in (or near) Jerusalem until His arrest and crucifixion. In these three or four days leading up to Calvary’s cross, He can be examined, tested to see if He fits the type laid out in the Passover-lamb prophecy. We now contemplate His activities during His last week alive….

The “Triumphal” Entry

Sunday, March 29, 2026

“All this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, saying, Tell ye the daughter of Sion, Behold, thy King cometh unto thee, meek, and sitting upon an ass, and a colt the foal of an ass” (Matthew 21:4,5 KJV).

Do you ever wonder why Jesus Christ rode on a donkey the Sunday before His crucifixion?

In today’s Scripture (cf. Matthew 21:1-11; Mark 11:1-10; Luke 19:28-40; John 12:12-19), Jesus’s crucifixion on Calvary’s cross is just five days away. Leaving Bethany, He travels to Jerusalem (a mile to the northwest). Israel’s believing remnant in Jerusalem is excited to hear that Messiah is returning to “the city of the great King” (Psalm 48:2; Matthew 5:35); in anticipation, the great multitude throws their garments and palm branches on the ground. As Jesus enters the city, they cry out, “Hosanna [“O save!”]: Blessed is the King of Israel that cometh in the name of the Lord” (Matthew 21:9; Mark 11:9,10; Luke 19:38; John 12:13; cf. Psalm 118:26).

While often called the “Triumphal Entry,” there really was no victory being celebrated in today’s Scripture—the victory was to come later! What we need to realize is that Jesus Christ was humble (“meek”) here: as a King riding on a donkey into Israel’s capital city, He demonstrated He desired peace with Israel (a fulfillment of Zechariah 9:9). He had not come to destroy her, though He would have been just in doing so; He had come to save her from her sins, her enemies, and her satanic bondage (Matthew 1:21; Mark 2:17; Mark 3:22-30; Luke 1:68-75; Luke 9:55,56; Luke 19:9,10; Acts 3:24-26; et cetera).

Just a few days later, Jesus Christ appeared weak and defeated. He never fought back as the Roman soldiers mercilessly abused Him; He allowed Himself to be crucified on Calvary. It was His meek and lowly coming; now was not the time to pour out His wrath. He resurrected and ascended into heaven as a royal exile. Revelation 19:11 says Jesus Christ will return to Jerusalem on a white horse, a sign of war and wrath (Zechariah 14:1-4)—that will be His true triumphal entry, for He will conquer Satan’s world system forever!

Zealously Affected #17

Saturday, March 7, 2026

“They zealously affect you, but not well; yea, they would exclude you, that ye might affect them. But it is good to be zealously affected always in a good thing, and not only when I am present with you” (Galatians 4:17,18 KJV).

Let us see if we can identify and comprehend the dangers of relying on emotions….

In Matthew chapter 14 (not to be confused with chapter 8), the disciples are again crossing the tempestuous Sea of Galilee. Christ sent them away in a boat, promising to meet up with them later: “[22] And straightway Jesus constrained his disciples to get into a ship, and to go before him unto the other side, while he sent the multitudes away. [23] And when he had sent the multitudes away, he went up into a mountain apart to pray: and when the evening was come, he was there alone. [24] But the ship was now in the midst of the sea, tossed with waves: for the wind was contrary.

“[25] And in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went unto them, walking on the sea. [26] And when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, It is a spirit; and they cried out for fear. [27] But straightway Jesus spake unto them, saying, Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid. [28] And Peter answered him and said, Lord, if it be thou, bid me come unto thee on the water. [29] And he said, Come. And when Peter was come down out of the ship, he walked on the water, to go to Jesus. [30] But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me. [31] And immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, and caught him, and said unto him, O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt? [32] And when they were come into the ship, the wind ceased. [33] Then they that were in the ship came and worshipped him, saying, Of a truth thou art the Son of God.”

Terror distracted them, to the point they were not expecting their Lord’s coming. Additionally, Peter became frightened when he took his eyes off Christ and saw his precarious circumstances, which unbelief caused him to start sinking. To repeat, emotions mislead us, drawing us away from faith….

Zealously Affected #16

Friday, March 6, 2026

“They zealously affect you, but not well; yea, they would exclude you, that ye might affect them. But it is good to be zealously affected always in a good thing, and not only when I am present with you” (Galatians 4:17,18 KJV).

Let us see if we can identify and comprehend the dangers of relying on emotions….

To repeat, emotions respond to situations and circumstances, which makes emotions completely unreliable. Consider Matthew chapter 8: “[23] And when he [Jesus Christ] was entered into a ship, his disciples followed him. [24] And, behold, there arose a great tempest in the sea, insomuch that the ship was covered with the waves: but he was asleep. [25] And his disciples came to him, and awoke him, saying, Lord, save us: we perish. [26] And he saith unto them, Why are ye fearful, O ye of little faith? Then he arose, and rebuked the winds and the sea; and there was a great calm. [27] But the men marvelled, saying, What manner of man is this, that even the winds and the sea obey him!” This miracle of the calming of the storm is quite famous, and it also appears in Mark 4:35-41 and Luke 8:22-25. Observe how the disciples were originally “fearful”—the dread of impending shipwreck, drowning, and death weighed heavily upon them. They were panicking!

May we not overlook a significant verse positioned earlier in the chapter: “Now when Jesus saw great multitudes about him, he gave commandment to depart unto the other side” (Matthew 8:18; cf. Mark 4:35; Luke 8:22). Christ had directed His disciples to cross the Sea of Galilee with Him, to reach “the other side.” Faith is trusting God’s words to us, so the disciples should have understood and believed how they would make it safely to the opposite shore. Jesus Himself was on the boat with them, but their dire situation generated some emotions that led to their unbelief, so this prompted Him to address them as “O ye of little faith.”

On another occasion, but also on the stormy Sea of Galilee, the frightened disciples let their emotions rule them once more. Again, they were not mindful of their Adversary the Devil, so they returned to unbelief….

Zealously Affected #12

Monday, March 2, 2026

“They zealously affect you, but not well; yea, they would exclude you, that ye might affect them. But it is good to be zealously affected always in a good thing, and not only when I am present with you” (Galatians 4:17,18 KJV).

Let us see if we can identify and comprehend the dangers of relying on emotions….

“Be not hasty in thy spirit to be angry: for anger resteth in the bosom of fools” (Ecclesiastes 7:9). “An angry man stirreth up strife, and a furious man aboundeth in transgression” (Proverbs 29:22). “He that is soon angry dealeth foolishly: and a man of wicked devices is hated” (Proverbs 14:17). “He that is slow to wrath is of great understanding: but he that is hasty of spirit exalteth folly” (Proverbs 14:29). “A stone is heavy, and the sand weighty; but a fool’s wrath is heavier than them both” (Proverbs 27:3).

In legal terms, “crimes of passion” are violent acts lacking premeditation. They are committed impulsively, in a fit of intense emotion (rage, jealousy, despair, and so on). No real thought goes into the deed, so it is considered “senseless.” For example, if someone is assaulted or murdered because of a simple misunderstanding, petty disagreement, or small sum of money, the wrongdoing is illogical because (non-thinking) emotions took precedence. Such irrational behavior is rampant now, particularly in a society of immature people who do not get their way. It was true in Bible days, too.

A fit of wrath or extreme anger led to works-religion Cain killing believing brother Abel in Genesis 4:5-8. Greatly frustrated Moses smote the rock, thus disrespecting the LORD before Israel, which resulted in Moses being prohibited from entering the Promised Land (Numbers 20:7-13). Jonah felt no pity for tens of thousands of lost, Hell-bound but repentant sinners in Nineveh who were spared Divine judgment, yet he threw a temper tantrum when “his” shade-tree died (Jonah 4:1-11)! The citizens of Nazareth, so convicted of sin and under the influence of deceitful emotions, nearly stoned Jesus Christ in Luke 4:16-30! At Ephesus (western Turkey), the fanatical worshippers of the mother-goddess Diana screamed mindless chants because their vain religious system was on the verge of collapse, generating citywide riots that had to ultimately be suppressed before the Emperor heard of that civil unrest and meted out punishment (Acts 19:23-41).

It is better to think and act BEFORE feeling and acting….

A Hope Reserved for Israel in Heaven? #11

Tuesday, February 10, 2026

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you,…” (1 Peter 1:3,4 KJV).

Perhaps we can search the Scriptures to resolve an apparent contradiction, thereby perfecting that which is lacking in superficial readers….

As Ezekiel witnessed the LORD’S glory leave Jerusalem 600 years before Christ (Ezekiel chapters 10 and 11), so God gave him a preview of that glory returning thousands of years later: “And, behold, the glory of the God of Israel came from the way of the east: and his voice was like a noise of many waters: and the earth shined with his glory…. And the glory of the LORD came into the house by the way of the gate whose prospect is toward the east. So the spirit took me up, and brought me into the inner court; and, behold, the glory of the LORD filled the house” (Ezekiel 43:2,4,5). Chapters 40–48 are the Millennial Reign of Jesus Christ, the same 1,000-year kingdom of Revelation chapter 20, which follows the Second Coming of Revelation chapter 19. In Revelation chapters 21 and 22, there are the New Heaven and New Earth, which involves the New Jerusalem (which eventually descends out of Heaven, not remaining in Heaven).

Overall, basic dispensational principles have not been violated, for Israel is still destined to inherit an earthly kingdom—one that originates from Heaven, yes, but never staying in Heaven. “And the LORD shall be king over all the earth” (Zechariah 14:9). “Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth” (Matthew 5:5; cf. Psalm 37:11). “And hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth” (Revelation 5:10). “And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name Jesus. He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David: And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end” (Luke 1:31-33).

David reigned on Earth, of course, and so will Jesus Christ….

A Hope Reserved for Israel in Heaven? #10

Monday, February 9, 2026

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you,…” (1 Peter 1:3,4 KJV).

Perhaps we can search the Scriptures to resolve an apparent contradiction, thereby perfecting that which is lacking in superficial readers….

Written to and about believing Israel, the Book of Hebrews (notice the name!) designates them as “holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly calling” (Hebrews 3:1). Also, Hebrews 10:34: “For ye had compassion of me in my bonds, and took joyfully the spoiling of your goods, knowing in yourselves that ye have in heaven a better and an enduring substance” (Hebrews 10:34). “But ye are come unto mount Sion, and unto the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to an innumerable company of angels, To the general assembly and church of the firstborn, which are written in heaven, and to God the Judge of all, and to the spirits of just men made perfect,…” (Hebrews 12:22,23).

“Him that overcometh will I make a pillar in the temple of my God, and he shall go no more out: and I will write upon him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, which is new Jerusalem, which cometh down out of heaven from my God: and I will write upon him my new name” (Revelation 3:12). “And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea. And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God…. And he carried me away in the spirit to a great and high mountain, and shewed me that great city, the holy Jerusalem, descending out of heaven from God,…” (Revelation 21:1-3,10).

As there is a Jerusalem on Earth, so there is a Jerusalem in Heaven—a New Jerusalem….

A Hope Reserved for Israel in Heaven? #9

Saturday, February 7, 2026

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you,…” (1 Peter 1:3,4 KJV).

Perhaps we can search the Scriptures to resolve an apparent contradiction, thereby perfecting that which is lacking in superficial readers….

With national Israel refusing to repent (change the mind) and believe the Gospel of the Kingdom during Christ’s earthly ministry, the King goes back to Heaven as a “Royal Exile.” At some later time, the Lord Jesus will return to reign, just as the Apostle Peter preaches in early Acts: “Whom [Jesus Christ] the heaven must receive until the times of restitution of all things, which God hath spoken by the mouth of all his holy prophets since the world began” (Acts 3:21). Also 1 Peter 3:22: “Who is gone into heaven, and is on the right hand of God; angels and authorities and powers being made subject unto him.”

In today’s Scripture, Israel is actually awaiting that kingdom—and Christ’s Second Coming that will bring it to Earth from Heaven: “Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations: That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ: Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory: Receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls” (1 Peter 1:6-9).

Observe the “Our Father” Prayer: “After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come [to Earth from Heaven], Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven” (Matthew 6:9,10). “And he said unto them, When ye pray, say, Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, as in heaven, so in earth” (Luke 11:2). Father God is “in heaven” because unbelieving Israel has rejected Him….

NOTE: In order to bring you a special study tomorrow, we will temporarily break away from this devotionals arc….

Saints, please remember this work of the ministry requires monthly financial support to operate (Galatians 6:6; Philippians 4:16-17; 2 Corinthians 9:6-7). Those who prefer electronic giving can donate securely here: https://www.paypal.me/ShawnBrasseaux. Anyone who wishes to donate by regular mail can visit https://333wordsofgrace.org/contact-us-mailing-address-for-donations/ for details. Thanks to all who give to and pray for us! Unfortunately, since our ministry audience is so large and our ministry staff is so small, I can no longer personally respond to everyone. Thanks so much for understanding in this regard. 🙂

A Hope Reserved for Israel in Heaven? #8

Friday, February 6, 2026

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you,…” (1 Peter 1:3,4 KJV).

Perhaps we can search the Scriptures to resolve an apparent contradiction, thereby perfecting that which is lacking in superficial readers….

On the night of His arrest and crucifixion, Christ prepared the Little Flock (Israel’s believing remnant) for ministry without Him. He would soon ascend to return to His Father in Heaven, but He promised to come back at the appropriate time: “Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also. And whither I go ye know, and the way ye know” (John 14:1-4). This, of course, looks to His Second Coming of Revelation 19:11-16.

A helpful cross-reference for this is found in the Parable of the Pounds (Luke 19:11-27), when He referred to Himself as “a certain nobleman.” See Luke 19:12,15: “He said therefore, A certain nobleman went into a far country to receive for himself a kingdom, and to return…. And it came to pass, that when he was returned, having received the kingdom, then he commanded these servants to be called unto him, to whom he had given the money, that he might know how much every man had gained by trading.” The “far country” is Heaven from whence He retrieves the Kingdom of Heaven, bringing it back to Israel on the Earth at His Second Coming (Revelation 20:4,6). “Jesus answered, My kingdom is not of this world: if my kingdom were of this world, then would my servants fight, that I should not be delivered to the Jews: but now is my kingdom not from hence” (John 18:36).

This is the very kingdom postponed from His First Coming….

A Hope Reserved for Israel in Heaven? #3

Sunday, February 1, 2026

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you,…” (1 Peter 1:3,4 KJV).

Perhaps we can search the Scriptures to resolve an apparent contradiction, thereby perfecting that which is lacking in superficial readers….

As Peter expresses in today’s Scripture, believing Israel has a hope in Heaven, not a hope on Earth. Some maintain that this challenges—yea, disproves—dispensational Bible study. A second line of argument is offered via an appeal to other verses. Note the recurring expression of Christ’s earthly ministry, “the kingdom of heaven,” which is clearly to and about Israel. Observe, again, how it is not the Kingdom of Earth, but the Kingdom of Heaven.

The 31 “kingdom of heaven” references are exclusively in the Gospel Record of Matthew (see Matthew 3:2; 4:17; 5:3,10,19,20; 7:21; 8:11; 10:7; 11:11,12; 13:11,24,31,33,44,45,47,52; 16:19; 18:1,3,4,23; 19:14,23; 20:1; 22:2; 23:13; 25:1,14). Also, remember, this “kingdom of heaven” is at the heart of the Gospel of the Kingdom: “From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say, Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand…. And Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing all manner of sickness and all manner of disease among the people” (Matthew 4:17,23).

Souls who have not matured in the Word of God rightly divided have reached an impasse at this point, facing a difficulty that appears to have no satisfactory resolution. Two options are available. The first is easiest, and therefore, most tempting. We can throw up our hands in defeat, and never take up the Bible again. Or, maybe we could do a little study, a little digging, a little thinking, looking for a Bible cross-reference here and there that will afford us the ability to weave together a tapestry of superb spiritual judgment. We certainly do not have to be spiritual geniuses, or graduates of Bible college or seminary (Bible cemetery). All we need is to be humble enough to let the Holy Spirit enlighten the eyes of our understanding….