Thematic Bible


Thematic Bible







For I tell you that this [passage of Scripture], which was written about me, must be fulfilled [Isa. 53:12]: 'And He [i.e., Jesus] was counted with [i.e., as though He were one of] the criminals.' For the part [of that passage] that refers to me is being fulfilled." Verse ConceptsForeknowledgeHumiliationForeknowledge Of ChristScriptures FulfilledFulfilled Prophecies Prove Inspirationaccomplishmentfulfillment

He was subjected to [terrible] humiliation and deprived of justice. Who will [there be to] trace His descendants, since His life was taken from Him, [leaving no posterity]." Verse ConceptsForetelling Christ's DeathChrist And ShamingNo Justice

Instead, He gave up what He had and took on the form [i.e., the nature] of a slave, becoming like a man, [and even] His appearance was found to be like a man's. He humbled Himself [by] becoming obedient [to God] to the point of death, even death on a cross.

Then He poured water into a basin and began washing His disciples feet and drying them with the towel around His waist. Verse ConceptsFeetFeet WashingBasinsJesus Christ, Meekness OfHumility Of ChristWater ContainersPeople Drying Things UpPouring WaterCare Of FeetServantsAblution






[This is] a record of the family background of Jesus Christ, the descendant of David, who was the descendant of Abraham. [Note: The following is an incomplete lineage through Jesus' step-father Joseph]. Verse ConceptsAbraham, Family And DescendantsCovenant, God's with DavidKingship, DivineMessiahAbraham, New Testament ReferencesJesus As Son Of DavidBooks Of ProphecyDavidic CovenantLion Of The Tribe Of JudahThrone Of DavidDescendants ofNativity of Jesus ChristJesus Birth




[This is] a record of the family background of Jesus Christ, the descendant of David, who was the descendant of Abraham. [Note: The following is an incomplete lineage through Jesus' step-father Joseph]. Verse ConceptsAbraham, Family And DescendantsCovenant, God's with DavidKingship, DivineMessiahAbraham, New Testament ReferencesJesus As Son Of DavidBooks Of ProphecyDavidic CovenantLion Of The Tribe Of JudahThrone Of DavidDescendants ofNativity of Jesus ChristJesus Birth




For who is most important, the person who reclines at the dinner table or the person who serves [him]? Is it not the person who reclines at the dinner table? But I am among you as the person who serves. Verse ConceptsTablesJesus Christ, Meekness OfChrist, Character OfHumility Of ChristReclining To EatServing PeopleServing






And they did not [just] do as we had hoped, but they gave themselves first to the Lord and [then] to us through the will of God. Verse ConceptsGiving, Of OneselfPersonal ConsecrationBeing FirstdiligenceDiligence, Examples OfSelf DenialLack Of ExpectationGiving Without Expecting ReturnPutting God Firstexpectations

They forced a passerby, named Simon of Cyrene [Note: This was a city in the northern African country of Libya], the father of Alexander and Rufus, who was coming in from the countryside, to go with them so he could carry Jesus' cross [i.e., probably only the cross-beam portion]. Verse ConceptsBackThe CountrysideCarrying The CrossOutward CompulsionThe Cross


He canceled the document written in ordinances [Note: This obviously refers to the Mosaic law] that was against us and was opposed to us, and has taken it out of the way, nailing it to the cross. Verse ConceptsAbolish, Fulfilled By ChristBlottingLaws, AbolishedOnce Saved Always SavedRitual LawSin BearerLaw, TemporaryNailsCancelling DebtsSignificance Of Christ's CrucifixionThe CrossDebttransition

We should fix our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and completer of the [or, "our"] faith. [Note: Jesus is here pictured as the one who completely fulfills the life of faith, or who provides us with the ability to live such a life]. [And] because He could look forward to joy, He endured the cross, despising its shame, and has sat down at the right side of God's throne. Verse ConceptsGoalsGod, Sovereignty OfGospel, Historical Foundation OfThe Christian RaceLife, Of FaithHeaven,  Redeemed CommunityMaturity, SpiritualRight Hand Of GodShameSittingThroneJesus Christ, Meekness OfHumility Of ChristNames And Titles For ChristChrist, Names ForChrist's JoyThe Soul Winners JoyHealthy MarriagesAdmirationSeeking Things AboveChrist The BeginningBeginning Of SalvationRight SidesHow Faith ComesGod EnduringperfectionismChrist As The Source Of Faith

Therefore, let all those who make up the household of Israel [i.e., God's people] know with certainty that God has made this Jesus, whom you have crucified, both Lord and Christ." Verse Conceptsevil, victory overGod, Purpose OfLordship, Of Jesus ChristPreaching, Content OfVictory, As An Act Of GodExaltation Of ChristPreeminence Of ChristPreaching ChristChrist Is LordChrist Was Killed

we want you men and all the people of Israel to know that this man was made completely well through the name of Jesus Christ from Nazareth. [He is the One] whom you people put to death on the cross, but God raised from the dead. Verse ConceptsCuresGod, Power OfPeter, Preacher And TeacherAtonement, By Christ AloneIn The Name Of ChristGod Raising ChristChrist Was KilledHow Healing Came

but we [apostles] preach that Christ was crucified [for our sins]. This message is offensive to Jews and foolishness to [unconverted] Gentiles. Verse Conceptsevangelism, nature ofHeraldStumblingStumbling BlocksPreaching ChristFoolishness Of GodChrist Was KilledSignificance Of Christ's CrucifixionGentilesJewscrucifixion



[This was also intended] to reestablish harmony between both of these peoples and God in [this] one body, through [Christ's death on] the cross. By doing this He put to death the hostility [between them]. Verse ConceptsKnowledge, Of Jesus ChristOne ChurchReconciliation, Between God And ManPeace Made Through ChristSignificance Of Christ's CrucifixionReconciliation with GodMaking Peace With GodReconciliationreuniting

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None of the rulers of this age knew about this [divine] wisdom, for if they had [known it], they would not have crucified the glorious Lord [i.e., Jesus]. Verse ConceptsRevelation, Responses ToSuffering, Of Jesus ChristNames And Titles For ChristChrist Was KilledChrist's Own GloryNot Understanding God's ThingsCloud of gloryAgeprincipalitiescrucifixion

As they were leaving [i.e., probably the city of Jerusalem], they met a man from Cyrene [Note: This was a city in the northern African country of Libya]. His name was Simon and they forced him to go with them so he could carry Jesus' cross [i.e., probably only the cross-beam portion]. Verse ConceptsBackWeakness, PhysicalCarrying The CrossOutward CompulsionThe Cross

Then, as they were leading Jesus away, the soldiers [See Mark 15:16-21] grabbed hold of a man named Simon, from Cyrene [Note: This was a city in the northern African country of Libya], who was coming in from the countryside, and placed the cross [i.e., probably only the cross-beam portion] on him, so he could carry it while following Jesus. Verse ConceptsBackCarrying The CrossOutward CompulsionThe Crosslungs


So, they took Jesus [away] and He went out [of the city] carrying the cross by Himself to a place called "The Place of the Skull," [also] called "Golgotha" in the Hebrew language [and "Calvary" in Latin]. Verse ConceptsCrucifixion, Of ChristBackCalvaryCarrying The CrossSkullsBurying placesThe Crosscrusades

We should fix our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and completer of the [or, "our"] faith. [Note: Jesus is here pictured as the one who completely fulfills the life of faith, or who provides us with the ability to live such a life]. [And] because He could look forward to joy, He endured the cross, despising its shame, and has sat down at the right side of God's throne. Verse ConceptsGoalsGod, Sovereignty OfGospel, Historical Foundation OfThe Christian RaceLife, Of FaithHeaven,  Redeemed CommunityMaturity, SpiritualRight Hand Of GodShameSittingThroneJesus Christ, Meekness OfHumility Of ChristNames And Titles For ChristChrist, Names ForChrist's JoyThe Soul Winners JoyHealthy MarriagesAdmirationSeeking Things AboveChrist The BeginningBeginning Of SalvationRight SidesHow Faith ComesGod EnduringperfectionismChrist As The Source Of Faith


As they were leaving [i.e., probably the city of Jerusalem], they met a man from Cyrene [Note: This was a city in the northern African country of Libya]. His name was Simon and they forced him to go with them so he could carry Jesus' cross [i.e., probably only the cross-beam portion]. Verse ConceptsBackWeakness, PhysicalCarrying The CrossOutward CompulsionThe Cross


The God of our forefathers raised up Jesus [from the dead], whom you put to death by hanging Him on a tree [i.e., the cross]. But God exalted Him at His right side to be a Prince and Savior and to give the people of Israel [an opportunity] to repent [i.e., change their hearts and lives] and [receive] forgiveness of [their] sins [through Him].

You should think about things the way Christ Jesus did. He existed in the form of God [i.e., He shared God's very nature], but did not consider [remaining] equal with God something [to continue] to hold onto. Instead, He gave up what He had and took on the form [i.e., the nature] of a slave, becoming like a man, [and even] His appearance was found to be like a man's. read more.
He humbled Himself [by] becoming obedient [to God] to the point of death, even death on a cross. Therefore, God also exalted Him to the highest position and gave Him the name [i.e., "Lord." See verse 11], which is superior to every [other] name. [This was] so that, in [honor of] the name of Jesus, everyone's knee in heaven, on earth and under the earth [i.e., all rational creatures] should bow [i.e., before God], and that everyone's mouth should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

Moses [expressed it when he] said [Deut. 18:15], 'The Lord God will raise up a prophet for you from among your brothers; He will be like me [in some ways] and you must all pay attention to Him in everything He says to you.' Verse ConceptsGod, Unity OfMoses, Significance OfChrist Like PeopleJesus The Prophet

Instead, He gave up what He had and took on the form [i.e., the nature] of a slave, becoming like a man, [and even] His appearance was found to be like a man's. He humbled Himself [by] becoming obedient [to God] to the point of death, even death on a cross.


[This is] a record of the family background of Jesus Christ, the descendant of David, who was the descendant of Abraham. [Note: The following is an incomplete lineage through Jesus' step-father Joseph]. Verse ConceptsAbraham, Family And DescendantsCovenant, God's with DavidKingship, DivineMessiahAbraham, New Testament ReferencesJesus As Son Of DavidBooks Of ProphecyDavidic CovenantLion Of The Tribe Of JudahThrone Of DavidDescendants ofNativity of Jesus ChristJesus Birth



You should think about things the way Christ Jesus did. He existed in the form of God [i.e., He shared God's very nature], but did not consider [remaining] equal with God something [to continue] to hold onto. Instead, He gave up what He had and took on the form [i.e., the nature] of a slave, becoming like a man, [and even] His appearance was found to be like a man's. read more.
He humbled Himself [by] becoming obedient [to God] to the point of death, even death on a cross.

Then He poured water into a basin and began washing His disciples feet and drying them with the towel around His waist. Verse ConceptsFeetFeet WashingBasinsJesus Christ, Meekness OfHumility Of ChristWater ContainersPeople Drying Things UpPouring WaterCare Of FeetServantsAblution





You should think about things the way Christ Jesus did. He existed in the form of God [i.e., He shared God's very nature], but did not consider [remaining] equal with God something [to continue] to hold onto. Instead, He gave up what He had and took on the form [i.e., the nature] of a slave, becoming like a man, [and even] His appearance was found to be like a man's. read more.
He humbled Himself [by] becoming obedient [to God] to the point of death, even death on a cross.


Then Jesus said to Peter, "Put your sword back in its sheath. Should I not drink the cup [i.e., of suffering] the Father has given me?" Verse ConceptsdrinkingSelf DefenceBeverages, FigurativeChrist's Relationship To GodResignationCup Of SufferingGod Giving To The SonThe Father




He does not need to offer up [animal] sacrifices every day like those head priests did [Note: The head priest here is represented as being in charge of the daily sacrifices offered by the other priests], first for His own sins and then for the people's sins. For He did this once for all time when He offered up Himself [on the cross]. Verse ConceptsExpiationAtonement, Made OnceSacrifice, Nt Fulfilment OfSin, God's Remedy ForSin OfferingUniquenessAbolish, Fulfilled By ChristChrist, The High PriestOnceOnly OnceDoing RepeatedlyAtoning By SacrificesRivers

The Father loves me because I [am about to] give up my life, so that I can take it back again. No one is taking it away from me, but I am giving it up voluntarily. I have the right to give it up and I have the right to take it back again. I received the commandment to do this from my Father."


For then He would have had to suffer often since the creation of the world; but now at the end of the ages [i.e., the final period of world history] He has been revealed once [for all] to remove sin by sacrificing Himself. Verse ConceptsAbolitionLast DaysPriesthood, In NtEnd Of The AgesOnceChrist AppearingFrom The BeginningOnly OnceDoing RepeatedlyChrist AtoningRight SacrificesAppointments

But I have an immersion to experience [i.e., overwhelming suffering to undergo. See Mark 10:38-39], and what stress I am under until it happens! Verse ConceptsForeknowledgeBaptism, significance ofMission, Of Jesus ChristForeknowledge Of ChristAccomplishingChrist's BaptismBaptism

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He [then] went away a second time and prayed, "My Father, if this [cup of suffering] cannot pass away unless I drink it [i.e., experience the suffering], [then] let what You want be done." Verse ConceptsdrinkingPrayer, As A Relationship With GodStrength, SpiritualThe Submission Of ChristSubmission To God's WillSpeaking AgainJesus PrayingRelationship Of Father And SonGod's Will Be Done

Jesus said to them, "I [already] told you that I am [He]; so if you are looking for me, let these men [i.e., the apostles] go." Verse ConceptsThe Existence Of ChristThis Is MeArresting Christ

And He said to them, "I have earnestly desired to eat this Passover meal with you [men] before I suffer [i.e., torture and death]. Verse ConceptsPassoverSuffering, Of Jesus ChristRight Desirescommunion

The Son of man is going [to die], but it is too bad for that person through whom the Son of man is turned over [to the Jewish leaders]! It would be better for that man if he had not been born." Verse ConceptsFate Of IndividualsJudas IscariotBetrayalGospel, Confirmation OfNecessityWoeNever Being BornJudas Betraying ChristPersonal GoodWoe To The WickedHurt And Betrayal

Or, do you think that I cannot appeal to my Father and He will immediately send me more than twelve legions of angels [i.e., Jesus could have called about 72,000 angels to minister to Him. See Matt. 4:11]? How [else] then should the Scriptures be fulfilled that this must happen [than what is taking place]?"

And He went away again and prayed, saying the same words. Verse ConceptsSaying RepeatedlyJesus Praying

And it happened when the time came for Jesus to be taken up [to heaven] that He firmly determined to go to Jerusalem. Verse ConceptsdiligenceDiligence, Examples OfSteadfastness, Examples OfAccomplishingWhole HeartednessNear The Time PersonallyDeath Approaching

They answered Him, "Jesus, from Nazareth." Jesus replied to them, "I am [He]." Judas, who was turning Him over [to the Jewish authorities] was standing there with them also. Verse ConceptsThe Existence Of ChristJudas Betraying ChristThis Is Me

Then He poured water into a basin and began washing His disciples feet and drying them with the towel around His waist. Verse ConceptsFeetFeet WashingBasinsJesus Christ, Meekness OfHumility Of ChristWater ContainersPeople Drying Things UpPouring WaterCare Of FeetServantsAblution

And as He walked along He saw Levi [i.e., the same person as Matthew. See Matt. 9:9], the son of Alphaeus, sitting at the toll booth [i.e., collecting taxes]. He said to him, "Become my follower." And he got up and followed Him. Verse ConceptsFollowing Jesus ChristCommitment, to Jesus ChristChristlikenessdiscipleship, nature ofHow Disciples Are CalledGood Decision Making ExamplesGospel, Responses ToResponding To God's CallNames Blotted OutInstructions About FollowingPeople Getting Up


[Zech. 9:9], 'You should tell the daughter of Zion [i.e., the people of Jerusalem], look, your King is coming to you. He is gentle and [will be] riding on a donkey, [even] on a colt, the offspring of the donkey.'" Verse ConceptsdaughtersDonkeysKingship, DivineLand, Spiritual Aspects OfPraise, Manner And Methods OfZion, As A SymbolJesus Christ, Meekness OfHumility Of ChristMeekness, Examples OfNames And Titles For ChristAnimal OffspringChrist's GentlenessRiding Donkeysassertiveness

Now I Paul, who am humble [when speaking] face to face with you, but bold when I am away from you, urge you by the meekness and gentleness of Christ [Note: This means either Paul was imitating Christ's behavior or that the Corinthians were to do so]: Verse ConceptsGentlenessFaultsTimidityJesus Christ, Meekness OfMeekness, Examples OfChrist's GentlenessA Bold FrontContact With PeopleGone AwayHumble PeopleIn Men's PresenceAbsenceGentleness As A Fruit Of The Spirithumbleserenitygraciousness


Instead, He gave up what He had and took on the form [i.e., the nature] of a slave, becoming like a man, [and even] His appearance was found to be like a man's. He humbled Himself [by] becoming obedient [to God] to the point of death, even death on a cross.

For who is most important, the person who reclines at the dinner table or the person who serves [him]? Is it not the person who reclines at the dinner table? But I am among you as the person who serves. Verse ConceptsTablesJesus Christ, Meekness OfChrist, Character OfHumility Of ChristReclining To EatServing PeopleServing

And so it happened, as Jesus was having a meal at Matthew's house, a number of [other] tax collectors and worldly people came to sit down with Him and His disciples. Verse ConceptsBanquets, Examples OfGuestsHospitality, Examples OfTax CollectorsHospitality Towards ChristServing JesusReclining To EatReceiving Jesus As A GuestJesus Eating

Then after these things happened, Jesus went out [i.e., probably walking along a street] and saw a publican [Note: This was a person with a bad reputation for dishonest tax collecting activities] named Matthew [i.e., the same as Levi. See Mark 2:14] sitting at the toll booth [collecting taxes] and said, "Become my follower." So, Matthew gave up everything, got up and followed Jesus.

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So if I, then, being your Lord and Teacher have washed your feet, you should wash one another's feet also. Verse ConceptsFoot washingExamples, Purpose OfClean FeetFeet In ActionCare Of FeetChrist Is LordDutyhealthcare

Now the passage of Scripture he was reading said [Isa. 53:7ff], "He was led out to be slaughtered as a sheep; He made no sound, just like a lamb when it was being sheared. He was subjected to [terrible] humiliation and deprived of justice. Who will [there be to] trace His descendants, since His life was taken from Him, [leaving no posterity]."


You should think about things the way Christ Jesus did. He existed in the form of God [i.e., He shared God's very nature], but did not consider [remaining] equal with God something [to continue] to hold onto. Instead, He gave up what He had and took on the form [i.e., the nature] of a slave, becoming like a man, [and even] His appearance was found to be like a man's. read more.
He humbled Himself [by] becoming obedient [to God] to the point of death, even death on a cross.

About that time Jesus said [in prayer], "I thank you, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that you have hidden these things [i.e., the significance of Jesus' words and works] from those who [thought they] were wise and intelligent and have [instead] revealed them to people who are child-like. Yes Father, you did this because it was very pleasing to you. "All things have been entrusted to me by my Father and no one [truly] knows the Son except the Father. And neither does anyone [truly] know the Father except the Son and that person to whom the Son wants to reveal Him. read more.
Come to me, all of you who are overworked and overburdened and I will give you rest [i.e., spiritual refreshment]. Accept my reins [on your life], and learn about me, because I am gentle and humble, and [in my service] you will experience rest in your spirits. For my reins [on your life] are easy [to respond to] and the burden I place [on you] is light."

Therefore, since Christ has suffered physically, you people should fortify yourselves with the same attitude He had. For the person who has suffered physically [i.e., in standing for Christ] has quit sinning. Verse ConceptsConformityChristlikenessSpiritual Warfare, ArmourThinking ArightThe Fact Of Christ's DeathMind BattlesAttitudeHuman Nature, OvercomingSuffering

You should think about things the way Christ Jesus did. He existed in the form of God [i.e., He shared God's very nature], but did not consider [remaining] equal with God something [to continue] to hold onto. Instead, He gave up what He had and took on the form [i.e., the nature] of a slave, becoming like a man, [and even] His appearance was found to be like a man's. read more.
He humbled Himself [by] becoming obedient [to God] to the point of death, even death on a cross.

You should think about things the way Christ Jesus did. He existed in the form of God [i.e., He shared God's very nature], but did not consider [remaining] equal with God something [to continue] to hold onto. Instead, He gave up what He had and took on the form [i.e., the nature] of a slave, becoming like a man, [and even] His appearance was found to be like a man's. read more.
He humbled Himself [by] becoming obedient [to God] to the point of death, even death on a cross.

He then said, "Look, I have come to do what you want." [So], Christ takes away the first [i.e., the animal and grain sacrifices] in order to establish the second [i.e., the sacrifice of Himself]. By [Christ doing] what God wanted, we have been set aside for God through Jesus Christ offering His body once for all time. For every priest stands and performs his service day after day, offering over and over the same sacrifices which can never take away sins. read more.
But when this Priest [i.e., Christ] had offered one sacrifice for sins for all time, He sat down at the right side of God. From that time onward He will wait until His enemies are placed [in full subjection] under His feet. For by one offering [i.e., the sacrifice of Himself], Christ has made perfect forever those people who are being set apart for God.

For if [physical] death ruled [over mankind] because of the sin of the one man [i.e., Adam], how much more will those who receive the abundance of God's unearned favor, and the gift of being right with Him, rule in [never ending] life through the one man, Jesus Christ. So then, just as [God's] judgment came, condemning all people [to physical death] because of one sin [i.e., Adam's]; even so the free gift of being made right with God and [resulting in] life may be received by all people because of one man's [i.e., Christ's] act of righteousness. [Note: This "life" may refer to spiritual life now, or to being made alive in the resurrection, which would reverse the curse of physical death caused by Adam's sin]. For just as many people [i.e., all mankind] were considered [by God] to be sinners [and thus to suffer physical death] through the disobedience of the one man [i.e., Adam]; even so, many people [i.e., all believing mankind] will be considered right with God [and thus live again] through the obedience of the one man [i.e., Christ].

So, Christ also did not take on Himself the honor of becoming head priest, but God said to Him [Psa. 2:7], "You are my Son; today I have conceived you." And He says in another place [Psa. 110:4], "You are a priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek." [Note: This is the first mention of this mysterious Old Testament priest who, throughout this book, is represented as a type of Christ]. During His life on earth Jesus offered up prayers and special requests with loud crying and tears to God, who was able to save Him from dying, and He was heard because of His [earnest] devotion [to God]. read more.
[And] although He was a Son, still He learned obedience from the things He suffered,

[And] although He was a Son, still He learned obedience from the things He suffered, Verse ConceptsLearningThe Submission Of ChristObedienceSuffering

Remember what I said to you, 'A slave is not greater [in importance] than his master.' If they persecuted me, they will [also] persecute you, too; if they obeyed my teaching, they will obey yours also. Verse ConceptsFate Of The GodlyFaith, As A Body Of Beliefsdiscipleship, cost ofHumiliationRememberingServanthood, In SocietySuffering, Causes OfPersecution, Nature OfPersecution, OriginPersecution PredictedInferioritySlavesThey Do Not Keep CommandsPersecution

You should think about things the way Christ Jesus did. He existed in the form of God [i.e., He shared God's very nature], but did not consider [remaining] equal with God something [to continue] to hold onto. Instead, He gave up what He had and took on the form [i.e., the nature] of a slave, becoming like a man, [and even] His appearance was found to be like a man's. read more.
He humbled Himself [by] becoming obedient [to God] to the point of death, even death on a cross.

But Jesus answered him, "Allow it [to be done], for it is proper for us to complete everything that is right [before God]." So, John agreed to it. Verse ConceptsNowGospel, Essence OfA Righteous People

Jesus replied to him, "The foxes have dens [in which to live] and the birds of the sky have nests [in which to roost]; but the Son of man does not have anywhere to lay His head." Verse ConceptsNestsMaterialism, As An Aspect Of SinNomadsPoverty, Causes OfRiches, Believers AttitudesSonsJesus As Son Of ManHomelessnessDwellings Of CreaturesHomelessOther Dwellings Of CreaturesSimplicitySocial dutiesBurying placesBirds


For even Christ did not please [just] Himself, but as it is written [Psa. 69:9], "The insults of those people who insulted you [i.e., God] fell on me [i.e., Christ]." Verse ConceptsGiving, Of OneselfInsultsSelfishnessUnselfishnessHumility Of ChristProphecies Concerning ChristNot Pleasing People

The devil took Him again, [this time] to a very high mountain and showed Him all the world's kingdoms, along with their splendor, and said to Him, "I will give you all these things if you fall to the ground and worship me." Then Jesus replied to him, "Get away from me Satan, for it is written [Deut. 6:13], 'You are supposed to worship the Lord your God, and serve only Him.'"

He existed in the form of God [i.e., He shared God's very nature], but did not consider [remaining] equal with God something [to continue] to hold onto. Instead, He gave up what He had and took on the form [i.e., the nature] of a slave, becoming like a man, [and even] His appearance was found to be like a man's. He humbled Himself [by] becoming obedient [to God] to the point of death, even death on a cross.


Instead, He gave up what He had and took on the form [i.e., the nature] of a slave, becoming like a man, [and even] His appearance was found to be like a man's. He humbled Himself [by] becoming obedient [to God] to the point of death, even death on a cross.

Therefore, when Christ came into the world, He said [to God], [Psa. 40:6-8 LXX], "You did not want an [animal] sacrifice and an offering, but you prepared a body for me [to sacrifice]. Verse Conceptsequipping, spiritualBody Of ChristSacrificesPreparationSacrificeVolunteeringgirlfriends

For the Son of man is certainly going [to die], just as it has been [pre-] determined, but it is too bad for that person through whom He is [to be] betrayed!" So, the apostles began discussing among themselves which one of them would do such a thing. Then a dispute arose among the apostles as to which one of them should be considered the greatest. read more.
And Jesus said to them, "The kings of the [unconverted] Gentiles lord it over their own people, and those who domineer over them are called 'Benefactors' [Note: This was a title used by Greek kings in Egypt and Syria]. But it will not be that way among you, for the person who is the most important among you should become [like] the youngest [i.e., least important]. And the person who is the leader should become like the servant. For who is most important, the person who reclines at the dinner table or the person who serves [him]? Is it not the person who reclines at the dinner table? But I am among you as the person who serves.

You should think about things the way Christ Jesus did. He existed in the form of God [i.e., He shared God's very nature], but did not consider [remaining] equal with God something [to continue] to hold onto. Instead, He gave up what He had and took on the form [i.e., the nature] of a slave, becoming like a man, [and even] His appearance was found to be like a man's. read more.
He humbled Himself [by] becoming obedient [to God] to the point of death, even death on a cross.





For I tell you that this [passage of Scripture], which was written about me, must be fulfilled [Isa. 53:12]: 'And He [i.e., Jesus] was counted with [i.e., as though He were one of] the criminals.' For the part [of that passage] that refers to me is being fulfilled." Verse ConceptsForeknowledgeHumiliationForeknowledge Of ChristScriptures FulfilledFulfilled Prophecies Prove Inspirationaccomplishmentfulfillment

He was subjected to [terrible] humiliation and deprived of justice. Who will [there be to] trace His descendants, since His life was taken from Him, [leaving no posterity]." Verse ConceptsForetelling Christ's DeathChrist And ShamingNo Justice

Instead, He gave up what He had and took on the form [i.e., the nature] of a slave, becoming like a man, [and even] His appearance was found to be like a man's. He humbled Himself [by] becoming obedient [to God] to the point of death, even death on a cross.






And they did not [just] do as we had hoped, but they gave themselves first to the Lord and [then] to us through the will of God. Verse ConceptsGiving, Of OneselfPersonal ConsecrationBeing FirstdiligenceDiligence, Examples OfSelf DenialLack Of ExpectationGiving Without Expecting ReturnPutting God Firstexpectations