Counter-intuitive Jesus

Then he sternly ordered the disciples not to tell anyone that he was the Messiah.

From that time on, Jesus began to show his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and undergo great suffering at the hands of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and on the third day be raised (vv. 20-21).

Trapping Jesus

Pharisees and scribes came to Jesus from Jerusalem and said,² “Why do your disciples break the tradition of the elders? For they do not wash their hands before they eat (vv. 1-2).

Unexpected Result

Sometimes things appear hopeless, and only a miracle with change the outcome.

The city of Jerusalem is under siege, and people have become so desperate they’ve resorted even to cannibalism to survive.

This hopeless situation changed overnight. Check out 2 Kings 6-7 for the full story.

 

Nehemiah’s Character

Nehemiah is an ancient character whose work ethic and service translate easily into today’ world.

He was emotionally vulnerable and honest with the king. As a result, he received royal support to help rebuild Jerusalem’s wall.

He was a shrewd communicator and refused to be pulled into false arguments by his enemies. This allowed the people to focus on fixing their homes.

Finally, Nehemiah had high standards for himself and his followers. He cleaned up the mess left in his hometown. It reminds me of the steps being taken today to clean up the corruption in Albany.

I pray that New York State has leaders who can work as effectively as Nehemiah to clean up our huge messes “in fifty-two days” (Nehemiah 6:15b).

Nehemiah 11

Israel’s leaders held a “Move to Jerusalem” lottery.

People chosen were asked to leave their current homes and move into the city.

The 90% who stayed behind “blessed all those who willingly offered to live in Jerusalem” (v. 2b).

Nehemiah 7

1. Nehemiah sets safety procedures at the doors
2. The returning exiles are tallied

Nehemiah 4

Nehemiah and the residents of Jerusalem continued to fix the wall, despite severe opposition.

Nehemiah 3

Nehemiah delegated oversight of the repairs to the Wall of Jerusalem to several different trusted community leaders.

Nehemiah 2

1. Nehemiah asks the king to send him to his hometown
2. Nehemiah inspects the walls of Jerusalem
3. Nehemiah secretly decides to supervise repairs

Nehemiah 1

Nehemiah gets word that Jerusalem is in ruins.

He mourns, fasts, and prays.