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The book of Jonah explained with illustrations Want to see more? Our Website: http://www.jointhebibleproject.com Say hello or follow us here: Twitter: http://twitter.com/joinbibleproj Facebook: http://fb.com/jointhebibleproject This video explores the main ideas and flow of thought of the book of Jonah. The Bible Project is a non-profit creating animated videos that explain the narrative of the Bible.

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Extended information about spirituality of Jonah

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Extended information about spirituality of Jonah

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If you're familiar with the story of Jonah, you may know that it's a tale of a prophet who was swallowed by a great fish and then spit out three days later. But beyond the surface-level story, a deeper spiritual meaning can be found within the Book of Jonah.

As we delve into the spiritual meaning of Jonah, we'll explore the story's themes and symbolism, examine the lessons Jonah learned, and consider the parallels between Jonah's story and the New Testament.

We'll also look at the various interpretations of the story and its influence on literature and culture throughout history. Let's begin our journey of discovery into the spiritual meaning of Jonah.

Key Takeaways

The story of Jonah in the Book of Jonah contains deep spiritual meaning beyond its surface-level story.

The story's themes, symbolism, and Jonah's spiritual lessons are still relevant today.

The story of Jonah has had a significant influence on literature and culture throughout history.

Historical Context of Jonah

The Era of Jonah

The Book of Jonah is set during the reign of King Jeroboam II of Israel, which lasted from 793 to 753 BCE. This was a time of relative stability and prosperity for Israel, as it had expanded its territory and increased its wealth through trade.

However, it was also a time of moral decay and spiritual decline, as the people had turned away from God and embraced idolatry.

Assyria and Israel

During this period, the Assyrian Empire expanded its territory and influenced the surrounding nations.

Assyria was known for its cruelty and brutality, and it was feared and hated by its neighbors. Israel was no exception and had conflicts with Assyria over territory and trade.

Jonah's Mission

The Book of Jonah tells the story of a Hebrew prophet named Jonah, whom God commanded to go to the city of Nineveh, the capital of Assyria, and preach a message of repentance to its people.

However, Jonah was afraid and ran away to Tarshish instead. He was then swallowed by a great fish and spent three days and three nights in its belly before being spat out on the shore.

The story of Jonah is not just a historical account but also a spiritual lesson about obedience, repentance, and God's mercy. Despite Jonah's disobedience, God still used him to accomplish His purposes and bring about the repentance of the Ninevites.

Overall, the historical context of Jonah provides important background information for understanding the story and its message. It highlights the time's political, social, and religious tensions and shows how God used a reluctant prophet to bring about His will.

The Story of Jonah

The Book of Jonah is a short story in the Old Testament that tells the tale of a prophet who runs away from his divine calling. The story is full of symbolism and spiritual meaning and has been the subject of much interpretation and debate over the years.

Jonah's Flight

The story begins with God commanding Jonah to go to Nineveh and preach against the city's wickedness. However, Jonah refuses and instead boards a ship headed in the opposite direction.

While at sea, a great storm arises, and the sailors fear for their lives. Jonah admits that he is the cause of the storm and tells the sailors to throw him overboard to calm the sea.

The Great Fish

After being thrown overboard, Jonah is swallowed by a great fish and spends three days and nights in its belly. During this time, Jonah prays to God and repents for his disobedience. God hears Jonah's prayer and commands the fish to spit him onto dry land.

Jonah in Nineveh

After being rescued by the fish, Jonah finally goes to Nineveh and preaches to the people, warning them of impending destruction.

To Jonah's surprise, the people of Nineveh repented and turned away from their wicked ways. God sees their repentance and spares the city from destruction.

The story of Jonah is a powerful reminder of the importance of obedience and repentance. Even when we run away from God's calling, He is always ready to forgive and show mercy to those who return to Him.

Related post: The Spiritual Meaning Of Nicole.

Themes and Symbolism

The Book of Jonah is rich in themes and symbolism, which makes it a fascinating read for scholars and laypeople alike. In this section, we will explore some of the key themes and symbols in the book.

Disobedience and Punishment

One of the central themes of the Book of Jonah is disobedience and punishment. Jonah disobeys God's command to go to Nineveh and preach repentance to the people there. Instead, he tries to flee from God by boarding a ship bound for Tarshish.

However, God sends a storm threatening to sink the ship, and Jonah realizes he cannot escape God's will. He tells the sailors to throw him overboard, and a great fish swallows him. This is a punishment for his disobedience.

Mercy and Forgiveness

Another important theme in the Book of Jonah is mercy and forgiveness. Despite Jonah's disobedience, God shows him mercy and forgives him when he repents. God also shows mercy and forgiveness to the people of Nineveh when they repent of their sins.

This theme teaches us that no matter how far we have strayed from God, we can always return to Him and receive His mercy and forgiveness.

Nature and the Divine

The Book of Jonah also contains many symbols that relate to nature and the divine. For example, the storm that threatens to sink the ship is a symbol of God's wrath. The great fish that swallows Jonah symbolizes God's power and sovereignty over all creation.

The gourd plant that grows up to shade Jonah symbolizes God's provision and care for His people. These symbols remind us that God is present in all creation and that we should seek to understand His will in everything around us.

In conclusion, the Book of Jonah is a rich source of themes and symbolism that can teach us many valuable lessons about obedience, mercy, and the nature of God.

We should strive to understand these themes and apply them to our lives to grow in our faith and become better servants of God.

Related post: The Spiritual Meaning Of Benjamin.

Jonah's Spiritual Lessons

If you've ever read the Book of Jonah, you know that it's not just a story about a man who a whale swallowed. It's a story about repentance, mercy, and personal transformation. Here are some of the spiritual lessons we can learn from Jonah's story.

The Call to Repent

When God called Jonah to go to Nineveh and preach repentance, Jonah didn't want to go. He ran away and ended up in the belly of a whale. But eventually, Jonah realized that he couldn't run away from God's call.

He went to Nineveh and preached repentance, and the people of Nineveh repented. This shows us that when God calls us to do something, we can't escape it. We need to listen to God's call and follow it.

Understanding God's Mercy

Jonah was angry when God showed mercy to the people of Nineveh. He wanted them to be punished for their sins. But God showed Jonah that he was a merciful God.

This teaches us that God's mercy is available to everyone, even those we might consider enemies. We need to be willing to show mercy to others, just as God has shown mercy to us.

Personal Transformation

Jonah's experience in the belly of the whale was a time of personal transformation. He realized he couldn't escape God's call and repented his disobedience.

This teaches us that sometimes we must go through difficult times to grow and change. We must be willing to let go of our old ways and embrace the new things God has for us.

In conclusion, the story of Jonah is a powerful reminder of the importance of repentance, mercy, and personal transformation. We can learn from Jonah's mistakes and be inspired by his example.

Jonah and New Testament Parallels

The story of Jonah is not only found in the Old Testament but also the New Testament. There are several parallels between the two that are worth exploring.

Sign of Jonah

Jesus referred to Jonah in Matthew 12:39-41, saying, "For just as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of the sea monster, so for three days and three nights the Son of Man will be in the heart of the earth." This reference is often interpreted as a prophecy of Jesus' death and resurrection.

Jonah and Jesus

Jesus also draws a parallel between himself and Jonah in Matthew 16:4, where he says, "An evil and adulterous generation seeks for a sign, but no sign will be given to it except the sign of Jonah."

Here, Jesus is referring to the fact that just as Jonah was in the belly of the fish for three days and three nights before being spat out, so too would Jesus spend three days and three nights in the tomb before being resurrected.

Jonah's story also parallels the story of Jesus' death and resurrection. The main character faces death in both stories and is brought back to life. Additionally, both stories involve three days.

The parallels between Jonah and the New Testament reinforce the idea that Jesus is the Messiah and that his death and resurrection were foretold in the Old Testament.

Interpretations and Influence

Many different interpretations and perspectives have been developed over the years regarding the book of Jonah. This section will explore some of the most prominent viewpoints and examine the book's influence on various aspects of culture and society.

Jewish Perspectives

For Jewish scholars, the book of Jonah is seen as a prophetic work that deals with themes of repentance and redemption. The Talmud attributes the book's authorship to the Men of the Great Assembly, a group of Jewish sages who lived during the Second Temple.

Rabbi Eliezer, a prominent Jewish scholar, believed that the story of Jonah was a parable meant to teach the Jewish people about the importance of repentance and forgiveness.

Christian Perspectives

In Christian theology, the story of Jonah is often seen as a foreshadowing of the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Jesus referenced Jonah's story when he spoke about his death and resurrection.

The book of Jonah is also seen as a powerful example of God's mercy and grace, as Jonah is forgiven despite his disobedience.

Literary and Cultural Impact

The book of Jonah has significantly impacted literature and culture throughout history. It has been the subject of numerous works of art, including paintings, sculptures, and plays.

The book has also been referenced in popular culture, with characters in movies and television shows often alluding to Jonah's story.

In addition, the book of Jonah has significantly influenced biblical literature as a whole. The Abarbanel, a medieval Jewish commentator, believed that the book of Jonah was written as a satire meant to poke fun at the other prophets of the time.

This interpretation has had a lasting impact on how scholars view the book of Jonah and its place in the canon of biblical literature.

Overall, the book of Jonah is a rich and complex work that has inspired countless interpretations and perspectives over the years.

Whether you view it as a prophetic work, a parable, or a satire, there is no denying the enduring influence that the book has had on culture and society.

Jonah's Legacy

Jonah's story is one of the Bible's most captivating and intriguing tales. It is a story of a man who ran away from the Lord's calling, was swallowed by a great fish, and eventually preached to the people of Nineveh.

But what is the spiritual meaning of Jonah, and what can we learn from his legacy?

Prophetic Tradition

Jonah is one of the twelve minor prophets in the Old Testament. His book is unique because it is not a collection of his prophetic sayings but rather a narrative of his experiences.

However, Jonah's legacy as a prophet is evident in his obedience to God's command to preach to the people of Nineveh. Even though he initially tried to flee from the Lord's calling, he eventually fulfilled his duty and became a model of obedience for future prophets.

Modern Relevance

The story of Jonah is still relevant today, particularly in the context of missionary work. Jonah's reluctance to preach to the people of Nineveh reminds us that we should not be afraid to share the Gospel with those who may seem unworthy or hostile.

Similarly, Jonah's experience of being swallowed by a great fish and then spit out on dry land symbolizes rebirth and renewal. This can be a source of inspiration for those struggling with their faith or seeking a fresh start in life.

Jonah's legacy also has relevance in the context of nationalism. The people of Nineveh were enemies of Israel, yet Jonah was called to preach to them. This reminds us that our faith should transcend national boundaries and love our enemies as ourselves.

In conclusion, Jonah's story has many spiritual meanings and lessons that are still relevant today. His legacy as a prophet and his experiences of obedience, rebirth, and overcoming fear inspire Christians worldwide.

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Unveiling The Spiritual Meaning Of Jonah - MindfulSpiritualLife.com

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As we delve into the spiritual meaning of Jonah, we'll explore the story's themes and symbolism, examine the lessons Jonah learned, and consider the parallels

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Book of Daniel Summary: A Complete Animated Overview

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What You Can Learn from Daniel’s Spiritual Discipline

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Because of Daniel’s consistent and prayerful focus, he grew as a God follower, as a person, and as a leader.

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Five Things About Ruth That Nobody Talks About — Inherit Magazine

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Five Things About Ruth That Nobody Talks About — Inherit Magazine

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The book of Ruth is often read as a charming story with little connection to the fears and threats facing modern Jewish life. But Ruth’s story is much…

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Comprised of only four chapters, the book of Ruth tells a short, but epic story of love, devotion, and unwavering faithfulness. We might be tempted to think of the characters in this story as larger-than-life beacons of exceptional faith. However, by doing so we'd miss a key part of the story. The characters in the book of Ruth are not especially exceptional. They are relatable, everyday people like you and me grappling with life's difficult situations and decisions.

When we first meet Ruth, she faces an impossible decision. Recently widowed, should she remain in the safety of her homeland or commit herself to follow her mother-in-law, Naomi, to the far-off land of Judah? Later, when faced with exacting situation after situation, Ruth must continue to discern what God would have her do. Though a woman of meager means and very few options, Ruth's example reveals how God can use our consistent acts of ordinary faithfulness, devotion, and love to further his extraordinary plan of salvation.
Ruth's Devoted Love
Naomi and Ruth's situation is dire, and the options before them are bleak. Years before, Naomi, her husband, Elimelech, and their two sons fled from their homeland of Judah to Moab to escape a famine. But now, years later, Naomi's husband, and her two sons have all died, leaving Naomi and her Moabite daughters-in-law widowed, vulnerable, and without any substantial means of support.

Maybe you can relate. Have you ever lost your job or been on the edge of financial ruin? Maybe you've lost a spouse or child, and cannot imagine how you could possibly go on. In her sorrow, Naomi makes the difficult choice to embark on the long and dangerous trek back to her homeland to throw herself on the mercy of her people. Holding out little hope that she will thrive back in Judah, she begs her daughters-in-law, Ruth and Orpah, to return to their families and stay in their homeland of Moab. Orpah does the sensible thing and returns to her family, but Ruth does not. At this moment we glimpse one of Ruth's most defining characteristics: her devotion.

Ruth 1:14, says that Orpah kissed Naomi goodbye, but that Ruth clung to her. I've always loved both the physicality and emotive nature of this word. I like to envision Ruth desperately enfolding Naomi in her arms and squeezing, almost unbearably tight, to not only console Naomi in her weariness, but also to communicate that she could not, and would not, ever let go. The word translated as clung in this passage is the same word used in Genesis 2:24 to describe how a husband must unite with, or cleave unto, or be bonded with his wife. It's the same word used in passages like Joshua 23:8, when Joshua urges the people to cling to God, just as they had in past trials. Ruth's act of clinging to Naomi is a reminder to all of us that even in our times of desperation and seeming abandonment, God calls us to cling to him, his promises, and his people.

This is not to say that this kind of clinging is easy. It's not. Ruth's choice to commit herself to Naomi is fraught with anxiety and loss. Not only must she leave her family, but knowing the tumultuous history between Moab and Judah, she recognizes that living in Judah means living among a people who would likely see her as a second-class citizen at best and an enemy at worst. Yet, in the moment, she does not flinch. Ruth loves her mother-in-law, and through her relationship with Naomi, Ruth has also encountered and come to love the one true God. So, Ruth declares to Naomi: "Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God" (Ruth 1:16b). Like Abraham, Ruth is willing to leave behind the land of her birth and step out in faith, with only Naomi and God to cling to.

If you are struggling today in uncertain circumstances, what might it look like for you to step out in faith like Ruth? How might you cling to God, his promises, and his people?
Ruth's Tenacious Faith
Ruth's decision to cling to Naomi and step out in faith is just the beginning of her story. Once in Judah, Ruth continues to live out her devotion to both Naomi and God. In her own sorrow, Ruth must have been tempted to simply give up or to withdraw herself from society's glares and judgment. However, she does not. Her love for Naomi and God is too great. She does everything that Naomi asks of her and lives according to God's law. With bold humility, Ruth sets out for a landowner's fields to glean, to pick up what the harvesters have left behind. She does not complain. She is not proud, and she doesn't concern herself with what others might think. Ruth simply obeys God's law and accepts what God provides.

Imagine you are Ruth upon arriving in Judah. She must have felt ill-equipped to deal with the enormity of her situation. She had suffered so much loss and yet, must still shoulder the responsibility of caring and providing for Naomi. All of us can relate to feeling overcome by suffering or paralyzed by the complexity of our situation. Ruth did not have a grand plan for how to overcome her problems on her own. Instead, she simply chose to take the next right step and do the next right thing.

First, Ruth gleans, following God's law, and so finds favor with Boaz, the owner of the field. Then, when Naomi tells her to return to Boaz's field, she does so. And finally, Naomi urges her to make what seems like a bold and possibly scandalous gesture, telling Ruth: "when [Boaz] lies down, note the place where he is lying. Then go and uncover his feet and lie down. He will tell you what to do" (Ruth 3:4). Ruth is new to the faith and culture of the people of Israel. Like us, she may not fully understand the implications of what Naomi is asking her to do. But she loves Naomi and not only trusts her but also God's law. And so, she obeys. She lays herself at Boaz's feet and boldly asks him to care for her and Naomi (his kin), according to God's law ( Ruth 3:9).
From Ordinary to Extraordinary
Looking backward on history, we know how the story ends for Ruth. Just as God used Ruth's faithfulness to provide support for Naomi, he also used Boaz's faithfulness to redeem Ruth's and Naomi's situations. When Ruth boldly asked for his care, Boaz followed God's law carefully. He made small, faithful decisions all along the way-to start with, just leaving grain in the field for gleaners, then by honoring Ruth's devotion to her mother-in-law with lavish amounts of grain and food ( Ruth 2), and finally by accepting Ruth's bold proposal (of marriage, as it were) to be her and Naomi's kinsman redeemer ( Ruth 3).

After marrying Boaz, Ruth gave birth to a son named Obed. For her, this was likely a period of joy that she never imagined on that day in Moab when Naomi begged her to return to her family. Indeed, God had blessed Ruth's devotion, her boldness, and her commitment to do the next right thing (even in the face of immense suffering). However, God did so much more through Ruth than she would ever know. Her great-grandson would be King David, and generations later, from her family line, would be born our Savior, Jesus Christ. Imagine, the redemption of the whole world was brought about, in part, through the intense loss, suffering, and then bold devotion of an ordinary widow from a foreign land.

Today, if you are experiencing a time of great struggle or sorrow in your life, know that God is with you. Take encouragement from Ruth's example of tenacious faith, devotion, and love. If you cling to God, his promises, and his people, he will meet you in your need wherever you are. Lean on God's guidance and reach out to family, friends, or your pastor as you discern your way forward. And remember, you don't have to have it all figured out. Just continue to take your next right step and God will do the rest! If you'd like to learn more about God's presence and provision in the lives of Ruth and Naomi, download Groundwork's 4-part study "Ruth: Surprised by God's Providence."

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Ruth is no stranger to suffering. A woman of meager means and very few options, her story reveals how God can use consistent acts of ordinary faithfulness, devotion, and love to further his extraordinary plan of salvation.

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Book of Ruth Summary: A Complete Animated Overview

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Book of Ruth Summary: A Complete Animated Overview

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Book of Esther Summary: A Complete Animated Overview

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The Book Of Esther -  (Biblical Stories Explained)

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The Book Of Esther -  (Biblical Stories Explained)

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Death or favor.

That was what it amounted to as Queen Esther approached the king in his throne room. According to the law of the empire, approaching the king uninvited (as she was doing) would earn her the death sentence unless the king showed her favor and extended the golden scepter to her (Esther 4:11).

Esther knew the consequences of her action, but the lives of her people demanded that she risk her own life and act.

Seeing her approach, the king extended the scepter, permitting her to come before him. Walking forward, she laid her hand on the top of the scepter (Esther 5:2).

Esther had successfully stepped out on faith, but her journey of faith started much earlier.

An unusual queen

The book of Esther reveals a very untraditional Persian queen. A Jewish orphan, she had been raised by her fatherly cousin Mordecai ( Esther 2:7). Growing up, she may have had thoughts of marrying a devoted Jew with Mordecai's blessing and raising a house full of children.

Her life took a different turn when the king issued a decree that all beautiful virgins were to be taken to his palace for the ultimate beauty pageant-with the goal of finding his new queen (Esther 2:1-8). "Lovely and beautiful," Esther was taken to the palace with the other women, and she quickly "obtained favor in the sight of all who saw her." In the end, the king selected her as his queen (Esther 2:17).

Life in the royal palace must have been surreal for the Jewish orphan. Keeping her ethnic identity a secret, she didn't face any bigotry and received nothing but favor from everyone. Still, a dark reality soon entered her life that the palace walls couldn't keep out.

A crisis of faith

The king's most trusted adviser, Haman, hated the Jews, especially Mordecai, and had devised a plot to kill all of them. He had cunningly gained the king's support for his plot, even though the king was not aware of the full horror of what his adviser was doing (Esther 3). If the Jews were to survive, Haman's plans had to fail.

Mordecai, knew that Esther, the beloved queen, must go and sway her husband. It was a sound idea, but there was one hitch that Esther immediately brought up: to go before the king without his permission was inviting death.

Esther understood that if the king didn't hold out the golden scepter to her, she could be killed before even reaching the king. To make matters worse, it had been over a month since the king had called for her (Esther 4:8-9).

A faithful step

Upon hearing Esther's response, Mordecai, who exhibited great faith as well, replied with what has become one of the most famous quotations from the Bible.

"Do not think in your heart that you will escape in the king's palace any more than all the other Jews. For if you remain completely silent at this time, relief and deliverance will arise for the Jews from another place, but you and your father's house will perish. Yet who knows whether you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this?" ( Esther 4:13-14, emphasis added).

As a secret Jew in the king's court, Esther may have been safe during Haman's genocide. In the uncertain environment of a king's palace, however, such safety wouldn't last long. Mordecai also caused her to look at why she had been forced into the king's court. Maybe it was because God Himself had orchestrated things so that Esther could save her people now.

Upon hearing and pondering Mordecai's reply, Esther requested all of her people in the capital city fast with her for three days and nights. During that time she must have also prayed to the God of heaven for wisdom, guidance and the faith to carry on and save her people. If God allowed her to die, then so be it (Esther 4:10-11).

Regardless of how it all ended, she would step out on faith and save her people, or die trying.

The results of Esther's faith

After the three days and nights of fasting, Esther figured out what she would do. Not yet sure if the king would allow her to live, she stepped out in faith and did everything that she could. Believing that God would give her favor in her husband's eyes, she had a banquet worthy of the king prepared before she ever left the chamber. Dressing in her royal garments, she went before the king.

Esther's faith was rewarded. Not only did the king extend the scepter and spare her life, but he asked her, "What do you wish, Queen Esther? What is your request? It shall be given to you-up to half the kingdom!" Esther's faith was rewarded. Not only did the king extend the scepter and spare her life, but he asked her, "What do you wish, Queen Esther? What is your request? It shall be given to you-up to half the kingdom!" (Esther 5:3).

Instead of immediately revealing her petition, Esther asked the king to the banquet she had prepared. He eagerly accepted and brought along Haman at her request. At the banquet, she delayed him one more time and invited him to a second banquet.

While Esther prepared the second banquet, God had begun to work things out for Haman's decline-in fact, during that day, Haman ended up having to honor Mordecai! (Esther 6). At the banquet, Esther then pleaded with the king to save her people. Haman saw that he was in trouble and began to beg for Esther's help, but the king became furious with him, and he was arrested and killed on the very gallows that he had prepared for Mordecai (Esther 7).

Despite the demise of Haman, the decree was still looming over the Jews. Giving Mordecai the signet ring that was once given to Haman, the king allowed him and Esther to defeat the murderous plan with another document of their own that allowed the Jews to defend themselves against any and all attackers (Esther 8-9).

God had saved the Jews through the faith of the queen, and the great national Jewish festival of Purim memorializes that very event ( Esther 4:16, Esther 9:26-27, 28). More details can be found in our article about the book of Esther.

Lessons for us

Esther's faith provides us with important lessons. One lesson is that sometimes our faith may not be as strong as it should be, but the important thing is that we take that step even when our faith is weak. We must do the right thing regardless. Sometimes we may need some gentle, loving guidance and advice, as Esther received. And for sure, fasting and prayer can also help us grow in faith.

Esther had the faith to stand in the hard times, as have many other women of faith. God has preserved these stories in the Bible as examples of those who acted in faith. How much faith do we have? For more information, read " What Is Faith? "

To learn more about the lessons we can learn from Esther's example, read our blog post " Lessons From Esther."

About the Author

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Esther was a queen full of faith. Even though her faith would be severely tested, she pulled through, and God used her actions to save her people.

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Who Was Esther and Why Was She So Important?

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I remember how young I was when I heard the story of Esther from the Bible. The biblical account of the orphan who grew up to be a courageous queen, saving Israel from annihilation. The girl who is taken to the palace of King Xerxes and rises up to become queen. The one who bravely works to save her own people from the cruel plots of the enemy. Yet there's so much more as we dig into this amazing story. It reveals some very powerful truths in its 10 chapters, great wisdom for today, and the realization that God still works in mighty ways on behalf of His people. (Esther 1-10)
Esther Quick Facts

Estherwas taken from her home and came to live in the palace along with many other girls of the harem. She was Jewish but never revealed her nationality or family background as Mordecai had advised her. God gave her great favor among all there and she soon became queen.

The book of Esther is one of only two in the Bible named for women (the other is Ruth).

It's also one of two books of the entire Bible that doesn't actually mention God's name (the other is Song of Songs). And though we don't read God's name in the story, His sovereignty and loving care are woven throughout the words and chapters.

It's set during a time when the Jews suffered much racial hatred. They had been a minority in Persia for years.

As I learned more about story of Esther from Scripture, the more my heart longed to be a woman just like her. I was 10 years old at the time but hearing the account of Esther's courage and faithfulness caused me to surrender my own life and future to whatever plans God had for my life.

Many books recount the historical and theological importance of the Jewish orphan who became a Persian Queen. While many record Esther's influence upon history, my own story was so influenced by Esther that I cannot help but share from my perspective. Who was Esther and why was she so important? Her story teaches us these valuable lessons:

Photo Credit: Unsplash/Stefan Stefancik

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Who Was Esther and Why Was She So Important?

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I remember how young I was when I heard the story of Esther from the Bible. The biblical account of the orphan who grew up to be a courageous queen, saving Israel from annihilation. The girl who is taken to the palace of King Xerxes and rises up...

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7 Things You Didn't Know About Mother Mary

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7 Things You Didn't Know About Mother Mary

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5 Lessons from Mary the Mother of Christ in Trusting God - Topical Studies

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Mary, the mother of Jesus is one of the most recognized and influential people in the Bible. Her story is miraculous, and she is a woman of courage, strength, tenacity, and immense faith. While she is best known and celebrated for giving birth to Jesus the Messiah, there are other powerful lessons that we can learn from her life and story. Here are five dynamic and valuable lessons that we can learn from Mary:

1. Despite Mary's Fears, She Trusted God's Word and Guidance for Her Life

When Mary received the angel Gabriel's message that she would conceive Jesus through the Holy Spirit, she was afraid. She knew her circumstances and the potential fallout of being a virgin and unwed mother. Luke 1:29 says "Mary was greatly troubled at his words," referring to Gabriel. Despite her fears, uncertainties, and questions, Mary decided to trust God's divine plan for her life. She surrendered to God's will. In Luke 1:38, Mary proclaims "I am the Lord's servant, and tells Gabriel, "May your word to me be fulfilled." Mary's desire to serve God and surrender was greater than her fears.

Similar to Mary, we too have real fears in our lives when fulfilling God's purposes. We often have more questions than answers. But we can learn and be inspired by Mary's story. She leaned on God's word and moved forward, trusting God's leading and direction. Mary believed that God would keep His promises.

2. In the Midst of Mary's Trials, She Continued to Praise God

In the midst of Mary's life-changing news that she would give birth to the Messiah, she continued to praise God. Her doubts and fears didn't waver, but her songs of praise rang louder. Mary understood the power of her praise, and that it would sustain her through her upcoming trials.

Luke 1:46-55 is entitled "Mary's Song of Praise." Mary praises God for His faithfulness in her life, but also for all future generations. We must continue to keep an active praise on our lips to encourage and strengthen our spirits. God's goodness and faithfulness is consistent and steadfast. In the midst of our various trials, continue to find something to praise God for.

3. Mary's Suffering Drew Her Closer to God

Being the mother of Jesus was Mary's greatest honor and ultimate source of suffering. She witnessed Jesus endure intense ridicule, opposition, and crucifixion. She was the last person with Jesus until his death on the cross. Mary carried a weighty burden and responsibility. As any mother would, Mary wanted only what was best for her son, but also endured great pain and suffering watching her son suffer.

In our suffering, God wants us to fully depend and lean on God. Within our own strength, our personal suffering can attempt to consume us, but we must fully rely on the Holy Spirit to guide, carry, and sustain us through times of adversity. God will comfort us in our suffering and is a consistent presence in our lives. Deuteronomy 31:8 states, "The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged."

When adversity comes, God has given us an open invitation to come and find comfort and peace in God.

Photo credit: Bethany Pyle

4. Mary Trusted God in the Unknown

Although Mary's path was unknown, she surrendered and trusted God moving forward. It is easy to trust God when things are going well and your next step is clear. The greater test for us all is to trust God when our next steps are unknown and we are unsure how to move forward. Mary decided to trust God during her uncertainties and fears. She didn't lean on her own understanding or limited perspective.

God gave Mary an extraordinary blessing in birthing Jesus the Messiah. She was unsure of exactly how God was going to use her, but she trusted in who God was more. Like Mary, God is calling us to practice trusting Him daily with our lives and His purposes for us. With limited information and control, we must continue to trust God's path and provision.

5. Mary Surrendered to God's Will

Mary surrendered to God's plans not only for her life, but the life of her child. She allowed Jesus to minister in both familiar and uncomfortable settings. Mary surrendered her child over to God and his ultimate will. If Mary tried to control God's plans for Jesus, he wouldn't have fulfilled his purpose on earth and died for the sins of humanity. Surrender is a daily act of worship to God and a full acknowledgement that we are not in control, but an opportunity for us to be led by God every day.

To fully surrender our lives daily to God takes greater trust, humility, and a reverence for His sovereignty. It is not easy to do because we battle against our human frailty each day. However, God will give us the courage needed to surrender every aspect of our lives into God's capable hands. We should shift our attention from our circumstances to a renewed assurance that God's will is best. Similar to both Mary and Jesus, surrendering to God's will is not easy, but necessary for our spiritual growth and maturity.

As we close out the year, I invite you to reflect on Mary's journey and the lessons from her life. God blessed her tremendously with the birth of Jesus through extraordinary circumstances. Despite her fears and anxieties, she decided to trust God's word, praise God through suffering, trust God in the unknown, and surrender to God's will. His plans for our lives will take us down windy and uncertain roads. Often times, we will not know the way to go or will see our fears increase. Let us be encouraged by Mary's story and reminded that God will lead, guide, and direct us.

In times of uncertainty, let us continue to praise God with the intensity of Mary. Let us trust God in the unknown. Surrender to His will and be assured that God's plans are to prosper us and not to harm us. May our desire to serve and accomplish God's purposes be greater than our fears.
Kirstyn Mayden is a Christian blogger who writes devotionals that empower and equip women in their everyday lives. She has a Master of Divinity degree from Emory University in Atlanta, GA. For the last 15 years, Kirstyn has served in a number of ministry capacities with children, youth, and women. She has a passion to serve with women empowering them to grow and live out their God-given purpose. Currently, she serves alongside her husband in ministry at Mt. Zion UMC Church in Upperco, MD. She is the loving Mom to her daughter. In addition, she is the founder of Worthy Girls, Worthy Lives, an empowerment program for adolescent girls in Baltimore. Connect with Kirstyn's blog here.
Photo credit: ©Getty Images/ChrisGorgio

Kirstyn Mayden is a Christian blogger who writes devotionals that empower and equip believers in their everyday lives. She is a wife, Mom, and loves Jesus. She has a Master of Divinity degree from Emory University in Atlanta, GA. For the last 20 years, Kirstyn has served in several ministry capacities. She has a passion to serve with women empowering them to grow and live out their God-given purpose. Currently, she serves alongside her husband in ministry in West Virginia. She is the author of Merciful Moments: A Devotional Journal for Moving Forward with Grace Each Day. Connect with Kirstyn's blog here.

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5 Lessons from Mary the Mother of Christ in Trusting God - Topical Studies

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Mary, Jesus' mother, is an almost larger-than life figure. But in reality, she faced many of the same doubts, fears and uncertainties as we do today. Here are five lessons from her story in the Bible, that can encourage us to trust God' plan for our lives...

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Characteristics of Mary, Mother of Jesus

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Characteristics of Mary, Mother of Jesus

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God chose an extraordinary young woman to be the mother of Jesus Christ. What are some characteristics we can all learn from this woman of faith?

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Her family lived in humble stone and mud-brick houses, with Mary spending her days grinding wheat and barley into flour, and making their meals which consisted of vegetables, eggs, fruits, and nuts. Her daily routine would consist of making the bread, feeding the chickens, caring for the donkey, and making her clothing from the wool of sheared sheep. She would carry water from the well to drink, to clean her house, and to use for cooking. She would press the olives at harvest time, and she would pick the grapes, figs, and pomegranates when they were in season.

Yet, the most enigmatic woman of the Bible, Mary, the mother of Jesus, has very little known about her.

Her account of Jesus' conception and birth are thoroughly detailed in the Gospel of Luke, though some parallel details are found in the other gospels. However, it is Luke who painstakingly interviews Mary for the information to be included in God's Holy Word. And it is Luke whom Mary confides in and gives her story from her point of view.

However, in order for Luke to recount the eyewitness testimony of Jesus' conception and birth, there is only one person who could give him firsthand information. That person was Mary, Jesus' mother. No other person alive could give him what he needed to know. Elizabeth and Zacharias (the parents of John the Baptist) were long since dead. Joseph is apparently deceased since he isn't heard from since Jesus was 12. The only other "being" that knew the details was the angel Gabriel. Luke couldn't exactly summon Gabriel for an interview.

Mary's biography first begins with her 60-year-old cousin, Elizabeth, who miraculously becomes pregnant for the first time in her old age sometime between 4 B.C.- 6 A.D. (exact dates are unknown). Not surprisingly, Mary would have a close affinity with a relative who becomes pregnant in an extraordinary manner and would seek her counsel on how best to proceed. The angel Gabriel announces to Elizabeth's husband Zacharias the details, specifically emphasizing that their son John [the Baptist] will be filled with the Holy Spirit.

The Holy Spirit. God's Spirit has been mentioned over and over again in the Old Testament, but never was referred to as the HOLY SPIRIT until the New Testament, and specifically, with regards to the conception of both John and Jesus. This is obviously a new and baffling idea to both Mary and Elizabeth. Elizabeth was told that John would be "filled with the Holy Spirit, even from his mother's womb" (Luke 1:15) and Mary would conceive Jesus once "The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Highest will overshadow you; therefore, also that Holy One who is to be born will be called the Son of God." (Luke 1:35, NKJV)

In retrospect, Mary gives these details to Luke once he has written the Book of Acts, since the presence of the Holy Spirit was obviously the Comforter that Jesus promised after His Resurrection. Luke, of course, is the careful transcriber of the Acts of the Holy Spirit to the newfound Christian churches. Yet before these two male cousins - Jesus and John the Baptist - are conceived within months of each other, the idea of the Holy Spirit is a foreign concept. Certainly the two women would not have understood what this meant.

Mary, born approximately 13-10 B.C. was a mere 12-year-old preteen living in a small, uncultured, closely-knit, deeply religious rural farming community of 500 people called Sepphoris, about 4 miles north of Nazareth. Nazareth, where her husband would hone his carpentry trade, was located within Galilee and known to be an important caravan trading route between Egypt and Mesopotamia.

Mary presumably lived as an only child with her parents who are never named in the Bible, though tradition names them as Anne and Joachim. Mary is named after Miriam, Moses' famous sister, an especially common name during that time. Mary, as a woman and second-class citizen, was not educated and would not have been taught to read or write. All her religious training would have come through following cultural tradition, and by hearing the oral recitations of Old Testament scripture.

The political landscape during Mary's time could only be described as war-torn, dangerous, and unpredictable. Ruthless Roman occupation was rampant, and Jewish uprisings were equally as common. The Jewish people for centuries held onto God's promise that they would be sent a Savior - a Savior that would presumably put an end to their horrendous oppression. In the meantime, the Israelites were enslaved, and their towns were burned to the ground. Considering such turbulent times, it is astonishing that Mary later has the courage to travel to visit her cousin Elizabeth on the hillside- alone.

So, why Mary? And why this time in history? Why not, say, in 1000 A.D. to a different woman instead of Mary? Why make the Messiah's first appearance now? Mary is quite obviously a faithful, devoutly religious Jewess during the time. Yet many women are faithful Jews. Mary is a virgin, just like many Jewish women throughout history. She is unquestionably favored, blessed, and loved by God. She is not even unique by having an angel speak to her, since at least two other women throughout the Old Testament also garnered a similar, though rare, visitation (Hagar and Samson's mother).

At no other time in history - either past or present - could this seemingly impossible convergence of events take place. At no other time in history is a woman a descendant of David AND the royal priestly tribe of Levi, engaged to a carpenter, and living in Nazareth during the times when crucifixions would become the punishment du jour. At this exact moment in history, there would be three planets (Saturn, Jupiter, and the Moon) align to create the bright Star of Bethlehem - a once in a multi-millennium event - that guides the magi across the desert to worship the Christ-child. As of 70 A.D., the Jews would permanently stop their ritualistic animal sacrifices during Passover, effectively eliminating the possibility of a sacrificed Lamb as prophesied in the Old Testament. If no animals are used for atonement, then Jesus' sacrificial death on the cross is unnecessary. Jesus' appearance is also heralded by a forerunner, who could only be His cousin, John the Baptist. Jesus, too, is called the Son of God and Son of the Highest, as predicted by the prophets and confirmed through the angel Gabriel.

As a matter of fact, of the entire 300 prophecies of the Old Testament pertaining to the birth of the Messiah, only one man - JESUS - could fulfill at least 8 of them. The odds of fulfilling these mere 8 prophecies are astronomical: 1 x 10 ²⁸, or 1 in 10,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000. Consider that Jesus fulfilled all prophecies of the Old Testament. Only with God are all things possible.

Accordingly, Luke carefully traces Mary's family tree to show her as a descendant of David through Nathan (Luke 3:23-31). This small detail is incredibly important since this lineage gives Jesus the legal right as King David's heir. Also, Mary is betrothed to a carpenter named Joseph, who also traces his lineage to that of King David, Solomon, and eventually Jacob (Matthew 1:7-16). Hence, BOTH parents are from the house of David, a point specifically emphasized by the gospels of Luke and Matthew, therefore providing Jesus with the double authority to ascend the priestly Throne.

Luke writes,
"And having come in, the angel said to her [Mary], 'Rejoice, highly favored one, the Lord is with you; blessed are you among women!'" (Luke 1:28, NKJV)
. The literal Greek translation means "You who have been graced." Mary was given a gift of unmerited, undeserved, unearned grace with God. Yet, just because she lived a pious life in Nazareth does not mean that she did not sin. Far from it. If that were the case, even Mary would not have had the need for a Savior. She was in the same company as other women in the Bible who were the ancestors of Jesus - Sarah, Rebekah, even Rahab the prostitute - and yet interestingly does not earn herself a place on the honorary Wall of Faith as mentioned in Hebrews 11. However, Mary was obedient. Mary loved and was committed to God. Mary was in the right place at the right time, and was a willing and able vessel for God at the time He needed her. She was going to be given preferential treatment and extra kindness for her role.

Make no mistake, Mary was not a deity to be worshipped or prayed to. Jesus would detest the fact that the person He calls "woman", never Mother, would be erroneously considered an intermediary between His people and God. The only way to God is through Jesus, as Paul states very clearly in 1 Timothy 2:5:
"For [there is] one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus."
However, Mary will be blessed forever as she is remembered for her role in Jesus' life and throughout the rest of history as Gabriel predicted.

. The Old Testament Hebrew word ("barach" or "beruch") means knee - to bend down on the knee to plant a vine. God is bending down to Mary in order to plant in her womb the True Vine. Even Jesus says later in John 15:5, "I am the vine, and you are the branches." God's true intention is for His blessing to come down to Mary.

. The New Testament Greek word ("makarios") is used during Jesus' Sermon on the Mount. He describes how the "stooped down" and "lowly" would inherit the earth. Yet how would this apply to Mary? Because she lived a humble, righteous life; she would bring down upon her God's spiritual blessings such as strength, authority, courage, peace, and patience. And she would be respected and honored throughout all generations as a woman who has been given such blessings by God.

Mary, to her courageous credit, does not cower in fear at the sight of Gabriel. She believes him with unquestioning faith. And she humbly submits herself as God's maidservant and bows to His will.

The remainder of the angel's speech recorded by Luke is known as the Annunciation:
"And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bring forth a Son, and shall call His name Jesus [literally, Yahweh is salvation]. He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Highest; and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David. And He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of His kingdom there will be no end." Then Mary said to the angel, "How can this be, since I do not know a man?" And the angel answered and said to her, "The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Highest will overshadow you; therefore, also, that Holy One who is to be born will be called the Son of God. Now indeed, Elizabeth your relative has also conceived a son in her old age; and this is now the sixth month for her who was called barren. For with God nothing will be impossible." Then Mary said, "Behold the maidservant of the Lord! Let it be to me according to your word." And the angel departed from her. (Luke 1:26-38, NKJV)
Mary may be blessed, and she may be favored, but Mary is also in a precarious predicament. She will become pregnant (she isn't yet), and her husband Joseph will not be the father. Notice that when Gabriel relays this stunning prophesy about her coming Son, Mary only comments on her upcoming pregnancy. To be fair, it's not what Gabriel has to say doesn't matter, but Mary's miraculous "situation" will become front and center to her and Joseph's lives. She might, at the very least, be shunned from her Nazarene society and left to starve. More likely, she could be stoned to death for adultery as dictated by Mosaic law. As it states in Deuteronomy 22:21:
"then they shall bring out the young woman to the door of her father's house, and the men of her city shall stone her to death with stones, because she has done a disgraceful thing in Israel, to play the harlot in her father's house. So you shall put away the evil from among you."
Where, then, does this leave Joseph?

Joseph has every right to divorce her quietly - which would only serve to limit any options for Mary's future. Her family is seemingly out of the picture, which leaves only Joseph as her sole support. And God picks the right man for the job - to protect Mary, to love Mary - and more importantly, a man who also has absolute faith and trust in God. Joseph even takes Mary with him for one of the required censuses in Bethlehem (the annual counting of the people so that the Emperor Augustus could impose heavy taxes), which Mary was not required to attend. Joseph only wants to keep her safe. He knows the whispers, the condemnation, the accusatory pointed fingers that threaten his beloved, and he risks all for the sake of Mary, for Jesus - a son that he did not conceive, and for God.

Mary is cradled in her husband's capable hands - the hands of a carpenter who has been busy at work, ironically helping to craft and rebuild the Temple at Jerusalem, one of many monolithic architectural projects begun by King Herod. This same Temple that Joseph was hired to rebuild would one day become THE Temple of his stepson Jesus, who would not only become the chief cornerstone, but would destroy it through His crucifixion and resurrection. Joseph helped rebuild this Temple in more ways than one.

But until that day, Mary must deal with an impending crisis. She remembers Gabriel's not-so-subtle hint: to visit her cousin Elizabeth for advice, encouragement, and to escape the rising tensions of her Nazarene community. Even the dangerous riotous lands that Mary would travel through by herself were safer than staying in Nazareth. At some point between Gabriel's announcement and Mary's arrival at Elizabeth's doorstep, she is truly, immaculately, miraculously pregnant.

There, Luke records the most famous exchange between two women: Elizabeth's first ever proclamation of Jesus as Lord, and Mary's Song of praise and worship to God, otherwise known as the Magnificat. Elizabeth, being filled with the Holy Spirit, loudly and boldly speaks out to her cousin:
"Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb! But why is this granted to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? For indeed, as soon as the voice of your greeting sounded in my ears, the babe leaped in my womb for joy. Blessed is she who believed, for there will be a fulfillment of those things which were told her from the Lord." (Luke 1: 42-45, NKJV)
Elizabeth is the first person to announce Jesus as Lord even before Mary has had a chance to tell Elizabeth she's with child. Only the Holy Spirit could do that. Similarly, during Jesus' life, Peter boldly tells Jesus, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God." (Mt 16:16), where Jesus effectively answers: "Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah [Peter], for flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but My Father who is in heaven." (Mt 16:17) This knowledge was first revealed to Elizabeth, and only the Holy Spirit gives her the power and boldness to speak His words of prophesy.

Luke recognizes the hand of the Holy Spirit here, and through God's breath of inspiration, records this entire exchange for posterity. The Holy Spirit has announced the arrival of God's Son and the Savior of the world, the One who will defeat the ultimate enemy - DEATH - and give sinful man the opportunity to obtain righteousness by believing in Him, thereby living eternally in heaven.

And Mary's glowing response is reminiscent of other women in the Bible when they find themselves blessed with a precious baby growing inside them. These women recognize God's miracle of life, and the One that created the universe is the One that also created their future bundle of joy. Mary, in turn, humbly glorifies and magnifies His name in the Magnificat:
"My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior. For He has regarded the lowly state of His maidservant; for behold, henceforth all generations will call me blessed. For He who is mighty has done great things for me, and holy is His name. And His mercy is on those who fear Him. From generation to generation, He has shown strength with His arm; He has scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts. He has put down the might from their thrones, and exalted the lowly. He has filled the hungry with good things, and the rich He has sent away empty. He has helped His servant Israel, in remembrance of His mercy, as He spoke to our fathers, to Abraham and to his seed forever." (Luke 1: 46-55, NKJV)
Mary stays with Elizabeth for 3 months, soaking in the presence of her elderly cousin and confidante. They both know what it is like to be ashamed and condemned, yet they also have both been blessed by God, and their sons would become irrevocably intertwined with each other, playing out their purpose and destiny in God's kingdom.

Time is of the essence, though, and Mary returns to her husband before John the Baptist is born as they quickly prepare to walk their 100-mile, 10-day journey from Nazareth to Bethlehem. Joseph, because he is from David's lineage, must register there for the census, and unwittingly fulfills the centuries-old prophesy that the Savior would be born in this tiny, inconsequential town. Though the trip is arduous, Mary is nestled under the protective wing of her husband, and looks forward to staying with his family and relatives where she will finally enjoy their company and hospitality. But because Joseph's older brothers get there first, the guest-room (the inn) is taken, and the couple has nowhere to stay. Instead, they are relegated to the animal stables where Jesus is born, wrapped in swaddling cloths, and placed in the feeding trough. Overjoyed at their son, Joseph and Mary are subsequently visited by shepherds and by the magi, all proclaiming their son as the Redeemer of sins.

Henceforth, the King of the Jews and Savior of the World is alive on earth for a short 33 years. Mary and Joseph have their Son circumcised on the 8 th day according to Jewish custom, and on the 40 th day present Him as their firstborn to the Temple that Joseph helped build. Two different people - Simeon and Anna - boldy bear witness to this infant as the Redeemer and Messiah. Simeon's dire warning falls upon Mary as he says:
"Behold, this Child is destined for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign which will be spoken against 35 (yes, a sword will pierce through your own soul also), that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed." (Luke 2:34-35, NKJV)
Mary at this point could have been proud and haughty with all the overwhelming attention she has received on behalf of her Son. She could have shouted from the rooftops that she was selected by God to be the mother of the Christ. The expensive baby gifts could have easily gone to her head. But she remained God's lowly maidservant throughout, and her heart remained humble and steadfast, a true testament to her faith and belief in God. Mary, Luke writes, continued to ponder with deep introspection all that she had seen and heard - from the angel Gabriel's words, to Elizabeth's proclamation, to the shepherd's chorus, to the magi's (the wise men's) visitation, and finally to the prophetic words spoken over Jesus at the Temple in Jerusalem.

Understandably, Mary could not fully grasp what everything meant. For Mary to "ponder" these events (the Greek word "sumballo") meant to bring all the bits and pieces of knowledge together and weave the threads into a comprehensive whole. But that "whole" was beyond what Mary's limited 13-year old human understanding would allow. For not even Mary was privy to God's entire, ultimate plan for His Son. She did not know the miracles of healing that He would perform. She did not know of His profound, overarching ministry to Israel and to the rest of the world. She did not know that "Savior" and "Messiah" did not mean saving the Jews from Roman oppression, but rather that her Son would save the world from its ultimate enemy of sin and Death.

Mary also could not have foreseen that Jesus would not embrace her as a mother, but rather regard her as a common "woman" later in life and hand her off to an apostle to be taken care of in her widowhood. She does not understand when Jesus, at 12 years old at the Temple of Jerusalem, tells her:
"Why do you seek Me? Did you not know that I must be about My Father's business?" (Luke 2:49, NKJV) "Woman, what does your concern have to do with Me? My hour has not yet come." (John 2:4, NKJV)
When Mary tries to gain his attention at the wedding feast at Cana, she submits to His authority:
"My mother and My brothers are these who hear the word of God and do it." (Luke 8:21, NKJV)
Understanding her place, Mary does not take offense when Jesus would later say to His followers:

Mary knows that her role in Jesus' life was diminishing as it would for any mother in a Jewish household once their boys celebrated their ceremonial bris at 13 years of age - a significant rite of Jewish passage into manhood. And as the clear leader of the household upon Joseph's death, Jesus becomes the authoritative head over her and the rest of their family. As events unfold, Mary cannot even prevent her Son's execution by her own people. Yet, she would stand as a fortress by His side during His brutal crucifixion that would pierce His hands and ultimately - as prophesied - her own soul. Only she, her sister-in-law, the apostle John, Mary Magdalene, and Salome would be present at Jesus' death on the cross.

Meanwhile, Mary's life would continue in routine and uneventful fashion, giving birth to several other sons and daughters that would become Jesus' half siblings - ones that later would be the center of the Judeo-Christian church and write at least two letters of the New Testament (James and Judas). Mary would raise Jesus in the Jewish faith, and as expected, she would faithfully accompany her family to Jerusalem every year during Passover.

She would visit Elizabeth, where Jesus and John [the Baptist] would play together in the streets of Jerusalem. She would stay at the house of Martha and Mary in Bethany, cementing the friendship that Jesus would ultimately continue during His ministry. He would befriend Lazarus, whom later He would raise from the dead. Mary would lovingly watch her husband train Jesus as a carpenter, not knowing that Joseph was training the very One who would fashion the Lamb's Book of Life.
"Now there stood by the cross of Jesus His mother; and His mother's sister[in-law], Mary the wife of Clopas, and Magdalene. When Jesus therefore saw His mother, and the disciple whom He loved standing by [John], He said to His mother, "Woman, behold your son!" Then He said to the disciple, "Behold your mother!" And from that hour that disciple took her to his own home." (John 19:25-27, NKJV)
Keep in mind that Jesus never disrespected Mary, nor did He ever dishonor her. He specifically was subject to her and Joseph, as stated in John 2:51, until He began His public ministry. Jesus had great affection for her as evidenced within minutes of His dying on the cross, for He made sure that she was handed over to His beloved apostle, John - a true believer - instead of his non-believing siblings:
"If anyone comes to Me and does not hate his father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters, yes, and his own life also, he cannot be My disciple." (Luke 14:26, NKJV)
Yet even then, He addressed Mary with the familiar "woman", not Mother. He was authoritative with her when needed, as He was with every other person who clearly did not understand His mission. Jesus made it very clear that His place, His family, His purpose was not of this world. Mary was not singled out, nor did she demand to be. Even though she was Jesus' blessed earthly mother, she allowed herself to be humbly treated just like everyone else. Jesus states again in Luke:

Keep in mind that "hate" does not mean despise, or an angry emotion of complete and utter intense, passionate dislike. Rather, Jesus means not to put one above the other. And no one - not even your own family, especially your own mother - should take the place of Jesus. Jesus never put Mary above Him, nor even equal to Him. Jesus demands to be your be all and end all, your raison d'être, your sole purpose in life. Everything and everyone else is secondary. Mary understood this. Do you?

Mary dedicated her life to Jesus, to raising Him, to loving Him, to putting Him first above herself and fulfilling her role that God had given her 33 years ago. Finally, Luke places Mary in the upper room in the book of Acts, where she is last seen with the apostles and disciples patiently awaiting Jesus' return. She is not graced with the glimpse of Jesus' Glorious reappearing like so many others. But that isn't necessary, for Mary completely believes in Him as the Son of God and as the Savior of the world. She knows firsthand what He has done, and what He will continue to do. Her heart, though broken, remains strong in the knowledge that her mission is accomplished.

Well done, good and faithful servant. You are truly blessed among women.

Amen.

References

Barber, Wayne, Rasnake, Eddie, and Shepherd, Richard. Life Principles from the Women of the Bible: Speaking Boldly to the Women of Today. Advancing the Ministries Publishers, 1999. pp. 167-191.

Covington, Richard. "In Search of the Real Virgin Mary." U.S. News & World Report. Special Collectors Edition. Copyright 2005.

Deen, Edith. All the Women of the Bible. Harper Collins Publishers, New York, 1955. pp. 156-167.

Lockyer, Herbert. All the Women of the Bible. Zondervan Publishers, 1967. pp. 92-99.

NIV Archaeological Study Bible: An Illustrated Walk through Biblical History and Culture. Zondervan Publishers, 2005.

The Women's Study Bible, Second Edition, NKJV version. Thomas Nelson Publishers, 1995.

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Her family lived in humble stone and mud-brick houses, with Mary spending her days grinding wheat and barley into flour, and making their meals which consisted of vegetables, eggs, fruits, and nuts. Her daily routine would consist of making the bread, feeding the chickens, caring for the donkey, and making her clothing from the wool...

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Who was King David in the Bible? - Top Scriptures

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Who was King David in the Bible? - Top Scriptures

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David is one of the most referenced people in the Bible with sixty-six chapters dedicated to him. Discover important Bible verses about David in this collection of scripture quotes.

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David, the Latecomer King • Firstborn Ep. 7

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David, the Latecomer King • Firstborn Ep. 7

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The Book of Job's Wisdom on How God Runs the World

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Amazing Overview of the Book of Job in 40 Minutes!

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Too often in conversations about suffering, one particular Bible story is not consistently discussed. The Book of Job is a story that details the life of one man who was not a distinguished church figure facing persecution. He was an everyday man, albeit affluent in possessions and faith. The Bible describes Job's financial stature as making him a noteworthy person in his region of the east. He had a large family of a wife, seven sons, and three daughters. In his possession were also large quantities of land and animals ( Job 1:2-3). Of all that he owned, his greatest asset was his faith.

"There was a man in the land of Uz, whose name was Job; and that man was perfect and upright, and one that feared God, and eschewed evil." ( Job 1:1)

Job's ability to believe was so impressive that he garnered the attention of God and also Satan. In this first chapter of Job, we read an account of God questioning Satan about his schemes. Satan confesses to roaming about the Earth, and God asks if the Devil has considered Job. The question sets Job up for an intense season of suffering, one that breaks him physically, emotionally, even spiritually, but he never forsakes his faith. All this occurs as a test, allowed by God to show Satan Job's faith ( Job 1:11-12).

Job's story continues to be relevant to Christians today because of his ability to believe despite suffering. His season of loss is a reminder that no possession or relationship on this Earth is guaranteed to last forever. Not even our health. Job found himself losing all that he owned, all except for his faith. However, Job's story is not limited to suffering or maintaining faith amid trials. There are a number of different lessons we can glean, but first, we must understand the purpose of the Book of Job and why it was included in the Bible.

Who Wrote the Story of Job and Why Is the Book of Job included in the Bible?

The Bible is authored by a number of different people, prophets and kings included. There are even unknown authors of certain passages. As for the Book of Job, the author is unclear. There is no indication of the author within the book itself, and Job's death is mentioned in chapter 42, the last chapter of the book. There is speculation amongst the scholarly community that Moses wrote the book, but there is no conclusive evidence.

Even without an author, the story's inclusion in the Bible informs us that there is something God wants to glean from His word ( 2 Timothy 3:16). In addition to authorial speculation, the inclusion of Job's story is believed by some to be purposed in answering the question of why innocent people suffer. By the conclusion of the book, there is no answer given as to why innocents suffer, but there is a solution, trust.

The idea and word trust appears multiple times throughout the Bible spoken by different people. The idea is also present here as Job experiences suffering and seeks God for help. With this greater understanding, we can analyze the 5 the story of Job.

5 Important Things to Know about the Story of Job

1. Job Suffered while Innocent

Job did not commit any sin that led to his suffering. On the contrary, Job's suffering came about as God allowed Satan to test his faith. Why did Job have to suffer at all? The same question has been asked throughout the ages after events such as school shootings or natural disasters. Why do innocent people suffer for seemingly no reason? And Job was so greatly afflicted by his problems that he cursed, not God, but the day that he was born.

" After this, Job began to speak and cursed the day he was born." ( Job 3:1)

This was not an inconvenience that Job experienced. Life as he knew it was turned upside down and made into something that brought him intense pain. Job represents the truth that innocent people suffer, but by the end of his story also shows that God is in control the entire time. God allowed Satan to attack Job spiritually, emotionally, and physically, but never to the point of death ( Job 2:6). God remained in control.

2. Job Questioned God

As shown in the Psalms, which follow after the Book of Job, prayer is shown to be communication with God that is deep, intimate, and honest. As Christians, we can talk to God about things going well in our lives, and also our troubles. Job did not hide his troubles and spoke openly.

" If I have sinned, what have I done to you,
Watcher of humanity?
Why have you made me your target,
so that I have become a burden to you?"
( Job 7:20)

In his anguish and confusion, Job sought to have dialogue with God as a means of understanding his plight. We are like Job when we experience suffering. We may ask God questions like "How long?" or "Why is this happening to me?" Though not immediately, God does respond to Job later in the book ( Job 38). God also answers our prayers, just in His own timing. In the way God responds to Job, He makes clear that though we may ask, our sense of comprehension will never fully grasp God and His ways. Still, He is trustworthy.

3. Job's Loved Ones Didn't Help

Job's wife was the first to reveal her lack of faith in God. " His wife said to him, 'Are you still holding on to your integrity? Curse God and die!'" ( Job 2-9)

Job's response shows just how much faith he had in spite of her doubts. "' You speak as a foolish woman speaks,' he told her. 'Should we accept only good from God and not adversity?' Throughout all this Job did not sin in what he said" ( Job 2:10). Job posits an excellent question to consider. If God promises salvation in the form of heaven, why is life expected by some to only be good?

Job's three friends when introduced to the story bear witness to his suffering. They go so far as to lament on his behalf ( Job 2:13). As the Book of Job continues each friend has a chapter where they engage in dialogue with Job. Then Job is given a chapter where he responds. The friends' attempts to "help" go so poorly that God is ultimately disappointed in them ( Job 42:7). God was so upset he had them offer sacrifices as repentance. The reason for this is that the friends blamed Job for his suffering, unbeknownst to them God allowed Job to suffer despite being a righteous man.

His friend Eliphaz was the first to blame Job. " Consider: Who has perished when he was innocent" ( Job 4:7)? Their relationship helps us see how we as believers seek counsel from others. While people may mean well in their advice-giving, no one can truly comprehend how God works in our lives and should not speak on His behalf. Moreover, suffering is to be experienced even by the innocents, like Job, not because someone has committed an offense against God, but because suffering is a part of life.

God used Job's suffering to build him up and show the Devil that Job would keep his faith.

4. Job Was Restored

"After Job had prayed for his friends, the Lord restored his fortunes and doubled his previous possessions." ( Job 42:10)

In the end, Job gained more than he lost. And he was restored in all aspects of his life: health, family, finances. God showed Job favor as he remained faithful in his belief. This information is important because these details reflect the loving nature of God. God's love was present despite Job's unhelpful friends, wife, and harsh circumstances.

God does not allow sorrow for the sake of suffering. He allows us to experience trials to make us better people and expose weak areas in our lives. Job was able to learn more about God during his struggle and further build his trust in the Lord. Job's suffering too also allowed God to affect Job's friends. They initially blamed Job and learned that Job hadn't done anything to merit his suffering, thus, showing them a side of God they were unaware of before.

5. Job Kept His Faith

Throughout the entire book, Job prayed, struggled, and eventually overcame. He never stopped having a relationship with God. Nor did he curse God as his wife encouraged him to do in the second chapter. Job's steadfast faith offers proof that no matter life's circumstances, maintaining faith is always a possibility. Whether we are spiritually, emotionally, or physically stricken, we can keep our trust in God. He will at some point deliver us from our troubles, and make us better from the experience.

A Modern Day Job

As we read and learn from Job we can ascertain that suffering comes upon all, sinful or guiltless. Jesus was the only person without sin and even He knew suffering. While we may encounter our own unexpected problems like Job, his story reminds us that even when we don't understand why we can put trust in God. That trust is not limited to circumstances, nor by the "advice" given by other believers. Trust is not an explanation of why Job suffered, or why we suffer. Yet, the idea of trust gives us a solution to bear the suffering.

No one can fully understand God, and that gives us all the more reason to pray. And when we pray and while we wait, we know in the end God will make us into someone better than where we started. Job proved that.
Further Reading Bible Story of Job What Is the Story of Job? Sources
Aaron D'Anthony Brown is a freelance writer, hip-hop dance teacher, and visual artist, living in Virginia. He currently contributes work to iBelieve, Crosswalk, and supports various clients through the platform Upwork. He's an outside-the-box thinker with a penchant for challenging the status quo. Check out his short story " Serenity."

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5 important things to know about the story of job

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5 Important Things to Know about the Story of Job

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While we may encounter our own unexpected problems like Job, his story reminds us that even when we don't understand why we can put trust in God. That trust is not limited to circumstances, nor by the "advice" given by other believers.

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The story of Job is undoubtedly one of the most powerful and moving accounts in the Bible.

It is a story of a man who is tested in ways that most of us can hardly imagine.

Despite losing everything he held dear, including his family, his wealth, and his health, Job remained steadfast in his faith.

His story is an incredible example of how to navigate the storm of life with an unwavering faith in God.

In this article, we will explore the story of Job and discover how his faith helped him through his suffering.

We will also learn how we can apply his lessons to our own lives, and how we can find hope and comfort in the midst of our own struggles.

If you are facing a difficult situation or simply looking for inspiration, read on to discover the incredible story of Job.

The story of Job is one of the oldest and most enduring tales of human suffering and resilience.
It is a story that has captivated readers for centuries, offering profound insights into the nature of faith, suffering, and the human condition.
Job, a man of great integrity and wealth, found himself suddenly plunged into a storm of unimaginable suffering.

In a series of tragic events, he lost his wealth, his children, and even his own health. Yet, throughout this ordeal, Job remained steadfast in his faith, refusing to curse God or abandon his beliefs.

Job's story is a powerful example of the human capacity to endure and find meaning in the face of adversity. It raises profound questions about the nature of suffering and the role of faith in navigating the storms of life.
What makes Job's story even more remarkable is his unwavering trust in God, even when faced with seemingly insurmountable challenges.
Through Job's story, we can gain a deeper understanding of the human experience and find inspiration to navigate our own storms with unwavering faith.

Job, a righteous and prosperous man, faced unimaginable trials and tribulations that tested his faith to the core. In a sudden twist of fate, he lost everything he held dear - his wealth, his health, and even his loved ones.

It seemed as if the world had turned against him, leaving him broken and in despair.

The trials that Job faced were not just physical and material but also emotional and psychological.

His friends, instead of offering support and comfort, questioned his righteousness and suggested that his suffering was a result of his own wrongdoing.

Yet, Job remained steadfast in his belief in God's justice and refused to accept their misguided accusations.

In the depths of his anguish, Job found solace in his unwavering trust in God.

He cried out to God, pouring out his heart and seeking answers, but never losing faith. His story reminds us that even in our darkest moments, it is essential to hold onto faith and seek solace in a higher power.

Job's unwavering faith amidst suffering is a testament to the strength of the human spirit.

It serves as a reminder that even when life throws its harshest challenges our way, we can find the resilience to endure and overcome. Job's story inspires us to remain steadfast in our beliefs, to trust in a greater purpose, and to find hope in the midst of the storm.

In the face of unimaginable loss and suffering, Job's initial reaction was one of deep anguish and despair. The news of his children's deaths, the destruction of his livelihood, and the sudden onset of painful physical afflictions left him reeling with grief and questioning the very foundation of his faith.

Job's struggle with his faith was raw and palpable.

He openly expressed his anguish, lamenting his existence and questioning why such calamity had befallen him.

But amidst the darkness, Job's faith flickered, refusing to be extinguished.

Despite his despair, he clung to the belief that there must be a higher purpose behind his suffering.

He wrestled with the age-old question of why the righteous endure such pain, yet he chose not to abandon his faith.

In the depths of his anguish, Job poured out his heart to God, demanding answers and seeking solace.

He questioned God's justice, yet he never turned away from Him. Job's struggle with faith was not a sign of weakness, but rather a testament to his unwavering determination to seek truth and find meaning in the midst of his suffering.

Job's story serves as a powerful reminder that faith is not a shield against suffering, but rather a guiding light that can illuminate the darkest moments of our lives.

Job's initial struggle with his faith ultimately paved the way for a deeper, more profound understanding of God's sovereignty and a restoration of his faith in the midst of the storm.

In the midst of his excruciating suffering, Job's friends emerged as a beacon of support.
However, their attempts to console him quickly turned into a series of misguided advice that tested Job's already fragile faith.
Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar, his trusted companions, initially arrived with good intentions. They sat with Job in silence for seven days, honoring his grief and pain. But as the days wore on, they couldn't contain their desire to offer explanations for Job's suffering.

Their misguided advice revolved around the notion that suffering is a direct consequence of sin.

They argued that Job must have committed grave transgressions to warrant such immense suffering. They insisted that if he repented and sought forgiveness, his trials would cease and prosperity would be restored.

Job, however, steadfastly maintained his innocence and refused to accept their faulty reasoning.

He questioned the fairness and justice of his circumstances, longing for an audience with God to plead his case.

Despite the relentless onslaught of his friends' misguided advice, Job clung to his unwavering faith and refused to succumb to their flawed perspective.

Their words, though well-intended, only served to deepen Job's anguish and exacerbate his sense of isolation.

Their accusations and false assumptions added insult to injury, challenging Job's trust in God and fueling his internal struggle.

Yet, amidst the overwhelming weight of their misguided advice, Job never wavered in his trust in the Almighty.

He remained resolute in his belief that God was just and righteous, even in the face of seemingly insurmountable adversity.

Job's faith, though tested and shaken, remained unyielding.

Job's journey teaches us a profound lesson about the importance of discernment in times of suffering.

It reminds us to be cautious with the advice we offer to those enduring trials, and to approach them with empathy, understanding, and humility.

Ultimately, Job's unwavering faith serves as a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the power of trust in the face of adversity.

In the midst of his intense suffering, Job turned to God in prayer and engaged in deep conversations with Him.

Job's conversations with God are a profound testament to his unwavering faith and his relentless pursuit of understanding amidst his trials.

Throughout the book of Job, we witness Job pouring out his heart to God, expressing his anguish, confusion, and even frustration.

He raises thought-provoking questions, boldly challenging the Almighty.

Job's questions are not born out of doubt or rebellion, but rather from a genuine desire to comprehend the purpose behind his suffering.

One of the most poignant moments in Job's conversations with God is when he asks, "Why is life given to a man whose way is hidden, whom God has hedged in?" (Job 3:23).

This question encapsulates the depth of Job's struggle, as he grapples with the seeming injustice of his circumstances. Job yearns for clarity, for a glimpse into the divine plan that has unfolded in his life.

Furthermore, Job questions the nature of God's justice, asking, "If I am in the right, I cannot lift up my head, for I am filled with disgrace and look on my affliction" (Job 10:15).

In his pursuit of understanding, Job seeks reassurance that his suffering is not a result of wrongdoing on his part. He longs for vindication and for his righteousness to be acknowledged.

Job's conversations with God are not simply a series of complaints or pleas for relief.

They showcase a profound depth of faith and a relentless pursuit of truth. In the face of immense suffering, Job remains steadfast in his belief in God's justice and goodness. He wrestles with difficult questions, but his faith never wavers.

As we navigate our own storms of suffering, we can learn from Job's example.

Job teaches us the importance of honest and open communication with God. We should not shy away from asking the hard questions, for it is through dialogue with the Divine that we can find solace, understanding, and ultimately, a deeper connection to our faith.

Just as Job's unwavering faith sustained him through his trials, so too can our conversations with God anchor us amidst the storms of life.

Job's journey through suffering was not an easy one.

At the beginning of his trials, Job was a prosperous and righteous man, blessed with abundant wealth, a loving family, and good health. However, in a sudden turn of events, he lost everything he held dear - his wealth vanished, his children perished, and his health deteriorated. Job found himself in a state of immense suffering, grappling with the weight of his pain and the questions that plagued his soul.

Yet for spiritual growth and self-reflection. It forced him to confront his own limitations and the frailty of human understanding.

Through his relentless pursuit of answers and his unwavering faith, Job developed a deeper understanding of God's sovereignty and wisdom.

As the story unfolds, we witness Job's transformation from a man afflicted by despair to one who emerges with a renewed sense of purpose and a profound intimacy with his Creator.

His suffering became a refining fire, purging away the superficial and revealing the strength and resilience of his character.

It teaches us that suffering, although painful, can lead to profound transformation if we approach it with faith and perseverance.

In our own lives, we may face storms that shake us to our core.

Job's story reminds us to hold steadfast in our faith, to seek understanding in the midst of confusion, and to trust that our suffering can ultimately lead to growth and a deeper connection with the divine.

One of the key lessons we can learn from Job is the importance of trusting in God's plan, even when it doesn't make sense to us.

Job's story teaches us that life is filled with uncertainties and challenges, but by placing our trust in a higher power, we can find strength and hope in the midst of adversity.

Another lesson we can glean from Job's unwavering faith is the power of perseverance.

Job's example teaches us the value of perseverance in the face of trials, reminding us that even in our darkest moments, there is always a glimmer of light if we hold on and keep moving forward.

Furthermore, Job's story highlights the importance of community and support during times of suffering.

Despite his friends' misguided attempts to understand his suffering, Job recognized the comfort and encouragement that came from their presence. This serves as a reminder that we should not isolate ourselves when facing difficulties but instead seek the support and wisdom of others who can walk alongside us in our journey.

During times of difficulty and suffering, it can be challenging to maintain our faith and stay strong. However, there are practical ways in which we can strengthen our faith and find solace amidst the storms of life.

1. Seek spiritual guidance: Reach out to a trusted spiritual advisor or mentor who can provide guidance and support during difficult times. They can offer insights, prayers, and words of encouragement that can help strengthen your faith. 2. Engage in prayer and meditation: Set aside dedicated time each day to connect with a higher power through prayer and meditation. These practices can bring inner peace, clarity, and a sense of divine presence that can strengthen your faith. 3. Reflect on past experiences: Look back on previous challenges you have faced and overcome. Remind yourself of how your faith sustained you during those times and draw strength from those experiences. This reflection can reassure you that you have the resilience and faith to endure the current storm as well. 4. Surround yourself with a supportive community: Seek out like-minded individuals who share your faith and values. Engage in meaningful discussions, attend support groups, or participate in religious or spiritual gatherings. Being part of a supportive community can provide encouragement and reinforce your faith. 5. Read and study sacred texts: Delve deeper into your faith by studying sacred texts and scriptures. Reflect on the teachings and messages contained within them. The wisdom and guidance found in these texts can provide comfort, inspiration, and renewed faith during challenging times. 6. Practice gratitude: Cultivate a mindset of gratitude, even amidst difficult circumstances. Focus on the blessings and positive aspects of your life, however small they may seem. Gratitude shifts your perspective and reminds you of the goodness that exists, strengthening your faith in the midst of adversity. 7. Serve others: Engage in acts of kindness and service to others. Volunteer your time, offer support, or lend a listening ear to those who are also going through difficult times. By focusing on the needs of others, you can find purpose, deepen your faith, and experience the transformative power of love.

In times of suffering, it is natural to question and doubt. However, by incorporating these practical ways to strengthen our faith into our daily lives, we can navigate the storms with resilience, hope, and an unwavering faith that sustains us.

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The Resilience of Job: A Tale of Faith in the Face of Suffering

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Despite losing everything he held dear, including his family, his wealth, and his health, Job remained steadfast in his faith. His story is an incredible example of how to navigate the storm of life...

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Claims to fame: Peter goes by three names: Simon, Cephas, Peter. He walks on water briefly before starting to go under - and talks as much as all the other apostles put together.

Serves as the primary source for Mark's gospel. Writes two remarkable epistles: 1 and 2 Peter. He's crucified upside down by Nero in Rome.

Worst betrayals: Peter denies Jesus Christ three times in one night. He acts hypocritically while in Antioch.

Bible Verses about Peter

The first half of Peter's story is told in Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. If you want to see Peter in action afterward, take half an hour to read Acts 1-12. Or take three minutes to read one of those exciting chapters.

You'll see that the impulsive Peter in the four gospels becomes the Holy Spirit-emboldened apostle of Acts 1-12 and, later, 1 and 2 Peter.

That isn't everything, though, about Peter. In 1 Corinthians, Paul briefly mentions "Cephas" four times in 1:12, 3:22, 9:5, and 15:5.

In Galatians, Paul briefly mentions Cephas in 1:18 and 2:9 and his momentary lapse into hypocrisy in 2:11-14. In Acts 15:7-14, Galatians 2:7-8, and 2 Peter 3:15-16, it's clear the two apostles highly esteem each other and their respective ministries.

Peter's Family

We know his father is Jonah (John), who had named his first son Simon and his second Andrew. We know Simon is married and his mother-in-law sometimes lives with them.

That said, Simon's life story really doesn't start in earnest until he meets Jesus, who renames him Cephas, which translated is Peter ( John 1:42).

The New Testament uses Peter 178 times, Simon Peter 29 times, Simon (speaking of Peter) 17 times, Cephas nine times, and Simeon (again speaking of Peter) twice in Acts 15:14 and 2 Peter 1:1.

Peter in the Gospel of Matthew

Peter first shows up in Matthew 4:18-20, when Jesus calls him to be one of His first disciples. Jesus visits Peter's home and heals his mother-in-law in Matthew 8:14-15. Peter officially becomes one of the 12 apostles in Matthew 10:1-2.

Peter finally starts talking in Matthew 14:28-30, only to yell when he begins drowning. A page later, Peter asks Jesus to explain what He's just said ( Matthew 15:15).

A chapter later, Peter makes his confession, "You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God" ( Matthew 16:16).

Only half a dozen verses later Peter rebukes Jesus, who sternly rebukes Peter ( Matthew 16:22-23).

Peter enters the inner circle with James and John, only to propose a half-baked idea on the Mount of Transfiguration ( Matthew 17:1-4).

Later in that chapter, Jesus quizzes Peter, who gives one-or two-word answers, Matthew 17:24-27. A page later, Peter asks Jesus a question about forgiving others ( Matthew 18:21).

Peter goes silent until Matthew 26:33-35 when he not-so-humbly claims he would never fall away or deny Jesus Christ. He goes silent again in Matthew 26:36-46, sleeping while Jesus prays in the Garden of Gethsemane. Then, just as Jesus predicted, Peter denies Him not once but three times ( Matthew 26:69-75).

Most of this is covered again in Mark and Luke's gospels.

Peter in the Gospel of Mark

Mark's gospel is the shortest. Still, he mentions Peter's name as the leader of the early disciples in Mark 1:36, of the inner circle of three disciples in Mark 5:37, of the inner circle of four disciples in Mark 13:3, and of the 12 apostles in Mark 14:37 and Mark 16:7.

In addition, Mark quotes a couple of Peter's one-liners to Jesus in Mark 10:28 ("left all") and Mark 11:21 (fig tree).

Peter in the Gospel of Luke

Luke's gospel is the longest. He alone records the dramatic story of Jesus providing a miraculous catch of fish after Peter had caught nothing all night ( Luke 5:1-11). This is the catalyst for Peter's conversion and decision to leave all to follow Jesus Christ.

Luke quotes a few of Peter's one-liners to Jesus in Luke 8:45, Luke 12:41, and Luke 18:28. Luke notes that Jesus asks Peter and John to make preparations for the Last Supper ( Luke 22:8).

Near the end of that supper, Luke adds Jesus' words to Peter about returning to Him ( Luke 22:31-32). As well, Luke says Jesus looked straight at Peter right after his third denial, Luke 22:61.

In addition, Luke's gospel has a verse about Peter going to the empty tomb ( Luke 24:12) (discussed in more detail in John 20:2-10). Finally, Luke adds Jesus' post-resurrection appearance to Peter ( Luke 24:3-4, compare 1 Corinthians 15:5).

Peter in The Gospel of John

Andrew introduces his brother, Peter, to Jesus, in John 1:40-42.

After Jesus' "hardest" sermon, many leave. Jesus turns to the 12 to ask if they want to leave as well. Peter replies, ""Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. We have come to believe and to know that you are the Holy One of God" ( John 6:68-69).

When Jesus washes His disciples' feet, Peter objects and the Lord rebukes him ( John 13:6-10). That same evening, Peter motions for John to ask Jesus a question ( John 13:21-24). A few minutes later, Peter asks Jesus two more questions ( John 13:36-38).

John identifies Peter as the disciple in the Garden of Gethsemane who cut off a man's ear ( John 18:10-11).

John adds a bonus chapter about fishing with Peter, having breakfast with Peter and Jesus, and Jesus talking about their differing futures ( John 21:1-23).

All Four Gospels

You can read complementary accounts of Peter's three denials in Matthew 26:20-75, Mark 14:66-72, Luke 22:54-62, and John 18:15-27. As Peter discovered, we can rest assured that - no matter how often we let Him down - the Lord won't give up on us.

Lesson's From Peter's Life and Story in the Bible

From the time we were kids, we've been told: Three strikes and you're out.

In life, we get only so many opportunities to blow it. In many competitive situations, it is no wonder our first reaction is to tense up.

It seems as if everyone struggles with the fear of failure, at least occasionally. Every time we hear about another friend or colleague losing her job, we automatically wonder, "Will I be next?"

Thankfully, God's kingdom operates on an entirely different basis. We can never let God down one too many times. If we love Him and own up to our sins, confessing them and asking for His forgiveness, God keeps right on forgiving us and putting us back in the game.

If anyone has ever understood the marvel of God's goodness to keep giving us second and third chances, it was Peter.

In the course of a single evening, Peter denies Jesus Christ three times: First to a maid, then to her and a couple of her coworkers, and then to an entire group of bystanders.

Yet after His resurrection, Jesus made a point of repeatedly reassuring Peter that he still had great things in store for this very human and less than perfect disciple.

Later in life, Peter looks back on this experience and reminds his fellow Christians that Jesus "personally carried our sins in his body on the cross so we can be dead to sin and live for what is right. By his wounds you have been healed. Once you were like sheep who wandered away. But now you have turned to your Shepherd, the Guardian of your souls" ( 1 Peter 2:24-25, NLT).

As Peter discovered, it's not too late for you and me to return to Jesus Christ today, confess our sins, ask for His forgiveness, and receive second chances.
For further reading: Why Did Peter Deny Jesus after Everything? What Is the Significance of Jesus Calming the Storm? How Did Peter Walk on Water? Why Did He Sink? Why Didn't the Disciples Recognize Jesus after His Resurrection? Does God See Our Failures?
Photo Credit: ©iStock/Getty Images Plus/artisteer

The late David Sanford's book and Bible projects were published by Zondervan, Tyndale, Thomas Nelson, Doubleday, Barbour, and Amazon. His latest book was Life Map Devotional for Men published concurrently with his wife Renee's book, Life Map Devotional for Women.

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Peter in the Bible - His Life and Story in the New Testament

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If anyone has ever understood the marvel of God's goodness to keep giving us second and third chances, it was Peter. Just as Peter discovered, it's not too late to you and me to return to Jesus Christ today, ask for His forgiveness, and receive many second chances.

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The Complete Story of the Apostle Peter: The Crucified Disciple (Part 1)

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The apostle Peter, in many ways, was a lot like you and me. He was a small businessman, he had a wife, and he had partners in business. He was also dedicated to the truth, first following John the Baptist and then Jesus Christ.

Peter was a man of faith, dedicated to the truth of God, yet at the same time he made some rash and impetuous choices.

Interesting facts about Peter the apostle

When you look in the New Testament, Peter shows up all over the place.

It was Peter who objected to having his feet washed, but later agreed (John 13:6-10). It was Peter who cut off the ear of the servant of the high priest (John 18:10). It was Peter who noticed the withered fig tree (Mark 11:21).

Peter was one of the three who witnessed the transfiguration of Christ (Mark 9:2-6). And Peter saw the vision of the sheet filled with all kinds of animals (Acts 10:9-16).

Peter's name was originally Simon, which meant "hearing" ( Thayer's). He was the son of a man named Jonah and was brought up in his father's occupation, that of a fisherman (Matthew 4:18). In Matthew 8:14 we see where Jesus healed Peter's mother-in-law, so we do know that he was married. We do not know if Peter had any children.

Peter and his brother Andrew were fishing partners with James and John, the sons of Zebedee (Luke 5:10). This is helpful to understand, as you'll often see Peter, James and John grouped together. They had a previous, long-term friendship.

Peter's calling

Andrew, Peter's brother, was originally a disciple of John the Baptist. He told his brother that "we have found the Messiah" (John 1:35-41).

Jesus, upon meeting Simon, gave him the Aramaic name Cephas (Peter in Greek), "which is translated, A Stone" (verse 42).

Later, when Jesus chose His disciples, He reconfirmed Peter's name change (Mark 3:13-19).

From that point forward, Peter was considered one of the prominent apostles. He is named first in every list of the apostles. We don't know what led Jesus to name Peter first, whether it was his zeal, his energy or his absolute devotion to Christ. Whatever it was, Jesus also recognized Peter's weaknesses and tendency to be rash at certain times.

Herein lies the paradox of Peter. One moment he was saying and doing the right things, and then, suddenly, his humanity would jump to the fore.

Peter correctly answers Jesus

In Matthew 16 Jesus asked His disciples, "Who do men say that I, the Son of Man, am?" Peter correctly knew who Christ was: "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God." It wasn't human knowledge that told him that; it was spiritually discerned. For that, Christ praised him (Matthew 16:13-17).

But, shortly after Christ praised Peter, Peter felt he needed to rebuke Jesus for saying He would suffer and die. In return, Jesus said, "Get behind Me, Satan! You are an offense to Me, for you are not mindful of the things of God, but the things of men" (verses 21-23). "Satan" means adversary or accuser. Jesus strongly corrected Peter, telling him that his mind was not focused on the things of God.

Jesus and Peter walk on water

We see in another account, in Matthew 14, where Jesus had sent the disciples by boat, ahead of Him. The seas were rough, and sometime between 3 and 6 in the morning, Jesus came walking across the water toward the boat (Matthew 14:25-29).

Peter took the initiative and asked Christ to bid him to walk on the water. Without hesitation, he got out of the boat and began walking on the water!

What did that take, not only to ask to walk on the water, but to actually do it? It definitely wasn't anything man said or did that prompted him to do that. It came from faith in God. However, almost immediately, Peter allowed his faith to weaken, and he began to sink (verses 30-31).

Peter experienced the wonder of walking on water. Other than Jesus, he is the only man recorded to have walked on water. He must have felt elated; he had confidence. He must have felt a surge of enthusiasm.

But then he got distracted, lost his focus and began to sink. The Bible doesn't say how far he got, and it doesn't say whether Christ carried Peter or helped him walk back to the boat. But remember, in the beginning, Peter stepped out on faith. He believed and was obedient.

Peter learned a lesson: whether he sank or walked on the water depended on where his focus was.

Peter denied Jesus

On the evening of Jesus' last Passover, after the service had ended, Jesus said all of His disciples would stumble. It was Peter who said, "Even if all are made to stumble because of You, I will never be made to stumble" (Matthew 26:31-33).

Jesus replied that Peter wouldn't just stumble, he would deny Him-and not just once, but three times. Yet Peter insisted, "Even if I have to die with You, I will not deny You!" (verses 34-35).

But Peter did exactly as Jesus had predicted, denying Him three times before the rooster crowed. Peter was deeply ashamed of his behavior and "went out and wept bitterly" (verses 69-75).

Peter after the resurrection

Sometime shortly after Christ's resurrection, seven of the apostles were together, and Peter suggested they go fishing. They fished all night and caught nothing.

The life of Peter can serve as inspiration and encouragement to us as we go forward in this troubled world. In the morning a stranger appeared on the shore and asked if they had any food. When they said no, He instructed them to cast their net one more time on the right side of the boat. The net came up overflowing, and it was at that point they recognized the stranger must be Jesus, and they made their way to shore.

While the others rowed, Peter jumped into the sea and swam to shore (John 21:1-8).

Think about the setting here from Peter's perspective. On Passover night he had stood up and said he would never stumble because of Christ. Jesus had then told him that he'd deny Him three times before morning, and Peter had done just as Christ said. Since then Christ had died and had been resurrected and now was back among them.

Peter must have had conflicted feelings. He was overjoyed at seeing Christ again, yet at the same time he was ashamed, carrying the weight of having thoroughly messed up just days earlier. Would Jesus Christ say anything? Would He do anything? The whole act of Jesus' feeding them breakfast must have been comforting. However, after the meal, Christ zeroed in on Peter (verses 15-17).

Jesus addressed him by his given name. He did not call him Cephas, or Peter, the name Christ had given him, but his original name, Simon, son of Jonah. This may have been to remind him that everything wasn't as it had been.

Jesus Himself had given Simon the name of Peter, the stone. Here, Jesus was reminding Peter that at that moment, he wasn't the stone, but was simply Simon.

In a few short verses, Christ encouraged Peter and gave him instruction and direction for going forward. What did Jesus say?

1. Christ wanted Peter to confirm he loved Him. One of the two great commandments is to love God. Jesus wanted to make sure of Peter's love of God.

2. Christ also wanted to make sure Peter (and, by extension, all the ministers of the Church) would feed the flock-the members of His Church. Not just some of the flock. All of the flock.

3. And, finally, Christ instructed Peter to follow Him.

Peter's Pentecost sermon

Acts 2 describes the first Pentecost of the New Testament Church. The Holy Spirit was given in a powerful and spectacular way, and the Church was born.

Who was it that stood up and preached? It was Peter (Acts 2:14). Those who were there and heard his sermon were genuinely touched and asked what they should do since they realized that they were responsible for the death of Jesus Christ. Peter powerfully called them to repentance and to be baptized and receive the Holy Spirit (verses 37-38).

From that point forward, Peter played a prominent part in the early Church. We find that, in addition to powerfully speaking, he went about healing (Acts 5:15; 9:32-34) and even restoring people to life (Acts 9:36-41).

Peter's vision: God opens the door to the gentiles

Although Paul was commissioned as the apostle sent to the gentiles, it was Peter who was first shown that gentiles were now to be a part of the Church.

In those days Jews didn't have anything to do with gentiles. In fact, Jews considered it to be against their law to associate with non-Jews (Acts 10:28). But in a vision Peter was shown that God was calling gentiles as well as Jews into His Church. Peter brought that revelation back to Jerusalem so the whole Church could now come to that understanding.

Peter shared meals with gentiles, and he was comfortable around gentiles even though he himself was a Jew (Acts 10:34-43; 11:11-18).

In Galatians 2:11-16 the apostle Paul recounted a time when Peter reverted to not eating with gentiles. But it seems reasonable to conclude that after Paul's correction, Peter once again gave the gentiles the respect God expected from him.

Peter's letters

Peter authored two of the books in the New Testament. These letters were written near the end of his life. He was committed to Christ and had been a leader in the Church for many years.

Peter relayed the same message he had received personally from Christ. He was interested in the genuineness and sincerity of the brethren's faith. The elect Church members he was writing to loved Jesus Christ even though they were being tested, and even though they had never seen Him. Peter encouraged them to continue moving forward by following the words of Jesus Christ (1 Peter 1:6-9). For further study, see our articles " 1 Peter" and " 2 Peter."

Death of Peter

Jesus Christ predicted Peter's future and foretold how he would die (John 21:18-19). This was not spoken as something that perhaps might happen, but as being certain. Christ's own words indicated that Peter would be martyred.

The Bible itself doesn't tell us how Peter died. The most commonly accepted tradition says that Peter was crucified upside down. This tradition explains that Peter requested this form of martyrdom because he had denied Jesus and felt he was not worthy to die as Jesus had died. Again, this is only tradition, and the Bible does not confirm or deny that story.

Peter's example, an inspiration for us

Peter was faithful, he was obedient, and he also grew in humility. It didn't matter if he was a prominent apostle. He was able to admit when he was wrong, and he was able to change. It would appear that at times Peter struggled to be righteous and allowed his humanity to get the better of him. In spite of that, Peter was able to overcome, and he was used by God to become a powerful leader of the early Church. (For further information about Peter, read our article " On What Rock Did Christ Build His Church? ")

Christ knew what kind of person Peter was from the very first time they met. He knew Peter's potential, and He knew that in spite of all the rash things Peter might do, that potential was still there.

Do you think it's any less for us? The life of Peter can serve as inspiration and encouragement to us as we go forward in this troubled world.

About the Author

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The story of Peter in the Bible is fascinating. His failings are not minimized, but still Peter shines as a man of faith and an example of zeal for God.

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The Story of Peter: From Fisherman to Apostle - Faithful Fable

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The story of Peter is one of profound personal growth, unwavering faith, and significant impact. As we delve into the pivotal moments of his life, you’ll

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Mary, the mother of Jesus is one of the most recognized and influential people in the Bible. Her story is miraculous, and she is a woman of courage, strength, tenacity, and immense faith. While she is best known and celebrated for giving birth to Jesus the Messiah, there are other powerful lessons that we can learn from her life and story. Here are five dynamic and valuable lessons that we can learn from Mary:

1. Despite Mary's Fears, She Trusted God's Word and Guidance for Her Life

When Mary received the angel Gabriel's message that she would conceive Jesus through the Holy Spirit, she was afraid. She knew her circumstances and the potential fallout of being a virgin and unwed mother. Luke 1:29 says "Mary was greatly troubled at his words," referring to Gabriel. Despite her fears, uncertainties, and questions, Mary decided to trust God's divine plan for her life. She surrendered to God's will. In Luke 1:38, Mary proclaims "I am the Lord's servant, and tells Gabriel, "May your word to me be fulfilled." Mary's desire to serve God and surrender was greater than her fears.

Similar to Mary, we too have real fears in our lives when fulfilling God's purposes. We often have more questions than answers. But we can learn and be inspired by Mary's story. She leaned on God's word and moved forward, trusting God's leading and direction. Mary believed that God would keep His promises.

2. In the Midst of Mary's Trials, She Continued to Praise God

In the midst of Mary's life-changing news that she would give birth to the Messiah, she continued to praise God. Her doubts and fears didn't waver, but her songs of praise rang louder. Mary understood the power of her praise, and that it would sustain her through her upcoming trials.

Luke 1:46-55 is entitled "Mary's Song of Praise." Mary praises God for His faithfulness in her life, but also for all future generations. We must continue to keep an active praise on our lips to encourage and strengthen our spirits. God's goodness and faithfulness is consistent and steadfast. In the midst of our various trials, continue to find something to praise God for.

3. Mary's Suffering Drew Her Closer to God

Being the mother of Jesus was Mary's greatest honor and ultimate source of suffering. She witnessed Jesus endure intense ridicule, opposition, and crucifixion. She was the last person with Jesus until his death on the cross. Mary carried a weighty burden and responsibility. As any mother would, Mary wanted only what was best for her son, but also endured great pain and suffering watching her son suffer.

In our suffering, God wants us to fully depend and lean on God. Within our own strength, our personal suffering can attempt to consume us, but we must fully rely on the Holy Spirit to guide, carry, and sustain us through times of adversity. God will comfort us in our suffering and is a consistent presence in our lives. Deuteronomy 31:8 states, "The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged."

When adversity comes, God has given us an open invitation to come and find comfort and peace in God.

Photo credit: Bethany Pyle

4. Mary Trusted God in the Unknown

Although Mary's path was unknown, she surrendered and trusted God moving forward. It is easy to trust God when things are going well and your next step is clear. The greater test for us all is to trust God when our next steps are unknown and we are unsure how to move forward. Mary decided to trust God during her uncertainties and fears. She didn't lean on her own understanding or limited perspective.

God gave Mary an extraordinary blessing in birthing Jesus the Messiah. She was unsure of exactly how God was going to use her, but she trusted in who God was more. Like Mary, God is calling us to practice trusting Him daily with our lives and His purposes for us. With limited information and control, we must continue to trust God's path and provision.

5. Mary Surrendered to God's Will

Mary surrendered to God's plans not only for her life, but the life of her child. She allowed Jesus to minister in both familiar and uncomfortable settings. Mary surrendered her child over to God and his ultimate will. If Mary tried to control God's plans for Jesus, he wouldn't have fulfilled his purpose on earth and died for the sins of humanity. Surrender is a daily act of worship to God and a full acknowledgement that we are not in control, but an opportunity for us to be led by God every day.

To fully surrender our lives daily to God takes greater trust, humility, and a reverence for His sovereignty. It is not easy to do because we battle against our human frailty each day. However, God will give us the courage needed to surrender every aspect of our lives into God's capable hands. We should shift our attention from our circumstances to a renewed assurance that God's will is best. Similar to both Mary and Jesus, surrendering to God's will is not easy, but necessary for our spiritual growth and maturity.

As we close out the year, I invite you to reflect on Mary's journey and the lessons from her life. God blessed her tremendously with the birth of Jesus through extraordinary circumstances. Despite her fears and anxieties, she decided to trust God's word, praise God through suffering, trust God in the unknown, and surrender to God's will. His plans for our lives will take us down windy and uncertain roads. Often times, we will not know the way to go or will see our fears increase. Let us be encouraged by Mary's story and reminded that God will lead, guide, and direct us.

In times of uncertainty, let us continue to praise God with the intensity of Mary. Let us trust God in the unknown. Surrender to His will and be assured that God's plans are to prosper us and not to harm us. May our desire to serve and accomplish God's purposes be greater than our fears.
Kirstyn Mayden is a Christian blogger who writes devotionals that empower and equip women in their everyday lives. She has a Master of Divinity degree from Emory University in Atlanta, GA. For the last 15 years, Kirstyn has served in a number of ministry capacities with children, youth, and women. She has a passion to serve with women empowering them to grow and live out their God-given purpose. Currently, she serves alongside her husband in ministry at Mt. Zion UMC Church in Upperco, MD. She is the loving Mom to her daughter. In addition, she is the founder of Worthy Girls, Worthy Lives, an empowerment program for adolescent girls in Baltimore. Connect with Kirstyn's blog here.
Photo credit: ©Getty Images/ChrisGorgio

Kirstyn Mayden is a Christian blogger who writes devotionals that empower and equip believers in their everyday lives. She is a wife, Mom, and loves Jesus. She has a Master of Divinity degree from Emory University in Atlanta, GA. For the last 20 years, Kirstyn has served in several ministry capacities. She has a passion to serve with women empowering them to grow and live out their God-given purpose. Currently, she serves alongside her husband in ministry in West Virginia. She is the author of Merciful Moments: A Devotional Journal for Moving Forward with Grace Each Day. Connect with Kirstyn's blog here.

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5 Lessons from Mary the Mother of Christ in Trusting God - Topical Studies

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Mary, Jesus' mother, is an almost larger-than life figure. But in reality, she faced many of the same doubts, fears and uncertainties as we do today. Here are five lessons from her story in the Bible, that can encourage us to trust God' plan for our lives...

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Life of King David - The Philosopher
Many remember David as the fair-haired shepherd boy who defeated a giant named Goliath. Others recall David as the wise Jewish ruler who brought the tribes of Israel together as a united nation. The ancient texts also present David as a powerful warrior, cunning diplomat, and talented musician. However, with all these tremendous accolades, the foundation of David's fame and faith can be traced to a period of severe trial and doubting in his life. Indeed, David was a true philosopher.

Early in his journey, David was chosen to succeed Saul as the king of Judah. Although Saul was initially impressed by David's skills as a soldier, politician, and musician, Saul became wary of his successor, so he put out a contract on David's life. David was forced to live on the run, often spending weeks hiding in the network of caves surrounding the Dead Sea.

It is here that David really began asking the tough questions of life. Alone in the dark or on the run through enemy territory, David opened-up and honestly shared his thoughts, struggles, and fears. David was frustrated with God's plan for his life, and he wrote about it in his prayer journals. Although Saul stopped at nothing to kill David, David never followed through on his opportunities to kill Saul. David's years alone with God forged his exemplary character and unflinching faith. Through loneliness and struggle, David learned to be fully dependant on God.

When Saul finally died in an unrelated battle, David returned to Judah and claimed his position as king over Judah in 1009 BC. Seven years later, the northern tribes of Israel accepted him as king and he became ruler of a united Jewish nation until his death in 969 BC. David wasn't a perfect leader or a perfect man, but his years alone with God, humbled and crumbled in the dark, developed the soul of a legendary philosopher-king, and forged a legacy that endures to this day.
Life of King David - His Theme

"When I kept silent, my bones wasted away through my groaning all day long. For day and night your hand was heavy upon me; my strength was sapped as in the heat of summer. "Then I acknowledged my sin to you and did not cover up my iniquity. I said, 'I will confess my transgressions to the LORD' -- and you forgave the guilt of my sin. "Therefore let everyone who is godly pray to you while you may be found; surely when the mighty waters rise, they will not reach him. You are my hiding place; you will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance" (Psalm 32:3-7).
Have you noticed one of the major themes running through David's writings? He paints a picture of utter trial and turmoil in his life, yet maintains an internal compass that always points to "true north." Whereas most of us look for happiness based on external circumstances in our lives, David has discovered a deeper joy grounded in his inner self. Most of us strive for happiness that's external and temporary. David teaches us to drive towards a place of deeper well-being, where we develop trust and hope in God that extends beyond our external realities.
Life of King David - His Conclusion
Yes, deep stuff! David has learned that happiness and joy are different things. Happiness is that fleeting state of emotion that's dependent on doing. Today's marketers know this! However, joy is a long-term process of the mind that's dependent on being. For David, it's the seasons of trial and suffering -- chaos and confusion -- that ultimately develop deeper and more profound joy. The key is to know God as your internal compass.

Compliments of THE GREAT PURSUIT: The Message for Those In Search of God, by Eugene H. Peterson and Randall Niles (NavPress 2007).

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Life of King David - What can we learn from the life of this great king? What was his conclusion about the meaning of life?