In our once-each-week Bible study, we’ve been working our way through a series called “Hanging Out with Jesus.” We’re going through the gospel stories in chronological order. We’ve taken a few short breaks to focus briefly on other topics, but earlier this year I realized we were about 70 percent finished with this particular series. I calculated that we were approaching installment number 142 in a series that had held our attention for about five years. I titled that lesson, “Why are we still talking about Jesus after all this time?” The simplest answer is that we’re still talking about Him because of who He is. I’ve been following Jesus for a few decades now, and I am still infinitely amazed that the Creator and Sustainer of the universe invites me to hang out with Him. He blesses me in so many ways, yet His presence and attention are the very best gifts that I’ve ever received. After so many years, I can honestly say that my worst day with Jesus has been infinitely better than my best day without Him. 22 Monday—July 17•Still Talking About Jesus? Better is one day in your courts than a thousand elsewhere; I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than dwell in the tents of the wicked. (Psalm 84:10) Can you honestly say that Jesus’ presence and attention are the best gifts you’ve ever received? Explain your answer. Daily Reading: 1 Chronicles 24:1–26:11, Romans 4:1–12, Psalm 13:1–6, Proverbs 19:15–16 Tuesday—July 18•He Confides in Us MIMBS 2 Now Jesus was going up to Jerusalem. On the way, he took the Twelve aside and said to them, “We are going up to Jerusalem, and the Son of Man will be delivered over to the chief priests and the teachers of the law. They will condemn him to death and will hand him over to the Gentiles to be mocked and flogged and crucified. On the third day he will be raised to life!” (Matthew 20:17–19) Today’s text says Jesus took His disciples aside to confide in them. Jesus still confides in His followers today. Every day we can hang out with God by reading His Word and finding the applications that He intends for our own lives. We also can pray and submit to other disciplines that help us focus on our relationship with Him. But I’ve also experienced His presence in other ways, like in admiring His created world. I remember sitting in my backyard at 4 a.m. one morning. My neighborhood was hushed. I live on a lake, and that particular morning, it was smooth like glass. I could hear owls hooting, and I could see chameleons running around. Suddenly, I experienced the heavy reality of Jesus’ presence, and I just enjoyed hanging out with Him. Another time, I was looking across the lake in the early morning, seeing lights coming on in different houses. Suddenly God opened for me a strategy for reaching my entire city with His gospel. If we’re paying attention, Jesus demonstrates on a regular basis that He wants to confide in us. MIMBS 2 What has Jesus confided to you recently through Scripture? What has He confided to you through personal interaction? Share your thoughts with another man. Daily Reading: 1 Chronicles 26:12–27:34, Romans 4:13–5:5, Psalm 14:1–7, Proverbs 19:17
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