Jesus can read minds and hearts. Mark 12 gives context to many of Jesus’ important parables and teaching. Some of the people questioning Him were sincere; some wanted to trap Him. Jesus read each of their hearts and answered accordingly.

The battle between our flesh and the Spirit is real. One moment, the Spirit sings “Hosanna!”—another moment, the flesh yells, “Crucify Him!” In Mark 11, Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem is His statement of authority and a fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy. Follow along as Dr. McGee explains this important moment and pay attention to the way people treat Jesus before His crucifixion.

No question is too hard for Jesus. The Pharisees tried to trap Him with difficult questions, but He always knew what to say. In Mark 10, Jesus lovingly sets the record straight about marriage and divorce. But more importantly, He reveals the brokenness of mankind, the emptiness of religious systems, and our desperate need for a Savior.

In this study of Mark 9, explore one of the most amazing events in the Bible—when Moses and Elijah meet Jesus on the mountain before His journey to the cross. What did they talk about? Let’s listen in.

Do you want a new self? In Mark 8, Jesus said, “Whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake and the gospel’s will save it.” Follow along as Dr. McGee teaches us how Jesus truly can transform us and give us a new identity.

There are only two kinds of people in the world—those who trust Jesus and those who reject Him. Today, in Mark 7, we’ll see examples of both groups of these people. Notice how they treat Jesus and how He treats them in return. He did the Father’s will and died for every individual—even those who rejected Him. This humbling portion of Jesus’ ministry ultimately leads us to the cross.

As a good rabbi will do, Jesus sends out His disciples two by two on their first ministry trip and gives them the power to heal and have authority over demons in His name. This is the peak of Jesus’ ministry in Galilee, culminating in the crowd wanting to make Him king.

Imagine witnessing one of Jesus’ miracles in person. That would bring a whole deeper meaning to the phrase, “It’s a miracle!” wouldn’t it? Today in Mark 5, witness three outstanding miracles of Jesus over the demonic realm, death, and an incurable disease. These three miracles left some witnesses with no room for objection: Jesus is God.

We all love a good story. Jesus used stories called parables to teach spiritual truth to those who hungered and thirsted after righteousness. While unbelievers just thought He was nothing more than a good storyteller, many lives were changed by the gospel truths found in the parables.

Jesus turned the world upside down—in the best way possible. Everywhere He went, people followed Him, asking for help with their problems. Imagine the social anxiety that would cause any normal person. But Jesus was kind, patient, and loving to all who came across His path. Today, discover how the faith of the believer in Jesus can change the whole world.

Jesus saw the paralytic’s faith, forgave his sin, then healed his disability. Why did Jesus do it in that order? Perhaps He wanted us to know how to find true healing from life’s hurts, which can be found only through faith in Jesus and acceptance of His unconditional forgiveness. Are you hurting today? Have faith. He sees you and wants you to find healing in Him.

Jesus’ first miracle in the Gospel of Mark was casting demons out of a man in Capernaum. Follow along with Dr. McGee as he shows us how this intense spiritual interaction reveals Jesus as God in the flesh—all powerful, in control, and here to save man from sin.

What were the differences in the ministries of John the Baptist and Jesus? In this rich beginning of Jesus’ public ministry, come learn the significance of baptism, repentance, and what the kingdom of God really means.

Welcome to the book of Mark. Don’t blink, or you’ll miss something good. The key word in Mark is “immediately.” Jesus was a busy guy. He ministered to people constantly and immediately, pouring out love and compassion at every turn He took. Discover Jesus as the humble Servant who tends to wounds, brings blind eyes sight, and even stops death.

The end of Exodus offers us a beautiful promise to hold onto. God provided His visible presence as a guide for His children—a pillar of cloud by day and fire by night. God’s presence along that sacred wilderness journey into the Promised Land is the same presence that goes before you. No matter where you are in your journey, may you always find hope in this simple truth: He is your faithful, loving Guide.

Salvation is free, but it’s not cheap. It cost God His Son. It cost Jesus His dignity. In our further study of the layout of the Tabernacle, Dr. McGee points out the symbolism of the gate of the outer court. The three entrances represented Jesus as being the Way, Truth, and Life to the children of Israel as a nation, as individuals, and to us today.

Working for God is fun when you truly know Him. In Exodus 36, notice how the children of Israel worked to build the Tabernacle—the same kind of work they did as slaves in Egypt. Only this time, they were happy to do it. When you know God as loving, forgiving, redeeming Savior, doing His work is the most fulfilling thing in life.

If God truly loves us perfectly, then He must perfectly hate our sin. In Exodus 34, see Jehovah—“merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abounding in goodness and truth, keeping mercy for thousands”—make another covenant with His people. God reminds the children of Israel that He did not save them because they were superior, but because He loves and cares for them as a jealous God.

Our honesty with God moves His heart more than perfectly worded prayers ever can. Moses’ humble, honest prayer of confession stirred God’s heart to not yet give up on the people of Israel. Exodus 32 teaches us that, if we fail to admit we need God’s presence in our lives, we will forever stay lost in the wilderness.

Remember how the children of Israel were so sure they could keep all the rules? It didn’t take long for them to break the first commandment: “You shall have no other gods before Me.” From what we’ve already learned about grace and the Law, this comes as no surprise. The Israelites blatantly, stubbornly turn their backs on God, leaving us with one question: Will God turn His back on them?

Jesus prays for you. In Exodus 30, the altar of incense serves as a symbol of Christ as our Intercessor. Discover this passage full of instruction and symbolism regarding prayer and worship through the Holy Spirit.

God uses empty hands. In Exodus 29, we see God consecrate Aaron and his sons. Dr. McGee shows us that consecration is “to come to God with empty hands, confess our weakness, our inability, and let God do the rest.” Discover how God uses imperfect, empty-handed Aaron as a symbol of Christ.

Have you ever arrived at an occasion feeling underdressed? In Exodus 28, we find that being underdressed was certainly not an option for the priests when they entered the Tabernacle. Every part of the priests’ garments served as a picture of Jesus Christ—our great High Priest.

Even colors—scarlet, blue, purple, and gold—can be holy when God says so. In the making of the Tabernacle, every last detail was carefully crafted according to God’s instruction. Discover how God used earthly details as visible reminders of Christ’s deity, humanity, sacrifice, Kingship, and generosity to His people.

How can furniture be Holy? From ceiling to floor, every piece of furniture in the Tabernacle pointed to Christ. Discover how each piece symbolizes a specific characteristic of God and His perfect plan of redemption through Jesus Christ.

In Exodus 25, God gives the children of Israel detailed instructions on how to build the Ark of the Covenant. Follow along as Dr. McGee shows us how the Ark and its contents—Aaron’s rod, manna, and the Ten Commandments—reveal Christ as our ultimate Priest, Prophet, and King.

Remember how terrified Israel was of God when He gave them the Law? It doesn’t have to be that way. Exodus 24 teaches us that, although we cannot possibly keep the entire Law, God enables us to draw near to Him through His infinite grace and, ultimately, His Son Jesus.

Ready for a crash course in the Law? In Exodus 22, God lays down the laws for society. Discover how many of today’s laws for civilization are based on this passage of Scripture. While grace should be the basis of our relationship with God, the practical importance of the Law found in this passage should not be overlooked.

Imagine the worst thunderstorm you’ve ever experienced. Multiply that times a thousand, and you’ll get an idea of what it was like for the children of Israel to be in God’s presence. They were terrified, ashamed, and entirely imperfect. Follow along as Dr. McGee teaches us how the Creator of the Law is the same One who saves us from our inevitable inability to keep it.

God gives Israel what they asked for—the Ten Commandments. Follow along as Dr. McGee warns us not to mix the Law and grace into the same system and teaches us how the Ten Commandments really symbolize mankind’s desperate need for a Savior.

God presents His people with two choices. They could either continue being led by His grace, or they could have an organized list of laws to keep for the rest of their lives. They decide to stick with what they know and choose the Law over grace. Perhaps Israel’s mistake in Exodus 19 isn’t too different from our own choices today. Don’t miss out on God’s grace, friends.

God does not merely give us good advice; He gives us life-changing gospel truth. In Exodus 18, Moses follows the harmless advice of his father-in-law and appoints secondary leaders over the people. Dr. McGee discusses what happens when we follow the wisdom of the world, rather than the instruction of God.

In Exodus 17, we find the children of Israel tested once again in the wilderness with thirst. Follow along as God teaches His people how to find living water through the Rock—Christ Jesus.

Imagine you were going hungry and God made it rain heavenly bread for you. Join us as Dr. McGee teaches through Exodus 16, when God sent manna to the children of Israel as a symbol of His promise to satisfy our souls as the true Bread of Life.

We last saw the children of Israel crossing the Red Sea. In Exodus 15, the Song of Moses recounts their trials, their story of redemption, and their thankfulness to God for deliverance. Soon, their joyful songs of praise faded into tired, bitter complaints as they found themselves weary with thirst. Discover how the cross of Christ can turn even life’s bitter “Marah moments” sweet.

What would you do if following God’s direction landed you between 600 Egyptian chariots and the Red Sea? Lose faith? That’s exactly what the Israelites did. Moses reminded his people to be courageous and that “the Lord will fight for you.” See how God kept His promise to fight for Israel and fully delivered them from the Egyptians—this time, for good.

Imagine being able to physically see God directing your steps. It would certainly be easier to follow Him. God gave the children of Israel His visible presence—pillars of cloud and fire—to comfort and guide them along this new journey. Follow along as Dr. McGee covers more about the Passover, the Promised Land, and (surprise) Pharaoh’s once-again hardened heart.

While the Passover was a monumental night for those who put their faith in God, it was a tragic night for many Egyptians. Defeated and afraid, Pharaoh finally surrendered. Almost instantly, the Israelites were hurried out of the land of Egypt. Their exit was so rushed, they had to eat their unleavened bread on the go. And so, at the end of Exodus 12, we see God’s people—hurried and unprepared—finally leaving Egypt behind.

Get ready to see Christ in the Old Testament. Exodus 12 recounts one of the most important moments in Israel’s history—the Passover, the birth of Israel as a nation. God promised to redeem those who put their faith in His blood alone, and He still keeps that promise today.

In Exodus 10, Egypt faced the worst plague yet—locusts. This plague was so bad that Pharoah finally admitted, “I have sinned against the Lord your God.” Upon this admission, God sent the locusts away. When Pharoah’s heart hardened once again, darkness fell over Egypt, and God promised to bring one final judgment to the land of Egypt.

What would it take to get you to surrender to God? Pharoah opted to endure physical agony—the plague of boils—rather than obey God. Why did God tolerate Pharoah? Why must the story unfold this way? God could have snapped His fingers and set the Israelites free. Instead, He used Pharoah’s stubborn, wicked heart to demonstrate His sacred power and ultimate authority.

Warning: Along this stop on the Bible Bus, we will encounter dead cattle, flies, lice, and a whole lot of frogs. Are you in? Each of these nasty plagues can teach us something significant about the ancient gods of Egypt and, in turn, about the idols we harbor in our own hearts today.

“Let the plagues begin.” Hard-hearted Pharoah refused to let God’s people go, resulting in the first of the ten plagues. Egypt’s entire water supply was turned to blood—a plague directed at the Egyptian god of the Nile. Follow along as Dr. McGee teaches about Egypt’s false gods, Pharoah’s hardened heart, and God’s righteous judgment.

God gives us everything we need, yet sometimes we still hesitate to follow Him. Not only does God remind Moses of who He is, but He gives Moses His detailed action plan: The seven “I Will’s” of redemption. Even after hearing these powerful, life-changing promises, Moses still hesitated. Notice how God patiently reassures Moses of his calling. Find comfort in the fact that today God has that same kind of patience with you!

We left off with Pharoah’s important question, “Who is the Lord?” Pharoah refused to acknowledge God and instead made life in Egypt worse for God’s people. Because of this, Moses and his people began to doubt and lose sight of God’s promise. But God—patient and strong—reminds Pharoah, Moses, the children of Israel, and even us today exactly who He is: Jehovah. The self-existing One. He alone is the LORD.

Give God your heart, then let Him sort out the rest. Moses offered some valid reasons proving why he was the wrong guy for the job. God made it clear that as long as Moses had a willing heart, “I will teach you what you shall say.” Follow along as we learn more about Moses’ feelings of inadequacy, Zipporah’s act of faith, and Pharoah’s important question: “Who is the Lord?”

Are you willing to be weak? Dr. McGee says, “God has chosen the weak things of the world to confound the mighty.” When God redeems us from weakness, He always redeems us to His strength. In Exodus 3, discover how our Creator—the almighty I AM—saves Moses and the people of Israel from themselves and uses their weakness to show His never-failing strength.

Did the Israelites deserve God’s deliverance? Do we deserve salvation? God loved them then, just as He loves us now. God kept his covenant with Abraham and saved the people of Israel, and He likewise keeps His promise to save us if we call on Him. In this continued study of Exodus, we learn a little bit more about the people of Israel and God’s great love and compassion for them.

Humble beginnings often unfold into amazing stories. In Exodus 2, God blessed Jochebed’s sensible faith and saved her child from Pharoah’s soldiers. From a baby in a basket to an Egyptian prince, meet God’s promised deliverer—Moses. Follow along with Dr. McGee as he shows us how God used an imperfect leader to represent Christ and to begin an amazing story of courage, freedom, and redemption for God’s people.

When we left God’s people at the end of Genesis, just 70 members of Joseph’s family lived in Egypt. Turn the page and 350 years have gone by and now God’s people—likely a couple million strong—are slaves . . . but not for long. God didn’t forget His people but promised to send them a deliverer. And that’s a story worth our attention as we watch God prove Himself over and over.

No matter how many times you may read about it, the death and resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ is the most compelling true story in all of history. Sit a little longer at the foot of the cross as we look at the events that happened immediately after Jesus died and ponder Jesus’ “Great Commission”—His final words on earth to His followers.

Pontius Pilate stood at the crossroads of what he knew to be true and what the crowd demanded. He knew Jesus was an innocent man. Our study in Matthew 27 takes us to that important moment when Pilate’s actions fulfilled yet another Old Testament prophecy—when Jesus gave up His life willingly.

Was Jesus ever tempted to quit—return to heaven and ask the Father to find another way to save us? He was tested in the wilderness in the beginning of His ministry, now Jesus was tested in the Garden of Gethsemane just as He was ready to give His life on the cross. Visit with Him there.

In the same week that Jesus died on the cross, He sat with His disciples on the Mount of Olives, looking over the city of Jerusalem, and told them about things to come. “When will these things be?” “What will be the sign of Your coming?” “What is the sign of the end of the age?” Find out what Jesus said in this study of the Olivet Discourse.

“You and I ought to live our lives in the light of the fact that we are to stand in the presence of Christ,” Dr. J. Vernon McGee challenges us. In our study of Matthew 24-25, we apply principles for how to determine what “talent” God has given us and how to faithfully use it for His glory.

The disciples asked Jesus, “What is the sign of the end of the age?” We explore Jesus’ answer in our study of Matthew 24 related to the Antichrist, the Tribulation, and the Second Coming of Jesus in the clouds to judge the earth. This lesson is foundational for future studies of Daniel, Zechariah, and Revelation.

Theme: The end of the age and the signs of His coming One of the benefits of studying the whole Word is seeing how the Gospel of Matthew relates to the book of Revelation, etc. In today’s study, we hear about “wars and rumors of wars” signaling that the end of this age is getting nearer. In this sermon, called “The Olivet Discourse,” Jesus gives us a glimpse of the future.

Those who think Jesus was “meek and mild” are in for a surprise in this study of His interaction with the “religious” people of His day. In our study of Matthew 23 and 24, Dr. J. Vernon McGee explores what he called one of the strongest statements in God’s Word.

If you’ve ever tried to stand up for your faith in a hostile setting, you know all about the subtle ways people can twist your words. In this study of Matthew 22 and 23, see how Jesus—the most brilliant person who ever walked the earth—stood up to three different kinds of intellectual attack.

Everyone is uncomfortable when people pretend they’re better than they are. Jesus hated hypocrites more than any of us. Throughout His ministry, He called out the hypocrites in the religious elite. Find out what bothered Him most about people who pretended to love God.

What one city continues to make the front page of newspapers and websites and will continue to be the centerpiece of history until Jesus comes again? Yes, Jerusalem. Follow in Jesus’ footsteps through the Gospel of Matthew as He moves steadily toward Jerusalem with one purpose—to die for us.

Eavesdrop on a scene when Jesus taught His disciples a hard lesson—and He did so through a story. Great encouragement and challenge straight from Jesus’ heart.

Among the many gifts God gives us is the gift of marriage—God’s gift to the home. In Matthew 19, Jesus addresses the issues related to divorce and gives answers that are as old as, well, you’ll see—as old as Moses.

Do you ever wish you could have sat at Jesus’ feet and just listened? In a manner of speaking, we get that chance in this study of Matthew 18 as we read what Jesus said about conflict and forgiveness, as well as what happens when “two or three gather in His name.”

In Matthew 17 we meet Jesus on a mountaintop, having one of the most fascinating meetings in the Bible—with Moses and Elijah. Scripture says Jesus was transfigured into light from within Him. If you’re ready to see why Dr. McGee called this event not only the proof of Jesus’ humanity, but also the hope of humanity, join us on the mountaintop.

“Who is Jesus?” In this study in Matthew 16, that question of the ages is asked for the very first time—by none other than Jesus Himself. Is He a great person? A prophet? Or an imposter? Or is He what He claimed to be—the Savior of the world? Make up your own mind once you study God’s Word.

We’ve got it turned upside down. Too often today we call evil “good” and good “evil.” As Pharisees confront Jesus for breaking tradition, Jesus challenges a world upside down and teaches His disciples how to recognize and reward faith.

Of all the miracles Jesus performed, only one is recorded in all four Gospels. Do you know which one? Here’s a hint: Sit down and get ready to be fed a supernatural meal from Matthew 14.

More parables about the Kingdom of heaven. Dr. McGee challenges us that unbelief limits God’s ability to work in our lives, our churches, and communities, and encourages us that eternal life is a gift from God, not something to be bought.

When we hear a good story, our defenses drop, and the critical lesson can be more easily received. As we study Matthew 13, listen to Jesus teach important spiritual lessons in the form of parables. Listen closely, since Dr. McGee said this chapter is often misunderstood and misinterpreted but is key to understanding Jesus’ message.

If you’ve ever tried to plant a crop or grow a garden, you understand the value of soil. In this study of Matthew 13, Jesus compares the human heart to four different types of soil. Our teacher, Dr. J. Vernon McGee, says this is “one of the most important chapters of the Bible” and challenges us to have “ears to hear.”

Have you ever heard of “the unpardonable sin”? Do you know what it is? Are you concerned that you’ve committed it? Find out what sin is so great that God will not forgive it in our study of Matthew 12.

Only once in Scripture does Jesus describe Himself and what it’s like to know Him—and it is here in Matthew 11. He begins, “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” Explore with Dr. J. Vernon McGee what it’s like to rest in Jesus.

If you are often puzzled by the events and circumstances in our world, take heart. You’re not alone. When Jesus sent His disciples into the world, He prepared them for the worst. Even John the Baptist was confused. Take Jesus’ instruction to heart in our study of Matthew 10-11.

“How we pray should affect how we live our lives”—that’s just one lesson we learn in our study of Matthew 9-10 as we continue to deep dive into Jesus’ teaching and evidence of power over all things natural and supernatural.

Our study in Matthew 8 explores the gamut of Jesus’ power—over nature (when He stills the Sea of Galilee) and over the demonic realm (when He commands demons out of people). But perhaps the greatest power that reaches us today is when Jesus heals broken people and tells them their sins are forgiven. He is still forgiving people today.

As we’ve seen throughout the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus is King. And because He’s the King—He has a program, the Law of the kingdom that He has the power to fulfill. In our study of Matthew 8, He demonstrates that power in supernaturally healing people’s bodies and souls.

Jesus is the Savior of the world, but did you know He is also a King? The Gospel of Matthew presents Christ as King: He was born a King, He lived a King, He died a King, and He’s coming as King. In this study of the Sermon on the Mount, we learn the laws of God’s kingdom.

When was the last time you laid awake at night, worried about how you were going to make ends meet? In our study of Matthew 6, we’ll get a solution to that worry—in Jesus’ own words. And it all begins with the heart.

When asked by His disciples to teach them to pray, the Lord gave them an example, what we call “The Lord’s Prayer.” Our study in Matthew 6 teaches us how our inner motives govern our external acts of righteousness. Great wisdom for conducting your business, raising your children, or supporting ministries doing God’s work.

Dr. McGee reminds us that “our motivation in this lost world is to bring glory to God!” As to how to do that, Jesus walks us through “the beatitudes”—goals for living that we must rely on God to accomplish in and through us.

Deep dive into one of Jesus’ most famous and practical “sermons,” delivered on a mount to thousands of spiritually hungry people. Discover Jesus’ very practical direction to the disciples (both then and now) about how to live out the sermon in the power of His Holy Spirit.

If you ever think you have to be something special in order to be used by God, then you’ll be encouraged by Jesus’ choice of His 12 very ordinary disciples. Our study in Matthew 4 unpacks more fulfilled prophecy and what it means that the “kingdom of heaven is at hand.”

Forty days is a long time to survive in the wilderness, alone and without food. Witness how Jesus did it—in spite of Satan’s wicked lies and tests. In Jesus’ victory over the physical, spiritual, and psychological challenges, He proved His qualifications to be our Savior.

Matthew 2 tells us about the fulfillment of four unusual prophecies about the birth of Christ. Each of them seemed to contradict the others when they were given. Dr. J. Vernon McGee explains how they were all literally fulfilled, even in a most unusual prophecy, the last of the Old Testament.

Many times in the Old Testament, we read hints about the promised Messiah. Now, amazingly, in our study of the Gospel of Matthew, we see how God took seemingly unrelated prophecies and brought them all together—fulfilling them in the birth of Jesus. Come adore Him with the wise men.

Was Jesus born of a virgin? Many people deny this is true. Others go so far as to say the Bible doesn’t even teach the virgin birth. Dr. J. Vernon McGee tackles these objections as we continue our study in the Gospel of Matthew.

Why are those long lists of names that are so hard to pronounce included in the Bible? God must think they’re important—so why should we? Dig into the fascinating backstory of Jesus’ life and lineage in these opening pages of the New Testament and find out why.

400 years. That’s how long it had been since the nation of Israel heard anything from God. “Station G-O-D went off the air, and there was no broadcasting for four centuries,” says our teacher, Dr. J. Vernon McGee. So how had the world changed? What was it like to live in that first century? Explore the political and religious landscape on which Jesus will travel in the Gospel of Matthew.

Jacob is dead, and Joseph’s brothers are worried he will retaliate for nearly killing him and selling him into slavery. Witness the beautiful heart of Joseph as he gives the glory to God and reassures his brothers. As our final study in Genesis concludes, we are present for Joseph’s remaining days and see him buried in Egypt.

The story of Jacob comes to a close as his sons have gathered to say goodbye. Hear his final words—many of which are prophetic.

“It’s never too late to walk by faith.” That’s the encouragement Dr. McGee has for us as we study the last few days of Jacob’s life. Come beside Jacob’s deathbed as we witness the blessing of Joseph’s two sons and a blessing on Joseph that has spiritual significance for us as well.

As the story of Joseph and his family continues, Jacob and his sons are introduced to Pharoah and met with favor. Throughout the famine, Joseph is able to feed them. Jacob is now 147 and prospering, but he knows the end is drawing near so he asks Joseph to bury him in Canaan.

No matter the twists and turns, the Lord will always bring about His plan and purpose, especially in and for His own people. We’ll see that in the life of Jacob as we witness his reunion with Joseph and rejoice in these final days of his life when he is faithful to the Lord.

The amazing story of Joseph continues as his identity is revealed and he invites his family to live with him in Egypt. Follow along as Dr. McGee reminds us that, like Joseph, we may not always see God’s hand in our lives, but we can trust He is present and working for our good.

Joseph’s brothers (that nearly killed him, and instead sold him into slavery) are back, and a family reunion is about to take place. Walk through these important pages of Scripture with Dr. McGee as he points out how Joseph’s heart and actions parallel those of Jesus Himself.

The exciting story of Joseph and his brothers continues as Joseph (still unknown to them) demands his brothers go home and bring Benjamin back with them. Leaving Simeon behind as insurance they would return, the brothers arrive home and tell their father of the demand for Benjamin in return for food. Unsure, Jacob has no choice, because they are starving.

The story of God’s providential hand in the life of Joseph continues as we see that he’s been fast tracked to leadership in Egypt. As Joseph leads the movement to store food in the cities, his personal life also expands with the birth of two sons, Manasseh and Ephraim. As the famine begins, Jacob forces his sons to buy corn in Egypt. Joseph recognizes his brothers, but as they bow down, they do not recognize him.

“Rags to riches” is how Dr. McGee describes this portion of our study. Last time we saw Joseph, he was still in prison. But as God’s hand continues to move in his life, Pharoah begins to have dreams, and none of his magicians or wise men can interpret them. Suddenly the butler remembers Joseph and tells Pharoah. Joseph interprets Pharaoh’s dreams, tells him about the upcoming years of plenty vs. famine, and Joseph is made overseer of all Egypt.

Our story of Joseph continues in Pharaoh's prison, where his new cellmates are the baker and butler. Each has strange dreams that Joseph interprets. Although his interpretations prove correct, Joseph continues to languish in prison.

Imagine witnessing one of Jesus’ miracles in person. That would bring a whole deeper meaning to the phrase, “It’s a miracle!” wouldn’t it? Today in Mark 5, witness three outstanding miracles of Jesus over the demonic realm, death, and an incurable disease. These three miracles left some witnesses with no room for objection: Jesus is God.

Remember how terrified Israel was of God when He gave them the Law? It doesn’t have to be that way. Exodus 24 teaches us that, although we cannot possibly keep the entire Law, God enables us to draw near to Him through His infinite grace and, ultimately, His Son Jesus.

No question is too hard for Jesus. The Pharisees tried to trap Him with difficult questions, but He always knew what to say. In Mark 10, Jesus lovingly sets the record straight about marriage and divorce. But more importantly, He reveals the brokenness of mankind, the emptiness of religious systems, and our desperate need for a Savior.

What would it take to get you to surrender to God? Pharoah opted to endure physical agony—the plague of boils—rather than obey God. Why did God tolerate Pharoah? Why must the story unfold this way? God could have snapped His fingers and set the Israelites free. Instead, He used Pharoah’s stubborn, wicked heart to demonstrate His sacred power and ultimate authority.

When was the last time you laid awake at night, worried about how you were going to make ends meet? In our study of Matthew 6, we’ll get a solution to that worry—in Jesus’ own words. And it all begins with the heart.