Josiah, Good King of Judah

Josiah's name appears in 56 verses.

He was one of the greatest kings in Judah's history.

Resurrection?!

Paul debates the Athenians in Acts 17.

Some people "sneer" at the thought of resurrection, but others are open to considering the possibility.

Which side of this issue are you on, Dear Reader? Why?

Greater Than David

In Acts 2:29-36, Peter teaches that Jesus is greater than King David.

David is in the grave; Jesus is not.

King David prophesied about Jesus' resurrection in Psalm 110.

Witness

According to Acts 1:20-26, the apostles in the early church served as witnesses of Jesus' resurrection. This was one of their primary roles.
Do I serve as a witness to Jesus' work in my life?

Mostly Dead

Lazarus, Mary and Martha's brother, provided Jesus the opportunity to illustrate his power over death in advance of his crucifixion.
In John 11, we read that Jesus wept (v. 35), even though in verses 1-4 Jesus reassures us that Lazarus' illness will not end in death. In verses 11-14, Jesus has to clear up some misunderstandings and explain that Lazarus is (temporarily) dead.
This reminds me of the following scene from The Princess Bride: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6GrYNaaYSjs
Because of God's incredible love, Lazarus is only "mostly dead."

Marys

In Matthew 28:1-10, we learn that Mary Magdalene and the other Mary were the first two devoted followers to learn that Jesus rose from the dead. (The guards on-site learned a bit sooner that something big was going on!)

The Sadducees are Sad, You See…

The word resurrection appears in the NIV exactly 45 times. It first appears in Matthew 22:23, as the Sadducees attempt to confuse and trap Jesus by presenting an unlikely hypothetical story about a very unlucky widow.

Jesus' reply is simple. We serve a God "of the living, not of the dead."

That's why Jesus' resurrection is so important. It's a reflection of the reality that humans are created in God's image, intended to live forever.

Resurrections

In Matthew 27:52-54, we learn that "many" people were resurrected right after Jesus' death.

However, they were not observed until after Jesus' own resurrection. I wonder where they stayed from Friday through Sunday?

The Curtain

As Jesus cried out and gave up his spirit, the curtain in the temple ripped.

If people had torn it, the curtain would have ripped from bottom to top.

The curtain tore from top to bottom. God opened up the Holy of Holies to everyone. We all have direct access, via prayer, to God the Father.

Despair

In Psalm 22, we read about King David's despair.

Jesus quotes verse 1 as he hangs on the cross. Matthew 27:45-46 may be the darkest scene in the whole Bible.

If David and Jesus lived through these horrible times, it's no surprise that we face pain and suffering, too.

No Life Untouched

In Matthew 27.1-5, we learn that Judas was overcome with remorse and committed suicide before Jesus was dead.

Jesus' death was not a small event, but one that changed the lives of everyone involved in the process.

No Surprises

In Mark 10:32-34, Jesus again predicts his death.

It is clear that this is a significant event, and Jesus doesn't want his followers missing its significance.

Jesus immediately follows the warning about his death with a promise of new life. Good Friday isn't good at all without the promise of Easter Sunday.

Peter's Confession

In Matthew 16:13-20, we read about Peter's confession that Jesus is the Messiah.

The very next verse outlines Jesus' warning that he would be killed, and his promise that he'd rise from the dead.

Jesus’ Death

• Jesus predicted his death at least twice (cf. Bible Gateway keyword search: jesus death)
  
• Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead soon before his own death and resurrection
  
• Jesus' adversaries accelerated their plot after Lazarus was resurrected
  
• Jesus' death fulfilled many scriptures

Yes, it is as you say

In Matthew 26:59-66 ,Jesus makes a final confession that he is the Son of God. The claim is so explicit that the religious leaders call for his execution.

Virgin Birth

In Matthew 1:24-25, we learn that Jesus' biological father isn't biologically human.

Even Jesus Was a Middle Schooler

Luke 2:41-52 describes a classic miscommunication between preteen and parents.

Jesus makes it clear that he didn't think his parents would be surprised by his behavior. In fact, he was simply in his "Father's house."

Beloved Son

God the Father announces that Jesus is his "beloved son" (NKJV) both after his baptism and his Transfiguration.

Jesus Christ's Deity, Death, and Resurrection

Jesus Christ's deity, death and resurrection. We'll focus on his deity this week. John chapter 14 verse 6: I am the way the truth and the life. Without me no one can go to the father (CEV).
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Balaam's Donkey

The other thing I wonder about in this passage is Balaam's interaction with his donkey.

It seems odd that Balaam would reply to his donkey in direct conversation, instead of responding with shock and disbelief. If one of my cats started questioning me, I wouldn't engage her in conversation. I'd back away slowly and keep eye contact until escaping.

Even more curious is verses 32-33:

The angel of the LORD asked him, "Why have you beaten your donkey these three times? I have come here to oppose you because your path is a reckless one before me. The donkey saw me and turned away from me these three times. If she had not turned away, I would certainly have killed you by now, but I would have spared her."

Would the angel have spared the donkey because she is not capable of moral choices, or because she was making an acceptable moral choice by following Balaam's command to keep moving?

"I was just following orders" doesn't seem to excuse humans in other situations, so I don't suppose it would apply to the donkey in this set of circumstances, either.

Therefore, donkeys are not capable of moral decision-making, even when they're allowed to speak.

That's no different a conclusion than I would have drawn before reflecting upon this passage. I find it encouraging that even when faced with an odd story, the Bible is internally consistent.