Banquet With The King

Monday, February 23, 2026

Rabbi. Teacher. Messiah.

The following day John was again standing with two of his disciples. As Jesus walked by, John looked at him and declared, "Look! There is the Lamb of God!" When John's two disciples heard this, they followed Jesus. Jesus looked around and saw them following. "What do you want?" he asked them. They replied, "Rabbi" (which means "Teacher"), "where are you staying?" "Come and see," he said. It was about four o'clock in the afternoon when they went with him to the place where he was staying, and they remained with him the rest of the day. Andrew, Simon Peter's brother, was one of these men who heard what John said and then followed Jesus. Andrew went to find his brother, Simon, and told him, "We have found the Messiah" (which means "Christ"). Then Andrew brought Simon to meet Jesus. Looking intently at Simon, Jesus said, "Your name is Simon, son of John—but you will be called Cephas" (which means "Peter"). John 1:35-42

Meditate on the Rabbi.

The Lamb of God

The day after John baptized Jesus, a couple of John’s disciples began to follow Jesus after they heard Him called The Lamb of God. They called Him Rabbi. Already, Jesus had the reputation of being a Teacher. He must have exuded a charismatic nature—drawing people to Himself.

The Lamb of God was likely a reference to the Passover Lamb from Exodus 12:3 and Isaiah 53:3-8, which even fishermen were probably familiar with if they were taught as young boys in the synagogue.

He was despised and rejected—a man of sorrows, acquainted with deepest grief. We turned our backs on him and looked the other way. He was despised, and we did not care. Yet it was our weaknesses he carried; it was our sorrows that weighed him down. And we thought his troubles were a punishment from God, a punishment for his own sins! But he was pierced for our rebellion, crushed for our sins. He was beaten so we could be whole. He was whipped so we could be healed. All of us, like sheep, have strayed away. We have left God's paths to follow our own. Yet the LORD laid on him the sins of us all. He was oppressed and treated harshly, yet he never said a word. He was led like a lamb to the slaughter. And as a sheep is silent before the shearers, he did not open his mouth. Unjustly condemned, he was led away. No one cared that he died without descendants, that his life was cut short in midstream. But he was struck down for the rebellion of my people. Isaiah 53:3-8

Jews of that era were watching for their savior and redeemer. The Lamb of God. Andrew recognized Jesus as the Messiah, so he brought his brother, Simon, to meet Him. Would you have done the same by taking your sibling to meet the Messiah? Would you believe instantly, like Andrew?

We don’t know where Jesus was staying, but at four in the afternoon, there wasn’t much daylight left, so they spent a couple of hours chatting and then getting supper…and talking some more. Do you think that Jesus enlightened them with the prophecies of the Old Testament, since that was the scripture that was available at that time? Rabbi. Teacher. Messiah.

Prayer – Lord Jesus, You are my Savior, my Messiah—the true Lamb of God who took away the sins of the world. Thank You. Help me to know You more day by day…and bring others to You to meet You as their Messiah. I praise You for all that You do and say. Rabbi.

Verse of Salvation ~ Once a religious leader asked Jesus this question: "Good Teacher, what should I do to inherit eternal life?" "Why do you call me good?" Jesus asked him. "Only God is truly good. But to answer your question, you know the commandments: 'You must not commit adultery. You must not murder. You must not steal. You must not testify falsely. Honor your father and mother.'" The man replied, "I've obeyed all these commandments since I was young." When Jesus heard his answer, he said, "There is still one thing you haven't done. Sell all your possessions and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me." But when the man heard this he became very sad, for he was very rich. Luke 18:18-23

All scripture quoted from the New Living Translation (NLT) unless otherwise noted.

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Sunday, February 22, 2026

Following the Crowd?

Large crowds followed him wherever he went—people from Galilee, the Ten Towns, Jerusalem, from all over Judea, and from east of the Jordan River. Matthew 4:25

Meditate on following.

Today is George Washington’s birthday, commemorating his birth in 1732, almost 300 years ago. Did he follow Jesus’ teachings? According to an AI overview, George Washington was a devout Anglican/Episcopalian church member who attended regularly. A plaque at his gravesite states a verse from the Gospel of John.

Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live…. John 11:25 KJV

In speeches and writing, Washington frequently referred to the Bible and “Providence,” which was a common term at that time for God’s guiding hand.

Sheep in Israel.
People are like sheep.
Follow the Shepherd.

Matthew wrote that large crowds followed him wherever he went—people from Galilee, the Ten Towns, Jerusalem, from all over Judea, and from east of the Jordan River. People are like sheep—they just follow the leader, and here we see that Jesus is the leader—the Shepherd. The people are eager to learn more about Jesus, His teaching, and of course, they want Him to heal them, their family, or friends. Large crowds followed Him. Were they jostling for a position to be close to Jesus as they walked from one town to another? Did someone run ahead to tell the next village that the teacher and healer was coming? Imagine the dust on those roads. Imagine the elated people freed from their illnesses and diseases. It must have been an exciting time!

Galilee and Judea are regions in Israel at the time of Jesus, and of course, Jerusalem is the great city of the Lord, of David, and the spiritual and cultural center of Israel. Jerusalem was the location of the Temple, making it the home of God on earth. Where are those Ten Towns? Known as the Decapolis, these Hellenistic or Greek cities are Damascus, Opoton, Philadelphia, Raphana, Scythopolis, Gadara, Hippondion, Pella, Galasa, and Canatha. They are generally east of the Jordan River. People from these towns would likely have been Gentiles—not Jews—but they were following Jesus—believing in the power of His teaching, mercy, and healing. Jesus came to the Jews, but here already the Gentiles were following Him.

Are you following Jesus?

Prayer – Lord Jesus, I will follow You…wherever You lead me. Show me the way—for You are the Way, the Truth, and the Life.

Verse of Salvation ~ Finally, believers, we ask and admonish you in the Lord Jesus, that you follow the instruction that you received from us about how you ought to walk and please God (just as you are actually doing) and that you excel even more and more [pursuing a life of purpose and living in a way that expresses gratitude to God for your salvation]. 1 Thessalonians 4:1 AMP

All scripture quoted from the New Living Translation (NLT) unless otherwise noted.

Scripture quotations taken from the Amplified® Bible (AMP),

The Authorized Version or King James Version (KJV), 1611, 1769.
Outside of the United Kingdom, the KJV is in the public domain.

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Saturday, February 21, 2026

Help and Hope

Jesus traveled throughout the region of Galilee, teaching in the synagogues and announcing the Good News about the Kingdom. And he healed every kind of disease and illness. News about him spread as far as Syria, and people soon began bringing to him all who were sick. And whatever their sickness or disease, or if they were demon possessed or epileptic or paralyzed, he healed them all. Matthew 4:23-24

Meditate. Consider healing power.

Israel in Jesus time.

Galilee. That region is west of the Sea of Galilee, north of Samaria. There were 240 towns in Galilee, including the city of Nazareth, where Jesus grew up. As it was under Roman rule, there was turmoil, but that didn’t stop Jesus from His ministry of healing and hope. Jesus went to the synagogues where the Jews of each town would congregate. They were used to being taught there. Young boys went to school in the synagogue in their village every day—even the Sabbath, according to the book, Daily Life at the Time of Jesus by Miriam Feinberg Vamosh. Jesus told the townspeople about the Good News of the Kingdom of God.

The synagogues were a perfect place for Jesus to teach and for Him to heal all the sick and diseased people that were brought to Him. From the beginning of His ministry, Jesus immediately developed a great reputation for His mercy, compassion, and miraculous healing power. That was why so many people were brought to Him for healing. It wasn’t just Galilee that heard about Jesus—everyone in that region of the world began hearing His message and His power. People need help and hope. That is what Jesus gave them.

Prayer – Lord Jesus, thank You for the help and hope that You gave to the people of Israel, Syria, and beyond…and the hope, healing, encouragement, and unending love to all those who believe in You.

Verses of Salvation ~ "Listen to me, my people. Hear me, Israel, for my law will be proclaimed, and my justice will become a light to the nations. My mercy and justice are coming soon. My salvation is on the way. My strong arm will bring justice to the nations. All distant lands will look to me and wait in hope for my powerful arm. Look up to the skies above, and gaze down on the earth below. For the skies will disappear like smoke, and the earth will wear out like a piece of clothing. The people of the earth will die like flies, but my salvation lasts forever. My righteous rule will never end! Isaiah 51:4-6

All scripture quoted from the New Living Translation (NLT) unless otherwise noted.

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Friday, February 20, 2026

Are You a Fisherman for Jesus?

From that time Jesus began to preach, saying, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand." While walking by the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon (who is called Peter) and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea, for they were fishermen. And he said to them, "Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men." Immediately they left their nets and followed him. And going on from there he saw two other brothers, James the son of Zebedee and John his brother, in the boat with Zebedee their father, mending their nets, and he called them. Immediately they left the boat and their father and followed him. Matthew 4:17-22 ESV

Meditate. Consider fishing.

A bucket of fish from the Mediterranean Sea
at Joppa, Israel.
Would you fish for fish or disciples for Jesus?

Jesus promised those fishermen that He would make them fishers of men. He was allowing them to become His disciples…followers of Himself. Those fishermen likely had heard about Jesus and His baptism. His powerful healing ministry began right after He called His first disciples. At Jesus’ invitation and promise, I will, those fishermen responded…Immediately. They didn’t hang around and finish their day of fishing, mending their nets, or saying so long to their Dad. They dropped what they were doing and went with Jesus. They got to be with Jesus as He began His teaching, preaching, and healing ministry. What a great opportunity for them. We can only read about it now…but we can still respond, like those fishermen more than 2,000 years ago. We can follow Jesus and become fishers of men. There is a song that children are still learning…I will make you fishers of men if you follow me.

What does it mean to “follow” Jesus today? To be like Jesus—showing love, kindness, goodness, mercy, and grace to those we live with and those we meet along the way. Jesus expects His followers to be obedient to His teachings and commandments. He also expects us to make disciples of others—to teach them to follow Jesus’ words and ways.

This scripture passage tells us of the beginning of Jesus’ ministry. At the end of His ministry, He tells His disciples…

Jesus came and told his disciples, "I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age." Matthew 28:18-20

Do you consider yourself a disciple…a follower…of Jesus Christ? Are you making disciples of others, teaching them to obey Jesus’ commands? Are you a fisherman for Jesus?

Prayer – Lord Jesus, I am following You—make me a fisher of men and women for You.

Verse of Salvation ~ For Jesus is the one referred to in the Scriptures, where it says, 'The stone that you builders rejected has now become the cornerstone.' There is salvation in no one else! God has given no other name under heaven by which we must be saved. Acts 4:11-12

Friday’s Feast at the King’s Table

Are you giving up sweets for Lent? Well then, this is not the recipe for you!

We’ve had this wonderful cake a couple of times in South Carolina from the Charleston Bakery and Deli—a wonderful place in Summerville. Google them to see their great menu. Charleston Bakery & Delicatessen. If you like banana bread, you will love this. Some recipes add coconut, but it is scrumptious without that. This is a great cake to feast on after a day of fishing, hiking, biking, kayaking, just lounging, or celebrating a special day. Rich and wonderful--good enough to share with family and friends alike. You could even serve it to new disciples of Jesus after a Bible study session!

Hummingbird Cake

Ingredients

Cake

3 cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking soda

1 teaspoon salt

2 cups sugar

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

3 large eggs, beaten

1 cup vegetable oil

1¹⁄₂teaspoons vanilla extract

1(8 ounce) can crushed pineapple, undrained

1 cup chopped pecans

2 cups chopped bananas

¹⁄₂cup chopped pecans

Cream Cheese Frosting

1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened

¹⁄₂cup butter or 1/2 cup margarine, softened

1 (16-ounce) package powdered sugar, sifted

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions

Combine first five ingredients in a large bowl; add eggs and oil, stirring until dry ingredients are moistened.
Stir (not beat) in vanilla, pineapple, 1 cup pecans, and bananas.
Pour batter into 3 greased and floured 9" round cakepans.
Bake at 350 degrees F for 25-30 minutes or until a wooden pick inserted in the /////center comes out clean.
Cool in pans on wire racks 10 minutes; remove from pans, and cool completely on wire racks.
Cream Cheese Frosting: Beat cream cheese and butter at medium speed, with an electric mixer,////// until smooth.
Gradually add powdered sugar, beating at low speed until light and fluffy.
Stir in vanilla.
Spread Cream Cheese Frosting between layers and on top and sides of cake; sprinkle 1/2 cup chopped pecans on top.
Store in refrigerator.

Portions are revised from July 19, 2017, Banquet With The King blog.

All scripture quoted from the New Living Translation (NLT) unless otherwise noted.

The Holy Bible, English Standard Version (ESV) copyright © 2001, 2007, 2011, 2016, 2025 by Crossway Books and Bibles, a Publishing Ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

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Thursday, February 19, 2026

REPENT

Later on, after John was arrested, Jesus went into Galilee, where he preached God's Good News. "The time promised by God has come at last!" he announced. "The Kingdom of God is near! Repent of your sins and believe the Good News!" Mark 1:14-15.

Meditate. Consider repentance.

Remains of the synagogue at Capernaum.
How many people repented there...
after hearing Jesus preach?
Would you repent?

Lent has begun—as of Ash Wednesday, yesterday. It is a season of repentance and fasting that commemorates Jesus forty days of fasting in the desert before He began His public ministry. These forty days lead up to Good Friday and Easter, observing His death and resurrection. After Jesus left the desert, He went to Nazareth, as recorded in Matthew 4:13, and then moved to Capernaum. There, He preached and taught, beginning His message with “Repent,” which is the same message for all people today. Repent. It is just as vital now as it was two thousand years ago to turn from our sins. That is what repenting is all about. Agreeing with God that we have sinned and then making a 180-degree turn to go into a forgiven and holy life.

We are made right with God by placing our faith in Jesus Christ. And this is true for everyone who believes, no matter who we are. For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God's glorious standard. Yet God, with undeserved kindness, declares us righteous. He did this through Christ Jesus when he freed us from the penalty for our sins. For God presented Jesus as the sacrifice for sin. People are made right with God when they believe that Jesus sacrificed his life, shedding his blood. This sacrifice shows that God was being fair when he held back and did not punish those who sinned in times past, for he was looking ahead and including them in what he would do in this present time. God did this to demonstrate his righteousness, for he himself is fair and just, and he declares sinners to be right in his sight when they believe in Jesus. Romans 3:22-26

Jesus continued to proclaim His message of repentance throughout His ministry.

About this time Jesus was informed that Pilate ha..

murdered some people from Galilee as they were offering sacrifices at the Temple. "Do you think those Galileans were worse sinners than all the other people from Galilee?" Jesus asked. "Is that why they suffered? Not at all! And you will perish, too, unless you repent of your sins and turn to God. And what about the eighteen people who died when the tower in Siloam fell on them? Were they the worst sinners in Jerusalem? No, and I tell you again that unless you repent, you will perish, too." Luke 13:1-5

Will people two thousand years later perish at the end of their lives if they have not sought forgiveness? Yup! It looks that way. Things haven’t changed. To become right with God—to be forgiven of our sins—we must believe that Jesus died for our very sins when His blood was shed on the cross. Then pray. Repent.

Prayer – Lord Jesus, thank You! Please forgive me for the mistakes I’ve made—the inadvertently cruel ways I’ve treated others, for times that I didn’t stand up for You, and other things—You know what I’ve thought, done, and said. I repent! I know that You are the Way, the Truth, and the Life. Thank You for Your obedience to the Father…and for loving me enough to die for me. I want to live to please You, God, and I look forward to seeing and serving You in heaven one day!

Verse of Salvation ~ Now after John [the Baptist] was arrested and taken into custody, Jesus went to Galilee, preaching the good news of [the kingdom of] God, and saying, "The [appointed period of] time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent [change your inner self—your old way of thinking, regret past sins, live your life in a way that proves repentance; seek God's purpose for your life] and believe [with a deep, abiding trust] in the good news [regarding salvation]." Mark 1:14-15 AMP

All scripture quoted from the New Living Translation (NLT) unless otherwise noted.

Scripture quotations taken from the Amplified® Bible (AMP),

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Wednesday, February 18, 2026

An Angel Strengthened Jesus

"Father, if you are willing, please take this cup of suffering away from me. Yet I want your will to be done, not mine." Then an angel from heaven appeared and strengthened him. He prayed more fervently, and he was in such agony of spirit that his sweat fell to the ground like great drops of blood. Luke 22:42-44

Meditate. Consider what angels did for Jesus.

God created the angels, and they’ve been part of Jesus’ life. One announced Jesus’ conception. Angels were there at His birth and circumcision. He used angels in His parables to teach His followers… and all believers… about life now and that which is to come.

Just as the weeds are sorted out and burned in the fire, so it will be at the end of the world. The Son of Man will send his angels, and they will remove from his Kingdom everything that causes sin and all who do evil. And the angels will throw them into the fiery furnace, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. Then the righteous will shine like the sun in their Father's Kingdom. Anyone with ears to hear should listen and understand! Matthew 13:40-43

In His teaching, Jesus gave insight into the coming ages and the role that the angels will play.

For when the dead rise, they will neither marry nor be given in marriage. In this respect they will be like the angels in heaven. Matthew 22:30

And he will send out his angels with the mighty blast of a trumpet, and they will gather his chosen ones from all over the world—from the farthest ends of the earth and heaven. Matthew 24:31

But when the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, then he will sit upon his glorious throne. Matthew 25:31

As we read in Luke 22:42-44, an angel was in the Garden of Gethsemane with Jesus, strengthening Him as He prayed his grueling prayer. He got the strength He needed to get through His crucifixion.

Then an angel was at His resurrection, telling those who were seeking Him that He was risen! Just as He had told them He would!

When they entered the tomb, they saw a young man clothed in a white robe sitting on the right side. The women were shocked, but the angel said, "Don't be alarmed. You are looking for Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He isn't here! He is risen from the dead! Look, this is where they laid his body. Mark 16:5-6

Angels are under Jesus’ command when He calls for the protection of His believers.

Don't you realize that I could ask my Father for thousands of angels to protect us, and he would send them instantly? Matthew 26:53

Angels have always been there for Jesus throughout His life, death, and resurrection. We can be assured that because we love Him, they will be there for us. What is that, you ask? Yes, there are dark and fallen angels, but remember…greater is He that is in me than he that is in the world. The Holy Spirit, God Himself, lives in all believers. And we have the promise that He will never leave us or forsake us, so rest assured, if the angels strengthened Jesus, they will strengthen us.

Prayer – Lord Jesus, thank you for creating angels and for the knowledge that they are here for all believers, protecting and strengthening us. What a wonderful plan God the Father has for us all!

Verse of Salvation ~ And God never said to any of the angels, "Sit in the place of honor at my right hand until I humble your enemies, making them a footstool under your feet." Therefore, angels are only servants — spirits sent to care for people who will inherit salvation. Hebrews 1:13-14

All scripture quoted from the New Living Translation (NLT) unless otherwise noted.

Biblical search from Blue Letter Bible - http://v3.blueletterbible.org/search.cfm.

Books by Mickey M. Hunacek

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Parenting Day By Day - Daily Devotional for Building Character

Coins in the Bible: New Testament Stories