Study Desk

"But the crooked brand inspector stood a far piece away from everyone else because he didn't feel worthy. He wouldn't even look at heaven as he prayed. Instead, he dug his fingernails into his palm as he prayed, 'God, I'm a sorry piece of work. Please take me onto your outfit even though we both know I don't deserve it.'" Jesus continued,

One day some parents brought their kids to see Jesus so he could bless them. As they all huddled around Jesus, his twelve cowboys started trying to shoo everyone away.

The guy puffed out his chest in self-congratulations and said, "Been there. Done that. Got the t-shirt."

When Jesus saw his actions and heard his words, he said, "But you've got one thing left to do to secure your spot in God's outfit. Give everything you have to the poor and then come and ride for me. Then you will have treasure in heaven."

But when the fellow heard this, his shoulders sank low. He was a rich guy, and he knew he wasn't about to give away all of his wealth for any reason.

Jesus said, "It is impossible for man to get in on his own, but all things are possible with God."

Jesus rode off a little ways with his twelve cowboys and said, "Listen, we're getting close to Jerusalem. Everything that the old cowboys of God talked about concerning the Top Hand are fixing to come true.

He will be double-crossed by one of his cowboys and handed over to the Romans where

But the cowboys didn't understand what he was talking about. Jesus's words were hidden from them. His words went in one ear and right out the other.

He jumped up and started waving his arms and yelling, "Jesus, Son of David, show me your mercy. I beg you!"

Zacc scurried down the tree and led the way to his place. His face had a smile a mile wide because Jesus was going to be staying with him.

"After he was made the ranch manager, he returned to his ranch and called in all the cowboys he'd given colts to. He wanted to see what they'd done with the horses.

"But the third cowboy walked up with his horse and handed it back to the ranch manager. The cowboy said, 'I kept him safe for you. I was afraid to do anything with him for fear he'd get hurt, and you'd get mad.

at least you could've broke the horse to a saddle or picked up his feet so I could trim him.'

After he finished with his story, Jesus struck a long trot for Jerusalem. His twelve cowboys lined up behind him and followed.

When Jesus got closer to the city, his eyes filled with tears.

did John baptize because the Boss told him to or was it just something he came up with on his own?"

But if we say he came up with it on his own, everyone will get mad because they all believe John was sent from the Boss."

Jesus told the people listening, "A man leased his ranch and cattle to some cowboys and went on a long journey.

"When calving season was done, he sent one of his own cowboys to collect his share of the calves, but the cowboys who leased the ranch beat him up and sent him back with nothing.