Study Desk

But Jesus saw through their treachery and said,

Not only will they not be married, but they will live forever—just like the angels. They are God's children, and they will be brought back to life."

Jesus continued, "But this isn't a question about marriage, but one about life after death. Even Moses proved this when he wrote about his experience with the burning bush. Way after Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob had died, Moses referred to God as 'the Boss of Abraham, the Boss of Isaac, and the Boss of Jacob.'

but they steal from widows with the same hands they fold for their long public prayers. They will get what's coming to them. I will see to that."

Jesus replied, "Don't be fooled by imitations. Many people will come bearing what appears to be my name. They will say, 'I am the Top Hand who will save you' and also things like, 'Now is the time that God foretold!' But don't believe a word of it.

And when wars and rebellions happen, don't worry. Sure, these things will take place, but the end will still be a ways off."

"But before any of this happens, there will be a great persecution of those who ride for God. His cowboys will be sent to prisons and punished in the churches. They will stand trial before national leaders just because they ride for me.

But all of this will happen so you can tell them about me.

But I will not allow a single hair on your head to perish.

Heaven, and even this earth will disappear, but my words will live forever.

The head preachers and keepers of the code of Moses were trying to figure out a way to kill Jesus. They went over many scenarios, but they were afraid that all their options would cause a riot.

"But there is a friend sitting here with us who will double-cross the man who loves him the most. He will betray me.

My fate has been sealed. The Top Hand must die, but hell's comin' for the cuss who would give up his Boss."

But y'all better not act like that. The best of you will be the ones who give the most of themselves away for my sake. The best will be thought of the least, and the least will be thought of most by God.

You think about it. Who is more important, the boss or the servant? The boss is most important, but I didn't come here to boss people around. I came to show you how to serve.

But I have talked to my Dad about you so that he will strengthen you in the days to come and you will be filled with courage after you fail. When you come back to me, be there for your brothers who you ride with and encourage them."

But Jesus replied, "Pete, listen close. Before the cock crows in the morning, there will be three times you deny riding with me. You'll even say you don't even know me."

"But now," Jesus said, "grab some extra money and take your bedrolls. And if you don't have a sword, sell whatever you have and buy one.

"Dad, if there is another way, can we find it? But it's not what I want that's important, it's what you want."

Jesus finished praying and got up to go to where his cowboys were waiting. They weren't praying, but snoring softly. Their slumber made Jesus sorrowful, and