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20. WISEMEN BRING GIFTS
Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, saying, "Where is the king of the Jews? For we have seen his star in the East, and have to come to worship him." Matthew 2:1-2
It seems that these wise men were astrologers and that God had communicated to them, though the star, that a great Jewish king was born. They were a harbinger of God's acceptance of the Gentiles.

21. THE HOLY FAMILY
Joseph and Mary with Jesus in the stall of the animals. The shepherds are about to enter. The animals represent the fact that Jesus’ saving work includes all of nature.
And she gave birth to her first-born son and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn. Luke 2:7
Traditionally, animals have been used in depicting the nativity scene in art. They indicate that Christ came to redeem, not only humanity, but all of creation. Adam’s sin infected all of nature.

22. SLAUGHTER OF THE CHILDREN
Then Herod, when he saw that he had been tricked by the wise men, was in a furious rage, and he sent and killed all the male children in Bethlehem and in all that region who were two years old or under, according to the time he had ascertained from the wise men. Then was fulfilled what was spoken by the prophet Jeremiah: “A voice was heard in Ramah, wailing and loud lamentation, Rachel weeping for her children; she refused to be consoled, because they were no more.” Matthew 2:16-18
Underlying the killing of the children, ordered by Herod, is the attempt by Satan to kill the Messiah in order to thwart God’s redemptive purposes.

23. JESUS BLESSING THE CHILDREN
Then children were brought to him that he might lay his hands on them and pray. The disciples rebuked the people; but Jesus said, “Let the children come to me, and do not hinder them; for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven.” Matthew 19:13-14
I chose to put Jesus blessing the children next to the panel of the slaughter of the children in order to show God’s love for children in contrast to the implacable hatred of Satan.

24. JESUS HEALING BLIND BARTIMAEUS
And Jesus said to him, “What do you want me to do for you?” And the blind man said to him, “Master, let me receive my sight.” And Jesus said to him, “Go your way; your faith has made you well.” And immediately he received his sight and followed him on the way. Mark 10:51-52

25. JESUS ENTERING JERUSALEM
And those who went before and those who followed cried out, “Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Blessed is the kingdom of our father David that is coming! Hosanna in the highest!” Mark 11:9-10

26. JESUS COMMENDING THE POOR WIDOW
He looked up and saw the rich putting their gifts into the treasury; and he saw a poor widow put in two copper coins. And he said, “Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put in more than all of them; for they all contributed out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty put in all the living that she had.” Luke 21:1-4
This episode illustrates the fact that “…the Lord sees not as man sees; man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.” I Samuel 16:7

27. JUDAS’ FINAL ACT OF BETRAYAL
While he was still speaking, Judas came, one of the twelve, and with him a great crowd with swords and clubs, from the chief priests and the elders of the people. Now the betrayer had given then a sign, saying, “The one I shall kiss is the man; seize him.” And he came up to Jesus at once and said, “Hail, Master!” And he kissed him. Jesus said to him, “Friend, why are you here?” Matthew 26:47-50a
While he was still speaking, there came a crowd, and the man called Judas, one of the twelve, was leading them. He drew near to Jesus to kiss him; but Jesus said to him, “Judas, would you betray the Son of man with a kiss?” Luke 22:47-48

28. JESUS APPEARING TO MARY MAGDALENE AT THE TOMB – END
Now when he rose early on the first day of the week, he appeared first to Mary Magdalene, from whom he had cast out seven demons. Mark 16:9
…she turned round and saw Jesus…. John 20:14b
Mary’s love for Jesus is evident in this poignant episode at the tomb.

29. SAUL MEETING JESUS ON THE ROAD TO DAMASCUS-TOP SIDE
Now as he journeyed he approached Damascus, and suddenly a light from heaven flashed about him. And he fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to him, “Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?” Acts 9:3-4