John 21:24-25
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.
Epilogue: Jesus Appears to Seven Disciples
24 This disciple is the one who testifies to these events and has recorded them here. And we know that his account of these things is accurate.
25 Jesus also did many other things. If they were all written down, I suppose the whole world could not contain the books that would be written.
‘The Gospel According to John’ is the apostle John’s testimony to the events to which he an eye witness. About his testimony, John says it “…is accurate.” If John was a witness in a court room, he would lay his hand on the Bible and swear to the truth of his testimony.
But what John is quick to add is that it is not the whole truth. He confesses that he has only recorded a portion of the things he witnessed.
There is more to this Jesus than is captured on written pages. Think about it. What is your story? How has Jesus touched your life? Is your testimony published in a book? Most of us would answer ‘no’ … confirming the truth of John’s final statement. The world could not contain all the books … of all the testimonies … of all the people … Jesus has touched.
Friday, October 31, 2008
Thursday, October 30, 2008
FOLLOW ME
John 21:18-23
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.
Epilogue: Jesus Appears to Seven Disciples
18 “I tell you the truth, when you were young, you were able to do as you liked; you dressed yourself and went wherever you wanted to go. But when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and others will dress you and take you where you don’t want to go.” 19 Jesus said this to let him know by what kind of death he would glorify God. Then Jesus told him, “Follow me.”
20 Peter turned around and saw behind them the disciple Jesus loved—the one who had leaned over to Jesus during supper and asked, “Lord, who will betray you?” 21 Peter asked Jesus, “What about him, Lord?”
22 Jesus replied, “If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you? As for you, follow me.” 23 So the rumor spread among the community of believers that this disciple wouldn’t die. But that isn’t what Jesus said at all. He only said, “If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you?”
Jesus did not paint Peter a pretty picture. There was no sugar coating what lay ahead for the disciples.
You will have trials and tribulations … “Follow me.”
You will suffer humiliation … “Follow me.”
Don’t worry about keeping up with the Jones. The life of others is not your focus … “Follow me.”
Death will be part of the picture, yet your death will bring God glory … “Follow me.”
This would not be considered an attractive message … an appealing picture … for modern day recruiting. But for Peter, it came from the One who rose from the dead. He followed. The record is he was eventually crucified hanging upside down.
What about us? We don’t face the same circumstances as Peter, but we have our own set of trials. In them, Jesus still says … “Follow me.”
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.
Epilogue: Jesus Appears to Seven Disciples
18 “I tell you the truth, when you were young, you were able to do as you liked; you dressed yourself and went wherever you wanted to go. But when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and others will dress you and take you where you don’t want to go.” 19 Jesus said this to let him know by what kind of death he would glorify God. Then Jesus told him, “Follow me.”
20 Peter turned around and saw behind them the disciple Jesus loved—the one who had leaned over to Jesus during supper and asked, “Lord, who will betray you?” 21 Peter asked Jesus, “What about him, Lord?”
22 Jesus replied, “If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you? As for you, follow me.” 23 So the rumor spread among the community of believers that this disciple wouldn’t die. But that isn’t what Jesus said at all. He only said, “If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you?”
Jesus did not paint Peter a pretty picture. There was no sugar coating what lay ahead for the disciples.
You will have trials and tribulations … “Follow me.”
You will suffer humiliation … “Follow me.”
Don’t worry about keeping up with the Jones. The life of others is not your focus … “Follow me.”
Death will be part of the picture, yet your death will bring God glory … “Follow me.”
This would not be considered an attractive message … an appealing picture … for modern day recruiting. But for Peter, it came from the One who rose from the dead. He followed. The record is he was eventually crucified hanging upside down.
What about us? We don’t face the same circumstances as Peter, but we have our own set of trials. In them, Jesus still says … “Follow me.”
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
CALL TO A SHEPHERD
John 21:15-17
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.
Epilogue: Jesus Appears to Seven Disciples
15 After breakfast Jesus asked Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?”
“Yes, Lord,” Peter replied, “you know I love you.”
“Then feed my lambs,” Jesus told him.
16 Jesus repeated the question: “Simon son of John, do you love me?”
“Yes, Lord,” Peter said, “you know I love you.”
“Then take care of my sheep,” Jesus said.
17 A third time he asked him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?”
Peter was hurt that Jesus asked the question a third time. He said, “Lord, you know everything. You know that I love you.”
Jesus said, “Then feed my sheep.
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.
Epilogue: Jesus Appears to Seven Disciples
15 After breakfast Jesus asked Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?”
“Yes, Lord,” Peter replied, “you know I love you.”
“Then feed my lambs,” Jesus told him.
16 Jesus repeated the question: “Simon son of John, do you love me?”
“Yes, Lord,” Peter said, “you know I love you.”
“Then take care of my sheep,” Jesus said.
17 A third time he asked him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?”
Peter was hurt that Jesus asked the question a third time. He said, “Lord, you know everything. You know that I love you.”
Jesus said, “Then feed my sheep.
I can see a three-fold call to the pastor/shepherd in Jesus’ exchange with Peter.
- “…feed my lambs…” – the church must have a focus for children and youth, the lambs, the young sheep.
- “…take care of my sheep…” – the church must have a focus for seniors, those who need care most (spiritual and physical).
- “…feed my sheep…” – the church must teach God’s Word, the sheep are hungry.
Pray for pastors who love Jesus like Peter did and follow this model for their flock.
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
FISH FOR BREAKFAST
John 21:7-14
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.
Epilogue: Jesus Appears to Seven Disciples
7 Then the disciple Jesus loved said to Peter, “It’s the Lord!” When Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he put on his tunic (for he had stripped for work), jumped into the water, and headed to shore. 8 The others stayed with the boat and pulled the loaded net to the shore, for they were only about a hundred yards from shore. 9 When they got there, they found breakfast waiting for them—fish cooking over a charcoal fire, and some bread.
10 “Bring some of the fish you’ve just caught,” Jesus said. 11 So Simon Peter went aboard and dragged the net to the shore. There were 153 large fish, and yet the net hadn’t torn.
12 “Now come and have some breakfast!” Jesus said. None of the disciples dared to ask him, “Who are you?” They knew it was the Lord. 13 Then Jesus served them the bread and the fish. 14 This was the third time Jesus had appeared to his disciples since he had been raised from the dead.
Fish is not a regular item on my families breakfast menu. When I was much younger, I remember those special occasions when my father would prepare a breakfast of salmon, rice and scrambled eggs. Can you imagine how special it was in the memory of these disciples, the breakfast of fish and bread prepared for them by the risen Lord.
For fishermen, any meal with fish was probably very ordinary. What made this special was the preparer. They had seen Jesus crucified. They had also had visits from Him in the upper room. Now here He was out in the open. “They knew it was the Lord.” Here He was, meeting their needs. The great catch of fish He had directed them to … and breakfast. Every day stuff made special because this was the risen Lord.
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.
Epilogue: Jesus Appears to Seven Disciples
7 Then the disciple Jesus loved said to Peter, “It’s the Lord!” When Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he put on his tunic (for he had stripped for work), jumped into the water, and headed to shore. 8 The others stayed with the boat and pulled the loaded net to the shore, for they were only about a hundred yards from shore. 9 When they got there, they found breakfast waiting for them—fish cooking over a charcoal fire, and some bread.
10 “Bring some of the fish you’ve just caught,” Jesus said. 11 So Simon Peter went aboard and dragged the net to the shore. There were 153 large fish, and yet the net hadn’t torn.
12 “Now come and have some breakfast!” Jesus said. None of the disciples dared to ask him, “Who are you?” They knew it was the Lord. 13 Then Jesus served them the bread and the fish. 14 This was the third time Jesus had appeared to his disciples since he had been raised from the dead.
Fish is not a regular item on my families breakfast menu. When I was much younger, I remember those special occasions when my father would prepare a breakfast of salmon, rice and scrambled eggs. Can you imagine how special it was in the memory of these disciples, the breakfast of fish and bread prepared for them by the risen Lord.
For fishermen, any meal with fish was probably very ordinary. What made this special was the preparer. They had seen Jesus crucified. They had also had visits from Him in the upper room. Now here He was out in the open. “They knew it was the Lord.” Here He was, meeting their needs. The great catch of fish He had directed them to … and breakfast. Every day stuff made special because this was the risen Lord.
Monday, October 27, 2008
WHAT A CATCH
John 21:1-6
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.
Epilogue: Jesus Appears to Seven Disciples
1 Later, Jesus appeared again to the disciples beside the Sea of Galilee. This is how it happened. 2 Several of the disciples were there—Simon Peter, Thomas (nicknamed the Twin), Nathanael from Cana in Galilee, the sons of Zebedee, and two other disciples.
3 Simon Peter said, “I’m going fishing.”
“We’ll come, too,” they all said. So they went out in the boat, but they caught nothing all night.
4 At dawn Jesus was standing on the beach, but the disciples couldn’t see who he was. 5 He called out, “Fellows, have you caught any fish?”
“No,” they replied.
6 Then he said, “Throw out your net on the right-hand side of the boat, and you’ll get some!” So they did, and they couldn’t haul in the net because there were so many fish in it.
It’s got to be more complicated than this. This is just too simple. But the truth in this passage can change your life.
If you do things like Jesus says … “Throw out your net on the right-hand side…” … the results, the outcome, the catch … “…they did and they couldn’t haul in the net because there were so many fish…”… will be amazing.
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.
Epilogue: Jesus Appears to Seven Disciples
1 Later, Jesus appeared again to the disciples beside the Sea of Galilee. This is how it happened. 2 Several of the disciples were there—Simon Peter, Thomas (nicknamed the Twin), Nathanael from Cana in Galilee, the sons of Zebedee, and two other disciples.
3 Simon Peter said, “I’m going fishing.”
“We’ll come, too,” they all said. So they went out in the boat, but they caught nothing all night.
4 At dawn Jesus was standing on the beach, but the disciples couldn’t see who he was. 5 He called out, “Fellows, have you caught any fish?”
“No,” they replied.
6 Then he said, “Throw out your net on the right-hand side of the boat, and you’ll get some!” So they did, and they couldn’t haul in the net because there were so many fish in it.
It’s got to be more complicated than this. This is just too simple. But the truth in this passage can change your life.
If you do things like Jesus says … “Throw out your net on the right-hand side…” … the results, the outcome, the catch … “…they did and they couldn’t haul in the net because there were so many fish…”… will be amazing.
Thursday, October 23, 2008
PURPOSE IN ALL THIS
John 20:30-31
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.
Purpose of the Book
30 The disciples saw Jesus do many other miraculous signs in addition to the ones recorded in this book. 31 But these are written so that you may continue to believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing in him you will have life by the power of his name.
What a joy it has been to walk through the Gospel of John! It has not been without purpose. When John concluded his writing, he encouraged the readers to, “… continue to believe…” and to live “…by the power of his name.”
I pray these devotions are a blessing to you and share in John’s purpose.
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.
Purpose of the Book
30 The disciples saw Jesus do many other miraculous signs in addition to the ones recorded in this book. 31 But these are written so that you may continue to believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing in him you will have life by the power of his name.
What a joy it has been to walk through the Gospel of John! It has not been without purpose. When John concluded his writing, he encouraged the readers to, “… continue to believe…” and to live “…by the power of his name.”
I pray these devotions are a blessing to you and share in John’s purpose.
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
FAITHLESS NO MORE
John 20:26-29
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.
Jesus Appears to Thomas
26 Eight days later the disciples were together again, and this time Thomas was with them. The doors were locked; but suddenly, as before, Jesus was standing among them. “Peace be with you,” he said. 27 Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here, and look at my hands. Put your hand into the wound in my side. Don’t be faithless any longer. Believe!”
28 “My Lord and my God!” Thomas exclaimed.
29 Then Jesus told him, “You believe because you have seen me. Blessed are those who believe without seeing me.”
Thomas needed to touch and see and Jesus offered him just what he desired. Thomas responded with faith. “My Lord and my God!” He said, ‘my Lord’. It was now personal for Thomas. After three years of following Jesus and observing His ministry, Thomas became a believer. He was faithless no more.
I was raised in the church, sang in the choir, on the usher board, in the Easter and Christmas programs … you get the picture. I knew who the preacher and teachers said Jesus was. It was, however, well into adulthood before I invited Jesus into my heart and confessed Him as Lord. It was only then that it became personal and I was faithless no more.
If you never have, ask Jesus for a touch today. Get personal with Him. Just as He did with Thomas (and me), Jesus will let you get personal with Him. In fact, that is His desire. “Blessed are those who believe without seeing me.” Be faithless no more.
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.
Jesus Appears to Thomas
26 Eight days later the disciples were together again, and this time Thomas was with them. The doors were locked; but suddenly, as before, Jesus was standing among them. “Peace be with you,” he said. 27 Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here, and look at my hands. Put your hand into the wound in my side. Don’t be faithless any longer. Believe!”
28 “My Lord and my God!” Thomas exclaimed.
29 Then Jesus told him, “You believe because you have seen me. Blessed are those who believe without seeing me.”
Thomas needed to touch and see and Jesus offered him just what he desired. Thomas responded with faith. “My Lord and my God!” He said, ‘my Lord’. It was now personal for Thomas. After three years of following Jesus and observing His ministry, Thomas became a believer. He was faithless no more.
I was raised in the church, sang in the choir, on the usher board, in the Easter and Christmas programs … you get the picture. I knew who the preacher and teachers said Jesus was. It was, however, well into adulthood before I invited Jesus into my heart and confessed Him as Lord. It was only then that it became personal and I was faithless no more.
If you never have, ask Jesus for a touch today. Get personal with Him. Just as He did with Thomas (and me), Jesus will let you get personal with Him. In fact, that is His desire. “Blessed are those who believe without seeing me.” Be faithless no more.
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
SEE FOR MYSELF
John 20:24-25
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.
Jesus Appears to Thomas
24 One of the twelve disciples, Thomas (nicknamed the Twin), was not with the others when Jesus came. 25 They told him, “We have seen the Lord!”
But he replied, “I won’t believe it unless I see the nail wounds in his hands, put my fingers into them, and place my hand into the wound in his side.”
They said to Thomas, “Take our word for it.”
Thomas said, “I’ve got to see for myself.”
Because of this exchange, many have labeled Thomas as a doubter. ‘Doubting Thomas’, we call him. I have a different thought on this passage.
Our relationship with Jesus Christ may well start with a word from someone else. Parents and grandparents have been working in God’s vineyard down through the ages, training children in the ways of the Word. Friends share there faith, introducing their friend to Christ. Pastors and Sunday School teachers present the gospel. All that is good but this is the bottom line. You must see Jesus for yourself. The words of others are great but our relationship with Jesus must be personal.
That’s what Thomas was looking for … a touch that would make it personal.
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.
Jesus Appears to Thomas
24 One of the twelve disciples, Thomas (nicknamed the Twin), was not with the others when Jesus came. 25 They told him, “We have seen the Lord!”
But he replied, “I won’t believe it unless I see the nail wounds in his hands, put my fingers into them, and place my hand into the wound in his side.”
They said to Thomas, “Take our word for it.”
Thomas said, “I’ve got to see for myself.”
Because of this exchange, many have labeled Thomas as a doubter. ‘Doubting Thomas’, we call him. I have a different thought on this passage.
Our relationship with Jesus Christ may well start with a word from someone else. Parents and grandparents have been working in God’s vineyard down through the ages, training children in the ways of the Word. Friends share there faith, introducing their friend to Christ. Pastors and Sunday School teachers present the gospel. All that is good but this is the bottom line. You must see Jesus for yourself. The words of others are great but our relationship with Jesus must be personal.
That’s what Thomas was looking for … a touch that would make it personal.
Monday, October 20, 2008
BEHIND LOCKED DOORS
John 20:19-23
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.
Jesus Appears to His Disciples
19 That Sunday evening the disciples were meeting behind locked doors because they were afraid of the Jewish leaders. Suddenly, Jesus was standing there among them! “Peace be with you,” he said. 20 As he spoke, he showed them the wounds in his hands and his side. They were filled with joy when they saw the Lord! 21 Again he said, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I am sending you.” 22 Then he breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit. 23 If you forgive anyone’s sins, they are forgiven. If you do not forgive them, they are not forgiven.”
We live in a time, in a society, where locking the doors is a practical necessity. Without the locks, the church would be easy picking for thieves and vandals. It has not always been this way. Time was that the church was respected as sacred ground and even thieves and vandals feared God. Today however, sometimes locks aren’t enough. Security guards and systems are also required.
The disciples had the doors locked, not from fear of thieves and vandals but from fear of those who had just crucified Jesus. They had witnessed the crucifixion and rightly so, feared the same fate. In the midst of their fear, Jesus shows up, pours out on them the gift of the Holy Spirit and immediately starts talking about forgiveness. The very ones who had carried out the sin against Jesus, the crucifixion, needed forgiveness. The disciples could not stay locked away behind closed doors. They had a mission to carry out. They had work to do. Jesus was sending them out with peace of mind, with forgiveness in their hearts and with the power of the Holy Spirit.
Are we locked away, behind closed doors? Do we fear those who look different … think different … act different … were raised in a different culture? Do we lock ourselves away physically … socially … emotionally? Do we build barriers between ourselves and those of other races or nationalities? Are we allowing our politics to be another wall of separation? If Jesus showed up in our midst, as He did with the disciples, wouldn’t His response be the same? “Go … take my peace with you … forgive.”
Let the Holy Spirit empower you as you, “… do what is right … love mercy … walk humbly with your God.” - Micah 6:8
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.
Jesus Appears to His Disciples
19 That Sunday evening the disciples were meeting behind locked doors because they were afraid of the Jewish leaders. Suddenly, Jesus was standing there among them! “Peace be with you,” he said. 20 As he spoke, he showed them the wounds in his hands and his side. They were filled with joy when they saw the Lord! 21 Again he said, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I am sending you.” 22 Then he breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit. 23 If you forgive anyone’s sins, they are forgiven. If you do not forgive them, they are not forgiven.”
We live in a time, in a society, where locking the doors is a practical necessity. Without the locks, the church would be easy picking for thieves and vandals. It has not always been this way. Time was that the church was respected as sacred ground and even thieves and vandals feared God. Today however, sometimes locks aren’t enough. Security guards and systems are also required.
The disciples had the doors locked, not from fear of thieves and vandals but from fear of those who had just crucified Jesus. They had witnessed the crucifixion and rightly so, feared the same fate. In the midst of their fear, Jesus shows up, pours out on them the gift of the Holy Spirit and immediately starts talking about forgiveness. The very ones who had carried out the sin against Jesus, the crucifixion, needed forgiveness. The disciples could not stay locked away behind closed doors. They had a mission to carry out. They had work to do. Jesus was sending them out with peace of mind, with forgiveness in their hearts and with the power of the Holy Spirit.
Are we locked away, behind closed doors? Do we fear those who look different … think different … act different … were raised in a different culture? Do we lock ourselves away physically … socially … emotionally? Do we build barriers between ourselves and those of other races or nationalities? Are we allowing our politics to be another wall of separation? If Jesus showed up in our midst, as He did with the disciples, wouldn’t His response be the same? “Go … take my peace with you … forgive.”
Let the Holy Spirit empower you as you, “… do what is right … love mercy … walk humbly with your God.” - Micah 6:8
Friday, October 17, 2008
I HAVE SEEN THE LORD
John 20:14-18
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.
Jesus Appears to Mary Magdalene
14 She turned to leave and saw someone standing there. It was Jesus, but she didn’t recognize him. 15 “Dear woman, why are you crying?” Jesus asked her. “Who are you looking for?”
She thought he was the gardener. “Sir,” she said, “if you have taken him away, tell me where you have put him, and I will go and get him.”
16 “Mary!” Jesus said.
She turned to him and cried out, “Rabboni!” (which is Hebrew for “Teacher”).
17 “Don’t cling to me,” Jesus said, “for I haven’t yet ascended to the Father. But go find my brothers and tell them, ‘I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.’”
18 Mary Magdalene found the disciples and told them, “I have seen the Lord!” Then she gave them his message.
Mary Magdalene saw Jesus early that Sunday morning, as she stood by the entrance to the tomb where He had been buried. Where have you seen the Lord?
I have seen the Lord in the birth of a child and in the death of a loved one.
I have seen the Lord in the uniting of a loving couple in marriage.
I have seen the Lord in the baptismal pool surrounding a young child who has confessed her faith and again moments later when her father steps in the water, also confessing his faith.
I have seen the Lord in the healing from cancer of a young mother and in the ultimate healing of a man whose cancer is too far gone.
I have seen the Lord in Spirit-filled churches … in Spirit-filled saints … in Spirit-filled ministries … where it’s all about Jesus (and not about us).
Praise God! “I have seen the Lord!”
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.
Jesus Appears to Mary Magdalene
14 She turned to leave and saw someone standing there. It was Jesus, but she didn’t recognize him. 15 “Dear woman, why are you crying?” Jesus asked her. “Who are you looking for?”
She thought he was the gardener. “Sir,” she said, “if you have taken him away, tell me where you have put him, and I will go and get him.”
16 “Mary!” Jesus said.
She turned to him and cried out, “Rabboni!” (which is Hebrew for “Teacher”).
17 “Don’t cling to me,” Jesus said, “for I haven’t yet ascended to the Father. But go find my brothers and tell them, ‘I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.’”
18 Mary Magdalene found the disciples and told them, “I have seen the Lord!” Then she gave them his message.
Mary Magdalene saw Jesus early that Sunday morning, as she stood by the entrance to the tomb where He had been buried. Where have you seen the Lord?
I have seen the Lord in the birth of a child and in the death of a loved one.
I have seen the Lord in the uniting of a loving couple in marriage.
I have seen the Lord in the baptismal pool surrounding a young child who has confessed her faith and again moments later when her father steps in the water, also confessing his faith.
I have seen the Lord in the healing from cancer of a young mother and in the ultimate healing of a man whose cancer is too far gone.
I have seen the Lord in Spirit-filled churches … in Spirit-filled saints … in Spirit-filled ministries … where it’s all about Jesus (and not about us).
Praise God! “I have seen the Lord!”
Thursday, October 16, 2008
SUNDAY MORNING
John 20:11-13
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.
Jesus Appears to Mary Magdalene
11 Mary was standing outside the tomb crying, and as she wept, she stooped and looked in. 12 She saw two white-robed angels, one sitting at the head and the other at the foot of the place where the body of Jesus had been lying. 13 “Dear woman, why are you crying?” the angels asked her.
“Because they have taken away my Lord,” she replied, “and I don’t know where they have put him.”
What does Sunday morning look like at your house? (You can go ahead and tell me it’s none of my business … you are getting too nosey … too personal … I’ll understand.) Do you wait to the last possible moment to roll out of bed? It’s not a work day. Do you run out of the house … jump in the car … still finishing the last touches on your make-up or tying your tie? Do you arrive at church, just in the nick of time and if the light caught you, a minute or two late?
Mary was up early on Sunday morning and the first to arrive at the tomb. It was Mary who got the first inkling that something special had happened there. It was also Mary who was the last to leave. John and Peter had come to see what happened but soon turned and went home. Not Mary. She hung around and because she did, received a special visitation from heaven.
Do you have a clock on the preacher? It’s time for him to wind this up. I can’t be late getting in line at the restaurant or miss the NFL Sunday kickoff.
I wonder what we miss when we rush away from worship, chasing our busy schedules? Sunday is His day. Early Sunday morning, HE ROSE. It should be every day, but especially on Sunday, let Him rise again in your day. Let Mary Magdalene be your model for Sunday morning.
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.
Jesus Appears to Mary Magdalene
11 Mary was standing outside the tomb crying, and as she wept, she stooped and looked in. 12 She saw two white-robed angels, one sitting at the head and the other at the foot of the place where the body of Jesus had been lying. 13 “Dear woman, why are you crying?” the angels asked her.
“Because they have taken away my Lord,” she replied, “and I don’t know where they have put him.”
What does Sunday morning look like at your house? (You can go ahead and tell me it’s none of my business … you are getting too nosey … too personal … I’ll understand.) Do you wait to the last possible moment to roll out of bed? It’s not a work day. Do you run out of the house … jump in the car … still finishing the last touches on your make-up or tying your tie? Do you arrive at church, just in the nick of time and if the light caught you, a minute or two late?
Mary was up early on Sunday morning and the first to arrive at the tomb. It was Mary who got the first inkling that something special had happened there. It was also Mary who was the last to leave. John and Peter had come to see what happened but soon turned and went home. Not Mary. She hung around and because she did, received a special visitation from heaven.
Do you have a clock on the preacher? It’s time for him to wind this up. I can’t be late getting in line at the restaurant or miss the NFL Sunday kickoff.
I wonder what we miss when we rush away from worship, chasing our busy schedules? Sunday is His day. Early Sunday morning, HE ROSE. It should be every day, but especially on Sunday, let Him rise again in your day. Let Mary Magdalene be your model for Sunday morning.
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
RUNNING FOR JESUS
John 20:1-10
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.
The Resurrection
1 Early on Sunday morning, while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene came to the tomb and found that the stone had been rolled away from the entrance. 2 She ran and found Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one whom Jesus loved. She said, “They have taken the Lord’s body out of the tomb, and we don’t know where they have put him!”
3 Peter and the other disciple started out for the tomb. 4 They were both running, but the other disciple outran Peter and reached the tomb first. 5 He stooped and looked in and saw the linen wrappings lying there, but he didn’t go in. 6 Then Simon Peter arrived and went inside. He also noticed the linen wrappings lying there, 7 while the cloth that had covered Jesus’ head was folded up and lying apart from the other wrappings. 8 Then the disciple who had reached the tomb first also went in, and he saw and believed—9 for until then they still hadn’t understood the Scriptures that said Jesus must rise from the dead. 10 Then they went home.
“They that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; … run and not get weary;…” – Isa. 40:31
When Mary Magdalene saw the stone rolled away, she ran. When John and Peter heard about the stone being disturbed, they ran.
There is a lyric from a song by the Mississippi Mass Choir:
I’ve been running for Jesus a long time;
I’m not tired yet.
What is your response to the resurrected Christ? Are you wearing out your running shoes?
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.
The Resurrection
1 Early on Sunday morning, while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene came to the tomb and found that the stone had been rolled away from the entrance. 2 She ran and found Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one whom Jesus loved. She said, “They have taken the Lord’s body out of the tomb, and we don’t know where they have put him!”
3 Peter and the other disciple started out for the tomb. 4 They were both running, but the other disciple outran Peter and reached the tomb first. 5 He stooped and looked in and saw the linen wrappings lying there, but he didn’t go in. 6 Then Simon Peter arrived and went inside. He also noticed the linen wrappings lying there, 7 while the cloth that had covered Jesus’ head was folded up and lying apart from the other wrappings. 8 Then the disciple who had reached the tomb first also went in, and he saw and believed—9 for until then they still hadn’t understood the Scriptures that said Jesus must rise from the dead. 10 Then they went home.
“They that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; … run and not get weary;…” – Isa. 40:31
When Mary Magdalene saw the stone rolled away, she ran. When John and Peter heard about the stone being disturbed, they ran.
There is a lyric from a song by the Mississippi Mass Choir:
I’ve been running for Jesus a long time;
I’m not tired yet.
What is your response to the resurrected Christ? Are you wearing out your running shoes?
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
SECRET FOLLOWERS NO MORE
John 19:38-42
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.
The Burial of Jesus
38 Afterward Joseph of Arimathea, who had been a secret disciple of Jesus (because he feared the Jewish leaders), asked Pilate for permission to take down Jesus’ body. When Pilate gave permission, Joseph came and took the body away. 39 With him came Nicodemus, the man who had come to Jesus at night. He brought seventy-five pounds of perfumed ointment made from myrrh and aloes. 40 Following Jewish burial custom, they wrapped Jesus’ body with the spices in long sheets of linen cloth. 41 The place of crucifixion was near a garden, where there was a new tomb, never used before. 42 And so, because it was the day of preparation for the Jewish Passover and since the tomb was close at hand, they laid Jesus there.
When Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus showed up on Calvary hill to claim the body of Jesus after He was crucified, their secret was out. Pilate knew. The soldiers who performed the crucifixion knew. The other Jewish leaders knew. Anyone of the crowd who still remained around the Cross saw these two, previously secret disciples, take away the lifeless body of Jesus. They no longer cared who knew they were believers.
Do we hide our faith? In this secular, lost world, do we think it’s wise to maintain Christian anonymity? Do we try to keep peace at home, at work, at play by being secret disciples? The day came when Joseph and Nicodemus didn’t care who knew. So it will be with us. Jesus is coming back. When that happens, every knee will bow, every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord. Don’t wait. Show your faith today and every day.
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.
The Burial of Jesus
38 Afterward Joseph of Arimathea, who had been a secret disciple of Jesus (because he feared the Jewish leaders), asked Pilate for permission to take down Jesus’ body. When Pilate gave permission, Joseph came and took the body away. 39 With him came Nicodemus, the man who had come to Jesus at night. He brought seventy-five pounds of perfumed ointment made from myrrh and aloes. 40 Following Jewish burial custom, they wrapped Jesus’ body with the spices in long sheets of linen cloth. 41 The place of crucifixion was near a garden, where there was a new tomb, never used before. 42 And so, because it was the day of preparation for the Jewish Passover and since the tomb was close at hand, they laid Jesus there.
When Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus showed up on Calvary hill to claim the body of Jesus after He was crucified, their secret was out. Pilate knew. The soldiers who performed the crucifixion knew. The other Jewish leaders knew. Anyone of the crowd who still remained around the Cross saw these two, previously secret disciples, take away the lifeless body of Jesus. They no longer cared who knew they were believers.
Do we hide our faith? In this secular, lost world, do we think it’s wise to maintain Christian anonymity? Do we try to keep peace at home, at work, at play by being secret disciples? The day came when Joseph and Nicodemus didn’t care who knew. So it will be with us. Jesus is coming back. When that happens, every knee will bow, every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord. Don’t wait. Show your faith today and every day.
Monday, October 13, 2008
FULFILLED PROPHESY
John 19:28-37
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.
The Death of Jesus
28 Jesus knew that his mission was now finished, and to fulfill Scripture he said, “I am thirsty.”[a] 29 A jar of sour wine was sitting there, so they soaked a sponge in it, put it on a hyssop branch, and held it up to his lips. 30 When Jesus had tasted it, he said, “It is finished!” Then he bowed his head and released his spirit.
31 It was the day of preparation, and the Jewish leaders didn’t want the bodies hanging there the next day, which was the Sabbath (and a very special Sabbath, because it was the Passover). So they asked Pilate to hasten their deaths by ordering that their legs be broken. Then their bodies could be taken down. 32 So the soldiers came and broke the legs of the two men crucified with Jesus. 33 But when they came to Jesus, they saw that he was already dead, so they didn’t break his legs. 34 One of the soldiers, however, pierced his side with a spear, and immediately blood and water flowed out. 35 (This report is from an eyewitness giving an accurate account. He speaks the truth so that you also can believe.[b]) 36 These things happened in fulfillment of the Scriptures that say, “Not one of his bones will be broken,”[c] 37 and “They will look on the one they pierced.” [d]
Footnotes:
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.
The Death of Jesus
28 Jesus knew that his mission was now finished, and to fulfill Scripture he said, “I am thirsty.”[a] 29 A jar of sour wine was sitting there, so they soaked a sponge in it, put it on a hyssop branch, and held it up to his lips. 30 When Jesus had tasted it, he said, “It is finished!” Then he bowed his head and released his spirit.
31 It was the day of preparation, and the Jewish leaders didn’t want the bodies hanging there the next day, which was the Sabbath (and a very special Sabbath, because it was the Passover). So they asked Pilate to hasten their deaths by ordering that their legs be broken. Then their bodies could be taken down. 32 So the soldiers came and broke the legs of the two men crucified with Jesus. 33 But when they came to Jesus, they saw that he was already dead, so they didn’t break his legs. 34 One of the soldiers, however, pierced his side with a spear, and immediately blood and water flowed out. 35 (This report is from an eyewitness giving an accurate account. He speaks the truth so that you also can believe.[b]) 36 These things happened in fulfillment of the Scriptures that say, “Not one of his bones will be broken,”[c] 37 and “They will look on the one they pierced.” [d]
Footnotes:
- a. John 19:28 See Pss 22:15; 69:21.
- b. John 19:35 Some manuscripts read can continue to believe.
- c. John 19:36 Exod 12:46; Num 9:12; Ps 34:20.
- d. John 19:37 Zech 12:10.
I usually remove the footnotes but today, the footnotes are the point I want to drive home. In these brief nine verses from the Apostle John, we find six Old Testament references from the Law (Exodus and Numbers), from the poetic books (Psalms – 3), and from the prophets (Zechariah).
We refer to ourselves as New Testament churches, living in the dispensation of grace. How true! The best proofs of the truths of our New Testament faith are found in the Old Testament scriptures. The odds that one man, Jesus, could fulfill the 315 Old Testament references to Him and His life, death and resurrection, is a tremendously big number. If He only fulfilled eight of these prophesies, the number would be 1 in 10 to the 17th power or 1 in 100, 000, 000, 000, 000, 000.
Jesus loves me, this I know because the Old Testament tells me so! Of course … the New Testament too.
Friday, October 10, 2008
OPPOSITION TO GAMBLING
John 19:23-27
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.
The Crucifixion
23 When the soldiers had crucified Jesus, they divided his clothes among the four of them. They also took his robe, but it was seamless, woven in one piece from top to bottom. 24 So they said, “Rather than tearing it apart, let’s throw dice for it.” This fulfilled the Scripture that says, “They divided my garments among themselves and threw dice for my clothing.” So that is what they did.
25 Standing near the cross were Jesus’ mother, and his mother’s sister, Mary (the wife of Clopas), and Mary Magdalene. 26 When Jesus saw his mother standing there beside the disciple he loved, he said to her, “Dear woman, here is your son.” 27 And he said to this disciple, “Here is your mother.” And from then on this disciple took her into his home.
Why does the church stand in opposition to gambling? Casting lots or throwing dice was a practice used throughout the Old Testament in decision making. One scripture says, “We may throw the dice, but the Lord determines how they fall.” – Proverbs 16:33. Gambling has many negatives (addiction, financial calamity, family destruction) attached to it. I believe the most prominent reason gambling is opposed by the church however, is it’s attachment to the crucifixion.
While Jesus was hanging on the Cross, the soldiers were gambling at His feet.
It is interesting that while the soldiers were participating in a practice which, among other things, destroys families, Jesus took time to focus on His family. He “…saw his mother…”, and in the midst of His own suffering, secured the service of the disciple John to make sure His mother didn’t suffer.
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.
The Crucifixion
23 When the soldiers had crucified Jesus, they divided his clothes among the four of them. They also took his robe, but it was seamless, woven in one piece from top to bottom. 24 So they said, “Rather than tearing it apart, let’s throw dice for it.” This fulfilled the Scripture that says, “They divided my garments among themselves and threw dice for my clothing.” So that is what they did.
25 Standing near the cross were Jesus’ mother, and his mother’s sister, Mary (the wife of Clopas), and Mary Magdalene. 26 When Jesus saw his mother standing there beside the disciple he loved, he said to her, “Dear woman, here is your son.” 27 And he said to this disciple, “Here is your mother.” And from then on this disciple took her into his home.
Why does the church stand in opposition to gambling? Casting lots or throwing dice was a practice used throughout the Old Testament in decision making. One scripture says, “We may throw the dice, but the Lord determines how they fall.” – Proverbs 16:33. Gambling has many negatives (addiction, financial calamity, family destruction) attached to it. I believe the most prominent reason gambling is opposed by the church however, is it’s attachment to the crucifixion.
While Jesus was hanging on the Cross, the soldiers were gambling at His feet.
It is interesting that while the soldiers were participating in a practice which, among other things, destroys families, Jesus took time to focus on His family. He “…saw his mother…”, and in the midst of His own suffering, secured the service of the disciple John to make sure His mother didn’t suffer.
Thursday, October 09, 2008
HE KNEW
John 19:16-22
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.
The Crucifixion
16 Then Pilate turned Jesus over to them to be crucified.
So they took Jesus away. 17 Carrying the cross by himself, he went to the place called Place of the Skull (in Hebrew, Golgotha). 18 There they nailed him to the cross. Two others were crucified with him, one on either side, with Jesus between them. 19 And Pilate posted a sign over him that read, “Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews.” 20 The place where Jesus was crucified was near the city, and the sign was written in Hebrew, Latin, and Greek, so that many people could read it.
21 Then the leading priests objected and said to Pilate, “Change it from ‘The King of the Jews’ to ‘He said, I am King of the Jews.’”
22 Pilate replied, “No, what I have written, I have written.”
Deep in his heart, Pilate knew the truth. You can’t come face-to-face with Jesus and not know the truth. That’s why Pilate was unwilling to change what he had written.
The Apostle Paul had the same experience. When he encountered the risen Jesus on the Damascus Road, it changed his ministry focus because he knew the truth.
It is the same for you and me. When we encounter Jesus on a personal level, He reveals the truth to us. We come away changed … brand new … we will never be the same.
Jesus, the Living Word, is truth and reveals truth. That’s why it is so important … so good … to have daily time with Him in prayer, Bible study and meditation.
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.
The Crucifixion
16 Then Pilate turned Jesus over to them to be crucified.
So they took Jesus away. 17 Carrying the cross by himself, he went to the place called Place of the Skull (in Hebrew, Golgotha). 18 There they nailed him to the cross. Two others were crucified with him, one on either side, with Jesus between them. 19 And Pilate posted a sign over him that read, “Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews.” 20 The place where Jesus was crucified was near the city, and the sign was written in Hebrew, Latin, and Greek, so that many people could read it.
21 Then the leading priests objected and said to Pilate, “Change it from ‘The King of the Jews’ to ‘He said, I am King of the Jews.’”
22 Pilate replied, “No, what I have written, I have written.”
Deep in his heart, Pilate knew the truth. You can’t come face-to-face with Jesus and not know the truth. That’s why Pilate was unwilling to change what he had written.
The Apostle Paul had the same experience. When he encountered the risen Jesus on the Damascus Road, it changed his ministry focus because he knew the truth.
It is the same for you and me. When we encounter Jesus on a personal level, He reveals the truth to us. We come away changed … brand new … we will never be the same.
Jesus, the Living Word, is truth and reveals truth. That’s why it is so important … so good … to have daily time with Him in prayer, Bible study and meditation.
Wednesday, October 08, 2008
TURN UP THE HEAT
John 19:12-16
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.
Jesus Sentenced to Death
12 Then Pilate tried to release him, but the Jewish leaders shouted, “If you release this man, you are no ‘friend of Caesar.’ Anyone who declares himself a king is a rebel against Caesar.”
13 When they said this, Pilate brought Jesus out to them again. Then Pilate sat down on the judgment seat on the platform that is called the Stone Pavement (in Hebrew, Gabbatha). 14 It was now about noon on the day of preparation for the Passover. And Pilate said to the people, “Look, here is your king!”
15 “Away with him,” they yelled. “Away with him! Crucify him!”
“What? Crucify your king?” Pilate asked.
“We have no king but Caesar,” the leading priests shouted back.
16 Then Pilate turned Jesus over to them to be crucified.
So they took Jesus away.
‘Friend of Caesar’ is a technical term which means ally of the emperor. Pilate was a political appointee. He served at the will of the emperor. To be accused of not being an ally of the emperor really turned up the heat on Pilate and he caved in to the wishes of the Jewish leaders.
What happens in your life when the heat gets turned up? Are you able to stand up to the heat or do you cave in? Temptation … anger … bitterness … unforgiveness. When the pressure is on, call on the Holy Spirit to help you be strong … to stand … to not cave in.
When the heat got to Pilate, he turned Jesus over to be crucified. Think of caving in as crucifying Jesus again. Commit to HIM … NEVER AGAIN!
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.
Jesus Sentenced to Death
12 Then Pilate tried to release him, but the Jewish leaders shouted, “If you release this man, you are no ‘friend of Caesar.’ Anyone who declares himself a king is a rebel against Caesar.”
13 When they said this, Pilate brought Jesus out to them again. Then Pilate sat down on the judgment seat on the platform that is called the Stone Pavement (in Hebrew, Gabbatha). 14 It was now about noon on the day of preparation for the Passover. And Pilate said to the people, “Look, here is your king!”
15 “Away with him,” they yelled. “Away with him! Crucify him!”
“What? Crucify your king?” Pilate asked.
“We have no king but Caesar,” the leading priests shouted back.
16 Then Pilate turned Jesus over to them to be crucified.
So they took Jesus away.
‘Friend of Caesar’ is a technical term which means ally of the emperor. Pilate was a political appointee. He served at the will of the emperor. To be accused of not being an ally of the emperor really turned up the heat on Pilate and he caved in to the wishes of the Jewish leaders.
What happens in your life when the heat gets turned up? Are you able to stand up to the heat or do you cave in? Temptation … anger … bitterness … unforgiveness. When the pressure is on, call on the Holy Spirit to help you be strong … to stand … to not cave in.
When the heat got to Pilate, he turned Jesus over to be crucified. Think of caving in as crucifying Jesus again. Commit to HIM … NEVER AGAIN!
Tuesday, October 07, 2008
PAWN IN THE PLAN
John 19:7-11
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.
Jesus Sentenced to Death
7 The Jewish leaders replied, “By our law he ought to die because he called himself the Son of God.”
8 When Pilate heard this, he was more frightened than ever. 9 He took Jesus back into the headquarters again and asked him, “Where are you from?” But Jesus gave no answer. 10 “Why don’t you talk to me?” Pilate demanded. “Don’t you realize that I have the power to release you or crucify you?”
11 Then Jesus said, “You would have no power over me at all unless it were given to you from above. So the one who handed me over to you has the greater sin.”
Did Jesus let Pilate off the hook for his role in the crucifixion? At the very least, Jesus made sure Pilate knew who was in control. Having just endured the severe whipping, Jesus says to Pilate, “You would have no power over me at all …” My Father has a plan for the salvation of mankind and you are just a pawn in His plan. “… unless it were given to you from above.” These words, spoken with the authority of the divine, put Pilate in his place.
The same God who sent His Son to die for our salvation also has a plan for our lives. He has given us free will to operate within that plan, yet in His infinite wisdom, He knows the outcome of every detail of that plan. Our finite minds have difficulty getting a grip of how He is able to do this. Simply stated, He’s God! All we have to do is trust the sovereign God.
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.
Jesus Sentenced to Death
7 The Jewish leaders replied, “By our law he ought to die because he called himself the Son of God.”
8 When Pilate heard this, he was more frightened than ever. 9 He took Jesus back into the headquarters again and asked him, “Where are you from?” But Jesus gave no answer. 10 “Why don’t you talk to me?” Pilate demanded. “Don’t you realize that I have the power to release you or crucify you?”
11 Then Jesus said, “You would have no power over me at all unless it were given to you from above. So the one who handed me over to you has the greater sin.”
Did Jesus let Pilate off the hook for his role in the crucifixion? At the very least, Jesus made sure Pilate knew who was in control. Having just endured the severe whipping, Jesus says to Pilate, “You would have no power over me at all …” My Father has a plan for the salvation of mankind and you are just a pawn in His plan. “… unless it were given to you from above.” These words, spoken with the authority of the divine, put Pilate in his place.
The same God who sent His Son to die for our salvation also has a plan for our lives. He has given us free will to operate within that plan, yet in His infinite wisdom, He knows the outcome of every detail of that plan. Our finite minds have difficulty getting a grip of how He is able to do this. Simply stated, He’s God! All we have to do is trust the sovereign God.
Monday, October 06, 2008
NOT GUILTY
John 19:1-6
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.
Jesus Sentenced to Death
1 Then Pilate had Jesus flogged with a lead-tipped whip. 2 The soldiers wove a crown of thorns and put it on his head, and they put a purple robe on him. 3 “Hail! King of the Jews!” they mocked, as they slapped him across the face.
4 Pilate went outside again and said to the people, “I am going to bring him out to you now, but understand clearly that I find him not guilty.” 5 Then Jesus came out wearing the crown of thorns and the purple robe. And Pilate said, “Look, here is the man!”
6 When they saw him, the leading priests and Temple guards began shouting, “Crucify him! Crucify him!”
“Take him yourselves and crucify him,” Pilate said. “I find him not guilty.”
This is a portion of a prayer used in the Kairos Prison Ministry titled, “Prayer to Christ, The Prisoner.”
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.
Jesus Sentenced to Death
1 Then Pilate had Jesus flogged with a lead-tipped whip. 2 The soldiers wove a crown of thorns and put it on his head, and they put a purple robe on him. 3 “Hail! King of the Jews!” they mocked, as they slapped him across the face.
4 Pilate went outside again and said to the people, “I am going to bring him out to you now, but understand clearly that I find him not guilty.” 5 Then Jesus came out wearing the crown of thorns and the purple robe. And Pilate said, “Look, here is the man!”
6 When they saw him, the leading priests and Temple guards began shouting, “Crucify him! Crucify him!”
“Take him yourselves and crucify him,” Pilate said. “I find him not guilty.”
This is a portion of a prayer used in the Kairos Prison Ministry titled, “Prayer to Christ, The Prisoner.”
- “… You were cuffed and shackled, and led stumbling to court,
- You were forced to stand in front of judges and prosecutors, with no attorney to help you,
- You were accused by lying, paid witnesses,
- You were tortured with beatings, insults, and whippings,
- You had men spit in your face,
- You had sharp thorns shoved into your scalp, …”
Friday, October 03, 2008
THE TRUTH
John 18:37-40
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.
Jesus’ Trial before Pilate
37 Pilate said, “So you are a king?”
Jesus responded, “You say I am a king. Actually, I was born and came into the world to testify to the truth. All who love the truth recognize that what I say is true.”
38 “What is truth?” Pilate asked. Then he went out again to the people and told them, “He is not guilty of any crime. 39 But you have a custom of asking me to release one prisoner each year at Passover. Would you like me to release this ‘King of the Jews’?”
40 But they shouted back, “No! Not this man. We want Barabbas!” (Barabbas was a revolutionary.)
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.
Jesus’ Trial before Pilate
37 Pilate said, “So you are a king?”
Jesus responded, “You say I am a king. Actually, I was born and came into the world to testify to the truth. All who love the truth recognize that what I say is true.”
38 “What is truth?” Pilate asked. Then he went out again to the people and told them, “He is not guilty of any crime. 39 But you have a custom of asking me to release one prisoner each year at Passover. Would you like me to release this ‘King of the Jews’?”
40 But they shouted back, “No! Not this man. We want Barabbas!” (Barabbas was a revolutionary.)
The truth is Jesus was not just a king. He is The King.
To borrow from ‘The Glorious Appearing’ – (LaHaye & Jenkins): My Bible says He is a king … He’s a seven-way king.
- He's the king of the Jews; … that’s a racial king.
- He’s the king of Israel; … that’s a national king.
- He’s the king of righteousness.
- He’s the king of the ages.
- He’s the king of heaven.
- He’s the king of glory.
- He’s the king of kings.
Besides being a seven-way king, He’s the Lord of lords … That’s my king.
Pilate was seeking the truth. He wanted to know who Jesus really was. Do you know Him? Is He your King?
Thursday, October 02, 2008
OUT OF THIS WORLD
John 18:33-36
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.
Jesus’ Trial before Pilate
33 Then Pilate went back into his headquarters and called for Jesus to be brought to him. “Are you the king of the Jews?” he asked him.
34 Jesus replied, “Is this your own question, or did others tell you about me?”
35 “Am I a Jew?” Pilate retorted. “Your own people and their leading priests brought you to me for trial. Why? What have you done?”
36 Jesus answered, “My Kingdom is not an earthly kingdom. If it were, my followers would fight to keep me from being handed over to the Jewish leaders. But my Kingdom is not of this world.”
When we say that something is ‘out of this world’, we are admitting that we can’t find the words to describe something which is awesome.
Pilate was trying to understand Jesus. On one of his albums, Kirk Whalum says that’s an oxymoron … understand Jesus. The clay is not going to understand the potter. With all our Bible translations and transliterations, commentaries, dictionaries and studies, we still struggle to understand many things in the Scriptures.
Jesus told Pilate, “… my Kingdom is not of this world.” In my imagination, I can hear Jesus telling Pilate, “My Kingdom is out of this world. It is too awesome for you to understand. We don’t have enough time for me to explain it to you. Just go on and do what you have to do,”
Yes, we struggle just as Pilate did but we have the Holy Spirit to help us and the promise of God that we will see it all clearly one day (1st Corinthians 13:12).
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.
Jesus’ Trial before Pilate
33 Then Pilate went back into his headquarters and called for Jesus to be brought to him. “Are you the king of the Jews?” he asked him.
34 Jesus replied, “Is this your own question, or did others tell you about me?”
35 “Am I a Jew?” Pilate retorted. “Your own people and their leading priests brought you to me for trial. Why? What have you done?”
36 Jesus answered, “My Kingdom is not an earthly kingdom. If it were, my followers would fight to keep me from being handed over to the Jewish leaders. But my Kingdom is not of this world.”
When we say that something is ‘out of this world’, we are admitting that we can’t find the words to describe something which is awesome.
Pilate was trying to understand Jesus. On one of his albums, Kirk Whalum says that’s an oxymoron … understand Jesus. The clay is not going to understand the potter. With all our Bible translations and transliterations, commentaries, dictionaries and studies, we still struggle to understand many things in the Scriptures.
Jesus told Pilate, “… my Kingdom is not of this world.” In my imagination, I can hear Jesus telling Pilate, “My Kingdom is out of this world. It is too awesome for you to understand. We don’t have enough time for me to explain it to you. Just go on and do what you have to do,”
Yes, we struggle just as Pilate did but we have the Holy Spirit to help us and the promise of God that we will see it all clearly one day (1st Corinthians 13:12).
Wednesday, October 01, 2008
MAJORING ON THE MINOR
John 18:28-32
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.
Jesus’ Trial before Pilate
28 Jesus’ trial before Caiaphas ended in the early hours of the morning. Then he was taken to the headquarters of the Roman governor. His accusers didn’t go inside because it would defile them, and they wouldn’t be allowed to celebrate the Passover. 29 So Pilate, the governor, went out to them and asked, “What is your charge against this man?”
30 “We wouldn’t have handed him over to you if he weren’t a criminal!” they retorted.
31 “Then take him away and judge him by your own law,” Pilate told them.
“Only the Romans are permitted to execute someone,” the Jewish leaders replied. 32 (This fulfilled Jesus’ prediction about the way he would die.)
It was the week of the Passover celebration and the Feast of Unleavened Bread. For those of the Jewish faith, this was big. It was like Christmas or Easter is for Christians. No Jew would want to miss any portion of this tradition, established in Mosaic Law.
The Jewish leaders were concerned about being defiled. If they entered the residence of a Gentile – Pilate – they would be unable to participate in the remainder of the Passover celebration. They were careful not to break this law.
What about falsely accusing an innocent man, framing him and setting him up to be executed. If this were ‘Law and Order’, it would be called conspiracy to commit murder. Surely this is a major offense in the Law (see the Ten Commandments). If this didn’t defile the Jewish leaders, nothing would. They focused on a minor violation of the law, missing the atrocity of their primary actions.
Two points … first, sin is sin, no matter what the offense and second, this was God’s plan … a fulfillment of prophesy.
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.
Jesus’ Trial before Pilate
28 Jesus’ trial before Caiaphas ended in the early hours of the morning. Then he was taken to the headquarters of the Roman governor. His accusers didn’t go inside because it would defile them, and they wouldn’t be allowed to celebrate the Passover. 29 So Pilate, the governor, went out to them and asked, “What is your charge against this man?”
30 “We wouldn’t have handed him over to you if he weren’t a criminal!” they retorted.
31 “Then take him away and judge him by your own law,” Pilate told them.
“Only the Romans are permitted to execute someone,” the Jewish leaders replied. 32 (This fulfilled Jesus’ prediction about the way he would die.)
It was the week of the Passover celebration and the Feast of Unleavened Bread. For those of the Jewish faith, this was big. It was like Christmas or Easter is for Christians. No Jew would want to miss any portion of this tradition, established in Mosaic Law.
The Jewish leaders were concerned about being defiled. If they entered the residence of a Gentile – Pilate – they would be unable to participate in the remainder of the Passover celebration. They were careful not to break this law.
What about falsely accusing an innocent man, framing him and setting him up to be executed. If this were ‘Law and Order’, it would be called conspiracy to commit murder. Surely this is a major offense in the Law (see the Ten Commandments). If this didn’t defile the Jewish leaders, nothing would. They focused on a minor violation of the law, missing the atrocity of their primary actions.
Two points … first, sin is sin, no matter what the offense and second, this was God’s plan … a fulfillment of prophesy.
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