Sunday, July 26, 2015

Risen not Stolen (John 19:42-20:10)

“So because of the Jewish day of Preparation, since the tomb was close at hand, they laid Jesus there. Now on the first day of the week Mary Magdalene came to the tomb early, while it was still dark, and saw that the stone had been taken away from the tomb. So she ran and went to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one whom Jesus loved, and said to them, “They have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we do not know where they have laid him.” So Peter went out with the other disciple, and they were going toward the tomb. Both of them were running together, but the other disciple outran Peter and reached the tomb first. And stooping to look in, he saw the linen cloths lying there, but he did not go in. Then Simon Peter came, following him, and went into the tomb. He saw the linen cloths lying there, and the face cloth, which had been on Jesus’ head, not lying with the linen cloths but folded up in a place by itself. Then the other disciple, who had reached the tomb first, also went in, and he saw and believed; for as yet they did not understand the Scripture, that he must rise from the dead. Then the disciples went back to their homes.” (John 19:42–20:10, ESV)

In Genesis 1:5 we have the record of the first day of creation. “God called the light Day, and the darkness he called Night. And there was evening and there was morning, the first day.” (Genesis 1:5, ESV) From that we see that the progression of day began with the close of the previous day, at sunset. And when the Jews were instructed in observing feasts we read, “It shall be to you a Sabbath of solemn rest, and you shall afflict yourselves. On the ninth day of the month beginning at evening, from evening to evening shall you keep your Sabbath.” (Leviticus 23:32, ESV) This had been a practice that they observed since the time of Moses, and it was deeply engrained in their system of rules.

Jesus was crucified on a Friday and the Sabbath was shortly to begin at sunset. The other three gospels record for us that Jesus died at the ninth hour with Luke writing, “It was now about the sixth hour, and there was darkness over the whole land until the ninth hour, while the sun’s light failed. And the curtain of the temple was torn in two. Then Jesus, calling out with a loud voice, said, “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit!” And having said this he breathed his last.” (Luke 23:44–46, ESV) Their day was divided into the twelve hours of daylight with the ninth hour representing mid-afternoon with evening quickly approaching when all work would have to cease. It was imperative that they be finished with the crucifixion by then, and had Jesus not already been dead the soldiers would have broken his legs so that He couldn’t lift Himself up for a breath. But to fulfill the Scriptures Jesus laid down His life before that time.

This brings us to verse 42 of chapter 19, where Joseph recognizing the late hour went to Pilate and asked for Jesus’ body that He might bury Him. This is what he and Nicodemus did, and after that Joseph had a stone rolled in front of the tomb in order that it might be sealed. Beyond that, we read that there were guards placed to guard against His disciples taking His body and claiming that He had risen. Even His enemies recognized His claim that He would rise from the dead, and they took steps to ensure that no one would steal away His body and claim that this had happened. And with this Friday ended, Saturday came and went, which was followed by Sunday morning—the first day of the week. 

Assuming that Jesus’ body would still be in the tomb hastily prepared and untouched since He was laid there, John recorded for us that Mary Magdalene came to the tomb early in the morning before the sun had even come up. Arriving and fully expecting to find the stone still in place Mary was surprised to find that it had been rolled away. Seeing the Jesus’ body was no longer there she quickly jumped to the conclusion that His body had been taken away, presumably by the Jews. Disturbed to see that He was not there she ran back to find Peter and John (the disciple Jesus loved). She told them exactly what she had seen and thought, which was not that He had risen just like He said, but rather, “They have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we do not know where they have laid him.”

Peter and John didn’t stop Mary and affirm with her that they should have expected this because it was what Jesus had told them. No, they ran back to see for themselves. John got there first and peeked in to see that Jesus was indeed not there, but oddly enough His burial cloths were. When Peter arrived he went past John and entered the cave to see that not only were His burial cloths there, but the linens were laying in one place as if they had fallen right off of Him and the cloth that had been on His face was folded and laying by itself. That surely must have seemed strange to them. Why would someone unwrap His body and then steal it, and on top of that why would they have been so careful with His face cloth? This surely did not make sense if someone were to have taken Him.

After Peter had seen these things John also entered, saw what was there and of course who was not there. Then it all made sense. No one had taken His body. Jesus had told them what would happen, and they did not get it. But at that moment he did. He wrote, ‘Then the other disciple [John, himself], who had reached the tomb first, also went in, and he saw and believed; for as yet they did not understand the Scripture, that he must rise from the dead.” Jesus had said that He was going to rise from the dead and return to the Father. Surely this must have been what happened. We read that John went, saw, and believed.

And what else was there for them to do at that moment knowing that Jesus had risen? There was no need to go search for His body, so John tells us that they went home. But as we will continue to read there were some who needed more convincing.

“And as Jesus was going up to Jerusalem, he took the twelve disciples aside, and on the way he said to them, “See, we are going up to Jerusalem. And the Son of Man will be delivered over to the chief priests and scribes, and they will condemn him to death and deliver him over to the Gentiles to be mocked and flogged and crucified, and he will be raised on the third day.”” (Matthew 20:17–19, ESV)

“For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures,” (1 Corinthians 15:3–4, ESV)

Christ died for our sins. He was crucified and buried on a Friday. He rose on a Sunday. God said it would happen. It happened. Those are the facts. This is the gospel truth.

Thursday, July 23, 2015

Out of the Shadows (John 19:39-42)

"After these things Joseph of Arimathea, who was a disciple of Jesus, but secretly for fear of the Jews, asked Pilate that he might take away the body of Jesus, and Pilate gave him permission. So he came and took away his body. Nicodemus also, who earlier had come to Jesus by night, came bringing a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about seventy-five pounds in weight. So they took the body of Jesus and bound it in linen cloths with the spices, as is the burial custom of the Jews. Now in the place where he was crucified there was a garden, and in the garden a new tomb in which no one had yet been laid. (42) So because of the Jewish day of Preparation, since the tomb was close at hand, they laid Jesus there.” (John 19:38–42, ESV)

Fear is an incredible force and its fingers reach into our lives in seemingly countless ways. It is powerful such that people are inhibited are even immobilized for action, and many times they can’t even put a finger on it. When it came to the burial of Jesus we find that two men, who had previously been silent about following after Him or having contact with Him, were finally moved so that they stepped out and cared for His body. Something happened in them that they did something which no one else was prepared or able to do. 

The first one mentioned is Joseph of Arimathea. The only place in Scripture we find him mentioned is in relation to the burial of Jesus where he is mentioned in all four of the gospels (Matthew 27:57-60; Mark 15:43-46; Luke 23:50-53). From them we learn that Joseph was from Arimathea, which was possibly the same Jewish town known as Ramathaim-Zophim mentioned in 1 Samuel as the home of Elkanah. By identifying him as where he was from it was easy to distinguish him from others. We also read that he was a rich man and that he was a respected member of the council (according to Mark and Luke), which was the ruling body of Jews known as the Sanhedrin (meaning council or assembly). It was this body that judged Jesus guilty. But Joseph did not join them in this decision. Luke records for us, “He was a member of the council, a good and righteous man, who had not consented to their decision and action; and he was looking for the kingdom of God.” From this we know that he distanced himself from the council by not being in agreement. But we also read that in his not agreeing that he also did not reveal himself as a follower which we read here that he was. John recorded for us that he, “was a disciple of Jesus, but secretly for fear of the Jews…”

Joseph was well-enough respected that he could approach Pilate and request the body of Jesus for burial, and according to Mark he, indeed, “took courage and went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus.” We also read that not only did he request the body of Jesus, but that he also took His “body and wrapped it in a clean linen shroud and laid it in his own new tomb, which he had cut in the rock. And he rolled a great stone to the entrance of the tomb and went away.” And that’s all that we know of him. Joseph took courage in the face of his fear of the Jews. He approached the ruler of the region and asked for Jesus’ body, and then he with care buried his Lord in his own tomb. Once he did this he rolled a stone over the entrance of the tomb and went away.

We could easily say that he did too little too late. When he finally stepped up it was all finished. If only he had objected stronger maybe he could have swayed some of the others. If only he had been more public and not so fearful, maybe he could have prevented what happened to Jesus. This would be a natural way of thinking and reasonable remorse. But this was not how it was to be, and God knew this long before Joseph was called to be a follower of Christ. God knew that Joseph would step up at the right time to accomplish what He intended, and Joseph is remembered in all four of the gospel records for what he did according to Scriptures. “And they made his grave with the wicked and with a rich man in his death, although he had done no violence, and there was no deceit in his mouth.” (Isaiah 53:9, ESV) 

Joseph was not alone. John wrote, “Nicodemus also, who earlier had come to Jesus by night, came bringing a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about seventy-five pounds in weight.” John chapter 3 is all about Nicodemus’ earlier visit to Jesus at night when he would not be seen. It was to Nicodemus that Jesus said, “You must be born again” (John 3:7), and “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life.” (John 3:16, NASB95) But nowhere in John chapter 3 do we read that Nicodemus believed. But later, when the officers of the temple were sent out to apprehend Jesus only to return without Him it was Nicodemus who spoke up and questioned the procedures that the Pharisees and chief priests were following. “Nicodemus, who had gone to him before, and who was one of them, said to them, “Does our law judge a man without first giving him a hearing and learning what he does?”” (John 7:50–51, ESV) And for speaking up, verse 51 records that they ridiculed him. Then this record of John telling us that Nicodemus joined Joseph in the burial of Jesus is the only other record we have of him. It was Nicodemus who the expensive burial spices, and it is in John’s record of Jesus’ burial that he reminds us that it was by night that Nicodemus had gone to Jesus, seemingly implying that he as well was secretly aligned with Joseph in following Christ. 

From this point forward neither man is mentioned again in Scripture. But at the right time they set their both set their fears aside. I can only imagine that after Jesus rose again on the third day that these two men heard about it. And I can hope that they got over their fears and became open followers who were not intimidated by the opposition, which I also imagine would have been pretty intense even costing them their position. Scripture simply does not give us this information. But what we do have are words from men like Peter who wrote to all of us, “But even if you should suffer for righteousness’ sake, you will be blessed. Have no fear of them, nor be troubled, but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect, having a good conscience, so that, when you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame.” (1 Peter 3:14–16, ESV) 

And we also have the example of Paul who spent so many years in prison for the gospel where he boldly proclaimed the message that he was given and for which he asked others to pray. “…praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints, and also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains, that I may declare it boldly, as I ought to speak.” (Ephesians 6:18–20, ESV)

As I reflected on these two men I was greatly encouraged. There are so many times that I have remained silent when I should have spoken up. But this is not an excuse to continue this way into the future. God knew this from the beginning of time and He is not done with me. I have a great hope. We have a great hope, and it is this hope that we are to share with others boldly with gentleness and respect.

Tuesday, July 21, 2015

“Just as the Scriptures Had Said” (John 19:16-22, select verses through 19:37)

"(16) So he [Pilate] delivered him over to them to be crucified. So they took Jesus, (17) and he went out, bearing his own cross, to the place called The Place of a Skull, which in Aramaic is called Golgotha. (18) There they crucified him, and with him two others, one on either side, and Jesus between them. (19) Pilate also wrote an inscription and put it on the cross. It read, “Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews.” (20) Many of the Jews read this inscription, for the place where Jesus was crucified was near the city, and it was written in Aramaic, in Latin, and in Greek. (21) So the chief priests of the Jews said to Pilate, “Do not write, ‘The King of the Jews,’ but rather, ‘This man said, I am King of the Jews.’ ” (22) Pilate answered, “What I have written I have written.” (John 19:16-22, ESV)

The Jews could not tolerate Jesus being crucified under the words which read, “The King of the Jews.” This is the inscription that Pilate wrote and placed on the cross, but the Jews pleaded with asking that the words be changed to reflect that this was not something they felt but something that Jesus had said. Pilate responded to them saying, “What I have written I have written.” It was his words that were placed on the cross and they would not be changed. This is what he had said and this was how it was going to be no matter what anyone else might say or think.

What an interesting contrast is developed in these verses. Jesus was sent to the cross by the Jews because they would not accept the word of the Father given to them, and there before them hung Jesus with the very charge for which He was being crucified posted for all to see. In fact, we read that these words were not only written in one language, but they were written in three languages so that everyone who passed on this busy road would see Him and read those words.

In John’s record of the death and burial of Jesus he stated four times that these things happened to fulfill what had been said in the Scriptures. In verses 23 and 24 we read, “When the soldiers had crucified Jesus, they took his garments and divided them into four parts, one part for each soldier; also his tunic. But the tunic was seamless, woven in one piece from top to bottom, so they said to one another, “Let us not tear it, but cast lots for it to see whose it shall be for my clothing they cast lots. So the soldiers did these things.” About 1,000 years earlier King David said, “For dogs encompass me; a company of evildoers encircles me; they have pierced my hands and feet— I can count all my bones— they stare and gloat over me; they divide my garments among them, and for my clothing they cast lots.” (Psalm 22:16–18, ESV) As difficult as it might have been to picture His garments being divided and them casting lots for His clothing, this is exactly what we read happened just as the Scriptures had said.

Next in verses 28 through 30 John recorded, “After this, Jesus, knowing that all was now finished, said (to fulfill the Scripture), “I thirst.” A jar full of sour wine stood there, so they put a sponge full of the sour wine on a hyssop branch and held it to his mouth. When Jesus had received the sour wine, he said, “It is finished,” and he bowed his head and gave up his spirit. Returning to King David in Psalm 69 we read, “You know my reproach, and my shame and my dishonor; my foes are all known to you. Reproaches have broken my heart, so that I am in despair. I looked for pity, but there was none, and for comforters, but I found none. They gave me poison for food, and for my thirst they gave me sour wine to drink.” (Psalm 69:19–21, ESV) Jesus said “I thirst” and the soldiers (not His disciples to twist prophecy) gave Him sour wine. Having received the sour wine Jesus bowed His head and gave up His spirit having said, “It is finished.”

What the Scriptures had declared about the coming Messiah who would take away the sins of the world was fulfilled in Christ. His reason for coming was completed. He had taken the weight of man’s sins onto Himself and He paid the price that no one else could pay. He was faithful to do exactly what the Father sent Him to do and He did is exactly as God had said. No one could change this. It was God’s plan was written in advance, and no objection of man would change it in any detail.

Later in verses 36 and 37 John made two more statements affirming that these things were done so that Scripture might be fulfilled. “For these things took place that the Scripture might be fulfilled: “Not one of his bones will be broken.” And again another Scripture says, “They will look on him whom they have pierced.”” Of the Passover Lamb, the Lord told Moses and Aaron, “It shall be eaten in one house; you shall not take any of the flesh outside the house, and you shall not break any of its bones.” (Exodus 12:46, ESV) This was also restated in Numbers 9:12 when the Passover was celebrated in the wilderness about 1300 years earlier. David wrote in Psalm 23:20, “He keeps all his bones; not one of them is broken.” (Psalm 34:20, ESV) And about 500 years before Zechariah wrote, “And I will pour out on the house of David and the inhabitants of Jerusalem a spirit of grace and pleas for mercy, so that, when they look on me, on him whom they have pierced, they shall mourn for him, as one mourns for an only child, and weep bitterly over him, as one weeps over a firstborn.” (Zechariah 12:10, ESV)

One of the first resource books I purchased as a new believer was Josh McDowell’s “Evidence that Demands a Verdict.” It was not a sit down and read it book, but one packed with different “historical evidences for the Christian faith.” One of my favorite parts of the book were the ones given to the fulfillment of biblical prophecy. Among those covered was a list of 29 Old Testament prophecies fulfilled in one day—the twenty-four hour period from his betrayal to Him being buried in a rich man’s tomb.

Pilate probably in spite and out of bitterness for having his hand forced to crucify an innocent man had words written on a cross—words which were true whether he or anyone else accepted them or not. But God out of love and wanting us to know that what happened was truly His will spoke through His prophets hundreds of years before, and as sure as His words were written they surely came to pass. Our God who cannot lie proved Himself true, and knowing Him to be true we trust.

“For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures, and that he appeared to Cephas, then to the twelve. Then he appeared to more than five hundred brothers at one time, most of whom are still alive, though some have fallen asleep. Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles. Last of all, as to one untimely born, he appeared also to me.” (1 Corinthians 15:3–8, ESV) 

(I got back to this post late and will have to return to it tomorrow for typos.)

Saturday, July 18, 2015

Jesus is Crucified (Luke 23:26–56)

And today we read the fourth of the gospel records of the crucifixion of the only begotten Son of God who came to lay down His life on a cross so that we might receive the forgiveness of sins. He paid the price of redemption that we couldn’t, and in doing this we now belong to Him. "Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.” (1 Corinthians 6:19–20, ESV) Telling us how to respond Jesus said, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.” (Matthew 16:24–25, ESV)

Luke 23:26–56. "And as they led him away, they seized one Simon of Cyrene, who was coming in from the country, and laid on him the cross, to carry it behind Jesus. (27) And there followed him a great multitude of the people and of women who were mourning and lamenting for him. (28) But turning to them Jesus said, “Daughters of Jerusalem, do not weep for me, but weep for yourselves and for your children. (29) For behold, the days are coming when they will say, ‘Blessed are the barren and the wombs that never bore and the breasts that never nursed!’ (30) Then they will begin to say to the mountains, ‘Fall on us,’ and to the hills, ‘Cover us.’ (31) For if they do these things when the wood is green, what will happen when it is dry?” (32) Two others, who were criminals, were led away to be put to death with him.

(33) And when they came to the place that is called The Skull, there they crucified him, and the criminals, one on his right and one on his left. (34) And Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” And they cast lots to divide his garments. (35) And the people stood by, watching, but the rulers scoffed at him, saying, “He saved others; let him save himself, if he is the Christ of God, his Chosen One!” (36) The soldiers also mocked him, coming up and offering him sour wine (37) and saying, “If you are the King of the Jews, save yourself!” (38) There was also an inscription over him, “This is the King of the Jews.”

(39) One of the criminals who were hanged railed at him, saying, “Are you not the Christ? Save yourself and us!” (40) But the other rebuked him, saying, “Do you not fear God, since you are under the same sentence of condemnation? (41) And we indeed justly, for we are receiving the due reward of our deeds; but this man has done nothing wrong.” (42) And he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” (43) And he said to him, “Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise.”

(44) It was now about the sixth hour, and there was darkness over the whole land until the ninth hour, (45) while the sun’s light failed. And the curtain of the temple was torn in two. (46) Then Jesus, calling out with a loud voice, said, “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit!” And having said this he breathed his last. (47) Now when the centurion saw what had taken place, he praised God, saying, “Certainly this man was innocent!” (48) And all the crowds that had assembled for this spectacle, when they saw what had taken place, returned home beating their breasts. (49) And all his acquaintances and the women who had followed him from Galilee stood at a distance watching these things.”

(50) Now there was a man named Joseph, from the Jewish town of Arimathea. He was a member of the council, a good and righteous man, (51) who had not consented to their decision and action; and he was looking for the kingdom of God. (52) This man went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus. (53) Then he took it down and wrapped it in a linen shroud and laid him in a tomb cut in stone, where no one had ever yet been laid. (54) It was the day of Preparation, and the Sabbath was beginning. (55) The women who had come with him from Galilee followed and saw the tomb and how his body was laid. (56) Then they returned and prepared spices and ointments.

On the Sabbath they rested according to the commandment.” (Luke 23:26–56, ESV)

Friday, July 17, 2015

Jesus is Crucified (Mark 15:21–47)

Today is day three of reading the gospel records of the crucifixion of the Son of God who came to take away the sins of the world. "For if, because of one man’s trespass, death reigned through that one man, much more will those who receive the abundance of grace and the free gift of righteousness reign in life through the one man Jesus Christ. Therefore, as one trespass led to condemnation for all men, so one act of righteousness leads to justification and life for all men.” (Romans 5:17–18, ESV)

Mark 15:21–47. "And they compelled a passerby, Simon of Cyrene, who was coming in from the country, the father of Alexander and Rufus, to carry his cross. (22) And they brought him to the place called Golgotha (which means Place of a Skull). (23) And they offered him wine mixed with myrrh, but he did not take it. (24) And they crucified him and divided his garments among them, casting lots for them, to decide what each should take. (25) And it was the third hour when they crucified him. (26) And the inscription of the charge against him read, “The King of the Jews.” (27) And with him they crucified two robbers, one on his right and one on his left. (29) And those who passed by derided him, wagging their heads and saying, “Aha! You who would destroy the temple and rebuild it in three days, (30) save yourself, and come down from the cross!” (31) So also the chief priests with the scribes mocked him to one another, saying, “He saved others; he cannot save himself. (32) Let the Christ, the King of Israel, come down now from the cross that we may see and believe.” Those who were crucified with him also reviled him.

(33) And when the sixth hour had come, there was darkness over the whole land until the ninth hour. (34) And at the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, “Eloi, Eloi, lema sabachthani?” which means, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” (35) And some of the bystanders hearing it said, “Behold, he is calling Elijah.” (36) And someone ran and filled a sponge with sour wine, put it on a reed and gave it to him to drink, saying, “Wait, let us see whether Elijah will come to take him down.” (37) And Jesus uttered a loud cry and breathed his last. (38) And the curtain of the temple was torn in two, from top to bottom. (39) And when the centurion, who stood facing him, saw that in this way he breathed his last, he said, “Truly this man was the Son of God!”

(40) There were also women looking on from a distance, among whom were Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James the younger and of Joses, and Salome. (41) When he was in Galilee, they followed him and ministered to him, and there were also many other women who came up with him to Jerusalem.”

(42) And when evening had come, since it was the day of Preparation, that is, the day before the Sabbath, (43) Joseph of Arimathea, a respected member of the council, who was also himself looking for the kingdom of God, took courage and went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus. (44) Pilate was surprised to hear that he should have already died. And summoning the centurion, he asked him whether he was already dead. (45) And when he learned from the centurion that he was dead, he granted the corpse to Joseph. (46) And Joseph bought a linen shroud, and taking him down, wrapped him in the linen shroud and laid him in a tomb that had been cut out of the rock. And he rolled a stone against the entrance of the tomb. (47) Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of Joses saw where he was laid.” (Mark 15:21–47, ESV)

Thursday, July 16, 2015

Jesus is Crucified (Matthew 27:32-61)

Today is day two of reading the gospel records of the crucifixion of Jesus Christ by reading from Matthew. Paul wrote in 1Corinthians, "For since, in the wisdom of God, the world did not know God through wisdom, it pleased God through the folly of what we preach to save those who believe. For Jews demand signs and Greeks seek wisdom, but we preach Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and folly to Gentiles,” (1 Corinthians 1:21–23, ESV)

Matthew 27:32-61. "As they went out, they found a man of Cyrene, Simon by name. They compelled this man to carry his cross. (33) And when they came to a place called Golgotha (which means Place of a Skull), (34) they offered him wine to drink, mixed with gall, but when he tasted it, he would not drink it. (35) And when they had crucified him, they divided his garments among them by casting lots. (36) Then they sat down and kept watch over him there. (37) And over his head they put the charge against him, which read, “This is Jesus, the King of the Jews.” (38) Then two robbers were crucified with him, one on the right and one on the left. (39) And those who passed by derided him, wagging their heads (40) and saying, “You who would destroy the temple and rebuild it in three days, save yourself! If you are the Son of God, come down from the cross.” (41) So also the chief priests, with the scribes and elders, mocked him, saying, (42) “He saved others; he cannot save himself. He is the King of Israel; let him come down now from the cross, and we will believe in him. (43) He trusts in God; let God deliver him now, if he desires him. For he said, ‘I am the Son of God.’ ” (44) And the robbers who were crucified with him also reviled him in the same way.

(45) Now from the sixth hour there was darkness over all the land until the ninth hour. (46) And about the ninth hour Jesus cried out with a loud voice, saying, “Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?” that is, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” (47) And some of the bystanders, hearing it, said, “This man is calling Elijah.” (48) And one of them at once ran and took a sponge, filled it with sour wine, and put it on a reed and gave it to him to drink. (49) But the others said, “Wait, let us see whether Elijah will come to save him.” (50) And Jesus cried out again with a loud voice and yielded up his spirit.

(51) And behold, the curtain of the temple was torn in two, from top to bottom. And the earth shook, and the rocks were split. (52) The tombs also were opened. And many bodies of the saints who had fallen asleep were raised, (53) and coming out of the tombs after his resurrection they went into the holy city and appeared to many. (54) When the centurion and those who were with him, keeping watch over Jesus, saw the earthquake and what took place, they were filled with awe and said, “Truly this was the Son of God!”

(55) There were also many women there, looking on from a distance, who had followed Jesus from Galilee, ministering to him, (56) among whom were Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of James and Joseph and the mother of the sons of Zebedee.”

(57) When it was evening, there came a rich man from Arimathea, named Joseph, who also was a disciple of Jesus. (58) He went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus. Then Pilate ordered it to be given to him. (59) And Joseph took the body and wrapped it in a clean linen shroud (60) and laid it in his own new tomb, which he had cut in the rock. And he rolled a great stone to the entrance of the tomb and went away. (61) Mary Magdalene and the other Mary were there, sitting opposite the tomb.” (Matthew 27:32–61, ESV)

Wednesday, July 15, 2015

Jesus is Crucified (John 19:16-42)

This is the part of working through John’s gospel record that I have been wondering just how I would walk through it. I know that every time I see a pictorial (movie or play) or dramatic portrayal I cringe when the nails are pounded into my Lord. I tear up when I see the agony and I imagine the intensity of the pain and the weight of my sin which He willing took upon Himself to lay down His life for my sins. Even today I still am wondering how to walk through it with you. After waiting on this I decided to do what I’m doing for myself which is to read each of the gospel records and spend time letting them sink in without commentary. So, for the next four days these records will be the entirety of my post, starting today with John recognizing that each is accurate but that each man was moved by the Spirit to bring what happened to us in different ways and even including varying details.

"(16) So he [Pilate] delivered him over to them to be crucified.

So they took Jesus, (17) and he went out, bearing his own cross, to the place called The Place of a Skull, which in Aramaic is called Golgotha. (18) There they crucified him, and with him two others, one on either side, and Jesus between them. (19) Pilate also wrote an inscription and put it on the cross. It read, “Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews.” (20) Many of the Jews read this inscription, for the place where Jesus was crucified was near the city, and it was written in Aramaic, in Latin, and in Greek.

(21) So the chief priests of the Jews said to Pilate, “Do not write, ‘The King of the Jews,’ but rather, ‘This man said, I am King of the Jews.’ ” (22) Pilate answered, “What I have written I have written.”

(23) When the soldiers had crucified Jesus, they took his garments and divided them into four parts, one part for each soldier; also his tunic. But the tunic was seamless, woven in one piece from top to bottom, (24) so they said to one another, “Let us not tear it, but cast lots for it to see whose it shall be.” This was to fulfill the Scripture which says, “They divided my garments among them, and for my clothing they cast lots.”

So the soldiers did these things, (25) but standing by the cross of Jesus were his mother and his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. (26) When Jesus saw his mother and the disciple whom he loved standing nearby, he said to his mother, “Woman, behold, your son!” (27) Then he said to the disciple, “Behold, your mother!” And from that hour the disciple took her to his own home.

(28) After this, Jesus, knowing that all was now finished, said (to fulfill the Scripture), “I thirst.” (29) A jar full of sour wine stood there, so they put a sponge full of the sour wine on a hyssop branch and held it to his mouth. (30) When Jesus had received the sour wine, he said, “It is finished,” and he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.

(31) Since it was the day of Preparation, and so that the bodies would not remain on the cross on the Sabbath (for that Sabbath was a high day), the Jews asked Pilate that their legs might be broken and that they might be taken away. (32) So the soldiers came and broke the legs of the first, and of the other who had been crucified with him. (33) But when they came to Jesus and saw that he was already dead, they did not break his legs. (34) But one of the soldiers pierced his side with a spear, and at once there came out blood and water. (35) He who saw it has borne witness—his testimony is true, and he knows that he is telling the truth—that you also may believe. (36) For these things took place that the Scripture might be fulfilled: “Not one of his bones will be broken.” (37) And again another Scripture says, “They will look on him whom they have pierced.”” (John 19:16–37, ESV)

"(38) After these things Joseph of Arimathea, who was a disciple of Jesus, but secretly for fear of the Jews, asked Pilate that he might take away the body of Jesus, and Pilate gave him permission. So he came and took away his body. (39) Nicodemus also, who earlier had come to Jesus by night, came bringing a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about seventy-five pounds in weight. (40) So they took the body of Jesus and bound it in linen cloths with the spices, as is the burial custom of the Jews. (41) Now in the place where he was crucified there was a garden, and in the garden a new tomb in which no one had yet been laid. (42) So because of the Jewish day of Preparation, since the tomb was close at hand, they laid Jesus there.” (John 19:16–42, ESV) 

Tuesday, July 14, 2015

Righteousness Condemned from the Bench (John 19:12-16)

“From then on Pilate sought to release him, but the Jews cried out, “If you release this man, you are not Caesar’s friend. Everyone who makes himself a king opposes Caesar.” So when Pilate heard these words, he brought Jesus out and sat down on the judgment seat at a place called The Stone Pavement, and in Aramaic Gabbatha. Now it was the day of Preparation of the Passover. It was about the sixth hour. He said to the Jews, “Behold your King!” They cried out, “Away with him, away with him, crucify him!” Pilate said to them, “Shall I crucify your King?” The chief priests answered, “We have no king but Caesar.” So he delivered him over to them to be crucified. So they took Jesus,” (John 19:12–16, ESV)

“If you don’t … you are….” Recognizing that Pilate was given by God to send Jesus to the cross, we also see that the means used was his own weakness to stand for what he knew within was right because of the pressure from without. We read that Pilate sought from his last conversation forward to release Jesus, but the pressure from the Jews continued. And the Jews even heightened the pressure by making a false or misplaced association. While Jesus did not come then to set up an earthly kingdom and He even told Pilate such, the Jews used the thought of Jesus making himself king as direct opposition to Caesar. They accused Pilate of being an enemy of Caesar because he was not an enemy of Jesus, and should he release Jesus he would prove just how much he was not a friend or full follower and servant of Caesar. They accused him of betraying Caesar by saving Jesus.

Pilate had a choice to make. If he obeyed his conscience he would infuriate some very influential people and possibly even jeopardize his position before Caesar. And if he listened to his conscience he would prove himself weak and have to live with the certain knowledge that he sentenced an innocent man to death to save his own political neck. From extra-biblical sources we know that Pilate served as the prefect of Judea for another three years until he poorly handled a Samaritan uprising (according to the historian Josephus). He was then called back to Rome and later died in 39 a.d. by mysterious means, with some sources suggesting that he committed suicide.

So we read that Pilate brought Jesus outside, “and sat down on the judgment seat at a place called The Stone Pavement, and in Aramaic Gabbatha.” Pilate, sitting as judge, took his seat at what we might call today, “the bench” and was prepared to pass sentence. The crowd had gathered around the stone pavement which was the established place of rule, and they awaited his response. Was he going to set the innocent righteous One free and infuriate the crowd or was he going to appease the crowd and sentence the righteous One to death? At that moment righteousness was placed in his hands. But he still had not made a decision.

We read that the morning had passed away and noon was at hand (the sixth hour) on the day before Passover. For the Jews time was running out for Jesus to be crucified before they must stop all work in favor of their Passover observances. They were down to the wire, and I imagine they were growing more and more intense by the moment. Pilate then spoke to the people and said, “Behold your King!” Of course, Pilate knew how they would respond, but by that point I wonder if he resigned himself to conceding to their will. And sure enough the Jews responded crying out, “Away with him, away with him, crucify him!”

Again Pilate said to them, “Shall I crucify your King?” And the chief priests yelled out, “We have no king but Caesar.” The next words John records for us are, “So he delivered him over to them to be crucified. So they took Jesus,”

I have to say that I am very glad that God the Father gave His Son to Pilate to go to the cross for our sins. God used a man who would not stand for what He knew was right in order to appease enemies of God so that through his decision we might be saved. But I also feel for Pilate as one who knew what was right in his own heart and yet he chose to do that which he knew was wrong because to him it was the most expedient thing to do. God knew the intimidation Pilate would face and He knew how Pilate would respond, and Pilate was the right man for this purpose.

Right now the United States is again reeling because of the decision of a handful of appointed men who ruled for themselves against what God instituted as right for man and woman such that they took it upon themselves to redefine for the entire country marriage to include that which God never intended and even condemned. Prior to their ruling pressure had intensified, States had legalized, and moves had been made to normalize to the point that one of the justices was swayed by the potential consequence of affecting the children of these unions should they not be accepted by all. It was a long slippery slope that this country has been on leading to this ruling. It did not happen out of a vacuum, but out of man doing what was right in his own eyes and then demanding that the government endorse it. And now that the bench has ruled it has had an immediate impact on county clerks and judges whose faith will not allow them to participate in these unions. These events are so new that the outcomes are yet to be seen, but it does not look favorable for these servants of God. It does not look favorable for people who operate businesses or schools or hospitals according to their faith. It does not look well for Christianity in America because man ruled according to his own desires from the bench and not according to the Word of God.

Things are surely going to get much worse, and the question remains as to how people of faith will respond to their conscience being pricked. 1 Corinthians is a letter written to a church that not only had not grown in their faith, but had openly accepted various forms of sin to continue in their midst. Paul wrote a very strong letter to them chastising them and calling them to repentance and growth.  In chapter 15, which is an entire chapter on the power of the resurrection, he wrote, “Do not be deceived: “Bad company ruins good morals.” Wake up from your drunken stupor, as is right, and do not go on sinning. For some have no knowledge of God. I say this to your shame.”” (1 Corinthians 15:33–34, ESV) It is an amazing thing to read that some in their church had no knowledge of God. His Word had not permeated their lives nor had it directed their steps.

Peter gives us our sober response. I know this is a longer passage, but take the time to read and think on his words as they pertain to where we are even today. "(1) Since therefore Christ suffered in the flesh, arm yourselves with the same way of thinking, for whoever has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin, (2) so as to live for the rest of the time in the flesh no longer for human passions but for the will of God. (3) For the time that is past suffices for doing what the Gentiles want to do, living in sensuality, passions, drunkenness, orgies, drinking parties, and lawless idolatry. (4) With respect to this they are surprised when you do not join them in the same flood of debauchery, and they malign you; (5) but they will give account to him who is ready to judge the living and the dead. (6) For this is why the gospel was preached even to those who are dead, that though judged in the flesh the way people are, they might live in the spirit the way God does. (7) The end of all things is at hand; therefore be self-controlled and sober-minded for the sake of your prayers. (8) Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins. (9) Show hospitality to one another without grumbling. (10) As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace: (11) whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.

(12) Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. (13) But rejoice insofar as you share Christ’s sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed. (14) If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. (15) But let none of you suffer as a murderer or a thief or an evildoer or as a meddler. (16) Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in that name. (17) For it is time for judgment to begin at the household of God; and if it begins with us, what will be the outcome for those who do not obey the gospel of God?” (1 Peter 4:1–17, ESV) 

Monday, July 13, 2015

Totally Sovereign to Deliver (John 19:7-11)

“The Jews answered him, “We have a law, and according to that law he ought to die because he has made himself the Son of God.” When Pilate heard this statement, he was even more afraid. He entered his headquarters again and said to Jesus, “Where are you from?” But Jesus gave him no answer. So Pilate said to him, “You will not speak to me? Do you not know that I have authority to release you and authority to crucify you?” Jesus answered him, “You would have no authority over me at all unless it had been given you from above. Therefore he who delivered me over to you has the greater sin.”” (John 19:7–11, ESV)

Pilate was persistent in not having a hand in putting Jesus to death. He repeatedly declared Him not guilty and he even had Him beaten and mocked in an attempt to gain the favor of the Jews. But the Jews persisted in their demand that He be put to death, and when Pilate told them to take Jesus and do it themselves the Jews still did not give up and insisted that he do their bidding.

In verse 7 we read that the Jews went back to their own law to demand that Pilate put Jesus to death. They said that because He “made Himself the Son of God” their law said that He ought to die. This was possibly referring to what Moses said in Leviticus where we read, “Then the Lord spoke to Moses, saying, “Bring out of the camp the one who cursed, and let all who heard him lay their hands on his head, and let all the congregation stone him. And speak to the people of Israel, saying, whoever curses his God shall bear his sin. Whoever blasphemes the name of the Lord shall surely be put to death. All the congregation shall stone him. The sojourner as well as the native, when he blasphemes the Name, shall be put to death.” (Leviticus 24:13–16, ESV)

Moses said that anyone who curses God or blasphemes the name of the Lord or the Name shall be put to death. The word “curse” has the meaning of making light, slighting, or bringing contempt on God and the word “blaspheme” has the meaning of speaking evil of, railing at, or reviling. The Jews claimed that when Jesus had made Himself to them as the Son of God He violated the Law of Moses and deserved to be put to death. And as we read just a few verses earlier the Jews also knew that they had no authority under Roman rule to do this for themselves. Their only legal option was to bring Jesus to the appropriate Roman authority and beseech him to do for them what they could not do for themselves.

But when Pilate heard their statement in response he became “even more afraid.” I’m sure he must have felt that he was already in over his head and that he was long past having an easy way out, and with the Jews push even harder it must have added to his sense of losing control and growing fear. Up to this point, from what we read in John, the charge seemed to only refer that which surrounded him being the King of the Jews. But with this statement the words “Son of God” were added to the mix. The man that Pilate had just had scourged with a whip, beaten, and mocked thought Himself to not only be a king but God as well. Pilate must have really wondered even more deeply what he had gotten himself into and questioned how he possibly could get out of it.

Though the Romans did not worship the God of the Jews they did recognize the power of gods and men with special powers. I don’t know the exact timing, but Pilate’s wife seems to have just sent a warning to him to steer clear of Jesus. We read in Matthew 27:19, “Besides, while he was sitting on the judgment seat, his wife sent word to him, “Have nothing to do with that righteous man, for I have suffered much because of him today in a dream.”” (Matthew 27:19, ESV) His wife sent word telling him to have nothing to do with “that righteous man.” Pilate had already declared him innocent and now his wife was telling him the same thing, and beyond that she told him that she had suffered much because of Him that day in her dream. This man had affected Pilate’s wife and now the Jews spoke of Him making Himself the Son of God. Could it possibly be that He had special powers and all that Pilate had done was going to come back on him in some way? Clearly he was shaken and growing in fear. On one hand he had a check in his own heart to not do anything to Jesus, but out of fear he did. He was warned by his wife not to do anything to Jesus and he then did or probably had already done so. And the Jews were forcefully in his face demanding that Jesus be put to death. Pilate had no place to turn. Regardless of what he did he must have thought that he could not win.

Hearing this statement and having grown in fear we read that Pilate went back inside to where Jesus remained beaten, bleeding, and wearing a crown of thorns to face Him and ask Him, “Where are you from?” What had Pilate gotten himself in to? Who was this man? Where was He from? Was He really a god or even a man with special powers? Was there just cause for Pilate to refuse to move forward in listening to the Jews demands? These are all reasonable questions in light of all that Pilate would have faced.

But to his question, “Where are you from?” we read that Jesus again did not respond. Pilate spoke to Him again asking Him if He would speak to him, reminding Him that the decision of whether Jesus lived or died rested with him. It was to this statement that Jesus finally responded, and His response may have infuriated and probably even increased Pilate’s frustration and fears. Jesus said, “You would have no authority over me at all unless it had been given you from above. Therefore he who delivered me over to you has the greater sin.”

Pilate’s jaw must have hit the floor. He had just begged Jesus to answer him using his biggest trump card—the power of life and death, and Jesus told him that his trump card was worthless unless God put the card in his hand or gave it to him to play. Jesus told Pilate that he had no authority over His life unless God gave him that authority. Knowing that He came to die and that He was to be handed over to the Gentiles by the Jews for this to happen, Jesus knew that Pilate could nail Him to a cross. But He also knew that Pilate could not do this to Him unless the Father gave Pilate the power to do it.

Jesus had just told the governor who was sitting as His judge that he was just a pawn in God’s plan, and then to cap it off he told Pilate that he didn’t even hold him primarily responsible. That burden of sin was placed on the one who delivered Jesus over to Pilate. He did not say that Pilate did not sin, but He told Pilate that the greater sin—the greater responsibility was on the hand of another. And whether He was referring to Judas who betrayed Him or Caiaphas who sought after Him to kill Him and was even pressing Pilate at that very moment to carry it out we don’t know. What we do know is that Jesus did not fear Pilate or the apparent power He had. Standing there weakened by the beatings; rather than fearing man Jesus stood strong placing His entire trust into the absolutely sovereign hands and will of His Father.

What an incredible encouragement this is to us. We have been made children of God by the shed blood of Jesus Christ who was given over to Pilate by God that He might be crucified for us and then rise again that we might live. Ultimately Pilate was powerless before God except what God permitted Pilate to do. We saw this same thing with Satan and his interaction with Job. God is sovereign even in our hard times, even in the greatest persecution, even in the face of the loss of all we have, and even in the face of death. God is sovereign and He is faithful who will not allow us to be tested, tried, or even tempted beyond that which He also has given us the power to endure. And we know that endurance does the incredible work of perfecting us in Christ who did this for us.

“No temptation [test or trial] has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted [tested or tried] beyond your ability, but with the temptation [test or trial] he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.” (1 Corinthians 10:13, ESV)

“Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials [tests or temptations] of various kinds, for you know that the testing [trying or tempting] of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.” (James 1:2–4, ESV)

“So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.” (2 Corinthians 4:16–18, ESV)

Sunday, July 12, 2015

Even Mocked Jesus is King (John 19:1-6)

“Then Pilate took Jesus and flogged him. And the soldiers twisted together a crown of thorns and put it on his head and arrayed him in a purple robe. They came up to him, saying, “Hail, King of the Jews!” and struck him with their hands. Pilate went out again and said to them, “See, I am bringing him out to you that you may know that I find no guilt in him.” So Jesus came out, wearing the crown of thorns and the purple robe. Pilate said to them, “Behold the man!” When the chief priests and the officers saw him, they cried out, “Crucify him, crucify him!” Pilate said to them, “Take him yourselves and crucify him, for I find no guilt in him.”” (John 19:1–6, ESV)

As I read these verses again I thought of one of the arguments for Jesus being Lord that I learned while in college. Josh McDowell in his book, “Evidence that Demands a Verdict” built upon a quote of C.S. Lewis, providing substantiating arguments for what C.S. Lewis wrote in his book, “Mere Christianity.”

“I am trying here to prevent anyone saying the really foolish thing that people often say about Him: I’m ready to accept Jesus as a great moral teacher, but I don’t accept his claim to be God. That is the one thing we must not say. A man who was merely a man and said the sort of things Jesus said would not be a great moral teacher. He would either be a lunatic — on the level with the man who says he is a poached egg — or else he would be the Devil of Hell. You must make your choice. Either this man was, and is, the Son of God, or else a madman or something worse. You can shut him up for a fool, you can spit at him and kill him as a demon or you can fall at his feet and call him Lord and God, but let us not come with any patronizing nonsense about his being a great human teacher. He has not left that open to us. He did not intend to.” ― C.S. Lewis, Mere Christianity

What is described in these verses about what followed after the Jews chose to have Barabbas freed and Jesus put to death screams of the truth that Jesus believed fully in the Father who sent Him and that He knew who He was and what He came to do. The intensity of what happens in these verses and what follows C.S. Lewis appropriately describes as that which would be allowed by someone who really was who He said He was or someone who was an absolute lunatic. The option of liar goes by the wayside, for what liar would follow his lie through to this degree unless he was off his rocker—a lunatic. And if He were a lunatic He definitely would not be a great moral teacher. The evidence stands that Jesus lived, His testimony was consistent without wavering, and His logic was sound. There can be no legitimate patronizing about Him being a great human teacher because so much of what He said would have to be thrown out for someone not to accept Him as Lord as well. Jesus was sent by the Father and He was faithful to do exactly as the Father intended to the very end. This included being mocked, tortured, beaten, and then nailed to a cross where He would lay down His life for us.

First Jesus was flogged or scourged. The amazing thing about this was that it was not done to punish Him for what He had done, but to try to gain the sympathy of the Jews such that they would recant of their demand that He be put to death. Luke records, “I will therefore punish and release him.” (Luke 23:16, ESV) But this did not happen. The Jews held firm their demand. John MacArthur wrote in his study Bible, “Scourging was a horribly cruel act in which the victim was stripped, tied to a post and beaten by several torturers, i.e., soldiers who alternated when exhausted. For victims who were not Roman citizens, the preferred instrument was a short wooden handle to which several leather thongs were attached. Each leather thong had pieces of bones or metal on the end. The beatings were so savage that sometimes victims died. The body could be torn or lacerated to such an extent that muscles, veins or bones were exposed. Such flogging often preceded execution in order to weaken and dehumanize the victim (Is. 53:5).” This is what Pilate had done to Jesus hoping that by this He might be saved.

Next we read that his soldiers wove together a crown of thorns and put it on His head. John MacArthur continued, “This “crown” was made from the long spikes (up to 12 inches) of a date palm formed into an imitation of the radiating crowns which oriental kings wore. The long thorns would have cut deeply into Jesus’ head, adding to the pain and bleeding.” Adding to the pain and the humiliation, Pilate’s soldiers continued to pile on and still Jesus did not respond or recant. Following this we read that they put on him a purple robe as a symbol or royalty again mocking Him as “King of the Jews.” Having done all of this his soldiers then took turns hailing Him as King of the Jews and then beating him with their hands. Most people would have been greatly humiliated and broken by this, but still Jesus took their abuse without wavering.

Clearly Pilate went to great length to break Jesus down and make Him a pitiful and powerless man to be released by His accusers, and having done this he brought Jesus back out ravaged, bruised, and covered in blood wearing the purple robe and the crown of thorns. As he did this he told the gathered crowd, “See, I am bringing him out to you that you may know that I find no guilt in him.” But their hearts were not turned and they did not budge. Even the sarcasm of Pilate would have no effect. When Pilate said, “Behold the man!” in his attempt to humanize and humiliate Jesus, the crowd responded, “Crucify him, crucify him! Again, Pilate stated that he found no fault in Jesus, and rather than using his authority to save Him, Pilate turned to the chief priests and said, “Take him yourselves and crucify him….”

“For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps. He committed no sin, neither was deceit found in his mouth. When he was reviled, he did not revile in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten, but continued entrusting himself to him who judges justly. He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed. For you were straying like sheep, but have now returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.” (1 Peter 2:21–25, ESV)

The Jews refused Him and Pilate mocked Him, but one day the world will know Him for who He truly is. Some of these who were His enemies will have received Him as their Savior and inherited eternal life while others will have remained in darkness, judged and eternally separated. Jesus prayed on the cross for those who crucified Him and today we are to stand firm praying for those who persecute us as well.

Saturday, July 11, 2015

Choosing God or Evil (Luke 23:6-12; John 18:39-40)

“Then Pilate said to the chief priests and the crowds, “I find no guilt in this man.” But they were urgent, saying, “He stirs up the people, teaching throughout all Judea, from Galilee even to this place.” When Pilate heard this, he asked whether the man was a Galilean. And when he learned that he belonged to Herod’s jurisdiction, he sent him over to Herod, who was himself in Jerusalem at that time. When Herod saw Jesus, he was very glad, for he had long desired to see him, because he had heard about him, and he was hoping to see some sign done by him. So he questioned him at some length, but he made no answer. The chief priests and the scribes stood by, vehemently accusing him. And Herod with his soldiers treated him with contempt and mocked him. Then, arraying him in splendid clothing, he sent him back to Pilate. And Herod and Pilate became friends with each other that very day, for before this they had been at enmity with each other.” (Luke 23:4–12, ESV)

“But you have a custom that I should release one man for you at the Passover. So do you want me to release to you the King of the Jews?” They cried out again, “Not this man, but Barabbas!” Now Barabbas was a robber.” (John 18:39–40, ESV)

Earlier in the book of Luke we read, “In the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Caesar, Pontius Pilate being governor of Judea, and Herod being tetrarch of Galilee, and his brother Philip tetrarch of the region of Ituraea and Trachonitis, and Lysanias tetrarch of Abilene, during the high priesthood of Annas and Caiaphas...” (Luke 3:1–2, ESV). Luke records for us that after Jesus was first brought to Pilate who ruled over Judea, He was then sent to Herod who was the ruler over Galilee and was also in Jerusalem at the time.

Looking at John and the other gospels it is a bit difficult to figure exactly where this happened, but it seems most reasonable that it occurred after Pilate had declared Jesus not guilty and before the crowd was presented with the choice between Jesus and Barabbas which would have put it between verses 38 and 39 of John chapter 18. The Jews did not get the satisfaction that they wanted from Pilate and they continued to press Him, to which the Jews responded that not only had He stirred people up in Judea (Pilate’s jurisdiction) but He also did so in Galilee. It was when Pilate heard the word “Galilee” that he asked if Jesus was a Galilean, and finding out that He was, Pilate thought he had his out and sent Him to Herod.

As I read this I thought of the words of a 1970 rock opera I was familiar with even before I became a Christian. From “Jesus Christ Superstar” I remembered the words, “You're Herod's race! You're Herod's case!” Pilate having heard that Jesus was a Galilean thought he could now wash his hands of Jesus and he sent Him away to Herod. Luke also recorded for us that Herod was very glad to see Jesus. Whereas years before Herod was the one who had John the Baptist put to death, now Herod wanted to meet Jesus and hopefully see for himself some of the signs that he had heard that Jesus had done. So Herod tried to push Jesus into putting on a personal show and answer his questions, but Jesus remained silent, not answering Herod’s questions. Observing this, we read that the chief priests and scribes stood there all along strongly and loudly accusing Him. It must have been quite a scene as Herod pressed Jesus to respond and His accusers stood there trying to press their point. I can only imagine how it might even have made Herod seem powerless, frustrated, and even foolish. With all of his appointed power he was unable in front of witnesses to get this one man to respond to what he demanded. As things continued we read that Herod and his soldiers grew in contempt for Jesus and began to mock Him. They even went so far in mocking Him that they dressed Him in splendid clothing (as if a king), and still not receiving any satisfaction they eventually sent Him back to Pilate.

Luke writes that it was then that these two men, Herod and Pilate, who had little use for each other became friends with each being equally on the same side of an issue. Neither man found real fault with Jesus nor did either man really want to deal with Him. But the Jews were not going to let them off the hook. Herod had washed His hands and sent Him back to Pilate and again Pilate was forced with dealing with a very volatile situation. Trying to maneuver his way out of it Pilate came back out to speak to the Jews and offered them a solution by which he would save face and Jesus, who he felt innocent, would be set free.

It seems that in striving to have a balanced relationship with the Jews there was a custom of setting a prisoner from among the Jews free at Passover. I don’t know whether his wording was intentionally inflammatory or not, but he went out to the Jews and offered them the release of Jesus referring to Him as “the King of the Jews.” The very charge they brought against Jesus to Pilate was being turned back around on them as Pilate offered to release Him as charged. Of course the Jews were not going to accept the offer, but rather chose the known robber Barabbas to be set free instead. But Barabbas was more than just a common run of the mill robber. The word actually means plunderer, and in Acts we have the words of Peter who was witness to the event, “The God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, the God of our fathers, glorified his servant Jesus, whom you delivered over and denied in the presence of Pilate, when he had decided to release him. But you denied the Holy and Righteous One, and asked for a murderer to be granted to you,” (Acts 3:13–14, ESV). Peter called Barabbas a murderer. Clearly Barabbas was a bad person, and they chose him over Jesus. They chose this man of evil over the innocent Son of God, not because of anything that Jesus had done wrong but because He was a threat to what they held dear.

It is an amazing thing when hatred becomes so strong that evil grows in acceptability. But this is the way of Satan. He is the father of evil and destruction, and he will do all that he can to thwart God’s plan so that evil might flourish. These Jews did not know God. They might have known the words of the law, but they did not know God. The hardness of their hearts and their actions were driven not by a love of God, but by their own selfish desires which were consistent with the will and actions of the devil himself. And as the people refused to look to God evil was set free in their midst. This was what they requested by the release of Barabbas, and it is what happens today when man refuses to look to and trust in the Father and the Son whom He sent.

Peter continued speaking to the Jews in Acts saying, ““And now, brothers, I know that you acted in ignorance, as did also your rulers. But what God foretold by the mouth of all the prophets, that his Christ would suffer, he thus fulfilled. Repent therefore, and turn back, that your sins may be blotted out, that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord, and that he may send the Christ appointed for you, Jesus,” … “God, having raised up his servant, sent him to you first, to bless you by turning every one of you from your wickedness.”” (Acts 3:17-20, 26, ESV)

All was not over for the Jews having made the choice of Barabbas over Jesus. Peter told them all they had to do was to turn and to trust and they would be saved. The same is true for all of mankind. The Bible says that by believing in Jesus we will be forgiven of our sins and given new life in Christ.

Joshua said at the end of his life, “Now therefore fear the Lord and serve him in sincerity and in faithfulness. Put away the gods that your fathers served … and serve the Lord. And if it is evil in your eyes to serve the Lord, choose this day whom you will serve…. But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” (Joshua 24:14–15, ESV)

Jesus said, ““For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life.” (John 3:16, NASB95) 

Friday, July 10, 2015

Truth Matters (John 18:33-38)

“So Pilate entered his headquarters again and called Jesus and said to him, “Are you the King of the Jews?” Jesus answered, “Do you say this of your own accord, or did others say it to you about me?” Pilate answered, “Am I a Jew? Your own nation and the chief priests have delivered you over to me. What have you done?” Jesus answered, “My kingdom is not of this world. If my kingdom were of this world, my servants would have been fighting, that I might not be delivered over to the Jews. But my kingdom is not from the world.” Then Pilate said to him, “So you are a king?” Jesus answered, “You say that I am a king. For this purpose I was born and for this purpose I have come into the world—to bear witness to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth listens to my voice.” Pilate said to him, “What is truth?” After he had said this, he went back outside to the Jews and told them, “I find no guilt in him.” (John 18:33–38, ESV)

The Jews pleaded with Pilate when he turned their request around on them and told them to judge Jesus for themselves. They pleaded with him to rule because they had no power themselves to sentence him to death. But Pilate was very reluctant to listen to their request. In our passage for today we read about what Pilate did in response to their plea. He left them and returned into his headquarters where he then called for Jesus to come to him. Once there he asked Jesus personally about the accusation made against Him—“Are you he King of the Jews?” Again Jesus did not directly answer the question. Instead He asked Pilate if this was a question that he had on his own or whether he was asking based upon what he had heard and the charges that were made by others. Pilate responded to Jesus telling Him that He was not a Jew and that it was Jesus’ own people that turned Him over to Pilate. His very logical question was, “What have you done?” What could He have possibly done that would have had the leaders of the Jews screaming that He be put to death? What could have been so heinous?

We read Jesus answered Pilate, “My kingdom is not of this world. If my kingdom were of this world, my servants would have been fighting, that I might not be delivered over to the Jews. But my kingdom is not from the world.” Jesus was no threat to Roman rule. He did not come to replace them (at that time), but told them that His kingdom was not of this world. If it were He would not have given Himself up so freely and His disciples would have fought to keep Him free. They would have poured their efforts into putting Him on His throne and not standing by as He was taken away. If He truly were sent to set up His kingdom then and there His plan was a poor one at best. But His kingdom was not of this world, and He had no intention of trying to put in place or defend something that He was not given to do.

But in answering Pilate He also said the key words, “My kingdom.” Regardless of what He said about the where, Pilate heard His intent to rule, and he said to Him, “So you are a king?” But Jesus still did not claim this title for Himself, and responded to Pilate saying that it was him who said that He (Jesus) was a king. Jesus told Him that He was born to bear witness to the truth, and that those who heard His voice would listen to the truth to which Pilate asked the question that many have asked throughout time, “What is truth?” Clearly Pilate did not feel threatened by Jesus, and he went back out and told the Jews, “I find no guilt in Him.”

In wrapping up this encounter I found Pilate’s last question and his following judgment quite interesting. He asked, “What is truth?” He knew that the Jews had a belief system that Jesus had rubbed up against such that they wanted Him put to death, but not believing as they did and not accepting their standard as His or even understanding the truth of which Jesus spoke, Pilate had no concept of what truth was or wasn’t. For Him there was no issue. It seems that for him truth was relative and that He was not going to judge against Jesus because of their differences or understanding of truth. For Pilate Jesus was not guilty of anything, and it was his judgment to not judge in favor of the Jews. But for the Jews, they knew that the truth of which Jesus spoke was a real threat to what they held dear and their own religiosity. Jesus had called them hypocrites. He had told them that they did not know God whom they claimed as theirs. He told them that they were of their Father the devil. And He told them that only those who believed that He was sent by the Father would inherit eternal life and forgiveness. They did not accept Him or the truth which He spoke about, and because of that they wanted Him removed. Pilate didn’t see the threat and he did not feel compelled to take any action.

Isn’t the same thing true today? Those who are not confronted with something that they hold close generally find no compelling reason to respond. For them, the issue is not seen and they do not grasp the big deal. But those who see the truth of God’s Word as an offense to their way of life, they tend to respond strongly. And when in their response they are able to compel others to join their cause or accept their effort as valid, then the fight for truth intensifies.

How did Jesus respond? What Jesus told Pilate is that this world is really not His home. This was not where He was setting up His kingdom, and He was not going to focus His effort on winning this battle. What He came to do was to bear witness to the truth, knowing that He as the truth was going to set people free. Clearly Jesus did not remain silent about sin, but He always knew that the answer to man’s problem was not stopping Him from sinning but freeing him from the slavery of sin which only could be accomplished by making them new creations through His death, burial, and resurrection.

When things get really bad and evil seems to be at its strongest we need to remember that Jesus has overcome the world and that by trusting in Him for salvation He will help us stand any attack and endure all hardship. We are to pray for, encourage, and stand with one another knowing that our home is eternally set in the presence of Christ. This is the essence of hope. Truth matters.

Thursday, July 9, 2015

Needing Authority to Act (John 18:28-32)

“Then they led Jesus from the house of Caiaphas to the governor’s headquarters. It was early morning. They themselves did not enter the governor’s headquarters, so that they would not be defiled, but could eat the Passover. So Pilate went outside to them and said, “What accusation do you bring against this man?” They answered him, “If this man were not doing evil, we would not have delivered him over to you.” Pilate said to them, “Take him yourselves and judge him by your own law.” The Jews said to him, “It is not lawful for us to put anyone to death.” This was to fulfill the word that Jesus had spoken to show by what kind of death he was going to die.” (John 18:28–32, ESV)

These verses begin Jesus’ hearing before Pilate and Herod, but neither Pilate nor Herod really desired to be placed in this position. As we read from these verses Pilate initially asked the men who had brought Jesus to him just what He had done—“What accusation do you bring against this man?” Amazingly enough his captors did not give Pilate a solid answer, but rather told him that he should trust their judgment and grant their request after all if he had not been doing evil they would have never brought Jesus to them. It was the ultimate, “Trust us and do what we ask.” Pilate did not take their bait, but turned their lack of a solid charge around on them and told them to take Him and judge Him according to their own law. This is when what they really wanted came to the surface. They were interested in judgment. Hey weren’t even interested in Pilate agreeing with them. What they wanted was Pilate to use his power as a Roman governor to order Jesus put to death. As we read in the passage this was something they had no legal authority to do on their own.

Matthew, Mark, and Luke record that Jesus had said in advance that this was something that the religious leaders of the Jews were going to have to do in order for Him to be crucified. He knew in advance that it was not just going to be the Jews who put Him to death, but in fact the leaders of the world at that time—the Gentile Roman leaders.  Matthew wrote, “And as Jesus was going up to Jerusalem, he took the twelve disciples aside, and on the way he said to them, “See, we are going up to Jerusalem. And the Son of Man will be delivered over to the chief priests and scribes, and they will condemn him to death and deliver him over to the Gentiles to be mocked and flogged and crucified, and he will be raised on the third day.”” (Matthew 20:17–19, ESV; see also Mark 10:33-34; Luke 18:31-33)

As much as they hated Jesus and the message that He proclaimed given to Him by the Father there was really nothing significant that they could do without the support of the government. They could ostracize. They could judge Him. They could make His life difficult. They could even break the law and take things into their own hands. But there was no legal act that they could take until such time that they got the law on their side.

I thought about going on and looking at more verses, but in light of what is going on in our country at this very time I thought it more appropriate to stop and focus on how social pressure has been used in much the same way to attack the message of Christ and His ambassadors of light seem out of step, narrow, phobic, haters, and so much more. But as much as they could do to make things uncomfortable there really was nothing they could do until the law joined with them. And for the greatest part when this has happened in this country it has not been by changing the law first, but by getting a judge or judges to gain their ear and rule in their favor. Bible reading and prayer was removed from schools. In 1962 and 1963 it was the Supreme Court of this land that ruled and established the current prohibitions against prayer and Bible readings in public schools. Then on January 22, 1973 the same Court ruled in favor of abortion and the taking of innocent pre-born lives. One source I read suggested that as of January of this year, the 42nd anniversary of this horrific ruling that 57,496,011 abortions have destroyed the lives of unborn children (NRLC.org). And most recently the Supreme Court has now ruled against the God ordained institution of marriage saying that same sex couples have the same rights as the one man—one woman relationship established by God. Prior to the Court ruling several states had already legalized same sex marriage, and there are growing accounts of the power of the state now being used to attack, silence, punish and who knows when arrest might happen to those who live their biblical values in the entirety of their lives including their privately held businesses. All of this has been made possible because the forces of evil have enlisted the support of the government to accomplish their efforts to silence the voice of Christ and His followers.

Satan will not give up. He will continue to fight these battles until the day that he is finally put down once and for all by Jesus Christ Himself, and those who listen to his lies and deceptions as well as their own selfish pleasures will continue to fight for his cause.

Paul wrote in Romans, “For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith for faith, as it is written, “The righteous shall live by faith.” For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who by their unrighteousness suppress the truth. For what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them. For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse. For although they knew God, they did not honor him as God or give thanks to him, but they became futile in their thinking, and their foolish hearts were darkened. Claiming to be wise, they became fools, and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images resembling mortal man and birds and animals and creeping things. Therefore God gave them up in the lusts of their hearts to impurity, to the dishonoring of their bodies among themselves, because they exchanged the truth about God for a lie and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever! Amen. For this reason God gave them up to dishonorable passions. For their women exchanged natural relations for those that are contrary to nature; and the men likewise gave up natural relations with women and were consumed with passion for one another, men committing shameless acts with men and receiving in themselves the due penalty for their error. And since they did not see fit to acknowledge God, God gave them up to a debased mind to do what ought not to be done. They were filled with all manner of unrighteousness, evil, covetousness, malice. They are full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, maliciousness. They are gossips, slanderers, haters of God, insolent, haughty, boastful, inventors of evil, disobedient to parents, foolish, faithless, heartless, ruthless. Though they know God’s righteous decree that those who practice such things deserve to die, they not only do them but give approval to those who practice them.” (Romans 1:16–32, ESV)

“But now the righteousness of God has been manifested apart from the law, although the Law and the Prophets bear witness to it— the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe. For there is no distinction: for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, whom God put forward as a propitiation by his blood, to be received by faith. This was to show God’s righteousness, because in his divine forbearance he had passed over former sins. It was to show his righteousness at the present time, so that he might be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus.” (Romans 3:21–26, ESV)

“but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Since, therefore, we have now been justified by his blood, much more shall we be saved by him from the wrath of God. For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, now that we are reconciled, shall we be saved by his life. More than that, we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation.” (Romans 5:8–11, ESV)

I love the words, “but God.” They represent the greatest hope we could ever know. It doesn’t matter how bad things might get, God is bigger and more powerful. It doesn’t matter how dark things might seem, Jesus Christ is the light of the world who will never fade. It doesn’t matter how powerful the force that comes against us, God is the One from whom my help comes. Jesus stood there before Pilate as His accusers asked that He be put to death, and knowing that He was there according to the will of the Father He stood firm.