Mark 2:23-28
23 Now it happened that He went through the grainfields on the Sabbath; and as they went His disciples began to pluck the heads of grain. 24 And the Pharisees said to Him, “Look, why do they do what is not lawful on the Sabbath?”... 27 And He said to them, “The Sabbath was made for man, and not man for the Sabbath. 28 Therefore the Son of Man is also Lord of the Sabbath.”
Jesus Christ was the word that spoke the world into existence; before Moses and the Law, He has ultimate authority to define the day of rest at Creation as well as for all His creation - us. The Sabbath was God's rest from work, and we are also given the chance for rest from our work for Him. We are not to serve a day with obligation and punishment, but with relief from our efforts and rest in Him who made us.
Monday, August 31, 2015
Sunday, August 30, 2015
Patched Up or Made New?
Mark 2:19-22.
19 And Jesus said to them, “Can the friends of the bridegroom fast while the bridegroom is with them? As long as they have the bridegroom with them they cannot fast. 20 But the days will come when the bridegroom will be taken away from them, and then they will fast in those days. 21 No one sews a piece of unshrunk cloth on an old garment; or else the new piece pulls away from the old, and the tear is made worse. 22 And no one puts new wine into old wineskins; or else the new wine bursts the wineskins, the wine is spilled, and the wineskins are ruined. But new wine must be put into new wineskins.”
You do not patch an old soft leather bag with a new hard piece of leather which is not broken in yet, because it will tear out the stitching of the older material. So mourning and fasting for Jesus here was out of place while He was with them still. There is time for rejoicing in Him, and time for sorrows, just as in all of life. We rejoice in Him always now that He is risen. We have been made new inside, and so do not tear with old still holding us together.
19 And Jesus said to them, “Can the friends of the bridegroom fast while the bridegroom is with them? As long as they have the bridegroom with them they cannot fast. 20 But the days will come when the bridegroom will be taken away from them, and then they will fast in those days. 21 No one sews a piece of unshrunk cloth on an old garment; or else the new piece pulls away from the old, and the tear is made worse. 22 And no one puts new wine into old wineskins; or else the new wine bursts the wineskins, the wine is spilled, and the wineskins are ruined. But new wine must be put into new wineskins.”
You do not patch an old soft leather bag with a new hard piece of leather which is not broken in yet, because it will tear out the stitching of the older material. So mourning and fasting for Jesus here was out of place while He was with them still. There is time for rejoicing in Him, and time for sorrows, just as in all of life. We rejoice in Him always now that He is risen. We have been made new inside, and so do not tear with old still holding us together.
Saturday, August 29, 2015
We are All Sinners
Mark 2:15-17
15 Now it happened, as He was dining in Levi's house, that many tax collectors and sinners also sat together with Jesus and His disciples; for there were many, and they followed Him. 16 And when the scribes and Pharisees saw Him eating with the tax collectors and sinners, they said to His disciples, “How is it that He eats and drinks with tax collectors and sinners?” 17 When Jesus heard it, He said to them, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners, to repentance.”
Jesus calls us to meet sinners where they are, because we are sinners ourselves apart from God's mercy shown to us. Mao we must follow this example to reach the world where it sits, not trying to first lure them into the church - which is to be those who are His already. We need not to judge those outside, but inside, as we offer the good news of repentance to faith.
15 Now it happened, as He was dining in Levi's house, that many tax collectors and sinners also sat together with Jesus and His disciples; for there were many, and they followed Him. 16 And when the scribes and Pharisees saw Him eating with the tax collectors and sinners, they said to His disciples, “How is it that He eats and drinks with tax collectors and sinners?” 17 When Jesus heard it, He said to them, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners, to repentance.”
Jesus calls us to meet sinners where they are, because we are sinners ourselves apart from God's mercy shown to us. Mao we must follow this example to reach the world where it sits, not trying to first lure them into the church - which is to be those who are His already. We need not to judge those outside, but inside, as we offer the good news of repentance to faith.
Thursday, August 27, 2015
God Alone Forgives Sin
Mark 2:5-12.
5 When Jesus saw their faith, He said to the paralytic, “Son, your sins are forgiven you.” ...7 “Why does this Man speak blasphemies like this? Who can forgive sins but God alone?” 8 But immediately, when Jesus perceived in His spirit that they reasoned thus within themselves, He said to them, “Why do you reason about these things in your hearts? ...10 But that you may know that the Son of Man has power on earth to forgive sins”—He said to the paralytic, 11 “I say to you, arise, take up your bed, and go to your house.” 12 Immediately he arose, took up the bed, and went out in the presence of them all, so that all were amazed and glorified God, saying, “We never saw anything like this!”
Only God can forgive sins, and Jesus proved it by doing the impossible like telling a paralyzed man to get up and walk home. He forgave the man's sins and proved His power and authority as only God possesses by this supernatural act. Who but God as a man can both forgive sins and give life to body and soul? “We never saw anything like this!”
5 When Jesus saw their faith, He said to the paralytic, “Son, your sins are forgiven you.” ...7 “Why does this Man speak blasphemies like this? Who can forgive sins but God alone?” 8 But immediately, when Jesus perceived in His spirit that they reasoned thus within themselves, He said to them, “Why do you reason about these things in your hearts? ...10 But that you may know that the Son of Man has power on earth to forgive sins”—He said to the paralytic, 11 “I say to you, arise, take up your bed, and go to your house.” 12 Immediately he arose, took up the bed, and went out in the presence of them all, so that all were amazed and glorified God, saying, “We never saw anything like this!”
Only God can forgive sins, and Jesus proved it by doing the impossible like telling a paralyzed man to get up and walk home. He forgave the man's sins and proved His power and authority as only God possesses by this supernatural act. Who but God as a man can both forgive sins and give life to body and soul? “We never saw anything like this!”
Wednesday, August 26, 2015
Preach the Gospel, They Will Come
Mark 2:1-2
1 And again He entered Capernaum after some days, and it was heard that He was in the house. 2 Immediately many gathered together, so that there was no longer room to receive them, not even near the door. And He preached the word to them (ἐλάλει αὐτοῖς τὸν λόγον).
After healing many and word of all Jesus said and did spread, when He stopped in this town multitudes came until the house was overflowing. Even the doorway was full. What did Jesus then do? He spoke His word, God's good news of the kingdom to come, including all He said before on repentance, trusting faith that acts, turning to live God's way from the heart and not with religious overtones of outward compliance. He spoke of heart issues as in the sermon on the mount, I would expect. We must speak and listen, not demanding physical healing, but yearning for eternal healing of our souls.
1 And again He entered Capernaum after some days, and it was heard that He was in the house. 2 Immediately many gathered together, so that there was no longer room to receive them, not even near the door. And He preached the word to them (ἐλάλει αὐτοῖς τὸν λόγον).
After healing many and word of all Jesus said and did spread, when He stopped in this town multitudes came until the house was overflowing. Even the doorway was full. What did Jesus then do? He spoke His word, God's good news of the kingdom to come, including all He said before on repentance, trusting faith that acts, turning to live God's way from the heart and not with religious overtones of outward compliance. He spoke of heart issues as in the sermon on the mount, I would expect. We must speak and listen, not demanding physical healing, but yearning for eternal healing of our souls.
Tuesday, August 25, 2015
God's Work as a Testimony
Mark 1:42-45
42 As soon as He had spoken, immediately the leprosy left him, and he was cleansed. 43 And He strictly warned him and sent him away at once, 44 and said to him, “See that you say nothing to anyone; but go your way, show yourself to the priest, and offer for your cleansing those things which Moses commanded, as a testimony to them.” 45 However, he went out and began to proclaim it freely, and to spread the matter, so that Jesus could no longer openly enter the city, but was outside in deserted places; and they came to Him from every direction.
When Jesus healed a leper, he told the man to go to the religious leaders to show them it was alright for him to be among people again, that he no longer was infectious. But the man was so thankful that he did not care about acceptance from others, but wanted only to tell everyone the good news of his being made whole. So should we tell others what God in and as Christ did for us wherever we go. Not by convention, but with conviction.
42 As soon as He had spoken, immediately the leprosy left him, and he was cleansed. 43 And He strictly warned him and sent him away at once, 44 and said to him, “See that you say nothing to anyone; but go your way, show yourself to the priest, and offer for your cleansing those things which Moses commanded, as a testimony to them.” 45 However, he went out and began to proclaim it freely, and to spread the matter, so that Jesus could no longer openly enter the city, but was outside in deserted places; and they came to Him from every direction.
When Jesus healed a leper, he told the man to go to the religious leaders to show them it was alright for him to be among people again, that he no longer was infectious. But the man was so thankful that he did not care about acceptance from others, but wanted only to tell everyone the good news of his being made whole. So should we tell others what God in and as Christ did for us wherever we go. Not by convention, but with conviction.
Monday, August 24, 2015
He is Willing to Make us Whole
Mark 1:40-41
40 Now a leper came to Him, imploring Him, kneeling down to Him and saying to Him, “If You are willing, You can make me clean.” 41 Then Jesus, moved with compassion, stretched out His hand and touched him, and said to him, “I am willing; be cleansed.”
Jesus Christ hears our cries for help and healing, but we only find these as He is willing. Does He heal everyone? No. Does He desire that we all find spiritual healing in our souls? Yes. But it hinges on His willingness, not our demands.
40 Now a leper came to Him, imploring Him, kneeling down to Him and saying to Him, “If You are willing, You can make me clean.” 41 Then Jesus, moved with compassion, stretched out His hand and touched him, and said to him, “I am willing; be cleansed.”
Jesus Christ hears our cries for help and healing, but we only find these as He is willing. Does He heal everyone? No. Does He desire that we all find spiritual healing in our souls? Yes. But it hinges on His willingness, not our demands.
Sunday, August 23, 2015
Pray in Solitary Place
Mark 1:35-38
35 Now in the morning, having risen a long while before daylight, He went out and departed to a solitary place; and there He prayed. 36 And Simon and those who were with Him searched for Him. 37 When they found Him, they said to Him, “Everyone is looking for You.” 38 But He said to them, “Let us go into the next towns, that I may preach there also, because for this purpose I have come forth.”
Jesus prayed in wilderness places, desolate as when He was tempted for 40 days by the adversary. Here He saw the lost and barren state of we who are all under the sway of the wicked one, and went on to preach the good news of the kingdom with its forgiving reconciliation of unearned favor. So for the "everyone" who is looking for Him, we as His ambassadors must be always ready to make a good response with this hope in us. It is our purpose because it was His.
35 Now in the morning, having risen a long while before daylight, He went out and departed to a solitary place; and there He prayed. 36 And Simon and those who were with Him searched for Him. 37 When they found Him, they said to Him, “Everyone is looking for You.” 38 But He said to them, “Let us go into the next towns, that I may preach there also, because for this purpose I have come forth.”
Jesus prayed in wilderness places, desolate as when He was tempted for 40 days by the adversary. Here He saw the lost and barren state of we who are all under the sway of the wicked one, and went on to preach the good news of the kingdom with its forgiving reconciliation of unearned favor. So for the "everyone" who is looking for Him, we as His ambassadors must be always ready to make a good response with this hope in us. It is our purpose because it was His.
Saturday, August 22, 2015
Working after Sundown: Light in the Darkness
Mark 1:32-34
32 At evening, when the sun had set, they brought to Him all who were sick and those who were demon-possessed. 33 And the whole city was gathered together at the door. 34 Then He healed many who were sick with various diseases, and cast out many demons; and He did not allow the demons to speak, because they knew Him.
Jesus made sick people well as He told them the good news of the Kingdom, and He also chased off the fallen angels making His creation sick, setting both free from suffering and oppression of sin and spiritual attacks. But until the time was right to lead to the cross to finish our salvation, He kept the demonic angels from revealing He was God in the flesh. He did this many times, and spoke parables to keep everyone seeking who wanted to know and answering He was the Messiah, the Christ, only when it was in His time which He knew and controlled.
32 At evening, when the sun had set, they brought to Him all who were sick and those who were demon-possessed. 33 And the whole city was gathered together at the door. 34 Then He healed many who were sick with various diseases, and cast out many demons; and He did not allow the demons to speak, because they knew Him.
Jesus made sick people well as He told them the good news of the Kingdom, and He also chased off the fallen angels making His creation sick, setting both free from suffering and oppression of sin and spiritual attacks. But until the time was right to lead to the cross to finish our salvation, He kept the demonic angels from revealing He was God in the flesh. He did this many times, and spoke parables to keep everyone seeking who wanted to know and answering He was the Messiah, the Christ, only when it was in His time which He knew and controlled.
Friday, August 21, 2015
Teaching of Authority and Power
Mark 1:21-22, 27
21 Then they went into Capernaum, and immediately on the Sabbath He entered the synagogue and taught. 22 And they were astonished at His teaching, for He taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes. 27 Then they were all amazed, so that they questioned among themselves, saying, “What is this? What new doctrine is this? For with authority He commands even the unclean spirits, and they obey Him.”
Jesus Christ has all authority - to rule, to teach truth, to heal, and even to change the laws of nature because it is all held together by Him. But the greatest is to change our souls to seek Him and then change us inside forever. He cured diseases, cast out demons, and walked on water with this authority - and by that same authority has the power and right to send us into the world in His place to make disciples as He did.
21 Then they went into Capernaum, and immediately on the Sabbath He entered the synagogue and taught. 22 And they were astonished at His teaching, for He taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes. 27 Then they were all amazed, so that they questioned among themselves, saying, “What is this? What new doctrine is this? For with authority He commands even the unclean spirits, and they obey Him.”
Jesus Christ has all authority - to rule, to teach truth, to heal, and even to change the laws of nature because it is all held together by Him. But the greatest is to change our souls to seek Him and then change us inside forever. He cured diseases, cast out demons, and walked on water with this authority - and by that same authority has the power and right to send us into the world in His place to make disciples as He did.
Thursday, August 20, 2015
Drop Everything to Follow
Mark 1:17-20
17 Then Jesus said to them, “Follow Me, and I will make you become fishers of men.” 18 They immediately left their nets and followed Him. 19 When He had gone a little farther from there, He saw James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother, who also were in the boat mending their nets. 20 And immediately He called them, and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired servants, and went after Him.
When Jesus calls us, He expects us to drop everything and immediately follow after Him as the disciples did. If He calls us and opens our eyes to see our need and His mercy and grace while we are still simmers, how can we do any less? The disciples did not understand everything at once, but they saw God stand before them and call them; are we any different? Our main drive should be Him, not our work or personal desires or pursuits. If we want to be fishers of men, let us follow with an all-in attitude.
17 Then Jesus said to them, “Follow Me, and I will make you become fishers of men.” 18 They immediately left their nets and followed Him. 19 When He had gone a little farther from there, He saw James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother, who also were in the boat mending their nets. 20 And immediately He called them, and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired servants, and went after Him.
When Jesus calls us, He expects us to drop everything and immediately follow after Him as the disciples did. If He calls us and opens our eyes to see our need and His mercy and grace while we are still simmers, how can we do any less? The disciples did not understand everything at once, but they saw God stand before them and call them; are we any different? Our main drive should be Him, not our work or personal desires or pursuits. If we want to be fishers of men, let us follow with an all-in attitude.
Wednesday, August 19, 2015
Repent and Believe the Gospel!
Mark 1:12-15
12 Immediately the Spirit drove Him into the wilderness. 13 And He was there in the wilderness forty days, tempted by Satan, and was with the wild beasts; and the angels ministered to Him. 14 Now after John was put in prison, Jesus came to Galilee, preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God, 15 and saying, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the gospel.”
As soon as Jesus was seen to have the Spirit in Him, He was driven to the middle of nowhere to be tempted as we are, yet without sin. The Angels took care of His physical needs after the ordeal of deprivation and spiritual attack. Then Jesus began telling the good news which began with, "repent" because it was time for reconciliation with God through Him to begin. And the beginning was to turn from offending God and to turn to taking Him at His word - to repent and believe (exercise faith). This is the massage given to us to pass on.
12 Immediately the Spirit drove Him into the wilderness. 13 And He was there in the wilderness forty days, tempted by Satan, and was with the wild beasts; and the angels ministered to Him. 14 Now after John was put in prison, Jesus came to Galilee, preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God, 15 and saying, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the gospel.”
As soon as Jesus was seen to have the Spirit in Him, He was driven to the middle of nowhere to be tempted as we are, yet without sin. The Angels took care of His physical needs after the ordeal of deprivation and spiritual attack. Then Jesus began telling the good news which began with, "repent" because it was time for reconciliation with God through Him to begin. And the beginning was to turn from offending God and to turn to taking Him at His word - to repent and believe (exercise faith). This is the massage given to us to pass on.
Tuesday, August 18, 2015
Baptized into Christ by His Spirit
Mark 1:8-11
8 I indeed baptized you with water, but He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.” 9 It came to pass in those days that Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee, and was baptized by John in the Jordan. 10 And immediately, coming up from the water, He saw the heavens parting and the Spirit descending upon Him like a dove. 11 Then a voice came from heaven, “You are My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.”
John pointed to Jesus as the true forgiven of the one who turns from sin to Him; God's Spirit must work in each of us to make us pleasing to Himself as well. We cannot do this of our own effort or action of baptism or any other purely religious work. Instead, God must do the work both in Christ on the cross and by His Spirit in us to transform and enable us to be pleasing.
8 I indeed baptized you with water, but He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.” 9 It came to pass in those days that Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee, and was baptized by John in the Jordan. 10 And immediately, coming up from the water, He saw the heavens parting and the Spirit descending upon Him like a dove. 11 Then a voice came from heaven, “You are My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.”
John pointed to Jesus as the true forgiven of the one who turns from sin to Him; God's Spirit must work in each of us to make us pleasing to Himself as well. We cannot do this of our own effort or action of baptism or any other purely religious work. Instead, God must do the work both in Christ on the cross and by His Spirit in us to transform and enable us to be pleasing.
Monday, August 17, 2015
Mark - As It Is Written
Mark 1:1-5
1 The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. 2 As it is written in the Prophets: “Behold, I send My messenger before Your face, Who will prepare Your way before You.” 3 “The voice of one crying in the wilderness: ‘Prepare the way of the Lord; Make His paths straight.’ ” 4 John came baptizing in the wilderness and preaching a baptism of repentance for the remission of sins. 5 Then all the land of Judea, and those from Jerusalem, went out to him and were all baptized by him in the Jordan River, confessing their sins.
The gospel began with God preparing a straight and true way by His messenger, John. The message was to repent, admitting and turning from their sins to God. The baptism was to show cleansing from sins once confessed to God as He forgave those who truly admitted their wrong against Him and turned towards Him, as they turned away from all that displeased Him (as it was written). But this was all to prepare hearts for the Son of God to come who is God's final answer to our fallen state.
1 The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. 2 As it is written in the Prophets: “Behold, I send My messenger before Your face, Who will prepare Your way before You.” 3 “The voice of one crying in the wilderness: ‘Prepare the way of the Lord; Make His paths straight.’ ” 4 John came baptizing in the wilderness and preaching a baptism of repentance for the remission of sins. 5 Then all the land of Judea, and those from Jerusalem, went out to him and were all baptized by him in the Jordan River, confessing their sins.
The gospel began with God preparing a straight and true way by His messenger, John. The message was to repent, admitting and turning from their sins to God. The baptism was to show cleansing from sins once confessed to God as He forgave those who truly admitted their wrong against Him and turned towards Him, as they turned away from all that displeased Him (as it was written). But this was all to prepare hearts for the Son of God to come who is God's final answer to our fallen state.
Friday, August 14, 2015
Worship and Make Disciples
Matthew 28:17-20
17 When they saw Him, they worshiped Him; but some doubted. 18 And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. 19 Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen.
After Jesus came back from death to life, most of His followers worshipped Him, yet some doubted - even seeing with their own eyes, they did not want to believe. So Jesus told them He has all authority (right, power) as God among us to enable them to point back to Him for deliverance from God's just anger and punishment. He gave them and so to us the charge to make followers by the message of grace and hope in Jesus Christ and how to go about it. We must do as He says. All of these things - baptizing and teaching to obey all He said, following out of love, trust, and willing obedience. He is with us!
17 When they saw Him, they worshiped Him; but some doubted. 18 And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. 19 Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen.
After Jesus came back from death to life, most of His followers worshipped Him, yet some doubted - even seeing with their own eyes, they did not want to believe. So Jesus told them He has all authority (right, power) as God among us to enable them to point back to Him for deliverance from God's just anger and punishment. He gave them and so to us the charge to make followers by the message of grace and hope in Jesus Christ and how to go about it. We must do as He says. All of these things - baptizing and teaching to obey all He said, following out of love, trust, and willing obedience. He is with us!
Thursday, August 13, 2015
Tell that He is Risen!
Matthew 28:2, 5-8
2 And behold, there was a great earthquake; for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat on it. 5 But the angel answered and said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified. 6 He is not here; for He is risen, as He said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay. 7 And go quickly and tell His disciples that He is risen from the dead, and indeed He is going before you into Galilee; there you will see Him. Behold, I have told you.” 8 So they went out quickly from the tomb with fear and great joy, and ran to bring His disciples word.
Jesus arose from the dead. Though we are dead in sin, we can live also. This is the gospel and its proof. God can roll back the stone of our unbelieving and hard hearts to bring light to the darkness, hope for life forever reconciled to God, and great joy in the fear and awe of knowing the living God intimately. Who could ask for more?
2 And behold, there was a great earthquake; for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat on it. 5 But the angel answered and said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified. 6 He is not here; for He is risen, as He said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay. 7 And go quickly and tell His disciples that He is risen from the dead, and indeed He is going before you into Galilee; there you will see Him. Behold, I have told you.” 8 So they went out quickly from the tomb with fear and great joy, and ran to bring His disciples word.
Jesus arose from the dead. Though we are dead in sin, we can live also. This is the gospel and its proof. God can roll back the stone of our unbelieving and hard hearts to bring light to the darkness, hope for life forever reconciled to God, and great joy in the fear and awe of knowing the living God intimately. Who could ask for more?
Wednesday, August 12, 2015
Vain Attempt to Keep Jesus in the Grave
Matthew 27:62-64
62 On the next day, which followed the Day of Preparation, the chief priests and Pharisees gathered together to Pilate, 63 saying, “Sir, we remember, while He was still alive, how that deceiver said, ‘After three days I will rise.’ 64 Therefore command that the tomb be made secure until the third day, lest His disciples come by night and steal Him away, and say to the people, ‘He has risen from the dead.’ So the last deception will be worse than the first.”
The priests and religious leaders who pushed to kill Jesus wanted to make certain that He would not be seen as who He said by raising Himself from death to life again - so they asked for guards to watch at nobody stole His body and then fulfilled His claim as God in the flesh. They said this was a probable deception, but they saw the miracles and heard the truth Jesus spoke, so they feared He might rise also. But man cannot limit God, and we must know He rose to assure us He can and will raise us from death to life as well, both now and into forever. He proved it and promised it.
62 On the next day, which followed the Day of Preparation, the chief priests and Pharisees gathered together to Pilate, 63 saying, “Sir, we remember, while He was still alive, how that deceiver said, ‘After three days I will rise.’ 64 Therefore command that the tomb be made secure until the third day, lest His disciples come by night and steal Him away, and say to the people, ‘He has risen from the dead.’ So the last deception will be worse than the first.”
The priests and religious leaders who pushed to kill Jesus wanted to make certain that He would not be seen as who He said by raising Himself from death to life again - so they asked for guards to watch at nobody stole His body and then fulfilled His claim as God in the flesh. They said this was a probable deception, but they saw the miracles and heard the truth Jesus spoke, so they feared He might rise also. But man cannot limit God, and we must know He rose to assure us He can and will raise us from death to life as well, both now and into forever. He proved it and promised it.
Tuesday, August 11, 2015
Gave Up His Life, Forsaken for Us
Matthew 27:46-54
46 And about the ninth hour Jesus cried out with a loud voice,..“My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?” 50 And Jesus cried out again with a loud voice, and yielded up His spirit. 51 Then, behold, the veil of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom; and the earth quaked, and the rocks were split, 52 and the graves were opened; and many bodies of the saints who had fallen asleep were raised; 53 and coming out of the graves after His resurrection, they went into the holy city and appeared to many. 54 So when the centurion and those with him, who were guarding Jesus, saw the earthquake and the things that had happened, they feared greatly, saying, “Truly this was the Son of God!”
Jesus in our place felt the separation from the Father because of our sin which separates us from Him. When He died, the proof of His divinity was seen by opening a way to God for us hidden behind the temple vail, and demonstrated by raising dead people to life - even the Roman military guards admitted Jesus was the Son of God, for only God could do such things. Even now only He can give us new life and remove sin's separation of death between us and Him...
46 And about the ninth hour Jesus cried out with a loud voice,..“My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?” 50 And Jesus cried out again with a loud voice, and yielded up His spirit. 51 Then, behold, the veil of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom; and the earth quaked, and the rocks were split, 52 and the graves were opened; and many bodies of the saints who had fallen asleep were raised; 53 and coming out of the graves after His resurrection, they went into the holy city and appeared to many. 54 So when the centurion and those with him, who were guarding Jesus, saw the earthquake and the things that had happened, they feared greatly, saying, “Truly this was the Son of God!”
Jesus in our place felt the separation from the Father because of our sin which separates us from Him. When He died, the proof of His divinity was seen by opening a way to God for us hidden behind the temple vail, and demonstrated by raising dead people to life - even the Roman military guards admitted Jesus was the Son of God, for only God could do such things. Even now only He can give us new life and remove sin's separation of death between us and Him...
Monday, August 10, 2015
Reviled and Mocked, He Died for Us
Matthew 27:41-44
41 Likewise the chief priests also, mocking with the scribes and elders, said, 42 “He saved others; Himself He cannot save. If He is the King of Israel, let Him now come down from the cross, and we will believe Him. 43 He trusted in God; let Him deliver Him now if He will have Him; for He said, ‘I am the Son of God.’ ” 44 Even the robbers who were crucified with Him reviled Him with the same thing.
These who mocked the One who chose to die for them tried to tempt Him to free Himself and escape to prove who He was. They had ignored all He said and had done, still demanding proof as they scoffed. Yet the irony is that Jesus had to die to deliver them from God's just wrath on their sin, but they were trying to talk Him out of saving them. Blind hate of God and His Son did not stop His love on the cross. It is why He had to die to reconcile all of us because we scoff the right in Him. While we were still sinners He died for us, not when we were good first.
41 Likewise the chief priests also, mocking with the scribes and elders, said, 42 “He saved others; Himself He cannot save. If He is the King of Israel, let Him now come down from the cross, and we will believe Him. 43 He trusted in God; let Him deliver Him now if He will have Him; for He said, ‘I am the Son of God.’ ” 44 Even the robbers who were crucified with Him reviled Him with the same thing.
These who mocked the One who chose to die for them tried to tempt Him to free Himself and escape to prove who He was. They had ignored all He said and had done, still demanding proof as they scoffed. Yet the irony is that Jesus had to die to deliver them from God's just wrath on their sin, but they were trying to talk Him out of saving them. Blind hate of God and His Son did not stop His love on the cross. It is why He had to die to reconcile all of us because we scoff the right in Him. While we were still sinners He died for us, not when we were good first.
Saturday, August 8, 2015
Crucified and Died While we were Enemies
Matthew 27:27-31
27 Then the soldiers of the governor took Jesus into the Praetorium and gathered the whole garrison around Him. 28 And they stripped Him and put a scarlet robe on Him. 29 When they had twisted a crown of thorns, they put it on His head, and a reed in His right hand. And they bowed the knee before Him and mocked Him, saying, “Hail, King of the Jews!” 30 Then they spat on Him, and took the reed and struck Him on the head. 31 And when they had mocked Him, they took the robe off Him, put His own clothes on Him, and led Him away to be crucified.
The whole garrison of about 500 men watched as Jesus was mocked and hit in scorn that He should be called a king of the Jews. Then they stripped Him back down and sent Him to be killed - but they did not know He went willingly to die even for they who mocked Him in heir sin. He then died for them while they were still sinners. So now His death is for all who sin, who mock and scorn God and refuse to do what He said is right. He waits for them as He calls to turn and be made new...
27 Then the soldiers of the governor took Jesus into the Praetorium and gathered the whole garrison around Him. 28 And they stripped Him and put a scarlet robe on Him. 29 When they had twisted a crown of thorns, they put it on His head, and a reed in His right hand. And they bowed the knee before Him and mocked Him, saying, “Hail, King of the Jews!” 30 Then they spat on Him, and took the reed and struck Him on the head. 31 And when they had mocked Him, they took the robe off Him, put His own clothes on Him, and led Him away to be crucified.
The whole garrison of about 500 men watched as Jesus was mocked and hit in scorn that He should be called a king of the Jews. Then they stripped Him back down and sent Him to be killed - but they did not know He went willingly to die even for they who mocked Him in heir sin. He then died for them while they were still sinners. So now His death is for all who sin, who mock and scorn God and refuse to do what He said is right. He waits for them as He calls to turn and be made new...
Friday, August 7, 2015
His Blood on Our Hands
Matthew 27:15, 20, 25-26
15 Now at the feast the governor was accustomed to releasing to the multitude one prisoner whom they wished.... 20 But the chief priests and elders persuaded the multitudes that they should ask for Barabbas and destroy Jesus. ... 25 And all the people answered and said, “His blood be on us and on our children.” 26 Then he released Barabbas to them; and when he had scourged Jesus, he delivered Him to be crucified.
Jesus was innocent, yet the hardened hearts of the religious rulers moved the masses to have Him put to death; the irony is that Jesus allowed it in order to die in their place, not just that of Barabbas. While they were sinners, Jesus died in their place; they (and we all) deserved death as punishment for sin, yet mercy and unwarranted favor overcame the penalty. His blood is on all our hands as the human race, yet He offers the same blood to cover our sins forever! How unsearchable are His ways.
15 Now at the feast the governor was accustomed to releasing to the multitude one prisoner whom they wished.... 20 But the chief priests and elders persuaded the multitudes that they should ask for Barabbas and destroy Jesus. ... 25 And all the people answered and said, “His blood be on us and on our children.” 26 Then he released Barabbas to them; and when he had scourged Jesus, he delivered Him to be crucified.
Jesus was innocent, yet the hardened hearts of the religious rulers moved the masses to have Him put to death; the irony is that Jesus allowed it in order to die in their place, not just that of Barabbas. While they were sinners, Jesus died in their place; they (and we all) deserved death as punishment for sin, yet mercy and unwarranted favor overcame the penalty. His blood is on all our hands as the human race, yet He offers the same blood to cover our sins forever! How unsearchable are His ways.
Thursday, August 6, 2015
Silent as Sheep to Slaughter
Matthew 27:11-14
11 Now Jesus stood before the governor. And the governor asked Him, saying, “Are You the King of the Jews?” Jesus said to him, “It is as you say.” 12 And while He was being accused by the chief priests and elders, He answered nothing. 13 Then Pilate said to Him, “Do You not hear how many things they testify against You?” 14 But He answered him not one word, so that the governor marveled greatly.
Jesus did not open His mouth to defend what was already evident in all He said and did to this point. He did not deny who He is, but also did not argue against the slander and false accusations from the religious leaders. He was silent as a sheep to the slaughter, but also knew He was the truth no matter what lies came His way. Do we do the same in Christ? As long as we suffer so for His name's sake, we have assurance and confidence to stand firm and not need to defend ourselves.
11 Now Jesus stood before the governor. And the governor asked Him, saying, “Are You the King of the Jews?” Jesus said to him, “It is as you say.” 12 And while He was being accused by the chief priests and elders, He answered nothing. 13 Then Pilate said to Him, “Do You not hear how many things they testify against You?” 14 But He answered him not one word, so that the governor marveled greatly.
Jesus did not open His mouth to defend what was already evident in all He said and did to this point. He did not deny who He is, but also did not argue against the slander and false accusations from the religious leaders. He was silent as a sheep to the slaughter, but also knew He was the truth no matter what lies came His way. Do we do the same in Christ? As long as we suffer so for His name's sake, we have assurance and confidence to stand firm and not need to defend ourselves.
Wednesday, August 5, 2015
Price of Betrayal
Matthew 27:3-6
3 Then Judas, His betrayer, seeing that He had been condemned, was remorseful and brought back the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and elders, 4 saying, “I have sinned by betraying innocent blood.” And they said, “What is that to us? You see to it!” 5 Then he threw down the pieces of silver in the temple and departed, and went and hanged himself. 6 But the chief priests took the silver pieces and said, “It is not lawful to put them into the treasury, because they are the price of blood.”
The price of betrayal only resulted in remorse, suicide, and a paid for cemetery for strangers. By turning his back on Jesus, Judas brought destruction on himself, and the only good was a place to bury others unwanted or unknown. That was the price of turning away from God in His Son, Jesus Christ. People today risk the same eternity with remorse that will never go away after death if they betray the good news of deliverance from God's wrath on their sin in this life. Oh, that they would be made right with God in Christ!
3 Then Judas, His betrayer, seeing that He had been condemned, was remorseful and brought back the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and elders, 4 saying, “I have sinned by betraying innocent blood.” And they said, “What is that to us? You see to it!” 5 Then he threw down the pieces of silver in the temple and departed, and went and hanged himself. 6 But the chief priests took the silver pieces and said, “It is not lawful to put them into the treasury, because they are the price of blood.”
The price of betrayal only resulted in remorse, suicide, and a paid for cemetery for strangers. By turning his back on Jesus, Judas brought destruction on himself, and the only good was a place to bury others unwanted or unknown. That was the price of turning away from God in His Son, Jesus Christ. People today risk the same eternity with remorse that will never go away after death if they betray the good news of deliverance from God's wrath on their sin in this life. Oh, that they would be made right with God in Christ!
Tuesday, August 4, 2015
Bitter Weeping of Denial
Matthew 26:69-70, 74-75
69 Now Peter sat outside in the courtyard. And a servant girl came to him, saying, “You also were with Jesus of Galilee.” 70 But he denied it before them all, saying, “I do not know what you are saying.” 74 Then he began to curse and swear, saying, “I do not know the Man!” Immediately a rooster crowed. 75 And Peter remembered the word of Jesus who had said to him, “Before the rooster crows, you will deny Me three times.” So he went out and wept bitterly.
Have we ever "wept bitterly" when we had a chance to bear witness to Jesus Christ, but denied Him by our silence or fear of rejection or just going along with others, missing an opportunity for the gospel? Here is hope: Jesus later forgave Peter and he went on boldly to tell others after Pentecost. We also have the same Spirit, and so should we speak.
69 Now Peter sat outside in the courtyard. And a servant girl came to him, saying, “You also were with Jesus of Galilee.” 70 But he denied it before them all, saying, “I do not know what you are saying.” 74 Then he began to curse and swear, saying, “I do not know the Man!” Immediately a rooster crowed. 75 And Peter remembered the word of Jesus who had said to him, “Before the rooster crows, you will deny Me three times.” So he went out and wept bitterly.
Have we ever "wept bitterly" when we had a chance to bear witness to Jesus Christ, but denied Him by our silence or fear of rejection or just going along with others, missing an opportunity for the gospel? Here is hope: Jesus later forgave Peter and he went on boldly to tell others after Pentecost. We also have the same Spirit, and so should we speak.
Monday, August 3, 2015
The Son of God on High
Matthew 26:59, 63-65
59 Now the chief priests, the elders, and all the council sought false testimony against Jesus to put Him to death, ... 63 But Jesus kept silent. And the high priest answered and said to Him, “I put You under oath by the living God: Tell us if You are the Christ, the Son of God!” 64 Jesus said to him, “It is as you said. Nevertheless, I say to you, hereafter you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Power, and coming on the clouds of heaven.” 65 Then the high priest tore his clothes, saying, “He has spoken blasphemy! What further need do we have of witnesses? Look, now you have heard His blasphemy!
These religious leaders demanded Jesus tell them if He is the Messiah, then after putting Him under oath and hearing plainly that He is, they called it blasphemy. Even now scoffers want us to tell them who Jesus is, but not to follow Him - they attack righteousness because what they do is in darkness. They call evil good and good evil. The truth still is true.
59 Now the chief priests, the elders, and all the council sought false testimony against Jesus to put Him to death, ... 63 But Jesus kept silent. And the high priest answered and said to Him, “I put You under oath by the living God: Tell us if You are the Christ, the Son of God!” 64 Jesus said to him, “It is as you said. Nevertheless, I say to you, hereafter you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Power, and coming on the clouds of heaven.” 65 Then the high priest tore his clothes, saying, “He has spoken blasphemy! What further need do we have of witnesses? Look, now you have heard His blasphemy!
These religious leaders demanded Jesus tell them if He is the Messiah, then after putting Him under oath and hearing plainly that He is, they called it blasphemy. Even now scoffers want us to tell them who Jesus is, but not to follow Him - they attack righteousness because what they do is in darkness. They call evil good and good evil. The truth still is true.
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