THE RESURRECTION OF JESUS

THE RESURRECTION OF JESUS

After Jesus was dead, Joseph of Arimathea asked Pilate for the body of Jesus to be taken down of the cross so he could properly bury Him before nightfall.

Joseph was a rich man and an honored counselor - meaning he was an advisor and member of the Sanhedrin who made declarations concerning Jewish laws. Joseph had not consented with the others to have Jesus crucified. He had secretly been a disciple of Jesus yet he boldly went before Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus.

Pilate marveled that Jesus was already dead. Jesus died after 6 long torturous hours hanging on the cross while the two thieves on each side of Him had their legs broken so they would pass soon as well. When it was confirmed that Jesus had passed, Pilate released the body of Jesus to him.

Nicodemus helped Joseph. This is the same Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews, that came to Jesus secretly by night. The same Nicodemus whom Jesus explained to that unless a man is born again of water (Baptism) and of spirit (receiving the Holy Ghost), he cannot see or enter the Kingdom of God. The same Nicodemus that Jesus told him not to marvel that we MUST be BORN AGAIN. (John 3:1-7)

Joseph of Arimathea bought fine linen. Nicodemus brought a mixture of myrrh and aloes. Together, they wound the body of Jesus with the linen and spices as the manner of the Jews is to bury a person. Then they laid him in a new tomb that Joseph had hewn out of stone to use one day for himself. There, they placed the body of Jesus then rolled a stone across the entrance.

(Mt 27:57-60 + Mk 15:25, 42-46 + Lk 23:50-54 + Jn 19:38-42)

There were women (Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of Joses and James) who followed to see where His body was laid. When they saw the place, then they returned home and prepared spices and ointments to anoint His body with then rested on the Sabbath. Perhaps they did not realize that Nicodemus had already wrapped His body with spices nor remember what Jesus had said concerning His burial when Mary, the sister of Lazarus, had poured that sweet perfume over His head then wiped His feet with her hair? (Lk 23:56 + Mt 27:61 + Mk 15:47)

The next day, the chief priests and Pharisees went to Pilate and asked for a guard to be set at the tomb of Jesus. They remembered that Jesus had said while He was still alive that He would rise again after 3 days. They wanted to make sure no one came and stole His body out of the tomb during the night then falsely claim He was risen from the dead. Pilate gave permission so they sealed the tomb and set guards to watch over it. (Mt 27:62-66)

Meanwhile, Jesus’ body may have been in that grave but Jesus was not dead. 1 Peter 3:18-22 tells us that He went to preach to the spirits that were in prison (a holding place - G5438). These are those who had been disobedient at times while God was longsuffering, waiting for people to repent as Noah prepared the Ark. But only a few were saved on that Ark. The Bible tells us that the flood and the Ark is “a like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us.”

On the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and Joanna, and Mary, mother of James and Joses, and other women came early to the tomb while it was still dark out. There was a great earthquake as an angel of the Lord descended from heaven and rolled back the stone from the door then sat upon it. His countenance was like lightning and his raiment was white as snow. (Mt 28:1-4)

The keepers guarding the tomb shook with fear and became as dead men. Then, they quickly went into the city to tell the chief priests what had happened. The council of elders paid the soldiers large sum of money to lie saying that His disciples came and stole the body away during the night while they slept. They assured the soldiers that they would protect them and make sure the governor would not punish them for ‘sleeping’ on the job. ( Mt 28:11-15) 

The women found the stone rolled away and were perplexed as they entered in and found the tomb was empty. They saw two men standing by them in shining garments and became afraid, bowing their faces to the earth. The angel spoke saying, “Why seek ye the living among the dead? he is not here, but is rise: remember how He spake unto you when He was yet in Galilee, saying the Son of man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, and be crucified, and the third day rise again?”

Then they remembered His words. They ran to tell the eleven disciples, but the men thought they were telling tales. (Lk 24:1-11 + Mk 16:1-11 + Jn 20:1-2)

Peter and John began to run to get to the tomb to see if it was true. John outran Peter and stooped down to look in. He did not go inside, but he saw the linen clothes lying there.

Peter arrived and went inside of the sepulchre. He saw the linen clothes lying there as well, but he also noticed the napkin that had been wrapped around Jesus’ head was wrapped together in a separate place away from the linen wrap that had been around His body. John came inside behind Peter and saw everything as well. (Jn 20:3-9) 

It was puzzling - if they had moved the body of Jesus, why did they leave the grave clothes behind? 

The disciples were afraid of what the Jews might do to them for being followers of Jesus, so they had the doors shut at the place where they were assembled. (Jn 20:19) Two of them went that same day to a village of Emmaus that was approximately 7 1/2 miles away. As they talked together about what had happened the past few days, a man began to walk with them. (Lk 24:13-16)

The man asked them, “What is this that you are talking about as you walk and are sad?” One of the disciples named Cleopas asked, “are you a stranger to Jerusalem that you do not know the things that have happened the past couple of days?” The man asked, “What things?”

They began to tell Him about Jesus of Nazareth, which was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people. They Him told how the chief priest and rulers had deliverd him to be condemned to death and crucified.

They continued to explain how they had really thought He was the One which was going to redeem Israel. And that this was the third day since all these things had happened. They told about the women coming to the tomb but finding it empty, claiming they saw angels which told them Jesus was alive. So, some of the men had ran to the tomb to see, and found the tomb empty as the women said.

The man walking with them said, “O fools and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken: Out not Christ to have suffered these things, and to enter into His glory?” Then beginning with Moses and all the prophets, He expounded unto them in all the Scriptures the things concerning Jesus.

As they came near the village of Emmaus, the man continued to walk as if He was going farther. Cleopas and the other disciple insisted that He stay with them because it was getting too late to travel further. So, the man stayed there with them.

As they sat down to eat, the man took the bread, blessed it, and broke it, then gave it to them. When He did this, their eyes were opened and they realized the man was Jesus - then Jesus vanished out of their sight. The two men said one to another, “Did not our heart burn within us while He talked with us and opened the Scriptures?” Despite how late it was, they hurried back to Jerusalem to find the other disciples and tell them what had happened. (Lk 24:13-35) 

As they were telling the other disciples, Jesus Himself stood in the midst of them and said, “Peace be unto you.” Everyone became terrified, thinking they saw a ghost. Jesus asked them, “Why are you troubled and why do thoughts arise in your hearts? Behold My hands and My feet, that it is I Myself. Handle me and see; for a spirit hath not flesh and bones, as ye see Me have.”

Jesus showed them His hands and His feet. They were overjoyed and yet they still struggled to believe what they were seeing was real. Jesus asked them, “Have ye here any meat?” They quickly gave Him a piece of broiled fish and a honeycomb which He took and ate before them to show them He was truly alive. (Lk 24:36-43) 

Thomas Didymus, ‘Doubting Thomas’ as many have called him throughout the years, did not believe that Jesus was alive when the other disciples told him that they had seen the Lord. Thomas told them, “except I shall see in His hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the print of the nails, and thrust my hand into His side, I will not believe.”

Eight days later, the disciples were gathered in a closed room again. This time Thomas was present as Jesus appeared and stood in the midst of them. Jesus looked at Thomas and said, “Reach hither thy finger, and behold My hands; and reach hither thy hand, and thrust it into My sid: and be not faithless, but believing.” Thomas finally believed as he said, “My Lord and my God!” (Jn 20:24-28)

Jesus said to him, “Thomas, because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed.” That’s each of us in present times who have not seen and yet we believe. John records that Jesus continued to do many other signs in the presence of His disciples which he did not write down and record. It makes me wonder what all Jesus did and why John did not write it down for us to know? (Jn 20:29 - 31)

For 40 days after His resurrection, Jesus would appear to His disciples, then disappear again. (Acts 1:3) Jesus He continued to teach them many more things concerning how the things written in the law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the Psalms were written concerning Jesus. (Lk 24:44)

He opened their understanding so that they might understand the Scriptures as He said to them, “Thus it is written and thus it behooved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day: and that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in His Name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.” (Lk 24:46-47) 

He explained that they are His witnesses of these things. Then, Jesus gave this promise, “Behold, I send the Promise of My Father upon you (referring to the Holy Ghost), BUT TARRY YE (He told them to wait) in the city of Jerusalem, UNTIL ye be endued with POWER FROM ON HIGH.” (Lk 24:48-49)

Jesus taught them as He led them out near Bethany to the Mount of Olivet. (Lk 24:50-53 + Acts 1:12)

The disciples then asked Him if He was now going to restore the Kingdom to Israel? But Jesus told them, “It is not for you to know the times or the seasons which the Father hath put in His own power. But ye shall receive power, AFTER that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.” (Acts 1:6-8)

And when He had spoken these things, while they watched, Jesus was taken up and a cloud received Him out of their sight. They just kept watching, looking intently toward heaven, waiting to see what was going to happen next. Suddenly, two men in white apparel stood by them and asked, “Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? This same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen Him go into heaven.” (Acts 1:11)

The disciples obeyed Jesus’ instructions and returned to Jerusalem from Mount Olivet. They went up into an upper room where everyone stayed and prayed until the Promise that Jesus had promised arrived. (Acts 1:14)

There were 120 gathered in that room including Peter, and James, and John, and Andrew, Philip, and Thomas, Bartholomew, and Matthew, James (son of Alphaeus) and Simon Zelotes, and Judas (brother of James), and Mary (mother of Jesus) and Jesus’ brothers were there as well. (Acts 1:13)

They prayed and Peter preached at times for approximately 10 days. And then, when the day of Pentecost was fully come and they were all of the same mind and way of thinking, SUDDENLY there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. (Act 2:1-2)

And there appeared cloven tongues like as of fire which sat upon each of them as they were ALL FILLED with the Holy Ghost and began to speak with other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance. (Acts 2:3-4)

The sound of 120 praying and speaking in other tongues could be heard for quite a ways and the news began to spread rapidly as everyone gathered to find out what was going on. Many were amazed and asked each other, “Are not all these which speak Galilaeans? and how hear we every man in our own tongue where in we were born?...we do hear them speak in our tongues the wonderful works of God.” And they were all amazed - because Galilaeans were considered lower class and uneducated. 

Some doubted. Other mocked and thought they were drunk. Peter heard what was being said of them so he stood up with the other disciples backing him and began to expound the Scriptures to them saying, “Ye men of Judaea, and all ye that dwell at Jerusalem, be this known unto you, and hearken to my words: for these are not drunken, as ye suppose, seeing it is but the third hour of the day. (It’s only 9am) BUT THIS IS THAT which was spoken by the prophet Joel: And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of My Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams: and on My servants and on My handmaidens I will pour out in those days of My Spirit; and they shall prophesy...” (Acts 2:14-18

Then Peter began to expound the Scriptures and how they relate to Jesus. (Acts 2:22-36) When they heard this, they were pricked (convicted) in their heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the Apostles, “Men and brethren, what shall we do?”

Then Peter said unto them, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call.” (Acts 2:37-39) 

Have you received the Holy Ghost since you believed?

Have you been baptized in the name of Jesus since you believed?

The PROMISE is still for everyone today - even as many as the Lord our God shall call.

 

 

THE CRUCIFIXION

 THE CRUCIFIXION - I Wonder How It Makes Jesus Feel?

Last week, we discussed a few of the events that transpired just days before Jesus was to be crucified. It was nearing the time of the Passover commemoration so all Jews made a pilgrimage to Jerusalem where they would celebrate the Feast of the Passover.

Jesus began His entry into Jerusalem riding on a donkey with His followers strawing clothes and palm branches in the way before Him. It was a grand entrance - just as a procession would be held for a King. 

The people shouted “Hosanna!” as He made His way to Jerusalem form Mount Olivet. The Pharisees were disturbed that the people were praising Him in this way and they also knew this could cause a commotion with the Roman soldiers so they told Jesus He needed to tell the people to be silent.

Jesus continued triumphantly into Jerusalem as He let them know that if they do not praise Him, then the rocks would cry out in their place. 

Rather than ride straight to the palace and kick the Romans out as many thought He would, Jesus rode to the Temple and kicked out all that bought and sold within. He was grieved that the Temple had become a place to buy and sell rather than a place of worship and prayer as it was supposed to be.

Jesus left the Temple and went to a town called Bethany, which was only 2 miles away. While there, Simon the Pharisee (whom Jesus had healed of leprosy) invited Jesus and His disciples to dinner. During dinner, Mary (sister of Lazarus whom Jesus had raised from the dead) anointed Jesus’ head with an expensive sweet perfumed which ran down to His feet. Then she knelt down and began to wipe His feet with her hair. 

Judas Iscariot, who was the son of Simon the Pharisee and one of Jesus’ disciples, became indignant and asked why that perfume was not sold and the money given to the poor. He didn’t ask because he cared about the poor but because he was a thief and only cared about the money. Jesus told him and the other disciples to leave the poor woman alone. She had done a good deed toward His burial.

Nobody knew what was truly going on in the heart of Judas. He was the son of a pharisee. He was a disciple of Jesus. He blended in with all the other followers of Jesus. He was a thief, yet no one else knew it but Jesus. His heart became even more greedy and evil as he allowed the wrong thoughts and feelings to fill his heart and mind. This opened a door for satan to enter into him. (Lk 22:3)

Judas secretly slipped away and made an agreement with the chief priests to deliver Jesus into their hands for 30 pieces of silver.

Jesus held what we call the Last Supper with His Disciples. To the Jews, they were celebrating the Passover meal which began on the night before the Passover. They were to sacrifice a lamb then roast it without removing its head, feet, or any inner organ. They also had to be careful not to break any bones of the offering.

The Jews did not understand that this was symbolic and a representation of Jesus becoming the final sacrificial Lamb hanging on the Cross. To the Jews, this meal represented freedom from slavery in Egypt. To the Christian, we understand that this Lamb provides a way for us to become free from the slavery of sin. 

As Jesus was eating this Passover meal, I have to wonder how He felt, knowing that this would soon be Him only a few hours later.

As they ate, Jesus revealed that one of the 12 who were eating with Him would betray Him. Each one questioned and asked, “Is it I?” Finally, Judas Escariot, the son of Simon the Pharisee, asked, “Is it I?” Jesus looked directly at him and said, “Thou hast said.” Then He told him, “What thou doest do quickly.”

Judas quickly got up and left. It amazes me that he was so bold in his betrayal. It amazes me that the rest of the Disciples did not catch what was happening. Even after Jesus plainly said, “Woe to that man by whom the Son of man is betrayed! Good were it for that man if he had never been born.” (Mt 26:24) They just thought Judas was going to buy things they may have needed.

After Judas left, Jesus took the unleavened bread, broke it and gave it to each one trying to teach them the symbolism between their tradition of eating unleavened bread for the Passover and the sacrifice He was about to make for all the world. Leaven was symbolic of sin. He instructed them, “Take, eat: this is My body.” showing them that the unleavened bread was symbolic of the body of a SINLESS Jesus which was broken for us. (1 Cor 11:24)

Then Jesus took the cup and gave thanks then gave it to them instructing and teaching, “This is My blood of the new testament, which is shed for many.”

Jesus warned the remaining 11 disciples that they all would be offended because of Him and scatter that night. Peter adamantly objected stating that even if everyone else became offended, he would not!

Jesus knew what was in Peter’s heart more than Peter knew as Jesus warned him, “I say unto thee, that this day, even in this night before the cock crow twice, thou shalt deny Me thrice.”

It’s easy to say we’ll stand for Jesus and let the world go by. It’s easy to say we’ll die for the name of Jesus, but would we? Peter and all the disciples were put to that test not many hours later.

Jesus led them to the Mount of Olives into a place called the Garden of Gethsemane. (Mk 14:32 + Lk 22:39) The hour was getting close and there was a war within Jesus between the will of the flesh and the will of the Spirit. He instructed His disciples to wait for Him at a certain spot and pray that they would not enter into temptation. (Lk 22:40) 

Then Jesus went a little further, taking Peter and James and John with Him. Jesus is inviting those whom He is calling into a deeper relationship to come with Him a little further. Those are the ones that He will share deeper things in the Spirit with that He will not share with others.

Jesus shared His feelings with Peter and James and John as He said, “My soul is exceeding sorrowful unto death: tarry ye here, and watch.” (Mk 14:33-34) Jesus wanted them to watch and pray as He went a little further, fell on the ground and prayed an agonizing prayer, pleading that if it were possible that the hour might pass from Him “nevertheless not My will, but Thine be done.”

He came back to check on His disciples and found them asleep. Jesus woke Peter up and asked, “Sleepest thou? Could you not watch one hour? WATCH AND PRAY, lest ye enter into temptation. The spirit truly is ready, but the flesh is weak.”

Then Jesus went back to praying His agonizing prayer. As He prayed again, an angel appeared unto Him from Heaven and strengthened Him, but the agony was great as He prayed more earnestly. Knowing the pain and torture He was about to endure caused His sweat to become as it were great drops of blood falling down to the ground. (Lk 22:42-44)

Jesus came and found them asleep again and warned them to watch and prayed. The third time Jesus came back, He found them asleep again. The spirit was willing to pray, but the flesh was weak and wanted to sleep. Because of it, they missed what had transpired while Jesus prayed.

Jesus woke them saying, “Rise up, let us go; lo, he that betrayeth Me is at hand.” 

I have to wonder what the disciples were thinking and feeling at that moment. Their minds were probably still in a fog as they were awaking out of their sleep and trying to understand what Jesus was saying and meaning.

Suddenly, Judas is there as well as a great multitude carrying swords and staves.

Judas walked up to Jesus and kissed Him, saying, “Hail, Master.” for he had told the multitude that whomever he kissed was the one that they were to arrest. Jesus did not fight back. He did call Judas a name...despite his betrayal, Jesus called him, “Friend” as He asked, “betrayest thou the Son of man with a kiss?” (Lk 22:48 + Mt 26:50)

I believe Jesus was reaching one more time for Judas’ soul to let Him know His arms of mercy and forgiveness were stretched out still...if he would only repent.

The disciples were ready to fight for Jesus. Peter grabbed a sword and cut off the right ear of the servant of the High Priest. I wonder if he was trying to prove to Jesus that he wouldn’t betray Him. He was ready to stand and fight. But Jesus told him to put away his sword as He touched the servant’s ear and healed him. (Mt 26:51-52 + Lk 22:49-50)

The chief priests and captains took Jesus and brought Him into the High Priest’s home. Peter followed from afar off. (Lk 22:54-55) It was a chilly night so someone kindled a fire in the midst of the hall. Peter dared to come closer as he took a seat amongst them. 

It was dark. Surely, he would blend in with the crowd. But a certain woman noticed him and pointed out, “This man was also with Him.” Peter became scared and denied it saying, “woman, I know Him not.” The same Peter who said even if everyone else denied Jesus, he would not!

A little while later, someone else recognized Peter and pointed out that he was a follower of Jesus. Peter adamantly responded, “I am not!” An hour later, someone else pointed him out as a follower of Jesus because he is a Galilean. Peter was really scared now as he cursed and swore saying, “I know not the man!” Immediately, the cock crew. (Lk 22:54-62 + Mt 26:74)

Jesus could hear Peter. I wonder how He felt at that moment as He turned and looked at Peter. He never said a word. He just looked at him. Peter looked at Jesus. He quickly left and wept bitterly as he remembered His warning. His spirit had been willing to die for Jesus but his flesh was weak. (Lk 22:61-62)

Those that held Jesus began to mock Him and smite Him. They blindfolded Him and struck Him on the face as they demanded, “Prophesy and tell us who it was that smote Thee?” The spoke many other blasphemous things against Him, yet Jesus opened not His mouth.

The council decided to put Jesus to death so when morning came, they bound Him and led Him away to Pontius Pilate, the governor.

Jesus stood before Pilate. Pilate asked Him, “Art Thou the King of the Jews?” Jesus said unto him, “thou sayest.” The chief priests and elders accused Him of many things before Pilate yet Jesus did not answer them. Pilate asked Him, “Hearest thou not how many things they witness against Thee?” Yet Jesus would not answer causing Pilate to marvel greatly. Most would argue their defense and plead their cause, yet Jesus opened not His mouth.

The Governor had a custom where he would release one prisoner of their choosing on the feast day. He knew the chief priests had brought Jesus to him out of envy so Pilate decided to ask the people which were gathered to the feast which prisoner they preferred to be released....Barabbas or Jesus?

As Pilate sat on the Judgment Seat, his wife pleaded with him to have nothing to do with that just man, Jesus. She told Pilate she had suffered many things in a dream because of Him. I speculate Pilate saw this as a sure way to release Jesus. Barabbas was a murderer while Jesus had done much good and performed miracles amongst the people.

But the crowd began to cry out for Barabbas to be released instead of Jesus. Pilate asked them, “What shall I do then with Jesus which is called Christ?” They ALL said unto Pilate, “let Him be crucified!” Pilate tried to intercede for Jesus, asking, “WHY? What evil hath He done?” But they cried out the more saying, “Let Him be crucified!” 

When Pilate realized their minds were set and there was nothing more he could do, he asked for a pitcher of water, washed his hands before the multitude and said, “I am innocent of the blood of this just person: see ye to it.”

They scourged Jesus with a whip until the flesh of His back was torn wide open. He was bleeding and in pain as the soldiers led Jesus away, stripped Him of His own garment which was clinging to His wounded back replacing it with a scarlet robe. They placed a platted crown of thorns cruelly upon His head and a reed into his right hand, bowed their knee and mocked Him saying, “Hail, King of the Jews!” as they spit on Him and hit Him on the head, driving those thorns down into His skull.

They stripped the scarlet robe back off from Him and placed His own raiment on Him, then led Jesus away to be crucified. As they came out, they found a man of Cyrene, named Simon, whom they compelled to bear His cross all the way up the hill to a place called Golgotha, meaning a place of a skull.

They gave Him vinegar to drink mingled with gall (which was a bitter herb like myrrh to help numb the pain some). When Jesus tasted it, He would not drink it...meaning Jesus felt and endured EVERY TORMENTING PAIN.

They stripped Him of His garment and laid Him on the cross. The wounds on His back festered against the splinters of the cross. Then, Jesus felt every hammer blow and the final thud as they nailed Him to that cruel cross and placed it in the ground. 

He’s hanging there in excruciating pain beyond human endurance coursing through His cold and naked body. The soldiers continued to mock as they gambled to see who was going to get His clothes. They sat there and watched Him, but every time they or anyone looked at the cross, they would see the sign above His head which read, “THIS IS JESUS THE KING OF THE JEWS.”

Those that passed by reviled Him, wagging their heads. Some mocked, saying, “Thou that destroyest the Temple and buildest it in three days, save Thyself. If Thou be the Son of God, come down from the cross.” Others mocked, “He saved others yet Himself He cannot save.” 

For 3 hours, from noon until 3pm, there was darkness over all the land. For 3 hours, Jesus writhed in torturous pain, gasping for breath. Until finally, He cried out, “Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani?” (meaning: My God, My God, why hast Thou forsaken Me?” Then Jesus cried out again and died.

Suddenly, there was a great earthquake and the veil in the Temple was torn in two from the top to the bottom....a feat that only the hand of God could do. The centurion and soldiers with him became very afraid, saying, “Truly this was the Son of God.”

Joseph, a rich man of Arimathaea and disciple of Jesus, went boldly before Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus so that he may bury Him. Pilate marvelled that Jesus was already dead and called for the centurion to confirm the news. When it was confirmed, Pilate gave permission to take His body down so Joseph could bury Jesus.

Joseph bought fine linen and wrapped Jesus’ body in that linen then laid Him in his own new tomb, which he had hewn out of the rock. Then he rolled a stone across the door, and departed. Mary Magdalene and the other Mary (possibly Lazarus’ sister) sat nearby. They had not had time to anoint His body for burial, but Mary had already anointed it with her expensive perfume when she had poured it over His head only a few days prior.

It seemed it was over.

Jesus was dead and buried.

It seemed hope had died with Him.

----------------------------

Easter (Resurrection morning) is only a few days away.

This holiday is supposed to be when we remember all that Jesus went through to purchase our Redemption. The pain. The agony. The scourging. The blood. The nails. The cruel cross of Calvary.

 

And yet, Jesus is not the first thing that comes to most people’s minds when they think about Easter. They think of the family gathering to have a special dinner with kids squealing in delight as they hunt for Easter eggs afterward.

They all exlaim excitedly about what the easter bunny left for them to find.

There will be lots of candy and decorations with Easter eggs and bunnies and chickies and vibrant spring colors. 

Rarely will you find any symbols that commerate the true reason for what Easter is about. Rarely will you find anything that reminds a person of the Cross, the Crown of Thorns, the empty tomb or the intense suffering and excruciating pain that Jesus went through to purchase our salvation.

Sadly, there are many who will not go to Church rarely or at all - yet on Easter they will seek out a Church that has fun things going on for the kids. And Churches are glad they come, even if for that one day out of the year.

But....I wonder how it makes Jesus feel?

It should have been each of us hanging on that Cross. We deserve to die for our sins, but instead Jesus took our place.

He went through hours of pain beyond the threshold of what normal flesh can endure, and yet He did it because He loves us.

I often wonder how it makes Jesus feel when the focus of Easter is centered more-so around eggs and bunnies than about the Lamb of God who died in our place.

I really do wonder how it makes Jesus feel?

I don’t ever want to treat His sacrifice lightly. There’s a song that asks “Does He Still Feel the Nails?”

We must never allow the focus of Easter become more about anything other than Jesus and His sacrifice. Because I want Jesus to know I remember, I am grateful and I care how He feels.

 

 

 

 

 

Press Toward the Mark

 I PRESS

toward the mark 

for the prize

of the HIGH CALLING of God

in Christ Jesus 

Philippians 3:14

The definition of "press" means to "move or cause to move into a position of contact with something by exerting continuous physical force."

"High calling" means God has extended an invitation. (Strong’s G2821)

Our goal (the mark we're pressing toward) is to obtain the prize of the high calling that God has invited us to. 

Living for God is not easy.

Some are trying to make it fun and frivolity.  

But living for God - not self - will bring battles and pressures in your mind and body that will wear you down. 

The only way you can obtain the goal and receive the prize of the high calling of God is by exerting continuous physical force through prayer and fasting.   

You'll feel it in your body - because you are engaged in a spiritual war.

The devil knows he has but a short time so he's fighting those who live for God hard.

But keep pressing and don't give up.  

The prize is just ahead. 

It will be worth it all when we see Christ. 

Keep pressing!

WHAT CAUSED JUDAS TO BETRAY JESUS?

What Caused Judas to Betray Jesus?

My mind keeps thinking about Judas and his betrayal of Jesus.  

I marveled that he could look Jesus directly in the eyes and so innocently ask, "Is it I?" when Jesus mentioned that one of the twelve present would betray Him.

I marveled that he would not flinch as Jesus looked him in the eye and responded back, "thou hast said."

I marveled that he would quickly get up and leave after Jesus looked directly at him and said, "what thou doest do quickly" knowing Jesus knew what he was about to do. Yet he went out to do it anyway.  

As I pondered on these things, it came to me:

JUDAS HAD A CRITICAL SPIRIT.

He criticized Mary for pouring the expensive perfume over Jesus' head instead of selling it and giving the money to the poor. (Not because he cared about the poor but because he was a thief.)

It appears he became OFFENDED when Jesus rebuked him in front of everyone telling him to leave the woman alone. She was doing a good deed toward His burial. It was after this that Judas slipped away and consulted with the chief priests to deliver Jesus to them for 30 pieces of silver. 

His CRITICAL SPIRIT caused him to become OFFENDED which opened the door satan to enter into him. (Lk 22:3) Which then led him to be so callous and bold in his betrayal. He had something already brewing in His heart toward Jesus or he would not have sought opportunity to betray Him. 

An OFFENDED and CRITICAL SPIRIT caused him to find faults where there were no faults.

An OFFENDED and CRITICAL SPIRIT caused him to turn against the One who knew he was a thief yet let him continue keeping the money bag without revealing his sin. 

An OFFENDED and CRITICAL SPIRIT caused him to despise and reject the One who was reaching for his soul and called him "friend" even as he callously gave the betrayal kiss.

An OFFENDED and CRITICAL SPIRIT opened the door for satan to enter into him.

An OFFENDED and CRITICAL SPIRIT caused him to hang himself rather than repent and make it right with Jesus as Peter did after he denied Him.

The story of Judas is a lesson to us all to beware and guard against OFFENDED and CRITICAL SPIRITS....

🥺 They only lead downward to spiritual death and ruin. 

🥺 They will cause a person to find fault where there is no fault. 

🥺 They will cause a person to turn against the one who is trying to help them. 

🥺 They will cause a person to wound someone who is innocently trying to do a good deed for Jesus. (Example: Mary)

The story of Judas is a lesson to us all to beware and guard against OFFENDED and CRITICAL SPIRITS lest we fall into the same snare.

Good Friday thoughts

It's Good Friday, yet it is the true "black Friday" 

It was a dark day...for 3 hours...as Jesus hung writhing in excruciating pain on that cruel cross.

Today is the day we are supposed to reflect and  remember all that He endured to purchase our salvation. 

We are supposed to remember the scourging that tore His flesh wide open. 

We are supposed remember the crowns of thorns piercing His brow as the blood ran down. 

We are supposed to remember the nails piercing His hands and feet.

We are supposed to remember the agony He went through for hours upon hours for you and for me.

But we don't want to remember.  

It's gory.  It's brutal.  It's repulsive.

Or perhaps we've become too desensitized to the suffering of another because movies make it seem like just another show?

This weekend is supposed to be centered around Jesus' sacrifice and His Resurrection to give us a chance to obtain new life.

And yet.....

Jesus is not the first thing that comes to people's minds when they think of Easter. 

They think of the family gathering to have a special dinner with kids squealing in delight as they hunt or Easter eggs afterward. 

They all exclaim excitedly about what the Easter Bunny left for them to find. 

There will be lots of candy and decorations with Easter eggs and Easter bunnies and chickies and vibrant Spring colors. 

Even Churches - we see the main push is Easter egg hunts to get people to attend. 

And I wonder how that makes Jesus feel?

In stores - Rarely will you find any symbols that commemorate the true reason for what Easter is about.

Rarely, will you find anything that reminds us of the Cross, the crown of the thorns, the empty tomb, or the intense suffering and excruciating pain that Jesus went through to purchase our salvation. 

Because bunnies and eggs sell better than anything to do with Jesus' sufferings.

And I wonder how that makes Jesus feel?

People think I'm odd because I do not participate in egg hunts or decorate with easter bunnies and chickies. 

Jesus paid too great a price on this weekend. 

So, I strive to keep the focus centered around the price He paid.

Because I really do wonder how it makes Jesus feel.  

Why I post the way I do...

Why I post the way I do...

I could post about fun things.

I could post about food or coffee. 

I could make you laugh with funny sayings and jokes.

I could post about the sites I see.

I could post about my family. 

And I do sometimes, though it's rare.

Eternity is nearing for every single one of us.

Eternity is nearer for some, more than others.

I sincerely care WHERE each of you, each of us, will spend eternity.  

Many are unaware what it takes to make it.

Many are unaware that there will be some, actually many, to whom Jesus will say, "Depart from Me, I never knew you."

Even those who profess to know Christ. (Mt 7:21)

Even those who will explain to Jesus how they prophesied in His Name,  cast out devils, and done many mighty works. (Mt 7:22)

Yet, He will say, "I never knew you. Depart from Me..." (Mt 7:23)

Why??? Because there was sin in their heart. (Mt 7:23)

Just because we call Him 'Lord, Lord!' does nor mean we'll enter in...only those who do the will of the Father. (Mt 7:21)

What is His will? It's found in God's Word.

Whatever He commands and instructs, we are to do. 

Jesus said those that love Him will KEEP His commandments. (Jn 14:15, 21 + Mt 28:20 + Jn 15:40)

Eternity is nearing for every single one of us.

Eternity is nearer for some, more than others.

So, because I care about where you and where I will spend eternity, 

I'm going to post about Jesus and what is written in His Word more than anything. 

Because many are unaware....

Many are not reading the Bible so they don't know or see...

It does matter what we do for Jesus Christ. 

It does matter how we live our lives.

Obedience to His Word determines WHERE we will spend eternity. 

These thoughts woke me out of my sleep this morning.  Because I care.

Events Leading Up To Crucifixion - I Really Wonder How It Makes Jesus Feel....?

EVENTS LEADING UP TO CRUCIFIXION 

The celebration of the Feast of the Passover was nearing. This was a time when all Jews gathered together and remembered when God had delivered the children of Israel out of Egyptian slavery. At the time of the original Passover, they were instructed to sacrifice a lamb and eat it. They were to take the blood of the lamb and apply it over the windows and doorposts of their homes.

They did not know it at that time that it was a type and foreshadow of what Jesus would one day do for all the world, becoming the sacrificial Lamb, shedding His Blood to make atonement for our sins. 

The Jews were to make a pilgrimage to Jerusalem to celebrate the Feast of the Passover. So, Jesus began to make His way to Jerusalem, as well.

When they came to Bethphage which is near the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent 2 of His disciples to go to a nearby village. He instructed them as to where they would find a donkey with her colt. (Mt 21:1-16 + Mk 11:1-16 + Lk 19:28-40 + Jn 12:12-19)

They were to loose them and bring them to Jesus, and if anyone asked what they were doing, they were to respond, “The Lord hath need of them.” so that Zechariah 9:9 would be fulfilled: “Behold, thy King cometh unto thee, meek, and sitting on a donkey, and a colt the foal of a donkey.” 

The disciples put their clothes on the donkeys before setting Jesus on them. Many spread their garments in the way while other cut down branches off the trees and strawed them in the way. Some went before Him and others followed crying, “Hosanna; Blessed is He that cometh in the name of the Lord! Blessed be the Kingdom of our father David, that cometh in the name of the Lord: Hosanna in the highest!”

Everyone thought Jesus was riding into Jerusalem to kick the Romans out and re-establish the rule and throne of David. Everyone was excited - except the Pharisees. They told Jesus He needed to rebuke His disciples, but Jesus answered, “I tell you that if these should hold their peace, the stones would IMMEDIATELY cry out.” 

I do not want any stone to cry out in my place!

God has done so much for me that I can’t stop praising and worshipping Him!

Jesus began to weep as He looked at the city. He knew they would reject and crucify Him not many days later.

Jesus continued His procession into Jerusalem, but He did not head for the palace as some anticipated He would. Instead, He went into the Temple. A righteous indignation rose up within Him as He began to kick out all those that were buying and selling inside the Temple. In His wrath, He overturned the tables of the moneychangers and the seats of those that sold doves. (Mt 21:12-13 + Mk 11:15-17 + Lk 19:45-46)

He said unto them, “It is written, My house shall be called the house of prayer; but ye have made it a den of thieves!” 

If Jesus did this today, many would accuse Him of not being Christ-like.

The blind and the lame came to Jesus in the Temple, and He healed them. The children in the Temple cried out, “Hosanna to the Son of David!” The chief priests became upset and asked Jesus, “Hearest Thou what these say?” 

Jesus asked them a question in return, “Yea; have ye never read, out of the mouth of babes and sucklings Thou hast perfected praise?” Then He left them and went out of Jerusalem into Bethany where He lodged.

The town of Bethany was near to Jerusalem - John 11:18 says it was 15 furlongs which is approximately 2 miles. Bethany is the town where Lazarus and his sisters, Mary and Martha, lived.

Lazarus was a good friend of Jesus who had died and been closed up in a tomb for 4 days before Jesus finally arrived. Jesus wanted them to roll the stone away, but Martha had protested knowing his body was now decaying and there would be a great stench. Jesus performed a miracle like none had ever seen calling Lazarus back to life after that many days in the grave. Because of this, many believed on Jesus. (John 11:1-45)

A certain Pharisee, named Simon, invited Jesus to come to his house to eat. This Pharisee had a lot to be thankful for - Jesus had healed Simon, the Pharisee, of leprosy. (Mt 26:6 + Lk 7:36 + Mk 14:3)

There were many present at Simon’s house - Jesus was there with His disciples. One of Jesus’ disciples was His future betrayer, Judas Iscariot, who was the son of Simon the Pharisee. (Jn 12:4 + 13:2) Lazarus was there, also, along with his sisters, Martha and Mary.

Several more began to converge to Simon’s house - not just because Jesus was there, but because they wanted to see Lazarus whom Jesus had raised from the dead. The Bible lets us know they were seeking the miracle more than the Miracle Worker. (Jn 12:9)

Martha was busy rushing around serving and taking care of the guests. (Jn 12:2) It was a festive time with the holiday fast approaching. I can only speculate that perhaps the atmosphere was buzzing as many anticipated that Jesus would soon take His rightful place as King of Israel.

But Mary was a little more serious.

She approached Jesus with a pound of very costly ointment of spikenard which she poured on Jesus’ head then wiped His feet with her hair. It caused the house to be filled with the odor of the ointment. (Jn 12:3 + Mt 26:7 + Mk 14:3)

Judas Iscariot, Simon’s son, and some of the other disciples became indignant and asked why the ointment wasn’t sold for 300 pence and the money given to the poor? (that would be equal to $45 back then - in modern times, it would be $300-400)

The Bible explains that Judas didn’t ask this question because he was thinking of the poor - it was because he was a thief and yet he was also the one in charge of keeping money for Jesus. (John 12:4-6 + Mk 14:4-5 + Mt 26:8-9) 

Jesus knew the purpose of Mary’s anointing, even if she nor anyone else understood fully what she did. He asked them why they were bothering her? Then He revealed the purpose for the anointing was in preparation for His burial. (Jn 12:7-8 + Mk 14:6-7 + Mt 26:10-12)

It was custom in those days to wash and anoint a body with expensive perfumes before wrapping the body in a shroud and placing in a tomb.

When Jesus was crucified, it was on the eve of a holy day and they would not have time to wash and anoint Him until a few days after He was placed in the tomb.

This is why the women went to the tomb after He had already been dead for 3 days. They were unsure how they were going to roll the stone away, but they knew they somehow needed to get inside so they could anoint His body as was their custom.

They didn’t understand until after His resurrection that Mary had already anointed His body for His burial - even though Jesus tried to tell them that was the purpose. Their mind was on establishing an earthly Kingdom with Jesus ruling as King so they could not understand the correlation Jesus was making between the anointing and His burial until after He was resurrected.

There were poor all around them and always would be. How much did they try to help the poor at other times? Or even after this? Sometimes it just takes one disgruntled person to stir others up against someone.

Judas already had something in his heart against Jesus or he wouldn’t have betrayed Him. Jesus - the sinless one Who had done nothing but good for others - and yet we find Judas is sowing seeds of resentment and bitterness into the hearts of the other disciples over what began as a good deed.

Jesus knew what Judas was doing, yet we never see where Jesus told him that he could no longer be a disciple. 

Because Judas’ heart was not right, the Bible says satan entered into Judas. (Lk 22:3) Judas slipped away and went to the chief priests asking them, “What will you give me, and I will deliver Him unto you?” The chief priests made a covenant to give Judas 30 pieces of silver, so from that point on he looked for the right opportunity to deliver Jesus to them. (Mt 26:14-16)

On the first day of the Feast of Unleavened Bread, Jesus gathered with His disciples to keep the Passover. When it was evening, Jesus sat down with the 12 disciples. As they ate, Jesus revealed shocking news as He said, “One of you shall betray Me.” (Mt 26:17-21)

They became very sad as each one asked, “Lord, is it I?”

Jesus tried to reveal who it was without directly naming names. “He that dippeth his hand with Me in the dish, the same shall betray Me.” Then Judas asked innocently, “Master, is it I?” Jesus let Judas and everyone know that He knew what Judas was about to do as He said, “Thou hast said.”

Jesus looked at Judas and said, “What thou doest, do quickly.” Judas didn’t deny anything. He quickly got up and left. No one understood that Jesus was calling Judas out. They thought that perhaps Jesus was sending him to buy things they needed for the Feast since he had the money bag. (Jn 13:27-30) 

Jesus continued on with the Passover commemoration in attempt to teach and reveal to His disciples the connection between the Passover meal and the Blood He was about to shed for our Redemption. 

He took the bread and gave it to His disciples saying, “Take, eat; this is My body which is broken for you.” (Mt 26:26)

He took the cup, gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, “Drink ye all of it; for this is My blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.” (Mt 26:27-28)

Then when they had sung a hymn, they went out in the Mount of Olives. Jesus warned, “ALL of you shall be offended because of Me this night...” 

Jesus knew what was about to transpire. He knew Judas was about to betray Him into the hands of those who sought to kill Him. He knew what He was about to go through to purchase our salvation. 

The 11 disciples who were with Him did not understand this was not an ordinary night and their lives were about ready to be turned upside down.

The one thing Jesus asked of them at that moment was to PRAY.

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Easter is less than 2 weeks away. Easter, the time when we remember and commemorate the sacrifice of Jesus on that cruel cross of Calvary to make atonement for our sins.

And yet, Jesus is not the first thing that comes to most people’s minds when they think about Easter. They think of the family gathering to have a special dinner with kids squealing in delight as they hunt for Easter eggs afterward.

They all exlaim excitedly about what the easter bunny left for them to find.

There will be lots of candy and decorations with Easter eggs and bunnies and chickies and vibrant spring colors.

Rarely will you find any symbols that commerate the true reason for what Easter is about. Rarely will you find anything that reminds a person of the Cross, the Crown of Thorns, the nails, the empty tomb or the intense suffering and excruciating pain that Jesus went through to purchase our salvation. 

Sadly, there are many who will not go to Church rarely or at all - yet on Easter they will seek out a Church that has fun things going on for the kids. And Churches are glad they come, even if for that one day out of the year.

But....I wonder how it makes Jesus feel?

It should have been each of us hanging on that Cross. We deserve to die for our sins, but instead Jesus took our place. 

He went through hours of pain beyond the threshold of what normal flesh can endure, and yet He did it because He loves us.

I often wonder how it makes Jesus feel when the focus of Easter is centered more-so around eggs and bunnies than about the Lamb of God who died in our place.

I really wonder how it makes Jesus feel?

We must never allow the focus of Easter become more about anything other than Jesus and His sacrifice.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We sing "To be like Jesus!  To be like Jesus! On earth I long to be like Him..." yet try to be like the world, blend in with the world, and get the world to like us. 

We cannot be both at the same time.  

The closer you get to Jesus,  the less like the world you'll become. 

The closer you get to the world, the less like Jesus you'll become.