Thursday - John 19 - The Greater Sin

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ERE we are again at the foot of the cross. We have already viewed the crucifixion of Christ from the perspective of Matthew, Mark & Luke. But of course, John was there in person when it happened. It is apparent that the events surrounding the death of Christ on the cross were common knowledge among early believers. Also, we must not overlook the fact that the Spirit of God gave these men what they needed (in order to write these gospels) through inspiration (John 16:13). Still, due to his proximity to the action, John's perspective does carry special weight. John was there when Jesus was scourged. He was with Christ when the crown of thorns was forced onto His head. He saw His Savior slapped brutally by hardened soldiers. He surely had these vicious scenes burned into His memory & branded on his heart. Because of this (& more), His account is particularly precious.

Who was the worst sinner in this scene then?  Was it Pilate? He could have set Christ free, who knew He was innocent, but caved cowardly to the desires of the people? Was it the religious Jews? They rejected their own Messiah! Was it the Roman soldiers who physically carried out the bloody sentence? Was it the disciples who fled in fear? Was it (and is it) you or me?  Let's let Jesus make the call.  Though we may feel the guilt or have an opinion about this, Jesus indicated that Judas was the one who was guilty of the greatest sin (vs. 11). Judas was an apostate. He was among those who had the best of access to truth, yet he came to the worst of conclusions. To whom much is given, much is required (Luke 12:48, 2^nd Peter 2:21 & Matthew 26:24). Judas was the ultimate apostate.

Wednesday - John 18 - Jesus' Arrest & Trials

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OHN 18 is chock-full of the notable, the unusual and the unexpected. To begin with, Jesus went out to meet His oppressors when they came into His garden resort in order to arrest Him. It may not be a surprise that He went out to meet His enemies, but it is certainly significant that He went out "knowing all things that would come upon Him" (vs. 4).  He inquired concerning whom it was that they were seeking. Obviously, He already knew. So, He was perhaps only showing His willingness to go through with this awful sacrifice of His body (vs. 11).

In addition to the simple and amazing willingness of Christ to lay down His life for us, the scene we are examining also shouts about the deity of Christ. Jesus' "I am He" quote in vs. 5-6 brings us back to the very name of Jehovah as it was introduced to Moses in Exodus 3:14-15. The fact that Jesus' pursuers fell backward onto the ground at Jesus' claim of His own identity confirms the significance of his choice of words.

The high priest inquired concerning Jesus' theology. Jesus' response was to point them to His ministry of teaching in which He had been engaged regularly for at least over 3 years (vs. 20). Of course, what is even more amazing is that He tolerated the absolute disrespect that was shown toward Him (the Creator) from the very outset of His trial. He had the power of life and death over the officer that struck Him first (vs. 22). And yet, all He did was question the man's motive (vs. 23). It should startle us to realize that Jesus allowed Himself to be bound (vs. 24), and that by a crowd with neither scruples nor even basic common sense (vs. 31). They knew that they had no accusation that would stick on Jesus, much less one that would merit His execution. But they didn't care.  They were determined to have Him killed at any cost.

Tuesday - John 17 - The Lord's Prayer

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E usually call the model prayer (of Matthew 6:9-13 & of Luke 11:2-4) "The Lord's Prayer" - yet really, John 17 is the Lord's prayer. Why is it an amazing read? Because of who was doing the praying! The very idea of the Immanuel praying at all is fantastic. But add to that the content of His prayer and it becomes even more emphatically special and interesting.

He begins His prayer with a request to be glorified so that He could (in turn) glorify His Father (vs. 1). What a beautiful reciprocal relationship of love! Then the remainder of His prayer is built on this premise of the love between the Father and His Son.

The attention that Christ gives to His children in this prayer is also overwhelming. He praised His disciples (vs. 6). He vouched for their faith (vs. 7 & their obedience (vs. 8). He prayed specifically for His disciples (vs. 9). He prayed for unity among His children (vs. 11 & 21). He sought for their (and our) joy (vs. 13 & 20). He spoke of us as if heaven is already our homeland; as if we are native to heaven and foreign on earth (vs. 14 & 16). He prayed that we would have victory (vs. 15). He interceded for our sanctification (vs. 17). He petitioned the Father for our imputed perfection (vs. 22-23). He asked that He might inhabit His people (vs. 23 & 26). He asked that we might become conduits of His grace and of His testimony (vs. 23). He prayed for our acceptance into the Father's heavenly presence (vs. 24). He prayed that we would be conquered by love (vs. 26). These are the elements of the real Lord's prayer.

Monday - John 16 - Resurrection Power

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ESUS spoke of going away. There are 2 possibilities concerning what He was speaking about: His death or His ascension. I'm taking both. The thing He had said was that He was going away (John 16:6). We know that His death would bring a temporary intermission in His fellowship with His disciples. Then, His ascension would bring in a new dispensation; a new paradigm altogether. And both interruptions would conclude with a resurrection and reunion. His disciples did not understand this. They thought that the Messiah would live on the earth forever. So, if Jesus was the Messiah then they expected Him to continue as He was forever (John 12:34). His pending departure caused them to be confused and troubled.

It is the resurrection of Christ that transforms lamentation into rejoicing (John 16:20-24). It is the same resurrection power that gives us access to the Father (Romans 4:25, John 16:23 & 26). It is the power of God. And, God's power can produce love in the hearts of men who were once dead. The power of our living God is strong enough to affect faith in the hearts of men (who have had a predisposition toward doubt). God's power can make eternal spiritual truths perceivable to eyes that have been blind. God's power can take scattering cowards and turn them into a unit of gritty missionaries and willing martyrs. His power can give peace amid a storm. His power is out of this world.

Friday - John 15 - Abiding

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N Genesis 29 we have the record of Laban inviting Jacob to abide with him. The invitation was a 7-year invitation that turned into more than twice that length of time. In that context, it is easy to see what Laban meant. "Stay here. Continue with me. Remain in my house. Be a part of my family." As opposed to moving on to another place and looking for another opportunity, Laban offered to allow Jacob to dwell with him; to live with him. 

That simple illustration is helpful in clarifying the doctrinal meaning of Christ's words in John 15. Jesus challenged His disciples to abide in Him. "Stay with Me! If you stand with Me and I stand with you, you will be spiritually fruitful." Jesus was not speaking about salvation, but of sanctification and service. He speaks of "branches" (John 15:2). A branch belongs to the vine & is an extension of the vine. If a branch is attached physically and continually to the trunk of the vine, it can be productive, but if the branch ceases to draw the sap from the vine, it cannot be fruitful. In fact, it will die. And what purpose is there in a dead or an unproductive branch? A farmer will surely cut away the dead wood from a vine in every case.

Jesus said, "I am the true vine, and My Father is the farmer" (John 15:1). We are branches "in Him" (John 15:2). We are His children; His offspring. As His children, we are  pruned  and  improved continually. His words have a constant effect on us. He produces fruit through us – but only as we volitionally abide in Him.

Thursday - John 14 - Let Not Your Heart Be Troubled

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OST of us know what it means to have a troubled heart. Fear, doubt, stress, loss, sadness: a variety of negatives can bring the dark clouds of trouble into our hearts. Jesus assured His disciples that this was not His objective. He told them that they could trust Him (John 14:1). He pointed to the end of their journey (John 14:2). Even if there were some shadowy hard times on the horizon, Jesus assured them that He had been beyond the horizon, and that He would be there again;  this time with them. In fact, He promised to personally bring them to their ultimate destination (John 14:3). They had Him, there was nothing else that they needed (John 14:6). He was divine (John 14:9-11). And, His plans for them were perfect (John 14:12). They needed to know that He and His Father were truly generous (John 14:13-14). There was nothing to worry about.

Now, Jesus dealt (at length) with what the journey was going to look like for His apostles. First, He laid down the basic battle plan: love and obedience (John 14:15). What could the Christian  church accomplish without love for Christ or without obedience to His  word?  Nothing. At least nothing positive of eternal consequence.

Then Jesus promised to protect His followers. Why should we have troubled hearts when we have the Almighty Comforter living in us (John 14:16)? We shouldn't (John 14:27)! The Spirit of Christ is infused into the children of God in this church age. Of course, the apostles did not have this blessing yet, because they still had the incarnate Christ. But they WOULD soon receive the Spirit on Pentecost, at which time these promises of Christ would be fully realized (John 14:26). They were destined to become temples for the Trinity – just as you and I are today (John 14:23). Is it reasonable to be troubled when you have  the Father, Son and Holy Ghost living in us? Hardly! And yet, sometimes we are, aren't we? Having Jesus – the way, the truth and the life – we are set. Rejoice in this! Believers are now partners with the Almighty!

Wednesday - John 13 - Jesus Christ, Simon Peter & Judos Iscariot

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HIS chapter presents the record of 2 rather intimate conversations between Christ and 2 of His disciples. John 13:1-17 tells us about Jesus washing His disciples' feet, particularly Peter's feet. John 13:32-38 focuses on Peter as well. In both cases Peter gets special attention in the story, not so much due to the intentions of Christ, but due to Peter's impetuous responses. In other words, not all the attention directed at Peter is positive (vs. 38). And, John 13:18-31 reveals the awful demise  of Judas & his betrayal of the Messiah; the Savior of the world.

Truly though, Jesus is (appropriately) the real focal point of this section. Peter and Judas are good examples of sinners, but the Savior is central. Jesus celebrated His last Passover meal with His disciples; those He loved so deeply (John 13:1). After that meal, Jesus served these men (including Judas) by washing their feet. What a scene; the Creator washing the feet of His creatures (John 13:4)! Of course, Peter famously resisted Jesus' ministry (John 13:8). Perhaps Peter's reasons were at least partially wholesome, but Jesus had some other things in mind; namely, He was teaching humility (and ministry) by example (John 13:14). Beyond that, Jesus also taught us some things about salvation and sanctification (John 13:10, 13-15 & 17).

Tuesday - John 12 - The World is Gone After Him

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S we try to evangelize our world, don't we wish the enemies of the cross could honestly  say, "The whole world has gone after Christ!" Sadly, we can't. The world continues on (for the most part), as if the Christ did not exist. But He does! This same Jesus who raised Lazarus from the dead, is alive and well today. He is seated at the right hand of the Father, and it is our privilege to spread this good news, until the whole world knows.

Why shouldn't the whole world follow Jesus? He is worthy of great praise! The unusually extravagant public display of worship (that Mary put on after her brother's resurrection) was truly not extravagant at all; not when we consider who it was that she was worshipping.  We should all be willing to pour out our wealth and reputation onto His feet (John 12:3). We should be shouting His praises as Jerusalem did on the day of His triumphal entry (John 12:13). Our praise for our Savior should be so voluminous, so consistent, so passionate and convincing that we would leave the impression that the "whole world has gone after Christ " (vs. 19).

Monday - John 11 - Friends of Christ

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HIS story (of Jesus raising Lazarus from the dead) reveals to us 2 very different facets of Christ's life and ministry. The story is simultaneously a presentation  of  Jesus' private and public actions and attitudes. Of course, there was perfect consistency in Christ, but the care that Christ had for those who  were closest to Him (in this situation) is truly remarkable. Specifically, the love that Jesus  had  for  Mary, Martha and Lazarus was something very special (John 11:5).

Before he died, Lazarus was sick. Jesus was so close to Lazarus that Mary and Martha sent word to Jesus about Lazarus without even having to use Lazarus' name (vs. 3). He was simply called "the one you love" - or as we might say, your best friend. It is noteworthy that Jesus did not rush to Lazarus' side immediately (vs. 6). He knew the reason for this ailment. The glory of God was about to be revealed to Mary and Martha (vs. 40), and to the whole community (vs. 4). Jesus literally allowed Lazarus' suffering to continue, and for death to come upon him, so that the maximum possible honor could be given to the Father.

The great glory of God connected with resurrection power is seen marvelously here in this story (John 11:43-45). But greater scenes were to follow. Not  too long after this Jesus would die and be raised as well (John 11:50-52). And how about our own resurrection?  What glory there will be when Jesus returns and the graves burst open! He will receive great glory through the death and resurrection of all His friends, not just Lazarus'.

Friday - John 10 - Sheep

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'M a sheep. Are you a sheep? Jesus is the Shepherd of the sheep. There are many people who are not sheep. They never have been, and never will be His sheep. But clearly, He does have sheep – that is, people who belong uniquely to Him (Psalm 100:3). For whatever reason (John 10:10), there are many who want access to the sheepfold, but they are averse to getting in the right way. They are opposed to the Shepherd. They object to the standard of coming exclusively through the Messiah. In this chapter, great emphasis is placed on the fact that God's sheep recognize His voice and respond to it. Of course, His very explanation was not heard by most of His audience, precisely because they were not His sheep (John 10:6). But those who were His (who belonged to Him) were able to listen and understand (John 20:27).

Of those who are not sheep, some could be called goats; others were wolves, thieves and hirelings. The problem with not being a sheep is of course that there is no salvation for those who are not sheep (John 10:15 & 26). Christ laid His life down willingly for His sheep – specifically, for both Jewish and non-Jewish sheep (John 10:16). And, the best news of all is that His sacrifice is permanently efficacious in giving life to the sheep – not temporarily, but eternally (John 10:28-29). This is the glorious eternal security which is so precious to us who have it and hold it. Of course, those sheep that don't hold to the doctrine of eternal security do indeed still have eternal security, whether they realize it or not.

Thursday - John 9 - A Blind Man's Perspective

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HERE is a very real question about who was really blind in this story. The young man who was born with physical blindness found healing in Christ. But, how about the Pharisees' blindness? Their unwillingness & inability to see the obvious truth concerning Jesus Christ was a tragic blindness much worse than any mere lack of physical sight. Jesus was the light of the world. More than just helping this one man to see light, Jesus was there to help everyone to see spiritually.  But many would not see.  They chose not to see. Their blindness was willful. They just kept their spiritual eyes closed. That's all.  And if anything, they were worse off when this day had passed than they had been when it began (John 9:39).

There are some real top-notch lines in this chapter. Jesus' correction of His disciples is significant (vs. 3). Christ's reminder to them that there would come a time when His work would cease (vs. 4), that too was rather significant. But the best lines come from the healed man, "Whether Jesus be a sinner or no, I know not: one thing I know, that, whereas I was blind, now I see" (vs. 25). And, "I have told you already, and you did not hear" (vs. 27). Again, & best of all, "Why herein is a marvelous thing, that you know not from whence He is, & yet He has opened mine eyes" (vs. 30).

Wednesday - John 8 - Sins & Stones

  

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NDERSTANDABLY, people who live continually in sin have a tendency to have an aversion to the Word of God. However, at the same time some rebels love to quote the first part of John 8. It is the story of a woman who was caught in the very act of adultery. Jesus famously responded to her accusers with, "Let He who is without sin cast the first stone," & to her, "Where are your accusers?" &, "Neither do I condemn you..." Folks who don't want to be judged or reprimanded for some vice that has come to dominate their life may find comfort in Jesus' kindness to this woman. But of course, we should remember that Jesus also said to her, "Go, & sin no more" (vs. 11). Jesus is the one person who is uniquely qualified to deal with sinners graciously while also dealing with sin strictly. The Pharisees & scribes in Jesus' audience had a habit of dealing strictly with other’s sins but loosely with their own. In this case they wanted to stone this adulterous woman (vs. 5), but they were not willing to deal with their own faults (vs. 7 & 9). And, after the woman had been set free, the religious crowd turned on Jesus, desiring to stone Him instead (vs. 59).

It's hard to image someone being so self-righteous that they would forcefully intrude literally into the very bedroom of private home in order to catch a sinner sinning, not so that they could stop the sin, but so that they could win a debate with a local religious teacher. It is interesting that they did not bring the guilty male; just the female. Of course, that was no problem to them because they were motivated only by a desire to humiliate Jesus publicly (John 8:6). We know that the opposite happened. They were the ones who ended up being humiliated.

Tuesday - John 7 - Nobody Has Ever Spoken Like This

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N John 7:46 we can read one of the most succinct and thoroughly accurate descriptions of Christ to be found anywhere: "Never man spoke like this man." The red letters of the New Testament are certainly enamoring. The depth and breadth of His every statement provides an inexhaustible resource of spiritual truth. Let's consider just a few of His power packed proclamations from this chapter.

In John 7:6-8 Jesus explained why He was hated so intensely. In short, Jesus was despised because He was willing to tell people where they were wrong. He exposed their vices. At least, that was the foundation of their hatred for Him. They also got rather hot under the collar every time Jesus began associating Himself closely with His heavenly Father. In John 7:16-19 & 33-34 Jesus clearly declared yet again that He was uniquely sent from heaven to teach the truth of the Father. Beyond that, He criticized His audience for their reaction against Him, saying that none of them were guiltless.

In John 7:21-24 Jesus raised a question about the Jews' understanding of their own laws. They did not understand the spirit and purpose of the Law, AND they lacked knowledge about God as well. They knew Jesus' reputation and story, but they did not know His Father. They were not the children of God. Finally (in this chapter), Jesus boils His message down as simply as it could be put (John 7:37-38). "Come to me. Believe in Me.  I will give life to you."  These words and others drew some men to Christ; but drove others away from Him – which is still the case today.

Monday - John 6 - The Work, The Will, & The Word of God.

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HIS lengthy chapter begins with accounts of Jesus feeding 5000 people with just a small sack of food, of Jesus walking on the water and of Him calming a storm. In these stories we can easily find Jesus doing the work of God – that is, His Father's work. We know that He was doing the will of His Father. And, we know that He was speaking His Father's words. But, how about us?  How can we be involved in this triad of wholesome and healthy spiritual realities? Jesus gives us some very specific answers in this chapter (John 6:29, 40 & 63).

We might think that the work of God would be best exemplified in this chapter by the disciples' organization of the crowd, their distribution of bread or their collection of the leftovers, but Jesus said otherwise. The work of God was found in them in their conclusion (which followed the miracle): "This is of truth that prophet that should come into the world" (John 6:14). Belief in Christ and in His claims about Himself – that is the work of God. For anyone to come to this correct conclusion, God must work in that person. Belief (faith) is the thing that God wants from us. If we aim to work the works of God, believing on His Son is the place to start (John 6:28-29). It is the Father's will and pleasure to have us come to Him through His Son. It is belief in His words that brings life to the dying soul. If we intend to be involved in the work of God, if we desire to do His will, if we expect to learn and know His words – it all begins and ends with faith in His Son.

Friday - John 5 - Father & Son

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ESUS was sent to earth by His Father. He was sent on a great mission of mercy. Never mind (for a moment) that Jesus and the Father are both members of the Godhead (even recognizing the great hierarchy of the Father, Son and Spirit – we can say without apology or hesitation that both the Father and the Son are somehow separate but equal members of the Holy Trinity. See 1^st John 5:7). And, Jesus' audience knew very well what He was claiming about Himself. Jesus represented the Father when He came to earth. He came with power and authority. He came to save, to give life, to forgive, and to liberate. He came to rescue sinners. There were problems though. The Jews did not believe that Jesus was divine. They didn't believe that He was a messenger from heaven. They did not believe that God was His Father. And, they had no interest in His mission.

There were some folk who were looking for help though. John 5 commences with the story of the healing of the infirm man at the pool of Bethesda. He had been waiting for decades for God's help. Jesus brought Him the aid he needed (John 5:6). Jesus healed Him. No angels or holy water were needed. But it was Saturday. The same Jews who failed to recognize the Son of God were very quick to recognize an apparent “violation” of their pet laws.

Thursday - John 4 - Compassionate Confrontation

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OME Christians are good at compassion but weak when it comes to confrontation. Sadly, there are others who don't mind confronting anybody and everybody about anything and everything, but they lack compassion. Jesus was a master at both, and He used them well together.

The bulk of this chapter deals with the well-known story of the woman at the well. She was a Samaritan; an outcast in the eyes of the Jews. As an adulterous woman (having had multiple husbands and living with a man who was not her husband), she was an outcast even in her own town. But the day she met Jesus was a good day for her. Jesus did not reject her. From the moment He met her, He went against the cultural norms that she would have anticipated. As a Jew, His very presence in Samaria was unusual. And, she was especially surprised that He was willing to speak to her (John 4:9). Beyond that, His conversation was not just cursory and cordial; He carried on a meaningful and personal dialogue with her about the most significant of spiritual truths. This was truly a show of unfamiliar respect for her. His kindness was perfectly balanced though. He didn't compromise the truth in order to keep the conversation going. He mixed His sincere compassion for her with a proper measure of confrontation. He confronted her with her moral failures, but offered her acceptance, hope and healing.

Wednesday - John 3 - Belief: It's a Matter of Life & Death

  

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IKE John 1, John 3 is packed with explosive spiritual statements. Of course, we have the wonder of John 3:16, but the potency doesn't end with that one powerful capsule. Several imperative injunctions are evident throughout John 3. Consider a few of the leading lessons taught here by Christ.

Every person needs to be born again. Jesus died for everyone. Those who reject Christ are condemned. Water baptism is the first and most basic way for us to proclaim our faith in God. The options are few.  In fact, the options are exactly two: (1) believe in order to receive God and to live in His love, or (2) do not believe in order to reject God and to die under His wrath. There is no third route to choose. You are on one of two roads.

Nicodemus is one of the most famous “seekers” in Christian history. Even though he himself was a highly educated religious man, he came to Christ with very basic questions. He came at night and alone. He came with some wholesome and acceptable assumptions about Jesus. Yet, he was not yet a child of God. He lacked that one crisis moment of decision through which one can turn from his father the devil, to the heavenly Father; the living Lord of glory. Nicodemus had never accepted that physically unperceivable spiritual transaction that is necessary in order to understand spiritual truths. Nicodemus lacked faith (John 3:12). Jesus therefore offered him the easiest solution imaginable. If there were doctrines that Nick could not fathom in order to believe them, Jesus simply offered Himself as the solution. Such is the gospel of John 3:13-21. The deity of Christ, His crucifixion, the necessity of faith, the damnation of the unbelieving, the love of the Father, salvation, eternal life, the awfulness of sin, the need for repentance, the foundation of election – all of these fundamental soteriological issues were covered simply by Christ in one brief closing monologue. And, praise God, Nicodemus became a believer.

Tuesday - John 2 - Belief: Permanent or Temporary

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WO familiar stories are recorded in this chapter: Jesus turning water into wine at a marriage feast and Jesus cleansing the temple at the time of the Passover feast. Beyond the simple recitation of these two events (and we will only expand on the 1^st of the 2 today), John is beginning a theme here. He talks about belief in John 2, and he will continue with that topic throughout his gospel account.

It is no surprise to us that Jesus had the ability to transform water into wine. From John 1 even, we know that Jesus created this world (and the whole universe) out of nothing, so making wine out of something already in existence was certainly no difficult thing, at least not for Him. Still, the story is given for a reason. From this story we should learn some key things about the incarnate Christ. Just the fact that He attended this wedding feast reveals to us a little bit about the genuine humanity of the Savior.  Again, His willingness to help with a matter that was so obviously temporal shows us something about the practical empathy of Christ. But above all else, His supernatural power was revealed, and with that a block in the foundation of His testimony – that He was the Son of God! His disciples began to be convinced that they had made a wise choice in accepting Jesus' invitation to follow Him. They were indeed following the right leader (John 2:11).

Monday - John 1 - The Word

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OHN'S gospel begins like Moses' Pentateuch, "In the beginning God..." In typical Biblical fashion, this is not just a recitation of an old and accepted truth; no, there is a fresh angle. Here God is called "the Word" – most specifically John is pointing to the second person in the Trinity, Jesus Christ; the Son of God.  There is 100% certainty about who John was talking about here. He was talking about Jesus. And yet, without hesitation or apology he describes Jesus as an absolute equal with Jehovah – not just in power and position, but in chronology (John 1:30). In the beginning Jesus created everything that exists. Oh, admittedly He wasn't called Jesus back then, but He was the same person that John (as a disciple) followed for 3.5 years. John knew Him. John knew Him well (1^st John 1). And, what a wonderful introduction we get here in John 1: an erupting flow of doctrinal descriptions brings us directly into the unveiling of Christ's earthly ministry.

Jesus was the life and the light. John knew that. He also realized that MOST people did NOT know that. Of those who did know that Jesus was the Messiah, many did not understand His program of redemption. And, of those who understood, we know that there were many who did not possess saving repentance and faith. Their lack of faith is not God's fault, of course. Jesus has aimed Himself at every person (John 1:9). He made us. He desires to redeem us; all of us! He began His call to redemption by first inviting the Jews to come to Him.  They refused (John 1:11).  But the call continued and continues (John 1:12).

Friday - Luke 24 - Perplexed, Afraid, Amazed and Joyful

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ON'T you just love reading about the reactions of the disciples to the resurrection of Christ? Talk about a final chapter that reconciles a whole book & makes the story good, nothing compares to the triumphant resurrection of the hero of the Book of Luke. At first Jesus' followers were puzzled. They were perplexed, confused & frustrated (vs. 4 & 22). In fact, the disciples had already been rather bumfuzzled by the death of Christ. They had thought He was the Messiah; the Redeemer of Israel (vs. 21). Even though He had told them about His coming death & resurrection, they just didn't see it coming. How could He rescue His people if He was dead? So, when Christ's tomb ended up empty, wild thoughts began to fill their heads & hearts (vs. 38).

When these same disciples began to "see things" that they had never seen before, inexplicable things, they were downright scared. Angels in Jesus' empty sepulcher, Christ's disappearance from the supper table in Emmaus & His reappearance to the 11 apostles in Jerusalem – these were strange & unexpected occurrences (vs. 4, 31 & 36). Jesus had no desire to frighten His children, but their own doubts & sinfulness stood in the way of spiritual wisdom. But, when the disciples began to realize what had happened, naturally they were astonished & thrilled. The return of their leader after His death was a tremendous surprise & relief. Add to that the message that He bore, & the obvious spiritual power that He possessed, & we can see how the joy of the disciples became understandably boundless (vs. 32-35, 39-41, 45 & 52-53). They worshipped Him with gladness & wonder!

Thursday - Luke 23 - Savage Sounds

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S you read this chapter, be smitten by the many references to the sounds that surrounded Christ's trial & execution. Allow the descriptions of what happened on that day to scream loudly in you mind. The sounds are acrid; hostile; savage. These are the sounds of an enraged race, rebelling against authority; hell-bent on destroying its Maker.

Can you hear the accusatory tone of Jesus' enemies (vs. 2)? As they mixed truth with lies in an effort to get a conviction, these men spat out words that were dripping with malevolence & vitriol. In stark contrast with the mild words of Christ, these hate-mongers' words were biting, cruel and fierce (vs. 5).

Then, listen to the prodding questions of Herod as he continually barrages the silent Christ with his selfish & senseless babble. Herod was trying to incite Jesus to try some of His "magic" – that is, to put on a show for him. And this, while the most religious of all Jews continued to vehemently accuse their Messiah of evil (vs. 9-10).

When Pilate attempted to release Jesus (due to a lack of evidence and the absolute absence of a cause), the mob erupted into frenzied shouts. They required that Jesus be killed; destroyed; crucified (vs. 18 & 21). Their chant was loud & demonic (vs. 23).

They were persistent and insistent. Their tone was demanding & harsh. Hear the agony of Christ bearing His own cross; the gruff conscription of Simon to help Jesus carry it (Luke 23:26); the roar of the crowd; the wailing of the women who lamented & cried as they saw Christ's suffering – & on we could go.

Wednesday - Luke 22 - The Least and the Greatest

  

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HERE are places in the Scripture where it is taught that the way to be great is to be small (Luke 22:26 is one of these places). The way to live is to die, the way to have is to give, the way to lead is to serve, the way to save is to lose, the way up is down, etc. From a simpler perspective though, there are many contrasts in the Scripture that lead us to think about the significance of one thing & the relative irrelevance of another; the goodness of one thing & the evilness of another.

In verses 2 & 4, it was the "great" people who wanted to kill Christ. The common folk did not – at least not initially. In verses 3, 21 & 22, we see that Satan & Judas were the opponents of Christ: evil against good. And, there are other comparisons & contrasts in this text, but the part that stands out most to me is verses 23-24. The twelve apostles were unsure concerning which one among them would stoop to betraying Christ. This issue then evidently led to an argument about who was the greatest of the twelve. Jesus rebuked them for even having this discussion (vs. 25-27). Basically, Jesus said that if HE was willing to serve, then the rest of us should be willing to serve as well. After all, it's our place in the heavenly millennial kingdom that matters, not our place in the current earthly kingdom of Babylon (vs. 29-30).

Now, Peter thought that he was great (vs. 33). Jesus edited Peter's opinion of himself.  Jesus shared with Peter that he was standing in Satan's crosshairs (vs. 31). Jesus informed Peter that his greatness was yet future, & that some things would have to change before that greatness would be realized (vs. 32). Again, Christ went on to encourage Peter to pray for strength (vs. 40 & 46). We know, of course, that Jesus prayed for Peter (vs. 32). No surprise, when it came time to pray, the strength of Christ & the weakness of the apostles became very evident indeed.