Getting to Know Jesus' Passion #30

Today we finally come to the end of Luke's first account. Jesus had done everything the Father had sent Him to accomplish; He had appeared to all His faithful followers; He had given them instructions for what came next.
50 And he led them out as far as Bethany, and lifting up his hands he blessed them. 51 While he blessed them, he parted from them and was carried up into heaven. 52 And they worshiped him and returned to Jerusalem with great joy, 53 and were continually in the temple blessing God.

By blessing them, Jesus was entrusting them to God's care. He then ascended back to heaven, where He promised them to switch places with the Holy Spirit who would come to help them accomplish what He had charged them to do: take the Good News of repentance and forgiveness all over the world.  They got it. They responded by worshipping Him and God the Father, as they waited for God's next promise to be fulfilled: the coming of the Spirit. They knew God keeps His promises and trusted Him to keep them. Do we? 

Getting to Know Jesus' Passion' #29

When Luke introduces book two of his account to Theophilus about Jesus the Christ, he begins with more details about the post-resurrection appearances of Christ.  Acts 1:

In the first book, O Theophilus, I have dealt with all that Jesus began to do and teach, 2 until the day when he was taken up, after he had given commands through the Holy Spirit to the apostles whom he had chosen. 3 He presented himself alive to them after his suffering by many proofs, appearing to them during forty days and speaking about the kingdom of God. 4 And while staying with them he ordered them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the promise of the Father, which, he said, “you heard from me; 5 for John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.

When Jesus appeared to His followers, it was more than show-and-tell; it was very purposeful. It was a time when He gave commands about the commission He was entrusting to them; He presented proofs that He was the promised Messiah; and He prompted them to see that everything they had experienced to that point was just the beginning of what God was going to do.  They were not to live in the past, but look to the future. The past was what Jesus began to do and teach: He has a whole lot more to do and tell, so keep on watching and listening. 

Getting to Know Jesus' Passion #28

Now that we have filled in some gaps by looking at Matthew and John's accounts of Jesus' resurrection appearances, we return to Luke's more detail account in chapter 24

45 Then he opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures. 46 He told them, “This is what is written: The Messiah will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day, 47 and repentance for the forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. 48 You are witnesses of these things. 49 I am going to send you what my Father has promised; but stay in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high.”

First, Jesus spent a lot of time on the scriptures, opening their hearts and minds more and more to how the Old Testament prepared the way for His Passion, including the call for repentance and forgiveness of sins. In response to His resurrection, we too need to be students of the scriptures. Secondly, they had seen something they needed to share: He was sending them, and He is still sending us. Finally, He was sending the Spirit, just as He had promised in the upper room. We no longer need to wait for Him to come. If we are in Christ, He is with us right here and right now, with what we need to go out and share the good news today.  What are we waiting for?

Getting to Know Jesus' Passion #28

We have seen in Luke and John now several encounters the Risen Christ had with some or all eleven of His apostles, and some other disciples as well.  Matthew adds:

16 Now the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had directed them. 17 And when they saw him they worshiped him, but some doubted. 18 And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.

By this point all eleven had already seen him - even doubting Thomas - but some still doubted. What did they doubt? Why did they doubt? Perhaps Jesus' reply will help us understand.  Sure, Jesus was right in front of them, and they had ample opportunity to look and touch to remove any mental doubt, but what difference would it make that He rose from the dead? That question makes sense of His answer: All authority now belonged to Him. The authority Satan tried to tell Jesus he could have by bowing before him was now the Son's given by the Father after He carried out His plan on the cross.  The doubt these disciples struggled with was not so much about the past as the future: "What difference does it make? What now? How can we know where we should go and what we should do? They had taken the first step by coming to Galilee like He had instructed. They could trust Him for every next step; so can we.

Getting to Know Jesus' Passion #26

John records one more apostle the Risen Christ interacted with: himself. John 21: 

20 Peter turned and saw the disciple whom Jesus loved following them, the one who also had leaned back against him during the supper and had said, “Lord, who is it that is going to betray you?” 21 When Peter saw him, he said to Jesus, “Lord, what about this man?” 22 Jesus said to him, “If it is my will that he remain until I come, what is that to you? You follow me!” 23 So the saying spread abroad among the brothers that this disciple was not to die; yet Jesus did not say to him that he was not to die, but, “If it is my will that he remain until I come, what is that to you?”
24 This is the disciple who is bearing witness about these things, and who has written these things, and we know that his testimony is true. 25 Now there are also many other things that Jesus did. Were every one of them to be written, I suppose that the world itself could not contain the books that would be written.

This encounter was actually between Peter and Jesus, but it was about John. First, we find repeated the principle we saw yesterday: Don't compare yourself to others. Followers of Christ have different callings. Secondly, Clarify what Christ has called you to do. John wanted to make sure people did not have the wrong idea: that Jesus' plan was for him to never die a physical death.  Thirdly, testify with words, writing and consistent living.  Like the others, John was called to be a witness, telling others about Christ. Like a few others, he was called on to leave a written record of testimony.  Like all of us who profess Christ, he was called on to live such a life that people will believe what we say and write.  May we follow the same path. 

Getting to Know Jesus' Passion #25

In John 21, Jesus has just made His third appearance to a group of His disciples:

15 When they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?” He said to him, “Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.” He said to him, “Feed my lambs.” 16 He said to him a second time, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?” He said to him, “Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.” He said to him, “Tend my sheep.” 17 He said to him the third time, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?” Peter was grieved because he said to him the third time, “Do you love me?” and he said to him, “Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you.” Jesus said to him, “Feed my sheep. 18 Truly, truly, I say to you, when you were young, you used to dress yourself and walk wherever you wanted, but when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and another will dress you and carry you where you do not want to go.” 19 (This he said to show by what kind of death he was to glorify God.) And after saying this he said to him, “Follow me.”

We know that before this, on Resurrection Day, Peter was one of the first individuals Jesus had appeared to, but we do not know any of the details.  To be sure, since his bold proclamation of faithfulness, and then his dismal denial, Peter and Jesus had a few things to talk about. But Jesus did not dwell on his failure; He just helped Peter see some lessons learned. First, in His first question, Jesus asked:  do you love me more than these? That is the first lesson: Don't live by comparison. We notice Jesus did not repeat that phrase in His second question. The second lesson is that Love Becomes Service. Each time Jesus emphasizes that love for Him is shown by loving care as a shepherd, not being a big boss.  Finally, with the third question, Jesus says: Keep on Serving to the End.  Love lasts - even in the toughest of times. Peter had watched Jesus be taken into custody, mistreated, and mocked, then knew He had been delivered over to death. The same would happen to Peter, and He would be able to carry out the promise of faithfulness he had given in the upper room. May we love God in the long haul.

Getting to Know Jesus' Passion #24

We are looking at the Biblical records of Jesus' Post-Resurrection appearances. We find in John 21:
21 After this Jesus revealed himself again to the disciples by the Sea of Tiberias, and he revealed himself in this way. 2 Simon Peter, Thomas (called the Twin), Nathanael of Cana in Galilee, the sons of Zebedee, and two others of his disciples were together. 3 Simon Peter said to them, “I am going fishing.” They said to him, “We will go with you.” They went out and got into the boat, but that night they caught nothing. 4 Just as day was breaking, Jesus stood on the shore; yet the disciples did not know that it was Jesus. 5 Jesus said to them, “Children, do you have any fish?” They answered him, “No.” 6 He said to them, “Cast the net on the right side of the boat, and you will find some.” So they cast it, and now they were not able to haul it in, because of the quantity of fish. 7 That disciple whom Jesus loved therefore said to Peter, “It is the Lord!” When Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he put on his outer garment, for he was stripped for work, and threw himself into the sea. 8 The other disciples came in the boat, dragging the net full of fish, for they were not far from the land, but about a hundred yards off. 9 When they got out on land, they saw a charcoal fire in place, with fish laid out on it, and bread. 10 Jesus said to them, “Bring some of the fish that you have just caught.” 11 So Simon Peter went aboard and hauled the net ashore, full of large fish, 153 of them. And although there were so many, the net was not torn. 12 Jesus said to them, “Come and have breakfast.” Now none of the disciples dared ask him, “Who are you?” They knew it was the Lord. 13 Jesus came and took the bread and gave it to them, and so with the fish. 14 This was now the third time that Jesus was revealed to the disciples after he was raised from the dead.

By this time, Jesus had already appeared to the 11 remaining apostles, and a number of other disciples. Peter, in a sense, was taking them back into life as usual, but Jesus was taking them back to something that would cause them to remember their lives had changed. They had been in this situation before: fishing all night without nothing; Him calling out to them to case the net a certain place; a haul too big to handle; then, the realization He is Lord. He gave them further reminders with the breaking of the bread and eating of the fish.  He had their full attention, free from clutter. Does He have ours?

Getting to Know Jesus' Passion #23

We have spent this week looking at that first day of Jesus' resurrection appearances to His followers. In his Gospel, John now focuses in on more appearances to individual apostles and various groups of disciples: 

26 Eight days later, his disciples were inside again, and Thomas was with them. Although the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you.” 27 Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here, and see my hands; and put out your hand, and place it in my side. Do not disbelieve, but believe.” 28 Thomas answered him, “My Lord and my God!” 29 Jesus said to him, “Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”
30 Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book; 31 but these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.

All of the other disciples had seen and heard Jesus do this the week before: the appearance, the announcement of peace, the invitation to examine the evidence. This was for Thomas who had not seen. Though he had proclaimed skepticism, he was ready and waiting to believe.  Even though we have not yet seen Jesus, John reminds us we do not need to; we have the evidence and testimony required to believe and trust in Him, so that when He comes we will be ready and waiting. 

Getting to Know Jesus' Passion #22

We have spent the last few months following after Jesus through the Gospel of Luke alone. Now that we are here at the conclusion, it is also helpful to fill in details from the other Gospel writers. First, John 20:

19 On the evening of that day, the first day of the week, the doors being locked where the disciples were for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said to them, “Peace be with you.” 20 When he had said this, he showed them his hands and his side. Then the disciples were glad when they saw the Lord. 21 Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, even so I am sending you.” 22 And when he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit. 23 If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you withhold forgiveness from any, it is withheld.”
24 Now Thomas, one of the twelve, called the Twin, was not with them when Jesus came. 25 So the other disciples told him, “We have seen the Lord.” But he said to them, “Unless I see in his hands the mark of the nails, and place my finger into the mark of the nails, and place my hand into his side, I will never believe.

This was that same first day of the week we have been looking at, when Jesus appeared to Peter and two of His disciples in the breaking of bread. As we have seen, they went back to report, to the other disciples, when Jesus appeared, telling and showing them that He was indeed risen.  He showed them how he fulfilled scripture and renewed the promises of peace and the Holy Spirit He had given the twelve during the last supper. All there were convinced, but one of the twelve, Thomas the Twin, was not there. He needed more than eyewitness affirmation; he needed to see for himself.  What do we do about skeptics today, who cannot physically see the risen Christ? We need to show them the evidence from Scripture, and from our lives.

Getting to Know Jesus' Passion #21

In Luke 24, the day began with the women going to the tomb to care for the body of Jesus, only to find His body gone. The angels had told them He was risen, but they did not see him at the time. Peter and John came to check it out and did not see Him.  They and many other followers of Jesus were wondering if it was true. Then, Jesus began to appear to them one by one: Mary, Peter, the two on the road to Emmaus. These all gathered to share their experiences.

36 While they were still talking about this, Jesus himself stood among them and said to them, “Peace be with you.” 37 They were startled and frightened, thinking they saw a ghost. 38 He said to them, “Why are you troubled, and why do doubts rise in your minds? 39 Look at my hands and my feet. It is I myself! Touch me and see; a ghost does not have flesh and bones, as you see I have.” 40 When he had said this, he showed them his hands and feet. 41 And while they still did not believe it because of joy and amazement, he asked them, “Do you have anything here to eat?” 42 They gave him a piece of broiled fish, 43 and he took it and ate it in their presence.

Jesus had promised all His faithful followers that they would see Him again. He made good on that promise, coming to give them evidence: they saw Him, they all heard Him say the same things; they touched Him and watched Him eat - angels and ghosts do not eat; they are spirits; they don't need to eat. Jesus had risen indeed, just as He said. 

Getting to Know Jesus' Passion #20

Yesterday we looked at the account of the two disciples who were walking home to Emmaus, when this stranger came up and started walking with them, joining in on their discussion of the rumors of Jesus' rising from the dead. What had them really stumped was why Jesus had to die in the first place. The stranger explained to them from scripture why it was necessary, then ultimately revealed Himself to be Jesus the Christ, Who was risen indeed. Luke then comments: 

33 They got up and returned at once to Jerusalem. There they found the Eleven and those with them, assembled together 34 and saying, “It is true! The Lord has risen and has appeared to Simon.” 35 Then the two told what had happened on the way, and how Jesus was recognized by them when he broke the bread.

They returned to report to the group, where they found that they were not the only ones who had seen the risen Christ: Simon Peter had as well.  Notice that they did not come to show off something they knew or had experienced the others had not, but to encourage each other that God's promises are true; what I know I want you to know too.  May that be our perspective as we grow in God's Word and He reveals truths to us - that we want to share, and have shared with us, so we all grow together in Christ. 

Getting to Know Jesus' Passion #19

We are again today in Luke 24, where the disciples have heard reports of Christ's resurrection.

13 Now that same day two of them were going to a village called Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem. 14 They were talking with each other about everything that had happened. 15 As they talked and discussed these things with each other, Jesus himself came up and walked along with them; 16 but they were kept from recognizing him.
17 He asked them, “What are you discussing together as you walk along?”
They stood still, their faces downcast. 18 One of them, named Cleopas, asked him, “Are you the only one visiting Jerusalem who does not know the things that have happened there in these days?”
19 “What things?” he asked.
“About Jesus of Nazareth,” they replied. “He was a prophet, powerful in word and deed before God and all the people. 20 The chief priests and our rulers handed him over to be sentenced to death, and they crucified him; 21 but we had hoped that he was the one who was going to redeem Israel. And what is more, it is the third day since all this took place. 22 In addition, some of our women amazed us. They went to the tomb early this morning 23 but didn’t find his body. They came and told us that they had seen a vision of angels, who said he was alive. 24 Then some of our companions went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said, but they did not see Jesus.”
25 He said to them, “How foolish you are, and how slow to believe all that the prophets have spoken! 26 Did not the Messiah have to suffer these things and then enter his glory?” 27 And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself.
28 As they approached the village to which they were going, Jesus continued on as if he were going farther. 29 But they urged him strongly, “Stay with us, for it is nearly evening; the day is almost over.” So he went in to stay with them.
30 When he was at the table with them, he took bread, gave thanks, broke it and began to give it to them. 31 Then their eyes were opened and they recognized him, and he disappeared from their sight. 32 They asked each other, “Were not our hearts burning within us while he talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us?”

The gospels mostly tell us about the interactions between Jesus and His twelve apostles, as well as the faithful women who were first to hear of the resurrection. But Luke, though his interviewing process was able to talk with some other very faithful followers outside this inner circle. In fact, these two saw the risen Christ before some of the eleven did. They show us a key factor in sincere saints: they have a deep desire to have scripture opened up to them.  May the celebration of Christ's resurrection remind us to go back again into God's Word to have Jesus show us more of God's plan and will for us. 

Getting to Know Jesus' Passion #18

Today, we want to go back and re-read the last paragraph we read yesterday in Luke 24:

 9 When they came back from the tomb, they told all these things to the Eleven and to all the others. 10 It was Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Mary the mother of James, and the others with them who told this to the apostles. 11 But they did not believe the women, because their words seemed to them like nonsense. 12 Peter, however, got up and ran to the tomb. Bending over, he saw the strips of linen lying by themselves, and he went away, wondering to himself what had happened.

If you went to a Resurrection Service at a gathering of believers yesterday, you no doubt heard at least one of the accounts of those who were involved in that experience, as well as some of the evidence presented. What was your first response the first time you heard of Christ's Resurrection? How ready were you to receive it?  Peter's actions in the Gospels are often described as impulsive, as they are here: at first, he did not believe the women's message; it seemed crazy. But he stopped and decided to see for himself; he went and examined the evidence for himself, and he kept on wondering and weighing these things in his mind. If you are still unconvinced of the truth and meaning and power of the resurrection of Christ, don't just let it drop. Go back and look some more.  Listen to the witnesses; examine the evidence; search your heart.

Getting to Know Jesus' Passion #17

We left off yesterday with Jesus' body laid in the tomb to rest during the Sabbath, while those women who had faithfully followed Him went home to prepare spices to anoint Him.

On the first day of the week, very early in the morning, the women took the spices they had prepared and went to the tomb. 2 They found the stone rolled away from the tomb, 3 but when they entered, they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus. 4 While they were wondering about this, suddenly two men in clothes that gleamed like lightning stood beside them. 5 In their fright the women bowed down with their faces to the ground, but the men said to them, “Why do you look for the living among the dead? 6 He is not here; he has risen! Remember how he told you, while he was still with you in Galilee: 7 ‘The Son of Man must be delivered over to the hands of sinners, be crucified and on the third day be raised again.’ ” 8 Then they remembered his words.
9 When they came back from the tomb, they told all these things to the Eleven and to all the others. 10 It was Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Mary the mother of James, and the others with them who told this to the apostles. 11 But they did not believe the women, because their words seemed to them like nonsense. 12 Peter, however, got up and ran to the tomb. Bending over, he saw the strips of linen lying by themselves, and he went away, wondering to himself what had happened.

This was the most overwhelming day of their lives, and in a sense ours as well.  What brought them back to earth and brought joy back to their hearts is found in verse 8: they remembered His words. Yes, this was all part of the plan all along. They now had a message to take back to encourage the others who were waiting and wondering what was next.  They did not have it all figured out at that point; they didn't have to.  All they needed, and all we needed, is the assurance that Christ is Risen, and we need to trust Him for what comes next. 

Getting to Know Jesus' Passion #16

We left off yesterday on what we call Good Friday, in Luke 23, with Christ on the Cross: Today we find:

44 It was now about noon, and darkness came over the whole land until three in the afternoon, 45 for the sun stopped shining. And the curtain of the temple was torn in two. 46 Jesus called out with a loud voice, “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit.” When he had said this, he breathed his last.
47 The centurion, seeing what had happened, praised God and said, “Surely this was a righteous man.” 48 When all the people who had gathered to witness this sight saw what took place, they beat their breasts and went away. 49 But all those who knew him, including the women who had followed him from Galilee, stood at a distance, watching these things.
50 Now there was a man named Joseph, a member of the Council, a good and upright man, 51 who had not consented to their decision and action. He came from the Judean town of Arimathea, and he himself was waiting for the kingdom of God. 52 Going to Pilate, he asked for Jesus’ body. 53 Then he took it down, wrapped it in linen cloth and placed it in a tomb cut in the rock, one in which no one had yet been laid. 54 It was Preparation Day, and the Sabbath was about to begin.
55 The women who had come with Jesus from Galilee followed Joseph and saw the tomb and how his body was laid in it. 56 Then they went home and prepared spices and perfumes. But they rested on the Sabbath in obedience to the commandment.

When Jesus died, a whole not was said: Not so much in words, but more so in actions. First, God spoke with action: deep darkness during the day meant something is very wrong here, when His sinless son died; then the torn curtain into His presence broke that barrier sin had built up. The centurion who presided over the crucifixion said: this is not right. The who witnessed His death beat their breasts with a sound showing it was unjust. But... by sharp contrast His faithful followers hung in there following Jesus' body to the tomb. They were faithful to the end, with plans not to give up even then. May we hear what God is saying. May we listen to the testimony of the professional. May we watch and learn from the faithful women who loved and trusted Jesus. 

Getting to Know Jesus' Passion Day 15

If you think your Friday is full, consider the one Jesus had:
66 When day came, the assembly of the elders of the people gathered together, both chief priests and scribes. And they led him away to their council, and they said, 67 “If you are the Christ, tell us.” But he said to them, “If I tell you, you will not believe, 68 and if I ask you, you will not answer. 69 But from now on the Son of Man shall be seated at the right hand of the power of God.” 70 So they all said, “Are you the Son of God, then?” And he said to them, “You say that I am.” 71 Then they said, “What further testimony do we need? We have heard it ourselves from his own lips.”
23 Then the whole company of them arose and brought him before Pilate. 2 And they began to accuse him, saying, “We found this man misleading our nation and forbidding us to give tribute to Caesar, and saying that he himself is Christ, a king.” 3 And Pilate asked him, “Are you the King of the Jews?” And he answered him, “You have said so.” 4 Then Pilate said to the chief priests and the crowds, “I find no guilt in this man.” 5 But they were urgent, saying, “He stirs up the people, teaching throughout all Judea, from Galilee even to this place.”
6 When Pilate heard this, he asked whether the man was a Galilean. 7 And when he learned that he belonged to Herod's jurisdiction, he sent him over to Herod, who was himself in Jerusalem at that time. 8 When Herod saw Jesus, he was very glad, for he had long desired to see him, because he had heard about him, and he was hoping to see some sign done by him. 9 So he questioned him at some length, but he made no answer. 10 The chief priests and the scribes stood by, vehemently accusing him. 11 And Herod with his soldiers treated him with contempt and mocked him. Then, arraying him in splendid clothing, he sent him back to Pilate. 12 And Herod and Pilate became friends with each other that very day, for before this they had been at enmity with each other.
13 Pilate then called together the chief priests and the rulers and the people, 14 and said to them, “You brought me this man as one who was misleading the people. And after examining him before you, behold, I did not find this man guilty of any of your charges against him. 15 Neither did Herod, for he sent him back to us. Look, nothing deserving death has been done by him. 16 I will therefore punish and release him.”
18 But they all cried out together, “Away with this man, and release to us Barabbas”— 19 a man who had been thrown into prison for an insurrection started in the city and for murder. 20 Pilate addressed them once more, desiring to release Jesus, 21 but they kept shouting, “Crucify, crucify him!” 22 A third time he said to them, “Why? What evil has he done? I have found in him no guilt deserving death. I will therefore punish and release him.” 23 But they were urgent, demanding with loud cries that he should be crucified. And their voices prevailed. 24 So Pilate decided that their demand should be granted. 25 He released the man who had been thrown into prison for insurrection and murder, for whom they asked, but he delivered Jesus over to their will.

26 And as they led him away, they seized one Simon of Cyrene, who was coming in from the country, and laid on him the cross, to carry it behind Jesus. 27 And there followed him a great multitude of the people and of women who were mourning and lamenting for him. 28 But turning to them Jesus said, “Daughters of Jerusalem, do not weep for me, but weep for yourselves and for your children. 29 For behold, the days are coming when they will say, ‘Blessed are the barren and the wombs that never bore and the breasts that never nursed!’ 30 Then they will begin to say to the mountains, ‘Fall on us,’ and to the hills, ‘Cover us.’ 31 For if they do these things when the wood is green, what will happen when it is dry?”
32 Two others, who were criminals, were led away to be put to death with him. 33 And when they came to the place that is called The Skull, there they crucified him, and the criminals, one on his right and one on his left. 34 And Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” And they cast lots to divide his garments. 35 And the people stood by, watching, but the rulers scoffed at him, saying, “He saved others; let him save himself, if he is the Christ of God, his Chosen One!” 36 The soldiers also mocked him, coming up and offering him sour wine 37 and saying, “If you are the King of the Jews, save yourself!” 38 There was also an inscription over him, “This is the King of the Jews.”
39 One of the criminals who were hanged railed at him, saying, “Are you not the Christ? Save yourself and us!” 40 But the other rebuked him, saying, “Do you not fear God, since you are under the same sentence of condemnation? 41 And we indeed justly, for we are receiving the due reward of our deeds; but this man has done nothing wrong.” 42 And he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” 43 And he said to him, “Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in paradise.

At the end of the day, may we say: "Thank God for this Friday, and all Christ endured for us.

Getting to Know Jesus Passion #14

We have seen in Luke 22, that what began as a special celebration seemingly went downhill with words of jealousy, betrayal, and abandonment.  Things really seem to fall apart when those words become true:

 47 While he was still speaking, there came a crowd, and the man called Judas, one of the twelve, was leading them. He drew near to Jesus to kiss him, 48 but Jesus said to him, “Judas, would you betray the Son of Man with a kiss?” 49 And when those who were around him saw what would follow, they said, “Lord, shall we strike with the sword?” 50 And one of them struck the servant of the high priest and cut off his right ear. 51 But Jesus said, “No more of this!” And he touched his ear and healed him. 52 Then Jesus said to the chief priests and officers of the temple and elders, who had come out against him, “Have you come out as against a robber, with swords and clubs? 53 When I was with you day after day in the temple, you did not lay hands on me. But this is your hour, and the power of darkness.”
54 Then they seized him and led him away, bringing him into the high priest's house, and Peter was following at a distance. 55 And when they had kindled a fire in the middle of the courtyard and sat down together, Peter sat down among them. 56 Then a servant girl, seeing him as he sat in the light and looking closely at him, said, “This man also was with him.” 57 But he denied it, saying, “Woman, I do not know him.” 58 And a little later someone else saw him and said, “You also are one of them.” But Peter said, “Man, I am not.” 59 And after an interval of about an hour still another insisted, saying, “Certainly this man also was with him, for he too is a Galilean.” 60 But Peter said, “Man, I do not know what you are talking about.” And immediately, while he was still speaking, the rooster crowed. 61 And the Lord turned and looked at Peter. And Peter remembered the saying of the Lord, how he had said to him, “Before the rooster crows today, you will deny me three times.” 62 And he went out and wept bitterly.
63 Now the men who were holding Jesus in custody were mocking him as they beat him. 64 They also blindfolded him and kept asking him, “Prophesy! Who is it that struck you?” 65 And they said many other things against him, blaspheming him.

At this point we find ourselves asking: "Can things get any worse than this?" We'll see tomorrow. 

Getting to Know Jesus' Passion #13

So far in Luke 22, it had been a rough day: while some disciples were getting the Passover prepared, Judas was making final arrangements to betray Jesus - an accusation Jesus made anonymously during dinner. Then there was bickering over who was the greatest and a prediction by Jesus they all would abandon Him. 

 35 And he said to them, “When I sent you out with no moneybag or knapsack or sandals, did you lack anything?” They said, “Nothing.” 36 He said to them, “But now let the one who has a moneybag take it, and likewise a knapsack. And let the one who has no sword sell his cloak and buy one. 37 For I tell you that this Scripture must be fulfilled in me: ‘And he was numbered with the transgressors.’ For what is written about me has its fulfillment.” 38 And they said, “Look, Lord, here are two swords.” And he said to them, “It is enough.”
39 And he came out and went, as was his custom, to the Mount of Olives, and the disciples followed him. 40 And when he came to the place, he said to them, “Pray that you may not enter into temptation.” 41 And he withdrew from them about a stone's throw, and knelt down and prayed, 42 saying, “Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me. Nevertheless, not my will, but yours, be done.” 43 And there appeared to him an angel from heaven, strengthening him. 44 And being in agony he prayed more earnestly; and his sweat became like great drops of blood falling down to the ground. 45 And when he rose from prayer, he came to the disciples and found them sleeping for sorrow, 46 and he said to them, “Why are you sleeping? Rise and pray that you may not enter into temptation.”

In both this exhortation as they left the upper room, and His instructions to pray in the garden, there is this underlying atmosphere: Prepare for the Worst! Their future was not going to be an easy ride; it would be full of opposition, sacrifice, temptation and struggle. He wanted them to be ready for anything.  As we prepare for this time of Christ's Passion this weekend, He again challenges us: be ready for anything. Be in Prayer. Ask God what needs to change in your life. Urgently seek His will. 

Getting to Know Jesus' Passion #12

We found in Luke 22 yesterday that Jesus disturbed the disciples with His announcement that one of them would betray Him.  As things continued around the table, there were even more disruptions:  

24 A dispute also arose among them, as to which of them was to be regarded as the greatest. 25 And he said to them, “The kings of the Gentiles exercise lordship over them, and those in authority over them are called benefactors. 26 But not so with you. Rather, let the greatest among you become as the youngest, and the leader as one who serves. 27 For who is the greater, one who reclines at table or one who serves? Is it not the one who reclines at table? But I am among you as the one who serves.
28 “You are those who have stayed with me in my trials, 29 and I assign to you, as my Father assigned to me, a kingdom, 30 that you may eat and drink at my table in my kingdom and sit on thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel.
31 “Simon, Simon, behold, Satan demanded to have you, that he might sift you like wheat, 32 but I have prayed for you that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned again, strengthen your brothers.” 33 Peter said to him, “Lord, I am ready to go with you both to prison and to death.” 34 Jesus said, “I tell you, Peter, the rooster will not crow this day, until you deny three times that you know me.”

Simply put, the men gathered around the table that night were more like bragging boys than the servant leaders Jesus had been training them to be.  Peter was not alone; he was just more vocal.  All of them, like us, prefer to think of ourselves as more faithful and less fearful than we are - especially when compared to others.  Like them, we still have a lot to learn.  Fortunately, Jesus nestles in between these two examples of negative attitudes a positive promise for the future: He has a plan, and they are included - maybe not in the way they envision it, but in a better way.  May we prefer His plan to ours. 

Getting to Know Jesus' Passion #11

We left off yesterday in Luke 22 with Jesus having two of His disciples make arrangements for the Passover meal, while Judas was making arrangements to betray Jesus. 
14 And when the hour came, he reclined at table, and the apostles with him. 15 And he said to them, “I have earnestly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer. 16 For I tell you I will not eat it until it is fulfilled in the kingdom of God.” 17 And he took a cup, and when he had given thanks he said, “Take this, and divide it among yourselves. 18 For I tell you that from now on I will not drink of the fruit of the vine until the kingdom of God comes.” 19 And he took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to them, saying, “This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.” 20 And likewise the cup after they had eaten, saying, “This cup that is poured out for you is the new covenant in my blood. 21 But behold, the hand of him who betrays me is with me on the table. 22 For the Son of Man goes as it has been determined, but woe to that man by whom he is betrayed!” 23 And they began to question one another, which of them it could be who was going to do this.

This was the most solemn event of the Jewish year, with those who meant the most to you gathered around the table commemorating God's salvation.  By His words and actions, Jesus added even more intimacy and intensity to the evening's commemoration, and then dropped this bombshell on the table: a betrayer was among them.  Not only did it disturb the peace of the evening; it was a downright accusation. They could not believe any of them capable of such action.  But one did.  What are you and I capable of? 

Getting to Know Jesus' Passion #10

As we come today to Luke 22, Jesus has spent the week leading up to the Passover celebration refuting his opponents, and teaching as many of His disciples as much as He can. He now begins to wrap things up: 

Now the Feast of Unleavened Bread drew near, which is called the Passover. 2 And the chief priests and the scribes were seeking how to put him to death, for they feared the people.
3 Then Satan entered into Judas called Iscariot, who was of the number of the twelve. 4 He went away and conferred with the chief priests and officers how he might betray him to them. 5 And they were glad, and agreed to give him money. 6 So he consented and sought an opportunity to betray him to them in the absence of a crowd.
7 Then came the day of Unleavened Bread, on which the Passover lamb had to be sacrificed. 8 So Jesus sent Peter and John, saying, “Go and prepare the Passover for us, that we may eat it.” 9 They said to him, “Where will you have us prepare it?” 10 He said to them, “Behold, when you have entered the city, a man carrying a jar of water will meet you. Follow him into the house that he enters 11 and tell the master of the house, ‘The Teacher says to you, Where is the guest room, where I may eat the Passover with my disciples?’ 12 And he will show you a large upper room furnished; prepare it there.” 13 And they went and found it just as he had told them, and they prepared the Passover."

Here find the what, who, when and where of the plot against Jesus. The chief priests and scribes - the leaders with the most power and influence decided they could wait no longer to get rid of Jesus. What they needed was an insider to help them do it as inconspicuously as possible. That leads us to who: Judas was a willing participant, and Satan had been lingering around in the background Jesus' whole lifetime on earth, waiting for this team to assemble.  The when becomes obvious, as Luke lists these details of the preparations for the Passover. This is to be the night. Will this be the place?

Getting to Know Jesus' Passion #9

Jesus had been answering His followers' questions about the signs of coming judgment - what they could expect to see in the news, in the skies, and in the seas.  He then says in Luke 21:

34 “But watch yourselves lest your hearts be weighed down with dissipation and drunkenness and cares of this life, and that day come upon you suddenly like a trap. 35 For it will come upon all who dwell on the face of the whole earth. 36 But stay awake at all times, praying that you may have strength to escape all these things that are going to take place, and to stand before the Son of Man.” 37 And every day he was teaching in the temple, but at night he went out and lodged on the mount called Olivet. 38 And early in the morning all the people came to him in the temple to hear him.

Rather than getting all wrapped up and fearful about what you see out there or up there, pay more attention to what is going on in your life.  How are you responding?  Are you responding in fear? Withdrawing? Busying yourself to try to ignore things? Here's what we ought to be doing: Praying that we will be so caught up in God's will that when these things do come we will be safe in His care and able to stand in His presence.  Notice how people responded: they wanted to hear what He had to say so they would be ready.  May we be so ready to hear. 

Getting to Know Jesus' Passion #8

In Luke 21, Jesus had just told His followers about the coming destruction of Jerusalem and the temple, and then the far future time of His return in judgment. We then find in verse:

29 And he told them a parable: “Look at the fig tree, and all the trees. 30 As soon as they come out in leaf, you see for yourselves and know that the summer is already near. 31 So also, when you see these things taking place, you know that the kingdom of God is near. 32 Truly, I say to you, this generation will not pass away until all has taken place. 33 Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.

The disciples had wanted to know "the signs" for when these things would happen; they wanted to know the time.  Like the seasons of the year, we know ahead what is coming.  There may be a mean return of winter in Spring, or what we call an "Indian Summer" in the Fall, but the change of seasons will be obvious; it is coming. The phrase "this generation" has confused many, as we often think in terms of 40, 50 or 70 years. But often as used in scripture, it has to do more with the kind of people God is dealing with, whether it be in judgment or in deliverance.  Jesus' point is that His return is coming; we can count on it. Even when it seems the world is falling apart, His promises hold true.

Getting to Know Jesus' Passion #7

In Luke 21, Jesus had just explained to His followers the events surrounding the destruction of Jerusalem and the temple.  He then pressed further into the future:

25 “And there will be signs in sun and moon and stars, and on the earth distress of nations in perplexity because of the roaring of the sea and the waves, 26 people fainting with fear and with foreboding of what is coming on the world. For the powers of the heavens will be shaken. 27 And then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. 28 Now when these things begin to take place, straighten up and raise your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.”

Jesus was now talking about "the coming of the Son of Man." At that time there will be even more fearful signs that the wars, famines, earthquakes, and plagues of previous history. It will seem like the earth itself is shaking in fear, worrying about what will come next. Jesus then says not you will see, but they will see. Whereas the destruction of Jerusalem was something many of His hearers would still be alive to see, this was something for a future generation. Yet, since this is a proclamation to His followers, He gives them a message to pass down through the generations: straighten up and raise your heads, because your redemption is drawing near. We are to live our lives in preparation and anticipation of His coming again. 

Getting to Know Jesus' Passion #6

Jesus finally gets around to answering the question the disciples had asked earlier: 

20 “But when you see Jerusalem surrounded by armies, then know that its desolation has come near. 21 Then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains, and let those who are inside the city depart, and let not those who are out in the country enter it, 22 for these are days of vengeance, to fulfill all that is written. 23 Alas for women who are pregnant and for those who are nursing infants in those days! For there will be great distress upon the earth and wrath against this people. 24 They will fall by the edge of the sword and be led captive among all nations, and Jerusalem will be trampled underfoot by the Gentiles, until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled."

Many there hearing Jesus would still be alive to witness the siege and destruction of Jerusalem by the Roman army. Some did head for the mountains for a stand-off there; many were savagely killed; and those who survived were scattered all over the world for centuries.  The temple has never been rebuilt since. This is not what they had followed Jesus into Jerusalem to hear, but it fits in what Jesus had been saying, and what Luke is recording: It is God's plan to include Gentiles in His Kingdom, and it is not Rome that is in charge of human history; it is God who was going to use Rome to judge Israel for her rejection of the Messiah. 

Getting to Know Jesus' Passion #5

In Luke 21, Jesus informed his disciples that the temple would be destroyed, which prompted them to have a discussion about the future.

10 Then he said to them, “Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. 11 There will be great earthquakes, and in various places famines and pestilences. And there will be terrors and great signs from heaven. 12 But before all this they will lay their hands on you and persecute you, delivering you up to the synagogues and prisons, and you will be brought before kings and governors for my name's sake. 13 This will be your opportunity to bear witness. 14 Settle it therefore in your minds not to meditate beforehand how to answer, 15 for I will give you a mouth and wisdom, which none of your adversaries will be able to withstand or contradict. 16 You will be delivered up even by parents and brothers and relatives and friends, and some of you they will put to death. 17 You will be hated by all for my name's sake. 18 But not a hair of your head will perish. 19 By your endurance you will gain your lives.

As Jesus talked with His disciples, He told of all the bad things they would experience. They were not just "out there"; they were going to hit home. Despite all these negative things that would impact their lives, they were see them in a positive light: a way to bear witness. Rather than seeing this as just as scary, they were to trust God for Who He is: trustworthy enough to give them the words they needed to say, the safety they needed to make a difference, and the endurance to bear up under the pressures of life lived for Him. Though we see a bit of all these things in our world today, there is nothing that He will not see us through. 

Getting to Know Jesus' Passion #4

Having spent the day at the temple teaching, Jesus and His disciples were heading back up the hillside of the Mount of Olives, glancing back at the temple shimmering in glory.

5 Some of his disciples were remarking about how the temple was adorned with beautiful stones and with gifts dedicated to God. But Jesus said, 6 “As for what you see here, the time will come when not one stone will be left on another; every one of them will be thrown down.”
7 “Teacher,” they asked, “when will these things happen? And what will be the sign that they are about to take place?”
8 He replied: “Watch out that you are not deceived. For many will come in my name, claiming, ‘I am he,’ and, ‘The time is near.’ Do not follow them. 9 When you hear of wars and uprisings, do not be frightened. These things must happen first, but the end will not come right away.”

When Jesus makes this traumatic announcement of the destruction of the temple, notice what question is prominent in the mind of the disciples: "When? How will we know when?" There is a natural curiosity for us to want to know about things before they happen. It gives us a sense of control. Jesus tells them not to get carried away with the "when", nor to be taken with those who think they do know.  Maybe what is more important for us to think about is "Why?" Maybe that is a much more meaningful question on which to meditate.

Getting to Know Jesus' Passion #3

We have just seen in chapter 20 how Jesus shut down the attempts of the religious leaders to catch Him in saying something that was unbiblical, unpatriotic, or irrational. He then turned to His disciples to tell them to watch out for such leaders who were more concerned about looking good than doing what is right. The chapter ended: 47 They devour widows’ houses and for a show make lengthy prayers. Chapter 21 begins:

As Jesus looked up, he saw the rich putting their gifts into the temple treasury. 2 He also saw a poor widow put in two very small copper coins. 3 “Truly I tell you,” he said, “this poor widow has put in more than all the others. 4 All these people gave their gifts out of their wealth; but she out of her poverty put in all she had to live on.

Jesus had already addressed the showy prayers of the rich man in contrast to the tax collector. He now makes a stark contrast between the gifts of the rich in the temple and those of this poor widow. She gave in faith, entrusting God with all that she had and trusting Him to provide what she needed. There was a big difference both in action and intention. The rich gave as much as they needed to appear obedience and good; she gave all she had to show God how much she loved and trusted Him.  What does our use of our resources show what is important to us and how much we really trust God?

Getting to Know Jesus' Passion #2

As we saw yesterday, at the end of Luke 20, Jesus had silenced His greatest opponents: the religious elite, made up of Scribes, Pharisees, Sadducees, and Chief Priests of the temple. He then asked a question they could not answer about His identity as the Messiah. He then turned to His disciples to give a warning:

45 While all the people were listening, Jesus said to his disciples, 46 “Beware of the teachers of the law. They like to walk around in flowing robes and love to be greeted with respect in the marketplaces and have the most important seats in the synagogues and the places of honor at banquets. 47 They devour widows’ houses and for a show make lengthy prayers. These men will be punished most severely.”

On the one hand, we know that Jesus was reminding His disciples to not be intimidated by the false religiosity of this men: it was all external and self-centered, but on the other hand, I think the warning also included this idea: beware you do not become like them. We have already seen that the apostles had disagreements about who would be greatest in the kingdom, and they would have them again that week. We all are vulnerable to the desire for recognition, to have others respond to our instruction, and to show others how wonderful and religious we can be. Before we know it, we too can harm others spiritually with our religiosity. That's not the way to go. With everything we know, we are more accountable for it. 

Getting to Know Jesus' Passion #1

Over the past month we have followed alone after Jesus at a fast past as He "set His face to Jerusalem", then once He got there as His opponents threw one attack after another against Him. Yesterday, we ended with this statement: in Luke 20: 40 And no one dared to ask him any more questions. Now get to slow down the pace just a bit as We get to know Jesus' Passion.

41 Then Jesus said to them, “Why is it said that the Messiah is the son of David? 42 David himself declares in the Book of Psalms:
“‘The Lord said to my Lord:
    “Sit at my right hand
43 until I make your enemies
    a footstool for your feet.”’
44 David calls him ‘Lord.’ How then can he be his son?”

Jesus wanted His followers, opponents, and us, to stop and slow down and ask: "Who is the Messiah? The people were following along after Jesus, expecting that while He was there in Jerusalem for the Passover, He would take David's throne.  The problem was, their view of the Messiah was too small; He was, and is, much more than a descendant of David; He is the Lord, who was before David.  The implication is then, that He is even greater than David, and David expressed that here in his song.  We forget that. When we think about Jesus simply as the provider of our needs, healer of our pains, and soother of our discomfort, we are forgetting that He is our Lord, worthy to rule and reign over our lives. Let's remember that today.