Gods Great Love Dies For Us! - Part 6 of 6

Dawn awakens on a perfectly beautiful day the Lord made, birds chirping, livestock is grazing. People are waking up to another day of hard work, the children having hungry stomachs, in Jerusalem. The Sabbath day of rest is tomorrow after this day, Friday April 3^rd, 33 AD. This is a very special day in all history. The set-apart day the earth would quake, the sun be blotted out, and the day Mary and Joseph’s son, the God-man Jesus Christ, would pay it all, just for us! 

(6) "It is Finished”

click to play

Please note that some of the content contained within the Reflection Moments depicted here is not recorded in the scriptures. They are merely human attempts to relate and ask some questions of certain aspects of the Son of God, which may help you see the Savior’s human side of His divine life on earth.

Pilate's first interview with Jesus at 6 am. "Who are You?"

 Pilate said to the priests and elders at 8 am, "What shall I do with Jesus who is called Christ?"

Within this series of Gods Great Love for Us, we have often referred to Jesus in the wood shop during His formative years at home in Nazareth. Descriptions such as Mary and Joseph’s son, the Carpenter, God in the flesh and the God-man are descriptions showing us Gods human nature while simultaneously possessing the divine nature as God. It is significant Jesus the Christ, God Himself be described in these human terms for a couple very important reasons. One, so you and I can relate to God on our level (Phil. 2:5-7). And two, so that we can know what, who and how God is in order to learn how to grow in Jesus to become more and more like Him (Rom. 15:5-6). God who is perfect in every way understands our shortcomings in order to love and discipline us not out of anger, but from love because He is love (1 Jn. 4:8). He is where love comes from in the human race. For it is in the bible that we learn to know about Christ and His ultimate focal point - The cross He is about to endure - for us.

Period replica bust of Pontius Pilate

“When morning came, all the chief priests and elders of the people plotted against Jesus to put Him to death. And when they had bound Him, they led Him away and delivered Him to Pontius Pilate the governor.” (Matthew 27:1-2)

Pontius Pilate was the Roman procurator in Judea from 26 to 36 A.D. (Luke 3:1) He will forever go down in history as the man who being persuaded by the Jewish authorities against his will, ordered the crucifixion of Jesus!

In the New Testament Pontius Pilate first appears around 6 am Friday morning during the time of the Passover Feast in Jerusalem and is confronted with the person of Jesus, who is accused of treason and blasphemy by the Jewish authorities. Pilate must act as Jesus' judge.

Jerusalem, early Friday morning, April 3rd

So Pilate came out to them and asked, "What charges are you bringing against this man?" "If he were not a criminal," they replied, "we would not have handed him over to you." Pilate said, "Take him yourselves and judge him by your own law." "But we have no right to execute anyone," the Jews objected. This happened so that the words Jesus had spoken indicating the kind of death he was going to die would be fulfilled. Pilate then went back inside the palace, summoned Jesus and asked him, "Are you the king of the Jews?" (John 18:33)

That was not a question that could be answered with a simple “yes” or “no.” No, he was not a political king who had come to establish earthly Jewish supremacy (a lesson some religionists could well learn today), but yes, he was the long awaited king of the Jewish scriptures.

"Is that your own idea," Jesus asked, "or did others talk to you about me?" "Am I a Jew?" Pilate replied. "It was your people and your chief priests who handed you over to me. What is it you have done?"

Jesus said, "My kingdom is not of this world. If it were, my servants would fight to prevent my arrest by the Jews. But now my kingdom is from another place." "You are a king, then!" said Pilate. Jesus answered, "You are right in saying I am a king. In fact, for this reason I was born, and for this I came into the world, to testify to the truth. Everyone on the side of truth listens to me."

"What is truth?" Pilate asked. With this he went out again to the Jews and said, "I find no basis for a charge against him." (John 18:29-38)

Reflection Moment

The question to Jesus, “Are you the King of the Jews” from Pilate is curious. According to the gospel account by John, Jesus was asking for clarification from Pilate through a rhetorical question. That is, Jesus was clarifying with Pilate as to whether or not the indictment was second-hand (i.e., is it that others say that I am a King of the Jews?) versus Pilate himself. In other words, was the indictment because Rome saw Jesus as a king, or because others said that Jesus was a king? To put it another way, if there was no threat to Rome (since it was not Pilate accusing Jesus of being a king), then why is Jesus being charged at the instigation of third-parties?

When Pilate clarified that it was the former case (others accusing you of being a king), Jesus then indicated that this "kingdom" for which he was king had no fighters, and therefore was non-violent. (There was no threat to Rome) Jesus indicated that the essence of this kingdom was truth. Pilate responded with "What is truth?" (John 18:38), and determined in the same verse that there was therefore no legal basis for an indictment. Pilate said to Him, “What is truth?” And when he had said this, he went out again to the Jews and said to them, “I find no guilt in Him.” Later we read Apostle Paul confirming to Timothy (1 Timothy 6:13), “I charge you in the presence of God, who gives life to all things, and of Christ Jesus, who testified the good confession before Pontius Pilate.”

Of all the innocent people that ever lived on this planet, Jesus the God-man was the most innocent human there ever was.

Pilate continued to question Jesus since he knew he was innocent, but he had a roaring crowd that demanded Jesus be killed! Pilate told the Jews that he could find no fault in Jesus at all (John 18:38) but the Jews by now were so incensed Pilate even tried to release Jesus according to the Jewish custom at Passover for the offering of Barabbas in His place, a robber. The Jews wouldn't have it and shouted, "Not this man (Jesus), but Barabbas, release him." (John 18:40)

Around 7:30 am, the soldiers began flogging the God-man, relentlessly using an instrument that had flesh tearing implements built into it. There is no words to describe this scene. Jesus remained silent!

The Flagrum was a whip with a short handle and generally two or three long thick thongs, each weighted at some distance from their extremity with lead balls or mutton bones. In action, the thongs cut the skin, while the balls or bones created deep contusions. The result was significant hemorrhage and considerable weakening of the vital resistance of the victim. In compensation, if one may call it that, this weakening shortened their agony on the cross.

Hebrew law was strict on limiting the lashes to 40. The Pharisees, in order to make sure that they never broke the law, gave only 39 lashes. The Romans had no limit, except for the fact that the victims should be left with just enough strength to carry their crosses to the place of execution. As the man who condemned Jesus to be flogged was Pilate, the Roman Proconsul, the number of lashes could be unlimited. The Gospels report that Jesus could not carry his cross without calling to an onlooker for help. This suggests a very severe beating.

Why was Jesus Christ torn and beaten? The Apostle Peter tells us, "Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed. For ye were as sheep going astray; but are now returned unto the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls." (1 Peter 2:24-25) Christ had no sins of His own (1 Peter 2:22). He was paying for our sins. The scourge is a symbol of the awfulness of our sin and the terrible price Christ personally paid for our sins (Isaiah 52:14).

.

Jesus was then mocked by the Roman soldiers and clothed with a purple robe and a crown of thorns smashed upon His head saying,

"Hail, King of the Jews."

Then Jesus came out wearing the crown of thorns and the purple robe. And Pilate said to them, "Behold the Man!"

Therefore, when the chief priests and officers saw Him, they cried out,

"Crucify Him, crucify Him!"

Pilate said to them, "You take Him and crucify Him, for I find no fault in Him."



Reflection Moment

We can see Pilate trying to convince the Jews of Jesus innocence a few times up to now, and he's not finished yet. What was his purpose to continue the case for innocence? The scripture says he was "The more afraid" (John 19:8)

All that he had heard related of the miracles of Jesus, the mysterious character of His person, of His words and of His conduct, the strange message which he had just received from his wife - all is suddenly explained by the term "Son of God." Was this extraordinary man truly a divine being who had appeared on the earth? The truth naturally presents itself to his mind in the form of pagan superstitions and mythological legends"

Pilate's conscience fights for Christ, but it immediately yields, because it is not upheld with the power of God.


Pontius Pilate tried one more time saying, "Do You not know that I have the power to crucify You, and power to release You?" Jesus answered,

"You could have no power at all against Me unless it had been given you from above. Therefore the one who delivered Me to you has the greater sin."
(John 19:11)

When Pilate saw that he could not prevail at all, but rather that a tumult was rising, he took water and washed his hands before the multitude, saying, "I am innocent of the blood of this Person, you see to it."
(Matt 27:24)

Pilate finally said to the Jews, "Behold your King." But they cried out, "Away with Him, away with Him! Crucify Him! Pilate said to them, "Shall I crucify your King?" The Jews answered, "We have no King but Caesar!" Then he delivered Him to them to be crucified. So they took Jesus and led Him away. (John 19:14-16)

Reflection Moment

Jesus looking to His Father see’s the cross and the fulfillment of all prophesies about Him in front of Him. This is where he will finish the work His Father sent Him for. After just being severely beaten near to death, He maintains incredible clarity and purpose in His human form. Though the scriptures do not state such, as a man in bitter pain and agony with body fluids secreting, He surely recalled His life as a young boy and His childhood. As a man He surely remembered working and shaping wood that formed many pieces of furniture, helping His step father in the business. And surely He remembers that one momentous early dawn when He took that first divine step out of the wood shop 3-1/2 years ago towards Jerusalem where He is now calling all of mankind to repent, believe and be baptized in His name. His next appointment is clear even through all of this. The pain and suffering will increase, and the world will change in an instant. The Son of God is now about to fully glorify His Father bringing forth Gods redemption plan to mankind for all of eternity. Jesus the God-man will not waver, all because of His Great Love for us!

There is no way to prove or surmise the origin of the wooden mallet that pounded the nails through Jesus body on His cross. I say "His cross" because no other person can or could bear this singular cross of burden and pain much more the perfect blood for our sin as He is about to commit. But just for a moment, what if that singular mallet somehow in Gods providence was one that Jesus Himself fabricated in the wood shop? The reality of this being the case can only make us wonder. But on the real side of this thought is, Jesus did in fact make the wood, the elements that produced the nails, and the soldier that held the nails and forced the blows! This soldier and his cohorts sin is being paid for right before their eyes! Will they see it?


The seven sayings of Jesus on the cross before He gave up His breath.

1. Luke 23:34: Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do.
2. Luke 23:43: Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in paradise.
3. John 19:26–27: Woman, behold your son. Son Behold your mother.
4. Matt. 27:46, Mark 15:34: My God, My God, have you forsaken me?
5. John 19:28: I thirst.
6. John 19:29-30: It is finished.
7. Then the sun was darkened, and the veil of the temple was torn in two. And when Jesus had cried out with a loud voice, He said, "Father, into your hands I commit my spirit."

Reflection Moment

Item 4 above is probably the most perplexing question from the Savior in all of mankind we may never fully grasp. Why as the Son of God did Jesus say – “My God, My God, why have you forsaken Me.?”



It is hoped you can find the time to watch this most thrilling study into the mind of Christ that will enrich your understanding of Jesus of Nazareth on this question - "Why?"

Now as they came out, they found a man of Cyrene, Simon by name. Him they compelled to bear His cross. And when they had come to a place called Golgotha, that is to say, Place of a Skull, they gave Him sour wine mingled with gall to drink. But when He had tasted it, He would not drink. Then they crucified Him, and divided His garments, casting lots, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet:

“They divided My garments among them, And for My clothing they cast lots.” (Psalm 22:18)

Sitting down, they kept watch over Him there. And they put up over His head the accusation written against Him:

THIS IS JESUS THE KING OF THE JEWS

"The Ninth Hour"

"Father, 'into Your hands I commit My spirit."

Having said this, He breathed His last. (Luke 23:46)

When Jesus died, the temple veil in front of the Holy of Holy’s was torn, and the earth quaked and many saints resurrected (Matt 27:51-53). God moved out of that place never again to dwell in a temple made with hands (Acts 17:24). God was through with that temple and its religious system. The temple and Jerusalem were left “desolate” (destroyed by the Romans) in A.D. 70, just as Jesus prophesied in Luke 13:35. Hebrews 9:8-9 refers to the age that was passing away as the new covenant was being established (Hebrews 8:13). As long as the temple stood, it signified the continuation of the Old Covenant which sadly today, the Orthodox Jews (Hasidim) are continuing the tradition by undergoing the building of a new temple - but God will not be there!  At the moment of Jesus death being the perfect sacrifice, Gods justice was satisfied making Him accessible by all mankind without the need for priesthood representation before Him. Jesus Christ the Son is now our advocate before the Father forevermore. Hallelujah…

Jesus Buried in Joseph’s Tomb

Now when evening had come, there came a rich man from Arimathea, named Joseph, who himself had also become a disciple of Jesus. This man went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus. Then Pilate commanded the body to be given to him. When Joseph had taken the body, he wrapped it in a clean linen cloth, and laid it in his new tomb which he had hewn out of the rock; and he rolled a large stone against the door of the tomb, and departed. And Mary Magdalene was there, and the other Mary, sitting opposite the tomb. (Matt. 27:57-61)

Pilate Sets a Guard

On the next day, which followed the Day of Preparation, the chief priests and Pharisees gathered together to Pilate, saying, “Sir, we remember, while He was still alive, how that deceiver said, ‘After three days I will rise.’ Therefore command that the tomb be made secure until the third day, lest His disciples come by night and steal Him away, and say to the people, ‘He has risen from the dead.’ So the last deception will be worse than the first.” Pilate said to them, “You have a guard; go your way, make it as secure as you know how.” So they went and made the tomb secure, sealing the stone and setting the guard. (Matt. 27:62-66)

Our exploration of the life, ministry and extremely difficult road Jesus Christ traveled to the cross is truly the greatest story ever told, and the greatest life ever lived. And He lived it all because of His Great Love for Us. Have you ever wondered or even had the nerve to go a little deeper into the truth of Jesus the God-mans sufferings? This short video from a Medical Doctor reveals to us the physical and mental anguish that Jesus went through during the final hours that last day beginning at the garden of Gethsemane. Any bible student owes it to themselves to listen closely to what the Lord Jesus, that young boy from Galilee actually went through to try and understand what He endured for us. If you are a disciple of Christ, it will do you good to increase your faith in God as His Spirit guides, guards and directs you. If you are a seeker, it may help you to hear the doctors perspective putting reality to the images and stories you may have seen and heard.

A medical perspective of Jesus sufferings

But wait... The story isn't finished!

~ He Is Risen ~

The evidence here

Now after the Sabbath, as the first day of the week (Sunday April 5th) began to dawn, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary came to see the tomb. And behold, there was a great earthquake; for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat on it. His countenance was like lightning, and his clothing as white as snow. And the guards shook for fear of him, and became like dead men.

But the angel answered and said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified. He is not here; for He is risen, as He said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay. And go quickly and tell His disciples that He is risen from the dead, and indeed He is going before you into Galilee; there you will see Him. Behold, I have told you.” 

So they went out quickly from the tomb with fear and great joy, and ran to bring His disciples word.
(Matt.28:1-8)

The Women Worship the Risen Lord

And as they went to tell His disciples, behold, Jesus met them, saying, “Rejoice!” So they came and held Him by the feet and worshiped Him. Then Jesus said to them, “Do not be afraid. Go and tell My brethren to go to Galilee, and there they will see Me.”

The Soldiers are Bribed

Now while they were going, behold, some of the guard came into the city and reported to the chief priests all the things that had happened. When they had assembled with the elders and consulted together, they gave a large sum of money to the soldiers, saying, “Tell them, ‘His disciples came at night and stole Him away while we slept.’ And if this comes to the governor’s ears, we will appease him and make you secure.” So they took the money and did as they were instructed; and this saying is commonly reported among the Jews until this day. (Matt.28:1-16)

The Great Commission

Then the eleven disciples went away into Galilee, to the mountain which Jesus had appointed for them. When they saw Him, they worshiped Him; but some doubted. And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying,

“All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore[c] and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen.(Matt 28:1-20)

The Ascension

~ Gods Answer to Sin ~

There are many events in the Old Testament that foreshadow the cross: The blood of a lamb placed on lintels and doorposts during Passover (Exodus 12:23) was the beginning. God now reconciles His people by delivering us from the consequences of sin, and the means God uses to rescue us is the cross where Jesus unblemished blood was spilled. Isaiah stated that the Messiah "poured out His soul unto death, And He was numbered with the transgressors, And He bore the sin of many, And made intercession for the transgressors" (Isaiah 53:12). The apostle Paul confirmed this prophecy when he wrote, "For it pleased the Father that in Him all the fullness should dwell, and by Him to reconcile all things to Himself, by Him, whether things on earth or things in heaven, having made peace through the blood of His cross" (Colossians 1:19-20, 2:13-15). The cross where Jesus blood was spilled represents God's victory over sin.

Do we see a common thread occurring here? What cleanses us of sin is the blood. “For this is My blood of the new covenant, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.” (Matt. 26:28)

Many people think of God only as a God of love, always on hand to help when things go wrong and bound in the end to forgive every body's sins and receive them into heaven forever. This idea is fatally misleading. The Bible certainly tells us that ‘God is love' (1 John 1:8), but also that he is ‘majestic in holiness' (Exodus 15:11) and that ‘the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men' (Romans 1:18).

The cross of Christ tells us that sin is a Curse. When used as an ornament around the neck, a cross says little about the ugliness of sin. But when we look at sin through the cross of Christ, we see sin as God does: ugly, deforming, condemning, separating man from his Creator. Sin is so terrible that it made God send His only begotten Son to the cross to pay for its cost. Las Vegas does not present a true picture of sin. In the nightclubs and on TV, sin is glamorous, gaudy, fun, enticing, exhilarating. But sin causes death-separation from God (Rom. 6:23, Isa. 59:1-2). Jesus became a curse for us, hanging on the cross (Gal. 3:13), and I should see this when I see the cross.

The cross of Christ tells us that Reconciliation was made. So long as man was in sin, he could not be right with God, but, was in fact an enemy. With our best intentions and greatest works, we could not bring about this healing of enmity to reconciliation. Since atonement was made by Jesus sacrifice on the cross, it was possible for God to invite man back into a saved relationship. Paul said that this was the great work of the apostles, "appointed by God to be ambassadors, entreating on behalf of God, be ye reconciled unto God" (2 Cor. 5:18-20). Note that atonement precedes reconciliation and that God had to initiate them both due to our sinful condition. I should see this when I see the cross.

The cross of Christ tells us that Substitution was made. "The soul that sins shall die" (Ezek. 18:4). I sinned, therefore I ought to die. But thanks be to God that His grace permitted it to be different. As the story of Abraham and Isaac and the substitute ram for sacrifice foreshadowed it, the cross declares it plainly. Jesus Christ was sent by God to be a substitute for me. He took my punishment and death. "By his stripes we are healed" (Isa. 53:5). I should see this when I see the cross.

The cross of Christ shows us the painful payment of Justice served. Propitiation is a two-part act that involves appeasing the wrath of an offended person and being reconciled to him. It is not an everyday word, but it is vitally important that we understand it. ‘Propitiation' means appeasing an offended person (God) by paying the penalty (Jesus sacrifice) he demands for the offence (our sin). Here is an example.

A young lady appears in court for a traffic ticket. The judge must asks her – “Guilty or Not Guilty?” She responds, “Guilty your honor.”

After court the judge walks over to the cashier’s window, pulls out his billfold and pays the young lady’s fine with no questions asked. He then turns to the young lady and says, “Your debt is paid free and clear my estranged and beloved daughter.”

The lesson is, the judge (God) by His law and justice had to pronounce his daughters (Gods children) guilt plea, and it was painful. But he paid the debt (on the cross) of her infraction for breaking the legal code without question. The judge has removed (cleansed) her debt (sin) from the ensuing charge (judgment) of guilt.

‘In this is love, not that we have loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins' (1 John 4:10).

The cross of Christ tells us that fellowship with God is possible. Now that atonement has been made and reconciliation is possible, I can be forgiven. While atonement was made for the sins of the world, not all men will be saved. Not all will obey the call of the gospel through the apostles, to be reconciled to God by the cross. To some, the word of the cross is "foolishness;" to others, it is a "stumbling block" (1 Cor. 1). But if we reject the cross and the word of the cross, we reject reconciliation. If we reject reconciliation, we reject the peace with God that forgiveness brings. If we accept the cross, we may enter into a relationship with God reminiscent of that between Adam and Eve and God in the garden before sin intruded. Fellowship in a mutual sharing in heavenly matters is found only in Christ. I should see this when I see the cross.

The cross of Christ tells us that I must become dead to the world and alive to God. "If then ye have been risen with Christ. . . " (Col. 3: 1) presupposes that we have died with Christ. "For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God" (Col. 3:3). But how does one become dead to sin? "How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein? Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, so we also should walk in newness of life. For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection: knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin" (Rom. 6:2-6). Yes, we must crucify the old man of sin. We must walk in newness of life after having been buried in Christ (Rom. 6:4). How is all this done? The bible says it is done when we are baptized “into Christ” (not pray into) for remission of sins (Acts 2:38, 22:16, Col. 2:11-12). I should see this when I see the cross.

There is a cross for us to bear. It is not a silver or gold ornament with no real meaning but that of vanity and false humiliation. The cross that Jesus bore was that of "obedience unto death, yea, the death of the cross" (Phil. 2:8). All the ornamental jewelry and superstitious architecture in the world will not bring us any closer to the service of God unless we do understand it.

Sacrificial Service

Christ stated on more than one occasion, "And he who does not take his cross and follow after Me is not worthy of Me. He who finds his life will lose it, and he who loses his life for My sake will find it" (Matthew 10:38-39, 16:24-25; Mark 8:34-35, Luke 9:23-24, 14:27).

Are you wearing your cross, or are you bearing it?

We hope you have been enriched and have learned something new about the mind and life of Christ as He walked this earth He created just for us. May you know Gods Great Love For You is everlasting and without falter no matter your station in life. He has already paid the price for sin by the spilling of His divine blood, just for us.

The question is, will you give your life to Him in faith by obeying the Gospel as He commands (Mark 16:16, Acts 2:38, 22:16)? Will you find your life by losing it for Him as He did for you? It's a must-do if one wants the hope of going to Heaven. And it's all for free! The blessings we receive when gifted the Holy Spirit by God are innumerable, if we will just take up our cross, and follow Him. (Luke 9:23)

And we close with...

"Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bond servant, and coming in the likeness of men. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross. Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father." (Philippians 2:5-11)

Many blessing to all in Jesus, the Creator, the Lord, the King...

1 : 2 : 3 : 4 : 5 : 6

Click #1 to begin this study

Gods Powerful Word - Psalm 33

Timeless message by Preacher Doug

The Bible contains the mind of God, the state of man, the way of salvation, the doom of sinners, and the happiness of believers. Its doctrines are holy, its precepts are binding, its histories are true, and its decisions are immutable.

Read it to be wise, believe it to be safe, and practice it to be holy. It contains light to direct you, food to support you, and comfort to cheer you.

It is the traveler’s map, the pilgrim’s staff, the pilot’s compass, the soldier’s sword and the Christian’s charter. Here too, Heaven is opened and the gates of Hell disclosed.

Christ is its grand subject, our good its design, and the glory of God its end. It should fill the memory, rule the heart and guide the feet. Read it slowly, frequently and prayerfully.  It is a mine of wealth, a paradise of glory, and a river of pleasure.

It is given you in life, will be opened at the judgment, and be remembered forever. It involves the highest responsibility, rewards the greatest labor, and will condemn all who trifle with its sacred contents.

Scriptures Weekly Facebook Page

Scriptures Weekly is now on Facebook

~ click ~

Gods Great Love Breaks Bread With Us - Part 5 of 6

We are approaching April 3rd, the day that Jesus envisioned 3-1/2 years earlier when He stepped out of the wood shop, that He would be nailed to the cross as the perfect sacrifice for mankind's sin once and for all! What is commonly referred to as the passion week is now upon the Son of God, and all of us today as a reminder of Gods Great Love for Us.

(5) The New Covenant between God and man begins.

click to play

Please note that some of the content contained within the Reflection Moments depicted here is not recorded in the scriptures. They are merely human attempts to relate and ask some questions of certain aspects of the Son of God, which may help you see the Savior’s human side of His divine life on earth.

~ Jesus the man predicts His Death and Resurrection 3 times! ~

1) Now Jesus, going up to Jerusalem, took the twelve disciples aside on the road and said to them, "Behold, we are going up to Jerusalem, and the Son of Man will be betrayed to the chief priests and to the scribes; and they will condemn Him to death, and deliver Him to the Gentiles to mock and to scourge and to crucify. And the third day He will rise again. (Matt 20:17-19)

2) Then they departed from there and passed through Galilee, and He did not want anyone to know it. For He taught His disciples and said to them, “The Son of Man is being betrayed into the hands of men, and they will kill Him. And after He is killed, He will rise the third day.” But they did not understand this saying, and were afraid to ask Him. (Mark 9:30-32)

3) Then He took the twelve aside and said to them, “Behold, we are going up to Jerusalem, and all things that are written by the prophets concerning the Son of Man will be accomplished. For He will be delivered to the Gentiles and will be mocked and insulted and spit upon. They will scourge Him and kill Him. And the third day He will rise again.” But they understood none of these things; this saying was hidden from them, and they did not know the things which were spoken. (Luke 18:31-33)

Jesus tells His disciples, to be His, they must align themselves with His will. But do they get it that it may mean death looms in their journey to Jerusalem?

"If you abide in My word, you are my disciples indeed. And you will know the truth, and the truth shall set you free." (John 8:31)

This video lesson shines some light on what the 12 disciples may have encountered as they followed Jesus all the way to Jerusalem, and beyond. And it has application for us today in our discipleship also. The writer Luke says you can’t have Jesus without the cross, but people today will tell you that you can. It doesn’t have to be as radical or extreme as Jesus describes. Logical discipleship says, we want Jesus to have – a place. Not necessarily, first place. Logical discipleship finds a way to give Jesus “A” place, and we find that reasonable. Somewhere along the way in recent history, the requirements for discipleship have changed. Jesus tells us all over the New Testament He wants us to follow Him. But popular and logical discipleship tells us, we just have to accept Him. Find me a place in the bible where it says to “accept Jesus.”

"Then He said to them all, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me. For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will save it." (Luke 9:23-24)


How bumpy and difficult is the road to your Jerusalem? (Matt 7:13-14) At the end of every day are we walking in the steps of Jesus as His disciples? Are you, am I, counting and experiencing the cost of walking in the light? (1 John 1:7) Do we really know what it means to put God first in every decision we make whether its a simple one not to swear curses or dishonor God in our speech? Can we with a committed and trusting faith in God face very difficult life situations that bring hardship and or difficulty in Jesus name? There are many ways to serve Him but are we doing them, even the small ones, on Jesus terms? The disciples are about to see what it means to really follow and trust Jesus the God-man up close and personal. And I can only imagine what they are about to witness and touch must have been fearful, dreadful, emotion searing and penetrating to the core of their souls. Maybe we will see the life changing events before them utterly stripping them of all their previous self-protecting survival modes or any form of normalcy for the remainder of their lives!

Jesus friend, Lazarus

“Now a certain man was sick, Lazarus of Bethany, the town of Mary and her sister Martha. It was that Mary who anointed the Lord with fragrant oil and wiped His feet with her hair, whose brother Lazarus was sick. Therefore the sisters sent to Him, saying, “Lord, behold, he whom You love is sick.” When Jesus heard that, He said, “This sickness is not unto death, but for the glory of God, that the Son of God may be glorified through it.” (John 11:1-4)

A curious statement by Jesus to His disciples as they are waiting 2 days before walking to Bethany where Lazarus lays and the Jews on a prior occasion tried to stone Him to death (John 11:8). He says, “Our friend Lazarus sleeps, but I go that I may wake him up” (John 11:11).

Reflection Moments

The lesson here I believe is, death does not break the bond of friendship between Christ and the believing disciple for He calls them friends (Luke 12:4, John 15:14). On the other hand, can you sense the fear and trembling of the disciples as Jesus commits to walking back towards danger? Not only for Him, but for themselves! They are associated with the Master and His ministry. This road back to Bethany will have to be undertaken on Jesus terms.

Unbeknownst to the disciples, they thought Lazarus would get well of his sickness with rest. Then Jesus says, “Lazarus is dead. And I am glad for your sakes that I was not there, that you may believe.” (John 11:14-15)

An important point not to miss of Jesus doing the will of the Father – He first prays to Him in front of the disciples and onlookers so that they will know the Father sent Him. That He indeed came from heaven and that God is among them. Though they aren’t fully grasping Gods presence, some of them being completely perplexed, the seed is divinely planted within them by Christ’s prayer before the subsequent raising of the dead.

“Father, I thank You that You have heard Me. And I know that You always hear Me, but because of the people who are standing by I said this, that they may believe that You sent Me.” (John 11:41-42)

Lazarus is returned to Life!

The most profound of all the miracles Jesus performed during His earthly ministry are those in which He resurrected someone. The New Testament records three of these resurrection miracles, including the raising of a widow's son, of Jairus' daughter, and of Lazarus. Luke the physician is the only one to record the raising of a widow's son (Luke 7:11-17). It is interesting that each of the three resurrection miracles reports the dead person in a different stage of death from the other instances. When Christ raises Jairus' daughter to life, she is still in the bed where she had died only a few hours earlier. The widow's son lies in an open coffin on his way to his grave when Jesus performs the miracle. Finally, Lazarus is already in the grave and has been dead for four days by the time Christ arrives and raises him from the dead (John 11:39).

The varying length of times they had been dead shows that Christ can raise the dead no matter what. His miraculous power to resurrect is not dependent upon whether a person has just died, has been dead for days, or is already decomposing. The same principle holds true regarding spiritual salvation: God and Christ can save any sinner no matter how old he is, how long he has been a sinner, or how badly he has sinned.

A sobering thought for Lazarus, Jairus’ daughter and the widows son is, they are going to have to go through death again! Better yet, another resurrection - Halleluiah…

Some Jews believe, Most do not and are outraged!

“Then many of the Jews who had come to Mary, and had seen the things Jesus did, believed in Him. But some of them went away to the Pharisees and told them the things Jesus did. Then the chief priests and the Pharisees gathered a council and said, “What shall we do? For this Man works many signs. If we let Him alone like this, everyone will believe in Him, and the Romans will come and take away both our place and nation.” (John 11:45-48)

As a Sadducee, Caiaphas did not believe in the resurrection. It must have been a shock to him when Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead. He preferred to destroy this challenge to his beliefs instead of supporting it. Caiaphas led the Jewish people in their worship of God. He performed his religious duties in strict obedience to Mosaic law. He would enter the Holy of Holy's in the temple to offer sacrifices to Yahweh as high priest of the Jews, AD 27 to 36. He was a Sadducee, and a bitter enemy of Christ. At his palace the priests, etc., met after the resurrection of Lazarus, to plot the death of the Savior, lest all the people should believe on him. On one of these occasions, (John 11:47-54), he counseled the death of Christ for the political salvation of the nation. These plots against Christ, (Matt 26:1-5 Mark 14:1 Luke 22:2), will lead to Jesus seizure. He will be brought first before Annas, formerly high priest, who sent him to Caiaphas his son-in-law. Caiaphas will examine Christ before the assembling of the Sanhedrin, after which the trial will go on, and Christ will be condemned, mocked, and transferred to Pilate for sentence and execution, (Matthew 26:57-68 Mark 14:53-72 Luke 22:54-71 John 18:13-27). Not content with procuring the death of the Savior, Caiaphas and his friends violently persecuted his followers, (Acts 4:1-6 5:17,33)

But the Sanhedrin, or high council, of which Caiaphas was president, did not have the authority to execute people. So Caiaphas turned to the Roman governor Pontius Pilate, who could carry out a death sentence. Caiaphas tried to convince Pilate that Jesus was a threat to Roman stability and had to die to prevent a rebellion.

It was inevitable... One of the 12 betrays his creator!

"Then one of the twelve, called Judas Iscariot, went to the chief priests and said, “What are you willing to give me if I deliver Him to you?” And they counted out to him thirty pieces of silver. So from that time he sought opportunity to betray Him. (Matt 26:14-16)

We cannot be absolutely certain why Judas betrayed Jesus, but some things are evident. First, although Judas was chosen to be one of the Twelve (John 6:64), all scriptural evidence points to the fact that he never believed Jesus to be God. He even may not have been convinced that Jesus was the Messiah. Unlike the other disciples that called Jesus “Lord,” Judas never used this title for Jesus and instead called him “Rabbi,” which acknowledged Jesus as nothing more than a teacher. While other disciples at times made great professions of faith and loyalty (John 6:68; 11:16), Judas never did so and appears to have remained silent. Judas was consumed with greed to the point of betraying the trust of not only Jesus, but also his fellow disciples, as we see in John 12:5-6. Judas may have desired to follow Jesus simply because he saw the great following and believed he could profit from collections taken for the group.

The same holds true for us. If we fail to recognize Jesus as God in the flesh, we will be subject to numerous other problems that stem from an incomplete view of God. Part 6 of this series will bear out more truth of the God-man’s flesh and blood as we come upon April 3^rd

^{~ The Teacher says, "My time is at hand" ~}

<sup>Now it came to pass, when Jesus had finished all these sayings, that He said to His disciples, "You know that after two days is the Passover, and the Son of Man will be delivered up to be crucified." (Matt 26:1-2)

And He said, "Go into the city to a certain man, and say to him, 'The Teacher says, "My time is at hand; I will keep the Passover at your house with My disciples.'" (Matt 26:18)</sup>


Reflection Moment

I have to be honest, this is difficult to write knowing what we know. Christians worldwide have benefited immensely for what Jesus did for us, the young man from Galilee who took that very first step out of the wood shop toward Jerusalem to finally face His earthly doom on the cross. Yes the cruel cross of Calvary that would shortly be stained and puddled at the bottom with His divine blood, for us!. We may marvel in wonderment of Jesus dual natures as a man and God in the flesh. We may drink of the marvelous miracles the Son of God who so compassionately worked for the betterment of those who in the Jews eyes didn't deserve it. We hopefully if you are reading this major milestone in Jesus life on earth are so thankful and indebted to the Son of God, the Savior for His willingness to see the Fathers plan all the way through just for us. But with all that said, it still comes down to facing the fact that Jesus said to His disciples - "My time is at hand, I must be crucified, for you!"

 Literally, like a lamb going to the slaughter! (Isaiah 53:7, John 1:29)

Have you ever witnessed an animal being slaughtered for food in front of your very eyes with its blood letting out all over? I have. If you have did you feel helpless to save the animal? I did. Or maybe you were one that witnessed wartime atrocities of the enemy, and or even seen you buddies killed while in battle side by side? I haven't and I thank God I didn't. I thank our veterans so much for putting themselves out there for our freedoms. My dad was in the Korean war and it wasn't until he was in his late 70's did he begin to share the atrocities he saw of soldiers in his platoon being killed right in front of him! I will keep the details but I think we all know how that effects people, its just not a normal thing to witness in the modern age of civilized societies.

This crucifixion Jesus is about to go through was a perfected practice by the Romans when they procured justice upon criminals. Jesus though is innocent of any wrongdoing and is about to go through six hours of suffering at the hands of the Jews, and to please His Father in heaven. Can we truly fathom and appreciate this voluntary sacrifice He is about to undergo? I think one could say, "I am sorrowful but I am sure glad He did."

Passover of Passover's

While growing up in Mary and Joseph's house Jesus attended many Passover's and Feast of Weeks celebrations. This was established by God's covenant given to Moses and the children of Israel in Exodus 14:14-19, 34:22. However the Passover Jesus is about to attend will be His final one until He is risen and drinks of it in His Father's Kingdom (Matt 26:29). He has already predicted His death and resurrection which boggles the mind of the disciples and us. We and they are unable to comprehend this state of mind and spirit of Jesus the man. As related earlier, He is clearly aware of His divinity and His human nature simultaneously. So, this next and final Passover meal is a milestone of His ministry akin to Him taking that first step out of the wood shop towards Jerusalem. It marks the next step in the process of redeeming mankind back to God, and He is very desirous about eating it, before he suffers! (Luke 22:15). He could have said, "No, I'm done suffering, I'm done with all the life threats and ridicule, the rejection and being all the talk in the Jewish world. I've had it, just leave me alone so I can live my life the way I want to."

This would have been the time to walk away but the Fathers will had to be fulfilled because of His Great Love for us! Oh how mankind is so blessed this particular Passover meal was fulfilled.

Then He took the cup, and gave thanks, and said, “Take this and divide it among yourselves; for I say to you, I will not drink of the fruit of the vine until the kingdom of God comes.”

And He took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, “This is My body which is given for you; do this in remembrance of Me.”

Likewise He also took the cup after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in My blood, which is shed for you.

Jesus the Victim for us

God had said that through the new covenant He would "forgive their iniquity, and I will remember their sin no more." And Jesus knew that the words, "He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities:...for He shall bear their iniquities" (Isa. 53:5,11) prophesied of Himself and were written for His instruction as well as for the instruction of all who have faith. He was to be the victim by which the new covenant would be firm. That covenant would be dedicated, inaugurated, ratified, put into effect as a result of His sacrifice (Heb 9:16-18). The blessing of sonship and fellowship with God was about to reach others. Jesus would have all believers acknowledge and remember His sacrifice, its purpose, and the new arrangement through which their new life and spiritual relationship with God becomes a reality.

Not more than a few hours later, the Savior of mankind, God in the flesh. would be in the Garden of Gethsemane just across the Kidron Valley from Jerusalem where He frequently brought His disciples, and prayed to His Father (John 18:2). This night He would pray all night to the point of sweating blood! (Luke 22:44) The agony was tremendous. Twice, Jesus had to wake Peter, James and John and remind them to pray so that they would not fall into temptation. This was especially poignant because Peter did indeed fall into temptation later that very night when three times he denied even knowing Jesus. The third time with cursing and swearing! (Mark 14:71)

Jesus moved a little way from the three men to pray, and twice He asked His Father to remove the cup of wrath He was about to drink, but each time He submitted to the Father’s will. He was “exceedingly sorrowful unto death,” but God sent an angel from heaven to strengthen Him (Luke 22:43).

"Father, if it is Your will, take this cup away from Me; nevertheless, not My will, but Yours, be done."

The disciple who betrayed Him would know this place well making it easy for him to lead the multitude of people including the chief Jewish priests and elders to arrest Jesus. They would be armed with swords and clubs a riotous bunch. (Matt 26:47) Judas identified Him by the prearranged signal of a kiss which he gave to Jesus. Trying to protect Jesus, Peter took a sword and attacked a man named Malchus, the servant of the high priest, cutting off his ear. Jesus rebuked Peter and miraculously healed the man’s ear. It’s surprising that witnessing this amazing miracle of healing had no effect on the multitude. Neither were they shaken by His awesome display of power as described in John 18:5-6, where either at the majesty of His looks, or at the power of His words, or both, they became like dead men, falling to the ground! Nevertheless, they arrested Him and took Him to Pontius Pilate, while the disciples scattered in fear for their lives.

Dirck van Baburen, The Arrest of Christ, c. 1619

Reflection Moment

Jesus Christ was completely innocent of any civil crime or wrongdoing. But according to the priests His claim to be God and the only way to the Father, He had to be arrested for fear His following would greatly increase, and His blasphemous claims had to be quenched out of existence (Mark 14:64). As you read through the book of John, you will notice eight different conversations in which Jesus makes very specific statements about himself. Jesus does not just claim to know these things, or explain these things. He claims that He is these things. The impact is tremendous. The implications reach deep into our everyday real lives. The impact involves life-changing transformation with everlasting consequence! 

John 6: 35, 48, I am the bread of life

John 8: 12, 9:5,  I am the light of the world

John 8: 58,  Before Abraham was, I am

John 10:9,  I am the door

John 10:11,  I am the good shepherd

John 11:25,  I am the resurrection and the life

John 14:6,  I am the way, the truth, and the life

John 15:1,  I am the true vine

We have come to the morning of April 3, 33 AD. The day the world is about to change forever because of one solitary life that loved us so much. Jesus Christ, the Son of God, Teacher and Savior, the God-man of Mary and Joseph, and of the Spirit of God.

Next week we explore the, Humanity of God in the flesh,

1 : 2 : 3 : 4 : 5 : 6

Click #1 to begin this study

Is Jesus Inspecting Your Congregation?

Jesus Christ, our Lord and King is many things to His disciples. He is Savior, Master Teacher, the Son of God within the Godhead. He is our brother and advocate to the Father. He is the Creator of the universe and holds all things together. He is God... Let us explore another aspect of many he holds. Could Jesus the Christ be His church Inspector? (Rev 2:1, 2, 9, 13, 19, 3:1, 8, 15) Hover your cursor over these scriptures as they are mentioned in the video.

We hope you glean a little more about the Mind of Christ in this short lesson.

Lesson by, Wayne Jackson
Christian Courier

By Wayne Jackson - Christian Courier

What is the Best way to know if your church congregation is of Christ?

Read here.