Sunday (John 11:1–12:11)

The Death of Lazarus

11:1 Now a certain man named Lazarus was sick. He was from Bethany, the village where Mary and her sister Martha lived. 11:2 (Now it was Mary who anointed the Lord with perfumed oil and wiped his feet dry with her hair, whose brother Lazarus was sick.) 11:3 So the sisters sent a message to Jesus, “Lord, look, the one you love is sick.” 11:4 When Jesus heard this, he said, “This sickness will not lead to death, but to God’s glory, so that the Son of God may be glorified through it.” 11:5 (Now Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus.)

11:6 So when he heard that Lazarus was sick, he remained in the place where he was for two more days. 11:7 Then after this, he said to his disciples, “Let us go to Judea again.” 11:8 The disciples replied, “Rabbi, the Jewish leaders were just now trying to stone you to death! Are you going there again?” 11:9 Jesus replied, “Are there not twelve hours in a day? If anyone walks around in the daytime, he does not stumble, because he sees the light of this world. 11:10 But if anyone walks around at night, he stumbles, because the light is not in him.”

11:11 After he said this, he added, “Our friend Lazarus has fallen asleep. But I am going there to awaken him.” 11:12 Then the disciples replied, “Lord, if he has fallen asleep, he will recover.” 11:13 (Now Jesus had been talking about his death, but they thought he had been talking about real sleep.)

11:14 Then Jesus told them plainly, “Lazarus has died, 11:15 and I am glad for your sake that I was not there, so that you may believe. But let us go to him.” 11:16 So Thomas (called Didymus) said to his fellow disciples, “Let us go too, so that we may die with him.”

Speaking with Martha and Mary

11:17 When Jesus arrived, he found that Lazarus had been in the tomb four days already. 11:18 (Now Bethany was less than two miles from Jerusalem, 11:19 so many of the Jewish people of the region had come to Martha and Mary to console them over the loss of their brother.) 11:20 So when Martha heard that Jesus was coming, she went out to meet him, but Mary was sitting in the house. 11:21 Martha said to Jesus, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died. 11:22 But even now I know that whatever you ask from God, God will grant you.”

11:23 Jesus replied, “Your brother will come back to life again.” 11:24 Martha said, “I know that he will come back to life again in the resurrection at the last day.” 11:25 Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live even if he dies, 11:26 and the one who lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?” 11:27 She replied, “Yes, Lord, I believe that you are the Christ, the Son of God who comes into the world.”

11:28 And when she had said this, Martha went and called her sister Mary, saying privately, “The Teacher is here and is asking for you.” 11:29 So when Mary heard this, she got up quickly and went to him. 11:30 (Now Jesus had not yet entered the village, but was still in the place where Martha had come out to meet him.) 11:31 Then the people who were with Mary in the house consoling her saw her get up quickly and go out. They followed her, because they thought she was going to the tomb to weep there.

11:32 Now when Mary came to the place where Jesus was and saw him, she fell at his feet and said to him, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died.” 11:33 When Jesus saw her weeping, and the people who had come with her weeping, he was intensely moved in spirit and greatly distressed. 11:34 He asked, “Where have you laid him?” They replied, “Lord, come and see.” 11:35 Jesus wept. 11:36 Thus the people who had come to mourn said, “Look how much he loved him!” 11:37 But some of them said, “This is the man who caused the blind man to see! Couldn’t he have done something to keep Lazarus from dying?”

Lazarus Raised from the Dead

11:38 Jesus, intensely moved again, came to the tomb. (Now it was a cave, and a stone was placed across it.) 11:39 Jesus said, “Take away the stone.” Martha, the sister of the deceased, replied, “Lord, by this time the body will have a bad smell, because he has been buried four days.” 11:40 Jesus responded, “Didn’t I tell you that if you believe, you would see the glory of God?” 11:41 So they took away the stone. Jesus looked upward and said, “Father, I thank you that you have listened to me. 11:42 I knew that you always listen to me, but I said this for the sake of the crowd standing around here, that they may believe that you sent me.” 11:43 When he had said this, he shouted in a loud voice, “Lazarus, come out!” 11:44 The one who had died came out, his feet and hands tied up with strips of cloth, and a cloth wrapped around his face. Jesus said to them, “Unwrap him and let him go.”

The Response of the Jewish Leaders

11:45 Then many of the people, who had come with Mary and had seen the things Jesus did, believed in him. 11:46 But some of them went to the Pharisees and reported to them what Jesus had done. 11:47 So the chief priests and the Pharisees called the council together and said, “What are we doing? For this man is performing many miraculous signs. 11:48 If we allow him to go on in this way, everyone will believe in him, and the Romans will come and take away our sanctuary and our nation.”

11:49 Then one of them, Caiaphas, who was high priest that year, said, “You know nothing at all! 11:50 You do not realize that it is more to your advantage to have one man die for the people than for the whole nation to perish.” 11:51 (Now he did not say this on his own, but because he was high priest that year, he prophesied that Jesus was going to die for the Jewish nation, 11:52 and not for the Jewish nation only, but to gather together into one the children of God who are scattered.) 11:53 So from that day they planned together to kill him.

11:54 Thus Jesus no longer went around publicly among the Judeans, but went away from there to the region near the wilderness, to a town called Ephraim, and stayed there with his disciples. 11:55 Now the Jewish feast of Passover was near, and many people went up to Jerusalem from the rural areas before the Passover to cleanse themselves ritually. 11:56 Thus they were looking for Jesus, and saying to one another as they stood in the temple courts, “What do you think? That he won’t come to the feast?” 11:57 (Now the chief priests and the Pharisees had given orders that anyone who knew where Jesus was should report it, so that they could arrest him.)

Jesus’ Anointing

12:1 Then, six days before the Passover, Jesus came to Bethany, where Lazarus lived, whom he had raised from the dead. 12:2 So they prepared a dinner for Jesus there. Martha was serving, and Lazarus was among those present at the table with him. 12:3 Then Mary took three quarters of a pound of expensive aromatic oil from pure nard and anointed the feet of Jesus. She then wiped his feet dry with her hair. (Now the house was filled with the fragrance of the perfumed oil.) 12:4 But Judas Iscariot, one of his disciples (the one who was going to betray him) said, 12:5 “Why wasn’t this oil sold for three hundred silver coins and the money given to the poor?” 12:6 (Now Judas said this not because he was concerned about the poor, but because he was a thief. As keeper of the money box, he used to steal what was put into it.) 12:7 So Jesus said, “Leave her alone. She has kept it for the day of my burial. 12:8 For you will always have the poor with you, but you will not always have me!”

12:9 Now a large crowd of Judeans learned that Jesus was there, and so they came not only because of him but also to see Lazarus whom he had raised from the dead. 12:10 So the chief priests planned to kill Lazarus too, 12:11 for on account of him many of the Jewish people from Jerusalem were going away and believing in Jesus.

Prayer

Lord, every moment is a teachable moment for those who recognize Your presence and see You working. May I be humble enough to remain constantly teachable, quiet enough to hear what the Holy Spirit is saying to me, and healed of my spiritual blindness so that I may see what He is showing me.

Scripture In Perspective

Jesus tells His disciples that Lazarus’ death has been permitted so as to create a teachable moment, “so that you may believe” (John 11:15). [Note: Jesus makes this statement because, at this point in time, the disciples’ belief was in development: “Their concept of who Jesus really was is continually being expanded and challenged; they are undergoing spiritual growth; the climax is reached in the confession of Thomas in John 20:28” (NET sn) — ‘My Lord and my God!’]

Jesus prays “for the sake of the crowd standing around” (John 11:42), so that they may know by Whose power He has been sent and is about to act. He then resurrects Lazarus with words of power: “Lazarus, come out!” (vs. 43).

The Jewish leaders hear of this and are troubled, not only that their religious traditions be upheld, but by the possible Roman reaction to Jesus’ growing ministry. The high priest Caiaphas declares that it would be profitable for “one man [Jesus] to die for the people” (John 11:50), which would neutralize the threat to the captive nation-state Israel — Caiaphas is unaware that his words (unintentionally) echo the prophesy of Jesus, that He was to “give His life as a ransom for many” (Mark 10:45).

Mary anointing the feet of Jesus triggers a fascinating revelation of the heart of Judas Iscariot, who exclaims that she should have sold the oil and given the money to the poor. John notes that Judas’ motivation is “not because he was concerned about the poor” (12:6), rather that there be more money in the collection for him to steal. Jesus corrects Judas, saying that the poor will always be around and in need, but that Mary’s anointing is in anticipation of His imminent death — “you will not always have Me!” (vs. 8). [Note: It is interesting that this is the second time Mary focuses on the presence of Jesus more so than are others do.

Faith In Action

Consider

How do we typically experience the tragedies of life here in this fallen and temporary world: acknowledging our loss and resultant sadness, then looking expectantly for how, when, or where Jesus may redeem it; or allowing ourselves to be trapped in a cycle of despair?

Are we controlled by worry over the social or political consequences of living in Truth, or do we follow Jesus fearlessly?

Reflect

Do we “steal” from God’s ministry by hording when we should share? Do we misuse the resources we have been given and ignore the concerns of God by prioritizing the building of religious organizations which create self-employment and give us recognition?

Are you aware that you live in the presence of God and that your worship of Him at all times (not only when you are in a gathering of Believers) is to be through sacrificial and intentional actions?

Pray

Ask the Holy Spirit to make you aware of a moment in your day when He is working through you, so that you may fully appreciate it.

Act

Today I will pause to recognize and celebrate in worship the amazing power and presence of God in my life. It may be that He encourages someone through me, or that I am encouraged by another. It may be that He shares His salvation story with another through my witness. I will not fail to worship Him and share with another Believer.

Be Specific ____________________________________________

Monday (Matthew 21:1-22; Mark 11:1-26; Luke 19:28-48; John 12:12-43)

Matthew

The Triumphal Entry

21:1 Now when they approached Jerusalem and came to Bethphage, at the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two disciples, 21:2 telling them, “Go to the village ahead of you. Right away you will find a donkey tied there, and a colt with her. Untie them and bring them to me. 21:3 If anyone says anything to you, you are to say, ‘The Lord needs them,’ and he will send them at once.” 21:4 This took place to fulfill what was spoken by the prophet:

21:5 “Tell the people of Zion,

‘Look, your king is coming to you, unassuming and seated on a donkey, and on a colt, the foal of a donkey.’”

21:6 So the disciples went and did as Jesus had instructed them. 21:7 They brought the donkey and the colt and placed their cloaks on them, and he sat on them. 21:8 A very large crowd spread their cloaks on the road. Others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road. 21:9 The crowds that went ahead of him and those following kept shouting, “Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest!” 21:10 As he entered Jerusalem the whole city was thrown into an uproar, saying, “Who is this?” 21:11 And the crowds were saying, “This is the prophet Jesus, from Nazareth in Galilee.”

Cleansing the Temple

21:12 Then Jesus entered the temple area and drove out all those who were selling and buying in the temple courts, and turned over the tables of the money changers and the chairs of those selling doves. 21:13 And he said to them, “It is written, ‘My house will be called a house of prayer,’ but you are turning it into a den of robbers!”

21:14 The blind and lame came to him in the temple courts, and he healed them. 21:15 But when the chief priests and the experts in the law saw the wonderful things he did and heard the children crying out in the temple courts, “Hosanna to the Son of David,” they became indignant 21:16 and said to him, “Do you hear what they are saying?” Jesus said to them, “Yes. Have you never read, ‘Out of the mouths of children and nursing infants you have prepared praise for yourself’?” 21:17 And leaving them, he went out of the city to Bethany and spent the night there.

The Withered Fig Tree

21:18 Now early in the morning, as he returned to the city, he was hungry. 21:19 After noticing a fig tree by the road he went to it, but found nothing on it except leaves. He said to it, “Never again will there be fruit from you!” And the fig tree withered at once. 21:20 When the disciples saw it they were amazed, saying, “How did the fig tree wither so quickly?” 21:21 Jesus answered them, “I tell you the truth, if you have faith and do not doubt, not only will you do what was done to the fig tree, but even if you say to this mountain, ‘Be lifted up and thrown into the sea,’ it will happen. 21:22 And whatever you ask in prayer, if you believe, you will receive.”

Mark

The Triumphal Entry

11:1 Now as they approached Jerusalem, near Bethphage and Bethany, at the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two of his disciples 11:2 and said to them, “Go to the village ahead of you. As soon as you enter it, you will find a colt tied there that has never been ridden. Untie it and bring it here. 11:3 If anyone says to you, ‘Why are you doing this?’ say, ‘The Lord needs it and will send it back here soon.’” 11:4 So they went and found a colt tied at a door, outside in the street, and untied it. 11:5 Some people standing there said to them, “What are you doing, untying that colt?” 11:6 They replied as Jesus had told them, and the bystanders let them go. 11:7 Then they brought the colt to Jesus, threw their cloaks on it, and he sat on it. 11:8 Many spread their cloaks on the road and others spread branches they had cut in the fields. 11:9 Both those who went ahead and those who followed kept shouting, “Hosanna! Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord! 11:10 Blessed is the coming kingdom of our father David! Hosanna in the highest!” 11:11 Then Jesus entered Jerusalem and went to the temple. And after looking around at everything, he went out to Bethany with the twelve since it was already late.

Cursing of the Fig Tree

11:12 Now the next day, as they went out from Bethany, he was hungry. 11:13 After noticing in the distance a fig tree with leaves, he went to see if he could find any fruit on it. When he came to it he found nothing but leaves, for it was not the season for figs. 11:14 He said to it, “May no one ever eat fruit from you again.” And his disciples heard it.

Cleansing the Temple

11:15 Then they came to Jerusalem. Jesus entered the temple area and began to drive out those who were selling and buying in the temple courts. He turned over the tables of the money changers and the chairs of those selling doves, 11:16 and he would not permit anyone to carry merchandise through the temple courts. 11:17 Then he began to teach them and said, “Is it not written: ‘My house will be called a house of prayer for all nations’? But you have turned it into a den of robbers!” 11:18 The chief priests and the experts in the law heard it and they considered how they could assassinate him, for they feared him, because the whole crowd was amazed by his teaching. 11:19 When evening came, Jesus and his disciples went out of the city.

The Withered Fig Tree

11:20 In the morning as they passed by, they saw the fig tree withered from the roots. 11:21 Peter remembered and said to him, “Rabbi, look! The fig tree you cursed has withered.” 11:22 Jesus said to them, “Have faith in God. 11:23 I tell you the truth, if someone says to this mountain, ‘Be lifted up and thrown into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart but believes that what he says will happen, it will be done for him. 11:24 For this reason I tell you, whatever you pray and ask for, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours. 11:25 Whenever you stand praying, if you have anything against anyone, forgive him, so that your Father in heaven will also forgive you your sins.”

11:26 [[EMPTY]]

Luke

The Triumphal Entry

19:28 After Jesus had said this, he continued on ahead, going up to Jerusalem. 19:29 Now when he approached Bethphage and Bethany, at the place called the Mount of Olives, he sent two of the disciples, 19:30 telling them, “Go to the village ahead of you. When you enter it, you will find a colt tied there that has never been ridden. Untie it and bring it here. 19:31 If anyone asks you, ‘Why are you untying it?’ just say, ‘The Lord needs it.’” 19:32 So those who were sent ahead found it exactly as he had told them. 19:33 As they were untying the colt, its owners asked them, “Why are you untying that colt?” 19:34 They replied, “The Lord needs it.” 19:35 Then they brought it to Jesus, threw their cloaks on the colt, and had Jesus get on it. 19:36 As he rode along, they spread their cloaks on the road. 19:37 As he approached the road leading down from the Mount of Olives, the whole crowd of his disciples began to rejoice and praise God with a loud voice for all the mighty works they had seen: 19:38 “Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord! Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!” 19:39 But some of the Pharisees in the crowd said to him, “Teacher, rebuke your disciples.” 19:40 He answered, “I tell you, if they keep silent, the very stones will cry out!”

Jesus Weeps for Jerusalem under Judgment

19:41 Now when Jesus approached and saw the city, he wept over it, 19:42 saying, “If you had only known on this day, even you, the things that make for peace! But now they are hidden from your eyes. 19:43 For the days will come upon you when your enemies will build an embankment against you and surround you and close in on you from every side. 19:44 They will demolish you – you and your children within your walls – and they will not leave within you one stone on top of another, because you did not recognize the time of your visitation from God.”

Cleansing the Temple

19:45 Then Jesus entered the temple courts and began to drive out those who were selling things there, 19:46 saying to them, “It is written, ‘My house will be a house of prayer,’ but you have turned it into a den of robbers!”

19:47 Jesus was teaching daily in the temple courts. The chief priests and the experts in the law and the prominent leaders among the people were seeking to assassinate him, 19:48 but they could not find a way to do it, for all the people hung on his words.

John

The Triumphal Entry

12:12 The next day the large crowd that had come to the feast heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem. 12:13 So they took branches of palm trees and went out to meet him. They began to shout, “Hosanna! Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord! Blessed is the king of Israel!” 12:14 Jesus found a young donkey and sat on it, just as it is written, 12:15 “Do not be afraid, people of Zion; look, your king is coming, seated on a donkey’s colt!” 12:16 (His disciples did not understand these things when they first happened, but when Jesus was glorified, then they remembered that these things were written about him and that these things had happened to him.)

12:17 So the crowd who had been with him when he called Lazarus out of the tomb and raised him from the dead were continuing to testify about it. 12:18 Because they had heard that Jesus had performed this miraculous sign, the crowd went out to meet him. 12:19 Thus the Pharisees said to one another, “You see that you can do nothing. Look, the world has run off after him!”

Seekers

12:20 Now some Greeks were among those who had gone up to worship at the feast. 12:21 So these approached Philip, who was from Bethsaida in Galilee, and requested, “Sir, we would like to see Jesus.” 12:22 Philip went and told Andrew, and they both went and told Jesus. 12:23 Jesus replied, “The time has come for the Son of Man to be glorified. 12:24 I tell you the solemn truth, unless a kernel of wheat falls into the ground and dies, it remains by itself alone. But if it dies, it produces much grain. 12:25 The one who loves his life destroys it, and the one who hates his life in this world guards it for eternal life. 12:26 If anyone wants to serve me, he must follow me, and where I am, my servant will be too. If anyone serves me, the Father will honor him.

12:27 “Now my soul is greatly distressed. And what should I say? ‘Father, deliver me from this hour’? No, but for this very reason I have come to this hour. 12:28 Father, glorify your name.” Then a voice came from heaven, “I have glorified it, and I will glorify it again.” 12:29 The crowd that stood there and heard the voice said that it had thundered. Others said that an angel had spoken to him. 12:30 Jesus said, “This voice has not come for my benefit but for yours. 12:31 Now is the judgment of this world; now the ruler of this world will be driven out. 12:32 And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself.” 12:33 (Now he said this to indicate clearly what kind of death he was going to die.)

12:34 Then the crowd responded, “We have heard from the law that the Christ will remain forever. How can you say, ‘The Son of Man must be lifted up’? Who is this Son of Man?” 12:35 Jesus replied, “The light is with you for a little while longer. Walk while you have the light, so that the darkness may not overtake you. The one who walks in the darkness does not know where he is going. 12:36 While you have the light, believe in the light, so that you may become sons of light.” When Jesus had said these things, he went away and hid himself from them.

The Outcome of Jesus’ Public Ministry Foretold

12:37 Although Jesus had performed so many miraculous signs before them, they still refused to believe in him, 12:38 so that the word of Isaiah the prophet would be fulfilled. He said, “Lord, who has believed our message, and to whom has the arm of the Lord been revealed?” 12:39 For this reason they could not believe, because again Isaiah said,

12:40 “He has blinded their eyes and hardened their heart, so that they would not see with their eyes and understand with their heart, and turn to me, and I would heal them.”

12:41 Isaiah said these things because he saw Christ’s glory, and spoke about him.

12:42 Nevertheless, even among the rulers many believed in him, but because of the Pharisees they would not confess Jesus to be the Christ, so that they would not be put out of the synagogue. 12:43 For they loved praise from men more than praise from God.

Prayer

When You, the incarnate Jesus Christ, entered the city You were fulfilling prophesy, yet most of the people were so blinded by their worldly notions of Who You were suppose to be that they missed Who You really are. Lord, may I humble myself and submit to the teachings of Your Word, that I may not be deceived and also miss You.

Scripture In Perspective

The triumphal entry of Jesus into Jerusalem is cause for excitement among the Jews, who see Him as a liberating King, and it creates great consternation in the religious leaders, who are fearful of their loss of power and the reaction of the Romans. Notable is Jesus’ reply to the challenge of the religious leaders that He silence those who worship Him — “if they keep silent, the very stones will cry out!” (Luke 19:40). It is His time and He is God.

Jesus weeps for Jerusalem, because they had been given the unmistakable prophesy of His coming and yet remain blindly rebellious. They not only miss out on His presence, He laments, but they will suffer greatly because, “you did not recognize the time of your visitation from God” (Luke 19:44). Affirmation that Jesus is God is found in the usage of the term “visitation” with the qualifier “from God”: Jesus is the earthly presence of God.

Cursing the fruitless fig tree, not in season to bear fruit, Jesus uses as a twofold teachable moment. First, the faithful Believer must be ready, whatever the season, to bear fruit. And second, the power of prayer is in what is requested in faith by a Believer, who “does not doubt...but does not doubt...but believes...it will be done for him” (Mark 11:23). The conditional to answered prayer is that one with an unforgiving heart toward a fellow Believer may not anticipate receiving a blessing — forgive him first, “so that your Father in heaven will also forgive you” (vs. 25).

Jesus cleanses the Temple, indicative of His indignation with the religious leaders who presume to misuse the Temple by “selling and buying in the temple courts” (Matt. 21:12) — selling doves (needed to perform a sacrifice) and converting money to a Jewish coin (the only currency accepted by the religious leaders). Jesus reminds those gathered that God said His Temple was “a house of prayer” (vs. 13).

When the religious leaders ask Him to silence the children in the Temple courts who are calling out, “Hosanna to the Son of David” (Matt. 21:15), Jesus again affirms His divinity by quoting from the ancient Scriptures: “Out of the mouths of children and nursing infants You have prepared praise for Yourself” (Ps. 8:2). [Pause a moment to read Psalm 8 to acquire the full context.]

A group of Gentiles, in Jerusalem for the Passover Feast (possibly out of curiosity, or because they heard that Jesus might be there), present themselves to the disciples and ask to meet Jesus. These “Greeks” (John 12:20) were probably God-fearers there to worship and were fortunate to be there to hear Jesus’ discourse regarding true seekers of “the light” (vs. 35).

To the crowd gathered (both Jew and Greek alike), Jesus speaks of both His need to die to save them and their need to die to the things of this world in order to be saved. He prays out loud to His Father, so all may hear, and the Father answers the Son in a voice that “thundered” (John 12:29). Jesus says “when I am lifted up....to indicate clearly what kind of death he was going to die” (vss. 32-33). The people, confused that the Messiah will be lifted up (because they understand from the law that the Christ will “remain forever,” vs. 34), fail to comprehend the need of the Cross to provide the way for salvation.

Jesus foretells His ministry’s outcome for most Jews: Due to their resistance and rebellion, God amplifies the hardness of their hearts — even their witness to His miracles will not move them to return to Him. Jesus wants genuine relational-faith relationships, not mere miracle groupies or religious-cult followers. Some of the Jewish leaders believe in Him yet fail to publicly confess Him, as they fear the retribution of religious leaders — “they loved praise from men more than praise from God” (John 12:43).

Faith In Action

Consider

Do we bear the fruit of faith in all seasons, not just on Christmas, Easter, Sunday morning or in response to a Christian event?

Are we bold in confessing Christ and joyful in naming Jesus as Lord, without fear of retribution or loss of praise from mere man?

Reflect

Do we get excited and cry out “Hosanna!” when we see God moving in a community or the life of an individual, both displacing Satan and establishing His Kingdom one heart at a time?

Have you experienced a gathering where the people seemed unable to acknowledge or praise God unless there was some sort of “miracle” performed? In light of these verses, does that trouble you?

Pray

Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal to you if you serve or worship the Lord God mostly when other people are watching, instead of always.

Act

Today I will prayerfully contemplate if I tend to drift into a time of fruit-dormancy, or if I am intentionally faithful to bear fruit no matter the context or the season.

I will be watchful for opportunity to praise God when I see His hand at work and to confess Him when He prompts me to.

Be Specific _____________________________________________

Tuesday (Matthew 21:23-46; 22:15-33; Mark 11:27–12:27; Luke 20:1-40)

Matthew

The Authority of Jesus

21:23 Now after Jesus entered the temple courts, the chief priests and elders of the people came up to him as he was teaching and said, “By what authority are you doing these things, and who gave you this authority?” 21:24 Jesus answered them, “I will also ask you one question. If you answer me then I will also tell you by what authority I do these things. 21:25 Where did John’s baptism come from? From heaven or from people?” They discussed this among themselves, saying, “If we say, ‘From heaven,’ he will say, ‘Then why did you not believe him?’ 21:26 But if we say, ‘From people,’ we fear the crowd, for they all consider John to be a prophet.” 21:27 So they answered Jesus, “We don’t know.” Then he said to them, “Neither will I tell you by what authority I am doing these things.

The Parable of the Two Sons

21:28 “What do you think? A man had two sons. He went to the first and said, ‘Son, go and work in the vineyard today.’ 21:29 The boy answered, ‘I will not.’ But later he had a change of heart and went. 21:30 The father went to the other son and said the same thing. This boy answered, ‘I will, sir,’ but did not go. 21:31 Which of the two did his father’s will?” They said, “The first.” Jesus said to them, “I tell you the truth, tax collectors and prostitutes will go ahead of you into the kingdom of God! 21:32 For John came to you in the way of righteousness, and you did not believe him. But the tax collectors and prostitutes did believe. Although you saw this, you did not later change your minds and believe him.

The Parable of the Tenants

21:33 “Listen to another parable: There was a landowner who planted a vineyard. He put a fence around it, dug a pit for its winepress, and built a watchtower. Then he leased it to tenant farmers and went on a journey. 21:34 When the harvest time was near, he sent his slaves to the tenants to collect his portion of the crop. 21:35 But the tenants seized his slaves, beat one, killed another, and stoned another. 21:36 Again he sent other slaves, more than the first, and they treated them the same way. 21:37 Finally he sent his son to them, saying, ‘They will respect my son.’ 21:38 But when the tenants saw the son, they said to themselves, ‘This is the heir. Come, let’s kill him and get his inheritance!’ 21:39 So they seized him, threw him out of the vineyard, and killed him. 21:40 Now when the owner of the vineyard comes, what will he do to those tenants?” 21:41 They said to him, “He will utterly destroy those evil men! Then he will lease the vineyard to other tenants who will give him his portion at the harvest.”

21:42 Jesus said to them, “Have you never read in the scriptures:

‘The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone. This is from the Lord, and it is marvelous in our eyes’?

21:43 For this reason I tell you that the kingdom of God will be taken from you and given to a people who will produce its fruit. 21:44 The one who falls on this stone will be broken to pieces, and the one on whom it falls will be crushed.” 21:45 When the chief priests and the Pharisees heard his parables, they realized that he was speaking about them. 21:46 They wanted to arrest him, but they were afraid of the crowds, because the crowds regarded him as a prophet.

[Note: Matthew 22:1-14 discussed in following day’s study.]

Paying Taxes to Caesar

22:15 Then the Pharisees went out and planned together to entrap him with his own words. 22:16 They sent to him their disciples along with the Herodians, saying, “Teacher, we know that you are truthful, and teach the way of God in accordance with the truth. You do not court anyone’s favor because you show no partiality. 22:17 Tell us then, what do you think? Is it right to pay taxes to Caesar or not?”

22:18 But Jesus realized their evil intentions and said, “Hypocrites! Why are you testing me? 22:19 Show me the coin used for the tax.” So they brought him a denarius. 22:20 Jesus said to them, “Whose image is this, and whose inscription?” 22:21 They replied, “Caesar’s.” He said to them, “Then give to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.” 22:22 Now when they heard this they were stunned, and they left him and went away.

Marriage and the Resurrection

22:23 The same day Sadducees (who say there is no resurrection) came to him and asked him, 22:24 “Teacher, Moses said, ‘If a man dies without having children, his brother must marry the widow and father children for his brother.’ 22:25 Now there were seven brothers among us. The first one married and died, and since he had no children he left his wife to his brother. 22:26 The second did the same, and the third, down to the seventh. 22:27 Last of all, the woman died. 22:28 In the resurrection, therefore, whose wife of the seven will she be? For they all had married her.” 22:29 Jesus answered them, “You are deceived, because you don’t know the scriptures or the power of God. 22:30 For in the resurrection they neither marry nor are given in marriage, but are like angels in heaven. 22:31 Now as for the resurrection of the dead, have you not read what was spoken to you by God, 22:32 ‘I am the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob’? He is not the God of the dead but of the living!” 22:33 When the crowds heard this, they were amazed at his teaching.

Mark

The Authority of Jesus

11:27 They came again to Jerusalem. While Jesus was walking in the temple courts, the chief priests, the experts in the law, and the elders came up to him 11:28 and said, “By what authority are you doing these things? Or who gave you this authority to do these things?” 11:29 Jesus said to them, “I will ask you one question. Answer me and I will tell you by what authority I do these things: 11:30 John’s baptism – was it from heaven or from people? Answer me.” 11:31 They discussed with one another, saying, “If we say, ‘From heaven,’ he will say, ‘Then why did you not believe him?’ 11:32 But if we say, ‘From people – ‘” (they feared the crowd, for they all considered John to be truly a prophet). 11:33 So they answered Jesus, “We don’t know.” Then Jesus said to them, “Neither will I tell you by what authority I am doing these things.”

The Parable of the Tenants

12:1 Then he began to speak to them in parables: “A man planted a vineyard. He put a fence around it, dug a pit for its winepress, and built a watchtower. Then he leased it to tenant farmers and went on a journey. 12:2 At harvest time he sent a slave to the tenants to collect from them his portion of the crop. 12:3 But those tenants seized his slave, beat him, and sent him away empty-handed. 12:4 So he sent another slave to them again. This one they struck on the head and treated outrageously. 12:5 He sent another, and that one they killed. This happened to many others, some of whom were beaten, others killed. 12:6 He had one left, his one dear son. Finally he sent him to them, saying, ‘They will respect my son.’ 12:7 But those tenants said to one another, ‘This is the heir. Come, let’s kill him and the inheritance will be ours!’ 12:8 So they seized him, killed him, and threw his body out of the vineyard. 12:9 What then will the owner of the vineyard do? He will come and destroy those tenants and give the vineyard to others. 12:10 Have you not read this scripture:

‘The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone.

12:11 This is from the Lord, and it is marvelous in our eyes’?”

12:12 Now they wanted to arrest him (but they feared the crowd), because they realized that he told this parable against them. So they left him and went away.

Paying Taxes to Caesar

12:13 Then they sent some of the Pharisees and Herodians to trap him with his own words. 12:14 When they came they said to him, “Teacher, we know that you are truthful and do not court anyone’s favor, because you show no partiality but teach the way of God in accordance with the truth. Is it right to pay taxes to Caesar or not? Should we pay or shouldn’t we?” 12:15 But he saw through their hypocrisy and said to them, “Why are you testing me? Bring me a denarius and let me look at it.” 12:16 So they brought one, and he said to them, “Whose image is this, and whose inscription?” They replied, “Caesar’s.” 12:17 Then Jesus said to them, “Give to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.” And they were utterly amazed at him.

Marriage and the Resurrection

12:18 Sadducees (who say there is no resurrection) also came to him and asked him, 12:19 “Teacher, Moses wrote for us: ‘If a man’s brother dies and leaves a wife but no children, that man must marry the widow and father children for his brother.’ 12:20 There were seven brothers. The first one married, and when he died he had no children. 12:21 The second married her and died without any children, and likewise the third. 12:22 None of the seven had children. Finally, the woman died too. 12:23 In the resurrection, when they rise again, whose wife will she be? For all seven had married her.” 12:24 Jesus said to them, “Aren’t you deceived for this reason, because you don’t know the scriptures or the power of God? 12:25 For when they rise from the dead, they neither marry nor are given in marriage, but are like angels in heaven. 12:26 Now as for the dead being raised, have you not read in the book of Moses, in the passage about the bush, how God said to him, ‘I am the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob’? 12:27 He is not the God of the dead but of the living. You are badly mistaken!”

Luke

The Authority of Jesus

20:1 Now one day, as Jesus was teaching the people in the temple courts and proclaiming the gospel, the chief priests and the experts in the law with the elders came up 20:2 and said to him, “Tell us: By what authority are you doing these things? Or who it is who gave you this authority?” 20:3 He answered them, “I will also ask you a question, and you tell me: 20:4 John’s baptism – was it from heaven or from people?” 20:5 So they discussed it with one another, saying, “If we say, ‘From heaven,’ he will say, ‘Why did you not believe him?’ 20:6 But if we say, ‘From people,’ all the people will stone us, because they are convinced that John was a prophet.” 20:7 So they replied that they did not know where it came from. 20:8 Then Jesus said to them, “Neither will I tell you by whose authority I do these things.”

The Parable of the Tenants

20:9 Then he began to tell the people this parable: “A man planted a vineyard, leased it to tenant farmers, and went on a journey for a long time. 20:10 When harvest time came, he sent a slave to the tenants so that they would give him his portion of the crop. However, the tenants beat his slave and sent him away empty-handed. 20:11 So he sent another slave. They beat this one too, treated him outrageously, and sent him away empty-handed. 20:12 So he sent still a third. They even wounded this one, and threw him out. 20:13 Then the owner of the vineyard said, ‘What should I do? I will send my one dear son; perhaps they will respect him.’ 20:14 But when the tenants saw him, they said to one another, ‘This is the heir; let’s kill him so the inheritance will be ours!’ 20:15 So they threw him out of the vineyard and killed him. What then will the owner of the vineyard do to them? 20:16 He will come and destroy those tenants and give the vineyard to others.” When the people heard this, they said, “May this never happen!” 20:17 But Jesus looked straight at them and said, “Then what is the meaning of that which is written: ‘The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone’? 20:18 Everyone who falls on this stone will be broken to pieces, and the one on whom it falls will be crushed.” 20:19 Then the experts in the law and the chief priests wanted to arrest him that very hour, because they realized he had told this parable against them. But they were afraid of the people.

Paying Taxes to Caesar

20:20 Then they watched him carefully and sent spies who pretended to be sincere. They wanted to take advantage of what he might say so that they could deliver him up to the authority and jurisdiction of the governor. 20:21 Thus they asked him, “Teacher, we know that you speak and teach correctly, and show no partiality, but teach the way of God in accordance with the truth. 20:22 Is it right for us to pay the tribute tax to Caesar or not?” 20:23 But Jesus perceived their deceit and said to them, 20:24 “Show me a denarius. Whose image and inscription are on it?” They said, “Caesar’s.” 20:25 So he said to them, “Then give to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.” 20:26 Thus they were unable in the presence of the people to trap him with his own words. And stunned by his answer, they fell silent.

Marriage and the Resurrection

20:27 Now some Sadducees (who contend that there is no resurrection) came to him. 20:28 They asked him, “Teacher, Moses wrote for us that if a man’s brother dies leaving a wife but no children, that man must marry the widow and father children for his brother. 20:29 Now there were seven brothers. The first one married a woman and died without children. 20:30 The second 20:31 and then the third married her, and in this same way all seven died, leaving no children. 20:32 Finally the woman died too. 20:33 In the resurrection, therefore, whose wife will the woman be? For all seven had married her.”

20:34 So Jesus said to them, “The people of this age marry and are given in marriage. 20:35 But those who are regarded as worthy to share in that age and in the resurrection from the dead neither marry nor are given in marriage. 20:36 In fact, they can no longer die, because they are equal to angels and are sons of God, since they are sons of the resurrection. 20:37 But even Moses revealed that the dead are raised in the passage about the bush, where he calls the Lord the God of Abraham and the God of Isaac and the God of Jacob. 20:38 Now he is not God of the dead, but of the living, for all live before him.” 20:39 Then some of the experts in the law answered, “Teacher, you have spoken well!” 20:40 For they did not dare any longer to ask him anything.

Prayer

Lord, Your Word clearly teaches that both the unsaved and the saved alike are given choices, to either repent of the things of the world and be saved, or cling to the world and die. You do not reward disobedience. May I seek Your will and never allow the world to dictate a path that is contrary to Your desire for me.

Scripture In Perspective

The religious authorities challenge Jesus to state by whose authority He does miracles, preaches, and disrupts the Temple. Jesus, knowing their evil hearts, answers their question with His own question as to John’s authority to minister baptism: “Was as it from heaven or from people?” (Luke 20:4). The religious authorities, knowing that the latter would spark a riot among the people who believed John a prophet of God, reply that they do not know. Jesus tells them, “Neither will I tell you by whose authority I do these things” (vs. 8) — although it is obvious to all the people that mere man could not grant Him such power.

Jesus tells the Parable of the Two Sons: One initially disobeyed his father, then repented and obeyed; the other promised to obey, but never did. Jesus asks the gathered chief priests and elders, “Which of the two did his fathers’ will?” (Matt. 21:31). His teaching point: Although they had seen God’s power in John’s ministry with their own eyes, they did not repent and obey the Father, believing in His Son Who comes with power from on high and of Whom John spoke as coming soon.

In the telling of the Parable of the Tenants, Jesus illustrates the violent rebellion of the religious leaders (the Jewish tenant farmers) against God (the owner of the vineyard) — He will “destroy those tenants and give the vineyard to others” (Mark 12:9), the Gentiles.

Challenged by the Pharisees on the paying of taxes to Caesar, Jesus turns it back on them with the wisdom that one should “give to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s” (Matt. 22:21). The latter is more challenging to a fallen person than is the first to arrogant religious leaders. Jesus’ words explain the important boundary between the things of the world and the things of God — our obligations as citizens of an earthly civilization and to the Lord God.

Jesus responds to a question from the Sadducees, “who contend that there is no resurrection,” Luke 20:27, intended to entrap Him: “In the resurrection, whose wife will the woman be?” (Luke 20:33). The Pharisees, who do believe in resurrection, listen closely. Jesus uses it as a teachable moment to show both of the groups their ignorance of God’s Word: The institution of marriage, Jesus explains, is for mankind’s time on earth and does not exist “in the resurrection” (Matt. 22:30), Heaven. The righteous, He assures them, will rise from the dead — “He is not the God of the dead but of the living” (Mark 12:27).

Faith In Action

Consider

God knows our hearts. No matter our fallen words and deeds, He knows who are truly His and who are pretenders.

In matters of temporary citizenship, we are to be ethical and responsible; in matters related to God, faithful and righteous. Righteous living for the faithful can often be extraordinarily difficult — what are some helpful ways to handle decision making?

Reflect

Be encouraged knowing that God, while offended by our rebellion, waits patiently while encouraging us to reconsider and blesses us when are obedient. Only those who surrender everything are welcome in Heaven.

Have you experienced a ministry outreach which was chronically unresponsive to God’s leading, and another which was responsive? Was the first group left for a time for the Holy Spirit to “prepare” for ministry, while the second group was already “harvesting”?

Pray

Ask the Holy Spirit to seek out a place in your heart where you may be deceiving others or yourself and trying to deceive God. Ask for the truth to be revealed to displace the deception, a revelation which will move you down the path of righteousness.

Act

Today I will celebrate a forgiving God and will tell a back-slidden Believer the story of His forgiveness and restoration in my life.

Today I will pray for the leaders of the government under whose secular authority I live. I will be a good citizen in participating in the governmental process. I commit to being more faithful as a citizen of the eternal Kingdom of God and to obeying His call upon my life.

Be Specific _____________________________________________

Wednesday (Matthew 22:1-14; 22:34–23:39; Mark 12:28-44; Luke 20:41–21:4)

Matthew

The Parable of the Wedding Banquet

22:1 Jesus spoke to them again in parables, saying: 22:2 “The kingdom of heaven can be compared to a king who gave a wedding banquet for his son. 22:3 He sent his slaves to summon those who had been invited to the banquet, but they would not come. 22:4 Again he sent other slaves, saying, ‘Tell those who have been invited, “Look! The feast I have prepared for you is ready. My oxen and fattened cattle have been slaughtered, and everything is ready. Come to the wedding banquet.”‘ 22:5 But they were indifferent and went away, one to his farm, another to his business. 22:6 The rest seized his slaves, insolently mistreated them, and killed them. 22:7 The king was furious! He sent his soldiers, and they put those murderers to death and set their city on fire. 22:8 Then he said to his slaves, ‘The wedding is ready, but the ones who had been invited were not worthy. 22:9 So go into the main streets and invite everyone you find to the wedding banquet.’ 22:10 And those slaves went out into the streets and gathered all they found, both bad and good, and the wedding hall was filled with guests. 22:11 But when the king came in to see the wedding guests, he saw a man there who was not wearing wedding clothes. 22:12 And he said to him, ‘Friend, how did you get in here without wedding clothes?’ But he had nothing to say. 22:13 Then the king said to his attendants, ‘Tie him up hand and foot and throw him into the outer darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth!’ 22:14 For many are called, but few are chosen.’

[Note: Matthew 22:15-33 discussed in prior day’s study.]

The Greatest Commandment

22:34 Now when the Pharisees heard that he had silenced the Sadducees, they assembled together. 22:35 And one of them, an expert in religious law, asked him a question to test him: 22:36 “Teacher, which commandment in the law is the greatest?” 22:37 Jesus said to him, “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ 22:38 This is the first and greatest commandment. 22:39 The second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ 22:40 All the law and the prophets depend on these two commandments.”

The Messiah: David’s Son and Lord

22:41 While the Pharisees were assembled, Jesus asked them a question: 22:42 “What do you think about the Christ? Whose son is he?” They said, “The son of David.” 22:43 He said to them, “How then does David by the Spirit call him ‘Lord,’ saying,

22:44 ‘The Lord said to my lord, “Sit at my right hand, until I put your enemies under your feet”‘?

22:45 If David then calls him ‘Lord,’ how can he be his son?” 22:46 No one was able to answer him a word, and from that day on no one dared to question him any longer.

Seven Woes

23:1 Then Jesus said to the crowds and to his disciples, 23:2 “The experts in the law and the Pharisees sit on Moses’ seat. 23:3 Therefore pay attention to what they tell you and do it. But do not do what they do, for they do not practice what they teach. 23:4 They tie up heavy loads, hard to carry, and put them on men’s shoulders, but they themselves are not willing even to lift a finger to move them. 23:5 They do all their deeds to be seen by people, for they make their phylacteries wide and their tassels long. 23:6 They love the place of honor at banquets and the best seats in the synagogues 23:7 and elaborate greetings in the marketplaces, and to have people call them ‘Rabbi.’ 23:8 But you are not to be called ‘Rabbi,’ for you have one Teacher and you are all brothers. 23:9 And call no one your ‘father’ on earth, for you have one Father, who is in heaven. 23:10 Nor are you to be called ‘teacher,’ for you have one teacher, the Christ. 23:11 The greatest among you will be your servant. 23:12 And whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.

23:13 “But woe to you, experts in the law and you Pharisees, hypocrites! You keep locking people out of the kingdom of heaven! For you neither enter nor permit those trying to enter to go in.

23:14 [[EMPTY]]

23:15 “Woe to you, experts in the law and you Pharisees, hypocrites! You cross land and sea to make one convert, and when you get one, you make him twice as much a child of hell as yourselves!

23:16 “Woe to you, blind guides, who say, ‘Whoever swears by the temple is bound by nothing. But whoever swears by the gold of the temple is bound by the oath.’ 23:17 Blind fools! Which is greater, the gold or the temple that makes the gold sacred? 23:18 And, ‘Whoever swears by the altar is bound by nothing. But if anyone swears by the gift on it he is bound by the oath.’ 23:19 You are blind! For which is greater, the gift or the altar that makes the gift sacred? 23:20 So whoever swears by the altar swears by it and by everything on it. 23:21 And whoever swears by the temple swears by it and the one who dwells in it. 23:22 And whoever swears by heaven swears by the throne of God and the one who sits on it.

23:23 “Woe to you, experts in the law and you Pharisees, hypocrites! You give a tenth of mint, dill, and cumin, yet you neglect what is more important in the law – justice, mercy, and faithfulness! You should have done these things without neglecting the others. 23:24 Blind guides! You strain out a gnat yet swallow a camel!

23:25 “Woe to you, experts in the law and you Pharisees, hypocrites! You clean the outside of the cup and the dish, but inside they are full of greed and self-indulgence. 23:26 Blind Pharisee! First clean the inside of the cup, so that the outside may become clean too!

23:27 “Woe to you, experts in the law and you Pharisees, hypocrites! You are like whitewashed tombs that look beautiful on the outside but inside are full of the bones of the dead and of everything unclean. 23:28 In the same way, on the outside you look righteous to people, but inside you are full of hypocrisy and lawlessness.

23:29 “Woe to you, experts in the law and you Pharisees, hypocrites! You build tombs for the prophets and decorate the graves of the righteous. 23:30 And you say, ‘If we had lived in the days of our ancestors, we would not have participated with them in shedding the blood of the prophets.’ 23:31 By saying this you testify against yourselves that you are descendants of those who murdered the prophets. 23:32 Fill up then the measure of your ancestors! 23:33 You snakes, you offspring of vipers! How will you escape being condemned to hell?

23:34 “For this reason I am sending you prophets and wise men and experts in the law, some of whom you will kill and crucify, and some you will flog in your synagogues and pursue from town to town, 23:35 so that on you will come all the righteous blood shed on earth, from the blood of righteous Abel to the blood of Zechariah son of Barachiah, whom you murdered between the temple and the altar. 23:36 I tell you the truth, this generation will be held responsible for all these things!

Judgment on Israel

23:37 “O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, you who kill the prophets and stone those who are sent to you! How often I have longed to gather your children together as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you would have none of it! 23:38 Look, your house is left to you desolate! 23:39 For I tell you, you will not see me from now until you say, ‘Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord!’”

Mark

The Greatest Commandment

12:28 Now one of the experts in the law came and heard them debating. When he saw that Jesus answered them well, he asked him, “Which commandment is the most important of all?” 12:29 Jesus answered, “The most important is: ‘Listen, Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is one. 12:30 Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength.’ 12:31 The second is: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.” 12:32 The expert in the law said to him, “That is true, Teacher; you are right to say that he is one, and there is no one else besides him. 12:33 And to love him with all your heart, with all your mind, and with all your strength and to love your neighbor as yourself is more important than all burnt offerings and sacrifices.” 12:34 When Jesus saw that he had answered thoughtfully, he said to him, “You are not far from the kingdom of God.” Then no one dared any longer to question him.

The Messiah: David’s Son and Lord

12:35 While Jesus was teaching in the temple courts, he said, “How is it that the experts in the law say that the Christ is David’s son? 12:36 David himself, by the Holy Spirit, said,

‘The Lord said to my lord, “Sit at my right hand, until I put your enemies under your feet.”‘

12:37 If David himself calls him ‘Lord,’ how can he be his son?” And the large crowd was listening to him with delight.

Warnings About Experts in the Law

12:38 In his teaching Jesus also said, “Watch out for the experts in the law. They like walking around in long robes and elaborate greetings in the marketplaces, 12:39 and the best seats in the synagogues and the places of honor at banquets. 12:40 They devour widows’ property, and as a show make long prayers. These men will receive a more severe punishment.”

The Widow’s Offering

12:41 Then he sat down opposite the offering box, and watched the crowd putting coins into it. Many rich people were throwing in large amounts. 12:42 And a poor widow came and put in two small copper coins, worth less than a penny. 12:43 He called his disciples and said to them, “I tell you the truth, this poor widow has put more into the offering box than all the others. 12:44 For they all gave out of their wealth. But she, out of her poverty, put in what she had to live on, everything she had.”

Luke

The Messiah: David’s Son and Lord

20:41 But he said to them, “How is it that they say that the Christ is David’s son? 20:42 For David himself says in the book of Psalms,

‘The Lord said to my lord, “Sit at my right hand,

20:43 until I make your enemies a footstool for your feet.”‘

20:44 If David then calls him ‘Lord,’ how can he be his son?”

Jesus Warns the Disciples against Pride

20:45 As all the people were listening, Jesus said to his disciples, 20:46 “Beware of the experts in the law. They like walking around in long robes, and they love elaborate greetings in the marketplaces and the best seats in the synagogues and the places of honor at banquets. 20:47 They devour widows’ property, and as a show make long prayers. They will receive a more severe punishment.”

The Widow’s Offering

21:1 Jesus looked up and saw the rich putting their gifts into the offering box. 21:2 He also saw a poor widow put in two small copper coins. 21:3 He said, “I tell you the truth, this poor widow has put in more than all of them. 21:4 For they all offered their gifts out of their wealth. But she, out of her poverty, put in everything she had to live on.”

Prayer

Lord, You were not gentle with the religious leaders who did harm with their false doctrine and evil hearts, and You showed that the simple faith of one poor woman represented more of what You desire in us than all the money and power of the worldly and wealthy. May I be careful in what I teach, careful about my attitude, and humbly sacrificial in giving all that You have given me back to You in service.

Scripture In Perspective

Jesus shares the parable of the Wedding Banquet, wherein He illustrates the principle that the Jews are the first invited, but their rebellion closes the door on their salvation. All are called without regard to Jew or Gentile, but only those who arrive in wedding clothes (the righteousness of Christ) will be permitted to enjoy the celebration. “For many are called, but few are chosen” (Matt. 22:14) echoes Jesus’ prior teachings that there are God-defined conditions for salvation.

Another ill-intended question from the religious authorities, “Which commandment in the law is the greatest?” (Matt. 22:36), Jesus turns in to a teachable moment by first telling them to love the Lord your God and your neighbor as yourself. By saying “all the law and prophets depend on these two commandments,” (vs. 40), Jesus intentionally uses the qualifier “all” to note that love is God’s filter through which everything related to the law and the prophets must be viewed.

Jesus poses a challenging question to the religious leaders by rhetorically asking, “How is it that they say that the Christ is David’s son?” (Luke 20:41). Asking, “If David then calls him ‘Lord,’ how can he be his son?” (vs. 44), Jesus implies that He is both man and God.

Although they carry authority as the descendants of the lawgiving role of Moses, Jesus pronounces seven woes upon the religious leaders, who block every effort by the people to respond to God and instead breed deception. He prophesies that He will send wise men whom they will “kill and crucify” (Matt. 23:34), and in so doing they will seal their own fate (“be held responsible,” vs. 36) — at the same time creating martyrs to the Truth in the spilling of righteous blood.

Jesus warns His disciples to “Beware of the experts in the Law” (Luke 20:46), pointing out their selfishness and impending punishment, and to not drift into similar pride.

The widow’s tiny offering of two small copper coins, “worth less than a penny” (Mark 12:42), was all that she had and was of comparatively little value contrasted with the gifts of the rich who merely gave a small fraction of their wealth. Jesus noted that hers was superior, because it was truly sacrificial giving.

Faith In Action

Consider

Have you observed, or perhaps been guilty and repented of, pride due to position or title, fame or wealth, power or prestige? How does our pride mislead others, to whom we should be showing a humble servant’s heart, about the teaching of Jesus?

Reflect

Filter something from the Old Testament law and prophets through what Jesus said — all must be about loving God and ones neighbor as oneself. Consider how that changes the sloppy understanding many have of the intent of God’s law. Consider especially what it means of Him, since all of the Law and the prophets pointed to Jesus the Christ.

Have you experienced those who defend man’s traditions, thereby planting spiritual weeds in the hearts of Believers and drowning out the Holy Spirit’s call to their continual discipleship and growth.

Pray

Ask the Holy Spirit where in the Old Testament you have misunderstood His intended meaning, in light of loving God and others.

Act

I will pray for protection from pride for the leaders among Believers, as well as for myself, and that if any have drifted into pride, they will discern, repent, and be healed.

Be Specific _____________________________________________

Thursday (Matthew 24:1-35; Mark 13:1-31; Luke 21:5-33)

Matthew

The Destruction of the Temple

24:1 Now as Jesus was going out of the temple courts and walking away, his disciples came to show him the temple buildings. 24:2 And he said to them, “Do you see all these things? I tell you the truth, not one stone will be left on another. All will be torn down!”

Signs of the End of the Age

24:3 As he was sitting on the Mount of Olives, his disciples came to him privately and said, “Tell us, when will these things happen? And what will be the sign of your coming and of the end of the age?” 24:4 Jesus answered them, “Watch out that no one misleads you. 24:5 For many will come in my name, saying, ‘I am the Christ,’ and they will mislead many. 24:6 You will hear of wars and rumors of wars. Make sure that you are not alarmed, for this must happen, but the end is still to come. 24:7 For nation will rise up in arms against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. And there will be famines and earthquakes in various places. 24:8 All these things are the beginning of birth pains.

Persecution of Disciples

24:9 “Then they will hand you over to be persecuted and will kill you. You will be hated by all the nations because of my name. 24:10 Then many will be led into sin, and they will betray one another and hate one another. 24:11 And many false prophets will appear and deceive many, 24:12 and because lawlessness will increase so much, the love of many will grow cold. 24:13 But the person who endures to the end will be saved. 24:14 And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached throughout the whole inhabited earth as a testimony to all the nations, and then the end will come.

The Abomination of Desolation

24:15 “So when you see the abomination of desolation – spoken about by Daniel the prophet – standing in the holy place (let the reader understand), 24:16 then those in Judea must flee to the mountains. 24:17 The one on the roof must not come down to take anything out of his house, 24:18 and the one in the field must not turn back to get his cloak. 24:19 Woe to those who are pregnant and to those who are nursing their babies in those days! 24:20 Pray that your flight may not be in winter or on a Sabbath. 24:21 For then there will be great suffering unlike anything that has happened from the beginning of the world until now, or ever will happen. 24:22 And if those days had not been cut short, no one would be saved. But for the sake of the elect those days will be cut short. 24:23 Then if anyone says to you, ‘Look, here is the Christ!’ or ‘There he is!’ do not believe him. 24:24 For false messiahs and false prophets will appear and perform great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect. 24:25 Remember, I have told you ahead of time. 24:26 So then, if someone says to you, ‘Look, he is in the wilderness,’ do not go out, or ‘Look, he is in the inner rooms,’ do not believe him. 24:27 For just like the lightning comes from the east and flashes to the west, so the coming of the Son of Man will be. 24:28 Wherever the corpse is, there the vultures will gather.

The Arrival of the Son of Man

24:29 “Immediately after the suffering of those days, the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light; the stars will fall from heaven, and the powers of heaven will be shaken. 24:30 Then the sign of the Son of Man will appear in heaven, and all the tribes of the earth will mourn. They will see the Son of Man arriving on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. 24:31 And he will send his angels with a loud trumpet blast, and they will gather his elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other.

The Parable of the Fig Tree

24:32 “Learn this parable from the fig tree: Whenever its branch becomes tender and puts out its leaves, you know that summer is near. 24:33 So also you, when you see all these things, know that he is near, right at the door. 24:34 I tell you the truth, this generation will not pass away until all these things take place. 24:35 Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away.

Mark

The Destruction of the Temple

13:1 Now as Jesus was going out of the temple courts, one of his disciples said to him, “Teacher, look at these tremendous stones and buildings!” 13:2 Jesus said to him, “Do you see these great buildings? Not one stone will be left on another. All will be torn down!”

Signs of the End of the Age

13:3 So while he was sitting on the Mount of Olives opposite the temple, Peter, James, John, and Andrew asked him privately, 13:4 “Tell us, when will these things happen? And what will be the sign that all these things are about to take place?” 13:5 Jesus began to say to them, “Watch out that no one misleads you. 13:6 Many will come in my name, saying, ‘I am he,’ and they will mislead many. 13:7 When you hear of wars and rumors of wars, do not be alarmed. These things must happen, but the end is still to come. 13:8 For nation will rise up in arms against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be earthquakes in various places, and there will be famines. These are but the beginning of birth pains.

Persecution of Disciples

13:9 “You must watch out for yourselves. You will be handed over to councils and beaten in the synagogues. You will stand before governors and kings because of me, as a witness to them. 13:10 First the gospel must be preached to all nations. 13:11 When they arrest you and hand you over for trial, do not worry about what to speak. But say whatever is given you at that time, for it is not you speaking, but the Holy Spirit. 13:12 Brother will hand over brother to death, and a father his child. Children will rise against parents and have them put to death. 13:13 You will be hated by everyone because of my name. But the one who endures to the end will be saved.

The Abomination of Desolation

13:14 “But when you see the abomination of desolation standing where it should not be (let the reader understand), then those in Judea must flee to the mountains. 13:15 The one on the roof must not come down or go inside to take anything out of his house. 13:16 The one in the field must not turn back to get his cloak. 13:17 Woe to those who are pregnant and to those who are nursing their babies in those days! 13:18 Pray that it may not be in winter. 13:19 For in those days there will be suffering unlike anything that has happened from the beginning of the creation that God created until now, or ever will happen. 13:20 And if the Lord had not cut short those days, no one would be saved. But because of the elect, whom he chose, he has cut them short. 13:21 Then if anyone says to you, ‘Look, here is the Christ!’ or ‘Look, there he is!’ do not believe him. 13:22 For false messiahs and false prophets will appear and perform signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, the elect. 13:23 Be careful! I have told you everything ahead of time.

The Arrival of the Son of Man

13:24 “But in those days, after that suffering, the sun will be darkened and the moon will not give its light; 13:25 the stars will be falling from heaven, and the powers in the heavens will be shaken. 13:26 Then everyone will see the Son of Man arriving in the clouds with great power and glory. 13:27 Then he will send angels and they will gather his elect from the four winds, from the ends of the earth to the ends of heaven.

The Parable of the Fig Tree

13:28 “Learn this parable from the fig tree: Whenever its branch becomes tender and puts out its leaves, you know that summer is near. 13:29 So also you, when you see these things happening, know that he is near, right at the door. 13:30 I tell you the truth, this generation will not pass away until all these things take place. 13:31 Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away.

Luke

The Signs of the End of the Age

21:5 Now while some were speaking about the temple, how it was adorned with beautiful stones and offerings, Jesus said, 21:6 “As for these things that you are gazing at, the days will come when not one stone will be left on another. All will be torn down!” 21:7 So they asked him, “Teacher, when will these things happen? And what will be the sign that these things are about to take place?” 21:8 He said, “Watch out that you are not misled. For many will come in my name, saying, ‘I am he,’ and, ‘The time is near.’ Do not follow them! 21:9 And when you hear of wars and rebellions, do not be afraid. For these things must happen first, but the end will not come at once.”

Persecution of Disciples

21:10 Then he said to them, “Nation will rise up in arms against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. 21:11 There will be great earthquakes, and famines and plagues in various places, and there will be terrifying sights and great signs from heaven. 21:12 But before all this, they will seize you and persecute you, handing you over to the synagogues and prisons. You will be brought before kings and governors because of my name. 21:13 This will be a time for you to serve as witnesses. 21:14 Therefore be resolved not to rehearse ahead of time how to make your defense. 21:15 For I will give you the words along with the wisdom that none of your adversaries will be able to withstand or contradict. 21:16 You will be betrayed even by parents, brothers, relatives, and friends, and they will have some of you put to death. 21:17 You will be hated by everyone because of my name. 21:18 Yet not a hair of your head will perish. 21:19 By your endurance you will gain your lives.

The Desolation of Jerusalem

21:20 “But when you see Jerusalem surrounded by armies, then know that its desolation has come near. 21:21 Then those who are in Judea must flee to the mountains. Those who are inside the city must depart. Those who are out in the country must not enter it, 21:22 because these are days of vengeance, to fulfill all that is written. 21:23 Woe to those who are pregnant and to those who are nursing their babies in those days! For there will be great distress on the earth and wrath against this people. 21:24 They will fall by the edge of the sword and be led away as captives among all nations. Jerusalem will be trampled down by the Gentiles until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled.

The Arrival of the Son of Man

21:25 “And there will be signs in the sun and moon and stars, and on the earth nations will be in distress, anxious over the roaring of the sea and the surging waves. 21:26 People will be fainting from fear and from the expectation of what is coming on the world, for the powers of the heavens will be shaken. 21:27 Then they will see the Son of Man arriving in a cloud with power and great glory. 21:28 But when these things begin to happen, stand up and raise your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.”

The Parable of the Fig Tree

21:29 Then he told them a parable: “Look at the fig tree and all the other trees. 21:30 When they sprout leaves, you see for yourselves and know that summer is now near. 21:31 So also you, when you see these things happening, know that the kingdom of God is near. 21:32 I tell you the truth, this generation will not pass away until all these things take place. 21:33 Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away.

Prayer

Lord, Your Word and Your instruction are always true. May I faithfully trust in You and obey Truth.

Scripture In Perspective

Jesus prophesies that the Temple will be utterly destroyed, a continuation of the punishment of rebellious Jerusalem: “Not one stone will be left on another. All will be torn down!” (Matt. 24:2). [Note: The Temple was destroyed in 70AD.]

Peter, James, John, and Andrew question Jesus as to when these things will happen, the Temple’s destruction being understood as a sign of the end times “about to take place” (Mark 13:4). Jesus warns them of so-called false Messiahs who will arise saying I am He and also provides a list of several other signs — He warns them not to be alarmed, because “these are but the beginnings of birth pains” (vs. 8). [Luke states a conditional that is rarely mentioned by those in a rush to forecast the timeframe of the last days of the End Times: “For these things must happen first, but the end will not come at once” (21:9b) means that all of the signs will come to pass and still a great deal of time will remain before the End of Time.]

Jesus describes future attacks (“they will seize you and persecute you,” Luke 21:12) against the disciples and other Believers by the religious leaders and anti-Biblical Christian zealots of many kinds. [It is notable that this was stated as a continuum both for the immediate experience of His disciples in the first Century and for those in the times following the coming of “many false prophets” (Matt. 24:11), when “lawlessness will increase so much” (vs. 12).]

Describing the “abomination of desolation,” (Mark 13:14), Jesus notes the obliteration of Jerusalem and the Tribulation (tribulation as ‘faith-related troubles’ and the Great Tribulation, or The Great Sifting of the faithful from the unrepentant-rebels) is yet to come.

Several important notes concerning these times are distributed across the Matthew, Mark, and Luke Gospel texts:

1) The Great Tribulation (or the Great Sifting) will be “cut short” (Matt. 24:22) so that the saved are not so overwhelmed that they are also destroyed. [This parallels the promise of 1 Corinthians 10:13, that the Lord God will not allow those who are His to be “tried beyond what you are able to bear.”]

2) Jesus reminds that He will return in such a way that “everyone will see” (Mark 13:26) at once that it is He, thus any isolated claims of the Messiah’s return others also ‘witnessed’ would be false.

3) The false messiahs and prophets will perform “great signs and wonders to deceive” (Matt. 24:24), but Jesus encourages Believers that they have been warned and “I have told you ahead of time” (vs. 25).

Jesus describes His return as “the Son of Man arriving in a cloud” (Luke 21:27) to bring final judgment and redemption. This will come at the height of the Great Tribulation, when the spiritual battle in the spiritual realm has reached its peak and darkness falls across the Heavens and the Earth. Jesus promises that He will send His angels with a great “trumpet blast” (Matt. 24:31) to announce His return — there will be no mistaking the true Messiah when He returns!

Using His “parable from the fig tree” (Mark 13:28), Jesus parallels the evidence of summer drawing near by a fig tree budding with the evidence of His own return — “when you see all these things, know that He is near” (Matt. 24:33). Notable is “this generation will not pass away until all these things take place,” (vs. 34): all these things refers to all the prophesies which preceded; and this generation refers to the end-times populace, an “unbelieving and perverse generation” (Matt. 17:17). Also notable is “Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will never pass away”“ (Mark 13:31) — Jesus’ words “are more stable and lasting than creation itself!” (NET sn).

Faith In Action

Consider

The “signs of the times” are only one phase in the long journey from His resurrection to the Believers’ redemption. Severe troubles are prophesied for all people — including the Saved —during the Great Tribulation. The Lord God’s promise is that He will rescue His before they are overwhelmed, not that He will prevent them from experiencing any tribulation. How does that impact you?

As post-Fall Creation disintegrates it has led to chaos and conflict. Immediately following the ascension of Jesus a time of tribulation – challenges to believers for their faith – began, but the major sifting of the faithful from unrepentent-rebels during the Great Tribulation escalates the already raging spiritual battle and eventually comes to an end at the End of Time. Knowing what the end holds for Believers, eternity in Heaven, makes life in the present fallen world more bearable.

Reflect

Jesus warns of false Messiah’s and prophets, difficult times, persecution from unexpected sources, and the need for patience. Do you find it very difficult or easily-bearable to trust in His timing and that His ways are always perfect, so as to be patient despite your own idea as to what God should do and when?

Have you ever felt overwhelmed, then unexpectedly rescued by what could only have been the intervention of the Lord God? Does this assure you that, no matter what the world throws your way, God is with you?

Pray

Ask the Holy Spirit to empower you with a richer fellowship with Him, in both your prayer life, service, study, and worship.

Act

Today I commit myself to fellowship, prayer, service, study, and worship, so that I am both a valuable tool for His ministry and prepared to bear up in hard times. I will pray with and for a fellow Believer, that they will likewise be prepared in this way— together we will encourage one another to press on.

Be Specific ____________________________________________

Friday (Matthew 24:36–25:46; Mark 13:32-37; Luke 21:34-38; John 12:44-50)

Matthew

Be Ready!

24:36 “But as for that day and hour no one knows it – not even the angels in heaven – except the Father alone. 24:37 For just like the days of Noah were, so the coming of the Son of Man will be. 24:38 For in those days before the flood, people were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day Noah entered the ark. 24:39 And they knew nothing until the flood came and took them all away. It will be the same at the coming of the Son of Man. 24:40 Then there will be two men in the field; one will be taken and one left. 24:41 There will be two women grinding grain with a mill; one will be taken and one left.

24:42 “Therefore stay alert, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come. 24:43 But understand this: If the owner of the house had known at what time of night the thief was coming, he would have been alert and would not have let his house be broken into. 24:44 Therefore you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him.

The Faithful and Wise Slave

24:45 “Who then is the faithful and wise slave, whom the master has put in charge of his household, to give the other slaves their food at the proper time? 24:46 Blessed is that slave whom the master finds at work when he comes. 24:47 I tell you the truth, the master will put him in charge of all his possessions. 24:48 But if that evil slave should say to himself, ‘My master is staying away a long time,’ 24:49 and he begins to beat his fellow slaves and to eat and drink with drunkards, 24:50 then the master of that slave will come on a day when he does not expect him and at an hour he does not foresee, 24:51 and will cut him in two, and assign him a place with the hypocrites, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.

The Parable of the Ten Virgins

25:1 “At that time the kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. 25:2 Five of the virgins were foolish, and five were wise. 25:3 When the foolish ones took their lamps, they did not take extra olive oil with them. 25:4 But the wise ones took flasks of olive oil with their lamps. 25:5 When the bridegroom was delayed a long time, they all became drowsy and fell asleep. 25:6 But at midnight there was a shout, ‘Look, the bridegroom is here! Come out to meet him.’ 25:7 Then all the virgins woke up and trimmed their lamps. 25:8 The foolish ones said to the wise, ‘Give us some of your oil, because our lamps are going out.’ 25:9 ‘No,’ they replied. ‘There won’t be enough for you and for us. Go instead to those who sell oil and buy some for yourselves.’ 25:10 But while they had gone to buy it, the bridegroom arrived, and those who were ready went inside with him to the wedding banquet. Then the door was shut. 25:11 Later, the other virgins came too, saying, ‘Lord, lord! Let us in!’ 25:12 But he replied, ‘I tell you the truth, I do not know you!’ 25:13 Therefore stay alert, because you do not know the day or the hour.

The Parable of the Talents

25:14 “For it is like a man going on a journey, who summoned his slaves and entrusted his property to them. 25:15 To one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one, each according to his ability. Then he went on his journey. 25:16 The one who had received five talents went off right away and put his money to work and gained five more. 25:17 In the same way, the one who had two gained two more. 25:18 But the one who had received one talent went out and dug a hole in the ground and hid his master’s money in it. 25:19 After a long time, the master of those slaves came and settled his accounts with them. 25:20 The one who had received the five talents came and brought five more, saying, ‘Sir, you entrusted me with five talents. See, I have gained five more.’ 25:21 His master answered, ‘Well done, good and faithful slave! You have been faithful in a few things. I will put you in charge of many things. Enter into the joy of your master.’ 25:22 The one with the two talents also came and said, ‘Sir, you entrusted two talents to me. See, I have gained two more.’ 25:23 His master answered, ‘Well done, good and faithful slave! You have been faithful with a few things. I will put you in charge of many things. Enter into the joy of your master.’ 25:24 Then the one who had received the one talent came and said, ‘Sir, I knew that you were a hard man, harvesting where you did not sow, and gathering where you did not scatter seed, 25:25 so I was afraid, and I went and hid your talent in the ground. See, you have what is yours.’ 25:26 But his master answered, ‘Evil and lazy slave! So you knew that I harvest where I didn’t sow and gather where I didn’t scatter? 25:27 Then you should have deposited my money with the bankers, and on my return I would have received my money back with interest! 25:28 Therefore take the talent from him and give it to the one who has ten. 25:29 For the one who has will be given more, and he will have more than enough. But the one who does not have, even what he has will be taken from him. 25:30 And throw that worthless slave into the outer darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’

The Judgment

25:31 “When the Son of Man comes in his glory and all the angels with him, then he will sit on his glorious throne. 25:32 All the nations will be assembled before him, and he will separate people one from another like a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. 25:33 He will put the sheep on his right and the goats on his left. 25:34 Then the king will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. 25:35 For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, 25:36 I was naked and you gave me clothing, I was sick and you took care of me, I was in prison and you visited me.’ 25:37 Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? 25:38 When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or naked and clothe you? 25:39 When did we see you sick or in prison and visit you?’ 25:40 And the king will answer them, ‘I tell you the truth, just as you did it for one of the least of these brothers or sisters of mine, you did it for me.’

25:41 “Then he will say to those on his left, ‘Depart from me, you accursed, into the eternal fire that has been prepared for the devil and his angels! 25:42 For I was hungry and you gave me nothing to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me nothing to drink. 25:43 I was a stranger and you did not receive me as a guest, naked and you did not clothe me, sick and in prison and you did not visit me.’ 25:44 Then they too will answer, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and did not give you whatever you needed?’ 25:45 Then he will answer them, ‘I tell you the truth, just as you did not do it for one of the least of these, you did not do it for me.’ 25:46 And these will depart into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life.”

Mark

Be Ready!

13:32 “But as for that day or hour no one knows it – neither the angels in heaven, nor the Son – except the Father. 13:33 Watch out! Stay alert! For you do not know when the time will come. 13:34 It is like a man going on a journey. He left his house and put his slaves in charge, assigning to each his work, and commanded the doorkeeper to stay alert. 13:35 Stay alert, then, because you do not know when the owner of the house will return – whether during evening, at midnight, when the rooster crows, or at dawn – 13:36 or else he might find you asleep when he returns suddenly. 13:37 What I say to you I say to everyone: Stay alert!”

Luke

Be Ready!

21:34 “But be on your guard so that your hearts are not weighed down with dissipation and drunkenness and the worries of this life, and that day close down upon you suddenly like a trap. 21:35 For it will overtake all who live on the face of the whole earth. 21:36 But stay alert at all times, praying that you may have strength to escape all these things that must happen, and to stand before the Son of Man.”

21:37 So every day Jesus was teaching in the temple courts, but at night he went and stayed on the Mount of Olives. 21:38 And all the people came to him early in the morning to listen to him in the temple courts.

John

Jesus’ Final Public Words

12:44 But Jesus shouted out, “The one who believes in me does not believe in me, but in the one who sent me, 12:45 and the one who sees me sees the one who sent me. 12:46 I have come as a light into the world, so that everyone who believes in me should not remain in darkness. 12:47 If anyone hears my words and does not obey them, I do not judge him. For I have not come to judge the world, but to save the world. 12:48 The one who rejects me and does not accept my words has a judge; the word I have spoken will judge him at the last day. 12:49 For I have not spoken from my own authority, but the Father himself who sent me has commanded me what I should say and what I should speak. 12:50 And I know that his commandment is eternal life. Thus the things I say, I say just as the Father has told me.”

Prayer

Lord, Your teaching presses upon us our responsibility to love one another and share Your good news with all the world. May I be found faithful, through the equipping of Your Holy Spirit, in doing both.

Scripture In Perspective

Calling upon His children “to be on your guard” (Luke 21:34) every day for His sudden return and to not be weighed down by the worries of this life, Jesus cautions that they “do not know when the time will come” (Mark 13:33). His return may be at the end of the Tribulation or immediately prior to the Judgment (“at midnight...or at dawn,” vs. 35).

Jesus uses the parable of the Faithful and Wise Slave to reinforce His expectation that His children are to be “faithful and wise” (Matt. 24:45) stewards of their resources, and to be His hands in humbly and lovingly touching the hungry and hurting amongst them.

In the telling of The Parable of the Ten Virgins, Jesus emphasizes God’s children being ready “to meet the bridegroom” (Matt. 25:1) and staying active. Five virgins are wise and prepared with the “olive oil” (vs. 4) of faithfulness, which they had stored up as if a treasure in Heaven — they therefore stand ready to shine the light of their worship. Five are careless and shallow, without testimony or treasure, and unable to shine their light, for they have no stored oil of faithfulness.

Jesus shares a parable of servants entrusted with “talents” (Matt. 25:15) to wisely manage for their master in his absence. Two of the servants invest his talents and produce gains upon their master’s return, one makes no effort. The master rewards the two and punishes the one. Jesus’ message is that He has delegated authority and responsibility to us to manage His Kingdom on Earth in His absence. He will judge us based on our faithfulness to use our time and resources wisely. Those who share His heart’s desire to multiply His Kingdom will “enter in to the joy” (Matt. 25:23) of their Master when He returns; those who merely act religious, yet lack His heart for ministry, will be thrown in to “the outer darkness” (vs. 30), absent His light.

God’s standard at Judgment is the transformed heart-life of those who are truly saved and function sacrificially, loving God by loving others: “as you did it for one of the least of these...you did it for Me” (Matt. 25:40). The converse being, those who fail to live in such a manner are absent the mark of salvation (which is evidenced by the fruits which flow from the indwelling Holy Spirit).

Sharing His final public words, Jesus restates His standing as God (“the one who sees Me sees the One Who sent Me,” John 12:45) and the consequences of rebellion (“the word I have spoken will judge him at the last day,” (vs. 48). Jesus declares that the words He speaks are “just as the Father has told me” (vs. 50).

Faith In Action

Consider

Jesus expects His children to express their loving gratitude to Him by sharing His love with others. Does that seem too much for Him to ask?

Do we have a ready answer for the one who asks the reason for our faith? Or are we like the careless and shallow five virgins, without testimony or treasure to shine as light in a dark world?

Reflect

The Creator God provides for the salvation of those who will give up that which is worth nothing in order to accept that which is worth everything, the free gift of eternal life.

Recall an opportunity given to you by God to share His Word with the unsaved or to encourage discipleship in Believers. Did you invest yourself and your time in them or hold back with fear-induced caution?

Pray

Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal to you where you have chosen to make yourself available for service as His instrument of blessing.

Act

Today I will reflect upon the past twelve months and prayerfully make a list of at least twelve acts of sacrificial service I made, as God’s hands and feet in this broken and dying world.

Be Specific _____________________________________________

Saturday (John 13:1-17)

Washing the Disciples’ Feet

13:1 Just before the Passover feast, Jesus knew that his time had come to depart from this world to the Father. Having loved his own who were in the world, he now loved them to the very end. 13:2 The evening meal was in progress, and the devil had already put into the heart of Judas Iscariot, Simon’s son, that he should betray Jesus. 13:3 Because Jesus knew that the Father had handed all things over to him, and that he had come from God and was going back to God, 13:4 he got up from the meal, removed his outer clothes, took a towel and tied it around himself. 13:5 He poured water into the washbasin and began to wash the disciples’ feet and to dry them with the towel he had wrapped around himself.

13:6 Then he came to Simon Peter. Peter said to him, “Lord, are you going to wash my feet?” 13:7 Jesus replied, “You do not understand what I am doing now, but you will understand after these things.” 13:8 Peter said to him, “You will never wash my feet!” Jesus replied, “If I do not wash you, you have no share with me.” 13:9 Simon Peter said to him, “Lord, wash not only my feet, but also my hands and my head!” 13:10 Jesus replied, “The one who has bathed needs only to wash his feet, but is completely clean. And you disciples are clean, but not every one of you.” 13:11 (For Jesus knew the one who was going to betray him. For this reason he said, “Not every one of you is clean.”)

13:12 So when Jesus had washed their feet and put his outer clothing back on, he took his place at the table again and said to them, “Do you understand what I have done for you? 13:13 You call me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord,’ and do so correctly, for that is what I am. 13:14 If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you too ought to wash one another’s feet. 13:15 For I have given you an example – you should do just as I have done for you. 13:16 I tell you the solemn truth, the slave is not greater than his master, nor is the one who is sent as a messenger greater than the one who sent him. 13:17 If you understand these things, you will be blessed if you do them.

Prayer

Lord, You model humility and are the only One Who has no need to seek humility. You also remind us that Your teaching is the final Word and no man is to ever alter it. May I learn greater humility from You and teach humility, by way of example, to others.

Scripture In Perspective

Jesus illustrates the depth of His love through the washing of His disciples’ feet. Peter questions why He is humbling Himself in this way. Jesus tells him that they will all understand ‘after these things” (John 13:7): The things He had been teaching them, which they had struggled to understand and accept, in explanation of what He would soon endure and why. By the washing of their feet, He shows just how humble He is to be for the sake of providing for their salvation.

Declaring that the disciples were right to call Him “‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord’“ (vs. 13), something He had previously taught must only be reserved for God, Jesus once again affirms His deity.

In explanation of why He is washing their feet, Jesus points out that it illustrates what is expected of His followers, to serve one another in love. He tells them to do “just as I have done for you” (vs. 15), humbly serving others as in the symbolic washing of others’ feet.

Jesus reminds that He is sending them out as His messengers and the one sent is never “greater than the One who sent him” (vs. 16). Making no changes to His priorities, loving God first and then others, Jesus says, “you will be blessed if you do them” (vs. 17).

Faith In Action

Consider

The Creator God kneels to wash the feet of His followers, as a role model for their walk with Him. How often have we been so humble in the teaching of those who look to us as an example?

When have you observed some who claim the name of Christ, assert that they are His messengers, but then exalt themselves in prideful arrogance — despite His clear warning?

Reflect

In many ways mankind has placed his own preferences and priorities, superstitions and traditions on a par with, and even above, the Word of God. Jesus warns against this. Contemplate the harm to the testimony of Christ, to Truth, and to a witness that could have lead to another’s salvation — all have been compromised.

When has knowledge of the deity of Christ motivated you to lift His perspective and priorities above those of any world view?

Pray

Ask the Holy Spirit to empower you in demonstrating the loving humility of a child of God to a doubting world.

Act

Today I will seek opportunity to demonstrate humility and a servant’s heart of love by symbolically washing the feet of a brother or sister whom I have found it difficult to love. This may be through offering to assist them with an unpleasant task, doing them an unexpected favor, or exhibiting another practical expression of love.

Be Specific ____________________________________________

All Bible text is from the NET unless otherwise indicated - http://bible.org

Note 1: These Studies often rely upon the guidance of the NET Translators from their associated notes. Careful attention has been given to cite that source where it has been quoted directly or closely paraphrased. Feedback is encouraged where credit has not been sufficiently assigned.

Note 2: When NET text is quoted in commentary and discussion all pronouns referring to God are capitalized, though they are lower-case in the original NET text.

Commentary text is from David M. Colburn, D.Min. unless otherwise noted.

Copyright © 2012 by David M. Colburn. This is a BibleSeven Study –“The Chronological Gospels” – “Week 10 of 12” - prepared by David M. Colburn and edited for bible.org in July of 2012. This text may be used for non-profit educational purposes only, with credit; all other usage requires prior written consent of the author.

 

Sunday (Matthew 26:47-75; Mark 14:43-72; Luke 22:47-71; John 18:1-27)

Matthew

Betrayal and Arrest

26:47 While he was still speaking, Judas, one of the twelve, arrived. With him was a large crowd armed with swords and clubs, sent by the chief priests and elders of the people. 26:48 (Now the betrayer had given them a sign, saying, “The one I kiss is the man. Arrest him!”) 26:49 Immediately he went up to Jesus and said, “Greetings, Rabbi,” and kissed him. 26:50 Jesus said to him, “Friend, do what you are here to do.” Then they came and took hold of Jesus and arrested him. 26:51 But one of those with Jesus grabbed his sword, drew it out, and struck the high priest’s slave, cutting off his ear. 26:52 Then Jesus said to him, “Put your sword back in its place! For all who take hold of the sword will die by the sword. 26:53 Or do you think that I cannot call on my Father, and that he would send me more than twelve legions of angels right now? 26:54 How then would the scriptures that say it must happen this way be fulfilled?” 26:55 At that moment Jesus said to the crowd, “Have you come out with swords and clubs to arrest me like you would an outlaw? Day after day I sat teaching in the temple courts, yet you did not arrest me. 26:56 But this has happened so that the scriptures of the prophets would be fulfilled.” Then all the disciples left him and fled.

Condemned by the Sanhedrin

26:57 Now the ones who had arrested Jesus led him to Caiaphas, the high priest, in whose house the experts in the law and the elders had gathered. 26:58 But Peter was following him from a distance, all the way to the high priest’s courtyard. After going in, he sat with the guards to see the outcome. 26:59 The chief priests and the whole Sanhedrin were trying to find false testimony against Jesus so that they could put him to death. 26:60 But they did not find anything, though many false witnesses came forward. Finally two came forward 26:61 and declared, “This man said, ‘I am able to destroy the temple of God and rebuild it in three days.’” 26:62 So the high priest stood up and said to him, “Have you no answer? What is this that they are testifying against you?” 26:63 But Jesus was silent. The high priest said to him, “I charge you under oath by the living God, tell us if you are the Christ, the Son of God.” 26:64 Jesus said to him, “You have said it yourself. But I tell you, from now on you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Power and coming on the clouds of heaven.” 26:65 Then the high priest tore his clothes and declared, “He has blasphemed! Why do we still need witnesses? Now you have heard the blasphemy! 26:66 What is your verdict?” They answered, “He is guilty and deserves death.” 26:67 Then they spat in his face and struck him with their fists. And some slapped him, 26:68 saying, “Prophesy for us, you Christ! Who hit you?”

Peter’s Denials

26:69 Now Peter was sitting outside in the courtyard. A slave girl came to him and said, “You also were with Jesus the Galilean.” 26:70 But he denied it in front of them all: “I don’t know what you’re talking about!” 26:71 When he went out to the gateway, another slave girl saw him and said to the people there, “This man was with Jesus the Nazarene.” 26:72 He denied it again with an oath, “I do not know the man!” 26:73 After a little while, those standing there came up to Peter and said, “You really are one of them too – even your accent gives you away!” 26:74 At that he began to curse, and he swore with an oath, “I do not know the man!” At that moment a rooster crowed. 26:75 Then Peter remembered what Jesus had said: “Before the rooster crows, you will deny me three times.” And he went outside and wept bitterly.

Mark

Betrayal and Arrest

14:43 Right away, while Jesus was still speaking, Judas, one of the twelve, arrived. With him came a crowd armed with swords and clubs, sent by the chief priests and experts in the law and elders. 14:44 (Now the betrayer had given them a sign, saying, “The one I kiss is the man. Arrest him and lead him away under guard.”) 14:45 When Judas arrived, he went up to Jesus immediately and said, “Rabbi!” and kissed him. 14:46 Then they took hold of him and arrested him. 14:47 One of the bystanders drew his sword and struck the high priest’s slave, cutting off his ear. 14:48 Jesus said to them, “Have you come with swords and clubs to arrest me like you would an outlaw? 14:49 Day after day I was with you, teaching in the temple courts, yet you did not arrest me. But this has happened so that the scriptures would be fulfilled.” 14:50 Then all the disciples left him and fled. 14:51 A young man was following him, wearing only a linen cloth. They tried to arrest him, 14:52 but he ran off naked, leaving his linen cloth behind.

Condemned by the Sanhedrin

14:53 Then they led Jesus to the high priest, and all the chief priests and elders and experts in the law came together. 14:54 And Peter had followed him from a distance, up to the high priest’s courtyard. He was sitting with the guards and warming himself by the fire. 14:55 The chief priests and the whole Sanhedrin were looking for evidence against Jesus so that they could put him to death, but they did not find anything. 14:56 Many gave false testimony against him, but their testimony did not agree. 14:57 Some stood up and gave this false testimony against him: 14:58 “We heard him say, ‘I will destroy this temple made with hands and in three days build another not made with hands.’” 14:59 Yet even on this point their testimony did not agree. 14:60 Then the high priest stood up before them and asked Jesus, “Have you no answer? What is this that they are testifying against you?” 14:61 But he was silent and did not answer. Again the high priest questioned him, “Are you the Christ, the Son of the Blessed One?” 14:62 “I am,” said Jesus, “and you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Power and coming with the clouds of heaven.” 14:63 Then the high priest tore his clothes and said, “Why do we still need witnesses? 14:64 You have heard the blasphemy! What is your verdict?” They all condemned him as deserving death. 14:65 Then some began to spit on him, and to blindfold him, and to strike him with their fists, saying, “Prophesy!” The guards also took him and beat him.

Peter’s Denials

14:66 Now while Peter was below in the courtyard, one of the high priest’s slave girls came by. 14:67 When she saw Peter warming himself, she looked directly at him and said, “You also were with that Nazarene, Jesus.” 14:68 But he denied it: “I don’t even understand what you’re talking about!” Then he went out to the gateway, and a rooster crowed. 14:69 When the slave girl saw him, she began again to say to the bystanders, “This man is one of them.” 14:70 But he denied it again. A short time later the bystanders again said to Peter, “You must be one of them, because you are also a Galilean.” 14:71 Then he began to curse, and he swore with an oath, “I do not know this man you are talking about!” 14:72 Immediately a rooster crowed a second time. Then Peter remembered what Jesus had said to him: “Before a rooster crows twice, you will deny me three times.” And he broke down and wept.

Luke

Betrayal and Arrest

22:47 While he was still speaking, suddenly a crowd appeared, and the man named Judas, one of the twelve, was leading them. He walked up to Jesus to kiss him. 22:48 But Jesus said to him, “Judas, would you betray the Son of Man with a kiss?” 22:49 When those who were around him saw what was about to happen, they said, “Lord, should we use our swords?” 22:50 Then one of them struck the high priest’s slave, cutting off his right ear. 22:51 But Jesus said, “Enough of this!” And he touched the man’s ear and healed him. 22:52 Then Jesus said to the chief priests, the officers of the temple guard, and the elders who had come out to get him, “Have you come out with swords and clubs like you would against an outlaw? 22:53 Day after day when I was with you in the temple courts, you did not arrest me. But this is your hour, and that of the power of darkness!”

Jesus’ Condemnation and Peter’s Denials

22:54 Then they arrested Jesus, led him away, and brought him into the high priest’s house. But Peter was following at a distance. 22:55 When they had made a fire in the middle of the courtyard and sat down together, Peter sat down among them. 22:56 Then a slave girl, seeing him as he sat in the firelight, stared at him and said, “This man was with him too!” 22:57 But Peter denied it: “Woman, I don’t know him!” 22:58 Then a little later someone else saw him and said, “You are one of them too.” But Peter said, “Man, I am not!” 22:59 And after about an hour still another insisted, “Certainly this man was with him, because he too is a Galilean.” 22:60 But Peter said, “Man, I don’t know what you’re talking about!” At that moment, while he was still speaking, a rooster crowed. 22:61 Then the Lord turned and looked straight at Peter, and Peter remembered the word of the Lord, how he had said to him, “Before a rooster crows today, you will deny me three times.” 22:62 And he went outside and wept bitterly.

22:63 Now the men who were holding Jesus under guard began to mock him and beat him. 22:64 They blindfolded him and asked him repeatedly, “Prophesy! Who hit you?” 22:65 They also said many other things against him, reviling him.

22:66 When day came, the council of the elders of the people gathered together, both the chief priests and the experts in the law. Then they led Jesus away to their council 22:67 and said, “If you are the Christ, tell us.” But he said to them, “If I tell you, you will not believe, 22:68 and if I ask you, you will not answer. 22:69 But from now on the Son of Man will be seated at the right hand of the power of God.” 22:70 So they all said, “Are you the Son of God, then?” He answered them, “You say that I am.” 22:71 Then they said, “Why do we need further testimony? We have heard it ourselves from his own lips!”

John

Betrayal and Arrest

18:1 When he had said these things, Jesus went out with his disciples across the Kidron Valley. There was an orchard there, and he and his disciples went into it. 18:2 (Now Judas, the one who betrayed him, knew the place too, because Jesus had met there many times with his disciples.) 18:3 So Judas obtained a squad of soldiers and some officers of the chief priests and Pharisees. They came to the orchard with lanterns and torches and weapons.

18:4 Then Jesus, because he knew everything that was going to happen to him, came and asked them, “Who are you looking for?” 18:5 They replied, “Jesus the Nazarene.” He told them, “I am he.” (Now Judas, the one who betrayed him, was standing there with them.) 18:6 So when Jesus said to them, “I am he,” they retreated and fell to the ground. 18:7 Then Jesus asked them again, “Who are you looking for?” And they said, “Jesus the Nazarene.” 18:8 Jesus replied, “I told you that I am he. If you are looking for me, let these men go.” 18:9 He said this to fulfill the word he had spoken, “I have not lost a single one of those whom you gave me.”

18:10 Then Simon Peter, who had a sword, pulled it out and struck the high priest’s slave, cutting off his right ear. (Now the slave’s name was Malchus.) 18:11 But Jesus said to Peter, “Put your sword back into its sheath! Am I not to drink the cup that the Father has given me?”

Jesus Before Annas

18:12 Then the squad of soldiers with their commanding officer and the officers of the Jewish leaders arrested Jesus and tied him up. 18:13 They brought him first to Annas, for he was the father-in-law of Caiaphas, who was high priest that year. 18:14 (Now it was Caiaphas who had advised the Jewish leaders that it was to their advantage that one man die for the people.)

Peter’s First Denial

18:15 Simon Peter and another disciple followed them as they brought Jesus to Annas. (Now the other disciple was acquainted with the high priest, and he went with Jesus into the high priest’s courtyard.) 18:16 But Simon Peter was left standing outside by the door. So the other disciple who was acquainted with the high priest came out and spoke to the slave girl who watched the door, and brought Peter inside. 18:17 The girl who was the doorkeeper said to Peter, “You’re not one of this man’s disciples too, are you?” He replied, “I am not.” 18:18 (Now the slaves and the guards were standing around a charcoal fire they had made, warming themselves because it was cold. Peter also was standing with them, warming himself.)

Jesus Questioned by Annas

18:19 While this was happening, the high priest questioned Jesus about his disciples and about his teaching. 18:20 Jesus replied, “I have spoken publicly to the world. I always taught in the synagogues and in the temple courts, where all the Jewish people assemble together. I have said nothing in secret. 18:21 Why do you ask me? Ask those who heard what I said. They know what I said.” 18:22 When Jesus had said this, one of the high priest’s officers who stood nearby struck him on the face and said, “Is that the way you answer the high priest?” 18:23 Jesus replied, “If I have said something wrong, confirm what is wrong. But if I spoke correctly, why strike me?” 18:24 Then Annas sent him, still tied up, to Caiaphas the high priest.

Peter’s Second and Third Denials

18:25 Meanwhile Simon Peter was standing in the courtyard warming himself. They said to him, “You aren’t one of his disciples too, are you?” Peter denied it: “I am not!” 18:26 One of the high priest’s slaves, a relative of the man whose ear Peter had cut off, said, “Did I not see you in the orchard with him?” 18:27 Then Peter denied it again, and immediately a rooster crowed.

Prayer

Lord, the last days of Jesus were described in prophesy long before they occurred —no mistakes were made in foretelling what was to come, so there were no surprises as the events unfolded in the years to come. While I am saddened every time I read this text, I am reminded that You knew precisely what must and would happen, how fallen mankind would respond, and how easily the well-intentioned but weak make bad decisions when afraid and confused. Lord, help me to always remember to turn to You when I am afraid and confused.

Scripture In Perspective

Judas leads the religious leaders to the garden of Gethsemane to arrest Jesus. As they approach, Jesus challenges them, “Who are you looking for?” (John 18:4). They reply, “Jesus the Nazarene” (vs. 5). When He declares, "I am He” (vs. 6), they retreat and fall to the ground. [NET study notes inform, "Jesus has applied to Himself the divine name of Exodus 3:14, "I AM"...which causes even His enemies to recoil and prostrate themselves."] Jesus instructs the religious leaders to "let these men [His disciples] go" (vs. 9), a New Testament fulfillment of an Old Testament prophecy.

Some of those gathered around Him ask if they may use their swords to defend Him? Peter, without awaiting a reply from Jesus, slashes off the ear of the high priest's slave. Jesus heals the man's ear (illustrating His command to "love your enemies," Matt. 5:4) and then rebukes Peter, reminding him that were it not His time He could "call on My Father" (Matt. 26:53) Who would send legions of angels to defend Him.

Jesus chastises the crowd and religious leaders for treating Him as a common criminal, an "outlaw" (Luke 22:52) [which can refer to "one who stirs up rebellion," (NET sn).] Jesus notes their cowardice in not having arrested Him when He was in the Temple courts day after day. Clearly their agenda had nothing to do with defending the truth of God. Jesus declares that their treatment of Him is "so that the scriptures would be fulfilled" ( Mark 14:49).

All of the disciples flee from His side, fearing arrest, but Jesus allows His arrest. Along the way Peter, who had "followed Him from a distance" (vs. 54), is three times challenged to admit that he is a follower of Jesus, and three times he denies knowing Jesus.

Peter's third denial of Jesus leaves him broken, hopeless, weak, demoralized, and humbled to the point of being teachable — deeply grieved, "he went outside and wept bitterly" (Matt. 26:75). Peter remains in this humbled state until after the resurrection of Jesus.

Annas, high priest prior to the time of Caiaphas, first questions Jesus "about His teaching" (John 18:19). Jesus suggests that if Annas needs further explanation of what He has been teaching to the world, he should "ask those who heard what I said. They know what I said" (vs. 21). A temple guard slaps Him, thinking Him disrespectful.

The religious leaders try to find "evidence against Jesus so that they could put Him to death" (Mark 14:55), but after many false witnesses they are unable. Jesus is asked to say if He is “the Christ” (vs. 61). He replies "if I tell you, you will not believe" (Luke 22:67), despite all of the evidence they have seen — “But from now on the Son of Man will be seated at the right hand of the power of God” (vs. 69). [NET translators note that this is "an allusion to Ps. 110:1 ('Sit at my right hand...') and is a claim that Jesus shares authority with God in heaven."] Jesus is then condemned by the religious authorities and tested by their mocking, blindfolding, spitting on, and hitting Him, all the while being taunted, "Prophesy! Who hit You?" (Luke 22:64).

Faith In Action

Consider

Have we observed people in business, political, or religious leadership who claim to be acting for righteous reasons, when it is obvious that their motives are selfish, non-Biblical, or tyrannical?

Do we sometimes act like Peter, asking the Holy Spirit for guidance, but then rushing ahead without waiting for His instruction?

Reflect

Has God ever had to 'clean up' after you? Perhaps by facilitating the rebuilding of trust and the healing of wounded hearts, or by restoring a ministry or other organization that was damaged through your impetuous or unteachable attitudes?

Have you made a declaration of anticipated bravery, but when the actual moment of challenge arrived, found yourself less than brave?

Pray

I seek to be patient and wise, by asking for and waiting on the Holy Spirit of God for guidance.

Act

I will pray that business, political, and religious leaders not be in rebellion against God. I will pray the same for myself, and then wait to see the softening of my rebellious heart.

Be Specific _____________________________________________

Monday (Matthew 27:1-31; Mark 15:1-20; Luke 23:1-25; John 18:28–19:16a)

Matthew

Jesus Brought Before Pilate

27:1 When it was early in the morning, all the chief priests and the elders of the people plotted against Jesus to execute him. 27:2 They tied him up, led him away, and handed him over to Pilate the governor.

Judas’ Suicide

27:3 Now when Judas, who had betrayed him, saw that Jesus had been condemned, he regretted what he had done and returned the thirty silver coins to the chief priests and the elders, 27:4 saying, “I have sinned by betraying innocent blood!” But they said, “What is that to us? You take care of it yourself!” 27:5 So Judas threw the silver coins into the temple and left. Then he went out and hanged himself. 27:6 The chief priests took the silver and said, “It is not lawful to put this into the temple treasury, since it is blood money.” 27:7 After consulting together they bought the Potter’s Field with it, as a burial place for foreigners. 27:8 For this reason that field has been called the “Field of Blood” to this day. 27:9 Then what was spoken by Jeremiah the prophet was fulfilled: “They took the thirty silver coins, the price of the one whose price had been set by the people of Israel, 27:10 and they gave them for the potter’s field, as the Lord commanded me.”

Jesus and Pilate

27:11 Then Jesus stood before the governor, and the governor asked him, “Are you the king of the Jews?” Jesus said, “You say so.” 27:12 But when he was accused by the chief priests and the elders, he did not respond. 27:13 Then Pilate said to him, “Don’t you hear how many charges they are bringing against you?” 27:14 But he did not answer even one accusation, so that the governor was quite amazed.

27:15 During the feast the governor was accustomed to release one prisoner to the crowd, whomever they wanted. 27:16 At that time they had in custody a notorious prisoner named Jesus Barabbas. 27:17 So after they had assembled, Pilate said to them, “Whom do you want me to release for you, Jesus Barabbas or Jesus who is called the Christ?” 27:18 (For he knew that they had handed him over because of envy.) 27:19 As he was sitting on the judgment seat, his wife sent a message to him: “Have nothing to do with that innocent man; I have suffered greatly as a result of a dream about him today.” 27:20 But the chief priests and the elders persuaded the crowds to ask for Barabbas and to have Jesus killed. 27:21 The governor asked them, “Which of the two do you want me to release for you?” And they said, “Barabbas!” 27:22 Pilate said to them, “Then what should I do with Jesus who is called the Christ?” They all said, “Crucify him!” 27:23 He asked, “Why? What wrong has he done?” But they shouted more insistently, “Crucify him!”

Jesus is Condemned and Mocked

27:24 When Pilate saw that he could do nothing, but that instead a riot was starting, he took some water, washed his hands before the crowd and said, “I am innocent of this man’s blood. You take care of it yourselves!” 27:25 In reply all the people said, “Let his blood be on us and on our children!” 27:26 Then he released Barabbas for them. But after he had Jesus flogged, he handed him over to be crucified. 27:27 Then the governor’s soldiers took Jesus into the governor’s residence and gathered the whole cohort around him. 27:28 They stripped him and put a scarlet robe around him, 27:29 and after braiding a crown of thorns, they put it on his head. They put a staff in his right hand, and kneeling down before him, they mocked him: “Hail, king of the Jews!” 27:30 They spat on him and took the staff and struck him repeatedly on the head. 27:31 When they had mocked him, they stripped him of the robe and put his own clothes back on him. Then they led him away to crucify him.

Mark

Jesus Brought Before Pilate

15:1 Early in the morning, after forming a plan, the chief priests with the elders and the experts in the law and the whole Sanhedrin tied Jesus up, led him away, and handed him over to Pilate. 15:2 So Pilate asked him, “Are you the king of the Jews?” He replied, “You say so.” 15:3 Then the chief priests began to accuse him repeatedly. 15:4 So Pilate asked him again, “Have you nothing to say? See how many charges they are bringing against you!” 15:5 But Jesus made no further reply, so that Pilate was amazed.

Jesus and Barabbas

15:6 During the feast it was customary to release one prisoner to the people, whomever they requested. 15:7 A man named Barabbas was imprisoned with rebels who had committed murder during an insurrection. 15:8 Then the crowd came up and began to ask Pilate to release a prisoner for them, as was his custom. 15:9 So Pilate asked them, “Do you want me to release the king of the Jews for you?” 15:10 (For he knew that the chief priests had handed him over because of envy.) 15:11 But the chief priests stirred up the crowd to have him release Barabbas instead. 15:12 So Pilate spoke to them again, “Then what do you want me to do with the one you call king of the Jews?” 15:13 They shouted back, “Crucify him!” 15:14 Pilate asked them, “Why? What has he done wrong?” But they shouted more insistently, “Crucify him!” 15:15 Because he wanted to satisfy the crowd, Pilate released Barabbas for them. Then, after he had Jesus flogged, he handed him over to be crucified.

Jesus is Mocked

15:16 So the soldiers led him into the palace (that is, the governor’s residence) and called together the whole cohort. 15:17 They put a purple cloak on him and after braiding a crown of thorns, they put it on him. 15:18 They began to salute him: “Hail, king of the Jews!” 15:19 Again and again they struck him on the head with a staff and spit on him. Then they knelt down and paid homage to him. 15:20 When they had finished mocking him, they stripped him of the purple cloak and put his own clothes back on him. Then they led him away to crucify him.

Luke

Jesus Brought Before Pilate

23:1 Then the whole group of them rose up and brought Jesus before Pilate. 23:2 They began to accuse him, saying, “We found this man subverting our nation, forbidding us to pay the tribute tax to Caesar and claiming that he himself is Christ, a king.” 23:3 So Pilate asked Jesus, “Are you the king of the Jews?” He replied, “You say so.” 23:4 Then Pilate said to the chief priests and the crowds, “I find no basis for an accusation against this man.” 23:5 But they persisted in saying, “He incites the people by teaching throughout all Judea. It started in Galilee and ended up here!”

Jesus Brought Before Herod

23:6 Now when Pilate heard this, he asked whether the man was a Galilean. 23:7 When he learned that he was from Herod’s jurisdiction, he sent him over to Herod, who also happened to be in Jerusalem at that time. 23:8 When Herod saw Jesus, he was very glad, for he had long desired to see him, because he had heard about him and was hoping to see him perform some miraculous sign. 23:9 So Herod questioned him at considerable length; Jesus gave him no answer. 23:10 The chief priests and the experts in the law were there, vehemently accusing him. 23:11 Even Herod with his soldiers treated him with contempt and mocked him. Then, dressing him in elegant clothes, Herod sent him back to Pilate. 23:12 That very day Herod and Pilate became friends with each other, for prior to this they had been enemies.

Jesus Brought Before the Crowd

23:13 Then Pilate called together the chief priests, the rulers, and the people, 23:14 and said to them, “You brought me this man as one who was misleading the people. When I examined him before you, I did not find this man guilty of anything you accused him of doing. 23:15 Neither did Herod, for he sent him back to us. Look, he has done nothing deserving death. 23:16 I will therefore have him flogged and release him.”

23:17 [[EMPTY]]

23:18 But they all shouted out together, “Take this man away! Release Barabbas for us!” 23:19 (This was a man who had been thrown into prison for an insurrection started in the city, and for murder.) 23:20 Pilate addressed them once again because he wanted to release Jesus. 23:21 But they kept on shouting, “Crucify, crucify him!” 23:22 A third time he said to them, “Why? What wrong has he done? I have found him guilty of no crime deserving death. I will therefore flog him and release him.” 23:23 But they were insistent, demanding with loud shouts that he be crucified. And their shouts prevailed. 23:24 So Pilate decided that their demand should be granted. 23:25 He released the man they asked for, who had been thrown in prison for insurrection and murder. But he handed Jesus over to their will.

John

Jesus Brought Before Pilate

18:28 Then they brought Jesus from Caiaphas to the Roman governor’s residence. (Now it was very early morning.) They did not go into the governor’s residence so they would not be ceremonially defiled, but could eat the Passover meal. 18:29 So Pilate came outside to them and said, “What accusation do you bring against this man?” 18:30 They replied, “If this man were not a criminal, we would not have handed him over to you.”

18:31 Pilate told them, “Take him yourselves and pass judgment on him according to your own law!” The Jewish leaders replied, “We cannot legally put anyone to death.” 18:32 (This happened to fulfill the word Jesus had spoken when he indicated what kind of death he was going to die.)

Pilate Questions Jesus

18:33 So Pilate went back into the governor’s residence, summoned Jesus, and asked him, “Are you the king of the Jews?” 18:34 Jesus replied, “Are you saying this on your own initiative, or have others told you about me?” 18:35 Pilate answered, “I am not a Jew, am I? Your own people and your chief priests handed you over to me. What have you done?”

18:36 Jesus replied, “My kingdom is not from this world. If my kingdom were from this world, my servants would be fighting to keep me from being handed over to the Jewish authorities. But as it is, my kingdom is not from here.” 18:37 Then Pilate said, “So you are a king!” Jesus replied, “You say that I am a king. For this reason I was born, and for this reason I came into the world – to testify to the truth. Everyone who belongs to the truth listens to my voice.” 18:38 Pilate asked, “What is truth?”

When he had said this he went back outside to the Jewish leaders and announced, “I find no basis for an accusation against him. 18:39 But it is your custom that I release one prisoner for you at the Passover. So do you want me to release for you the king of the Jews?” 18:40 Then they shouted back, “Not this man, but Barabbas!” (Now Barabbas was a revolutionary.)

Pilate Tries to Release Jesus

19:1 Then Pilate took Jesus and had him flogged severely. 19:2 The soldiers braided a crown of thorns and put it on his head, and they clothed him in a purple robe. 19:3 They came up to him again and again and said, “Hail, king of the Jews!” And they struck him repeatedly in the face.

19:4 Again Pilate went out and said to the Jewish leaders, “Look, I am bringing him out to you, so that you may know that I find no reason for an accusation against him.” 19:5 So Jesus came outside, wearing the crown of thorns and the purple robe. Pilate said to them, “Look, here is the man!” 19:6 When the chief priests and their officers saw him, they shouted out, “Crucify him! Crucify him!” Pilate said, “You take him and crucify him! Certainly I find no reason for an accusation against him!” 19:7 The Jewish leaders replied, “We have a law, and according to our law he ought to die, because he claimed to be the Son of God!”

19:8 When Pilate heard what they said, he was more afraid than ever, 19:9 and he went back into the governor’s residence and said to Jesus, “Where do you come from?” But Jesus gave him no answer. 19:10 So Pilate said, “Do you refuse to speak to me? Don’t you know I have the authority to release you, and to crucify you?” 19:11 Jesus replied, “You would have no authority over me at all, unless it was given to you from above. Therefore the one who handed me over to you is guilty of greater sin.”

19:12 From this point on, Pilate tried to release him. But the Jewish leaders shouted out, “If you release this man, you are no friend of Caesar! Everyone who claims to be a king opposes Caesar!” 19:13 When Pilate heard these words he brought Jesus outside and sat down on the judgment seat in the place called “The Stone Pavement” (Gabbatha in Aramaic). 19:14 (Now it was the day of preparation for the Passover, about noon.) Pilate said to the Jewish leaders, “Look, here is your king!”

19:15 Then they shouted out, “Away with him! Away with him! Crucify him!” Pilate asked, “Shall I crucify your king?” The high priests replied, “We have no king except Caesar!” 19:16 Then Pilate handed him over to them to be crucified.

Prayer

Lord, when it is Your time for events to occur, they occur. The actions of mere humans may vary, but the conclusion will always be as You have ordained. May I trust that You are always in control.

Scripture In Perspective

The religious leaders, united in their plan to have Jesus killed, "led Him away, and handed Him over to Pilate" (Matthew 27:2). When observing that Jesus, instead of rising up as a military leader or using His powers to protect Himself from harm, allows Himself to be falsely accused and condemned by the religious leaders, Judas "regretted what he had done" (vs. 3). Saying, "I have sinned by betraying innocent blood!" (vs. 4), he tries to return the money, but the religious leaders discount it as unimportant to them So Judas throws the coins into the temple. The religious leaders use the money he threw away to buy a burial place for foreigners—it was blood money which could not be put in the offering. Judas goes and hangs himself.

Pilate attempts to question Jesus, but He "gave him no answer" (John 19:9), other than acknowledging that Pilate is powerless except for the secular authority "given to you from above" (vs. 11) and declaring that "the one who handed Me over to you is guilty of greater sin" (ibid).

Pilate tries to pass off the responsibility of Jesus to Herod when he learns that He is a Galilean "from Herod's jurisdiction" (Luke 23:7). Herod, merely hoping to see Jesus do a miracle, is disinterested in truth—and mocking Jesus, he "sent Him back to Pilate" (vs. 11).

Pilate's wife experiences a dream and warns him to "have nothing to do with that innocent man" (Matthew 27:19), but Pilate is more concerned about the social unrest being stirred up by the religious leaders. Declaring the innocence of Jesus, but capitulating to the demands of the people to "crucify him!" (Mark 15:14), Pilate releases the true criminal Barabbas in exchange for surrendering the innocent Jesus to the religious leaders.

Faith In Action

Consider

Have we observed leaders doing the wrong things for “political” reasons, despite their obvious awareness that it was wrong?

Jesus had the authority to exercise power to prevent His suffering, yet chose not to do so for our sakes. Have you known someone who voluntarily endured loss or suffering for the sake of another?

Reflect

Have you ever observed an innocent person being mocked by the less-than innocent?

Judas realized too late what a terrible mistake he had made and tried to undo it, to no avail. Have you been in a situation where someone tried to prevent the unfolding consequences of their wrongful choice(s), but was blocked by someone in authority?

Pray

I will pray that leaders look only to God to discern right from wrong, and that in so doing they acquire the character to do the right thing, no matter the political or social consequences.

Act

Today I will come alongside of in support, in prayer and perhaps in practical ways as well, someone who has sacrificed for righteousness' sake and who endures criticism or faces difficulty for it.

Be Specific _____________________________________________

Tuesday (Matthew 27:32-44; Mark 15:21-32; Luke 23:26-43; John 19:16b-27)

Matthew

The Crucifixion

27:32 As they were going out, they found a man from Cyrene named Simon, whom they forced to carry his cross. 27:33 They came to a place called Golgotha (which means “Place of the Skull”) 27:34 and offered Jesus wine mixed with gall to drink. But after tasting it, he would not drink it. 27:35 When they had crucified him, they divided his clothes by throwing dice. 27:36 Then they sat down and kept guard over him there. 27:37 Above his head they put the charge against him, which read: “This is Jesus, the king of the Jews.” 27:38 Then two outlaws were crucified with him, one on his right and one on his left. 27:39 Those who passed by defamed him, shaking their heads 27:40 and saying, “You who can destroy the temple and rebuild it in three days, save yourself! If you are God’s Son, come down from the cross!” 27:41 In the same way even the chief priests – together with the experts in the law and elders – were mocking him: 27:42 “He saved others, but he cannot save himself! He is the king of Israel! If he comes down now from the cross, we will believe in him! 27:43 He trusts in God – let God, if he wants to, deliver him now because he said, ‘I am God’s Son’!” 27:44 The robbers who were crucified with him also spoke abusively to him.

Mark

The Crucifixion

15:21 The soldiers forced a passerby to carry his cross, Simon of Cyrene, who was coming in from the country (he was the father of Alexander and Rufus). 15:22 They brought Jesus to a place called Golgotha (which is translated, “Place of the Skull”). 15:23 They offered him wine mixed with myrrh, but he did not take it. 15:24 Then they crucified him and divided his clothes, throwing dice for them, to decide what each would take. 15:25 It was nine o’clock in the morning when they crucified him. 15:26 The inscription of the charge against him read, “The king of the Jews.” 15:27 And they crucified two outlaws with him, one on his right and one on his left. 15:28 [[EMPTY]] 15:29 Those who passed by defamed him, shaking their heads and saying, “Aha! You who can destroy the temple and rebuild it in three days, 15:30 save yourself and come down from the cross!” 15:31 In the same way even the chief priests – together with the experts in the law – were mocking him among themselves: “He saved others, but he cannot save himself! 15:32 Let the Christ, the king of Israel, come down from the cross now, that we may see and believe!” Those who were crucified with him also spoke abusively to him.

Luke

The Crucifixion

23:26 As they led him away, they seized Simon of Cyrene, who was coming in from the country. They placed the cross on his back and made him carry it behind Jesus. 23:27 A great number of the people followed him, among them women who were mourning and wailing for him. 23:28 But Jesus turned to them and said, “Daughters of Jerusalem, do not weep for me, but weep for yourselves and for your children. 23:29 For this is certain: The days are coming when they will say, ‘Blessed are the barren, the wombs that never bore children, and the breasts that never nursed!’ 23:30 Then they will begin to say to the mountains, ‘Fall on us!’ and to the hills, ‘Cover us!’ 23:31 For if such things are done when the wood is green, what will happen when it is dry?”

23:32 Two other criminals were also led away to be executed with him. 23:33 So when they came to the place that is called “The Skull,” they crucified him there, along with the criminals, one on his right and one on his left. 23:34 [But Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they don’t know what they are doing.”] Then they threw dice to divide his clothes. 23:35 The people also stood there watching, but the rulers ridiculed him, saying, “He saved others. Let him save himself if he is the Christ of God, his chosen one!” 23:36 The soldiers also mocked him, coming up and offering him sour wine, 23:37 and saying, “If you are the king of the Jews, save yourself!” 23:38 There was also an inscription over him, “This is the king of the Jews.”

23:39 One of the criminals who was hanging there railed at him, saying, “Aren’t you the Christ? Save yourself and us!” 23:40 But the other rebuked him, saying, “Don’t you fear God, since you are under the same sentence of condemnation? 23:41 And we rightly so, for we are getting what we deserve for what we did, but this man has done nothing wrong.” 23:42 Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come in your kingdom.” 23:43 And Jesus said to him, “I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise.”

John

The Crucifixion

So they took Jesus, 19:17 and carrying his own cross he went out to the place called “The Place of the Skull” (called in Aramaic Golgotha). 19:18 There they crucified him along with two others, one on each side, with Jesus in the middle. 19:19 Pilate also had a notice written and fastened to the cross, which read: “Jesus the Nazarene, the king of the Jews.” 19:20 Thus many of the Jewish residents of Jerusalem read this notice, because the place where Jesus was crucified was near the city, and the notice was written in Aramaic, Latin, and Greek. 19:21 Then the chief priests of the Jews said to Pilate, “Do not write, ‘The king of the Jews,’ but rather, ‘This man said, I am king of the Jews.’” 19:22 Pilate answered, “What I have written, I have written.”

19:23 Now when the soldiers crucified Jesus, they took his clothes and made four shares, one for each soldier, and the tunic remained. (Now the tunic was seamless, woven from top to bottom as a single piece.) 19:24 So the soldiers said to one another, “Let’s not tear it, but throw dice to see who will get it.” This took place to fulfill the scripture that says, “They divided my garments among them, and for my clothing they threw dice.” So the soldiers did these things.

19:25 Now standing beside Jesus’ cross were his mother, his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. 19:26 So when Jesus saw his mother and the disciple whom he loved standing there, he said to his mother, “Woman, look, here is your son!” 19:27 He then said to his disciple, “Look, here is your mother!” From that very time the disciple took her into his own home.

Prayer

Your plan, Lord, worked out through the man-God Jesus, was surrounded by the ugliness of hate-filled humans; but Jesus found moments to teach the beauty of Truth along the way. May I be found teachable and listening for Your message hidden in every circumstance.

Scripture In Perspective

Jesus begins His journey to Golgotha carrying the cross-beam himself, as was the general practice, to be attached to the vertical post already on the hill. Along the way, Simon of Cyrene is conscripted "to carry His cross" (Matt. 27:32) the rest of the way — Jesus is physically weakened from the physical abuse He has suffered.

Jesus prophesies to the wailing women following Him for them not cry for Him, but to "weep for yourselves" (Luke 23:28) — because the violence poured out upon Him is only the beginning of suffering for Believers. "Judgment now comes on the nation [of Israel] (see Luke 19:41-44) for this judgment of Jesus" (NET sn).

Jesus is crucified, nailed to the cross with a sign ordered by Pilate (“Jesus the Nazarene, the king of the Jews,” John 19:19) posted above His head. The chief priests object, suggesting it should read "This man said, I am king of the Jews" (vs. 21, italics added). But Pilate insists "what I have written, I have written" (vs. 22), most probably to disown responsibility and "as a subtle way of getting back at the Jewish authorities who had pressured him in to the execution of one he considered to be an innocent man" (NET sn).

"One of the criminals who was hanging there railed at Him" (Luke 23:39) and joins the religious authorities, soldiers, and others in mocking Jesus. The criminal hanging on the other side of Jesus rebukes the first and, in an act of faith, recognizes Him also crucified as the Christ and asks for His blessing. Jesus not only forgives the respectful and repentant ("we are getting what we deserve," Luke 23:41) criminal, but promises him salvation for his faith—"today you will be with Me in paradise" (vs. 43).

They "divided His clothes, throwing dice for them," (Mark 15:24) is an allusion to Psalm 22:18, another Old Testament prophesy fulfilled.

Jesus directs His mother Mary to treat His disciple John as her son, and for John to accept Mary as his mother — "the disciple took her into his own home" (John 19:27). [Note: Any mention of Joseph, the father of Jesus, ceased long prior to this in the Gospel accounts; it appears that Mary was a widow. No reason is given in Scripture as to why one of her other sons, a brothers of Jesus, did not take her in.]

Faith In Action

Consider

Those believing Jesus to be the Christ watch His arrest, His being lead away to be crucified, and His crucifixion. May they have wondered how their liberator could be so quickly subdued and judged like a common criminal? What was to happen to them without Him? Jesus knew that His death was necessary to meet the judicial requirements of God's perfect justice. Profoundly aware of the evil hatred swirling about the crowds, and that His severe suffering was needed to grab and hold man's attention across time and space, on He walked — voluntarily — to His death.

Reflect

Jesus was nailed to the Cross, forgave the soldiers ignorant of what they were doing to the Son of God, and then blessed the thief who surrendered to Him while on the cross. Such love, such presence. The disciples cowered in the shadows, heartbroken and powerless. Souls emptied and hearts aching, they were utterly humbled. Have you observed someone having such selfless purpose while in the midst of enduring a crisis? Someone acting with the presence of mind and compassion of Jesus, Who provided a home and a caregiver for His mother and arranged for John to have an amazing woman of faith like Mary to share his home with?

Pray

Today I will take the time to prayerfully ponder the Cross. I will ask the Holy Spirit to give me the strength to endure hardships, so that I may better serve others with the sacrificial love of God.

Act

I will pray for someone who is dealing with a loss (death of a loved one or the loss of a home, savings, business, job) or a challenge (divorce, major illness, injury, the integrity of a relationship). I will ask the Lord to show me the way to go beyond prayer to helpful service.

Be Specific ____________________________________________

Wednesday (Matthew 27:45-61; Mark 15:33-47; Luke 23:44-56; John 19:28-42)

Matthew

Jesus’ Death

27:45 Now from noon until three, darkness came over all the land. 27:46 At about three o’clock Jesus shouted with a loud voice, “Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?” that is, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” 27:47 When some of the bystanders heard it, they said, “This man is calling for Elijah.” 27:48 Immediately one of them ran and got a sponge, filled it with sour wine, put it on a stick, and gave it to him to drink. 27:49 But the rest said, “Leave him alone! Let’s see if Elijah will come to save him.” 27:50 Then Jesus cried out again with a loud voice and gave up his spirit. 27:51 Just then the temple curtain was torn in two, from top to bottom. The earth shook and the rocks were split apart. 27:52 And tombs were opened, and the bodies of many saints who had died were raised. 27:53 (They came out of the tombs after his resurrection and went into the holy city and appeared to many people.) 27:54 Now when the centurion and those with him who were guarding Jesus saw the earthquake and what took place, they were extremely terrified and said, “Truly this one was God’s Son!” 27:55 Many women who had followed Jesus from Galilee and given him support were also there, watching from a distance. 27:56 Among them were Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James and Joseph, and the mother of the sons of Zebedee.

Jesus’ Burial

27:57 Now when it was evening, there came a rich man from Arimathea, named Joseph, who was also a disciple of Jesus. 27:58 He went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus. Then Pilate ordered that it be given to him. 27:59 Joseph took the body, wrapped it in a clean linen cloth, 27:60 and placed it in his own new tomb that he had cut in the rock. Then he rolled a great stone across the entrance of the tomb and went away. 27:61 (Now Mary Magdalene and the other Mary were sitting there, opposite the tomb.)

Mark

Jesus’ Death

15:33 Now when it was noon, darkness came over the whole land until three in the afternoon. 15:34 Around three o’clock Jesus cried out with a loud voice, “Eloi, Eloi, lema sabachthani?” which means, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” 15:35 When some of the bystanders heard it they said, “Listen, he is calling for Elijah!” 15:36 Then someone ran, filled a sponge with sour wine, put it on a stick, and gave it to him to drink, saying, “Leave him alone! Let’s see if Elijah will come to take him down!” 15:37 But Jesus cried out with a loud voice and breathed his last. 15:38 And the temple curtain was torn in two, from top to bottom. 15:39 Now when the centurion, who stood in front of him, saw how he died, he said, “Truly this man was God’s Son!” 15:40 There were also women, watching from a distance. Among them were Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James the younger and of Joses, and Salome. 15:41 When he was in Galilee, they had followed him and given him support. Many other women who had come up with him to Jerusalem were there too.

Jesus’ Burial

15:42 Now when evening had already come, since it was the day of preparation (that is, the day before the Sabbath), 15:43 Joseph of Arimathea, a highly regarded member of the council, who was himself looking forward to the kingdom of God, went boldly to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus. 15:44 Pilate was surprised that he was already dead. He called the centurion and asked him if he had been dead for some time. 15:45 When Pilate was informed by the centurion, he gave the body to Joseph. 15:46 After Joseph bought a linen cloth and took down the body, he wrapped it in the linen and placed it in a tomb cut out of the rock. Then he rolled a stone across the entrance of the tomb. 15:47 Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of Joses saw where the body was placed.

Luke

23:44 It was now about noon, and darkness came over the whole land until three in the afternoon, 23:45 because the sun’s light failed. The temple curtain was torn in two. 23:46 Then Jesus, calling out with a loud voice, said, “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit!” And after he said this he breathed his last.

23:47 Now when the centurion saw what had happened, he praised God and said, “Certainly this man was innocent!” 23:48 And all the crowds that had assembled for this spectacle, when they saw what had taken place, returned home beating their breasts. 23:49 And all those who knew Jesus stood at a distance, and the women who had followed him from Galilee saw these things.

Jesus’ Burial

23:50 Now there was a man named Joseph who was a member of the council, a good and righteous man. 23:51 (He had not consented to their plan and action.) He was from the Judean town of Arimathea, and was looking forward to the kingdom of God. 23:52 He went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus. 23:53 Then he took it down, wrapped it in a linen cloth, and placed it in a tomb cut out of the rock, where no one had yet been buried. 23:54 It was the day of preparation and the Sabbath was beginning. 23:55 The women who had accompanied Jesus from Galilee followed, and they saw the tomb and how his body was laid in it. 23:56 Then they returned and prepared aromatic spices and perfumes.

On the Sabbath they rested according to the commandment.

John

Jesus’ Death

19:28 After this Jesus, realizing that by this time everything was completed, said (in order to fulfill the scripture), “I am thirsty!” 19:29 A jar full of sour wine was there, so they put a sponge soaked in sour wine on a branch of hyssop and lifted it to his mouth. 19:30 When he had received the sour wine, Jesus said, “It is completed!” Then he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.

19:31 Then, because it was the day of preparation, so that the bodies should not stay on the crosses on the Sabbath (for that Sabbath was an especially important one), the Jewish leaders asked Pilate to have the victims’ legs broken and the bodies taken down. 19:32 So the soldiers came and broke the legs of the two men who had been crucified with Jesus, first the one and then the other. 19:33 But when they came to Jesus and saw that he was already dead, they did not break his legs. 19:34 But one of the soldiers pierced his side with a spear, and blood and water flowed out immediately. 19:35 And the person who saw it has testified (and his testimony is true, and he knows that he is telling the truth), so that you also may believe. 19:36 For these things happened so that the scripture would be fulfilled, “Not a bone of his will be broken.” 19:37 And again another scripture says, “They will look on the one whom they have pierced.”

Jesus’ Burial

19:38 After this, Joseph of Arimathea, a disciple of Jesus (but secretly, because he feared the Jewish leaders), asked Pilate if he could remove the body of Jesus. Pilate gave him permission, so he went and took the body away. 19:39 Nicodemus, the man who had previously come to Jesus at night, accompanied Joseph, carrying a mixture of myrrh and aloes weighing about seventy-five pounds. 19:40 Then they took Jesus’ body and wrapped it, with the aromatic spices, in strips of linen cloth according to Jewish burial customs. 19:41 Now at the place where Jesus was crucified there was a garden, and in the garden was a new tomb where no one had yet been buried. 19:42 And so, because it was the Jewish day of preparation and the tomb was nearby, they placed Jesus’ body there.

Prayer

Father, Your Son's sacrifice of life was needed to both satisfy the law and authorize His return to Heaven, and to separate us from our sin and admit us in to Heaven. May I be mindful to rejoice that You loved me so much You made a way where there was none.

Scripture In Perspective

On the cross, Jesus cries out, “My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?” (Matt. 27:46, Mark 15:34). His words, “Father, into Your hands I commit my Spirit” (Luke 23:46) and “I am thirsty!” (John 19:28), are evidence of both His humanity and His divinity. [Note: Due to our sin, which Jesus took upon Himself to the cross, it was required that the discernible presence of God depart from Him for a time—the man Jesus was suddenly alone and absent God's indwelling presence. This separation does not negate the unity of Jesus with the Trinity, it merely describes the separation the divine Son of God suffered on earth while the human son of man suffered on the cross.]

Jesus declaring His thirst follows Him first acknowledging that "everything was completed," everything except the final prophesy fulfilled by "I am thirsty," [see Psalms 22:5; 69:21]. His thirst may reference the “water of life”, the Holy Spirit, Who Jesus is deeply missing the presence of during His separation from the Godhead.

It is the eve of "an especially important" (John 19:31) Sabbath, and the religious leaders want to get on with their religious traditions, so they ask Pilate to break the legs of the criminals on the cross. [Breaking the legs of men crucified was commonly done to quicken death—it eliminated their ability to lift themselves enough to take one more breath.] But, because Jesus is already dead, "they did not break His legs" (John 19:33), fulfilling another Old Testament prophecy (“Not a bone of His will be broken,” Psalms 34:20).

In the end, the soldiers "pierced His side with a spear" (John 19:34), again fulfilling Old Testament prophecy (see Zecharia 12–14). The blood and water released by the piercing of His flesh is proof of His physical death. [It is noteworthy that the Disciple Thomas would later be challenged by the resurrected Jesus to insert his hand into His side wound. It is possible that Thomas did so, but equally possible that merely seeing Jesus' wounds was sufficient to cause the doubting Thomas to finally believe.]

Jesus' burial, at the hands of the only religious leader who had not consented to His condemnation and murder, is done by "Joseph...a good and righteous man" (Luke 23:50). Jesus' body is quickly wrapped and placed in the tomb where He will later be embalmed.

Faith In Action

Consider

The innocent and sinless Jesus, burdened by our sin, is deprived of the comfort of the indwelling presence of God. No impurity may exist in the presence of God without being destroyed, so the Father had to turn away from the Son so as to not destroy Him for our sin, leaving Christ desperately lonely.

In the crucifixion of a single man, the only One Whose blood truly saves, all of the required Old Testament laws of blood sacrifice are summarized and satisfied.

Reflect

The self-deceiving hatred of those who attacked the God they claimed to worship: How carelessly they played a part in His death!

When have you felt as though you carried the emotional or spiritual burdens of others, to the point where it seemed that you might drown? What did you do to keep yourself afloat—cry out to God as did Jesus?

Pray

Today I will pray for a Believer trapped in a bad environment, where both they and the Holy Spirit are offended. Be it in a sick marriage, a Christian child in a non-Christian home, or a Christian in an unpleasant workplace, I will pray that the are set free.

Act

I will pray for the Lord to move in the hearts of leaders who are encouraging anti-Christian sentiment and policies: Restrictions on the freedom to gather and of speech, censorship of Christian teaching in government schools, and encouragement of abortion and other actions that are onerous to God and His children. I will pray for a revival of God's truth in political and religious leaders and arenas.

Be Specific _____________________________________________

Thursday (Matthew 27:62–28:15; Mark 16; Luke 24:1-12; John 20:1-9)

Matthew

The Guard at the Tomb

27:62 The next day (which is after the day of preparation) the chief priests and the Pharisees assembled before Pilate 27:63 and said, “Sir, we remember that while that deceiver was still alive he said, ‘After three days I will rise again.’ 27:64 So give orders to secure the tomb until the third day. Otherwise his disciples may come and steal his body and say to the people, ‘He has been raised from the dead,’ and the last deception will be worse than the first.” 27:65 Pilate said to them, “Take a guard of soldiers. Go and make it as secure as you can.” 27:66 So they went with the soldiers of the guard and made the tomb secure by sealing the stone.

The Resurrection

28:1 Now after the Sabbath, at dawn on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to look at the tomb. 28:2 Suddenly there was a severe earthquake, for an angel of the Lord descending from heaven came and rolled away the stone and sat on it. 28:3 His appearance was like lightning, and his clothes were white as snow. 28:4 The guards were shaken and became like dead men because they were so afraid of him. 28:5 But the angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid; I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. 28:6 He is not here, for he has been raised, just as he said. Come and see the place where he was lying. 28:7 Then go quickly and tell his disciples, ‘He has been raised from the dead. He is going ahead of you into Galilee. You will see him there.’ Listen, I have told you!” 28:8 So they left the tomb quickly, with fear and great joy, and ran to tell his disciples. 28:9 But Jesus met them, saying, “Greetings!” They came to him, held on to his feet and worshiped him. 28:10 Then Jesus said to them, “Do not be afraid. Go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee. They will see me there.”

The Guards’ Report

28:11 While they were going, some of the guard went into the city and told the chief priests everything that had happened. 28:12 After they had assembled with the elders and formed a plan, they gave a large sum of money to the soldiers, 28:13 telling them, “You are to say, ‘His disciples came at night and stole his body while we were asleep.’ 28:14 If this matter is heard before the governor, we will satisfy him and keep you out of trouble.” 28:15 So they took the money and did as they were instructed. And this story is told among the Jews to this day.

Mark

The Resurrection

16:1 When the Sabbath was over, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought aromatic spices so that they might go and anoint him. 16:2 And very early on the first day of the week, at sunrise, they went to the tomb. 16:3 They had been asking each other, “Who will roll away the stone for us from the entrance to the tomb?” 16:4 But when they looked up, they saw that the stone, which was very large, had been rolled back. 16:5 Then as they went into the tomb, they saw a young man dressed in a white robe sitting on the right side; and they were alarmed. 16:6 But he said to them, “Do not be alarmed. You are looking for Jesus the Nazarene, who was crucified. He has been raised! He is not here. Look, there is the place where they laid him. 16:7 But go, tell his disciples, even Peter, that he is going ahead of you into Galilee. You will see him there, just as he told you.” 16:8 Then they went out and ran from the tomb, for terror and bewilderment had seized them. And they said nothing to anyone, because they were afraid.

The Longer Ending of Mark

[[16:9 Early on the first day of the week, after he arose, he appeared first to Mary Magdalene, from whom he had driven out seven demons. 16:10 She went out and told those who were with him, while they were mourning and weeping. 16:11 And when they heard that he was alive and had been seen by her, they did not believe.

16:12 After this he appeared in a different form to two of them while they were on their way to the country. 16:13 They went back and told the rest, but they did not believe them. 16:14 Then he appeared to the eleven themselves, while they were eating, and he rebuked them for their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they did not believe those who had seen him resurrected. 16:15 He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. 16:16 The one who believes and is baptized will be saved, but the one who does not believe will be condemned. 16:17 These signs will accompany those who believe: In my name they will drive out demons; they will speak in new languages; 16:18 they will pick up snakes with their hands, and whatever poison they drink will not harm them; they will place their hands on the sick and they will be well.” 16:19 After the Lord Jesus had spoken to them, he was taken up into heaven and sat down at the right hand of God. 16:20 They went out and proclaimed everywhere, while the Lord worked with them and confirmed the word through the accompanying signs.]]

Luke

The Resurrection

24:1 Now on the first day of the week, at early dawn, the women went to the tomb, taking the aromatic spices they had prepared. 24:2 They found that the stone had been rolled away from the tomb, 24:3 but when they went in, they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus. 24:4 While they were perplexed about this, suddenly two men stood beside them in dazzling attire. 24:5 The women were terribly frightened and bowed their faces to the ground, but the men said to them, “Why do you look for the living among the dead? 24:6 He is not here, but has been raised! Remember how he told you, while he was still in Galilee, 24:7 that the Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, and be crucified, and on the third day rise again.” 24:8 Then the women remembered his words, 24:9 and when they returned from the tomb they told all these things to the eleven and to all the rest. 24:10 Now it was Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Mary the mother of James, and the other women with them who told these things to the apostles. 24:11 But these words seemed like pure nonsense to them, and they did not believe them. 24:12 But Peter got up and ran to the tomb. He bent down and saw only the strips of linen cloth; then he went home, wondering what had happened.

John

The Resurrection

20:1 Now very early on the first day of the week, while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene came to the tomb and saw that the stone had been moved away from the entrance. 20:2 So she went running to Simon Peter and the other disciple whom Jesus loved and told them, “They have taken the Lord from the tomb, and we don’t know where they have put him!” 20:3 Then Peter and the other disciple set out to go to the tomb. 20:4 The two were running together, but the other disciple ran faster than Peter and reached the tomb first. 20:5 He bent down and saw the strips of linen cloth lying there, but he did not go in. 20:6 Then Simon Peter, who had been following him, arrived and went right into the tomb. He saw the strips of linen cloth lying there, 20:7 and the face cloth, which had been around Jesus’ head, not lying with the strips of linen cloth but rolled up in a place by itself. 20:8 Then the other disciple, who had reached the tomb first, came in, and he saw and believed. 20:9 (For they did not yet understand the scripture that Jesus must rise from the dead.)

Prayer

Lord, the reality of the empty tomb and what it means is powerful. Many witnessed the events of this miracle as it unfolded and yet perceived it differently. May I remember to always view what I see through the lens of Your Word, and then all things will be clear to me.

Scripture In Perspective

The religious leaders remind Pilate that "while that deceiver was still alive he said, 'After three days I will rise again'" (Matt. 27:63) — they are paranoid that the followers of Jesus will steal His body and claim that He has been resurrected, so they petition and receive permission to seal the tomb and post a guard.

At dawn Sunday following the Saturday Sabbath, "an angel of the Lord" (Matt. 28:2), during what the guards experience as an earthquake, rolls away the stone at the entrance to the tomb and sits on it. The guards freeze in fear and "became like dead men" (vs. 4).

The women who had followed Jesus arrive to embalm His body and are greeted by "two men...in dazzling attire" (Luke The angel asks, “Why do you look for the living among the dead?” (vs. 5). The angel instructs them to go in and see "the place where they laid Him" (Mark 16:6), and to then go and tell His disciples. Jesus meets them along the way, allows them to worship Him, and encourages them to "tell My brothers to go to Galilee" (Matt. 28:10) where He will join them.

The disciples believe the women's story to be "pure nonsense" (Luke 24:11). Yet both John and Peter run to the tomb and, although John arrives first, Peter "went right in" (John 20:6). Peter finds only the strips of linen cloth and is confused to not find Jesus' body there. He goes away "wondering what had happened" (vs. 12). ) — perhaps he is still emotionally distraught from his not-yet-forgiven triple denial of Jesus. John "came in, and he saw and he believed" (John 20:8) that Jesus had been resurrected.

The guards reported "everything that had happened" (Matthew 28:11) to the religious leaders, who bribed them to lie and say that Jesus' disciples "stole His body while we were asleep" (vs. 13).

[When reading the four different Gospel resurrection accounts, it is notable that several of the details are in a different order and some have different minor factual content. Much of the Matthew, Mark, and John text is a first-hand account, while Luke's text was assembled from the collected accounts of the experiences and observations of others.]

Faith In Action

Consider

Peter and John have a footrace to the tomb. John arrives first then hesitates, but the impetuous Peter forgets caution and charges on in. John's pause may have been what was needed to discern the true meaning of the empty tomb, whereas Peter was already convinced that the women were wrong and so typically rushed to act without thinking.

The corruption of the religious leaders continues unabated and undeterred despite the obvious fulfillment of prophesy. Instead, they compound their sin by bribing the guards to lie rather than speak the truth about Jesus. Lies which continue to this day (see Matt. 28:15).

Reflect

Humor may be found imagining the angel, who had just tossed aside the giant stone, sitting upon it and smiling at the guards' perplexity. Admittedly, this requires taking literary license; however, smile again at Heaven's unintended humor when the angel says to the Mary's, “Why do you look for the living among the dead?”

Have you experienced a moment when you were emotionally charged and raced to see something, only to discover that it was not what you expected to see? Perhaps at a so-called Christian concert or retreat, or during an unusual church format. Did you, like John, find that pausing a moment provided you time to gain a more thoughtful perspective?

Pray

Thank You God for the resurrection of Christ, Who defeated death itself. And for the living Holy Spirit of God dwelling within me and making me one of 'the living among the dead'.

Act

I will pray for the business, political, and religious leaders who prefer the convenient lies of the world, which allows them to make excuses for their rebellion against God over the truth of Jesus.

Be Specific ____________________________________________

Friday (Luke 24:13-43; John 20:10-23)

Luke

Jesus Walks the Road to Emmaus

24:13 Now that very day two of them were on their way to a village called Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem. 24:14 They were talking to each other about all the things that had happened. 24:15 While they were talking and debating these things, Jesus himself approached and began to accompany them 24:16 (but their eyes were kept from recognizing him). 24:17 Then he said to them, “What are these matters you are discussing so intently as you walk along?” And they stood still, looking sad. 24:18 Then one of them, named Cleopas, answered him, “Are you the only visitor to Jerusalem who doesn’t know the things that have happened there in these days?” 24:19 He said to them, “What things?” “The things concerning Jesus the Nazarene,” they replied, “a man who, with his powerful deeds and words, proved to be a prophet before God and all the people; 24:20 and how our chief priests and rulers handed him over to be condemned to death, and crucified him. 24:21 But we had hoped that he was the one who was going to redeem Israel. Not only this, but it is now the third day since these things happened. 24:22 Furthermore, some women of our group amazed us. They were at the tomb early this morning, 24:23 and when they did not find his body, they came back and said they had seen a vision of angels, who said he was alive. 24:24 Then some of those who were with us went to the tomb, and found it just as the women had said, but they did not see him.” 24:25 So he said to them, “You foolish people – how slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken! 24:26 Wasn’t it necessary for the Christ to suffer these things and enter into his glory?” 24:27 Then beginning with Moses and all the prophets, he interpreted to them the things written about himself in all the scriptures.

24:28 So they approached the village where they were going. He acted as though he wanted to go farther, 24:29 but they urged him, “Stay with us, because it is getting toward evening and the day is almost done.” So he went in to stay with them.

24:30 When he had taken his place at the table with them, he took the bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to them. 24:31 At this point their eyes were opened and they recognized him. Then he vanished out of their sight. 24:32 They said to each other, “Didn’t our hearts burn within us while he was speaking with us on the road, while he was explaining the scriptures to us?” 24:33 So they got up that very hour and returned to Jerusalem. They found the eleven and those with them gathered together 24:34 and saying, “The Lord has really risen, and has appeared to Simon!” 24:35 Then they told what had happened on the road, and how they recognized him when he broke the bread.

Jesus Makes a Final Appearance

24:36 While they were saying these things, Jesus himself stood among them and said to them, “Peace be with you.” 24:37 But they were startled and terrified, thinking they saw a ghost. 24:38 Then he said to them, “Why are you frightened, and why do doubts arise in your hearts? 24:39 Look at my hands and my feet; it’s me! Touch me and see; a ghost does not have flesh and bones like you see I have.” 24:40 When he had said this, he showed them his hands and his feet. 24:41 And while they still could not believe it (because of their joy) and were amazed, he said to them, “Do you have anything here to eat?” 24:42 So they gave him a piece of broiled fish, 24:43 and he took it and ate it in front of them.

John

Jesus’ Appearance to Mary Magdalene

20:10 So the disciples went back to their homes. 20:11 But Mary stood outside the tomb weeping. As she wept, she bent down and looked into the tomb. 20:12 And she saw two angels in white sitting where Jesus’ body had been lying, one at the head and one at the feet. 20:13 They said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping?” Mary replied, “They have taken my Lord away, and I do not know where they have put him!” 20:14 When she had said this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing there, but she did not know that it was Jesus.

20:15 Jesus said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping? Who are you looking for?” Because she thought he was the gardener, she said to him, “Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have put him, and I will take him.” 20:16 Jesus said to her, “Mary.” She turned and said to him in Aramaic, “Rabboni” (which means Teacher). 20:17 Jesus replied, “Do not touch me, for I have not yet ascended to my Father. Go to my brothers and tell them, ‘I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.’” 20:18 Mary Magdalene came and informed the disciples, “I have seen the Lord!” And she told them what Jesus had said to her.

Jesus’ Appearance to the Disciples

20:19 On the evening of that day, the first day of the week, the disciples had gathered together and locked the doors of the place because they were afraid of the Jewish leaders. Jesus came and stood among them and said to them, “Peace be with you.” 20:20 When he had said this, he showed them his hands and his side. Then the disciples rejoiced when they saw the Lord. 20:21 So Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. Just as the Father has sent me, I also send you.” 20:22 And after he said this, he breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit. 20:23 If you forgive anyone’s sins, they are forgiven; if you retain anyone’s sins, they are retained.”

Prayer

Lord, the resurrection of Jesus helped His followers to rightly understand what You had done for them and to rightly respond to that. May I recognize, in gratitude for the great gift You have given to me, that I am also responsible to go and tell others of this great gift.

Scripture In Perspective

Jesus is walking along the road when He comes alongside two of His followers walking and talking in great angst. "But their eyes were kept from recognizing Him" (Luke 24:16) when He asks them to explain the things they are discussing so intently. When it is clear that they have misunderstood the critical spiritual essence of His ministry, Jesus recites again for them the prophesies fulfilled in Him and interprets "the things written about Himself" (vs. 27).

The disciples invite Jesus to stay the night. When they are at table, "He took the bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to them" (vs. 30) — "their eyes were opened and they recognized Him" (vs. 31). [Note: When Believers today have communion, in response to Jesus' instruction to "do this in remembrance of Me" (Luke 22:19), our eyes are also opened to remember Who He is, our Lord and our Savior.]

Jesus appears to the gathered disciples and challenges them to, “Look at My hands and my feet....Touch Me and see” (Luke 24:39) that He is alive. Yet even after seeing His hands and feet, "they still could not believe" (vs. 41), so Jesus takes a piece of fish and eats it in front of them, demonstrating that He is truly a resurrected living human being.

Jesus breathes on His disciples, saying "Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive anyone's sins, they are forgiven; if you retain anyone's sins, they are retained” (John 20:22-23). To "forgive" is not an arbitrary apostolic power given them. Rather, with the help of the indwelling Holy Spirit they had just been given (unique to the disciples until Pentecost), they now have the discernment to know who is truly repentant and who is not. Therefore, when proclaiming forgiveness they do so with the certain knowledge given them by the Spirit of God.

Faith In Action

Consider

The Holy Spirit came out from Jesus and in to His disciples, uniting them in spirit and with power for a purpose. We may miss the power and presence of the Lord as it is manifested in the body of Christ, the Church, if we are not united in the Spirit.

Reflect

Have we often missed the message of the Lord when we are in a rush to explain things from a worldly, not a Heavenly, perspective?

Pray

Today I will ask the Holy Spirit to make me profoundly aware of His presence, His provisions for me, and His workings through me.

Act

I will pray for the awareness of God in someone struggling with living out their faith and, to encourage them, will share with them how and when I see God moving in their life.

Be Specific _____________________________________________

Saturday (Matthew 28:16-20; Luke 24:44-53; John 20:24–21)

Matthew

The Great Commission

28:16 So the eleven disciples went to Galilee to the mountain Jesus had designated. 28:17 When they saw him, they worshiped him, but some doubted. 28:18 Then Jesus came up and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 28:19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, 28:20 teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

Luke

Jesus’ Final Commission

24:44 Then he said to them, “These are my words that I spoke to you while I was still with you, that everything written about me in the law of Moses and the prophets and the psalms must be fulfilled.” 24:45 Then he opened their minds so they could understand the scriptures, 24:46 and said to them, “Thus it stands written that the Christ would suffer and would rise from the dead on the third day, 24:47 and repentance for the forgiveness of sins would be proclaimed in his name to all nations, beginning from Jerusalem. 24:48 You are witnesses of these things. 24:49 And look, I am sending you what my Father promised. But stay in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high.”

Jesus’ Departure

24:50 Then Jesus led them out as far as Bethany, and lifting up his hands, he blessed them. 24:51 Now during the blessing he departed and was taken up into heaven. 24:52 So they worshiped him and returned to Jerusalem with great joy, 24:53 and were continually in the temple courts blessing God.

John

The Response of Thomas

20:24 Now Thomas (called Didymus), one of the twelve, was not with them when Jesus came. 20:25 The other disciples told him, “We have seen the Lord!” But he replied, “Unless I see the wounds from the nails in his hands, and put my finger into the wounds from the nails, and put my hand into his side, I will never believe it!”

20:26 Eight days later the disciples were again together in the house, and Thomas was with them. Although the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!” 20:27 Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here, and examine my hands. Extend your hand and put it into my side. Do not continue in your unbelief, but believe.” 20:28 Thomas replied to him, “My Lord and my God!” 20:29 Jesus said to him, “Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are the people who have not seen and yet have believed.”

20:30 Now Jesus performed many other miraculous signs in the presence of the disciples, which are not recorded in this book. 20:31 But these are recorded 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.

Jesus’ Appearance to the Disciples in Galilee

21:1 After this Jesus revealed himself again to the disciples by the Sea of Tiberias. Now this is how he did so. 21:2 Simon Peter, Thomas (called Didymus), Nathanael (who was from Cana in Galilee), the sons of Zebedee, and two other disciples of his were together. 21:3 Simon Peter told them, “I am going fishing.” “We will go with you,” they replied. They went out and got into the boat, but that night they caught nothing.

21:4 When it was already very early morning, Jesus stood on the beach, but the disciples did not know that it was Jesus. 21:5 So Jesus said to them, “Children, you don’t have any fish, do you?” They replied, “No.” 21:6 He told them, “Throw your net on the right side of the boat, and you will find some.” So they threw the net, and were not able to pull it in because of the large number of fish.

21:7 Then the disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, “It is the Lord!” So Simon Peter, when he heard that it was the Lord, tucked in his outer garment (for he had nothing on underneath it), and plunged into the sea. 21:8 Meanwhile the other disciples came with the boat, dragging the net full of fish, for they were not far from land, only about a hundred yards.

21:9 When they got out on the beach, they saw a charcoal fire ready with a fish placed on it, and bread. 21:10 Jesus said, “Bring some of the fish you have just now caught.” 21:11 So Simon Peter went aboard and pulled the net to shore. It was full of large fish, one hundred fifty-three, but although there were so many, the net was not torn. 21:12 “Come, have breakfast,” Jesus said. But none of the disciples dared to ask him, “Who are you?” because they knew it was the Lord. 21:13 Jesus came and took the bread and gave it to them, and did the same with the fish. 21:14 This was now the third time Jesus was revealed to the disciples after he was raised from the dead.

Peter’s Restoration

21:15 Then when they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these do?” He replied, “Yes, Lord, you know I love you.” Jesus told him, “Feed my lambs.” 21:16 Jesus said a second time, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?” He replied, “Yes, Lord, you know I love you.” Jesus told him, “Shepherd my sheep.” 21:17 Jesus said a third time, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?” Peter was distressed that Jesus asked him a third time, “Do you love me?” and said, “Lord, you know everything. You know that I love you.” Jesus replied, “Feed my sheep. 21:18 I tell you the solemn truth, when you were young, you tied your clothes around you and went wherever you wanted, but when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and others will tie you up and bring you where you do not want to go.” 21:19 (Now Jesus said this to indicate clearly by what kind of death Peter was going to glorify God.) After he said this, Jesus told Peter, “Follow me.”

Peter and the Disciple Jesus Loved

21:20 Peter turned around and saw the disciple whom Jesus loved following them. (This was the disciple who had leaned back against Jesus’ chest at the meal and asked, “Lord, who is the one who is going to betray you?”) 21:21 So when Peter saw him, he asked Jesus, “Lord, what about him?” 21:22 Jesus replied, “If I want him to live until I come back, what concern is that of yours? You follow me!” 21:23 So the saying circulated among the brothers and sisters that this disciple was not going to die. But Jesus did not say to him that he was not going to die, but rather, “If I want him to live until I come back, what concern is that of yours?”

A Final Note

21:24 This is the disciple who testifies about these things and has written these things, and we know that his testimony is true. 21:25 There are many other things that Jesus did. If every one of them were written down, I suppose the whole world would not have room for the books that would be written.

Prayer

Lord, Your final commission is for us to partner with You in what has been at the heart of Your work in the world since Adam and Eve first rebelled in the Garden: Bring all men to faith in You. May I be found diligent and joyful in sharing the Good News.

Scripture In Perspective

Thomas was not with them when Jesus came to the first gathering of the disciples. When he hears that He had appeared to them, he declares that unless he sees the wounds on Jesus' body, "I will never believe it!" (John 20:25). Days later Jesus confronts Thomas with his unbelief, and he melts in humble recognition and submission to his Lord.

Jesus appears a third time to the disciples — "but the disciples did not know that it was Jesus" (John 21:4) — by the sea in Galilee, instructing them to cast their nets, which are then miraculously overfilled with fish after a night of nothing caught. John declares to Peter "It is the Lord!" (vs. 7), who in joyful response leaps into the water to greet Jesus on the shore. Jesus later joins them all in a meal, and they are still amazed—yet now "they knew it was the Lord" (vs. 12).

Peter is restored by Jesus after having denied Him three times. He challenges Peter three times Do you love Me?, leading him incrementally toward a properly humbled heart:

First, Jesus speaks the challenge, "Do you love me more than these do?" (John 21:15, italics added) in light of Peter's bragging before the crucifixion, If they all fall away...I never will. Peter dismisses His 'more than these do' qualifier when replying You know I love You. Jesus simply responds by telling Peter to Feed My lambs.

Second, He repeats Do you love me? to Peter, removing the challenge 'more than these'. When Peter replies again that he loves Him, Jesus tells Peter to "Shepherd My sheep" (John 21:16). [Note: Anyone can feed sheep, but a shepherd must be willing to die to protect his sheep.]

Third, He brings Peter to frustrated humility when making it clear to him that he is not in charge, Jesus is — Peter's humility is indicated by his confession, “Lord, You know everything. You know that I love You” (John 21:17). The arrogant Peter has been brought to his knees, and he is now ready to be trusted to feed and shepherd the Shepherd's sheep. [Note: The 'sheep' need to be fed the Word, so they will be equipped when Peter (and the others) are someday jailed or killed. Jesus' ministry must continue and multiply, with or without shepherds.]

Jesus' final commission begins with Him opening their minds ("so they could understand the scriptures," Luke 24:45) and reviewing the Law, Prophets, and Psalms fulfilled in Him. He advises them to wait in the city "until you have been clothed with power from on high" (vs. 49), in reference to the coming of the Holy Spirit.

The disciples worship Jesus in Galilee, "but some doubted" (Matt. 28:17) and would continue to doubt until the departure of Jesus to Heaven. He tells them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given Me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age” (Matt. 28:18-20, italics added). [What has become known as The Great Commission is loaded: Jesus notes that 1) control over the world has been wrested from Satan and given to Him, 2) He sends His followers out to disciple the world, 3) He reiterates the Trinity, 4) He commands obedience from His followers, and 5) He concludes by encouraging them to remember they will never be alone in their ministry to others for Him.]

[Note: The “end of the age” (Matt. 28:20) refers to the age of man's independence from God. All truly-saved people have surrendered their free will, their independence. Therefore, once past the final judgment when everything sinful has been obliterated, that age will have ended — All God's children will then be in Heaven with Him, rather than Jesus needing to minister to us in this fallen world.]

Jesus blesses His disciples and is "taken up into heaven" (Luke 24:51). In response to their witness of His ascension, the disciples worship Him and return to Jerusalem in great joy, sharing His story in the Temple courts and "blessing God" (vs. 53) for what He has done.

John concludes with the final note that "his testimony is true" (21:24) and that there are many other things Jesus did and said that could have been recorded, but "the whole world would not have room for the books that would be written" (vs. 25).

Faith In Action

Consider

There are meanings embedded in the Final Commission of Jesus, both in His promises to and His expectations of us.

Jesus challenges Peter three times: To not think more of himself than others, to be a humble shepherd, and to be intentional in preparing others to carry on after he too is gone.

Reflect

Jesus humbled Peter, which prepared him for leadership. Has He likewise humbled and prepared you? Note that He wants us to be humble, yet bold, in our service to Him.

Pray

I rejoice that Jesus overcame my doubt, forgave my rebellion, and is now equipping me to serve Him with love, energy, and integrity.

Act

I prayerfully commit to remember that it is always about Him, He has prepared the way, and He expects me to never rest in telling His story.

Be Specific ____________________________________________

All Bible text is from the NET unless otherwise indicated - http://bible.org

Note 1: These Studies often rely upon the guidance of the NET Translators from their associated notes. Careful attention has been given to cite that source where it has been quoted directly or closely paraphrased. Feedback is encouraged where credit has not been sufficiently assigned.

Note 2: When NET text is quoted in commentary and discussion all pronouns referring to God are capitalized, though they are lower-case in the original NET text.

Commentary text is from David M. Colburn, D.Min. unless otherwise noted.

Copyright © 2012 by David M. Colburn. This is a BibleSeven Study –“The Chronological Gospels” – “Week 12 of 12” - prepared by David M. Colburn and edited for bible.org in July of 2012. This text may be used for non-profit educational purposes only, with credit; all other usage requires prior written consent of the author.

 

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Becoming Part of God’s Family

Scripture: John 3:1-18

How many families do you have? Some children have just one family. And there are other children that have more than one family because one or both of their parents were divorced and they married someone else. Some adults have a family with just one parent because their father or mother might have died or their parent is divorced. Sometimes children are adopted into a new family. And there are some children who live in a house with many children we call an orphanage because both their parents might have died and there was no one else to take care of them

Families can come in all different ways. But no matter what family we are part of we can be part of a second family at the same time. That is very special and so all of us can have two families. We have the family we were born into or the family we live with and if we believe in Jesus we can also be part of God’s family. The Bible says anyone can be part of God’s family if they believe that Jesus is real and is God’s only Son.

Jesus was teaching people many things about God and heaven when some people asked Jesus how they could be part of God’s family. Jesus said if they told God they were sorry for disobeying and if they believed He, Jesus, was the Son of God, they could be part of God’s family too. Seems pretty easy, doesn’t it?

In another story, a very religious man by the name of Nicodemus came to Jesus very late at night. He asked Jesus how he could become part of the Kingdom of God. Jesus told him that everyone who wants to be part of God’s family must be born again. If you remember that story Nicodemus did not understand this. He asked Jesus how anyone could go back and be born all over again. It sounded silly to Nicodemus that a person could be born like a newborn baby again. Jesus said you had to be born physically and spiritually. When we ask God to forgive us, God forgives us and it is just like starting our life all over again – we “born again” but this time we are born as part of God’s family.

The day that Jesus met Zacchaeus he became part of God’s family because he believed in Jesus. Zacchaeus said he was sorry for his sin and taking extra money from people when he collected taxes.

It all seems so easy but it is amazing how many people never believe in Jesus, never ask God to forgive them for their sin and consequently never become part of God's family. When you study about people all over the world you find that so many people try to work their way to God. In some religions they make sacrifices to idols of stone or wood. Other religions have rules that people must follow like praying several times a day. It doesn’t matter even if they mean what they pray; they just are required to pray. Still in other religions leaders tell them the only way to heaven is to give money and do good deeds. People work their whole life trying to work their way to heaven but the Bible tells us there is nothing we can do, there are not enough good things we can do to have our sin forgiven.

It is the Bible that reminds us that the only way to God and the only way to heaven is to ask God to forgive us, believe that Jesus was the true Son of God and died for us and then we become part of God’s family. In the Bible book of Romans 3:23 it says, “Everyone has sinned, everyone has disobeyed God.” We were all born that way since the time of Adam and Eve. We cannot be part of God’s family with sin in our lives. But the Bible also tells us all we need to do is tell God that we are sorry for our sin and disobedience and ask God to forgive us. When we do that, we automatically become part of God’s family.

A Bible verse in the book of I John 1:9 says, If we confess or tell God we have sinned and disobeyed and ask Him to forgive us, God will do that right away and we are then forgiven and made clean from all we have ever done to disobey God. It is that easy and it does not matter if we are young or older, God is just waiting for us to ask Him to forgive us and take us into His family.

If you are not part of God’s family and would like to be in God’s family you can pray that prayer right now. Just talk to God and tell God you are sorry of disobeying and tell God you want Him to forgive you and He does. Once you pray and ask God you are then part of His family. If you prayed and asked God to forgive you and have become part of God’s family and want to learn more about living for Jesus, you can ask for a copy of The Story of God Book 2 and other Bible self study books by contacting:

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This subject will be dealt with in such a way as to explain the textual notes found in this commentary. The following outline will be utilized

I. The textual sources of our English Bible

A. Old Testament

B. New Testament

II. Brief explanation of the problems and theories of "lower criticism" also called "textual criticism."

III. Suggested sources for further reading

 

I. The textual sources of our English Bible

A. Old Testament

1. Masoretic text (MT) - The Hebrew consonantal text was set by Rabbi Aquiba in a.d. 100. The vowel points, accents, marginal notes, punctuation and apparatus points started being added in the sixth century a.d. and were finished in the ninth century a.d. It was done by a family of Jewish scholars known as the Masoretes. The textual form they used was the same as the one in the Mishnah, Talmud, Targums, Peshitta, and Vulgate.

2. Septuagint (LXX) - Tradition says the Septuagint was produced by 70 Jewish scholars in 70 days for the Alexandria library under the sponsorship of King Ptolemy II (285-246 b.c.) The translation was supposedly requested by a Jewish leader living in Alexandria. This tradition comes from "Letter of Aristeas." The LXX frequently was based on a differing Hebrew textual tradition from the text of Rabbi Aquiba (MT).

3. Dead Sea Scrolls (DSS) - The Dead Sea Scrolls were written in the Roman b.c. period (200 b.c. to a.d. 70) by a sect of Jewish separatists called the "Essenes." The Hebrew manuscripts, found in several sites around the Dead Sea, show a somewhat different Hebrew textual family behind both the MT and the LXX.

4. Some specific examples of how the comparison of these texts have helped interpreters understand the Old Testament

a. The LXX has helped translators and scholars understand the MT

(1) the LXX of Isa. 52:14, "As many shall be amazed at him."

(2) the MT of Isa. 52:14, "Just as many were astonished over you."

(3) in Isa. 52:15 the pronoun distinction of the LXX is confirmed

(a)  LXX, "so will many nations marvel at him"

(b)  MT, "so he sprinkles many nations"

b. The DSS have helped translators and scholars understand the MT

(1) the DSS of Isa. 21:8, "then the seer cried, Upon a watchtower I stand. . ."

(2) the MT of Isa. 21:8, "and I cried a lion! My Lord, I always stand on the watch tower by day. . ."

c. Both the LXX and DSS have helped clarify Isa. 53:11

(1) LXX & DSS, "after the travail of his soul he will see light, he will be satisfied"

(2) MT, "he shall see. . .of the travail of his soul, He shall be satisfied"

B. New Testament

1. Over 5,300 manuscripts of all or parts of the Greek New Testament are extant. About 85 are written on papyri and 268 are manuscripts written in all capital letters (uncials). Later, about the ninth century a.d., a running script (minuscule) was developed. The Greek manuscripts in written form number about 2,700. We also have about 2,100 copies of lists of Scripture texts used in worship that we call lectionaries.

2. About 85 Greek manuscripts containing parts of the New Testament written on papyrus are housed in museums. Some are dated from the second century a.d., but most are from the third and fourth centuries a.d. None of these MSS contain the whole New Testament. Just because these are the oldest copies of the New Testament does not automatically mean they have fewer variants. Many of these were copied rapidly for a local use. Care was not exercised in the process. Therefore, they contain many variants.

3. Codex Sinaiticus, known by the Hebrew letter א (aleph) or (01), found at St. Catherine's monastery on Mt. Sinai by Tischendorf. It dates from the fourth century a.d. and contains both the LXX of the OT and the Greek NT. It is of "the Alexandrian Text" type.

4. Codex Alexandrinus, known as "A" or (02), a fifth century Greek manuscript which was found in Alexandria, Egypt.

5. Codex Vaticanus, known as "B" or (03), found in the Vatican's library in Rome and dates from the middle of the fourth century a.d. It contains both LXX of the Old Testament and Greek New Testament. It is of "the Alexandrian Text" type.

6. Codex Ephraemi, known as "C" or (04), a fifth century Greek manuscript which was partially destroyed.

7. Codex Bezae, known as "D" or (05), a fifth or sixth century Greek manuscript. It is the chief representative of what is called "The Western Text." It contains many additions and was the main Greek witness for the King James translation.

8. The NT MSS can be grouped into three, possibly four, families that share certain characteristics.

a. Alexandrian text from Egypt

(1) P ⁷⁵, P⁶⁶ (about a.d. 200), which record the Gospels

(2) P ⁴⁶ (about a.d. 225), which records Paul's letters

(3) P ⁷² (about a.d. 225-250), which records Peter and Jude

(4) Codex B, called Vaticanus (about a.d. 325), which includes the whole OT and NT

(5) Origen quotes from this text type

(6) other MSS which show this text type are א, C, L, W, 33

b. Western text from North Africa

(1) quotes from North African church fathers, Tertullian, Cyprian, and the Old Latin translation

(2) quotes from Irenaeus

(3) quotes from Tatian and Old Syriac translation

(4) Codex D "Bezae" follow this text type

c. Eastern Byzantine text from Constantinople

(1) this text type is reflected in over 80% of the 5,300 MSS

(2) quoted by Antioch of Syria's church fathers, Cappadoceans, Chrysostom, and Therodoret

(3) Codex A, in the Gospels only

(4) Codex E (eighth century) for full NT

d. the fourth possible type is "Caesarean" from Palestine

(1) it is primarily seen only in Mark

(2) some witnesses to it are P⁴⁵ and W

 

II. The problems and theories of "lower criticism" or "textual criticism."

A. How the variants occurred

1. inadvertent or accidental (vast majority of occurrences)

a. slip of the eye in hand copying which reads the second instance of two similar words and thereby omits all of the words in between (homoioteleuton)

(1) slip of the eye in omitting a double letter word or phrase (haplography)

(2) slip of the mind in repeating a phrase or line of a Greek text (dittography)

b. slip of the ear in copying by oral dictation where a misspelling occurs (itacism). Often the misspelling implies or spells a similar-sounding Greek word.

c. the earliest Greek texts had no chapter or verse divisions, little or no punctuation and no division between words. It is possible to divide the letters in different places forming different words.

2. intentional

a. changes were made to improve the grammatical form of the text copied

b. changes were made to bring the text into conformity with other biblical texts (harmonization of parallels)

c. changes were made by combining two or more variant readings into one long combined text (conflation)

d. changes were made to correct a perceived problem in the text (cf. I Cor. 11:27 and I John 5:7-8)

e. some additional information as to the historical setting or proper interpretation of the text was placed in the margin by one scribe but placed into the text by a second scribe (cf. John 5:4)

B. The basic tenets of textual criticism (logical guidelines for determining the original reading of a text when variants exist)

1. the most awkward or grammatically unusual text is probably the original

2. the shortest text is probably the original

3. the older text is given more weight because of its historical proximity to the original, everything else being equal

4. MSS that are geographically diverse usually have the original reading

5. doctrinally weaker texts, especially those relating to major theological discussions of the period of manuscript changes, like the Trinity in I John 5:7-8, are to be preferred.

6. the text that can best explain the origin of the other variants

7. two quotes that help show the balance in these troubling variants

a. J. Harold Greenlee's book, Introduction to New Testament Textual Criticism, p. 68:

"No Christian doctrine hangs upon a debatable text; and the student of the NT must beware of wanting his text to be more orthodox or doctrinally stronger than is the inspired original."

b. W. A. Criswell told Greg Garrison of The Birmingham News that he (Criswell) doesn't believe every word in the Bible is inspired, "at least not every word that has been given to the modern public by centuries of translators." Criswell said: "I very much am a believer in the textual criticism. As such, I think, the last half of the 16th chapter of Mark is heresy: it's not inspired, it's just concocted. . .When you compare those manuscripts way back yonder, there was no such thing as that conclusion of the Book of Mark. Somebody added it..."

The patriarch of the SBC inerrantists also claimed that "interpolation" is also evident in John 5, the account of Jesus at the pool of Bethesda. And he discusses the two different accounts of the suicide of Judas (cf. Matt. 27 and Acts 1): "It's just a different view of the suicide," Criswell said. "If it is in the Bible, there is an explanation for it. And the two accounts of the suicide of Judas are in the Bible." Criswell added, "Textual criticism is a wonderful science in itself. It is not ephemeral, it's not impertinent. It's dynamic and central..."

III. Manuscript problems (textual criticism)

A. Suggested sources for further reading

1. Biblical Criticism: Historical, Literary and Textual, by R.H. Harrison

2. The Text of the New Testament: Its Transmission, Corruption and Restoration by Bruce M. Metzger

3. Introduction to New Testament Textual Criticism, by J. H Greenlee

 

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