Introduction
Jesus death was accompanied by a number of events and a number of statements by individuals and groups of people. As he breathed his last, the earth beneath the cross shook violently. In fact, the men responsible for carrying out his sentence were shaken both physically and psychologically. They could not help but be shaken. They had experience a death like none other from a man who was obviously guiltless. They had heard only loving words and they had observed extreme agony mixed with pure majesty. In addition, the sky had been darkened for three hours in the middle of the day. And as this man breathed his last, the sun broke through and the ground shook. "Surely this was the Son of God!" This was no mere superstitious comment on the part of a practicing pagan. This was an exclamation of truth from the lips of a man who was overcome with the presence of God incarnate.
Not only did the ground around the cross shake, but the burial places of many dead saints was shaken. Shaken to the extent that the stones were broken. And not only were the inanimate objects shaken, but the decaying bodies were reanimated by the author of life. Death had been overcome by life and the dead saints entered the city upon Jesus resurrection. And observed by people who were available as witnesses.
The final shaking that took place upon Jesus' death was in the very place God had established in order to approach Him. Those who God had set apart for the purpose of being priests, Aaron's descendents, were given the task of interceding on behalf of God's people once a year. On the Day of Atonement, they carried blood two times into the Holy of Holies. Once for themselves (the blood of a bull) and once for the people (the blood of the goat). Other than the Day of Atonement, nobody ever entered or even looked behind the dividing curtain between the alter of incense and the Ark of the Covenant. But this day, during the time of the evening offering, perhaps even when incense was being burned on the alter, the ground began to shake. And when it shook this massive curtain, the thickness of a man's hand, ripped from top to bottom thus exposing the Holy of Holies. What a terrifying sight for the priest on duty. But what a glorious statement by God himself -- no longer would animal blood suffice to atone for sin. It is finished!
From The Cross (John 19:31-37)
The events at Jesus death confirm God's completed salvation plan.
How significant is Jesus' death to you? Who have you shared that significance with lately?
What kinds of statements do you make about Jesus? Are they true and accurate?
What statement about Jesus is your life making to those who are watching you?
To The Tomb (John 19:38-42)
The cross demands a reassessment of life in light of Jesus' death.
What is your most valued treasure? What should it be?
What have you done lately to show your love for the Savior?
Who have you told lately about Jesus death and what it means to you?
What are you willing to leave behind for Jesus' sake?
Saturday, May 8, 2010
The Crossroads of Life (John 19:18-30)
Introduction
As I mentioned in some of my previous posts, the events on the cross were an essential part of God's redemptive plan for mankind. Jesus bore what no one else could bear, the wrath of God for all humanity. He satisfied the justice of God in that he paid the penalty for the sin of the world. So the just one became the justifier of the unjust.
The ones who carried out the penalty phase of the crucifixion were seasoned professionals. They were responsible to ensuring a condemned man paid in full with his life. And they were used to being the objects of cursing by those whose lives they had been entrusted with. But the one on the central cross this day was unlike any other man they had seen. Not only were they executing him for a strange charge, King of the Jews, but they also heard nothing but grace and love from his lips (e.g., "Father forgive them for they don't realize what they are doing"). This man was not filled with hatred like men whose death was justified, he was filled with love and compassion. Who was this man?
On The Cross (John 19:18-22)
Jesus bore all sin for all time.
What part did you have in Jesus' crucifixion? And have you acknowledged ownership of that part?
From The Cross (John 19:23-27)
The value one places on others is a good indicator of the quality of one's life.
What kinds of things do your enemies here from you? Or worse yet, what do you say behind their backs?
When you are in distress, what comes out of your mouth?
Who are you taking care of in spite of, and maybe even because of, your current circumstances?
Who do you need to start caring for?
What's more valuable to you, things or people?
Because of The Cross (John 19:28-30)
Jesus' work on the cross leaves no room for improvement.
What is it that you are thirsty for?
What part of “finished” are you still trying to complete?
Jesus finish the work of atonement, but where do you stand in relation to his work?
As I mentioned in some of my previous posts, the events on the cross were an essential part of God's redemptive plan for mankind. Jesus bore what no one else could bear, the wrath of God for all humanity. He satisfied the justice of God in that he paid the penalty for the sin of the world. So the just one became the justifier of the unjust.
The ones who carried out the penalty phase of the crucifixion were seasoned professionals. They were responsible to ensuring a condemned man paid in full with his life. And they were used to being the objects of cursing by those whose lives they had been entrusted with. But the one on the central cross this day was unlike any other man they had seen. Not only were they executing him for a strange charge, King of the Jews, but they also heard nothing but grace and love from his lips (e.g., "Father forgive them for they don't realize what they are doing"). This man was not filled with hatred like men whose death was justified, he was filled with love and compassion. Who was this man?
On The Cross (John 19:18-22)
Jesus bore all sin for all time.
What part did you have in Jesus' crucifixion? And have you acknowledged ownership of that part?
From The Cross (John 19:23-27)
The value one places on others is a good indicator of the quality of one's life.
What kinds of things do your enemies here from you? Or worse yet, what do you say behind their backs?
When you are in distress, what comes out of your mouth?
Who are you taking care of in spite of, and maybe even because of, your current circumstances?
Who do you need to start caring for?
What's more valuable to you, things or people?
Because of The Cross (John 19:28-30)
Jesus' work on the cross leaves no room for improvement.
What is it that you are thirsty for?
What part of “finished” are you still trying to complete?
Jesus finish the work of atonement, but where do you stand in relation to his work?
Pilate's Dilemma, God's Design (John 18:28-19:17)
Introduction
The Jewish religious leaders had gone out of their way to trump up charges against Jesus. And those charges were in fact the truth of who he was, the Messiah, Son of God, the King of the Jews. Though these men considered his claims to be blasphemy, they were not since they described the true nature of who Jesus was.
The Jews demanded the death penalty for Jesus' 'blasphemous' statements about himself. However, they were not legally able to enforce the death penalty under Roman rule. (This had not stopped them in the past nor would it in the future) I also think that in the back of their mind, their desire was to remain ceremonially clean in order to legitimately partake in the Passover meal. Pretty ironic given the morally unclean way they arrived at the verdict regarding Jesus.
Pilate is the governor of Judea and therefore would be the one who had authority to condemn a criminal to death. The Jews bring their charges to Pilate with the added twist that his claim to be King of the Jews was subversive and counter to Roman rule (as if they cared about such things). Strangely enough, these men were bringing Jesus before a man they detested on charges that were trumped up. These charges were the very thing many of them hoped for from their Messiah -- one who would re-establish Davids throne and throw off the shackles of foreign rulers.
As you read this text you will find that Pilate comes to a conclusion about Jesus: he is faultless. There is no reason for execution. But as I mentioned in my last post, this "no reason for execution" also was a mandatory qualification for the final task Jesus was to accomplish here on earth. For God required a perfect sacrifice and Jesus was just that: perfect in every way.
There is a progression is stages that Pilate goes through in the sequence of interrogations: evasion (desire to get out of this obligation), concession (attempts to appease those accusing Jesus), and finally conviction (guilty of being who he was -- King of the Jews).
Evasion (John 18:28-40)
Every man is responsible for his own response to the truth.
What are you doing to appear clean when you really are not clean inside?
How are you trying to compensate for an unclean heart?
What things make you cynical? And how does that cynicism impact your ability to arrive at truth?
What responsibility do you have that you are treating irresponsibly? How are you going to change that?
Concession (John 19:1-11)
All authority comes from God but man is responsible for how he uses it.
What authority has God given you and how are you using it?
What task has He called you to that you are trying to do half way?
Conviction (John 19:12-17)
Man's evil is no barrier to God accomplishing His plan.
In what way are you contributing to God's plans?
What type of a king do you serve? One of earthly decent of the King from above?
What are you doing to serve your king?
The Jewish religious leaders had gone out of their way to trump up charges against Jesus. And those charges were in fact the truth of who he was, the Messiah, Son of God, the King of the Jews. Though these men considered his claims to be blasphemy, they were not since they described the true nature of who Jesus was.
The Jews demanded the death penalty for Jesus' 'blasphemous' statements about himself. However, they were not legally able to enforce the death penalty under Roman rule. (This had not stopped them in the past nor would it in the future) I also think that in the back of their mind, their desire was to remain ceremonially clean in order to legitimately partake in the Passover meal. Pretty ironic given the morally unclean way they arrived at the verdict regarding Jesus.
Pilate is the governor of Judea and therefore would be the one who had authority to condemn a criminal to death. The Jews bring their charges to Pilate with the added twist that his claim to be King of the Jews was subversive and counter to Roman rule (as if they cared about such things). Strangely enough, these men were bringing Jesus before a man they detested on charges that were trumped up. These charges were the very thing many of them hoped for from their Messiah -- one who would re-establish Davids throne and throw off the shackles of foreign rulers.
As you read this text you will find that Pilate comes to a conclusion about Jesus: he is faultless. There is no reason for execution. But as I mentioned in my last post, this "no reason for execution" also was a mandatory qualification for the final task Jesus was to accomplish here on earth. For God required a perfect sacrifice and Jesus was just that: perfect in every way.
There is a progression is stages that Pilate goes through in the sequence of interrogations: evasion (desire to get out of this obligation), concession (attempts to appease those accusing Jesus), and finally conviction (guilty of being who he was -- King of the Jews).
Evasion (John 18:28-40)
Every man is responsible for his own response to the truth.
What are you doing to appear clean when you really are not clean inside?
How are you trying to compensate for an unclean heart?
What things make you cynical? And how does that cynicism impact your ability to arrive at truth?
What responsibility do you have that you are treating irresponsibly? How are you going to change that?
Concession (John 19:1-11)
All authority comes from God but man is responsible for how he uses it.
What authority has God given you and how are you using it?
What task has He called you to that you are trying to do half way?
Conviction (John 19:12-17)
Man's evil is no barrier to God accomplishing His plan.
In what way are you contributing to God's plans?
What type of a king do you serve? One of earthly decent of the King from above?
What are you doing to serve your king?
Given, Not Taken (John 18:1-27)
Introduction
I've heard it said that Jesus was a good teacher that was at the wrong place at the wrong time. He was a victim of jealous men and that was why he died. Many people believe that his death was a martyr's death -- that he had no choice in the matter. But Jesus himself had predicted details of his death on numerous occasions. And went willingly to Jerusalem knowing full well that he would not leave before suffering an agonizing death.
In John 18, we see Jesus and his disciples retreating to a very familiar garden. This place may have been owned by a wealthy friend of Jesus, we are not certain, but as John points out, this was a location very familiar to Judas. And yet, Jesus went there knowing full well every intention in the hearth of Judas.
Remember past attempts on Jesus' life? Attempted stoning. Soldiers sent to arrest him. All of the past attempts had been futile. Futile, not due to the lack of desire on the part of those in pursuit of his life. But futile due to the fact that God's appointed time had not yet arrived.
Jesus' primary purpose in coming to earth was to bear the sins of humanity. His life of perfection (in every way, both ceremonially and morally) uniquely qualified him as the only sufficient sacrifice for sin. His divinity uniquely qualified him as the payment for an infinite debt owed on behalf of sinners. And so, Jesus' death is not a tragic end to a promising rabbinical career. His death is a necessary offering and the only means by which anyone is afforded a relationship with God.
The Pursual (John 18:1-11)
God's plans are always accomplished His way in spite of appearances.
What are you doing to try and defend Jesus? Are you certain you're in God's will?
How are you underestimating the power of God? And what do you plan to do about it?
What unpleasant course has God called you to that you might be trying to get out of?
The Trial (John 18:12-14, 19-24)
Each person must choose either faith or unbelief.
What types of questions do you ask and what do those questions tell you about your interest in the truth?
How important is truth to you? What are you doing to ensure you remain in the truth?
How might your current direction in life be leading you out of God's will and into an inevitable fall?
Which description fits you: a life of faith or a life of unbelief?
The Denial (John 18:15-18, 25-27)
Without repentance there is no forgiveness.
How have you denied Jesus either by words or by silence?
Where are you right now in relation to God's will for your life?
If you are not in God's will, what do you need to do to change that?
I've heard it said that Jesus was a good teacher that was at the wrong place at the wrong time. He was a victim of jealous men and that was why he died. Many people believe that his death was a martyr's death -- that he had no choice in the matter. But Jesus himself had predicted details of his death on numerous occasions. And went willingly to Jerusalem knowing full well that he would not leave before suffering an agonizing death.
In John 18, we see Jesus and his disciples retreating to a very familiar garden. This place may have been owned by a wealthy friend of Jesus, we are not certain, but as John points out, this was a location very familiar to Judas. And yet, Jesus went there knowing full well every intention in the hearth of Judas.
Remember past attempts on Jesus' life? Attempted stoning. Soldiers sent to arrest him. All of the past attempts had been futile. Futile, not due to the lack of desire on the part of those in pursuit of his life. But futile due to the fact that God's appointed time had not yet arrived.
Jesus' primary purpose in coming to earth was to bear the sins of humanity. His life of perfection (in every way, both ceremonially and morally) uniquely qualified him as the only sufficient sacrifice for sin. His divinity uniquely qualified him as the payment for an infinite debt owed on behalf of sinners. And so, Jesus' death is not a tragic end to a promising rabbinical career. His death is a necessary offering and the only means by which anyone is afforded a relationship with God.
The Pursual (John 18:1-11)
God's plans are always accomplished His way in spite of appearances.
What are you doing to try and defend Jesus? Are you certain you're in God's will?
How are you underestimating the power of God? And what do you plan to do about it?
What unpleasant course has God called you to that you might be trying to get out of?
The Trial (John 18:12-14, 19-24)
Each person must choose either faith or unbelief.
What types of questions do you ask and what do those questions tell you about your interest in the truth?
How important is truth to you? What are you doing to ensure you remain in the truth?
How might your current direction in life be leading you out of God's will and into an inevitable fall?
Which description fits you: a life of faith or a life of unbelief?
The Denial (John 18:15-18, 25-27)
Without repentance there is no forgiveness.
How have you denied Jesus either by words or by silence?
Where are you right now in relation to God's will for your life?
If you are not in God's will, what do you need to do to change that?
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
The Quintessential Prayer (John 17)
Word Analysis and Overview (John 17:1-26)
Only Jesus has authority to give eternal life.
What do you suppose the difference in your life would be if every action and attitude were a response of faith? A response of submission to God's will?
What gifts has Jesus given you as one of his own?
How much time do you spend thinking about what you have in Christ?
When was the last time you thanked Jesus for specific gifts He's given to you?
Jesus' Prayer Concerning Himself (John 16:17-33)
God is glorified when we complete the work He gives us.
How much time do you spend talking to God each day?
What is the main focus of you conversation? Is it more about Him and His glory or more about you?
How much time do you spend each day listening to God through His word?
What has God given to you that you need to get busy doing?
What have you seen God do though you that has brought Him glory?
How is your life giving glory to God?
Only Jesus has authority to give eternal life.
What do you suppose the difference in your life would be if every action and attitude were a response of faith? A response of submission to God's will?
What gifts has Jesus given you as one of his own?
How much time do you spend thinking about what you have in Christ?
When was the last time you thanked Jesus for specific gifts He's given to you?
Jesus' Prayer Concerning Himself (John 16:17-33)
God is glorified when we complete the work He gives us.
How much time do you spend talking to God each day?
What is the main focus of you conversation? Is it more about Him and His glory or more about you?
How much time do you spend each day listening to God through His word?
What has God given to you that you need to get busy doing?
What have you seen God do though you that has brought Him glory?
How is your life giving glory to God?
From Grief to Joy (John 16:5-33)
Optimism In Spite of The Obvious (John 16:5-16)
Jesus is more 'visible' now than when he walked the earth.
What advantages have you experienced because Jesus is not physically here on earth?
How have you experienced the Holy Spirit's conviction and what are the results?
Confusion to Confidence (John 16:17-33)
With Jesus, peace is possible in the midst of imperfect circumstances.
How has God been answering your prayers lately, or has He?
If He hasn't, is it because you haven't been asking?
What should you be praying for that you currently are not?
When was the last time you experienced joy?
What does the fact that “Jesus overcame the world” mean to you? And how does it effect your peace?
Jesus is more 'visible' now than when he walked the earth.
What advantages have you experienced because Jesus is not physically here on earth?
How have you experienced the Holy Spirit's conviction and what are the results?
Confusion to Confidence (John 16:17-33)
With Jesus, peace is possible in the midst of imperfect circumstances.
How has God been answering your prayers lately, or has He?
If He hasn't, is it because you haven't been asking?
What should you be praying for that you currently are not?
When was the last time you experienced joy?
What does the fact that “Jesus overcame the world” mean to you? And how does it effect your peace?
Fellowship With God (1 John 1:1-5:12)
Light and Darkness (1 John 1:1-2:27)
Light and dark don't mix.
How do you deal with sin in your life?
How is your fellowship with God?
Would you consider yourself to have overcome the world or has it overcome you?
The Life of Righteousness (1 John 2:28-4:6)
Righteousness is received through faith in Jesus and lived out in practical obedience..
What assurance do you have of being saved?
Which part of this two-fold command, believe and love, are you lacking?
How prepared are you for Jesus return? What is it that makes you prepared?
What teachings are you holding onto that cannot be backed up with Scripture? Will you ask God to give you discernment?
Love Perfected in Us (1 John 4:7-5:12)
True love can only be experience in relation to God..
Do you have life, if so, how did you receive it?
Do you love God, if so, how is that reflected in the way you treat others?
Light and dark don't mix.
How do you deal with sin in your life?
How is your fellowship with God?
Would you consider yourself to have overcome the world or has it overcome you?
The Life of Righteousness (1 John 2:28-4:6)
Righteousness is received through faith in Jesus and lived out in practical obedience..
What assurance do you have of being saved?
Which part of this two-fold command, believe and love, are you lacking?
How prepared are you for Jesus return? What is it that makes you prepared?
What teachings are you holding onto that cannot be backed up with Scripture? Will you ask God to give you discernment?
Love Perfected in Us (1 John 4:7-5:12)
True love can only be experience in relation to God..
Do you have life, if so, how did you receive it?
Do you love God, if so, how is that reflected in the way you treat others?
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