Mark tell us that Jesus was taken up to heaven to sit at the right hand of God. This signifies that He completed His work, has the authority as God, and has been coronated King. The disciples obeyed & preached the Word.
- so two short Scriptures define who Jesus is & what we are to do.
Luke goes into a little more detail. In Acts Luke tells us that Jesus spent 40 days with His disciples. After that time the events of 24:44-53 take place. Jesus summarizes who He is & what His ministry is - He is God, who died on the cross to forgive your sins. We are to tell the world about Him. Jesus promised a helper - the Holy Spirit. He is available to every believer today. But, the disciples are to stay in the city - Jerusalem - until the helper arrives. Then Jesus led them to Bethany, blessed them and was taken up to heaven.
So - Jesus is God, He died, rose, and ascended into heaven. He paid the price for sin - yours & mine. If we believe that statement, we are believers. Go out and tell others - become a disciple.
I'm heading out for 10 days to celebrate my son's graduation & recruitment into the Navy. While I'm gone, read through James. It's a great how-to book. As you read each day, comment on this page or Facebook & let us know what you are learning.
Wednesday, April 17, 2013
Tuesday, April 16, 2013
Matthew 28:16-20; Mark 16:15-18
Even after Jesus' resurrection, some doubted. They saw Him on the cross or they heard direct eye witnesses tell them about it. They saw Him after His resurrection. They saw the wounds, watched His miracles over sickness, physics, and death. Yet still some doubted. How often have you thought, "if I could just see Him, talk to Him, watch a miracle, I won't have any doubt." Well, seeing isn't always believing. Seeing definitely isn't faith, it isn't trust. You still need to decide whether or not you will follow.
To those who follow - Jesus gives them a purpose. Isn't it nice to have something to do? I remember the end of my first pregnancy when the doctors put me on bed rest. At first I was so excited to have nothing to do but lay in my bed & read, until about halfway through the first day. Then I was bored, bored, bored. I wanted something to do. Don't we all? We were created for purpose. Even in the garden, Adam & Eve had purpose, they tended the garden. So, what is our purpose as believers?
Go & make disciples, baptize them, and teach them to obey Jesus' teachings.
- a disciple is a disciplined follower - I belief & I will follow
- baptism is a public acknowledgement of belief
Jesus then reminds them that He will be with them always. These instructions & promised didn't end 2,000 years ago. They are still in effect today. We are to follow, to obey, to make public proclamations of our faith. We are to teach others to love God too. How are you doing with your purpose? Spend time in prayer this week concerning your fulfilment of this purpose. What are you doing well? What needs improvement. What is God calling you to do?
To those who follow - Jesus gives them a purpose. Isn't it nice to have something to do? I remember the end of my first pregnancy when the doctors put me on bed rest. At first I was so excited to have nothing to do but lay in my bed & read, until about halfway through the first day. Then I was bored, bored, bored. I wanted something to do. Don't we all? We were created for purpose. Even in the garden, Adam & Eve had purpose, they tended the garden. So, what is our purpose as believers?
Go & make disciples, baptize them, and teach them to obey Jesus' teachings.
- a disciple is a disciplined follower - I belief & I will follow
- baptism is a public acknowledgement of belief
Jesus then reminds them that He will be with them always. These instructions & promised didn't end 2,000 years ago. They are still in effect today. We are to follow, to obey, to make public proclamations of our faith. We are to teach others to love God too. How are you doing with your purpose? Spend time in prayer this week concerning your fulfilment of this purpose. What are you doing well? What needs improvement. What is God calling you to do?
Monday, April 15, 2013
John 21:1-25
Pastor Joe just gave a sermon on this passage last week. Let's take a look.
The disciples have gone back to what they know - fishing. This is pretty typical, when our world has fallen around us & things seem out of control, we fall back on what we know. So, they fish all night & catch nothing. Does this sound familiar? When they met Jesus for the first time, they were also returning from an unsuccessful fishing trip.
Jesus speaks to them from the shoreline & they don't recognize Him. Once again scripture teaches us to open our eyes & pay attention. We don't see what we aren't looking for. Our minds make assumptions for us regarding what we see & what we know. Have you ever seen the optical illusion tricks were letters are replaced with numbers or the letters in the middle of the word are mixed up. We can still read it because our minds use our experiences and knowledge to interpret what we see. So, the disciples are simply talking to a man on the shoreline. He gives them some fishing advice, they take it & suddenly they have an abundance of fish. John's (the disciple who Jesus loved) mind lights up - this has happened before when we met Jesus. John then recognizes Jesus & Peter - oh, spontaneous all or nothing Peter - jumps out & swims to shore.
Jesus has prepared a fire & breakfast - He is still modeling servant hood, even after He conquered death. See, it doesn't matter how awesome you become, how much you achieve, or what power you yield, you are still called to serve.
While they are eating, Jesus speaks with Peter. Three times He asks Peter if Peter loves Him. Three times Peter replies "yes", each time Jesus tells him to serve the believers. If you read this in the Greek - Jesus asks Peter about a different type of love each time:
1) agape - self-sacrificial love - do you love me more than you love others?
2) agape - self-sacrificial love - do you love me more than you love yourself?
3) phileo - brotherly love - do you love me like a friend?
This is what our relationship with Jesus looks like - we love Him above others, above ourselves, but this love isn't the love of a servant, it's not just respect for an authority, it's the love of friendship - relationship.
Peter then asks about John. Jesus tells him to worry about himself. Your focus is your relationship with Jesus. When we focus on our own relationship & how to serve others, we are left with no time to judge others. When we focus on everyone else's relationship with God - we begin to judge. So, focus on Jesus, serve His people, and revel in the relationship that you cultivate.
The disciples have gone back to what they know - fishing. This is pretty typical, when our world has fallen around us & things seem out of control, we fall back on what we know. So, they fish all night & catch nothing. Does this sound familiar? When they met Jesus for the first time, they were also returning from an unsuccessful fishing trip.
Jesus speaks to them from the shoreline & they don't recognize Him. Once again scripture teaches us to open our eyes & pay attention. We don't see what we aren't looking for. Our minds make assumptions for us regarding what we see & what we know. Have you ever seen the optical illusion tricks were letters are replaced with numbers or the letters in the middle of the word are mixed up. We can still read it because our minds use our experiences and knowledge to interpret what we see. So, the disciples are simply talking to a man on the shoreline. He gives them some fishing advice, they take it & suddenly they have an abundance of fish. John's (the disciple who Jesus loved) mind lights up - this has happened before when we met Jesus. John then recognizes Jesus & Peter - oh, spontaneous all or nothing Peter - jumps out & swims to shore.
Jesus has prepared a fire & breakfast - He is still modeling servant hood, even after He conquered death. See, it doesn't matter how awesome you become, how much you achieve, or what power you yield, you are still called to serve.
While they are eating, Jesus speaks with Peter. Three times He asks Peter if Peter loves Him. Three times Peter replies "yes", each time Jesus tells him to serve the believers. If you read this in the Greek - Jesus asks Peter about a different type of love each time:
1) agape - self-sacrificial love - do you love me more than you love others?
2) agape - self-sacrificial love - do you love me more than you love yourself?
3) phileo - brotherly love - do you love me like a friend?
This is what our relationship with Jesus looks like - we love Him above others, above ourselves, but this love isn't the love of a servant, it's not just respect for an authority, it's the love of friendship - relationship.
Peter then asks about John. Jesus tells him to worry about himself. Your focus is your relationship with Jesus. When we focus on our own relationship & how to serve others, we are left with no time to judge others. When we focus on everyone else's relationship with God - we begin to judge. So, focus on Jesus, serve His people, and revel in the relationship that you cultivate.
Thursday, April 11, 2013
Mark 16:14; John 20:24-31
OK - bloggie is up & working & I've won my battle with the stomach flu (for the second time this year) - so let's get blogging.
Remember that Jesus appeared to the disciples while Thomas wasn't there. When they told him, Thomas refused to believe until he saw Jesus for himself.
Fast forward a week - the disciples are behind locked doors when suddenly Jesus appears before them. He speaks directly to Thomas - asking him to look, touch and verify. Thomas acknowledges that Jesus is Lord. Jesus gently rebukes him.
There are all times we wish we could just see Jesus. If we could just see Him, we would have no doubts. But the disciples saw Him, walked with Him, served with Him for three years & they had their doubts. Faith isn't about proof. It's about believing without seeing. It is the belief in the things unseen. We are blessed for we have faith. How cool is that?
One other note - Yes Thomas doubted, but he didn't give up. He was still there. Still with the disciples, still seeking - & he found what he was looking for. Don't let doubt defeat you, don't let it stop you. You may have questions, you may wonder - keep searching, keep looking. Jesus told us that if we knock the door will be open to us - just like it was for Thomas.
Remember that Jesus appeared to the disciples while Thomas wasn't there. When they told him, Thomas refused to believe until he saw Jesus for himself.
Fast forward a week - the disciples are behind locked doors when suddenly Jesus appears before them. He speaks directly to Thomas - asking him to look, touch and verify. Thomas acknowledges that Jesus is Lord. Jesus gently rebukes him.
There are all times we wish we could just see Jesus. If we could just see Him, we would have no doubts. But the disciples saw Him, walked with Him, served with Him for three years & they had their doubts. Faith isn't about proof. It's about believing without seeing. It is the belief in the things unseen. We are blessed for we have faith. How cool is that?
One other note - Yes Thomas doubted, but he didn't give up. He was still there. Still with the disciples, still seeking - & he found what he was looking for. Don't let doubt defeat you, don't let it stop you. You may have questions, you may wonder - keep searching, keep looking. Jesus told us that if we knock the door will be open to us - just like it was for Thomas.
Tuesday, April 2, 2013
Matthew 28:1-15; Mark 16:1-8; Luke 24:1-49; John 20:1-21:25
Early in the morning, an earthquake shoke the earth and the stone was rolled away. The guards ran to tell the chief priests and a plot was hatched to cover it up. Unfortunately, you can't keep good news down.
What the gospels tell us - Mary Magdalene and other women went to properly anoint Jesus' body the morning after the Sabbath. This would have been Sunday morning. Jesus appeared to Mary, you then ran to tell the disciples. Peter and John ran to the tomb to see it empty for himself.
On that same day, Jesus appeared to two disciples and spoke with them. When their eyes were open, they went and told the eleven disciples what they had seen. Then Jesus appeared to His disciples in the room. He ate with them & spoke with them, commanding them to stay in Jerusalem.
The Good News of Jesus Christ - death could not hold Him. As we read through the rest of the Gospels this week & into the book of Acts, we will see that Jesus didn't just appear once or twice, but He appeared to many people over the next 40 days. Read along with us.
What the gospels tell us - Mary Magdalene and other women went to properly anoint Jesus' body the morning after the Sabbath. This would have been Sunday morning. Jesus appeared to Mary, you then ran to tell the disciples. Peter and John ran to the tomb to see it empty for himself.
On that same day, Jesus appeared to two disciples and spoke with them. When their eyes were open, they went and told the eleven disciples what they had seen. Then Jesus appeared to His disciples in the room. He ate with them & spoke with them, commanding them to stay in Jerusalem.
The Good News of Jesus Christ - death could not hold Him. As we read through the rest of the Gospels this week & into the book of Acts, we will see that Jesus didn't just appear once or twice, but He appeared to many people over the next 40 days. Read along with us.
Friday, March 29, 2013
Matthew 26:47-27:61: Mark 14:43-15:47; Luke 22:47-15:47; John 18:2-19:38
Nisan 15 - Thursday night/Friday morning & afternoon - A timeline of events:
Night - Jesus prays in the garden. Can you image knowing exactly what is about to happen to you? The pain you will endure in the next 12 hours? The death you will experience? I can't. Jesus was fully God, but He was also fully man. His body and mind were full of anticipation. Yet, His prayer isn't "Please stop this." It is, "Your will be done." Wow, that is resolve! That is determination. That is love. Luke, the doctor, tells us that Jesus prayed so hard and was under such emotional upheaval that He sweat blood. This is an actual documented medical condition known as Hematidrosis caused by extreme anguish. The strain caused one's capillary blood vessels to dilate and burst. Sadly, during this time, the disciples still don't get it, so they take a nap. If they had listened to Jesus and spent time in prayer, they may have been more prepared for what was about to happen.
Jesus is arrested, betrayed by a kiss from Judas. The kiss was a traditional greeting. The disciples freak out a little. Peter actually cuts off the high priest's servant's ear. But Jesus puts a stop to the aggression and heals the man. John tells us his name, Malchus. The disciples all flee. Mark tells us one disciple, many think it was Mark himself, lost his linen cloth in his haste to get away,leaving him naked. Now that's panic.
Jesus is taken to Annas, the former high priest who still wielded power, and Caiaphas, his son, who had assumed the role as current high priest. The council heard the testimony of witnesses, but they couldn't agree. According to Jewish law, the testimony of witnesses was required. However, none of the witnesses could agree, so their testimony could not be used. Then the council began asking questions. Jesus stated, "I AM." This is the name of God. So, Jesus claimed to be God (which He was.) The council considered this blasphemy and condemned Him to die. However, only the Roman government could put someone to death, so Jesus was taken to Pilate, the Roman governor. While they waited, they beat and mocked Jesus. Riot mentality is starting to take over.
Before they leave Peter fulfilled Jesus' words by denying that he was a disciple of Jesus three times. After his third denial, the rooster crowed, Peter remembered Jesus' words, and everything hit home.
Now morning has arrived. It is still Nisan 15. Jesus is taken to Pilate. Pilate listens to the council, asks Jesus a few questions, and determines that there is no reason to put Jesus to death. The council don't like this and demand His death. So, Pilate passes Him off to Herod. Herod was excited to see Jesus. He had heard of Jesus' miracles and wanted to see one for himself. But, Jesus didn't perform for Herod, so Herod sent Him back to Pilate. It is interesting that neither Pilate nor Herod found Jesus guilty of any crime.
Pilate now finds himself between a rock and a hard place. He is impressed by Jesus' character and finds no guilt in Him. Plus Pilate's wife has had a troubling dream about Jesus and tells her husband not to kill Him. On the other side, the Jewish council has whipped the people into a frenzy. They are calling for Jesus to be crucified. Pilate tries one more thing. He offers a choice - Barabas, a robber and murderer, or Jesus. The people cry out to release Barabas and crucify Jesus. So, Pilate, seeing the people are about to riot, washes his hands of it. He gives the people what they want, but he tells them this is their decision. The people take responsibility. They say, "His blood be on us and our children." Whoa - they just symbolically covered themselves with the blood of Jesus. Just like they put the blood of the Passover lamb over their doorposts, symbolically covering their heads. This covering is their salvation, yet they don't realize it.
Jesus is lead away to be scourged. The Roman soldiers then further beat Him, mock Him and crown Him with thorns before leading Him to be crucified. This scourging would have left gaping wounds on His body. In many cases the scourging could be fatal due to the physical trauma of the beating and the amount of blood loss. Remember, Jesus' capillaries are already fragile due to the hematidrosis He experienced while praying. He has now been beaten at least twice and scourged. Then, He is required to carry His cross from inside the city walls to Golgotha. The cross beam would have weighted between 30-40 pounds. Not very light. Scholars believe Golgotha was between .5 and 1 mile away. Imagine being up all night, beaten, scourged, and then told to carry a 30 lb. beam on your skinless back. Obviously Jesus was unable to do so. Simon of Cyrene was forced to carry the cross beam for Him. Once they arrive, Jesus was nailed to the cross and hoisted into the air. A sign was placed on the cross reading, "King of the Jews." The soldiers threw lots (a dice game) for His clothing, the chief priests and Jews mocked Him along with one of the other men hanging on a cross beside Him. However, there were others there who wept and mourned His death. Even on the cross, Jesus offered comfort to those mourning Him, prayed for those mocking Him, and offered salvation to the criminal who believed in Him. The gospels tell us that Jesus hung on the cross for six hours. From the hour three to hour six, darkness filled the land. Jesus then says, "My God, My God, why have you forsaken me?" This is a quote from Psalm 22:1. The verse ends with a cry of victory. He then says, "It is finished" and dies. When He died, the curtain in the temple that separates man from the Holy presence of God is torn from top to bottom symbolizing the removal of the separation between God and man. There was an earthquake, tombs were opened, and saints were resurrected. The centurion in charge was so moved he proclaimed Jesus as the Son of God.
Because it was the preparation day of the High Sabbath - the Sabbath was held every Friday at sundown until Saturday at sundown - the bodies needed to come down before sundown. Preparation day was the day everything was prepared or made ready for the Sabbath since people were not to work on the Sabbath. The soldiers were told to break the legs of the men on the cross. Breaking their legs would speed up their death since death by crucifixion was a death of suffocation. The weight on the body prevented the lungs from filling with air unless the person hanging was able to push himself up to breath. Eventually, the person would become so exhausted he could no longer push himself up and he would die of suffocation. By breaking the legs, the person could no longer push himself up, thus causing thim to suffocate faster. However, Jesus was already dead. So, they pierced His side to ensure His death. The mixture of blood and water indicated that Jesus was already dead. This also fulfilled Scripture that none of Jesus' bones would be broken. (Exodus 12:46, Numbers 9:12, Psalm 34:20, Zechariah 12:10). Joseph of Arimathea, a wealthy member of the Jewish ruling council who was also a disciple, asked for Jesus' body and placed it in his tomb. Nicodemus, another religious leader, assisted in the burial process. The process was rushed because of the coming Sabbath, so the women prepared additional mixtures for the burial process in preparation of the end of Sabbath when they could go back and properly prepare Jesus' body for burial.
Night - Jesus prays in the garden. Can you image knowing exactly what is about to happen to you? The pain you will endure in the next 12 hours? The death you will experience? I can't. Jesus was fully God, but He was also fully man. His body and mind were full of anticipation. Yet, His prayer isn't "Please stop this." It is, "Your will be done." Wow, that is resolve! That is determination. That is love. Luke, the doctor, tells us that Jesus prayed so hard and was under such emotional upheaval that He sweat blood. This is an actual documented medical condition known as Hematidrosis caused by extreme anguish. The strain caused one's capillary blood vessels to dilate and burst. Sadly, during this time, the disciples still don't get it, so they take a nap. If they had listened to Jesus and spent time in prayer, they may have been more prepared for what was about to happen.
Jesus is arrested, betrayed by a kiss from Judas. The kiss was a traditional greeting. The disciples freak out a little. Peter actually cuts off the high priest's servant's ear. But Jesus puts a stop to the aggression and heals the man. John tells us his name, Malchus. The disciples all flee. Mark tells us one disciple, many think it was Mark himself, lost his linen cloth in his haste to get away,leaving him naked. Now that's panic.
Jesus is taken to Annas, the former high priest who still wielded power, and Caiaphas, his son, who had assumed the role as current high priest. The council heard the testimony of witnesses, but they couldn't agree. According to Jewish law, the testimony of witnesses was required. However, none of the witnesses could agree, so their testimony could not be used. Then the council began asking questions. Jesus stated, "I AM." This is the name of God. So, Jesus claimed to be God (which He was.) The council considered this blasphemy and condemned Him to die. However, only the Roman government could put someone to death, so Jesus was taken to Pilate, the Roman governor. While they waited, they beat and mocked Jesus. Riot mentality is starting to take over.
Before they leave Peter fulfilled Jesus' words by denying that he was a disciple of Jesus three times. After his third denial, the rooster crowed, Peter remembered Jesus' words, and everything hit home.
Now morning has arrived. It is still Nisan 15. Jesus is taken to Pilate. Pilate listens to the council, asks Jesus a few questions, and determines that there is no reason to put Jesus to death. The council don't like this and demand His death. So, Pilate passes Him off to Herod. Herod was excited to see Jesus. He had heard of Jesus' miracles and wanted to see one for himself. But, Jesus didn't perform for Herod, so Herod sent Him back to Pilate. It is interesting that neither Pilate nor Herod found Jesus guilty of any crime.
Pilate now finds himself between a rock and a hard place. He is impressed by Jesus' character and finds no guilt in Him. Plus Pilate's wife has had a troubling dream about Jesus and tells her husband not to kill Him. On the other side, the Jewish council has whipped the people into a frenzy. They are calling for Jesus to be crucified. Pilate tries one more thing. He offers a choice - Barabas, a robber and murderer, or Jesus. The people cry out to release Barabas and crucify Jesus. So, Pilate, seeing the people are about to riot, washes his hands of it. He gives the people what they want, but he tells them this is their decision. The people take responsibility. They say, "His blood be on us and our children." Whoa - they just symbolically covered themselves with the blood of Jesus. Just like they put the blood of the Passover lamb over their doorposts, symbolically covering their heads. This covering is their salvation, yet they don't realize it.
Jesus is lead away to be scourged. The Roman soldiers then further beat Him, mock Him and crown Him with thorns before leading Him to be crucified. This scourging would have left gaping wounds on His body. In many cases the scourging could be fatal due to the physical trauma of the beating and the amount of blood loss. Remember, Jesus' capillaries are already fragile due to the hematidrosis He experienced while praying. He has now been beaten at least twice and scourged. Then, He is required to carry His cross from inside the city walls to Golgotha. The cross beam would have weighted between 30-40 pounds. Not very light. Scholars believe Golgotha was between .5 and 1 mile away. Imagine being up all night, beaten, scourged, and then told to carry a 30 lb. beam on your skinless back. Obviously Jesus was unable to do so. Simon of Cyrene was forced to carry the cross beam for Him. Once they arrive, Jesus was nailed to the cross and hoisted into the air. A sign was placed on the cross reading, "King of the Jews." The soldiers threw lots (a dice game) for His clothing, the chief priests and Jews mocked Him along with one of the other men hanging on a cross beside Him. However, there were others there who wept and mourned His death. Even on the cross, Jesus offered comfort to those mourning Him, prayed for those mocking Him, and offered salvation to the criminal who believed in Him. The gospels tell us that Jesus hung on the cross for six hours. From the hour three to hour six, darkness filled the land. Jesus then says, "My God, My God, why have you forsaken me?" This is a quote from Psalm 22:1. The verse ends with a cry of victory. He then says, "It is finished" and dies. When He died, the curtain in the temple that separates man from the Holy presence of God is torn from top to bottom symbolizing the removal of the separation between God and man. There was an earthquake, tombs were opened, and saints were resurrected. The centurion in charge was so moved he proclaimed Jesus as the Son of God.
Because it was the preparation day of the High Sabbath - the Sabbath was held every Friday at sundown until Saturday at sundown - the bodies needed to come down before sundown. Preparation day was the day everything was prepared or made ready for the Sabbath since people were not to work on the Sabbath. The soldiers were told to break the legs of the men on the cross. Breaking their legs would speed up their death since death by crucifixion was a death of suffocation. The weight on the body prevented the lungs from filling with air unless the person hanging was able to push himself up to breath. Eventually, the person would become so exhausted he could no longer push himself up and he would die of suffocation. By breaking the legs, the person could no longer push himself up, thus causing thim to suffocate faster. However, Jesus was already dead. So, they pierced His side to ensure His death. The mixture of blood and water indicated that Jesus was already dead. This also fulfilled Scripture that none of Jesus' bones would be broken. (Exodus 12:46, Numbers 9:12, Psalm 34:20, Zechariah 12:10). Joseph of Arimathea, a wealthy member of the Jewish ruling council who was also a disciple, asked for Jesus' body and placed it in his tomb. Nicodemus, another religious leader, assisted in the burial process. The process was rushed because of the coming Sabbath, so the women prepared additional mixtures for the burial process in preparation of the end of Sabbath when they could go back and properly prepare Jesus' body for burial.
Mathew 26:17-46: Mark 14:12-42; Luke 22:7-46: John 13:1-17:26
Nisan 10 - Day 1 - Jews take a lamb into their home to be examined for blemishes. This lamb will be the Passover sacrifice on Nisan 14. Jesus enters Jerusalem on a donkey. The people take Him into their hearts as their king.
Nisan 11 - Day 2 - Jesus clears the temple and teaches the people.
Nisan 12 - Day 3 - Jesus is questioned by the religious leaders. They are unable to find fault in Him.
Nisan 13 - Day 4 - Judas betrays Jesus to the religious leaders. Jesus continues to teach in the temple.
Nisan 14 - Day 5 - The disciples prepare for the Passover. The Passover lambs are sacrificed.
Nisan 15 - Day 6 - Jesus eats the Passover, prays in the garden, is arrested, tried, crucified and buried.
The Jewish calendar follows the lunar cycle. Days start at sundown and end at sundown. So, the lambs are sacrificed at twilight on Nisan 14, then the Seder meal is eaten on Nisan 15 after sundown.
The Passover with the Disciples: Matthew, Mark, and Luke give the same account. John extends the account by sharing Jesus' teaching and private conversations with the disciples. It is thought that Mark's gospel was written first, then Matthew's, Luke's and John's. So, John, having read the first three accounts, includes information that the first three didn't.
Nisan 14 - Before Passover, Jesus sends 2 disciples into the city to a certain man. They will prepare the Passover in his large upper room. The disciples follow Jesus' directions.
Nisan 15 - Before the meal, Jesus washes the feet of the disciples. This act was usually performed by the servants. For Jesus, the leader, to wash the feet of the disciples was unheard of. In fact, Peter at first refused. But Jesus washed their feet as an example of servant hood. As Christians we are to serve each other. No one is greater or more important than anyone else. Leaders are to serve their people, just as people are to serve their leaders. We must remember to never think we are above anyone else. Nor should we refuse to get our hands dirty in helping others.
Jesus then tells the disciples that one of them will betray Him. Judas is revealed as the betrayer, but the disciples just don't get it. Once he has been revealed, Judas leaves the meal.
The new commandment - loving one's neighbor was not a new commandment. However, loving one's neighbor in light of the way Jesus loves us is. Jesus died for us. Our love for our neighbor, our willingness to put them first, even to lay down our lives for them, should be the distinguishing mark of a Christian. Oh, how far we have fallen. Christians are not known for love. We are known for judgment. Hmmm . . . perhaps we need to reexamine our actions. Look, Jesus loved people - He loved the woman at the well who was living in adultery, He loved the tax collectors who were ripping people off, He loved the sinners, the drunkards, the outcasts. How about you? Because Jesus loved them, treated them as equals, and had their best interest at heart, they were willing to listen to Him. You can't come at someone pointing out all their wrongs and expect them to listen to anything else you have to say. When you look at someone, remember that Jesus loved you right where you were, He loves you right where you are. He didn't cast you out for your sin, He called you in. If your sins were forgiven, if He gave you a chance even when you were a sinner - can't you do the same for others? That's the new commandment. Show others the love that Christ has shown you. As they come into a relationship with Christ, He will show them the areas that need to change, just like He did for you.
Peter declares his willingness to follow Jesus wherever He goes. Yet, Jesus knows Peter's heart, knows what is coming and warns Peter about it. Peter is rash and spontaneous, he still has some maturing to do. So, is this loving? Yes. Jesus and Peter have a close relationship built on honesty. Loving someone means that you treat them with compassionate honesty. Sometimes we think it's all other nothing. I can love or I can judge. We don't realize that honesty isn't judging. So, as you love people and form relationships, you need to be honest about who you are and you need to be honest about what you see. However, this honesty isn't about condemnation, but about concern. If your friend is about to make a decision that will cause harm - for themselves or others - you need to let them know.
Jesus then prepares the disciples for His death. Once He is gone, they will need to continue the ministry, so He gives them practical advice for any Christian:
1) Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life. If you truly believe that, then you will listen to what He tells you. You will follow His ways. If you love Jesus, you will keep His commandments because you know that they are in place for your own good. Your actions will reflect your relationship.
2) Praying in Jesus' name doesn't mean ending your prayer with the name "Jesus." It means praying in a way consistent with Jesus' character and will. I like what my study Bible says, "Effective prayer must ask for and desire what Jesus delights in." So, praying that your enemy will fail or for material abundance or selfish gain probably isn't going to help you no matter how many times you say His name in that prayer.
3) Jesus will send the Holy Spirit to guide us and help us while He is away. He will teach us, help us remember Jesus' words, and bring us peace.
4) Stay hooked in with Jesus. Jesus is our foundation, He is our life. Just like a branch must stay connected to the plant, we must stay connected to Jesus. A healthy branch is receiving everything it needs from the plant and it will bear fruit. An unhealthy branch has become disconnected somehow and withers and dies. To keep the plant healthy, that branch must be cut off.
5) Just as Jesus was persecuted, so will His followers be persecuted. Look, the world is based on selfish ambition, greed, lust, and power. Christians are called to be the opposite of those traits and the world simply cannot take it. Our peace and love make the world squirm. The world doesn't like to be reminded of what it's lacking. It doesn't want to face the fact that it is empty and shallow. So it attempts to destroy us. To push us aside, to shut us up - then it doesn't need to face reality. But stay strong. Jesus overcame the world and through Him, we will too.
6) Jesus is leaving them, but He is coming back. For three days, Jesus lay in the tomb. The disciples thought it was over. But on the third day He rose & they were filled with joy. This joy sustained them through all that was to come because they knew without a doubt that Jesus overcame the world. With His help, with His helper, they would too.
The meal is finished and the last two cups of the Seder are drank. During this time, Jesus institutes Communion. It is believed this happened during the third cup of Passover, the cup of redemption. When we drink this cup we are to remember that Jesus' blood redeemed us from death.
Jesus then prays for the disciples and they head out for the Garden of Gethsemane.
Nisan 11 - Day 2 - Jesus clears the temple and teaches the people.
Nisan 12 - Day 3 - Jesus is questioned by the religious leaders. They are unable to find fault in Him.
Nisan 13 - Day 4 - Judas betrays Jesus to the religious leaders. Jesus continues to teach in the temple.
Nisan 14 - Day 5 - The disciples prepare for the Passover. The Passover lambs are sacrificed.
Nisan 15 - Day 6 - Jesus eats the Passover, prays in the garden, is arrested, tried, crucified and buried.
The Jewish calendar follows the lunar cycle. Days start at sundown and end at sundown. So, the lambs are sacrificed at twilight on Nisan 14, then the Seder meal is eaten on Nisan 15 after sundown.
The Passover with the Disciples: Matthew, Mark, and Luke give the same account. John extends the account by sharing Jesus' teaching and private conversations with the disciples. It is thought that Mark's gospel was written first, then Matthew's, Luke's and John's. So, John, having read the first three accounts, includes information that the first three didn't.
Nisan 14 - Before Passover, Jesus sends 2 disciples into the city to a certain man. They will prepare the Passover in his large upper room. The disciples follow Jesus' directions.
Nisan 15 - Before the meal, Jesus washes the feet of the disciples. This act was usually performed by the servants. For Jesus, the leader, to wash the feet of the disciples was unheard of. In fact, Peter at first refused. But Jesus washed their feet as an example of servant hood. As Christians we are to serve each other. No one is greater or more important than anyone else. Leaders are to serve their people, just as people are to serve their leaders. We must remember to never think we are above anyone else. Nor should we refuse to get our hands dirty in helping others.
Jesus then tells the disciples that one of them will betray Him. Judas is revealed as the betrayer, but the disciples just don't get it. Once he has been revealed, Judas leaves the meal.
The new commandment - loving one's neighbor was not a new commandment. However, loving one's neighbor in light of the way Jesus loves us is. Jesus died for us. Our love for our neighbor, our willingness to put them first, even to lay down our lives for them, should be the distinguishing mark of a Christian. Oh, how far we have fallen. Christians are not known for love. We are known for judgment. Hmmm . . . perhaps we need to reexamine our actions. Look, Jesus loved people - He loved the woman at the well who was living in adultery, He loved the tax collectors who were ripping people off, He loved the sinners, the drunkards, the outcasts. How about you? Because Jesus loved them, treated them as equals, and had their best interest at heart, they were willing to listen to Him. You can't come at someone pointing out all their wrongs and expect them to listen to anything else you have to say. When you look at someone, remember that Jesus loved you right where you were, He loves you right where you are. He didn't cast you out for your sin, He called you in. If your sins were forgiven, if He gave you a chance even when you were a sinner - can't you do the same for others? That's the new commandment. Show others the love that Christ has shown you. As they come into a relationship with Christ, He will show them the areas that need to change, just like He did for you.
Peter declares his willingness to follow Jesus wherever He goes. Yet, Jesus knows Peter's heart, knows what is coming and warns Peter about it. Peter is rash and spontaneous, he still has some maturing to do. So, is this loving? Yes. Jesus and Peter have a close relationship built on honesty. Loving someone means that you treat them with compassionate honesty. Sometimes we think it's all other nothing. I can love or I can judge. We don't realize that honesty isn't judging. So, as you love people and form relationships, you need to be honest about who you are and you need to be honest about what you see. However, this honesty isn't about condemnation, but about concern. If your friend is about to make a decision that will cause harm - for themselves or others - you need to let them know.
Jesus then prepares the disciples for His death. Once He is gone, they will need to continue the ministry, so He gives them practical advice for any Christian:
1) Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life. If you truly believe that, then you will listen to what He tells you. You will follow His ways. If you love Jesus, you will keep His commandments because you know that they are in place for your own good. Your actions will reflect your relationship.
2) Praying in Jesus' name doesn't mean ending your prayer with the name "Jesus." It means praying in a way consistent with Jesus' character and will. I like what my study Bible says, "Effective prayer must ask for and desire what Jesus delights in." So, praying that your enemy will fail or for material abundance or selfish gain probably isn't going to help you no matter how many times you say His name in that prayer.
3) Jesus will send the Holy Spirit to guide us and help us while He is away. He will teach us, help us remember Jesus' words, and bring us peace.
4) Stay hooked in with Jesus. Jesus is our foundation, He is our life. Just like a branch must stay connected to the plant, we must stay connected to Jesus. A healthy branch is receiving everything it needs from the plant and it will bear fruit. An unhealthy branch has become disconnected somehow and withers and dies. To keep the plant healthy, that branch must be cut off.
5) Just as Jesus was persecuted, so will His followers be persecuted. Look, the world is based on selfish ambition, greed, lust, and power. Christians are called to be the opposite of those traits and the world simply cannot take it. Our peace and love make the world squirm. The world doesn't like to be reminded of what it's lacking. It doesn't want to face the fact that it is empty and shallow. So it attempts to destroy us. To push us aside, to shut us up - then it doesn't need to face reality. But stay strong. Jesus overcame the world and through Him, we will too.
6) Jesus is leaving them, but He is coming back. For three days, Jesus lay in the tomb. The disciples thought it was over. But on the third day He rose & they were filled with joy. This joy sustained them through all that was to come because they knew without a doubt that Jesus overcame the world. With His help, with His helper, they would too.
The meal is finished and the last two cups of the Seder are drank. During this time, Jesus institutes Communion. It is believed this happened during the third cup of Passover, the cup of redemption. When we drink this cup we are to remember that Jesus' blood redeemed us from death.
Jesus then prays for the disciples and they head out for the Garden of Gethsemane.
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