"Before Pilate"

November 30, 2013

“Before Pilate”

Blessings folk!

Today’s reading:

Matthew 27:11-14
Mark 15:2-5
Luke 23:2-5
John 18:29-38

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Jesus had been tried before the religious rulers and found to be guilty of blasphemy.
They were wrong.
These rulers now determined to have Jesus executed.
They did not have this authority.
Only the Roman rulers, political, could grant such.
Therefore, the religious rulers created a fiction whereby Jesus was brought before the political leaders.

Jesus was now before the governor, Pilate.
Jesus refuse to answer the charges of the religious rulers brought against Him before Pilate. Pilate was amazed.
Jesus answered Pilate.

I suspect that Pilate was aware of what the religious rulers were doing.
While they presented twisted examples, he cut to the question - “Are You the King do the Jews?”
Jesus answered, “It is as you say.”
Pilate found no guilt.

Of course, the religious rulers accused Jesus of the very thing they were doing - stirring up the people.

The same occurs today.
So many are “stirred up” in the “name of the Lord”, yet it is for the building up of the personal agenda of religious rulers.

Play not that game.

Finally, we learn more of the Kingdom.
  • It is Jesus’
  • It is not of this world, not of this realm
  • Jesus has servants
  • Jesus was born for this Kingdom
  • Jesus testified the Truth of the Kingdom
  • Everyone who is of the Truth...the Kingdom...hears His voice.

Have you heard?
Are you of the Kingdom?
How have you responded?

"Judas Testifies"

November 29, 2013

“Judas Testifies”

Blessings Folk!

Today’s reading:

Matthew 27:3-10

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The Word fulfilled.

The Lord had prophesied through Jeremiah about thirty pieces of silver and the Potter’s Field.

Here we have fulfillment.

There is an amazing truth here that rarely goes noted.

Judas, the betrayer, the son of perdition, testified that Jesus was innocent.
Judas declared that he had betrayed innocent blood.

Yet, the religious rulers cared not.
They were in pursuit of an agenda that protected their power and way of life.
Jesus had to be eliminated.

Judas felt remorse.
He was sorrow.
Yet he did not repent.
He experienced the “repentance of the world”, yet he sought not the repentance of the Lord.

So many do so.
They feel sorrow.
They feel guilty.
Yet, they do not repent and turn from their sins.

Be not one.

"Bound Before the Political Powers"

November 28, 2013

“Bound Before the Political Powers”

Blessings folks!

Today’s reading:

Matthew 27:1-2
Mark 15:1
Luke 23:1
John 18:28
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Jesus had been arrested by the religious rulers and hauled before the religious rulers.
They declared Him to be blasphemous. Apparently it was unanimous.
They wanted to kill Him, yet they did not have the authority to do so under the current political law of the day.

For this, they needed the cooperation of the government.

So, now Jesus is taken before the political powers that be.

The same occurs so often today.

The organizational church works hand-in-glove with the political governmental institutions of man...to the detriment of the organism of the Body of Christ.

We are in the world, but not of it.

There is nothing wrong with a true Believer being involved in government.
We need more.

But, the Church will never do the work of the Kingdom through the government.
Such is the error of many today.

Did you note the John passage? The Jews would not enter the Praetorium for that would have defiled them in their eyes. They would not have been able to eat the Passover later that day.
Strong evidence that the last meal Jesus had with His disciples was not Passover proper.

Give thanks for that which the Lord has done.

"Peter Denies"

November 27, 2013

“Peter Denies”

Blessings folk!

Today’s reading:

Matthew 26:67-75
Mark 14:54-72
Luke 22:56-62
John 18:25-27


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Peter had proudly declared that he would never deny the Lord.
The Lord told him he would deny Him three times before the cock crowed.

We can be so certain in the flesh, but when the time comes, the flesh fails.

It is only in the Lord that we can be faithful unto Him.

Peter denied Him three times.
Denied “with an oath.” Cussing in the vernacular.
After the third time the Lord looked at Peter.
Peter realized what he had done and departed, weeping bitterly.

But, Jesus had already told him that when he was restored he was to strengthen the brethren.

There was hope, even before failure.

Live in the strength of the Lord, not the strength of the flesh.
Know that He is our Hope.

"Religious Persecution"

November 26, 2013

“Religious Persecution”

Blessings Folk!

Today’s reading:

Matthew 26:57-68
Mark 14:53-65
Luke 22:54-67
John 18:13-24

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Religious chicanery in attempting to kill Jesus.
False witnesses could not be found...later two came forward with twisted statements.
Inconsistent, lying testimonies.

Jesus kept silent.
He refuse to address the false accusations.
He did respond to the high priest… “I AM”!

The High Priest knew what Jesus was claiming...that He was God.

The High Priest declared blasphemy and the physical torture and ridicule began.

While this occurred, Peter denied Him.

Beware!
Be prepared!
Do not deny.

"…that the Scriptures might be fulfilled…"

November 25, 2013

“...that the Scriptures might be fulfilled…”

Blessings Folk!

Today’s reading:

Matthew 26:47-56
Mark 14:43-52
Luke 22:47-53
John 18:2-12


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Jesus is arrested.
Betrayed by a friend.
Betrayed with a kiss.
Jesus called Judas friend. Hummm?
A friend tried to “protect” Jesus with a sword.
He was corrected by the Lord...allow the Word to be fulfilled.

The armed crowd came from the chief priests and elders to arrest Jesus.
Some show.
It was foretold by Scripture.
Jesus would be betrayed.
Jesus could have called upon a legions of angels, yet He did not.

Jesus rebuked the gathering.
Why all the drama?
Why the scene?
Why the weapons?
They could have seized Him at anytime in the Temple while He was teaching.

Ah...man.
Always wanting credit while providing plausible deniability.
Always wanting a great show “in the name of God.”

While doing so they were literally preparing to kill the One Creator.

So many do so today…”in the name of God.”

Be not one of them.

Did you notice the “streaker”?
Don’t you know the slave whose ear was removed/restored was a changed man?

"The Hour Is At Hand"

November 24, 2013

“The Hour Is At Hand”

Blessings folk!

Today’s reading:

Matthew 26:36-46
Mark 14:32-42
Luke 22:39-46
John 18:1


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Jesus took the disciples to a garden to pray.
It was the last step of preparation.
He knew His hour was at hand.

He instructed the disciples to pray, then took Peter/James/John with Him to pray.
He told them how He felt - deeply grieved.
He asked for them to remain and to keep watch.

They did...until overcome by sleep.

Three times Jesus rousted them from slumber.
He exhorted them:
  • to pray
  • to keep watch

Keeping watch and praying that they would be not enter into temptation.
The spirit is willing.
The flesh is weak.

Jesus, knowing His path, asked of Father for this cup He was about to drink to pass.

But, He desired Father’s will.
He submitted to it.
They...Father/Son/Spirit...submitted..

To what are we submitted?
The fears and desires of the flesh?
Or, the Spirit of the Most High?

"The Lord's Prayer"

November 23, 2013

“The Lord’s Prayer”

Blessings folk!

Today’s reading:

John 17:1-26


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This is the Lord praying to Father.
The Lord’s prayer.

The other prayer that is often called “The Lord’s Prayer” is really a model prayer.
Nothing wrong with the nomenclature.
We see much in this communication.

Read it a couple of times.
Meditate upon the truths.
Observe the heart of the Lord.

Note:
  • what Jesus requested
  • what Jesus did
  • what eternal life is
  • what Father does for those who believe


This is who we are in Them.
Rejoice!

"Do You Now Believe?"

November 22, 2013

“Do You Now Believe?”

Blessings folk!

Today’s reading:

John 16:29-33
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The disciples are beginning to understand...yet, not really.

They see that Jesus is speaking plainly.
They understand that He knows all things.
They know that there is no need to question Him.

They profess to believe that He came from God.

Jesus was letting them know that though they believe, they would soon abandon Him.

He would not be alone.
Father is with Him.

Jesus told them these things that they might have peace.
Even afterwards when they realized what had occurred, they would have peace.

They were to remember that tribulation would come in this world.
They were to take courage because Jesus has overcome the world.

We are to likewise remember and take courage in the Lord.

Fear not.
It is gonna get worse...

"Ask In My Name"

November 21, 2013

“Ask in My Name”

Blessings folk!!

Today’s reading:

John 16:23-28


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Jesus is telling His disciples how their relationship to Him is about to change.
He had been with them.
He was now leaving.
Yet, He was not leaving them alone.

Up to this point they had not ask for anything “in My name.”
They did not need to.
Jesus was with them.

But, now Jesus tells them that if they ask the Father in My (Jesus) name, He (Father) will give it to you.

As we have seen before, this is not a carte blanche for the desires of the flesh.
This speaks of abiding in the Lord, asking in His name...by His leadership and character.
Is we do so, then we will be asking the very thing that God desires to do.
We will have the mind of God.

Jesus acknowledges speaking in a figurative language.
Now things will be plain.
The Spirit will speak/lead plainly.

Father loves us because we love Jesus.
Father loves us because we believe that Jesus came from Father to save.

He came to the world.
He returned to Father.
We await his return.

Meanwhile, love and pray.

"Joy"

November 20, 2013

“Joy”

Blessings folk!

Today’s reading:

John 16:16-22

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I can see how the disciples might be confused.
“In a little while, and you will see Me no longer…”
“And again a little while, and you will see Me.”

Jesus’ words were entirely accurate.

Jesus gave them understanding as to their immediate future.

Soon to come would be weeping and lamenting.
While the world rejoiced.

But their grief would be turned to joy.

Jesus gives an example.
Childbirth.
The pain brings great joy.

Grief for now, but He would see them soon.

The same for us.
Grief in this world, but joy soon at His coming.

Still, we have joy now in the awaiting.
We have joy in the expectation and anticipation of the Kingdom now and the Kingdom to come.

“...they can’t take that away from me…”

"Paraclete"

November 19, 2013

“Paraclete”

Blessings folk!

Today’s reading:

John 16:5-15

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This passage brings together much of what Jesus had been saying about His impending departure and the Holy Spirit.

Jesus was returning to the One Who sent Him - Father.
The disciples were filled with sorrow.

Jesus explains that His departure was to their advantage.
He would send the Holy Spirit.

The Spirit:
  • Helper
  • convicts the world concerning sin, righteousness, judgment
    • sin: they did not believe in Jesus
    • righteousness: because Jesus goes to Father, no longer seen
    • judgment: ruler of this world has been judged

  • Truth
  • Guides us into all truth
  • Speaks what He hears from Father/Son
  • Speaks not of own initiative
  • Discloses what is to come!
  • Glorifies Jesus
  • Discloses to us that which is of Jesus
  • All that is Father’s is Jesus’ and disclosed to us by the Spirit.

Abide in the Lord.
Quench not the Spirit.
Watch what the Lord does through such a vessel.

"A Time Is Coming"

November 18, 2013

“A Time Is Coming”

Blessings Folk!

Today’s reading:

John 16:1-4

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Jesus was about to leave.
He had told His disciples.

He continued to tell them many things.
He told them things that He had mentioned many times before...love one another, abide in Me, I’ll send the Spirit…
He told them things that He had not told them before.
He was leaving.
They needed to know.

He told them these things so that they would not fall away.
We will soon see that they would abandon the Lord, yet they did not fall away.
Jesus told them what would happen to them.
The same occurs to us.
  • they would be put out of the synagogues
  • a time would come when it would be considered a service to God to kill them

When these times come we are to remember.
The Lord warned the disciples.
The Lord has warned us.

Are you ready?
Will you stand?
Will you remember?

"Helper/Truth/Testifier"

November 17, 2013

“Helper/Truth/Testifier”


Blessings folk!

Today’s reading:

John 15:26-27


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Jesus taught His disciples with repeated truths.

Here, He speak/repeats about the Holy Spirit.

If only we as the Body of Christ would give heed to the clear teachings of the Lord.
How different would we be?

Look at what we learn about the Spirit:
  • Helper
  • He will come
  • Sent by Jesus from Father
  • Spirit of Truth
  • Testifies about Jesus
  • They/we will testify of Jesus

True Believers are not alone.
We are not powerless.
We choose whether to abide in the Lord and walk in the power of the Spirit, or listen to the lies of the enemy and the flesh.

Where are you?

"World"

November 16, 2013

“World”

Blessings folk!

Today’s reading:

John 15:18-25

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Jesus gives us understanding about the world and how they think.

If the world hates us (and they do/will) it is because they hated Him.
The world saw, and continues to see (Romans 1), what the Lord has done, His works.
They hated Jesus.
They hated Father.

The world will persecute Believers.

This was prophesied.
Therefore, fear not.
Be at peace in the Lord...even as trials, tribulations, persecutions increase.

Fear not.
Things will get much worse.

"Abide In My Love"

November 15, 2013

“Abide In My Love”

Blessings folk!

Today’s reading:

John 15:9-17


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Believers are called to abide in the Lord.
We must abide in His love.
To step outside of abiding is sin.

Look at how it works.
Father loves Jesus.
Jesus loves us.
We abide in that love.

Not love that we “whip up.”
Not emotions.
Not cognitive constructs.
The Love of the Lord is where we abide.

His joy is in us.
This joy is full, if we obey His commandments and abide in Him.

The Lord affirms the new commandment that He had given earlier. “Love one another, just as I have loved you.”

Note who we are…
  • Loved
  • Friends of the Lord...not slaves...Friends
  • Chosen by the Lord
  • Appointed by the Lord
  • Fruit bearers

We see again that if we abide and walk in this manner, then whatever we ask of the Father in the name of Jesus He will give.

Abide.
Love one another.

"Abide in the Vine"

November 14, 2013

“Abide in the Vine”

Blessings folk!

Today’s reading:

John 15:1-8


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So much truth here.
This portion of the Word is foundational to the life of the Believer.
If we abide in Him, then we will live as He desires.

Look at these truths:

  • Jesus paints an agrarian picture of the relationship of Father, Son, Spirit and us.
  • Jesus is the Vine…He says so repeatedly.
  • Father is the vinedresser.
  • We are the branches...notice that the branches that do not bear fruit are taken away. Hummm? I believe this is giving some insight into how all mankind is a manner of speaking “in the Lord”. He created all. Those that abide in Him will be fruitful. Those that refuse, will not bear fruit. They will be cast into the fire and burned.
  • The Lord tells the disciples that they are already clean. They believed.
  • We are to abide in Him. He will abide in us. We thereby bear fruit.
  • If we abide in Him...an important caveat...ask whatever you wish and it will be done for you. If we abide in Him, then that which we wish will be what the Lord desires. We will have His mind, His heart.
  • Father is glorified by this...that we bear much fruit and prove to be His disciples.

This is who we are.
This is the pattern of life for the true Believer.

How do we measure?

"Peace is Ours"

November 13, 2013

“Peace is Ours”

Blessings folk!

Today’s reading:

John 14:27-31

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Jesus did exactly as Father told Him.
He lived obedience to Father.
A Model.
An Example.

Note what Jesus tells us:
  • He leaves peace with us. We should live in peace. If we are not in peace, then we are not in Him.
  • Do not let your heart be troubled...we have responsibility. Abide in Him.
  • Do not let your heart be fearful...we decide. Do we trust the Lord or circumstance?
  • They should have rejoiced that He said He was going away...He was going to Father.
  • Father is greater than Jesus.
  • He was telling them these things before they happened so that they would believe when it did happen.
  • He would not speak much more with them.
  • The ruler of this world...satan...was coming.
  • Jesus had nothing to do with him...satan.

Do you trust the Lord?
Do you react in distrust dependent upon situation?

Remember what the Lord did for us...

"The Spirit'

November 12, 2013

“The Spirit”

Blessings Folk!

Today’s reading:

John 14:15-26

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If we love Jesus, we will keep His commandments.
Simple.
Direct.
He who has the commandments of the Lord and keeps them loves the Lord.

The Lord did not “leave us alone.”
He sent a Helper.
Another of like kind.
The Holy Spirit.

Note what we learn about the Spirit:
  • Helper
  • with us forever...this is interesting…
  • Spirit of Truth
  • world cannot receive the Spirit
  • we know Him, because He abides in us
  • Father sends the Spirit to us in the name of Jesus
  • will teach all things
  • bring to remembrance all that Jesus said
  • Father/Son/Spirit abide within those who keep His Word

Note what Jesus says about the future:
  • will not leave as orphans
  • will come
  • the world would not see Him, but they would
  • because Jesus lives, we live also
  • in that day...we will know that “I am in My Father, and you in Me, and I in you.”

We are not alone.
We are not powerless.
We are literally vessels of the Most High God.
We are the Presence of God.

Abide in Him.

"Look Lord, Two Swords!"

November 11, 2013

“Look Lord, Two Swords!”

Blessings Folk!

Today’s reading:

Luke 22:35-38

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Jesus taught His disciples.
Once He sent them out without money belt, bag or sandal.
They lacked nothing.
He was teaching them that the Lord would provide.
He did.

In this passage, Jesus reminds them of this time.
Then, He tells them that now they are free to take the resources they have.
Money and weapons are mentioned as examples.

Jesus even goes to the “extreme” of telling them to liquidate resources to procure a weapon.

Jesus was telling them that prophecy must be fulfilled.
He would be numbered with transgressors...He would be falsely accused, He would be killed.

They told the Lord that they had two swords.
Why this statement?
Why was this enough?

I suspect it has to do with Peter’s attempt in protecting the Lord with a sword…
We will see later…

For today…
Do you trust in the Lord?
Do you use the resourced He has provide for the Kingdom?

Fear not.
Press on.

"Peter Calls the Lord A Liar"

November 10, 2013

“Peter Calls the Lord a Liar”

Blessings folk!

Today’s reading:

Matthew 26:30-35
Mark 14:26-31
Luke 22:31-34

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Jesus tells His disciples that they will all fall away from Him that night.
He tells them that it was prophesied.
He then tells them, “but…”
  • He would be raised...from the dead
  • He would go ahead of the to Galilee

Good ole Peter.
He tells the Lord that He is wrong.
He would never deny Him.
Think on that.
He was denying the truth of what the Lord has said.

Jesus corrected Him.

Do we truly believe the Word of the Lord?
Or, are we like Peter was on occasion?

Notice that satan had demanded permission to sift Peter like wheat.
It was granted!
Whoa!

"A New Commandment"

November 9, 2013

“A New Commandment”

Blessing folk!

Today’s reading:

John 13:31-35
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I consider this to be one of the most important portions of the Word.

Jesus was about to be glorified - a wondrous mystery of Father/Son glorifying one another in the faithfulness and obedience of the Son.

Jesus was leaving.
He had told the disciples several times.
He had told the Jews that they could not follow Him.
He now told the disciples that they also could not follow...for the moment.

Then, He gave them a new commandment.
He commanded that they love one another.
The world would know that we are His disciples by our love for one another.

Not our love of God.
Not our love of Jesus.
Not our love of the world.
Not our great exploits in the name of the Lord.
Not by correct theology.
Not by magnificent buildings.
Not by program.
Not by process.

We as the Body of Christ will do many things to “attract” people to Christ, save for that which the Lord commanded - to love one another.

Let us begin with this commandment.
Love one another and watch what the Lord does.

"The Greatest?"

November 8, 2013

“The Greatest?”

Blessings folk!

Today’s reading:

Matthew 20:24-28
Mark 10:41-45
Luke 22:24-30

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Many of the things we face in the Body of Christ are not new.
There was a dispute among the disciples - the Twelve with Jesus.

Like I said, the same occurs today.

They wanted to know which was the greatest.

Jesus gives us a profound statement…”it is not this way with you.”

We are not to be as the Gentiles.
We are not to seek “to be the greatest”.
We are not to lord authority over one another.
Sadly, this is the norm in the church today.
We think it is “leadership”.
It is not.

The greatest must be as the youngest.
The leader must be a servant.

Jesus came to serve.
Jesus came to give His life a ransom for many.

As Believers, so should we.

Jesus gives a final word to the Twelve.
They had stood by Him.
Father has granted Jesus a Kingdom.
Jesus granted to the Twelve that they would eat and drink at His table in His Kingdom.
They will sit on thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel.

This will happen in the age to come when all things are renewed.

Hummm...all things renewed?

"Last Meal"

November 7, 2013

“Last Meal”

Blessings folk!

Matthew 26:26-29
Mark 14:22-25
Luke 22:15-20


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This is the last meal that Jesus had with His disciples.
It is often called the “Last Supper”. Well enough.
Often people think it was a Passover meal. No. It was a meal at the beginning of the day of Passover, but not Passover proper.

During the meal, Jesus established a time of remembrance for the sacrifice He would provide later in the day.

His Body, given for you. Remembered in the bread.
His Blood, poured out for you. Remembered in the fruit of the vine.

This Cup which is poured out for you is the new covenant in My blood.

A new covenant.

Jesus tells them that He would no longer eat/drink with them until the day when He drinks it new in the Kingdom of God.

Happy

"Morsel"

November 6, 2013

“Morsel”

Blessings Folk!

Today’s reading:

Matthew 26:21-25
Mark 14:18-21
Luke 22:21-23
John 13:21-30

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Jesus knew that he would be betrayed.
He knew who would do it.
Yet, Jesus chose him to follow...some interesting things there…

Jesus told the twelve.
He was troubled in spirit.
They were deeply grieved.
They each ask Jesus if it was them.
When Judas “asked”, the Lord said he testified himself.

In reading all the gospels we receive the full account.
Peter and John inquired as to who it was.
Jesus “dipped the morsel” and gave it to Judas.

After Judas received, satan entered into him.
Interesting timing.

Judas received sustenance from his Creator, yet He did not believe.
Enter satan.

Jesus said to him, “what you do, do quickly.”
Who is him/you?
Was Jesus speaking to Judas?
Well, yes.
Was Jesus speaking to satan who was in Judas?
Yes.

Receive from the Lord.
Resist the enemy.

"Washing Feet"

November 5, 2013

“Washing Feet”

Blessings folk!

Today’s reading:

John 13:1-20

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Amazing.

Note the timing: before the Feast of the Passover (see yesterday’s note)

Note what Jesus knew.

Jesus, knowing…
  • His hour had come that He would depart out of this world to the Father
  • Father had given all things into His hands
  • He had come forth from God and was going back to God

Note what Jesus did…
  • loved His own who were in the world (that opens up some interesting questions&hellipWinking
  • He loved them to the end
  • laid aside His garments, took towel, girded Himself, washed disciples feet

Peter.
Ah, we all behave as he did.
Pride made him hesitate.
Jesus explained he would understand later.

Peter: “never shall You wash my feet”.
That was a job for a servant, a slave.
Peter thought he was acknowledging Jesus as Lord.
He was really moving in pride.
When Jesus said that he would have not part of Him, Peter quickly swung to the other extreme.
“Wash all!”

Jesus showed us a truth.
Those who are bathed…a picture of experiencing true salvation...only have need to wash feet...washing off the “dirt of the world” that we encounter day to day.

Jesus modeled the life of humility before one another.
Servants of each other.
Servants of all.

He then told them that He would tell them what was to occur before it occurred.
Why?
So that you may believe that I AM!

Do you believe?

"Passover Preparation"

November 4, 2013

“Passover Preparation”

Blessings Folk!

Today’s reading:

Matthew 26:17-20
Mark 14:12-17
Luke 22:7-14


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Some very interesting things here for us to consider.

First, the basics.

Jesus gave specific, prophetic instructions and commands.

He was sending some disciples to prepare the Passover.

He told them how to find the place.
He told them how to procure permission.
He told them the purpose - He desired to eat with them.

The Lord will lead us in like manner...if we simply inquire.

Now, for some details to consider.
Note how the Word states that the “first day of the Feast of Unleavened Bread” was mentioned. Then, preparation for the Passover.

This show us some things about the times and how the feasts were viewed.

The feast of Passover was on the 14th day of Nisan.
The feast of Unleavened Bread began on the 15th day of Nisan and lasted 7 days.

How could it be the first day of Unleavened Bread, yet Passover was yet to be celebrated?

I believe that the answer is simple.
They viewed Passover/Unleavened Bread as a single event.
It was in a manner of speaking.

We do the same.

We speak of “holidays” at the end of the year.
Folk understand it mean Thanksgiving/Christmas/New Year.

Also of interest is this.
If Jesus is the Passover Lamb, and He is, then how can He celebrate the Passover meal when He would shortly be killed at the same hour of the passover lamb?

Perhaps Jesus celebrated Passover early?
I think not.

Perhaps Jesus was crucified at another time other than Passover?
I think not.

What is the timing?

This is my current understanding.

The Jewish day began at sunset.
The preparation for Passover required deep cleaning and cleansing of the room/house.
This is what the disciples did, as well as food preparation.
When Jesus sat down with His disciples it was sunset - the beginning of Nisan 14 - the day of Passover.
They had a meal.
But it was not Passover proper.
A new covenant was established.
Later that day, Jesus would be killed - dying at 3 p.m.
He would be hastily buried because the next day was a Sabbath - the first day of Unleavened Bread, Nisan 15th. A holy day. Not the weekly sabbath.

This gives us understanding as to the day that Jesus died - Wednesday, not Friday.

We will see more...

"Judas"

November 3, 2013

“Judas”

Blessings folk!

Today’s reading:

Matthew 26:14-16
Mark 14:10-11
Luke 22:3-6
John 13:2, 13:27, 6:70


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When we read all the gospel accounts we get a clear understanding.

Jesus chose the twelve - including Judas.
Judas was of the devil.
Satan entered Judas.
Jesus knew this from the beginning.

Judas went to the chief priests.
He initiated.

Judas wanted money to betray Jesus.
To trap Jesus.
To seize and opportunity for the Religionists to arrest Jesus without repercussion from the people.

Of course the Religionists were delighted.
They agreed to 30 pieces of silver.

Judas then began to look for the opportunity.

How could this happen to Judas?
He did not believe.
He was a thief.
He left himself open to satan.
The Lord knew all this from before the foundation of time.

Yet, He still pressed on…

So should we.

"Extravagant Anointing"

November 2, 2013

“Extravagant Anointing”

Blessings folk!

Today’s reading:

Matthew 26:6-13
Mark 14:3-9
Luke 7:36-50
John 12:1-8
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I believe there are two separate events/anointing here.
The Luke passage was at a different time/place.

We will look at the Matthew/Mark/John account.

It is six days before the Passover.
Jesus is in Bethany at the house of Simon the Leper...I assume Simon was healed. Happy
A woman enters and pours an extremely expensive oil over Jesus...from head to foot.

John gives some details.
It was Mary.
Which Mary? There are many.
Likely the Mary who was most grateful for forgiveness and a changed life.

We read that the disciples were indignant, even speaking angrily.
Judas led them.
They were “concerned” about the “waste of the money”.
John tells us what the truth is.
Judas was the keeper of the Jesus’ money.
Judas was a thief.
He pilfered from the money box.
(There are some interesting things to consider from this. Jesus knew who Judas was, yet He allowed him to keep the money. Jesus worried not about the cares and concerns of the world. He trusted Father and did what He instructed.)

Jesus intercedes and tells the disciples to leave the woman alone.
She had anointed Him for death.
This act would be remembered for all time by all the world.
The poor will always be available to help.
Jesus was there for a brief time.

So many Religionists are only concerned about the physical resources.
They care not about the person.

Be not one of them.

"2 Days Before…"

November 1, 2013

“2 Days Before…”

Blessings Folk!

Today’s reading:

Matthew 26:1-5
Mark 14:1-2
Luke 22:1-2

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Jesus had finished answering the questions. (See previous posts.)

He again reiterated to His disciples that He was to killed.
He gives more details.
He would be handed over.
He would be crucified.

Note the timing giving.
Two days before Passover/Unleavened Bread. (Those who have just studied the Feasts of the Lord will have some serious insight.) Happy

There was a meeting.
A gathering.
Something must be done about Jesus.
It was a “high-level” concave.
High Priest Caiaphas.
Chief priests.
Elders of the people.

They prepared a plan, the arrest of Jesus.
It was to be done by stealth.
It was to end in the death of Jesus.
But, they had to wait.
Not during the Feasts.
They feared the people would riot.
They were correct.
To quote V “people should not be afraid of their governments, governments should be afraid of the people”.

Jesus was faithfully walking through His final days.
Give heed to what He said and did.
Rejoice in the salvation that is ours because of His sacrifice.