Good Friday
Today is the day of the Crucifixion. It all started in the wee hours of the night. After Jesus instituted the Lord's Supper, he takes his disciples to the Garden of Gethsemane. By this time it was very late. The disciples just could not keep their eyes from slumbering. It was in the Garden that Judas led a mob of soldiers, temple police and religious representatives to arrest Jesus.
Jesus was taken to the religious rulers, and they tried Him illegally. It was illegal because according to the Jewish law, no trials should ever be held without representations nor in secret since it was done at night. There were no lawyers to help Jesus, no one phone call to make and all his friends had deserted him.
These people hated Jesus with a passion. This was their finest hours, and they were loving it. They falsely accused Jesus. They slapped him. They spat on him. They tore his clothes. They beat him. They mocked him. And what did Jesus do? Nothing. What inner strength! What awesome self-control! What perseverance! How could Jesus withstand so much punishment and bow to such humiliation?
Then when it was daylight, they bounded him and sent him to Pilate, the Roman ruler. Since they lived under the Roman's rule, they had no authority to execute anyone, and they need Pilate's permission to have Jesus killed. Pilate couldn't find any fault in Jesus and wanted to release him, but the very people who shouted "Hosanna" a week ago are now shouting "Crucify Him." Then they led him out to a place called Golgotha (Place of Skulls) and made Him carry His own cross. The Romans reserved the horrors of crucifixion on a cross for criminals and slaves. This would be like modern-day gas chambers or electric chairs.
On the way to Calvary, the people cursed him, spat on him, mocked him and laughed at him. Jesus was crucified probably between 9 am and noon. Between noon and 3 pm, darkness fell throughout Jerusalem, and Jesus died after he said, "It is finished."
Reflection
He was oppressed and afflicted, yet he did not open his mouth; he was led like a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is silent, so he did not open his mouth. Isaiah 53:7
I am amazed that through all the severe punishment, beating and mockery, Jesus did not once open his mouth. Just think about that for a minute. He went through it. He didn't defend himself. He didn't shout back in anger. He didn't appeal to the Amnesty International nor the political world. He didn't cry out, "Injustice."
Why did Jesus go through all this? Why did he suffer such shame and humiliation? He did it for you and me. We could not do it. We would be too proud, too scared, to hurt, to angry, too bitter, too demanding for justice and retaliation. Jesus did it for US.
That's LOVE!
But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5:8
Jesus was taken to the religious rulers, and they tried Him illegally. It was illegal because according to the Jewish law, no trials should ever be held without representations nor in secret since it was done at night. There were no lawyers to help Jesus, no one phone call to make and all his friends had deserted him.
These people hated Jesus with a passion. This was their finest hours, and they were loving it. They falsely accused Jesus. They slapped him. They spat on him. They tore his clothes. They beat him. They mocked him. And what did Jesus do? Nothing. What inner strength! What awesome self-control! What perseverance! How could Jesus withstand so much punishment and bow to such humiliation?
Then when it was daylight, they bounded him and sent him to Pilate, the Roman ruler. Since they lived under the Roman's rule, they had no authority to execute anyone, and they need Pilate's permission to have Jesus killed. Pilate couldn't find any fault in Jesus and wanted to release him, but the very people who shouted "Hosanna" a week ago are now shouting "Crucify Him." Then they led him out to a place called Golgotha (Place of Skulls) and made Him carry His own cross. The Romans reserved the horrors of crucifixion on a cross for criminals and slaves. This would be like modern-day gas chambers or electric chairs.
On the way to Calvary, the people cursed him, spat on him, mocked him and laughed at him. Jesus was crucified probably between 9 am and noon. Between noon and 3 pm, darkness fell throughout Jerusalem, and Jesus died after he said, "It is finished."
Reflection
He was oppressed and afflicted, yet he did not open his mouth; he was led like a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is silent, so he did not open his mouth. Isaiah 53:7
I am amazed that through all the severe punishment, beating and mockery, Jesus did not once open his mouth. Just think about that for a minute. He went through it. He didn't defend himself. He didn't shout back in anger. He didn't appeal to the Amnesty International nor the political world. He didn't cry out, "Injustice."
Why did Jesus go through all this? Why did he suffer such shame and humiliation? He did it for you and me. We could not do it. We would be too proud, too scared, to hurt, to angry, too bitter, too demanding for justice and retaliation. Jesus did it for US.
That's LOVE!
But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5:8
Holy Thursday
Today is called Maundy Thursday. It's a busy day for Jesus. The name is given for the day which Jesus celebrated the Passover with his disciples.
The Passover is a Jewish feast commemorating the angels passing over the houses of Israel on the eve of God's great deliverance from Egypt's rule if they have blood marked on the doorpost.
Jesus instructs the disciples where they will eat the supper. The meal takes place after sun down to include lamb, bitter herbs and wine. During the meal, the disciples continue to muscle for positions in the coming Kingdom. Jesus reminds them that faithful service in a lowly place demonstrates true greatness. Then he gets down and washes their feet.
After Christ identifies his betrayer (Judas) and lets him leave, He predicts Peter's three-fold denial of him. Then he proceeds to institute the Lord's Supper to commemorate his death.
Reflection
After the Last Supper, Jesus and his disciples sing a song and go out to the Garden of Gethsemane to pray. Jesus is anticipating his severe suffering and humiliation that he sweats like blood. He asks his disciples to stay with him and pray. They could not because their eyes were heavy.
Jesus is all alone. This is the one time that Jesus does not want to be alone. He wants human company. In the midst of crisis, Jesus is all alone.
If you're feeling alone or forsaken, don't be discouraged and don't give up. Jesus' been there, and He understands.
Out of our loneliest hour, Jesus is reaching out to us in love. He asks us to open our heart to him so that he can turn our night of sorrow into morning of joy.
The Passover is a Jewish feast commemorating the angels passing over the houses of Israel on the eve of God's great deliverance from Egypt's rule if they have blood marked on the doorpost.
Jesus instructs the disciples where they will eat the supper. The meal takes place after sun down to include lamb, bitter herbs and wine. During the meal, the disciples continue to muscle for positions in the coming Kingdom. Jesus reminds them that faithful service in a lowly place demonstrates true greatness. Then he gets down and washes their feet.
After Christ identifies his betrayer (Judas) and lets him leave, He predicts Peter's three-fold denial of him. Then he proceeds to institute the Lord's Supper to commemorate his death.
Reflection
After the Last Supper, Jesus and his disciples sing a song and go out to the Garden of Gethsemane to pray. Jesus is anticipating his severe suffering and humiliation that he sweats like blood. He asks his disciples to stay with him and pray. They could not because their eyes were heavy.
Jesus is all alone. This is the one time that Jesus does not want to be alone. He wants human company. In the midst of crisis, Jesus is all alone.
If you're feeling alone or forsaken, don't be discouraged and don't give up. Jesus' been there, and He understands.
Out of our loneliest hour, Jesus is reaching out to us in love. He asks us to open our heart to him so that he can turn our night of sorrow into morning of joy.
Holy Wednesday
After a day of teaching and confronting the religious leaders on Tuesday, Jesus and his disciples are laying low today. It is the calm before the storm. After a day like yesterday, I can understand why Jesus needed to stay away from the city. It is a quiet day as the Jewish people prepare for the Passover Celebration on Thursday. Jesus also knew that his time is at hand, and He needed to spend more quality time alone with his disciples and to comfort them of his pending departure.
Judas goes and tells the temple guards how to find and arrest Jesus in a quiet place at night; they were afraid there would be riots if they arrested him in the daytime in the city. For 30 pieces of silver, he agrees to betray Jesus!
Reflection
Most scholars believe this was a day of solitude for Jesus. He was doing the most important thing he could-getting alone with God. As he quieted himself, he heard the still small whisper of his Father say, "You're on a mission, and it's going to be difficult, but I'm asking you to endure. I'll be with you."
Some would call it a wasted day. Others would say it was a day that gave Jesus strength to do what he needed to do.
We live in a culture that no longer values solitude. We go from one meeting to the next, one deadline to the next, one activity to the next. Too often we fail to quiet ourselves enough to hear what God would say to us-if only we were listening.
What if you took some time to go to a quiet place and say, "God, if you have a message for me, I'm listening"? Some of the richest times you'll know in life will be spent in solitude listening to God.
Judas goes and tells the temple guards how to find and arrest Jesus in a quiet place at night; they were afraid there would be riots if they arrested him in the daytime in the city. For 30 pieces of silver, he agrees to betray Jesus!
Reflection
Most scholars believe this was a day of solitude for Jesus. He was doing the most important thing he could-getting alone with God. As he quieted himself, he heard the still small whisper of his Father say, "You're on a mission, and it's going to be difficult, but I'm asking you to endure. I'll be with you."
Some would call it a wasted day. Others would say it was a day that gave Jesus strength to do what he needed to do.
We live in a culture that no longer values solitude. We go from one meeting to the next, one deadline to the next, one activity to the next. Too often we fail to quiet ourselves enough to hear what God would say to us-if only we were listening.
What if you took some time to go to a quiet place and say, "God, if you have a message for me, I'm listening"? Some of the richest times you'll know in life will be spent in solitude listening to God.
Holy Tuesday
Today is Super Tuesday. It's a very busy day for Jesus. He and his disciples enter Jerusalem once again. The waves of acclamation and enthusiasm of Palm Sunday have long died out. There is a sense of anxiety and tension hanging in the air.
After having given the money changers and the merchandisers a good thrashing yesterday, Jesus has the gall to return to the temple. While he is teaching, some of his enemies ask him, "By what authority are you doing these things?" One after another his opponents line up to question Jesus regarding paying taxes to Caesar, and whether the resurrection was real or not. And finally, a single question, intending to expose Him before all the people, asks which commandment He considers the most important of all.
After he answers them and is done for the day, Jesus goes out to the Mount of Olives. While they're leaving, the disciples are admiring the temple building. Jesus reinforces the temple's obsolescence by being more direct. He tells them that the temple will be destroyed one day.
Jesus uses this opportunity to teach his disciples many things, including the end time and about his return.
Reflection
During his public life, in order to perform miracles Jesus required only one thing: faith. He asked the two blind men who begged him to cure them, " 'do you believe I can do this?' 'Yes, Lord,' they answered. Then he touched their eyes saying, 'let it be done for you according to your faith.' And their eyes were opened." The Gospels also relate that he performed hardly any miracles in many places because the people lacked faith.
The opposition which Jesus encountered at the temple has it root in unbelief. And the root of unbelief is a deeply hidden weakness and fear. However, being a follower of Christ means faith, courage and strength.
Christ's teaching is to unmask our unbelief and fear. His work and action demonstrate love which is the opposite of fear. Love casts out all fear.
By placing our faith in the One who loves us will soften our heart to receive him, to be prepared to endure his pain and suffering, to walk with him throughout this week.
After having given the money changers and the merchandisers a good thrashing yesterday, Jesus has the gall to return to the temple. While he is teaching, some of his enemies ask him, "By what authority are you doing these things?" One after another his opponents line up to question Jesus regarding paying taxes to Caesar, and whether the resurrection was real or not. And finally, a single question, intending to expose Him before all the people, asks which commandment He considers the most important of all.
After he answers them and is done for the day, Jesus goes out to the Mount of Olives. While they're leaving, the disciples are admiring the temple building. Jesus reinforces the temple's obsolescence by being more direct. He tells them that the temple will be destroyed one day.
Jesus uses this opportunity to teach his disciples many things, including the end time and about his return.
Reflection
During his public life, in order to perform miracles Jesus required only one thing: faith. He asked the two blind men who begged him to cure them, " 'do you believe I can do this?' 'Yes, Lord,' they answered. Then he touched their eyes saying, 'let it be done for you according to your faith.' And their eyes were opened." The Gospels also relate that he performed hardly any miracles in many places because the people lacked faith.
The opposition which Jesus encountered at the temple has it root in unbelief. And the root of unbelief is a deeply hidden weakness and fear. However, being a follower of Christ means faith, courage and strength.
Christ's teaching is to unmask our unbelief and fear. His work and action demonstrate love which is the opposite of fear. Love casts out all fear.
By placing our faith in the One who loves us will soften our heart to receive him, to be prepared to endure his pain and suffering, to walk with him throughout this week.
Holy Monday
On this day, Jesus did something that shocked everyone. Known for his love, gentleness, and humility, Jesus came into the temple, saw all the little arcades set up for commercial business, and cleaned house. He overturned the merchants' tables and kicked them out of the temple. The temple was a house of prayer, and Jesus said that they turned it into a "robbers' den." This angered the religious leaders who were benefiting from the temple's marketplace. This gave them the more reason to kill Jesus.
When Jesus and his disciples left Jerusalem, they saw the fig tree that Jesus had cursed earlier withered. The disciples were amazed.
Reflection
The greatest problem in our society today is not crime, poverty, joblessness, immigration or some other social issues. It real problem is unbelief in the God of the Universe. Our lack of faith contributes to our lack of prayer. And it is our lack of praying and believing that we wrestle with these social ills.
Reflect on this verse: "And all things you ask in prayer, believing, you shall receive."
Is the reason we don't have is because we don't ask? And we don't ask because because we simply don't believe?
Truly I say to you, if you have faith, and do not doubt, you shall not only do what was done to the fig tree, but even if you say to this mountain, 'Be taken up and cast into the sea,' it shall happen. And all things you ask in prayer, believing, you shall receive. Matt. 21:21-22
When Jesus and his disciples left Jerusalem, they saw the fig tree that Jesus had cursed earlier withered. The disciples were amazed.
Reflection
The greatest problem in our society today is not crime, poverty, joblessness, immigration or some other social issues. It real problem is unbelief in the God of the Universe. Our lack of faith contributes to our lack of prayer. And it is our lack of praying and believing that we wrestle with these social ills.
Reflect on this verse: "And all things you ask in prayer, believing, you shall receive."
Is the reason we don't have is because we don't ask? And we don't ask because because we simply don't believe?
Truly I say to you, if you have faith, and do not doubt, you shall not only do what was done to the fig tree, but even if you say to this mountain, 'Be taken up and cast into the sea,' it shall happen. And all things you ask in prayer, believing, you shall receive. Matt. 21:21-22