The Move Is On!! Part 2

1 Chronicles 14:15 When you hear a sound like marching feet in the tops of the poplar trees, go out and attack! That will be the signal that God is moving ahead of you to strike down the Philistine army.”

WEAPONS

1. Armor of God

2. Praise 2 Chronicles 20:21-25 After consulting the people, the king appointed singers to walk ahead of the army, singing to the Lord and praising him for his holy splendor. This is what they sang: “Give thanks to the Lord; his faithful love endures forever!”

At the very moment they began to sing and give praise, the Lord caused the armies of Ammon, Moab, and Mount Seir to start fighting among themselves. The armies of Moab and Ammon turned against their allies from Mount Seir and killed every one of them. After they had destroyed the army of Seir, they began attacking each other. So when the army of Judah arrived at the lookout point in the wilderness, all they saw were dead bodies lying on the ground as far as they could see. Not a single one of the enemy had escaped. King Jehoshaphat and his men went out to gather the plunder.

2 Chronicles 20 recounts for us the unusual victory of King Jehoshaphat and the army of Judah over the armies of the Moabites, Ammonites, and some of the Meunites.  The thing that made it unusual is the fact that the army of Judah never entered into physical battle with the opposing armies.  

Jehoshaphat sent the singers out front “singing to the Lord and praising him for his holy splendor. This is what they sang: “Give thanks to the Lord; his faithful love endures forever!”

Praise is the second vital weapon we have to use against the enemy.  The Word tells us that God inhabits the praises of his people (Psalm 22:3). When we begin to praise, the gates of hell begin to shake.  The enemy cannot stand in the presence of God and thus has to flee.  Our praise in faith for the victory strengthens our spirits and scatters the enemies of darkness, thus providing opportunity for the battle to be won. 

BATTLE PLAN

The battle belongs to the Lord… but we are the soldiers. 

First, Merriam-Webster defines battle as: an extended contest, struggle, or controversy.  As Christians we are in some form of spiritual battle daily.  The battles happen on different fronts and at different levels of intensity.  In spiritual warfare our battles are very real even though we cannot physically see the enemy. 

War is very controversial in our culture today.  In the spiritual realm, however, there is a battle raging no matter what our opinion is.  As Christians we are either victors or victims.  The choice is ours.  The battle has already been won in heaven. Jesus was the victor over the enemy. 

Matthew 28:18 Jesus came and told his disciples, “I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth.”

Every day victory is achieved by knowing, believing and understanding the battles that we are enduring daily, regardless if we are passive or active in the battles. (http://www.biblestudytools.com/bible-study/topical-studies/spiritual-warfare-lesson-1-understanding-the-battle-11554631.html) 

Ephesians 6:12 For we are not fighting against people made of flesh and blood, but against the evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against those mighty powers of darkness who rule this world, and against wicked spirits in the heavenly realms.

The spiritual realm exists and is an active battle ground.  We must learn to fight by the game plan.

The strategy is quite simple really, do your part and only your part.  God has given each one of us a kingdom assignment.  If you are not sure of yours you need only ask the Father and he will reveal it to you.  My pastor says God only gives you the grace for the call/job he assigns you to.  When we are doing the assignment he has given, it might be hard work, but it will never be a burden too heavy to bear.  The Word tell us in Matthew 11:30 that God’s yoke is easy and his burden is light, meaning if we are feeling stressed and struggling to hold up the yoke we are under, we are trying to do God’s part. We know this because he doesn't assign us to more than Christ in/through us can carry. 

In conclusion: We need to be using our weapons (the Armor of God and Praise) and ask the Father to reveal the Battle Plan (our Kingdom assignment) to our hearts.  As we do this, we will see the strongholds of the enemy begin to crumble before our eyes.  THE MOVE IS ON!!!!!

All Scripture is NLT unless otherwise stated.  

The Move Is On!! Part 1

1 Chronicles 14:15 When you hear a sound like marching feet in the tops of the poplar trees, go out and attack! That will be the signal that God is moving ahead of you to strike down the Philistine army.”

2 Samuel 5:23-24 And again David asked the Lord what to do. “Do not attack them straight on,” the Lord replied. “Instead, circle around behind and attack them near the poplar trees. When you hear a sound like marching feet in the tops of the poplar trees, be on the alert! That will be the signal that the Lord is moving ahead of you to strike down the Philistine army.”

If you listen closely you will hear the sound of marching feet in the tree tops. God is mounting a full scale assault against the forces of darkness. He is calling his church to unite; to take up our weapons and join the battle.

WEAPONS: 2 Corinthians 10:4-5 We use God’s mighty weapons, not worldly weapons, to knock down the strongholds of human reasoning and to destroy false arguments. We destroy every proud obstacle that keeps people from knowing God. We capture their rebellious thoughts and teach them to obey Christ.

1.  The Armor of God (Ephesians 6:10-18) ¹⁰ A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. ¹¹ Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. ¹² For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places. ¹³ Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm.

When the apostle Paul describes the armor of God, he is talking about more than a simple set of helpful tips. He is talking about the impregnable defenses of the Almighty God. These are keys to withstanding the attacks and onslaughts of the great dragon of old, Satan the devil. They are ultimate and infinitely powerful tools available to us as Christians. (http://www.freebiblestudyguides.org/bible-teachings/armor-of-god-belt-of-truth.htm)

a. Belt of truth: The belt known as a the cingulum or balteus— held the scabbard (sword), without his belt he would have no weapon.

The Nelson Study Bible says from the belt "hung strips of leather to protect the lower body." The Matthew Henry Commentary says the belt "girds on [secures] all the other pieces of our armor." Truth should gird us as the belt girded the soldier.  It is truth that holds us together in    times of battle.

John 17:17 “Make them holy by your truth; teach them your word, which is truth.” 

b. Body armor (breastplate of God’s righteousness: The breastplate is the most crucial piece of the soldier’s armor.  It protected the soldier’s torso, the heart, and vital organs.  Without the breastplate entering into battle would mean certain death as any attack would quickly become fatal.  When a soldier wears the breastplate blows are deflected rather than penetrating the torso.

Proverbs 11:4 (NIV) Wealth is worthless in the day of wrath, but righteousness delivers from death. 

Without righteousness we leave ourselves open to the attack of the enemy.  

Isaiah 64:6 We are all infected and impure with sin. When we display our righteous deeds, they are nothing but filthy rags. Like autumn leaves, we wither and fall, and our sins sweep us away like the wind. Here we see our righteousness equated to filthy rags.

Job 36:3 I will present profound arguments for the righteousness of my Creator.

Psalm 5:8 (NIV) Lead me, Lord, in your righteousness because of my enemies— make your way straight before me.

Psalm 24:5 (KJV) He shall receive the blessing from the Lord, and righteousness from the God of his salvation.

Psalm 71:16 (NIV) I will come and proclaim your mighty acts, Sovereign Lord; I will proclaim your righteous deeds, yours alone.

We are made righteous through Christ.  We don’t stand in our own righteousness.  We stand righteousness because of the sacrifice of Jesus.

c. The Shoes of the Preparation of the Gospel of Peace: The soldier wears shoes to protect his feet from debris on the battle field such as rocks or sticks. 

For us having the shoes of peace allows us to step freely with our fear so we can focus on the battle at hand.    

The message of the Gospel (salvation, freedom, and grace) gives us peace. We know God is the provider of our freedom and salvation and that he gives us grace to walk.  This knowledge gives us peace even in the midst of the battle. 

d. Shield of Faith: The Roman shield was not the medieval type shield we see in most pictures.  They were huge, some up to 3 ½ tall and almost 3 feet wide.  They were curved in such a way that they were able to deflect the blows of the enemy without putting the full force of the blow on the one holding it.   

Hebrews 11:1 Faith is the confidence that what we hope for will actually happen; it gives us assurance about things we cannot see.

Here is a biblical definition of faith that clears up some common misconceptions. If faith is "the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen," then this has far-reaching implications. Substance is tangible, and evidence is solid proof. Faith is, by definition, not some hazy emotion without any grounding in reality. It is the irrefutable truth. It is real.  (http://www.freebiblestudyguides.org/bible-teachings/armor-of-god-shield-of-faith.htm)

Romans 8:24-25 We were given this hope when we were saved. (If we already have something, we don’t need to hope for it. But if we look forward to something we don’t yet have, we must wait patiently and confidently.)

Our faith allows us to fight without fear or worry.  God gives each of us the measure of faith and as we use that faith it begins to grow and develop. 

The shield protects: While a physical shield protects, faith protects us even during difficult trials. 

(Daniel 3, Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-Nego)

The shield deflects: Satan is always throwing the arrows of doubt and fear at us.  The only time he can hit us is when we let our shield of faith down.  (Matthew 14:28-31, Peter walks on water)

The shield is our first line of defense: When our faith in God’s care is strong it is impossible for Satan to land any blows, however, when we get distracted by the storm around us like Peter did, the enemy can land blows that will cause damage to our armor.

The shield can incapacitate: When Satan was tempting Jesus, Jesus’ faith in the Word stopped Satan in his tracks.  The shield of a soldier could be used to shove an opponent so hard it knocked him off balance and opened him up for an attack.

e. The helmet of Salvation: The helmet is designed to protect a soldier’s head from attacks of the enemy.

1 Thessalonians 5:8-11 But let us who live in the light be clearheaded, protected by the armor of faith and love, and wearing as our helmet the confidence of our salvation. For God chose to save us through our Lord Jesus Christ, not to pour out his anger on us. Christ died for us so that,   whether we are dead or alive when he returns, we can live with him forever. So encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are already doing.

We can receive tremendous hope and comfort by focusing on the incredible sacrifice Christ gave to save us and the amazing Kingdom that is the goal of our salvation. This hope works like a helmet to protect our minds from the discouragement and despair in this world. (http://www.freebiblestudyguides.org/bible-teachings/armor-of-god-helmet-of-salvation.htm)

f. The sword of the Spirit (the Word of God): The sword was the main means of attack.  The Word is our main line of attack against the enemy.   When Jesus was being tempted by the enemy, he quoted the Word. 

God’s Word is truth.  We can put our confidence in the fact that His words are accurate, unerring, and true.  When we obey the guidelines in the Word it will guide us every time in the path we need to walk. 

                                 

All Scripture is NLT unless otherwise stated. 

The Parables of Jesus Series – Parable of the Forgiving Father a.k.a. Parable of Prodigal Son

Luke 15:11-32 To illustrate the point further, Jesus told them this story: “A man had two sons. The younger son told his father, ‘I want my share of your estate now before you die.’ So his father agreed to divide his wealth between his sons.

“A few days later this younger son packed all his belongings and moved to a distant land, and there he wasted all his money in wild living. About the time his money ran out, a great famine swept over the land, and he began to starve. He persuaded a local farmer to hire him, and the man sent him into his fields to feed the pigs. The young man became so hungry that even the pods he was feeding the pigs looked good to him. But no one gave him anything.

“When he finally came to his senses, he said to himself, ‘At home even the hired servants have food enough to spare, and here I am dying of hunger! I will go home to my father and say, “Father, I have sinned against both heaven and you, and I am no longer worthy of being called your son. Please take me on as a hired servant.”’

“So he returned home to his father. And while he was still a long way off, his father saw him coming. Filled with love and compassion, he ran to his son, embraced him, and kissed him. His son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against both heaven and you, and I am no longer worthy of being called your son.’

“But his father said to the servants, ‘Quick! Bring the finest robe in the house and put it on him. Get a ring for his finger and sandals for his feet. And kill the calf we have been fattening. We must celebrate with a feast, for this son of mine was dead and has now returned to life. He was lost, but now he is found.’ So the party began.

“Meanwhile, the older son was in the fields working. When he returned home, he heard music and dancing in the house, and he asked one of the servants what was going on. ‘Your brother is back,’ he was told, ‘and your father has killed the fattened calf. We are celebrating because of his safe return.’

“The older brother was angry and wouldn't go in. His father came out and begged him, but he replied, ‘All these years I've slaved for you and never once refused to do a single thing you told me to. And in all that time you never gave me even one young goat for a feast with my friends. Yet when this son of yours comes back after squandering your money on prostitutes, you celebrate by killing the fattened calf!’

“His father said to him, ‘Look, dear son, you have always stayed by me, and everything I have is yours. We had to celebrate this happy day. For your brother was dead and has come back to life! He was lost, but now he is found!’”

While most often we hear the emphasis of this parable on the son, it really should be on the father.  In this parable the Father represents God, the prodigal represents the lost/sinners; the elder brother represents self-righteous people (hypocrites) who are hard on sinners, making it difficult for them to receive forgiveness.

We can learn a few lessons from this parable.

1. Sin and selfishness alienates a person from God, causing them to live in a way that is displeasing to him. 

The son showed his selfishness by asking his father for his half of the family estate.  This inheritance should have been given to him after his father’s death, but the selfish son, in asking for it early, was telling his father that he cared more about things than their relationship.  

The Greek term for the inheritance is suggestive, "the life" (ton bion). He wants his portion of what his father's life will leave him. (The IVP New Testament Commentary Series)

The son desired to leave the protective oversight of his father and escape responsibility to his father; so he left his father’s house and set off for a distant country where he could be totally independent of his father.  (Pentecost, J. D. (1998). The parables of Jesus: lessons in life from the Master Teacher (p. 98). Grand Rapids, MI: Kregel Publications.)

When we sin, we are telling God that we know better than he does and that our desires are more important than our relationship with him.  We all want the blessings of being a Christian; however, often believers don’t want the responsibility that comes with it. 

2. When we yield to sin, sin takes us down a path we never intended to travel.

The son went to a far country and the Word tells us he squandered his money on wild living.  He had much money and with the money came “friends.”  When the money was gone, however, so were the friends.   Everything that had once brought happiness and freedom were gone.

Facing poverty was bad enough, then natural disaster hits in the form of famine.  Everyone is now suffering from the famine.  The son becomes so desperate for food that he hires himself out as a swineherd.  This was the most degrading, humiliating, embarrassing job a Jewish young man could have.  In Jewish culture swine were detestable and unclean.  To even touch one made the person ceremonially unclean.   He not only has to touch them, he is their caregiver.  This young man had sunk very low indeed. 

While he is employed, his stomach tells him he does not have enough.  He becomes so hungry that the pods he feeds the pigs look inviting.  He begins to feel the full effect of his sin for the first time.  As he reflects back over his life, he realizes that his father’s servants are living in better conditions than he is.  He also realizes that he has made a grievous error.  He has turned his back on the very one who has provided extravagantly for him all his life.  He has dishonored the one who loves him most.   

Sin leads us to spiritual poverty.  When we willfully sin, we spend less time in prayer, reading our Bible, and in fellowship with other believers.  The less time we spend with God and other believers the farther into sin we wander.  As we walk in our flesh and gratify its desires we turn our back on the one who can and will provide extravagantly for us.  We dishonor the one who loves us most. 

The son is now feeling the effects of the famine. “However, his father is not impoverished, and those who remain in the father's household are not affected. Although God has all riches, those among his elect who have yet to repent suffer spiritual poverty just as if they are not part of the father's household.” (Cheung, Vincent (2014-11-25). The Parables of Jesus (Kindle Locations 457-459). Lulu.com. Kindle Edition.)

The Word tells us that he finally “came to his senses.” Romans 3:11-14 warns us to do the same.  The time has come to put off the junk that holds us back and kick the enemy out of our lives once and for all.  The hour is late and it is no time to be playing around with sin!

Romans 13:11-14 (NIV) “And do this, understanding the present time: The hour has already come for you to wake up from your slumber, because our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed. The night is nearly over; the day is almost here. So let us put aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light. Let us behave decently, as in the daytime, not in carousing and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and debauchery, not in dissension and jealousy. Rather, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the flesh.”

3. The Father longs for his children to come home!! 

“And while he was still a long way off, his father saw him coming. Filled with love and compassion, he ran to his son, embraced him, and kissed him.”  The father would not have seen him coming if he had not been looking for him to return.  This is a beautiful picture of our Heavenly Father!  He longs for sinners to come to him.  2 Peter 3:9 “The Lord isn't really being slow about his promise, as some people think. No, he is being patient for your sake. He does not want anyone to be destroyed, but wants everyone to repent.”

God's forgiveness is active. Just as he has already chosen those whom he would save, he also actively reaches out to the sinner and causes him to repent. God does not passively wait for you to repent -- if he does, you would never repent precisely because you are a sinner, and your will is fixed against him. God changes the will of those whom he has chosen to receive salvation, and causes them to repent. (Cheung, Vincent (2014-11-25). The Parables of Jesus (Kindle Locations 528-532). Lulu.com. Kindle Edition.)\

“But his father said to the servants, ‘Quick! Bring the finest robe in the house and put it on him. Get a ring for his finger and sandals for his feet. And kill the calf we have been fattening. We must celebrate with a feast, for this son of mine was dead and has now returned to life. He was lost, but now he is found.’ So the party began.”        

When we “come home” through repentance we become heirs once more.  The Father doesn't withhold any good thing from us.  Psalm 84:11 “For the Lord God is our sun and our shield. He gives us grace and glory. The Lord will withhold no good thing from those who do what is right.”

The note of joy about the son's return is crucial in the passage, as is the father's restoration of (The IVP New Testament Commentary Series)

sonship privileges. The son has come from destitution to complete restoration. That is what God's grace does for a penitent sinner.

4. We, like the Father, should rejoice when a sinner comes to Christ. 

The older son says, "But when this son of yours who has squandered your property with prostitutes comes home, you kill the fattened calf for him!" (v. 30). A repentant sinner begins to perceive the truth concerning God, sin, and himself. In contrast, a self-righteous person fails to comprehend the true nature of sin and grace. One who depends on his own works despises God's forgiveness as something that excuses sin, rather than recognizing it as a demonstration of his kindness and mercy.

The elder brother fails to understand that it is not sin that we celebrate, but repentance. The father celebrates not because his son was lost, that he was as one dead, but he rejoices because his son has changed , that he has returned and repented of his previous way of life. Likewise, God's forgiveness does not imply that he tolerates sin; rather, he rejoices in a person's repentance, that the person has come to his senses, and that he has come to place himself at the mercy of God, knowing that he has no merit of his own. (Cheung, Vincent (2014-11-25). The Parables of Jesus (Kindle Locations 587-591). Lulu.com. Kindle Edition.)

Luke 15:7 “In the same way, there is more joy in heaven over one lost sinner who repents and returns to God than over ninety-nine others who are righteous and haven’t strayed away!” 

Luke 15: 10 “In the same way, there is joy in the presence of God’s angels when even one sinner repents.”

The story is left hanging. The elder brother is left to contemplate the father's words. We do not know if he comes in to celebrate or not. In literary terms, this is an open ending. What will he do? Jesus' listeners are to contemplate their own response as well. The parable is truly a story of reversal. It is hope of such a reversal that causes Jesus to seek the sinner. The potential of God's grace drives him to love others and actively pursue them. (The IVP New Testament Commentary Series)

Praise God! He sought me and keeps seeking my heart daily!  1 John 3:1a “See how very much our Father loves us, for he calls us his children, and that is what we are!”

All Scripture is NLT unless otherwise stated. 

The Parables of Jesus Series – Parable of the Persistent Widow

Luke 18:1-8 One day Jesus told his disciples a story to show that they should always pray and never give up. “There was a judge in a certain city,” he said, “who neither feared God nor cared about people. A widow of that city came to him repeatedly, saying, ‘Give me justice in this dispute with my enemy.’ The judge ignored her for a while, but finally he said to himself, ‘I don’t fear God or care about people, but this woman is driving me crazy. I’m going to see that she gets justice, because she is wearing me out with her constant requests!’”

Then the Lord said, “Learn a lesson from this unjust judge. Even he rendered a just decision in the end. So don’t you think God will surely give justice to his chosen people who cry out to him day and night? Will he keep putting them off? I tell you, he will grant justice to them quickly! But when the Son of Man returns, how many will he find on the earth who have faith?”

When we tie today’s parable in with the Parable of the Midnight Caller we can learn a few lessons. 

1. Persistence pays: The unjust judge gave justice to the widow because of her persistence.  She kept asking because she knew her cause was just.  Jesus told the disciples that God who is not reluctant to answer will answer when we call on him day and night.  Again this is not begging or manipulating it is coming before our loving Heavenly Father and laying our needs at his feet. 

When I pray I often quote Scripture.  I quote the promises that apply to my prayer focus.  I quote them to remind myself and build up my faith so I will be persistent until the answer comes.

2. Our prayers don’t bother God:  God doesn't say, “Don’t bother me…” On the contrary Psalm 121:3-8 tells us: He will not let you stumble; the one who watches over you will not slumber. Indeed, he who  watches over Israel never slumbers or sleeps. The Lord himself watches over you! The Lord stands beside you as your protective shade. The sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon at night. The Lord keeps you from all harm and watches over your life. The Lord keeps watch over you as you come and go, both now and forever.

3. God’s nature is love: Unlike the judge in Luke 18, God has no evil in his nature.  He desires the best for his children.  He wants to answer our prayers.  Luke 12:32 “So don’t be afraid, little flock. For it gives your Father great happiness to give you the Kingdom.”  Luke 18:7b-8 “So don’t you think God will surely give justice to his chosen people who cry out to him day and night? Will he keep putting them off? I tell you, he will grant justice to them quickly! But when the Son of Man returns, how many will he find on the earth who have faith?”

4. God wants his will to be done on earth.  When Jesus taught his disciples to pray he taught them to pray for God’s will to be done on earth. Matthew 6:10 “May your Kingdom come soon. May your will be done on earth, as it is in heaven.”  

In conclusion: If God wants his will to be done on earth and his nature is love, why wouldn't we persist in prayer until we receive the answer?  

All Scripture is NLT unless otherwise stated.  

The Parables of Jesus Series – Parable of the Midnight Caller

Luke 11:5-10 Then, teaching them more about prayer, he used this story: “Suppose you went to a friend’s house at midnight, wanting to borrow three loaves of bread. You say to him, ‘A friend of mine has just arrived for a visit, and I have nothing for him to eat.’ And suppose he calls out from his bedroom, ‘Don’t bother me. The door is locked for the night, and my family and I are all in bed. I can’t help you.’ But I tell you this—though he won’t do it for friendship’s sake, if you keep knocking long enough, he will get up and give you whatever you need because of your shameless persistence.

“And so I tell you, keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you.  For everyone who asks, receives. Everyone who seeks, finds. And to everyone who knocks, the door will be opened.”

In Bible days there was a culture of hospitality.  Each person, rich or poor worked hard to provide for their guests.  Inability to provide for a guest brought great embarrassment to the host. 

In this parable we have a man who has had a friend drop in expectantly.  Being unexpected he is unprepared to provide for his guest’s needs.  He goes to the neighbor’s house and finds it dark and the door shut.  In those days the doors were kept open during the day.  Then when the family wanted privacy and when they went to bed they shut and locked their door. 

Another important note is that the houses were typically one room.  The family all lived and slept in that one room.  In the parable when the man knocked his neighbor called out, “Don’t bother me. The door is locked for the night, and my family and I are all in bed. I can’t help you.”  He had already locked the door for the night.  His children were asleep and if he got up to look for bread, he ran the risk of waking the entire family.  It was a risk he was not willing to take.  The Scripture tells us that He would not get out of bed for friendships’ sake, but if the neighbor kept knocking long enough he would get up and give him whatever he needed for his shameless persistence. 

Jesus goes on to give the interpretation for this parable.  If we ask we will receive, is we seek we will find, and if we knock the door will be open for us.  The NLT translates this passage well.  In the Greek, the verbs ask, seek, knock are active verbs, they literally mean, ask and keep on asking, seek and keep on seeking, knock and keep on knocking. 

God wants us to be shameless in our persistence in prayer.  He wants us to pray until we hear from him; to seek his face and stay before him daily.  1 Thessalonians 5:17 “Never stop praying.”

God doesn't answer our prayers because we nag him or manipulate him by them, but he told us to ask, seek, and knock and he promised us that he would answer our prayers.  Of course he reserves the right to answer us as he sees fit and to answer in his timing. 

He is not likely to answer us in the way we think he should, however, the answer will often blow our minds because his ways are higher than our ways.  Isaiah 55:8-9 “My thoughts are nothing like your thoughts,” says the Lord. “And my ways are far beyond anything you could imagine. For just as the heavens are higher than the earth, so my ways are higher than your ways and my thoughts higher than your thoughts.”

God also sees the big picture and knows his plans for us.  Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.”

ASK, SEEK, KNOCK!!!!

The Parables of Jesus Series – Parable of the Seed

Mark 4:26-29 Jesus also said, “The Kingdom of God is like a farmer who scatters seed on the ground. Night and day, while he’s asleep or awake, the seed sprouts and grows, but he does not understand how it happens. The earth produces the crops on its own. First a leaf blade pushes through, then the heads of wheat are formed, and finally the grain ripens. And as soon as the grain is ready, the farmer comes and harvests it with a sickle, for the harvest time has come.”

This parable illustrates the process of spiritual growth.  In most cases spiritual growth doesn't happen in sudden spurts.  It usually happens in a progression like that of a seed planted in the ground.  This process can be fast or slow but it still in usually a process that we must work through; “First a leaf blade pushes through, then the heads of wheat are formed, and finally the grain ripens.”

When the seed is planted it begins its development underground.  Its growth is not visible at the beginning.  The same is true in our lives.  As our minds begin to be renewed by the Word it may take a while us to “see” growth in our life.  

Romans 12:2 “Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.”

Ephesians 4:23 “Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes.”

Growth of a plant happens without the farmer really doing anything. He provides food/fertilizer, water, and sunshine. The plant grows even while he is asleep. The reality is that if we are providing our spirits with the right conditions, like a farmer does for his plants, the grow will happen without any striving on our part.  It will take discipline, but once that is in place God will do the work through the Holy Spirit. 

Right conditions for spiritual growth:

1. Food/fertilizer: a constant diet of the Word is necessary for our growth. This includes both hearing the Word through preaching and teaching, and individual Bible study.  (Jeremiah 15:16S (NIV) “When your words came, I ate them; they were my joy and my heart’s delight.”) (1 Timothy 4:6 “If you explain these things to the brothers and sisters, Timothy, you will be a worthy servant of Christ Jesus, one who is nourished by the message of faith and the good teaching you have followed.”)

2. Water: fellowship with other believers is crucial for spiritual growth.  We must be involved in group Bible study and corporate worship. We not only learn from each other, but we need to hold each other accountable. As we hear the voices of others raised in worship and praise to our God our spirits are encouraged and uplifted. (Hebrews 10:25 “And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near.“)

3. Sunshine: constant fellowship with Christ is another key ingredient in spiritual growth. We must spend time in prayer daily, seeking the face of our Savior.  We, like the sunflower must keep our faces turned toward the sun/SON!!  (Hebrews 12:2 “We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne.”) (Proverbs 4:25 “Look straight ahead, and fix your eyes on what lies before you.”)

God does the work by the Holy Spirit; however, we must do our part by acting in obedience to his instructions and discipline.  We must study the Word so it can take deep root in our spirit. We have to make the choices that will encourage growth rather than the choices that will hinder growth. 

Just as a farmer has to weed his garden, we too, have to weed our hearts daily.  If we allow any root of ungodliness to grow (i.e. selfishness, disobedience, angry, rebellion, pride, unfaithfulness, addiction, lust, greed, etc.) it will choke out the good seed that is trying to grow in our life. 

We weed by daily asking God to point out any area of ungodliness that is growing in our hearts.  As he shows us the weeds, we must pull them out through repentance and then turn our back on the sin.

As we make a daily practice of providing food, water, and sunshine for our spirits, as well as weeding our lives we will see the blade push through the soil, then the heads will form, and finally the grain will ripen.  As this process happens we will begin to mature from the elementary things of God into the deeper truths of his Word.

All Scripture is NLT unless otherwise stated. 

The Parables of Jesus Series – Parable of the Sower

Why did Jesus teach in parables?

Parables require much thought in order to grasp their meaning. A person who really sought after God would seek, strive, think, and ask until he could find the meaning to the parable. And then he would chew upon the meaning, drawing all the meaning he could out of the parable so that he could learn everything possible about God…Jesus wanted the truth concealed from closed minds… the carnal were not willing to take the time or effort required to search out the meaning of the parable. Jesus actually said that He wanted the meaning hidden from the closed minded.

If God has opened your mind to his word (Acts 16: 14), then you will diligently seek him by thinking on the words of Scripture, and this is the means by which God will grant you more spiritual understanding. As Paul writes, "Reflect on what I am saying, for the Lord will give you insight into all this" (2 Timothy 2: 7). (Cheung, Vincent in The Parables of Jesus.)

Parable of the Sower: (Found in Matthew 13:3-9, Mark 4:2-20, Luke 8:4-15)

Matthew 13:3-9 He told many stories in the form of parables, such as this one:

“Listen! A farmer went out to plant some seeds. As he scattered them across his field, some seeds fell on a footpath, and the birds came and ate them. Other seeds fell on shallow soil with underlying rock. The seeds sprouted quickly because the soil was shallow. But the plants soon wilted under the hot sun, and since they didn't

have deep roots, they died. Other seeds fell among thorns that grew up and choked out the tender plants. Still other seeds fell on fertile soil, and they produced a crop that was thirty, sixty, and even a hundred times as much as had been planted! Anyone with ears to hear should listen and understand.”

Matthew 13:19-23” The seed that fell on the footpath represents those who hear the message about the Kingdom and don’t understand it. Then the evil one comes and snatches away the seed that was planted in their hearts. The seed on the rocky soil represents those who hear the message and immediately receive it with joy. But since they don’t have deep roots, they don’t last long. They fall away as soon as they have problems or are persecuted for believing God’s word. The seed that fell among the thorns represents those who hear God’s word, but all too quickly the message is crowded out by the worries of this life and the lure of wealth, so no fruit is produced. The seed that fell on good soil represents those who truly hear and understand God’s word and produce a harvest of thirty, sixty, or even a hundred times as much as had been planted!”

The farmer/sower: The person, who distributes, preaches, teaches the Word. 

Types of soil: The people who hear or receive the Word (four types).

1. Footpath: “As he scattered them across his field, some seeds fell on a footpath, and the birds came and ate them.”

2. Shallow soil: “Other seeds fell on shallow soil with underlying rock. The seeds sprouted quickly because the soil was shallow. But the plants soon wilted under the hot sun, and since they didn’t have deep roots, they died.”

3. Thorns: “Other seeds fell among thorns that grew up and choked out the tender plants.”

4. Good soil: “Still other seeds fell on fertile soil, and they produced a crop that was thirty, sixty, and even a hundred times as much as had been planted!”

This parable is foundational in understanding the other parables and in hearing the Word properly.  

Mark 4:13 Then Jesus said to them, “If you can’t understand the meaning of this parable, how will you understand all the other parables?”

The parable of the sower gives us the key to bearing fruit: hearing the Word.  However, it also gives us four types of hearers and only the last one actually bears fruit. 

The parable lists three things that could cause the hearers to fail to be spiritually productive.

1. Lack of understanding: verse 19 “The seed that fell on the footpath represents those who hear the message about the Kingdom and don’t understand it. Then the evil one comes and snatches away the seed that was planted in their hearts.”

When we hear the Word but do not understand it what we heard cannot take root in our hearts.  It is like scattering seeds on the path where everyone walks.  The seed gets eaten by the birds.  In our spiritual life, when we don’t understand the Word the enemy comes and snatches what we heard away from us. 

2. Shallow roots: verses 20-21 “The seed on the rocky soil represents those who hear the message and immediately receive it with joy. But since they don’t have deep roots, they don’t last long. They fall away as soon as they have problems or are persecuted for believing God’s word.”

If we don’t get rooted in the Word, we will hear it and even get excited about what we hear, however, it will quickly fade from our memory.  Then when trails or persecution come we will not have anything to cling to. 

When we hear the Word, we must meditate on it and immediately look for ways to apply it to our lives.  In this way we will hide it in our hearts so it is there to anchor our lives during times of trouble.  Psalm 119:11 “I have hidden your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you.” Psalm 119:105 “Your word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path.”

3. Crowded out by the worries of life: Verse 22 “The seed that fell among the thorns represents those who hear God’s word, but all too quickly the message is crowded out by the worries of this life and the lure of wealth, so no fruit is produced.”

The Word admonishes us to keep our focus on heavenly things.  Colossians 3:1-3 “Since you have been raised to new life with Christ, set your sights on the realities of heaven, where Christ sits in the place of honor at God’s right hand. Think about the things of heaven, not the things of earth. For you died to this life, and your real life is hidden with Christ in God.”

Matthew 6:19-27 “Don’t store up treasures here on earth, where moths eat them and rust destroys them, and where thieves break in and steal. Store your treasures in heaven, where moths and rust cannot destroy, and thieves do not break in and steal.  Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be. No one can serve two masters. For you will hate one and love the other; you will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.”

“That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life—whether you have enough food and drink, or enough clothes to wear. Isn't life more than food, and your body more than clothing? Look at the birds. They don’t plant or harvest or store food in barns, for your heavenly Father feeds them. And aren't you far more valuable to him than they are? Can all your worries add a single moment to your life?”

When we allow the cares of life to fill our thoughts and our heart, we will be unproductive spiritually because we can only focus on one thing at a time.  We cannot server the god of this world and God both!

Finally, the good soil “represents those who truly hear and understand God’s word and produce a harvest of thirty, sixty, or even a hundred times as much as had been planted!”  This person is one who hears, applies, and retains the Word.  He will stand when times are hard and will not fail in times of persecution or affliction because the Word has not been suffocated in him by worldly concerns.  The Word has taken deep root in his heart so it cannot be stolen. 

Matthew 7:24-27 “Anyone who listens to my teaching and follows it is wise, like a person who builds a house on solid rock. Though the rain comes in torrents and the floodwaters rise and the winds beat against that house, it won’t collapse because it is built on bedrock. But anyone who hears my teaching and doesn't obey it is foolish, like a person who builds a house on sand. When the rains and floods come and the winds beat against that house, it will collapse with a mighty crash.” 

When we build our lives on a solid foundation by applying the Word in our daily lives we will stand firm no matter what storms we must face.  Oh, that we might always be good soil!

All Scripture is NLT unless otherwise stated. 

Facing the Giants Part 3 – Becoming Giant Killers

A quick review of Israel’s “giant” history will begin today’s study.  You will remember that in Numbers 13-14 Moses sent out 12 spies.  Upon returning to the camp ten of the 12 fixated on the giants and failed to exhibit faith causing the Israelites to wander for 40 years in the desert. 

In Deuteronomy 9, Moses reminds the people that they will now have to face the descendants of Anak as they go in to take the land God has given them. 

Then again in Joshua 14 Caleb, at 86, defeated the giants in the land God had given him. 

We will look again today at the most famous giant story in the Bible; David and Goliath.  We will use David as our model for becoming Giant Killers.  Each of us face giants on a regular basis.  How do we become Giant Killers?

1. We must make sure our motives are right. 

David’s motives were called into question by his brothers.  1 Samuel 17:28 But when David’s oldest brother, Eliab, heard David talking to the men, he was angry. “What are you doing around here anyway?” he demanded. “What about those few sheep you’re supposed to be taking care of? I know about your pride and deceit. You just want to see the battle!”

David’s motives appear to be right to me. 

                a. The glory of God. 1 Samuel 17:26, 36-37 ²⁶David asked the soldiers standing nearby, “What will a man get for killing this Philistine and ending his defiance of Israel? Who is this pagan Philistine anyway, that he is allowed to defy the armies of the living God?” ³⁶ I have done this to both lions and bears, and I’ll do it to this pagan Philistine, too, for he has defied the armies of the living God! ³⁷The Lord who rescued me from the claws of the lion and the bear will rescue me from this Philistine!”

                b. To fulfill his role as the newly anointed king of Israel.  We read in 1 Samuel 16:1-12 that David was anointed to be the new king of Israel.  He was protecting the nation of Israel from the giants that were a constant threat to their survival and well-being. 

We must exhibit the right motives too.

                a. God’s glory to be revealed in our lives.  When we face a giant that we want to see killed, we need to ask ourselves, “Why do I want this giant dead?” Do we want it to die just to give us peace, freedom, etc.?  Those are good motives; however, God’s glory should be our primary motivation in everything we do. 

1 Corinthians 10:31 “So whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.”

                b. Desiring for God’s plans to be fulfilled in our lives. Jeremiah 29:11 tells us that God has plans for each of our lives.  We must get on board with God’s plans for us and desire to see them fulfilled.  When giants arise we must work to rid our lives of their influence so we can fulfill the plan God has for us.

Romans 8:28 “And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.”

2 Corinthians 4:17 “For our present troubles are small and won’t last very long. Yet they produce for us a glory that vastly outweighs them and will last forever!”

2. We must use the right weapons.

Why did David take 5 stones?  He was a finisher.  I believe he wanted to be sure he could finish the job if the giant did not go down with one shot.  He was a practiced marksman with a slingshot, but this was not a lion or a bear.  If he missed he needed a quick reload. 

The giants in our lives don’t always go down on the first swing either! In my experience I have to hit hard repeatedly to see the giant fall dead. 

We can read self-help books, attend seminars, or listen to thousands of sermons but none of these will defeat the giant.  The key to killing the giants we face is FAITH!!!!

                a. Faith that God is bigger than our giant.  Matthew 28:18 Jesus came and told his disciples, “I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth.” 

Ephesians 3:20 “Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think.”

                b. Remember that God is the same yesterday, today, and forever!!  If he helped the children of Israel defeat their giants, he will help us defeat ours! Malachi 3:6a “I am the Lord, and I do not change.”

Hebrews 13:8 “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.”

                c. Use tried and true weapons, prayer, faith, and the Word of God. Ephesians 6:12-18 “For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places.

Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm. Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness. For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared. In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil. Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere."

                d. God didn't save us to let us fall at the hands of giants.  Philippians 1:6 “And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns.”

3. We must expect a miracle. Even when we don’t see with our physical eyes we must see the giants fall with our spiritual eyes.   Hebrews 11:1 “Faith is the confidence that what we hope for will actually happen; it gives us assurance about things we cannot see.”

In conclusion, to be Giant Killers we must:

1. Have the right motives.

2. Use the right weapons.

3. Expect a miracle.

All Scripture is NLT unless otherwise stated. 

Oh Happy Day!!! – Resurrection (Sunday)

Resurrection

Matthew 28:1-10 Early on Sunday morning, as the new day was dawning, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went out to visit the tomb.

Suddenly there was a great earthquake! For an angel of the Lord came down from heaven, rolled aside the stone, and sat on it.  His face shone like lightning, and his clothing was as white as snow. The guards shook with fear when they saw him, and they fell into a dead faint.

Then the angel spoke to the women. “Don’t be afraid!” he said. “I know you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He isn't here! He is risen from the dead, just as he said would happen. Come, see where his body was lying. And now, go quickly and tell his disciples that he has risen from the dead, and he is going ahead of you to Galilee. You will see him there. Remember what I have told you.”

The women ran quickly from the tomb. They were very frightened but also filled with great joy, and they rushed to give the disciples the angel’s message. And as they went, Jesus met them and greeted them. And they ran to him, grasped his feet, and worshiped him. Then Jesus said to them, “Don’t be afraid! Go tell my brothers to leave for Galilee, and they will see me there.”

HE IS RISEN!!!!

Now we, like his disciples, are commissioned to be his witnesses here on earth.  Matthew 28:18-20 Jesus came and told his disciples, “I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”

Prophecies Fulfilled in Jesus Death and Resurrection

1. Betrayed by a friend: Psalm 41:9 Even my best friend, the one I trusted completely, the one who shared my food, has turned against me. (Matthew 26:14-15a)

2. Sheep would scatter when shepherd was smitten: Zechariah 13:7b “Strike down the shepherd, and the sheep will be scattered, and I will turn against the lambs.” (Matthew 26:56b)

3. Sold for 30 pieces of silver: Zechariah 11:12 And I said to them, “If you like, give me my wages, whatever I am worth; but only if you want to.” So they counted out for my wages thirty pieces of silver. (Matthew 26:15b)

4. Thirty pieces of silver used to buy a potter’s field. Zechariah 11:13 And the Lord said to me, “Throw it to the potter”—this magnificent sum at which they valued me! So I took the thirty coins and threw them to the potter in the Temple of the Lord.  (Matthew 27:3,7)

5. Be accused by false witnesses: Psalm 27:12 Do not let me fall into their hands. For they accuse me of things I've never done; with every breath they threaten me with violence. (Matthew 26:59-60)

6. Jesus did not open his mouth: Isaiah 53:7 He was oppressed and treated harshly, yet he never said a word. He was led like a lamb to the slaughter. And as a sheep is silent before the shearers, he did not open his mouth. (Matthew 26:62-63)

7. Despised and Rejected: Isaiah 53:3 He was despised and rejected— a man of sorrows, acquainted with deepest grief. We turned our backs on him and looked the other way. He was despised, and we did not care. (Matthew 26:67)

8. Mocked and Insulted: Psalm 22:7 Everyone who sees me mocks me. They sneer and shake their heads… (Matthew 27:31)

9. Beaten and spat on: Isaiah 50:6 I offered my back to those who beat me and my cheeks to those who   pulled out my beard. I did not hide my face from mockery and spitting. (Matthew 26:67)

10. Struck on the head: Micah 5:1b

They will strike Israel’s leader in the face with a rod. (Matthew 27:30)

11. Numbered with the transgressors: Isaiah 53:12b because he poured out his life unto death, and was numbered with the transgressors. For he bore the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors. (Matthew 27:38)

12. Lifted up like the serpent in the wilderness: Numbers 21:9 (NIV) So Moses made a bronze snake and put it up on a pole. Then when anyone was bitten by a snake and looked at the bronze snake, they lived. (John 3:14-15)

13. Be pierced for us: Psalm 22:6b They have pierced my hands and feet. (John 20:25)

14. Lots cast for his clothes: Psalm 22:18 They divide my garments among themselves and throw dice for my clothing. (Matthew 27:35)

15. Given gall and sour wine: Psalm 69:21 But instead, they give me poison for food; they offer me sour wine for my thirst. (Matthew 27:34)

16. Be the Passover sacrifice, have no bones broken: Numbers 9:12 They must not leave any of the lamb until the next morning, and they must not break any of its bones. They must follow all the normal regulations concerning the Passover. (John 19:14 and 19:33)

17. Feel forsaken by God: Psalm 22:1 My God, my God, why have you abandoned me? Why are you so far away when I groan for help? (Matthew 27:46)

18.  Take our pain and suffering: Isaiah 53:4 Yet it was our weaknesses he carried; it was our sorrows that weighed him down. And we thought his troubles were a punishment from God, a punishment for his own sins! (Romans 5:8)

19. Buried with the rich: Isaiah 53:9 He had done no wrong and had never deceived anyone. But he was buried like a criminal; he was put in a rich man’s grave. (Matthew 27:57-60)

20. Rise from the dead: Psalm 16:10 For you will not leave my soul among the dead or allow your holy one to rot in the grave. (Luke 24:6-7)

All Scripture is NLT unless otherwise stated.  

For the Joy Awaiting – Gethsemane, Betrayal, Arrest, and Trial (Friday)

Hebrews 12:2 “We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne.”

Gethsemane

Oswald Chambers in My Utmost for His Highest states, “It was not death on the cross that Jesus agonized over in Gethsemane. In fact, He stated very emphatically that He came with the purpose of dying. His concern here was that He might not get through this struggle as the Son of Man. He was confident of getting through it as the Son of God— Satan could not touch Him there.”

Jesus had laid down his deity when he came to earth and walked 100% as man.  While he still had constant communion with the Father, he did not walk as God on earth.  You will remember that when Satan tempted Jesus (Matthew 4:1-11); Jesus used the Word to defeat him. If he had been walking as God he could have just vanquished the enemy with one look or wave of his hand.  It is not surprising that he struggled in Gethsemane with what he knew lay ahead.  Crucifixion was an awful death.  As man he knew he would feel every bit of the pain and agony inflicted upon him. 

Betrayal

It is sad to note that Judas went to the religious leaders; they did not seek him out.  Matthew 26:14-16 “Then Judas Iscariot, one of the twelve disciples, went to the leading priests and asked, ‘How much will you pay me to betray Jesus to you?’ And they gave him thirty pieces of silver. From that time on, Judas began looking for an opportunity to betray Jesus.”

In Bible days, thirty pieces of silver was the price one paid to purchase a slave.  Exodus 21:32 “But if the ox gores a slave, either male or female, the animal’s owner must pay the slave’s owner thirty silver coins, and the ox must be stoned.” Judas sold out the Messiah for the price of a slave.  The one who could give him eternal life and freedom is the very one he betrayed.  He gained a small amount of money at the cost of eternal life.  Matthew 26:24 “For the Son of Man must die, as the Scriptures declared long ago. But how terrible it will be for the one who betrays him. It would be far better for that man if he had never been born!”

Judas knew about Jesus’ habit of going to Gethsemane with the disciples.  It was to the Garden that Judas led the contingent of Roman soldiers and Temple guards.  Matthew 26:48-49 “The traitor, Judas, had given them a prearranged signal: ‘You will know which one to arrest when I greet him with a kiss.’ So Judas came straight to Jesus. ‘Greetings, Rabbi!’ he exclaimed and gave him the kiss.” 

Arrest

John 18:3-9 “The leading priests and Pharisees had given Judas a contingent of Roman soldiers and Temple guards to accompany him. Now with blazing torches, lanterns, and weapons, they arrived at the olive grove. Jesus fully realized all that was going to happen to him, so he stepped forward to meet them. ‘Who are you looking for?’ he asked. ‘Jesus the Nazarene,’ they replied. ‘I am he,’ Jesus said. (Judas, who betrayed him, was standing with them.) As Jesus said ‘I am he,’ they all drew back and fell to the ground! Once more he asked them, ‘Who are you looking for?’ And again they replied, ‘Jesus the Nazarene.’ ‘I told you that I am he,’ Jesus said. ‘And since I am the one you want, let these others go.’ He did this to fulfill his own statement: ‘I did not lose a single one of those you have given me.’”

Luke 22:49-51 “When the other disciples saw what was about to happen, they exclaimed, ‘Lord, should we fight? We brought the swords!’ And one of them struck at the high priest’s slave, slashing off his right ear. But Jesus said, ‘No more of this.’ And he touched the man’s ear and healed him.”

John 18:11b “Shall I not drink from the cup of suffering the Father has given me?”

Matthew 26:56 “At that point, all the disciples deserted him and fled.”

Trial

When the soldiers left the Garden, they took Jesus first to the home of Annas, the father-in-law of Caiaphas the high priest.  For some reason Annas would not be present at the trial before the council. 

“Dr. Lightfoot thinks Annas was not present, because he had to attend early that morning in the temple, to examine the sacrifices which were that day to be offered, whether they were without blemish; if so, there was a significancy in it, that Christ, the great sacrifice, was presented to him, and sent away bound, as approved and ready for the altar.” (Matthew Henry’s Commentary)

Jesus stood “trial” twice. Here we will look at each trial.

1. Trial before the religious council at the home of Caiaphas, the high priest.

Jesus was taken by those who arrested him to the home of Caiaphas. A few things stand out to me from this trial.

A. The trial took place in the dead of night.  While the community innocently slept, the religious leaders enacted their unlawful “trial” of the Messiah.  John 3:19 “And the judgment is based on this fact: God’s light came into the world, but people loved the darkness more than the light, for their actions were evil.”

 B. The religious leaders tried to find out about Jesus’ followers and what he had been teaching them. The council badgers Christ about what he taught his followers.  John 18:20 “Jesus replied, ‘Everyone knows what I teach. I have preached regularly in the synagogues and the Temple, where the people gather. I have not spoken in secret.’”  I find his reply, that he never did anything in secret but in the open for all to hear, interesting.  For, just two nights before this trial, the council had met secretly to plot how to kill Jesus.  While he was open and honest about his teaching and dealings with mankind, mankind (the religious leaders) were deceptive and secretive in their dealings with/about him. 

C. The religious leaders, who were the spiritual leaders of the people, were trying to find “false” witnesses to condemn Jesus.  Matthew 26:59-61 “Inside, the leading priests and the entire high council were trying to find witnesses who would lie about Jesus, so they could put him to death. But even though they found many who agreed to give false witness, they could not use anyone’s testimony. Finally, two men came forward who declared, “This man said, ‘I am able to destroy the Temple of God and rebuild it in three days.’”

Because they had no real evidence against him, they had to search for dishonest men to lie about Jesus.  It is ironic that his statement foreshadowing his death (- ‘I am able to destroy the Temple of God and rebuild it in three days.’) is the statement they latch onto to condemn him. 

D. Jesus remained silent during the trail.  This fulfilled the prophecy in Isaiah 53:7 “He was oppressed and treated harshly, yet he never said a word. He was led like a lamb to the slaughter. And as a sheep is silent before the shearers, he did not open his mouth.”

E. The outcome of the trial was determined before the “case” was heard.  John 18: 14 “Caiaphas was the one who had told the other Jewish leaders, ‘It’s better that one man should die for the people.’” The religious leaders had already determined to put Jesus to death before they had him arrested.  The trial was a cover up for their pre-made decision.

2. Trial before Pilate.

John 18:28-32 “Jesus’ trial before Caiaphas ended in the early hours of the morning. Then he was taken to the headquarters of the Roman governor. His accusers didn't go inside because it would defile them, and they wouldn't be allowed to celebrate the Passover. So Pilate, the governor, went out to them and asked, ‘What is your charge against this man?’ ‘We wouldn't have handed him over to you if he weren't a criminal!’ they retorted. ‘Then take him away and judge him by your own law,’ Pilate told them. ‘Only the Romans are permitted to execute someone,’ the Jewish leaders replied.  (This fulfilled Jesus’ prediction about the way he would die.)”

The Jews were not being fully truthful here, for we know that in the case of Stephen in Acts 7:54-60 the religious leaders drug Stephen outside the city and stoned him to death after he stood trial before them.  In the case of Jesus it is more likely that they were trying to make an example of him to prevent others from doing as he had done.  They were also fulfilling prophecy by their actions (not their intention I am sure!)

Pilate questioned Jesus and found him guilty of nothing deserving of death.  He tried to reason with the religious leaders but they would not listen.  John 18: 38b-40 “Then he went out again to the people and told them, ‘He is not guilty of any crime. But you have a custom of asking me to release one prisoner each year at Passover. Would you like me to release this ‘King of the Jews’?’ But they shouted back, ‘No! Not this man. We want Barabbas!’ (Barabbas was a revolutionary.)”

Matthew 27: 22-26a Pilate responded, “Then what should I do with Jesus who is called the Messiah?” They shouted back, “Crucify him!” “Why?” Pilate demanded. “What crime has he committed?” But the mob roared even louder, “Crucify him!” Pilate saw that he wasn't getting anywhere and that a riot was developing. So he sent for a bowl of water and washed his hands before the crowd, saying, “I am innocent of this man’s blood. The responsibility is yours!” And all the people yelled back, “We will take responsibility for his death—we and our children!” So Pilate released Barabbas to them.

All Scripture is NLT unless otherwise stated. 

For the Joy Awaiting – Crucifixion (Friday)

Hebrews 12:2 “We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne.”

Matthew 27:26-30 So Pilate released Barabbas to them. He ordered Jesus flogged with a lead-tipped whip, then turned him over to the Roman soldiers to be crucified. Some of the governor’s soldiers took Jesus into their headquarters and called out the entire regiment. They stripped him and put a scarlet robe on him. They wove thorn branches into a crown and put it on his head, and they placed a reed stick in his right hand as a scepter. Then they knelt before him in mockery and taunted, “Hail! King of the Jews!” And they spit on him and grabbed the stick and struck him on the head with it. When they were finally tired of mocking him, they took off the robe and put his own clothes on him again. Then they led him away to be crucified.

Today we will look at a chronological list of the events surrounding the crucifixion and at the medical effects of the crucifixion had on Jesus. 

Chronological List of Events

6AM      Jesus before Pilate (Mark 15:1)

7AM      Jesus sentenced to die (Luke 23:23-24)

8AM      Led to Calvary (Luke 23:26)

              Crucified (Luke 23:33)

9AM      (The 3^rd hour) The Crucifixion

10AM    (The 4^th hour) Soldiers divided up his clothes and cast lots for them. (Mark 15:24)

               

               Jesus prayed, Luke 23:34 “Father, forgive them, for they don’t know what they 

               are doing.”

               

               The passersby yelled insults at him.  (Matthew 27:39-40)

                

               Chief priest mocked him. (Mark 15:31)

                

               Soldiers mocked him. (Luke 23:36-37)

11AM    (The 5^th hour) One thief yelled insults at him. (Luke 23:39)

               Other criminal rebuked the first. (Luke 23:40-42)

               Jesus spoke to the second criminal, Luke 23:43 “I assure you, today you will be 

               with me in paradise.”

               Jesus spoke to his mother and to John. John 19:26-27 “Dear woman, here is 

               your son.” And he said to this disciple, “Here is your mother.” And from then 

               on this disciple took her into his home.

12PM    (The 6^th hour) Darkness came over the land until the ninth hour. (Mark 15:33)

1PM       (The 7^th hour) Jesus cried, Matthew 27:46 Jesus called out with a loud voice, 

              “Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?” which means “My God, my God, why have you 

               abandoned me?”

                

              Jesus said he was thirsty. (John 19:28)

2PM      Jesus cried, John 19:30 “It is finished!” 

              Jesus said, Luke 23:46 “Father, I entrust my spirit into your hands!”

3PM       (The 9^th hour) Jesus dies

Events Directly Following the Crucifixion

1. Earthquake and temple veil torn in two. (Matthew 27:51)

2. Tombs break open. (Matthew 27:52)

3. Centurion realized Jesus was the Son of God. (Matthew 27:54)

4. The thieves’ legs are broken to speed their death. (John 19:31-32)

5. Solider pierces Jesus’ side. (John 19:34)

6. Jesus is buried in a borrowed tomb.  (He wouldn't need it for long!!!) (John 19:38-42)

7. Tomb sealed and guard posted to keep the disciples from “stealing” Jesus’ body.  (Matthew 27:66)

Medical Effects of the Crucifixion

1. Jesus was beaten on the head while the soldiers had him blindfolded.  This beating caused swelling, bruising, and damage to his features.

2. Jesus was tied to a post and beaten/whipped with a whip that had heavy leather thongs with lead or iron balls and bone pieces attached to the end of each thong.  He received 39 lashes instead of the customary 40 given by the Romans because the religious leaders wanted to show “mercy.” This caused the skin and underlying muscles to shred and for his back to lay open like raw meat.  Flogging was designed to bring the victim close to the point of death.  It resulted in shock and heavy blood loss.

3. The soldiers mocked Jesus and placed scarlet robe on his back and a crown, they had made out of thorns, on his head.  The thorns were about 1 inch long and where beaten into his skull. The penetration of the skull would have resulted in almost instant brain infection.  The swelling in his head would have made his face almost unrecognizable, fulfilling the prophecy in Isaiah 52. (Isaiah 52:14 But many were amazed when they saw him. His face was so disfigured he seemed hardly human, and from his appearance, one would scarcely know he was a man).

4. Jesus was forced to carry his own cross.  The beam weighed about 100 pounds.  It was tied over his raw broken back.  He was already suffering from dehydration and exhaustion.  He would have fallen under the weight.  (Matthew 27:32 Along the way, they came across a man named Simon, who was from Cyrene, and the soldiers forced him to carry Jesus’ cross.)

5. Once they reached Golgotha (which means “Place of the Skull”) they crucified Jesus.  This involved driving 5-6 inch long iron spikes into each wrist and into his feet.  Once the nails were in place they lifted up the cross and dropped it into a whole.  The jarring from this drop would have caused him to come close to fainting from the pain.  Hanging with his wrists over his head made breathing difficult.  To draw in a breath he had to push up with his nailed feet to allow his lungs enough room to expand.  Each breath was grueling!  Finally it became impossible for most people to continue this excruciating process and they suffocated to death. 

6. After Jesus had already succumbed to death, the soldiers pierced his side, rupturing the sac around his heart, causing water and blood to flow out.  His heart was literally broken for us!

Extra Notes:

1. Some scientists have studied and classified all sickness and disease into 39 categories; every sickness and disease of humanity can fit into one of these 39 classifications.  It’s no coincidence that Jesus received 39 stripes upon His back.  This demonstrates to us that the power of each and every sickness and disease, and all pain, regardless of its origin, classification or severity, was cancelled at the scourging post.  “By His stripes, we are healed!” (Is. 53:5)

2. When Jesus uttered the words “It is finished” he was stating the fact that everything he had come to accomplish was completed in that moment.  This means that our healing was completed, our freedom was paid for, our forgiveness was paid for, our provision was paid for, etc.  There was nothing left undone when Christ gave up his spirit and died.  (John 19:28-30 Jesus knew that his mission was now finished, and to fulfill Scripture he said, “I am thirsty.” A jar of sour wine was sitting there, so they soaked a sponge in it, put it on a hyssop branch, and held it up to his lips.  When Jesus had tasted it, he said, “It is finished!” Then he bowed his head and released his spirit.)

All Scripture is NLT unless otherwise stated.