The Arrival

 DEVOTION

THE ACTS OF THE APOSTLES

THE ARRIVAL

Acts 2:1-4

2:1 When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. 2 Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. 3 They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. 4 All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them.

NIV

The Day of Pentecost, fifty days after the feast of the first fruits which from our understanding was the Passover meal during the time of the crucifixion of Jesus. Again, depending on how we count the days, after his resurrection he spent forty days showing himself to many people, then after his ascension, it was either those nine or ten days the one hundred and twenty were all together and they cast lots after prayer, selecting Mattias to replace Judas. Now the fiftieth day arrives and here comes the promise. The Spirit Arrives and he does so in style with a sound from heaven. The best that Luke can describe it is as it sounded like a mighty rushing of wind that filled the whole house. It is interesting that most of us see the effects of the wind outside as we stand in the stillness of our home, looking out a window. But here the wind came into the house, filled it, which must have been almost terrifying, but at the same time miraculous. Then as this wind was swirling around a fire came with it and was again lapping around like flames usually do, separating into various points, and this fire separated, and as it is described a small portion of the fire sat upon each person’s head. Their hair was not set on fire, the flame or lips, or tongues of fire simply rested on them. However, the Spirit, who is one of the three of the Godhead, who is omnipresent came upon or entered to dwell within each one of them. The result was each one of them began to speak a language they had not learned, or knew, at least that is the best way to explain it. Therefore, the people of today who are called Pentecostals believe in the doctrine of Glossolalia or speaking in tongues. There is a great divide among modern Christians over this doctrine, some accepting and some rejecting it. The division is centered around whether this was just for the disciples at that time or that it is for the church throughout all the ages. The problem with wanting it to only be for those of that time and then it stopped is that then we have to examine every act within the Bible and determine if it stopped and when it did and what is still in effect for us. Could that mean salvation was just for them then and not for us now? If we believe one thing is for all people in all times, then we should believe all things are for all people in all times and that would mean we believe that once we have been baptized in or by the Spirit, all his gifts and fruit are to be manifested in us. This would include all His gifts, not just a few, so speaking in tongues should be one of the gifts of the Spirit which is evident in the church today. We simply have to accept His arrival in our lives. 

Let the Lord Choose

 DEVOTION

THE ACTS OF THE APOSTLES

LET THE LORD CHOOSE

Acts 1:15-26

15 In those days Peter stood up among the believers (a group numbering about a hundred and twenty) 16 and said, "Brothers, the Scripture had to be fulfilled which the Holy Spirit spoke long ago through the mouth of David concerning Judas, who served as guide for those who arrested Jesus— 17 he was one of our number and shared in this ministry." 18(With the reward he got for his wickedness, Judas bought a field; there he fell headlong, his body burst open and all his intestines spilled out. 19 Everyone in Jerusalem heard about this, so they called that field in their language Akeldama, that is, Field of Blood.) 20 "For," said Peter, "it is written in the book of Psalms, "'May his place be deserted; let there be no one to dwell in it,' and, "'May another take his place of leadership.'   21 Therefore it is necessary to choose one of the men who have been with us the whole time the Lord Jesus went in and out among us, 22 beginning from John's baptism to the time when Jesus was taken up from us. For one of these must become a witness with us of his resurrection." 23 So they proposed two men: Joseph called Barsabbas (also known as Justus) and Matthias. 24 Then they prayed, "Lord, you know everyone's heart. Show us which of these two you have chosen 25 to take over this apostolic ministry, which Judas left to go where he belongs." 26 Then they cast lots, and the lot fell to Matthias; so he was added to the eleven apostles.

NIV

Even before the Spirit comes upon them, Peter seems to be taking a leading role. Of course, he was the one who when asked by Jesus, when they were in Caesarea Philippi, as to who do you say I am, Peter said that you are the Son of the Living God. Jesus made the statement when he was still called Simon, that his name would be Peter and upon this rock, he would build his church. Peter was also one of the three that Jesus took with him up the mountain when he was transfigured. There is so much more we could recount about Peter that would seem to point us to him being one of the more outspoken and having leadership qualities. We also know that After the Spirit it was Peter who stood up and preached a great salvation message and thousands accepted the Lord that day. Therefore, it would be fitting that Peter was the one who pointed out the scriptures about Judas and the fact they needed to replace him because Jesus had chosen twelve and now there were only eleven. It is interesting this was a very important choice and they did not want to act on their own, so they prayed. It is also interesting they already knew from their spending those years with Jesus that he was the Son of God and he was divine and all-knowing, for their prayer including or that was the extent of their prayer. “Lord, you know everyone’s heart. Show us which of these two men who you have chosen to take over this apostolic ministry, which Judas left to go where he belongs”. That was it, short and sweet and to the point. They did not thank God for the day, or the night, or the Stars in the sky, or for blessing them, or anything to do with anything else other than the need at hand to choose one of two men who were proposed because they too had witnessed all of the time of Jesus’s ministry. These two had been with Jesus from the beginning to the end. They wanted Jesus to choose which one it would be. It is interesting they then cast lots. Not sure exactly if that is like voting, or more like tossing dice. The Roman soldiers cast lots for the robe of Jesus, that was not a vote, but some form of who gets the shorter straw, or throwing sticks on the ground, or maybe even like drawing stones from a hat, so see who gets the white stone, from among all black stones. It is a sort of a game a chance, but they could not depend on themselves to make the choice, so this gave the Lord the control as to whom the lot fell. This should give us the clue that we too should not be making any important decision without conferring with the Lord. Once again, we do not need to pray for everything and anything else other than for the choice that is before us. God is not impressed with our fancy or the number of words we can say in prayer. In fact, Jesus talked about the Pharisees who stood on the streets so as to be seen and heard by men. Jesus went on to say that we should not go on babbling like the pagans because they think they are heard because of their many words. We believers may have been caught up in this type of thinking that if we use a lot of words, we are considered a good prayer. We think maybe it would be better to simply pray for the one need at hand and leave it at that, short and sweet. God knows the rest. 

Constantly In Prayer

 DEVOTION

THE ACTS OF THE APOSTLES

CONSTANTLY IN PRAYER

Acts 1:12-14

12 Then they returned to Jerusalem from the hill called the Mount of Olives, a Sabbath day's walk from the city. 13 When they arrived, they went upstairs to the room where they were staying. Those present were Peter, John, James and Andrew; Philip and Thomas, Bartholomew and Matthew; James son of Alphaeus and Simon the Zealot, and Judas son of James. 14 They all joined together constantly in prayer, along with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brothers.

NIV

So, then Jesus ascended back into heaven from the Mount of Olives as we are told this is where they were, and returned to Jerusalem. A Sabbath day’s walk at the time of the disciples was three-quarters of a mile, which was the distance from the place, perhaps even the garden of Gethsemane, which is located just about halfway between the top of the Mount of Olive, and the bottom of the Kidron Valley. It is very easy to see Jerusalem from there and it appears less than a mile. So here they arrive in Jerusalem, and we think it must have been the same room they had prepared for the Passover meal, the last one Jesus ate with them before his crucifixion. We are told the names of the disciples, the name of Mary the mother of Jesus, but not of the others. We are told in the next verses there were about one hundred and twenty in all. That is a good size church already, and this is the same group that we will see later that is filled with the Spirit. For now, they are in a state of rejoicing combined, perhaps, with a little sadness because Jesus has now officially left them, however, they might be believing that he is going to come right back, as the angels told them he would return in the same way he left in the clouds. They all joined together constantly in prayer. What we know is that the Day of Pentecost is fifty days after the Passover. Depending on how the days are counted, they stayed in that room for either nine or ten days, for Jesus ascended forty days after his resurrection. His last meal was before the Passover, as the Jews demanded the Romans make sure all three would be dead and taken down before the Passover. This is why they broke their legs, to hurry the deaths of the two criminals, as Jesus had already given up his spirit, his legs were not broken. What is interesting is they would not be constantly in prayer as we think of people all kneeling, hands folded, eyes closed, and either whispering or muttering to themselves or voicing loudly in unison, as someone leads. But nine or ten days require eating, drinking, sleeping, and doing normal bodily functions. This gives us a clue as to what constantly in prayer means. We can live our lives, having to work, eat and drink and do all that other stuff, and still be in the constant state of being in communication with God. We are always aware of this presence, as the Spirit is dwelling within us. As we also know from the following verses that during those nine or ten days while they were waiting for the promise Jesus told them about the Spirit, Peter spoke up about replacing Judas with another so they would have twelve again. Therefore, this constant prayer also included conversations with each other. Again, we have to conclude that we should be living our daily lives always in an attitude of communication with our Lord. We cannot do this with our eyes closed or by always voicing some praise or needs. The other thing we have considered over the years is that prayer is both talking to God and listening to him. We are told if we ask, he will answer, so we need to always be in the state of listening for his voice as we go about our daily lives. This way we can constantly be in prayer. 

Come Lord Jesus

 DEVOTION

THE ACTS OF THE APOSTLES

COME LORD JESUS

Acts 1:9-11

9 After he said this, he was taken up before their very eyes, and a cloud hid him from their sight. 10 They were looking intently up into the sky as he was going, when suddenly two men dressed in white stood beside them. 11 "Men of Galilee," they said, "why do you stand here looking into the sky? This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven."

NIV

If there was ever any chance of having any doubt whatsoever about Jesus being the divine creator of all things, this testimony by Luke puts it to rest. First, we know that He came to earth through the power of the Holy Spirit using a virgin girl. Then we have all the miracles he did in those three-plus years of his public ministry. This was followed by his crucifixion, burial, and then the most excellent resurrection which conquered death. Then we are given the fact that in this physical form He spent the last forty days showing himself to many people, including just showing up in a locked room to prove himself to Thomas. Now, Luke tells us that Jesus begins to rise into the air, just floating upward, being drawn up toward heaven until he disappears within the clouds, or as Luke says a cloud hid them from their sight. Nevertheless, Jesus came, and now he leaves to go back from where he came. The beauty of all this is that Emmanuel, God came to live among us, to show us the way, to redeem us, to save us, and bring us back to the eternal life he intended us to have from the very beginning. We can also be assured that he has not left us nor forsaken us either. He is coming back for us. He will appear in the sky, from within the clouds it would seem. However, he could come back on a bright sunny, cloudless day, or in the middle of the night, for the earth is not the same everywhere, and when Jesus appears every eye will see as we are told by John in the revelation that was given to him.

Rev 1:7-8

7 Look, he is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see him, even those who pierced him; and all the peoples of the earth will mourn because of him. So shall it be! Amen. 8 "I am the Alpha and the Omega," says the Lord God, "who is, and who was, and who is to come, the Almighty." 

NIV

There is no doubt whatsoever and we wait for the day with great anticipation. Still, we occupy until he comes for us. We do not sit, doing nothing just staring into the sky waiting for him, but we live and breathe and have our being in him, doing that which he has called us to do. We will not be among those who mourn when he comes in with the clouds, we will rejoice for our redemption will be complete and we will raise to meet him in the air to be with him forevermore. Hallelujah, praise His Holy Name. Come, Lord Jesus, we await your return. All this stuff of the world will either rust, rot, or be burned up, but we will live on for eternity with our Lord. Come, Lord Jesus. 

Let the Power Flow

 DEVOTION

THE ACTS OF THE APOSTLES

LET THE POWER FLOW

Acts 1:6-9

6 So when they met together, they asked him, "Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?" 7 He said to them: "It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority. 8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth."  9 After he said this, he was taken up before their very eyes, and a cloud hid him from their sight.

NIV

Why is it that men want to see the kingdom of God on this earth? Of course, his disciples were not thinking in spiritual terms, but merely thinking in the realm of their world, wanting Jesus to overthrow the Roman occupiers and reestablish Israel to what it was supposed to be, a nation of itself. And now they have a leader who has overcome death, who has the power of God coursing through him. However, although they are thinking of a present kingdom, Jesus speaks to them of a kingdom that is to come. There is a time coming that only the Father has set by his own authority. It does seem a bit strange that Jesus said all authority has been given to him on earth and in heaven, yet there is one thing the Father has kept all the authority to himself and that is the end of times. However, in the meantime, Jesus gave his disciples, which translates to us, some information about what will happen to them and what the result of what will happen to them will be. When the Holy Spirit comes on them and on us, we will receive power. Who would not want to live with the power of God flowing through them? Why would anyone want to live without the power of the Spirit? This would leave us weak and defenseless against the powers of this dark world. When we have received the Spirit he brings his power, all his gifts, and all his fruit to manifest in our lives. Jesus told his disciples that because of the power of the Spirit they would become his witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth. We know they did witness, as we have much of their exploits recorded in this letter to Theophilus, or the friends of God, which would be us. Luke wrote this letter to us so we would know what we should be doing. Although Jerusalem, Judea, and Samaria are local areas that his disciples would be able to travel through, we can handle the ends of the earth, especially in this modern age of mass communications. Even our blog where this writing is posted can be read throughout the world through the medium of the internet. With the correct technology of translation software, it can be read in many languages. There are so many ways we can be witnesses for Jesus within the ends of this earth. We can even start right in our own living area, with our neighbors, our co-workers, and the places we play, or shop. There are people all around us who may or may not have heard the message of Jesus and the only way we can be witnesses is through the power we receive when the Spirit comes upon and within us. We need to be aware of when we receive the power to let it flow. 

Power

 DEVOTION

THE BOOK OF ACTS

POWER

Acts 1:1-5

1:1 In my former book, Theophilus, I wrote about all that Jesus began to do and to teach 2 until the day he was taken up to heaven, after giving instructions through the Holy Spirit to the apostles he had chosen. 3 After his suffering, he showed himself to these men and gave many convincing proofs that he was alive. He appeared to them over a period of forty days and spoke about the kingdom of God. 4 On one occasion, while he was eating with them, he gave them this command: "Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about. 5 For John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit." 

NIV

It is a certainty that Luke wrote this very accurate account of the primitive church, as it is clear he is writing to the same person he mentions at the beginning of his Gospel account. Luke being a physician would have such a personality that he would be sure to make exacting records. Luke makes this very clear that he is an eyewitness to the life, death, resurrection, and ascension and thus is able to have the facts. He also was a companion to Paul on many occasions and would be an eyewitness to many of the early church activities. We start off this book or letter to Theophilus with the beginning of a most excellent adventure. We first should note that Theophilus could be the name of a person, but it also could be the name of a group of people, in fact, the whole church for this Greek word is made up of the word for God, Theo, and the word Philos, which means friend. So, this could be a letter to all the friends of God. The life lesson we can learn from this beginning account is of course within the words of Jesus that Luke tells us about. Although the disciples had spent some years with Jesus and heard all his teaching, all the truth of God, and witnessed so many miracles that, as John had said at the close of his Gospel, there is not enough books to contain all that he did, Jesus told them to wait. He told them to wait for the gift his Father promised. Indeed, they had all the knowledge they needed to go into all the world and preach the Good News, but they did not have the power of the Holy Spirit. They might have tried to get started with their ministry, but it would have been a human effort, a futile pitiful human endeavor then would have been doomed from the start because they would not have the power of the Spirit. Here is where we come in. We might try to do things in this life, even things that are considered ministry without the power of the Holy Spirit. Just because we are believers, does not mean we are filled or baptized with the Spirit. The disciples were certainly believers, but they had not been filled with the Spirit yet and so Jesus told them to wait for it. Anything we try to do, if we have not been baptized with the Spirit is simply being done in our human strength. This kind of effort is certain to be weak and without power thus we should do as Jesus told his disciples, wait for the gift his Father has promised. So we must consider there are two types of believers, those without the power and those who have the power, based on who hasn’t and who has been baptized in the Holy Spirit. Those of us who have the power must then go, those of us who have yet received the power must wait. The waiting should only take a couple of days, but then the power will come, the Spirit will descend upon the waiter, and they shall be filled with power, and those who are filled with spill out into the streets with evidence of that power.  

forever

 DEVOTION

THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO MATTHEW

FOREVER

Matt 28:16 -20

16 Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. 17 When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted. 18 Then Jesus came to them and said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."

NIV

There is just one last thing we have to consider within these last words of Jesus that Matthew recorded for us. This is what Jesus said about always being with us, and that he would be with us to the very end of the age. What is significate is that the Greek word translated as age carries a rather interesting meaning. First, an age can mean a certain period of time, but among the Greek authors, aioon is used as an unbroken age, perpetuity of time, or eternity. Hence in the New Testament, it means forever. This means we are never alone, we do not have to live this life without Jesus. He is alive and in heaven, sitting at the right hand of the Father forever making intercession for us. We have Jesus, the advocate who defends us before the Father. We are declared innocent forever because of Jesus. The devil would want us to feel guilt and shame every time we make even the tiniest of mistakes. However, when we make a mistake, we fall prey to some temptation, Jesus is there. Sure, we need to ask forgiveness, but we do not need to feel the guilt and shame for we have been forgiven and need to move forward pressing toward the finish line, forgetting what is behind us. That is once we have asked and forgiven forever, we need no longer dwell on our past sins, but press on, keep going and live in the present looking forward because Jesus will always be with us and will always be there for us. He promised that he would never leave nor forsake us. This brings us peace that is beyond measure. Knowing Jesus will be with us gives us an assurance that no one else in this world can offer. Because this Greek word can mean forever, that also assures us that when we breathe our last, Jesus will still be with us, or we could say, that we will be with Jesus, for he is the firstborn of the resurrected. Because he was resurrected, so will we be raised from the dead, in a sense. That fact is that just as Jesus gave up his spirit, his body was left behind, monetarily, we will leave our behind, monetarily, but we, however, we will be, will be with Jesus forever. That is eternity or the end of time, which is to mean, time will be no more, instead, there will only be, forever. 

All Authority

 DEVOTION

THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO MATTHEW

ALL AUTHORITY

Matt 28:16 -20

16 Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. 17 When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted. 18 Then Jesus came to them and said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."

NIV

Matthew leaves out a lot of what happened in the forty days from the time Jesus was resurrected and his ascension into heaven. However, Matthew does give these most important instructions Jesus gave his disciples. We also take this instruction personally as followers of Jesus. It is certain his disciples followed his command and went out throughout the land spreading the good news and teaching all the truth that Jesus taught and commanded them. It is interesting that over the years after the time of the disciples, the church has gone through some very strange appearances. When we think of the history of Christianity, we can see times the church was not very charitable or loving, but more condemning and even persecutive of those who believed differently. There were times the church was rather abusive to its parishioners. Some who tried to bring forth the truth were burned at the stake, much as how many of the disciples met death at the hands of angry men. The only reason the truth and the church have sustained is because of God, for it is certain it was not because of man. It always comes down to who has the authority and over the years, many men have tried to exert authority, however, all authority in heaven and on earth has been and continues to be given to Jesus. We can do nothing without Jesus having told us that he is the vine, and we are the shoots or branches and as long as we are connected to him, we will bear much fruit. He is the authority over all we are, and all we do. Yes, he gives us the freedom to choose to obey or to be disobedient. But if we recognize that all authority has been given to Jesus, then what is the point of trying to exert our own authority over our lives or the lives of others. What we can do is serve each other and in that process, we are supposed to lead them to Jesus. Again, we think maybe we have once again misunderstood Jesus. We sit nice and tidy in our church while we pay through support for a few people to go to some foreign land as missionaries. Is that what Jesus meant by "go and make disciples of all nations"? The Greek word translated as nations is ethnos, which means a race, a tribe, specifically a foreign, non-Jewish one. That would include the United States as we are a race of gentiles, non-Jewish. In fact, our county is made up of many nations. Why is it we always think we have to travel to some far-off place when we have many nations right in our very own town? Questions, we are not sure we will find the answers to. Once again, we, the church have evolved into what we think we are supposed to be but are we want Jesus wants us to be? Maybe we need to ponder more on this and listen more. One thing we know for sure is that all, not some, but all authority has been given to Jesus. 

Consider The Cost

 DEVOTION

THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO MATTHEW

CONSIDER THE COST

Matt 28:11-15

11 While the women were on their way, some of the guards went into the city and reported to the chief priests everything that had happened. 12 When the chief priests had met with the elders and devised a plan, they gave the soldiers a large sum of money, 13 telling them, "You are to say, 'His disciples came during the night and stole him away while we were asleep.' 14 If this report gets to the governor, we will satisfy him and keep you out of trouble." 15 So the soldiers took the money and did as they were instructed. And this story has been widely circulated among the Jews to this very day.

NIV

It is interesting how one lie leads to another and another and even to the extent that people are willing to pay to have their deceptions held as truth. It is also interesting the Roman soldiers were willing to accept this bribe to perpetuate the lie of the Jews. It makes it clear that the love of money is the root of all evil. We saw how Judas had such an affair with money, first that he stole money from the general treasury that was meant to support the needs of Jesus and his disciples as they traveled throughout the country ministering to the needs of people. Second, we saw how he was willing to, not only deny Jesus but betray him for thirty pieces of silver. We understand the truth of those words of Jesus regarding that we cannot serve two masters, God, and money, and that we will love that one and despise the other. What this means is that if we love God we will despise money, but if we love money as Judas and it appears the Roman soldiers did, they despised Jesus. The Jews that were willing to pay to keep their deception alive had such a hatred toward Jesus that they were willing to do anything to keep themselves looking good to the people. There is a real danger in wanting to make ourselves look good in the presence of others, especially to the point that we are willing to do whatever it takes, pay whatever it costs, to look just and holy to others. We also might consider if we could identify with the Roman soldiers in the sense that we are willing to accept the bribe so as not to get into trouble. Would we accept being told a non-truth in order to seem that we are rightly justified? Do we allow others to influence us to believe and confess that which is not the truth? Just a thought, but we also know that we know the truth and would not allow someone to influence us to profess anything but the truth, no matter the cost. 

It Will Happen

 DEVOTION

THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO MATTHEW

IT WILL HAPPEN

Matt 28:8-10

8 So the women hurried away from the tomb, afraid yet filled with joy, and ran to tell his disciples. 9 Suddenly Jesus met them. "Greetings," he said. They came to him, clasped his feet and worshiped him. 10 Then Jesus said to them, "Do not be afraid. Go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee; there they will see me." 

NIV

John does give us another account of Jesus meeting only with Mary when she stayed by the tomb after Peter and John had gone in and found the grave clothes folded up and they left to go home. So then what Matthew's accounts tell us is that Jesus met with these women when they were on the way to tell the disciples what the angel had said, that Jesus had risen from the dead and would go ahead of them into Galilee. It does not matter how these accounts fit together as what these accounts do is present us with the most important doctrinal issue. We serve a risen Savior! The doctrine of the resurrection is at the very core of our faith. Without the resurrection Christianity is a worthless religion, it is meaningless, for, without the resurrection, we would be serving a dead god, like every other religion in the world. However, Jesus was raised from the dead, in some sense, at least that is how we look at it or were told to see it. The fact is that when Jesus was on the cross, he gave up his spirit, thus he left his body there lifeless, or what we would call dead. The body was dead, but Jesus was not dead, his spirit left as he gave it up, and as we have been thinking, took that one thief to paradise, just as he told him that this very day he would be in paradise with Jesus. Although many are of the opinion that Jesus descended into hell to preach to the prisoners, that doctrine, although contained in the Apostle's Creed, the phrase that Jesus descended into hell does not appear in the scripture. It was not added to the creed until around 630AD. The earlier versions do not contain that phrase.  Secondly, Peter did not mean that Jesus went to preach and give a second chance of salvation to those who died before he came to earth. That would mean a whole new doctrine giving everyone a second chance to be saved after they died. How could that be possible? Then we could live our life wholly given over to sin, and once we are dead, then we get to accept Jesus and be saved. This is preposterous to even consider. No, it is through our faith in Jesus now while we have our one life to live that gives us a resurrection into eternal life. This is the one and true doctrine that we can have faith in. When Jesus’s body was in the grave, He was alive, he was in paradise, and then he returned to take up his body in a glorified state, able to appear in a locked room. This is our future, to have a resurrected body in a glorified state, perhaps able to travel at the speed of thought. Because the grave could not hold Jesus, it will not hold us either. However, that happens, whenever that happens is not the issue, but it is that it will happen, just as Jesus had told us it would. We have nothing to be afraid of, even the death of our bodies, for Jesus has told us so. We will be changed forever, resurrected into a new life. it will be so because Jesus has told us. 

Making Everything Ready

 DEVOTION

THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO MATTHEW

MAKING EVERYTHING READY

Matt 28:1-7

28:1 After the Sabbath, at dawn on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to look at the tomb. 2 There was a violent earthquake, for an angel of the Lord came down from heaven and, going to the tomb, rolled back the stone and sat on it.   3 His appearance was like lightning, and his clothes were white as snow. 4 The guards were so afraid of him that they shook and became like dead men. 5 The angel said to the women, "Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. 6 He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay. 7 Then go quickly and tell his disciples: 'He has risen from the dead and is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him.' Now I have told you."

NIV

The other accounts of this time early in the morning of the third day have a few other details, however, all are, in essence, the same. The women were bringing more spices to anoint the body of Jesus, which would indicate to us they did not understand Jesus when he said that he would rise in three days. However, according to the other accounts, they were not sure how they would roll the stone away from the entrance of the tomb. It was heavy, and we do not know what they were going to do about it being sealed and about the guards. It is interesting the seal and the guards were still there when Jesus was not. He did not need the stone to be rolled away to exit the tomb for it was not until the angel appeared alone with the violent earthquake and that he was the one who rolled back the stone and sat on it. His appearance was such the guards had a very violent reaction, almost like a stoke, or heart attack. We do not know if they died, for the Greek reads, they become in the manner of dead men. They appeared to be dead, although maybe not dead. Nevertheless, the point is that the women did not know how they were going to get the stone rolled away, but God took care of it for them. It also shows us that God is all-knowing because he knew the ladies were coming to the tomb to anoint the body of Jesus, although he had a surprise for them by sending the angel to tell them Jesus was not there, he had risen, just like he said he would. We can be assured that is God, if Jesus says he is going to do something, it is going to happen, and he will always do that which he says he will do. These are our two takeaways. First, God will take care of our situation, He will lead us, he will go before us, and be with us in all areas of our life. When we are going to face a situation, we only need to know that God has it all covered. Second, Jesus always does what he says he will. That means that he has already or is still in the process of preparing that place for us, as he said he would. And, if he said he would prepare a place for us, that he would return to get us and take us to that place so that we can be where he is. That is a fact, a truth we can count on. It does not even require faith, which is defined as the substance of things not seen yet hoped for. The fact is we do not need to hope for it, of hope it is true because it is true, Jesus has never lied, he has always told the truth and therefore we have no doubt whatsoever it will happen just as he said it would. Plus, just as God went before those women, making everything ready for them, Jesus has gone before us, making everything ready for us. 

Restraining Jesus

 DEVOTION

THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO MATTHEW

RESTRAINING JESUS

Matt 27:62-66

62 The next day, the one after Preparation Day, the chief priests and the Pharisees went to Pilate. 63 "Sir," they said, "we remember that while he was still alive that deceiver said, 'After three days I will rise again.' 64 So give the order for the tomb to be made secure until the third day. Otherwise, his disciples may come and steal the body and tell the people that he has been raised from the dead. This last deception will be worse than the first." 65 "Take a guard," Pilate answered. "Go, make the tomb as secure as you know how." 66 So they went and made the tomb secure by putting a seal on the stone and posting the guard.

NIV

Like a seal is going to stop God! who did these Jews think they were? Did they really believe that putting a seal on the stone, and having a couple of guards at the tomb is going to keep God from doing that which He is going to do? However, what makes the matter even worse is they refer to Jesus as the deceiver, when all the while, they are the ones who are deceiving the people of Israel with their hypocrisy. They live within their self-built façade appearing righteous and religious while living as dead men within, which Jesus called them out as white-washed tombs. Their lack of faith or need for self-preservation as the spiritual leaders of Israel was their motivation to attempt to keep the body of Jesus in the tomb. It is a shame men cannot accept Jesus for who he is, or perhaps they knew who Jesus really was and they not only refuse to accept him but felt they had more power than the God they professed to believe in. We think times have not changed much in the minds of men. There are plenty of people today who think they have more power than God, and they may or may not profess that He exists. They believe they can control the environment as those Jews felt they could control the tomb. However, those would be what we call the world or the non-believer, and what we wonder is do we in some way try to restrain Jesus. Do we look too much or depend too heavily on self-reliance? Do we think we can do better than Jesus can? That is do we really trust him to direct the path of our lives? That is to say, are we wanting to make most or even all the choices, or decisions as to how we live, where we work, which church we attend, our plans for the future, or any other things we feel we want to do? Do we do what we think looks good as being a Christian, or are we waiting for the Spirit to lead us into all truth? Are we listening for that small still voice directing our path, or our footsteps? Then when we hear, and we will if we are listening, do we follow His directions? We must conclude attempting to restrain Jesus is an exercise in futility, as the Jews found out on the third day. No matter how hard men try, we are but men who have been created by God. We pray, “Thy will be done, on earth, as it is in heaven”, and yet do we still try to do our will instead? Let us not attempt those thoughts, it would be futile, let us not ever try to restrain Jesus. 

This Very Day

 DEVOTION

THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO MATTHEW

THIS VERY DAY

Matt 27:57-61

57 As evening approached, there came a rich man from Arimathea, named Joseph, who had himself become a disciple of Jesus. 58 Going to Pilate, he asked for Jesus' body, and Pilate ordered that it be given to him. 59 Joseph took the body, wrapped it in a clean linen cloth, 60 and placed it in his own new tomb that he had cut out of the rock. He rolled a big stone in front of the entrance to the tomb and went away. 61 Mary Magdalene and the other Mary were sitting there opposite the tomb.

NIV

Matthew does not give us the fact that Nicodemus helped Joseph of Arimathea take the body of Jesus from the cross, however, John gives us all those details. Joseph had to go to Pilate to get permission for it was unusual for a person to die this quickly on a cross of crucifixion. Normally it was a long-drawn-out, excruciating, process. Still, because it was the time of the Passover, the Jews entreated Pilate to have their legs broken so death would come more quickly so that the Passover would not be defiled. But Jesus was already dead when the Roman soldiers came to break the legs of the three men on the cross, which also fulfilled the prophet's word that not a bone would be broken. Again, Jesus was in charge of the situation, and the Spirit was working through Joseph and Nicodemus to do that which needed to be done and get Jesus in the tomb before sunset and the beginning of Passover so that by Jewish counting, his body would be in the tomb three days. There is still much debate as to where Jesus was during the time this body was in the tomb. It was not until the Nicene Creed was developed some three hundred years later that the idea of Jesus going to hell to rescue those holy men who were held in the bosom of Abraham in hell or hades. What Peter says is the basis of this belief. Some say that it wasn’t until Jesus went to hades and suffered there that our salvation was not complete. However, that cannot be correct as Jesus said when he gave up his spirit, that it was finished, complete, done, and over with. Nothing more had to take place, and then what do we do with the fact that Jesus told the one thief on the cross that recognized Jesus as Lord, that today, this very day, he would be in paradise with Jesus, which Luke records for us. How can the body of Jesus be in the tomb, and the spirit of Jesus be in hades, while at the same time be in paradise with the thief? It is possible that in a flash, in a twinkle of an eye, Jesus rescued those holy men who were in the place of the dead, which was not the place of burning torment, hades, or hell as most people think them to be. We know from the narrative of the death of the beggar Lazarus and the rich men, that the rich man went to a hot place of torment and the beggar was in the bosom of Abraham with a large chasm between them. So then if anything at all, Jesus went to those who were in the bosom of Abraham, which included Abraham, and took them with him to paradise that very same day, leaving those across the great chasm still in that hot tormenting place, we might call hell or hades. Then we would have to believe Jesus never descended into hell itself or experienced any kind of torment or suffering, but merely grab the holy men on the other side of the chasm and took them immediately into paradise along with that thief on this very day. The scholars can argue and try to explain what Peter meant, but we know want we know in our spirit. However, for now, the body of Jesus was covered with spices and linen and laid in a new tomb that had never been used before, and there sitting were women filled with grief because they thought Jesus was dead. Did that question? Were they wondering how someone who declared himself to be the Son of God be dead? Maybe somehow deep within they were sitting there waiting for Jesus to get up and come out from the tomb, but we know that is not the case because of what they did later. Still, here lays the body of Jesus, but he is still not there, he is about doing that which God always does, save souls. It does give us the confidence to know our soul is saved and that when we breathe our last, that very day, we will be in paradise with Jesus, no matter what happens to our body. 

Cared For

 DEVOTION

THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO MATTHEW

CARED FOR

Matt 27:55-56

55 Many women were there, watching from a distance. They had followed Jesus from Galilee to care for his needs. 56 Among them were Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James and Joses, and the mother of Zebedee's sons.

NIV

It is interesting that Matthew does not mention Mary, the mother of Jesus. Other accounts have Mary and John near enough to the cross for Jesus to tell his mother that now John is her son and tell John that now Mary, His mother, is now John’s mother. John’s account also says that Mary the mother of Jesus, her sister Mary, wife of Clopas were there. Because Matthew says many women, we might consider that Mary and Martha the sisters of Lazarus might have been there, as well as Lydia, the woman who supported Jesus by selling purple cloth. It is interesting although many of his disciples scattered, the women stayed closer, but still at a slight distant, perhaps because of the amount of Roman soldiers that were right there at the cross of Jesus and the two thieves. What is also of interest is these women card for his needs, which would indicate they traveled along with the troupe of men. We do not know exactly what kind of needs were cared for, perhaps meals, the sewing of clothes, washing of feet, even the buying of food.  Whatever they cared for seems right in a certain sense that at creation God said that it was not good for man to be alone and he made a suitable helpmate. Although this was intended to mean a mate, a woman to be as it were, a wife so that man and woman would walk through life together side by side, it also seems that this group of men needed to have women to travel with them to care for their needs, as it would not be right that the women just took care of the needs of Jesus and left the other men to fend for themselves. Women are an essential part of life, and God has always kept the dignity of women and lifted them up time and time again throughout the scriptures. As an example, where would Moses had been if it were not for his mother, his sister, and the daughter of Pharoah? Where would the whole of the Jewish people have been if it were not for Esther? Where would all of mankind be if it were not for Mary who accepted the will of God for her to give birth to Jesus? So we see the importance placed on these women and it would do good for all men to see how much women are needed to survive this life, for they care for our needs, as we care for theirs. Jesus cared for his mother, he healed Mary of Magdala and was surely close to both Mary and Martha, having compassion on them in their time of need, giving them their brother back from the dead. We would do well to care for our women as they care for us. 

Son of God

 DEVOTION

THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO MATTHEW

SON OF GOD

Matt 27:50-54

50 And when Jesus had cried out again in a loud voice, he gave up his spirit. 51 At that moment the curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. The earth shook and the rocks split. 52 The tombs broke open and the bodies of many holy people who had died were raised to life. 53 They came out of the tombs, and after Jesus' resurrection they went into the holy city and appeared to many people. 54 When the centurion and those with him who were guarding Jesus saw the earthquake and all that had happened, they were terrified, and exclaimed, "Surely he was the Son of God!"

NIV

Having considered that Jesus finished it all on that cross and gave up his spirit, and the curtain was torn from top to bottom giving us directed access to the Father, we now should ponder on the other results. A great earthquake took place, so great that rocks spilt. Imagine the scene watching the people in absolute being tossed around by the shacking of the earth. We are not told of any buildings that cracked or fell due to this earth-shaking so violently that the tombs broke open, but what happened was beyond understanding. Dead people, and again, we do not know how long they had been dead, but it would make sense they had been in the tomb way longer than four days. We understand it was the thought of the Jews that a spirit of a dead person hung around for three days and they left them. This was the significance of Jesus waiting until his friend Lazarus had been in the tomb for four days and was already stinking of death. So here are many dead people, whose bodies were in various stages of decay, coming back to life and walking about. We are not told where they went, but it appears they did not go into Jerusalem until after Jesus was resurrected. Nevertheless, it must have been one scary moment for those people throughout the region, especially those who had no idea what was going on, that Jesus had just given up his spirit. However, the Roman centurion and the Roman guards, who had sworn their allegiance to Caesar, who declared himself to be a god, declared that Jesus was indeed the Son of God. This was not the son of Caesar, but the Son of God, the God of the Jews, the one and only God, the creator of all things. Surely, they had been aware of what Jesus had said and confessed to Pilate that he was the Son of God, a King of a kingdom not on this earth. Who in the right mind would still refuse to acknowledge Jesus as the Son of God? We have not seen this type of display of the power of God. We have not experienced this kind of terrifying event, an earthquake of such magnitude that dead people came out of their graves, alive and walking around. But someday, holy people will be resurrected, and we all will live forever in the presence of our King. This is one of those things we are not completely sure just how it happens. We know that when we breathe our last, we will be with Jesus, but our bodies may not be, as we leave them behind, as Jesus did when he gave up his spirit. He left, but his body was put in the tomb. This would make sense that this is how it would be with us. We leave, we give up our spirit, but our bodies are put in the tomb. Someday, just as Jesus was resurrected, that he returned to his body, and life came back into it, we too will have our bodies resurrected and life will return to them, we will return to them and in this glorified state live in the new city of Jerusalem forever and ever with Jesus, the Son of God. 

It Is Finished

 DEVOTION

THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO MATTHEW

IT IS FINISHED

Matt 27:47-53

47 When some of those standing there heard this, they said, "He's calling Elijah." 48 Immediately one of them ran and got a sponge. He filled it with wine vinegar, put it on a stick, and offered it to Jesus to drink. 49 The rest said, "Now leave him alone. Let's see if Elijah comes to save him." 50 And when Jesus had cried out again in a loud voice, he gave up his spirit. 51 At that moment the curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. The earth shook and the rocks split. 52 The tombs broke open and the bodies of many holy people who had died were raised to life. 53 They came out of the tombs, and after Jesus' resurrection they went into the holy city and appeared to many people.

NIV

Once again, these Jews, the chief priests, the teachers of the law, and the elders were mocking Jesus saying that what he said, which they must not have understood, was that he was calling Elijah. They did not want anyone to help him in any way, but it is interesting they thought that it would be possible for Elijah to come back and help him. They knew their history concerning Elijah being carried away in a whirlwind in a chariot of fire, up into heaven, but they refused all the history about the words concerning Jesus as the Christ. However, now comes the time for Jesus to make the last call, the last words directly to the people. John records those words for us, “It is Finished”, then Jesus gave up his spirit, no one took it from him, he gave it up. “The redemption of my creation is complete” would be another way He could have said it. Of course, we still must look forward to the resurrection, but we are not at that part of the gospel yet. Still, we know the end of the story, not just the resurrection of Jesus, but our resurrection as well, and that we will be where He is because He promised it so. Nevertheless, all that Jesus did and what Jesus just did, but giving up his spirit, dying on the cross, taking on the penalty of death for us, so that we do not have to live under the penalty of death for our sin as he also took all our sin upon himself and put it to death. Now, more happened that day as well. Matthew tells us the moment Jesus gave up his spirit, the veil in the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. This has much significance in that veil or curtain separated man from the presence of God. We know that once a year, the high priest would have to enter the Holy of Holies and make the annual atonement for the children of Israel, and if he did it in any way other than prescribed by God, he was stuck dead in his tracks. But, now with the curtain torn in half from top to bottom that is no separation between God and men. We have, through Jesus, direct access to God the Father. This is why we can pray as Jesus taught us, Our Father, who is in Heaven, holy is your name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven, give us today our daily bread and forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us, and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil, for yours is the kingdom, the power, and the glory forever, amen. Our Father, we can pray directly to the Father, we have full access because when Jesus said that it was finished, it was finished, complete, a done deal, nothing else was needed. He is the only one who could complete it, to get it done. That means we have nothing to do for our redemption, we cannot earn it, work for it, do enough good deeds for it, or pay for it by any means, our salvation, our redemption is a free gift of God, which was done on that cross. All we have to do is accept it, take hold of it, believe in the power of God, and that Jesus finished everything that was needed for our redemption. It is finished. 

Always Connected

 DEVOTION

THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO MATTHEW

ALWAYS CONNECTED

Matt 27:45-46

45 From the sixth hour until the ninth hour darkness came over all the land. 46 About the ninth hour Jesus cried out in a loud voice, "Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani?"-which means, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?"   

NIV

Volumes have been written about these words of Jesus and every writer has their own opinion as to what was the meaning of these words. Much has been said about whether the words “Eloi, Eloi, Lama sabachthani” was Hebrew or a form of an older Hebrew or some form of Aramaic and even some have worked those words around and proposed they were not recorded as accurate as they were spoken, so then these writers used words that were close, with just a few letters different so as to make the words of Jesus mean something else, such as “My God, to what sort of people have you left me”. It is not that we think these writers have not spent their time in research, but perhaps there is another approach. The traditional opinion is that Jesus felt like his Father had left him at that moment. Some would say that Jesus was left in his flesh, so to speak, that his divinity left him so that he felt alone and without God. But that could not be farther from the truth. If the divinity left Jesus, then his sacrifice on the cross was for nothing. Only through the divine, Christ is His redemptive work accomplished. We think we have to back up a few scriptures to something the chief priests, the teachers of the law, and the elders said to Jesus. They said, “He trusts in God, let God rescue him now”. This is the eighth verse of Psalm 22, in which the whole of the psalm speaks directly about the Messiah.

Ps 22:8

8 "He trusts in the LORD; let the LORD rescue him. Let him deliver him, since he delights in him."

NIV

We also believe Jesus was and still is teaching, even from the cross, that he is revealing his identity, his divinity, and that he is the Messiah. So in response to the Jews quoting from the 22^nd Psalm, Jesus quotes the first verse back to them, showing them who he really is.

Ps 22:1

My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? Why are you so far from saving me,

NIV

God would never leave Jesus alone, for Jesus is God, as Thomas was aware of in the closed room when Jesus told him to put his finger in His wounds. God has promised never to leave us nor forsake us, and if God left and had forsaken Jesus then we could not be sure that in our hour of need God would also leave and forsake us. This thinking that God left or had forsaken Jesus simply cannot work in consideration of all other scriptures. How can the three in one not always be one? How can one leave itself? At this very moment, the Spirit was also within Jesus, for it was not until Jesus gave him up. Of course, that Greek word, pneuma, can simply mean breath, a current of air, however, it has also been used to mean the Holy Spirit. Either way, Jesus is in charge of the situation and is always in connection with the Father and the Spirit. This is the assurance that we have. God will never leave nor forsake us, not ever, no matter what. We are always in connection with God and God is always in connection with us. 

Saving Us

 DEVOTION

THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO MATTHEW

SAVING US

Matt 27:41-44

41 In the same way the chief priests, the teachers of the law and the elders mocked him. 42 "He saved others," they said, "but he can't save himself! He's the King of Israel! Let him come down now from the cross, and we will believe in him. 43 He trusts in God. Let God rescue him now if he wants him, for he said, 'I am the Son of God.'" 44 In the same way the robbers who were crucified with him also heaped insults on him.

NIV

All that passed by the cross, as in a parade of people were hurling insults at him, and as we already noted the scene included the chief priests, the teachers of the law and the elders. These are the ones who held the shame of a trial, determining that Jesus was worthy of death. They are the same ones who insighted the crowd to yell, “Crucify him”, and now they are gloating in their supposed victory, thinking they have won. It is interesting they confessed that Jesus had saved others, even in their mocking that he could not save himself. Then Matthew tells us that they also confessed that if Jesus did come down off that course, they would believe in him. It is doubtful they would believe even if Jesus did come down from the cross. But we know Jesus was there for a purpose and he was going to fulfill that purpose. Yes, he could have come down from the cross. Yes, he could have done anything as he is God. It is their mocking, their thinking they have won the victory could very well be the reason Jesus asked the Father to forgive them for they are ignorant of what they are actually doing. They had no clue they were losing, and not winning. They had no clue this was the plan of God for their redemption, their reconciliation, and their restoration. It is also interesting they said they would put their faith in him if he did come down from the cross. Why do people always need a miracle before they believe? Although we must say that before we believed, on a personal note, that we challenged God that if he was real, he could fix a mistake I had made with photographic film. He did, and I could not refute it as a miracle because it was beyond the science capable of fixing it. We also have the record throughout the gospel of people asking for miracles to believe. Jesus did miracle after miracle, and many did believe in him. However, when it came to doing this one miracle the chief priests, teachers of the law, and the elders were asking was not going to happen for had he done that, had he come down, the whole of mankind would be condemned for all eternity, and none would be saved, including us. Still, it is sad they had to insult him, jeer at him, mocking him. The meanness of people is astonishing. Although they professed to be priests who served God, teachers of the law of God, and elders responsible for the church's spiritual welfare, they held hatred in their hearts instead of the love of God. As we have thought before, they were of the highest order of hypocrites, whitewashed tombs, clean on the outside, dead, or dead man’s bones, on the inside. Sometimes we wonder if when we fail when we sin, are we in some way insulting Jesus. Still, it is not that we look for ways to sin or attempt to offend him, it is just that we are incapable of being perfect, as hard as we try to live uprightly and be pure of heart, we fail and that is why Jesus died for us, for our sin, so that he could declare us holy and blameless in his sight. Praise God, Praise His Holy Name. Thank you, Jesus, for not coming down, for not saving yourselves, but saving us. 

For Our Good

 DEVOTION

THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO MATTHEW

FOR OUR GOOD

Matt 27:32-40

32 As they were going out, they met a man from Cyrene, named Simon, and they forced him to carry the cross. 33 They came to a place called Golgotha (which means The Place of the Skull). 34 There they offered Jesus wine to drink, mixed with gall; but after tasting it, he refused to drink it. 35 When they had crucified him, they divided up his clothes by casting lots.   36 And sitting down, they kept watch over him there. 37 Above his head they placed the written charge against him: THIS IS JESUS, THE KING OF THE JEWS. 38 Two robbers were crucified with him, one on his right and one on his left. 39 Those who passed by hurled insults at him, shaking their heads 40 and saying, "You who are going to destroy the temple and build it in three days, save yourself! Come down from the cross, if you are the Son of God!"

NIV

Although Matthew did not give us many details about the suffering under the hands of the Roman soldiers, and the actual crucifixion itself, he does go into more detail about the time Jesus was on the cross. This scene at a place called Golgotha was a spectacle. There was a large variety of people. The Roman soldiers were casting lots for his robe. Then there were the Jews, the chief priests having their glorious moment of victory, along with the teachers of the law, the Pharisees, and the elders, all having a certain smugness about them. There were also these two robbers on crosses on each side of Jesus and perhaps some of their family members, friends, or perhaps their victims spitting on them and hurling insults at them, as the Jews were doing to Jesus. Then there would have been Mary, the mother of Jesus, and Mary of Magdala along with at least one disciple, John. It would have been more like a three-ring circus, and there was Jesus, the Lamb of God, doing that which he came to do, redeeming His creation, the very people who wanted him dead. Matthew does leave out some of the details other accounts record. The one robber asking Jesus to remember him, and Jesus telling him that today he would be in paradise with him. This is most interesting that Luke records these words of Jesus. Although the traditional thinking that when the body of Jesus was in the tomb he went to preach to the lost souls in hades, Luke records that Jesus made sure the robber who recognized Jesus for who he was, that the man would be in paradise with Jesus this very day. If that is true, and the words of Jesus as true, which they always are, then when Jesus gave up his spirit, he went on to be in paradise until the time for him to return to his body, for it to be resurrected, or for him to take it up again in a glorified state. Jesus was no victim, nor was he forced to do anything, for He is also God, and all His actions are for the benefit of His creation. People today are still hurling insults at Jesus, refuting that He is God and that He did all this for us. But we who love the Lord have the assurance that the very day we take our last breath, we will be in paradise with Him. He has assured us that He has gone ahead to prepare a place for us and as surely has He has done that, He will return to take us where he is also. Once again, with Jesus on the cross, having those insults hurled at him, defying him, denying him, we still call this day in remembrance of all that happen there are the place called Golgotha, “Good Friday”, for He did for our good. 

On Account of Us

 DEVOTION

THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO MATTHEW

ON ACCOUNT OF US

Matt 27:26-31

26 Then he released Barabbas to them. But he had Jesus flogged, and handed him over to be crucified. 27 Then the governor's soldiers took Jesus into the Praetorium and gathered the whole company of soldiers around him. 28 They stripped him and put a scarlet robe on him, 29 and then twisted together a crown of thorns and set it on his head. They put a staff in his right hand and knelt in front of him and mocked him. "Hail, king of the Jews!" they said. 30 They spit on him, and took the staff and struck him on the head again and again. 31 After they had mocked him, they took off the robe and put his own clothes on him. Then they led him away to crucify him.

NIV

This is the most difficult portion of the gospel message to consider as this is the record of what Jesus had to suffer on account of our sin. Matthew gives us some grace here by not describing in full detail every blow and the lashing with the whip. It was or is by his stripes from the whip that we are healed. Isaiah makes that very clear.

Isa 53:5

5 But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed.

NIV

We would have to include the complete 53^rd chapter of Isaiah to see all the story foretold, but for now, this is the portion that strikes the heart of the issue. Jesus had to suffer all this because of our sin, although not just ours but the sin of every person who has ever lived and will ever live until the time God has determined the end will come. However, because we make this personal by the fact that we have to personally accept Jesus as our Lord and Savior and we cannot do that for anyone else but ourselves, we then have to take the fault personally for the suffering that Jesus had to endure and then be led away to be crucified. The humiliation he had to endure ho his own cross through the streets of Jerusalem had to be horrific to be seen as a common criminal. Although we would also have to believe many in the crowded streets were his followers crying and weeping because their teacher, their Messiah was going to die. Even though he told his disciples that he would rise again, that did not make this moment any better for them or for the mother of Jesus, or the other women who traveled with them. Sometimes we forget how terrible this was, yet at the same time, we do call this day of his crucifixion “Good Friday” because what Jesus did that day brought us eternal life. On that day, on the cross, Jesus redeemed us, reconciled us to God, and restored us to our rightful place in the kingdom of heaven. Still, it was though much suffering and pain all on the account of our sin. 

Upon Our Children

 DEVOTION

THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO MATTHEW

UPON OUR CHILDREN

Matt 27:24-26

24 When Pilate saw that he was getting nowhere, but that instead an uproar was starting, he took water and washed his hands in front of the crowd. "I am innocent of this man's blood," he said. "It is your responsibility!" 25 All the people answered, "Let his blood be on us and on our children!" 26 Then he released Barabbas to them. But he had Jesus flogged, and handed him over to be crucified.

NIV

What a horrible time in the life of the Jewish people. What Pilate did when he washed his hands in water to show the people their own law of God in declaring that when an innocent man is found dead and there is no one to charge with the crime, a heifer is taken and his neck is broken near a stream and the priests are to wash their hands saying they did not do or see this crime and therefore are not guilty of it. The Jews would have known Pilate meant the same thing, although as a magistrate he could not escape the responsibility However, the worst offense was on the Jews, and for them to accept the blood of Jesus on their and their children’s hands was a most grievous confession. According to history as recorded by Josephus within forty years which would be the generation of the children when the temple was destroyed, millions of Jews died in the siege.  Thousands more died of famine and thousands more of disease and thousands by the sword. Josephus says their blood ran down the streets in such quality it extinguished things that were burning in the city. There were so many more that were crucified the Romans finally had to stop for want of both space and wood for crosses. This happened to the children of those who confessed that the blood of Jesus would be on their children’s hands. When we consider that Jesus taught so much about changing and becoming like a child or if anyone causes one of these little ones to stumble, it would be better to have a millstone on his neck and thrown into the sea. The innocence of children is precious to the Lord, and here the Jews threw their children under the bus, so to speak. And the Jewish people, the children of those who crucified the Lord, have been hunted and tormented for centuries to come. Even today as they were given back their land are hated by so many and wanted exterminated. Today, we have come full circle in some sense, at least those of us who love the Lord. We protect our children, hoping and praying they will find the forgiveness of sin and live to love the Lord as we do. However, the world is still suffering and have not washed their hands for the blood of Jesus is still on their hands. They not only carry this blood of Jesus upon them, but they have called it down on their children, in fact, many have killed their children by the millions even before they were born. They suffer from famine and the lack of truth. They suffer from disease and death, the penalty for their sin. How can we stand by and watch those innocent children be handed a death sentence? But what can we do? How can we stop it? It is up to the Spirit who is the only one who can convict people of their sin and need for repentance. Yet can we not share the word of God? Can we not live our faith out loud? Can we not be among the people rather than hide in our church? Somehow we can do something that changes the course of some people’s life, even one person’s, even our children’s. 

Know Truth

 DEVOTION

THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO MATTHEW

KNOW TRUTH

Matt 27:15-23

15 Now it was the governor's custom at the Feast to release a prisoner chosen by the crowd. 16 At that time they had a notorious prisoner, called Barabbas. 17 So when the crowd had gathered, Pilate asked them, "Which one do you want me to release to you: Barabbas, or Jesus who is called Christ?" 18 For he knew it was out of envy that they had handed Jesus over to him. 19 While Pilate was sitting on the judge's seat, his wife sent him this message: "Don't have anything to do with that innocent man, for I have suffered a great deal today in a dream because of him." 20 But the chief priests and the elders persuaded the crowd to ask for Barabbas and to have Jesus executed. 1 "Which of the two do you want me to release to you?" asked the governor. "Barabbas," they answered. 22 "What shall I do, then, with Jesus who is called Christ?" Pilate asked. They all answered, "Crucify him!" 23 "Why? What crime has he committed?" asked Pilate. But they shouted all the louder, "Crucify him!"

NIV

Pilate made the effort to release Jesus for he knew that Jesus was innocent of the charges the Jews brought against him. Lies just do not stand up against the truth, but Pilate was also a made of Rome, a servant of Caesar, whose position was dependent on keeping the peace in Jerusalem. It is interesting that Jesus brought peace with God to us and here Pilate is attempting to keep the peace among men. But these men, the very people God chose as his own did not want the peace of Jesus, but their own peace of mind though ridding themselves of this Jesus who was disturbing this power over the people, and now they had a chance to reestablish this control by stirring up the crowd to chose Barabbas over Jesus as the one to be released because of the custom Pilate had of releasing a prisoner because of the feast. They also stirred up the crowd to yell, “Crucify him!” Most of the people in the crowd had no idea what wrong, if any, that Jesus had done. They were just being manipulated by the chief priests, teachers of the law, and the Pharisees that were in the crowd. How important it is to think for ourselves rather than allow some person to control our thinking. This applies to all aspects of life, including our spiritual life. Not only are they many false teachers and preachers out there, but it can also happen within any church. We want to put our trust in our pastor that he will lead us in the right direction, after all that is what a shepherd does for his flock. The shepherd takes his sheep to green pastures and by still waters. However, it is also our responsibility to check everything we hear with the word of God. It is the Spirit who leads us into all truth, and so he gifts us with discernment, to tell the truth from that which is meant to manipulate. This is certainly not to say every pastor wants to control his congregation. By no means! It is merely that we have to be able to think for ourselves, study the word for ourselves, and be led by the Spirit so that we know what we know to be the truth because it has been revealed to us through the power of God. Many Pastors have put in the work and studied the word and desire to bring the truth so as to help people see the truth. But we also have to be aware of those wolves in sheep’s clothing, many of whom broadcast their silver-tongued messages in order to influence as many as possible for their own personal gain. The normal Jew of that day relied on the teachers of the law and the chief priests to guide them in the ways of God, but they were only used and abused for the purpose of evil men pretending to be religious. Let us do the work, study the word, and prepare ourselves with the truth and the guidance of the Spirit to know the difference between the truth and deception when we hear it. 

Great Amazement

 DEVOTION

THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO MATTHEW

GREAT AMAZEMENT

Matt 27:11-14

11 Meanwhile Jesus stood before the governor, and the governor asked him, "Are you the king of the Jews?" "Yes, it is as you say," Jesus replied. 12 When he was accused by the chief priests and the elders, he gave no answer. 13 Then Pilate asked him, "Don't you hear the testimony they are bringing against you?" 14 But Jesus made no reply, not even to a single charge — to the great amazement of the governor.

NIV

John gives us a more detailed account of this exchange between Jesus and Pilate. It is interesting the Jews, the chief priests, the teachers of the law, the elders, and all those who decided that Jesus was worthy of death, would not enter the palace of Pilate because they did not want to be unclean because they wanted to observe the Passover. How hypocritical of them, to want Jesus to be put to death, and want to celebrate their redemption from slavery when Jesus is the one who will bring them true redemption from slavery to sin. They did not understand they were fulfilling the plan of God, but only wanted to fulfill their own desires and plans. Here, Matthew does tell us one of the questions that Jesus was asked by Pilate. What John tells us is that first Pilate came out to speak to the Jews who were bringing accusations against Jesus. John also tells us that they did not bring their real reason, but rather accused Jesus of being a criminal, breaking Roman law. Pilate takes Jesus inside for further questioning away from the ears of the Jews. Here is where Jesus answers the one question. Yes, he is the king of the Jews, however, as John tells us, Jesus said that his kingdom was not of this world therefore he was not in violation of Roman law, claiming to be a king as Caesar was king. However, Jesus is the King of kings, and He is our King for we are citizens of His kingdom. The question which is before us is, what does our being citizens of the Kingdom of Heaven look like? One of the things that Jesus did say was that unless we change and become like a little child, we will not enter the kingdom of heaven. Jesus also said that if we want to see the kingdom of heaven we must be born again. It is obvious there needs to be a change in our lives, we need to change from being who we were, or are, into who we need to be. There is no doubt that we are saved by faith in Jesus, but then what does faith look like? Maybe we should look at the faith of a child. Maybe that is what Jesus meant. Nevertheless, because Jesus told Pilate his kingdom was not of this world, Pilate did not find any fault with Jesus, any reason to put him to death. Pilate was amazed at the response or rather the non-response of Jesus against all those false accusations of the Jews. When people see Jesus for who he is, it would seem right the natural response would be of great amazement. Should not we be living in great amazement because of what Jesus did for us, that He is our King? 

He Knows

 DEVOTION

THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO MATTHEW

HE KNOWS

Matt 27:6-10

6 The chief priests picked up the coins and said, "It is against the law to put this into the treasury, since it is blood money." 7 So they decided to use the money to buy the potter's field as a burial place for foreigners. 8 That is why it has been called the Field of Blood to this day. 9 Then what was spoken by Jeremiah the prophet was fulfilled: "They took the thirty silver coins, the price set on him by the people of Israel, 10 and they used them to buy the potter's field, as the Lord commanded me."  

NIV

It is interesting there are the words of the prophets that spoke of these thirty pieces of silver and used them to buy a place where idol worship took place and the idols were buried in that field. However, the most interesting thing about these thirty pieces of silver is what the chief priests thought about them. First, it was their desire to spill the blood of Jesus. They were the ones who plotted with the teachers of the law and others of the Sanhedrin to have Jesus put to death. They are the ones who called in all sorts of false witnesses in an attempt to prove Jesus was worthy of death. They are the ones who determined the amount of thirty pieces of silver when Judas asked how much they were willing to pay for him to betray Jesus. They are the ones who took the money from the treasury and made it blood money. They are the ones with the murderous attitudes and now they want to appear pious and too righteous to put the money back into the treasury. It would seem doubtful they were aware of the words of the prophet about how the thirty pieces of silver were to be used. It would seem they were cherry-pickers of the scriptures, only paying attention to the ones which they could use for their selfish gains. We remember Jesus saying they were all like whitewashed tombs, all nice looking on the outside, but they were nothing but dead man’s bones on the inside. They were the highest order of hypocrites. Still, once again, we see how the Lord God Almighty is all-knowing and spoke of this before it was to happen. It is not that he caused them to decide on the amount of silver or that they would use it to buy this potter’s field. It is the same with our lives. He allows us to decide certain things, to make our plans, although he does order our footsteps, or he knows exactly what steps we will take. As the Lord knew what they would do, so he knows what we will do. Because of this, He opens the door before us, and He closes other doors so that we will take those steps which lead us to the right place at the right time so to do the right thing. There is an assurance that God is before us, behind us, and with us as we make this journey in the life he has given us. He knows. 

Grace is Available

 DEVOTION

THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO MATTHEW

GRACE IS AVAILABLE

Matt 27:3-5

3 When Judas, who had betrayed him, saw that Jesus was condemned, he was seized with remorse and returned the thirty silver coins to the chief priests and the elders. 4 "I have sinned," he said, "for I have betrayed innocent blood." "What is that to us?" they replied. "That's your responsibility." 5 So Judas threw the money into the temple and left. Then he went away and hanged himself.

NIV

Remorse is a terrible feeling. But it is the result of guilt over doing that which should not have been done. In the case of Judas, it was betraying Jesus for the sake of money. Surely Judas was there when Jesus said that you cannot serve two masters, God and money. It is a fact you will love the one and despise the other. We know Judas had a temptation with money, being the keeper of the purse and helping himself to some of the support money given for the ministry of Jesus. Now over thirty pieces of silver, Judas finds himself full of regret and wants to rid himself of this reward for betraying Jesus. It is had to say just how much that much silver was worth in those days, but most scholars are of the belief that one silver coin was about days wages. This would have meant one month of wages, which would have been enough to buy some land. But guilt overshadowed it all, and now Judas was told that it was all on him by those who paid for his giving Jesus over to them. He could not handle the guilt and threw the money away and went and took his own life. We are so blessed to not have that guilt and shame because we are under the grace of our Lord. Sure, we sin, and we repent. Well, maybe not repent, as that would be changing the way we think, and even though we seek forgiveness and receive it we still are going to fail again at some point and time. Repentance is that one-time change of thinking which brings us from living in sin to living in the grace of God. We change the way we think about God and about Jesus and we know that we can have his grace. Sure, we do not want to sin, we try not to sin, but the fact remains that as long as we are in this flesh, we are going to sin, somehow, sometime. But we do not need to feel the guilt and shame because as we confess that sin, God is faithful and forgives us our sin and cleanses us from all unrighteousness. We do not have to be so filled with remorse that we end our life, as Judas did. If only he could have sought out Jesus, even as he hung on that cross and asked for forgiveness, Jesus would have done it, and Jesus would have forgiven Judas, just as he asked the Father to forgive those who did not know what they were doing. When God's grace abounds. 

Hatred Kills

 DEVOTION

THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO MATTHEW

HATRED KILLS

Matt 27:1-2

27:1 Early in the morning, all the chief priests and the elders of the people came to the decision to put Jesus to death. 2 They bound him, led him away and handed him over to Pilate, the governor.

NIV

We have been in this scene with Jesus at the house of the high priest Caiaphas but Matthew took a pause to give us the picture of Peter denying Jesus those three times and then the rooster crowing and Peter realizing what he had done went out and wept bitterly. We are going to see another response next with Judas and how he reacted to his betrayal of Jesus, but for now, we are still in the house of Caiaphas. They had already brought all the false witnesses and asked Jesus directly whether he was the Son of God. When Jesus admitted that he was and told them what would happen to them because of his coming in the clouds and judging all men, they were so upset that spit in his face, slapped him, slugged him, and Caiaphas tore his clothes. Now they finally come to the full conviction of their hatred toward him and decided he must be put to death. How were they able to put God to death? Yes, Jesus is God, but he came in the flesh and therefore this fleshly form could die and must die for the forgiveness of our sins. How interesting how God used the hatred of men to accomplish his plan. He has done this before with the hardened hearted, hate-filled heart of Pharoah to demonstrate His power over every false god the Egyptians worshipped. It is also interesting the darkness of the heart of men causes hatred. We have thought before the reason the Jews, the chief priests, the elders, the teachers of the law, and the Pharisees hated Jesus so much was that he threatened their power over the people. Their hatred for Jesus was all about their own self-preservation. Is that not the same today, when we consider the hearts of men? Before, when we were all about ourselves and our desires, we did not want anything to do with Jesus, in essence, we hated the idea of God because we were so involved with preserving our "self". Yet, as the Spirit broke through that barrier, our “self” gave way and we accepted Jesus as our Lord and Savior. The hatred toward God was replaced with love. These Jews could not give way and their hatred was so intense they decided they had to put Jesus to death, but they could not do it themselves, so handed him over to the Romans. The lesson is without question, hatred kills, and love gives life.