Today’s Reading: Mark 16:19-20; Luke 24:44-53; Psalm 22

Then he said, “When I was with you before, I told you that everything written about me in the law of Moses and the prophets and in the Psalms must be fulfilled.” Then he opened their minds to understand the Scriptures. – Luke 24:44-45

As we begin today’s study of the word of God, let’s stop for a moment and thank the Lord for opening our minds to a deeper understanding of scripture. Let’s give Him praise in advance for generously providing us with wisdom and knowledge to help us on this journey of grace we are walking. Lord, open our minds and write on our hearts; align our desires with yours and guide our thoughts, we pray. Amen.

And he said, “Yes, it was written long ago that the Messiah would suffer and die and rise from the dead on the third day. It was also written that this message would be proclaimed in the authority of his name to all the nations, beginning in Jerusalem: ‘There is forgiveness of sins for all who repent.’ You are witnesses of all these things.

“And now I will send the Holy Spirit, just as my Father promised. But stay here in the city until the Holy Spirit comes and fills you with power from heaven.” – Luke 24:46-49

The message going out to all nations is that there is forgiveness for those who repent of their sins. That’s great news! In fact, that’s the good news of salvation. The prophets foretold the suffering and death of the Messiah, but it had a purpose. It was because of the sins of generation after generation that an ultimate sacrifice had to be made; it was for our redemption that Christ willingly became that sacrificial Lamb.

And there’s more! Jesus was about to ascend into heaven but he was leaving them with a gift — the presence of the Holy Spirit. Jesus told the disciples to wait, the Spirit was coming. And with the Holy Spirit’s presence would come power from heaven — power that would do a work in those who surrender their lives for the sake of bringing others to a saving knowledge of Christ.

When the Lord Jesus had finished talking with them, he was taken up into heaven and sat down in the place of honor at God’s right hand. And the disciples went everywhere and preached, and the Lord worked through them, confirming what they said by many miraculous signs. – Mark 16:19-20

Then Jesus led them to Bethany, and lifting his hands to heaven, he blessed them. While he was blessing them, he left them and was taken up to heaven. So they worshiped him and then returned to Jerusalem filled with great joy. And they spent all of their time in the Temple, praising God. – Luke 24:50-53

The disciples enjoyed their time with Jesus but, just as he had foretold, his time with them came to an end. They may not have felt ready, but he had been preparing them for this moment throughout his whole ministry. He told them over and over again that he would go away, and he laid out for them the importance of believing IN him in order to spend eternity WITH him.

YOU MUST BELIEVE

Once more Jesus said to them, “I am going away, and you will look for me, and you will die in your sin. Where I go, you cannot come…You are from below; I am from above. You are of this world; I am not of this world. I told you that you would die in your sins; if you do not believe that I am he, you will indeed die in your sins.” – John 8:21-24

“…But unless you repent, you too will all perish.” – Luke 13:5b

YOU MUST REPENT

Believing that Jesus is the Messiah is only the first step in finding salvation. Even the demons believe in God (James 2:19). Jesus made it clear that there needs to be a change in direction — that our faith needs to be reflected in our actions. Repent of your old way of life and follow Jesus into a new way. Repent — change direction; do a 180 degree turn. Stop the momentum of your bad decisions and head the other way.

What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save them? – James 2:14

And when an unbeliever comes to faith in God, repenting of their sins, there is much rejoicing in heaven. Jesus who is eternal, Jesus who had witnessed it firsthand, told his listeners that the angels of God celebrate when the prodigal returns home.

“I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.” – Luke 15:10b

YOU MUST BE READY

“Be dressed ready for service and keep your lamps burning, like servants waiting for their master to return from a wedding banquet, so that when he comes and knocks they can immediately open the door for him. It will be good for those servants whose master finds them watching when he comes. Truly I tell you, he will dress himself to serve, will have them recline at the table and will come and wait on them. It will be good for those servants whose master finds them ready, even if he comes in the middle of the night or toward daybreak. But understand this: If the owner of the house had known at what hour the thief was coming, he would not have let his house be broken into. You also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him.” – Luke 12:35-40

The peace experienced at the ascension of Jesus exists when we hold tight to the promise that He will come again. So believe He is who He said He is, repent of your sins so that your faith is evidenced by your deeds, and be ready for His return.

“From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked.” – Luke 12:48b

May 25, 2025 — Bread at the Table
Today’s Reading: Mark 16:12-13; Luke 24:13-35; John 20:30-31; Psalm 13

Jesus appeared to many people after his resurrection, including two men who were walking to a village outside of Jerusalem called Emmaus. As they walked, they discussed everything that had happened in Jerusalem. They described Jesus as a mighty teacher and a prophet who did powerful miracles. They processed again the reality that the religious leaders had handed Jesus over to be condemned, which led to his crucifixion. They were not sure what to think about the women in their group of followers who reported that they saw angels, and that those angels gave them the message that Jesus is alive (Luke 24:19-24).

THEY WERE ON THE VERGE OF MISSING THAT JESUS WAS WALKING ALONGSIDE THEM.

Jesus joined them in the conversation, but they were so caught up in their grief and dismay that they did not recognize him. He was intentionally showing up for them, but they did not see him; he chose to walk alongside them during a very difficult moment in their lives and they did not take note of his presence.

He said to them, “How foolish you are, and how slow to believe all that the prophets have spoken! Did not the Messiah have to suffer these things and then enter his glory?” And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself.

As they approached the village to which they were going, Jesus continued on as if he were going farther. But they urged him strongly, “Stay with us, for it is nearly evening; the day is almost over.” So he went in to stay with them.

When he was at the table with them, he took bread, gave thanks, broke it and began to give it to them. Then their eyes were opened and they recognized him, and he disappeared from their sight. They asked each other, “Were not our hearts burning within us while he talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us?” – Luke 24:25-32

I DO NOT WANT TO MISS A MOMENT OF THE PRESENCE OF JESUS IN MY LIFE.

I pray I do not become so distracted by my own worries and grief that I forget to turn my attention to the One who gave His life for me. I want to sit at the table with Jesus and recognize His presence as we break bread together. When Jesus shows up for me, I want to be paying attention.

The disciples saw Jesus do many other miraculous signs in addition to the ones recorded in this book. But these are written so that you may continue to believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing in him you will have life by the power of his name. – John 20:30-31

The miracles and conversations recorded in the gospels barely scratch the surface of all that those around Jesus would have experienced. Imagine the long conversations as they sat around an evening fire or walked from town to town. Consider how many miracles and healings the disciples would have witnessed in those three years; yet these stories were recorded for a specific purpose — so that we might believe and, by believing, experience eternal life.

I DO NOT WANT TO MISS THE GIFT OF ETERNAL LIFE BECAUSE I LACK THE FAITH TO BELIEVE.

I love the study of the gospels because I love the main character so much! I also love what comes next because Jesus continues on as the main character, even after He has ascended into Heaven. He continued to work THROUGH His disciples just as He continues to work THROUGH us today.

Dear friends, you always followed my instructions when I was with you. And now that I am away, it is even more important. Work hard to show the results of your salvation, obeying God with deep reverence and fear. For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him. – Philippians 2:12-13

Do you wonder what is ahead for you? Rest in His presence and enjoy some time with Him this morning. He will lead you and work through you according to His plan. Lean into Him today and trust Him with your tomorrows. Our Lord is good and His faithfulness continues from generation to generation.

If this path you are walking today feels lonely, please know that the Lord has not left your side. If your sorrow is heavy and uncertainty is weighing you down, tell Jesus how you are feeling. Talk with Him; walk with Him. Trust in His unfailing love, believe in His saving power, and rejoice in His faithfulness.

But I trust in your unfailing love.
I will rejoice because you have rescued me.
I will sing to the Lord because He is good to me. – Psalm 13:5-6

Today’s Reading: John 21:1-14

John tells one more story — the story of the morning Jesus made breakfast on the beach for some of his closest friends. On this day no one questioned who He was or what He was doing; they simply rested in the knowledge that he was the Lord and that he was alive. They had no idea what this next chapter of their lives would look like, but they were willing to do whatever Jesus wanted them to do.

WHAT SHOULD I DO NEXT?

Later, Jesus appeared again to the disciples beside the Sea of Galilee. This is how it happened. Several of the disciples were there — Simon Peter, Thomas (nicknamed the Twin), Nathanael from Cana in Galilee, the sons of Zebedee, and the two other disciples.

Simon Peter said, “I’m going fishing.”

“We’ll come, too,” they all said. So they went out in the boat, but they caught nothing all night. – John 21:1-3

I imagine the disciples did not know what to do with themselves. Jesus had already appeared to them twice since His resurrection but He was not with them at the time. I imagine they were kind of sitting around in silence, unsure of what to do next. Perhaps out of the awkward silence, Simon Peter stood up and declared, “I’m going fishing.” It was what they knew, what they had done before they followed Jesus, and what they returned to for comfort when they were unsure of what life held for them next. It must have sounded like a good idea to the whole group because they quickly joined in and followed Peter to the boat.

BUT SOMETIMES OUR NORMAL FEELS UNFAMILIAR.

Something was different this time. The men who knew fishing because they were fishermen were unable to catch any fish. What was going on? Why were the fish not biting on this beautiful early morning? The life that had previously been marked with familiarity and comfort now brought no results, because it was no longer their life.

At dawn Jesus was standing on the beach, but the disciples couldn’t see who he was. He called out, “Fellows, caught any fish?”

“No,” they replied.

Then he said, “Throw out your net on the right-hand side of the boat, and you’ll get some!” So they did, and they couldn’t haul in the net because there were so many fish in it.

Then the disciple Jesus loved said to Peter, “It’s the Lord!” When Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he put on his tunic (for he had stripped for work), jumped into the water, and headed to shore. The others stayed with the boat and pulled the loaded net to the shore, for they were only about a hundred yards from shore. When they got there, they found breakfast waiting for them – fish cooking over a charcoal fire, and some bread.

“Bring some of the fish you’ve just caught,” Jesus said. So Simon Peter went aboard and dragged the net to the shore. There were 153 large fish, and yet the net hadn’t torn.

“Now come and have some breakfast!” Jesus said. None of the disciples dared to ask him, “Who are you?” They knew it was the Lord. Then Jesus served them the bread and the fish. This was the third time Jesus appeared to his disciples since he had been raised from the dead. – John 21:4-14

I connect with this story because I love my morning time with Jesus. He does not make me a delicious breakfast of fish and bread, but He does feed me. He faithfully shows up in my life when I am wondering what is next. I ask myself — What does my day hold and what does God want me to do today? And when circumstances in my life are leaving me uncomfortable and I miss the familiarity of what I know, I do what I know to do — I trust in my Jesus to nourish and provide for me.

JESUS CAN HAVE MY “NEXT” BECAUSE I TRUST HIM.

Is there a situation or decision in your life that you need to bring to breakfast and give to the Lord this morning? Allow Him to fill you with His Spirit and rest in His presence before you start your day.

Today’s Reading: Luke 24:36-43; John 20:19-29

On the evening of that first day of the week, when the disciples were together, with the doors locked for fear of the Jewish leaders, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!” After he said this, he showed them his hands and side. The disciples were overjoyed when they saw the Lord.

Again Jesus said, “Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.” And with that he breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive anyone’s sins, their sins are forgiven; if you do not forgive them, they are not forgiven.” – John 20:19-23

Thomas was not with the other disciples when Jesus appeared to them. If he had been there, he would have seen Jesus for himself. But Thomas was not in the room. His absence caused him to miss out on an opportunity to experience the risen Savior.

The disciples told Thomas what Jesus had said and what they had seen, but Thomas struggled to believe. He needed to see Jesus for himself — to see the nail marks in his hands and to touch the wounds where Jesus had been pierced. Thomas, still deep in his grief, needed proof in order to let go of his doubt and allow himself to believe that Jesus was alive.

Jesus appeared to Thomas, showing Him his wounds and calling him to believe. And because Thomas had not heard him say it to the other disciples, he took the time to say it again to this doubting disciple — “Peace be with you.”

Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here, and look at my hands. Put your hand into the wound in my side. Don’t be faithless any longer. Believe!”

Thomas said to him, “My Lord and my God!”

Then Jesus told him, “Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.” – John 20:26b-29

ARE YOU LOOKING FOR JESUS TODAY?

There are many who were raised in the church yet still struggle to believe in Jesus and His Sovereignty. Today, I ask them and I ask you the same question Jesus asked Mary and the question I challenge myself with today, “Who are you looking for?”

Jesus is ready and willing to reveal Himself to us today but we will miss it if we do not expect it – if we live today without expectation that Jesus will personally reach out to us. Things will happen and we will call them coincidences. God’s blessings will pour out on our life and we will call ourselves “lucky”. Evidence of Jesus will be all around us and we will say, “I wish God would show Himself to me.” I don’t want to miss out on seeing God today.

We have been studying the gospels for five months now — accounts of Jesus’ life that were written so that we can believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God. It is in believing that he is who he says he is that we fully experience life in his name. Jesus’ call to Thomas to believe brings me back to one of the first verses I ever memorized and a verse we looked at towards the beginning of the book of John. It’s familiar to all of us and probably the most well-known verse in the Bible.

“For God loved the world so much that he gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.” – John 3:16

WHO ARE YOU LOOKING FOR TODAY?

Will you join me in walking into our day with confidence that Jesus will reveal himself? Will you believe that Jesus is alive and actively involved in your life? And then, when we do experience Jesus today, let’s follow the same instructions He gave Mary and pass on the message to others – “I have seen the Lord!”

Today’s Reading: Matthew 27:11-66, 28:1-15

As evening approached, there came a rich man from Arimathea, named Joseph, who had himself become a disciple of Jesus. Going to Pilate, he asked for Jesus’ body, and Pilate ordered that it be given to him. Joseph took the body, wrapped it in a clean linen cloth, 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. Mary Magdalene and the other Mary were sitting there opposite the tomb. – Matthew 27:57-61

These were the witnesses to the burial of Jesus. They knew that he was dead, they knew the body had been wrapped in a clean linen cloth, and they knew the tomb had been secured with a big stone. They went home from there because they knew the Sabbath was coming. They would have to come back on Sunday morning to finish preparing the body.

The women who had come with Jesus from Galilee followed Joseph and saw the tomb and how his body was laid in it. Then they went home and prepared spices and perfumes. But they rested on the Sabbath in obedience to the commandment. – Luke 24:25-27

In the meantime, the religious leaders were still uneasy. They had plotted to kill Jesus, paid Judas to reveal a private place where Jesus could be found, and brought the temple guard along with them to Gethsemane with the intent to arrest Jesus. They brought him to Caiphas, the high priest, to be questioned. They interrogated him, spit in his face, struck him with their fists, and slapped him. They schemed together and came up with a plan to have Jesus executed. They bound him with ropes and led him away to Pilate.

As Jesus stood before Pilate, the religious leaders threw their accusations at him. They manipulated the crown to demand the release of Barabbas, instead of Jesus. They joined in shouting for Jesus to be crucified. But it does not end there.

These men appointed to lead God’s people in the Temple worship and in the study of the Holy Scriptures were present when they nailed Jesus to the cross. They demanded that Pilate change the sign above Jesus’ head (John 19:21). As the afternoon progressed, they asked Pilate to have the soldiers break the legs of all those who had been crucified so that the bodies could be taken down before the Sabbath (John 19:31). They could not stick around much longer and they wanted to be sure that Jesus was dead before they left.

At noon, darkness came over the whole land until three in the afternoon…The curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. And when the centurion, who stood there in front of Jesus, saw how he died, he said, “Surely this man was the Son of God!” – Mark 15:33,38-39

The evidence was all around them. The sky was declaring its sorrow, the veil in the Temple was torn, and even a Roman soldier was declaring that Jesus was, in fact, the Son of God! When the religious leaders should have been falling on their knees and tearing their garments in sorrow, they were instead covering their tracks.

The next day, the one after Preparation Day, the chief priests and the Pharisees went to Pilate. “Sir,” they said, “we remember that while he was still alive that deceiver said, ‘After three days I will rise again.’ 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.”

“Take a guard,” Pilate answered. “Go, make the tomb as secure as you know how.” So they went and made the tomb secure by putting a seal on the stone and posting the guard. – Matthew 27:62-66

Just as they went to the Garden of Gethsemane looking for Jesus, the religious leaders went to Pilate to make sure that Jesus’ body could be found in the tomb. They had connived and schemed to make sure that Jesus was dead, and they needed to make sure he stayed buried.

But despite their efforts, the seal was broken. The stone was rolled away. The Roman guards could not prevent Jesus from walking out of the tomb, because even death could not hold Jesus and the grave could not contain him. They were looking for Jesus in this place of death but he had already risen. Jesus was alive!

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. When the chief priests had met with the elders and devised a plan, they gave the soldiers a large sum of money, telling them, “You are to say, ‘His disciples came during the night and stole him away while we were asleep.’ If this report gets to the governor, we will satisfy him and keep you out of trouble.” 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. – Matthew 28:11-15

Lord, we praise you for being greater than man’s best laid plans; we give you the glory for conquering death and rising from the grave. You are worthy of our praise, and we bow before you this morning with grateful hearts. While the religious leaders were looking for you because they had plans to destroy you, we seek you with our whole hearts for the purpose of worshipping you. Thank you for being found — after your resurrection, on the day of our salvation, and every day since. You are our Savior and our Lord, and we lift our hands to worship you this morning. Amen.

Today’s Reading: Mark 14:66-72, 16:14; Luke 22:54b-62, 24:12; John 18:12-27, 20:3-10, and 21:15-25

It was Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Mary the mother of James, and several other women who told the apostles what had happened. But the story sounded like nonsense to the men, so they didn’t believe it. However, Peter jumped up and ran to the tomb to look. Stooping, he peered in and saw the empty linen wrappings; then he went home again, wondering what had happened. – Luke 24:10-12

HE WAS LOOKING FOR JESUS

What was going through Peter’s mind as he stood inside the empty tomb? Was he reminded of his denial as he walked away in bewilderment? He had come looking for his friend but Jesus was nowhere to be found. There was so much he wanted to say — so much he wanted to apologize for. Perhaps his mind went back to the broken promises he had made to Jesus.

Simon Peter asked, “Lord, where are you going?”
And Jesus replied, “You can’t go with me now, but you will follow me later.”
“But why can’t I come now, Lord?” he asked. “I’m ready to die for you.”
Jesus answered, “Die for me? I tell you the truth, Peter – before the rooster crows tomorrow, you will deny three times that you even know me.” – John 13:36-38

And that is exactly what happened. While Jesus was being questioned in front of the high priest, Peter was in the courtyard being asked if he was one of Jesus’ disciples. “No,” he said, “I am not” (John 18:17b). As Simon Peter stood by the fire to warm himself, he was asked again if he was a disciple of Jesus. He denied it again but someone there recognized him from the olive grove where Jesus was arrested. Again Peter denied it and immediately a rooster crowed (John 18:25-27).

Can you relate to how Peter must have been feeling at this moment? I have some memories I regret — moments when I should have responded differently or spoken up for Jesus. I have missed opportunities to represent Jesus in a situation. I know the feeling of guilt when the Holy Spirit tugs on my heart to do something and I freeze, the moment lost forever. I know all too well the feeling of realizing I have sinned and I need Jesus’ forgiveness, even though I do not deserve it. Because Peter was an emotional and passionate man, I imagine he experienced all of this to a higher degree than I can comprehend.

HE NEEDED TO TALK TO JESUS.

After Jesus’ resurrection from the dead, he appeared to his disciples and said the words that must have been like salve on Peter’s wounds, “Peace be with you” (John 20:19). Yes, peace was exactly what Peter had been without for three days and exactly what he needed from Jesus.

Then he breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive anyone’s sins, they are forgiven. If you do not forgive them, they are not forgiven.” – John 20:22

Peter had experienced the privilege of watching almost every moment of Jesus’ ministry – the healings, the sermons, sins forgiven, the false accusations – and yet he denied Jesus on that dreadful Friday afternoon when His Savior needed him the most. And now Jesus was giving the man who needed forgiveness the ability to forgive. Did Peter feel unworthy of this gift? Was this conversation with Jesus in response to Peter’s need for restoration?

Jesus asked Peter three questions and allowed him to individually answer each of the three questions. He gave Peter the opportunity to state his commitment to Christ three times, just as he had denied Jesus three times.

After breakfast Jesus asked Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?”
“Yes, Lord,” Peter replied, “you know I love you.”
“Then feed my lambs,” Jesus told him.
Jesus repeated the question: “Simon son of John, do you love me?”
“Yes, Lord,” Peter said, “you know I love you.”
“Then take care of my sheep,” Jesus said.
A third time he asked him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?”
Peter was hurt that Jesus asked the question a third time. He said, “Lord, you know everything. You know that I love you.”
Jesus said, “Then feed my sheep.” – John 21:15-17

HIS FEAR WAS REPLACED WITH BOLDNESS.
HIS SHAME WAS REPLACED WITH PEACE.
HIS DENIAL WAS REPLACED WITH COMMITMENT.

Lord, you know everything — every moment we regret, every sinful decision we have made. Knowing all, you still choose to forgive us. And because you are a gracious and kind God, you give us opportunities to replace our denial with a declaration of my faith.

Lord, we respond to your call — feed my lambs, take care of my sheep, feed my sheep. Although each of us have a different call on our lives, all of us are called to care for others in some way. Jesus, help us move beyond the feelings of unworthiness produced by our guilt and shame. Give us the boldness to proclaim our love for you and faithfully commit to your call on our life — to feed your sheep! Amen.

Today’s Reading: John 19:25-27

Standing near the cross were Jesus’ mother, and his mother’s sister, Mary (the wife of Clopas), and Mary Magdalene. – John 19:25

Luke tells us that there was a small group of women who often followed Jesus from town to town along with the disciples. Each had their own personal story of how Jesus had healed them of disease or freed them from the evil spirits that were controlling their lives. They were so thankful for what Jesus had done in their lives that they gave sacrificially in order to help support the ministry of Jesus. Among these women were Mary Magdalene, Joanna the wife of the manager of Herod’s household, and Susanna (Luke 8:1-3).

At the foot of the cross, we again see a small group of women who faithfully stayed by Jesus’ side, even in his death. While others were running in fear, these women were ministering to the needs of Jesus’ mother as she watched her son suffer. Again we see Mary Magdalene, along with Jesus’ aunt and Mary the wife of Clopas.

When Jesus saw his mother standing there beside the disciple he loved, he said to her, “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. – John 19:26-27

WHAT KIND OF LOVE IS THIS THAT HE WOULD TAKE CARE OF HIS MOTHER FROM THE CROSS?

I cannot imagine the deep sorrow Mary was experiencing as she sat at the foot of the cross, but I do know the love of a mother for her child. Studies show that there is no grief as intense as the loss of a child; not even the loss of a spouse surpasses the sorrow of losing a son or daughter.

When the angel Gabriel had appeared to Mary to let her know she would conceive and give birth to a son, Mary had no idea the joy this baby boy would bring her. She did not know what it would be like to watch him grow and hunger for the study of scripture. I imagine she was a proud parent as she listened to him teach and watched him heal those who were brought to him. As a mother, I imagine she also worried when she saw how the religious leaders challenged him and tried to trap him with their questions.

THE LORD IS WITH YOU!

The angel had said, “Greetings, favored woman! The Lord is with you!” (Luke 1:28). Mary had found favor with God! What must that have felt like to be the one chosen to be the mother of God’s son. Perhaps the memory of that day played through her mind as she watched the son she loved dying on the cross.

Confused and disturbed, Mary tried to think what the angel could mean. “Don’t be afraid, Mary,” the angel told her, “for you have found favor with God! You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you will name him Jesus. He will be very great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his ancestor David. And he will reign over Israel forever; his Kingdom will never end!” – Luke 1:29-33

Confused and disturbed — these are adjectives that could probably be used to describe Mary as she watched Jesus’ crucifixion. The angel had said he would be very great, and he was! The angel said he would reign forever, so why was he dying? Did Mary understand that his death did not mean that his Kingdom was coming to end? Perhaps she remembered back to the words of Simeon on the day she and Joseph had presented their baby to the Lord, as the law required. The Holy Spirit was on Simeon that day as he held Jesus in his arms and celebrated the coming of the Messiah.

Then Simeon blessed them, and he said to Mary, the baby’s mother, “This child is destined to cause many in Israel to fall, and many others to rise. He has been sent as a sign from God, but many will oppose him. As a result, the deepest thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your very soul.” – Luke 2:34-35

BUT HOW CAN THIS HAPPEN?

This question Mary asked the angel when he prophesied the birth of Jesus seems to fit well in today’s passage. Scripture does not tell us what Mary was saying as she grieved at the foot of the cross; we do not know what she was thinking or the questions she was asking. But Mary knew God to be faithful. The angel had told Mary that the word of God will never fail, and I imagine she was holding onto those words as she experienced the deepest grief she had ever known.

Mary responded, “I am the Lord’s servant. May everything you have said about me come true.” And then the angel left her. – Luke 1:38

When Mary accepted God’s plan for her life, she accepted everything that would come with it. Her pregnancy before the engagement was over would be talked about; her character would be questioned. But Mary took each moment in Jesus’ life and pondered them in her heart, thinking about them often (Luke 2:19).

Jesus had brought great joy into her life, and the world had brought great sorrow. This same dichotomy is felt by us today. But when we receive Jesus as our Savior, we accept everything that God has planned for us, while acknowledging the reality that we are in the world but not of it. So as we soak in the remembrance of what Jesus did for us on that Friday long ago, let us take this time to recommit our hearts to the highs and lows of this spiritual journey.

The Lord is with us! The word of God will never fail, and his Kingdom will never end!

Today’s Reading: Mark 15:22-32, Luke 23:26-43, John 19:17-22

So they took Jesus away. Carrying the cross by himself, he went to the place called Place of the Skull (in Hebrew, Golgotha). – John 19:16b-17

WHAT KIND OF LOVE IS THIS THAT HE WOULD WALK THIS ROAD?

After the beating he had received, it is hard to fathom that he would even have the strength to bear the weight of the cross. Imagine the pain of the wood against the open sores on his back; imagine the pain of the thorns digging deeper into his head. This walk to Golgotha would have been physically painful, but also spiritually heavy as he carried not only his cross but mine.

WHAT KIND OF LOVE IS THIS THAT HE WOULD CARRY MY CROSS?

They led Jesus away, walking up a road leading to the place called Golgotha. At one point, the soldiers either had some compassion for Jesus or they became impatient with how long it was taking our wounded Lord to carry the cross. They seized a man named Simon who was walking by, and they made him carry the cross behind Jesus. A large crowd followed, including many grief-stricken women. Even in that awful moment, Jesus had compassion on the broken-hearted following this procession.

WHAT KIND OF LOVE IS THIS THAT HE WOULD CARE FOR THOSE WHO MOURN?

But Jesus turned and said to them, “Daughters of Jerusalem, don’t weep for me, but weep for yourselves and for your children. For the days are coming when they will say, ‘Fortunate indeed are the women who are childless, the wombs that have not borne a child and the breasts that have never nursed.’ People will beg the mountains, ‘Fall on us,’ and plead with the hills, ‘Bury us.’ For if these things are done when the tree is green, what will happen when it is dry?” – Luke 23:28-31

If this could take place while the Messiah himself was in their presence — the promised Messiah the Jews had been waiting for generation after generation — what kind of evil would take place after Jesus was gone? This prophecy of what was to come had a tone of concern. Jesus loved the people he was about to leave behind; he loved those he had done life with over the last three years.

And they brought Jesus to a place called Golgotha (which means “Place of the Skull”). They offered him wine drugged with myrrh, but he refused it.

Then the soldiers nailed him to the cross. They divided his clothes and threw dice to decide who would get each piece…

The people passing by shouted abuse, shaking their heads in mockery. “Ha! Look at you now!” they yelled at him. “You said you were going to destroy the Temple and rebuild it in three days. Well then, save yourself and come down from the cross!” – Mark 15:22-30

Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they don’t know what they are doing.” – Luke 23:34

WHAT KIND OF LOVE IS THIS THAT HE WOULD FORGIVE?

The crowd watched and the leaders scoffed. “He saved others,” they said, “let him save himself if he is really God’s Messiah, the Chosen One.” The soldiers mocked him, too, by offering him a drink of sour wine. – Luke 23:35-36

One of the criminals hanging beside him scoffed, “So you’re the Messiah, are you? Prove it by saving yourself—and us, too, while you’re at it!”

But the other criminal protested, “Don’t you fear God even when you have been sentenced to die? We deserve to die for our crimes, but this man hasn’t done anything wrong.” Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your Kingdom.”

And Jesus replied, “I assure you, today you will be with me in paradise.” – Luke 23:39-43

Again, the compassion of Jesus is on display. Even while he was suffering, he was thinking of the purpose for which he was dying – salvation. The same Jesus who took the time to heal a blind man and then tell him to go and sin no more was now redeeming the life of the criminal beside him. This reveals to us the heart of our Savior; this shows us just how much he loves us. It shows us that he is willing to redeem even that part of our story we are most ashamed of.

Father God, thank you for sending your Son to die for our sins. Jesus, thank you for all you suffered in order that we may experience salvation. Spirit, remind us throughout this week of the LOVE we are so blessed to experience each day. Guide us, teach us, lead us, fill us. Amen.

Today’s Reading: Mark 15:16-20, John 19:23-24

So Pilate sentenced Jesus to die as they demanded. As they had requested, he released Barabbas, the man in prison for insurrection and murder. But he turned Jesus over to them to do as they wished. – Luke 23:24-25

Today’s verses are very difficult to read. I often find myself skimming over them and moving on to the road to Golgotha, but today I am going to sit here and consider how Jesus suffered for me — how he suffered for you. Each of the gospels tells the story a little differently, but each shows the suffering Jesus endured in order to offer us the joy of salvation.

The soldiers took Jesus into the courtyard of the governor’s headquarters (called the Praetorium) and called out the entire regiment. They dressed him in a purple robe, and they wove thorn branches into a crown and put it on his head. Then they saluted him and taunted, “Hail! King of the Jews!” And they struck him on the head with a reed stick, spit on him, and dropped to their knees in mock worship. When they were finally tired of mocking him, they took off the purple robe and put his own clothes on him again. Then they led him away to be crucified. – Mark 15:16-20

WHAT KIND OF LOVE IS THIS THAT HE WOULD FACE HUMILIATION?

He was innocent, yet they treated him as if he was guilty. He was sinless, yet willing to carry our sins. He had so much more to offer the world than they were willing to receive, yet he gave of himself in order that they could experience eternal life.

When the soldiers had crucified Jesus, they divided his clothes among the four of them. They also took his robe, but it was seamless, woven in one piece from top to bottom. So they said, “Rather than tearing it apart, let’s throw dice for it.” This fulfilled the Scripture that says, “They divided my garments among themselves and threw dice for my clothing.” So that is what they did. – John 19:23-24

WHAT KIND OF LOVE IS THIS THAT HE WOULD SUFFER AND DIE?

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. – Matthew 27:27-31

Through all of the humiliation and torture, Jesus spoke of forgiveness. He did not just die for the sins of the masses, he died for those who were inflicting pain. He died for those who demanded his crucifixion, and he forgave those who mocked him. If he can forgive those who tortured him, imagine how willing he is to forgive you.

Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they don’t know what they are doing.” – Luke 23:34

These few portions of scripture are difficult to read. It is hard to read about the pain Jesus suffered for us. It is hard to comprehend that a holy God could love a sinful people enough to send His very own son to be mocked, tortured and crucified. It is often more than we can fathom or wrap our minds around. But we must understand that Jesus died for us so that we can receive all that He has for us. We cannot celebrate his resurrection without acknowledging his crucifixion.

This is a trustworthy saying:
If we die with him,
we will also live with him.
If we endure hardship,
we will reign with him.
If we deny him,
he will deny us.
If we are unfaithful,
he remains faithful,
for he cannot deny who he is. – 2 Timothy 2:11-13

Jesus, thank you so much for receiving all the punishment that we deserved. Thank you for willingly dying as a penalty for our sins. As we consider how you suffered, it makes it a little easier for us to bear what we are going through today. Lord, we long for the day when we will see you face to face. May you be glorified through our lives every day. We love you. Amen.

Dear friends, don’t be surprised at the fiery trials you are going through, as if something strange were happening to you. Instead, be very glad—for these trials make you partners with Christ in his suffering, so that you will have the wonderful joy of seeing his glory when it is revealed to all the world. – 1 Peter 4:12-13

Today’s Reading: Mark 15:12-15,Luke 23:20-25, John 19:1-16; 1 Samuel 8:10-21 and 10:17-27

Then Pilate had Jesus flogged with a lead-tipped whip. The soldiers wove a crown of thorns and put it on his head, and they put a purple robe on him. “Hail! King of the Jews!” they mocked, as they slapped him across the face.

Pilate went outside again and said to the people, “I am going to bring him out to you now, but understand clearly that I find him not guilty.” Then Jesus came out wearing the crown of thorns and the purple robe. And Pilate said, “Look, here is the man!” – John 19:1-5

NOT GUILTY

Pilate had talked with Jesus and could honestly say he found no reason to crucify him. He argued with the Jewish leaders but the crowd kept yelling for Jesus to be crucified. He went back inside and talked to Jesus again. John 19:8 says that Pilate was frightened by the response of the crowd, and Luke 23:20 says that Pilate wanted to release Jesus. He seemed to be looking for a way out of this situation.

“Why don’t you talk to me?” Pilate demanded. “Don’t you realize that I have the power to release you or crucify you?”
Then Jesus said, “You would have no power over me at all unless it were given to you from above. So the one who handed me over to you has the greater sin.”
Then Pilate tried to release him, but the Jewish leaders shouted, “If you release this man, you are no ‘friend of Caesar.’ Anyone who declares himself a king is a rebel against Caesar.” – John 19:10-12

Jesus was giving his life in order to bear the penalty of sin, and yet the people continued to deny him and cry out for his death. He was the Son of God and he was the King of Kings, but he was rejected by those he had come to save. He had healed them when they were sick, delivered them from their bondage, and fed the multitudes, and yet there would be no justice for him. Jesus, who was the truth, was not given the protection of the truth. Jesus, who was without sin, was accused and condemned in order to become the atonement for our sins.

For the third time he demanded, “Why? What crime has he committed? I have found no reason to sentence him to death. So I will have him flogged, and then I will release him.”
But the mob shouted louder and louder, demanding that Jesus be crucified, and their voices prevailed. So Pilate sentenced Jesus to die as they demanded. As they had requested, he released Barabbas, the man in prison for insurrection and murder. But he turned Jesus over to them to do as they wished. – Luke 23:22-25

Unjustly condemned, he was led away. – Isaiah 53:8a

But Pilate seemed to know who he was handing over to be crucified. It didn’t matter to him that the people and the Jewish leaders were rejecting Jesus, he knew who Jesus was and he was determined to make it known. As was the custom, he had a sign made to hang over each man being crucified. Over Jesus the sign read, “Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews.” The soldiers mocked Jesus, placing a crown of thorns on his head and purple robe on his back – “Hail! King of the Jews!”

Once more the leading priests, men appointed by God to lead His people in sacrificial worship, led the people in their rejection of the promised Messiah saying, “Change it from ‘The King of the Jews’ to ‘He said, I am the King of the Jews.’” Pilate stubbornly refused, “No, what I have written, I have written” (John 19:19-22).

God’s people stubbornly refused to acknowledge His Son as their King at the same time that Pilate stubbornly refused to acknowledge Him as anything but the King of the Jews. Just as they rejected God as their King, demanding an earthly king instead, they were now rejecting His Son, the Messiah.

“Give us a king to judge us like all the other nations have.”
Samuel was displeased with their request and went to the Lord for guidance. “Do everything they say to you,” the Lord replied, “for it is me they are rejecting, not you. They don’t want me to be their king any longer.” – 1 Samuel 8:5-7

Later Samuel called all the people of Israel to meet before the Lord at Mizpah. And he said, “This is what the Lord, the God of Israel, has declared: I brought you from Egypt and rescued you from the Egyptians and from all the nations that were oppressing you. But though I have rescued you from your misery and distress, you have rejected your God today and have said, ‘No, we want a king instead!’” – 1 Samuel 10:17-19a

LORD WITH A CAPITAL L

According to Webster, a synonym for “king” is “lord” — one having power or authority over others (https://www.merriam-webster.com). Again, when capitalized, the word “Lord” means God or Christ. So, I have to ask myself today — how good of a job am I doing capitalizing God in my life? I can say God is King of my life but am I truly letting go of control and letting him rule my life? If I am going to claim Jesus as Lord of my life, his power and authority must be evidenced in the decisions I make, the words I say, and the impact of my life.

As we study the passion and resurrection of Christ this week, may God do something new in each of our hearts. May our understanding increase, and may we be brought closer in our relationship with our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. He gets to be in charge, He is the authority, and this morning we bow in reverence to His majesty.