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

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.

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 of Him, 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 again — 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 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.

Today’s Reading: Mark 15:1-11, Luke 23:1-19, John 18:28-40

WHO IS THE KING?

According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, a king is a “male monarch of a major territorial unit, especially one whose position is hereditary and who rules for life; or a paramount chief” (https://www.merriam-webster.com). If the word king is capitalized, it is by definition God or Christ. This dictionary actually offers 7 different definitions including the playing card, the chess piece, the crowned checker, or a kind of salmon.

Defining who had the title King of the Jews was the argument surrounding the trial of Jesus Christ. Pilate asked Jesus if he was King of the Jews, and Jesus answered him with confidence.

“My Kingdom is not an earthly kingdom. If it were, my followers would fight to keep me from being handed over to the Jewish leaders. But my Kingdom is not of this world.”
Pilate said, “So, you are a king?”
Jesus responded, “You say I am king. Actually, I was born and came into the world to testify to the truth. All who love the truth recognize that what I say is true.”
“What is truth?” Pilate asked. – John 18:36-38a

WHAT IS TRUTH?

What a profound question for Pilate to ask. It seems to reveal the inner struggle of this Roman leader. He had power and authority; he was surrounded by servants and soldiers. Yet Pilate seemed to know he had not found the answer to the question — What is truth?

When he found out that Jesus was a Galilean, he seemed relieved to pass Jesus on to Herod Antipas. After all, Herod was in Jerusalem at the time. Let him solve the question of whether or not Jesus was the King of the Jews.

Herod was more than happy for the opportunity to meet this Jesus he had heard so much about. It had been his hope for a while to see Jesus perform a miracle. Rather than seeing Jesus as the truth, Herod saw him as a source of entertainment. But when he couldn’t get Jesus to perform for him and play his game, he lost his patience and found a new way to have some fun.

He asked Jesus question after question, but Jesus refused to answer. Meanwhile, the leading priests and the teachers of religious law stood there shouting their accusations. Then Herod and his soldiers began mocking and ridiculing Jesus. Finally, they put a royal robe on him and sent him back to Pilate. (Herod and Pilate, who had been enemies before, became friends that day.) – Luke 23:9-12

These two earthly leaders showed no respect for the true King. They took the authority and power that men had given them and used it against the only one who had the right to sit on a throne. Jesus did not resist or argue, because he had already decided he was willing to pay the penalty for our sins.

He was oppressed and treated harshly,
yet he never said a word.
He was led like a lamb to the slaughter.
And as a sheep is silent before the shearers,
he did not open his mouth. – Isaiah 53:7

This morning I asked myself the same question Pilate asked — What is truth? If I am being honest with myself, have I capitalized Jesus in my life? I can say Jesus is the King of my life, but do my actions reflect my submission. Am I truly letting go of control and allowing King Jesus to be in charge? I can claim Him as Lord of my life, but is His power or authority evidenced in the decisions I will make today?

I want God’s Kingship to be evidenced not only in my words but in my actions. I want to look back and see where He has brought me from and from what He has rescued me. He gets to be in charge, He gets all the authority, and it is to Him that I bow in reverence this morning as I enjoy my morning coffee with my King and my Lord!

Then Pilate called together the leading priests and other religious leaders, along with the people, and he announced his verdict. “You brought this man to me, accusing him of leading a revolt. I have examined him thoroughly on this point in your presence and find him innocent. Herod came to the same conclusion and sent him back to us. Nothing this man has done calls for the death penalty. So I will have him flogged, and then I will release him.”

Then a mighty roar rose from the crowd, and with one voice they shouted, “Kill him, and release Barabbas to us!” – Luke 23:13-18

Today’s Reading: Mark 14:66-72, Luke 22:54-65, John 18:15-18,25-27

While Jesus was being questioned at the home of Caiphas, the high priest, Peter had slipped into the courtyard unnoticed. While the other disciples had kept running, Peter had paused and then followed the soldiers at a safe distance. As the night went on, Peter moved closer to the action.

The guards lit a fire in the middle of the courtyard and sat around it, and Peter joined them there. A servant girl noticed him in the firelight and began staring at him. Finally she said, “This man was one of Jesus’ followers!”
But Peter denied it. “Woman,” he said, “I don’t even know him!” – Luke 22:55-57

Peter was the only disciple brave enough to be here, and yet the limitations of his courage were now evident. Perhaps he denied being one of Jesus’ followers out of fear that they would make him leave, or perhaps he was afraid he, too, would be arrested. Either way, when the moment came for Peter to stand for Jesus, he cowered in denial.

After a while someone else looked at him and said, “You must be one of them!”
“No, man, I’m not!” Peter retorted. – Luke 22:58

Perhaps Peter’s first response came from a place of fear, but this one seems to come from a place of anger. Peter sharply and angrily responded to the accusation. Leave me alone; turn your attention to someone else. I am not who you think I am!

About an hour later someone else insisted, “This must be one of them, because he is a Galilean, too.”
But Peter said, “Man, I don’t know what you are talking about.” And immediately, while he was still speaking, the rooster crowed. – Luke 22:59-60

The sound of the rooster crowing must have struck a heavy chord with Peter. He turned his attention from those around the fire, and he looked towards where they were questioning Jesus.

At that moment the Lord turned and looked at Peter. Suddenly, the Lord’s words flashed through Peter’s mind: “Before the rooster crows tomorrow morning, you will deny three times that you even know me.” And Peter left the courtyard, weeping bitterly. – Luke 22:61-62

When I consider this moment in Peter’s life, I wonder what I would have done. Instead of finding myself shocked and irritated by Peter’s denial, I find myself understanding. I would love to believe that I would have courageously stood in confidence of who I am and what my relationship with Jesus means to me, but I know from experience that fear is a powerful emotion.

We have all felt that fight or flight response when faced with a potentially harmful situation. We have all had moments of regret that we did not stand boldly for Christ while those around us mocked Christianity. We live in a world that does not understand our faith. The tolerance for religion is weakening, and it is important for us to make a decision today about how we will respond tomorrow.

The guards in charge of Jesus began mocking and beating him. They blindfolded him and said, “Prophesy to us! Who hit you that time?” And they hurled all sorts of terrible insults at him. – Luke 22:63-65

Jesus could have called down angels to protect him in this moment, but he willingly received every cruel statement and physical blow. He felt the pain of each insult, and I believe he felt the pain of Peter’s denial. Everyone whom he had invested in for the last three years was now gone. He stood there and received the world’s hatred, bearing the penalty for all of our sins — for the betrayal of Jesus, for the denial of Peter, and for each and every one of my sins.

He was despised and rejected by mankind,
a man of suffering, and familiar with pain.
Like one from whom people hide their faces
he was despised, and we held him in low esteem.

Surely he took up our pain
and bore our suffering,
yet we considered him punished by God,
stricken by him, and afflicted.

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

We all, like sheep, have gone astray,
each of us has turned to our own way;
and the Lord has laid on him
the iniquity of us all. – Isaiah 53:3-6

Today’s Reading: Mark 14:53-65, Luke 22:66-71, John 18:12-14,19-24

ARRESTED

They took Jesus first to Annas and then to the home of Caiaphas, the high priest – the one who had joined in the plot to kill Jesus. They brought many false witnesses in to tell lies about Jesus and they brought up the moment when Jesus had said, “I will destroy this Temple made with human hands, and in three days, I will build another, made without human hands.”

ASSAULTED

Even though they couldn’t get their stories straight, the people still cried out, “Guilty! He deserves to die!” Then the guards mocked him and beat him, they blindfolded him and hurled insults at him (Mark 14:53-65). The next day, Jesus stood in front of the elders, leading priests and teachers of religious law. They condemned him for saying he was the Son of God.

ARRAIGNED

“Tell us, are you the Messiah?”
But he replied, “If I tell you, you won’t believe me. And if I ask you a question, you won’t answer. But from now on the Son of Man will be seated in the place of power at God’s right hand.”
They all shouted, “So, are you claiming to be the Son of God?”
And he replied, “You say that I am.”
“Why do we need other witnesses?” they said. “We ourselves heard him say it.” – Luke 22:67b-71

When Judas heard that Jesus had been condemned to die, he went back to the leading priests and tried to undo what he had done. It was too late. Filled with remorse, he threw the silver coins down, left the Temple and hung himself (Matthew 27:3-5).

When Judas chose sin, he chose slavery; when he chose to do things his way, he was tortured by his shame and regret. It was God’s plan for Jesus to die so that we could experience salvation, but it did not have to be through Judas. He willingly participated in Satan’s plan and was overwhelmed with the weight of his sin. Yet Jesus did not die because of Judas; He died for Judas. And He died for me, and He died for you.

Father God, as we prepare for our Good Friday services and our Easter celebrations, we are reminded of how much we have to be thankful for. You are our Provider and our Protector; you are our Savior and our Redeemer. Your willingness to give your Son for our salvation fills our hearts with gratitude.

I am overwhelmed with joy in the Lord my God!
For He has dressed me with the clothing of salvation
And draped me in a robe of righteousness.
I am like a bridegroom dressed for his wedding or a bride with her jewels.
The Sovereign Lord will show His justice to the nations of the world.
Everyone will praise Him!
His righteousness will be like a garden in early spring,
With plants springing up everywhere. — Isaiah 61:10-11

Today’s Reading: Mark 14:43-52, Luke 22:47-53, John 18:1-11

And immediately, even as Jesus said this, Judas, one of the twelve disciples, arrived with a crowd of men armed with swords and clubs. They had been sent by the leading priests, the teachers of religious law, and the elders. The traitor, Judas, had given them a prearranged signal: “You will know which one to arrest when I greet him with a kiss. Then you can take him away under guard.” As soon as they arrived, Judas walked up to Jesus. “Rabbi!” he exclaimed, and gave him the kiss. – Mark 14:43-45

BETRAYED

Judas approached Jesus and greeted him with a kiss. It was his last moment to touch Jesus — his last point of contact with his mentor and friend. He had been a follower of Jesus, a student of his teaching and a witness of the power of Jesus to heal. He had watched so many be delivered from their demons by the Messiah, and yet here he was submitting to his. Now he was the one handing Jesus over to those who were eager to arrest him.

Jesus fully realized all that was going to happen to him, so he stepped forward to meet them. “Who are you looking for?” he asked.
“Jesus the Nazarene,”they replied.
“I am he,”Jesus said. (Judas, who betrayed him, was standing with them.) As Jesus said “I am he,” they all drew back and fell to the ground! Once more he asked them, “Who are you looking for?”
And again they replied, “Jesus the Nazarene.”
“I told you that I am he,” Jesus said. “And since I am the one you want, let these others go.”
He did this to fulfill his own statement: “I did not lose a single one of those you have given me.” – John 18:4-10

DEFENDED

When the other disciples saw what was about to happen, they exclaimed, “Lord, should we fight? We brought the swords!” And one of them struck at the high priest’s slave, slashing off his right ear.

But Jesus said, “No more of this.” And he touched the man’s ear and healed him. – Luke 22:49-53

The disciples were not expecting all that was happening around them. Jesus was back from praying and they had once more been guilty of falling asleep. As they were shaking off the heaviness of sleep, the drama of Jesus’ betrayal played out before them. At a loss of how to respond, Peter grabbed the sword he had brought with him and took a swing (John 18:10). But this was not the way Jesus wanted his disciples to handle the situation. They longed to defend and protect him, but he intervened with the power of these four words — No more of this!

DESERTED

Then all his disciples deserted him and ran away. – Mark 14:50

Jesus was so intentional to protect his disciples. Judas had arrived with a contingent of Roman soldiers and Temple guards. They came with blazing torches, lanterns, and weapons — ready for a struggle. Jesus intentionally took the time to instruct those who were about to arrest him to let his disciples go. In fear, his disciples ran out of the olive grove. With courage, Jesus stood in place and allowed the soldiers to tie him up.

This passage reveals the heart of our Savior. He showed such patience and care for his disciples, while also taking the time to heal the soldier whose ear had been cut off. He was facing so much in that moment, yet his compassionate love for others was evident.

Where do I see myself in this story? Am I paying attention or has my focus drifted away from what Jesus has asked me to do? Am I swinging the sword of injustice when Jesus wants my response to match his own? When fear overwhelms me, do I run away and desert the One who willingly surrendered to those who He knew were going to kill him? Have I betrayed the One who died for me?

Today’s Reading: Mark 14:32-42; Luke 22:39-46

PRAY AS USUAL

Then, accompanied by his disciples, Jesus left the upstairs room and went as usual to the Mount of Olives. — Luke 22:39

Jesus went to his usual spot to pray. He set a great example for us of how prayer should be something we do as part of our routine or the rhythm of our day, rather than solely a response we make when times are tough or we need something from God. Our time with God should be a natural part of our day, just as Jesus walked to the Mount of Olives to pray…as usual.

PRAY FOR HOLINESS

There he told them, “Pray that you will not give in to temptation.” — Luke 22:40

Pray that you will not give in to the temptations of this world. When we intentionally pray for strength against the things in this world that are the most tempting to us, it helps prepare us to stand strong in those situations. Right living does not have to be something we do of our own strength; we can pray for the gift of God’s righteousness to dwell in us, producing holiness in our lives.

PRAY FOR THE DESIRES OF YOUR HEART TO BEND TO THE WILL OF GOD

He walked away, about a stone’s throw, and knelt down and prayed, “Father, if you are willing, please take this cup of suffering away from me. Yet I want your will to be done, not mine.” – Luke 22:41-42

I love how Jesus expressed the desire of his heart not to suffer, while also expressing his willingness to submit to God’s will. Jesus modeled the freedom to let God know how we are feeling or what we would like to have happen, while still acknowledging that we trust God.

Lord, please heal…but I want your will to be done and not mine.
Lord, please help…but I desire nothing more than your will in my life.
Lord, please provide…but I will trust that what you give will be all I need.
Lord, please give us a miracle…but we pray that your will be done and your name glorified.

PRAY FERVENTLY

Then an angel from heaven appeared and strengthened him. He prayed more fervently, and he was in such agony of spirit that his sweat fell to the ground like great drops of blood. – Luke 22:43-44

I love how God allows us to be persistent in our prayers — how He encourages us to pray fervently. To repeatedly ask God for the desires of your heart is not an act of disrespect or disobedience. He wants us to come to Him with our requests, our heartbreaks, our needs, and our desires. It is okay to be honest in our prayers.

KEEP WATCH AND PRAY

Three times Jesus went back to the disciples and found them sleeping, unable to keep their eyes open. He woke them up and asked them to keep watch and pray. Jesus, aware of the physical weaknesses of his disciples, woke them up and reminded them of the need to watch and pray. I believe God uses certain situations in our lives to “wake us up” from the slumber of complacency and bring us to our knees in prayer. Don’t drift off; don’t get too comfortable.

Next weekend we will celebrate Easter, and many of us will gather with friends and family around a large table. We will enjoy the delicious flavors of our traditional Easter meal and be reminded of all the blessings in our lives because of what Jesus did for us on the cross. Let us take this opportunity to also pray together — to intentionally pray for each other with hearts of gratitude. Express to God the desires of your heart and the commitment you have made to follow Him no matter what He wills or plans. We have learned that we never know what the next year will bring or who will gather together again next Easter, so let’s be thankful for today and give God our tomorrow.

The third time he said, “Go ahead and sleep. Have your rest. But no – the time has come. The Son of Man is betrayed into the hands of sinners. Up, let’s be going. Look, my betrayer is here!” – Mark 14:41b-42

Today’s Reading: Mark 13:28-37; Psalm 121 & 123

“Now learn a lesson from the fig tree. When its branches bud and its leaves begin to sprout, you know that summer is near.” – Mark 13:28

That is exactly where we are right now, isn’t it? The weather fluctuates between warm and cold from day to day, but there are signs all around us that summer is approaching. The calendar tells us it is spring, and the buds on the trees remind us that nature is waking up, even while we still see occasional snowflakes in the air. The bulbs have pushed new growth above the surface of the earth, and the birds are singing in anticipation. Spring is here and summer is near.

“In the same way, when you see all these things taking place, you can know that his return is very near, right at the door. I tell you the truth, this generation will not pass from the scene before all these things take place. Heaven and earth will disappear, but my words will never disappear.” – Mark 13:29-31

Jesus was speaking about the day he will return to earth, and today we join his disciples in trying to comprehend everything he was saying. There is a sense of warning in his words regarding the future, but also a promise that brings hope to the hearts of those whose eyes are fixed on Jesus.

THE SON OF MAN WILL RETURN AGAIN.

Then everyone will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds with great power and glory. And he will send out his angels to gather his chosen ones from all over the world — from the farthest ends of the earth and heaven. – Mark 13:26-27

What a magnificent moment this will be! I close my eyes and attempt to picture what this day will look like but, even on my most imaginative days, I cannot comprehend the majesty of Christ’s return. I do know that I don’t want to miss it, for it will be unlike anything we have ever experienced before. The anticipation of Christ’s coming is growing as the darkness of sin presses in and the glory of revival breaks out across our nation.

“However, no one knows the day or hour when these things will happen, not even the angels in heaven or the Son himself. Only the Father knows. And since you don’t know when that time will come, be on guard! Stay alert!” – Mark 13:32-33

BE ON GUARD! STAY ALERT! WATCH FOR THE SON OF MAN!

“The coming of the Son of Man can be illustrated by the story of a man going on a long trip. When he left home, he gave each of his slaves instructions about the work they were to do, and he told the gatekeeper to watch for his return. You, too, must keep watch! For you don’t know when the master of the household will return—in the evening, at midnight, before dawn, or at daybreak. Don’t let him find you sleeping when he arrives without warning. I say to you what I say to everyone: Watch for him!” – Mark 13:34-37

While we wait for the return of Jesus, there is work to be done — work Jesus assigned to us while here on earth. We are to preach the message of salvation to others; we are to live each day allowing the Spirit of God to speak through us so that others may know the good news — that Jesus died so that our sins can be forgiven, that Jesus rose so that we can experience life, and that Jesus is coming back again to gather his chosen ones from the farthest ends of the earth and heaven!

This message won’t be accepted by all. There will be many who do not want to hear about the hope of salvation, and we will be persecuted for our faith. Our freedom of religion is already fading as the world loses patience with our moral standards. But Mark 13 is a great reminder for us that this intolerance for Christianity is a great opportunity to allow the Spirit to move through us in ways we cannot produce of our own human efforts.

“When these things begin to happen, watch out! You will be handed over to the local councils and beaten in the synagogues. You will stand trial before governors and kings because you are my followers. But this will be your opportunity to tell them about me. For the Good News must first be preached to all nations. But when you are arrested and stand trial, don’t worry in advance about what to say. Just say what God tells you at that time, for it is not you who will be speaking, but the Holy Spirit.” – Mark 13:9-11

So do not worry in advance, but rather respond in each situation to what God is telling you to say. Be on guard, stay alert, and watch for the moment when Jesus will return. Keep your eyes on God and know that He never sleeps nor slumbers. He is watching over us; the God of mercy is standing beside us.

I lift my eyes to you,
O God, enthroned in heaven.
We keep looking to the Lord our God for his mercy,
just as servants keep their eyes on their master,
as a slave girl watches her mistress for the slightest signal.
Have mercy on us, Lord, have mercy,
for we have had our fill of contempt.
We have had more than our fill of the scoffing of the proud
and the contempt of the arrogant. – Psalm 123:1-4

The Lord himself watches over you!
The Lord stands beside you as your protective shade.
The sun will not harm you by day,
nor the moon at night.
The Lord keeps you from all harm
and watches over your life.
The Lord keeps watch over you as you come and go,
both now and forever. – Psalm 121:5-8

Today’s Reading: John 17:22-26; Psalm 133

“I have given them the glory you gave me, so they may be one as we are one. I am in them and you are in me. May they experience such perfect unity that the world will know that you sent me and that you love them as much as you love me. Father, I want these whom you have given me to be with me where I am. Then they can see all the glory you gave me because you loved me even before the world began!” – John 17:22-24

MAY THEY EXPERIENCE PERFECT UNITY.

Jesus prayed that we would experience perfect unity. My first question is whether that is even possible and, if it is, what does perfect unity look like? I think the answer is in the beginning of that passage. The only way for us to experience perfect unity is for Christ to be in each one of us, just as God is in him. When we are living out that kind of unity with our Savior, the result is unity with each other. When we remain in Him and He in us, the result is God working through us in such a way that we experience unity with others who are allowing the Spirit of God to live in them.

And why did Jesus pray for us to experience perfect unity? It was not just for the relational benefit of believers. Jesus’ desire is that the world will know that he was sent from the Father. And here’s the best part — that the world will know that God loves each one of us as much as He loves Jesus Christ, His Son. Soak in that truth for a moment. Allow the idea that God loves you that much to wash over you. Absorb the truth that you are deeply loved by the One who created you and knows everything about you.

“O righteous Father, the world doesn’t know you, but I do; and these disciples know you sent me. I have revealed you to them, and I will continue to do so. Then your love for me will be in them, and I will be in them.” – John 17:25-26

We live out a compassionate love for others because of the presence of the love of God stirring within us. We are changed from the inside out, and it shows in the way we respond to the needs of others. Unity can be achieved by anyone, but perfect harmony requires the love of God flowing from a heart that is fully surrendered to Him.

MAY THEY LIVE TOGETHER IN HARMONY.

How wonderful and pleasant it is
when brothers live together in harmony!
For harmony is as precious as the anointing oil
that was poured over Aaron’s head,
that ran down his beard
and onto the border of his robe.
Harmony is as refreshing as the dew from Mount Hermon
that falls on the mountains of Zion.
And there the Lord has pronounced his blessing,
even life everlasting. – Psalm 133

Harmony is wonderful.
Harmony is pleasant.
Harmony is precious.
Harmony is refreshing.

Now these are the gifts Christ gave to the church: the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, and the pastors and teachers. Their responsibility is to equip God’s people to do his work and build up the church, the body of Christ. This will continue until we all come to such unity in our faith and knowledge of God’s Son that we will be mature in the Lord, measuring up to the full and complete standard of Christ. – Ephesians 4:11-13

Church, we need to do better at this whole unity thing. We need to let go of our personal agendas, forgive those who have trespassed against us, and stop resenting our brothers and sisters in Christ. If we are going to do the work of God and build up the church, we need to first allow the love of God to saturate us so that the Spirit can produce love through us. The only way for us to measure up to the standard of Christ is for Christ himself to be living within us. Rather than standing against each other, let’s stand together in perfect unity — so that the world may know that God’s love for them is extravagant.

Today’s Reading: John 17:13-21; Psalm 61

Jesus’ final prayer: “Now I am coming to you. I told them many things while I was with them in this world so they would be filled with my joy. I have given them your word. And the world hates them because they do not belong to the world, just as I do not belong to the world. I’m not asking you to take them out of the world, but to keep them safe from the evil one. They do not belong to this world any more than I do. Make them holy by our truth; teach them your word, which is truth. Just as you sent me into the world, I am sending them into the world. And I give myself as a holy sacrifice for them so they can be made holy by your truth.” – John 17:13-19

Jesus purposefully revealed many things to his disciples while he was with them because he wanted them to be filled with his joy — the joy that comes from him. He gave them the words of God and taught them the truth that would make them holy. And in these final words of his prayer, Jesus prayed for God to protect them from this world they did not belong to.

“I don’t have much more time to talk to you, because the ruler of this world approaches. He has no power over me, but I will do what the Father requires of me, so that the world will know that I love the Father.” – John 14:30-31a

This statement Jesus had previously made to his disciples confirmed to them and to us that Jesus had authority over the enemy. He could have overpowered Satan’s attempts to destroy him. Death had no power over him, but he submitted to God’s plan in order that we could know how much God loves us, and so that we could experience that love firsthand. He who was without sin died so that we could receive the righteousness of God in our lives.

“The world’s sin is that it refuses to believe in me. Righteousness is available because I go to the Father, and you will see me no more. Judgment will come because the ruler of this world has already been judged.” – John 16:9-11

Judgment has already been rendered against Satan, but we are living in a time when our enemy is allowed to wreak havoc on this world we live in. As a result of that, our culture does not appreciate our faith and they mock the message of salvation that we hold so dear. We do not belong to the world, just as the disciples did not belong, and those who embrace the ideologies of this world hate that we won’t conform.

STAND TALL WHEN THE WORLD HATES YOU.

When I was 17 years old, I received a call from God into full-time ministry. I did not know at that time that my calling would be to those who are facing pregnancy decisions. The pregnancy help organization I have worked for since 2004 exists to provide a place for women to come to consider their options, ask questions, and learn of the support programs and resources available to them. This faith-based ministry provides a place for her to go that will not benefit financially from her decision — one that will operate with integrity, strive for excellence, and treat her with respect and compassion.

For years, the state of Illinois has gone to great lengths to close all pregnancy medical clinics that do not provide abortion. They have falsely accused us, misrepresented us, and created legislation to quiet us. Pro-choice leaders are even now actively striving to take away a woman’s right to go to a medical clinic that is not also an abortion provider. This week the Executive Committee of the Illinois Senate will consider legislation that will give the Attorney General the authority to financially cripple pregnancy help organizations in an effort to control us or close our doors.

What an encouragement the prayers of Jesus have been to me this week. What a beautiful reminder that I can stand confident in who God has called me to be, even when it causes the world to hate me. I can remain steady in God’s truth, experience the joy that comes from remaining in Christ, and allow God to receive the glory — no matter the outcome.

“I am praying not only for these disciples but also for all who will ever believe in me through their message. I pray that they will be one, just as you and I are one – as you are in me, Father, and I am in you. And may they be in us so that the world will believe you sent me.” – John 17:13-21

STAND TALL AND GIVE GOD GLORY IN EVERY SITUATION.

Jesus has called us to bring the message of God’s love to the world around us regardless of how they respond to that message. There will be times when our message is rejected or times when we are treated unfairly because of our faith, but it is okay because we do not belong to this world. Our eternal rewards will far outweigh any earthly praise and position we could attain here on earth. So let’s stand tall on the podium of life, giving God the glory in every situation. Whether we are receiving applause or criticism, congratulations or rejection, let’s stand in confidence for the One who PRAYED FOR US before he DIED FOR US.

Do not be surprised, my brother, if the world hates you. – 1 John 3:13

Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed. – 1 Peter 4:12-13

O God, listen to my cry!
Hear my prayer!
From the ends of the earth,
I cry to you for help
when my heart is overwhelmed.
Lead me to the towering rock of safety,
for you are my safe refuge,
a fortress where my enemies cannot reach me.
Let me live forever in your sanctuary,
safe beneath the shelter of your wings! — Psalm 61:1-4