Holy Week - C - 03/24 -30/2013

Holy Week - C

This is a Three-Year Lectionary based on the Lutheran Book of Worship 3-year Lectionary (for public worship), "Prayers of the Day..." (Propers), p. 13-41, Augsburg Publishing House, Minneapolis, 1978. It is based, with only minor variations, on the Revised Common Lectionary, used by many denominations, including the Episcopal, Lutheran, Presbyterian, and Methodist churches:

http://www.commontexts.org/

and:

http://www.commontexts.org/rcl/usage.html

The daily readings are the Propers (Lections) for the following Sunday, so that the daily devotions can prepare us for worship. Additional Lections are from Common Service Book of the Lutheran Church, "Scripture lessons for Matins and Vespers," United Lutheran Church of America, General Rubrics VIII. Scripture lessons for Matins and Vespers, p. 299 - 304, Philadelphia, 1918.

The previous 2- year Bible Study based on the Lutheran Book of Worship, Daily Lectionary for personal devotions p.179-192, Augsburg Publishing House, Minneapolis, 1978, is available at:

http://shepherdboy.byethost12.com/ (Please bookmark this link).

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To get the most from these studies, it is suggested that you first read the scripture texts for the entry, and then the paraphrase and commentary. It is also recommended that you look up the scripture references, unless you recognize and recall them from memory.

I will post weekly by Saturday, noon, (God willing), Pacific time (UTC-8:00) for the week of the Church Season which begins on Sunday. Please scroll down for the desired day, or save the week to your desktop/hard drive.

Podcast Download: Holy Week - C
Palm - Passion Sunday C
First posted March 28, 2010;
Podcast: Palm Sunday C

Deuteronomy 32:36-39 -- Vindication;
Psalm 31:1-5, 9-16 -- Deliverance; 
Philippians 2:5-11 -- Example of Christ; 
Luke 22:7-20 -- The Lord's Supper;
Luke 23:1-49 -- Christ's Trial and Crucifixion;

Deuteronomy Paraphrase:

"The Lord will vindicate his people and have compassion for his servants" (Deuteronomy 32:36), when he sees that they are powerless; when none survive, either enslaved or free.

Then he will ask, "Where are the gods upon whom they have relied; their rocks of refuge? To whom have they offered their sacrifices of fat and wine? Let them rise up and protect them!"

Look now and see that God the Lord is the only true God. God has the power of life and death; illness and healing. No one can escape from the power and judgment of God!

Psalm Background:

Attributed to David, the Great Shepherd-king of Israel.

Psalm Paraphrase:

The Psalmist seeks refuge in the Lord. He claims the promise that God's servants will never be put to shame. He claims the promise that God's servants will be delivered by God's righteousness. The Lord will listen to and hear the prayers of his servants. If we know that he hears us we can be sure that we have received the requests we have made (1 John 1:5:14-15; see Condition for Answered Prayer, sidebar, top right, home).

"Be gracious to me, O, Lord, for I am in distress; my eye is wasted from grief, my soul and body also. For my life is spent with sorrow, and my years with sighing: my strength fails because of of my misery, and my bones waste away" (Psalm 31:9-10).

"I am the scorn of all my adversaries, a horror to my neighbors, an object of dread to my acquaintances; those who see me in the street flee from me" (Psalm 31:11).

"I have passed out of mind like one who is dead; I have become like a broken vessel" (Psalm 31:12)

"Yea, I hear the whispering of many - terror on every side!- as they scheme together against me, as they plot to take my life" (Psalm 31:13)

My trust is in the Lord; he is my God! My times are in his hands! He will deliver me from the power of my enemies and persecutors!

Let the Lord's face shine upon his servant, and may his servant be saved by the Lord's steadfast love!

Philippians Paraphrase:

Let us have the same attitude that Christ taught by word and example. Although he was of the same nature as God, pre-existent and divine, he did not seek to be equal with God. Instead he emptied himself of self-interest and took the form of a servant, being born in human flesh as we are. And being fully human, he humbled himself and became obedient to God's will, even unto physical death on the cross. "Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus, every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father" (Philippians 2:9-11).

Luke 22 Background:

Jesus had come to Jerusalem knowing and foretelling three times that he would be crucified (Luke 9:22, 44-45; 17:25). This would happen according to God's plan and timing.

Luke 22 Paraphrase:

On the Day of Unleavened Bread (the Feast of Passover), Jesus told Peter and John to go and prepare the Passover for Jesus and his disciples. They asked him where he wanted them to prepare it, and he told them that when they entered the city they would meet a man carrying a jar of water. They were to follow him into the house which he entered and say to the householder that the Teacher (Jesus) was asking the householder to show the two disciples the guest room where Jesus and his disciples were to celebrate the Passover. The householder would show them a large furnished upper room, where they were to finish the preparations.

At the hour of the meal (after sundown) Jesus told his disciples as he sat at table with them, that he had longed to celebrate this Passover with them before he suffered. Jesus said he would not celebrate it again until it was fulfilled in the kingdom of God. Jesus took a cup of wine and when he had prayed in thanksgiving, he passed it to his disciples to share among themselves. Jesus told them he would not drink wine again until the kingdom of God had come. Then he took bread, and having given thanks, broke it and distributed it to his disciples, saying, "This is my body. "This cup which is poured out for you is the new covenant in my blood" (Luke 22:19-20; see RSV footnote J; compare 1 Corinthians 11:23-26).

Luke 23:1-49 Paraphrase:

The Sanhedrin, the Jewish religious supreme court of seventy priests, scribes (teachers of the Law of Moses, the Jewish Bible) and elders, condemned Jesus (Luke 22:66-71) and took him to Pontius Pilate for the Roman method of execution by crucifixion. The Sanhedrin accused Jesus of perverting the Jewish nation, forbidding them to pay tribute to Caesar, and claiming to be a king. So Pilate asked Jesus if he were the King of the Jews, and Jesus replied that it was Pilate (and the Jews) who had said so. Pilate told the Jews that Jesus had done nothing criminal, but the Jews were insistent.

When they told Pilate that Jesus was a Galilean, and thus in Herod's jurisdiction (Herod Antipas, son of Herod the Great, who governed Galilee), Pilate decided to sent him to Herod, who was in Jerusalem at the time. Herod was glad to have the opportunity to see and hear Jesus, hoping to see him do some sign (miracle). Herod questioned Jesus at length, but Jesus made no reply, while the members of the Sanhedrin made accusations. Then Herod had his soldiers mock and treat Jesus with contempt. They dressed Jesus in kingly attire, and sent him back to Pilate. As a result Herod and Pilate became friends that day.

Pilate announced to the Sanhedrin that neither Pilate nor Herod had found Jesus guilty of anything deserving death. Pilate suggested that he would have Jesus (physically) chastised and released. The Jewish leaders demanded that Pilate release a man named Barabbas, a notorious insurrectionist and murderer, as was the custom at the Passover celebration, and crucify Jesus. Three times Pilate tried to release Jesus but the Jews wouldn't hear of it (tolerate it). So Pilate gave in to their demands, released Barabbas and had Jesus delivered to be crucified.

As the Roman soldiers led Jesus away to crucifixion, they conscripted Simon of Cyrene, who was coming in from the countryside, to carry Jesus' cross behind Jesus. A large crowd and women bewailed and lamented Jesus' execution, but Jesus turned to them and told them to rather mourn for themselves and their children. Jesus said that the day would come, when they would consider blessed, the barren who had never had children. The day would come when they would long for the mountains to fall upon them and the hills to cover them. "For if they do this when the wood is green, what will happen when it is dry" (Luke 23:31). Two criminals were led away to be crucified, one on each side of Jesus.

Jesus prayed to God his Father to forgive those who crucified him, because they didn't realize what they were doing. The soldiers cast lots (like rolling dice) to divide his garments among them. The people stood by, watching, but the Jewish leaders mocked Jesus, saying that Jesus saved others; he should save himself if he really was the Christ of God, God's Chosen One. The soldiers also mocked him telling Jesus to save himself if he were the King of the Jews. There was an inscription on Jesus' cross identifying him as King of the Jews.

One of the criminals crucified with Jesus also taunted Jesus to save himself and them, if he were the Christ, but the other criminal rebuked his fellow criminal: Did he not fear God, since he was under the same condemnation, justly, while Jesus had done nothing wrong? The second criminal asked Jesus to remember him when Jesus received his kingly power. Jesus replied that this criminal would be with him in Paradise that very day.

From about the sixth to ninth hour (noon to 3:00 pm). there was an eclipse of the sun. "and the curtain of the temple was torn in two" (Luke 23:45b). Jesus cried out, "Father, into thy hands I commit my spirit" (Luke 23:46) and stopped breathing. When the Centurion saw what had taken place he  declared that Jesus was surely innocent. The onlookers, seeing what took place returned to their homes beating their breasts in ritual mourning. All Jesus' followers and the women who had accompanied them from Galilee witnessed these things from a distance.

Commentary:

Deuteronomy:

The Lord will not abandon his people, his servants; it is they who abandon him for false gods, for false security and refuge in worldly things. When God's people turn away from obedient trust in God to pursue their own wills and interests, God removes his favor and providence from them and allows them to experience troubles, in hope that they will realize that true security and refuge, help and protection are only through obedient trust in God, and that they will therefore return to him.

The enemies of God's people, who serve false gods, will be accountable to God. Nothing can protect them from God's power and judgment.

Psalm:

David acted upon the promise of God's Word that God would deliver God's servants by God's righteousness. When God took David from being a shepherd and gave him victory over Goliath, the enemy of God's people, David  began to learn by experience the fulfillment of that promise (1 Samuel 17:1-51).

David eventually became the great human Shepherd-King of Israel. David prefigured the ultimate perfect eternal King of Israel, Jesus Christ, the Son (descendant) of David. God said of David that he was a man after (i.e sharing) God's own heart, who would do all God's will (Acts 13:22; Psalm 89:20; 1 Samuel 13:14). David was not perfect; he committed  a terrible sin of adultery and murder with Bathsheba and her husband, Uriah, the Hittite, respectively, and he suffered the consequences, but he was forgiven (2 Samuel 11:2-12:26).

David wasn't delivered by his own righteousness, but by the righteousness and faithfulness of God. John, one of of the Twelve original disciples and apostles, a son of Zebedee, taught that if we pray according to God's will we can be sure that he will hear us, and if we know that he hears us we can be certain that we have received the requests we have made ( 1John 5:14-15).

Psalm 31:9-13 prefigures the situation of the Messiah, Jesus Christ (the Son of David). David, and ultimately Jesus, committed themselves to God, and trusted in God to deliver them from their enemies and persecutors. Jesus' resurrection from physical death to eternal life is the ultimate fulfillment of God's promise to save his servants.

Epistle:

Jesus was fully human and fully God (Colossians 2:8-9; John 20:28). He was fully human but sinless (Hebrews  2:14-15; 4:15).

Jesus has been God's one and only provision for our forgiveness of sin (disobedience of God's Word; Romans 3:23; 1John 1:8-10) and salvation (from eternal destruction, which is the penalty for sin; Romans 6:23; see God's Plan of Salvation, sidebar, top right, home), from the very beginning of Creation (John 1:1-5, 14).

At the perfect moment in history, Jesus came into the world in human flesh, and became the one and only sacrifice acceptable to God for the forgiveness of sin and salvation from eternal condemnation.

Gospel #1

The Jewish leaders had wanted to destroy Jesus, but they were unable to do so until it suited God's will and timing. Jesus came into Jerusalem to celebrate the Passover with his disciples and institute a New Covenant (Testament) of Grace (unmerited favor; a free gift) to be received by faith (obedient trust), the Lord's Supper (Holy Communion; Eucharist), on the night of his betrayal and arrest, to replace the Old Covenant of Law (Romans 8:1-9).

Passover represents the sacrificial feast that sealed the Old Covenant; the Lord's Supper represents the "New Passover," the sacrificial feast that seals the New Covenant.

Note that Jews were strictly forbidden to drink blood or consume it with flesh (Leviticus 17:10-14; Deuteronomy 12:23). It was believed that blood contained the spirit of the animal. God doesn't want his people to be filled with the spirit of animals, but with his Holy Spirit. The element of wine is an appropriate symbol because it is the "blood" (Genesis 49:11) of grapes with "spirit" (alcohol). Jesus declared that the cup of the Lord's Supper (Holy Communion; Eucharist) was his blood. But realize that one cannot receive the gift of the indwelling Holy Spirit just by receiving Communion (1 Corinthians 11:27-29).

Gospel #2:

The Jewish leaders wanted to, but were prevented from physically killing Jesus until the fullness of God's timing. Jesus did not surrender to physical death until he chose to do so (Luke 23:46).

Judaism was a "green" (living) relationship with God until Jesus' crucifixion. Judaism today is a very "dry" (dead) religion. Judaism today is more cultural than spiritual; God has departed, but no one seems to have noticed.

Many Jews today curse God for allowing the Holocaust, but fail to realize that the Holocaust was because they rejected their Messiah. Where was God during the Holocaust? Where were they during Jesus' crucifixion (Matthew 27:25)? The Jews are not irreconcilably lost for eternity, but Jesus is the only way to be restored. Jesus said that he is the only way, truth, and life; and no one comes to the Father but through Jesus (John 14:6). Jesus himself said that Jerusalem could not be restored to God until they confessed that Jesus is the One who comes in the name of the Lord (Matthew 23:37-39; Luke 13:35).

Is Jesus your Lord (Matthew 7:21-23; Luke 6:46)? Are you Jesus' disciple (John 8:31)? Are you trusting and obeying Jesus (John 14:21)? Have you received the indwelling Holy Spirit since you first truly believed (Acts 19:2)? Are you making disciples of Jesus Christ and teaching them to obey all that Jesus commands (Matthew 28:18-20)? Do you know with certainty where you will spend eternity (1 John 5:11-13; Ephesians 1:13-14)?

Monday Holy Week - C
First Posted March 29, 2010;
Podcast: Monday Holy Week - C

Psalm 118:1-2, 15-24 – Song of Victory;

Background:

This is one of the Psalms sung at the end of the meal of the Passover feast.

Psalm Paraphrase:

O thank the Lord for his goodness. His love is steadfast and eternal. May God's people declare his steadfast, eternally enduring love.

Listen! Hear joyful songs of victory in the tents of the righteous: The Lord's right hand does valiantly; the Lord's right hand is exalted; valiant is the Lord's right hand. We shall live and not die. We will recount the Lord's deeds. The Lord disciplines us severely, but won't abandon us to death.

May the gates of righteousness be opened unto us that we may enter and give thanks to the Lord. The temple of the Lord is the gate; only the righteous shall enter through it. I give thanks to the Lord, that he has answered me and has become my salvation. “The stone which the builders rejected has become the head of the corner. This is the Lord's doing; it is marvelous in our eyes (compare Matthew 21:42; Mark 12:10-11). This is the day which the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it" (Psalm 118:22-24)!

Commentary:

God's people aren't those who call themselves Christians and call Jesus their Lord (Matthew 7:21-27; Luke 6:46), but those who believe (trust and obey) Jesus' teachings, and have been spiritually “born-again” by the “baptism” of the Holy Spirit, which only Jesus gives (John 1:31-34), only to his disciples who trust and obey Jesus (John 14:15-17). The “baptism” of the Holy Spirit is a personally discernible ongoing event (Acts 19:2).  Anyone who isn't sure and must ask a religious authority hasn't been! The Holy Spirit is the seal and guarantee that one is in Christ and has eternal life (2 Corinthians 1:22; Ephesians 1:13-14; Romans 8:9b, 11, 15-16).

Just being a member and regularly attending Church doesn't qualify us to enter the “gates of righteousness,” the doors of eternal life into God's heavenly kingdom. No one is righteous in God's judgment by being a “good person” (Galatians 2:16; see God's Plan of Salvation, sidebar, top right, home). Not everyone who dies physically is going to “a better place!” Only those who are accounted righteous by faith (obedient trust) in Jesus (Romans 3:22; Philippians 3:9) may enter eternal life in God's heavenly kingdom.

It is only by the “baptism” (gift) of the indwelling Holy Spirit that we can personally know and have fellowship with Jesus (John 14:21). It is only by being “born-again” that we experience and can testify to the Lord's goodness and steadfast love (Mark 13:11; Luke 12:11-12; Romans 8:15-16).

It is only after we have been spiritually “reborn” that we can personally testify that Jesus lives, and testify to his deeds that we have personally experienced (see personal testimonies, sidebar, top right, home). It is only after we have been “born-again” that we can personally testify to his steadfast, enduring love.

Jesus is the Lord's right hand (Matthew 26:64; Mark 12:36; Ephesians 1:20). Jesus has won the victory over sin. Through faith in him we will not die eternally.

God disciplines us like a good father. No one enjoys discipline at the moment, but it yields benefits to us long beyond the chastisement (Hebrews 12:9-13).

Jesus is the “cornerstone.” He is the foundation of the “New Covenant” (Testament). The Christian Church has replaced Judaism.

Jesus is the stumbling block of those who refuse to accept him as Lord and Savior (1 Peter 2:7-8). Jesus is God's one and only provision for our forgiveness and salvation from eternal condemnation and eternal death which is the penalty for sin (disobedience of God's Word). No one can come to personal knowledge of divine eternal truth, fellowship with God, and eternal life in God's heavenly kingdom except through Jesus (John 14:6; Acts 4:12; Colossians 2:8-9)

Is Jesus your Lord (Matthew 7:21-23; Luke 6:46)? Are you Jesus' disciple (John 8:31)? Are you trusting and obeying Jesus (John 14:21)? Have you received the indwelling Holy Spirit since you first truly believed (Acts 19:2)? Are you making disciples of Jesus Christ and teaching them to obey all that Jesus commands (Matthew 28:18-20)? Do you know with certainty where you will spend eternity (1 John 5:11-13; Ephesians 1:13-14)?

Tuesday Holy Week - C
First Posted March 30, 2010;
Podcast: Tuesday Holy Week - C

Exodus 15:1-11 – The Song of Moses;

Background:

After being delivered from the Egyptian army by passing miraculously through the Red Sea on dry ground, Moses sang the ancient Song of Miriam (Exodus 15:21), which is believed to have been composed by an eyewitness to the crossing of the Red Sea.

Exodus Paraphrase:

"I will sing to the Lord, for he has triumphed gloriously; the horse and rider he has thrown into the sea. The Lord is my strength and my song, and he has become my salvation; this is my God and I will praise him, my father's God, and I will exalt him" (Exodus 15:1-2). The Lord is a mighty warrior; his name is the Lord.

The Lord has cast Pharaoh's chariots and army into the Sea. They went down into the depths like a stone, and the waters cover them. The Lord's right hand, glorious in power, shatters the enemy. God, in the greatness of his majesty, sends forth his fury, which consumes them like dry straw (in a flame). By his breath the waters piled up in a heap and the depths of the sea dried up. The enemy thought they could pursue and overtake Israel and plunder and destroy them. But at the breath of the Lord the sea returned and covered them and they sank like lead.

"Who is like thee, O Lord, among the gods? Who is like thee, majestic in holiness, terrible in glorious deeds, doing wonders” (Exodus 15:11)?

Commentary:

The Exodus from bondage to slavery and death in Egypt was one of the great saving acts of God for Israel. It is also deliberately intended by God to be a metaphor, a parable, of life in this world. Jesus is the “New Moses” who leads God's people, the “New Israel,” the Church, out of bondage to sin and death in the “Egypt” of this world order. Satan is the present “Pharaoh,” the leader of our spiritual enemies.

Baptism into Jesus Christ is the “parting of the Sea” which allows us to escape from our spiritual enemies, while preventing them from following, plundering and destroying us. Jesus leads us through the spiritual wilderness of this lifetime, our “Joshua” who leads us through the “River” of physical death, parting the waters again, so that we don't get our feet “wet,” and into the eternal “Promised Land of God's kingdom in heaven.

The gift (baptism) of the Holy Spirit is the “pillar of cloud and fire” (Exodus 13:21-22), that leads us through the wilderness and spiritual darkness of this present world. Only Jesus baptizes with the Holy Spirit (John 1:31-34), only his disciples who trust and obey Jesus (John 14:15-17). By the indwelling Holy Spirit we are spiritually “born-again” (John 3:3, 5-8) to eternal life. The Holy Spirit is the seal and guarantee that one is in Christ and has eternal life (2 Corinthians 1:22; Ephesians 1:13-14; Romans 8:9b, 11, 15-16). The baptism of the indwelling Holy Spirit is a personally discernible, ongoing event, through whom we have personal daily fellowship with the risen Jesus and God the Father.

Jesus is the Lord's right hand, God's mighty arm, who has won for us the victory over sin and death. Jesus is the name of the Lord.

Is Jesus your Lord (Matthew 7:21-23; Luke 6:46)? Are you Jesus' disciple (John 8:31)? Are you trusting and obeying Jesus (John 14:21)? Have you received the indwelling Holy Spirit since you first truly believed (Acts 19:2)? Are you making disciples of Jesus Christ and teaching them to obey all that Jesus commands (Matthew 28:18-20)? Do you know with certainty where you will spend eternity (1 John 5:11-13; Ephesians 1:13-14)?

Wednesday Holy Week - C
First posted March 31, 2010;
Podcast: Wednesday Holy Week - C

1 Corinthians 15:1-11 – Paul's Gospel;

Background:

The Church at Corinth had been founded by Paul's preaching. Paul was continuing to disciple the Corinthian Christians by letter, and was writing to correct doctrinal and ethical errors that were troubling the Church.

1 Corinthians Paraphrase:

Paul reminded the Congregation the fundamental doctrines of the faith which Paul had preached, in which the Corinthians stood, by which they were saved, if they held firmly to them, if their faith was not ineffective.

Paul faithfully transmitted the main tenants of the faith which he had received (from Jesus, by the Holy Spirit), that Jesus died for our sins, was buried and was raised from physical death to eternal life on the third day, in agreement with the scriptures. Jesus appeared to the remaining of the original Twelve apostles (disciples commissioned to be messengers of the Gospel), and then to more than five hundred believers at one time, most of whom were still alive at the time Paul was writing. Then he appeared to James (the Lord's brother) and then to all the apostles. Last, he appeared to Paul “as one untimely born” (a reference to Paul's late conversion, after Jesus' resurrection and ascension).

Paul considered himself the least of the apostles, not worthy to be considered equal with the others, because he had formerly persecuted the Church. But God's grace had made it possible for Paul to be included among the apostles, and Paul had made the most of the opportunity he had been given by that grace. By God's grace, Paul worked harder than the other apostles (in appreciation of the grace he had received). So whether by the preaching of Paul or the other apostles, the Corinthian Christians had believed the Gospel.

Commentary:

Paul was deliberately intended by God to be the original and model of a “modern, post-resurrection, born-again (John 3:3, 5-8) disciple (student) and apostle (messenger; of the Gospel)” of Jesus Christ, as we can and should be. I believe that Paul was the one God intended to replace Judas Iscariot, Jesus' betrayer, instead of Matthias, whom the disciples selected while they were supposed to be waiting for the baptism of the Holy Spirit that would guide and empower them (Acts 1:4-5, 8; 15-26).

Paul (Saul of Tarsus) had been convicted by the Holy Spirit, the Spirit of the risen and ascended Jesus, on the road to Damascus where he intended to persecute Christians (Acts 9:1-5). Paul accepted Jesus' conviction, repented and became obedient to Jesus (Acts 9:6-9), was discipled by a “born-again” disciple, Ananias (Acts 9:10) until Paul was “born-again” (Acts 9:17-18). Then, guided and empowered by the Holy Spirit, he began proclaiming the Gospel and making “born-again” disciples (2 Timothy 1:6-7), teaching them to repeat the process (2 Timothy 2:2), in fulfillment of the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20), which Jesus gave to his disciples to be carried out after they had been “born-again” (Luke 24:49; Acts 1:4-5, 8).

The same doctrinal and ethical errors which were besetting the Corinthian congregation beset the nominal “Church” today. Elements within the nominal Church deny the Resurrection. Some deny that Jesus' death was the one and only sacrifice acceptable to God for the entire forgiveness of all our sins; that we must earn forgiveness by keeping the Law (scriptures) and doing good deeds (Ephesians 2:8-10). Some teach that Salvation is a free gift (true) but without the requirement of discipleship and obedient trust in Jesus (false;  see False Teachings, sidebar, top right, home).

Some nominal “Churches” have settled for making “members,” “fair-weather” Christians, and building buildings instead of making disciples and building the kingdom of God. Discipleship is not an optional category of “super-Christian.” A Christian is by definition, a “born-again” (John 3:3, 5-8) disciple of Jesus Christ (Acts 11:26c).

Discipleship is a spiritual growth process. Paul's conversion was exceptional for it's speed, but remember that Paul was already formally trained in the Bible scriptures and loved God, he just needed to be pointed to the Messiah, Jesus Christ. The other original disciples were with Jesus virtually night and day for about three years, and still weren't ready to leave Jerusalem (the Church is the modern equivalent) to go into the world with the Gospel until they had been “born-again.”

Only Jesus “baptizes” with the indwelling Holy Spirit (John 1:31-34), only his disciples who trust and obey Jesus (John 14:15-17). The Holy Spirit is the seal and guarantee that one is in Christ and has eternal life (2 Corinthians 1:22; Ephesians 1:13-14; Romans 8:9b, 11, 15-16). The “anointing” of the indwelling Holy Spirit is a personally discernible ongoing event; one should not rely on a Church authority or theologian as to whether they have been “born-again” or not (see False Teachings, sidebar, top right, home).

Faith is not like wishing on a star; we don't get whatever we believe if we believe “hard enough.” Faith that is not applied in our daily lives by obedient trust in Jesus is ineffective faith. If we truly believe in Jesus we will do what he teaches (Matthew 7:21-27; Luke 6:46).

The standard for determining truth from false doctrine is the Bible. Paul's Gospel was in accordance with the Bible. Unless one has read the Bible and reads it on a daily basis, one has no way to distinguish truth from error. Any average reader can easily read the Bible in one year. There are several plans available which include a portion of Old and New Testaments each day.

Is Jesus your Lord (Matthew 7:21-23; Luke 6:46)? Are you Jesus' disciple (John 8:31)? Are you trusting and obeying Jesus (John 14:21)? Have you received the indwelling Holy Spirit since you first truly believed (Acts 19:2)? Are you making disciples of Jesus Christ and teaching them to obey all that Jesus commands (Matthew 28:18-20)? Do you know with certainty where you will spend eternity (1 John 5:11-13; Ephesians 1:13-14)?

Maundy Thursday - C
First posted April 1, 2010;
Podcast: Maundy Thursday - C


Jeremiah 31:31-34 – A New Covenant;
Psalm 116:10-17 – The Cup of Salvation;
Hebrews 10:15-39 – Fulfillment of the New Covenant;
Matthew 26:17-29 (Luke 22:7-20) – The Last Supper;

Maundy Thursday is the commemoration of the institution of the Lord's Supper (Holy Communion; Eucharist). Maundy means “mandate;” or command, from John 13:34. In the Gospel of John the Lord's Supper itself, with the elements of bread and wine are not mentioned. Instead, John focuses on Jesus' foot-washing of the disciples and his command to follow his example (John 13:3-17).

Jeremiah Paraphrase:

Jeremiah prophesied that the day was coming when the Lord would make a new covenant with Israel (God's chosen people) and Judah (the remnant of Israel). It would be different than the covenant God made with Israel when he led them out of bondage to sin and death in Egypt. Although God's relationship with Israel was as husband and wife, Israel broke the covenant.

In the New Covenant, God would put his law within them and write it upon their hearts. He will be their God and they will be his people. It will no longer be necessary for everyone to teach their neighbor and brother to know the Lord because they will all know the Lord, from the least to the greatest of them, because the Lord will forgive and remove their sin from his memory.

Psalm 116:10-17 Paraphrase:

The psalmist kept trusting in God even when he was profoundly afflicted; he realized that other people could provide no real help. How can we thank the Lord for his goodness to us? By lifting up the “cup of salvation” and calling on the name of the Lord (Psalm 116:13). By keeping our promise to trust and obey the Lord, witnessed among God's people.

The Lord values saints (those dedicated to God's service) who give their lives for the Lord. We declare that we are God's servants, born by his handmaid, and freed from bondage to sin and death by God's power and grace. We will offer him the sacrifice of thanksgiving and call upon the name of the Lord.

Hebrews 10:15-39 Paraphrase:

The Holy Spirit testifies by the Word of the Lord that God has made a new covenant with his people and put his Laws on their hearts and in their minds. He also adds that he will remember their sins no more. Where there is forgiveness of sin there is no longer need to provide offerings for sin.

Because of our cleansing by Jesus' blood we dare to enter the sanctuary, by the new, living way he opened through the curtain (his flesh; Luke 23:45). Since we have such a great high priest over God's house, let us draw near, fully relying on our faith and with our hearts, consciences and bodies cleansed by pure water. Let us hold firmly to our confession of hope without wavering, because he who promised is faithful. Let us find ways to stir up one another to love and good works. Let us not neglect to meet together and encourage one another as the Day (of Christ's return) draws near.

If we sin deliberately after receiving knowledge of the truth, there is no further sacrifice for sin; instead there is the fearful prospect of judgment of consuming fire which will destroy God's adversaries. One who violates the law of Moses is executed without mercy at the testimony of two or three witnesses. How much worse will the punishment be for one who has rejected the Son of God, has profaned the blood of covenant through which he was sanctified, and angered the Holy Spirit through whom we have received grace (the free gift of forgiveness and salvation). We know that vengeance belongs to God to repay, and he will judge his people. It is terrible to come under condemnation by God.

Remember how, in former days, after we had been enlightened, we endured struggles and suffering, sometimes publicly suffering abuse and affliction, and sometimes sharing in the abuse and suffering of our fellow believers. We had sympathy for those imprisoned (for the Gospel) and accepted the plundering of our property with joy, since we knew we had a better, lasting one.

So let us not discard our confidence, which has great reward. We need endurance in order to do God's will and receive what he has promised. God's Word declares that, in just a little while, the one who has been promised will come; he will not be delayed.

Those who are righteous in God's judgment will live by faith, and God will be displeased by anyone who turns back. We are not among those who turn back and are destroyed, but among those who have faith and preserve their souls.

Matthew 26:17-29 Paraphrase:

Background:

Jesus had come to Jerusalem to celebrate the Passover with his disciples, knowing that he would be crucified and would rise from the dead (Matthew 16:21; 17:22-23; 20:17-19).

Matthew Paraphrase:

On the first day of Unleavened Bread (Passover) his disciples asked Jesus where he wanted them to prepare the the Feast. Jesus told them to go into the city to a certain individual and say that the “Teacher's” (Jesus') time had come; he would keep the Passover at this person's house with his disciples. The disciples did as Jesus had said and prepared the Passover.

That evening at dinner with his disciples Jesus declared that one of the disciples eating with him would betray him. The disciples were sorrowful and each began to ask Jesus if it was he whom Jesus meant. Jesus said that one who had dipped from the same dish would betray Jesus. Jesus said that the fate of the Son of man (Jesus) would be fulfilled as the scriptures foretold, but the betrayer would suffer great woe, such that it would have been better if he had not been born. Judas, who betrayed Jesus, asked Jesus if it was he to whom Jesus referred, and Jesus said Judas had said so.

As they ate, Jesus took bread and blessed and broke it and distributed it to his disciples, telling them to take and eat; the bread is Jesus' body. Then Jesus took the cup of wine, gave thanks, and passed it to them, telling them to all drink of it; this is the blood of the (new; RSV note “g”) covenant, poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. Jesus said that he would not drink the wine again until he celebrated anew with his disciples in God's kingdom in heaven.

Commentary:

God has designed Jesus Christ into the very foundation of Creation (John 1:1-5, 14). God designed this Creation to allow us the freedom to choose whether to trust and obey God, knowing that given that freedom we would all choose to do our own will rather than God's. Disobedience of God's Word is sin (Romans 3:23; 1 John 1:5-8) and the penalty for sin is eternal death (Romans 6:23). Jesus is God's one and only provision for our forgiveness and salvation (see God's Plan of Salvation, sidebar, top right, home).

The Old Covenant (Testament) of Law was given to restrain evil until the coming of Jesus Christ who would institute the New Covenant of Grace to be received by faith (obedient trust) in Jesus (Ephesians 2:8-9). When Jesus came, he instituted the New Passover Feast, the Lord's Supper (Holy Communion; Eucharist) on the eve of his sacrificial death on the Cross. Jesus is the “Lamb” of the New Passover who gave his flesh for the sacrificial feast and his blood to mark his people to be “passed over” by the destroyer (Exodus 12:13).

God promised through Jeremiah to create a New Covenant through which he would “write” his laws on the hearts of his people. The gift of the indwelling Holy Spirit, which only Jesus gives (John 1:31-34), only to his disciples who trust and obey him (John 14:15-17), is the fulfillment of that promise. By the indwelling Holy Spirit we are spiritually “born-again” (John 3:3, 5-8) to eternal life. The Holy Spirit is the seal and guarantee that one is in Christ and has eternal life (2 Corinthians 1:22; Ephesians 1:13-14; Romans 8:9b, 11, 15-16).

The Holy Spirit is given to help us understand the scriptures (the risen Jesus; Luke 24:32, 45) , to recall all that Jesus teaches (John 14:25-26) and to guide and empower us to know and do God's will ("Not by power, or by might, but by My Spirit, says the Lord;" Zechariah 4:6). The disciples were commanded to stay in Jerusalem (the modern equivalent is the Church) until they had received the gift (“baptism”) of the indwelling Holy Spirit (Luke 24:49; Acts 1:4-5, 8; compare Acts 2:1-13). The Holy Spirit gives Jesus’ disciples what to say at the moment it is needed (Mark 13:11; Luke 12:11-12).

Those who have received the indwelling Holy Spirit are freed from the condemnation of the Law, provided that they live according to the Holy Spirit (Romans 8:1-11). No person has ever been able to keep the Law perfectly (Galatians 2:16), and if one fails at any point one is guilty of all (James 2:10). Those who rely on keeping the Law are cutting themselves off from Christ (Galatians 5:3-4).

The blood of Jesus has become the “cup of salvation” God has promised. Jesus is the ideal Servant of the Lord who gave his life for the Lord. Jesus is the example and assurance that we are to follow. We may not have to be martyred physically, but in some way we will all have to surrender our lives to serve the Lord. But Jesus' resurrection assures us that those who lose their lives for the Lord's sake will have eternal life in heaven with the Lord. Every truly “born-again” disciple of Jesus Christ personally knows and has fellowship with the risen Jesus, and testifies that Jesus is risen and eternally alive.

The Holy Spirit inspired the prophecy of Jeremiah of a New Covenant, and he testifies to us through Jesus Christ and the indwelling Holy Spirit that God has made a New Covenant with his people. We experience the fulfillment of the promise to write God's Laws on our hearts and in our minds, and we experience the forgiveness of all our sins.

At Jesus' crucifixion, at the moment of his death the veil of the temple, separating the congregation from the holy-of-holies and the presence of God, was supernaturally torn in two from top to bottom, symbolizing that Jesus  had opened a new and better way into God's presence through the sacrifice of Jesus' flesh. Those who reject Jesus, who profane the blood of the Covenant and blaspheme the Holy Spirit (Matthew 12:31-32), will be accountable to eternal destruction at Christ's return on the Day of Judgment.

Christians are by definition “born-again” (John 3:3, 5-8) disciples (Acts 11:26c) of Jesus Christ. Discipleship is not some optional category of “Super-Christian.” Discipleship is an ongoing spiritual growth process. Disciples need to be discipled by “born-again” mature disciples until they have been “born-again” and then must learn over the course of years to know the Lord's voice and learn to trust and obey him. The original Twelve were with Jesus day and night for three years, and yet were not ready to go into the world with the Gospel message until they had been “baptized” with the Holy Spirit. Spiritual maturity is not simply a matter of being baptized with water, or joining a church, or going to an altar call.

Discipleship takes perseverance and endurance. There will be tribulations and persecutions along the way. We must keep claiming and trusting in the promises of God's Word, even when the going gets rough.

The Jews had long wanted to destroy Jesus, but were unable to until God's timing. It had been God's will for Jesus to establish the New Passover at the Passover celebration on the eve of Jesus' crucifixion. Someone was going to betray Jesus, but it wasn't Judas' unalterable fate. Judas volunteered.

No one took Jesus' life from him; he laid it down voluntarily; trusting that God had given him the power and promise to take it up again (John 10:17-18). Jesus didn't die until he had committed himself into God's hand and acknowledged that the mission he had come to accomplish was finished (Luke 23:45-46; John 19:28-30).

Jesus' death destroyed the power of death and delivers us from the fear of death, by which we have been in bondage (Hebrews 2:14-15). Jesus' resurrection from death to eternal life demonstrates that there is existence after physical death, and that those who trust and obey Jesus will be raised from physical death to eternal life as Jesus was, and will live in paradise with him for eternity (Romans 8:11).

Is Jesus your Lord (Matthew 7:21-23; Luke 6:46)? Are you Jesus' disciple (John 8:31)? Are you trusting and obeying Jesus (John 14:21)? Have you received the indwelling Holy Spirit since you first truly believed (Acts 19:2)? Are you making disciples of Jesus Christ and teaching them to obey all that Jesus commands (Matthew 28:18-20)? Do you know with certainty where you will spend eternity (1 John 5:11-13; Ephesians 1:13-14)?

Good Friday - C
The anniversary of Christ's Crucifixion;
First Posted April 2, 2010;
Podcast: Good Friday - C

Isaiah 52:13-53:12 -- The Fourth Servant Song;
Psalm 22:1-23 -- Prayer for Deliverance;
Hosea 6:1-6 --  Healing and Restoration;
Hebrews 4:14-16; 5:7-9 -- Our Great High Priest;
John 19:17-30 -- Jesus' Crucifixion;
(or John 18:1-19:42 -- Jesus' Arrest, Trial and Crucifixion);

Isaiah 52:13-53:12 Paraphrase:

My Servant will have good success. He will be highly exalted and lifted up very high. Many were astonished by his appearance because he had been marred beyond human resemblance, and his body so damaged that he didn't look like a human being. Nations will be shocked and kings will be speechless, because what they have not been told they will see, and they will understand what they have not heard.

Have you believed what we have heard? Has the Lord's arm been revealed to you? He grew up like a shoot rooted in dry ground. He didn't have a beautiful body that we would desire to look at, and desire him for his physical attractiveness. People despised and rejected him; his life was characterized by sorrow and grief. He was like one from whom people avert their faces. He was despised and we did not appreciate him.

Truly, he has taken our griefs and sorrows upon himself. We thought he deserved to be stricken, punished and afflicted by God. But it was for our sins that he was battered and bruised. The chastisement he bore for us makes us whole, and we are healed by the wounds which he received. We are all like straying sheep; we have turned aside and have followed our own interests, rather than the Lord's; and God has laid the sins of each of us upon his Servant.

Although he was oppressed and afflicted he didn't complain. Jesus didn't respond to the false accusations which were made against him, the way that sheep being sheared are mute. He was oppressed and denied justice. Who of his generation considered that his life was taken from him and he was punished for the sins of God's people? He was entombed with the wicked and with a rich man, although he was not guilty of any violence or deceit.

But it was God's will that he be afflicted and put to grief. When the Servant allows himself to become an offering for sin, he will see his (spiritual) offspring, he will have long life. God's will will prosper through his Servant. He will be satisfied when he sees the result of the tribulation of his soul. By his knowledge the righteous one, God's Servant, will make many to be accounted righteous, and he will carry off their sins. So God will give him an inheritance with the great, and the Servant will divide the booty (proceeds of victory) with the strong. God's Servant gave his soul unto physical death, and was accounted among sinners. He carried the sins of many and interceded for transgressors.

Psalm 22:1-23 Paraphrase:

Background:

This Psalm is attributed to David, the great human Shepherd-King of Israel and forerunner of the Christ.

Psalm Paraphrase:

"My God, My God, why hast thou forsaken me" (Psalm 22:1a)? Why does my Lord seem so far from helping me; doesn't he hear my groaning? I cry to God each day, but he doesn't answer me. I cry to him at night, but receive no rest.

But God is Holy, and he is present in the praises of Israel. Our forefathers trusted in the Lord and the Lord delivered them. When they cried to the Lord they were saved. When they placed their trust in the Lord they were not disappointed.

But the Lord's servant is regarded as a worm rather than a man; he is scorned and despised by the people. Those who see him mock him, make faces at him and wag their heads. They say that the Servant entrusted his cause to the Lord, so let the Lord rescue him, since he delights in his Servant.

But God brought him forth from his mother's womb, and kept him safe as a nursing infant. The Servant was dependent upon the Lord from birth, and from his birth the Lord has been his God.

"I am poured out like water, and all my bones are out of joint; my heart is like wax, it is melted within my breast; my strength is dried up like a potsherd, and my tongue cleaves to my jaws; thou dost lay me in the dust of death" (Psalm 22:15).

"Yea, dogs are round about me; a company of evildoers encircle me; They have pierced my hands and feet-- I can count all my bones-- they stare and gloat over me; they divide my garments among them, and for my raiment they cast lots" (Psalm 22:16-18).

Be not far off, O Lord. You who are my source of help, hasten to help me. Deliver my soul and my life from the sword and from the power of dogs. Rescue me from the mouth of the lion, and my soul from the horns of wild oxen.

I will proclaim your name (entire person and character) to my brethren, and I will praise you in the midst of the congregation. Let all who fear (have appropriate awe and respect for the power and authority of) the Lord, praise him. All who are the sons (descendants) of Jacob (Israel; the father of the heads of the twelve tribes; Christians are the spiritual descendants of Jacob; they're the New sons of Israel), glorify him and stand in awe of him.

Hosea 6:1-6 Paraphrase:

Let us return to the Lord that he may heal us, since he has torn us; he has stricken us, but he will bind us up. "After two days he will revive us; on the third day he will raise us up, that we may live before him" (Hosea 6:2), Let us press ahead, that we may know the Lord. He comes forth as surely as the dawn. He comes to us as the spring rain with gentle showers to water the earth.

What shall the Lord do with Ephraim (the second son of Joseph who nevertheless, against custom, received a double portion of the inheritance of Jacob above his brother). What shall the Lord do with Judah (the fourth son of Jacob by Leah; one of the heads of the twelve tribes. Judah became the remnant of Israel after the destruction of the Northern Kingdom of the ten tribes). Their love is like a morning cloud or dew that soon disappears. So the Lord has hewn them with his prophets, and the words of his mouth have slain them. "For I desire steadfast love and not sacrifice, the knowledge of God rather than burnt offerings" (Hosea 6:6)

Hebrews 4:14-16; 5:7-9 Paraphrase:

Because we have a great high priest, Jesus Christ, the Son of God, who has passed into heaven, let us hold on to what we have declared that we believe. Our high priest is not unable to empathize with us in our weaknesses; he has experienced every temptation we do, but he didn't yield to sin. So let us then draw near to his throne which is the source of grace (unmerited favor; undeserved free gift) to receive mercy and grace when we need it.

When Jesus was in human flesh, he prayed, with supplication, with tears and loud cries to God, who was alone able to save him, and he was heard because of his fear (awe and respect for the power and authority) of God. He was God's Son, but he learned obedience to God through suffering, and when he had become spiritually mature, "he became the source of eternal salvation to all who obey him" (Hebrews 5:9b).

John 19:17-30 Paraphrase

After Jesus had been sentenced to crucifixion, Roman soldiers took Jesus, carrying his own cross (just the horizontal crosspiece), to Golgotha, meaning the place of a skull (a hill with a skull-like appearance, west of the "New City," an extension built by Herod the Great). There Jesus was crucified with two others, with Jesus between them. Pilate wrote a sign which was placed on Jesus' cross, saying, "Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews" (John 19:19), in Hebrew, Latin and Greek. This sign was read by many of the Jews because it was right outside the city gate (possibly the Gennath Gate).

The Jewish authorities objected to Pilate about the wording, saying that it should say that Jesus claimed to be the King of the Jews (untrue; John 18:33-37) but Pilate refused to change the sign. When Jesus had been crucified, the four soldiers divided his clothing among themselves, but since his tunic was one seamless woven garment they decided to cast lots for it (like rolling dice). Thus the prophecy of Psalm 22:18 was fulfilled: "They parted my garments among them, and for my clothing they cast lots" (John 19:24).

Mary, Jesus' mother, Mary her sister, wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene, stood by observing the crucifixion. When Jesus saw his mother, and John ("the disciple whom Jesus loved") standing near, he told his mother to consider John her son, and told John to consider Mary his mother, and from then on John took Mary into his home.

Then, knowing that all was now finished, said, "I thirst" (in fulfillment of scripture; Psalm 69:21b). There was a bowl of vinegar (sour wine) at hand, so someone put a sponge full of vinegar on hyssop (a reedy stem) and held it to Jesus' mouth. When Jesus had received the vinegar, he declared, "It is finished," bowed his head and yielded up his spirit.

Commentary:

Isaiah 52:13-53:12

This portion of Isaiah is generally believed to have been written around the time of Cyrus of Persia (539), which ended the Exile of Judah in Babylon. The defining characteristic of God's Word is its fulfillment (Deuteronomy 18:21-22). God's Word is always fulfilled, and is fulfilled over and over as the conditions for its fulfillment are met.

Jesus allowed himself to be “lifted up” on the cross (John 3:14; 12:32-33). Jesus' crucifixion was brutal, preceded by physical abuse (Matthew 27:26b-31; Luke 22:63-65).

We have heard the Gospel, the “Good News” of forgiveness of sin and restoration to fellowship with God which was broken by sin, but have we believed? Faith is more than intellectual assent. Faith is not like wishing on a star; we don't get whatever we believe if we believe “hard enough.” Saving faith is obedient trust in Jesus Christ.

We are all sinners who fall short of God's righteousness (Romans 3:23; 1 John 1:8-10), and the penalty for sin is eternal death (Romans 6:23). God loves us and doesn't want anyone to perish eternally but to have eternal life with him in his heavenly kingdom (Romans 5:8; John 3:16-17). Jesus is God's one and only provision for our forgiveness and salvation (John 14:6; Acts 4:12). God has designed Jesus into this Creation from the very beginning (John 1:1-5, 14; see God's Plan of Salvation, sidebar, top right, home).

Sin is disobedience of God's Word, which he has made available to us in the Bible. We will all be accountable to God for disobedience of God's Word. Jesus became the only sacrifice acceptable to God for the forgiveness of sins for all who will receive it by faith (obedient trust). Jesus became the “Lamb” of the “New Passover,” whose blood marks believers to be “passed over” by the destroying angel, and whose flesh provides for the Passover Feast, The Lord's Supper (Holy Communion; Eucharist). Jesus was perfectly sinless (Hebrews 4:15) but took our sins upon himself on the cross. He took our punishment for us, so that we could be forgiven.

Jesus didn't argue against false accusations brought against him by the Jews, and was mute before his judges and accusers like a sheep being sheared (Matthew 27:11-14). There is no question that he was denied justice (Matthew 26:59-66). Jesus went to the grave with the wicked (dying on the cross between two criminals; Luke 23:39-43; Matthew 27:44). He was entombed in the tomb of a rich man, Joseph of Arimathea (Matthew 27:57-60).

Jesus is the ultimate, perfect Servant of the Lord. It was God's will that he suffer and be crucified for our salvation, and Jesus was obedient unto death on the cross. Believers are his spiritual offspring. By the gift of the indwelling Holy Spirit which only Jesus gives (John 1:31-34), only to his disciples who trust and obey Jesus (John 14:15-17), we are spiritually “born-again” (John 3:3, 5-8) to eternal life. The Holy Spirit is the seal and guarantee that one is in Christ and has eternal life (2 Corinthians 1:22; Ephesians 1:13-14; Romans 8:9b, 11, 15-16).

By Jesus' obedient trust in God's Word he was raised from physical death to eternal life. Jesus reveals his personal knowledge of God his Father and of God's will by word and example to all who are willing to trust and obey him (Matthew 11:27). Jesus has been highly exalted and has been given the inheritance of God his Father. Jesus will share his inheritance with his spiritual children (“born-again” believers; the strong: those who persevere and endure in faith).

Psalm 22:1-23

Jesus began quoting, in Aramaic, the language Jesus spoke, this Psalm on the cross, “Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani” (Mark 15:34).

Jesus is the ultimate, perfect fulfillment of the Lord's Servant, but he was rejected and despised by people. Jesus was mocked and derided by observers at his crucifixion, in fulfillment of prophecy of Psalm 22:7-8 (compare Matthew 27:39-44).

God brought Jesus forth from his mother's womb supernaturally, by the Holy Spirit, since Mary was a virgin (Matthew 1:18-25; Luke 1:30-35). God preserved his life as an infant, when Herod sought to kill Jesus (Matthew 2:13-16).

Psalm 22:14-18, which is attributed to David, the great shepherd-king of Israel, is the prophetic image of Jesus' crucifixion, composed about a thousand years before it occurred (Matthew 27:35-44; Mark 15:29-32). Jesus trusted in God to deliver soul and life from physical death (the sword; the power of dogs; the mouth of the lion; the horns of wild oxen) and God answered Jesus' prayer.

Hosea 6:1-6

Hosea's ministry occurred during a sixty year period from the reign of Jereboam II (786-746 B.C.) of the Northern Kingdom  of the ten tribes of the Divided Monarchy.

Jesus is the demonstration of the fulfillment of this prophecy that the Lord tears but also heals, afflicts but also binds up. Jesus claimed the promise and demonstrated the fulfillment that God would revive and raise him up on the third day.

Jesus urges us to press on to know the Lord. If we seek the Lord he will allow himself to be found by us (I Chronicles 28:9c; Jeremiah 29:13-14a;  Deuteronomy 4:29). I am convinced that the meaning and purpose of life in this world is to seek and find God (Acts 17:26-27), but this is only possible through faith (obedient trust) in Jesus (John 14:6; Acts 4:12). The Lord will come to us and reveal himself to us (John 14:21) as surely as dawn comes each day, and as gently as spring showers.

In the history of Israel recorded in the Old Testament (Covenant) Israel was continually forgetting the great blessings God had given them and turning from love for God to love of self. Obedient trust is the test of true love (John 14:15-17, 23-24). Israel was like Ephraim, who received a double portion of the inheritance without deserving or appreciating it.

Judah was the remnant of Israel after the destruction of the Northern Kingdom of the ten tribes in 721 B.C. Judah ignored the warnings of the prophets so they were “hewn” by the prophets and slain by the Word of his mouth. The prophet Jeremiah warned Judah that if they didn't return to obedient trust in God, they would be carried into exile in Babylon (the land of the Chaldeans) for seventy years (Jeremiah 25:11-12).

Judah could have avoided exile by repenting and returning to the Lord any time before the fall of Jerusalem to Nebuchadnezzar, King of Babylon, in 587 B.C., but they refused to obey God's Word spoken by the prophet. As a result they were driven into exile. Note that seventy years was a virtual life sentence for anyone who was an adult at the beginning of the exile. Judah had been slain by the Word of God spoken by the prophet, and hewn into a renewed People of God during the exile.

After seventy years, in 517 B.C., God used Cyrus, King of Persia, to conquer Babylon, and free Judah to return to their Promised Land. Cyrus not only allowed them to leave but returned to them the treasures that had been looted from the temple in Jerusalem, and gave them money and assistance from Babylonian provincial governors in Israel to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem and the temple destroyed by Nebuchadnezzar. Isn't that amazing?

Hebrews 4:14-16; 5:7-9

Through Jesus we receive, like Ephraim (Genesis 48:10-20),  a “double portion” of an inheritance we do not deserve; it is by God's grace (a free gift; unmerited favor), and from the throne of grace we receive abundant mercy and grace when we need it.

Jesus trusted in God alone to save him and his faith was rewarded; God heard and answered his prayer for deliverance because of Jesus' fear (awe and respect for the power and authority) of God. Jesus was God's Son, but he learned obedience through suffering. Obedience to God's will cost Jesus everything he had physically.

John 19:17-30

The eyewitness accounts by evangelists Matthew, Mark, Luke and John testify to the fulfillment of the Old Testament prophesies regarding the Lord's Servant, the Messiah (Christ). The Jewish leaders falsely accused Jesus of claiming to be King of Israel (John 18:33-36; 19:12). The Roman soldiers divided his clothes and cast lots (like rolling dice) for his seamless woven tunic to determine which one would get it (Psalm 22:18). Jesus declared his thirst as prophesied in Psalm 22:15 and was given vinegar as prophesied in Psalm 69:21b. The scene of his crucifixion was the fulfillment of Isaiah 53:1-12 and Psalm 22:1a, 7-8, 14-18.

It is enlightening to realize that crucifixion was a unique Roman form of execution unknown in Israel. Israel's method of execution was by stoning: a group threw stones at the condemned until he was killed. It took more than a couple stones and a couple individuals to carry out, so there was agreement among the condemned's peers as to the death sentence.

The Old Testament has not been made irrelevant by the New Testament. Jesus has been God's Plan from the very beginning of Creation (John 1:1-5, 14) and God has gradually been revealing that Plan in his Word, The Bible, and in the “Living Word,” Jesus Christ, the fulfillment, embodiment, and example of God's Word lived in human flesh in this fallen world, from the very beginning (Genesis 3:15). God was not surprised that the first man and woman, Adam and Eve, sinned by disobeying God's Word not to eat the forbidden fruit (Genesis 2:15-17; 3:1-11). Jesus was not “Plan B” after sin was introduced into Creation.

Have you received Jesus as your Savior and Lord (Matthew 7:21-23; Luke 6:46)? Are you Jesus' disciple (John 8:31)? Are you trusting and obeying Jesus (John 14:21)? Have you received the indwelling Holy Spirit since you first truly believed (Acts 19:2)? Are you making disciples of Jesus Christ and teaching them to obey all that Jesus commands (Matthew 28:18-20)? Do you know with certainty where you will spend eternity (1 John 5:11-13; Ephesians 1:13-14)?

Saturday - Easter Vigil - C
First Posted April 3, 2010;
Podcast: Saturday Easter Vigil C


Luke 24:1-11-- The First Easter;
John 20:1-9 (10-18) – The Resurrection;

Luke Paraphrase:

After resting on the sabbath, on the first day of the Week (Sunday), the women (Mary Magdalene, Joanna, and the “other” Mary, the mother of James and Salome and wife of Clopas, and other women; Matthew 28:1; Mark 16:1; Luke 24:10) returned to the tomb where Jesus had been placed, bringing the spices and ointments they had prepared for Jesus' burial. They discovered that the door to the tomb had been rolled away, and when they entered they could not find Jesus' body.

As they tried to understand what was happening, two men (angels), whose garments glowed supernaturally, appeared beside them. The women were frightened and bowed down to the ground. The men asked why the women were looking for the living among the dead.

The men reminded them that Jesus had told them in Galilee that the “Son of man” would be delivered into the authority of sinful people, would be crucified, and rise on the third day. The women remembered Jesus' words, and returned and announced Jesus' resurrection to the “Eleven” remaining original disciples and the other followers, but they did not think their “story” was credible and did not believe them.

John Paraphrase:

Early, before dawn on the first day of the Week (Sunday), Mary Magdalene went to the tomb where Jesus had been placed and saw that the stone sealing the tomb had been rolled away. So she ran to Simon Peter and the “other disciple, the one whom Jesus loved” (John 20:2a) and told them that Jesus' body had been removed, and the women did not know where the body was.

Peter and the “other” disciple left, running for the tomb, but the “other” disciple outran Peter and reached the tomb first. He looked in and saw that the linen grave clothes had been removed and were lying there. The “napkin” (a sweat cloth; an item of apparel, part of the grave clothes: John 11:44), was rolled up separately. Then the “other” disciple also entered the tomb, after Peter, and he saw and believed. Until then, they had not understood the scriptures that Jesus must rise from the dead (Matthew 16:21-23; 20:17-19; Luke 18:31-34).

The disciples had gone back to their lodgings, but Mary Magdalene stood outside the tomb weeping. As she wept she looked into the tomb and saw two angels sitting where Jesus' body had lain. The angels asked her why she was weeping and she told them that it was because Jesus' body had been removed and she didn't know where it was.

Having said this she turned around and saw Jesus standing nearby, but she didn't recognize him; she supposed that it must be the cemetery gardener. She asked him to show her where Jesus' body had been taken. Jesus spoke Mary's name and she recognized him as the “Teacher” (Jesus Christ).

Jesus asked her not to detain him, because he had not yet ascended to God the Father. He told her to tell his followers that Jesus was ascending to his Father and his God, who is also their Father and their God. Mary returned to the followers and testified to these things which she had witnessed.

Commentary - Luke:

The Jewish Sabbath was Saturday, from sundown Friday to sundown Saturday, according to the Old Covenant (Testament) of Law of Moses. On the night of his betrayal and arrest, Jesus initiated the New Covenant of Grace (God's unmerited favor; a free gift), which is received through faith (obedient trust) in Jesus (Luke 22:14-20 RSV note “j;” Matthew 26:26-29 RSV note “g;” Hebrews 8:8-13; 12:24). Those who are in Jesus are no longer under the obligation of the Old Covenant of Law, provided that we live according to the indwelling Holy Spirit (Romans 8:1-11).

The Christian Church celebrates the “Lord's Day” on Sunday, the day of Jesus' resurrection, the fulfillment of God's plan for this Creation. In the Christian Church, Saturday of Holy Week is the Easter Vigil. Jesus has been crucified and we await the fulfillment of the promised resurrection. Likewise, we are to wait within the Church (the New Jerusalem on earth; Luke 24:49; Acts 1:4-5, 8) until we are “born-again” (John 3:3, 5-8) and personally experience the risen Jesus through the gift of the indwelling Holy Spirit.

Jesus had foretold to his disciples at least three times that he would go to Jerusalem, be abused by the Jews, be crucified, and rise on the third day (Matthew 16:21; 17:22-23; 20:17-19; 26:1-2), but the disciples did not understand what Jesus was saying (Luke 9: 44-45; 18:31-34, Mark 9:31-32).

They didn't understand because they didn't want to hear of Jesus' death (Matthew 16:21-23), and were afraid to ask him. They had seen Jesus raise the dead (for example: John 11:1-44), but hadn't accepted resurrection beyond an exceptional, rare event. The women hadn't understood Jesus' prophecy so they didn't remember it until they were reminded, and the rest of the disciples didn't believe the women's testimony.

Jesus referred to himself as the “Son of man,” which is true, and which allows us to decide for ourselves whether his is also the Son of God, with a hint from Daniel 7:13 (see also Revelation 1:13; 14:14).

John:

John refers to himself as the “other disciple, whom Jesus loved,” allowing him to give his eyewitness testimony,  but also making it possible for each of us to see ourselves in that relationship with Jesus in the Gospel message. We can also be the “other” disciple, whom Jesus loves.

John was the faster runner, but Peter was the impulsive disciple. John got there first, but hesitated; Peter charged right in and became the first of the two to experience the miracle of the resurrection and the empty tomb. I conclude that it doesn't matter if one knows God's Word unless one acts upon it in daily life (Matthew 7:21-27; Luke 6:46).

Jesus' followers didn't recognize the risen Jesus at first because his appearance had been marred by the crucifixion (Isaiah 52:14) and because they didn't expect Jesus' resurrection, despite of Jesus' prophecies, until Jesus revealed himself personally to them (Luke 24:21-35). The meaning and purpose of life in this world is to seek and come to know and have relationship with God (Acts 17:26-27) and this is only possible through Jesus Christ (John 14:6).

Jesus is near to each one of us, but he will not reveal himself to us until we invite him (Revelation 3:20; see God's Plan of Salvation, sidebar, top right, home). When we do, he will make himself known to us in a uniquely personal way (see Personal Testimonies, sidebar, top right, home).

“Born-again” (John 3:3, 5-8) disciples have personally experienced the risen and ascended Jesus (for example: Acts 9:1-5) through the gift (“baptism”) of the indwelling Holy Spirit, which only Jesus gives (John 1:31-34), only to his disciples who trust and obey Jesus (John 14:15-17). The Holy Spirit is the seal and guarantee that one is in Christ and has eternal life (2 Corinthians 1:22; Ephesians 1:13-14; Romans 8:9b, 11, 15-16). We testify to the world and to “nominal” Christians that Jesus is risen and eternally alive,
but who regards our testimony as credible and believes our testimony?

Is Jesus your Lord (Matthew 7:21-23; Luke 6:46)? Are you Jesus' disciple (John 8:31)? Are you trusting and obeying Jesus (John 14:21)? Have you received the indwelling Holy Spirit since you first truly believed (Acts 19:2)? Are you making disciples of Jesus Christ and teaching them to obey all that Jesus commands (Matthew 28:18-20)? Do you know with certainty where you will spend eternity (1 John 5:11-13; Ephesians 1:13-14)?