John 19: 23-24
In Lee Strobel's book, "The Case for Christ", the possibility that Jesus never died on the cross is discussed. This possibility is known as the "swoon" theory. The thought behind the theory is, "that Jesus only fainted from exhaustion on the cross, or He had been given a drug that made Him appear to die, and that He had later been revived by the cool, damp air of the tomb." The implication of this idea is that Christ's crucifixion wasn't much worse than being worn out from completing a triathlon. However, Strobel's book also shares a vivid description of a Roman flogging, and the act of crucifixion from the viewpoint of a medical doctor, who had studied history, archaeology and data concerning the death of Christ. Upon reading Alexander Metherell's explanation of the physical torture Christ endured prior to and during His crucifixion, we would be hard pressed to imagine anyone being revived by the "cool, damp air of the tomb".
The Roman soldiers dividing up His garments and casting lots for His tunic had no doubt that Jesus was no longer in need of those items. They had seen other floggings and crucifixions, this man Jesus, who they had nailed to the cross, was about to die.
The soldiers went about their business, hard-hearted to the agony of Christ, not realizing that their actions were fulfilling prophecy found in Psalm 22:16-18, "For dogs have surrounded Me; The congregation of the wicked has enclosed Me. They pierced My hands and My feet; I can count all My bones. They look and stare at Me. They divide My garments among them, And for My clothing they cast lots."
God described the moment hundreds of years before it happened...amazing!
Even in the smallest details we can trust God's Word to be true.
So the question is not "Did Christ die on the cross?" The evidence for the death, burial and resurrection of Christ is overwhelming, if you take time to study the facts.
The real question is this - what does the death of Christ on the cross mean to you? What about His resurrection to life, and the promise of eternal life to all who believe in Him?
He is risen!
He is risen, indeed!
Happy Easter!
Wednesday, March 27, 2013
Wednesday, March 20, 2013
Innocent?
John 19:13-24
Pilate caved in to the religious leaders and mob, releasing a murderer and turning over an innocent man; who was mocked...crowned with thorns...spit on...beaten...then sent to the Place of a Skull to be crucified. (Matthew 27:26-33) Before turning Jesus over, Pilate wanted to make one thing clear, "I am innocent of the blood of this just Person." (Matthew 27:24) He told the crowd Jesus was innocent, that he "found no fault in Him". He was released from liability for the acts that would follow.
Or was he?
Pilate found himself in a position that many of us do when we try to please everyone. When we try to be politically correct at the cost of the truth. When we cave in and go along with everyone else, even when we know we are wrong.
In high school there was a sweet Christian girl in my English class. She seemed a little old-fashioned to most of us, but I can still remember that she had a nice smile and was kind to everyone. For several weeks her chair was empty, and when she did show up again something had changed. Her eyebrows were gone, her normally fair complexion was chalk white...and she was wearing a wig. A natural redhead with beautiful hair it was now styled in an artificial cut that mimicked something our mothers would've worn. It started with a few whispers, then some giggling, and soon everyone was laughing or commenting on the wig. It was cruel, and though I didn't laugh, I didn't do anything to stop what was happening. Innocent, right?
Or was I?
When Jesus was hung on the cross to die Pilate wrote a title and put it on the cross, "Jesus of Nazareth, The King of The Jews". The chief priests are back at Pilate's door immediately, saying, "Do not write, "The King of the Jews", but, "He said "I am the King of the Jews". Surely Pilate will cave in again, right?
But he didn't. "What I have written, I have written.", he told them.
Not a politically correct answer for an ambitious man, but the truth.
The truth about Jesus, that He is King of Kings and Lord of Lords...and forgives even those of us who cave in...
Pilate caved in to the religious leaders and mob, releasing a murderer and turning over an innocent man; who was mocked...crowned with thorns...spit on...beaten...then sent to the Place of a Skull to be crucified. (Matthew 27:26-33) Before turning Jesus over, Pilate wanted to make one thing clear, "I am innocent of the blood of this just Person." (Matthew 27:24) He told the crowd Jesus was innocent, that he "found no fault in Him". He was released from liability for the acts that would follow.
Or was he?
Pilate found himself in a position that many of us do when we try to please everyone. When we try to be politically correct at the cost of the truth. When we cave in and go along with everyone else, even when we know we are wrong.
In high school there was a sweet Christian girl in my English class. She seemed a little old-fashioned to most of us, but I can still remember that she had a nice smile and was kind to everyone. For several weeks her chair was empty, and when she did show up again something had changed. Her eyebrows were gone, her normally fair complexion was chalk white...and she was wearing a wig. A natural redhead with beautiful hair it was now styled in an artificial cut that mimicked something our mothers would've worn. It started with a few whispers, then some giggling, and soon everyone was laughing or commenting on the wig. It was cruel, and though I didn't laugh, I didn't do anything to stop what was happening. Innocent, right?
Or was I?
When Jesus was hung on the cross to die Pilate wrote a title and put it on the cross, "Jesus of Nazareth, The King of The Jews". The chief priests are back at Pilate's door immediately, saying, "Do not write, "The King of the Jews", but, "He said "I am the King of the Jews". Surely Pilate will cave in again, right?
But he didn't. "What I have written, I have written.", he told them.
Not a politically correct answer for an ambitious man, but the truth.
The truth about Jesus, that He is King of Kings and Lord of Lords...and forgives even those of us who cave in...
Wednesday, March 13, 2013
No Fault
John 19:1-12
"I find no fault in Him at all." - Pilate, as recorded in John 18:38
When appealing to Pilate the religious leaders encouraged him to believe that Jesus was, "perverting the nation, forbidding to pay taxes to Caesar, saying that He Himself is Christ, a King." (Luke 23:2) Jesus would answer, yes, He was the King of the Jews. But to the rest He answered nothing. Which amazed Pilate, who asked, "Are You not speaking to me? Do You not know that I have the power to crucify You, and the power to release You?"
Pilate held the power of life or death over those he ruled. With one exception - Jesus!
And Jesus told Pilate that he, "could have no power at all against Me unless it had been given to you from above."
Pilate wants to release Jesus. He finds no fault in Him. He isn't concerned with the Jewish leaders' accusations that Jesus has made Himself the Son of God, and finds no reason to bow to their demands for His crucifixion on that point.
So the religious leaders changed their ploy. "If you let this Man go, you are not Caesar's friend." Releasing Jesus would make Pilate Caesar's enemy. The great power that Pilate enjoyed would be gone. This appeal hit its mark. Pilate cared more about his position and power, than justice for an innocent man.
There are many who believe that Jesus was a good man, teaching people to live good lives. They find no fault in Him. Just another prophet in a progression of prophets. On the matter of whether or not He was the Son of God there is little concern.
What happens, though, when employment, power or status is threatened by believing that Jesus is a good man? It's easier to look away and condemn Him. After all, what difference does it make?
Pilate, as all men, would die one day. The status he held on earth would be forgotten. Eternity would loom ahead of him. Jesus gave words of instruction to be used in preparing for that day, "For what will it profit a man, if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? For whoever is ashamed of Me and My words in this adulterous and sinful generation, of him the Son of Man also will be ashamed when He comes in the glory of His Father with the holy angels." (Mark 8:36-38)
Jesus came to the world as more than a good man, a prophet, a man without fault..
...He came to restore us to God our Father through His death, burial and resurrection.
"I find no fault in Him at all." - Pilate, as recorded in John 18:38
When appealing to Pilate the religious leaders encouraged him to believe that Jesus was, "perverting the nation, forbidding to pay taxes to Caesar, saying that He Himself is Christ, a King." (Luke 23:2) Jesus would answer, yes, He was the King of the Jews. But to the rest He answered nothing. Which amazed Pilate, who asked, "Are You not speaking to me? Do You not know that I have the power to crucify You, and the power to release You?"
Pilate held the power of life or death over those he ruled. With one exception - Jesus!
And Jesus told Pilate that he, "could have no power at all against Me unless it had been given to you from above."
Pilate wants to release Jesus. He finds no fault in Him. He isn't concerned with the Jewish leaders' accusations that Jesus has made Himself the Son of God, and finds no reason to bow to their demands for His crucifixion on that point.
So the religious leaders changed their ploy. "If you let this Man go, you are not Caesar's friend." Releasing Jesus would make Pilate Caesar's enemy. The great power that Pilate enjoyed would be gone. This appeal hit its mark. Pilate cared more about his position and power, than justice for an innocent man.
There are many who believe that Jesus was a good man, teaching people to live good lives. They find no fault in Him. Just another prophet in a progression of prophets. On the matter of whether or not He was the Son of God there is little concern.
What happens, though, when employment, power or status is threatened by believing that Jesus is a good man? It's easier to look away and condemn Him. After all, what difference does it make?
Pilate, as all men, would die one day. The status he held on earth would be forgotten. Eternity would loom ahead of him. Jesus gave words of instruction to be used in preparing for that day, "For what will it profit a man, if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? For whoever is ashamed of Me and My words in this adulterous and sinful generation, of him the Son of Man also will be ashamed when He comes in the glory of His Father with the holy angels." (Mark 8:36-38)
Jesus came to the world as more than a good man, a prophet, a man without fault..
...He came to restore us to God our Father through His death, burial and resurrection.
Wednesday, March 6, 2013
What is Truth?
John 18:28-40
During the recent election I tried to discern which candidate would be the best for each job prior to casting my vote. The deluge of opinions found in all forms of media left me wondering, "What is truth?" I go to the grocery store and try to pick out foods that will provide nutrition and encourage good health. The labels and packaging that proclaim this benefit and that entice me to put them in the basket. Then I read the list of ingredients and ask, "What is truth?" - the bold claims on the front of the box or the empty calories outlined in small letters on the side? Ads for different new and innovative medications promise a better, longer, good-looking life. Then the list of side effects appear - with a possibly much worse consequence than the medication is treating. Will I actually have a better life while on the medication? What is truth?
And then I search for the truth about how to live while I'm on earth...or what happens after I die...
When the religious leaders brought Jesus to Pilate for judgment, they were asked, "What accusation do you bring against this Man?". The answer they give does not include an actual accusation, "If He were not an evildoer, we would not have delivered Him up to you.". Translate - "Trust us, this guy is bad, or we wouldn't be bothering you right now." When something is being left out, it isn't the whole truth!
Many religious leaders today would like to have us believe that as long as we've been good people while here on earth we will most certainly spend our eternity in Heaven - or at worst, just cease to exist. They are leaving something out, and when something is left out, it isn't the whole truth!
In Psalm 14 we read, "...There is none who does good, no not one." To think that we can ever be good enough to get into Heaven by our actions is delusional. Because we all know that for every "good" thing we do, there are always "bad" things too! If good deserves to go to Heaven, then where should bad go? God calls the place our bad actions take us Hell. If Hell is left out, the whole truth isn't being told.
When I die God will look at one action to determine where I spend eternity. That action won't be the committees I've served on, the hungry children I've fed, the dogs I've rescued - though all good, not good enough. The only action He will deem as worthy is my belief in His Son, Jesus Christ. I believe that Jesus lived, died, was buried and rose again. And that someday, when His purpose for my life is finished, I will go home to live with Him in Heaven.
Pilate asked Jesus, "What is truth?"
Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life...no one comes to the Father except through Him. (John 14:6)
That, Pilate, is truth!
During the recent election I tried to discern which candidate would be the best for each job prior to casting my vote. The deluge of opinions found in all forms of media left me wondering, "What is truth?" I go to the grocery store and try to pick out foods that will provide nutrition and encourage good health. The labels and packaging that proclaim this benefit and that entice me to put them in the basket. Then I read the list of ingredients and ask, "What is truth?" - the bold claims on the front of the box or the empty calories outlined in small letters on the side? Ads for different new and innovative medications promise a better, longer, good-looking life. Then the list of side effects appear - with a possibly much worse consequence than the medication is treating. Will I actually have a better life while on the medication? What is truth?
And then I search for the truth about how to live while I'm on earth...or what happens after I die...
When the religious leaders brought Jesus to Pilate for judgment, they were asked, "What accusation do you bring against this Man?". The answer they give does not include an actual accusation, "If He were not an evildoer, we would not have delivered Him up to you.". Translate - "Trust us, this guy is bad, or we wouldn't be bothering you right now." When something is being left out, it isn't the whole truth!
Many religious leaders today would like to have us believe that as long as we've been good people while here on earth we will most certainly spend our eternity in Heaven - or at worst, just cease to exist. They are leaving something out, and when something is left out, it isn't the whole truth!
In Psalm 14 we read, "...There is none who does good, no not one." To think that we can ever be good enough to get into Heaven by our actions is delusional. Because we all know that for every "good" thing we do, there are always "bad" things too! If good deserves to go to Heaven, then where should bad go? God calls the place our bad actions take us Hell. If Hell is left out, the whole truth isn't being told.
When I die God will look at one action to determine where I spend eternity. That action won't be the committees I've served on, the hungry children I've fed, the dogs I've rescued - though all good, not good enough. The only action He will deem as worthy is my belief in His Son, Jesus Christ. I believe that Jesus lived, died, was buried and rose again. And that someday, when His purpose for my life is finished, I will go home to live with Him in Heaven.
Pilate asked Jesus, "What is truth?"
Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life...no one comes to the Father except through Him. (John 14:6)
That, Pilate, is truth!
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