Today’s Reading: Matthew 22:15-33; Mark 12:13-40; Luke 20:1-8, 20-47

As Jesus’ time on earth shortened, the religious leaders were ramping up their opposition against him, using their questions to try to trip him up. If they could get him to say the wrong thing, they would have a reason to have him arrested. If they could get him to respond in an offensive way, they could turn the people against him.

Jesus took advantage of this opportunity to teach his followers. His time was short and there was still so much he wanted them to know. Jesus focused on preparing them for how they should live their lives as they wait for his return.

His wisdom is still valid for us today as we wait for the day when Jesus will come back for us. His words are encouraging as we face persecution and opposition for our Christian values. Let’s simply sit at the feet of Jesus again this morning and soak in all of the things he felt it was important for his followers to hear before he left them. Let’s start by sincerely praying the words of the psalmist:

Show me your ways, Lord, teach me your paths. Guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior and my hope is in you all day long. – Psalm 25:4-5

GIVE: “Well, then,” Jesus said, “give to Caesar what belongs to Caesar, and give to God what belongs to God.” – Mark 12:17a

There’s an element of honesty here. As we live in a community, we cooperate with the government and authorities by giving what is required of us. In the same way, we live a generous and honest life with God, giving the tithe that is required but also responding generously to anything He asks us to give.

STUDY: When the Sadducees asked him a question about the resurrection from the dead, Jesus replied, “Your mistake is that you don’t know the Scriptures, and you don’t know the power of God” (Mark 12:24).

By studying God’s word, I increase my knowledge of the Scriptures and gain a clearer understanding of who God is and how incredibly BIG He is! This understanding helps me face any situation before me.

LOVE: When the Pharisees tried to trap Jesus with the question of which commandment in the Law of Moses was the most important, Jesus replied, “The most important commandment is this: ‘Listen, O Israel! The Lord our God is the one and only Lord. And you must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your mind, and all your strength.’ The second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ No other commandment is greater than these.”

The teacher of religious law replied, “Well said, Teacher. You have spoken the truth by saying that there is only one God and no other. And I know it is important to love him with all my heart and all my understanding and all my strength, and to love my neighbor as myself. This is more important than to offer all of the burnt offerings and sacrifices required in the law.”

Realizing how much the man understood, Jesus said to him, “You are not far from the Kingdom of God.” And after that, no one dared to ask him any more questions. – Mark 12:29-34

The Law of Moses can be quite overwhelming with its 613 rules, and the New Testament is also full of instructions for us. But if we focus on living our lives out of a deep love for God and love for others, the result will be a life marked by holy living. Our walk becomes about our devotion to a relationship rather than our commitment to a religion. We live out our love relationship with Jesus and it looks a lot like loving others. And according to Jesus, the closer we get to this, the closer we get to the Kingdom of God.

PRACTICE: When we love God with all our heart, soul and mind, we live a life to please only Him rather than focusing on pleasing people. Our religion becomes more than just what we say but how we live. Unlike the Pharisees, we practice what we preach.

“So practice and obey whatever they tell you, but don’t follow their example. For they don’t practice what they teach. They crush people with unbearable religious demands and never lift a finger to ease the burden. Everything they do is for show.” – Matthew 23:3-5a

BE HUMBLE: “The greatest among you must be a servant. But those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.” – Matthew 23:11-12

Then, with the crowds listening, he turned to his disciples and said, “Beware of these teachers of religious law! For they like to parade around in flowing robes and love to receive respectful greetings as they walk in the marketplaces. And how they love the seats of honor in the synagogues and the head table at banquets. Yet they shamelessly cheat widows out of their property and then pretend to be pious by making long prayers in public. Because of this, they will be severely punished.” – Luke 20:45-47

Lord, give me a servant’s heart. Create in me a heart that only desires what you desire. Lord, I want my life to be honest and generous, demonstrating a love for you and a love for others. Show me your ways, Lord. Teach me your word and live through me in ways that bring you glory. Amen.

Show me your ways, Lord, teach me your paths. Guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior and my hope is in you all day long. – Psalm 25:4-5

Today’s Reading: John 12:20-50; Psalm 55

What is on your mind this morning? What decision are you facing or what situation is heavy on your heart? This morning let’s simply sit at the feet of Jesus and listen to what He has to say. What do I need to hear today? What words of Jesus speak specifically of where I am and what is happening in my life today? Jesus, let your words wash over me fresh and new today.

Follow me…be where I am.

Jesus replied, “Now the time has come for the Son of Man to enter into his glory. I tell you the truth, unless a kernel of wheat is planted in the soil and dies, it remains alone. But its death will produce many new kernels — a plentiful harvest of new lives. Those who love their life in this world will lose it. Those who care nothing for their life in this world will keep it for eternity. Anyone who wants to be my disciple must follow me, because my servants must be where I am. And the Father will honor anyone who serves me.” – John 12:23-26

Walk in the light…put your trust in the light.

Jesus replied, “My light will shine for you just a little longer. Walk in the light while you can, so darkness will not overtake you. Those who walk in the darkness cannot see where they are going. Put your trust in the light while there is still time; then you will become children of the light.” – John 12:35-36

Jesus shouted to the crowds, “If you trust me, you are trusting not only me, but also God who sent me. For when you see me, you are seeing the one who sent me. I have come as a light to shine in this dark world, so that all who put their trust in me will no longer remain in the dark.” – John 12:44-46

Do as I have done to you.

“I have given you an example to follow. Do as I have done to you. I tell you the truth, slaves are not greater than their master. Nor is the messenger more important than the one who sends the message. Now that you know these things, God will bless you for doing them.” – John 13:15-17

Love each other.

As soon as Judas left the room, Jesus said, “The time has come for the Son of Man to enter into his glory, and God will be glorified because of him. And since God receives glory because of the Son, he will soon give glory to the Son. Dear children, I will be with you only a little longer. And as I told the Jewish leaders, you will search for me, but you can’t come where I am going. So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other. Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.” – John 13:31-35

Don’t be troubled…trust in me.

“Don’t let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust also in me. There is more than enough room in my Father’s home. If this were not so, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you? When everything is ready, I will come and get you, so that you will always be with me where I am. And you know the way to where I am going.” – John 14:1-4

You know me.

“I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me. If you had really known me, you would know who my Father is. From now on, you do know him and have seen him!” – John 14:6-7

Ask me for anything and I will do it!

“I tell you the truth, anyone who believes in me will do the same works I have done, and even greater works, because I am going to be with the Father. You can ask for anything in my name, and I will do it, so that the Son can bring glory to the Father. Yes, ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it!” – John 14:12-14

Perhaps today you will walk into a new situation and hear Jesus saying – I know you cannot see what is ahead but put your trust in me. Follow me. Be where I am. Walk in the light. Put your trust in the light. Do as I have done to you: Love each other. Don’t be troubled. Trust in me. You know me. Ask for anything and I will do it! What is He saying that speaks into where you are at or what is ahead for you today?

Morning, noon, and night
I cry out in my distress,
and the Lord hears my voice…
Give your burdens to the Lord,
and he will take care of you.
He will not permit the godly to slip and fall…
I am trusting you to save me. – Psalm 55:17, 22-23

Today’s Reading: Mark 11:15-19, 27-33; Luke 13:1-5, 31-35, 19:45-48; John 10:22-42

AT THE TEMPLE

It was in the temple where Mary and Joseph offered the required sacrifice for their purification offering, and then dedicated their eight day old son to the Lord at the time of his circumcision (Luke 2:21-24). Led by the Spirit, they came to present the baby Jesus to the Lord as the law required. Simeon held the baby in his arms and began praising the Lord. The prophet Anna was also there and joined in the celebration.

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

AT THE TEMPLE

It was in the Temple where Mary and Joseph found twelve year old Jesus after searching for him for three days. They found him sitting among the religious teachers, listening to them and asking them questions. Those who heard him were amazed by his understanding of the scriptures (Luke 2:41-47).

AT THE TEMPLE

It was in the temple that Jesus taught the people, healed the sick and gave sight to the blind. Many came to believe in him while standing in the temple listening to all he had to say, yet others rejected him.

AT THE TEMPLE

It was at the temple that Jesus was surrounded by people who were demanding he make it clear right there and right then whether or not he was the Messiah.

Jesus replied, “I have already told you, and you don’t believe me. The proof is the work I do in my Father’s name.” — John 10:25

AT THE TEMPLE

It was at the temple that people picked up stones to kill Jesus. When he reminded them of all the good works he had done at his Father’s direction, they replied that they were stoning him because he, a mere man, claimed to be God.

“Why do you call it blasphemy when I say, ‘I am the Son of God’? After all, the Father set me apart and sent me into the world. Don’t believe me unless I carry out my Father’s work. But if I do his work, believe in the evidence of the miraculous works I have done, even if you don’t believe me. Then you will know and understand that the Father is in me, and I am in the Father.” – John 10:36-38

AT THE TEMPLE

It was at the temple that Jesus drove out all of the people who were buying and selling animals for sacrifice. They were taking advantage of God’s people and taking the focus of worship away from God. He stood up for the poor and needy; he defended those who had traveled so far. When the religious leaders heard what Jesus had done, they made plans to kill him (Mark 11:15-19).

AT THE TEMPLE

It was at the temple that Pilate killed some who had traveled from Galilee to offer sacrifices to God. The place that had been built to restore life had become a place of death (Luke 13:1-5).

AT THE TEMPLE

It was at the temple that the religious leaders demanded Jesus prove his authority. Because they were not able to answer his question, he did not answer theirs.

“I’ll tell you by what authority I do these things if you answer one question,” Jesus replied. “Did John’s authority to baptize come from heaven, or was it merely human? Answer me!” – Mark 11:29-30

AT THE TEMPLE

It was at the temple that those who were appointed to prepare God’s people for the coming of the Messiah plotted to kill the one they were supposed to be celebrating. Jesus cried out over the devastation that Jerusalem had become and pointed out to them that their temple was no longer a dwelling place for the God they had been called to serve.

“O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones God’s messengers! How often I have wanted to gather your children together as a hen protects her chicks beneath her wings, but you wouldn’t let me. And now, look, your house is abandoned. And you will never see me again until you say, ‘Blessings on the one who comes in the name of the Lord!’” – Luke 13:34-35

AT THE TEMPLE

We are God’s temple, the place He chooses to have His Spirit dwell. It is in that temple that God teaches us and prepares us for the life to which He is calling us. It is in that temple that our faith is strengthened and our healing begins.

At times, God does a clearing of all of the ungodly habits and practices we have let creep into our life. At times, we question His character and challenge His motives. But it is also at this temple that God’s sanctifying power begins to take away our sinful desires and replace it with His righteousness. Have you opened the door of the temple to allow God to clean out and remodel your heart?

Don’t you realize that all of you together are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God lives in you? God will destroy anyone who destroys this temple. For God’s temple is holy, and you are that temple. – 1 Corinthians 3:16-17

Today’s Reading: Mark 4:21-25; Luke 8:16-18; John 12:17-19

When all the people heard of Jesus’ arrival, they flocked to see him and also to see Lazarus, the man Jesus had raised from the dead. Then the leading priests decided to kill Lazarus, too, for it was because of him that many of the people had deserted them and believed in Jesus. – John 12:9-11

LAZARUS’ STORY BROUGHT JESUS GLORY

Lazarus was making a difference in the lives of so many people because he allowed his story to be shared. Jesus had done something miraculous in his life, and he used that miracle to help others understand the difference Jesus could make in their lives. He had been dead, but he was now alive because of Jesus!

What Jesus had done for Lazarus became his story, but it did not stay Lazarus’ story. His healing was more about Jesus than it was about Lazarus. It was Jesus’ story meant to be used for Jesus’ glory, so that others could see the power of the Messiah on display in Lazarus’ life..

Many in the crowd had seen Jesus call Lazarus from the tomb, raising him from the dead, and they were telling others about it. That was the reason so many went out to meet him – because they had heard about this miraculous sign. Then the Pharisees said to each other, “There’s nothing we can do. Look, everyone has gone after him!” – John 12:17-19

HIS STORY FOR JESUS’ GLORY

Many came to faith because Lazarus allowed his story to be told. He did not hide from the impact Jesus had made in his life, nor did he claim any of that glory for himself. He became a light in a very dark place and many gained understanding of who Jesus was because of the story of Lazarus’ healing.

Then Jesus asked them, “Would anyone light a lamp and then put it under a basket or under a bed? Of course not! A lamp is placed on a stand, where its light will shine. For everything that is hidden will eventually be brought into the open, and every secret will be brought to light. Anyone with ears to hear should listen and understand.”

Then he added, “Pay close attention to what you hear. The closer you listen, the more understanding you will be given — and you will receive even more. To those who listen to my teaching, more understanding will be given. But for those who are not listening, even what little understanding they have will be taken away from them.” – Mark 4:21-25

Let’s not forget that death came before the healing; grief came before the peace. The story of Lazarus was not just about the joy of death resurrected; his story began from a place of pain and tears. As he was sick and dying, he might have wondered where Jesus was. When he was told that his friends had gone to bring Jesus back, he might have questioned what was taking Jesus so long. As he felt his life fading away, he must have felt a lot like we do when we cannot see the answer to our prayers. Later, when the leading priests began to plot his death, Lazarus must have felt a lot like we do when we are bullied or criticized for our faith.

Will you allow God to have the rest of your story? Will you allow Him to be glorified through both the pain and the triumph? Even if He chooses to be glorified through your death instead of through your healing, do you trust Him? Even if God uses the story of the persecution you experienced because of your faith rather than of the favor you received on earth, will you trust Him?

MY STORY FOR JESUS’ GLORY

But when Jesus heard about it he said, “Lazarus’s sickness will not end in death. No, it happened for the glory of God so that the Son of God will receive glory from this.” – John 11:4

That is the desire of my heart this morning — for God to be glorified through the circumstances of my life. I want it to be said that I trusted God in both sickness and health, in both disappointment and victory. I want everything God does in my life to be more than just my story, but to be for Jesus’ glory.

Lord Jesus, I give you the circumstances of my life and ask that you would receive the glory for each and every detail. I want my faith in you to look like trust during the trials and perseverance during the persecution. Strengthen my faith in who you are so that my testimony of your power can be on display for others to see — for your glory! Amen.

Today’s Reading: Mark 14:3-9; John 12:1-11

Greetings! I hope you had a wonderful weekend celebrating the resurrection of Christ. Today we are going back to study some of the passages we skipped over before Holy Week. We will finish the study of Jesus’ life on earth as told through Matthew, Mark, Luke and John, and then we will move on to all the Lord continued to do through the apostles. May the Lord bless the reading of His word!

PEOPLE RESPONDED TO JESUS IN DIFFERENT WAYS.

Six days before the Passover celebration began, Jesus arrived in Bethany, the home of Lazarus – the man he had raised from the dead. A dinner was prepared in Jesus’ honor. Martha served, and Lazarus was among those who ate with him. Then Mary took a twelve-ounce jar of expensive perfume made from essence of nard, and she anointed Jesus’ feet with it, wiping his feet with her hair. The house was filled with the fragrance.

But Judas Iscariot, the disciple who would soon betray him, said, “That perfume was worth a year’s wages. It should have been sold and the money given to the poor.” Not that he cared for the poor – he was a thief, and since he was in charge of the disciples’ money, he often stole some for himself. – John 12:1-6

The Passover was only six days away and I am sure there was much that needed to be done for this annual celebration, yet Lazarus and his sisters put aside their preparations in order to throw a dinner party in Jesus’ honor. What a year it had been for them! They recognized how different this Passover celebration would have been if not for Jesus’ intervention in their lives. Lazarus had been dead but here he was at the dinner party because of Jesus! God had blessed them greatly and they refused to forget His generosity; they chose to be generous in return.

MARTHA’S RESPONSE WAS TO SERVE.

Martha was doing what she did best — serving. It was her love language. Lazarus was soaking in the presence of Jesus, thankful for the opportunity to share a meal together in brotherly fellowship. He was giving Jesus the gift of his time, recognizing that every minute of his life was a gift from Jesus.

MARY’S RESPONSE WAS TO GIVE SACRIFICIALLY.

Mary’s response to Jesus was beautiful in its own way, perhaps describing her love language — sacrifice. There was nothing too expensive for Jesus, nothing she was unwilling to do in order to express her devotion to the Savior. The house was filled with the fragrance. Mary’s gift and her worship had an impact on everyone in her vicinity. When we give our best to God, when we serve and worship Him with reckless abandon, all those around us are impacted by our gift.

JUDAS’ RESPONSE WAS ONE OF SELFISHNESS AND GREED.

Judas was thinking only of himself. His concern was first for his own experience, disregarding the heart of Jesus and the needs of others. He had an attitude of possessiveness and entitlement.

Sadly, these various responses can be seen today among the body of Christ. Consider these examples and ask God to reveal your heart.

• The church announces a work day. Martha signs up to help, Mary offers to buy the cleaning supplies and Judas says, “I was at the last work day. It is someone else’s turn to clean.”
• A teenager who is rough around the edges, struggling with some addictions and coming from an unchurched family walks in the door. Martha offers him a ride to all future youth group events, Mary offers to pay his way to camp and Judas complains that there are cigarette butts in the church parking lot.
• The state posts the abortion statistics for the local community and the lives of 350 babies are reflected in last year’s numbers. Martha volunteers her time and Mary writes a check to the local pregnancy center, while Judas looks the other way and complains if the church brings up the topic of abortion — after all, it makes everyone uncomfortable.
• A man walks out on his wife and kids, filing for divorce. Martha volunteers to babysit, Mary brings over a week’s worth of groceries, and Judas says, “There’s always two sides to every story — I’m sure she shares some of the fault in their marriage going bad. Pastor, you need to find someone else to teach her Sunday School class.”

WHAT WILL MY RESPONSE BE?

Heavenly Father, reveal to me any “Judas” traits I might have. Forgive me for the times when I have put my own desires ahead of the needs of others, or the times when I have been too busy to honor you. Forgive me for the times when I have judged others instead of showing love. Help me to always see how different my life would be without your intervention and healing.

Lord Jesus, may I never forget your generosity but always be generous towards you. May the fragrance of my devotion to you be a blessing to all those in the house. Grow the “Martha” and “Mary” in me so that my first response is service and generosity. Like Lazarus, thank you for allowing me to experience your presence this morning as I drink my morning coffee.

Today’s Reading: Mark 16:1-11; Luke 8:1-3, 24:1-11; John 20:1-2, 11-18

Saturday evening, when the Sabbath ended, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome went out and purchased burial spices so they could anoint Jesus’ body. Very early on Sunday morning, just at sunrise, they went to the tomb. On the way they were asking each other, “Who will roll away the stone for us from the entrance to the tomb?” But as they arrived, they looked up and saw that the stone, which was very large, had already been rolled aside. – Mark 16:1-4

I wonder how long it took them to react to what they were seeing. The large stone was no longer at the entrance of the tomb. When they entered, they found that Jesus’ body was no longer there. Luke describes the women as puzzled. And as they stood there trying to figure out what had happened, two men clothed in dazzling robes suddenly appeared to them.

The women were terrified and bowed with their faces to the ground. Then the men asked, “Why are you looking among the dead for someone who is alive? He isn’t here! He is risen from the dead! Remember what he told you back in Galilee, that the Son of Man must be betrayed into the hands of sinful men and be crucified, and that he would rise again on the third day.” – Luke 24:5-7

WHY ARE YOU LOOKING AMONG THE DEAD FOR SOMEONE WHO IS ALIVE?

“Now go and tell his disciples, including Peter, that Jesus is going ahead of you to Galilee. You will see him there, just as he told you before he died.” The women fled from the tomb, trembling and bewildered, and they said nothing to anyone because they were too frightened. – Mark 16:7-8

[Mary Magdalene] ran and found Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one whom Jesus loved. She said, “They have taken the Lord’s body out of the tomb, and we don’t know where they have put him!” – John 20:1-2

Mary Magdalene followed Simon Peter back to the empty tomb. Overwhelmed with emotion, she stood outside the tomb and wept. Consider with me all of the emotions Mary must have been feeling. Now, consider with me how special this next moment must have been for Mary — a woman marked by her past, forever known as the one who had been possessed. If she had ever struggled with feeling unloved and unimportant, I wonder if those feelings went away when Jesus chose her to be the first person He appeared to after His resurrection — even before returning to His Father. I imagine this encounter with Jesus changed Mary’s life, much like my own encounter with Jesus forever changed my life.

WHO ARE YOU LOOKING FOR?

Mary was standing outside the tomb crying, and as she wept she stooped and looked in. She saw two white-robed angels, one sitting at the head and the other at the foot of the place where the body of Jesus had been lying. “Dear woman, why are you crying? The angels asked her.

“Because they have taken away my Lord,” she replied, “and I don’t know where they have put him.”

She turned to leave and saw someone standing there. It was Jesus, but she didn’t recognize him. “Dear woman, why are you crying?” Jesus asked her. “Who are you looking for?”

She thought he was the gardener. “Sir,” she said, “if you have taken him away, tell me where you have put him, and I will go and get him.”

“Mary!” Jesus said.

She turned to him and cried out, “Rabboni!” (which is Hebrew for “Teacher”).

“Don’t cling to me,” Jesus said, “for I haven’t yet ascended to the Father. But go find my brothers and tell them, ‘I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.’”

Mary Magdalene found the disciples and told them, “I have seen the Lord!” Then she gave them his message. – John 20:11-18

WHO AM I LOOKING FOR?

I find great significance in Jesus’ question to Mary and I ask myself the same thing – Who am I looking for? Am I searching for Jesus? Am I expecting Jesus to reveal Himself to me today? Am I expecting to hear from the Spirit, to encounter God’s presence in my life today? Jesus wants me to daily seek him with the expectation that he will be found and the willingness to serve Him obediently.

Jesus is alive and actively involved in my life! Do I live with this daily recognition? Do I daily display my faith in the One who conquered death and walked out of the grave? Am I still walking in bondage to the sin Jesus bore on the cross or am I living in the victory of Easter Sunday? Jesus is alive! He rose victoriously over the power of sin and darkness. Praise his name!

Lord Jesus, thank you again for suffering on the cross so that we could experience salvation. Here I am on this Easter Sunday with a heart willing to experience you as we celebrate your resurrection! Open my eyes to the ways in which you are working in my life and in the lives of those around you. Strengthen my faith and help me to see my value in you no matter how others define me. May you be glorified today in the lives of believers around the world as we celebrate the reality that you conquered death and rose from the grave. We serve a Risen Savior! Glory Hallelujah! Christ is risen; He is risen indeed!

Today’s Reading: Mark 15:42-47; Luke 23:50-56; John 3:1-21 and 19:38-42; Isaiah 53

Afterward Joseph of Arimathea, who had been a secret disciple of Jesus (because he feared the Jewish leaders), asked Pilate for permission to take down Jesus’ body. – John 19:38a

The gospel accounts of Mark, Luke and John help us put together the hours after Jesus’ death. Each account adds more detail to who Joseph of Arimathea was, and what it took for him to go to Pilate to ask for the body of his friend.

Now there was a good and righteous man named Joseph. He was a member of the Jewish high council, but he had not agreed with the decision and actions of the other religious leaders. He was from the town of Arimathea in Judea, and he was waiting for the Kingdom of God to come. – Luke 23:50-51

John tells us that Joseph had followed Jesus secretly out of fear of the other religious leaders. He believed in who Jesus said he was, yet did not stand up for Jesus among his peers. But tonight, when even Jesus’ disciples were nowhere to be found, Joseph was courageously approaching the Roman governor who had handed Jesus over to be crucified.

Joseph of Arimathea took a risk and went to Pilate and asked for Jesus’ body. (Joseph was an honored member of the high council, and he was waiting for the Kingdom of God to come.) Pilate couldn’t believe that Jesus was already dead, so he called for the Roman officer and asked if he had died yet. The officer confirmed that Jesus was dead, so Pilate told Joseph he could have the body. – Mark 15:43-45

Joseph was not the only religious leader among the Jews who believed in Jesus. With him that night was Nicodemus, the Pharisee who had come to Jesus after dark to ask him questions. Jesus took the time to explain to him what it meant when he said that you must be born again to see the Kingdom of God. In light of this moment after Jesus’ death, consider the truth Jesus had previously revealed to Nicodemus:

“For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. God sent his Son into the world not to judge the world, but to save the world through him.

“There is no judgment against anyone who believes in him. But anyone who does not believe in him has already been judged for not believing in God’s one and only Son. And the judgment is based on this fact: God’s light came into the world, but people loved the darkness more than the light, for their actions were evil. All who do evil hate the light and refuse to go near it for fear their sins will be exposed. But those who do what is right come to the light so others can see that they are doing what God wants. – John 3:16-21

COME TO THE LIGHT

Here Nicodemus was, stepping into the light to ask Pilate for the body of Jesus. The Sabbath had not yet begun, which means it was not after sundown. The sun may not have been shining on that Friday afternoon, but Nicodemus had found the courage to openly serve Jesus, and here he was going down in history as the man who supplied the myrrh and aloes for Jesus’ burial.

When Pilate gave permission, Joseph came and took the body away. With him came Nicodemus, the man who had come to Jesus at night. He brought about seventy-five pounds of perfumed ointment made from myrrh and aloes. – John 19:38b-39

Consider with me how difficult it must have been for these two men to take Jesus’ body down from the cross. It was an honor for them to serve Jesus in this way, but it was probably the most difficult thing they had ever done. To remove the nails from his hands and feet, to extract the thorns from his brow, to apply the ointment and wrap the linen cloth around his body…

Following Jewish burial custom, they wrapped Jesus’ body with the spices in long sheets of linen cloth. The place of crucifixion was near a garden, where there was a new tomb, never used before. And so, because it was the day of preparation for the Jewish Passover and since the tomb was close at hand, they laid Jesus there. – John 19:40-42

Father God, we thank you for your sacrificial expression of love for an undeserving world. Our hearts are grateful for the gift of your one and only Son in order that we might experience salvation from our sins. We boldly declare on this Easter weekend that we believe in you and in Jesus Christ, the Light of the World. As we rest in this place between the recognition of the cross and the celebration of the empty tomb, we give you praise for your gift of righteousness and your plan of salvation. To you be the glory forever and ever, amen!

But he was buried like a criminal;
he was put in a rich man’s grave.
But it was the Lord’s good plan to crush him
and cause him grief.
Yet when his life is made an offering for sin,
he will have many descendants.
He will enjoy a long life,
and the Lord’s good plan will prosper in his hands.
When he sees all that is accomplished by his anguish,
he will be satisfied.
And because of his experience,
my righteous servant will make it possible
for many to be counted righteous,
for he will bear all their sins.
I will give him the honors of a victorious soldier,
because he exposed himself to death.
He was counted among the rebels.
He bore the sins of many and interceded for rebels. – Isaiah 53:9b-12

Today’s Reading: Mark 15:33-41, Luke 23:44-49, John 19:28-37; Isaiah 53

The people demanded that Jesus be crucified, so Pilate washed his hands and condemned Jesus to death. He was flogged and mocked by the Roman soldiers, and then made to carry his cross up the hill called Golgotha. They nailed him to the cross and then divided his clothes among them. People shouted awful things to Jesus as they passed by the cross, and the religious leaders stood around to mock him. He hung between two criminals, one of whom scoffed at him while the other recognized his lordship.

By this time it was about noon, and darkness fell across the whole land until three o’clock. The light from the sun was gone. – Luke 23:44-45

For three hours, the world was completely dark. There was no light being cast from the sun — no shadows or shade. The Light of the World had come down to mankind, yet they did not receive all that Jesus had to offer them.

He was despised and rejected—
a man of sorrows, acquainted with deepest grief.
We turned our backs on him and looked the other way.
He was despised, and we did not care.
Yet it was our weaknesses he carried;
it was our sorrows that weighed him down.
And we thought his troubles were a punishment from God,
a punishment for his own sins!
But he was pierced for our rebellion, crushed for our sins.
He was beaten so we could be whole.
He was whipped so we could be healed.
All of us, like sheep, have strayed away.
We have left God’s paths to follow our own.
Yet the Lord laid on him the sins of us all. – Isaiah 53:3-6

WHAT KIND OF LOVE IS THIS THAT HE WOULD BEAR OUR SINS ON THE CROSS?

Then at three o’clock Jesus called out with a loud voice, “Eloi, Eloi, lema sabachthani?” which means “My God, my God, why have you abandoned me?” – Mark 15:34

How often have we felt some level of abandonment on our hardest days? We sit in what feels like a heavy blanket of darkness and we long for God to show Himself. We beg Him to shed light on our situation and make His presence known. We call out for God to rescue us, we hunger for a word from the Lord, and we thirst for a sip of living water.

Jesus knew that his mission was now finished, and to fulfill Scripture he said, “I am thirsty.” A jar of sour wine was sitting there, so they soaked a sponge in it, put it on a hyssop branch, and held it up to his lips. When Jesus had tasted it, he said, “It is finished!” Then he bowed his head and gave up his spirit. – John 19:28-30

It was finished. Jesus had done what he had been asked to do. The Son of God had accomplished the task that had brought him down from heaven.

At that moment the curtain in the sanctuary of the Temple was torn in two, from top to bottom. The earth shook, rocks split apart, and tombs opened. The bodies of many godly men and women who had died were raised from the dead. – Matthew 27:51-52

When the Roman officer who stood facing him saw how he had died, he exclaimed, “This man truly was the Son of God!” – Mark 15:39

Surely the testimony of this one Roman officer reflected the thoughts of all who witnessed that moment. Creation itself was responding to the death of Jesus. Things were happening that could not be explained away. People who had died were now alive! Whether you were in the temple or still on the hill called Golgotha, it could not be denied that God was responding to the death of His Son.

It was the day of preparation, and the Jewish leaders didn’t want the bodies hanging there the next day, which was the Sabbath (and a very special Sabbath, because it was Passover week). So they asked Pilate to hasten their deaths by ordering that their legs be broken. Then their bodies could be taken down. So the soldiers came and broke the legs of the two men crucified with Jesus. But when they came to Jesus, they saw that he was already dead, so they didn’t break his legs. One of the soldiers, however, pierced his side with a spear, and immediately blood and water flowed out. (This report is from an eyewitness giving an accurate account. He speaks the truth so that you also may continue to believe.) These things happened in fulfillment of the Scriptures that say, “Not one of his bones will be broken,” and “They will look on the one they pierced.” – John 19:31-37

WHAT KIND OF LOVE IS THIS THAT HE WOULD BE WILLING TO DIE?

Lord Jesus, today is the day we recognize the sacrifice you made for our salvation. We grieve the pain and humiliation of the cross; we mourn the way in which you died. Lord, we take time to sit in the solemn recognition of the world’s rejection — from the Garden of Eden to the Place of the Skull to the world we live in today. Thank you for all you endured before the cross and on the cross in order that we can be freed from the bondage of our sin. We love you. Amen.

No one cared that he died without descendants,
that his life was cut short in midstream.
But he was struck down
for the rebellion of my people.
He had done no wrong and had never deceived anyone. – Isaiah 53:7b-9a

Today’s Reading: Mark 14:43-65; Luke 22:47-53, 66-71; John 18:1-14,19-24; Isaiah 61

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, and yet here he was submitting to his. Now he was the one handing Jesus over to be arrested.

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 & DESERTED

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!

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.

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

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.

ARRESTED & ASSAULTED

They took Jesus first to Annas and then to the home of Caiaphas, the high priest. This religious leader who should have been quick to recognize the coming of the Messiah 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.”

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 that 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; He died for you.

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 He knew were going to kill him? Have I betrayed the One who died for me?

Father God, as we prepare for our Good Friday services and Easter celebrations, we are reminded of how much we have to be thankful for. You are our Provider and Protector, our Savior and our Redeemer. Your willingness to give your Son for our salvation fills our hearts with gratitude. Show us in what ways we are continuing to surrender to our demons rather than living in the freedom for which Jesus died. Amen.

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: Matthew 26:36-56; 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 and surrender to His will.

Lord, please heal…but I want your will to be done and not mine.
Lord, please help…but I desire nothing more than your plan 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 be 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.

This 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