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

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

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

NOT GUILTY

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

LORD WITH A CAPITAL L

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

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

Today’s Reading: Mark 15:1-11, Luke 19:45-48 and 23:1-19, John 18:28-40

WHO IS THE KING?

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

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

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

WHAT IS TRUTH?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Today’s Reading: Matthew 26:31-35,57-75 and 27:1-10; Mark 14:66-72, Luke 22:54-65, John 18:15-18,25-27

On the way, Jesus told them, “Tonight all of you will desert me. For the Scriptures say,
‘God will strike the Shepherd,
and the sheep of the flock will be scattered.’
But after I have been raised from the dead, I will go ahead of you to Galilee and meet you there.”

Peter declared, “Even if everyone else deserts you, I will never desert you.”

Jesus replied, “I tell you the truth, Peter—this very night, before the rooster crows, you will deny three times that you even know me.”

“No!” Peter insisted. “Even if I have to die with you, I will never deny you!” And all the other disciples vowed the same. – Matthew 26:31-35

PETER DECLARED HIS LOYALTY

Peter’s response was so genuine. I truly believe he had no intention of denying that he was one of Jesus’ closest friends. He loved him dearly. When he said he would die for Jesus, I believe he meant it. So what happened between this declaration of loyalty and the denial? What caused Peter to behave differently than he predicted he would?

Jesus was led to the home of Caiaphas, the high priest, and all of the teachers of religious law and elders gathered around him. The disciples had scattered but Peter followed from a distance, slipping into the high priest’s courtyard to see what was happening to Jesus.

The leading priests and high council had been searching for someone who would testify against Jesus, and they had found two men who took a statement Jesus had made and used it out of context. “This man said, ‘I am able to destroy the Temple of God and rebuild it in three days.’” (Matthew 26:61).

The high priest demanded that Jesus explain himself, but he remained silent. Then the high priest demanded, in the name of God, that Jesus tell them if he was the Messiah, the Son of God.

Jesus replied, “You have said it. And in the future you will see the Son of Man seated in the place of power at God’s right hand and coming on the clouds of heaven.”

Then the high priest tore his clothing to show his horror and said, “Blasphemy! Why do we need other witnesses? You have all heard his blasphemy. What is your verdict?”

“Guilty!” they shouted. “He deserves to die!”

Then they began to spit in Jesus’ face and beat him with their fists. And some slapped him, jeering, “Prophesy to us, you Messiah! Who hit you that time?” – Matthew 26:64-68

I imagine Peter could hear what was happening from the courtyard; he could hear the outrage of the accusations, the verdict of guilt, and the sound of each blow to Jesus’ body. He was probably in disbelief that this was really happening. I imagine his heart was pounding and his mind racing. It was too much to take in. Peter was human and he was probably experiencing all the emotions we would if the person we loved most in the world was being assaulted and condemned to die. His grief was interrupted by the sound of a young girl asking him a question. He was not prepared to answer her; he allowed fear to take over as he did the exact thing Jesus said he would.

A servant girl came over and said to him, “You were one of those with Jesus the Galilean.”
But Peter denied it in front of everyone. “I don’t know what you’re talking about,” he said. – Matthew 26:69b-70

Time passed before another servant girl approached Peter. This time she spoke to those around her, declaring that Peter had been with Jesus of Nazareth. They were by the gate at this point, which tells us Peter had put some distance between himself and what was happening inside. Perhaps there was something inside of him that wanted to run, yet something within him that compelled him to stay.

PETER WAS PUTTING DISTANCE BETWEEN HIMSELF AND JESUS.

Peter denied knowing Jesus again. Time passed. Another bystander walked over to Peter, insisting that Peter was one of Jesus’ followers. His Galilean accent had given him away. This time Peter answered strongly.

Peter swore, “A curse on me if I’m lying—I don’t know the man!” And immediately the rooster crowed.
Suddenly, Jesus’ words flashed through Peter’s mind: “Before the rooster crows, you will deny three times that you even know me.” And he went away, weeping bitterly. – Matthew 26:74-75

It was done. He had betrayed his closest friend and it could not be undone. He walked away — away from the pressure of the accusations and away from the Master he had proclaimed he would die for. Judas was feeling a similar remorse, because the next morning he took the 30 pieces of silver back to the leading priests and elders in hopes of undoing the mess he had made. He declared that Jesus was innocent, but it was too late. He threw down the coins, went out and hung himself (27:5).

The weight of our sin can cause us to behave in ways we never thought we would. The recognition that we have been unfaithful to God can change the trajectory of our life. But please know today, my friend, that we serve a God of mercy who longs to restore you to a right relationship with Him. He loves you so much that He sent His only Son to die on a cross for you. His love for you is so great that He is willing to clothe you in His righteousness in order to draw you into His presence. Bring all your fear and regret to the Lord, and experience His forgiveness. His grace is abundant and His arms are open wide in invitation. Don’t run away; don’t punish yourself. Allow the One who is worthy to make something beautiful out of your story.

PETER ALLOWED GOD TO REDEEM HIS STORY.

Peter replied, “Each of you must repent of your sins and turn to God, and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. Then you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. This promise is to you, to your children, and to those far away—all who have been called by the Lord our God.” Then Peter continued preaching for a long time, strongly urging all his listeners, “Save yourselves from this crooked generation!” Those who believed what Peter said were baptized and added to the church that day—about 3,000 in all. – Acts 2:38-41

Today’s Reading: Matthew 22:15-46; 26:1-30,36-56

But when the Pharisees heard that he had silenced the Sadducees with his reply, they met together to question him again. One of them, an expert in religious law, tried to trap him with this question: “Teacher, which is the most important commandment in the law of Moses?”

Jesus replied, “‘You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. A second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ The entire law and all the demands of the prophets are based on these two commandments.” – Matthew 22:34-40

The leaders of the church were trying to trap Jesus, and yet he gave them an answer that could have changed their lives. To focus on our own love for God and the degree to which we are living that love out with all of our heart, soul, and mind — this is what God commands of us. When we truly love God, our love for Him shows up in our love for others. Loving others is a great way to live out our love for God! When we do for others, we are doing for Jesus; when we neglect to respond to the needs of those around us, we are neglecting Him. The leaders of the church missed the value of what Jesus was saying and instead plotted to capture and kill him (26:3-4). He was speaking of love but they were focused on hate.

Meanwhile, Jesus was in Bethany at the home of Simon, a man who had previously had leprosy. While he was eating, a woman came in with a beautiful alabaster jar of expensive perfume and poured it over his head.

The disciples were indignant when they saw this. “What a waste!” they said. “It could have been sold for a high price and the money given to the poor.”

But Jesus, aware of this, replied, “Why criticize this woman for doing such a good thing to me? You will always have the poor among you, but you will not always have me. She has poured this perfume on me to prepare my body for burial. I tell you the truth, wherever the Good News is preached throughout the world, this woman’s deed will be remembered and discussed.” – Matthew 26:6-13

While eating at the home of a man whom Jesus had healed, a woman whom Jesus had forgiven came in and generously poured out her love for Jesus by anointing him with expensive perfume. But the disciples missed the value of this authentic offering and instead focused on the extravagance of the gift. They had the opportunity to celebrate the love of Jesus but instead allowed themselves to be distracted by the earthly value of the gift.

Then Judas Iscariot, one of the twelve disciples, went to the leading priests and asked, “How much will you pay me to betray Jesus to you?” And they gave him thirty pieces of silver. From that time on, Judas began looking for an opportunity to betray Jesus. – Matthew 26:14-16

Judas’ life was changed the day he became one of the disciples of Jesus, but his heart did not. He had witnessed the love of Jesus in every healing, every story, and every interaction, yet his focus was still on himself and what he wanted. He betrayed the one who had given him so much in order to gain so little of what the world could offer him.

On the first day of the Festival of Unleavened Bread, Jesus sent the disciples into the city to prepare the Passover meal. That evening, Jesus joined them at the table. During the meal, he told them that one of them would betray him. One by one they asked Jesus if they were the one. Lastly, Judas asked the question he already knew the answer to.

Judas, the one who would betray him, also asked, “Rabbi, am I the one?”
And Jesus told him, “You have said it.” – Matthew 26:25

After dinner, they went out to the Mount of Olives. Jesus asked his disciples to keep watch and pray while he went on ahead to spend time praying to His Father. Three times he came back to find them sleeping.

Then he came to the disciples and said, “Go ahead and sleep. Have your rest. But look—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!”

And 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 and elders of the people. The traitor, Judas, had given them a prearranged signal: “You will know which one to arrest when I greet him with a kiss.” So Judas came straight to Jesus. “Greetings, Rabbi!” he exclaimed and gave him the kiss.

Jesus said, “My friend, go ahead and do what you have come for.” – Matthew 26:45-50a

Jesus taught us that the greatest commandment is to love God with all of your heart, soul, and mind, and to love your neighbor as yourself. Then he demonstrated what love looks like. To share a meal with the one who is about to betray you is love. To call him friend the moment after he greets you with a kiss of betrayal — that’s what love looks like. To die for the sins of those who have sinned against you is the ultimate demonstration of love.

Jesus, thank you for all that you continue to teach us about love. May we gain a deeper understanding this year of what it means to love God with all our heart, all our soul, and all our mind, and may that love be beautifully demonstrated in our love towards others. That you would call us your friends even after we have sinned against you is a beautiful, undeserved gift. Show us, teach us, lead us, grow us. We long to be filled with who you are so that we no longer get caught up in all that has earthly value. May this season of life bring us a new level of understanding of what love looks like. Amen.

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

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

MAY THEY EXPERIENCE PERFECT UNITY.

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

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

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

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

MAY THEY LIVE TOGETHER IN HARMONY.

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

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

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

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

Lord, thank you for this beautiful reminder of the power of Christ living within us. When relational harmony seems just out of reach, help me to see your power at work in the lives of those around me. Forgive me for holding grudges and memorizing grievances, and fill me with your extravagant love so that the world may find faith in the God I serve. When my human reaction is to embrace my hurt and wrap myself in self-pity, give me the strength to extend grace and show mercy. May the Church represent you well in our relationships so that you are glorified in everything we say and do. Amen.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

STAND TALL WHEN THE WORLD HATES YOU.

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

For years, the state of Illinois has gone to great lengths to close all pregnancy medical clinics that do not provide abortion. They have falsely accused us, misrepresented us, and created legislation to quiet us. Pro-choice leaders are even now actively striving to take away a woman’s right to go to a medical clinic that is not also an abortion provider. In 2023, the Attorney General was given the authority to financially cripple pregnancy help organizations in an effort to control us or close our doors, but our legal team was again able to successfully present our case in the federal court. In 2016, they created legislation to force us to present abortion as beneficial, but last month a federal court finally ruled in our favor. It was decided in that same court that we would have to start referring for abortion, but a federal judge granted us a temporary injunction against this attack on our right of conscience. The battle is not over, but our Savior is not dead. The One who conquered death will continue to protect us against the schemes of the evil one.

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

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

STAND TALL AND GIVE GOD GLORY IN EVERY SITUATION.

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

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

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

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

Today’s Reading: John 17:1-12; Psalm 53

Jesus knew he was about to be arrested and crucified, yet He was concerned for us.

Jesus knew that the world would not like us, so He prayed for God’s protection on us.

Jesus knew He was the only way to eternal life, so He willingly died for us.

RECIPIENT OF HIS PRAYERS

After saying all these things, Jesus looked up to heaven and said, “Father, the hour has come. Glorify your Son so he can give glory back to you. For you have given him authority over everyone. He gives eternal life to each one you have given him. And this is the way to have eternal life—to know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, the one you sent to earth. I brought glory to you here on earth by completing the work you gave me to do. Now, Father, bring me into the glory we shared before the world began. – John 17:1-5

Desiring for those who believe in Him to have eternal life, yet knowing the one way for that to happen was for us to know God, Jesus willingly left heaven and came to earth so that we could get to know God by getting to know Him – that we could find our way HOME. Jesus, knowing our natural struggle to believe, became flesh so that He could personally deliver the message of salvation.

“I have revealed you to the ones you gave me from this world. They were always yours. You gave them to me, and they have kept your word. Now they know that everything I have is a gift from you, for I have passed on to them the message you gave me. They accepted it and know that I came from you, and they believe you sent me.” – John 17:6-8

Jesus considered the disciples as a gift from God. The deep relationships he built with his closest companions while on earth were a reflection of the generosity of the Father, and their response of faith to all he had taught him was a blessing in return.

“My prayer is not for the world, but for those you have given me, because they belong to you. All who are mine belong to you, and you have given them to me, so they bring me glory. Now I am departing from the world; they are staying in this world, but I am coming to you. Holy Father, you have given me your name; now protect them by the power of your name so that they will be united just as we are. During my time here, I protected them by the power of the name you gave me. I guarded them so that not one was lost, except the one headed for destruction, as the Scriptures foretold.” – John 17:9-12

SUBJECT OF HIS PROTECTION

How beautiful the words of our Savior as He prayed for God to protect His followers. How comforting to know that He still prays for that kind of protection over us.

“I’m not asking you to take them out of the world, but to keep them safe from the evil one. They do not belong to this world any more than I do. Make them holy by your truth; teach them your word, which is truth. Just as you sent me into the world, I am sending them into the world. And I give myself as a holy sacrifice for them so they can be made holy by your truth.” – John 17:15-19

Out of all the things Jesus could have prayed for in that moment, he was led by the Spirit to pray for holiness for believers. And how are we made holy? By the truth found in God’s word. There is a transformation that takes place within us as we soak in the scriptures and allow the righteousness of God to be produced in us. When we look for truth in the bible, rather than what the world offers up as truth, we find ourselves at HOME in relationship with God, and we are never the same.

RECEIVER OF HIS LOVE

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

We are so unworthy of the sacrifice Christ made for us. He died so that we can be made holy by God’s truth. He gave his life so that we can experience perfect unity – Christ in us and God in Christ – so that others may see and believe.

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

Jesus knew that the moment of his arrest was coming. He knew that his time with the disciples was drawing to an end and he prayed for them. He prayed for them and he prayed for us. What a privilege this morning to be a RECIPIENT OF HIS PRAYERS, a SUBJECT OF HIS PROTECTION and a RECEIVER OF HIS LOVE! How overwhelming to know He died so that I can live. How incredible to know that Jesus is still revealing Himself to me. What a great day to be a follower of Christ!

Today’s Reading: John 15:18-16:4; Psalm 59

I love to hear the stories of Olympic athletes and then watch as their journey of hard work and dedication becomes the reality of a medal around their neck. I enjoy hearing the football player who intentionally chooses to give glory to God when they are pulled over to the microphone following a big win. And I especially love the moment when an athlete throws their arms in the arm, looks to the sky and has a moment of praising the God who has been with them on their journey. Athlete after athlete has used their platform to give glory to Jesus for what their body and mind were able to accomplish.

STAND TALL WHILE THE CROWD IS CHEERING.

In that moment, the world is cheering them on, but we also know the reality that the cheering will soon cease. Patience with those who use their big moment to glorify God runs out and many criticize the athlete, looking for holes in their faith and hoping for the moment when this follower of Christ will mess up. They quickly pull their support of the athlete, just as millions threaten to bring down Christian businesses like Chick-fil-a or Hobby Lobby.

STAND TALL WHEN THE CHEERING CEASES.

Jesus spoke of how this world would treat his followers and how the ruler of this world would be an enemy seeking to destroy them. He mentioned this in his prayer for his disciples and spoke of it often when preparing them for what the world would do to him. Let’s look at the words recorded by John:

“If the world hates you, remember that it hated me first. The world would love you as one of its own if you belonged to it, but you are no longer part of the world. I chose you to come out of the world, so it hates you.” – John 15:18-19

Just like the disciples, we have been chosen to come out of the world. We do not conform to the patterns of this world; we do not allow ourselves to get swept away by an allegiance to popular culture or trends of thought. No, we keep our eyes fixed on Jesus, and we marry ourselves to the truth found in scripture. Do not expect applause for your faith decision; do not anticipate that your life will be easy when you choose to follow Christ instead of chasing after the latest philosophies of this world. They went to great lengths to silence Jesus and the same will happen to you.

“Do you remember what I told you? ‘A slave is not greater than the master.’ Since they persecuted me, naturally they will persecute you. And if they had listened to me, they would listen to you. They will do all this to you because of me, for they have rejected the one who sent me…Anyone who hates me also hates my Father.” – John 15:18-21, 23

So what do we do with this disheartening prediction of our future? What do we do with Jesus’ warning that the world will hate us as it hated Jesus?

“I have told you these things so that you won’t abandon your faith. For you will be expelled from the synagogues, and the time is coming when those who kill you will think they are doing a holy service for God. This is because they have never known the Father or me. Yes, I’m telling you these things now, so that when they happen, you will remember my warning.” – John 16:1-4a

When we are treated unkindly because of our faith or made fun of for our conservative beliefs, it helps to be reminded of these words of Jesus. When mistreatment leaves us feeling discouraged or defeated, we can remember that we are not alone. When we are falsely accused, our reputation is slandered, and our words are twisted to pervert the truth, it helps to be reminded that God is watching over us.

STAND TALL BECAUSE GOD IS STANDING WITH YOU.

You are my strength; I wait for you to rescue me,
for you, O God, are my fortress.
In his unfailing love, my God will stand with me.
He will let me look down in triumph on all my enemies. – Psalm 59:9-10

God surrounds us on all sides because he is our fortress; He joins us in the battle because He is our hero. For that reason, we choose joy when hard times come and we praise Him for being our refuge. Thank you for the gift of your presence, Father God! We are so grateful for this reminder that you are standing with us through the good and the bad. You are my refuge, my place of safety, and I love you!

But as for me, I will sing about your power.
Each morning I will sing with joy about your unfailing love.
For you have been my refuge,
a place of safety when I am in distress.
O my Strength, to you I sing praises,
for you, O God, are my refuge,
the God who shows me unfailing love. – Psalm 59:16-17

Today’s Reading: John 16:16-33; Psalm 120

“In a little while you won’t see me anymore. But a little while after that, you will see me again.” Some of the disciples asked each other, “What does he mean?…”

Jesus realized they wanted to ask him about it, so he said, “Are you asking yourselves what I meant? I said in a little while you won’t see me, but a little while after that you will see me again. I tell you the truth, you will weep and mourn over what is going to happen to me, but the world will rejoice. You will grieve, but your grief will suddenly turn to wonderful joy. It will be like a woman suffering the pains of labor. When her child is born, her anguish gives way to joy because she has brought a new baby into the world. So you have sorrow now, but I will see you again; then you will rejoice, and no one can rob you of that joy.” – John 16:16-22

UNLIMITED JOY

The disciples were going through a time of confusion. They wanted to understand what Jesus was saying, yet also hoped they were not understanding. Because if they did understand what Jesus was saying, it would be more than they could bear. They loved Jesus and the thought of him leaving them was inconceivable. So they kept asking him questions; they kept hoping for a different explanation.

Jesus did not pull back from the truth. He explained to them that he would soon be leaving them; he warned them that there was great sorrow ahead. Their grief would be great, but the joy he was promising them would be even greater. He compared this time of going from great pain to great joy as the moment a woman’s labor ends and she gives birth to her newborn baby. He promised them that there was a day coming when the happiness they would experience would be theirs forever.

ABUNDANT JOY

“At that time, you won’t need to ask me for anything. I tell you the truth, you will ask the Father directly, and he will grant your request because you use my name. You haven’t done this before. Ask, using my name, and you will receive, and you will have abundant joy…I’m not saying I will ask the Father on your behalf, for the Father himself loves you dearly because you love me and believe that I came from God.” – John 16:23-27

When we completely put our faith in God, believing He hears our prayers and will be faithful to respond according to His perfect will, we experience abundant joy. When we let go of our own hopes and dreams, placing them in His loving hands, we experience a contentment that can easily be described as peace.

UNLIMITED PEACE

“Yes, I came from the Father into the world, and now I will leave the world and return to the Father.”
Then his disciples said, “At last you are speaking plainly and not figuratively. Now we understand that you know everything, and there’s no need to question you. From this we believe that you came from God.”

Jesus asked, “Do you finally believe? But the time is coming—indeed it’s here now—when you will be scattered, each one going his own way, leaving me alone. Yet I am not alone because the Father is with me. I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.” – John 16:28-33

There is no guarantee that our world will be trouble-free, but there is a promise that we can have peace. Life will have struggles but we know that we are not alone. It may seem like the enemy is winning at times but, take heart, Jesus has overcome the world. And this same Jesus is offering to us a connection that allows us to remain in Him through the good times and the bad. This same Jesus promises that his resources are unlimited.

I took my troubles to the Lord; I cried out to him, and he answered my prayer. – Psalm 120:1

I spend time daily studying God’s word, but I am not sure I have done more than scratch the surface of what it means to be connected to Him and to remain in Him. If I want to produce fruit in my life, if I want to save myself from drought, I need to fully devote myself to the True Grapevine. If I want to experience joy and peace in the midst of sorrow and loss, I simply need to have the faith to remain in him. There is no limit to what He wants to give me. I simply need to stop limiting how much of him I am receiving. I need to stay HOME.

Today’s Reading: John 15:1-8; Psalm 1

“I am the true grapevine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch of mine that doesn’t produce fruit, and he prunes the branches that do bear fruit so they will produce even more. You have already been pruned and purified by the message I have given you. Remain in me, and I will remain in you. For a branch cannot produce fruit if it is severed from the vine, and you cannot be fruitful unless you remain in me.” – John 15:1-4

THIS WORLD HAS LIMITED RESOURCES TO OFFER.

The summer of 2011, we were living in Texas during a severe drought. Restrictions were placed on how much water we could use to irrigate our yard or wash our car or fill our pool. Every month or so the level of water restrictions was increased until we could only water our yard every other week and it had to be before 10am and after 6pm. Everything turned brown. The ground had huge cracks in it, roads were buckling and lakes were closed to recreational activity. Soil was pulling away from the foundations of buildings, causing cracks in walls and causing doors to not close properly.

The following summer, we were living in Illinois during yet another severe drought. But this time there were no water restrictions — no signs on every corner or city officials driving around fining people for using their water at the wrong time. Trees were drying out and lawns were brown from the hot, dry summer we were experiencing, but there were no concerns that the water was going to completely run out. The grass was dry but there were no restrictions stopping us from turning on the sprinklers to water the grass and save the lawn. The source of water was readily available, all we had to do was connect our dry areas to the source.

“Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing. Anyone who does not remain in me is thrown away like a useless branch and withers. Such branches are gathered into a pile to be burned. But if you remain in me and my words remain in you, you may ask for anything you want, and it will be granted! When you produce much fruit, you are my true disciples. This brings great joy to my Father.” – John 15:5-8

JESUS IS AN ENDLESS SOURCE.

We have friends from Ethiopia — Ermias and Mulu Mekuria. I have never met two people as devoted to their prayer life as this couple. They get up every morning at 3 a.m. and spend time worshiping and praying together for a couple of hours, then they go back to sleep. When someone asks them to pray for a situation, they follow through and daily lift that person up to the Lord in prayer. Time after time, they have laid their hands on someone and prayed for healing and God has answered their prayer. Listen carefully. God hears them and answers their prayer! Why? It’s not about WHO they are but to WHOM they are connected (the True Grapevine), and it is about where they are remaining (HOME).

“But if you remain in me and my words remain in you, you may ask for anything you want, and it will be granted!” – John 15:7

Let’s not focus so much on the last half of this sentence that we miss the context provided in the first half. IF you remain in me and my words remain in you, THEN you may ask for anything you want and it will be granted. Are we experiencing God answering our prayers? If not, perhaps we should consider what it takes to be connected to the source – what it really means to REMAIN there.

“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 my 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 for anything in my name, and I will do it!” – John 14:12-14

Lord, I long to remain in your presence this morning and throughout my day. I praise you for being the God who equips and sustains, who fills and restores. Thank you for this connection, for this “home” in which I find my hope and confidence. I offer up my requests to you this morning, for myself and for those around me. Thank you for hearing my prayer and for answering according to your perfect will. May I be a conduit of your love and grace in the lives of others, and may your Spirit produce fruit through me today. Amen.

“But blessed are those who trust in the Lord
and have made the Lord their hope and confidence.
They are like trees planted along a riverbank,
with roots that reach deep into the water.
Such trees are not bothered by the heat
or worried by long months of drought.
Their leaves stay green,
and they never stop producing fruit.” – Jeremiah 17:7-8

Oh, the joys of those who do not
follow the advice of the wicked,
or stand around with sinners,
or join in with mockers.
But they delight in the law of the Lord,
meditating on it day and night.
They are like trees planted along the riverbank,
bearing fruit each season.
Their leaves never wither,
and they prosper in all they do. – Psalm 1:1-3