Easter Sunday is almost here!! Are you excited?
This weekend, we get to celebrate the Resurrection! Its an incredible privilege to gather as a redeemed people to worship the King! Not to mention the fact that I get to preach about the Resurrection and our risen Lord. That’s stinkin’ awesome! 😉
But before we do that, we will take time to remember what Jesus endured for us in the heart-wrenching events of Good Friday. As we approach that worship gathering in 2 days, take time to remember His sacrifice and keep pressing on in your sacrifice of self-denial.
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Chapter 19 is the incredibly moving account of the abuse, crucifixion, death and burial of our Lord. We also get to see Nicodemus again. If you recall, it was during his first interaction with Jesus that Jesus said:
“…the Son of Man must be lifted up, that everyone who believes in him may have eternal life. For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.” [John 3:14b-17]
He was lifted up on a cross long ago…for us. That is why we will gather together Friday to remember His sacrifice. At that time, we will lift Him up in worship and conclude our time of personal sacrifice…fasting.
As you read this chapter, try to read it with “fresh eyes”. Read every word. Don’t skim over the familiar parts. Really read it.
As you read it, here’s an excerpt from Max Lucado’s book, He Chose The Nails, to help frame the reality of the first Good Friday:
The diadem of pain
which sliced your gentle face,
three spikes piercing flesh and wood
to hold you in your place.
The need for blood I understand
Your sacrifice I embrace.
But the bitter sponge, the cutting spear,
the spit upon your face?
Did it have to be a cross?
Did not a kinder death exist
than six hours hanging between life and death,
all spurred by a betrayer’s kiss?
“Oh, Father,” you pose
heart-stilled at what could be,
“I’m sorry to ask, but I long to know,
did you do this for me?”
The answer is: YES! He did that for you. He did that for me. He did that for us!
Thank you, Lord Jesus!
April 17, 2014
“We have no king but Caesar!” What, are you kidding me? Did the teachers of Israel just say this? Someone just lost their God Card. What a bunch of suits, throwing Jesus under the bus just to keep their cushy jobs! Caiaphas was right when he said that it was better for one to die for all, than for all to feel the heat of an angry Roman empire. He didn’t know the half of it, though. And what an awkward position they put Pilate in, pressuring him to play ball with them to avoid more trouble. At least he tried to do the right thing, which is more than you can say for the Sanhedrin. What a story, and all the time Jesus kept calm and carried on, just for us.