SABBATH EVE SURPRISE

Two figures stood at different points at a fair distance watching the drama unfold. With tears in their eyes, they watched the crucifixion with disbelief that someone so unique, so divine, so good could be treated with such disrespect!  They knew the evil proceedings that produced this horrendous scene had been concocted out of fear and resentment. They knew that evil manipulations hidden behind gross misunderstandings and cravings for power had driven these deliberations. The Sanhedrin never met in the middle of the night!

Each of these men had cast their vote to dismiss these fabricated charges, but they stood independently alone. The case now moved to Pilate who tried repeatedly to dismiss the charges against Jesus! His own home was tense due to the dreams and warnings of his wife!

Rarely had these men seen the determined resolve of the chief priests and their cohorts as they worked up the crowd to call for Barrabas’ release. All this took place while a bloodied, bruised and broken Jesus stood draped with mockery robes over his bloody back and a thorny crown pressed harshly on His head!

These two men – in their Pharisaic robes – each followed the crowd through the streets full of on-lookers. They kept their distance and watched from afar, not even aware of one another’s presence or common sympathies.  From secluded spots a distance away, they watched as He carried His cross. When He stumbled and fell, they yearned to be there to help Him with His burden. They felt the relief when a stranger was drafted to help Him and carry His cross!

Upon arrival at ‘the skull’ things moved quickly as the soldiers nailed three men to their crosses and then dropped them into the pre-dug holes with a violent thud – Jesus hung between two common thieves who called out to Him in derision.

Our on-lookers watched as the women and a few of His followers stood at the foot of the cross. They longed to hear the exchanges taking place – especially between Jesus and His mother!

Shocked at the cruelty of the crowd who had once welcomed Him gladly and with great expectation, these two Pharisees wept and prayed from their unique, obscured vantage points.

Joseph was from a wealthy family and had risen to his religious position as a result. As the months unfolded he had secretly pledged himself to be a follower of this man. The authenticity of Jesus’ words and actions had won him over. He was deeply grieved at this turn of events

The other Pharisee was Nicodemus.  He was a rabbi himself who had met secretly with Jesus to seek to better understand His message. He clearly recognized that Jesus could only do the things He did by having a special connection to God!

Two Pharisees.  Two members of the Sanhedrin. Two who had been convinced that He was indeed the Messiah! Two bold men who did not fail to act when necessary.

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One would have thought that Jesus’ disciples would be the ones to take him down from the cross.  If not them, then perhaps the very women who stood by Him to the end would try to find a way to get Him down. We do know that they watched from a distance and took note of the location of His tomb so that they could bring spices to anoint Him at the end of the Sabbath!

But of all the oddities, who would have expected two Pharisees to collaborate and care for the body of Jesus?

Joseph of Arimathea used his connections to plead with Pilate for permission to care for the body of Jesus in a rush before the beginning of the Sabbath. The soldiers had broken the legs of the two criminals to speed their death. They didn’t have to break the legs of Jesus; He had already surrendered His spirit to God!

Imagine Joseph – aided by Nicodemus – putting up a ladder and wrapping a cloth under the arms of Jesus, who was then gently lowered to the ground.

Were they wearing their Pharisaic garb? They were surely bloodied in this process!

Once they had Jesus’ body on the ground, they would have covered His nakedness and wrapped Him. Did they use a cart to get Him to the tomb? How far away was it? Did others help [the scripture only mentions these two]?

They had to hurry! Dusk signaled the beginning of the Sabbath!

Remarkably, Nicodemus had thought ahead and had gathered nearly one-hundred pounds of a mixture of myrrh and aloes to embalm Jesus as they wrapped Him for burial!

After significant effort in rolling the giant stone into place at the entrance to the tomb, these two exhausted Pharisees completed their labor of love!

These religious leaders were not aware that they were being watched in this process. Mark’s gospel tells us that “Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of Joses were looking on to see where He was laid.” [15:47]

John tells us that “Mary Magdalene came early (Sunday morning) to the tomb, while it was still dark, and saw the stone already taken away from the tomb…” [20:1].

How did she find the tomb in the dark? She followed her nose! Nearly 100 pounds of myrrh and aloes led her directly to the place where He had laid!

Minutes later, the risen Lord would stand before her and honor all women forever by making His first resurrection appearance to a woman – whom He had earlier delivered from seven demons!

ALL THE DISCIPLES CUT AND RAN!

In John 13-16, we find Jesus giving His final teaching message to His apostles (minus Judas). Much of what He shares in this late evening session is new information that He has not mentioned before! There seems to be an urgency in His delivery as He recognizes that this is His final lesson before His crucifixion!

He concludes this teaching time by emphasizing the fact that He came into this world directly from His Father! We celebrated that a little over two months ago! Now, however, Jesus wants them to understand that He will soon be returning to His Father!

Here are His words: [John 16:28 All quotes from The Message Bible unless otherwise noted]

"First, I left the Father and arrived in the world; now I leave the world and travel to the Father."

The response of the eleven is noteworthy:

"His disciples said, 'Finally! You're giving it to us straight, in plain talk - no more figures of speech. Now we know that you know everything - it all comes together in you. You won't have to put up with our questions anymore. We're convinced you came from God.'"
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Words are easily spoken! As we read this, we breathe a sigh of relief! "Ahhh, they finally GET IT!"

And then Jesus continues to speak and our assurance wilts:

"Do you finally believe?"

"In fact, you're about to make a run for it - saving your own skins and abandoning me." [vs. 31-32]

Jesus knows that in a very short time, He will be arrested in the very garden where they are talking. He also knows that in that moment, His followers will flee into the darkness to save their lives - LEAVING JESUS TO BE ARRESTED!!!

But before this happens, Jesus prays very specifically for the apostles. It's an intimate prayer! It's opening words are:

"Father, it's time."

Jesus surrenders Himself to His Father! His heart breaks with compassion! He prays for His followers, even "those also who believe in Me through their word" - THAT'S US!
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John does not tell us about the apostles fleeing into the darkness that night - perhaps he was too ashamed to admit it?

Matthew, however, does admit it [26:56]: "Then all the disciples cut and ran."

So does another younger man who has apparently been quietly following them - eavesdropping on these precious teaching moments. We can deduce that his name was John Mark - who later associated closely with Peter and gave us the Gospel of Mark [probably the first gospel to be written].

Without identifying himself, he tells his story in his own gospel account: [Mark 14:50-52]

"All the disciples cut and ran. A young man was following along. All he had on was a bedsheet. Some of the men grabbed him but he got away, running off naked, leaving them holding the sheet."

JESUS KNEW ALL ALONG THAT THEY WOULD ABANDON HIM! And yet, He loved them and prayed for them!
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That's grace! Amazing grace!

Thank Him today for His patience with you!

We have all denied Him at one point or another!

We have all failed Him or refused to obey His commandments.

We have all chosen sin over obedience!

And yet - HE LOVES US STILL!

Thanks be to God, our gracious Lord, and the Holy Spirit! Amen!

IS HE YOUR LORD?

It is such a blessing for us to have four different versions of the gospel!  We get to read about many of the episodes in Jesus’ life – often from several different perspectives.  Comparing these can be fascinating and revealing! 

Since we’re closing in on our celebration of the resurrection, I thought it might be good to look at a particular exchange that took place during the Lord’s Supper.  All four gospels tell us about this evening meal, but Matthew gives us information that is unique from the others.

Now when evening came, Jesus was reclining at the table with the twelve disciples. As they were eating, He said, “Truly I say to you that one of you will betray Me.” Being deeply grieved, they each one began to say to Him, “Surely not I, Lord?” And He answered, “He who dipped his hand with Me in the bowl is the one who will betray Me. The Son of Man is to go, just as it is written of Him; but woe to that man by whom the Son of Man is betrayed! It would have been good for that man if he had not been born.” And Judas, who was betraying Him, said, “Surely it is not I, Rabbi?” Jesus said to him, “You have said it yourself.”    [For accuracy, this is from the NASB – Matthew 26:20-25]

In comparing the other gospels, we get a much deeper picture of the events of this evening.  It was obviously a powerful time as Jesus conveyed some of His last teaching to these men [see John 13-17 for the most comprehensive and detailed teaching.]

These were sacred moments filled with passion and likely very emotional in nature.  This – and the night of prayer that followed – was the last time that Jesus would be with these devoted followers!  He knew it, but they were not clearly aware of this fact. 

Jesus knew that He had a betrayer in His midst, and He knew who it was.  It was time to release Judas to negotiate with the Pharisees for the betrayal.  All of the gospels report that after this particular exchange – JUDAS LEFT!

Words are so important!  In the above passage, Jesus makes it clear that “one of you will betray Me.”  Matthew wants us to know that the group was immediately grieved!  How could this be true? Yet the Master had said it – so it must be true!  Who would do such a thing?  Who among us – His closest followers – would betray Him?

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As a counselor, I find it very interesting that “they each…began to say to Him, ‘Surely not I, Lord?’”

Why would these men- who had been called out of other trades to become fishers of men – ask this question?  These were men who had briefly been empowered to heal and cast out demons, These were men who had seen incredible miracles and witnessed remarkable healings.  They had been there when Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead – just a few weeks earlier!  Why would they ask: "Surely I wouldn't betray You, would I, Lord?"

These deeply devoted, faithful following, completely committed men had to ask the question: “Lord, is it I?” [KJV].  In spite of the fact that they had been following Him for at least two years, apparently each one of them asked that evening if they were the one who would betray Him! 

 

Dr. Haddon Robinson was a highly respected preacher/leader/teacher in the Christian community.  He served as professor and president at several different theological seminaries.  He was a regular contributor on the ‘Discover the Word’ radio program for twenty years. I was a frequent listener because of his responses and perspectives.  His obituary describes him as “one of the world’s foremost experts in Biblical preaching.”  One day on the radio broadcast I heard him say, “If people knew the thoughts that cross through my mind on any given day, they wouldn’t listen to a word I say.” 

 

 

I frequently type out prayers in the early morning hours of my day. These are VERY PRIVATE prayers that are only between me and God!  I confess my sins and call on Him for help in reforming me. I spare no details. It’s raw. I am painfully open and honest with Him.  Remarkably, it’s a healing process for me. It helps me to remember how corrupt I am and how dependent on His grace I am!  And when my devotional time is over - - - - - - - - - - - - - - I delete the document.

 

The biblical accounts are clear in making us aware that all twelve apostles asked Jesus: “Surely not I, Lord?” [TM]. Doesn’t this indicate that each one of them had some sense that it could – possibly – be them. It’s always been surprising to me that Peter didn’t bellow out: “Well, it won’t be me, that’s for sure!”

But he didn’t. Even brash Peter needed to know if it would be him.

A little later in the meal Jesus tells them – after Judas’ departure – that “Tonight you will all stumble in your faith on account of me…” At that point, Peter does speak out: “Everyone else may stumble in their faith because of you, but I will not.”  We all know how that ended.

All of us who love and serve Jesus lament our personal weakness.  It’s painful to admit that we fail, doubt and sin. We want to be faithful and true, but this sinful nature is hard to harness.  All of us – without fail – are dependent on the marvelous grace of our loving Lord! 

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But let’s make one more observation before we leave this pregnant passage.

We’ve already made the point that each of the twelve asked Jesus “Is it I…”

However, if you look closely at Matthew’s record [above], you’ll see that Judas’ response was slightly different than the response of the others. 

Eleven apostles asked, “Is it I, Lord?”

But Judas asked, “Surely it is not I, Rabbi?” [vs.25 NASB].

Notice the difference!  It’s a very significant one! To eleven apostles Jesus was Lord! To one apostle – He was just ‘Rabbi’.

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How about you today?  Is Jesus Lord for you, or just a great, influential teacher?

The difference is MASSIVE!  If He’s just your teacher, you have NO ASSURANCE of making Heaven!  To have the kind of peace and assurance of making it to Heaven – He must be your LORD!!!!!

The implications of this are enormous!  To make Him your Lord means that you totally submit to Him.  It has been noticed elsewhere that it is not possible to say ‘No, Lord.”  When someone is our Lord, the answer is ALWAYS YES!!!!!!

If you want to live a life free of chronic repentance [such as described above], you must learn to say “Yes, Lord!” consistently!

Right now might be a good time to start practicing this. 

Hymn written by Julia H. Johnston in 1911:

1 Marvelous grace of our loving Lord,
Grace that exceeds our sin and our guilt!
Yonder on Calvary’s mount outpoured,
There where the blood of the Lamb was spilled.

Refrain:
Grace, grace, God’s grace,
Grace that will pardon and cleanse within;
Grace, grace, God’s grace,
Grace that is greater than all our sin!

2 Sin and despair, like the sea waves cold,
Threaten the soul with infinite loss;
Grace that is greater, yes, grace untold,
Points to the refuge, the mighty cross. [Refrain]

3 Dark is the stain that we cannot hide;
What can we do to wash it away?
Look! There is flowing a crimson tide,
Brighter than snow you may be today. [Refrain]

4 Marvelous, infinite, matchless grace,
Freely bestowed on all who believe!
You that are longing to see His face,
Will you this moment His grace receive? [Refrain]

JESUS KNEW!

I stumbled across two verses this morning that really got me thinking. 

Our major celebration of the resurrection of Christ – the highest, holiest day of the year for His followers – is just a month away.

Some are aware of this upcoming observation; others are just happy that spring is knocking on our door. 

If traditions persist, then attendances on that Sunday will be strong.  Sanctuaries and worship centers will be filled with lilies and decorated with empty crosses and tombs. 

Meanwhile homes will be decorated with bunnies, fancy eggs, and an occasional cross, while our observations will bring families together for big meals. 

But today – following my normal schedule of Bible reading – I read the following words from John 13.  Keep in mind that these words were recorded by one of Jesus’ inner three!  It’s a POWERFUL CHAPTER that leads to several more that include Jesus’ deepest teaching before He went to the cross.

Jesus knew that it was time for him to leave this world and go back to the Father. He had always loved those who were his own in the world, and he loved them all the way to the very end….Jesus knew that the Father had given him power over everything and that he had come from God and was going back to God.  [13:1,3]

Debbie and I lived in northeastern China for three years, where we taught English at the Changchun University of Science and Technology.  We lived in a hotel that lodged all of the international students and teachers.  We walked to classes and entertained students regularly in our apartment.  Some students became more than just students!  They came to our apartment frequently bearing gifts and sharing meals.  We played games and talked endlessly.  The bonds of connection became very strong! 

And then, it was time to return to our American home.  It was hard leaving these friends and students.  It was hard saying goodbye to our hotel neighbors from so many nations!  As much as we were anxious to come home to family, we also experienced tremendous sorrow at leaving our nest in Changchun. 

Five girls that had become quite close followed us to the airport and waved to us constantly as we prepared to depart.  At one point, we were confronted with a problem getting through security.  The girls recognized that we were having a problem.  Daphne immediately pushed through the crowd to get to us!  She intervened with the officials and soon, after another brief hug, we were out of their sight! 

I struggled for several months readjusting to American culture upon our return in late July.  The struggle was only magnified in October by the death of our son, Travis.

Leaving the familiar is hard!  The ending of relationships affects us deeply! 

Jesus knew that it was time for him to leave this world and go back to the Father.

But it’s important for us to recognize that Jesus knew a great deal more than this!  He also knew HOW He was going to leave this world!  He knew there was a cross in His future!  He knew that mockery and beatings awaited Him!  He knew that His followers would run into the darkness abandoning Him to the Temple guards.  He knew He would be publicly humiliated!

Yet, He had so much yet to teach His followers!  Some of His most important lessons had yet to be delivered.  He had to strengthen them and prepare Himself for what was about to happen later this very evening! 

So – knowing full well that His time was drawing to an end – Taking a towel, he wrapped it around his waist. Then he poured water into a bowl and began to wash the follower’s feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around him. [vs.4-5]

And, of course, you know the rest of the story…

JESUS' LAST WEEK

We're moving through Lent and approaching the most important celebration of the Christian faith!  If ever there was a time for believers to be engaged in His Word - now is the time!  

Are you aware that His last week before being crucified is the focus of the gospel writers?  Here's the breakdown:

• A third of Matthew, from Matthew 21-28
• A third of Mark, from Mark 11-16
• A quarter of Luke, from Luke 19-24
• Nearly half of John, from John 12-20

I just finished reading Matthew 18.  In this chapter alone, Jesus raised the topic of His impending death three times!  

1. After His transfiguration on the mountain, He tells Peter, James and John:  "Don't tell anyone what happened here, not until the Son of Man has been raised from the dead." [v.9 All quotes from The Voice Bible unless otherwise noted]
2. Immediately after this - rather than ask about His comment about His death - the three leading apostles ask a question about Elijah - who they had just seen with Jesus on the mountaintop.  Jesus tells them that John the Baptist was Elijah, "so he was arrested and killed...for the Son of Man, too, will be arrested and killed at the hands of people who do not see Him for who He is."  [v.12]
3. After healing a young boy who had been possessed by a demon, the disciples wondered why they had been unable to heal him.  Jesus addressed their lack of faith and then says: "The Son of Man is going to be betrayed into the hands of men.  They will kill Him, and on the third day, He will be resurrected..."  [vs.22-23]

We're mystified that He could speak so clearly to them, but they simply didn't seem to hear Him!  I don't have any good answers to this query.  Was the Holy Spirit blocking them from full understanding, yet later this same Spirit would bring their memories back so that they could share it with others and us?  Or were they so enraptured with Jesus and the thrill of being His closest associates that they just didn't want to hear anything that hinted of His leaving them?  

But, really, are we any different?  In spite of the rich tradition of Lent that has come to us through the development of the ages, do we really focus on our faith as a result?  As mentioned earlier, a third of our gospels focus on Jesus' last week on earth;  are we reading these chapter during this seven week period?  

Indeed, are we doing anything to focus our faith and desire for greater understanding as we approach this high, holy day?  

If you are - and I'm certain some are - then may God bless you with deeper understanding and a growing love and depth of gratitude!  If you're a woman, then receive this Shabbat blessing:  “May God make you like Sarah, Rebecca, Rachel and Leah.”  

If you don't know these women, their stories are told in the book of Genesis!

If you're a man, then receive this Shabbat blessing:  "May you be like Ephraim and Manasseh."  These were Joseph's sons who became two of the most powerful tribes in Israel.  [See Genesis 48:1-9]

If you have not been making a focus on your faith this Lenten season, it's not too late!  Select one of those passages from above [the bullet points] and start reading.  Find a time and place that will allow you a few minutes of solitude and let Him grow your faith!  

A MAN NAMED JESUS!

There was always great joy in Judea when a son was born!  This was a blessing for any poor farm family for it meant another worker would be available to help with the cultivating, planting, and harvesting. 

When this beautiful baby boy was born, he brought great joy and expectation to his parents:  Eitan [meaning ‘one who is steady and very bold’] and Noam [meaning ‘loveliness or satisfaction’].  They deliberated about their new son’s name and wanted to give him one that would set him apart from all other Jewish boys.  They considered Moses – the great law-giver.  They also thought of David – the great king!  But the proud father won out and convinced his dear wife to name the baby Jesus.  It was the contemporary name for Joshua, the one who was mentored by Moses and then led the people of Israel into the Promised Land!  His name meant ‘savior’. 

Yes, this family had great expectations for their son!  They would name him ‘Jesus’ – savior!  They wrapped him tightly in cloths and held him close – only after checking him from head to foot and seeing that he was perfect in every way!  He would be a fine son!  Father and mother loved their son and cared for him attentively during the troubled times of Roman occupation.  They wanted their son to revere God, be kind and treat all people fairly.

But all plans, dreams and expectations are not fulfilled.

When Jesus was a young boy, tensions associated with Roman rule erupted into many violent conflicts across Israel.  A tax census placed upon the people by Quirinius triggered an uprising by Judas the Galilean and many died as the Romans responded with fierce and relentless force to quell the disturbance. 

Jesus’ father, Eitan, was caught in the conflict while on a trip to town for supplies and was killed.  He lay in the street as his blood mingled with the sandy soil of his homeland.  When news was brought to Noam, she was crushed that her love had been so abruptly taken from her.  Jesus, being only six, couldn’t understand why his father wouldn’t be coming home.  The house was filled with his mother’s anguish and tears. 

Life was hard for the mother and son!  Jesus was too young, too weak and unskilled to be able to fill the shoes of his father.  They were forced to be dependent on his mother’s larger family system to be able to survive.  This precious little boy, who had been the treasure of his father’s eye, was left alone with a mother who struggled for their very survival.  As he began to realize that his father would never be coming home, Jesus turned to anger and bitterness instead of despair. 

The father who had thrown him into the air and caught him with delight,
the father who tickled him until he was weary from laughing,
the father who held him and told him stories of his own childhood,
HE WAS GONE FOREVER!

And Jesus grew up hating the Roman soldiers for what they had done to his father!

His mother tried to steer him toward acceptance and forgiveness, but Jesus’ determination was set.  He would rebel against Roman oppression!  He would get even with those who had so brutally taken his father away.  When the time was right, he would even the score.

Noam lamented the dark moods of her son.  She tried her best to redirect his thinking and help him find a purposeful life, but the roots of Jesus’ hatred ran deep!  His hurt was inconsolable!  He was bent on revenge!

As time passed, they managed to survive with the help of family and friends.  Noam developed skills at making pottery and sold it at their village market.  Through the gracious help of her sister, Shira [meaning ‘song’], and Shira’s husband, they were able to get by.  Jesus was able to attend the village school and grow up among cousins and friends.  But, his anger was noticeable and his best friends were few – and also rebellious.

As he progressed in age, Jesus eventually left home and made his way to Jerusalem.  He wanted to find a way to hurt the Romans and they were more numerous in this center-city of the nation.  His companions shared his hatred and they schemed to create chaos in the city through subversion and disrespect.  One day, their efforts were rewarded as they set a trap for a small band of Roman soldiers.  Chaos erupted and a man was killed in the confusion.  Jesus was quickly captured and imprisoned.  After having been beaten, he lay for days tending his wounds as best he could. 

Then, to his surprise, he was suddenly led from his prison to the Praetorium, where he was placed on a platform along with – to his immense surprise – Pilate, the Roman governor!  What was going on?  Why had he been brought here?  What was going to happen to him?

It was then that he noticed another man, also standing between two Roman soldiers.  He quickly discovered that this man was also named Jesus.  He’d heard of this man!  He was a good man, a rabbi, who had healed many and fed multitudes.  He had often thought about searching him out to hear what he had to say, but it had never happened – until today. 

He could see that Jesus of Nazareth had been severely beaten.  His face was distorted and his eyes nearly swollen closed.  The soldiers had draped a purple cloth around his shoulders and had crushed a crown of thorns on his head.  Jesus thought of his own father and the blood that his mother had cleaned from his body before they buried him.  He felt sorry for Jesus of Nazareth and wanted to reach out to him and help him.  But he, too, was a prisoner;  a prisoner who was trying his best to figure out why he had been brought to this place.

Suddenly, Pilate stepped forward and called to the large crowd that had gathered:  “You know it is our custom to release a prisoner today in honor of your feast.  Which would you have me release today:  Jesus Barabbas, or Jesus, the King of the Jews?" 

Jesus Barrabas [bar = son, abba = father - therefore, “son of the father”] was shocked to hear his name being called out in unison by the mob.  Pilate seemed angry with the response of the people.  He called for a basin, washed his hands publicly, then said, “I’m washing my hands of responsibility for this man’s death. From now on, it’s in your hands. You’re judge and jury.”

After those words fell from Pilate’s lips, the soldiers released Barabbas and took Jesus of Nazareth away to be crucified. 

The precious “son of his father” was released, while the “Son of God the Father” was paraded away to become the lamb of God who takes away the sins of the whole world! 

This Jesus of Nazareth, this Son of Man and Son of God, died in our place just the same as He died in Barabbas’ place! 

HOW ARE YOU GOING TO LIVE AS A RESULT OF BEING SET FREE?

GOOD SATURDAY

 I know, you've never heard of 'Good Saturday'.  I just made it up.  :-)

But, I would like to defend my postulation:  that we have something significant to reflect on during this day.  A day of massive conversions.  A day unlike any that had ever occurred before!  A day when the gates of Heaven were rushed by throngs that surely numbered in the tens of thousands - if not more!  

But, I'm already ahead of myself.  Let me try to bring you along on this journey of discovery...

We know the truth of Good Friday.  Jesus died on the cross of Calvary to pay the penalty for all our sins before and after.  It was one sacrifice for all time!  He was the spotless Lamb of God!  He did what no one else could ever do.  The Son of God laid down His life for everyone who chooses to believe in Him.

I think you probably agree with me so far, right?  

But let's look at the word "everyone".  

First, it meant everyone who was alive at the time of Christ.

Second, it meant everyone who would ever live from the time of the crucifixion and for the rest of the existence of humanity.

Third, it meant everyone who had lived and died before Christ's crucifixion.

Wait a minute...what did you say, Hal?

"It meant everyone who had lived and died before Christ's crucifixion."

That's what I thought you said.  But how could they all be saved?

How does anyone get saved?  They hear (or become aware of) the 'good news' and place their faith in Christ as their Savior.

Well then, how could all the people who had lived and died hear the 'good news' and respond [or not respond] to it?

That's easy.  The answer is right there in scripture.  Upon His death, Christ went and preached to these dead souls and they were given an opportunity to place their faith in Him.  Those who did, He led in a joyful procession into the gates of Heaven!  

No!  Where is that in the Bible?

Let's look at the evidence:

I Peter 3:18-19

For Christ died for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God.  He was put to death in the body but made alive by the Spirit, through whom also he went and preached to the spirits in prison who disobeyed long ago...

I Peter 4:6

For this is the reason the gospel was preached even to those who are now dead, so that they might be judged according to men in regard to the body, but live according to God in regard to the spirit.

 Ephesians 4:8-10

This is why it says:

[taken from Psalm 68:8]  "When he ascended on high, he led captives in his train and gave gifts to men."

(What does "he ascended" mean except that he also descended to the lower earthly regions?  He who descended is the very one who ascended higher than all the heavens, in order to fill the whole universe.)

Now, although we may not understand every implication of these passages, it seems to make it remarkably clear that upon His death, Jesus went to the place where all the dead had accumulated and preached to them.  Those who chose to believe in Him were then led from the place of the dead into the celestial city!   

 Even our Apostle's Creed gives a nod at this truth when it says, "He descended into hell" which is immediately followed by "the third day He rose again from the dead:  He ascended into heaven, and sittith on the right hand of God the Father Almighty."  [Apparently it was a three-day revival!]

We should note again here that this was a one time caveat!  Those who have died since the crucifixion will NOT be extended this privilege.  They, like us, have had the opportunity to hear and know the truth of the gospel.  Those who have responded in faith and obedience will be eternally saved.  Those who reject or ignore the gospel message (or fail to take it seriously) will be eternally lost.

So, today, we remember 'Good Saturday' when Adam and Eve, those who perished in Noah's flood, the wicked and oppressive Egyptians, the Philistines, the Assyrians, the Babylonians, the Romans, - literally EVERYONE who had lived and died before the crucifixion - heard the GREATEST SERMON EVER PREACHED from the very One who had paid the price for their redemption!  And many were saved!

This - perhaps more than anything else in scripture - shows us Christ's love and concern for lost people!  Do we mirror that love?  Do our churches?

If you needed a reason to say "HALLELUJAH" tomorrow morning, now you have it!

PALM SUNDAY

Matthew 21 opens with the report of Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem (vs.1-11).  

Many will celebrate this occasion in our churches tomorrow morning.  It is a joyous day that begins a week of tragedy and sorrow.  

In this episode we see Jesus receiving the acclaim that He deserves.  

• a donkey (and her colt) are secured.  (vs.1-3)
• Old Testament prophecies are fulfilled:  Zechariah 9:9 and Isaiah 62:11.  (vs.4-5)
• a very large crowd spread their clothing before Jesus (and his donkey and her colt).  (v.8)
• others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road.  (v.8)
• all the while the people shouted:  Hosanna to the Son of David!  Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!  Hosanna in the highest!  (v.9)
• When Jesus entered Jerusalem, the whole city was stirred and asked, "Who is this?"  (v.10)

But the tone changes quickly!  Directly on the heels of this jubilation, Jesus enters the temple area and drives out all who were buying and selling there.  We're shocked at His righteous indignation as He overturns tables and benches and screams, It is written:  'My house will be called a house of prayer', but you are making it a 'den of robbers.'  (v.13)

On the heels of this, the blind and the lame came to Him at the temple, and He healed them. (v.14)  They had apparently been gathered at the temple as an expression of their hope.  Seeing Jesus there, they were not afraid, but gathered around Him and He healed them all!  Imagine, for a moment, the inexpressible joy that was generated in these moments.  The children spontaneously began singing His praises:  Hosanna to the Son of David!  (v.15)

These immediate acts of entering Jerusalem in fulfillment of prophecy, cleansing the temple, and healing the sick remarkably draws the ire of the chief priests and teachers of the law.  They scold Jesus and tell Him to shush the children.  In response, He simply quotes Psalm 8:2 for them, which surely must have aggravated them even more:  From the lips of children and infants you have ordained praise.  (v.16)

And with this accomplished, Holy Week has begun.  Jesus withdraws with His disciples to Bethany to rest.  

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It seems obvious to me that Christians (Christ-followers) should consider beginning this Holy Week in a similar fashion.

1.   Celebrate Christ as the Lord of heaven and earth;  more than that, as OUR PERSONAL LORD!  Sing His praises!  Acknowledge His Lordship.  Surrender again to Him!

2.   Cleanse our personal temple!  

The most important aspect of this would be to do a personal inventory of our spiritual lives.  Are we as fervent as we have been previously?  Have we lost our first love?  Are we effective in witnessing for Christ by singing aloud His praises?  Have we allowed Him to be crowded out by other, less critical, concerns?  Do we need to recommit?  This process will likely take some time.  Will you set time aside today or tomorrow to cleanse your temple? 

Secondarily, it may also mean that we should literally clean house of things that might entrap us or lead us astray.  This might involve us in changing habits that have come to control us.  It might mean bagging up distracting materials and placing them on the curb.  Or, it is more likely to involve us in deleting computer (or phone) files that are doing us spiritual harm.  

Some of this will be simple but indicting.  

• How many times a day do I check Facebook?  - can be compared to - How much scripture have I read today?
• How much screen-time have I had today? - can be compared to - How much time have I been before the Lord in prayer today?
• How many hours of television have I consumed today? - can be compared to - In what ways have I served the Lord today?

It is likely that all of us will emerge from this kind of testing with new resolutions.  Perhaps we can be a catalyst for renewed vision and practice in our family, church and community?  

Lord, possess me now, I pray,

Make me wholly Thine today;

Gladly do I own Thy sway,

with Thy Spirit fill me.

Lord, I yield myself to Thee, 

All I am or hope to be

Now and through eternity,

with Thy Spirit fill me.

Lord, commission me, I pray!

Souls are dying every day;

Help me lead them in Your way, 

with Thy Spirit fill me.

With Thy Spirit fill me,

'With Thy Spirit fill me;

Make me wholly Thine, I pray,

With Thy Spirit fill me.

[Oswald J. Smith, 1940]

If you're my age or older, you were probably singing this - right?