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Mystery Journey
Mystery Journey
Life’s journey is a mystery. We meet a stranger. He opens the Scriptures to our understanding. He can be a mystery until we break bread. Who’s the stranger? What’s the mystery? Let’s find out in Luke 24:13-35.
Luke 24:13 says, “Now behold, two of them were traveling that same day to a village called Emmaus, which was seven miles from Jerusalem.”
A road led west from Jerusalem through trees and fields to a warm spring and a town called Emmaus. Its ruins are still there inside a national park. The resurrected Jesus met two disciples on that ancient road. Do we recognize Jesus on our travels? They did not, at first.
Luke 24:15b-16 “Jesus Himself drew near and went with them. But their eyes were restrained, so that they did not know Him.”
They thought Jesus was a stranger. Is He a stranger to us? Do we not recognize Him? Sometimes, those closest to Jesus do not recognize Him, distracted by things of this world. Yet, in the midst of all the paths life takes us, Jesus is there gently walking with us.
Luke 24:25-27 Then Jesus said to them, “You foolish people! You find it so hard to believe all that the prophets wrote in the Scriptures. Wasn’t it clearly predicted that the Messiah would have to suffer all these things before entering his glory?” Then Jesus took them through the writings of Moses and all the prophets, explaining from all the Scriptures the things concerning himself.
Are we also foolish and slow of heart? Jesus expounded to them the Scriptures about Himself. Yet, they failed to recognize Him until later. He also talks with our hearts as the Holy Scriptures are read aloud, through creation, and through our consciences. Yet, how often do we recognize Him?
Luke 24:28-32 By this time they were nearing Emmaus and the end of their journey. Jesus acted as if he were going on, but they begged him, “Stay the night with us, since it is getting late.” So he went home with them. As they sat down to eat, he took the bread and blessed it. Then he broke it and gave it to them. Suddenly, their eyes were opened, and they recognized him. And at that moment he disappeared! They said to each other, “Didn’t our hearts burn within us as he talked with us on the road and explained the Scriptures to us?”
The guest became the host. Jesus blessed and broke the bread, then their eyes were opened and they knew Him. Does this picture our lives? Does Jesus journey with us? Does He open the Scriptures to us? Do our hearts burn? Are our eyes opened as the bread is broken?
Luke 24:33-35 And within the hour they were on their way back to Jerusalem. There they found the eleven disciples and the others who had gathered with them, who said, “The Lord has really risen! He appeared to Peter.” Then the two from Emmaus told their story of how Jesus had appeared to them as they were walking along the road, and how they had recognized him as he was breaking the bread.
An original definition of the word sacrament was simple. It meant “a visible sign of an invisible grace” according to Augustine of Hippo, or as many still teach today, “all of life is a sacrament.” The Eastern Orthodox call these sacraments mysteries because we see one thing and believe another.
Let’s pray to see God’s invisible grace in the world around us. For instance, communion bread is far more than a mere symbol. It is a sacrament, a mysterious invisible grace. In it Jesus is revealed to us. In it, the mystery is revealed that the Lord is risen indeed?
Our lives are a journey to Emmaus. Along the way we meet a stranger who walks with us and opens the Scriptures to our understanding. As we partake of the communion bread do we begin to appreciate who that stranger is and the Good News that He brings?
Readings:
Acts 2:14a, 36-41 Are repentance, baptism and the gift of the Holy Spirit a promise for us alone, or our children too?
Psalm 116:1-4, 12-19 What is this cup of salvation? What does it represent? Why is the death of God’s faithful servants so precious?
1 Peter 1:17-23 Why do we live out our lives as foreigners? Were we redeemed by silver or gold? If not then what? Of what seed are we born again?
Luke 24:13-35 in Rhyme
Two were going to Emmaus
And Jesus drew near to discuss
But they didn’t recognize Him
And asked why they sounded so grim
Cleopas asked, haven’t you heard
And He asked them what was the word
So they said, a Prophet is dead
We hoped for redemption instead
Crucified, yet our women say
That He’s alive again today
Then Jesus said, Don’t be so slow
The prophets spoke, and you should know!
Then He expounded their writings
And all about the Good Tidings
And they invited Him to stay
Breaking of bread did Him betray
And they said, “Didn’t our hearts burn
When to the Scriptures He did turn
So they went to Jerusalem
Found the eleven and told them
Life’s journey is a mystery. We meet a stranger. He opens the Scriptures to our understanding. He can be a mystery until we break bread. Who’s the stranger? What’s the mystery? Let’s find out in Luke 24:13-35.
Luke 24:13 says, “Now behold, two of them were traveling that same day to a village called Emmaus, which was seven miles from Jerusalem.”
A road led west from Jerusalem through trees and fields to a warm spring and a town called Emmaus. Its ruins are still there inside a national park. The resurrected Jesus met two disciples on that ancient road. Do we recognize Jesus on our travels? They did not, at first.
Luke 24:15b-16 “Jesus Himself drew near and went with them. But their eyes were restrained, so that they did not know Him.”
They thought Jesus was a stranger. Is He a stranger to us? Do we not recognize Him? Sometimes, those closest to Jesus do not recognize Him, distracted by things of this world. Yet, in the midst of all the paths life takes us, Jesus is there gently walking with us.
Luke 24:25-27 Then Jesus said to them, “You foolish people! You find it so hard to believe all that the prophets wrote in the Scriptures. Wasn’t it clearly predicted that the Messiah would have to suffer all these things before entering his glory?” Then Jesus took them through the writings of Moses and all the prophets, explaining from all the Scriptures the things concerning himself.
Are we also foolish and slow of heart? Jesus expounded to them the Scriptures about Himself. Yet, they failed to recognize Him until later. He also talks with our hearts as the Holy Scriptures are read aloud, through creation, and through our consciences. Yet, how often do we recognize Him?
Luke 24:28-32 By this time they were nearing Emmaus and the end of their journey. Jesus acted as if he were going on, but they begged him, “Stay the night with us, since it is getting late.” So he went home with them. As they sat down to eat, he took the bread and blessed it. Then he broke it and gave it to them. Suddenly, their eyes were opened, and they recognized him. And at that moment he disappeared! They said to each other, “Didn’t our hearts burn within us as he talked with us on the road and explained the Scriptures to us?”
The guest became the host. Jesus blessed and broke the bread, then their eyes were opened and they knew Him. Does this picture our lives? Does Jesus journey with us? Does He open the Scriptures to us? Do our hearts burn? Are our eyes opened as the bread is broken?
Luke 24:33-35 And within the hour they were on their way back to Jerusalem. There they found the eleven disciples and the others who had gathered with them, who said, “The Lord has really risen! He appeared to Peter.” Then the two from Emmaus told their story of how Jesus had appeared to them as they were walking along the road, and how they had recognized him as he was breaking the bread.
An original definition of the word sacrament was simple. It meant “a visible sign of an invisible grace” according to Augustine of Hippo, or as many still teach today, “all of life is a sacrament.” The Eastern Orthodox call these sacraments mysteries because we see one thing and believe another.
Let’s pray to see God’s invisible grace in the world around us. For instance, communion bread is far more than a mere symbol. It is a sacrament, a mysterious invisible grace. In it Jesus is revealed to us. In it, the mystery is revealed that the Lord is risen indeed?
Our lives are a journey to Emmaus. Along the way we meet a stranger who walks with us and opens the Scriptures to our understanding. As we partake of the communion bread do we begin to appreciate who that stranger is and the Good News that He brings?
Readings:
Acts 2:14a, 36-41 Are repentance, baptism and the gift of the Holy Spirit a promise for us alone, or our children too?
Psalm 116:1-4, 12-19 What is this cup of salvation? What does it represent? Why is the death of God’s faithful servants so precious?
1 Peter 1:17-23 Why do we live out our lives as foreigners? Were we redeemed by silver or gold? If not then what? Of what seed are we born again?
Luke 24:13-35 in Rhyme
Two were going to Emmaus
And Jesus drew near to discuss
But they didn’t recognize Him
And asked why they sounded so grim
Cleopas asked, haven’t you heard
And He asked them what was the word
So they said, a Prophet is dead
We hoped for redemption instead
Crucified, yet our women say
That He’s alive again today
Then Jesus said, Don’t be so slow
The prophets spoke, and you should know!
Then He expounded their writings
And all about the Good Tidings
And they invited Him to stay
Breaking of bread did Him betray
And they said, “Didn’t our hearts burn
When to the Scriptures He did turn
So they went to Jerusalem
Found the eleven and told them
Who is Christ?
Let’s look at a number of common questions about Jesus Christ. Is He real history? Can we have faith in Him? What is Christ’s Work? Who was He really? Was He really God in the flesh?
Christ is from Greek, meaning the same as Messiah from Hebrew, the Savior of all humanity. Studying Christ is called Christology.
Part 1
Is Jesus Historical?
Clement of Rome, Ignatius and Polycarp wrote close to 100 AD quoting from Paul’s epistles so often that even skeptics agree that Paul wrote them, and that he and the other apostles preached the same thing.
So it makes no difference whether I preach or they preach, for we all preach the same message you have already believed. (1 Corinthians 15:11 NLT)
Other passages also show that Paul taught the same Gospel as the other apostles (Acts 2:22-32; 3:15; 4:2; 5:29-32; 10:38-43; 13:30-31; Romans 1:3-4; 10:9; 1 Corinthians 8:6; Philippians 2:6-11).
After fourteen years, Paul again met with the apostles in Jerusalem to consult. He concluded that they did not add any missing ingredients to his message, but rather that Paul’s mission was to the gentiles, while Peter’s was to the Jews.
Then after fourteen years, I went up again to Jerusalem, this time with Barnabas. I took Titus along also… As for those who were held in high esteem—whatever they were makes no difference to me; God does not show favoritism—they added nothing to my message. On the contrary, they recognized that I had been entrusted with the task of preaching the gospel to the uncircumcised, just as Peter had been to the circumcised. (Galatians 2:1-7 NIV)
Medical experts who have examined Roman crucifixion accounts, testify that nobody could have survived the ordeal. With over 24,000 copies of early new testament manuscripts available, the historical evidence for Jesus’ death, burial and resurrection is more conclusive than for most other ancient historic events. With over 500 witnesses of his resurrection, we are reminded that most were still alive to corroborate the facts.
For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received, that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, and that He was buried, and that He was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures, and that He appeared to Cephas, then to the twelve. After that He appeared to more than five hundred brethren at one time, most of whom remain until now, but some have fallen asleep; then He appeared to James, then to all the apostles; and last of all, as to one untimely born, He appeared to me also. (1 Corinthians 15:3-8 NASB)
When we look at belief in Jesus, there are three views of that faith that we could consider.
From Above
When we look at the history of Jesus there are those who reason that we ought to believe in him through faith alone. This is the so-called view from above, from heaven, put forward by such people as Søren Kirkegaard, who believed that James had the answer to this.
Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change. (James 1:17 ESV)
Faith is one of those gifts from above and it is a good and perfect gift.
From Below
A modern tendency is to ignore what people sarcastically call “blind” faith in search of a “reasoned” faith.
There are a couple of disadvantages to this approach. One is that it can lead us to doubt and search for historic evidence alone, evidence from here below on earth. Another disadvantage is that the historic evidence for Jesus was right in front the noses of the Pharisees and Judas, but it did not help them.
One advantage of searching for the historical Jesus “from below” is to discover his human side. If however, in making such an inquiry we ignore God’s revelation we don’t have a right balance. Thomas Aquinas concluded that “Some truths about God exceed all the ability of human reason.”
From Above and Below
Augustine put it well when he suggested that discovering Jesus starts with faith. Peter would agree.
He saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am? And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God. And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven. (Matthew 16:15-17 KJV)
So, a more balanced approach to discovering Jesus, includes BOTH faith and reason regarding physical evidence.
… calling two of his disciples to him, sent them to the Lord, saying, “Are you the one who is to come, or shall we look for another?” And when the men had come to him, they said, “John the Baptist has sent us to you, saying, ‘Are you the one who is to come, or shall we look for another?’” In that hour he healed many people of diseases and plagues and evil spirits, and on many who were blind he bestowed sight. And he answered them, “Go and tell John what you have seen and heard: the blind receive their sight, the lame walk, lepers are cleansed, and the deaf hear, the dead are raised up, the poor have good news preached to them. (Luke 7:19-22 ESV)
As with many issues where there are two camps divided over issues, the real truth includes both views.
Is Jesus God?
What did Jesus say?
Jesus said to him, “Have I been with you so long, and you still do not know me, Philip? Whoever has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, ‘Show us the Father’? (John 14:9 ESV)
Jesus described the angels as His angels.
The Son of Man will send out His angels, and they will gather out of His kingdom all things that offend, and those who practice lawlessness (Matthew 13:41 NKJV)
Yet, in other places they are understood as being God’s angels.
I tell you the truth, everyone who acknowledges me publicly here on earth, the Son of Man will also acknowledge in the presence of God’s angels. But anyone who denies me here on earth will be denied before God’s angels. (Luke 12:8-9 NLT)
In the same way, there is joy in the presence of God’s angels when even one sinner repents. (Luke 15:10 NLT)
Jesus also judges the world.
When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, he will sit on his glorious throne. All the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate the people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. He will put the sheep on his right and the goats on his left. (Matthew 25:31-33 NIV)
To know Jesus is to know the Father.
If you had really known me, you would know who my Father is. From now on, you do know him and have seen him!” Philip said, “Lord, show us the Father, and we will be satisfied.” Jesus replied, “Have I been with you all this time, Philip, and yet you still don’t know who I am? Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father! So why are you asking me to show him to you? (John 14:7-9 NLT)
The Pharisees accused him of saying he was the Son of God. He spoke of his future power and did not correct them.
… And the high priest said to Him, “I adjure You by the living God, that You tell us whether You are the Christ, the Son of God.” Jesus said to him, “You have said it yourself; nevertheless I tell you, hereafter you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of Power, and coming on the clouds of heaven.” Then the high priest tore his robes and said, “He has blasphemed! What further need do we have of witnesses? Behold, you have now heard the blasphemy; what do you think?” They answered, “He deserves death!” (Matthew 26:63-66 NASB)
Jesus also said that He is the resurrection and the life.
Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live. (John 11:25 NKJV)
Jesus was accused of making himself equal with God.
For this reason they tried all the more to kill him; not only was he breaking the Sabbath, but he was even calling God his own Father, making himself equal with God. (John 5:18 NIV).
What did John say?
The Apostle John said that Jesus, the Word, was God.
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made… And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth. (John 1:1-3, 14 KJV)
What did the author of Hebrews say?
The author of the book of Hebrews described the Son as an exact representation of God’s nature, and he names Jesus the Son as God.
… but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom also he made the universe. The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven… But about the Son he says, “Your throne, O God, will last for ever and ever; a scepter of justice will be the scepter of your kingdom. (Hebrews 1:2-3, 8 NIV)
What did Paul say?
Paul the Apostle wrote to the Colossians that Jesus is the image of the invisible God and that in Him the whole fullness of deity dwells bodily.
He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers. All things were created through Him and for Him. And He is before all things, and in Him all things consist. And He is the head of the body, the church, who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in all things He may have the preeminence. For it pleased the Father that in Him all the fullness should dwell, and by Him to reconcile all things to Himself, by Him, whether things on earth or things in heaven, having made peace through the blood of His cross… For in Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily (Colossians 1:15-20; 2:9 NKJV)
Paul also said that Jesus is the judge.
I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom (2 Timothy 4:1 KJV)
For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad. (2 Corinthians 5:10 KJV)
To the Christians in Philippi Paul wrote that Jesus had the form or nature of God before his birth.
In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death—even death on a cross! Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. (Philippians 2:5-11 NIV)
Why is Jesus Lord?
When we think of the word Lord, we tend to think of the lords and ladies of merry old England, but that is not the use of the word in the Bible. The Greek Old Testament that was used at the time of Jesus was the Septuagint. It used the Greek word kyrios for the Hebrew word YHWH (or its substitute Adonai). That is the word which the Apostles used for Jesus. It is translated as Lord in English today. It means that Jesus was recognized as the Lord God of the Hebrew Scriptures, the Old Testament.
We also know that is the case because, often the New Testament uses “Lord” when quoting an Old Testament reference to God.
‘The sun will be turned into darkness And the moon into blood, Before the great and glorious day of the Lord shall come. ‘And it shall be that everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.’ (Acts 2:20-21 NASB)
… for “Whoever will call on the name of the Lord will be saved.” (Romans 10:13 NASB)
… but sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence (1 Peter 3:15 NASB)
Thus the New Testament uses the word Lord alternately for both the Father and Jesus.
So What if Jesus is God?
Because Jesus is God, we can now know the Father through him. It also means that God suffered on a cross for us and not just a mere man. It also means that in Jesus, God and humanity are reunited. We can worship Jesus, because He is God the Son.
Part 2
Is Jesus Human?
Born like any other human
Jesus had a normal gestation and a normal birth.
So the Word became human and made his home among us. He was full of unfailing love and faithfulness. And we have seen his glory, the glory of the Father’s one and only Son. (John 1:14 NLT)
Jesus faced the same temptations, ate the same food and eventually died, like all humans do. Jesus had the same normal human emotions that we all experience like sorrow, anger and joy.
Remarkable knowledge
Jesus also had knowledge that was beyond normal. He knew things about the past, present and future that most people do not know. For instance, he often knew the thoughts of others. However, he did not know everything.
But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. (Mark 13:32 NKJV)
So What if Jesus was also Human?
It means that a real man died for us, who can sympathize with us. Yet, he revealed perfect humanity, the way a man was meant to be when the first one was created. He is also our example.
He revealed that human nature as originally created is good. Jesus also revealed that God is not so totally transcendent, so far above us that we cannot have a relationship with him. God incarnate came down to our level to save the world.
Is Jesus Fully God and Fully Human?
Christians generally agree that the incarnation, Jesus being born of a woman, was not simply the adding of humanity to God. Rather, for a time he voluntarily gave up some divine attributes.
Christ was truly God. But he did not try to remain equal with God. Instead he gave up everything and became a slave, when he became like one of us. (Philippians 2:6-7 CEV)
His nature was one of divinity-humanity or as some say so well, both divinity and humanity are most fully known in Jesus. We did not ascend to divinity, but God condescended to take on a human frame.
A Virgin Birth?
All Christianity teaches that Jesus was born of a virgin.
“A virgin will have a baby boy, and he will be called Immanuel,” which means “God is with us.” (Matthew 1:18-25 CEV)
Mary asked the angel, “How can this happen? I am not married!” (Luke 1:26-38 CEV)
The early church father Ignatius confessed to it and it is the confession of all Christians.
So What if Jesus was Born of a Virgin?
Because Jesus was born of a virgin then God and humanity are unified. Yet, Jesus was sinless. Salvation is a supernatural intervention from heaven above, a gift of grace. Jesus is unique in all history. His birth was possible because God is sovereign over nature.
What is Christ’s Work?
Jesus was a prophet.
And the crowds were saying, "This is the prophet Jesus, from Nazareth in Galilee." (Matthew 21:11 NASB)
He revealed the Father and revealed the truth. He is also a King now and forever. Jesus is our high priest presiding over the atonement.
Jesus first humbled himself to become human via the incarnation. Then he died and descended to Hades, was resurrected, ascended back to heaven from where he first came and will come again in the Second Coming.
How Jesus Atoned for Sin
Jesus’ great contribution was to reconcile humanity and God, atoning for our collective faults. In English, the word comes from being “at-one-ment” or in harmony with God. However, the meaning goes deeper than that.
Among several possibilities, the atonement is seen as a sacrifice.
Yet it was the Lord’s will to crush him and cause him to suffer, and though the Lord makes his life an offering for sin, he will see his offspring and prolong his days, and the will of the Lord will prosper in his hand. (Isaiah 53 NIV)
… so Christ was sacrificed once to take away the sins of many; and he will appear a second time, not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who are waiting for him. (Hebrews 9:28 NIV)
Jesus is seen by some as a propitiation or peace offering to conciliate or appease God.
Then he must remove all the sheep’s fat, just as he does with the fat of a sheep presented as a peace offering. He will burn the fat on the altar on top of the special gifts presented to the LORD. Through this process, the priest will purify the people from their sin, making them right with the LORD, and they will be forgiven. (Leviticus 4:35 NLT)
Jesus is also a substitution for us.
… and He Himself bore our sins in His body on the cross, so that we might die to sin and live to righteousness; for by His wounds you were healed. (1 Peter 2:24 NASB)
The atonement is also seen as a means of reconciliation with God.
For since their rejection meant that God offered salvation to the rest of the world, their acceptance will be even more wonderful. It will be life for those who were dead! (Romans 11:15 NLT)
In the original Hebrew, the Day of Atonement is called Yom Kippur. Yom means day and kippur means atonement. Kippur comes from a root meaning to cover. It pictures God covering our sins and thus making peace between us.
The New Testament was written in Greek where various words are used for atonement. It carries with it meanings like reconciled, appeased, redeemed, cleansing and mercy.
Jesus’ act of atonement on the cross makes salvation possible, makes the church possible and makes eternity possible for us. Unless we have atonement nothing else matters.
Background to the Atonement
God is perfect. The law expresses God’s perfect mind on earthly matters. Humankind is unable to obey that law and to save itself. Jesus atoned for our sins. In the Old Testament, atonement symbolized the covering of sins. In the New Testament, it symbolizes a ransom, substitute and sacrifice.
Facets of the Atonement
No single concept explains the atonement completely. So, it is good to examine a variety of different views and scriptures which help us to understand a more complete picture of the Lord’s atonement for us.
1. A moral Influence
Jesus suffered for us, leaving us an example of the kind of self-sacrificial life we are to live. So, the atonement on the cross influences our morality. As the only perfect human to have ever lived, Jesus came to demonstrate the height of human love.
To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps. (1 Peter 2:21 NIV)
2. Redemption of the Lost
For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost. (Luke 19:10 KJV)
Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many. (Matthew 20:28 KJV)
For even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many. (Mark 10:45 KJV)
The Son of Man did not come to be a slave master, but a slave who will give his life to rescue many people. (Matthew 20:28 CEV)
As mediator of a new covenant between God and humanity, he redeemed us from the sins committed under the first covenant.
For this reason He is the mediator of a new covenant, so that, since a death has taken place for the redemption of the transgressions that were committed under the first covenant, those who have been called may receive the promise of the eternal inheritance. (Hebrews 9:15 NASB)
He also redeemed us from the empty traditions that we inherited from our ancestors.
Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers (1 Peter 1:18 KJV)
This is powerful, as it emcompasses empty man-made Christian traditions as well as things like empty national pride, empty materialism and empty sins as other translations make clear.
For you know that God paid a ransom to save you from the empty life you inherited from your ancestors. And the ransom he paid was not mere gold or silver. (1 Peter 1:18 NLT)
For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your ancestors (1 Peter 1:18 NIV)
With his blood, Jesus paid the purchase price to free all humanity from slavery to sin.
And they sang a new song, saying, “Worthy are you to take the scroll and to open its seals, for you were slain, and by your blood you ransomed people for God from every tribe and language and people and nation …” (Revelation 5:9 ESV)
3. A Sacrifice for Us
The Law of the Old Testament was the basis of God’s government in Ancient Israel.
The LORD is well pleased for his righteousness' sake; he will magnify the law, and make it honourable. (Isaiah 42:21 KJV)
The Old Testament law hung upon the higher law of love for God and love for neighbor as Jesus so clearly expounded.
“‘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 NLT)
Sin is the breaking of God’s law. All of us have sinned. Jesus’ death satisfied the penalty for breaking God’s law, a penalty that we should have paid.
Discussion
Who is Jesus? How is Jesus God? Why do we call Jesus Lord? How is Jesus also human? What does it mean for us that Jesus is both God and human? What is the work that Jesus did for us? What does the word atonement mean?
New King James Version (NKJV) Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
New Living Translation (NLT) Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
New International Version (NIV) Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
English Standard Version (ESV) The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Text Edition: 2016. Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.
New American Standard Bible (NASB) Copyright © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation
Contemporary English Version (CEV) Copyright © 1995 by American Bible Society
King James Version (KJV) Public Domain
Christ is from Greek, meaning the same as Messiah from Hebrew, the Savior of all humanity. Studying Christ is called Christology.
Part 1
Is Jesus Historical?
Clement of Rome, Ignatius and Polycarp wrote close to 100 AD quoting from Paul’s epistles so often that even skeptics agree that Paul wrote them, and that he and the other apostles preached the same thing.
So it makes no difference whether I preach or they preach, for we all preach the same message you have already believed. (1 Corinthians 15:11 NLT)
Other passages also show that Paul taught the same Gospel as the other apostles (Acts 2:22-32; 3:15; 4:2; 5:29-32; 10:38-43; 13:30-31; Romans 1:3-4; 10:9; 1 Corinthians 8:6; Philippians 2:6-11).
After fourteen years, Paul again met with the apostles in Jerusalem to consult. He concluded that they did not add any missing ingredients to his message, but rather that Paul’s mission was to the gentiles, while Peter’s was to the Jews.
Then after fourteen years, I went up again to Jerusalem, this time with Barnabas. I took Titus along also… As for those who were held in high esteem—whatever they were makes no difference to me; God does not show favoritism—they added nothing to my message. On the contrary, they recognized that I had been entrusted with the task of preaching the gospel to the uncircumcised, just as Peter had been to the circumcised. (Galatians 2:1-7 NIV)
Medical experts who have examined Roman crucifixion accounts, testify that nobody could have survived the ordeal. With over 24,000 copies of early new testament manuscripts available, the historical evidence for Jesus’ death, burial and resurrection is more conclusive than for most other ancient historic events. With over 500 witnesses of his resurrection, we are reminded that most were still alive to corroborate the facts.
For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received, that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, and that He was buried, and that He was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures, and that He appeared to Cephas, then to the twelve. After that He appeared to more than five hundred brethren at one time, most of whom remain until now, but some have fallen asleep; then He appeared to James, then to all the apostles; and last of all, as to one untimely born, He appeared to me also. (1 Corinthians 15:3-8 NASB)
When we look at belief in Jesus, there are three views of that faith that we could consider.
From Above
When we look at the history of Jesus there are those who reason that we ought to believe in him through faith alone. This is the so-called view from above, from heaven, put forward by such people as Søren Kirkegaard, who believed that James had the answer to this.
Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change. (James 1:17 ESV)
Faith is one of those gifts from above and it is a good and perfect gift.
From Below
A modern tendency is to ignore what people sarcastically call “blind” faith in search of a “reasoned” faith.
There are a couple of disadvantages to this approach. One is that it can lead us to doubt and search for historic evidence alone, evidence from here below on earth. Another disadvantage is that the historic evidence for Jesus was right in front the noses of the Pharisees and Judas, but it did not help them.
One advantage of searching for the historical Jesus “from below” is to discover his human side. If however, in making such an inquiry we ignore God’s revelation we don’t have a right balance. Thomas Aquinas concluded that “Some truths about God exceed all the ability of human reason.”
From Above and Below
Augustine put it well when he suggested that discovering Jesus starts with faith. Peter would agree.
He saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am? And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God. And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven. (Matthew 16:15-17 KJV)
So, a more balanced approach to discovering Jesus, includes BOTH faith and reason regarding physical evidence.
… calling two of his disciples to him, sent them to the Lord, saying, “Are you the one who is to come, or shall we look for another?” And when the men had come to him, they said, “John the Baptist has sent us to you, saying, ‘Are you the one who is to come, or shall we look for another?’” In that hour he healed many people of diseases and plagues and evil spirits, and on many who were blind he bestowed sight. And he answered them, “Go and tell John what you have seen and heard: the blind receive their sight, the lame walk, lepers are cleansed, and the deaf hear, the dead are raised up, the poor have good news preached to them. (Luke 7:19-22 ESV)
As with many issues where there are two camps divided over issues, the real truth includes both views.
Is Jesus God?
What did Jesus say?
Jesus said to him, “Have I been with you so long, and you still do not know me, Philip? Whoever has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, ‘Show us the Father’? (John 14:9 ESV)
Jesus described the angels as His angels.
The Son of Man will send out His angels, and they will gather out of His kingdom all things that offend, and those who practice lawlessness (Matthew 13:41 NKJV)
Yet, in other places they are understood as being God’s angels.
I tell you the truth, everyone who acknowledges me publicly here on earth, the Son of Man will also acknowledge in the presence of God’s angels. But anyone who denies me here on earth will be denied before God’s angels. (Luke 12:8-9 NLT)
In the same way, there is joy in the presence of God’s angels when even one sinner repents. (Luke 15:10 NLT)
Jesus also judges the world.
When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, he will sit on his glorious throne. All the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate the people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. He will put the sheep on his right and the goats on his left. (Matthew 25:31-33 NIV)
To know Jesus is to know the Father.
If you had really known me, you would know who my Father is. From now on, you do know him and have seen him!” Philip said, “Lord, show us the Father, and we will be satisfied.” Jesus replied, “Have I been with you all this time, Philip, and yet you still don’t know who I am? Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father! So why are you asking me to show him to you? (John 14:7-9 NLT)
The Pharisees accused him of saying he was the Son of God. He spoke of his future power and did not correct them.
… And the high priest said to Him, “I adjure You by the living God, that You tell us whether You are the Christ, the Son of God.” Jesus said to him, “You have said it yourself; nevertheless I tell you, hereafter you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of Power, and coming on the clouds of heaven.” Then the high priest tore his robes and said, “He has blasphemed! What further need do we have of witnesses? Behold, you have now heard the blasphemy; what do you think?” They answered, “He deserves death!” (Matthew 26:63-66 NASB)
Jesus also said that He is the resurrection and the life.
Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live. (John 11:25 NKJV)
Jesus was accused of making himself equal with God.
For this reason they tried all the more to kill him; not only was he breaking the Sabbath, but he was even calling God his own Father, making himself equal with God. (John 5:18 NIV).
What did John say?
The Apostle John said that Jesus, the Word, was God.
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made… And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth. (John 1:1-3, 14 KJV)
What did the author of Hebrews say?
The author of the book of Hebrews described the Son as an exact representation of God’s nature, and he names Jesus the Son as God.
… but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom also he made the universe. The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven… But about the Son he says, “Your throne, O God, will last for ever and ever; a scepter of justice will be the scepter of your kingdom. (Hebrews 1:2-3, 8 NIV)
What did Paul say?
Paul the Apostle wrote to the Colossians that Jesus is the image of the invisible God and that in Him the whole fullness of deity dwells bodily.
He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers. All things were created through Him and for Him. And He is before all things, and in Him all things consist. And He is the head of the body, the church, who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in all things He may have the preeminence. For it pleased the Father that in Him all the fullness should dwell, and by Him to reconcile all things to Himself, by Him, whether things on earth or things in heaven, having made peace through the blood of His cross… For in Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily (Colossians 1:15-20; 2:9 NKJV)
Paul also said that Jesus is the judge.
I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom (2 Timothy 4:1 KJV)
For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad. (2 Corinthians 5:10 KJV)
To the Christians in Philippi Paul wrote that Jesus had the form or nature of God before his birth.
In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death—even death on a cross! Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. (Philippians 2:5-11 NIV)
Why is Jesus Lord?
When we think of the word Lord, we tend to think of the lords and ladies of merry old England, but that is not the use of the word in the Bible. The Greek Old Testament that was used at the time of Jesus was the Septuagint. It used the Greek word kyrios for the Hebrew word YHWH (or its substitute Adonai). That is the word which the Apostles used for Jesus. It is translated as Lord in English today. It means that Jesus was recognized as the Lord God of the Hebrew Scriptures, the Old Testament.
We also know that is the case because, often the New Testament uses “Lord” when quoting an Old Testament reference to God.
‘The sun will be turned into darkness And the moon into blood, Before the great and glorious day of the Lord shall come. ‘And it shall be that everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.’ (Acts 2:20-21 NASB)
… for “Whoever will call on the name of the Lord will be saved.” (Romans 10:13 NASB)
… but sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence (1 Peter 3:15 NASB)
Thus the New Testament uses the word Lord alternately for both the Father and Jesus.
So What if Jesus is God?
Because Jesus is God, we can now know the Father through him. It also means that God suffered on a cross for us and not just a mere man. It also means that in Jesus, God and humanity are reunited. We can worship Jesus, because He is God the Son.
Part 2
Is Jesus Human?
Born like any other human
Jesus had a normal gestation and a normal birth.
So the Word became human and made his home among us. He was full of unfailing love and faithfulness. And we have seen his glory, the glory of the Father’s one and only Son. (John 1:14 NLT)
Jesus faced the same temptations, ate the same food and eventually died, like all humans do. Jesus had the same normal human emotions that we all experience like sorrow, anger and joy.
Remarkable knowledge
Jesus also had knowledge that was beyond normal. He knew things about the past, present and future that most people do not know. For instance, he often knew the thoughts of others. However, he did not know everything.
But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. (Mark 13:32 NKJV)
So What if Jesus was also Human?
It means that a real man died for us, who can sympathize with us. Yet, he revealed perfect humanity, the way a man was meant to be when the first one was created. He is also our example.
He revealed that human nature as originally created is good. Jesus also revealed that God is not so totally transcendent, so far above us that we cannot have a relationship with him. God incarnate came down to our level to save the world.
Is Jesus Fully God and Fully Human?
Christians generally agree that the incarnation, Jesus being born of a woman, was not simply the adding of humanity to God. Rather, for a time he voluntarily gave up some divine attributes.
Christ was truly God. But he did not try to remain equal with God. Instead he gave up everything and became a slave, when he became like one of us. (Philippians 2:6-7 CEV)
His nature was one of divinity-humanity or as some say so well, both divinity and humanity are most fully known in Jesus. We did not ascend to divinity, but God condescended to take on a human frame.
A Virgin Birth?
All Christianity teaches that Jesus was born of a virgin.
“A virgin will have a baby boy, and he will be called Immanuel,” which means “God is with us.” (Matthew 1:18-25 CEV)
Mary asked the angel, “How can this happen? I am not married!” (Luke 1:26-38 CEV)
The early church father Ignatius confessed to it and it is the confession of all Christians.
So What if Jesus was Born of a Virgin?
Because Jesus was born of a virgin then God and humanity are unified. Yet, Jesus was sinless. Salvation is a supernatural intervention from heaven above, a gift of grace. Jesus is unique in all history. His birth was possible because God is sovereign over nature.
What is Christ’s Work?
Jesus was a prophet.
And the crowds were saying, "This is the prophet Jesus, from Nazareth in Galilee." (Matthew 21:11 NASB)
He revealed the Father and revealed the truth. He is also a King now and forever. Jesus is our high priest presiding over the atonement.
Jesus first humbled himself to become human via the incarnation. Then he died and descended to Hades, was resurrected, ascended back to heaven from where he first came and will come again in the Second Coming.
How Jesus Atoned for Sin
Jesus’ great contribution was to reconcile humanity and God, atoning for our collective faults. In English, the word comes from being “at-one-ment” or in harmony with God. However, the meaning goes deeper than that.
Among several possibilities, the atonement is seen as a sacrifice.
Yet it was the Lord’s will to crush him and cause him to suffer, and though the Lord makes his life an offering for sin, he will see his offspring and prolong his days, and the will of the Lord will prosper in his hand. (Isaiah 53 NIV)
… so Christ was sacrificed once to take away the sins of many; and he will appear a second time, not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who are waiting for him. (Hebrews 9:28 NIV)
Jesus is seen by some as a propitiation or peace offering to conciliate or appease God.
Then he must remove all the sheep’s fat, just as he does with the fat of a sheep presented as a peace offering. He will burn the fat on the altar on top of the special gifts presented to the LORD. Through this process, the priest will purify the people from their sin, making them right with the LORD, and they will be forgiven. (Leviticus 4:35 NLT)
Jesus is also a substitution for us.
… and He Himself bore our sins in His body on the cross, so that we might die to sin and live to righteousness; for by His wounds you were healed. (1 Peter 2:24 NASB)
The atonement is also seen as a means of reconciliation with God.
For since their rejection meant that God offered salvation to the rest of the world, their acceptance will be even more wonderful. It will be life for those who were dead! (Romans 11:15 NLT)
In the original Hebrew, the Day of Atonement is called Yom Kippur. Yom means day and kippur means atonement. Kippur comes from a root meaning to cover. It pictures God covering our sins and thus making peace between us.
The New Testament was written in Greek where various words are used for atonement. It carries with it meanings like reconciled, appeased, redeemed, cleansing and mercy.
Jesus’ act of atonement on the cross makes salvation possible, makes the church possible and makes eternity possible for us. Unless we have atonement nothing else matters.
Background to the Atonement
God is perfect. The law expresses God’s perfect mind on earthly matters. Humankind is unable to obey that law and to save itself. Jesus atoned for our sins. In the Old Testament, atonement symbolized the covering of sins. In the New Testament, it symbolizes a ransom, substitute and sacrifice.
Facets of the Atonement
No single concept explains the atonement completely. So, it is good to examine a variety of different views and scriptures which help us to understand a more complete picture of the Lord’s atonement for us.
1. A moral Influence
Jesus suffered for us, leaving us an example of the kind of self-sacrificial life we are to live. So, the atonement on the cross influences our morality. As the only perfect human to have ever lived, Jesus came to demonstrate the height of human love.
To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps. (1 Peter 2:21 NIV)
2. Redemption of the Lost
For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost. (Luke 19:10 KJV)
Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many. (Matthew 20:28 KJV)
For even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many. (Mark 10:45 KJV)
The Son of Man did not come to be a slave master, but a slave who will give his life to rescue many people. (Matthew 20:28 CEV)
As mediator of a new covenant between God and humanity, he redeemed us from the sins committed under the first covenant.
For this reason He is the mediator of a new covenant, so that, since a death has taken place for the redemption of the transgressions that were committed under the first covenant, those who have been called may receive the promise of the eternal inheritance. (Hebrews 9:15 NASB)
He also redeemed us from the empty traditions that we inherited from our ancestors.
Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers (1 Peter 1:18 KJV)
This is powerful, as it emcompasses empty man-made Christian traditions as well as things like empty national pride, empty materialism and empty sins as other translations make clear.
For you know that God paid a ransom to save you from the empty life you inherited from your ancestors. And the ransom he paid was not mere gold or silver. (1 Peter 1:18 NLT)
For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your ancestors (1 Peter 1:18 NIV)
With his blood, Jesus paid the purchase price to free all humanity from slavery to sin.
And they sang a new song, saying, “Worthy are you to take the scroll and to open its seals, for you were slain, and by your blood you ransomed people for God from every tribe and language and people and nation …” (Revelation 5:9 ESV)
3. A Sacrifice for Us
The Law of the Old Testament was the basis of God’s government in Ancient Israel.
The LORD is well pleased for his righteousness' sake; he will magnify the law, and make it honourable. (Isaiah 42:21 KJV)
The Old Testament law hung upon the higher law of love for God and love for neighbor as Jesus so clearly expounded.
“‘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 NLT)
Sin is the breaking of God’s law. All of us have sinned. Jesus’ death satisfied the penalty for breaking God’s law, a penalty that we should have paid.
Discussion
Who is Jesus? How is Jesus God? Why do we call Jesus Lord? How is Jesus also human? What does it mean for us that Jesus is both God and human? What is the work that Jesus did for us? What does the word atonement mean?
New King James Version (NKJV) Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
New Living Translation (NLT) Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
New International Version (NIV) Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
English Standard Version (ESV) The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Text Edition: 2016. Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.
New American Standard Bible (NASB) Copyright © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation
Contemporary English Version (CEV) Copyright © 1995 by American Bible Society
King James Version (KJV) Public Domain
Two Confessions
What do Christians confess? Two things! Let’s find out what they are in the context of what Jesus said when He appeared after His resurrection in John 20:19-31.
1. We Confess Sin
John 20:23 “If you [plural, not singular] forgive the sins of any, their sins have been forgiven them; if you [plural] retain the sins of any, they have been retained.”
The disciples could only confirm heaven’s decision — “their sins have [already] been forgiven.” The Gospel message includes repentance, confession of sins and forgiveness. Those refusing, remain unforgiven. We openly confess we are sinners, leaving the details to private prayer. Confessing to a priest was not popular until the 7th-11th centuries.
John 20:24-25 But Thomas, one of the twelve, called Didymus, was not with them when Jesus came. So the other disciples were saying to him, “We have seen the Lord!” But he said to them, “Unless I see in His hands the imprint of the nails, and put my finger into the place of the nails, and put my hand into His side, I will not believe.”
Before confessing Christ, Thomas first confessed his lack of faith to the disciples. To whom do we confess?
I acknowledged my sin to You, And my iniquity I did not hide; I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the Lord”; And You forgave the guilt of my sin. Selah. (Psalm 32:5).
Therefore, confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another so that you may be healed. The effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much. (James 5:16)
If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. (1 John 1:9).
2. We Confess Jesus
The second thing Christians confess is Jesus. Thomas’ faith was initially quite weak (Hebrews 11:1). But, then he confessed something remarkable, and Jesus answered something also remarkable.
John 20:28-29 Thomas answered and said to Him, “My Lord and my God!” Jesus said to him, “Because you have seen Me, have you believed? Blessed are they who did not see, and yet believed.”
All the disciples abandoned Jesus, but He offered His peace. Thomas confessed personally, “My Lord and my God!” Not “our” but “my” God. This legitimizes having a “personal relationship” with God. We, who believe though we have not seen, receive a special blessing. We confess though we have not seen.
Therefore everyone who confesses Me before men, I will also confess him before My Father who is in heaven. (Matthew 10:32)
if you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved (Romans 10:9)
Jesus stands ready as He stood among them, to grant us the peace which surpasses all understanding. Let’s openly confess that we have all sinned and let’s openly confess our faith in our risen Lord, Jesus.
New American Standard Bible (NASB) Copyright © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation
References: Thayer’s Greek Lexicon; The Early Church Fathers on Confession; The Early Church Fathers on Confession/Reconciliation
Readings
Acts 2:14a, 22-32 Peter confesses Christ
Psalm 16 David confesses the one true God
1 Peter 1:3-9 the outcome of our faith is the salvation of our souls
John 20:19-31 in Rhyme
Sunday evening the doors were locked
Fearing what the Jews might concoct
Jesus came and stood in their midst
Saying, May peace with you exist
Then He showed them His hands and side
And then they rejoiced with delight
And Jesus said, “Peace be with you
The Father sent Me. I send you.
And when He had said this He breathed
The Holy Spirit they received
And any sins that you remit
Forgiveness was already writ
And any sins that you retain
Their unforgiveness will remain
Thomas was away, they record
And so they said, “We’ve seen the Lord!”
But Thomas must touch to perceive
Or he said, “I will not believe.”
Eight days later behind locked doors
Jesus came saying, “Peace!” once more
Touch, see, believe, this is no fraud
Thomas said, “My Lord and my God!”
Jesus said, “You saw then trusted?
Trust before seeing is blessed.”
Believe in Jesus Christ God’s Son
Have life in His name everyone
John 20:19 So when it was evening on that day, the first day of the week, and when the doors were shut where the disciples were, for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood in their midst and said to them, “Peace be with you.”
Why did Jesus say, “peace be with you,” on resurrection Sunday and the following Sunday. Thayer’s Greek Lexicon defines it as "the tranquil state of a soul assured of its salvation through Christ, and so fearing nothing from God and content with its earthly lot, of whatsoever sort that is."
The apostles began their letters with peace. Christians offer peace to friend and foe. Some churches offer peace before communion. Jesus came to the disciples in their fears and brought them peace from heaven. They were then sent with the message of peace, through the power of the Holy Spirit.
Why did Jesus say, “peace be with you,” on resurrection Sunday and the following Sunday. Thayer’s Greek Lexicon defines it as "the tranquil state of a soul assured of its salvation through Christ, and so fearing nothing from God and content with its earthly lot, of whatsoever sort that is."
The apostles began their letters with peace. Christians offer peace to friend and foe. Some churches offer peace before communion. Jesus came to the disciples in their fears and brought them peace from heaven. They were then sent with the message of peace, through the power of the Holy Spirit.
1. We Confess Sin
John 20:23 “If you [plural, not singular] forgive the sins of any, their sins have been forgiven them; if you [plural] retain the sins of any, they have been retained.”
The disciples could only confirm heaven’s decision — “their sins have [already] been forgiven.” The Gospel message includes repentance, confession of sins and forgiveness. Those refusing, remain unforgiven. We openly confess we are sinners, leaving the details to private prayer. Confessing to a priest was not popular until the 7th-11th centuries.
John 20:24-25 But Thomas, one of the twelve, called Didymus, was not with them when Jesus came. So the other disciples were saying to him, “We have seen the Lord!” But he said to them, “Unless I see in His hands the imprint of the nails, and put my finger into the place of the nails, and put my hand into His side, I will not believe.”
Before confessing Christ, Thomas first confessed his lack of faith to the disciples. To whom do we confess?
I acknowledged my sin to You, And my iniquity I did not hide; I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the Lord”; And You forgave the guilt of my sin. Selah. (Psalm 32:5).
Therefore, confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another so that you may be healed. The effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much. (James 5:16)
If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. (1 John 1:9).
2. We Confess Jesus
The second thing Christians confess is Jesus. Thomas’ faith was initially quite weak (Hebrews 11:1). But, then he confessed something remarkable, and Jesus answered something also remarkable.
John 20:28-29 Thomas answered and said to Him, “My Lord and my God!” Jesus said to him, “Because you have seen Me, have you believed? Blessed are they who did not see, and yet believed.”
All the disciples abandoned Jesus, but He offered His peace. Thomas confessed personally, “My Lord and my God!” Not “our” but “my” God. This legitimizes having a “personal relationship” with God. We, who believe though we have not seen, receive a special blessing. We confess though we have not seen.
Therefore everyone who confesses Me before men, I will also confess him before My Father who is in heaven. (Matthew 10:32)
if you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved (Romans 10:9)
Jesus stands ready as He stood among them, to grant us the peace which surpasses all understanding. Let’s openly confess that we have all sinned and let’s openly confess our faith in our risen Lord, Jesus.
New American Standard Bible (NASB) Copyright © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation
References: Thayer’s Greek Lexicon; The Early Church Fathers on Confession; The Early Church Fathers on Confession/Reconciliation
Readings
Acts 2:14a, 22-32 Peter confesses Christ
Psalm 16 David confesses the one true God
1 Peter 1:3-9 the outcome of our faith is the salvation of our souls
John 20:19-31 in Rhyme
Sunday evening the doors were locked
Fearing what the Jews might concoct
Jesus came and stood in their midst
Saying, May peace with you exist
Then He showed them His hands and side
And then they rejoiced with delight
And Jesus said, “Peace be with you
The Father sent Me. I send you.
And when He had said this He breathed
The Holy Spirit they received
And any sins that you remit
Forgiveness was already writ
And any sins that you retain
Their unforgiveness will remain
Thomas was away, they record
And so they said, “We’ve seen the Lord!”
But Thomas must touch to perceive
Or he said, “I will not believe.”
Eight days later behind locked doors
Jesus came saying, “Peace!” once more
Touch, see, believe, this is no fraud
Thomas said, “My Lord and my God!”
Jesus said, “You saw then trusted?
Trust before seeing is blessed.”
Believe in Jesus Christ God’s Son
Have life in His name everyone
Who is God? Part 2
How Near or Far is God?
Transcendence — God’s Supremacy
God declared through the prophet Isaiah that His thoughts and ours are far apart.
“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord. (Isaiah 55:8 NIV)
God is high and lifted up, exalted above us, as Isaiah described what he saw in a vision.
In the year that King Uzziah died I saw the Lord sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up; and the train of his robe filled the temple. Above him stood the seraphim. Each had six wings: with two he covered his face, and with two he covered his feet, and with two he flew. And one called to another and said: “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts; the whole earth is full of his glory!” ... (Isaiah 6:1-5 ESV)
The Psalmist asks the rhetorical question, who is like the Lord.
Who can be compared with the Lord our God, who is enthroned on high? He stoops to look down on heaven and on earth. (Psalm 113:5-6 NLT)
The obvious answer to the question, who is like the Lord our God, is “Nobody!” Yet, does not all creation reveal enough about Him to make those guilty who ignore the obvious forensic evidence for His existence?
For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, because that which is known about God is evident within them; for God made it evident to them. For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen, being understood through what has been made, so that they are without excuse. (Romans 1:18-20 NASB)
Is God Really Three and One?
Oneness
There is only one God. His oneness is accepted by Jews and Christians alike. His oneness is described in two very important passages. The very beginning of the Ten Commandments includes the words:
“You shall have no other gods before me”. (Exodus 20:3 NIV)
The central prayer of Jewish prayer life is called the Shema Yisrael (שְׁמַ֖ע יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל) after the first words in Hebrew, “Hear, O Israel.”
Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. (Deuteronomy 6:4-9 NIV)
If God is one God, how do we get the Trinity? A clue might be in the word describing the union of Adam and Eve, two created to become one flesh in marriage.
Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and they shall become one flesh. (Genesis 2:24 ESV)
That is the same word in Hebrew as is used of God being one.
God as Father
The study of the masculine imagery for God is called both patriology and paterology. What purpose could God have in calling Himself a Father? Is it Old Testament patriarchalism, a term used to evoke unthinking negative reactions from moderns? If so, why is it mentioned far more often in the New Testament? God is referred to as a Father maybe only 15 times in the Hebrew Scriptures, but about 256 times in the New Testament.
Let’s look at a few examples and see what we can learn. We begin with David, not the favorite son of his earthly father, but very much beloved of his heavenly Father.
I will be his father, and he shall be my son. If he commit iniquity, I will chasten him with the rod of men, and with the stripes of the children of men: But my mercy shall not depart away from him, as I took it from Saul, whom I put away before thee. (2 Samuel 7:14-15 KJV)
Even if we were to be disowned by family back to our ancestors, God is still our Father.
Surely you are still our Father! Even if Abraham and Jacob would disown us, Lord, you would still be our Father. You are our Redeemer from ages past. (Isaiah 63:16 NLT)
Some have had abusive fathers or mothers, yet God is pictured as a different kind of father, a father to orphans and a defender or protector of widows.
A father to the fatherless, a defender of widows, is God in his holy dwelling. (Psalm 68:5 NIV)
In ancient times a high rock was seen as a place of escape, a refuge from danger. In that sense then God, our Father is pictured as a rock for David.
He shall cry to Me, ‘You are my Father, My God, and the rock of my salvation.’ (Psalm 89:26 NKJV)
For those who have had abusive parents, images of a heavenly Father may be difficult. Know that God understands, and intends that we get to know our compassionate Father in heaven.
Just as a father has compassion on his children, So the Lord has compassion on those who fear Him. (Psalm 103:13 NASB)
God does not want to treat us as criminals or debtors paying off our debt to society or to a creditor, as slaves or indentured servants, but wants to adopt us as children, whereby we cry Abba Father, a tender term of great love to Him as Father.
So you have not received a spirit that makes you fearful slaves. Instead, you received God’s Spirit when he adopted you as his own children. Now we call him, “Abba, Father.” (Romans 8:15 NLT)
The feminine side is also widely used metaphorically in Scriptures. God uses femininity to describe such wonderful things as wisdom, comfort and Jerusalem above.
But the Jerusalem above is free; she is our mother. (Galatians 4:26 NASB)
God the Son
Jesus did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, and God has again given him a name which is above every name.
Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself… (Philippians 2:5-11 ESV)
God made the world through his Son, the express image of his Person.
But about the Son he says, “Your throne, O God, will last for ever and ever; a scepter of justice will be the scepter of your kingdom." (Hebrews 1:8 NIV)
Thomas recognized who Jesus was.
Thomas said to him, “My Lord and my God!” (John 20:28 NIV)
We will discuss this in more detail in a study of Jesus, God the Son.
God the Holy Spirit
Most Christians recognize the Holy Spirit as God as a simply logical deduction from the many passages which describe the Holy Spirit’s personality. We will discuss that later, and offer only the briefest sketch here.
When Ananias lied to the Holy Spirit, he lied to God.
Then Peter said, “Ananias, how is it that Satan has so filled your heart that you have lied to the Holy Spirit … You have not lied just to human beings but to God.” (Acts 5:3-4 NIV)
The Holy Spirit is mentioned as an equal with God the Father and God the Son.
The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost, be with you all. Amen. (2 Corinthians 13:14 KJV)
Three in One
One of the most important passages regarding God’s triune nature is at the end of the Gospel of Matthew.
Go [having gone] therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age. (Matthew 28:19-20 NASB)
Christians are baptized in the ONE name of the three: Father, Son and Holy Spirit. This gives us the Trinitarian formula of three in one.
This helps us to begin to understand other passages.
“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” (John 1:1-2 KJV)
As a footnote to this discussion, we need to take a look at one text which all experts agree is of doubtful origin.
For there are three that bear record [in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one. And there are three that bear witness in earth,] the Spirit, and the water, and the blood: and these three agree in one. (1 John 5:7-8 KJV)
This contains some words, in square brackets, that were added sometime around the 14th to 16th centuries. The earliest manuscripts read as follows:
For there are three that testify: the Spirit and the water and the blood; and the three are in agreement. (1 John 5:7-8 NASB)
Trinity Theories
The church began with a simple view of the Trinity which was just as described in isolated Scriptures. As the church grew in grace and knowledge, so too did its understanding of the Holy Trinity.
One historical discussion of the Trinity asked the question if God could be one person with three names or modes of being. This “modalism” was soon rejected by most Christians because we see things such as Jesus praying to the Father. He would not have been praying to himself. It also seemed to give God a split personality, which would require him to be mentally ill, a wrong conclusion.
Another discussion centered on the idea of God being three gods, but this is “tritheism” and was also rejected because we know that the Bible clearly states that God is one.
Both modalism and tritheism are rejected by most Christians as heresy, meaning just plain bad logic, though a very small minority still persists in those ideas even to this day. In this two thousand year long discussion, the most logical conclusion is that the truth lies somewhere between the two extremes.
That right teaching is known as orthodoxy. In biblical Greek terms we could say that God is one ousia in three hypostases. Perhaps the best we can come up with in English is the very imperfect translation of one Godhead indivisible and yet three “Persons”.
Was God Creator?
Christians broadly agree that God created everything, all things. The Hebrew phrase “the heavens and the earth” is an idiom for everything.
In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. (Genesis 1:1 NKJV)
While there are many, many theories as to how God did it, the fact of divine creation is universally accepted by Christians. Christians do not believe in a dualism in creation, whereby a devil created a parallel evil universe or kingdom. That idea comes from outside of Christianity.
Why was the universe created? One reason was simply as a testimony for us to God’s indescribable glory. The heavens are like an unlimited billboard advertising God’s greatness to puny humanity.
The heavens are telling of the glory of God; And their expanse is declaring the work of His hands. (Psalm 19:1 NASB)
God also created the Angels.
Praise ye him, all his angels… for he commanded, and they were created. (Psalm 148:2-5 KJV)
Everything that is not God comes from him. The act of creation was unique. There is no description of God having another creation. When God created things originally, nothing was made evil.
How do Christians and science relate to each other? Historically, the conflict between faith and science was not as great as today. Theology was once called the queen of the sciences. Today, that has all changed and yet there is movement of the two camps coming closer together again.
There are no easy answers. Few people are experts in both biology and theology. Most Christians believe that there is no conflict between true science and true faith.
Theories of creation range between old earth creationism, young earth creationism, micro-evolution, macro-evolution, gap creationism, flood theory of geology, literal days theories, age-day theories, pictorial-day theories, polemic theories, progressive creationism, intelligent design and a host of other variations.
No matter the theories and discussions as to how God created everything, Christians are unified in believing that God is Creator.
Does God Provide?
All Christians believe that God preserves the creation and governs the universe in wisdom so that his purposes can come to pass. This is called God’s providence.
In his wisdom sin is not always prevented but it is limited so as not to destroy everything. God lovingly provides life even to people who hate him. We plant crops, but without God’s provision our efforts are useless.
We may ask for his special help. We call it prayer. When we ask, like any loving parent God may choose to provide, yet always what is best.
God also provides special interventions beyond his everyday provision. We call such special times miracles, intervention out of the ordinary divine providence.
Does God Have a Plan?
Many of the Psalms were songs of God’s provision, in delivering, covering, protecting, and answering the prayers of those who trust in him.
Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. (Psalm 91:1 NIV)
While many people look to answers in this world’s institutions, the believer knows that the best help comes from God. He keeps and preserves us.
My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth! (Psalm 121:2 NLT)
Unlike the weak promises of this world, God’s word is sure. God declares the end and beginning, His counsel will stand, and what He has purposed, He will also accomplish.
I make known the end from the beginning, from ancient times, what is still to come. I say, ‘My purpose will stand, and I will do all that I please.’ From the east I summon a bird of prey; from a far-off land, a man to fulfill my purpose. What I have said, that I will bring about; what I have planned, that I will do. (Isaiah 46:10-11 NIV)
God made everything for a divine purpose.
The Lord has made everything for his own purposes, even the wicked for a day of disaster. (Proverbs 16:4 NLT)
Unlike human plans, God’s purpose will stand.
Many plans are in a man's heart, But the counsel of the LORD will stand. (Proverbs 19:21 NASB)
One of God’s purposes is the announcement of good news from heaven known as the Gospel, which will be preached to all nations.
And you will hear of wars and threats of wars, but don’t panic… For the Good News must first be preached to all nations. (Mark 13:7-10 NLT)
Even the death of Christ on the cross was within God’s plan.
This man was handed over to you by God's deliberate plan and foreknowledge; and you, with the help of wicked men, put him to death by nailing him to the cross. (Acts 2:23 NIV)
All things that happen will be worked out according to God’s purposes.
Furthermore, because we are united with Christ, we have received an inheritance from God, for he chose us in advance, and he makes everything work out according to his plan. God’s purpose was that we Jews who were the first to trust in Christ would bring praise and glory to God. (Ephesians 1:11-12 NLT)
We trust that God will eventually work all things out for our good.
And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose. (Romans 8:28 NASB)
Discussion
How can we understand how great God is? How good is God? How near is God to us right now? How high above us is God? How is God one? Why does God use the imagery of a Father when that offends so many today? How is Jesus also God? How is the Holy Spirit God? What is modalism and why is it illogical? Why is tritheism illogical? How does the mainstream view of the Trinity help us understand God? What are God’s past and present roles in creation?
Immanence — God’s nearness
The Bible quotes God as saying that He fills heaven and earth or as other translations put it, he is everywhere.
"Can a man hide himself in hiding places So I do not see him?" declares the LORD. "Do I not fill the heavens and the earth?" declares the LORD. (Jeremiah 23:24 NASB)
In Hebrew that phrase refers to filling everything. This is called God’s omnipresence, and is not the same as panentheism, which tends to blur the distinction between the creation and God. Luke expressed this idea another way, saying that he is not far from every one of us.
His purpose was for the nations to seek after God and perhaps feel their way toward him and find him—though he is not far from any one of us. For in him we live and move and exist. As some of your own poets have said, ‘We are his offspring.’ (Acts 17:27-28 NLT)
We live in God. We only exist, and move in God. He is as near as a heartbeat. God can also make himself known to human beings through a special appearance, called a theophany. Moses saw the burning bush.
Now Moses was tending the flock of Jethro his father-in-law, the priest of Midian. And he led the flock to the back of the desert, and came to Horeb, the mountain of God. And the Angel of the Lord appeared to him in a flame of fire from the midst of a bush. So he looked, and behold, the bush was burning with fire, but the bush was not consumed. (Exodus 3:1-2 NKJV)
The people of the Exodus saw God’s presence in a pillar of cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night.
By day the Lord went ahead of them in a pillar of cloud to guide them on their way and by night in a pillar of fire to give them light, so that they could travel by day or night. Neither the pillar of cloud by day nor the pillar of fire by night left its place in front of the people. (Exodus 13:21-22 NIV)
On Mount Sinai God’s immanence was evident in thunder and lightning.
… All of Mount Sinai was covered with smoke because the Lord had descended on it in the form of fire. The smoke billowed into the sky like smoke from a brick kiln, and the whole mountain shook violently… (Exodus 19:16-25 NLT)
Jesus was called Immanuel.
Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us. (Matthew 1:23 KJV)
Emmanuel (from the Greek Ἐμμανουήλ) or Immanuel (from the Hebrew עִמָּנוּאֵל) means “God with us.” One of the most important ways that humanity experiences the immanence of God is in Jesus Christ. We also experience the immanence of God in the Holy Spirit.
While everyone else was being baptized, Jesus himself was baptized. Then as he prayed, the sky opened up, and the Holy Spirit came down upon him in the form of a dove. A voice from heaven said, “You are my own dear Son, and I am pleased with you.” (Luke 3:21-22 CEV)
The Bible quotes God as saying that He fills heaven and earth or as other translations put it, he is everywhere.
"Can a man hide himself in hiding places So I do not see him?" declares the LORD. "Do I not fill the heavens and the earth?" declares the LORD. (Jeremiah 23:24 NASB)
In Hebrew that phrase refers to filling everything. This is called God’s omnipresence, and is not the same as panentheism, which tends to blur the distinction between the creation and God. Luke expressed this idea another way, saying that he is not far from every one of us.
His purpose was for the nations to seek after God and perhaps feel their way toward him and find him—though he is not far from any one of us. For in him we live and move and exist. As some of your own poets have said, ‘We are his offspring.’ (Acts 17:27-28 NLT)
We live in God. We only exist, and move in God. He is as near as a heartbeat. God can also make himself known to human beings through a special appearance, called a theophany. Moses saw the burning bush.
Now Moses was tending the flock of Jethro his father-in-law, the priest of Midian. And he led the flock to the back of the desert, and came to Horeb, the mountain of God. And the Angel of the Lord appeared to him in a flame of fire from the midst of a bush. So he looked, and behold, the bush was burning with fire, but the bush was not consumed. (Exodus 3:1-2 NKJV)
The people of the Exodus saw God’s presence in a pillar of cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night.
By day the Lord went ahead of them in a pillar of cloud to guide them on their way and by night in a pillar of fire to give them light, so that they could travel by day or night. Neither the pillar of cloud by day nor the pillar of fire by night left its place in front of the people. (Exodus 13:21-22 NIV)
On Mount Sinai God’s immanence was evident in thunder and lightning.
… All of Mount Sinai was covered with smoke because the Lord had descended on it in the form of fire. The smoke billowed into the sky like smoke from a brick kiln, and the whole mountain shook violently… (Exodus 19:16-25 NLT)
Jesus was called Immanuel.
Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us. (Matthew 1:23 KJV)
Emmanuel (from the Greek Ἐμμανουήλ) or Immanuel (from the Hebrew עִמָּנוּאֵל) means “God with us.” One of the most important ways that humanity experiences the immanence of God is in Jesus Christ. We also experience the immanence of God in the Holy Spirit.
While everyone else was being baptized, Jesus himself was baptized. Then as he prayed, the sky opened up, and the Holy Spirit came down upon him in the form of a dove. A voice from heaven said, “You are my own dear Son, and I am pleased with you.” (Luke 3:21-22 CEV)
Transcendence — God’s Supremacy
God declared through the prophet Isaiah that His thoughts and ours are far apart.
“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord. (Isaiah 55:8 NIV)
God is high and lifted up, exalted above us, as Isaiah described what he saw in a vision.
In the year that King Uzziah died I saw the Lord sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up; and the train of his robe filled the temple. Above him stood the seraphim. Each had six wings: with two he covered his face, and with two he covered his feet, and with two he flew. And one called to another and said: “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts; the whole earth is full of his glory!” ... (Isaiah 6:1-5 ESV)
The Psalmist asks the rhetorical question, who is like the Lord.
Who can be compared with the Lord our God, who is enthroned on high? He stoops to look down on heaven and on earth. (Psalm 113:5-6 NLT)
The obvious answer to the question, who is like the Lord our God, is “Nobody!” Yet, does not all creation reveal enough about Him to make those guilty who ignore the obvious forensic evidence for His existence?
For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, because that which is known about God is evident within them; for God made it evident to them. For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen, being understood through what has been made, so that they are without excuse. (Romans 1:18-20 NASB)
Is God Really Three and One?
Oneness
There is only one God. His oneness is accepted by Jews and Christians alike. His oneness is described in two very important passages. The very beginning of the Ten Commandments includes the words:
“You shall have no other gods before me”. (Exodus 20:3 NIV)
The central prayer of Jewish prayer life is called the Shema Yisrael (שְׁמַ֖ע יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל) after the first words in Hebrew, “Hear, O Israel.”
Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. (Deuteronomy 6:4-9 NIV)
If God is one God, how do we get the Trinity? A clue might be in the word describing the union of Adam and Eve, two created to become one flesh in marriage.
Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and they shall become one flesh. (Genesis 2:24 ESV)
That is the same word in Hebrew as is used of God being one.
God as Father
The study of the masculine imagery for God is called both patriology and paterology. What purpose could God have in calling Himself a Father? Is it Old Testament patriarchalism, a term used to evoke unthinking negative reactions from moderns? If so, why is it mentioned far more often in the New Testament? God is referred to as a Father maybe only 15 times in the Hebrew Scriptures, but about 256 times in the New Testament.
Let’s look at a few examples and see what we can learn. We begin with David, not the favorite son of his earthly father, but very much beloved of his heavenly Father.
I will be his father, and he shall be my son. If he commit iniquity, I will chasten him with the rod of men, and with the stripes of the children of men: But my mercy shall not depart away from him, as I took it from Saul, whom I put away before thee. (2 Samuel 7:14-15 KJV)
Even if we were to be disowned by family back to our ancestors, God is still our Father.
Surely you are still our Father! Even if Abraham and Jacob would disown us, Lord, you would still be our Father. You are our Redeemer from ages past. (Isaiah 63:16 NLT)
Some have had abusive fathers or mothers, yet God is pictured as a different kind of father, a father to orphans and a defender or protector of widows.
A father to the fatherless, a defender of widows, is God in his holy dwelling. (Psalm 68:5 NIV)
In ancient times a high rock was seen as a place of escape, a refuge from danger. In that sense then God, our Father is pictured as a rock for David.
He shall cry to Me, ‘You are my Father, My God, and the rock of my salvation.’ (Psalm 89:26 NKJV)
For those who have had abusive parents, images of a heavenly Father may be difficult. Know that God understands, and intends that we get to know our compassionate Father in heaven.
Just as a father has compassion on his children, So the Lord has compassion on those who fear Him. (Psalm 103:13 NASB)
God does not want to treat us as criminals or debtors paying off our debt to society or to a creditor, as slaves or indentured servants, but wants to adopt us as children, whereby we cry Abba Father, a tender term of great love to Him as Father.
So you have not received a spirit that makes you fearful slaves. Instead, you received God’s Spirit when he adopted you as his own children. Now we call him, “Abba, Father.” (Romans 8:15 NLT)
The feminine side is also widely used metaphorically in Scriptures. God uses femininity to describe such wonderful things as wisdom, comfort and Jerusalem above.
But the Jerusalem above is free; she is our mother. (Galatians 4:26 NASB)
God the Son
Jesus did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, and God has again given him a name which is above every name.
Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself… (Philippians 2:5-11 ESV)
God made the world through his Son, the express image of his Person.
But about the Son he says, “Your throne, O God, will last for ever and ever; a scepter of justice will be the scepter of your kingdom." (Hebrews 1:8 NIV)
Thomas recognized who Jesus was.
Thomas said to him, “My Lord and my God!” (John 20:28 NIV)
We will discuss this in more detail in a study of Jesus, God the Son.
God the Holy Spirit
Most Christians recognize the Holy Spirit as God as a simply logical deduction from the many passages which describe the Holy Spirit’s personality. We will discuss that later, and offer only the briefest sketch here.
When Ananias lied to the Holy Spirit, he lied to God.
Then Peter said, “Ananias, how is it that Satan has so filled your heart that you have lied to the Holy Spirit … You have not lied just to human beings but to God.” (Acts 5:3-4 NIV)
The Holy Spirit is mentioned as an equal with God the Father and God the Son.
The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost, be with you all. Amen. (2 Corinthians 13:14 KJV)
Three in One
One of the most important passages regarding God’s triune nature is at the end of the Gospel of Matthew.
Go [having gone] therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age. (Matthew 28:19-20 NASB)
Christians are baptized in the ONE name of the three: Father, Son and Holy Spirit. This gives us the Trinitarian formula of three in one.
This helps us to begin to understand other passages.
“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” (John 1:1-2 KJV)
As a footnote to this discussion, we need to take a look at one text which all experts agree is of doubtful origin.
For there are three that bear record [in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one. And there are three that bear witness in earth,] the Spirit, and the water, and the blood: and these three agree in one. (1 John 5:7-8 KJV)
This contains some words, in square brackets, that were added sometime around the 14th to 16th centuries. The earliest manuscripts read as follows:
For there are three that testify: the Spirit and the water and the blood; and the three are in agreement. (1 John 5:7-8 NASB)
Trinity Theories
The church began with a simple view of the Trinity which was just as described in isolated Scriptures. As the church grew in grace and knowledge, so too did its understanding of the Holy Trinity.
One historical discussion of the Trinity asked the question if God could be one person with three names or modes of being. This “modalism” was soon rejected by most Christians because we see things such as Jesus praying to the Father. He would not have been praying to himself. It also seemed to give God a split personality, which would require him to be mentally ill, a wrong conclusion.
Another discussion centered on the idea of God being three gods, but this is “tritheism” and was also rejected because we know that the Bible clearly states that God is one.
Both modalism and tritheism are rejected by most Christians as heresy, meaning just plain bad logic, though a very small minority still persists in those ideas even to this day. In this two thousand year long discussion, the most logical conclusion is that the truth lies somewhere between the two extremes.
That right teaching is known as orthodoxy. In biblical Greek terms we could say that God is one ousia in three hypostases. Perhaps the best we can come up with in English is the very imperfect translation of one Godhead indivisible and yet three “Persons”.
Was God Creator?
Christians broadly agree that God created everything, all things. The Hebrew phrase “the heavens and the earth” is an idiom for everything.
In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. (Genesis 1:1 NKJV)
While there are many, many theories as to how God did it, the fact of divine creation is universally accepted by Christians. Christians do not believe in a dualism in creation, whereby a devil created a parallel evil universe or kingdom. That idea comes from outside of Christianity.
Why was the universe created? One reason was simply as a testimony for us to God’s indescribable glory. The heavens are like an unlimited billboard advertising God’s greatness to puny humanity.
The heavens are telling of the glory of God; And their expanse is declaring the work of His hands. (Psalm 19:1 NASB)
God also created the Angels.
Praise ye him, all his angels… for he commanded, and they were created. (Psalm 148:2-5 KJV)
Everything that is not God comes from him. The act of creation was unique. There is no description of God having another creation. When God created things originally, nothing was made evil.
How do Christians and science relate to each other? Historically, the conflict between faith and science was not as great as today. Theology was once called the queen of the sciences. Today, that has all changed and yet there is movement of the two camps coming closer together again.
There are no easy answers. Few people are experts in both biology and theology. Most Christians believe that there is no conflict between true science and true faith.
Theories of creation range between old earth creationism, young earth creationism, micro-evolution, macro-evolution, gap creationism, flood theory of geology, literal days theories, age-day theories, pictorial-day theories, polemic theories, progressive creationism, intelligent design and a host of other variations.
No matter the theories and discussions as to how God created everything, Christians are unified in believing that God is Creator.
Does God Provide?
All Christians believe that God preserves the creation and governs the universe in wisdom so that his purposes can come to pass. This is called God’s providence.
In his wisdom sin is not always prevented but it is limited so as not to destroy everything. God lovingly provides life even to people who hate him. We plant crops, but without God’s provision our efforts are useless.
We may ask for his special help. We call it prayer. When we ask, like any loving parent God may choose to provide, yet always what is best.
God also provides special interventions beyond his everyday provision. We call such special times miracles, intervention out of the ordinary divine providence.
Does God Have a Plan?
Many of the Psalms were songs of God’s provision, in delivering, covering, protecting, and answering the prayers of those who trust in him.
Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. (Psalm 91:1 NIV)
While many people look to answers in this world’s institutions, the believer knows that the best help comes from God. He keeps and preserves us.
My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth! (Psalm 121:2 NLT)
Unlike the weak promises of this world, God’s word is sure. God declares the end and beginning, His counsel will stand, and what He has purposed, He will also accomplish.
I make known the end from the beginning, from ancient times, what is still to come. I say, ‘My purpose will stand, and I will do all that I please.’ From the east I summon a bird of prey; from a far-off land, a man to fulfill my purpose. What I have said, that I will bring about; what I have planned, that I will do. (Isaiah 46:10-11 NIV)
God made everything for a divine purpose.
The Lord has made everything for his own purposes, even the wicked for a day of disaster. (Proverbs 16:4 NLT)
Unlike human plans, God’s purpose will stand.
Many plans are in a man's heart, But the counsel of the LORD will stand. (Proverbs 19:21 NASB)
One of God’s purposes is the announcement of good news from heaven known as the Gospel, which will be preached to all nations.
And you will hear of wars and threats of wars, but don’t panic… For the Good News must first be preached to all nations. (Mark 13:7-10 NLT)
Even the death of Christ on the cross was within God’s plan.
This man was handed over to you by God's deliberate plan and foreknowledge; and you, with the help of wicked men, put him to death by nailing him to the cross. (Acts 2:23 NIV)
All things that happen will be worked out according to God’s purposes.
Furthermore, because we are united with Christ, we have received an inheritance from God, for he chose us in advance, and he makes everything work out according to his plan. God’s purpose was that we Jews who were the first to trust in Christ would bring praise and glory to God. (Ephesians 1:11-12 NLT)
We trust that God will eventually work all things out for our good.
And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose. (Romans 8:28 NASB)
Discussion
How can we understand how great God is? How good is God? How near is God to us right now? How high above us is God? How is God one? Why does God use the imagery of a Father when that offends so many today? How is Jesus also God? How is the Holy Spirit God? What is modalism and why is it illogical? Why is tritheism illogical? How does the mainstream view of the Trinity help us understand God? What are God’s past and present roles in creation?
New King James Version (NKJV) Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
New Living Translation (NLT) Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
New International Version (NIV) Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
English Standard Version (ESV) The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Text Edition: 2016. Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.
New American Standard Bible (NASB) Copyright © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation
Contemporary English Version (CEV) Copyright © 1995 by American Bible Society
King James Version (KJV) Public Domain
Easter Sunday at Home
Sing: Because He Lives
Reading: Romans 6:3-11
3 Or do you not know that as many of us as were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death? 4 Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.
5 For if we have been united together in the likeness of His death, certainly we also shall be in the likeness of His resurrection, 6 knowing this, that our old man was crucified with Him, that the body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves of sin. 7 For he who has died has been freed from sin. 8 Now if we died with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with Him, 9 knowing that Christ, having been raised from the dead, dies no more. Death no longer has dominion over Him. 10 For the death that He died, He died to sin once for all; but the life that He lives, He lives to God. 11 Likewise you also, reckon yourselves to be dead indeed to sin, but alive to God in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Reaffirmation of Baptism
Ask yourself: Do you renounce the spiritual forces of wickedness, reject the evil powers of this world, and repent of your sin?
Say: I do.
Ask yourself: Do you accept the freedom and power God gives you to resist evil, injustice, and oppression in whatever forms they present themselves?
Say: I do.
Ask yourself: Do you confess Jesus Christ as your Saviour, put your whole trust in his grace, and promise to serve him as your Lord, in union with the Church which Christ has opened to people of all ages, nations, and races?
Say: I do.
Ask yourself: According to the grace given to you, will you remain faithful members of Christ's holy Church and serve as Christ's representatives in the world?
Say: I will.
Let us join together in professing the Christian faith as contained in the Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments.
Ask yourself: Do you believe in God the Father?
Say: I believe in God, the Father Almighty, creator of heaven and earth.
Ask yourself: Do you believe in Jesus Christ?
Say: I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord, [who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried; he descended to the dead. On the third day he rose again; he ascended into heaven, is seated at the right hand of the Father, and will come again to judge the living and the dead.]
Ask yourself: Do you believe in the Holy Spirit?
Say: I believe in the Holy Spirit, [the holy catholic (universal) church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting.]
Appropriate ways persons may use the water include:
a) Touching the water and making the sign of the cross on their own foreheads;
b) Scooping up the water and letting it fall back into the vessel;
c) Scooping it over their heads, or hands, or to refresh their faces.
d) Sprinkle small amounts of water toward yourself.
This parallels sprinkling with hyssop for purification (Exodus 12:22 ; Psalm 51:7) and sprinkling as a sign of renewal (Ezekiel 36:25 –26).
Ask yourself: Remember your baptism and be thankful.
Say: Amen.
Ask yourself: The Holy Spirit work within you, that having been born through water and the Spirit, you may live as faithful disciples of Jesus Christ.
Say: Amen.
Reading Matthew 28:1-10
1 Now after the Sabbath, as the first day of the week began to dawn, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary came to see the tomb. 2 And behold, there was a great earthquake; for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat on it.
3 His countenance was like lightning, and his clothing as white as snow. 4 And the guards shook for fear of him, and became like dead men.
5 But the angel answered and said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified. 6 He is not here; for He is risen, as He said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay. 7 And go quickly and tell His disciples that He is risen from the dead, and indeed He is going before you into Galilee; there you will see Him. Behold, I have told you.”
8 So they went out quickly from the tomb with fear and great joy, and ran to bring His disciples word.
9 And as they went to tell His disciples, behold, Jesus met them, saying, “Rejoice!” So they came and held Him by the feet and worshiped Him. 10 Then Jesus said to them, “Do not be afraid. Go and tell My brethren to go to Galilee, and there they will see Me.”
Sing: God So Loved the World
Go in peace to love and serve the Risen Lord. Alleluia. Alleluia!
Say: Thanks be to God. Alleluia! Alleluia!
Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
If interested, watch the 10 minute video Proof of the Risen Christ by Josh McDowell, or the brief 2½ minute video 4 Proofs of the Resurrection by Lee Strobel, or for the more scholarly among us a 1½ hour video The Resurrection Argument That Changed a Generation of Scholars by Gary Habermas.
Reading: Ezekiel 37:3-14
3 And He said to me, “Son of man, can these bones live?” So I answered, “O Lord God, You know.”
4 Again He said to me, “Prophesy to these bones, and say to them, ‘O dry bones, hear the word of the Lord! 5 Thus says the Lord God to these bones: “Surely I will cause breath to enter into you, and you shall live. 6 I will put sinews on you and bring flesh upon you, cover you with skin and put breath in you; and you shall live. Then you shall know that I am the Lord.”’”
7 So I prophesied as I was commanded; and as I prophesied, there was a noise, and suddenly a rattling; and the bones came together, bone to bone. 8 Indeed, as I looked, the sinews and the flesh came upon them, and the skin covered them over; but there was no breath in them.
9 Also He said to me, “Prophesy to the breath, prophesy, son of man, and say to the breath, ‘Thus says the Lord God: “Come from the four winds, O breath, and breathe on these slain, that they may live.”’” 10 So I prophesied as He commanded me, and breath came into them, and they lived, and stood upon their feet, an exceedingly great army.
11 Then He said to me, “Son of man, these bones are the whole house of Israel. They indeed say, ‘Our bones are dry, our hope is lost, and we ourselves are cut off!’ 12 Therefore prophesy and say to them, ‘Thus says the Lord God: “Behold, O My people, I will open your graves and cause you to come up from your graves, and bring you into the land of Israel. 13 Then you shall know that I am the Lord, when I have opened your graves, O My people, and brought you up from your graves. 14 I will put My Spirit in you, and you shall live, and I will place you in your own land. Then you shall know that I, the Lord, have spoken it and performed it,” says the Lord.’”
3 And He said to me, “Son of man, can these bones live?” So I answered, “O Lord God, You know.”
4 Again He said to me, “Prophesy to these bones, and say to them, ‘O dry bones, hear the word of the Lord! 5 Thus says the Lord God to these bones: “Surely I will cause breath to enter into you, and you shall live. 6 I will put sinews on you and bring flesh upon you, cover you with skin and put breath in you; and you shall live. Then you shall know that I am the Lord.”’”
7 So I prophesied as I was commanded; and as I prophesied, there was a noise, and suddenly a rattling; and the bones came together, bone to bone. 8 Indeed, as I looked, the sinews and the flesh came upon them, and the skin covered them over; but there was no breath in them.
9 Also He said to me, “Prophesy to the breath, prophesy, son of man, and say to the breath, ‘Thus says the Lord God: “Come from the four winds, O breath, and breathe on these slain, that they may live.”’” 10 So I prophesied as He commanded me, and breath came into them, and they lived, and stood upon their feet, an exceedingly great army.
11 Then He said to me, “Son of man, these bones are the whole house of Israel. They indeed say, ‘Our bones are dry, our hope is lost, and we ourselves are cut off!’ 12 Therefore prophesy and say to them, ‘Thus says the Lord God: “Behold, O My people, I will open your graves and cause you to come up from your graves, and bring you into the land of Israel. 13 Then you shall know that I am the Lord, when I have opened your graves, O My people, and brought you up from your graves. 14 I will put My Spirit in you, and you shall live, and I will place you in your own land. Then you shall know that I, the Lord, have spoken it and performed it,” says the Lord.’”
WORD AND RESPONSE
Alleluia! Christ is risen!
The Lord is risen indeed, Alleluia!
Alleluia! Christ is risen!
The Lord is risen indeed, Alleluia!
Reading: Romans 6:3-11
3 Or do you not know that as many of us as were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death? 4 Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.
5 For if we have been united together in the likeness of His death, certainly we also shall be in the likeness of His resurrection, 6 knowing this, that our old man was crucified with Him, that the body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves of sin. 7 For he who has died has been freed from sin. 8 Now if we died with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with Him, 9 knowing that Christ, having been raised from the dead, dies no more. Death no longer has dominion over Him. 10 For the death that He died, He died to sin once for all; but the life that He lives, He lives to God. 11 Likewise you also, reckon yourselves to be dead indeed to sin, but alive to God in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Reaffirmation of Baptism
Ask yourself: Do you renounce the spiritual forces of wickedness, reject the evil powers of this world, and repent of your sin?
Say: I do.
Ask yourself: Do you accept the freedom and power God gives you to resist evil, injustice, and oppression in whatever forms they present themselves?
Say: I do.
Ask yourself: Do you confess Jesus Christ as your Saviour, put your whole trust in his grace, and promise to serve him as your Lord, in union with the Church which Christ has opened to people of all ages, nations, and races?
Say: I do.
Ask yourself: According to the grace given to you, will you remain faithful members of Christ's holy Church and serve as Christ's representatives in the world?
Say: I will.
Let us join together in professing the Christian faith as contained in the Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments.
Ask yourself: Do you believe in God the Father?
Say: I believe in God, the Father Almighty, creator of heaven and earth.
Ask yourself: Do you believe in Jesus Christ?
Say: I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord, [who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried; he descended to the dead. On the third day he rose again; he ascended into heaven, is seated at the right hand of the Father, and will come again to judge the living and the dead.]
Ask yourself: Do you believe in the Holy Spirit?
Say: I believe in the Holy Spirit, [the holy catholic (universal) church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting.]
Appropriate ways persons may use the water include:
a) Touching the water and making the sign of the cross on their own foreheads;
b) Scooping up the water and letting it fall back into the vessel;
c) Scooping it over their heads, or hands, or to refresh their faces.
d) Sprinkle small amounts of water toward yourself.
This parallels sprinkling with hyssop for purification (Exodus 12:22 ; Psalm 51:7) and sprinkling as a sign of renewal (Ezekiel 36:25 –26).
Ask yourself: Remember your baptism and be thankful.
Say: Amen.
Ask yourself: The Holy Spirit work within you, that having been born through water and the Spirit, you may live as faithful disciples of Jesus Christ.
Say: Amen.
Reading Matthew 28:1-10
1 Now after the Sabbath, as the first day of the week began to dawn, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary came to see the tomb. 2 And behold, there was a great earthquake; for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat on it.
3 His countenance was like lightning, and his clothing as white as snow. 4 And the guards shook for fear of him, and became like dead men.
5 But the angel answered and said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified. 6 He is not here; for He is risen, as He said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay. 7 And go quickly and tell His disciples that He is risen from the dead, and indeed He is going before you into Galilee; there you will see Him. Behold, I have told you.”
8 So they went out quickly from the tomb with fear and great joy, and ran to bring His disciples word.
9 And as they went to tell His disciples, behold, Jesus met them, saying, “Rejoice!” So they came and held Him by the feet and worshiped Him. 10 Then Jesus said to them, “Do not be afraid. Go and tell My brethren to go to Galilee, and there they will see Me.”
Sing: God So Loved the World
Go in peace to love and serve the Risen Lord. Alleluia. Alleluia!
Say: Thanks be to God. Alleluia! Alleluia!
Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
If interested, watch the 10 minute video Proof of the Risen Christ by Josh McDowell, or the brief 2½ minute video 4 Proofs of the Resurrection by Lee Strobel, or for the more scholarly among us a 1½ hour video The Resurrection Argument That Changed a Generation of Scholars by Gary Habermas.
Good Friday at Home
Choose some appropriate music to play in the background if you wish, but silence is preferable. If there are two or more of you, you may wish to have one say the pastor’s part and another say the congregation’s part highlighted. If alone, just say both parts out loud or read them to yourself.
Christ himself bore our sins in his body on the tree. That we might die to sin and live to righteousness.
Pray: Almighty God, your Son Jesus Christ was lifted high upon the cross so that he might draw the whole world to himself. Grant that we, who glory in this death for our salvation, may also glory in his call to take up our cross and follow him; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
If you wish, click on the link, listen or sing along with this classic hymn, Alas! And Did My Saviour Bleed.
Read Isaiah 52:13–53:12
Read Psalm 22
Read Hebrews 10:16 –25
Listen or sing with Crown Him with Many Crowns
Take time to read the Passion Story in John 18:1–19:42
Personal Prayer: Take some time for personal prayer, praying for others, for the world, for the nation, for the church, for your personal needs.
Listen or sing with Hallelujah! What a Saviour!
Take a few moments for silent meditation on what Jesus did for you.
1) O my people, O my Church, what have I done to you, or in what have I offended you? I led you forth from the land of Egypt and delivered you by the waters of baptism, but you have prepared a cross for your Savior.
Pray: Holy God, holy and mighty, holy and immortal One, have mercy upon us.
Sing with or just listen to To a Maid Engaged to Joseph
2) I led you through the desert forty years and fed you with manna; I brought you through times of persecution and of renewal and gave you my body, the bread of heaven; but you have prepared a cross for your Savior.
Pray: Lord have mercy upon us.
3) I made you branches of my vineyard and gave you the water of salvation, but when I was thirsty you gave me vinegar and gall and pierced with a spear the side of your Savior.
Pray: Lord have mercy upon us.
4) I went before you in a pillar of cloud, but you have led me to the judgment hall of Pilate. I brought you to a land of freedom and prosperity, but you have scourged, mocked, and beaten me.
Pray: Lord have mercy upon us.
5) I gave you a royal scepter, and bestowed the keys to the kingdom, but you have given me a crown of thorns. I raised you on high with great power, but you have hanged me on the cross.
Pray: Lord have mercy upon us.
6) My peace I gave, which the world cannot give, and washed your feet as a servant, but you draw the sword to strike in my name and seek high places in my kingdom.
Pray: Lord have mercy upon us.
7) I accepted the cup of suffering and death for your sakes, but you scatter and deny and abandon me. I sent the Spirit of truth to lead you, but you close your hearts to guidance.
Pray: Lord have mercy upon us.
8) I called you to go and bring forth fruit, but you cast lots for my clothing. I prayed that you all may be one, but you continue to quarrel and divide.
Pray: Lord have mercy upon us.
9) I grafted you into the tree of my chosen people Israel, but you turned on them with persecution and mass murder. I made you joint heirs with them of my covenants, but you made them scapegoats for your own guilt.
Pray: Lord have mercy upon us.
10) I came to you as the least of your brothers and sisters. I was hungry but you gave me no food, thirsty but you gave me no drink. I was a stranger but you did not welcome me, naked but you did not clothe me, sick and in prison but you did not visit me.
Pray: Holy God, holy and mighty, holy and immortal One, have mercy upon us.
Take a moment to meditate on these words.
Say the Lord’s Prayer in your own way or repeat the words below:
Our Father, which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy Name; Thy kingdom come; Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven: Give us this day our daily bread; And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive them that trespass against us; And lead us not into temptation, But deliver us from evil:
You may say the addition
For thine is the kingdom, the power, and the glory, For ever and ever. Amen.
Listen or sing with All People that on Earth do Dwell
Dismissal: May Jesus Christ, who for our sake became obedient unto death, even death on a cross, keep you and strengthen you, now and forever. Amen.
Christ himself bore our sins in his body on the tree. That we might die to sin and live to righteousness.
Pray: Almighty God, your Son Jesus Christ was lifted high upon the cross so that he might draw the whole world to himself. Grant that we, who glory in this death for our salvation, may also glory in his call to take up our cross and follow him; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
If you wish, click on the link, listen or sing along with this classic hymn, Alas! And Did My Saviour Bleed.
Read Isaiah 52:13–53:12
Read Psalm 22
Read Hebrews 10:16 –25
Listen or sing with Crown Him with Many Crowns
Take time to read the Passion Story in John 18:1–19:42
Personal Prayer: Take some time for personal prayer, praying for others, for the world, for the nation, for the church, for your personal needs.
Listen or sing with Hallelujah! What a Saviour!
Take a few moments for silent meditation on what Jesus did for you.
1) O my people, O my Church, what have I done to you, or in what have I offended you? I led you forth from the land of Egypt and delivered you by the waters of baptism, but you have prepared a cross for your Savior.
Pray: Holy God, holy and mighty, holy and immortal One, have mercy upon us.
Sing with or just listen to To a Maid Engaged to Joseph
2) I led you through the desert forty years and fed you with manna; I brought you through times of persecution and of renewal and gave you my body, the bread of heaven; but you have prepared a cross for your Savior.
Pray: Lord have mercy upon us.
3) I made you branches of my vineyard and gave you the water of salvation, but when I was thirsty you gave me vinegar and gall and pierced with a spear the side of your Savior.
Pray: Lord have mercy upon us.
4) I went before you in a pillar of cloud, but you have led me to the judgment hall of Pilate. I brought you to a land of freedom and prosperity, but you have scourged, mocked, and beaten me.
Pray: Lord have mercy upon us.
5) I gave you a royal scepter, and bestowed the keys to the kingdom, but you have given me a crown of thorns. I raised you on high with great power, but you have hanged me on the cross.
Pray: Lord have mercy upon us.
6) My peace I gave, which the world cannot give, and washed your feet as a servant, but you draw the sword to strike in my name and seek high places in my kingdom.
Pray: Lord have mercy upon us.
7) I accepted the cup of suffering and death for your sakes, but you scatter and deny and abandon me. I sent the Spirit of truth to lead you, but you close your hearts to guidance.
Pray: Lord have mercy upon us.
8) I called you to go and bring forth fruit, but you cast lots for my clothing. I prayed that you all may be one, but you continue to quarrel and divide.
Pray: Lord have mercy upon us.
9) I grafted you into the tree of my chosen people Israel, but you turned on them with persecution and mass murder. I made you joint heirs with them of my covenants, but you made them scapegoats for your own guilt.
Pray: Lord have mercy upon us.
10) I came to you as the least of your brothers and sisters. I was hungry but you gave me no food, thirsty but you gave me no drink. I was a stranger but you did not welcome me, naked but you did not clothe me, sick and in prison but you did not visit me.
Pray: Holy God, holy and mighty, holy and immortal One, have mercy upon us.
Take a moment to meditate on these words.
Say the Lord’s Prayer in your own way or repeat the words below:
Our Father, which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy Name; Thy kingdom come; Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven: Give us this day our daily bread; And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive them that trespass against us; And lead us not into temptation, But deliver us from evil:
You may say the addition
For thine is the kingdom, the power, and the glory, For ever and ever. Amen.
Listen or sing with All People that on Earth do Dwell
Dismissal: May Jesus Christ, who for our sake became obedient unto death, even death on a cross, keep you and strengthen you, now and forever. Amen.
Why Maundy Thursday
What is Maundy Thursday all about? Is it just for Catholics? Let’s look at where Holy Thursday comes from in the Bible, and what it means for us. Let’s examine John 13:1-17, 31b-35?
Passover
John 13:1-2 It was just before the Passover Festival. Jesus knew that the hour had come for him to leave this world and go to the Father. Having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end. 2 The evening meal was in progress, and the devil had already prompted Judas, the son of Simon Iscariot, to betray Jesus.
The history of Maundy Thursday begins in the Jewish Passover, which finds its roots in the Exodus from Egypt (Exodus 12). Passover was the 15th day of the first month in the Hebrew calendar. Jesus kept it before his crucifixion. However, instead of mandating a continued observance of the Passover lamb, he became our Passover Lamb (John 1:29-36, Revelation 7:16-17).
During the first centuries some Christians observed the original date, but it was a different week day each year. Others found more meaning in observing the weekdays which would culminate in a resurrection Sunday. In teaching respect for different food choices in Romans 14, Paul also taught a non-judgmental attitude and freedom in different approaches to worship days.
Ancient counting was inclusive, meaning that today is day one, whereas modern counting is exclusive, meaning that tomorrow is day one. So when we read accounts of three days and three nights, the ancients would have easily recognized it being relevant to a Thursday night through Sunday morning scenario. Their days began at sunset.
The Christian Passover observance, still called Passover in most languages, but Easter in English, celebrates something new, the death AND resurrection of the Lamb. There was only an imperceptible hint of resurrection in the wave sheaf offering, on the Sunday during the Passover week. Easter changes Passover into a resurrection celebration.
Foot Washing
John 13:3-17 Jesus … got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around his waist. After that, he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples’ feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around him… “Do you understand what I have done for you?” he asked them. “You call me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord,’ and rightly so, for that is what I am. Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet… Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them.
Foot washing was an ancient custom of hospitality when roads were dusty and guests wore sandals. Many Christians keep Jesus’ words literally to “do as I have done” and literally wash each other’s feet. Others keep the intent of his words in service to each other, love in action. Maundy Thursday derives its name from the Latin mandatum, meaning mandate or commandment.
Maundy Thursday reminds us of the new Christian mandate to love one another. The washing of feet exemplifies love as an action. Jesus’ example also reminds us of the kind of leadership that he expects in his Church, that the greatest among us ought to be the servants of all.
The Paschal Triduum
John 13:31b-35 “Now the Son of Man is glorified and God is glorified in him. 32 If God is glorified in him, God will glorify the Son in himself, and will glorify him at once. 33 “My children, I will be with you only a little longer. You will look for me, and just as I told the Jews, so I tell you now: Where I am going, you cannot come. 34 “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. 35 By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”
The three days, Thursday night to Sunday sunrise became known as the Paschal Triduum (the Great Three Days). Worship practices including the Great Fast (of Good Friday and Holy Saturday), the Great Silence (where non-essential talk is avoided) and the Great Prayer (a time of continued congregational prayer). The Triduum begins on the evening which remembers the original Passover, Maundy Thursday and culminates in Easter Sunday (Orthodox Pascha or Protestant Resurrection Sunday).
Maundy Thursday remembers the Last Supper and the institution of Holy Communion, also called the Lord’s Supper and the Eucharist (thanksgiving). It also remembers Judas’ betrayal, Peter’s three denials and everyone else’s desertion of Jesus. This is a very important communion with its dual purpose in remembering the death of the Lamb of God, Jesus.
So Maundy Thursday reminds us of the Last Supper, Jesus' love for us, his example of servant leadership, and our mandate to love our neighbour, not just in an emotional feeling, but in deed.
New International Version (NIV) Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Readings:
Psalm 116:1-2, 12-19 The cup of salvation is foretold and a death that freed us from our chains.
1 Corinthians 11:23-26 This “is” my body and this cup “is” the new covenant in my blood. It does not say “transubstantiated” as Catholics teach, or “symbolizes” as some Protestants teach, but “is.” Rather than overthink what that means, we call it a sacrament, a spiritual blessing associated with a physical rite, a mystery. It is an ordinance, because Jesus said, “this do.” It’s also a memorial, because Jesus said, “this do in remembrance of me.”
John 13:1-17, 31-35 in Rhyme
‘Twas the night before Passover
Jesus’ hour had come moreover
He loved his own unto the end
He knew Judas wasn’t His friend
Jesus got up and washed their feet
Understand why I’ve done this feat
You should also this deed repeat
And thus you’ll wash each other’s feet
I’ll be with you a little while
While I endure a gruesome trial
A new command I give to you
Love each other as I’ve loved you
Passover
John 13:1-2 It was just before the Passover Festival. Jesus knew that the hour had come for him to leave this world and go to the Father. Having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end. 2 The evening meal was in progress, and the devil had already prompted Judas, the son of Simon Iscariot, to betray Jesus.
The history of Maundy Thursday begins in the Jewish Passover, which finds its roots in the Exodus from Egypt (Exodus 12). Passover was the 15th day of the first month in the Hebrew calendar. Jesus kept it before his crucifixion. However, instead of mandating a continued observance of the Passover lamb, he became our Passover Lamb (John 1:29-36, Revelation 7:16-17).
During the first centuries some Christians observed the original date, but it was a different week day each year. Others found more meaning in observing the weekdays which would culminate in a resurrection Sunday. In teaching respect for different food choices in Romans 14, Paul also taught a non-judgmental attitude and freedom in different approaches to worship days.
Ancient counting was inclusive, meaning that today is day one, whereas modern counting is exclusive, meaning that tomorrow is day one. So when we read accounts of three days and three nights, the ancients would have easily recognized it being relevant to a Thursday night through Sunday morning scenario. Their days began at sunset.
The Christian Passover observance, still called Passover in most languages, but Easter in English, celebrates something new, the death AND resurrection of the Lamb. There was only an imperceptible hint of resurrection in the wave sheaf offering, on the Sunday during the Passover week. Easter changes Passover into a resurrection celebration.
Foot Washing
John 13:3-17 Jesus … got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around his waist. After that, he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples’ feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around him… “Do you understand what I have done for you?” he asked them. “You call me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord,’ and rightly so, for that is what I am. Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet… Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them.
Foot washing was an ancient custom of hospitality when roads were dusty and guests wore sandals. Many Christians keep Jesus’ words literally to “do as I have done” and literally wash each other’s feet. Others keep the intent of his words in service to each other, love in action. Maundy Thursday derives its name from the Latin mandatum, meaning mandate or commandment.
Maundy Thursday reminds us of the new Christian mandate to love one another. The washing of feet exemplifies love as an action. Jesus’ example also reminds us of the kind of leadership that he expects in his Church, that the greatest among us ought to be the servants of all.
The Paschal Triduum
John 13:31b-35 “Now the Son of Man is glorified and God is glorified in him. 32 If God is glorified in him, God will glorify the Son in himself, and will glorify him at once. 33 “My children, I will be with you only a little longer. You will look for me, and just as I told the Jews, so I tell you now: Where I am going, you cannot come. 34 “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. 35 By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”
The three days, Thursday night to Sunday sunrise became known as the Paschal Triduum (the Great Three Days). Worship practices including the Great Fast (of Good Friday and Holy Saturday), the Great Silence (where non-essential talk is avoided) and the Great Prayer (a time of continued congregational prayer). The Triduum begins on the evening which remembers the original Passover, Maundy Thursday and culminates in Easter Sunday (Orthodox Pascha or Protestant Resurrection Sunday).
Maundy Thursday remembers the Last Supper and the institution of Holy Communion, also called the Lord’s Supper and the Eucharist (thanksgiving). It also remembers Judas’ betrayal, Peter’s three denials and everyone else’s desertion of Jesus. This is a very important communion with its dual purpose in remembering the death of the Lamb of God, Jesus.
So Maundy Thursday reminds us of the Last Supper, Jesus' love for us, his example of servant leadership, and our mandate to love our neighbour, not just in an emotional feeling, but in deed.
New International Version (NIV) Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Readings:
Exodus 12:1-4, (5-10), 11-14 The original Passover and Days of Unleavened Bread pictured prophetically the Lamb of God and eating the Bread of Life.
Psalm 116:1-2, 12-19 The cup of salvation is foretold and a death that freed us from our chains.
1 Corinthians 11:23-26 This “is” my body and this cup “is” the new covenant in my blood. It does not say “transubstantiated” as Catholics teach, or “symbolizes” as some Protestants teach, but “is.” Rather than overthink what that means, we call it a sacrament, a spiritual blessing associated with a physical rite, a mystery. It is an ordinance, because Jesus said, “this do.” It’s also a memorial, because Jesus said, “this do in remembrance of me.”
John 13:1-17, 31-35 in Rhyme
‘Twas the night before Passover
Jesus’ hour had come moreover
He loved his own unto the end
He knew Judas wasn’t His friend
Jesus got up and washed their feet
Understand why I’ve done this feat
You should also this deed repeat
And thus you’ll wash each other’s feet
I’ll be with you a little while
While I endure a gruesome trial
A new command I give to you
Love each other as I’ve loved you
Save us Now
Christianity reveals God’s love. Pontius Pilate is a caricature of human failure to govern itself. Let’s compare human governments with God’s wonderful government, the kingdom of heaven. Let’s look at the Palm Sunday parade from Matthew 21:1-11.
Matthew 21:5 “Tell the daughter of Zion, ‘Behold, your King is coming to you, Lowly, and sitting on a donkey, A colt, the foal of a donkey.’ ”
As Jesus had calmed the storm, he calmed an unbroken colt. Life can be like a wild colt, untamed and unpredictable. If we let Jesus take the reins, He’ll calm things down. Contrast the arrival of Jesus in Jerusalem on a colt with this world’s leaders and their expensive rides.
The old world order is over. The new kingdom is here preparing a people. Old world leadership is self-aggrandizing and arrogant. New world leadership is self-effacing and humble. The colt symbolizes a new day for humanity, a change in leadership style. Those who change will join Jesus at his return.
Matthew 21:8 And a very great multitude spread their clothes on the road; others cut down branches from the trees and spread them on the road.
Palm Sunday mocked Pontius Pilate, the governor of Judea (which included historic Judea, Samaria and Idumea). Pilate insulted the Jews by hanging worship images of the emperor throughout Jerusalem and minted coins with both pagan and Jewish religious symbols. Jesus’ insulting parade could have obtained a death sentence for Him.
History shows Pilate marching into west Jerusalem as Christ entered from the north. Jesus’ procession challenged and mocked the government of the day. The world solves problems with a war horse, and “donkey” is an insult. Let’s rejoice with a Palm Sunday parade in our hearts. Heaven’s king is coming.
Matthew 21:9 Then the multitudes who went before and those who followed cried out, saying: “Hosanna to the Son of David! ‘Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!’ Hosanna in the highest!”
Jesus’ parade foreshadows a future change in world power at the Second Coming. Jesus conquered the powers of this world: death, sin and evil. We celebrate the King. Jesus’ new world order has put an end to a world overrun by sin. Palm Sunday remembers a parade celebrating that victory.
Forgiveness of sin is now a way of life. Jesus offers humanity the freedom of life without condemnation. This evil world only had the power to put Christ on the cross. He willingly allowed it because he has power beyond the grave. Our dead lives have been raised with Christ as a new creation where love prevails.
Christianity is a protest movement against all the corruption and greed in our world. Palm Sunday is a success, though not as the world views it. A cross and self-sacrifice is the ultimate victory over an evil, self-centered world. Christians refuse to win by worldly violence but by godly self-sacrifice.
Passover pilgrims chanted "Hosanna" (“save now” Psalm 118:25). The King of Peace brings a peace that passes all understanding. Palm Sunday reminds us we need a new king of peace. Let’s welcome King Jesus into our lives as the peacemaker between ourselves and between all of us and God.
Pontius Pilate is a caricature of human failure. Palm Sunday mocks worldly hoopla and symbolizes the humility of God’s government. Our only hope is God’s rule, beginning in our hearts, and at Jesus’ return. Let’s be a part of the future. Join God’s kingdom today. Hosanna! Lord, save us now!
New King James Version (NKJV) Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Readings for Palm Sunday:
Psalm 118:1-2, 19-29 The words Hosanna (howoshî‘ah na) are a quote from verse 25, “Save now, I pray, O Lord” (NKJV). God is building something new, beginning with those who hold His kingdom in their hearts now. “The stone which the builders rejected Has become the chief cornerstone.” (verse 22)
Readings for the Passion:
Isaiah 50:4-9a Words of Christ’s suffering are prophesied here. “I gave My back to those who struck Me, And My cheeks to those who plucked out the beard; I did not hide My face from shame and spitting.”
Psalm 31:9-16 Even in His most difficult hour, Jesus would echo this sentiment, “But as for me, I trust in You, O Lord; I say, “You are my God.” In this hour of difficulty it is a good reminder for us too.
Philippians 2:5-11 In a world where human leaders grasp for more in selfishness, we are grateful for such a King as Jesus. “Though he was God, he did not think of equality with God as something to cling to. Instead, he gave up his divine privileges; he took the humble position of a slave and was born as a human being. When he appeared in human form, he humbled himself in obedience to God and died a criminal’s death on a cross.”
Matthew 26:14-27:54 As we reflect on His suffering, we give more esteem and praise to our King, who endured it all for us.
Matthew 21:1-11 in Rhyme
Say to the daughter of Zion
‘Look, coming to you is your King
Lowly, sitting on a donkey
A colt, the foal of a donkey.’
As that donkey carried its load
A crowd spread their clothes on the road
Others cut down branches from trees
And spread them on the road with ease
A multitude went before Him
Shouted: “Hosanna to David’s son!
Bless him who comes in the Lord’s name
Hosanna from heaven proclaim!”
Matthew 21:5 “Tell the daughter of Zion, ‘Behold, your King is coming to you, Lowly, and sitting on a donkey, A colt, the foal of a donkey.’ ”
As Jesus had calmed the storm, he calmed an unbroken colt. Life can be like a wild colt, untamed and unpredictable. If we let Jesus take the reins, He’ll calm things down. Contrast the arrival of Jesus in Jerusalem on a colt with this world’s leaders and their expensive rides.
The old world order is over. The new kingdom is here preparing a people. Old world leadership is self-aggrandizing and arrogant. New world leadership is self-effacing and humble. The colt symbolizes a new day for humanity, a change in leadership style. Those who change will join Jesus at his return.
Matthew 21:8 And a very great multitude spread their clothes on the road; others cut down branches from the trees and spread them on the road.
Palm Sunday mocked Pontius Pilate, the governor of Judea (which included historic Judea, Samaria and Idumea). Pilate insulted the Jews by hanging worship images of the emperor throughout Jerusalem and minted coins with both pagan and Jewish religious symbols. Jesus’ insulting parade could have obtained a death sentence for Him.
History shows Pilate marching into west Jerusalem as Christ entered from the north. Jesus’ procession challenged and mocked the government of the day. The world solves problems with a war horse, and “donkey” is an insult. Let’s rejoice with a Palm Sunday parade in our hearts. Heaven’s king is coming.
Matthew 21:9 Then the multitudes who went before and those who followed cried out, saying: “Hosanna to the Son of David! ‘Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!’ Hosanna in the highest!”
Jesus’ parade foreshadows a future change in world power at the Second Coming. Jesus conquered the powers of this world: death, sin and evil. We celebrate the King. Jesus’ new world order has put an end to a world overrun by sin. Palm Sunday remembers a parade celebrating that victory.
Forgiveness of sin is now a way of life. Jesus offers humanity the freedom of life without condemnation. This evil world only had the power to put Christ on the cross. He willingly allowed it because he has power beyond the grave. Our dead lives have been raised with Christ as a new creation where love prevails.
Christianity is a protest movement against all the corruption and greed in our world. Palm Sunday is a success, though not as the world views it. A cross and self-sacrifice is the ultimate victory over an evil, self-centered world. Christians refuse to win by worldly violence but by godly self-sacrifice.
Passover pilgrims chanted "Hosanna" (“save now” Psalm 118:25). The King of Peace brings a peace that passes all understanding. Palm Sunday reminds us we need a new king of peace. Let’s welcome King Jesus into our lives as the peacemaker between ourselves and between all of us and God.
Pontius Pilate is a caricature of human failure. Palm Sunday mocks worldly hoopla and symbolizes the humility of God’s government. Our only hope is God’s rule, beginning in our hearts, and at Jesus’ return. Let’s be a part of the future. Join God’s kingdom today. Hosanna! Lord, save us now!
New King James Version (NKJV) Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Readings for Palm Sunday:
Psalm 118:1-2, 19-29 The words Hosanna (howoshî‘ah na) are a quote from verse 25, “Save now, I pray, O Lord” (NKJV). God is building something new, beginning with those who hold His kingdom in their hearts now. “The stone which the builders rejected Has become the chief cornerstone.” (verse 22)
Readings for the Passion:
Isaiah 50:4-9a Words of Christ’s suffering are prophesied here. “I gave My back to those who struck Me, And My cheeks to those who plucked out the beard; I did not hide My face from shame and spitting.”
Psalm 31:9-16 Even in His most difficult hour, Jesus would echo this sentiment, “But as for me, I trust in You, O Lord; I say, “You are my God.” In this hour of difficulty it is a good reminder for us too.
Philippians 2:5-11 In a world where human leaders grasp for more in selfishness, we are grateful for such a King as Jesus. “Though he was God, he did not think of equality with God as something to cling to. Instead, he gave up his divine privileges; he took the humble position of a slave and was born as a human being. When he appeared in human form, he humbled himself in obedience to God and died a criminal’s death on a cross.”
Matthew 26:14-27:54 As we reflect on His suffering, we give more esteem and praise to our King, who endured it all for us.
Matthew 21:1-11 in Rhyme
Say to the daughter of Zion
‘Look, coming to you is your King
Lowly, sitting on a donkey
A colt, the foal of a donkey.’
As that donkey carried its load
A crowd spread their clothes on the road
Others cut down branches from trees
And spread them on the road with ease
A multitude went before Him
Shouted: “Hosanna to David’s son!
Bless him who comes in the Lord’s name
Hosanna from heaven proclaim!”
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