He Took Our Punishment

N.T.#449 "He Took Our Punishment"

Dec. 23, 2024 

Mark 15-Part 5 

LET IT GLOW 

What a time to be studying the end of our Savior's life when the world is celebrating His birth. It puts things in the right perspective, doesn't it? 

What evil had he done, indeed. Nothing warranted Jesus being crucified, yet the crowd desired it. So Pilate delivered Jesus, had Him scourged, to be crucified. He released the murdering Barabbas in His place. Don't you know Pilate saw this as a frame-up? the Jews hated him and the Roman Empire he represented, yet they asked him to convict one of their fellow Jews of treason and give him the death penalty. 

Crucifixion was the Roman penalty for rebellion. Only slaves or those who were not Roman citizens could be crucified. Jesus' death would be the death of a rebel and slave, not of the king He claimed to be. The Jewish leaders wanted to put the blame for killing Jesus on the Romans. Besides, if Pilate didn't carry out their wishes, then they would report Pilate to Caesar. (John 19:12) Such a report accompanied by a riot, could cost him his position and hopes for advancement. (Life Application Study Bible)

How many times do we do something in order to appease another? Maybe it would secure our job if we didn't tell the truth. 

LET IT GROW

According to Luke, Pilate had Jesus scourged in an attempt to punish Him and then release Jesus, hoping it would satisfy the crowd. (Luke 23:16)

Scourged means to whip; lash as a public punishment.

It was a grim art of torture to beat a man within an inch of his life. 

this scourging was conducted with a whip consisting of a wooden handle to which metal-tipped leather thongs were attached. It ripped the flesh down to the bone, causing severe bleeding. Prisoners often died from such a beating. (MacArthur)

An innocent man was going to die. Jesus took my place and your place as punishment for our sins. We are the guilty ones, not Him. Love so amazing!

LET IT GO

He became sin that knew no sin, that we might become His righteousness. He carried the cross. Love so amazing. Jesus Messiah, name above all names-Blessed Redeemer, Beautiful Savior, Emmanual. The.  ransom for sinners, Jesus Messiah, Lord of all.

Is Jesus your Savior today?

Who Would You Have Released?

 N.T.#448 "Who Would You Have Released?"

Dec. 20, 2024 

Mark 15-Part 4 

LET IT GLOW

Until you are sitting on a jury, listening to evidence, it isn't appropriate to pass judgment on one in court. Pilate had a hard time with his court case-Jesus.

Jesus and Pilate had a discussion about Jesus' kingdom and the truth, which is found in John 18. Afterwards, Pilate pronounced that he found no fault in Jesus. It was clear to Pilate that Jesus was innocent of wrong doing. Mark does not give us those details. He jumps forward.

.It was a custom of one man being released from prison during the Passover festival as a goodwill gesture. Normally, it was someone accused of a relatively minor offense. Pilate thought he might dissuade the crowd from demanding the death of Jesus by offering to release a notorious criminal. It was Barabbas who had committed murder. So naturally thinking, Jesus ' accusation was not as bad as that man, so the people would want Him released.

Pilate knew it was because of envy that the Jewish chief priests wanted Jesus killed. After all, Jesus disrupted the extras the priests were getting (money and power). He was teaching contrary to them (loving the poor). He got followers after those miracles He did (healings, food). Repentance of sin and loving others was not their cup of tea. Then Jesus talked about His kingdom to come, which is not political nor of this earth, but a spiritual heavenly kingdom. 

So Pilate asked the crowd if they wanted him to release the popular teacher, the King of the Jews. The chief priests stirred up the crowd so they asked for Barabbas instead. When Pilate asked them what they wanted him to do with Jesus, they demanded that He be crucified. (verses 12-13)

Pilate asked them why, what evil had Jesus done.  (verse 14) To which the replied, crucify him. (verse 14) Pilate wasn't concerned with justice, but wanted to avoid a riot and please the crowd. Pilate released the murderer and handed over the sinless Son of God to be crucified. 

LET IT GROW

Which side would we have been on-the Jews or Pilate? It would be easy to go along with the crowd. 

What about today? Do we go along with the crowd in sin or do we take a stand against sin? Adultery, homosexuality, and abortion is outright sin against God. Where do you stand?

LET IT GO

Help us let go of sins that separate us from You, God.

Fill us with love, joy, peace this time of year.

May we lift up Jesus as our Savior, Redeemer, and Almighty God.

Do You Marvel About Jesus?

 N. T. #447 "Do You Marvel About Jesus?"

Dec. 19, 2024 

Mark 15-Part 3

LET IT GLOW

There are a few things I marvel at-birth of a child, a person being saved, answered prayers, healings. Yet I know the source of all of them. What causes you to marvel? Someone is our reading today marveled, too.

We are reading about Trial #4 as Jesus stood before Pilate, the governor of Judea. John records that the Jewish leaders demanded that Pilate agree to the death sentence they had already pronounced on Jesus. (John 18:30) Pilate refused so the leaders presented their false charges against Jesus, as found in Luke 23:2:

• perverting the nation- Pervert means to distort; misinterpret or corrupt; perverse; turn away.
• forbidding to give tribute to Caesar; Forbidding means supreme in authority; God, Lord, master. Tribute refers to a tax.
• saying that he himself is Christ a King.  

So the charge was Jesus having turning away people form the Roman government, not paying taxes, and setting Himself up as King. Those charges were false, of course, for Jesus encouraged people to render unto Caesar that which was Caesar's. 

That is why Pilate questioned Jesus, to see if He declared Himself to be King of the Jews. (verse 2) Pilate was looking for a definite answer as to if Jesus was the King of the Jews. However, he got none. All Jesus replied was, It is as you say. (Luke 23:2 NAS)

Truly, Jesus is The King of the Jews whether or not they recognize He is. He paid His taxes to Rome. Peter found the gold coin in the mouth of a fish's mouth. (Matt. 17:27) Also, He advocated people obey God rather than man when it comes to a choice, but he did not lead in rioting against the government. 

People back then did not realize Jesus could have snapped His fingers and they could have fallen dead. Yet, He restrained in order to fulfill His Father's plan.

How much will we endure in order to carry out God's plan for us, our church, a ministry?

LET IT GROW

Jesus answered nothing to the accusations in order to fulfill Isaiah 53:7, as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so he openeth not his mouth. 

Pilate marvelled.(verse 5) Marvelled means to wonder; to admire. 

Do we marvel, wonder, whenever we read about the birth of Christ? What about the trials and crucifixion of Christ? Does His resurrection cause us to marvel at it? some things we just don't forget when Jesus does a marvelous things for us.

My finite mind can't wrap around to things. Such love Jesus showed for us to leave heaven, live as a man, endure beatings and accusations, perform miracles, die on a cross a painful and embarrassing death. Not only that, His own disciples also deserted Him through it all. (Except John and Peter followed from afar.

Aren't we guilty of doing the same things?

LET IT GO

Oh, what a Savior! How wonderful You are, King Jesus!

Lord, I stand in awe of You, Jesus.

Teach us when to keep our mouth shut and when to speak.

Who is Your King?

 N. T. #446  “Who is Your King?”

Dec. 18, 2024 

Mark 15-Part 2 

LET IT GLOW 

Jesus had already had three previous trials in the dark-Anna’s, Caiaphas the high priest, and the Sanhedrin. Jesus was accused of blasphemy since He claimed to be the Messiah. This only made Him guilty of a Jewish law, not an offense against the Roman government.  The Jews could not sentence one to death. Therefore the religious leaders had to take Jesus to trial before Pontius Pilate, the governor of Judea. 

Now we read about His fourth trial before Pilate, so pursued a line of questioning. Fist of all, Pilate had to know if Jesus claimed to be the Messiah. So he came right out and asked Jesus directly, 

Art thou the King of the Jews? (verse 2a)

How did Jesus answer? 

Thou safest it. (verse 2b) If you say so is a paraphrase. 

Why didn’t Jesus admit it? 

• To say yes would have put Jesus on the same level as previous false messiahs who stood before Pilate. Pilate needed the opportunity to know Jesus as Savior without dismissing His case.
• Saying yes would have played into Pilate’s preexisting notions and prejudices instead of leading him closer to the truth. 
• To say yes would divert attention from the crucial question: “Whom say you that I am?” (8:29)

[Reference: Swindoll’s Living Insights on Mark]

LLET IT GROW 

Who do you say Jesus is?

If you are new to our study, I invite you to examine the Scriptures.  Everyone needs to answer this question.

Peter answered Jesus, “You are the Christ” (8:29b)

Matthew 16:16 records Peter’s answer as, “Thou art the Christ, the Son of the Living. 

Peter acknowledged the Lord Jesus’ deity. Pilate needed believe Jesus to be the King of the Jews, Savior, Messiah, Redeemer, and so do we all.

If you have believed  and trusted Jesus to be your Savior, I rejoice with you.

 Is Jesus the King of your life? Have you surrendered all to Him? During this season we tend to focus on Jesus’ birth instead of His death and resurrection. It all goes together in a wonderful gift God gives us. Are you seeking His love today?

Seek and you shall find.

LET IT GO

Jesus, we love you. Help us know you are near.

Use us to share Your love story with others.

How wonderful You are!

How Are We Portraying Jesus?

N.T.#445 “How Are We Portraying Jesus?”

Dec.17,2024 

Mark 15 

LET IT GLOW 

Poor Peter, don’t we tend to give him a hard time, come down hard on him for denying Christ three times? Yet how many times do we let the opportunity slip by when we could have stood up for Jesus? Guilty. 

Another thing, a bystander recognized that Peter was a Galilean by his speech. It was a give away. They could tell by his accent when Peter spoke. It’s like around here we can tell a northeasterner when they talk. Or when we go to our daughter’s in Rhode Island, they can tell we are from the south by our speech. 

The thing that stood out for Peter was his having been with Jesus, associated with Him, and his speech. How about us? Do others recognize that we have spent time with Jesus? How are the words we speak and the things we do? Especially when we wait in long lines to pay for Christmas gifts, are we patient and appreciative?

Peter received the Lord’s forgiveness and so can we. Just ask.

LET IT GROW 

Then the religious Jewish leaders had their meeting. The big wigs were there-Sanhedrin, chief priests, elders, scribes. What do we not read of them doing? They didn’t pray. Wasn’t that their job-to pray for Jews and Israel, along with doing the sacrifices, and teaching the Word? Those leaders would have discussed the charges and how to present them in order to get a death sentence for Jesus. Yet it was in the plan of God for His Righteous Son to die for us sinners. Such love.

So they bound Jesus, and delivered Him to Pilate. (verse 1b)

There is and has been so much hate, jealousy, evil, violence, and greed in people in this world. Yet, one day God will make it right with justice being carried our. Friends, I want to mercy of God. How about you?

LET IT GO

What do you need to let go of today so you can show the love of Jesus?

Are you speaking with kindness and love?

We are the only Jesus some will ever see. How are we portraying Him?

Whew! I fall short. But Jesus forgives and helps us in our weaknesses.  

Denials and Confessions

N.T. #444  “Denials and Cinfessions”

Dec. 16, 2024 

Mark 14-Part 23  

LET IT GLOW 

 Here we have Peter, the one who told His Lord that he would not forsake Jesus, even if the other disciples did. Peter had followed Jesus’ procession from Gethsemane to to homes of Anna’s and Caiaphas. 

While the trial occurred, Peter remained in the courtyard, warming up to a fire. Caiaphas’ house was a huge palace with several courtyards 

Then what happened?

• A servant girl to the high priest recognized Peter as one of Jesus’ followers as having been with Jesus. (Verse 67) Peter denied knowing Jesus. And the rooster crowed once.
• The girl saw Peter again and said, This is one of them. (verse 69) For a second time, Peter denied Christ Jesus.
• A little later it was said of Peter, Surely thou art one of them: for thou art a Galilaean, and thy speech afterthought thereto. (verse70)
• The third time of denial, Peter cursed and sweared he knew my Jesus. And the rooster crowed a second time.
• Then Peter recalled Jesus telling him before the rooster crowed twice, he would deny his Lord Jesus.
• Then Peter wept. (verse 72)

Peter broke down and cried over what he had done. Have you had those moment? You came face to face with the reality of your sins and failures, and repented.

Or have not forgiven someone and know you need to do so and make things right. It is heartbreaking, yet Jesus mends broken hearts.

LET IT GROW 

Was Peter fearing for his life, since he was a disciple of Jesus. Was he afraid those religious ones would kill him, too? Peter was drowning in sorrow, bitter weeping, filled with shame. Jesus could have left Peter wallowing in his muck and pit of sin, but He didn’t. 

John 21 tells us Jesus didn’t condemn Peter, but loved him after His death and resurrection. The Lord asked Peter 3 times if he loved Jesus. And Peter said yes. Jesus gave Peter a task, to feed His sheep. Peter went on to preach about his wonderful Savior and thousands believed in Jesus. 

Have you admitted your shame and guilt of sin to the Savior? He is waiting with loving arms open.

LET IT GO

Help us let go of the past hurts and failures, turning to You, sweet Jesus.

Cleanse our heart, Savior, and fill us with Your grace and mercy.

Use us in Your kingdom work.

Mistreatment Reactions

N.T. #443 “Mistreatment Reactions “

Dec. 13, 2024 

Mark 14-Part22

LET IT GLOW 

The glorious, holy Messiah and Savior admitted He is the Son of God as well as Israel’s expected Messiah, was accused of blasphemy by the Sanhedrin.  In reality, those religious leaders were the ones guilty of this sin, not Jesus. No more witnesses were needed as far as they were concerned. In their opinion, this Galilean rabbi had condemned himself. (verse 64) (Tony Evans)

How was Jesus treated? The religious leaders used thi time to vent their hatred forJesus, taking turns spitting, punching, ridiculing, and taunting Him. It was against their rule that brutality against the accused was not permitted. (Swindoll)

For the Jew, to spit in another’s face was the most gross and most hatred form of personal insult. Their hearts were revealed when Jesus was hit with clenched fists. (MacArthur)

Sitting at God’s right hand in the place of power, Jesus would come to judge His accusers, and they would have to answer His questions. (Rev. 20:11-13)

LET IT GROW 

So, how do we react whenever we are falsely accused?

What is our reaction when we are mistreated? 

What an example we have in Jesus. Do we pray for those who lie about us? Do we turn the other cheek?

LET IT GO

Do we need to let go of pride, self centeredness, unforgiveness?

Are we loving our enemies and those who despitefully use us?

Do we realize all that Jesus went through in order to provide our salvation?

Such indescribable love!