Tag: Jesus

Bible Studies

“The Crucifixion” The Gospel of Jesus Christ: the book of Mark                 

Loring Schultz

Read: Mark 15:16-47 NLT – The Soldiers Mock Jesus – The soldiers – Bible Gateway

“Then at three o’clock Jesus called out with a loud voice, ‘Eloi, Eloi, lema sabachthani?’ which means ‘My God, my God, why have you abandoned me?’” Mark 15:34 NLT

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The book of Mark as you know if you have been following along each Sunday is the gospel of Jesus Christ, the good news. This week as we near the end of our study we come to the reason why Jesus came down to earth, Mark writes in the tenth chapter of this book, “For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many.” (Mk.10:45 nlt) Indeed, Jesus came to give up His life so we may be saved from eternal damnation and hell fire. Jesus is about to be led to the cross after being released by Pilate into the hands of Roman soldiers after the crowds selected Barabbas to go free and Jesus to be crucified. For this purpose, Christ came, to save us from our sins.

“The soldiers took Jesus into the courtyard of the governor’s headquarters (called the Praetorium) and called out the entire regiment.” (Mk.15:16 nlt) The praetorium was the headquarters of the Roman Cohort and also served as the official governors residence in Jerusalem. The soldiers job was to carry out crucifixions under Pilate’s orders. They took extra time before leading Jesus up to calvary’s hill as they mocked Him as the King of the Jews. Dressing Him in a purple robe, an old military cloak to represent royalty, they weaved a crown of thorns from a prickly plant and placed it on His head. The soldiers proceeded to mock Jesus by striking Him, spitting on Him, bowing down to Him mockingly and shouting ‘Hail, King of the Jews.” After they had their fill the soldiers led Jesus out to be crucified.

Due to lack of sleep the night before and the crucial beating Jesus received by the Roman soldiers He was to weak to carry the crossbeam all condemned prisoners were to carry to their crucifixion. The soldiers forced a man named, Simon, from Cyrene a city in Libya with a large Jewish population, to carry Jesus’ crossbeam. Simon was most likely in Jerusalem to celebrate the Passover. An interesting note concerning his two sons being mentioned, Alexander and Rufus, we do not know  much about them. Though unknown, however, they must have been well known to the people Mark was writing to because he made note of them.

“And they brought Jesus to a place called Golgotha (which means “Place of the Skull”).” (Mk.15:22 nlt) Golgotha is an Aram. Word meaning ‘skull.’ It possibly got its name from the frequent crucifixions that took place there. As was customary, they gave Jesus wine mixed with myrrh to deaden the pain, but Jesus refused it. The solders proceeded to nail Him to the cross and divided His clothing in which they cast lots for as predicted in the Old Testament. “They divide my garments among themselves and throw dice for my clothing.” (Ps.22:18 nlt) They placed a sign above His head, which was also customary, stating the crime in which each criminal was being put to death for. Jesus’ simply said, ‘The King of the Jews.’

On each side of Jesus was a criminal, both of whom were arrested for taking part in an insurrection, which was a capital crime that carried a death sentence. We know from other gospel writers that one of them insulted Jesus by telling Him to save Himself and them, but the other criminal realizing his guilt and just punishment asked Jesus to remember him when He went into His kingdom. A lesson for each of us to take seriously that everyone is saved the same way, admitting our sin and confessing to the Lord. Failure to do so will result in not being in the Kingdom of God.

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Ridicule and insults were being tossed at the servant Jesus on the cross. From the passers-by to the religious rulers all were taunting Jesus to come down from the cross and prove Himself to be the Son of God. “Let this Messiah, this King of Israel, come down from the cross so we can see it and believe him!” (Mk.15:32 nlt)

At noon the Bible says darkness fell across the whole land until three o’clock. Then at three o’clock Jesus called out with a loud voice, “Eloi, Eloi, lema sabachthani?” which means “My God, my God, why have you abandoned me?” (Mk.15:33-34 nlt) Again, from a reading in the Old Testament book of Psalms, David writes “My God, my God, why have you abandoned me? Why are you so far away when I groan for help?” (Ps.22:1 nlt) Jesus felt the deep abandonment from His Father as God the Father cannot look upon sin. God saw the sin of the whole world placed on His Son Jesus; He could do nothing but turn His back. A price felt by Jesus that was more painful than the physical pain He endured during the crucifixion. He did that for each one of us.

Jesus then cried out loudly and breathed His last. His death was not like most who have died from crucifixion. Most would be on the cross two or three days, their bodies exhausted and slipping into unconsciousness before death. But “Jesus uttered another loud cry and breathed his last.” (Mk.15:37 nlt) Mark then records the curtain in the sanctuary of the Temple was torn in two from top to bottom. There was no need any more for anyone to offer a sacrifice for sin. Christ paid that price with His own blood once and for all time. The writer of Hebrews notes, “Under the old covenant, the priest stands and ministers before the altar day after day, offering the same sacrifices again and again, which can never take away sins. But our High Priest offered himself to God as a single sacrifice for sins, good for all time. Then he sat down in the place of honor at God’s right hand.” (Heb.10:11-12 nlt)

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A Roman officer, who may have been the closest witness to Jesus on the cross, exclaimed after what he just saw, “This man truly was the Son of God!” (Mk.15:39 nlt) This officer who was in charge and seen many crucifixions knew this was no ordinary death. Jesus had the strength to call out in a loud voice, evidence that He laid down His life for us, it wasn’t taken from Him. The Roman officer was right; Jesus truly is the Son of God.

Next week we end our study in the book of Mark with the resurrection of Jesus Christ which gives us all assurance of eternal life for those of us who believe on His name. Until next week……

Devotionals

Missing the Last Piece of the Puzzle

Loring Schultz

Read: Matthew 19:16-22 NASB – The Rich Young Ruler – And someone came – Bible Gateway

“Jesus said to him, ‘If you wish to be complete, go and sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me.’ But when the young man heard this statement, he went away grieving; for he was one who owned much property.” Matthew 19:21-22 NASB

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Working on a jigsaw puzzle on your own or with friends and family is an enjoyable and relaxing way of putting away the cares of the world for a period of time. All the pieces eventually fit together completing the work and revealing the final product. The rewards are not only the finished product, but what was accomplished along the way. How many times have you got near the end of working your puzzle and realized you do not have all the pieces to complete it, in fact you’re missing only one piece. The last piece making it complete.

Our lives are like a giant jigsaw puzzle with the pieces falling into place throughout the years. For many of us there is a sense of urgency to feel complete in our lives. Despite what successes we may have there is this feeling that there is a piece missing making us incomplete. This feeling is two-fold, first of all we are created in the image of God, and whether we admit it or not, there is a longing to be united with our creator, and second we are created as spiritual beings with an eternal soul, meaning after this life is over we live on, and how can we know where that will be. For our lives to be complete in this life and the next, we need the missing last piece of the puzzle.

The gospel of Matthew records the story of a rich young ruler who asks Jesus what good thing he can do to obtain eternal life. He was looking for the missing piece. Having kept all the commandments so he thought, there must be something missing, he felt incomplete. Jesus wastes no time in answering him, telling him to sell all that he has, give the proceeds to the poor, and then follow Him. The young ruler was devastated by Jesus’s answer. His yearning to find the missing piece to his feeling of emptiness was put aside in place of his present day wealth.

Jesus’s instructions are clear, both to the rich young ruler and to us today. The thought is, there must be something else we can do to please the Lord and earn our Salvation. We are good people. We obey most of the ten commandants, and are kind to our neighbors, but we still feel incomplete. What is the missing last piece of the puzzle? It is Christ alone, accepting Him as our Savior and loving Him more than all our earthly possessions. Have you found your missing last piece of the puzzle?

Devotionals

Do You Believe Jesus’ Words?

Loring Schultz

Read: John 12:44-50 NLT – Jesus shouted to the crowds, “If you – Bible Gateway

“But all who reject me and my message will be judged on the day of judgment by the truth I have spoken.” John 12:48 NLT

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The question the title of this devotional asks, ‘do you believe Jesus’ words?’ will have several responses. Those who truly know Christ will say yes without reservation. Those who have a somewhat knowledge of Christ will also respond yes but with reservation. It is to those of you, I ask, what is restraining you to accept the truth of His words, and do you realize the  eternal consequences if you hold to your doubts and questions? They are not debatable.

First of all, when questioning Jesus’ words, you are actually questioning the integrity and truthfulness of Jesus. If you believe some of what He says, but not all, then how can you trust what is true and what is not. It’s all according to your own opinion, is it not? Are you always right in what you assume to be true? I think not, for I know I’m not always right. Being wrong in trivial matters is not very alarming, but in life-or-death situations I hate to be wrong. I trust you feel the same way.

Jesus spoke some words that are hard to understand, but He also communicated words of simple truth to us that are straight forward and easy to comprehend. In John’s gospel Jesus is recorded as saying, “But all who reject me and my message will be judged on the day of judgment by the truth I have spoken.” (Jn.12:48 nlt) On judgement day Jesus says all who rejected His message are going to be judged. Again, in selective reasoning which of Jesus’ statements are true and which are not, in reality if you reject some, you really reject them all.

Jesus says, “I tell you the truth, unless you are born again, you cannot see the Kingdom of God.” (Jn.3:3 nlt) “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me.” (Jn.14:6 nlt) “But all who reject me and my message will be judged on the day of judgment by the truth I have spoken.” (Jn.12:48 nlt) There is no picking and choosing which statements we believe and those we don’t. Do you believe Jesus’ words? It’s all or nothing!

Bible Studies

“Jesus on Trial” The Gospel of Jesus Christ: the book of Mark

Loring Schultz

Read: Mark 14:53-15:15 NLT – Jesus before the Council – They took – Bible Gateway

“Then the high priest stood up before the others and asked Jesus, ‘Well, aren’t you going to answer these charges? What do you have to say for yourself?’ But Jesus was silent and made no reply.” Mark 14:60-61 NLT

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“Then the leading priests kept accusing him of many crimes, and Pilate asked him, ‘Aren’t you going to answer them? What about all these charges they are bringing against you?’” Mark 15:3-4 NLT

Jesus now deserted by His closest followers is led to Caiaphas’ house, the high priest, for His trial. Jesus’ trail is in two stages, a Jewish trial and a Roman trial. Each one comprised of three separate inquiries. In order to cover every segment of the two trials one needs to review all four gospels. Not one of the gospel writers compiled Jesus’ trials in totality, each gave more emphasis to certain portions of each stage. Here now, is Mark’s account of ‘Jesus on trial.’

“They took Jesus to the high priest’s home where the leading priests, the elders, and the teachers of religious law had gathered.” (Mk.14:53 nlt) All the ruling Jewish leaders were present. This ruling body made up the Sanhedrin who were the ones examining this case and the charges that would be brought against Jesus. They probably met at Caiaphas’ house and at night to ensure secrecy from the people. Their goal was to find evidence to be able to put Jesus to death. Many false witnesses were brought in to collaborate their testimonies to find two or three who agree. Two or three witnesses were needed according to Jewish law for conviction. The problem was, they couldn’t find any who agreed.  

The high priest decided to push Jesus for an answer to the accusations He was hearing about Himself. Caiaphas didn’t understand Jesus’ silence through these allegations. Caiaphas finally asked Jesus, “Well, aren’t you going to answer these charges? What do you have to say for yourself?” (Mk.14:60 nlt) But Jesus gave no answer. Caiaphas then push Him further by asking, “Are you the Messiah, the Son of the Blessed One?” (Mk.14:61b nlt) Jesus answered this time by saying, “I AM. And you will see the Son of Man seated in the place of power at God’s right hand and coming on the clouds of heaven.” (Mk.14:62 nlt) The high priest torn his clothes at Jesus’ response. He considered the answer as blasphemous, dishonoring the name of God. Jesus claiming to be the Messiah and having the authority only belonging to God was enough for what they were looking for to condemn Jesus. “Then the high priest tore his clothing to show his horror and said, ‘Why do we need other witnesses?’” (Mk.14:63 nlt) They declared Jesus guilty and deserving of death. They preceded to mock Him, spit on Him, and beat Him before sending Him on to Pilate.

Meanwhile, Peter is in the courtyard having followed the crowd to Caiaphas’ house. Standing by the fire in the chill of the night air he is noticed by a servant girl who confronted him saying this man has been with Jesus. Peter denied it. She began telling others, but again he denied it. Then a third time, “A little later some of the other bystanders confronted Peter and said, ‘You must be one of them, because you are a Galilean.’ Peter swore, ‘A curse on me if I’m lying—I don’t know this man you’re talking about!’” (Mk.14:70-71 nlt) Immediately, the rooster crowed and Peter remembered Jesus’ words telling him that ‘before the rooster crows you will deny me times.’ At this Peter went out and weep bitterly.

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The scene now shifts to the early morning hours where a second meeting of the Sanhedrin takes place to legitimize the trial and Jesus’ guilty verdict. It was illegal to hold a trial at night, so they sort of made it official in the morning light. They also had no authority from the Roman government to carry out capital punishment. Jesus had to be brought before Pilate. “Very early in the morning the leading priests, the elders, and the teachers of religious law—the entire high council—met to discuss their next step. They bound Jesus, led him away, and took him to Pilate, the Roman governor.” (Mk.15:1 nlt)

Pilate had only one concern as Jesus was brought to him by the Jewish rulers, was He asserting Himself to be king. Pilate asked Him, ‘“Are you the king of the Jews?’ Jesus replied, ‘You have said it.’” (Mk.15:2 nlt) The leading priests were continuing to throw accusations of many crimes committed by Jesus. It wasn’t uncommon for multiple charges to be made in a criminal case. Again as with Caiaphas, Pilate was confused why Jesus wouldn’t answer back against those charges. But Jesus didn’t utter a word.

During the Passover celebration it was Pilate’s custom to release a prisoner of the peoples choice. Pilate knew that the religious rulers brought Jesus to him out of envy. This was Pilate’s out, for he knew Jesus was innocent. But the leading priests stirred up the crowd to ask for Barabbas, an insurrectionist and a murderer. When Pilate then asked. ‘“Then what should I do with this man you call the king of the Jews?’ They shouted back, ‘Crucify him!’ ‘Why?’ Pilate demanded. ‘What crime has he committed?’ But the mob roared even louder, ‘Crucify him!’” (Mk.15:12-14 nlt) When Pilate saw he was getting nowhere; he appeased the crowd by releasing Barabbas, the murderer, and handing Jesus over to be crucified.

It is very much like our current day. Crowds can be stirred up to participate in the cruelest acts. Releasing the guilty and punishing the innocent. We live in a world that is corrupted by sin. Its influence is seen and felt every day. The world has a sin problem; we have a sin problem. As unjust as Jesus’ trials were, it was God’s plan of salvation for each one of us who believe in Jesus Christ. And Jesus accepted His Father’s will and remained silent letting the trial come to completion leading to cross where we pick it up next week……….

Devotionals

Self-righteousness doesn’t cut it         

Loring Schultz

Read: Titus 3:3-8 NLT – Once we, too, were foolish and – Bible Gateway

“When God our Savior revealed his kindness and love, he saved us, not because of the righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He washed away our sins, giving us a new birth and new life through the Holy Spirit.” Titus 3:4-5 NLT

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Our righteous acts on this earth have positive results among people in need. Recipients of our gracious good-will are blessed beyond measure in receiving what they desperately need but do not have the means to provide it. Lending a helping hand to non-profit organizations and supporting our local police and fire departments and being good neighbors goes a long way in caring for others. But all these righteous deeds added together don’t do a thing to get us into heaven.

You have heard some people say, ‘I’m hoping my good outweighs my bad.’ It’s sad how many people have that perspective when it comes to their eternal destiny. Perhaps you are one who is counting on just that, ‘good outweighing the bad.’ But the sad reality is that you can never do enough good to overcome the bad. Our bad is a sin nature which can never be changed by a lifetime of good behavior and righteous acts towards others. Our sin nature alienates us from God. God may be pleased with acts of kindness towards others, but it doesn’t erase our sin debt. Our self-righteousness doesn’t cut it.

The apostle Paul explains we are saved not because of ‘the righteous things we had done’ but because of God’s mercy to us. God washed away our sins by the sacrificial blood shed by His Son on the cross of calvary. Our righteous acts could never do that. God gave us a new birth and a new life which is impossible for anyone of us to do, but not through the Holy Spirit when we accept Christ as our savior. It’s time to stop weighing the good verses the bad, not stopping the good, but trusting our salvation on what God has done for us because of His mercy. Our self-righteousness just doesn’t cut it.

Devotionals

Leftovers

Loring Schultz

Read: Matthew 14:13-21 NLT – Jesus Feeds Five Thousand – As soon as – Bible Gateway

“They all ate as much as they wanted, and afterward, the disciples picked up twelve baskets of leftovers.” Matthew 14:20 NLT

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What do you do with the leftovers after you have finished your evening meal? For some there may not be any, but for my wife and I since it is just the two of us we always have something leftover. Usually we save it for the next day or if it will keep until the day after. We most likely come home with a box from a restaurant on the evenings we dine out. Some might say we’re not big eaters, but I would beg to differ, like most people we like to eat. The same was true in Jesus’s day. People liked to and needed to eat.

Jesus had the opportunity to feed over five thousand people after they came to Him for healing and to hear His teaching. It was also an opportunity to display His compassion, His miraculous power, and His concern for the leftovers.  Jesus had compassion for the people for in Mark’s version it says “he had compassion on them because they were like sheep without a shepherd.” (Mk. 6:34) His miraculous power was seen in the distribution of the loaves and fish to the more than five thousand people for he only had five loaves and two fish to start with, but He made it work. Jesus supplied more than enough and didn’t want to see any waste. John’s account in his gospel says, “After everyone was full, Jesus told his disciples, ‘Now gather the leftovers, so that nothing is wasted.’” (Jn. 6:12)

Our Lord will never fail to meet our needs. In fact, as with the feeding of the multitude He will often supply more than enough. Perhaps not more than we want, but certainly more than we need. Enough for us and enough left over to share with others in need. The disciples picked up twelve baskets of leftovers. One for each of them to remind them of Jesus’s ability to care for their needs, to understand that with Him little becomes much, and to not waste any leftovers He has blessed us with, but to use it to serve Him as He directs.

Devotionals

Hope in the Resurrection          

Loring Schultz

Read: John 11:20-27 NLT – When Martha got word that Jesus was – Bible Gateway

“And God will raise us from the dead by his power, just as he raised our Lord from the dead.” 1 Corinthians 6:14 NLT

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The passing of a loved one for those who do not know Christ causes a sadness that is not relieved by any hope. Life has come to an end which creates uncertainty as to what’s next. For one with no assurance of salvation and the certainty of eternity there is no hope that comforts the soul. Jesus said, “I am the resurrection and the life. Anyone who believes in me will live, even after dying.” (Jn.11:25 nlt)

Jesus confirmed He is the resurrection and the life by rising from the dead that first Easter morning. Some people doubt the resurrection of Christ. In our text reading today Martha was shaken by her brother’s, Lazurus, death. Jesus comforted her with these words as He knew what He would do in raising her brother from the dead. He had the power to raise Lazurus from the dead and He has the power to raise us at His glorious return. However, we don’t need to wait until that day until we meet Jesus and have eternal life. Paul tells us when we are separated from our bodies in death, we are in the present of the Lord. “Yes, we are fully confident, and we would rather be away from these earthly bodies, for then we will be at home with the Lord.” (2Cor.5:8 nlt)

The resurrection of Christ is our hope of eternal life. He defeated death. He defeated Satan. His resurrection assures us as He lives, so all who trust in Him will also live. Jesus was raised in power by the Holy Spirit, and that same Spirit will raise up each of us who know Him as savior uniting our dead bodies with our eternal souls. We will then have new glorified bodies as we enter the kingdom of God. So, don’t doubt Jesus’ resurrection, it is our only hope of eternal life.

Bible Studies

“Your Will Be Done” The Gospel of Jesus Christ: the book of Mark   

Loring Schultz

Read: Mark 14:32-52 NLT – Jesus Prays in Gethsemane – They went – Bible Gateway

‘“Abba, Father,’ he cried out, ‘everything is possible for you. Please take this cup of suffering away from me. Yet I want your will to be done, not mine.’” Mark 14:36 NLT

Our last time in the book of Mark we covered the conclusion of the Last Supper. Jesus gave new meaning to the Passover meal by applying the unleavened bread and the wine to Himself. The bread of affliction symbolized His broken body as He would be nailed to the cross, and the cup of wine represents the blood He would shed for the remission of sins. Jesus then tells His disciples “I tell you the truth, I will not drink wine again until the day I drink it new in the Kingdom of God.” (Mk.14:25 nlt) Scripture says they then sung a hymn and proceeded to the Mount of Olives.

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Jesus with the disciples came to Gethsemane, an Olive Grove on the lower slopes of the Mount of Olives. Gethsemane means ‘oil press’ where olives are crushed for the oil. This was one of Jesus’ favorite places to go, and ironically it is representative of His body being crushed and His blood being spilled for us. “He took Peter, James, and John with him, and he became deeply troubled and distressed. He told them, ‘My soul is crushed with grief to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with me.’” (Mk.14:3-4 nlt) Jesus wanted these three, the leaders of the disciples, with Him during His time of sorrow. Jesus’ grief was so great He was at the risk of death just from His extreme sorrow.

While Peter, James, and John stay behind, Jesus went a little further from them and fell down and prayed. He asked His Father if the hour before would pass Him by. The hour was the time of God’s plan of salvation where Jesus would suffer and die. Jesus cried out, “Abba, Father, everything is possible for you. Please take this cup of suffering away from me.” (Mk.14:36 nlt) ‘Abba’ is an expression of a close loving relationship such as the term ‘daddy.’ Knowing that there isn’t anything His Father, can’t do, Jesus asked if this cup, meaning the ‘cup of death and God’s wrath’ upon Him be taken away. Jesus would have the sin of the entire human race placed on Him causing God His Father to turn His back on Him as Jesus paid the price for our sins. Paul writes in 2 Corinthians, “For God made Christ, who never sinned, to be the offering for our sin, so that we could be made right with God through Christ.” (2Cor.5:21 nlt)

Although Jesus knew of the physical suffering He would go through and that His Father would turn His back on Him for God cannot look upon sin, Jesus said, “Yet I want your will to be done, not mine.” (Mk.14:36b nlt) Jesus resolved to do the Father’s will. It was the Father’s plan of salvation to save mankind and it was and still is the only way of salvation. David Guzik, Christian pastor and author states, “This prayer of Jesus eliminates any other way of salvation. If there is another way, His death was not necessary, and His prayer was not answered.” There is no other way.

Jesus returned and found Peter, James, and John sleeping. He called out Peter as the leader of the leaders, “Simon, are you asleep? Couldn’t you watch with me even one hour?” (Mk.14:37 nlt) Jesus called Peter ‘Simon’ perhaps because he wasn’t living up to the name Jesus gave him. All three were then told, “Keep watch and pray, so that you will not give in to temptation. For the spirit is willing, but the body is weak.” (Mk.14:38 nlt) The disciples are soon going to be challenged and they are to be faithful in the threat of temptation and upcoming attacks on them. They would soon be tested as Jesus is arrested. If Peter had been watching and praying perhaps, he would not have denied Jesus.

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Leaving them a second time, Jesus went and prayed the same thing to the Father. Upon retuning He found them asleep again. The Bible says, “And they didn’t know what to say.” (Mk.14:40 nlt) They had nothing to say because they had no excuse. How many times are we without excuse when we should be watching and praying and the Lord finds us asleep, not paying attention to the signs of His coming and His command to us to make disciples. It happen a third time and this time Jesus said, “Go ahead and sleep. Have your rest. But no—the time has come. The Son of Man is betrayed into the hands of sinners. Up, let’s be going. Look, my betrayer is here!” (Mk.14:41-42 nlt)

A company of Roman soldiers along with servants of the court and the Temple guard led by Judas make their way through the garden of Gethsemane to Jesus. The order to arrest Jesus came from the Sanhedrin. “As soon as they arrived, Judas walked up to Jesus. ‘Rabbi!’ he exclaimed and gave him the kiss. Then the others grabbed Jesus and arrested him..” (Mk.14:45-46 nlt) Judas had arranged for them to arrest the one who he greets with customary Middle Eastern greeting of a kiss. But there were several methods of this greeting kiss. Judas chose the most intimate one, a kiss on the cheek, as in a pupil and a teacher (Rabbi), and in the most despicable  way.

Mark records that one of the disciples drew a sword and cut off an ear of the high priest’s servant. We know from other gospel records that this disciple was Peter, and we also know that Jesus touched the servant and he was healed. Yet, the arrest continued to take place. Jesus then confronted them by asking “Am I some dangerous revolutionary, that you come with swords and clubs to arrest me?” (Mk.14:48 nlt) A revolutionary would be arrested under the cloud of darkness, but not a man who everyone knew preaching openly at the Temple every day. But that is why they arrested Jesus secretly. There were no grounds to arrest Him. And this was prophesied in the Old Testament, “Unjustly condemned, he was led away…… He had done no wrong and had never deceived anyone.” (Is.53:9-10 nlt) As Jesus foretold His disciples they would all abandon Him, (Mk.14:27) they did.

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The garden scene ends with a young man who was following behind wearing only a linen sheet. None of the other gospel writers record this instance. It seems to be out of place, but it is thought to be Mark himself the writer of this gospel. Having caught wind of Jesus’ upcoming arrest he hurriedly ran to the seen perhaps jumping out of bed not taking the time to fully dress. In his haste to also escape he lost his only covering he had on him except for some undergarments.

Next week we begin to look at the trials of Jesus……….

Devotionals

Reformation Day: the righteous shall live by faith

Loring Schultz

“For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith for faith, as it is written, ‘The righteous shall live by faith.’” Romans 1:17 ESV

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October 31st is recognized around the world as Halloween or ‘All Hallows’ Eve.’ The meaning of ‘hallows’ is ‘saints’ in the Christian tradition, All Saints Day is November 1st. However, Halloween today is nothing about Christian saints and I will leave it there. Today is Reformation Day, the day celebrated by Christians in recognizing Martin Luther’s ‘95 Theses’ nailed to the University of Wittenberg’s chapel door in 1517.

Martin Luther was a German monk and a professor of biblical studies at the University of Wittenberg who became disillusioned with the error he saw in the Catholic church, particularly the selling of indulgences. He posted his ‘95 Theses’ to spark conversation and debate among his colleagues calling for reform in the Catholic church. This, however, led to the Protestant Reformation of the 16th century.    

Luther was convinced through the reading of Scripture that salvation was by the grace of God alone and faith alone in Jesus Christ. It was not by any merit or works on our part that contributes to salvation and entrance into heaven. This was in contradiction to what he had observed within the church. Luther was also a staunch believer that every person should have access to the Bible and be able to read it for themselves. He had translated the entire Bible into German.  

Stephen Nichols of Ligonier Ministries writes, “The real main character in Reformation Day is not Luther. It’s the Word of God. What Luther discovered as a monk is that for centuries, the true teachings of the Word of God had been hidden by century upon century of tradition. That’s what Reformation Day is about: it’s about pulling back the cover and releasing the power of the Word of God and the beauty and the truth of the gospel. That’s why we celebrate Reformation Day.” (1)

“For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.” Ephesians 2:8-9 ESV

(1) What Is Reformation Day? | Ligonier Ministries

Devotionals

Hope, Tribulation, and Prayer  

Loring Schultz

Read: Romans 12:9-21 ESV – Marks of the True Christian – Let love – Bible Gateway

“rejoicing in hope, persevering in tribulation, devoted to prayer,” Romans 12:12 NASB

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The Bible has many key verses that are remembered and memorized by individuals to grab on to and hold for certain needs as they arise. Romans 12:12 is one example. “rejoicing in hope, persevering in tribulation, devoted to prayer. “ (nasb)  This verse is often referenced in doing a word search on prayer, which is what led me to this verse this week. Being devoted to prayer should not only be during our times of struggle but always being in prayer daily.

But I got to think about the other two words. A biblical word search of ‘hope’ and ‘tribulation’ will also lead you to this verse along with several others. Paul, the author of Romans, says Christians should be rejoicing in hope. There is much to be joyful for. Despite the pain and suffering in the world affecting all people, Christians and non-Christians alike, there is a blessed hope for all who know Christ as savior. We can rejoice knowing the assurance of Jesus’ return and in our redemption from sin from His work on the cross.

Being patient in tribulation may be a little hard to do. Tribulation is a scary word. Other translations use the word ‘trouble’ or ‘affliction’ for ‘tribulation.’ It may soften the blow a little, but not much. The Greek word that is used here means, “a pressing, pressure, anything which burdens the spirit.” No matter how you look at it, being patient when you have any kind of trouble pressing down on you requires help from the Holy Spirit. And Christians have the Holy Spirit dwelling in them, another hope (a certainty) to rejoice in.

If we are devoted to prayer in our daily lives we will grow in our relationship with the Lord. If we are devoted to prayer our hope in Christ will be realized. If we are devoted to prayer we will feel the Holy Spirit working in our lives through every trial and tribulation. Let us start with being devoted to prayer.