pathoflifedevotions Information

Welcome!

Welcome to the Path of Life Daily Devotional–continuing for 2026–The Jesus Story!

The Pathsrp-experiment of Life daily devotions are designed to be an aid to daily prayer.  This year I am posting daily narratives from the Life of Christ, beginning with the Gospel of Mark.  Matthew’s Gospel was the source of devotions from March-May.  Dr. Luke’s account gives us June-August.  Next, we are wind up the Story with the Gospel of John from September-November.  December will feature the Christmas Story. As in all my devotions, I will use a single word title followed by a few selected verses on the subject, and concluding with  a prayer and a song.

Join me for a detailed walk through the Life of our Lord in this devotional form.  If you haven’t already “followed” these devotions, please select that button and register to receive email notification of each posting, including those at StevePhifer.com.  Let’s draw closer to the Savior in this year!

The Path of Life Daily Devotions work for morning or evening.
Start your day or end your day with an encouraging word.

Each devotion, in fact each article I write, ends with the same signature:
Semper Reformanda!
Stephen Phifer

Semper Reformanda!
Semper Reformanda! is my ministry motto. It means “Always Reforming.” The church must never stop progressing toward the Coming of the Lord. We must never cease to listen to what the Spirit is saying to the churches. We must never stop seeking God’s Face. We must never restrain from testing all things to see if they are from the Lord. This ongoing process requires a growing knowledge of what God has said and a listening ear to what God is saying. If we are not constantly vigilant in these things, our lives will be tossed about by the unrelenting winds of culture. If we are constantly available to the Spirit for instruction in righteousness, we will build our lives on the Rock! To me, Semper Reformanda! is each day’s work as we walk the Path of Life.

 You will show me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; At Your right hand are pleasures forevermore. (Psalm 16:11 NKJV)

To begin reading the devotions for this year go to the end of this article.

Semper Reformanda!
Stephen Phifer

Interested in Christian Worship and Spirituality?–That is my subject!  For an extensive of articles on Worship  and Worship Renewal Go To StevePhifer.com.

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pathoflifedevotions Devotions, March 18

March 9 “Righteousness”

Righteousness

“Righteousness,” today we have lost the full meaning of the word.
Let’s explore the defintions:

  • A common dictionary definition will report something like this: “acting in accord with divine or moral law; free from guilt or sin; morally right or justifiable.”
  • A biblical definition would most likely read: “the state of moral perfection required by God to enter heaven.”
  • The original Greek word translated as righteousness means: “the character or quality of being right or just”…”the righteousness of God” means essentially the same as His faithfulness, or truthfulness, that which is consistent with His own nature and promises.” (Vine’s Dictionary)

John knew what the word “repentance” meant so he protested when Jesus presented Himself for baptism in the Jordan River. He knew his cousin was free from sin. How did John know this? John was filled with the Holy Spirit, so it is most likely that the Spirit made John aware that Jesus had no need of repentance. It is likely also that his cousin would have been a topic of family conversation. John’s mother Elizabeth knew of the miraculous circumstances of Jesus’ birth. Surely the child’s progress from boyhood to manhood was monitored by Elizabeth and his unusual, flawless life would have been just another wonder to be discussed in hushed tones at family gatherings. So, John protested:

“I need to be baptized by You, and are You coming to me?”

John knew who Jesus was. From other sources we know that John declared Jesus to be the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world. Only a sinless Lamb could do that.

All Righteousness
The reply of Jesus to John’s protest tells us much:

“Permit it to be so now, for thus it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness.”

The baptism of Jesus was not one of repentance but of identification. Jesus came as the fulfillment of all the covenantal promises of God—all righteousness—the full and complete character of God. God’s faithfulness, God’s love, God’s mercy, God’s truth and even God’s justice were all fulfilled in Jesus. He had laid aside His omnipresence to be in only one place at time. He forewent His omniscience to know only what He observed through the five human senses and by the voice of the Spirit within. He surrendered His omnipotence to retain only the strength of his splendid, sin-free human body and mind and heart. But He maintained the love of God, the faithfulness of God, the mercy of God, and the truth of God in His earthly life. At the cross He would demonstrate the justice of God. Jesus fulfilled all righteousness and the dripping waters of Jordan raining from His clothes when He emerged from the river proved it.

His Father’s Voice
When Jesus emerged from the water, He saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove to land on His shoulder. I believe everyone saw the dove, too. The Dove lighted gently on one shoulder and remained there so still as the crowd took a gigantic unison breath. As if to prove what their eyes beheld, the Dove puffed up its chest and flapped its wings and walked across the strong back of Jesus’ neck to other shoulder and settled there. A low moan of awe came from the people watching this. Then something truly spectacular happened. A voice like thunder spoke from the heavens. Like thunder it was but the words were clearly understood:

“This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.”

Father, Son, and Spirit in perfect communion on the banks of the old river; it was a miracle witnessed by all who were there that day and one never forgotten by any.

Scriptures:
Matthew 3:13-17
Then Jesus came from Galilee to John at the Jordan to be baptized by him. And John tried to prevent Him, saying, “I need to be baptized by You, and are You coming to me?” But Jesus answered and said to him, “Permit it to be so now, for thus it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness.” Then he allowed Him. When He had been baptized, Jesus came up immediately from the water; and behold, the heavens were opened to Him, and He saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting upon Him. And suddenly a voice came from heaven, saying, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.”
Colossians 1:15-20; 2:9-10
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; and you are complete in Him, who is the head of all principality and power.

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, Your work on this earth was complete. Your love from heaven is without flaw or weakness. You truly fulfilled all righteousness as You walked this earth. Now, ruling from the Throne of Heaven, You fulfill all righteousness. You provide for those who trust in You and even for those who don’t believe and turn away. You have hemmed me in behind and before and laid Your hand upon me. I have a destiny in You and today I choose to walk in it. For Your glory, Lord! Amen.

Songs:
Christ Is My Everything
Traditional

Christ is my everything. Christ is my all.
Christ is my everything both great and small.
He gave His life for me, made everything new.
Christ is my everything, say, how about you?

He Is Lord
Traditional

He is Lord. He is Lord.
He has risen from the dead and He is Lord.
Every knee shall bow, every tongue confess
That Jesus Christ is Lord.

Semper Reformanda!
Stephen Phifer

© 2018 Stephen R. Phifer All Rights Reserved

TheJesusStory devotions are also found at KingdomWinds.com.
pathoflifedevotions Devotions, March 18

March 7 “Forerunner”

Forerunner

When the time came for Jesus to begin His earthly ministry, God sent a man ahead of Him to prepare the way.
His name was John. From other sources we learn that he was a cousin of Jesus. His father, Zacharius, was a member of the faithful remnant of priests in the Temple who were looking for Messiah. He was born to Zacharius and his mother Elizabeth in the later years of their lives—a miraculous birth. When Mary learned of her pregnancy, she visited Elizabeth and the Spirit of God filled the older woman when the child within her leapt at the sound of Mary’s voice. When both boys were grown into men, their lives would intersect in the waters of the Jordan River.

John the Forerunner
Jesus grew up in the north, in Galilee, separated from the apostasy and appeasement in the south in Jerusalem. John grew up in the south, an eyewitness to the sins of the nation and her leadership. He was filled with the Spirit from his mother’s womb. This equipped him with an awareness of the spiritual aspects of life. The sins of the nation and the wickedness of the entrenched leadership in the Temple propelled him to the desert. He abandoned the accepted norms of dress, preferring simple camel’s hair and a leather belt to cover his body. He fasted from a normal diet, preferring locusts and wild honey. The Spirit within him compelled him to speak, to cry out to an apostate nation to return to God. Repentance became his message, simple and direct with no ornamental soft pedaling. He waded into the Jordan River inviting those convicted by his message to join him there and plunge beneath the water as a public act of contrition. With no publicity, and no organization, people came and repented and were baptized.

His words spoken in the desert were repeated in the city to the discomfort of the political leaders. He was quoted in the Temple to the disturbance of the scribes and priests in their various sects and divisions. His call for repentance was heard by hungry souls and by angry men who saw him as a threat to their precious hold on power.

Repentance
John’s message began with repentance of sin but went well beyond that. His was a call to preparation for what God was about to do. He quoted the prophet Isaiah who predicted that the glory of the Lord would be revealed and they would see it. How this must have stirred the souls of the faithful remnant who were longing for Messiah and how it must have alarmed those whose hope was in the status quo. Something new was about to happen—get ready for it! Their God who was so active in their history was on the move in their day. Repentance meant more than being sorry for sins. It meant bringing down mountains of pride, building up valleys of apathy, straightening crooked roads of evil conduct, and smoothing out rough paths of carelessness. It meant changing the way you lived and thought. It meant opening up to the ways of God and putting away the ways of the flesh. It meant a new time was upon them, not one of God’s wrath, but one of God’s blessing and they could be a part of it if they chose to be.

Isaiah and John still speak today through the pages of Scripture. Repentance is still the start of a new life in God.

Scriptures:
Matthew 3:1-6
In those days John the Baptist came preaching in the wilderness of Judea, and saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand!” For this is he who was spoken of by the prophet Isaiah, saying: “The voice of one crying in the wilderness: ‘Prepare the way of the Lord ; Make His paths straight.'” Now John himself was clothed in camel’s hair, with a leather belt around his waist; and his food was locusts and wild honey. Then Jerusalem, all Judea, and all the region around the Jordan went out to him and were baptized by him in the Jordan, confessing their sins.
Isaiah 40:1-9
“Comfort, yes, comfort My people!” Says your God. “Speak comfort to Jerusalem, and cry out to her, That her warfare is ended, That her iniquity is pardoned; For she has received from the Lord ‘s hand Double for all her sins.” The voice of one crying in the wilderness: “Prepare the way of the Lord; Make straight in the desert A highway for our God. Every valley shall be exalted And every mountain and hill brought low; The crooked places shall be made straight And the rough places smooth; The glory of the Lord shall be revealed, And all flesh shall see it together; For the mouth of the Lord has spoken.” The voice said, “Cry out!” And he said, “What shall I cry?” “All flesh is grass, And all its loveliness is like the flower of the field. The grass withers, the flower fades, Because the breath of the Lord blows upon it; Surely the people are grass. The grass withers, the flower fades, But the word of our God stands forever.” O Zion, You who bring good tidings, Get up into the high mountain; O Jerusalem, You who bring good tidings, Lift up your voice with strength, Lift it up, be not afraid; Say to the cities of Judah, “Behold your God!”

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, the words of Isaiah and John the Baptist still sound in my heart. I must prepare for the days ahead. Help me bring down the mountains in my mind that exalt themselves against Your plan for my life. I want to build up the deep valleys of my ignorance of Your Word and Your ways. Lord, my ways are often rough; smooth them, Lord. Holy Spirit where the road I have taken causes me to veer off the path, straighten me up! Lord, I want to see Your glory revealed to all. Make my life Your highway through this desert! Amen and Amen.

Song:
Just As I Am
Words: Charlotte Elliot; Music: William B. Bradbury

1. Just as I am, without one plea, but that thy blood was shed for me,
and that thou bidd’st me come to thee, O Lamb of God, I come, I come.

2. Just as I am, and waiting not to rid my soul of one dark blot,
to thee, whose blood can cleanse each spot, O Lamb of God, I come, I come.

3. Just as I am, though tossed about with many a conflict, many a doubt,
fightings and fears within, without, O Lamb of God, I come, I come.

4. Just as I am, thou wilt receive, wilt welcome, pardon, cleanse, relieve;
because thy promise I believe, O Lamb of God, I come, I come.

Semper Reformanda!
Stephen Phifer

© 2018 Stephen R. Phifer All Rights Reserved

TheJesusStory devotions are also found at KingdomWinds.com.
pathoflifedevotions Devotions, February 18

February 28 “Commission”

Commission

Some things are so very real, they can only be seen with eyes of faith.
With repeated appearances to those who had loved and followed Him, Jesus convinced them all that He was, indeed, back from the dead. He gently rebuked those who failed to believe the good reports from the first witnesses. After all, He had told them this was going to happen!

From other sources we know that He did meet with the disciples in Galilee. On one occasion He met with the Eleven and those wonderful women and convinced even the skeptical Thomas that he was back and His power was greater than ever. He could appear and disappear at will and could pass through walls without effort.

We cannot imagine the joy of the followers of Jesus to have Him back. But this was not the end of surprises. There were always surprises with Jesus! It seemed He wasn’t planning on staying. Later they would realize that He had come to earth to complete a two-fold mission:

  1. To show people what their God was really like, and,
  2. To redeem the sins of the world so that we could walk with God in this life.

That two-fold mission had been accomplished and it was time for Him to return to the throne room of God in heaven.

There was one more thing that He had to do: Commission His followers to continue His work in the earth. His story had to be told to the whole world and they, and those who came to know Him through their ministry, were the ones to tell it. He condensed the mission into a single statement and a promise:

“Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned.”

“Gospel” means “Good News.”

  • In a world in the iron grip of Rome, Good News was needed.
  • In every epoch of time since the ancient world existed, Good News has been needed.
  • Any type of news rooted in man’s character will eventually be found to be corrupt.
  • Any message based on the intellect of man will present only partial solutions since the knowledge of mankind is inadequate.
  • Any hope of staving off disease that rests in man will itself be found infected with sin.

Death rules man as it always had until that day at the empty tomb. The only source of Good News is the Gospel of Christ.

The Power of the Holy Spirit
The Jesus story is not complete without the story of the Holy Spirit. Jesus did not commission us to go out in our own power! He sends us the Holy Spirit to make us holy and empower us to be His witnesses. We should expect the demonstration of the Spirit when we tell His story. We will be protected from harm as we go and signs will follow as we pass through this life preaching the Gospel. Demons cannot stop us for we can call on Jesus’ name. The sick will be healed as we pray in Jesus’ name. Wild animals and poison will not even slow us down.

Having spoken His final words to them until the Holy Spirit would come upon them and bring His words back to them as needed, He made His exit into the welcoming skies. Heaven took Him back and He resumed His rightful place at the right hand of Majesty on High.

What did they do then? They waited in Jerusalem until they received “power from on high” and they went out and preached His Story everywhere. The Lord was with them confirming the Word with miraculous signs. Amen.

Scripture:
Mark 16:14-20
Later He appeared to the eleven as they sat at the table; and He rebuked their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they did not believe those who had seen Him after He had risen. And He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned. And these signs will follow those who believe: In My name they will cast out demons; they will speak with new tongues; they will take up serpents; and if they drink anything deadly, it will by no means hurt them; they will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover.” So then, after the Lord had spoken to them, He was received up into heaven, and sat down at the right hand of God. And they went out and preached everywhere, the Lord working with them and confirming the word through the accompanying signs. Amen.

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, I have heard Your call to follow You. I have obeyed that call. I hear Your call to tell Your story, to preach the Good News about You in every possible way. I will fear no demons or dangers, no sickness or setbacks, no opposition or lack of opportunity. I will follow and I will tell. I receive Your Holy Spirit to make me holy, Your power to make me mighty, and Your love to make me lovable. Use me, all of me, my gifts and my gaffs, my head and heart and hands to do your work. Thank You, Lord. Thank You.

Song:
We’ve a Story to Tell to the Nations
Words and Music: H. Ernest Nichol

1. We’ve a story to tell to the nations, that shall turn their hearts to the right,
a story of truth and mercy, a story of peace and light, a story of peace and light.

Refrain:
For the darkness shall turn to dawning, and the dawning to noonday bright,
and Christ’s great kingdom shall come on earth, the kingdom of love and light.

2. We’ve a song to be sung to the nations, that shall lift their hearts to the Lord,
a song that shall conquer evil and shatter the spear and sword, and shatter the spear and sword.

Refrain

3. We’ve a message to give to the nations, that the Lord who reigneth above
has sent us His Son to save us, and show us that God is love, and show us that God is love.

Refrain

4 We’ve a Savior to show to the nations, who the path of sorrow has trod,
that all of the world’s great peoples may come to the truth of God, may come to the truth of God.

Refrain

Semper Reformanda!
Stephen Phifer

© 2018 Stephen R. Phifer All Rights Reserved

TheJesusStory devotions are also found at KingdomWinds.com.

pathoflifedevotions Devotions, February 18

February 27 “Victory”

Victory

When you have seen something with your own eyes, it is most difficult to believe otherwise. 
And so it was with the first witnesses to the resurrection of Jesus. With their own eyes they had witnessed His death. After His body was taken down from the cross, the women who loved and followed Jesus had hastily prepared His lifeless form for the tomb. After the Sabbath had come and gone, they returned to do proper service to the body of their Lord.

We cannot imagine the grief they experienced that Saturday. Each of the women had received countless undeniable blessings from the hands of Jesus.

  • Mary and Martha of Bethany had seen their dead and decaying brother, Lazarus, come waddling out of his own tomb, wrapped in grave clothes, at the command of Jesus! How could the One who was the Master of death, be overcome by death? It made no sense, but they had seen the still body of Jesus for themselves and handled it in preparation for its rest in Joseph’s tomb.
  • Mary Magdalene had been delivered from the violence of seven demon spirits at Jesus’ command. Now His voice was stilled and she had to wonder if the forgiveness He had granted was just an illusion. Was she still in her sins?
  • From other accounts, we know that Jesus’ mother, Mary, was at the cross when he died. Without doubt she was among the women who went, early that Resurrection morning, to visit the tomb.

They went to the tomb not knowing how they would roll away the huge stone placed over the entrance by the Roman soldiers. There was little logic in their mission but they were compelled to make the effort.

When they arrived, they saw that the stone was already moved. Their first thoughts were that someone had stolen His body. Cautiously, they entered the tomb. A young man dressed in brilliant white robes was standing on the right side of the large flat stone where the body of Jesus should have been. Startled, they shrank back in fear. His voice was both commanding and soothing

“Do not be alarmed. You seek Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified.
He is risen! He is not here.”

They did not, they could not, move. From other accounts we know that the linen in which the body was wrapped lay flat on the stone, as if it had been deflated. The linen that had covered His head was folded neatly at the head of the stone. The body was gone but this was not the work of mortals.

“See the place where they laid Him. But go, tell His disciples — and Peter — that He is going before you into Galilee; there you will see Him, as He said to you.”

The man spoke with an authority very much like that of Jesus Himself, so they knew they must obey. They ran from the tomb but shared this experience with no one. Who would believe it, anyway?”

Other Witnesses
Mary Magdalene was the first to actually see the risen Lord. She told the other followers of Jesus, but in the depth of their grief, there was no way for them to ascend to the level of this truth. They could not believe what they were hearing; they knew what their eyes had seen. When He appeared to two of them as they were walking, the two were convinced but even this was not enough to counter the witness of the eyes.

The world’s greatest victory had been won and so many could not see it. We are all witnesses to the reality of death. It is for us to see the Risen Lord with eyes of faith.

Scripture:
Mark 16: 1-13
Now when the Sabbath was past, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought spices, that they might come and anoint Him. Very early in the morning, on the first day of the week, they came to the tomb when the sun had risen. And they said among themselves, “Who will roll away the stone from the door of the tomb for us?” But when they looked up, they saw that the stone had been rolled away — for it was very large. And entering the tomb, they saw a young man clothed in a long white robe sitting on the right side; and they were alarmed. But he said to them, “Do not be alarmed. You seek Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He is risen! He is not here. See the place where they laid Him. But go, tell His disciples — and Peter — that He is going before you into Galilee; there you will see Him, as He said to you.” So they went out quickly and fled from the tomb, for they trembled and were amazed. And they said nothing to anyone, for they were afraid. Now when He rose early on the first day of the week, He appeared first to Mary Magdalene, out of whom He had cast seven demons. She went and told those who had been with Him, as they mourned and wept. And when they heard that He was alive and had been seen by her, they did not believe. After that, He appeared in another form to two of them as they walked and went into the country. And they went and told it to the rest, but they did not believe them either.

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, you told Thomas that those who believe in Your resurrection without actually seeing You, would be blessed. I am in that number. I believe You conquered death. I believe You hold the keys of death, hell, and the grave. I believe that death has been swallowed up in victory. I believe that my loved ones who have departed this life are with You now enjoying life everlasting. I believe that to be absent from the body is to be present with You. I believe that You are the Lord of the living. Through Your grace, I walk each day in newness of life! The Lord is risen—He is risen, indeed! Amen!

Song:
Christ Arose!
Words and Music: Robert Lowry

1. Low in the grave he lay, Jesus my Savior,
waiting the coming day, Jesus my Lord!

Refrain:
Up from the grave he arose;
with a mighty triumph o’er his foes;
he arose a victor from the dark domain,
and he lives forever, with his saints to reign.
He arose! He arose! Hallelujah! Christ arose!

2. Vainly they watch his bed, Jesus my Savior,
vainly they seal the dead, Jesus my Lord!

Refrain

3. Death cannot keep its prey, Jesus my Savior;
he tore the bars away, Jesus my Lord!

Refrain

Semper Reformanda!
Stephen Phifer

© 2018 Stephen R. Phifer All Rights Reserved

TheJesusStory devotions are also found at KingdomWinds.com.

pathoflifedevotions Devotions, February 18

February 26 “Calvary”

Calvary

Due to its remarkable shape, Golgotha was called the place of the skull.
It was a place where lives were ended in blood and shame. On this day it would live up to its image and name.

Roman soldiers paraded Jesus through the city streets and out of the city gates with whips and curses to the delight of the mob. Perhaps growing weary of the excessive time this duty was wasting, they conscripted a man, Simon from Cyrene, to help Jesus bear the cross. Arriving at the place of execution they offered Jesus a sedative to dull the pain. He refused it. With practiced efficiency the soldiers nailed Jesus to the wooden beams by His hands and feet and lifted Him to the sky. Criminals received the same, one on either side of Him, fulfilling an ancient prophecy.

“And He was numbered with the transgressors.”

The soldiers also nailed the indictment made against Jesus to the top of the cross. It read:

THE KING OF THE JEWS.

The crowd, enraged by this proclamation, began to revile Him, taunting Him with cruel words designed to pierce His heart just as the nails pierced his body:

“Aha! You who destroy the temple and build it in three days, save Yourself,
and come down from the cross!”
“He saved others; Himself He cannot save. Let the Christ, the King of Israel,
descend now from the cross, that we may see and believe.”

The soldiers gambled for what was left of His clothes. It was the third hour of the day.

Six hours later, Jesus replied, not to His tormentors, but to His father:

“…Why have you forsaken me?

Someone soaked a sponge in sour wine and, using a stick, raised to His mouth. He did not drink it. He cried out again with a loud voice and it was over. From other sources we know that all of creation cried out at His death in storms and darkness and earthquakes. Struggling to keep his footing upon the shaking soil and in the driving wind, a Roman soldier realized that this was no criminal.

“Truly this Man was the Son of God!”

Meanwhile, at the Temple
Far away from Golgotha, deep in the heart of the Temple, a heavy veil designed to isolate the Holy Presence of God from an unholy world, trembled and tore from the top to the bottom. The Old Covenant with a loving God held hostage in the Holy of Holies by the sins of mankind, broke out of this confinement. A New Covenant was now in force made secure by the innocent blood of Jesus shed at Calvary. Now the New Temple of God, His dwelling place on earth, would not be in houses of stone, but in hearts of flesh, redeemed human hearts! The church would be His dwelling place in the earth by His Spirit.

At Calvary the women who followed Him looked on as His body was taken down. Unknown to them, a friend on the council, Joseph of Arimathea, arranged with Pilate to have the body of Jesus placed in His tomb. The women rushed to do what they could before the Sabbath began.

Scripture:
Mark 15: 21-41
Then they compelled a certain man, Simon a Cyrenian, the father of Alexander and Rufus, as he was coming out of the country and passing by, to bear His cross. And they brought Him to the place Golgotha, which is translated, Place of a Skull. Then they gave Him wine mingled with myrrh to drink, but He did not take it. And when they crucified Him, they divided His garments, casting lots for them to determine what every man should take. Now it was the third hour, and they crucified Him. And the inscription of His accusation was written above:
THE KING OF THE JEWS. With Him they also crucified two robbers, one on His right and the other on His left. So the Scripture was fulfilled which says, “And He was numbered with the transgressors.” And those who passed by blasphemed Him, wagging their heads and saying, “Aha! You who destroy the temple and build it in three days, save Yourself, and come down from the cross!” Likewise the chief priests also, mocking among themselves with the scribes, said, “He saved others; Himself He cannot save. Let the Christ, the King of Israel, descend now from the cross, that we may see and believe.” Even those who were crucified with Him reviled Him. Now when the sixth hour had come, there was darkness over the whole land until the ninth hour. And at the ninth hour Jesus cried out with a loud voice, saying, “Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani?” which is translated, “My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?” Some of those who stood by, when they heard that, said, “Look, He is calling for Elijah!” Then someone ran and filled a sponge full of sour wine, put it on a reed, and offered it to Him to drink, saying, “Let Him alone; let us see if Elijah will come to take Him down.” And Jesus cried out with a loud voice, and breathed His last. Then the veil of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. So when the centurion, who stood opposite Him, saw that He cried out like this and breathed His last, he said, “Truly this Man was the Son of God!” There were also women looking on from afar, among whom were Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James the Less and of Joses, and Salome, who also followed Him and ministered to Him when He was in Galilee, and many other women who came up with Him to Jerusalem. Now when evening had come, because it was the Preparation Day, that is, the day before the Sabbath, Joseph of Arimathea, a prominent council member, who was himself waiting for the kingdom of God, coming and taking courage, went in to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus. Pilate marveled that He was already dead; and summoning the centurion, he asked him if He had been dead for some time. So when he found out from the centurion, he granted the body to Joseph. Then he bought fine linen, took Him down, and wrapped Him in the linen. And he laid Him in a tomb which had been hewn out of the rock, and rolled a stone against the door of the tomb. And Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of Joses observed where He was laid.

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, may I never forget that day, the day You paid the full price for all my sins and those of everyone everywhere. With every voice of thunder I hear, may I remember that storm that day as all creation—Your handiwork!—shook in protest to Your death. Help me remember that when You said “It is finished!” it really was. There is nothing I can do to earn my salvation. As the song says, “Jesus paid it all. All to Him I owe.” Thank You, Lord! Amen and Amen.

Song:
He Could Have Called Ten Thousand Angels
Words and Music: Ray Overholt

1. They bound the hands of Jesus in the Garden where He prayed.
They led Him through the streets in shame.
They spat upon on the Savior so pure and free from sin.
They said “Crucify Him. He’s to blame.”

Refrain:
He could have called ten thousand angels
To destroy the world and set Him free.
He could have called ten thousand angels
But He died alone for You and me.

2. Upon His precious head they place a crown of thorns
They laughed and said, “Behold, the King.”
They struck Him and they cursed Him
And mocked His holy name.
All alone He suffered everything.

3. When they nailed Him to the cross
His mother stood nearby.
He said, “Woman, behold thy son!
He cried, “I thirst for water.”
They gave Him none to drink.
Then the sinful work of man was done.

4. To the howling mob He yielded He did not for mercy cry.
And when He cried, “It’s finished,”
He gave Himself to die.
Salvation’s wondrous plan was done.

Refrain

Semper Reformanda!
Stephen Phifer

© 2018 Stephen R. Phifer All Rights Reserved

TheJesusStory devotions are also found at KingdomWinds.com.

pathoflifedevotions Devotions, February 18

February 25 “Pilate”

Pilate cared nothing for the religion of the people. He had two goals: control and peace.
The problem with control was that everybody wanted it. The challenge of peace was balancing all the groups competing for control. As the sun rose and Pilate attended to his morning routine, he had no idea he would make history that day.

The leaders in the Temple held an early morning meeting to prepare their presentation of Jesus to Pilate. How could they present Jesus as a threat, not just to their control mechanisms, but to those of Rome itself? They strengthened the bonds on Jesus’ hands and feet and shuffled Him into Pilate’s court. Hearing their confused case against this beaten, powerless man, Pilate was faintly amused that such a one could cause such a stir. In a voice dripping with irony he asked,

“Are You the King of the Jews?”

Jesus looked up, his face already showing deep bruises.

“It is as you say.”

It was like a punchline to a joke. Pilate smiled in spite of himself thinking, “Yes, this is the kind of king these miserable people would have!” Choking back his contempt for these accusers, Pilate listened to their conflicting testimonies, accusing Jesus of outrageous but harmless things, matters of great importance to these small-minded leaders but of no consequence to Rome. When Jesus did not attempt to answer their charges, Pilate began to be more interested in this man. He marveled that this one so eloquent in reputation would be so mute in court.

Barabbas
There was a custom at the time of the feast. To appease the people and maintain control without force, a prisoner could be released. They were holding a rebel, named Barabbas, who had committed murder. Pilate offered him to the people. The people, stirred by the priests, called for Jesus instead. Pilate knew that envy was the driving force behind the priests and other leaders. Here was a man they could not control so their fragile peace was threatened. To be sure, Pilate made the question clear:

“What then do you want me to do with Him whom you call the King of the Jews?”

As if on a conductor’s cue, a shout of “Crucify Him!” became a rhythmic chant. Pilate’s protests of the innocence of Jesus could barely be heard over the chant. Pilate, for the sake of control and for the hope of peace, released Barabbas and delivered Jesus to the mob. Roman soldiers tied Jesus to a whipping post and did their worst. They took Him to headquarters to mock Him publicly, stripping Him and putting on Him a purple robe. They twisted a crown of thorns and jammed it onto His head. They struck Him with a rod and pretended to worship Him. Finally tiring of their sport, they removed the “kingly” purple robe, put His own clothes back on Him, and led Him off to be crucified.

Neither Pilate nor the cruel soldiers knew that the blood they spilled that day would someday save the world.

Scripture:
Mark 15: 1-20
Immediately, in the morning, the chief priests held a consultation with the elders and scribes and the whole council; and they bound Jesus, led Him away, and delivered Him to Pilate. Then Pilate asked Him, “Are You the King of the Jews?” He answered and said to him, “It is as you say.” And the chief priests accused Him of many things, but He answered nothing. Then Pilate asked Him again, saying, “Do You answer nothing? See how many things they testify against You!” But Jesus still answered nothing, so that Pilate marveled. Now at the feast he was accustomed to releasing one prisoner to them, whomever they requested. And there was one named Barabbas, who was chained with his fellow rebels; they had committed murder in the rebellion. Then the multitude, crying aloud, began to ask him to do just as he had always done for them. But Pilate answered them, saying, “Do you want me to release to you the King of the Jews?” For he knew that the chief priests had handed Him over because of envy. But the chief priests stirred up the crowd, so that he should rather release Barabbas to them. Pilate answered and said to them again, “What then do you want me to do with Him whom you call the King of the Jews?” So they cried out again, “Crucify Him!” Then Pilate said to them, “Why, what evil has He done?” But they cried out all the more, “Crucify Him!” So Pilate, wanting to gratify the crowd, released Barabbas to them; and he delivered Jesus, after he had scourged Him, to be crucified. Then the soldiers led Him away into the hall called Praetorium, and they called together the whole garrison. And they clothed Him with purple; and they twisted a crown of thorns, put it on His head, and began to salute Him, “Hail, King of the Jews!” Then they struck Him on the head with a reed and spat on Him; and bowing the knee, they worshiped Him. And when they had mocked Him, they took the purple off Him, put His own clothes on Him, and led Him out to crucify Him.

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, sometimes I feel that I am a victim of injustice. Sometimes, for the sake of Your Kingdom, I suffer for the sins of others. This is nothing new. The Bible warns us that we will join the “fellowship of Your sufferings”—suffering when we are innocent. However, none of us will ever suffer the level of injustice that You endured that day, not even close! Yet, You share Your strength to endure with us. Help us take joy in this privilege. With it comes the joy of knowing You better. Amen.

Song:
I Find No Fault in Him
Words and Music: Andrea Crouch

They led Christ to Calvary
And He spoke not one word.
Just the cries of lost sinners
Was all my Savior heard.
Then they pierced Him so deep in His side
Until the Blood came streaming down.
And that’s how Jesus purchased my salvation
And I find to fault in Him.

I find no fault in Him, I find no fault in Him,
Yet He was rejected, despised of men.
But I find no fault in Him.

Semper Reformanda!
Stephen Phifer

© 2018 Stephen R. Phifer All Rights Reserved

TheJesusStory devotions are also found at KingdomWinds.com.
pathoflifedevotions Devotions

February 24 “Peter”

Peter

Peter wanted to run away from the sounds of torture from the Chief Priests’ court, but his heart would not let him. 
Every blow from the open palm of a guard brought shouts of approval from the blood thirsty crowd. Every taunt from bold individuals in the mob brought laughter and derision. Peter listened for some sort of sound from the voice he knew so well, the voice that had said, “Follow me.” Would he indeed follow Jesus, even in this? Of all the chosen men, only he was close enough to hear the terrible sounds coming from inside.

The fire did little to warm Peter in this cold pre-dawn drama. He was careful not to stand close enough for his face to be clearly seen. Suddenly, a brand in the fire fell creating a shower of sparks, illuminating Peter’s face. He quickly jumped back, out of the light, but not before a servant girl belonging to one of the priests caught a good look at his face. Her voice brought the action out of the inner chamber into the servant’s court.

“You also were with Jesus of Nazareth.”

First, Peter panicked and then, gathering his thoughts, he shifted farther into the shadows and denied what the girl had said. This brought more unwanted attention to him. He moved away from the fire completely; better the cold than to be recognized. In his mind, he could see the servants calling inside to their masters, “Here he is! Here is one of his men!” Peter could see himself bound and beaten too. “Follow me.”

Just then a loud noise came from the trial and all the attention shifted back to the other chamber. Peter took a deep breath, the first, it seemed, in quite a while. He climbed to an elevated porch, seeking anonymity. It was not to be. A rooster crowed, signally the coming of the day. Peter was so startled by the sound he froze in the light of a nearby torch. The same servant girl was there and called him out again. Again he denied her charge.

Things settled down for a while. People had more interesting things to think about than this one man hiding in the fleeting shadows. The sun, unhindered by the clouds that would later that day hide its face, began softly lighting the eastern sky. There was no place to hide. This time, several onlookers recognized Peter. They put the accent together with the face and remembered that Jesus and His men were from Galilee.

“Surely you are one of them; for you are a Galilean, and your speech shows it.”

Trapped, there was only one course of action for Peter to prove he was not a follower of Jesus, the man known for eloquent speech and powerful blessings; he began to curse. Language he had seldom used at sea came flooding out of his mouth. With obscene vows he swore that he did not know this man, Jesus.

At that moment a second rooster called to the rising sun. The raucous sound of the bird and the sounds of torture a few feet away were all drowned in Peter’s hearing by the memory of the sad words of Jesus:

“Before the rooster crows twice, you will deny Me three times.”

There was nothing Peter could do now. He too, abandoned Jesus to the authorities. He ran from the servant’s court hiding tears that he could not control.

Scriptures:
Mark 14:66-72
Now as Peter was below in the courtyard, one of the servant girls of the high priest came. And when she saw Peter warming himself, she looked at him and said, “You also were with Jesus of Nazareth.” But he denied it, saying, “I neither know nor understand what you are saying.” And he went out on the porch, and a rooster crowed. And the servant girl saw him again, and began to say to those who stood by, “This is one of them.” But he denied it again. And a little later those who stood by said to Peter again, “Surely you are one of them; for you are a Galilean, and your speech shows it.” Then he began to curse and swear, “I do not know this Man of whom you speak!” A second time the rooster crowed. Then Peter called to mind the word that Jesus had said to him, “Before the rooster crows twice, you will deny Me three times.” And when he thought about it, he wept.

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, the shame of Peter’s denial has touched believers since that terrible night in the servant’s court. Why? Because He was so bold! He declared that You were Messiah. He walked on water! He saw Your glory on the mountain of transfiguration. If he could fail You so miserably, what hope is there for us? Yet there is hope for us. You are that hope. Your Spirit now dwells within us to give us strength. We know about the resurrection! You will make us strong in the time of trial. Thank You, Lord! Amen.

Song:
Keep Me True
Traditional

Keep me true, Lord Jesus, keep me true.
Keep me true, Lord Jesus, keep me true.
There’s a race that I must run.
There are victories to be won.
Every hour, by Thy power,
Keep me true.

Semper Reformanda!
Stephen Phifer

© 2018 Stephen R. Phifer All Rights Reserved

TheJesusStory devotions are also found at KingdomWinds.com.
pathoflifedevotions Devotions, February 18

February 22 “Garden”

Garden

Gethsemane means “oil press,” a place where harvested olives were put under pressure to release their essence.
This garden was situated at the foot of the Mount of Olives. It was a preferred place of prayer for Jesus. The disciples were exhausted. Following Jesus was harder work than fishing or collecting taxes or any of the other occupations they had known since Jesus had looked at each of them and said the words from which there was no return, “Follow me.” Of late, His teaching was most disturbing. They were glad when He told them to wait while He and the inner circle went deeper into the garden to pray. The eight remaining behind were glad for once not to be included with Peter, James, and John.

The three followed Jesus deep into the garden when He suddenly fell to the earth. This was more than exhaustion—this was sorrow, a deeper sorrow than they had ever seen in Jesus.

“My soul is exceedingly sorrowful, even to death. Stay here and watch.”

Now it was their turn to stop and wait as Jesus struggled to His feet and continued His lonely vigil. He was not so far away that they could not hear Him praying. He prayed desperately for this hour to pass and leave Him untouched. They heard Him cry out to His Father to take this cup of suffering away. They waited in the deep silence that followed this petition for some answer from heaven. None came. When Jesus spoke again, His voice was stronger. The decision had been made.

“…nevertheless, not what I will, but what You will.”

Relieved by this, the trio drifted into an unrestful sleep. Jesus returned to them, not all surprised to find them sleeping. He was strong now, Himself again. The press had done its work. He teased them awake announcing the approach of Judas.

While He was still speaking, Judas led the religious leaders and their military escort, armed to the teeth, into the garden. He had prearranged a signal, a kiss. With the greeting, “Rabbi!” he delivered it and the authorities went to work. In the brief violence one of the disciples drew a sword and sliced off the ear of a guard. Jesus noted the irony of the moment. It was all so unnecessary.

“Have you come out, as against a robber, with swords and clubs to take Me? I was daily with you in the temple teaching, and you did not seize Me. But the Scriptures must be fulfilled.”

When the disciples saw there was no fighting to be done they fled the garden, one leaving his clothes behind. They left Jesus to the mercy of His enemies, just as He had predicted they would. Only Judas was left. His face betrayed his growing regret. Whatever he had expected did not happen.

The leaders were gleeful. The guards were cruel. The Disciples were in hiding. Jesus was resolved. The night was young.

Scriptures:
Mark 14:32-52
Then they came to a place which was named Gethsemane; and He said to His disciples, “Sit here while I pray.” And He took Peter, James, and John with Him, and He began to be troubled and deeply distressed. Then He said to them, “My soul is exceedingly sorrowful, even to death. Stay here and watch.” He went a little farther, and fell on the ground, and prayed that if it were possible, the hour might pass from Him. And He said, “Abba, Father, all things are possible for You. Take this cup away from Me; nevertheless, not what I will, but what You will.” Then He came and found them sleeping, and said to Peter, “Simon, are you sleeping? Could you not watch one hour? Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” Again He went away and prayed, and spoke the same words. And when He returned, He found them asleep again, for their eyes were heavy; and they did not know what to answer Him. Then He came the third time and said to them, “Are you still sleeping and resting? It is enough! The hour has come; behold, the Son of Man is being betrayed into the hands of sinners. Rise, let us be going. See, My betrayer is at hand.” And immediately, while He was still speaking, Judas, one of the twelve, with a great multitude with swords and clubs, came from the chief priests and the scribes and the elders. Now His betrayer had given them a signal, saying, “Whomever I kiss, He is the One; seize Him and lead Him away safely.” As soon as he had come, immediately he went up to Him and said to Him, “Rabbi, Rabbi!” and kissed Him. Then they laid their hands on Him and took Him. And one of those who stood by drew his sword and struck the servant of the high priest, and cut off his ear. Then Jesus answered and said to them, “Have you come out, as against a robber, with swords and clubs to take Me? I was daily with you in the temple teaching, and you did not seize Me. But the Scriptures must be fulfilled.” Then they all forsook Him and fled. Now a certain young man followed Him, having a linen cloth thrown around his naked body. And the young men laid hold of him, and he left the linen cloth and fled from them naked.

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, never has anyone on earth known the depth of isolation that You knew in that garden. The soft breezes through the familiar trees could not cool your brow heated by sweat turned to blood. When You called out to Your Father for relief no answer came. There was no turning back, no other course to take. The Father’s will was clear. In the pain and loneliness of the garden, the Father’s will became Yours. Help me to always do the same. Amen.

Song:
What Wondrous Love Is This?
Anonymous

1. What wondrous love is this, O my soul, O my soul!
What wondrous love is this, O my soul!
What wondrous love is this, that caused the Lord of bliss
to bear the dreadful curse for my soul, for my soul,
to bear the dreadful curse for my soul.

2. When I was sinking down, sinking down, sinking down,
when I was sinking down, O my soul!
When I was sinking down beneath God’s righteous frown,
Christ laid aside His crown for my soul, for my soul,
Christ laid aside His crown for my soul.

3. To God and to the Lamb, I will sing, I will sing;
to God and to the Lamb, I will sing.
To God and to the Lamb who is the great “I AM,”
while millions join the theme, I will sing, I will sing,
while millions join the theme, I will sing.

Semper Reformanda!
Stephen Phifer

© 2018 Stephen R. Phifer All Rights Reserved

TheJesusStory devotions are also found at KingdomWinds.com.
pathoflifedevotions Devotions, February 18

February 21 “Supper”

Supper

This would not be just another meal together. It would be miraculous and meaningful from the first to the last.
Never knowing for sure what Jesus would do from one moment to the next, the Twelve were sure of one thing: it was time for the Passover meal. They asked Jesus what they should do. He chose two of them to go ahead to find a place. Events unfolded just as Jesus said they would and the meal was prepared in a borrowed upper room.

As the familiar meal progressed, Jesus made a remarkable statement:

“…one of you who eats with Me will betray Me.”

First there was a moment of disbelieving silence. Then there was a chorus of denials and personal questions, “Master is it I?” Each of them knew that he was capable of such a horrible thing and hoped against hope that he would not be the guilty one. Surely only someone not of their group would do such a thing. Jesus insisted it was one the Twelve sharing that meal, that night. Sorrow filled the upper room as heads shook from side to side in disbelief and hearts raced with fear. Who could or would do such a thing? What would Jesus do to him? As if He heard their hearts, Jesus went on:

“…woe to that man by whom the Son of Man is betrayed! It would have been good for that man if he had never been born.”

All hunger was gone as the ceremonial food and wine graced the table before them. Jesus took the unleavened bread and broke it, blessed it, and distributed it to each of the men.

“Take, eat; this is My body.”

He took the cup of wine, gave thanks and gave it to each of them and each of them drank from it. He said it represented His blood, that of a New Covenant. He would not eat or drink again until the Kingdom was established. They sang a hymn and returned to a Garden on the side of the Mount of Olives where Jesus loved to pray.

The mood was a somber one and no one spoke, each man lost in his own thoughts and fears.
Jesus broke the heavy silence:

“All of you will be made to stumble because of Me this night, for it is written: ‘I will strike the Shepherd, And the sheep will be scattered.’ But after I have been raised, I will go before you to Galilee.”

This was too much for Peter. His shouted protest sent roosting birds flying from their nests, breaking the solemnity of the evening.

“Even if all are made to stumble, yet I will not be.”

The eleven disciples lowered their heads in embarrassment for Peter. For all his boast, he was no better than the rest of them. Jesus smiled at Peter, that disarming smile that tore away a man’s pride.

“…even this night, before the rooster crows twice, you will deny Me three times.”

Peter was insulted now and spoke even louder, the noise of a man unsure of his own heart.

“If I have to die with You, I will not deny You!”

Peter’s blustery courage seemed to infect the others and they aligned with him, agreeing that none of them would ever do such a thing. No one noticed that Judas had slipped away into the night.

Scriptures:
Mark 14: 12-31
Now on the first day of Unleavened Bread, when they killed the Passover lamb, His disciples said to Him, “Where do You want us to go and prepare, that You may eat the Passover?” And He sent out two of His disciples and said to them, “Go into the city, and a man will meet you carrying a pitcher of water; follow him. Wherever he goes in, say to the master of the house, ‘The Teacher says, “Where is the guest room in which I may eat the Passover with My disciples?”‘ Then he will show you a large upper room, furnished and prepared; there make ready for us.” So His disciples went out, and came into the city, and found it just as He had said to them; and they prepared the Passover. In the evening He came with the twelve. Now as they sat and ate, Jesus said, “Assuredly, I say to you, one of you who eats with Me will betray Me.” And they began to be sorrowful, and to say to Him one by one, “Is it I?” And another said, “Is it I?” He answered and said to them, “It is one of the twelve, who dips with Me in the dish. The Son of Man indeed goes just as it is written of Him, but woe to that man by whom the Son of Man is betrayed! It would have been good for that man if he had never been born.” And as they were eating, Jesus took bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to them and said, “Take, eat; this is My body.” Then He took the cup, and when He had given thanks He gave it to them, and they all drank from it. And He said to them, “This is My blood of the new covenant, which is shed for many. Assuredly, I say to you, I will no longer drink of the fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it new in the kingdom of God.” And when they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives. Then Jesus said to them, “All of you will be made to stumble because of Me this night, for it is written: ‘I will strike the Shepherd, And the sheep will be scattered.’ “But after I have been raised, I will go before you to Galilee.” Peter said to Him, “Even if all are made to stumble, yet I will not be.” Jesus said to him, “Assuredly, I say to you that today, even this night, before the rooster crows twice, you will deny Me three times.” But he spoke more vehemently, “If I have to die with You, I will not deny You!” And they all said likewise.

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, may my courage never prove to be only bluster. My heart’s desire is to follow wherever You may lead. You know this already and You also know that I am only human. My deeds sometimes stray from my intentions. You know my heart and all its secrets. I invite Your Holy Spirit there to do the work only He can do. I have eaten the bread and drank from the cup You instituted that night. Sanctify them by your Holy Spirit to be for me the substance and life of You, Lord Jesus, “the holy food and drink of new and unending life.” Amen.

Song:
In Love for Me
Words: Carol Owens. Music: Jimmy Owens

This is my body, broken for you,
Bringing you wholeness, making you free.
Take it and eat it, and when you do,
Do it in love for me.

This is my blood, poured out for you,
Bringing forgiveness, making you free.
Take it and drink it, and when you do,
Do it in love for me.
Do it in love for me.

Semper Reformanda!
Stephen Phifer

© 2018 Stephen R. Phifer All Rights Reserved

TheJesusStory devotions are also found at KingdomWinds.com.
pathoflifedevotions Devotions, February 18

February 20 “Judas”

Judas

When unbelievers tell the Jesus story they are drawn to the character of Judas.
Actors would much rather portray the character of Judas than that of Jesus. Who knows how to play the Son of God? Every competent actor knows how to play Judas—he is much more like us. In some unbelieving films, Judas is the only sane one in the bunch, perhaps even the real hero.

He was one of the Twelve.
For believers, Judas is an anomaly, the exception to the rule, an enigmatic figure of unknown motivations and mysterious behavior, from his betrayal of Jesus to his suicide. What can we learn from the story of Judas?

Mark, as is his custom, is sparse with details. In two verses he introduces this man of the Twelve who would play such a pivotal role in the redemption story. Perhaps the most important thing to note is the clear statement that Judas was one of the Twelve. He was a member in full standing. Some say he was the treasurer of the group. When Jesus sent the men out to minister in His name in small teams, Judas was on one of the teams. He healed the sick and drove out demons in Jesus’ name just as did the others. Judas saw the bits of food multiply in his hands as he fed the multitude on two different occasions. He heard the teachings of Jesus. No doubt he participated in the discussions of the meanings of those teachings. He was standing close by when Jesus did all the marvelous things He did. He was an eyewitness to the mastery of Jesus over the scribes, Pharisees, Sadducees, and priests and to his tenderness with those who came to Him in faith. He, along with the other eleven, experienced Jesus’ earthly ministry.

Judas and the Chief Priests
What was Judas thinking? No one knows although many have speculated. Mark gives us no clue, Judas

“…went to the chief priests to betray Him to them.”

Mark gives no motivation for Judas’ actions and there is little to be gained from speculating on this. We must be content at this point with Mark’s report. We can note the irony of pleasing the enemies of Christ and grieving the Lord Himself.

What can we learn from Judas?
Starting is one thing while finishing is another. Judas probably obtained a position of leadership among the Twelve since he was treasurer of the ministry. Are we capable of answering the call of the Lord on our lives and then turning on Him at the end? While this is unthinkable and impossible it seems, this is what happened to Judas. How sad the report of the Evangelist,

And when they heard it, they were glad, and promised to give him money.

Judas responded to their joy by seeking some moment when He could betray the Lord “conveniently.” Whatever his motive, Judas did what he did. It brings sadness to us now to consider it, sadness and a warning.

Scriptures:
Mark 14: 10-11
Then Judas Iscariot, one of the twelve, went to the chief priests to betray Him to them. And when they heard it, they were glad, and promised to give him money. So he sought how he might conveniently betray Him.

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, I want to always be faithful to You. The kiss of my worship will always be one of love and never one of betrayal. I cannot imagine the deeds of Judas but I know that only You know what was in his heart. You also know the contents of my heart, even the deep things and the hidden things I don’t even know about myself. O Refiner’s Fire and Launderer’s Soap, cleanse my heart from any dark thing lurking there that would ever cause me to betray You. O Lord, Cleanse me! Amen.

Song:
Silver and Gold
Words and Music: Jimmy and Carol Owens

Here is the money you paid for my kiss.
I must have been out of my mind.
See I have sold you an innocent man
And you knew it all of the time.

Silver and gold I gained in exchange for my soul.
Silver and gold I gained in exchange for my soul.

The devil came in through the door of my greed
And swept through my head like a flood.
He told me that riches were better than love
And filled up my pockets with blood.

Silver and gold I gained in exchange for my soul.
Silver and gold I gained in exchange for my soul.

Forever the blame. Forever the shame.
Judas! Judas is my name!

Semper Reformanda!
Stephen Phifer

© 2018 Stephen R. Phifer All Rights Reserved

TheJesusStory devotions are also found at KingdomWinds.com.