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August 27 “Emmaus”

Emmaus

So far, all they had to go on was hearsay.
Each of the followers of Jesus dealt with the hope that He was back in his/her own way. Equipped with an intuition the men did not possess, the women were the first to believe. They believed Mary Magdalene. The men, burdened by rationality, needed proof. Before Jesus appeared to the assembled disciples, two discouraged disciples gave up and started for home.

The Road to Emmaus
Although the direction is uncertain, Dr. Luke establishes the distance to Emmaus from Jerusalem at about 7 miles. The literal meaning of the name is, “warm baths,” indicating the availability of healing hot springs. Two disciples, one named Cleopas and the other unnamed, made the discouraging journey back to their pre-Jesus lives. The Lord had other plans. As the two men walked along, they processed the recent events. They had chosen to follow Jesus and tried to believe everything He said. They were moved to action by His miracles and His call to discipleship. Now, in light of His death, they were confused.

Unannounced, Jesus joined the two men but their eyes were “restrained” from knowing who He really was. Jesus asked them what they were discussing that made them so sad. Cleopas answered:

“Are You the only stranger in Jerusalem, and have You not known the things which happened there in these days?”

Jesus asked them,

“What things?”

Cleopas was amazed that someone could be so uninformed.

“The things concerning Jesus of Nazareth…”

He proceeded to tell Jesus the Jesus Story. The story seemed to rush from his lips like a river through a rocky gorge. He concluded with the inconclusive evidence of the empty tomb witnessed by both the women and the disciples. He paused, waiting for some sort of response from this unknown, frightfully uninformed companion. The response he got was not what he expected. Jesus stopped walking and drew the complete attention of the two men.

“O foolish ones, and slow of heart to believe in all that the prophets have spoken! Ought not the Christ to have suffered these things and to enter into His glory?”

Now the men were astonished and went from tellers to listeners as Jesus opened the scriptures to them concerning the Christ. As Jesus spoke, the hearts of the men warmed just as they did when they listened to Jesus.

In the Breaking of the Bread
They neared their residence in Emmaus and prevailed upon the stranger to dine with them. Jesus, still unknown to them, agreed. When at the table he took a loaf of bread and blessed it, the two men realized at last who they were entertaining. Before they could respond to Him, He vanished from sight.

The Way of the Fiery Heart
Like the warm springs for which the town was named, their hearts were warmed within them. The meal was forgotten. Their despair was gone. Their confusion fled before this revelation of the resurrected Jesus. The men reversed course and hurried back to Jerusalem to tell everyone that Jesus was alive. As they went they commented on the warmth in their hearts; it was now a raging fire. This fire began as they listened to Jesus and became a combustion engine demanding action. Back in Jerusalem they found the disciples and assured then that Jesus was alive. So it is with those who have met, listened to, and followed the Resurrected Jesus. It is the Way of the Fiery Heart. Through this way, His gospel has gone into all the world.

Scriptures:
Luke:24:1-12 NKJV
Now behold, two of them were traveling that same day to a village called Emmaus, which was seven miles from Jerusalem. And they talked together of all these things which had happened. So it was, while they conversed and reasoned, that Jesus Himself drew near and went with them. But their eyes were restrained, so that they did not know Him. And He said to them, “What kind of conversation is this that you have with one another as you walk and are sad?” Then the one whose name was Cleopas answered and said to Him, “Are You the only stranger in Jerusalem, and have You not known the things which happened there in these days?” And He said to them, “What things?” So they said to Him, “The things concerning Jesus of Nazareth, who was a Prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people, and how the chief priests and our rulers delivered Him to be condemned to death, and crucified Him. But we were hoping that it was He who was going to redeem Israel. Indeed, besides all this, today is the third day since these things happened. Yes, and certain women of our company, who arrived at the tomb early, astonished us. When they did not find His body, they came saying that they had also seen a vision of angels who said He was alive. And certain of those who were with us went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said; but Him they did not see.” Then He said to them, “O foolish ones, and slow of heart to believe in all that the prophets have spoken! Ought not the Christ to have suffered these things and to enter into His glory?” And beginning at Moses and all the Prophets, He expounded to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning Himself. Then they drew near to the village where they were going, and He indicated that He would have gone farther. But they constrained Him, saying, “Abide with us, for it is toward evening, and the day is far spent.” And He went in to stay with them. Now it came to pass, as He sat at the table with them, that He took bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to them. Then their eyes were opened and they knew Him; and He vanished from their sight. And they said to one another, “Did not our heart burn within us while He talked with us on the road, and while He opened the Scriptures to us?” So they rose up that very hour and returned to Jerusalem, and found the eleven and those who were with them gathered together, saying, “The Lord is risen indeed, and has appeared to Simon!” And they told about the things that had happened on the road, and how He was known to them in the breaking of bread.

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, set my heart on fire! May Your truth, Your story, burn in my soul with an unquenchable flame. May those who see me, feel its glow. May those who hear me, sense the flame of truth and feel compelled to listen. In my worship, set my heart on fire. In the quiet of each night, light my heart with this flame. With each sunrise, may the of Flame of Christ shine brighter than the sun and light my way. No clouds can conceal Your light. No winds of confusion can shake Your flame. Let the details of my life that do not please You be the fuel for this fire. Lord Jesus, show me the Way of the Fiery Heart. Amen.

Song:
Send the Fire
Words: William Booth; Music Frederick Booth-Tucker
1. Thou Christ of burning, cleansing flame,
Send the fire, send the fire, send the fire!
Thy blood bought gift today we claim,
Send the fire, send the fire, send the fire!
Look down and see this waiting host,
Give us the promised Holy Ghost;
We want another Pentecost,
Send the fire, send the fire, send the fire!

2. God of Elijah, hear our cry:
Send the fire, send the fire, send the fire!
To make us fit to live or die,
Send the fire, send the fire, send the fire!
To burn up every trace of sin,
To bring the light and glory in,
The revolution now begin,
Send the fire, send the fire, send the fire!

3. ’Tis fire we want, for fire we plead,
Send the fire, send the fire, send the fire!
The fire will meet our every need,
Send the fire, send the fire, send the fire!
For strength to ever do the right,
For grace to conquer in the fight,
For power to walk the world in white,
Send the fire, send the fire, send the fire!

4. To make our weak hearts strong and brave,
Send the fire, send the fire, send the fire!
To live a dying world to save,
Send the fire, send the fire, send the fire!
O see us on Thy altar lay
Our lives, our all, this very day;
To crown the offering now we pray,
Send the fire, send the fire, send the fire!

Semper Reformanda!
Stephen Phifer

© 2018 Stephen R. Phifer All Rights Reserved

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

August 26 “Risen!”

Risen!

Dr. Luke is sparse on the details of the resurrection.
He takes up the story of the morning of the first day of the week with a group of women bringing spices to the tomb to continue to prepare the body of Jesus. They were surprised to find the stone rolled away. The resurrection of Jesus had already taken place. There were no human witnesses to the actual event. It is easy to imagine an amazing angelic celebration when Jesus came out of that tomb. Our purpose here is to flesh out the story that Luke tells and hold only to the facts he relates.

Somehow, the stone was rolled away. Did angels do the work? Did it move untouched? Was there an earthquake to move it? Did light pour out of the darkness within the tomb? Did Jesus walk out or materialize outside? No one knows. What we do know is that Jesus rose from the dead. Professional killers took His life. Joseph and Nicodemus, carefully observed by women who followed Jesus, prepared His dead body. There is no doubt that He died; He did not swoon and appear to be dead. He had defeated death during His ministry here on earth and now the Spirit of God raised Him from the dead, wresting Jesus from death’s grip.

The First Day of the Week
Somehow at some point before dawn, death was defeated. Jesus drew breath into His body again, not the crucified body, drained of blood, bruised and lacerated. This was a new body with a different kind of life. We know from other sources that the scars that bought our redemption remained but the wounds contained life, not death. This glorified body was superior to the human frame Jesus had occupied in the incarnation. This one was fit for earth or heaven and could pass through walls and doors and transport from place to place.

The Eighth Day of the New Creation
Christian tradition calls the Resurrection of Jesus, the Eighth Day of Creation, meaning that God restored the eternal life lost by Adam and Eve in the Garden. For this reason, Jesus is called the Second Adam.

“For since by man came death, by Man also came the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ all shall be made alive.”

Jesus’ victory over death means that everything in creation is under His authority. It is a victory now and at the coming of the Lord.

“For He must reign till He has put all enemies under His feet. The last enemy that will be destroyed is death. For “He has put all things under His feet.”

Greatly Perplexed
The women did not know what the meaning of these events might be: the stone rolled away and the empty tomb. Suddenly two angels stood by them in shining garments. The women fell to the earth in fear. The angels spoke

“Why do you seek the living among the dead?”

The women didn’t move. The question did not reveal the whereabouts of Jesus. The angels went on.

“He is not here, but is risen!”

The angels reminded the women of the detailed teaching Jesus had done predicting His resurrection. Slowly, they remembered. They gathered their belongings and hurried to tell the disciples. The men did not believe them. Peter ran to the tomb, stooped down and looked inside. The grave clothes were there but Jesus wasn’t.

Scriptures:
Luke:24:1-12 NKJV
Now on the first day of the week, very early in the morning, they, and certain other women with them, came to the tomb bringing the spices which they had prepared. But they found the stone rolled away from the tomb. Then they went in and did not find the body of the Lord Jesus. And it happened, as they were greatly perplexed about this, that behold, two men stood by them in shining garments. Then, as they were afraid and bowed their faces to the earth, they said to them, “Why do you seek the living among the dead? He is not here, but is risen! Remember how He spoke to you when He was still in Galilee, saying, ‘The Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, and be crucified, and the third day rise again.'” And they remembered His words. Then they returned from the tomb and told all these things to the eleven and to all the rest. It was Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Mary the mother of James, and the other women with them, who told these things to the apostles. And their words seemed to them like idle tales, and they did not believe them. But Peter arose and ran to the tomb; and stooping down, he saw the linen cloths lying by themselves; and he departed, marveling to himself at what had happened.
1 Corinthians 15:20-28 NKJV
But now Christ is risen from the dead, and has become the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. For since by man came death, by Man also came the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ all shall be made alive. But each one in his own order: Christ the firstfruits, afterward those who are Christ’s at His coming. Then comes the end, when He delivers the kingdom to God the Father, when He puts an end to all rule and all authority and power. For He must reign till He has put all enemies under His feet. The last enemy that will be destroyed is death. For “He has put all things under His feet.” But when He says “all things are put under Him,” it is evident that He who put all things under Him is excepted. Now when all things are made subject to Him, then the Son Himself will also be subject to Him who put all things under Him, that God may be all in all.

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, You are Lord of all! Your victory is complete in every way. Death could not hold You. The Holy Spirit raised You from the dead and has the power to raise me from the dead also! The same Spirit that raised You from the dead shall quicken my mortal body. From dust I came and to dust I may return, but You will give me a new body, like Yours, and I shall live again and forever! If I am alive when You return, I will be changed in a moment in the twinkling of an eye. This mortal shall put on immortality! Alleluia! Alleluia!

Song:
Christ the Lord Is Risen Today
Words: Charles Wesley; Music: Paul Sjolund

1. Christ the Lord is risen today, Alleluia!
Earth and heaven in chorus say, Alleluia!
Raise your joys and triumphs high, Alleluia!
Sing, ye heavens, and earth reply, Alleluia!

2. Love’s redeeming work is done, Alleluia!
Fought the fight, the battle won, Alleluia!
Death in vain forbids him rise, Alleluia!
Christ has opened paradise, Alleluia!

3. Lives again our glorious King, Alleluia!
Where, O death, is now thy sting? Alleluia!
Once he died our souls to save, Alleluia!
Where’s thy victory, boasting grave? Alleluia!

4. Soar we now where Christ has led, Alleluia!
Following our exalted Head, Alleluia!
Made like him, like him we rise, Alleluia!
Ours the cross, the grave, the skies, Alleluia!

5. Hail the Lord of earth and heaven, Alleluia!
Praise to thee by both be given, Alleluia!
Thee we greet triumphant now, Alleluia!
Hail the Resurrection, thou, Alleluia!

6. King of glory, soul of bliss, Alleluia!
Everlasting life is this, Alleluia!
Thee to know, thy power to prove, Alleluia!
Thus to sing, and thus to love, Alleluia!

Semper Reformanda!
Stephen Phifer

© 2018 Stephen R. Phifer All Rights Reserved

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

August 25 “Buried”

Buried

It takes a brave man to stand in opposition to his peers, especially when consensus is a treasured commodity, a sign of strength to Rome.
Joseph of Arimathea was such a man, but his courage emerged too late to prevent the guilty verdict passed by the Sanhedrin of which he was a part. Joseph was “waiting for the Kingdom of God.” This means he possessed a different heart than that of his peers. His heart was for the “Kingdom of God,” not just for the nation of Israel. His vision was larger than local and more dynamic than dogged. His heart and mind were open to both the established Word of God in tradition and the expanding Word of God in the moment. When Jesus spoke, this different heart of Joseph, as did the heart of his friend, Nicodemus, always seemed to catch fire.

Friends and Secret Disciples
These two members of the Sanhedrin bonded as they considered the ministry of Jesus. There was no denying His power and authority. As for His claim that He was the Christ, what more could Messiah be expected to do that Jesus had not already done?

After Nicodemus went to Jesus by night, he shared this remarkable meeting with Joseph. As he did, both of their hearts ignited within them.

  • The Spirit of the Lord was like the wind.
  • People needed to be born again!

Each man, convinced in his own heart that Jesus was Messiah, agreed that there was only one course of action—keep their thoughts to themselves. Perhaps in their positions of responsibility they could help Jesus. It was better for them to be secret disciples. Perhaps a time would come when they could be a part of a successful, peaceful revolution, if only the other leaders could feel the fire in their hearts!

Absent from the Trial
When news came of Judas’ surprise betrayal of Jesus, the hasty trial-by-night had already taken place. For fear of the Jews, they did not participate in the trials of Jesus. (Compare Luke 23:51; Mark 14:64) Their cowardice gnawed at their hearts. After the verdict there was no advantage in keeping their feelings secret. They watched the spectacle of the scourging and dragging of the cross, the crucifixion, the death, and the raging storm. The ground shook beneath their feet as Jesus hung lifeless on the cross.

Something They Could Do
In ancient cultures where life was short and unpredictable, death was never far from the minds of the people. Joseph, a wealthy man, had prepared a new tomb for himself. His wounded, flaming heart brought an obvious idea to his half-functioning brain—bury Jesus in his own tomb!

He went to Pilate for permission while Nicodemus went for the needed supplies. Time was short for the Passover was upon them. With Pilate’s permission, they tenderly took the body of Jesus down from the cross as the women who loved Him watched. Joseph and Nicodemus did temporary preparation of the body and sealed it in Joseph’s tomb, rolling a huge stone into place over the opening. The women watched, planning to return after the Passover to complete the burial preparations.

Their work finished, there was nothing for Joseph and Nicodemus to do but go home. Neither of them dared to tell the other that for some reason, his heart still flamed.

Scriptures:
Luke:23:50-56 NKJV
Now behold, there was a man named Joseph, a council member, a good and just man. He had not consented to their decision and deed. He was from Arimathea, a city of the Jews, who himself was also waiting for the kingdom of God. This man went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus. Then he took it down, wrapped it in linen, and laid it in a tomb that was hewn out of the rock, where no one had ever lain before. That day was the Preparation, and the Sabbath drew near. And the women who had come with Him from Galilee followed after, and they observed the tomb and how His body was laid. Then they returned and prepared spices and fragrant oils. And they rested on the Sabbath according to the commandment.

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, like all of mankind, You suffered death, and like most, You suffered burial. Help me to feel the grief of Your voice suddenly grown silent, of Your touch removed from my heart, of Your eyes closed to this earth. There was never and will never be hours like those, when Your earthly body was sealed away from life. Mysteries abound concerning Your spiritual victories when You descended to the dead. I will be content to know that the story was not finished when the stone was rolled into place. Thank You, Jesus.

Song:
O Sacred Head Now Wounded
Words: Attributed to Bernard of Clairvauz ; Music: Hans Leo Hassler

1. O sacred Head, now wounded, with grief and shame weighed down,
now scornfully surrounded with thorns, Thine only crown.
O sacred Head, what glory, what bliss till now was Thine!
Yet, though despised and gory, I joy to call Thee mine.

2. What Thou, my Lord, hast suffered was all for sinners’ gain;
mine, mine was the transgression, but Thine the deadly pain.
Lo, here I fall, my Savior! ‘Tis I deserve Thy place;
look on me with Thy favor, vouchsafe to me Thy grace.

3. What language shall I borrow to thank Thee, dearest Friend,
for this, Thy dying sorrow, Thy pity without end?
O make me Thine forever! And should I fainting be,
Lord, let me never, never, outlive my love for Thee.

4. Be near when I am dying, O show Thy cross to me!
And, for my succor flying, come, Lord, to set me free.
These eyes, new faith receiving, from Thee shall never move;
for he who dies believing dies safely in Thy love.

Semper Reformanda!
Stephen Phifer

© 2018 Stephen R. Phifer All Rights Reserved

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

August 24 “Calvary”

Calvary

Trees are so useful! They are kings in the plant world.
Trees provide the wood for houses and fuel for the fires inside. Some provide food to eat at tables made of wood while others offer shade from the burning sun. Romans found trees useful as implements of execution.

The Via Dolorosa, the Way of Suffering
Roman soldiers drove the Lord through the streets with whips across His back already bleeding from the scourging in the court of Pilate. When He fell beneath the cross, an innocent bystander, Simon, a Cyrenian, was conscripted to carry the wooden crosspiece. As he had always done, Jesus attracted a multitude, some grieving for Him and others taking delight in taunting Him. With Simon carrying the cross, Jesus addressed the grieving women.

“Daughters of Jerusalem, do not weep for Me, but weep for yourselves and for your children.”

In the midst of His undeserved suffering, He was still teaching those who would listen. These events signaled even more wickedness to come. Be prepared!

No Honor among Thieves
In the name of Roman efficiency, two thieves bore their own wooden beams. Arriving at Calvary, the Place of the Skull, the soldiers went to work. They put Jesus in the center between the two convicted criminals. While both were guilty, they were not the same.

Nails and Prayers
After attaching the thieves to their crosses, the soldiers began driving the nails into Jesus. There was no spiritual insulation; the nails hurt Jesus just as they would hurt you and me. When the pain was too great to hide, Jesus lifted His voice, not to curse or condemn but to forgive.

“Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do.”

The soldiers paid no mind. Their professional ears had grown deaf to the cries of the crucified. The deed done, they gambled for that fine one-piece robe of Jesus. Most of the crowd turned against the crucified One hurling insults toward His cross. Their abuse was summarized by a mocking sign nailed to the top piece:

“THIS IS THE KING OF THE JEWS.”

One of the thieves joined the crowd of haters. The other thief must have witnessed the ministry of Jesus for somehow he knew that Jesus did not deserve this. Perhaps he remembered his childhood lessons about the Suffering Servant. He called out to Jesus for mercy. Jesus promised heaven to him that very day.

The Sixth Hour
An unnatural darkness crept over Calvary, plunging all into an eerie shadowland. From within the darkness came storm clouds and winds with lightning stabbing the darkness and thunder shaking the Place of the Skull.

Jesus cried out with a loud voice:

“Father, ‘into Your hands I commit My spirit.’

The earth began to tremble from Golgotha, through the old city, and all the way to the Temple. In the Holy of Holies, the heavy veil designed to separate the Shekinah of God from sinful mankind, ripped in two from the top to the bottom. As the ground around the cross shook and winds and rain pelted them, the jaded soldiers all knew this was no routine execution. One of them spoke what many were thinking:

“Certainly this was a righteous Man!”

The storm subsided and the earth grew still. Those who loved Him continued to mourn and those who hated Him continued to scorn. Had anything changed with these strange events? Only time would tell.

Scriptures:
Luke:23:26-49 NKJV
Now as they led Him away, they laid hold of a certain man, Simon a Cyrenian, who was coming from the country, and on him they laid the cross that he might bear it after Jesus. And a great multitude of the people followed Him, and women who also mourned and lamented Him. But Jesus, turning to them, said, “Daughters of Jerusalem, do not weep for Me, but weep for yourselves and for your children. For indeed the days are coming in which they will say, ‘Blessed are the barren, wombs that never bore, and breasts which never nursed!’ Then they will begin ‘to say to the mountains, “Fall on us!” and to the hills, “Cover us!”‘ For if they do these things in the green wood, what will be done in the dry?” There were also two others, criminals, led with Him to be put to death. And when they had come to the place called Calvary, there they crucified Him, and the criminals, one on the right hand and the other on the left. Then Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do.” And they divided His garments and cast lots. And the people stood looking on. But even the rulers with them sneered, saying, “He saved others; let Him save Himself if He is the Christ, the chosen of God.” The soldiers also mocked Him, coming and offering Him sour wine, and saying, “If You are the King of the Jews, save Yourself.” And an inscription also was written over Him in letters of Greek, Latin, and Hebrew: THIS IS THE KING OF THE JEWS. Then one of the criminals who were hanged blasphemed Him, saying, “If You are the Christ, save Yourself and us.” But the other, answering, rebuked him, saying, “Do you not even fear God, seeing you are under the same condemnation? And we indeed justly, for we receive the due reward of our deeds; but this Man has done nothing wrong.” Then he said to Jesus, “Lord, remember me when You come into Your kingdom.” And Jesus said to him, “Assuredly, I say to you, today you will be with Me in Paradise.” Now it was about the sixth hour, and there was darkness over all the earth until the ninth hour. Then the sun was darkened, and the veil of the temple was torn in two. And when Jesus had cried out with a loud voice, He said, “Father, ‘into Your hands I commit My spirit.'” Having said this, He breathed His last. So when the centurion saw what had happened, he glorified God, saying, “Certainly this was a righteous Man!” And the whole crowd who came together to that sight, seeing what had been done, beat their breasts and returned. But all His acquaintances, and the women who followed Him from Galilee, stood at a distance, watching these things.

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, Calvary amazes me. I cannot read the account, I cannot contemplate the events, I cannot sing of Your suffering without tears. Truly, the scene of You, the King of Glory, pinned helplessly to a Roman cross deserves its place in the heart of our worship, our remembrance of You. While it was not the end of the story, it is good that we do not hurry on to the resurrection. It benefits us to “survey the wondrous cross.” Here we see both the sin of mankind and the love of God. May I never become friends with sin in my life! May Your wounds always draw me back to grace and all its wonders. Amen and amen.

Song:

When I Survey the Wondrous Cross
Words: Isaac Watts; Music: Lowell Mason

1. When I survey the wondrous cross
on which the Prince of glory died,
my richest gain I count but loss,
and pour contempt on all my pride.

2. Forbid it, Lord, that I should boast
save in the death of Christ, my God!
All the vain things that charm me most,
I sacrifice them through his blood.

3. See, from his head, his hands, his feet,
sorrow and love flow mingled down.
Did e’er such love and sorrow meet,
or thorns compose so rich a crown?

4. Were the whole realm of nature mine,
that were a present far too small.
Love so amazing, so divine,
demands my soul, my life, my all.

Semper Reformanda!
Stephen Phifer

© 2018 Stephen R. Phifer All Rights Reserved

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

August 23 “Barabbas”

Barabbas

Who can say what demonic voices spoke in the mind of Barabbas?
His name meant, “son of the father,” a notable irony considering the small but intriguing role he played in the Passion of Jesus. An insurrectionist in a band of rebels against Roman rule who committed murder in their failed attempt to overthrow the pagans, some also called him a thief. At any rate or by any name, this one deserved to be in jail, unlike the true “Son of the Father,” Jesus.

Such a life makes very little sense. Perhaps demons screamed in his heart or some real or imagined injury lingered in his diseased brain that stole his reason. Something unseen and deadly possessed him driving him to the folly of rebelling against the entrenched powers of Rome. Perhaps some personal magnetism caused others with wayward minds and desperate hearts to follow him in his madness.

Back before Pilate
When Jesus was hauled back to Pilate’s court, Barabbas was confined nearby, perhaps in a dungeon beneath the floor of the hall, close enough to hear the trial itself. Through the haze of his madness, he heard his name mentioned. There was a Roman custom that a prisoner would be released at Passover. Barabbas had no reason to think that he would be involved in such a release. He had no following among the people. They had no use for a man like him nor did he have any for them. There was nothing to be gained for Pilate in his release. He shook his filthy head trying to silence the voices inside so he could clearly hear the voices overhead.

The governor was most annoyed when Herod sent Jesus and his accusers back to his court. He called all the Lord’s accusers together before him and tried to settle the matter. He explained that neither he nor Herod had found any infraction in the testimony against Jesus that would justify Roman execution. This did nothing but inflame the leaders even more. At this point the crowd turned against Jesus, forgetting His unforgettable deeds and thrilling words. Perhaps they could see His fate and decided to follow their leaders since they were more surely to be around when all of this was over.

Custom over Justice
Someone in the crowd remembered the Roman custom and incited the crowd to demand Barabbas.

“Away with this Man, and release to us Barabbas”

In his cell beneath the stone floor, Barabbas heard his name again. Then to his demented amazement, his name became a chant: “Barabbas! Barabbas! Give us Barabbas!” The prisoner thought it must be a cruel dream. He had done nothing to deserve the blessing of the people or the reprieve of Rome.

Pilate protested. What should he do with this Jesus who is called the Christ? The Barabbas chant modulated into a different text.

“Crucify Him, crucify Him!”

Again, Pilate pleaded,

“Why, what evil has He done? I have found no reason for death in Him. I will therefore chastise Him and let Him go.”

Madness seized the crowd.
The two chants merged into a deadly, ironic counterpoint calling for the release of the guilty one and the death of the innocent One.

All the Roman governor could do was agree. When soldiers came to release Barabbas, he remained in his cell, unsure of the reality of this moment. Finally in a rare moment of clarity, he broke and ran from the cell, through the dungeon passages and into the streets. No one stopped him. Deep in his fractured mind, he could hear demons laughing.

Scriptures:
Luke:23:13-25 NKJV
Then Pilate, when he had called together the chief priests, the rulers, and the people, said to them, “You have brought this Man to me, as one who misleads the people. And indeed, having examined Him in your presence, I have found no fault in this Man concerning those things of which you accuse Him; no, neither did Herod, for I sent you back to him; and indeed nothing deserving of death has been done by Him. I will therefore chastise Him and release Him” (for it was necessary for him to release one to them at the feast). And they all cried out at once, saying, “Away with this Man, and release to us Barabbas” — who had been thrown into prison for a certain rebellion made in the city, and for murder. Pilate, therefore, wishing to release Jesus, again called out to them. But they shouted, saying, “Crucify Him, crucify Him!” Then he said to them the third time, “Why, what evil has He done? I have found no reason for death in Him. I will therefore chastise Him and let Him go.” But they were insistent, demanding with loud voices that He be crucified. And the voices of these men and of the chief priests prevailed. So Pilate gave sentence that it should be as they requested. And he released to them the one they requested, who for rebellion and murder had been thrown into prison; but he delivered Jesus to their will.

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, No one has ever been more innocent than You nor more guilty than Barabbas. He was set free and they led You to Calvary. Why? Because You love us! Because only You could pay the price of our sin. As John said, standing in the Jordan, “Behold the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world.” This was Your mission—to rescue people from the power of sin. We are all Barabbas! Set free when You took our place. Thank You, Jesus!

Song:
I Should Have Been Crucified
Words and Music: Gordon Jensen

1. I was guilty with nothing to say
And they were coming to take me away.
When a voice from Heaven was heard that said
“Let him go and take Me instead.”

Refrain:
Oh I should have been crucified
And I should have suffered and died
I should have hung on the cross in disgrace
But Jesus, God’s Son, took my place.

2.That crowns of thorns, the spear in His side
And the pain, it should have been mine.
Those rusty nails were meant for me
Yet Christ took them and let me go free.

Refrain

Semper Reformanda!
Stephen Phifer

© 2018 Stephen R. Phifer All Rights Reserved

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

August 22 “Herod”

Herod

Herod Antipas, the son of Herod the Great, the murderer of the innocents in Bethlehem, had not a drop of Jewish blood in him.
Yet he propagated his father’s lie that maintained a claim to a Jewish heritage. In truth he was “half Idumaean, half Samaritan.” (International Standard Bible Encyclopedia) He used the outward trappings of the Jewish faith to keep the peace of Jerusalem but operated from a heart of lust and privilege. His proximity to the Jewish religion created in him a fascination for men of spiritual power. He imprisoned John the Baptist but had to be tricked into killing him. His insatiable lusts cost the prophet his head. Now there was this prophet named Jesus. Herod was excited to meet Him.

A Galilean
When the elders testified that Jesus was from Galilee, this provided Pilate with a way out of this unpleasant business. Galilee was the responsibility of King Herod. Pilate sent the elders and their captive to the king.

King Herod was thrilled at the prospect of meeting Jesus, thinking perhaps he would be entertained by a miracle. There were so many stories of fantastic deeds done by this man. There was also a lot of mumbo jumbo about the Jewish Messiah, but what serious Politian paid any mind to such foolishness? Herod had observed his father’s fear of the “King of the Jews.” There was something there to be feared, something powerful, something latent but threatening. Herod thought it wise and certainly fascinating to study these prophets and potential “Messiahs.”

Before King Herod Antipas
When Jesus was deposited before the king, he looked nothing like a prophet or a king and certainly not a Messiah. He was bruised and beaten by the Temple guards and chained at His hands and feet. His fine one-piece outer garment was filthy from the dust of the street and of the floor of the High Priest’s house. Herod looked Jesus over for some time, trying to make sense of this. Perhaps, there was power in His speech. It was reported that demons and storms obeyed the sound of His voice. Herod set about asking questions, many questions.

The Silent Lamb
Jesus refused to converse with the king. With each unanswered question, Herod’s anger multiplied in force. The elders, despising King Herod as a Roman puppet pretending to be a Jew, finally had to add their questions to the inquest. Still, Jesus did not answer. His silence united these enemies into a single cause—destroy this man, Jesus!

Another Robe
This exercise before King Herod was getting nowhere. The refusal of Jesus to answer the charges against Him seemed to short-circuit the legal system. When debate is impossible and testimony is not forthcoming, violence and ridicule become the methods.

Herod called for the Roman guards protecting the palace. These were armed men of great strength, usually engaged to restrain a dangerous criminal. This time, all they had to handle was a beaten down homeless man in chains. They started with verbal abuse, seeking to break His spirit. If he claimed to be a king, they would revile Him as one, mocking Him with false tributes. They stripped Him of His seamless robe and put a purple robe on Him. From other sources we learn that they wove a crown of thorns and pressed it into His scalp. Frustrated, King Herod sent Jesus back to Pilate.

An Odd Friendship Begins
Dr. Luke adds an intriguing detail. Prior to the trials of Jesus, Pilate and Herod had been rivals, each suspecting the other. The case of Jesus somehow made them friends.

Scriptures:
Luke:23:6-12 NKJV
When Pilate heard of Galilee, he asked if the Man were a Galilean. And as soon as he knew that He belonged to Herod’s jurisdiction, he sent Him to Herod, who was also in Jerusalem at that time. Now when Herod saw Jesus, he was exceedingly glad; for he had desired for a long time to see Him, because he had heard many things about Him, and he hoped to see some miracle done by Him. Then he questioned Him with many words, but He answered him nothing. And the chief priests and scribes stood and vehemently accused Him. Then Herod, with his men of war, treated Him with contempt and mocked Him, arrayed Him in a gorgeous robe, and sent Him back to Pilate. That very day Pilate and Herod became friends with each other, for previously they had been at enmity with each other.
Isaiah 53:7 NKJV
He was oppressed and He was afflicted, Yet He opened not His mouth; He was led as a lamb to the slaughter, And as a sheep before its shearers is silent, So He opened not His mouth.

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, Your courage is so amazing. You took the open-palm blows of the Temple guards. You endured the mocking abuse of the Roman soldiers. You wore chains on Your hands and feet like jewelry, knowing You could call on angels to break them at anytime. You wore a crown of pain and a mocking purple robe. You stood before Herod as silent, Isaiah says, as a lamb before those who would shear it. Angels stood by weeping, straining angel muscles to intervene but never making a move. Why? Because You love me and the world, and You hated what sin had done to us. This was the only way to defeat the forces that had defeated us. Your courage is so amazing! Thank You, Lord Jesus!

Song:
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 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 placed a crown of thorns
They laughed and said behold the king
They struck Him and they cursed Him and mocked His holy name
And all alone He suffered everything

Refrain

Semper Reformanda!
Stephen Phifer

© 2018 Stephen R. Phifer All Rights Reserved

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

August 21 “Pilate”

Pilate

His title was “Procurator” which could mean either an official overseeing taxes or a governor of a small province.
Pontius Pilate seemed to fill the second role as Procurator of Rome for Israel. One source described his office:

“He possessed civil, military, and criminal jurisdiction.”
(International Standard Bible Encyclopedia)

He hated his assignment and he hated the Jews; they hated him in return. His service was filled with violence toward them. The leaders of the Jews dealt with him in stony, false gestures of respect. He was temporary but the Roman government he represented seemed to be permanent. His headquarters were in Caesarea but for the Passover, a dangerous season of every year, he ruled from Jerusalem, a city he also despised. A sophisticated Roman who loved the public baths, theatres, and hedonistic nightlife of Rome, he was bored with the religiosity of Jerusalem. He was a miserable man doing a miserable job. From other sources, we learn that Pilate’s wife must have hated the place, too, although she was intrigued by the “one god” religion and the stories of the ancient prophets and their miracles. Perhaps the place was stealing her sanity. She was given these days to strange dreams.

The Sanhedrin Present Jesus
He had been up all night. He had progressed from agonizing prayer in the Garden to chains and beatings as He was grilled before the council. After such a night, there was nothing of the king in His appearance. Pilate barely glanced at Him—another crazy Jew captured by all these other crazy Jews. The delegation representing the Sanhedrin thrust Jesus before Pilate without explanation, afraid to speak before spoken to. Pilate waited for them to make their case. He wanted to get this over with as soon as possible. Finally, the leader of the delegation cautiously began to speak. He led with the things he judged to be most interesting to Pilate.

“We found this fellow perverting the nation, and forbidding to pay taxes to Caesar,
saying that He Himself is Christ, a King.”

Wonderful! Another Messiah! Were there enough crosses in Jerusalem to handle this outbreak of deliverers? This was going to be simple. Any man who claimed to be king instead of Caesar was headed for his own cross.

Pilate took a closer look at Jesus. How could such a pitiful specimen be taken seriously as a king, real or potential? His face was deeply bruised from the fists and open palms of the Temple guards. His simple clothes were all askew—although that robe, was it woven in one piece?—was a nice touch. He was dirty and evidently friendless since there was no one to testify in His favor. To Pilate’s mind this was about the kind of king one would expect from these people.

King of the Jews?
He went along with the delegation. Let’s get this over with…

“Are You the King of the Jews?”

He smiled at the thought and waited for an answer. Would this filthy “messiah” admit to His crimes? Jesus’ hoarse voice could barely be heard.

“It is as you say.”

At this Pilate’s condescending smile erupted into laughter.

“I find no fault in this Man.”

Sensing they were losing their case, they extended their indictment.

“He stirs up the people, teaching throughout all Judea, beginning from Galilee to this place.”

When they mentioned Galilee, Pilate saw a means of escape from this distasteful business.

Scriptures:
Luke:23:1-5 NKJV
Then the whole multitude of them arose and led Him to Pilate. And they began to accuse Him, saying, “We found this fellow perverting the nation, and forbidding to pay taxes to Caesar, saying that He Himself is Christ, a King.” Then Pilate asked Him, saying, “Are You the King of the Jews?” He answered him and said, “It is as you say.” So Pilate said to the chief priests and the crowd, “I find no fault in this Man.” But they were the more fierce, saying, “He stirs up the people, teaching throughout all Judea, beginning from Galilee to this place.”

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, You, the innocent Lamb of God, stood before the courts of men. Beneath the torn clothes and deep bruises, You were still great. Despite the accusations of true sinners, You remained without fault. Chained at the wrists and the feet, You were still filled with the power of the Holy Spirit. Angels stood at the ready to rescue You from this injustice if You gave the slightest signal. But rescue was not the plan of God. His plan was for this supreme injustice to pay the price of all the guilt of the world. Such love! Such amazing grace. Behold the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world! Amen.

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

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.

They led Christ to Calvary but He never said one word
Just the cries of lost sinners Was all the Savior heard.
And then they pierced Him in the side
And His blood came streaming down.
And that’s how he purchased my salvation
And I find no 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 Uncategorized

August 20 “Sanhedrin”

Sanhedrin

Countries must have rulers and rulers must have councils to sit with them in judgment.
The term “Sanhedrin” comes from Hebrew words meaning “sitting together.” Such councils “sit together” in many capacities:

  • As lawmakers,
  • As courts to judge lawbreakers,
  • As elders deciding issues within the community, and
  • As keepers of the flame, so to speak, the ones who hold on to the traditions that define the nation itself.

The Sanhedrin performed all these tasks in the Jerusalem of Jesus’ day.

Before the Sanhedrin
After the arrest and pre-trial examination at the home of the High Priest, Jesus was dragged before the Sanhedrin Council. These were not necessarily evil men. They had the most difficult challenge of holding the nation of Israel together while occupied by Rome. They were a monotheistic—one God—nation ruled by a polytheistic—many gods—occupying force. Their job was to find the dynamic center between two powerful polar forces.

  1. The traditions of their true religion calling them to worship one God, and
  2. The power of Rome threatening to devour them and absorb their religion, culture, and customs into the melting pot of the Roman Empire.

They “sat together” in hopes of surviving the Roman scourge and preserving their own way of life. This succession of “Messiahs” rising up to challenge Rome was no help at all. This man called Jesus was the most threatening of them. He moved in the power of God, it seemed, and spoke of the Kingdom of God with an authority they had never before witnessed. They had Him now, in their grasp, and standing before the Council.

Who were these men?
It is a mistake to think that these were all evil men. We can see men of spiritual wisdom among them:

  • Joseph of Arimathea (Mark 15:43),
  • Nicodemus (John 3:1; 7:50) and
  • Gamaliel (Acts 5:34)
  • The High Priests were also members of this council: Annas and Caiaphas (Luke 3:2). (Nelson’s Illustrated Bible Dictionary © 1968)

Sincere men, men of heavy responsibilities, were “sitting together” with the opponents of Jesus. These men—scribes, Pharisees, priests—opposed Jesus, not out of principle but out of greed and lust for power. If Jesus was anything at all to them, He was a threat to their positions of influence and wealth.

The Examination
The central question was put to Jesus directly:

“If You are the Christ, tell us.”

It was a trap of course. To declare such a thing was blasphemy of the highest order. Jesus was above all their trick questions and dodged this one.

“If I tell you, you will by no means believe. And if I also ask you, you will by no means answer Me or let Me go.”

They waited for Him to elaborate so He gave them something unexpected to consider:

“Hereafter the Son of Man will sit on the right hand of the power of God.”

They demanded a more explicit answer:

“Are You then the Son of God?”

Silence filled the room driving all the air from the chamber. No one breathed while the Council waited to hear Jesus’ answer.

“You rightly say that I am.”

The silence continued one last minute as those sitting together took a collective breath, issued a collective groan, and then shouted with joy. It was over. They had their evidence from His own words. Two of them, Joseph and Nicodemus did not join in the rejoicing. They were not at this meeting.

Scriptures:
Luke:22:66-71 NKJV
As soon as it was day, the elders of the people, both chief priests and scribes, came together and led Him into their council, saying, “If You are the Christ, tell us. “But He said to them, “If I tell you, you will by no means believe. And if I also ask you, you will by no means answer Me or let Me go. Hereafter the Son of Man will sit on the right hand of the power of God.” Then they all said, “Are You then the Son of God?” So He said to them, “You rightly say that I am.” And they said, “What further testimony do we need? For we have heard it ourselves from His own mouth.”
Matthew 10:27-33 NKJV
“Whatever I tell you in the dark, speak in the light; and what you hear in the ear, preach on the housetops. And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. But rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell. Are not two sparrows sold for a copper coin? And not one of them falls to the ground apart from your Father’s will. But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Do not fear therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows. “Therefore whoever confesses Me before men, him I will also confess before My Father who is in heaven. But whoever denies Me before men, him I will also deny before My Father who is in heaven.

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, Your courage before the Sanhedrin is an inspiration to me. When I am called upon to testify about You before people, help me to be so bold. Your Word tells us not to fear those who can destroy the body for that is the extent of what they can do to us. We must rather live in reverence of God, who made the body in the first place and who holds the keys of life eternal. Give me the courage and strength to confess You before all people today. Make me fearless for You, Lord Jesus! Amen.

Song:
I’ll Tell the World that I’m a Christian
Words and Music: Baynard L. Fox

Verse 1
1. I’ll tell the world that I’m a Christian.
I’m not ashamed His name to bear.
I’ll tell the world that I’m a Christian.
I’ll take Him with me anywhere.
I’ll tell the world how Jesus saved me
And how He gave me a life brand new.
And I know that if you trust Him
That all He gave me He’ll give to you.
I’ll tell the world that He’s my Savior.
No other one could love me so.
My life my all is His forever
And where He leads me I will go.

2. I’ll tell the world that He is coming.
It may be near or far away.
But we must live as if His coming
Would be tomorrow or today.
For when He comes and life is over
For those who love Him there’s more to be.
Eyes have never seen the wonders
That He’s preparing for you and me.
O tell the world that you’re a Christian.
Be not ashamed His name to bear.
O tell the world that you’re a Christian
And take Him with you ev’rywhere.

Semper Reformanda!
Stephen Phifer

© 2018 Stephen R. Phifer All Rights Reserved

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

August 19 “Tears”

Tears

The disciples, strong men every one, needed no more swords.
The sight of Jesus bound by the guards and offering no resistance was too much for them. They scattered out of the Garden and down the mountain. Most of them didn’t stop until they found a safe place to hide. Most but not all. Dr. Luke tells us that Peter followed at a safe distance. John reports in his own gospel that he did as well.

From a Distance
Out of sight from the guards and priests, Peter watched as the soldiers took Jesus to the home of the High Priest. Outside the house, a small fire did its best to illumine and warm a public gathering place, a courtyard for those who wished to do business with the High Priest. Peter did his best to blend in as one of those waiting for a dawn meeting. With walls separating him from the events in the house, Peter could hear but not see Jesus before the elders. Hearing it was more than enough.

A Peace Disturbed
Just moments before, the peace of this quiet night in the courtyard outside the home of the High Priest had been greatly disturbed when the temple guards dragged Jesus, bound and gagged, through their company and into the house. As order slowly returned to the group, there was only one topic of conversation—Jesus. They had all seen and heard Him and opinions were as numerous as the lips that spilled them into the moist night air. A servant girl noticed Peter and moved closer to him to inspect who this interloper might be. As the light from the fire danced across his terrified face, she recognized him.

“This man was also with Him.”

Peter tried to draw a breath but there was no air to be had. Finally, he choked out a response.

“Woman, I do not know Him.”

He moved away into the shadows and the attention of the group went elsewhere. The muffled sounds of trial and torture claimed the attention of the crowd. Another in the crowd recognized Peter.

“You also are of them.”

Peter denied knowing Jesus. An hour later it happened again. A voice from the crowd lifted above the sounds coming from inside the house.

“Surely this fellow also was with Him, for he is a Galilean.”

Peter was forced to defend himself. He cursed and said:

“Man, I do not know what you are saying!”

Dawn
At that moment, the Eastern sky began to glow with the promise of a new day. A rooster awakened to his duty announcing the morning. To all it was a welcomed and common sound, to all except one. Peter remembered the Lord’s prophecy. At the same moment, the guards emerged from the house manhandling Jesus through the courtyard. They stopped long enough for Jesus to look into the face of Peter.

The strong fisherman, master of the sea, leader of men, follower of Jesus, broke from the group, running away from the guards and Jesus. If anyone could have seen Peter’s face, they would have seen his tears.

The Scourge
A prisoner before this bar of justice had no rights. The guards began to strike Jesus, demanding that He prophecy by naming them. As Peter retreated farther from the scene, the sound of the blows and the taunts faded but the bitterness of his tears kept growing.

Scriptures:
Luke:22:54-65 NKJV
Having arrested Him, they led Him and brought Him into the high priest’s house. But Peter followed at a distance. Now when they had kindled a fire in the midst of the courtyard and sat down together, Peter sat among them. And a certain servant girl, seeing him as he sat by the fire, looked intently at him and said, “This man was also with Him.” But he denied Him, saying, “Woman, I do not know Him.” And after a little while another saw him and said, “You also are of them.” But Peter said, “Man, I am not!” Then after about an hour had passed, another confidently affirmed, saying, “Surely this fellow also was with Him, for he is a Galilean.” But Peter said, “Man, I do not know what you are saying!” Immediately, while he was still speaking, the rooster crowed. And the Lord turned and looked at Peter. Then Peter remembered the word of the Lord, how He had said to him, “Before the rooster crows, you will deny Me three times.” So Peter went out and wept bitterly. Now the men who held Jesus mocked Him and beat Him. And having blindfolded Him, they struck Him on the face and asked Him, saying, “Prophesy! Who is the one who struck You?” And many other things they blasphemously spoke against Him.

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, Your night of suffering is commemorated every year and well it should be. There in the dusty streets of Jerusalem You, the innocent One, submitted to the authorities of men, authorities not of God but born in hearts and methods of sinful men. Cruel chains bound You. Heartless soldiers stuck Your face. Witnesses lied against You. The leaders of the People of God bent the laws of God to their own purposes to Your harm. Why? Because You love people. You, the Second Adam, were undoing the failure of the First Adam. No one but You could do this and You did. Thank You, Jesus! Amen.

Song:
In the Garden Boldly
Words and Music: P. P. Bliss

1. In the garden, boldly, Peter would have fought;
Now he answers coldly, Nay, I know Him not.

Refrain:
I would stand forever near my Savior’s side,
Lest to glory yonder I should be denied.

2. Tho’ life’s stony pathway be with dangers fraught,
Let my falterings never say, I know Him not.

Refrain

3 Though long years of sorrow be my earthly lot,
Let my murmurings never Say, I know Him not.

Refrain

4 In the dark temptation, vows and prayers forgot,
Let my yielding never way, I know Him not.

Refrain

5 So, in toil or pleasure, deed or word or thought,
Let me never, never, say, I know Him not.

Refrain

Semper Reformanda!
Stephen Phifer

© 2018 Stephen R. Phifer All Rights Reserved

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

August 18 “Gethsemane”

Gethsemane

The strong angel was used to standing in the shadows.
A spiritual being, he was usually unseen by the people who received his ministry. He waited for Jesus in the usual place, the Garden of Gethsemane, a mountainside retreat often used by Jesus and His men for a night’s rest. There would be no rest on this night.

The angel watched as the disciples followed Jesus into the garden. Their bellies were full. It was late. The trek up the mountainside wore them out. They quickly found their usual resting places and started to settle in for the night. Judas was not among them. Jesus spoke a last piece of instruction.

“Pray that you may not enter into temptation.”

They were too tired to even think about praying. Jesus withdrew from them so that His prayers would not disturb them. He knelt to pray.

“Father, if it is Your will, take this cup away from Me…”

The angel moved closer to Jesus, wondering if the Father would answer this desperate prayer. In the Garden, only the usual night sounds could be heard. In the spirit realm, neither Jesus nor the attending angel detected a reply. In a moment, Jesus broke the silence.

“…nevertheless not My will, but Yours, be done.”

The angel stepped to Jesus and touched His shoulder. Jesus lowered His head to touch the angel’s hand. In the contact, the power of the Holy Spirit flowed from heaven to earth. With new strength, Jesus prayed all the more. Such was His effort in prayer that He began to perspire. As His effort became agony, the tiny blood vessels in his forehead broke and His perspiration flushed with blood and fell to the floor of the Garden, the first drops of so much blood that would spill this night.

The Betrayal
Jesus arose from prayer and returned to the disciples. The angel, weeping, retreated to the shadows. He knew he must not stop the events about to unfold. Jesus, hearing the approaching guards, stirred His men awake.

“Why do you sleep? Rise and pray, lest you enter into temptation.”

While He still spoke, a detachment of Temple guards, led by priests who in turn were led by Judas, emerged from the shadows. Without hesitation, Judas approached Jesus and kissed Him on the cheek. For some reason the guards froze in position as Jesus responded.

“Judas, are you betraying the Son of Man with a kiss?”

Now they were sure. The guards seized Jesus. Peter drew one of the swords asking,

“Lord, shall we strike with the sword?”

Without waiting for an answer he struck off the ear of one of the guards. Before the other guards could retaliate, Jesus rebuked Peter saying,

“Permit even this.”

He reached down to the injured man and healed the ear. In view of such a miracle, the guards were hesitant to touch Him. Jesus spoke to the priests,

When I was with you daily in the temple, you did not try to seize Me. But this is your hour,
and the power of darkness.”

As the guards seized Jesus, the powerful angel held his power in check although every angelic fiber of his angelic being wanted to strike the guards and the priests and Judas but he knew this was not the plan.

It was the hour of darkness, indeed, and the long night was just beginning.

Scriptures:
Luke:22:39-53 NKJV
Coming out, He went to the Mount of Olives, as He was accustomed, and His disciples also followed Him. When He came to the place, He said to them, “Pray that you may not enter into temptation.” And He was withdrawn from them about a stone’s throw, and He knelt down and prayed, saying, “Father, if it is Your will, take this cup away from Me; nevertheless not My will, but Yours, be done.” Then an angel appeared to Him from heaven, strengthening Him. And being in agony, He prayed more earnestly. Then His sweat became like great drops of blood falling down to the ground. When He rose up from prayer, and had come to His disciples, He found them sleeping from sorrow. Then He said to them, “Why do you sleep? Rise and pray, lest you enter into temptation.” And while He was still speaking, behold, a multitude; and he who was called Judas, one of the twelve, went before them and drew near to Jesus to kiss Him. But Jesus said to him, “Judas, are you betraying the Son of Man with a kiss?” When those around Him saw what was going to happen, they said to Him, “Lord, shall we strike with the sword?” And one of them struck the servant of the high priest and cut off his right ear. But Jesus answered and said, “Permit even this.” And He touched his ear and healed him. Then Jesus said to the chief priests, captains of the temple, and the elders who had come to Him, “Have you come out, as against a robber, with swords and clubs? When I was with you daily in the temple, you did not try to seize Me. But this is your hour, and the power of darkness.”

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, never has such love been seen on earth! Never such passion! Bearing no guilt of Your own, You took the sins of the world on Your shoulders. Faced with the bitter cup of iniquity, You drank it all. Your sleeping friends could not help You. The angel standing by could not rescue You for it was to this moment that all Your footsteps led. Thank You, Lord. Thank You, Lord.

Song:
To See the King of Heaven Fall (Gethsemne)
Words and Music by Stuart Townsend and Keith Getty

1. To see the King of heaven fall
In anguish to His knees,
The Light and Hope of all the world
Now overwhelmed with grief.
What nameless horrors must He see,
To cry out in the garden:
‘Oh, take this cup away from me!
Yet not my will but Yours
Yet not my will but Yours.’

2. To know each friend will fall away,
And heaven’s voice be still,
For hell to have its vengeful day
Upon Golgotha’s hill.
No words describe the Saviour’s plight
To be by God forsaken
Till wrath and love are satisfied,
And every sin is paid,
And every sin is paid.

3. What took Him to this wretched place,
What kept Him on this road?
His love for Adam’s curséd race,
For every broken soul.
No sin too slight to overlook,
No crime too great to carry,
All mingled in this poisoned cup,
And yet He drank it all
The Savior drank it all,
The Savior drank it all.

Semper Reformanda!
Stephen Phifer

© 2018 Stephen R. Phifer All Rights Reserved

TheJesusStory devotions are also found at KingdomWinds.com.