Jesus is Crucified

It’s horrifying to think human beings would treat other human beings in such a way!

We’ve all heard the story, and been sickened by the thought of such a good and gracious man being treated with this extreme cruelty. The books of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John all describe the event. One may describe a more detailed account of Jesus’ demise but the prophecy in Psalm 22 written hundreds of years before the Romans came to power is undeniable.  

Prophecy                                                                                                                  Fulfillment

Messiah would be forsaken (verse 1)                                                                  Matthew 27:46

The Messiah would be mocked (verse 2)                                                            Matthew 27:45-46

The Messiah would be poured out like water (verse 14)                                    John 19:34

The Messiah would be thirsty (verse 15)                                                            John 19:28

The Messiah would be crucified by non-Jews                                                    Matthew 27:27-31

The Messiah’s hands and feet would be pierced                                                 John 19:34, 20:25-29

The Messiah’s executioners would gamble for his robe (verse 18)                    Matthew 27:35

This Psalm 22 of David, prophesied the Messiah would be crucified when crucifixion as a state punishment had not yet been invented. This is no coincidence. Fulfilled prophecy is one of the most stunning features of the Bible, one that sets it apart from any other Holy Book.

As Christ followers, we may not need to be convinced of the authenticity of the Holy One, but it is this gift of fulfillment that offers us the evidence and courage to speak to others in his name.

Jesus' walk on this earth was pre-determined, deliberate and purposeful. Let us continue to believe and guide seekers of truth and peace to the cross. The cross, where He laid his body down for us.

Thank you Jesus!

                                                                                                                          Written by gail

Read/Listen to Matthew 27:32-44

Acts 2: 14-41

The Spirit Is For You!

Peter Addresses the Crowd

This “sermon” is the first by one of Jesus’ followers recorded in the bible. It should be of particular interest to those seeking to understand God, as it clearly touches on every important aspect of Christianity. Read and dissect each part of this message, and you will clearly see what the Christian faith is all about. Share with those who need to know. Peter presents these key points:

-Jesus did miracles and was unlike any other person who ever lived (verse 22) "Men of Israel, listen to this: Jesus of Nazareth was a man accredited by God to you by miracles, wonders and signs, which God did among you through him, as you yourselves know.”

-Jesus was a real, historical person. He suffered, died, and was raised from the dead

(verse 23-24) “This man was handed over to you by God’s set purpose and foreknowledge; and you, with the help of wicked men, put him to death by nailing him to the cross. But God raised him from the dead, freeing him from the agony of death, because it was impossible for death to keep its hold on him.”

-Jewish prophets made specific prophecies about Jesus before he was born, giving proof that the Bible is God’s Word (verses 16-21-spoken by the prophet Joel, and 25-28-said by David about him).

-Jesus is Lord-Ruler of all, God in human body-the Messiah, the promised Deliver of Israel (verse 36) “Therefore let all Israel be assured of this: God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ.”

-Trust in Jesus, not yourself, for salvation (verse 38) Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.”

-God wants to dwell in you through the Holy Spirit (verse 38-39)…"The promise is for you and your children, and for all who are far off-for all whom the Lord our God will call.”

-The rest of the world is headed for disaster apart from God. Don’t get entangled by its corruption (verse 40) With many other words he warned them; and he pleaded with them, “Save yourselves from the corrupt generation.”

Read/Listen to Acts 2: 14-41 

The Story – Chapter 26 – The Hour of Darkness

Luke 22: 39-53

Matthew, Mark and John wrote of the same exact experience as this passage in Luke. Their words may vary, but the stories corroborate each other. Today’s reading in Luke revisits the time when Jesus and his disciples were at the Mount of Olives and Jesus instructed them to “Pray that you will not fall into temptation.” He then went a short distance away, fell to his knees, and prayed like no one else can. He was in agony, knowing  the night of his crucifixion was very near. He prayed fervently, dreading the cross but submitting himself to his heavenly Father’s higher purpose.

The Journey (Bible For Seeking God and Understanding Life) says something I must share regarding the heart of Jesus, and how we can take example from Him in one of His darkest moments. “We will face deep anguish in our life-everyone does. When that happens you can do what Jesus did; PRAY. Pray hard, pray deep, pray honestly, pray out all your feelings-not a formula. Pray until you sweat and cry and fall down in exhaustion. Pray with others. Pray alone. Pray as long as it takes, and then pray longer. Pray because nothing else works, and keep praying when it doesn’t seem to work. Pray because Jesus prayed, pray because you want to pray, pray because you don’t want to pray. Pray out loud, pray quietly. Pray whenever you think about it, pray instead of just thinking about it. Pray when you walk and when you drive and when you wake up and when you go to sleep. Pray before you forget. Pray right now.”

This 3 minute video is worth watching:

John Piper - Prayer Causes Things to Happen

 Read/Listen to Luke 22: 39-53

Mark 16: 1-8 He Is Risen!

"He is not here."
What do you mean He is not here? He was put through intense torture and ridicule, crowned with thorns, nailed to a wooden cross and left to die just hanging there! His body was laid within this tomb upon bloody cloaks once it was finished. A large stone secured the entrance. It was a stone no man could move on his own. This place was guarded. Now he is gone?

A young man dressed in a white robe was within the tomb. How could that be? He told the female visitors not to be alarmed. "You are looking for Jesus of Nazarene, who was crucified. He is risen! He is not here. See the place where they laid him. But go, tell his disciples and Peter, He is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him, just as he told you."

He Is Risen: Listen...and turn it up!

Read "The Resurrection" passage
Listen to "The Resurrection" passage

Shine God's Light -- John 3:16-21

Love

Hung Him

On a cross

To die for all

Our old selfish sinful selves forgiven

In Christ, God demonstrated love for us

His Light is in our hearts!

Claim His hope

Power

Love

Shine God's Light in your world!

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Read today's text on Biblegateway, John 3:16-21.

Who Killed Jesus? Matthew 27:32-50

Reading today’s scripture I am reminded of a scene in Mel Gibson's movie, The Passion Of The Christ. Right before Jesus is crucified, after he carried his own cross to the place of his death, the scene shows a resolute Messiah. Jesus, beaten and exhausted, after falling down one final time, crawls to the cross. He is determined to die for our sins.

In Matthew 27 one phrase stands out to me. As spectators surround the cross and mock Jesus, someone says, "You who are going to destroy the temple and build it in three days, save yourself! Come down from the cross, if you are the Son of God!"

Those who were mocking Christ spoke the truth and didn’t even know it, “You who are going to destroy the temple….” For centuries people have discussed the question, "Who killed Jesus?" Was it the Jews? Romans? Maybe it was me. Was it my sin that killed him?

We need to understand, Jesus was not killed. Yes, he died, but he laid down his life. He would have swung the hammer himself in order to save humanity from Hell. He destroyed the temple. He did it for you and for me. He endured pain, humiliation, and a criminal’s death so we could spend eternity with him forever.

Jesus was crucified, died and buried… but that’s not the end of the story.

 

 

Read today scripture on Biblegateway Matthew 27:32-50

 

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