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John 19:19-20 Pilate wrote a notice and had it put on the cross. “Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews,” is what he wrote. 20 Many people read it, because the place where Jesus was crucified was not far from the city. The notice was written in Hebrew, Latin, and Greek. 21 The chief priests of the Jews protested to Pilate, “Do not write ‘The King of the Jews,’ but that this man claimed to be king of the Jews.” 22 Pilate answered, “What I have written, I have written.”
GOD certainly uses people in surprising ways, doesn’t he? The Bible tells us that regardless if one is a pagan or Jew, atheist or true believer, God can use a person’s character and traits to declare Jesus to the world. Here, for example, the pagan Pilate ordered a sign written in several languages for all to know Jesus as “King of the Jews”. It seems he was mocking the Jews; yet, God was using Pilate to tell the truth. Then see that “many people read it”. These were people who had traveled to Jerusalem from nearby towns and foreign countries. Many were Gentiles (also called Greeks), merchants, craftsmen, government employees and all types of social classes. For some, no doubt, it was their first notice of Jesus. Surely, they wondered about the sign to ask, “Why would anyone call this cursed criminal on a cross ‘King of the Jews’?” Why, indeed? How was God using Pilate to tell the truth of Jesus? I wonder what some of these same people thought weeks or even years later when the apostles proclaimed: Acts 2:36 “Therefore let all Israel be assured of this: God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ.” And Paul wrote in Galatians 6:14 May I never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world. Do you think some who heard the gospel thought back to that day when the “King of the Jews” was on the cross? Perhaps the memory of the crucified “King of the Jews” awakened them to know that the apostles’ words were true. The gospel message is real. God truly so loved the world he did give his only Son to be crucified to rise again for the resurrection of believers’ souls. Indeed, God makes himself known in unexpected ways. He even goes to a criminal’s death on a cross. On that day, the Father planted the seeds of his salvation into the hearts and minds of many who passed by or stood at the foot of the cross. Pilate was a weak, ineffective ruler. He relented to the crowd and crucified the only truly innocent man who has ever lived. Even so, Pilate acted under God’s’ sovereign purpose. The Lord God gave to Pilate words to introduce the King of Kings to the world. Prayer: Thank you, Father, for the ways you choose us to make you known to those who travel into our lives. I pray we are intentional to announce, “Jesus is King.” Amen. John 19:17-18 Carrying his own cross, he went out to the place of the Skull (which in Aramaic is called Golgotha). 18 Here they crucified him, and with him two others — one on each side and Jesus in the middle.
IS it not enough that his back is a mass of torn flesh? Blood from the excruciating crown of thorns streams from his forehead into his eyes. Jesus’ wrists and arms are numb from the ropes that tied him to the lashing pole. Is he not bruised, bleeding, broken and weakened enough? Now he is carrying his own cross. Jesus, the Son of God, the Son of Man, the Messiah, the Resurrection and the life, bears his cross to be crucified in Barabbas’ place between two thieves. The Suffering Servant demonstrated the truth of his own words, Mark 8:34 “If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.” Yes, Jesus’ words of committed discipleship are figurative, symbolic of sacrificial living for Jesus and perseverance through trial and difficulties. To carry a cross for Christ, we must give up our desires and trust the Lord’s will for his eternal kingdom. Cross bearing means we deliver the gospel to sinful hearts, even though many will reject you. An important lesson here is to that cross bearing is impossible without help. How does the brutalized Jesus reach Golgotha? Matthew 27:32 As they were going out, they met a man from Cyrene, named Simon, and they forced him to carry the cross. See how Simon is forced to help Jesus when Jesus can bear the wooden beam no longer. He had no expectations of being involved in God’s salvation plan. But he acted, perhaps in protest; yet, the Lord rewarded him. Mark 15:21 records his two sons Rufus and Alexander were gospel missionaries. In a like manner, we will be unexpectedly confronted with a cross to carry. And as we do respond in faith – even against our will – our Lord will step in to say, “Here, I know this is too heavy for you alone. Let me help you.” Yes, the Lord will help you fulfill your work. Living into Jesus’ cross-carrying discipleship is believing in your heart Psalms 121:1-2 I lift up my eyes to the hills – where does my help come from? 2 My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth. Yes, your God is an active Helper. Jesus, on heaven’s throne, has sent to you his Counselor – his Helper in the Holy Spirit. He is the Spirit of life with the power to do God’s will on earth. You can rejoice and be glad your cross will not lead to be crucified into death. But the cross of faith will take you to live into Paul’s words in Galatians 2:20 I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. How sweet to know, how encouraging to trust, how powerful to believe that Christ lives in you. Take up your cross with joy. Praise and thank God you don’t have to go to Golgotha. Jesus already did. Prayer: Thank you, Jesus, for bearing your cross, that I would be free of sin’s burden’s forever. Strengthen me to bear the crosses you give to me, so I will help others know you. Amen. John 19:1-16 Then Pilate took Jesus and had him flogged. 2 The soldiers twisted together a crown of thorns and put it on his head. They clothed him in a purple robe 3 and went up to him again and again, saying, “Hail, king of the Jews!” And they struck him in the face. 4 Once more Pilate came out and said to the Jews, “Look, I am bringing him out to you to let you know that I find no basis for a charge against him.” 5 When Jesus came out wearing the crown of thorns and the purple robe, Pilate said to them, “Here is the man!” 6 As soon as the chief priests and their officials saw him, they shouted, “Crucify! Crucify!” But Pilate answered, “You take him and crucify him. As for me, I find no basis for a charge against him.” 7 The Jews insisted, “We have a law, and according to that law he must die, because he claimed to be the Son of God.” 8 When Pilate heard this, he was even more afraid, 9 and he went back inside the palace. “Where do you come from?” he asked Jesus, but Jesus gave him no answer. 10 “Do you refuse to speak to me?” Pilate said. “Don’t you realize I have power either to free you or to crucify you?” 11 Jesus answered, “You would have no power over me if it were not given to you from above. Therefore the one who handed me over to you is guilty of a greater sin.” 12 From then on, Pilate tried to set Jesus free, but the Jews kept shouting, “If you let this man go, you are no friend of Caesar. Anyone who claims to be a king opposes Caesar.” 13 When Pilate heard this, he brought Jesus out and sat down on the judge’s seat at a place known as the Stone Pavement (which in Aramaic is Gabbatha). 14 It was the day of Preparation of Passover Week, about the sixth hour. “Here is your king,” Pilate said to the Jews. 15 But they shouted, “Take him away! Take him away! Crucify him!” “Shall I crucify your king?” Pilate asked. “We have no king but Caesar,” the chief priests answered. 16 Finally Pilate handed him over to them to be crucified. So the soldiers took charge of Jesus.
“Christians should never forget that the source of their joy was the pain and suffering of their Lord.” — M. G. Gutzke Prayer: From Psalms 36:5 Your love, O Lord, reaches to the heavens, your faithfulness to the skies. I pray we live in awe and wonder of your great suffering that proves your love reaches to the heavens. Amen. John 18:38-40 “What is truth?” Pilate asked. With this he went out again to the Jews and said, “I find no basis for a charge against him. 39 But it is your custom for me to release to you one prisoner at the time of the Passover. Do you want me to release ‘the king of the Jews’?” 40 They shouted back, “No, not him! Give us Barabbas!” Now Barabbas had taken part in a rebellion.
WHAT is at the center of the Jews’ charges, Jesus’ few responses, Pilate’s actions and the crowd’s reaction? It is truth, isn’t it? John’s gospel is about defining Jesus as truth: John 1:17 For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. The Pharisees accused Jesus of blasphemous teaching, untrue to God’s law. The crowd thinks the truth is in some lawless tradition. And even though Pilate asked, “What is truth?” he’s really not interested in the answer. His truth is defined by protecting his position. Pilate, it seems, took a moment to consider Jesus’ words. He had just told Pilate that when people wanted to know the truth he was the One to seek. But Pilate only thought about it for a brief moment it seems. We can easily assume he had asked the question many times of himself, but he found no answer. What kept Pilate from taking Jesus inside his house, inviting him to lunch and asking him, “What do you mean, ‘Whoever listens to the truth belongs to you?’” Perhaps he knew if he took time with Jesus to learn the truth, his life would dramatically change. He might be confronted with his past sins – some very evil sins – against political opponents and the Jews. The truth of his weaknesses might cause him to lose his power as a Roman governor. Each aspect of his life that defined who he was would disappear as God revealed the truth to him. Pilate would no longer see truth as what was right for him in changing circumstances of his life. His new view of truth would open his eyes to the true God. A new foundation of faith and understanding would rule his heart. No longer would he base truth on protecting his position, but truth would define his faith and eternal relationship with Jesus. Pilate’s life would be made new in Jesus. But this was not to happen on this day. Without hope of a true answer, void of any desire to really know truth, Pilate washed his hands of Jesus, and Jesus was gone. Pilate washed his hands of truth, and he remained in the filthy hands of his own desires. Have you been close to getting to know Jesus better but then stepped back? Were you afraid of what would change in your life, what you might have to stop and what you might begin doing? I often meet people on the verge of stepping into a new experience with God. They claim they want change. But then they see what the Lord requires, and they back away. Trusting God’s truth for their lives, remains covered in their own desires above God’s will. What is truth? Hear the Father’s answer: Luke 9:35 A voice came from the cloud, saying, “This is my Son, whom I have chosen; listen to him.” Prayer: I pray for your truth in my life, Lord God. Amen. John 18:33-37 Pilate then went back inside the palace, summoned Jesus and asked him, “Are you the king of the Jews?” 34 “Is that your own idea,” Jesus asked, “or did others talk to you about me?” 35 “Am I a Jew?” Pilate replied. “It was your people and your chief priests who handed you over to me. What is it you have done?” 36 Jesus said, “My kingdom is not of this world. If it were, my servants would fight to prevent my arrest by the Jews. But now my kingdom is from another place.” 37 So Pilate asked him, “Are you a king, then?” Jesus answered, “You say that I am a king. I was born and came into the world for this one purpose, to speak about the truth. Whoever belongs to the truth listens to me.”
JESUS often taught in a way to help people consider his words and then understand his truth. He does that here with Pilate. The Lord answers Pilate’s question, “Are you a king, then?” not with, “Yes.” but with his statement of his kingdom’s purpose, “You say that I am a king. I was born and came into the world for this one purpose, to speak about the truth. Whoever belongs to the truth listens to me.” Truly, this is God’s claim to rule the hearts of those who believe in him. Jesus’ kingship is not currently over a physical world: John 8:23 “You are from below; I am from above. You are of this world; I am not of this world.” Instead, his kingdom is the reign of truth. Pilate will next ask, “What is truth?” a question the world seems to consistently ask. But the world does not really want an answer. Otherwise, people would need to confront and confess their sin. Otherwise, truth would lead them to confess, “Jesus is king of my life. I surrender my worldly ways for his heavenly life.” Yes, the truth is spoken from heaven to the world through the law, prophets, Jess and the apostles. Through the Holy Spirit-inspired Bible, our gracious Father has given to us the kingdom knowledge to be true kingdom citizens. Matthew 16:18 And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock (“Rock” is the confession that Jesus is Lord.) I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it. 19 I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.” Jesus does not rule the hearts and minds who deny him. That is why Jesus says, “My kingdom is not of this world.” His rule, then, is not over Caiaphas, the priests and authorities accusing him. Nor is his rule over Pilate. At this time and for his purpose, God will allow evil to oppose his kingdom and reign over the physical world. Because Jesus knew his role then, with his eye to eternal life, he stood firm in the battle against evil with God’s “belt of truth buckled around your waist…to take up the shield of faith…and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.” (See Ephesians 6:10-20.) One day Jesus will return to establish his kingship over the earth. Revelation 11:15 The seventh angel sounded his trumpet, and there were loud voices in heaven, which said: “The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of his Christ, and he will reign for ever and ever.” Prayer: We praise you, Lord Jesus, for living in the Father’s truth to prepare for your true reign on earth one day. Gratefully, we confess, “Jesus is Lord and King of my life.” Amen. John 18:28-32 Then the Jews led Jesus from Caiaphas to the palace of the Roman governor. By now it was early morning, and to avoid ceremonial uncleanness the Jews did not enter the palace; they wanted to be able to eat the Passover. 29 So Pilate came out to them and asked, “What charges are you bringing against this man?” 30 “If he were not a criminal,” they replied, we would not have handed him over to you.” 31 Pilate said, “Take him yourselves and judge him by your own law.” “But we have no right to execute anyone,” the Jews objected. 32 This happened so that the words Jesus had spoken indicating the kind of death he was going to die would be fulfilled.
IN the book of Judges, we twice read these terrifying words: Judges 17:6 & 21:25 In those days Israel had no king; everyone did as he saw fit. Yes, it is terrifying when we see the results of people acting as they please outside lawful rule and authority. Even more frightening would be a world without God’s righteous laws. Observe where this is true today, and you will see people dominated, abused and victimized economically and socially. Judges is a sad record of how this was true in Israel. Although those events were recorded some 1,000 years before Jesus’ arrest and trials (Yes, he faced four “trials”.) it seems little had changed among God’s people. The temple priests and Pharisees were doing what they saw fit to accomplish their dreadful purpose. Caiaphas’ design was to crucify Jesus, and he would do so in any way he could accomplish it. Jesus had correctly called these rulers, “Hypocrites.” regarding God’s laws, justice and mercy. And they were proving Jesus’ words true. Particularly pointed is Jesus’ rebuke in Matthew 15:7-8 You hypocrites! Isaiah was right when he prophesied about you: “‘These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me.’” Now before Pilate, the supposed law-focused Caiaphas and his associates became a lawless lynch mob. They take Jesus to an unclean place. They claim now their desire is to obey Rome’s rule, pretending not to break their own laws. But they used Rome as a tool to sweep away their guilt. Caiaphas claimed Jesus is a criminal. But he has no charge against Jesus. Caiaphas told Pilate Jesus must be executed. He has no evidence, though, against Jesus breaking Rome’s law. In Judges, there actually was a King in Israel. His name was I AM, the living God, who formed his people and gave them the law’s way to righteousness. But Israel’s hearts denied his authority, justice and mercy. God’s people in the time of Judges lived amid chaos, and they missed the King’s care and peace over their lives. On that dark morning in Jerusalem, there, too was a King in Israel, but the Jews accused him. They denied his authority, justice and mercy. They did as they pleased, and they missed the King’s care and peace over their lives. How about you? How is your church? Do you know there is a King who has come to rule your heart with authority, justice and mercy? Do you know the King has come to offer you his care and peace over your life? Prayer: I pray, Father, the King of Kings is truly my Lord of lords. Amen. John 18:15-18 & 25-27 Simon Peter and another disciple (John) were following Jesus. Because this disciple was known to the high priest, he went with Jesus into the high priest’s courtyard, 16 but Peter had to wait outside at the door. The other disciple, who was known to the high priest, came back, spoke to the girl on duty there and brought Peter in. 17 “You are not one of his disciples, are you?” the girl at the door asked Peter. He replied, “I am not.” 18 It was cold, and the servants and officials stood around a fire they had made to keep warm. Peter also was standing with them, warming himself…25 As Simon Peter stood warming himself, he was asked, “You are not one of his disciples, are you?” He denied it, saying, “I am not.” 26 One of the high priest’s servants, a relative of the man whose ear Peter had cut off, challenged him, “Didn't I see you with him in the olive grove?” 27 Again Peter denied it, and at that moment a rooster began to crow.
SINCE that awful early morning in Jerusalem, Peter has been judged, condemned and mocked for this great gap in his faith. One time when I was preaching on Peter’s restoration as recorded in John 22, I asked the congregation what came to mind when Peter’s name was mentioned. “Denied Christ,” was the first response. Eventually words such as “passionate”, “reactionary”, “impulsive”, and “rock” were mentioned. I don’t think anyone said “apostle”. I don’t think anyone mentioned he authored two books – or epistles – of the New Testament. No said Peter was the main source for Mark’s gospel. Neither did anyone note he is the first recorded missionary to the Gentiles, even though this is significant in Acts. My point here is this: Let’s focus on one’s salvation. Our human mind is naturally prone to point out and hold on to a person’s mistakes. Jesus came to fulfill the prophecy of Isaiah 43:25 “I, even I, am he who blots out your transgressions, for my own sake, and remembers your sins no more.” The gospel is the good news that God forgives and forgets your sins. After his resurrection, Jesus did that with Peter. Jesus would make Peter whole again, and Peter would become the first voice of Jesus’ church to proclaim Acts 2:38 “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.” Peter personally knew what he was preaching. He had repented of his faith gap and became one of Jesus’ faithful apostles to his death. Peter was a living testimony as he came through the darkness of denial into Jesus’ glorious light of forgiveness. Joyfully, Peter’s victory over sin has become an example for us in our own struggles. He becomes a model for all Christians. Do we not all find some way to deny our Lord? Do we consider his commands but then forget them? We, too, even deny our relationship with him! Is that why we are so eager to point to Peter’s denial? “If Peter did it, I’m not so bad.” But let’s see Peter as a model of true discipleship. Refer to Peter as “Peter preached Christ.” and affirm Peter’s passion. And be faithful to speak God’s gospel into our friends’ and neighbors’ lives. Yes, Peter denied Jesus. Judas betrayed Jesus. God permitted both sins. God then in Jesus’ death graciously made a way for both to return to him. Judas rejected the Lord and died in sin. Peter rejected his sin and lived in the Lord. What will you do? Prayer: Holy Spirit, I pray I am eager to speak your gospel with a sure testimony of your love, grace and forgiveness. Amen. John 18:12-14 & 19-24 Then the detachment of soldiers with its commander and the Jewish officials arrested Jesus. They bound him 13 and brought him first to Annas, who was the father-in-law of Caiaphas, the high priest that year. 14 Caiaphas was the one who had advised the Jews that it would be good if one man died for the people…19 Meanwhile, the high priest questioned Jesus about his disciples and his teaching. 20 “I have spoken openly to the world,” Jesus replied. “I always taught in synagogues or at the temple, where all the Jews come together. I said nothing in secret. 21 Why question me? Ask those who heard me. Surely they know what I said.” 22 When Jesus said this, one of the officials nearby struck him in the face. “Is this the way you answer the high priest?” he demanded. 23 “If I said something wrong,” Jesus replied, “testify as to what is wrong. But if I spoke the truth, why did you strike me?” 24 Then Annas sent him, still bound, to Caiaphas the high priest.
THESE are violent men who arrest Jesus. They do so in a dark garden absent of public witness. They bind Jesus to immediately cause pain in his arms and wrists. Even after this arresting guard has fallen back in response to Jesus’ power, they forcefully take him to Annas. You may wonder why there are two high priests. In the Romans’ view, Caiaphas was the high priest, replacing Annas about 15 A.D. In Jewish law, a high priest ruled for life. But the Romans were uncomfortable with one man ruling so long. Thus, Annas’ son-in-law Caiaphas became high priest. Still, the Jews system honored Annas as high priest, even though the Romans gave him no authority. Caiaphas, we remember, declared after Jesus resurrected Lazarus that it would be better to kill Jesus than to allow the Romans to kill many Jews who would follow Jesus in a rebellion. (John 11:49-52) The Jewish rulers are working in physical and spiritual darkness. The secret arrest led to a secret trial that would lead to Jesus’ public execution. The Jews were manipulating events to their purpose to destroy Jesus. The spiritual darkness is evident as Annas questions Jesus about his disciples and his teachings. Again, Jesus protects his disciples from this evil. And he refuses to specifically relate his teachings. Long before these questions, many pharisees and priests had asked Jesus many questions. But few had open ears and hearts to receive the truth. Jesus knows the truth now will only come to some through his resurrection. He knows full well his teaching time is done. Hard hearts have refused to listen. It’s time to complete his work. The light will appear to be snuffed out. But it will remain a glow and burn brightly over the land once again. The Lord was permitting the darkness. Yet, out of the darkness will come the light. To paraphrase Matthew 4:16 “the people living in darkness (will see) a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned." Prayer: Help me, Father, to live in your light. I pray when I ask you for answers, I will listen to your truth. Amen. John 18:10-11 Then Simon Peter, who had a sword, drew it and struck the high priest's servant, cutting off his right ear. (The servant’s name was Malchus.) 11 Jesus said to Peter, “Put your sword back in its place! Do you think that I will not drink the cup of suffering which my Father has given me?”
GOD’s wrath will not come upon his earthly enemies this night. His wrath, instead, will come upon his own Son for you. No sword is needed. The Savior’s obedience is God’s weapon against evil. See here why we call Jesus, “My personal Lord and Savior.” Jesus drinks the cup of suffering – his arrest, trial, scourging, crucifixion and death – because of our personal sin. How mournful it is to consider, “My sin is responsible for the Son of God to suffer and die.” Yes, that is a very difficult truth to understand for two reasons. The first is because we are not inclined to see that our sins would cause anyone to die. We see the imperfections in our lives, but certainly our sins are not so terrible to cause I AM – the eternal God – to die for me, are they? But in truth, each sin causes a deadly divide between us and the Lord God. Adam and Eve’s sin seemed little. But God’s judgment was death to humanity. Any stain on God’s holiness will lead to death. Romans 6:23a For the wages of sin is death. Indeed, our sins are deadly to our souls. That’s why we must also know Romans 6:23b But the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. Eternal life in Christ is the second reason it is difficult to understand Christ’s suffering for our sins. Does God really love us that much? Does he truly give us eternal life through Jesus’ death? When we consider Jesus’ great cup of suffering for our eternals life is a gift, we must mourn in repentance and weep for joy! Each sin – “big” or “small” – will be cleansed from our souls with Jesus’ blood! Can we truly comprehend that? Jesus, in the midst of his great sorrow, lovingly and obediently welcomed the cross. He knew his suffering would fulfill the Father’s mission to save you and the church to come. Know God’s love. Believe how precious you are to your Creator and Savior. Yes, you were born to life on earth because he formed you in heaven’s purpose. You are born again to eternal life because this is his gift to you. Jesus took the cup of suffering. He gave you his overflowing cup of life forevermore. Psalms 23:5-6 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. 6 Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. Prayer: Thank you, Lord Jesus, for receiving the suffering cup for my salvation. I pray I faithfully, gratefully rejoice in my salvation. Amen. John 18:7-10 Again he asked them, “Who is it you want?” And they said, “Jesus of Nazareth.” 8 “I told you that I am he,” Jesus answered. “If you are looking for me, then let these men go.” 9 This happened so that the words he had spoken would be fulfilled: “I have not lost one of those you gave me.”
JESUS said in John 10:14 “I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me – 15 just as the Father knows me and I know the Father – and I lay down my life for the sheep.” And he prayed in John 17:11 I will remain in the world no longer, but they are still in the world, and I am coming to you. Holy Father, protect them by the power of your name – the name you gave me – so that they may be one as we are one. Now as the temple guard is about to arrest him, Jesus is being the good, protecting Shepherd. And the Father is answering his prayer. The God Shepherd will stand between the authorities and his appointed apostles. God has a plan, and no earthly force will stop him. Amid the disciples’ denial, doubt and fear, Jesus intercedes between his followers and the guards. Peter’s violence is put aside as Jesus heals Malchus’ ear (Luke 22:51). Jesus calmed the emotional storm here as he calmed the sea in Mark 4:39-40 He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Quiet! Be still!" Then the wind died down and it was completely calm. 40 He said to his disciples, "Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?” Jesus calmed the turmoil here. Jesus saved his disciples from the sea, and he saved them from harm on this dark night of evil in Jerusalem. The Good Shepherd protects. Do you believe Jesus’ protection is still very active for you and his church? He knows, of course, many forces will oppose you. Some opposition will be your own hesitations, doubts, worries and misunderstandings about your kingdom role. Other oppositions can be outward threats against you. Or people you call “friend” will ridicule or abandon you. Jesus, though, is your Good Shepherd, who has sent you his Counselor, the Holy Spirit, to inspire, empower and encourage you. Jesus’ half-brother James wrote to help us stay in Jesus’ protection: James 4:8 Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. You will be under God’s protection as you go near to God. Exceptional peace and faith will come to you as you draw more closely to God. James’ second sentence here speaks of reasons we are far from God. We are not as true to God as we must be when our ways keep us from God’s ways. Let’s know then, the power of Jesus’ protection over our lives. Let’s live in peace, expecting the Lord’s Good Shepherd leading. Be of confidence, knowing the holy God invites you to be near in heart, mind and soul to him. God has called you into a remarkable relationship with him. Be with him and know he is in you. Prayer: You are my Good Shepherd, Jesus. I am at peace and confident in your power in me. Amen. |
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November 2024
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