“The image of God is universally shared in equal portions by all men. There is no graded scale of essential worth. Every human being has etched in his personality the indelible stamp of the Creator. Every man must be respected because God loves him. The worth of an individual does not lie in the measure…
We still do not understand!
“They still did not understand from Scripture that Jesus had to rise from the dead.” (John 20:9) On many occasions Jesus told His disciples about His death and resurrection.The disciples feared the death of Jesus, but they could not comprehend the resurrection.Death was something everyone would eventually face, and hopefully not too soon.But rising from death…
The disciple Jesus loves!
“So she came running to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one Jesus loved…(John 20:2) There is something humourous about how Peter and John relate.It is commonly understood that John was “the one Jesus loved”.We see a competitive rivalry between them, trying to be first.Peter no doubt felt shame because of his strong denial of…
Jesus the Word of God!
“Jesus Christ alone is my final authority, whose will is discerned through the interdependent witness of the Body of Christ, the testimony of the Scriptures and the illumination of the Holy Spirit.” Brad Jersak
Kakure Kirishitan
“Joseph was a disciple of Jesus, but secretly because he feared the Jewish leaders.” (John 19:38) Joseph was a secret Jesus-follower until this moment.By going to Pilate to ask for Jesus’s body, he is going public.The same Jewish leaders he feared would hear about this.Something had changed within him, and he pushed past his fear.Nicodemus was…
Sharing my experience of Jesus
“The man who saw it has given testimony, and his testimony is true. He knows that he tells the truth, and he testifies so that you also may believe.” (John 19:35) Jesus commissioned His disciples to be His witnesses to the ends of the earth (Acts 1:8)In other words, tell everyone what you have seen and heard.In…
Mission accomplished!
“Jesus said, ‘It is finished.’ With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.” (John 19:30) (PLEASE NOTE: tetelestai (‘it is finished’) does not mean ‘paid in full’)During His time of ministry, Jesus knew how His work would finish.On several occasions He let His disciples know what was coming.Jesus was determined to finish His…
We claim this King of the Jews!’
“Do not write ‘The King of the Jews,’ but that this man claimed to be king of the Jews.” (John 19:21) This must have been humiliating for the Jewish leaders.There is mockery in this title written over a crucified man.The irony is clear: ‘you and your king are crushed and defeated’.The Jewish leaders did not want…
Here is your family!
“‘Woman, here is your son,’ and to the disciple, ‘Here is your mother.’” (John 19:26-27) How do people respond when they see others suffering?It depends on who they are, and who the suffering ones are to them.There are people motivated by compassion, others by cruelty.Compassion is shown through a desire to help, to relieve their suffering.Cruelty…
History repeating itself!
“‘We have no king but Caesar,’ the chief priests answered.” (John 19:15) The religious leaders were being pragmatic.They knew Caesar was a corrupt leader, but they also knew they needed Caesar.They also hated what Jesus stood for, and did not want to do what He said.Jesus’s agenda was against theirs, but they could use Caesar in…