Author: Norm

“He himself was waiting for the kingdom of God.” (Luke 23:51) What does it mean to ‘wait for the kingdom of God’.If I wait for the bus, I sit at the bus stop and anticipate that it is coming.If I wait for the light to turn green, I am in the lane, ready to proceed.Waiting is…

“Surely this was a righteous man.” (Luke 23:47) Christians have speculated about the divine nature of Jesus from the beginning.But the really significant thing about Jesus is what kind of human He was.The Roman soldier sees the uniqueness of Jesus as a righteous man.In Mark’s account, the soldier says ‘Son of God’ (Mark 15:39).Luke also uses the…

“Today you will be with me in paradise.” (Luke 23:43) Jesus came as a new Adam to restore God’s creation paradise.By refusing Satan’s lies (unlike Adam and Eve), Jesus beats Satan.He reclaims Adam’s position (Genesis 1:26-28), and therefore God’s kingdom.Jesus now reigns over all creation, though Satan is not giving up without a fight.Jesus assures this criminal…

“Along with the criminals — one on his right, the other on his left.” (Luke 23:33) During His ministry Jesus was accused of being with the wrong people.He associated with tax collectors and ate with sinners.It is fitting then that he also died with criminals.Everyone knew that ‘bad company corrupts good character.’ (1 Corinthians 15:33)What is important to…

“Do not weep for me; weep for yourselves and for your children.” (Luke 23:28) What Jesus experienced was horrific and evil.Weeping for this is not wrong, but there’s more reason to weep.Yes, it was bad that this happened to someone so loving and God-like.But God’s children experience horrific evil all the time.Jesus entered human depravity and…

“He released the man who had been thrown into prison for insurrection and murder.” (Luke 23:25) Forget church, christians, religion and church history for a moment.Just focus on Jesus and ask yourself, ‘what can we say against him?’Pilate concluded that Jesus had done nothing to deserve death (v.15).I would make that even stronger: what he did…

“I find no basis for a charge against this man.” (Luke 23:4) Pilate does not see Jesus as a real threat to Caesar’s throne.If Jesus, weak and pathetic, is the best the Jews can do, then Caesar need not fear.Herod comes to the same conclusion, when he lets the soldiers mock him.Neither of them are troubled…

“From now on, the Son of Man will be seated at the right hand of God.” (Luke 22:69) For Jews, ‘Son of God’ meant a God-pleasing human, like Adam (Luke 3:38). And ‘Son of Man’ meant the promised messiah (see Daniel 7:13-14). This Son of Man would stand receive God’s authority, glory and power. Jesus saw Himself as…

“The men who were guarding Jesus began mocking and beating him.” (Luke 22:63) Notice that these are the guards in the house of the high priest (v.54).These are Jewish guards, under the authority of the high priest.“He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him.” (John 1:11)God’s holy people, chosen and…

“The Lord turned and looked straight at Peter.” (Luke 22:61) In the moment when I am tempted, all I see is what I’m tempted with.Like Eve, the fruit looks so good, and I imagine all the benefits.If whispers of warning arise, they are buried beneath the burning desire.Satan keeps you too preoccupied to seek the help…