THE STORY OF JESUS: Luke 23:8-12 “Jesus gave him no answer.” (Luke 23:9) Jesus just stood there quietly, looking like a fool. Herod wanted a sign, Jesus gave him nothing. In the end Herod only saw a buffoon, a meek helpless mute. Jesus does not come across like a worldly leader or celebrity. He does not draw…
Turning things right-side up!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Luke 23:1-7 “We have found this man subverting our nation.” (Luke 23:2) The Latin root for the English word ‘subvert’ means to turn from beneath. The original Greek word in this text means to turn thoroughly. Jesus is being accused of turning things around – like a revolution. But was Jesus really a…
Confident… from now on!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Luke 22:66-71 “From now on, the Son of Man will be seated at the right hand of God.” (Luke 22:69) For Jews, the ‘Son of God’ was a sinless, God-pleasing human, like Adam (Luke 3:38). And the “Son of Man” was the promised messiah (see Daniel 7:13-14). This Son of Man would stand with God…
OK to be honest!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Psalm 102 “For you have taken me up and thrown me aside.” (Psalm 102: 10) This is not one of those verses that people memorize. You won’t find it on inspirational cards or gift mugs. The psalmist is being brutally honest – this is how he feels. God inspires him to record his honest…
The freedom of God!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Jeremiah 34-35 “So I now proclaim ‘freedom’ for you, declares the Lord… ‘Freedom’ to fall by the sword, plague and famine.” (Jeremiah 34:17) There comes a point when God allows us our freedom to choose folly. He “gives us over” to the desires of our heart (see Romans 1:21-32). This is not God being…
The love covenant!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Jeremiah 31-33 “I will put my law in their minds and write it on their hearts.” (Jeremiah 31:33) Jeremiah predicts that God will replace the Moses covenant with a new one (31:31). The old covenant was set up as a guardian… until Jesus came (Galatians 3:23-25). Jesus is a mediator of a new arrangement…
What He suffered for us
THE STORY OF JESUS: Luke 22:63-65 “They blindfolded him and demanded, ‘Prophesy! Who hit you?’” (Luke 22:64) People can be cruel, as this scene with Jesus reveals. Verbal taunting and physical tormenting, mockery and shame. And to think Jesus became human to help us, to save us from our sin. “Christ Jesus – Who, being in very…
That look…
THE STORY OF JESUS: Luke 22:54-62 “The Lord turned and looked straight at Peter.” (Luke 22:61) There is a moment when you are tempted when all you see is what you’re tempted with. Like Eve, the fruit looks so good, and you imagine all the benefits. If whispers of warning arise, they are buried beneath the burning…
When goodness reigns!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Luke 22:47-53 “But this is your hour — when darkness reigns.” (Luke 22:53) There are many times through history when it seems darkness reigns. In fact, it makes one wonder what it means to say ‘Jesus reigns’. The way things look in the world, ‘evil’ is still running wild and free. Jesus, representing…
Prayer warfare
THE STORY OF JESUS: Luke 22:39-46 “Get up and pray so that you will not fall into temptation.” (Luke 22:46) We all face temptations on a regular basis. Satan is always sneaking up on us, trying to trip us up. We are like soldiers advancing in enemy territory; always on the alert. Or are we… how many…