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2024GOAL – Reading Through The Bible Chronologically, days 349-350 (Part 2)

Dec16

   Days 349 & 350—We are in the LAST month of Bible reading for the year, studying the LETTERS of the Apostles.  NOTE:  Sunday & Monday studies are posted together on MONDAYS. This is Part Two.

Day 350 – Ephesians 1 – 6 (Paul’s letter to the church in Ephesus, greetings & blessings & prayer to them, Salvation by grace & faith alone, the gospel to Gentiles, special prayer, gifts to the church, armor of God)

Ephesians 1.

Paul greets these believers and reminds them of their blessings in Christ Jesus. God chose them before the foundation of the world, predestined them for adoption as sons through Jesus, redeemed them through Christ’s blood, forgave their sins, and gave them an inheritance.  Then Paul writes a glorious, extended prayer in thanks for them and for their spiritual growth.

Ephesians 2.

Paul explains how salvation comes by GRACE through FAITH.  They were spiritually DEAD in sin, living in all the wicked passions of their flesh, by nature children of wrath.

“But God being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ – by grace you have been saved – and raised us up with Him and seated us with Him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus.” 

“For by grace, you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the GIFT of God, not a result of works, so no one may boast.”

Ephesians 3.

Paul then tells of the “mystery” that was revealed to him by God, that he should also minister to the Gentiles (like them), making them fellow heirs (with the Jews), members of the same body, and partakers of the promise of Christ Jesus through the gospel. 

His fervent prayer for them is “that according to the riches of His glory, He may grant you to be strengthened with power through His Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith, and that you, being rooted and grounded in love may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, and that you may be filled with all the fulness of God.”

(Wow… and we can be in that prayer too! Read it again!)

Ephesians 4.

Paul urges the Ephesians to “walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility, gentleness, patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.”

He reminds them how God gave each of the churches gifted leaders, such as the apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastor-shepherds, and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, so that we may no longer be children, tossed to-and-fro by every wind of false doctrine. 

They are to “put off” their old selves and be renewed to “put on” the new self, created in the likeness of God in righteousness and holiness.   Then, he lists more of the ways Christ shows Himself in their actions, words, and thoughts. 

Ephesians 5.

“Be imitators of God, as beloved children. And WALK in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.”

“WALK as children of the light, for the fruit of light is found in all that is good, right, and true. And try to discern what is pleasing to the Lord.”

“Look carefully then how you WALK, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of your time because the days are evil.”

Ephesians 6.

‘Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might. Put on the WHOLE ARMOR OF GOD that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil.   Therefore, take up the whole armor of God that you may be able to withstand in the evil day and have done all to stand. 

  • Stand, therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth
  • and having put on the breastplate of righteousness
  • and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace.
  • In all circumstances, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one
  • and take the helmet of salvation,
  • and the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God
  • Praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication.

(I wonder if Paul looked over at the Roman soldier guarding him in prison to come up with the armor of GOD necessary for believers?)

Next, he sends greetings, telling the church that Tychicus will tell them everything happening to Paul and encourage their hearts (and bring news of them back to him.)

“Grace be with all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with love incorruptible.”

 

 

2024GOAL – Reading Through The Bible Chronologically, day 347

Dec13

   Day 347—We are in the LAST month of Bible reading for the year, studying the ACTS of the Apostles, and the LETTERS of the Apostles.

Day 347 – Acts 24 – 26 (Paul appears before Governor Felix, High Priest Ananias, lawyer Tertullus, crowds of Jews, Governor Festus, & King Agrippa. He speaks on either his personal testimony or his belief in the resurrection of the dead.)

(Earlier in Acts 22-23) The Roman Tribune, Claudius Lysias, saved Paul from the angry crowd of Jews in the temple and allowed him to tell his testimony before the crowds once he discovered Paul was not an anarchist. But the mobs rushed him again when he mentioned the Gentiles, so the Tribune brought him into the barracks to be flogged. Learning Paul was a Roman citizen by birth, he fearfully backed off.

The next day, he took Paul to the Jewish Council meeting for an official charge.  But when Paul mentioned the resurrection, the Sadducees in the group began to riot, and the Tribune had to rescue him again.

Later that night, Paul received encouragement from God, saying he would indeed testify in Rome.

Also, during the night, the Tribune heard about a plot to kill Paul and decided to send him down to Governor Felix in Caesarea. (This was way “above his pay grade.”) He sent Paul with a Roman guard of 400 men, and a letter to the Governor about the matter.  (Done!)

Acts 24.

Paul is safely in Caesarea, and the Jews realize their plot has failed. Five days later, High Priest Ananias, some elders, and a lawyer-spokesman named Tertullus arrive in Caesarea too.  They flatter Felix into hearing their accusation against Paul.  He allows the apostle to speak, and after Paul affirms he is a Jew “through & through,” he says he has hope in the resurrection of both the just and the unjust.

Felix decides to delay the matter until the Tribune Lysias comes to Caesarea. (What?). He will decide Paul’s case then. (The tribune never appears.)  Meanwhile, Paul was “kept in custody with some liberty, allowing his friends to attend to his needs.

(Did Dr. Luke come?  Who else from the Jerusalem church, I wonder?)

Felix and his wife, Drusilla, were also entertained now and then by Paul speaking about faith in Jesus Christ, righteousness, self-control, and the coming judgment.  When the topic of judgment came up, it scared Felix, and he sent Paul back to his room. He kept Paul there for TWO YEARS!!! All the while, he hoped that Paul and his friends would give him money.

Somehow, Felix lost favor with the “powers-to-be” and was replaced as Governor by Festus.

Acts 25.

Governor Festus first appears in Jerusalem and meets with the chief priests and principal men of the Jews. (Protocol?)  They discuss the “old” case against Paul and ask Festus to bring him to Jerusalem to be tried. Festus is not fooled.  He says Paul is staying where he is, but they are welcome to “go down with him,” and he will see about a hearing.

Eventually, Festus sits in court and orders Paul to be brought.  The Jews bring many serious charges against Paul that they cannot prove.  Paul argues in his defense.  Festus asks Paul if he wants to go to Jerusalem and be charged. Paul says he has broken no Jewish law (as Festus well knows).

“I appeal to Caesar!” says the Apostle whom God told would indeed go to Rome.

“To Caesar, you have appealed; to Caesar, you will go.” (You can almost hear Festus sigh.)

But before Paul can be sent off, King Agrippa II arrives in Caesarea with his wife, Bernice.  (He is the son of the Herod who killed James and imprisoned Peter.)   Festus eventually tells the king about Paul, the complicated case against him by the Jews, and his appeal to Caesar.  Festus tells the king he doesn’t really have a charge against Paul to send to Caesar. 

“I would like to hear the man myself,” Agrippa tells Festus.

“Tomorrow, you will hear him.”

With great pomp, King Agrippa, Bernice, and Festus enter the audience hall. Military tribunes and prominent men of the city arrive, too. Paul is brought in.  Everyone’s eyes are upon him.

Acts 26.

Agrippa signals Paul. “You have permission to speak for yourself.”  

Paul begins a lengthy retelling of his testimony, describing himself as a fierce Pharisee with a mind to kill all those of “the Way.” He strictly obeyed all the laws of Moses and had the HOPE in the promise God made to the Jews – the VERY thing he was being tried for – hope in the resurrection. 

He tells how he persecuted believers in Jesus and, in fact, had been going to Damascus to bring some of them back to prison when he “saw the light.”  It was Jesus who told him he was wrong to persecute them.  Jesus commissioned Paul to be a preacher and a witness for Him.  Furthermore, Jesus sent Paul to preach the Good News to the Gentiles. Paul believed and was baptized. Then he set out to obey the Lord.

It was a very long sermon in his defense, and in the middle, Festus burst out with, “PAUL, YOU ARE OUT OF YOUR MIND; YOUR GREAT LEARNING IS DRIVING YOU OUT OF YOUR MIND!”

“I am NOT out of my mind, most excellent Festus, but I am speaking true and rational words.” And he looked at King Agrippa. “The king knows about the things, and to him, I boldly speak.”

“Paul, in a short time, would you persuade ME to be a Christian?” asked the king.

“Whether a short time or long,” Paul answered. “I would that not only YOU but ALL who hear me today might become such as I am — except for these chains.”

The king and governor withdraw and discuss Paul. 

“This man is doing nothing to deserve death or imprisonment. He could have been set free if he had not appealed to Caesar.“

 

2024GOAL – Reading Through The Bible Chronologically, day 345

Dec11

   Day 345—We are in the LAST month of Bible reading for the year and studying The ACTS and the LETTERS of the Apostles.

Day 345 – Romans 14 – 16 (don’t judge, Christ’s example, HOPE, a Rome visit, greetings, doxology)

Romans 14.

Paul advises helping those who are weak in faith and not judging them. For we will all stand before the judgment seat of God and give account of himself to God.” (Isaiah 45:23) 

“Instead, he advises them to “never put a stumbling block or hindrance in the way of a brother.”  The kingdom of God is NOT a matter of eating and drinking but of righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit.  So then, they were to “pursue what makes for peace and for mutual upbuilding.”

Romans 15.

Paul advises this church to follow Christ’s example in all things, “for Christ did not please himself.”   “May the God of endurance and encouragement grant you to live in harmony with one another, following Christ Jesus, that together (Jew and Gentile) you may, with one voice, glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

Paul also tells them that the HOPE offered in Christ confirms the promises given to the patriarchs AND that the Gentiles might glorify God for his mercy.  He quotes Deuteronomy 32:43. “Rejoice, O Gentiles, with His people.” And Psalm 117:1. “Praise the Lord, all you Gentiles, and let all the peoples extol Him.”  And Isaiah 11:10b. “…in Him will the Gentiles HOPE.”

“May the God of HOPE fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.”

Paul praises the Roman church for their goodness, knowledge, and ability to teach one another.  But he reminds them to “be a minister of Christ Jesus to the Gentiles too.”  (Paul’s life’s work has been preaching the Gospel to the Gentiles.) He claims he has gone out from Jerusalem and all the way around to Illyricum with this message.  Now, he wants to preach the Gospel where Christ has NOT already been named, lest he builds on someone else’s foundation.

Paul tells them after a trip to Jerusalem with an offering, he hopes to come to THEM that they might help him on his way to Spain.  “When, therefore, I have completed this and have delivered to them what has been collected, I will leave for Spain by way of you.“

Romans 16.

Paul then sends greetings from and to his fellow workers in Rome and Corinth.  He asks that the church in Rome welcome and help Phoebe, a servant of the church in Corinth, as she is bringing them this letter.  He greets Aquila and Priscilla, who must now also live back in Rome. He names many, many others too, who are working in Rome. 

As a final note, he warns them to watch out for divisions and obstacles contrary to the doctrine they’ve been taught.  Their obedience to Christ is well known, but he wants them to be wise about what is GOOD and innocent about what is EVIL. 

He sends greetings from those with him in Corinth; Timothy, Lucius, Jason, Sosipater, Tertius, Gaius, Erastus, and Quartus.  Then he ends with doxology.

“Now to Him who is able to strengthen you according to my gospel and the preaching of Jesus Christ…to the only wise God, be glory forevermore through Jesus Christ!   Amen.”

2024GOAL – Reading Through The Bible Chronologically, day 341

Dec7

   Day 341—We are in the LAST month of Bible reading for the year and studying The ACTS of the Apostles with the LETTERS of the Apostles.

Day 341 – Romans 1 – 3 (Paul writes, the doctrine of salvation by faith alone, all are guilty sinners, God’s righteous judgment, justification through Christ)

Paul writes this letter to the Roman church while still in Corinth, waiting to collect their offering for Jerusalem. He’s always wanted to visit Rome, but it’s been impossible so far, so he writes this meaty letter.

He wrote to teach the great truths of the gospel of grace to believers who had never received apostolic instruction. His letter to the Romans also introduced him to them when God eventually allowed him to visit. 

Romans 1.

In the first (very long) sentence, Paul identifies himself and his ministry, capsulizes the gospel, and includes the church at Rome as those called to belong to Jesus Christ.

He thanks God for them because “all the world” has heard about their faith. They have been in his prayers, and Paul has been asking God to allow him to come to them. He wants to be mutually encouraged by them. He’s also eager to preach the Gospel to them.

His statement of faith is very familiar. “For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek.”

He talks about the wrath of God against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men who suppress the truth.  All are without excuse, for God’s invisible attributes have been clearly perceived in the world since creation.  Yes, all knew God, but they did not honor Him as God or give Him thanks. So God darkened their understanding and gave them up to impurity and dishonorable passions. The list of these passions is long, twenty-one in all. (Verses 29-31) They would be good for each of “us” to consider, too.

And not only did ungodly men DO these things, but they approved and applauded others doing them.

Romans 2.

Paul then knuckles down about God’s righteous judgment on men like these, who have hardened and unrepentant hearts. Each will receive according to their deeds. Those who seek to honor God He will give eternal life. Those who are self-seeking and disobedient will receive God’s wrath and fury.  And it doesn’t matter whether a person is Jew or Gentile. 

Don’t depend on being “instructed in The Law,” for some Gentiles obey God’s laws without even knowing them.  You Jews, be sure you practice what you teach. 

Romans 3.

Paul continues, “Yes, there are advantages of being a Jew. To begin with, God entrusted Jews with His Word and His directions on how to live righteously.  But are Jews better off than Gentiles?  Not at all!  Jews and Gentiles alike are ALL under sin and need to be saved by God’s grace.

“NONE is righteous, no, not ONE; no one understands; no one seeks for God. ALL have turned aside; TOGETHER they have become worthless; no one does good, not even ONE.” (Psalm 14:1-3 and 53:1-3)about 

So, whether under the law (Jews) or outside the law (Gentiles), none are justified in themselves. However, NOW, God’s righteousness has been revealed apart from the law through faith in Jesus Christ.

“All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified by His GRACE as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus. God put Him forward as a propitiation (an appeasement) by His blood, to be received by faith.”  

This clearly shows that God is JUST in punishing sin while JUSTIFYING the sinner who has faith in Jesus. And so, no one can boast about themselves.

 

 

2024GOAL – Reading Through The Bible Chronologically, day 333

Nov29

   Day 333—We are in the ELEVENTH month of Bible reading and studying The ACTS of the Apostles with the LETTERS of the Apostles.

Day 333 – 1 Corinthians 1 – 4 (Paul writing to approve and scold the church in Corinth.)

1 Corinthians 1.

In Acts 18, we saw Sosthenes as the ruler of the synagogue in Corinth. Now, he is a believer and a helper of Paul, concerned about what they’ve heard happening in that city.  Paul is writing from Ephesus. (This is his second letter to Corinth. We don’t have #1.)

Paul begins by thanking God for the Corinthian church and the grace He showed them in Christ Jesus. However, he scolds them too.  They were given great mercy and gifts, but now they had fallen into disunity, a church split. The believers sought importance by bragging about whom they followed; Paul, Apollos, Cephas, or Christ. It was by faith in Christ that they were saved, not by who baptized them.

Paul claimed his ministry was to preach Christ and Him alone, which was foolishness to the Greeks and a stumbling block to the Jews.  God CHOSE what was foolish and weak to reveal His glory so that no one could boast.  “Let the one who boasts boast in the LORD!”

1 Corinthians 2.

Paul repeats that he did not come to them with fancy words or the world’s wisdom (it hadn’t worked in Athens, after all) but with only the message of Jesus Christ and Him crucified. 

1 Corinthians 3.

Paul calls the Corinthian church immature because they persist in divisions. They can be fed only the essential “milk” of God’s wisdom and not the “solid food” of doctrine. Paul says they are not ready for strong teaching while still “in the flesh.” 

“Who is Apollos? Who is Paul” he asks. “I merely planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth. Apollos and I are fellow workers. YOU are God’s field, God’s building.”

Paul laid the foundation when he first went to Corinth.  Apollos and others have built on it. The foundation is Christ, so let anyone who builds on it take care.  Use only materials that will last in “the fire of That Day.”  You, Corinthians, are the building, the temple, and now the Holy Spirit lives IN you. 

1 Corinthians 4.

Paul says that the Corinthians should view them all as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God. And yes, it is required that stewards be trustworthy.  Paul applied this to himself and to Apollos for the Corinthian church’s benefit, so they would learn from them and not be “puffed up” in favor of one against the other.

“I think that God has exhibited us apostles as last of all, like men sentenced to death, because we have become a spectacle to the world.  We are FOOLS for Christ’s sake. We are weak. We are held in disrepute. We hunger and thirst; we are poorly dressed and buffeted and homeless. We labor, working with our own hands.  When reviled, we bless; when persecuted, we endure; when slandered, we entreat.  We have become, and are still like the “scum of the world,” the “refuse of all things.”  Whoa, Paul!!

Paul doesn’t write the above to shame them but to admonish them as loved children.  Paul had become like a father to them through the Gospel of Jesus.   He urges them to imitate him in the above ways and not be boastful. 

He tells the Corinthians that he sent Timothy to remind them of his ways in Christ and that he will soon personally come to them. He asks them if they want him to arrive with a “paddle” or with a spirit of gentleness.  

Stand up and fly right, he says, or Daddy’s coming to spank you!

2024GOAL – Reading Through The Bible Chronologically, day 319

Nov15

   Day 319—We are in the ELEVENTH month of Bible reading and the final day of studying the Gospels.

Day 319 – Luke 24, John 20 – 21 (Thomas restored, Road to Emmaus, Great Commission, Ascension, and John’s epilogue)

Two of Jesus’ followers decided to walk home to Emmaus after the excitement that Sunday. They’d heard the women say the tomb of Jesus was empty, and Mary said she’d even SEEN Jesus.  Peter and John confirmed the tomb was empty, but no one knew what to think.

In the seven-mile walk, these two discussed all that had happened that week concerning Jesus.  Then casually a stranger joined their walk and asked what they were talking about.  They explained, and He said, “O foolish ones, and slow of heart to believe all the prophets have spoken. Was it not necessary that the Messiah should suffer these things and enter into His glory?”  Then He began with Moses and all the Prophets, He interpreted to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning Himself.

When they got to their house, the two invited Him inside. When they sat to break bread, Jesus opened their eyes to recognize Him.  Then He vanished.  They were amazed and immediately started back to Jerusalem with the news that they, too, had seen and talked with the risen Jesus.

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The first time Jesus appeared to the disciples in a locked room and ate food with them, Thomas was not there. He vowed he could not believe in the resurrected Lord until he saw and touched Jesus himself. Now, Thomas IS present when Jesus appears. “Thomas, put your finger here, and see my hands; and put out your hand, and place it in my side. Do not disbelieve, but believe.”  The astonished Thomas falls to his knees  and worships Him, saying “My Lord and my God!”

Jesus encourages us by saying, “Blessed are those who have NOT seen and yet have believed.”

(John puts in an editorial note here: “These things are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing, you may have life in His name.”)

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Jesus once again goes over everything that “was written about me in the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms that had to be fulfilled.”  Then, He opened their minds to understand the scriptures.

“Thus it is written, that the Christ should suffer and on the third day rise from the dead, and that repentance and forgiveness of sins should be proclaimed in His name to all nations, beginning from Jerusalem.  YOU are my witnesses of these things.  Behold, I am sending the promise of my Father upon you (the Holy Spirit). But stay in the city until you are ‘clothed with power from on high.'”

Then, Jesus led them out as far as Bethany, and lifting up His hands, He blessed them.  While He blessed them, He parted from them and was carried up into heaven.  The disciples worshiped Him and returned to Jerusalem with great joy, and were continually in the temple blessing God.

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(John again writes an epilogue to his book in the 21st chapter.)

  He takes us back to when Jesus met some of His disciples in Galilee before he ascended…as He said He would.  There is the story of them deciding to go fishing, catching NO FISH at all, and then catching more than a boatload of fish at Jesus’ suggestion. John and Peter immediately recognize Him and rejoice. They all have a warm breakfast that Jesus made.

But the real reason for this incident is for Peter’s sake.  Remember his boastful attitude and proclamation that he (unlike all the others) would NEVER leave or deny Jesus, only to do just that THREE TIMES that night before the rooster crowed.  Remember his agony of remorse at the realization when Jesus looked at him.  Peter had run off into the darkness (of night and of soul), weeping and distraught.  Later, Jesus made a point to have others tell this disciple in particular that He had risen. (Mark 16:7)

Now, Peter needed to be reinstated in the group as their leader, as well as, in his own eyes.  Jesus asks Peter three times, “Do you love me?”  Peter answers ‘yes’ in humility. He is so different.  He knows that in himself, he can do nothing.  It is all Jesus. Three times, Jesus tells him to feed and care for His sheep.  He is still their leader, but he is a servant too, just like Jesus.

Jesus also warns Peter that he will indeed DIE for His sake.  He will be a martyr, but his eyes are to remain on Jesus.  “You follow me!”

2024GOAL – Reading Through The Bible Chronologically, day 318

Nov14

     Day 318—We are in the ELEVENTH month of Bible reading and studying the New Testament Gospels.

Day 318 – Matthew 28, Mark 16 (Jesus resurrected, guards bribed, Mary Magdalene & women, messages of the angels, Peter & John)

Today’s reading of the resurrection and the following events is similar to tomorrow’s, with different details. Some overlap.

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Early Sunday morning, Mary Magdalene and some other women went to Jesus’ tomb. Their plan was to add spices to the burial garments that Joseph and Nicodemus had hurriedly prepared three days earlier and to anoint the body of Jesus. They discussed who they could get to roll the stone away. (They probably didn’t know about the seal and Roman guard stationed at the tomb.)

However, before they arrived, there was a great earthquake and an angel of the Lord came down and rolled the stone back.  The 16 soldiers “guarding” the site fainted for fear and lay as “dead men.”  When they got up and saw the stone had been moved away, they panicked and went straight to the chief priests in the city. The priests assembled the elders, discussed the problem, and gave the soldiers a sufficient amount of money to spread a false tale – that the disciples had come and stole the body of Jesus. (Right! From 16 trained Roman soldiers!!)  The elders told them they would make it right with Pilate (more bribes), and the soldiers did as they were told.

Meanwhile, the women–also terrified–got instructions from the angel(s). “Don’t be afraid. I know you seek Jesus. He is not here, for He is risen as He said. Come and see the place where he lay. Then QUICKLY, go, tell the disciples–AND PETER–that He is risen.”  So, with both fear and joy, the women ran to where the disciples stayed. Jesus met the ladies on the way with “Greetings!” They fell at his feet to worship Him.

It seems that Mary Magdalene had lingered at the tomb (maybe inside it), so when she saw a man through her tears, she assumed He was the gardener. “Where have you taken my Lord?” she asked.  “Mary…” came Jesus’ voice with love, and she instantly recognized Him and fell at his feet in worship.

Meanwhile, the other women told the disciples what they had seen and heard at the tomb, but the men did not believe. However, John and Peter decided to investigate and ran off to see.  John arrived first, bent down at the door, and peered in. Peter, who arrived seconds later, plunged inside and gazed at the empty shelf where Jesus’s body should have been. Only His folded linen burial clothes were there. John then came inside, and instantly, he believed Jesus had risen.

As they told the other disciples, still waiting in the room in fear, the despondent Thomas said, “Unless I see in His hands the mark of the nails, and place my finger into the mark of the nails, and place my hand into His side, I will never believe.”  All ten yet-to-be-courageous men waited in fear, doors locked to see what would happen.

Two others decided to return home to Emmaus.

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Continued tomorrow…

2024GOAL – Reading Through The Bible Chronologically, day 317

Nov13

     Day 317—We are in the ELEVENTH month of Bible reading and studying the New Testament Gospels.

Day 317 – Luke 23, John 18 – 19 (Judas’ betrayal, Passover/Lord’s Supper, Jesus foretells Peter’s denial, Gethsemane, Arrest and trial, Peter’s denial)

After the Last Supper and Jesus’ private teaching of the disciples and prayer, the group leaves for the Mount of Olives and Gethsemane, where Jesus and His disciples are used to hanging out.  Judas knows this and leads the religious leader and soldiers there so Jesus can be arrested.

When they take Jesus away, the eleven disciples flee in fear. John and then Peter follow the crowd to Caiaphas’s palace, where several mock, illegal trials are held for Jesus. He remains silent even with the false accusations and abuse but finally says that He IS the Son of God, as they say.  Meanwhile, Peter is met with three accusations. At each, he proclaims and swears that he is NOT a follower of Jesus and, in fact, he does not even know Him. A rooster crows, Jesus looks at Peter, and the “brave” disciple runs away in great remorse.  

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Next, Jesus is taken to Pilate, who questions Him extensively about being a “king.”  Jesus says He is a king, but His kingdom is not of this world. Pilate learns Jesus is from Galilee and tries to shirk his duty by sending Him before King Herod, who is also in town. 

Herod is gleeful. He’s wanted to see the “miracle worker” for a long time and hoped to see Jesus do some miracle.  Jesus remains silent before “that fox,” and so Herod arrays Jesus in fine clothing and allows his soldiers to mock and mistreat Him. Then, he sends Jesus back to Pilate. “Herod and Pilate become friends from that day.” 

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Pilate approaches the Jewish leaders and says he finds NO GUILT in Jesus, and neither has Herod. “Therefore, I will punish and release him.”

The crowds, stirred by their leaders, respond, “Away with this man. Release to us, Barabbas! Crucify, crucify Him.”  Finally, Pilate, tired of the matter, washes his hands and tells them to do with Him as they wish. He turns Jesus over to their will.

“Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews,” Pilate had written on a sign to be placed above Jesus’ head, showing the “crime” he was accused of. The Jews objected, but Pilate was firm.

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And so, the procession to Golgotha. Jesus, struggling under the weight of the beam, is helped by a stranger. He speaks warning to some weeping women along the way. Two other criminals follow to be crucified with Him. 

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At the place of The Skull, they nail Jesus to the cross. “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.”

The soldiers cast lots for His garments and His robe as was usual, AND as it was prophesied (Psalm 22:18).

Inspired by Satan, who is still trying to keep Jesus from dying on the cross (and ending his power over mankind), people taunt Jesus to come down from the cross to save Himself…. IF HE IS THE CHRIST.

The criminals beside Jesus mock Him, too, but then one of them turns, repents, and asks Jesus to “remember him in His kingdom.”  “Truly, I say to you, today, you will be with Me in Paradise.”

Standing near Jesus’ cross were His mother, Mary, with three other women, and John.  “Woman, behold your son!” Jesus said to her. To John, indicating His mother, He said, “Behold your mother!”  And from then on, John took her into his own home. 

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At noon, a gloomy darkness covered the land until 3:00pm and Jesus cried out, Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani? (My God, my God, why have You forsaken me?)  Spectators thought Jesus was asking for Elijah and said, “Wait, let’s see if Elijah comes.”

With a parched mouth, Jesus rasped, “I thirst.” They dipped a sponge into some sour wine (vinegar) and held it to His mouth. Moisture returned, and He said, “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit.”  And with a final breath, Jesus cried aloud, “It is finished!”  And. He. Died. (Satan, YOU LOSE!!)

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A great earthquake shook the earth and split rocks. Tombs were opened, and saints walked about. AND THE CURTAIN IN THE TEMPLE WHICH SEPARATED THE HOLY PLACE FROM THE MOST HOLY PLACE….TORE IN TWO FROM THE BOTTOM TO THE TOP! (Opening the way for all people to approach God through His blood/death.)

“Truly, this man was the Son of God!” cried the Centurion overseeing the crucifixion. 

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Ever suspicious and worried about their own status, the Jews went to Pilate and asked that the crucified men’s legs be broken to hurry on their deaths. They needed the bodies DOWN before the sun went down and the Sabbath began.  A soldier did the deed, and the two criminals soon died. But when he came to Jesus, he saw He was already dead. He thrust his spear into Jesus’ side and saw the blood and clear fluid flowing out, proof of death, so Jesus’ legs were not broken. (This fulfilled Numbers 9:12, Zechariah 12:10)

There was a man, Joseph of Arimathea, a member of the Sanhedrin, a good and righteous man who had NOT agreed to the verdict and action by the council, a man looking for the kingdom of God, a secret disciple of Jesus. This man went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus to bury Him.  After Pilate confirmed that Jesus was indeed dead, he agreed. Joseph and the other secret disciple, Nicodemus, took Jesus’ body down from the cross, wrapped it in linen with many pounds of burial spices, and laid it in Joseph’s newly hewn tomb. He rolled the stone across the opening.  The women who were at the cross followed and noted where Jesus was buried. 

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The next day, the chief priests and Pharisees went to Pilate. They were worried about the rumors circulating about Jesus’ promise to “rise again” on the third day.  They asked Pilate to make sure the tomb stayed closed by posting a guard to keep the disciples from “stealing his body” and claiming Jesus had been resurrected. (They knew that this circumstance would have been worse than the first.)

Pilate gave them a guard (16) of soldiers. “Go, make it as secure as you can.”  These Jews made sure a Roman seal was put on the stone, sealing it (like an official envelope), and set the Roman guard around it.  There!  Done and dusted!

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AS IF… a wax seal and 16 puny humans could stop the SON of GOD from coming to life!!!!!

 

 

 

 

 

2024GOAL – Reading Through The Bible Chronologically, day 316

Nov12

     Day 316—We are in the ELEVENTH month of Bible reading and studying the New Testament Gospels.

Day 316 – Matthew 27, Mark 15. (Judas, Pilate, Barabbas, Crucifixion/Death, two thieves, Burial/Tomb)

(Today’s and tomorrow’s readings cover the same events,  so we will look at the details of each.)

The Jews, finished with their three mock trials with their verdict of “blasphemy” (John 18), now deliver Jesus to the Roman authorities to get the death penalty. (The Jews, under Roman rule, were not allowed to impose the death sentence. Also, their means of death would have been stoning, and prophecy stated that Jesus would die cursed “on a tree”

Judas sees Jesus condemned to death, and changes his mind (not his heart in true repentance). He tries to return the 30 pieces of silver he was paid and stop the fiasco, but the Jews do not care for him and refuse.  He throws the money at them, then goes out and hangs himself.  They take the “blood money” and buy a burial ground for strangers.

“Are you the King of the Jews?” Pilate asks Jesus.

“You have said so.” (In other words, yes.)

(Luke 23 here tells how Pilate, trying to get out of his responsibility, sends Jesus to Herod. Herod sends him back.)  (John 18 tells of Pilate’s extended conversation with Jesus about truth and His kingdom that was not of this world, and his attempts to release Him.)

“I find no guilt in Him,” says Pilate. “And according to my tradition, I will release one criminal to the people at Passover.  Do you want Barabbas (a murderer and insurrectionist), or Jesus who is called the Christ (Messiah)?”

“BARRABAS!!” they shouted.

“Then what do you want me to do with Jesus?” he asks in desperation.

“Let Him be crucified!” they shouted.

“Why? What evil has He done?”

“Crucify Him! Crucify Him!”

“Okay,” Pilate finally agrees, knowing they wanted Him dead out of envy, “but I am innocent of this man’s blood.”

“His blood be on us and on our children,” shouted the Jews.  (They meant the “guilt” of Jesus’s death, but in reality, Jesus’ blood on us is what saves us in God’s sight.)

So Pilate released Barabbas, scourged Jesus, and delivered Him to be crucified.  It was the soldiers, a whole battalion of them, who scourged Jesus (whipped Him with cords embedded with bits of bone). They also mocked him, putting on a scarlet robe and a crown of thorns and kneeling before him. They struck him about the head with a reed and spit on Him. “Hail, you King of the Jews!” Then they stripped Him of the robe.

They laid the cross piece of the cross on Jesus’ bloody shoulders and compelled Him to carry it up Golgotha’s hill. When He stumbled and fell, they compelled a stranger, in town for the Feast – Simon of Cyrene – to carry it for Him. (Luke 23 tells about Jesus addressing some weeping women along the way.)

They offered a drugged wine for Jesus to drink to dull the pain, but Jesus refused it. Then the nailed Jesus to the cross, hands and feet.

2024GOAL – Reading Through The Bible Chronologically, days 315

Nov11

     Days 315—We are in the ELEVENTH month of Bible reading and studying the New Testament Gospels.

NOTE:  For THIS WEEK, the Sunday and Monday studies will be posted separately because they are lengthy.

 Day 315 – John 14-17. (Jesus teaches, warns, and encourages the eleven, His high-priestly prayer)

John includes private and precious teaching by Jesus to His disciples before the horrors of arrest, trials, and the crucifixion. Read these chapters and ponder all that Jesus said and prayed.

John 14. Teachings and Q & A by the disciples.

The disciples don’t understand what is coming soon to Jesus and to them although Jesus has stated clearly that He is going to be tortured and killed. Nevertheless He speaks peace and hope to them. “Don’t be afraid. I go to prepare a place for you and I will come again and take you to myself, when I am.”

Thomas: “Lord, we do not know where you’re going, how can we know the way?”  “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me, and you have known my Father.”

Philip: “”Lord, show us the Father, and it is enough.” “Have I been so long with you and you still don’t know? Whoever has see me and seen the Father. The Father and I are one.”  “He who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I will manifest myself to him.”

Judas (not Iscariot): “Lord, how is it that you will manifest yourself to us and not to the world?”  “If anyone loves me, he will keep my word, and my Father will love him and WE will come to him and make our home with him.”

Then Jesus teaches them about the “Helper,” the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send to them. “He will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you. I’m leaving you my peace. Don’t be afraid.”

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John 15. The vineyard example. Persecution. More about the Holy Spirit.

Jesus gives them a private parable. He compares Himself to a vine, the true vine. He tells them that His Father is the vinedresser/vineyard keeper.  He cuts off dead and unproductive branches, and prunes back the fruitful ones so they will bear more grapes.

Jesus tells them that they (and believers today) are branches. He urges them to stay connected (abide) in Him so they will bear a lot of fruit for the Master. (They can produce NO fruit unless connected to Him.) Jesus tells them that He chose them and appointed them to go and bear fruit, and that that fruit would be lasting forever.

“Abide in ME. Bear MUCH fruit. Prove to be my disciples! And so glorify my Father.”

Jesus tells them to also abide in His words and in His love. And their prayers will be answered. A way to abide in His love is by keeping his commandments (as He kept the Father’s.) He promises them abundant joy by abiding in Him, loving Him, and obeying Him.

Specifically, Jesus tells them to LOVE EACH OTHER as He has loved them — sacrificially, laying down their lives for each other.

Jesus then warns them that the world systems will HATE them as they hated Him and hated God.  They will persecute and kill the disciples, as they will do to Him….and without a cause. (Psalm 35:19m 69:4)

Again Jesus encourages them by telling them of their Helper, the Holy Spirit who will be sent by the Father. He is the Spirit of Truth and He will witness about Jesus through them, even in persecution.

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John 16. Reason for warning them, More on the Holy spirit and joy, more Q&A.

Jesus’ disciples WILL be persecuted. People will think they are doing God a service by killing them (Like Paul did. Acts 9:1-2.)

Jesus tells them He is going away, back to the Father who sent Him.  He knows they are sorrowful, but the truth is, it is to their advantage, because when He goes, the Helper, the Holy Spirit, will come to them.  The Spirit will convict the world about sin, righteousness and judgment.  He will guide them into all truth because He will speak only what He hears. He will tell them about things to come. He will glorify Jesus.

The disciples: “What is this that He says to us – a little while, and you will not see me, and again a little while, and you will see me; and because I am going to the father. What does He mean? We don’t know what He is talking about!

“Truly, truly, I say to you, you will weep and lament, but the world will rejoice. You will be sorrowful, but your sorrow will turn to joy. You have sorrow now, but I will see you again, and your hearts will rejoice, and no one will take your joy from you.”   “I came from the Father and have come into the world, and now I am leaving the world and going to My Father.”

Disciples: “Ah, now you speak plainly and not using figurative speech.  Now we know. Now we believe.

“Do you now believe?

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John 17. Jesus prays to His Father for them (and us).

Jesus prays that He will glorify His Father in His “hour” to come. He says he has accomplished all that the Father told Him to do so far. And He prays that He will do it to the end.

He states that “And this is Eternal life, that they know You the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent.”

He prays for the disciples, that God would keep them in His name and make them become one. He prays God will keep them from the evil one and sanctify them in the truth, which is God’s word.

“O righteous Father, even though the world does not know You, I know You, and these know that You have sent Me. I made known to them Your name, and I will continue to make it known, that the love with which You have loved Me may be in them, and I in them.”