tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-67856959235075001992024-03-18T21:29:46.362-07:00Precious Jewels Ministries - Bible Study Ping-PongKSHhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07056150835149498583noreply@blogger.comBlogger401125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6785695923507500199.post-42086840363284766962020-04-07T17:45:00.001-07:002020-04-07T17:45:54.510-07:00<div style="text-align: center;">
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KSHhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07056150835149498583noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6785695923507500199.post-71007488328640589522020-03-29T19:57:00.004-07:002020-03-29T19:57:46.362-07:00PSALM 91:1-4 PROTECTED BY GOD'S PINIONS<br />
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<b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">PSALM
91:1-2<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></b></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">New American Standard Bible - He
who dwells in the shelter of the Most High Will abide in the shadow of the
Almighty. I will say to the Lord, “My refuge and my fortress, My God, in whom I
trust!”<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Amplified Classic - He who
dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall remain stable and fixed under
the shadow of the Almighty [Whose power no foe can withstand].<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>I will say of the Lord, He is my
Refuge and my Fortress, my God; on Him I lean and rely, and in Him I
[confidently] trust!<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Complete Jewish Bible - You
who live in the shelter of ‘Elyon<sup>H5945</sup>, who spend your nights in the
shadow of Shaddai<sup>H7706</sup>, who say to Adonai<sup>H3068</sup>, “My
refuge! My fortress! My God, in whom I trust!” —<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The Passion Translation – When
you sit enthroned under the shadow of Shaddai, you are hidden in the strength
of God Most High. He’s the hope that holds me and the Stronghold to shelter me,
the only God for me, and my great confidence.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Voice – He who takes refuge in
the shelter of the Most High will be safe in the shadow of the Almighty. He
will say to the Eternal, “My shelter, my mighty fortress, my God, I place all
my trust in You.”<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">SUSIE: </span></i></b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We are sharing this Psalm in several versions
in order to help the reader better grasp its message. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">SUSAN: </span></i></b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The
human author of this Psalm is not delineated anywhere. According to the notes
in <i>The Complete Jewish Study Bible</i>, it may have been written by Moses or
David. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">SUSIE: </span></i></b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Commentaries
note that it seems to have been written in a time of impending war. However,
the dangers spoken of in Psalm 91 seem to be left intentionally vague:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 8.0pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: .5in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><i>John MacArthur Study Bible: </i>Most
of the terrors mentioned in this psalm are left undefined, no doubt
intentionally, so that no kind of danger is omitted from application. Believers
in every age can read this psalm to learn that nothing can harm a child of God
unless the Lord permits it.<i><o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Reformation Study Bible:</span></i><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"> 91:1
He who dwells . . . will abide. The verse states the theme of the whole psalm.
Those who draw near to God can have peace in Him, however difficult their
circumstances.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">SUSIE: </span></i></b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The
first verse explains who are the recipients of the promises that follow. A
person who dwells in God’s shadow, who abides (stays) within His presence, i.e.
a believer, can be assured of God’s help in time of danger. At first I had a
problem with <i>The Passion Translation</i> portraying the believer as
“enthroned.” But then I read this footnote:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 8.0pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: .5in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<i><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The Passion Translation </span></i><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">footnote:
Psalm 91:1 Or “O, you who sits enthroned.” The Hebrew word yashab is often
associated with one seated as royalty. It is translated in Ezek. 27:8 as
“leaders or rulers.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">SUSAN: </span></i></b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Since
we are made in the image of God (Genesis 1:27), adopted into His family (Romans
8:15), are co-heirs with Jesus (Romans 8:17), we are royalty, sons and
daughters of the King. Peter confirms this:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 8.0pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: .5in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">1 Peter 2:9 (NIV) But you are a chosen
people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you
may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his
wonderful light.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">SUSIE: </span></i></b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">God
sees as present what we can only see now as future.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Ephesians 2:4-7 (VOICE) But
God, with the unfathomable richness of His love and mercy focused on us, united
us with the Anointed One and infused our lifeless souls with life—even though
we were buried under mountains of sin—and saved us by His grace. He raised us
up with Him and seated us in the heavenly realms with our beloved Jesus the
Anointed, the Liberating King.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He did
this for a reason: so that for all eternity we will stand as a living testimony
to the incredible riches of His grace and kindness that He freely gives to us
by uniting us with Jesus the Anointed.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">SUSAN:
</span></i></b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">We
are already seated with Christ, empowered with the Holy Spirit, and God already
sees me whole and healed from cerebral palsy even though it is not my present
reality. My position in Him is already completed, secured: I am a daughter of
the Heavenly Father and co-heir with Jesus, not because of my own worthiness
but because of Jesus’s sacrificial death on the cross.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">SUSIE:
</span></i></b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">In
light of these truths, the fact that we abide in the Lord, we can live with
confidence without fear despite the world falling apart around us. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">SUSAN:
</span></i></b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Note
that the psalmist emphasizes the power of the God we serve by using three
different names for Him. God is self-existent, not dependent on anyone or anything.
God is supreme, the Most-High. God is our defender and our provider. Following
is the information on the names used in these verses:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Strong’s
Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible:<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">H5945
(’elyon)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>עֶלְיוֹן ʻelyôwn, el-yone’;
from H5927; an elevation, i.e. (adj.) lofty (comparison); as title, the
Supreme:—(Most, on) high(-er, -est), upper(-most).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;"><a href="https://hebrew.jerusalemprayerteam.org/almighty-el-shaddai/">https://hebrew.jerusalemprayerteam.org/almighty-el-shaddai/</a></span></span><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The name Shaddai may have originated in
Akkadian, meaning Mountain, but to a Hebrew audience that hears God introduces
himself as El Shaddai, it must have meant My Destroyer, [Our] House Spirit,
Self-Sufficient One, the Rain-Maker and Source Of Food For Babies, all at
once.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><a href="https://www.abarim-publications.com/Meaning/Shaddai.html#.XnvUs9eJLIU"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">https://www.abarim-publications.com/Meaning/Shaddai.html#.XnvUs9Ejliu</span></a></span><span class="MsoHyperlink"><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Strong’s
Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible:<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">H3068
Adonai – The Self-existent or Eternal, YHWH<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">SUSIE:
</span></i></b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Since
this is the God in whom we trust, we can confidently take shelter in Him in
times of trouble. We can rest assured that He will protect, defend, and shelter
us; and no harm can come our way unless He allows it for a specific purpose. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">PONDER
THIS:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></i></b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Are we
operating right now as if all this is true in each of our lives? As believers,
are we placing our trust in our Heavenly Father rather than our government? Are
we obeying the authorities as God has taught us provided that they are not
asking us to act contrary to His word? Are we handling our finances as if God
is our ultimate provider and worthy of our gifts?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">PSALM
91:3-4<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></b></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">NASB -
For it is He who delivers you from the snare of the trapper and from the deadly
pestilence. He will cover you with His pinions, and under His wings you may
seek refuge; His faithfulness is a shield and bulwark.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">AMPC -
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For [then] He will deliver you from the
snare of the fowler and from the deadly pestilence. [Then] He will cover you
with His pinions, and under His wings shall you trust and find refuge; His
truth and His faithfulness are a shield and a buckler.</span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; text-align: justify;">
<i><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; text-align: justify;">
<i><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span></i><i><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">CJB - he
will rescue you from the trap of the hunter and from the plague of calamities;
he will cover you with his pinions, and under his wings you will find refuge; his
truth is a shield and protection.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">TPT - He
will rescue you from every hidden trap of the enemy, and he will protect you
from false accusation and any deadly curse. His massive arms are wrapped around
you, protecting you.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; text-align: justify;">
<i><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; text-align: justify;">
<i><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">VOICE
- For He will rescue you from the snares set by your enemies who entrap you and
from deadly plagues. Like a bird protecting its young, God will cover you with
His feathers, will protect you under His great wings; His faithfulness will
form a shield around you, a rock-solid wall to protect you. You can run under
his covering of majesty and hide. His arms of faithfulness are a shield keeping
you from harm.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; text-align: justify;">
<i><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; text-align: justify;">
<b><i><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">SUSAN:
</span></i></b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">To
whom does the “He” in verse 3 refer? God—our Self-existent, Supreme,
All-powerful, Protector and Provider.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; text-align: justify;">
<b><i><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">SUSIE:
</span></i></b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Now
we can add to those descriptors, that our Heavenly Father, is also our rescuer.
He rescues us from the hunter, or better, the fowler (a hunter of birds) since
the psalmist is about to compare us to baby birds. Our Enemy, Satan, is the
fowler who would love to ensnare us in any way that he can, sometimes using
human adversaries as well as supernatural means. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; text-align: justify;">
<b><i><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">SUSAN:
</span></i></b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">God
has the power, also, to rescue or cure us from plagues, deadly diseases. We can
rest assured that God delivers those who are His children. If a believer dies
as a result of a plague or pandemic, we can be certain they have been healed
all the way home to be with Him. Our confidence is not that the Lord will
always snatch us out of harm’s way but that no one or nothing can snatch us out
of His hand (John 10:29). My own testimony of being given grace from God to
make the decision to have my horribly diseased legs amputated above the knee
was to preserve my life and give me more time and opportunity to bring glory to
His name. Could God have healed them without that drastic measure? Yes,
absolutely. However, He had a better plan to draw me nearer to Him as I
experienced being held in His almighty arms. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; text-align: justify;">
<b><i><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">SUSIE:
</span></i></b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">I
have often heard the next sentence explained in the terms of a mother hen protecting
and warming her baby chicks under her wings, which is true and is a picture
Jesus used as well:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; margin-right: .5in; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; text-align: justify;">
<i><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Luke 13:34 (NASB) O Jerusalem,
Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones those sent to her! How
often I wanted to gather your children together, just as a hen gathers her
brood under her wings, and you would not have it!<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; margin-right: .5in; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; text-align: justify;">
<i><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; text-align: justify;">
<b><i><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">SUSIE:
</span></i></b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Since
God is our Father, Susan and I also thought of the father penguin who incubates
the egg under his feathers on top of his feet and then continues to share the
responsibility to protect the young penguin chick there until it is large
enough with plumage thick enough to protect it from the cold. He is also
shielding the chick from predators. As the chick grows both parents take turns
covering the chick and hunting for food, passing the chick from one parent to
the other. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; text-align: justify;">
<b><i><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">SUSAN:
</span></i></b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">We
think of this as Penguins Practicing Ping-Pong Parenting. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; margin-right: .5in; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><a href="https://animals.mom.me/long-emperor-penguins-care-young-10940.html">https://animals.mom.me/long-emperor-penguins-care-young-10940.html</a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; margin-right: .5in; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; text-align: justify;">
<b><i><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">SUSAN:
</span></i></b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">God,
our Father, covers us with His pinions (feathers); and we are safe and warm in
the shelter of His love. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; text-align: justify;">
<b><i><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">SUSIE:
</span></i></b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">In
addition to a bird parent, God is compared to a shield and bulwark or in other
translations a buckler. Huh?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; text-align: justify;">
<b><i><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">SUSAN:
</span></i></b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Let’s
check our favorite dictionary:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; margin-right: .5in; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; text-align: justify;">
<i><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The American Dictionary of the
English Language, </span></i><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Noah Webster, 1828.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; margin-right: .5in; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; margin-right: .5in; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">BUL'WARK</span></b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">, noun<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; margin-right: .5in; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">1. In fortification, a bastion, or a
rampart; a mound of earth round a place, capable of resisting cannon shot, and
formed with bastions, curtains, etc.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; margin-right: .5in; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">2. A fortification; also, any means of
defense; as, a navy is the bulwark of a nation.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; margin-right: .5in; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">3. That which secures against an enemy or
external annoyance; a screen or shelter; means of protection and safety.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; margin-right: .5in; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; margin-right: .5in; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">BUCK'LER</span></b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">, noun
A kind of shield, or piece of defensive armor, anciently used in war. It was
composed of wood, or wickers woven together, covered with skin or leather,
fortified with plates of brass or other metal, and worn on the left arm. On the
middle was an umbo, boss or prominence, very useful in causing stones and darts
to glance off. The buckler often was four feet long, and covered the whole
body.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; margin-right: .5in; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; text-align: justify;">
<b><i><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">SUSAN:
</span></i></b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">He
protects all of us, from head to toe, or head to remnants in my case. We can
now add to our description of God that He is our refuge, our fortress, our safe
place.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; text-align: justify;">
<b><i><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">SUSIE:
</span></i></b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">He
provides protection on every side, from every angle. He surrounds us with His presence:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; margin-right: .5in; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; text-align: justify;">
<i><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Psalm 34:7 (AMPC) The Angel of
the Lord encamps around those who fear Him [who revere and worship Him with
awe] and each of them He delivers.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; margin-right: .5in; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; text-align: justify;">
<i><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">PONDER
THIS: Think about the near misses in your life, the times you could have been
harmed but weren’t. Thank God for His protection. I, Susan, was premature and “died”
twice during delivery, but God had a purpose in bringing me into this world.
According to doctors, my life expectancy was 24 years, but God has preserved my
life. I’m not on doctor’s time or borrowed time but on God’s time, as we all
are. We do not know the future, but as one of Susie’s favorite songs says, “But
I know Who holds the future, and I know Who holds my hand.” Take a look back at
the names used for God in this passage and thank Him for each of those
attributes. God has you on this planet at this moment in history for His
purpose. Seek His purpose and plan for you and ask Him for the grace to carry
out your assignments. </span></b><span style="color: red; font-family: "Arial Black",sans-serif; font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />KSHhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07056150835149498583noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6785695923507500199.post-23641219203733539502019-09-27T07:40:00.001-07:002019-09-27T07:40:34.188-07:00LUKE 24:50-53 TO JERUSALEM WITH JOY<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">TO JERUSALEM WITH
JOY<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">LUKE 24:50-53<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Luke
24:50 And he led them out as far as to Bethany, and he lifted up his hands, and
blessed them.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #7030a0; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Susie: </span></i></b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">After
commissioning His first followers as His witnesses or emissaries, Jesus led
them to Bethany, the home of His good friends Mary, Martha, and Lazarus which
was less than two miles from Jerusalem:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: .5in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">John
11:1 Now a certain man was sick, named Lazarus, of Bethany, the town of Mary
and her sister Martha.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: .5in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: .5in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">John
11:18 Now Bethany was nigh unto Jerusalem, about fifteen furlongs off:<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: .5in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: .5in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://www.answers.com/Q/How_many_miles_are_there_in_15_furlongs"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">https://www.answers.com/Q/How_many_miles_are_there_in_15_furlongs</span></i></a><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: .5in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: .5in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">There are 8 furlongs in a mile. Therefore, 15
furlongs is equal to 15/8 = 1.875 miles.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: .5in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #ff0066; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Susan: </span></i></b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">Jesus stood and
raised His hands over the group of His followers—those He had led to Bethany
and told to wait for the Spirit. He blessed them. A blessing was a
pronouncement of all that was true and good for their lives and for their
future. He, more aptly and efficiently than any earthly father could pronounce
this blessing, because He was the only omniscient, ultimate “blesser.” <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: .5in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<a href="http://www.joyfulheart.com/scholar/hands.htm"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">http://www.joyfulheart.com/scholar/hands.htm</span></i></a><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: .5in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: .5in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">To bless an individual, the person laid his hands
on him. To bless a group, hands were lifted and extended over them, as in the
priestly blessing (Leviticus 9:22) and Jesus' blessing of the disciples at His
ascension (Luke 24:50).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: .5in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: .5in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Leviticus
9:22 And Aaron lifted up his hand toward the people, and blessed them, and came
down from offering of the sin offering, and the burnt offering, and peace
offerings.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: .5in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Luke
24:51 And it came to pass, while he blessed them, he was parted from them, and
carried up into heaven.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #7030a0; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Susie: </span></i></b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">As Jesus was lovingly
pronouncing a blessing over His disciples, He was drawn up into the heavens. Acts
1:9 states that, “a cloud received him out of their sight.” You may be
thinking, “Doesn’t Acts 1:12 say that the disciples came back from Mt. Olivet
after the ascension? Here they are in Bethany!” This really is not incongruent
as Bethany is on the eastern slope of Mt. Olivet. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Luke
24:52-53 And they worshipped him and returned to Jerusalem with great joy: And
were continually in the temple, praising and blessing God. Amen.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #ff0066; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Susan: </span></i></b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">After being
with Jesus in the flesh for three plus years to watching the horror of the
crucifixion to numerous interactions with the risen Jesus in the flesh, His
disciples were convinced that Jesus was the genuine article. He was the great
“I Am,” both completely man and completely God, the God-Man. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #7030a0; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Susie: </span></i></b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">Imagine the
immense joy they had in realizing they had been in the physical presence of the
Almighty. These disciples who had been hiding, fearing for their own lives, downcast
and distraught are now making a joyful journey back to the city of Jerusalem to
await the power Jesus had promised them.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #ff0066; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Susan: </span></i></b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">These disciples
were all experiencing that internal blaze of the Eternal that Cleopas and his
companion had felt on the road to Emmaus. They were not idle as they waited for
the promised Holy Spirit. They spent their days worshipping, exalting, and
praising Emmanuel—God with us—in His temple.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">Ponder
this and Apply it: </span></b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">Jesus went back to
Heaven, to the right hand of the throne of God. His disciples obeyed His
command to wait in Jerusalem but had no idea exactly what form this power they
were awaiting would take. We know from the second chapter of Acts this power
was the Holy Spirit taking up residence inside them. We receive this same gift
as soon as we receive Jesus’s free gift of salvation. We have the mighty power
of God available to us, empowering us to understand and obey all the
instructions in God’s word. We may not be in the temple in Jerusalem or even in
our local place of worship every day, but we can choose to spend our days
worshipping, exalting, and praising Emmanuel—God, who in the form of His Son
Jesus, came down to make a relationship with Himself available to us!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />KSHhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07056150835149498583noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6785695923507500199.post-38974282811501891572019-09-23T12:52:00.001-07:002019-09-23T12:52:51.902-07:00LUKE 24:44-49 WITNESSES TO WAIT<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">WITNESSES TO WAIT<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">LUKE 24:44-49<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Luke
24:44 And he said unto them, These are the words which I spake unto you, while
I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled, which were written in
the law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the psalms, concerning me.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #ff0066; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Susan: </span></i></b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">Jesus, in this
instance, reminded His disciples that He had told them previously on more than
one occasion that in order to fulfill prophecy and the purpose for which He had
been sent, He must suffer crucifixion, be buried, and be resurrected. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: .5in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Luke
9:22 . . . saying, “The Son of Man must suffer many things, and be rejected by
the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised the
third day.”<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: .5in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: .5in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Luke
9:44 “Let these words sink down into your ears, for the Son of Man is about to
be betrayed into the hands of men.”<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: .5in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: .5in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Luke
18:31-33 Then He took the twelve aside and said to them, “Behold, we are going
up to Jerusalem, and all things that are written by the prophets concerning the
Son of Man will be accomplished. For He will be delivered to the Gentiles and
will be mocked and insulted and spit upon. They will scourge Him and kill Him.
And the third day He will rise again.”<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: .5in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: .5in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Luke
22:37 For I say to you that this which is written must still be accomplished in
Me: ‘And He was numbered with the transgressors.’ For the things concerning Me
have an end.”<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #7030a0; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Susie: </span></i></b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">By saying the
law of Moses, the Psalms, and the Prophets, Jesus was indicating that the
entire Old Testament contained prophecies concerning Him, the Messiah. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Luke
24:45-47 Then opened he their understanding, that they might understand the
scriptures, And said unto them, Thus it is written, and thus it behooved Christ
to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day: And that repentance and
remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning
at Jerusalem.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #ff0066; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Susan: </span></i></b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">Jesus
supernaturally opened their minds to enable them to perceive and understand the
revelation of scripture concerning Himself. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #7030a0; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Susie: </span></i></b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">Jesus then gave
a summary of what had been taught concerning Him—His suffering, death, and
resurrection—and that His witnesses would carry His message of repentance and
forgiveness around the world. He may have referred to Old Testament scriptures
such as Isaiah 50:6, Psalm 22:1-31, Daniel 9:24, and Psalm 67:24 among many
others.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Luke
24:48-49 And ye are witnesses of these things. And, behold, I send the promise
of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be
endued with power from on high.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #ff0066; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Susan: </span></i></b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">Luke gives a
condensed version of what has come to be known as “The Great Commission.” Mark
states it briefly as well, but Matthew details it for us:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: .5in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Mark
16:15 (NKJV) And He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel
to every creature.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: .5in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: .5in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Matthew
28:18-20 (NKJV) And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has
been given to Me in heaven and on earth.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in
the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>teaching them to observe all things that I
have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”
Amen.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: .5in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #ff0066; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Susan: </span></i></b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">Jesus commanded
the disciples to wait in Jerusalem until they received the power that He had
promised them. What was that power? He wasn’t a “what” but a “who”—the Holy
Spirit. The Holy Spirit was and is the person of the Trinity who enables the
believer to trust in the Lord, understand His word, and become a bold witness
moving passionately and powerfully in God’s purposes for his or her life. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: .5in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">John
14:26 But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in
my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your
remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: .5in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: .5in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">John
15:26-27 But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the
Father, even the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father, he shall
testify of me: And ye also shall bear witness, because ye have been with me
from the beginning.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: .5in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #7030a0; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Susie: </span></i></b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">Luke sets up
his sequel to his gospel, the book of Acts, which is the story of how these
witnesses received the power of the Holy Spirit and carried Jesus’s message to
the world.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">Ponder
this and Apply it:</span></b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;"> Another reason we
should not be too hard on these first followers of Jesus is that even though
they walked and talked with Him daily for about three years, they did not yet
have the benefit of the indwelling Holy Spirit. Those of us who have trusted
Jesus after the events of Acts chapter two, are enabled to understand the
events of scripture because of the Holy Spirit inside us. They were still
awaiting that powerful filling at the end of Luke’s Gospel. If you are a
believer, praise the Lord for the work of the Holy Spirit in your own life, and
remember to always ask Him to reveal truth to you when you read your Bible. If
you do not yet know the presence of the Holy Spirit in your life because you
have not yet surrendered your life to Jesus and would like to know more, please
contact us through our website: </span><a href="http://www.preciousjewelsministries.org/"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">www.PreciousJewelsMinistries.org</span></a><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">. We would love to tell you more about our Lord and
Savior, Jesus Christ!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />KSHhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07056150835149498583noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6785695923507500199.post-57588561613210401592019-09-20T08:10:00.002-07:002019-09-20T08:10:52.922-07:00LUKE 24:38-43 JESUS IN THE FLESH, EATING FISH<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">JESUS IN THE FLESH,<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">EATING FISH<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">LUKE 24:38-43<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Luke
24:38 And he said unto them, Why are ye troubled? and why do thoughts arise in
your hearts?<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #ff0066; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Susan: </span></i></b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">We know from
earlier lessons that as God, Jesus is omniscient (all-knowing). He knew their
hearts were tormented by the possibility that what they were seeing was a
ghost, or perhaps that Jesus might have been angry with them for their doubts,
fears, and unbelief after His crucifixion. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #7030a0; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Susie: </span></i></b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">I imagine Jesus
speaking this in a firm but kind tone, a mild rebuke. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Luke
24:39 Behold my hands and my feet, that it is I myself: handle me, and see; for
a spirit hath not flesh and bones, as ye see me have.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #ff0066; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Susan: </span></i></b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">Jesus invited
them to check Him out thoroughly. He offered to let them not only examine his
hands and feet closely but to physically touch His wounds to know that He truly
existed in the flesh. To know that “I AM.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #7030a0; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Susie: </span></i></b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">He pointed out
that phantoms would not have flesh and bones as He did. The Apostle John
testified to having “handled” the Lord. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: .5in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">1
John 1:1-3 <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That which was from the
beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have
looked upon, and our hands have handled, of the Word of life; (For the life was
manifested, and we have seen it, and bear witness, and shew unto you that
eternal life, which was with the Father, and was manifested unto us;) That
which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have
fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his
Son Jesus Christ.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Luke
24:40 And when he had thus spoken, he shewed them his hands and his feet.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #7030a0; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Susie: </span></i></b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">Some
manuscripts omit verse 40, but it is logical that after offering them the
opportunity to examine His wounds, He would show them to them.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #ff0066; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Susan: </span></i></b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">Sometime later,
on another occasion, Jesus gave Thomas the same opportunity to examine all His
wounds, including His side that was pierced by the Roman soldier’s spear:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: .5in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">John
20:27 Then saith he to Thomas, Reach hither thy finger, and behold my hands;
and reach hither thy hand, and thrust it into my side: and be not faithless,
but believing.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Luke
24:41 And while they yet believed not for joy, and wondered, he said unto them,
Have ye here any meat?<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #ff0066; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Susan: </span></i></b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">The fact that
Jesus was standing before them in the flesh was still too overwhelming to
comprehend. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #7030a0; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Susie: </span></i></b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">They were
ecstatic with the possibility that Jesus was alive, but on the other hand, it
seemed too good to be true. . .<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #ff0066; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Susan: </span></i></b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">. . . too
fantastic to be real. Jesus, determined to remove all questions, asked them for
some food. What He wanted them to see, know, and realize by His eating food
that in all ways, He was not an apparition. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Luke
24:42-43 And they gave him a piece of a broiled fish, and of an honeycomb. And
he took it and did eat before them.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #7030a0; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Susie: </span></i></b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">They handed Him
the staple foods of their meal, fish and honeycomb. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #ff0066; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Susan: </span></i></b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">I am sure the
disciples gawked in wonder as Jesus consumed the food before their eyes. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #7030a0; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Susie: </span></i></b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">The Apostle
Peter included the fact that the resurrected Jesus ate with them in His
testimony to Cornelius:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: .5in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Acts
10:39-41 And we are witnesses of all things which he did both in the land of
the Jews, and in Jerusalem; whom they slew and hanged on a tree: Him God raised
up the third day, and shewed him openly; Not to all the people, but unto
witnesses chosen before God, even to us, who did eat and drink with him after
he rose from the dead.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: .5in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">Ponder
this and Apply it: </span></b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">Jesus had to prove
Himself to the ones with whom He had the closest earthly relationships—the
Eleven. Even with the facts before them, they couldn’t take in that Jesus was
physically risen from the dead. We have the benefit of their writings about
Jesus. Do we sometimes doubt what we read in the New Testament? We may say to
ourselves that had we walked and talked with Jesus on earth, it would be easier
to believe; but we see how difficult it was for the disciples. He had to prove
His divinity to them for them to believe He was the Messiah, and then He had to
prove His humanity to them after He rose. Our minds still have difficulty
reconciling the fact that Jesus was completely God and completely man at the
same time. This is where faith comes in. The Holy Spirit draws us to God and
gives us the faith to believe and trust in Jesus. Praise the Lord that it does
not depend on our ability to completely, intellectually comprehend all of His
majesty!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />KSHhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07056150835149498583noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6785695923507500199.post-20261462202825193052019-09-16T20:29:00.001-07:002019-09-16T20:29:00.126-07:00LUKE 24:33-37 CLEOPAS AND COMPANION CONFIRM CHRIST'S QUICKENING<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">CLEOPAS AND
COMPANION <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">CONFIRM CHRIST'S
QUICKENING<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">LUKE 24:33-37<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Luke
24:33-34 And they rose up the same hour, and returned to Jerusalem, and found
the eleven gathered together, and them that were with them, Saying, The Lord is
risen indeed, and hath appeared to Simon.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #7030a0; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Susie: </span></i></b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">The Emmaus road
travelers had urged Jesus not to travel at night. Now, they set aside that fear
and rush immediately out the door to trek the seven miles back to Jerusalem, excited
to tell the Eleven and any other followers who were with them that they had
seen the Lord. They probably arrived well after dark. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #ff0066; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Susan: </span></i></b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">The Emmaus
travelers arrived safely in Jerusalem. Before they could share the exciting
news they were bursting to share, the Jerusalem crew said Jesus’s resurrection
was old news because He had appeared to Simon Peter. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Luke
24:35 And they told what things were done in the way, and how he was known of
them in breaking of bread.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #7030a0; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Susie: </span></i></b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">Therefore,
Cleopas and companion confirmed what the disciples already knew by relating
what happened to them on their way home.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #ff0066; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Susan: </span></i></b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">They admitted
that regretfully, they had not recognized Jesus at all until He blessed the
bread and broke it. It was only after He disappeared from their sight that they
recalled the warmth that had filled them as He explained the scriptures. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Luke
24:36 And as they thus spake, Jesus himself stood in the midst of them, and
saith unto them, Peace be unto you.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #ff0066; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Susan: </span></i></b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">Suddenly, as
they were recounting their experience, Jesus appeared in their midst. Jesus blessed
them with, “Peace be unto you.” Peace is a word with many layers in the Greek:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: .5in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Strong’s
Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: .5in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">εἰρήνη eirḗnē, i-ray'-nay; probably from a primary
verb εἴρω eírō (to join); peace (literally or figuratively); by implication,
prosperity:—one, peace, quietness, rest, + set at one again.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: .5in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #ff0066; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Susan: </span></i></b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">The peace Jesus
offers is more than tranquility and calmness. It is to be “one” again, in other
words, to be in right relationship with God which brings lasting peace. He
offers us the opportunity to be in harmony with God instead of in discord. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Luke
24:37 But they were terrified and affrighted, and supposed that they had seen a
spirit.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #7030a0; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Susie: </span></i></b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">What?! They had
all just been confirming that Jesus was alive and had appeared to both Peter
and the two from Emmaus, and now they are scared witless?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #ff0066; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Susan: </span></i></b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">They had just
been joyfully testifying about the resurrection, but now they think He is
merely an apparition? I get that it could be disconcerting that He has just appeared
in the middle of the room when the door was closed and locked:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: .5in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">John
20:19 Then the same day at evening, being the first day of the week, when the
doors were shut where the disciples were assembled for fear of the Jews, came
Jesus and stood in the midst, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: .5in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #7030a0; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Susie: </span></i></b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">As we will see
in the next lesson, Jesus proved Himself to be restored to life in a real body
to quiet their fears. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">Ponder
this and Apply it: </span></b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">We are a little hard
on these first people to see Jesus after He rose from the grave. They are torn
between wanted to believe He is truly alive and thinking it is too good to be
true. Many people have that reaction to the Gospel message. Salvation is a free
gift? I don’t have to earn it? That’s too good to be true! NO, it isn’t!!! That
is the truth. Praise the Lord!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />KSHhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07056150835149498583noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6785695923507500199.post-15640553463078704762019-09-13T08:08:00.001-07:002019-09-13T08:08:36.424-07:00LUKE 24:25-32 HEART AFIRE<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">HEART AFIRE<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">LUKE 24:25-32<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Luke
24:25-26 Then he said unto them, O fools<sup>453</sup>, and slow of heart to
believe all that the prophets have spoken: Ought not Christ to have suffered
these things, and to enter into his glory?<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #ff0066; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Susan: </span></i></b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">I wondered
about Jesus calling the couple “fools” since He taught against calling a
brother a fool in the Sermon on the Mount. However, these are two different
words in the Greek.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: .5in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Matthew
5:22 But I say unto you, That whosoever is angry with his brother without a
cause shall be in danger of the judgment: and whosoever shall say to his
brother, Raca, shall be in danger of the council: but whosoever shall say, Thou
fool<sup>3474</sup>, shall be in danger of hell fire.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: .5in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: .5in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Strong’s
Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: .5in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">G453 – ἀνόητος anóētos, an-o'-ay-tos; from G1 (as a
negative particle) and a derivative of G3539; unintelligent; by implication,
sensual:—fool(-ish), unwise.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: .5in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: .5in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">G3474 — μωρός mōrós, mo-ros'; probably from the
base of G3466; dull or stupid (as if shut up), i.e. heedless, (morally)
blockhead, (apparently) absurd:—fool(-ish, X -ishness).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #ff0066; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Susan: </span></i></b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">I think Jesus
is saying their understanding of the events is foolish but not that their basic
character is that of a fool. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #7030a0; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Susie: </span></i></b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">Jesus points
out their inability to understand the crucifixion and resurrection in light of
all the Prophets had taught about the Messiah.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #ff0066; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Susan: </span></i></b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">Jesus asked
them the rhetorical question, “Ought not Christ to have suffered these things,
and to enter into his glory?” Considering all the prophecies about the Messiah
in the Old Testament, they should have understood that in order to fulfill His mission,
the Christ must be the Suffering Servant and sacrificial Lamb of God before
becoming the triumphant Savior and victorious King.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Luke
24:27 And beginning at Moses and all the prophets, he expounded unto them in
all the scriptures the things concerning himself.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #7030a0; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Susie: </span></i></b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">Since Jesus
knows they are unable to piece together the puzzle for themselves, He proceeds
to teach them the highlights of the scripture concerning Himself.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #ff0066; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Susan: </span></i></b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">He gave them
the abridged (Reader’s Digest) version of Messianic prophecy. I like the way </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The Passion Translation</span></i><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;"> puts it:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Luke
24:27 (TPT) Then he carefully unveiled to them the revelation of himself
throughout the Scripture. He started from the beginning and explained the
writings of Moses and all the prophets, showing how they wrote of him and
revealed the truth about himself.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #7030a0; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Susie: </span></i></b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">That may sound
like a lot of information in a short amount of time (think 3- week summer
course in college); but they were traveling seven miles on foot! I always
thought of Moses as more of a historian rather than a prophet, but the books of
Moses are where Jesus began in this discourse.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #ff0066; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Susan: </span></i></b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">Speaking of
summer courses . . . I studied Greek in FOUR weeks! Yikes! The very first
prophecy concerning the Messiah was written by Moses who was quoting God:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Genesis
3:15 (AMP) “And I will put enmity (open hostility) Between you and the woman,
And between your seed (offspring) and her Seed; He shall [fatally] bruise your
head, And you shall [only] bruise His heel.”<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #ff0066; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Susan: </span></i></b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">The Jews loved
to focus on the prophecies concerning the Messiah as Deliverer and King but too
often ignored the passages about His suffering. They wanted to eat dessert
without having to digest meat. Jesus helped the travelers chew on the entire
meal. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Luke
24:28 And they drew nigh unto the village, whither they went: and he made as
though he would have gone further.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #7030a0; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Susie: </span></i></b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">When they
arrived at the outskirts of Emmaus, the destination of Cleopas and companion,
Jesus pretended He was going to keep walking.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Luke
24:29 But they constrained him, saying, Abide with us: for it is toward
evening, and the day is far spent. And he went in to tarry with them.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #ff0066; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Susan: </span></i></b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">The couple
entreated Jesus to eat dinner and stay the night with them since it was late
and would soon be dark. He accepted their invitation. After walking seven
miles, He may have been hungry; but I believe He stayed in order to reveal
Himself to them. He wanted to have a revelation party. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Luke
24:30-31 And it came to pass, as he sat at meat with them, he took bread, and
blessed it, and brake, and gave to them. And their eyes were opened, and they
knew him; and he vanished out of their sight.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #7030a0; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Susie: </span></i></b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">Something to
note in this scene is that Jesus presumed the position of host. Normally, it
would be the host rather than the guest who would pray the blessing and begin
the meal. I remembered seeing exactly what kind of blessing Jesus would have
prayed in the </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Complete
Jewish Bible:<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<br /></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Luke
24:30 (CJB) As he was reclining with them at the table, he took the matzah,
made the b’rakhah, broke it and handed it to them.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<br /></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Complete
Jewish Study Bible</span></i><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;"> note on Matthew
14:19 (the Feeding of the 5000)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">Although not mentioned in the text, it is
reasonable to believe that Yeshua recited the customary b’rakhah (blessing or
benediction) which Jews have recited for more than two thousand years prior to
meals including bread: “Praised be you, Adonai our God, King of the universe,
who brings forth bread from the earth.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #ff0066; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Susan: </span></i></b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">As Jesus broke
the bread and blessed it as He had done at the feeding of the 5000 and the
Passover Seder, their eyes (their minds) were thoroughly opened. Christ’s
message, mission, and Person were completely revealed.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #7030a0; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Susie: </span></i></b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">As soon as
Jesus had opened up their understanding, He vanished! His resurrected body,
although touchable and able to eat, could disappear and walk through closed
doors!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Luke
24:32 And they said one to another, Did not our heart burn within us, while he
talked with us by the way, and while he opened to us the scriptures?<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #ff0066; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Susan: </span></i></b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">Some
translations make “heart’ plural, but if Cleopas’s traveling companion were his
wife, it would make sense for them to emphasize that their hearts were in sync,
feeling the same thing. Another detail that makes me think she may have been
his wife is that they shared a home. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #7030a0; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Susie: </span></i></b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">They reflected
on the fact that even before they knew He was Jesus their hearts were kindled
by His explanation of the Messianic scriptures. They were “fired up” by their
new understanding of the prophecies concerning the Lord. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #ff0066; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Susan: </span></i></b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">Jesus had
ignited an impassioned bonfire in the couple from Emmaus!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">Ponder
this and Apply it: </span></b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">Perhaps Cleopas and
the other traveler knew the scriptures well but like many of their
contemporaries, focused on the Messiah as conquering King. This could be why
they were so downcast. How can He conquer if He is dead? Jesus revealed the
entire message about Himself to them. Are we guilty of reading or studying only
the “feel good” passages of scripture and ignoring the ones that bring
conviction? When Jesus explained scripture to them, their hearts “burned.” The
truth found in the word of God, even when it is difficult or seemingly
unpleasant, can light a fire in our hearts when the Holy Spirit enables us to
understand and apply it in our lives. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />KSHhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07056150835149498583noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6785695923507500199.post-62261263511577468452019-09-09T08:54:00.001-07:002019-09-09T08:54:38.775-07:00LUKE 24:17-24 ASTONISHED!<br />
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<b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">ASTONISHED!<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">LUKE 24:17-24<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Luke
24:17 And he said unto them, What manner of communications are these that ye
have one to another, as ye walk, and are sad?<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #ff0066; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Susan: </span></i></b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-themecolor: text1;">Jesus asks the two travelers what they are talking
about and why has it made their faces so downcast. Jesus is totally aware of
what their answer will be, but He wants them to articulate their feelings about
the events of the past few days.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Luke
24:18 And the one of them, whose name was Cleopas, answering said unto him, Art
thou only a stranger in Jerusalem, and hast not known the things which are come
to pass there in these days?<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #7030a0; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Susie: </span></i></b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">Many scholars
believe this Cleopas may be the same man whose name is rendered “Cleophas” in
the King James Version and “Clopas” in other translations. If so, his wife was
named Mary and she stood with Jesus’s mother, Mary, at the foot of His cross. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: .5in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">John
19:25 Now there stood by the cross of Jesus his mother, and his mother's
sister, Mary the wife of Cleophas, and Mary Magdalene.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: .5in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #ff0066; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Susan: </span></i></b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">This leads us
to the conclusion that Cleopas’s unnamed traveling companion on the road to
Emmaus may have been his wife, Mary. There are several things that support this
idea. If this is the same Cleopas, he would not have left his wife behind in
Jerusalem or allowed her to travel alone. Cleopas served as spokesman for the
two which would be the natural role for the husband while the wife remained
silent during this period of history. Later, we will see that in some
translations, it appears the two share one heart which is spiritually true of a
married couple who have been made “one flesh.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #7030a0; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Susie: </span></i></b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">Cleopas asks
Jesus if He is new to Jerusalem, a stranger in town.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #ff0066; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Susan: </span></i></b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">These days he
might ask, “What rock have you been hiding under?” He wondered how Jesus could
be totally unaware of the things which had transpired in Jerusalem because
people were all abuzz with the news of the heart wrenching event.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #7030a0; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Susie: </span></i></b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">Even those who
did not follow Jesus as Messiah were probably shocked that the popular preacher
and prophet who healed people and cast out demons had been crucified like a common
criminal. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Luke
24:19-20 And he said unto them, What things? And they said unto him, Concerning
Jesus of Nazareth, which was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and
all the people: And how the chief priests and our rulers delivered him to be
condemned to death, and have crucified him.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #7030a0; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Susie: </span></i></b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">Jesus asked
them to clarify exactly what things they were talking about. Again, Jesus was
not truly clueless but wanted Cleopas and his companion to explain the news as they
had seen and heard it. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #ff0066; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Susan:</span></i></b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;"> They probably
talked over each other (like the people in our Sunday School discussions) and
finished each other’s sentences (like Susie and I do) at this point, anxious to
help this stranger understand. They laid out the outline of the past few days.
They delineated Jesus’s character as a powerful prophet and teacher to Jesus
Himself (LOL). Then they explained that the Jewish religious leadership had
handed Him over to the Romans to be executed on the cross. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Luke
24:21 But we trusted that it had been he which should have redeemed Israel: and
beside all this, to day is the third day since these things were done.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #7030a0; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Susie: </span></i></b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">They proclaimed
that they had trusted that Jesus was the Messiah, the promised Deliverer; but this
seems to be expressed with some doubt because of His death. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #ff0066; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Susan: </span></i></b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">If Jesus had
truly been a stranger unaware of these happenings, their next statement would
have made no sense to Him. They pointed out that it was the third day since Jesus’s
death on the cross. Perhaps they were aware of Jesus’s prophecy that He would
rise on the third day, or the women’s testimony had sparked their memories.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Luke
24:22-23 Yea, and certain women also of our company made us astonished, which
were early at the sepulchre; And when they found not his body, they came,
saying, that they had also seen a vision of angels, which said that he was
alive.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #7030a0; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Susie: </span></i></b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">Even though
Jesus had foretold His resurrection from the dead on the third day, His
followers were “astonished” when confronted with an empty tomb. The women had
originally presumed the body was moved or stolen until the angel assured them
Jesus was risen as He had said He would be. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #ff0066; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Susan: </span></i></b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-themecolor: text1;">Mary Magdalene and some of the other women had seen
the risen Lord, but perhaps Cleopas and companion (probably his wife, Mary) had
not heard that part of their testimony, doubted it, or just failed to mention
it. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #7030a0; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Susie: </span></i></b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">Maybe they
thought the idea of Jesus being raised from the dead would be too fantastic for
the Stranger to believe. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Luke
24:24 And certain of them which were with us went to the sepulchre and found it
even so as the women had said: but him they saw not.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #ff0066; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Susan:</span></i></b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;"> Not being able
to comprehend the women’s testimony, impetuous Peter and the disciple whom
Jesus loved, John, went to see for themselves. (See previous lesson.) Lo and
behold, the tomb was empty just as the women had declared! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #7030a0; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Susie: </span></i></b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">However, Jesus
Himself had not appeared to Peter and John which may be why the two on the road
to Emmaus are still sad, not convinced that the Lord is truly alive. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">Ponder
this and Apply it: </span></b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">Why did Jesus not
immediately reveal Himself to the couple on the road? I’m not sure, but I do
know that I am sometimes frustrated that God doesn’t just spell out His plan
for dealing with a minor crisis in my life. Instead, it seems I must search the
scripture and wait for Him to show me. Perhaps He wanted them to search their
own minds before revealing Himself. The travelers shared that they had been
“astonished” by the news shared by the women that the tomb was empty. They had
apparently heard Jesus speak and knew the prophesy that He would rise but were
still surprised! We know the promises of God that He will care for us and never
leave us forsaken, so why are we astonished when He provides for us in the most
unconventional ways? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />KSHhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07056150835149498583noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6785695923507500199.post-82451290201931474882019-09-05T08:49:00.001-07:002019-09-05T08:49:10.983-07:00LUKE 24:13-16 INCOGNITO<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">INCOGNITO<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">LUKE 24:13-16<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">(See also Mark 16:12-13)<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #7030a0; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Susie: </span></i></b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">Luke is the
only one of the gospel writers who includes the full story of this
post-resurrection appearance of Jesus, but Mark does mention it in passing. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Luke
24:13-14 And, behold, two of them went that same day to a village called
Emmaus, which was from Jerusalem about threescore furlongs. And they talked
together of all these things which had happened.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #7030a0; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Susie: </span></i></b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">Emmaus was approximately
seven miles from Jerusalem. These two were not members of the eleven apostles
but were disciples of Jesus.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #ff0066; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Susan: </span></i></b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">They must have
left shortly after Peter and John returned from the tomb with the report that
it </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">was </span></i><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">empty, but they had not seen the Lord. They had to
have left early enough to walk the seven miles in time to arrive home in Emmaus
by the evening meal. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #7030a0; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Susie: </span></i></b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">As they walked,
they were discussing the events they had witnessed or heard about in Jerusalem during
the Passover. This included Jesus’s arrest, trial, and crucifixion. They had
also been there to hear the report given by Mary Magdalene and the other women
as well as the report from Peter and John that Jesus’s body was no longer in
the tomb.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Luke
24:15 And it came to pass, that, while they communed together and reasoned,
Jesus himself drew near, and went with them.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #ff0066; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Susan: </span></i></b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">The two disciples
on the Emmaus road were in deep, soulful conversation about all that had
transpired concerning Jesus. They were trying to piece together all the events
and what they meant concerning whether Jesus could be the Messiah or not.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #7030a0; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Susie: </span></i></b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-themecolor: text1;">Then Jesus walks up beside them to join the
conversation. Why He chose to enlighten these two followers we really do not
know. We can be certain He chose to walk that road with the express purpose of
talking with them because He is omniscient (all-knowing). He chose to appear to
specific people after His resurrection for God’s purposes to be fulfilled. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Luke
24:16 But their eyes were holden that they should not know him.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #ff0066; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Susan: </span></i></b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">Jesus chose to
remain incognito, not allowing His two followers to recognize Him immediately. Mary
Magdalene had not recognized Jesus when she first saw Him either. It was only
when He spoke that her heart knew His voice:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: .5in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">John
20:15-16 Jesus saith unto her, Woman, why weepest thou? whom seekest thou? She,
supposing him to be the gardener, saith unto him, Sir, if thou have borne him
hence, tell me where thou hast laid him, and I will take him away. Jesus saith
unto her, Mary. She turned herself, and saith unto him, Rabboni; which is to
say, Master.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: .5in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #7030a0; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Susie: </span></i></b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">We can only
speculate on why the Lord did not want them to recognize Him. It was NOT that
He needed to know their hearts as He already knows our hearts. More likely, He
wanted them to understand the events based on the Old Testament prophecy He taught
them before revealing Himself. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">Ponder
this and Apply it: </span></b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">How could two of His
devoted followers not even recognize Jesus? The Lord somehow prevented them
from doing so. And it could be their own sorrow prevented them from realizing
it was the Lord. They could have been consumed with anguish over His death,
fear they could be next, and wonderment at the meaning of the body’s
disappearance. Do we sometimes get so caught up in our problems that we cannot
see how Jesus is working in our lives? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />KSHhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07056150835149498583noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6785695923507500199.post-51479422362227314622019-09-02T08:31:00.001-07:002019-09-02T08:31:26.429-07:00LUKE 24:10-12 TRUTH THOUGHT TO BE TALL TALES<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: 0.5in; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">TRUTH
THOUGHT TO BE <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: 0.5in; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">TALL
TALES<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: 0.5in; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">LUKE
24:10-12<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Luke
24:10 It was Mary Magdalene and Joanna, and Mary the mother of James, and other
women that were with them, which told these things unto the apostles.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #7030a0; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Susie: </span></i></b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">The women who
had seen the angels obeyed them immediately by running to tell the disciples
what they had seen.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #ff0066; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Susan: </span></i></b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">From Mark’s
gospel we learn that Mary Magdalene was the mouthpiece for the group of women.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #7030a0; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Susie: </span></i></b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">Mark also gives
the detail that she found the disciples “weeping and mourning.” They are
holding a wake because they are convinced Jesus is dead and gone!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #ff0066; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Susan: </span></i></b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">Mary Magdalene
and the other women found the men distraught in their grief.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: .5in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Mark
16:9-10 Now when He rose early on the first day of the week, He appeared first
to Mary Magdalene, out of whom He had cast seven demons. She went and told
those who had been with Him, as they mourned and wept.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Luke
24:11 And their words seemed to them as idle tales, and they believed them not.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #7030a0; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Susie: </span></i></b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">The women share
what should have been the best news the men had ever heard—He is not in the
tomb! Jesus has risen!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: .5in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Mark
16:11 And when they heard that He was alive and had been seen by her, they did
not believe.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: .5in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #ff0066; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Susan: </span></i></b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">Mary Magdalene
even testified that she had seen the risen Lord in the flesh! Jesus had
prophesied that He would be killed and would rise again on the third day. But
the disciples could not believe what the women were reporting. Women were not deemed
to be reliable witnesses in the first century A.D., and this seemed be a tall
tale to the men. Even so, Peter and John decided to see for themselves. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Luke
24:12 Then arose Peter, and ran unto the sepulchre; and stooping down, he
beheld the linen clothes laid by themselves, and departed, wondering in himself
at that which was come to pass.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #7030a0; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Susie: </span></i></b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">The Apostle
John brings out more details about the scene at the tomb since he was the
“other disciple” who ran there with the impetuous Peter.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; text-align: justify;">
<i><span style="color: #080011; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">John 20:3-4 Peter
therefore went forth, and that other disciple, and came to the sepulchre. So
they ran both together: and the other disciple did outrun Peter, and came first
to the sepulchre.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; text-align: justify;">
<b><i><span style="color: #ff0066; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Susan: </span></i></b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; mso-color-alt: windowtext; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Peter and John raced to
the tomb as fast as their feet would carry them. John, being the faster runner
possibly because of his youth, arrived first.</span><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; text-align: justify;">
<i><span style="color: #080011; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">John 20:5 And he
stooping down, and looking in, saw the linen clothes lying; yet went he not in.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; text-align: justify;">
<b><i><span style="color: #7030a0; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Susie: </span></i></b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; mso-color-alt: windowtext; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">John peaked in the door
but did not enter the tomb. He saw the linen cloths lying there but waited at
the entrance. </span><span style="color: #ff0066; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; text-align: justify;">
<b><i><span style="color: #ff0066; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Susan: </span></i></b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; mso-color-alt: windowtext; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">We do not know why John
did not enter the tomb, but here are some ideas. Perhaps he was awe-stricken
and feeling the place was holy. Perhaps he was timid, . . . </span><span style="color: #002060; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; text-align: justify;">
<b><i><span style="color: #7030a0; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Susie: </span></i></b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; mso-color-alt: windowtext; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">. . .although I can’t
picture one of the “Sons of Thunder” being afraid. </span><span style="color: #ff0066; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; text-align: justify;">
<b><i><span style="color: #ff0066; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Susan: </span></i></b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; mso-color-alt: windowtext; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Perhaps he was waiting
for Peter . . .</span><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; text-align: justify;">
<b><i><span style="color: #7030a0; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Susie: </span></i></b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; mso-color-alt: windowtext; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">. . . who may have been
his elder and was an acknowledged leader of the disciples.</span><span style="color: #080011; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: .5in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<i><span style="color: #080011; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">John 20:6 Then cometh
Simon Peter following him, and went into the sepulchre, and seeth the linen
clothes lie, And the napkin, that was about his head, not lying with the linen
clothes, but wrapped together in a place by itself.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; text-align: justify;">
<b><i><span style="color: #7030a0; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Susie: </span></i></b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; mso-color-alt: windowtext; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Simon Peter caught up with
John at the tomb and . . .</span><span style="color: #ff0066; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; text-align: justify;">
<b><i><span style="color: #ff0066; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Susan: </span></i></b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; mso-color-alt: windowtext; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">. . . barged in with no
hesitation. </span><span style="color: #002060; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; text-align: justify;">
<b><i><span style="color: #7030a0; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Susie: </span></i></b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; mso-color-alt: windowtext; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">He saw the linen that
had been wrapped around Jesus’ body just neatly lying there. </span><span style="color: #ff0066; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; text-align: justify;">
<b><i><span style="color: #ff0066; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Susan: </span></i></b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; mso-color-alt: windowtext; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The face cloth was
strategically placed by itself, folded differently from the rest.</span><span style="color: #ff0066; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; text-align: justify;">
<b><i><span style="color: #7030a0; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Susie: </span></i></b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; mso-color-alt: windowtext; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The fact that the linen
cloths were still there and nicely arranged would indicate the body had not
been stolen since robbers would not have taken such care. Also, it would have
been much easier to move the body while still wrapped up.</span><span style="color: #ff0066; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; text-align: justify;">
<b><i><span style="color: #ff0066; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Susan: </span></i></b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; mso-color-alt: windowtext; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">It is awesome to
picture Jesus just rising right out of His grave clothes.</span><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: .5in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<i><span style="color: #080011; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">John 20:8 Then went in
also that other disciple, which came first to the sepulchre, and he saw, and
believed. For as yet they knew not the scripture, that he must rise again from
the dead.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; text-align: justify;">
<b><i><span style="color: #ff0066; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Susan: </span></i></b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; mso-color-alt: windowtext; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">As soon as he saw the
linen cloths arranged in the tomb, John believed that Jesus had resurrected as
He said He would.</span><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; text-align: justify;">
<b><i><span style="color: #7030a0; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Susie: </span></i></b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; mso-color-alt: windowtext; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Prior to that, the
disciples had not clearly understood what Jesus meant when He had predicted
that He would rise from the dead. </span><span style="color: #ff0066; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; text-align: justify;">
<b><i><span style="color: #ff0066; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Susan: </span></i></b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; mso-color-alt: windowtext; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">When John realized that
Jesus had risen from the dead, pieces of the Messiah puzzle began to finally
fit together in his mind. </span><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; mso-color-alt: windowtext; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Ponder
this and Apply it: <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; mso-color-alt: windowtext; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The tomb was empty!
Although Jesus had told them in no uncertain terms many times that He would be
killed and would rise on the third day, they could not comprehend that it had
actually happened. Would you have believed? We like to think we would, but would
we? Do we believe modern day miracles when they occur, or do we search for a
scientific explanation? Another lesson to learn from this passage is that Jesus
<i>chose</i> to appear to women before appearing to men. Some people have the
false notion that Christianity suppresses women. Far from it! Jesus elevated
women in many ways. Having women (who were thought to be unreliable witnesses)
be the first to see Him after rising from the dead honored women greatly. </span><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />KSHhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07056150835149498583noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6785695923507500199.post-19398619564261448172019-08-29T10:52:00.001-07:002019-08-29T10:52:05.724-07:00LUKE 24:1-9 HE IS NOT HERE<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">HE IS NOT HERE<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">LUKE 24:1-9<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Luke
24:1 Now upon the first day of the week, very early in the morning, they came
unto the sepulchre, bringing the spices which they had prepared, and certain
others with them.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: .5in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Mark
16:1-3 And when the sabbath was past, Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of
James, and Salome, had bought sweet spices, that they might come and anoint
him. And very early in the morning the first day of the week, they came unto
the sepulchre at the rising of the sun.</span></i> <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">And
they said among themselves, Who shall roll us away the stone from the door of
the sepulchre?<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: .5in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #7030a0; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Susie: </span></i></b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">Several women
followers of Jesus had followed Nicodemus and Joseph of Arimathaea in order to
know where to bring the necessary spices for preparing the body of Jesus for
the tomb. They had to wait until the Sabbath was over because that would have
been considered work. Since the Sabbath ended at sundown on Saturday, they went
first thing the next morning rather than be out at night. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #ff0066; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Susan: </span></i></b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">There was a
question in the minds of the women disciples that morning. Who could they find
to roll away the large stone Joseph and Nicodemus had rolled in front of the
entrance to the tomb? But they proceeded toward the tomb hoping and praying there
would be someone to assist them. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Luke
24:2 And they found the stone rolled away from the sepulchre.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: .5in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Mark
16:4 And when they looked, they saw that the stone was rolled away: for it was
very great.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: .5in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #7030a0; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Susie: </span></i></b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">When they
arrived at the sepulcher the stone had already been moved out of the way.
Matthew’s gospel looks back to how that had happened:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: .5in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: .5in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Matthew
28:2-4 And, behold, there was a great earthquake: for the angel of the Lord
descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and
sat upon it. His countenance was like lightning, and his raiment white as snow:
And for fear of him the keepers did shake, and became as dead men.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: .5in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #ff0066; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Susan: </span></i></b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">What two men
had struggled to accomplish—rolling the stone downhill, the angel reversed
easily; and the power that emanated from the angel as he rolled the stone back
uphill caused a great earthquake!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #7030a0; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Susie: </span></i></b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">This angel had
a startling appearance with a face like lightning and glow-in-the-dark white
clothing. Between his appearance and strength and the earthquake, the soldiers
guarding the tomb fainted dead away!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #ff0066; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Susan: </span></i></b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">When the
soldiers reported to the chief priests what had happened, the priests paid them
off to lie and say they had fallen asleep and the disciples had stolen the
body. These same priests had paid witnesses to lie about Jesus at His mockery
of a trial before the Sanhedrin and had bribed the crowd to yell “crucify him!”
and ask for a murderer instead. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: .5in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Matthew
28:11-14 Now when they were going, behold, some of the watch came into the
city, and shewed unto the chief priests all the things that were done. And when
they were assembled with the elders, and had taken counsel, they gave large
money unto the soldiers, Saying, Say ye, His disciples came by night, and stole
him away while we slept. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And if this
come to the governor's ears, we will persuade him, and secure you.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: .5in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Luke
24:3-4 And they entered in, and found not the body of the Lord Jesus. And it
came to pass, as they were much perplexed thereabout, behold, two men stood by
them in shining garments:<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: .5in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Mark
16:5 And entering into the sepulchre, they saw a young man sitting on the right
side, clothed in a long white garment; and they were affrighted.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: .5in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #ff0066; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Susan: </span></i></b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">The women
entered the empty tomb and were astonished and confused to find the body of
Jesus gone! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #7030a0; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Susie: </span></i></b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">They saw two
men, actually angels, in bright, shining clothing. Apparently only one of the
angels spoke which may be why Mark mentions only one.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Luke
24:5-6 And as they were afraid, and bowed down their faces to the earth, they
said unto them, Why seek ye the living among the dead?</span></i> <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He
is not here, but is risen: remember how he spake unto you when he was yet in
Galilee,<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #7030a0; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Susie: </span></i></b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">The women
responded</span> <span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">as most people who saw angels in
the biblical accounts reacted to seeing angels: They bowed down, cowering in
fright. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #ff0066; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Susan: </span></i></b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">The words
translated “the living” here are the definite article “the” and the verb “to
live” in the Greek (</span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Strong’s</span></i><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;"> 2198) and literally “life” in the Aramaic text.
Therefore, it would not be a stretch to translate this as follows: “Why do you
seek THE LIFE among the dead?” This reminds me of what Jesus told the Apostles
(emphasis mine):<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: .5in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">John
14:6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and <u>the life</u>: no man
cometh unto the Father, but by me.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #7030a0; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Susie: </span></i></b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">Mark records
that the angel’s first words to them were, “Be not affrighted.” Angels must be
fearsome because they usually open with some version of this, such as “fear
not” or “be not afraid.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: .5in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: .5in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Mark
16:6 And he saith unto them, Be not affrighted: Ye seek Jesus of Nazareth,
which was crucified: he is risen; he is not here: behold the place where they
laid him.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: .5in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Matthew
28:5-6 And the angel answered and said unto the women, Fear not ye: for I know
that ye seek Jesus, which was crucified. He is not here: for he is risen, as he
said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: .5in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #ff0066; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Susan: </span></i></b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">The angel
assured the women that Jesus was not in the tomb because He had risen from the
dead on the third day just as He had said He would.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Luke
24:7 Saying, The Son of man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, and
be crucified, and the third day rise again.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #7030a0; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Susie: </span></i></b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">Jesus had
prophesied His death, burial, and resurrection more than once to His disciples
and probably the women followers as well.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #ff0066; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Susan: </span></i></b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">On those
occasions, His prediction had gone right over their heads; but the angel is now
reminding them of Jesus’s words.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: .5in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Luke
9:22 Saying, The Son of man must suffer many things, and be rejected of the
elders and chief priests and scribes, and be slain, and be raised the third
day.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: .5in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: .5in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Luke
18:31-33 Then he took unto him the twelve, and said unto them, Behold, we go up
to Jerusalem, and all things that are written by the prophets concerning the
Son of man shall be accomplished. For he shall be delivered unto the Gentiles,
and shall be mocked, and spitefully entreated, and spitted on: And they shall
scourge him, and put him to death: and the third day he shall rise again.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Luke
24:8-9 And they remembered his words, And returned from the sepulchre, and told
all these things unto the eleven, and to all the rest.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: .5in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Matthew
28:7-8 And go quickly, and tell his disciples that he is risen from the dead;
and, behold, he goeth before you into Galilee; there shall ye see him: lo, I
have told you. And they departed quickly from the sepulchre with fear and great
joy; and did run to bring his disciples word.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: .5in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #ff0066; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Susan: </span></i></b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">The angel urged
the women to take the message of Jesus’s resurrection to the eleven remaining
disciples.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #7030a0; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Susie: </span></i></b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">They ran
immediately to give this amazing report to the eleven who were gathered with
some other followers of Jesus as well. We will see later, that included in this
group were Cleopas and his companion to whom Jesus appeared on the road to
Emmaus. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">Ponder
this and apply it: </span></b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">Imagine the surprise
of these women who went to a tomb prepared to anoint a body for burial and
found that body to be missing! The angel explained the reason for the empty
linen cloth lying there, and the women ran to tell the disciples. However, they
still couldn’t quite take it all in. What exactly does the empty tomb mean to
us? If Christ had not defeated death, we would have no hope of doing the same. The
empty tomb means that those who believe will be with Jesus, not just in spirit,
but in a resurrected body made new and perfect. We should rejoice and celebrate
the empty tomb!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />KSHhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07056150835149498583noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6785695923507500199.post-11866091160445807992019-08-26T10:05:00.001-07:002019-08-26T10:05:38.884-07:00LUKE 23:49-56 LINEN-WRAPPED LORD LAID TO REST<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">LINEN-WRAPPED LORD
LAID TO REST<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">LUKE 23:49-56<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Luke
23:49 And all his acquaintance, and the women that followed him from Galilee,
stood afar off, beholding these things.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #7030a0; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Susie: </span></i></b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">Jesus’s
acquaintances would be His disciples, especially the eleven remaining Apostles.
But who were these women? John MacArthur did the legwork on this question for
us:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: .5in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">MacArthur
Study Bible<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: .5in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">23:49 the women…from Galilee. Matthew 27:56 and
Mark 15:40, 41<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>report that this included
Mary Magdalene; Mary, mother of James (the less) and Joses; Salome, mother of
James and John, and many others. The same women were present at His burial (v.
55; Matt. 27:61; Mark 15:47) and His resurrection (24:1; Matt. 28:1; Mark
16:1)—so they were eyewitnesses to all the crucial events of the gospel (cf. 1
Cor. 15:3, 4).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: .5in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: .5in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">1
Corinthians 15:3-4 For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also
received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; And
that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the
scriptures<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: .5in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #ff0066; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Susan: </span></i></b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">The disciples
and these women followers were witnesses to the crucifixion. I imagine that the
women felt anguish, disbelief, and dismay while watching Jesus die slowly. John’s
gospel even records that Jesus gave the Apostle John responsibility for the
care of His mother Mary:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: .5in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">John
19:26-27 When Jesus therefore saw his mother, and the disciple standing by,
whom he loved, he saith unto his mother, Woman, behold thy son! Then saith he
to the disciple, Behold thy mother! And from that hour that disciple took her
unto his own home.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<br /></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Luke
23:50-51 And, behold, there was a man named Joseph, a counsellor; and he was a
good man, and a just: (The same had not consented to the counsel and deed of
them;) he was of Arimathaea, a city of the Jews: who also himself waited for
the kingdom of God.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #ff0066; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Susan: </span></i></b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">Joseph of
Arimathaea was an incognito disciple of Jesus—a covert convert. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: .5in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">John
19:38 And after this Joseph of Arimathaea, being a disciple of Jesus, but
secretly for fear of the Jews, besought Pilate that he might take away the body
of Jesus: and Pilate gave him leave. He came therefore, and took the body of Jesus.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><i><span style="background: white; color: #7030a0; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Susie: </span></i></b><span style="background: white; color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-color-alt: windowtext;">He kept his trust in Jesus a secret for fear of reprisals by
others of the Jewish religious leadership. Remember, we have brought out in
earlier passages that those who professed belief in Jesus as the Messiah were
thrown out of the synagogues. </span><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Joseph
was a member of the Sanhedrin who was not in agreement with their condemnation
of Jesus.</span><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><i><span style="color: #ff0066; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Susan: </span></i></b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">He was probably not there when the decision was made to
deliver Jesus to Pilate to be crucified. Otherwise, he surely would have been a
dissenting vote, as would Nicodemus.</span><span style="color: #1f3864; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b><i><span style="color: #7030a0; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Susie: </span></i></b><span style="color: #1f3864; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I
have a feeling that the leaders only gathered those they knew would vote with
them to condemn Jesus.<span style="color: #1f3864;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b><i><span style="color: #ff0066; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Susan: </span></i></b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The reason they had met secretly at night was so the vote
would not be muddled up by those who were for Jesus like Joseph of Arimathea
and Nicodemus.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Luke
23:52-53 This man went unto Pilate, and begged the body of Jesus. And he took
it down, and wrapped it in linen, and laid it in a sepulchre that was hewn in
stone, wherein never man before was laid.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #7030a0; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Susie: </span></i></b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">Matthew tells
us that this tomb belonged to Joseph of Arimathaea.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Matthew
27:59-60 And when Joseph had taken the body, he wrapped it in a clean linen
cloth, And laid it in his own new tomb, which he had hewn out in the rock: and
he rolled a great stone to the door of the sepulchre, and departed.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b><i><span style="background: white; color: #7030a0; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Susie: </span></i></b><span style="background: white; color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-color-alt: windowtext;">Joseph was bold enough to ask Pilate to allow him to take
Jesus’ body for burial, and Pilate granted his request. </span><span style="background: white; color: #002060; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><i><span style="background: white; color: #ff0066; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Susan: </span></i></b><span style="background: white; color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-color-alt: windowtext;">Preparing a body for burial is a very intimate exercise,
especially as it was done in the day of Jesus by family or friends. The
incognito duo of Joseph of Arimathaea and Nicodemus became bold enough to ask
for Jesus’ body and perform this final service for their Lord. After Joseph of
Arimathaea was allowed to remove Jesus from the cross, he laid him in his very
own tomb. </span><span style="background: white; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><i><span style="background: white; color: #7030a0; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Susie: </span></i></b><span style="background: white; color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-color-alt: windowtext;">He wrapped the body in linen with spices as was the custom,
but he did not perform this task alone.</span><span style="background: white; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: .5in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">John
19:39-41 And there came also Nicodemus, which at the first came to Jesus by
night, and brought a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about an hundred pound weight.
Then took they the body of Jesus, and wound it in linen clothes with the
spices, as the manner of the Jews is to bury. Now in the place where he was
crucified there was a garden; and in the garden a new sepulchre, wherein was
never man yet laid.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><i><span style="background: white; color: #7030a0; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Susie: </span></i></b><span style="background: white; color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-color-alt: windowtext;">Remember Nicodemus from John chapter three? He came to Jesus
at night to ask Him questions. Now he comes in the daylight to assist in
preparing Him for burial. </span><span style="background: white; color: #002060; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><i><span style="background: white; color: #ff0066; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Susan: </span></i></b><span style="background: white; color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-color-alt: windowtext;">One hundred pounds is about what I weighed when I was 5’1”!
That’s a lot of aromatic spices and a lot of money put into perfume! They were
having to commence with the preparations speedily because it was almost time
for the Sabbath.</span><span style="background: white; color: #002060; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Luke
23:54 And that day was the preparation, and the sabbath drew on.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: .5in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">John
19:42 There laid they Jesus therefore because of the Jews' preparation day; for
the sepulchre was nigh at hand.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b><i><span style="background: white; color: #7030a0; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Susie: </span></i></b><span style="background: white; color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-color-alt: windowtext;">Wrapping a body for burial would be considered work and would
also render them “unclean” for a period because touching a dead body caused
defilement under the law. Therefore, they had to prepare the body in haste.</span><span style="background: white; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><i><span style="background: white; color: #ff0066; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Susan: </span></i></b><span style="background: white; color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-themecolor: text1;">Joseph offered his tomb because he loved the Lord, and
it was in proximity to Golgotha, the place called “the skull” where the Lord
was crucified.<b><i> </i></b>Jesus was the first to occupy this tomb but only
borrowed it for three short days. Even His burial place fulfilled messianic prophecy:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<i><span style="background: white; color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-themecolor: text1;">Isaiah 53:9 (VOICE) And when
he was dead, he was buried with the disgraced in borrowed space (among the
rich), Even though he did no wrong by word or deed.</span></i><i><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<br /></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Luke
23:55-56 And the women also, which came with him from Galilee, followed after,
and beheld the sepulchre, and how his body was laid. And they returned, and
prepared spices and ointments; and rested the sabbath day according to the
commandment.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #7030a0; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Susie: </span></i></b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">The women who
were devout followers of Jesus followed Joseph and Nicodemus to see where they
would put Jesus’s body. Then they went back home to prepare spices and perfumes
themselves to anoint the body. Perhaps they did not think the two men would correctly
prepare the Lord for the tomb or that the men may not have had time to perform
this final ministry. Then the women rested according to the law of the Sabbath.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">Ponder
this and Apply it: </span></b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">None of Jesus’s
followers seem to remember at this point that He said He would rise from the
dead. They are lovingly preparing His body for burial while thinking their
hopes that He was the Messiah are gone. Would we have had any more confidence
than they did? Looking back from this side of the cross, we may think we would
have held on to belief. However, how easily do we lose faith in God’s power
when we have a much less traumatic event than seeing the One we believed in
crucified? We suffer financial loss or illness and ask ourselves whether God is
in control, so I am sure we would have been shaken to the core at the foot of
the cross. But God </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">is</span></i><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;"> in control. Christ </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">did</span></i><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;"> rise from the grave. We </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">can</span></i><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">
place our trust in Him.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />KSHhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07056150835149498583noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6785695923507500199.post-22767515724409565382019-08-21T18:40:00.001-07:002019-08-21T18:40:16.720-07:00LUKE 23:44-48 SON SURRENDERS SPIRIT INTO HIS FATHER'S HANDS<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">SON SURRENDERS
SPIRIT<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">INTO HIS FATHER’S
HANDS<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">LUKE 23:44-48<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Luke
23:44 And it was about the sixth hour, and there was a darkness over all the
earth until the ninth hour.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #7030a0; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Susie: </span></i></b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">Since Passover
falls in the middle of a month, this could not have been a solar eclipse. It
was a supernatural occurrence in which God shielded or “turned off” the sun for
three hours between noon and 3:00 PM.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: .5in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Mark
15:33 And when the sixth hour was come, there was darkness over the whole land
until the ninth hour.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<br /></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">MacArthur
Study Bible<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: .5in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">Mark 15:33 darkness.</span></b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;"> A mark of divine judgment (cf. Is. 5:30; 13:10,
11; Joel 2:1, 2; Amos 5:20; Zeph. 1:14, 15; Matt. 8:12; 22:13; 25:30). The
geographical extent of the darkness is not known, although the writings of the
church fathers hint that it extended beyond Palestine.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: .5in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #ff0066; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Susan: </span></i></b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">Perhaps there
was an hour of sorrow for each member of the Trinity.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #7030a0; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Susie: </span></i></b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">This phenomenon
of unexplained darkness in the middle of a day would certainly capture the
attention and remain in the memories of the people witnessing the execution of
Jesus. Since the Jewish people there would associate darkness with God’s
judgment, it may have struck fear in the hearts of some. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Luke
23:45 And the sun was darkened, and the veil of the temple was rent in the
midst.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #ff0066; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Susan: </span></i></b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">Susie and I studied
the tearing of the veil for a devotional post. We are going to interject that
post here rather than “reinventing the wheel.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: .5in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Matthew
27:50-51a Jesus, when he had cried again with a loud voice, yielded up the
ghost. And, behold, the veil of the temple was rent in twain from the top to
the bottom.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #ff0066; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Susan </span></i></b><b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">and<span style="color: #ff0066;"> </span><span style="color: #7030a0;">Susie: </span></span></i></b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">At the very moment Jesus breathed His last on the
cross, a miracle occurred. The veil that separated the Holy of Holies from the
rest of the Temple in Jerusalem was torn from top to bottom. This was nothing a
person could accomplish. This veil was thick enough that it was completely
opaque (no one was allowed into or could even look into this holy place except
the high priest once a year on the Day of Atonement). It was as much as sixty
feet tall. Therefore, scaffolding would have to be built to start tearing it
from top to bottom! This is an impressive miracle, but it was merely a symbol
of the greater miracle Jesus accomplished by His death on the cross and
resurrection from the grave on the third day. The way to the Holy of Holies in
the Temple was physically exposed by the tearing of the veil, but access to the
true Holiest place where God is seated upon His throne was opened to us by the
tearing of Jesus’s flesh when He was scourged and then nailed to the cross. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: .5in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Hebrews
10:19-20 Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>by the blood of Jesus, By a new and living
way, which he hath consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say, his
flesh.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Luke
23:46 And when Jesus had cried with a loud voice, he said, Father, into thy
hands I commend my spirit: and having said thus, he gave up the ghost.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #7030a0; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Susie: </span></i></b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">John’s gospel
reports that before Jesus put His spirit into the Father’s hands, He declared
that the purpose for which He had come to earth as a man was complete:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: .5in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">John
19:28-30 After this, Jesus knowing that all things were now accomplished, that
the scripture might be fulfilled, saith, <span style="color: red;">I thirst. </span>Now
there was set a vessel full of vinegar: and they filled a spunge with vinegar,
and put it upon hyssop, and put it to his mouth. When Jesus therefore had
received the vinegar, he said, <span style="color: red;">It is finished:</span>
and he bowed his head, and gave up the ghost.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: .5in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #ff0066; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Susan: </span></i></b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">At least one
commentary conjectured that Jesus had declared His thirst and had His mouth wet
with vinegar in order to have the strength needed to make the proclamation, “It
is finished!” Jesus had fully accomplished the plan His Father had set forth
and now the Son proclaims, “All done!”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #7030a0; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Susie: </span></i></b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">Since the
salvation of all who would believe was now secured, there was nothing left but to,
as the King James Version puts it, “Give up the ghost.” I have stood at the
bedside of three loved ones at the very moment of death. Even though the person
may have been laboring to breath for a long time, there comes an instant when
it is obvious they have left their body; and only the shell they once lived in
remains. This was that moment for the God-Man, Jesus. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Luke
23:47 Now when the centurion saw what was done, he glorified God, saying,
Certainly this was a righteous man.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #ff0066; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Susan: </span></i></b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">Mark records a
slightly different version of what the centurion said, perhaps a more specific
quote. We must remember that the Gospel writers were inspired by the Holy
Spirit but each wrote from their own unique perspective. Perhaps the Roman
soldier said both things, and the Holy Spirit had Luke emphasize one and Mark
the other. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: .5in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Mark
15:39 And when the centurion, which stood over against him, saw that he so
cried out, and gave up the ghost, he said, Truly this man was the Son of God.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #7030a0; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Susie: </span></i></b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">The centurion
would have been the officer in charge of the crucifixion crew and responsible
to verify the deaths of the prisoners. Therefore, he stood near the crosses
observing. He had been in a position to see how Jesus faced this ordeal all day
long, had witnessed His graciousness, the miraculous darkness, His confidence
in commending His Spirit to God. Because of this, He exclaimed that Jesus was
the righteous One. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Luke
23:48 And all the people that came together to that sight, beholding the things
which were done, smote their breasts, and returned.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #7030a0; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Susie: </span></i></b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">Beating one’s
breast was a sign of sorrow, mourning, or repentance.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: .5in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Luke
18:13 And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his
eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a
sinner.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #ff0066; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Susan:</span></i></b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;"> If I were a
Jewish person witnessing the darkness and the death of Jesus, I may have gone
home truly repentant. I may have even come to the belief that Jesus truly was
the Son of God and begged the Lord to forgive me. Of course, this is easy to
say since I am looking back with the full knowledge of the New Testament. They
were blinded by the teachings of the religious leaders and were, also, fearful
of suffering the same persecution and death that Jesus endured. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">Ponder
this and Apply it: </span></b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">Because of the blood
of the Prince of Peace, we have peace with God. Because of the sacrifice of the
Lamb of God, we become the sheep of the Great Shepherd. Because God gave His
Son to die in our place, we can become children of the Heavenly Father. Because
the veil, Jesus’s body, was torn we can be raised from the walking death of our
sin to a new, eternal, joyous life in which we can boldly approach the Holy,
All-Powerful God through prayer.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />KSHhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07056150835149498583noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6785695923507500199.post-58159600273897558672019-08-18T22:55:00.001-07:002019-08-18T22:55:05.525-07:00LUKE 23:39-43 PLUNDERER PROMISED PARADISE<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">PLUNDERER PROMISED
PARADISE<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">LUKE 23:39-43<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">(see also Matthew
27:44, Mark 15:32)<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Luke
23:39 And one of the malefactors which were hanged railed on him, saying, If
thou be Christ, save thyself and us.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #7030a0; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Susie: </span></i></b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">The other two
synoptic gospels report that both of the criminals which Matthew calls
“thieves” joined the jeering crowd in demeaning Jesus. Perhaps early in the
process they both reviled Him, but one changed his tune.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: .5in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Matthew
27:44 The thieves also, which were crucified with him, cast the same in his
teeth.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: .5in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: .5in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Mark
15:32 Let Christ the King of Israel descend now from the cross, that we may see
and believe. And they that were crucified with him reviled him.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #7030a0; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Susie: </span></i></b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">Only Luke
records the conversation between Jesus and the thief on His other side.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Luke
23:40-41 But the other answering rebuked him, saying, Dost not thou fear God,
seeing thou art in the same condemnation? And we indeed justly; for we receive
the due reward of our deeds: but this man hath done nothing amiss.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #ff0066; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Susan: </span></i></b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">The other thief
turned to the one scoffing at Jesus and called him on the carpet. He reminded
him that he, too, was hanging naked on the cross and asked him, “Don’t you even
fear God considering you are dying for crimes you actually committed?” The fear
of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and apparently this guy was not wise at
all! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #7030a0; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Susie: </span></i></b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">The believing
thief then pointed out that Jesus was innocent, not deserving their mutual sentence
of crucifixion. How did he come to the realization that Jesus was innocent?
Perhaps he was there when Pilate pronounced Jesus blameless. He may have based
his statement on Jesus’s calm and forgiving demeanor. Perhaps he had heard
Jesus preach or heard about His ministry. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Luke
23:42 And he said unto Jesus, Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy
kingdom.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #ff0066; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Susan: </span></i></b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">We do not know
how much this man understood about the Kingdom of God. He asked no special
favors, but only that Jesus remember him when He came into His kingdom. The
assumption is that he be remembered in positive way as the one who ceased to
degrade Jesus.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #7030a0; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Susie: </span></i></b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">His question
presumes that Jesus is, indeed, a king (maybe even THE KING, the Son of God)
and He will somehow survive crucifixion. This man may have heard Jesus predict
His resurrection, but I doubt it. The Holy Spirit drew this penitent thief and
gave him the basic understanding he needed to be saved. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Luke
23:43 And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, Today shalt thou be with
me in paradise.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #ff0066; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Susan: </span></i></b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">The only way to
be saved, to join Jesus in paradise, is to believe He is the Son of the One
true God. Jesus promised the thief he would be with Him in Heaven. Therefore,
the thief must have believed Jesus was the Messiah, the Son of God, because
Jesus can see into our hearts. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #7030a0; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Susie: </span></i></b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">Note that the
thief was not going to live more years to serve his newly professed Savior. He
had done no good works to earn a place in Heaven, but he had done plenty of
evil that should have sent him to Hell. Jesus granted this man salvation purely
on the fact that he believed. The Holy Spirit revealed the truth to him, and he
expressed that belief in asking Jesus to remember him. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #ff0066; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Susan: </span></i></b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">After a person
dies on this earth, it is too late to be saved. You might say this man scooted
in under the wire in the nick of time. That may not seem fair to those who have
served the Lord all their adult life, but Jesus is God and has a right to
redeem anyone He chooses. After all, it was He who shed His blood to purchase
their freedom. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">Ponder
this and Apply it: </span></b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">Good works are not
the criteria for entering Heaven. If so, the thief would not have qualified.
The only thing necessary for Jesus to bring you into right relationship with
God is faith—belief—and the Bible says that even the faith we need to believe
in Him is a gift:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Ephesians
2:8-9 (NIV) For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is
not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— 9 not by works, so that no one can
boast.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<br />KSHhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07056150835149498583noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6785695923507500199.post-45543516151127690522019-08-15T09:46:00.001-07:002019-08-15T09:46:55.405-07:00LUKE 23:32-38 CRUCIFIED KING<br />
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<b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">CRUCIFIED KING<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">LUKE 23:32-38<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">(see also Matthew
27:32-44, <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">Mark 15:22-32, John
19:18-24)<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<br /></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Luke
23:32 And there were also two other, malefactors, led with him to be put to death.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #ff0066; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Susan:</span></i></b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;"> Here we have
another one of those words that is not in common use today—malefactors. From
the context, we know that these are others who have been condemned to death,
but we looked it up in the dictionary to be sure of the precise meaning. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The
American Dictionary of the English Language, </span></i><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">Noah Webster, 1828.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">MALEFAC'TOR, noun [supra.] One who commits a crime;
one guilty of violating the laws, in such a manner as to subject him to public
prosecution and punishment, particularly to capital punishment; a criminal.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #7030a0; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Susie: </span></i></b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">Matthew and
Mark clarify that the two were thieves or in some translations “robbers.” More
than one source speculated that the two thieves may have actually been a part
of Barabbas’s crew since robbery would not usually warrant the death penalty
unless there were other circumstances. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Matthew
27:38 Then were there two thieves crucified with him, one on the right hand,
and another on the left.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<br /></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Mark
15:27-28 And with him they crucify two thieves; the one on his right hand, and
the other on his left. And the scripture was fulfilled, which saith, And he was
numbered with the transgressors.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<br /></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Luke
23:33 And when they were come to the place, which is called Calvary, there they
crucified him, and the malefactors, one on the right hand, and the other on the
left.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #ff0066; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Susan: </span></i></b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">Calvary was
another name used for the place of crucifixion which the Jews called Golgotha
or “Place of the skull.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Easton's
Bible Dictionary </span></i><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">as quoted at </span><a href="https://www.biblestudytools.com/dictionary/calvary/"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">https://www.biblestudytools.com/dictionary/calvary/</span></a><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">Calvary - only in Luke 23:33, the Latin name
Calvaria, which was used as a translation of the Greek word Kranion,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>by which the Hebrew word Gulgoleth was
interpreted, "the place of a skull." It probably took this name from
its shape, being a hillock or low, rounded, bare elevation somewhat in the form
of a human skull. It is nowhere in Scripture called a "hill." The
crucifixion of our Lord took place outside the city walls (Hebrews 13:11-13)
and near the public thoroughfare. "This thing was not done in a
corner."<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #ff0066; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Susan: </span></i></b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">Jesus was an
innocent man sandwiched between two who were guilty.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Luke
23:34 Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do.
And they parted his raiment and cast lots.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #7030a0; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Susie: </span></i></b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">This is the
first of seven statements Jesus made while on the cross. Here is a link to the
entire list: </span><a href="https://www.christianity.com/jesus/death-and-resurrection/last-words/what-are-the-seven-sayings-from-the-cross.html"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">https://www.christianity.com/jesus/death-and-resurrection/last-words/what-are-the-seven-sayings-from-the-cross.html</span></a><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #ff0066; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Susan: </span></i></b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">Whereas most
people in the process of being executed would be praying, “forgive ME,” Jesus
who was innocent graciously prayed, “Father forgive THEM.” Jesus was in no need
of forgiveness because He was dying as the Father’s sacrificial Lamb, taking
the place of those guilty ones who trust in Him for salvation. The guiltless
took on the sin of the guilty in order that those who believe, trust in, rely
on Him might be redeemed by His blood. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #7030a0; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Susie:</span></i></b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;"> For whom did
Jesus ask forgiveness? Certainly, the Roman soldiers who were merely carrying
out orders as executioners did not know exactly Whom they were nailing to the
cross. Pilate knew He condemned an innocent man but had no real understanding
of the true identity of Christ. The Jewish religious leaders who cried out for
Him to be crucified knew full well that He was not guilty of insurrection, but
they were blinded to the truth that He was their Messiah because of their
unbelief. Perhaps this prayer was for all who had a part in this unjust
execution. In that case, He may have even been praying for me because it was my
sin and yours for which He died. See the devotional post “Who Sent Jesus to the
Cross” at </span><a href="https://susiesmusings-ksh.blogspot.com/"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">https://susiesmusings-ksh.blogspot.com/</span></a><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #ff0066; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Susan: </span></i></b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">The Apostle
John shares more specific details about the soldiers gambling for Jesus’s
clothing. They parceled out some of the garments but did not want to tear a
unique robe made with no seam. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">John
19:23-24 Then the soldiers, when they had crucified Jesus, took his garments,
and made four parts, to every soldier a part; and also his coat: now the coat
was without seam, woven from the top throughout. They said therefore among
themselves, Let us not rend it, but cast lots for it, whose it shall be: that
the scripture might be fulfilled, which saith, They parted my raiment among
them, and for my vesture they did cast lots. These things therefore the
soldiers did.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #7030a0; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Susie: </span></i></b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">As John’s
gospel notes, even the gambling for Jesus’s clothing was a fulfillment of Old
Testament prophecy:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Psalm
22:18 They part my garments among them, and cast lots upon my vesture.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<br /></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Luke
23:35 And the people stood beholding. And the rulers also with them derided
him, saying, He saved others; let him save himself, if he be Christ, the chosen
of God.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #ff0066; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Susan: </span></i></b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">The mob in
unison with the religious leaders stood gawking and mocking. Jesus hung
absolutely naked on the cross. Unlike the paintings that depict Him wearing
some sort of loin cloth, Jesus was completely exposed—exposed to the elements
and exposed to the glaring stares of the crowd—humiliated. Jesus came into this
world as a naked baby, and He died naked again and with no worldly goods since the
soldiers even took possession of the clothes off His back.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #7030a0; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Susie: </span></i></b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">The religious
leaders led the scornful taunts, telling Him to save Himself if He really was
the Messiah. They still need a miracle to believe, but they do not really
expect one since they are completely blinded to the truth.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Luke
23:36-37 And the soldiers also mocked him, coming to him, and offering him
vinegar, And saying, If thou be the king of the Jews, save thyself.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #7030a0; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Susie: </span></i></b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">The Roman
soldiers, pretending to do an act of kindness by offering Jesus a drink, gave
Him vinegar instead. This seemingly inconsequential detail was a fulfillment of
the following Messianic prophecy:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Psalm
69:21 They gave me also gall for my meat; and in my thirst they gave me vinegar
to drink.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #ff0066; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Susan: </span></i></b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">Mark says the
vinegar or sour wine was mixed with a pain-deadening agent:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Mark
15:23 And they gave him to drink wine mingled with myrrh: but he received it
not.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #ff0066; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Susan: </span></i></b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">John MacArthur
explains why Jesus refused this narcotic in his note for Matthew 27:34:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">MacArthur
Study Bible<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">27:34 wine mingled with gall. “Gall” simply refers
to something bitter. Mark 15:23 identifies it as myrrh, a narcotic. The Jews
had a custom, based on Prov. 31:6, of administering a pain-deadening medication
mixed with wine to victims of crucifixion, in order to deaden the pain. Tasting
what it was, Christ, though thirsty, “would not drink,” lest it dull His senses
before He completed His work. The lessening of physical pain would probably not
have diminished the efficacy of His atoning work (see notes on 26:38, 39). But
He needed His full mental faculties for the hours yet to come. It was necessary
for Him to be awake and fully conscious, for example, to minister to the dying
thief (Luke 23:43).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #7030a0; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Susie: </span></i></b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">The soldiers
joined in the jeering by tempting Jesus to save Himself to prove He was the
King of the Jews. We have the benefit of looking back at the cross and realize
that Jesus was performing the greater miracle of purchasing our redemption, our
freedom from sin. This miracle of grace is far more important than displaying
God’s power by saving Himself from the cross. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Luke
23:38 And a superscription also was written over him in letters of Greek, and
Latin, and Hebrew, This Is The King Of The Jews.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #ff0066; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Susan: </span></i></b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">Where normally
there would be a plaque delineating the crimes of the criminal being executed,
Pilate had ordered that a sign be placed reading, “This is the King of the
Jews.” He had it translated into all the languages commonly spoken by the
people of Jerusalem. When the chief priests urged Pilate to change the sign to
read, “He </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">said</span></i><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;"> I am the King of the Jews,” he refused. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: .5in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">John
19:20-22 20 This title then read many of the Jews: for the place where Jesus
was crucified was nigh to the city: and it was written in Hebrew, and Greek,
and Latin. Then said the chief priests of the Jews to Pilate, Write not, The
King of the Jews; but that he said, I am King of the Jews. Pilate answered,
What I have written I have written.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">Ponder
this and Apply it: </span></b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">The main idea to
ponder in this passage is the extreme grace of Jesus that even as they nailed
Him to the cross, He prayed the Father would forgive them. He died in order to
extend that forgiveness to all who trust in Him. If you believe that Jesus was
and is the Son of God, that He died to free people from sin and enable them to
be in right relationship with God, and that God raised Him from the dead on the
third day, you are able to place your complete trust in Jesus. Romans 10:9 “if
thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine
heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.” If you have
any questions about surrendering your life to Jesus, please contact us through
our website as we would like to pray for you and answer questions you may have.
Click on the link below and then click on the “Contact/Prayer/Donate” tab. </span><a href="http://www.preciousjewelsministries.org/"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">www.PreciousJewelsMinistries.org</span></a><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />KSHhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07056150835149498583noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6785695923507500199.post-77826325948325722822019-08-11T19:31:00.002-07:002019-08-11T19:31:56.764-07:00LUKE 23:26-31 WEEP NOT FOR ME<br />
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<b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">WEEP NOT FOR ME<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">LUKE 23:26-31<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<br /></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Luke
23:26 And as they led him away, they laid hold upon one Simon, a Cyrenian,
coming out of the country, and on him they laid the cross, that he might bear
it after Jesus.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #7030a0; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Susie: </span></i></b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">Cyrene was in
Northern Africa and is modern day Tripoli in Libya.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #ff0066; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Susan: </span></i></b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">A colony of
Jews lived in Cyrene, and the Cyrenian Jews even had their own synagogue in
Jerusalem. Simon and his sons had probably been staying in the countryside around
Jerusalem and were walking into the city to celebrate the Passover.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #7030a0; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Susie: </span></i></b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">Simon and sons
came across the procession to the place of crucifixion, and Simon was pressed
into service by the Roman soldiers. We do not know whether Simon intended to witness
the execution or if this just happened to be his route to the city.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #ff0066; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Susan: </span></i></b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">By divine
providence Simon was there when Jesus needed someone to carry the cross beam
usually borne by the prisoner. By this time, Jesus had been beaten, severely
flogged, and deprived of sleep. He was unrecognizable, barely resembling a
human being. He was in no shape to carry the heavy crossbeam. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #7030a0; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Susie: </span></i></b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">Mark’s gospel includes
the fact that Simon had his two sons with him. We do not know the age of these
sons when this incident occurred. Their names must have meant something to
Mark’s readers in the early church. Some commentators believe this is the same
Rufus mentioned by Paul in the book of Romans. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #ff0066; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Susan: </span></i></b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">No matter the
ages of these boys, they probably wished they had not been with their dad that
day. However, witnessing Jesus on the cross may have led to their eventual
salvation!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #7030a0; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Susie: </span></i></b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">Ray Bolz uses
his imagination in the song “Watch the Lamb” but the message behind it is
great. Follow this link to listen:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="https://video.search.yahoo.com/yhs/search?hsimp=yhs-att_001&hspart=att&p=Watch+the+Lamb+by+Ray+Boltz+video#id=2&vid=eac26c41f0fe897bb781dd1a9327aeea&action=view"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">https://video.search.yahoo.com/yhs/search?hsimp=yhs-att_001&hspart=att&p=Watch+the+Lamb+by+Ray+Boltz+video#id=2&vid=eac26c41f0fe897bb781dd1a9327aeea&action=view</span></a><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: .5in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Mark
15:21 (VOICE) Along the way, they met a man from Cyrene, Simon (the father of
Rufus and Alexander), who was coming in from the fields; and they ordered him
to carry the heavy crossbar of the cross.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<br /></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Romans
16:13 (CJB) Greet Rufus, chosen by the Lord, and his mother, who has been a
mother to me too.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<br /></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Luke
23:27 And there followed him a great company of people, and of women, which
also bewailed and lamented him.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #7030a0; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Susie: </span></i></b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">An execution
always seems to draw a crowd—those who knew the prisoner, those who accused
him, and those who come out of morbid curiosity. There was a large crowd
following Jesus and the other two men who were to be crucified that day.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #ff0066; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Susan: </span></i></b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">No doubt, some
of the women in the crowd were devoted followers of Jesus and, of course, His
mother. Others may have been professional mourners or as we read in numerous
commentaries, women who made it their personal mission to try to ease the
suffering of those subjected to this cruel death by offering them narcotics.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Luke
23:28-30 But Jesus turning unto them said, Daughters of Jerusalem, weep not for
me, but weep for yourselves, and for your children. For, behold, the days are
coming, in the which they shall say, Blessed are the barren, and the wombs that
never bare, and the paps which never gave suck. Then shall they begin to say to
the mountains, Fall on us; and to the hills, Cover us.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #7030a0; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Susie: </span></i></b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">Jesus, in His
compassion, tells the weeping women they should not weep for Him but for
themselves and their children. If we read this in light of Luke 21:20-24 where
Jesus prophesied about the fall of Jerusalem in 70 A.D., we know why He gave
this warning. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: .5in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Luke
21:20-24 And when ye shall see Jerusalem compassed with armies, then know that
the desolation thereof is nigh. Then let them which are in Judaea flee to the
mountains; and let them which are in the midst of it depart out; and let not
them that are in the countries enter thereinto. For these be the days of
vengeance, that all things which are written may be fulfilled. But woe unto
them that are with child, and to them that give suck, in those days! for there
shall be great distress in the land, and wrath upon this people. And they shall
fall by the edge of the sword, and shall be led away captive into all nations:
and Jerusalem shall be trodden down of the Gentiles, until the times of the
Gentiles be fulfilled.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Luke
23:31 For if they do these things in a green tree, what shall be done in the
dry?<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #ff0066; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Susan: </span></i></b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">When we first
read this verse our minds said, “Huh?” Therefore, we looked up the point of
view of several commentators. Our two favorite responses are quoted below. In
summary, Jesus is represented by the green tree—innocent, full of life, and
bearing fruit (For, eve in His dying He produced the fruit of believers who
would become the adopted sons and daughters of God.) The dead tree represents
the Jews in Jerusalem who refused to believe He was the Messiah, and all who
never trust in Him—guilty, cut off from life, and fruitless.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The
MacArthur Study Bible<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: .5in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">23:31 green wood…dry. This was probably a common
proverb. Jesus’ meaning seems to be this: If the Romans would perpetrate such
atrocities on Jesus (the “green wood”—young, strong, and a source of life),
what would they do to the Jewish nation (the “dry wood”—old, barren, and ripe
for judgment)?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: .5in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #7030a0; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Susie: </span></i></b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">Note that only
Luke’s gospel records this speech Jesus made to the women following Him to
Golgotha. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #ff0066; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Susan: </span></i></b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">Luke often
included details about women that are neglected by the other synoptic gospels. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Pulpit
Commentary</span></i><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;"> as quoted at </span><a href="https://biblehub.com/luke/23-31.htm"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">https://biblehub.com/luke/23-31.htm</span></a><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: .5in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">Verse 31. - For if they do these things in a green
tree, what shall be done in the dry? Bleek and others interpret this saying
here thus: The green wood represents Jesus condemned to crucifixion as a
traitor in spite of his unvarying loyalty to Rome and all lawful Gentile power.
The dry wood pictures the Jews, who, ever disloyal to Rome and all Genesis the
authority, will bring on themselves with much stronger reason the terrible
vengeance of the great conquering empire. Theophylact, however, better explains
the saying in his paraphrase, "If they do these things in me, fruitful,
always green, undying through the Divinity, what will they do to you,
fruitless, and deprived of all life-giving righteousness?" So Farrar, who
well summarizes, "If they act thus to me, the Innocent and the Holy, what
shall be the fate of these, the guilty and false?"<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">Ponder
this and Apply it: </span></b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">Are you intertwined
with the “green tree,” Jesus Christ and grafted into the family of God? Is He
living in you? Is Jesus your vitality? Or are you a dead branch, one who has
not trusted in Jesus as the Son of God, the Savior? A dead branch is thrown
into the fire because it is worthless. Praise the Lord that the dead branch can
be brought back to life and filled with sap when you surrender your own will to
the will of Jesus Christ. Can you say the following with Paul the Apostle?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: .5in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Philippians
4:13 (AMP) I can do all things [which He has called me to do] through Him who
strengthens and empowers me [to fulfill His purpose—I am self-sufficient in
Christ’s sufficiency; I am ready for anything and equal to anything through Him
who infuses me with inner strength and confident peace.]<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<br />KSHhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07056150835149498583noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6785695923507500199.post-42824737274021408252019-08-05T08:17:00.001-07:002019-08-05T08:17:08.343-07:00LUKE 23:18-25 PILATE CAVES TO CROWD'S CRY OF CRUCIFY<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">PILATE CAVES<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">TO CROWD’S CRY OF
CRUCIFY<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">LUKE 23:18-25<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">(see also Matthew
27:20-26;<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">Mark 15:11-15, John
18:40-19:16)<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Luke
23:18-19 And they cried out all at once, saying, Away with this man, and
release unto us Barabbas: (Who for a certain sedition made in the city, and for
murder, was cast into prison.)<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #ff0066; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Susan: </span></i></b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">Pilate had
hoped against hope that the Jews would do the right thing and have him release
Jesus in honor of the Passover. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #7030a0; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Susie: </span></i></b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">Instead, they
called for the release of Barabbas, a notorious leader of an insurrection who
plundered and murdered—in essence, a terrorist.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #ff0066; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Susan: </span></i></b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">The religious
leaders were so eager to dispose of Jesus that they were willing to release
Barabbas whose name in Israel means “son of shame and confusion” back into
their streets!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Luke
23:20 Pilate therefore, willing to release Jesus, spake again to them.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #7030a0; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Susie: </span></i></b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">Pilate again
tried to persuade them to agree to have Jesus flogged and released. Jesus’s
judge has now become His advocate. So far, Pilate is still trying to win the
battle with his conscience and refuse to kill Jesus. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Luke
23:21 But they cried, saying, Crucify him, crucify him.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #ff0066; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Susan: </span></i></b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">The priests,
scribes, and the entire crowd (spurred on by the priests) insisted not only on
the death penalty for Jesus, but the cruelest death devised by the
Romans—crucifixion. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #7030a0; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Susie: </span></i></b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">They wanted
Jesus humiliated in front of the people, painfully nailed naked to the cross
and left to agonize and suffocate until death. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #ff0066; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Susan: </span></i></b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">Death on the
cross would be especially degrading in light of this passage which all Jews
would recognize:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: .5in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Deuteronomy
21:22-23 <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And if a man have committed a
sin worthy of death, and he be to be put to death, and thou hang him on a tree:
His body shall not remain all night upon the tree, but thou shalt in any wise
bury him that day; (for he that is hanged is accursed of God;) that thy land be
not defiled, which the Lord thy God giveth thee for an inheritance.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Luke
23:22 And he said unto them the third time, Why, what evil hath he done? I have
found no cause of death in him: I will therefore chastise him and let him go.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #ff0066; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Susan: </span></i></b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">Pilate
persisted in questioning the validity of the death penalty for Jesus although
he was still willing to have this innocent man viciously flogged in an effort
to appease the Jews. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #7030a0; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Susie: </span></i></b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">In fact, John’s
gospel brings out the fact that Pilate tried just that. He turned Jesus over to
the Roman soldiers to be beaten with a cat-o-nine-tails. They beat our Lord
until his back looked like raw hamburger and plunged a crown of long thorns on
His head. Then Pilate brought out this barely recognizable man and tried once
more to release Him:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: .5in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">John
19:5 Then came Jesus forth, wearing the crown of thorns, and the purple robe.
And Pilate saith unto them, Behold the man!<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Luke
23:23 And they were instant with loud voices, requiring that he might be
crucified. And the voices of them and of the chief priests prevailed.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #ff0066; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Susan: </span></i></b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">It was not just
the uneducated, common person crying out for Jesus to be crucified. The
priests—who had poured over the scriptures all their adult lives and should
have been the first to recognize their Messiah—were the instigators of the
demand for the death penalty. These men should have been able to make a list of
the prophecies concerning the Messiah and match them up to the events of
Jesus’s life to that point. They should have been worshipping Him as the Son of
God instead of demanding His execution as a blasphemer! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Luke
23:24-25 And Pilate gave sentence that it should be as they required. And he
released unto them him that for sedition and murder was cast into prison, whom
they had desired; but he delivered Jesus to their will.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #7030a0; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Susie: </span></i></b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">At this point,
because of his fear of the Jewish leaders and what they might report to Rome,
Pilate caved! He pronounced sentence that Jesus should be crucified. Matthew
tells us that Pilate washed his hands of the entire mess (literally!). <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: .5in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Matthew
27:24 When Pilate saw that he could prevail nothing, but that rather a tumult
was made, he took water, and washed his hands before the multitude, saying, I
am innocent of the blood of this just person: see ye to it.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: .5in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #ff0066; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Susan: </span></i></b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">The Jewish
people who were demanding Jesus’s death then pronounced a curse upon themselves
and their offspring (a generational curse):<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: .5in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Matthew
27:25 Then answered all the people, and said, His blood be on us, and on our
children.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: .5in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">Ponder
this and Apply it: </span></b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">We vilify Pilate for
refusing to stand up for what was right, but we must admit he was “between a
rock and a hard place.” He knew what was right, but he also knew doing the
right thing could ruin him politically and ultimately personally. The Jewish
leaders blinded themselves to the truth and demanded the death of their own Promised
One. How often to do we blind ourselves to truth that is staring us right in
the face or give into temptation because of the cares of this world? Let us
take an honest look at our own actions and pray the Holy Spirit arrests us and enables
us to let righteousness prevail in our daily decisions!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />KSHhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07056150835149498583noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6785695923507500199.post-57237220533637107922019-07-28T21:41:00.000-07:002019-08-05T08:17:31.050-07:00LUKE 23:13-17 PILATE PRONOUNCES JESUS INCULPABLE<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">PILATE PRONOUNCES
JESUS INCULPABLE<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">LUKE 23:13-17<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">(see also Matthew
27:15-19; <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Mark 15:6-10, John
18:38-39)<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Luke
23:13-14 And Pilate, when he had called together the chief priests and the
rulers and the people, Said unto them, Ye have brought this man unto me, as one
that perverteth the people: and, behold, I, having examined him before you,
have found no fault in this man touching those things whereof ye accuse him:<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #7030a0; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Susie: </span></i></b><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">After Herod
Antipas sent Jesus back to Pilate, placing the problem of judgment into his
hands once more, Pilate decided to make his decision as public as possible. He
gathered together not only Jesus’s accusers (the chief priests and scribes) but
also a crowd of people.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #ff0066; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Susan: </span></i></b><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Pilate stated
the charge they had brought against Jesus that He was leading the people in a
riotous rebellion against the Roman rule. He told this crowd of people that he
had examined and interrogated Jesus thoroughly. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then proclaimed Him innocent of the charges.
More than that, he declared he found “no fault” in Jesus. He further stated he
found no reason for Jesus to be accused. He found Jesus inculpable!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: .5in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The
American Dictionary of the English Language, </span></i><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Noah Webster, 1828.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: .5in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: .5in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">INCULP'ABLE, adjective [Latin in and culpabilis,
from culpa, a fault.]<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: .5in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: .5in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Without fault; unblamable; that cannot be accused.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Luke
23:15 No, nor yet Herod: for I sent you to him; and, lo, nothing worthy of
death is done unto him.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #7030a0; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Susie: </span></i></b><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Pilate further
stated that when he passed the problem of judging Jesus to King Herod who ruled
the region Jesus was from (Galilee), King Herod did not find Him guilty of any
crime either. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #ff0066; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Susan: </span></i></b><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Pilate and
Herod (long-time enemies) had agreed together that Jesus had done nothing
warranting the death penalty! They both had to admit that He was guiltless.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Luke
23:16 I will therefore chastise him, and release him.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #7030a0; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Susie:</span></i></b><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;"> Pilate
declared Jesus innocent but still proposed that He be flogged as fitting a
lesser offence. He so feared the crowd and especially the influential religious
leaders that He sought to appease them by punishing Jesus even though he had concluded
that He should not have even been accused.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #ff0066; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Susan: </span></i></b><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Pilate was the
puppet of whomever he felt was the greatest threat to his position and
well-being. The Jewish religious establishment was pulling his strings because
he feared they would report to Caesar that he failed to squelch an uprising led
by Jesus. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Luke
23:17 (For of necessity he must release one unto them at the feast.)<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #7030a0; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Susie: </span></i></b><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">There was a
tradition that the Roman governor would release one criminal from prison at the
Feast of Passover. Therefore, Pilate hoped he could get by with having Jesus
flogged and then release him as was the custom. However, as we will see in the
next lesson, the priests and scribes would not accept that proposal.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Ponder
this and Apply it: </span></b><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Pilate vacillated
because he was torn by his conscience (and as we see in Matthew 27:19, his
wife’s dream) knowing that Jesus was innocent and his fear of the Jewish
leaders and crowd. Even this Roman governor could see that Jesus was not a
criminal while His own people sought to have Him executed. We are hard on
Pilate, but I wonder honestly what might we have done in his sandals? We are
looking back from this side of the cross and resurrection. The important thing
to take away from this is that Jesus was truly inculpable, an innocent man
dying in our place to pay the penalty we deserved. Take a moment to praise Him
and thank Him for suffering your shame and pain in order to redeem you to be an
adopted child in the Kingdom of God. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />KSHhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07056150835149498583noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6785695923507500199.post-46611790587218116622019-07-22T09:57:00.001-07:002019-07-22T09:57:33.981-07:00LUKE 23:8-12 ANTIPAS ANTICIPATES AMESEMENT<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">ANTIPAS ANTICIPATES
AMUSEMENT<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">LUKE 23:8-12<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Luke
23:8 And when Herod saw Jesus, he was exceeding glad: for he was desirous to
see him of a long season, because he had heard many things of him; and he hoped
to have seen some miracle done by him.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #ff0066; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Susan:</span></i></b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;"> Herod had been
anticipating an encounter with Jesus for a long time, not because he thought
Jesus might be the Messiah but because he wanted to see a miracle. He wanted to
exhibit Jesus as one would a court juggler to perform wonders for him and his guests.
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #7030a0; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Susie: </span></i></b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">Herod did not
view Jesus as a criminal but rather as some sort of religious fanatic, someone
to be ridiculed rather than feared and worshipped. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Luke
23:9 Then he questioned with him in many words; but he answered him nothing.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #ff0066; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Susan: </span></i></b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">Of all His
interrogators, Herod was the only one Jesus completely refused to answer. He
stood silent before Pilate at times but answered Him on other occasions. He
answered the Chief Priest’s point-blank questions as to whether He was the Son
of God. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #7030a0; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Susie: </span></i></b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">But before Herod,
the adulterous king who had married his brother’s wife, imprisoned John the
Baptist for preaching against his adultery, and eventually presented the
Baptists’ head to his wife’s daughter on a platter, Jesus fulfilled the
prophesy of Isaiah: <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: .5in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Isaiah
53:7 He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth: he is
brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb,
so he openeth not his mouth.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: .5in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #ff0066; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Susan: </span></i></b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">In his divine
appointment with the Ethiopian eunuch, Philip the evangelist used this passage
in Isaiah as a jumping off point to explain the Gospel, ultimately ending in
the baptism of the eunuch in a nearby body of water. Not a passage I would
choose to present the gospel, but the Lord gave Philip a message using exactly
what the man was already reading. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: .5in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: .5in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Acts
8:32-34 The place of the scripture which he read was this, He was led as a sheep
to the slaughter; and like a lamb dumb before his shearer, so opened he not his
mouth: In his humiliation his judgment was taken away: and who shall declare
his generation? for his life is taken from the earth. And the eunuch answered
Philip, and said, I pray thee, of whom speaketh the prophet this? of himself,
or of some other man? Then Philip opened his mouth, and began at the same
scripture, and preached unto him Jesus.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Luke
23:10 And the chief priests and scribes stood and vehemently accused him.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #7030a0; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Susie: </span></i></b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">Apparently
Jesus’s accusers (the chief priests and scribes) had followed him from Pilate’s
governor’s palace to the lodging place of Herod who was in Jerusalem for the
Passover festivities. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #ff0066; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Susan: </span></i></b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">The religious
leaders, seething with anger, hurled accusations at Jesus like the eruption of
a volcano in voices as shrill and irritating as fingernails on a chalkboard. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Luke
23:11 And Herod with his men of war set him at nought, and mocked him, and
arrayed him in a gorgeous robe, and sent him again to Pilate.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #7030a0; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Susie: </span></i></b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">Nought means
“nothing.” Herod and his soldiers ridiculed Jesus viewing Him as not even
worthy of a verdict. They scorned the idea of this “nobody” being a king, let
alone their Messiah.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #ff0066; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Susan: </span></i></b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">Herod probably
selected a kingly robe from his own wardrobe, something worn and soon to be
discarded. However, it had at one time been the bright robe that a king would
wear on a festive occasion. Thus, dressed in Herod’s hand-me-down clothing,
Jesus was returned to Pilate. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Luke
23:12 And the same day Pilate and Herod were made friends together: for before
they were at enmity between themselves.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #7030a0; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Susie: </span></i></b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">Pilate had
shown respect for Herod’s position by sending Jesus to be judged by him even
though his motive was to pass the buck rather than be responsible for passing
judgement on Jesus. Having shared in this difficult situation, Pilate and Herod
set aside former differences and began a lasting friendship. Shakespeare wrote,
“…misery<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">acquaints
a man with strange bedfellows…” in his work </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The
Tempest. </span></i><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">Charles Dudley Warner said,
“Politics makes strange bedfellows.” These sayings were true of Herod Antipas,
king of Judah, and Pilate, the Roman governor. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">Ponder
this and Apply it: </span></b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">Note that Philip was
able to take the passage the Ethiopian eunuch was reading and proceed to
explain the Gospel, the truth that Jesus was the Son of God, the long-awaited
Messiah and that He had died in our place on the cross. He preached the
resurrected Jesus to this seeker God placed in his path on the road resulting
in the Ethiopian confessing his belief and desiring to be baptized in the name
of Jesus. How prepared are you to answer a friend’s questions about scripture? Can
you carry out the command in 1 Peter 3:15 (NASB), “But in your hearts revere
Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you
to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and
respect”?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />KSHhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07056150835149498583noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6785695923507500199.post-15396040723089502802019-07-18T13:03:00.001-07:002019-07-18T13:03:34.563-07:00LUKE 23:1-7 PILATE PASSES THE BUCK<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">PILATE PASSES THE
BUCK<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">LUKE 23:1-7<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">(see Matthew 27:1-11,
Mark 15:1-2, <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">John 18:28-38)<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Luke
23:1 And the whole multitude of them arose, and led him unto Pilate.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #7030a0; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Susie: </span></i></b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">Jesus had been
brought before the Sanhedrin (comparable to our Supreme Court). Follow this
link for an in depth description of this ruling body: </span><a href="https://www.gotquestions.org/Sanhedrin.html"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">https://www.gotquestions.org/Sanhedrin.html</span></a><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #ff0066; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Susan: </span></i></b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">The High Priest
pronounced Jesus guilty of blasphemy after He answered that He was, indeed, the
Son of God. The Sanhedrin confirmed the guilty verdict. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #7030a0; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Susie: </span></i></b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">Since Israel
was under Roman rule at the time, the Sanhedrin could not carry out the
sentence of death required by the Law given to Moses in the case of blasphemy.
Therefore, as a body, they arose and took Jesus before the Roman governor,
Pilate, to seek the death penalty.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #ff0066; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Susan: </span></i></b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">The religious
leaders had no choice but to pass the case on to the governor because they were
under Roman law.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Luke
23:2 And they began to accuse him, saying, We found this fellow perverting the
nation, and forbidding to give tribute to Caesar, saying that he himself is
Christ a King.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #7030a0; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Susie: </span></i></b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">All who lived
in Roman colonies were required to pay taxes to Caesar. The first accusation
they brought against Jesus (a false one) was that He told the people they
should not pay taxes to the Romans. However, the exact opposite was true.
Here’s what Jesus had taught when asked whether to pay taxes to Rome and shown
the coin with Caesar’s image engraved on it:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: .5in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Luke
20:25 And he said unto them, Render therefore unto Caesar the things which be
Caesar's, and unto God the things which be God's.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #ff0066; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Susan: </span></i></b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">Then they
accused Jesus of claiming to be their king with the implication that He planned
to lead a rebellion and overthrow Caesar.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #7030a0; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Susie: </span></i></b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">In essence,
they were accusing Jesus of treason, a capital offence worthy of the death
penalty.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: .5in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Luke
23:3 And Pilate asked him, saying, Art thou the King of the Jews? And he
answered him and said, Thou sayest it.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: .5in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Luke
23:3 (VOICE) <b>Pilate:</b> Are You the King of the Jews? <b>Jesus:</b> It’s as
you say.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: .5in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #ff0066; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Susan: </span></i></b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">Pilate was most
interested in whether Jesus truly claimed to be the King of the Jews because
this would be a crime against the Roman ruler, Caesar. If he were to let the
leader of a rebellion against Caesar go free, it would upset his own apple
cart. He could lose his position as governor or even his head! He was not so
much concerned with justice as to the impact any decision he made would have on
his own easy street. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #7030a0; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Susie: </span></i></b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">Jesus’s answer
seems to be ambiguous in some translations implying that Pilate called Him a
king rather than Himself. However, commentators agree that the phrasing of
Jesus’s answer was an admission to the truth of the statement that He was king.
Therefore, we included The Voice translation’s, “It’s as you say.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Luke
23:4 Then said Pilate to the chief priests and to the people, I find no fault
in this man.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #ff0066; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Susan: </span></i></b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">Even though
Jesus admitted to having kingly authority, Pilate was reluctant to condemn
Jesus to crucifixion.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #7030a0; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Susie: </span></i></b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">Pilate told the
Jewish leaders he could find nothing to prove Jesus worthy of death. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Luke
23:5 And they were the more fierce, saying, He stirreth up the people, teaching
throughout all Jewry, beginning from Galilee to this place.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #ff0066; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Susan: </span></i></b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">Jesus’s
accusers then brought out the magnitude of His influence throughout the nation
of Israel from Galilee to Judah. They implied that everywhere He went, Jesus
was creating an undercurrent of discord and encouraging rebellion against Rome.
All of this was false testimony. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #7030a0; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Susie: </span></i></b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">When Jesus
spoke of the “Kingdom of God,” He was not, as some of His own people even
thought, planning a rebellion against Roman rule. He was speaking of the rule
of the Lord in men’s hearts no matter what earthly government was in authority.
He explained that more clearly to Pilate as laid out in John’s gospel:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: .5in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">John
18:36-37 Jesus answered, My kingdom is not of this world: if my kingdom were of
this world, then would my servants fight, that I should not be delivered to the
Jews: but now is my kingdom not from hence. Pilate therefore said unto him, Art
thou a king then? Jesus answered, Thou sayest that I am a king. To this end was
I born, and for this cause came I into the world, that I should bear witness
unto the truth. Every one that is of the truth heareth my voice.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Luke
23:6-7 When Pilate heard of Galilee, he asked whether the man were a Galilaean.
And as soon as he knew that he belonged unto Herod's jurisdiction, he sent him
to Herod, who himself also was at Jerusalem at that time.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #7030a0; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Susie: </span></i></b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">Pilate’s ears
perked up when he heard the word “Galilee.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #ff0066; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Susan: </span></i></b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">This is the
moment that the bell went, “Ding, ding, ding” in his head and he thought, “I’m
free! Thank goodness, I’m free!” He realized Jesus was no longer his
responsibility. He could pass the buck to Herod!!!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">Ponder
this and Apply it: </span></b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">When everything
seems to be going wrong, we often ask, “Where is God in all this?” It seems
that Jesus is totally at the mercy of the Sanhedrin, Pilate, and now Herod.
It’s a game of ping-pong and Jesus is the ball! However, God is sovereign and
was using all these players to bring about His own desired end—that Jesus died
on the cross to pay the penalty of our sin. We make our plans, we make choices
(good or bad), but God is still in control of the ultimate outcomes. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: .5in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Proverbs
16:1 (VOICE) People go about making their plans, but the Eternal has the final
word.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<br />KSHhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07056150835149498583noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6785695923507500199.post-35597799838224262862019-07-09T08:20:00.001-07:002019-07-09T08:20:27.542-07:00Week Off!<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: #20124d;">We need to take this week off to handle some family and household matters. Take this time to check out our archived posts that you may have missed! We will be back next week, so stay tuned! We appreciate all of our viewers and pray for you. Remember, you can submit specific prayer requests on our website: www.PreciousJewelsMinistries.org</span></span>KSHhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07056150835149498583noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6785695923507500199.post-84173360824394524592019-07-02T16:18:00.001-07:002019-07-02T16:18:12.222-07:00LUKE 22:63-71 ARE YOU THE SON OF GOD?<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">ARE YOU THE SON OF
GOD?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">LUKE
22:63-71<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">(see
also Matthew 26:59-68, <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Mark
14:55-65, John 18:19-24)<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Luke
22:63-65 And the men that held Jesus mocked him and smote him. And when they
had blindfolded him, they struck him on the face, and asked him, saying,
Prophesy, who is it that smote thee? And many other things blasphemously spake
they against him.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #7030a0; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Susie: </span></i></b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">We hear often
about the Roman soldiers beating Jesus with a cat-o-nine-tails, but these men
were NOT Romans. These men who had taken Jesus captive were His own people, the
Jews. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #ff0066; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Susan: </span></i></b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">These were
possibly some of the same men who fell over as if dead in the garden when Jesus
identified Himself with the words, “I am.” If I were one of those men, I would
think I would not feel comfortable striking Jesus or even touching Him for fear
of His awesome power. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: .5in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: .5in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">John
18:6 When Jesus said, “I am he,” they drew back and fell to the ground.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: .5in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #7030a0; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Susie:</span></i></b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;"> It does seem
unreal that they had already forgotten that shock. However, they hit Him,
berated Him, and challenged the belief that He was a prophet (never mind the
fact that He was the Son of God!) They demanded that the blindfolded Jesus tell
them who struck Him by using prophetic power. The point was to humiliate Him as
much as possible. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #ff0066; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Susan: </span></i></b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">They were
taunting Him with their insolent speech, but He refused to display His power
for their amusement. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Luke
22:66-67a And as soon as it was day, the elders of the people and the chief
priests and the scribes came together, and led him into their council, saying,
Art thou the Christ? tell us. <o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #7030a0; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Susie: </span></i></b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">Matthew and
Mark include the testimonies of witnesses brought in and probably paid by the
chief priests to bring false accusations about Jesus. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: .5in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Mark
14:55-61 And the chief priests and all the council sought for witness against
Jesus to put him to death; and found none. For many bare false witness against
him, but their witness agreed not together. And there arose certain, and bare
false witness against him, saying, We heard him say, I will destroy this temple
that is made with hands, and within three days I will build another made
without hands. But neither so did their witness agree together. And the high
priest stood up in the midst, and asked Jesus, saying, Answerest thou nothing?
what is it which these witness against thee? But he held his peace, and
answered nothing. Again the high priest asked him, and said unto him, Art thou
the Christ, the Son of the Blessed?<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: .5in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #ff0066; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Susan: </span></i></b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">Their false testimony
was bought off by the religious leaders!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #7030a0; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Susie: </span></i></b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">But as Mark
reports, they couldn’t get their stories straight. Even the ones who took
Jesus’s words about rebuilding the temple incorrectly, didn’t exactly match up
on their descriptions of the scene.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: .5in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">John
2:18-21 Then answered the Jews and said unto him, What sign shewest thou unto
us, seeing that thou doest these things? Jesus answered and said unto them,
Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up. Then said the Jews,
Forty and six years was this temple in building, and wilt thou rear it up in
three days? But he spake of the temple of his body.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #ff0066; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Susan: </span></i></b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">The High Priest
no longer used veiled terms but asked Jesus specifically if He was the Christ (Messiah
in Hebrew), “the Son of the Blessed.” The Jews did not utter the name of God because
it was considered too holy for men to speak. They did not think themselves
worthy to speak the name of a Holy God, so the High Priest referred to God as
“the Blessed.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Luke
22:67b-69 And he said unto them, If I tell you, ye will not believe: And if I
also ask you, ye will not answer me, nor let me go. Hereafter shall the Son of
man sit on the right hand of the power of God.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #ff0066; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Susan: </span></i></b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">Basically,
Jesus is saying that He can’t win here. If He says He is the Christ, they are
not going to believe it—it will not change their hardened hearts. If He tries
to ask them questions, they aren’t going to answer Him. And no matter how He
answers their question, they will not free Him. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #7030a0; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Susie: </span></i></b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">When we studied
the gospel of John, we saw over and over the words, “His time had not yet come”
(John 2:4, 7:6, 7:30, 8:20) Now, before the High Priest and the Sanhedrin,
Jesus is fully aware that His time finally </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">has</span></i><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;"> come—the time for Him to sacrifice His life to pay
for our sins. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #ff0066; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Susan: </span></i></b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">Jesus referred
to Himself as the “Son of Man” over 80 times in the Scriptures. It appears to
be His favorite description of Himself. This would be recognized by the Jewish
religious leaders as a Messianic reference from the prophet Daniel, and a clear
claim to divinity.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: .5in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Daniel
7:13-14 I saw in the night visions, and, behold, one like the Son of man came
with the clouds of heaven, and came to the Ancient of days, and they brought
him near before him. And there was given him dominion, and glory, and a
kingdom, that all people, nations, and languages, should serve him: his
dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and his kingdom
that which shall not be destroyed.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: .5in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #7030a0; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Susie: </span></i></b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The
Passion Translation</span></i><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;"> clarifies what
Jesus meant by sitting at the right hand of God’s power:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Luke
22:69 (TPT) But from today on, the Son of Man will be enthroned in the place of
honor, power, and authority with Almighty God.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #ff0066; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Susan: </span></i></b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">Being seated at
the right hand of an authority as his “right-hand man” was a place of sharing
the leader’s power and ruling beside him. Jesus, being equal with the Father,
being One with God, has all the authority of the Godhead (Father, Son, and Holy
Spirit) which Jesus would make clear to His disciples post-resurrection:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Matthew
28:18 Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth
has been given to me.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #7030a0; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Susie: </span></i></b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">Jesus was again
referencing scripture that would be familiar to these Jewish leaders. This is a
clear claim to be the Son of God. King David wrote prophetically:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Psalm
110:1 The Lord said unto my Lord, Sit thou at my right hand, until I make thine
enemies thy footstool.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Luke
22:70 Then said they all, Art thou then the Son of God? And he said unto them,
Ye say that I am.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #7030a0; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Susie: </span></i></b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">Finally, they
point blank asked Him whether He was the Son of God. They would consider an
affirmative answer to be blasphemy, a sin worthy of death, since they did not
believe Him to be the Messiah, the Son of God.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #ff0066; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Susan: </span></i></b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">Jesus did not
mince words in His reply. This is emphatically underscored in Mark’s account
when Jesus answered “I am.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Mark
14:61-62 But he held his peace, and answered nothing. Again the high priest
asked him, and said unto him, Art thou the Christ, the Son of the Blessed? And
Jesus said, I am: and ye shall see the Son of man sitting on the right hand of
power, and coming in the clouds of heaven.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #ff0066; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Susan: </span></i></b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">These are the
same words God used to identify Himself to Moses when speaking from the burning
bush.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: .5in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Exodus
3:14 And God said unto Moses, I Am That I Am: and he said, Thus shalt thou say
unto the children of Israel, I Am hath sent me unto you.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: .5in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
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<b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #7030a0; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Susie: </span></i></b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">When we studied
the Gospel of John, we saw that Jesus made seven “I AM” statements:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .75in; margin-right: .5in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">John 6:48 <b>I am</b>
that bread of life.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .75in; margin-right: .5in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">John 8:12 Then spake
Jesus again unto them, saying, <b>I am</b> the light of the world: he that
followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .75in; margin-right: .5in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">John 10:9 <b>I am</b>
the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and
out, and find pasture. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .75in; margin-right: .5in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">4.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">John 10:11 <b>I am</b>
the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .75in; margin-right: .5in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">5.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">John 11:25 Jesus
said unto her, <b>I am</b> the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in
me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .75in; margin-right: .5in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">6.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">John 14:6 Jesus
saith unto him, <b>I am</b> the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh
unto the Father, but by me. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .75in; margin-right: .5in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">7.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">John 15:1 <b>I am</b>
the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Luke
22:71 And they said, What need we any further witness? for we ourselves have
heard of his own mouth.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #7030a0; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Susie:</span></i></b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;"> Jesus had made
Himself perfectly clear to the High Priest and the Sanhedrin that He was,
indeed, the Son of God and equal to the Great I Am. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #ff0066; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Susan: </span></i></b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">At Jesus’s
proclamation of His Deity, the High Priest tore his clothes in utter disgust,
pronounced the crushing charge of blasphemy, and the Sanhedrin condemned Jesus
to death. No one spoke up in belief of Jesus’s claim to be the Messiah, the Son
of God. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #7030a0; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Susie: </span></i></b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">It is assumed
that neither Nicodemus nor Joseph of Arimathea had been invited to this mockery
of a trial because they were both believers. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: .5in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Mark
14:63-64 Then the high priest rent his clothes, and saith, What need we any
further witnesses? Ye have heard the blasphemy: what think ye? And they all
condemned him to be guilty of death.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">Ponder
this and Apply it: </span></b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">There may not be a
direct application in this passage, but we should ponder the betrayal of Jesus
once again. First, He was betrayed in the garden by His own disciple, Judas
Iscariot. Then, His own people, the very Jewish religious leaders who should
have seen His description in the Old Testament prophets, refuse to believe that
He was their promised Messiah. As Isaiah stated:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: .5in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Isaiah
53:3 He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with
grief: and we hid as it were our faces from him; he was despised, and we
esteemed him not.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: .5in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">Have
you come to a point in your life where the Holy Spirit has revealed to you that
Jesus is the Son of God who came to earth as a man in order to pay the price
for our (your) sin? If not, please pray and ask the Lord to reveal Himself to
you. Then surrender your life to His control completely. If you have questions,
please contact us through our website: </span><a href="http://www.preciousjewelsministries.org/"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">www.PreciousJewelsMinistries.org</span></a><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />KSHhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07056150835149498583noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6785695923507500199.post-81739520092445250862019-06-27T08:56:00.002-07:002019-06-27T08:56:26.534-07:00LUKE 22:55-62 DENIAL AND DESPAIR<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">DENIAL
AND DESPAIR<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">LUKE
22:55-62<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">(see
also Matthew 25:69-75, <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Mark
14:66-72, and John 18:25-27)<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Luke
22:55 And when they had kindled a fire in </span></i><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">the</span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;"> midst of the hall, and
were set down together, Peter sat down among them.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #7030a0; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Susie: </span></i></b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">It sounds odd
to have a fire in the middle of a hall, but the room would have been an open
courtyard in the middle of the large house. It would have been unusual to need
a fire at the time of the Passover, but it must have been chilly this
particular night. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #ff0066; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Susan: </span></i></b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">John and Peter
had followed, as Matthew said, “to see the end” or as some translations say,
“to see the outcome” (Matthew 26:58). It was beyond their capacity to accept
Jesus’s prophesy that He was to die. Perhaps they hoped to witness a different
outcome than He had predicted. Their hearts and minds could not perceive the
purpose for which Jesus came, the price He must pay for their and our
redemption.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #7030a0; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Susie: </span></i></b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">Peter and John
were not cognizant of it at the time, but the Holy Spirit placed them in the
position to give eye-witness accounts of Jesus’s trial, not only to the other
disciples, but for us in the written word. John had apparently gone on inside
while Peter waited around the fire in the courtyard.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Luke
22:56 But a certain maid beheld him as he sat by the fire, and earnestly looked
upon him, and said, This man was also with him.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #7030a0; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Susie: </span></i></b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">Some
commentators believe this maid may have been the one who granted entrance to
Peter and John because John was a familiar face at the High Priest’s home.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #ff0066; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Susan: </span></i></b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">The girl
studied Peter’s face closely in the dim firelight to make sure that her
identification of him as one of Jesus’s followers was accurate.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Luke
22:57 And he denied him, saying, Woman, I know him not.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #7030a0; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Susie: </span></i></b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">Peter did not
believe it when Jesus told him that he would deny knowing Him that very night,
but now he found himself doing that very thing. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #ff0066; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Susan: </span></i></b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">Peter didn’t
just deny being a disciple. Instead he claimed he did not know Jesus, had no
acquaintance with Jesus at all!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Luke
22:58 And after a little while another saw him, and said, Thou art also of
them. And Peter said, Man, I am not.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #7030a0; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Susie: </span></i></b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">Then another
person stated that Peter was one of Jesus’s group of followers, but he denied
that as well. Matthew adds the detail that he even swore an oath:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: .5in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Matthew
26:71-72 And when he was gone out into the porch, another maid saw him, and
said unto them that were there, This fellow was also with Jesus of Nazareth. And
again he denied with an oath, I do not know the man.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: .5in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #ff0066; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Susan: </span></i></b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">Peter
emphatically presented the lie that he did not know or follow Jesus as a fact,
supporting it with an oath. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Luke
22:59 And about the space of one hour after, another confidently affirmed,
saying, Of a truth this fellow also was with him: for he is a Galilaean.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #7030a0; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Susie: </span></i></b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">The next person
who accused Peter of being one of Jesus’s follows supported his claim with the
evidence that Peter’s Galilean accent gave him away.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Luke
22:60 And Peter said, Man, I know not what thou sayest. And immediately, while
he yet spake, the cock crew.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #ff0066; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Susan: </span></i></b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">Peter denied
knowing Jesus once more saying in essence, “I don’t know what you’re talking
about!” In that exact moment, the rooster crowed, sounding in Peter’s ears as
if the bird had cried, “LIAR!” It’s pretty awful when an animal calls you out
on your sin.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #7030a0; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Susie: </span></i></b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">Peter’s guilt
at that moment must have felt like a building had fallen on him.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Luke
22:61 And the Lord turned, and looked upon Peter. And Peter remembered the word
of the Lord, how he had said unto him, Before the cock crow, thou shalt deny me
thrice.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #ff0066; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Susan: </span></i></b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">Jesus, who was
probably being paraded through the courtyard to be abused by the guards,
intentionally and intently gazed directly at Peter. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #7030a0; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Susie: </span></i></b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">Peter
remembered the Lord’s prediction earlier that evening that he would deny His
Master three times before the rooster announced the morning. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Luke
22:62 And Peter went out, and wept bitterly.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #ff0066; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Susan:</span></i></b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;"> Jesus’s
previous words seared deeply into Peter’s heart causing the brash, brawny fisherman
to dissolve into violent, convulsive sobs.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">Ponder
this and Apply it: </span></b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">Peter had seen
himself as one who would defend the Lord Jesus to the death—bold, brave, and
fearless. Now here he is, afraid to even admit knowing Jesus, let alone being
one of His closest disciples. We must remember that Peter did not yet have the
indwelling of the Holy Spirit to hold him up at this moment. We must also
remember this is not the end of Peter’s story. Jesus not only forgave Peter but
raised him up to be a leader of the early church. We, too, may have moments of
failure in our walks with the Lord; but when we are convicted by the Holy
Spirit as Peter was convicted by Jesus’s gaze, we can repent and be restored
because our Master’s love for us remains sure even when our own faith
flounders.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: .5in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">2
Timothy 2:13 (TPT) <span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>But even if we are
faithless, he will still be full of faith, for he never wavers in his faithfulness
to us!<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<br />KSHhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07056150835149498583noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6785695923507500199.post-46524104217146045222019-06-23T20:05:00.001-07:002019-06-23T20:05:03.031-07:00LUKE 22:52-54 HOUR OF DARKNESS<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">HOUR
OF DARKNESS<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">LUKE
22:52-54<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Luke
22:52 Then Jesus said unto the chief priests, and captains of the temple, and
the elders, which were come to him, Be ye come out, as against a thief, with
swords and staves?<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #7030a0; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Susie: </span></i></b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">Jesus addresses
the crowd that came to arrest Him. Luke identifies some of them as high-ranking
officials—chief priests and captains.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #ff0066; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Susan: </span></i></b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">Jesus asked
them if they were thinking of Him as we would someone on the top ten most
wanted list. For their day, they were armed to the teeth!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Luke
22:53 When I was daily with you in the temple, ye stretched forth no hands
against me: but this is your hour, and the power of darkness.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #ff0066; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Susan: </span></i></b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">They had not
arrested Him when He was right there in their own home field, the Temple. He
had been there daily without fail during the last week of His life, pouring out
from His heart; and not one of them lifted a finger to accost Him there.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #7030a0; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Susie: </span></i></b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">Of course,
Jesus taught in the Temple courts in broad daylight surrounded by His
followers. The religious officials were afraid to confront Him in front of a
crowd of His supporters.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #ff0066; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Susan: </span></i></b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">They may have
feared an uprising or even a coup. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #7030a0; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Susie: </span></i></b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">Therefore, they
came to arrest Him in the middle of the night under the cover of darkness—the
time for cowards and evildoers. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #ff0066; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Susan: </span></i></b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">He told them
this was their time in the power of darkness. Satan’s power is that of
darkness, and the Father allowed the devil to rear his ugly head through the
officials and soldiers. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #7030a0; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Susie: </span></i></b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">In the Bible
“light” symbolizes good and “darkness” symbolizes evil. Jesus refers to Himself
as “The Light.” Satan is a creature of darkness. We are in the dark until we
come to The Light through salvation purchased by Jesus on the cross. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: .5in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Ephesians
5:8 For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as
children of light:<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: .5in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: .5in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">1
John 1:5 This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto
you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: .5in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Luke
22:54 Then took they him, and led him, and brought him into the high priest's
house. And Peter followed afar off.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #7030a0; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Susie: </span></i></b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">Sometimes
people question who served as the true high priest at this time—Annas or
Caiaphas. The following explains it quite well:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: .5in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Pulpit
Commentary </span></i><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">as quoted at https://biblehub.com/luke/22-54.htm<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: .5in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: .5in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">The actual high priest at this juncture was
Caiaphas, son-in-law to Annas, who was the legal high priest, but had been
deposed by the Roman power some time before. Annas, however, although prevented
by the Roman government from bearing the high priestly insignia, was apparently
looked upon by the people as the rightful possessor of the dignity, and
evidently exercised the chief authority in the Jewish councils. It seems that
he and his son-in-law Caiaphas, the Roman nominee, occupied together the high
priest's palace. There were three trials of our Lord by the Jews: <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: .5in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: .5in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">(1) Before Annas (John 18:12-18). <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">(2) Before Caiaphas and what has been termed a
committee of the Sanhedrin (John 18:24; Matthew 26:59-68; Mark 14:55-65). <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">(3) Formally before the whole Sanhedrin at dawn
(Luke 22:66-71; Matthew 27:1; Mark 15:1).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #ff0066; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Susan: </span></i></b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">All four
gospels identify Peter as following Jesus and His captors after His arrest. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #7030a0; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Susie: </span></i></b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">Only John’s
gospel records the fact that another disciple accompanied Peter. Since John
often referred to himself in the third person and was somehow known by the high
priest, most commentators presume he was speaking about himself. If John was
this other disciple, the high priest may have known him because his family’s
fishing business was very successful, even to the point of hiring men. Some
commentators suggest he may have been a distant relative of the high priest. The
Bible does not make this absolutely clear. We found an interesting article
here: </span><a href="https://www.bethanybiblechurch.com/2018/09/09/john-18a-was-john-related-to-the-priests/"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">https://www.bethanybiblechurch.com/2018/09/09/john-18a-was-john-related-to-the-priests/</span></a><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">John
18:15 And Simon Peter followed Jesus, and so did another disciple: that
disciple was known unto the high priest, and went in with Jesus into the palace
of the high priest.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #ff0066; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Susan: </span></i></b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">The brash,
outspoken Peter whose kinetic energy had earlier led him to lop off the
servant’s ear now followed discretely at a distance cloaked in the darkness
lest he be recognized and identified as one of Jesus’s disciples. The arrest of
His master had shaken him to the core. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #7030a0; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Susie: </span></i></b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">More on the
once brave but now overwhelmed and even terrified Peter in the next lesson.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">Ponder
this and Apply it: </span></b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">None of this caught
the Father or Jesus, for that matter, by surprise. The people who arrested
Jesus were being used to fulfill the plan put in place from the foundation of
the world (Revelation 13:8). Jesus points out that darkness is their hour and
Satan is the power behind them. We know from John’s gospel Jesus could have
slain them all with a word, but He had already surrendered to the will of the
Father as He prayed in Gethsemane. There will be times in our lives as
believers that seem like darkness has overcome us completely, but if we are
surrendered to God’s will and seeking to follow Him, we can rest assured that
the ultimate outcome will be for our good and His glory. The darkness cannot
overcome The Light! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">John
1:4-5 (VOICE) His breath filled all things with a living, breathing light—A
light that thrives in the depths of darkness, blazes through murky bottoms. It
cannot and will not be quenched.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<br />KSHhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07056150835149498583noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6785695923507500199.post-13463377327502809722019-06-20T09:14:00.002-07:002019-06-20T09:14:54.662-07:00LUKE 22:49-51 ENEMY'S EAR HEALED<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">ENEMY’S
EAR HEALED<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">LUKE
22:49-51<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">(See
also Matthew 26:51-56, <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Mark
14:47-49, and John 18:10-11)<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<br /></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Luke
22:49 When they which were about him saw what would follow, they said unto him,
Lord, shall we smite with the sword?<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #7030a0; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Susie:</span></i></b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;"> What did they
see that made the disciples ask if they should defend their Master? John
expounds on that:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: .5in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">John
18:3-9 Judas then, having received a band of men and officers from the chief
priests and Pharisees, cometh thither with lanterns and torches and weapons. Jesus
therefore, knowing all things that should come upon him, went forth, and said
unto them, Whom seek ye? They answered him, Jesus of Nazareth. Jesus saith unto
them, I am he. And Judas also, which betrayed him, stood with them. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As soon then as he had said unto them, I am
he, they went backward, and fell to the ground. Then asked he them again, Whom
seek ye? And they said, Jesus of Nazareth. Jesus answered, I have told you that
I am he: if therefore ye seek me, let these go their way: That the saying might
be fulfilled, which he spake, Of them which thou gavest me have I lost none.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #ff0066; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Susan: </span></i></b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">Luke does not
tell us all that had transpired when Judas came in the garden to betray Jesus
with a kiss. He did not detail the officials and soldiers coming to arrest
Jesus or Jesus’s questioning who they came for. John focused on this aspect and
is the only one of the gospel writers who records the soldiers’ response to
Jesus declaring He was whom they sought. They keeled over like dead men, knocked
down by His words alone!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #7030a0; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Susie: </span></i></b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">Jesus did not
lay a hand on any of those who came to seize Him. He didn’t need to! However,
the disciples, even though seeing this miracle, asked if they should fight with
the two little swords they possessed.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #ff0066; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Susan: </span></i></b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">Notice they (or
at least impulsive Peter) did not wait for Jesus to answer.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Luke
22:50 And one of them smote the servant of the high priest, and cut off his
right ear.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #7030a0; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Susie: </span></i></b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">All four
gospels record this event, but only John names the disciple wielding the sword
and the servant whose ear was lopped off. I wonder if Peter was really trying
to cut off his head?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">John
18:10 Then Simon Peter having a sword drew it, and smote the high priest's
servant, and cut off his right ear. The servant's name was Malchus.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #ff0066; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Susan: </span></i></b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">Peter was a man
of action with too much kinetic energy. On the mount of transfiguration, he
wanted to build booths for Jesus, Moses, and Elijah. Here he wildly waves a sword.
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 88.85pt; text-align: justify;">
<b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #7030a0; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Susie: </span></i></b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">By the way, my son played the role of Malchus in </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The Promise</span></i><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;"> at Glenrose for a couple of seasons. Therefore, I
never forget the name of that poor servant who just happened to be in Peter’s
way.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Luke
22:51 And Jesus answered and said, Suffer ye thus far. And he touched his ear
and healed him.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #ff0066; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Susan: </span></i></b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">The </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">King James Version</span></i><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;"> “suffer ye thus far” is another one of those
phrases we no longer use. The </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">New
King James Version </span></i><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">translates it
“permit even this.” What were they to permit? The disciples were to allow Jesus
to be arrested and placed on trial. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #7030a0; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Susie: </span></i></b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">In order to
fulfill the purpose for which Jesus was born as the God-Man, He must suffer and
die. He could not allow His disciples to interfere with the divine plan laid out
by His Father. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #ff0066; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Susan: </span></i></b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">Jesus’s actions
supported His words of refraining from violence as He healed the servant’s ear,
literally putting it back on. This was not the time for fighting and overthrowing.
It was a time for submitting, trust, and peace.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #7030a0; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Susie: </span></i></b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">Yes, Jesus
submitted to those arresting Him rather than making them permanently “as dead
men.” However, more importantly, He could submit in trust and with peace to His
Father’s will. MacArthur’s commentary on this verse points out some other
interesting points about the healing of the servant’s ear:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: .5in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">MacArthur
Study Bible<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: .5in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">touched his ear and healed him.</span></b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;"> This is the only instance in all of Scripture
where Christ healed a flesh wound. The miracle is also unique in that Christ
healed an enemy, unasked, and without any evidence of faith in the recipient.
It is also remarkable that such a dramatic miracle had no effect whatsoever on
the hearts of those men. Neither had the explosive power of Jesus’ words, which
knocked them to the ground (John 18:6). They carried on with the arrest as if
nothing peculiar had happened (v. 54).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: .5in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">John
18:6 As soon then as he had said unto them, I am he, they went backward, and
fell to the ground.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: .5in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #ff0066; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Susan: </span></i></b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">Had I been one
of those soldiers sent to arrest Jesus and had felt the power of His words
knock me to the ground in a dead faint, plus witnessed the miracle of the ear
being reattached perfectly, I may have been persuaded to trust in Him rather
than seize Him!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #7030a0; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Susie: </span></i></b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">Yet, their eyes
remained blinded to the truth that Jesus was the Son of God. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #ff0066; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Susan: </span></i></b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">The Father was
using them to fulfill His purpose.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #7030a0; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Susie: </span></i></b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">And we cannot
know this side of Heaven how their memories of that night might have been used
to draw them at a later date. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">Ponder
this and apply it: </span></b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">Focus for a moment
on the last part of verse 51. Even as His enemies were arresting Him, Jesus
showed compassion by healing Malchus’s ear. He submitted to His Father’s will
by allowing Himself to be taken and remained true to His nature of love,
compassion, and forgiveness by using His touch to heal. The peace that comes
from seeking and obeying God’s will enables us to act according to His nature,
to exhibit Christlikeness. God is in the process of conforming us to be like
His Son (Romans 8:29). That ongoing process sometimes involves trials during
which we must lay aside our own will in favor of His perfect plan for us. We
will continue to be shaped and molded until the day we are in His presence. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />KSHhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07056150835149498583noreply@blogger.com0