Secret Mission

Secret Mission

John 19: ³⁸ After this, Joseph of Arimathea, being a disciple of Jesus, but secretly, for fear of the Jews, asked Pilate that he might take away the body of Jesus; and Pilate gave him permission. So he came and took the body of Jesus. ³⁹ And Nicodemus, who at first came to Jesus by night, also came, bringing a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about a hundred pounds. ⁴⁰ Then they took the body of Jesus, and bound it in strips of linen with the spices, as the custom of the Jews is to bury. ⁴¹ Now in the place where He was crucified there was a garden, and in the garden a new tomb in which no one had yet been laid. ⁴² So there they laid Jesus, because of the Jews’ Preparation Day, for the tomb was nearby.

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“Things have not been communicated, but we want you to run the division” were the words I was elated to hear. “But you cannot tell anyone” were the words I did not mind, but were rather constraining. I had to do everything covertly for fear of causing issues with the old leadership who was about to leave. It was very uncomfortable.

• Sometimes I had to operate secretly.
• Sometimes I had to keep the power given to me a secret.
• Sometimes I had to pretend I was one thing when I was really another thing.

Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus were high ranking officials in the community. Their belief in JESUS was a higher calling so they had to serve HIM undercover. They got HS body and placed HIM in a tomb meant for a king. They secretly spent a lavish amount  in reverence for our LORD.

• There are times when JESUS wants me to secretly serve HIM.
• There are times when JESUS sends me on a mission that cannot be openly shared.
• There are times when JESUS guides me to people who need to hear, but in secret.

There are people all over the globe who are serving JESUS in secret. I mean they cannot say they believe in JESUS as their Savior out loud for fear of persecution. BUT GOD knows their heart. HE sees their every move and is excited to bless them with every prayer they silently say. For those who cannot boldly open their mouths, you are heard by GOD.

• Are you in a position where you cannot boldly speak about GOD because you will be persecuted?
• Are you losing your faith because no one around you can hear about your belief in GOD?
• Will you keep your faith strong, knowing GOD sees you and hears you and loves you dearly?

Amazed

Amazed

John 19: ³¹ Therefore, because it was the Preparation Day, that the bodies should not remain on the cross on the Sabbath (for that Sabbath was a high day), the Jews asked Pilate that their legs might be broken, and that they might be taken away. ³² Then the soldiers came and broke the legs of the first and of the other who was crucified with Him. ³³ But when they came to Jesus and saw that He was already dead, they did not break His legs. ³⁴ But one of the soldiers pierced His side with a spear, and immediately blood and water came out. ³⁵ And he who has seen has testified, and his testimony is true; and he knows that he is telling the truth, so that you may believe. ³⁶ For these things were done that the Scripture should be fulfilled, “Not one of His bones shall be broken.” ³⁷ And again another Scripture says, “They shall look on Him whom they pierced.”

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“Wow look at that!” were my words of amazement. I was so amazed that I went and told other people. I mean, who knew that if you folded the tips of the wings on a paper airplane, it would do loops.

• Many things have amazed me.
• Many things have made me say “wow!”
• Many things have been brought to my attention that I got excited about.

John, the writer, speaks about something that was truly amazing. He verified that even the tiniest of prophecy was fulfilled by JESUS. The guards went from one body, breaking the bones ensuring death, then went around JESUS to the other body to do the same. John was amazed that all scriptures were fulfilled by JESUS.

• GOD wants me to be amazed by HIM every day.
• GOD wants me to see that HE is working out the situation, without my help.
• GOD wants me to know HE has everything taken care of through HIS awesome power.

When JESUS said “It is finished” HE truly meant salvation is accomplished. Everything said about HIM was done and completed. HE has said much more. HE promised to never leave me nor forsake me. HE said HE would return for me and those who believe in HIM. I am amazed HE loves me.

• Are you amazed by GOD?
• Have you noticed HE cares for you?
• Will you seek HIS amazing love, grace and mercy today?

It is Finished

It is Finished

John 19: ²⁸ After this, Jesus, knowing that all things were now accomplished, that the Scripture might be fulfilled, said, “I thirst!” ²⁹ Now a vessel full of sour wine was sitting there; and they filled a sponge with sour wine, put it on hyssop, and put it to His mouth. ³⁰ So when Jesus had received the sour wine, He said, “It is finished!” And bowing His head, He gave up His spirit.

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JESUS had completed what HE came to do. HE walked the earth, loved HIS creation, only to have them turn on HIM to kill HIM in disbelief. The creation had no longer believed in the creator. BUT GOD cared a lot more than HIS creation could ever know.

• GOD loved HIS creation so much that HE gave up HIS only SON to die for them.
• GOD loved HIS creation so much that HE accepted blame for every sin humans could ever do.
• GOD loved HIS creation so much that HE sought after them with all HIS might.

JESUS lived a sinless life, yet HE was blamed, criticized and murdered. What is great about this is even death could not stop HIM. When HE died, HE knew HE did something no one else could do. HE redeemed mankind.

• Have you lost hope?
• Do you have nowhere to turn?
• Will you give your life back to JESUS so HE can guide you today?

Spiritual Family

Spiritual Family

John 19: ²⁵ Now there stood by the cross of Jesus His mother, and His mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. ²⁶ When Jesus therefore saw His mother, and the disciple whom He loved standing by, He said to His mother, “Woman, behold your son!” ²⁷ Then He said to the disciple, “Behold your mother!” And from that hour that disciple took her to his own home.

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“Come in and have something to eat” a friend’s mother said to me. “Wow!” I thought. “You mean I’m having fun AND I get a meal?” Great! Another friend’s mother did the same and another. Soon I had a few mother’s throughout the neighborhood who blessed me with a simple meal.

• My family are those who GOD has brought into my life.
• My family are those who GOD has brought into HIS family.
• My family are those who GOD has declared HIS family.

JESUS, dying an agonizing death, sees HIS mother Mary and two other Mary’s who were close to HIM. HE gave one of HIS disciples HIS mother and asked the disciple to be her son. He accepted and took care of Mary from then on. This was a spiritual family.

• JESUS wants me to treat others as HIS family.
• JESUS wants me to see others as family when they believe in HIM.
• JESUS wants me to treat those who seek HIM as family because HIS blessings are on those who truly believe in HIM.

GOD’s currency is people. HE wants me to seek people as I would a lost coin. I can only find people who desire to be found. HE blesses me when HE brings people to me or me to people. We are then made a spiritual family that will last for eternity. JESUS is my bond to a wonderful family!

• Do you need a family?
• Would you like to have love that supersedes blood relatives?
• Will you come into a family with the bond of love, namely JESUS?

Inheritance

Inheritance

John 19: ²³ Then the soldiers, when they had crucified Jesus, took His garments and made four parts, to each soldier a part, and also the tunic. Now the tunic was without seam, woven from the top in one piece. ²⁴ They said therefore among themselves, “Let us not tear it, but cast lots for it, whose it shall be,” that the Scripture might be fulfilled which says:

“They divided My garments among them,
And for My clothing they cast lots.”

Therefore the soldiers did these things.

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After the mass layoffs, I went to a coworker for advice. “How long should I wait to ask for that desk?” was my question. By my calculation, I was next in line to get a cubicle that faced a window. “What do you think, a week or two?”

• There were times when I couldn’t wait to see people go.
• There were times when I could not wait to get their stuff.
• There were times when I felt that people were “in the way” of “my” success.

The soldiers could not wait to get JESUS’s stuff. Pilate must have loved theater because he dressed JESUS in the finest clothes. The soldiers wanted the clothes so they divided them into four parts. But the tunic was special. No seam, woven in one piece. They cast lots, similar to throwing dice, for HIS garments. They were on the evil side of the plan.

• GOD wants me to inherit HIS great rewards.
• GOD wants me to be part of HIS family.
• GOD wants me to seek HIS wealth by bringing HIS lost people back to HIM.

Wanting better or more stuff is a waste of time without JESUS. I mean, not having GOD in the middle of my wants can lead to feeding my greed. Only GOD can focus my desires in the right way. More and more, GOD enables the desire to explain HIS kingdom to other people so they can believe in JESUS. I accept GOD’s desire over more stuff.

• Are you seeking more stuff?
• Are you waiting for someone to die so you can get their stuff?
• Will you ask GOD to change your heart and fill you with the desire to seek the lost today?

Part of a Plan

Part of a Plan

John 19: ¹⁹ Now Pilate wrote a title and put it on the cross. And the writing was:

JESUS OF NAZARETH, THE KING OF THE JEWS.

²⁰ Then many of the Jews read this title, for the place where Jesus was crucified was near the city; and it was written in Hebrew, Greek, and Latin.

²¹ Therefore the chief priests of the Jews said to Pilate, “Do not write, ‘The King of the Jews,’ but, ‘He said, “I am the King of the Jews.” ’ ”

²² Pilate answered, “What I have written, I have written.”

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“Come along side me” one leader persuaded me. I worked hard and, sure enough, the person became successful. I was excited to be part of this person’s success.

• There have been times when I was part of a larger plan.
• There have been times when I helped someone become successful.
• There have been times when I enabled someone to reach their potential with a small contribution of my talents.

The church leaders put Pilate in a bad political light. He may have decided to impose retribution on them by placing a sign over JESUS stating HE was from a less significant town and HE is “THE KING OF THE JEWS.” This sign was embarrassing to the church leaders and they wanted it changed. Little did they know, Pilate’s retribution was speaking the truth.

• GOD has used my sin for good.
• GOD would prefer that I follow HIS ways and actively be part of HIS plan.
• GOD wants me to be successful and has a marvelous plan for me.

Being part of GOD’s plan always happens. GOD knew HIS creation would turn evil and murder JESUS. HE also sees my sin and knows the damage I do will still work out for good. But what about those who murdered JESUS? They will face eternal consequence. What about my sin?

JESUS says “Confess your sins to ME and I will be faithful and just to forgive you and cleanse you of all unrighteousness.” When I give my life to GOD, I am no longer on the “evil” side of the plan. GOD rescues me and places me on the winning side. I crave to be part of GOD’s plan of love.

• Which side are you on?
• Are you doing things for yourself, never once thinking about GOD?
• Will you allow GOD to use you to bring many people to HIM without fear today?

Humiliation

Humiliation

John 19: ¹⁷ And He, bearing His cross, went out to a place called the Place of a Skull, which is called in Hebrew, Golgotha, ¹⁸ where they crucified Him, and two others with Him, one on either side, and Jesus in the center.

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Late for a meeting, I hurried to use the restroom. To my dismay, I slightly wet my light colored pants just enough for it to be visible. “You have got to be kidding me!” I shouted. In haste, I grabbed paper towels and wet them, trying to get rid of the drops on my trousers. I made it look like I had just bypassed using the toilet at all. My pants were wet and I had to go to the meeting.

• Sometimes I feel humiliated.
• Sometimes I feel embarrassed.
• Sometimes I feel like everyone is going to laugh or have a negative opinion of me.

JESUS was forced to carry HIS cross in front of everyone so HE could be humiliated. To add further embarrassment, HE was placed in the middle of two criminals, drawing attention to HIM as being the largest offender. HE had to go on the cross.

• JESUS faced humiliation from many just for me.
• JESUS faced embarrassment just for me.
• JESUS faced a painful death just for me.

Humiliation never feels good. BUT GOD went through it as an example to HIS followers. “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of ME. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.”

JESUS gives me another way to look at the insults and embarrassing situations. HE tells me to persevere when I am insulted because I am trying to teach or preach about HIM. Looking forward to HIS reward calms the sting of the embarrassment.

• Have you been insulted because of your relationship with GOD?
• Have people pulled away from you because you are trying to speak about JESUS?
• Will you persevere, looking forward to the reward GOD has for you?

Building a Following

Building a Following

John 19: ¹² From then on Pilate sought to release Him, but the Jews cried out, saying, “If you let this Man go, you are not Caesar’s friend. Whoever makes himself a king speaks against Caesar.”

¹³ When Pilate therefore heard that saying, he brought Jesus out and sat down in the judgment seat in a place that is called The Pavement, but in Hebrew, Gabbatha. ¹⁴ Now it was the Preparation Day of the Passover, and about the sixth hour. And he said to the Jews, “Behold your King!”

¹⁵ But they cried out, “Away with Him, away with Him! Crucify Him!”

Pilate said to them, “Shall I crucify your King?”

The chief priests answered, “We have no king but Caesar!”

¹⁶ Then he delivered Him to them to be crucified. Then they took Jesus and led Him away.

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Admiring certain leaders, I mimicked the qualities I could understand. I dressed like them, talked like them and understood their concerns. After a while I was named a leader of many by those who I imitated.

• Some leaders got my attention.
• Some leaders had the qualities I was looking for so I imitated them.
• Some leaders carried themselves with true power that was genuine.

Pilate feared he would be put in the middle of a political battle. He feared the statement that JESUS was and is GOD. He tried to turn HIM over to the Jews, but they rejected HIM as their king. They chose to follow a man instead. They dedicated themselves to a human political figure.

• JESUS wants me to recognize HIM as KING of kings and LORD of lords.
• JESUS wants me to place HIM higher than any human.
• JESUS wants me to give HIM all power I am trying to get or hold onto.

Every situation, every solution, every word should fall under GOD. This is easy to say and hard to do. I mean what if I just want “my” way? GOD allows me to get “my” way, but I may not like what I get. “My” way may be conceived in selfish sin. What can I do about this?

GOD enables me to follow HIM by believing that I need a Savior. Admitting I need HIM is the first step. Believing that JESUS died for all my sins and that HE rose from the dead is the next step. Confessing that JESUS is alive and is above everything is the final step. I give my all to my KING, JESUS.

• Who are you following?
• Are you desperately trying to build a following?
• Will you take a moment to follow JESUS and build HIS following today and the rest of your life?

Status

Status

John 19: ⁷ The Jews answered him, “We have a law, and according to our law He ought to die, because He made Himself the Son of God.”

⁸ Therefore, when Pilate heard that saying, he was the more afraid, ⁹ and went again into the Praetorium, and said to Jesus, “Where are You from?” But Jesus gave him no answer.

¹⁰ Then Pilate said to Him, “Are You not speaking to me? Do You not know that I have power to crucify You, and power to release You?”

¹¹ Jesus answered, “You could have no power at all against Me unless it had been given you from above. Therefore the one who delivered Me to you has the greater sin.”

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“Would you like an upgrade?” was the question posed to me. Then they said, “You have enough points so the upgrade would be free.” I said “Of course.” I was hungry and they gave me a meal instead of a bag of peanuts. “I like this!” I said to myself.

In a small way, I had status.

In a tiny way I thought I was in a better position.

In a miniscule way I believed I needed to keep my “status” so I could fly first class over and over again.

Pilate believed HE had the status to interrogate and sentence JESUS. But when he found out JESUS was GOD, he became very nervous. He asked JESUS “Where are YOU from?” JESUS gave no answer. Pilate tried to use his status on JESUS to get HIM to answer. JESUS replied about the status of sin saying Judas and the church leaders had committed the greater.

• JESUS wants me to place HIM as the highest.
• JESUS wants me to bow down to HIS power instead of seeking a higher status amongst humans.
• JESUS wants me to understand HE is the Most High and has the power to forgive sin.

There is no status on earth that can come close to that of JESUS. HE rules every facet of life. Unfortunately, humans seek status and want to feel elevated over others. BUT GOD forgives this behavior in me when I seek HIS face. I elevate HIM above work or family titles.

JESUS is above everything. There is no situation, secret or solution that does not come from HIM. GOD is involved with growing hairs on my head, certainly HE is involved with things that seem like they are in “my” control. I acknowledge JESUS as GOD and LORD of my life.

• Do you seek status and not know it?
• Are you trying to get power over people by trying to control them?
• Will you give the power you seek to JESUS and watch HIM solve all situations, HIS way?

Taking Responsibility

Taking Responsibility

John 19: ⁵ Then Jesus came out, wearing the crown of thorns and the purple robe. And Pilate said to them, “Behold the Man!”

⁶ Therefore, when the chief priests and officers saw Him, they cried out, saying, “Crucify Him, crucify Him!”

Pilate said to them, “You take Him and crucify Him, for I find no fault in Him.”

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“This person is making life miserable” I thought to myself. I noticed others felt the same, so we collected in corners to discuss just how mean and nasty this person could be. When I was summoned in the office of this person’s superior, I wondered if I was in trouble. “Has this person cause you any problem?” I was too scared to speak up so I replied, “What do you mean?”

• In this case I did not want to speak up.
• In this case I did not want to be the one responsible for someone else’s demise.
• In this case I did not want to take responsibility and says what was going on.

Pilate and the soldiers dressed JESUS, mocking HIM as king. The church leaders and other soldiers cried out “Crucify HIM, crucify HIM!” Pilate, wanting no responsibility, said a third time “I find no fault in HIM.” No one wanted to take responsibility for killing JESUS, but they definitely wanted HIM killed.

• JESUS knows my heart, even when I do not take responsibility for my sins.
• JESUS wants me to join HIM and be responsible for speaking life into others.
• GOD understands when I get nervous about speaking about HIM, but gives me the right words to speak about salvation through HIS SON.

Destruction or salvation are my two choices every day. I can speak for GOD or counter GOD’s ways. Speaking for GOD only comes “from” GOD and cannot be understood by those who mimic speaking about GOD. Only true belief in JESUS will bring fruit.

But what if I say nothing about JESUS? Never saying “JESUS is my Savior, and HE can save you and anyone who believes” is destructive. People watch other people and if the person is ashamed of speaking about JESUS passionately, they become destructive. I get nervous, BUT GOD helps me speak life through JESUS.

• Are you bold about other messages and timid about speaking salvation through JESUS?
• Do you complain in the corner about someone rather than praying for them to be saved?
• Will you accept responsibility for those around you and ask GOD to clean your heart and theirs so all will bow to JESUS today?

Glorious Restraint

Glorious Restraint

John 19: So then Pilate took Jesus and scourged Him. ² And the soldiers twisted a crown of thorns and put it on His head, and they put on Him a purple robe. ³ Then they said, “Hail, King of the Jews!” And they struck Him with their hands.

⁴ Pilate then went out again, and said to them, “Behold, I am bringing Him out to you, that you may know that I find no fault in Him.”

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When a child called me a name that was racially motivated, I was astounded. Dressed in a suit and going home from a hard day’s work, I was accosted by a child who was no more than five. I replied, “I do not blame you for your ignorance, I blame your ignorant parents.” I felt better for calling the parent who was standing there, ignorant, in front of many waiting train passengers.

• It feels good to retaliate.
• It feels good to get revenge.
• It feels good to return hatred with more hatred.

Pilate said JESUS was innocent, yet he whipped HIM with barb wire. He then allowed the soldiers to bloody HIS head with a thorny, mock crown. Afterwards, they punched and punched JESUS repeatedly. Then Pilate came forth and again said “I find no fault in HIM.”

• JESUS wants me to see HE showed tremendous restraint.
• JESUS wants me to know vengeance is HIS.
• JESUS wants me to understand, while it is hard to turn the other cheek when slapped, I should try it more and more.

Restraint when filled with rage has always paid off. In fact, releasing what fills me with rage enables me to sleep easier, knowing GOD has this situation handled. HE had all power and used it to show mercy instead of rage. This is a sign of strength. I admire JESUS for HIS glorious restraint.

• Do you have a temper?
• Do you get enraged easily?
• Will you give your rage to JESUS and allow HIM to grow you by giving you restraint today?

Joining the mob

Joining the mob

John 18: ³⁹ “But you have a custom that I should release someone to you at the Passover. Do you therefore want me to release to you the King of the Jews?”

⁴⁰ Then they all cried again, saying, “Not this Man, but Barabbas!” Now Barabbas was a robber.

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Hearing the cheering made me want to cheer. It was my first college football game and I could feel the excitement in the stadium. Years later I was in a group who complained, a lot. After a while I felt myself wanting to do the same. My verbiage had turned negative. I could feel the intensity in the building.

 

• I used to join in based on what was going on around me.
• I used to get emotionally involved even when I did not have all the facts.
• I used to absorb the energy of the crowd, even when the crowd was going in the wrong direction.

Pilate asked who he should release, JESUS or a known felon named Barabbas. The crowd did not care about prophecy concerning the Messiah coming to save the world. Nor did they care that JESUS was innocent. They began chanting “Barabbas” with the same excitement as being at a game. I wonder if I would have joined in.

• JESUS wants me to have a solid relationship with HIM so I cannot be swayed by misinformation.
• JESUS wants me to seek HIM daily so I cannot be fooled by deception.
• JESUS wants me to hear HIS voice through all the world’s chanting.

The world can be quite noisy. Cause after cause points out the misgivings of others daily. One cause pulls and the other pushes. BUT GOD wants me to seek HIM, not causes. HE wants me to listen to what JESUS did and explain to others HE is my Savior.

HE wants me to see beyond those who seek power, even in churches. GOD shows who sincerely seeks HIM and who wants HIS SON as their savior. HE sends me to them or them to me. GOD gives me purpose to reach those whom only I can reach.

• Are you following the crowd?
• Do you have less belief in GOD and more belief in the news?
• Will you give your life over to GOD and seek HIM daily so you can hear HIS small still voice?

The Truth

The Truth

John 18: ³⁷ Pilate therefore said to Him, “Are You a king then?”

Jesus answered, “You say rightly that I am a king. For this cause I was born, and for this cause I have come into the world, that I should bear witness to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth hears My voice.”

³⁸ Pilate said to Him, “What is truth?” And when he had said this, he went out again to the Jews, and said to them, “I find no fault in Him at all.

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“Omit that” was the advice of those who caused the problem. I had to speak to the crowd and explain there was a problem. I gathered input from the team that caused the problem and they wanted me to say there was a problem without saying there was a problem. After careful dissection, I came up with “a” truth.

• In this instance I had to convince people that things were not as bad as they seemed.
• In this instance I had to omit pieces of “the truth” so the crowd would not turn against me.
• In this instance I had to put a “spin” on what was going on so a riot would not happen.

Pilate asked JESUS again, “You are a king then?” JESUS answered “You say rightly that I AM a KING.” HE also explains why HE is KING. HE came to bear witness to “the truth.” Pilate, being a politician, scoffs “What is the truth?”

• JESUS wants me to know HE is the way, the truth and the life.
• JESUS wants me to know HIS word is the only truth.
• JESUS wants me to know HE has already saved me and forgiven me for ALL my sins.

Truth is hard to find. I mean ads can say “world’s best” without checking if that is true to everyone. “A” truth can be told to friends who want to believe speculative words. BUT GOD cuts through all of the deception.

JESUS saw mankind was doomed to eternal destruction. HE volunteered to become a human so HE could live a sinless life. HE was blamed by HIS creation, and murdered by those who lied by omission. HE was raised from the dead to be placed over everything. HE is building a place for believers in HIM and will return someday soon to destroy this world. This is the only truth I believe, all else fails.

• What do you believe?
• Do you think humans have proven things GOD cannot handle?
• Will you stop looking with your worldly, “prove it”, eyes and start believing JESUS is the only answer?

Who do you think you are?

Who do you think you are?

John 18: ³³ Then Pilate entered the Praetorium again, called Jesus, and said to Him, “Are You the King of the Jews?”

³⁴ Jesus answered him, “Are you speaking for yourself about this, or did others tell you this concerning Me?”

³⁵ Pilate answered, “Am I a Jew? Your own nation and the chief priests have delivered You to me. What have You done?”

³⁶ Jesus answered, “My kingdom is not of this world. If My kingdom were of this world, My servants would fight, so that I should not be delivered to the Jews; but now My kingdom is not from here.”

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 Closing the door quietly behind me, I had successfully made it into the house, or so I thought. “Who do you think you are?” was the question raised from a parent sitting in the dark. I was startled as I did not expect anyone awake at 3:30 in the morning. How was I supposed to answer that?

• The question was asked to make me aware of my problem.
• The question was asked to bring attention to how I was affecting others.
• The question was asked to open my eyes to who was really in control.

Pilate asked JESUS “Are YOU King of the Jews?” What a strange question to ask a prisoner. JESUS quickly saw through the question asking him, “Did others tell you this?” JESUS knew exactly who HE was and is.

• JESUS wants me to know HE is the KING of Kings and LORD of lords.
• JESUS wants me to know HE is the highest, period.
• JESUS wants me to know HE is GOD and has been given all power by the FATHER.

Giving HIMSELF up to lowly yet arrogant humans, JESUS showed considerable restraint by not having them wiped out by HIS “servants.” HE shows this constraint to me when I sin or try to leave HIM or blame HIM for my situation. JESUS shows me grace beyond compare. I know who I am. I am a creature GOD made to serve HIM and I love HIM for it.

• Do you think more highly of yourself?
• Do your “friends” or servant try to elevate you to a higher place than you should be?
• Will you humble yourself and bow down to JESUS, who is the KING, today?

Declared Holy

Declared Holy

John 18: ²⁸ Then they led Jesus from Caiaphas to the Praetorium, and it was early morning. But they themselves did not go into the Praetorium, lest they should be defiled, but that they might eat the Passover. ²⁹ Pilate then went out to them and said, “What accusation do you bring against this Man?”

³⁰ They answered and said to him, “If He were not an evildoer, we would not have delivered Him up to you.”

³¹ Then Pilate said to them, “You take Him and judge Him according to your law.”

Therefore the Jews said to him, “It is not lawful for us to put anyone to death,” ³² that the saying of Jesus might be fulfilled which He spoke, signifying by what death He would die.

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After watching the movie filled with sex, violence and racy humor, we all laughed and went home. The next day I attended church and they showed clips from various movies to illustrate a point. I would be so embarrassed if everyone at church saw what I just watched the night before.

• There were places “I” declared holier than other places.
• There were things “I” did that I declared holier than other things.
• There were words “I” said that I declared holier than other words.

The church leaders were bent on murdering JESUS to gain back their popularity. They led HIM to a place they declared unholy, therefore they would not enter. When asked what accusation they had against JESUS, they could not answer forthright.

• JESUS wants me to know that my declarations of righteousness are like filthy, blood soaked, dung filled rags.
• JESUS wants me to know that any graceless words I use on others will be used on me.
• JESUS wants me to know that trying to live a double life between sin and holiness is impossible.

All have sinned and fall short of GOD’s glory. So where is the hope? JESUS is the hope. HE was the only one who did not sin. Though HE was tempted in every way a human could, HE resisted and died for the sins of everyone. HE is the only Holy ONE, and I put my trust in HIM to wash away my many sins. I need JESUS to declare me holy because HE IS HOLY.

• Do you compare yourself to others?
• Do you say “Well, at least I’m not like ‘that’ person?”
• Will you look at your mounting sins and ask GOD to cleanse you of ALL unrighteousness by believing in JESUS today?

Owning Protection

Owning Protection

John 18: ²⁵ Now Simon Peter stood and warmed himself. Therefore they said to him, “You are not also one of His disciples, are you?”

He denied it and said, “I am not!”

²⁶ One of the servants of the high priest, a relative of him whose ear Peter cut off, said, “Did I not see you in the garden with Him?” ²⁷ Peter then denied again; and immediately a rooster crowed.

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“They did it” was the automated response to blaming my siblings. I mean who wanted to get in trouble for throwing pillows and breaking stuff on accident. I sang like a bird as I told on them. I got in trouble anyway.

What lengths have I gone to in order to protect myself?

What lies have I told in order to protect myself from facing consequence?

What stories have I made up in my mind in order to convince myself, I do not deserve punishment?

Peter did what most people would have done. He lied about his relationship with JESUS to save himself. He slipped into the courtyard with the help of the bold disciple. When he was recognized, he denied any relationship with JESUS. This was predicted by JESUS.

When I am in public, JESUS wants me to share my relationship with HIM.

When I am faced with consequence, JESUS wants me to remember HE is with me.

When I am persecuted by those who are supposed to be on my side, JESUS wants me to know I am blessed.

“Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for MY sake” are the words that should remain when I think I should protect myself. Instead of getting out of trouble, I should face the situation with truth.

GOD wants me to join HIM in truth and accept all responsibilities for my actions. HE also wants me to face ridicule from those who have slandered me to get their way. HE has a greater reward for those who stand with HIM during times of persecution. I am grateful I can face my problems with GOD.

Are you trying to protect yourself by blaming someone else?

Have you made up stories so you can protect your image?

Will you seek GOD’s kingdom in spite of the possibility of being ridiculed, insulted or persecuted?

Will you allow GOD to own your protection today?

Hearing the Truth

Hearing the Truth

John 18: ¹⁹ The high priest then asked Jesus about His disciples and His doctrine.

²⁰ Jesus answered him, “I spoke openly to the world. I always taught in synagogues and in the temple, where the Jews always meet, and in secret I have said nothing. ²¹ Why do you ask Me? Ask those who have heard Me what I said to them. Indeed they know what I said.”

²² And when He had said these things, one of the officers who stood by struck Jesus with the palm of his hand, saying, “Do You answer the high priest like that?”

²³ Jesus answered him, “If I have spoken evil, bear witness of the evil; but if well, why do you strike Me?”

²⁴ Then Annas sent Him bound to Caiaphas the high priest.

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“Your car is dying” were the words I could not accept. “Maybe I have more life than expected” I thought to myself. I did not have money to buy a car, nor fix the one I had. I drove on my occasional trip that would take about two hours, but this time it took eight. The car kept breaking down on the side of the road. I had to accept the truth.

• Sometimes I don’t want to hear no more bad news.
• Sometimes I don’t want to face life’s challenges.
• Sometimes I don’t want to accept the obvious answer to a huge problem.

Annas, a high priest, asked JESUS about what HE taught. He was trying to get JESUS to confess to heresy. The tense situation was magnified when one of the soldiers struck JESUS. This soldier did not want to hear the truth that JESUS spoke, nor did the church leader.

Accepting JESUS means accepting HE is the truth. Being GOD, HE knew the decree of the FATHER,  that if anyone sins, they deserve eternal separation from HIM. JESUS volunteered to be the sacrifice that would redeem those who sinned and believe HE did this for them.

Unfortunately, JESUS has become a figurehead to a club of people who do nice things in the name of the brand of church they attend. Yes, JESUS is mentioned, sometimes in the right context. BUT GOD can see through humans down to the heart. HE wants me to speak HIS truth of redemption through HIS SON and that is it. I accept the truth of GOD.

• Are you wrestling with finding the “truth?”
• Do you think sinful humans have found the truth for which you would base your life on?
• Will you allow GOD to turn your heart to HIM so HE can speak the truth through you today?