Bible Study (5) - All About JESUS (5) - The Resurrection of JESUS - Luke 24:1-8, 38-43 - March 31, 2024

 

Bible Study (5) – All About JESUS (5) – The Resurrection of JESUS – March 31, 2024

Our focus scripture is Luke 24:1-8, 38-43.

Our last lesson focused on the death of JESUS upon the cross. There were dramatic events happening as JESUS gave up HIS human life trusting GOD, to give HIM eternal life.

Keeping the Law and making various acceptable, animals, grains, etc... sacrifices were no longer the path to GOD. The Law was fulfilled the instant JESUS gave HIS sinless, perfect human life to pay to redeem every person who will accept JESUS as his/her Savior. JESUS willingly gave HIS sinless human body by the shedding of HIS Blood to pay sin debt, in full. However, every person must accept it by asking to be forgiven and trusting in JESUS.

The path to GOD went from obeying the Law and making physical sacrifices to GOD’S Grace through faith in JESUS.

We read in Luke 23:46: ⁴⁶ And Jesus called out with a loud voice, “Father, into your hands I entrust my spirit.”^[a] Saying this, he breathed his last.

What do you think was going on in the mind of JESUS as HE was being tortured and blasphemed? JESUS could have given up but no HE stayed the course for all who would believe in HIM and accept HIS passion for all who will trust in HIM. JESUS had to trust in HIS FATHER, GOD during the fiercest battle of HIS sinless life. And Guess What??? JESUS WON!!!

JESUS WON FOR ALL WHO WILL PLACE THEIR FAITH IN HIM! BUT THE BEST PART IS YET TO COME! Let’s read on.

JESUS had just given up HIS Spirit while trusting GOD, HIS FATHER.

When did JESUS give up HIS Spirit and die physically? According to Christianity.com the best estimates of biblical scholars and historical evidence believe Jesus died on Friday, April 3rd, AD 33, at approximately 3 PM, a few hours before the beginning of Passover day and the Sabbath. This is the date in the Julian calendar, which was introduced in 45 BC and follows the convention that historical dates adhere to the calendar used at the time.

Time: 3 PM ("The Ninth Hour")
Day of Week: Friday, April 3rd
Year: 33 AD.

JESUS gave up HIS SPIRIT. No one took it from HIM. There were still further steps that had to be completed.

Waiting in the shadow of the cross were Nicodemus and Joseph of Arimathea. Joseph of Arimathea, a Christian rich man, had asked Pilot for the body of JESUS. Nicodemus, a member of the Sanhedrin would assist him in the burial of JESUS.

Also, waiting are the women who loved and followed JESUS. They wanted to see where JESUS would be buried to complete the burial process later.

All according to Jewish Law burial had to be completed by sun-down.

In the meantime, where was JESUS?

One thing we know is that JESUS went to Paradice based upon the words of JESUS to the thief on the cross, who saw JESUS as the Messiah as recorded in Luke 17:39-41: ³⁹ Then one of the criminals hanging there began to yell insults at^[k] him: “Aren’t you the Messiah? Save yourself and us!”

⁴⁰ But the other answered, rebuking him: “Don’t you even fear God since you are undergoing the same punishment? ⁴¹ We are punished justly, because we’re getting back what we deserve for the things we did, but this man has done nothing wrong.” ⁴² Then he said, “Jesus, remember me^[l] when you come into your kingdom.”

⁴³ And he (JESUS) said to him, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.” Paradise was one of JESUS’ destinations.

There are other passages that lead us to think that JESUS went to Hades and revealed Himself as the promised Messiah. Such as 1 Peter 3: ¹⁸ For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God. He was put to death in the body but made alive in the Spirit. ¹⁹ After being made alive,^[d] he went and made proclamation to the imprisoned spirits— ²⁰ to those who were disobedient long ago when God waited patiently in the days of Noah while the ark was being built. In it only a few people, eight in all, were saved through water, ²¹ and this water symbolizes baptism that now saves you also—not the removal of dirt from the body but the pledge of a clear conscience toward God.^[e] It saves you by the resurrection of Jesus Christ, ²² who has gone into heaven and is at God’s right hand—with angels, authorities and powers in submission to him.

No person should get the idea that he/she has a second opportunity to accept JESUS as his/her Savior once he/she is physically dead.

GOOD NEWS!!! THE TOMB WHERE THEY PLACED JESUS WAS EMPTY!!!

Let’s read Luke 24:1-6a:

On the first day of the week (Our Sunday), very early in the morning, they^[a] came to the tomb, bringing the spices they had prepared. ² They found the stone rolled away from the tomb. ³ They went in but did not find the body of the Lord Jesus. ⁴ While they were perplexed about this, suddenly two men stood by them in dazzling clothes. ⁵ So the women were terrified and bowed down to the ground.

“Why are you looking for the living among the dead?” asked the men. ⁶ “He is not here, but he has risen! 

Let’s read Luke 24:6b-8:

Remember how he spoke to you when he was still in Galilee, ⁷ saying, ‘It is necessary that the Son of Man be betrayed into the hands of sinful men, be crucified, and rise on the third day’?” ⁸ And they remembered his words.

There are times when we have to be reminded of what GOD’S Word reveals to us when we encounter truth that is different from what we are encountering in the physical realm.

What does the Word of GOD reveal to us? That is why we must read, study GOD’S Word, apply and stand on the firm foundation of truth.

These ladies discovered the empty tomb, they needed to be reminded what JESUS had taught them. We have to do the same when we encounter something different Spiritually than what we remember as we encounter Spiritual issues in this life.

Our next scripture is JESUS’ first encounter with HIS disciples following HIS resurrection.

But first let’s consider the setting as revealed in Luke 24.

Let’s read Luke 24:38-43:

 ³⁸ “Why are you troubled?” he (JESUS) asked them. “And why do doubts arise in your hearts? ³⁹ Look at my hands and my feet, that it is I myself! Touch me and see, because a ghost does not have flesh and bones as you can see, I have.” ⁴⁰ Having said this, he showed them his hands and feet. ⁴¹ But while they still were amazed and in disbelief because of their joy, he asked them, “Do you have anything here to eat?” ⁴² So they gave him a piece of a broiled fish,^[g] 43 and he took it and ate in their presence.

What is missing from the list of things JESUS revealed to them?

HIS shed Blood is secure in Heaven. HIS shed blood is a guarantee of the resurrection of all who place their faith in JESUS.

Do you trust JESUS as your SAVIOR? If you haven’t asked JESUS to come into your heart, ask JESUS to forgive you for all your sins and to make you GOD’S Son or Daughter.

If you prayed that prayer, thank JESUS for saving your soul and for HIM willingly giving HIS sinless life, to redeem you from the wages of sin which is eternal death.

If you asked JESUS into your heart, you have the Holy Spirit as your guarantee of eternal life as evidenced by one or more Spiritual Gifts.

Ask JESUS to reveal your gift or gifts to you and how to apply it or them as the Holy Spirit leads and directs your life.

JESUS HAS RISEN!!! HE HAS RISEN INDEED! JESUS GAVE HIS LIFE JUST FOR YOU AND ME TO HAVE ETERNAL. DO YOU ACCEPT HIS GIFT?

Blessings!!!

 

 

 

Bible Study (4) - The Death of JESUS - Luke 23:32-49 - March 24, 2024 - Easter is Coming!!!

 

Bible Study (4) – The Death of JESUS – Luke 23:32-49 – March 24, 2024

JESUS died to pay the debt for our sin. Tragedy or Triumph? The death of JESUS revealed to all people that JESUS was 100% human. HIS resurrection by HIS FATHER, GOD, and the witness of HIS disciples and over 500 people living at that time, confirmed HIS resurrection.

There are over 500 prophesies that JESUS fulfilled such as:

The Messiah would be called a Nazarene (Isaiah 11:1; Matthew 2:23).

He would speak in parables (Psalm 78:2–4; Matthew 13:10–15).

He would be called a King (Zechariah 9:9; Matthew 27:37).

He would be betrayed for thirty pieces of silver, and a potter’s field would be bought with the money (Zechariah 11:12–13; Luke 22:47–48; Matthew 27:9–10).

He would be silent when accused (Isaiah 53:7; Mark 15:4–5).

He would be killed with criminals (Isaiah 53:12; Matthew 27:38).

He would be a sacrifice for sin (Isaiah 53, Romans 5:6–8).

First Corinthians 15 is an informative read but let’s consider verses 3-8:

(The Apostle Paul’s letter to the Corinthians. As you recall Paul knew the Old Testament scriptures. He was a Pharisee and was a student of Rabbi Gamaliel. Paul had a personal encounter with JESUS on the road to Damascus.)

³ For I passed on to you as most important what I also received: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, ⁴ that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures, ⁵ and that he appeared to Cephas, then to the Twelve. ⁶ Then he appeared to over five hundred brothers and sisters at one time; most of them are still alive, but some have fallen asleep. ⁷ Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles. ⁸ Last of all, as to one born at the wrong time,^[a] he also appeared to me (Paul).

As Paul was on the road to Damascus to arrest the followers of JESUS, JESUS appeared to him. Paul’s life was changed by his encounter with JESUS.

Most of us do not have an on the road to Damascus experience with JESUS. When people accept JESUS as their Savior, the Holy Spirit comes into their human body and unites with their human spirit. They are born again in their spirit. All is confirmed by the resurrection of JESUS on that first Easter morning when the ladies found an empty tomb. Two angels confirmed, JESUS is not Here. HE has risen!!!

Do you believe that GOD raised JESUS from the dead?

Do you realize as a Spirit-born Christian that you were also raised from the dead at the instant JESUS was raised? That is why as a Spirit-born person, you will never experience the death of your body/earth suit. The Apostle Paul tells us in 2 Corinthians 5:1-5:

5 For we know that if our earthly tent (human body/earth suit) we live in is destroyed, we have a building from God (by being Spirit-born), an eternal dwelling in the heavens, not made with hands. ² Indeed, we groan in this tent (human body), desiring to put on our heavenly dwelling, ³ since, when we are clothed,^[a] we will not be found naked. ⁴ Indeed, we groan while we are in this tent, burdened as we are, because we do not want to be unclothed but clothed, so that mortality may be swallowed up by life. ⁵ Now the one who prepared us for this very purpose is God, who gave us the Spirit as a down payment.

⁶ So we are always confident and know that while we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord. ⁷ For we walk by faith, not by sight. ⁸ In fact, we are confident, and we would prefer to be away from the body and at home with the Lord. ⁹ Therefore, whether we are at home or away, we make it our aim to be pleasing to him. ¹⁰ For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each may be repaid for what he has done in the body, whether good or evil.

¹¹ Therefore, since we know the fear* of the Lord, we try to persuade people. What we are is plain to God, and I hope it is also plain to your consciences. *Meaning not to be afraid of GOD but to be in awe of GOD and having the utmost reverence and respect for GOD.

Our focus scripture is Luke 23:32-49

Let’s read Luke 23:32-34:

³² Two other men, both criminals, were also led out with him to be executed. ³³ When they came to the place called the Skull, they crucified him there, along with the criminals—one on his right, the other on his left. ³⁴ Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.”^[c] And they divided up his clothes by casting lots.

Why was JESUS crucified between two criminals? To humiliate HIM. The positions on the king’s left, and right were positions of honor. The Romans wanted to dishonor JESUS, thus two criminals on each side.

In Matthew 20: ²⁰ Then the mother of Zebedee’s sons (James and John) came to Him with her sons, kneeling down and asking something from Him.²¹ And He said to her, “What do you wish?” She said to Him, “Grant that these two sons of mine may sit, one on Your right hand and the other on the left, in Your kingdom.” ²² But Jesus answered and said, “You do not know what you ask. Are you able to drink the cup that I am about to drink, ^[e]and be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with?” They said to Him, “We are able.”²³ So He said to them, “You will indeed drink My cup, ^[f]and be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with; but to sit on My right hand and on My left is not Mine to give, but it is for those for whom it is prepared by My Father.” (Positions of Honor.)

Let’s read Luke 23:35-43:

³⁵ The people stood watching, and the rulers even sneered at him. They said, “He saved others; let him save himself if he is God’s Messiah, the Chosen One.” (Temptation to show them WHO was. That is what Satan hoped HE would do but HE didn’t.)

³⁶ The soldiers also came up and mocked him. They offered him wine vinegar ³⁷ and said, “If you are the king of the Jews, save yourself.”

³⁸ An inscription was above him:^[j] This Is the King of the Jews.

³⁹ Then one of the criminals hanging there began to yell insults at^[k] him: “Aren’t you the Messiah? Save yourself and us!”

⁴⁰ But the other answered, rebuking him: “Don’t you even fear God, since you are undergoing the same punishment? ⁴¹ We are punished justly, because we’re getting back what we deserve for the things we did, but this man has done nothing wrong.” ⁴² Then he said, “Jesus, remember me^[l] when you come into your kingdom.”

⁴³ And he (JESUS) said to him, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.”

WOW! The penalty for sin would be paid in full the instant JESUS gave HIS sinless life in physical death. JESUS gave HIS life! NO ONE TOOK IT!

JESUS being crucified between two criminals gave us an example of a person with an unrepentant heart and one with a repentant heart. The criminal with the repentant heart went to paradise, the instant he died.

The Death of Jesus Let’s read Luke 23:44-49:

⁴⁴ It was now about noon,^[m] and darkness came over the whole land^[n] until three,^[o] 45 because the sun’s light failed.^[p] The curtain of the sanctuary was split down the middle. ⁴⁶ And Jesus called out with a loud voice, “Father, into your hands I entrust my spirit.”^[q] Saying this, he breathed his last.

Then what took place as described in Matthew 27:51 ⁵¹ Then, behold, the veil of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom; and the earth quaked, and the rocks were split,

Original sin came to all mankind the instant the first Adam and Eve took a bite of the forbidden fruit. Why all? Scripture reveals in Genesis 3:20 ²⁰ And Adam called his wife’s name Eve,^[g] because she was the mother of all living. Thus, the penalty for sin has been passed to every human born since.

That is why every human must be born-again in his or her spirit, as JESUS told Jewish Rabbi, Nicodemus, in John 3: ³ Jesus answered and said to him, “Most assuredly, I (JESUS) say to you, unless one is born ^[a]again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.”

Adam and Eve both sinned, thus sin came to all mankind.

JESUS willingly came to earth to live a sinless life so HE could atone for all sin. JESUS was tempted in all ways like humans are tempted, without sin. JESUS was and is the perfect human sacrifice acceptable to GOD to redeem every person from the penalty for his/her sin, which is eternal death.

GOD placed Adam in-charge of the Garden. Adam was a willing partner by eating the forbidden fruit. Doing so brought sin into the world for all people in all generations. Therefore, atonement for their, Adam and Eve’s, original sin came through GOD’S second Adam, JESUS.

This was GOD’S redemptive plan. When JESUS willingly gave HIS sinless life, sin which blocked the entrance into Heaven was defeated. JESUS opened the door for all who place their faith in HIM to enter and receive eternal life though the miracle of being born into GOD’S eternal Family.

How does a Spirit-born person know that? GOD gives each person a guarantee. A “Guarantee?” Yes, the Holy Spirit as written in Ephesians 1: ¹³ In Him you also trusted, after you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation; in whom also, having believed, you were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise, ¹⁴ who^[a] is the ^[b]guarantee of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, to the praise of His glory.

When JESUS gave HIS sinless life to pay, in full, for all sin, there was a physical display at that instant. JESUS gave HIS life to atone for the sins of mankind, which began with Adam and Eve. The vail or curtain that separated the Priest from the people split from the top to the bottom. Top to the bottom reveals that GOD made the split. The priest no longer had to make an acceptable sacrifice first for himself and then on behalf of the people. Since the death, resurrection, ascension of JESUS all people can come to JESUS, confess their sins, and ask JESUS to forgive him or her and ask JESUS to come into his/her life.

Just a thought, our closet becomes a secret place where we can communicate with GOD or simply pray. What is prayer? Talking to GOD.

All of this, in order for every person to have 24/7 access to GOD through faith in JESUS and to be Spiritually born into GOD’S eternal Family, never to be unborn.

⁴⁷ When the centurion saw what happened, he began to glorify God, saying, “This man really was righteous!” ^[r] 48 All the crowds that had gathered for this spectacle, when they saw what had taken place, went home, striking their chests. ⁴⁹ But all who knew him, including the women who had followed him from Galilee, stood at a distance, watching these things.

JESUS knew what power HE had. JESUS’ onlookers knew what power HE had. Yet, HE did nothing except to pray. When someone in whom you have placed your faith does not measure up to your expectations, what do you do? JESUS had a trusting, believing group who were expecting JESUS to do something spectacular according to their understanding of spectacular.

JESUS knew what power HE had. JESUS was on mission, the most vital mission for all of mankind, to pay for the price of sin, in full, for all who will ask JESUS to forgive him or her believing that HE died for their sins.

JESUS stayed the course and won the victory!!!

Isaiah 53:3: He was despised and rejected by men, a man of suffering who knew what sickness was. He was like someone people turned away from; he was despised, and we didn’t value him.

John 1:10-11: ¹⁰ He was in the world, and the world was created through him, and yet the world did not recognize him. ¹¹ He came to his own, and his own people did not receive him. ¹² But to all who did receive him, he gave them the right to be^[e] children of God, to those who believe in his name, ¹³ who were born, not of natural descent,^[f] or of the will of the flesh, or of the will of man,^[g] but of God.

Born-again through the miracle of Spiritual birth into GOD’S eternal Family, never to be unborn.

Do you accept this free Spiritual Gift or reject it? The decision is yours to make! Eternity is but a heartbeat away!

Blessings!!!

Bible Study (3) - All About JESUS (3) - The Identity of JESUS - Luke 9:18-26 - March 17, 2024

 

Bible Study (3) – All About JESUS (3) – The Identity of JESUS – March 17, 2024

Focal scripture is Luke 9:18-26.

JESUS invites us to identify with HIM.

Who is JESUS to you? Let’s explore!

Let’s explore how the disciples of JESUS got to know JESUS.

Educating, commissioning, and training JESUS’ chosen twelve disciples – Luke 9:1-17:

1 Summoning the Twelve, he (JESUS) gave them power and authority over all the demons and to heal diseases. ² Then he sent them to proclaim the kingdom of God and to heal the sick.

It is interesting that the first step in educating HIS disciples, JESUS gave them power and authority over all the demons and to heal diseases. Then JESUS sent the twelve to preach and to heal diseases.

JESUS’ disciples had to be educated and equipped to do battle with the spirit world. How often do we hear sermons about the spirit world? Christians need to be educated regarding the spirit world. However, they must be careful not to be ensnared by it.

When JESUS was led into the wilderness as we read in Matthew 4:1: Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil.

JESUS was tempted by the devil and so will Christians.

People who are truly Spirit-born (People who have invited JESUS into their heart and received the Holy Spirit), live in the power and strength provided by GOD, through the indwelling Holy Spirit.

The Holy Spirit gives one or more Spiritual Gifts to whom HE chooses as listed in 1 Corinthians 12. Pay special attention to verse ¹¹ One and the same Spirit is active in all these, distributing to each person as he wills.

The Holy Spirit protects the Spirit-born person; however, the Spirit-born person can be lured away from the protection of GOD. Does the Holy Spirit warn that person? YES! But what does that person do? He/she ignores the warning and continues to follow his/her desire until the person is ensnared by Satan and his demons. That person no longer listens to the voice of GOD. Just know that the Spirit world is real but also remember 1 John 4:4: ⁴ You are from God, little children, and you have conquered them, because the one (JESUS) who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world (Satan). Claim this verse as a Christian, even as you read this lesson.

We continue with JESUS instructing, teaching, and preparing HIS just chosen disciples to go out into the world. Luke 9:3-17:

³ “Take nothing for the road,” he told them, “No staff, no traveling bag, no bread, no money; and don’t take an extra shirt. ⁴ Whatever house you enter, stay there, and leave from there. ⁵ If they do not welcome you, when you leave that town, shake off the dust from your feet as a testimony against them.” ⁶ So they went out and traveled from village to village, proclaiming the good news and healing everywhere.

Feeding of the Five Thousand

¹⁰ When the apostles returned, they reported to Jesus all that they had done. He (JESUS) took them along and withdrew privately to a^[a] town called Bethsaida. ¹¹ When the crowds found out, they followed him. He welcomed them, spoke to them about the kingdom of God, and healed those who needed healing.

¹² Late in the day, the Twelve approached and said to him, “Send the crowd away, so that they can go into the surrounding villages and countryside to find food and lodging, because we are in a deserted place here.”

¹³ “You give them something to eat,” he told them.

“We have no more than five loaves and two fish,” they said, “unless we go and buy food for all these people.” ¹⁴ (For about five thousand men were there.)

Then he (JESUS) told his disciples, “Have them sit down^[b] in groups of about fifty each.” ¹⁵ They did what he said, and had them all sit down. ¹⁶ Then he took the five loaves and the two fish, and looking up to heaven, he blessed and broke them. He kept giving them to the disciples to set before the crowd. ¹⁷ Everyone ate and was filled. They picked up twelve baskets of leftover pieces.

JESUS taught HIS disciples to use what they have and to trust GOD to provide. That is still true today. GOD equips us and provides. Our part is to trust.

Let’s read Luke 9:18-19:

Peter’s Confession of the Messiah

¹⁸ While he (JESUS) was praying in private and his disciples were with him, he asked them, “Who do the crowds say that I am?”

JESUS was interested in who the crowds thought HE was?

Crowds of people were coming to see, hear and witness the miracles JESUS was performing. JESUS wanted to know what HIS disciples were hearing about HIM, thinking about HIM and HIS ministry.

Feed back is vital in ministry to help keep on track with our mission.

¹⁹ They answered, “John the Baptist; others, Elijah; still others, that one of the ancient prophets has come back.”^[c]

All were dead people who they thought had come back to life.

What others think is useful, but the key is what do we, as a follower of JESUS, think about JESUS?

Let’s read Luke 9:20-22:

²⁰ “But you,” he asked them, “who do you say that I am?”

The most important question all of us must answer is, “who do we say that JESUS is?”

Peter answered, “God’s Messiah.”

The Apostle Peter gave the correct answer for that time, but did Peter fully understand the mission of the Messiah? JESUS had equipped Peter, as well as the other disciples with “power and authority over all the demons and to heal diseases.”

Yet, what did Peter do when JESUS had been interrogated and beaten just the night before HIS crucifixion?

Peter denied JESUS three times. Why? Peter had the wrong expectations about JESUS and HIS Kingdom. Peter likely thought JESUS would establish an earthly Kingdom.  Many of us do the same thing. When Peter realized what he had done, scripture reveals in Matthew 26:75: Peter remembered the words Jesus had spoken, “Before the rooster crows, you will deny me three times.” And he went outside and wept bitterly.

The Apostle Peter realized what he had thought about the Kingdom JESUS would establish was wrong. Peter was thinking of an earthly Kingdom. What changed his mind? Did the words of JESUS come to his mind as recorded in our last scripture?

So, what did the Apostle Peter do? He repented. How do we know that? Peter wept bitterly. Peter realized that JESUS knew before hand what he would do and that brought to Peter’s memory what JESUS had told HIS disciples as recorded in Matthew 20:18 ¹⁸ “See, we are going up to Jerusalem. The Son of Man will be handed over to the chief priests and scribes, and they will condemn him to death.

At critical times GOD brings to our minds certain facts or scripture confirming that JESUS is truly the promised Messiah.

Sometimes in our denial of JESUS, we are drawn closer to HIM when we continue to seek truth. We must keep in our minds that we do not fight against flesh and blood but against powers and principalities. JESUS does not give up on us who seek, and we must not give up on HIM. This is the principle that JESUS taught as recorded in Luke 11:9: “So I say to you, ask, and it will be given to you. Seek, and you will find. Knock, and the door will be opened to you.” Once the door has been opened, that is your invitation to seek what has been revealed. The Holy Spirit will reveal and teach you. The gift of the Holy Spirit comes only by accepting JESUS as your personal Savior.

It is vital for a person to move from head knowledge to heart knowledge. A vast difference. Discover the difference!

What is the difference? Head knowledge is based upon a person’s intellect. Heart knowledge is revealed by the indwelling Holy Spirit.

His Death and Resurrection Predicted

²¹ But he strictly warned and instructed them to tell this to no one, ²² saying, “It is necessary that the Son of Man suffer many things and be rejected by the elders, chief priests, and scribes, be killed, and be raised the third day.”

That must have sounded like nonsense to JESUS’ disciples. Is this what Peter recalled? Likely.

Take Up Your Cross.

Let’s read Luke 9:23-26:

²³ Then he said to them all, “If anyone wants to follow after^[d] me, let him (or her) deny himself/herself, take up his/her cross daily,^[e] and follow me. ²⁴ For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life because of me will save it. ²⁵ For what does it benefit someone if he gains the whole world, and yet loses or forfeits himself? ²⁶ For whoever is ashamed of me and my words, the Son of Man will be ashamed of him when he comes in his glory and that of the Father and the holy angels. ²⁷ Truly I tell you, there are some standing here who will not taste death until they see the kingdom of God.”

EASTER is coming. EASTER is celebrated as the resurrection day of JESUS, and it is every Spirit-born Christian’s assurance of eternal life through faith in JESUS!

What do we read in the Apostle Paul’s letter to the Ephesians? Ephesians 6:10-20:

¹⁰ Finally, be strengthened by the Lord and by his vast strength. ¹¹ Put on the full armor of God so that you can stand against the schemes of the devil. ¹² For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers of this darkness, against evil, spiritual forces in the heavens. ¹³ For this reason take up the full armor of God, so that you may be able to resist in the evil day, and having prepared everything, to take your stand. ¹⁴ Stand, therefore, with truth like a belt around your waist, righteousness like armor on your chest, ¹⁵ and your feet sandaled with readiness for the gospel of peace. ¹⁶ In every situation take up the shield of faith with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. ¹⁷ Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit—which is the word of God. ¹⁸ Pray at all times in the Spirit with every prayer and request and stay alert with all perseverance and intercession for all the saints. ¹⁹ Pray also for me, that the message may be given to me when I open my mouth to make known with boldness the mystery of the gospel. ²⁰ For this I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I might be bold enough to speak about it as I should.

Spirit-born Christians are Ambassadors of JESUS.

Blessings!!!