Day 50

Resurrection and beyond...

Matthew 28:16-20 NIV84

Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted. Then Jesus came to them and said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."

On a mountain in Galilee, Jesus met with His disciples for the last time. How did the disciples react when they saw Him?

What were Jesus's final words?

Here we come to the heart of Calvary: Jesus's life, death, and resurrection earned Him all authority in heaven and on earth... and He commands His disciples to ...go and make disciples... He calls His followers to spend their lives making more disciples to follow Him into His Father's kingdom. This final command is for all disciples and requires two elements: baptizing and teaching.

•  ...baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit... To baptize is to "submerge," and the word name is synonymous with "character." What does it look like to submerge someone in the character of the Triune God: Father, Son, Holy Spirit? Take some time to think of the character traits of each person in the Trinity. How might you submerge a potential disciple in those traits?
• ...teaching them to obey... Obedience is not a very popular stance to take these days. Independence is worshiped in our culture, and truth equals personal opinion. How well does the church follow through on this aspect of making disciples? How do you deal with obedience to His commands in your own life? 

Do you think the church is doing a good job in following Jesus's final command? Are you?

Father God, help me to go forward on this journey toward true discipleship. Grow me in my understanding of making disciples. May others see me in You and You in me, as I love You through obedience to everything You have commanded.

You are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus,

for all of you who were baptized into Christ

 have clothed yourselves with Christ.

Galatians 3:26-27 NIV84

Go in peace as you celebrate the Risen Savior... not just today, but every day...

Day 49

Resurrection and beyond...

John 21:15-23 NIV84

When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, "Simon son of John, do you truly love me more than these?"

"Yes, Lord," he said, "you know that I love you."

Jesus said, "Feed my lambs."

Again Jesus said, "Simon son of John, do you truly love me?"

He answered, "Yes, Lord, you know that I love you."

Jesus said, "Take care of my sheep."

The third time he said to him, "Simon son of John, do you love me?"

Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, "Do you love me?" He said, "Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you."

Jesus said, "Feed my sheep. I tell you the truth, when you were younger you dressed yourself and went where you wanted; but when you are old you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will dress you and lead you where you do not want to go." Jesus said this to indicate the kind of death by which Peter would glorify God. Then he said to him, "Follow me!"

Peter turned and saw that the disciple whom Jesus loved was following them. (This was the one who had leaned back against Jesus at the supper and had said, "Lord, who is going to betray you?") When Peter saw him, he asked, "Lord, what about him?"

Jesus answered, "If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you? You must follow me." Because of this, the rumor spread among the brothers that this disciple would not die. But Jesus did not say that he would not die; he only said, "If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you?"

Who did Jesus question after breakfast? What name did He use?

Just as Simon Peter returned to fishing, Jesus addressed him with the name he had as a fisherman: Simon son of John. Peter (the rock) had crumbled under pressure --- three denials given --- now he is given three opportunities for restoration. How did Jesus respond to Peter's declarations of love?

Jesus met Peter where he was and gave him a command after each affirmation of love, ending with the ultimate command: Follow me! Each relationship with Jesus is personal; to Him and to the Believer. Can you identify times in your life when you have denied Jesus? Have you allowed Him to approach you for restoration? Imagine Jesus asking you: ________, do you love Me? What is your response?

Lord, You are a personal Savior who gives a personal call. Thank You for Your interest in me and our relationship. Thank You for working to restore what has been broken by my unfaithfulness. Thank You for not leaving me where You found me. Help me to stay focused on You, and not concern myself with how others follow You. My path of discipleship is about me and You, not anyone else.

Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith...

Hebrews 12:2 NIV84

Day 48

Resurrection and beyond...

John 21:1-14 NIV84

Afterward Jesus appeared again to his disciples, by the Sea of Tiberias. It happened this way: Simon Peter, Thomas (called Didymus), Nathanael from Cana in Galilee, the sons of Zebedee, and two other disciples were together. "I'm going out to fish," Simon Peter told them, and they said, "We'll go with you." So they went out and got into the boat, but that night they caught nothing.

Early in the morning, Jesus stood on the shore, but the disciples did not realize that it was Jesus.

He called out to them, "Friends, haven't you any fish?"

"No," they answered.

He said, "Throw your net on the right side of the boat and you will find some." When they did, they were unable to haul the net in because of the large number of fish.

Then the disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, "It is the Lord!" As soon as Simon Peter heard him say, "It is the Lord," he wrapped his outer garment around him (for he had taken it off) and jumped into the water. The other disciples followed in the boat, towing the net full of fish, for they were not far from shore, about a hundred yards. When they landed, they saw a fire of burning coals there with fish on it, and some bread.

Jesus said to them, "Bring some of the fish you have just caught."

Simon Peter climbed aboard and dragged the net ashore. It was full of large fish, 153, but even with so many the net was not torn. Jesus said to them, "Come and have breakfast." None of the disciples dared ask him, "Who are you?" They knew it was the Lord. Jesus came, took the bread and gave it to them, and did the same with the fish. This was now the third time Jesus appeared to his disciples after he was raised from the dead.

Why do you think these seven disciples decided to go fishing?

For three years the disciples followed Jesus. Now that He was risen, they could not keep track of Him. He appeared and disappeared; clearly they would not be following Him the same way as before His crucifixion. Unsure of what to do they returned to what they did before they met Him. In your relationship with Jesus, does He seem to pop in and out of your life? When it feels like He has gone, do you find yourself returning to your old ways, before you knew Him?

Jesus met them where they were, He returned to the place where He had gathered many of them. Read Luke 5:1-11. What similarities do you see in these two accounts? What do you think Jesus was trying to remind them? How does He remind you of His call on your life?

Jesus, help me to remember that You have called me to a new life. A life of discipleship. Continue to graciously remind me of who You call me to be --- I do not want to keep returning to the place You found me.

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation;

the old has gone, the new has come!

2 Corinthians 5:17 NIV84

Day 47

Resurrection and beyond...

John 20:24-29 NIV84

Now Thomas (called Didymus), one of the Twelve, was not with the disciples when Jesus came. So the other disciples told him, "We have seen the Lord!"

But he said to them, "Unless I see the nail marks in his hands and put my finger where the nails were, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe it."

A week later his disciples were in the house again, and Thomas was with them. Though the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, "Peace be with you!" Then he said to Thomas, "Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe."

Thomas said to him, "My Lord and my God!"

Then Jesus told him, "Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not see and yet have believed."

Who was missing from the Twelve when Jesus came the first time? Did he believe them?

Jesus returned for the benefit of the "doubting Thomas." What did He invite Thomas to do? How did Thomas respond?

According to The College Press NIV Commentary, Jesus's words to Thomas could be more literally translated: "Thomas, do not be unfaithful, but be faithful." Jesus longs for us to believe --- be faith-full. In response to Jesus's invitation, Thomas gave one the clearest confessions regarding the identity of Christ in Scripture: My Lord and my God! Do you have doubts about Jesus's divinity? What doubts do you have regarding the Christian faith? Ask Him to increase your faith.

Lord Jesus, I want to be among the blessed who have not seen and yet believe. Increase my faith. 

Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. This is what the ancients were commended for.

Hebrews 11:1-2 NIV84

Day 46

Resurrection and beyond...

Luke 24:36-49 NIV84

While they were still talking about this, Jesus himself stood among them and said to them, "Peace be with you."

They were startled and frightened, thinking they saw a ghost. He said to them, "Why are you troubled, and why do doubts rise in your minds? Look at my hands and my feet. It is I myself! Touch me and see; a ghost does not have flesh and bones, as you see I have."

When he had said this, he showed them his hands and feet. And while they still did not believe it because of joy and amazement, he asked them, "Do you have anything here to eat?" They gave him a piece of broiled fish, and he took it and ate it in their presence.

He said to them, "This is what I told you while I was still with you: Everything must be fulfilled that is written about me in the Law of Moses, the Prophets and the Psalms."

Then he opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures. He told them, "This is what is written: The Christ will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day, and repentance and forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. You are witnesses of these things. I am going to send you what my Father has promised; but stay in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high."

Seeing is not always believing, the disciples responded with fear and doubt when Jesus entered the room. How did Jesus encourage them toward belief? Have you ever considered the Law of Moses (the first five books of the Old Testament), the Prophets and Psalms as prophetic books to inspire belief in the resurrected Christ? How could you use these books to bolster your faith?

Who did Jesus tell them they were? What were they to wait for in the city?

"Power from on high" --- the Holy Spirit --- would enable the disciples to fulfill their roles as witnesses for Christ, but He would not be the witness. Students are empowered to attend college by parents, scholarships, grants, and loans, but they still have to do the work of attending class, studying and taking tests in order to move forward in a degree plan and graduate. The same is true in our walk of discipleship. The Holy Spirit empowers Believers with spiritual gifts, knowledge and understanding, but we have to do the work of prayer, study of Scripture, and obediently exercise our gifts to become effective witnesses. How have you connected with the "power from on high" to grow as a disciple?  Do you spend time in the Word asking Him to open your mind to understanding? How have you exercised the gifts you've been given? How do you deal with the tests of faith He places before you?

Father God, thank You for the presence of the Holy Spirit. Forgive me for the many times I neglect the gifts and refuse to access His power to grow as a witness. Fill me with a desire to fulfill the purpose You have for me and help me to take steps in that direction by devoting time to prayer, prayerful study of Your Word, and obedience.

His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness.

2 Peter 1:3 NIV84

Day 45

Resurrection and beyond...

Luke 24:13-35 NIV84

Now that same day two of them were going to a village called Emmaus, about seven miles from  Jerusalem. They were talking with each other about everything that had happened. As they talked and discussed these things with each other, Jesus himself came up and walked along with them; but they were kept from recognizing him.

He asked them, "What are you discussing together as you walk along?"

They stood still, their faces downcast.  One of them, named Cleopas, asked him, "Are you only a visitor to Jerusalem and do not know the things that have happened there in these days?"

"What things?" he asked.

"About Jesus of Nazareth," they replied. "He was a prophet, powerful in word and deed before God and all the people. The chief priests and our rulers handed him over to be sentenced to death, and they crucified him; but we had hoped that he was the one who was going to redeem Israel. And what is more, it is the third day since all this took place. In addition, some of our women amazed us. They went to the tomb early this morning but didn't find his body. They came and told us that they had seen a vision of angels, who said he was alive. Then some of our companions went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said, but him they did not see."

He said to them, "How foolish you are, and how slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken! Did not the Christ have to suffer these things and then enter his glory?" And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself.

As they approached the village to which they were going, Jesus acted as if he were going farther. But they urged him strongly, "Stay with us, for it is nearly evening; the day is almost over." So he went in to stay with them.

When he was at the table with them, he took bread, gave thanks, broke it and began to give it to them. Then their eyes were opened and they recognized him, and he disappeared from their sight. They asked each other, "Were not our hearts burning within us while he talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us?"

They got up and returned at once to Jerusalem. There they found the Eleven and those with them, assembled together and saying, "It is true! The Lord has risen and has appeared to Simon." Then the two told what had happened on the way, and how Jesus was recognized by them when he broke the bread. 

Does it seem odd that these two disciples returned home after they heard the news from the women that Jesus was alive? Do you think they believed?

Who did they meet on the road? What happened?

At the Last Supper, Jesus gave thanks and broke bread ...do this in remembrance of me... Here He demonstrated the effect: Communion opened their eyes to Jesus. Joining together, walking the same road, discussing Scripture, looking for Him in the Word, opened them up to the Truth and stirred their hearts. Important acts of fellowship that help us know Jesus's presence. Do you practice regular fellowship with other disciples? What does it look like, spiritually, to walk the same road together?

Lord, send someone into my life who will walk the same road with me. Teach me to fellowship with others through prayer, study of Scripture, and spiritual disciplines. I want to grow in my knowledge and understanding of You. I want to experience You in the midst of fellowship.

"...For where two or three come together in my name,
there am I with them." ---Jesus

Matthew 18:20 NIV84

Day 44

Resurrection and beyond...

Matthew 28:11-15 NIV84

While the women were on their way, some of the guards went into the city and reported to the chief priests everything that had happened. When the chief priests had met with the elders and devised a plan, they gave the soldiers a large sum of money, telling them, "You are to say, 'His disciples came during the night and stole him away while we were asleep.' If this report gets to the governor, we will satisfy him and keep you out of trouble." So the soldiers took the money and did as they were instructed. And this story has been widely circulated among the Jews to this very day.

While the women went to tell the disciples what had happened at Jesus's tomb, what were the guards doing?

How did the chief priests respond to the news?

No matter how many witnesses, no matter how much proof, if someone does not want to believe a supernatural, miraculous happening they will come up with a plausible natural reason for what has been reported. Belief in the Gospel begins in the heart and no amount of evidence or reasoning can cause a person to believe who is not prepared. Do you know someone who resists the truth of the Gospel? Are there parts of the Bible you have trouble believing? What steps can you take to begin alleviating doubt? in others? in yourself?

Father God, You alone prepare a heart for belief. I ask that You begin today to bless me with the faith I need to deal with my own doubts, and please work in the heart of ______________ whom I love and long to see become a Believer.

For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith ---

and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God.

Ephesians 2:8 NIV 84

Day 43

Resurrection and beyond...

John 20:11-18 NIV84

...but Mary stood outside the tomb crying. As she wept, she bent over to look into the tomb and saw two angels in white, seated where Jesus' body had been, one at the head and the other at the foot. 

They asked her, "Woman, why are you crying?"

"They have taken my Lord away," she said, "and I don't know where they have put him." At this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing there, but she did not realize that it was Jesus.

"Woman," he said, "why are you crying? Who is it you are looking for?"

Thinking he was the gardener, she said, "Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have put him, and I will get him."

Jesus said to her, "Mary."

She turned toward him and cried out in Aramaic, "Rabboni!" (which means Teacher).

Jesus said, "Do not hold on to me, for I have not yet returned to the Father. Go instead to my brothers and tell them, 'I am returning to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.'"

Mary Magdalene went to the disciples with the news: "I have seen the Lord!" And she told them that he had said these things to her.

Why is Mary crying? How many times was she asked about her crying? by whom?

Imagine what emotions Mary might be feeling. What if someone you dearly loved died and the funeral home misplaced the body before the service? How would you feel? Is it any wonder Mary didn't seem to recognize the angels or Jesus?

What caused her to recognize Jesus? How did she respond?

Jesus, calling Mary by name, opened her eyes and dried her tears. He gave her a message for His "brothers" making it clear something new has happened with His resurrection: they are now family, sharing the same Father God. Have you heard Jesus call you by name? Have your eyes been opened to the spiritual reality of being Jesus's brother or sister? Do you experience God as Father? If so, how? If not, what do you think keeps you from entering into that relationship? 

Lord, I choose to seek You earnestly, as Mary did when she thought she lost You. Let me hear You call me by name, show me that You are near. Work in my heart until I can confidently enter into an intimate relationship with our Father God.

Day 42

Resurrection and beyond...

John 20:3-10 NIV84

So Peter and the other disciple started for the tomb. Both were running, but the other disciple outran Peter and reached the tomb first. He bent over and looked in at the strips of linen lying there but did not go in. Then Simon Peter, who was behind him, arrived and went into the tomb. He saw the strips of linen lying there, as well as the burial cloth that had been around Jesus' head. The cloth was folded up by itself, separate from the linen. Finally the other disciple, who had reached the tomb first, also went inside. He saw and believed. (They still did not understand from Scripture that Jesus had to rise from the dead.)

Then the disciples went back to their homes...

Where were Peter and the other disciple (John) running? Why?

Even though the news of the empty tomb sounded like nonsense, two of the Eleven ran to check it out. How did the scene inside the tomb effect John? Where did the disciples go after they left the tomb?

John believed the tomb was empty, but beyond that he had no understanding of what he had seen or heard. Understanding deepens our faith and inspires us to share what we know with others. Do you understand everything you believe? Do you know why you believe what you believe? What can you do to begin taking steps toward greater understanding?

Father God, do not allow me to be content with belief that has no understanding. Bless me with understanding as I seek it in Scripture. Deepen my faith, ignite the desire and ability to share what I believe with others.

May my cry come before you, O Lord;

give me understanding according to your word.

Psalm 119:169 NIV84

Day 41

Resurrection and beyond...

Luke 24:1-11 NIV84

On the first day of the week, very early in the morning, the women took the spices they had prepared and went to the tomb. They found the stone rolled away from the tomb, but when they entered, they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus. While they were wondering about this, suddenly two men in clothes that gleamed like lightning stood beside them. In their fright the women bowed down with their faces to the ground, but the men said to them, "Why do you look for the living among the dead? He is not here; he has risen! Remember how he told you, while he was still with you in Galilee: 'The Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, be crucified and on the third day be raised again.'" Then they remembered his words.

When they came back from the tomb, they told all these things to the Eleven and to all the others. It was Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Mary the mother of James, and the others with them who told this to the apostles. But they did not believe the women, because their words seemed to them like nonsense.

Where did the women go? Why?

What did they discover when they arrived at Jesus's tomb? How did the Eleven and the others respond to the women's news?

Jesus is Truth, He speaks truth, and what He says comes to pass. Are there truths in God's Word that sound like nonsense to you because they are too good to believe? Often our own understanding can keep us from believing and receiving the work God wants to do in our lives. What Good News do you most need to receive? How might you be limiting God in your life through unbelief?

Lord Jesus, bless me with the faith to believe all of Your promises. I do not want to miss out on anything that You have planned for me and for Your glory.

Trust in the Lord with all your heart 
and lean not on your own understanding...

Proverbs 3:5 NIV84

Day 40

His arrest and crucifixion...

Matthew 27:57-66 NIV84

As evening approached, there came a rich man from Arimathea, named Joseph, who had himself become a disciple of Jesus. Going to Pilate, he asked for Jesus' body, and Pilate ordered that it be given to him. Joseph took the body, wrapped it in a clean linen cloth, and placed it in his own new tomb that he had cut out of the rock. He rolled a big stone in front of the entrance to the tomb and went away. Mary Magdalene and the other Mary were sitting there opposite the tomb.

The next day, the one after Preparation Day, the chief priests and the Pharisees went to Pilate. "Sir," they said, "we remember that while he was still alive that deceiver said, 'After three days I will rise again.' So give the order for the tomb to be made secure until the third day. Otherwise  his disciples may come and steal the body and tell the people that he has been raised from the dead. This last deception will be worse than the first."

 "Take a guard," Pilate answered. "Go, make the tomb as secure as you know how." So they went and made the tomb secure by putting a seal on the stone and posting the guard.

What happened to Jesus's body?

Joseph of Arimathea, rich and politically influential, took Jesus's body and placed Him in his own new tomb. What do his actions reveal about his character and heart?

What is revealed about the others we see in this passage? the Pharisees? the Marys? Pilate?

Jesus, even in death, revealed the thoughts of many hearts: His followers expressed love and faithfulness; His opponents expressed paranoia and deceit. Jesus came to change and reveal hearts. What has He done in yours? Are you the same as you were the first day you met Him? Do you find yourself wanting to put His Word to rest? Or do you look for opportunities to selflessly serve and obey?

Lord Jesus, I do not want Your life, death, and resurrection to be without effect in my life. Reveal where I am now and work in me to make me a true disciple.

But by the grace of God I am what I am,

and his grace to me was not without effect.

1 Corinthians 15:10 NIV84

Holy Land exhibit. Taken by Kathy Abbott.

Day 39

His arrest and crucifixion...

John 19:31-36 NIV84

Now it was the day of Preparation, and the next day was to be a special Sabbath. Because the Jews did not want the bodies left on the crosses during the Sabbath, they asked Pilate to have the legs broken and the bodies taken down. The soldiers therefore came and broke the legs of the first man who had been crucified with Jesus, and then those of the other. But when they came to Jesus and found that he was already dead, they did not break his legs. Instead, one of the soldiers pierced Jesus' side with a spear, bringing a sudden flow of blood and water. The man who saw it has given testimony, and his testimony is true. He knows that he tells the truth, and he testifies so that you also may believe. These things happened so that the scripture would be fulfilled: "Not one of his bones will be broken," and, as another scripture says, "They will look on the one they have pierced."

Why were these executions hurried? How was it done?

What happened to Jesus?

The truth of the testimony of a witness is emphasized in this passage. Why?

Scripture references back up the truth that Jesus was the awaited Messiah. The Bible, both Old and New Testament, are historical accounts and narratives of God's relationship with His people: eyewitness testimonies. Do you think of the Bible as the testimony of others to help you believe? How does Scripture play a part in your faith?

Lord, You are the Creator who stooped down to make the Way for relationship with Your creation. Help me to see Your Word as an important link to believing, increasing my faith and trust in You.

Day 38

His arrest and crucifixion...

Matthew 27:45-56 NIV84

From the sixth hour until the ninth hour darkness came over all the land. About the ninth hour Jesus cried out in a loud voice, "Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani?" --- which means, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?"

When some of those standing there heard this, they said, "He's calling Elijah."

Immediately one of them ran and got a sponge. He filled it with wine vinegar, put it on a stick, and offered it to Jesus to drink. The rest said, "Now leave him alone. Let's see if Elijah comes to save him."

And when Jesus cried out again in a loud voice, he gave up his spirit.

At that moment the curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. The earth shook and the rocks split. The tombs broke open and the bodies of many holy people who had died were raised to life. They came out of the tombs, and after Jesus' resurrection they went into the holy city and appeared to many people.

When the centurion and those with him who were guarding Jesus saw the earthquake and all that had happened, they were terrified, and exclaimed, "Surely he was the Son of God!"

Many women were there, watching from a distance. They had followed Jesus from Galilee to care for his needs. Among them were Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James and Joses, and the mother of Zebedee's sons.

What happened from the sixth to ninth hour (noon to 3pm)?

How did the agony of crucifixion affect Jesus? How did He express it?

Note the people mentioned in this scene. Why were they there? bystanders? centurion? women? What about those conspicuously missing? Who do you most identify with?

Jesus's death literally rocked the world. How has it affected yours?

Father God, where were You? Where will You be for me? Jesus said You were always with Him because He did Your will. Help me to remember You are with me... even when it doesn't feel like it.

The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.
Deuteronomy 31:8 NIV84

Painting at the Church of the Resurrection in Jerusalem.
Taken by Kathy Abbott

Day 37

His arrest and crucifixion...

Matthew 27:39-40 & John 19:25-27 NIV84

Those who passed by hurled insults at him, shaking their heads and saying, "You who are going to destroy the temple and build it in three days, save yourself! Come down from the cross, if you are the Son of God!"

Near the cross of Jesus stood his mother, his mother's sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. When Jesus saw his mother there, and the disciple whom he loved standing nearby, he said to his mother, "Dear woman, here is your son, and to the disciple, "Here is your mother." From that time on, this disciple took her into his home.

What would Mary, Jesus's mother, have heard standing so near the cross? 

Put yourself in Mary's place, what emotions begin to stir? What do you think Jesus felt as He saw His mother standing there?

Jesus, the oldest son of His widowed mother, made sure she would be cared for before He died. Who did He choose? Jesus calls His disciples into close nurturing relationships outside their natural family. How would you respond if He called you to take long-term responsibility for a member of His family, the Church?

Lord Jesus, Your family is made up of those who do Your Father's will. Grow my love for Your family. Keep my heart open to those who are suffering loss and ready me to care for them when You call.

"... By this everyone will know that you are my disciples,

if you love one another."
John 13:35 NIV

Day 36

His arrest and crucifixion...

Luke 23:32-43 NIV84

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

The people stood watching, and the rulers even sneered at him. They said, "He saved others; let him save himself if he is the Christ of God, the Chosen One."

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

There was a written notice above him, which read: THIS IS THE KING OF THE JEWS. 

One of the criminals who hung there hurled insults at him: "Aren't you the Christ? Save yourself and us!"

But the other criminal rebuked him. "Don't you fear God," he said, "since you are under the same sentence? We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve. But this man has done nothing wrong."

Then he said, "Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom."

Jesus answered him, "I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise."

What did Jesus pray after He was crucified?

What evidence in this passage supports Jesus's statement: "... they do not know what they are doing"?

Jesus was not interested in saving Himself. Who was He focused on saving? According to the "other criminal", what is the key to this salvation?

Lord Jesus, You endured unjust punishment from lost, foolish people for lost, foolish people. Open my eyes that I can see what I have done and know what I have been forgiven through Your salvation.

He will be the sure foundation for your times,

a rich store of salvation and wisdom and knowledge;

the fear of the Lord is the key to this treasure.

Isaiah 33:6 NIV84

Day 35

His arrest and crucifixion...

Matthew 27:32-34 NIV84

As they were going out, they met a man from Cyrene, named Simon, and they forced him to carry the cross. They came to a place called Golgotha (which means The Place of the Skull). There they offered Jesus wine to drink, mixed with gall; but after tasting it, he refused to drink it.

Why do you think they forced someone else to carry Jesus's cross?

Imagine yourself as Simon from Cyrene. What would it be like to carry someone else's cross? 

Jesus, completely innocent, bore the sins of all mankind on the cross. Now imagine carrying Jesus's cross, knowing that it should be yours. What emotions come to mind? How will you respond to this reality?

Jesus, do not allow me to separate myself from Your cross, 

help me to keep it personal. Thank You.

"... And anyone who does not carry his cross and follow me 

cannot be my disciple." ---Jesus

Luke 14:27 NIV84

Day 34

His arrest and crucifixion...

Matthew 27:26-31 NIV84

Then he released Barabbas to them. But he had Jesus flogged, and handed him over to be crucified. 

Then the governor's soldiers took Jesus into the Praetorium and gathered the whole company of soldiers around him. They stripped him and put a scarlet robe on him, and then twisted together a crown of thorns and set it on his head. They put a staff in his right hand and knelt in front of him and mocked him. "Hail, king of the Jews!" they said. They spit on him, and took the staff and struck him on the head again and again. After they had mocked him, they took off the robe and put his own clothes on him. Then they led him away to crucify him.

How many different ways did the governor's soldiers abuse Jesus?

What makes it possible for people to treat the Son of God in such a way?

According to Philip Yancey, in his book The Jesus I Never Knew,

God's terrible insistence on human freedom is so absolute that he granted us the power to live as though he did not exist...

Where do you see examples of people living as though God does not exist? Are there areas of your life where you use your free will as if God doesn't exist?

Father God, remind me daily of Your incredible patience and love for Your creatures, of which I am one. But also help me to remember that You are a God of justice, I do not want to use my free will as if You did not exist.

The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.

2 Peter 3:9 NIV84

Day 33

His arrest and crucifixion...

John 19:6b-16 NIV84

But Pilate answered, "You take him and crucify him. As for me, I find no basis for a charge against him."

The Jews insisted, "We have a law, and according to that law he must die, because he claimed to be the Son of God."

When Pilate heard this, he was even more afraid, and he went back inside the palace. "Where do you come from?" he asked Jesus, but Jesus gave him no answer. "Do you refuse to speak to me?" Pilate said. "Don't you realize I have power either to free you or to crucify you?"

Jesus answered, "You would have no power over me if it were not given to you from above. Therefore the one who handed me over to you is guilty of greater sin."

From then on, Pilate tried to set Jesus free, but the Jews kept shouting, "If you let this man go, you are no friend of Caesar. Anyone who claims to be a king opposes Caesar."

When Pilate heard this, he brought Jesus out and sat down on the judge's seat at a place known as the Stone Pavement (which in Aramaic is Gabbatha). It was the day of Preparation of Passover Week, about the sixth hour.

"Here is your king," Pilate said to the Jews.

But they shouted, "Take him away! Take him away! Crucify him!"

"Shall I crucify your king?" Pilate asked.

"We have no king but Caesar," the chief priests answered.

Finally Pilate handed him over to them to be crucified.

So the soldiers took charge of Jesus.

Why did the Jews insist that Jesus must die?

How did Pilate respond? What did Jesus tell Pilate?

The Jewish leaders ultimately coerced Pilate to do their will by insinuating he would be a traitor to Caesar if he released Jesus. Two kingdoms at odds: man's vs God's. Even though the Psalms refer to God as King numerous times, who did the Jews choose to honor? What about you? Do you recognize the spiritual realm and serve God's Kingdom with your life? Or do you choose to bow down to the tangible forces in this world that appear more powerful and influential at this moment?

Lord, You are King of kings and Your Kingdom is the one that will never pass away. A choice has to be made about who to serve --- I choose You. Bless me with the faith to daily serve the King of creation and not the prince of this world.

"... But if serving the Lord seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve... But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord."

Joshua 24:15 NIV84

Day 32

His arrest and crucifixion...

Matthew 27:15-25 NIV84

Now it was the governor's custom at the Feast to release a prisoner chosen by the crowd. At that time they had a notorious prisoner, called Barabbas. So when the crowd had gathered, Pilate asked them, "Which one do you want me to release to you: Barabbas, or Jesus who is called Christ?" For he knew it was out of envy that they handed Jesus over to him.

While Pilate was sitting on the judge's seat, his wife sent him this message: "Don't have anything to do with that innocent man, for I have suffered a great deal today in a dream because of him."

But the chief priests and the elders persuaded the crowd to ask for Barabbas and to have Jesus executed.

"Which of the two do you want me to release to you?" asked the governor.

"Barabbas," they answered.

"What shall I do, then, with Jesus who is called Christ?" Pilate asked.

They all answered, "Crucify him!"

"Why? What crime has he committed?" asked Pilate.

But they shouted all the louder, "Crucify him!"

When Pilate saw that he was getting nowhere, but that instead an uproar was starting, he took water and washed his hands in front of the crowd. "I am innocent of this man's blood," he said. "It is your responsibility!"

All the people answered, "Let his blood be on us and on our children!"

What was the governor's custom at the Feast? Who did the crowd choose?

Jesus literally took Barabbas' place and he was set free. Imagine yourself as Barabbas. How do you think this would affect you in the days and weeks that followed?

Jesus was preparing to die for the sins of the world while Pilate pronounced himself innocent and the Jewish people accepted the blame placing it on themselves and their children. Do you see the irony of their statements? 

Lord Jesus, You alone make the way for freedom from sin and guilt by Your blood. Teach me to walk fully in this truth with joy and humble gratitude.

For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in [Christ], and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross.

Colossians 1:19-20 NIV84

Day 31

His arrest and crucifixion...

Luke 23:4-16 NIV84

Then Pilate announced to the chief priests and the crowd, "I find no basis for a charge against this man."

But they insisted, "He stirs up the people all over Judea by his teaching. He started in Galilee and has come all the way here."

On hearing this, Pilate asked if the man was a Galilean. When he learned that Jesus was under Herod's jurisdiction, he sent him to Herod, who was also in Jerusalem at that time.

When Herod saw Jesus, he was greatly pleased, because for a long time he had been wanting to see him. From what he had heard about him, he hoped to see him perform some miracle. He plied him with many questions, but Jesus gave him no answer. The chief priests and the teachers of the law were standing there, vehemently accusing him. Then Herod and his soldiers ridiculed and mocked him. Dressing him in an elegant robe, they sent him back to Pilate. That day Herod and Pilate became friends --- before this they had been enemies.

Pilate called together the chief priests, the rulers and the people, and said to them, "You brought me this man as one who was inciting the people to rebellion. I have examined him in your presence and have found no basis for your charges against him. Neither has Herod, for he sent him back to us; as you can see, he has done nothing to deserve death. Therefore, I will punish him and then release him."

What did Pilate tell the crowd? How was this verdict received?

Why did Pilate send Jesus to Herod? What was the outcome?

Both Pilate and Herod hesitated to use their authority to oppose the Jews for fear of complaints reaching Rome and putting their positions at risk. What was Jesus's response throughout?

Jesus, the only One with true authority and an eternal Kingdom, threatens every other kingdom. We all have a tendency to protect our realm of influence, rather than surrender to His --- some avoid Him, some simply use Him for their pleasure, while others want to dispose of Him altogether. What about you? Have you surrendered? Or are you defending the illusion of self rule?

Jesus, secure in Your position, You endured injustice and mocking without retaliating. Help me to be confident of my position in You and trust You with whatever comes. Reveal any areas in my life that I am protecting as "mine," I want to be completely surrendered to You.

I did not hide my face from mocking... Because the Sovereign Lord helps me. I will not be disgraced. Therefore have I set my face like flint, and I know I will not be put to shame.

Isaiah 50:6-7 NIV84

Day 30

His arrest and crucifixion...

Matthew 27:1-14 NIV84

Early in the morning, all the chief priests and the elders of the people came to the decision to put Jesus to death. They bound him, led him away and handed him over to Pilate, the governor.

When Judas, who had betrayed him, saw that Jesus was condemned, he was seized with remorse and returned the thirty silver coins to the chief priests and the elders. "I have sinned," he said, "for I have betrayed innocent blood."

"What is that to us?" they replied. "That's your responsibility."

So Judas threw the money into the temple and left. Then he went away and hanged himself.

The chief priests picked up the coins and said, "It is against the law to put this into the treasury, since it is blood money." So they decided to use the money to buy the potter's field as a burial place for foreigners. That is why it has been called the Field of Blood to this day. Then what was spoken by Jeremiah the prophet was fulfilled: "They took the thirty silver coins, the price set on him by the people of Israel, and they used them to buy the potter's field, as the Lord commanded me."

Meanwhile Jesus stood before the governor, and the governor asked him, "Are you the king of the Jews?"

"Yes, it is as you say," Jesus replied.

When he was accused by the chief priests and the elders, he gave no answer. Then Pilate asked him, "Don't you hear the testimony they are bringing against you?" But Jesus made no reply, not even to a single charge --- to the great amazement of the governor.

What did the chief priests and the elders decide to do?

How was Judas affected by this decision? What did he do in response? What was the attitude of the chief priests? How do you feel about the responses of Judas? the chief priests?

Where do you see the hypocrisy of the religious elite in this encounter?

We have a remarkable capacity to deceive ourselves and justify hypocrisy in our lives in order to get what we want, while condemning others for the same thing. Today, pay attention to your own life, look for areas where what you profess to believe does not mirror your actions. Notice how these revelations effect your heart. Are you moved to repent? Or justify the discrepancy?

Lord, show me where I have deceived myself and manipulated my beliefs to justify my actions in order to keep things the way I want them to be. Help me to walk in Your truth, Your way.

Whoever walks in integrity will be delivered,

but he who is crooked in his ways will suddenly fall.

Proverbs 28:18 ESV

Day 29

His arrest and crucifixion...

Matthew 26:69-75 NIV84

Now Peter was sitting out in the courtyard, and a servant girl came to him. "You also were with Jesus of Galilee," she said.

But he denied it before them all. "I don't know what you're talking about," he said.

Then he went out to the gateway, where another girl saw him and said to the people there, "This fellow was with Jesus of Nazareth."

He denied it again, with an oath: "I don't know the man!"

After a little while, those standing there went up to Peter and said, "Surely you are one of them, for your accent gives you away."

Then he began to call down curses on himself and he swore to them, "I don't know the man!"

Immediately a rooster crowed. Then Peter remembered the word Jesus had spoken: "Before the rooster crows, you will disown me three times." And he went outside and wept bitterly.

Where is Peter? How does Peter deal with the pressure of this situation? Can you identify with Peter's denials? Have you failed to stand up for Jesus in some form or fashion? on one occasion or more?

As Jesus is interrogated by the Sanhedrin, Peter is questioned in the courtyard. Jesus, He does not sin, He does not lie, He does not deny, He does not give into fear. But He knows the temptation --- He knows what it is to bear the full weight of injustice. How did Peter react when he recognized what he had done?

We, like Peter, have the tendency to give into fear. We lie, we deny, we succumb to the pressure. Peter immediately recognized his sin and wept bitterly. But too often we continue to deny, justify, make excuses for our sin, refusing to weep bitterly and experience godly sorrow. Can you identify with Peter in his bitter weeping? or are you still denying?

Father God, keep my heart tender to sin. Help me to remember that when I fail, I have a Savior who sympathizes with my weakness. Do not allow me to harden my heart with excuses and denial. Bless me with the humility to embrace my sin, weep bitterly, and seek Your forgiveness.

Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death.

2 Corinthians 7:10 NIV84

Day 28

His arrest and crucifixion...

Mark 14:53-65 NIV84

They took Jesus to the high priest, and all the chief priests, elders and teachers of the law came together. Peter followed him at a distance, right into the courtyard of the high priest. There he sat with the guards and warmed himself at the fire.

The chief priests and the whole Sanhedrin were looking for evidence against Jesus so that they could put him to death, but they did not find any. Many testified falsely against him, but their statements did not agree.

Then some stood up and gave this false testimony against him: "We heard him say, 'I will destroy this man-made temple and in three days will build another, not made by man.'" Yet even then their testimony did not agree.

Then the high priest stood up before them and asked Jesus, "Are you not going to answer? What is this testimony that these men are bringing against you?" But Jesus remained silent and gave no answer.

Again the high priest asked him, "Are you the Christ, the Son of the Blessed One?" 

"I am," said Jesus. "And you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Mighty One and coming on the clouds of heaven."

The high priest tore his clothes. "Why do we need any more witnesses?" he asked. "You have heard the blasphemy. What do you think?"

They condemned him as worthy of death. Then some began to spit at him; they blindfolded him, struck him with their fists, and said, "Prophesy!" And the guards took him and beat him.

Where did they take Jesus? Why?

What was the nature of the testimony? Was it successful? How did Jesus respond?

What did the high priest finally ask Him? What was the result?

The majority of the Jewish leaders had God in a box and were more interested in their own agendas than God's. Pride and arrogance kept them from recognizing the Christ --- they boldly mocked and beat Him. What about you? Do you have preconceived ideas and beliefs about who God is and how He relates to people? Are you open to seeing God in a new way? Or do you condemn any revelation of God that doesn't fit your expectation?

Father God, You are infinite in all Your qualities and characteristics. You are free to reveal Yourself however You desire. Open my eyes and heart to Your many different facets. I do not want to be found mocking or denying You in any way.

The ancient steps that led to the house of the high priest in Jerusalem.
Taken by Peetie Edwards.

Day 27

His arrest and crucifixion...

Luke 22:49-53 NIV84

When Jesus's followers saw what was going to happen, they said, "Lord, should we strike with our swords?" And one of them struck the servant of the high priest, cutting off his right ear.

But Jesus answered, "No more of this!" And he touched the man's ear and healed him.

Then Jesus said to the chief priests, the officers of the temple guard, and the elders, who had come for him, "Am I leading a rebellion, that you have to come with swords and clubs? Every day I was with you in the temple courts, and you did not lay a hand on me. But this is your hour --- when darkness reigns.

Jesus's followers saw a detachment of armed soldiers carrying lanterns and torches coming to arrest their Rabbi in the garden of Gethsemane. How did they respond? How did Jesus respond?

What light did Jesus shine on the religious leaders who came to arrest Him? Consider: Why did they wait to confront Him at this time and place? And what did Jesus imply when He said, "But this is your hour --- when darkness reigns"?

Those who live in the "dark" are highly offended when Jesus shines His light of truth into their lives. Have you seen people overreact when faced with a truth that comes close to their dark corners? Where and when do you find yourself becoming defensive regarding truth?

Lord Jesus, You are the Light and the Truth. Bless me with the faith and humility to stand in Your light and receive Your transforming truth.

Great peace have they which love thy law;

And nothing shall offend them.

Psalm 119:165 KJV

Day 26

His arrest and crucifixion...

John 18:2-9 NIV84

Now Judas, who betrayed him, knew the place, because Jesus had often met there with his disciples. So Judas came to the grove, guiding a detachment of soldiers and some officials from the chief priests and Pharisees. They were carrying torches, lanterns and weapons. 

Jesus, knowing all that was going to happen to him, went out and asked them, "Who is it you want?"

"Jesus of Nazareth," they replied.

"I am he," Jesus said. (And Judas the traitor was standing there with them.) When Jesus said, "I am he," they drew back and fell to the ground.

Again he asked them, "Who is it you want?"

And they said, "Jesus of Nazareth."

"I told you that I am he," Jesus answered. "If you are looking for me, then let these men go." This happened so that the words he had spoken would be fulfilled: "I have not lost one of those you gave me."

Read the first paragraph again. Imagine the scene: the sights, sounds, smells, emotions... What did this place represent to Jesus and His twelve closest disciples?

Judas --- part of Jesus's inner circle --- betrayed the Rabbi, leading the enemy into a place of personal refuge for Jesus and His disciples. How do you think Jesus felt in this moment, even though He knew it was going to happen? What about the other disciples? How does this scene make you feel?

Jesus confronted the mob head on --- Who is it you want? --- He was in control even as He was arrested. What happened when Jesus revealed who He was? How does His display of power make you see this scene differently? See Jesus differently?

Father God, it is hard to imagine the betrayal and arrest of Your Son as being Your will. Help me to remember Your sovereignty in every circumstance, especially when I feel betrayed by You. Remind me that You are trustworthy and are working for good, even in my suffering.

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.

Romans 8:28 NIV

Day 25

Events in and around the Last Supper...

Matthew 26:36-46 NIV84

Then Jesus went with his disciples to a place called Gethsemane, and he said to them, "Sit here while I go over there and pray." He took Peter and the two sons of Zebedee along with him, and he began to be sorrowful and troubled. Then he said to them, "My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with me."

Going a little farther, he fell with his face to the ground and prayed, "My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will."

Then he returned to his disciples and found them sleeping. "Could you men not keep watch with me for one hour?" he asked Peter. "Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the body is weak."

He went away a second time and prayed, "My Father, if it is not possible for this cup to be taken away unless I drink it, may your will be done."

When he came back, he again found them sleeping, because their eyes were heavy. So he left them and went away once more and prayed the third time, saying the same thing.

Then he returned to the disciples and said to them, "Are you still sleeping and resting? Look, the hour is near, and the Son of Man is betrayed into the hands of sinners. Rise, let us go! Here comes my betrayer!"

Where did Jesus go with His disciples? Who did He take aside and confide in?

Re-read the passage and identify the emotions Jesus experienced at Gethsemane. Do you think it should be easy for a Christian to be obedient to God? Do you believe that any struggle to obey, as revealed by your emotions, is a sin?

It is a battle for our flesh to do God's will. Jesus, even in His perfect human form --- untainted by sin --- struggled. What truths can we learn from Jesus about the internal battle for Believers to be obedient? How does He show us to deal with the fight to obey?

Lord, You tell us, "The spirit is willing, but the body is weak," when it comes to obedience. Show me the way to accept this weakness and rely on Your Spirit to do all things. Teach me to watch and pray, so I do not fall into temptation.

But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

2 Corinthians 12:9 ESV

Day 24

Events in and around the Last Supper...

John 15:1-17 NIV84

"I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful. You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. Remain in me, and I will remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.

"I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. If anyone does not remain in me, he is like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned. If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given you. This is to my Father's glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.

"As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. If you obey my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have obeyed my Father's commands and remain in his love. I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete. My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends. You are my friends if you do what I command. I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master's business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you. You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit --- fruit that will last. Then the Father will give you whatever you ask in my name. This is my command: Love each other. ..."

What metaphor does Jesus use to explain discipleship? Who is the vine? the gardener? the branch? What is the fruit?

Meditate, for a moment, on gardening. What does it look like for a gardener to work a vine? watching for fruit? pruning fruitful branches? cutting off diseased branches? How does this picture translate to your relationship with God?

The gardener is especially interested in tending the branches because that is where the fruit grows. A well-rooted vine supports the branches, providing whatever is needed for them to produce, but bears no fruit itself. With this picture in mind, is your understanding of your place on the vine changed?

Lord Jesus, Your work in this world comes through Your disciples. You can only be seen through the quality of their fruit. How often have I misrepresented You through my actions? How often have I misunderstood the responsibility I have as Your disciple --- a branch that bears fruit for You? Forgive me, prune me, make me fruitful for You. Today, I lay down my life for You, bear whatever fruit You want to bear through me.

And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless until the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ --- to the glory and praise of God.

Philippians 1:9-11 NIV84

Day 23

Events in and around the Last Supper...

John 14:15-31 NIV84

"If you love me, you will obey what I command. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Counselor to be with you forever --- the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you. I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you. Before long, the world will not see me anymore, but you will see me. Because I live, you also will live. On that day you will realize that I am in my Father, and you are in me, and I am in you. Whoever has my commands and obeys them, he is the one who loves me. He who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I too will love him and show myself to him."

Then Judas (not Judas Iscariot) said, "But, Lord, why do you intend to show yourself to us and not to the world?"

Jesus replied, "If anyone loves me, he will obey my teaching. My Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him. He who does not love me will not obey my teaching. These words you hear are not my own; they belong to the Father who sent me.

"All this I have spoken while still with you. But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.

"You heard me say, 'I am going away and I am coming back to you.' If you loved me, you would be glad that I am going to the Father, for the Father is greater than I. I have told you now before it happens, so that when it does happen you will believe. I will not speak with you much longer, for the prince of this world is coming. He has no hold on me, but the world must learn that I love the Father and that I do exactly what my Father has commanded me.

"Come now; let us leave. ..."

How does Jesus identify those who love Him?

What benefits come from obedience to His commands?

Jesus revealed His love for the Father through obedience, even to the point of yielding to the "prince of this world" who gained his rule through mankind's disobedience in the Garden. Unadulterated obedience --- not only when it's convenient or feels good --- makes the way for intimate relationship with Father and Son by way of the Spirit. Do you love Him? Do you know His Word well enough to know if you love Him? Have you experienced confirmation of that love: teaching from the Spirit... a sense of peace... the Father's love...? Has He shown Himself to you?

Today, love Jesus. Whatever you know of His commands, obey to the extent of your understanding without hesitation and without thought for self.

Lord, You make it clear that obedience to Your commands defines love for You, it's not an emotional response. Capture my heart, bless me with a hunger for Your Word, that I might learn Your commands and reveal my love for You. I want to love You and make a home for You in my heart.

"... Blessed are the pure in heart,

for they shall see God. ..."

Matthew 5:8 NIV84

Day 22

Events in and around the Last Supper...

John 14:1-14 NIV84

"Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me. In my Father's house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. You know the way to the place where I am going."

Thomas said to him, "Lord, we don't know where you are going, so how can we know the way?"

Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. If you really knew me, you would know my Father as well. From now on, you do know him and have seen him."

Philip said, "Lord, show us the Father and that will be enough for us."

Jesus answered: "Don't you know me, Philip, even after I have been among you such a long time? Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, 'Show us the Father'? Don't you believe that I am in the Father, and that the Father is in me? The words I say to you are not just my own. Rather, it is the Father, living in me, who is doing his work. Believe me when I say that I am in the Father and the Father is in me; or at least believe on the evidence of the miracles themselves. I tell you the truth, anyone who has faith in me will do what I have been doing. He will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father. And I will do what ever you ask in my name, so that the Son may bring glory to the Father. You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it. ..."

Why might the disciples be troubled? (Look back over the last few posts if you have just joined us.)

What does Jesus tell them about where He is going? 

Jesus is going to the Father's house, He is the only way to get there, and to see Him is to see the Father. His whole ministry was a revelation of the Father living in Him and doing His work through Him --- to see Jesus is to see Father God. How are we to follow Jesus in this kind of life?

Only by the power of the Holy Spirit can we have the same relationship with the Father as Jesus did. God the Spirit could not enter into sinful man until Jesus made the way through His crucifixion and resurrection; through faith in Christ we are purified and can safely receive God's Spirit. Do you believe that by faith you (or anyone) can live a life like Jesus? Do even greater things?

Father God, to the degree I allow the Holy Spirit access to my heart is the degree to which I will walk like Jesus. Work in my heart to develop the character of Your Son so I can truly bear His name.

Day 21

Events in and around the Last Supper...

John 13:31-38 NIV84

When [Judas Iscariot] was gone, Jesus said, "Now is the Son of Man glorified and God is glorified in him. If God is glorified in him, God will glorify the Son in himself, and will glorify him at once. 

"My children, I will be with you only a little longer. You will look for me, and just as I told the Jews, so I tell you now: Where I am going, you cannot come.

"A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another."

Simon Peter asked him, "Lord, where are you going?"

Jesus replied, "Where I am going, you cannot follow now, but you will follow later."

Peter asked, "Lord, why can't I follow you now? I will lay down my life for you."

Then Jesus answered, "Will you really lay down your life for me? I tell you the truth, before the rooster crows, you will disown me three times! ..."

How will Jesus be glorified?

Knowing that His time was short, what did He give His disciples? What is this "new command"?

Jesus knows our hearts better than we do. Even though Peter said he would follow Jesus to death, Jesus revealed a different reality. How does this make you feel about the convictions you verbalize when it comes to faith? Do you want to know what He sees in you?

Ask Him to examine your heart and reveal the truth to you...

Lord, You alone know my heart. Reveal the truth, I want to know where I stand when it comes to loving You and following Your command to love others. I want to show the world that I am Your disciple. Do not let me deceive myself.

Search me, O God, and know my heart;

test me and know my anxious thoughts.

See if there is any offensive way in me,

and lead me in the way everlasting.

Psalm 139:23-24 NIV84

Day 20

Events in and around the Last Supper...

John 13:18-30 NIV84

"I am not referring to all of you; I know those I have chosen. But this is to fulfill the scripture: 'He who shares my bread has lifted up his heel against me.'

"I am telling you now before it happens, so that when it does happen you will believe that I am He. I tell you the truth, whoever accepts anyone I send accepts me; and whoever accepts me accepts the one who sent me."

After he had said this, Jesus was troubled in spirit and testified, "I tell you the truth, one of you is going to betray me."

His disciples stared at one another, at a loss to know which of them he meant. One of them, the disciple whom Jesus loved, was reclining next to him. Simon Peter motioned to this disciple and said, "Ask him which one he means."

Leaning back against Jesus, he asked him, "Lord, who is it?"

Jesus answered, "It is the one to whom I will give this piece of bread when I have dipped it in the dish." Then, dipping the piece of bread, he gave it to Judas Iscariot, son of Simon. As soon as Judas took the bread, Satan entered into him.

"What you are about to do, do quickly," Jesus told him, but no one at the meal understood why Jesus said this to him. Since Judas had charge of the money, some thought Jesus was telling him to buy what was needed for the Feast, or to give something to the poor. As soon as Judas had taken the bread, he went out. And it was night.

What did Jesus know was going to happen? 

Why did He share it with the disciples? Did the disciples understand?

Even though Jesus revealed the truth behind what was about to happen the disciples did not grasp the reality of the situation. Why do you think that was the case? Have you ever had a spiritual truth revealed to you and when you tried to share it with someone else they could not understand? Or have you had someone explain something to you that didn't make an impact until much later? How do these situations make you feel?

Father God, help me trust Your perfect timing when it comes to imparting spiritual truth and understanding --- to me and to others. You want each of us to experience it in the way that it will have the greatest effect for Your kingdom purpose.

For the Lord gives wisdom,

and from his mouth come knowledge and understanding.

Proverbs 2:6 NIV84