Mark 15:15-23
Humans have always struggled with the need to make other people happy. In doing so, we sometimes make decisions that, although popular, may not be right.
Pontius Pilate was guilty of this very act. Pilate had neither courage nor conviction, so he gave in to a crowd that would rather release Barabbas, a murderer, than the Son of God. Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior suffered excruciating torture and humiliation because Pilate wanted to please the crowd instead of doing what was right.
When I read this scripture, I wonder how many times in my life, I have caused someone else pain or humiliation because I didn't have the courage to speak up, do what was right or I was just trying to please the majority.
Dear God,
I pray that I will always have the courage to do what is right and not what is popular. Help me to always see that majority should not always rule. I pray that I will have the strength not to compromise my character just to be a crowd pleaser. In your name I pray. Amen
Penny Clower
Monday, March 22, 2010
Friday, March 19, 2010
Lenten Devotional - 24 Hours that Changed the World
John 18:28-38
After Jesus had been betrayed, the religious leaders led Jesus to the palace of Pilate. They wanted Jesus convicted of charges of blasphemy. In order to get a death sentence for Him, they took Him to the local Roman governor- Pontius Pilate. Pilate was the Roman governor from around A.D. 26 to 36 and was unpopular with the Jewish people.
When Jesus was brought to Pilate, the nature of the chief priests’ hearts quickly came apparent. Their hearts had been hardened to Christ’s message. The Jewish leaders did not want to enter the palace. They feared if they entered the house of a Gentile, they would become defiled and not be able to eat the Passover feast or worship at the temple. Therefore, Pilate went out to them and wanted to know what charges they had against Jesus.
Pilate asked Jesus if He was the king of the Jews. Jesus said that His kingdom was not of this world-His kingdom was from another place. Jesus explained that He was born into this world to be a king. His authority as king wasn’t of physical force but of spiritual truth. Jesus said, “You are right in saying I am king. In fact, for this very reason I was born, and for this I came into the world, to testify the truth. Everyone on the side of truth listens to me.”
Pilate did not want to judge the case and initially refused to sentence Jesus. Pilate heard enough to know that Jesus was not a threat. Pilate wanted to avoid making the Jewish leaders angry, and yet he didn’t want to give in to crucifying an innocent man.
For him to condemn Jesus was for him to condemn the truth. Pilate wanted the leaders to take responsibility and give Him a lesser sentence or let Him go. The Jews objected to Pilate’s decision and were determined to have Jesus killed.
In today’s reading, John reminds us that everything he described took place in accordance with the divine plan. The prophecy that Jesus would be lifted up was fulfilled. Jesus never deserved any cruel treatment. Jesus’ goal was to bring heaven’s glory to us. He lived to honor His Father in heaven and fulfill His will on earth. His death was a sacrifice that gives us hope for eternal life.
Prayer:
Dear God,
Please speak to us through your scriptures.
Thank you that your word is true. We put our trust in you.
In Jesus’ name~ Amen.
Amy Baker
After Jesus had been betrayed, the religious leaders led Jesus to the palace of Pilate. They wanted Jesus convicted of charges of blasphemy. In order to get a death sentence for Him, they took Him to the local Roman governor- Pontius Pilate. Pilate was the Roman governor from around A.D. 26 to 36 and was unpopular with the Jewish people.
When Jesus was brought to Pilate, the nature of the chief priests’ hearts quickly came apparent. Their hearts had been hardened to Christ’s message. The Jewish leaders did not want to enter the palace. They feared if they entered the house of a Gentile, they would become defiled and not be able to eat the Passover feast or worship at the temple. Therefore, Pilate went out to them and wanted to know what charges they had against Jesus.
Pilate asked Jesus if He was the king of the Jews. Jesus said that His kingdom was not of this world-His kingdom was from another place. Jesus explained that He was born into this world to be a king. His authority as king wasn’t of physical force but of spiritual truth. Jesus said, “You are right in saying I am king. In fact, for this very reason I was born, and for this I came into the world, to testify the truth. Everyone on the side of truth listens to me.”
Pilate did not want to judge the case and initially refused to sentence Jesus. Pilate heard enough to know that Jesus was not a threat. Pilate wanted to avoid making the Jewish leaders angry, and yet he didn’t want to give in to crucifying an innocent man.
For him to condemn Jesus was for him to condemn the truth. Pilate wanted the leaders to take responsibility and give Him a lesser sentence or let Him go. The Jews objected to Pilate’s decision and were determined to have Jesus killed.
In today’s reading, John reminds us that everything he described took place in accordance with the divine plan. The prophecy that Jesus would be lifted up was fulfilled. Jesus never deserved any cruel treatment. Jesus’ goal was to bring heaven’s glory to us. He lived to honor His Father in heaven and fulfill His will on earth. His death was a sacrifice that gives us hope for eternal life.
Prayer:
Dear God,
Please speak to us through your scriptures.
Thank you that your word is true. We put our trust in you.
In Jesus’ name~ Amen.
Amy Baker
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
Lenten Devotional - 24 Hours that Changed the World
Luke 23: 13-19
If you were told to jump off a bridge, and everyone around you jumped, would you jump too? Many of us are people pleasers, and are afraid to stand out and to stray from the crowd or popular belief. Many times we are so eager to “jump on the bandwagon” that we often forget to stop and think about whether or not what we are doing is right. In this story about Pilate, Jesus, and Barabbas, Pilate is declaring to the crowd that he has found Jesus to be innocent and will have him flogged and then released. Immediately the crowd began uproar and chanted to kill him and to set Barabbas free. Later on in the passage, Pilate is persuaded and turns to favor the crowd by agreeing to free Barabbas and crucify Jesus. Pilate did not stand up for what he believed and knew was right and was easily convinced by the crowd. As Christians we are called to be bold in our everyday lives and stand up for what is right and for our faith that we believe in. Jesus was radical and stood out in his every motion to expose all to the Truth of the Lord. The Lent season, take an extra second to think about the decisions you are making in your life, are you being bold about your faith or are you just following the crowd?
-Becca Ash
If you were told to jump off a bridge, and everyone around you jumped, would you jump too? Many of us are people pleasers, and are afraid to stand out and to stray from the crowd or popular belief. Many times we are so eager to “jump on the bandwagon” that we often forget to stop and think about whether or not what we are doing is right. In this story about Pilate, Jesus, and Barabbas, Pilate is declaring to the crowd that he has found Jesus to be innocent and will have him flogged and then released. Immediately the crowd began uproar and chanted to kill him and to set Barabbas free. Later on in the passage, Pilate is persuaded and turns to favor the crowd by agreeing to free Barabbas and crucify Jesus. Pilate did not stand up for what he believed and knew was right and was easily convinced by the crowd. As Christians we are called to be bold in our everyday lives and stand up for what is right and for our faith that we believe in. Jesus was radical and stood out in his every motion to expose all to the Truth of the Lord. The Lent season, take an extra second to think about the decisions you are making in your life, are you being bold about your faith or are you just following the crowd?
-Becca Ash
Monday, March 15, 2010
Lenten Devotional - 24 Hours that Changed the World
Mark 15:1-15
In our scripture for today we find Pilate questioning Jesus to determine whether the charges against him were true. Pilate realizes Jesus is innocent, but as is stated in verse 15, “Wanting to satisfy the crowd,” he releases Barabbas instead of Jesus. Pilate goes against what he knows is right because he did not want to upset the crowd.
How often in our daily lives are we Pilate? How frequently do we go along with something we know we shouldn’t just to please the crowd? We are the face of Christianity today. Everything we do and say is a direct reflection of Christ.
“The greatest single cause of atheism in the world today is Christians who acknowledge Jesus with their lips, then walk out the door and deny him by their lifestyle.” (DC Talk)
Let’s examine our actions and attitudes every day to be sure that our words and deeds are supporting Christ not crucifying Him.
David Boatright
In our scripture for today we find Pilate questioning Jesus to determine whether the charges against him were true. Pilate realizes Jesus is innocent, but as is stated in verse 15, “Wanting to satisfy the crowd,” he releases Barabbas instead of Jesus. Pilate goes against what he knows is right because he did not want to upset the crowd.
How often in our daily lives are we Pilate? How frequently do we go along with something we know we shouldn’t just to please the crowd? We are the face of Christianity today. Everything we do and say is a direct reflection of Christ.
“The greatest single cause of atheism in the world today is Christians who acknowledge Jesus with their lips, then walk out the door and deny him by their lifestyle.” (DC Talk)
Let’s examine our actions and attitudes every day to be sure that our words and deeds are supporting Christ not crucifying Him.
David Boatright
Friday, March 12, 2010
Lenten Devotional - 24 Hours that Changed the World
Mark 15:1-5
I have heard this scripture many times before, but I think this is the first time I have read it and realized that Pilate totally caved under peer pressure. Pilate knows what the right thing to do is and is almost begging Jesus to stand up to the priests so that Pilate himself won't have to do it. When that doesn't work, Pilate turns to the crowd thinking that they will want their "king of jews" released. He again prompts them to reconsider by asking them what crime he has committed.
In the end, it is Pilate's wanting to go along and satisfy the crowd that leads to Jesus' death. Even though he knew the decision was wrong, he was unwilling to stand up for what he believed. How many times are we Pilate? How many times do we go along with friends, co-workers and crowds because it is easier than standing out and being one voice in the madness. How many times do we, like Pilate, sacrifice what is right for what is easy or comfortable.
Kali Boatright
I have heard this scripture many times before, but I think this is the first time I have read it and realized that Pilate totally caved under peer pressure. Pilate knows what the right thing to do is and is almost begging Jesus to stand up to the priests so that Pilate himself won't have to do it. When that doesn't work, Pilate turns to the crowd thinking that they will want their "king of jews" released. He again prompts them to reconsider by asking them what crime he has committed.
In the end, it is Pilate's wanting to go along and satisfy the crowd that leads to Jesus' death. Even though he knew the decision was wrong, he was unwilling to stand up for what he believed. How many times are we Pilate? How many times do we go along with friends, co-workers and crowds because it is easier than standing out and being one voice in the madness. How many times do we, like Pilate, sacrifice what is right for what is easy or comfortable.
Kali Boatright
Thursday, March 11, 2010
Lenten Devotional - 24 Hours that Changed the World
Hebrews 5:7-9
While author of Hebrews remains unknown, the writings in Hebrews allow us to understand something about him, namely his devotion to God through Jesus. This particular passage also tells of another type of devotion: Jesus’ undying devotion to his Father. This devotion was so great, Jesus allowed himself to be wrongly accused, tortured, and crucified because his Father had commanded it for the salvation of the world. This degree of willful obedience and unquestioning loyalty is something we should strive to match every day, no matter how dismally we may fail sometimes.
While we as humans cannot even hope to attain this type of devotion, we can, through reading the Bible, prayer, and fellowship, devote our lives to someone much greater than ourselves, who gave his life and bore the pain of thousands of years of human sin so that we may enter the gates of heaven. We can show our loyalty to God through our loyalty to each other, our love for God through our treatment of each other, and our obedience to God through our obedience to His Word.
Elizabeth Mathis
While author of Hebrews remains unknown, the writings in Hebrews allow us to understand something about him, namely his devotion to God through Jesus. This particular passage also tells of another type of devotion: Jesus’ undying devotion to his Father. This devotion was so great, Jesus allowed himself to be wrongly accused, tortured, and crucified because his Father had commanded it for the salvation of the world. This degree of willful obedience and unquestioning loyalty is something we should strive to match every day, no matter how dismally we may fail sometimes.
While we as humans cannot even hope to attain this type of devotion, we can, through reading the Bible, prayer, and fellowship, devote our lives to someone much greater than ourselves, who gave his life and bore the pain of thousands of years of human sin so that we may enter the gates of heaven. We can show our loyalty to God through our loyalty to each other, our love for God through our treatment of each other, and our obedience to God through our obedience to His Word.
Elizabeth Mathis
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
Lenten Devotional - 24 Hours that Changed the World
Psalm 110:1-4
Many people have a vague belief in God but refuse to accept Jesus as anything more than a great human teacher. But the Bible does not allow that option. Both the Old and New Testaments proclaim the deity of the one who came to save and to reign. Jesus explained that this Psalm spoke of the Messiah as greater the David, Israel's greatest king. Peter used this Psalm to show that Jesus, the Messiah, sits at God's right hand and is Lord over all. You can't straddle the fence, calling Jesus "just a good teacher," because the Bible clearly calls him Lord.
As a priest like Melchizedek, Christ will never abuse his divine position, and his reign will be forever. Jesus is more fully described as our High Priest in Hebrews 5.
Faith is knowing without seeing,
believing without fully understanding,
trusting without touching
the One who is ever faithful.
JoAnn Damewood
Many people have a vague belief in God but refuse to accept Jesus as anything more than a great human teacher. But the Bible does not allow that option. Both the Old and New Testaments proclaim the deity of the one who came to save and to reign. Jesus explained that this Psalm spoke of the Messiah as greater the David, Israel's greatest king. Peter used this Psalm to show that Jesus, the Messiah, sits at God's right hand and is Lord over all. You can't straddle the fence, calling Jesus "just a good teacher," because the Bible clearly calls him Lord.
As a priest like Melchizedek, Christ will never abuse his divine position, and his reign will be forever. Jesus is more fully described as our High Priest in Hebrews 5.
Faith is knowing without seeing,
believing without fully understanding,
trusting without touching
the One who is ever faithful.
JoAnn Damewood
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)
