Jesus in the Grave Day 38, March 31, 2010

Jesus in the Grave

Day 38, March 31, 2010

After these things, Joseph of Arimathea, who was a disciple of Jesus, though a secret one because of his fear of the Jews, asked Pilate to let him take away the body of Jesus. Pilate gave him permission; so he came and removed his body. Nicodemus, who had at first come to Jesus by night, also came, bringing a mixture of myrrh and aloes, weighing about a hundred pounds. They took the body of Jesus and wrapped it with the spices in linen cloths, according to the burial custom of the Jews. Now there was a garden in the place where he was crucified, and in the garden there was a new tomb in which no one had ever been laid. And so, because it was the Jewish day of Preparation, and the tomb was nearby, they laid Jesus there. John 19:38-42

Matthew 27:61-66

Mary Magdalene and the other Mary were there, sitting opposite the tomb. The next day, that is, after the day of Preparation, the chief priests and the Pharisees gathered before Pilate and said, “Sir, we remember what that impostor said while he was still alive, ‘After three days I will rise again.’ Therefore command the tomb to be made secure until the third day; otherwise his disciples may go and steal him away, and tell the people, ‘He has been raised from the dead,’ and the last deception would be worse than the first.” Pilate said to them, “You have a guard of soldiers; go, make it as secure as you can.” So they went with the guard and made the tomb secure by sealing the stone.

Jesus in the Grave

Jesus was buried because he was truly dead. He wasn’t in a trance or sleeping. He was dead. Now even his burial was a source of anxiety to his enemies.

It was not usual to remove bodies from the cross immediately after death. The bodies were allowed to hang, exposed to the weather, till they rotted and fell to pieces; or they might be torn by birds or beasts; and at last a fire was perhaps kindled beneath the cross to rid the place of the remains. Such was the Roman custom; but among the Jews there was more honor for the dead. In their law stood this provision: “If a man have committed a sin worthy of death, and he be put to death, and thou hang him upon a tree, his body shall not remain all night upon the tree, but thou shall in any wise bury him that day; that thy land be not defiled which the Lord thy God giveth thee for an inheritance.”

Now Jesus was killed near the time of the Sabbath of the Passover (a kind of double Sabbath) which would have been desecrated by any unclean thing, like an unburied corpse, exposed to view. This would have been a very sensitive issue for those practicing Judaism. At any time they would have regarded themselves unclean if they touched a dead body, but on the Passover Sabbath they would have felt it to be a desecration if any dead thing had even met their eyes or rested uncovered on the soil of their city. That is why their representatives went to the Roman governor and begged that the three crucified men should be put to death by clubbing and their bodies buried before the Sabbath commenced.

It was in a new sepulcher, which Joseph of Arimathea had purchased for his own place of rest after death. No corpse had ever been placed in it before. This was a great gift for a crucified man.

The tomb was in a garden. The spot does not seem to have been very far from the place of execution. The exact place seems to be in doubt. The Church of the Holy Sepulchre includes within its precincts both the Lord’s tomb and the hole in the rock in which stood the cross; and the two are only 30 yards apart.

Christendom accepted the tradition, which dates back to the time of Constantine, and since then pilgrims have flocked to the spot from every land. It was for the possession of this shrine that the crusades were undertaken, and at the present day the Churches of Christendom fight for a footing in it.

The first picture is in the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. This the stone of atonement, where Jesus body was laid when it was taken down from the cross.

This is the Holy Sepulchre, the tomb of Christ.

This is the entrance to the Holy Sepulchre

The altar inside the Sepulchre.

It was the practice of the piety of former days to meditate among the tombs. Even today, everyone at some point must linger beside the graves of their loved ones; and think deeply about their own grave. In these moments the words of Jesus speak loudly, “I am the resurrection and the life.”  There is only one who speaks life to the dead. His name is Jesus, the Son of God, who himself was raised from death to life.

This is a stone and groove used to seal a tomb.

This is an example of a tomb in a garden in Jesus day. The tomb is in the background. It was my last day in Jerusalem.

Jesus on the Cross Day 37, March 30, 2010

Jesus on the Cross

Day 37, March 30, 2010

After they had finished nailing him to the cross and were waiting for him to die, they whiled away the time by throwing dice for his clothes. Above his head they had posted the criminal charge against him: this is jesus, the king of the jews. Along with him, they also crucified two criminals, one to his right, the other to his left. People passing along the road jeered, shaking their heads in mock lament: “You bragged that you could tear down the Temple and then rebuild it in three days—so show us your stuff! Save yourself! If you’re really God’s Son, come down from that cross!” The high priests, along with the religion scholars and leaders, were right there mixing it up with the rest of them, having a great time poking fun at him: “He saved others—he can’t save himself! King of Israel, is he? Then let him get down from that cross. We’ll all become believers then! He was so sure of God—well, let him rescue his ‘Son’ now—if he wants him! He did claim to be God’s Son, didn’t he?” Even the two criminals crucified next to him joined in the mockery. Matthew 27:35-44

But the other one made him shut up: “Have you no fear of God? You’re getting the same as him. We deserve this, but not him—he did nothing to deserve this.” Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you enter your kingdom.” He said, “Don’t worry, I will. Today you will join me in paradise.” Luke 23:40-43

Jesus’ mother, his aunt, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene stood at the foot of the cross. Jesus saw his mother and the disciple he loved standing near her. He said to his mother, “Woman, here is your son.” Then to the disciple, “Here is your mother.” From that moment the disciple accepted her as his own mother.  Jesus, seeing that everything had been completed so that the Scripture record might also be complete, then said, “I’m thirsty.” A jug of sour wine was standing by. Someone put a sponge soaked with the wine on a javelin and lifted it to his mouth. After he took the wine, Jesus said, “It’s done . . . complete.” Bowing his head, he offered up his spirit. John 19:25-30

Christ on the Cross was still Hated by his Enemies

The Jewish High Council had followed Jesus step by step through all the channels of his trial. Even at the cross, they do not leave, but stay right there at the cross. The Chief Priest himself is there and takes part in the mockery of Jesus.

Jesus on the Cross was an object of indifference to the World

The great majority of the great throng that surged around the cross were simple people of the world. They had heard that something was going on, they saw the growing procession, and they fell in line. It must have been quiet the spectacle. Here was Jesus hanging on the cross, robbed of his simple garments, dying in bitter agony.

There are many today who do not know God. Jesus and His cross means nothing to them. Today the Nursery School students wished that they could have Easter without the cross. How about you? Do you wish for an Easter without the cross, death and pain?

Jesus on the Cross is still an Object of Faith and Love

Judged by mere human sense the cross did not look like a victory. But taking what seems to be broken and making it a victory is God’s specialty. There were the faithful women and men at the cross that would not desert Jesus. They were filled with love, and expectation that God would do something. The Spirit of God had touched their hearts.

Today we know that Good Friday was followed by Easter. We know the victories that God has won in all the ages and in our lives with love. The greatest love of all is seen on the cross.

Inside the Church of the Holy Sepulchre is the place where tradition has it that Jesus was crucified.

On Golgotha (Calvary) a Greek Orthodox altar, with a silver disc under it, marks the place of the crucifixion. On both sides of the altar are impressions which mark the locations where the Romans crucified the thieves together with Jesus. The bedrock beneath is the original rock of Golgotha. The rock beneath contains a large crack caused by the cosmic events which accompanied Jesus’ death.

Below is a second place that tradition says might be the place that Jesus was crucified, it’s in the Garden Tomb. By the Garden Tomb is a cliff that looks like a skull. Thus it fits the description of Golgotha ( Golgotha in Aramaic means “the place of the skull”).

Jesus on the Way to Golgotha Day 36, March 29, 2010

Jesus on the Way to Golgotha

Day 36, March 29, 2010

Then he handed him over to them to be crucified. So they took Jesus; and carrying the cross by himself, he went out to what is called The Place of the Skull, which in Hebrew is called Golgotha. John 19:16-17

From out of Pilate’s palace emerges a throng of Roman soldiers, members of the Jewish council, crowds of people; in the midst Jesus, bound, led by soldiers, in company with condemned criminals; His body bruised and bleeding, on His brow the crown of thorns.

Stone pavement from Jesus day, said to be where the cross was laid on his shoulders.

Chapel of the Flagellation. Crowning Jesus with the crown of thorns is one of the themes of the chapel.

Jesus on the Way to Golgotha

Hurriedly preparations were made, hurriedly the procession was started. There was a law which prescribed that ten days were to elapse after a sentence was pronounced before it could be executed, save in the case of murderers and revolutionaries. Jesus was led by Roman soldiers. Near him walked the common criminals under sentence of death. And. According to Roman custom, He was compelled to bear his own cross. No disciples, no friends were near. He treads this path alone.

As they led him away, they seized a man, Simon of Cyrene, who was coming from the country, and they laid the cross on him, and made him carry it behind Jesus. A great number of the people followed him, and among them were women who were beating their breasts and wailing for him. Luke 23:26-27

There was a little relief for Jesus as He walked toward Calvary, but it was not the result of the compassion of the soldiers. He was relieved of the burden of the cross. Only after his body refused to bear the burden any longer. This chapel was built by Polish soldiers after WW II to commemorate Jesus falling under the weight of the cross.

The fifth station is a chapel dedicated to Simon of Cyrene who carried Jesus’ cross.

This is base of the altar from station VII, where Jesus fell a second time.

Jesus on Trial Before Pilate Day 35, March 28, 2010

Jesus on Trial Before Pilate

Day 35, March 28, 2010

Jesus was condemned, bound, like an ordinary criminal and led along the streets of the Holy City in the early hours of the morning; — he is bound for the palace of Pilate.

When morning came, all the chief priests and the elders of the people conferred together against Jesus in order to bring about his death. They bound him, led him away, and handed him over to Pilate the governor. Matthew 27:1-2

Then they took Jesus from Caiaphas to Pilate’s headquarters. It was early in the morning. They themselves did not enter the headquarters, so as to avoid ritual defilement and to be able to eat the Passover. So Pilate went out to them and said, “What accusation do you bring against this man?” They answered, “If this man were not a criminal, we would not have handed him over to you.” John 18:28-30

The Presiding Judge.

The civil tribunal before which Jesus was tried was occupied by Pontius Pilate. Pilate was as ordinary Roman governor, having a general desire to keep up the Roman tradition of judicial fairness, but lacking the necessary firmness, and swayed by selfish considerations.

Pilate did not reside regularly at Jerusalem, but came as business, or policy, dictated. He generally came at the time of the Passover in order to keep a watchful eye on the multitudes which flowed into the city at this time.

When Jesus was brought to Pilate in the early morning hours, the Jews would not go into the palace, so that they could eat the Passover. If they went into the palace they would have been ritually unclean.

Scholars believe that Jesus was tried before Pilate on either the east side of Jerusalem (at the Antonia Fortress) or the west side of the city (at Herod’s Palace and Fortress).  When Titus destroyed Jerusalem, in 70 A.D., he spared Herod’s Palace but not the Antonia Fortress.

This photograph depicts a surviving underground room, near the Antonia Fortress, which is known today as “the Prison of Christ.”  No one can be sure whether that is an accurate description.

This photograph depicts an area of that Herodian fortress.

Another possible location, of the trial before Pilate, is Herod’s Palace and Fortress, located on the west side of Jerusalem, near the Jaffe Gate.  Historians believe that whenever Roman Prefacts (such as Pilate) visited Jerusalem, they stayed at Herod’s Palace.

The Charges Against Jesus

Jesus had been sentenced to death by the Sanhedrin Council for blasphemy, for claiming to be the Son of God. The Jews answered him, “We have a law, and according to that law he ought to die because he has claimed to be the Son of God.” John 19:7 But this is not even mentioned in the statement to Pilate, because he was not concerned about their religious squabbles. So they gave their case a political twist.

The Judicial Deliberation

Pilate had only scorn for Jewish complaints; but from the very beginning  there was something which seemed to draw him to Jesus. He takes Jesus into the inner palace for conference. Pilate was intrigued by the claim Christ made to be king. But when it came to consider the nature of Christ’s kingship, Pilate could not appreciate it.

After the most careful consideration, Pilate was able to give evidence, weighing the motives of the accusers, and the bearing and words of Jesus, that Jesus was innocent.

The Verdict Rendered

Pilates rendered the correct verdict when he proclaimed that Jesus was innocent. But he would have had to reverse the verdict of the Jewish court and it was something Pilate did not want to do. He decides to send Jesus to Herod, after his proposal to set Jesus free is met with resistance.

In the end everyone rejects Jesus and the verdict of crucifixion is pronounced upon him. He will be whipped 39 times and then led out of the city to be executed.

There are three charges against Jesus. He is charged with being a disturber of the peace. Secondly, he was charged with forbidding payment to Rome. Thirdly, Jesus was claiming to be a king.

Jesus on Trial Before the High Priest Day 34, March 27, 2010

Jesus on Trial Before the High Priest

Day 34, March 27, 2010

Jesus is now a prisoner, bound with tongs and led away, over the Kidron Valley into the city, along the almost deserted streets. They are bound for the high priest’s house.

Below are pictures of the Kidron Valley

Now the chief priests and the whole council were looking for false testimony against Jesus so that they might put him to death, but they found none, though many false witnesses came forward. At last two came forward and said, “This fellow said, ‘I am able to destroy the temple of God and to build it in three days.’ ” The high priest stood up and said, “Have you no answer? What is it that they testify against you?” But Jesus was silent. Then the high priest said to him, “I put you under oath before the living God, tell us if you are the Messiah, the Son of God.” Jesus said to him, “You have said so. But I tell you, From now on you will see the Son of Man seated at the right hand of Power and coming on the clouds of heaven.”

Then the high priest tore his clothes and said, “He has blasphemed! Why do we still need witnesses? You have now heard his blasphemy. What is your verdict?” They answered, “He deserves death.” Then they spat in his face and struck him; and some slapped him, saying, “Prophesy to us, you Messiah! Who is it that struck you?” Matthew 26:59-68

The Conduct of Those Who Tried Jesus

Jesus was first led to the house of Annas. We know little of this meeting. It might have been a meeting of self-gratulatory in view of the success of their scheming to take Jesus.

In the meanwhile messengers were scurrying all over the city at this late hour in the night calling together the members of the Sanhedrim. They could not wait; their plan had to be well under way before morning. The second meeting, that of the Sanhedrim, was held in the house of Caiaphas.

Steps to the House of Caiaphas. This picture is of the steps which led to the house of Caiaphas in which
Jesus was kept the night after He was arrested (Matthew 26:57).

The entrance to the Armenian convent and church is located near the Zion gate, as seen below. It was established in the 14th C.

The photo below shows the cloister (court yard) of the church of the house of Caiaphas. On the left side is an altar, and on other sides are grand tomb stones of the Armenian Patriarchs.

Dungeon. This is a dungeon below the house of Caiaphas wherein Jesus may have spent
the night following His arrest (Matthew 26:57).

This midnight session, is in keeping with dark spirit of the instigators and was illegal according to Jewish law. Recognizing this, the Sanhedrim adjourned, and scheduled another session in the early morning.

The Conduct of Jesus Before the High Priest

The bitterness of the Sanhedrim and the High Priest against Jesus was very evident. Jesus on the contrary, was the personification of noble dignity, of calm self-possession, of patience, of forbearance, of confidence in the ultimate triumph of righteousness.

When they asked Jesus about his disciples and his words, He calmly replies, “I have spoken openly to the world; I have always taught in synagogues and in the temple, where all the Jews come together. I have said nothing in secret. Why do you ask me? Ask those who heard what I said to them; they know what I said.” John 18:20-21

“Now the chief priests and the whole council were looking for false testimony against Jesus so that they might put him to death, but they found none, though many false witnesses came forward. ” Matthew 26:59-61

As a result of all this there is a recurring thought – Jesus is innocent. The world and the church combined against him; but they all failed. No charge was substantiated. Jesus is a martyr, but not a failure.

Let us remember that the one who stood meekly before earthly judges shall come again to earth. Then the conditions are going to be reversed. He will be the judge.

Jesus is Betrayed Day 33, March 26, 2010

Jesus is Betrayed

Day 33, March 26, 2010

At the close of the conflict in Gethsemane, Jesus came to his slumbering disciples and said, “Get up! Let’s get going! My betrayer is here.” Matthew 26:46

We don’t know the exact place of the betrayal. It is said that is took place near the entrance to the garden. This is the traditional site that could be argued both for and against as the right place. The facts surrounding the event are what are most important.

“Get up! Let’s get going! My betrayer is here.” The words were barely out of his mouth when Judas (the one from the Twelve) showed up, and with him a gang from the high priests and religious leaders brandishing swords and clubs. The betrayer had worked out a sign with them: “The one I kiss, that’s the one—seize him.” He went straight to Jesus, greeted him, “How are you, Rabbi?” and kissed him.

Jesus said, “Friend, why this charade?”

Then they came on him—grabbed him and roughed him up. One of those with Jesus pulled his sword and, taking a swing at the Chief Priest’s servant, cut off his ear.

Jesus said, “Put your sword back where it belongs. All who use swords are destroyed by swords. Don’t you realize that I am able right now to call to my Father, and twelve companies—more, if I want them—of fighting angels would be here, battle-ready? But if I did that, how would the Scriptures come true that say this is the way it has to be?”

Then Jesus addressed the mob: “What is this—coming out after me with swords and clubs as if I were a dangerous criminal? Day after day I have been sitting in the Temple teaching, and you never so much as lifted a hand against me. You’ve done it this way to confirm and fulfill the prophetic writings.” Then all the disciples cut and ran. Matthew 26:46-56

This is the inside of the Church of Agony (Church of All Nations) located right next to the Garden of Gethsemane.

Outside of the Church of Agony.

Painting in the church of Jesus being Betrayed with the kiss by Judas.

Ceiling in the church, decorated with Olive trees.

Facing the altar, by the front doors of the church looking in.

Jesus Betrayed

The betrayer was Judas, a man who was part of Jesus’ twelve disciples. Tradition says that Judas was the treasurer for the group. Judas must have slipped away from the group to meet his co-conspirators as they left the Upper Room.

The Sanhedrin and the temple police armed with staves along with Roman soldiers, armed with swords came to arrest Jesus. Leading this band was Judas. The sing by which to recognize Jesus, was with a kiss, a friends salutation.

The Betrayal

The preparations made of arresting Jesus shows that a spirit of uneasiness prevailed among those who were going to carry it out.

Jesus sees them coming and asks, “Who are you after?”     They answered, “Jesus the Nazarene.” John 18:4

Even now in this moment when literally all Hell is breaking loose, Jesus did not forget his disciples. Jesus asked again, “Who are you after?”  They answered, “Jesus the Nazarene.”   ”I told you,” said Jesus, “that’s me. I’m the one. So if it’s me you’re after, let these others go.” (This validated the words in his prayer, “I didn’t lose one of those you gave.”) John 18:7-9

It becomes clear to the disciples that Jesus is not going to use any of the power they had seen him use for his deliverance. So Peter draws a sword and cuts off the servant of the High Priest’s ear. Then they arrest Jesus and all of his disciples run away.

The Betrayed

This whole event has more than human power behind it. The powers beyond this world are at work now. Why? Because Jesus is the Champion of truth and righteousness; he is foe of all wickedness. This is God’s plan to save the world and devil will attempt to derail this plan. The devil thinks killing Jesus will put a stop to God’s love of the world. The devils work becomes part of God’s plan for the ultimate love-resurrection.

Jesus in Gethsemane Day 32, March 25, 2010

Jesus in Gethsemane

Day 32, March 25, 2010

After the service in the Upper Room, Jesus led his disciples out into the night, to the garden of Gethsemane.

On the way to the garden, Jesus tells them that they will be scattered after He the shepherd has been smitten.

When they had sung the hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives.  Then Jesus said to them, “You will all become deserters because of me this night; for it is written,  ’I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock will be scattered.’ Matthew 26:30-31

Matthew 26:36-46

Then Jesus went with them to a place called Gethsemane; and he said to his disciples, “Sit here while I go over there and pray.” He took with him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, and began to be grieved and agitated. Then he said to them, “I am deeply grieved, even to death; remain here, and stay awake with me.” And going a little farther, he threw himself on the ground and prayed, “My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from me; yet not what I want but what you want.” Then he came to the disciples and found them sleeping; and he said to Peter, “So, could you not stay awake with me one hour? Stay awake and pray that you may not come into the time of trial; the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” Again he went away for the second time and prayed, “My Father, if this cannot pass unless I drink it, your will be done.” Again he came and found them sleeping, for their eyes were heavy. So leaving them again, he went away and prayed for the third time, saying the same words. Then he came to the disciples and said to them, “Are you still sleeping and taking your rest? See, the hour is at hand, and the Son of Man is betrayed into the hands of sinners. Get up, let us be going. See, my betrayer is at hand.”

Jesus in Gethsemane

Gethsemane was a sequestered spot on the slope of Mt. of Olives. It was a place that Jesus often went for rest, mediation and prayer. John 18:2, Now Judas, who betrayed him, also knew the place, because Jesus often met there with his disciples. Now it will become a place of spiritual conflict.

The garden might bring to mind the original garden of Eden, where Adam fell and this falling brought sin into our lives. Now the New Adam, will be tempted in the garden and will not fall. This night, the real conflict was Jesus brining his human will into complete harmony with the divine will of the Father.

These pictures were taken at an Olive Garden in Jerusalem. Some of these trees date back to the time of Jesus.

Jesus’ Suffering in Gethsemane

Jesus’ suffering in the garden was an internal or soul suffering in comparison to his physical sufferings that he would endure later that night. Jesus is determined to accomplish his work, but tonight the question arises in his mind, “Are death, and the death of the cross, the necessary means for that end.”

Jesus is enduring this for us. He was wounded for our transgressions. He is the Lamb of God slain for the sin of the world. His suffering is vicarious in our place and stead.

The Suffering Savior’s Prayer in Gethsemane

Jesus was a man of prayer. Prayer was the weapon with which Jesus went into conflict with the power of darkness. The burden of Jesus’ prayer was for deliverance from the cup of suffering, that if it were possible to find some other way of accomplishing the Divine plan that would he be spared. But whatever is the cost, Jesus wanted only the will of the Father to be done. Lord, teach us to pray.

Jesus’ Victory in Gethsemane

Jesus’ prayer was not in vain, angels came to minister to him. Luke 22:43 Then an angel from heaven appeared to him and gave him strength. Christ’s great victory in Gethsemane was the subordination of his human will to the Divine will; the girding of Him to endure whatever may come in the path of duty.

From this victory we should learn that victory can come to us only by making God’s will our will. We put ourselves daily in God’s hands, and act in accordance with the will we know, we can have the assurance that all things are working for our ultimate good, that God’s will is being done in our lives and in His world.

Jesus in the Upper Room Day 31, March 24, 2010

Jesus in the Upper Room

Day 31, March 24, 2010

Today we will begin the last days of Lent looking at the Places of the Passion. We begin in the Upper Room.

On the first day of Unleavened Bread the disciples came to Jesus, saying, “Where do you want us to make the preparations for you to eat the Passover?” [18] He said, “Go into the city to a certain man, and say to him, ‘The Teacher says, My time is near; I will keep the Passover at your house with my disciples.’ ” [19] So the disciples did as Jesus had directed them, and they prepared the Passover meal.

[20] When it was evening, he took his place with the twelve; [21] and while they were eating, he said, “Truly I tell you, one of you will betray me.” [22] And they became greatly distressed and began to say to him one after another, “Surely not I, Lord?” [23] He answered, “The one who has dipped his hand into the bowl with me will betray me. [24] The Son of Man goes as it is written of him, but woe to that one by whom the Son of Man is betrayed! It would have been better for that one not to have been born.” [25] Judas, who betrayed him, said, “Surely not I, Rabbi?” He replied, “You have said so.”

[26] While they were eating, Jesus took a loaf of bread, and after blessing it he broke it, gave it to the disciples, and said, “Take, eat; this is my body.” [27] Then he took a cup, and after giving thanks he gave it to them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you; [28] for this is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. [29] I tell you, I will never again drink of this fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father’s kingdom.” Matthew 26:17-29

Below are photos of the Upper Room in Jerusalem from my 2009 Pilgrimage to Israel.

It was here that Jesus was to celebrate the Passover with his disciples. The Passover is a feast that commemorates past blessings as well as a feast for greater future blessings.

In the Upper Room Jesus points out the Treachery of the Traitor. [21] and while they were eating, he said, “Truly I tell you, one of you will betray me.” Yet, Judas acts as if he is still a faithful disciple. We know that nothing is hidden from Jesus. John 2:25; and needed no one to testify about anyone; for he himself knew what was in everyone.

The disciples are alarmed by this announcement. “Is it I?” Only one may have betrayed him in the sense that Jesus is speaking of here at the table. But all of the disciples would betray him, deny him and leave him in the garden and on the cross. We may all take to heart the words of the Master, spoken later that night, “Watch and pray, that you may not enter into temptation.”

Jesus Instituted the Lord’s Supper. While still at the table where the Passover had been celebrated, and with the elements used in that feast Jesus instituted another feast, one which was to be just as permanent for the Christian Church and just as faithfully kept, as was the Passover for the Jews.

This feast we now know as the Lord’s Supper, was Christ’s testamentary bequest to His Church. Even as Jesus is standing in the shadow of the cross, his thoughts are for his disciples, that they may be comforted and strengthened. He gives to us the gift of forgiveness of sins that frees us for life. When we gather at the table we should remember the passion of Jesus. He is the Lamb that is sacrificed for us.

We join the saints in singing a new song: “Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, an honor, and glory, and blessing.” – Hammersten.

Leave Boldly: Living It Up March 23, 2010

Leave Boldly: Living It Up

March 23, 2010

One Month to Live

30 days to a no-regrets Life

by Kerry and Chris Shook.

Principle 1: Live Passionately, Living each day as if it were your last.

Principle 2: Love Completely, showing others love that transcends and transforms.

Principle 3: Learn Humbly, growing through your problems and pain

Principle 4: Leave Boldly, Creating a legacy that will impact generations

Day 30, March 23, 2010—Living It Up

Today is the last day using the Book 30 Days to a No-Regrets Life. We will be spending the last 40 days of our 40 day Lenten Journey looking at the scriptures and Jesus last week on earth.

“Here is the test to find whether your mission on Earth is finished: If you’re alive, it isn’t.” – Richard Bach

“Though no one can go back and make a brand-new start, anyone can start now and make a brand-new ending.” – Carl Bard

So love the Lord God with all your passion and prayer and intelligence and energy.’ Mark 12:30

A thief is only there to steal and kill and destroy. I came so they can have real and eternal life, more and better life than they ever dreamed of. John 10:10

Mortals have a limited life span. You’ve already decided how long we’ll live—you set the boundary and no one can cross it. Job 14:5

Your time is not up yet. God willing, you will live for many, many, more months, years, or decades, enjoying life to the fullest, forever changed as you embrace who God has made you to be. Your life is the extraordinary gift that God has given you. Your goal is to unwrap this gift and use all that you’ve been given to love God and other people.

Passion: This book has been about igniting and restoring passion to your life. Passion is the fuel for sustaining the one-month- to- live lifestyle over the long haul. Passion drives us to share the love of God with those around us. Passion is what gives life to life.

To keep your passion alive and thriving, you will need to include it’s four key ingredients in your life.

1.  Love. Love is the foundation of a passionate, purposeful life. It’s the fuel that fires passion in a relationship and productivity at work. Have you lost your passion for God? Start focusing on God’s love for you, spend time with God’s Word and in prayer.

2.  Integrity. This is uniting what we say we believe with the way we live. If you want to live passionately, then you must live a congruent life, acting according to what you believe is true. Noting destroys passion like lust and lack of integrity.

3.  Forgiveness. In each of the four principles of the book, forgiveness has emerged as a key element. Noting drains passion like an unresolved conflict. Resentment is another killer of passion. We are to be people who forgive, just as we have been forgiven.

4.  Enthusiasm. This word comes from Greek words that literally mean: “God within”. Only God can satisfy that deep longing within us. We can chase all kinds of things to fulfill us and make us happy, but only One satisfies us.

Love. Integrity. Forgiveness. Enthusiasm. Life. The passionate life, the one life we’ve been given to live.

There is a difference between a full life and a good life, full life. We can live a full life – full of activities and stress and anxiety. But what about a good full life. A life full of compassion and discipleship.

Jesus lived out the four principles that we have looked at over the last 30 days.

1. Jesus lived passionately. We even call the end of his life the Passion of Christ. John 10:10 I came so they can have real and eternal life, more and better life than they ever dreamed of.

2.  Jesus loved completely. John 13:1  Just before the Passover Feast, Jesus knew that the time had come to leave this world to go to the Father. Having loved his dear companions, he continued to love them right to the end.

3.  Jesus lived humbly. Philip. 2:8 Having become human, he stayed human. It was an incredibly humbling process. He didn’t claim special privileges. Instead, he lived a selfless, obedient life and then died a selfless, obedient death—and the worst kind of death at that: a crucifixion.

4. Jesus left boldly. He left an eternal legacy here on earth. Luke 9:51  When it came close to the time for his Ascension, he gathered up his courage and steeled himself for the journey to Jerusalem.

We are invited to make our dash, our life an incredible adventure of discovery, joy and purposeful contentment.

My hope for you is that this book has changed your life, that it made you think about what it means to live passionately and purposefully like never before.

My prayer for you is the God will use all that is true to inspire you to a new level of living.

My challenge to you is to live every day as if you had one month to live. – Kerry and Chris Shook.

Leave Boldly: Dying to Live March 22, 2010

Leave Boldly: Dying to Live

March 22, 2010

One Month to Live

30 days to a no-regrets Life

by Kerry and Chris Shook.

Principle 1: Live Passionately, Living each day as if it were your last.

Principle 2: Love Completely, showing others love that transcends and transforms.

Principle 3: Learn Humbly, growing through your problems and pain

Principle 4: Leave Boldly, Creating a legacy that will impact generations

Day 29, March 22, 2010—Dying to Live

“If I discover within myself a desire which no experience in this world can satisfy, the most probable explanation is that I was made for another world.” – C. S. Lewis

“Never be afraid to trust an unknown future to a known God.” – Corrie Ten Boom

Oh, how sweet the light of day, And how wonderful to live in the sunshine! Even if you live a long time, don’t take a single day for granted. Take delight in each light-filled hour, Remembering that there will also be many dark days Eccles. 11:7-9

He’ll wipe every tear from their eyes. Death is gone for good—tears gone, crying gone, pain gone—all the first order of things gone.” Rev. 21:4

We are born to die. Even as we take a first breath, there will be a day that we will take our last breath. The death rate is 100%. You can’t avoid it, you can’t cheat your way out of it. So the question we all must ask at some point, “What comes next?”

A recent poll showed that 81% of Americans believe in life after death. We have spent that last 29 days, thinking about our mortality so that we can be liberated for life. Thinking about our deaths can help us live a more intentional life and make very moment count.

What reminders of your mortality have you encountered this week? An ache or pain? A gray hair? Glasses to read? How do you feel when you face these little reminders?

Heaven Can’t Wait

One day you will stop breathing but you won’t stop living. You’ll live forever in eternity. Heaven and Hell are the choices we have to spend eternity. Think of Heaven as being with God forever and Hell as being separated from God forever.

If we want to experience heaven, then we must live each moment here on earth prepared for eternity. You’re not really ready to live until you’re ready to die. How do we get in? It’s not about what we do as it is who you know.

Heaven is a perfect place for perfect people and the problem is that we are not perfect. We’ve all sinned. That is why Jesus came to earth and why as we enter Passion Week, that Jesus dies for us. We see in Jesus’ suffering the depth of God’s love for us.

What do you know about heaven? How has your view of heaven been shaped? Books, movies, television, Scriptures, sermons?

Eternal Assurance

We often live on earth as if we’re going to live here forever. We concentrate on things that seem important to us at the moment but that ultimately don’t last. Our focus needs to be on God’s Word and people. God’s word allows us to be Christ like, learning the values from God’s word and applying them. People live forever in eternity, so relationships are important in life.

What we do with the dash of time here on earth prepares us for eternity. No matter how long we live, it will only be like a few seconds in the grand scope of eternity.

A young mother has terminal cancer and the doctors only gave her weeks to live. Her pastor visited her when she asked, “You said that a thousand years is like a day to God. Is that true?” “Yes,” said the pastor. “The Bible says a thousand years is like a day to God.” “Good, because I’ve been doing the math, and I figure if a thousand years is like a day, then forty years is like an hour. I’ll be leaving my husband and the children soon. He may live another 40 years, but that will be just like an hour to me in heaven. When he gets to heaven, I’ll greet him and say, ‘Where have you been for an hour? I’ve missed you.’ ‘My children may live another 70-80 years, but that will be like two hours to me. When they get to heaven, I’ll greet them and say, ‘How was school today? Mom misses you when you’re gone for a couple of hours. I wonder how you are doing, because mommies don’t like to be away from their children.’”

Two weeks later, the last thing she said to her husband was, ‘I love you. Take care of my children. I’ll see you in an hour.’ Now that’s an eternal perspective. That’s the real perspective that can motivate each of us to live the one-month-to-live lifestyle for years to come.

Prayer: Lord, I don’t want to die. But I want to live even more than I dislike death. Keep me close to you each day. Help me to live the next five minutes in a way that will count forever.  Amen.

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