Special day Archives — The Living Word

Dec. 18-25: The Miracle Birth — God’s Promise Becomes Reality

December 16, 2022 by Ian Greig Leave a Comment

A Herefordshire village under snow with Christmas tree in foreground — Snow brings a Christmas look to a Herefordshire, UK, village

This is The Living Word for Sunday, December 18, and Sunday December 25, 2022

Psalm 80:1-7, 17-19

Isaiah 7:10-16, Isaiah 9:2-7 — God’s sign of a light in the darkness

Matthew 1:18-25, Luke 2:1-14 — God’s Son enters our human world

Romans 1:1-7, Titus 2:11-14 — Salvation is offered by God’s grace

• See also this week’s linked article which forms the basis of this week’s podcast.

• Watch this week’s video (to follow) on https://thelivingword.substack.com

Isaiah 7:10-16, Isaiah 9:2-7 — God’s sign of a light in the darkness

The virgin who conceives and gives birth to “God with us” foretold

Isa. 7:10-11 Again the Lord spoke to Ahaz, “Ask the Lord your God for a sign, whether in the deepest depths or in the highest heights.”

“Ahaz” — a notoriously faithless king who saw much of Judah taken prisoner by Assyria and the northern kingdom of Israel, but not before Isaiah had urged him to put his trust in Yahweh.

12 But Ahaz said, “I will not ask; I will not put the Lord to the test.”

“I will not ask” — feigning humility, Ahaz, does not want to turn to God.

13-14 Then Isaiah said, “Hear now, you house of David! Is it not enough to try the patience of humans? Will you try the patience of my God also? Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel.

“A sign” — as often occurs in OT prophecy, there is more than one fulfilment in view.

15-16 “He will be eating curds and honey when he knows enough to reject the wrong and choose the right, for before the boy knows enough to reject the wrong and choose the right, the land of the two kings you dread will be laid waste.”

The sign for Ahaz to trust the Lord was a ‘type’ for the Virgin Mary in Isaiah’s betrothal, Isaiah 8:1-4. The Christian church has seen this prophecy reach further to Christ’s incarnation and birth as Immanuel, God with us.

Isaiah 9:2-7

2-3 The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned. You have enlarged the nation and increased their joy; they rejoice before You as people rejoice at the harvest, as warriors rejoice when dividing the plunder.

“Deep darkness” — from refusing to trust God and spiritual confusion, to receiving light in God’s grace.

• For further study see Isaiah 8:22, 42:6, 49:6; Matt. 4:15-16, Luke 2:32.

4 For as in the day of Midian’s defeat, you have shattered the yoke that burdens them, the bar across their shoulders, the rod of their oppressor. Every warrior’s boot used in battle and every garment rolled in blood will be destined for burning, will be fuel for the fire.

“As in… Midian’s defeat” — freedom comes by trusting God, like Gideon’s tiny army, Judges 6-7.

6-7 For to us a child is born, to us a Son is given, and the government will be on His shoulders. And He will be called Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the greatness of His government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David’s throne and over His kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the Lord Almighty will accomplish this.

“Greatness” — the one born to reign for ever is given four titles emphasising His kingdom purpose, power, compassion and protection. “Everlasting Father” is about His guiding care, not the error of viewing the Son and the Father as the same (modalism).

Reflection

SUMMARY AND APPLICATION Isaiah sets out with clarity what God is going to do — through an unmarried woman, birth of a royal Son related to King David, anointed to rule with justice and righteousness.

QUESTION Why do we (and King Ahaz) find it difficult to trust God?

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Matthew 1:18-25, Luke 2:1-14 — God’s Son enters our human world

Angelic messengers appear to Joseph — and to shepherds in Bethlehem

Matt. 1:18-19 This is how the birth of Jesus the Messiah came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be pregnant through the Holy Spirit.Because Joseph her husband was faithful to the law, and yet did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly.

“Pledged to be married” — betrothal required legal divorce to end it and Joseph, a righteous man, wanted to spare Mary the shame if possible.

“Her husband” — or husband-to-be. Similarly in v.24 Matthew describes Mary as “his wife”.

20-21 But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son, and you are to give Him the name Jesus, because He will save His people from their sins.”

“Joseph son of David” — the angel prepares him to understand that the miraculous conception would be a son who would grow to fulfil the role of Messiah.

22-23 All this took place to fulfil what the Lord had said through the prophet: “The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel” (which means “God with us”).

“Fulfil” — one of 12 times Matthew shows the OT being worked out in Jesus’ life.

• For further study see, Matt. 2:15, 23; 3:15; 4:14; 5:17; 8:17; 12:17; 13:14, 35; 21:4; 27:9.

24-25 When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife. But he did not consummate their marriage until she gave birth to a son. And he gave Him the name Jesus.

“Until she gave birth” — the virgin birth is strongly inferred here; in Luke 1:34-35 it is stated clearly.

Luke 2:1-14

1-3 In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. (This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria. And everyone went to their own town to register.

“In those days” — for mainly Greek-culture readers, Luke anchors the events of the birth in world events.

4-5 So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child.

“Register with Mary” — who was of taxable age and who may also have been of the house of David. Their three-day journey took them to where Micah 5:2 had predicted the Messiah would be born.

6-7 While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped Him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.

“No guest room” — in a home; the small village of Bethlehem would not have had an inn.

8-9 And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified.

“Shepherds living out” — in good grazing land where sheep were kept for sacrifice in nearby Jerusalem. No conclusion can be drawn for the time of year. Christmas was first celebrated in Rome in AD 354 and December 25 later became popular, to fit a Roman festival.

10-12 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Saviour has been born to you; He is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”

Good news — Jesus is the person of the Good News which Isaiah had spoken about, Isaiah 52:7; 61:1.

13-14 Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom His favour rests.”

“Peace… favour” — the angels’ choice of titles, Christ, Saviour, Lord, point to that peace coming from recognising Jesus as the Christ or Messiah, receiving from Him as Saviour what cannot be earned, and submitting to Him as Lord.

Reflection

SUMMARY AND APPLICATION The extraordinary circumstances of the birth of the Saviour of the world are detailed in these two gospel accounts which bring their own perspectives. Both Mary and Joseph had to believe God for what could appear shameful, and trust what they had been told in angelic visitations. The shepherds had to trust God, and act on their unique call to be the first witnesses.

QUESTION Why did God choose the people He did, to be part of this greatest of all revelations?

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Romans 1:1-7, Titus 2:11-14 — Our faith in God’s grace saves us

Jesus has secured for us a privilege which is humanly impossible to attain

Romans 1:1-2 Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle and set apart for the gospel of God — the gospel He promised beforehand through His prophets in the Holy Scriptures…

“Servant… Apostle” — Paul introduces himself as a willing bond-servant to Jesus and one who (with the Twelve) has seen Him, Acts 9, and been commissioned by Him to go out on His behalf.

3-5 …regarding His Son, who as to His earthly life was a descendant of David, and who through the Spirit of holiness was appointed the Son of God in power by His resurrection from the dead: Jesus Christ our Lord. Through Him we received grace and apostleship to call all the Gentiles to the obedience that comes from faith for His name’s sake.

“Regarding His Son” — Paul headlines the good news, how Jesus came as a human by natural descent, was part of the Jewish royal line, died and was raised from the dead — then to be the means of grace for us to turn to Him in faith and receive new life. This will be expanded throughout the letter.

“Obedience that comes from faith” — faith comes first, prompting the change of heart decision to believe and trust the Lord, evidenced in a change of values and behaviour.

6 And you also are among those Gentiles who are called to belong to Jesus Christ.

Those Gentiles… called to belong” — Paul, a Jew, was called to preach especially to non-Jews. In multi-racial Rome he needed to emphasise that Gentiles fully belonged, and were loved by God, v.7

7 To all in Rome who are loved by God and called to be His holy people: Grace and peace to you from God our Father and from the Lord Jesus Christ.

Titus 2:11-14

11-12 For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age…

“The grace of God has appeared” — Jesus has come, not to set the bar for what we must do, but as the living representation of what God has done for us. Not all will be saved, but anyone can turn to Jesus and choose to receive the salvation He offers.

“Teaches us” — the ongoing grace of God is experienced by the Spirit of God who instructs, coaches, and encourages, enabling us to live above ourselves.

13 …while we wait for the blessed hope — the appearing of the glory of our great God and Saviour, Jesus Christ…

“Wait for the blessed hope” — a clear focus on Christ’s return is holy living, 1 John 3:2-3.

14 … who gave Himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for Himself a people that are His very own, eager to do what is good.

“Redeem us… and… purify” — the Lord wants us free of the baggage of life’s sin to partner with Him in His mission.

Reflection

SUMMARY AND APPLICATION Up to now, all the characters in this story have been Jews. Now the story is retold — to non-Jews, with an emphasis on God’s offer of salvation to all people. Now it is more than believing who Jesus Christ is. It is being aware of the spiritual flow of His grace, belonging to Jesus and showing it by lives being changed from the inside.

QUESTION What is our sense of belonging to Christ, and being a people of His very own? Does this make us guard our privilege, or prompt us to share it?

PRAYER Father God, we are deeply thankful for the undeserved favour of being able to know Jesus and belong to Him — a thanks redoubled at this time of year. We pray for a move of Your Spirit that will take families and whole communities from a Christmas card romantic faith, to a realisation that Jesus is present, personal and welcoming to all who turn to Him. May faith rise around us as You enable us to play our part in sharing the Good News. Amen.

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Nov. 27: Living in Christlike order, expecting His imminent return

November 26, 2022 by Ian Greig Leave a Comment

Looking south from Hay Tor over the late autumn browns and greens of Dartmoor, Devon, SW UK. — Looking south from Hay Tor over the late autumn colours of Dartmoor, Devon, south-west UK.

This is The Living Word Bible study for groups and individuals, using the set Bible readings for November 27 taken from the interdenominational Revised Common Lectionary which is widely used by a variety of churches and chapels.

Psalm 122

Isaiah 2:1-5 — A time is coming when the world will seek its Lord

Matthew 24:36-44 — Make Jesus your Lord and be ready for His coming

Romans 13:11-14 — A wake up call for us to live the way Jesus wants

This week’s Advent Sunday theme: Living in Christlike order, expecting His imminent return

• See also this week’s article which tells the story through the main Bible readings set for Nov. 27.

• And you can listen to the podcast, or watch the video, on https://thelivingword.substack.com

Psalm 122

1 I rejoiced with those who said to me, “Let us go to the house of the LORD.”

2 Our feet are standing in your gates, Jerusalem.

3 Jerusalem is built like a city that is closely compacted together.

4 That is where the tribes go up — the tribes of the LORD — to praise the name of the LORD according to the statute given to Israel.

5 There stand the thrones for judgment, the thrones of the house of David.

6 Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: “May those who love you be secure.

7-8 “May there be peace within your walls and security within your citadels.” For the sake of my family and friends, I will say, “Peace be within you.”

9 For the sake of the house of the LORD our God, I will seek your prosperity.

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Isaiah 2:1-5 — A time is coming when the world will seek its Lord

A picture of the Last Days with nations seeking to know God’s way of peace

1 This is what Isaiah son of Amoz saw concerning Judah and Jerusalem:

“What Isaiah… saw” — a repetition of the title of Isaiah 1:1, suggesting that chapter 1 is the introduction to the whole book.

2 In the last days, the mountain of the LORD’S temple will be established as the highest of the mountains; it will be exalted above the hills, and all nations will stream to it.

“In the last days…” — verses 2, 3 and 4 are almost identical to Isaiah’s younger contemporary Micah 4:1-3; they both foresaw a future time of divine messianic rule with the people of the earth learning the ways of God.

3 Many peoples will come and say, “Come, let us go up to the mountain of the LORD, to the temple of the God of Jacob. He will teach us His ways, so that we may walk in His paths.” The law will go out from Zion, the word of the LORD from Jerusalem.

“Teach us His ways… walk in His paths” — our “walk” is the way the Bible describes a dynamic and developing relationship with the Lord. The nations coming in would be ready to do God’s will, in contrast with Judah which had known the word, but not obeyed in that walk or relationship.

4 He will judge between the nations and will settle disputes for many peoples. They will beat their swords into ploughshares and their spears into pruning hooks. Nation will not take up sword against nation, nor will they train for war any more.

“Swords into ploughshares ” — or hoes. A picture of a world of genuine peace with the Holy Spirit enabling everyone to live reflecting God’s character.

5 Come, descendants of Jacob, let us walk in the light of the LORD.

“Come… let us walk in the light” — Isaiah calls people to come back to the covenant and live in the “light” or revelation of God’s law that illuminates the path leading to the peace promised in the future vision.

Reflection

SUMMARY The pilgrims singing psalms of ascent like Psalm 122 were thinking about the coming of the Messiah for the first time, but Isaiah’s vision of the Last Days takes a longer future perspective. Like Micah’s similar prophetic word, the central thought is about many people coming, finding God and living His way.

APPLICATION It is a prophecy associated with the Christian liturgical season of Advent, originally a preparation time for teaching new disciples about the ‘walk’ of faith, leading to their baptism as believers early in the New Year. The idea of preparation for Christmas grew out of Victorian custom when (in the UK) most families would attend church at Christmas.

QUESTION How do we view Advent as a season? What spiritual preparation is most relevant when church attendance is declining?

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Matthew 24:36-44 — Make Jesus your Lord and be ready for His coming

He promises to return unexpectedly and gather His own to Himself

36 “But about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.

“About that day or hour” — after teaching the seven woes, or warnings, against the hypocrisy of making converts to a religious tradition, Jesus left for the Mount of Olives where He answered the disciples’ questions about the end of the age and His return — at a time not even known to Him. Jesus, who is fully God, in becoming incarnate surrendered many divine attributes to become at the same time fully man, fully filled with the Holy Spirit.

• For further study: Jesus lays aside His glory, John 17:4-5, Phil. 2:5-8. Jesus’ superior insight and revelation, John 2:25, 16.30, 21:17.

37 “As it was in the days of Noah, so it will be at the coming of the Son of Man.

“As… In the days of Noah” — a hint that Christ’s return will suddenly break in to a time of unbelief and indifference.

38-39 “For in the days before the flood, people were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, up to the day Noah entered the ark; and they knew nothing about what would happen until the flood came and took them all away. That is how it will be at the coming of the Son of Man.

“They knew nothing… until the flood came” — a picture of indifference and unpreparedness. By contrast, Jesus’ disciples are enabled to live as those prepared and ready for the unexpected.

40-41 “Two men will be in the field; one will be taken and the other left. Two women will be grinding with a hand mill; one will be taken and the other left.

“One… taken… the other left” — a stark picture of separation at Christ’s return; some will be gathered by Him and others judged, in a separation of those who belong to Him, from those who have not made that choice.

• For further study, see John 3:14-18, John 6:47, Romans 10:9-10, 2 Cor. 5:17, Col. 2:6-7.

42 “Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come.

“Therefore…” — summary and application of verses 36-41. Believers have been tasked with the work of the Great Commission, Matt. 28:19-20, as an active watch, being always ready for Christ’s return, 1 Thess. 5:1-11; 1 Peter 4:7; 2 Peter 3:2-18.

• For further study, see this Bible study on accepting Christ which includes a prayer as a help for your own.

43-44 “But understand this: If the owner of the house had known at what time of night the thief was coming, he would have kept watch and would not have let his house be broken into. So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect Him.”

“You… must be ready” — further emphasis on being prepared for the unexpected, like a householder wise not to leave the home unprotected against a burglar’s swift appearance. This is the first of four parable illustrations about readiness. See also the good and wicked servants, the 10 virgins and the talents, Matt. 24:45-25:30.

Reflection

SUMMARY This is the first of four parables about being ready for the sudden and unexpected second coming of the Lord. Just as a householder needs to make sure their own house is secure, we need to ensure that we are spiritually secure through believing in Jesus and receiving the good news of the kingdom of God for ourselves. The suddenness of the coming is emphasised; it will divide family members and work partners because making a choice for Jesus is a personal decision — no one (and no ritual or institutional belonging) can make that choice for us.

APPLICATION Being ready, as a disciple of Jesus, implies what has been taught earlier in all the gospel accounts, about believing who Jesus is and putting trust in Him as Saviour. Anyone who is not ‘ready’ to take that step of faith stands as having been judged already, John 3:18 and see note to v.41.

QUESTION As Jesus’ disciples, we are required to be in a good state of readiness. How ready are we?

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Romans 13:11-14 — A wake up call for us to live the way Jesus wants

It’s time to put on His values and show ourselves to be those who are His

11 And do this, understanding the present time: The hour has already come for you to wake up from your slumber, because our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed.

“Do this” — everything Paul instructs in Romans 12:1-13:10 about practising love: firstly, in showing Christlike grace and harmony to one another as a diverse, gifted and mutual body of believers; secondly, by loving others outside the felowship without condition, and by respecting God’s order in the various authorities that exist.

“Our salvation” — there’s the salvation we gain in new life when we receive Jesus as Lord and trust Him with our lives; this will be followed by the final salvation at the end time. Then, the Lord Jesus will usher those that are His to a kind of ‘green channel’; others will have unredeemed sins to declare in the judgment of what we might imagine as the ‘red channel’.

12 The night is nearly over; the day is almost here. So let us put aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armour of light.

“The day is almost here” — a good example of NT about living in anticipation of Christ’s imminent return. The early Christians were not mistaken about expecting Christ’s return, but saw His death and resurrection as history’s turning point that began the last days. However long the night may seem it is the connection to the next great event, Christ’s second coming, and therefore “nearly over”.

13 Let us behave decently, as in the daytime, not in carousing and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and debauchery, not in dissension and jealousy.

“Behave decently, as in the daytime” — a more literal translation (NKJ) is: “Let us walk properly, as in the day [of salvation], not in… lust… strife and envy.” In other words, live as those anticipating that climactic day when Jesus Christ will again appear in majesty.

14 Rather, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the flesh.

“Clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ” — in other words, accept His lordship, putting on His values and willingly living by His guidance, rather than allowing the selfish drives of the flesh nature.

Reflection

SUMMARY At Christ’s second coming, all will be revealed by the light of His presence — and we are taught to live in the light, and hurry to clothe ourselves with Christlike gracious attitudes, as if the full light could come on any minute.

APPLICATION Choosing to receive Jesus into your heart as Lord is a choice to live the Way of Jesus (v.14) and to reject old ways (v.13). The human spirit, now aligned with the Holy Spirit, is learning to live in new life and new identity. But the pull of the flesh and its old ways may seek to revert. We have to assert the non-negotiable choice we have made and follow the Spirit’s leading and not the flesh and its temptation.

QUESTION What does the flesh say about the apparent delay in Jesus’ return? And how does the Spirit respond?

PRAYER Father God, as we come to You in Jesus we hear again the urgency of His words telling us that we must be ready for the unexpected.

We confess that the flesh is weak, and also lax, and we ask You to fill us afresh with Your Spirit and to give us a spirit of urgency. So many have not heard the good news of the kingdom of God and others we know, will not hear of it.

As Your church of the last days, awaken and alert us to the urgency of the mission of our time. May we reach out to others with Your irresistible love as well as the truth of Your word. For Jesus our Saviour and Lord. Amen

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April 5: Passion Sunday — How Jesus paid for our redemption

March 25, 2020 by Ian Greig Leave a Comment

April 5, 2020. Passion Sunday. TLW12A

Sunday Bible readings from the Revised Common Lectionary, Year A, shared across the denominations.

Theme: Jesus paid a high price for us to be able to call Him Lord

Read the passage first and let it speak for itself. The link takes you to the NIV text which combines accuracy with clarity. The order follows the sequence of the Bible, which is a progressive revelation from Old Testament, to a Gospel account, to the teaching of the early church who knew the perspective and empowering of the Holy Spirit. Following the Bible’s own sequence makes it much easier to grasp the overall thrust of what God is saying through it.

Then there are links to the verse-by-verse commentary and brief application.

Isaiah 50:4-9 — The messenger of good news knows God’s purpose will bring pain and shameful accusation – but also vindication

Isaiah verse-by-verse

Matthew 27:11-54 — Following Pilate’s sentence, as Jesus surrenders His life on the Cross, an earthquake destroys the temple curtain

Matthew verse-by-verse

Philippians 2:5-11 — How God became man in Jesus, the humble servant put to death under a curse and now honoured as Lord of heaven and earth

Philippians verse-by-verse

And also read: Psalm 31:9-16

Isaiah 50:4-9 — The messenger of good news submits to God’s purpose

There will be pain, and shameful accusation – but also vindication

4-5 The Sovereign LORD has given me a well-instructed tongue, to know the word that sustains the weary. He wakens Me morning by morning, wakens My ear to listen like one being instructed. The Sovereign LORD has opened My ears; I have not been rebellious, I have not turned away.

“A well-instructed tongue” – in this third Servant Song the Messiah, submissive to God, is being perfected through unwavering persistence.

“The word that sustains the weary” – refers back to an earlier prophecy, that the Lord, “who will not grow tired or weary”, sends His messenger with the good news that “He gives strength to the weary”, Isaiah 40:28-31.

6 I offered My back to those who beat Me, My cheeks to those who pulled out My beard; I did not hide My face from mocking and spitting.

“I offered My back” – and other torment, what Jesus experienced at His crucifixion, Matthew 26:67, 27:30.

“Mocking” – see Matt. 27:27-31 (below).

7 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.

“Shame” – at first, but the servant foresees the God-ordained outcome.

8 He who vindicates me is near. Who then will bring charges against Me? Let us face each other! Who is My accuser? Let him confront Me!

“Vindicate” – or justifies. Christ fulfilled this prophecy. As the human but sinless Saviour, He is uniquely empowered to cancel charges brought against those who choose to belong to Him.

• See Romans 8:31-34, 1 Timothy 3:16.

9 It is the Sovereign LORD who helps Me.

REFLECTION

This preview of what Jesus went through for us, helps us regain God’s perspective when we are wearied by the constant attacks of the enemy of our souls.

“Who is My accuser?” is the language of a legal victory in a courtroom. “Accuser” is similar in meaning to satan, adversary, reminding us that our spiritual enemy relies on finding legal grounds to oppress (our sin) and is stymied by the removal of those grounds (by finding grace, in Jesus).

QUESTION

When life is draining and we feel discouraged, where do those thoughts come from?

Matthew 27:11-54 — Pilate sentences Jesus to be flogged and crucified

As He surrenders His life, an earthquake rips apart the temple curtain

11 Meanwhile Jesus stood before the governor, and the governor asked Him, “Are You the king of the Jews?”
“You have said so,” Jesus replied.

“The governor” – the Roman historian Tacitus records Christ’s execution after sentencing by the prefect Pilate “in the reign of Tiberius”. The blasphemy accusation held little sway for a Roman official, so the Jews framed Jesus as a political rebel deserving of death.

12-14 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.

“Great amazement” – Pilate has not encountered a defendant who did not plead for mercy; if allegations of treason were true, Pilate would have been forewarned.

15-16 Now it was the governor’s custom at the festival to release a prisoner chosen by the crowd. At that time they had a well-known prisoner whose name was Jesus Barabbas.

17-18 So when the crowd had gathered, Pilate asked them, “Which one do you want me to release to you: Jesus Barabbas, or Jesus who is called the Messiah?” For he knew it was out of self-interest that they had handed Jesus over to him.

19 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.”

“That innocent man” – a disturbing nightmare was a significant sign to people of that time, Roman law was clear that an innocent man should not be put to death, and Pilate’s judicial instinct told him the charges were constructed. Yet he was more influenced by fear of the crowd.

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

21 “Which of the two do you want me to release to you?” asked the governor.
“Barabbas,” they answered.

22 “What shall I do, then, with Jesus who is called the Messiah?” Pilate asked.
They all answered, “Crucify Him!”

23 “Why? What crime has He committed?” asked Pilate. But they shouted all the louder, “Crucify Him!”

“Why?” – Pilate clearly thought the crowd would want the release of a doer of good, rather than Barabbas, seen as a violent robber in Mark 15:7, John 18:40. The crowd that noisily acclaimed Jesus as He entered the city, now proved strangely fickle.

24 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!”

25 All the people answered, “His blood is on us and on our children!”
“His blood is on us” – the self-curse found fulfilment among those present in the Jerusalem’s bloodshed and destruction in AD 70 (but is not an indictment against Jews in general).

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

“Flogged” – Roman flogging was so brutal it sometimes killed the victim. The “By His stripes” quotation about our healing being in Jesus’ wounding sees this as part of the execution, Isaiah 53:5. 1 Peter 2:24.

(RETURN)

27-29 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. Then they knelt in front of Him and mocked Him. “Hail, king of the Jews!” they said.

“Mocked Him” – Isaiah 50:6 (above). His trial by the Jews, Matt. 26:67-68, mocked Him as a prophet; now He is mocked as king. See also vv. 37-44 below.

• For further study: Jesus’ unique spiritual authority combines that of prophet, priest and king, Hebrews 1:1, Hebrews 10, and Hebrews 2:8.

• Read also Isaiah 52:13-53:12.

30-31 They spat 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.

32-34 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.

“A man from Cyrene, named Simon” – Simon, from N. Africa, is named as someone later known in the community of believers.

The place of the skull” – either a skull-like rocky place, or where skulls remained from previous executions – or both. None of the gospels mentions a hill.

35-37 When they had crucified him, they divided up his clothes by casting lots. And sitting down, they kept watch over him there. Above his head they placed the written charge against him: THIS IS JESUS, THE KING OF THE JEWS.

38 Two rebels were crucified with Him, one on His right and one on His left. 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!”

41-43 In the same way the chief priests, the teachers of the law and the elders mocked Him. “He saved others,” they said, “but He can’t save Himself! He’s the king of Israel! Let Him come down now from the cross, and we will believe in Him. He trusts in God. Let God rescue Him now if He wants Him, for He said, ‘I am the Son of God.’”

“Let God rescue Him” – “let God deliver Him”, an allusion to Psalm 22:8.

44 In the same way the rebels who were crucified with Him also heaped insults on Him.

“Rebels… crucified with Him” – as predicted, He was “numbered with the transgressors,” Isaiah 53:12, Luke 22:37.

45 From noon until three in the afternoon darkness came over all the land. About three in the afternoon Jesus cried out in a loud voice, “Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?” (which means “My God, my God, why have you forsaken Me?”).

“Why have You forsaken Me?” – Jesus had to experience the full extent of God’s wrath (holy requirement for justice) for the sins of humanity – possibly the bitterest blow of all. Matthew translates the Aramaic for us.

47 When some of those standing there heard this, they said, “He’s calling Elijah.”

48-49 Immediately one of them ran and got a sponge. He filled it with wine vinegar, put it on a staff, and offered it to Jesus to drink. The rest said, “Now leave Him alone. Let’s see if Elijah comes to save Him.”

50 And when Jesus had cried out again in a loud voice, He gave up His spirit.

“Cried out” – not anguish but the victory shout of “It is finished!”, John 19:30. Jesus had completed His purpose in coming into the world and in this tortured death had settled the redemption charge for the sin of all mankind.

51-53 At that moment the curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. The earth shook, the rocks split and the tombs broke open. The bodies of many holy people who had died were raised to life. They came out of the tombs after Jesus’ resurrection and went into the holy city and appeared to many people.

“Curtain” – the Holy of Holies in the Temple was divided off by heavy woven barrier; remarkably the earthquake ripped it. At this point, the order of priesthood was made redundant because through Jesus it was now possible for every believer to come into God’s presence, needing no other intermediary.

• For further study, see Ephesians 2:11-22; Hebrews 6:19; Hebrews 9:1-10:25.

54 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!”

“Terrified” – the earthquake, and the prisoner like no other, revealed the divine connection.

REFLECTION

Any one part of what Jesus took on Himself is too much for us – false accusation, shame, brutality at the whipping post – and the horror of dying a cursed death on a cross taunted by mockers. Jesus knew it would be horrific. Yet He understood that He had to satisfy the wrath, the legal remedy of justice, for His Father. Only a sinless human being could pay the price for us to know Him as Savour and as Lord, – and Jesus did.

QUESTION

Given the enormity of what Jesus did for us, what inhibits us from joy and praise?

Philippians 2:5-11 — How God became man in Jesus

The servant put to death under a curse is now honoured as Lord of heaven and earth

5 In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus:

6-7 Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to His own advantage; rather, He made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness.

“Being in very nature God” – this hymn of praise contrasts Jesus’ pre-existence and divinity with His incarnate existence in which “He made Himself nothing” in human likeness, but drew on the Holy Spirit’s empowering. We can live above ourselves with Jesus-like love for others, continuing His ministry, by the enabling of the same Holy Spirit.

8 And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to death – even death on a cross!

“Even death on a cross” – Jesus went voluntarily to the most shameful of deaths possible for a Jew. This divine exchange included coming under a curse from God on our behalf, Deuteronomy 21:23; Galatians 3:13.

9-11 Therefore God exalted Him to the highest place and gave Him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
“Jesus Christ is Lord” – “Lord” refers to the right to rule. Disciples of Jesus “bow the knee” by acknowledging His Lordship of our lives, as well as all creation.

REFLECTION

How do we go about having the same mindset as Jesus? This praise hymn to Jesus both raises the question, and ends with the answer, which is about celebrating His Lordship of us.

Like the old saying, “Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery.” When we hold someone in awe, we’ll want to do what they do and take on their values. This sets us wanting to live above ourselves – and welcoming the enabling of the Holy Spirit, the Helper, makes it possible.

Calling Jesus our Lord is not, ultimately about obedience. That is being a Pharisee. It is about loving who He is so much, that we WANT to grow like Him.

QUESTION

Which comes first, doing what Jesus says, or being with Him and wanting to grow more like Him?

PRAYER

Father God, we are so grateful for Jesus, making a way for us to You in such a horrific self-sacrifice, so we can have fellowship with Him as Lord of our lives.

We thank you, too, that in Jesus we have His authority to say ‘no’ to evils like the present pandemic, and a welcoming ‘yes’ to what we hear You saying.

Humbly we give You charge of our lives again — and volunteer again as junior partners in Your saving strategy. Amen.

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Isaiah verse-by-verse (TOP)

Matthew verse-by-verse

Philippians verse-by-verse