Various Scriptures - The Coming of the Messiah

Galatians 4:4-5

4 But when the fullness of the time came, God sent His Son, born of a woman, born under the Law, 5 so that He might redeem those who were under the Law, that we might receive the adoption as sons and daughters.

Message: The Messiah in History

What the Lord is Saying: One of the attacks we receive as Christians is in questioning the authority of Scripture. Often stating it is no more reliable than works of ancient mythology. As we compare, the Bible sets the events it describes in real space and real time, set in the events of world history. Its veracity depends on the events in which it describes as being true, namely that Christ raised from the dead. God stands over all of history, having decreed all that takes place according to the counsel of His will. 

Prayer: God you are sovereign over all and you weave your history through our lives, in the past, present and future. You orchestrate events and you order this world. I surrender to you. 

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Isaiah 9:1-7

1 But there will be no more gloom for her who was in anguish. In earlier times He treated the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali with contempt, but later on He will make it glorious, by the way of the sea, on the other side of the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles. 

2 The people who walk in darkness

Will see a great light;

Those who live in a dark land,

The light will shine on them.

3 You will multiply the nation,

You will increase their joy;

They will rejoice in Your presence

As with the joy of harvest,

As people rejoice when they divide the spoils.

4 For You will break the yoke of their burden and the staff on their shoulders,

The rod of their oppressor, as at the battle of Midian.

5 For every boot of the marching warrior in the roar of battle,

And cloak rolled in blood, will be for burning, fuel for the fire.

6 For a Child will be born to us, a Son will be given to us;

And the government will rest on His shoulders;

And His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,

Eternal Father, Prince of Peace.

7 There will be no end to the increase of His government or of peace

On the throne of David and over his kingdom,

To establish it and to uphold it with justice and righteousness

From then on and forevermore.

The zeal of the Lord of armies will accomplish this.

Message: The Messiah in Prophecy

What the Lord is Saying: Prophecy and specially prophecy of the coming Messiah using language to fit one era while predicting events in another. Isaiah 9 predicts the coming child during the reign of King Hezekiah (end of 8th c, beginning of 7th). This prophecy started as David, but looked forward to a day when a king like David would rule over God's people. In Isaiah this king would possess unparalleled wisdom. He would not need advisers or counselors. He would be the Prince of Peace. He would maintain permanent peace between God and the king's loyal subjects. He would be Mighty God, Everlasting Father. 

Prayer: Father, you promised a Messiah and a Messiah came and now rules over us for all of history. Thank you for your perfect plan. 

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Micah 5:2

But as for you, Bethlehem Ephrathah,

Too little to be among the clans of Judah,

From you One will come forth for Me to be ruler in Israel.

His times of coming forth are from long ago,

From the days of eternity.

Message: Bethlehem Ephrathah

What the Lord is Saying: Here is prophecy of the promised ruler of history being born in one of the humbliest of towns. Spoken during the 8th c BC. Here in history the people were favoring the rich and ignoring the poor. David was also born in Bethlehem. 

Prayer: God thank you for redeeming me, people from all walks of life, but you continue to show in scripture, taking imperfect situations and people and making them great and this is an encouragement for us all because we are all imperfect. 

Note: If you are interested in other studies/devotions, check out my index of Bible Study's.

John 20:30-31 - The Purpose of John's Gospel

John 20:30-31

30 Therefore many other signs Jesus also performed in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book; 31 but these have been written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing you may have life in His name.

Message: The Purpose of John's Gospel

Time: John most likely wrote between A.D. 85 and 90. John's purpose in writing was, "that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing you may have life in His name (John 20:31)." 

What the Lord is Saying: This is an interesting verse and sounds like the end of the book and yet there is one more chapter. It is interesting that I have read that many of the Gospel writings were written after many of Paul's writing or that they were written close to the same time period. Since this was said to be written around AD 85 and 90, it may not be the John who was the forerunner of Jesus that wrote this. And yet there is this focus in the book that believing in Jesus is the focus. The book is a good record of the life of Jesus, the historical figure. 

I have found that John has at times a clearer focus on Jesus as I have repeatedly seen him to talk about Jesus as the one who gives people life. I have seen at times that some of the red letter words in the gospels don't seem like words by Jesus but rather commentary, such as John 3:16 and several of those verses around that. But John wrote with a purpose in this book - and that purpose is that in Jesus and believing in Jesus people would have life in His Name. 

 

I do like how John mentions that his book is not exhaustive. He admits that there are other signs that Jesus performed that are not recorded in this book. Jesus did more than what He is presenting. His writing is not exhaustive but that does not lessen the writing, but John gives us what He believes at the time to be most appropriate. John is writing this after Jesus has been resurrected. 

John speaks of this in John 10. Verse 16 says, "I have other sheep (which seems to signify the Gentiles which is not the primary audience that Jesus is writing to), which are not of this fold; I must bring them also, and they shall hear my voice (so they will be found redeemed in the same way the present audience is found redeemed); and they shall become one flock with one shepherd." All are found to be worthy in Christ, some now and some later. Verse 17, "For this reason the Father loves Me, because I lay down My life that I may take it again. No one has taken it away from Me, but I lay it down on My own initiative. I have authority to lay it down, and I have authority to take it up again. This commandment I received from My Father." 

John clearly states here the words of Jesus that He will be laying His life down and so will be dying on the cross and then be resurrected. And this laying of His life is on His own initiative. 

The lesson today remarks, "If someone believes that the resurrection happened but fails to believe that Jesus is the Messiah, nothing will convince him." And so the life of Jesus record is important. Only believing in the resurrection is not the gospel, the good news. We need the gospels to help us understand the life of Jesus. There is only salvation because of his life that is lived. 

Today, we need the entire record of Jesus. It is all important, not simply parts. John is giving us his part of the story and his part is needed. It tells the story of Jesus and how he lived on this earth and how people came to know Him as Lord and Savior. 

I Corinthians 2:2 Paul says, "For I determined to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ, and Him crucified." The Gospel of John tells us about Jesus Christ. This is an important message. Paul brings it home in giving us the fuller meaning of Him crucified and that entire message is the Gospel record. 

Summary: John provides us his purpose in this gospel - that people will know Jesus, believe in Him and have life in His name.

Promise: John wrote His Gospel with a focus of Jesus as the Messiah. 

Prayer: Lord, thank you for John, whichever John it was, but you knew we needed this message and John records this message for us. I thank you for these Words that help me better understand You Jesus and who you were and the person You were and the perfect way you dealt with people. Thank you for the Gospel and the life that is found in You. Help me to be careful and courageous in speaking these truths to people and to focus always on the cross and the resurrection. Forgive me for being too proud and setting myself apart as someone elite. Lord, you are the great one. I am your vessel. Train me in understanding this truth and making it known to others. Thank you for the truth of it all. 

Note: If you are interested in other studies/devotions, check out my index of Bible Study's.

John 4:25-26 - Meeting the Messiah

John 4:25-26 

The woman said to Him, "I know that Messiah is coming (He who is called the Christ); when that One comes, He will declare all things to us." Jesus said to her, "I who speak to you am He." 

Message: Meeting the Messiah

Time: John most likely wrote between A.D. 85 and 90. John's purpose in writing was, "that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing you may have life in His name (John 20:31)."

What the Lord is Saying: I am coming to the end of the discussion Jesus is having with the Samaritan woman. Anytime Jesus speaks I am reminded of the significance of His speech. Jesus has already in this passage confirmed that true life is found in living water and this is taking something from Him that will yield eternal life. It is not water per se but just like water that provides us with the sustenance each day to live, eternal life is just that, eternal life. It is placing our trust in Him, believing and obeying and in the process we receive living water or water that will never cause us to need water again. 

Jesus has also exposed this woman of sin. This is something else we see in John 3, exposure of sin and the significance of this in a person that comes to Christ. "I know that I am a sinner." 

And then Jesus states that true faith is true worship. And the worship that He is speaking of is not worship based upon location - which was the prevailing thought at the time, but worship, true worship is of the spirit and the truth of who He is. This is another thought that was mentioned in John 3. In being born again, we are born of the Spirit and this Spirit comes to live in our spirit. 

And now the woman recognizes that what she has been hearing from Jesus is significant. As a Samaritan her understanding of the things of God are a little jumbled. Previously, she thought that Jesus was a prophet (verse 19). 

Tabletalk for today mentions:

Samaritan religion, because it accepted only a corrupted form of the Five Books of Moses (Genesis–Deuteronomy), did not have a fully developed idea of the Messiah as the descendant of David. However, that does not mean the Samaritans lacked messianic expectations. Drawing from passages such as Deuteronomy 18:15, the Samaritans looked for a Messiah who would serve primarily as a prophet and restore the “authentic religion” of the Samaritans to God’s people (they called him the Taheb).

And so the Samaritan woman says that "Messiah is coming" and he will be one that will declare to us what we need to know. Jesus responds, "I who speak to you am He." Here are the long awaited words of Jesus confirming clearly that He is the messiah. The word He is added on this verse as clarification. Jesus says in the Greek, "I am the one speaking to you." It is unclear to me if Jesus is saying, I am to link us to the words of God in saying in Exodus 3:14 "And God spoke to Moses, saying, I am (ego eimi) THE BEING." Or if he really one wants to say He is the Messiah. He is the Messiah and this understanding of Him as Messiah is by the Spirit of God speaking that truth. As a reminder, "To the Jew the Messiah was a conquering king, who would help them to ride on the necks of their enemies, and pay back their persecutions and oppressions (Alexander MacLaren)." 

The words are significant in many ways. Jesus is the end all. 

Summary: The Samaritan woman knows the Messiah will coming and Jesus states that He is the Messiah. 

Promise: Our best arguments will convince no one that Jesus is the Messiah and move them to trust in Him. Only the Holy Spirit can do such convincing.

Prayer: O Heavenly Father, you are the Messiah. That statement maybe doesn't mean as much to me as it should, but you are the one promised from the beginning to come and rescue us from ourselves and rescue us from what we thought was the way to You - only obedience. But we must first place our complete faith in you and follow it up with obedience that you prescribe for me. Keep these truths fresh on my lips. Help me God. I am struggling with feeling like I am not doing enough. I am not good enough. Give me a joy of your salvation and help me to have a boldness to speak of You to others. Not out of guilt but out of love. 

 

Note: If you are interested in other studies/devotions, check out my index of Bible Study's. 

Various Scripture - Names of Jesus

Matthew 16:16

Simon Peter answered, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.”

Matthew 16:20

Then He warned the disciples that they should tell no one that He was the Christ.

Acts 2:36

Therefore let all the house of Israel know for certain that God has made Him both Lord and Christ—this Jesus whom you crucified.

Matthew 16:27

For the Son of Man is going to come in the glory of His Father with His angels, and will then REPLAY EVERY MAN ACCORDING TO HIS DEEDS.

Acts 13:23

From the descendants of this man, according to promise, God has brought to Israel a Savior, Jesus,

Message: Jesus the Christ - The Hidden Messiah - Jesus the Lord - Jesus the Son of Man - Jesus the Savior

What the Lord is Saying: In the first chapter of John, I am amazed at the different names that are given to describe Jesus, such as Word, Light, One, Him (masculine), Son of God, Lamb of God, King of Israel. Tabletalk in these last 5 lessons for this issue takes a moment to look at these names. 

The name that is attributed to Jesus the most is Christ. Tabletalk states, "“Christ” is simply the English translation of the Greek word christos, which is itself the translation of the Hebrew term mashiach or “Messiah,” which means “anointed one.” Although there are many anointed one's (prophets, priests, kings) in the Bible, Jesus is the fulfillment of a final or overarching anointed one of all. Matthew 16:16 states, "Simon Peter answered, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.”

As I also look at Jesus the Messiah, I see that in latter part of the BC period, after Judah fell to the Babylonians in 586 BC, they were not free again and they were eager for an anointed one or Messiah to give them freedom and reestablish an earthly Jewish Kingdom. Isaiah 53 also mentions that in addition to the Messiah restoring the kingdom the Messiah would also sacrifice by death on behalf of His people. Jews often overlooked redemption from sin and focused on political salvation. 

People stating they were Messiahs happened in the 1st century and so this is one of the reasons Jesus told others to not tell others that He was the Christ, as is stated in Matthew 16:20, "Then He warned the disciples that they should tell no one that He was the Christ."

From Tabletalk, -- “Lord” is the English translation of the Greek word kurios, which is typically used in the Septuagint, the ancient Greek translation of the Old Testament, to translate the Hebrew tetragrammaton—the covenant name of the God of Israel. That is, when the ancient Greek translators translated God’s name Yahweh, they typically did so using the Greek word kurios. Lord can be applied to persons but more enough it is ascribed to a deity. Peter and Paul called Jesus Lord and as monotheists they were claiming Jesus to be divine. As in Acts 2:36, "Therefore let all the house of Israel know for certain that God has made Him both Lord and Christ—this Jesus whom you crucified." 

Jesus Himself used the name Son of Man to refer to Himself 79 times, and 3 more by others. Some believe Son of Man refers to His humanity, but the reference is to Daniel 7:9-14 is "one like a son of man" who comes into the presence of the Ancient of Days---God Almighty---and receives a kingdom and authority over creation (see Acts 2:14-36). Daniel saw a vision of Jesus returning to the Father for his coronation as King of Kings and Lord of Lords after the completion of His earthly ministry. Matthew 16:27, "For the Son of Man is going to come in the glory of His Father with His angels, and will then REPLAY EVERY MAN ACCORDING TO HIS DEEDS." 

Finally, we look at Jesus as Savior - our rescuer. 2 Samuel 22:3 David refers to the Lord as "my savior" and so rescues him from war and his enemies. Isaiah 38 refers to Savior as one being rescued from illness, such as healing. Also, saved from sin as in Ezekiel 37:23. Acts 13:23 From the descendants of this man, according to promise, God has brought to Israel a Savior, Jesus,

Summary: Jesus is the Christ, Messiah  Lord, Son of Man and our Savior. 

Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank you for the many ways we see you described and what it tells me about the reason Jesus you are needed as the Christ or anointed one that has saved us from our sins and even from all of life, the promised Messiah, our Lord and Only God, the Son of Man as you show me you are King of King and Lord of Lords and also Savior, saving me from enemies, illness and sin. You are holy and great. Thank you. 

Hebrews 2:17 - Christ Our Priest

Hebrews 2:17

Therefore, He had to be made like His brethren in all things, so that He might become a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people. 

Message: Christ Our Priest

Time: The authorship of this book is shrouded in mystery, though its Jewish composition can still nail down its authorship to AD 64-69, as the book does not mention the destruction of the temple in AD 70. It has references to Jewish customs and the Old Testament, so most likely was sent to a Jewish community.  

What the Lord is Saying: 

Charles Swindoll states that "Hebrews clearly lays out the present priestly ministry of Christ in the life of the believer. Jesus is both the divine Son of God and completely human, and in His priestly role He clears the way for human beings to approach the Father in heaven through prayer."

Only chapter 1, 10, 11, and 13 do not mention this role of priest of Jesus in Hebrews. 

My study so far has been of Christ Alone as the one who saves us. I've looked at His attributes, His work or obedience, and now have shifted to His titles - as our Prophet and now our Priest. The priest is a title that meant a great deal to the Jewish community for a high priest acted as a representative on earth of God. They brought sacrifices to cover sin and it is interesting the Catholic Church carried on this role in similar ways. The Day of Atonement was one of the most significant days as annually it represented the cleansing of people - to maintain the covenant relationship between the Israelites and the Lord. 

Even up to the time of the Reformation this office of Priest was one of the stark identifiers in what Martin Luther saw as a problem with the Roman Catholic church - that man needed a go-between to get to God or be absolved of sin. What is a mystery is how the priests role continues to institute or give the idea that the priest must receive penance and be the intercessor between God and Man. For me, God remains a mystery in many people's lives so they are looking for any type of authority to help them understand God and so the Priest becomes that authority and what we do then is listen to whatever the person has to say. 

The Westminster Shorter Catechism written in 1646 and 1647 states, "Christ executeth the office of a priest, in his once offering up of himself a sacrifice to satisfy divine justice, and reconcile us to God; and in making continual intercession for us (WSC 25)." In today's text, Jesus is made like his brothers in all things, so God becomes a man and lives as a man. So that he might become a merciful and high priest - the problem with the continuous role of priest is the priest offers something temporary. Old covenant priests repeated their sacrifices annually, by replacing the penalty of sin with the blood of an animal. The practice was to retrieve an unblemished animal, so to find an animal that is as perfect as possible and this blood atoned for sin. The Messiah is one that releases people from captivity. Man is captive to his flesh and because of this will always be imperfect. Jesus as Messiah releases man by offering Himself and offers a perfect version of man - one without sin. Thus, Jesus is our High Priest. I'm not sure people think that the priest today is meant to replace Jesus, but it gives that impression. Why would we continue to use someone like a priest that is not all sufficient?  

Promise: Jesus cannot fail to save the elect. He offers true atonement for sin. Jesus through His sacrifice regained for men and women a relationship with God. 

Prayer: Lord, it saddens me to see how you are misunderstood in our world, but I suppose this is what happens when eyes are blinded to the truth and it is apparent. It is hard to be part of a remnant at times for the majority is what we often want to be about. But the reality is, as we work and live in our world, we as Christians are a minority and what we think and believe about life and living and salvation is somewhat unique. I pray that the message of the Gospel would penetrate people's lives and for those you place in my place, you would help me be a conduit of information for the truth of who You are. Thank you for using me in the way you have, for even using this blog to help communicate to others. Help me to continue to be a light to those in need. Be glorified always. 

Note: I follow the readings from the Tabletalk Magazine devotional, though I am a little behind and working through 2017 devotionals. 2017 is a study of key biblical doctrines celebrating the 500th year of the Reformation. The month of May is about solus Christus - Christ Alone; April was about salvation by grace alone; March about the sovereign providence of God; February was about the doctrine of revelation and the various aspects of the doctrine of Scripture that sola Scriptura seeks to preserve; January was about the doctrine of God.

- The Divine Nature of Christ, The Human Nature of Christ, Jesus the Last Adam, Jesus the True Israel, Jesus the Messiah, Obedience in Childhood, Obedience in Baptism, Obedience in Temptation, Obedience under the Law, Obedience in Suffering, Christ Our Prophet, Christ the Priest

Isaiah 45:1-13 - Jesus The Messiah

 Isaiah 45:1-13

Thus says the Lord to Cyrus His anointed, whom I have taken by the right hand, to subdue nations before him, and to loose the loins of kings; to open doors before him so that gates will be shut; "I will go before you and make the rough places smooth; I will shatter the doors of bronze, and cut through their iron bars. And I will give you the treasures of darkness, and hidden wealth of secret places, in order that you may know that it is I, the Lord, the God of Israel, who calls you by your name. For the sake of Jacob My servant, and Israel My chosen one, I have also called you by your name, I have given you a title of honor though you have not known Me. I am the Lord, and there is no other; besides Me there is no God, I will gird you, though you have not known Me; that men may know from the rising to the setting of the sun that there is no one besides Me. I am the Lord, and there is no other, the One forming light and creating darkness, causing well-being and creating calamity; I am the Lord who does all these." 

"Drip down, O heavens, from above, and let the clouds pour down righteousness; let the earth open up and salvation bear fruit, and righteousness spring up with it. I, the Lord, have created it."

"Woe to the one who quarrels with his Maker--an earthenware vessel among the vessels of earth! Will the clay say to the potter, "What are you doing?" or the thing you are making say, 'He has no hands?' Woe to him who says to a father, 'What are you begetting?' Or to a woman, 'To what are you giving birth?'"

Thus says the Lord, the Holy One of Israel, and His Maker: "Ask Me about the things to come concerning My sons, and you shall commit to Me the work of My hands. It is I who made the earth, and created man upon it. I stretched out the heavens with My hands, and I ordained all their host. I have aroused him in righteousness, and I will make all his ways smooth; he will build My city, and will let My exiles go free, without any payment or reward," says the Lord of hosts. 

Message: Jesus the Messiah

Time: Isaiah, the prophet, the writer of this book, in Jerusalem. The year is 739-681 BC. Isaiah lived during the time of four Judaen kings and pronounced judgment on the people of Judah as they did not love their neighbors and serve God with humility, but offered meaningless sacrifices in temple. Isaiah asks them to return to Him. 

What the Lord is Saying:

Solus Christus - Christ alone saves His people for the sake of His glory. One of Jesus' titles is Messiah, the English translation of the Hebrew word mashiach, or the "anointed one." This Hebrew word comes into the Greek as Christos, which we get Christ. Thus, Jesus Christ is Jesus Messiah or Jesus the Anointed One.  

The passage today begins with, Thus says the Lord to Cyrus His anointed. Thus, the title of messiah is applied here to Cyrus. Who was Cyrus? Cyrus is a king who reigned over Persia between 539-530 BC. Cyrus, conquered Babylonia in 538 and gave the Jews permission to leave to Palestine. The Jews had been forced into captivity in Babylon (known as Babylon Captivity), around 70 years prior. The Jews were then able to restart their temple practices. Cyrus did not know the Lord (I have given you a title of honor though you have not known Me), but God used him as an instrument to release or deliver His people from captivity. In the Lord calling Cyrus His anointed or Messiah, the office of the messiah includes the work of deliverance or rescue. 

The purpose of this deliverance is described later in the passage - that you may know that it is I, the Lord, the God of Israel, who calls you by your name. He proclaims - I am the Lord, and there is no other and besides Me there is no God and there is no one besides Me. I am the Lord, and there is no other, the One forming light and creating darkness, causing well-being and creating calamity; I am the Lord who does all these. He remarks - Woe to the one who quarrels with his Maker and the Lord continues His remarks to let everyone now that He is Lord, He is deliverer, He is creator.

Cyrus was God's instrument for God's glory and through him communicated His work as our Lord and King. Jesus is the Messiah, the Anointed, and like Cyrus, He was commissioned to deliver God's people. Yet, Jesus' work of deliverance or rescue is far greater as we are freed for all time from the enmity or discord that exists between God and Man, namely sin. Jesus saves us from our wickedness. Cyrus freed the Jews from captivity, from the hands that held them. Jesus frees man from his/her own captivity with sin. Yet, this passage provides a great example of deliverance by the Lord's anointed one. 

Promise: Martin Luther stated, "Just as Cyrus would by his power and his expanse set them free, so Christ would redeem us by His Word and grace, without cost." 

Prayer: Lord, I am reminded today, once again, of my own deliverance, my own captivity with sin and how you have rescued me and allow me following rescue to live free from the burden. What you did for me is the greatest and thus, I continue to worship you in any and every way that I can in my life. Let my life be lived in such a way that it is a worship song to You. You God are God and there is no other and besides You there is no God. You formed light and created darkness and cause all well-being and calamity. I yield my life to You. You are in control and I can always trust You. 

  

Note: I follow the readings from the Tabletalk Magazine devotional, though I am a little behind and working through 2017 devotionals. 2017 is a study of key biblical doctrines celebrating the 500th year of the Reformation. The month of April is about solus Christus - Christ Alone; April was about salvation by grace alone; March about the sovereign providence of God; February was about the doctrine of revelation and the various aspects of the doctrine of Scripture that sola Scriptura seeks to preserve; January was about the doctrine of God.

- The Divine Nature of Christ, The Human Nature of Christ, Jesus the Last Adam, Jesus the True Israel, Jesus the Messiah

Mark 15:42-47 - With A Rich Man In His Death

Mark 15:42-47
42 When evening had already come, because it was the preparation day, that is, the day before the Sabbath, 43 Joseph of Arimathea came, a prominent member of the Council, who himself was waiting for the kingdom of God; and he gathered up courage and went in before Pilate, and asked for the body of Jesus. 44 Pilate wondered if He was dead by this time, and summoning the centurion, he questioned him as to whether He was already dead. 45 And ascertaining this from the centurion, he granted the body to Joseph. 46 Joseph bought a linen cloth, took Him down, wrapped Him in the linen cloth and laid Him in a tomb which had been hewn out in the rock; and he rolled a stone against the entrance of the tomb. 47 Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of Joseph were looking on to see where He was laid.

Message: With A Rich Man In His Death

Time: Mark's personal connection with Peter gave him the source material for this book. This book was composed probably between AD 57 and AD 59. It's a book that is on the move, leading to the cross. 39 times is the word 'immediately' used. Mark reveals Jesus as God's servant, reaching into the lives of people and effecting physical and circumstantial change.

What the Lord is Saying:

Preface - Jesus has been crucified. He has breathed his last on the cross letting out a loud cry after feeling rejected by God, suffering the wrath of God during a dark time that fell over the face of the earth for 3 hours. Mark records the mocking of Him that occurred. And then calls attention to two women who followed Jesus and supported His ministry - Mary Magdalene and Mary his mother.

When evening had already come, because it was the preparation day, that is, the day before the Sabbath, Jesus breathed His last breath after 3pm on Friday. It is the day before the Sabbath so their is preparation of food for Sabbath day. Enter Joseph of Arimathea came, a prominent member of the Council, who himself was waiting for the kingdom of God. Joseph is a member of the Sanhedrin and one such person who was a follower of Jesus and believed He was who He said He was. He believed Jesus was the messianic King promised. Matthew's gospel records Joseph as being a wealthy man. and he gathered up courage and went in before Pilate, and asked for the body of Jesus. Despite being a prominent man, he still gathered up courage in going in before Pilate to ask for the body of Jesus. At this point, prior to the Sabbath, the body has probably been taken down off of the cross. Normally, crucified bodies were simply thrown into a ditch. Joseph goes to Pilate to ask for the body of Jesus so that a proper burial can be performed. This is the only man that could go before Pilate. The disciples had fled at this point. He was well respected.

Pilate wondered if He was dead by this time, and summoning the centurion, he questioned him as to whether He was already dead. Normally those who had been crucified might not have expired for 2 or 3 days. He sought the centurion's confirmation as the centurion who also confessed Jesus as the Son of God, was responsible of watching the crucifixion and ensuring it was going properly and the body was not tampered with. Pilate confirms with him, an outside source, on whether Jesus is in fact dead. But, it was also important that His burial occur today, one to fulfill scripture, and also to do this work before the Sabbath. And ascertaining this from the centurion, he granted the body to Joseph. Pilate freely gave the body to Joseph, perhaps out of respect, but also perhaps out of compassion. While declaring Jesus to be put to death Mark also states that there was some sort of question by Pilate as to why Jesus was being put to death.

Joseph bought a linen cloth, took Him down, wrapped Him in the linen cloth and laid Him in a tomb which had been hewn out in the rock; and he rolled a stone against the entrance of the tomb. Joseph has the means to buy a fine linen cloth. He took Him down and wrapped Him in the cloth and proceeded to sprinkle myrrh probably on him. This was a delicate wrapping as He then lays Him in a tomb. This rock was probably a place reserved for himself to be buried. He had hewn it out previously. He places Jesus in this special place. Jesus dies with the wicked but is buried with the rich.

Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of Joseph were looking on to see where He was laid. Albert Barnes records these words:

The affection of these pious females never forsook them, in all the trials and sufferings of their Lord. With true love they followed him to the cross; they came as near to him as they were permitted to come in his last moments; they followed him when taken down and laid in the tomb. The strong, the mighty, the youthful, had fled; but female love never forsook him, even in his deepest humiliation. This is the nature of true love; it is strongest in such scenes. While "professed" attachment will abound in prosperity and live most in sunshine, it is only genuine love that will go into the dark shades of adversity and flourish there. In scenes of poverty, want, affliction, and death, it shows its genuineness. That which lives there is genuine. That which turns away from such scenes is spurious.

Summary - These sets of verses describe the taking of Jesus' body and placing it in the tomb, wrapping it with a linen cloth by Joseph, one of the respected members of the Sanhedrin, who believed Jesus was the Messiah and was awaiting the Messianic kingdom. Joseph takes care of this burial, prior to the Sabbath and takes Jesus to a nice cave he has probably carved out himself. Mary Magdalene and Mary, His mother, look on.

Promise: Tabletalk of December 6, 2016 - Though Jesus was condemned to death like a common criminal, Jesus enjoyed a magnificent burial of which no lawbreaker could be worthy.

Prayer: Lord, you deserve a great burial as you did not deserve to be crucified. God you ordered these events to occur as they did and they fulfill your prophetic word. You are concerned about the details of our lives as you were of Jesus' death. Thank you for faithful men like Joseph and faithful women like Mary Magdalene and Mary. Help me to be careful and provide you what you deserve.

Mark 8:27-30 - Peter's Confession of Faith

Mark 8:27-30
27 Jesus went out, along with His disciples, to the villages of Caesarea Philippi; and on the way He questioned His disciples, saying to them, “Who do people say that I am?” 28 They told Him, saying, “John the Baptist; and others say Elijah; but others, one of the prophets.” 29 And He continued by questioning them, “But who do you say that I am?” Peter *answered and *said to Him, “You are the Christ.” 30 And He warned them to tell no one about Him.

Message: Peter's Confession of Faith

Time: Mark's personal connection with Peter gave him the source material for this book. This book was composed probably between AD 57 and AD 59. It's a book that is on the move, leading to the cross. 39 times is the word 'immediately' used. Mark reveals Jesus as God's servant, reaching into the lives of people and effecting physical and circumstantial change.

What the Lord is Saying: 

Preface: Jesus is now in Bethsaida, a community believed to be north of the Sea of Galilee, perhaps near where the feeding of the 5,000 were. But a community not necessarily filled with a lot of belief but rather question. Jesus heals a blind man, outside the City, in a progressive manner, not all at once. He reminds me that his healing in his time, in his way.

From Bethsaida, Jesus now heads to Caesarea Philippi, a 32-mile round trip, so not a quick jaunt, but a long trip lasting multiple days. Others have said it is a 25-mile trip, climbing elevation. This text is about that journey and one of the things that was discussed on that journey.

Jesus asks 2 simple questions: Who do people say that I am? and Who do you say that I am? The response was that the first century Jews placed Jesus in the same class as the greatest prophets, John the Baptist and Elijah. 


And then the contrasting question is mentioned directly to the disciples and the response is was that Jesus was not merely a prophet, but the Christ, the Jewish Messiah. Earlier they had been questioned by Jesus for having a hardened heart, so their is a progression that has occurred in their understanding of Him as the Christ.

Early Rabbis recognized all of these passages as referring to the Messiah.

• Messiah was to be born at Bethlehem: Micah 5:2 (Micah 5:1 in Hebrew Bible)
• Messiah would be from the tribe of Judah: Genesis 49:10
• Messiah would present himself by riding on an ass: Zechariah 9:9
• Messiah would be tortured to death: Psalm 22:1-31
• Messiah would arrive before the destruction of the Second Temple: Daniel 9:24-27
• Messiah’s life would match a particular description, including suffering, silence at his arrest and trial, death and burial in a rich man’s tomb, and resurrection: Isaiah 52:13-53:12

Jesus response to the words of his disciples was consistent to his response at other times, and especially true based upon where they were headed - tell no one about Him. Let people figure out who I am, but he is on mission to preach to people but Jesus clearly does not want to stir the pot with those that do not accept Him. The disciples still had much to learn and Jesus wanted to teach them. Jesus knew his journey and there would be plenty of time for them to tell others, as he will commission them later to do this (Great Commission).

Summary: On their way to Caesarea Philippi Jesus questions the disciples on who others see that he is and who they believe he is. They get it right and He implores them to tell no one as his desire is to continue to be able to teach them about who He is. They are learning but have more to learn.

Promise: Jesus accepts the words from Peter, representing the group of the disciples, that He is the Jewish Messiah, the Christ.

Prayer: Lord, I believe in You. You are the Messiah. I look to You. I rest in who You are. Thank you for revealing yourself so clearly, to me.