John 19:25-27 - Jesus Provides for His Mother

John 19:25-27 

25 Therefore the soldiers did these things.

But standing by the cross of Jesus were His mother, and His mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. 26 When Jesus then saw His mother, and the disciple whom He loved standing nearby, He said to His mother, “Woman, behold, your son!” 27 Then He said to the disciple, “Behold, your mother!” From that hour the disciple took her into his own household.

Message: Jesus Provides for His Mother

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: Unfortunately, at this point in the crucifixion, the disciples that Jesus had called and been with him were not near. They had left and fled. Per verse 26, only John remained. A note of interest, John is the writer of this book. But the other gospel writers, as well, as John also mention ladies. And it seems that there are 4 ladies present. And today's reading is Jesus charging John to care for His mother. 

His focus while on the cross was others, specifically His mother. In the previous text, I saw the soldiers casting lots for his clothes and now here is Jesus caring first for his mother. 

Other texts:

Luke 8:1-3

1 Soon afterwards, He began going around from one city and village to another, proclaiming and preaching the kingdom of God. The twelve were with Him, 2 and also some women who had been healed of evil spirits and sicknesses: Mary who was called Magdalene, from whom seven demons had gone out, 3 and Joanna the wife of Chuza, Herod’s steward, and Susanna, and many others who were contributing to their support out of their private means.

Ephesians 6:1-3

1 Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. 2 Honor your father and mother (which is the first commandment with a promise), 3 so that it may be well with you, and that you may live long on the earth.

This challenges me to continue to honor and care for my father, who is now 83 and survived by my mom who passed away in 2019. 

Summary: While on the cross, Jesus takes a moment to consider first the care of His mother, making sure John know he is to care for her and vice versa. 

Promise: Jesus made sure to keep the Law of God even under duress, honoring His mother according to the fifth commandment. 

Prayer: God, you have provided redemption for me and rescue through the death and resurrection of Jesus. This is the most important event in history and that most important event affects me and all that You call. Wake everyone up to this reality so they will behold You as Lord and Savior. Thank you for the care that You have for people, and here specifically for women. You remind us that women who are often marginalized in our society are always significantly important to You. Thank you for recognizing them and highlighting this. 

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

John 19:23-24 - Jesus' Garments Divided

John 19:23-24

23 The soldiers therefore, when they had crucified Jesus, took His outer garments and made four parts, a part to every soldier and also the tunic; now the tunic was seamless, woven in one piece. 24 They said therefore to one another, “Let us not tear it, but cast lots for it, to decide whose it shall be”; that the Scripture might be fulfilled, “THEY DIVIDED MY OUTER GARMENTS AMONG THEM, AND FOR MY CLOTHING THEY CAST LOTS.”

Message: Jesus' Garments Divided

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: At any crucifixion, the soldiers carrying out the execution had rights to the accused's clothing. In this case, the soldiers cast lots to determine how to divide our Lord's garments. This was a seemingly random event, but something also customary. In our gospel though it is mentioned and attention is brought forward to us to consider. 

This passage fulfilled a scripture from Psalm 22. In looking at that Psalm it contains language in 31 verses of a cry to God of anguish and pain. In a book I have, "Exploring the Psalms" by John Phillips, copyright 1985 he mentions that the event which resulted in these words is not apparent. Whatever it was, he describes a situation graphically, "He was pinned to one spot, his enemies gathered all around, deprived of his clothing, subjected to at least one form of torture (for his hands and feet have been wounded), absolutely friendless. Somewhere in the background were many friends but even so his enemies were many and strong, his sufferings prolonged, and his mental and spiritual anguish intense. His chief pain, however, lay in the fact that God seemingly had abandoned him." It is Psalm written 1,000 years before the crucifixion of Jesus and yet it captures the feelings that Jesus must have felt at the cross. 

Yet, in all of the words from this Psalm:

• why have You forsaken me? 
• I cry by day, but You do not answer; 
• despised by the people. 
• Be not far from me, for trouble is near; 
• all my bones are out of joint

Instead, what is referenced here in John is verse 18 of Psalm 22 - "They divide my garments among them, and for my clothing they cast lots." 

Perhaps what John wants us to see here is despite the greatest event in history happening here before many, the death of our Savior and Lord Jesus Christ - in the midst of it were soldiers that didn't see anything significant about the event but were treating it like anything else. And then were focused on Jesus' clothing and who gets what, deciding to cast lots to determine who gets what. 

It is a reminder of what happens every Sunday. So many in our world go on with their lives while only a remnant gathers to worship God and learn from Him at church. Each day I arise early to have my time with God in His word or try to do this each day - and yet I know this practice is not held by many. Most of us simply carry on their lives, engrossed in their desires and their wants and events and focused on providing for their own needs. 

For the soldiers they were missing something right in front of them. They failed to see the significance of that moment. Instead, they were going on with their lives. 

Summary: The soldiers, like they do at any crucifixion, take Jesus' garments and divide them for their own use, casting lots, but this too fulfills scripture from Psalm 22:18. 

Promise: Christ was stripped of His clothing, that we might be clothed with the righteousness of Christ.

Prayer: Help me God to not miss what you are doing. I too often am so focused with my day and what I am going through and wanting to accomplish that I miss out on what You have right before my eyes. Wake me up and help me to find significance in what you have for me - be it at church worshiping you and listening to a sermon or in a class or whenever I am in. Help me to focus on the moment that You have before me, even with my wife as she shares her day. And help us Lord to be focused on praying. 

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

John 19:16-22 - The King of the Jews Crucified

John 19:16-22

16 So he then handed Him over to them to be crucified.

17 They took Jesus, therefore, and He went out, bearing His own cross, to the place called the Place of a Skull, which is called in Hebrew, Golgotha. 18 There they crucified Him, and with Him two other men, one on either side, and Jesus in between. 19 Pilate also wrote an inscription and put it on the cross. It was written, “JESUS THE NAZARENE, THE KING OF THE JEWS.” 20 Therefore many of the Jews read this inscription, for the place where Jesus was crucified was near the city; and it was written in Hebrew, Latin and in Greek. 21 So the chief priests of the Jews were saying to Pilate, “Do not write, ‘The King of the Jews’; but that He said, ‘I am King of the Jews.’” 22 Pilate answered, “What I have written I have written.”

Message: The King of the Jews Crucified

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: Even up to the point of Jesus' crucifixion, the Jews wanted to be in control of the proceedings. Pilate wrote above Jesus - King of the Jews, but the Jews wanted a clarification with Jesus saying, "I am the King of the Jews." But that was it and Pilate would not change the reading. 

As I have discovered in this reading, prior to Pilate finally giving over Jesus he had him flogged and scourged, perhaps thinking that beating would be enough for the Jewish officials. But it wasn't and so now in going to bear His cross and going to the place of crucifixion, though the Gospel of John does not mention it, the other gospels do mention more scourging of Jesus which would have left him very weak. He was so weak he was unable to carry the cross beam on his shoulder Simon of Cyrene was grabbed from the crowd to carry it. 

I think it is hard somewhat to think of the flogging and scourging that Jesus received. It was necessary for Jesus to die, but the beating he received and infliction of pain was indeed severe. And maybe it is easier to not think about it. Crucifixion was indeed the most extreme form of the death penalty in first century Roman Empire. It was an agonizing process to die in this way - a slow death, with nails driven through their extremities. Hard to fathom and yet not a death march that seems to have been repeated in history. I read though where it lasted until about 400 AD. 

Summary: Jesus is taken to be crucified and the sign of King of the Jews is displayed over him in a mocking way. 

Promise: Jesus bears the wrath for us and it should give us confidence that his love is an enduring love.

Prayer: Thank you God for saving my soul. Thank you God for making me whole. You God are my Savior and Lord and I thank you for your great love for me. It is hard to read and think about the pain you suffered, even that many suffered in dying a crucified way. Thank you for your great love for me. Thank you for the life that I have in You and the peace that You give. I want others to have that same peace and joy and love. You are the great One. Keep me focused on You. Go before me today and give me Your Strength. Help those you place in my life. Give me confidence to speak boldly of you today and to trust in You. Be my rock and My hope. 

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

John 19:12-16 - Pilate Sentences Jesus to Death

John 19:12-16

12 As a result of this Pilate made efforts to release Him, but the Jews cried out, saying, "If you release this Man, you are no friend of Caesar; everyone who makes himself out [to be] a king opposes Caesar." 13 When Pilate therefore heard these words, he brought Jesus out, and sat down on the judgment seat at a place called The Pavement, but in Hebrew, Gabbatha. 14 Now it was the day of preparation for the Passover; it was about the sixth hour. And he said to the Jews, "Behold, your King!" 15 They therefore cried out, "Away with [Him], away with [Him], crucify Him!" Pilate said to them, "Shall I crucify your King?" The chief priests answered, "We have no king but Caesar." 16 So he then delivered Him to them to be crucified. 

Message: Pilate Sentences Jesus to Death

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: It remains interesting in this act of Jesus going to the cross as to how it was all orchestrated. It was not simply God making a statement from heaven for him to go to the cross, as a perfect man, without sin, and bear the punishment for sin. I know that idea and message is coming in a study future I would think I would have - the atonement - for it is the crux it seems for the Christian faith. 

But overall these verses in chapter 18 and 19 which tell of Jesus and what led to Him being crucified show that He was viewed as a criminal and therefore subject to consequences and in this case, that consequence was to be crucified. 

The Jewish officials knew that they had to present to Pilate an accusation of Jesus that Pilate would find worthy of crucifixion. Pilate struggled to see the application but the Jewish officials remained persistent and today in verse 12 is the accusation that as King, even though the claim was only of the Jews, as King, Jesus then opposed Caesar. In other words, it is clear, nothing was going to prevent Jesus from being found guilty. The Jewish people were going to try at all costs to get him crucified. The desire for his demise was too great. And yet, it had to be in order to save us sinners eventually from eternal separation from God. 

Then in verse 15, Pilate asks, "Shall I crucify your King?" and the Jewish people answer that Caesar is their king. And so what takes place is the mocking moniker on Jesus that He is King of the Jews. Jesus had to die. I suppose what is interesting is we don't need to be mad at anyone. God used the events of the world to send His Son to the cross to then die for our sins. 

Other Verses
Genesis 50:20 - As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good in order to bring about this present result, to preserve many people alive. - Interesting verse that is quoted often. People are responsible for their actions but God still uses the good and bad actions of people alike to still accomplish his purposes. 

Mark 15:6-15 - In these verses we have a similar retelling of Jesus crucifixion and Pilate presenting Jesus to the Jewish officials but with the words, "what evil has He done?” Pilate makes the case but not to the degree that he will enforce it. He still gives into the demands of the Jewish contingent. 

Summary: Jesus is presented as King of the Jews in order to show He is somewhat equal to Caesar as King and incite in Pilate to crucify Him which the Jews continue to want. 

Promise: The crucifixion of Jesus is the supreme example that God is working in all things for the good of His people. 

Prayer: O God, You are sovereign which means that you orchestrate the events of life for Your God, allowing the choices of man to bring about your good. You are in control and by this prayer I acknowledge that You are in control and yet I plea, I beg, I request that You work and that Your will be done. Thank you for giving us the answer that You want this of us and we are involved with You in Your works. Continue to teach me about prayer. Thank you for the salvation gift of Jesus that I don't deserve. You are in control. 

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

John 19:6-11 - The Source of Pilate's Authority

John 19:6-11 

6 So when the chief priests and the officers saw Him, they cried out saying, “Crucify, crucify!” Pilate said to them, “Take Him yourselves and crucify Him, for I find no guilt in Him.” 7 The Jews answered him, “We have a law, and by that law He ought to die because He made Himself out to be the Son of God.”

8 Therefore when Pilate heard this statement, he was even more afraid; 9 and he entered into the Praetorium again and said to Jesus, “Where are You from?” But Jesus gave him no answer. 10 So Pilate said to Him, “You do not speak to me? Do You not know that I have authority to release You, and I have authority to crucify You?” 11 Jesus answered, “You would have no authority over Me, unless it had been given you from above; for this reason he who delivered Me to you has the greater sin.”

Message: The Source of Pilate's Authority

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: The details of Jesus' arrest, interrogation, and verdict are interesting. In the end, He is given up to be crucified. I now see from the reading of my lesson today in Tabletalk that in the last passage, that Pilate tried to appease the Roman officials by going forward with a light flogging (scourging and crown of thorns), but then presented him to the officials as a man, "Behold, the man." Pilate was in a way trying his best to allow Jesus to be innocent as there wasn't a crime Jesus was committing from only Pilate's perspective that would result in Jesus needing to be crucified. But the Jewish leaders still wanted Him crucified. 

Pilate gave him over to the leaders in verse 6, “Take Him yourselves and crucify Him, for I find no guilt in Him.” However, once again the leaders pronounced another accusation and that is Jesus is being made out to be the Son of God. Previously in verse 3, He was said to be, "Hail, King of the Jews" and now the accusation is expanded to be that He proclaims to be the Son of God, meaning He claims to be God. This would violate Leviticus 24:16 according to Jewish law, "Moreover, the one who blasphemes the name of the Lord shall surely be put to death." 

Pilate still didn't have a reason for carrying out the sentence of crucifixion, but at the same time didn't want his authority usurped and as an official he was charged with carrying out the local laws. And so the Jewish leaders want Pilate to know that he has a responsibility to enforce the breaking of their laws. He asked Jesus of His identity, to defend Himself and yet He also knew that His crucifixion was necessary. Pilate's position of authority was a gift from God. A reminder that our rulers are in their position for a reason. Sometimes this is a hard thing to see and realize given the acts of many leaders. 

Other verses:

Daniel 2:20-21 - Daniel said, “Let the name of God be blessed forever and ever, for wisdom and power belong to Him. It is He who changes the times and the epochs; He removes kings and establishes kings; He gives wisdom to wise men and knowledge to men of understanding." Thus, in God's sovereign will He is over the rulers of our land. But His reasons are not readily apparent and these rulers remain accountable for their actions. I think often of Proverbs 16:33, "The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the LORD." What seems random to us is not random with God and yet we remain accountable for our actions. He controls everything and He does it for our good. 

Mark 14:21 - "For the Son of Man is to go just as it is written of Him; but woe to that man by whom the Son of Man is betrayed! It would have been good for that man if he had not been born." To me, this identifies that God is in control and yet here Judas, his actions are still accountable before God. 

Romans 13:1-7 - 1 Every person is to be in subjection to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those which exist are established by God. 2 Therefore whoever resists authority has opposed the ordinance of God; and they who have opposed will receive condemnation upon themselves. 3 For rulers are not a cause of fear for good behavior, but for evil. Do you want to have no fear of authority? Do what is good and you will have praise from the same; 4 for it is a minister of God to you for good. But if you do what is evil, be afraid; for it does not bear the sword for nothing; for it is a minister of God, an avenger who brings wrath on the one who practices evil. 5 Therefore it is necessary to be in subjection, not only because of wrath, but also for conscience’ sake. 6 For because of this you also pay taxes, for rulers are servants of God, devoting themselves to this very thing. 7 Render to all what is due them: tax to whom tax is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honor to whom honor. - Our response to rulers is obedience. We are to do good. We are to pay taxes. Rulers are servants of God. Render to them what is due. And yet we are not to go along with evil. 

James 4:17 - Therefore, to one who knows the right thing to do and does not do it, to him it is sin. This is a tough verse. Do right, and if you don't, you have done wrong. Another great reminder of the sinners that we are. For we are not perfect, however hard we try to be. We will make mistakes. Be true to yourself. Live with integrity. Do the right thing always. Yet, this works the other way as well in that we must stop sin which is the right thing to do. 

Summary: Pilate finds no guilt in Jesus, but the Jewish leaders up the ante to include Jesus proclaiming to be Son of God. Pilate feels obligated to enforce Jewish laws as well and Pilate receives his authority from God. 

Promise: If we fail to stop sin when and where we can, we are guilty of sin.

Prayer: Lord God, at times your ways are a mystery to me. And yet there is purpose in Your ways. I know this. Ultimately, you knew I needed a way to be made whole and accepted by You and this was through sacrifice and atonement for sin. History always looked to you for this answer. You are sovereign and in control and I continue to discover the meaning of those words. And yet through all of your crucifixion - arrest, interrogation, and verdict -- you remained innocent and made it clear that those accusing you were the guilty one's. It reminds me of the evil intent of some people and their desire to be god, to be judge and jury. Each of us wants justice served. I want justice in my life and see this often in the work I do on the job, thinking I know the best way to do things and struggling to submit to authority. It is hard to be a leader. We all do what we think is best. We may be right or wrong, but we still have the responsibility to do what we think is right. Help me to always support good and when I see evil, to come against it. Give me the strength to do this. I want to be the best person I can be in all situations. It is hard though and I need your strength to make that happen. Help me to do the right things at work and not engage in activity that is not honoring to You. Thank you for your sacrifice. You took it on willingly but it still came at a cost and you still suffered. You still experienced crazy pain for me. O how we hate pain. I fear death to the point that the taking of my life will result in some sort of pain - like a heart attack or cancer. Life taking from me will result in pain and that is a cause for concern. My dad fears it as well. I know. But, help me to not be paralyzed by that pain and know that Your grace will be sufficient. There is something waiting for me at the other side of the pain and discomfort. O God, give me patience and endurance. I need it now. Calm me. I need your strength always. 

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

John 19:1-5 - Pilate Presents Jesus to the Crowd

John 19:1-5 

1 Pilate then took Jesus and scourged Him. 2 And the soldiers twisted together a crown of thorns and put it on His head, and put a purple robe on Him; 3 and they began to come up to Him and say, “Hail, King of the Jews!” and to give Him slaps in the face. 4 Pilate came out again and said to them, “Behold, I am bringing Him out to you so that you may know that I find no guilt in Him.” 5 Jesus then came out, wearing the crown of thorns and the purple robe. Pilate said to them, “Behold, the Man!”

Message: Pilate Presents Jesus to the Crowd

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: Jesus' fate is clear now - he will be crucified. In this passage Jesus is scourged, a crown of thorns placed on his head, a purple robe over him, and people can now slap him on the face as well and poke fun of him - Jesus, King of the Jews - with Pilate presenting Jesus to the crowd. 

Matthew and Mark provide similar accounts of the scourging of Jesus or the process leading up to His crucifixion. I find this interesting that the level of detail is not great. Luke really doesn't have any detail of His scourging but more detail given once he arrives at the crucifixion.  

Matthew 27 marks the account starting in verse 26, "Then he released Barabbas for them; but after having Jesus scourged, he handed Him over to be crucified." And then further detail, "27 Then the soldiers of the governor took Jesus into the Praetorium and gathered the whole Roman cohort around Him. 28 They stripped Him and put a scarlet robe on Him. 29 And after twisting together a crown of thorns, they put it on His head, and a reed in His right hand; and they knelt down before Him and mocked Him, saying, “Hail, King of the Jews!” 30 They spat on Him, and took the reed and began to beat Him on the head. 31 After they had mocked Him, they took the scarlet robe off Him and put His own garments back on Him, and led Him away to crucify Him. 32 As they were coming out, they found a man of Cyrene named Simon, whom they pressed into service to bear His cross."

Mark provides a similar, though not as much detail account in chapter 15 again with a statement of summary, "Wishing to satisfy the crowd, Pilate released Barabbas for them, and after having Jesus scourged, he handed Him over to be crucified. 16 The soldiers took Him away into the palace (that is, the Praetorium), and they called together the whole Roman cohort. 17 They dressed Him up in purple, and after twisting a crown of thorns, they put it on Him; 18 and they began to acclaim Him, “Hail, King of the Jews!” 19 They kept beating His head with a reed, and spitting on Him, and kneeling and bowing before Him. 20 After they had mocked Him, they took the purple robe off Him and put His own garments on Him. And they led Him out to crucify Him. 21 They pressed into service a passer-by coming from the country, Simon of Cyrene (the father of Alexander and Rufus), to bear His cross."

I am reminded of the movie, the Ox-Bow Incident, a 1943 western with Henry Fonda. At a saloon, ranchers get news that one of their own has been murdered. A posse is put together and based upon some circumstantial evidence, a man is in the process of being hanged for a crime, though he is innocent. This is actually a fairly consistent theme or plot that shows up in movies. The Wrong Man, also with Henry Fonda from 1957 chronicles a man being accused of robbery only to later discover he was mistaken for looking like the real thief.  And then Henry Fonda once again stars in 12 Angry Men (1957), my favorite movie, about a jury debating the fate of a young man accused of a crime. 11 believe him guilty while 1 has questions and the movie is about all 12 men deliberating in a room the fate of this young man, only to see him exonerated. In all of these movies, the innocent man is exonerated. But with Jesus, though seemingly innocent of political insurrection, his fate to the cross and bearing the sin of humanity continues as part of God's sovereign plan to save people from their sin. 

I also think about the movie Passion of the Christ from 2004 co-written, co-produced and directed by Mel Gibson that chronicles the last week of Jesus and in stark detail gives a picture of the scourging of Jesus. It is the most graphic representation I have seen and whether it exaggerates or takes artistic license of the scourging is unknown. 

Some have thought there is a difference between John's account to Mark and Matthew's with Pilate flogging Jesus prior to him given over to be crucified. I don't see this discrepancy. I think what is interesting is how Pilate tries at times to separate Himself from declaring Jesus' sentence, and yet is involved in keeping Him as a potential criminal. By involving Pilate in the process, it appears those that found Him guilty (the Jewish officials) used this involvement to continue his fate to be crucified.

Other scriptures:

Romans 15:1-3 - Now we who are strong ought to bear the weaknesses of those without strength and not just please ourselves. 2 Each of us is to please his neighbor for his good, to his edification. 3 For even Christ did not please Himself; but as it is written, “THE REPROACHES OF THOSE WHO REPROACHED YOU FELL ON ME." - This is great. Jesus bore the punishment of sins committed between people with this reminder that it is important to please our neighbor, taking up the cross for our brother as Jesus did for all of us. 

I Peter 2:21 - For you have been called for this purpose, since Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example for you to follow in His steps. - Christ suffered for me and I may need to also suffer even when good is done. Suffering is so counter-cultural, especially as Americans it would seem as we work so hard to safeguard ourselves from any sort of unwelcome situations. 

Summary: Jesus is scourged, receives the crown of thorns on his head, with many mocking and slapping him, but Pilate also presenting him as having no guilt, a man. 

Promise: I am to emulate Christ in all His ways, most notably realizing I may need to suffer even for doing good. 

Prayer: Lord, I love a good story of a guilty person being exonerated or found not guilty. That sense of justice being served is a good feeling. and yet knowing that You Jesus, though pronounced not guilty still received the penalty of guilt makes me desire to follow You. You took on my sin, being the sacrifice that was needed for me to fulfill the wrath and justice of God. You are way different than all I know and I know in my life I steer so much away from any semblance of suffering. I thank you for the movie Passion of the Christ and it impressing in me that picture of your suffering. I need to be reminded of this always. 

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

John 18:38b-40 - Exchanging Jesus for Barabbas

John 18:38b-40

38b And when he had said this, he went out again to the Jews and said to them, “I find no guilt in Him. 39 But you have a custom that I release someone for you at the Passover; do you wish then that I release for you the King of the Jews?” 40 So they cried out again, saying, “Not this Man, but Barabbas.” Now Barabbas was a robber.

Message: Exchanging Jesus for Barabbas

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 at the end of John 18. After going to a garden with the disciples, Judas arrives as well bringing Roman officers, chief priests and Pharisees to arrest Jesus. Jesus willingly goes. It's time, but Peter isn't ready to see Jesus leave and pulls out a sword, striking the high priest's slaves ear. Jesus tells Peter to put the sword away. Jesus is taken to a court for interrogation, first to Annas, then Caiaphas, then Pilate. Peter follows, and yet when questioned about being a disciple is recorded as being questioned by 3 people of his affiliation with Jesus and 3 times denies being a disciple/follower. Jesus had predicted this. Jesus proceeds to defend Himself from the officials questions. Throughout He speaks truth. The accusations seem unclear. Jesus wonders what is being asked of Him and defends His mission: to speak, teach in the synagogues, and be open to people. He is King, but his Kingdom is not of this world, but He has entered this world to speak Truth. 

Truth is what I see everyone wants in life. Defining themselves. Our jobs are about doing truth. Doing things right where we are planted. I am a Men's Retreat and we are seeking truth. This is who John has presented to us in His Gospel. The man of truth. It has been a simple message.

• Believe (3:12)
• Believe in Jesus (3:16)
• To enter - born of water and Spirit (3:5)
• Drink of Him, His water (4:13-14)
• Worship (4:23)
• Jesus is doing His Father's will on earth (4:34)
• Do not sin (5:14)
• Jesus gives life to whom He wishes (5:21)
• Believe and have eternal life (5:24)
• Receive Him who God sent (5:43)
• "I am the bread of life" (6:35)
• To come to Jesus, must be drawn (6:44)
• The world hates Jesus because He speaks of their evil deeds (7:7)
• If thirsty, go to Jesus and drink (7:37)
• Believe in Jesus and innermost being will flow rivers of living water (7:38)
• Follow Jesus, the light of the world, and you will have the light of life (8:12)
• Not believing results in dying in your wins (8:24)
• Abide in Jesus' words (8:31)
• Enter through Jesus, the door, to be saved (10:9)
• Jesus will lay his life down and take it up again (10:17-18)
• Jesus sheep hear His voice (10:27)
• Believe and there is life even if one dies (11:25)
• The Son of Man will be glorified (12:23)
• To believe in Jesus is to believe in God (12:44)
• Love one another (13:34)

At this point, the tone shifts to Love. It is as if people have believed and now Jesus focuses on His love and our need to love others and in the process bear fruit (15:8)

• A Helper will come (16:7) 
• He will guide you into all truth - to Glorify Jesus (16:13-14)
• Jesus wants us with Him (17:24)

This is the Truth. At least the truth John speaks of Jesus in His Gospel. And it is because of these words that when given the opportunity to release one prisoner during the Passover - Barabbas or Jesus -- Barabbas being a criminal who most likely murdered someone, they chose to release Barabbas, resulting in Jesus being condemned to death -- though not really guilty of any crime - and yet not a friend to the world, but one focused on a broader goal -- Truth for eternity. 

Interesting dichotomy here. 

People of this world are indeed stuck in this world. 

Part of me wants to absolve Pilate of being responsible for Jesus' death because He does state that he finds no guilt in Jesus. Yet, at that moment, he does not let Jesus go. I think of most scenes in a court and when a judge pronounces someone innocent, he is let go. But Pilate does not do that and instead knows that the Jews need to let someone go who is guilty. 

Verse 39 mentions a custom of releasing someone. Leviticus 16:5-10, "5 He shall take from the congregation of the sons of Israel two male goats for a sin offering and one ram for a burnt offering. 6 Then Aaron shall offer the bull for the sin offering which is for himself, that he may make atonement for himself and for his household. 7 He shall take the two goats and present them before the Lord at the doorway of the tent of meeting. 8 Aaron shall cast lots for the two goats, one lot for the Lord and the other lot for the scapegoat. 9 Then Aaron shall offer the goat on which the lot for the Lord fell, and make it a sin offering. 10 But the goat on which the lot for the scapegoat fell shall be presented alive before the Lord, to make atonement upon it, to send it into the wilderness as the scapegoat." In this scenario, there is determine to be one scapegoat or one that escapes the offering. And the process of choosing will be casting lots. Casting lots appears to be random. Proverbs 16:33 however says, "The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the Lord." What appears to be random is not random. It is a decision from the Lord. And in that decision results in one dying and one not. 

Is there anything random in this life? While up at the men's retreat, after playing guitar, the guitar player dislocated his finger and had to leave to go back to town to the emergency room. This happened while he was in bed. Someone later called it a freak accident. Yet, I wonder if it was random. Often, we think of cancer or aliments that people get as being random because you do not know when they will strike, and yet I wonder if it is all indeed random or if there is intention of the Lord. Maybe at the time we see it as being random and yet, in His perfect plan of working all things out for good (Romans 8:28) he takes seemingly random events and makes them good. Yet, how can we say this about a school shooting, a hurricane that takes the lives of thousands, a terrorist bombing, a genocide, the World War II concentration camps? Do we prefer to conclude these are random events? Perhaps it makes us feel better to not think that God could have been involved in all of this for some purpose that He decides. Those events occurred due to the choices from man, we could conclude following the result of Adam and Eve's sin. But not all. Hurricane's, Tsunami's, earthquakes, happened according to nature and winds and atmospheric pressure - yet, all of these set up by the hand of God - created as part of this world. 

Scapegoat - A person or group that is blamed for something wrong that someone else did, or made to suffer in their place. For example, "Politicians have used the financial sector as a scapegoat for the global economic crisis". In the Bible, a goat that symbolically took on the sins of the people during the Yom Kippur ceremony and was then sent into the wilderness. The term was coined in 1530 by Protestant scholar William Tyndale during his translation of the Hebrew Bible into English.

Other Verses:

Leviticus 19:4 - Do not turn to idols or make for yourselves molten gods; I am the Lord your God. 

Matthew 27:15-21 - 15 Now at the feast the governor was accustomed to release for the people any one prisoner whom they wanted. 16 At that time they were holding a notorious prisoner, called Barabbas. 17 So when the people gathered together, Pilate said to them, “Whom do you want me to release for you? Barabbas, or Jesus who is called Christ?” 18 For he knew that because of envy they had handed Him over. 19 While he was sitting on the judgment seat, his wife sent him a message, saying, “Have nothing to do with that righteous Man; for last night I suffered greatly in a dream because of Him.” 20 But the chief priests and the elders persuaded the crowds to ask for Barabbas and to put Jesus to death. 21 But the governor said to them, “Which of the two do you want me to release for you?” And they said, “Barabbas.”

Luke 23:18-25 - 18 But they cried out all together, saying, “Away with this man, and release for us Barabbas!” 19 (He was one who had been thrown into prison for an insurrection made in the city, and for murder.) 20 Pilate, wanting to release Jesus, addressed them again, 21 but they kept on calling out, saying, “Crucify, crucify Him!” 22 And he said to them the third time, “Why, what evil has this man done? I have found in Him no guilt demanding death; therefore I will punish Him and release Him.” 23 But they were insistent, with loud voices asking that He be crucified. And their voices began to prevail. 24 And Pilate pronounced sentence that their demand be granted. 25 And he released the man they were asking for who had been thrown into prison for insurrection and murder, but he delivered Jesus to their will.

I John 5:21 - Little children, guard yourselves from idols.

Interesting that these others verses that accompany this reading are references to idolatry. In choosing Barabbas, the one chosen was not the real thing, but an impostor. So on one hand, their was a chose, a rather obvious one in that the innocent one was not chosen. And yet as mentioned earlier, it was not random. Thus, in the choosing, in what appeared to be random - it wasn't. 

Summary: Pilate states Jesus is innocent, but he remains a prisoner and the chief priests must determine between Jesus and Barabbas, the murderer. Barabbas is chosen to be spared. 

Promise: Both this (Jesus) and the other goat (Barabbas) typified Christ; this in his death and passion for us, that in his resurrection for our deliverance.

Prayer: Lord, I am still trying to understand this passage of scripture and how it relates to Leviticus 16. But, I do know you were chosen as it would seem, though innocent, to take on our sin. The lot fell to Barabbas to be set free and yet as the thief, his sin and all of our sin was transferred to Jesus, the ultimate scapegoat for the sins of all people. Thank you God for knowing what we need always and in all things I submit and surrender to You and accept what You provide. 

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

John 18:37-38a - Pilate's Cynicism

John 18:37-38a 

37 Therefore Pilate said to Him, “So You are a king?” Jesus answered, “You say correctly that I am a king. For this I have been born, and for this I have come into the world, to testify to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth hears My voice.” 38 Pilate said to Him, “What is truth?”

Message: Pilate's Cynicism

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: Preface - Jesus heads to a garden and Judas leads Roman/Jewish officials to Jesus in the garden; Jesus surrenders to be arrested. Peter thinks he is coming to Jesus' rescue, though most likely outnumbered, pulling out his dagger to cut off a high priest's servants ear, but Jesus tells him to back down, as He is to drink the Cup (of wrath) the Father has for him. Jesus is taken to Annas, but it seems Caiaphas really conducts the arrest proceedings. Peter and John follow though Peter denies being a follower of Jesus. Jesus is accused by Annas regarding his impact, answers that Annas should ask those that have been impacted, but Jesus is then sent to Caiaphas bound. Peter was questioned two more times about his association with Jesus and two more times Peter denies being a disciple of Jesus. The high priests take Jesus to Pilate, but Pilate puts it back on the Jews but they mention they are not permitted to put anyone to death. Jesus responds to his accusers, spoken from Pilate, that His kingdom is not of this world and He is not here to overthrow a government. 

Pilate now moves in his conversation to Jesus a little more tongue in cheek, not believing what Jesus is saying, but speaking to him like he's a madman. Are you a king? What is truth? Pilate had previously questioned Jesus in response to the accusations by the Jewish leaders. Jesus mentioned previously about being a king, yes, but not of this world. Pilate tries to get this clarified further from Jesus. Jesus in his response basically tries to explain matter-of-fact to Pilate that before one will acknowledge Him as King they must believe in Him. Jesus speaks radical words -- "I have come into the world, to testify to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth hears My voice."

Jesus has entered this world. He is not of this world, but he has come into the world. His purpose is to testify to the truth - the truth of salvation, eternal life, his authority as one sent from the Father, the living water, bread of life, to be born again - to charge His disciples to preach the same. For those that are of the truth, they will Hear His voice. So not everyone. Not everyone has Jesus as King. He is not a king to everyone. He is showing who belongs to Him and who does not and for those that belong to Him He will be their king. 

This is the truth today. And honestly can be difficult at times in speaking to people. There are people I speak with that are not of the truth and it seems clear for those that are not, they are not living their lives by God's standard, by truth, but instead continue to live it according to their way. Some have some semblance of God, but not completely. They must be regenerated or reborn or be new creatures, but they are not. They must be given new hearts, but they don't have it. This is hard to witness, to be around, to see. We are looking for those that will come to know the truth and let it change them. Pilate was not of the truth. For after this he asks, "What is truth?" 

Many people are like Pilate - seeking an answer to a question, but not seeking the Answer. They are pragmatic. They want to check the box, but they don't want the complete transformation. I have a man right now that can't see past his current situation. Sometimes this happens in life. It gets all consuming and we can't see anything else. Oh if we could see the Truth. 

Other verses

“Buy truth, and do not sell it, Get wisdom and instruction and understanding.”

‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭23‬:‭23‬ ‭NASB1995‬‬

- interesting verse - basically we are to be about truth, wisdom, instruction, understanding. Jesus is the Truth. 

“O Lord, do not Your eyes look for truth? You have smitten them, But they did not weaken; You have consumed them, But they refused to take correction. They have made their faces harder than rock; They have refused to repent.”

‭‭Jeremiah‬ ‭5‬:‭3‬ ‭NASB1995‬‬

- Jeremiah 5 is Jeremiah searching for a righteous person but in Judah not finding one. The chapter shows the craftiness of man to avoid God, pretending to align with him, but refusing correction and repentance. Like Pilate Jesus shows people the right way, but some refuse to change. 

“and with all the deception of wickedness for those who perish, because they did not receive the love of the truth so as to be saved. For this reason God will send upon them a deluding influence so that they will believe what is false, in order that they all may be judged who did not believe the truth, but took pleasure in wickedness.”

‭‭2 Thessalonians‬ ‭2‬:‭10‬-‭12‬ ‭NASB1995

- The events preceding the Day of the Lord. People refuse to believe. They don't receive the truth to be be saved. And so God proceeds to allow them to believe the false. The reality is some will not turn from Him and God is in control of this for they continue to not want Him. ‬‬

“I have no greater joy than this, to hear of my children walking in the truth.”

‭‭3 John‬ ‭1‬:‭4‬ ‭NASB1995‬‬

Summary: Jesus came to testify of truth, to be about truth. This is what God is looking for in people - a people that walk in the Truth of Jesus. 

Promise: I am called to stand for truth, in matters great and small. 

Prayer: Lord, it is compelling to read Your words, to experience You - The Truth. I am to walk in this truth daily. Keep correcting me and moving me to be about this truth so that others see it in me. Help me in my relationships, at work, at home with my wife, with my children, at church, with my dad, with friends and people I am challenging to walk in Truth. Give me patience and give me grace in all of this. It can be a toil but I want to also experience rest. This world is imperfect and it is hard. I hurt for people that struggle through these truths. Thank You Jesus for showing me the Way. Keep me strong and running the race, not losing sight of the goal and the Prize. Keep me humble. Keep me loving. Help me now for this weekend and possible time of refreshment. I pray for the Pilate's of this world. Give me wisdom with them, not letting them get me down. But simply responding in a way that glorifies You. I would love to see them change but help me to not get too focused on that. Keep me under your wings. O God, I need you. 

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

John 18:32-36 - Christ's Otherworldly Kingdom

John 18:32-36 

32 to fulfill the word of Jesus which He spoke, signifying by what kind of death He was about to die.

33 Therefore Pilate entered again into the Praetorium, and summoned Jesus and said to Him, “Are You the King of the Jews?” 34 Jesus answered, “Are you saying this on your own initiative, or did others tell you about Me?” 35 Pilate answered, “I am not a Jew, am I? Your own nation and the chief priests delivered You to me; what have You done?” 36 Jesus answered, “My kingdom is not of this world. If My kingdom were of this world, then My servants would be fighting so that I would not be handed over to the Jews; but as it is, My kingdom is not of this realm.”

Message: Chris's Otherworldly Kingdom

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: Context - In general, Pontius Pilate only intervened in matters with the Jews if that matter affected the Roman Empire and its control of the Holy Land. The Jews claim was Jesus had blasphemed (Matthew 26:65-66); in general something that Pilate would not intervene. But the high priests took it to closer to a Roman intervention by claiming incorrectly Jesus taught people to disobey Caesar claiming to be king of the Jews (Luke 23:1-2). Today's passage does not clearly mention this in verse 33 and Jesus's response in 34, but Jesus doesn't deny it, simply asks Pilate to defend the accusation and to show that the Jews were attempting to manipulate the system since they knew they couldn't be the one's to crucify Jesus (18:31).  

Jesus responds in such a way as to somewhat deny the charge that He is to overthrow any present political power, which is actually not what the Jews version of the Messiah wanted in that person. They wanted the Messiah to overthrow Roman authority and help them as a people be independent. So sort of ironic, what they wanted in a Messiah they actually accused Jesus of doing to get to be crucified. 

Jesus says in verse 36 that his kingdom which is his rein of people is not of this world. He remarks that people that believe in Him therefore are a people ultimately not of this world. Believers are part of a heavenly kingdom once they believe or an eternal kingdom. And as such his people are not fighting because people understand the kingdom He is ushering is not of this world. I had someone ask me about this recently, to describe the two sets of the people - the visitors or Christians not of this world and those of the world. A stark reminder that there are those that are of this world. James mentions these individuals (James 4:4) and Jesus refers to people that will not hear him (John 8:47). I make mention this as there are many faiths and beliefs that might think that all are going to heaven but in reality Jesus makes mention as does the Bible that not everyone will enter the kingdom. 

Other verses:

Daniel 2:44-45 when Daniel came forward to give an interpretation of a dream of Nebuchadnezzar he remarked first that Nebuchadnezzar was one God had established to be king and rule over all (Daniel 2:37-38) but his reign is not eternal and one day a new kingdom, an eternal kingdom will be established, "44 In the days of those kings the God of heaven will set up a kingdom which will never be destroyed, and that kingdom will not be left for another people; it will crush and put an end to all these kingdoms, but it will itself endure forever. 45 Inasmuch as you saw that a stone was cut out of the mountain without hands and that it crushed the iron, the bronze, the clay, the silver and the gold, the great God has made known to the king what will take place in the future; so the dream is true and its interpretation is trustworthy.” O God, you are good and your ways our eternal, you grant people to reign in our present lives, but ultimately you have an eternal kingdom that will never be destroyed. 

Revelation 11:15, "Then the seventh angel sounded; and there were loud voices in heaven, saying,

“The kingdom of the world has become [the kingdom] of our Lord and of His Christ; and He will reign forever and ever.”

Summary: Jesus responds to his accusers, spoken from Pilate, that His kingdom is not of this world and He is not here to overthrow a government. 

Promise: Jesus' kingdom while not of this world, with it being eternal, still includes this world. 

Prayer: Lord, thank you bringing meaning to this text. As I first opened it several days ago, I did not see the value in that I see today. Sometimes Lord it takes me some time to have a text rest in me until I find that Your Spirit speaks to me or wakes me up to it. Today is Sunday and I do thank you for this day as my mind is clear and focused so much more on You, resting from the obligations that make up the other 6 days of the week and so at this time I can take time to seek You and learn from You. Thank you for this text and reminding me of the words that I am not of this world, but You have sealed me forever with You in heaven. This is all for your glory. Lord, impress this upon me more. Give me more of a sense of the need to speak to those that need to hear. 

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

John 18:28-32 - Defiled in Heart

John 18:28-32

28 Then they led Jesus from Caiaphas into the Praetorium, and it was early; and they themselves did not enter into the Praetorium so that they would not be defiled, but might eat the Passover. 29 Therefore Pilate went out to them and said, “What accusation do you bring against this Man?” 30 They answered and said to him, “If this Man were not an evildoer, we would not have delivered Him to you.” 31 So Pilate said to them, “Take Him yourselves, and judge Him according to your law.” The Jews said to him, “We are not permitted to put anyone to death,” 32 to fulfill the word of Jesus which He spoke, signifying by what kind of death He was about to die.

Message: Defiled in Heart

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: Preface - Jesus heads to a garden and Judas leads Roman/Jewish officials to Jesus in the garden, then they fall down to the ground and Jesus surrenders to be arrested. Peter thinks he is coming to Jesus' rescue, and pulls out his dagger to cut off a high priest's servants ear, but Jesus tells him to back down, as He is to drink the Cup (of wrath) the Father has for him. Jesus is taken to Annas, but it seem Caiaphas really conducts the arrest proceedings. Peter and John follow though Peter denies being a follower of Jesus (the first time). Jesus is accused by Annas regarding his impact, answers that Annas should ask those that have been impacted, but Jesus is then sent to Caiaphas bound. Peter was questioned two more times about his association with Jesus and two more times Peter denies being a disciple of Jesus. 

After the interlude in the previous set of verses mentioning Peter's denial, we are back to the proceedings toward Jesus. The High priests go from Caiaphas to Pilate. They proclaim Jesus to have committed evil acts, but when Pilate turns the table on the Jews to deal with him as they see fit since the offense has been against them, the Jews, the Jews announce that they cannot put anyone to death. This also being a fulfillment of the words of Jesus. Only a Roman ruler had the legal authority to execute Jesus. 

Summary: The high priests take Jesus to Pilate, but Pilate puts it back on the Jews but they mention they are not permitted to put anyone to death. 

Promise: Keep our hearts always close to God. 

Prayer: Lord God, I admit I struggled with this lesson and discovering from it what you want to teach me. Maybe it is simply a reminder that your arrest was not lawful and people focus on things that do not matter. And like I discovered previously that sometimes people make up their minds on you without looking at the facts. Lord, I want to know you and follow you in the right way. I thank you for the way you speak to me and I pray that you would help me as I related to others. 

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