Simon

Re: Verse reading–Matthew 27:32-54 (day two)

As they were coming out, they found a man of Cyrene named Simon, whom they pressed into service to bear His cross. vs. 32

Simon of Cyrene – who was he? What was he doing there? Was he in town for the Passover, perhaps there to take part in a sacrifice or ritual? Was he a party to angry mob that had feverishly demanded the release of a convicted killer instead of the innocent Jesus? It is as if it was a passing thought to put this account in the passion narrative. This man named Simon from the town of Cyrene was forced to carry the cross of the Christ.

Like all of us Simon had an encounter with Jesus. He may not have been a part of anything that led up to his role, but that did not mean he didn’t need to meet the Savior. Jesus didn’t die to just save those who angrily forced this crucifixion. He didn’t endure the torture for so the scattered disciples could be absolved. Jesus followed this path so people like Simon could meet him face to face. We will all be called to some accountability for what we did with this Jesus. Will you carry his cross?

Facts without faith

Re: Verse reading–Matthew 27:32-54 (day one)

I am amazed and saddened by the behavior of the chief priests  on the day of the crucifixion. To come to  Golgotha was an extra trip.  For what?  To ridicule a dying man?  Give it a rest!

They had good information. “He saved others” they said in v 42.  “He trusts in God” they reported in v 43.  Accurate summary of Christ’s life and ministry.  But crucifixion was reserved for the worst criminals–designed to make death as painful and prolonged as possible.  Why couldn’t they see the injustice?

Common problem for religious people.  Right facts (about God).  Wrong heart (toward God).  Correct info.  Unsurrendered ego.  Like Jonah who knew about God, even obeyed Him, but his heart never changed, these lost and foolish men knew about Christ, but never come to faith and salvation.

“The word they heard did not profit them, because it was not united by faith in those who heard it.”–Hebrews 4:2

Our guilty silence

Re: Verse reading–Matthew 26:47-50, 57-66; 27:11-26 (day seven)

“Pilate took some water and washed his hands before the crowd and said, ‘I am innocent of this man’s blood.’ “–27:24

“In the end we will remember not the words of our enemies, but the silence of our friends.”–Martin Luther King Jr.

Pilate claimed to be innocent.  Washed his hands in public.  Made a show of it.  But, was he?

Maybe, if sin is only a wrong deed done.  But if avoiding duty and refusing opportunity is also sin, then Pilate has no claim.

“We did not HATE you”, the world will say to Christ on the last day. “But, did you LOVE me?” the King will say, referencing His own command.

“We did not HURT anyone” the defense will continue.  “But did you HELP?  Did you actively and courageously stand and serve?”

Was Pilate innocent?  Not if God EXPECTS of us and DESERVES from us a courageous defense of the truth.

 

Words

Re: Verse reading–Matthew 26:47-50, 57-66; 27:11-26 (day six)

It was a loud mess, a cacophony of voices, some hushed and others loud, as Jesus was paraded into Caiphas’ courtyard in the middle of the night. It went from courtyard to courtroom with the raising of the high priest’s hand; everyone went silent, and every eye on Jesus. The silence lasted for only a moment when one, then two began to make accusation against Jesus in disjointed coordination, as if they had rehearsed what they would say. Three. Four. Ten. A pause and then ten more just the same. Each pause was followed by feverish anticipation of what this man might say in his defense. As if to raise the stakes and rouse a response, each accusation became more outlandish than the next.

Silence. And yet without even a word his very presence spoke with authority, and they felt it, and hated him for it.

He would eventually speak, making a declaration rather than a defense. His words, albeit few, sealed his fate. Their plan was working, so they thought; they had sprung their trap. Little did they know that his words, which brought him condemnation and them triumph, played into the hand of a sovereign and gracious God. Words.

The Right Question

Re: Verse reading–Matthew 26:47-50, 57-66; 27:11-26 (day five)

One of the saddest descriptions of discipleship in Matthew 47:58, “But Peter was following Him at a distance”. When following at a distance, it can be easy to ask the wrong question. Teenagers ask it all the time. “How far is too far?” “Can I do this and still be considered faithful and pure?” “Can I choose this and still be labeled as godly?” Don’t be so quick to look down on teens. Adults do it as well. We are just more sophisticated about it.

What influences were at work in Peter’s heart? Fear? Uncertainty? Frustration? Helplessness? Anger? Any sound familiar? Maybe the question we should ask in those moments is “How close is too close?” We can be intentional to draw “near” to The Lord and His people.

Hebrews 10: 22 let us draw near to God with a sincere heart  23 Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. 25 not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another.

Where are Your Eyes?

Re: Verse reading–Matthew 26:47-50, 57-66; 27:11-26 (day four)

Jesus had already spent time in prayer before the arrest in the garden. (Matthew 26:36-46) He had once again confirmed with God that He must suffer and die for the sins of the world. It was settled in His mind. He was willing, if it was God’s will. Now, as He faced His accusers, He answered only one question…”are you the King of the Jews?” “It is as you say,” He said. Once He had answered that question, there was no other need to respond. Jesus saw the bigger picture…He would not be distracted by accusations and defenses that would not matter. It was unnerving to Pilate, but Jesus’ eyes were on the cross. Where are your eyes? Are you singularly focused on the will of God? Is it settled in your mind what God wants of you? Don’t be distracted…pray, discern, and then obey!

Bullet

Re: Verse reading–Matthew 26:47-50, 57-66; 27:11-26 (day three)

“Friend, do what you came for.” We can read this as if Jesus were telling Judas, as we might phrase it, “Just get this over with.” After all, here was a betrayal by a (publicly apparent) friend. But was Jesus biting the bullet here? Certainly our Lord possessed courage, toughness, and–as evidenced by the term “friend”, which he used without irony and with absolute sincerity–love. But the “let’s do this” frame of mind would necessitate his holding something in reserve in order to bring off the crowning feat of victory. That sounds satisfying, but we need a Savior, not an action hero. Jesus spoke to Judas of sacrifice, not grit. In Paul’s grand language, Jesus “emptied himself.” He didn’t bite the bullet. He took it. Do you know he did this for you?

Right Fighting

Re: Verse reading–Matthew 26:47-50, 57-66; 27:11-26 (day two)

When Pilate saw that he was accomplishing nothing, but rather that a riot was starting, he took water and washed his hands in front of the crowd, saying, “I am innocent of this Man’s blood; see to that yourselves.” 

It seems that arguing by way of shouting is not a new concept. What can we, as modern civilized people, learn from this exchange between Pilate and the mob? Civil discourse is one of the greatest attributes of mankind. The free exchange of ideas between thinking, thoughtful people. This, however, is not the way we behave. More often than not, and this has been great exacerbated by social media, we spew vitriol in every direction and refuse to engage others. Where does this lead? Great division.

Pilate, a pagan, was trying to do the right thing. Can we be so blind in our convictions that we refuse to see the true path of righteousness. Fighting to be right led the Jews to crucify Jesus, what will it get you?

Wrong!

Re: Verse reading–Matthew 26:47-50, 57-66; 27:11-26 (day one)

A COMEDY of errors.  That is what we call it.  Narrative work.  Usually a play. One mistake leads to another and another.  Absurd.  Hilarious.

Our reading this week is a TRAGEDY of errors.  Many people rejecting, refusing loyalty to Christ and for many different reasons.  Caiaphas from envy.  Judas from his love of money.  Pilate from political expediency.  Different motivations.  Same decision.  Jesus is betrayed and rejected and condemned to die.

“God. . .has glorified His Servant, Jesus, the One whom you. . . disowned in the presence of Pilate, when he had decided to release Him.  You disowned the Holy and Righteous One, and asked for a murderer to be granted to you.”–Acts 3:13-14.

Did the participants, that day so long ago, think they were doing right, acting appropriately?  Did they have reasons for their actions?  Yes, probably.  (Don’t we?)  But, for all of their excuses and self-justifications they were still morally and eternally wrong!

Is work worth it?

Re: Verse reading–Matthew 20:1-16 (day seven)

“You go and work in my vineyard and I will pay you what is right.”–v 4.

“For we must all appear before the judgement seat of Christ, that each one may be recompensed for his deeds in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad.”— 2 Corinthians 5:10.

Is work worth it?  From a cost-benefit analysis?  Why should a person strive for excellence if, at the end of the season, everyone gets the same trophy?  What motive can be found for  physical, spiritual, or professional effort?  Isn’t the wiser course to just “do enough to get by”?

Followers of Christ know the answer.  We work because our deeds will be judged. Evaluated.  Rewarded or rejected, received or refused.

Matthew 20 is a conversation on this important subject.  God will “judge the thoughts and the intentions of the heart.” As evidence, He will point to our response when He offered us a job.