Of course there is always much excitement in the Barlow household. Yesterday was no exception.
We decided that while there was a few moments of free time before The Well (Wednesday night's youth group) we should finish planting the flowers we had bought. We bought marigolds, impatiens, and begonias. We also bought a flagpole. We tried to buy a flagpole back in the fall because we have a bracket on the house for a flagpole and a UK flag. But, the man at Lowes said they only have flagpoles in the spring and summer. Now that it is the spring, we bought the flagpole.
After we finished with the flowers we decided to finally hang up the UK flag. Great timing, seeing as basketball season is OVER. But, I am still willing to fly the flag, especially in celebration of the hiring of Billy G.
Ben stayed outside to open up the flagpole and I went in the house to retrieve the flag.
The flag was being stored in a plastic storage box on the top shelf of the closet in the guest bedroom. I promise that as I stepped into the doorway of the guest bedroom that something feel from the ceiling to the floor, right next to the closet. I walked around the bed, fearing the presence of a mouse. (How a mouse would be on the ceiling, I have no idea, but there have been mice in our house before...see previous blog entries.)
It was no mouse. It was a lizard! Okay, maybe not a lizard, but one of those gecko/salamander things. At any rate, I did not like the look of it. So I ran to get Ben of course. You need a guy around to kill things.
"THERE IS A LIZARD IN THE BEDROOM! COME QUICK!"
"What?"
"THERE IS A LIZARD IN THE BEDROOM!"
"No there isn't."
"YES THERE IS! IT'S IN THE CLOSET!" I had seen the lizard/gecko scurrying under the closet door.
Ben started sliding the closet door around. He was complaining that he didn't see anything and that I had made it up. He picked up a pair of shoes. There was the lizard.
"Oh crap! There it is!" This was Ben's response.
By this time, I was standing on the bed. Maggie joined me. (Did you catch that? A bassett hound with metal pins holding her leg together jumped on the bed, which is on risers. How she cleared the bed I do not know.) We were both jumping on the bed while Ben tried to trap the lizard.
Ben started thinking about how to trap the lizard. "Go get me something to catch it in." Like what?!
"Go get me a paper towel or rag or something, unless you want a big blood spot on the floor." Maggie and I went to get a paper towel.
We returned, and jumped back on the bed. I threw the paper towel at Ben. "CATCH IT!!"
He went in for the kill. Or at least the trap. I screamed. Then Ben screamed: "THE TAIL! THE TAIL!" Ben had half of the lizard in his hand and half was flopping around on the floor. While he was pointing out the tail, the rest of the lizard started crawling out of the paper towel. "AAAAAAHHHH!!!"
"AAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHH!"
I hit my head on the ceiling fan when I jumped. Maggie's ears were at full alert. "GET ANOTHER PAPER TOWEL!"
I went to get another paper towel.
Maggie and I returned and jumped on the bed. Again.
Finally, Ben trapped the tail.
Never a dull moment. And the flagpole didn't even fit in the bracket on our roof.
Thursday, April 12, 2007
Sunday, April 08, 2007
Easter Sunday, April 8, 2007
John 20:1-18 (The Message)
Resurrection!
1-2 Early in the morning on the first day of the week, while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene came to the tomb and saw that the stone was moved away from the entrance. She ran at once to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one Jesus loved, breathlessly panting, "They took the Master from the tomb. We don't know where they've put him."
3-10Peter and the other disciple left immediately for the tomb. They ran, neck and neck. The other disciple got to the tomb first, outrunning Peter. Stooping to look in, he saw the pieces of linen cloth lying there, but he didn't go in. Simon Peter arrived after him, entered the tomb, observed the linen cloths lying there, and the kerchief used to cover his head not lying with the linen cloths but separate, neatly folded by itself. Then the other disciple, the one who had gotten there first, went into the tomb, took one look at the evidence, and believed. No one yet knew from the Scripture that he had to rise from the dead. The disciples then went back home.
11-13But Mary stood outside the tomb weeping. As she wept, she knelt to look into the tomb and saw two angels sitting there, dressed in white, one at the head, the other at the foot of where Jesus' body had been laid. They said to her, "Woman, why do you weep?"
13-14"They took my Master," she said, "and I don't know where they put him." After she said this, she turned away and saw Jesus standing there. But she didn't recognize him.
15Jesus spoke to her, "Woman, why do you weep? Who are you looking for?"
She, thinking that he was the gardener, said, "Mister, if you took him, tell me where you put him so I can care for him."
16Jesus said, "Mary."
Turning to face him, she said in Hebrew, "Rabboni!" meaning "Teacher!"
17Jesus said, "Don't cling to me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father. Go to my brothers and tell them, 'I ascend to my Father and your Father, my God and your God.'"
18Mary Magdalene went, telling the news to the disciples: "I saw the Master!" And she told them everything he said to her.
Have you ever stood in a cemetery? Can you imagine being in one and turning around and being greeted by a stranger? What if that stranger turned out to be the very person you KNEW was dead and buried in that cemetery? What if they said your name?
That is exactly what happened to Mary Magdalene. She KNEW Jesus was dead; she most likely was a witness to his death on the cross. She wanted to visit Jesus’ tomb, but when she got there, she noticed it had been disturbed. She did not hang out to investigate, but ran back to two of the disciples, Peter and “the one Jesus loved” (probably John), and told them Jesus had been taken from his tomb.
When they get there, Peter enters the tomb first, though John has already looked in it. They see that the cloths used to cover Jesus body are lying their empty; the cloth that covered his head, neatly folded. Then they left.
Mary stayed, crying outside the tomb. She spoke with two angels. Then Jesus stood behind her. She did not recognize him, and had a conversation with him, assuming he was the gardener of the cemetery.
When Jesus says her name, Mary realizes it is him. Jesus gives her a message, and sends her back to proclaim it to the disciples.
The message Mary took back to Jesus’ disciples is the same message we are to give people today. “Jesus is not dead. Jesus lives, even now, even after death! And he loves us and wants us to love too.”
“Resurrection” is the word that describes this event. Jesus, who was killed on a cross and buried in a tomb, was dead for three days. On the third day, he was raised back to life. He never died again, but was taken into heaven where he lives and reigns with God the Father.
Why did Jesus die, only to be raised again? He did it because it was by dying that he could carry the weight of all our sins. As a result, we do not have to be punished for our sin. He was. Through his willingness to die in our place, we are made right with God. We can enter into a relationship with God and discover what it means to truly live.
As for us, if we believe in Jesus, we too will experience “resurrection.” Though we will all physically die, we will be raised to a new life and be with God. This is a mystery, how and when it will happen. But, it is a mystery with incredible hope.
So what about you? Do you believe in Jesus? Do you believe he was who he claimed to be? Do you believe he was a healer, a worker of miracles, a great teacher, a leader, the King, and the savior who died for us, but is now alive? Believe and live it, that you may have new life and hope in the mystery of the Resurrection.
Resurrection!
1-2 Early in the morning on the first day of the week, while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene came to the tomb and saw that the stone was moved away from the entrance. She ran at once to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one Jesus loved, breathlessly panting, "They took the Master from the tomb. We don't know where they've put him."
3-10Peter and the other disciple left immediately for the tomb. They ran, neck and neck. The other disciple got to the tomb first, outrunning Peter. Stooping to look in, he saw the pieces of linen cloth lying there, but he didn't go in. Simon Peter arrived after him, entered the tomb, observed the linen cloths lying there, and the kerchief used to cover his head not lying with the linen cloths but separate, neatly folded by itself. Then the other disciple, the one who had gotten there first, went into the tomb, took one look at the evidence, and believed. No one yet knew from the Scripture that he had to rise from the dead. The disciples then went back home.
11-13But Mary stood outside the tomb weeping. As she wept, she knelt to look into the tomb and saw two angels sitting there, dressed in white, one at the head, the other at the foot of where Jesus' body had been laid. They said to her, "Woman, why do you weep?"
13-14"They took my Master," she said, "and I don't know where they put him." After she said this, she turned away and saw Jesus standing there. But she didn't recognize him.
15Jesus spoke to her, "Woman, why do you weep? Who are you looking for?"
She, thinking that he was the gardener, said, "Mister, if you took him, tell me where you put him so I can care for him."
16Jesus said, "Mary."
Turning to face him, she said in Hebrew, "Rabboni!" meaning "Teacher!"
17Jesus said, "Don't cling to me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father. Go to my brothers and tell them, 'I ascend to my Father and your Father, my God and your God.'"
18Mary Magdalene went, telling the news to the disciples: "I saw the Master!" And she told them everything he said to her.
Have you ever stood in a cemetery? Can you imagine being in one and turning around and being greeted by a stranger? What if that stranger turned out to be the very person you KNEW was dead and buried in that cemetery? What if they said your name?
That is exactly what happened to Mary Magdalene. She KNEW Jesus was dead; she most likely was a witness to his death on the cross. She wanted to visit Jesus’ tomb, but when she got there, she noticed it had been disturbed. She did not hang out to investigate, but ran back to two of the disciples, Peter and “the one Jesus loved” (probably John), and told them Jesus had been taken from his tomb.
When they get there, Peter enters the tomb first, though John has already looked in it. They see that the cloths used to cover Jesus body are lying their empty; the cloth that covered his head, neatly folded. Then they left.
Mary stayed, crying outside the tomb. She spoke with two angels. Then Jesus stood behind her. She did not recognize him, and had a conversation with him, assuming he was the gardener of the cemetery.
When Jesus says her name, Mary realizes it is him. Jesus gives her a message, and sends her back to proclaim it to the disciples.
The message Mary took back to Jesus’ disciples is the same message we are to give people today. “Jesus is not dead. Jesus lives, even now, even after death! And he loves us and wants us to love too.”
“Resurrection” is the word that describes this event. Jesus, who was killed on a cross and buried in a tomb, was dead for three days. On the third day, he was raised back to life. He never died again, but was taken into heaven where he lives and reigns with God the Father.
Why did Jesus die, only to be raised again? He did it because it was by dying that he could carry the weight of all our sins. As a result, we do not have to be punished for our sin. He was. Through his willingness to die in our place, we are made right with God. We can enter into a relationship with God and discover what it means to truly live.
As for us, if we believe in Jesus, we too will experience “resurrection.” Though we will all physically die, we will be raised to a new life and be with God. This is a mystery, how and when it will happen. But, it is a mystery with incredible hope.
So what about you? Do you believe in Jesus? Do you believe he was who he claimed to be? Do you believe he was a healer, a worker of miracles, a great teacher, a leader, the King, and the savior who died for us, but is now alive? Believe and live it, that you may have new life and hope in the mystery of the Resurrection.
Friday, April 06, 2007
Holy Saturday, April 7, 2007
John 19:38-42 (The Message)
38After all this, Joseph of Arimathea (he was a disciple of Jesus, but secretly, because he was intimidated by the Jews) petitioned Pilate to take the body of Jesus. Pilate gave permission. So Joseph came and took the body.
39-42Nicodemus, who had first come to Jesus at night, came now in broad daylight carrying a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about seventy-five pounds. They took Jesus' body and, following the Jewish burial custom, wrapped it in linen with the spices. There was a garden near the place he was crucified, and in the garden a new tomb in which no one had yet been placed. So, because it was Sabbath preparation for the Jews and the tomb was convenient, they placed Jesus in it.
Matthew 27:62-66 (The Message)
62-64After sundown, the high priests and Pharisees arranged a meeting with Pilate. They said, "Sir, we just remembered that that liar announced while he was still alive, 'After three days I will be raised.' We've got to get that tomb sealed until the third day. There's a good chance his disciples will come and steal the corpse and then go around saying, 'He's risen from the dead.' Then we'll be worse off than before, the final deceit surpassing the first."
65-66Pilate told them, "You will have a guard. Go ahead and secure it the best you can." So they went out and secured the tomb, sealing the stone and posting guards.
After his death on the cross, Jesus’ body was taken by two of his disciples, Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus. We have heard of Nicodemus before. In John 3 we read about how Nicodemus came to Jesus in the dark of night to ask questions about being “born from above.” Now, Nicodemus no longer sneaks around at night. He comes to prepare Jesus’ body for burial in broad daylight. Joseph and Nicodemus followed their customs of getting a person’s body ready to be entombed.
Then they placed Jesus in a new tomb.
These men did not have much time to spend with Jesus’ body. It was almost time for the Sabbath, the holy day of rest, to start. Once the Sabbath started they were no longer allowed to be working or be in the presence of the dead.
According to Matthew’s gospel, the Pharisees, the Jewish religious leaders started to worry. They remembered Jesus had talked about being raised after the third day. They were afraid there would be some sort of conspiracy that Jesus’ disciples would steal his body on the third day and then everyone would believe Jesus had been raised from the dead.
Pilate hears their concern and offers guards for the tomb. The stone was sealed, and the guards took their posts.
But is that enough to stop the God who created the universe, a big rock and a few soldiers? His power knows no bounds…
38After all this, Joseph of Arimathea (he was a disciple of Jesus, but secretly, because he was intimidated by the Jews) petitioned Pilate to take the body of Jesus. Pilate gave permission. So Joseph came and took the body.
39-42Nicodemus, who had first come to Jesus at night, came now in broad daylight carrying a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about seventy-five pounds. They took Jesus' body and, following the Jewish burial custom, wrapped it in linen with the spices. There was a garden near the place he was crucified, and in the garden a new tomb in which no one had yet been placed. So, because it was Sabbath preparation for the Jews and the tomb was convenient, they placed Jesus in it.
Matthew 27:62-66 (The Message)
62-64After sundown, the high priests and Pharisees arranged a meeting with Pilate. They said, "Sir, we just remembered that that liar announced while he was still alive, 'After three days I will be raised.' We've got to get that tomb sealed until the third day. There's a good chance his disciples will come and steal the corpse and then go around saying, 'He's risen from the dead.' Then we'll be worse off than before, the final deceit surpassing the first."
65-66Pilate told them, "You will have a guard. Go ahead and secure it the best you can." So they went out and secured the tomb, sealing the stone and posting guards.
After his death on the cross, Jesus’ body was taken by two of his disciples, Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus. We have heard of Nicodemus before. In John 3 we read about how Nicodemus came to Jesus in the dark of night to ask questions about being “born from above.” Now, Nicodemus no longer sneaks around at night. He comes to prepare Jesus’ body for burial in broad daylight. Joseph and Nicodemus followed their customs of getting a person’s body ready to be entombed.
Then they placed Jesus in a new tomb.
These men did not have much time to spend with Jesus’ body. It was almost time for the Sabbath, the holy day of rest, to start. Once the Sabbath started they were no longer allowed to be working or be in the presence of the dead.
According to Matthew’s gospel, the Pharisees, the Jewish religious leaders started to worry. They remembered Jesus had talked about being raised after the third day. They were afraid there would be some sort of conspiracy that Jesus’ disciples would steal his body on the third day and then everyone would believe Jesus had been raised from the dead.
Pilate hears their concern and offers guards for the tomb. The stone was sealed, and the guards took their posts.
But is that enough to stop the God who created the universe, a big rock and a few soldiers? His power knows no bounds…
Good Friday, April 6, 2007
John 19:16-37 (The Message)
The Crucifixion
They took Jesus away. Carrying his cross, Jesus went out to the place called Skull Hill (the name in Hebrew is Golgotha), where they crucified him, and with him two others, one on each side, Jesus in the middle. Pilate wrote a sign and had it placed on the cross. It read: JESUS THE NAZARENE. THE KING OF THE JEWS.
20-21Many of the Jews read the sign because the place where Jesus was crucified was right next to the city. It was written in Hebrew, Latin, and Greek. The Jewish high priests objected. "Don't write," they said to Pilate, "'The King of the Jews.' Make it, 'This man said, "I am the King of the Jews."'"
22Pilate said, "What I've written, I've written."
23-24When they crucified him, the Roman soldiers took his clothes and divided them up four ways, to each soldier a fourth. But his robe was seamless, a single piece of weaving, so they said to each other, "Let's not tear it up. Let's throw dice to see who gets it." This confirmed the Scripture that said, "They divided up my clothes among them and threw dice for my coat." (The soldiers validated the Scriptures!)
24-27While the soldiers were looking after themselves, Jesus' mother, his aunt, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene stood at the foot of the cross. Jesus saw his mother and the disciple he loved standing near her. He said to his mother, "Woman, here is your son." Then to the disciple, "Here is your mother." From that moment the disciple accepted her as his own mother.
28Jesus, seeing that everything had been completed so that the Scripture record might also be complete, then said, "I'm thirsty."
29-30A jug of sour wine was standing by. Someone put a sponge soaked with the wine on a javelin and lifted it to his mouth. After he took the wine, Jesus said, "It's done . . . complete." Bowing his head, he offered up his spirit.
31-34Then the Jews, since it was the day of Sabbath preparation, and so the bodies wouldn't stay on the crosses over the Sabbath (it was a high holy day that year), petitioned Pilate that their legs be broken to speed death, and the bodies taken down. So the soldiers came and broke the legs of the first man crucified with Jesus, and then the other. When they got to Jesus, they saw that he was already dead, so they didn't break his legs. One of the soldiers stabbed him in the side with his spear. Blood and water gushed out.
35The eyewitness to these things has presented an accurate report. He saw it himself and is telling the truth so that you, also, will believe.
36-37These things that happened confirmed the Scripture, "Not a bone in his body was broken," and the other Scripture that reads, "They will stare at the one they pierced."
The Jews deny Jesus is their king, even unto his death. Pilate, the Roman judge, affirms what they deny. The sign he places above Jesus on the cross proclaims Jesus is the king of the Jews. How ironic that the very people to whom Jesus taught and preached were the ones who did not recognize his kingship!
And so Jesus dies. Old Testament prophecies are fulfilled, and the King of the Jews suffers and offers up his spirit.
The Crucifixion
They took Jesus away. Carrying his cross, Jesus went out to the place called Skull Hill (the name in Hebrew is Golgotha), where they crucified him, and with him two others, one on each side, Jesus in the middle. Pilate wrote a sign and had it placed on the cross. It read: JESUS THE NAZARENE. THE KING OF THE JEWS.
20-21Many of the Jews read the sign because the place where Jesus was crucified was right next to the city. It was written in Hebrew, Latin, and Greek. The Jewish high priests objected. "Don't write," they said to Pilate, "'The King of the Jews.' Make it, 'This man said, "I am the King of the Jews."'"
22Pilate said, "What I've written, I've written."
23-24When they crucified him, the Roman soldiers took his clothes and divided them up four ways, to each soldier a fourth. But his robe was seamless, a single piece of weaving, so they said to each other, "Let's not tear it up. Let's throw dice to see who gets it." This confirmed the Scripture that said, "They divided up my clothes among them and threw dice for my coat." (The soldiers validated the Scriptures!)
24-27While the soldiers were looking after themselves, Jesus' mother, his aunt, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene stood at the foot of the cross. Jesus saw his mother and the disciple he loved standing near her. He said to his mother, "Woman, here is your son." Then to the disciple, "Here is your mother." From that moment the disciple accepted her as his own mother.
28Jesus, seeing that everything had been completed so that the Scripture record might also be complete, then said, "I'm thirsty."
29-30A jug of sour wine was standing by. Someone put a sponge soaked with the wine on a javelin and lifted it to his mouth. After he took the wine, Jesus said, "It's done . . . complete." Bowing his head, he offered up his spirit.
31-34Then the Jews, since it was the day of Sabbath preparation, and so the bodies wouldn't stay on the crosses over the Sabbath (it was a high holy day that year), petitioned Pilate that their legs be broken to speed death, and the bodies taken down. So the soldiers came and broke the legs of the first man crucified with Jesus, and then the other. When they got to Jesus, they saw that he was already dead, so they didn't break his legs. One of the soldiers stabbed him in the side with his spear. Blood and water gushed out.
35The eyewitness to these things has presented an accurate report. He saw it himself and is telling the truth so that you, also, will believe.
36-37These things that happened confirmed the Scripture, "Not a bone in his body was broken," and the other Scripture that reads, "They will stare at the one they pierced."
The Jews deny Jesus is their king, even unto his death. Pilate, the Roman judge, affirms what they deny. The sign he places above Jesus on the cross proclaims Jesus is the king of the Jews. How ironic that the very people to whom Jesus taught and preached were the ones who did not recognize his kingship!
And so Jesus dies. Old Testament prophecies are fulfilled, and the King of the Jews suffers and offers up his spirit.
Wednesday, April 04, 2007
Maundy Thursday, April 5, 2007
John 18:28-19:16 (The Message)
The King of the Jews
28-29They led Jesus then from Caiaphas to the Roman governor's palace. It was early morning. They themselves didn't enter the palace because they didn't want to be disqualified from eating the Passover. So Pilate came out to them and spoke. "What charge do you bring against this man?"
30They said, "If he hadn't been doing something evil, do you think we'd be here bothering you?"
31-32Pilate said, "You take him. Judge him by your law."
The Jews said, "We're not allowed to kill anyone." (This would confirm Jesus' word indicating the way he would die.)
33Pilate went back into the palace and called for Jesus. He said, "Are you the 'King of the Jews'?"
34Jesus answered, "Are you saying this on your own, or did others tell you this about me?"
35Pilate said, "Do I look like a Jew? Your people and your high priests turned you over to me. What did you do?"
36"My kingdom," said Jesus, "doesn't consist of what you see around you. If it did, my followers would fight so that I wouldn't be handed over to the Jews. But I'm not that kind of king, not the world's kind of king."
37Then Pilate said, "So, are you a king or not?"
Jesus answered, "You tell me. Because I am King, I was born and entered the world so that I could witness to the truth. Everyone who cares for truth, who has any feeling for the truth, recognizes my voice."
38-39Pilate said, "What is truth?"
Then he went back out to the Jews and told them, "I find nothing wrong in this man. It's your custom that I pardon one prisoner at Passover. Do you want me to pardon the 'King of the Jews'?"
40They shouted back, "Not this one, but Barabbas!" Barabbas was a Jewish freedom fighter.
John 19
The Thorn Crown of the King
1-3 So Pilate took Jesus and had him whipped. The soldiers, having braided a crown from thorns, set it on his head, threw a purple robe over him, and approached him with, "Hail, King of the Jews!" Then they greeted him with slaps in the face.
4-5Pilate went back out again and said to them, "I present him to you, but I want you to know that I do not find him guilty of any crime." Just then Jesus came out wearing the thorn crown and purple robe.
Pilate announced, "Here he is: the Man."
6When the high priests and police saw him, they shouted in a frenzy, "Crucify! Crucify!"
Pilate told them, "You take him. You crucify him. I find nothing wrong with him."
7The Jews answered, "We have a law, and by that law he must die because he claimed to be the Son of God."
8-9When Pilate heard this, he became even more scared. He went back into the palace and said to Jesus, "Where did you come from?"
Jesus gave no answer.
10Pilate said, "You won't talk? Don't you know that I have the authority to pardon you, and the authority to—crucify you?"
11Jesus said, "You haven't a shred of authority over me except what has been given you from heaven. That's why the one who betrayed me to you has committed a far greater fault."
12At this, Pilate tried his best to pardon him, but the Jews shouted him down: "If you pardon this man, you're no friend of Caesar's. Anyone setting himself up as 'king' defies Caesar."
13-14When Pilate heard those words, he led Jesus outside. He sat down at the judgment seat in the area designated Stone Court (in Hebrew, Gabbatha). It was the preparation day for Passover. The hour was noon. Pilate said to the Jews, "Here is your king."
15They shouted back, "Kill him! Kill him! Crucify him!"
Pilate said, "I am to crucify your king?"
The high priests answered, "We have no king except Caesar."
16-19Pilate caved in to their demand. He turned him over to be crucified.
Is this any way to treat a king? Days earlier this crowd which shouts “Crucify” greeted Jesus as a king. Now, they pledge allegiance to the world’s king, to Caesar, the ruler of Rome. The people choose an earthly, physical citizenship, rather than the spiritual one.
Jesus, God’s chosen and anointed king, is treated like a criminal. He is beaten and mocked. Instead of royal robes and a jeweled crown, Jesus is adorned with a purple robe and crown of thorns. This crown is crude, painful, and humiliating.
Jesus, what was it like for you to stand there, innocent but treated as guilty? We can never comprehend it, but we offer sincere thanks for what you did. We know that by your suffering, we are saved. It is a supernatural mystery. Have mercy on us, for taking your sacrifice and humiliation for granted. Have mercy on us; it was our sins for which you died. Amen.
The King of the Jews
28-29They led Jesus then from Caiaphas to the Roman governor's palace. It was early morning. They themselves didn't enter the palace because they didn't want to be disqualified from eating the Passover. So Pilate came out to them and spoke. "What charge do you bring against this man?"
30They said, "If he hadn't been doing something evil, do you think we'd be here bothering you?"
31-32Pilate said, "You take him. Judge him by your law."
The Jews said, "We're not allowed to kill anyone." (This would confirm Jesus' word indicating the way he would die.)
33Pilate went back into the palace and called for Jesus. He said, "Are you the 'King of the Jews'?"
34Jesus answered, "Are you saying this on your own, or did others tell you this about me?"
35Pilate said, "Do I look like a Jew? Your people and your high priests turned you over to me. What did you do?"
36"My kingdom," said Jesus, "doesn't consist of what you see around you. If it did, my followers would fight so that I wouldn't be handed over to the Jews. But I'm not that kind of king, not the world's kind of king."
37Then Pilate said, "So, are you a king or not?"
Jesus answered, "You tell me. Because I am King, I was born and entered the world so that I could witness to the truth. Everyone who cares for truth, who has any feeling for the truth, recognizes my voice."
38-39Pilate said, "What is truth?"
Then he went back out to the Jews and told them, "I find nothing wrong in this man. It's your custom that I pardon one prisoner at Passover. Do you want me to pardon the 'King of the Jews'?"
40They shouted back, "Not this one, but Barabbas!" Barabbas was a Jewish freedom fighter.
John 19
The Thorn Crown of the King
1-3 So Pilate took Jesus and had him whipped. The soldiers, having braided a crown from thorns, set it on his head, threw a purple robe over him, and approached him with, "Hail, King of the Jews!" Then they greeted him with slaps in the face.
4-5Pilate went back out again and said to them, "I present him to you, but I want you to know that I do not find him guilty of any crime." Just then Jesus came out wearing the thorn crown and purple robe.
Pilate announced, "Here he is: the Man."
6When the high priests and police saw him, they shouted in a frenzy, "Crucify! Crucify!"
Pilate told them, "You take him. You crucify him. I find nothing wrong with him."
7The Jews answered, "We have a law, and by that law he must die because he claimed to be the Son of God."
8-9When Pilate heard this, he became even more scared. He went back into the palace and said to Jesus, "Where did you come from?"
Jesus gave no answer.
10Pilate said, "You won't talk? Don't you know that I have the authority to pardon you, and the authority to—crucify you?"
11Jesus said, "You haven't a shred of authority over me except what has been given you from heaven. That's why the one who betrayed me to you has committed a far greater fault."
12At this, Pilate tried his best to pardon him, but the Jews shouted him down: "If you pardon this man, you're no friend of Caesar's. Anyone setting himself up as 'king' defies Caesar."
13-14When Pilate heard those words, he led Jesus outside. He sat down at the judgment seat in the area designated Stone Court (in Hebrew, Gabbatha). It was the preparation day for Passover. The hour was noon. Pilate said to the Jews, "Here is your king."
15They shouted back, "Kill him! Kill him! Crucify him!"
Pilate said, "I am to crucify your king?"
The high priests answered, "We have no king except Caesar."
16-19Pilate caved in to their demand. He turned him over to be crucified.
Is this any way to treat a king? Days earlier this crowd which shouts “Crucify” greeted Jesus as a king. Now, they pledge allegiance to the world’s king, to Caesar, the ruler of Rome. The people choose an earthly, physical citizenship, rather than the spiritual one.
Jesus, God’s chosen and anointed king, is treated like a criminal. He is beaten and mocked. Instead of royal robes and a jeweled crown, Jesus is adorned with a purple robe and crown of thorns. This crown is crude, painful, and humiliating.
Jesus, what was it like for you to stand there, innocent but treated as guilty? We can never comprehend it, but we offer sincere thanks for what you did. We know that by your suffering, we are saved. It is a supernatural mystery. Have mercy on us, for taking your sacrifice and humiliation for granted. Have mercy on us; it was our sins for which you died. Amen.
Wednesday, April 4, 2007
John 18:1-27 (The Message)
Seized in the Garden at Night
1 Jesus, having prayed this prayer, left with his disciples and crossed over the brook Kidron at a place where there was a garden. He and his disciples entered it.
2-4Judas, his betrayer, knew the place because Jesus and his disciples went there often. So Judas led the way to the garden, and the Roman soldiers and police sent by the high priests and Pharisees followed. They arrived there with lanterns and torches and swords. Jesus, knowing by now everything that was coming down on him, went out and met them. He said, "Who are you after?"
They answered, "Jesus the Nazarene."
5-6He said, "That's me." The soldiers recoiled, totally taken aback. Judas, his betrayer, stood out like a sore thumb.
7Jesus asked again, "Who are you after?"
They answered, "Jesus the Nazarene."
8-9"I told you," said Jesus, "that's me. I'm the one. So if it's me you're after, let these others go." (This validated the words in his prayer, "I didn't lose one of those you gave.")
10Just then Simon Peter, who was carrying a sword, pulled it from its sheath and struck the Chief Priest's servant, cutting off his right ear. Malchus was the servant's name.
11Jesus ordered Peter, "Put back your sword. Do you think for a minute I'm not going to drink this cup the Father gave me?"
12-14Then the Roman soldiers under their commander, joined by the Jewish police, seized Jesus and tied him up. They took him first to Annas, father-in-law of Caiaphas. Caiaphas was the Chief Priest that year. It was Caiaphas who had advised the Jews that it was to their advantage that one man die for the people.
15-16Simon Peter and another disciple followed Jesus. That other disciple was known to the Chief Priest, and so he went in with Jesus to the Chief Priest's courtyard. Peter had to stay outside. Then the other disciple went out, spoke to the doorkeeper, and got Peter in.
17The young woman who was the doorkeeper said to Peter, "Aren't you one of this man's disciples?"
He said, "No, I'm not."
18The servants and police had made a fire because of the cold and were huddled there warming themselves. Peter stood with them, trying to get warm.
The Interrogation
19-21Annas interrogated Jesus regarding his disciples and his teaching. Jesus answered, "I've spoken openly in public. I've taught regularly in meeting places and the Temple, where the Jews all come together. Everything has been out in the open. I've said nothing in secret. So why are you treating me like a conspirator? Question those who have been listening to me. They know well what I have said. My teachings have all been aboveboard."
22When he said this, one of the policemen standing there slapped Jesus across the face, saying, "How dare you speak to the Chief Priest like that!"
23Jesus replied, "If I've said something wrong, prove it. But if I've spoken the plain truth, why this slapping around?"
24Then Annas sent him, still tied up, to the Chief Priest Caiaphas.
25Meanwhile, Simon Peter was back at the fire, still trying to get warm. The others there said to him, "Aren't you one of his disciples?"
He denied it, "Not me."
26One of the Chief Priest's servants, a relative of the man whose ear Peter had cut off, said, "Didn't I see you in the garden with him?"
27Again, Peter denied it. Just then a rooster crowed.
Judas is the one of Jesus’ twelve disciples who betrays him. Judas knows a garden where Jesus often prays, and he leads a group of Roman soldier and police to that garden to make the arrest. The soldiers are sent by the high priests and Pharisees, the religious officials who have been out to arrest and kill Jesus for some time.
Jesus is always bold when he speaks the truth. This night in the garden is no different. Jesus asks the soldiers who they are looking for, and when they answer, “Jesus the Nazarene,” he plainly and honestly answers, “That’s me.”
Peter tries to come to Jesus defense with a drawn sword, but Jesus feels like this is part of a greater plan. He knows God the Father has a will for him, and that will includes suffering. When Jesus says, “Do you think for a minute I'm not going to drink this cup the Father gave me?” he is saying “Do you think I will not follow the Father’s plan for me?”
Jesus is arrested, tied up, and carried away to appear before the religious officials. They question Jesus about his teaching and about his disciples. Jesus always answers with the truth, even when he gets slapped in the face for it.
While Jesus is suffering for telling the truth, Peter is getting away with telling lies. Three times Peter is asked if he is a disciple of Jesus. Three times Peter lies, and says no.
Telling the truth is always the right thing to do, even when it is unpopular, even if you know it will cost you.
Seized in the Garden at Night
1 Jesus, having prayed this prayer, left with his disciples and crossed over the brook Kidron at a place where there was a garden. He and his disciples entered it.
2-4Judas, his betrayer, knew the place because Jesus and his disciples went there often. So Judas led the way to the garden, and the Roman soldiers and police sent by the high priests and Pharisees followed. They arrived there with lanterns and torches and swords. Jesus, knowing by now everything that was coming down on him, went out and met them. He said, "Who are you after?"
They answered, "Jesus the Nazarene."
5-6He said, "That's me." The soldiers recoiled, totally taken aback. Judas, his betrayer, stood out like a sore thumb.
7Jesus asked again, "Who are you after?"
They answered, "Jesus the Nazarene."
8-9"I told you," said Jesus, "that's me. I'm the one. So if it's me you're after, let these others go." (This validated the words in his prayer, "I didn't lose one of those you gave.")
10Just then Simon Peter, who was carrying a sword, pulled it from its sheath and struck the Chief Priest's servant, cutting off his right ear. Malchus was the servant's name.
11Jesus ordered Peter, "Put back your sword. Do you think for a minute I'm not going to drink this cup the Father gave me?"
12-14Then the Roman soldiers under their commander, joined by the Jewish police, seized Jesus and tied him up. They took him first to Annas, father-in-law of Caiaphas. Caiaphas was the Chief Priest that year. It was Caiaphas who had advised the Jews that it was to their advantage that one man die for the people.
15-16Simon Peter and another disciple followed Jesus. That other disciple was known to the Chief Priest, and so he went in with Jesus to the Chief Priest's courtyard. Peter had to stay outside. Then the other disciple went out, spoke to the doorkeeper, and got Peter in.
17The young woman who was the doorkeeper said to Peter, "Aren't you one of this man's disciples?"
He said, "No, I'm not."
18The servants and police had made a fire because of the cold and were huddled there warming themselves. Peter stood with them, trying to get warm.
The Interrogation
19-21Annas interrogated Jesus regarding his disciples and his teaching. Jesus answered, "I've spoken openly in public. I've taught regularly in meeting places and the Temple, where the Jews all come together. Everything has been out in the open. I've said nothing in secret. So why are you treating me like a conspirator? Question those who have been listening to me. They know well what I have said. My teachings have all been aboveboard."
22When he said this, one of the policemen standing there slapped Jesus across the face, saying, "How dare you speak to the Chief Priest like that!"
23Jesus replied, "If I've said something wrong, prove it. But if I've spoken the plain truth, why this slapping around?"
24Then Annas sent him, still tied up, to the Chief Priest Caiaphas.
25Meanwhile, Simon Peter was back at the fire, still trying to get warm. The others there said to him, "Aren't you one of his disciples?"
He denied it, "Not me."
26One of the Chief Priest's servants, a relative of the man whose ear Peter had cut off, said, "Didn't I see you in the garden with him?"
27Again, Peter denied it. Just then a rooster crowed.
Judas is the one of Jesus’ twelve disciples who betrays him. Judas knows a garden where Jesus often prays, and he leads a group of Roman soldier and police to that garden to make the arrest. The soldiers are sent by the high priests and Pharisees, the religious officials who have been out to arrest and kill Jesus for some time.
Jesus is always bold when he speaks the truth. This night in the garden is no different. Jesus asks the soldiers who they are looking for, and when they answer, “Jesus the Nazarene,” he plainly and honestly answers, “That’s me.”
Peter tries to come to Jesus defense with a drawn sword, but Jesus feels like this is part of a greater plan. He knows God the Father has a will for him, and that will includes suffering. When Jesus says, “Do you think for a minute I'm not going to drink this cup the Father gave me?” he is saying “Do you think I will not follow the Father’s plan for me?”
Jesus is arrested, tied up, and carried away to appear before the religious officials. They question Jesus about his teaching and about his disciples. Jesus always answers with the truth, even when he gets slapped in the face for it.
While Jesus is suffering for telling the truth, Peter is getting away with telling lies. Three times Peter is asked if he is a disciple of Jesus. Three times Peter lies, and says no.
Telling the truth is always the right thing to do, even when it is unpopular, even if you know it will cost you.
Monday, April 02, 2007
Tuesday, April 3, 2007
John 13:18-38 (The Message)
The One Who Ate Bread at My Table
18-20"I'm not including all of you in this. I know precisely whom I've selected, so as not to interfere with the fulfillment of this Scripture:
The one who ate bread at my table
Turned on his heel against me. "I'm telling you all this ahead of time so that when it happens you will believe that I am who I say I am. Make sure you get this right: Receiving someone I send is the same as receiving me, just as receiving me is the same as receiving the One who sent me."
21After he said these things, Jesus became visibly upset, and then he told them why. "One of you is going to betray me."
22-25The disciples looked around at one another, wondering who on earth he was talking about. One of the disciples, the one Jesus loved dearly, was reclining against him, his head on his shoulder. Peter motioned to him to ask who Jesus might be talking about. So, being the closest, he said, "Master, who?"
26-27Jesus said, "The one to whom I give this crust of bread after I've dipped it." Then he dipped the crust and gave it to Judas, son of Simon the Iscariot. As soon as the bread was in his hand, Satan entered him.
"What you must do," said Jesus, "do. Do it and get it over with."
28-29No one around the supper table knew why he said this to him. Some thought that since Judas was their treasurer, Jesus was telling him to buy what they needed for the Feast, or that he should give something to the poor.
30Judas, with the piece of bread, left. It was night.
A New Command
31-32When he had left, Jesus said, "Now the Son of Man is seen for who he is, and God seen for who he is in him. The moment God is seen in him, God's glory will be on display. In glorifying him, he himself is glorified—glory all around!
33"Children, I am with you for only a short time longer. You are going to look high and low for me. But just as I told the Jews, I'm telling you: 'Where I go, you are not able to come.'
34-35"Let me give you a new command: Love one another. In the same way I loved you, you love one another. This is how everyone will recognize that you are my disciples—when they see the love you have for each other."
36Simon Peter asked, "Master, just where are you going?"
Jesus answered, "You can't now follow me where I'm going. You will follow later."
37"Master," said Peter, "why can't I follow now? I'll lay down my life for you!"
38"Really? You'll lay down your life for me? The truth is that before the rooster crows, you'll deny me three times."
One wonders what Jesus would have felt, sitting at the table with his closest friends and students, and at the same time knowing that one of them was about to betray him and another would deny him three times. Jesus spoke these truths out loud, but the disciples have any clue as to the depth of the betrayal and denial?
Jesus, in preparing for his coming death, tried also to prepare his disciples. They had followed him all over the country, to many different towns, but now Jesus had to go somewhere and they could not follow. Yet, he leaves them with a short but powerful command they can follow. “In the same way I loved you, you love one another.”
This is the same command Jesus gives us. Do we betray him? Or do we follow him?
The One Who Ate Bread at My Table
18-20"I'm not including all of you in this. I know precisely whom I've selected, so as not to interfere with the fulfillment of this Scripture:
The one who ate bread at my table
Turned on his heel against me. "I'm telling you all this ahead of time so that when it happens you will believe that I am who I say I am. Make sure you get this right: Receiving someone I send is the same as receiving me, just as receiving me is the same as receiving the One who sent me."
21After he said these things, Jesus became visibly upset, and then he told them why. "One of you is going to betray me."
22-25The disciples looked around at one another, wondering who on earth he was talking about. One of the disciples, the one Jesus loved dearly, was reclining against him, his head on his shoulder. Peter motioned to him to ask who Jesus might be talking about. So, being the closest, he said, "Master, who?"
26-27Jesus said, "The one to whom I give this crust of bread after I've dipped it." Then he dipped the crust and gave it to Judas, son of Simon the Iscariot. As soon as the bread was in his hand, Satan entered him.
"What you must do," said Jesus, "do. Do it and get it over with."
28-29No one around the supper table knew why he said this to him. Some thought that since Judas was their treasurer, Jesus was telling him to buy what they needed for the Feast, or that he should give something to the poor.
30Judas, with the piece of bread, left. It was night.
A New Command
31-32When he had left, Jesus said, "Now the Son of Man is seen for who he is, and God seen for who he is in him. The moment God is seen in him, God's glory will be on display. In glorifying him, he himself is glorified—glory all around!
33"Children, I am with you for only a short time longer. You are going to look high and low for me. But just as I told the Jews, I'm telling you: 'Where I go, you are not able to come.'
34-35"Let me give you a new command: Love one another. In the same way I loved you, you love one another. This is how everyone will recognize that you are my disciples—when they see the love you have for each other."
36Simon Peter asked, "Master, just where are you going?"
Jesus answered, "You can't now follow me where I'm going. You will follow later."
37"Master," said Peter, "why can't I follow now? I'll lay down my life for you!"
38"Really? You'll lay down your life for me? The truth is that before the rooster crows, you'll deny me three times."
One wonders what Jesus would have felt, sitting at the table with his closest friends and students, and at the same time knowing that one of them was about to betray him and another would deny him three times. Jesus spoke these truths out loud, but the disciples have any clue as to the depth of the betrayal and denial?
Jesus, in preparing for his coming death, tried also to prepare his disciples. They had followed him all over the country, to many different towns, but now Jesus had to go somewhere and they could not follow. Yet, he leaves them with a short but powerful command they can follow. “In the same way I loved you, you love one another.”
This is the same command Jesus gives us. Do we betray him? Or do we follow him?
Monday, April 2, 2007
John 13:1-17 (The Message)
Washing His Disciples' Feet
1-2 Just before the Passover Feast, Jesus knew that the time had come to leave this world to go to the Father. Having loved his dear companions, he continued to love them right to the end. It was suppertime. The Devil by now had Judas, son of Simon the Iscariot, firmly in his grip, all set for the betrayal.
3-6Jesus knew that the Father had put him in complete charge of everything, that he came from God and was on his way back to God. So he got up from the supper table, set aside his robe, and put on an apron. Then he poured water into a basin and began to wash the feet of the disciples, drying them with his apron. When he got to Simon Peter, Peter said, "Master, you wash my feet?"
7Jesus answered, "You don't understand now what I'm doing, but it will be clear enough to you later."
8Peter persisted, "You're not going to wash my feet—ever!"
Jesus said, "If I don't wash you, you can't be part of what I'm doing."
9"Master!" said Peter. "Not only my feet, then. Wash my hands! Wash my head!"
10-12Jesus said, "If you've had a bath in the morning, you only need your feet washed now and you're clean from head to toe. My concern, you understand, is holiness, not hygiene. So now you're clean. But not every one of you." (He knew who was betraying him. That's why he said, "Not every one of you.") After he had finished washing their feet, he took his robe, put it back on, and went back to his place at the table.
12-17Then he said, "Do you understand what I have done to you? You address me as 'Teacher' and 'Master,' and rightly so. That is what I am. So if I, the Master and Teacher, washed your feet, you must now wash each other's feet. I've laid down a pattern for you. What I've done, you do. I'm only pointing out the obvious. A servant is not ranked above his master; an employee doesn't give orders to the employer. If you understand what I'm telling you, act like it—and live a blessed life.
The story of Jesus washing his disciples’ feet is a familiar one for people who have spent a lot of time in church. Sometimes when we think we already know a story we forget to pay attention to it. May that never be the case with the story of Jesus.
Most people agree that Jesus washing his disciples’ feet is an extreme example of Jesus being a leader by being a servant.
Most of the time when we think of a leader we think of a person who has other people to do the service part, or even who has people to serve him or her. Just as Jesus did not fit our expectations of a king, so he also does not fit our expectations of a leader. Rather than having other people to do his work, or other people to serve him, Jesus does the work and he serves the people he leads.
Why is this an extreme example of service? Typically in Jesus’ time, the people wore sandals and traveled dirt roads. When you entered a house, especially to eat, the lowest of the family’s servants would wash the feet of each person, to make them clean. Jesus takes the role of the lowest servant when he washes the disciples’ feet.
Why did Jesus do this? He did it because he loved his disciples, all of them. He wanted to provide them an example of how they each should live and lead, as servants, just like him.
Thank you Jesus, for leading in love and service. Teach us to always follow your example. Amen.
Washing His Disciples' Feet
1-2 Just before the Passover Feast, Jesus knew that the time had come to leave this world to go to the Father. Having loved his dear companions, he continued to love them right to the end. It was suppertime. The Devil by now had Judas, son of Simon the Iscariot, firmly in his grip, all set for the betrayal.
3-6Jesus knew that the Father had put him in complete charge of everything, that he came from God and was on his way back to God. So he got up from the supper table, set aside his robe, and put on an apron. Then he poured water into a basin and began to wash the feet of the disciples, drying them with his apron. When he got to Simon Peter, Peter said, "Master, you wash my feet?"
7Jesus answered, "You don't understand now what I'm doing, but it will be clear enough to you later."
8Peter persisted, "You're not going to wash my feet—ever!"
Jesus said, "If I don't wash you, you can't be part of what I'm doing."
9"Master!" said Peter. "Not only my feet, then. Wash my hands! Wash my head!"
10-12Jesus said, "If you've had a bath in the morning, you only need your feet washed now and you're clean from head to toe. My concern, you understand, is holiness, not hygiene. So now you're clean. But not every one of you." (He knew who was betraying him. That's why he said, "Not every one of you.") After he had finished washing their feet, he took his robe, put it back on, and went back to his place at the table.
12-17Then he said, "Do you understand what I have done to you? You address me as 'Teacher' and 'Master,' and rightly so. That is what I am. So if I, the Master and Teacher, washed your feet, you must now wash each other's feet. I've laid down a pattern for you. What I've done, you do. I'm only pointing out the obvious. A servant is not ranked above his master; an employee doesn't give orders to the employer. If you understand what I'm telling you, act like it—and live a blessed life.
The story of Jesus washing his disciples’ feet is a familiar one for people who have spent a lot of time in church. Sometimes when we think we already know a story we forget to pay attention to it. May that never be the case with the story of Jesus.
Most people agree that Jesus washing his disciples’ feet is an extreme example of Jesus being a leader by being a servant.
Most of the time when we think of a leader we think of a person who has other people to do the service part, or even who has people to serve him or her. Just as Jesus did not fit our expectations of a king, so he also does not fit our expectations of a leader. Rather than having other people to do his work, or other people to serve him, Jesus does the work and he serves the people he leads.
Why is this an extreme example of service? Typically in Jesus’ time, the people wore sandals and traveled dirt roads. When you entered a house, especially to eat, the lowest of the family’s servants would wash the feet of each person, to make them clean. Jesus takes the role of the lowest servant when he washes the disciples’ feet.
Why did Jesus do this? He did it because he loved his disciples, all of them. He wanted to provide them an example of how they each should live and lead, as servants, just like him.
Thank you Jesus, for leading in love and service. Teach us to always follow your example. Amen.
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