Luke 23- Are You The King?

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And the whole multitude of them arose, and led him unto Pilate. And they began to accuse him, saying, We found this fellow perverting the nation, And Pilate asked him, saying, Art thou the King of the Jews? And he answered him and said, Thou sayest it.and forbidding to give tribute to Caesar, saying that he himself is Christ a King. Then said Pilate to the chief priests and to the people, I find no fault in this man. And they were the more fierce, saying, He stirreth up the people, teaching throughout all Jewry, beginning from Galilee to this place. Luke 23:1-5

The religious leaders wanted to kill off Jesus, because they knew it was immoral, they decided to get Pilate to do their dirty work for them. While Pilate is interrogating Jesus, he asks him “Are You The King of The Jews”? Instead of Jesus directly telling Pilate who He is, Christ wants to know what’s in our hearts. Jesus’ reply was “You have said so” in other words “Pilate are you recognizing me as the King of Kings”? 

Some people always ask “Why didn’t Jesus just say He is God” or “Why doesn’t Jesus just tell everyone He is the Messiah” Well because if you’re truly seeking God or searching for the Messiah, you would have recognized Jesus Is He. However most don’t really care about God or their salvation, they look to just create more division and turmoil

When Pilate heard of Galilee, he asked whether the man were a Galilaean. And as soon as he knew that he belonged unto Herod’s jurisdiction, he sent him to Herod, who himself also was at Jerusalem at that time. And when Herod saw Jesus, he was exceeding glad: for he was desirous to see him of a long season, because he had heard many things of him; and he hoped to have seen some miracle done by him. Then he questioned with him in many words; but he answered him nothing. And the chief priests and scribes stood and vehemently accused him. And Herod with his men of war set him at nought, and mocked him, and arrayed him in a gorgeous robe, and sent him again to Pilate. And the same day Pilate and Herod were made friends together: for before they were at enmity between themselves Luke 23:6-12

Pilate knew Jesus was innocent, so he decided to try and get Herod to do the dirty work of convicting Christ. Now Herod heard a lot about Jesus and his miracles so he was excited to see Jesus in person. However Christ had no interest in putting on a show for Herod, so he remained silent to see what they would falsely accuse him of. Eventually Herod got angry because Jesus wouldn’t perform a miracle for him, so began mocking him, putting a robe of a King on Jesus.

Notice these wicked and evil men, still unknowingly recognized and acknowledged Jesus as the King. Even though nobody could find any fault with Jesus, the wickedness of the religious leaders kept pursuing the death of Christ. If only these men’s hearts were not hardened, and they were actually seeking Christ, then they would have recognized Jesus right in front of them.

However God used all this evil for our good, Jesus died at the hands of sinful men to be the Lamb of God, who will take the punishment for the sins of the world, Amen!

Luke 22- The Hour Has Come

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And the men that held Jesus mocked him, and smote him. And when they had blindfolded him, they struck him on the face, and asked him, saying, Prophesy, who is it that smote thee? And many other things blasphemously spake they against him. And as soon as it was day, the elders of the people and the chief priests and the scribes came together, and led him into their council, saying, Art thou the Christ? tell us. And he said unto them, If I tell you, ye will not believe: Luke 22:63-67

The hour has come for the Son of Man to fulfill prophecy and become the Lamb of God who will take the penalty for the sin of the world. Evil beyond comprehension happened to Jesus, taken as a prisoner by the Roman soldiers, beaten and spit upon, then given an unfair trial by the religious leaders so they could prosecute him to death. There was no justice that was happening here, a fake trial that was being held at night so nobody knew about it. False accusations being charged to Jesus, false witnesses and false testimonies, this was the most corrupt trial in the history of the world. However this same corrupt trial brought salvation to the world. As Christ took the penalty of our sins, and make us justified and righteous before God

They mocked Jesus, spit on him, and began striking him. These are supposed to be men of God, but these men didn’t know God. They were blinded by their hardened hearts and false religion. Eventually they asked Jesus, “Are you the Messiah”? Jesus said “If I tell you, you wouldn’t believe” Let’s examine the hearts of these religious leaders. If they truly believed Jesus might be the Christ, would they be torturing and spitting on the Messiah? Obviously they didn’t care if Jesus was truly the Messiah, all they cared about is The Lord was ruining their false religion and traditions. They had a heart issue, much like many still today

And if I also ask you, ye will not answer me, nor let me go. Hereafter shall the Son of man sit on the right hand of the power of God. Then said they all, Art thou then the Son of God? And he said unto them, Ye say that I am. And they said, What need we any further witness? for we ourselves have heard of his own mouth. Luke 22:68-71

A couple things to point out here, Jesus references himself as the “Son of Man”, this is significant because he is referencing Daniel 7 and the prophecy of the Messiah. All the religious leaders know what he is referring to when Jesus calls himself the “Son of Man” Jesus also addresses himself as the “Son of God” who sits at the right hand of the Father. So Jesus made it very clear who He is, and it was obvious the religious leaders understood his claim, yet they still rejected Christ because their hearts are hardened

Secondly, the religious leaders charge Jesus with blasphemy for calling himself the Son of God. Jesus is clearly making a reference to his deity here, those who reject the Trinity or the deity of Christ, would have to explain this. The religious leaders clearly understood Jesus was referring to himself equal with God, which is why they charged him with blasphemy

The fulfillment of all the Messianic prophecies was about to come, the Christ was being handed over to sinners to be crucified for our sins. The hour has come for the Lamb of God to take away the sins of the world, Amen!

Luke 22- Kiss of Death

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And while he yet spake, behold a multitude, and he that was called Judas, one of the twelve, went before them, and drew near unto Jesus to kiss him. But Jesus said unto him, Judas, betrayest thou the Son of man with a kiss? When they which were about him saw what would follow, they said unto him, Lord, shall we smite with the sword? And one of them smote the servant of the high priest, and cut off his right ear.And Jesus answered and said, Suffer ye thus far. And he touched his ear, and healed him. Luke 22:47-51

Previously we looked at Judas, and how Satan entered him to betray Christ Jesus. Now the hour has come, for the Son of Man to be glorified. Judas was going to sell his soul , to hand Jesus over to the Romans for 30 pieces of silver. However God used the evil actions of man, and turned it for our good (Romans 8:28) While Satan thought he had the perfect plan to kill the Messiah, he was actually fulfilling the prophecies of Christ defeating sin and death at the cross!

The disciples asked Jesus “Should we strike them with our swords”? The Lord told them No, why? Because the hour has come for the prophecies to be fulfilled, Jesus will be handed over to evil men and be crucified as the Lamb of God. All the evil thoughts and actions by the religious leaders, the Romans, and Judas, were still used for our good, God was always and is always in complete control

Then Jesus said unto the chief priests, and captains of the temple, and the elders, which were come to him, Be ye come out, as against a thief, with swords and staves? When I was daily with you in the temple, ye stretched forth no hands against me: but this is your hour, and the power of darkness. Luke 22:52-53

As prophesied in Isaiah 53:7 “He was like a lamb led to the slaughter” Jesus the sinless, Lamb of God, was taken violently by an vicious army of Roman soldiers and religious leaders. The suffering servant , who was despised and rejected, took on the penalty for our sins

Jesus was pierced for our transgressions, Christ was crushed for our sins, By the stripes and wounds of the Son of God, we are eternally healed and can obtain the peace of God which is beyond all human comprehension. God has laid the sin of us all on Christ, it was the will of God to crush him and cause him to suffer

It all began with the Kiss of death, the kiss from the betrayer, the son of perdition. But God always had a redemption plan for humanity through Jesus Christ our Lord Amen!

Luke 22- Thy Will Be Done

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And he came out, and went, as he was wont, to the mount of Olives; and his disciples also followed him. And when he was at the place, he said unto them, Pray that ye enter not into temptation.And he was withdrawn from them about a stone’s cast, and kneeled down, and prayed, Saying, Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done. Luke 39-42

If you are ever wondering how much Jesus loves you, read these scriptures today and find out. The hour has come for the Son of Man to go to the cross and be the atonement for our sins. If you want to know how horrific this event was, just read the words of Jesus. Knowing that he was going to be brutally beaten and nailed to a wooden cross, but He went through it in obedience to our Heavenly Father and because He loves you this much!

Jesus prayed “Father , if you’re willing , remove this cup from me” We sometimes forgot Christ was in human form, he felt all the pain we feel, he endured all the torment giving to him. But notice Jesus said “Its not my will, but Your Will be done” Jesus was obedient , even to the point of death (Philippians 2) We can learn from our Lord also, its not our will be done, but Gods will be done!

And there appeared an angel unto him from heaven, strengthening him. And being in an agony he prayed more earnestly: and his sweat was as it were great drops of blood falling down to the ground. And when he rose up from prayer, and was come to his disciples, he found them sleeping for sorrow, And said unto them, Why sleep ye? rise and pray, lest ye enter into temptation. Luke 22:43-46

Notice it says Jesus was agonizing over the thought of going to the cross, that he was sweating blood. Could you imagine the pain and anxiety that must have been going through The Lord’s mind? Knowing you are going to be rejected by your own people, knowing you will be beaten severely to almost the point of death, and then nailed to a wooden cross to be mocked and ridiculed.  However Jesus still went through with it, Christ defeated sin and death by being obedient to God and crushing the head of Satan

Where were Jesus’ own disciples at this time? They were asleep, just like the Church is today. As Jesus said to his disciples, the same message goes for the Church today, “Pray that you don’t enter into temptation” We see the power of prayer here by Christ, as He prayed to the Father, as he prayed for his disciples, prayer should be at the center of all of our lives

Reflect upon what Jesus has done for You! Christ went to the cross to redeem you from eternal damnation. Worthy is The Lamb! Thy Will Be Done! Amen!

Luke 22- Merciful Savior

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And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat: But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren. And he said unto him, Lord, I am ready to go with thee, both into prison, and to death. Luke 22:31-33

The Apostle Peter is probably one of the most famous people in the Bible, often most people refer to when Jesus changed Simon’s name to Peter meaning “Rock” in Hebrew. Peter was one of Jesus’ first disciples, an outspoken fisherman who had alot of passion and leadership qualities. However Jesus had a message to Peter “Satan has desired to sift you like wheat” This reminds me of the words Peter would eventually write “The devils walks around like a roaring lion, looking to whom to devour” (1 Peter 5:8)

Notice Peter’s response to Jesus “I’m ready to go with You (Christ) to prison or death” Peter proclaimed he was willing to lay down his life for Jesus, sounds like very convincing words. However we know that it’s one thing to say something , its another thing to actually follow through with it. Peter was about to get tested as a disciple of Christ, will he pass the test or fall on hollow words?

And he said, I tell thee, Peter, the cock shall not crow this day, before that thou shalt thrice deny that thou knowest me. Luke 22:34

Jesus gave Peter a shocking revelation, “You (Peter) will deny me 3 times before the day is over” These words must have been like daggers to the heart of Peter, especially coming from Christ. How can this happen? Well we need to remember that Peter and all the disciples were just sinful, mortal humans like us. Anything that they ever accomplished, whether it be diving revelation or healings, were because of the Holy Spirit living inside of them. 

Now lets give Peter some credit, he left everything behind to follow Christ. However when the time came for Peter to give up his life for Jesus, he wasn’t ready, he failed The Lord. He denied Jesus three times before others, just as The Lord had prophesied. However at the end of the gospel of John, we see how merciful and loving Christ is. Not only did he forgive Peter, but He pursued Peter to let him know everything was alright

We are going to fail Jesus also, even though we profess Christ is our Lord and we give our lives to him, we are mortal sinners also and will fall short from time to time. The good news is Christ is merciful and His love endures forever!  Peter went on to complete his race, to answer his calling, even eventually dying for The Lord. You can complete your race also, because our God will never fail, Amen!