Tag Archives: Luke

Luke 24- Road To Emmaus Part 2

Then he said unto them, O fools, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken: Ought not Christ to have suffered these things, and to enter into his glory? And beginning at Moses and all the prophets, he expounded unto them in all the scriptures the things concerning himself. And they drew nigh unto the village, whither they went: and he made as though he would have gone further. But they constrained him, saying, Abide with us: for it is toward evening, and the day is far spent. And he went in to tarry with them. Luke 24:25-29

As we continue to look at Jesus and his two disciples on the road to Emmaus. At this point , the disciples still had no idea it was Christ. However now Jesus was going to show them in the scriptures, how He fulfilled all the prophecies. The knowledge of the scriptures were there all this time, for hundreds of years, however nobody in Israel could properly interpret them. Jesus told them how all the prophets and Moses were fortelling about Him!

When they drew closer to the village, they asked Jesus to stay with them and discuss more about these prophetic scriptures. How many today are still blinded of the prophecies? How can anyone today read Isaiah 53 and still reject Jesus? Or read Psalm 22? Or read Zechariah 9? Jesus fulfilled over 300 Messianic Prophecies in the Old Testament, which is mathematically almost impossible, but It was Finished!

And it came to pass, as he sat at meat with them, he took bread, and blessed it, and brake, and gave to them. And their eyes were opened, and they knew him; and he vanished out of their sight. And they said one to another, Did not our heart burn within us, while he talked with us by the way, and while he opened to us the scriptures? And they rose up the same hour, and returned to Jerusalem, and found the eleven gathered together, and them that were with them, Saying, The Lord is risen indeed, and hath appeared to Simon. And they told what things were done in the way, and how he was known of them in breaking of bread. Luke 24:30-35

Notice how they recognized it was finally Jesus, by when they were having Communion together. As Jesus said “Do This In Remembrance of Me” (Luke 22) It’s important to have Communion because it’s a remembrance of everything The Lord has done for us, and the promise of His return

Also how did they know it was Jesus “Did not our hearts burn within us, while he talked” When you read the Red letters of Jesus Christ in the Bible, doesn’t your heart burn with passion and desire to get to know The Lord more? We should be on fire for The Lord, doing His will, sharing the good news, serving the community. Just as his disciples did when they realized Christ Is Risen, they went back to Jerusalem to tell everyone!

Even though the men didn’t realize it, Jesus was walking with them the whole time! The same Jesus is walking with you right now, leading and guiding you by the Holy Spirit, let your heart be on fire for The Lord! He is Risen! Amen!

Luke 24- Road To Emmaus

And, behold, two of them went that same day to a village called Emmaus, which was from Jerusalem about threescore furlongs. And they talked together of all these things which had happened. And it came to pass, that, while they communed together and reasoned, Jesus himself drew near, and went with them. But their eyes were holden that they should not know him. And he said unto them, What manner of communications are these that ye have one to another, as ye walk, and are sad? And the one of them, whose name was Cleopas, answering said unto him, Art thou only a stranger in Jerusalem, and hast not known the things which are come to pass there in these days? And he said unto them, What things? And they said unto him, Concerning Jesus of Nazareth, which was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people: Luke 24:13-19

The aftermath of the death and resurrection of Christ will have an impacting effect on the world forever. At this point, Jesus is Risen, however most of Israel doesn’t even know this yet , only the disciples of Christ. Remember Jesus was crucified during the Passover feast, so there were many Jews and others from around the world in Jerusalem during this time. So while everyone started to leave Jerusalem and talk about all the events that happened this Holy Weekend.

One of the men identified was Cleopas, now obviously he wasn’t one of the twelve Apostles , however he was a disciple of Christ and some believe he was part of the original seventy that we sent out to preach by Jesus (Luke 10) Jesus began walking along with Cleopas and another man, but kept his identity hidden from then, to see what the men thought about all the events that just took place.

And how the chief priests and our rulers delivered him to be condemned to death, and have crucified him. But we trusted that it had been he which should have redeemed Israel: and beside all this, to day is the third day since these things were done. Yea, and certain women also of our company made us astonished, which were early at the sepulchre; And when they found not his body, they came, saying, that they had also seen a vision of angels, which said that he was alive. And certain of them which were with us went to the sepulchre, and found it even so as the women had said: but him they saw not. Luke 24:20-24

It’s interesting that the disciples said they heard about Jesus being alive by the other disciples, however they didn’t seem to be able to put 2 and 2 together. We notice that Cleopas admits they were disappointed in the Messiah because they thought he would redeem Israel from the oppression of Rome. This was a common misconception of the Christ, Israel was looking for a great military warrior to save Israel, but Jesus came to save the world from its sin

They confirmed that Jesus was crucified and the tomb was empty on the 3rd day. However these men didn’t know the prophecies well enough to tie it all together. As we continue examining this reading, Jesus will open their eyes to understand the scriptures, but notice Jesus was walking with them all the time! Amen!

Luke 24- Christ Is Risen

Now upon the first day of the week, very early in the morning, they came unto the sepulchre, bringing the spices which they had prepared, and certain others with them. And they found the stone rolled away from the sepulchre. And they entered in, and found not the body of the Lord Jesus. And it came to pass, as they were much perplexed thereabout, behold, two men stood by them in shining garments: And as they were afraid, and bowed down their faces to the earth, they said unto them, Why seek ye the living among the dead? He is not here, but is risen: remember how he spake unto you when he was yet in Galilee, Luke 24:1-6

The resurrection of Jesus Christ, the greatest day in the history of the world. The day when God defeated sin and death forever and reconciled us back to the Father. This was all accomplished in a way that was beyond our human comprehension. Nobody ever expected God to become a man, in Jesus Christ, and die for the penalty of our sins. Then be risen on the 3rd day abolishing sin and death forever. The mystery of the gospel was fulfilled on this blessed Sunday morning!

As we see the woman came to the tomb on the first day of the week, which is Sunday. This is why the Church traditionally worshiped and gathered on Sunday morning, it had nothing to do with paganism or greek mythology, this was all about the event of the resurrection of Jesus Christ. The entire Christian faith is based on this event, as Paul said “If Christ is not risen, then we are faith is useless” ( 1 Corinthians 15:14) Without the resurrection of Christ , there is no Christianity, there is no deliverance from your sin, there is no reconciliation back to our Heavenly Father. 

He is not here, He is Risen, this is what the angels declared at the tomb. Remember how he spoke to you when he was at Galilee?  Jesus foretold of this moment , however the disciples didn’t understand until the tomb was empty!

Saying, The Son of man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, and be crucified, and the third day rise again. And they remembered his words, And returned from the sepulchre, and told all these things unto the eleven, and to all the rest. It was Mary Magdalene, and Joanna, and Mary the mother of James, and other women that were with them, which told these things unto the apostles. And their words seemed to them as idle tales, and they believed them not. Then arose Peter, and ran unto the sepulchre; and stooping down, he beheld the linen clothes laid by themselves, and departed, wondering in himself at that which was come to pass. Luke 24:7-12

It says “They remembered His words” When the disciples saw the empty tomb, a lightbulb went off in their heads, The Lord prophesied about this moment and now it has been fulfilled. Now when the woman disciples originally ran back to the male disciples, they didn’t believe them. So Peter ran to the tomb to check for himself, it was just as the woman said, the tomb was empty! The Lord has Risen!

The stone has been rolled away, no longer is their a veil, a barrier between us and God. We have now been reconciled back to God, sin and death are defeated because Christ The Lord has Risen today! Hallelujah! 

Luke 23- Burial of Christ

And, behold, there was a man named Joseph, a counseller; and he was a good man, and a just: (The same had not consented to the counsel and deed of them;) he was of Arimathaea, a city of the Jews: who also himself waited for the kingdom of God. This man went unto Pilate, and begged the body of Jesus. And he took it down, and wrapped it in linen, and laid it in a sepulchre that was hewn in stone, wherein never man before was laid. And that day was the preparation, and the sabbath drew on. Luke 23:50-54

 Often we talk about the crucifixion of Christ and the Resurrection, but we don’t really reflect upon the burial. The dark hours before Christ rose from the dead, defeating sin and death forever. First lets look at the fulfillment of prophecy from( Isaiah 53:9 )“He was assigned a grave with the wicked and with a rich man in his death” Its amazing the accuracy of the prophecies foretold by Isaiah hundreds of years before Christ was born.. Jesus was crucified with the wicked, Christ redeemed us from the curse of the Law, by becoming a curse for us” (Galatians 3:13) 

The rich man of the prophecy was fulfilled by Joseph of Arimathea, he was a rich Sanhedrin, a religious leader who actually became a follower of Christ. Not all the religious leaders rejected Jesus, and he gave up his grave for Christ. Imagine the risk Joseph faced going to Pilate and asking for Jesus body, however by faith he did this and he helped fulfill another Messianic prophecy

Many argue about the day when Jesus died, its clear Christ died on Friday (Preparation Day) This was called this because everyone prepared for the Sabbath (Saturday) the day before. This is why Church tradition of Good Friday is accurate in alignment with scripture

And the women also, which came with him from Galilee, followed after, and beheld the sepulchre, and how his body was laid. And they returned, and prepared spices and ointments; and rested the sabbath day according to the commandment. Luke 23:55-56

As we know the woman disciples of Christ were the first eyewitnesses of his resurrection. As noted before, all the male disciples except John, had went into hiding in fear of their lives. The woman all remained faithful at the cross to the empty tomb. Again we see confirmation, Jesus was buried on Friday (Preparation Day) as the women rested on the Sabbath Day (Saturday) 

On Sunday morning, the world will change forever! Jesus will claim victory over sin and death! Satan is absolutely defeated, and the clock begins to tick for Christ second coming and Satans destruction in the Lake of Fire, Amen!

Luke 23- Veil Is Torn

And it was about the sixth hour, and there was a darkness over all the earth until the ninth hour. And the sun was darkened, and the veil of the temple was rent in the midst. And when Jesus had cried with a loud voice, he said, Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit: and having said thus, he gave up the ghost  Luke 23:44-46

The hour has come for the Son of God to complete his work on the cross. One of the last words Jesus said was “Father Into Your Hands I commit My Spirit” This was a common Jewish prayer based on Psalm 35. Jesus laid down his life to the obedience of the Father God, and on Sunday morning he will be Risen from the dead defeating sin and death forever!

Notice as Jesus fulfilled his work on the cross, The Veil was torn, literally and symbolically. The veil in the Temple was the curtain that separated man from the Holy of Holies. Nobody could enter God’s presence unless they were spiritually clean or they would instantly die from God’s Holiness. Christ reconciled us back to the Father, by being the atonement for our sins, so we can be declared righteous before God.

Also , just as Jesus prophesied , the Temple would be eventually destroyed, symbolizes the end of the Mosaic Covenant, and the establishment of Christ New Covenant!

Now when the centurion saw what was done, he glorified God, saying, Certainly this was a righteous man. And all the people that came together to that sight, beholding the things which were done, smote their breasts, and returned. And all his acquaintance, and the women that followed him from Galilee, stood afar off, beholding these things. Luke 23:47-49

Gentiles were already being converted, notice a Centurion, a Roman Military Commander, is glorifying God and recognizes Jesus is the Son of God. But the judgment of God will come upon Israel for killing their own Messiah. In 70 AD Jerusalem and the Temple will all be destroyed, and the Temple was never rebuilt again, even until this day. 

The darkest hour in the history of the world has become the victory for Born Again believers in Christ. As Christ has crushed the head of Satan on the cross (Genesis 3:15)

Luke 23- Amazing Grace

And one of the malefactors which were hanged railed on him, saying, If thou be Christ, save thyself and us. But the other answering rebuked him, saying, Dost not thou fear God, seeing thou art in the same condemnation? And we indeed justly; for we receive the due reward of our deeds: but this man hath done nothing amiss. And he said unto Jesus, Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom. Luke 23:39-42

Jesus was crucified between two criminals, this was another fulfillment of prophecy as it stated the Messiah would be “Numbered with the transgressors” (Isaiah 53:12) Jesus the sinless Lamb of God was killed as a common criminal, yet Christ is God in the flesh, how can our minds comprehend this? Yet while dying on that cross, the two criminals had conversations with him, one mocked and blasphemed Christ , while the other asked for forgiveness. The question is , which one are you? Have you asked Jesus for mercy for your sins? Or are you still cursing God and headed to Hell?

Notice what the remorseful sinner said “We are punished justly” (v41) The thief on the cross , recognized his sin, secondly he called Jesus Lord (v42) The thief recognized that Jesus Christ is Lord. What must you do to be saved? The same as the thief on the cross, repent of your sins and have faith in Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior

And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, To day shalt thou be with me in paradise. Luke 23:43

The repentant thief on the cross became saved! Now when you talk about this  it makes some Christians angry , here is a sinner who never went to Church, was never baptized, never read the Bible, yet Jesus said “Today you will be with me in paradise” This is the amazing grace of God through our Lord Jesus Christ! 

Notice also Jesus said “Today You will be with me in Paradise” Jesus didn’t say at the resurrection you will be with me or someday, he said today. I think this is clear evidence of the soul, as Paul said “To depart from the body is to be with The Lord” (2 Corinthians 5:8) When we die we will immediately be with Jesus, what a glorious thought and promise to hold on to

The story of the thief on the cross is a great reminder of the amazing grace God has given us through the Lord Jesus Christ! Turn away from your sins, and put your faith in Jesus for eternal life, Amen!

Luke 23- The Cross of Christ

And as they led him away, they laid hold upon one Simon, a Cyrenian, coming out of the country, and on him they laid the cross, that he might bear it after Jesus. And there followed him a great company of people, and of women, which also bewailed and lamented him. But Jesus turning unto them said, Daughters of Jerusalem, weep not for me, but weep for yourselves, and for your children. For, behold, the days are coming, in the which they shall say, Blessed are the barren, and the wombs that never bare, and the paps which never gave suck. Then shall they begin to say to the mountains, Fall on us; and to the hills, Cover us. For if they do these things in a green tree, what shall be done in the dry? Luke 23:26-31

As Jesus was heading to the cross, the darkest day of humanity became the redemption day for humanity.As Jesus struggled to carry his wooden cross up the mile trek to Calvary, a bystander named Simon was instructed by the Romans to help Jesus carry his cross. Not much else was mentioned about Simon of Cyrene, but can you imagine having to help The Lord carry his cross to his death, and then just walking away? We don’t read of Simon of having any conversion, so we can assume he must have just walked away. Just like many today and throughout the ages, have heard about the death of Christ, and then just walked away, no care or desire for The Lord

Secondly as Jesus is making the dreadful trip up to Golgotha, he is warning his woman followers of the judgment that is going to be coming upon Israel. Of course we know this was fulfilled in 70 A.D. when Jerusalem and The Temple were destroyed. Why was Jesus only addressing his female disciples? Because all the male disciples took off and ran for their life, except the Apostle John. 

And there were also two other, malefactors, led with him to be put to death. And when they were come to the place, which is called Calvary, there they crucified him, and the malefactors, one on the right hand, and the other on the left. Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. And they parted his raiment, and cast lots. And the people stood beholding. And the rulers also with them derided him, saying, He saved others; let him save himself, if he be Christ, the chosen of God. And the soldiers also mocked him, coming to him, and offering him vinegar, And saying, If thou be the king of the Jews, save thyself. Luke 22:32-37

Jesus was crucified in between two criminals, which criminal on the cross are you? One mocked Jesus , while the other asked Jesus for forgiveness, what was Jesus response “Father forgive them for they know not what they do” Wow! Imagine this, after Christ is beaten and nailed to a cross for no reason, He still forgives them and wants to save them! What a merciful and loving God we serve! 

As Jesus was left hanging on the cross, paying the penalty for our sins, they mocked him “He saved others, let him save himself” But this is the very heart of the gospel message, Jesus died to save us! He could have left us all go to Hell and save himself, but He choose to be the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world. He choose to save your soul, because He loves you even before you knew who Jesus was!

The Cross of Christ, was a brutal and horrific event, however it was an event that Christ fulfilled to save your soul. If you want mercy , if you want salvation, you must come to the Cross of Christ first, and Jesus will make you Born Again! Amen!

Luke 23- Jesus Took Our Place

And Pilate, when he had called together the chief priests and the rulers and the people, Said unto them, Ye have brought this man unto me, as one that perverteth the people: and, behold, I, having examined him before you, have found no fault in this man touching those things whereof ye accuse him: No, nor yet Herod: for I sent you to him; and, lo, nothing worthy of death is done unto him I will therefore chastise him, and release him. (For of necessity he must release one unto them at the feast.) And they cried out all at once, saying, Away with this man, and release unto us Barabbas: (Who for a certain sedition made in the city, and for murder, was cast into prison.) Luke 23:13-19

Again as Pilate and Herod found no wrongdoing of Jesus, the religious leaders kept pushing for Rome to execute The Lord. There was a loophole found, the Romans had a custom of releasing a prisoner at the feast. The religious leaders used this clause as a way to have Jesus take the place of a convict murder named Barrabas. Now notice Pilate originally said I will chastise and release him. This was not getting off easy either, this meant the Roman soldiers would brutally beat Jesus almost to death, but not crucify him

However Israel wanted to exercise the clause in this mockery of a trial and have Barabbas released and Jesus crucified. Think about this, Jesus, the sinless Lamb of God is going to take the place of a horrible sinner and die on the cross for his sins. Jesus took your place also, even though we were still sinners God demonstrated his love towards us and Christ died for our sins (Romans 5:8) You are Barrabas! We are all Barrabas!

Pilate therefore, willing to release Jesus, spake again to them. But they cried, saying, Crucify him, crucify him. And he said unto them the third time, Why, what evil hath he done? I have found no cause of death in him: I will therefore chastise him, and let him go. And they were instant with loud voices, requiring that he might be crucified. And the voices of them and of the chief priests prevailed. And Pilate gave sentence that it should be as they required. And he released unto them him that for sedition and murder was cast into prison, whom they had desired; but he delivered Jesus to their will. Luke 23:20-25

Pilate knowing that Jesus is innocent , tried one last time to release him, however the crowd kept shouting “Crucify Him”, “Crucify Him”, and notice it says “He delivered Jesus to their will” The will of man was to kill the Son of God, but the will of God was to save all humanity through his Son! As the Apostle Paul said “Christ became the curse for us, so we can be released from the curse of The Law” (Galatians 3:13)

Jesus took your place, literally and symbolically, We are all sinners and deserve to die on that cross, however because of Gods love for us, He took our place!  He who knew no sin became our sin so we can become the righteousness of God (2 Corinthians 5:21)

Luke 23- Are You The King?

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

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!