Countdown to the Cross... (Good Friday, Part 2)

Part 2 of the Good Friday devotional has us reading Luke 23:35-43. Please take a look at this reading about Jesus' death.

Scripture and history tell us that Jesus was on the cross for six hours - 9:00 in the morning till 3:00 in the afternoon. Six hours of drawn-out physical agony.

As I type these words, it is 1:01pm on Good Friday.

Luke describes a conversation between Jesus and two other criminals that are being executed at the same time.

One man joins the mockers, insulting Jesus with, "Aren't you the Christ? Save yourself and us!" (Luke 23:39).

It's easy to call this guy a jerk, but this is a desperate cry of a man in the midst of suffering like you and I will never know. His desperation takes the form of anger and demand.

The other man turns with last-minute faith to the crucified King... look at his words...

"this man has done nothing wrong" (verse 41), and "Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom" (verse 42).

Earlier today, we read of Jesus' willingness to forgive even those who were torturing him ("Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing...").

Now, we read about Jesus forgiving an actual death-row criminal who makes a desperate plea for help from Jesus.

Is it never too late to ask Jesus for help? Is it ever too late to appeal to the mercy and love of God? Is any human being beyond the love and forgiveness that Jesus brings?

Apparently not.

Let these words sink in... These words were for a thief with very few minutes to live... and these words are for any of us who sincerely asks Jesus to "remember me when you come into your Kingdom." Jesus says:

"I tell you the truth, today, you will be with me in paradise."

Countdown to the Cross... (Good Friday, Part 1)

Our first reading for Good Friday is Luke 23:26-34.

"Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing" (Luke 23:34).

Just look at the verbs in this passage.

They "led him away..."

"A large number of people followed him... mourned and wailed for him.."

"they crucified him.." (Matthew 27 mentions that before this, they stripped him, twisted together a crown of thorns and set it on his head, spit on him, struck him on the head again and again...) The other day, I watched part of a History Channel special on crucifixion in the ancient world, and had to shut it off after about ten minutes - it made me sick to my stomach. Yet Matthew only writes, "they crucified him." For readers of his time, that was more than enough said.

"they divided up his clothes by casting lots."

"they sneered at him."

"they mocked him."

Jesus' response?

"Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing" (Luke 23:34).

The Romans were just performing a regular crucifixion. Humiliation. Torture. Anguish. Blood. Nails. Thorns. Guts. Sweat. Cries.

Mel Gibson's movie, The Passion of the Christ, is most disturbing and gruesome to watch - not primarily because of the special effects - but emotionally because someone actually, willingly endured this.

Jesus chose this.

"Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing" (Luke 23:34).

On Good Friday, Jesus knew exactly what HE was doing. In the midst of his flesh being destroyed, his soul is focused and determined.

His last words would be remembered. His mission would be victorious. His grace would be more than sufficient to atone for the most disgusting of human actions.

"Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing" (Luke 23:34).

On Good Friday, please truly consider the sacrifice of Jesus. Understand the gruesome nature of his death, and thank Him.

Embrace the sacrifice, receive the forgiveness, worship the greatest Lover of all-time.

He loves you. You don't need any more proof than these words, which apply to you and me as well when it comes to our sin and ignorance...

"Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing" (Luke 23:34).

Countdown to the Cross... (Thursday, April 9)

On Dark Thursday, let's read about Jesus on trial before Pilate and Herod in Luke 22:66-23:25.

An assembly of priests and teachers leads Jesus before Pilate, a Roman official. Pilate finds "no basis for a charge against this man."

Pilate sends him to Herod, who had jurisdiction over the region and people of Galilee - where Jesus is from. Herod was "greatly pleased" to finally meet Jesus. According to Pilate, Herod found "no basis for your charges against him."

So who, exactly, is responsible for Jesus' punishment and death?

Apparently, it's the angry mob of religious officials who shout, nag, and bully their way into Pilate's mind.

"With one voice they cried out" (v. 18)
"But they kept shouting, 'crucify him!'" (v. 21)
"But with loud shouts they insistently demanded that he be crucified, and their shouts prevailed." (v.23).

And Pilate, the "leader," gives in... in a weak, disgusting moment of compromise, this Roman official "surrendered Jesus" to the will of the crowd (v.25).

The crowd came against him, and they shoulder lots of blame for Jesus' death.
Pilate initially tries to defend Jesus, but eventually becomes an accomplice.

Personally, I'd like to think that I would never join a crowd to condemn an innocent man.

I'd also like to think I'd speak up in his defense, rather than give in to the bullies.

In reality, I have no one to blame for Jesus' death but myself.

"For the wages of sin is death..." (Romans 6:23).

Jesus is taking any and all sins to the cross with him. He's known all along there would be a countdown to crucifixion. Though it is the "hour" for darkness to dominate, Jesus is doing what is necessary to deal with your sins and mine.

Despised and rejected by men - not just by the Jews, but by all of us.

As we head to the cross, we need to recognize our own roles in the story.

If, as you read, you are saddened or angry at the mob... at least take a moment to do a heart-check about your own sin. Your own resentment at God. Your own unresolved issues or lack of gratitude.

If, as you reflect, you wonder why Pilate didn't show some backbone... at least look in the mirror, and ask God for some spiritual backbone to live boldly by faith.

If, as you pray, you thank Jesus for humbling himself to this kind of unjustice and mistreatment... at least see in these moments how God wants you and me to respond when we are rejected or betrayed or attacked.

Remember that prayer of Jesus just hours before these moments... "Father... not my will... but yours be done."

Countdown to the Cross... (Wednesday, April 8)

Today's reading - a little later in the day - is Luke 22:54-65. Feel free to click and read that first.

Peter is known as the "head disciple" of the twelve. He may have been the oldest disciple. He was often the most outspoken and daring.

Need someone to step out of the boat and try to walk on the water with Jesus?

Need someone to boldly blurt out the thoughts of everyone around, not afraid to address the elephant in the room?

Need someone to give a straight, direct answer?

Peter was THAT guy. A leader. A faithful follower. Head of the class.

If anyone would rush to protest the arrest of his captain and role model, Peter would.
If anyone would know the law well enough to mount a case, Peter would.

And yet, right after Jesus is arrested, who is the first one to jump ship?

THAT same guy.

Jesus is abandoned by his "rock," the one who left everything to follow Him. Seems like it only took Peter sixty minutes to deny Christ three times.

First, he tells a servant girl that he never knew Jesus.
A few moments later, he tells someone else that he was never "one of them" (disciples).
An hour later, he blurts, "I don't know what you are talking about!"

To be honest, I see myself in that guy, Peter. At times, I'm ready to follow Christ 110%, no matter what it costs me. At other times, I'm ashamed to have chickened out, walked away, and denied any connection with Jesus.

We have no business judging Peter, because we deny Jesus all too often.

I just hope that I react like Peter when confronted with my own failures. Peter "wept bitterly," showing the true heart's desire and the weakness he's feeling. Peter did the hard work of examining and expressing what goes on inside.

His denial of Jesus - heartbreaking as it was - was finished.

In a few days, Peter is one of the first to see the empty tomb, responding in shock, awe, and worship.

In a few weeks, Peter is the first one to stand up and confront an assembly of Jews with the power of God's Holy spirit.

In a few years, Peter would willingly go to his own cross, sacrificing His own life for His beloved Savior Jesus.

Though Luke 22 shows us one of Peter's weakest moments... God uses it for tremendous personal transformation in Peter's life!

Countdown to the Cross... (Tuesday, April 7)

For today, we'll spend some time reflecting on Luke 22:47-53.

Earlier in Luke 22, we understand that somehow, "Satan entered Judas" (22:3).

No kidding.

Welcome to history's most famous and most regrettable betrayal.

Jesus' intense time of prayer and discussion with his friends turns into a mob scene. A crowd of self-righteous religious policemen have been waiting anxiously for this moment.

And Judas tops it off with a kiss. Yes, Judas, who has been a "disciple" or "follower" of Jesus for several years now. Yes, Judas, who was entrusted to carry the money for the whole band of followers. Yes, Judas, the one Jesus kept in the club, kept on the team - knowing full well that one day someone who claimed to be his friend and whose "hand is with mine" (Luke 22:21-22) would now betray him with a kiss.

His real friends pull out their swords, ready to defend Jesus at all costs. One of them, full of rage, chops off someone's right ear. Sometimes, I think I'd be that guy, hoping to fight alongside Jesus whatever the cost.

Jesus turns himself over in a demonstration of peace. He tells this club-carrying mob that "this is your hour - when darkness reigns" (22:53).

Seems like darkness still reigns here in 2009. Still at war. Still fearing the worst about the economy. Still see violence on the news every night. Still see greed, lust, envy, and bitterness at every turn.

Jesus makes a statement to his enemies here... "this is your hour..."

Not, "this is how it ends."
Not, "Okay, guys, I give up."
Not, "Go easy on me, fellas, because my Father is going to crush you next week."

Instead... "This is your hour."

Sixty minutes. A temporary time-period. A season, at best. An opportunity. Awareness of a moment that has finally arrived. The time has come, evil ones...

"This is your hour."

Darkness senses a victory. Jesus is betrayed by a brother, approached by a mob, rejected by the keepers of his temple...

Here is the self-proclaimed Messiah, going peacefully into the hands of the enemy.

Behold, the Lamb of God, giving up His personal rights to enter into this chapter of the Father's will.

"This is your hour."

Countdown to the Cross... (Monday, April 6)

Each day this week, Pastor Gary Underwood and Delaware Grace Brethren Church will share a passage of Scripture and a few reflections on Jesus Christ and His suffering as Good Friday approaches.

For day one, our devotional centers on Luke 22:39-46.

Luke includes this account of Jesus' prayer at the Mount of Olives, shortly before he is arrested. He says that Jesus went out as usual for this private time of communion with his Father.

Verse 42 records a short summary of his prayer, with the words, "Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done." In other passages, Jesus has mentioned this "cup," apparently referring to the ancient "cup of judgment" (Isaiah 51:17-23).

Jesus knows that he alone is about to experience the judgment, the punishment, the wrath of God as He takes the sins of the world on His back. Jesus understands the impending pain that is spiritual, physical, and emotional.

This sort of punishment and pain is impossible for us to understand, and it was impossible for Jesus alone to bear. Notice the reinforcements sent by God, to make sure Jesus keeps to the task - "An angel from heaven appeared to him and strengthened him" (Luke 22:43). God gives Jesus the strength and access to supernatural help.

But He's still suffering. He hasn't been arrested yet, but Jesus is feeling the weight of the world (spiritual and physical) on our behalf. He prays even more. Earnestly. He prays to the point of sweat, and sweats to the point of dripping blood.

If you're going to anything substantial for God, then start praying.

How did Jesus muster the courage, the focus, the power, the desire to go through with this bloody and horrendous reality - a necessary sacrifice that would pay the price for sins? He prayed. And prayed. And prayed.

Immediately, he encounters the sleepy and lazy disciples. Much like us, they took their Savior and their faith for granted. His first words for them?

"Get up and pray!"

This week, let's ask God for the power to think through the Cross with the Gospel of Luke. Let's savor the Savior and consider His feelings, His approach, His suffering in new ways for 2009. On day one, why not make this a goal for this week, to hear the words of the Messiah, full of God-given strength, reminding us of the most important thing to do in life...

"Get up and pray!"

Jesus deserves our full attention this week, doesn't He?

Day 40 - The New You (Colossians 4:2-6)

First of all, I want to congratulate and encourage any and all of you who have followed through the 40 Days of Prayer journey.

We have spent time in praise, repentance, asking, and yielding ourselves to God.

Today is day 40, and you can do what you want with it.

You can pat yourself on the back, which you should.

You can go forward in your conversation with God, building on the habits and priorities you've experienced over these last few weeks...

In fact, I would highly recommend that... take a look at today's reading in Colossians 4:2-6.

Devote yourself to prayer. The Bible reveals that this is a can't-miss growth process in your walk with God. Keep the friendship and conversation going...

Make the most of every opportunity. You have made the most of these 40 days. Don't hurt yourself and those you love by failing to stay on this same track - heading this same direction - pursue the presence of God, pursue intimacy and knowledge and love of God.

Ask God to speak through your life... He wants to help you experience a greater relationship with Him, and He also has a mission full of adventures, challenges, blessings, and learning in store for you...

Dear God, take us to the next step... Help me continue to pursue you, continue to seek you, continue to listen, to talk, to praise, repent, ask, and yield.

I want to continue reading your word, thinking about you, and learning from you.

Thank you so much that you never treat me like a 40-day project... and I don't want to treat you that way, either!

but rather, you treat me as your son... and you are fully invested in this relationship. I love you and want to continue following you with my life!