"None Were Left Unchanged"

 

Luke 23:44-49 "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. 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."

     Those who were numbered among CHRIST's disciples watched HIM on the cross. Even though many had once claimed that they would never forsake their MASTER, when it came to the crucifixion of JESUS, "all. . .stood afar off" (v.49). From the sixth hour until the ninth hour when HE at last "gave up the GHOST" (vv.44-46), darkness covered the scene, preventing the gaze of those who "watched HIM from there" (Matthew 27:36) -- this transaction between GOD the FATHER and HIS SON was too monumental for any mental eye to behold. From the portals of Heaven the FATHER, too, was watching this terrible scene, but even HE turned away as JESUS bore the sin of the world upon HIMSELF (Matthew 27:46). The resurrection of many saints around Jerusalem spoke to the magnitude of this momentous event (Matthew 27:50-53 pictured above), revealing the HOLY SPIRIT's resurrection power that will one day likewise become every believer's portion

     Notice the final impact: The Centurion concluded, "Certainly this was a righteous MAN" (v.47), and, "Truly this was the SON of GOD" (Matthew 27:54 pictured above). Furthermore, JESUS promised the repentant thief, " To day shalt thou be with ME in paradise" (v.43). Praise the LORD for those who trusted in CHRST and were saved ! Praise the LORD, also, for the disciples who "stood afar off, beholding these things" (v.49), they would soon experience the power of CHRIST's resurrection that would enable them to live for HIS glory.

     Finally, consider the change in all the others present who " smote their breasts, and returned" (v.48 pictured above) -- no more arrogance and no more reviling. Even the proud soldiers and the self-righteous religionists felt the sobering impact of JESUS CHRIST's death. DWC

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

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"The Two Thieves"

 

Luke 23:39-43 "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 ye 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. And JESUS said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, To day shalt thou be with ME in paradise."

     The two malefactors being crucified alongside JESUS were collecting but a portion of the wages due them for a lifetime of sin, and they, along with the Chief Priests, scorned this righteous MAN WHO was hanging between them (Matthew 27:38 pictured above; also v.44). Their desperate condition reveals the wicked heart and the deserved end -- death, both physical and eternal -- of those who die in their sin (Romans 6:23a; Revelation 20:12-15 pictured below).

     The arrogant, unbroken thief demanded salvation: "If THOU be CHRIST, save THYSELF and us" (v.39). Obviously, his railing upon the LORD JESUS indicated that he had no faith. He did not recognize his own sin, nor did he acknowledge the sinlessness of the ONE WHO was unjustly hanging on a sinner's cross beside him. How foolish are the statements made by so many people who, when confronted with the wonderful Gospel invitation, attempt to make deals with GOD on their own terms rather than the LORD's. They refuse to recognize their desperate plight and their utter need for GOD's mercy.

     However, the other thief came to a different conclusion as he observed JESUS. This sinner demonstrated genuine, SPIRIT-wrought repentance as indicated by his change of attitude and change of heart toward CHRIST JESUS. He humbly sought mercy and wondrously received it of the LORD (vv.40-43). He "[feared] GOD" (v.40). He believed that what was transpiring through the death of CHRIST on the cross was GOD's work and that this man hanging next to him was not dying in an ordinary, deserving way but for a divine purpose. The second thief acknowledged his own sinfulness, the LORD JESUS' sinlessness, and the SAVIOR's power to save his soul. DWC

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

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"The Chief Priests"

 

Matthew 27:41-43 "Likewise also the Chief Priests mocking HIM, with the Scribes and Elders, said, HE saved others; HIMSELF HE cannot save. If HE be the KING of Israel, let HIM now come down from the cross, and we will believe HIM. HE trusted in GOD; let HIM deliver HIM now, if HE will have HIM: for HE said, I AM the SON of GOD."

     The Jewish religious leaders, who were so pleased with the day's events, watched JESUS die on the cross. The Chief Priests and Scribes were, of course, very pious, but they were also very lost because they refused to believe what the prophets had spoken concerning JESUS of Nazareth. These men were dead to the spiritual significance of CHRIST's coming, and they rejected HIS claims to be ONE with GOD.

     "HE saved others, HIMSELF HE cannot save" (v.42) was their mocking declaration as they observed HIS suffering. They ridiculed the idea that JESUS was the SAVIOR, the MESSIAH, WHO could forgive sin and the only ONE through WHOM mankind could approach unto the Heavenly FATHER. "Prove YOURSELF -- do something sensational, and then we will believe !" they, in essence, sneered. But even if HE had "proven" HIMSELF, they still would not have believed, for JESUS had already performed numerous miracles during HIS earthly ministry. The faith that saves is the faith that comes by hearing and believing the WORD of GOD (Romans 10:17 pictured above). Miracles are of no avail when man's understanding is "dead in trespasses and sins" (Ephesians 2:1). It takes new life to respond to the light, and that comes only by heeding the glorious message of the Gospel -- that by believing the good news of salvation through JESUS CHRIST's finished work on Calvary's cross, one can be saved. Yes, HE died to save others (v.42) ! These religious leaders had "a form of godliness, but [denied] the power thereof" (2nd.Timothy 3:5 pictured above). They rejected GOD's design to save those who trust in JESUS CHRIST alone for the remission of sins. Their "religion" caused them to deny the only true SAVIOR of the world ! What about you ?

Your servant in CHRIST, 

Julie

Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

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"The Jews of Jerusalem"

 

Matthew 27:39-40, 47-49 "And they that passed by reviled HIM, wagging their heads. And saying, THOU that destroyest the temple, and buildest it in three days, save THYSELF. If THOU be the SON of GOD, come down from the cross.

Some of them that stood there, when they heard that, said, This MAN calleth for Elias. And straightway one of them ran, and took a sponge, and filled it with vinegar, and put it on a reed, and gave HIM to drink. The rest said, Let be, let us see whether Elias will come to save HIM."

     No doubt many of the people viewing the crucifixion were disappointed Jews who thought that CHRIST would deliver them politically (v.39 pictured above). The "Triumphal entry" a few days before (Matthew 21:6-11) had raised their hopes that this MAN might be the ONE WHO would lead Israel in throwing off the Roman yoke. The people did not understand that the kingdom JESUS CHRIST had offered them was not of this world and that GOD's salvation entailed much more than merely the alleviation of political tyranny. The cross of JESUS CHRIST -- not cultural, political, or moral renewal -- is to be our focus today. Far too many church-related programs are more concerned about winning political battles and fighting for the "rights of the oppressed" than proclaiming liberty in JESUS CHRIST to unbelievers who are in the bondage of sin.

     The Jews of Jerusalem rejected the truth and, instead, chose to believe the lies of the false witnesses used to incriminate the LORD (v.40a cf. 26:59-61). They preferred to believe a falsehood rather than the testimony of CHRIST's deity (26:62-66). They demanded the proof of yet another miracle (v.40b) rather than simply believing what JESUS had already testified concerning HIMSELF while HE was among them. Curious religionists were also present at the crucifixion (vv.47-49 pictured above). They knew what the prophets and JESUS had declared, but they were more interested in seeing a phenomenon than in believing the claims of the Scriptures and of the MESSIAH HIMSELF. Simple faith was not enough for them; they wanted to witness an amazing event. Do we see JESUS for WHO HE is -- our SAVIOR and LORD -- or are we errantly seeking after something more ? DWC

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

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"The Roman Soldiers"

 

Matthew 27:34-35 "They gave HIM vinegar to drink mingled with gall: and when HE had tasted thereof, HE would not drink. And they crucified HIM, and parted HIS garments, casting lots: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, They parted my garments among them, and upon MY vesture did they cast lots."

     The Roman soldiers who "watched HIM there" (v.36 pictured above) were proud and self-sufficient, and they had little use for this strange religion of the people they had conquered by their military might. No doubt each individual Roman soldier was just as confident that he was in control of his own destiny as was the government of Rome in its control of Judea. It was simply unthinkable that someone from this conquered, Jewish people, WHO was even now hanging helplessly from their cross, could have the power and the authority to command their respect. They were not answerable to any GOD -- they were Roman ! Undoubtedly, this MAN's death was just another example of religion's futility in making any real difference in the world. Certainly, this JESUS, WHO claimed to be GOD's SON, verified the foolishness of faith !

     They mocked "the KING of the Jews" (v.37 pictured, in part, above). This purported "KING" seemed to have little to offer that could command their respect. The Romans valued authority and power, and from their perspective, this feeble excuse for a potentate evidently had neither (vv.27-30). They divided HIS garments (v.35), having no concern, no respect, and no fear of an ALMIGHTY GOD. Yet, in so doing, they were fulfilling their prophetic part in GOD's eternal plan. Whether they were willing to believe it or not, they would one day stand before this same KING of Kings and LORD of Lords and find that their foolish pride had led to their eternal damnation. Like the Roman soldiers, are you too arrogant or self-reliant to believe in the glorious Gospel of salvation by GOD's grace through faith in JESUS CHRIST alone ? If so, reconsider before it is too late ! DWC

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

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"They Look and Stare Upon ME"

 

Psalm 22:1-18 "MY GOD, MY GOD, why hast THOU forsaken ME ? why art THOU so far from ME, and from the words of MY roaring ? O MY GOD, I cry in the daytime, but THOU hearest not; and in the night season, and am not silent. But THOU art Holy, O THOU that inhabitest the praises of Israel. Our fathers trusted in THEE: they trusted, and THOU didst deliver them. They cried unto THEE, and were delivered: they trusted in THEE, and were not confounded. But I AM a worm, and no man; a reproach of men, and despised of the people.

All they that see ME laugh ME to scorn: they shoot out the lip, they shake the head, saying, HE trusted on the LORD that HE would deliver HIM: let HIM deliver HIM, seeing HE delighted in HIM. But THOU art HE that took ME out of the womb: THOU didst make ME hope when I was upon MY mother's breasts. I was cast upon THEE from the womb: THOU art MY GOD from MY mother's belly. Be not far from ME; for trouble is near; for there is none to help. Many bulls have compassed ME: strong bulls of Bashan have beset ME round.

They gaped upon ME with their mouths, as a ravening and a roaring lion. I AM poured out like water, and all MY bones are out of joint: MY heart is like wax; it is melted in the midst of MY bowels. MY strength is dried up like a potsherd; and MY tongue cleaveth to MY jaws; and THOU hast brought ME into the dust of death. For dogs have compassed ME: the assembly of the wicked have enclosed ME; they pierced MY hands and MY feet. "

     Today's text is a forward look to what transpired on Calvary's cross centuries after this psalm was written. Not only do these precise prophecies "spoken by the prophets" (Matthew 27:35) emphasize the suffering of our LORD JESUS CHRIST as HE died such a horrible death, but this messianic psalm also provides the reader with precursory identification of those who "watched HIM there" (Matthew 27:36 pictured above) -- the people mentioned in the accounts recorded in the Gospels. Our text presents the prophesied crucifixion not only from the viewpoint of those who assembled to watch JESUS CHRIST die but also from JESUS' own perspective. "They look and stare upon ME" (v.17). The incarnate SON of GOD knew what was coming when HE left Heaven to come to Earth.

     Carefully read this text and notice how it is an obvious reference to the agony of JESUS' death on a Roman cross. The literal fulfillment of this prophecy bears testimony to the fact that this is, indeed, GOD's WORD. Our SAVIOR's cry from the cross (v.1), HIS humiliation (v.6), HIS reviling (vv.7-8), and HIS agony by crucifixion (vv.14-15) were all foretold in startling veracity and clarity, revealing the fact that from ages past it was divinely determined that CHRIST JESUS would come into the world to give HIS life for mankind's sin, paying the penalty of death due the sinner. Even the words spoken by those who looked upon HIM were prophesied (vv.7-8) as well as the very description of the various groups present beneath the cross: the Jewish leaders (v.12), the Romans (v.16), the onlookers (v.17) and the soldiers (v.18). The psalmist David foretold the cross, and JESUS CHRIST of Nazareth perfectly fulfilled this prophecy ! DWC

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.\

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"They Watched HIM There"

 

Isaiah 52:14-53:12 "As many were astonied (astonished) at THEE; HIS visage was so marred more than any man, and HIS form more than the sons of men: so shall HE sprinkle many nations; the Kings shall shut their mouths at HIM: for that which had not been told them shall they see; and that which they had not heard shall they consider. Who hath believed our report ? and to whom is the arm of the LORD revealed ? For HE shall grow up before HIM as a tender plant, and as a root out of a dry ground: HE hath no form nor comeliness; and when we shall see HIM, there is no beauty that we should desire HIM. HE is despised and rejected of men; a MAN of sorrows, and acquainted with grief: and we hid as it were our faces from HIM; HE was despised, and we esteemed HIM not. Surely HE hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem HIM stricken, smitten of GOD, and afflicted. But HE was wounded for our transgressions, HE was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of or peace was upon HIM; and with HIS stripes we are healed.

All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD hath laid on HIM the iniquity of us all. HE was oppressed, and HE was afflicted, yet HE opened not HIS mouth: HE is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so HE openeth not HIS mouth. HE was taken from prison and from judgment: and who shall declare HIS generation ? for HE was cut off out of the land of the living: for the transgression of MY people was HE stricken. And HE made HIS grave with the wicked, and with the rich in HIS death; because HE had done no violence, neither was any deceit in HIS mouth. Yet it pleased the LORD to bruise HIM; HE hath put HIM to grief: when THOU shalt make HIS soul an offering for sin, HE shall see HIS seed, HE shall prolong HIS days, and the pleasure of the LORD shall prosper in HIS hand. HE shall see of the travail of HIS soul, and shall be satisfied: by HIS knowledge shall MY righteous SERVANT justify many; for HE shall bear their iniquities. Therefore will I divide HIM a portion with the great, and HE shall divide the spoil with the strong; because HE hath poured out HIS soul unto death: and HE was numbered with the transgressors; and HE bare the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors."

     The picture of the LORD of Glory prior to and during HIS crucifixion defies description. Certainly, no Hollywood production or Christian film could ever adequately portray what transpired on Calvary nearly two millennia ago, but the HOLY SPIRIT is able to paint in our mind's eye that tremendous event in such a way that we can see the true CHRIST "lifted up" on that cruel Roman cross. The agony, the disfiguring of JESUS CHRIST -- "Many were astonied (astonished) at THEE; HIS visage was marred more than any man, and HIS form more than the sons of men" (v.14 pictured above) -- goes far beyond any depiction one might see on a movie or television screen. If we want to view the LORD JESUS CHRIST's sacrificial, substitutionary death in the way that GOD intends it to be seen, then we must reverently and expectantly meditate upon the Holy Scriptures.

     The people who compassed the cross that day as "they watched HIM there" (Matthew 27:36 pictured above) displayed the same uncaring and unbelieving attitudes as those of our own day. How do you view the crucifixion of the eternal SON of GOD -- the LORD JESUS CHRIST ? What do you see as you look at JESUS the Nazarene hanging on Calvary's cross ? What does it all mean to you ? No one can take a neutral position. Someday even the most arrogant, belligerent unbeliever will bow his knee to the same LORD and acknowledge HIM to be the CHRIST, the LAMB that was slain in the sinner's place (Isaiah 53:2-12). But in that day, it will be too late, for the eternal damnation of the unsaved has already been determined due to their refusal to trust JESUS CHRIST in this life. Today is the day that we must look to the LORD JESUS CHRIST as our Sin-bearer, our SAVIOR -- and our LORD ! DWC

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used  with  permission.    www.featoday.org

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"MY FATHER's Business"

 

Luke 2:39-52 "And when they had performed all things according to the Law of the LORD, they returned into Galilee, to their own city Nazareth. And the CHILD grew, and waxed strong in SPIRIT, filled with wisdom: and the grace of GOD was upon HIM. Now HIS parents went to Jerusalem every year at the feast of the Passover. And when HE was twelve years old, they went up to Jerusalem after the custom of the feast. And when they had fulfilled the days, as they returned, the CHILD JESUS tarried behind in Jerusalem, and Joseph and HIS mother knew not of it. But they, supposing HIM to have been in the company, went a day's journey; and they sought HIM among their kinsfolk and acquaintance. And when they found HIM not, they turned back again to Jerusalem, seeking HIM.

And it came to pass, that after three days they found HIM in the temple, sitting in the midst of the doctors, both hearing them, and asking them questions. And all that heard HIM were astonished at HIS understanding and answers. And when they saw HIM, they were amazed: and HIS mother said unto HIM, SON, why hast THOU thus dealt with us ? behold, THY father and I have sought THEE sorrowing. And HE said unto them, How is it that ye sought ME ? wist ye not that I must be about MY FATHER's business ? And they understood not the saying which HE spake unto them. And HE went down with them, and came to Nazareth, and was subject unto them: but HIS mother kept all these sayings in her heart. And JESUS increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with GOD and man."

     JESUS grew up in a typical first century Jewish home. Obviously, Judaism would have been something HE understood by HIS very nature, yet HE also would have received instruction at home from Joseph and Mary. We know from reading Mary's Magnificat (Luke 1:46-55) that she had a detailed knowledge of the Holy Scriptures, and we can well imagine both Joseph and Mary recounting their conversations with the angel Gabriel to JESUS concerning HIS miraculous birth. Thus, from an early age CHRIST JESUS understood WHO HE was and what HE had come to earth to accomplish.

     When JESUS was twelve years old, HIS family traveled to Jerusalem for the Feast of the Passover; unknowingly, they headed home to Nazareth without HIM. Three days later, they found JESUS sitting at the feet of some of the most respected scholars of the day; HIS questions and understanding revealed HIS astounding knowledge and grasp of the Scriptures (vv.46-47 pictured above). The question HE posed to Joseph and Mary concerning their search for HIM (v.49 pictured above) is reasonable, given the spiritual truths they communicated at home. Why were they surprised and alarmed when HE went missing ? After all, they had taught HIM WHO HE was and supported that teaching by their own testimonials; HE was simply following through on what HE had already learned from Joseph and Mary's own example and instruction. The conviction JESUS had about what HE was doing is remarkable in such a young person. How often do we, as parents today, carefully and thoughtfully articulate the WORD of GOD to our sons and daughters ? Our children crucially need solid grounding in the things of the LORD. Do not let them down ! GDF

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

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" Resurrection Realities "

 

Romans 6:3-6 "Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into JESUS CHRIST were baptized into HIS death ? Therefore we are buried with HIM by baptism into death: that like as CHRIST was raised up from the dead by the glory of the FATHER, even so we also should walk in newness of life. For if we have been planted together in the likeness of HIS death, we shall be also in the likeness of HIS resurrection: knowing this, that our old man is crucified with HIM, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin."

     The resurrection of JESUS CHRIST from the dead cannot be under-estimated in the life and ministry of the child of GOD. Every aspect of one's "new life" in JESUS CHRIST is centered in this historic and miraculous fact. Let us consider:

     Our faith is rooted in the resurrection of JESUS CHRIST. The Apostle Paul made it very clear that the resurrection is a vital part of the Gospel message (1st.Corinthians 15:3-4 pictured above) and a central facet of our faith (1st.Corinthians 15:14,17 pictured above). Without the resurrection, we would not possess eternal life, nor would we have any relationship with our GOD right now.

     Our water baptism pictures the resurrection of CHRIST. Paul told the Roman Christians that the very act of water baptism is a picture of our identification with not only the death of JESUS CHRIST but also HIS resurrection (vv.3-4). We died with CHRIST (Galatians 2:20 pictured above), and we are now alive in HIM. In the meantime, as believers we are to walk in newness of life !

     Our daily life should reflect the resurrection of JESUS. In today's text, Paul is using the historical resurrection of JESUS CHRIST as a picture of what it means to be different now that we know the LORD JESUS CHRIST as our personal SAVIOR. If you are truly a believer, you should now walk "in newness of life" (v.4) as opposed to being spiritually dead and a slave to sin (v.6). "How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein ?" (Romans 6:2 pictured above). A new life means a new MASTER, a new way of thinking, and also a new walk.

     Our future hope is based on the resurrection of JESUS. Because JESUS rose from the grave, we also will one day rise again (1st.Corinthians 15:20-23 pictured above). The resurrection means so much to us. May we praise GOD today for the glorious fact of the resurrection. MDC

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

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