Apicontent

“Then Jesus came up and said to them, ‘All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.’” —Matthew 28:18–20

In these concluding verses in Matthew, Jesus sends His disciples (and all His followers) out with the directive: “Go and make disciples.” We do this with His authority. And the way we receive His authority is through our knowledge and worship of the One whose name we bear. We cannot give what we do not possess. We must make a daily divine appointment to be filled—an appointment that will enable us to be respond as Jesus would to all that we encounter that day. Like manna, we are to collect the grace sufficient to meet our needs for the day. We cannot gobble up or store it up—it does not work that way. God desires to meet with us daily. Yet He will never force Himself upon us. We are the great losers when we neglect to meet with Him. His desire is to empower and equip us to share His grace upon all those who are in our spheres of influence. We do not have to sit around scratching our heads wondering what direction to take. He will make it clear. We must be ready, going forth in Christ’s power and authority. If we try to go in our own strength, our works will be fruitless.

I am reminded of Paul’s prayer in Ephesians regarding Jesus’ authority:

“Since the eyes of your heart have been enlightened—so that you can know what is the hope of his calling, what is the wealth of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and what is the incomparable greatness of his power toward us who believe, as displayed in the exercise of his immense strength. This power he exercised in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms far above every rule and authority and power and dominion and every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come. And God put all things under Christ’s feet, and gave him to the church as head over all things. Now the church is his body, the fullness of him who fills all in all.” —Ephesians 1:18–23

This same power is made readily available to all believers. We are to make the command of Christ our rule as well. As Jesus sends us out as His ambassadors, we go forth in His authority. He is the Lord of all. He has all power in heaven. He has authority over the angels and He has the power of intercession with the Father.

Paul tells us in 2 Corinthians:

“So then, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; what is old has passed away—look, what is new has come! And all these things are from God who reconciled us to himself through Christ, and who has given us the ministry of reconciliation. In other words, in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting people’s trespasses against them, and he has given us the message of reconciliation. Therefore we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were making his plea through us. We plead with you on Christ’s behalf, “Be reconciled to God!” God made the one who did not know sin to be sin for us, so that in him we would become the righteousness of God.” —2 Corinthians 5:17–21

At the conclusion of our verses today, we are reminded of God’s continual spiritual presence.

The Comforter abides with us. He is not against us, rather for us. He is at our side and takes our side. He is our very present help. He bears us up and pleads our cause. His eye is ever on us. He is with us in all service and in all sufferings—in all joy and in all sorrows. He makes our ministry effective and triumphant. All this is a continual favor even to the end of the world. His presence is constantly with us—all day, every day without intermission!

Become More

“All souls belong to Him, and to Him every heart and knee must bow, and every tongue must confess Him to be Lord.” —Matthew Henry

“For it is written, ‘As I live, says the Lord, every knee will bow to me, and every tongue will give praise to God.’ Therefore, each of us will give an account of himself to God.” —Romans 14:11–12

Further Reflections

“In short, the rod of Moses was a rod of power, a rod of authority. But it could not avail to hush the murmurings of the children of Israel; nor yet to bring the people through the desert. Grace alone could do that; and we have the expression of pure grace—free, sovereign grace—in the budding of Aaron’s rod. That dry, dead stick was the apt figure of Israel’s condition, and indeed of the condition of every one of us by nature. There was no sap, no life, no power. One might say, ‘What good can ever come of it?’ None whatever, had not grace come in and displayed its quickening power. So it was with Israel in the wilderness; so is it with us now. How were they to be led along from day to day? How were they to be sustained in all their weakness and need? The answer is found in Aaron’s budding rod. If the dry, dead stick was the expression of (our) barren and worthless condition; the buds, blossoms and fruit set forth that living and life-giving grace and power of God on which was based the priestly ministry that alone could bear the congregation through the wilderness … Priesthood alone could supply what was needed; and bring fruit out of a dry rod … All ministry in the Church is the fruit of divine grace—the gift of Christ, the Church’s head.” —C. H. Macintosh

“The God of Israel, the Saviour, is sometimes a God that hideth himself but never a God who absents himself; sometimes in the dark, but never at a distance.” —Matthew Henry

“So they left the tomb quickly, with fear and great joy, and ran to tell his disciples. But Jesus met them, saying, ‘Greetings!’ They came to him, held on to his feet and worshiped him. Then Jesus said to them, ‘Do not be afraid. Go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee. They will see me there.’” —Matthew 28:8–10

For those who love Jesus, His presence is essential. With Him we enjoy relationship, without Him we merely practice a cold religion. When our faith is lifeless—doing all the “to–do’s,” following the letter of the law, and working all hard to get to heaven—we stop listening for Jesus’ still small voice and are unable to discern His ways. We begin to lean on human wisdom and end up with lack luster results. Yet for those who have tasted and seen that the Lord is good, practicing religion is a pitiful substitute for walking in His presence. It is emptiness at best. Contrast this to joyfully walking with Him.

King David tells us:

“You lead me in the path of life; I experience absolute joy in your presence; you always give me sheer delight.” —Psalm 16:11

Recently I was having one of those days when I was aware of my need of Jesus. Being visual, I pulled a rocking chair next to my desk and imagined Him sitting with me throughout the day. I practiced His presence. Throughout all of my boring chores He remained right beside me. Throughout all the difficulties I faced in that day, He was right there to guide me. While I know that He is always with me, sometimes it helps to have a visual reminder.

“The beloved of the Lord will live safely by him; he protects him all the time, and the Lord places him on his chest.” —Deuteronomy 33:12

“Be strong and courageous! Do not fear or tremble before them, for the Lord your God is the one who is going with you. He will not fail you or abandon you!” —Deuteronomy 31:6

“Few delights can equal the mere presence of One whom we fully trust.” —George McDonald

At the very beginning of our verses for today, we see the women obediently hurrying from the Master’s tomb with the angel’s orders ringing in their ears. I’m sure their mood was a strange mixture of terror and joy all working together! Surely they must have felt this news too good to be true, yet they were oh so hopeful. Could this be a dream?

Casting aside their doubts, they hurry off to fulfill the angel’s instructions. Those sent on God’s mission must waste no time!

These women were sent to bring the disciples the wonderfully good news of Jesus’ resurrection! They ran to comfort them with the comfort they themselves had received. As disciples we should be eager to share our experiences with one another. We should tell what God has done for in our lives. God ever remains the source of our comfort in the midst of our troubles!

Paul tells us:

“Blessed is the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles so that we may be able to comfort those experiencing any trouble with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.” —2 Corinthians 1:3–4

Almost immediately, we find Jesus appearing to the women to confirm the angelic testimony. He graciously and unexpectedly comes to them while they are merely fulfilling their duty. Jesus is closer to His people than we might think!

These women were rewarded for their faithfulness immeasurably more than they could have asked or imagined (see Ephesians 3:20). They were the first to hear the good news and they were the first to see Jesus as well. When He appears to them these women immediately shower Him with the love and affection they have for Him, holding on to Him so as not to let Him go. I am reminded of how a young child grabs hold of its mother in a deathlike grip if he thinks she is about to leave without him! I think this was perhaps the reaction the women were having. They did not speak, they just affectionately embraced. Their adoration spoke volumes.

Become More

“We are not only to sing the doxology, but to be the doxology.” —Francis Schaeffer

“Peace comes not from the absence of trouble, but from the presence of God.” —Alexander Maclaren

Further Reflection

“The believer is in spiritual danger if he allows himself to go for any length of time without tasting the love of Christ and savoring the felt comforts of a Savior’s presence. When Christ ceases to fill the heart with satisfaction, our souls will go in silent search of other lovers … Because the Lord has made himself accessible to us in the means of grace; it is our duty and privilege to seek this experience from Him in these means till we are made the joyful partakers of it.” —John Flavel

“Now after the Sabbath, at dawn on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to look at the tomb. Suddenly there was a severe earthquake, for an angel of the Lord descending from heaven came and rolled away the stone and sat on it. His appearance was like lightning, and his clothes were white as snow. The guards were shaken and became like dead men because they were so afraid of him.” —Matthew 28:1–4

We can learn a lot from Mary Magdalene and the other Mary on how to obtain sweet fellowship with the Lord Jesus. They had known firsthand the thrill of His presence and were ever seeking to express their love to Christ. Surely, when we love someone, we desire to be with them.

We discover that they sought the Savior early—just at dawn. I know, we can have our quiet times any time of day, but there is something special about meeting with the Lord Jesus first thing. It’s a matter of priority. The heart that is fitted for communion with the Master is a hungering heart—one that thirsts after the Living Water.

We also discover these ladies seeking Jesus with great boldness. His disciples had fled the crucifixion trembling, but Mary Magdalene, we are told, stood at the tomb. She pressed on while others left. She wanted to be as close to the Savior as she could. She, of whom, Scripture states, had seven demons cast out by the Lord Jesus did not want to go back to hell in the land of the living; she had experienced freedom and she was not willing to return to bondage.

Mary Magdalene had been brought out of that slimy pit of mud and mire and had been delivered to a place where the air was clean and crisp, the enemy defeated and the view magnificent. It was a glorious freedom, the kind only Christ can bring. Therefore, she pressed on while others fled. Nothing should hold us back in desiring communion with Jesus.

The Prophet Isaiah tells us:

“Don’t be afraid, for I am with you! Don’t be frightened, for I am your God! I strengthen you—yes, I help you—yes, I uphold you with my saving right hand!” —Isaiah 41:10

Mary Magdalene sought Jesus faithfully. Some find it difficult to stand by a living Savior yet we discover her standing by a “dead” one. We must seek after Christ, remaining faithful though all others forsake and fail Him.

Mary sought Jesus earnestly and she sought Him only. Her passionate search was for the Lord alone. No divided heart or interests here. Her heart had cast out all rivals. She appeared not to even be moved by the angelic visit rather turned her back from them and seeking only the Lord.

“Who else has the answer to the frailty of life, the reality of death and the certainty of judgment than Jesus, who by His death destroyed him who holds the power of death and frees those whose lives are enslaved by the fear of death?” —Alistair Begg

Become More

“We sometimes seem to forget that what God takes He takes in fire; and that the only way to the resurrection life and the ascension mount is the way of the garden, the cross, and the grave. Think not, O soul of man, that Abraham’s was a unique and solitary experience. It is simply a specimen and pattern of God’s dealings with all souls who are prepared to obey Him at whatever cost. After thou hast patiently endured, thou shalt receive the promise. The moment of supreme sacrifice shall be the moment of supreme and rapturous blessing. God’s river, which is full of water, shall burst its banks, and pour upon thee a tide of wealth and grace. There is nothing, indeed, which God will not do for a man who dares to step out upon what seems to be the mist; though as he puts down his foot he finds a rock beneath him.” —F. B. Meyer

Further Reflections

“When you seek me in prayer and worship, you will find me available to you. If you seek me with all your heart and soul” — Jeremiah 29:13

“No one has ever lost out by excessive devotion to Christ.” —H. A. Ironside

“I make it my priority to persevere in His holy presence, wherein I maintain a simple attention and a fond regard for God.” —Brother Lawrence

“If anyone wants to serve me, he must follow me, and where I am, my servant will be too. If anyone serves me, the Father will honor him.” —John 12:26

“Holiness is not a feeling—it is the end product of obedience. Purity is not a gift—it is the result of repentance and serious pursuit of God.” —Frances J. Roberts

“But the angel said to the women, ‘Do not be afraid; I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here, for he has been raised, just as he said. Come and see the place where he was lying. Then go quickly and tell his disciples, “He has been raised from the dead. He is going ahead of you into Galilee. You will see him there.” Listen, I have told you!’” —Matthew 28:5–7

The disciples of Jesus who are constantly seeking after the Savior are privileged indeed to receive deeper and higher revelations of truth. All are invited, yet few actually experience the fullness of a life lived in Christ. The busyness of life, the cares of this world, the demands of a job, a home, a family, all keep us from a closer intimacy with the God of all creation. Somewhere along the way we have gotten our priorities flipped and we find ourselves flopping all about like a fish out of water. We easily spin out of control when our sights are not centered on the Master. He is to be our gaze, our fixed focus.

The writer of Hebrews tells us:

“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, we must get rid of every weight and the sin that clings so closely, and run with endurance the race set out for us, keeping our eyes fixed on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of our faith. For the joy set out for him he endured the cross, disregarding its shame, and has taken his seat at the right hand of the throne of God. Think of him who endured such opposition against himself by sinners, so that you may not grow weary in your souls and give up.” —Hebrews 12:1–3

Jesus lovingly calls us to go further with Him. His constant invitation is “Come.” Like a mother who is teaching her child to walk, He holds out His hands, bidding us come to Him. He knows He is the answer to all our questions.

“No one has ever lost out by excessive devotion to Christ.” —H. A. Ironside

Jesus knows He is the only One who can truly satisfy our souls. True peace cannot exist in a heart void of Christ. Neither can it exist in a divided heart between the love of the world and the love of the Master. There is no room for Jesus left in a heart that is filled with anxiety, anger, hate, bitterness, greed, distrust, and selfishness. On the other hand, when one is filled with the Living Water, there is no room for works of the flesh.

But we have work to do. We have errands to run. We are too busy! And we find ourselves flat out missing the angelic visit. I wonder if Mary Magdalene and the other Mary had work to do. I wonder if their floors needed sweeping. I wonder if dishes were stacked in their sinks. I wonder if there were meals to be prepared. Somehow, I think they chose higher and were therefore abundantly rewarded for it. Funny how we go from minutes, to days, to weeks, to months, to years, continuously soft pedaling our faith, compartmentalizing it, making it a “Sunday matter,” one that we can barely squeeze in to our all-important schedules.

The ladies in our verses for today had their priorities straight and they were blessed by their choice. They were the first to hear of Jesus’ resurrection—and by an angelic visitation at that! The angel’s first words to them of “Do not be afraid” indicate he came in kindness to encourage. He did not come to frighten or terrorize. He knew they were looking for Jesus. Those who seek Jesus have no need to be fearful. The angel assures the women of Christ’s resurrection, encouraging them to go and examine the empty tomb. He reminds them this was just as our Lord had said. This was enough to silence their fears.

Become More

The angel ends his proclamation with the words, “Now I have told you,” indicating his mission is accomplished and now placed in the hands of those who will proclaim it to the world. He had completed his errand and faithfully delivered the message. Now it was their turn. Now it is ours.

Further Reflections

The busyness of life, the cares of this world, the demands of a job, a home, a family, all keep us from a closer intimacy with the God of all creation.

“Your only hope for joy, your only hope for peace, your only hope for comfort, your only hope for strength and your only hope for love in this life—is found in the cross of Jesus Christ. Your only hope in this life is found in the brutal, bloody, humiliation of a naked man on a wooden post. My hope is that you go out of this building clinging to the cross of Christ.” —David Platt

“The next day (which is after the day of preparation) the chief priests and the Pharisees assembled before Pilate and said, ‘Sir, we remember that while that deceiver was still alive he said, “After three days I will rise again.” So give orders to secure the tomb until the third day. Otherwise his disciples may come and steal his body and say to the people, “He has been raised from the dead,” and the last deception will be worse than the first.’ Pilate said to them, ‘Take a guard of soldiers. Go and make it as secure as you can.’ So they went with the soldiers of the guard and made the tomb secure by sealing the stone.” —Matthew 27:62–66

Isn’t it interesting that the unbelieving remembered Jesus’ prediction stating He would rise again after three days while His closest companions seemed to forget that prophecy? The resurrection was something these religious leaders greatly feared and they did what they humanly could to defeat the predictions. What were they thinking? They supposed they could keep Jesus in the grave with their seals and their guards? Humans can never manipulate or overpower God’s plans or purposes.

Psalm 2 comes to mind:

“Why do the nations rebel? Why are the countries devising plots that will fail? The kings of the earth form a united front; the rulers collaborate against the LORD and his anointed king … The one enthroned in heaven laughs in disgust; the LORD taunts them. Then he angrily speaks to them and terrifies them in his rage, saying, ‘I myself have installed my king on Zion, my holy hill … So now, you kings, do what is wise; you rulers of the earth, submit to correction! Serve the LORD in fear! Repent in terror!’” —Psalm 2:1–2; 4–6; 10–11

To be sure, their resurrection fears were well founded. After our Lord’s ascension, when the disciples actually were preaching the resurrection, thousands came to a saving knowledge of Jesus, to the great dismay of the religious leaders. We see in Acts:

“While Peter and John were speaking to the people, the priests and the commander of the temple guard and the Sadducees came up to them, angry because they were teaching the people and announcing in Jesus the resurrection of the dead. So they seized them and put them in jail until the next day (for it was already evening). But many of those who had listened to the message believed, and the number of the men came to about five thousand.” —Acts 4:1–4

Make no mistake about it, these men certainly did not believe in the Lord Jesus or His testimony, yet they were convinced that His followers would come and steal His body, making what they termed a deception worse for them by fabricating a resurrection lie.

The resurrection of Jesus, of course, demonstrated the truthfulness of Jesus’ identity and message as well as the power of God.

It was now the Sabbath day. Instead of finding the religious leaders in devotion, asking for pardon of sins from their past week’s transgressions, we see them laboring to defeat the prediction of Christ’s resurrection, busily petitioning Pilate to secure the tomb. Isn’t it strange how people can become so distorted in their thinking and ways? Christ’s mutilated body has been laid in a borrowed tomb and now they have requested the higher ups to have it sealed and guarded. Even though they had accomplished this mission of having Jesus eliminated, they remained fearful!

Become More

“You know to what extent You have already changed me, You who first healed me of the lust of vindicating myself, so that You might forgive all my remaining iniquities, and heal my diseases, and redeem my life from corruption, and crown me with loving-kindness and tender mercies, and satisfy my desire with good things.” —St. Augustine

Further Reflections

“The amazing care they then took to secure the tomb: ‘They sealed the stone’. However, because they did not trust that very much, they set a watch to keep his disciples from coming to steal him away. This was their intention, but God brought this good out of it: those who were set to oppose his resurrection had an opportunity to see it, and they did so, telling the chief priests what they saw. To guard the sepulcher against the poor, weak disciples was foolish, because it was unnecessary, but to think they could protect it against the power of God was also foolish, because it was useless, and yet they thought they were dealing shrewdly.” —Matthew Henry

When we lose sight of God’s true purposes, we become blind to His truth.

“Now when it was evening, there came a rich man from Arimathea, named Joseph, who was also a disciple of Jesus. He went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus. Then Pilate ordered that it be given to him. Joseph took the body, wrapped it in a clean linen cloth, and placed it in his own new tomb that he had cut in the rock. Then he rolled a great stone across the entrance of the tomb and went away. (Now Mary Magdalene and the other Mary were sitting there, opposite the tomb.)” —Matthew 27:57–61

From the other Gospels we discover that Joseph of Arimathea was not only wealthy, but also a prominent member of the Council (Mark 15:43). We also discover in that same verse that he went boldly to Pilate asking for Jesus’ body. Luke tells us that Joseph was a good and upright man. He also says that Joseph had not consented to the decision and action of the Council to put Jesus to death (Luke 23:50-51). John writes that Joseph was a disciple, a learner, and a follower. He not only listened to Jesus’ instruction, he made it his rule of conduct. Yet he was a follower secretly because of his fear of the Jews (John 19:38). This last fact is interesting in light of the fact that in our verses for today Joseph boldly approaches Pilate, casting his fears aside, asking for Jesus’ body. We act on what we believe to be true. Joseph’s mind and heart had been moved–he was a changed man. His fears were melted by his faith, passion, and purpose.

I am reminded of the words of Deuteronomy that could have possibly rung in Joseph’s ears:

“You must revere the LORD your God, serve him, and take oaths using only his name.” —Deuteronomy 6:13

David had written in the Psalms:

“Taste and see that the LORD is good! How blessed is the one who takes shelter in him!
Fear the LORD, you chosen people of his, for those who fear him lack nothing! Even young lions sometimes lack food and are hungry, but those who seek the LORD lack no good thing.” —Psalm 34:8–10

And so we find Joseph carefully tending the abused body of our Lord Jesus as evening approached. Beaten, bruised, nailed, pierced––this kind man lovingly places Christ’s torn body on clean linen cloth. Such compassion! How carefully he must have handled Jesus’ body. How gently he must have removed His battered corpse from the cross. What a picture of a faithful servant kindly tending to the needs of his Master. I am reminded of Paul’s call to all in Colossians:

“Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with a heart of mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.” —Colossians 3:12

Joseph laid Jesus in his own new tomb. For Jesus, this was a borrowed tomb. On earth, our Lord owned neither house to lay His head while living nor grave to lay His body in dying. He would not need either very long. Christ was buried only to prove His death. He was placed in a borrowed tomb, a tomb cut out of rock and sealed with rock and tightly guarded. There would be no room for suspect that His body could have been taken by His disciples. He was buried to make His death more certain and His resurrection more glorious.

“For this perishable body must put on the imperishable, and this mortal body must put on immortality. Now when this perishable puts on the imperishable, and this mortal puts on immortality, then the saying that is written will happen, ‘Death has been swallowed up in victory.’ ‘Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?’ —1 Corinthians 15:53–55

Become More

“Who else has the answer to the frailty of life, the reality of death and the certainty of judgment than Jesus, who by His death destroyed him who holds the power of death and frees those whose lives are enslaved by the fear of death?” —Alistair Begg

Jesus took away the terror of the grave for us. He is no longer in the grave, He has risen!

Further Reflections

“As humans, we have heads, and therefore must be given facts and evidences and arguments in order to make reasonable commitments. And we have hearts with longings and yearnings and hopes and fears and desires. Therefore, if someone urges me to commit myself to a certain goal, he must persuade my head that the goal is really there as he says it is; and he must move my heart to feel the value of attaining it.” —John Piper

“The only fear a Christian should entertain is the fear of sin. All other fears are from Satan sent to confuse and weaken us. How often the Lord reiterated to His disciples, ‘Be not afraid!’” —Isobel Kuhn

“There must be a practical outworking of our faith here in this present world, or it will never endure in the world to come. We need fewer words and more charitable works; less palaver and more pity; less repetition of creed and more compassion.” —Billy Graham

“Now when the centurion and those with him who were guarding Jesus saw the earthquake and what took place, they were extremely terrified and said, ‘Truly this one was God’s Son!’ Many women who had followed Jesus from Galilee and given him support were also there, watching from a distance. Among them were Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James and Joseph, and the mother of the sons of Zebedee.” —Matthew 27:54–56

Such unusual circumstances surrounded our Lord’s death that it terrified the tough Roman guards. Guilt tends to put fear into the bravest of men when they are confronted with holiness. The momentous events of the day had struck fear in the hearts of the guards. Normally, these centurions were without much fear or pity. Yet, the curtain of the temple torn from top to bottom, an earthquake, the rocks crying out, and the dead raised to life all served to be troubling to those presiding over Jesus’ death and burial.

Yet those clothed in the righteousness of Christ need never fear. Our faith rules over our fear. God is our sure defense at all times.

When God judges, the righteous need not fear. I am reminded of these words from the Old Testament:

“God is our strong refuge; he is truly our helper in times of trouble. For this reason, we do not fear when the earth shakes, and the mountains tumble into the depths of the sea, when its waves crash and foam, and the mountains shake before the surging sea.” —Psalm 46:1–3

We also see in our verses for today a group of women who have been following Jesus. Some would have called them silly women to boldly stick by the Master’s side when the rest of His disciples had deserted Him and fled. Yet, out of great love, they have followed Him and stayed by Him. They had cared for Jesus out of their own means throughout His ministry and now we see them staying near Him to the bitter end. Their love overcame their fear.

The cross was a painful way, but the only way, for us to have our relationship with God reinstated. His love overcomes all.

“The only ground on which God can forgive our sin and reinstate us to His favor is through the Cross of Christ. There is no other way! Forgiveness, which is so easy for us to accept, cost the agony at Calvary. We should never take the forgiveness of sin, the gift of the Holy Spirit, and our sanctification in simple faith, and then forget the enormous cost to God that made all of this ours. Forgiveness is the divine miracle of grace. The cost to God was the Cross of Christ. To forgive sin, while remaining a holy God, this price had to be paid. Never accept a view of the fatherhood of God if it blots out the atonement. The revealed truth of God is that without the atonement He cannot forgive—He would contradict His nature if He did. The only way we can be forgiven is by being brought back to God through the atonement of the Cross. God’s forgiveness is possible only in the supernatural realm … Once you realize all that it cost God to forgive you, you will be held as in a vise, constrained by the love of God.” —Oswald Chambers

Become More

“If the world hates you, be aware that it hated me first. If you belonged to the world, the world would love you as its own. However, because you do not belong to the world, but I chose you out of the world, for this reason the world hates you. Remember what I told you, ‘A slave is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you. If they obeyed my word, they will obey yours too. But they will do all these things to you on account of my name, because they do not know the one who sent me.” —John 15:18–21

“Be not afraid of saying too much in the praises of God; all the danger is of saying too little.” —Matthew Henry

Further Reflections

“Tell the innocent it will go well with them, or they will be rewarded for what they have done.” —Isaiah 3:10

“As a result God highly exalted him and gave him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee will bow—in heaven and on earth and under the earth—and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord to the glory of God the Father.” —Philippians 2:9–11

“Instead of trying to comprehend My Incarnation intellectually, learn from the example of the wise men. They followed the leading of a spectacular star, then fell down in humble worship when they found Me. Praise and worship are the best responses to the wonder of My Being. Sing praises to My holy Name. Gaze at Me in silent adoration. Look for a star of guidance in your own life, and be willing to follow where I lead.” —Sarah Young

“Then two outlaws were crucified with him, one on his right and one on his left. Those who passed by defamed him, shaking their heads and saying, ‘You who can destroy the temple and rebuild it in three days, save yourself! If you are God’s Son, come down from the cross!’ In the same way even the chief priests—together with the experts in the law and elders—were mocking him: ‘He saved others, but he cannot save himself! He is the king of Israel! If he comes down now from the cross, we will believe in him! He trusts in God—let God, if he wants to, deliver him now because he said, “I am God’s Son”!’ The robbers who were crucified with him also spoke abusively to him.” —Matthew 27:38–44

The people that were passing by, the chief priests, the teachers of the law, the elders, and even the robbers who were being crucified along with Jesus boldly hurled verbal assaults of mocking and scoffing against Jesus. One would have reasoned that when they had nailed Him to the cross, they had done their worst. Christ suffered the utmost indignity that could be done to the worst of men—all for mankind’s sake. And no one appeared to care.

King David describes our Lord’s suffering in the following way:

“All who see me taunt me; they mock me and shake their heads. They say, ‘Commit yourself to the LORD! Let the Lord rescue him! Let the LORD deliver him, for he delights in him.” —Psalm 22:7–8

“I am disdained by them. When they see me, they shake their heads.” —Psalm 109:25

It appears the crowds were caught up in the moment as well, pouring contempt upon Him. Ridicule is always difficult to bear, but when one is in intense pain it hurts even more. Indeed, this was the hour when darkness reigned.

It was a great reproach to Jesus that He was crucified with actual criminals. It was an additional insult to be crucified in the middle of them as if He were the worst of the three. He was, at His death, numbered among the transgressors so that we at our death might be numbered among the saints. It appears every circumstance was thought of for His dishonor. Yet, if there had been no cross, then we could have no crown.

Those who reign with Jesus must also be willing to suffer with Him. Christ and His cross are nailed together in this world. Suffering for Jesus is not to be considered accidental or a divine punishment. Believing in Christ and suffering for Him are associated with God’s grace in Scripture.

Become More

“When I survey the wondrous cross
On which the Prince of glory died,
My richest gain I count but loss,
And pour contempt on all my pride.
Forbid it, Lord, that I should boast,
Save in the death of Christ my God!
All the vain things that charm me most,
I sacrifice them to His blood.
See from His head, His hands, His feet,
Sorrow and love flow mingled down!
Did e’er such love and sorrow meet,
Or thorns compose so rich a crown?
Were the whole realm of nature mine,
That were a present far too small;
Love so amazing, so divine,
Demands my soul, my life, my all.” —Isaac Watts, “When I Survey the Wondrous Cross”

Further Reflections

“O Jesus, ‘despised and rejected of men,’ how couldst Thou die for men who treated Thee so ill? Herein is love amazing, love divine, yea, love beyond degree. We, too, have despised Thee in the days of our unregeneracy, and even since our new birth we have set the world on high in our hearts, and yet Thou bleedest to heal our wounds, and diest to give us life. O that we could set Thee on a glorious high throne in all men’s hearts! We would ring out Thy praises over land and sea till men should as universally adore as once they did unanimously reject.” —Charles H. Spurgeon

“For it has been granted to you not only to believe in Christ but also to suffer for him, since you are encountering the same conflict that you saw me face and now hear that I am facing.” —Philippians 1:29–30

“While he was still speaking, Judas, one of the twelve, arrived. With him was a large crowd armed with swords and clubs, sent by the chief priests and elders of the people. (Now the betrayer had given them a sign, saying, ‘The one I kiss is the man. Arrest him!’) Immediately he went up to Jesus and said, ‘Greetings, Rabbi,’ and kissed him. Jesus said to him, ‘Friend, do what you are here to do.’ Then they came and took hold of Jesus and arrested him.” —Matthew 26:47–50

Here we experience the hour when darkness was permitted to reign. When the Lord’s Passion began, it came on Him fiercely. Jesus had just arisen from laboring in fervent prayer and was still speaking to his disciples when evil interrupted the scene. Sometimes life happens that way. I am reminded of the calamities in blameless Job’s life. One calamity after another after another made it difficult for Job to even catch his breath much less process what had transpired:

“Now the day came when Job’s sons and daughters were eating and drinking wine in their oldest brother’s house, and a messenger came to Job, saying, ‘The oxen were plowing and the donkeys were grazing beside them, and the Sabeans swooped down and carried them all away, and they killed the servants with the sword! And I—only I alone—escaped to tell you!’ While this one was still speaking, another messenger arrived and said, ‘The fire of God has fallen from heaven and has burned up the sheep and the servants—it has consumed them! And I—only I alone—escaped to tell you!’ While this one was still speaking another messenger arrived and said, ‘The Chaldeans formed three bands and made a raid on the camels and carried them all away, and they killed the servants with the sword! And I—only I alone—escaped to tell you!’” —Job 1:13–19

Judas, the betrayer led the group of armed guards into one of Jesus’ private places of retreat. Only one of the disciples would have been so familiar with the specific areas of rest and refreshment of the Master. Without Judas’ help, it is unlikely the mob would have found Him. Luke tells us that Judas served the armed men as a guide:

“Brothers, the scripture had to be fulfilled that the Holy Spirit foretold through David concerning Judas—who became the guide for those who arrested Jesus—for he was counted as one of us and received a share in this ministry.” —Acts 1:16–17

Arresting Jesus in such an obscure place prevented any interference from the pilgrims present for the Passover that may have wanted to prevent His captivity. The group who came after Jesus was an oil and water group to be sure. Made up of Roman guards and the officers of the High Priest, this group remained at variance with each other yet in agreement against the Master. And what was their reason for His arrest? The warrant was issued from the great Sanhedrin as a person that was offensive to them. It was not Pilate the Roman governor who gave the warrant, rather men committed to religion under masks of pride and jealousy. They were the most spiteful enemies Christ had, and they wanted Him out of the picture.

The group’s pawn, Judas, willingly turned on his Master for a very small amount of money. He betrayed the Lord with the greeting of “Rabbi” (teacher), not “Lord,” and the kiss of a friend.

Everything had been planned so that there would be no mistaking whom the guards were to seize. Judas’ kiss was a part of the plan to distinguish Jesus, not to detain Him. The armed soldiers were there for that. How could Judas have looked into Jesus’ face and kissed Him as a sign of allegiance and friendship? Judas broke all laws of love and duty to serve his own purposes. There is no depth to which humanity can fall.

Become More

“The truly meek man is humble, gentle, patient, forgiving, and contented; the very opposite of the man who is proud, harsh, angry, revengeful, and ambitious. It is only the grace of God, as it works in us by the Holy Spirit, that can make us thus meek.” —Charles H. Spurgeon

Further Reflection

“Do not avenge yourselves, dear friends, but give place to God’s wrath, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay,” says the Lord. Rather, if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him a drink; for in doing this you will be heaping burning coals on his head. Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” —Romans 12:19–21

“When it was early in the morning, all the chief priests and the elders of the people plotted against Jesus to execute him. They tied him up, led him away, and handed him over to Pilate the governor. Now when Judas, who had betrayed him, saw that Jesus had been condemned, he regretted what he had done and returned the thirty silver coins to the chief priests and the elders, saying, ‘I have sinned by betraying innocent blood!’ But they said, ‘What is that to us? You take care of it yourself!’ So Judas threw the silver coins into the temple and left. Then he went out and hanged himself.” —Matthew 27:1–5

Want to know what Satan’s response is to our surrendering to his temptations? Here it is: It’s your problem, it’s your responsibility. He does not care about us; he never has, and he never will.

The way of sin is always downhill. We should not for a moment assume we will be victorious if we choose to deal with the devil. He is crafty and boastful, the father of lies, and a murderer from the beginning, ever seeking our destruction no matter what other promises he may whisper in our ear.

Scripture tells us:

“Be sober and alert. Your enemy the devil, like a roaring lion, is on the prowl looking for someone to devour. Resist him, strong in your faith, because you know that your brothers and sisters throughout the world are enduring the same kinds of suffering.” —1 Peter 5:8–9

“Finally, be strengthened in the Lord and in the strength of his power. Clothe yourselves with the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world rulers of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavens. For this reason, take up the full armor of God so that you may be able to stand your ground on the evil day, and having done everything, to stand.” —Ephesians 6:10–13

Contrast Satan’s desire to destroy us with our heavenly Father’s never-ending love. It is God who always has our best interest at heart. We can trust Him. Our Father loves us with an everlasting love. He has engraved us on the palms of His hands. He longs to be gracious to us and has wonderfully great plans for us. He is constantly with us and holds us by our right hand.

“For I know what I have planned for you,” says the Lord. “I have plans to prosper you, not to harm you. I have plans to give you a future filled with hope.” —Jeremiah 29:11

In our verses for today we find the religious elite scheming to put Jesus to death. The Romans had taken away the Jews power of capital punishment and therefore these leaders had to deliver Jesus over to Pilate so that he might execute the sentence. Roman writers Pilate as a man with a rough and haughty spirit. The Jews had a great hatred for him, yet they used him as a tool for their hatred against Jesus. The chief priests and elders tied our Lord’s hands behind Him and led Him forth as a convicted criminal—as a lamb to the slaughter—to receive His sentencing.

And in the midst of all of this, we see Judas, filled with remorse over his actions, returning his pitiful payment—thirty coin— to the religious leaders.

Their response is indicative of the condition of their cold and hardened hearts. They bore neither responsibility nor compassion for Judas’ remorse.

Too bad for Judas, he chose the wrong people to repent to. He should have gone to Jesus in full repentance. Instead, he leaves the scene and hangs himself. He can’t handle the heaviness of his remorse and ends his earthly life only to wake up in the unquenchable fires of hell. Surely our Lord’s words ring true:

“No, I tell you! But unless you repent you will all perish as well!” —Luke 13:5

Each one of us needs to go directly to Jesus for forgiveness, healing, and hope. Only He can grant us the forgiveness we desire.

Become More

“Serious and sincere repentance routes us back into God’s will.” —Robert J. Morgan

“Acknowledge your enemy, but keep your eyes on the Lord.” —Robert J. Morgan

Further Reflections

“What can be deeper than His Presence and constant care? In a world in which multitudes feel isolated and alienated, we have the permanent companionship of the most loving and powerful Being in the universe. Nothing could be more important and life shaping than that. Whatever difficulty we go through, He nevertheless holds us by the hand.” —Chris Tiegreen

“It is His love for man, His compassion for the human race, that prompts God to hate sin with such a vengeance. He gave Heaven’s finest that we might have the best; and He loathes with a holy abhorrence anything that would hinder our being reconciled to Him.” —Billy Graham