Rebel to Redeemed…Sharing HIS Kind of Love
Pilate has granted permission for Joseph of Arimathea to bury Jesus body but he’s not finished with situation, yet. “The next day, that is, after the day of Preparation, the chief priests and the Pharisees gathered before Pilate and said, “Sir, we remember how that impostor said, while he was still alive, ‘After three days I will rise.’” {Matthew 27:62-63} Imagine the chief priest […]
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Our last mention of Jesus in the Bible is releasing the body to Joseph of Arimathea. “Joseph of Arimathea, a respected member of the council, who was also himself looking for the kingdom of God, took courage and went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus.” {Mark 15:43} Going before Pilate wasn’t an easy thing, but Joseph faced his fears […]
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“So Pilate decided that their demand should be granted.” {Luke 23:4} Pilate decided to give in to their demand, as a riot was beginning. “So when Pilate saw that he was gaining nothing, but rather that a riot was beginning, he took water and washed his hands before the crowd, saying, “I am innocent of this man’s blood; see to it yourselves.” {Matthew […]
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“And Pilate again said to them, “Then what shall I do with the man you call the King of the Jews?”” {Mark 15:12} Pilate wanted to release Jesus but the people refused wanting Barabbas released instead. Now he doesn’t know what to do with Jesus—who the chief priest call the King of the Jews. “but they kept shouting, “Crucify, crucify him!” […]
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Besides, while he was sitting on the judgment seat, his wife sent word to him, “Have nothing to do with that righteous man, for I have suffered much because of him today in a dream.” {Matthew 27:19} “The tenderness and care of Pilate’s wife, in sending this caution, thereupon, to her husband; Have nothing to do with that just man.” {Matthew Henry Commentary} Pilate’s […]
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“Now at the feast he used to release for them one prisoner for whom they asked. And among the rebels in prison, who had committed murder in the insurrection, there was a man called Barabbas.” {Mark 15:6-7} “Pilate sees a way out of this predicament by offering to set Jesus free as the one prisoner released each year at the feast.” {The Bible […]
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So Pilate entered his headquarters again and called Jesus and said to him, “Are you the King of the Jews?” Jesus answered, “Do you say this of your own accord, or did others say it to you about me?” Pilate answered, “Am I a Jew? Your own nation and the chief priests have delivered you over to me. What have you done?” Jesus answered, “My […]
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“When Pilate heard this, he asked whether the man was a Galilean.” {Luke 23:6} Pilate asked if Jesus were a Galilean or from Galilee. This gave him the ability to wash his hands of the matter and send him to Herod. “And when he learned that he belonged to Herod’s jurisdiction, he sent him over to Herod, who was himself in […]
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We’ve been looking at Easter through the viewpoint of others. This time we are going to take a look from Pilate’s viewpoint. All four of the gospels give an account of Jesus trial before Pilate. I’ll primarily be using the account found in Luke and supplement with the other accounts. Jesus has been arrested and taken before the chief priest […]
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Herod Antipas ordered for John the Baptist to be beheaded. However, Jesus avoids him until he is arrested and brought up on charges. Jesus is first taken before Pontius Pilate. “When he learned that Jesus was under Herod’s jurisdiction, he sent him to Herod, who was also in Jerusalem at that time.” {Luke 23:7} Herod Antipas is over Galilee which […]
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Herod the Great has died and his son Herod Antipas has become tetrarch of Galilee and Peraea. John the Baptist has come from the wilderness and been teaching. Eventually he is arrested and imprisoned. “Finally the opportune time came. On his birthday Herod gave a banquet for his high officials and military commanders and the leading men of Galilee. “ {Mark 6:21} […]
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Upon the arrest of Jesus, the disciples disperse and only John mentioned at the cross and crucifixion. We don’t know where the other disciples were or if they were watching from afar, which seems likely. We do know they feel lost and unsure of what’s next, believing Jesus is the Messiah. After Jesus resurrection, we are told “That evening, the […]
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We have been discussing Thomas and his role as a disciple of Jesus. The second time we hear Thomas speak is after Jesus has been preparing them for what’s to come. “Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God[a]; believe also in me. 2 My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I […]
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Thomas is with Jesus and the rest of the disciples. In John 11, receive word that Lazarus is dying and to come quickly. The disciples are worried about Jesus and do not want him to go into Bethany for fear Jesus will be killed. When the disciples object, Jesus tells them that walking in daylight one will not stumble, but […]
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We’ve been viewing the Eyewitnesses to Easter and have discussed Mary, Mary Magdalene, Peter, John and Judas view points so far. Thomas was one of Jesus disciples and an eyewitness to his ministry, arrest and death. However, he is best known to us as doubting Thomas for his doubts when Jesus was raised from the grave. Before we get to […]
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After a long journey, the wise men have finally arrived at their destination. Can you imagine the commotion as they ride up and tie their camels to the hitching posts? “We may well imagine their expectations were raised to find this royal babe, though slighted by the nation, yet honourably attended at home; and what a disappointment it was to […]
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The Wise Men have met with King Herod and been sent on their way to Bethlehem, where prophecy foretold of the Christ child’s birth. The journey to Bethlehem was only six or seven miles from where they were. It was not a long journey for them. “ A road led south to Bethlehem, which was about six miles from Jerusalem, so […]
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Last time, we took a look at who the wise men were. Matthew does not tell us how many wise men there were or their names. However, Armenian tradition identifies the “Magi of Bethlehem” as Balthasar of Arabia, Melchior of Persia, and Gaspar {Caspar} of India. The Western Christian Church has accepted this tradition and regards these three men as saints. The wise men have […]
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We are continuing our Eyewitness to Easter series with the apostle John. Like Peter, John was a fisherman. When we meet John, he is going about his trade. “Jesus went on a little farther. He saw James and his brother John who were sons of Zebedee. They were in a boat mending their nets.” {Mark 1:19} John is with his […]
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We have been looking at the life of Jesus through the eyes of the witnesses of his birth and death. However, what about his life? Other, than his mother, those who knew him best were his inner circle, the twelve disciples. But who were these men? What do we know about them and what happened to them after Jesus ascension […]
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