He seemed to know

 

Bible unfolding -  Luke 22 - Why did Jesus die?

The behaviour and words of the Lord Jesus become more mysterious. The Historian Luke, records Jesus following the normal Passover celebration routine. They gather, He with the twelve disciples, in a large upper room. Then begin the puzzling revelations:

“I have earnestly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer” – He seemed to know something serious was about to happen !  Luke 22:15

Again “ I will not eat it (Passover) until it is fulfilled in the Kingdom of God” – how could the Passover be fulfilled? Did it have something to do with the title given to Him by John the baptiser – “Behold the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.”

 

As the meal was concluding, He said of the bread,” this is my body given for you.” Again: “the new covenant in my blood”. These are the terms of sacrifice, the promise of a better covenant, the means of forgiveness.

Evidently, Jesus knew not only the sufferings to come, but the purpose.

In many ways the disciples had reason for foreboding fears. In 22:30, He breaks through the storm clouds with this kingly statement: “I assign to you… to eat and drink at My table in My kingdom….”. What a moment to announce a place in His glorious kingdom. Well, I don’t know if they understood the glory of the statement, but we must perceive that this Jesus, knew the sufferings of tomorrow could not destroy the glory that would follow.

Luke 22:31    The foretelling of Peter’s denial is again evidence of His Divine knowledge. As they leave the Passover meal, the Lord links the happenings of the next few hours to the prophecies of the Old Testament.:

“For I tell you that this scripture must be fulfilled: ‘He was numbered with the transgressors’.”  ( Luke 22:37  -  Isaiah 53)

This is so significant since the quote from Isaiah 53 makes it very clear that the suffering Messiah  would “bear the sins of many”. This would enable the servant of the LORD to become the intercessor bringing many lost people back to God, granting forgiveness of sins and giving an abundant entry into His heavenly kingdom. Isaiah 53 is a must read to understand the seeming mystery surrounding the death of the Lord Jesus Christ. Read it again today!

Vital question

 

The death of Jesus Christ- an unfortunate mistake or a deliberate sacrifice?

Many causes were involved – the Jewish leaders were jealous of His popularity, the Roman judge seeking to protect his own position, a crowd that was incited by nationalism. I would like to consider this question from the writings of the historian, Dr Luke. I will focus on the recorded words of the Lord Jesus himself.

At a time when Jerusalem was dangerous for Him, 'He resolutely set out for Jerusalem' (Luke 9:51)

He said to the people :  "What happens to me will be a sign that God has sent Me" (Luke 11:30)

In brief detail, He predicted His future:  "First the Son of man must suffer terribly and be rejected by this generation"  (Luke 17:25)

More detail is given that includes references to the Old Testament prophecies. – "When we get to Jerusalem, all the predictions of the ancient prophets concerning the Son of man will come true. He will be handed over to the Romans to be mocked, treated shamefully and spit upon. They will whip him and kill him, but on the third day he will rise again ." (Luke 18:32). It is significant that He knew the future, but more important that He acted with deliberate purpose.

As Jesus continued teaching in the city, the leading priests and scribes made plans to kill Him.

To be continued soon in Luke 22

Love, Mercy, Grace

 

Yesterday my cousin died. Three words came to mind and in his memory I write.

Love,  Mercy,  Grace

Love

God has many attributes – holy, just, forgiving but above all loving. His actions are for good and not evil. We can understand Him loving good people, but the truth is revealed in the Bible that God loves all the people of the world.

Mercy

Because God is love, He chooses to withhold judgement so that people have the opportunity to repent – to turn to God, and turn away from sin. Such kindness and pity is not to be despised for He will judge the world by Jesus Christ.

Grace

Beyond mercy, the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ desires to give undeserved favour to all humans. The Lord God reaches out to all. To those who receive His Son, He freely gives complete forgiveness, acceptance, sanctification by the Holy Spirit, an inheritance in heaven and a place in the wonderful plans of God. Imagine it , "to be conformed to the image of His Son"!

Notice this is all God's doing. Through the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ, the Lord from heaven, God is reaching out to you today, with Love, Mercy and Grace.

Receive HIM and be saved, redeemed, reconciled, regenerated, sanctified, justified, glorified...!

"God loved the people of this world so much that He gave His only Son, so that everyone who has faith in Him, will not perish, but have eternal life." (John 3:16)

johnmckee@internode.on.net