Tag: fulfill Scripture
The Truth of Jesus’ death!
Scripture reading for May 1: John 19
“Since it was the day of Preparation, and so that the bodies would not remain on the cross on the sabbath (for that Sabbath was a high day), the Jews asked Pilate that their legs might be broken and that they might be taken away. So the soldiers came and broke the legs of the first, and of the other who had been crucified with Him. But when they came to Jesus and saw that He was already dead, they did not break His legs. But one of the soldiers pierced His side with a spear, and at once there came out blood and water. He who saw it has borne witness–his testimony is true, and he knows that he is telling the truth–that you may believe. For these things took place that the Scripture might be fulfilled: “Not one of His bones will be broken.” And another Scripture says, “They will look on Him Whom they have pierced.” John 19:31-37
One of the foundational truths of the Christian faith is that Jesus was the Son of God. This record of John is written to help us believe that Jesus Christ really did die. He willingly gave up his spirit after finishing His suffering for our sins. His last act was to declare His thirst, and the cup of sour wine was offered. After He completed that final act, Jesus declared, “It is finished.” Everything necessary for our salvation had been accomplished. He gave up His spirit at that point. This would be three in the afternoon preceding the Sabbath of Passover week, a Holy High day that would start at sundown.
To prepare for Sabbath, the Jews wanted the crucified bodies removed before sundown. They appealed to Pilate who then dispatched soldiers to break the legs of the criminals and Jesus to insure a quick death. Often, crucified individuals could hang there for several days before death by using their legs to help breath. Both other crucified men had their leg bones broken, but Jesus was already gone. The soldiers, wanting to be sure of death, pierced Jesus’ side, puncturing the heart and sack of fluid around it. In doing both of these acts, Roman soldiers who did not know the Scriptures, fulfilled the Word of God!
How does this very detailed account of Jesus’ death on the cross and the events afterwards help your world view concerning Jesus? Who do you think was the one who reported these things that we might believe? Have you chosen to believe yet?
Prayer: Father God, thank You for this amazing account of the details of the death of Jesus Christ, Your Son. Scripture is amazing in that it reveals Truth and details that help those of us who doubt to believe. Help those who may be reading this account to open their hearts to Jesus Christ, Son of God. Amen.
The full extent of His Love!
Scripture reading for May 23rd: John 13:1-30
Sometimes it is hard to understand how God can love us who are such a mess. Jesus had quite an ordinary bunch of disciples that He had to love as well. They were competitive, impulsive, one betrayed Him, all would deny Him, and most of them struggled with understanding and believing what Jesus was teaching them. On the night He was betrayed, John records that Jesus revealed the full extent of His love to them.
“The evening meal was being served, and the devil had already prompted Judas Iscariot, son of Simon, to betray Jesus. Jesus knew that the Father had put all things under His power, and that He had come from God and was returning to God; so He got up from the meal, took off His outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around His waist. After that, He poured water into a basin and began to wash His disciple’s feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around Him.” (John 13:2-5) Jesus, God in human form, humbly took the place of the lowest slave and knelt before each of those He had chosen. He gently washed their feet and carefully dried each one.
As Jesus came to Peter, Peter objected! Jesus told him that he would not understand what He was doing now, but later he would. Peter finally agreed and asked Jesus to wash all of him. Jesus finished washing all the feet and then put His robe back on and addressed the disciples.
“Do you understand what I have done for you?”, He asked them. “You call Me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord,’ and rightly so, for that is what I am. Now that I, your Lord and Teacher have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. I tell you the truth, no servant is greater than his master, not is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them.” (John 13:12-17)
Jesus was loving these disciples fully by showing them His heart and an example that would help them win the world. We who follow Jesus today are the result of their obedient service! Show someone the full extent of Christ’s love today by serving them!