John 19:17-42 – Dead and Buried

Read John 19:17-42

There are so many key individuals involved in Jesus’ death and burial. In addition to Pilate and the leading priests who squabbled over the charges, there were the soldiers, Jesus’ faithful women followers, the disciple Jesus loved, Joseph of Arimathea, and Nicodemus. Each one was used by God to play a role in how Jesus’ mission on earth ended.

It’s also amazing to see how Jesus, in his agony after being beaten and carrying his own heavy cross, was still fulfilling prophecy to the bitter end. He also connected his mother with his dear disciple, establishing a means of care for her. In his final moments, Jesus was still caring for his loved ones. Continue reading “John 19:17-42 – Dead and Buried”

John 18:28-19:16 – What a Horrible Day!

Read John 18:28-19:16

Jesus had a horrible day. We’ve already read how he was taken from his prayer time by an army. He was questioned, beaten, and heard the chants to “crucify him!” Jesus may have known what was coming. Scripture even foretold some of the details, but to have it happen had to be dreadful.

As a follower of Jesus, it’s hard to read, much less try to visualize, these final hours of Jesus’ life. All of this was happening to the Son of God! I can barely wrap my head around that. The divine plan was playing out as if it had been scripted. Continue reading “John 18:28-19:16 – What a Horrible Day!”

John 18:15-27 – When the Rooster Crowed

Read John 18:15-27

This reading can hit a little close to home if you’ve ever denied you know Jesus to someone. It happens when we let the importance of fitting in overtake the supremacy of Jesus as ruler of our lives. Is that what happened to Peter? Surely one of Jesus’ closest followers must have had some better excuse than that!

What struck you as you read what happened to Peter? Jesus’ earlier words of warning came true. For me, it was the location and the people playing roles in this story. The former High Priest must have been quite well respected and well-to-do to have such a house with a courtyard, servants, and guards. Continue reading “John 18:15-27 – When the Rooster Crowed”

John 18:1-14 – Jesus’ Arrest

Read John 18:1-14

Jesus knew this moment was coming. Can you imagine the agony of living with that knowledge? While Jesus had been preparing for this, his disciples were still not ready despite all the warnings Jesus had given them. Jesus still felt the need to protect them.

I have always been surprised by the “contingent” that came to arrest Jesus that night. There could have been hundreds of troops accompanying Judas. We’re not given an exact number, but clearly, they expected a battle. Continue reading “John 18:1-14 – Jesus’ Arrest”

John 17:1-26 – What a Prayer!

Read John 17:1-26

What a prayer indeed! Jesus has been our Redeemer from the day of creation. Jesus, our friend and confidant, has been by our side from the very first day. That same Jesus was praying for us, not the world! Can you believe it?

We may be in the world, but Jesus called out the world and made it clear He was praying for us. Jesus himself had been tempted by the evil one controlling the world. As if the world were a lost cause, Jesus was praying for those who knew him. It’s sometimes hard and unpopular to live in the world when you think like Jesus. Continue reading “John 17:1-26 – What a Prayer!”

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