Jaewon Lee Easter 2017 Message

HE HAS RISEN!

Lk 24:1-35

Lk 24:6a He is not here; he has risen!

This passage, Luke chapter 24, is about the empty tomb, the missing body, and the appearance of the risen Christ. Apostle Paul said in 1 Corinthians 15, "If Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins." And according to theologian Gerald O'Collins, "Christianity without the resurrection is not simply Christianity without its final chapter. It is not Christianity at all." (Gerald O'Collins, The Easter Jesus, 134) Why is this resurrection crucial to our lives as followers of Jesus and how does this ancient text apply to modern believers? I pray that answers to these questions may be plainly explained to us through this passage and this Easter Bible Conference, and that we may all share the resurrection faith and become witnesses to the risen Christ to the ends of the earth.

[PART ONE] He has risen! (v.1-8)

As soon as Sabbath rest ended, the women went to the tomb to anoint Jesus' body.(1) Earlier, Jesus had cured Mary Magdalene and Joanna of evil spirits and diseases.(Lk 8:2) And the other Mary was Jesus' mother. Their earnest love for Jesus and deep sorrow at his death led them to the tomb although they also wondered how they would be able to enter it. In Mark's gospel, they said to each other, "Who will roll the stone away from the entrance of the tomb?" But to their surprise, the stone had already been put aside, and the body of Jesus was absent from the tomb.(2-3) While all different scenarios were running through their heads, two angels stood by them and said, "Why do you look for the living among the dead? He is not here; he has risen!"(5b-6a) The angels told this astonishing news too plainly, unfazed. The angels continued, "Remember how he told you, while he was still with you in Galilee: 'The Son of Man must be delivered over to the hands of sinners, be crucified and on the third day be raised again.'"(6b-7) They were right; it should not be a surprise, because Jesus had said that he would die and rise from the dead, and he did just that! By swallowing up death(Isa 25:8), Jesus crushed the head of Satan(Gen 3:15), our most potent adversary. Now Satan has no claim on us. Grief, anger, anxiety, insecurity, and everything rooted in death has been overcome. We are given new birth into a living hope and into a heavenly inheritance through the resurrection of Jesus Christ.(1Pe 1:3-4) These are given to us when we believe, as the women did. Complete peace and joy from unity with God surges in our hearts. How joyful were the women? They hurried away from the tomb, afraid yet filled with joy, and ran to tell the disciples.(Mat 28)

[PART TWO] What holds you back? (v.9-24)

In contrast to the women’s gleeful tidings, the disciples hardly showed any reciprocation. Verse 11 says, “But they did not believe the women, because their words seemed to them like nonsense.” To the disciples, who were eyewitnesses of Jesus’ crucifixion, it was evident that no one could survive the brutality of the punishment. And it was nonsensical to say that the stone was rolled away and the body was absent from the tomb which was supposed to be tightly guarded by Roman soldiers. But Peter got up and ran to the tomb, and found it empty.(12) In his gospel account, John says that he was there with Peter.(Jn 20:2-3) Now the women’s testimony gained more authenticity, confirmed by two male disciples, who were thought to be more reliable back then. But still, disciples seem to reject the truth. That same day two of them were fleeing from Jerusalem to Emmaus out of fear and confusion.(13) Jesus came along and walked with them, but they did not even recognize him.(16) Why were they "so foolish" and "slow to believe" his resurrection?(25) The reason is found in their conversation with Jesus. Their hope for the resurgence of Israel led by powerful prophet Jesus was now torn apart.(20,21) Their hopeless grip on this abortive hope is blocking them from knowing the truth. In verses 23-24, they said, "[The women] didn't find his body. They came and told us that they had seen a vision of angels, who said he was alive. Then some of our companions went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said, but they did not see Jesus.” They perceived the empty tomb and the missing corpse from their companions’ report, but not the risen Messiah. Likewise, this miraculous event that happened in a different continent on the globe almost two millennia ago does not seem to make connection to our lives. It sounds more sensible to say there is no resurrection than to say Jesus is alive today. And more often, our sights are blurred by different causes or feelings that ultimately lead us to death as the two disciples were trapped in their human expectation. The power of death has expertise in camouflage; it mingles with our lives so naturally that most of the time we are unaware that it is blocking us from having the resurrection hope, the true living hope. Whether subtle ups and downs of life or the greatest virtue of the age, it makes our spirit writhe in pain as long as it has stronger claim to our minds than Jesus' resurrection.

[PART THREE] Listen to Jesus! (v.25-35)

Then how do we remedy this piteous situation? What did Jesus do? He taught the Bible to them. In verse 27, Jesus went over the entire Scripture with the two disciples in the light of his suffering and resurrection. Later, after Jesus was recognized by them, they said, "Were not our hearts burning within us while he talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us?"(32) Faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word about Christ.(Ro 10:17) God's word has power in it; it is alive among us today. No matter how abject the darkness we are going through is, his word is powerful enough to kindle the light of truth in our hearts so that we may see the risen Christ with faith. Jesus' work does not end with rising from the dead; he is still alive and is eager to come to us and help us believe his victory. After the Bible study with Jesus, the disciples' eyes were opened as he broke a loaf of bread.(31) When they began to see who he was, their hearts were reshaped and were filled with exhilaration. Now they turned their way back to Jerusalem, from which they were initially running away gripped with dread and dismay. When they arrived where the Eleven were to share this great news, pieces were put together. "It is true! The Lord has risen and has appeared to Simon!"(34)

[4] Personal testimony

I was also under the reign of darkness. When my mother died, I got a fissure, which could not be closed by any means. It meant that I would have to either jump over or fall into it while others walked on the level ground. Strife against emotional detachment, people's stigma about a motherless child, and insecurity of my future were looming over me. At my mom's funeral, one relative said to my grandma, "Now you have to be stronger than anybody. Otherwise, who will take care of those young kids?" I overheard the conversation and thought, "No, I have to be stronger." I had to have a "grieving process" according to some psychological theories, but my mind was already busy enough fighting with outward adversities. My academic achievements and outlook for success comforted me, but darkness deepened as it burrowed into the drape of outward pride and excellence. Then I went to high school, where I began to see that everyone had already been racing toward a sole objective of "entering a good college," even at the cost of morality, wholesomeness, and moderation. My inability to catch up with this heated competition was another source of deprivation from the beginning. The burden was aggravated as I took on more academic load in coming years. I had been striding twice as fast as others to overcome the big crevasse, but now I had to move at an impossibly challenging pace. My dad's remarriage, financial problems, and distrust among my family members were additional pressure on me. All the glories I had enjoyed faded away, and the previously overlooked necessity of "grieving process" came along, together with anger and brokenness. I cried every day and held everything against God and people around me, while I tried to give myself another meaning of life. But the more I squirmed to escape, the power of sin dragged me down even more. Last week I asked my Mom about how I was at that time. She said, "You came home and said you would stay up late studying, but you always cried until one in the morning, went to bed when you were exhausted from crying, and got up at six. I wondered if you were getting any sleep. That was how the evening went every day." I am certain that you who have seen me for the last seven months know that I am not like this anymore. You are witnesses of God's great work in my life. These are the verses he gave me then. 2 Co 12:9 "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." My effort to fight my way through to the top was not effectual, but God used this weakness to humble me and help me wait for his deliverance. Zep 3:17 "The Lord your God is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves. He will take great delight in you; in his love he will no longer rebuke you, but will rejoice over you with singing." And the greatest of the great mercy was that God himself loved me and was with me to the extent that he sacrificed his Son Jesus. Grievance against God and man, and ultimately the power of death, were gradually washed away with the blood of Christ and the tears I shed before his cross. But still, the darkness was not purged completely as the two disciples could not abandon their dead hope on the basis of their narrow understanding. I was overwhelmed by a deluge of confusion and instability in a new society I stepped into last year. In order not to be swept by the gush, I grasped at my dead hope in myself which was not weeded out completely. It was easy to go back to the old idol, but the consequence was complete voidness and heavy burden on my spirit. But as I meditated on this passage over last month, Jesus visited me as he did the two heavyhearted disciples. I was washing the dishes one afternoon, my soul being tired from bemoaning many unsatisfactory things. Jesus asked me, "What did I do for you? Didn't I die on the cross bearing all your sin and rise to give you eternal life?" I could not but repent of my unbelief and I cried, holding the dishes. Again it was God's grace that I was given the living hope through Jesus' resurrection and that God did not let me lose this hope. And I believe the same is with my Korean mother. Now I use my time, energy, and talent to work out my salvation, to glorify my Lord with everything I can offer, to love my Lord with all my strength, heart, and soul, and grow as his disciple who proclaims this great news to others, not to selfishly adorn my own life or to compensate for irreversible loss. I praise and thank God for this amazing grace that softened my rugged heart and planted living hope in me. There are also many people who helped me grow in faith, but I give special thanks to my family, who sacrificed a lot to support me and showed me a living example of love and humility of Christ.

Jesus is not in the tomb; he has risen. He rose from the dead to give us victory over death and eternal life in his kingdom. The resurrection hope is still alive in many hearts and expanding through the people who live out this hope by loving others sacrificially and showing them humility of Jesus. But very often, we may be mourning over the empty tomb like the women or disappointed at our own dead hope, not recognizing the risen Christ. But as Jesus walked with the two disciples, listened to them, and imparted understanding of his resurrection to them, he is willing to be with us today and lead us to the victory and eternal life he earned for us by conquering death. One last question remains: "What is my life like after that?" Jessica will be up here soon to share with us our lives as witnesses to his resurrection. Let's pray.

Jessica Mun Easter 2017 Message

Passage: Luke 24:36-53

KEY VERSE: LUKE 24:48

Jesus Appears to the Disciples

36 While they were still talking about this, Jesus himself stood among them and said to them, “Peace be with you.”

37 They were startled and frightened, thinking they saw a ghost. 38 He said to them, “Why are you troubled, and why do doubts rise in your minds? 39 Look at my hands and my feet. It is I myself! Touch me and see; a ghost does not have flesh and bones, as you see I have.”

40 When he had said this, he showed them his hands and feet. 41 And while they still did not believe it because of joy and amazement, he asked them, “Do you have anything here to eat?” 42 They gave him a piece of broiled fish, 43 and he took it and ate it in their presence.

44 He said to them, “This is what I told you while I was still with you: Everything must be fulfilled that is written about me in the Law of Moses, the Prophets and the Psalms.”

45 Then he opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures. 46 He told them, “This is what is written: The Messiah will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day, 47 and repentance for the forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. 48 You are witnesses of these things. 49 I am going to send you what my Father has promised; but stay in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high.”

The Ascension of Jesus

50 When he had led them out to the vicinity of Bethany, he lifted up his hands and blessed them. 51 While he was blessing them, he left them and was taken up into heaven. 52 Then they worshiped him and returned to Jerusalem with great joy. 53 And they stayed continually at the temple, praising God.

Hey guys, my name is Jessica Mun. I am a Senior at Lincoln Park High School. I will be giving a message on Luke 24:36-53. My key verse is verse 48 “You are witnesses of these things.”

I have a question for you. Have you ever been a witness to anything? Like if you found out something awesome that you really want to share. Maybe it could be the free chips and guac at Chipotle, or a sale on that dress you really wanted from Forever 21. Whatever it was, naturally, you became a witness on that one piece of information that was beneficial to everyone. Just as the disciples became witnesses to Jesus’ resurrection, I want all of us to understand and believe that we are also living witnesses from the events that our living God has given us.

      I.        PEACE be with US (36-43)

            Right from the beginning, we start off with the disciples conversing with one another about what they had just seen. What did they see? Jesus appeared to two of the disciples and they inform the rest of the disciples. This all seemed unrealistic. Jesus? Resurrected from the dead? Are you crazy? While discussing, Jesus suddenly appears in their presence out of nowhere and says “Peace be with you”. Okay, hold up. Lets think about this from the perspective of the disciples. A man, whom they followed and respected was wrongfully accused and killed. Now, 3 days after his death, he appears among them without even opening the door or coming through the window. Of course they would all be shocked and frightened at the sight of this. But more importantly, let's think about his words. “Peace be with you.” So why peace? Peace means tranquility and quietness. This situation arises a lot of confusion and doubt in the disciples hearts so peace was essential to all of them at this moment. They were so startled that they became frightened at the sight of Jesus, thinking that they had seen a ghost. Lets think about what a ghost is… Most of the time people think of ghosts as an evil spirit, mostly a representation of someone who has died. Why is it scary towards us? A ghost is unknown, related to darkness. Darkness brings fear and fear is not from God, it’s from Satan.

Once Jesus sees that they are startled he says, in verse 38: Why are you troubled and why do doubts rise in your minds?  Doubt is a feeling of uncertainty, lack of conviction, hesitation. Based on this definition, think about a time when you are unpeaceful. This quarter I had a really difficult time with one teacher in my school. She REALLY doesn’t like me. I didn’t know why she was tormenting me and calling me out for every little thing I did wrong. It came to the point where I had reached the lowest part of my high school career when she gave me an F on a project which brought my overall grade down to an F. I was shaken and broken emotionally and everyday I would come home and cry. I tried to handle this situation by myself and the entire time I felt so lonely. My mother told me “pray every time you go into her class”, but even after I was praying sincerely, I would still be yelled at constantly for the smallest mistakes. Emotionally I was wrecked. I doubted and ignored God’s existence and thought that he could not help me with this situation. After praying with my mom and some several email exchanges, my teacher agreed that she would review my project grade. That’s where I was proven wrong. God helped me to realize that I can do nothing by myself and that made me feel ashamed for what I had previously believed. Another time I was in doubt was when thinking I would go to college. I legit gave up all hope. I was so stressed at the sound of “college” and I was anxious upon where I would go if I got rejected from all the universities I applied to. So upon praying to God I said “Lord, where ever you believe I can spread your glory the most, send me and I will go”. After a few days, I had given up hope and was doubtful if God had actually heard my prayer. But a week later, after coming back home from school, I took a look in my mailbox. In the corner, was a package that said “You’re in!” I was immediately confused and realized that it was from IIT. I was overwhelmed by my emotions and ashamed at the same time because I doubted Jesus.] The feelings of anxiety and stress is a representation of how the disciples felt without Jesus.  As you show distress or anxiety during those moments, can you think clearly? Probably not. Just in the same way, the disciple could not think clearly. They probably had the thought: “is it really Jesus? Are you sure this isn’t a ghost? I wonder if I can touch him, hold up let me test it...” The emotions that they felt was stress and doubt. But Jesus knew them inside and out. Even though they were blinded and anxious, Jesus had patience with them.

So, just in this way, Jesus says that we should not have fear. Why should we not be fearful? Jesus as the Prince of Peace, gives us peace just through his presence. We have the holy spirit residing among us so no ghost can scare us. So from the disciple's’ perspective, they all feared that Jesus had left them. But he appears to give them comfort and assurance as his first words to them after 3 days had passed was “Peace be with you”.

He goes on to say, “Look at my hands and my feet. It is I myself, touch me and see.” From this verse we can see that Jesus had resulted to the action of letting the disciples touch him to prove his point that he was with them in the physical form. This must’ve been heartbreaking for Jesus because he had to offer them the option of touching his wounds so that they could believe him. From this, we are able to experience a representation how our resurrection bodies will form. Jesus can appear out of nowhere because his body and spirit is still together after his resurrection. They began to doubt that Jesus had a physical body and that it was all a dream because he didn’t walk through the door or anything but he appeared out of thin air.  But Jesus clearly shows them that he has physical flesh and bones and you can touch unlike a ghost. He proves it towards his disciples, physically but they could not believe it because of joy and amazement. It’s strange, if they were joyful and amazed they should’ve believed it. So why are they still in doubt? It’s because it all seemed too good to be true so they are unable to accept reality. For supporting evidence, he asks them for food. How can we interpret this? Maybe he wasn’t genuinely hungry, I mean he was gone for 3 days so maybe he was... But we can see that Jesus just wanted to physically show them that he wasn’t a ghost. But he shows patience with the disciples again as they still did not believe him even after he wanted to show them pure evidence that he had risen.

II. We are LABELED AS WITNESSES (44-48)

In Verse 44&45 “He said to them, “This is what I told you while I was still with you: Everything must be fulfilled that is written about me in the Law of Moses, the Prophets and the Psalms.” Then he opened their minds so that they could understand the scripture.”

In these verses, Jesus goes back and connects it to the past. He states that he is the fulfillment of the law, reminding them. “I told you”. However, the disciples didn’t remember because they are still struck in awe. Have you ever had any time where you were so surprised that you couldn’t believe what was happening? The disciples felt that way. They couldn’t differentiate their imagination from reality because they were in shock from seeing Jesus coming back from the dead. Once Jesus saw that they didn’t remember what he told them, “he opened their minds so that they could understand the scripture”. Lets think about this. Jesus “opened their minds”. How do you open your mind? Jesus had previously “opened their eyes and they were able to recognize him” from Olivia’s message on verse 31 so that the disciples could see. This is a representation of how we are spiritually. Everyone is blinded by the general materialistic things in the world that we begin to doubt the reality of these words. However, from the opening of their minds, they were able to instantly remember the resurrection promise. This is the power of Jesus Christ. He alone has the ability to help us remember the things that we have forgotten. In the same way, just because you go to church doesn’t mean that you understand Jesus fully. Actually, we can never understand the full extent of Jesus Christ. But you have to open your minds so that Jesus can talk to you and so you can have that one to one love relationship with him.

Jesus went through the process of Suffering on the cross, death, resurrection on the third day, and last of all, the repentance for the forgiveness of sins will be preached in Jesus’ name to all nations. As stated in the Bible, it is the law.

So, what does Jesus’ death mean to me? What image do I get in my head? : I see a lonely sacrificial lamb, rejected from society. But pure and innocent because he has done nothing wrong. This sacrificial lamb is walking down a path voluntarily, with sinful people surrounding him. He could stop, he could run away at any time. But he stays and walks this path alone. Now what image comes to your mind when you hear about his resurrection? For me, it’s completely the opposite from his death. I see a pure white morning, with No more sorrow, no more sadness, no death. There is always a spiritual awakening and a new beginning with him. Through his cleansing blood, we have received a new life through Christ.

Verse 48 states, “You are witnesses of these things” We are all witnesses, can attest to his glory. But first, what is a Witnesses? From TV shows like Law and Order, we can see that a witness has: voluntary, true testimonial evidence, written or verbal. Why do we need witnesses: people need evidence because they are constantly in doubt. Personally, while I was writing this message, I was looking through my life and trying to think about myself as a witness. At first I didn’t think I had the authority to label myself as a witness and I couldn’t think of any major events that really stuck out to me. But once thinking about it, I realized that even in the small events of my past, God was always there. Actually, funny story, recently I was almost hit by an ambulance. Crazy, right? I wasn’t looking and if it wasn’t for my quick reflexes and Emily who pulled me back on the last second, I would’ve been hit by an ambulance going 40mph. This miracle opened my eyes to the grace of God and gave me revelation that God has a genuine plan and a purpose for my life.

So, WHAT IS YOUR TESTIMONY ABOUT JESUS IN YOUR LIFE?

Personally accepted Jesus in my life from a few events… Not only was I baptized with the holy spirit, but I have been labeled as his daughter and servant. I’m going to tell you all a little story, going back to the beginning,  (my testimony) Upon asking my mother, she told me that when I was young, my personality was: humble and obedient, quiet and gentle. My birth was a miracle. Korean name Jung Hee meant new life and hope from dead tree. When I asked my mother why my grandfather gave me this name, she told me that when Christine was 4 and when Peter was 6, they got into a car accident. My mother was paralyzed and no one thought she could have a child anymore. It was medically impossible. She told me that I AM A MIRACLE BABY and that GOD HAS A PLAN FOR MY LIFE. By experiencing this supernatural miracle, she is also a resurrection witness.  Moving on through my life, I first experienced God’s love at a conference at IHOP in Kansas City. I had been learning about Jesus Christ from CBF but I had never personally experienced it and felt as if my faith was just based on knowledge of what I learned from bible studies and full of empty words. Upon doing praise and singing for Jesus at this conference, I experienced a whole different atmosphere and I admit, I cried a few times. More recently, This winter, my grandmother passed away. Many times I wondered, why did God take her? Why couldn’t she stay a while longer? I had many regrets and wished that I could’ve improved my Korean just a little bit so that I talk to her one last time and she could understand what I was saying. But after she peacefully left, I realized that she is with Jesus Christ in heaven. The night she passed, Jesus showed me a vision in a dream, my grandmother was walking in a field of flowers and upon looking at me, she told me in English that she loved me. I was moved and started crying, I asked her if she could understand me, and she nodded her head. I believe that God gave me this vision to comfort me, and to give me peace. My grandma accepted Jesus Christ as her lord and savior when I was young and she believed the promise that there will be everlasting life with Jesus after death. I had no fear, and no sadness because I knew that I would be seeing her again in the eternal kingdom with Jesus Christ. Now, I am praising God through my voice and from everything that I can give. I believe that God has blessed my life because he has given me these abilities, these gifts to use for his glory. He has given me a purpose and I firmly believe that I am a witness of Jesus’ resurrection.

In the same way, Act 1:8 says “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” From this verse, God labels us as his living witnesses and is constantly active in our lives.

III.  HOPE AND BELIEVE THE PROMISE (49-53)

Verse 49: I am going to send you what my Father has promised; but stay in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high.” in correlation with Act 1: 4-5 says  “Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about. For John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.” From this, He gives us power with the Holy Spirit and a promise. I believe that he has given all of us gifts that we can use for his glory. It may be, through your artwork, singing, and even with your words. I hope we can all realize what our gifts are and receive the promise, the power that we have been clothed with from God.

Verse 50-53

When he had led them out to the vicinity of Bethany, he lifted up his hands and blessed them. Once they had full resurrection, they received the promise that Jesus promised them and instantly they had no more fear. Now let's go back to the beginning where the disciples were locked in the room (voluntarily) shivering and shaking with fear and doubt. But right after they saw the risen Jesus, they were joyful and confident in their faith. Let’s take a look at this contrast. Can you imagine this? This image is a true representation of the peace Jesus gives us.

Verse 51: While he was blessing them, he left them and was taken up into heaven.

The blessing that Jesus gave them was God’s favor and protection. Since the disciples were surrounded by people who didn’t believe in Jesus’ resurrection, he protected them. He will come back just as it says in Acts 1:11b, “This same Jesus, who had been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven.” So, in the same way, I HOPE and BELIEVE THE PROMISE, I pray that all of you can too.

After he left them, the disciples worshiped him and returned to Jerusalem with great joy. And they stayed continually at the temple, praising God. They were able to have “great joy” because they have received the promise from Jesus of an eternity with him. In the beginning without Jesus, they were living in fear because they were lost without him. Like a shepherd, he came back to comfort us and to give us hope. After seeing and believing, they can trust his words and have hope for the future while praising God continuously. Their continuous praising brings revelation to us now, how we should be like them, spreading the news that Jesus has been resurrected and that he is waiting for us to accept the promise that he has given us. I pray that we can believe in Jesus and not be troubled.

So, how can you be a witness? Ask yourself this question: Did you go through Jesus death and resurrection? if you have personally experienced Jesus’ forgiveness of your sins, YOU ARE AUTOMATICALLY LABELED AS A WITNESS OF JESUS’ RESURRECTION. If you are still confused, don’t be afraid. When reflecting through my life, and reviewing the events that have happened to me, I realized that God is active in my life. This revelation made me firm in my decision that I am a living witness of the resurrection of Jesus Christ. He gives us all a purpose and is living and active in all of our lives right now. I believe that his plans are to make us, his children as living witnesses of his resurrection and His power. Whatever your mission may be, I believe and pray that whenever we get lost or led astray, God is actively working in your life to help you understand that you are his living witnesses.

Deborah Pozo Easter 2017 Message

Luke 23:26-49, The Crucifixion and death of Jesus. Key Verse 34:”Jesus said,’Father forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.’ And they divided up his clothing by casting lots.”

      How often do you think of the death of Jesus? Do you ever think deeply about it, evaluate it, deeply, try to connect with it on a personal level, on a real level?What is The Death of Jesus really mean to you? Is it your strength everyday? Does it break you down whenever you remember it? What does the death of Jesus mean to you?

      Jesus forgives us everyday. We sin everyday. Sometimes we know it sometimes we don’t. Everyday Jesus, God, Forgives us. Our sin is attached to us, it is part of our identity. Sin disrupts, destroys our everyday lives.Taking control of our decisions,actions, and consciousness.1 John 3:4-5 says; “Everyone who sins breaks the law; in fact, sin is lawlessness.But you know that he appeared so that he might take away our sins. And in him is no sin.” & Romans 7:10 says; ” I found that the very commandment that was intended to bring life actually brought death.”- Everyday we need a remedy to cleanse us from the separation from the love of God.Jesus died for our sins, so that we can receive the Love of God. The Jews and Romans knew they were killing an innocent man, but they did not know they were killing their promised messiah, their Godly King. They did not know Jesus, and that he was suffering and dying in place for them, for the sins they have committed. The sins we have committed.  In our sin, we are ashamed, abandoned, guilty, dead. God saw us in our sin, he saw how we suffered and wandered hopelessly in our lives. No purpose in life, confused,afraid, and angry.But before turning to punishment God sought us. He wants to take our evil hearts and make it clean.He planned atonement for us, forgiveness taking place on the cross. Instead of us, instead of animals, Jesus, God himself, was the remedy, the sacrifice for our sin.The punished for our forgiveness. Without the precious powerful sacrifice by Jesus, we would of have gotten the punishment that all sinners are destined to get. Either if you think you are a good person or not, does not matter or justify you.We are created for God, this God whom Jesus called Father. With our bodies we were suppose to worship him, with our physical bodies and spirits, we were suppose to glorify him. These are good things.Beautiful things.Everything we do as sinners mocks all of our core beings. It mocks us the same way the people mocked Jesus. We are God’s blessed creation,his precious children. In these lives that we live we are intended to be more than who we are right now.Jesus died for all sins, and all times.As salves to the devil we are so predictable, he knows what will do before we do it.Everyday we need Jesus to excuse and fix our worldly ways.only Jesus, because noone or nothing else can take his place. Everyday God forgives us. God saw us in our sins, and did not turn away. He loved us, he still Loves us, right now.

I will give you the historical, spiritual, and symbolically facts of this event. I will guide and help you in seeing what this passage gives, in the hidden hints of the death of Jesus.I will help you see and comprehend what Jesus thought and felt, what certain happenings mean and why things happened the way they happened.

     

Part 1: Verses 26-31. In the first verse of our passage we are introduced to this random man. Simon from Cyrene. Know that everything that happened on this day, happened according to God’s will, Everything. It is God’s will, that even at the moment of weakness, for Jesus, God still took every opportunity to reach out and shine the light on his lost children. Historically we have an idea that Simon from Cyrene was likely a greek jewish coming into Jerusalem for Passover. Cyrene is about present day Libya,Like north Africa. That is about 1,147 miles, and weeks of travel. Simon was coming in from a long journey, and was asked to carry the burden of the cross. On the time Jesus carried the cross he was publicly insulted,up until his last breath. The people really hated him and the Romans and Jewish leaders did do extra when arresting him.In the tradition of the crucifixion, they would force the criminal to carry the cross throughout the city, as humiliation before the whole city. The devil was in the hearts of the Jews and Romans,they mocked Jesus, out of ignorance and sin.Only someone doing the most evil crimes would be punished as bad a Jesus was punished. But we know, Jesus committed No Crime.

Now about the woman(v.27-31), are you confused or concerned about what Jesus said to them. Jesus gave them a warning. Why did he give them a warning, that’s kind of scary, how can the king of heaven, in persecution warn his followers? You would think the death of Jesus is the worst to come. It say’s (v.8-31),“Daughters of Jerusalem, do not weep for me; weep for yourselves and for your children.For the time will come when you will say,‘Blessed are the childless women, the wombs that never bore and the breasts that never nursed!’ Then“‘they will say to the mountains, “Fall on us!”and to the hills, “Cover us!”’ For if people do these things when the tree is green, what will happen when it is dry?”.- When suffering Jesus did not think of himself but of the woman, and the destruction that is to come. How selfless and gentle Jesus is to be suffering, but yet still have the strength and love to speak and warn the woman. Jesus loved the Israelites. He loved his people.Even though Jesus is dying he turned to the woman, out of his concern for them.Even though he is the one carrying the cross, he is pleading with them that he doesn’t need our pity. He is asking them to recognize themselves and wept for themselves and their people.Jesus is actually quoting Hosea 10:8,”The high places of wickedness will be destroyed—it is the sin of Israel.Thorns and thistles will grow up and cover their altars.Then they will say to the mountains, “Cover us!”and to the hills, “Fall on us!”.- What we can learn from this is we need to act while the tree is still green, while the day is still light. For like the Jewish people,if we don’t act on God’s warning and calling then we will lose. For the days will only get worse.This warning Jesus gave was about the destruction of the temple by the Romans and the scattered of the Jewish people. Whom till today are still scattered around the world, and lost God. This world will only change more, we can see it today and we can see it in the bible. We can take this warning to ourselves, because Jesus will come again and it won’t be no baby in a manger, it will be a king and his army, and who ever don’t have the seal of the blood of Jesus, will be punished suffering greater than any human punishment. Because in those days the people will seek death they will go the caves to hide, and wish the mountains will fall on them to kill them and relieve them from the judgment of God. But there will be no escape. Everyone will be punished justly for God is just. And according to God Jesus death was just.

Part 2:Versus 32-43. The criminals by his side. One on each side. In this world there is death and life, the sinner and the righteous. There is the criminal who hurled insults at Jesus, and the criminal who repented. There are people who reject him, and those who accept him. Whom are you?The outcome from the decision of the Criminals is the same for all of us. Reject Jesus, eternal suffering. Accept him then you will surely be with him in paradise. The Rulers,Soldiers,Criminals, all mocked him the same way. V. 35-39,” He saved others; let him save himself if he is God’s Messiah the chosen one”....”If you are the King of the Jews, save yourself.”...”Aren’t you the Messiah? Save yourself and Us!”. The irony in their words. Oh how are we unaware of Jesus. His death. They spit on him. They mocked Jesus in the name of Jesus.But still, Jesus called out, ”Father forgive them for they do not know what they are doing.” It seems like these people are the enemy of God, but they are not the enemy. They are the sinners. The sinners that Jesus died for. The sinners Jesus pleaded forgiveness for. Even though Jesus was human, his love was out of this world, it was Godly. It is powerful.Luke 13:34-35 gives a view on how Jesus felt for the people,” Jerusalem, Jerusalem, you who kill the prophets and stone those sent to you, how often I have longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, and you were not willing. Look, your house is left to you desolate. I tell you, you will not see me again until you say,’Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.”- Only God saw us in our true hearts, Our true intended creation he knew. The devil knows us as well, but he only wants to worst for us, but God said mercy. Mercy on us, mercy on his chicks. He said I forgive.

Part 3:V,44-49:How long has God been patience with his people? How long and far has he reached out his hand to us? You don't know God if you don’t know God’s Love. The death of Jesus was done out of Love. After Jesus gave his last breath there was a dramatic change in the scenery and people. The curtain of the temple was torn in two. From reading V. 47-48, you can see that only at the death of Jesus, were the heart’s of the people moved. How could a Roman soldier (the centurion), PRAISE God; on seeing Jesus? You would assume he knew nothing of the Jewish God and Law. But even if he did or didn't, he still saw the glory and love of God. Jesus is the son of man and God the second Adam. The first Adam sinned but not Jesus. Jesus is the son God, and only through the son of God, not through people, animals, or rituals can we receive salvation, true forgiveness, only through the blood of Jesus.

Final:This passage the death of Jesus is a lot for me to take in. I asked God, why? Why did you assign this to me. What do you seek out of this, What is your plan for this? What do you seek out of me, What do you want me to do? When watching videos or movies about the death of Jesus, reading, listening to the bible of the death of Jesus was hard for me. The thought of Jesus suffering breaks me.He moves me. The light of all creation, the source of all life is love, and this love stepped down to my level just to be with me. To be with you. Only through the blood of Jesus, the life and light that truly cleanses sin, can we be with God.

Now let me ask you a question? Have you ever challenged yourself to forgive someone. It is not always easy to forgive someone. Forgiving someone out of your own strength is impossible, the pain is unbearable, and our sin is overwhelming. In my life God had given me many opportunities to forgive, but I don’t always go through. But In a time I did find strength in forgiving someone I learned something that moved me and changed my view in this world. I am not going to give much information about this person, but I will tell you that this person hurt me and did wrong to me. This person inflicted emotional, and mental pain on me and people I loved, for many years. But after all these years this person suddenly changed their ways, and sought forgiveness and revital to our broken relationship. By the time this person challenge my pain and angry I was a christian, and naturally as a christian I turned to God for strength, guidance and truth. I knew from this famous story, and from many songs that if God forgave us on the cross then we should forgive others, with this same forgiveness. I loved God but I did not love this person. And when I turned to God for answers I was greatly troubled.

God challenged me to forgive this person. I did not understand why God wanted forgiveness. At the time I thought that in forgiveness there is no justice or revenge. Justice and revenge was what I wanted most, more than a restored relationship. But God saw a better future in my forgiveness. God sees more in people then we see in them. I was judging this person from what my eyes have seen, and I was trying to forgive this person from my strength and understanding. But what God was asking me was not to do this alone but to do this together. God opened my eyes to see this person to whom God sees in them. This person was also God’s child, whom he loved, whom he died for. It would be a sin to hold bad emotions and thoughts against this person, and would be good to forgive. I found strength in God’s wisdom and love and learned that forgiveness is to not let people continue abuse, or to bring revenge, but to overcome in God. God has the power to settle matters, and to bring to life what is dead. God brought to life our relationship, and blessed it, all because of forgiveness. And this same forgiveness is the forgiveness God gives through his love on the cross. It works in our lives, in our relationships, it stays with us and justifies us anywhere, anytime. The forgiveness Jesus pleaded for, the forgiveness God granted is found on the cross. True forgiveness is about facing Reality and dealing with God’s way. Our excuse or forgetfulness, our ignorance will not pardon our sins. Only through the blood of Jesus. Today I pray that you will receive forgiveness of your sins and see the love of God through Jesus sacrifice on the cross. Jesus wants to forgive your sins today.

 Key Verse 34:”Jesus said,’Father forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.’ And they divided up his clothing by casting lots.”

Beautiful Feet Volume 3, November 2016