(Garden of Gethsemane, Israel) MAUNDY THURSDAY, APRIL 14THA TIME OF SHARED STRUGGLE We gather around Jesus in somber silence today, for we know what …
MENTORING MOMENTS – FROM DESPERATION TO SURRENDER
Thursday, April 14th, 2022
Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.”
— Luke 23:34 (NIV) —
“Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.”
— Colossians 3:13-14 (NIV) —
Bible Reading • Luke 23:32-34
The Crucifixion of Jesus
“Two other men, both criminals, were also led out with him to be executed. When they came to the place called the Skull, they crucified him there, along with the criminals—one on his right, the other on his left. Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” And they divided up his clothes by casting lots.”
We read in these three verses that Jesus forgave His executioners and prayed to His Father for their absolution. Jesus looked at the men who nailed Him to the cross with compassion, with love and He spoke forgiveness to them and prayed for them. Jesus did exactly what He had been teaching throughout His ministry, love one another.
I read something recently that has had an unsettling affect on me. I read a post on Meta, formerly called Facebook by someone I follow. It troubled me so much that I actually ask others I know and respect, to read it as well. Some of my them were eager to share their thoughts, while one did not respond and another responded only with a question directed back at me. All of these responses and even the non-response one were valuable to me. At first, When I read the post I was very confused and kind of angry that someone believed a truth of mine to be a metaphor as not being true or at least not perceived true in real life. I simply felt very uneasy and kind of agitated. I have since come to the conclusion that my unsettling was in fact a conviction of my theology, a foundation stone of my Christian faith. This all came together after reading my Lenten devotional for today. It’s not an issue of right or wrong, real or metaphorical, it’s my own personal belief; and it’s important to me not to compromise it. *I’ll share the quote below.
During these last few days of Lent is it easy to fast forward over the ugliness and pain of the crucifixion and go straight to Sunday morning and the stone rolled away, singing “He Lives!” I think we need to pause, and allow ourselves to experience it all, the bad and the good. The good is Great because the bad is so Ugly. Our salvation came at a price and it deserves our attention and our grief that such a price was needed and freely given. It’s not pretty but was necessary. I have a friend who refuses to watch the movie, “The Passion of Christ” due to the violence and painful cinematography; but can you even imagine what Jesus’ mother endured. The movie is not for entertainment value, rather it is a visual display of the depths of Jesus’ love for us.
I am a firm and faithful believer in the “LOVE” of Jesus and yes it’s beautiful, calming and reassuring. Jesus’ love is life-giving in a world that is so depleted of such a needed commodity. The book I chose to read during Lent is called, “Uncovering the Love of Jesus.” and it does not gloss over the parts that are uncomfortable. Being a Christian is not for the faint of heart, we are warriors for Christ. I love a good sermon that gives me the “feels.” But I also need the tough sermons that teach truth, those Bible stories that are messy and show the glory of God working in and through lives of ordinary people.
I’ve heard it said, there’s a church out there for everyone and I believe that. It certainly explains all the different denominations, church practices and the many traditions that are utilized.
I am saying for me, the crucifixion of Jesus has to be part of the Easter story, and as much as I am not looking forward to Friday, I know Sunday is coming! Praise Be To God!
I respect your views and faith practices whether you agree or disagree with my ever grow theology. I will continue to read, study, learn and write more about the God I serve, He loves me though I am not deserving and He saved me not because I’m worth but because He loves me. And, He loves you too.
Challenge • Question
Who in your life do you need to forgive?
Pray for them today, ask God to uncover His love in your heart towards them.
✝️ • 🙏🏻 • 💟 • 🙏🏻 • ✝️
Meta Post:
Further Study
The Stoning of Stephen
Thank you for stopping by my blog today, I am blessed by your support and encouragement. ~ Peace be with you all!
~Charlotte, Seeker of unexpected Comfort, Happiness, Joy and Patience.
References:
https://doubtersparish.com/author/
Wednesday, April 13th, 2022
Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom. ” Jesus answered him, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.”
Luke 23:42-43 (NIV)
Bible Reading • Luke 23:32-43
The Crucifixion of Jesus
“Two other men, both criminals, were also led out with him to be executed. When they came to the place called the Skull, they crucified him there, along with the criminals—one on his right, the other on his left. Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” And they divided up his clothes by casting lots. The people stood watching, and the rulers even sneered at him. They said, “He saved others; let him save himself if he is God’s Messiah, the Chosen One.” The soldiers also came up and mocked him. They offered him wine vinegar and said, “If you are the king of the Jews, save yourself.” There was a written notice above him, which read: this is the king of the jews. One of the criminals who hung there hurled insults at him: “Aren’t you the Messiah? Save yourself and us!” But the other criminal rebuked him. “Don’t you fear God,” he said, “since you are under the same sentence? We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve. But this man has done nothing wrong.” Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” Jesus answered him, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.”
🤍 • 🤍 • 🤍 Challenge 🤍 • 🤍 • 🤍
Oftentimes we do things we’re not proud of, and these sins cause us to hide in secret. But Jesus welcomes us to shed the shame and guilt and enter into His presence with Him. Today, confess those sins that stand between you and fellowship with God, and celebrate His great love that goes above and beyond anything we can ask for or imagine.
A Lent Devotional-Uncovering the Love of Jesus by Asheritah Ciuciu
📕 • 📘 • 📗 • 📙 • 📖 • 📙 • 📗 • 📘 • 📕
As you read today’s scripture verses did anything “jump” out for you? There’s certainly a lot to unpack in these twelve verses surrounding the crucifixion of Jesus.
The one that stood out to me was the criminal who ask Jesus to remember him when Jesus came into His kingdom.
Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” ~Luke 23:42
What I have deducted from the criminals statement is that he must have been familiar with the “fear of God” statement and that he thought/believed that Jesus was at the very least a man of God because of his use of the word “kingdom” and going to it after death. And, the criminal may have actually believe who Jesus had said He is the Son of God. I also believe that Jesus has the power to save anyone, even a convicted criminal. The saving that Jesus offers is not deliverance from the penalties we must face with our human bodies; not referring to sin but crimes/breaking man’s laws. No Jesus saves our spirit, so our souls will live forever in Heaven with Him. Our created beings created by God, Himself.
📕 • 📘 • 📗 • 📙 • 📖 • 📙 • 📗 • 📘 • 📕
My research into the biblical accounts of the two criminals and their interactions with Jesus, revealed that both criminals joined in with the unruly crowd at mocking Jesus. The reasons why one of them changed their tone towards Jesus is unknown but nonetheless, he in fact ask that Jesus remember him. The why we don’t know, probably never will; we do know that Jesus’s response to the criminal is all about what Jesus had been teaching: love, mercy, grace and hope. The criminal did not deserve any of this gifts; nether do you and I. It is not about deserving . . . It’s about the love of Jesus.
“Two rebels were crucified with him, one on his right and one on his left. In the same way the rebels who were crucified with him also heaped insults on him.”
~Matthew 27:38,44 NIV
“They crucified two rebels with him, one on his right and one on his left. Let this Messiah, this king of Israel, come down now from the cross, that we may see and believe.” Those crucified with him also heaped insults on him.”
~Mark 15:27,32 NIV
“Two other men, both criminals, were also led out with him to be executed. One of the criminals who hung there hurled insults at him: “Aren’t you the Messiah? Save yourself and us!” But the other criminal rebuked him. “Don’t you fear God,” he said, “since you are under the same sentence? We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve. But this man has done nothing wrong.” Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom. ” Jesus answered him, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.”
~Luke 23:32,39-43 NIV
▫️ • ▫️ • Further Study • ▫️ • ▫️
Thank you my friends, family, and bloggers I so appreciate your support and encouragement as I live out my passion in this space. I am blessed beyond measure.
“Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. The Lord be with all of you. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all.”
2 Thessalonians 3:16,18 (NIV)
~Charlotte, Seeker of unexpected Comfort, Happiness, Joy and Patience.
References:
Tuesday. April 12th, 2022
Hello family and followers. I am sure you have noticed I have been reposting some of the blog post of individuals that I follow on WordPress. My purpose is not in increase my numbers but to expose you to individuals who inspire artistic expressions. I hope you are finding some enjoyment through their individual styles and modes of expression and perhaps provide some insights to the things I like in the process. This community of people enlighten me and take my breath away because of their artistic gifts. I met someone long ago that opened the world of art to me and sparked a flame that would eventually lead me to write. We are both out in the world chasing our dreams and rarely speak but that does not mean he’s really far away, my heart holds many fond memories of him and the gift he gave me. God is always putting people into my life at exactly the right time I need them. Now, with that being said; I sometimes am not fully aware of that gift upon meeting them but some blessings and gifts need time for us to mature and grow to be able to receive these precious gifts.
He’s a link to my friend long ago, his name is Richard S. Boswell. Thank you Richard for sharing your gifts with me.
https://theleftcoastartist.wordpress.com/2020/04/15/california-grove-evening-2016/
https://www.saatchiart.com/theleftcoastartist
I hope you find something that resonates with you and perhaps awake the artist within yourself.
~Charlotte, Seeker of unexpected Comfort, Happiness, Joy and Patience.
Though we are not together I think of you Always you live in my heart But for some reason Often I choose distance And sometimes I do wonder If we …
Think of you
TUESDAY, APRIL 12THA TIME FOR A STORY This familiar story has a way of deeply touching our souls, inviting us to expand in love, to extend our idea …
MENTORING MOMENTS – GO AND DO LIKEWISE
I grew up in a thoroughly secular home. God was simply never the topic of conversation. I literally didn’t know that Christmas was named for Christ. …
The Jesus Lady
Tuesday, April 12th, 2022
“When Jesus saw his mother there, and the disciple whom he loved standing nearby, he said to her, “Woman, here is your son,” and to the disciple, “Here is your mother.” From that time on, this disciple took her into his home.”
John 19:26-27 (NIV)
Bible Reading • John 19:23-27
The Crucifixion of Jesus
“When the soldiers crucified Jesus, they took his clothes, dividing them into four shares, one for each of them, with the undergarment remaining. This garment was seamless, woven in one piece from top to bottom. “Let’s not tear it,” they said to one another. “Let’s decide by lot who will get it.” This happened that the scripture might be fulfilled that said, “They divided my clothes among them and cast lots for my garment.” So this is what the soldiers did. Near the cross of Jesus stood his mother, his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. When Jesus saw his mother there, and the disciple whom he loved standing nearby, he said to her, “Woman, here is your son,” and to the disciple, “Here is your mother.” From that time on, this disciple took her into his home.”
Jesus’ way of love shows us that love honors parents, even in death.
A Lent Devotional-Uncovering the Love of Jesus by Asheritah Ciuciu
📚 • Further Study • 📚
The Ten Commandments (verse 1-21)
That Which Defiles (verse 1-20)
Widows, Elders and Servants (verse 1-25)
Listening and Doing (verse 19-27)
~Charlotte, Seeker of unexpected Comfort, Happiness, Joy and Patience.
References:
Monday, April 11, 2022
“You are a king, then!” said Pilate. Jesus answered, “You say that I am a king. In fact, the reason I was born and came into the world is to testify to the truth. Everyone on the side of truth listens to me.” “What is truth?” retorted Pilate.”
John 18:37-38a (NIV)
“Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ.”
Ephesians 4:15 (NIV)
Bible Reading • John 18:28 – 19:19
Jesus Before Pilate (18:28-40)
“Then the Jewish leaders took Jesus from Caiaphas to the palace of the Roman governor. By now it was early morning, and to avoid ceremonial uncleanness they did not enter the palace, because they wanted to be able to eat the Passover. So Pilate came out to them and asked, “What charges are you bringing against this man?” “If he were not a criminal,” they replied, “we would not have handed him over to you.” Pilate said, “Take him yourselves and judge him by your own law.” “But we have no right to execute anyone,” they objected. This took place to fulfill what Jesus had said about the kind of death he was going to die. Pilate then went back inside the palace, summoned Jesus and asked him, “Are you the king of the Jews?” 34 “Is that your own idea,” Jesus asked, “or did others talk to you about me?” “Am I a Jew?” Pilate replied. “Your own people and chief priests handed you over to me. What is it you have done?” Jesus said, “My kingdom is not of this world. If it were, my servants would fight to prevent my arrest by the Jewish leaders. But now my kingdom is from another place.” “You are a king, then!” said Pilate. Jesus answered, “You say that I am a king. In fact, the reason I was born and came into the world is to testify to the truth. Everyone on the side of truth listens to me.” “What is truth?” retorted Pilate. With this he went out again to the Jews gathered there and said, “I find no basis for a charge against him. But it is your custom for me to release to you one prisoner at the time of the Passover. Do you want me to release ‘the king of the Jews’?” They shouted back, “No, not him! Give us Barabbas!” Now Barabbas had taken part in an uprising.”
Jesus Sentenced to Be Crucified (19:1-16)
“Then Pilate took Jesus and had him flogged. The soldiers twisted together a crown of thorns and put it on his head. They clothed him in a purple robe and went up to him again and again, saying, “Hail, king of the Jews!” And they slapped him in the face. Once more Pilate came out and said to the Jews gathered there, “Look, I am bringing him out to you to let you know that I find no basis for a charge against him.” When Jesus came out wearing the crown of thorns and the purple robe, Pilate said to them, “Here is the man!” As soon as the chief priests and their officials saw him, they shouted, “Crucify! Crucify!” But Pilate answered, “You take him and crucify him. As for me, I find no basis for a charge against him.” The Jewish leaders insisted, “We have a law, and according to that law he must die, because he claimed to be the Son of God.” When Pilate heard this, he was even more afraid, and he went back inside the palace. “Where do you come from?” he asked Jesus, but Jesus gave him no answer. “Do you refuse to speak to me?” Pilate said. “Don’t you realize I have power either to free you or to crucify you?” Jesus answered, “You would have no power over me if it were not given to you from above. Therefore the one who handed me over to you is guilty of a greater sin.” From then on, Pilate tried to set Jesus free, but the Jewish leaders kept shouting, “If you let this man go, you are no friend of Caesar. Anyone who claims to be a king opposes Caesar.” When Pilate heard this, he brought Jesus out and sat down on the judge’s seat at a place known as the Stone Pavement (which in Aramaic is Gabbatha). It was the day of Preparation of the Passover; it was about noon. “Here is your king,” Pilate said to the Jews. But they shouted, “Take him away! Take him away! Crucify him!” “Shall I crucify your king?” Pilate asked. “We have no king but Caesar,” the chief priests answered. Finally Pilate handed him over to them to be crucified. So the soldiers took charge of Jesus.”
Jesus stood before Caiaphas
“Meanwhile, the high priest questioned Jesus about his disciples and his teaching. Then Annas sent him bound to Caiaphas the high priest. Then the Jewish leaders took Jesus from Caiaphas to the palace of the Roman governor. By now it was early morning, and to avoid ceremonial uncleanness they did not enter the palace, because they wanted to be able to eat the Passover.”
John 18:19,24,28 (NIV)
“Then the high priest stood up and said to Jesus, “Are you not going to answer? What is this testimony that these men are bringing against you?” But Jesus remained silent. The high priest said to him, “I charge you under oath by the living God: Tell us if you are the Messiah, the Son of God.” “You have said so,” Jesus replied. “But I say to all of you: From now on you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Mighty One and coming on the clouds of heaven.” Then the high priest tore his clothes and said, “He has spoken blasphemy! Why do we need any more witnesses? Look, now you have heard the blasphemy. What do you think?” “He is worthy of death,” they answered.”
Matthew 26:62-66 (NIV)
The Religious Leaders Condemn Jesus (Matthew 27:1-2; Mark 15:1; Luke 22:66-71)
Jesus stood before Herod
“Then the whole assembly rose and led him off to Pilate. On hearing this, Pilate asked if the man was a Galilean. When he learned that Jesus was under Herod’s jurisdiction, he sent him to Herod, who was also in Jerusalem at that time.”
Luke 23:1,6-7 (NIV)
Jesus Sent to Herod (Luke 23:6-12)
“When Herod saw Jesus, he was greatly pleased, because for a long time he had been wanting to see him. From what he had heard about him, he hoped to see him perform a sign of some sort. He plied him with many questions, but Jesus gave him no answer.”
Luke 23:8-9 (NIV)
Jesus stood before Pilate
“Then the Jewish leaders took Jesus from Caiaphas to the palace of the Roman governor. By now it was early morning, and to avoid ceremonial uncleanness they did not enter the palace, because they wanted to be able to eat the Passover. So Pilate came out to them and asked, “What charges are you bringing against this man?”
John 18:28-29 (NIV)
Jesus Stands Trial Before Pilate (Matthew 27:11-14; Mark 15:2-5; Luke 23:1-5; John 18:28-37)
“Pilate then went back inside the palace, summoned Jesus and asked him, “Are you the king of the Jews?” “Is that your own idea,” Jesus asked, “or did others talk to you about me?” “Am I a Jew?” Pilate replied. “Your own people and chief priests handed you over to me. What is it you have done?” Jesus said, “My kingdom is not of this world. If it were, my servants would fight to prevent my arrest by the Jewish leaders. But now my kingdom is from another place.” “You are a king, then!” said Pilate. Jesus answered, “You say that I am a king. In fact, the reason I was born and came into the world is to testify to the truth. Everyone on the side of truth listens to me.” “What is truth?” retorted Pilate. With this he went out again to the Jews gathered there and said, “I find no basis for a charge against him.”
John 18:33-38 (NIV)
“So when the crowd had gathered, Pilate asked them, “Which one do you want me to release to you: Jesus Barabbas, or Jesus who is called the Messiah?” For he knew it was out of self-interest that they had handed Jesus over to him. While Pilate was sitting on the judge’s seat, his wife sent him this message: “Don’t have anything to do with that innocent man, for I have suffered a great deal today in a dream because of him.”
Matthew 27:17-19 (NIV)
🌀 Challenge 🌀 Question 🌀
We know Pilate’s choice, and we’re each given a choice today. Jesus lovingly shatters our illusions of power and control, reveals the fear we each cover up inside.
Will you choose self-preservation or will we throw ourselves on the mercy of Jesus?
Today, if you’ve never yielded to Jesus as your Lord and King, surrender to Him and receive His gift of life with Him forever.
A Prayer for Salvation
“If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved.”
Romans 10:9-10 NIV
📘• 📚 • Further Study • 📚 • 📕
Prayer ~
“Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.
Psalm 139:23-24 (NIV)
Friends —
I know today’s post is rather long, the scriptures drew me in and I was overwhelmed with information and details that I’m sorry to say have been glossed over through the years. I hope you learned or enjoyed this post as much as I did writing it. Your encouragement and support are true blessings to me. I have had the privilege of meeting so many creative individuals around the world through WordPress. God bless you all! See you tomorrow. 😉 💚🌻
~Charlotte, Seeker of unexpected Comfort, Happiness, Joy and Patience.
References:
https://www.learnreligions.com/timeline-of-jesus-death-700226
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