Devotions

The Wisdom From Above

by  • 

From the time of our birth we are taught how to survive in the world. It is natural carnal knowledge. But there is another knowledge, the knowledge of God. From God comes wisdom for life. James is written as a practical guide separating the carnal worldly nature from the spiritual being inside because they war against each other. The carnal nature instinctively takes what it needs and satisisfies what it wants but it was meant to be in subjection to God and his nature. 

The Wisdom From Above

James 3:13–18
James 3:1 begins with an admonition to those that would be teachers. It is a great responsibility and there is an accountability to God. Now in James 3:13 he asks “who is wise and understanding among you?” There is a natural way described in James 3:14-16 “bitter jealousy and selfish ambition” and we sometimes feel we must not only defend ourselves but also promote ourselves. But this “is earthly, unspiritual, demonic” and where these are, there is “disorder and every evil practice”. It is clear that James has seen people striving for position as teachers, to be leaders, and today it would be striving to be Pastor or Apostle, or Bishop or Elder or Deacon or any of the titles that are given by men. But what we should strive for is in

James 3:17–18 (LEB) But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceful, gentle, obedient, full of mercy and good fruits, nonjudgmental, without hypocrisy, 18 And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace among those who make peace.

Submit Yourselves to God

James 4:1-5:20 

From Where are Conflicts and Quarrels?

James 4:1–12
This letter now moves on from teachers to a more general admonition with this question, in James 4:1 “From where are conflicts and from where are quarrels among you?” and this is no different today. The source is clear in James 4:1-3 “your pleasures that wage war”. We have natural needs for water, food, for social acceptance, to procreate, to live and we instinctively react to these needs. Our bodies have a natural will for these things and drive our behaviour to get them. But we not our body, we are a living soul that is in our body and our soul can know God. This is “the great New Testament definition of eternal life. It is eternal life to know God and to know Jesus Christ whom he has sent”.1

And when we come to know Him, we understand that life is more than our body. Our body was made to serve us, our soul, our spirit, and we were not made to serve our bodies. This is what is meant in James 4:4 “Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Therefore whoever wants to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God”. There is a war going on between James 4:4 where our flesh wants what the world has to offer, food, comfort, pleasure and James 4:5 where our spirit desires the presence, the knowledge, the wisdom of God.

So why this back and forth again in James 4:7 “resist the devil and he will flee” and James 4:8-10 “Draw near to God … purify your hearts … humble yourselves”. If there is any place the devil has sway, it is in the flesh, the world. That is where he tempted Jesus, when he was hungry after fasting forty days. And if there is any way for us in James 4:7-8 to “Draw near to God” it is to “subject yourselves to God” and here “subject yourselves” does mean to become “one that is placed under authority or control … one subject to a monarch and governed by the monarch’s law”2

You Do Not Know What Will Happen Tomorrow

James 4:13–17
People often talk of the hubris of youth, we think we will live forever on the earth, we think we are indestructible. But in

James 4:14 (LEB) you who do not know what will happen tomorrow, what your life will be like. For you are a smoky vapor that appears for a short time and then disappears.

Rather than live in the plans for our future, he says in

James 4:17 (LEB) Therefore, to the one who knows to do good and does not do it, to him it is sin.

We understand that there are some things that we consider for our future, but the message here is that we should be living in the events of today. If we see someone in need, help them. If it is in our power to do good today, do it. 

You Have Lived Self-indulgently on the Earth

James 5:1–6
There is a warning to the rich. This is for those that trust in the wealth of the world because in James 5:2–3 (LEB) “Your wealth has rotted, and your clothing has become moth-eaten. 3 Your gold and silver have become corroded, and their corrosion will be a witness against you, and it will consume your flesh like fire.” And to those that have, by their strength or wits have taken from others as it says in James 5:4 (LEB) “the wages that were held back by you from the workers who reap your fields cry out, and the cries of the reapers have come to the ears of the Lord of hosts”. You cannot oppress, abuse, or take advantage of others because the Lord is a Righteous judge. He does hear their cry.

The Prayer of Faith Will Save the Sick

James 5:13–20
As this letter closes, the final admonition is to pray for one another, to praise with one another, to confess our sins to one another, and to restore one another wherever we can.

Acts Records Activities as the Church Expands

Acts 11:19-30 The Church at Antioch
Acts 12:1-25 Peter Freed From Prison by an Angel
Acts 13:1-14:28 Barnabas and Saul are Sent

After the writing of James, the Church continues to expand as recorded in Acts.

Study Verses

Today’s Reading

  • James 3:13-18
  • James 4:1-17
  • James 5:1-20

References

  • 1. Barclay, W. (2001). The Gospel of John (Vol. 2, p. 242). Louisville, KY: Edinburgh.
  • 2. Merriam-Webster, I. (2003). Merriam-Webster’s collegiate dictionary. (Eleventh ed.). Springfield, MA: Merriam-Webster, Inc.
Devotions

Consider It All Joy

by  • 

The early years of the Church are covered in Acts 3-10. This is where the Church takes form as three thousand new members are added after the outpouring of the Holy Spirit in Jerusalem. Miracles continue to occur as God confirms his word. Strong believers rise up but there are also issues as the Apostles learn to deal with the needs of these people. Then, there is persecution, the Apostles are warned that they should not preach that name, the name of Jesus but they continue. Persecution becomes severe, Stephen is stoned and many believers flee. The Apostles maintain their base in Jerusalem, Peter ministers in the surrounding cities and is summoned to Caesarea. It is the house of Cornelius, a Roman Centurion. It is not lawful for Peter to enter, but God had prepared him. Peter presents the gospel and the Holy Spirit falls also on them. They are all are saved and it is clear that the gospel is for the whole world, not just the Jews. 

James Writes A Pastoral Letter

The “Tradition of the early church fathers universally ascribes the letter to James, the pastor of the church in Jerusalem”.1

James is now seasoned by years as leader of the Church in Jerusalem. He now understands what it means to live this Christian life and offers practical wisdom to, in James 1:1 “the twelve tribes in the dispersion”. There were people of many nations in Jerusalem in Acts when the Holy Spirit fell because they heard them speaking in their native tongues. But many of those that had accepted Christ in these first years in Jerusalem were Jews, as James says here of “the twelve tribes”. But James is not writing to them about the law of Moses or their natural lineage to Abraham. James writes to them about their faith, about endurance, about mercy as in

James 3:17–18 (LEB) But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceful, gentle, obedient, full of mercy and good fruits, nonjudgmental, without hypocrisy, 18 And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace among those who make peace.

Trials and Temptation

James 1:1-3:18 

Consider It All Joy

James 1:1–18
Jesus said in John 16:33 “In the world you have affliction, but have courage! I have conquered the world.” and James takes it a step farther as he says “Consider it joy … when you encounter trials”. Jesus says have courage, James says, let your faith be tested in James 1:4 “so that you may be mature and complete, lacking in nothing”.

There is a truth that we sometimes forget, we don’t know anything when we are born, we must learn as we go. And where does wisdom come from? James says in James 1:5-6 “from God, who gives to all without reservation and not reproaching … But let him ask for it in faith”. God will teach us. God will give us the answer. It is a tribulation for us because we don’t know what the outcome will be yet. Are we able to believe that God is working for our good? Are we able to believe that

James 1:17 (LEB) Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of change.

It isn’t the affliction or the trial that is the end of our story, it is wisdom and maturity. Jesus gave us the best example in

Hebrews 12:2 (LEB) fixing our eyes on Jesus, the originator and perfecter of faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, disregarding the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

Be Doers of the Message and Not Hearers Only

James 1:19–27
I think it is easy for us to agree with this in James 1:20 “human anger does not accomplish the righteousness of God”. But it doesn’t seem so easy for us to control that anger. And here is the key, in

James 1:21 (LEB) Therefore, putting aside all moral uncleanness and wicked excess, welcome with humility the implanted message which is able to save your souls.

There is something we must stop doing so that we can begin doing “the implanted message”. Some might misunderstand here, James is not saying that you must clean yourself up so you can come to God. He is saying, you that have come to God, that have been born again, that now have “the implanted message”, that now have been sealed by the power of the Holy Spirit, now be a doer of that word. Welcome the transformation. No longer living in human anger and frustration and bitternes but not living as described in

James 1:27 (LEB) Pure and undefiled religion in the sight of our* God and Father is this: to look after orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained by the world.

Mercy Triumphs Over Judgement

James 2:1–13
When we judge people by position or wealth, James 2:4 says we “become judges with evil thoughts”. Why are we preferring someone that is wealthy? Are we expecting some gain or influence from them? Why have we, in James 2:5 “dishonored the poor”? Is it because they may have a need and we want to hold on to what we have? How will hoarding what you have help you? But here is the way, in

James 2:8 (LEB) However, if you carry out the royal law according to the scripture, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself,” you are doing well.

And Love is not seeking gain from someone else or withholding what you have from someones need. Love is not judging them as better or worse than you. This is the new law for us, in James 2:12 “the law of liberty”.

I Will Show My Faith by My Works

James 2:14–26
Works can’t make us right with God, but believing God, having faith in God, causes action, and action produces results that confirm what we believe. It was Abraham’s action that demonstrated that he believed God. He believed first, then offered his son.

James 2:26 (LEB) For just as the body without the spirit is dead, so also faith without works is dead.

 

The Tongue is a Fire

James 3:1–12
Man has been given dominion over all the earth. We have tamed the animals in James 3:7 and we now how to produce and to harvest the fruit of the earth, everything after its kind in James 3:12.

But our own tongue is an unruly member because it speaks from the heart. And without God, no one need tell that the heart is desperately wicked “There are proofs from personal experience. Every man has them in his own heart. The sin of every man is there written, as with the point of a diamond. Every man knows that by nature “his heart is not right in the sight of God:” that it is “deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked.” (Jer. 17:1, 9.)”2 As he says in

James 3:10 (LEB) From the same mouth come blessing and cursing. My brothers, these things ought not to be so!

Study Verses

Today’s Reading

  • James 1:1-27
  • James 2:1-26
  • James 3:1-12

References

  • 1. Patterson, P. (2003). James, Letter From. In C. Brand, C. Draper, A. England, S. Bond, E. R. Clendenen, & T. C. Butler (Eds.), Holman Illustrated Bible Dictionary (p. 867). Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers.
  • 2. Summers, T. O., & Tigert, J. J. (1888). Systematic Theology: A Complete Body of Wesleyan Arminian Divinity Consisting of Lectures on the Twenty-Five Articles of Religion (Vol. 2, p. 56). Nashville, TN: Publishing House of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South.
Devotions

God Has Made Him Both Lord and Christ

by  • 

Jesus give his last instructions to his disciples, stay in Jerusalem until the Holy Spirit has come upon you. Then, “you will be my witnesses … to the farthest part of the earth”. After Jesus is taken up into heaven, they return to the upper room in Jerusalem and “were busily engaged with one mind in prayer”. They ask, and the Lord confirms Matthias to replace Judas. Then, on the day of Pentecost it happens. The sound of a rushing mighty wind and tongues of fire over each of them and the people in Jerusalem come to see what has happened. The disciples, one hundred and twenty, are speaking the wonderful works of God in other languages. Peter give the gospel message, God has raised Jesus from the dead, repent and be baptized and receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. About three thousand were saved that day.

Luke Summarizes Jesus Last Days on Earth

Acts 1:1-11

All That Jesus Began To Do and To Teach

Acts 1:1–5
As the book of Acts begins, John sets the foundation for the Church in Acts 1:1-2 “all that Jesus began to do and to teach, 2 until the day he was taken up”. Then he recounts the resurrection and “convincing proofs” and the witnesses in Acts 1:3 followed by Jesus instruction to them, his command in Acts 1:4-5 “do not depart from Jerusalem … you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit”. 

You Will Receive Power When the Holy Spirit Has Come Upon You

Acts 1:6–11
In the last conversation with Jesus, his disciples are still asking, “Lord, is it at this time you are restoring the kingdom to Israel?” but this isn’t the plan. Jesus answers “It is not for you to know” which was not what they were expecting. They were still looking for the restoration of Israel and freedom from the Romans. Instead, Jesus answers in

Acts 1:8 (LEB) But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the farthest part of the earth.”

Jesus had already commissioned them, and says it again before he ascends to take his place at the right hand of the Father in heaven. And there they stand looking up until the angels in Acts 1:10-11 say “why do you stand there looking”. It was time for the to move on and they return to Jerusalem.

Matthias is Chosen

Acts 1:12-26 

Engaged With One Mind in Prayer Together

Acts 1:12–26
It is a short distance from the Mount of Olives where they saw Jesus ascend in Acts 1:12 it says it was a “Sabbath Day’s Journey, “This was the distance beyond which it was considered unlawful for a Jew to travel on the Sabbath day. Its limitation is supposed to have originated in Exodus 16:29, where every man is commanded to abide in his place on the Sabbath. The distance of a Sabbath’s day journey was 2000 cubits … Two thousand cubits is less than half a mile”.1

They went back to “the upstairs room where they were staying” as Jesus had told them to. It would have been about ten days there until Pentecost so in

Acts 1:14 (LEB) All these were busily engaged with one mind in prayer, together with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus and with his brothers.

It was during this time that Peter said, in Acts 1:20-22 “Let another person take his position.’ 21 Therefore it is necessary for one of the men who have accompanied us during all the time in which the Lord Jesus went in and went out among us, 22 beginning from the baptism of John until the day on which he was taken up from us—one of these men must become a witness of his resurrection together with us.”

We tend to think only of the twelve apostles that were with Jesus but he also sent out seventy two by two and as we read here, there were other disciples that had been with Jesus from the beginning until his ascension. And from them, Matthias was chosen.

The Day of Pentecost

Acts 2:1-47

A Sound Like a Violent Rushing Wind

Acts 2:1–13
Jesus had told them to wait for the Holy Spirit and on the day of Pentecost, in Acts 2:2 “suddenly a sound like a violent rushing wind”. And in Acts 2:3 “tongues like fire appeared”. And in Acts 2:4 “they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other languages”. And in Acts 2:6 “the crowd gathered”. Many of the things Jesus did were done done outside the city and his crucifixion was outside the city and his burial and resurrection were outside the city. But this, the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, this was done right in the city for all to see and hear. There was nothing hidden or secret about this and no one could deny what was happening. And the people reacted saying in Acts 2:7 “Behold, are not all these who are speaking Galileans?”, in other words, aren’t these uneducated and uncultured men? And in Acts 2:8-12 they ask “how do we hear, each one of us, in our own native language … we hear them speaking in our own languages the great deeds of God!”

This is What Was Spoken Through the Prophet Joel

Acts 2:14–24
Peter explains in Acts 2:14-24 that this was what God had prophesied through Joel, “that everyone who calls upon the name of the Lord will be saved”. He told them that Jesus who they had crucified, God has raised up.

You Will Not Abandon My Soul in Hades

Acts 2:25–33
See notes on 22 January 2018 at a title=”http://tellone.org/devotions/we-hear-them-speaking-the-great-deeds-of-god/” href=”http://tellone.org/devotions/we-hear-them-speaking-the-great-deeds-of-god/” target=”_blank” rel=”nofollow noopener”>We Hear Them Speaking the Great Deeds of God

God Has Made Him Both Lord and Christ

Acts 2:34–41
Peter is very straight forward, you might even say he hits them right between the eyes in

Acts 2:36 (LEB) Therefore let all the house of Israel know beyond a doubt, that God has made him both Lord and Christ—this Jesus whom you crucified!”

But this isn’t a punitive statement to condemn them, it is the opening for an invitation in

Acts 2:38–39 (LEB) And Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized, each one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39 For the promise is for you and for your children, and for all those who are far away, as many as the Lord our God calls to himself.”

Peter offers them all forgiveness through Jesus Christ and the gift of the Holy Spirit. 

They Were Devoting Themselves

Acts 2:42–47
This is a great time of peace and love and growth in the Church in Jerusalem. We find the basis for the Christian life in this dispensation here in

Acts 2:42 (LEB) And they were devoting themselves to the teaching of the apostles and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayers.

And the result in the lives of people was that everyone felt generous, everyone was concerned for others needs in

Acts 2:44–47 (LEB) And all who believed were in the same place, and had everything in common. 45 And they began selling their possessions and property, and distributing these things to all, to the degree that anyone had need. 46 And every day, devoting themselves to meeting with one purpose in the temple courts and breaking bread from house to house, they were eating their food with joy and simplicity of heart, 47 praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord was adding every day to the total of those who were being saved.

This part about having things in common and selling their possessions is hard for us in our materialistic age, but we can maybe understand and aspire to “eating their food with joy and simplicity of heart, 47 praising God and having favor with all the people”.

Study Verses

Today’s Reading

  • Acts 1:1-26
  • Acts 2:1-47

The Life and Ministry of Jesus Christ – The Gospels

This is the end of the series that follows the Gospels using the order of readings from the Tyndale One Year Chronological Bible. Covering these events chronologically as they happened, gives a much different context and helps us understand the move of God as He is introducing the Saviour, the Light of the world, Jesus Christ. This series begins with Return To Me And I Will Return To You at the end of Malachi and introduces the “Witnesses” writing the Gospels.

Operation Exodus

is helping Jewish people return to their homeland. You might fund one that desires to go home. http://operationexodususa.org/Overview

References

  • 1. Freeman, J. M., & Chadwick, H. J. (1998). Manners & customs of the Bible (p. 525). North Brunswick, NJ: Bridge-Logos Publishers.
Devotions

Go and Make Disciples of All the Nations

by  • 

These are the final days that Jesus has with his disciples on the earth. They might have understood all he said to them before he was crucified, but it is hard for us to understand when we don’t have context for what is happening. After they saw him die, after they saw him alive again, then they were able to understand and “he opened their minds to understand the scriptures”. Now, they could hear the great commission. Jesus, who now has all authority in heaven and earth, was sending them to “make disciples of all the nations”. It was for them to go. 

Observe Everything I Have Commanded

Matthew 28:16–20
Finally, the disciples are in Galilee as Jesus had asked them to be. In Matthew 28:18-20 Jesus gave them the great commission saying,

Matthew 28:18b–20 (LEB) “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe everything I have commanded you, and behold, I am with you all the days until the end of the age.”

The authority of Jesus has been demonstrated in the gospels, but particularly, “Matthew emphasizes this theme throughout his Gospel (e.g., Matt 7:29; 9:6; 21:23). Jesus has repeatedly demonstrated His authority over all things—the human body, demons, natural elements (such as wind and water), the Sabbath, sin, and even death. Compare 11:27; 26:64; Dan 7:13–14, 18, 22, 27; Phil 2:6–11; Col 1:15–20; 1 Pet 3:18–22; Rev 5:1–14”.1

But Jesus did not just get “all authority” so that he could have it, and it is no longer just Jesus demonstrating that authority. He got it so he could give it to us. He wanted us to “go and make disciples” and demonstrate his love for the world. This is a new time, “With the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ begins the “dispensation of the grace of God” (Eph. 3:2), which is defined as “his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus”; and, “the gift of God: not of works, lest any man should boast” (Eph. 2:7–9). Under grace God freely gives to the believing sinner eternal life (Rom. 6:23); accounts to him a perfect righteousness (Rom. 3:21, 22; 4:4, 5); and accords to him a perfect position (Eph. 1:6). The predicted results of this sixth testing of man are: (1) The salvation of all who believe (Acts 16:31); (2) judgment upon an unbelieving world and an apostate church (Mt. 25:31–46; 2 Thes. 1:7–10; 1 Pet. 4:17, 18; Rev. 3:15, 16)”.2

Jesus Appears While They Are Fishing

John 21:1-25 

Jesus Revealed Himself Again

John 21:1–14
After Jesus asks Mary to send them to Galilee. After Jesus reaches out to the two on the road to Emmaus. After Jesus waits eight days for Thomas to join the rest of the disciples. Now, Peter says, in John 20:3 “I am going fishing!” and they said, “We also are coming with you”. What were they doing fishing? This was their occupation(well, for some of them) before they met Jesus. Why were they fishing again? And, “during that night they caught nothing”.

Then in John 20:4-7 “Jesus stood on the beach”. Still, they don’t recognize him. Jesus says, “Throw the net on the right side of the boat” and they “were no longer able to haul it in from the large number of the fish”. Now, they know “it is the Lord”. Jesus has cooked for them Fish and bread. Still, Jesus is teaching them what it means to love and serve. 

Feed My Sheep

John 21:15–19
Jesus waited until after, in John 21:15 “they had eaten breakfast”. Peter had fished all night so probably hadn’t slept well. Casting the net and dealing with the boat is physical activity that they hadn’t engaged in during the three years of ministry with Jesus so they were likely feeling the fatigue. And, it was now morning and they were hungry. So physically, they wold not have been receptive until now. They are all settled. They are full and relaxed. Just as he had done at the last supper, he brings a message he wants them to remember. In John 21:15-17 “Jesus said to Simon Peter, ‘Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?'” Peter answers yes to each of the three times Jesus asks and hears, “Feed my lambs!”, “Shepherd my sheep!”, and “Feed my sheep!”.

When we read these verses, we often focus on these three commands, and they are important. This would be Peter’s life’s work. But there is the first question Jesus asked Peter that we may overlook. Jesus asked Peter, “Do you love me more than these?” Peter loved his fellow disciples, and they respected Peter. They had easily followed him as he went fishing and he could easily have been a natural leader for them going forward. But Jesus had a more important mission for Peter, “love me”. Peter’s focus needed to be on Jesus and demonstrated by his care for the people of God. Peter was to nurture the babies, to guard the mature, and to feed them all. Peter did occupy a special place in the early Church, in the body of Christ as it developed, but his path, in John 21:19 was, as ours is, to “Follow me!”.

There Are Many Other Things That Jesus Did

John 21:20–25

He Opened Their Minds to Understand the Scriptures

Luke 24:44–53
The last words that Jesus spoke to his disciples are here, and they are words that he had already said to them.

Luke 24:44–45 (LEB) And he said to them, “These are my words that I spoke to you while I* was still with you, that everything that is written about me in the law of Moses and the prophets and psalms must be fulfilled.” 45 Then he opened their minds to understand the scriptures,”

These last words were in Bethany, not in Jerusalem where he had been rejected. And this seems right because, the the Mount of Olives seemed a favored place of Jesus, where he had wept over Jerusalem and “In the Synoptic Gospels Jesus made Bethany his headquarters during his final week of ministry in Jerusalem (Mark 11:11, 12 = Matt 21:17; cf. Luke 19:29) … The gospels of Mark and Matthew also note that the anointing of Jesus at Simon the Leper’s house took place in Bethany (Mark 14:3 = Matt 26:6) … The story of the raising of Lazarus from the dead (John 11:1–44) also occurs in the context of Bethany”.3

Go Into All the World and Preach the Gospel to All Creation

Mark 16:9–20

Study Verses

Today’s Reading

  • Matthew 28:16-20
  • Mark 16:9-20
  • Luke 24:44-53
  • John 21:1-25

The Life and Ministry of Jesus Christ – The Gospels

This is the end of the series that follows the Gospels using the order of readings from the Tyndale One Year Chronological Bible. Covering these events chronologically as they happened, gives a much different context and helps us understand the move of God as He is introducing the Saviour, the Light of the world, Jesus Christ. This series begins with Return To Me And I Will Return To You at the end of Malachi and introduces the “Witnesses” writing the Gospels.

Operation Exodus

is helping Jewish people return to their homeland. You might fund one that desires to go home. http://operationexodususa.org/Overview

References

  • 1. Barry, J. D., Mangum, D., Brown, D. R., Heiser, M. S., Custis, M., Ritzema, E., … Bomar, D. (2012, 2016). Faithlife Study Bible (Mt 28:18). Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press.
  • 2. Scofield, C. I. (Ed.). (1917). The Scofield Reference Bible: The Holy Bible Containing the Old and New Testaments (p. 1044). New York; London; Toronto; Melbourne; Bombay: Oxford University Press.
  • 3. Perkins, L. J. (1992). Bethany (Place). In D. N. Freedman (Ed.), The Anchor Yale Bible Dictionary (Vol. 1, p. 703). New York: Doubleday.
Devotions

Do Not be Unbelieving But Believing

by  • 

The tomb is empty. And as Mary and the other women are leaving, they see Jesus. He adds a specific command to “tell my brothers that they should go to Galilee”. But later in the day, there are two on the road to Emmaus, ten hiding for fear in Jerusalem, and Thomas is no where around. Jesus goes to them and calms them. They touch him and he eats with them. And a full eight days later they are still in the room in Jerusalem, but now Thomas is with them. Now, Thomas believes. Now, they will go to Galilee as Jesus asked them to.

Jesus Greets the Women

Matthew 28:9-10
John 20:14-18

Go Tell My Brothers

Matthew 28:9–10
As Mary and the other women left the empty tomb, Jesus appeared to them with instructions in Matthew 28:10 “Go tell my brothers that they should go to Galilee, and there they will see me” and this the women do. But later in the day, we find the apostles still in Jerusalem. How often do we delay, or not listen? 

I Am Ascending to My Father

John 20:14–18
John 20:14-18 also recounts Mary’s experience with Jesus just outside the empty tomb. Jesus has finished his sacrificial work, he gave his life, but he hasn’t finished the work in God’s spiritual realm, Jesus must ascend and take His rightful place. Here we learn that Mary did carry the message to the Apostles. But the very next verse in John 20:19 says “it was evening on that day … and the doors had been shut where the disciples were because of fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood in their midst”. They were afraid and hiding instead of starting the walk to Galilee.

Religious Leaders Bribe the Guards

Matthew 28:11–15

Jesus Appears to His Disciples

Luke 24:13-43
John 20:19-23

Two of Them Were Traveling to Emmaus

Luke 24:13–24
Luke tells us about two disciples that were on their way to Emmaus, a few hours walk from Jerusalem. And as they were talking about what had happened, Jesus began walking with them, but they didn’t recognize him. And we learn that one of them was named Cleopas and later that they met the eleven apostles back in Jerusalem, so Jesus was rounding up his disciples, not just the eleven. And these two were with the eleven later when Jesus appeared to them in Jerusalem. 

Their Eyes Were Opened

Luke 24:25–34
Jesus had gone out of his way to find these two disciples and they still didn’t recognize him. They invite him for dinner, it is late in the day and he joins them. It isn’t until Luke 24:30-31 that “he took the bread and gave thanks, and after breaking it, he gave it to them. And their eyes were opened, and they recognized him, and he became invisible to them”. As soon as they recognized him, he was gone. So, in Luke 24:33-35 “they got up that same hour and returned to Jerusalem”. It isn’t clear what time they arrived but it would have been a few hours walking so it might have been nine or ten in the evening when they were telling of their day with Jesus.

He Himself Stood There Among Them

Luke 24:36–43
This comment in Luke 24:36 helps us understand John 20:19. Those who had seen Jesus on the road, were back in Jerusalem telling the Apostles, and any other disciples that were with them, that they had seen Jesus. Now Jesus appears in the room with them. As Jesus calms them, he does something very human, and in Luke 24:41 he says, “Do you have anything to eat here?”

The Doors Had Been Shut Because of Fear

John 20:19–23
Some of them had been at the tomb that morning and seen for themselves that it was empty. John 20:10 says “the disciples went away again to their own homes”, but a better understanding would be that “they returned to their own company … The Syriac renders it, “to their own place”, and so the Arabic and Persic versions; the place from whence they came, and where the rest were assembled together, to pray, converse, and consult together, what was to be done at this juncture”.1

And this makes sense that they would be hiding away talking and thinking about what would happen next, and the two disciples who had met Jesus on the road to Emmaus had just returned telling them they had seen him.

“While John may have ‘believed’ (8), and Mary may have testified to her meeting with the risen Jesus (18), the reality of the resurrection has still to emerge among the disciple group with any degree of conviction; hence the locked doors and the continuing fear for their skins (19). Suddenly … Jesus is there visibly in their midst!”2 

Do Not be Unbelieving, But Believing

John 20:24–31
We have likely all heard the story of doubting Thomas. He is the one described here in John 20:24-28. Even though Jesus had told them to meet him in Galilee after his resurrection, they are huddled here “The setting is Jerusalem … in a room which may well have been where the last supper was held just three days before (cf. Acts 1:13; 12:12)”2

But in John 20:24 “Thomas … was not with them when Jesus came”. Now, this was “evening on that day” from John 20:19, the same day they found the tomb empty. So where was Thomas? From his attitude in John 20:25, “I will never believe!” it seems he was finished with all of this. In fact, it is eight days later that they are all gathered again in the same room, again with the doors closed, but now Thomas is with them in John 20:26-27. Jesus says to Thomas, “Place your finger here and see my hands, and place your hand and put it* into my side. And do not be unbelieving, but believing!” Now, Thomas responds, in John 20:28 “My Lord and My God!” And now, Jesus says, in John 20:29 “Blessed are those who have not seen and have believed”. How hard is it for you to believe that Jesus Christ was raised from the dead and is now seated at the right hand of the Father in heaven? This is the message, the gospel of the Kingdom, that Jesus died, his blood making atonement with God for our sin. But not only that, now we are accepted by God, his sons and daughters.

Study Verses

Today’s Reading

  • Matthew 28:9-15
  • Luke 24:13-43
  • John 20:14-31

The Life and Ministry of Jesus Christ – The Gospels

This series follows the order of readings from the Tyndale One Year Chronological Bible. Covering these events chronologically as they happened, gives a much different context and helps us understand the move of God as He is introducing the Saviour, the Light of the world, Jesus Christ. This series begins with Return To Me And I Will Return To You at the end of Malachi and introduces the “Witnesses” writing the Gospels.

Operation Exodus

is helping Jewish people return to their homeland. You might fund one that desires to go home. http://operationexodususa.org/Overview

References

  • 1. Gill, John (1748). Gill’s Exposition of the Entire Bible
  • 2. Milne, B. (1993). The message of John: here is your king!: with study guide (p. 297). Leicester, England; Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press.
Devotions

He Has Been Raised From the Dead

by  • 

Jesus died and there are only a few hours before the end of the day. The Sabbath begins at sun down and any of the children of Israel know that he cannot be left where he is. Jesus disciples, not the apostles, but some of those that had been quietly, secretly following, now take action. Joseph goes to Pilate to claim Jesus body. Nicodemus goes for “a mixture of myrrh and aloes”. The women that had been there with Jesus help. They cover the tomb and in Luke 23:56 “on the Sabbath they rested according to the commandment”. But the chief priests and the Pharisees go to Pilate to seal the tomb and place guards who stand watch until the third day. When the women return to the tomb, they are met by an angel who says, “He has been raised … Why are you looking for the living among the dead?”.

The Burial of Jesus

Matthew 27:57-61
Mark 15:42-47
Luke 23:50-56
John 19:38-42 

Joseph Asked for the Body of Jesus

Matthew 27:57–61
At the ninth hour, Jesus had spoken his last words and died. There are only a few hours of daylight left. For the Jews, the day ends at sun down and “Under Jewish law, the corpse needed to be buried the same day or the land would be defiled (Deut 21:22–23)”.1

Jesus mother had been there and “According to Roman law, the relatives of a criminal might claim his body for burial … Now none of Jesus’ relatives was in a position to claim his body, for they were all Galilaeans and none of them possessed a tomb in Jerusalem”.2

There were also other of Jesus disciples there at the cross, and one of them was Joseph, a man unknown to us until now. Each of the four gospel accounts gives a little bit of information about this man Joseph. Here in

Matthew 27:57–58 (LEB) Now when it was evening, a rich man from Arimathea named Joseph came, who also was a disciple of Jesus himself. 58 This man approached Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus. Then Pilate ordered it to be given to him.

Then we learn that Joseph was a well known man in Jerusalem in

Mark 15:43 (LEB) “Joseph of Arimathea, a prominent member of the council who was also himself looking forward to the kingdom of God, came acting courageously and went in to Pilate”.

This man had been in the council sessions as they discussed killing Jesus and had opposed that plan. We also sometimes find ourselves out voted and an evil plan is carried out as we learn in

Luke 23:50–51 (LEB) “And behold, a man named Joseph, who was a member of the council, a good and righteous man 51 (this man was not consenting to their plan and deed), from Arimathea, a Judean town, who was looking forward to the kingdom of God”.

Finally, we learn that Joseph was a secret disciple because the Jews had threatened much earlier in John 9:22 (LEB) “that if anyone should confess him to be Christ, he would be expelled from the synagogue” and for these people, the synagogue was their life. So in

John 19:38 (LEB) “And after these things, Joseph who was from Arimathea, who was a disciple of Jesus (but a secret one for fear of the Jews)”

It Was the Day of Preparation

Mark 15:42–47
There is an urgency in Mark 15:42 “it was already evening … the day before the Sabbath”. Joseph moves quickly and in Mark 15:43 “asked for the body of Jesus”. But in Mark 15:44 “Pilate was surprised that he was already dead”.

Crucifixion was a torturous way to die. It took time and “Death usually occurred due to the loss of blood circulation, or suffocation and heart failure. Death did not come quickly, it could take days of hideous pain as the extremities turned slowly gangrenous, or the victim could no longer hold himself upright so that he could intake air.3

Having permission from Pilate, Joseph goes quickly to make the final preparations.

The Sabbath Was Drawing Near

Luke 23:50–56
There was little time, so they did what they could. They wrapped Jesus body as was their custom. They applied the fragrant spices and perfumes. Then, the day was done and in Luke 23:56 “on the Sabbath they rested according to the commandment”. 

The Tomb Was Close By

John 19:38–42
There were also others that helped, in

John 19:39 (LEB) And Nicodemus—the one who had come to him formerly at night—also came, bringing a mixture of myrrh and aloes weighing about a hundred pounds.

But none of this would have been possible if Joseph had not offered his own tomb that in John 19:42 “was close by”. We sometimes think that the person in charge must tell us what to do. And, it is possible that Peter, or James, or John might have taken charge of Jesus body. But there are times when a person others might call a by-stander, is the very person God needs to fulfill his plan. Joseph moved from being a secret disciple, to being an essential leader, and I don’t think we hear any more about him in the New Testament.

Give Orders That the Tomb be Made Secure

Matthew 27:62–66
It occurs to the chief priests and Pharisees that someone might move Jesus body. They are schemers and think that way. So, on the Sabbath, the day to honor the Lord, they are all “assembled before Pilate” in Matthew 27:62-64 asking him to “give orders that the tomb be made secure”. These men won’t do any work on the Sabbath but they don’t think twice about putting someone else to work.

The Tomb is Empty, The Resurrection of Jesus

Matthew 28:1-8
Mark 16:1-8
Luke 24:1-12
John 20:1-13 

He Has Been Raised From the Dead

Matthew 28:1–8
The tomb had a great stone cover. But that wasn’t enough, the religious leaders had the stone sealed and placed guards around the tomb. That was until in Matthew 28:2-7 when “an angel of the Lord descended from heaven and came up and rolled away the stone and sat down on it … and the guards … became like dead men”. The angel said “he has been raised” and showed them the tomb and instructed the women “he is going ahead of you into Galilee”. “Matthew has recorded several explicit predictions of the resurrection (16:21; 17:23; 20:19, and implicitly 12:40). But the one the angel refers to specifically is 26:32, ‘After I am raised up, I will go before you to Galilee’, a prediction which is about to be fulfilled in vv. 16–20”.4

He is not Here!

Mark 16:1–8

Why Look for the Living Among the Dead?

Luke 24:1–12

Why Are You Weeping?

John 20:1–13

Study Verses

Today’s Reading

  • Matthew 27:57-61
  • Matthew 28:1-8
  • Mark 15:42-47
  • Mark 16:1-8
  • Luke 23:50-56
  • Luke 24:1-12
  • John 19:38-42
  • John 20:1-13

The Life and Ministry of Jesus Christ – The Gospels

This series follows the order of readings from the Tyndale One Year Chronological Bible. Covering these events chronologically as they happened, gives a much different context and helps us understand the move of God as He is introducing the Saviour, the Light of the world, Jesus Christ. This series begins with Return To Me And I Will Return To You at the end of Malachi and introduces the “Witnesses” writing the Gospels.

Operation Exodus

is helping Jewish people return to their homeland. You might fund one that desires to go home. http://operationexodususa.org/Overview

References

  • 1. Barry, J. D., Mangum, D., Brown, D. R., Heiser, M. S., Custis, M., Ritzema, E., … Bomar, D. (2012, 2016). Faithlife Study Bible (Mt 27:58). Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press.
  • 2. Barclay, W. (2001). The Gospel of Matthew (Third Ed., p. 434). Edinburgh: Saint Andrew Press.
  • 3. Freeman, J. M., & Chadwick, H. J. (1998). Manners & customs of the Bible (p. 489). North Brunswick, NJ: Bridge-Logos Publishers.
  • 4. France, R. T. (1985). Matthew: an introduction and commentary (Vol. 1, p. 413). Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press.