2010 Venango Lock Up: Bradley Herbst
Help me raise money for Muscular Dystrophy. I will be arrested and need to raise bail.
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
Laughing Matter
This morning was just another day that God taught me just a little more about Himself. We were getting ready to leave the house when my 4 year old is making a big deal about how smart she is. She would write a letter of the alphabet and then sing her ABC's then right the next letter then break into song once again. My lesson started when her 8 year old brother joined in singing the ABC's. I expected an argument but none came. The two of them sang the ABC's together from A to Z.
It was at this moment that the 4 year old looks at her 8 year old brother and say, "ALRIGHT! YOU GOT IT!!" Of course we all had a good laugh. (including the 4 year old though I think her laughter was out of pride for teaching her brother the ABC's)
This got me thinking today about the beauty of God that we have in laughter. (and how often we must make God laugh)Those moments when we are so serious and think we just discovered some great treasure that God has known all along.
Psalm 126:2 says, "Our mouths were filled with laughter, our tongues with songs of joy. Then it was said among the nations, "The LORD has done great things for them."
Jesus came to turn this world up-side-down. He came to break down strong holds, free the captives, fill the hungry and transform morning into laughter. Take the time to laugh today it is a gift from God.
Here are a few youtube clips of Tim Hawkins. One of the funniest men alive. Enjoy!!!
It was at this moment that the 4 year old looks at her 8 year old brother and say, "ALRIGHT! YOU GOT IT!!" Of course we all had a good laugh. (including the 4 year old though I think her laughter was out of pride for teaching her brother the ABC's)
This got me thinking today about the beauty of God that we have in laughter. (and how often we must make God laugh)Those moments when we are so serious and think we just discovered some great treasure that God has known all along.
Psalm 126:2 says, "Our mouths were filled with laughter, our tongues with songs of joy. Then it was said among the nations, "The LORD has done great things for them."
Jesus came to turn this world up-side-down. He came to break down strong holds, free the captives, fill the hungry and transform morning into laughter. Take the time to laugh today it is a gift from God.
Here are a few youtube clips of Tim Hawkins. One of the funniest men alive. Enjoy!!!
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
Not The Christ They Were Looking For
As a small group sat in my living room looking at the word of God. We opened up the book of Matthew and began reading. As we were reading and studying this account of the life and teaching of Jesus Christ we came to this passage in Matthew 16:13-20.
"When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, "Who do people say the Son of Man is?" They replied, "Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, Jeremiah or one of the prophets." "But what about you?" he asked. "Who do you say I am?" Simon Peter answered, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God." Jesus replied, "Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by man, but by my Father in heaven. 18And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it. I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven." Then he warned his disciples not to tell anyone that he was the Christ."
The question was asked, "Why would Jesus tell His disciples not to tell anyone that He was the Christ?"
This is a great question! It hits a very important point in understanding a lot what happens in the pages of the new testament.
The Jewish people at this time in history as well as many still today were looking for a certain type of Messiah. The were looking for a priest-king would would rise up a Jewish military and lead Israel into victory. Overthrowing the oppressive pagan governments and establishing a kingdom of peace. If the people of Israel would have seen Jesus as a Messiah they would have rose up in rebellion and started trying to overthrow the Romans who where ruling the world. They were not looking for a suffering servant to bring God's kingdom into their everyday lives.
The Hebrews expected the kingdoms of this world to pass away as the Messiah ushered in His reign of peace.
Jesus came to bring peace but not by the sword. Put your sword back in its place," Jesus said to him, "for all who draw the sword will die by the sword. Matthew 26:52 Jesus brought a peace that transcends all understanding. A peace not controlled by our circumstances. He brought a kingdom that is available to all people. By His death He became the final passover lamb. As John the Baptist said, "Behold the Lamb of God that takes away the sins of the world."
Jesus understood the need for people to be able see the scriptures fulfilled before they could understand who He is. Just look at the cross. While Jesus was nailed to that Roman death pole He cried out, "Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani?"—which means, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" Mark 15:34, Matthew 27:46
This saying from the cross is pivotal to knowing who Jesus is. Let me explain:
During the time of Christ Rabbi's would teach great truths about God to both their disciples and any who would listen, "let he who has an ear hear."
What Rabbi's would do is this: they would call out a line from the Holy Writings so that other would know what scriptures this teaching was clarifying. Jesus using this rabbinical formula is urging people to see that He is fulfilling what God had reveled about Him.
Let us look at some of them:
Psalm 22:7 - the people will wag their heads at Him - Matt. 27:39; Mark 15:29 - the people wagged their heads at Jesus on the cross.
Psalm 22:7 - He will be mocked - Matt. 27:31; Mark 15:20; Luke 22:63; 23:36 - Jesus was mocked.
Psalm 22:16; Isa. 53:12 - He will be numbered with the transgressors - Matt. 27:38; Mark 15:27; Luke 23:32; John 19:18 - Jesus was numbered with the transgressors by being crucified between two thieves.
Psalm 22:16; Zech 12:10 - His hands and feet will be pierced and they will weep for the first-born - John 19:23,34,37 - Jesus' hands and feet were pierced and his followers wept for Him, the true first-born Son of Israel.
Psalm 22:17 - they will stare and gloat over Him - Matt. 27:36; Luke 23:35 - the people stood by and stared at Jesus on the cross.
Psalm 22:18 - they will divide His garments among them - Matt. 27:35; Mark 15:24; Luke 23:34; John 19:23 - they divided Jesus' garments among them.
Psalm 22:18 - they will cast lots for His garments - Matt. 27:35; Mark 15:24; Luke 23:34; John 19:24 - they cast lots for Jesus' garments.
Here are 7 prophesies fulfilled in one day! Had something to say. Look to the scriptures. Everything written about me is taking place. Turn your hearts toward God. Accept His Son. "Father Forgive them they know not what the do!"
"When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, "Who do people say the Son of Man is?" They replied, "Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, Jeremiah or one of the prophets." "But what about you?" he asked. "Who do you say I am?" Simon Peter answered, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God." Jesus replied, "Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by man, but by my Father in heaven. 18And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it. I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven." Then he warned his disciples not to tell anyone that he was the Christ."
The question was asked, "Why would Jesus tell His disciples not to tell anyone that He was the Christ?"
This is a great question! It hits a very important point in understanding a lot what happens in the pages of the new testament.
The Jewish people at this time in history as well as many still today were looking for a certain type of Messiah. The were looking for a priest-king would would rise up a Jewish military and lead Israel into victory. Overthrowing the oppressive pagan governments and establishing a kingdom of peace. If the people of Israel would have seen Jesus as a Messiah they would have rose up in rebellion and started trying to overthrow the Romans who where ruling the world. They were not looking for a suffering servant to bring God's kingdom into their everyday lives.
The Hebrews expected the kingdoms of this world to pass away as the Messiah ushered in His reign of peace.
Jesus came to bring peace but not by the sword. Put your sword back in its place," Jesus said to him, "for all who draw the sword will die by the sword. Matthew 26:52 Jesus brought a peace that transcends all understanding. A peace not controlled by our circumstances. He brought a kingdom that is available to all people. By His death He became the final passover lamb. As John the Baptist said, "Behold the Lamb of God that takes away the sins of the world."
Jesus understood the need for people to be able see the scriptures fulfilled before they could understand who He is. Just look at the cross. While Jesus was nailed to that Roman death pole He cried out, "Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani?"—which means, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" Mark 15:34, Matthew 27:46
This saying from the cross is pivotal to knowing who Jesus is. Let me explain:
During the time of Christ Rabbi's would teach great truths about God to both their disciples and any who would listen, "let he who has an ear hear."
What Rabbi's would do is this: they would call out a line from the Holy Writings so that other would know what scriptures this teaching was clarifying. Jesus using this rabbinical formula is urging people to see that He is fulfilling what God had reveled about Him.
Let us look at some of them:
Psalm 22:7 - the people will wag their heads at Him - Matt. 27:39; Mark 15:29 - the people wagged their heads at Jesus on the cross.
Psalm 22:7 - He will be mocked - Matt. 27:31; Mark 15:20; Luke 22:63; 23:36 - Jesus was mocked.
Psalm 22:16; Isa. 53:12 - He will be numbered with the transgressors - Matt. 27:38; Mark 15:27; Luke 23:32; John 19:18 - Jesus was numbered with the transgressors by being crucified between two thieves.
Psalm 22:16; Zech 12:10 - His hands and feet will be pierced and they will weep for the first-born - John 19:23,34,37 - Jesus' hands and feet were pierced and his followers wept for Him, the true first-born Son of Israel.
Psalm 22:17 - they will stare and gloat over Him - Matt. 27:36; Luke 23:35 - the people stood by and stared at Jesus on the cross.
Psalm 22:18 - they will divide His garments among them - Matt. 27:35; Mark 15:24; Luke 23:34; John 19:23 - they divided Jesus' garments among them.
Psalm 22:18 - they will cast lots for His garments - Matt. 27:35; Mark 15:24; Luke 23:34; John 19:24 - they cast lots for Jesus' garments.
Here are 7 prophesies fulfilled in one day! Had something to say. Look to the scriptures. Everything written about me is taking place. Turn your hearts toward God. Accept His Son. "Father Forgive them they know not what the do!"
Saturday, April 10, 2010
A work of Art
Sometimes it is important to remember that God isn't finished with us. As for me I am sick of talking! I am sick of making excuses! I am sick of me! Chisel me my King, my God. Make me more like you.
Sunday, April 4, 2010
Ressurection Sunday
Hope!This is the beauty of Easter morning.
Jesus had told His disciples that He would raise from the dead. At times they didn't understand, they saw it as some deep spiritual truth but not a physical reality. They are afraid and confused. This Rabbi, Jesus, had chosen them to be His disciples and now He is in a tomb.
In John 20 we read, "Early on the first day of the week, while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene went to the tomb and saw that the stone had been removed from the entrance. So she came running to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one Jesus loved, and said, "They have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we don't know where they have put him!"
So Peter and the other disciple started for the tomb. Both were running, but the other disciple outran Peter and reached the tomb first. He bent over and looked in at the strips of linen lying there but did not go in. Then Simon Peter, who was behind him, arrived and went into the tomb. He saw the strips of linen lying there, as well as the burial cloth that had been around Jesus' head. The cloth was folded up by itself, separate from the linen. Finally the other disciple, who had reached the tomb first, also went inside. He saw and believed. (They still did not understand from Scripture that Jesus had to rise from the dead.)"
Even at this moment when Jesus' words as recorded in Matthew 17:9 and 17:22-23 had been fulfilled, they still didn't understand. Death could not hold Him.
The price was paid in full. No longer is man stuck in slavery to sin but can now embrace a new life through Christ Jesus.
Romans 8:1-17 - "Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life set me free from the law of sin and death. For what the law was powerless to do in that it was weakened by the sinful nature, God did by sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful man to be a sin offering. And so he condemned sin in sinful man, in order that the righteous requirements of the law might be fully met in us, who do not live according to the sinful nature but according to the Spirit.
Those who live according to the sinful nature have their minds set on what that nature desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires. The mind of sinful man is death, but the mind controlled by the Spirit is life and peace; the sinful mind is hostile to God. It does not submit to God's law, nor can it do so. Those controlled by the sinful nature cannot please God.
You, however, are controlled not by the sinful nature but by the Spirit, if the Spirit of God lives in you. And if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Christ. But if Christ is in you, your body is dead because of sin, yet your spirit is alive because of righteousness. And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit, who lives in you.
Therefore, brothers, we have an obligation—but it is not to the sinful nature, to live according to it. For if you live according to the sinful nature, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live, because those who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship. And by him we cry, "Abba, Father." The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God's children. Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory."
Happy Easter!!!
Jesus had told His disciples that He would raise from the dead. At times they didn't understand, they saw it as some deep spiritual truth but not a physical reality. They are afraid and confused. This Rabbi, Jesus, had chosen them to be His disciples and now He is in a tomb.
In John 20 we read, "Early on the first day of the week, while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene went to the tomb and saw that the stone had been removed from the entrance. So she came running to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one Jesus loved, and said, "They have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we don't know where they have put him!"
So Peter and the other disciple started for the tomb. Both were running, but the other disciple outran Peter and reached the tomb first. He bent over and looked in at the strips of linen lying there but did not go in. Then Simon Peter, who was behind him, arrived and went into the tomb. He saw the strips of linen lying there, as well as the burial cloth that had been around Jesus' head. The cloth was folded up by itself, separate from the linen. Finally the other disciple, who had reached the tomb first, also went inside. He saw and believed. (They still did not understand from Scripture that Jesus had to rise from the dead.)"
Even at this moment when Jesus' words as recorded in Matthew 17:9 and 17:22-23 had been fulfilled, they still didn't understand. Death could not hold Him.
The price was paid in full. No longer is man stuck in slavery to sin but can now embrace a new life through Christ Jesus.
Romans 8:1-17 - "Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life set me free from the law of sin and death. For what the law was powerless to do in that it was weakened by the sinful nature, God did by sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful man to be a sin offering. And so he condemned sin in sinful man, in order that the righteous requirements of the law might be fully met in us, who do not live according to the sinful nature but according to the Spirit.
Those who live according to the sinful nature have their minds set on what that nature desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires. The mind of sinful man is death, but the mind controlled by the Spirit is life and peace; the sinful mind is hostile to God. It does not submit to God's law, nor can it do so. Those controlled by the sinful nature cannot please God.
You, however, are controlled not by the sinful nature but by the Spirit, if the Spirit of God lives in you. And if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Christ. But if Christ is in you, your body is dead because of sin, yet your spirit is alive because of righteousness. And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit, who lives in you.
Therefore, brothers, we have an obligation—but it is not to the sinful nature, to live according to it. For if you live according to the sinful nature, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live, because those who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship. And by him we cry, "Abba, Father." The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God's children. Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory."
Happy Easter!!!
Saturday, April 3, 2010
Black Saturday
Jesus lies in a borrowed tomb, His disciples are hiding in fear for their lives. Satan is rejoicing, the Son of God is dead. Mary is in morning and John is trying to comfort her. Peter is battling with depression knowing that at the darkest moment for his friend, teacher and Lord, he had denied even knowing Him.
The tomb is quite. Roman guards posted at it's entrance.
The Chief Priest and Teachers of Law along with the Pharisees and Sadducee stand in the Temple looking at the torn Veil, wandering what it could mean. The Holy of Holies is open for all to see.
People are in the streets trying to put their lives back together after the earthquake the previous day.
It is a dark day. That goes without saying.
As we remember the sacrifice of Jesus on this Black Saturday keep in mind that though Satan was rejoicing he lost the battle on Friday and on Sunday Jesus will walk out of that grave.
Don't let today get you down as Satan tries to distract you from remembering all that Christ did for you. He, Jesus, is the Way, the Truth and the Life and no one can get to the Father except through the Son. The price is paid and the victory is won!
Today is the day that the Lord has made! I will rejoice and be glad in it!
The tomb is quite. Roman guards posted at it's entrance.
The Chief Priest and Teachers of Law along with the Pharisees and Sadducee stand in the Temple looking at the torn Veil, wandering what it could mean. The Holy of Holies is open for all to see.
People are in the streets trying to put their lives back together after the earthquake the previous day.
It is a dark day. That goes without saying.
As we remember the sacrifice of Jesus on this Black Saturday keep in mind that though Satan was rejoicing he lost the battle on Friday and on Sunday Jesus will walk out of that grave.
Don't let today get you down as Satan tries to distract you from remembering all that Christ did for you. He, Jesus, is the Way, the Truth and the Life and no one can get to the Father except through the Son. The price is paid and the victory is won!
Today is the day that the Lord has made! I will rejoice and be glad in it!
Friday, April 2, 2010
What's So Good About Friday
For years "Good Friday" made no since to me. I couldn't see anything "Good" about this day. Many of know that this is the day that Jesus died on that cross for all the sins of the world and that is why it is good. Today I would like to reflect on that day.
To start I think it is important to note that in Israel in Jesus' time Friday would have started at sun down on Thursday. This is the 5th day since Jesus was welcomed into Jerusalem as the coming king. Things have turned around, the priests have turned the people against Jesus.
Thursday night (their Friday)Judas Iscariot one of the 12 betrays Jesus and makes a deal to give Jesus over to the Temple authorities. Judas has been traveling with Jesus for 3 years and is part of Jesus' inner circle of friends. Jesus knew the betrayal was coming and chose to do nothing to stop it.
In Mark 14:32-52 we read about Jesus going to the Garden of Gethsemane. Where verses 33 and 34 says, "He took Peter, James and John along with him, and he began to be deeply distressed and troubled. "My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death," he said to them. "Stay here and keep watch."
Jesus the King of kings and the Lord of lords was distressed, troubled and overwhelmed with sorrow. He knew that this would be the day that His mission on Earth would be complete. In just a short time Jesus would be arrested His friends would abandon Him and before the day was over He would die. This doesn't sound like the start of a great day to me. Though Jesus is emotionally spent He knows that peace will only be found in the hands of the Father.
Jesus asks Peter, James and John to go with Him to pray. Telling them to keep watch. Here at the climax of His life, when everything He has said an done will be solidified, Jesus wants to let His closest disciples see the depths of surrendering ones self to God and they keep falling a sleep. A great day indeed.
Then Judas shows up with soldiers, Jesus is arrested. Peter responds in anger and attacks a soldier. "Peter has forgotten that Jesus wants him to be a peace maker.
Jesus is taken to the Temple where an illegal trial takes place. Mark 14:53-72 - According to Jewish law a trial had to take place during the day not at night. While Jesus is being falsely accused Peter is so afraid that he starts denying he knows who Jesus is. Once even to a servant girl and one time he denied Jesus so furiously that the Bible says, "He began to call down curses on himself, and he swore to them, "I don't know this man you're talking about.""
What's so Good about Friday?
At Dawn (Our Friday morning) Chief priests call for Jesus' death (Mark 15:1-15) but due to Roman law they don't have the power to enforce this verdict so they drag Jesus before Roman officials to be crucified. It is here that the people who had just heralded Jesus as king now cry for His death. "Crucify Him!" the shout, "Crucify Him!" Pilate tries to dis-sway them, "Crucify Him!" they chose a murder over Jesus, "Crucify Him!"
What's so good about Friday?
Jesus is handed over to Roman soldiers to be flogged. Romans would beat someone with a Scourge. A whip with 9 to 12 leather straps each strap had pieces of metal and bone in them. These were designed to rip of strips of flesh causing intense pain and agony. They would whip Him 39 times because 40 would put Him in shock and kill Him. He was then taken by a company of Roman soldier (most likely between 30 and 200 men)where He was mocked, spit upon and beaten in the head and face by fist and rod - Mark 15:16-20. And after being beat down they lead Jesus to be Crucified.
This is looking to be a great day. Good Friday right?
On the 3rd hour of the day Jesus was nailed to a Roman cross. A type of death that causes more pain than any type of death recorded. You would be nailed to to the wood through your hands and feet in such a way that the only way to breath would be to push up with your legs putting all your weight on that nail. And when you could hold yourself up no longer you would drop down putting your weight on the nails in your hands. But suddenly you are unable to breath. And when your lungs start burning because they are starved for air you would push up with your feet once more. And every time Jesus raised or lowered His body on that cross splinters of the wood would dig into the raw bleeding flesh on His back.
What's so good about Friday?
Darkness fall on the land for 3 long hours (from the sixth to the ninth) It is believed that it was during this time that all sins past, present and future where laid upon Jesus during this time. At the ninth hour Jesus pushed Himself up and cried out, “Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani” - "my God, My God why have you forsaken me?” (the first verse of Psalm 22 http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm%2022&version=NIV) Jesus says look and know who I am.
And Mark 15:37 says, "With a loud cry, Jesus breathed his last."
What is so good about Friday?
To understand what makes Friday so good we must understand who this Jesus is. He IS: The incarnate Word of God ~ John 1:14, Psalm 49:7-9
The Lamb of God (the sin bearer) ~ John 1:29
The Savior of the World and Son of God ~ John 3:16-18
The Way, the Truth and the Life ~ John 14:6
Jesus is all of this and more: He is creator and sustainer of all things, the King of Kings and Lord of Lords, the Alpha, Omega, beginning and end, the Great Shepherd and the Great “I Am”, Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father and the Prince of Peace, He is Lord of the Sabbath and Lord of my life and it is at the Name of Jesus that every knee will bow and every tongue confess that “Jesus is Lord” So….
What’s So Good About Friday?
Matthew 27:50-54
~The Curtain was TORN! - All people Now Have access to the Father
~The Earth was SHAKEN!! - The old sinful nature is defeated and we can live in victory
~And SUNDAYS COMING!!! - The story isn't over yet!!!!
To start I think it is important to note that in Israel in Jesus' time Friday would have started at sun down on Thursday. This is the 5th day since Jesus was welcomed into Jerusalem as the coming king. Things have turned around, the priests have turned the people against Jesus.
Thursday night (their Friday)Judas Iscariot one of the 12 betrays Jesus and makes a deal to give Jesus over to the Temple authorities. Judas has been traveling with Jesus for 3 years and is part of Jesus' inner circle of friends. Jesus knew the betrayal was coming and chose to do nothing to stop it.
In Mark 14:32-52 we read about Jesus going to the Garden of Gethsemane. Where verses 33 and 34 says, "He took Peter, James and John along with him, and he began to be deeply distressed and troubled. "My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death," he said to them. "Stay here and keep watch."
Jesus the King of kings and the Lord of lords was distressed, troubled and overwhelmed with sorrow. He knew that this would be the day that His mission on Earth would be complete. In just a short time Jesus would be arrested His friends would abandon Him and before the day was over He would die. This doesn't sound like the start of a great day to me. Though Jesus is emotionally spent He knows that peace will only be found in the hands of the Father.
Jesus asks Peter, James and John to go with Him to pray. Telling them to keep watch. Here at the climax of His life, when everything He has said an done will be solidified, Jesus wants to let His closest disciples see the depths of surrendering ones self to God and they keep falling a sleep. A great day indeed.
Then Judas shows up with soldiers, Jesus is arrested. Peter responds in anger and attacks a soldier. "Peter has forgotten that Jesus wants him to be a peace maker.
Jesus is taken to the Temple where an illegal trial takes place. Mark 14:53-72 - According to Jewish law a trial had to take place during the day not at night. While Jesus is being falsely accused Peter is so afraid that he starts denying he knows who Jesus is. Once even to a servant girl and one time he denied Jesus so furiously that the Bible says, "He began to call down curses on himself, and he swore to them, "I don't know this man you're talking about.""
What's so Good about Friday?
At Dawn (Our Friday morning) Chief priests call for Jesus' death (Mark 15:1-15) but due to Roman law they don't have the power to enforce this verdict so they drag Jesus before Roman officials to be crucified. It is here that the people who had just heralded Jesus as king now cry for His death. "Crucify Him!" the shout, "Crucify Him!" Pilate tries to dis-sway them, "Crucify Him!" they chose a murder over Jesus, "Crucify Him!"
What's so good about Friday?
Jesus is handed over to Roman soldiers to be flogged. Romans would beat someone with a Scourge. A whip with 9 to 12 leather straps each strap had pieces of metal and bone in them. These were designed to rip of strips of flesh causing intense pain and agony. They would whip Him 39 times because 40 would put Him in shock and kill Him. He was then taken by a company of Roman soldier (most likely between 30 and 200 men)where He was mocked, spit upon and beaten in the head and face by fist and rod - Mark 15:16-20. And after being beat down they lead Jesus to be Crucified.
This is looking to be a great day. Good Friday right?
On the 3rd hour of the day Jesus was nailed to a Roman cross. A type of death that causes more pain than any type of death recorded. You would be nailed to to the wood through your hands and feet in such a way that the only way to breath would be to push up with your legs putting all your weight on that nail. And when you could hold yourself up no longer you would drop down putting your weight on the nails in your hands. But suddenly you are unable to breath. And when your lungs start burning because they are starved for air you would push up with your feet once more. And every time Jesus raised or lowered His body on that cross splinters of the wood would dig into the raw bleeding flesh on His back.
What's so good about Friday?
Darkness fall on the land for 3 long hours (from the sixth to the ninth) It is believed that it was during this time that all sins past, present and future where laid upon Jesus during this time. At the ninth hour Jesus pushed Himself up and cried out, “Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani” - "my God, My God why have you forsaken me?” (the first verse of Psalm 22 http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm%2022&version=NIV) Jesus says look and know who I am.
And Mark 15:37 says, "With a loud cry, Jesus breathed his last."
What is so good about Friday?
To understand what makes Friday so good we must understand who this Jesus is. He IS: The incarnate Word of God ~ John 1:14, Psalm 49:7-9
The Lamb of God (the sin bearer) ~ John 1:29
The Savior of the World and Son of God ~ John 3:16-18
The Way, the Truth and the Life ~ John 14:6
Jesus is all of this and more: He is creator and sustainer of all things, the King of Kings and Lord of Lords, the Alpha, Omega, beginning and end, the Great Shepherd and the Great “I Am”, Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father and the Prince of Peace, He is Lord of the Sabbath and Lord of my life and it is at the Name of Jesus that every knee will bow and every tongue confess that “Jesus is Lord” So….
What’s So Good About Friday?
Matthew 27:50-54
~The Curtain was TORN! - All people Now Have access to the Father
~The Earth was SHAKEN!! - The old sinful nature is defeated and we can live in victory
~And SUNDAYS COMING!!! - The story isn't over yet!!!!
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