Resurrection - Fact or Fiction

 When my church called for members of the congregation to read scripture on Sunday mornings, I volunteered and am called upon to do so every 4 to 6 weeks. I have been encouraged to make any short comment about the reading that I might feel appropriate and practiced with the music team prior to service.

> This week I was given ICor. 15:3 - 10 to read. These verses reflect Paul's comments to the Corinthian church about the number of people who witnessed Christ after His resurrection from the dead, focusing on the truth about the Good News.

 

* In Christianity, the resurrection of Jesus is the most compelling piece of evidence that He is Savior and the Son of God.  From the very first day,  the enemy has planted seeds of doubt regarding the resurrection.

 

> An interesting statement is that Jesus was seen by 500 people at one time - after His resurrection. I have heard this scripture before but never read where the event was documented in the Bible, so I went to seek it out.

IT'S NOT !

In deed, I went to search out the passages and there are none. What I did find was a lot of anti-Christ comments on how this proves He did not rise from the dead as our Savior and Son of God.

 

> This is ignorance at it's best. So many set themselves up in judgement of situations they know nothing about; never read or study. I dare any doubter to PROVE Jesus is NOT risen from the dead. There is more documentation to the contrary - if you open your eyes.

 

> Let me begin by stating ancient history does document Jesus as existing in ancient Nazareth.  The major question is that of His status as Son of God, Creator and Savior of mankind - His divinity.

 

> Then, let me state, He was dead when taken from the cross. This is documented with the statement that water flowed from His side when pierced with a Roman soldier's spear and witnessed by those present. This "water" is the content of the protective sac around the human heart. If the sac is pierced, a clear fluid runs out and the heart stops.

 

 

 

> There were many other encounters listed as witness accounts: Mary Magdalene was first Jn.20:11-17, Matthew tells that she was with another woman Mt.28:7-10, two followers on the road to Emmaus Lk.24:13-27, Apostles in the Upper Room Lk.24:36-49 and Jn.20:19-29 (Thomas was not present but other followers were), Thomas Jn.20:24-28, James (brother to Jesus) also stated by Paul ICor.15:7. Paul states his life changing encounter on the road to Damascus Acts9:1-19. He appeared again in the Upper Room Mk.16:9-19 to the 11 Apostles. 

 

> Let me also remind everyone that the Dead Sea Scrolls, The Apocrypha and the Agnostic books are incomplete. No one can be positive the encounter with the 500 witnesses did not happen; written documentation has just not yet been found. 

 

> John 20:29 Jesus tells Thomas of those blessed for belief - without physical evidence.

In John 20:30 & 31, John tells us of witnessing versus believing.

In Mark 16:14 we are again told of the blessing of belief without proof. 

 

> It is our FAITH in things not seen that will bring the greatest reward.

 

 

 

> Indeed, the benefits of knowing our Savior in our personal lives - finding Him within ourselves in the quiet moments, is what will bring us the greatest reward - that of knowing Him on a personal level.

Signs of The Cross

 Thousands of years before Christ, God showed us the cross in the God ordered layout of the Hebrew encampment in the wilderness, and in the Cross nebula in the far reaches of the universe.

 

 

The Blood Covenant

 FOOD FOR THOUGHT: 

 

Most Christians understand that The Covenant between God and believers was sealed with the blood of Jesus on the cross.

Let's go a little deeper:

 

> The covenant is spoken of in the Old Testament. God made a covenant with Abraham to which the Hebrew people (who later became Israelites) are heirs in the spiritual kingdom. Where was the blood that sealed that one? Gen. 17:10 Circumcision would spill that blood on behalf of man. 

 

> Can we go back further? Was there a covenant with the first man? The first blood spilled in the Bible was God sacrificing animals to make clothes for sinful man and woman, Gen. 3:21. God uses animals to pay for man's sin. 

 

> God further demands human blood through child birth, Gen. 3:16. The physical blood required is not enough to kill. It actually contributes to human life. God is love.

 

> With Adam and Eve, God is showing us the need for blood - the first signs of His plan of salvation, through the cross. This is the blood covenant sealed by both man and God. 

 

> An agreement between two parties requires a payment of some sort from each party. God sacrificed a part of His creation (animals) throughout the entire Old Testament. Man and woman were also paying a price through circumcision and child birth (including a woman's menses, which makes birth possible); a blood covenant entered into by both parties. 

 

> Both man and woman needed to be included in the covenant agreement because each was created separately and each had sinned apart from the other. Genesis 2 and 3

 

> This may be why Abel understood the need for animal sacrifice, which was accepted over his brother's offering of crops; sweat of man's brow, his own effort (indicative of pride).

The practice of animal sacrifice continued throughout the Old Testament as did the blood sacrifices of man and woman.

 

 

 

> When Christ was born, human blood was spilled to bring Him into this world as a physical man and animal sacrifices continued in the temple. This began the second covenant for our eternal life. Christ paid the price 33 years later - adding His spiritual signature, in blood, to the bottom line of the covenant. 

 

> The blood of Christ was not human; His blood was completely divine - holy. The mother does not pass blood type to a fetus.  Animals cannot provide the pure blood required to pay for human sin. 

 

> Man continues to sin and so continues his/her part of the blood covenant through birth and circumcision. (Circumcision today is used as an aid to cleanliness. Although science proves this, we are loosing sight of the original purpose. God is using science to continue man's part of the covenant agreement. Ain't He clever?)

 

> So . . the First Covenant was with Adam. It was renewed with Abraham for the Hebrew Peoples. The Second Covenant was between Christ and all peoples who will believe in Him.

 

- Isn't this beautiful? God wants all to be saved to live forever. So well planned from the beginning of creation.

* Praise God for His all-encompassing love !

 

 

A Small Family Unit

> The barrel chested father of my mother was a great mentor.

He taught me how to cook, "cypher" and run a chalk line. He spent many years as a professional painter and took pride in his work, often pointing out public buildings that he worked on. "Hold your head up and stick your chest out. You are as good as anyone else" was a constant part of his stern teachings; I adored him. He has been a huge influence on me. This man was undeniable evidence of God in my life.

 

 

 

As far back as I can remember (age 4 or 5), I talked to God. Before Mother sent me to Sunday school, I talked to God. Memories are clear of looking up at stars and talking to Him. I have no recollection of why other than it must have come from my mother. There have been times in my life when I felt lonely but never have I felt alone; there is a constant presence.

 

I often wonder if it wasn't because I was first born. The Bible defines special blessings for first born children. God says, "The first born of every womb is mine", "they belong to me". Parents are to dedicate their children to God (for His particular care throughout their lives) with special emphasis on first born. It's like offering the first of the flock for sacrifice, or tithe. With all God provides for us, this is all He asks - a small part. Jesus was "first born among many" and the supreme sacrifice. Samuel's mother, Hannah, gave her first born to become one of the greatest prophets to anoint the first God ordained king of Israel, David. I believe God has special work for "His" first born. I am not talking about favoritism, just singled out with a special purpose. Just a thought.

 

My brother, Jerry, was only eighteen months younger and we were as close as twins. I am ashamed to admit we left my poor sister, Karen, five years my junior, on her own other than torment from us. She did rebel with jealousy and "tattling" on our mischief. It is a wonder she survived the two of us or that she even grew up liking us. This serves as a testimony to her beautiful nature.

 

 

We were not to wander beyond our own yard after school unless on an errand to the corner grocery, so we became a tight family unit. Gradually, Mother distanced herself from her siblings - all but her favorite brother, who lived next door with his wife and six children. There were frequent visits from a sister who would come to cry on Mother's shoulder about her abusive husband. Early on, I do remember Thanksgiving and Christmas at our house with meals conducted in shifts so everyone got fed. There were lots of cousins, food, conversation and football games on the television. This stopped when it became too much for a single working mom to provide.

An Ordinary Childhood

Rays of sun burst upon the horizon to proclaim a new spring day.

> Lying on my bed, in the flutter of a blanket used for a curtain, the wind enters borne on the breeze of a new spring day, bringing with it the promise of warmer than seasonal weather. So much joy can be found in the small corners of life, if we just seize the opportunity to stop there. The day calls; with it, the promise of life in all it's activity.

 

> God entered my life as an infant when Mother dedicated her first born in a church when still wearing booties knitted by my father's mother. Soon as I could talk, she taught me "Now I Lay Me Down To Sleep". Mother made sure I had party dresses to wear and put me on the Sunday school bus every week, because my little legs could not reach the expanse between steps. She never went with me and only sent my brother and sister when they were older. She insisted they experience it once to see if they liked it.  When they were older, they did attend a couple times. They found no attraction to return to Sunday school.

 

> I accepted the teachings and existence of God in a matter-of-fact way. Talking to God became a common activity for me at an early age. I can remember some of the childlike conversations after wishing upon the first star of the night in the northern sky.

 

 

> There was nothing particularly special about myself or my childhood. I didn't think about it one way or another. Just a child growing up like all others, learning to talk, tie my shoes and cut new teeth. There was the common awareness of my small world and the sense of everything existing around me. The major difference from kids I went to school with was the single parent household and less income after my father left. In 1955, the single parent home was still uncommon. I was eight years old when "Daddy" left his wife and three children for a teenage girl.

 

> Before he left, we had a nice two-bedroom house in a suburb - a new concept back then. We played with neighborhood kids and attended a new brick schoolhouse. We caught pollywogs from a local pond, played "dress up" with our mother's clothes, and hide and seek with our friends. My memory still plays images of them across the broad screen of my mind.

"Children see magic because they look for it." - Christopher Moore

Prince

 Regarding Ez. 44:3 & 46:12

The word "prince", a future High Priest serving in the earthly temple forever, who comes by way of the gate and leaves the same way.

> Melchizedek did not make sacrifices. Heb. 7:27 tells us he was a Levitical priest.

> The main purpose of the priest was to conduct sacrifices in the temple, under the law.

> Under the New Covenant, Christ is our physical sacrifice; so we no longer need a physical sacrifice. Christ sacrificed "once for all".

> The reason for a temple in the O.T. was for sacrifices. There will not be a physical temple in the New Jerusalem.

- Rev. 21:22 speaks of a SPIRITUAL temple

- Eph. 2:20 peaks of a spiritual temple

- Jn. 2:19 - 21 speaks of a spiritual temple

- I Cor. 16:19 speaks of a spiritual temple

- Heb. 8:4, 5 - 13 relates superior spiritual temple

> In Heb. 8:1 - 13, Pal teaches the New Covenant with greater promises, a superior High Priest and our spiritual sacrifice governed by the git of a loving heart to be obedient. Our sacrifice is now obedience through love/gratitude/understanding.

 

 

 

* Physical sacrifice was never the point

* It's our obedience that is considered our spiritual sacrifice.

- Micah 6:6 - 8

- I Sam. 15:22

> "Prince" = Civic authorities of the new community of Israel

> Ez. 45:8 & 9 = The coming prince is contrasted with Israel's previous rulers who oppressed their subjects (under law), absent of a shepherd or king which would have been attached to the title "prince".

> In Hebrew the word "sacrifice" is "Ha-Nosi".

> If you break down the Hebrew letters into their pictorial meanings you get a translation of the word "sacrifice": PAY ATTENTION to your LIFE; GOD works a MIGHTY DEED from the BEGINNING. (The meaning is the same in Aramaic)

Second Book Begins Here

 HERE IT IS

> When I penned my book, "Evidence of God", it was meant to be followed by another. With the tragic onset of COVID, all plans for book signings, speaking engagements and publication was thwarted - even after Zondervan showed interest in publishing.

> "Evidence of God" was of a personal nature but I mean to follow that with an in depth writing of a book titled "From the Beginning" which has nothing to do with my life, finding my personal Jesus or finding my children after 50 years of separation.

> I am now prompted to do something with my writings and notes for this second book. 

> I am going to publish it right here - in parts. Whether I complete the entire volume or not, what I do have will be here for anyone to read who is interested in hermaneutics and/or apologetics in every day English, via Hebrew/Messianic interpretations.

> Hopefully, this will spur me to continue my research and actually complete this in-depth study.

> "In The Beginning" begins here.

> Dedication To Mary: My roll model. You are everything that I aspire to be. I love you, then, now and always

 

Book 2, "From The Beginning" 

Song of Songs

 Song of Songs/Song of Solomon:

> This is a love letter between Jesus and His bride to be, the Church 

 

 

> 1:1 - 4, Love wants intimacy. Jesus wants a personal relationship with each believer.

> 1:7, This is the Good Shepherd tending His flock.

> 2:2, Jesus sees His church as believers among sinners/sheep among wolves

> 2:3b, His blessings

> 2:11 & 12, See Rev. 22:1-3

> 4:2, He sees His followers as pure, bright and perfect

> 4:3 line 3, He sees your thoughts as pure thru the blood.

> 4:3 line 4, Fruit of blessing; seeds of pure thought; God sees our thoughts as pure.

> 4:4 line 1, The neck refers to your will (the neck turns to right or left, good or evil)

> 4:4 line 2, Our will is submitted to the Lord

> 4:7, How God sees the church through the blood of His Son

> 4:16, Refers to God's people, believers in Christ.

> 5:1, Jesus saying He is among His followers and enjoys being with us.

> 5:2 Lines 4 thru 6, This is Jesus calling in desperation.

> 5:3, The church hesitates to answer His call.

> 5:6, States the chance of missing out on our calling to follow.

> 5:8, This is the right answer. Fall in love with your Savior.

> 5:10, The ruddy complexion references the blood running down His body.

> 5:11, Referencing His head as gold is referencing His mind as pure.

> 6:1, Because of the testimony of the church, others seek after Jesus.

> 6:2, This is Jesus on earth (the church) seeking after those who will follow.

> 6:11, He is on earth to add to the body of His bride, the church.

> 6:13, Last minute followers desperate for Jesus.

> 8:5, The wilderness is the world, "Who" is the church, Beloved is Jesus.

* Far fetched? I think not. Read through this short, beautiful and poetic book with new insight.

Death of The Messiah

"Death of the Messiah"

(Second part of Friday's message)

Roman soldiers divided His clothes among them and cast lots for His under garment. His clothes must have been very nice for the Roman soldiers to want them and argue about His gown that was woven from one thread, Mt. 27:35, Mk. 15:24, Lk. 23:34. My point is, Jesus did not go around in rags or sack cloth as He is often portrayed.

* The time frame is very revealing: 

 

> His trial began early morning, He was nailed to the cross at 9:00 am and died at 3:00 pm. He hung for six hours; the seventh, He entered His rest - just like the seventh day of the week. Six hours of bleeding, sweating and joints being pulled apart.

 

> From noon to three, there was an eclipse, Mk. 15:25 & 34. Ancient Chinese history recorded this event; it happened just as written. When Jesus was born, the angels turned the night sky to day with their glowing light. When He died, day was turned to night by the hand of God. 

 

> Just after He gave His spirit back to the Father, there came an earth quake, Mt. 27:51. God’s hand tore the temple curtain (a large, tall, heavy drape) from the top to the bottom to open up the one place He occupied once each year so that we might now have direct access to the Father at all times, Mk. 15:38. We no longer need a priest to speak to God for us. We can speak to God directly, anytime, anywhere. Only Jesus can now serve as high priest in the heavenly temple and plead our petitions to the Father; only He has experienced physical life.

 

> Jesus died at 3:00 pm; the same time that the last sacrifice of the day was made in the temple. It was finished in the temple the moment He said, “It is finished”. The pure human sacrifice had been made. (Blood is created by a fetus, in the womb, from it's bone marrow; it has nothing to do with the babe's mother. Jesus blood was pure - His own divine blood, capable to atone for us.)

> A converted centurion is mentioned, Mt. 27:54, Mk. 15:39. His name was Manlius (Lat: “Morning”; a new beginning.) 

 

 

> There can be no dispute that Jesus was dead when taken from the cross. It is clear, by medical standards, that the sac of fluid around His heart ruptured, Jn. 19:34. Lambs were sacrificed; Jesus was young when He died so that we could live forever. His body was prepared and laid in the tomb before sunset. The next day was a Sabbath on which no work is done. Within 24 hours (from Last Supper to burial) God’s plan of salvation, devised before time began, was fulfilled and the enemy was thwarted - all according to His will. Every prophesied detail had been done. Magnificent!

 

 

> The sign on the cross was in three languages, Aramaic (a slang version of Hebrew), Greek and Latin. In the Aramaic, it read, “Jesus Nazareth King Jews” - four words. (The language had no vowels or used any articles.) If you take the first letter of each word, it would spell “YHWH”. **Reading Aramaic (the top line), right to left, compare to the Hebrew name, in the second image. Any Hebrew who could read, who saw this knew what it said. All the educated priests and Sanhedrin officials knew this name - the name of God in the burning bush, "I Am". They became livid. The sign on the cross, over Jesus read “Yahweh” (I Am, I Was, I Am Coming). This is why they demanded Pilot change the sign. He refused.

It is finished.

Revelation John's Vision

REVELATION 1:9 - 20

(Fourth in a series)

 

> This vision of John's takes place on the Jewish Sabbath (Shabot), which is Friday from sundown to Saturday sundown. John explains he was "in the Spirit" which is to say a state of meditation or study.

> Patmos in Greek means, "Stepped On".

> The Greek New Testament (Septuegent) states he was to write down the vision he is about to be shown in a book, which then would have been a scroll. This is to be sent to the seven churches listed in chapters two and three as a warning.

> Jesus fulfills the roles of prophet, priest and king. In His life, He is a prophet; in heaven He is our High Priest and future king (the "Is, Was and Is Coming).

> Lampstands are menorahs with the seven lamps. The menorah references Jesus and the first seven words of Gen. 1:1 which translate from Hebrew "In - beginning - God - Jesus - created - heavens - earth" and reference the "Berisheet Prophecy", which connects the seven days of creation as a foretelling of the six millenium of man and the second coming (seventh) of Christ. Seven is the number of completion.

> V. 13 shows Jesus as a priest in a robe and sash. His white hair defines maturity, wisdom and authority. Bronze references judgement.

> V. 14 references Daniel 7:9 & 10.

> The right hand is mentioned in verse 16 which refers to protection and authority. The stars reference pastors. Just as stars can reference angels, the angels of the seven churches also reference the pastors. The double edged sword is the word of God. 

 

> V. 17 shows us the awe of John in the presence of such a powerful being. Throughout the Bible, worship is a common reaction to His glory. The right hand of Jesus placed on John's head is mindful of the patriarchs of the Old Testament giving blessings to their first born sons. John is of Jesus right hand of favor.

> I like the way the Greek reads for verse eighteen: "And the Ever-living One - I am, living in the eternity of the eternities. I died, but see, I am alive for evermore; and I possess the keys of Death and Hades." Here, again, is reference to the I Am, I Was, I Am Coming, definition of Jesus.

> In verse 20, Jesus explains the stars as the angels of the seven churches and the lampstands as the churches holding the knowledge of the mystery of Gen. 1:1.

> In Greek, verse twenty reads, "As to the hidden meaning the mystery of the seven stars which you saw on My right hand and the seven lampstands of gold, the seven stars are the seven angels messengers of the seven churches assemblies and the seven lampstands are the seven churches." If seven is the number of completion, the seven churches most likely represent the ages of the Christian church through history. 

 

* To be continued . . . . .

 

Truth

Resurrection

Gethsemane

Last Supper

Crown of Thorns

Arrest in Gethsemane

Gethsemane translates from Aramaic Hebrew as “Oil Press”. It can be found at the foot of the Mt. Of Olives in Jerusalem, across the Kidron Valley. The name comes from two Hebrew words, “gat” (to press) and “sh’manim” (to grow fat). This last word is referencing the fat of riches or blessings. This garden was/is the press that makes rich with blessings. Interesting that Jesus prayed here frequently.

He prayed in a garden where His blood fell to the ground and cleansed it of the curse bestowed in Genesis 3:17.

He made three prayers in the garden; sometimes referred to as “Prayers of Agony”. He prayed to succeed and be glorified. He prayed for His disciples and He prayed for all believers - you and me. John goes into great detail to relate these prayers to us. John and Peter had been asked to stay nearest in the garden and Peter fell asleep. John overheard Jesus. 

In all His praying, He refers to His Father as “Abba”, in original text. This is a term of endearment from the Hebrew language which is best translated, “Daddy”. The Father is our “Daddy” God.

When Jesus prayed, He sweat blood and ask He be spared. Some have interpreted that He was dreading the lashing at the whipping post and the crucifixion itself. No so much as the sin of men. This perfect, holy being was dreading taking on the sins of the world. Luke 22:43 mentions an Angel encouraging Him. For a few hours on the cross, the holy was to become profane. 

Judas approached him with the greeting, “Shalom Rabbi” (“Peace, Teacher”) and gave Him a kiss, Mt. 26:49, Mk. 14:44 and Lk. 22:48, where Jesus confronts Judas about the kiss. What a beautiful greeting for an ugly deed.
In Hebrew, “kiss” has deep meaning that does not relate to man-woman relations. To kiss is to strengthen by making a close connection, more emotional or spiritual than physical. The word can also mean to arm for battle with weapons that will touch. Judas was not seeking to either strengthen or arm Jesus; just the opposite - weaken and disarm; he was lying through his actions.
We learn from our Gospels there was a large number of soldiers. John’s account tells us a detachment of soldiers came, with Judas, to arrest Jesus, Jn. 18:3 & 12. A detachment was also referred to as a “cohort” which was anywhere from 480 - 600 soldiers; minimum. There was a Centurion required for every 100 men. In addition, there were the temple officials in tow. We are talking about a lot of armed, trained for battle, Roman soldiers (the greatest army in the world at that time), Mt. 26:47, Mk. 14:43 and Jn. 18:3 - 5. Why so many? What had they been told? What were they led to expect? What were they afraid of?
Go to John 18 where the arrest of Jesus is recorded; the meat of my writing. Verse four tells us that Jesus approached the crowd and asked who they were looking for. They replied, “Jesus of Nazareth” (Heb: “Jeshua a Nazaree”). His reply was “I Am” (in original text, “he” is omitted from the answer), Ex. 3:13 & 14. This two word reply is reference to the name “Yahweh” which translates, “I Am, I Was, I Am Coming”. Jesus spoke His heavenly name and look what happened in verse six: this entire detachment of armed Roman soldiers, Centurions and temple officials fell to the ground at the mention of His name, Phil. 2:10. 

Note: Verse eight of John eighteen gives us a glimpse into the attitude of Jesus. He had faced them to ask who they wanted. Now he replied “I told you . . “. He made a stand. I see no fear in our Savior.

Praise God; thank you, Jesus

The Logos

Last Supper

It was the time of Passover when the Last Supper was held, Mt. 26:17, Mk. 14:12, Lk. 22:7. After the ceremonies, Jesus went to the garden of Gethsemane and was arrested. He had his trial in the morning, was beaten and crucified all on the day of Passover, from evening (around 6:00 pm) to death at 3:00 pm.

Passover (Heb: “Pesach”), has a meal the evening before. In Jewish culture, a day begins at sundown the eve before. Traditionally, bitter herbs, washings, wine and matzah are used. Passover is also called The Festival of Matzah. (Matzah is a large unleavened cracker.) Washing hands and feet represent the need to be cleansed before approaching Holy God. 

A rabbi’s follower would consider it an honor to have his rabbi request the use of his home for him and his students to observe Passover service, Mt. 26:18.

In Matthew 26:20, we see they were reclining at the table. This is to show appreciation for the freedom from slavery in Egypt brought through the sacrificial lamb of Passover. We know this is an important element because it is listed in the first three books of the Gospels. Jesus, represented by the lamb’s blood over the wooden door posts on the first Passover is the perfect lamb sacrifice on the wooden cross for our sins today.

Matthew 26:23 refers to a bowl. It may have contained the paste called “maror” (Heb: bitter herb), made from horseradish or bitter lettuce. Judas and Jesus shared in this bowl of bitter herbs; both were about to face a bitter end.
Note: Judas always referred to Jesus as “teacher” while all the other apostles called him, “Lord”. Judas was a thief, Jn. 12:6 and an outsider, from Kiriot, easy prey for Satan. Note: In O.T. Kiriot was a town in Moab; in the N.T, it was a town on the southern boarder of Judah. 

Leavening, in the Bible, references sin. To eat unleavened bread during Passover week is to be a reminder of how we are to put sin out of our lives. The word bread has been translated to English Bibles in place of the original text, matzah. Matzah is made with piercings (Jesus was pierced in His side) and striped with slashes (Jesus was lashed with a whip). Bread itself is a reference to the flesh of Jesus that was stripped at the whipping post, where He took our infirmities upon Himself, Isa. 53:4-5, 1Cor. 11:29-30.

The wine represents the blood He shed from the Garden of Gethsemane all the way to the cross. Pure blood (not tainted by His human parents) that is holy enough to cover all of man’s sins from the beginning of time until His return.

Both bread and wine come from elements (wheat and grapes) that have to be crushed in order to be used just as we must be crushed into humility, through the trials of life, before God can use us.

The foot washing is addressed in all four gospels. Jesus told Peter, “Unless I wash you, you have no part with me.” This makes a subtle reference to baptism as public confession and cleansing. Another aspect of foot washing, that makes it difficult for so many people, is the humbling effect. Pride has always been an issue with God and in the life of Jesus. God can use a repentant sinner but not a proud person.

They finished with a hymn (Heb: the Hallel) of praise, Mt. 26:30. We were created to praise God. The meaning of our life is not fulfilled until we learn what a blessing it is to praise God.

Crown of Thorns

Exodus 12 speaks of Passover. Among Jewish peoples Passover is considered the New Year for Kings. This is when kings were crowned.

In 1Kings 6:1 we learn Solomon began to build the Temple in the second month, Ziv, of his reign of four years. We can calculate that Solomon was crowned in the first month of the Hebrew calendar, Nisan.  Nisan is the month of Passover, the month of Redemption, the month of Salvation, the month of the Crucifixion and the month of the crowning of the Kings of Israel. 

Jesus came by the words of John the Baptist (the prophesied Ezekiel) who alerted people about the PRESENCE of the Kingdom of Heaven. Jesus was not publicly crowned, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is AT HAND!”, Mt. 3:2.
Jesus came to prove His right to His thrown on this earth by sacrificing Himself for His bride, the church (all believing Jews and Gentiles). He will return to claim both, soon.  Coming to prove Himself for His kingdom as the God-man, He would not leave unless crowned as King.  Therefore, He was crowned!

Judges 8:26 tells us that the kings of Midian wore purple robes; a royal color. AND, the color of cloth God instructed to cover the altar in the ‘Holy of Holies’, in the Tent of Meeting was to be purple, Nu. 4:13. The crucifixion was where God received the most important offering ever sacrificed.

The ignorant Roman soldiers did not understand their crowning was a REAL crowning, performed according to the ancient traditions of Israel.  They crowned Jesus on the day of the day of the crowning of Kings of Israel, with crown and purple robe.  God used these ignorant Roman soldiers to crown Jesus, the King Messiah - at the exact time appointed by Him for this purpose.

 
Note: The curse of the earth, “ cursed is the ground for your sake; . . . Thorns also and thistles shall it bring forth to you . . ,” Gen. 3:17 & 18.  The thorns in Jesus crown also removed the curse from off the earth.

Never doubt God is in control for the best possible outcome of any situation. Praise God and thank you, Jesus.

Fiery Furnace

Today, let's look at Daniel 3:16 - 18
We find "some astrologers" coming to the king of Babylon, Nebuchadnezzar, to denounce the Jews.  In all likely-hood, because they were not able to get these teenagers to do as they were told.  After all, these Jews were servants in the king's house and were not complying to the rules.  They were refusing to worship the idol set up by the king.  These "tattletails" were crying to the king like a child who could not make a baby brother do what they told him.

I want to interject some interesting notes:  These were Jewish teenagers, from the tribe of Judah, being faithful to the God that brought their ancestors out of Egypt, the land of stressful slavery.  Their Hebrew names were Hananiah (meaning: God Has Been Gracious), renamed Shadrach, meaning Command of Aku (Babylonian god of the moon).   Mishael (meaning: Who Is Like Unto God), renamed Meshach, meaning Who Is What Aku Is.  And Azariah (meaning: Helped Of God) renamed Abednego, meaning Servant of Nebo (Babylonian god of wisdom).   Further, these young men were from royal families of nobility among the Jews noted to be highly educated with aptitude and intellect.  Beautiful Hebrew names changed to names of idols.  What a terrible change of names for them.  From their view point probably very demeaning.  I think I would be a bit angry over the name change.

Moving on, verse 16 gives us the reply of these three young men.  In front of the mighty king who held their lives in his hands, they refuse to defend themselves.  What beautiful pride in their faith.  They tell the king their god is mighty enough to save them from fire and this king and furthermore, if their God does not save them from certain death, they refuse to serve or worship false gods or the image the king set up.  WOW !!!  They lived in the palace, clothed in finery and had food available to them from the king's kitchen.  Young men ready to die for devotion to God.

Do you know a teenager today who would stand like this in front of  Napoleon, Hitler, Stalin or Hussein?  No wonder God chose to save them from the burning furnace.  They did not even smell of smoke.  The king praised God and gave a command to anyone who spoke against the God they worshiped.  He even promoted them.  What an amazing testimony from God.  What would you do in such a situation?

There is a message in verse 3:26 & 27 which talks about the king calling them out of the fire and noting their clothes were not even singed by the fire that had burned others who even approached it.  God calls us to come out of death; come out of your fire - your trial.  Come out of a world that is often times anti God.  Come out of a past of death unto life with Him.  Life more abundant today and life eternal tomorrow.  This is our God.
Amen