Judas sold Jesus for thirty pieces of silver, which was the going rate for a slave. Money had become the most important thing in his life. What made matters worse is that Judas was blind to his own weakness. In fact, whenever Judas did some meager service he would pay himself out of the group’s meager funds. (more…)
In the upper room Jesus told Peter that he would deny him three times before the rooster crowed twice. Upon hearing this, Peter was deeply offended and he assured Jesus that he would die for him if necessary and that he would never deny him. (more…)
Caiaphas the high priest looked at Jesus and asked, “Tell us, are you the Christ, the son of the living God?” Up until then, Jesus had remained silent during the false accusations against him; however, this was a question he had to respond to. He knew that by answering this question, his death would be imminent. To this, Jesus responded, “Yes”. And with this definitive answer, Jesus plainly declared his character and mission. (more…)
At the trial, Jesus found himself surrounded by people he had created who were now under Satan’s control. Jesus had just responded to the high priests question, which left the high priest speechless. Upon seeing this, one of his officers filled with rage struck Jesus in the face. After being struck, Jesus calmly responded by saying, “If I have spoken evil, bear witness of the evil: but if well, why smitest thou Me?” (more…)
I just reread Jesus’ experience in the garden of Gethsemane shortly before his arrest. We are told that he carried the crushing weight of all our sins and that he actually sweated blood. At the same time his disciples were overcome by sleep leaving Jesus to go through this experience alone. (more…)
This morning I woke up a little more groggy than usual. I had a slight headache and I felt blue. As a result, I turned to God’s word and read His promises, which filled me with an indescribable comfort and peace. It was amazing! In truth, each time we read God’s work, it’s like eating his flesh and drinking his blood. By doing this, our connection to him (the vine) is strengthened. We must keep in constant communication with Jesus in order to stay filled with the Holy Spirit, which will enable us to overcome all evil. We can talk to Jesus in prayer and he will speak back to us as we read the Bible. Try this and then feel and enjoy the power of his love as it flows throughout your entire body. (more…)
Jesus has given us the opportunity to accept an incredible gift. Yes, eternal life is pretty good; however, right now I’m talking about the Holy Spirit. When Jesus was on this earth he could only be in one place. Upon returning to heaven, he promised all his followers that the Holy Spirit would come down and be with them everywhere all the time. (more…)
Satan has his greatest success with those who are depressed with difficulties. During these times, Jesus encourages us to focus on eternal things. This is why he said, “Don’t let your heart be troubled…In My Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there you may be also.” (more…)
Communion is a time to contemplate Christ’s great sacrifice. Each time we celebrate communion, our soul will receive spiritual strength. The service will actually help us form a special connection to God as we reflect on his great sacrifice. (more…)
Christ’s entire life was an example of unselfish service. He was now approaching the end of his ministry and his heart was full of sadness. Jesus and the disciples sat around the table to celebrate the last Passover supper together. Jesus read the hearts of his disciples as they glanced at each other with jealously. The Disciples continued to hang onto their idea that Jesus would soon claim his throne and that they would all immediately assume high positions within the kingdom. (more…)