The day with dianne Louise

But Peter stood up with the Eleven, raised his voice, and proclaimed to them:  " Men of Judah and all you residents of Jerusalem, let me explain this to you and pay attention to my words. For these people are not drunk as you suppose, since it is only nine in the morning. On the contrary, this is what was spoken through the prophet Joel: 'And it will come to pass in the last days, says God, that I will pour out My Spirit on all humanity; then your sons and daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions, and your old men will dream dreams. I will even pour out My Spirit on My male and female slaves in those days, and they will prophesy. I will display wonders in the heavens above and signs on the earth below, blood and fire and a cloud of smoke. The sun will be turned to darkness and the moon to blood before the great and remarkable Day of the Lord comes. Then everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.' Acts 2:14-21 Peter refers to the scripture Joe...

The were Jews living in Jerusalem, devout men from every nation under heaven. When this sound occurred, a crowd came together, and was confused because each one heard them speaking his own language. And they were astonished and amazed saying, "Look, Aren't all these who are speaking Galileans? How is it that each of us can hear in our own native language? Parthians, Medes, Elamites, those who live is Mespotamia, in Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia. Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya near Cyrene: visitors from Rome, both Jews and proselytes, Cretans and Arabs- we hear them speaking the magnificent acts of God in our own languages." They were all astounded and perplexed, saying to one another, "What could this be?" But some sneered and said, "They're full of wine!" Acts 2:5-13 Isn't God good? He brings the devout together and preaches to them in His own magnificent way. As a devout person they would have been seeking the tru...

When the day of Pentecost had arrived, they were all together in one place. Suddenly a sound like that of a violent rushing wind came from heaven, and it filled the whole house where they were staying. And tongues, like flames of fire that were divided, appeared to them and rested on each one of them. Then they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in different languages, as the Spirit gave them the ability for speech. Acts 2:1-4 I have been in he place of waiting for a while now. I want an outpouring of the Holy Spirit in my city, I want the manifestation of the Holy Spirit in my world, I want salvation so like I know He can perform and miracles of healing and deliverance. I wait and it hurts to wait, underpowered and seemingly ineffective. When I have experienced the move of God twice in my life so far, I want more. Performance does not cut it for me, outpouring is what I seek. As I wait in the quiet time marches on. Today I said goodbye to my old dog Chelsie. To me...

During these days Peter stood up among the brothers- the number of people who were together was about 120- and said: "Brothers, the Scripture has been fulfilled that the Holy Spirit through the mouth of David spoke in advance of Judas, who became a guide to those who arrested Jesus. For he was one of our number and was allotted a share in this ministry. Now this man acquired a field with his unrighteousness wages. He fell headfirst and burst open in the middle, and all his insides spilled out. This became known to the residents of Jerusalem, so that in their own language that filed is called Hakeldama (field of blood). For it is written in the Book of Psalms: 'Let his dwelling become desolate; let no one live in it; and let someone else take his position.' Therefore, from among the men who have accompanied us during the whole time the Lord Jesus went in and out among us- beginning from the baptism of John until the day He was taken from us- from among these, it is necessar...

Then they returned to Jerusalem from the mount called the amount of Olives, which is near Jerusalem- Sabbath's day journey away. When they arrived, they went to the rooms upstairs where they were staying: Peter, John, James, Andrew, Philip, Thomas, Bartholomew, Matthew, James the son of Alphaeus, Simon the Zealot, and Judas the son of James. All these were continually united in prayer, along with the women, including Mary the mother of Jesus, and His brothers. Acts 1:12-14 As I read the last verse my insides went "ah! Here at last!" I am referring to Jesus' family. How satisfying it would be to know they were finally of one accord with Him. Many of us know what it like to have family members shun us, avoid us, disagree with us and oppose us. Not every story is a good one. Jesus actually told His disciples that some who disown them will think they are doing right. I find it interesting that Luke tells Theophilus, the man he is writing to, about a 'Sabath day's ...

I wrote the first narrative, Theophilus, about all that Jesus began to do and teach until the day He was taken up, after He had given orders through the Holy Spirit to the apostles He had chosen. After He had suffered, He also presented Himself alive to them by many convincing proofs, appearing to them during 40 days and speaking about the kingdom of God. While He was together with them, He commanded them not to leave Jerusalem, but to wait for the Father's promise. "This," He said, "is what you heard from Me; for John baptised you with water, but you will be baptised with the Holy Spirit not many days from now." So when they had come together, they asked Him, "Lord, are You restoring the kingdom to Israel at this time?" He said to them, "It is not for you to know times or periods that the Father has set by His own authority. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come on you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea an...

Then He led them out as far as Bethany, and lifting up His hands He blessed them, He left them and was carried up to heaven. After worshipping Him, they returned to Jerusalem with great joy. And they were continually in the temple complex praising God. Luke 24:50-53 This, almost, feels like an anticlimax. The intensity of the time leading up to the crucifixion, the time around the death of Christ and the dark days after. Suddenly all was well, Jesus had gone and the disciples were happy to move on. Luke is very much highlighting and moving on, as if racing to the next, most powerful event. When you read a novel, at the end of each chapter there is an indication of more to come. Yet with the book of Luke, you could, almost, stop at the end, but if you did you would miss the explosion of the new church. I am glad I know the Book of Acts is his next work. John gives the most information.   When we piece it all together this period of time is not so rushed. Jesus lingers cementing rela...

He said to them, "Peace be with you!" But they were startled and terrified and thought they were seeing a ghost. "Why are you troubled?" He asked them. Why do doubts arise in your hearts? Look at My hands and My feet, that it is I Myself!" Touch Me and see, because a ghost does not have flesh and bones as you can see I have." Having said this, He showed them His hands and feet. But while they were still amazed and unbelieving because of their joy, He asked them, "Do you have anything here to eat?" So they gave Him a piece of a broiled fish, and He took it and ate it in their presence. Then He spoke to them, "These are My words that I spoke to you while I as still with you- that everything written about Me in the Law of Moses, the Prophets, and the Psalms might be fulfilled." Then He opened their minds to understand the Scriptures. He also said to them, "This is what is written; "The Messiah would suffer and rise from the dead ...

Now that same day two of them were on their way to a village called Emmaus, which was about seven miles from Jerusalem. Together they were discussing everything that had taken place. And while they were discussing and arguing, Jesus Himself came near and began to walk along with them. But they were prevented from recognising Him. Then He ask d them, "What is this dispute you are having with each other as you are walking?" And they stopped walking and looked discouraged. The one named Cleopas answered Him, "Are You the only visitor to Jerusalem who doesn't know the things that happened there in these days?" "What things?" He asked them. So the said to Him, "These things concerning Jesus the Nazarene, who was a prophet powerful in action and speech before God and all the people, and how our chief priests and leaders handed Him over to be sentenced to death, and they crucified Him. But we were hoping that He was the One who was about to redeem Israel...

On the first day of the week, very early in the morning, they came to the tomb, bringing spices they had prepared. They found the stone rolled away from the tomb. They went in but did not find the body of the Lord Jesus. While they were perplexed about this, suddenly two men stood by them in dazzling clothes. So the women were terrified and bowed down to the ground. "Why are you looking for the living among the dead? Asked the men, "He is not here, but has been resurrected!" Remember how He spoke to you when He was still in Galilee saying, "The Son of Man must be betrayed into the hands of sinful men, be crucified, and rise on the third day?" And they remembered His words. Returning from the tomb, they reported all these things to the Eleven and to all the rest. Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Mary the mother of James, and all the other women with them were telling the apostles these things. But these words seemed like nonsense to them, and they did not believe the wom...

From then on Jesus began to point out to His disciples that He must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things from the elders, chief priests and scribes, be killed, and be raised on the third day. Matthew 16:21 Peter had just told Jesus that He was the Messiah, in response to Jesus asking them, "Who do you think I am?" Even though Jesus had told the disciples He would suffer, die and be buried and be raised on the third day, they did not get it. The chief priests remembered that Jesus had said this, I wonder who told them, did Judas? Was there another betrayer? The chief priests had gone to Pilate asking for security at the tomb because they did not want the disciples to steal His body. We are now in the Sabbath and it is quiet, deathly quiet, here on earth that is. Jesus was busy preaching to those in Paradise and leading them home to heaven. There was a celebration going on in heaven, the Son was welcomed home, the Angels were having a party, the noise would have been deafenin...

The next day, which followed the preparation day, the chief priests and the Pharisees gathered before Pilate and said, "Sir, we remember that while this deceiver was still alive He said, 'After three days I will rise again.' Therefore give orders that the tomb be made secure until the third day. Otherwise, His disciples may come, steal Him, and tell the people, He has been raised from the dead. Then the deception will be worse than the first." "You have a guard of soldiers," Pilate told them, "Go and make it as secure as you know how." Then they went and made the tomb secure by sealing the stone and setting the guard. Matthew 27:62-66 The tools of darkness are always the same: lie, deceive, cheat, kill, destroy and cover your tracks. Yet, the power of God is always the same, and far greater: allow evil to think it has won, breathe life into that it destroys and defeat the enemy. Constantly evil tries to conqueror but God is over it all and far grea...

When it was evening, a rich man from Arimathea named Joseph came, who himself had become a disciple of Jesus. He approached Pilate and asked for Jesus' body, wrapped it in clean, fine linen, and placed it in his new tomb, which he had cut into the Rock. He left after rolling a great stone against the entrance of the tomb. Mary Magdalene and the other Mary were seated there, facing the tomb. Matthew 27:57-67 Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of Jose were reputed to be at the crucifixion. Matthew places them seated, outside the tomb. It had been a hard, devastating day. Drained and numb with grief, these two women oversaw the settling of Jesus' body into it's resting place. They had plans to come back on Sunday, after the Sabbath, to prepare His body properly for burial. Have you been through a hard draining day, when perhaps through an unexpected accident or a sudden illness, you lose the one you love. The day presents a fire to walk through, it is intense and rips at your ...

After this, Joseph of Arimathea, who was a disciple of Jesus-but secretly because of his fear of the Jews- asked Pilate that he might remove Jesus' body. Pilate gave him permission, so he came and took His body down. Nicodemus (who had previously come to Him at night) also came, bringing a mixture of about 75 pounds of myrrh and aloes. Then they took Jesus' body and wrapped It in linen cloths with the aromatic spices, according to the burial custom of the Jews. There was a garden in the place where He was crucified. A new tomb was in the garden; no one had been placed in it. They placed Jesus there because of the Jewish preparation and since the tomb was nearby. John 19:38-42 Joseph was no longer a secret disciple, he was now opening himself up to ridicule by the Sanhedrin, as was Nicodemus. Both these men believed and both were secret about their faith, but the time had come to reveal the truth. There would be many believers and many would be secret. However, there comes a day...

When it was already evening, because it was preparation day (that is the day before the Sabbath) Joseph of Arimathea, a prominent member of the Sanhedrin who was himself looking forward to the kingdom of God, came and boldly went to Pilate and asked for Jesus' body. Pilate was surprised that He was already dead. Summoning the centurion, he asked him whether He had already died. When he found out from the centurion, he gave the corpse to Joseph. After he bought some linen, he took Him down from the cross and wrapped Him in the linen. Then He placed Him in a tomb cut out of the rock, and rolled a stone against the entrance to the tomb. Now Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of Joses were watching where He was placed. Mark 15:42-47 We know Jesus died at around three in the afternoon. Then Joseph moved into action and visited Pilate. Jesus died a lot quicker than expected. Often those crucified lingered for a few days. Yet Jesus had been flogged severely, He bore an unseen burden, our ...

There was a good and righteous man named Joseph, a member of the Sanhedrin, who had not agreed with their plan and action. He was from Arimathea, a Judean town, and was looking forward to the kingdom of God. He approached Pilate and asked for Jesus' body. Taking it down, he wrapped it in fine linen and placed it in a tomb cut into the Rock, where no one had ever been placed. It was preparation day and the Sabbath was about to begin. The women who had come with Him from Galilee followed along and observed the tomb and how the body was placed. Then they returned home and prepared spices according to the commandment. Luke 23:50-56 Arimathea is not know apart from the gospels account of the place. However, there are a few ideas as to what it might represent. Needless to say, he did not come from Jerusalem, however he may have been in Jerusalem for the Passover celebration. The Sanhedrin were a group of 71 men who judged legal issues relating to the temple. There were local branches as ...

Since it was preparation day, the Jews did not want the bodies to remain on the cross on the Sabbath (for that Sabbath was a special day). They requested that Pilate have the men's legs broken and that their bodies be taken away. So the soldiers came and broke the legs of the first man and of the other man who had been crucified with Him. When they came to Jesus, they did not break His legs since they saw He was already dead. But one of the soldiers pierced His side with a spear, and at once blood and water came out. He who saw this has testified so that you also may believe. His testimony is true, and he knows he is telling the truth. For these things happened so that the Scriptures would be fulfilled: not one of His bones will be broken. Also, another Scripture says: they will look at the One they pierced. John 19:21-37 What an irony! The Jews did not want the bodies to be left on the crosses, because it was the Sabbath. Let's move on in our religion, we have work to do, hang...

"My God, My God, why have you forsaken Me? Why ar emou so far from my deliverance and from the words of My groaning?" "But I am a worm and not a man, scorned and despised by people. Everyone who sees Me mocks Me; they sneer and shake their heads; 'He relies on the Lord; let Him rescue him; let the Lord deliver Him, since He takes pleasure in Him.'" "Do not be far from Me, because distress is near and there is no one to help. Many bulls surround Me; strong ones of Bashen encircle Me, they open their mouths against Me- lions mauling and roaring. I am poured out like water, and all My bones are disjointed; My heart is like wax, melting within Me. My strength is dried up like baked clay; My tongue sticks to the roof of My mouth. You put Me into the dust of death. For dogs have surrounded Me, a gang of evildoers has closed in on Me; they pierce My hands and feet. I can count all My bones; people look at Me, they divide My garments among themselves, they cast...

When the soldiers crucified Jesus, they took His clothes and divided them into four parts, a part for each soldier. They also took the tunic, which was seamless, woven into one piece from the top. So they said to each other, "Let's not tear it, but cast lots for it, to see who gets it." They did this to fulfill the Scripture that says: 'They divided My clothes among themselves, and they cast lots for My clothing.'(Psalm 22:18) Standing by the cross of Jesus were His mother, His mother's sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. When Jesus saw His mother and the disciple He loved standing there, He said to His mother, "Woman, here is your son." Then He said to the disciple, "Here is your mother." And from that hour the disciple took her into his home. After this, when Jesus knew that everything was now accomplished that the scripture might be fulfilled, He said, "I'm thirsty!" A jar full of sour wine was sitting ther...

When it was noon, darkness came over the whole land until three in the afternoon. And at three Jesus cried out with a loud voice, "Eloi, Eloi, lema sabachthani?" Which is translated, "My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?" When some of those standing there heard them, they said, "Look, He's calling for Elijah!" Someone ran and filled a sponge with sour wine, fixed it on a reed, offered Him a drink and said, "Let's see if Elijah comes to take Him down!" But Jesus let out a loud cry and breathed His last. The curtain of the sanctuary was split in two from top to bottom. When the centurion, who was standing opposite Him, saw the way He breathed His last, he said, "This man really was God's Son!" There were also women looking on from a distance. Among them were Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of Joses, and Salome. When He was in Galilee they would follow Him and help Him. Many other women had come up with Him to Jerusalem. M...

From noon until three in the afternoon darkness came over the whole land. About three in the afternoon Jesus cried out with a loud voice, "Eli, Eli Lena sabchthani?" That is, "My God, My God, why have you forsaken Me?" When some of those standing there heard this, they said, "He is calling for Elijah!" Immediately one of them ran and got a sponge, filled with some wine, fixed it on a reed and offered Him a drink. But the rest said, "Let's see if Elijah comes to save Him!" Jesus shouted again with a loud voice and gave up His spirit. Suddenly the curtain of the sanctuary was split in two from top to bottom; the earth quakes and the rocks were split. The tombs were also opened and many bodies of the saints who had fallen asleep were raised. And they came out of the tombs after His resurrection, entered the holy city, and appeared to many.  When the centurion and those with him, who were guarding Jesus, saw the earthquake and the things that had...

Yet the Lord was pleased to crush Him severely. When You make Him a restitution offering, He will see His seed, He will prolong His days, and by His hand, the Lord's pleasure will be accomplished. He will see out of His anguish, and He will be satisfied with His knowledge. 'My righteous Servant will justify many, and He will carry their iniquities. Therefore I will give Him the many as a portion, and He will receive a mighty spoil, because He submitted Himself to death, and was counted among the rebels; yet ahe bore the sins of many and interceded for the rebels.' Isaiah 53:10-12 Oh how lost we would be without this saviour! Our world is a boiling caldron of sinful humanity, rushing from one lust to the next, caught in a world of flesh. Who will deliver us from this mess? I hear voices of those caught in this fleshly mess, devoid of the Spirit, destined to March to the drum of the destroyer. An empty life, desperately needing a breath of life, not knowing whence it comes. Y...

They made His grave with the wicked and with a rich man at His death, although He had done no violence and had not spoken deceitfully. Isaiah 53:9 I had long thought that Jesus was placed in a fresh  tomb, however, it is thought that this verse implies He was buried in a rich man's tomb, who had obtained his wealth by deceit. Perhaps Joseph's forebears had been deceitful, perhaps tax collectors, perhaps they bought their status. Luke says Josephus was a 'good and righteous man,' so I wonder who were the deceitful men? Perhaps it refers to the robbers on the other crosses. Jesus was crucified with criminals and now we know He was buried in a deceitful man's tomb. Perhaps Joseph bought it in a hurry. Joseph was from Arimithea, why would he need a tomb in Jerusalem? God does not show favourites, yet we do. If I have to bury a family member I would probably not been too impressed if say, my mother, had to be buried with the criminals. As it is she has her plot next to m...

He was oppressed and afflicted, yet He did not open His mouth. Like a lamb led to the slaughter and like a sheep silent before her shearers, He did not open His mouth. He was taken away because of oppression and judgement; and who considered His fate? For He was cut off from the land of the living; He was struck because of my people's rebellion. Isaiah 53:7,8 Complaining is something we are good at, yet it was something absent from Jesus. The stark difference lays before us. What would God have us do? Be conformed to the image of His Son. In other words, stop complaining! This can be a challenge, especially when we are severely wounded emotionally, it can be like scalding hot water poured upon our emotions. Yet what could have been more devastating for Jesus? I would say this was the worst. Rejected by the people He came to save, especially His own brothers and sisters, the church rejected Him, one of His closest rejected and betrayed Him and finally His Father turned His face from...

Yet He Himself bore our sicknesses, and He carried our pains; but we in turn regarded Him as stricken, struck down by God, and afflicted. But He was pierced because of our transgressions, crushed because of our iniquities; punishment for our peace was upon Him, and we are healed by His wounds. We all went astray like sheep; we have all turned to our own way; and the Lord has punished Him for the iniquity of us all. Isaiah 53:4-6 Jesus bore our iniquities; Him who knew no sin became sin for us. The sinless Christ experienced the cruching agony of all our iniquities, what a load! The price of us obtaining peace was His punishment. We cannot obtain true, everlasting peace through our own efforts. A change of circumstances might bring temporary relief, but everlasting peace comes through forgiveness and cleansing of all sin. The effect of sin is sickness. We live in a world full of sin and sickness feeds on this sin. Smith Wigglesworth said, in his day, that sin opens the door to sickness....

Who has believed what we have heard? And who has the arm of the Lord been revealed to? He grew up before Him like a young plant and like a root out of dry ground. He didn't have an impressive form of majesty that we should look at Him, no appearance that we should desire Him.  He was despised and rejected by men, a man of suffering who knew what sickness was. He was like someone people turned away from; He was despised and we didn't value Him. Isaiah 53:1-3 When we value a person, it usually because something in them appeals to us. Be it their manner, laughter and fun, integrity or they are good to be around. The people who really got to know Jesus were the disciples and closer still the apostles, yet one of the twelve betrayed Him. He did not value Jesus for the right reason, he valued Him for what he could get. The people Jesus taught enjoyed listening to Him, but how many saw the true value in the teachings? The people Jesus healed valued what He did for them, but of the ten...

It was now about noon, and darkness came over the whole land until three, because the sun's light had failed. The curtain of the sanctuary was split down the middle. And Jesus called out with a loud voice, "Father, into your hands I entrust My spirit." Saying his, He breathed His last. When the centurion saw what happened, he began to glorify God, saying, "This man really was righteous!" All the crowds that had gathered for the spectacle, when they saw what had taken place, went home, striking their chests. But all who knew him, including the women who had followed him from Galilee, stood at a distance, watching these things. Luke 23:44-49 Imagine this scene: darkness had come over the land at midday; The curtain of the temple was split in two and witnesses come telling the tale; Jesus prays His last prayer and dies. Suddenly an awareness of the goodness of God dawns, the rabble are stricken, as are the Pharisees and leaders who came to mock. They slink away bea...

Two of the other criminals were also led away to be executed with Him. When they arrived at the place called The Skull, they crucified Him there, along with the criminals, one on the right and one on the left. Then Jesus said, "Father, forgive them, because they do not know what they are doing." And they divided His clothes and cast lots. The people stood watching, and even the leaders kept scoffing. He saves others; let Him save Himself if this is God's Messiah, the Chosen One!" The soldiers also mocked Him. They came offering Him sour wine and said, "If you are the King of the Jews, save Yourself!" An inscription was above Him: This is the King of the Jews. Luke 23:32-39 We see Jesus, amidst a bioling caldron of human being filled with the flesh and all manner of evil, yet Jesus kept His focus and went to the cross for us. He even prays for them: "Father forgive them, for they know not what they do." Why did He pray that? I suggest He saw these ...

As they led Him away, they seized Simon, a Cyrenian, who was coming in from the country, and laid the cross on him to carry behind Jesus. A large crowd of people followed Him, including women who were mourning and lamenting Him. But turning to them, Jesus said, "Daughters of Jerusalem, do not weep for Me, but weep for yourselves and your children. Look, the days are coming when they will say, "The women without children, the wombs that never bore and the breasts that never nursed, are fortunate! Then they will begin to say to the mountains, 'Fall on us! And to the hills, 'Cover us!' For if they do these things when the wood is green, what will happen when it is dry?" Luke 23:26-31 The 'wood is green,' refers to a reasonably stable time. There was coming a time of oppression. Jesus had already indicted that in is time the temple would be destroyed, many would be killed. This actually happen at the hands of the Romans in 70 AD as a result of a Jewish up...

Pilate called together the chief priests, the leaders, and the people, and said to them, "You have brought me this man as one who subverts the people. But in fact, after examining Him in your presence, I find no grounds to charge this man with those things you accuse Him of, neither does Herod, because he sent Him back to us. Clearly, He has done nothing to deserve death. Therefore, I will have him whipped and then release Him. They all cried out together, "Take this man away! Release Barabbas to us!" Pilate wanting to release Jesus addressed them again, but they kept shouting, "Crucify Him! Crucify Him!" A third time he said to them, "Why? What has this man done wrong? I have found no grounds in Him for the death penalty. Therefore, I will have Him whipped and then release Him." But they kept up the pressure, demanding with loud voices that He be crucified. And their voices won out. So Pilate decided to grant their demand and released the one they we...

When Pilate heard this, (where Jesu had started His ministry- Galilee) he asked if Jesus was a Galilean. Finding that He was under Herod's jurisdiction, he sent Him to Herod, who was also in Jerusalem during those days. Herod was very glad to see Jesus; for a long time he had wanted to see Him because he had heard about Him and was hoping to see some miracle performed by Him. So he kept asking Him questions, but Jesus did not answer him. The chief priests and scribes stood by vehemently accusing Him. Then Herod, with his soldiers, treated Him with contempt, mocked Him, dressed Him in a brilliant robe, and sent Him back to Pilate. That very day Herod and Pilate became friends. Previously they had been hostile towards each other. Luke 23:6-12 Herod brought no charges against Jesus, yet He dressed Him in a brilliant robe to annoy the Sanhedrin. It is thought that Herod and Pilate, both, were reluctant to bring a charge of the death penalty against Jesus and the fact that Herod and Pil...

Then the whole assembly rose up and brought Him before Pilate. They began to accuse Him saying, "We found this man subverting our nation, opposing payment of taxes to Caesar, saying that He Himself is the Messiah, a King." So Pilate asked Him, "Are You the king of the Jews?" He answered him, "You have said it." Pilate told the chief priests and crowds, "I find no grounds for charging this man." Luke 23:1-4 Pilate and Jesus meet. To be accused of being a King could be a problem for the Roman Empire but Pilate did not take it as so. He would have known that the Jews believed in a Messiah, and here He was and they wanted to kill Him. This would have seemed ludicrous to an outsider. The promised Messiah stood before them, the One promised for such a long time and here His people were rejecting Him. Perhaps Pilate had sympathy for Jesus, being rejected by one you come to save was the worst form of rejection you could suffer. When ever I face rejection...

When daylight came, the elders of the people, both the chief priests and the scribes, convened and brought Him before their Sanhedrin. They said, "If You are the Messiah, tell us." But He said to them, "If I do tell you, you will not believe. And if I ask you, you will not answer. But from now on, the Son of Man will be seated at the right hand of the Power of God." They asked Him, "Are You, then, the Son of God?" And He said to them, "You say that I am." "Why do we need any more testimony, " they said, "since we have heard it ourselves from His mouth." Luke 22:66-71 Isn't it sad that the truth Jesus spoke was rejected by the very ones He came to save. These leaders, of all people, should have been searching the scriptures, looking for truth. If this man was the Son of God, how blessed were they. Yet, instead, their flesh ruled and they were affronted by Him, His popularity with the people, the freedom He walked in, His pe...

The men who had Jesus in custody treated Him with contempt and were mocking and beating Him. They blindfolded Him, they kept asking, "Prophesy! Who hit you!" And they were saying many other blasphemous things against him. Luke 22:64,65 Jesus was in the hands of base, brutish men who were used to bulling, coercing and controlling others. They were not a nice bunch, in fact you would not want to fall into their hands. Their hearts would have been callous and hard, so far removed from grace, goodness and kindness. Some of these saw Jesus heal the bond servant of the high priest, but it mattered little. Without a revelation of God's goodness and grace, without an encounter with Truth, they would stay the same and continue in their horrible, stinking, sin soaked world, a world without beauty and the presence of God. Yet, for some, into this base world came the spirit of God, bringing revelation, truth, freedom and the grace to change. We know that Jesus was crucified between t...

And the Lord turned and looked at Peter. And Peter recalled the Lod's words, how He had told him, "Before the cock crows today, you will deny Me thrice." And he went out and wept bitterly. Luke 22:61-62 How long is this chapter!! It seems to go on forever, yet so much has occurred. Have you ever done this! Swore to your own hurt and was sure you would not fail, but you did, and hurt someone you loved, deeply. Jesus forgave Peter, and after His resurrection met him on his own turf, by the sea and prepared a meal for him. At the last meal Peter had waxed eloquently about his own faithfulness and how willing he was to die with Jesus. This meal saw a humbled and distraught Peter who needed restoring. The good thing about the Lord is: we may let Him down, but He is not surprised and is waiting for us, to restore our faith. Today I had an opportunity to share more about the Lord with a dear man, my AMP manager. This man had a near death experience that left him searching for hi...

And while He was still speaking, behold there came a crowd, and a man named Judas, one of the Twelve apostles, was going before them. He drew near to Jesus to kiss Him. But Jesus said to him, ""Judas! Would you betray and deliver up the Son of Man with a kiss?" And when those around Him saw what was about to happen, they said, "Lord, shall we strike with the sword?" And one of them struck the bond servant of the high priest and cut off his ear, the right one. But Jesus said, "Permit them to go so far as to seize Me." And He touched the little ear and healed him. Then Jesus said to those who had come against Him- the chief priests and captains of the temple and elders of the Sanhedrin- "Have you come out with swords and clubs as you would against a robber? When I was with you day after day in the temple, you did not stretch forth your hands against Me. But this is your hour- and the power which darkness gives you has its way." Then they seize...

And He came out and went, as was His habit, to the mount of Olives, and the disciples also followed Him. And when He came to the place, He said to them. "Pray that. You may not all enter into temptation." And He withdrew from them about a stone's throw and knelt down and prayed, saying, "Father, if You are willing, remove this cup from Me; yet not My will  but Your's be done." And there appeared to Him an angel from heaven, strengthening Him in spirit. And being in agony of mind He prayed all the more earnestly and intently, and His sweat became like great clots of blood dropping down upon the ground. And when He got up from prayer, He came to His disciples and found them sleeping from grief. And He said to them, "why are you sleeping? Get up and pray that you may not enter temptation." Luke 22:39-46 It is interesting that this is where Jesus went every night. Did He pray all night or was there accomodation near by? It blesses me that even the Son ...

"But behold the hand of him who is now engaged in betraying Me is with Me on the table. For the Son of Man is going as it has been determined but woe to that man by whom He is betrayed and delivered up!" And they began to inquire among themselves which of them is was who was about to do this. Now an earner contention arose among them as to who was the greatest. But Jesus said to them, "The kings of the Gentiles exercise lordship over them; and those in authority over them are called benefactors and well-doers. But this is not to be so with you; on the contrary, let him who is the greatest among you become like the youngest, and him who is the chief and leader, like one who serves. For who is the greater, the one who reclines at table, or the one who serves? Is it not the one who reclines at table? But I am in your midst as one who serves." "Simon, Simon, listen! Satan has asked excessively that you be given up to him, that he might sift you like grain. But I ha...

And when the hour came, Jesus reclined at table, and the apostles with Him. And He said to them, "I have earnestly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer; For I say to you, I shall eat it no more until it is fulfilled in the kingdom of God." And He took a cup and when He had given thanks, He said, "Take this and divide it among yourselves; for I shall not drink of the fruit of the vine at all until the kingdom of God comes.  Then He took a loaf of bread and when He had given thanks, He broke it and gave it to them saying, "This is my body which is given for you; do is in rememberance of Me." In like manner, He took the cup after supper, saying, "This cup is the New Testament in My blood, which is poured out for you." Luke 22:14-20 The kingdom of God was the new, Jesus was about to open the door, through His sacrifice, into the new. After Jesus' death and resurrection the way was complete, the kingdom of God had come. What Jesus was ...

Then came the day of a unleavened bread on which the Paaover Lamb had to be slain. So Jesus sent Peter and John, saying, "Go and prepare for the Passover meal, that we may eat it." They said to Him, "Where do You want us to prepare?" He said to them, "Behold, when you have gone into the city, a man carrying a pitcher of water will meet you, follow him into the house which he enters. And say to the master of the house, 'The teacher asks you, 'where is the guest room, where I may eat the Passover meal with My disciples?' And he will show you a large room upstairs, furnished, there make your preparations." They went and found it just as He had said to them, and they made ready the Passover supper.. Luke 22:7-13 This was the day Jesus was to be betrayed, on the day they ate the Passover meal Jesus, the lamb of God was to be betrayed. The new lamb was to replace the old. The power in the new still pulses today. I am grateful there is no more slaught...

The festival of unleavened bread, which is called the Passover, was drawing near. The chief priests and the scribes were looking for a way to put Him to death, because they were afraid of the people. Then Satan entered Judas' heart, who was numbered among the twelve. He went away and discussed with the chief priests and temple police how he could hand him over to them. They were glad and agreed to give him silver. So he accepted the offer and started looking for a good opportunity to betray Him to them when the crowd was not present. Luke 22:1-6 Why did the scribes and Pharisees fear the people? Remember the entrance to Jerusalem; Jesus came riding a donkey and the crowd were waving palms and laying down their cloaks for Him to ride over. The people thought their King had arrived.  What made a man who had been chosen to be a disciple, a man who had spent three years close to Jesus, a man who had preached the word and healed the sick want to betray his Lord? Judas had a part of his ...

"Then there will be signs in the sun, moon and stars; and there will be anguish on the earth among nations bewildered by the roaring sea and waves. People will faint from fear and expectation of the things that are coming on the world, because the celestial powers will be shaken. Then they will see the Son of Man coming in the cloud with power and great glory. But when these things take place, stand up and lift up your heads, because you redemption is near!" Luke 21:25-28 Having recently joined an astronomical group I am seeing things as they are for the first time. On Monday night I saw Jupiter and the gas rings around its surface, along with four of its largest moons. You might say I was gob-smacked! The more knowledgeable of the group told us about the stars, constellations, planets and comets above. I saw the home of baby stars, the graveyard of the dead stars. One man told me about a very recent collision a meteor had with earth in Russia, in 2013. He said that the meteo...

Looking up, Jesus saw the rich putting their gifts into the treasury. And He saw a poor widow putting in two mites. And He said, "Truly I say to you, this poor widow has put in more than all of them; for they gave out of their abundance; but. She has contributed out of her lack and her want, putting in all she had on which to live."Luke 21:1-3 What is Jesus saying here? Is the tithe that most put in of no consequence? No! He is not saying that. He is recognising the sacrifice of the widow woman. The one who gives when they have nothing, because they want to honour the Lord, God sees that one and is ready to bless. The widow may not have received much in this lifetime but she is remembered and spoken about forever. The sacrifices we make in secret is recognised by God for all eternity. It is He who shouts out praises. To recognised by God is more important than all the accolades of mankind. Mankind is fickle. We can be in favour one day and out the next. But wit God, He is ste...

But He asked them, "How can people say that the Christ is David's son? For David himself says in the Book of Psalms, 'The Lord said to my Lord, 'sit at My right hand until I make Your enemies a footstool for Your feet.'  So David calls Him Lord; how then is He his Son?" With all the people listening! he said to His disciples, "beware of the scribes, who like to walk about in long robes and love to be saluted with honour in places where people congregate and love the front and best seats in the synagogues and places of distinction at feasts, who make away with and devour widows houses, and to cover it up with pretence make long prayers. They will receive the greatest condemnation." Luke 20:41-47 Today I met with a group of people I am trying to help to gain a new facility in my town. I invited along a man from council. The people attacked the man and I was amazed. I later discovered that accusations of lies and cover- ups have been circulating in the ...

Also there came to Him some Saducees, those saying there was no resurrection. And they asked Him a question, saying, "Teacher, Moses wrote for us that if a man's brother dies, leaving a wife and no children, the man must take the woman and raise up offspring for his brother. Now there are seven brothers, the first took a wife and died without children, and the second and the third took her, and in like manner all seven, and they died leaving no children. Last of all the woman dies also. Now in the resurrection whose wife will the woman be? For the seven married her." And Jesus said, "The people of the world and present age marry and are given in marriage. But those who are considered worthy to gain that other world and that future age and to attain the resurrection neither marry nor are given in marriage. For they cannot die again, but they are like angels and equal to Angels. And being sons and sharers in the resurrection, they are sons of God. Luke 20:27-36 The ras...

The scribes and the chief priests desired and tried to find a way to arrest Jesus at that very hour, but they were afraid of the people; for they discerned that they had related this parable against them.mso they watched for an opportunity to snare Him, and sent spies who pretended to be upright, that they might lay hold of something He might say, so as to turn Him over to the control of the governor. They asked Him, "Teacher, we know that You speak and teach what is right, and that You show no partiality to anyone but teach the way of God honestly and in truth. Is it lawful for us to give tribute to Caesar?" Luke 20:19-22 How disgusting for leaders to behave so underhandedly. They are lying, attempting to deceive the Son of God and the people they are accountable for. How caught up in their sin they are that they have no insight or understanding about their behaviour. They are acting like a gang of thugs instead of priests and leaders. We see the Maffia behave like this, whe...

But Jesus looked at them and said, "What then is the meaning of this that is written, 'The very Stone which the builders rejected has become the chief Cornerstone'? Everyone who falls on the Stone will be broken in pieces, but upon whomever it falls, it will crush him (winnow him and scatter him as dust.' Luke 20:17,18 Here Jesus was referring to the scripture in Psalms 118:22. This Psalm is a beautiful psalm written in an attitude of worship and praise for God's protection and place in David's life. The attitude was sorely missing in the listeners of Jesus' teaching, especially in the scribes and Pharisees. Had David been alive at this time, what a joyous time he would have had with Jesus. Jesus was teaching on humility and knowing your place before God. The scribes and Pharisees had a highly exalted position from which they would not move, they possessed a piece of territory wrongly and they refused to yield.  In this passage Jesus was saying you will be ...

Then He began to tell this parable: "A man planted a vineyard, leased it to tenant farmers, and went away for a long time. At harvest time he sent a slave to the farmers so that they might give him some fruit from the vineyard. But they beat Him and sent him away empty handed. He sent yet another slave, but they beat that one too, treated him shamefully, and sent him away empty handed. He sent a third, but they wounded him and threw him out. Then the owner said, 'What should I do? I will send my beloved son. Perhaps they will respect him.' But when the tenant farmers saw him, they discussed it among themselves and said, 'This is the heir. Let's kill him, so the inheritance will be ours!' So they threw him out of the vineyard and killed him. Therefore what will the owner of the vineyard do to them? He will come and destroy those farmers and give the vineyard to others." Luke 20:9-16 Jesus was telling the Pharisees and leaders their fate, whilst giving them ...