Scripture Reading: Luke 18:31-34
Key Verse: We are going up to Jerusalem and everything that is written by the prophets about the Son of Man will be fulfilled (Luke18: 3I).
Mediation: Jesus was committed to going to Jerusalem. The time was fulfilled for Jesus to be taken up to heaven. He had already been *transfigured on the mountain in the company of Peter and John(and James). He could have been taken to heaven from there and missed the suffering of the cross. But He chose the path to Jerusalem. So He precipitated His crucifixion by hurrying to Jerusalem.
Jesus was not a martyr. A martyr dies to prove or fulfill His own beliefs. Jesus died as a deliberate sacrifice for us. Jesus willingly went to the place where prejudiced people could condemn Him to death. His willingness displayed not a need to be a hero martyr, or a foolhardy act, but fulfillment of the plan of God to free us from sin and from ultimate death forever.
I met a man in India who had faced threats of death because he was a Christian. He declared his willingness to accept death rather than give up his trust in Christ. In the face of those who consider it to their religious credit to burn down churches and kill Christians, my friend was strong. I want Jesus to give me that kind of courage should I ever need it.
Thought for the Day: Jesus could have called as many angels as He might have needed, but He chose to die for us.
* It is funny how this very important part of the scriptures has been trivialized by many. The presence of Moses (symbolic of the Laws) and of Elijah(a symbol of the Prophets) and the three disciples Peter(the rock), James (exchanged) and John (for grace) was a very large turning point in the life of the Israelis and future followers of Christ.
Reference to this event can be found in 3 places-Mark 9:2-13, Luke 9:28-36, Matthew 17: 1-13
Interesting how John does not include this event even though he was one of the participants.
In a few short words God, the father presented the answer to man's sin..."This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased, hear Him" (Matthew 17:5.) These words are an echo of words heard earlier at the beginning of his mission, "This is my beloved son, in whom I am well pleased". (Matthew 3:17)
God has identified Jesus as his son in both locations. Both times he has emphasized his relationship to this man. Both times it has been witnessed by others. Both times Jesus came out these experiences to minister to a crowd of people. He gave them life and healing.
What has Jesus said? There are many verses in all four gospels. But it is at this point that we need to see that the work of Jesus as our passover lamb is about to begin. The rock is replaced with grace. The presence of Peter, James and John was no accident. The names are very revealing.
Jesus is on his way to the Cross. His blood was to cover our sin. He was to become our scapegoat.
Key Verse: We are going up to Jerusalem and everything that is written by the prophets about the Son of Man will be fulfilled (Luke18: 3I).
Mediation: Jesus was committed to going to Jerusalem. The time was fulfilled for Jesus to be taken up to heaven. He had already been *transfigured on the mountain in the company of Peter and John(and James). He could have been taken to heaven from there and missed the suffering of the cross. But He chose the path to Jerusalem. So He precipitated His crucifixion by hurrying to Jerusalem.
Jesus was not a martyr. A martyr dies to prove or fulfill His own beliefs. Jesus died as a deliberate sacrifice for us. Jesus willingly went to the place where prejudiced people could condemn Him to death. His willingness displayed not a need to be a hero martyr, or a foolhardy act, but fulfillment of the plan of God to free us from sin and from ultimate death forever.
I met a man in India who had faced threats of death because he was a Christian. He declared his willingness to accept death rather than give up his trust in Christ. In the face of those who consider it to their religious credit to burn down churches and kill Christians, my friend was strong. I want Jesus to give me that kind of courage should I ever need it.
Thought for the Day: Jesus could have called as many angels as He might have needed, but He chose to die for us.
* It is funny how this very important part of the scriptures has been trivialized by many. The presence of Moses (symbolic of the Laws) and of Elijah(a symbol of the Prophets) and the three disciples Peter(the rock), James (exchanged) and John (for grace) was a very large turning point in the life of the Israelis and future followers of Christ.
Reference to this event can be found in 3 places-Mark 9:2-13, Luke 9:28-36, Matthew 17: 1-13
Interesting how John does not include this event even though he was one of the participants.
In a few short words God, the father presented the answer to man's sin..."This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased, hear Him" (Matthew 17:5.) These words are an echo of words heard earlier at the beginning of his mission, "This is my beloved son, in whom I am well pleased". (Matthew 3:17)
God has identified Jesus as his son in both locations. Both times he has emphasized his relationship to this man. Both times it has been witnessed by others. Both times Jesus came out these experiences to minister to a crowd of people. He gave them life and healing.
What has Jesus said? There are many verses in all four gospels. But it is at this point that we need to see that the work of Jesus as our passover lamb is about to begin. The rock is replaced with grace. The presence of Peter, James and John was no accident. The names are very revealing.
Jesus is on his way to the Cross. His blood was to cover our sin. He was to become our scapegoat.
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