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As one of us, Jesus experienced the burden of our guilt and distress.
The Sinless One felt the shame of sin and dwelled in strife, falsehood and offensiveness.
Therefore Jesus invites us.
Take My yoke upon you, learn of Me, and ye shall find rest unto your souls. Matthew 11:29.
Thus Christ is speaking to every human being.
Whether they know it or not, all are weary and heavy-laden.
The heaviest burden that we bear is the burden of sin.
We are born with a sinful nature after the fall of our first parents.
Behold, I was shapen in iniquity; and in sin did my mother conceive me. Psalm 51:5.
But the Sinless One has taken our place.
The Lord hath laid on Him the iniquity of us all. Isaiah 53:6.
He took the burden of our guilt and gave us His rest.
Therefore, it is our privilege to rest in His love and to trust Him, for He gave His life for us.
After Jesus taught and read the scroll of Isaiah in Nazareth’s Synagogue, He said:
This day is this scripture fulfilled in your ears. Luke 4:21.
Where did He get such wisdom? - the people of His hometown asked.
And what about his miracles we have heard done in Capernaum?
Whence hath this man this wisdom, and these mighty works?
Where did he get all this?
Though Jesus gave evidence of His Divinity, they reasoned He was only a common man.
Isn't he the son of Joseph? Isn't his mother called Mary?
Knowing their thoughts, Jesus said: No prophet is accepted in his own country.
When they heard this, they were offended and became furious.
Though they heard and saw the Son of God, they didn’t believe.
And they rejected Him as the Messiah.
Through his earthly instruments, Satan orchestrated Christ’s crucifixion.
This was his last act of cruelty, hoping to see that Jesus will use His divinity to deliberate Himself.
If this was to happen, humanity would have Satan as their master without a second chance.
The Son of God could have prevented and refused to come under the dominion of death.
Nevertheless, He didn’t use His Divine power. Furthermore, He voluntarily laid down His life, that He might give life back to humanity.
Thus He brought immortality to light.
Jesus is the spotless Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world.
In the last act of cruelty upon the cross, Satan was hoping that Jesus will use His Divinity to deliberate Himself.
On the contrary, He bore our sins in His own body upon the tree. The iniquity of humans was laid upon Christ.
He was counted as a transgressor. God hath made Him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in Him.
The sin of the entire world - from Adam down the line to Christ's second advent - separated Him from the Father.
The withdrawal of the Divine countenance pierced Jesus’s heart with great sorrow.
Then came the soldiers, and brake the legs of the first, and of the other which was crucified with him.
But when they came to Jesus, and saw that he was dead already, they brake not his legs:
But one of the soldiers with a spear pierced his side, and forthwith came there out blood and water. John 19:32-34.
Thus the gift of life for humanity was purchased at an infinite price.
He was in this world unhonoured and unknown, His heart was wrung with anguish, and His life was shadowed by grief and sorrow.
Behold, and see if there be any sorrow like unto my sorrow. Lamentations 1:12.
The guilt of every sin of the whole world was pressing upon His soul.
Christ was guiltless, yet He bore the consequences of sin. He was innocent, yet offering Himself as a transgressors substitute.
Thus He who knew no sin became sin for us, that we might be made the righteousness of God in Him.
By faith we can accept the atonement that has been made.
For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God. 1 Peter 3:18.
Satan caused the fall of the first Adam. He was hoping to succeed with the second Adam - the man Jesus Christ.
Satan approached him through a series of temptations while thus weak and suffering, tempting Jesus to do a miracle for his own sake.
Thus Christ engaged in a conflict with the prince of this world. He was fighting the battle on behalf of humanity and endured the most terrible temptations.
Jesus placed Himself in the position of Adam and endured the test where Adam had failed.
Humanity would have been lost had He faltered, yielding to temptation.
Thus Jesus became the mediator for humans through the perfection of His character.
Accepted as such by the Father, He only could save us by imputing to us His righteousness.
Jesus was sentenced to die by civil authority like criminals, instigated by Satan's instruments.
It was done in the most deceptive and unjust way, because He never violated God’s moral code nor civil laws.
If He wasn’t made the sin Bearer of humanity, He would have died as many others from the crucifixion torture alone.
In fact, He bore the sin of the world as the Lamb of God. Christ died from a broken heart as sin separated Him from the Father.
Thus He became a human substitute dying to redeem those who accept Him as their Savior.
He was cut among the living once for all to bring us back to God through His atoning sacrifice.
But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5:8.
In Conclusion - Thus the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanseth us from all sin.
We receive God's Word as food for the soul, through the same evidence by which we receive bread as food for the body.
Jesus gave a picture of Himself and His mission in the story of the good Samaritan.
We are deceived, bruised, robbed, and ruined by Satan and left to perish.
But Jesus - the world’s Savior had compassion on our helpless condition.
He left His glory in Heaven to come to our rescue, founding us ready to die.
Christ healed our wounds, covering us with His robe of righteousness. He became our refuge of safety, dying on the cross to redeem us.
Therefore, whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by Him. Colossians 3:17.
For the joy of receiving back humanity He endured the cross. We are the purchase of His blood. Jesus loves to have us come to Him, just as we are - sinful, helpless, dependent.
He knows by experience what are the weaknesses of humanity, what are our wants, and where lies the strength of our temptations. For He was in all points tempted like we are, yet without sin.
Do you expect to become better through your own efforts? Can the Ethiopian change his skin, or the leopard his spots? then may ye also do good, that are accustomed to do evil. Jeremiah 13:23.
Therefore, if you sense your need and see your sinfulness - do not wait to make yourself better, thinking that you are not good enough to come to Christ.
There is help for us only in God. Therefore, we must not wait for better opportunities. We can do nothing of ourselves.
The Lord telleth the number of the stars; and yet He healeth the broken in heart, and bindeth up their wounds. Psalm 147:4, 3.
Therefore, make known your case before the Lord. Cast your burdens upon the Burden Bearer. He invites you - Come unto Me. Answer His call now.
Thus the weaker and more helpless you know yourself to be, the stronger you will become in His strength.
It is by faith that you become Christ’s and by faith you grow in Him.
As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in Him; Rooted and built up in Him, and established in the faith. Colossians 2:5, 6.
Thus you believe that the voice of Jesus speaks to you personally from Genesis to Revelation - the Leaving Word.
Therefore, you discover and acquire knowledge of human creation, fall, promise of redemption, Jesus’ love to you, character and His atoning sacrifice, triumphant glory of the saved...
Thus you get to know under the guidance of the Holy Spirit the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom He has sent, leading to eternal life. John 17:3.
Moreover, you find that when you follow God’s instructions for life, you gain an experimental knowledge of the things of God, which makes your faith deeper and stronger.
Thus Jesus dwells in your heart by faith, being rooted and grounded in love, comprehending and knowing all dimensions of His love to the point that you are filled with all the fullness of God. Ephesians 3:18, 19.
God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory. 1 Timothy 3:16
Jesus is the brightness of God’ glory, and the express image of His person.
Being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God;
But made himself of no reputation, and took upon Him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men;
He humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. Philippians 2:6-8.
Thus the Mystery is revealed: which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.
Bringing before the world the perfection of God in His own character.
Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus: Colossians 1:26-25
And we can discern God’s great love, which underlies all His dealings with humanity.
Christ passed through death and came forth from the grave. Moreover He appeared again to people in His own person, and as such ascended to the Father.
Furthermore, this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen Him go into heaven. Acts 1:11.
Thus in like manner will those who sleep in Jesus rise again. We will know our friends even as the disciples knew Jesus.
Of all who the Father hath given me I should lose nothing, but should raise them up again at the last day. John 6:39. Thus God will be their God and they shall be His people.
God is not the God of the dead, but of the living. And when the multitude heard this, they were astonished at His doctrine. Matthew 22:32, 33.
The precious dead, from Abel down to the last saint who dies, will hear the voice of the Son of God and will come forth from their graves and live again.
Those who accept Jesus as the world's Redeemer can see the future life of the resurrected dead.
Jesus revealed God's character to humans and to angels. It is seen that the glory shining in the face of Jesus is the glory of self-sacrificing love.
Calvary demonstrates that this love is the law of life for earth and heaven. Moreover, that the love which seeketh not her own has its source in the heart of God.
Furthermore, that in the meek and lowly One is manifested the character of Him who dwelleth in the light which no man can approach unto. 1 Tim 6:16.
Therefore, our work is to look to Jesus and pattern after His character, searching ourselves lest we fail to meet the Divine standard.
Man looketh on the outward appearance, but the Lord looketh on the heart. 1 Sam 16:7.
Jesus is the author and finisher of our faith. His character is our model. Thus by beholding we may be changed into His likeness.
Jesus was crucified on Friday. Jewish leaders didn’t want His body to be on the cross during the night and longer, fearing the public.
They sent a request to Pilate that he would permit them to hasten the death of the victims before the sunset, using the defilement of the approaching Sabbath as the main pretext.
Pilate was as unwilling as they were that Jesus should remain upon the cross a moment longer than was necessary, and he easily issued the consent.
The legs of the two thieves that were crucified with Jesus were broken to hasten their death. But Jesus was already dead, and they didn’t break his legs.
People could not reason that the sudden death of Christ was from a supernatural cause – as He was loaded by the Father with the sins of the whole world, and died of a broken heart.
Thus in the offering of the Lamb of God the prophecy and ordinances of the Passover lamb was fulfilled.
They shall leave none of it unto the morning, nor break any bone of it; according to all the ordinances of the passover they shall keep it. Numbers 9:12.
In due time, while we were yet sinners Jesus died as our substitute, slain as the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.
He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon Him; and with his stripes we are healed. Isaiah 53:5.
But it was impossible for the grave to hold Him. He came forth from Joseph's tomb as He predicted it would happen on the third day.
I Am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in Me, though he were dead, yet shall he live. John 11:33
Thus God, according to His abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead; 1 Peter 1:3.
Therefore, if we attain unto the resurrection of the dead, we need to be found in Christ’s righteousness which is of God through faith in Him.
Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power. Revelation 20:6
I and my Father are one. He that hath seen Me hath seen the Father. John 10:30, 14:9.
I came forth from the Father, and Am come into the world; Not that any man hath seen the Father, save He which is of God, He hath seen the Father. John 16:28, 6:46
The only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, he hath declared him. I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. John 1:18, 14:6
In the light of the Cross of Calvary we see the true Divine Character: mercy, tenderness and forgiveness blended with fairness and justice.
Thus we comprehend the significance of that adorable title - our Father.
In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent His only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through Him. 1 John 4:9
Thus the attributes of God were made known through Jesus’:
Ministry
Suffering and crucifixion
Resurrection and ascension.
Ask in prayer for the strength of the Holy Spirit.
Do not cherish doubt. God gave us abundant evidence to trust Him.
Enduring faith comes with exercise. Act upon the light (truth and knowledge) you have.
Increase your knowledge of God and claim His promises.
Spend more time contemplating the last scenes of the life of Jesus.
The spotless Lamb of God was about to present Himself as the world's sin offering.
In the same night in which He was betrayed Jesus took bread: and when He had given thanks, He broke it, and said: Take, eat, this is My body, which is broken for you; this do in remembrance of Me.
After the same manner also He took the cup, when He had supped, saying: This cup is the new testament in My blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of Me.
Thus He would bring to an end the system of types and ceremonies that for four thousand years had pointed to His death.
On the other hand, as He ate the Passover with His disciples, He instituted in its place the service that was to be the memorial of His sacrifice.
The ordinance of the Lord's Supper was given to commemorate the great deliverance as the result of the death of Christ.
We read that the devil believes and trembles, but that faith doesn’t save him.
The blood of Christ alone can cleanse the sinner from every stain of sin. We want faith in this sacrifice that has been made for us.
This is God’s appointed way to deal with sin in this world and only through the love of His cross Jesus draws us to Himself.
Therefore, it is the faith that works by love witnessed on the cross of Calvary that holds on the infinite power.
Thus you live out your faith in Jesus who has loved you and died for you. He has purchased you at an infinite cost and atoned for everything that is offensive to Him.
Thus Satan cannot lead you astray while you have it in your mind and heart, and resting in Christ’s merits who has said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.
Therefore, we must teach others how to be lifted from the sinful state that we were in and to grasp by living faith the righteousness of Jesus.
God’s original purpose in the creation of the earth is fulfilled as it is made the eternal home of the redeemed.
The righteous shall inherit the land, and dwell therein for ever. Psalm 37:29
Jesus gave up His life for humanity. This sacrifice was offered for the purpose of restoring humans to their original perfection.
Moreover, it was offered to give them an entire transformation of character, making them more than conquerors.
The earth originally given to them as their kingdom, betrayed into the hands of Satan has been brought back by the great plan of redemption.
Righteous have looked with longing since our first parents have left Eden for the redemption of the purchased possession. Ephesians 1:14
Thus were reinstate the lost, elevating and ennobling the soul to its original purity through Christ's imputed righteousness.
The only way in which the fallen race could be restored was through the gift of His Son, equal with Himself, possessing the attributes of God.
The great plan of redemption results in fully bringing back the world into God’s favor. All that was lost by sin is restored.
For six thousand years Satan has struggled to maintain possession of the earth. Now God’s original purpose in its creation is accomplished.
The saints of the Most High shall take the kingdom, and possess the kingdom forever, even forever and ever. Daniel 7:18.
Satan tempted Jesus to depart from the will of God as he had done in his temptation with Adam and Eve.
But Jesus gained the victory not yielding to, through submission and faith in God.
As a man, He met temptations with IT IS WRITTEN and overcame them with the strength His Father gave him.
Therefore, Satan has no power over humans when met in Christ’s Spirit and Word.
On the Cross of Calvary, Jesus announced that the redemption of the lost humanity was forever made certain - IT IS FINISHED.
Heaven was made eternally secure against Satan’s accusations, deceptions and pretensions.
The voice that cried from the cross, It is finished was heard among the dead and summoned the sleepers to arise.
Thus it will be when the voice of Christ will be heard from heaven.
At His second coming the dead saints will hear His voice and come forth to immortal life.
As Jesus hung upon the cross and cried It is finished, the veil of the temple was rent in twain from top to bottom. Matthew 27:51.
There were witnesses in the temple at the moment when He gave up the ghost who beheld the strong, heavy material torn apart.
This was to signify that the earthly sanctuary services were forever finished. God would no longer meet with priests in temples to accept their sacrifices.
Jesus had made an offering of Himself for all and if saved at all, we must believe in Him as the only offering for sin, as the Saviour of the world.
The shed blood of Jesus was to be offered by Himself as our High Priest in the Heavenly Sanctuary, who ever lives to make intercession for us.
Thus a new and living way had been opened to the fallen humanity through the One great offering of the Son of God.
He took our nature of flesh and blood, that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil. Hebrews 2:14.
God declares to him: I will bring thee to ashes upon the earth. And never shalt thou be any more. Ezekiel 28:18, 19.
Jesus had walked in the light of God's presence throughout His life on earth. Therefore, when in conflict with Satan and his earthly instruments Jesus could say:
He that sent Me is with Me: the Father hath not left Me alone; for I always do those things that please Him. John 8:29.
But now He must bear the guilt of the fallen humanity. Upon Him who knew no sin must be laid the iniquity of us all. Isaiah 53:6. Now He was numbered with the transgressors.
The sin is so dreadful to Him and great is the weight of guilt which He must bear. Therefore, He is tempted to fear it will shut Him out forever from His Father's love.
He said to Peter and the two sons of Zebedee - My soul is exceeding sorrowful, even unto death. And he went a little farther, and fell on his face, and prayed:
O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt. Matthew 26:37-39. And He prayed these same words 3 times.
Jesus felt that by the sin He had been separated from His Father. But, He must not exert His divine power to escape. As a man He must suffer the consequences of humans’ sin.
Severe trials awaited Christ’s disciples. But Jesus saw that their greatest danger would be from a spirit of bitterness and division.
Satan well understands that union brings strength and division - weakness. He was determined to make the truth of God ineffective, by dissension among His people.
The burden of Jesus’ last prayer for his disciples was that union and love might exist among them.
Though the agony of the cross was before him, his solicitude was not for himself but for those carrying forward his work on earth, even to the close of time.
Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth. As thou hast sent me into the world, even so have I also sent them into the world.
Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word; That they all may be one;
As thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me.
They were to be one with him in his work for the recovery of our world from the slavery of sin and Satan's dominion.
Judas, one of the twelve, came, and with him a great multitude with swords and staves;
Now he that betrayed Jesus gave them a sign, saying, Whomsoever I shall kiss, that same is he: hold him fast.
And forthwith he came to Jesus, and said, Hail, master; and kissed him.
And Jesus said unto him, Friend, wherefore art thou come? Matthew 26:47-50.
These words should have touched the heart of Judas. But he had yielded himself to the control of Satan.
Christ did not refuse the traitor's kiss. In this He gave us an example of forbearance, love, and pity.
If we are His disciples, we must treat our enemies as He treated Judas.
Many charges were brought against Christ. The Pharisees tried to make Him speak in answer to their accusations.
But He appeared as if He had not heard them. The silence of Christ at this time had been thus described by the prophet Isaiah:
He was oppressed, and He was afflicted, yet He opened not His mouth: He is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, so He openeth not His mouth. Isaiah 53:7.
The high priest raised his right hand toward Heaven, and addressed Jesus in the form of a solemn oath:
I adjure Thee by the living God, that Thou tell us whether Thou be the Christ, the son of God. Matthew 26:63.
Jesus never denied His mission or His relation to the Father. He could remain silent to personal insult,
but He ever spoke plainly and decidedly when His work or Sonship to God was called in question.
Jesus saith unto him, Thou hast said: nevertheless I say unto you,
Hereafter shall ye see the Son of man sitting on the right hand of power, and coming in the clouds of heaven. Matthew 26:64.
Pilate turned to the priests and asked: What accusation bring ye against this man? John 18:29.
The priests called the false witnesses to their aid. And they began to accuse Jesus, saying,
We found this fellow perverting the nation, and forbidding to give tribute to Caesar, saying that He Himself is Christ a King. Luke 23:2.
This was false. When the lawyers had tried to entrap Jesus in regard to this matter, He said:
Render therefore unto Caesar the things which are Caesar's. Matthew 22:21.
Pilate saw no evidence of crime in Jesus, and he had no confidence in those who were accusing Him.
Going out to the people, He said: I find in Him no fault at all. John 18:33-38. He decided to send Him to Herod.
Jesus returned from Herod who had found in Him nothing worthy of death.
Now Pilate was very much displeased. He reminded the priests that he had examined Jesus, and had found no fault in Him.
To calm down the accusers, he said: I will therefore chastise Him, and release Him. Luke 23:16.
But they sensed this sign of weakness and pressed to secure the condemnation of Jesus.
The disciples didn’t think that Jesus would allow Himself to be taken.
They knew that the power which could strike down priests and soldiers as dead men could keep them helpless till He escaped.
I have told you that I am He: therefore, if ye seek Me, let these (pointing to His disciples) go their way. John 18:8.
Thinkest thou that I cannot now pray to My Father, and He shall presently give Me more than twelve legions of angels?
But how then shall the Scriptures be fulfilled, that thus it must be? Matthew 26:52-54.
The cup which My Father hath given Me, shall I not drink it? John 18:11.
The disciples were offended when they saw that Jesus made no effort to deliver Himself from His enemies. They blamed Him for not doing so.
They could not understand His submission and terror-stricken, they forsook Him and fled. Christ had foretold this desertion.
Behold, the hour cometh, yea, is now come, that ye shall be scattered, every man to his own, and shall leave Me alone: and yet I am not alone, because the Father is with Me. John 16:32.
Priests, rulers, and soldiers joined in mocking and jeering the crucified Son of God.
Satan filled them with abominable speeches, inspiring their sarcastic remarks.
If Thou be the King of the Jews, save Thyself. Luke 23:37.
And some with laughter repeated among themselves: He saved others; Himself He cannot save.
If He be the King of Israel, let Him now come down from the cross, and we will believe Him.
He trusted in God; let Him deliver Him now, if He will have Him: for He said, I am the Son of God. Matthew 27:42, 43.
And they that passed by railed on Him, wagging their heads, and saying,
Ah, Thou that destroyest the temple, and buildest it in three days, save Thyself, and come down from the cross. Mark 15:29, 30.
But by all this Satan gained nothing. He was permitted to bruise Christ's heel, but Christ was bruising his head.
By working through the priests against Christ, Satan was affecting his own downfall.
Christ could have come down from the cross. But if He had done this, we could never have been saved. For our sake He endured the cross.
He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon Him; and with His stripes we are healed. Isaiah 53:5.
Are we brought into perplexity as trying to keep the way of the Lord.
If yes, we are to depend on God.
When after following His directions we are brought into straight places, He will deliver us.
When surrounded with trying circumstances,
In the fullest confidence we must keep the eye fixed on Jesus, regardless of what our feelings are.
My grace is sufficient for thee. Lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. 2 Corinthians 12:9; Matthew 28:20.
But, if we plan according to our own ideas, God will leave us to reap what we sow.
Self cannot be made a center and receive honor. The opposite is needed - a crucifixion of self and surrendering to Christ.
Therefore, we should seek to faithfully perform every known duty, and then calmly rest in the promises of God.
The hour of our necessity is the hour of God's opportunity.
When all human support fails, then Jesus comes to our aid and his presence scatters the darkness and lifts the cloud of gloom.
And when they came to the place, which is called Calvary, there they crucified him.
And the malefactors, one on the right hand, and the other on the left. Luke 23:33
His labored breath grew quick and deep. His soul was under the burden of the sins of the whole world.
All heaven was filled with wonder when the prayer of Christ was offered in the midst of His terrible suffering.
Jesus pitied His enemies and murderers in their ignorance and prayed:
Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. Luke 23:34
Thus Christ manifested toward a love which infinite goodness alone could conceive.
In the agonies of the crucifixion, His prayer embraced the whole world.
It took in everyone who had lived or should live - from the beginning of the world to the end of time.
Whenever we sin, Christ is wounded afresh.
For us He lifts His pierced hands before the Father saying: Forgive them; for they know not what they do.
Human beings have their own individual trials, peculiar to oneself.
And no one is free from temptation.
Satan attacks us at our weakest points of character.
He cannot read our thoughts, but he can see our actions and hear our words.
The strongest temptation cannot excuse sin. However great the pressure brought to bear upon the soul, transgression is our own act.
Instead of thinking of your discouragements, think of the power you can claim in Christ's name.
He was in all points tempted like we are. Hebrews 4:15. And yet He did no sin, neither was guile found in His mouth. 1 Peter 2:22
He suffered being tempted - suffered in proportion to the perfection of His holiness. But the prince of darkness found nothing in Him. Not a single thought or feeling responded to temptation.
Let your thoughts be directed to the evidence of the great love of God for you.
We will have temptations as long as we are in this world.
But instead of injuring us, they will only turn to our advantage, IF RESISTED.
He may prepare the furnace, but instead of working injury, it will only consume the dross, and bring forth the gold of the character, purer than before the trial.
God’s purpose for those who are tempted is that the trials and temptations will be so managed as to bring out the gold and consume the dross.
The Roman soldiers in charge were standing around the cross when Jesus cried out - It is finished.
He did it in a voice of startling power, and then instantly died with that cry of victory upon his lips.
They had never before witnessed a death like that upon a cross.
It was an unheard-of thing for one to die thus within six hours after crucifixion.
Death by crucifixion was a slow and lingering process with a progressive exhaustion, until it was difficult to determine when life had become extinct.
Therefore, when the centurion marveled at Jesus’ power of voice and saw that he so cried out, and gave up the ghost, he said:
Truly this man was the Son of God. Mark 15:39.
A soldier, at the suggestion of the priests who wished to make the death of Jesus sure, thrust his spear into his side.
From the wide incision made by the spear there flowed two copious and distinct streams, one of blood, the other of water.
Therefore, Jesus died from a broken heart long before the terrible crucifixion torture.
The guilt of every sin of the whole world was pressing upon His soul, separating Him from the Father.
The withdrawal of the Divine countenance pierced Jesus’s heart unto death.
Through deception, Satan convinced Adam and Eve to distrust God and to cooperate with him.
Thus he succeeded in bringing rebellion, sin and death into our world.
Therefore, Jesus was placed in a position as trying as that in which Adam stood.
He took the nature of man with the possibility of yielding to temptation and he relied upon divine power to keep him.
Jesus was tempted in all points like we are.
But Satan could find nothing in the Son of God to gain the victory. Jesus did not consent to sin.
The prince of this world cometh, and hath nothing in me. John 14:30.
If humans have in any sense a more trying conflict to endure than Christ, then Christ is not able to succor them when tempted.
Not even by a thought Christ could yield to the power of Satan's temptations.
Jesus went over the ground where Adam stumbled and fell.
He gained the victory that Adam failed to gain. Thus Christ had redeemed his failure.
Calvary demonstrates that LOVE is the law of life for earth and heaven.
Moreover, that the love which seeketh not her own has its source in the heart of God.
Jesus took our nature of flesh and blood, that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil. Hebrews 2:14.
He voluntarily laid down His life, that He might give everlasting life back to humanity.
Satan was unmasked - everyone in the entire universe can see clearly now that he is the instigator, deceiver and murderer.
It is finished announced that the redemption of the lost humanity was forever made certain.
Christ bore our sins in His own body upon the tree. The iniquity of humans was laid upon Him.
Thus He who knew no sin became sin for us, that we might be made the righteousness of God in Him.
Jesus had made an offering of Himself for all and if saved at all, we must believe in Him as the only offering for sin, as the Saviour of the world.
Furthermore, Heaven was made eternally secure - The Lord will make an utter end: affliction shall not rise up the second time. Nahum 1:9.
In Christ is the complete system of Divine truth.
His sacred teachings are certain and living truths, involving your eternal interest.
Human’s salvation through faith in Jesus is the ground and pillar of Bible truth.
The Spirit of God sets this truth home within your soul - the only effectual teacher of truth.
When he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth;
He shall glorify Me (Christ): for he shall receive of mine, and shall shew it unto you. John 16:13, 14.
The Truth will make you free from bondage of sin and wise unto receiving the gift of eternal life.
And you’ll know the mysteries of the Kingdom of Heaven.
Moreover, For your sake I (Jesus) sanctify Myself, that you also might be sanctified through the truth. John 17:19.
Thus from Christ would flow forth love and compassion, cleansing your soul temple and making you like Him in character.
Jesus knew from the beginning who should betray Him.
He didn’t repulse Judas and gave him a place among the twelve.
But Judas didn’t surrender fully to Christ, neither gave up his love for money and worldly ambition.
Judas was continually advancing the idea that Christ would reign as king in Jerusalem.
When he realized that Jesus was offering spiritual rather than worldly good, he distanced himself.
Judas reasoned that if Jesus was to be crucified, the event must come to pass.
His own act in betraying the Saviour would not change the result.
If Jesus was not to die, it would only force Him to deliver Himself.
Christ said to his disciples one year before the betrayal: I chosen twelve, and one of you is a devil. John 6:70
Jesus permitted Judas to be a member of the church, notwithstanding his covetous character.
He had some traits that might have been used to the glory of God.
Jesus bore with Judas long and patiently.
But he failed again and again, until finally all the strength of his moral powers was gone.
Why Was Jesus Crucified If Pilate Pronounced Him Innocent?
Why Was Jesus Crucified If Pilate Pronounced Him Innocent?
The Jews sought to kill Jesus. John 5:18
As subject to the Romans, they were not allowed to punish any one with death.
To accomplish their purpose, they must find something against Jesus that would be regarded as criminal by the Roman governor.
So the priests called the false witnesses to their aid. And they began to accuse Him, saying,
We found this fellow perverting the nation, and forbidding to give tribute to Caesar, saying that He Himself is Christ a King. Luke 23:2.
This was false. When the lawyers had tried to entrap Him in regard to this matter, He had said:
Render therefore unto Caesar the things which are Caesar's. Matthew 22:21.
And he said unto them the third time, Why, what evil hath he done? I have found no cause of death in him; Luke 23:22.
It was customary at the feast of the Passover to set free one prisoner, whom the people might choose. So Pilate asked:
Whom will ye that I release unto you? Barabbas or Jesus, which is called Christ? Matthew 27:17.
They replied, Away with this man, and release unto us Barabbas. Luke 23:18.
While Pilate was hesitating as to what he should do, there was brought to him a letter from his wife, which read:
Have thou nothing to do with that just man: for I have suffered many things this day in a dream because of Him. Matthew 27:19.
In the parable of the vineyard, the unfaithful servants reasoned among themselves, saying:
This is the heir; come, let us kill him. Matthew 21:38.
Thus Jesus revealed the dark purposes of the Jews against himself.
Think not that I am come to destroy the law or the prophets:
I am not come to destroy, but to fulfill.
Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled.
Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so,
he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven.
For I say unto you, that except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees,
ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 5:17-20.
Thus the righteousness of the Law was fulfilled in the life and character of Jesus.
If there be no resurrection of the dead, then Christ is not risen;
And if Christ is not risen, then your faith is vain, and ye are yet in your sins.
Then they also who have fallen asleep in Christ are perished.
If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable.
But now Christ has risen from the dead, and became the firstfruit of them that slept. 1 Corinthians 15:13-20
Therefore, this is undeniable evidence that He is the Divine Son Of God.
Jesus came forth from the rent sepulchre of Joseph as a conqueror.
Having spoiled principalities and powers, He made a show of them openly, triumphing over them. Colossians 2:15.
When Moses asked God to show him His glory, He said:
I will make all My goodness pass before thee, and I will proclaim the name of the Lord before thee.
Thou canst not see My face: for there shall no man see Me, and live.
I will put thee in a cliff of the rock, and will cover thee with My hand while I pass by;
And the Lord passed by before him, and proclaimed,
The Lord, The Lord God, merciful and gracious, long suffering, and abundant in goodness and truth,
keeping mercy for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin, and that will by no means clear the guilty.
And Moses made haste, bowed his head toward the earth, and worshiped. Exodus 33, 34.
He saw the goodness of the Lord, who manifested His character to him.
This is the character of the God in whom you are to put your trust.
God is love. Are we able to comprehend the character of God as Moses did?
Salt’s saving properties are in them, and the virtue of their character will have a saving influence.
Without the saving influence of Christians, the world would perish in its own corruption.
The saving salt, the savor of the Christian, is the love of Jesus in the heart and His righteousness pervading the soul.
Thus, hearts that respond to the influence of the Holy Spirit are the channels through which God's blessing flows.
Were those who serve God removed from the earth, and His Spirit withdrawn from among people,
this world would be left to destruction - the fruit of Satan's dominion.
But if Christians are such in name only, they are like the salt that has lost its savor.
They have no influence for good in the world.
Through their misrepresentation of God they are worse than unbelievers.
The disciples made ready the Passover as Jesus had instructed them.
He sat down with the twelve to eat and said:
Verily, I say unto you that one of you shall betray me. Matthew 26:21.
For what cause could they betray Him, and to whom?
Certainly not one of the favored twelve who had been privileged above all others.
Behold, the hand of him that betrayed Me is with Me on the table. Luke 22:21.
With painful feelings they inquired one after another: Lord, is it I?
The Son of man goeth as it is written of him: but woe unto that man by whom the Son of man is betrayed!
Then Judas, who betrayed Him, answered and said, Master, is it I?
Jesus said unto him, Thou hast said. Matthew 26:24-25.
Thus Jesus gave to Judas final and convincing proof of His Divinity that he might turn from his purpose and repent.
When we pray for earthly blessings, the answer to our prayer may be delayed;
Or God may give us something other than we ask.
But not so when we ask for deliverance from sin.
It is His will to cleanse us from sin, make us His children, and enable us to live a holy life.
Christ gave Himself for our sins, that He might deliver us from this present evil world, according to the will of God and our Father. Galatians 1:4.
And this is the confidence that we have in Him, that, if we ask anything according to His will, He heareth us; 1 John 5:14.
Jesus’ presence is a healing virtue for the sinner.
Whoever will fall at His feet, saying in faith:
Lord, if Thou wilt, Thou canst make me clean,
Will hear the answer : I will; be thou clean. Matthew 8:2, 3.
Take My yoke upon you, learn of Me, and ye shall find rest unto your souls. Matthew 11:29.
Thus Christ is speaking to every human being.
Whether they know it or not, all are weary and heavy-laden.
The heaviest burden that we bear is the burden of sin.
We are born with a sinful nature after the fall of our first parents.
Behold, I was shapen in iniquity; and in sin did my mother conceive me. Psalm 51:5.
But the Sinless One has taken our place.
The Lord hath laid on Him the iniquity of us all. Isaiah 53:6.
He has borne the burden of our guilt, giving us rest.
Therefore, it is our privilege to rest in His love and to trust Him, for He gave His life for us.
God promised that Satan’s existence will come to an end.
The Seed of woman shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise His heel.
It will happen when the Seed of the women - Jesus Christ
come as King of kings and Lord of lords.
Satan will be bound all alone for 1000 years on earth.
After this time he will join the resurrected wicked, preparing to attack the New Jerusalem.
When the thousand years have expired, Satan shall be loosed out of his prison to gather them together to battle; Revelation 20:7, 8.
Their defeat will be as predicted.
And fire came down from God out of heaven and devoured them. Revelation 20:9.
It is done. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end.
He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son. Revelation 21:6, 7.
1. The Father's acknowledgement of Jesus as the Son of God, witnessed by His disciples.
This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye Him. Matthew 17:5.
2. Jesus’s teachings of Himself.
Say ye of Him, whom the Father hath sanctified, and sent into the world, Thou blasphemes; because I said, I am the Son of God? John 10:36.
3. Raising the dead
Jesus cried with a loud voice, Lazarus, come forth. And he that was dead came forth, bound hand and foot with graveclothes. John 11:43, 44.
4. Healing the leprosy and other maladies
And Jesus put forth his hand, and touched him, saying, I will; be thou clean. And immediately his leprosy was cleansed. Matthew 8:3.
5. Casting out demons
And devils also came out of many, crying out, and saying, Thou art Christ the Son of God. Luke 4:41.
6. Feeding the 5000
They who ate were about five thousand men, beside women and children. Matthew 14:21.
7. Foreseeing and reading people’s thoughts
Jesus knew their thoughts, and said unto them, Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation; Matthew 12:25.
Remember Your Creation
Remember Your Creation
The Sabbath was given to Adam and Eve in Eden for all their posterity.
God has blessed and set apart the seventh day for a sacred use.
Therefore, on the seventh day humankind is to refrain from labor in commemoration of the Creator's rest.
Thus God gave His Sabbaths to humanity, when they roll down the time to remind us that He has created all things.
Remember Your Redemption
Remember Your Redemption
Humans were promised a Redeemer right after the fall of our first parents.
As Jesus ate the Passover with His disciples,
He instituted in its place a service that was to commemorate His sacrifice for humanity.
When Jesus had given thanks, he broke it, and said:
Take, eat: this is my body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of me.
After the same manner also he took the cup, when he had supped, saying:
This cup is the new testament in my blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of me.
Thus by His new ordinance - the Lord’s Supper, Christ followers commemorate their deliverance from sin.
The price of heaven is Jesus. This is the work of God, that ye believe in Him whom He hath sent. John 6:29.
There's nothing we can do that we may deserve Heaven.
The way to Heaven is through faith in the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world. John 1:29.
Many are performing burdensome work in order to recommend themselves to God.
They work with the thought of meriting a reward in proportion to their labor.
They are ready to hear of any new observance by which they could secure greater merit.
And they ask: What is the price we are required to pay in order to obtain the life to come?
Jesus answered all then and now: This is the work of God, that ye believe in Him whom He hath sent.
It is only through the unmerited grace of Christ that anyone can find entrance into the city of God.
His reward is given not according to our merit but according to His own purpose, which He purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord. Ephesians 3:11.
Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us. Titus 3:5.
By beholding the matchless love of Christ, the selfish heart will be melted and subdued.
What things were gained to me, those I counted loss for Christ.
The Son of man is delivered into the hands of men, and they shall kill him; and he shall rise the third day. Mark 9:31.
It happened exactly as Jesus had predicted.
Only He who is one with God could say:
I have power to lay down My life, and I have power to take it again. John 10:18.
In His divinity, Christ possessed the power to break the bonds of death.
He was crucified on Friday - the day of Passover.
The Passover was followed by the seven day's feast of unleavened bread.
The first day was a day of holy convocation and rest as it was also a weekly Sabbath.
Thus the Sabbath intervened between Christ’s death and resurrection.
Jesus rested in the tomb on the Sabbath day.
His resurrection took place on the very day when the wave sheaf was to be presented before God.
He was the antitype of the wave sheaf and arose from the dead as the first fruits of those that slept.
His resurrection is the type and pledge of the resurrection of all the righteous dead.
The object lesson for us comes from the life of Judas.
The love of mammon overbalanced his love for Christ.
He did not give up his worldly ambition or his love of money.
Judas showed his covetous character when Mary anointed Jesus' feet.
Why was not this ointment sold for three hundred pence, and given to the poor?
This he said, not that he cared for the poor;
but because he was a thief, and had the bag, and bare what was put therein.
Judas had no heart for the poor.
Had Mary's ointment been sold, and the proceeds fallen into his possession,
the poor would have received no benefit.
Jesus gave him a direct rebuke and Judas determined to be revenged.
From the supper he went directly to the palace of the high priest and offered to betray Jesus.
Though the Commander in the Heavenly Courts, Jesus took the lowest place on earth.
Rich, yet for our sake He became poor.
In His Divinity, Christ possessed an absolute right to all things.
He thought it not robbery to be equal with God: but made himself of no reputation, and took upon Him the form of a servant.
Jesus came not to live in the palaces of kings, without care or labor and with all the conveniences which human nature naturally craves.
He had chosen to stand with the poor and oppressed, as a humble worker learning the trade of His earthly parent.
Christ didn’t shun the social life of His countrymen.
That all might become acquainted with God manifested in the flesh,
He mingled with every class of society and was called the friend of sinners.
Jesus came to the world to be a re-constructor of human’s character.
Therefore, He brought into all His work the perfection which He desired to bring into the character He was transforming by His Divine power.
For a little while Jesus was made lower than the angels,
so that through God's grace He should suffer death for everyone.
Christ became a human's substitute. He was not compelled to do this.
But He chose to bear the results of one's transgression so that they might escape eternal death.
Jesus gave His own life a ransom in order that God might be just and yet be the justifier of all who believes in Him.
We see Him now crowned with glory and honor because of the death he suffered.
Thus God made Jesus, through His suffering a perfect model, fit to bring many into their salvation.
It is His purpose, by the elevating and sanctifying power of His truth, to give humans nobility and dignity.
They were astonished and felt a convincing power as they heard His words.
Their hearts were stirred and their interest awakened.
But Satan was present to suggest doubts and unbelief.
Jesus’s home was among the poor and lowly in Nazareth.
He was a carpenter’s son with a humble life, making no claims of distinction or greatness.
But the Jews expected one with power and reputation.
They resonated that He is Joseph's son and knew all of His family.
They would not believe that this man, who had come in meekness and lowliness, was any other than a common man.
Their unbelief and malice increased.
They cried out against him with wrath and hatred thrusting him out of the synagogue and the city.
He was brought to a tall rocky cliff. They were sure they got him.
But suddenly he disappeared out of their midst. God preserved his life.
Christ had said, concerning the temple of His body, that He could destroy it, and raise it again in three days.
These words were understood by His hearers to refer to the Jewish temple.
The priests and rulers also had bribed false witnesses testifying that Jesus was inciting rebellion and seeking to establish a separate government.
They were disappointed with not gaining anything from the false witnesses upon which to condemn Jesus.
Their only hope now was to make Jesus speak out and say something to find Him guilty.
Therefore, the high priest with a solemn voice addressed Jesus:
I adjure thee by the living God that thou tell us whether thou be the Christ, the Son of God.
Jesus answered: Thou hast said.
Christ knew that it would secure His condemnation.
He hath spoken blasphemy, What think ye?
The answer of the judges was: He is guilty of death.
Everything in the life of Jesus happened according to the time frame prophesied by Daniel 9.
Jesus began HIs public ministry at the time of His baptism, anointed by the Holy Spirit.
He continued His work as prophesied by Isaiah 61.
Priests and rulers refused every evidence given them that Christ was the Messiah.
They only accepted Him as a common man.
Furthermore, on many occasions they were furious and wanted to take His life.
But suddenly He disappeared out of their midst.
God preserved His life. Jesus needed to complete His mission.
After this was done, He was ready to become the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of our world.
He voluntarily submitted to priests and rollers and offered Himself as the Sacrifice for sin.
Isn't this Jesus The Carpenter From Nazareth?
Isn't this Jesus The Carpenter From Nazareth?
For many years the Son of God lived almost unknown in the city of Nazareth.
His meek and unpretending life rebuked selfishness, pride, riches, and honor.
Jesus introduced His public ministry first to His own people at Nazareth’s synagogue.
The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because He hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor;
He hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives…
And He said to them: This day is this scripture fulfilled in your ears.
Jesus stood there as the Divine interpreter of the prophet's words in regard to Himself.
But, the language of their hearts was: This cannot be the man who is to be the Redeemer of Israel.
They would not believe that this man - meek and lowly, in poverty and sorrow, was any other than a common man.
They would have no one as their king unless attended by riches and splendor, and a grand and imposing army.
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