Crucifixion (Easter Story 4) (Isaiah 43:4-6, Matt. 27:26, 51-54, 32-39, Mark 15:16-20, Luke 23:39-43, John 19:25-37, Heb. 9:11-12, Acts 17:24, Psalms 34:22)

"Wounded for our transgressions,
the last Passover lamb"
© Karen Kyle Ericson, all rights reserved.

"4 Surely He has borne our griefs
And carried our sorrows;
Yet we esteemed Him stricken,
Smitten by God, and afflicted.
5 But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; The chastisement for our peace was upon Him, And by His stripes we are healed.
6 All we like sheep have gone astray;
We have turned, every one, to his own way; And the Lord has laid on Him the iniquity of us all."
Isaiah 53:4-6

This is the hard part to read and to write.  Who crucified Jesus?  The Romans?  The Jews?  Not just them, it was all of us.  Mankind crucified Jesus.  I did.  He was God's plan for the Passover sacrifice in 33AD.  The final lamb to be slain.  He was without blemish; He never sinned.   If I added up all the things man has done wrong since creation, I would've decided to trash the first batch and start over until I got a world that was perfect. Even after the flood that was sent to bring a new start and a new world, Noah got drunk.  I honestly can't explain why He loves us so much.  Although I do understand how I love others.

If we were born like robots, programmed to love God and never mess up, would God consider that true love?  Probably not.  It would be like a self-help book that says to repeat the words, "I am wonderful" every morning and night.  You think you're wonderful, but no one else does, kind of lonely.  He gave us a free will instead- the choice to either love Him or not.  Like a Father, He longs for us to sincerely love Him- so much He sacrificed Himself for us. 
"...by His stripes we are healed." Isaiah 53:5

Matt 27:26
26 Then he released Barabbas to them; and when he had scourged Jesus, he delivered Him to be crucified.
After Pilate released Barabbas, he had Jesus scourged.  Scourging was done with a whip.  It had several leather thongs weighted with pieces of lead or sharp metal.  The victim was stripped to the waist, then bound, in a bent-over position, to a post, and beaten on the bare back with the scourge until the flesh was torn open.

"The chastisement for our peace was upon Him..." Isaiah 53:5

Mark 15:16-20
16 Then the soldiers led Him away into the hall called Praetorium, and they called together the whole garrison. 17 And they clothed Him with purple; and they twisted a crown of thorns, put it on His head, 18 and began to salute Him, "Hail, King of the Jews!" 19 Then they struck Him on the head with a reed and spat on Him; and bowing the knee, they worshiped Him. 20 And when they had mocked Him, they took the purple off Him, put His own clothes on Him, and led Him out to crucify Him. 
Purple was the color of royalty, the crown symbolized a king.  They mocked Him.  To hit the crown of thorns on His head, with a reed, must have been excruciating.  That along with the scourging, must have left Him barely able to stand.  He lost a lot of blood.  The cruelty He experienced was clearly satanic.  He had been proven innocent.  This was God's sacrifice for man.

Jesus was unable to carry the cross.  He didn't want to drink wine to numb the pain.  He had work to do from the cross.
Matt 27:32-38
32 Now as they came out, they found a man of Cyrene, Simon by name. Him they compelled to bear His cross. 33 And when they had come to a place called Golgotha, that is to say, Place of a Skull, 34they gave Him sour wine mingled with gall to drink. But when He had tasted it, He would not drink. 

35 Then they crucified Him, and divided His garments, casting lots, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet:
"They divided My garments among them,   And for My clothing they cast lots."  Psalms 22:18
36 Sitting down, they kept watch over Him there. 37 And they put up over His head the accusation written against Him:
        THIS IS JESUS THE KING OF THE JEWS. 

The Roman soldiers had no idea who Jesus really was.  It was just  another criminal to crucify for them.  
38 Then two robbers were crucified with Him, one on the right and another on the left. 

Luke 23:39-43
39 Then one of the criminals who were hanged blasphemed Him, saying,  "If You are the Christ, save Yourself and us." 

40 But the other, answering, rebuked him, saying, "Do you not even fear God, seeing you are under the same condemnation? 41 And we indeed justly, for we receive the due reward of our deeds; but this Man has done nothing wrong." 42 Then he said to Jesus, "Lord, remember me when You come into Your kingdom."
This is the attitude I have seen the most in street ministry.  Most people have a fear of God.  But this robber chose to believe Jesus, and found forgiveness of his sins.  He confessed his sins, and received salvation.

43 And Jesus said to him, "Assuredly, I say to you, today you will be with Me in Paradise." 

If He chose to jump down from the cross healthy it would have been a miracle.  But He would've only saved one generation.  He died so He could save all of mankind.  The final sacrifice; He died so we could live today.  
Matthew 27:39 And those who passed by blasphemed Him, wagging their heads 40 and saying, "You who destroy the temple and build it in three days, save Yourself! If You are the Son of God, come down from the cross." 
And He did save Himself, and us. If we are willing.

41 Likewise the chief priests also, mocking with the scribes and elders, said, 42 "He saved others; Himself He cannot save. If He is the King of Israel, let Him now come down from the cross, and we will believe Him.  43 He trusted in God; let Him deliver Him now if He will have Him; for He said, 'I am the Son of God.'" 

As the Son of man, Jesus loved His Mother, they had experienced much together.  As the Son of God, He wanted her to be safe and well cared for.  So He chose John to be her son- and Mary to be John's Mother.  After His death, they could talk about Jesus and remember all they had seen and experienced.  Jesus would no longer walk on earth as a man, soon He would return to God's throne.
John 19:25-37
25 Now there stood by the cross of Jesus His mother, and His mother's sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. 26 When Jesus therefore saw His mother, and the disciple whom He loved standing by, He said to His mother, "Woman, behold your son!"  27 Then He said to the disciple, "Behold your mother!" And from that hour that disciple took her to his own home. 

28 After this, Jesus, knowing that all things were now accomplished, that the Scripture might be fulfilled, said, "I thirst!"  29 Now a vessel full of sour wine was sitting there; and they filled a sponge with sour wine, put it on hyssop, and put it to His mouth. 30 So when Jesus had received the sour wine, He said, "It is finished!" And bowing His head, He gave up His spirit. 

31 Therefore, because it was the Preparation Day, that the bodies should not remain on the cross on the Sabbath (for that Sabbath was a high day), the Jews asked Pilate that their legs might be broken, and that they might be taken away. 32 Then the soldiers came and broke the legs of the first and of the other who was crucified with Him. 33 But when they came to Jesus and saw that He was already dead, they did not break His legs. 34 But one of the soldiers pierced His side with a spear, and immediately blood and water came out. 35 And he who has seen has testified, and his testimony is true; and he knows that he is telling the truth, so that you may believe. 36 For these things were done that the Scripture should be fulfilled, 
"Not one of His bones shall be broken." (Psalms 34:20)  37 And again another Scripture says, "They shall look on Him whom they pierced." (Zechariah 12:10)
And then what happened...

I would've loved to see the reaction of the scribes and chief priests, when the events after Jesus' death happened.  The only recorded reaction in the Bible I found, was that of the Centurion.  The veil of the temple has been estimated to be 60 feet high and 4 inches thick.  It was the curtain that divided man from the Holy of Holies, where the Ark of the Covenant rested, the place God's presence dwelt.  It is the place where animal sacrifices were made.  Only the High Priest was allowed to enter one time a year.  When Jesus died, the veil was torn and God's presence left the temple.  His blood became the sacrifice for all of man's sin: Jew and Gentile.  The earth quaked and rocks were split!  How could you not notice?  Again, I would've loved to see Caiaphas' (the High Priest) face when the dead started rising : )  

Matt 27:51-54
51 Then, behold, the veil of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom; and the earth quaked, and the rocks were split, 52 and the graves were opened; and many bodies of the saints who had fallen asleep were raised; 53 and coming out of the graves after His resurrection, they went into the holy city and appeared to many.

54 So when the centurion and those with him, who were guarding Jesus, saw the earthquake and the things that had happened, they feared greatly, saying, "Truly this was the Son of God!"
Indeed, He is : )

Other verses that help explain what happened:
Hebrews 9:11-12
11 But Christ came as High Priest of the good things to come, with the greater and more perfect tabernacle not made with hands, that is, not of this creation. 12 Not with the blood of goats and calves, but with His own blood He entered the Most Holy Place once for all, having obtained eternal redemption.
Jesus no longer dwells in a building built with human hands.  For those who allow Him, He dwells in the hearts of men and women.

Acts 17:24
God, who made the world and everything in it, since He is Lord of heaven and earth, does not dwell in temples made with hands.

Psalms 34:22
22 The Lord redeems the soul of His servants,
And none of those who trust in Him shall be condemned. 
NKJV

And now!  We have direct access to Him any day, any time.  We don't have to wait for a year and a High Priest to offer our sacrifices anymore!  I am so glad He didn't give up on us.  In Heaven, we will finally be able to understand His great and wonderful love, without doubt, or question.

Dear Heavenly Father, 
I am looking forward to Your return, for peace.  Like the disciples who saw Jesus crucified and thought there was no hope; we feel that way too at times.  Guess that's what faith is, the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen (Heb. 11:1).  You are God nothing is impossible for You.  Please be with those who mourn.  The world is much bigger than me.  I pray You will comfort those in need.  Bless our leaders with good things, stamina, and words to say. 

Our Father in heaven,
Reveal who you are.
10 Set the world right;
Do what's best––
  as above, so below.
11 Keep us alive with three square meals.
12 Keep us forgiven with you and forgiving others.
13 Keep us safe from ourselves and the Devil.
You're in charge!
You can do anything you want!
You're ablaze in beauty!
  Yes. Yes. Yes.
(Matthew 6:9-13 Message)


In Jesus' Name I pray, Amen       

¹Halley's Bible Handbook

Here's a song by Big Daddy Weave, Redeemed (link).

Jesus' Trial (Easter Story 3) (Isaiah 53:7, Matt 26:57-68, 69-75, Matt 27:1-10, 11-15, Luke 23:6-25, Romans 11:16-18)

"The lamb of God to take away the sins of the world."
© Karen Kyle Ericson, all rights reserved.

This part of the Easter Story is about all the legal battles Jesus and the disciples faced.  Each group of people from Romans to Jewish leaders, and more had an agenda.  Don't be deceived though, it was no surprise to God.  His agenda was to give us a Savior so we could live with Him in peace.  The only way God can forgive is by a sacrifice, so He sacrificed Himself.


Isaiah 53:7
"7 He was oppressed and He was afflicted,
Yet He opened not His mouth;
He was led as a lamb to the slaughter,
And as a sheep before its shearers is silent, So He opened not His mouth."
NKJV


Jesus' trial before the High Priest, Caiaphas

Matt 26:57-68
57 And those who had laid hold of Jesus led Him away to Caiaphas the high priest, where the scribes and the elders were assembled...

The chief priests and elders tried to find a reason to convict Jesus according to their interpretation of the law.  They found false witnesses to testify against Him, but nothing that would require His death. 

60...But at last two false witnesses came forward 61 and said, "This fellow said, 'I am able to destroy the temple of God and to build it in three days.'" 

62 And the high priest arose and said to Him, "Do You answer nothing? What is it these men testify against You?" 63 But Jesus kept silent. And the high priest answered and said to Him, "I put You under oath by the living God: Tell us if You are the Christ, the Son of God!" 

64 Jesus said to him, "It is as you said. Nevertheless, I say to you, hereafter you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Power, and coming on the clouds of heaven." 

65 Then the high priest tore his clothes, saying, "He has spoken blasphemy! What further need do we have of witnesses? Look, now you have heard His blasphemy! 66 What do you think?"

They answered and said, "He is deserving of death." 

67 Then they spat in His face and beat Him; and others struck Him with the palms of their hands, 68 saying, "Prophesy to us, Christ! Who is the one who struck You?" 
NKJV

Peter's trial

Peter experienced his trial.  He swore before the disciples and Jesus that he would never deny Christ at the Last Supper.  My heart breaks for Peter at this moment.  His sorrow must have been so overwhelming, he was confused and scared.  But, Jesus has a very special way of restoring Peter after His Resurrection.  He still waits to restore us today when we ask Him too.

69 Now Peter sat outside in the courtyard. And a servant girl came to him, saying, "You also were with Jesus of Galilee." 
70 But he denied it before them all, saying, "I do not know what you are saying." 

71 And when he had gone out to the gateway, another girl saw him and said to those who were there, "This fellow also was with Jesus of Nazareth." 

72 But again he denied with an oath, "I do not know the Man!"

73 And a little later those who stood by came up and said to Peter, "Surely you also are one of them, for your speech betrays you."

74 Then he began to curse and swear, saying, "I do not know the Man!"
Immediately a rooster crowed. 75 And Peter remembered the word of Jesus who had said to him, "Before the rooster crows, you will deny Me three times." So he went out and wept bitterly. 
Matt 26:69-75 NKJV

Jesus' trial before Pontius Pilate

Next Jesus was taken to the Roman Governor Pontius Pilate. The Chief Priests wanted Jesus to be crucified by Romans, so they wouldn't look bad in front of the Jewish people during Passover.  Pilate saw this as a religious squabble and didn't want to get involved.

1 When morning came, all the chief priests and elders of the people plotted against Jesus to put Him to death. 2 And when they had bound Him, they led Him away and delivered Him to Pontius Pilate the governor. 
11 Now Jesus stood before the governor. And the governor asked Him, saying, "Are You the King of the Jews?"
Jesus said to him, "It is as you say."  12 And while He was being accused by the chief priests and elders, He answered nothing. 
13 Then Pilate said to Him, "Do You not hear how many things they testify against You?" 14 But He answered him not one word, so that the governor marveled greatly. 
Matt 27:1-2, 11-14

Judas' trial

Judas faced his trial.  As I read his reaction, I became more convinced he was a thief and sincerely didn't realize the consequences of his actions- he was overwhelmed by greed.  He may have admired the way Jesus slipped through crowds, and avoided danger.  Jesus handled Himself well, He'd be fine.  But this time was different, Jesus was condemned!  There is an honor among thieves.  It's ok to steal and cheat other thieves.  But it's not ok to hurt or betray another thief.  When in danger or harm, thieves will protect each other.  Judas became convicted of his sin, thinking if he gave the money back he would be forgiven.  He was looking in the wrong place for forgiveness.  Money can't buy it.  Only a sacrifice with grace and mercy can.

Matt 27:3-10
3 Then Judas, His betrayer, seeing that He had been condemned, was remorseful and brought back the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and elders, 4 saying, "I have sinned by betraying innocent blood."
And they said, "What is that to us? You see to it!" 
5 Then he threw down the pieces of silver in the temple and departed, and went and hanged himself. 

Chief Priest's trial

A bizarre interpretation of the law.  It's ok to purchase and trick a person into betraying Jesus.  But it's not ok to put the money back into the treasury?  God was not deceived by any of it.

6 But the chief priests took the silver pieces and said, "It is not lawful to put them into the treasury, because they are the price of blood." 7 And they consulted together and bought with them the potter's field, to bury strangers in. 8 Therefore that field has been called the Field of Blood to this day. 

9 Then was fulfilled what was spoken by Jeremiah the prophet, saying, "And they took the thirty pieces of silver, the value of Him who was priced, whom they of the children of Israel priced, 10 and gave them for the potter's field, as the Lord directed me." 
NKJV

Jesus' trial before Herod

Next Jesus was taken to Herod.  Herod Antipas was the ruler over Galilee and Perea, a client state of the Roman Empire.  He was the grandson of Herod the Great.  Herod the Great ordered the massacre of all Jewish babies after Jesus' birth in Bethlehem, seeking to destroy Him.  Like Pilate, Herod Antipas also saw this as a religious squabble of little importance.  I'm sure the Jews' reputation dropped substantially after each encounter with the Roman rulers.  But God had a bigger plan for the Passover sacrifice this year.


6 When Pilate heard of Galilee, he asked if the Man were a Galilean. 7 And as soon as he knew that He belonged to Herod's jurisdiction, he sent Him to Herod, who was also in Jerusalem at that time. 8 Now when Herod saw Jesus, he was exceedingly glad; for he had desired for a long time to see Him, because he had heard many things about Him, and he hoped to see some miracle done by Him. 9 Then he questioned Him with many words, but He answered him nothing. 10 And the chief priests and scribes stood and vehemently accused Him. 11 Then Herod, with his men of war, treated Him with contempt and mocked Him, arrayed Him in a gorgeous robe, and sent Him back to Pilate. 12 That very day, Pilate and Herod became friends with each other, for previously they had been at enmity with each other. 
Luke 23:6-12 NKJV

Jesus' Sentence

Pilate was faced with what to do with Jesus again.  He had a policy of releasing one prisoner during Passover for the Jews.  It was a kind of peacemaking gesture to the Jews.  I believe he meant to show the people their foolishness by offering Barabbas instead of crucifying Jesus.  But they would not give in.  God had plans for the Passover sacrifice.


Now at the feast the governor was accustomed to releasing to the multitude one prisoner whom they wished. 
Matt 27:15

Luke 23:13-25
13 Then Pilate, when he had called together the chief priests, the rulers, and the people, 14 said to them, "You have brought this Man to me, as one who misleads the people. And indeed, having examined Him in your presence, I have found no fault in this Man concerning those things of which you accuse Him; 15 no, neither did Herod, for I sent you back to him; and indeed nothing deserving of death has been done by Him. 16 I will therefore chastise Him and release Him" 17 (for it was necessary for him to release one to them at the feast). 
18 And they all cried out at once, saying, "Away with this Man, and release to us Barabbas" —  19 who had been thrown into prison for a certain rebellion made in the city, and for murder.

20 Pilate, therefore, wishing to release Jesus, again called out to them. 21 But they shouted, saying, "Crucify Him, crucify Him!" 

22 Then he said to them the third time, "Why, what evil has He done? I have found no reason for death in Him. I will therefore chastise Him and let Him go." 
23 But they were insistent, demanding with loud voices that He be crucified. And the voices of these men and of the chief priests prevailed.  24 So Pilate gave sentence that it should be as they requested. 25 And he released to them the one they requested, who for rebellion and murder had been thrown into prison; but he delivered Jesus to their will.
NKJV 

Jesus came for the Jews first, and then for those of us who are Gentiles.  The Apostle Paul, one of the first  Jews for Jesus, said that the root is Jesus.  The firstfruit are the Jews, the Gentiles (us) have been grafted in.  God still has a plan for Israel.  The names of the twelve tribes of Israel are written on the gates into the New Jerusalem in Heaven.  God still loves His people.  Paul's Hebrew name was, "Saul."

Romans 11:16-18
16 For if the firstfruit is holy, the lump is also holy; and if the root is holy, so are the branches. 17 And if some of the branches were broken off, and you, being a wild olive tree, were grafted in among them, and with them became a partaker of the root and fatness of the olive tree, 18 do not boast against the branches. But if you do boast, remember that you do not support the root, but the root supports you. 
NKJV


Dear Heavenly Father, 
I continue to pray for peace in Jerusalem, Europe and the middleast.  Please protect those who are in harms way facing persecution.  Let Your love surround them with hope and strength.  Send the angels to protect and hide them.  Grant us wisdom as we seek to elect a new President.  Thank You for hope secured in our hearts like an anchor.  Help us count our blessings,in good times and bad.  Please bless Ukraine and help them stay strong.  May the right win and the wrong fail.  I pray You will spread Your wings of love over those who lost loved ones in Europe.  Keep them safe Father. 

Our Father in heaven,
Reveal who you are.
10 Set the world right;
Do what's best––
  as above, so below.
11 Keep us alive with three square meals.
12 Keep us forgiven with you and forgiving others.13 Keep us safe from ourselves and the Devil.You're in charge!
You can do anything you want!
You're ablaze in beauty!
  Yes. Yes. Yes.
(Matthew 6:9-13 Message)

In Jesus' Name I pray, Amen       

Don Francisco, Watch the Lamb, Don Francisco (link)  

Last Supper - Passover (Easter Story 2) (Matthew 26:14-35, John 13:5-11, John 17:20-26, Zech 13:7)

"The Last Supper"
Guest painter- Leonardo da Vinci
I did some touch ups...

In the evening, Jesus and the disciples gathered in an upper room, to celebrate the Passover together.  

Jews still celebrate the Passover to remember how God delivered them from slavery in Egypt.  After God sent nine plagues to free Israel from Pharaoh, He sent the final, severest plague.  It would kill all the first-born sons.  God spared all those who painted lamb's blood over their doors.  Jesus is the first-born and only Son of God.  He is the lamb that was slain to protect us from our sin today.  God gave His first-born because of His amazing love for us. It is His desire to walk with us like in the Garden of Eden, to restore His relationship with us.  He wants to free us from life's bondage and sin.  There is much symbolism for both Jews and Christians today in the Passover.

14 Then one of the twelve, called Judas Iscariot, went to the chief priests 15 and said, "What are you willing to give me if I deliver Him to you?" And they counted out to him thirty pieces of silver. 16 So from that time he sought opportunity to betray Him." 

Matthew 26:14-16 NKJV

Many people try and explain why Judas did what he did.  Some say that he believed Jesus' purpose was to help the poor. Judas became angry believing He was a fake.  Others say Judas was looking for a leader who would lead people into battle against the Romans to free the Jews.  John 12:6 says that Judas was a thief and took money from the money box.  God knows the truth, He wants us to let Him be the Judge.

20 When evening had come, He sat down with the twelve. 21 Now as they were eating, He said, "Assuredly, I say to you, one of you will betray Me." 

22 And they were exceedingly sorrowful, and each of them began to say to Him, "Lord, is it I?" 

23 He answered and said, "He who dipped his hand with Me in the dish will betray Me.  24 The Son of Man indeed goes just as it is written of Him, but woe to that man by whom the Son of Man is betrayed! It would have been good for that man if he had not been born." 

25 Then Judas, who was betraying Him, answered and said, "Rabbi, is it I?"

He said to him, "You have said it." 

Matthew 26:20-25 NKJV

The interesting thing is that Jesus didn't stop Judas.  It's like He gave him permission.  Jesus was to be God's sacrifice for man's sin, His purpose had to be fulfilled.  If his kingdom was to be on earth, He certainly could have done it; but, it would've only been for one generation.  His kingdom is in Heaven, eternity, for all mankind.

26 And as they were eating, Jesus took bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to the disciples and said, "Take, eat; this is My body." 

John 13:27 

Now after the piece of bread, Satan entered him (Judas). Then Jesus said to him, "What you do, do quickly."  

Matthew 26:27 

Then He took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, "Drink from it, all of you.  28 For this is My blood of the new covenant, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.  

Today, we partake in the Lord's supper.  We eat bread or crackers.  I remember Jesus' tortured body, and confess my sins.  When I drink the juice, I remember He has cleansed me of my sin and I am clean!  It's such a joyful moment, I praise Him.

31 Then Jesus said to them, "All of you will be made to stumble because of Me this night, for it is written:

"'I will strike the Shepherd, And the sheep of the flock will be scattered."

Zechariah 13:7.  

32 But after I have been raised, I will go before you to Galilee." 

Peter is one of my favorite disciples.  He approached things with such enthusiasm and then, well, things didn't go exactly as planned.  I can relate to that.  My other favorite is Nathanael, when he was asked to follow Jesus, he replied, "Can anything good come out of Nazareth?"  Of course, Jesus heard it and admired his honesty.  (John 1:46)  Jesus chose real people to follow Him.  They weren't perfect.  People like us.

33 Peter answered and said to Him, "Even if all are made to stumble because of You, I will never be made to stumble." 

34 Jesus said to him, "Assuredly, I say to you that this night, before the rooster crows, you will deny Me three times." 

35 Peter said to Him, "Even if I have to die with You, I will not deny You!"

And so said all the disciples. 

Matthew 26:26-35 NKJV

I used red on the text so I could see the tension rising with Jesus and the disciples.  It may be that the disciples thought life would be like this forever.  Jesus would walk with them, they'd proclaim the good news.  Peter, seems to have reacted out loud in his fear and anguish, "What are you talking about Jesus? I'll protect You."

It would have been heartbreaking for Peter to hear Jesus, his hero, tell him he was going to deny Him.  We've all struggled with this at one point or another.  He is the good shepherd and is always open to bringing us back to Him, if we repent (change direction).    It was a custom for a servant to wash the feet of visitors.  Jesus, the Son of God, the King of Kings, washed the disciples' feet.  He took on the role of a servant.

5 After that, He poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples' feet, and to wipe them with the towel with which He was girded. 

6 Then He came to Simon Peter. And Peter said to Him, "Lord, are You washing my feet?" 

7 Jesus answered and said to him, "What I am doing you do not understand now, but you will know after this." 

8 Peter said to Him, "You shall never wash my feet!"

Jesus answered him, "If I do not wash you, you have no part with Me." 

9 Simon Peter said to Him, "Lord, not my feet only, but also my hands and my head!" 

Here's my favorite disciple.  He's telling the Son of God what to do!!?  The disciples had an idea of who Jesus is, but they didn't quite grasp the whole purpose of His life yet.  Without the Holy Spirit, Peter was left guessing.  

10 Jesus said to him, "He who is bathed needs only to wash his feet, but is completely clean; and you are clean, but not all of you."  11 For He knew who would betray Him; therefore He said, "You are not all clean." 

John 13:5-11 NKJV

Jesus prayed for us!

20 "I do not pray for these alone, but also for those who will believe in Me through their word;  21 that they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You; that they also may be one in Us, that the world may believe that You sent Me.  22 And the glory which You gave Me I have given them, that they may be one just as We are one:  23 I in them, and You in Me; that they may be made perfect in one, and that the world may know that You have sent Me, and have loved them as You have loved Me. 

24 "Father, I desire that they also whom You gave Me may be with Me where I am, that they may behold My glory which You have given Me; for You loved Me before the foundation of the world.  25 O righteous Father! The world has not known You, but I have known You; and these have known that You sent Me.  26 And I have declared to them Your name, and will declare it, that the love with which You loved Me may be in them, and I in them." 

John 17:20-26 NKJV

Jesus prayed for all of us, as Christians, that we would be one.  On Easter, we put aside our doctrinal differences and focus on Jesus.  May we be a blessing to Jesus, and always seek to be one in Him.  Our differences are so small compared to His great sacrifice.  There is only one Savior, one Heaven, one body of Christ. 

"Wine is the symbol of Jesus' blood, that will cleanse us of our sins.
Bread is the symbol of Jesus' body, broken for us that we might live.
The final sacrifice for man."
© Karen Kyle Ericson, all rights reserved.

Here's a song by, "Third Day,"  King of Glory (link)

Palm Sunday (Easter Story 1) (Matthew 21:1-7, Zechariah 9:9, Psalm 8:2)

It's time for me to read the Easter story again.  Today is the day we celebrate Palm Sunday.  It originally took place around 33 AD.  Jesus and the disciples were on one of their journeys through Israel.

Matthew 21:1-17

1 Now when they drew near Jerusalem, and came to Bethphage, at the Mount of Olives, then Jesus sent two disciples, 2 saying to them, "Go into the village opposite you, and immediately you will find a donkey tied, and a colt with her. Loose them and bring them to Me.  3 And if anyone says anything to you, you shall say, 'The Lord has need of them,' and immediately he will send them." 

4 All this was done that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, saying: 

5 "Tell the daughter of Zion,

'Behold, your King is coming to you,

Lowly, and sitting on a donkey,

A colt, the foal of a donkey.'" 

This prophecy was first recorded in Zechariah 9:9, and fulfilled by Jesus.

6 So the disciples went and did as Jesus commanded them.

This is unusual for the disciples.  Usually when Jesus asked them to do something, they were full of questions.  I wonder if they shrugged their shoulders and whispered, "What do you think He's up to?"  Someone might have answered, "Don't know.  We should just do it."  So glad the disciples were people like us.  By this time they knew Jesus wasn't popular with the temple leaders in Jerusalem.  Maybe they simply did it out of faith, full of apprehension as to what came next.

7 They brought the donkey and the colt, laid their clothes on them, and set Him on them. 8 And a very great multitude spread their clothes on the road; others cut down branches from the trees and spread them on the road. 

9 Then the multitudes who went before and those who followed cried out, saying:

"Hosanna to the Son of David!

'Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!' Hosanna in the highest!" 

This was originally written in Psalm 118:26.  It was fulfilled by Jesus.

10 And when He had come into Jerusalem, all the city was moved, saying, "Who is this?" 11 So the multitudes said, "This is Jesus, the prophet from Nazareth of Galilee." 

It must've been a wonderful moment for all who witnessed it.  I can imagine the whispers and the love of the crowd.  People who had heard His teaching and seen His miracles, continued to follow Him.  For the disciples, everything must've seemed great.  All are happy, everything's fine.  They were a part of something so much greater than their imaginations.

12 Then Jesus went into the temple of God and drove out all those who bought and sold in the temple, and overturned the tables of the money changers and the seats of those who sold doves. 13 And He said to them, "It is written, 'My house shall be called a house of prayer,' but you have made it a 'den of thieves.'"

Fun's over, Jesus had an important task at hand.  He went into the temple.  The temple that never recognized Him as the Messiah, even tried to kill Him as a baby.  It was no longer God's House like King David had dreamed.  It was now a money making industry.   

Instead of raising a scepter and wearing a golden crown with jewels like I would think a king would do, Jesus healed the blind and lame in the temple.  The children sang "Hosanna to the Son of David!"  Hosanna means, "Save now" or "Praise."  The temple had never experienced this before. It was a solemn place.

14 Then the blind and the lame came to Him in the temple, and He healed them. 15 But when the chief priests and scribes saw the wonderful things that He did, and the children crying out in the temple and saying, "Hosanna to the Son of David!" they were indignant 16 and said to Him, "Do You hear what these are saying?"

The chief priests and scribes were thrilled?  No, they were indignant.  The only way I can grasp this attitude is to realize the priests and scribes lived in a time when they didn't want a Messiah.  They enjoyed their careers.  They had nice homes and never worried about money.  Perhaps they even had nice chariots.  Maybe they just didn't want to think about God right now, it wasn't convenient.  Kind of like the temptations we face.

I can imagine how wonderful it must've been to see our King in the Temple.  The children started singing with no prompt- they just knew.  The blind and lame had the courage to come to Him.  He actually healed from within the Temple. What a wonderful image of Heaven.

And Jesus said to them, "Yes. Have you never read, 'Out of the mouth of babes and nursing infants You have perfected praise'?" 

This prophecy was recorded in Psalms 8:2, and fulfilled by Jesus.  Amidst the beauty of Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem, tensions began to rise.  It was all in God's plan.

I love it when He says, "Have you never read?"  The scribes and chief priests were supposed to be extremely knowledgeable about the Old Testament.  Their job was to study scripture and apply it according to God's will.  The definition of a scribe from my Bible dictionary is "class of learned men who made the systematic study of the law and its exposition their professional occupation."  So when Jesus said, "Have you never read?" It would've been like asking a heart surgeon if he knew what an artery was.  Oy!  Think I would blush if Jesus asked me that.  I'll keep reading the Bible.  Truly we all have favorite passages though, guess we should read it all : )

Dear Heavenly Father, 
I continue to pray for peace in Jerusalem.  I know none of us will be forgotten by You.  Please protect those who are in harms way facing persecution.  Send the Angels to protect and guide them.  I pray for wisdom for our leaders in the USA.  Grant us wisdom as we seek to elect a new President.  Thank You for hope secured in our hearts like an anchor.  Help us count our blessings, especially in the good times.  

Our Father in heaven,
Reveal who you are.
10 Set the world right;
Do what's best––
  as above, so below.
11 Keep us alive with three square meals.
12 Keep us forgiven with you and forgiving others.
13 Keep us safe from ourselves and the Devil.
You're in charge!
You can do anything you want!
You're ablaze in beauty!
  Yes. Yes. Yes.
(Matthew 6:9-13 Message)
 
In Jesus' Name I pray, Amen      
Here's Michael W. Smith's song, "Hosanna" (link)

Things went badly... (Acts 19:21-41, Matt. 21:21-22, Exodus 20:3-4)

This is Mt. Rainier in Washington State
"Never underestimate the power of prayer"

© Karen Kyle Ericson, all rights reserved.

21 When these things were accomplished, Paul purposed in the Spirit, when he had passed through Macedonia and Achaia, to go to Jerusalem, saying, “After I have been there, I must also see Rome.” 22 So he sent into Macedonia two of those who ministered to him, Timothy and Erastus, but he himself stayed in Asia for a time.
Paul liked to travel and share the good news about Jesus wherever he went.  I would think he needed some time to recuperate read the scriptures and worship the Lord.  They didn't have cars, planes or trains back then.  It was all on donkeys or walking.

23 And about that time there arose a great commotion about the Way. 24 For a certain man named Demetrius, a silversmith, who made silver shrines of Diana, brought no small profit to the craftsmen. 25 He called them together with the workers of similar occupation, and said:“Men, you know that we have our prosperity by this trade. 26 Moreover you see and hear that not only at Ephesus, but throughout almost all Asia, this Paul has persuaded and turned away many people, saying that they are not gods which are made with hands. 27 So not only is this trade of ours in danger of falling into disrepute, but also the temple of the great goddess Diana may be despised and her magnificence destroyed, whom all Asia and the world worship.”
There was a lot of idol worship in these times.  Diana was supposed to be the goddess of the hunt and wild animals.  She would've been what people would pray to for food and also taming and talking to animals.  People in this time period made idols of her hoping she would bring good luck.  "The Way" was the name early Christians used to describe themselves. Truthfully though, it was all about the money.  In these verses they aren't as concerned about worshiping idols as they are losing their income.

28 Now when they heard this, they were full of wrath and cried out, saying, “Great is Diana of the Ephesians!” 

29 So.the whole city was filled with confusion, and rushed into the theater with one accord, having seized Gaius and Aristarchus, Macedonians, Paul's travel companions. 30 And when Paul wanted to go in to the people, the disciples would not allow him. 31 Then some of the officials of Asia, who were his friends, sent to him pleading that he would not venture into the theater. 32 Some therefore cried one thing and some another, for the assembly was confused, and most of them did not know why they had come together. 33 And they drew Alexander out of the multitude, the Jews putting him forward. And Alexander motioned with his hand, and wanted to make his defense to the people. 34 But when they found out that he was a Jew, all with one voice cried out for about two hours, “Great is Diana of the Ephesians!”
In all the chaos, in verse 32 everyone was confused as to what was going on.  They actually didn't even know why they were there.  It was a crowd mentality, people felt they should add their opinions.

This reminded me of when I was working in computer programming.  My job was to document the interface between two systems at Boeing.  The only problem was, the guys refused to cooperate.  So, I decided I'd wear a bicycle helmet to work.  When I got to the meeting everyone was smiling...  ok maybe the bicycle helmet helped... they all laughed.  My boss was nervous because it was a very important system.  No problem though. Everyone cooperated with each other.  When we finished I went back upstairs and my boss, "Van Cleland,"  was pacing.   So I told him it went fine.  The girl that sat next to me asked loudly, "Karen did you pray?"

So I told her, "I sure did!!!"  My boss smiled and said, "Whatever works."  

35 And when the city clerk had quieted the crowd, he said: “Men of Ephesus, what man is there who does not know that the city of the Ephesians is temple guardian of the great goddess Diana, and of the image which fell down from Zeus? 36 Therefore, since these things cannot be denied, you ought to be quiet and do nothing rashly. 37 For you have brought these men here who are neither robbers of temples nor blasphemers of your goddess. 38 Therefore, if Demetrius and his fellow craftsmen have a case against anyone, the courts are open and there are proconsuls. Let them bring charges against one another. 
Don't you just love when a voice of reason stands up and brings peace in a bad situation?  This is a good lesson for all of us I think.  The first two commandments of the 10 Commandments are, 

"1 You shall have no other gods before Me. You shall not make for yourself a carved image." Exodus 20:3-4.

So Paul was absolutely right in saying  to these people that they shouldn't worship idols.  They should worship the living, real God.  Sometimes people hear the truth and they just don't want to believe at the moment.  In this case the people didn't want to lose their income.  It doesn't mean there's no hope for them.  It means God will work in their hearts.
39 But if you have any other inquiry to make, it shall be determined in the lawful assembly. 40 For we are in danger of being called in question for today's uproar, there being no reason which we may give to account for this disorderly gathering.” 41 And when he had said these things, he dismissed the assembly.
(Acts 19:21-41 NKJV)

This song is from Dan Bremmes,  "Our God (link)"