God’s Definite Plan When Jesus had finished all these sayings, he said to his disciples, “You know that after two days the Passover is coming, and the Son of Man will be delivered up to be crucified.”  Matthew 26:1-2 The events of Holy Week should not have come as a surprise to those closest...

May His Blood Be on Us! So when Pilate saw that he was gaining nothing, but rather that a riot was beginning, he took water and washed his hands before the crowd, saying, “I am innocent of this man's blood; see to it yourselves.”  And all the people answered, “His blood be on us and on our...

The One Who is Mocked as King is Truly the King! And they stripped him and put a scarlet robe on him, and twisting together a crown of thorns, they put it on his head and put a reed in his right hand. And kneeling before him, they mocked him, saying, “Hail, King of...

The One in Despair Still Trusts God “He trusts in God; let God deliver him now, if he desires him. For he said, ‘I am the Son of God.’” And the robbers who were crucified with him also reviled him in the same way.  Now from the sixth hour there was darkness...

He Saved Others, But Not Himself So also the chief priests, with the scribes and elders, mocked him, saying, “He saved others; he cannot save himself. He is the King of Israel; let him come down now from the cross, and we will believe in him.” Matthew 27:41-42 The angel appears to Joseph in...

Powerfully Powerless And those who passed by derided him, wagging their heads and saying, “You who would destroy the temple and rebuild it in three days, save yourself! If you are the Son of God, come down from the cross.”  Matthew 27:39-40 It was King David’s son, Solomon, who built a temple for the Lord.  It was...

God’s Love Meant Christ Became Hated for Us For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.  2 Corinthians 5:21 God hates sin.  There is no sweeping it under the rug.  There is no making...

Prayers for Those in High Positions First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way.  1 Timothy 2:1-2...

The Practice of the Christian Faith Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God… Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise… submitting to one...

The Irrepressible Joy of Grandparents – Seeing Grandchildren in Heaven The Lord bless you from Zion!  May you see the prosperity of Jerusalem all the days of your life!  May you see your children's children!  Peace be upon Israel!  Psalm 128:5-6 Perhaps you have encountered them before.  People who you once thought were normal and...