Bible Pathways 10/12/2001
October 12
Read Matthew 27 -- 28
Though Jesus had repeatedly told the disciples what was to take place, they finally realized that His life would not end with His crucifixion. His resurrection gave them the key to understanding their King and His Kingdom were both eternal. The women who had come to the tomb to complete the burial procedures were met by an angel who said: He is not here: for He is risen, as He said. . . . Go quickly, and tell His disciples . . . He goes before you into Galilee; there you will see Him. . . . Then the eleven disciples went away into Galilee. . . . And when they saw Him, they worshiped Him. . . . And Jesus spoke to them, saying, All power (authority) has been given to Me in Heaven and in earth. Go therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit: Teaching them to observe all things whatever I have commanded you (Matthew 28:6-20).
When a person baptizes in the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, we proclaim the fullness of the Godhead. Thus, by public baptism, we confess to the world that God is our Heavenly Father. The phrase and of the Son is our witness to the world that Jesus is now Savior and Lord of our lives. Upon our confession, the Holy Spirit becomes our indwelling Sanctifier, Comforter, and Guide throughout life (John 14:26; 16:13). This confirms the Trinity of the Godhead and proclaims One God expressed in Three Persons.
Being born again by His Spirit is a supernatural experience which changes the heart, renews the will, and transforms the life to daily worship and to serve the Lord. This does not mean that you will reach perfection, but let us say with Paul forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth to those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus (Philippians 3:13-14).
Submitting to the rule of Christ over the affairs of our lives is of utmost importance. He has provided just One Book and His Holy Spirit to tell us how to live and what He expects us to do. We are commissioned by our Lord to teach His Word, the Bible, throughout the world. This Gospel of the Kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness to all nations; and then shall the end come (Matthew 24:14). Soon Christ will return; then comes the end, when He shall have delivered up the Kingdom to God, even the Father; when He shall have put down all rule and all authority and power (I Corinthians 15:24).
Word Studies: 27:15 wont means accustomed; 27:16 notable means notorious; 27:24 tumult means uproar, riot; 27:48 straightway means immediately, right away, without delay.
Cross References:
For Matthew 27:9-10: See Zech. 11:12-13. Matt. 27:34: See Psa. 69:21. Matt. 27:35: See Psa. 22:18. Matt. 27:39: See Job 16:4; Psa. 22:7; 109:25; Lam. 2:15. Matt. 27:43: See Psa. 22:8. Matt. 27:46: See Psa. 22:1.
Prayer Needs:
Government Officials: Gov. John Engler (MI) and Rep. Edward Royce (CA) · BPM Staff: Linda Kennon · Pray for Way of the Cross Ministries and Bob Franklin · Country: Cameroon (15 million) in west-central Africa · Major languages: English and French · Pressure on Christians from authorities and Muslims · 28% Roman Catholic; 23% Muslim; 18% animism, divination, and animal sacrifices; 14% Protestant · Prayer Suggestion: Remember that the Lord is faithful to keep His promises (Hebrews 10:23).
Memory Verse for the Week: Ephesians 5:21
