Bible Pathways 11/08/04

November 8

Read John 19 - 21

In Today's Reading:

Christ's crucifixion, burial, resurrection, and post-resurrection appearances to His disciples; Peter's allegiance reaffirmed

Judas led the mob and the Roman soldiers to arrest Jesus. After His arrest, they led Him away to Annas first . . . father-in-law to Caiaphas, which was the high priest that same year (John 18:13).

According to the Word of God, the high priest was to be a direct descendant of Aaron and was to retain his office until death (see Exodus 40:15; Numbers 35:25). However, Rome appointed a new high priest every year. Annas was high priest through Aaronic succession, but was deposed by Rome. He was succeeded by his son-in-law Caiaphas, who was the official high priest according to Rome. However, many people still considered Annas to be the true high priest.

Jesus, the prophesied Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world (John 1:29), was led first to the Jewish and then the Gentile-appointed high priests. With Caiaphas were the scribes, the elders, the chief priests and all the council (Matthew 26:57,59). In response to the question by the high priest regarding His deity, Jesus said: Hereafter shall you see the Son of Man sitting on the right hand of power, and coming in the clouds of heaven (26:64). Understanding that Jesus was claiming to be the Messiah, Caiaphas ripped his robe of authority as a sign of righteous indignation and shouted: What further need have we of witnesses? behold, now you have heard His blasphemy (26:65). However, Caiaphas ignored God's promise of a Prophet like Moses to whom they were to hearken (see Deuteronomy 18:15). That Prophet - Jesus the Messiah - was standing before him.

When they had bound Him, they . . . delivered Him to Pontius Pilate the governor (Matthew 27:2). Pilate knew Jesus was innocent of any criminal offense and said: I find in Him no fault at all (John 18:38). But, the religious leaders cried out violently: Crucify Him, crucify Him. . . He ought to die, because He made Himself the Son of God. . . . If you let this Man go, you are not Caesar's friend (19:6-12). Pilate had to choose between Jesus the Son of God and the angry crowd; he chose the religious authorities. When a person compromises what is right in God's sight for fear of losing his job or anything else, he has taken the first step on the road to eternal hell. Jesus said: No servant can serve two masters (Luke 16:13).

Word Studies:

19:1 scourged = whipped with leather cords weighted with sharp pieces of bone or lead; 19:30 It is finished = the act of redemption was paid in full; 20:23 remit = forgive.

Cross References:

For John 19:24: See Psalm 22:18. John 19:36: See Exodus 12:46; Psalm 34:20. John 19:37: See Zechariah 12:10.

Prayer Needs:

Pray for The International Shortwave Radio Broadcast in memory of Iva Ann McElroy · BP Staff: Karen Hawkins · Government Officials: Rep. Max Burns (GA) and Rep. Dennis Moore (KS) · Country: Antigua and Barbuda (64,000) in the Leeward Islands of the eastern Caribbean · Major languages: English and local dialects · Religious freedom · 83% Protestant; 11% Roman Catholic · Prayer Suggestion: The Word of God, confession, and prayer bring the believer into close communion with God (Nehemiah 9:2-5).

Memory Verse for the Week: II Corinthians 4:11