Bible Pathways - November 8, 2005

November 8

Read John 19

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).

The high priest was to be a direct descendant of Aaron and was to retain his office until death (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 Jews still considered Annas to be the true high priest.

Jesus, the prophesied Lamb of God, which taketh 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 (Sanhedrin) (Matthew 26:57,59). In response to the question by the high priest regarding His deity, Jesus replied: Hereafter shall ye 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 ye have heard His blasphemy (26:65). However, Caiaphas ignored God's promise of a Prophet like Moses to whom they were to hearken (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 thou let this Man go, thou art not Caesar's friend (19:6-12). Pilate had to choose between freeing Jesus the Son of God or losing his position or even his life. Each of us, in a similar way, will face being loyal to Christ or to popular opinion. 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 complete.

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 English International Shortwave Radio Broadcast sponsored by Mrs. Susan Martin · Staff: Karen Hawkins · Government Official: Rep. Dennis Moore (KS) · Country: Tunisia (10 million) in North Africa · Major languages: Arabic and French · Islamic state — no open ministry for Christ is permitted; strict surveillance of all Christian activities · 99+% Muslim; .3% Christian · Prayer Suggestion: Pray to the Lord with sincere lips (Psalm 17:1).

Memory Verse for the Week: James 1:22