October 12
Read Matthew 27
In Today's
Judas' suicide; Jesus before Pilate; Jesus' crucifixion, burial, and resurrection; Great Commission
The resurrection of Jesus gave His disciples the key to understanding that their King and His Kingdom were both eternal. Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power (authority) is given unto 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 whatsoever I have commanded you (Matthew 28:18-20).
When we are baptized 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; 16:13-15). These verses confirm the Trinity of the Godhead and proclaim One God expressed in Three Persons.
Being born again (3:3,7) by His Spirit is a supernatural experience, which changes the heart and transforms the life to one of daily worship and service to the Lord. This does not mean that we will reach perfection in this life; but as Peter urged, we are to desire the sincere milk of the Word, that ye may grow thereby (I Peter 2:1-2). The Lord has provided just one Book and His Holy Spirit to tell us how to live and what He expects us to do. Inspired by the Holy Spirit, Titus proclaimed: For the Grace of God (Jesus) that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly (with sound mind, discreetly), righteously, and godly, in this present world; Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from all iniquity (lawlessness), and purify unto Himself a peculiar (special) people, zealous of good works (Titus 2:11-14).
Without exception we all, at times, fail the Lord, but let us say with Paul: Forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark (goal) for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus (Philippians 3:13-14).
Word Studies:
27:15 wont = accustomed; 27:16 notable = notorious; 27:24 tumult = uproar, riot; 27:48 straightway = immediately, without delay.
Cross References:
For Matthew 27:9-10: See Zechariah 11:12-13. Matthew 27:34: See Psalm 69:21. Matthew 27:35: See Psalm 22:18. Matthew 27:39: See Job 16:4; Psalm 22:7; 109:25; Lamentation 2:15. Matthew 27:43: See Psalm 22:8. Matthew 27:46: See Psalm 22:1.
Prayer Needs:
Pray for The English International Shortwave Radio Broadcast sponsored by Lillian Conley Ousley, D.M. Koeneman, and Mrs. Virginia Zacharek · Staff: Ken Sharp · Government Officials: Gov. Dave Freundenthal (WY) and Rep. Edward Royce (CA) · Country: Sierra Leone (5 million) in western Africa · Major language: English · Increasing restrictions on Christian work in some areas · 50% belief in river spirits, medicine men, and witchcraft; 39% Muslim; 7% Protestant; 2% Roman Catholic · Prayer Suggestion: Humbly kneel before the Lord in prayer and worship the Lord (II Chronicles 6:13).
Memory Verse for the Week: Hebrews 3:12