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Bible Pathways 10/12/2002


October 12

Read Matthew 27 -- 28

In Today’s Reading:

Judas’ suicide; Jesus before Pilate; Jesus’ crucifixion, burial, and resurrection; Great Commission.

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 cometh 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).

Thought for Today: Jesus willingly died for you; are you willing to live for Him?

Word Studies:

27:15 wont = accustomed; 27:16 notable = notorious; 27:24 tumult = uproar, riot; 27:48 straightway = 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) · Pray for your Sunday School teacher · Country: Argentina (37 million) in southern South America · Major languages: Spanish and English · Religious freedom · 87% Roman Catholic; 6% Protestant; 1% Muslim; 1% Jewish · Prayer Suggestion: Pray when you are afflicted and suffering (James 5:13).

Memory Verse for the Week: Ephesians 5:21



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