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Bible Pathways 10/12/2003


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: You know that after two days is the feast of the Passover, and the Son of Man is betrayed to be crucified (Matthew 26:2). They finally realized that His life did not end with His crucifixion. His resurrection gave them the key to understanding that their King and His Kingdom were both eternal. Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, All power (authority) is given to Me in heaven and in earth. Go you therefore, and teach (disciple) all nations (people), baptizing them in the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost (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). This confirms the Trinity of the Godhead and proclaims 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: Desire (long after) the sincere (pure) milk of the Word, that you may grow thereby (I Peter 2:1-2). Titus proclaimed: With all authority . . . that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly (sensibly), righteously, and godly, in this present world; Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Savior Jesus Christ; Who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from all iniquity (lawlessness), and purify to Himself a peculiar (special) people, zealous of good works (Titus 2:12-15). Without exception we all fail the Lord 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 (goal) for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus (Philippians 3:13-14).

Submitting to the rule of Christ over 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 Jesus to teach all of 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 = accustomed; 27:16 notable = notorious; 27:24 tumult = uproar, riot; 27:48 straightway = immediately, right away, without delay.

Cross References:

For Matthew 27:5-10: 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; Psalms 22:7; 109:25; Lamentations 2:15. Matthew 27:43: See Psalms 22:8. Matthew 27:46: See Psalm 22:1.

Prayer Needs:

BP Staff: Jim Ryan · Pray for Jad Ghrayyeb, Voice of the Truth, editorial assistant for Arabic translation · Government Officials: Gov. John Engler (MI) and Rep. Edward Royce (CA) · Country: Tuvalu (11,000) nine islands in the southwestern Pacific · Major languages: Tuvaluan and English · Religious freedom · 92% Protestant; 5% Baha'i; 2% Roman Catholic · Prayer Suggestion: Confess and repent of any known sin (I John 1:9).

Memory Verse for the Week: II Corinthians 9:6



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