Bible Pathways - November 8, 2005

November 8
Read John 19
In Today's
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,
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