Tag: leader

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Acts: Healing, Preaching, Prison, and Flogging — The Church Grows

Read: Acts 5:12-42

The deaths of Ananias and Sapphira resulted in great fear among the people, but these events did not slow the growth of the church in the least. The remainder of chapter 5 climaxes with Gamaliel’s assertion that the disciples should be allowed to follow their hearts and let God be the judge. His compelling speech satisfies the jealous Sanhedrin and propels the Gospel without taking sides. A brilliant political move. God’s church will grow!

What About Ananias and Sapphira?

No mourning over Ananias and Sapphira is reported. Did they have no friends? Did the church simply not care? These kinds of thoughts are serious distractions, whispers from the great tempter to distract us from the main story. Luke did not record these details because they are not the primary story. I’m not faulting anyone for having questions, merely redirecting the thoughts from that which would take away from the incredible story of the birth of Christ’s church.

Miracles of Healing

So much of the early church was fueled by miraculous events, signs, and wonders that drew spectators, the curious, and the serious.

The apostles performed many signs and wonders among the people. Acts 5:12

The reputation of Peter, in particular, grew to such heights that people wanted to be close enough to have his shadow fall on them for healing or restoration. There is no indication that Peter is paying attention to this notoriety, instead, he just keeps on preaching the gospel!

The Sanhedrin — Again

The incessant preaching and crowds of people gathering to hear and be healed cannot possibly go unnoticed. As expected, the religious leaders are greatly offended by their actions.

Then the high priest and all his associates, who were members of the party of the Sadducees, were filled with jealousy. Acts 5:17

With hearts bent against the disciples, the priests arrest them and put them in prison. During the night an angel of the Lord appears and releases them miraculously. The doors are still locked and the guards alert and present, but the disciples are simply not in the prison. It’s a mystery no one can explain, but they end up in the temple courts in the morning preaching again.

Then someone came and said, “Look! The men you put in jail are standing in the temple courts teaching the people.” Acts 5:25

The guards carefully “invite” the disciples into the presence of the Sanhedrin. They aren’t fools! If the disciples were transported to the courtyard miraculously, there’s no telling what might happen to them if they cause trouble. Remember Ananias and Sapphira? Let’s be careful!

We Must Obey God and Not Men

Peter and the other apostles, filled with the Holy Spirit, makes his consistent proclamation:

We must obey God rather than human beings! We are witnesses of these things, and so is the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to those who obey him. Acts 5:29, 32

This is key. These leaders of the early church were 100 percent sold out to their calling and completely immersed in the Holy Spirit. Completely. There is no hidden agenda, no secret desire for a big building, private office, or reserved parking space. They are on a mission to spread the great news about Jesus.

Wise Counsel from Gamaliel

I believe Gamaliel was inspired by the Holy Spirit to address the entire Sanhedrin. The strength of his argument, coupled with the sound logic, was exactly what was needed at the time.

…in the present case I advise you: Leave these men alone! Let them go! For if their purpose or activity is of human origin, it will fail. But if it is from God, you will not be able to stop these men; you will only find yourselves fighting against God. Acts 5:38-39

There is no counter-argument. The disciples are flogged (nothing to laugh about in those days) and released.

Joy in Suffering for Christ

Given the historical context, I don’t think the beating they received was any less than extremely painful, but we are not offered any insight here, instead, we read that they counted the beating as another sign that they are worthy of their calling.

rejoicing because they had been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the Name. Acts 5:41

How about us? Are we so heaven-bent on preaching the gospel that the world is beating us?

Lord, I pray we would get serious about Your great commission and preach through obstacles that hold us back. May we rely on You in times of difficulties, in a world that is desperate to know You, even if they don’t know.

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Acts: Lying to the Holy Spirit – Hypocrisy in the Church

Read: Acts 4:36-5:11

The story of Ananias and Sapphira are a vivid contrast to the euphoria surrounding the birth of the new church. Up to this point, we are given a great sense of unity and joy filling every gathering of the apostles and hundreds of new believers (over 5,000 from the latest report). The harmony in which they lived is something we desperately seek, definitely a beautiful picture of faith that seems elusive in today’s modern businesslike church.

Barnabas is introduced with little fanfare, almost as a “by-the-way” kind of sentiment:

Joseph, a Levite from Cyprus, whom the apostles called Barnabas (which means “son of encouragement”), sold a field he owned and brought the money and put it at the apostles’ feet. Acts 4:36-37

No big deal, right? Just an example of another heartfelt donation to the church. Barnabas was highlighted for selling what appears to be one of his properties and offering it to the disciples, to the church. There was no requirement to sell every field he owned, for all we know this was one of many, but what he sold for the church was offered to the church — 100 percent.

Was it pride?

This didn’t seem like a big deal. No bands were assembled, no song was written to honor Barnabas, but were people looking with envy? We know from the ensuing narrative throughout Acts that Barnabas was a man of great character. His action here is no surprise looking back. What I’m wondering about was the true character and nature of this couple. Were Ananias and Sapphira a threat to the church? If their approach to superficial giving was allowed, would this undermine the church that Jesus began with His small group of disciples?

Perhaps Peter’s ears were still ringing with the lengthy discourses from Jesus on actions by the Pharisees that He did not tolerate. Filled with the Holy Spirit, he saw through the hypocritical actions of Ananias:

Ananias, how is it that Satan has so filled your heart that you have lied to the Holy Spirit…You have not lied just to human beings but to God. Acts 5:3-4

Results of Lying to the Holy Spirit

Luke makes sure we know there was no doubt Ananias and Sapphira were intentionally withholding some of the money. We don’t see the entire dialog, but I’m sure he had ample opportunity to change his story. He did not.

he fell down and died. And great fear seized all who heard what had happened. Acts 5:5

Three hours later Sapphira enters and the same questions are asked by Peter along with the same result.

Ananias and Sapphira both died as a result of their selfish actions. Whatever the full motivation, what we know is that they intentionally tried to deceive the church, not just Peter, and the leadership team.

Fear in the Community of Faith

The sudden deaths have an immediate impact on the community of believers.

Great fear seized the whole church and all who heard about these events. Acts 5:11

Some commentators like to point out that where there is strong discipline for actions the community gets stronger. While I’m not disagreeing with that concept, immediate death is a bit beyond rebuking poor behavior or self-righteous attitudes. This is a “touching the cart” (2 Samuel 6:1–7) moment that is difficult to understand. I’m not about to deny that God has a right to remove any of us at any time, but I’m also not going to sit here and say that I completely understand.

Results

Tomorrow we’ll explore what happens to the church as a result. Spoiler alert: the church continues to grow like crazy. Given these results, perhaps we should begin to public execute liars, right? Hmmmm. Probably not.

Perhaps we should look critically at the superficiality that plagues the body of Christ in organizations we call churches. The local church cannot be healthy by accepting half-hearted gifts from its people. This includes time, talents, and resources. To move beyond the checklist mentality, we have to build deep relationships based on sincere transparency.

You don’t have to agree with me, but I believe that if Ananias and Sapphira had real friends, true brothers and sisters in Christ, they would not have made the critical error in the presence of Peter. They had no accountability and therefore paid the ultimate price.

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Acts: Speak the Word Boldly

Read: Acts 4:23-31

Peter and John went back to their own people and shared the story of their confrontation with the Sanhedrin. It’s only been a matter of weeks since this group of religious leaders tried and convicted Jesus. There’s no indication they were in hiding, but it’s clear they were not invited to the meeting, now they hear firsthand about the proceedings.

This time they process what they hear differently. They are empowered by the Holy Spirit. Their conviction is strong and their words reflect the change of heart as they dig deep into prophetic words:

Why do the nations rage
and the peoples plot in vain?
The kings of the earth rise up
and the rulers band together
against the Lord
and against his anointed one.
Acts 4:25-26

They can see the words of prophecy as they relate to Pontius Pilate and Herod, the Pharisees and Sadducees, those who band together in an attempt to fight against the Lord. The Spirit has revealed this to their hearts and minds. Their reaction is to pray as a community.

Two Things

Those gathered prayed with great enthusiasm for two things: to speak the Word boldly and for the Spirit to heal and perform signs and wonders through the name of Jesus.

Now, Lord, consider their threats and enable your servants to speak your word with great boldness. Acts 4:29

The glory is not their own. The boldness with which they seek is not focused on fame and glory, it is simply to demonstrate the power and authority of the name above all names, Jesus.

They ask to perform signs and wonders to reveal God’s amazing concern for His people and desire to make them whole again, even in this earthly life.

The heavenly amen is felt when the room shakes.

After they prayed, the place where they were meeting was shaken. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly. Acts 4:31

There are times when the presence of the Holy Spirit is thick and we can feel His hand on our shoulders as we pray. This is difficult to express in words, but the sensation is euphoric, a mountaintop experience that we need from time to time to recharge our batteries and prepare for another day.

Holy Spirit, we pray for boldness today, for the ability to speak powerful words with authority to those who seek to know You. Be with us as Your witnesses in this world. Help us as we seek those who are lost and keep us humble in the process, always giving You the glory.

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Acts: The Courage of Peter and John

Read: Acts 4:13-22

Though professionally unqualified, Peter and John are able to articulate scripture, defend their positions with eloquence, and act with courage that defies logic. They should’ve been scared and speechless but their response sets the Sanhedrin on its heels.

they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus. Acts 4:13

Someone took note of the unexplainable, perhaps irrefutable fact, that there is a common denominator: they had been with Jesus.

Parents can always tell who their children have been playing with. It’s sometimes subtle. Perhaps a phrase they say or how they carry themselves. Sometimes it’s hard to pinpoint, but it’s surprisingly easy to observe when you know your child and the friend in question.

In this case, in particular, I wonder if one of the members of the Sanhedrin recognized Peter as the one who kept denying Jesus. Perhaps it was his servant girl that report seeing the Galilean by the fire muttering obscenities to those who suggested he knew Jesus. How could that guy be this man? Deep inside he knew the answer, but his training is now responsible for his denial.

The boldness and courage seen here come from a source that the Pharisees and Sadducees flat out refuse to believe.

But since they could see the man who had been healed standing there with them, there was nothing they could say. Acts 4:14

The forty-year-old lame beggar is now the strong point of evidence against the religious right. It’s impossible to refute. The man who once begged for his mere existence is standing before them–something that made absolutely no sense! Their only recourse is to dismiss the disciples with a stern warning.

They “commanded them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus” (Acts 4:18). This is the very name they asked about in the first place. Now they know the answer, yet somehow conclude this is the very thing that must stop.

Peter and John don’t miss a beat. I wonder if they completed each other’s sentences in their response:

Which is right in God’s eyes: to listen to you, or to him? You be the judges! As for us, we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard. Acts 4:19-20

The evidence and the crowds kept the Sanhedrin from going any further so they had no choice. They let the disciples go.

What have you seen or heard that cannot be quieted? If you cannot answer with evidence of the Holy Spirit’s work in your life, or if I cannot point to anything in my life, does that mean the Holy Spirit is no longer at work?

Perhaps this is why we are exhorted to always be prepared to give an explanation for the hope we find in Christ.

Right now, wherever you are, stop and answer this question with one convicting response to Peter’s question in 1 Peter 3:15. Write it down. May I suggest you avoid searching the internet, your favorite C.S. Lewis quote, or answering, “just because.”

Here’s my most recent attempt for your consideration. The Reason for the Hope I have in Christ.

The key to making disciples is wrapped up in the answer. Perhaps even more, it’s how we answer the question as Peter continues in 1 Peter 3:16.

The confidence Peter and John have is because of their faith in Christ. The past is behind them. Peter’s failure is written for us to have the assurance of forgiveness. John failed to speak up, as well as the other disciples, but we don’t get those details. They all hid until Jesus Himself appeared and had breakfast with them.

We all have weaknesses. Get over it. Seriously, please let go of those things that are holding you down. Have the courage of Peter. It’s yours for the asking if the Holy Spirit lives in you if you have confessed Jesus as Lord. It’s simple, but it’s not easy, I get that. Search within. Seek. I pray you will hear and respond today.

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Acts: Thrown in Jail, Peter Preaches Again

Read: Acts 4:1-12

We spent this past weekend at Koinonia Farms just outside of Americus, Georgia and down the road from Plains, GA where President Carter lives. The farm is one of the places that stood out during the Civil Rights Movement, where people had to make a choice to stand with the status quo or open their eyes to see a new reality, a future that embraced men and women of all races working together in harmony. Choices were made. Some hearts became harder while others melted.

Peter and John, through the power of the Holy Spirit, healed a man who was lame and the status quo of their day was offended. Luke tells us that the chief priests, Sadducees, and the temple guards took action:

…while they were speaking to the people. They were greatly disturbed because the apostles were teaching the people, proclaiming in Jesus the resurrection of the dead. Acts 4:1-2

The Sadducees didn’t believe in the resurrection in principle, certainly not in practice, so they couldn’t stand for this kind of talk. Since they made up the majority of the Sanhedrin, their opinion was significant. Their authority would be undermined if all this talk about resurrection were allowed to infiltrate the minds of others, let alone the Pharisees that served alongside them.

It’s important to note that these men were not ignorant, their intellect is a key part of their rise to power. They see potential problems that would arise if these preachers are allowed to continue. For some evidence, Luke points out that those who believed are growing fast:

But many who heard the message believed; so the number of men who believed grew to about five thousand. Acts 4:4

Thrown in jail, the disciples are handled by the authorities. Though the cause is different, many were imprisoned during the Civil Rights Movement with the same kind of, “what do we do with them” thinking.

This is the same Sanhedrin that dealt with Jesus just a few weeks prior. Now they sense the need to quell the rebellion before it gets out of hand.

By what power or what name did you do this? Acts 4:7

Though the Sanhedrin is comprised of incredible scholars, they have never been able to do anything so wonderful, let alone heal a 40-year-old crippled man! They can’t deny the event — the man is walking and talking right in front of them! Perhaps some of them thought they could learn how to perform such wonders if they knew more about the power, the name behind the miracle that led to this event.

Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man’s character, give him power. Abraham Lincoln

But they, the over-educated, pious, superior, self-proclaimed elite, could not do that which these uneducated Galileans did. They are about to be schooled by men who didn’t go to school, who had no formal education. Peter restates the accusation in humble terms. He’s not boasting about his ability to do anything, as he will explain fully.

If we are being called to account today for an act of kindness shown to a man… Acts 4:9

I like to think Peter paused after he restated the problem, that he looked around the room, made eye contact, and received some sense of agreement, “yes, this is why we arrested you–for your act of kindness…that’s not what we do around here!”

But before they could get defensive about these words, Peter immediately throws out the name they did NOT want to hear.

It is by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified but whom God raised from the dead Acts 4:10

Peter quotes Psalm 118:22-23 with a significant modification: “the stone the builders rejected” is offered as “the stone you builders rejected.” The Sanhedrin clearly hear the words:

You are not kind
You crucified Jesus
You are the builders
You rejected Jesus

Peter is just getting started. The Holy Spirit has empowered him to preach and nothing will stop the words penetrating this place at this time.

Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.” Acts 4:12

Salvation

Much more than healing a physical infirmity, Peter is using this “simple” act of kindness as a preaching point to emphasize the greater need for salvation.

No One Else

Let’s be clear on this point: Jesus Christ is the only way to salvation. This is not a boast, but a clear statement of fact based on an eye-witness to the resurrection.

We Must Be Saved

More than works, greater than wisdom, beyond education and lofty titles, we must come to the point of salvation, we are all in need of being saved. These scholars knew the scriptures well. They understood the fall of mankind, the struggles of Abraham, Moses, David, Solomon, and the Prophets. They could quote them verbatim, yet they needed to be saved!

The scene is vivid and real in my imagination. Peter and John are doing nothing to draw attention to themselves. They are unafraid of these men, but shouldn’t they be a bit worried? Only weeks ago they had Jesus crucified. This fact is nowhere in their conscious thought. I believe they preached as if this was their last breath.

What would we do or say if we thought this was the last word we would utter before our human death? What would you want to be transcribed? As far as Peter and John were concerned, death was right around the corner so they seized the opportunity to be Christ’s witnesses.

Now it’s our turn.

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Acts: Lame Beggar Healed — Sermon #2

Read: Acts 3

Acts 2 ends with some remarkable discussion about the fellowship of believers. While all this is going on, the disciples continue to preach the gospel. In this case, the sermon illustration comes from healing a lame beggar, one that everyone recognized.

Then Peter said, “Silver or gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk.” Acts 3:6

Peter took him by the hand and the man was completely healed. I’d like to begin a sermon series like this!

It’s Not About Me

The people are amazed, as expected, I know I would be for sure, but Peter quickly points to the source for the healing.

When Peter saw this, he said to them: “Fellow Israelites, why does this surprise you? By faith in the name of Jesus, this man whom you see and know was made strong. It is Jesus’ name and the faith that comes through him that has completely healed him, as you can all see. Acts 3:12,16

Peter is not the least bit surprised by the miracle. He didn’t heal the man to make a point, he was being obedient to his calling.

On a much lower scale, I’ve experienced this sensation when dining at a local restaurant with a friend. As we got up to leave, we notice our server was not around, but somehow I got the sense that we needed to find Courtney and pray for her. When we found her alone in a room reserved for parties, etc., she was truly grateful and opened up to us, though we had not previously talked about our ministry. This is just one small example, but I think it’s normal for those who are sincerely seeking the lost for the sake of Jesus without selfish motives.

Sermon Number Two

In my imagination (forgive me if I venture too far), Peter is astonished that anyone would get excited about an everyday miracle but quickly seized the opportunity as the crowd gathers. This is like giving a microphone to a preacher!

Now, fellow Israelites, I know that you acted in ignorance, as did your leaders. Acts 3:17

What a great way to start a sermon, “I know you’re all ignorant…” This is the simple formula the late Reverend Billy Graham used all the time, even in his old age.

Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord, and that he may send the Messiah, who has been appointed for you—even Jesus. Acts 3:19-20

The timeless call to repent for your benefit. For our benefit. I love the phrase, “that times of refreshing may come.” I certainly need that, don’t you?

The short version of Peter’s sermon is captured in this chapter, but I get the feeling he took time to clearly explain the foundation for his claim, all the way back to Abraham, a message the people were eager to hear. This, of course, raises the eyebrows of the elite, as we’ll see in the next chapter. The main point is this: we should have known!

For generations, they were looking and waiting for the Messiah, but somehow they were mesmerized by the act of looking without seeing. In other words, they got in the habit of looking without any expectation that they might actually see. Perhaps miracles are within our grasp if we would have enough faith to see people the way Jesus sees them.

Peter didn’t have a seminary degree, but he was taught by Jesus himself. We don’t have notes from these lessons, but we do have two major advantages: 1) the Bible and 2) the Holy Spirit. While we could get by without #1, the gift of the Spirit is more than enough.

Lord help us to hear Your word clearly, to see what You see, or at least the tiny sliver that we are able to absorb. May we be attuned to the lame beggars of today, those that drive fancy cars, live in big houses, and those who hold up cardboard signs on street corners. Don’t let us be blinded by pretense and elitism. You are the miracle maker. May we be Your miracle workers for Your kingdom.

 

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Acts: Fellowship of Believers — Best Time Ever!

Read: Acts 2:42-47

One of the most quoted scripture references ever, Acts 2:42 encourages us to be a community of believers, to stretch our corporate understanding of “church” into where we live, even open the doors of our super-secure homes to those we don’t know. And to do all of this with joy, sharing as needed, while giving thanks to God for His amazing providence!

They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Acts 2:42

If we are to follow this formula, it looks like we need to focus on teaching, fellowship, communion, and prayer. Books have been written centered on these few verses. I promise not to write a book here but highlight some thoughts I find interesting. I hope you’ll do the same as you read this passage and consider your own church context.

Teaching

In Acts 1:3, we read how Jesus met with the disciples and taught them about the kingdom of God. Not it’s their turn to impart knowledge to thousands of new converts to Christianity. At least 3,000 are being taught and ministered to by the 120 or so disciples who were local. The simple math gives us a 1:25 ratio to start with…from day one! Are you jealous? Even the least bit envious? Wow! What an opportunity for advancing the kingdom!

Fellowship

Those who were coming into faith based on the teaching of the Apostles were greeted with amazing hospitality.

All the believers were together and had everything in common. They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. Acts 2:44-45

So many were from distant countries, only in Jerusalem for harvest festivals, the need for opening homes was obvious. Funding for needs was met by selling stuff. They didn’t just sell things for the sake of downsizing, they were focused on supporting the fellowship as needed. Their goal was to break down barriers that would otherwise hold people back, or at least make them hesitate. God will provide for our daily needs. Give with a generous heart!

Breaking Bread

I love the concept of Christ-following believers getting together to celebrate their faith and remembering His great sacrifice through breaking bread together. There’s no reason to wait for the anointed few to deliver fake bread and wine. The only requirement I see here is centered on sincere hearts praising God for Jesus’ ultimate sacrifice.

They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. Acts 2:46-47

Such joy! People actually worshiping together. I long for this place.

Prayer

Jesus modeled prayer throughout His earthly ministry, we should do the same. Meeting together in homes provides the perfect opportunity to pray sincerely for each other. Such intimate environments give us an opportunity to be open and honest. What a concept!

Results

Not that we’re counting butts in seats, but it’s significant to know that the fellowship was growing daily.

And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved. Acts 2:47

The Lord is growing His people, nothing will stop the growth of this community. It’s a dream to see people coming to Christ daily. Why is this a fantasy? Lord, what am I doing today to make this a reality? Why is the church not growing daily? What would it look like to be a part of a group of Christ-followers that met on Tuesday, or Friday, or any day other than Sunday for an hour-plus?

We should be asking ourselves lots of questions in this context. We might not like the answers, but I pray we would at least ask ourselves, our church leaders, our Christ-following friends, these questions.

Lord help us to meet together with glad and sincere hearts, praising You, and enjoying the fellowship You desire for us each and every day — not just on Sunday!

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Acts: Pain and Prayer, Judas is Replaced

Read: Acts 1:12-26

Jesus ascended after He taught the disciples. He told them to wait for what we know as Pentecost, the fifty days after Passover, when the Holy Spirit came (we’ll cover that soon). During this time the apostles get together for prayer, to select a replacement for Judas, and to minister to one another. As I reread the passage, I continue to feel the pain that must have been present when the name Judas is mentioned. It’s a sobering thought, maybe not the best way to start the week.

Return to Jerusalem

The apostles do as instructed and return to Jerusalem, just a short walk from where they were gathered. Luke is careful to list the eleven by name and points out the fact that the women, including Mary, are present.

They all joined together constantly in prayer, along with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brothers. Luke 1:14

The primary activity is to gather and pray. Luke mentions prayer all throughout his writing. In this case, in particular, Luke lets us know the men and women are together, something not so ordinary in their culture.

Peter’s Leadership

Peter begins to assert himself as the leader of the early church. Luke didn’t give us the details of Peter’s reinstatement as we read in John 21:15-19, but it’s obvious by this account that Peter is a changed man.

In those days Peter stood up among the believers (a group numbering about a hundred and twenty) Acts 1:15

Did you read that? Luke tells us there are only about 120 believers from the scores of people who heard Jesus. Thousands were fed, healed, ministered to, and witnessed the events of Jesus and His disciples, but this is quickly reduced to a small number of men and women who become the voice of Jesus that changed the world.

First Sermon — Painful Memories

Peter’s first sermon is one that reminded this small group of believers that the one who betrayed Jesus was foretold and even necessary to fulfill the scriptures. The point wasn’t meant to suggest they were helpless, rather, I think the point is one that emphasizes humility and serves as a reminder for all who are in ministry leadership.

He was one of our number and shared in our ministry. Acts 1:17

The fate of Judas was horrible. His spiritual compromise resulted in his immediate death both physically and spiritually.

Everyone in Jerusalem heard about this Acts 1:19

Talk about a ministry debacle! The talk of the town was about Jesus, crucifixion, and resurrection, but there are always those who won’t let go, who have to point to what seem like failures to elevate themselves. Given the number of believers is so greatly reduced, I have to believe that many stopped short of accepting Christ because they didn’t hear the entire story. Something to consider as we walk in this world as His ambassadors.

Matthias Selected

They narrowed the choices down to two worthy candidates, then cast lots to reveal who would be the Twelfth.

Then they cast lots, and the lot fell to Matthias; so he was added to the eleven apostles. Acts 1:26

I think they needed to have a twelfth selected to end the dissonance that weighed heavily on their hearts. We know these few were anointed by Jesus himself, soon to be filled with the Holy Spirit, but they’re still human, they still feel the pain of betrayal.

It seems to me they get to move on with ministry by selecting Mattias and moving forward. I’m so thankful for the insight we gain by reading these details.

Ministry is tough at times, but the pain is worth the struggle. Surround everything you do with prayer and listen for God’s answers. In other words, don’t talk non-stop when you’re praying! Take time to reflect.

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Luke: Jesus is Buried

Read: Luke 23:50-56

It’s important to appreciate the significance of this short passage: Jesus’ body was dead and buried. Anything short of death would fuel the conspiracy theorists who suggest that Jesus wasn’t actually dead, that somehow He survived the torture and cross. This is nonsense, of course. The Roman soldiers were good at completing their mission of executing people. There is no doubt that they succeeded in their mission.

Joseph of Arimathea

Joseph didn’t agree with the council’s decision, but there was little he could do.

a good and upright man, who had not consented to their decision and action… Luke 23:50-51

Once the execution was complete, he approached Pilate and was allowed to take Jesus’ body. The fact that he has access to Pilate gives me the impression that he was someone of notoriety, at least recognized and respected by the Roman authorities.

The earthly family of Jesus had no special place to bury Him. He would have been buried in a paupers tomb if Joseph did nothing. I imagine this was outrageous to Joseph, to the extent that he was motivated to provide an extravagant burial place. In many ways, this enunciates his disagreement with the Sanhedrin, though he must not have been completely convinced about Jesus’ talk of resurrection. At the very least, he could provide a respectable resting place for this amazing man.

The Women

Luke is constantly reminding us that women are actively involved in ministry.

The women who had come with Jesus from Galilee followed Joseph and saw the tomb and how his body was laid in it. Then they went home and prepared spices and perfumes. But they rested on the Sabbath in obedience to the commandment. Luke 23:55-56

These women followed Jesus throughout His ministry and while they were certainly treated as second-class citizens, they followed Jewish laws in strict obedience. For some reason, the actions of Martin Luther King and the demand for nonviolent protests come to mind. We can protest while remaining obedient and showing respect for authority that is in place if we act wisely.

The women wait for the time to reappear and apply the burial spices. Little do they know what awaits them.

The actions of Joseph and these women remind me that we are called to action, to do that which is right, even when it doesn’t make sense, when we are confused, and even when we are emotionally wrecked. Lord, help us to learn from these examples!

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Luke: Trial by Pilate, Herod, and the People

Read: Luke 23:1-25

Luke provides a detailed account of the official process through which Jesus was tried and convicted. The Jewish leadership form an entourage and invade the courts of Pilate for the first pass. Pilate then passes the buck to Herod who passes it back to Pilate. Ultimately, he succumbs to political pressure from none other than the crowds of people gathered to ensure Jesus is crucified. It seems we have not learned much in our modern political system, but at least crucifixion is not on the menu of choices for any criminal. That being said, our Savior was betrayed, tortured, and sacrificed by us and for us at the same time. More on that tomorrow.

Pilate – Phase One

Satisfied they got the answer they wanted, the Sanhedrin seizes the moment and marches Jesus to Pilate for immediate execution.

Then the whole assembly rose and led him off to Pilate. Luke 23:1

Their lawyers provide three claims for which they demand justice:

  1. subversion
  2. tax evasion
  3. sedition

The third charge was specific to the claim of being the Messiah and therefore a king. Rome certainly could not allow a king to rise from anyone, let alone the Jews. Pilate picks up on this count and asks if Jesus is the king of the Jews. Once again, Jesus provides an indirect response for which Pilate concludes:

I find no basis for a charge against this man. Luke 23:4

Pilate is a clever politician dealing with an obstinate people that are most likely a pain and nuisance to him. He forces them to raise the ante on their claims and the provide an out for him by suggesting Jesus is from Galilee. Great! Send Him to Herod and let him decide!

Herod – Phase Two

Apparently, Herod was in town for the festivities, though I’m not sure about the circumstances that surrounded his visit. Pilate, of course, would know about this, so they cart Jesus off to see Herod.

This is the same guy that beheaded Jesus’ cousin, John the Baptist. Jesus is not about to be toyed with by this man. He answers no questions. Herod wants to see a magic trick or something entertaining. The complete disdain for Jesus as a human is reproachable enough. That this is our Messiah makes my stomach turn. Herod gets nowhere with Jesus, so they put royal robes on Him and return Him to Pilate.

Dressing him in an elegant robe, they sent him back to Pilate. That day Herod and Pilate became friends—before this they had been enemies. Luke 23:11-12

Verse 12 provides some strange insight into these men of authority. By mocking Jesus, Herod and Pilate became friends. It’s all a game to them.

Pilate – Final Phase

Again, Pilate tries to avoid punishing Jesus, but the people have been stirred up by the Sanhedrin.

Wanting to release Jesus, Pilate appealed to them again. But they kept shouting, “Crucify him! Crucify him!” Luke 23:20-21

Why would someone in authority relent to a crowd? Was it just political embarrassment? Is it because Herod is in town that Pilate doesn’t want to deal with a riot? I can’t claim to understand Pilate’s thought process in the least, you should be happy about that! All we know is that he washed his hands of the entire affair and with a few words, disposed of a human life.

So Pilate decided to grant their demand. Luke 23:24

Barabbas was released and Jesus was convicted by the people.

I don’t understand the thoughts of the Romans, but I don’t understand the minds of the people either. Their collective demand for the death of Jesus is ultimately what led to crucifixion.

It’s hard to wrap my mind around. The closest I can come to having some appreciation for these events is when I read from the Voice of the Martyrs. These modern-day mock trials and execution of our brothers and sisters for Christ are hard to believe, but we know they happen far too frequently.

Lord, help us to understand and appreciate the extent to which You went for our benefit.

 

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