Tag: Luke

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Luke: Epilogue and Acts Intro

Read: Acts 1:1-8

It’s hard to believe this blog through Luke began way back at the beginning of the year, 87 posts over the course of nearly five months. The pace might seem slow, but the journey is truly worth it in my very humble opinion. During this season I’ve gotten to know Luke as a person through his orderly account of the ministry of the One he loved more than any other: Jesus.

Luke was more than just a gospel writer, he served to build a foundation for us to follow by being obedient in capturing thoughts, stories, events, and significant moments for us to read and learn about the Savior.

If he were here sitting with you and me today, he would be pleased to hear those words, but I’m absolutely convinced he would be shocked if all we did was read and study. The purpose of this “orderly account” was not for us to become scholarly, it is to help us go out and spread the gospel.

We need to jump to the book of Acts to continue Luke’s story. This doesn’t mean I’m not going to blog through John, but I would like to continue the conversation with Luke as he gives us great insight into the early church. At my current snail’s pace, this probably means we won’t get to John until next year, but I’m really not in a hurry.

At the end of Luke 24, we are left hanging a bit. The chapter has three main sections: the women find the tomb empty, the walk to Emmaus, then the appearance of Jesus to the disciples (and His ascension). Between verses 49 and 50 there appears to be no span of time, but Luke updates us as he begins writing Theophilus in the book of Acts:

He appeared to them over a period of forty days and spoke about the kingdom of God. Acts 1:3

This is amazing to consider and quite hard to appreciate at the same time. After Jesus was betrayed, denied, and crucified, He sat down with these mere mortals and provided an intense workshop. My mind is filled with wild imagery of the scenes. How could James, John, Peter, and the others, ever go to sleep? Every moment must have been better than the next. Jesus, the one they saw physically destroyed was there with them!

To say they “returned to Jerusalem with great joy” Luke 24:52, is a great understatement! Can you imagine that Jesus was constantly with them over this interlude? Here’s how Luke casually puts it:

On one occasion, while he was eating with them Acts 1:4

“You know, the other time when the resurrected Son of God, Jesus Christ Himself, came over to have a bite to eat…” Seriously!?!?

By the time Jesus was done demonstrating His great love for the disciples, teaching and explaining how the kingdom works, then ascending to heaven, I’m pretty sure I would return to Jerusalem with some serious joy! Especially since Jesus told them something even more amazing was going to happen.

For John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.” Acts 1:5

They are all quite anxious for Jesus to restore the Kingdom in their lifetime. I think this is because they saw how wonderful things could be with Jesus leading the way, but Jesus’ plan is different, it’s difficult, and requires action:

But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth. Acts 1:8

This is the call that comes with a promise: the Holy Spirit will be with us.

Unlike earthly things, the power of the Holy Spirit is not diminished when given to an individual, rather, it seems to increase as more and more people recognize who Jesus is and what He has done for all.

Lord, help us appreciate this power that lives inside us, the prompting that wakes us up at night and motivates us to do that which doesn’t seem to make sense on human terms. Teach us. Mold us. Make us into the beautiful works of art you intended for Your glory and for Your kingdom.

May we become Your witnesses locally, regionally, and globally. Amen!

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Luke: Jesus Appears to His Disciples then Ascends

Read: Luke 24:36-53

Suddenly, we’re at the end of Luke’s gospel where he gives us a slight peek into Jesus’ appearance before leaving earth. The walk to Emmaus is followed up by an even more extraordinary event.

While they were still talking about this, Jesus himself stood among them and said to them, “Peace be with you.” Luke 24:36

Holy ____! Seriously!

Luke tells us they were startled, frightened like they’d seen a ghost. I think that puts it mildly, to say the least. I’m sure they looked back and laughed at their first reaction, but during the event, I’m sure this was not the least bit funny.

Jesus kept the pressure on:

He said to them, “Why are you troubled, and why do doubts rise in your minds?  It is I myself Luke 24:38,39

Doubts

The disciples were unprepared to see Jesus in the flesh. Cleopas and his companion were trying to explain their encounter, the things Jesus said as He broke bread with them, but this was just too much to process for them. I can imagine they were doubting themselves as they retold the story.

Told You So

Jesus showed them His hands and feet, then asks them for some food. He’s hungry. They probably needed to eat as well. The conversation quickly turned to remind them of the times when Jesus had explained how and why this would happen.

He said to them, “This is what I told you while I was still with you: Everything must be fulfilled that is written about me in the Law of Moses, the Prophets and the Psalms.” Luke 24:44

Once again, we are exhorted to look at the Old Testament to understand the New. These writings are compiled for us to easily browse and read, but the disciples knew them well. I have no doubt Jesus invested time during the previous three years talking about these very scriptures.

Opened Their Minds

Then something miraculous happened:

Then he opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures. Luke 24:45

I think this was miraculous because their heads were spinning out of control, they really didn’t know how to process all this information. Further, these rather simple men, chosen by the Lord, are changed from this point forward as they await Pentecost and the incredible gift of the Holy Spirit.

The Blessing of Jesus

Luke doesn’t waste much time in jumping to the end, but I like to think that Jesus carefully unpacked the scriptures after opening their minds. They discussed the details before Jesus led them out and blessed them.

I’m not able to appreciate fully what this means, but to receive the blessing in Jewish culture was a very big deal. This is not a quick pat on the back and move on, this is a moment when I envision Jesus looking at each of them, hands on their shoulders, or perhaps grabbing their neck and looking them straight in the eye. From this posture, each received their personal blessing from Jesus Christ. Wow!

The Ascension of Jesus

Luke’s concluding words are far better than any I can write. Joy has returned. You are indeed blessed by the Father, touched by the Son, and filled with the Spirit. I pray this will touch you the way I am this morning:

While he was blessing them, he left them and was taken up into heaven. Then they worshiped him and returned to Jerusalem with great joy. And they stayed continually at the temple, praising God. Luke 24:51-53

 

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Luke: Walk to Emmaus

Read: Luke 24:13-35

I would give anything to walk seven miles with Jesus, even if it took me all day to recognize Him! The women have told the disciples, they’ve checked out the empty tomb, and the word is already spreading. In this great story of two disciples, Cleopas and an unnamed other, walking along feeling defeated after what should have been the highlight of their lives, Jesus appears and asks them what they’re chatting about.

They stood still, their faces downcast. One of them, named Cleopas, asked him, “Are you the only one visiting Jerusalem who does not know the things that have happened there in these days?” Luke 24:17-18

News spreads quickly in a culture that relied mostly on oral communication. Unlike our modern inability to communicate verbally, they were good at passing stories. In this case, they all knew about Jesus of Nazareth, the One they decided to follow, who was convicted by their very own priests then crucified by the Romans. Everyone knew about this.

Less than a week earlier, Jesus was welcomed on a borrowed colt with shouts of hosanna. This was already a festive time of year when they gathered to celebrate the Passover. To say expectations were high is a great understatement — they expected Jesus to change the world that weekend!

Well, He did change the world, just not as anyone expected. More on that later!

The two continue to explain what they’d heard about the women and the disciples, the empty tomb when Jesus rebukes them:

“How foolish you are, and how slow to believe all that the prophets have spoken! Did not the Messiah have to suffer these things and then enter his glory?” Luke 24:25-26

Moses and All The Prophets

Jesus explains to them how His journey was foretold by Moses and all the prophets. We have the privilege of having Bibles in various versions laying all around. If Jesus used ancient scriptures to explain how He must come into the world, suffer, and then be resurrected, it seems we should be serious about understanding the Old Testament to appreciate the New.

While the language used here leaves us with no doubt that this was a rebuke, it doesn’t sound like it’s harsh. There’s a lesson to be learned in that alone. Jesus rebukes them, but they all continue to walk together. I get the impression they’re not in a great hurry, other than to get to Emmaus before sunset. The men knew there was something special about this one who was walking with them. At the very least, He knew scripture like no one they had ever encountered.

But they urged him strongly, “Stay with us, for it is nearly evening; the day is almost over.” Luke 24:29

Their request is sincere. Although He seems to be a stranger to them, they offer a safe place for the evening. This, of course, includes having supper together. Jesus takes the opportunity to take the bread, give thanks, then give it to them.

I think this was another story the Eleven shared with others, the story of the Last Supper. They might have shared the story in great despair, kicking themselves for not recognizing it was the Last Supper, but they no doubt told others how Jesus changed to words to suggest this was His body broken for the world, His blood shed for many.

These two disciples from Emmaus hear the words and their eyes are opened. This is Jesus!

They asked each other, “Were not our hearts burning within us while he talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us?” Luke 24:32

Emmaus Walk

Several years ago I was sponsored to join the Walk to Emmaus as part of the Upper Room Ministries in Montgomery, Alabama. I didn’t know what I was getting into, but I trusted those who urged me to invest the weekend retreat (Thursday evening through Saturday). At some point, I should write a complete post on the experience, but suffice it to say, the retreat was all about having an encounter with Jesus. The featured image on this post is from the booklet they gave each of us. Through music, prayer, teaching, fellowship, and living for a few days with no electronic devices, we were all blessed to hear from our Savior, to meet Him on our own road to Emmaus.

Is your heart burning to know Jesus? Has anything in the last 24 chapters of Luke stirred up something from within? I truly hope so.

I pray that we will all recognize Jesus in everything around us, that excitement would well up inside of us as we realize He longs to break bread with us. Go and tell the world!

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Luke: Jesus is Risen

Read: Luke 24:1-12

Finally, the event that overshadows all events in history: Jesus is resurrected! The course of the world is changed from this point forward. Luke provides words that are beyond amazing:

“Why do you look for the living among the dead? He is not here; he has risen! Luke 24:5-6

The women came with spices to anoint the body of their beloved friend. They waited as Jewish law forbid they do any work on the Sabbath, let alone touch a dead body. They came in reverence, with great sorrow and humility. The weight of the past few days was heavy on them.

To me, it feels like a train wreck. One moment we were barreling down the tracks, rocking gently as the wheels clacked against the rails then SLAM! Into the mountainside. Crushed. Derailed. Stopped.

To have some inkling of what it must have felt like for these women, my mind wanders into that space of complete despair. From this perspective, the words of angels a great and amazing indeed!

Remember how he told you, while he was still with you in Galilee: ‘The Son of Man must be delivered over to the hands of sinners, be crucified and on the third day be raised again.’ Then they remembered his words. Luke 24:6-8

Then they remembered. Like cold water splashing across your tired face, they woke up!

Yes, they were there with Jesus when He said these things. These women are honored above all as the first to come to the realization that what He said would happen has indeed happened!

They go tell the disciples, the eleven, but it’s impossible to believe. I don’t think this is from a condescending perspective, they knew these women, had been doing ministry with them for months, the disciples were still in shock.

But they did not believe the women, because their words seemed to them like nonsense. Luke 24:11

I’ve never experienced shell-shock, but I understand the concept. An explosion goes off close enough to you that you are temporarily disoriented, unable to process information. That’s my understanding of what the disciples felt.

Then there’s Peter. The one who began mourning for Jesus before the crucifixion, already in deep darkness because of his denials. Peter seized the moment:

Peter, however, got up and ran to the tomb. Bending over, he saw the strips of linen lying by themselves, and he went away, wondering to himself what had happened. Luke 24:12

I love the way Luke paints this picture. Peter is scratching his head, what happened? He wants desperately to believe in that which makes no sense at all. Oh, Jesus, please don’t leave me hanging here for too long!! Show yourself to me!

Luke teases us by writing the Road to Emmaus story before answering Peter’s question, so we’ll have to wait for a bit to get beyond this moment.

This concluding remark is worth reading a few times:

The resurrection was not created by the church; rather, the church was created by the resurrection. See NIVAC below.

The resurrection of Jesus is the defining difference between Christianity and the religions of the world. It is incredible and impossible to believe except by faith.

Lord give us the faith to believe in the impossible, the improbable, the undeniable power of Your work in the world today. Wake us up out of the foggy sleep that holds us back from seeking the lost, the lonely, the least in this world. Fill us with the assurance that You did what You said You would do. Help us to get a tiny foothold on this concept:

Very truly I tell you, whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father. John 14:12

 

 

NIVAC: Wilkins, Michael J.; Garland , David E.; Bock, Darrell L.; Burge, Gary M.; Fernando, Ajith. NIVAC Bundle 6: Gospels, Acts (The NIV Application Commentary) (Kindle Locations 56014-56015). Zondervan. Kindle Edition.

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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: Crucifixion

Read: Luke 23:26-49

The crucifixion of Jesus, the horrible torture to death invented by the Romans, was a public spectacle designed to deter people from breaking laws. It literally made no sense for Jesus, He did nothing to earn execution, except that it was required for our redemption.

The gospel writers don’t provide a lot of detail about the process, others have covered that in gruesome detail. Instead, they focus on the people who witnessed the event.

Simon from Cyrene was not looking to become a part of the drama when the soldiers forced him to carry the cross, but he is mentioned by Matthew and Mark as well.

Women are following Jesus through the crucifixion, mourning and wailing unashamedly. He addressed the crowd as He consistently did during His ministry.

Daughters of Jerusalem, do not weep for me; weep for yourselves and for your children. Luke 23:28

It’s going to get a lot worse for Jerusalem. We have the historical perspective, but they were living through these events. Hearts were broken by the speed of His faux trial and execution.

Jesus provided an important rhetorical question for the crowd to consider:

For if people do these things when the tree is green, what will happen when it is dry?” Luke 23:31

The extreme measure of the crucifixion of the Messiah, when God was there with them, is compared to a time when He is no longer in their midst. If they would crucify Jesus, what would they do to an ordinary person?

The soldiers mocked Him, the rulers sneered, the people watched from their positions of safety. The public spectacle is repulsive. Their participation is indicative of the darkness they hold onto. This is not a human being tortured and killed, this is an entertainment event, something to watch and be reminded of how good our lives are in comparison.

Jesus’ kindness is seen throughout. To the one being crucified with Him who is humble, the man who recognizes the injustice while knowing he is about to die, Jesus offers one last glimmer of hope:

Jesus answered him, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.” Luke 23:43

The Death of Jesus

Let there be no doubt, Jesus died on the cross. His human body did not somehow survive the torture and pain associated with the methodical process of crucifixion. He died.

Jesus called out with a loud voice, “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit.” When he had said this, he breathed his last. Luke 23:46

With a loud voice, Jesus silenced the crowd. At least in my imagination, when these words were spoken, everyone stopped, everything was silent. The centurion on duty recognized the significance. Those gathered to witness the event got the message, beat their breasts and left.

But all those who knew him, including the women who had followed him from Galilee, stood at a distance, watching these things. Luke 23:49

They watched from a distance. I don’t think this was out of concern for safety, rather, they couldn’t bear to get too close. Those who were mocking and sneering only added insult to injury. From a distance, they could watch and see Jesus, their friend, the Messiah, freely pay the ultimate price for all.

I’m glad I know the rest of the story; otherwise, this would be too much to bear. Honestly, it’s hard enough to write about even knowing what happens next. I hope these words help us all to get a sense of the weight of the burden Jesus bore, of the cost of discipleship, the seriousness of the call we either answer or ignore. There is no in between.

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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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Luke: Pre-Trial of the Messiah

Luke 22:63-71

In the last post, our focus was on Peter’s denials and his reaction to the realization that what Jesus said previously was not symbolic–it was very real. During these pre-morning scenes, Jesus is aggressively questioned by the high priests who have already decided His fate. It seems the guards pick up the scent as they begin to treat Jesus brutally.

They blindfolded him and demanded, “Prophesy! Who hit you?” And they said many other insulting things to him. Luke 22:64-65

For some reason, Joseph Conrad’s, Heart of Darkness, comes to mind. We see here those who are supposed to be most civilized acting with complete disregard for human life. Beating a blindfolded man makes no sense. Mocking and insulting their prisoner is surrealistic, out of step with Jesus’ teaching and healing ministry. And yet it is real.

The council of elders must know this is going on. There is no indication that the guards are bridled in the slightest. The mock trial continues.

Daybreak

Sleep deprivation is one of the most often used techniques for breaking prisoners. If you keep someone awake long enough, they’ll say whatever you want at some point. In this episode, I think the council is losing focus, not Jesus. They are working hard to come up with a case they can present before the Roman authorities since they are trying to put the responsibility for eliminating Jesus on government shoulders.

They all asked, “Are you then the Son of God?” He replied, “You say that I am.” Then they said, “Why do we need any more testimony? We have heard it from his own lips.” Luke 22:70-71

The entire Sanhedrin finally gets the non-answer that they wanted. By not refuting their claim, Jesus admits He is indeed the Son of God. That seals it for the Jewish leadership. They heard what they wanted to hear.

Darkness

Though it is daybreak, the story turns incredibly dark. In God’s great compassion for mankind, He sent Jesus into the world and only a few received Him. It seems we, as a race, haven’t advanced far from Genesis:

The Lord saw how great the wickedness of the human race had become on the earth, and that every inclination of the thoughts of the human heart was only evil all the time. Genesis 6:5

Instead of flooding the earth this time, God provided the perfect sacrifice to save the world. This doesn’t make sense to most people because their focus is on themselves first, lost in the sea of selfish desires.

Lord, help us to step back and see what it is You see, through Your eyes. There are too many times that we are surrounded by darkness. Don’t let our hearts feel the weight of those who would be misled. Instead, fill our hearts with the joy of Your salvation and may this true light be our testimony.

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Luke: Peter’s Denial

Read: Luke 22:54-62

Jesus’ prophecy about Peter’s denial is fulfilled in a handful of verses. The quick succession of events is definitely a one-two-three punch that takes my breath away. I’m reminded of mistakes I’ve made in the past that follow Peter’s pattern of behavior. I think the denial events are briefly covered to document the actions while emphasizing the significance of Peter’s recovery. This will make sense after Jesus’ resurrection and reinstatement of Peter, the rock, which will cover in a matter of days.

For reference, each of the gospel writers provides their insight into Peter’s denials:

The weight of the word “deny” is heavy. Matthew, Mark, and Luke all use this word to predict Peter’s reaction when this event will occur. Luke 9:23 also refers to arneomai (Greek) as the mandate to deny ourselves and take up our cross daily (see: Are You Sure You Want to be a Disciple?).

Setting the Stage

Luke sets the stage following the kiss from Judas in the garden.

Then seizing him, they led him away and took him into the house of the high priest. Peter followed at a distance. Luke 22:54

The pace of events is quick, that’s important to appreciate. Peter doesn’t have much time to grab some coffee and come to his senses. This thing is going south quickly. There’s no time to step back and reflect, it’s happening now! Peter follows in the shadows, keeping his distance, trying to figure out his next move.

Denial One – The Servant Girl

But he denied it. “Woman, I don’t know him,” he said. Luke 22:57

Denial Two – Someone Else

A little later someone else saw him and said, “You also are one of them.” Luke 22:58

Denial Three – Another Assertion

About an hour later another asserted, “Certainly this fellow was with him, for he is a Galilean.” Luke 22:59

The Rooster Crows

Peter replied, “Man, I don’t know what you’re talking about!” Just as he was speaking, the rooster crowed. Luke 22:60

The arrest and interrogation of Jesus was apparently an event that people were talking about. The scene here is very early in the morning when the servants are getting things ready for their masters. In reading all of the accounts it seems like this all happens in a matter of a few hours. The disciples have been with Jesus for over three years and here we have something like three hours where everything changes — especially for Peter.

The Look

The Lord turned and looked straight at Peter. Then Peter remembered the word the Lord had spoken to him… Luke 22:61

It’s not clear how this happened, but thrice denied, the rooster crows, and suddenly their eyes connect. Was it just a moment? A quick glance out the window as Jesus was being relocated for another session? We don’t know for certain, but there’s no doubt that Peter felt the eyes of the Savior when they connected.

The memories of Jesus’ prophetic words flood in and overwhelm Peter. He weeps bitterly, somewhere away from the servant girl for sure. What was once unbelievable, unimaginable, has now come to pass. He wasn’t the one who betrayed Jesus, not quite that bad, but how close is denial to betrayal? How often do we use second-order lies as a defense mechanism? “Did God really say…?”

The scene closes as the lights go black. No music. No applause. Quiet darkness.

If you’re still breathing, I’m sure you’ve had these moments, at least I know I have. The great news is that we don’t have to stay down. Jesus did in fact pay the price for our sin. He paid the price once and for all on the cross.

Lord, help us to surround ourselves with those who can remind us of the truth of the gospel, that we are free from the bondage of slavery to sin. May we be the church you dreamed of when you scattered us to go and make disciples of the whole world. And may we learn how to do this together, in harmony, each one doing his and her part.

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Luke: When Darkness Reigns

Read: Luke 22:47-53

The title of this section in most Bibles is something like Jesus Arrested. Luke covers the event in seven verses. Incredibly brief, yet powerfully heavy. I pray that you will turn off all your devices for 3 minutes and read the passage linked above, or have it read to you, whatever it takes to let the words sink in.

While He was still speaking…

It’s super early in the morning or late at night, however you want to look at it, and Jesus is trying to explain to His disciples that they need to stay awake. He’s still speaking when Judas appears on the scene with the entourage of those who represent a small victory for darkness.

In their minds, they are doing the right thing. Judas is convinced this will somehow be better for the Kingdom, that Jesus has gone just a bit too far. I certainly don’t know what they were thinking, but I’m sure it was mixed up with truth and facts, but seen through the eyes of pious self-righteousness. The formula could only lead to disaster.

…cutting off his right ear

The disciples were not soldiers, to say the least. I can only assume the swipe of the sword was meant to remove the head of the high priest’s servant, not just knick his ear. The aggressive action from the unnamed disciple is quickly quenched by an instant miracle. That alone should have gotten someone’s attention, but perhaps it was so quick that the servant thought it never even happened. Such is the power of Christ.

Am I leading a rebellion…

Jesus reminds the angry crowd that there is no need for violence, though I’m sure He knows the pain that is just around the corner from the brutal Roman soldiers.

Every day I was with you in the temple courts, and you did not lay a hand on me. But this is your hour—when darkness reigns.” Luke 22:53

As I read these verses over and over again, I’m struck by the last three words: When Darkness Reigns. I can’t let go of the thought. We sing songs every week about the beauty of Christ, what He did for us, His glory, His splendor, His words. Why would such a savior allow these people their hour of glory?

…but this is your hour

He who has the authority and power over all submitted Himself to the self-proclaimed authority of mere humans.

How many times have I been in their shoes? How many times have I demanded that this is my hour, my time, my way? For some reason, I get this sense of rage in their hearts, an anger that wells up from deep within. I hear this venomous cry in modern songs that are filled with vulgarity. While I’m sure they have a reason to be angry, the resolution to scream out profanities doesn’t move people to love–it merely incites a riot, draws a crowd, and convinces many that they are right in their own eyes. This is when darkness reigns.

There is no amount of anger that can turn hearts toward Christ. Jesus not only knows this truth, He demonstrates it here in the garden in front of His disciples and the priests. He shows the world how much He loves each of us through calm words that cut to the bone.

The reign of darkness is brief. It’s within these moments we all have a choice. Prisons are filled with those who chose poorly.

When darkness reigns in your life, I pray you will have a brother or sister to reach out to, someone to hold on to, or simply someone who is brave enough to look into your darkness, speak the truth, and be the light you need. Don’t expect an invitation or any fanfare. These moments come and go quickly.

Choose wisely.

Choose the way of Jesus.

 

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