“Then Judas, which had betrayed Him, when he saw that He was condemned, repented himself, and brought again the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and elders, saying, ‘I have sinned in that I have betrayed the innocent blood.’ And they said, ‘What is that to us? See thou to that.’ And he cast down the pieces of silver in the temple, and departed, and went and hanged himself. And the chief priests took the silver pieces, and said, ‘It is not lawful for to put them into the treasury, because it is the price of blood.’ And they took counsel, and bought with them the potter’s field, to bury strangers in.
Wherefore that field was called, The field of blood, unto this day.
Then was fulfilled that which was spoken by Jeremy the prophet, saying,
‘And they took the thirty pieces of silver, the price of Him that was valued, whom they of the children of Israel did value; and gave them for the potter’s field, as the Lord appointed me.’ ” Matthew 27:3-10
Death
On the The Third Day
And while they abode in Galilee, Jesus said unto them,
‘The Son of Man shall be betrayed into the hands of men: and they shall kill Him, and the third day He shall be raised again.’
And they were exceeding sorry.” Matthew 17:22-23
To Fulfill The Scriptures
In looking at the life of Jesus Christ one cannot help but notice that the life of Jesus is completely submitted to the will of His Father. He is about fulfilling God’s will for His life as a human being on earth. Now, if we want a good example then, Jesus is the one to follow. He is however, much more than an example to follow. He is, in fact, the very only begotten Son of God (John 1:1-5, 14; 3:16). Part of His submission to the Father as man is His heart and will to fulfill Scriptures and we see that in the following verses,
“Then came they, and laid hands on Jesus, and took Him. And, behold, one of them which were with Jesus stretched out his hand, and drew his sword, and struck a servant of the high priest’s, and smote off his ear. Then said Jesus unto him,
‘Put up again thy sword into his place: for all they that take the sword shall perish with the sword. Thinkest thou that I cannot now pray to My Father, and He shall presently give Me more than twelve legions of angels? But how then shall the Scriptures be fulfilled, that thus it must be?’
In that same hour said Jesus to the multitudes,
‘Are ye come out as against a thief with swords and staves for to take Me? I sat daily with you teaching in the temple, and ye laid no hold on Me.’
But all this was done, that the Scriptures of the prophets might be fulfilled. Then all the disciples forsook Him, and fled.” Matthew 26:50-56
In this short passage we see the statement twice, “But how then shall the Scriptures be fulfilled…?” and then, “But all this was done, that the Scriptures of the prophets might be fulfilled”, and all this was at the time of His betrayal and arrest.
Though the name of the sword wielder is not given, we know from the testimony of the apostle John (John 18:10-11) that it is Peter who was overly protective of His Lord. If we think Peter only meant to cut off that man’s ear, we would be gravely mistaken. Peter was not a highly trained soldier in handling a sword; but his intent was to divide that man’s head.
The intent and purpose of Jesus was to fulfill Scripture and glorify His Father. In that act He would also make a way for those who will believe to have fellowship with God the Father. By way of the cross Scripture, all of Scripture would be fulfilled, the sin debt would be paid, God would be honored, and glorified; and there is a way of salvation from the condemnation of sin.
The event of the above Scriptures follow a time of great trial in our Lord’s life. It was a time of the “press”. In a place where the olives were pressed for the oil, the very fragrance of Heaven was being pressed in doing the will of Heaven. Jesus was about doing the will of God. His mind, His heart, His soul, and His strength was going to see that all Scripture would be fulfilled.
In the press, by the Spirit of Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit, we can be about fulfilling the will and word of God in our lives. Be strong in faith, believe God, trust every word He has said; that He will fulfill every word that, even now, has yet to be fulfilled. Believe it will be; and live accordingly. No matter what trial or tribulation may come; economic failure, employment fails, health fails, earthquake or flood, or fire. God’s Word – all of Scripture will be fulfilled in Christ Jesus.
Know That You Have Eternal Life
“And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in His Son. He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life.
These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God. And this is the confidence that we have in Him, that, if we ask any thing according to His will, He heareth us: and if we know that He hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of Him.” 1 John 5:11-15
Behold My Hands
“But Thomas, one of the twelve, called Didymus, was not with them when Jesus came. The other disciples therefore said unto him, ‘We have seen the Lord.’ But he said unto them, ‘Except I shall see in His hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the print of the nails, and thrust my hand into His side, I will not believe.’ And after eight days again His disciples were within, and Thomas with them: then came Jesus, the doors being shut, and stood in the midst, and said,
‘Peace be unto you.’
Then saith He to Thomas,
‘Reach hither thy finger, and behold My hands; and reach hither thy hand, and thrust it into My side: and be not faithless, but believing.’
And Thomas answered and said unto Him, ‘My Lord and my God.’ Jesus saith unto him,
‘Thomas, because thou hast seen Me, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed.’
And many other signs truly did Jesus in the presence of His disciples, which are not written in this book: but these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through His name.” John 20:24-31
If I Tell You, You Will Not Believe
“And as soon as it was day, the elders of the people and the chief priests and the scribes came together, and led Him into their council, saying, ‘Art Thou the Christ? Tell us.’ And He said unto them,
‘If I tell you, ye will not believe: and if I also ask you, ye will not answer Me, nor let Me go.
Hereafter shall the Son of Man sit on the right hand of the power of God.’
Then said they all, ‘Art Thou then the Son of God? And He said unto them,
‘Ye say that I am.’
And they said, ‘What need we any further witness? For we ourselves have heard of His own mouth.’ ” Luke 22:66-71
Arise
“And it came to pass the day after, that He went into a city called Nain; and many of His disciples went with Him, and much people.
Now when He came nigh to the gate of the city, behold, there was a dead man carried out, the only son of his mother, and she was a widow: and much people of the city was with her. And when the Lord saw her, He had compassion on her, and said unto her,
‘Weep not.’
And He came and touched the bier: and they that bare him stood still. And He said,
‘Young man, I say unto thee, Arise.’
And he that was dead sat up, and began to speak. And He delivered him to his mother. And there came a fear on all: and they glorified God, saying, ‘That a great prophet is risen up among us;’ and, ‘That God hath visited His people.’ ” Luke 7:11-16
When They All Ran
“And they laid their hands on Him, and took Him. And one of them that stood by drew a sword, and smote a servant of the high priest, and cut off his ear. And Jesus answered and said unto them,
‘Are ye come out, as against a thief, with swords and with staves to take Me? I was daily with you in the temple teaching, and ye took Me not: but the Scriptures must be fulfilled.’
And they all forsook Him, and fled. And there followed Him a certain young man, having a linen cloth cast about his naked body; and the young men laid hold on him: and he left the linen cloth, and fled from them naked.” Mark 14:46-52
That Sunday Morning
“In the end of the sabbath, as it began to dawn toward the first day of the week, came Mary Magdalene and the other Mary to see the sepulchre. And, behold, there was a great earthquake: for the angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat upon it.
His countenance was like lightning, and his raiment white as snow: and for fear of him the keepers did shake, and became as dead men. And the angel answered and said unto the women, ‘Fear not ye: for I know that ye seek Jesus, which was crucified. He is not here: for He is risen, as He said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay. And go quickly, and tell His disciples that He is risen from the dead; and, behold, He goeth before you into Galilee; there shall ye see Him: lo, I have told you.’
And they departed quickly from the sepulchre with fear and great joy; and did run to bring his disciples word.” Matthew 28:1-8
Because He Would Not Need It For Long
“When the even was come, there came a rich man of Arimathaea, named Joseph, who also himself was Jesus’ disciple: he went to Pilate, and begged the body of Jesus. Then Pilate commanded the body to be delivered. And when Joseph had taken the body, he wrapped it in a clean linen cloth, and laid it in his own new tomb, which he had hewn out in the rock: and he rolled a great stone to the door of the sepulchre, and departed. And there was Mary Magdalene, and the other Mary, sitting over against the sepulchre.” Matthew 27:57-61
To Put Him to Death
“But some of them went their ways to the Pharisees, and told them what things Jesus had done. Then gathered the chief priests and the Pharisees a council, and said, ‘What do we? For this Man doeth many miracles. If we let Him thus alone, all will believe on Him: and the Romans shall come and take away both our place and nation.’
And one of them, named Caiaphas, being the high priest that same year, said unto them, ‘Ye know nothing at all, nor consider that it is expedient for us, that one man should die for the people, and that the whole nation perish not.’
And this spake he not of himself: but being high priest that year, he prophesied that Jesus should die for that nation; and not for that nation only, but that also He should gather together in one the children of God that were scattered abroad.
Then from that day forth they took counsel together for to put Him to death.” John 11:46-53
Satan has desired to have you
“And the Lord said,
‘Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat: but I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren.’
And he said unto Him, ‘Lord, I am ready to go with Thee, both into prison, and to death.’ And He said,
‘I tell thee, Peter, the cock shall not crow this day, before that thou shalt thrice deny that thou knowest Me.’ ” Luke 22:31-34
REFERENCE – verses 55-62
How Is Your Heart?
“And when He had called all the people, He said unto them,
‘Hearken unto Me every one, and understand: There is nothing from without a man, that entering into him can defile him: but the things which come out of him, those are they that defile the man.
If any man have ears to hear, let him hear.’
And when He was entered into the house from the people, His disciples asked Him concerning the parable. And He saith unto them,
‘Are ye so without understanding also? Do ye not perceive, that whatsoever thing from without entereth into the man, it cannot defile him; because it entereth not into his heart, but into the belly, and goeth out into the draught, purging all meats?’
And He said,
‘That which cometh out of the man, that defileth the man. For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders, thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lasciviousness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness: all these evil things come from within, and defile the man.’ ” Mark 7:14-23
Pressure
“Then saith He unto them, ‘My soul is exceeding sorrowful, even unto death: tarry ye here, and watch with Me.’ ” Matthew 26:38
We humans experience pressure. It is called stress. Those of us who know Jesus as our Lord and Savior believe Jesus to be fully God and fully Man. We recognize Him as flesh and blood human, of the race of Adam just as we are.
I have for many years struggled over this scene of Jesus in the garden of Gethsemane and have heard and been taught for years that Jesus was asking to be delivered from the cross. In recent years I have settled this in my own heart and mind, and I believe it is Scriptural.
I see many times that the gospels mention Jesus having His eyes set on Jerusalem near the final days of His life. That meaning He had His eyes set on paying our sin debt. That is one reason I cannot fathom the idea of His praying to be delivered from dying on the cross.
The verse above settles it for me. “My soul is exceeding sorrowful, even unto death…” and that looks to be what He is going to pray about when He says, “Let this cup pass from Me”. He was pressured by what would be too early a death right there in Gethsemane.
I believe the Father answered His prayer and gave Him the physical strength to make it to the cross where He fulfilled the Father’s will dying for my sins, your sins, and the sins of the whole world.
On This Great Day…
…I want all who will hear to know that Jesus Christ died for your sins, mine and yours, and that He was buried carrying away all our sin, shame and condemnation, and He rose from the grave on the third day. He forever lives.
Because He came out alive we can live with Him in eternity together with Him in His glory.
If you will confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus, and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead you shall be saved (Romans 10:9-10).
When you do that; and if you have already done that, then you know the greatness of this great Resurrection Sunday. Jesus is Alive.
Experiencing Forgiveness
“For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you: but if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.” Matthew 6:14-15
Forgiveness is a difficult matter and event in life. I know that I have been forgiven many times by my parents, my wife, my children, grandchildren, and other people as well. I know that most of all I have been forgiven by the One who has created all things.
If anyone thinks that forgiveness is an easy matter, then they probably have not forgiven anyone.
The truth of the matter of forgiveness is this: Jesus Christ died for our sins, forgiving those who nailed Him to the cross, and paying the price for our sins giving redemption, forgiveness, and healing to all who trust in Him.
The person who would say, “I will never forgive you” or “I cannot forgive that” has never experienced the forgiveness of God. If we experience the forgiveness of God what is there in the world that could cause us to be unforgiving.
Come to Jesus trusting in His finished work on the cross and experience forgiveness; the forgiveness of Holy God.
Who is born of God?
Whosoever believeth that Jesus is the Christ is born of God: and every one that loveth Him that begat loveth Him also that is begotten of Him. 1 John 5:1
Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God? Verse 5
He that hath the Son hath life; he that hath not the Son of God hath not life.
These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God. Verses 12 – 13
And we know that the Son of God is come, and hath given us an understanding, that we may know Him that is true, and we are in Him that is true, in his Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God, and eternal life. Verse 20
As I was reading the first epistle of the apostle John I noticed once again the important emphasis he puts on Jesus Christ as the Son of God. The title of this post is “Who is born of God?” That is a question we all must answer, and know ourselves. Are you, have you been born of God?
In chapter 5 verse 1 John writes “Whosoever believes that Jesus is the Christ is born of God” and he goes on stating that to love the Father (the One who begat), is to love the Son (the One who is begotten). If we love the Father we will love the Son; and on the other side too; if we love the Son we love the Father. These are the one’s who are born of God.
We learn in the five verses above too, that Jesus Christ the Son of God is the One who overcomes the world, and through Him we do too. In Him we have life, and without Him is no life. Without life in Him there is only death. Through Jesus Christ and Him alone can we have the true assurance of eternal life, and we can know quite well that we will live with Him eternally.
In knowing Jesus we receive understanding from Him knowledge of who He truly is. In Christ Jesus we are in the True God, and have eternal life. The moment, by grace through faith, you turn from your sin to Christ calling on His name for salvation you receive eternal life.
Who is born of God? If you have not been born of God will you call on Him today?
The Father’s Will
“And this is the Father’s will which hath sent Me, that of all which He hath given Me I should lose nothing, but should raise it up again at the last day. And this is the will of Him that sent Me, that every one which seeth the Son, and believeth on Him, may have everlasting life: and I will raise him up at the last day.” John 6:39-40
Many have asked, “What is God’s will?” or “What is God’s will for my life?” Jesus gives us the answer for that in the words He speaks above.
One, it was the Father’s will to send His Son Jesus and to give Him those who would follow Him… I pray that includes you.
Two, it is the Father’s will that of all that the Father has given Him, including His own life, nothing would be lost.
Three, that those who see the Son of God believing on Him would have everlasting life.
Four, that all those who believe on Him would be resurrected and live with Him through eternity.
These four things are seen in the two verses above. It is the Father’s will that you would call on the name of the One who died for your sins, our sins; was buried, and He rose again the third day. Because He lives we live.
The Son of Man
“Then He took the twelve, and said unto them,
‘Behold, we go up to Jerusalem, and all things that are written by the prophets concerning the Son of Man shall be accomplished. For He shall be delivered unto the Gentiles, and shall be mocked, and spitefully entreated, and spitted on: and they shall scourge, and put Him to death: and the third day He shall rise again.’
And they understood none of these things: and this saying was hid from them, neither knew they the things which were spoken.” Luke 18:31-34
The mission, the purpose of Jesus’s birth, life and ministry was about to come to fruition. He had told the disciples many times that He was going to die, and the third day He would rise again. They did not comprehend.
There are several things about Jesus that have surprised people, even to the point of denial, doubt and confusion and unbelief. There are some who believe in the good words and works of Jesus and they believe He was a good man, a good teacher, and a prophet; but deny who He really is. There are some who believe Him to be a spirit being who never really died, and thus never dying, He never rose again. These believe this because they cannot accept the truth of His becoming flesh at birth (the only begotten Son of God), that if He were really Deity, Deity could not bleed.
His physical birth, and His death signify clearly that Jesus was indeed flesh, bone, and blood – The Son of Man. His burial shows us clearly that a body, not a spirit being, was laid in the tomb. His resurrection, on the third day is evidence, proof and fruit of the truth of who He is – The Son of God. Thus, He is the Son of Man, the Son of God. The God-Man.
He died a physical death for our sins. His physical body was laid in the tomb dead. He was raised in a physical flesh and bone body for our justification. This same Jesus will come again in that same body.
Have you trusted Him as your personal Lord and Savior? Today is the day to do so.
Those Who Hear the Word of God
“And it came to pass, as He spake these things, a certain woman of the company lifted up her voice, and said unto Him, ‘Blessed is the womb that bare Thee, and the paps which Thou hast sucked.’ But He said,
‘Yea rather, blessed are they that hear the word of God, and keep it.’ ” Luke 11:27-28
More than once in all of Scripture are the words of the Lord giving great blessing on those who read and hear the word of the Lord. One of those places is in the above verses; another is Revelation 1:3. The Psalms are full of the blessing on those who love the word of God – especially Psalm 119.
No person is more blessed than the one’s who will hear the word of the Lord and keep it. It must begin in what the word says about God’s only begotten Son Jesus, the sin of Adam kind, and the death of Jesus Christ on the cross, His burial and resurrection.
You have not began to hear the word of the Lord if you reject that Jesus is indeed the Son of God, God the Son.
Will you hear Him today?
My Eyes Have Seen Your Salvation
“Then took he Him up in his arms, and blessed God, and said,
‘Lord, now lettest Thou Thy servant depart in peace, according to Thy word: for mine eyes have seen Thy salvation, which Thou hast prepared before the face of all people; a light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of Thy people Israel.’
And Joseph and His mother marvelled at those things which were spoken of him. And Simeon blessed them, and said unto Mary His mother,
‘Behold, this Child is set for the fall and rising again of many in Israel; and for a sign which shall be spoken against; (yea, a sword shall pierce through thy own soul also,) that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.’ ” Luke 2:28-35
The man speaking is Simeon. A man who had waited for the Redeemer of Israel for many years. I have never heard much on the words which he speaks but they are definitely from the Lord, and dealing with the life of the new born Son of God.
My thoughts on this man are these. If Simeon was believing the word of the Lord, that he would not die until he had seen the coming of Messiah, then how can we lose heart concerning the second coming of our Lord, the Messiah, who is Jesus Christ?
Jesus came the first time as a baby, born of a virgin, and His bed was on straw in a feed trough for cattle. He grew into manhood, lived a holy, undefiled life, then laid His own life down on that wooden cross, was nailed to it through His hands and feet, they dropped that cross into a hole with a resounding thud, and He died there. He was taken down from that cross, and was buried showing clearly that He was dead taking away our sin; then He arose bodily from that grave. He forever lives and is calling all who will hear to come to Him.
Believe Him and live with Him forever, free from sin, shame, guilt and condemnation.
The Door Is Open…
“And Jesus cried with a loud voice, and gave up the ghost. And the veil of the temple was rent in twain from the top to the bottom.” Mark 15:37-38
Jesus’s last words were spoken, “It is finished” and then something awesome and heavenly happened. The veil of the temple which was supposed to conceal the ark of the covenant, was torn in two.
It was torn from the top signifying that it was definitely the hand of God that tore it. What did this mean?
The old was being torn away, and the new was beginning. God was saying to one and to all who would hear Him, and receive the gift of He and His Son Jesus could come to Him. He is basically saying, “The door is open. Come on in.”
The door is opened by the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Will you hear His voice and enter into His peace and rest? It is your call.
Have You Not Read The Scripture?
After the parable of Mark 12:1-9 Jesus said,
“And have ye not read this Scripture; ‘The stone which the builders rejected is become the head of the corner: this was the Lord’s doing, and it is marvellous in our eyes?’ “ Mark 12:10-11
.Jesus always has a good, even a great question or questions for His accusers. Jesus knows the Scriptures. He is the One who inspired, and gave the Scriptures. Since He gave them to us it is fitting and very proper and a means of the Christian’s growth in the faith of Christ to read them, hear them and do them for His glory.
The parable in verses 1 through 9 is a parable of those who rejected a land owners son, killing him, so that they might be the ones who would inherit the land, since the land owner only had one son.
The scribes and Pharisees, the hypocrites did have the sense to realize the parable was about them, and their rejection of God’s Son who was speaking to them – though they were too blind to see Him as the Son of God.
Do you read the Scriptures? If you are a Christian they are for you and your growing; being conformed into the image of Jesus Christ (Romans 8:29). When you know and love Jesus you will read, know, and love His word. You will also see that His word reads you.
Jesus is the “Cornerstone” which the builders rejected. He is rejected by them so that others might be saved and come to the truth of who Jesus is. He is the Son of Man, the Son of God and God the Son who willingly laid His own life down on the cross and was crucified, dying for our sins, was buried, and three days later He rose again and is calling you to Himself. Call out to Him turning from your sins to the Lord Jesus Christ, and He will hear, and He will save you giving you eternal life.
Death and Resurrection
“And He began to teach them, that the Son of Man must suffer many things, and be rejected of the elders, and of the chief priests, and scribes, and be killed, and after three days rise again.” Mark 8:31
“And as they came down from the mountain, He charged them that they should tell no man what things they had seen, till the Son of Man were risen from the dead.” Mark 9:9
“For He taught His disciples, and said unto them, ‘The Son of Man is delivered into the hands of men, and they shall kill Him; and after that He is killed, He shall rise the third day.’ ” Mark 9:31
Three times in two chapters Jesus tells them. How could they have missed it? There is one way and maybe two or three, but Jesus taught the disciples clearly that He was going to die at the hands of evil, and that on the third day He would rise again.
The first way they could have missed is because of their preconceived ideas of what the Messiah was supposed to do. The second way it was missed; not by the disciples but by the religious leaders was their unbelief. The third way it was missed by many, and this would include Judas Iscariot, just plain ole selfishness and greed.
Do not miss the fact, the truth of the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. He was and is the Messiah of Israel and of the whole earth. If you miss this truth, you will miss out on eternity with Him.
We Don’t Know When, So Be Ready
“Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of Man cometh.” Matthew 25:13
None of us know the time of our death. Neither does anyone know the time of the Lord’s second coming.
Just as one must be prepared for dying we need to be prepared for the coming of the Lord. One is closely associated with the other.
Please understand. It has been said that there are only two things which are certain in the life; and that is death and taxes. We all will die in this physical body. The heart will beat its final beat; and we will breathe our final breath. Are you ready?
The greatest preparation we can make for death is to call on the name of Jesus when we realize that we are lost, condemned, dying law breakers, headed to eternal judgment. Calling on Jesus who bled and died on the cross as the ultimate payment for our sin, and was buried carrying away all our sin, our shame, our guilt and condemnation, and then He rose from the grave justifying forever those who will come to Him. See Matthew 26 through 28.
When you call on His name you are then prepared for death and for the coming of the Lord.
The Fire and Hammer 