Luke 20:1-26 ~ in the Temple and preaching the Gospel

Voice from On High, painted by James Tissot

Luke 20:1-26

English Standard Version, David Cochran Audio


1 One day, as Jesus was teaching the people in the temple and preaching the gospel, the chief priests and the scribes with the elders came up 2 and said to him, “Tell us by what authority you do these things, or who it is that gave you this authority.” 3 He answered them, “I also will ask you a question. Now tell me, 4 was the baptism of John from heaven or from man?” 5 And they discussed it with one another, saying, “If we say, ‘From heaven,’ he will say, ‘Why did you not believe him?’ 6 But if we say, ‘From man,’ all the people will stone us to death, for they are convinced that John was a prophet.” 7 So they answered that they did not know where it came from. 8 And Jesus said to them, “Neither will I tell you by what authority I do these things.”

9 And he began to tell the people this parable: “A man planted a vineyard and let it out to tenants and went into another country for a long while. 10 When the time came, he sent a servant to the tenants, so that they would give him some of the fruit of the vineyard. But the tenants beat him and sent him away empty-handed. 11 And he sent another servant. But they also beat and treated him shamefully, and sent him away empty-handed. 12 And he sent yet a third. This one also they wounded and cast out. 13 Then the owner of the vineyard said, ‘What shall I do? I will send my beloved son; perhaps they will respect him.’ 14 But when the tenants saw him, they said to themselves, ‘This is the heir. Let us kill him, so that the inheritance may be ours.’ 15 And they threw him out of the vineyard and killed him. What then will the owner of the vineyard do to them? 16 He will come and destroy those tenants and give the vineyard to others.” When they heard this, they said, “Surely not!” 17 But he looked directly at them and said, “What then is this that is written:

“‘The stone that the builders rejected
has become the cornerstone [the head of the corner]’?

18 Everyone who falls on that stone will be broken to pieces, and when it falls on anyone, it will crush him.”

19 The scribes and the chief priests sought to lay hands on him at that very hour, for they perceived that he had told this parable against them, but they feared the people. 20 So they watched him and sent spies, who pretended to be sincere, that they might catch him in something he said, so as to deliver him up to the authority and jurisdiction of the governor.

21 So they asked him, “Teacher, we know that you speak and teach rightly, and show no partiality, but truly teach the way of God. 22 Is it lawful for us to give tribute to Caesar, or not?” 23 But he perceived their craftiness, and said to them, 24 “Show me a denarius [a day's wage for a laborer ]. Whose likeness and inscription does it have?” They said, “Caesar's.” 25 He said to them, “Then render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's.” 26 And they were not able in the presence of the people to catch him in what he said, but marveling at his answer they became silent.

I really enjoy the visuals James Tissot provides. It's easier to remember the beautiful, world-wide awe-inspiring Temple being brought to the Truth Jesus gives. It is far easier to see how angry the religious elect would be to have Jesus stand in 'their' Temple and hear Him say they are poor tenants. Jesus inflamed the religious elect not with arrogance, more with inexplicable self-confidence. And the correct placement of religion being overcoming by a personal love for God. It threatened their place as head of God's Temple. The religion of the day required so much knowledge. Jesus is talking about mercy and love. Jesus was not in awe over religion, but God. The Living God is Love.

What we have on this earth is given in tenancy - we are here a short time. Jesus says be a good steward. All the things we enjoy - the things in which we delight - the things with which we busy ourselves - would recover if we were not to appear

Psalm 103
As for man, his days are like grass;
he flourishes like a flower of the field;
16 for the wind passes over it, and it is gone,
and its place knows it no more.

17 But the steadfast love of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting
on those who fear him, and his righteousness to children's children,
18 to those who keep his covenant and remember to do his commandments.

We are like the days of grass. Yet when Jesus went, the Temple never did recover. For 2,000 years there have not been sacrifices and there has not been a Temple since 70 A.D. - when Jesus would have died a natural death.

The Temple officials refused to open their hearts to Jesus. The world went around them and Christianity shined the Light of Christ. The Bride of Jesus Christ, the Church, has had times when it had to be reminded to love Jesus.

Christians, in the strength of Jesus Christ, overcame the martyrdom required for 400 years. Christians overcame the would-not-be martyrs who fled - taking the light of Jesus Christ with them as they ran for their lives. Christians fed and hospitalized the physically hungry during the middle ages. They learned and brought forth new farming techniques by not being part of the conquering or conquered history sweeping and re-sweeping the earth. The Churches fed and hospitalized the people during the plagues. They built Churches outside of the Church walls, leading to the end of middle ages living behind walls. Churches taught people to read. Men envied the Light going forth and sought to capture its influence. The Light of Christ did not shine as brightly for the looting and blood-lust of the world powerful using the Bride of Christ for individual power and glory.

The Church fought and recovered. Protestant Churches shined the Light of Christ. Powerful men looked elsewhere for power when the Churches split responsibilities. Hope during war, hope during peace for personal responsibility and growth. Learning to be stewards for God's provision and Jesus' ambassador. Plant your vines, God will direct the growth.




Botanically impossible 600 year old grapevine planted outside the window of Rita's monastery of Saint Mary Magdalene at Cascia, Italy.








<><

Acts 4 ~ let it be known to all and to all the people of Israel that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth

Acts 4

English Standard Version, David Cochran Audio

1 And as they were speaking to the people, the priests and the captain of the temple and the Sadducees came upon them, 2 greatly annoyed because they were teaching the people and proclaiming in Jesus the resurrection from the dead. 3 And they arrested them and put them in custody until the next day, for it was already evening. 4 But many of those who had heard the word believed, and the number of the men came to about five thousand.

5 On the next day their rulers and elders and scribes gathered together in Jerusalem, 6 with Annas the high priest and Caiaphas and John and Alexander, and all who were of the high-priestly family. 7 And when they had set them in the midst, they inquired, “By what power or by what name did you do this?”

8 Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them, “Rulers of the people and elders, 9 if we are being examined today concerning a good deed done to a crippled man, by what means this man has been healed, 10 let it be known to all of you and to all the people of Israel that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead—by him this man is standing before you well. 11 This Jesus is the stone that was rejected by you, the builders, which has become the cornerstone [the head of the corner]. 12 And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.”

13 Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were uneducated, common men, they were astonished. And they recognized that they had been with Jesus. 14 But seeing the man who was healed standing beside them, they had nothing to say in opposition. 15 But when they had commanded them to leave the council, they conferred with one another, 16 saying, “What shall we do with these men? For that a notable sign has been performed through them is evident to all the inhabitants of Jerusalem, and we cannot deny it. 17 But in order that it may spread no further among the people, let us warn them to speak no more to anyone in this name.”

18 So they called them and charged them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus. 19 But Peter and John answered them, “Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you rather than to God, you must judge, 20 for we cannot but speak of what we have seen and heard.” 21 And when they had further threatened them, they let them go, finding no way to punish them, because of the people, for all were praising God for what had happened. 22 For the man on whom this sign of healing was performed was more than forty years old.

23 When they were released, they went to their friends and reported what the chief priests and the elders had said to them. 24 And when they heard it, they lifted their voices together to God and said, “Sovereign Lord, who made the heaven and the earth and the sea and everything in them, 25 who through the mouth of our father David, your servant [child], said by the Holy Spirit,

“‘Why did the Gentiles rage,
and the peoples plot in vain?
26 The kings of the earth set themselves,
and the rulers were gathered together,
against the Lord and against his Anointed [Christ]’ — Psalm 2

27 for truly in this city there were gathered together against your holy servant Jesus, whom you anointed, both Herod and Pontius Pilate, along with the Gentiles and the peoples of Israel, 28 to do whatever your hand and your plan had predestined to take place. 29 And now, Lord, look upon their threats and grant to your servants [bondservants] to continue to speak your word with all boldness, 30 while you stretch out your hand to heal, and signs and wonders are performed through the name of your holy servant Jesus.” 31 And when they had prayed, the place in which they were gathered together was shaken, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and continued to speak the word of God with boldness.

32 Now the full number of those who believed were of one heart and soul, and no one said that any of the things that belonged to him was his own, but they had everything in common. 33 And with great power the apostles were giving their testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great grace was upon them all. 34 There was not a needy person among them, for as many as were owners of lands or houses sold them and brought the proceeds of what was sold 35 and laid it at the apostles' feet, and it was distributed to each as any had need. 36 Thus Joseph, who was also called by the apostles Barnabas (which means son of encouragement), a Levite, a native of Cyprus, 37 sold a field that belonged to him and brought the money and laid it at the apostles' feet.


The lame shall walk, the blind will see, the deaf shall hear and the poor have good news preached to them. Think of your favorite miracle in the Gospels.

Ten Lepers, Levi the Tax Collector becomes Matthew, Simon the unsure becomes the Rock, the woman who grasped Jesus' robe. The deaf man taken away from the crowds and Jesus heals him in a way a deaf man would understand before hearing. The man lifted through the roof by friends. The loaves and the fishes. Jesus rebukes the storm. Jesus doesn't allow Peter to sink for a moment of disbelief. Healing the man's son who cried out he believed - help him to have more faith. Zacchaeus come down out of the Sycamore tree, you are loved and understood. Nathanael, I saw you under the tree. Lazarus, come forth. The widow's son. Jairus' daughter. The Greek woman's child. He healed them all.

So what is your favorite miracle of Jesus?

What about the weak, afraid disciples of Jesus - who didn't even believe at first it was Jesus risen from the dead. And Jesus just stepped out and waited. These men - are arrested and marched into this world famous, impressive Temple of God. Past every impressive part of the Temple. Temple Tools made under the watchful eye of Moses. Right up to the very men who tried their best to wipe Jesus' name out forever. These men were raised knowing this Temple, this Faith, This God is the pinnacle of their lives. It is a test of who they are - discerning to rebuff the image, finding they serve the Living God.

Even Josephus - the general who decided it was time to desert Israel during the fall of Jerusalem. Men loved Josephus for being so clever to know when it was time to change sides to becoming the Historian of 3 Emperors of Rome. Josephus wrote of Jesus as the Christ. He wrote in awe that His band of followers did not desert. These men did not change sides and are now called Christians.

16 years after the death of Jesus Christ, Roman Emperors in this age, without mass communication, begin to condemn people to death for belief Jesus is the Christ - the Son of God. Why? These men believed Jesus Christ is who He says He is. They believe He means them when He talks about Steadfast Love and Righteousness. These men love Jesus, the Christ. More people will believe. People endure prison, flogging, gladiator death, crucifixion, being made into human torches. This persecution goes on for almost 400 years. The Light of Christ cannot be put out.

Matthew 16:18
On this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it

John 1:5
The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it

1 John 5:4
For everyone who has been born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith.

1 Corinthians 15:57
But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

Matthew 7:24
Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock.

We are the Easter people and Hallelujah is Our Song!

<><

Psalm 16 ~ You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.

Psalm 16

English Standard Version, David Cochran Audio Bible

1 Preserve me, O God, for in you I take refuge.
2 I say to the Lord, “You are my Lord;
I have no good apart from you.”

3 As for the saints in the land, they are the excellent ones,
in whom is all my delight.

4 The sorrows of those who run after [acquire] another god shall multiply;
their drink offerings of blood I will not pour out
or take their names on my lips.

5 The Lord is my chosen portion and my cup;
you hold my lot.
6 The lines have fallen for me in pleasant places;
indeed, I have a beautiful inheritance.

7 I bless the Lord who gives me counsel;
in the night also my heart instructs me.
8 I have set the Lord always before me;
because he is at my right hand, I shall not be shaken.

9 Therefore my heart is glad, and my whole being [glory]rejoices;
my flesh also dwells secure.
10 For you will not abandon my soul to Sheol,
or let your holy one see corruption [the pit].

11 You make known to me the path of life;
in your presence there is fullness of joy;
at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.

This first week of Easter Season, I've been thinking about the overwhelming events the disciples and the "great multitude of the people and of women who were mourning and lamenting for Him" where going through. The people of Israel were waking to realize - they are the new lambs of God. Washed and cleaned by Him!

By now the soldiers who were bribed were all ready telling everyone His disciples had stolen His body at night. People were living the reality -

Matthew 27:
45 darkness over all the land until the ninth hour


51 And behold, the curtain of the temple was torn in two, from top to bottom. And the earth shook, and the rocks were split.

52 The tombs also were opened. And many bodies of the saints who had fallen asleep were raised 53 and coming out of the tombs after his resurrection they went into the holy city and appeared to many.

54 When the centurion and those who were with him, keeping watch over Jesus, saw the earthquake and what took place, they were filled with awe and said, “Truly this was the Son of God!”


Luke 31:

34 And Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.”

43 And he [Jesus] said to him, “Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise.”


John 21:
21 So the chief priests of the Jews said to Pilate, “Do not write, ‘The King of the Jews,’ but rather, ‘This man said, I am King of the Jews.’” 22 Pilate answered, “What I have written I have written.”


John 19:33-34
But when they came to Jesus and saw that he was already dead, they did not break his legs. But one of the soldiers pierced his side with a spear, and at once there came out blood and water.

- - - - - This was not your typical, blood-letting Roman governmental event of correction.

What else was being said in this week of growing Good News to these people who had stayed with Jesus following and lamenting?


Matthew 28:

2 And behold, there was a great earthquake, for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven and came and rolled back the stone and sat on it. 3 His appearance was like lightning, and his clothing white as snow. 4 And for fear of him the guards trembled and became like dead men.

5 But the angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified. 6 He is not here, for he has risen, as he said. Come, see the place where he lay. 7 Then go quickly and tell his disciples that he has risen from the dead, and behold, he is going before you to Galilee; there you will see him. See, I have told you.” 8 So they departed quickly from the tomb with fear and great joy, and ran to tell his disciples.

9 And behold, Jesus met them and said, “Greetings!” And they came up and took hold of his feet and worshiped him. 10 Then Jesus said to them, “Do not be afraid; go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee, and there they will see me.”



How would the people react to this Good News:

Matthew 28:
16 Now the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had directed them. 17 And when they saw him they worshiped him, but some doubted

Mark 16:
10 She went and told those who had been with him, as they mourned and wept. 11 But when they heard that he was alive and had been seen by her, they would not believe it.

12 After these things he appeared in another form to two of them, as they were walking into the country. 13 And they went back and told the rest, but they did not believe them.

25 So the other disciples told him, “We have seen the Lord.” But he said to them, “Unless I see in his hands the mark of the nails, and place my finger into the mark of the nails, and place my hand into his side, I will never believe.”

(28 Thomas answered him, “My Lord and my God!”)


Luke 24:

11 but these words seemed to them an idle tale, and they did not believe them.

When we look at the beginnings of the 500 people Jesus eventually revealed Himself to as alive, we see they doubted. Doubted. They did not drop to their knees each time and believe.

The Good News did not fail. It did not stay by fires at night, warm and comfortable. Idle talk to warm the hearts of life everlasting. Told to small children at night to cover over the 'scary -ness' of death. A little faint glow of nectar far, far away. A never, never land for us all to go to when we die and they throw dirt with a thud on the grave. No - these people invaded the Temple. Multitudes filled the 26 acres of the Temple grounds and miracles poured forth in the powerful name of Jesus Christ. Families - married couples - gave up their comforts, their homes and traveled to new places, risking and incurring death to bring others the impossible Good News they were so unwilling to believe even when they saw it for themselves. Why would they do it? Why didn't they weep and moan that if they Saw This and Didn't Believe This, How Could they Be Asked to Share This?

This is the Fire of the Holy Spirit - taking joy in the Spirit and proclaiming God can do the impossible. Even giving Good News to people who did not witness it for themselves.


Luke 24:

36 As they were talking about these things, Jesus himself stood among them, and said to them, “Peace to you!” 37 But they were startled and frightened and thought they saw a spirit. 38 And he said to them, “Why are you troubled, and why do doubts arise in your hearts? 39 See my hands and my feet, that it is I myself. Touch me, and see. For a spirit does not have flesh and bones as you see that I have.” 40 And when he had said this, he showed them his hands and his feet. 41 And while they still disbelieved for joy and were marveling, he said to them, “Have you anything here to eat?” 42 They gave him a piece of broiled fish, 43 and he took it and ate before them.

44 Then he said to them, “These are my words that I spoke to you while I was still with you, that everything written about me in the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms must be fulfilled.” 45 Then he opened their minds to understand the Scriptures, 46 and said to them, “Thus it is written, that the Christ should suffer and on the third day rise from the dead, 47 and that repentance and forgiveness of sins should be proclaimed in his name to all nations, beginning from Jerusalem. 48 You are witnesses of these things.

John 20

31 written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.


Mark 16:8 leads to this question :What would a risen King have to say to the people who had seen Him die?

8 And they went out and fled from the tomb, for trembling and astonishment had seized them, and they said nothing to anyone, for they were afraid.

Then Jesus said to them, “Do not be afraid; go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee, and there they will see me.”


John 20:16
Jesus said to her, “Mary.” She turned and said to him in Aramaic, “Rabboni!” (which means Teacher). 17 Jesus said to her, “Do not cling to me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father; but go to my brothers and say to them, ‘I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.’”

Jesus is giving His 2nd adoption. John was His first adoption and Mary Magdalene is His 2nd. His new lamb. He gives her His Father and His God - to be her Father. Jesus adopts Peter next and charges Him to take care of His lambs.



Luke 24:

25 And he said to them, “O foolish ones, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken! 26 Was it not necessary that the Christ should suffer these things and enter into his glory?” 27 And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he interpreted to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning himself.

30 When he was at table with them, he took the bread and blessed and broke it and gave it to them. 31 And their eyes were opened, and they recognized him. And he vanished from their sight. 32 They said to each other, “Did not our hearts burn within us while he talked to us on the road, while he opened to us the Scriptures?”

(Isn't it interesting Jesus Christ departed to let them process and discover and believe. He acted as salt - flavoring! A Savior and not like the teenagers like to declare these days - not zombie Jesus coming to inflict His will on them. The world is just gravely ... off kilter. The stories the evil one will use to inflict ridicule upon Him. And the young and timid use to proclaim their faith.)

We are not called, most of us, to travel to new lands to serve Him. We just put out our hands in faith and say, Lord, let me do Your work today. Admit to Him, you just don't see a way to do it. Yet when He gives You the way and the right to be heard, help someone Know the Love of God. Tell them of His mercy to the people who weren't there for Him at His death, but lived for Him after they had time to realize the Good News. Believers of Jesus Christ, today, have the fire of the Holy Spirit.

As for the saints in the land, they are the excellent ones,
in whom is all my delight.

<><

Psalm 138 ~ Your right hand delivers me

Psalm 138

English Standard Version, David Cochran Audio Bible

1 I give you thanks, O Lord, with my whole heart;
before the gods I sing your praise!

2 I bow down toward your holy temple
and give thanks to your name for your steadfast love and your faithfulness,
for you have exalted above all things
your name and your word!

3 On the day I called, you answered me;
my strength of soul you increased [you made me bold in my soul with strength].

4 All the kings of the earth shall give you thanks, O Lord,
for they have heard the words of your mouth,
5 and they shall sing of the ways of the Lord,
for great is the glory of the Lord!

6 For though the Lord is high, he regards the lowly,
but the haughty he knows from afar.

7 Though I walk in the midst of trouble,
you preserve my life;
you stretch out your hand against the wrath of my enemies,
and your right hand delivers me.

8 The Lord will fulfill his purpose for me;
your steadfast love, O Lord, endures forever.
Do not forsake the work of your hands!

When we read the Scriptures with our hands and souls open in prayer, we should notice as we read them, they speak to us. Sure some passages have a phrase containing a favorite verse and we will look to it as our favorite spot in our home or yard. Yet sometimes, you read a passage, and part of it leaps to you, your eyes are opened to the Scripture.

When I've read Psalm 138, sometimes it Is the joy of God. Or another day, the thrill of a situation solved. In times of difficulty, the promise of the LORD who says to me, He would never forsake me, I am the work of His hands. This is the Scripture being living and active to us.

Hebrews 4:12
For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.

I was part of the team that fixes the light meal for our Wednesday Church Service. It fits yesterdays readings so well!!! And today's! Let me share part of Clark's sermon with you:

You made me bold in my soul with strength

Matthew 5:15
Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house.

This is a true story. Susan opened her door one day to find her next door neighbor, Betty, there. Her neighbor said, "We've lived next door for some time, we haven't known each other well, but I've come to tell you we are moving away."

Susan asked if it was a job transfer. No, replied Betty, nothing like that. Susan was filled with concern with the look on Betty's face, Betty was staring at the floor with a woebegone, stricken look. Susan asked if Betty would share the trouble with her.

Betty said, "I guess the main trouble is my husband and I are hopeless alcoholics. We've tried therapy, but really don't have the money for years of help. We've tried Alcoholics Anonymous, but we can't find the strength to stick with the program. We are loosing the house, they are coming to take away one of the cars today. We will divorce. We just aren't good for each other." Betty's voice cracked. "If it weren't for my son, I don't know if I'd care, but I don't know what will become of him to be from such a broken home."

Susan said to Betty, quietly. "There is a solution."

Betty looked up to see Susan, "What solution would that be?"

Susan said, "Jesus heals people. Jesus saves people."

Betty replied, with some scorn, "Oh, religion. We've done that from time to time. Well, I mean I believe in God, but He hasn't been around much or seemed to care much really."

Susan said, "Well, you really want to change is what you are saying. Isn't it? You want help with all of your heart. You want the solution, isn't that the truth in what you are telling me?"

"I've never heard it put exactly that way, but yes. Yes, it is what I am saying." Betty said.

Susan asked Betty to ask Jesus into her heart. Betty said she didn't know how. Susan and Betty got down on their knees together and this is what they prayed, "Father God, I am a sinner and an alcoholic. I need You. I cannot give up alcohol on my strength alone. I need Jesus to come and live in my heart. I am about to loose my marriage, my house, my car and I don't know what to do. Please help me. Please help me to see a way forward. I ask for your help in Jesus' name. Amen."

3 nights later, their neighbor Bill, Betty's husband, came over. He said, I understand Betty came over here. She is completely different and things are changing in my household. I don't know what you did to her, but I need that too. That night Sam, Betty and Bill knelt for prayer on their hard kitchen tile and prayed for Bill to have Jesus live in his heart. Bill surrendered his life to Jesus.

And what happened? The marriage was saved. Their son did not grow up in a broken home. The house was saved. The job was saved. Betty and Bill were saved. Forever. Eternally.

That is what Jesus does. He saves the broken, the bruised reed. The undeserving. He is the Light that Shines.

John 5:17
Jesus said to them, "My Father is always at his work to this very day, and I, too, am working."

Luke 18:1
Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up

For great is the glory of the Lord!

<><

1 Corinthians 15 ~ hold fast

The Garden Tomb was found by Biblical Archeologists because it fit the biblical location, looking like a skull, as it says in the Bible the tomb was near Golgotha. In 2003, Archaeologists gave evidence there never was another city wall. The theoretical earlier city wall would have let the enemy stand upon the mountain looking down into Jerusalem - not a feasible idea and no evidence of that other wall has been ever located. This tomb is closest to the city wall described in the Bible.

Please notice, it is still empty today!



1 Corinthians 15


English Standard Version, David Cochran Audio Bible

1 Now I would remind you, brothers, of the gospel I preached to you, which you received, in which you stand, 2 and by which you are being saved, if you hold fast to the word I preached to you—unless you believed in vain.

3 For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, 4 that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures, 5 and that he appeared to Cephas, then to the twelve. 6 Then he appeared to more than five hundred brothers at one time, most of whom are still alive, though some have fallen asleep. 7 Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles. 8 Last of all, as to one untimely born, he appeared also to me. 9 For I am the least of the apostles, unworthy to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God. 10 But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace toward me was not in vain. On the contrary, I worked harder than any of them, though it was not I, but the grace of God that is with me. 11 Whether then it was I or they, so we preach and so you believed.

12 Now if Christ is proclaimed as raised from the dead, how can some of you say that there is no resurrection of the dead? 13 But if there is no resurrection of the dead, then not even Christ has been raised. 14 And if Christ has not been raised, then our preaching is in vain and your faith is in vain. 15 We are even found to be misrepresenting God, because we testified about God that he raised Christ, whom he did not raise if it is true that the dead are not raised. 16 For if the dead are not raised, not even Christ has been raised. 17 And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile and you are still in your sins. 18 Then those also who have fallen asleep in Christ have perished. 19 If in Christ we have hope in this life only, we are of all people most to be pitied.

20 But in fact Christ has been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. 21 For as by a man came death, by a man has come also the resurrection of the dead. 22 For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ shall all be made alive. 23 But each in his own order: Christ the firstfruits, then at his coming those who belong to Christ. 24 Then comes the end, when he delivers the kingdom to God the Father after destroying every rule and every authority and power. 25 For he must reign until he has put all his enemies under his feet. 26 The last enemy to be destroyed is death. 27 For “God has put all things in subjection under his feet.” But when it says, “all things are put in subjection,” it is plain that he is excepted who put all things in subjection under him. 28 When all things are subjected to him, then the Son himself will also be subjected to him who put all things in subjection under him, that God may be all in all.

29 Otherwise, what do people mean by being baptized on behalf of the dead? If the dead are not raised at all, why are people baptized on their behalf? 30 Why are we in danger every hour? 31 I protest, brothers, by my pride in you, which I have in Christ Jesus our Lord, I die every day! 32 What do I gain if, humanly speaking, I fought with beasts at Ephesus? If the dead are not raised, “Let us eat and drink, for tomorrow we die.” 33 Do not be deceived: “Bad company ruins good morals.” 34 Wake up from your drunken stupor, as is right, and do not go on sinning. For some have no knowledge of God. I say this to your shame.

35 But someone will ask, “How are the dead raised? With what kind of body do they come?” 36 You foolish person! What you sow does not come to life unless it dies. 37 And what you sow is not the body that is to be, but a bare kernel, perhaps of wheat or of some other grain. 38 But God gives it a body as he has chosen, and to each kind of seed its own body. 39 For not all flesh is the same, but there is one kind for humans, another for animals, another for birds, and another for fish. 40 There are heavenly bodies and earthly bodies, but the glory of the heavenly is of one kind, and the glory of the earthly is of another. 41 There is one glory of the sun, and another glory of the moon, and another glory of the stars; for star differs from star in glory.

42 So is it with the resurrection of the dead. What is sown is perishable; what is raised is imperishable. 43 It is sown in dishonor; it is raised in glory. It is sown in weakness; it is raised in power. 44 It is sown a natural body; it is raised a spiritual body. If there is a natural body, there is also a spiritual body. 45 Thus it is written, “The first man Adam became a living being”; the last Adam became a life-giving spirit. 46 But it is not the spiritual that is first but the natural, and then the spiritual. 47 The first man was from the earth, a man of dust; the second man is from heaven. 48 As was the man of dust, so also are those who are of the dust, and as is the man of heaven, so also are those who are of heaven. 49 Just as we have borne the image of the man of dust, we shall also bear the image of the man of heaven.

50 I tell you this, brothers: flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God, nor does the perishable inherit the imperishable. 51 Behold! I tell you a mystery. We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, 52 in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable, and we shall be changed. 53 For this perishable body must put on the imperishable, and this mortal body must put on immortality. 54 When the perishable puts on the imperishable, and the mortal puts on immortality, then shall come to pass the saying that is written:

“Death is swallowed up in victory.”
55 “O death, where is your victory?
O death, where is your sting?”

56 The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. 57 But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

58 Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.

What did the Resurrection mean to the people alive at Jesus' Resurrection?

Matthew 27:51-52
And behold, the curtain of the temple was torn in two, from top to bottom. And the earth shook, and the rocks were split. The tombs also were opened. And many bodies of the saints who had fallen asleep were raised


John 5:28-29
Do not marvel at this, for an hour is coming when all who are in the tombs will hear his voice and come out, those who have done good to the resurrection of life, and those who have done evil to the resurrection of judgment.

1 Corinthians 15:5b-8
he appeared to Cephas, then to the twelve. 6 Then he appeared to more than five hundred brothers at one time, most of whom are still alive, though some have fallen asleep. 7 Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles. 8 Last of all, as to one untimely born, he appeared also to me.

Romans 4:3
For what does the Scripture say? “Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness.”


John 20:26-29
Eight days later, his disciples were inside again, and Thomas was with them. Although the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you.” Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here, and see my hands; and put out your hand, and place it in my side. Do not disbelieve, but believe.” Thomas answered him, “My Lord and my God!”

Jesus said to him, “Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”


Have a Blessed Easter.


<><

Luke 23:48-56 ~ on the Sabbath they rested according to the commandment

The Women at Jesus' Tomb, painted by James Tissot

Luke 23:48-56

English Standard Version, David Cochran Audio Bible


48 And all the crowds that had assembled for this spectacle, when they saw what had taken place, returned home beating their breasts. 49 And all his acquaintances and the women who had followed him from Galilee stood at a distance watching these things.

50 Now there was a man named Joseph, from the Jewish town of Arimathea. He was a member of the council, a good and righteous man, 51 who had not consented to their decision and action; and he was looking for the kingdom of God. 52 This man went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus. 53 Then he took it down and wrapped it in a linen shroud and laid him in a tomb cut in stone, where no one had ever yet been laid. 54 It was the day of Preparation, and the Sabbath was beginning. 55 The women who had come with him from Galilee followed and saw the tomb and how his body was laid. 56 Then they returned and prepared spices and ointments.

On the Sabbath they rested according to the commandment.

Matthew 27:62-66
62 The next day, that is, after the day of Preparation, the chief priests and the Pharisees gathered before Pilate 63 and said, “Sir, we remember how that impostor said, while he was still alive, ‘After three days I will rise.’ 64 Therefore order the tomb to be made secure until the third day, lest his disciples go and steal him away and tell the people, ‘He has risen from the dead,’ and the last fraud will be worse than the first.” 65 Pilate said to them, “You have a guard of soldiers. Go, make it as secure as you can.” 66 So they went and made the tomb secure by sealing the stone and setting a guard.


After a death, a severe blow - a tragedy, we know people pray. We know because we are fortunate to live in a time the city television news crews record people saying - they prayed and prayed to God.

Mary, His Mother, John - the beloved disciple and His Mother's sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James the younger and of Joses, and Salome, the women from Galilee, and there were also many other women who came up with Jesus to Jerusalem. They had stood at the Cross of Jesus. And there followed him a great multitude of the people and of women who were mourning and lamenting for him.

What did they do on the last Saturday Sabbath. Passover. Holy Saturday. What was the first Easter Vigil? It is known -from the beloved disciple, John's writings. (John wrote in John's Gospel, in John 1,2 and 3, and Revelation.) It was not hard for John to Believe the end of the world - they had all discussed, personally, with Jesus - the end, was near. John, in the Scripture writings, had seen evil triumph. John had witnessed Jesus' Glory as the Son of God. John referred to this Glory seeing Moses and Elijah, hearing the Voice of God proclaim Jesus as His beloved Son, so 16 times in John's Gospel he speaks of Glory without breaking his promise to Jesus not to reveal it directly. John had witnessed the Son of God cry out His feeling of abandonment from God and he heard Jesus cry out His forgiveness. John was permanently shaken by the Glory and the evil.

In the midst of feeling like supreme evil had triumphed over The Messiah, what do we know was recorded? The crucifixion records what drowning, shocked survivors clung to with all their might during the first Easter Vigil. They looked at what their soul could cling to. This is what they clung to in the hope, the consolation they were seeking from God Almighty's power and mercy:

Matthew 26:53
Do you think that I cannot appeal to my Father, and he will at once send me more than twelve legions of angels?


Matthew 27:

32 As they went out, they found a man of Cyrene, Simon by name. They compelled this man to carry his cross.

34 they offered him [Jesus] wine to drink, mixed with gall, but when he tasted it, he would not drink it.

45 Now from the sixth hour there was darkness over all the land until the ninth hour.

50 And Jesus cried out again with a loud voice and yielded up his spirit.

51 And behold, the curtain of the temple was torn in two, from top to bottom. And the earth shook, and the rocks were split.

52 The tombs also were opened. And many bodies of the saints who had fallen asleep were raised

53 and coming out of the tombs after his resurrection they went into the holy city and appeared to many.

54 When the centurion and those who were with him, keeping watch over Jesus, saw the earthquake and what took place, they were filled with awe and said, “Truly this was the Son of God!”

55 There were also many women there, looking on from a distance, who had followed Jesus from Galilee, ministering to him, 56 among whom were Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of James and Joseph and the mother of the sons of Zebedee.


Matthew 28:
11 While they were going, behold, some of the guard went into the city and told the chief priests all that had taken place. 12 And when they had assembled with the elders and taken counsel, they gave a sufficient sum of money to the soldiers 13 and said, “Tell people, ‘His disciples came by night and stole him away while we were asleep.’ 14 And if this comes to the governor's ears, we will satisfy him and keep you out of trouble.” 15 So they took the money and did as they were directed. And this story has been spread among the Jews to this day.


Mark:

18 And they (soldiers) began to salute him, “Hail, King of the Jews!”


Luke:

27 And there followed him a great multitude of the people and of women who were mourning and lamenting for him.

28 But turning to them Jesus said, “Daughters of Jerusalem, do not weep for me, but weep for yourselves and for your children. 29 For behold, the days are coming when they will say, ‘Blessed are the barren and the wombs that never bore and the breasts that never nursed!’ 30 Then they will begin to say to the mountains, ‘Fall on us,’ and to the hills, ‘Cover us.’ 31 For if they do these things when the wood is green, what will happen when it is dry?”

34 And Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.”

40 But the other [thief, one of the two with Christ] rebuked him [first thief], saying, “Do you not fear God, since you are under the same sentence of condemnation? 41 And we indeed justly, for we are receiving the due reward of our deeds; but this man has done nothing wrong.” 42 And he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.”

43 And he [Jesus] said to him, “Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise.”

48 And all the crowds that had assembled for this spectacle, when they saw what had taken place, returned home beating their breasts.

49 And all his acquaintances and the women who had followed him from Galilee stood at a distance watching these things.

55 The women who had come with him from Galilee followed and saw the tomb and how his body was laid.

56 Then they returned and prepared spices and ointments.


John:

19 Pilate also wrote an inscription and put it on the cross. It read, “Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews.” 20 Many of the Jews read this inscription, for the place where Jesus was crucified was near the city, and it was written in Aramaic, in Latin, and in Greek. 21 So the chief priests of the Jews said to Pilate, “Do not write, ‘The King of the Jews,’ but rather, ‘This man said, I am King of the Jews.’” 22 Pilate answered, “What I have written I have written.”

26 When Jesus saw his mother and the disciple whom he loved standing nearby, he said to his mother, “Woman, behold, your son!” 27 Then he said to the disciple, “Behold, your mother!” And from that hour the disciple took her to his own home.

32 So the soldiers came and broke the legs of the first, and of the other who had been crucified with him. 33 But when they came to Jesus and saw that he was already dead, they did not break his legs.

35 He who saw it has borne witness—his testimony is true, and he knows that he is telling the truth—that you also may believe.

36 For these things took place that the Scripture might be fulfilled: “Not one of his bones will be broken.”

38 After these things Joseph of Arimathea, who was a disciple of Jesus, but secretly for fear of the Jews, asked Pilate that he might take away the body of Jesus, and Pilate gave him permission. So he came and took away his body. 39 Nicodemus also, who earlier had come to Jesus by night, came bringing a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about seventy-five pounds in weight. 40 So they took the body of Jesus and bound it in linen cloths with the spices, as is the burial custom of the Jews. 41 Now in the place where he was crucified there was a garden, and in the garden a new tomb in which no one had yet been laid. 42 So because of the Jewish day of Preparation, since the tomb was close at hand, they laid Jesus there.


Now, let's think about this.

John 19:33-34
But when they came to Jesus and saw that he was already dead, they did not break his legs. But one of the soldiers pierced his side with a spear, and at once there came out blood and water.

Some Mayo Clinic doctors have created a Website to discover why Jesus died in just hours instead of the days a crucifixion can take - using the methods described in the Bible about Jesus' crucifixion. This website is a winner of the Majon Web Select Seal of Excellence Award, as mentioned in the Wall Street Journal. 34 physicians contributed and they drew from 40 or more medical sources. The Website has pages and pages of documentation. The summary conclusion would be Jesus died very quickly from a failing heart brought about from the shock of betrayal, and extreme mortification at the treatment of abandonment and crowd persecution, as well as from the scourging and being forced to carry, recorded in the Scriptures, a 300 lb. cross. (Yes, I know it is debated if it was a cross beam or cross, Scriptures say "cross"). Asphyxiation contributed to His heart failure. Why the determination of heart failure? Not from the events themselves, Jesus' age and physical fitness from walking great distances would usually rule out heart failure even with the horrors perpetrated upon Him. It is from the blood and water flowing from Him by the spear piercing Him.

The summary physician concludes Jesus' heart failure was a mercy from God.

So, what were all these traumatized, suffering followers doing who loved Jesus? Doing what David did when he felt his life was in danger.

Psalm 56:3
When I am afraid, I put my trust in you.

<><