LHM Daily Devotion - "Back to Pilate"

Pilate has examined Jesus and found no crime based on the charges made...

Lenten Devotions from Lutheran Hour Ministries

"Back to Pilate"

April 10, 2017

... Then, arraying Him in splendid clothing, he sent Him back to Pilate. (Luke 23:11b, ESV)

Read Luke 23:13-25

Pilate has examined Jesus and found no crime based on the charges made against Him. This was also the case with Herod or he would have condemned Him. Again, Jesus should be set free immediately. Instead, however, Pilate proposes a solution, "I will therefore punish and release Him."

Perhaps Pilate thinks he is offering the Jewish leaders a way to save face before their people. They surely wouldn't want him to release Jesus and publicly humiliate them, would they? But seeing Pilate back down from his verdict, the priests know they need to stand their ground, and Pilate will eventually surrender Jesus.

Pilate's punishment for Jesus was the brutal Roman scourging. It used whips with pieces of bone or lead fastened to the tips. After this horrific violence, Pilate honors a custom, giving the crowds their choice of two criminals. He offers them a severely abused Jesus or the most dangerous criminal in prison: Barabbas. Pilate may not realize it, but he has lowered Jesus to the status of a criminal, thus making it easier for the Jewish leaders and the crowds to call for His death. The Jewish leaders convince the Jews to demand Barabbas' release and Jesus' crucifixion.

For a third time Pilate asks what terrible thing this Man has done? The judge is now pleading with the people; he has totally lost control of this trial. The crowds increasingly demand Jesus' crucifixion. Their voices prevail over Pilate's sense of justice. He orders Barabbas released, and Jesus is to be handed over to their will.

Jesus' prophecy about His passion has been accomplished: Judas handed Jesus over to His Jewish enemies; the Jews handed Jesus over to Pilate, and Pilate now hands Jesus over to the crowds that are demanding His crucifixion.

THE PRAYER: Lord Jesus, Pilate watched Your trial spiral out of control. Help me see that You were in complete control, winning my salvation by Your innocent suffering and death. Amen

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Devociones de Cuaresma - Limpieza total

Devociones de Cuaresma  2017

Limpieza total

10 de Abril de 2017

Lunes de Semana Santa

Después de mirar todo a su alrededor, se fue a Betania con los doce, pues ya estaba anocheciendo. Marcos 11:11, RVC (1-11)

¿Se habrán desilusionado aquellos que entraron con Jesús a Jerusalén y lo acompañaron al templo? Porque fue una gran entrada, pero, aparentemente, nada más que eso. A simple vista, pareciera que ese domingo Jesús no hizo nada. Sólo entró, observó todo, y luego se fue porque estaba oscureciendo.

Ese domingo Jesús vio muchas cosas. Vio personas orando, aprendiendo, haciendo sociales, comprando y vendiendo animales para el sacrificio, cambiando dinero. Vio personas enterándose de las noticias que traían los visitantes que venían del extranjero. Seguramente también vio y sintió cómo algunos tramaban cosas diabólicas, y cómo los jefes de los sacerdotes y los fariseos lo miraban con recelo y maquinaban atraparlo para deshacerse de él.

Pero Jesús no se apuró. Había muchas cosas que arreglar en la 'casa de su Padre' -así es como Jesús llamaba al templo-. Como ese día ya no quedaba mucho tiempo, Jesús se retira y se va a la casa de sus amigos en Betania, donde hay gran alegría porque todavía estaban festejando la resurrección de Lázaro. Seguramente allí compartió con ellos las cosas que había visto. Seguramente también oró y meditó en todo lo que estaba pasando, y planeó las actividades para el día siguiente, cuando echó a los usureros y ladrones que esquilmaban a las personas que iban al templo a adorar a Dios.

¿Cómo está el templo de tu corazón? Cualquiera sea el estado en el que se encuentre tu corazón, recuerda que Jesús quiere entrar en él. Para eso vino al mundo: para entrar, limpiar, y ocupar tu corazón. Su venida no tuvo ningún otro propósito, sino el de entrar en tu corazón para llenarlo de paz, para habitar en él, y para llevarte al cielo.

Gracias, Padre, porque enviaste a Jesús a limpiar nuestro corazón con su propia sangre. Amén

© Copyright 2017 Cristo Para Todas Las Naciones.¡Utilice estas devociones en sus boletines! Usado con permiso. Todos los derechos reservados por la Int'l LLL.

Our Daily Bread - Our Best Friend

Read: Hebrews 10:19–23 | Bible in a Year: 1 Samuel 15–16; Luke 10:25–42

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Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God. John 1:12

When I was twelve years old our family moved to a town in the desert. After gym classes in the hot air at my new school, we rushed for the drinking fountain. Being skinny and young for my grade, I sometimes got pushed out of the way while waiting in line. One day my friend Jose, who was big and strong for his age, saw this happening. He stepped in and stuck out a strong arm to clear my way. “Hey!” he exclaimed, “You let Banks get a drink first!” I never had trouble at the drinking fountain again.

Jesus understood what it was like to face the ultimate unkindness of others. The Bible tells us, “He was despised and rejected by mankind” (Isa. 53:3). But Jesus was not just a victim of suffering, He also became our advocate. By giving His life, Jesus opened a “new and living way” for us to enter into a relationship with God (Heb. 10:20). He did for us what we could never do for ourselves, offering us the free gift of salvation when we repent of our sins and trust in Him.

Jesus is the best friend we could ever have. He said, “Whoever comes to me I will never drive away” (John 6:37). Others may hold us at arm’s length or even push us away, but God has opened His arms to us through the cross. How strong is our Savior!

Love’s redeeming work is done, fought the fight, the battle won. Death in vain forbids him rise; Christ has opened paradise. Charles Wesley

God’s free gift to us cost Him dearly.

By James Banks

© 2017 Our Daily Bread Ministries

Lời Sống Hằng Ngày - Người Bạn Tốt Nhất

Đọc: Hê-bơ-rơ 10:19-23 | Đọc Kinh Thánh suốt năm: 1 Sa-mu-ên 15-16; Lu-ca 10:25-42

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Nhưng bất cứ ai tiếp nhận Ngài, tức là tin danh Ngài, thì Ngài ban cho họ quyền trở nên con của Đức Chúa Trời. Giăng 1:12

Khi tôi được 12 tuổi, gia đình tôi chuyển đến sống tại một thị trấn trong vùng sa mạc. Sau khi học môn thể dục trong không khí oi ả tại trường mới, chúng tôi chạy ào ra vòi nước uống. Vốn gầy gò và nhỏ tuổi hơn so với các bạn cùng lớp, thỉnh thoảng tôi bị xô ra khỏi hàng khi đứng đợi đến lượt uống nước. Một ngày nọ, Jose, người bạn trông to con khỏe mạnh hơn so với tuổi, thấy chuyện này xảy ra. Cậu ấy bước tới và dang cánh tay to khỏe ra để mở đường cho tôi. “Ê!”, cậu ấy la lên: “Để Banks uống trước đi!” Kể từ đó, tôi không bao giờ gặp phiền phức khi đi uống nước ở đó nữa.

Chúa Jêsus hiểu cảm giác đối diện với sự tàn nhẫn cùng cực của người khác là như thế nào. Kinh Thánh cho chúng ta biết: “Người đã bị người ta khinh rẻ và chối bỏ” (Ê-sai 53:3). Nhưng Chúa Jêsus không chỉ là nạn nhân của sự đau khổ, Ngài còn trở thành người bênh vực chúng ta. Qua việc phó mạng sống mình, Chúa Jêsus mở ra một “con đường mới và sống” cho chúng ta bước vào mối quan hệ với Đức Chúa Trời (Hê-bơ-rơ 10:20). Ngài làm cho chúng ta điều chúng ta không thể tự làm cho mình, ban cho chúng ta món quà cứu rỗi miễn phí khi chúng ta ăn năn tội và đặt niềm tin nơi Ngài.

Chúa Jêsus là người bạn tốt nhất mà chúng ta có được. Ngài phán: “Ai đến với Ta, Ta sẽ không bỏ ra ngoài đâu” (Giăng 6:37). Người khác có thể xa lánh chúng ta hoặc thậm chí hắt hủi chúng ta, nhưng qua thập tự giá, Chúa mở rộng vòng tay chào đón chúng ta. Đấng Cứu Thế của chúng ta mạnh sức dường bao!

Công tác cứu chuộc của tình yêu đã hoàn tất, đã chiến đấu và chiến thắng. Sự chết vùng dậy trong vô vọng; Đấng Christ đã mở cánh cửa thiên đàng. Charles Wesley

Đức Chúa Trời đã phải trả giá đắt để ban món quà miễn phí cho chúng ta.

bởi James Banks

© 2017 Lời Sống Hằng Ngày

Nuestro Pan Diario - Nuestro mejor Amigo

Leer: Hebreos 10:19-23 | La Biblia en un año: 1 Samuel 15–16; Lucas 10:25-42

Mas a todos los que le recibieron […], les dio potestad de ser hechos hijos de Dios (Juan 1:12).

Cuando tenía doce años, mi familia se mudó a una ciudad en el desierto. Después de la clase de gimnasia, en medio del calor, salíamos corriendo a tomar agua. Como era delgado y pequeño, a veces, me empujaban para adelantarse a tomar agua. Un día, mi amigo José, que era grande y fuerte, vio lo que me sucedía. Estiró su brazo y exclamó: «¡Oigan! ¡Dejen que Banks beba primero!». Nunca volví a tener problemas en el bebedero.

Jesús entendía lo que es enfrentar el maltrato extremo. La Biblia muestra que fue «despreciado y desechado entre los hombres» (Isaías 53:3). Pero Jesús no fue solo una víctima, sino que se transformó en nuestro defensor. Al entregar su vida, abrió un «camino nuevo y vivo» para relacionarnos con Dios (Hebreos 10:20). Hizo por nosotros lo que jamás podríamos haber logrado solos, al ofrecernos el regalo de la salvación si nos arrepentimos de pecado y confiamos en Él.

Jesús es el mejor amigo que podríamos tener. Él dijo: «al que a mí viene, no le echo fuera» (Juan 6:37). Otros quizá nos hayan rechazado o incluso empujado, pero Dios nos abrió los brazos a través de la cruz. ¡Qué fuerte es nuestro Salvador!

«La obra redentora del amor se cumplió; peleada está la guerra; ganada la batalla. En vano la muerte le prohíbe levantarse; Cristo ya abrió el paraíso». Charles Wesley

El regalo de Dios tuvo un alto precio para Él.

Por Dave Branon

© 2017 Ministerios Nuestro Pan Diario

Unser Täglich Brot - Unser bester Freund

Lesen: Hebräer 10,19-23 | Die Bibel In Einem Jahr: 1.Samuel 15–16; Lukas 10,25-42

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Wie viele ihn aber aufnahmen, denen gab er Macht, Gottes Kinder zu werden. Johannes 1,12

Als ich zwölf Jahre alt war, zog unsere Familie in eine Stadt in der Wüste. Dort war es sehr heiß. Nach dem Sportunterricht an der neuen Schule rannten wir alle sofort zum nächsten Wasserspender. Da ich sehr schmal und für mein Alter eher klein war, wurde ich beim Anstehen manchmal zur Seite geschubst. Eines Tages fiel das meinem Freund Jose auf, der für sein Alter sehr groß und stark war. Er kam herbei und bahnte mir mit seinen kräftigen Armen den Weg. „He!“, rief er, „lasst Banks mal als Ersten ran!“ Danach hatte ich nie wieder Probleme.

Jesus wusste, was es bedeutet, von anderen fertig gemacht zu werden. Die Bibel berichtet: „Er war der Allerverachtetste und Unwerteste“ (Jes. 53,3). Aber Jesus war nicht nur Opfer, er wurde auch unser Fürsprecher. Indem er sein Leben hingab, tat er uns einen „neuen und lebendigen Weg“ auf, um mit Gott in Beziehung zu kommen (Hebr. 10,20). Er tat für uns, was wir selbst nie hätten tun können. Er bietet uns das Geschenk der Erlösung an, wenn wir unsere Sünde bereuen und ihm vertrauen.

Jesus ist der beste Freund, den wir je haben können. Er hat gesagt: „Wer zu mir kommt, den werde ich nicht hinausstoßen“ (Joh. 6,37). Andere mögen auf Armes Länge Abstand von uns halten oder uns sogar wegschubsen. Gott aber hat am Kreuz seine Arme für uns ausgebreitet. Wie stark ist unser Erlöser!

Der starke Gottessohn zerbrach der Sünde Macht. Als er das Werk vollbracht, bestieg er seinen Thron. Charles Wesley

Gottes Geschenk an uns hat ihn sein Liebstes gekostet.

Von James Banks

© 2017 Unser Täglich Brot

Notre Pain Quotidien - Notre meilleur ami

Lisez : Hébreux 10.19‑23 | La Bible en un an : 1 SAMUEL 15 – 16 et LUC 10.25‑42

Mais à tous ceux qui l'ont reçue [Jésus, la Parole faite chair], à ceux qui croient en son nom, elle a donné le pouvoir de devenir enfants de Dieu. Jean 1.12

Lorsque j’avais douze ans, ma famille a déménagé dans une ville du désert. À ma nouvelle école, après mes cours d’éducation physique donnés sous un soleil de plomb, nous courrions nous désaltérer à la fontaine. Étant maigre et plus jeune que mes compagnons de classe, je me faisais parfois pousser à l’écart de la file d’attente. Un jour, mon ami Jose, qui était gros et grand pour son âge, en a été témoin. Il s’en est mêlé et m’a frayé un passage jusqu’à la fontaine à la force de son bras, en déclarant : « Hé ! Vous allez laisser Banks boire le premier ! » Or, je n’ai plus jamais eu de difficulté à boire à la fontaine par la suite.

Jésus savait ce que c’était que de subir la méchanceté pure des gens, car la Bible nous dit qu’il a été « [méprisé] et abandonné des hommes » (ÉS 53.3). Par contre, Jésus n’a pas simplement été une victime, mais encore il est devenu notre Avocat. En donnant sa vie pour nous, Jésus nous a ouvert une « route nouvelle et vivante » afin que nous entrions en relation avec Dieu (HÉ 10.20). Il a fait pour nous ce que nous n’aurions jamais pu faire pour nous‑mêmes, en nous faisant don du salut lorsque nous nous repentons de nos péchés et que nous mettons notre foi en lui.

Jésus, le meilleur ami qui soit, a dit : « [Je] ne mettrai pas dehors celui qui vient à moi » (JN 6.37). Il se peut que les autres nous tiennent à distance ou nous poussent même à l’écart, mais Dieu nous a ouvert les bras à la croix. Combien notre Sauveur est puissant !

Dieu a payé le prix fort pour le cadeau qu’il nous a fait.

par James Banks

© 2017 Ministères NPQ

Хліб Наш Насущній - Найкращий Друг

Читати: Євреїв 10:19-23 | Біблія за рік: 1 Самуїлова 15−16 ; Луки 10:25-42

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А всім, що Його прийняли, їм владу дало дітьми Божими стати, тим, що вірять у Ймення Його. — Івана 1:12

Коли мені було 12 років, моя сім’я переїхала до містечка, що було розташоване в пустелі. Після занять фізкультурою на розпеченому повітрі ми зазвичай бігли до питного фонтанчика. Я був худорлявим, виглядав молодшим за свій вік, тому мене часто виштовхували з черги. Одного дня це побачив мій друг Хосе – кремезний і завеликий для свого віку хлопець. Він вийшов з черги і міцною рукою розчистив для мене шлях. “Ей! – вигукнув він. – Нехай спочатку поп’є Бенкс!” З тих пір я ніколи не мав проблем з водою.

Ісус пізнав на власному досвіді, що таке прояв найбільшої людської злоби. Біблія засвідчує: “Він погорджений був, Його люди покинули” (Іс. 53:3). Але Ісус не просто був жертвою страждань. Він став нашим заступником. Віддавши Своє життя, Він проклав “нову й живу дорогу” близьких стосунків із Богом (Євр. 10:20). Він зробив для нас те, чого б ми ніколи не зробили самі. І тепер пропонує усім вільний дар спасіння, якщо каємося в гріхах і покладаємося вірою на Нього.

Ісус є найкращий Друг з усіх можливих друзів. Він сказав: “Хто до Мене приходить, Я не вижену геть” (Ів. 6:37). Люди можуть тримати нас на відстані простягнутої руки і навіть відштовхувати нас. Але Бог відкриває нам Свої обійми через хрест Ісуса. Який вірний та сильний є наш Спаситель!

Свій труд завершив Він, я знаю. Його любов перемогла. Відкрив Спаситель двері раю. Завадити смерть не змогла. — Чарльз Веслі

Ісус даром дає спасіння, яке коштувало Йому дуже дорого.

Автор Джеймс Бенкс

© 2017 Хліб Наш Насущній

Хлеб наш насущный - Лучший Друг

Читать сейчас: Евреям 10:19-23 | Библия за год: 1 Царств 15-16; Луки 10:25-42

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Тем, которые приняли Его, верующим во имя Его, дал власть быть детьми Божиими. — Иоанна 1:12

Когда мне было двенадцать лет, наша семья переехала в город, находящийся в пустыне. После занятий в спортзале в моей новой школе мы выстраивались в очередь к питьевому фонтанчику. Я был моложе своих одноклассников, кроме того, еще и тощим, поэтому из очереди меня часто выталкивали. Однажды мой друг Хосе, большой и сильный парень, увидел это. Он тут же вступился и одной рукой расчистил мне путь. «Эй, вы, – крикнул он, – Бэнкс будет пить первым!» После этого проблем с фонтанчиком не возникало.

Иисус понимал, что такое обиды и притеснения. В Библии говорится: «Он был презрен и умален пред людьми» (Ис. 53:3). Но Иисус не был просто жертвой, Он еще стал и нашим заступником. Отдав Свою жизнь, Господь открыл нам новый и живой путь (Евр. 10:20). Он совершил для нас то, чего мы никогда не смогли бы сделать сами, одарив спасением всех, кто покаялся в своих грехах и доверился Ему.

Иисус – лучший Друг из всех, которые могут быть. Он сказал: «Приходящего ко Мне не изгоню вон» (Ин. 6:37). Люди могут держать нас на расстоянии, а то и вовсе прогнать, но Бог открыл нам объятия через крест. Как велик наш Спаситель!

Спасительный труд совершен, Священный исполнен закон. Гробница Иисуса пуста, Распахнуты рая врата. — Чарльз Уэсли

Дар спасения стоил Богу невообразимо дорого.

автор: Джеймс Бэнкс

© 2017 Хлеб Наш Насущный

Pray for our Christian brothers and sisters in Eqypt

Explosions hit Coptic churches in Tanta, Alexandria

At least 21 people dead in blast inside Coptic Christian church in Tanta, as second church is struck in Alexandria.

At least 21 people have been killed in an explosion inside a church in the Egyptian Nile delta city of Tanta, local media reported, as state television said another explosion killed 11 in front of a church in Alexandria.

The first attack occurred in the Coptic church of Mar Girgis, also known as St George, which was packed with worshippers marking Palm Sunday, a Christian feast commemorating the entry of Jesus Christ into Jerusalem.

The Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL, also known as ISIS) armed group claimed responsibility for both attacks, in a statement via its Amaq website.

Egypt's state television reported that at least 69 people were wounded.

Several hours after the bombing in Tanta, another explosion hit in front of Saint Mark's church in Alexandria, killing at least 11 people, the health ministry said.

Media reports said another 21 people were wounded in the attack, which state TV said was a suicide bombing.

Mahjoob Zweiri, associate professor at Qatar University, told Al Jazeera that Tanta has seen several attacks in the past.

"The area and Christians both have witnessed such accidents before. There is a good percentage of Christians in this area and other non-Muslims too," Zweiri said.

"I believe when there are such religious events in the country, authorities should take security measures into consideration as there are always chances of attacks," he added.

Timothy Kaldas, non-resident fellow at the Tahrir Institute for Middle East Policy, said the attacks were designed to create religious strife.

"It is alarming to see a specific religious group being targeted, which is going to rattle the Coptic community and many Egyptians in general," Kaldas added.

Copts repeatedly targeted

The bombings were the latest in a series of assaults on Egypt's Christian minority, who make up about 10 percent of the population and have been repeatedly targeted by armed groups.

They also come just weeks before Pope Francis is due to visit Egypt.

CBC TV showed footage from inside the church in Tanta, with a large number of people gathered around what appeared to be lifeless, bloody bodies covered with papers.

A bombing at Cairo's largest Coptic cathedral killed at least 25 people and wounded 49 in December, many of them women and children, in the deadliest attack on Egypt's Christian minority in years. 

http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2016/11/explosion-hits-egypt-tanta-161127070517863.html

The Readings for SUNDAY, April 9, 2017 - Palm Sunday (Palarum): The Sunday of the Passion

Introit: Hosanna to the Son of David

Be not Thou far from me, О Lord: О my Strength, haste Thee to help me. Save me from the lion's mouth: and deliver me from the horns of the unicorns. My God, my God, why hast Thou forsaken me?: Why art Thou so far from helping me? Glory be to the Father, (Psalm 22:19, 21, 1)

The Old Testament Lesson

The Old Testament Lesson for today is taken from Isaiah 50:4-9

The Lord GOD has given me the tongue of a teacher, that I may know how to sustain the weary with a word. Morning by morning he wakens-- wakens my ear to listen as those who are taught. The Lord GOD has opened my ear, and I was not rebellious, I did not turn backward. I gave my back to those who struck me, and my cheeks to those who pulled out the beard; I did not hide my face from insult and spitting. The Lord GOD helps me; therefore I have not been disgraced; therefore I have set my face like flint, and I know that I shall not be put to shame; he who vindicates me is near. Who will contend with me? Let us stand up together. Who are my adversaries? Let them confront me. It is the Lord GOD who helps me; who will declare me guilty? All of them will wear out like a garment; the moth will eat them up.

Psalms

Psalm 31:9-16
9   Have mercy on me, O LORD, for I am in trouble; my eye is consumed with sorrow, and also my throat and my belly.
10   For my life is wasted with grief, and my years with sighing; my strength fails me because of affliction, and my bones are consumed.
11   I have become a reproach to all my enemies and even to my neighbors, a dismay to those of my acquaintance; when they see me in the street they avoid me.
12   I am forgotten like a dead man, out of mind; I am as useless as a broken pot.
13   For I have heard the whispering of the crowd; fear is all around; they put their heads together against me; they plot to take my life.
14   But as for me, I have trusted in you, O LORD. I have said, "You are my God.
15   My times are in your hand; rescue me from the hand of my enemies, and from those who persecute me.
16   Make your face to shine upon your servant, and in your loving-kindness save me."

The Epistle Lesson

The Epistle Lesson for today is taken from Philippians 2:5-11

Let the same mind be in you that was in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not regard equality with God as something to be exploited, but emptied himself, taking the form of a slave, being born in human likeness. And being found in human form, he humbled himself and became obedient to the point of death-- even death on a cross. Therefore God also highly exalted him and gave him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bend, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

The Apostle's Creed

I believe in God, the Father Almighty,
Maker of heaven and earth.
And in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord,
who was conceived by the Holy Spirit,
born of the virgin Mary,
suffered under Pontius Pilate,
was crucified, died and was buried.
He descended into hell.
On the third day He rose again from the dead.
He ascended into heaven
and sits at the right hand of God the Father Almighty.
From thence He will come to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit,
the holy catholic Church,
the communion of saints,
the forgiveness of sins,
the resurrection of the body,
and the life everlasting. Amen

Click HERE to read today's Holy Gospel Lesson and message.

New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright 1989, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved. The New Revised Standard Version Bible may be quoted and/or reprinted up to and inclusive of five hundred (500) verses without express written permission of the publisher, provided the verses quoted do not amount to a complete book of the Bible or account for fifty percent (50%) of the total work in which they are quoted.

Palm Sunday - The Sermon for SUNDAY, April 2, 2017 - Palm Sunday (Palarum): The Sunday of the Passion

“Flevit super illam” (He wept over it); by Enrique Simonet, 1892.

The Holy Gospel Lesson

Today's Holy Gospel lesson is written in Matthew 27:11-54

Now Jesus stood before the governor; and the governor asked him, "Are you the King of the Jews?" Jesus said, "You say so." But when he was accused by the chief priests and elders, he did not answer. Then Pilate said to him, "Do you not hear how many accusations they make against you?" But he gave him no answer, not even to a single charge, so that the governor was greatly amazed. Now at the festival the governor was accustomed to release a prisoner for the crowd, anyone whom they wanted. At that time they had a notorious prisoner, called Jesus Barabbas. So after they had gathered, Pilate said to them, "Whom do you want me to release for you, Jesus Barabbas or Jesus who is called the Messiah?" For he realized that it was out of jealousy that they had handed him over. While he was sitting on the judgment seat, his wife sent word to him, "Have nothing to do with that innocent man, for today I have suffered a great deal because of a dream about him." Now the chief priests and the elders persuaded the crowds to ask for Barabbas and to have Jesus killed. The governor again said to them, "Which of the two do you want me to release for you?" And they said, "Barabbas." Pilate said to them, "Then what should I do with Jesus who is called the Messiah?" All of them said, "Let him be crucified!" Then he asked, "Why, what evil has he done?" But they shouted all the more, "Let him be crucified!" So when Pilate saw that he could do nothing, but rather that a riot was beginning, he took some water and washed his hands before the crowd, saying, "I am innocent of this man's blood; see to it yourselves." Then the people as a whole answered, "His blood be on us and on our children!" So he released Barabbas for them; and after flogging Jesus, he handed him over to be crucified. Then the soldiers of the governor took Jesus into the governor's headquarters, and they gathered the whole cohort around him. They stripped him and put a scarlet robe on him, and after twisting some thorns into a crown, they put it on his head. They put a reed in his right hand and knelt before him and mocked him, saying, "Hail, King of the Jews!" They spat on him, and took the reed and struck him on the head. After mocking him, they stripped him of the robe and put his own clothes on him. Then they led him away to crucify him. As they went out, they came upon a man from Cyrene named Simon; they compelled this man to carry his cross. And when they came to a place called Golgotha (which means Place of a Skull), they offered him wine to drink, mixed with gall; but when he tasted it, he would not drink it. And when they had crucified him, they divided his clothes among themselves by casting lots; then they sat down there and kept watch over him. Over his head they put the charge against him, which read, "This is Jesus, the King of the Jews." Then two bandits were crucified with him, one on his right and one on his left. Those who passed by derided him, shaking their heads and saying, "You who would destroy the temple and build it in three days, save yourself! If you are the Son of God, come down from the cross." In the same way the chief priests also, along with the scribes and elders, were mocking him, saying, "He saved others; he cannot save himself. He is the King of Israel; let him come down from the cross now, and we will believe in him. He trusts in God; let God deliver him now, if he wants to; for he said, 'I am God's Son.'" The bandits who were crucified with him also taunted him in the same way. From noon on, darkness came over the whole land until three in the afternoon. And about three o'clock Jesus cried with a loud voice, "Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?" that is, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" When some of the bystanders heard it, they said, "This man is calling for Elijah." At once one of them ran and got a sponge, filled it with sour wine, put it on a stick, and gave it to him to drink. But the others said, "Wait, let us see whether Elijah will come to save him." Then Jesus cried again with a loud voice and breathed his last. At that moment the curtain of the temple was torn in two, from top to bottom. 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. After his resurrection they came out of the tombs and entered the holy city and appeared to many. Now when the centurion and those with him, who were keeping watch over Jesus, saw the earthquake and what took place, they were terrified and said, "Truly this man was God's Son!" (ESV)

Here ends the Gospel lesson for today
Glory be to Thee ,O Christ!

Grace be unto you and peace, from God our Father and from our Lord, Jesus Christ. Amen

"The Sermon for Palm Sunday"

by David Trexler

When living in Jasper Indiana my family and I collected cats. That’s right cats. We lived on three acres surrounded by thousands of acres of farm land. Therefore we encountered quite a few varmints such as snakes and mice. Hence cats. At one time I believe we had eight of the furry creatures. All with names and costing me a fortune in vet bills.

One day a friendly stray showed up, we even name it—Garfield, but the family of eight wanted nothing to do with newly found freeloader, so they chased it up one the giant pecan trees in the back yard, and there believe or not that poor cat stayed for 5 days.

We would go to work and come home—there Garfield sat. We go to church come home—and there meowed our four legged friend. I wasn’t too worried. I figured someday it had to come down. After all have you ever in your life seen a cat skeleton up in a tree?

Well my wife didn’t see it that way. One Saturday morning right before Easter, four years ago, I see Sandy coming out the barn with our extension ladder to get this brain dead kitty out of its new home. I tried convincing my wife this was not a good idea, but you try swaying a cat lover with a mind made up. So I did the next best thing. I became that good husband. After all, I didn’t want her to get hurt.

So up I climbed, 28’ to be exact, and the little critter actually seemed happy to see me. I reach out and grabbed Garfield by the nap of the neck. But not realizing I was trying to save him or her, the now not so friendly stray took a swipe at my face.

I stepped back and suddenly realize there was nothing to step back on, but air, and quickly realized this was going to hurt. It did!

The sad part of the story, or funny part depending how you look at it, is that Lindsey saw me fall from the kitchen and came running. In the process she allowed Nebo our golden Retriever out, and Nebo proceeded to chase Garfield whom I brought down in the fall right back up the tree.

I lay on the ground for more than 45 minutes or so, telling Sandy to just go away, not in those words, because I knew it wasn’t good. Eventually she back up the van into the grass, loaded in me in the back and off to the hospital we headed.

Here’s another sad or funny part of the story, depending how you look at it. Once we got to the Emergency Room, the doctor actually started laughing. I’ve got a left ankle shattered in four places and a broken right leg and my doctor starts laughing—which doesn’t do a whole lot for your ego.

Then the kicker, and the one thing I remember ever so clearly was that he wanted to examine my head. I’ve got two broken legs and this doctor wants to examine my head. I’m not quite certain if he was worried about the distance I fell, or worried about why in the world I would do what I just did. Anyway, on that particular day four years ago I had to have my entire head examined.

Yes a long story about a silly event. But isn’t that the truth about all of us? Don’t we in the midst of our brokenness sometimes need to have our heads examined?

After all, think for a moment about today. We started this morning with a song singing “All glory, laud and honor to your redeemer king, to whom the lips of children made sweet hosannas ring.”

Then we hear Scripture exclaiming “Hosanna, in the highest. Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord. Hosanna in the Highest.”

Hosanna basically means “Save Us! Save Us! So basically, the crowds where throwing their garments on the road, waving their palm branches and screaming, “Save us! Save us!” Little did they know that is exactly what Jesus was doing.

Then, then if we step back and read what happens over the next few days we find betrayal, denial, abandonment, and crucifixion.

Yes, we come to church. Maybe even study the Bible a little. For the most part claim to believe that Jesus is the Savior. We shout over and over again “Save us, Save us,” And God does—through this holy of holiest weeks—we call it the Passion of Jesus Christ! God’s passionate love for me—for you!

If people only had the slightest idea what happened some two thousand years ago during this week the churches would be packed today, jammed to gills on Maundy Thursday, overflowing on Good Friday, and standing room only at the Easter Vigil. Next Sunday you would have to leave for service one hour early simply because of the traffic, and finding a place to park would be nightmare.

However, we all know good and well that will not be the case. Why? Is it because we just don’t know the story? Or is it simply because we need our heads examined?

Well I can’t do anything about your heads, but I can do something about the story part.

Jesus has just spent the better part of 3 years teaching through words and action what the Kingdom of God should look like—where the sick are healed, bones are mended, demons are driven out, hungry crowds are fed, forgiveness is offered to the unforgivable, love is shown to the unlovable and the dead are raised. And now today this king on a donkey rides into Jerusalem knowingly riding to his death.

This coming Thursday, we celebrate this Lamb of God giving us a new commandment—that's what Maundy means in Latin—a new command. To love God and love one another, sharing with us his body, his blood, washing his disciple’s feet, so you and I may be willing and able to continue the work of Jesus in the world, sharing what the Kingdom of God should look like, now through our words and action.

Yet on this very same night, Jesus is betrayed by his own disciple for 30 pieces of silver. Denied by his closest friend. Abandoned by every one of his followers. He is dragged away as a criminal for committing no crime. This silent innocent king stands in front of earthly powers where he is beaten, spat upon, and found guilty.

Then on Good Friday the Son of God will have a crown of thrones placed on his head, nails driven into his hands and feet and crucified—executed for me—for you!

You see, if we truly owned this passionate story in our hearts and minds it would not only have to make a huge difference in our lives, but in the world.

So one must conclude that either we don’t know, don’t believe the story, or by golly we simply need our heads examined.

A few years back in Jasper, I had a young woman come and see me out of blue. This poor person was having the life beat out of her. Both her and her husband worked at the same place and lost their jobs. They were fighting like crazy. The banks were threatening to take away the cars and home. Her son was in an automobile accident and in danger of losing a leg. The poor thing was at wits end.

We went into the sanctuary and prayed. I told her about the hope God gives in hopeless situations. I gave her some information about the church. I went and visited her son. Every Sunday she came faithfully to worship—for about a month. One particular day, I saw her in Walmart.

I had not seen her at church for a few weeks and so I asked her how things were going. She claimed everything was all better now. Both her and her husband were rehired at the company, her relationship with her husband had improved, and her son was doing just fine on his two legs.

Then she said something that no longer shocks me. She said, “You probably won’t be seeing me a church anymore. I don’t know what I was thinking. Maybe I was just worrying too much. After all things just have a way of working themselves out. Right pastor?”

We shout Save us, Save us and God does in this one Holy Week. What then do we do?

Do we continually betray Jesus like Judas for 30 pieces of silver—seeking things instead of peace and understanding?

Do we abandon him like the disciples, going about our daily lives as if Jesus never did ride into town?

Some of us like Peter deny even knowing Jesus. Some of us may spit on his name by our thoughts.

In effect even though Jesus is trying to save us, we yell, “Crucify him, Crucify him,” and over and over, week after week, we once again nail the Son of God to the cross with our daily lives, just like the crowds and the Romans. Ouch uh?

Yet, here’s the amazing part of the story. Even, even through our betrayal, fear, denial, abandonment. Even through the spitting on his name, nailing the one who saves us on a cross. This conquering Christ, Jesus riding on a donkey is still, let me repeat, is still willing to suffer and climb up that tree and die for you, so that you may experience the abundance of life here and now and eternal life in the world yet to come.

Now that’s what I call the Gospel—Good news that the world cannot offer in any shape or form. Not through our wealth, or career, not even through family or friends. It is only offered through the Passion of Jesus Christ.

This week not only make it a priority to attend all the Holy Week services—Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, Easter Vigil, think long and carefully how you respond to the only one who can heal our brokenness and save our sorry souls.

Think long and carefully how you have a God willing to overlook your tremendous shortcomings and give you life, through his death.

And folks if The Passion Story, does not change the way you think and live, if the Cross, the life, death, and resurrection of Christ Jesus does not make you realize the Love of God, then maybe, just maybe you really do need to have your head examined.

Hosanna! Save Us! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.

Amen

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New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright 1989, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved. The New Revised Standard Version Bible may be quoted and/or reprinted up to and inclusive of five hundred (500) verses without express written permission of the publisher, provided the verses quoted do not amount to a complete book of the Bible or account for fifty percent (50%) of the total work in which they are quoted. Sermon shared by David Trexler on Apr 12, 2011.

Palm Sunday

Entry of Christ into Jerusalem (1320) by Pietro Lorenzetti

Palm Sunday is a Christian moveable feast that falls on the Sunday before Easter. The feast commemorates Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem, an event mentioned in each of the four canonical Gospels.

On Palm Sunday Christians celebrate the triumphal entry of Jesus Christ into Jerusalem, the week before his death and resurrection. For many Christian churches, Palm Sunday, often referred to as "Passion Sunday," marks the beginning of Holy Week, which concludes on Easter Sunday.

Palm Sunday in the Bible - The Triumphal Entry

Jesus traveled to Jerusalem knowing that this journey would end in his sacrificial death on the cross for the sins of all mankind.

Before he entered the city, he sent two disciples ahead to the village of Bethphage to look for an unbroken colt:

As he approached Bethphage and Bethany at the hill called the Mount of Olives, he sent two of his disciples, saying to them, "Go to the village ahead of you, and as you enter it, you will find a colt tied there, which no one has ever ridden. Untie it and bring it here. If anyone asks you, 'Why are you untying it?' say, 'The Lord needs it. ' " (Luke 19:29-31, NIV)

The men brought the colt to Jesus and placed their cloaks on its back. As Jesus sat on the young donkey he slowly made his humble entrance into Jerusalem.

The people greeted Jesus enthusiastically, waving palm branches and covering his path with palm branches:

The crowds that went ahead of him and those that followed shouted, "Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!  Hosanna in the highest heaven!" (Matthew 21:9, NIV)

The shouts of "Hosanna" meant "save now," and the palm branches symbolized goodness and victory. Interestingly, at the end of the Bible, people will wave palm branches once again to praise and honor Jesus Christ:

After this I looked, and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and before the Lamb. They were wearing white robes and were holding palm branches in their hands. (Revelation 7:9, NIV)

On Palm Sunday, the celebration quickly spread throughout the whole city. People even threw down their cloaks on the path where Jesus rode as an act of homage and submission. They recognized Jesus as the promised Messiah from Zechariah 9:9:

Rejoice greatly, Daughter Zion! Shout, Daughter Jerusalem! See, your king comes to you, righteous and victorious, lowly and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey. (NIV)

Immediately following this great time of celebration in the ministry of Jesus, he began his journey to the cross.

Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Theologian and Martyr

Today we remember Dietrich Bonhoeffer on the anniversary of his death in 1945.

This bright, young Lutheran pastor was only twenty-four when he participated in his first public protest against Nazism and the complicity of the Christian churches in that regime's rise to power. He was one of the leaders of the Confessing Church, a Protestant group that resisted Hitler and the Nazi party. In 1935 he was the founder and dean of a seminary at Finkenwald, Germany, which served that church body. It was there that he wrote his two most famous published works: Life Together and The Cost of Discipleship. 

As the Nazi ring closed in upon him and the Confessing Church, he had an opportunity for asylum in the United States, which he declined. He was arrested and jailed in 1943, and from his cell in Berlin he helped plan an assassination of Adolf Hitler. The assassination failed and Bonhoeffer's involvement was discovered, and he was sent to Buchenwald concentration camp. But his life was spared, for reasons we do not know, and he was transferred to Schoenberg Prison. There he served as chaplain to fellow inmates until on a Sunday in 1945, immediately following divine services, he was summoned by the guards and taken by automobile to Flossenburg Prison, where he was summarily hanged. That was on April 9. Bonhoeffer was thirty-nine years old. The crumbling German Reich formally surrendered twenty-eight days later.

Read the Wikipedia article here.

Verse of the Day - April 9, 2017

Hebrews 1:3 (NIV) The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven.

Read all of Hebrews 1             Listen to Hebrews 1

Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

Un Dia a la Vez - Oración por las etapas de la vida

Como palmeras florecen los justos [...] Aun en su vejez, darán fruto.
Salmo 92:12, 14 

Hoy quiero, mi Dios, presentar esta oración pidiendo que nos ayudes a aceptar cada una de las etapas que estamos viviendo en la vida.

Te pedimos que quites de nuestra mente pensamientos de frustración y que podamos gozar cada año que nos das. Ayúdanos a entender que todo tiene su tiempo y que no somos los únicos en sentirnos así.

Danos entendimiento y sabiduría en la manera de vestirnos y de comportarnos. Permite que podamos llegar a esta etapa de la edad madura con orgullo y que podamos disfrutar de esos cambios manteniendo un corazón alegre y apacible.

Dios mío, extiende también tu misericordia y danos mucha salud.

Ayúdanos a ser prudentes y cuidarnos, y a mantener por siempre nuestra mirada puesta en ti.

Gracias, mi Dios, por la vida y, sobre todo, gracias por la vida eterna.

 Amén y amén

Un Día a la Vez Copyright © by Claudia Pinzón.

Standing Strong Through the Storm - CHRIST IS RISEN INDEED

But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep.

1 Corinthians 15:20, NIV

Brother Andrew shares today’s devotional:

At the time of the cruel persecution in the Soviet Union under Stalin, public meetings were regularly held in order to ridicule religion, the church and the priests. On one occasion the inhabitants of a town were summoned to the main square. From a platform on the square, a fluent 'scholarly’ atheist, who seemed to have many proofs against the Bible, God and the clergy addressed the public.

The crowd had listened silently. But when the local priest was called to the front to answer this brilliant oration, an uneasy muttering rippled through the crowd. The man went and stood close to the microphone and everyone held his breath. The tension could be cut with a knife, and you could hear a pin drop. What would his answer be?

We shall never know what went on in the heart of this man - his fear, his prayer - but at last his voice could be heard, resounding through the loudspeakers, not only to the crowd, but also to a large part of the city: “Khristos voskrese!” Christ is risen!

For one split second there was silence. A shudder went through the crowd and then, as a blazing testimony to the priest and to the atheist opponent, the cry broke out, unanimous and powerful: “Voistinu voskrese!” The Lord is risen indeed!

That was a bad day for atheistic propaganda in Russia. It was also a bad day for the religious leaders in Jerusalem, nearly 2,000 years ago, because they had to bribe the soldiers with much money to get them to tell lies (Matthew 28:12-13). It was also a bad day for the guards who “became like dead men” (Matthew 28:4).

But it was a bad day especially for the devil because if he had known this, he “would not have crucified the Lord of Glory” (1 Corinthians 2:8).

The one who believes in the Cross and the Resurrection takes the side of those who are persecuted. Or, to put it another way, whoever identifies with the persecuted church stands in the power of the Resurrection - a target of misguided and corrupt people, but nevertheless together with the mighty Conqueror. The Lamb conquers and we conquer too...in Him. Hallelujah!

RESPONSE: Today I rejoice in the glorious truth of the resurrection of Jesus Christ our Lord.

PRAYER: Lord, may the persecuted church around the world resound today with a vocal outburst of assurance that Jesus is alive.