Month: February 2014

Then He said to Thomas, “Put your finger here and observe My hands. Reach out your hand and put it into My side. Don’t be an unbeliever, but a believer. “ Thomas responded to Him, “My Lord and my God!” John 20:27-28 HCSB

The Winter Olympics are currently being shown on television. The network ran a story about one of the olympic skaters who told her coach that she could do a quad (a jump that includes four rotations). The coach bet her that she could not do it. She then proceeded to complete the jump, complete with four rotations. The coach doubted that she could do it but she proved that she could.

Thomas was not present when Jesus first appeared to the disciples. Even though the other disciples had told him that Jesus had risen from the dead, he did not believe it. Thomas is often referred to as being “Doubting Thomas”. When Thomas saw Jesus he made his personal statement of faith by proclaiming that Jesus was his Lord and God.

Challenge: Just as Jesus did not want Thomas to be an unbeliever, He challenges each of us, “Don’t be an unbeliever, but a believer”. His desire is for everyone to believe in Him and accept His free gift of forgiveness and eternal life. Stop doubting and declare Jesus as your personal Lord and God.

Jesus said to them again, “Peace to you! As the Father has sent Me, I also send you.” John 20:19-20 HCSB

When I worked for Lifeway Christian Resources, as part of my job I was frequently assigned to go to Ridgecrest Baptist Conference Center in North Carolina to lead a Sunday School Leadership conference. At other times I was sent to a state convention or to the Southern Baptist Convention to assemble a display and distribute information about resources available from Lifeway.

Jesus sent His disciples into the world, just as the Father had sent Him into the world. He passed on the responsibility of spreading the Good News of salvation around the world to His disciples. Jesus first identified Himself with God the Father. He then sent His disciples into the world to tell others about the love, mercy, and forgiveness that is available to those who believe in Him. It is important that we share the Good News of salvation with those around us.

Challenge: Just as Jesus sent His disciples, He is sending you into the world to be a witness for Him. Remember that your power and authority comes from God the Father. Jesus has set the example in Word and deed on how to accomplish the task of sharing the Gospel message.

In the evening of the first day of the week, the disciples were gathered together with the doors locked because of their fear of the Jews. Then Jesus came, stood among them, and said to them, “Peace to you!” Having said this, He showed them His hands and His side. So the disciples rejoiced when they saw the Lord. John 20:19-20 HCSB

I worked at the Missouri Baptist Convention as the Youth Consultant in the Sunday School Department for several years. Missouri is known as the “Show Me” state. The Secretary of State for Missouri reports that there are a number of stories and legends behind Missouri being called the “Show-Me” state. The slogan is not official, but it is used on Missouri license plates.

The disciples were hiding behind locked doors, afraid of what might happen to them. If the Jewish leaders crucified Jesus, then certainly they would not hesitate to crucify His followers. Jesus miraculously appeared among them. He did not come through the doors. The disciples may have thought they were seeing a ghost but Jesus was quick to to say, “Peace to you!” to calm their fears. He then showed them the wounds in His hands and side to prove that it really was Him. The disciples seemed to have a “show me” attitude. They needed Jesus to prove that it really was Him.

Challenge: These Scriptures indicate that our resurrection bodies will be real bodies but will be different in that they will not be limited by walls and doors. Thank God that as a believer, you will some day have a resurrected body that will no longer experience any pain, suffering, or death.

“Don’t cling to Me,” Jesus told her, “for I have not yet ascended to the Father. But go to My brothers and tell them that I am ascending to My Father and your Father – to My God and your God.” Mary Magdalene went and announced to the disciples, “I have seen the Lord!” And she told them what He had said to her. John 20:17-18 HCSB

I volunteered at the Senior PGA Championship when it was held at Valhalla Country Club in Louisville, Kentucky. My assignment was to record the scores on the giant score board near the practice area for every player for each hole. When I was not doing my job, I had the opportunity to watch the professional golfers. During the practice rounds I was able to request autographs. I was excited to be able to actually see many professional golfers I had watched on television while growing up.

Mary was not expecting to actually see Jesus alive. Imagine the excitement she must have felt as she actually recognized that Jesus was alive and then hugged Him. Jesus was a real person. This verse confirms the bodily resurrection of Jesus. He was a physical person. Jesus gave her the assignment of going and telling His disciples that He was alive. She probably ran to where the disciples were to tell them the good news that she had actually seen the Lord.

Challenge: Mary’s assignment is the same assignment that every believer has been given – to testify to others the Resurrected Lord. To whom can you proclaim that Jesus is alive and lives today?

“Woman,” Jesus said to her, “Why are you crying? Who is it you are looking for?” Supposing He was the gardener, she replied, “Sir, if you’ve removed Him, tell me where you’ve put Him, and I will take Him away.” Jesus said, “Mary.” Turning around, she said to Him in Hebrew, Rabbouni!” – which means “Teacher.” John 20:15-16 HCSB

Many people are looking for peace of mind, success, fame, and fortune in life. Mary Magdalene was the first person to come to the tomb early that morning. She was hoping to anoint the body of Jesus. One might have thought that the disciples of Jesus would have been there early, but instead it was the woman who Jesus had forgiven and accepted. Her early arrival indicated her love and devotion to Jesus.

Mary had already looked into the tomb and had discovered that Jesus’ body was not there. She was probably weeping in grief outside the tomb wondering what had happened to Jesus’ body when Jesus asked her, “Who is it you are looking for?” He knew who she was looking for but wanted to hear her response. Mary did not even turn around but responded, thinking she was talking to the gardener. When Jesus said her name, she immediately recognized Him and with surprise and excitement she called him “Teacher”.

Challenge: Who are you looking for? Are you searching for Jesus? Jesus is calling your name, just as He did when He called Mary’s name. He wants you to recognize Him as Lord and teacher. It is only through Jesus that you can find peace of mind and direction in life.

Proclaim the message; persist in it whether convenient or not; rebuke, correct, and encourage with great patience and teaching. 2 Timothy 4:2 HCSB

As a parent I have had to give instruction and correction to all four of my children over the years. At the same time all of my children also needed to hear encouraging words and praise. We all want to hear our parents say, “Good Job”. The same is true in the work force. As I have conducted annual reviews for employees, I have always tried to provide some positive words while also giving words of guidance if needed.

Paul encouraged Timothy to fulfill his ministry, to be persistent in proclaiming the message even when it was not easy. Timothy was to rebuke, correct, and teach the people with a spirit of patience and encouragement. There must be a balance between rebuking and and encouraging people who need direction. It is sometimes difficult to be patient when we understand what people should be doing and it appears they aren’t making the necessary effort to succeed. Paul admonishes that we are to have great patience.

Challenge – As a believer you should proclaim the Good News to those with whom you have contact every day. It should be done with gentleness and patience. If you must rebuke and correct, be sure to include a word of encouragement.

After this, Joseph of Arimathea, who was a disciple of Jesus – but secretly because of his fear of the Jews – asked Pilate that he might remove Jesus’ body. Pilate gave him permission, so he came and took His body away. Nicodemus (who had previously come to Him at night) also came, bringing a mixture of about 75 pounds of myrrh and aloes. John 19:38-39 HCSB

As a former student pastor, one of the challenges I issued to students was to live out their faith and boldly proclaim that Jesus was their Lord and Savior. Many students and even adults are afraid to let others know they are Christians. They are afraid of what others might think of them. It seems as if they want to keep their devotion to Jesus a secret.

Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus were secret followers of Christ. They were afraid of what might happen if the Jewish leaders discovered their loyalties. Both were members of the high council. Nicodemus came to Jesus in the darkness of night so as to not be discovered as someone who wanted to know more about Jesus (John 3:1). He also tried to defend Jesus before the religious leaders (John 7:50-52). These men were changed by the death of Jesus. They realized who Jesus truly was and were willing to sacrifice their reputations and openly declare that they were His followers.

Challenge: When confronted with Jesus, we should be changed and be willing to proclaim Him as Lord. Do you hide your faith from family, friends, and fellow workers? Step out from hiding your faith and boldly proclaim to others that you are a follower of Jesus.

When Jesus had received the sour wine, He said, “It is finished!” Then bowing His head, He gave up His spirit. John 19:30 HCSB

When I worked for the Missouri Baptist Convention I was responsible for a youth camp called Youth Development Week. Because of the popularity of the camp the numbers dictated we have three different groups. Each group had approximately 500 students and leaders. I had a team of student ministers who helped with all of the planning and details for the week. As the first group of students left at lunch time, the next group came in that afternoon. It was a huge undertaking and a lot of fun. When the last group of the week left and everything was packed up and ready to go, there was a palpable sense of relief – it was finished! With it came a great sense of accomplishment.

When Jesus said, “It is finished!” He had completed the task God the Father had sent Him to accomplish. The Greek term that is used indicates abiding, lasting results. It was more of a victory cry. Jesus was obedient to do His Father’s will. All prophecies had been fulfilled. John records that Jesus “gave up” His spirit. This is another indication that Jesus was in total control and He willingly gave His life for the sins of all mankind.

Challenge: What does God want you to do? Be faithful and obedient to follow His plan for your life.

When Jesus saw His mother and the disciple He loved standing there, He said to His mother, “Woman, here is your son.” Then He said to the disciple, “Here is your mother.” and from that hour the disciple took her into his home. John 19:26-27 HCSB

Before my father went into surgery to remove a brain tumor eight years ago, he asked me to take care of my mother if his surgery was unsuccessful. I reassured him that I would. The surgery left my father paralyzed on the left side of his body and just a few weeks later, he made the transition from this life to eternal life with his Heavenly Father. At that time my wife and I invited my mother to come live with us in our home. God has richly provided for her each and every need and ours as well.

Even though Jesus was suffering in pain on the cross, He selflessly thought of His mother. John never identifies himself directly in his Gospel. Here he identifies himself as “the disciple He loved”. Jesus, knowing that His mother needed someone to care for her, asked John to assume this responsibility. John then took her into his own home and cared for her.

Challenge: Jesus set the example of compassion that we should have for others. We honor Christ when we follow His example. Care for your family members and others you know that are in need.

So they said to one another, “Let’s not tear it, but cast lots for it, to see who gets it.” They did this to fulfill the Scripture that says, They divided My clothes among themselves, and they cast lots for My clothing. And this is what the soldiers did. John 19:24 HCSB

Thebrownhouse.net reports that according to Josh McDowell’s More Than A Carpenter Jesus fulfilled 60 major
 prophesies about the Messiah. These prophecies came from the Old Testament, the most 
recent of which was written over 400 years before Jesus was born. Genesis 3:15 prophesies the birth of Jesus. Psalm 41:9 and Zechariah 11:12-13 foretell of the betrayal and death of the Messiah. A book entitled Science Speaks, by Peter W. Stoner 
examines the probability of any man fulfilling eight of the 60 prophecies. The odds of this occurring are 1 in 100,000,000,000,000,000. Stoner considers only 48 prophecies of the 60 that Josh McDowell claims were fulfilled by Jesus and states, “We find the chance that any one man fulfilled all 48 prophecies to be 1 in 10^157.

In today’s Scripture reference, we find the actions of the Roman soldiers fulfilled the prophecy found in Psalm 22:18. Note that Jesus quoted the first verse of Psalm 22 while hanging on the cross, “My God, my God! Why have you forsaken me?” This probably referred to the Psalm of David with which people would have been familiar. This was not a cry of doubt from Jesus, but rather an urgent appeal to God. Jesus willingly took the sins of the world upon Himself and suffered the burden of our sins. At that moment God turned away from His Son because He is a Holy God and can not be a part of the sin. What is amazing is that these verses in Psalm 22 were written over 800 years before the first crucifixion.

Challenge: There is no doubt Jesus is who He said He was – the Son of God. Accept Him as your personal Lord and Savior. It is as easy as A-B-C. A-Admit you are a sinner. B-Believe that Jesus is the Son of God, He died for your sins, and rose from the dead and lives today. C-Confess Jesus as your Lord and Savior.