Podcasts about Caiaphas

Todaywe are moving on to a new chapter, Luke 23. This chapter tells us about thetrial of Jesus and His crucifixion and death on the cross. We believe this isone of the great chapters of the Bible, along with the other Gospel accounts ofJesus giving His life on the cross for you and me. This is the climax of humanhistory where God Himself literally goes to a cross and pays the payment forour sins. Several things stand out as we look at this chapter.  Tounderstand the setting, let's remember Jesus has been up all night long. OnThursday, Jesus prepared for the Passover meal with the disciples. Thatevening, they observed and ate the Passover meal in the Upper Room. In John 13through John 17, Jesus is talking to His disciples, preparing them with somelast words, giving them the comfort of the Holy Spirit who will come after Hehas ascended to heaven. So many things are taking place. Judas goes out intothe night to get the temple guard to arrest Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane. Thenafter Jesus institutes the Lord's Supper, they sing a hymn.  Jesusgoes deeper into the Garden, and there He prays those three prayers: "NotMy will but Thine be done." He says, "Take this cup from Me."That cup, we believe, represented the sins of all humanity, and Jesus wouldbecome sin for us. In the middle of the night, Judas shows up at the gardenwith a guard from the temple and arrests Jesus. They take Him to Annas's house,then to Caiaphas's house, and finally, as the sun rises and Peter has deniedthe Lord three times, they take Jesus to the Sanhedrin, where He is triedunfairly for the third time by the Jews.  Nowhere in Luke 23, we read that in the early morning hours, after the Sanhedrincondemns Him, they take Him to Pilate. We know that Jesus was crucified at thethird hour, which would have been 9:00 in the morning. At the sixth hour of Hiscrucifixion, three hours into the cross, the sun refused to shine. It wentdark. For the next three hours, until 3:00 in the afternoon, the sun did notshine. We're convinced that during those hours, Jesus paid the full payment forour sins. Over all six hours, Jesus is paying the price on the cross. We'lltalk about the seven sayings of Christ later, but here we see Jesus paying thefull price for our sin, being the propitiation for them, satisfying the wrathof God against the sins of humanity.  Jesusfulfilled the law as the innocent Lamb of God and fully paid for our sins,declaring in His last words on the cross, "It is finished." All thisbegins at 9:00 in the morning when Jesus is crucified. What we read now in Lukechapter 23, as He goes before Pilate for three different trials, happenssomewhere between the early morning hours of the Sanhedrin trying Him and Hiscrucifixion at 9am.  Canyou imagine how physically, emotionally, and mentally worn-out Jesus must havebeen during this time?  Oh,what a Savior! When we study this chapter, we will see both the evilness of menand the goodness of God. I can't help but think about that tree in the Gardenof Eden, called the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, which God forbadeAdam and Eve to eat from. When they ate of it, they brought sin into the world.Now we are reminded of that tree again because Jesus will die and be hung on atree—a tree that represents the knowledge of good and evil.  Therewe see the great love of God, the goodness of God, the mercy of God, thewonderful sacrifice of God at that cross. At the same time, we see evil mencrucifying the most innocent, precious, sinless, blameless, stainless Son ofGod on that cross. Oh, what a scene. As we look at Luke chapter 23, I trustyou'll read it through several times and take into your heart all that Jesusdid for you and me. God bless!

The most irrefutable testimony for the truth of God is a life that has been changed and healed!While Peter and John were addressing the people, the priests, the chief of the Temple police, and some Sadducees came up, indignant that these upstart apostles were instructing the people and proclaiming that the resurrection from the dead had taken place in Jesus. They arrested them and threw them in jail until morning, for by now it was late in the evening. But many of those who listened had already believed the Message, in round numbers about five thousand! Acts 4:1-4 MSGThose who are open to God's voice will hear Him, and those who aren't, won't! The next day the council of all the rulers and elders and teachers of religious law met in Jerusalem. Annas the high priest was there, along with Caiaphas, John, Alexander, and other relatives of the high priest. Acts 4:5-6 NLTThe decision to ignore or manipulate God's truth is a form of self-deception with roots in demonic rebellion! Jesus said to the people who believed in him, “You are truly my disciples if you remain faithful to my teachings. And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” John 8:31-32 NLTDenying the truth doesn't make it less true or you less accountable for the consequences of disobedience.They brought in the two disciples and demanded, “By what power, or in whose name, have you done this?” Acts 4:7 NLTThen Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them, “Rulers and elders of our people, are we being questioned today because we've done a good deed for a crippled man? Do you want to know how he was healed? Let me clearly state to all of you and to all the people of Israel that he was healed by the powerful name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene, the man you crucified but whom God raised from the dead. For Jesus is the one referred to in the Scriptures, where it says, ‘The stone that you builders rejected has now become the cornerstone.' There is salvation in no one else! God has given no other name under heaven by which we must be saved.” Acts 4:8-12 NLTA man can no more diminish God's glory by refusing to worship Him than a lunatic can put out the sun by scribbling the word 'darkness' on the walls of his cell. C. S. Lewis The members of the council were amazed when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, for they could see that they were ordinary men with no special training in the Scriptures. They also recognized them as men who had been with Jesus. But since they could see the man who had been healed standing right there among them, there was nothing the council could say. Acts 4:13-14 NLT Objections to God's truth and will and fall silent against an honest assessment of His Grace and Glory.What should we do with these men?” they asked each other. “We can't deny that they have performed a miraculous sign, and everybody in Jerusalem knows about it. Acts 4:16 NLTFriends, I realize that what you and your leaders did to Jesus was done in ignorance…. Now repent of your sins and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped away. Acts 3:17 & 19 NLTJustification and pride are the right soil for deception, while humility and repentance are the right soil for a harvest of deliverance and freedom. The council then threatened them further, but they finally let them go because they didn't know how to punish them without starting a riot. For everyone was praising God for this miraculous sign, the healing of a man who had been lame for more than forty years. Acts 4:21-22 NLTAll the believers were united in heart and mind. And they felt that what they owned was not their own, so they shared everything they had. The apostles testified powerfully to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and God's great blessing was upon them all. Acts 4:32-33 NLTObedient faith in the risen Christ is the foundation for everything God does in and through His people and His church. 

Today we're continuing in Luke 22:54-62. In verse 54 it says,"Having arrested Him, they led Him, Jesus, and brought Him into thehigh priest's house, but Peter followed at a distance." So, we'regoing to look at this passage of Scripture over the next several days and talkabout how Peter fell into the temptation of denying the Lord at a time whenJesus crucially needed him to stand up for Him. And we're going to find out whywe, you and I, so often with all the determination of our heart to stand up forJesus, to love Him, to live for Him, yet we still fail. And we're going to seethese steps that led to Peter's failure as we look at this passage ofScripture.  Firstan overview of the next events. Jesus has been arrested in the garden. AfterHis arrest over the next several hours, Jesus actually endured six differenttrials before He was condemned to be crucified: three before the Jews and threebefore the Roman authorities. First, He was taken to Annas, the former highpriest who was an influential man in the nation and who still retained hisformer title (John 18:12-13). Then Annas sent Him to Caiaphas, who was hisson-in-law and the official high priest (Matthew 26:57). Finally, at daybreakon Friday morning, He was tried before the Sanhedrin and found guilty (Luke22:66-71).  TheJews didn't have the right for capital punishment (John 18:31-32). So they thentook Jesus to the Roman authorities to get Him crucified. First, they took Himto Pilate (Luke 23:1-4), who tried to avoid a decision by sending Him to Herod(Luke 23:6-12). Herod sent Him back to Pilate (Luke 23:13-25). When Pilate sawthat he could not escape making a decision, he gave the Sanhedrin what theyasked for and condemned Jesus to die on a Roman cross. Now,it was during the second Jewish trial, the one before Caiaphas, that Peter inthe courtyard denied the Lord three times. So how did it happen? Where did itbegin? How did Peter come to a place where after he had boastfully said,"I will die with You. Though everyone else fails, I won't fail. I'llfollow You even to death. I will not stumble"? (Matthew 26:33). First, letme just tell you, the first step for you and me to go in the wrong directionwith the Lord is to get a heart of pride. Can you imagine Peter amongst the elevenother disciples at this time, making the statement that though all these otherguys around here forsake You and leave You and stumble, I will not stumble?  Myfriend, the first step to falling into temptation and to following the worldand leaving the Lord is pride. The Bible says, "Let a man take heed whenhe thinks he stands, lest he fall" (1 Corinthians 10:12). Pride enters ourheart. We think we're stronger than we are. We think we can do it ourselves,and we then we start comparing ourselves to others and think we're better thanthem. That is a terrible condition to get in. It all started with pride. So, wesee Peter's first step of pride.  Secondly,Peter didn't take the word of Jesus seriously when He said, "Watch andpray." Peter failed to pray. He failed to watch. The hour oftemptation would come and Jesus had warned him that, "The spirit iswilling, but the flesh is weak." The spirit will say, "Oh, I'llnever leave church. I'll never quit reading my Bible. I'll always be the bestChristian ever. I know all these other people, they're not disciplined like Iam. They don't have the commitment and surrender I have to Jesus."  Whenwe have this attitude, we are headed for big failure. Jesus says, "Watchand pray." But instead of watching and praying, we find in theScripture here that Peter was sleeping. Three times the Lord came and woke himup. Yet He continued to sleep. We tend to sometimes forget we can't make itwithout the Lord helping us.  Tomorrowwe will continue to look at the other steps that led to Peter's stumbling anddenying Jesus. May the Lord help us to keep our eyes focused on Jesus all thetime.

Acts 4 The priests and the captain of the temple guard and the Sadducees came up to Peter and John while they were speaking to the people. 2 They were greatly disturbed because the apostles were teaching the people, proclaiming in Jesus the resurrection of the dead.  3 They seized Peter and John and, because it was evening, they put them in jail until the next day.  4 But many who heard the message believed; so the number of men who believed grew to about five thousand. 5 The next day the rulers, the elders and the teachers of the law met in Jerusalem. 6 Annas the high priest was there, and so were Caiaphas, John, Alexander and others of the high priest's family.  7 They had Peter and John brought before them and began to question them: “By what power or what name did you do this?” 8 Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them: “Rulers and elders of the people! 9 If we are being called to account today for an act of kindness shown to a man who was lame and are being asked how he was healed,  10 then know this, you and all the people of Israel: It is by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified but whom God raised from the dead, that this man stands before you healed.  11 Jesus is “‘the stone you builders rejected, which has become the cornerstone.' 12 Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.” 13 When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus.  14 But since they could see the man who had been healed standing there with them, there was nothing they could say.  15 So they ordered them to withdraw from the Sanhedrin and then conferred together.  16 “What are we going to do with these men?” they asked. “Everyone living in Jerusalem knows they have performed a notable sign, and we cannot deny it.  17 But to stop this thing from spreading any further among the people, we must warn them to speak no longer to anyone in this name.” 18 Then they called them in again and commanded them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus.  19 But Peter and John replied, “Which is right in God's eyes: to listen to you, or to him? You be the judges!  20 As for us, we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard.” 21 After further threats they let them go. They could not decide how to punish them, because all the people were praising God for what had happened.  22 For the man who was miraculously healed was over forty years old. 23 On their release, Peter and John went back to their own people and reported all that the chief priests and the elders had said to them.  24 When they heard this, they raised their voices together in prayer to God. “Sovereign Lord,” they said, “you made the heavens and the earth and the sea, and everything in them.  25 You spoke by the Holy Spirit through the mouth of your servant, our father David: “‘Why do the nations rage and the peoples plot in vain? 26 The kings of the earth rise up and the rulers band together against the Lord and against his anointed one.' 27 Indeed Herod and Pontius Pilate met together with the Gentiles and the people of Israel in this city to conspire against your holy servant Jesus, whom you anointed.  28 They did what your power and will had decided beforehand should happen.  29 Now, Lord, consider their threats and enable your servants to speak your word with great boldness.  30 Stretch out your hand to heal and perform signs and wonders through the name of your holy servant Jesus.” 31 After they prayed, the place where they were meeting was shaken. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly. 32 All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of their possessions was their own, but they shared everything they had. 33 With great power the apostles continued to testify to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. And God's grace was so powerfully at work in them all 34 that there were no needy persons among them. For from time to time those who owned land or houses sold them, brought the money from the sales 35 and put it at the apostles' feet, and it was distributed to anyone who had need.

Nate Hile (  @grailcountry  ) joins Sam to discuss the historical and philosophical roots of liberalism. They explore how Christian personalism, rather than radical individualism, forms the true basis of liberal thought and why this tradition is worth defending against illiberal threats from both the left and the right.Names Mentioned:Paul Vanderklay (  @PaulVanderKlay  ), Luke Thompson (  @WhiteStoneName  ) , Dr. Jim, Caiaphas, David Walsh, Jordan Hall, John Vervaeke (  @johnvervaeke  ), Jonathan Pageau.(  @JonathanPageau  ) , Thomas Jefferson, Michael Servetus, Martin Luther, John Calvin, James White, Matthew Henry, Daniel Korbin, JD Vance, Trump, Elon Musk, Rod Dreher, Barry Weiss, Curtis Yarvin, Grim, Fukuyama, Peter the Great, Trent Horn, John Locke, Richard Rohlin, Constantine the Great, and more. Chapters:0:00 Introduction1:23 What is Liberalism?6:54 The Christian Roots of Liberalism12:48 Personalism vs. Individualism18:59 The Forgotten History of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth31:33 The Rise of an Illiberal Right41:44 How 9/11 and COVID Eroded Liberalism50:19 The Protestant Reformation's Influence1:09:10 The Unitarian Flight to the Netherlands and John Locke1:15:17 The Role of the Church in a Liberal Society1:20:45 Is America a Nation or a Church?

MS// యేసును కయఫా దగ్గరకు తీసుకెళ్లమని అన్నా ఆజ్ఞాపించాడు. Caiaphas చెందినది సద్దూకయ్యులు, వీరిలో కొందరు ఇప్పుడు యేసుకు అత్యంత తీరని

MS// యేసును కయఫా దగ్గరకు తీసుకెళ్లమని అన్నా ఆజ్ఞాపించాడు. Caiaphas చెందినది సద్దూకయ్యులు, వీరిలో కొందరు ఇప్పుడు యేసుకు అత్యంత తీరని

June 13, 2025Today's Reading: Acts 2:1-21Daily Lectionary: Numbers 27:12-23; Luke 23:26-56“When the day of Pentecost arrived, they were all together in one place.” (Acts 2:1)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. Pentecost, 50 days after Jesus conquered death, and we figure everything's got to be different now. The Pharisees were still running the temple. Caiaphas still offered sacrifices there as High Priest, refusing to believe he had already sacrificed the Lamb of God that takes away the sin of the world. The city was still under Roman occupation. The crowd still didn't do anyone any favors by paying attention to them. Remember who this crowd is. They cried for a revolution when Jesus rode into town on a donkey. They cried for a cross when He didn't deliver. On Pentecost, the Twelve didn't seek a crowd eager to hear them; the crowd heard a great noise and went to add to it. Pentecost wasn't the sanctioned and safe beginning of an enthusiastic church that took over the culture that we imagine.   We know the miracle of Pentecost—that tongues of fire danced over the apostles' heads while they preached in languages they never knew. The disciples were brought by God, not to preach to those who gathered together cheerfully after making all the right choices in the middle of it. They preached to the sinners who cried out for the death of God. They preached to the terrified. They preached to the confused who did their best and second-guessed it every step of the way. They preached to those who heard what God would call good and mocked it, then called the messengers drunk for it. They preached to us.  This is the crowd God sends preachers to. Peter preaches hope, not in an action plan for the future. Not in being on the side that made the right choices. Not even in being the ones who boycotted Target the first time things got weird. He preaches to the ones who put Jesus to death. He tells them Jesus died because of them and for them. Of the sins of all the sinners gathered that day, the selfishness, the arrogance, the anger, the idolatry are covered in the blood of God, which pays the price for the evil they work. The sinners are forgiven. The path forward is, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.” It gives a new identity. Every nation gathered in Jerusalem was given a new identity that joined them together. Baptized. Christian. Those who called upon the name of the Lord and were saved.In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Come, Holy Ghost, God and Lord, With all Your graces now outpoured On each believer's mind and heart; Your fervent love to them impart. Lord, by the brightness of Your light In holy faith Your Church unite; From ev'ry land and ev'ry tongue This to Your praise, O Lord, our God, be sung: Alleluia, alleluia! (LSB 497:1)- Rev. Harrison Goodman, Higher Things Executive Director of Mission and Theology.Audio Reflections Speaker: Pastor Jonathan Lackey is the pastor at Grace Lutheran Church, Vine Grove, KY.In Clarifying the Great Commission, Rev. Daniel Christian Voth identifies common omissions from our collective understanding of Jesus' farewell discourse—omissions that turn Christ's promises of forgiveness, life, and salvation into a legalistic command. Come and discover a richer understanding of The Great Commission.

He tried to silence Jesus with a sentence, but Christ's voice still echoes through history.

2 Year Gospel Study - week 74 (Friday, 05-30-25) Up To Jerusalem - Teaching 16 Scripture: John 18:28-32, Mark 15:2-5, John 18:33-38, Luke 23:4-16, Matthew 27:15-26 John 19:1-16 Pastor explores Jesus' trial using all 4 gospels and proposing a possible timeline that tells the story with new insight. Also, throughout today's teaching he shares interesting and important historical information and relationship information between the players in this day's events that brings greater insight and understanding to this story of Jesus' trial.  We tend to look at the story of Jesus' trial and crucifixion as a story we are familiar with -- the old, old story of Jesus and His love…. But today Pastor will bring a freshness that will make it new as we look at the unique things each of the Gospels' authors has to say about the events that led up to Jesus' crucifixion. Pastor will use all four gospels, combining them together in a dramatic picture of the day's event. We pick up the story of Jesus' trial with Him leaving Caiaphas the High Priest's home and going before the Roman Governor, Pontius Pilate.  It is the continuation of the story of the day we call Good Friday. Pastor shares pictures from a past trip to Jerusalem that show the possible place of Jesus' public trial.  Once everyone is in the courtyard, Pilate makes this a legal Roman trial by asking “what charges are you bringing against this man?” But the high priests and their associates didn't want a full Roman trial - they simply wanted the Roman Governor to give them permission to execute Jesus. (At this time in Roman history permission was necessary for the Sanhedrin to be allowed to execute an individual) Pilate didn't give them that permission, instead now they have a legal trial. Many charges were being brought against Jesus - all sorts of charges and Pilate takes Jesus out of the public courtyard and into the Palace for a private conversation to figure out what Jesus has done.  Following the private conversation - Pilate tells the crowd He finds no basis for a charge against Jesus and because Jesus was Galilean, He was under Herod's jurisdiction. As it happens, Herod was in Jerusalem for the Passover so Pilate sends Jesus across town to see Herod Antipas. Herod had been longing to meet Jesus and asks Him many questions, but Jesus does not answer against any of the accusations and charges. Herod's soldiers ridicule and mock Jesus - dressing Him in a purple robe and send Him back to Pilate. Back in the courtyard of Pilate's place, Pilate brings Jesus before the high priests and people stating that both he and Herod find Jesus guilty of nothing, but the crowd rebels. Pilate says he will beat and torture Jesus and let Him go. And again the crowd disagrees greatly with this decision and Pilate then asks the crowd if he should release Jesus or Barabbas (a criminal). It's at this point that Pilate receives a letter from his wife about Jesus because of a dream she had and the note says that Pilate should have nothing to do with the innocent man, Jesus.  The chief priests and elders persuade the crowd to ask for the release of Barabbas and yell for Jesus to be crucified. This crowd shouting “Crucify Him” was not the crowd who had welcomed Jesus into Jerusalem with hosannas earlier in the week when He rode into Jerusalem on a donkey.  This crowd in Pilate's courtyard were most likely temple employees. The temple at that time employed about 20,000+ people and so the high priests had probably gathered this crowd in their favor. Pilate at this point says again that he finds no basis for a charge against Jesus, gives in to the crowd, washes his hands, claims innocence, releases Barabbas, and has Jesus flogged.   Pastor shares in depth what a flogging from Roman soldiers was like during this time in history. It was an incredible cruel torture, horribly brutal and painful. Pilate hands Jesus over to be crucified. In his soul, Pilate knows injustice has been committed, yet Jesus goes silently and quietly, just as it says in Isaiah 53.  Jesus doesn't try to disprove the charges against Him of blasphemy - remaining silent - as the charges are true. He IS the Son of the Living God. More than that, the accusation is a statement of Truth!  Jesus is the Son of the Living God and we see the Messiah being turned over into the hands of wicked men and being crucified not just for others - BUT for each one of us. Here's the question: WHO REALLY PUT JESUS ON THE CROSS?  It wasn't the High Priests, Roman soldiers, Pontius Pilate, or even all people ULTIMATELY THE ANSWER IS ME. I did. It's my sin that put Him there.  This story is personal.  It is a beastly, brutal and tragic story but it is also the old, old story of Jesus and His love… Pastor closes with a heartfelt prayer acknowledging all the Savior endured.  And then ends with a teaser about next week's class that may well be absolutely shocking - something that's often overlooked yet so dramatic it will cause us to gulp!   Join us! Our website – https://www.awakeusnow.com Watch the video from our website! https://www.awakeusnow.com/2-year-study-of-the-gospels-upper Watch the video from our YouTube Channel!! https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLTaaqrC3dMOzMkhPyiNWwlJRpV6Bwpu01 Up to Jerusalem is a study of the final weeks of Jesus' ministry concluding with His resurrection and ascension, using the books of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John together with material from ancient sources and recent discoveries. Up to Jerusalem is part five of our Two Year Study of the Gospels. Up To Jerusalem is the story of the plan of God to redeem the world, and the story of a Savior willing to obey the Father's plan. As we study Jesus' final days, we will be impacted as we discover the Love of God for each one of us.  This study is great for large group, small group or home group study and can be started at any time.

The priests, scribes,and elders have been listening to this. And when you read John 11:47–54, it isobvious that Jesus knew what these religious leaders were thinking. When hetells this parable, they know he's speaking of the vineyard, which is Israel. God,in the Old Testament, had sent prophets to call the nation to repentance. Read Jeremiah7:25–26, where Jeremiah said the Father, who has this vineyard sent prophets toask you to repent, to turn back, but because you have not repented, judgment iscoming.  Also, in Nehemiah 9:26,Nehemiah, after the captivity in Babylon, in one of the longest recordedprayers in the Bible, prays a public prayer before the remnant that returned toJerusalem. In this prayer he mentions how that God sent prophets, teachers, andpeople calling the people to repentance, but they rejected and killed them.  In John chapter 11:47-53,we read: “Then the chief priests and the Pharisees gathered a council andsaid, "What shall we do? For this Man works many signs. If we let Himalone like this, everyone will believe in Him, and the Romans will come andtake away both our place and nation." And one of them, Caiaphas, beinghigh priest that year, said to them, "You know nothing at all, nor do youconsider that it is expedient for us that one man should die for the people,and not that the whole nation should perish." Now this he did not say onhis own authority; but being high priest that year he prophesied that Jesuswould die for the nation, and not for that nation only, but also that He wouldgather together in one the children of God who were scattered abroad. Then,from that day on, they plotted to put Him to death.” Jesus knows what thesereligious leaders are thinking when He shares this parable. They know He issaying that He is the Son that the owner of the vineyard sent to claim His vineyardand they are rejecting him. Jesus is proclaiming that judgment will surely fallupon them, and that's why they said, “Certainly not.” Jesus, the Messiah, isthere, presenting himself openly, and religious leaders know that if the peoplereceive Christ and accept Him as the Messiah, it is all over for their religioushypocrisy, and that's what they fear. Already, when John the Baptist baptizedJesus, and the Spirit came upon Jesus, and people saw this. They also heard thevoice from heaven say, “This is my beloved Son.” Now, when here Jesus inthis parable said, “He sent his beloved son,” they knew He was speakingof Himself. And these scribes, lawyers, priests, and elders knew that He wasspeaking of them rejecting him as the Messiah. And that God's judgment wouldcome upon them and the “vineyard” would be given to others. What a powerfulparable. My friend, it is a costly mistake to reject Jesus as your only hopefor salvation. He is your only Way to avoid the judgment to come. Don't be likethese religious Pharisees, hypocrites. Trust Jesus, focus on him, and live forhim every day.

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This lifelong Democrat and pro-migrant activist who was planning to vote for Kamala, says she switched to President Trump after her quiet town in Colorado was overrun by illegals committing violent crime.Trump just cleared violent illegals off Minnesota's streets–Tim Walz calls that ‘tyranny'…Illegal Migrant with a criminal record was driving 100 miles per hour, he was drunk, he was high, he drove right into American Trooper Christopher Gadd killing him instantly in his police car. Seattle, Washington attorney says “It is not a crime” (INSANE)Reporter: "Why do you not want the best and brightest from around the world to come to Harvard?" President Trump: "I do, but a lot of the people need remedial math. Did you see that? Where the students can't add 2 and 2, and they go to Harvard...And then you see those same people picketing and screaming at the United States … We don't want troublemakers here."Marco Rubio obliterates Rep. Pramila Jayapal over student visas: Jayapal: "Where in the Constitution does it say that the Secretary of State can override the First Amendment protections of free speech?" Rubio: "There's no constitutional right to a student visa. A student visa's a privilege."Rubio to Mayorkas: If you come from Cuba, you are presumed to be fleeing persecution. Which means you are automatically eligible got refugee cash. You're eligible for food stamps.   You're eligible for Medicare and Medicaid. Others who immigrate this country have to wait five years for that—and they don't get the refugee cash.Heartbreaking. 15 year old Irish girl and champion boxer Kaiden McKenna speaks about feeling unsafe in her own community because of strange foreign men.Video from the May 27 Seattle Trantifa and far-left violent direct action shows BLM race grifter Erica Williams @AExquisitePearl hitting Christians trying to attend the worship rally outside City Hall.Massive crowd of Christians gather to praise Jesus Christ—despite threats of political violence. The group says they will not be stopped from worshipping in the city of Seattle. This is powerfulWhat Does God's Word Say?John 11:47-5247 Then the chief priests and the Pharisees called a meeting of the Sanhedrin.“What are we accomplishing?” they asked. “Here is this man performing many signs. 48 If we let him go on like this, everyone will believe in him, and then the Romans will come and take away both our temple and our nation.”49 Then one of them, named Caiaphas, who was high priest that year, spoke up, “You know nothing at all! 50 You do not realize that it is better for you that one man die for the people than that the whole nation perish.”51 He did not say this on his own, but as high priest that year he prophesied that Jesus would die for the Jewish nation, 52 and not only for that nation but also for the scattered children of God, to bring them together and make them one. 53 So from that day on they plotted to take his life.1 Corinthians 10:6-136 Now these things occurred as examples to keep us from setting our hearts on evil things as they did. 7 Do not be idolaters, as some of them were; as it is written: “The people sat down to eat and drink and got up to indulge in revelry.” 8 We should not commit sexual immorality, as some of them did—and in one day twenty-three thousand of them died. 9 We should not test Christ, as some of them did—and were killed by snakes. 10 And do not grumble, as some of them did—and were killed by the destroying angel.11 These things happened to them as examples and were written down as warnings for us, on whom the culmination of the ages has come. 12 So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don't fall! 13 No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.

Matthew 26:64 wonderfully points to the victorious rule and reign of the Lord Jesus Christ. In response to Caiaphas's cynical question about his identity, Jesus responded, “Yes, I am Messiah and I tell you, from now on you will see the Son of Man seated at the right hand of Power and coming on the clouds of heaven.” Jesus was prophesying and promising his ascension.

The third appearance of the risen Christ to the disciples in John's Gospel is when Jesus restores Peter after his thrice denial around a charcoal fire in the courtyard of Caiaphas. The story of Jesus and seven disciples having breakfast around a charcoal fire on the shore of the sea of Galilee is one of the most tender and beautiful stories in all the Bible.

Christ spoke often of the Father. Still, He preached an egocentric message. Jesus said: follow Me · believe in Me · abide in Me · do all for My sake · confess Me · love Me · come to Me · keep My commandments · receive Me · seek Me · I bear witness of Myself · I am the truth · I am the life. Should a created being direct most attention to the Father, or focus upon himself? Bible teachers use a handful of verses to establish Christ's identity. As is his style, Bob Enyart starts with a sweeping overview of the Bible to address the deity of Christ. This study stuns and delights, respectively, those disputing and affirming His divinity. ​* The Deity of Christ -- Another Approach For centuries, as affirmed at the Council of Nicea, Christians have used a wonderful list of Bible verses to demonstrate from God's Word the deity of Jesus Christ. Here though is another avenue, similar to the "Big Picture View" approach that we use in Bob Enyart's life's work, The Plot: An Overview of the Bible:​ Thus Saith the Lord: If we count how many times the Old Testament prophets said, “Thus says the Lord” we find them using that phrase, in the New King James Version of the Bible, about 420 times. The New Testament on the other hand, never once records that phrase. Jesus Christ, with all the red ink devoted to recording His words, never once used that ubiquitous phrase, “Thus saith the Lord.” Rather, Jesus proclaims, “I say to you,” in the Gospels! Not a single “Thus says the Lord,” but rather, “I say to you,” 135 times. The following chart demonstrates biblically that these two phrases, Thus saith the Lord, and I say unto you, indicate the same thing, that God is speaking. For Jesus Christ made it clear that He Himself was at the heart of His teaching. Unlike the righteous priests and kings, prophets and the apostles, the Lord focused His message on Himself;   See more... Today's Resource: The Gospel of John! The Gospel of John Vol. I: Christ spoke often of the Father. Still, He preached an egocentric message. Jesus said: follow Me · believe in Me · abide in Me · do all for My sake · confess Me · love Me · come to Me · keep My commandments · receive Me · seek Me · I bear witness of Myself · I am the truth · I am the life. Should a created being direct most attention to the Father, or focus upon himself? Bible teachers use a handful of verses to establish Christ's identity. As is his style, Bob Enyart starts with a sweeping overview of the Bible to address the deity of Christ. This study stuns and delights, respectively, those disputing and affirming His divinity.​ The Gospel of John Vol. II: Relive Jesus feeding five thousand, walking on water, and being so offensive that even some of his own followers rejected Him, as did His own siblings. Hear Jesus command men to "judge with righteous judgment." Envision officers sent to apprehend Jesus failing to fulfill their mission as Christ thwarts the religious leaders who wanted to kill Him. The Pharisee Nicodemus risked all by defending Jesus; Christ forgave the woman caught in adultery; and He proclaimed, "before Abraham was, I AM." Then Jesus was condemned for healing a man born blind. Finally, Jesus blesses friends and enrages enemies by resurrecting Lazarus. The Gospel of John Vol. III: This climatic third volume concludes John's Gospel. Six days before the crucifixion, Mary of Bethany anointed Christ's head and feet. The next day the people of Jerusalem hail Him as King. By week's end, Jesus would be betrayed to His enemies and rejected by the crowd. The powerful father-and-son-in-law team of Annas and Caiaphas put Him on trial as did Pontius Pilate also. He died on a Roman cross in the place of a murderer named Barabbas, in the place of a sinner named Adam, and in the place of a Christian named... Enjoy these or any of Bob's studies, made available by book title or by topic, or you can subscribe or donate online or by calling 1-800-8Enyart (303-463-7789).

Christ spoke often of the Father. Still, He preached an egocentric message. Jesus said: follow Me · believe in Me · abide in Me · do all for My sake · confess Me · love Me · come to Me · keep My commandments · receive Me · seek Me · I bear witness of Myself · I am the truth · I am the life. Should a created being direct most attention to the Father, or focus upon himself? Bible teachers use a handful of verses to establish Christ's identity. As is his style, Bob Enyart starts with a sweeping overview of the Bible to address the deity of Christ. This study stuns and delights, respectively, those disputing and affirming His divinity. ​* The Deity of Christ -- Another Approach For centuries, as affirmed at the Council of Nicea, Christians have used a wonderful list of Bible verses to demonstrate from God's Word the deity of Jesus Christ. Here though is another avenue, similar to the "Big Picture View" approach that we use in Bob Enyart's life's work, The Plot: An Overview of the Bible:​ Thus Saith the Lord: If we count how many times the Old Testament prophets said, “Thus says the Lord” we find them using that phrase, in the New King James Version of the Bible, about 420 times. The New Testament on the other hand, never once records that phrase. Jesus Christ, with all the red ink devoted to recording His words, never once used that ubiquitous phrase, “Thus saith the Lord.” Rather, Jesus proclaims, “I say to you,” in the Gospels! Not a single “Thus says the Lord,” but rather, “I say to you,” 135 times. The following chart demonstrates biblically that these two phrases, Thus saith the Lord, and I say unto you, indicate the same thing, that God is speaking. For Jesus Christ made it clear that He Himself was at the heart of His teaching. Unlike the righteous priests and kings, prophets and the apostles, the Lord focused His message on Himself;   See more... Today's Resource: The Gospel of John! The Gospel of John Vol. I: Christ spoke often of the Father. Still, He preached an egocentric message. Jesus said: follow Me · believe in Me · abide in Me · do all for My sake · confess Me · love Me · come to Me · keep My commandments · receive Me · seek Me · I bear witness of Myself · I am the truth · I am the life. Should a created being direct most attention to the Father, or focus upon himself? Bible teachers use a handful of verses to establish Christ's identity. As is his style, Bob Enyart starts with a sweeping overview of the Bible to address the deity of Christ. This study stuns and delights, respectively, those disputing and affirming His divinity.​ The Gospel of John Vol. II: Relive Jesus feeding five thousand, walking on water, and being so offensive that even some of his own followers rejected Him, as did His own siblings. Hear Jesus command men to "judge with righteous judgment." Envision officers sent to apprehend Jesus failing to fulfill their mission as Christ thwarts the religious leaders who wanted to kill Him. The Pharisee Nicodemus risked all by defending Jesus; Christ forgave the woman caught in adultery; and He proclaimed, "before Abraham was, I AM." Then Jesus was condemned for healing a man born blind. Finally, Jesus blesses friends and enrages enemies by resurrecting Lazarus. The Gospel of John Vol. III: This climatic third volume concludes John's Gospel. Six days before the crucifixion, Mary of Bethany anointed Christ's head and feet. The next day the people of Jerusalem hail Him as King. By week's end, Jesus would be betrayed to His enemies and rejected by the crowd. The powerful father-and-son-in-law team of Annas and Caiaphas put Him on trial as did Pontius Pilate also. He died on a Roman cross in the place of a murderer named Barabbas, in the place of a sinner named Adam, and in the place of a Christian named... Enjoy these or any of Bob's studies, made available by book title or by topic, or you can subscribe or donate online or by calling 1-800-8Enyart (303-463-7789).

1 Samuel - Samuel goes to Bethlehem. David anointed. Matthew - The plot to kill Jesus. The precious ointment. Judas' bargain. The last Passover. The Lord's Supper instituted. The Garden of Gethsemane. Jesus' betrayal and arrest. Jesus before Caiaphas. Peter's denials.

What if the way we preserve our power, position, and possessions does not align with Jesus's way? Listen as Pastor Daniel Stephens shares how Jesus's way of sacrifice can transform how we live our lives!

Christ spoke often of the Father. Still, He preached an egocentric message. Jesus said: follow Me · believe in Me · abide in Me · do all for My sake · confess Me · love Me · come to Me · keep My commandments · receive Me · seek Me · I bear witness of Myself · I am the truth · I am the life. Should a created being direct most attention to the Father, or focus upon himself? Bible teachers use a handful of verses to establish Christ's identity. As is his style, Bob Enyart starts with a sweeping overview of the Bible to address the deity of Christ. This study stuns and delights, respectively, those disputing and affirming His divinity. ​* The Deity of Christ -- Another Approach For centuries, as affirmed at the Council of Nicea, Christians have used a wonderful list of Bible verses to demonstrate from God's Word the deity of Jesus Christ. Here though is another avenue, similar to the "Big Picture View" approach that we use in Bob Enyart's life's work, The Plot: An Overview of the Bible:​ Thus Saith the Lord: If we count how many times the Old Testament prophets said, “Thus says the Lord” we find them using that phrase, in the New King James Version of the Bible, about 420 times. The New Testament on the other hand, never once records that phrase. Jesus Christ, with all the red ink devoted to recording His words, never once used that ubiquitous phrase, “Thus saith the Lord.” Rather, Jesus proclaims, “I say to you,” in the Gospels! Not a single “Thus says the Lord,” but rather, “I say to you,” 135 times. The following chart demonstrates biblically that these two phrases, Thus saith the Lord, and I say unto you, indicate the same thing, that God is speaking. For Jesus Christ made it clear that He Himself was at the heart of His teaching. Unlike the righteous priests and kings, prophets and the apostles, the Lord focused His message on Himself;   See more... Today's Resource: The Gospel of John! The Gospel of John Vol. I: Christ spoke often of the Father. Still, He preached an egocentric message. Jesus said: follow Me · believe in Me · abide in Me · do all for My sake · confess Me · love Me · come to Me · keep My commandments · receive Me · seek Me · I bear witness of Myself · I am the truth · I am the life. Should a created being direct most attention to the Father, or focus upon himself? Bible teachers use a handful of verses to establish Christ's identity. As is his style, Bob Enyart starts with a sweeping overview of the Bible to address the deity of Christ. This study stuns and delights, respectively, those disputing and affirming His divinity.​ The Gospel of John Vol. II: Relive Jesus feeding five thousand, walking on water, and being so offensive that even some of his own followers rejected Him, as did His own siblings. Hear Jesus command men to "judge with righteous judgment." Envision officers sent to apprehend Jesus failing to fulfill their mission as Christ thwarts the religious leaders who wanted to kill Him. The Pharisee Nicodemus risked all by defending Jesus; Christ forgave the woman caught in adultery; and He proclaimed, "before Abraham was, I AM." Then Jesus was condemned for healing a man born blind. Finally, Jesus blesses friends and enrages enemies by resurrecting Lazarus. The Gospel of John Vol. III: This climatic third volume concludes John's Gospel. Six days before the crucifixion, Mary of Bethany anointed Christ's head and feet. The next day the people of Jerusalem hail Him as King. By week's end, Jesus would be betrayed to His enemies and rejected by the crowd. The powerful father-and-son-in-law team of Annas and Caiaphas put Him on trial as did Pontius Pilate also. He died on a Roman cross in the place of a murderer named Barabbas, in the place of a sinner named Adam, and in the place of a Christian named... Enjoy these or any of Bob's studies, made available by book title or by topic, or you can subscribe or donate online or by calling 1-800-8Enyart (303-463-7789).

Christ spoke often of the Father. Still, He preached an egocentric message. Jesus said: follow Me · believe in Me · abide in Me · do all for My sake · confess Me · love Me · come to Me · keep My commandments · receive Me · seek Me · I bear witness of Myself · I am the truth · I am the life. Should a created being direct most attention to the Father, or focus upon himself? Bible teachers use a handful of verses to establish Christ's identity. As is his style, Bob Enyart starts with a sweeping overview of the Bible to address the deity of Christ. This study stuns and delights, respectively, those disputing and affirming His divinity. ​* The Deity of Christ -- Another Approach For centuries, as affirmed at the Council of Nicea, Christians have used a wonderful list of Bible verses to demonstrate from God's Word the deity of Jesus Christ. Here though is another avenue, similar to the "Big Picture View" approach that we use in Bob Enyart's life's work, The Plot: An Overview of the Bible:​ Thus Saith the Lord: If we count how many times the Old Testament prophets said, “Thus says the Lord” we find them using that phrase, in the New King James Version of the Bible, about 420 times. The New Testament on the other hand, never once records that phrase. Jesus Christ, with all the red ink devoted to recording His words, never once used that ubiquitous phrase, “Thus saith the Lord.” Rather, Jesus proclaims, “I say to you,” in the Gospels! Not a single “Thus says the Lord,” but rather, “I say to you,” 135 times. The following chart demonstrates biblically that these two phrases, Thus saith the Lord, and I say unto you, indicate the same thing, that God is speaking. For Jesus Christ made it clear that He Himself was at the heart of His teaching. Unlike the righteous priests and kings, prophets and the apostles, the Lord focused His message on Himself;   See more... Today's Resource: The Gospel of John! The Gospel of John Vol. I: Christ spoke often of the Father. Still, He preached an egocentric message. Jesus said: follow Me · believe in Me · abide in Me · do all for My sake · confess Me · love Me · come to Me · keep My commandments · receive Me · seek Me · I bear witness of Myself · I am the truth · I am the life. Should a created being direct most attention to the Father, or focus upon himself? Bible teachers use a handful of verses to establish Christ's identity. As is his style, Bob Enyart starts with a sweeping overview of the Bible to address the deity of Christ. This study stuns and delights, respectively, those disputing and affirming His divinity.​ The Gospel of John Vol. II: Relive Jesus feeding five thousand, walking on water, and being so offensive that even some of his own followers rejected Him, as did His own siblings. Hear Jesus command men to "judge with righteous judgment." Envision officers sent to apprehend Jesus failing to fulfill their mission as Christ thwarts the religious leaders who wanted to kill Him. The Pharisee Nicodemus risked all by defending Jesus; Christ forgave the woman caught in adultery; and He proclaimed, "before Abraham was, I AM." Then Jesus was condemned for healing a man born blind. Finally, Jesus blesses friends and enrages enemies by resurrecting Lazarus. The Gospel of John Vol. III: This climatic third volume concludes John's Gospel. Six days before the crucifixion, Mary of Bethany anointed Christ's head and feet. The next day the people of Jerusalem hail Him as King. By week's end, Jesus would be betrayed to His enemies and rejected by the crowd. The powerful father-and-son-in-law team of Annas and Caiaphas put Him on trial as did Pontius Pilate also. He died on a Roman cross in the place of a murderer named Barabbas, in the place of a sinner named Adam, and in the place of a Christian named... Enjoy these or any of Bob's studies, made available by book title or by topic, or you can subscribe or donate online or by calling 1-800-8Enyart (303-463-7789).

Nothing is covered up that will not be revealed, or hidden that will not be known.Luke 12:2Have no fear of them, nor be troubled, 15 but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect,1 Peter 3:14-15HYPOCRISY - “Isn't Christianity just full of hypocrites?”HYPOCRISY IN THE CHURCH AND IT'S EFFECT“How many people are radically and permanently repelled from The Way by Christians who are unfeeling, stiff, unapproachable, boringly lifeless, obsessive, and dissatisfied? Spirituality wrongly understood or pursued is a major source of human misery and rebellion against God.”Dallas Willard“The perception and reality of hypocrisy remain among the most significant barriers to evangelism and credibility in the modern age.”Pew Research (2023):Only 31% of U.S. adults now identify as Protestant (down from 51% in 2007).One key reason cited: “Christians don't act like Jesus.”Barna Group (2019):85% of non-Christians in the U.S. see Christians as “hypocritical.”Among Millennials (Christian or not), 66% say churchgoers are “more judgmental than loving.”Lifeway Research (2019):66% of church-going teens stop attending church regularly in their twenties.Top reason: “Church members appear judgmental or hypocritical.”Edelman Trust Barometer (2022):Trust in religious institutions is lower than in tech companies or NGOs globally.Many still seek spirituality but avoid institutional religion due to perceived hypocrisy.Pew (2021):29% of U.S. adults now identify as religious “nones” (atheist, agnostic, or “nothing in particular”).13 “You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled under people's feet.Matthew 5:1317 But in the following instructions I do not commend you, because when you come together it is not for the better but for the worse.1 Corinthians 11:177 WOES / CONTEXT OF THE PHARISEESNo passage in the Bible is more biting, more pointed, and more severe than this pronouncement of Christ upon the Pharisees. The pharisees, while attempting to honor the Word of God and manifesting extreme form of religious observance, were actually the farthest from God.WalvoordConverting the Church - Church of the City NYThen Jesus said to the crowds and to his disciples, 2 “The scribes and the Pharisees sit on Moses' seat, 3 so do and observe whatever they tell you, but not the works they do. For they preach, but do not practice. 4 They tie up heavy burdens, hard to bear,[a] and lay them on people's shoulders, but they themselves are not willing to move them with their finger. 5 They do all their deeds to be seen by others. For they make their phylacteries broad and their fringes long, 6 and they love the place of honor at feasts and the best seats in the synagogues 7 and greetings in the marketplaces and being called rabbi[b] by others. 8 But you are not to be called rabbi, for you have one teacher, and you are all brothers.[c] 9 And call no man your father on earth, for you have one Father, who is in heaven. 10 Neither be called instructors, for you have one instructor, the Christ. 11 The greatest among you shall be your servant. 12 Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.Matthew 23:1-12HYPOCRISY FROM THE PLATFORM26 “Today I am giving you a choice. You may choose the blessing or the curse. 27 You will get the blessing if you listen and obey the commands of the Lord your God that I have told you today. 28 But you will get the curse if you refuse to listen and obey the commands of the Lord your God. So don't stop living the way I command you today, and don't follow other gods that you don't know.Deuteronomy 11:26-284 They tie up heavy burdens, hard to bear,[a] and lay them on people's shoulders, but they themselves are not willing to move them with their finger. 5 They do all their deeds to be seen by others.Matthew 23:4-5Majoring over minors28 Then they led Jesus from the house of Caiaphas to the governor's headquarters.[f] It was early morning. They themselves did not enter the governor's headquarters, so that they would not be defiled, but could eat the Passover.John 18:28Seeking honor of man vs. approval of God“Honor is like a shadow, which flees from those that pursue it, and grasps at it, but follows those that flee from it.”Henry12 Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.Matthew 23:12“They will be better through me.” - The PhariseesHYPOCRISY FROM THE PEW8 But you are not to be called rabbi, for you have one teacher, and you are all brothers.[c] 9 And call no man your father on earth, for you have one Father, who is in heaven. 10 Neither be called instructors, for you have one instructor, the Christ.Matthew 23:8-10The perversity of the religious leaders of Israel does not excuse the people of Israel. They were guilty of willfully following blind guides.Toussaint“I will be better through them.” - The IsraelitesHYPOCRISY FROM THE STREETWhoever…Matthew 23:12FUNDAMENTAL ATTRIBUTION ERROR“I will be better apart from them.” - The WorldNO ONE IS SAFE (NONE ARE GO...

In this lecture, Don Carson discusses John 11, focusing on Jesus's delayed response to Lazarus's illness and subsequent death. Carson highlights the irony in this account, illustrating how Jesus's actions reveal his sovereignty over death and his role as the resurrection and the life, ultimately pointing to his future sacrifice. Carson reflects on the broader implications of Jesus's death and resurrection, underscoring the fulfillment of God's plan for salvation.He teaches the following:Why understanding Jesus's claim as the resurrection and the life requires seeing it in the context of unfolding ironyHow Jesus demonstrated his love by delaying his response to Lazarus's deathThe narrative framework highlights Jesus's love for Martha, Mary, and LazarusThe mixed responses to Jesus's actions from the Jewish audienceThe fulfillment of Caiaphas's prophecy reveals that Jesus's death is also for the scattered children of GodJesus's resurrection power has an ongoing impact, both in individual lives and in future resurrection on the last day

Send us a textGood morning! Thank you for taking a few minutes to listen. If you are interested in the Daily Bible Devotional, you can find it at the links below:Amazon - (paperback, hardcover, and Kindle)Spiritbuilding.com - (premium quality paperback)Youtube Video Introducing the ContentFeel free to reach out with any questions: emersonk78@me.comJohn 18 Jesus takes His Apostles into a garden, where Judas and Roman officers come to arrest Him. Peter cuts off a soldier's ear, but Jesus replaces it and goes with the soldiers peacefully. Peter and John follow closely behind as Jesus is taken before Annas, and then Caiaphas, the high priest that year. Peter is then questioned concerning Jesus, and he denies Him three times. The Jewish priests lead Jesus to Pilate since they need Roman approval to put Him to death. Pilate asks Jesus if He is the King of the Jews. Jesus responds by stating that His kingdom is not of this world. Ultimately, Pilate sees no guilt in Jesus. He asks the Jews if he should release Him, but they demand that a convicted robber be released instead.  There is an incredible calmness in Jesus as the time of His death approaches. When Peter injures a soldier, Jesus heals the man. When soldiers seek to arrest Him, Jesus simply asks that His followers be left alone. When questioned by the Jewish leaders, He answers by stating that He has kept no secrets in His ministry. As Pilate berates Him with questions, He answers with peaceable, spiritual, truthful answers. Meanwhile, Peter denies Him, and most of the Apostles are nowhere to be found. Our Savior is at peace with His purpose and with the sacrifice He would offer for the world. Peter and the Apostles became much more like Jesus after the resurrection. This should be our goal as well.  Gracious Lord, thank You for Jesus. His confidence and calmness establish Him as a King we are privileged to follow. Even in the fires of persecution, He was focused and holy. He answered even His most vicious accusers with dignity. Lord, teach us how to be more like Your Son. We all falter at times, resembling Peter's fear and doubt. Father, we plead for Your mercy and ask You to humble us and make us more devoted students of Jesus. His resolve to accomplish Your work has brought blessings to us all. Lead us to be more like our Savior.   Thought Questions: -       Why did Peter lash out at the soldier? Can outbursts and quick reactions be a symptom of a faith that needs some work? -       What are situations in your life where you need to have calm, confident responses like Jesus did throughout this chapter? -       Pilate asks a fateful question: “What is truth?” Is Jesus the answer to that question for you, and what does He mean in your life?

As Jesus raises Lazarus from the dead, we witness both the undeniable power of God and the tragic persistence of unbelief. This moment—filled with awe, compassion, and divine authority—should have led to universal worship. Instead, it becomes the trigger for the plot to kill Jesus.In this passage, we see Jesus deeply moved at the grave, not only by sorrow and death, but by the unbelief of those around Him. He commands life with His voice, calling Lazarus out of the tomb. Yet rather than bow in faith, many turn to conspire against Him.This sermon explores how hardened hearts can reject even the clearest revelation of God's glory—and how, even in the midst of rejection, God's sovereign plan unfolds perfectly.

"It is better for you that one man should die for the people…" Caiaphas tossed out those words to save his own seat, yet he unwittingly preached the Gospel of substitutionary atonement—one Man dying for the nation and gathering the scattered children of God. This message tracks the story from Lazarus' tomb to the Sanhedrin chamber and presses the unavoidable question: What do you do with Jesus? We'll see how God uses wicked men—like Caiaphas, like Cyrus—to accomplish righteous purposes, turning a plot meant for evil into salvation "on steroids." If He can steer a murderous council, He can guide the craziness of our age and even the "mundane" moments of our lives—changing diapers, answering phones, mowing lawns—for eternal glory. God's driving the bus, and there are no co-pilots. Trust Him, love Him, live in humble obedience, and watch ordinary providences become instruments of redemption.

Acts 4:1-121 The priests and the captain of the temple guard and the Sadducees came up to Peter and John while they were speaking to the people. 2 They were greatly disturbed because the apostles were teaching the people, proclaiming in Jesus the resurrection of the dead. 3 They seized Peter and John and, because it was evening, they put them in jail until the next day. 4 But many who heard the message believed; so the number of men who believed grew to about five thousand.5 The next day the rulers, the elders and the teachers of the law met in Jerusalem. 6 Annas the high priest was there, and so were Caiaphas, John, Alexander and others of the high priest's family. 7 They had Peter and John brought before them and began to question them: “By what power or what name did you do this?”8 Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them: “Rulers and elders of the people! 9 If we are being called to account today for an act of kindness shown to a man who was lame and are being asked how he was healed, 10 then know this, you and all the people of Israel: It is by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified but whom God raised from the dead, that this man stands before you healed. 11 Jesus is “‘the stone you builders rejected, which has become the cornerstone.' 12 Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.”13 When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus. 14 But since they could see the man who had been healed standing there with them, there was nothing they could say. 15 So they ordered them to withdraw from the Sanhedrin and then conferred together.16 “What are we going to do with these men?” they asked. “Everyone living in Jerusalem knows they have performed a notable sign, and we cannot deny it. 17 But to stop this thing from spreading any further among the people, we must warn them to speak no longer to anyone in this name.”18 Then they called them in again and commanded them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus. 19 But Peter and John replied, “Which is right in God's eyes: to listen to you, or to him?You be the judges! 20 As for us, we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard.”

"It is better for you that one man should die for the people…" Caiaphas tossed out those words to save his own seat, yet he unwittingly preached the Gospel of substitutionary atonement—one Man dying for the nation and gathering the scattered children of God. This message tracks the story from Lazarus' tomb to the Sanhedrin chamber and presses the unavoidable question: What do you do with Jesus? We'll see how God uses wicked men—like Caiaphas, like Cyrus—to accomplish righteous purposes, turning a plot meant for evil into salvation "on steroids." If He can steer a murderous council, He can guide the craziness of our age and even the "mundane" moments of our lives—changing diapers, answering phones, mowing lawns—for eternal glory. God's driving the bus, and there are no co-pilots. Trust Him, love Him, live in humble obedience, and watch ordinary providences become instruments of redemption.

Preacher: Joel SpruanceDate: 4/27/25Key Scriptures: Acts 4:5–14 (ESV)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. 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.

Just like all those involved in the Easter story, we've been given the opportunity to participate with Jesus in His Kingdom. In this sermon, Pastor Allen Jackson discusses four characters involved with Jesus' trial and crucifixion who missed the invitation to a better future: the high priest Caiaphas, Pontius Pilate, Judas Iscariot, and the Roman soldiers. They all believed something else, like money, power, or status, was more important than God's invitation. We have the same choice to make. Will we be deceived by the world, or will we have the courage to answer Jesus' call on our lives?   To support this ministry and help us continue to reach people all around the world, visit this link: allenjackson.com/podcastdonate

Send us a textGood morning! Thank you for taking a few minutes to listen. If you are interested in the Daily Bible Devotional, you can find it at the links below:Amazon - (paperback, hardcover, and Kindle)Spiritbuilding.com - (premium quality paperback)Youtube Video Introducing the ContentFeel free to reach out with any questions: emersonk78@me.comJohn 11 Lazarus is a friend of Jesus and the brother of Mary and Martha. Jesus hears that Lazarus is sick and informs His disciples that this illness will bring glory to God. Jesus delays His trip to Bethany, knowing that Lazarus will die and then be raised from the dead. As He approaches the village, Jesus tells Martha her brother will rise again. Jesus follows this by announcing Himself as “the resurrection and the life.” He then calls for Mary and weeps as he sees her despair over her brother's death. Jesus then raises Lazarus from the tomb. This results in more people believing in Jesus. The Jewish leaders, however, are confounded on how to handle Jesus. By the prophecy of high priest Caiaphas, they plan to put Him to death.  John's Gospel includes seven miracles from Jesus' ministry. No miracle of Jesus is greater than raising Lazarus from the dead. This proves His power over life and death. His death and resurrection would also confirm this power. We can live by faith, without fear of death, knowing that Christ will revive us again and give us eternal life. Even though death has no power over Him, Jesus still weeps at the sorrow of people who mourn their loss. Our Savior's miraculous might does not diminish His compassion for His people. Sadly, the Jewish leaders would not believe in the saving power of Jesus, as they wanted lives free of His influence. We must never give in to such a devastating decision.    Benevolent Father, You always provide what we need and bless us with Your mercy. We trust You in life, but Father, we pray to also do so in the face of death. We thank You for the ministry of Jesus and the scope of His power. Of all that He has done, we treasure most His victory over death. Since He raised Lazarus from the grave, we know that death is not the end for us. Help us to take comfort in this during our lives, but also that we keep the faith through to the end, knowing eternity is coming.  Thought Questions: -       Jesus loved Lazarus and his family. And yet, Jesus allowed him to die. Why? And how can that bring comfort to us in times of loss? -       Do you have faith that a believer “will live even if he dies”? How does eternal life in Christ shape the way you make daily decisions? -       Jewish leaders wanted to kill Jesus because they feared Rome's involvement. How is faith impossible if you fear worldly forces? 

John 17 outlines Jesus' wonderful prayer for unity with himself and his Father. Having struggled to subject his will to the Father in Gethsemane and being strengthened by an angel to do that, the victory had been won, and all that remained were the trials, scourging and crucifixion which our Master would endure. So the prayer began with an acknowledgment of the coming glory – verse 4 the glory that the Father had planned for the Son before creation. Then followed a plea for men to know the Father and the servant Son sent into the world to reveal the Father's character; and in that “knowing” would come life eternal. The prayer was to preserve the believers in that truth and so save them. None would be lost save Judas, the ‘son of destruction'. Eventually everyone sanctified by the truth would be united with the Father in the same way His Son was. John chapter 18 records the betrayal and arrest of the Lord in the garden of Gethsemane. Judas arrived with a heavily armed contingent of temple thugs; who when they asked the Lord, who they sought, they fell to the ground illustrating that where he was they could not come (John 7:36). He gave himself voluntarily into their hands after miraculously restoring the severed ear of Malchus- the high priest's servant and rebuking Peter who had mistakenly tried to protect his Lord. Jesus faced Annas and Caiaphas in trial. Peter's first denial followed. Then Jesus is placed under oath by the high priest, who contrary to the law commanded our Master to be struck and was rightly rebuked by Jesus. Peter's second denial followed. The rulers attempted to force from Pilate, the Roman Governor, during the night, the death sentence – another illegality – on the unproven charge of treason. Pilate questioned Jesus and it was clear that our Lord had total mastery of the situation and it was Pontius Pilate who quailed in the presence of the Son of God. Jesus bore witness to the Truth that he came into the world to be “King of the Jews” (see 1 Timothy 6:12-16). Pilate declared him to be innocent of the charge; but the rulers clamoured for his death and the acquittal of Barabbas.

John 18–19Betrayal and Arrest of Jesus[1] When Jesus had spoken these words, he went out with his disciples across the brook Kidron, where there was a garden, which he and his disciples entered. [2] Now Judas, who betrayed him, also knew the place, for Jesus often met there with his disciples. [3] So Judas, having procured a band of soldiers and some officers from the chief priests and the Pharisees, went there with lanterns and torches and weapons. [4] Then Jesus, knowing all that would happen to him, came forward and said to them, “Whom do you seek?” [5] They answered him, “Jesus of Nazareth.” Jesus said to them, “I am he.” Judas, who betrayed him, was standing with them. [6] When Jesus said to them, “I am he,” they drew back and fell to the ground. [7] So he asked them again, “Whom do you seek?” And they said, “Jesus of Nazareth.” [8] Jesus answered, “I told you that I am he. So, if you seek me, let these men go.” [9] This was to fulfill the word that he had spoken: “Of those whom you gave me I have lost not one.” [10] Then Simon Peter, having a sword, drew it and struck the high priest's servant and cut off his right ear. (The servant's name was Malchus.) [11] So Jesus said to Peter, “Put your sword into its sheath; shall I not drink the cup that the Father has given me?”Jesus Faces Annas and Caiaphas[12] So the band of soldiers and their captain and the officers of the Jews arrested Jesus and bound him. [13] First they led him to Annas, for he was the father-in-law of Caiaphas, who was high priest that year. [14] It was Caiaphas who had advised the Jews that it would be expedient that one man should die for the people.Peter Denies Jesus[15] Simon Peter followed Jesus, and so did another disciple. Since that disciple was known to the high priest, he entered with Jesus into the courtyard of the high priest, [16] but Peter stood outside at the door. So the other disciple, who was known to the high priest, went out and spoke to the servant girl who kept watch at the door, and brought Peter in. [17] The servant girl at the door said to Peter, “You also are not one of this man's disciples, are you?” He said, “I am not.” [18] Now the servants and officers had made a charcoal fire, because it was cold, and they were standing and warming themselves. Peter also was with them, standing and warming himself.[19] The high priest then questioned Jesus about his disciples and his teaching. [20] Jesus answered him, “I have spoken openly to the world. I have always taught in synagogues and in the temple, where all Jews come together. I have said nothing in secret. [21] Why do you ask me? Ask those who have heard me what I said to them; they know what I said.” [22] When he had said these things, one of the officers standing by struck Jesus with his hand, saying, “Is that how you answer the high priest?” [23] Jesus answered him, “If what I said is wrong, bear witness about the wrong; but if what I said is right, why do you strike me?” [24] Annas then sent him bound to Caiaphas the high priest.Jesus Before Pilate[28] Then they led Jesus from the house of Caiaphas to the governor's headquarters. It was early morning. They themselves did not enter the governor's headquarters, so that they would not be defiled, but could eat the Passover. [29] So Pilate went outside to them and said, “What accusation do you bring against this man?” [30] They answered him, “If this man were not doing evil, we would not have delivered him over to you.” [31] Pilate said to them, “Take him yourselves and judge him by your own law.” The Jews said to him, “It is not lawful for us to put anyone to death.” [32] This was to fulfill the word that Jesus had spoken to show by what kind of death he was going to die.

Learn the full story of what happened during Jesus' trial and crucifixion as Blake deep-dives into Matthew's account of the first Good Friday. That You May Know Him, Episode 248.

Jesus went out with his disciples across the Kidron valleyto where there was a garden,into which he and his disciples entered.Judas his betrayer also knew the place,because Jesus had often met there with his disciples.So Judas got a band of soldiers and guardsfrom the chief priests and the Phariseesand went there with lanterns, torches, and weapons.Jesus, knowing everything that was going to happen to him,went out and said to them, “Whom are you looking for?”They answered him, “Jesus the Nazorean.”He said to them, “I AM.”Judas his betrayer was also with them.When he said to them, “I AM, “they turned away and fell to the ground.So he again asked them,“Whom are you looking for?”They said, “Jesus the Nazorean.”Jesus answered,“I told you that I AM.So if you are looking for me, let these men go.”This was to fulfill what he had said,“I have not lost any of those you gave me.”Then Simon Peter, who had a sword, drew it,struck the high priest's slave, and cut off his right ear.The slave's name was Malchus.Jesus said to Peter,“Put your sword into its scabbard.Shall I not drink the cup that the Father gave me?”So the band of soldiers, the tribune, and the Jewish guards seized Jesus,bound him, and brought him to Annas first.He was the father-in-law of Caiaphas,who was high priest that year.It was Caiaphas who had counseled the Jewsthat it was better that one man should die rather than the people.Simon Peter and another disciple followed Jesus.Now the other disciple was known to the high priest,and he entered the courtyard of the high priest with Jesus.But Peter stood at the gate outside.So the other disciple, the acquaintance of the high priest,went out and spoke to the gatekeeper and brought Peter in.Then the maid who was the gatekeeper said to Peter,“You are not one of this man's disciples, are you?”He said, “I am not.”Now the slaves and the guards were standing around a charcoal firethat they had made, because it was cold,and were warming themselves.Peter was also standing there keeping warm.The high priest questioned Jesusabout his disciples and about his doctrine.Jesus answered him,“I have spoken publicly to the world.I have always taught in a synagogueor in the temple area where all the Jews gather,and in secret I have said nothing.  Why ask me?Ask those who heard me what I said to them.They know what I said.”When he had said this,one of the temple guards standing there struck Jesus and said,“Is this the way you answer the high priest?”Jesus answered him,“If I have spoken wrongly, testify to the wrong;but if I have spoken rightly, why do you strike me?”Then Annas sent him bound to Caiaphas the high priest.Now Simon Peter was standing there keeping warm.And they said to him,“You are not one of his disciples, are you?”He denied it and said,“I am not.”One of the slaves of the high priest,a relative of the one whose ear Peter had cut off, said,“Didn't I see you in the garden with him?”Again Peter denied it.And immediately the cock crowed.Then they brought Jesus from Caiaphas to the praetorium.It was morning.And they themselves did not enter the praetorium,in order not to be defiled so that they could eat the Passover.So Pilate came out to them and said,“What charge do you bring against this man?”They answered and said to him,“If he were not a criminal,we would not have handed him over to you.”At this, Pilate said to them,“Take him yourselves, and judge him according to your law.”The Jews answered him,“We do not have the right to execute anyone, “in order that the word of Jesus might be fulfilledthat he said indicating the kind of death he would die.

WHAT HAPPENS IN THIS EPISODE: Jesus is taken to be questioned by Annas Annas sends Jesus to Caiaphas for trial The Sanhedrin question Jesus under oath, requiring Jesus admit that he is the Messiah The Sanhedrin consider Jesus guilty of blasphemy Judas regrets his actions and gives back his money Judas hangs himself Jesus is brought before Pilate for trial Pilate and Jesus converse about the nature of kingdoms and truth Pilate sends Jesus to Herod who sends him back to Pilate While Pilate wants to release Jesus, the crowd is out for blood SCRIPTURES USED IN THIS EPISODE: John 18:13-23 Luke 22:55-58 Mark 14:55-64 Matthew 26:73-74 Matthew 27:1-10, 19 John 18:28-40 Luke 23:1-2, 5-17 John 18:33-38 (The Message) SUPPORT THIS PODCAST While this podcast is free for you to listen, it is not free to produce and make available to you. Won't you consider helping us defray the costs of bringing this podcast to you. Make a direct donation to us. Every dollar will go to make this podcast available to the world. https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=LKASTZFA8YYJY Support two causes at once. By supporting HeroCarePackages.com and boosting the morale of our service men and women, you'll also support Jesus Stories and receive an exclusive 10% discount. https://herocarepackages.com/discount/STORIESDEAL Buy some Jesus Stories swag https://jesusstories.info/swag/ Are you a fellow podcaster? Does Blubrry host your work? If not, consider this outstanding service for your podcast and get your first month's hosting free when you use the JESUS STORIES promo code at sign-up. https://blubrry.com/ FIND US ON SOCIAL MEDIA PLATFORMS: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JesusStoriesThePodcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jesus_stories_the_podcast/ X: https://x.com/JesusStoriesPod Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

Good Friday Old Testament Isaiah 52:13-53:12 See, my servant shall prosper; he shall be exalted and lifted up, and shall be very high. Just as there were many who were astonished at him --so marred was his appearance, beyond human semblance, and his form beyond that of mortals-- so he shall startle many nations; kings shall shut their mouths because of him; for that which had not been told them they shall see, and that which they had not heard they shall contemplate.   Who has believed what we have heard? And to whom has the arm of the Lord been revealed? For he grew up before him like a young plant, and like a root out of dry ground; he had no form or majesty that we should look at him, nothing in his appearance that we should desire him. He was despised and rejected by others; a man of suffering and acquainted with infirmity; and as one from whom others hide their faces he was despised, and we held him of no account.   Surely he has borne our infirmities and carried our diseases; yet we accounted him stricken, struck down by God, and afflicted. But he was wounded for our transgressions, crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the punishment that made us whole, and by his bruises we are healed. All we like sheep have gone astray; we have all turned to our own way, and the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all.   He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he did not open his mouth; like a lamb that is led to the slaughter, and like a sheep that before its shearers is silent, so he did not open his mouth. By a perversion of justice he was taken away. Who could have imagined his future? For he was cut off from the land of the living, stricken for the transgression of my people. They made his grave with the wicked and his tomb with the rich, although he had done no violence, and there was no deceit in his mouth.   Yet it was the will of the Lord to crush him with pain. When you make his life an offering for sin, he shall see his offspring, and shall prolong his days; through him the will of the Lord shall prosper. Out of his anguish he shall see light; he shall find satisfaction through his knowledge. The righteous one, my servant, shall make many righteous, and he shall bear their iniquities. Therefore I will allot him a portion with the great, and he shall divide the spoil with the strong; because he poured out himself to death, and was numbered with the transgressors; yet he bore the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors. The Response Psalm 22 Deus, Deus meus 1 My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? * and are so far from my cry and from the words of my distress? 2 O my God, I cry in the daytime, but you do not answer; * by night as well, but I find no rest. 3 Yet you are the Holy One, * enthroned upon the praises of Israel. 4 Our forefathers put their trust in you; * they trusted, and you delivered them. 5 They cried out to you and were delivered; * they trusted in you and were not put to shame. 6 But as for me, I am a worm and no man, * scorned by all and despised by the people. 7 All who see me laugh me to scorn; * they curl their lips and wag their heads, saying, 8 "He trusted in the Lord; let him deliver him; * let him rescue him, if he delights in him." 9 Yet you are he who took me out of the womb, * and kept me safe upon my mother's breast. 10 I have been entrusted to you ever since I was born; * you were my God when I was still in my mother's womb. 11 Be not far from me, for trouble is near, * and there is none to help. 12 Many young bulls encircle me; * strong bulls of Bashan surround me. 13 They open wide their jaws at me, * like a ravening and a roaring lion. 14 I am poured out like water; all my bones are out of joint; * my heart within my breast is melting wax. 15 My mouth is dried out like a pot-sherd; my tongue sticks to the roof of my mouth; * and you have laid me in the dust of the grave. 16 Packs of dogs close me in, and gangs of evildoers circle around me; * they pierce my hands and my feet; I can count all my bones. 17 They stare and gloat over me; * they divide my garments among them; they cast lots for my clothing. 18 Be not far away, O Lord; * you are my strength; hasten to help me. 19 Save me from the sword, * my life from the power of the dog. 20 Save me from the lion's mouth, * my wretched body from the horns of wild bulls. 21 I will declare your Name to my brethren; * in the midst of the congregation I will praise you. 22 Praise the Lord, you that fear him; * stand in awe of him, O offspring of Israel; all you of Jacob's line, give glory. 23 For he does not despise nor abhor the poor in their poverty; neither does he hide his face from them; * but when they cry to him he hears them. 24 My praise is of him in the great assembly; * I will perform my vows in the presence of those who worship him. 25 The poor shall eat and be satisfied, and those who seek the Lord shall praise him: * "May your heart live for ever!" 26 All the ends of the earth shall remember and turn to the Lord, * and all the families of the nations shall bow before him. 27 For kingship belongs to the Lord; * he rules over the nations. 28 To him alone all who sleep in the earth bow down in worship; * all who go down to the dust fall before him. 29 My soul shall live for him; my descendants shall serve him; * they shall be known as the Lord's for ever. 30 They shall come and make known to a people yet unborn * the saving deeds that he has done. The Epistle Hebrews 10:16-25 The Holy Spirit testifies saying, "This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, says the Lord: I will put my laws in their hearts, and I will write them on their minds," he also adds, "I will remember their sins and their lawless deeds no more." Where there is forgiveness of these, there is no longer any offering for sin. Therefore, my friends, since we have confidence to enter the sanctuary by the blood of Jesus, by the new and living way that he opened for us through the curtain (that is, through his flesh), and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us approach with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold fast to the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who has promised is faithful. And let us consider how to provoke one another to love and good deeds, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day approaching. or Hebrews 4:14-16; 5:7-9 Since, then, we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast to our confession. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who in every respect has been tested as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore approach the throne of grace with boldness, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need. In the days of his flesh, Jesus offered up prayers and supplications, with loud cries and tears, to the one who was able to save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverent submission. Although he was a Son, he learned obedience through what he suffered; and having been made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey him. The Gospel John 18:1-19:42 Jesus went out with his disciples across the Kidron valley to a place where there was a garden, which he and his disciples entered. Now Judas, who betrayed him, also knew the place, because Jesus often met there with his disciples. So Judas brought a detachment of soldiers together with police from the chief priests and the Pharisees, and they came there with lanterns and torches and weapons. Then Jesus, knowing all that was to happen to him, came forward and asked them, "Whom are you looking for?" They answered, "Jesus of Nazareth." Jesus replied, "I am he." Judas, who betrayed him, was standing with them. When Jesus said to them, "I am he," they stepped back and fell to the ground. Again he asked them, "Whom are you looking for?" And they said, "Jesus of Nazareth." Jesus answered, "I told you that I am he. So if you are looking for me, let these men go." This was to fulfill the word that he had spoken, "I did not lose a single one of those whom you gave me." Then Simon Peter, who had a sword, drew it, struck the high priest's slave, and cut off his right ear. The slave's name was Malchus. Jesus said to Peter, "Put your sword back into its sheath. Am I not to drink the cup that the Father has given me?" So the soldiers, their officer, and the Jewish police arrested Jesus and bound him. First they took him to Annas, who was the father-in-law of Caiaphas, the high priest that year. Caiaphas was the one who had advised the Jews that it was better to have one person die for the people. Simon Peter and another disciple followed Jesus. Since that disciple was known to the high priest, he went with Jesus into the courtyard of the high priest, but Peter was standing outside at the gate. So the other disciple, who was known to the high priest, went out, spoke to the woman who guarded the gate, and brought Peter in. The woman said to Peter, "You are not also one of this man's disciples, are you?" He said, "I am not." Now the slaves and the police had made a charcoal fire because it was cold, and they were standing around it and warming themselves. Peter also was standing with them and warming himself. Then the high priest questioned Jesus about his disciples and about his teaching. Jesus answered, "I have spoken openly to the world; I have always taught in synagogues and in the temple, where all the Jews come together. I have said nothing in secret. Why do you ask me? Ask those who heard what I said to them; they know what I said." When he had said this, one of the police standing nearby struck Jesus on the face, saying, "Is that how you answer the high priest?" Jesus answered, "If I have spoken wrongly, testify to the wrong. But if I have spoken rightly, why do you strike me?" Then Annas sent him bound to Caiaphas the high priest. Now Simon Peter was standing and warming himself. They asked him, "You are not also one of his disciples, are you?" He denied it and said, "I am not." One of the slaves of the high priest, a relative of the man whose ear Peter had cut off, asked, "Did I not see you in the garden with him?" Again Peter denied it, and at that moment the cock crowed. Then they took Jesus from Caiaphas to Pilate's headquarters. It was early in the morning. They themselves did not enter the headquarters, so as to avoid ritual defilement and to be able to eat the Passover. So Pilate went out to them and said, "What accusation do you bring against this man?" They answered, "If this man were not a criminal, we would not have handed him over to you." Pilate said to them, "Take him yourselves and judge him according to your law." The Jews replied, "We are not permitted to put anyone to death." (This was to fulfill what Jesus had said when he indicated the kind of death he was to die.) Then Pilate entered the headquarters again, summoned Jesus, and asked him, "Are you the King of the Jews?" Jesus answered, "Do you ask this on your own, or did others tell you about me?" Pilate replied, "I am not a Jew, am I? Your own nation and the chief priests have handed you over to me. What have you done?" Jesus answered, "My kingdom is not from this world. If my kingdom were from this world, my followers would be fighting to keep me from being handed over to the Jews. But as it is, my kingdom is not from here." Pilate asked him, "So you are a king?" Jesus answered, "You say that I am a king. For this I was born, and for this I came into the world, to testify to the truth. Everyone who belongs to the truth listens to my voice." Pilate asked him, "What is truth?" After he had said this, he went out to the Jews again and told them, "I find no case against him. But you have a custom that I release someone for you at the Passover. Do you want me to release for you the King of the Jews?" They shouted in reply, "Not this man, but Barabbas!" Now Barabbas was a bandit. Then Pilate took Jesus and had him flogged. And the soldiers wove a crown of thorns and put it on his head, and they dressed him in a purple robe. They kept coming up to him, saying, "Hail, King of the Jews!" and striking him on the face. Pilate went out again and said to them, "Look, I am bringing him out to you to let you know that I find no case against him." So Jesus came out, wearing the crown of thorns and the purple robe. Pilate said to them, "Here is the man!" When the chief priests and the police saw him, they shouted, "Crucify him! Crucify him!" Pilate said to them, "Take him yourselves and crucify him; I find no case against him." The Jews answered him, "We have a law, and according to that law he ought to die because he has claimed to be the Son of God." Now when Pilate heard this, he was more afraid than ever. He entered his headquarters again and asked Jesus, "Where are you from?" But Jesus gave him no answer. Pilate therefore said to him, "Do you refuse to speak to me? Do you not know that I have power to release you, and power to crucify you?" Jesus answered him, "You would have no power over me unless it had been given you from above; therefore the one who handed me over to you is guilty of a greater sin." From then on Pilate tried to release him, but the Jews cried out, "If you release this man, you are no friend of the emperor. Everyone who claims to be a king sets himself against the emperor." When Pilate heard these words, he brought Jesus outside and sat on the judge's bench at a place called The Stone Pavement, or in Hebrew Gabbatha. Now it was the day of Preparation for the Passover; and it was about noon. He said to the Jews, "Here is your King!" They cried out, "Away with him! Away with him! Crucify him!" Pilate asked them, "Shall I crucify your King?" The chief priests answered, "We have no king but the emperor." Then he handed him over to them to be crucified. So they took Jesus; and carrying the cross by himself, he went out to what is called The Place of the Skull, which in Hebrew is called Golgotha. There they crucified him, and with him two others, one on either side, with Jesus between them. Pilate also had an inscription written and put on the cross. It read, "Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews." Many of the Jews read this inscription, because the place where Jesus was crucified was near the city; and it was written in Hebrew, in Latin, and in Greek. Then the chief priests of the Jews said to Pilate, "Do not write, 'The King of the Jews,' but, 'This man said, I am King of the Jews.'" Pilate answered, "What I have written I have written." When the soldiers had crucified Jesus, they took his clothes and divided them into four parts, one for each soldier. They also took his tunic; now the tunic was seamless, woven in one piece from the top. So they said to one another, "Let us not tear it, but cast lots for it to see who will get it." This was to fulfill what the scripture says, "They divided my clothes among themselves, and for my clothing they cast lots." And that is what the soldiers did. Meanwhile, standing near the cross of Jesus were his mother, and his mother's sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. When Jesus saw his mother and the disciple whom he loved standing beside her, 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 own home. After this, when Jesus knew that all was now finished, he said (in order to fulfill the scripture), "I am thirsty." A jar full of sour wine was standing there. So they put a sponge full of the wine on a branch of hyssop and held it to his mouth. When Jesus had received the wine, he said, "It is finished." Then he bowed his head and gave up his spirit. Since it was the day of Preparation, the Jews did not want the bodies left on the cross during the sabbath, especially because that sabbath was a day of great solemnity. So they asked Pilate to have the legs of the crucified men broken and the bodies removed. Then the soldiers came and broke the legs of the first and of the other who had been crucified with him. But when they came to Jesus and saw that he was already dead, they did not break his legs. Instead, one of the soldiers pierced his side with a spear, and at once blood and water came out. (He who saw this has testified so that you also may believe. His testimony is true, and he knows that he tells the truth.) These things occurred so that the scripture might be fulfilled, "None of his bones shall be broken." And again another passage of scripture says, "They will look on the one whom they have pierced." After these things, Joseph of Arimathea, who was a disciple of Jesus, though a secret one because of his fear of the Jews, asked Pilate to let him take away the body of Jesus. Pilate gave him permission; so he came and removed his body. Nicodemus, who had at first come to Jesus by night, also came, bringing a mixture of myrrh and aloes, weighing about a hundred pounds. They took the body of Jesus and wrapped it with the spices in linen cloths, according to the burial custom of the Jews. Now there was a garden in the place where he was crucified, and in the garden there was a new tomb in which no one had ever been laid. And so, because it was the Jewish day of Preparation, and the tomb was nearby, they laid Jesus there.

While beyond Jordan Jesus is informed that his friend Lazarus is gravely ill and the messengers request that Jesus come immediately. But verse 4 says that our Lord's response is to declare that this sickness of Lazarus is not unto death; but that Jesus might be glorified. After two days delay our Lord goes to his friends. Christ tells his disciples not to stumble; but to walk in the light, as long as the Light ie our Lord is with them. Jesus now plainly says that Lazarus is dead. This information probably raising more questions for his disciples than answers. When our Lord arrives note Martha's unshakable conviction that Jesus is the resurrection and the life and any one believing in him would be raised up at the Last Day. Mary, however, had had her confidence in her Lord undermined by the Jewish rulers – called throughout John's account “the Jews”. This caused Jesus to weep. The whole scenario was an out-working of the prophecy of Jeremiah 13 verses 15-17, which verses are cited three times by our Lord in John 11 verses 4-10. To show that Lazarus is one of the Lord's sheep when our Lord's voice of command is spoken with authority Lazarus came forth alive. Lazarus walked out in his grave clothes indicating that this was not the resurrection of the last day that Martha had spoken of. How infuriating to the authorities that Jesus had raised Lazarus. Did they respond to this miracle in belief – no? They immediately sought the death of Lazarus death and schemed Jesus' own destruction. Caiaphas takes the lead in these matters. The Lord had predicted these events in his parable in Luke 16.

- Went back early to the temple to teach and preach- Jesus authority is questioned (Mark 11:27-33)- Jesus rebukes the religious leaders. (Matt 21:23-46) - Tax collectors and prostitutes would have a better chance of getting to heaven than them - Chief Priests had a plan to trick him.  - Even other people they sent to trick him were captivated by his teachings. - Jesus teaches on the parable of the vineyard (Luke 20:1-19) - Went to high priest Caiaphas house to plot how to kill him - Back to Bethany to sleep, expensive perfume broken and his feet washed.  TAKE AWAY: TuesdayREMEMBER – The attempts to trick Christ and convince others he is not God.THIS WEEK - Recognize Him in your life.

“The chief priests and the whole Sanhedrin were looking for evidence against Jesus so that they could put him to death, but they did not find any.” (Mark 14:55 NIV) The prosecution of Jesus offers a case study in injustice, hypocrisy, and evil. After He was arrested in the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus was taken to the house of Annas, a former high priest. Annas interrogated Him briefly and then sent Him to the house of Caiaphas, the current high priest. Caiaphas had assembled the Sanhedrin, the ruling religious body in Israel, to hear testimony. He had hoped to include the testimonies of false witnesses who were willing to lie about Jesus, but none of them could get their stories straight. Instead, he used testimony from two men who said, “This man said, ‘I am able to destroy the Temple of God and rebuild it in three days’” (Matthew 26:61 NLT). The high priest demanded that Jesus tell them if He was the Messiah. “Jesus replied, ‘You have said it. And in the future you will see the Son of Man seated in the place of power at God’s right hand and coming on the clouds of heaven’” (verse 64 NLT). He gave His enemies all they needed to convict Him of blasphemy. It didn’t matter to them that He spoke the truth. “‘Guilty!’ they shouted. ‘He deserves to die!’” (verse 66 NLT). The Sanhedrin made its verdict official a short time later. But it didn’t have the authority to carry out the death sentence. Only Roman authorities could do that. So the Jewish leaders sent Jesus to the Roman governor, Pilate. Pilate could find no reason to execute Him. When he learned that Jesus had started His ministry in Galilee, Pilate sent Him to Herod, the ruler of Galilee, who happened to be in Jerusalem at that time. Herod asked a lot of questions, and then ridiculed and mocked Jesus, but could find no reason to pass judgment on Him. So he sent him back to Pilate. Meanwhile, the Jewish leaders had organized a mob to demand that Jesus be crucified. Pilate tried to explain that he could find no guilt in Jesus. He had Jesus flogged to try to satisfy the mob’s bloodlust. But it didn’t work. Through it all, Jesus used an unorthodox but highly effective legal strategy—effective, that is, if your aim is to be found guilty and put to death. He remained silent. Aside from a few sentences, He refused to engage His accusers or answer their charges, even though almost every part of His trial was illegal and unjust. In doing so, He fulfilled the prophecy of Isaiah 53:7: “He was oppressed and afflicted, yet he did not open his mouth; he was led like a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before its shearers is silent, so he did not open his mouth” (NIV). In terms of human justice, Jesus’ trials were a farce. But He was interested in justice of another kind. Jesus did exactly what He needed to do to ensure that God’s justice was satisfied. Because of our sins, the only way for it to be satisfied was for an innocent person to endure God’s wrath. And He was the only innocent person. Jesus was still in complete control. He had outsmarted and outmaneuvered the religious leaders at every turn in His ministry. He could have shamed His accusers and exposed the hypocrisy of His judges. And that’s why He remained silent. He was forcing their hand. He was giving them no choice but to crucify Him. A key takeaway from this epic miscarriage of justice is that one day the Defendant will be the Judge. One day all of us will stand before the Lord to give an account of our lives. And our eternal fate will be determined by a single question: Who do you say He is? Reflection question: How can we respond to people who try to discredit Jesus? Discuss Today's Devo in Harvest Discipleship! — Listen to the Greg Laurie Podcast Become a Harvest PartnerSupport the show: https://harvest.org/supportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Many of the Jews who had come to Maryand seen what Jesus had done began to believe in him.But some of them went to the Phariseesand told them what Jesus had done.So the chief priests and the Phariseesconvened the Sanhedrin and said,“What are we going to do?This man is performing many signs.If we leave him alone, all will believe in him,and the Romans will comeand take away both our land and our nation.”But one of them, Caiaphas,who was high priest that year, said to them,“You know nothing,nor do you consider that it is better for youthat one man should die instead of the people,so that the whole nation may not perish.”He did not say this on his own,but since he was high priest for that year,he prophesied that Jesus was going to die for the nation,and not only for the nation,but also to gather into one the dispersed children of God.So from that day on they planned to kill him.So Jesus no longer walked about in public among the Jews,but he left for the region near the desert,to a town called Ephraim,and there he remained with his disciples.Now the Passover of the Jews was near,and many went up from the country to Jerusalembefore Passover to purify themselves.They looked for Jesus and said to one anotheras they were in the temple area, “What do you think?That he will not come to the feast?”

​Holy Cross Monastery Online Store: https://holycross.org/collections​Holy Cross Monastery Live Broadcast: https://youtube.com/channel/UCQ-sqeQbmgzrL0t8uFJm4Ew​Paypal Donation Link: https://paypal.com/us/fundraiser/charity/1336755​Holy Cross Monastery is an English-speaking Orthodox Christian monastic brotherhood within the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia in the Diocese of Eastern America & New York. Learn more about the life and ministry of the monastery at https://holycross.org.​THE FIRST NOUR, which corresponds by our reckoning to the seventh hour of the morning, recalls how the Lord Jesus Christ was led into the praetorium from Caiaphas to Pilate, “like an evil-doer, the Benefactor bound, and how there the Judge of all the world was slandered by the lawless high priests and elders of the Jews, and by an unjust judge was condemned.” It is believed that the First Hour was established in Palestinian monasteries in the fourth century. At the reading of the Hours it is customary to read the Troparion and Kontakion hymns of the feast (if applicable) or of the saint of the day. However, in order to make the Hours herein available for general use throughout the Church year, the Troparion and Kontakion to the Holy Cross are used. Holy Cross Monastery Online Store: https://holycross.org/collections Holy Cross Monastery Live Broadcast: https://youtube.com/channel/UCQ-sqeQbmgzrL0t8uFJm4Ew Paypal Donation Link: https://paypal.com/us/fundraiser/charity/1336755 HOLY CROSS MONASTERY is an English-speaking Orthodox Christian monastic brotherhood within the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia in the Diocese of Eastern America & New York. Learn more about the life and ministry of the monastery at https://holycross.org.​​Used with permission.

Read OnlineSo the chief priests and the Pharisees convened the Sanhedrin and said, “What are we going to do? This man is performing many signs. If we leave him alone, all will believe in him, and the Romans will come and take away both our land and our nation.” John 11:47–48Jesus' public ministry had two primary effects upon the people. For many, they were coming to believe in Him and were hanging on His every word. They sought Him out and began to understand that He was the promised Messiah. This was the response of faith. But the reaction of the chief priests and the Pharisees was far more worldly. In the passage above, we see a group of religious leaders who are completely consumed with worldly concerns to the point that these concerns drown out all matters of faith.As the Sanhedrin convened and discussed what they should do, Caiaphas, the high priest that year, spoke up and gave advice that perfectly depicts this worldly vision. He said, “You know nothing, nor do you consider that it is better for you that one man should die instead of the people, so that the whole nation may not perish.” Caiaphas and many other religious leaders at the time appeared to be far more concerned with their worldly status and power than they were with matters of true faith and eternal salvation. If they were men who deeply loved God and sought only His holy will, then they would have rejoiced that Jesus' ministry was so fruitful in the lives of the people. They would have offered thanks to God, day and night, for the privilege of seeing the prophecies of old about the Messiah come to fruition before their own eyes. They should have had joy and gratitude, and they should have allowed those spiritual blessings to grow within them and give them the courage they needed to go forth and die with our Lord if necessary. But instead, they chose their comfortable lives and worldly status above the truth, and they decided that Jesus needed to die.One beautiful truth to reflect upon within this context is that God uses all things for His glory and for the salvation of those who believe. With this meeting of the Sanhedrin, these men began to plot the death of Jesus. Eventually they used deceit, manipulation, intimidation and fear to accomplish their goal. But even though from a worldly perspective these misguided religious leaders “won,” from a divine perspective, God used their evil to bring about the greatest good the world had ever known. Through their malice, Jesus' passion and death gave way to the new life of the Resurrection. Reflect, today, upon the fact that God is able to use all things for our good. Be it in the midst of corruption, persecution, discord, sin, illness or any other evil in life, when we turn to God in faith and surrender, He is able to transform all things and bring forth an abundance of good fruit through them if we only let Him and trust in faith. Prayerfully surrender over to God, today, any of the above concerns that have affected you, and allow yourself to believe the simple truth that nothing can keep you from the glorious fulfillment of the will of God. All things can help toward the salvation of your soul and end in God's eternal glory. My glorious Lord, You were loved by many but also hated by some. Those with power and authority could not see beyond their worldly ambitions, so they began to plot against You. Give me the grace, dear Lord, to see every act of evil inflicted upon me as an opportunity for You to bring forth good. You are glorious, dear Lord. May You be glorified in all things. Jesus, I trust in You.  Image via Brooklyn MuseumSource of content: catholic-daily-reflections.comCopyright © 2025 My Catholic Life! Inc. All rights reserved. Used with permission via RSS feed.

This episode is going to be a little different. No background music. No closing summary and calls to action. Why? Because we're grappling with the question, “Why did Jesus have to die?” in this conversation. Dr. Chris Croghan and Lars Olson do an incredible job calling out how everyone involved in Christ's final moments sinned against Him. From the betrayal to the power dynamics to the self-preservation, every single person called for Jesus to be crucified. Why did Jesus have to die? Because everyone demanded it. Including you. God repeatedly tells us His name is mercy. We don't believe Him. The only way you'll believe it is if His blood is on your hands. John 18:1–19:42: 3 So Judas brought a detachment of soldiers together with police from the chief priests and the Pharisees, and they came there with lanterns and torches and weapons. 4 Then Jesus, knowing all that was to happen to him, came forward and asked them, “Whom are you looking for?” 5 They answered, “Jesus of Nazareth.” Jesus replied, “I am he.” Judas, who betrayed him, was standing with them. 6 When Jesus said to them, “I am he,” they stepped back and fell to the ground. 7 Again he asked them, “Whom are you looking for?” And they said, “Jesus of Nazareth.” 8 Jesus answered, “I told you that I am he. So if you are looking for me, let these men go.” 9 This was to fulfill the word that he had spoken, “I did not lose a single one of those whom you gave me.” 28 Then they took Jesus from Caiaphas to Pilate's headquarters. It was early in the morning. They themselves did not enter the headquarters, so as to avoid ritual defilement and to be able to eat the Passover. 29 So Pilate went out to them and said, “What accusation do you bring against this man?” 30 They answered, “If this man were not a criminal, we would not have handed him over to you.” 31 Pilate said to them, “Take him yourselves and judge him according to your law.” The Jews replied, “We are not permitted to put anyone to death.” 35 Pilate replied, “I am not a Jew, am I? Your own nation and the chief priests have handed you over to me. What have you done?” 36 Jesus answered, “My kingdom is not from this world. If my kingdom were from this world, my followers would be fighting to keep me from being handed over to the Jews. But as it is, my kingdom is not from here.” 37 Pilate asked him, “So you are a king?” Jesus answered, “You say that I am a king. For this I was born, and for this I came into the world, to testify to the truth. Everyone who belongs to the truth listens to my voice.” 38 Pilate asked him, “What is truth?” 9 But you have a custom that I release someone for you at the Passover. Do you want me to release for you the King of the Jews?” 40 They shouted in reply, “Not this man, but Barabbas!” Now Barabbas was a bandit. 10 Pilate therefore said to him, “Do you refuse to speak to me? Do you not know that I have power to release you, and power to crucify you?” 11 Jesus answered him, “You would have no power over me unless it had been given you from above; therefore the one who handed me over to you is guilty of a greater sin.” 12 From then on Pilate tried to release him, but the Jews cried out, “If you release this man, you are no friend of the emperor. Everyone who claims to be a king sets himself against the emperor.” 15 They cried out, “Away with him! Away with him! Crucify him!” Pilate asked them, “Shall I crucify your King?” The chief priests answered, “We have no king but the emperor.” 16 Then he handed him over to them to be crucified. Support the showInterested in sponsoring an episode of Scripture First?Email Sarah at sarah@lhos.org or visit our donation page: lutherhouseofstudy.org/donate

The Lead Actor is about to appear. The drama was being performed exactly as written, with Judas, Caiaphas, Pilate, and even Pilate's wife playing their parts perfectly. If you're familiar with Matthew's Gospel, you know that he's driven to tie the events of Jesus' life back to the Scriptures. The text of this play was written by the Prophets. But at the climax of the drama, in Matthew 27, the Main Character has a non-speaking role. Listen to Right Start Radio every Monday through Friday on WCVX 1160AM (Cincinnati, OH) at 9:30am, WHKC 91.5FM (Columbus, OH) at 5:00pm, WRFD 880AM (Columbus, OH) at 9:00am. Right Start can also be heard on One Christian Radio 107.7FM & 87.6FM in New Plymouth, New Zealand. You can purchase a copy of this message, unsegmented for broadcasting and in its entirety, for $7 on a single CD by calling +1 (800) 984-2313, and of course you can always listen online or download the message for free. RS04092025_0.mp3Scripture References: Matthew 20; 26; 27

Would you like to hear some testimony about Jesus from hostile witnesses? We know what John believed about Christ; what about Judas? Peter waffled and wavered in his testimony, and that's never good; was Pilate's confession more steady? How about the "other side," the Prosecution, the men who wanted this Nazarene blasphemer dead - what was their sworn testimony? Could it be that even hardened enemies like Caiaphas were forced to admit the truth? Listen to Right Start Radio every Monday through Friday on WCVX 1160AM (Cincinnati, OH) at 9:30am, WHKC 91.5FM (Columbus, OH) at 5:00pm, WRFD 880AM (Columbus, OH) at 9:00am. Right Start can also be heard on One Christian Radio 107.7FM & 87.6FM in New Plymouth, New Zealand. You can purchase a copy of this message, unsegmented for broadcasting and in its entirety, for $7 on a single CD by calling +1 (800) 984-2313, and of course you can always listen online or download the message for free. RS04082025_0.mp3Scripture References: Matthew 20; 26; 27

This week's program looks at John 11. What should we make of Caiaphas? Is he hero, or villain, or something else? Get ready to chuckle or even chortle with Pastor “Jolly” John Lukomski and Pastor Matt “Youngblood” Clark as they take a humorous approach to Bible Study. Submit comments or questions to: listener@kfuo.org

“They took Jesus, and led Him away.” — John 19:16 He had been all night in agony, He had spent the early morning at the hall of Caiaphas, He had been hurried from Caiaphas to Pilate, from Pilate to Herod, and from Herod back again to Pilate; He had, therefore, but little strength left, and […]

Bible Study (2:19) Genesis 37:3-4, 12-13a, 17b-28a Fr. Simon discusses the story of Joseph and how he was thrown in the cistern. The site of the house of Caiaphas had a cistern. Reuben wanted to save Joseph, but Joseph was sold to a caravan of Ishmaelites. Matthew 21:33-43, 45-46 This parable from Jesus is a serious one. The tone that the builders rejected the cornerstone. That is literally true as Cavalry wasn’t a hill, it was a planned out stone quarry. Letters Art – What is your stance or hitting a toddler as a form of discipline? (18:21) What is your understanding of the word, “basilea”? (25:07) My husband and I want to get married in the Church? How can I help him understand the importance of going to Sunday Mass every week? (29:45) Word of the Day: Cornerstone (32:26) Phones: Craig - What does it mean when Jesus told the apostles that they would judge the 12 tribes of Israel? AND what does new heaven and earth? (37:51) Chris - Could you follow up about the origin about the papacy? It seems like it was peter's confession that was the rock and NOT Peter himself. (43:07)

Bible Study: Jeremiah 17:5-10 – The verb here for “trust” means “to rely on”. This may seem harsh but this is good advice. Jesus did not entrust himself to them, for he knew all people in John 2. To expect from a human being only what you can get from God is idolatry. You can trust human beings to be human but not God. (10:24) Luke 16:19-31 – This is a joke, this is funny. Who is Jesus talking about, he is talking about the high priest Caiaphas who dressed in purple linens. The high priests were supposed to be descendants of Zadok, but the Maccabees coopted the Monarchy and High Priesthood to which they had no right. Jesus is talking about the Pharisees and he is telling a story of a Sadducee in Hell. Isn’t it curious that Jesus calls his poor man Lazarus? Fr. Simon talks about how Jesus is using humor here talk about the Sadducees. (16:29) Letters: Anonymous – Why do priests have to wear a stole while hearing Confession? (24:02) Greg – What do we do when it is very hard to forgive someone and what is the prayer that you say to help with this? When you find that you cannot forgive someone you give permission to God to forgive them. (30:10) Word of the Day: "Compadre" (34:18) Phones: Lee- Today is the feast of St. Hubert of Derwenwater (38:48) Marsha - I go to daily Mass, pray the Rosary and the Chaplet, saying the apostle Creed 3 times in the day, seems to be not necessary. What are your thoughts? (40:05) Liz - Say you don't get to Mass on Sunday, but you watch it on TV. Is it still a sin? (42:50) Mike - In Revelation, why does it says that we shouldn't have images of heaven or hell in our homes? (46:21)