Podcasts about caiphas

47 The chief priests therefore, and the Pharisees, gathered a council, and said: What do we, for this man doth many miracles?Collegerunt ergo pontifices et pharisaei concilium, et dicebant : Quid faciamus, quia hic homo multa signa facit? 48 If we let him alone so, all will believe in him; and the Romans will come, and take away our place and nation.Si dimittimus eum sic, omnes credent in eum, et venient Romani, et tollent nostrum locum, et gentem. 49 But one of them, named Caiphas, being the high priest that year, said to them: You know nothing.Unus autem ex ipsis, Caiphas nomine, cum esset pontifex anni illius, dixit eis : Vos nescitis quidquam, 50 Neither do you consider that it is expedient for you that one man should die for the people, and that the whole nation perish not.nec cogitatis quia expedit vobis ut unus moriatur homo pro populo, et non tota gens pereat. 51 And this he spoke not of himself: but being the high priest of that year, he prophesied that Jesus should die for the nation.Hoc autem a semetipso non dixit : sed cum esset pontifex anni illius, prophetavit, quod Jesus moriturus erat pro gente, 52 And not only for the nation, but to gather together in one the children of God, that were dispersed.et non tantum pro gente, sed ut filios Dei, qui erant dispersi, congregaret in unum. 53 From that day therefore they devised to put him to death.Ab illo ergo die cogitaverunt ut interficerent eum. 54 Wherefore Jesus walked no more openly among the Jews; but he went into a country near the desert, unto a city that is called Ephrem, and there he abode with his disciples.Jesus ergo jam non in palam ambulabat apud Judaeos, sed abiit in regionem juxta desertum, in civitatem quae dicitur Ephrem, et ibi morabatur cum discipulis suis.

1 Now in the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Caesar, Pontius Pilate being governor of Judea, and Herod being tetrarch of Galilee, and Philip his brother tetrarch of Iturea, and the country of Trachonitis, and Lysanias tetrarch of Abilina;Anno autem quintodecimo imperii Tiberii Caesaris, procurante Pontio Pilato Judaeam, tetrarcha autem Galiaeae Herode, Philippo autem fratre ejus tetrarcha Ituraeae, et Trachonitidis regionis, et Lysania Abilinae tetrarcha,  2 Under the high priests Annas and Caiphas; the word of the Lord was made unto John, the son of Zachary, in the desert.sub principibus sacerdotum Anna et Caipha : factum est verbum Domini super Joannem, Zachariae filium, in deserto.  3 And he came into all the country about the Jordan, preaching the baptism of penance for the remission of sins;Et venit in omnem regionem Jordanis, praedicans baptismum poenitentiae in remissionem peccatorum,  4 As it was written in the book of the sayings of Isaias the prophet: A voice of one crying in the wilderness: Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make straight his paths.sicut scriptum est in libro sermonum Isaiae prophetae : Vox clamantis in deserto : Parate viam Domini; rectas facite semitas ejus :  5 Every valley shall be filled; and every mountain and hill shall be brought low; and the crooked shall be made straight; and the rough ways plain;omnis vallis implebitur, et omnis mons, et collis humiliabitur : et erunt prava in directa, et aspera in vias planas :  6 And all flesh shall see the salvation of God.et videbit omnis caro salutare Dei.

1 Now in the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Caesar, Pontius Pilate being governor of Judea, and Herod being tetrarch of Galilee, and Philip his brother tetrarch of Iturea, and the country of Trachonitis, and Lysanias tetrarch of Abilina;Anno autem quintodecimo imperii Tiberii Caesaris, procurante Pontio Pilato Judaeam, tetrarcha autem Galiaeae Herode, Philippo autem fratre ejus tetrarcha Ituraeae, et Trachonitidis regionis, et Lysania Abilinae tetrarcha,  2 Under the high priests Annas and Caiphas; the word of the Lord was made unto John, the son of Zachary, in the desert.sub principibus sacerdotum Anna et Caipha : factum est verbum Domini super Joannem, Zachariae filium, in deserto.  3 And he came into all the country about the Jordan, preaching the baptism of penance for the remission of sins;Et venit in omnem regionem Jordanis, praedicans baptismum poenitentiae in remissionem peccatorum,  4 As it was written in the book of the sayings of Isaias the prophet: A voice of one crying in the wilderness: Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make straight his paths.sicut scriptum est in libro sermonum Isaiae prophetae : Vox clamantis in deserto : Parate viam Domini; rectas facite semitas ejus :  5 Every valley shall be filled; and every mountain and hill shall be brought low; and the crooked shall be made straight; and the rough ways plain;omnis vallis implebitur, et omnis mons, et collis humiliabitur : et erunt prava in directa, et aspera in vias planas :  6 And all flesh shall see the salvation of God.et videbit omnis caro salutare Dei.

Prayer Inspired by Luke 3:1-6. Now in the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Caesar, Pontius Pilate being governor of Judea, and Herod being tetrarch of Galilee, and Philip his brother tetrarch of Iturea, and the country of Trachonitis, and Lysanias tetrarch of Abilina; Under the high priests Annas and Caiphas; the word of the Lord was made unto John, the son of Zechariah, in the desert. And he came into all the country about the Jordan, preaching the baptism of penance for the remission of sins; as it is written in the book of the words of the prophet Isaiah: A voice of one crying out in the desert: “Prepare the way of the Lord, make straight his paths. Every valley shall be filled; and every mountain and hill shall be brought low; and the crooked shall be made straight; and the rough ways plain;And all flesh shall see the salvation of God.”Prayer Inspired by Luke 3:1-6.Heavenly Father,In this sacred moment, we come before You with hearts open and ready to receive Your word. Just as John the Baptist proclaimed in the wilderness, we too seek to prepare the way for Your presence in our lives.Lord, help us to recognize the valleys of despair and doubt within us, and fill them with Your hope and love. Remove the mountains of pride and fear that stand in our way, and make the crooked paths of our lives straight with Your guidance.As we hear the call to repentance, may we embrace the baptism of penance, cleansing our souls and renewing our spirits. Let us be voices crying out in our own deserts, sharing the https://nwufortherese.education/2021/11/30/responsorial-psalm-for-second-sunday-of-advent-year-c/Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/education-for-all-and-entertainment/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In the timeline of our Synoptic Gospel journey, Jesus has been arrested and is going through the various stages of the trial process. This episode explores the initial hearing in the home of Caiphas the High Priest.

God's Word for Today7 Aug, 2024 It was now two days before the Passover and the Feast of Unleavened Bread. And the chief priests and the scribes were seeking how to arrest him by stealth and kill him, 2 for they said, “Not during the feast, lest there be an uproar from the people.”Mark 14:1-2 ESV THE PLOTThe chief priests and scribes were plotting to kill Jesus. According to Matthew, the elders are included in this conspiracy. If they are going to maintain their power, authority, and influence over the people, they need Jesus gone.These "chief priests" are not official offices ordained by God. They are religious leaders who gain power and take control. Scribes are experts in the Mosaic law, who always argue with Jesus. They are furious because Jesus does not respect their traditional additions to the Mosaic law. Elders, on the other hand, are the well-respected, powerful businessmen of Jerusalem. All are representing the Sanhedrin that determines if someone breaks the law.Meanwhile at his home, Caiphas, through the providence of God, determined that Jesus should die. He said, “"…it is better for you that one man should die for the people, not that the whole nation should perish" (John 11:50). He thinks the death of Jesus would prevent an uprising. Resultingly, the Jews will be protected from possible retaliation from the Romans. Unbeknownst to him, it is God's eternal plan for Jesus to die for the salvation of all nations (see John 11:45–53).God sovereignly superintends the affairs of man. God allows man to fulfil his wicked plan but not without God's permission. As Psa 76:10 says,“Surely the wrath of man shall praise you; the remnant of wrath you will put on like a belt.”For example, Satan could not touch Job until the Lord allowed him to do so. After his suffering from the evil plot of his brothers, Joseph says, ”As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive, as they are today.”[Gen 50:20] Jesus was not a victim of man's wrath but a victor through man's wrath.Watch in YouTube: https://youtu.be/lPuuvKVODmgListen and FOLLOW us on our podcastSpotify: http://bit.ly/glccfil_spotify Apple Podcast: http://bit.ly/glccfil-applepcast Google Podcast: http://bit.ly/glccfil-googlepcastAudible Podcast: http://bit.ly/glccfil-audibleFollow us on various media platforms: https://gospellightfilipino.contactin.bio#gospellightfilipino#godswordfortoday#bookofMark

The cruelty towards Our Lord in the house of Caiphas, and the denials of St Peter

The prayer in the garden. The apprehension of our Lord. His treatment in the house of Caiphas. The continuation of the history of the passion of Christ. His death and burial.

The chief priests therefore, and the Pharisees, gathered a council, and said: What do we, for this man doth many miracles?Collegerunt ergo pontifices et pharisaei concilium, et dicebant : Quid faciamus, quia hic homo multa signa facit?  48 If we let him alone so, all will believe in him; and the Romans will come, and take away our place and nation.Si dimittimus eum sic, omnes credent in eum, et venient Romani, et tollent nostrum locum, et gentem.  49 But one of them, named Caiphas, being the high priest that year, said to them: You know nothing.Unus autem ex ipsis, Caiphas nomine, cum esset pontifex anni illius, dixit eis : Vos nescitis quidquam,  50 Neither do you consider that it is expedient for you that one man should die for the people, and that the whole nation perish not.nec cogitatis quia expedit vobis ut unus moriatur homo pro populo, et non tota gens pereat.  51 And this he spoke not of himself: but being the high priest of that year, he prophesied that Jesus should die for the nation.Hoc autem a semetipso non dixit : sed cum esset pontifex anni illius, prophetavit, quod Jesus moriturus erat pro gente,  52 And not only for the nation, but to gather together in one the children of God, that were dispersed.et non tantum pro gente, sed ut filios Dei, qui erant dispersi, congregaret in unum.  53 From that day therefore they devised to put him to death.Ab illo ergo die cogitaverunt ut interficerent eum.  54 Wherefore Jesus walked no more openly among the Jews; but he went into a country near the desert, unto a city that is called Ephrem, and there he abode with his disciples.Jesus ergo jam non in palam ambulabat apud Judaeos, sed abiit in regionem juxta desertum, in civitatem quae dicitur Ephrem, et ibi morabatur cum discipulis suis.

Neil, Fiona and Jen are back, delving into the Acts of the Apostles where the strapline 'Go! Go! Go!' seems fitting. This week they look at Acts 24-26, wading into the weeds of Paul's trials before Felix, Festus and Agrippa. There are some podcast recommendations followed by a Glover's Other is on Caiphas, the high priest and What's The Gen? veers away from stats towards the importance of nurturing our own spirituality.  This episode was engineered and edited by Aimee Higgins. ------- Show Notes The Outspoken Bible is hosted by Fiona Stewart with Neil Glover and Jen Robertson. All opinions are those of the individual contributors and don't necessarily reflect the view of the Scottish Bible Society as an organisation.  ------- Acts 21:1-23: Acts For Everyone (Tom Wright) The Message of Acts: To The Ends of the Earth (John Stott) Real Dictators podcast Divine Nature podcast The Surprising Rebirth of Belief In God podcast Beautiful Resistance (Jon Tyson) Mark Yaconelli  ------- Love, Death and Resurrection resources (SBS) Bibles for Bairns appeal (SBS) ------- Get in touch here or by emailing outspoken@scottishbiblesociety.org. ------- Next time we will be talking about Acts 27:1-28:10

Now in the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Caesar, Pontius Pilate being governor of Judea, and Herod being tetrarch of Galilee, and Philip his brother tetrarch of Iturea, and the country of Trachonitis, and Lysanias tetrarch of Abilina;Anno autem quintodecimo imperii Tiberii Caesaris, procurante Pontio Pilato Judaeam, tetrarcha autem Galiaeae Herode, Philippo autem fratre ejus tetrarcha Ituraeae, et Trachonitidis regionis, et Lysania Abilinae tetrarcha,  2 Under the high priests Annas and Caiphas; the word of the Lord was made unto John, the son of Zachary, in the desert.sub principibus sacerdotum Anna et Caipha : factum est verbum Domini super Joannem, Zachariae filium, in deserto.  3 And he came into all the country about the Jordan, preaching the baptism of penance for the remission of sins;Et venit in omnem regionem Jordanis, praedicans baptismum poenitentiae in remissionem peccatorum,  4 As it was written in the book of the sayings of Isaias the prophet: A voice of one crying in the wilderness: Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make straight his paths.sicut scriptum est in libro sermonum Isaiae prophetae : Vox clamantis in deserto : Parate viam Domini; rectas facite semitas ejus :  5 Every valley shall be filled; and every mountain and hill shall be brought low; and the crooked shall be made straight; and the rough ways plain;omnis vallis implebitur, et omnis mons, et collis humiliabitur : et erunt prava in directa, et aspera in vias planas :  6 And all flesh shall see the salvation of God.et videbit omnis caro salutare Dei.

Christ divides. You are either a child of God or a child of the devil. You are either a wheat or a tare. You are either a sheep or a goat. You are either saved or lost. You are either for God or against Him. You are either dead in sin or alive in Christ. The division is Christ and if you believe in Him. You either love Jesus or you hate Him. He brings division (Luke 12:49-53). All through the gospel according to John, we have seen the people are divided in regards to Christ. In these verses we see a group that hate Jesus and plot to kill Him. They are going to seize, arrest, and kill an innocent man. The order has been given and the people are aware of the plan to seize Him. They begin to gather at Passover anticipating and wondering whether or not He will come because they know if He comes, He will be arrested. The looming question is “will He attend Passover?” Not only will He attend Passover, He is the Passover Lamb. Caiphas was right even though he didn't know the true meaning of what He said. It was better that One die so that the elect of Israel and the Gentiles be gathered together and not perish. Who is this One that dies so that this could be a reality? The Passover Lamb! 

The gift of tongues is not the exuberance of a particular denomination, it is hinged to the very promise of our salvation.

Dad and the kids talk about Jesus being put on trial before Annas and Caiphas and then before Pontius Pilate.

In John 11, the tables turn. The crucifixion awaits Jesus. Yet Jesus continues to do God's will and trust His sufficiency. No matter what you are going through, you can trust God's sufficiency, too. Join us for today's study of John 11:45-57. ***** Welcome to Walking in the Word, the Wednesday edition of the Women World Leaders podcast, where we take a few minutes each week to study the Bible together systematically. We offer three very different podcasts each week – so I hope you have your phone set to download ALL of them regularly. We all lead very busy lives, and I LOVE having these podcasts ready to listen to when I have a few minutes alone while driving or even washing the dishes. Besides this, the Wednesday edition, when we open and study God's Word together, on Mondays, Kimberly Hobbs hosts Empowering Lives with Purpose – a 30-minute interview with a different woman of faith. This podcast is meant to inspire you and empower you in your God-given walk. Sometimes, Kimberly interviews someone you might recognize, and other weeks, you will meet someone new. You can be sure that you will gain valuable insights as you listen EACH week. Then, on Fridays we have the joy of Celebrating God's Grace with one of our beautiful leaders. These women are gifted and talented and you won't want to miss a single episode. So download yourself a free gift of encouragement – and get in the habit of sitting in God's lap as He grows you 3 times every week! On this, our Wednesday edition of the Women World Leaders podcast, we are currently walking through the gospels chronologically. If you are new – don't worry – you can jump in right where we are, which, today, is John, chapter 11, verses 45-57 Before we begin, let's pray… Dear Most Holy God – Thank you for who you are and for who you made us to be. God, you formed each of us carefully on on purpose, and you KNEW we would each be listening to this today. You are sovereign, always in control, and your plans are perfect. Father, we give you this time, and ask you to open our hearts so that we will each hear exactly what you want us to know today. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen For the last few weeks, we have been studying the 11th chapter in John's gospel, which you might recognize as the resurrection of Lazarus. We've wondered with the disciples why Jesus didn't go immediately to the side of His dear friends Mary and Martha when they sent word that their brother Lazarus was deathly ill. We've observed in awe of both Mary and Martha's faith as they told Jesus with heartfelt agony that Lazarus would not have died had Jesus arrived sooner. We've related as Jesus comforted the sisters in their grief, even crying with them. We understood when Martha questioned Jesus as He told her to have the stone removed from the grave of her brother, who had been dead and decaying for four days. And, if we imagined realistically, we gasped in awe as we read about wrapped-up Lazarus hobbling out of the tomb and the onlookers obediently going to his side to help unwrap him. Today, we will finish the story as we pick up where we left off last week, John, chapter 11, verse 45 from the New Living Translation… 45 Many of the people who were with Mary believed in Jesus when they saw this happen.  Remember, Martha was the do'er, the hostess, and it seems that Mary's giftings were more relational. So it isn't surprising that the Scripture records that many who were with MARY believed in Jesus when they saw this happen. Martha was as much a part of this scene as Mary was, but it seems as if God, in providing what each sister needed, had made certain that Mary had many people around her to carry her through this time. Our personalities are gifts from God. We can trust in the fact that He always knows what we need and will meet us where we are. So, MANY believed in Jesus as a result of this miracle. THAT we can imagine. But although everyone there clearly saw what happened, others had such hard hearts that they used what they saw as ammunition against Jesus. We have seen this before, but this time, the divisiveness of the people was a true turning point. Whether it was the enormity of the miracle, the location, or the timing that spurred the hatred and vitriole against Jesus that erupted, we do know for certain that God was in control. He always has been, He always will be, and He certainly was on this very day when the wheels were set in motion that would lead to Jesus' death on the cross. Verse 46 continues… 46 But some went to the Pharisees and told them what Jesus had done. 47 Then the leading priests and Pharisees called the high council[a] together. This is where we see the escalation. Some who had witnessed Lazarus' resurreciton, instead of praising and thanking Jesus, went to the Pharisees to report what they had seen. The Pharisees knew the Mosaic law and were not shy about holding it up in a very extreme and overzealous fashion. So in response, they called for a meeting of the high council, the Sanhedrin – the supreme governing body—kind of like the supreme court here in the US. There were smaller sanhedrins at local Jewish centers, but, as they were near Jerusalem, this was the Supreme, or Great, Sanhedrin. This group managed the internal affairs of the nation, which was under the Romans at that time. The council was controlled by the chief priests—it was a family affair. This group banded together, intent on keeping the control they held. These were the elite, the bigwigs, the men who seemed to hold all the power, and weren't about to give it up. I feel compelled to offer an aside here. I feel like the Holy Spirit wants someone listening to know this. For all practical purposes, it looked to the world like these powerful men had the upper hand, and there was NOTHING anyone could do to stand against them. The days to come must have been so frightening for those standing with and for Jesus. And skimming through the story, we all know that they had every right to be frightened. They were seemingly powerless. Jesus WAS crucified. Maybe you are there right now. Maybe you feel like you are up against the world. Perhaps you have been fired despite years of giving your best. Perhaps a spouse has turned against you and even turned your children and your friends against you. Perhaps you feel stuck up against an economy that is rife with inflation and you are just trying to keep your head above water as you feed your children and purchase gas to get to work. Sometimes in life, it feels like all the cards are stacked against you. I'm sure Jesus' followers felt that way as the Sanhedrin, this Great Supreme Council, gathered and proceeded to march forward with their own agenda. But we CANNOT forget the end of the story. JESUS overcame. JESUS rose from the dead. JESUS won! And Jesus will win for you, too! Even as things may seem to be spiraling in your life, keep your eyes on the end of the story. You know it. Jesus wins. Jesus modeled this even as they were plotting against Him. I love Hebrews 12:1-2, which says…  let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. 2 We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith.[a] Because of the joy[b] awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God's throne. God's greatness will always win, but sometimes, we have to walk through the mud while keeping our eyes focused on the end goal. The Sanhedrin began to plot…verse 47 continues… “What are we going to do?” they asked each other. “This man certainly performs many miraculous signs. 48 If we allow him to go on like this, soon everyone will believe in him. Then the Roman army will come and destroy both our Temple[b] and our nation.” 49 Caiaphas, who was high priest at that time,[c] said, “You don't know what you're talking about! 50 You don't realize that it's better for you that one man should die for the people than for the whole nation to be destroyed.” 51 He did not say this on his own; as high priest at that time he was led to prophesy that Jesus would die for the entire nation. 52 And not only for that nation, but to bring together and unite all the children of God scattered around the world. Even as the Sanhedrin plotted, even as they thought they had the upper hand, even as Joseph Caiphas pronounced that it was better for Jesus to die, GOD was in control. We can see this clearly -because what those present at the Great Council were most concerned with, and what they thought they would thwart by killing Jesus, is exactly what came to be – despite their best efforts. They were afraid that their Temple and their nation would be destroyed. Which happened. The Temple was destroyed in the year 70 AD. And we also see God's control as Caiaphas prophesies that Jesus would indeed die, bringing together and uniting all the children of God that were scattered around the world. Caiphas, as he plotted Jesus' death, was prophesying that you and me would be united with God. How incredible is that? Verse 53 continues… 53 So from that time on, the Jewish leaders began to plot Jesus' death. 54 As a result, Jesus stopped his public ministry among the people and left Jerusalem. He went to a place near the wilderness, to the village of Ephraim, and stayed there with his disciples. Jesus did not allow those who were coming against Him to derail His mission. He simply pivoted and trusted God. When we are up against the world, we too, can pivot, trusting God control of the situation as we simply do what we are called to do. Verse 55… 55 It was now almost time for the Jewish Passover celebration, and many people from all over the country arrived in Jerusalem several days early so they could go through the purification ceremony before Passover began. 56 They kept looking for Jesus, but as they stood around in the Temple, they said to each other, “What do you think? He won't come for Passover, will he?” 57 Meanwhile, the leading priests and Pharisees had publicly ordered that anyone seeing Jesus must report it immediately so they could arrest him. They Sanhedrin were determined to win, and they were prepared to pull out all the stops to do so. The people were looking for Jesus. Meanwhile, Jesus was busy, teaching and leading His disciples. Just as He was called to do. Jesus trusted God even when the walls seemed to be caving in. So can we. Let's pray… Dear Most Holy God, We trust your control. Some days are good, and others seem really bad from our point of view, but we trust your control, wisdom, guidance, and direction. We know that you win. Thank you for the assurance that when we follow you, we will win, too. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.  

The final word on Caiphas's words.

Episode 370 debuts on April 5, at 8:00 PM Eastern. Rebroadcasts will take place according to the Crusade Channel programming schedule (note: all times listed are Central time). The topic is Dramatis Personae Hebdomodae Sanctae. The Drama of Holy Week — by Brother André Marie, M.I.C.M., at catholicism.org Christ's Theandric Role in our Sanctification — by Brother André Marie, M.I.C.M., at catholicism.org The Seven Words — by Brian Kelly, at catholicism.org How many times did Jesus predict His death? — at gotquestions.org Mater Dolorosa: Meditation on Mary's Com-Passio Beneath the Cross — by Brian Kelly, at catholicism.org For She Hath Loved Much — by Brian Kelly, at catholicism.org St. Mary Magdalene is the Same Mary, the Sister of Lazarus and Martha of Bethany — by Brian Kelly, at catholicism.org Pontius Pilate — at newadvent.org Joseph Caiphas — at newadvent.org Ossuary of the High Priest Caiaphas, 18-36 CE Duccio di Buoninsegna, Christ before Caiphas, public domain via Wikimedia Commons “Reconquest” is a militant, engaging, and informative Catholic radio program featuring interviews with interesting guests as well as commentary by your host. It is a radio-journalistic extension of the Crusade of Saint Benedict Center. Each weekly, one-hour episode of Reconquest will debut RIGHT HERE on Wednesday night at 8:00 PM Eastern (7:00 PM Central). It will then be rebroadcast according to the Crusade Channel programming schedule (note: all times listed are Central time).

The Jews conspire against Christ. He is anointed by Mary. The treason of Judas. The last supper. The prayer in the garden. The apprehension of our Lord. His treatment in the house of Caiphas. The continuation of the history of the passion of Christ. His death and burial.

The chief priests therefore, and the Pharisees, gathered a council, and said: What do we, for this man doth many miracles?Collegerunt ergo pontifices et pharisaei concilium, et dicebant : Quid faciamus, quia hic homo multa signa facit?  48 If we let him alone so, all will believe in him; and the Romans will come, and take away our place and nation.Si dimittimus eum sic, omnes credent in eum, et venient Romani, et tollent nostrum locum, et gentem.  49 But one of them, named Caiphas, being the high priest that year, said to them: You know nothing.Unus autem ex ipsis, Caiphas nomine, cum esset pontifex anni illius, dixit eis : Vos nescitis quidquam,  50 Neither do you consider that it is expedient for you that one man should die for the people, and that the whole nation perish not.nec cogitatis quia expedit vobis ut unus moriatur homo pro populo, et non tota gens pereat.  51 And this he spoke not of himself: but being the high priest of that year, he prophesied that Jesus should die for the nation.Hoc autem a semetipso non dixit : sed cum esset pontifex anni illius, prophetavit, quod Jesus moriturus erat pro gente,  52 And not only for the nation, but to gather together in one the children of God, that were dispersed.et non tantum pro gente, sed ut filios Dei, qui erant dispersi, congregaret in unum.  53 From that day therefore they devised to put him to death.Ab illo ergo die cogitaverunt ut interficerent eum.  54 Wherefore Jesus walked no more openly among the Jews; but he went into a country near the desert, unto a city that is called Ephrem, and there he abode with his disciples.Jesus ergo jam non in palam ambulabat apud Judaeos, sed abiit in regionem juxta desertum, in civitatem quae dicitur Ephrem, et ibi morabatur cum discipulis suis. Music: Stabat Mater.

Day 14 in a series of daily readings and meditations from "The School of Jesus Crucified" by Father Ignatius of the Side of Jesus. Rob will read sections from this book aloud daily throughout Lent to help draw us in deeper to our blessed Lord's Passion. Today we meditate on Jesus being derided and mistreated in the house of the high priest, Caiphas.#catholic #christian #lent********************************************************Avoiding Babylon was started during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. During these difficult and dark days, when most of us were isolated from family, friends, our parishes, and even the Sacraments themselves, this channel was started as a statement of standing against the tyrannical mandates that many of us were living under. Since those early days, this channel has morphed into an amazing community of friends…no…more than friends…Christian brothers and sisters…who have grown in joy and charity.Avoiding Babylon does not criticize the hierarchy or institutional Church, especially Pope Francis. We recognize there is an unprecedented crisis in the Church, but we feel that there are other shows that address these issues that are more qualified than us. Instead, we try to remind ourselves and those who enjoy the channel that being Catholic is a joyful and exciting experience. We seek true Catholic fraternity and eutrapelia with other Catholics who, like us, are doing their best to live out their vocation with the help of God's Grace. Above all, we try to bring humor and joy to the craziness of this fallen world, for as Hillaire Belloc has famously said:“Wherever the Catholic sun doth shine,There's always laughter and good red wine.At least I've always found it so.Benedicamus Domino!”https://www.avoidingbabylon.comTelegram Chat: https://t.me/+AMwZ2f9ChPg5NWNhRSS Feed for Podcast Apps: https://feeds.buzzsprout.com/1987412.rssSpiritusTV:  https://spiritustv.com/@avoidingbabylonRumble: https://rumble.com/c/c-1626455Odysee:  https://odysee.com/@AvoidingBabylon Support the showCheck out our new store!

Day 12 in a series of daily readings and meditations from "The School of Jesus Crucified" by Father Ignatius of the Side of Jesus. Rob will read sections from this book aloud daily throughout Lent to help draw us in deeper to our blessed Lord's Passion. Today we meditate on Jesus being calumniated before the High Priest, Caiphas.#catholic #christian #lent********************************************************Avoiding Babylon was started during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. During these difficult and dark days, when most of us were isolated from family, friends, our parishes, and even the Sacraments themselves, this channel was started as a statement of standing against the tyrannical mandates that many of us were living under. Since those early days, this channel has morphed into an amazing community of friends…no…more than friends…Christian brothers and sisters…who have grown in joy and charity.Avoiding Babylon does not criticize the hierarchy or institutional Church, especially Pope Francis. We recognize there is an unprecedented crisis in the Church, but we feel that there are other shows that address these issues that are more qualified than us. Instead, we try to remind ourselves and those who enjoy the channel that being Catholic is a joyful and exciting experience. We seek true Catholic fraternity and eutrapelia with other Catholics who, like us, are doing their best to live out their vocation with the help of God's Grace. Above all, we try to bring humor and joy to the craziness of this fallen world, for as Hillaire Belloc has famously said:“Wherever the Catholic sun doth shine,There's always laughter and good red wine.At least I've always found it so.Benedicamus Domino!”https://www.avoidingbabylon.comTelegram Chat: https://t.me/+AMwZ2f9ChPg5NWNhRSS Feed for Podcast Apps: https://feeds.buzzsprout.com/1987412.rssSpiritusTV:  https://spiritustv.com/@avoidingbabylonRumble: https://rumble.com/c/c-1626455 Support the showCheck out our new store!

John 19:39-40 “Nicodemus, who had first come to Him by night, also came, bringing a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about a hundred pounds weight. So they took the body of Jesus and bound it in linen wrappings with the spices, as is the burial custom of the Jews.” Here we have another testimony of love. The Holy Spirit through John wants everyone to know the impact of the meeting between Jesus and Nicodemus recorded in John 3. At that point, Nick was THE teacher in Israel and a ruler of the Jews. He didn't have an understanding of the work of the Holy Spirit in the kingdom of God or new birth. He knew Jesus had to be from God, but he didn't know His purpose, His mission. In John 7:51, there's evidence that Nick had become at least sympathetic to Jesus' message and ministry. When the chief priests, Annas and Caiphas, and the Pharisees were discussing arresting Jesus, it was Nicodemus who said, “Our Law does not judge a man unless it first hears from him and knows what he is doing, does it?” By the way, that comment was totally ignored. In this verse, we learn the impact of Jesus on Nicodemus. He, like Joseph of Arimathea, overcame fear and risked his reputation and standing with the council of the Jews. So what was the cost to Nicodemus for the extravagant burial spices? Some say in today's economy, it was $150,000 to $300,000. But the true value of Nick's honor of Jesus is more realized by what he surely traded in helping bury Jesus, namely, his standing and position with the council. It was a calculated action with known consequences—costly indeed. The amount of Nicodemus' mixture of myrrh and aloes was shocking. From my research, the usual application of funeral spices was one pound. By the way, this was not for embalming because embalming required cutting of the body. These were spices typically used for healing and to ward off the smells of death and decay. However, we know Jesus was dead, and there was no decay. Ps. 16:10 prophetically stated, “For You will not abandon my soul to Sheol; nor will You allow Your Holy One to undergo decay.” So I don't think Nick was thinking about overcoming the smells of a decaying body. Rather these spices were an expression of honor, love, and commitment. What can we do today to show honor, love, and commitment to Jesus? We have the body of Jesus available to us. As we care for those who are members of His body, we are displaying honor for Christ, love for His sacrifice, and commitment to Him. Let's go all out to live to love with Jesus. Acknowledgment: Music from “Carried by the Father” by Eric Terlizzi. www.ericterlizzi.com

[1]Now in the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Caesar, Pontius Pilate being governor of Judea, and Herod being tetrarch of Galilee, and Philip his brother tetrarch of Iturea, and the country of Trachonitis, and Lysanias tetrarch of Abilina; Anno autem quintodecimo imperii Tiberii Caesaris, procurante Pontio Pilato Judaeam, tetrarcha autem Galiaeae Herode, Philippo autem fratre ejus tetrarcha Ituraeae, et Trachonitidis regionis, et Lysania Abilinae tetrarcha, [2] Under the high priests Annas and Caiphas; the word of the Lord was made unto John, the son of Zachary, in the desert. sub principibus sacerdotum Anna et Caipha : factum est verbum Domini super Joannem, Zachariae filium, in deserto. [3] And he came into all the country about the Jordan, preaching the baptism of penance for the remission of sins; Et venit in omnem regionem Jordanis, praedicans baptismum poenitentiae in remissionem peccatorum, [4] As it was written in the book of the sayings of Isaias the prophet: A voice of one crying in the wilderness: Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make straight his paths. sicut scriptum est in libro sermonum Isaiae prophetae : Vox clamantis in deserto : Parate viam Domini; rectas facite semitas ejus : [5] Every valley shall be filled; and every mountain and hill shall be brought low; and the crooked shall be made straight; and the rough ways plain; omnis vallis implebitur, et omnis mons, et collis humiliabitur : et erunt prava in directa, et aspera in vias planas : [6] And all flesh shall see the salvation of God. et videbit omnis caro salutare Dei. Music: Gloria. X.

[1]Now in the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Caesar, Pontius Pilate being governor of Judea, and Herod being tetrarch of Galilee, and Philip his brother tetrarch of Iturea, and the country of Trachonitis, and Lysanias tetrarch of Abilina; Anno autem quintodecimo imperii Tiberii Caesaris, procurante Pontio Pilato Judaeam, tetrarcha autem Galiaeae Herode, Philippo autem fratre ejus tetrarcha Ituraeae, et Trachonitidis regionis, et Lysania Abilinae tetrarcha, [2] Under the high priests Annas and Caiphas; the word of the Lord was made unto John, the son of Zachary, in the desert. sub principibus sacerdotum Anna et Caipha : factum est verbum Domini super Joannem, Zachariae filium, in deserto. [3] And he came into all the country about the Jordan, preaching the baptism of penance for the remission of sins; Et venit in omnem regionem Jordanis, praedicans baptismum poenitentiae in remissionem peccatorum, [4] As it was written in the book of the sayings of Isaias the prophet: A voice of one crying in the wilderness: Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make straight his paths. sicut scriptum est in libro sermonum Isaiae prophetae : Vox clamantis in deserto : Parate viam Domini; rectas facite semitas ejus : [5] Every valley shall be filled; and every mountain and hill shall be brought low; and the crooked shall be made straight; and the rough ways plain; omnis vallis implebitur, et omnis mons, et collis humiliabitur : et erunt prava in directa, et aspera in vias planas : [6] And all flesh shall see the salvation of God. et videbit omnis caro salutare Dei. Music: Stille Nacht.

[1]Now in the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Caesar, Pontius Pilate being governor of Judea, and Herod being tetrarch of Galilee, and Philip his brother tetrarch of Iturea, and the country of Trachonitis, and Lysanias tetrarch of Abilina; Anno autem quintodecimo imperii Tiberii Caesaris, procurante Pontio Pilato Judaeam, tetrarcha autem Galiaeae Herode, Philippo autem fratre ejus tetrarcha Ituraeae, et Trachonitidis regionis, et Lysania Abilinae tetrarcha, [2] Under the high priests Annas and Caiphas; the word of the Lord was made unto John, the son of Zachary, in the desert. sub principibus sacerdotum Anna et Caipha : factum est verbum Domini super Joannem, Zachariae filium, in deserto. [3] And he came into all the country about the Jordan, preaching the baptism of penance for the remission of sins; Et venit in omnem regionem Jordanis, praedicans baptismum poenitentiae in remissionem peccatorum, [4] As it was written in the book of the sayings of Isaias the prophet: A voice of one crying in the wilderness: Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make straight his paths. sicut scriptum est in libro sermonum Isaiae prophetae : Vox clamantis in deserto : Parate viam Domini; rectas facite semitas ejus : [5] Every valley shall be filled; and every mountain and hill shall be brought low; and the crooked shall be made straight; and the rough ways plain; omnis vallis implebitur, et omnis mons, et collis humiliabitur : et erunt prava in directa, et aspera in vias planas : [6] And all flesh shall see the salvation of God. et videbit omnis caro salutare Dei. Music: Agnus Dei. XIII.

Now in the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Caesar, Pontius Pilate being governor of Judea, and Herod being tetrarch of Galilee, and Philip his brother tetrarch of Iturea, and the country of Trachonitis, and Lysanias tetrarch of Abilina; Anno autem quintodecimo imperii Tiberii Caesaris, procurante Pontio Pilato Judaeam, tetrarcha autem Galiaeae Herode, Philippo autem fratre ejus tetrarcha Ituraeae, et Trachonitidis regionis, et Lysania Abilinae tetrarcha, [2] Under the high priests Annas and Caiphas; the word of the Lord was made unto John, the son of Zachary, in the desert. sub principibus sacerdotum Anna et Caipha : factum est verbum Domini super Joannem, Zachariae filium, in deserto. [3] And he came into all the country about the Jordan, preaching the baptism of penance for the remission of sins; Et venit in omnem regionem Jordanis, praedicans baptismum poenitentiae in remissionem peccatorum, [4] As it was written in the book of the sayings of Isaias the prophet: A voice of one crying in the wilderness: Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make straight his paths. sicut scriptum est in libro sermonum Isaiae prophetae : Vox clamantis in deserto : Parate viam Domini; rectas facite semitas ejus : [5] Every valley shall be filled; and every mountain and hill shall be brought low; and the crooked shall be made straight; and the rough ways plain; omnis vallis implebitur, et omnis mons, et collis humiliabitur : et erunt prava in directa, et aspera in vias planas : [6] And all flesh shall see the salvation of God. et videbit omnis caro salutare Dei. Music: Kyrie (rex genitor).

[1]Now in the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Caesar, Pontius Pilate being governor of Judea, and Herod being tetrarch of Galilee, and Philip his brother tetrarch of Iturea, and the country of Trachonitis, and Lysanias tetrarch of Abilina; Anno autem quintodecimo imperii Tiberii Caesaris, procurante Pontio Pilato Judaeam, tetrarcha autem Galiaeae Herode, Philippo autem fratre ejus tetrarcha Ituraeae, et Trachonitidis regionis, et Lysania Abilinae tetrarcha, [2] Under the high priests Annas and Caiphas; the word of the Lord was made unto John, the son of Zachary, in the desert. sub principibus sacerdotum Anna et Caipha : factum est verbum Domini super Joannem, Zachariae filium, in deserto. [3] And he came into all the country about the Jordan, preaching the baptism of penance for the remission of sins; Et venit in omnem regionem Jordanis, praedicans baptismum poenitentiae in remissionem peccatorum, [4] As it was written in the book of the sayings of Isaias the prophet: A voice of one crying in the wilderness: Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make straight his paths. sicut scriptum est in libro sermonum Isaiae prophetae : Vox clamantis in deserto : Parate viam Domini; rectas facite semitas ejus : [5] Every valley shall be filled; and every mountain and hill shall be brought low; and the crooked shall be made straight; and the rough ways plain; omnis vallis implebitur, et omnis mons, et collis humiliabitur : et erunt prava in directa, et aspera in vias planas : [6] And all flesh shall see the salvation of God. et videbit omnis caro salutare Dei. Music: Agnus Dei XI.

[1]Now in the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Caesar, Pontius Pilate being governor of Judea, and Herod being tetrarch of Galilee, and Philip his brother tetrarch of Iturea, and the country of Trachonitis, and Lysanias tetrarch of Abilina; Anno autem quintodecimo imperii Tiberii Caesaris, procurante Pontio Pilato Judaeam, tetrarcha autem Galiaeae Herode, Philippo autem fratre ejus tetrarcha Ituraeae, et Trachonitidis regionis, et Lysania Abilinae tetrarcha, [2] Under the high priests Annas and Caiphas; the word of the Lord was made unto John, the son of Zachary, in the desert. sub principibus sacerdotum Anna et Caipha : factum est verbum Domini super Joannem, Zachariae filium, in deserto. [3] And he came into all the country about the Jordan, preaching the baptism of penance for the remission of sins; Et venit in omnem regionem Jordanis, praedicans baptismum poenitentiae in remissionem peccatorum, [4] As it was written in the book of the sayings of Isaias the prophet: A voice of one crying in the wilderness: Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make straight his paths. sicut scriptum est in libro sermonum Isaiae prophetae : Vox clamantis in deserto : Parate viam Domini; rectas facite semitas ejus : [5] Every valley shall be filled; and every mountain and hill shall be brought low; and the crooked shall be made straight; and the rough ways plain; omnis vallis implebitur, et omnis mons, et collis humiliabitur : et erunt prava in directa, et aspera in vias planas : [6] And all flesh shall see the salvation of God. et videbit omnis caro salutare Dei. Music: Sanctus. XII.

Pastor Jordan Easley continues a message series on the Holy Land, giving visual context to Biblical events. He moves to the House of Caiphas, explaining that Jesus went into the pit for us so that we could escape darkness.

John 18:19-24 ESV 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. - - - - - 19 Tinanong ng pinakapunong pari si Jesus tungkol sa kanyang mga alagad at sa kanyang itinuturo. 20 Sinagot siya ni Jesus, “Ako'y hayagang nagsalita sa sanlibutan. Ako'y laging nagtuturo sa mga sinagoga at sa templo, na pinagtitipunan ng lahat ng mga Judio, at wala akong sinabi sa lihim. 21 Bakit ako'y iyong tinatanong? Tanungin mo silang nakarinig sa akin, kung anong sinabi ko sa kanila. Ang mga ito ang nakakaalam ng mga bagay na sinabi ko.” 22 At nang kanyang masabi ito ay sinampal si Jesus ng isa sa mga punong-kawal na nakatayo roon, na nagsasabi, “Ganyan ka bang sumagot sa pinakapunong pari?” 23 Sinagot siya ni Jesus, “Kung ako'y nagsalita ng masama, patunayan mo ang kasamaan, subalit kung mabuti, bakit mo ako sinasampal?” 24 Pagkatapos ay ipinadala siyang nakagapos ni Anas kay Caifas na pinakapunong pari. WHY DO YOU ASK ME? Immediately, the high priest had subjected Jesus for questioning about his followers and teachings. Jesus answered by stating the obvious. He had taught openly and repeatedly in public so that they must had known His claims and teachings by now. That, He claimed as the Messiah coming from the Father was a public knowledge. And in a candid manner, He asked, “Why do you ask me? Jesus knew Caiphas' heart certainly. It was a question for him to ponder in his heart. Was he interested to learn and consider believing His claims? Or, was he asking to trap Jesus in order to justify His unjust arrest? The latter seemed plausible. And in an authoritative fashion, Jesus challenged him to ask those who heard Him teach. Jesus did not cover or waver from any of His claims. Instead, he affirmed that the people had known and perceived clearly about Him and His teachings. His words and deeds had evidently supported His claims. For this, one soldier slapped Him, accusing Him fof being disrespectful. Jesus allowed Himself to be slapped but never slapped in return. [1 Pet 2:21] instead, He reminded him of his unreasonableness. Should He has spoken either wrong or right in a court of reason, an act of violence is uncalled for, if not, beastly in nature. This kind of act is not a surprise to be done by people who are full of hatred in their hearts. ------------------------- Visit and FOLLOW Gospel Light Filipino on YouTube, Facebook and Instagram

[47] The chief priests therefore, and the Pharisees, gathered a council, and said: What do we, for this man doth many miracles? Collegerunt ergo pontifices et pharisaei concilium, et dicebant : Quid faciamus, quia hic homo multa signa facit? [48] If we let him alone so, all will believe in him; and the Romans will come, and take away our place and nation. Si dimittimus eum sic, omnes credent in eum, et venient Romani, et tollent nostrum locum, et gentem. [49] But one of them, named Caiphas, being the high priest that year, said to them: You know nothing. Unus autem ex ipsis, Caiphas nomine, cum esset pontifex anni illius, dixit eis : Vos nescitis quidquam, [50] Neither do you consider that it is expedient for you that one man should die for the people, and that the whole nation perish not. nec cogitatis quia expedit vobis ut unus moriatur homo pro populo, et non tota gens pereat. [51] And this he spoke not of himself: but being the high priest of that year, he prophesied that Jesus should die for the nation. Hoc autem a semetipso non dixit : sed cum esset pontifex anni illius, prophetavit, quod Jesus moriturus erat pro gente, [52] And not only for the nation, but to gather together in one the children of God, that were dispersed. et non tantum pro gente, sed ut filios Dei, qui erant dispersi, congregaret in unum. [53] From that day therefore they devised to put him to death. Ab illo ergo die cogitaverunt ut interficerent eum. [54] Wherefore Jesus walked no more openly among the Jews; but he went into a country near the desert, unto a city that is called Ephrem, and there he abode with his disciples. Jesus ergo jam non in palam ambulabat apud Judaeos, sed abiit in regionem juxta desertum, in civitatem quae dicitur Ephrem, et ibi morabatur cum discipulis suis. Introit: John 19.25 Now there stood by the cross of Jesus, his mother, and his mother's sister, Mary of Cleophas, and Mary Magdalen. Stabant autem juxta crucem Jesu mater ejus, et soror matris ejus, Maria Cleophae, et Maria Magdalene.

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The Hours of the Passion of Our Lord Jesus Christ. 6AM: Jesus is Taken Again to Caiphas and then Brought before Pilate. countdowntothekingdom.com

Luke 3:1-6 “3:1. Now in the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Caesar, Pontius Pilate being governor of Judea, and Herod being tetrarch of Galilee, and Philip his brother tetrarch of Iturea and the country of Trachonitis, and Lysanias tetrarch of Abilina: 3:2. Under the high priests Anna and Caiphas: the word of the Lord was made unto John, the son of Zachary, in the desert. 3:3. And he came into all the country about the Jordan, preaching the baptism of penance for the remission of sins. “3:4. As it was written in the book of the sayings of Isaias the prophet: A voice of one crying in the wilderness: Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make straight his paths. 3:5. Every valley shall be filled and every mountain and hill shall be brought low: and the crooked shall be made straight, and the rough ways plain. 3:6. And all flesh shall see the salvation of God.” Excerpt From The Bible, Douay-Rheims, Complete Anonymous https://books.apple.com/us/book/the-bible-douay-rheims-complete/id955129088 This material may be protected by copyright.

Luke 3:1-6 “3:1. Now in the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Caesar, Pontius Pilate being governor of Judea, and Herod being tetrarch of Galilee, and Philip his brother tetrarch of Iturea and the country of Trachonitis, and Lysanias tetrarch of Abilina: 3:2. Under the high priests Anna and Caiphas: the word of the Lord was made unto John, the son of Zachary, in the desert. 3:3. And he came into all the country about the Jordan, preaching the baptism of penance for the remission of sins. “3:4. As it was written in the book of the sayings of Isaias the prophet: A voice of one crying in the wilderness: Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make straight his paths. 3:5. Every valley shall be filled and every mountain and hill shall be brought low: and the crooked shall be made straight, and the rough ways plain. 3:6. And all flesh shall see the salvation of God.” Excerpt From The Bible, Douay-Rheims, Complete Anonymous https://books.apple.com/us/book/the-bible-douay-rheims-complete/id955129088 This material may be protected by copyright.

Download John 19 We are in the Christ Stream reading from the New Century Version. 7streamsmethod.com | @7streamsmethod | Donate Commentary by Dr. Drake Travis Jesus, you paid it all this day.  All to you we owe.  Our sins have left a crimson stain.  You washed us white as snow.  We are forever grateful.  Amen. 19 - Pilate is perplexed. He wants to let Jesus go free.  Pilate perceives correctly in announcing that he sees no fault in Jesus.  By then Annas and Caiphas had pumped up the crowd with the fake news that Jesus was the one who's going to cause the country to be overrun by Romans if they don't kill Him immediately.  Pilate surmises that a whipping will satisfy the crowd; the mob that has been manipulated and is manic by now. Their demanding the death of Jesus is a tidal wave of emotion that had inundated the city.  Jesus returned from being punched by the bone crushing fists of crazed mercenary torture specialists. He has been beaten with lead studded whips and is bruised and bleeding to the point that killed many men by now.  His face is so swollen it was grotesque to see Him [Isaiah 52:14 prophesied this]. Some thought, "Jesus? is that still you?"  Pilate's hopes are deterred as the crowd is still demanding Him to be crucified. Can you believe the comments that Jesus has for Pilate even during his 'walk' through such a cauldron of betrayal and pain?!  It had to have made Pilate's blood run cold. And still ... Pilate tries to release Him. He truly wants Jesus to go free.  And this isn't because Pilate is a docile man.  He was given this assignment by Rome to 'play Senator of sorts' over Judea because he was quite comfortable with violence. But Jesus' condemnation unto death grated against whatever sense of justice Pilate possessed. The people still are screaming for Jesus to be crucified. They threaten Pilate to be seen as an enemy of Rome if he frees Jesus.  Pilate was already in a jeopardized position because Rome had read him the riot act if any more rebellions broke out.  So this possible threat stung him at the heart level.  The Jewish crowd is in such hysteria that they declare Caesar is their only king.

Luke 3:1-6 “3:1. Now in the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Caesar, Pontius Pilate being governor of Judea, and Herod being tetrarch of Galilee, and Philip his brother tetrarch of Iturea and the country of Trachonitis, and Lysanias tetrarch of Abilina: 3:2. Under the high priests Anna and Caiphas: the word of the Lord was made unto John, the son of Zachary, in the desert. 3:3. And he came into all the country about the Jordan, preaching the baptism of penance for the remission of sins. 3:4. As it was written in the book of the sayings of Isaias the prophet: A voice of one crying in the wilderness: Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make straight his paths. 3:5. Every valley shall be filled and every mountain and hill shall be brought low: and the crooked shall be made straight, and the rough ways plain. 3:6. And all flesh shall see the salvation of God.” Excerpt From The Bible, Douay-Rheims, Complete Anonymous https://books.apple.com/us/book/the-bible-douay-rheims-complete/id955129088 This material may be protected by copyright.

Luke 3:1-6 “3:1. Now in the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Caesar, Pontius Pilate being governor of Judea, and Herod being tetrarch of Galilee, and Philip his brother tetrarch of Iturea and the country of Trachonitis, and Lysanias tetrarch of Abilina: 3:2. Under the high priests Anna and Caiphas: the word of the Lord was made unto John, the son of Zachary, in the desert. 3:3. And he came into all the country about the Jordan, preaching the baptism of penance for the remission of sins.” “3:4. As it was written in the book of the sayings of Isaias the prophet: A voice of one crying in the wilderness: Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make straight his paths. 3:5. Every valley shall be filled and every mountain and hill shall be brought low: and the crooked shall be made straight, and the rough ways plain. 3:6. And all flesh shall see the salvation of God.” Excerpt From The Bible, Douay-Rheims, Complete Anonymous https://books.apple.com/us/book/the-bible-douay-rheims-complete/id955129088 This material may be protected by copyright.

The Hours of the Passion of Our Lord Jesus Christ. 3AM: Jesus is in the House of Caiphas and Unjustly Accused with False Testimony. countdowntothekingdom.com

Introduction John 11-12 Now today we are studying what is traditionally known as the triumphal entry. But its not triumphant at all. It's actually tragic. It's depressing. It's grossly carnal. That may surprise you. Maybe you've only thought of this event as a high point, a ministry mountaintop for Jesus. Why are we using words like tragedy, depressing and carnal to describe an event in which the nation of Israel pours out of the city to welcome Jesus as King. Well, let's take a closer look. Now there's no way to appreciate this passage unless we go back and build the drama leading up to this point. And what we need to do in particular is rehearse the ways in which the threat to Jesus' life had been steadily growing over the past few months. This thread is very easy to trace in the book of John. Now let's just rehearse what's happened so far. In John chapter 8, Jesus makes some very clear statements about who he was. Do you remember, “Before Abraham was, I am” and the Jews correctly hear that statement as blaspheme; Jesus, claiming to be God; so they pick up stones to stone him. Death threat #1 Then in John chapter 10, just a couple months later he preaches the good shepherd sermon during the feast of dedication. The religious leaders approach him and say, “Tell us plainly who you are.” I and the Father are one and they pick up stones to stone him. Death threat #2 Now Jesus is in danger, no doubt, but I want to make an observation about the type of danger. What was going in both of these passages was a reaction. In both these passages, a small group of religious leaders would have been on the scene. Their sentiments certainly would have been reflective of a much larger group but the larger group was not present. Had they succeeded in stoning Jesus, they almost certainly would themselves have been thrown in prison. There would have been consequences. The Jews were not given liberty to carry out capital punishment. That was a job reserved for Rome. John 8 and 10 was Pharisaical vigilante justice. Now what happens after that second stoning attempt. Do you remember? Jesus flees to Perea to escape the area ruled by Pontius Pilate, to that area beyond the Jordan that was under the jurisdiction of Herod Antipas. And I want to take you back there just for a moment to remind you of that event. The Pharisee approach Jesus while in that area and they are trying to lure him back into the domain of Pilate. Jesus isn't buying it. And then he makes this startling prediction. Do you remember this? Luke 13 That's Psalm 118. This is a Messianic Psalm given to Israel to prepare Israel to welcome her Messiah. So essentially what Jesus tells these guys is you won't see me again until the city welcomes me as Messiah. Now the point is, if you had been standing there that day, you would have said, “There's no way that is going to happen!” There is just too much hostility up there. The religious leaders rule that hill with an iron fist. They would never let that happen. Let me give you an analogy. After 9/11, Osama Bin Laden was the most wanted man on earth. George Bush, our president at the time, was trying to destroy him. Can you imagine Osama Bin Laden sending George Bush a message, “You won't see me until I walk into the whitehouse as president.” That's overstated a bit, but you get the point. How in the world did this happen? Now, it actually gets even worse. What happens next? While in Perea, Jesus gets word that Lazarus is sick. And do you remember what the disciples say when Jesus says, “We are going to Jerusalem to wake him?” Do you hear the fear? After their complaints are ignored, they agree to go and we read of Thomas' remark. Let us go with him that we may die to. In other words, its really dangerous. It's deadly. But it gets worse still. Now he never actually visits Jerusalem. Lazarus lived in Bethany which is just on the outskirts. And Jesus never actually sees the religious leader while he is there. He manages to avoid them. But word gets to the religious leaders that he has raised Lazarus and do you remember their response when heard of this indisputable proof had been performed? There's death threat #3. Now, you are starting to pick up on a theme. But its important to understand that this death threat #3 at the end of John 11 is of a different species than we have seen thus far. This is almost certainly a reference to the Sanhedrin, that Jewish supreme court composed of 70 men. You had 35 on each side and then the high priest in the middle. *So when we read of Caiaphas saying, “You know nothing at all.* It's better that one man should die for the people than everyone die.” That's Caiphas sitting in this seat addressing the Sanhedrin. Now here's the point: the key distinction is this official determination to try Jesus according to the legal processes available to them, legal processes that were of course highly greased. We need to try him in our courts. We need to drag him into Rome's courts. And we need to convince Rome to nail him to the cross. That's a much different animal than the reactionary rage we see in chapters 8 and 10. The point is to illustrate the increasing seriousness of the situation. There is an escalation in the resolve to destroy. From Jesus' perspective, it's one thing to be in danger of death knowing that the law protects you. It's another thing to be in danger of death knowing the law itself is after you. Jesus is not merely an unliked person. He's now a criminal target. They've stapled up wanted posters. To put it in modern terms, everyone's phones go off in unison and there's an Amber alert with a description of Jesus. So Jesus gets word of this and he flees this time to a city to the North called Ephraim. Politically, everything is charged. Everyone knows he's in deep trouble. And you feel that tension, so-thick-you-could-cut-it-with-a-knife tension in the next three verses. Do you see the suspense? Everybody is so intrigued by Jesus. Word is circulating like crazy that this miracle worker raised Lazarus from the dead and Lazarus is walking around (go talk to him yourself). And there's frenzy and excitement and curiosity. But the politics are clearly felt by everyone. For some reason the religious leaders hate this guy and want him dead. And if your an average Joe, you say, "This is going to be interesting. Passover is the most important pilgrimage feast and we've never seen Jesus miss one? But man, he is not liked by these guys. Do you think he'll risk his neck and come up to Jerusalem at all? If he does, there's going to be fireworks. So that was all setting the stage. Do you see the problem. How is Jesus going to ride into Jerusalem to the shouts of the people, to the wide-eyed amazement of the crowds when he's the most wanted man in Jerusalem? You ready for this? We are going to turn to Luke 17:11 and I'm going to show you something. Now this verse you might just blaze right over in your Bible reading. It seems nearly inconsequential on the surface. This verse describes Jesus going up to Jerusalem for passover to see Mary, Martha and Lazarus for the meal we talked about last week. Now we would think nothing of that whatsoever except for the fact that we were told from John's gospel that prior to making that journey Jesus was in Ephriam. Let's get our bearings. Now if Jesus was in Ephraim and his destination was Jerusalem Why in the world would Jesus choose a route that goes north through Samaria and Galilee? That the opposite direction. Well, there's a reason and it's really interesting. Most of the population of Israel in Jesus' day was in Galilee, by far. The reason is obvious. Galilee was pleasant. Galilee is well-watered. It's flat. Easy to plant crops. Compare that to Judea. It's hilly. It's rocky. It's harder to find water. The only reason to live in Judea is because that's where the temple was. So three times a year for the pilgrimge feasts you'd have these migrations from Galilee to Jerusalem. And they would meet up in this valley here. Now there were two routes. By far the easiest and most direct route would have been on what's called the ridge route. Back to our map here But the problem is it goes through Samaritan territory. And because Jews either didn't want to defile themselves by going through Samaritan soil or because they wanted to avoid any danger or conflict, they would opt to go this other way via the rift route that follows this syro-african rift. It's way, way harder because you have descend deep into this rift and then haul yourself out of it. And let me show you with a topigraphical map what I mean by much more difficult. This is what Jesus was doing. He was going up and joining these bands of traveling pilgrims. And the record is really detailed at that point. Jesus is not sneaking into Jerusalem. He's charging. He's leading a band of pilgrims boiling over with excitement. All along the way he's healing people. He's teaching. This is where he cleanses the ten lepers and only one of them comes back. When he gets to the city of Jericho we are told that he heals the blind Bartameus. He's teaching on divorce. So the journey would have taken around a week. And you can imagine that with all this excitement, the commotion is building. The traveling band of pilgrims is growing as word spreads. Now this basically brings us up to last week. Jesus is heading up to Jerusalem but where does he stop first? This is what we preached on last week. First he's going to stop in at Lazarus' house in Bethany. And when did he get there? Six days before the passover. Now if you put that time, together with that place, the drama of the narrative jumps to life. Why? Because Bethany was just outside the Sabbath zone. Do you remember, one of the stipulations of the Sabbath is that you couldn't walk more than a Sabbath days journey. A Sabbath's day's journey was something like 1.2 miles. And it wasn't like you only had 3000 steps that day and then you had to sit down. It was a zone. So the rabbis would go out all the major gates and put these markers on the road to let you know you had reached the Sabbath zone for that city. Here's an example of one of those markers found in a city in Galilee. It's three Hebrew letters that spells Shabbat or Sabbath. So Bethany was just outside that Sabbath zone. So if you are traveling with Jesus and you are hoofing it into Jerusalem Friday night because as soon as it's sundown Sabbath begins and you see Jesus peel off into to Bethany and he's waving at you. And on the way into the city you see the Sabbath marker. Put all that together in your mind. What is everyone in the city asking? Jesus is a wanted man. Do you think he will come to Jerusalem at all? You are traveling into the city and you have an answer that comes in two parts. Jesus is coming. And He'll be here Sunday morning. Now this isn't conjecture. We know this frenzy was happening based on the record. Remember how last week ended. After Mary anointed Jesus' feet with oil. When the large crowd learned that Jesus was there. Learned that Jesus was there? How did they learn? That traveling band of pilgrims that came in with Jesus spread through the city like spilled ink on a map. And the news leaks into every home into every ear. And whether your destination was Bethany or Jerusalem or Bethlehem which is just a short distance away, the news is spreading. And so everyone is waiting for Sunday morning when they know he will come into the city. And look at what the text says! Now first off, when the Bible says large crowd, it's not kidding around. Josephus was a historian and he records the number of lambs slain during the passover of 66AD as being 256,500 lambs. And the minimum number of people you could have per lamb was 10 so that would be 2.5 million people. Maybe those numbers are exaggerated. Maybe they are accurate. Either way we are talking just throngs and throngs of people shoulder to shoulder spilling out into the city. And these are all Jews. Like all 2.5 million of them. And what are all 2.5 million Jews shouting. Hossana, which is Hebrew for, “Save Us!” Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord, even the King of Israel. KING. Are you hearing this correctly. These are words of sedition. Guys, there is so much drama here. What did Passover celebrate? It celebrated God raising up a deliverer Moses who, through miraculous signs and wonders, overthrew their Gentile overlord in Egypt. Well, there's a Gentile overlord they'd like to overthrow, Rome. And who is Jesus? Well, he's a miraculous deliver. His name is Jesus which in Hebrew is Joshua which means Savior. He's here to save us. If that's not enough, you have the Daniel 9 prophesy which is ticking. Daniel 9 prophesy. That clock had been ticking. So all this commotion. People are laying down Palm branches. Let's talk about these palm branches for a moment. Remember back in John chapter 10 we learned about the origins of the feast of dedication. If you attended Benj Foreman's NT backgrounds class you learned all about this along with Judas Maccabeus. The quick version, is that about a 150 years before Jesus' day, the Syrian ruler, Antiochus, had stormed into Jerusalem and killed thousands of Jews and desecrated the temple by sacrificing a pig on the altar, forcing the priests to eat its flesh. Talk about seething with anger. Talk about just pure hatred for your Gentile overlords. The Jews needed a Savior. They needed a deliver. And Judas Maccabee was their man. His nickname was the hammer. He led them in a successful revolt and they were able to reclaim the temple. And get this, the crowds celebrated his victory by waving palm branches. They stamped the image of palm branches into coins to commemorate the victory. And what is everyone shouting. Hosanna, blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord. What did Jesus tell the Pharisees 3 months previous while he was in Perea. You will not see me again until the city of Jerusalem welcomes me with the chant, “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.” What they are doing? They are quoting Psalm 118. So put it all together: It's passover which commemorates Moses and deliverance from Egypt. They are quoting Psalm 118 which is a Messianic Psalm that anticipates the coming Messiah. They are laying down palm branches which remembers Judas Maccabees. They are calling him KING (there's only one king). They are shouting out SAVE US. You have revolutionary energy on your hands here. Now stop RIGHT THERE. Remember we said that John chapter 12 is written to show us this massive divide between who people perceive him to be and who he really is. Remember last week. To Mary Jesus was worth Everything all the way to Judas who believed Jesus was worth nothing. How much more opposite can you get. And here we have that same phenomena played out in dramatic 3D color. We call this TRIUMPHAL entry. What did Jesus want? He wanted repentance. Wasn't that the message of John the Baptist? Repent for the kingdom of heaven is at hand. But that's not what he got. He got the rock star adulation of a crowd that really wanted to use him. Think about rock star. He's got 100,000 fans but they are all there using him. Entertain me. And the second they can't do that, they kick him to the curb. That's what's going on here. And it breaks the heart of Jesus. It just absolutely crushes him. Because he can see what's going on. What is their solution to the problem. War. Insurrection. Military action. Luke 19 Now in rides Jesus. Not on a stallion but on donkey. Jesus has was the Pharisees want (the admiration of men). And yet it's the possession of that very thing the Pharisees want that causes Jesus to weep.

Slideshow for this message is available Introduction Two weeks ago we looked at the miraculous resurrection of Lazarus. This is one of the few miracles in the Bible that is recorded where God intentionally contrives to make the miracle itself more dramatic. You will recall that Jesus had fled to Perea and he gets word that Lazarus was sick. And Jesus says, "This is not a sickness that leads to death." And that runner presumably carries that message back to Mary and Martha. Your brother, even though he looks terribly ill has a sickness that does not lead to death. Then we have the strange words. Jesus loved Mary, Martha and Lazarus; therefore, he stayed in the place where he was two additional days. And sometime during those intervening days Lazarus dies. And for Mary and Martha, this death represents an incredible faith crisis. They have built their entire lives upon the understanding that whatever Jesus says is true. The WORDS of Jesus are the WORDS of God and therefore can always be counted on. Jesus said very clearly, “This is not a sickness that leads to death.” And yet here I am staring at a dead body. All five senses confirm that Lazarus is dead. I see the drooping face indicating that the link between the brain and the involuntary muscles of the face are no longer activated. I see the change in skin color from rosy red to gray which indicates that the blood has stopped circulating. I feel his cold body. I feel the stiffening of his body as rigamortis sets in. I smell his bowels. I smell the beginning phases of decomposition. I cannot hear a single noise that indicates life. No breath. No heart. Just silence. Not the slightest movement. You have this horrific collision of realities. Which is more real? Which is more true? Either the words of Jesus are true - that this is not a sickness that leads to death. Or The information reported by my senses is true - Lazarus is dead? Both cannot be true. One of these trusted anchors in my life has betrayed me. Either it's my eyes or its Jesus. Given these two options which would you choose? How often do our eyes, ears, nose, touch betray us? Those have come to be pretty trusted companions. They rarely fail us. They rarely report incorrectly. On the other hand, how frequently do people let us down. How often have you leaned heavily on a person only to have them disappoint? What's the more likely explanation of what I'm experiencing? And this produces a crisis of faith. A crisis of faith is defined as a person moving from a place of belief and faith to a place of doubt. If this Word of Jesus isn't true, then what else is also not true? But everything resolves when Jesus commands the stone to be rolled away and speaks, “Lazarus, come forth!” and the decomposition process reverses itself and out hops Lazarus wrapped in cloths. Mary, Martha, what's the lesson? BELIEVE! Believe Jesus no matter what your eyes tell you. Believe Jesus no matter how confusing your interpretation of events are. Jesus can be trusted. - Jesus will never leave you or forsake you. Believe it. - All of Jesus' Words are yes and amen. Believe it. The Lesson is clear: Whatever Jesus says: Believe it. It almost makes you want to break out in spontaneous round of applause. The Response. This miracle is one of 8 signs that John gives us. We are told that the reason we are given these 8 signs is so that by observing them you will believe. But here's what's interesting: one of the central features of each of these signs is how it created unbelief in those who witnessed them. Last week we ended on a comma. John 11 In other words, some, instead of believing, ran to the Pharisees and ratted him out. They knew the Pharisees wouldn't like what just went down and they wanted to be the first to be congratulated in delivering the news. Now how can it be that some believed, but others went and betrayed him to the Pharisees? How can it be that some fall on their faces and worship and others pick up pitch forks? How can you have such violently different reactions to an indisputable demonstration of a divinity? This is all perfectly explainable if you understand one key thing: To illustrate this interpretive key, let me give you an analogy from J.R.R. Tolkien's Lord of the rings. In you've read the novel, Gollum is this creature who has owned this powerful ring for thousands of years and he has been utterly destroyed by it. It is all he cares about it. He talks to it. He calls it his precious. He strokes it in the dark. His single goal in life is to protect it so that nothing can threaten it and nothing can ever take it from him. And his love of the ring creates all these paradoxes. For example, Even though the ring gives him power, his obsession with it causes him to become weak. The more he stares at its beauty the more ugly he becomes. - The more he believes that possessing it will give him freedom, the more it enslaves him. - He's totally, utterly, completely destroyed by his 'savior.' Now you wouldn't immediately know this by looking at him. Gollum appears to be a pretty innocent little creature, you might even say playful and cute until his ring is taken away. And then all of the sudden this hideous dark shadow emerges from within. The fangs come out. The blood-thirsty eyes narrow. And he's willing to destroy anything that threatens his precious. The Bible calls this sort of thing an idol. God is supposed to be in that ultimate place and if you put something else there, both God and it will destroy you. Here's the one key thing that unlocks the whole passage: The Pharisees had an idol. The Pharisees were guarding their precious. Everything is fine as long as they have what they want but then Jesus comes along. And Jesus always threatens idols. Jesus' mere existence threatens anything we dare to call precious. Jesus sees that idol and stares us down and says, that thing is killing you. It's sucking away your joy. He says, "Here's what I'd like to do. I'd like to take the place of that inferior god but in order to do so, I have to break the neck of that thing that is sucking the life out of you. And what we will discover in this passage is a SEVERE warning. Don't be threatened by Jesus' attack on your idols. Confess your sin before its too late. Confess your idolatry before you are destroyed.If we refuse to heed that warning there are two things that will happen and one thing that will not happen. Here are the two things that will happen. You will destroy others and you will destroy yourself. And here's the one thing that will not happen. You will not destroy God's plan. So that's our outline for today. Let's look at each of these points in turn. Now let's jump back to the narrative to the point where the Pharisees and Sadducees first hear the news of Lazarus' resurrection. You could imagine the Pharisees and Sadducees sitting around large tables with their Torah scrolls sprawled out debating some nuanced, esoteric point. *And in comes this messenger panting, his hand on the door frame steadying himself as he catches his breath, “Guys, you are not going to believe this but you know Jesus, the troublemaker?* He just raised a guy named Lazarus from the dead. And get this: Lazarus was four days dead and was in the tomb. He rolled away the stone and said Lazarus come forth and out comes the hopping body. I saw it with my own eyes. I smelled it. You guys need to do something. Word is spreading like wildfire.” The irony here is so thick. Imagine you were a scout for the Chicago Bulls. “This man is the best basketball player we've ever seen. He performs many miraculous moves.” What's the obvious next step? Recruit him. That's what a scout does. He looks for talent. The Pharisees are religious scouts looking for Messiah. This man performs many indisputable signs. What are we to do? Believe. But instead they say. Ah, we've found the precious. We've discovered the idol. Instead of belief we see fangs and claws. Why, because their place and their nation are being threatened. There's the idol. Now it all makes sense. The source code has been cracked. It's interesting how this is worded because there is a meaning and then there is a meaning behind the meaning. John is a master at the double meaning: “The Romans will come and take away both our place and our nation.” So on the surface, there's one meaning. It was the job of the local prefect, in this case Pilate, to keep the peace. If the Jews are making trouble, Rome will descend with merciless force and eliminate the trouble. Jesus' miracle working (whether he intends it or not) is going to arouse the attention of Rome. So on the surface this is a political statement, “The Romans will come and take away our place and our nation.” The Romans will come and take away our place (the temple) and our nation (the people)." But a layer beneath is the more sinister meaning. We claim to care about the people but what we really care about is our power over the people. If Rome comes sweeping in, they will take away our place (meaning our political/religious position of power) and our nation (the people our position allows us to control). They love the control they exercise over the massess. They love the adulation of the crowds and respect. They love the lucrative salary that attends that position. They love their precious This is one of the key signs of idolatry, where we hide behind the respectable to protect that which is not respectable. So for example, A man who idolizes his image on Social media will say, “I'm just catching up on the news.” A person who idolizes money will say, “Just making some wise investments for my kids future.” A person who idolizes leisure will say, “Just taking some time off to be with the family.” The Pharisees idolize their position of power but hide beneath, "We need to eliminate Jesus because the Romans will come and destroy God's temple and God's people. Power and control is the idol. Jesus threatens that idol. Solution: destroy Jesus. That's our first point. “Guarding your precious will destroy others.” They are willing to destroy Messiah in order to keep their precious. Presiding over the Sanhedrin was Caiaphas. Now again, the double meaning is so masterful. Let's start with Caiphas' meaning. One man needs to die for the people. In other words, "Either Jesus dies and we save Judea from the wrath of Rome or the whole nation dies." This is a purely POLITICAL STATEMENT. You have to understand that in recent years, they have experienced legitimate wrath from Rome. Let me give you just one case in point. Remember in the Christmas story, Joseph flees to Egypt because Herod was trying to kill baby Jesus. Well it says that when he heard that Herod had died he came home but then he heard that Archeleaus had been installed in his place he feared, and being warned in a dream he went to Nazareth. Why was Joseph afraid of Archelaus? You know what's behind that? Archeleus, in a demonstration of force, had killed 3000 animated Jewish demonstrators and in so doing cancelled passover. They are legitimately fearful of Rome. And Jesus is legitimately causing a stir making this a very real possibility. If that's the case, let me ask you a question, "Why didn't the Pharisees and Sadducees destroy Jesus a long time ago?" For chapters and chapters they have expressed their abject hatred of him. If they hate him and he's a political liability why not lynch him? They have wanted him dead since chapter 8. Why are they dragging their feet? Answer the crowds love him. The crowds adore Jesus and the religious leaders know that if they destroy Jesus, that will massively destroy their credibility. So you see Ciaphas is solving the dilemma. The question on the floor is this: If we kill Jesus, the crowds will hate us. If we let Jesus live, then Rome will hate us. Which is worse? Ciaphas breaks in, "You guys are idiots. This is a no brainer. If the crowds hate us, we suffer a PR setback. If Rome hates us we are all dead. There is a clear winner here: Kill Jesus. Of course we are not going to be popular, but let's rip the band-aid off and get this over with. “it is better for you that one man should die for the people, than the whole nation should perish.” Caiaphas spoke in defense of his idol. If we are to keep our place, our power, our position, Jesus needs to die. That's what Ciaphas meant. Destroy Jesus to save our power - save our precious. But that's not what God meant. Ciaphas assumed that by destroying Jesus that would spell the end of the Jesus threat. FAR FROM IT! This is our second point. Let's see what God meant by the phrase, “it is better for you that one man should die for the people, not that the whole nation should perish” Ciaphas inadvertently uttered truth quite different from the message he intended. Had Ciaphas known what he had uttered he would have involuntarily shuddered. Ciaphas, an unbeliever who hates Jesus, utters the first and most profound theological treatise concerning the atonement. It's staggering how God conscripts the mouth of an unbeliever for his purposes. Here everyone is working their hardest to carry out the high priest's plans against Messiah. The last verse of John 11 says they resolved to put Jesus on the cross. In other words the decision has now been made; it remains only to carry it out, as efficiently as is compatible with political expediency. So into the think tank they go. Let concoct a plan, think it through to make sure it is air tight. Jesus is threatening us. All we need to do is eliminate him and we have won. So they wring their hands in a dimly lit room writing out decrees and declarations beneath the flickering candlelight. The smell of wax is heavy in the room as they press their signets into edicts and send runners here and there. We need to arrange these spies. We need to start greasing the wheels of Rome. Let's get a gift up to Pilate to start bribing him and warming him up. All these plans. They review their work and smile. Airtight. Jesus will end up crucified. Every escape blocked. Every door is closed. Every door that is, except the door to heaven. Listen to Psalm 2 describe God's perspective when men try to conspire against him. Psalm 2 What is this saying? God will do what he wants. And if you are not on his side, you will lose. Everyone is working completely of their own volition to try to destroy Messiah and they are actually carrying out the plan of God! God is laughing. Oh do you see it church? God cannot be stopped. You submit to God or be run over by him. Ciaphas tries to abuse God and God just laughes and uses him. And in so doing Ciaphas enters the long list of people who are used by God despite their best efforts. Jonah from last week, Cyrus, Nebuchadnezzar, Balaam. Oh how foolish we are? To think that we can use our minds to outwit the maker of minds? To think we can use our legs to run from the maker of legs? To think we can use our lips and lungs to speak words that would threaten the maker of lips and lungs? I know of unbelivers who have led people to Christ. Corrupt pastors preach the Word of God. They are like Balaam's ass, unthinking creatures uttering mysteries they know nothing about. It's such a rebuke to a rebel but such an encouragement to saint. Because you want to what else is true if God is sovereign? If you are a parent and you are screwing things up like crazy, guess what. God overrides that screw-up. If you are leading a ministry and you are thinking, man I am so inadequate. True. You say one thing and God does another. What's the principle? God's message is not bound to the performance of his pathetic messengers. God's message transcends the messengers. The power is in the WORD. The power is in this book which contains power unto salvation. You cannot stop God's plan. Your rebellion will only be used to further it. Your obedience will only be used to further it. Three warnings about what happens if we guard our precious. It will destroy others. It will not destroy God's plan. Here's perhaps the most frightening of all, it will destroy you. Do you hear that? Their entire goal in life is to murder Messiah. Let that land and cause you to shudder. Think about it: they had personally witnessed a man born blind healed in chapter 9. Now they hear of the public raising of a man four days dead. What does all this point to? What does the most elementry logic in the world conclude based off this indisputable evidence? Here's their conclusion: he must be from the devil. Kill him. All to guard their precious. What I want you to notice here is how stupid since makes you. Do you see the blinders? Do you see the lenses that they are looking through that create utter distortion? Think about it. They wanted to destroy Jesus but what they didn't realize was that it would utterly destroy them. Ciaphas assumed that by destroying Jesus it would spell the end of the Jesus threat. But in point of fact, it would be that act ‘destroying' Jesus that would elevate Jesus to the right hand of the throne of God and would utterly destroy his soul. Here we have a little Gollum, a sick creatures possessed by his idol. These religious men are literally hell-bent on destroying Jesus. It's so scary. How did they get there? Think about it. These guys were kids who grew up in Sunday School classes. They went to the Cole Valley's and Ambroses of the 1st century. They never missed a Sunday service. They went to all the Thirst Winter Camps. They went to the best Biola's and Talbots and Master's Seminaries of the 1st Century. They got hired on as pastors in respecible churches. And they are trying to murder Jesus. How does this happen? We have totally wasted our time here today if you can't answer that question. How does this sort of thing happen where you can walk around and talk Christianeze and fit into Christian circles and even be leading Christian ministries and be a conspirator in the murder of Jesus? Here's the answer: unconfessed sin. Harboring and coddeling unconfessed sin will blind you to the point where you will destroy your family, destroy the church, destroy your community, your friends so that you can have your precious. Having idols in your life will absolutely destroy you. How does something become an idol? Let me say this. In a very subtle, very inconspicuous, very innocent sort of way. It creeps in slowly, concealed in the ordinary. It slips in clothed in camouflage. And then suddenly, surprisingly you are in tremendous danger. A few years ago, we were waterskiing on cascade lake and a storm rolled in and lighting was just pounding the mountains around us. And the lighting was getting closer and the thunder louder. And my arms started tingling a bit and I looked at my wife and the two other girls on the boat and all of their hair was standing straight up. The static in the air was literally just crackling all around us. And so what did we do? We started laughing. It was so funny looking. It felt funny. It was entertaining. I went home and googled the phenomena and saw multiple articles that were entitled "Selfies taken seconds before being struck by lighting." We had no business being there. That's the DANGER ZONE. We were in a spot where we were literally flirting with life and death. And I think it appropriate to allow this passage to scare us in an that sort of way. Caiaphas, the Pharisees, the Sadducees, none of them thought they were being rebellious. They had logical reasons for the steps they were taking. They religious reasons. They could back up their moves from Torah. They felt fortified in every way and somehow they crucified Messiah. How does that happen? Nobody thinks they have an idol. Oh sure, I'm not perfect, but who is. But when you can't admit it, your in the most dangerous place of all. The longer that sin goes unconfessed the greater the grip that sin has on your life. What are you hiding? Sin of jealousy? Sin of pornography? Substance abuse? Are you bitter and unable to forgive someone who has hurt you? Are you angry and refuse to soften? Are you too prideful to admit you are wrong? Are your finances a total disaster because of your mismangement and your too embarased to admit it? So often we feel we can harbor and hide our sin and play the Christian game too. And when we do that successfully for a while we feel like we are getting away with something. But we are not. When you read the OT you see God acting in what seems like such severe ways. God opens up the ground and swallows a bunch of people for complaining. You were to stone people for what seem to us like minor offenses. Why? And the accusation rises: God is a monster. No. God is merciful. Because that sin is serious. That sin unaddressed will turn into an idol and destroy your soul. And God wants us to be freaked out. Every one of us can look at the pastor who committed adultery, or the poster child that walked away from the faith or the elder that was caught up in a pornagraphic addiction and wonder how did they get there? I would never go down that path. But if there is sin in your life and you are not dealing with it, if there is an idol you are unwilling to abandon, the lesson to be learned from today's text is simply this: you are on your way there. The one who falls into sin doesn't fall very far. If you are coddling your precious (which means if you have unconfessed sin in your life), you are in that DANGER ZONE. You might be having a great time. You might be having the time of your life. But your flirting with Spiritual death. I've watched several people in this church torch themselves in this way. How can you tell if I am in the danger zone. How can I tell if I have an idol? Ask yourself two questions. Will I sin to get it? And will I sin if I don't get it? If the answer is yes to either of those questions, congratulations, you have yourself an idol. Nobody pictures themselves as a Caiphas. Caiphas didn't grow up in Sunday school vowing to one day kill Messiah. But sin makes you blind. Sin make you stupid. At some point, sin left unconfessed long enough turns you into a Ciaphas. Of course, everyone wants to ask the question: how long does it take for a normal sin to turn into a soul destroying idol? There's no answer to that question. Have you ever heard of the fallacy of the beard? The fallacy of the beard says if one hair doesn't make a beard and neither does 2,3,4,5 then there is no such thing as a beard. We all know at some point it becomes a beard. And there is some point at which sin will plunge people into a spiral from which they cannot recover but that point is unknowable. Sin will bring you to the place where you make decisions that look to everyone around you like bottomless foolishness. But you are blinded. Sin becomes more and more thoroughly enslaving until one day you find yourself throwing off all restraints and surrendering all that's important to you so you can have your precious. That's what has happened in this passage. So what do you do? Here's the admonition: there is no moral faculty that God has given more important that you than your conscience. The Bible teaches that it is the standard by which you will be judged. Your conscience is like a fire alarm. When you start sinning, that thing goes off. God gave every one of us the gift of a spiritual fire alarm. Paul describes false teachers in 1 Tim 4:2 as those who have consciences that are seered. The greek word is cauterizomi from which we get our word cauterized and the picture is of a man in battle who gets his wound cauterized. What happens when you touch a cauterized part of your body? You can no longer feel. So to cauterize your conscience is to render your conscience unable to feel. There is only one way to do that. Sin against it. We've got a little alarm panel in our building that notifies us of a malfunctioning sensor. And every since we bought this building, it's been throwing false alarms. Originally it was super, super loud and so we couldn't listen to that all day long so we put a layer of tape over it. That helped a ton. If one layer, helps why not two. And now there's this giant wad of tape and you can barely hear it. I'm half tempted to go in their and snip the speaker wire. Every time you sin against your conscience you are putting a piece of tape over that warning signal and it's getting quieter and quieter and at some point, a point you don't know, that speaker wire is going to get snipped. You won't even recognize it as sin any longer. You will have no moral faculties left to warn you that you have become a Caiaphas. But here's the good news. If you sense that his applies to you, there's still time left. At any time you can repent. Don't leave here today and put another piece of tape over the alarm. It may be the last one. Don't sear your conscience further. Nourish it back to help through confession. I hope the elders and life group leaders and trusted counselors and all the pastors here get flooded with emails this week that say, “I've been harboring this sin and it's time to do business with God. Would you help me.” Yes! Yes, we will. You will be in good company. Welcome to the community of sinners. The feast of grace is only available to those who confess. So confess and feast. How do I confess? Use Psalm 51 as a template. Why? Because Psalm 51 is David pulling out of a spiritual death spiral. 1000's before him never did. But in God's grace, David confesses and was restored. Psalm 51 Let's do business with God this week. For David, that confession was hell. But it resulted in the epitaph, a man after God's own heart. Don't you want that?

Download Luke 22:66-23:56 We are in the Christ Stream reading from the World English Bible. 7streamsmethod.com | @7StreamsMethod | @serenatravis | #7Streams | Donate Commentary by Dr. Drake Travis Lord, what a dark day!  May we get through our dark days knowing that you will return for us as you promised.  Amen. 22:66ff. - [the arrest and accosting of Jesus that took place in the night we read of last week.]  It is now daybreak and Jesus is in the council of the elders, chief priests, and scribes.  The inane questions resume. They ask if He is the Christ, if He is the Son of God.  They just asked a bunch of questions that they did not want the answers to. And here they just keep going. Think a minute: do they want answers to these questions either?  Do they want Him to be the Christ? If they don't, why do they ask? if they do, why do they ask? Since He doesn't say "no" they are furious. He quotes them back to themselves.  It's apologetics greatest display of all time. They soon realize they will never outfox Him, [so they leave Caiaphas' house (they were at his house) - see John 18:28 and] 23 -scuttle Him over to Pilate.  Their accusations to Pilate against Jesus are contrived.  So Pilate is basically relieved to send him on to Herod in Galilee since Jesus came from there. Pilate is not a congenial man. He was assigned to Jerusalem by Caesar to keep the contentious Hebrew nation under wraps.  And Caesar knew that Pilate had no problem using violence and bloodshed to control outbursts. But he preferred to be just and wanted Jesus, an innocent man, to be released. Whereas Pilate lets Him go, Herod wants a show. Jesus is still so angry at Herod for killing John/Baptist; his cousin three years ago...Jesus doesn't say a single word to Herod. Jesus would verbally joust with the Pharisees, but Herod doesn't even deserve to be spoken to.  That's called being "bad off" when God won't talk to you, and never will again!    It's 'back to Pilate' as the frantic impromptu ramshackle jury pressures Pilate to hurry up and declare the death sentence.  But he won't.  Btw, only Luke has this "Pilate/to Herod/back to Pilate" detail spelled out.  He offers Barabbas instead, but they want Jesus dead and buried today before Passover begins at sundown. Caiphas and Annas had been launching rumors throughout the city that either Jesus would die or the whole country would be lost to Rome ... and so the people believed it by now.  Keep in mind that it had been less than 100 hours since these same souls inn the vast crowd were chanting "Hosanna!"  Strange change of mood, isn't it?! As Jesus is led out to be crucified, and stumbles under the weight, and is pierced, and accused, and jeered, his heart and words reveal that He is grieved for these people who have turned to hatred against Him. He is grieved for those who will be cast into eternal punishment with no escape.  Jesus prays for his tormentors to be forgiven. It's unreal; the love he expresses for those who are killing Him! And the insults continue - now from the soldiers, and by one thief on a cross next to him.  The other thief, however, asked for redemption and received it!  

Domine non secundum. Oh Lord, repay us not…(Psalm 102:10) 11:47. The chief priests, therefore, and the Pharisees gathered a council and said: What do we, for this man doth many miracles? 11:48. If we let him alone so, all will believe in him; and the Romans will come, and take away our place and nation. 11:49. But one of them, named Caiphas, being the high priest that year, said to them: You know nothing. 11:50. Neither do you consider that it is expedient for you that one man should die for the people and that the whole nation perish not. 11:51. And this he spoke not of himself: but being the high priest of that year, he prophesied that Jesus should die for the nation.” “11:52. And not only for the nation, but to gather together in one the children of God that were dispersed. 11:53. From that day therefore they devised to put him to death. 11:54. Wherefore Jesus walked no more openly among the Jews: but he went into a country near the desert, unto a city that is called Ephrem. And there he abode with his disciples.” Excerpt From The Bible, Douay-Rheims, Complete Anonymous https://books.apple.com/us/book/the-bible-douay-rheims-complete/id955129088 This material may be protected by copyright.

IntroductionThe definition of controversy is – prolonged public disagreement or heated discussion. Controversial political policies, controversial interest groups and best of all controversial people.In our modern era, one of the ways to objectively identify a controversial public figure is track the number of times their entry on Wikipedia has been modified. Since anyone can suggest an edit to a Wikipedia entry, the number of edits reflects how much we care about the content of a Wikipedia page.Frequent revisions over a long period of time suggests underlying conflicts of interest between Wikipedia editors. Fans will promote their hero’s positive image and add details that other readers will consider biased and unsubstantiated. And these editing wars go on for decades.If you use this metric, the most controversial person in the world is George W. Bush. You will also see on that list Michael Jackson then Barack Obama, Adolf Hitler, Britney Spears, and then of course the professional wrestler, the Undertaker.Every person on the top ten has lived within the last 100 years, with the exception of one. Number 2 on the list is Jesus Christ. Isn’t that amazing? 2000 years after his death and resurrection, Jesus Christ is still a deeply controversial figure. Why?What makes a person controversial? A person of controversy is someone who promotes and then eventually represents a value that a certain segment of society loves and another segment of society hates. And if you want to have a controversial person go supernova, just sprinkle in some misinformation and claims that circulate without being fact-checked.Today in our passage, we see all of this. We see the origin of this controversy swirling around the person of Jesus. Everyone’s got a theory about who Jesus is. In the passage we see 8 different conclusions regarding the identity of Jesus Christ. And all eight of these could be found in our culture today.So let’s dive in.BackgroundYou will remember from last week, the grace/truth blade of the ministry of Jesus has scattered the masses. The crowds are divided over him. Many turned away from him because of the hard words he spoke after the feeding of the 5000.Since that event, it’s been six months. And the questions have been swirling around Jerusalem. Who is Jesus Christ? Here’s the first answer. The religious leaders saw Jesus Christ as a risk to their power and because of that he needed to be eliminated. Allowing him to go on as he is doing is a tremendous liability to our parties cause. He must be destroyed!You remember from last week that chapter 7 opens up by telling us that the Jews (that is the religious leadership) were seeking to kill Jesus. So you can imagine in our modern context, everyone’s standing around the temple mount and an AMBER alert goes off on their phones. Dangerous Sorcerer, usual hangs out with the dregs of society - prostitutes, fisherman and tax collectors. Last seen in Galilee. Suspected to be headed to Jerusalem.Why was Jesus suspected to be headed to Jerusalem? Because, as we learned last week, it was the feast of Booths. And this was one of the three pilgrimage feasts.Jesus home base in Galilee was Capernaeum and it says that after his brothers went up to the feast, Jesus went up privately. That doesn’t mean that he went up in secret, it just means he didn’t go up the way you normally would - in caravans of people.Now you might ask why the Jews didn’t just go up to Galilee to arrest Jesus. It wouldn’t be hard to find him. They undoubtedly knew where he lived. There was a political reason.They need the Feast to draw Jesus out of Galilee. Why? Because so long as he was in Galilee he’s under the jurisdiction of Herod Antipas. And the Jews have no influence over Herod Antipas. They likely wouldn’t even be able to get a hearing with him much less a verdict.So knowing that Jesus might attend the feast, the Jews have their ear to the ground.Now why are they wanting to kill him? What evil has he done deserving death?In John chapter 11 we are given a glimpse into the reasons that the Jews wanted to kill Jesus. After Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead the text says that the religious leaders convened. What are we to do? If he goes on like this everyone will believe in him and the Romans will come and take away both our place and our position.The reason they hated Jesus was because he threatened their position and their control. When you sit in that high seat of authority long enough, it’s hard to give it up. You get accustomed to calling the shots.And you see, some today who want Jesus dead for similar reasons. And so they try to destroy him, not of course with swords and spears but with words and ideas.Richard Dawkins is one of the most well known atheists. He’s written books like, “Outgrowing God. The God delusion.”Sam Harris wrote, “The End of Faith.”Christopher Harris “God is not Great.”Daniel Dennet, “Breaking the Spell.”In fact they’ve collectively written a book called the four horseman referencing the imagery in the book of Revelation. They take for themselves the metaphor of the four horseman of the apocalypse picturing themselves riding in with bloody swords eliminating God from the minds of men.Why do they care? What difference does it make if this collection of atoms over here believes something that isn’t true? Let him believe what he wants.Here’s at least part of the answer. If the material world is all their is, we have absolute control. We are at the top of the food chain. My intellect is the highest form of authority. But if Jesus Christ is God, I no longer hold that position. Jesus Christ is a threat. If he is who he says he is then he will take away both our place and our position.Dawkins, Dennet, Harris…they all think they know Jesus. The Jewish leaders of Jesus day…they think they know Jesus.So, Who is Jesus? He is a risk.THEY THINK THEY KNOW HIM, BUT THEY LACK THE ONE THING NECESSARY TO TRULY KNOW HIM.Some identify Jesus as a risk. Let’s look at a second identification. Who is Jesus? Some just saw the good things Jesus was doing. He’s not stirring up the people. Remember what he said, "Blessed are the peacemakers."Jesus is pro peace. I like peace. We need more of that in our world.He’s healing people. That’s so nice of him. He’s feeding hungry people. Look at all the humanitarian work that’s being done. Humanitarian work is great. I’m pro humanitarian aid. We all deserve a better quality of life.He cares about our needs. Listen to the guy. Are not sparrows sold for very little? Yet not one of them is forgotten by God. The very hairs on your head have been counted. Fear not. You are worth more than a flock of sparrows. –Matthew 10:29-31 That’s a positive message.My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you?” (John 14:2).Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light (Matt. 11:29-30).He’s a good man. He’s a good teacher. He uses lots of metaphors in his teaching. I like that style of teaching. He’s engaging. He promotes family values.This is the guy who just thinks on very simple, very superficial terms and his cursory glance prevents him from concluding anything very profound about him.So, who is Jesus? Jesus, Oh yeah, I know Jesus. He’s a good man. A great moral teacher, a great prophet.But is this all he is? Does this identification sufficiently explain him?THEY THINK THEY KNOW HIM, BUT THEY LACK THE ONE THING NECESSARY TO TRULY KNOW HIM.Let’s look a third identification. Some identified him as a risk, others as a good man. Who is Jesus Christ? Oh, he’s a deciever.Jesus is saying a lot of things that contradicts the tradition of our Scribes and Pharisees and teachers of the law. These guys are smart. We don’t trust folk who challenge our heroes. Anyone who does something different than the way it’s always been done, can’t be trusted. He’s causing a lot of disruption and family division.I know he’s doing all these miracles but that’s got to be some sort of trick. It’s a tactic to deceive. We’ve never encountered some of his ideas which means he can’t possibly be orthodox. And rather than asking the question, "Does the teaching of Jesus offer a better explanation of the OT than the Scribes and Pharisees?" Rather than do some thinking, they simply say, “It’s not mainstream.” Therefore it’s deception.And that is how many today view followers of Jesus Christ. Followers of Jesus are being deceived. Hasn’t science proved evolutionary thought. Aren’t the brightest minds in the ivy league schools convinced?These poor, simple minded Christians. These poor Christians believe that any gap of scientific knowledge is evidence of God’s existence. Religion feeds on people willing to do that."We need to eradicate religion because it preys on the ignorant, the needy. Religion blindfolds the simple. We need to free these men and women. They are being seduced, exploited. Head in the sand.And rather than asking if the Bible offers a better explanation of the evidence, they simply say, "How can so many credentialed scientists be wrong?"This is how many were viewing Jesus. How can the Scribes and Pharisees be wrong. You can’t get more authoritative than that? You can’t get more respectable and trustworthy than that?All Jesus wanted them to do and all he wants us to is ask oursleves a question: Does the explanation of reality offered by Jesus Christ improve upon your current explanation of reality. Put some thought into it. G.K. Chesterton said it this way. So, Who is Jesus? With confidence many say, “Jesus is a deceiver. If Houdini were alive in Jesus’ day, he’d be Jesus.” Is that a satisfactory answer?THEY THINK THEY KNOW HIM, BUT THEY LACK THE ONE THING NECESSARY TO TRULY KNOW HIM.Let’s look at a fourth identification in the text. I see who Jesus is. I might even believe that he is being treated unfairly. However, I don’t want to associate with Jesus because I don’t want to be shamed. I don’t want the stigma that goes along with that man.It’s politically incorrect to speak positively about him. That’s a hot potato. That’s a taboo subject. It’s obviously sensitive and it’s not worth engaging.To speak positively would be like hiding a fugitive in my home. If they discover I’m treating this man with sympathy, I’ll get thrown in jail along with him. And while that’s tragic and unjust, I certainly love my lifestyle more than I love this man.Many today will not associate with Jesus, not because they are unbelieving, but because they are terrified of the consequences of associating oneself with him. They are too terrified of exploring when that exploration might cost them dear social capital.The fear of being canceled in our culture is pretty strong. Say the wrong phrase, love the wrong thing, and your career could be over. You could lose friends. That’s what’s going on here in the text.The Sadducees had an iron grip of control over the people.The Pharisees had an iron grip over the synagogues.In John chapter 9 we are going to see the parents of the man born blind refuse to answer an obvious question for fear of being put out of the synagogue.And nothing has changed in our world. There are always people in power trying to push agendas and they intend to you use their power to make you pay if you don’t get on board. Maybe you’re involved in politics or the entertainment industry. You speak to loudly about Jesus and you’ll be canceled. I don’t want to be labeled ignorant, deluded, simple-minded, unscientific.Who is Jesus? I don’t actually know, but I know enough to know I don’t want to get involved.Is that a good answer?THEY THINK THEY KNOW HIM, BUT THEY LACK THE ONE THING NECESSARY TO TRULY KNOW HIM.Let’s look at a 5th identification. Jesus Christ is a wise man.John is so masterful in his recording of this event because he’s painting this picture of scattered confusion. Earlier we are told that the Jews wanted to kill him. But now we are told that the Jews are marveling. This is true to life in controversy. When something his hotly controversial, you know it because within the same party you have differing views. We’ve seen this in the Christian response to COVID haven’t we? People within the same sect of Judiasm are coming to opposite conclusions. We read of Caiphas and Nicodemus, both members of the Sanhedrin, on diametrically opposite sides of their evaluation of Jesus Christ.So who is Jesus? Some are arguing, this man is a sage. They are marveling at his insight, discernment, his wise judgment, intellectual acumen, brilliance. They saw Jesus as wise.In Judaism, it was highly valued to be able to debate in open public. The way you prove yourself a man, the way you earn respect is to best a man in open debate. That’s why you see all these interchanges take place while Jesus is teaching in the temple.Should we pay taxes to Caesar? Man that seems like such a trap question. Everyone knows what’s behind that. If Jesus says, "Pay taxes, he’ll be acknowledging Caesar as god and sovereign." If he says, “Don’t pay taxes,” he’ll be accused of a sedition. What is he going to say? Render unto Caesar what is Caesar’s and render unto God what is God’s. Give Caesar the coin he made. Caesar wants your money. God wants your heart.Wow. That’s deep. They are trying to roast Jesus and Jesus keeps roasting them. And some look at this and they say, “This man is truly wise.”And that is why some follow Jesus. They love how insightful he is. They love it when he roasts the self-righteous religious elite. Some love Jesus because he’s like a religious Robinhood. Some compare him to Gandhi. Some marvel at the way he was able to start a world religion. He touched on some nerve of humanity. Bravo.Who is Jesus Christ. He’s a wise man. Yes, he certainly was wise. But is that all he was? Is that an adequate explanation?THEY THINK THEY KNOW HIM, BUT THEY LACK THE ONE THING NECESSARY TO TRULY KNOW HIM.Let’s look at a 6th identification. You see the swirling confusion? While it was widely know that Jesus was a wanted man (we’ll see that next), not everyone knew. Some hear Jesus claim that his life is in danger and they think he’s lost his grip on reality.When does someone cross the line from being rational to mad? Answer: when you can’t explain their behavior.Most of the time we can find reasons why someone acts the way they do. We can say, "Even though I would never do it that way, I can see why you would do that." My wife and I are similar in a lot of ways but there are some key differences. When we clean the house I start with the big rooms and move to the closets. She starts in the closets. Now even though I wouldn’t do it that way, I see why. I would never call her insane for that.We’ve got a free Saturday. What do you want to do today? She says: I’m going to go to Dillards at Mall. Okay, now you are insane.Many looked on Jesus Christ and they had no category for the kinds of claims he was making. He’s claiming to be God. Maybe he has a demon. I can’t relate to that. In our modern day he would be locked up in an insane asylum.A lot of times we think of the ancients as simple people. We think of them as intellectually inferior, pre-scientific, superstitious, etc. But let me ask you a question. How smart do you have to be to evaluate this claim, "Hey guys, guess what, I’m God, you know, the one who made the universe."Every year there are 1000’s of people globally that slip into a mental disorder and claim to be God. But guess what? A thousand out of a thousand of them are not believed. And presumably this is nothing new. This has been happening since the beginning of time.You have to stand back and marvel at the uniqueness of this. Jesus Christ got away with something no one else has ever gotten away with. Every one of these self-proclaimed Messiahs have been dismissed as a fools or evil people or madmen. Jesus was different. Why? Because the people who lived closest to him were totally and completely convinced. That’s why they lived and died for him. The gospels were written just a few decades after the life of Jesus. Where were the whistle blowers?Who is Jesus Christ? Some will say he was a madman. Is that a satisfactory answer? Does that sufficiently explain him?THEY THINK THEY KNOW HIM, BUT THEY LACK THE ONE THING NECESSARY TO TRULY KNOW HIM.Let’s look at a seventh identification. Here’s the most honest group of them all. Everyone else thinks they know him. This group admits confusion. This doesn’t add up. On the one hand he’s openly doing miracles? But he’s a wanted man. They know that he’s being hunted by the religious elite. And that in itself says something. That’s curious why he would be so irksome to these guys. He must be hitting a nerve. Is he Messiah? No he can’t be Messiah, he’s from our home town.Who is Jesus Christ? He’s a Mystery. This is perhaps the most common answer in our day and age. Who is Jesus? Who knows?! I would love to know, but it’s just not knowable.So let us ask, is Jesus’ knowable? Or are we just living in a post-truth culture in which truth may exist but isn’t available. With so many competing understandings and constructions, deconstructions and reconstructions how can we know? Will the true Jesus please step forward?THEY DON’T KNOW HIM BECAUSE THEY LACK THE ONE THING NECESSARY TO TRULY KNOW HIM.You’re saying to yourself, “Will you please stop saying that.” What is this one NECESSARY thing we lack in order to TRULY know him? Here it is. See if you can see it. Here’s what this saying. Listen carefully. Before you can know Jesus, you must be willing to do whatever God wants you to do. You must surrender. You must be willing to abandon your will. Do you see what the text is saying? The obstacle to knowing Jesus is PRIMARILY an unwillingness to surrender your will?Spiritual eyesight is given to those who surrender their will to God. There’s an English word for surrendering our will to another. What is it?That’s the key. The one thing necessary to know Jesus? Submission to Jesus. And you might think, that’s not fair. What do you mean, I have to submit to Jesus to know him? How can I be asked to submit to a man I have not yet learned to trust.I need to know the guy first. That’s totally fair. We aren’t saying that you can’t get your questions answered. That’s fine. Get your questions answered.We are not saying you don’t need knowledge about God. Of course. Of course it’s okay to learn about him first.But at some point you will have enough information to make an educated conclusion and the issue will no longer be information. The remaining hurdle will be submission.This is always the last, final and ultimate obstacle.For some it’s evidence problem. But most think it’s an evidence problem when it’s actually a submission problem. Let me give you an example.There are a lot of things you’re doing right now, and you have seen the scientific evidence - it’s bad for you. You’re eating too much fat, too many carbs, too much gluten, whatever. You are a bit overweight. You are eating some food you know is causing irritation in your body.For example, just this week, I kind of got on a health kick. I was thinking about how bad processed sugar is for me. I’ve watched a few documentaries like every single person in this room has. And I thought, you know, I need to eat more greens and vegetables. And so I ate a good breakfast, but then in the staff kitchen someone left a giant box of chocolates. I mean like giant. And that’s all it took. My diet lasted 45 minutes.We all do this. We’ve seen the scientific proof. We’ve seen the evidence. It’s overwhelming. There’s not even a shadow of a doubt. If you exercise, you’ll have a better quality of life. You know it. Yet you won’t trust yourself to it. You won’t submit yourself to it. Why? Because you want to do what you want to do. You want your freedom. Chocolate just tastes good.It certainly is not less than reason, but it takes more than reason, doesn’t it? It takes more than evidence. It takes submission. When we are unwilling to submit, it means we are interested ultimately in our freedom.That’s why Jesus cannot be known. Why? Because he has a different goal. His primary aim is not your freedom or autonomy. That’s why he says, "The one who speaks on his own authority seeks his own glory." With that goal, you can never see the world accurately. You will always be selective in your judgment. You will delude yourself time and time again with your confirmation bias.We need to submit to God to ultimately understand him. The bottom line, is we are unable to understand God. Why? Because we are finite and fallen human beings. We cannot set ourselves up on some solid perch outside of Christ and gain a vantage point from where we can objectively evaluate him. Divine revelation can only be assessed, as it were, from the inside.Following Jesus Christ is not an intellectual game. It’s not something to be thought about and assessed, as if God is an object we may politely examine, dissect and discuss, picking and choosing what we like of him.You will never know Jesus Christ, you will never experience the freedom he offers until you are willing to surrender it all.You have to give it all up and make a different goal. You have to say, “I’ve done enough research to believe that you are likely who you claim to be. My goal is no longer to evaluate you. My goal is to look at the world the way you tell me to.” Until you are willing to say, “God, whatever you say” you will never know God. Until you are willing to say, "I give you my life. My life is not my own. You tell me what to do.As soon as you do that, you put yourself into a position to know God. It’s like a cup that’s just in the wrong direction. You just complain constantly that the water never fills up the cup. The problem’s not with the water. The problem is in the position of the cup!If you were here on Wednesday this week you will remember this quote:He got this from Jesus. Jesus asks this of us. Turn the cup. It’s an issue of submission.And this was the final identification. So when you surrender to Messiah what do you do? When you say, “My life is not my own, what do you do?” It can look a lot of different ways.I want to highlight some ways it’s looked for some folks in our church. Not only will it show you how others have surrendered, but there is an opportunity for you to join them in their surrender.Whatever you do, the point is that you know Jesus by surrender your will. You’ll never know him till you do that.

The three bad guys of Holy Week - Caiphas, Barabbas, and Pilate - show us that power works very differently in the Kingdom of God and the kingdoms of men. This message was delivered by Pastor Scott Savage on Sunday, March 28, 2021

The three bad guys of Holy Week - Caiphas, Barabbas, and Pilate - show us that power works very differently in the Kingdom of God and the kingdoms of men. This message was delivered by Pastor Scott Savage on Sunday, March 28, 2021

The Prophet Ezekiel says that a prince will unite the kingdom of Israel again and it shall not be divided. In the Gospel of John we hear the high priest Caiphas saying that one man must die for the nation. It will be this man, Jesus, the Messiah that will unite all the people as the shepherd who guards his flock. Our Jewish brethren celebrate Passover tonight. We pray with and for them, that the veil over their eyes may fall so that they can see Jesus as the Messiah. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/sofia-fonseca7/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/sofia-fonseca7/support

Luke 22:54, 63-65 Jesus Examined at Caiphas' House

John 18:12-27 Jesus Before Caiphas

Callers choose the topics during Open Forum, peppering our guests with questions on every aspect of Catholic life and faith, the moral life, and even philosophical topics that touch on general religious belief.  Questions Covered: 12:14 – I don’t see evidence in the Bible for the perpetual virginity of Mary. Mt 1:25 seems to say otherwise. Can you help me to understand this?   35:12 – I am a Protestant checking out the Catholic faith. I watched a virtual Mass last week and the priest said that he feels Mary’s presence. Is it possible to feel the presence of a saint? I am new to this idea.  45:06 – How can I know when a writer is orthodox and a trustworthy source?  50:50 – I have recently seen the argument that the names Cephas and Caiphas are variants of the same name, implying that Simon being called Cephas is naming him as high priest. Is this theory correct?  …

Matthew 26: The Rejection of the King | Jesus is facing his last few days before his crucifixion - and suffers betrayal and rejection.Journey 15 | Savior. Journey Fifteen focuses on our great Savior, Jesus Christ. The book of Matthew reveals Jesus as the Promised One of the nation of Israel and the coming King of Kings. Hebrews connects the OT to the NT and reminds us that Jesus is better than whatever we left behind. Then James teaches us how to live in light of the Kingdom of God. In the OT, we look at romance in Song of Solomon and a falling empire in 1 Chronicles and Nahum. (89 days)Teacher: Kris & JonathanAbout TTW: When the Bible is confusing, Through the Word explains it with clear and concise audio guides for every chapter. The TTW Podcast follows 19 Journeys covering every book and chapter in the Bible. Each journey is an epic adventure through several Bible books, as your favorite pastors explain each chapter with clear explanation and insightful application. Understand the Bible in just ten minutes a day, and join us for all 19 Journeys on the TTW podcast or TTW app!Get the App: https://throughtheword.orgContact: https://throughtheword.org/contactDonate: https://throughtheword.org/givingMatthew 26 Themes: Jesus, rejection, betrayal, last supperMatthew 26 Tags: Jesus, high priest, Caiphas, Judas, alabaster, perfume, anointing, betray, betrayal, passover, communion, bread, wine, blood of the covenant, shepherd, disown me three times, deny me three times, rooster arrest, garden of gethsemaneKey Verses: Quotes: Audio & Text © 2011-2021 Through the Word™ Inc. All rights reserved worldwide.Bible Quotes: The Holy Bible New International Version® NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission of Biblica, Inc.® All rights reserved worldwide.

Key Scripture Readings:  Matt. 26:57-27:26; Mark 14:53-15:15; Luke 22:54-23:25;  John 18:12- 19:16 Fast Facts After His arrest, the Lord was brought to Annas. Annas was the father-in-law of Caiphas (the high priest). The Lord was asked about His disciples and His teaching. Jesus was then brought to Caiaphas. The high priest was afraid that if […]

Matthew 26:57-69  Jesus Tried in Annas' and Caiphas' Kangaroo Court

Into the BookDraw Closer to ChristRead or WatchWhat do you look for in a friend? In one of my kids' favorite movies, a toy cowboy overcomes his jealousy and acts with courageous loyalty. As Randy Newman's well-known theme song says:"You got troubles, and I got 'em tooThere isn't anything I wouldn't do for youWe stick together, and we see it through'Cause you've got a friend in me."In our readings this week, we'll get an intimate look at Jesus in the hours before his betrayal and crucifixion. Even in his time of trial, the Lord gives attention to his friends, preparing them for life after his death.Friends LoveThe word "love" is used twenty times in John 14-15, as Jesus expresses his commitment to them and calls them into loving, obedient fellowship with him and his Father. On Monday (John 14), Christ tells them not to let their hearts be troubled but to believe in him (John 14:1). He's going away, but he will make a way for them to be together again (John 14:3). In fact, Jesus is the "way the truth and the life" (John 14:6). Jesus promises that the Holy Spirit, "the Helper" (John 14:26), will remind them of everything Jesus said. And so, he leaves them with peace (John 14:27). On Tuesday (John 15), the Lord says to hold onto him, abiding in him, so that we can bear fruit (John 15:2). Like branches apart from the vine, Jesus tells his disciples, "apart from me, you can do nothing" (John 15:5). So, when the world hates us, we remember that they hated him first (John 15:18-20), and we stay close to Jesus.What do Jesus' true friends do (John 15:14)?Friends SupportOn Wednesday (John 16), Jesus continues his final encouragement to his disciples before his death. Rather than being filled with sorrow, he tells them, "It is to your advantage that I go away, for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you. But if I go, I will send him to you" (John 16:7). And with the Holy Spirit's help, their sadness will turn to joy (John 16:20). Though they will all be scattered after his death, they'll quickly find courage as they see how Christ has overcome the world (John 16:33)!On Thursday (John 17), Jesus lifts his eyes to heaven in a moving prayer to the Father. He calls on God to "glorify me in your own presence with the glory that I had with you before the world existed" (John 17:5). He recalls his work on earth and asks the Lord to strengthen, protect, and unify his beloved disciples (John 17:11-12). Though the world will hate them, just like it hated him, he prays for "evil one" to be kept at bay (John 17:14-15). And, in a sense, he prays for you and I today — those who believe through the disciple's words (John 17:20-21).How does the Holy Spirit's work continue to support you today?What do you learn about the importance of unity from Jesus' prayer?Friends Show DedicationFinally, on Friday (John 18), we watch two of Jesus' friends turn their backs on him — as Judas betrays him (John 18:2-3), and Peter denies knowing him (John 18:15-18, 25-27). Though Peter displays courage in defending Jesus in the garden, he's reminded of his mission when the Lord asks, "Shall I not drink the cup that the Father has given me?" (John 18:11). After Annas (John 18:12-14) and Caiphas, the high priest, questioned him (John 18:19-24), he went to Pilate, the Roman governor (John 18:28-38). And after Pilate finds nothing to accuse him of, the crowds turn their backs on him, asking to release a criminal rather than the King of kings (John 18:38-40).How do Peter's denials help you become more dedicated to the Lord?Support the Show

"The 24 Hours of the Passion of Our Lord Jesus Christ" by Servant of God, Luisa PiccarretaPreparation before each hourO my Lord Jesus Christ, prostrate in your divine presence, I implore your most loving Heart to admit me to the sorrowful meditation of the 24 hours in which for love of us You wanted to suffer so much, in your adorable body and in your most holy soul, unto death on the Cross. O please, give me help, grace, love, deep compassion and understanding of your sufferings, as I now meditate this Hour.And for those which I cannot meditate, I offer You my will to meditate them, and I willingly intend to meditate them in all the hours in which I have to apply myself to my duties, or sleep. Accept, O merciful Lord, my loving intention, and let it be beneficial for me and for all, as if I effectively and in a saintly way accomplished what I wish to practice.Meanwhile, I give You thanks, O my Jesus, for calling me to union with You by means of prayer. And to please You more, I take your thoughts, your tongue, your Heart, and with this I intend to pray, fusing all of myself in your Will and in your love; and stretching out my arms to hug You, I place my head on your Heart, and I begin.Thanksgiving after each hourMy lovable Jesus, You have called me in this hour of your Passion to keep You company, and I have come. I seemed to hear You praying, repairing and suffering, in anguish and sorrow, pleading for the salvation of souls in the most touching and eloquent voices.I tried to follow You in everything; and now, having to leave You for my usual occupations, I feel the duty to say to You, ‘Thank You' and ‘I bless You.'Yes, O Jesus, I repeat to You ‘Thank You' thousands and thousands of times, and ‘I bless You' for all that You have done and suffered for me and for all. I thank You and I bless You for every drop of Blood You shed, for every breath, for every heartbeat, for every step, word, glance, bitterness and offense which You endured. In everything, O my Jesus, I intend to seal You with a ‘Thank You' and an ‘I bless You.'Please, O Jesus, let my whole being send You a continuous flow of thanks and blessings, so as to draw upon me and upon everyone the flow of your blessings and thanks. Please, O Jesus, press me to your Heart, and with your most holy hands seal every particle of my being with your ‘I bless you', so that nothing other than a continuous hymn to You may come from me.Buddy Comfort - vocals and guitar from the album, "Brother Sun, Sister Moon", http://www.buddycomfort.com, words and music by Donovan Leitch.For more information: drussell777@icloud.comSupport the show (https://www.paypal.me/magi777)

"The 24 Hours of the Passion of Our Lord Jesus Christ" by Servant of God, Luisa PiccarretaPreparation before each hourO my Lord Jesus Christ, prostrate in your divine presence, I implore your most loving Heart to admit me to the sorrowful meditation of the 24 hours in which for love of us You wanted to suffer so much, in your adorable body and in your most holy soul, unto death on the Cross. O please, give me help, grace, love, deep compassion and understanding of your sufferings, as I now meditate this Hour.And for those which I cannot meditate, I offer You my will to meditate them, and I willingly intend to meditate them in all the hours in which I have to apply myself to my duties, or sleep. Accept, O merciful Lord, my loving intention, and let it be beneficial for me and for all, as if I effectively and in a saintly way accomplished what I wish to practice.Meanwhile, I give You thanks, O my Jesus, for calling me to union with You by means of prayer. And to please You more, I take your thoughts, your tongue, your Heart, and with this I intend to pray, fusing all of myself in your Will and in your love; and stretching out my arms to hug You, I place my head on your Heart, and I begin.Thanksgiving after each hourMy lovable Jesus, You have called me in this hour of your Passion to keep You company, and I have come. I seemed to hear You praying, repairing and suffering, in anguish and sorrow, pleading for the salvation of souls in the most touching and eloquent voices.I tried to follow You in everything; and now, having to leave You for my usual occupations, I feel the duty to say to You, ‘Thank You' and ‘I bless You.'Yes, O Jesus, I repeat to You ‘Thank You' thousands and thousands of times, and ‘I bless You' for all that You have done and suffered for me and for all. I thank You and I bless You for every drop of Blood You shed, for every breath, for every heartbeat, for every step, word, glance, bitterness and offense which You endured. In everything, O my Jesus, I intend to seal You with a ‘Thank You' and an ‘I bless You.'Please, O Jesus, let my whole being send You a continuous flow of thanks and blessings, so as to draw upon me and upon everyone the flow of your blessings and thanks. Please, O Jesus, press me to your Heart, and with your most holy hands seal every particle of my being with your ‘I bless you', so that nothing other than a continuous hymn to You may come from me.Buddy Comfort - vocals and guitar from the album, "Brother Sun, Sister Moon", http://www.buddycomfort.com, words and music by Donovan Leitch.For more information: drussell777@icloud.comSupport the show (https://www.paypal.me/magi777)

Welcome to In Your Embrace Daily, a series of short daily reflections on the Gospels from the Extraordinary Form of the Roman Rite. Today's reading for the First Friday of Passiontide is from the Holy Gospel according to John. John 11:47-54 (DRE) “At that time, chief priests and the Pharisees gathered a council, and said: What do we, for this man doth many miracles? If we let him alone so, all will believe in him; and the Romans will come, and take away our place and nation. But one of them, named Caiphas, being the high priest that year, said to them: You know nothing. Neither do you consider that it is expedient for you that one man should die for the people, and that the whole nation perish not. And this he spoke not of himself: but being the high priest of that year, he prophesied that Jesus should die for the nation. And not only for the nation, but to gather together in one the children of God, that were dispersed. From that day therefore they devised to put him to death. Wherefore Jesus walked no more openly among the Jews; but he went into a country near the desert, unto a city that is called Ephrem, and there he abode with his disciples.” --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/in-your-embrace/message

It's easy to point the finger and say that Christ died because of the actions of Judas, Caiphas, the Sanhedrin, and Pontius Pilate, but that doesn't tell the whole story. In this mini episode, hear the truth about who really is responsible for Our Lord's death on the cross. Have a question or topic for Christine and/or her husband Pat? Submit it at: https://forms.gle/s2xGLPVje8287jcp9 Like what you hear? Don't forget to subscribe and leave a nice review so you don't miss an episode, as well as help others discover The Catholic Mama. ---- To read more about what the Catholic Church says about the Sacred Sacraments, the Ten Commandments, its social teachings, and more, purchase your own copy of the Catholic Catechism here. Don't forget to hit that subscribe button so you don't miss an episode of The Catholic Mama. And please leave a nice review - more reviews help this little ministry grow. 

This is an audio version of Fr. Richard Clarke S.J.'s Catholic Daily lent meditations from Bellarmine Forum (Lent Day 23: Thursday after the Third Sunday in Lent— Jesus in the Guard-room of Caiphas.)

This is an audio version of Fr. Richard Clarke S.J.'s Catholic Daily lent meditations from Bellarmine Forum (Lent Day 19: The Third Sunday in Lent — In the Palace of Caiphas.)

Q&A #136 - Ten questions on one episode! 1. What is the most embarrassing thing that has happened to you?2. Who would you each choose to play yourself in a movie?3. Regarding Tim Horton's cups, what is your preference: Dome lids or Normal lids?4. I say hi to a some people at church on the weekend, but I want to get to know some of them more and don't know how to do that. Ideas?5. Recently when speaking to another Christian, I was talking about how sad it was that more and more people seem to think how wonderful and kind it is to euthanise old people, I was shocked when he agreed with the idea of euthanasia to end suffering.  What does the bible say about Euthanasia?  How do you think I should have responded to him?6. our cultural consumerism seems to have tainted many of our thoughts on pleasure and sexuality. How do we separate these ideas and think about pleasure and sexuality without viewing them through a consumerist lens?7. If women make up 1 out of every 3 visits to pornographic sites, if 17% of women consider themselves addicted to porn, and if half of women in a recent German sex study admit to watching porn, why don't we talk about it? Why are there so few resources? And why is this conversation still so full of shame for both men and women in our church culture?8. How can we cultivate intimacy in marriage (or other important relationships) when we're in a tough season?9. I watched the movie "Risen" a few weeks ago and then the initial episodes on the series "A.D" this past week, more out of curiosity than anything. Both are obviously dramatic for screenplay and don't necessarily follow what we see in the Bible (depiction of Mary Magdalene as a woman of the night, for example) but it got me curious about how Pilate and Caiphas felt after the crucifixion - and their actions. Apart from Matthew there is no mention of any action but both films depict complete turmoil and chaos culminating in all the guards at the tomb being "silenced" along with anyone else who was a witness. Is there any other documentation of events or is this all assumption based?10. How can I earn Salvation?

A visit to the House of Caiphas in Jerusalem - the Church of Peter in Galicantu...

Pastor Josh Porterfield delivers the message on Caiphas and surrendering all to God.

2nd Sunday of Advent, Year CAs the popular TV show Game of Thrones says, “Winter is coming!” And I think this morning winter has arrived! It is a physical reminder of the spiritual nature of this Advent season where we experience longer nights and shorter days as we look toward the light that is coming, a light that brings the warmth of God’s love into focus.Our readings point us toward this light. The prophet Malachi is writing after the Hebrew people have returned from their Babylonian captivity and have rebuilt their temple in Jerusalem 500 years before the birth of Jesus. The people are wondering about when they will see God’s justice against their enemies, but Malachi calls them to examine themselves and their selfish desires. In a passage just after our lection reading the prophet speaks on behalf of God,Ever since the days of your ancestors you have turned aside from my statutes and have not kept them. Return to me, and I will return to you, says the Lord of hosts.Of course these words are in the context of God sending God’s messenger to prepare the way and point us toward our own need for the refiner’s fire. Just as Jesus told his followers to take the log out of their own eye before removing the speck from their neighbors, so the season of Advent calls us to examine our hearts as we look for the coming promise of God’s deliverance. Malachi is directing our attention toward God’s messenger.The Canticle of Zechariah takes up Malachi’s theme in the first chapter of Luke. Zechariah as you recall is the father of John the Baptist and famously questioned Gabriel about God’s promise that his barren wife would conceive a son. So the angel made Zechariah mute until the promise was fulfilled. The words of this Canticle are the first words Zechariah has spoken since that encounter with the angel Gabriel.Blessed be the Lord God of Israel, for he has looked favorably on his people and redeemed them. He has raised up a mighty savior for us in the house of his servant David, as he spoke through the mouth of his holy prophets from of old.Prophets like Malachi and Jeremiah and Isaiah and Hosea and Joel - and the list goes on – all proclaiming God’s redemptive love and the coming of one who will bring a new reign of God’s love in the world. A love that is like a refiner’s fire and and a fuller’s soap – both of which purify that which they encounter. So our hearts too are purified as we experience God’s love in the midst of our imperfections. But most of you don’t get to see how that purification works itself out in our Grace community the way I do. I see what a vital part of that reign of God’s love Grace Church is about. I have the joy of seeing behind the scenes when people extend God’s love in ways that are sometimes unseen by the person in the pew.For instance, yesterday, on a broadcast on an NPR station in one of our nation’s major metropolitan areas, one of our Grace Church family, who came to us when they were a student at JBU, talked about how when their family had not accepted them they found a home with us. And even 1500 miles away they still consider Grace their family. Or yesterday, when I received a text from a Grace family who asked me who in the parish needed help this Christmas because they simply wanted to reach out to their neighbors. Or last year when our Genesis House adopted family found themselves losing a wife and a mother to cancer and didn’t have the funds for her burial, you stepped up and were their family, not only paying for all of their expenses but providing a beautiful service and reception and even a burial place in our Columbarium.Over and over again, I see your generosity and your love extending God’s reign in our community and beyond. And I want to say thank you. Thank you to those who give their time and talent and money and prayers and presence and love so that others might know they are loved and have a home called Grace.Luke’s Gospel tells us today that God’s Word came to John, son of Zechariah in the wilderness. Not to the high and mighty of the day, not to the Roman Emperor Tiberius, not to the Governor of Judea, Pontius Pilate, not to the ruler of Galilee, Herod or his brother Philip, or Lysanius, ruler of Abilene, not even to the high priests of the Jewish faith, Annas and Caiphas who make offerings in the holy of holies of the temple in Jerusalem on behalf of the whole people of Israel, not even to them did the word of God come!But to one miraculously born to an elderly couple named Elizabeth and Zechariah who had been patiently waiting for God’s promise of one who would inaugurate a new kingdom of peace and righteousness.[John] went into all the region around the Jordan, proclaiming a baptism of repentence for the forgiveness of sins, as it is written in the book of the words of the prophet Isaiah;“The voice of one crying out in the wilderness:Prepare the way of the Lord,Make his paths straight.Every valley shall be filled.And every mountain and hill shall be made low,And the crooked shall be made straight, and the rough ways made smooth;And all flesh shall see the salvation of God.”One of the great musical texts of the season is taken from our reading from Malachi in Handle’s Messiah, where the recitative proclaims, “The Lord, whom ye seek, shall suddenly come.” After the first performance in London in 1741, Handel wrote to a friend: “I should be sorry if I only entertained them. I wished to make them better.” Handel’s desire was that we might fulfill Malachi’s prophetic words and present ourselves as offerings to the Lord in righteousness.This Advent season is an opportunity for us to hear again the prophetic word of promise as it comes to us where we are, in the wilderness of our lives, and gives us hope to see new life birthed in us.Amen.

Matthew 26: The Rejection of the King | Jesus is facing his last few days before his crucifixion - and suffers betrayal and rejection.Journey 7 | Promises Kept. Journey Seven returns to Jesus' story, as Matthew presents Christ as the coming King and fulfillment of God's promises. In the Old Testament, Deuteronomy brings us to the edge of the Promised Land as Moses reminds Israel of God's faithfulness and challenges them to trust God for the road ahead. Then Hebrews connects the dots between the testaments, and 2nd Corinthians digs in to the heart of ministry. (91 days)Teacher: Kris & JonathanAbout TTW: When the Bible is confusing, Through the Word explains it with clear and concise audio guides for every chapter. The TTW Podcast follows 19 Journeys covering every book and chapter in the Bible. Each journey is an epic adventure through several Bible books, as your favorite pastors explain each chapter with clear explanation and insightful application. Understand the Bible in just ten minutes a day, and join us for all 19 Journeys on the TTW podcast or TTW app!Get the App: https://throughtheword.orgContact: https://throughtheword.org/contactDonate: https://throughtheword.org/givingMatthew 26 Themes: Jesus, rejection, betrayal, last supperMatthew 26 Tags: Jesus, high priest, Caiphas, Judas, alabaster, perfume, anointing, betray, betrayal, passover, communion, bread, wine, blood of the covenant, shepherd, disown me three times, deny me three times, rooster arrest, garden of gethsemaneKey Verses: Quotes: Audio & Text © 2011-2021 Through the Word™ Inc. All rights reserved worldwide.Bible Quotes: The Holy Bible New International Version® NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission of Biblica, Inc.® All rights reserved worldwide.

Have you ever wondered why people walk away from the Lord? Why did Judas betray Jesus? How is the church supposed to react to those who walk away? Check out this weeks sermon as we unpack Matthew 27.

Theme: Christ's First Trial Before Caiphas Point 1: How Christ was examined by Caiphas, Point 2: How Christ gave an account before Caiphas, Point 3: How Christ was tried in the presence of Caiphas, Point 4: The boldness with which Christ confessed before Caiphas

Today's Daily Bread is Pastor Mark's teaching from an Israel tour. He is actually in Caiphas dungeon when he teaches this message. We learn about the awesome sacrifice that Jesus made and how his human emotions must have been so difficult to bear.

Matt and Richard discuss the Caiaphas Cain books by Sandy Mitchell, one of Matt’s recent reads, set in the Warhammer 40,000 universe.… Read More

His name is Pilate, as in Pontius Pilate — P-i-l-a-t-e, not p-i-l-o-t — even though Pilate did manage to fly himself right into middle of a maelstrom of religious and political corruption and compromise with devastating consequences. In this PODCAST, as we now approach Jesus’ impending crucifixion, the greatest irony of this entire sad saga is that the whole thing is motivated by one thing: self-interest. As we learned in last week’s podcast, on the Jewish side of things, the entire motivation behind the High Priest Caiaphas and the 70-member Sanhedrin in wanting to kill Jesus was the realization that He posed an existential threat to their power, position, prestige, and possessions, all of them paid for with their obscene wealth and ill-gotten gains — the chief thieves, these religious leaders were, in a den of thieves. Which is what, on their watch, the Temple, The House, God’s House, “My Father’s House” (as Jesus called it), had become. As we will learn this week, on Roman side of things, the spineless Pilate will collapse like the house of cards that he was because he feared losing his title and power as the Roman Governor of the province of Judea. All of this while killing a man who was utterly, totally, completely and absolutely selfless. Somoen who had not one strand of the DNA of self-interest woven anywhere in the fabric of His sizable soul. We’re talking their willingness to murder a gentle, peaceable, innocent man — not to mention their Messiah — if that’s what it took to maintain their coveted positions. Make no mistake about this — Pilate KNEW that Jesus was absolutely innocent, and yet sentenced Him to die anyway, in the most unimaginably barbaric, brazenly humiliating, excruciatingly torturous death ever devised by man. You talk about Jesus looking out over a vast multitude of precious people with overwhelming compassion in His heart, while lamenting that they were like sheep without a shepherd? Well, these were their shepherds. Shepherds both religious (Caiphas) and political (Pilate). Unprincipled men who unconscionably used and abused their helpless little lambs for their own personal gain. Just like they do today. Religiously and Politically. It is today as it was then. Well, last week we met their religious shepherds. The time has now come for us to meet their political shepherds. Most specifically, Pontius Pilate, the man who has lived long in infamy as the man who caved to political pressure and who, against own convictions, sentenced Jesus to death. Please remember that depending upon your web browser and connection speed, it may take up to 60 seconds for this podcast to begin to play. God bless you richly as you listen.

Scripture: Mark 15:1-15. We get closer to the Cross as Pastor John Guest teaches on Jesus' trials before Caiphas and Pilate.

Everyone's life involves waiting, but the important thing is to wait on God.

The trial moves to the Sanhedrin and then on to the Praetorium by daybreak as the Jewish leaders quickly try and move Jesus towards condemnation and hanging at the hands of the Romans--since they have no power to kill Him under their own authority. This is the most important trial in history as The Truth is on trial, and although Pilate tries to wash his hands of Jesus, the Jews will have nothing of it. Listen in as Pastor Steve finishes up the rest of John chapter 18 as we move closer to the cross.

Luke 3:1-6

As the news of the raising of Lazarus from the dead spreads, many are coming to faith in Jesus--the religious leaders in Jerusalem are very concerned as people turning to Jesus will raise the eyebrows of the Romans and potentially cause them to lose their "position" and power! Unknown to himself, Caiphas ends up prophesying that Jesus's death will be "one man dying for the people", true not to his own purpose, but to God's purpose to bring salvation through that "one man's" death. In chapter 12 the scene switches to Bethany and the springtime, and Mary, with only a week before Passover anoints Jesus' body for burial (unbeknownst to her) with very costly oil--a true sign of her worship and adoration of Him.

A great void in the early life of Jesus is filled up by The Syriac Infancy Gospel (also called Arabic Gospel of the Infancy of the Savior (AGIS)), dating from the 4-5th century. In none of the gospels in the New Testament is any mention made of the childhood of Jesus. The Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John, more rapidly than satisfactorily, pass over the period intervening between His birth and ministry. The non-canonical Infancy Gospel of Thomas tells about the deeds of Jesus in his early childoood, and is set to music in BDJ's cellar here (http://bdj.podomatic.com/entry/2011-12-09T11_37_24-08_00). We think it likely that AGIS refers to a combination of the Infancy Gospel of Thomas and the Gospel of James when it speaks about the 'Gospel of the Infancy'. The Gospel of James provides much of the details of the nativity scenes and Mary's deeds. The Gospel of Perfection is mentioned as well, but is not extant today. Judging by the text of the AGIS, its authors probably used a 'Gospel of Perfection' that harmonised the gospels of Matthew and Luke (both set to music in BDJ's Cellar), since we find no traces of Mark or John. Although the AGIS was not included in the new testament, it remained a popular text throughout the ages and continues to exert its influence. The stories about Jesus in Egypt inspired artists into the Middle-ages and are represented in numerous paintings. The veneration of Mary could aslo find its roots in this text. Obviously, there is so much to say about AGIS that surpasses the scope of this text in BDJ's Cellar. However, we couldn't resist to make a few observations to make your listening even more enjoyable, without pretending to be particularly knowledgeable in this domain, of course ! A) Remarkable clarifications of the gospels in The Arabic Gospel of the Infancy of the Savior (AGIS): 1) In the AGIS, Caiphas relates that Jesus, when in his cradle, informed his mother that he was the Son of God. Joseph, son of Caiaphas, in the New Testament, was the Roman-appointed Jewish high priest who is said to have organized the plot to kill Jesus. Here, we learn details of the accusation that Caiphas made against Jesus, namely that he claimed to be the son of God. The gospel of Matthew  tells us that Jesus did neither confim or deny this accusation during his trial: this silence may have troubled early Christians; why didn't Jesus comfirm in public that he was the Son of God ? In a brillant turn of events in the AGIS, the claim is rendered true by Caiphas stating that these words were actually spoken by the baby Jesus ! Let's not ponder too much that Caiphas was only appointed as high priest around 20 years after Jesus was born....... 2) the Nativity: Where was Jesus born ? The gospels of Luke and Matthew speak about the Nativity, Mark and John are silent. They both agree with AGIS that Jesus was born in  Bethlehem, but the 3 disagree on the excact location. Overall, the AGIS seems to lean more on Luke than Matthew in the circumstances of Jesus' birth, but there are significant differences: a) In Luke, Mary gives birth to Jesus and, having found no place for themselves in the inn, places the newborn in a manger. Later tradition places the manger in a stable, but perhaps this was not the case in these days, when animals were kept inside the houses. It is interesting that the Gospel of James gives a reason for which Mary wrapped Jesus in swaddling cloths and put him in a manger: to hide him from the child-murderers sent by Herod. b) In Matthew, Joseph and Mary are in a house in Bethlehem when the 'wise men' come to visit them. c) According to the AGIS, Jesus was born in a cave near Bethlehem. It is somewhat surprising that the AGIS dares to deviate so strongly with Luke and Matthew. AGIS follows the Gospel of James, which says that Joseph chose a cave and did not enter the city, since he was ashamed that Mary (whom he had just married) was 9 months pregnant. I suppose the author understood that Jesus was bron in a cave, and that Joseph and Mary later lived in a house by the time the wise men came and Herod sent his murderers out to kill all 2-year old boys. 3) When was Jesus born ? AGIS mentions "In the three hundred and ninth year of the era of Alexander". This is remarkable on 2 accounts: - why count years based on the era of Alexander ? The known world belonged to the Roman empire, Alexander's empire was long gone. I assume therefore that the author of the AGIS lived in area of the Roman empire that used be at the core of Alexander's empire. This clearly sets it apart from the Christian tradition in Rome itself, whose doctrines eventually (in the fourth century) prevailed over the traditions of the eastern churches. - the date is nowhere near the date we base on Luke and Matthew (who differ by a decade or so amongst themselves). This inaccuracy may also be caused by the 'provincial' rather than Roman background of the author, who apparently could not match the Roman calendar with the Greek tradition. 4) Circumcision: In Luke, Mary and Joseph take Jesus to Jerusalem to be circumcised, before returning to their home in Nazareth. This story is expanded in AGIS by the recounting that the foreskin was placed in a box; the AGIS says that this is the box that Mary used when she annointed Jesus. Foreskin relics began appearing in Europe during the Middle Ages. The earliest recorded sighting came on December 25, 800, when Charlemagne gave it to Pope Leo III when the latter crowned the former Emperor. The Pope placed it into the Sanctum sanctorum in the Lateran basilica in Rome with other relics. In addition to the Holy Foreskin in Rome, other claimants included the Cathedral of Le Puy-en-Velay, Santiago de Compostela, the city of Antwerp, Coulombs in the diocese of Chartres, France as well as Chartres itself, and churches in Besançon, Newport, Metz, Hildesheim, Charroux, Conques, Langres, Fécamp, Puy-en-Velay, Stoke on Trent, Calcata, and two in Auvergne. 5) Women: the AGIS appears to be populated by strong and/or virtuous women. This already starts at the birth of Christ, where Mary is elevated to almost divine stature :" As there is not any child like to my son, so neither is there any woman like to his mother". We may very well take this to be the motto of much of the remainder of the AGIS. It is Mary who makes all decisions (Joseph has no say in any matter), Mary decides to save people, Mary conducts miracles using Jesus' sweat or swaddling clothes. Actually, the men make a rather pathetic or comic impression: some are turned into mules, others are impotent on their wedding day, Satan flees in the form of young man. Could the AGIS have been written by a woman ? 6) Magic. The four Gospels record many examples of Christ’s magic during his wanderings, noting that he performed 6 exorcisms, 17 healings, and 8 nature miracles. Jesus never touched individuals who were possessed by demons, driving them out with gestures and authoritative commands. He did, however, touch those who were suffering from illness. Magic is even more widespread in the AGIS, and taken very seriously; it is not only seen as an aspect of religion, it is a part of everyday life. Magicians, sorcerers, prophets, demons, even Satan appear everywhere. It is a matter of perspective whether we label events as 'miracles' or 'magic'. To modern readers, miracles are acceptable and magic is seen as a form of superstition; in early Chritianity, that distinction was apparently not made. The exampes of magic / miracles are too numerous to mention all. Some themes may be distilled from the AGIS: - use of relics of Jesus having magic powers: this is already seen at the start, where Jesus' swaddling clothes are recognised by Mary as important relics. Luke says that an angel tells some shepherds that they will find a child wrapped in bands of cloth and lying in a manger; the AGIS also speaks about these bands of cloth and assigns magical powers to them. It is not Mary who performs these miracles, the powere are clearly vested in te cloth itself: The AGIS tells us what happened to the wise men when they returned to their own country; they came to the east (obviously a pagan area) and Jesus' cloth performed miracles there to aid conversion of those countries to Christianity. - the miracles performed by sprinkling water: well known in Christian rites, the AGIS appears to suggest that is derived from sprinkling water used to wash Jesus, thus containing his sweat. - excorcisms are used to cure mental disorders. Several of those disorders appear to have a sexual component, such as the impotent bridegroom, the bride who goes dumb at her wedding, the woman roaming the streets naked - throwing stones at men -, another woman is visited by a snake (who 'lies upon her') every night etc. Perhaps Freud was right after all ? In AGIS, the demons and Satan are described in vivid detail (crows, serpents, dragons etc.). The New Testament Gospels never depict demons in any form. 7) The Egypt connection.The middle section of the AGIS deals with the events in Egypt, and Mary (with Jesus) performs many miracls there, defeats idols and demons. This is much more information than we find in the four Gospels: only Matthew mentions the stay in Egypt, but Matthew gives little detail about Jesus' family's time there. One of the more common accusations against early christians was that Christ had spent time in Egypt where he gained knowledge of Egyptian magical practices. The attempt to discredit this accusation, may explain why the story of Jesus’ flight to Egypt occurs only in the gospel of Matthew. Matthew thus admits that Jesus had gone to Egypt but had done so as an infant, making the charge that he had learned Egyptian magic there unlikely. The AGIS paints a different picture, and Jesus appears to have stayed in Egypt for a considerable time, several years at least. Even after recounting a number of miracles in various cities, the AGIS says that they journeyed to Memphis (in Egypt), "and abode three years in Egypt", before returning to Judea. We can now say that Jesus must have been at least 5 years old when he left Egypt: Herod killed all boys younger than 2 years after meeting with the wise men form the east. Hence, Jesus may have been 2 years old when he was taken to Egypt, then stayed there for at least 3 years. The last section of AGIS, the infancy story (where Jesus acts himself, rather than Mary being the central figure), mentions that Jesus was seven years old. Hence, we can say on the basis of the AGIS that Jesus was between 3 and 5 years in Egypt. Since he could already speak upon his birth, he may well have picked up Egyptian traditions at 5 - 7  years old ! It can be speculated that the stay in Egypt actually was known by the earliest Christians; why would Matthew mention such an embarrising episode, if it wasn't already common knowledge ? In fact, within the period of Christ’s lifetime, history has left us several historical examples of the magicians of northern Israel, including a man known only as “the Egyptian,” who gathered several thousand followers at the Mount of Olives in expectation of the Messiah’s arrival before being arrested by the Romans. The influence of Egyptian magic upon Christianity is - in any case - seen in early Christianity when Christian “holy men” performed some of the same magical feats as Egyptian magicians but in the name of Christ. Early texts note events strikingly similar to those in the AGIS, could they have followed the example ? Macarius changed a woman who had been turned into a mare back again by sprinkling holy water upon her: compare with the man turned into a mule. Paul the Simple, an early monk, was said to have cast out a devil that had taken the form of a “mighty dragon 70 cubits long.” Compare with the girl persecuted by a dragon. And one Petarpemotis was said to have made a dead man speak. Compare Jesus making the boy speak who had fallen from the roof. 8) Early adulthood (12-30 years old). The four Gospels are silent about the first 12 years of Christ’s life. After his birth we do not encounter him again until he is found, as Luke says, “teaching in the synagogue” at 12 years of age. In the modern era we are used to thinking of a 12-year-old as still very much of a child. But in antiquity a 12-year-old was already an adult. It was the age at which a boy was permitted full participation in Jewish religious rituals. The story in AGIS follows Luke's acccount and expands on it: Jesus was not only a religious leader, he was also a scientist, philosopher and medical doctor. Nowadays, science is often contrasted with religion; the AGIS considers both to be of the same nature.

When Jesus was challenged by the high priest about his identity, his answer was put on record and under oath for time and eternity. Christine Darg teaches us that Jesus could not remain silent when put under oath. He told the whole truth and nothing but the truth and Christine explains four reasons why.

This month I'm looking at Mel Gibson's The Passion of the Christ which became one of the most controversial, and successful films of all time when it was released in 2004. Back then it was the film that everyone seemed to have an opinion on, and its success has paved the way for a score of films about the Bible to be created.(Director: Mel Gibson) (Cast:James Caviezel... Jesus, Maia Morgenstern... Mary, Christo Jivkov... John, Francesco De Vito... Peter, Monica Bellucci... Mary Magdalene, Mattia Sbragia... Caiphas, Toni Bertorelli... Annas, Luca Lionello... Judas, Hristo Shopov... Pontius Pilate (as Hristo Naumov Shopov), Claudia Gerini... Claudia Procles, Fabio Sartor... Abenader, Giacinto Ferro... Joseph of Arimathea, Olek Mincer... Nicodemus, Sheila Mokhtari... Woman in Audience, Lucio Allocca... Old Temple Guard, Luca De Dominicis... Herod, Pedro Sarubbi... Barabbas, Jarreth Merz... Simon of Cyrene, Rosalinda Celentano… Satan)