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October 28, 2025Today's Reading: John 15:(12-16) 17-21Daily Lectionary: Deuteronomy 30:1-20; Matthew 19:1-15“I chose you out of the world.” (John 15:19)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. As we remember the Apostles of our Lord throughout the year, we might feel sorry for a few of them. Poor Simon “the Zealot” and Jude (a.k.a. Judas, or Thaddeus). They are some of the more obscure of Jesus' disciples. They definitely don't get the attention of Peter, James, and John. They don't even get the word count for Saint Andrew or Saint Nathanael Bartholomew. We don't know a single word that Simon actually spoke, and only one question from St. Jude is recorded. We practically know nothing except their names. In the Gospels, Jude is almost always mentioned by the name Judas, but every instance of that includes “NOT ISCARIOT.” Imagine your greatest claim to fame being that you were NOT the guy with the same name who betrayed Jesus. And then poor Simon, he might as well always have the moniker “NOT PETER.”Yet there is one thing certain, that we can celebrate; Jesus chose them to be His apostles. They were not picked because they were the most quoteworthy, eloquent speakers. They were not selected because they had the right experience, or talents, or pedigree. Simon was not chosen because of his zealot politics, nor Jude for being “not Iscariot.” Saints Simon and Jude were chosen, by the grace of God, in His mercy, to be the simple, often-forgotten human hands, feet, and voices of Christ.That love of Christ encouraged them as they carried His Gospel as His disciples, missionaries, pastors, and apostles. They preached the Word of the Lord and baptized. They forgave sins and fed the Church Christ's Eucharist. And so we end up with two contrasts: the love of Jesus and the hatred of the world.Saints Simon (not Peter) and Jude (not Iscariot) were prepared by Jesus for the hatred of the world. The world hated Him first, and would hate them. Eventually, they suffered death at the hands of those who hated them and Jesus. These faithful Apostles are said to have been martyred at the same time, Simon (not Peter) sawn in half, while many say that Jude (not Iscariot) was beaten to death with a club.Even through the violent end to their time on earth, Jesus's love sustained them through the world's hatred. Our dear Lord knows these saints infinitely more than just their names: Simon, “Not Peter,” and Jude, “Not Iscariot.” He preserved them in the one, true faith at their martyrdom and welcomed them into His presence, where they now await the resurrection with the Risen Savior who chose them and loves them completely.In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Praise, Lord, for Your apostles, Saint Simon and Saint Jude. One love, one hope impelled them To tread the way renewed. May we with zeal as earnest The faith of Christ maintain, Be bound in love together, And life eternal gain. (LSB 518:28)Rev. Richard Heinz, pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church, Lowell, IN.Audio Reflections Speaker: Pastor Harrison Goodman is the Executive Director of Mission and Theology for Higher Things.Step back in time to the late Reformation and learn about a divisive yet inspirational figure: Matthias Flacius Illyricus. His contributions to Lutheranism still echo in our teachings today, from the Magdeburg Confession to parts of the Lutheran Confessions. Learning about Flacius's life will help you understand more intricacies of the Reformation than ever before.

The conclusion of the Gospel of John is today's episode. I am glad you have joined me for this series. I hope it has encouraged and uplifted you each day.

In this episode we are introduced to some of the post-resurrection appearances of Jesus. John tells us why he has written the things he did.Subscribe + Like + Invite to On the Journey.

"It is finished" is what Jesus says as he completes the work given him by God. We are nearly finished reading the Gospel of John. I hope you will continue to join us here as we reach the end of the book.You can find all episode on the platform you are listening from or you can go to the blog to find them all in one place: https://amybain.wordpress.com/2025/10/01/october-reading-the-book-of-john/Please Subscribe + Like + Invite

This chapter covers the betrayal of Jesus, his arrest, and Peter's denial of Jesus. So much happening, but John records it in an interesting way when compared to the other accounts.I am thankful that you have joined me for this series; the reading of the book of John, one daily chapter at a time.

This chapter records a prayer from Jesus for the apostles, and also all who will become disciples after them. I am reading from the American Standard Version of 1901.I am thankful for you stopping by to listen in.

We have passed the halfway mark for the month of October, and are coming upon the conclusion of the book of John. I'm so delighted for each one of you that has joined me in reading this account of the life of Jesus.Be sure to Subscribe to the channel.Like the episode to help others find it.Invite a friend to join you On the Journey.

I am delighted you are joining us for our reading of chapter 15 of the Gospel of John today. Friends, be sure to go outside for some sunshine and fresh air today. Even in the evenings, being outside to get fresh air deep into your lungs is so beneficial for your body's health and your mood. If you haven't already, Subscribe to the channel + Like this episode + Invite a friend to join you On the Journey.

Jesus begins to impart his last encouragements to the disciples in this chapter. I am, again, reading from the American Standard Version (ASV).Thank you for all your encouragement, and sharing this series with your friends.

Thank you for joining in on the reading of the Gospel of John. John is known as the apostle of love because he mentions love so often in his writings (see also 1 John; 2 John, and 3 John).I'd love to hear from you and how you've been impacted from our reading together. Leave a comment over on this post on the blog (or email me): https://amybain.wordpress.com/2025/10/01/october-reading-the-book-of-john/Be sure to share this series with a friend. Until next time, God bless.

Thank you for joining in as I read from John 12, from the New King James Version we read from in the last episode. Be sure to Follow this channel + Like this episode + Invite a friend to join us. All of these help On the Journey to reach more people around the world.

In this chapter of John, Jesus' good friend, Lazarus dies. The shortest verse in the Bible is in this chapter. We also see the plans of the Jewish rules set in motion.This episode is read from the New King James Version bible from Apologetics Press. https://store.apologeticspress.org/collections/bibles/products/brown-small-bibleJoin us here On the Journey, Subscribe + Like + Invite others to join you.

The true shepherd knows his sheep and they know his voice. He has come to give life, and give it abundantly. Join in today as we read John chapter 10 from the ASV Bible. Let me know what other translation you'd like to hear from from.Subscribe so you catch each episode + Like this episode so we can reach others + Invite a friend to join us On the Journey.

This month we are reading through the book of the Gospel of John. I am mostly reading from the American Standard Version. I hope you will be encouraged.Subscribe to the channel + Like this episode + Invite a friend to join us On the Journey.

Thank you for joining today as we continue our daily reading through the book of John, or the Gospel of John. In this chapter you will hear the iconic proclamation about Truth.Don't miss an episode by subscribing to the channel. Click that Like button to help move us up in the search engine. And, best of all, invite a friend to join you here On the Journey.Until next time,

I will be reading from a different translation in the episode; the English Standard Version (ESV). In chapter 7 we find that the Jews are seeking a reason to arrest Jesus, and that they are unable to do anything because it isn't God's time yet. I hope you will be much blessed by today's chapter. Until next time, God bless.

In this chapter the multitude, who ate and were filled, following Jesus across the lake. He teaches them how the manna sent to the children of Israel in the desert was a foreshadow of his life- giving purpose.Don't forget to vote in the poll back at John 4: https://spotifycreators-web.app.link/e/Zja2S4FrbXbUntil next time, God bless.

We continue onto John 5 where we see the encounter a lame man, waiting at the pool of Bethesda (which I mis-pronounced in the reading, oops), with Jesus.Please click Like for this episode + Subscribe + Invite others to join us On the Journey.

This chapter contains one of my favorite encounters of Jesus. I wrote a blog post about it: https://amybain.wordpress.com/2025/01/26/the-woman-at-the-well/If you'd like to hear a different translation of the Bible (I'm currently reading from the ASV), be sure to vote in the poll.May the word of God richly fill your heart.

In today's episode we read of Nicodemus meeting with Jesus, and also one of the most well known verses from the Bible. If you missed the start of this series, you can begin at chapter 1 of the Gospel of John here: https://spotifycreators-web.app.link/e/9ozZ3RPY7WbPlease subscribe so you don't miss a day of this series. Click the Like button, and share this with your friends. Until next time, God bless.

We are continuing our reading of one chapter each day through the Gospel of John. If you missed chapter 1, find it HERE.Please Like + Subscribe + Invite others to join us On the Journey.I hope you are blessed through hearing the Word of God today.

I felt prompted to read a chapter each day for the podcast this month. My family is also reading the Gospel of John this month (as well as the other letter John wrote). I hope you'll listen along with me reading from the American Standard Version (no longer published).Please Like + Invite others to listen + Subscribe to the podcast.Until next time, God bless.

September 14, 2025Today's Reading: John 12:20-33Daily Lectionary: 2 Chronicles 33:1-25; Jonah 1:1-4:11; Colossians 1:24-2:7“Whoever loves his life loses it, and whoever hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life. If anyone serves me, he must follow me; and where I am, there will my servant be also. If anyone serves me, the Father will honor him. ‘Now is my soul troubled. And what shall I say? “Father, save me from this hour”? But for this purpose I have come to this hour. Father, glorify your name.' Then a voice came from heaven: ‘I have glorified it, and I will glorify it again.' The crowd that stood there and heard it said that it had thundered. Others said, ‘An angel has spoken to him.' Jesus answered, ‘This voice has come for your sake, not mine. Now is the judgment of this world; now will the ruler of this world be cast out. And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself.' He said this to show by what kind of death he was going to die.” (John 12:25-33)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. Jesus knew what had to happen. He knew the death that was quickly approaching him. His heart weighed heavily within Him because He knew what pain awaited Him on the cross. But He went. He went out of obedience to the Father, knowing that it was needful to glorify God and to save humanity. The creator of the universe allowed Himself to be humiliated, tortured, and hung upon a cross all out of His love and mercy for His creation. And in that creation, His crucifixion on that very cross is the central and most significant event in its history. Our lives are fundamentally tied to the saving work done on the cross through which Christ has made us His own children and redeemed us, rescuing us from the threat of death and eternal damnation. In our church and many other church bodies, we celebrate Holy Cross Day in remembrance of the victory of this all-encompassing event. Christ's death on the cross is central to our whole lives, defining our identities and shaping our eternal realities. Thanks be to God that Christ Jesus came as a humble servant to set us free once and for all. In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Merciful God, Your Son, Jesus Christ, was lifted high upon the cross that He might bear the sins of the world and draw all people to Himself. Grant that we who glory in His death for our redemption may faithfully heed His call to bear the cross and follow Him, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.Rev. Benjamin Heinz, pastor of Athens Lutheran Church in Athens, TN.Audio Reflections Speaker: Pastor Jonathan Lackey is the pastor at Grace Lutheran Church, Vine Grove, KY.Join author R. Reed Lessing helps with this chapter-by-chapter exploration of the Book of Numbers in Hope in the Wilderness. With helpful maps, diagrams, and connections to the rest of the Bible, you'll be able to understand the beauty of Numbers.

Thank you to Aisha, Amy, and Geoff for being part of the service. Happy birthday this week to Glynnis! Songs from this service: He Leadeth Me - https://youtu.be/6MQrBqZCMBE -- The Lord's Prayer (It's Yours) - https://youtu.be/G2uPU-NY-sc -- Jesus Calls Us - https://youtu.be/W2Wzry4JR9U -- What Will You Do With Jesus? - https://youtu.be/c48RqA5ZH9s -- Goodness Of God - https://youtu.be/ZUPwC3AEQOs -- If Jesus Goes With Me - https://youtu.be/YrrM5tQmfdw Scriptures from this service: Welcome - Psalm 19:7-14 (NET). Reading - John 19:6-12. Communion - John 19:19-22. Sermon - Romans 5:6; Galatians 4:1-5; 1 Peter 1:20; John 18:28; 18:29; 18:30; 18:20; Luke 4:18-19; John 18:21; 18:22; 18:29-30; 18:31; Mark 14:55-64; John 18:38; 18:39-40; 19:1; 19:3; 19:4; 19:6; Luke 23:22; 23:15; Mark 15:10 (NKJV); John 19:8-9; 19:10; 19:11; Matthew 17:24-27; Mark 12:13-17; Genesis 1:26; John 19:10-11; John 11:49-50; Acts 2:23 (NET). Closing - Psalm 20:1-3 (NET). [accordion] [accordion-item title="NIV Copyright" state=closed]Scripture quotations marked (NIV) taken from The Holy Bible, New International Version© NIV© Copyright © 1973 1978 1984 2011 by Biblica, Inc. TM Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.[/accordion-item][accordion-item title="NET Copyright" state=closed]Scripture quoted by permission. Quotations designated (NET) are from the NET Bible© copyright ©1996, 2019 by Biblical Studies Press, L.L.C. http://netbible.com All rights reserved[/accordion-item][accordion-item title="NKJV Copyright" state=closed]Scriptures marked NKJV taken from the New King James Version©. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.[/accordion-item][/accordion]

Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book; but these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name. - John 20:30-31

When Jesus had received the sour wine, he said, "It is finished," and he bowed his head and gave up his spirit. - John 19:30

August 24, 2025Today's Reading: John 1:43-51Daily Lectionary: 1 Kings 5:1-18; 1 Kings 6:1-7:50; 2 Corinthians 1:23-2:17“Nathanael said to him, ‘Can anything good come out of Nazareth?' Philip said to him, ‘Come and see'... Nathanael answered Him, ‘Rabbi, You are the Son of God! You are the King of Israel!'” (John 1:46, 49)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. For Nathanel, also known as Bartholomew, there was “no skin off my back” for telling the truth. He tells it like it is, even if the truth wouldn't be popular or well-received. “An Israelite indeed, in whom there is no deceit!” (v. 47) Philip knows this. He knows that this man of truth needs to meet Jesus. Although he doesn't hold back his skepticism that anything good could come out of Nazareth, Christ has compassion and lets Bartholomew know. Whatever hurt, brokenness, or time of prayer he went through under that fig tree, Jesus saw him and knew him. Now, the Son of God and King of Israel was calling him to be His disciple.Are you one who tells the truth, even if it is not popular or well-received? Or is there deceit in your life—lies and cover-ups for your secrets and exaggerations? No matter what, Jesus comes to you. The Son of God has seen you under your “fig tree.” Just like He saw Adam and Eve under their fig leaves with all of their shame and brokenness, but He doesn't leave you there in despair, He brings comfort out of knowing He sees you. Jesus has compassion on our first parents, on Bartholomew, and on you. At the fig tree, it is not a sense of “Oh! I've been caught!” but a comfort that the Son of God and King of Israel cares for you and calls and gathers you to Himself!Bartholomew met a rather gruesome end in this earthly life. You see, Bartholomew was martyred for telling the truth of Christ in Armenia. Sadly, proclaiming that Jesus Christ is the Son of God meant there was “skin off his back,” as St. Bartholomew was skinned alive and then killed. Yet we rejoice that this wasn't the end for Batholomew; this holy martyr is alive in Christ. This saint in whom there is no deceit is resting in perfect peace with the King of Israel right now, awaiting the Day of Resurrection, when his skin and his entire body will be resurrected and glorified, to live eternally with the Son of God whom he preached.In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Almighty God, Your Son, Jesus Christ, chose Bartholomew to be an apostle to preach the blessed Gospel. Grant that Your Church may love what he believed and preach what he taught; through Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.Rev. Richard Heinz, pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church, Lowell, IN.Audio Reflections Speaker: Pastor Jonathan Lackey is the pastor at Grace Lutheran Church, Vine Grove, KY.Study the early Church Fathers, Scripture, and Christian history alongside FLAME's conversational voice to see for yourself why their teachings from Scripture are important to study, and live out, today.

"Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth."- John 17:17

"I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world." - John 16:33

"Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid." - John 14:27

"A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another." - John 13:34-35

For they loved the glory that comes from man more than the glory that comes from God. - John 12:43

"The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly." - John 10:10

He answered, "Whether he is a sinner I do not know. One thing I do know, that though I was blind, now I see." - John 9:25

Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life." - John 8:12

On the last day of the feast, the great day, Jesus stood up and cried out, "If anyone thirsts, let him come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, 'Out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.'" - John 7:37-38

Jesus said to them, "I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst." - John 6:35

Today was the first day of school for a lot of San Diego kids. In honor of that, we read some of John's old report cards recently given to him by his mother. Let's just say some of the comments from his teachers were not a surprise...

"But whoever drinks of the water that I will give him will never be thirsty again. The water that I will give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life." - John 4:14

Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life; whoever does not obey the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God remains on him. - John 3:36

And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth. - John 1:14

Six million Democrats who voted for Joe Biden in 2020 did not vote in 2024. What's wrong with them? Pollster and strategist Celinda Lake explains who they are, and what it would take to get them back to the polls in the 2026 midterms – and in 2028.Also: a suggestion for summer reading: M: Son of the Century is a 750-page historical novel about the rise of Mussolini, by Antonio Scurati. John Powers, critic-at-large for NPR's Fresh Air, says the book suggests some parallels between 1920s Italy and Trump's America. The book is out now in paperback.Plus: "In my home, the America I love, the America I've written about, that has been a beacon of hope and liberty for 250 years, is currently in the hands of a corrupt, incompetent and treasonous administration." - Bruce Springsteen, May 14, 2025, during his European tour – Alan Minsky comments.

July 22, 2025 Today's Reading: John 20:1-2, 10-18Daily Lectionary: 1 Samuel 5:1-6:3, 10-16; Acts 18:1-11, 23-28“Jesus said to her, ‘Woman, why are you weeping? Whom are you seeking?' Supposing him to be the gardener, she said to him, ‘Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have laid him, and I will take him away.' Jesus said to her, ‘Mary.' She turned and said to him in Aramaic, ‘Rabboni!' (which means Teacher).” (John 20:15-16) In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. Mary Magdalene knew the suffering of demon possession and the joyous relief of being healed from them, and she was a loyal follower of Jesus (Luke 8:2-3). From our text in John 20, we know that she knew the pain of losing a dear loved one to death; a trial with which everyone can (or one day will) identify. When a loved one dies, it never feels right; it is difficult to accept that we can no longer hear that voice or see that face. This was Mary's struggle as she stood outside of Jesus' empty tomb. She had witnessed every last horrific moment of His death right up until His last breath. She knew He was dead, but she struggled to accept it. It wasn't right, and even worse, now His body was gone!She didn't know what to do, so she just stood there and started to cry. Death wounds those it takes from us, and it wounds us who are left behind. This was Mary's experience as she sobbed, looking back into the tomb. But something was different now. There were angels there, and though Mary's sorrow could never shake or destroy their joy, they were concerned for her. “Woman,” they ask, “why are you weeping?” She replied, “They have taken away my Lord, and I do not know where they have laid Him.” (John 20:13). Worse than Jesus' death was not being able to tend to His body as tradition dictated.Mary's grief is so deep that even a conversation with angels isn't bewildering. So, she straightens up, and turns … and almost runs into the One who had never been far from her, even in her grief, even as she didn't recognize Him. Finally, her eyes are open to Him as He says one word; He calls her by name, “Mary.”“‘I have called you by name, you are mine,' declares the Lord.” (Isaiah 43:1). “My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me.” (John 10:27). Imagine Mary's heart racing at the sound of her name spoken by the risen Christ. She stares in joy, rising like a flood and cries, “Rabboni!”  It was really Him! Beyond all hope, it was the flesh and blood, wounds still visible but transfigured, shining in glory, Jesus! Her Jesus. The joys were only beginning. Jesus sends Mary, first to His apostles, with the message that He lives. Death was not the end of Him; thus, it will not be the end of Mary, nor of the disciples, nor will death be the end of you. Mary was the first witness to Jesus's changing forever how we live, grieve, and die. Death still hurts us and separates us from loved ones, but Jesus has made it something we need never fear!In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. We sing Your praise for Mary who came at Easter dawn to look for Jesus' body and found her Lord was gone. But, as with joy she saw Him in resurrection light, may we by faith behold Him, the Day who ends our night! (LSB 855:11)Rev. Jeffrey Ries is the pastor of Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church in Tacoma, WA.Audio Reflections Speaker: Pastor Jonathan Lackey is the pastor at Grace Lutheran Church, Vine Grove, KY.Step back in time to the late Reformation and learn about a divisive yet inspirational figure: Matthias Flacius Illyricus. His contributions to Lutheranism still echo in our teachings today, from the Magdeburg Confession to parts of the Lutheran Confessions. Learning about Flacius's life will help you understand more intricacies of the Reformation than ever before.

The King Dies G'day and welcome to Partake! We are now on day 21 of our series "Glimpses", looking at the story of the Bible in 30 days, from the time of creation through to the time of the fullness of redemption! Last time we looked at Jesus at prayer. Today we look at the events leading to his death and burial. Jesus has been arrested and bought to trial before the High priest. All the disciples have abandoned him, but Peter follows on from distance, even denying he knew Jesus 3 times! The guards then beat Jesus. Caiaphas the High Priest condemns Jesus and Jesus is taken to the Praetorium for trial by the Romans. That is where we will pick up the story... 1. Jesus was Condemned So firstly lets look at Jesus' condemnation before the Romans. Reading from John 19v1 to 16: Then Pilate took Jesus and had him flogged. The soldiers twisted together a crown of thorns and put it on his head. They clothed him in a purple robe and went up to him again and again, saying, "Hail, king of the Jews!" And they struck him in the face. Once more Pilate came out and said to the Jews, "Look, I am bringing him out to you to let you know that I find no basis for a charge against him." When Jesus came out wearing the crown of thorns and the purple robe, Pilate said to them, "Here is the man!" As soon as the chief priests and their officials saw him, they shouted, "Crucify! Crucify!" But Pilate answered, "You take him and crucify him. As for me, I find no basis for a charge against him." The Jews insisted, "We have a law, and according to that law he must die, because he claimed to be the Son of God." When Pilate heard this, he was even more afraid, and he went back inside the palace. "Where do you come from?" he asked Jesus, but Jesus gave him no answer. "Do you refuse to speak to me?" Pilate said. "Don't you realize I have power either to free you or to crucify you?" Jesus answered, "You would have no power over me if it were not given to you from above. Therefore the one who handed me over to you is guilty of a greater sin." From then on, Pilate tried to set Jesus free, but the Jews kept shouting, "If you let this man go, you are no friend of Caesar. Anyone who claims to be a king opposes Caesar." When Pilate heard this, he brought Jesus out and sat down on the judge's seat at a place known as the Stone Pavement. It was the day of Preparation of Passover Week, about the sixth hour. "Here is your king," Pilate said to the Jews. But they shouted, "Take him away! Take him away! Crucify him!" "Shall I crucify your king?" Pilate asked. "We have no king but Caesar," the chief priests answered. Finally Pilate handed him over to them to be crucified. Pilate was the Roman Governor of Judea and he had the power to release or condemn any prisoner. It was he that made the decision and gave the order for Jesus to be crucified. Pilate gave into the whims of the Jewish religious leaders and the baying crowd, permitting the flogging and mockery of Jesus in the hope of shaming his accusers (John 19vs. 1-3). Pilate even affirmed Jesus' innocence after the scourging (John 19v4). Jesus' refusal to answer stung Pilate into reminding Jesus of his Roman authority (John 19v10). Jesus, however, corrected Pilate's idea of authority and told him that although Pilate may have power on earth, his power did not reach beyond earth (John 19v11). Jesus knew that his work of bring people back to God in a loving relationship did not rest on the actions of a mere Roman governor. Pilate was more concerned with his own position than he was for justice. 2. Jesus was Crucified So Jesus was condemned to die. Now lets look at John 19v17-24 and Jesus' crucifixion. Reading from John 19v17-24: Carrying his own cross, he went out to the place of the Skull (which in Aramaic is called Golgotha). Here they crucified him, and with him two others-one on each side and Jesus in the middle. Pilate had a notice prepared and fastened to the cross. It read:JESUS OF NAZARETH, THE KING OF THE JEWS. When the soldiers crucified Jesus, they took his clothes, dividing them into four shares, one for each of them, with the undergarment remaining. This garment was seamless, woven in one piece from top to bottom. "Let's not tear it," they said to one another. "Let's decide by lot who will get it." This happened that the scripture might be fulfilled which said, "They divided my garments among them and cast lots for my clothing." So this is what the soldiers did. Jesus bearing his own cross, was killed as a common criminal (John 19v17). Despite that, even when he himself was in utter agony, Jesus showed concern for his mother, committing her into the care of the Apostle John (John 19v26-27). The site of crucifixion was purposely chosen to be outside the city walls because the Jewish Law forbade such acts within the city walls. For sanitary reasons, the crucified body was often left to rot on the cross, a disgraceful reminder of what happened to criminals and serving as deterrent to passers-by. Jesus face had been beaten beyond recognition and the scourging had reduced his flesh to something like raw hamburger mince. The whips used had pieces of glass and rocks stuck to the cord so as to inflict as much damage as possible. He had a crown of thorns pushed into his scalp. 3. Jesus dies Jesus finally dies in utter agony, humiliation and disgrace. Let us look together at John 19v28-37. Reading John 19v28-30 Later, knowing that all was now completed, and so that the Scripture would be fulfilled, Jesus said, "I am thirsty." A jar of wine vinegar was there, so they soaked a sponge in it, put the sponge on a stalk of the hyssop plant, and lifted it to Jesus' lips. When he had received the drink, Jesus said, "It is finished." With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit. In Jesus' final moments he uttered "I am thirsty." (John 19v28) and "It is finished." (John 19v30). The desire of the Jews (John 19v32) to fulfil their rituals was important because the Sabbath fell within the Passover festival. The breaking of legs (John 19vs.32-33) sped up the process of death. The piercing of Jesus' side and the flow of blood and water proved Jesus was really dead (John 19v34). At the cross, Jesus' mission is accomplished. At the cross, this God-man, Jesus Christ paid the penalty for all sin of all time. We will come to look at how this can be this later in the series. Some people say that Jesus didn't die on the cross, but rather somebody was made to be His substitute. But this is impossible. Nobody could have been a substitute or the Jewish leaders would have said so. The Romans were renowned for keeping strict discipline and regimen and nobody would have been able to get in amongst the Roman soldiers and somehow substitute themselves for Jesus. Yes, somebody else carried the cross for Him, but nobody but Jesus was nailed to that cross. Jesus died on that cross and not some substitute. 4. Jesus was Buried Reading John 19v41-42 At the place where Jesus was crucified, there was a garden, and in the garden a new tomb, in which no one had ever been laid. Because it was the Jewish day of Preparation and since the tomb was nearby, they laid Jesus there. John 19v38-42 tells us of Jesus' burial. Two men, Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus buried Jesus in an unused tomb. The significance of "in which no-one had ever been laid" (John 19v41) is to demonstrate that the body of Jesus at no point came into contact with the decay of a dead body. But that is not the end of the story! Oh no! There is more to come as you will see! Thank you! 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June 20, 2025Today's Reading: John 18:15-40Daily Lectionary: Proverbs 22:22-23:12; John 18:15-40“The high priest then questioned Jesus about his disciples and his teaching. 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.” (John 18:19–20)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. Nobody pays attention to statistics. Something in us refuses to see ourselves with the crowds. We are always the outlier. People who live together before calling themselves married are 33% more likely to get divorced. 94% of teen drivers acknowledge the dangers of texting and driving, but 35% admitted to doing it anyway, and 21% of teen drivers involved in fatal accidents were distracted by their cell phones. Fine. Maybe. But… not me. So, we tell stories. That's the way to make people identify with what's going on. The mother who didn't abort. The refugee family struggling to make ends meet. We find ourselves in these people. Compassion takes over. They become souls, not numbers. And when it comes to this story, we know it so well, and more, we can see ourselves in it. Who hasn't been wrongfully accused? Taken issue with the government? Been betrayed? Abused? Humiliated? Who hasn't suffered? Of course, we see ourselves with Jesus. Technically, we know everyone's a sinner, and I know I'm not perfect, but if you saw what we do in context, you'd know that we always have a reason. You only steal from work because they don't pay you enough. You only yell because you've said it 100 times, and nobody listened. You only gossip because pretty sure it's true. You only spend every day self-indulging because of how unfair the world is. All of us have our reasons, and they become our everything. It's there that we can finally see ourselves in the scriptures. Jesus gave no excuses. It's everyone around Him. If you want to see your reflection in the story, look to Barabbas, the insurrectionist. The freedom fighter. Independence lover. Murderer. But if you knew why, you'd understand. Convinced he rebelled for all the right reasons, he self-justified. Look at Barabbas and know the truth: sin will always mask itself under the guise of righteousness. We will always find excuses for the ones we care about, most of all for ourselves. And so the crowds let Barabbas go free and cried to Crucify our Lord. The self-justifier is always easier to deal with in the long run than the brutally honest. If you want to find yourself in the scriptures, here you are. Barabbas is all of us. The sinner that goes free because Jesus is crucified. Jesus goes in his stead to be stricken, smitten, and afflicted. By Jesus' wounds, even Barabbas is saved.In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.A Lamb goes uncomplaining forth, The guilt of sinners bearing And, laden with the sins of earth, None else the burden sharing; Goes patient on, grows weak and faint, To slaughter led without complaint, That spotless life to offer, He bears the stripes, the wounds, the lies, The mockery, and yet replies, "All this I gladly suffer." (LSB 438:1)- Rev. Harrison Goodman, Higher Things Executive Director of Mission and Theology.Audio Reflections Speaker: Pastor Jonathan Lackey is the pastor at Grace Lutheran Church, Vine Grove, KY.In Clarifying the Great Commission, Rev. Daniel Christian Voth identifies common omissions from our collective understanding of Jesus' farewell discourse—omissions that turn Christ's promises of forgiveness, life, and salvation into a legalistic command. Come and discover a richer understanding of The Great Commission.

In this powerful message, Pastor Guy breaks down:

Reading: John 13:21-30Speaker: Clint JenkinSeries: "One Hit Wonders"     

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