2010 Lenten Devotional
Jesus… through the eyes of...
We know Jesus as the Messiah, the Prince of Peace, Son of God, our Redeemer, Savior, and the Christ. But what did his friends, family members and adversaries think? What were they like and how did they relate to our Lord? Perhaps we can see Jesus with new and different perspectives as we look at some of the people who had an impact on him, as he had an impact on them. Perhaps we can gain a clearer picture of Jesus as we look at him through their eyes, including two first-person accounts as they might have been written by Mary and John. We will take a closer look at his mother, his best friends, the high priests, his judges, the betrayer and the two thieves on the crosses. Maybe, as we look at them, we can gain insight and understanding. As our understanding grows, so can our faith. I hope that you enjoy reading the different perspectives and views of those who encountered our Lord. God bless you through this holy season of Lent.
ASH WEDNESDAY
Caiaphas and Annas
Read John 18:12-14 & 24; Matthew 26:57-67
February 17: In Hebrew he was Yosef Bar Kayafa, which translates to Joseph, son of Caiaphas. He was known simply as Caiaphas, the Jewish high priest, president of the Sanhedrin, and liaison between the Sanhedrin and Rome. He was appointed by the Roman governor more than a decade before the time of Jesus and served with Roman prefect, Pontius Pilate. His father-in-law, Annas, was high priest before him and remained a very powerful and influential social and political presence. Caiaphas and Annas were among those who had much to lose if Jesus “the heretic” was allowed to reach the people with his message. There had been many zealots before Jesus, but none had such a powerful impact. His message flew in the face of Rome, the high priests and the Pharisees who had used the law of God to control and exclude. They agreed that Jesus had to be stopped. Caiaphas advised the Jews that it would be better for one man to die for the people. The irony is that Jesus’ plan was to do just that.
February 18: When Judas Iscariot was moved to betray Jesus, he made a deal with the priests to identify him in the garden at Gethsemane. The curious thing was that Jesus was no stranger to these priests. Jesus and his family visited the temple regularly and his kinsman, Zechariah, father of John the Baptist, was also a priest in the temple. Jesus questioned their need to arrest him in the darkness of the garden with swords and clubs when he could be found any day in the temple courts. High priests were both respected for their spiritual leadership and despised for their close relationship with Rome; a tenuous position at best. They had to proceed cautiously. They knew they had no real case against Jesus, but they were not interested in justice. If his trial had been fair and in accordance with Jewish law, Jesus would never have been convicted. Their objective was to execute him, thereby bringing his ministry to an end.
February 19: While Annas was certainly in favor of executing Jesus, it must have been of some concern to him when Jesus was brought to him first. Annas was high priest from 6-15 AD, but had been deposed at the age of 36 for executing capital sentences which had been forbidden by the imperial government. History indicates that his family controlled the high priesthood for most of the first century and they had a good relationship with the Roman authorities. Even though he was no longer high priest, his position and influence was contingent on maintaining the status quo with Rome. Annas sent Jesus to Caiaphas to be tried.
February 20: Jesus must have frustrated the priests when he would say nothing to indict himself. In a desperate act, two false witnesses came forward to testify against him. Caiaphas tore his clothing and declared that Jesus had blasphemed when he claimed to be the Son of God. According to John Wesley, it was only allowable for the high priest to rend his clothing in a case of blasphemy or public calamity. Caiaphas engaged this high drama in an effort to appear grieved and horrified upon declaring the verdict.
FIRST SUNDAY IN LENT
Judas Iscariot
Read Matthew 26:14-16 & 20-25; Matthew 27:1-5
February 21: Judas Iscariot was the plotter, the hypocrite, the schemer, the hated one, and the one who betrayed Christ, yet he was close to Jesus, traveled with him and ate with him. He witnessed the miracles, was privileged to listen to the teachings, parables, and prophesies. Then as predicted in Psalm 109, he sank to the deepest dark evil in his soul. Since Judas was one of the twelve apostles from the beginning of Jesus’ ministry, he was commissioned along with the other eleven to heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those who had leprosy, and drive out demons. At what point did his heart turn cold with greed and treachery? Did he ever love Jesus at all during his discipleship years? Was his dishonesty a gradual turning away from God and the Lord Jesus, or was it the moment God allowed Satan to take full control?
February 22: When Judas was with the twelve following Jesus, he was the keeper of the money bag and could help himself to what he wanted so he had been a thief also. Greed engulfed Judas, a greed so fierce and evil that it left him with no conscience and no concern whatsoever to the consequences of his betrayal of Jesus. Once Satan was allowed to be turned loose within Judas and the seed of wickedness planted, there was no turning back. He struck a deal with the chief priests and officers of the temple guard to accept a bribe of 30 silver coins, which is equivalent to about 3 months wages. The bribe was for information as to where Jesus was so they could have him arrested. The chief priests also exhibited evil behavior by being delighted that Judas accepted their bribe (Mark 14:11).
February 23: At the Lord’s Supper, Jesus announced to the apostles that one of the twelve would betray him for he had known from the beginning that it was Judas. In Matthew 26 Jesus spoke directly to Judas and Judas denied boldly, "Surely not I, Rabbi?” Guilty and full of Satan, Judas would be unable at this point to look Jesus in the eye, and was in a hurry to leave the Lord’s presence. For when carrying evil in the heart, "the feet rush into sin" (Proverbs 1:16) "and cannot sleep until they do evil; they are robbed of slumber until they make someone fall" (Proverbs 4:16). Being devoured by sin, Judas left and went into the dark night.
February 24: When Jesus was in Gethsemane praying, eleven of the disciples were with him. Judas arrived with a large crowd armed with swords and clubs. Now the betrayer had arranged a signal with them. "The one I kiss is the man; arrest him." Going at once to Jesus, Judas said, "Greetings Rabbi!" and kissed him. Jesus replied, "Friend, do what evil you came for" (Matthew 26:47-50). This bold kiss shows the depravity and total corruption of Judas, yet Jesus calls him, friend, even though "his soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death" (Matthew 26:38).
February 25: "A fortune made by a lying tongue is a fleeting vapor and a deadly snare" (Proverbs 21:6). When Judas saw that Jesus was condemned, he was seized with remorse. He returned the 30 silver coins to the chief priests and said, "I have sinned, for I have betrayed innocent blood" (Matthew 27:3-4). "God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God" (Hebrews 1:9). The chief priests showed no sympathy or absolution to Judas’ confession. Do you ever think Judas turned to God to beg for mercy? Was there pardon for betraying the Son of God?
February 26: Judas felt so guilty and full of remorse that he went away alone with his sins’ misery and hung himself. Exposure of his sin was inevitable and his destiny sealed.
February 27: The 30 silver pieces that Judas received for selling Christ were used to buy a potter’s field, a burial place for foreigners. That is why it is called Field of Blood to this day. Then what was spoken by Jeremiah, the prophet, was fulfilled. "They took the 30 silver coins, the price set on him by the people of Israel, and they used them to buy the potter’s field, as the Lord commanded me" (Matthew 27:7-10). In Acts they describe a gruesome death where Judas fell and his body burst open spilling his intestines. News traveled quickly throughout Jerusalem as to Judas’ fate. The field was deserted and there would be no one to live there. Judas was a significant force in leading the Son of Man to the cross, but we can now look forward with great joy and grateful hearts to the celebration and glory of our risen Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, God’s only son. Hallelujah!
SECOND SUNDAY IN LENT
Herod and Pilate
Read Luke 23:1-25
February 28: Pilate is faced with a man brought before him by the Jewish Council of high priests. These are priests that he has most likely appointed. He listens to their demands and questions Jesus about their charges. Jesus simply confirms the title of King of the Jews. Amid the noisy accusations, Jesus replies “You are right in saying, I am.” When we are faced with accusations, frustrations or rebellion can we reply “I am” a Christian and live our lives accordingly?
March 1: It is normal to want to pass the buck to others. That is what Pilate chose to do when confronted with Jesus’ accusers. Although he did no physical harm to Jesus at this point, he still passed him on to Herod to make a decision. Jesus did not “pass the buck” when it came to saving our souls. He is our Savior. How sad that so many Christians are still passing the buck of commitment, witnessing, stewardship, and loving others. Let the buck stop with you! Accept a new responsibility for the Lord this week!
March 2: Herod tries to make Jesus into his entertainment. Herod was in for a big disappointment! Jesus refused to perform a miracle. That same disappointment will be shared by others who feel that entertainment is the ultimate goal of life. It is better by far to find a Savior who came to this world to live, die and rise so that we might have life and have it to the full (John 10:10). Make a choice this week to replace some of your entertainment time with God time.
March 3: After mocking him and putting him in a robe, Herod returns Jesus to Pilate without sentencing him. Although Pilate could not find anything Jesus had done wrong, he knew that he had stirred up the anger of the Jewish people. Pilate was wrong, however, in attributing the guilt for this anger to Jesus. It was the Jewish leaders that were guilty. The blame for the uproar was due to these leaders inciting the crowd. As sinners, who have been healed by Jesus, we can thank God for His gift to us. He is never tired of hearing confessions of repentant sinners. What guilt can you remove from your mind by turning it over to the one who has died that we may be forgiven?
March 4: Pilate tried to find a compromise when he offered the crowd a choice between Jesus and Barabbas. The easy road is not always best. Yet, compromising between good and evil is tempting, even for Christians. Our weaknesses show how we need a Savior who has been tempted in every way, yet was without sin (Hebrews 4:15). He is always faithful! His faithfulness gives us strength to stand firm when we are tempted to compromise. If you are faced with a situation where compromise would be the easy road, make a choice to seek his strength to stand firm.
March 5: Pilate wanted to do the right thing. Three times he tells the accusers he finds nothing against Jesus. Yet, he allows others to talk him into doing what they want. The pressure of peers, the desire to be accepted, the hope of advancement, the attempt to cover up our shortfalls, all take their toll on our good intentions. We want to do what is right; however, sometimes it is not popular. Our Savior stands waiting for us to make the choice that he would make. Ask yourself “What would Jesus do?” Then follow where he leads.
March 6: Although Pilate attempts to wash himself free from guilt, he cannot. As Procurator, only Pilate had the authority to pronounce a death sentence. The day that Jesus was condemned to death for telling the truth about his identity, the entire Sanhedrin was filled with the poison of countless lies. Unfortunately, there was no one to overturn their false verdict. The judgment condemning Jesus to death stood, and the Savior continued his journey to the cross. Unlike the chief priests who used their lying mouths to condemn the Savior, our words should point people to the Lord who gives life.
THIRD SUNDAY IN LENT
Peter
Matthew 26:31-35 & 69-75
March 7: Peter was one of the disciples who experienced the privilege of sharing leisure time with Jesus. Not only did Peter physically walk beside Jesus, he was one of his closest companions during a world-changing ministry. What did Peter and Jesus talk about, joke about, and reminisce about as their feet moved side by side across the sandy paths? Take time to research the background and character of Peter from a reliable source online or in a library. Sample reference: All the Apostles of the Bible by Herbert Lockyear. Slip on Peter’s sandals during this week’s study.
March 8: Dr. Alexander Whyte reminds readers that no other disciple in the Bible speaks as often and as much as Peter. If you have ever been near an intensely inquisitive, talkative child, you can now smile even more at the picture of this unlikely twosome, Peter and Jesus, on the road together. Can one imagine how this seasoned fisherman might have retold the story described in Matthew 14:22-33 when he decided to walk on water? How often do we wish we could also walk on water as we go about the necessities of each day? Do the words used by Peter, “Lord, save me!” ever cross your mind?
March 9: From an uncommon perspective, Elton Trueblood wrote a book entitled The Humor of Christ. In this book, the author explains how an incident with his 4 year-old son prompted him to look for humor and laughter in unexpected places including the life and teachings of his beloved Jesus. Specifically, Trueblood relates how his 4 year-old broke into a fit of giggles when told the parable of a man so deeply concerned about a speck in another person’s eye that he was unconscious of the large beam in his own. The preposterous example in Jesus’ parable incited the boy’s laughter. We know Peter was a prosperous and quick-witted businessman of his day, yet he was a “blue-collar” worker educated by life experiences more than a classroom. What memorable bouts of laughter might Peter and Jesus have shared?
March 10: Jesus gave Peter the nickname of “the Rock.” One author associates Peter’s nickname to the modern-day nickname of Rocky, a term conjuring many visuals and even a pounding musical refrain. Just as the screenwriter’s Rocky was anything but impressive in the beginning, Peter also bore little resemblance to the awe-inspiring leader of the disciples he would later become when he first reluctantly left his boat. What did Jesus see in this person who was anything but stable and sturdy as a rock? Furthermore, in studying the scriptures, there was no magic overnight transformation of this rough, impetuous fisherman. It is easy to identify with this good-hearted, but flawed man named Peter! What special aspects of your personality do you think the Lord is cultivating for His use in the future?
March 11: Even after Peter had grown in many ways and was one of the very first to openly recognize the true identity of Jesus as the Messiah, the Son of the living God, he verbally slipped once more and received serious rebuke from Jesus. According to the New Living Translation, Jesus turned to Peter and said in essence, “Get away from me, Satan! You are a dangerous trap to me. You are seeing things merely from a human point of view, not from God’s.” (Matthew 16:22-26) Peter was in deep trouble basically because he did not want to hear that his friend would have to suffer and ultimately be killed to allow himself and all believers the opportunity to be forgiven and go to Heaven. It was no easy role to walk beside Jesus.
March 12: The very same Peter who bravely brandished a sword in the garden of Gethsemane when the traitor, Judas, brought the guards to arrest Jesus (John 18:36), later denied he knew his good friend. His denial was made as he cowered in the courtyard outside the palace, while inside, Jesus was being mocked, beaten, and spat upon, one of the ultimate acts of contempt of that day. Peter denied him not once, not twice, but three times; all after Jesus had even warned him it would happen. (Matthew 26:31-35; 69-75) How heavy was Peter’s heart when he heard the rooster crow and realized his beloved Lord’s prediction had come true? How often have our loftiest vows to the Lord also been laid to rest in failure?
March 13: The depth of love Jesus showed to Peter reveals the astounding beauty of our Savior’s plan. Jesus took the failures and sin’s of his good friend Peter, just as he took yours and mine, and died for us; all so we could be free of them. Oh, how Jesus loved Peter. Oh, how Jesus loves you and me.
FOURTH SUNDAY IN LENT
Jesus through the eyes of Mary
Luke 1:26-38; Luke 2:4-7 & 41-52; John 2:1-11
March 14: My child will be a son! Thank you, Lord! What a gift, though I surely do not understand all of this. What will Joseph say or do? Gabriel, the angel, said he will be the “Son of the Most High God” and would “reign over the house of Jacob,” I am filled with wonder yet I am overwhelmed with a sense of peace. Lord how gracious you are to me. I must go to see Elizabeth, we have much to share.
March 15: Joseph has been so understanding and now my child is here. Rest my little one. Would that you had a better bed than a manger. The scriptures said he would be born in Bethlehem. Bethlehem, the house of bread; what a funny name; far more important, Bethlehem is the city of David.
March 16: Lord, I hold this child to bring him to your temple. He is yours, Lord. I only understand in part, but you have given him to me to hold for a little while. What’s this stranger saying? This man called Simeon announced my baby as Messiah for our salvation! At first I was frightened for my Jesus, my baby, but he was so calm. Simeon gently took him from me and there was a peace about my heart. Simeon blessed us and now this woman we call Anna has started singing praises to you.
March 17: Jesus, where are you. Joseph, we have to go back. He is just a child and Jerusalem is so big...we have looked for three days. God, please help us find him! There he is talking to the Rabbis. They seem to be listening to him as if he were their teacher. Jesus, we have been looking all over for you. I know you must be about your Father’s business. I just didn’t know it would be so soon!
March 18: How embarrassing for our relatives. You can’t have a wedding feast and run out of wine! I know that I have overstepped myself, and he has told me that his hour has not yet come, but Jesus will think of something. I’ve told the servants to do what he says. And now those jars that had contained water are holding wine. And what good wine! How did he do it?
March 19: Oh, my dear God, was he to be shamed and put to death like a common criminal? He is in so much pain. God, he never sinned, never! Why this way? I know he is your Son, Lord. I just did not know how hard this would be to bear. No one could change his mind. Jesus chose to do this. He told us he would rise on the third day and we will have eternal life. I wonder what that means.
March 20:
Mary Magdalene went to the tomb and Jesus was not in it! He was in the garden and spoke to her. Jesus spoke to her! He told her to tell the others to go to Galilee. We will go. I remember…Jesus said he would rise again; his death will save us from our sin. His blood was shed for us! To live with you, Lord, forever! We will go! We will tell others.
FIFTH SUNDAY IN LENT
Jesus through the eyes of John
Matthew 4:18-22; John 19:25-27
March 21: My name is John and I am a disciple of Jesus, the Son of God. When I was chosen by Jesus to spread the word of God, I did not hesitate to drop all of my possessions and follow Jesus. I knew he was our Lord and I dedicated myself to him. Follow me and I will make you fishers of men. (Matthew 4:19)
March 22: I am the only disciple that was with Jesus from the beginning of his ministry to the end. I could not deny Jesus, even when threats from the Romans, the Pharisees and the Sadducees were eminent. My faith in Jesus was steadfast.
To one who has faith, no explanation is necessary. To one without faith, no explanation is possible. - St. Thomas Aquinas
March 23: I need no proof that Jesus was who he said he was, but I was there at the wedding in Cana when he changed the water to wine. If ever there was doubt on the part of the other disciples, they were believers now.
Jesus did this, the first of his signs, in Cana of Galilee, and revealed his glory; and his disciples believed in him. (John 2:11)
March 24: After many months of Jesus’ ministry, Peter and I were sent ahead to Jerusalem to prepare the Passover exactly as we were told. When everyone arrived in the Upper Room, Jesus told us that this would be his last supper before “entering his time of suffering.” None of us wanted to believe that his time on earth was coming to an end. My heart was breaking but my faith kept me focused on the time at hand. As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord. (Joshua. 24:15b)
March 25: After dinner, Jesus took all the disciples to the garden at Gethsemane. This was a special place for us, as we had been there many times before. But tonight was different. Jesus asked Peter, James and me to a place separated from the rest. Jesus knew that he would be arrested that night. He knew it was the will of God that his ministry on Earth was to come to an end. In the garden, Jesus reveals himself as the true Son of God, and presents himself to the authorities as Jesus of Nazareth. He would not have his life taken from him, but instead would lay his life down for all men. The scriptures must be fulfilled. He was the ultimate power. “…Jesus of Nazareth…I am He.” (John 18: 5)
March 26: The events of the next few days were the ultimate degradation for Jesus, but He knew it was the will of God. I knew my life was in danger if I went to the cross, but my loyalty and love of Jesus would not allow me to hide. Jesus understood the dangers, and at the very end, it was me he chose to care for his mother. This was my opportunity to proclaim and live God’s love. When Jesus saw his mother and the disciple whom he loved standing beside her, he said to his mother, “Woman, here is your son.” Then he said to me, his disciple, “Here is your mother.”
March 27: I have learned many lessons from Jesus. I paid attention and I listened. The most important is to “…love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the greatest commandment… And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” My days with Jesus were the defining moments in my life. I will always love my God and proclaim His love for us until my days on the Earth are over.
SIXTH SUNDAY IN LENT
Two Thieves
Luke 23:32-43
March 28: Three features in this passage make up a single, crucial affirmation – namely, that Jesus’ royal status and role as Savior are confirmed, not denied, on the cross. The cross is a victory over sin, not a defeat by sin. Our new-found freedom in this act by our Lord is available to every believer. Do you believe?
March 29: The first feature in the passage is the threefold mockery of Jesus by the religious leaders, the Roman soldiers, and the executed criminal. Each confirms in an ironic way the true identity of Jesus. Each provides Jesus an opportunity to respond to their words and actions; not with the same vile accusations, physical abuse, and rhetoric directed toward him, but with understanding, forgiveness and the promise of a life forever with him. The same understanding forgiveness and the very same promise made to a repentant thief are ours today.
March 30: The second feature is the division that occurs among the characters of this scene with regard to Jesus. The people no longer align themselves with their leaders, and the second criminal recognizes Jesus’ innocence. Our gaze and our concentration are to be fixed on Jesus himself. I am a Christian because that’s what someone long ago labeled early believers as a way of identifying the group. Call us by whatever label you choose, but in terms of daily living we are to be followers of Jesus. Can you honestly be called a Jesus Follower?
March 31: The third feature is that the verb “to save” is used repeatedly in this scene; directed toward the cross, one cross to another, and from the cross. Toward the cross as a mockery, “save yourself,” “He saved others but can’t save himself.” One cross to another, “Aren’t you the Messiah? Save yourself and us.” But more importantly, from the cross, “I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in Paradise.” I think I’ll cling to the last “save.” When my day arrives, I want to be with Jesus in Paradise.
April 1: The terror of crucifixion was this – the pain of that terrible process was bad enough, but it was not enough to kill a man. The victim was left to die of hunger, and of thirst beneath the blazing noonday sun and the frosts of the night. Many a criminal was known to have hung for a week upon his cross until he died raving mad. My human mind finds it impossible to fathom the love God must have for me to allow such a thing to take place in the life of His Son. Nevertheless, He did. And there is nothing more that He can do to prove His love for us. The next move is yours and mine. What are we going to do about it?
April 2: Jesus said many wonderful things, but he rarely said anything more wonderful than, “Father forgive them, for they know not what they are doing.” Christian forgiveness is an amazing thing. When Stephen was being stoned to death he prayed for the forgiveness of his executioners (Acts 7:60). When an unforgiving attitude is threatening to turn our hearts bitter, let’s hear again our Lord praying for forgiveness for those who crucified him.
April 3: It was deliberate that Jesus was crucified between two criminals. The purpose was to humiliate Jesus in front of the crowd and to rank him with thieves, thereby bringing his credibility into question. It didn’t work. When a penitent thief asks Jesus to remember him, he is assured he will be with him in Paradise. This story tells us above all things that it is never too late to turn to Christ. So long as a person’s heart beats, the invitation of Christ still stands.