Lesson 1809

(Lesson 1809)(09-30-16) Luke 23:32-43

"And there were also two other, malefactors, led with him to be put to death. And when they were come to the place, which is called Calvary, there they crucified him, and the malefactors, one on the right hand, and the other on the left. Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. And they parted his raiment, and cast lots. And the people stood beholding. And the rulers also with them derided him, saying, He saved others; let him save himself, if he be Christ, the chosen of God.
And the soldiers also mocked him, coming to him, and offering him vinegar, And saying, If thou be the king of the Jews, save thyself. And a superscription also was written over him in letters of Greek, and Latin, and Hebrew, THIS IS THE KING OF THE JEWS. And one of the malefactors which were hanged railed on him, saying, If thou be Christ, save thyself and us. But the other answering rebuked him, saying, Dost not thou fear God, seeing thou art in the same condemnation? And we indeed justly; for we receive the due reward of our deeds: but this man hath done nothing amiss. And he said unto Jesus, Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom. And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, To day shalt thou be with me in paradise."

Today's quote relates that one of the two criminals who were crucified on either side of Jesus, while rebuking the other for not recognizing Jesus for who He actually is, confessed that Jesus was Lord and asked that he be remembered when Jesus came into His kingdom. Jesus replied, "Today shalt thou be with me in paradise."

The near death salvation of the thief on the cross proves that the only thing necessary to receive full remission of sin and receive eternal life, is to believe that Jesus Christ has the power of overcome that sin. There are no rituals to observe such as water baptism. There is there no required special way of life one must observe. The love of God through Jesus Christ extends to every human being, no matter what they have or have not done so long as that person truly believes that Jesus is the only begotten Son of the living God and that by faith in His supreme sacrifice, Jesus gave mankind the power to "become the sons of God". "But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name". (John 1:12)~

Lesson 1808

(Lesson 1808)(09-29-16) Luke 23:25-31

"And he released unto them him that for sedition and murder was cast into prison, whom they had desired; but he delivered Jesus to their will. And as they led him away, they laid hold upon one Simon, a Cyrenian, coming out of the country, and on him they laid the cross, that he might bear it after Jesus. And there followed him a great company of people, and of women, which also bewailed and lamented him. But Jesus turning unto them said, Daughters of Jerusalem, weep not for me, but weep for yourselves, and for your children. For, behold, the days are coming, in the which they shall say, Blessed are the barren, and the wombs that never bare, and the paps which never gave suck. Then shall they begin to say to the mountains, Fall on us; and to the hills, Cover us. For if they do these things in a green tree, what shall be done in the dry?"

Today's lesson relates that, as the Roman soldiers led Jesus to His eventual crucifixion, Jesus told His followers to save their mourning for future generations. He also warned those who followed that a time would come when God would avenge His children by destroying all things as we know them and rewarding His own with a blissful eternity in heaven.~

Lesson 1807

(Lesson 1807)(09-28-16) Luke 23:1-24

"And the whole multitude of them arose, and led him unto Pilate. And they began to accuse him, saying, We found this fellow perverting the nation, and forbidding to give tribute to Caesar, saying that he himself is Christ a King. And Pilate asked him, saying, Art thou the King of the Jews? And he answered him and said, Thou sayest it. Then said Pilate to the chief priests and to the people, I find no fault in this man. And they were the more fierce, saying, He stirreth up the people, teaching throughout all Jewry, beginning from Galilee to this place. When Pilate heard of Galilee, he asked whether the man were a Galilaean. And as soon as he knew that he belonged unto Herod's jurisdiction, he sent him to Herod, who himself also was at Jerusalem at that time. And when Herod saw Jesus, he was exceeding glad: for he was desirous to see him of a long season, because he had heard many things of him; and he hoped to have seen some miracle done by him. Then he questioned with him in many words; but he answered him nothing. And the chief priests and scribes stood and vehemently accused him. And Herod with his men of war set him at nought, and mocked him, and arrayed him in a gorgeous robe, and sent him again to Pilate. And the same day Pilate and Herod were made friends together: for before they were at enmity between themselves. And Pilate, when he had called together the chief priests and the rulers and the people, Said unto them, Ye have brought this man unto me, as one that perverteth the people: and, behold, I, having examined him before you, have found no fault in this man touching those things whereof ye accuse him: No, nor yet Herod: for I sent you to him; and, lo, nothing worthy of death is done unto him. I will therefore chastise him, and release him. (For of necessity he must release one unto them at the feast.) And they cried out all at once, saying, Away with this man, and release unto us Barabbas: (Who for a certain sedition made in the city, and for murder, was cast into prison.) Pilate therefore, willing to release Jesus, spake again to them. But they cried, saying, Crucify him, crucify him. And he said unto them the third time, Why, what evil hath he done? I have found no cause of death in him: I will therefore chastise him, and let him go. And they were instant with loud voices, requiring that he might be crucified. And the voices of them and of the chief priests prevailed. And Pilate gave sentence that it should be as they required."

Today's lesson relates how, during the farcical trial of Jesus, Pilate tried to free Him three times declaring that Jesus had done nothing worthy of death. However, the Jews continually insisted that Jesus be crucified.

Even though Jesus was falsely accused and wrongfully and horribly put to death, we should be forever thankful for the events that occurred that day. Although the experience was terrible for Jesus in all, it was a blessing for those of us whom have believed and who will believe in His soul redeeming sacrifice and have/will be granted eternal life because of what our Saviour went through that day.~

Lesson 1806

(Lesson 1806)(09-27-16) Luke 22:63-71

"And the men that held Jesus mocked him, and smote him. And when they had blindfolded him, they struck him on the face, and asked him, saying, Prophesy, who is it that smote thee? And many other things blasphemously spake they against him. And as soon as it was day, the elders of the people and the chief priests and the scribes came together, and led him into their council, saying, Art thou the Christ? tell us. And he said unto them, If I tell you, ye will not believe: And if I also ask you, ye will not answer me, nor let me go. Hereafter shall the Son of man sit on the right hand of the power of God. Then said they all, Art thou then the Son of God? And he said unto them, Ye say that I am. And they said, What need we any further witness? for we ourselves have heard of his own mouth."

Today's quote relates how Jesus was taken the day following the Passover meal to appear before the high priest, scribes and elders where He was wrongfully accused and convicted of blasphemy. He was mocked, beaten and bruised by the leaders of His own people and would eventually be put to death at their bidding.~

Lesson 1805

(Lesson 1805)(09-26-16) Luke 22:47-62

"And while he yet spake, behold a multitude, and he that was called Judas, one of the twelve, went before them, and drew near unto Jesus to kiss him. But Jesus said unto him, Judas, betrayest thou the Son of man with a kiss? When they which were about him saw what would follow, they said unto him, Lord, shall we smite with the sword? And one of them smote the servant of the high priest, and cut off his right ear. And Jesus answered and said, Suffer ye thus far. And he touched his ear, and healed him. Then Jesus said unto the chief priests, and captains of the temple, and the elders, which were come to him, Be ye come out, as against a thief, with swords and staves? When I was daily with you in the temple, ye stretched forth no hands against me: but this is your hour, and the power of darkness. Then took they him, and led him, and brought him into the high priest's house. And Peter followed afar off. And when they had kindled a fire in the midst of the hall, and were set down together, Peter sat down among them. But a certain maid beheld him as he sat by the fire, and earnestly looked upon him, and said, This man was also with him. And he denied him, saying, Woman, I know him not. And after a little while another saw him, and said, Thou art also of them. And Peter said, Man, I am not. And about the space of one hour after another confidently affirmed, saying, Of a truth this fellow also was with him: for he is a Galilaean. And Peter said, Man, I know not what thou sayest. And immediately, while he yet spake, the cock crew. And the Lord turned, and looked upon Peter. And Peter remembered the word of the Lord, how he had said unto him, Before the cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice. And Peter went out, and wept bitterly."

Today's lesson tells of how Jesus, by the betrayal of Judas, was taken captive by the high priest and his servants. It also demonstrates the fulfillment of the prophecy Jesus made in which He told how Peter would deny knowledge of Him three times before the rooster would crow the next morning.~

Lesson 1804

(Lesson 1804)(09-25-16) Luke 22:39-46

"And he came out, and went, as he was wont, to the mount of Olives; and his disciples also followed him. And when he was at the place, he said unto them, Pray that ye enter not into temptation. And he was withdrawn from them about a stone's cast, and kneeled down, and prayed, Saying, Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done. And there appeared an angel unto him from heaven, strengthening him. And being in an agony he prayed more earnestly: and his sweat was as it were great drops of blood falling down to the ground. And when he rose up from prayer, and was come to his disciples, he found them sleeping for sorrow, And said unto them, Why sleep ye? rise and pray, lest ye enter into temptation."

    Today's quote tells us that, although He knew it was His divinely appointed lot to suffer death for the remission of sin, Jesus prayed that God the Father would allow Him to escape the horrors of what was about to happen.
    After being told to stay awake and pray for their own strength, the apostles of Christ, who had so devoutly sworn their devotion and allegiance to Jesus, laid asleep while Jesus agonized over the very sacrifice that would save the eternal souls of all who will put their faith in Him, including His sleeping apostles.~

Lesson 1803

(Lesson 1803)(09-24-16) Luke 22:35-38

"And he said unto them, When I sent you without purse, and scrip, and shoes, lacked ye any thing? And they said, Nothing. Then said he unto them, But now, he that hath a purse, let him take it, and likewise his scrip: and he that hath no sword, let him sell his garment, and buy one. For I say unto you, that this that is written must yet be accomplished in me, And he was reckoned among the transgressors: for the things concerning me have an end. And they said, Lord, behold, here are two swords. And he said unto them, It is enough."

Today's lesson contains some very important information that should be duly noted by anyone looking to fully understand God's plan of salvation for His people.

In today's quote, Jesus, reminding His apostles of how His blessing had so far empowered them to go and teach His word with regard for any human needs, warned them that for the days to come before, and until His sacrifice was complete, they would need to arm themselves against the evils that laid in wait for them. Jesus knew that for that short period before He could return to the Father and send His Holy Spirit to His apostles, they would be on their own against those who would hate them.

As we know, the Holy Triune is God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. Today's lesson demonstrates that just as there was a transition period between the reign of God the Father (The first element of the Holy Triune who reigned until the coming of Christ) and God the Son (The second element of the Holy Triune who reigned until the coming of the Holy Ghost) before Jesus was baptized by John and recognized as the only begotten Son of God, there was also a period of transition between the reign of God the Son and and the coming of God the Holy Spirit (The third and final element of the Holy Triune who reigns even today and until the return of Jesus). Jesus, knowing that there would be a short time wherein His apostles would be without the divine power to protect themselves against the world and those who would hate them, warned them that they must prepare to defend themselves.~