Saturday, July 29, 2017
Daily reading assignment – Luke 23-24
Today’s Bible reading brings us to the third of the Gospel accounts concerning those things Jesus Christ suffered on our behalf according to the scriptures (Isaiah 53). Declaring Jesus an innocent man and not guilty of political sedition for which the chief priests accused Him, Pilate sought a political escape from the wicked demands of His accusers (Luke 23:1-5).
Hearing Jesus was a Galilean, Pilate sent Him to be tried before Herod, a political nemesis and the puppet king appointed by Rome to rule in Galilee (23:6-7). Knowing Herod’s hands were guilty of the blood of John the Baptist, Jesus stood silent before him refusing to answer or acknowledge him as one with authority (23:8-9).
Luke 23:12 reminds me of the ancient adage, “The enemy of my enemy is my friend.”
We read, “Pilate and Herod were made friends together: for before they were at enmity between themselves” (23:12). That day the notorious pair shared in the injustice of the ages…condemning Jesus Christ the sinless One; they became forever yoked by the travesty of justice they committed and the eternal judgment of God. Friend, be mindful; rebels are bound by a mutual disdain of truth and truth bearers!
There is much I could expound upon in today’s reading; however, I will close by inviting you to notice the disciples’ response after they witnessed Jesus’ ascension to heaven (Luke 23:50-53).
Luke 24:50-53 – “And He [Jesus] led them out as far as to Bethany, and He lifted up His hands, and blessed them.
51 And it came to pass, while He blessed them, He was parted from them, and carried up into heaven.
52 And they worshipped Him, and returned to Jerusalem with great joy:
53 And were continually in the temple, praising and blessing God. Amen.”
The fact of Jesus Christ’s resurrection from the dead forever changed the lives of His disciples. Their hearts filled with joy, their tongues could not be silenced but by death! Each one, facing a martyr’s death, died giving testimony of the reality, the fact, and the undeniable truth they served a risen Savior!
Copyright 2017 – Travis D. Smith