KNOWING YOUR BIBLE
April 10, 2022: Dear Friends, Our focus in this week’s blog will be on Jesus Christ, and on the last week of his life including his crucifixion. Today is referred to as “Palm Sunday”, the day that Jesus entered Jerusalem riding on a donkey down a pathway on the Mount of Olives, being cheered and worshiped as he entered the city. Five days later, referred to as “Good Friday”, Jesus was crucified after undergoing a trial, having been smitten, beaten and nailed to the cross, to suffer a long and slow death. What a change, in just a few days, from being praised and worshiped, to being hung on a cross.
What suffering Jesus underwent, that through his death, our sins were placed on him and removed, as written in 1st John, chapter 2, verses 1- 2 that says: “ My little children, I am writing these things to you so that you may not sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ, the righteous; and he is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world.”
A commitment in belief and faith in Christ is necessary for us to accept him for who he is and that he saves us from our sins. In Matthew, chapter 1, verse 21, is written that the angel was talking to Joseph and said: “She will bear a son, and you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” In Romans, chapter 10. verses 8-9 the Apostle Paul wrote, “But what does it say? ‘The word is near you, on your lips and in your heart.’ (that is, the word of faith that we proclaim): because, if you confess with your lips that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.”
As we enter into this “Holy Week”, the most holy week of the year, let us spend some time contemplating on our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on his suffering as he hung dying on the cross, what he did for us and on the new life we have in him, as we commit our lives to him. Jesus said in John, chapter 3, verse 3b: “You must be born from above and John chapter 3, verse 5b: “…..Very truly, I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God without being born of water and spirit.” In John, chapter 3, verse 16, it is written: “For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but have eternal life.” Jesus said in John, chapter 10, verse 10: “I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.” As you focus on Jesus this week, let your faith and belief grow in strength and love of our precious Lord, Jesus Christ.
Bible verses below will be listed about the life of Jesus in the last week he lived on earth before his crucifixion. All verses are from the New Revised Standard (NSR) Version of the Bible.
MAY GOD BLESS YOUR BIBLE STUDY THIS WEEK!
Bible Verses: Matthew, chapter 26, verse 1, through chapter 27, verse 65. Mark, chapters 14 and 15; Luke, chapter 19, verses 29, through Luke, chapter 23 through verse 56. and John, chapters 18-19.