Today’s reading: Gen 37:1–36, Matt 26:57–27:31, Eccles 9:1–6
Today’s theme: The suffering of Christ
Take time today to stop and consider the horrific suffering Jesus endured for us. Jesus affirms Himself as Messiah, the Son of Man, the Son of God (so equal with God) and the King. Despite all of this He suffered terribly for our salvation. Take time to think about this today and thank God for His great love for us.
Genesis 37:1–36
A captivating true story
Meanwhile the Midianites had sold him in Egypt to Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh, the captain of the guard. Genesis 37:36 (ESV)
How can anyone say the Bible is boring? The true stories it records are relayed in such a captivating way and trump the false stories from Hollywood as the Bible’s accounts hold important lessons of eternal significance.
If you read through the chapter quickly… read it again… this time enjoy the story… see the providence and plan of God working itself out.
Matthew 26:57–27:31
The Son of Man
Jesus said to him, “You have said so. But I tell you, from now on you will see the Son of Man seated at the right hand of Power and coming on the clouds of heaven.” Matthew 26:64 (ESV)
This is a bold declaration by Jesus that He is the Son of God. The start of the answer is only cautious because the contemporary understanding of the Messiah was flawed. The second part of the answer is a forceful and affirmative declaration, warning and identification with the prophesies of Daniel and the Psalms. These show that Jesus is the “Son of Man” (The Messiah) who the council would later know as sovereign king and judge.
Jesus, Son of God
Then the high priest tore his robes and said, “He has uttered blasphemy. What further witnesses do we need? You have now heard his blasphemy. Matthew 26:65 (ESV)
Further confirmation that to the Sanhedrin, Jesus had just boldly declared Himself to be the Son of God. This would make Him equal to God, which in their eyes was blasphemy
Jesus suffered for us
Then they spit in his face and struck him. And some slapped him, saying, “Prophesy to us, you Christ! Who is it that struck you?” Matthew 26:67–68 (ESV)
Jesus endured this suffering and shame because of His love, primarily for the Father but also His love for us. Stop and think about this and be thankful.
The lies and bondage of legalism
But the chief priests, taking the pieces of silver, said, “It is not lawful to put them into the treasury, since it is blood money.” Matthew 27:6 (ESV)
The sin of legalism had them so bound that while they were scheming to kill Jesus and had just held an illegal trial, they were still concerned with this rule.
Jesus, The King
Now Jesus stood before the governor, and the governor asked him, “Are you the King of the Jews?” Jesus said, “You have said so.” But when he was accused by the chief priests and elders, he gave no answer. Matthew 27:11–12 (ESV)
Jesus’ answer to Pilate again confirms that He is indeed the prophesied king of the Jews but not in the way that Pilate would imagine.
Don’t be a coward
So when Pilate saw that he was gaining nothing, but rather that a riot was beginning, he took water and washed his hands before the crowd, saying, “I am innocent of this man’s blood; see to it yourselves.” Matthew 27:24 (ESV)
Pilate displayed complete cowardice in trying to please the people. We should not be anything like that.
Consider the scourging of Jesus
Then he released for them Barabbas, and having scourged Jesus, delivered him to be crucified.Matthew 27:26 (ESV)
The scourging of Jesus was one of the cruellest punishments He endured. The following is a note on it from the ESV Study Bible. “Roman flogging was a horrifically cruel punishment. Those condemned to it were tied to a post and beaten with a leather whip that was interwoven with pieces of bone and metal, which tore through skin and tissue, often exposing bones and intestines. In many cases, the flogging itself was fatal. The Romans scourged Jesus nearly to death so that he would not remain alive on the cross after sundown.” Crossway Bibles. (2008). The ESV Study Bible (p. 1885). Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles.
Ecclesiastes 9:1–6
An unavoidable appointment
It is the same for all, since the same event happens to the righteous and the wicked, to the good and the evil, to the clean and the unclean, to him who sacrifices and him who does not sacrifice. As the good one is, so is the sinner, and he who swears is as he who shuns an oath. Ecclesiastes 9:2 (ESV)
One appointment we all have to keep… death! Thank God for Jesus’ resurrection which gives us eternal life.
Most of the above post is a copy of the original notes from the same date in 2014