A place of refreshment, the porch of the Lord…
Pull up a chair, take in spiritual air.
Jesus always has time, and His is the power–
Receive there His touch in this end-time hour.
Like Mary, take time to sit at His feet;
Come to His porch for relief from life’s heat.
Only one thing is needful and truly can please–
His Word and His presence, felt on each breeze.
He offers living water, quenching everyone’s thirst;
And that’s yours there daily, by seeking Him first.
There’s joy on His porch, with your sisters and brothers,
As you find your needs met while caring about others.
The healing and peace which only Christ can bring
Are found there at all times—an everlasting spring.
Taste there His love, so generously poured;
Your “cup will run over” on the porch of the Lord.
P. A. Oltrogge
“Now it happened as they went that He entered a certain village; and a certain woman named Martha welcomed Him into her house. And she had a sister called Mary, who also sat at Jesus’ feet and heard His word. But Martha was distracted with much serving, and she approached Him and said, ‘Lord, do You not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Therefore tell her to help me.’ And Jesus answered and said to her, ‘Martha, Martha, you are worried and troubled about many things; But one thing is needed, and Mary has chosen that good part, which will not be taken away from her.'” Luke 10:38-42 NKJV
Jesus Christ of Nazareth had taken His destined place
On a cruel cross upon a hill–for the task He’d been born to face.
His sinless life had made Him the chosen Lamb of God–
Though now He sits at God’s right hand and bears a Shepherd’s rod.
Three days after Christ’s burial, and just at the brink of dawn,
Some, in love, had come to the tomb and had found that His body was gone.
But the pain of their grief concerning His death had then given way
To amazing angelic tidings on that glorious Resurrection day! Jesus, the Man on the center cross, on the hill of crucifixion had been
The focus of God’s judgement upon all of mankind’s sin.
But now, with joy, the angels reminded that just as He had said, Jesus, God’s Son, had risen in victory, up from the dead!
His Father’s gracious plan of redemption for all people had been met;
And, therefore, all of their sins, a holy God could now forget!
There’s just one requirement remaining; and it’s your choice–
To believe in your heart He’s Savior, and confess it with your voice.
Angels rejoice in heaven over one sinner who’ll repent,
And put their faith in Jesus Christ–the One Whom God has sent.
P. A. Oltrogge
“…for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus….” Romans 3:23-24
“For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.” Romans 10:10
“In the same way, I tell you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.” Luke 15:10 (NASB)
“For He says: ‘In an acceptable time I have heard you, and in the day of salvation I have helped you.’ Behold, nowis the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.” 2 Corinthians 6:2
“Therefore, I will divide Him a portion with the great, and He shall divide the spoil with the strong, because He poured out His soul unto death, and He was numbered with the transgressors, and He bore the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors.”
Isaiah 53:12
Scriptures: NKJV or as noted
Resurrection references: Matthew 28; Mark 16; Luke 24; John 20
Christ and the Rich Young Ruler by Pauline Voorhees Eikenberry
A rich young ruler, with eternal concerns, made a mental list–
Then sought out Christ to see if there was anything he’d missed.
In contemplating heaven, he hoped he’d done God’s will
By following His laws, from his youth, but wondered still.
He addressed Christ as a good teacher, but didn’t realize
That Christ wasn’t just a good teacher, but God before his very eyes.
He asked the Lord what he could do to aid him on eternity’s quest,
And Jesus confirmed that to keep the commandments is best.
The young man replied he’d done that from as early as he could recall–
Then Jesus told him of his need to follow Him and surrender all.
His wealth and possessions had become too strong of a hold
And kept him from seeing the purity of God’s desires–true gold.
With sadness, the ruler left because he couldn’t see the reward.
He hadn’t yet grasped the higher life offered through Christ, the Lord.
You see, making Christ your Lord doesn’t actually cost–in fact, it pays,
With dividends of God’s blessings throughout all your days.
The greatest blessing of all is getting to know God as you should–
A loving heavenly Father whose care and plans for you are good.
Then, committing your life and resources, in faith, as He leads
Will help you to reach exactly those He knows of who have needs.
God knows that when possessions become your highest treasure,
You’ll fail to find the things that He knows are of greater measure.
Christ looks for our faith and love for Him and where our loyalty lies;
Let’s not fail to see that investment in His Kingdom is certainly wise.
P. A. Oltrogge
“Now behold, one came and said to him, ‘Good Teacher, what good thing shall I do that I may have eternal life?’ So He said to him, ‘Why do you call me good? No one is good but One, that is, God. But, if you want to enter into life, keep the commandments.’ He said to Him, ‘Which ones?’ Jesus said, ‘You shall not murder; you shall not commit adultery; you shall not steal; you shall not bear false witness; honor your father and your mother; and you shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ The young man said to him, ‘All these things I have kept from my youth. What do I still lack?’ Jesus said to him, ‘If you want to be perfect, go, sell what you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me.’ But when the young man heard that saying, he went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions.”
“Leaving that region, they traveled through Galilee. Jesus didn’t want anyone to know he was there, for he wanted to spend more time with his disciples and teach them. He said to them, ‘The Son of Man is going to be betrayed into the hands of his enemies. He will be killed, but three days later he will rise from the dead.’ They didn’t understand what he was saying, however, and they were afraid to ask him what he meant.” Mark 9:30-32 NLT
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“On the way, Jesus told them, ‘All of you will desert me. For the Scriptures say,
‘God will strike the Shepherd, and the sheep will be scattered.’
“But after I am raised from the dead, I will go ahead of you to Galilee and meet you there.” Mark 14:27-28 NLT
A poetic account derived from Mark 16:1-20:
…When the Sabbath was past…
Mary Magdalene, Mary, the mother of James, and Salome brought spices to the tomb.
That the large stone before its entrance would be rolled away, they couldn’t have presumed.
Nor could they have thought that an angelic being would, amazingly, greet them there…
with a message to give to Jesus’ disciples “and Peter,” which the angel began to share.
He said they weren’t to be alarmed that Jesus’ body wasn’t there, for He’d risen from the dead!
He was going before them into Galilee–and they would see Him there, as He had said.
Further, we read on, that the disciples were mourning; and, in despair, they had wept…
Mary Magdalene, to whom Jesus first appeared, came and told them of His promise that He had divinely kept!
But when they heard that He was alive and had appeared to her, they were in disbelief…
Two others shared, but only Jesus’ actual appearance as they sat at the table could halt their grief.
Jesus rebuked them for their hardness of heart–that they’d been so doubtful and yet…
He went on to commission them to share of Him…to be fishers of men with His great gospel net.
In Mark 16:17-18, Jesus tells of miraculous signs that would follow “those who believe.”
And those who trusted Christ as Savior would be saved–no condemnation would they receive.
After His sharing of this, Jesus ascended into heaven and sat down at God’s right hand…
Then, the disciples went forth preaching everywhere–His Word being confirmed with signs following, as God had planned.
And that great commission from Jesus continues to this day…
for He is risen!…a fact that all of the Lord’s believers know and joyfully say!
He is risen, indeed!
P. A. Oltrogge
In John 21, Jesus asked Peter three times if He loved Him. (Peter had denied the Lord three times on the night of His betrayal.) Peter affirmed that he did love Jesus, so Jesus told him that he was now to feed and tend to His lambs and sheep…
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“…For, indeed, Christ, our Passover, was sacrificed for us.” 1 Corinthians 5:7
“The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, ‘Behold! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!’” John 1:29
“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.
“He who believes in Him is not condemned; but he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. And this is the condemnation, that the light has come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. For everyone practicing evil hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his deeds should be exposed. But he who does the truth comes to the light, that his deeds may be clearly seen, that they have been done in God.” John 3:16-21
“He (Jesus) was handed over to die because of our sins, and he was raised to life to make us right with God.” Romans 4:25 NLT
“I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me. I do not set aside the grace of God; for if righteousness comes through the law, then Christ died in vain.” Galatians 2:20-21
“For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.” Ephesians 2:8
“And this is the testimony: that God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son. He who has the Son has life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have life.” 1 John 5:11-12
“…looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” Hebrews 12:2
“And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross. Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” Philippians 2:8-11
“But thanksbe toGod, whogivesus the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” 1 Corinthians 15:57
It’s the day after Jesus died. Peter screamed until he could scream no more. He fell off a cliff into the abyss of broken souls. The force of his crash could have moved the earth. Fragments lay around him—the hideous replacements of his former self. Shame replaced love. Fear drove away hope. He watched his destiny plunge into a black hole.
Then to survive, Peter became a robot. He went fishing. It’s what he was programmed to do. Peter went through the motions. Avoiding feeling, suppressing emotion.
Now, the difference between Peter and Judas Iscariot is razor thin. The same fever of despair and regret burned in them both. It drove Judas to suicide. Why didn’t Peter kill himself?
Because Jesus prayed for him!
Nevertheless, Satan caged Peter in a lie. The same lie that tortures America right now: everything good is gone forever. And we are totally alone.
But Peter’s agony went beyond this. He found out he is a coward. Denying Jesus three times. The rooster still crows in his mind.
Not only that, but he found out he was a fool! Thinking he would save Jesus, he cut off the ear of the high priest’s servant, Malchus.
He fished all night and caught nothing.
Now another memory tortures him. It’s the day he met Jesus. Jesus interrupted his entire life. He fished all night and caught nothing. He had nothing to show for a brutal night out on the water.
Then the strange Teacher said, “Let your nets down again for a catch.” Peter half-heartedly did as he was asked. Suddenly the catch is so enormous it terrifies him. He begged Jesus to keep His distance, “I am a sinful man!” Peter cried. Instead of leaving, Jesus spoke the eternal words, “Follow Me and I will make you a fisher of men.”
But Peter is now convinced—after his failure and denial—it is too late. He believes his destiny is lost forever.
If not for these two little words: “and Peter,” the whole world would have been different.
Finally, it is dawn on Resurrection Sunday. An angel is talking about Peter! Mark 16:7 says, “But go, tell His disciples—and Peter—that Jesus is going before you into Galilee; there you will see Him, as He told to you.”
If not for these two little words: “and Peter,” the whole world would have been different. Think about it. The only pronoun the angel needed to use was “His disciples.” After all he would not have said, “Tell His disciples, and John” or “and Matthew.”
And now Peter rises from the dead. Oh, the unmatched glory of another chance.
God knew Peter would disqualify himself if the invitation was “for disciples only.”
You can imagine Peter insisting, “Are you sure the angel said my name?”
“Yes, the exact words were, “Tell the disciples, and Peter.”
And now Peter rises from the dead. Oh, the unmatched glory of another chance.
This is Peter’s destiny. More than that, it is his identity and reason for living
But wait, there is much more. Satan now has a new and terrifying enemy! The former coward is now the perfect weapon to shake the gates of hell.
Peter is utterly transformed. He is now a devastating witness. On the day of Pentecost He roared the global invasion of the Holy Spirit. “This is that which was spoken by the prophet Joel!”
Two chapters later, the man who couldn’t admit he knew Jesus stands before the Sanhedrin and calls them murderers.
Because of Easter you can come back from the darkest failure. Because of Easter God will look over you to protect your destiny.
How mighty was Peter’s destiny? For that we look back to that night Jesus healed Malchus’ ear. Jesus knew Peter must not be sitting on death row on the day of Pentecost. Jesus reattached the ear, in order to protect Peter’s destiny.
If Easter will ever mean anything to you, it is this: Everything that we hope for rests on the Resurrection of Christ. And that same power can do something in you. Romans 8:11 says “The Spirit of God, who raised Jesus from the dead, lives in you. And just as God raised Christ Jesus from the dead, he will give life to your mortal bodies by this same Spirit living within you.”
Because of Easter, you can come back from the darkest failure. Because of Easter, God will look over you to protect your destiny. And because of Easter, we are saved and alive forevermore.
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(This message was received from Mario’s Ministry and said it could be shared via Facebook and other means, but I want to specify …Copyright Mario Murillo Ministries)
...“Now after the Sabbath, as the first day of the week began to dawn, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary came to see the tomb. And behold, there was a great earthquake; for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat on it. His countenance was like lightning, and his clothing as white as snow. And the guards shook for fear of him, and became like dead men.” Matthew 28:1-4
After the Sabbath at the beginning of day, Mary and others were on their way to anoint the body of the Lord they’d held dear. But they were taken aback at the tomb as they came near, for they were greeted by an angelic being and could hardly believe what they were seeing. From the tomb the great stone had been rolled away, and on it was the angel, as bright as day. The angel pointed to where Jesus’ body had been lying, saying, “He has risen, just as He said”–truly death defying! The women went quickly to tell His disciples, as well, of the Risen Lord, who holds the keys to heaven and hell. With fear and great joy, they went on their way but met up with Jesus that first Easter day! They fell down at His feet, giving Him praise, rejoicing because He’d risen in three days. He greeted them with love and said He would be appearing again to His disciples in Galilee. Today, in His promises, we have a share, for the Bible says He will meet us again in the air. So though some are doubtful or wonder just when Jesus will really be coming again– Remember that He said He would rise from the dead, and He’s coming again—just as He said!
P. A. Oltrogge
“And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you to Myself; that where I am there you may be also.” John 14:3
“These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world.” John 16:33
“For this we say to you by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive, and remain until the coming of the Lord, shall not precede those who have fallen asleep. For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trumpet of God; and the dead in Christ shall rise first. Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and thus we shall always be with the Lord.” 1 Thessalonians 4:15-17
“For whatever is born of God overcomes the world; and this is the victory that has overcome the world–our faith. Who is the one who overcomes the world, but he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?” 1 John 5:4-5
“He who testifies to these things says, ‘Yes, I am coming quickly.’ Amen. Come Lord Jesus. The grace of the Lord Jesus be with all. Amen.” Revelation 22:20, 21
I think that I shall never see as lovely a “bouquet” as a dogwood tree.
Pink-flowered, or purple, or snowfall white– In town or in a forest, they’re a breathtaking sight.
They’re reflections of the Master designer– Of all beauty He’s created, there isn’t much finer.
They do speak of the divine, for a legend they bear– On each flower’s center, a “crown of thorns” is there.
Like the beams of a cross, the petals connect, having rust-colored tips–of Christ’s blood they reflect.
It flowed from His veins, pierced with a spike’s metal, of which we’re reminded by a hole in each petal.
That dogwoods were once strong enough to be a cross is a story; After Calvary, God took pity on them to yet speak of His glory.
But though just a story, not Biblical fact– the legend has stuck and has made an impact.
For in springtime when blossoms of dogwoods begin, we think, not only of their beauty, but of our Savior within.
Then, too, it can be said that, after winter, when they flower, they remind not just of the cross, but of Christ’s resurrection power!
P. A. Oltrogge
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.” 2 Corinthians 5:17 NKJV
“And if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead lives in you, He who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit, who lives in you.” Romans 8:11 AMP
“Jesus said to her, ‘I am the resurrection and the life; he who believes in Me will live, even if he dies, and everyone who lives and believes in Me will never die….’” John 11:25-26 NASB
“And God said to Moses, ‘I AM WHO I AM;’ and He said, ‘Thus you shall say to the sons of Israel, ‘I AM has sent me to you.’” Exodus 3:14
“Jesus said to them, ‘Truly, truly, I say to you, before Abraham was born, I AM.’” John 8:58
“The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, ‘Behold! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!’” John 1:29
“He was despised and forsaken of men, a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief; and like one from whom men hide their face, He was despised and we did not esteem Him. Surely our griefs He Himself bore, and our sorrows He carried; Yet we ourselves esteemed Him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted. But he was pierced through for our transgressions, He was crushed for our iniquities; the chastening for our well-being fell upon Him, and by His scourging we are healed. All of us like sheep have gone astray. Each of us has turned to his own way; but the Lord has caused the iniquity of us all to fall on Him. He was oppressed and he was afflicted. Yet He did not open His mouth; Like a lamb that is led to slaughter, and like a sheep that is silent before its shearers, so He did not open His mouth.” Isaiah 53:3-7
One Lamb, the “I AM”
Complete redemption is every person’s need, and there is just One Lamb, who was silent before His accusers–though He was, and is, the great “I AM.”
All of us, like sheep, have gone astray, but never did this One Lamb. He kept God’s Laws perfectly, while our own “righteousness” is a sham.
One Lamb bore our sins and sicknesses; we can look to Him still today. For as in when He walked the earth, He doesn’t want it any other way.
One Lamb, one sacrifice, alone, was sufficient on the cross at Calvary’s hill. There’s no other than this Lamb of God–there’s no need to be seeking still.
The Almighty God Himself ordained great grace through His One Lamb. Thank you, Jesus, for having humbled Yourself for us, despite being the great “I AM.”
P. A. Oltrogge
“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.” John 3:16-17
“Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus, who, although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. Therefore also God highly exalted Him, and bestowed on Him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those who are in heaven, and on earth, and under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” Philippians 2:5-11
“…And all our righteous deeds are like a filthy garment…” Isaiah 64:6
“For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 6:23
“…knowing that you were not redeemed with corruptible things, like silver and gold, from your aimless conduct received by tradition from your fathers, but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot.” 1 Peter 1:18-19
“Bless the Lord, oh my soul, and forget none of His benefits; Who pardons all your iniquities, Who heals all your diseases.” Psalm 103:3
“Jesus said to them, ‘I amthe bread of life; he who comes to Me shall not hunger, and he who believes in Me shall never thirst.’” John 6:35
“Again therefore, Jesus spoke to them, saying, ‘I amthe light of the world; he who follows Me shall not walk in the darkness, but shall have the light of life.” John 8:12
“I amthe door; if anyone enter through Me, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture. The thief comes only to steal, and kill, and destroy; I came that they might have life and might have it abundantly.” John 10:9-10
“I amthe good shepherd; the good shepherd lays down His life for the sheep.” John 10:11
“Jesus said to her, ‘I amthe resurrection and the life; he who believes in Me shall live even if he dies.” John 11:25
“Jesus said to him, ‘I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father, but through Me.” John 14:6
“I amthe true vine, and My Father is the vine-dresser.” John 15:1
Philip said to Him, ‘Lord, show us the Father, and it is sufficient for us.’
“Jesus said to him, ‘Have I been with you so long, and yet you have not known Me, Philip? He who has seen Me has seen the Father; so how can you say, ‘Show us the Father’? Do you not believe that I am in the Father, and the Father in Me? The words that I speak to you I do not speak on My own authority; but the Father who dwells in Me does the works.’” John 14:8-10
“By this we know that we abide in Him, and He in us, because He has given us of His Spirit. And we have seen and testify that the Father has sent the Son as Savior of the world. Whoever confesses that Jesus is the Son of God, God abides in him, and he in God.” 1 John 4:13-15
…apologies for my posts today, where reference was made to Isaiah, but it should have been 53, rather than 5. Here is the NASB, which includes the words sicknesses and pains…in addition to our sins…
Who has believed our report? And to whom has the arm of the Lord been revealed? 2 For He grew up before Him like a tender shoot, And like a root out of dry ground; He has no stately form or majesty That we would look at Him, Nor an appearance that we would take pleasure in Him. 3 He was despised and abandoned by men, A man of great pain and familiar with sickness; And like one from whom people hide their faces, He was despised, and we had no regard for Him.
4 However, it was our sicknesses that He Himself bore, And our pains that He carried; Yet we ourselves assumed that He had been afflicted, Struck down by God, and humiliated. 5 But He was pierced for our offenses, He was crushed for our wrongdoings; The punishment for our well-beingwas laid upon Him, And by His wounds we are healed. 6 All of us, like sheep, have gone astray, Each of us has turned to his own way; But the Lord has caused the wrongdoing of us all To fall on Him.
7 He was oppressed and afflicted, Yet He did not open His mouth; Like a lamb that is led to slaughter, And like a sheep that is silent before its shearers, So He did not open His mouth. 8 By oppression and judgment He was taken away; And as for His generation, who considered That He was cut off from the land of the living For the wrongdoing of my people, to whom the blow was due? 9 And His grave was assigned with wicked men, Yet He was with a rich man in His death, Because He had done no violence, Nor was there any deceit in His mouth.
10 But the Lord desired To crush Him, causing Him grief; If He renders Himself asa guilt offering, He will see His offspring, He will prolong His days, And the good pleasure of the Lord will prosper in His hand. 11 As a result of the anguish of His soul, He will see it and be satisfied; By His knowledge the Righteous One, My Servant, will justify the many, For He will bear their wrongdoings. 12 Therefore, I will allot Him a portion with the great, And He will divide the plunder with the strong, Because He poured out His life unto death, And was counted with wrongdoers; Yet He Himself bore the sin of many, And interceded for the wrongdoers.
“The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, ‘Behold! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!” John 1:29
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One Good Friday evening, I went to a showing of the movie of 2004–“The Passion of the Christ,” which depicts the suffering that Jesus bore.
I wasn’t sure if I’d be able to watch the movie again, for it is brutal; but it clearly shows that relying on good works to save our souls is futile.
For our holy God so loved the world, that He gave to all of us reprieve, by sending His Son to take our punishment–now all we need to do is believe.
And when we realize all that Jesus did–the love of His Father in Him reflected–“Oh, come let us adore Him,” for He is to be loved, honored, and respected.
Thankfully, God’s Holy Spirit is still mightily at work upon the earth, drawing people to repent and see their need…to enter into the “new birth.”
“If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation,” is a GIFT to all, that’s free…Jesus bought this blessed gift for us, as described in Isaiah, chapter 53.
“Surely He has borne our griefs And carried our sorrows; Yet we esteemed Him stricken, Smitten by God, and afflicted. But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; The chastisement for our peace was upon Him, And by His stripes we are healed. All we like sheep have gone astray; We have turned, every one, to his own way, And the Lord has laid on Him the iniquity of us all.”
Isaiah 53:4-6
Poetic by P. A. Oltrogge
“Jesus answered and said to him, ‘Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.’” John 3:3
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.’” 2 Corinthians 5:17
“For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.” Ephesians 2:8-9
“But now the righteousness of God apart from the law is revealed, being witnessed by the Law and the Prophets, even the righteousness of God, through faith in Jesus Christ, to all and on all who believe. For there is no difference; for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, whom God set forth as a propitiation by His blood, through faith, to demonstrate His righteousness, because in His forbearance God had passed over the sins that were previously committed, to demonstrate at the present time His righteousness, that He might be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus.” Romans 3:21-26
“But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; The chastisement for our peace was upon Him, And by His stripes we are healed. All we like sheep have gone astray; We have turned, every one, to his own way; And the Lord has laid on Him the iniquity of us all.
“He was oppressed and He was afflicted, Yet He opened not His mouth; He was led as a lamb to the slaughter, And as a sheep before its shearers is silent, So He opened not His mouth.” Isaiah 53:5-7
“Then he (Herod) questioned Him with many words, but He answered him nothing.” Luke 23:9
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He was brought before Pilate by God’s divine plan; Pilate said, “I find no guilt in this man.” Questioned before Herod, Christ gave no reply, for He knew in His heart He was destined to die.
Then brought back to Pilate once more to stand– Pilate still found no guilt justifying a crucifixion demand. But the crowd was insistent–their voices prevailed; and God’s Sacrificial Lamb was thereby unveiled.
Led away with two criminals while women mourned to a place called, “The Skull,” where He would be scorned– There, He was lifted, nailed to a cross’s wood, though His service to God had been perfect and good.
An inscription said, “This is the King of the Jews.” He came to lay down His life–it was His role to choose. He was taunted by soldiers and a criminal in despair, who said if He was the Christ, He could come down from there.
The other criminal feared God, saying their misdeeds were strong, “But this man has done nothing wrong.” A promise of Paradise and a cry from Christ’s voice– “It is finished!” Thus, we can take Him as Savior by our choice.
Darkness had fallen, the temple veil tore in two– “Certainly, this man was innocent,” the Centurion said, too. So went the trial of an innocent man; but He was God and our Messiah by His Father’s divine plan.
P. A. Oltrogge
from Luke, Chapter 23 (NASB) and John 19:30
“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.” John 3:16-17
“He went a little farther and fell on His face, and prayed, saying, ‘O My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me; nevertheless, not as I will but as You will.’” Matthew 26:39
“For this reason the Father loves Me, because I lay down My life that I may take it again. No one has taken it away from Me, but I lay it down on My own initiative. I have authority to lay it down, and I have authority to take it up again. This commandment I received from My Father.” John 10:17-18 NASB
“And the high priest stood up in the midst and asked Jesus, saying, ‘Do You answer nothing? What is it these men testify against You?’ But He kept silent and answered nothing. Again the high priest asked Him, saying to Him, ‘Are You the Christ, the Son of the Blessed?’ Jesus said, ‘I am. And you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Power, and coming with the clouds of heaven.’” Mark 14:60-62
“And when they had come to the place called Calvary, there they crucified Him, and the criminals, one on the right hand and the other on the left. Then Jesus said, ‘Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do.’” Luke 23:33-34
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.” 2 Corinthians 5:17
“I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christlivesinme; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.” Galatians 2:20
From His grand and glorious home in heaven—a place of comfortable rest,
Jesus came down to this earth on a mission, so that mankind could be blessed.
During the last supper with His disciples, likewise, He got up from a comfortable place, to give Himself to serving.
Just as He would be stripped and crucified soon, so He set aside His garments, girding Himself with a towel, to cleanse the undeserving.
Pouring water into a basin, He began to wash and wipe the disciples’ feet.
But Peter failed to understand this requirement that Jesus was wanting to meet.
“Never shall you wash my feet!” were his immediate words—an outflow from Peter’s heart.
But Jesus said to Peter that unless He washed them, then, with Him, he would have no part.
At that, Peter told the Lord to wash not only his feet, but also his hands and his head.
So sincere was Peter’s desire to please Him, that he quickly permitted Him to do so instead.
Jesus continued, speaking of being made clean, but said that not all of them were clean.
In his relationship with the Lord, Judas would betray Him, letting Satan come between.
When Jesus shared that one of the disciples would betray Him, the others wondered which one this meant.
Then Jesus gave the dipped bread to Judas, revealing that betrayal was his intent.
Quickly, Judas turned away from the Lord and went out into the dark of night—
as many still choose darkness today, sadly, resisting Jesus’ love and Light.
Just as Peter would have had no part with Christ, likewise, it’s the same today…
If anyone doesn’t receive the cleansing from Jesus’ poured-out blood, which takes our sins away,
they will have no part with Christ, our Lord and Savior, who, by His example, taught…
that we, also, should serve one another with love and humility, having received the redemption that He bought.
Jesus loved His disciples to the end; He died for us all, having laid aside His glory.
And, as at that Passover meal, when His task was finished, He sat down…but now He’s seated at His Father’s right hand, in completion of this true redemption story!
P. A. Oltrogge
…the above, from John 13…
“And so when He had washed their feet, and taken His garments, and reclined at table again, He said to them, ‘Do you know what I have done to you? You call me Teacher and Lord; and you are right for so I am. If I, then, the Lord and the Teacher, washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I gave you an example that you also should do as I did to you. Truly, truly, I say to you, a slave is not greater than his master; neither one who is sent greater than the one who sent him. If you know these things, you are blessed if you do them.’” John 13:12-17
“And sitting down, He called the twelve and said to them, ‘If anyone wants to be first, he shall be last of all, and servant of all.’” Mark 9:35
“And while they were eating, Jesus took some bread, and after a blessing, He broke it and gave it to the disciples, and said, ‘Take, eat, this is My body.’ And when He had taken a cup and given thanks, He gave it to them, saying, ‘Drink from it, all of you; for this is My blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for forgiveness of sins. But I say to you, I will not drink of this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it new with you in My Father’s kingdom.’ And after singing a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives.” Matthew 26:27-28
“…For, indeed, Christ, our Passover, was sacrificed for us.” 1 Corinthians 5:7 NKJV
“He made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.” 2 Corinthians 5:21
“This Jesus God raised up again, to which we are all witnesses. Therefore having been exalted to the right hand of God, and having received from the Father the promise of the Holy Spirit, He has poured forth this which you both see and hear. For it was not David who ascended into heaven, but he himself says, ‘The Lord said to My Lord, sit at My right hand, until I make Thine enemies a footstool for Thy feet.’ Therefore let all the house of Israel know for certain that God has made Him both Lord and Christ—this Jesus whom you crucified.” (words of Peter from Acts 2:32-36)
“Therefore, having obtained help from God, to this day I stand, witnessing both to small and great, saying no other things than those which the prophets and Moses said would come—that the Christ would suffer, that He would be the first to rise from the dead, and would proclaim light to the Jewish people and to the Gentiles.” (Paul, speaking to King Agrippa in Acts 26:22-23) NKJV
“But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin. If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say that we have not sinned, we make Him a liar, and His word is not in us.” 1 John 1:7-10 NKJV
“In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of His grace, which He lavished upon us….” Ephesians 1:7-8
“‘Come now, let us settle the matter,’ says the Lord. ‘Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool.’” Isaiah 1:18 NIV
Jesus’ blood, the cleansing flood…
O victory in Jesus, My Savior, forever. He sought me and bought me With His redeeming blood; He loved me ere I knew Him And all my love is due Him, He plunged me to victory, Beneath the cleansing flood.
(from the hymn, Victory in Jesus, by Eugene Bartlett, Sr.)
“But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” 1 Corinthians 15:57
Reprinted with permission given from Zola Levitt Ministries…
The following is an essay on the most asked question that comes to Zola Levitt Ministries during the season of Lent/Easter, when you may ask it yourself.
Friday to Sunday?
QUESTION: If the Lord was crucified on Friday and rose on Sunday, how could that encompass three days and three nights?
ANSWER: The Gospel accounts indicate that the Lord was crucified on Friday at 9:00 a.m. and taken off the cross at 3:00 p.m. His body was prepared for burial and interred at sundown the same day, which was the beginning of the Festival of Unleavened Bread. The Lord then arose on Sunday morning after sunup.
According to the modern way of counting, this spans barely two days. Yet that time period seems to disagree with Jesus’ earlier prediction:
“For as Jonas (Jonah) was three days and three nights in the whale’s belly; so shall the Son of man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth.” Matthew 12:40
The prophecy can be understood when we examine the Jewish way of counting days and nights. We must recall that the Jewish day always starts at sunset, so that Friday really begins on Thursday evening (a fact that is reflected in the language of Genesis–“the evening and the morning” are the first day). The second day, then, begins at sundown on Friday and continues through the daytime on Saturday. Finally, Sunday begins at sundown on Saturday and stretches through Saturday night and the daylight hours of Sunday, making the third day. Since the Jews counted any portion of daylight as a full day, then Friday morning through Sunday morning would have been seen as three complete days and nights.
People have sometimes struggled to move Passover (the “Last Supper”) back one day in order to get three days and three nights the way we would count them in the Western world, but that would be inaccurate. Even in the Western world we begin each day on the night before at midnight, so the concept is not strange to us. Supporting this understanding of the Lord’s crucifixion on a Friday (against those who claim that it happened on a different day) is the centuries-long history of Christians celebrating Good Friday, not “Good Thursday” or “Good Wednesday.” This evidence indicates that we can trust the accuracy of the Bible’s account, and also confirms that knowing the Jewish roots of Christianity can open a deeper understanding of God’s Word.
Do the Gospels Disagree on When Jesus Died?
QUESTION: Did Jesus celebrate the Passover and die on Passover day, or did He celebrate and die on the day before? Matthew, Mark, and Luke say He died on Passover day, but John seems to claim that He celebrated and died the day before the Passover. Why the difference?
ANSWER: The difference between John’s Gospel and the Synoptic Gospels (Matthew, Mark, and Luke) regarding the Passover and death of Jesus is attributable to the fact that two systems were used at that time for reckoning Passover day. The Judeans used a method of reckoning different from the Galileans (Matthew, Mark, and Luke). The Galileans and Pharisees measured days from sunrise to sunrise, whereas the Judeans and Sadducees used the sunset-to-sunset reckoning in John’s Gospel.
“And the evening and the morning were the first day.”–Genesis 1:5
Thus, Jews from Galilee celebrated their Passover on Thursday evening, with Passover day starting at sunrise Friday morning. Jews in Judea and Jerusalem, however, celebrated Passover on Friday evening at sundown. Consequently, according to John and the Jews in Judea, Jesus’ celebration on Thursday and death on Friday before sunset occurred on erev Pesach (the eve of Passover), because Passover started for them at Friday’s sunset.
The Galilean method used by Jesus and His disciples would have the Passover Lamb slain and Last Supper on Thursday, 14 Nissan. The Judean method used by John would have the Passover Lamb slain on 15 Nissan.
Most scholars agree that because of the two different methods of timekeeping, there were two days for the slaying of the lambs, which makes sense given the number of lambs being slaughtered. That task couldn’t be done in a single day.
There is no contradiction; the Gospels reflect the two different chronological systems for determining the Passover.
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Zola Levitt site: www.levitt.com
I seem to post this every year. To me, it helps to make things clear…
The Porch of the Lord 