Be With Me: 7 Minutes of Biblical Wonder

It is perhaps a little too convenient for us to blame Pilate for the crucifixion of Jesus.  It is even repeated in some of our creeds!  What if there are other culprits and we have to spread out the blame a bit?

Most unpalatable, is this: What if the blame extends to ME? For  

Jesus had to pay an undeserved penalty under Pilate, so that I could get off without penalty.

Be brave. Listen like subscribe 7 minutes:

https://youtu.be/_9IZtkfoPKg

It is a human truth that if you are going to degrade another person, go all the way.  If you are going to spit, spit in their face, for it is there that the insult is most effective.  Of all the horrors of heading to crucifixion, I'm not sure why this one particularly catches my eye. 

As always, we have a choice to spit or not to spit.  

Please listen or watch and subscribe: 

https://youtu.be/3Ztqry2trGc

Peter's "come to Jesus" moment involves a rooster. For everyone reading this, you may not have a rooster involved, but you WILL have a similar moment. His was of conviction, betrayal, guilt, and fortunately, repentance.

Listen 7 minutes to hear about the day when the rooster will crow for you. 

https://youtu.be/gl3LjkXnNMk

Annas, the ex-High Priest tries to find a crime worthy of an execution for Jesus.  It doesn't go well. 

Then, the unlawful strikes begin against Jesus. The first is with a hand.  There are many more to follow. 

Jesus is violated legally and physically.  Come back tomorrow. It involves being violated relationally.  It involves a rooster. 

https://youtu.be/M6Hxo7HNlEk

Join me for 7 minutes to start a journey of unpleasantness. It is the arrest and binding and betrayal of Jesus. 

Nobody likes their liberty interrupted.

Nobody likes their physical freedom to be curtailed.

Nobody likes to be betrayed by a best friend.

Yet, this is a trip that MUST be taken. Your life depends on it. Listen.

https://youtu.be/ujlaoIFQc7M

Peter tries to prevent the arrest of Jesus.  It is heroic and all that, but Jesus MUST BE arrested.  It is His mission that started in the Garden of Eden. It is the culmination of the rescue process that has lasted thousands of years.  

No arrest=no rescue. 

https://youtu.be/ZP-wYDIo-5w

The bad guys come to arrest Jesus.  Jesus reveals His name to this very committed arresting party.  What happens next cannot be underestimated: everybody FALLS DOWN.

Jesus is packed with power, and for just a moment, everybody there experiences it. Let's all be ready for the day when we too experience it.  

https://youtu.be/WTpqVMQHIXE

Oneness is a witness.

Unity of the church demonstrates the love of God.

Unity of the people INSIDE church shows people OUTSIDE of the church that they are loved by God.

Oneness, unity is so remarkable it will help the belief of those who do not possess it, to get them to a place where they DO possess it

Listen 7 minutes to hear how you are loved by God.

https://youtu.be/Unm1oga_DSY

We'll interrupt a prayer from Jesus to the Father today to hear 7 things he wants for us and from us.  They are in answer to the big question we all have asked: What does God want outta me? Today are 7 answers if we listen.

https://youtu.be/a2Yns3HF1TU

The most amazing thing about the Giant Redwoods is not what looms 380 feet above you, it is what lies right beneath your feet.  You see, redwoods have a secret below the ground that assures their visible glory. 

Join me for 7 minutes to hear that secret.  It is the same secret that Jesus prays for you. 

https://youtu.be/TKTdHj2h-Vk