David Bahn - Reflections

Here is a link to the passages I refer to in today's podcast:

https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis+3%3A15%3B+Psalm+22%3B+Isaiah+53&version=ESV;NLT;NRSVA;SBLGNT

Paul and Silas taught that it was necessary for Jesus to suffer and die, and be raised from the dead. The little Greek word, ἔδει (edei) means it was necessary. Gotta happen. Plan of God. Promised by God. Delivered by Jesus. Necessary because of our sin and God's abiding love. He did not flinch from this rescue. He has done it. We have been saved. The seeds of that salvation were sown in the Old Testament. They came to full bloom in the life and ministry of Jesus. They will be fully harvested on the Great Last Day. This is the witness of Scripture.

The story of God starts before the foundation of time and goes on through eternity in the life of the world to come. Paul and Silas are very important parts of that story, for they bear witness to Jesus Christ – the center of it all. And because of their witness, the message of Jesus has gone on to the ends of the earth.

The paradox of being of more noble character is that to be of noble character means that you are not easily swayed from convictions firmly founded. But it also means that you're constantly willing to reexamine your beliefs in light of Scripture. It's said that if you don't stand for anything, you'll fall for everything. On the other hand, if you refuse to change your stand, you may find you are standing for the wrong thing. The only way I know of to avoid that is to search the Scriptures in a constant effort to conform to what God has revealed there.

Easter Sunday was a multi-exclamation point day. Beautiful hymns. A powerful message. Joyful Lord’s Supper Celebration. Then delightful time with family. For 2000 years the message of Jesus’ resurrection from the grave has been the cornerstone of the Christian faith. It forms the foundation for God’s Good News of life and salvation through faith in Jesus of Nazareth. Without the resurrection we have no hope. With the resurrection we have people who for centuries have witnessed to this remarkable truth: Jesus Christ is risen!

We celebrate the resurrection of Jesus from the dead today. Let the name of the Lord be praised!

Check out these great Easter Hymns:

https://youtu.be/57C7uBkbO5E?si=OFalMuzBQ5H3UgcM

https://youtu.be/rMwPEmUMP7U?si=lrOd7SeJ6N61oSPo

Here is a link to the readings for Saturday of Holy Week.

Matthew 27:62-66, Mark 16:1, Luke 23:56, John 19:40

Each of the seven words of Jesus hold a special place in my heart.

 "Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do" (Luke 23:34)

"Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in paradise" (Luke 23:43)

"Woman, behold your son. Son, behold your mother" (John 19:26-27)

"My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" (Matthew 27:46, Mark 15:34)

"I thirst" (John 19:28)

"It is finished" (John 19:30)

"Father, into your hands I commend my spirit" (Luke 23:46)

Many major events occur on Maundy Thursday the Day of Unleavened Bread, the day on which the Passover lamb had to be sacrificed. Jesus washes the disciples' feet and gives them a "new command." He institutes the Lord's Supper. He prays in the garden. He is arrested, taken away, and tortured. 

These things happened on the night he was betrayed. I love the tender teaching moment when Jesus washes the disciples' feet. I love the new command Jesus gives, "Love one another." I love the care and grace he extends - even to Judas. 

It is not clear just what Jesus did on the Wednesday of Holy Week. Perhaps he was staying in the home of Mary and Martha and Lazarus. It would be nearby Jerusalem, and they would be gracious hosts. But the Bible does not tie any particular action or words of Jesus to Wednesday. So I am meditating on these thoughts from John’s gospel. They are a sad refrain of unbelief and rejection.

So many of the events of this week must have tugged on Jesus' emotions. He knew he was facing his last days. The conflict between him and the Pharisees is reaching a climax. He will instruct his disciples before he is betrayed. Then will come the betrayal, the scourging, beating, crucifixion, and death. These events loom before him and his disciples.

One of them - for reasons known only to God - takes matters into his own hands and decides to betray Jesus. Judas will sell his soul for 30 pieces of silver. The Jewish leaders will agree to this bargain. They will question Jesus' authority. But as great of an emotional and dramatic vortex this is, none of it is happening apart from God's will. This is his plan - for our good and his glory.