Father Into your hands I Commit my Spirit

Luke 23: ⁴⁴ It was now about noon, and darkness came over the whole land until three in the afternoon, ⁴⁵ while the sun’s light failed; and the curtain of the temple was torn in two. ⁴⁶ Then Jesus, crying with a loud voice, said, “Father, into your hands I commend my spirit.” Having said this, he breathed his last. ⁴⁷ When the centurion saw what had taken place, he praised God and said, “Certainly this man was innocent.” ⁴⁸ And when all the crowds who had gathered there for this spectacle saw what had taken place, they returned home, beating their breasts. ⁴⁹ But all his acquaintances, including the women who had followed him from Galilee, stood at a distance, watching these things. ^[1]

 

I want to thank those of you who have walked this spiritual journey with me for the past 7 days during Holy Week with a special emphasis on the 7 Last Words of Christ.  We have traveled with Jesus dying on the cross as he uttered his last words: “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do”; My God, why have you forsaken me”; ‘Woman behold thy son, son, behold your mother”; “I thirst”, “Truly, today you will be with me in Paradise”; “Father into your hands I commit my spirit” and “it is finished”

Our focus today is on both, “It is finished and Into your hands I commit my spirit.”  Depending on which Gospel you are reading, these two words are considered the 6^th and 7^th of the Last Words of Jesus.

Father into Your Hands I Commend My spirit

Luke 23: ⁴⁴ It was now about noon, and darkness came over the whole land until three in the afternoon, ⁴⁵ while the sun’s light failed; and the curtain of the temple was torn in two. ⁴⁶ Then Jesus, crying with a loud voice, said, “Father, into your hands I commend my spirit.” Having said this, he breathed his last.^[2]

The crucifixion of Jesus was not pretty…he was nailed to a cross.  -stripped of his clothes, bleeding from a crown of thorns, stabbed in his side, hands stretched wide and choking on his own blood, The life force within Jesus is starting to slip away.  We hear him say, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me”  -He looks down at his murderers and says, “Father, forgive them for they know not what they do.”  -To the thief on the cross he says, “Today, shalt thou be with me in paradise.”  As the life force is slipping away he begins to quote scripture: -In his human need he says, “I thirst”

looking at his mother he says, “Woman, behold thy son…”  -Gasping for air he utters, “It is finished”

Then, “Father into thy hands I commend my spirit -the 7^th word is taken directly from Psalm 31:

Prayer and Praise for Deliverance from Enemies

Psalm 31 -To the leader. A Psalm of David.

¹   In you, O Lord, I seek refuge;

do not let me ever be put to shame;

in your righteousness deliver me.

²   Incline your ear to me;

rescue me speedily.

Be a rock of refuge for me,

a strong fortress to save me.

³   You are indeed my rock and my fortress;

for your name’s sake lead me and guide me,

⁴   take me out of the net that is hidden for me,

for you are my refuge.

⁵   Into your hand I commit my spirit;

you have redeemed me, O Lord, faithful God. ^[3]

 

In the Luke version, Jesus cries out with a loud voice, “Father, into your hands I commend my spirit.”

In that short sentence, Jesus is saying a lot:

-Father, I have finished what you asked me to do

-I proclaimed to the world that you, God, are my father

-When the world has seen me, they have also seen God

-I stayed on the battlefield

-I brought hope to the hopeless; life to the lifeless; encouragement to the discouraged,

-Food for the hungry; Water to the thirsty; sight to the blind; healing to the sick

-Humbled the proud / gave hope to the poor

-Comfort to the lonely

-Dignity to the disinherited

-And now, I am giving my life in the ultimate sacrifice for the sins of the world

-So, in giving my life I am giving it all:

-the best of my love / the best of my hope / the best of my faith

-Father, into thy hands I commit my spirit…

This last word is a word of commitment, but it is also a word of release.  You can’t commit to anything without releasing something else!  Without release your commitment is like what James Brown said: “a dull knife- just ain’t cutting-talking loud and saying nothing!”  To be a success at anything you have to make a commitment.  And you can’t fulfill a commitment without giving up something else.  If you want success as an: athlete, musician, preacher, teacher, businessperson, student and even as a retiree-you have to make a personal commitment!  You have to make a commitment of time, mental focus, sometimes money.  You also have to be willing to give up something else:

-If you commit to your sport you have to release something else (watch what you eat, drink, how you spend your time)

-If you want to lose weight you have to release some of what you eat

-If you commit to music, you have to release something else and practice

-If you commit to business and making a profit, you must release something else – the temptation to skim profit off the top!

-When we commit to the faith, something else must go (doubt, fear, personal gain, lying, cheating, and double dealing – because you put God 1^st)

 

• Commitment will cause you to move beyond your bias

o  Example:  George Washington was shocked to find black men in the regiments mustered to fight in the revolutionary war, but once he saw how ferocious they were in battle, he called on them often.

Some people treat their faith –and for that matter, life, in a halfhearted way!

-“I’m yours Lord- as long as I don’t have to give up my lifestyle!”

-“I’m yours Lord- as long as I like what you have to say”

-“I’m yours Lord- as long as my faith won’t cost me time or money”

-“I’m yours Lord – but don’t ask me to give up my golf!”

-“I’m yours Lord – but don’t make me give up my hair appointment”

-“I’m yours Lord – as long as I can have it my way!”

 I have come to the opinion that we only have one life to live,   And one choice:  do I live my life to the fullest, or do I play around with what God gave me?

-God gave you a mind, are you using it or just scratching the surface?

-God gave you a body, are you taking care of it or treating it like a time bomb?

-God gave you love, are you building on it or just marking time?

-God gave you money, are you using it wisely or simply hoarding it for a “rainy day?”

-I can’t tell you the number of people I know who died with money, but were unfulfilled!

To me, there is nothing worse than playing around with what the good Lord gave you-

-Playing around with your body, mind, friends, work, skills, money

-Some people play around so long, by the time they are ready to commit they have nothing to work with!

I don’t know when the end will come! 

-I can’t tell you when I will breathe my last

-I can’t tell you about tomorrow

-Because tomorrow will have to take care of itself

-but one thing I know,

-Last night was not my last night!

-The four walls of my room were not the four walls of my grave!

-My bed was not my cooling board

-My sheet was not my winding sheet!

-When I woke up this morning, The blood was running warm in my veins!

-A long time ago, I made a promise to the Lord

-I said Jesus, Jesus

– take me, I’m yours

– trust me, you can have all of me

-Invest in me, I will invest in you

-You’ve been good to me; I’ll be good to you

-You can have my money

-have my body

-Have my mind

-Have my soul

-I’ll go where you want me to go

– do what you want me to do

-I’ll say what you want me to say

-I’ll live the way you want me to live

-I’ll preach to the lost

– teach the uninformed

– give hope to the hopeless

-food to the hungry

-Water to the thirsty

-Faith to the faithless

-love to the unloved

-A father to the fatherless

-A friend to the friendless

-A brother to the brother- less

-A child to the childless

-Strength to the weak

-Money to the poor

-Humility to the rich

-Father I stretch my hands to thee, no other help I know If thou withdraw thy self from me O wither shall I go?

-Father, into thy hands I commit my spirit!

 

Questions for Reflection:

1. How is your faith impacted by this word from Jesus on the cross?
2. What is most difficult about this word from Jesus?
3. Other thoughts regarding this word of commitment?

 

 

Written by Pastor Nick Hood3

Photo by Pastor Nick Hood3

Additional Prayers Photos and Meditations from Pastor Nick Hood3 at https://nicholashoodiiiministries.wordpress.com/

More about the ministry, mission, and meditations from Pastor Nick Hood3 at www.nicholashoodiiiministries.org and www.puccdetroit.org

New – Listen to readings from the Book of Psalms, Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Proverbs, the Gospel of John and Inspirational Prayers written by Rev. Dr. Nicholas Hood III at Nicholas Hood3, is now available on Apple Podcasts: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/nicholas-hood3/id1370371705.

Or, at anchor.fm/nicholas-hood3.

Also, on Google Podcasts at Nicholas Hood3

Now on Spotify – https://open.spotify.com/show/1fQTqugJtGj6FCgHaGuG

 

Thank you,

 

Nick

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

^[1] The Holy Bible: New Revised Standard Version. (1989). (Lk 23:44–49). Nashville: Thomas Nelson Publishers.

^[2] The Holy Bible : New Revised Standard Version. 1989 (Lk 23:44–46). Nashville: Thomas Nelson Publishers.

^[3] The Holy Bible : New Revised Standard Version. 1989 (Ps 31:title–5). Nashville: Thomas Nelson Publishers.

https://anchor.fm/nicholas-hood3/episodes/Father-Into-Your-Hands-I-Commit-My-Spirit-e3piuo

Father Forgive them!

 

 

 

 

Luke 23: ³² Two others also, who were criminals, were led away to be put to death with him. ³³ When they came to the place that is called The Skull, they crucified Jesus there with the criminals, one on his right and one on his left. [[³⁴ Then Jesus said, “Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing.”]] And they cast lots to divide his clothing. ³⁵ And the people stood by, watching; but the leaders scoffed at him, saying, “He saved others; let him save himself if he is the Messiah of God, his chosen one!” ³⁶ The soldiers also mocked him, coming up and offering him sour wine, ³⁷ and saying, “If you are the King of the Jews, save yourself!” ³⁸ There was also an inscription over him, “This is the King of the Jews.” ^[1]

Each day this week, I have focused on the 7 Last  Words of Christ.  From a spiritual stand point, the process of slowing down long enough to reflect daily upon each of the 7 Last utterances of Jesus while on the cross, has been a fulfilling and meaningful process.  When I began this series on the 7 Last Words, I was so excited to begin, I started out of sequence and omitted the word that is usually thought to be the first Word, the word of Forgiveness.

Jesus is the supreme example of a person who was very God, but also, very human.  In the word of forgiveness, Jesus shows us both dimensions.  Jesus is suffering mocking words and vile behavior from not only the Roman soldiers who crucified him, but also the chief priests, the super religious Jewish Council, some in the crowd, but also from the criminals who were crucified beside him.  As he hung on a wooden cross, in the middle of this shameful exercise, Jesus calls out to God for the forgiveness of those who are berating him.

I believe it took a divine spirit for Jesus to ask God to forgive those who were abusing him.

I would like you to think for a moment and ask yourself how difficult was it for you to forgive someone for something they did or said?  To me, the following elements are required to forgive.  1^st, to forgive someone means we must acknowledge our hurt, anger and disappointment regarding something another person has done to you.  A second step in the process of forgiveness, is to confront the person and let them know how you feel.  Third, true forgiveness requires the commitment not to dwell on what the other person has done or said.  Some people tell me that they can, “Forgive, but not forget.”  Others maintain that true forgiveness requires that we forget the hurt and insult.  To me, the reality is that it is difficult to forget an insult or damage another person has caused.  Authentic forgiveness requires the ability not to remain stuck in anger, hurt and disappointment, even though the memories linger.

I am not sure which is worse, but as an elected member of the Detroit City Council for an 8 year period, every now and then members of the public was say mean and threatening things.  As a minister who is in 43 year of ordination as a pastor, I have had to deal with several church members who have intentionally said and done hurtful and mean things.  When people are mean to me I acknowledge it, often confront the person, and then keep moving.  I try not to dwell upon meanness, but the reality is that sometimes where I run into a person who has gone out of their way to make my life difficult, even though I have moved on, a quick thought runs past my forehead and I say to myself, “That’s the person who threatened to kill me, or talked about my mother and father, or tried to diminish my ministry by saying dumb and hurtful things.”  Then, I move on and try not to dwell on the slight, but pain is real.  Forgiveness is greater than pain.

Jesus showed us while dying on the cross that human beings have the capability to rise above hurt, soar above shame, and transcend disappointment.

 

Questions for Reflection:

1. What are your thoughts about Jesus request that God forgive those who were abusing him?
2. What are some of the most difficult aspects of forgiving a person who has shamed you, degraded you, degraded themselves, and deeply hurt you?
3. What are your thoughts regarding my outline to proceed with a process to forgive – acknowledge the hurt, confront the person who has offended you, and third, move on?

 

 

Prayer:  My Lord and my God, strengthen me that I might forgive.  Grant me the ability to acknowledge when others have hurt me, angered me, and shamed me.  Bless me with the strength to confront those who have been abusive and mean to me.  Than, in your almighty providence, grant the favor of your presence and inner peace, that I might find the power to move on with my life with the refusal to remain stuck in bitterness, resentment and anger.  In Jesus name I pray.  Amen.

 

Written by Pastor Nick Hood3

Photo by Pastor Nick Hood3

Additional Prayers Photos and Meditations from Pastor Nick Hood3 at https://nicholashoodiiiministries.wordpress.com/

More about the ministry, mission, and meditations from Pastor Nick Hood3 at www.nicholashoodiiiministries.org and www.puccdetroit.org

New – Listen to readings from the Book of Psalms, Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Proverbs, the Gospel of John and Inspirational Prayers written by Rev. Dr. Nicholas Hood III at Nicholas Hood3, is now available on Apple Podcasts: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/nicholas-hood3/id1370371705.

Or, at anchor.fm/nicholas-hood3.

Also, on Google Podcasts at Nicholas Hood3

Now on Spotify – https://open.spotify.com/show/1fQTqugJtGj6FCgHaGuG

 

Thank you,

 

Nick

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

^[1] The Holy Bible: New Revised Standard Version. (1989). (Lk 23:32–38). Nashville: Thomas Nelson Publishers.

Listen to the newest episode of my podcast, Nicholas Hood3: Father Forgive Them https://anchor.fm/nicholas-hood3/episodes/Father-Forgive-Them-e3p8m3

I Thirst

I Thirst

The focus today is on the 4^th of the 7 Last Words of Christ, “I thirst.”  This word is often referred to as the “Word of Human Need.”  With only two words coming from the mouth of Jesus, “I thirst,” we are reminded of the humanity of Jesus.  While Jesus was very God, he also was very human.  The human side of Jesus was just like you and me.  As a human being, Jesus experienced the range of emotions, from happiness to sadness.  Also, like you and me, Jesus experienced the primal desire and need for nourishment.  Dying, with parched lips and a dry throat, Jesus experienced thirst.  Like Jesus, there are times when nothing will quench thirst like water.  Soda pop, with its sugar, wine, coffee, milk, are wet, but will not satisfy thirst like water.  The soldiers under the cross of Jesus heard his utterance of thirst, and instead put a sponge of sour wine on a branch of hyssop and held it to his mouth.  In the John version of the crucifixion, Jesus receives the wine and then dies.

As we make our way to the cross during this Holy Week, I encourage you to examine your faith in the context of the faith of Jesus and his suffering on the cross.  Join me now in reading the following scripture which reminds us of the humanity and suffering of Jesus.

 

 John 19: ²⁸ After this, when Jesus knew that all was now finished, he said (in order to fulfill the scripture), “I am thirsty.” ²⁹ A jar full of sour wine was standing there. So they put a sponge full of the wine on a branch of hyssop and held it to his mouth. ³⁰ When Jesus had received the wine, he said, “It is finished.” Then he bowed his head and gave up his spirit. ^[1]

 

Questions for Reflection:

1. In reflection upon this 4^th Word in the 7 Last Words of Jesus, what new revelations or understanding have you received?
2. What aspects of the humanity of Jesus are most difficult for you to understand?
3. Which aspects of the humanity of Jesus do you find most comforting?
4. This Holy Week, how is your faith enhanced or challenged?

 

 

Prayer:  Lord, touch me in my moment of need.  When I am thirsty, grant me your refreshment.  In my loneliness, grant me companionship.  In my emptiness, grant me fulfilment.  Meet me where I am, greet me with your presence, and take me to where you would lead me.  In Jesus name I pray.  Amen.

 

Written by Pastor Nick Hood3

Photo by Pastor Nick Hood3

Additional Prayers Photos and Meditations from Pastor Nick Hood3 at https://nicholashoodiiiministries.wordpress.com/

More about the ministry, mission, and meditations from Pastor Nick Hood3 at www.nicholashoodiiiministries.org and www.puccdetroit.org

New – Listen to readings from the Book of Psalms, Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Proverbs, the Gospel of John and Inspirational Prayers written by Rev. Dr. Nicholas Hood III at Nicholas Hood3, is now available on Apple Podcasts: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/nicholas-hood3/id1370371705.

Or, at anchor.fm/nicholas-hood3.

Also, on Google Podcasts at Nicholas Hood3

Now on Spotify – https://open.spotify.com/show/1fQTqugJtGj6FCgHaGuG

 

Thank you,

 

Nick

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

^[1] The Holy Bible: New Revised Standard Version. (1989). (Jn 19:28–30). Nashville: Thomas Nelson Publishers.

Listen to the newest episode of my podcast, Nicholas Hood3: I Thirst https://anchor.fm/nicholas-hood3/episodes/I-Thirst-e3ot9r

Woman Behold Your Son!

Today, the focus is on the 3^rd of the 7 Last Words of Christ, “Woman, here is your son, then he said to the disciple, Here is your mother.” This word is sometimes referred to as the, “Word of compassion.” With the vultures of death circling around him, Jesus carved out a moment of compassion for his mother. Mary, the mother of Jesus stood near the cross. She was not afraid to be identified as the mother of Jesus. She was not ashamed to be with her son, the Lord, until the end. The chief priests and soldiers mocked him. The criminals on their separate crosses shouted disparaging remarks to and about Jesus, but Mary his mother, the one who carried him in her womb for nine months, the one who felt him kick within her stomach, Mary, the one who cried out in the pangs of childbirth, the one who let him suck her supple breast, Mary, the one who changed his diapers, taught him to talk, watched him walk, then run, Mary, who was there when he changed water into wine, when he preached his first sermon, and was with him throughout his entire ministry, was now under the cross where his blood flowed from the nails in his hands and feet to the waiting earth below. Mary was there, watching her beloved first born son, die a painful, excruciatingly slow, public death.

Let us read the biblical account of the 3^rd of the 7 Last Words of Christ. After reading this passage from John 19, I want to share a few observations, followed by questions for reflection.

John 19: Meanwhile, standing near the cross of Jesus were his mother, and his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. ²⁶ When Jesus saw his mother and the disciple whom he loved standing beside her, he said to his mother, “Woman, here is your son.” ²⁷ Then he said to the disciple, “Here is your mother.” And from that hour the disciple took her into his own home.

²⁸ After this, when Jesus knew that all was now finished, he said (in order to fulfill the scripture), “I am thirsty.” ²⁹ A jar full of sour wine was standing there. So they put a sponge full of the wine on a branch of hyssop and held it to his mouth. ³⁰ When Jesus had received the wine, he said, “It is finished.” Then he bowed his head and gave up his spirit. ^[1]

I want to begin with a focus on what I think is the mindset of Jesus. When Jesus says, “Woman, behold your son.” There may be two things he is thinking about. First, mother, Mary, look at me, your son! Look at what they have done to me! Look at what they are doing to me! Second, Jesus is definitely concerned that following his death, he wants John to look after his mother. Likewise, Jesus wants his mother to allow John to take on the role of a son, who will look after her. Also, Jesus is directing John to treat his Mary as though she were his mother – to honor, respect, care for and love Mary as though she were his mother. As it turned out. John was the only disciple who lived out a natural life, although the end of his days were spent in a prison on the island of Patmos. Each of the other disciples were executed for their faith. I presume that John had several years before his imprisonment when he could tend to Mary, the mother of Jesus. One of the lessons I take away from this text is the importance of caring for the elderly in our lives. Care is a two way street. There is the one who is cared for, and the one who is the care giver. Jesus did not want to die without providing for the care of his mother. In like manner, you and I should honor our mothers and fathers, that our days will be long.

Questions for Reflection:

1. What are your thoughts about the 3^rd of the 7 Last Words of Christ?
2. Can you relate to the concern of Jesus that John would look out for his mother?
3. How do you think this request of Jesus for his mother and John affected those who were aware of it?
4. Other thoughts regarding this request of Jesus for his mother and John?

Prayer: Lord, help me to be tender, sensitive, and loving in my care of the elderly. In like manner, humble me, Lord, that I might cast down my defenses, that I might receive with grace, the care and love of others. In Jesus name I pray. Amen.

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Written by Pastor Nick Hood3

Photo by Pastor Nick Hood3

Additional Prayers Photos and Meditations from Pastor Nick Hood3 at https://nicholashoodiiiministries.wordpress.com/

More about the ministry, mission, and meditations from Pastor Nick Hood3 at www.nicholashoodiiiministries.org and www.puccdetroit.org

New – Listen to readings from the Book of Psalms, Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Proverbs, the Gospel of John and Inspirational Prayers written by Rev. Dr. Nicholas Hood III at Nicholas Hood3, is now available on Apple Podcasts: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/nicholas-hood3/id1370371705.

Or, at anchor.fm/nicholas-hood3.

Also, on Google Podcasts at Nicholas Hood3

Now on Spotify – https://open.spotify.com/show/1fQTqugJtGj6FCgHaGuG

Thank you,

Nick

^[1] The Holy Bible: New Revised Standard Version. (1989). (Jn 19:25–30). Nashville: Thomas Nelson Publishers.

Listen to the newest episode of my podcast, Nicholas Hood3: Woman Behold Your Son! https://anchor.fm/nicholas-hood3/episodes/Woman-Behold-Your-Son-e3onkb

Today You Shall be with me in Paradise!

Today You Shall be With Me in Paradise

Luke 23: ³² Two others also, who were criminals, were led away to be put to death with him. ³³ When they came to the place that is called The Skull, they crucified Jesus there with the criminals, one on his right and one on his left. [[³⁴ Then Jesus said, “Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing.”]] And they cast lots to divide his clothing. ³⁵ And the people stood by, watching; but the leaders scoffed at him, saying, “He saved others; let him save himself if he is the Messiah of God, his chosen one!” ³⁶ The soldiers also mocked him, coming up and offering him sour wine, ³⁷ and saying, “If you are the King of the Jews, save yourself!” ³⁸ There was also an inscription over him, “This is the King of the Jews.” ³⁹ One of the criminals who were hanged there kept deriding him and saying, “Are you not the Messiah? Save yourself and us!” ⁴⁰ But the other rebuked him, saying, “Do you not fear God, since you are under the same sentence of condemnation? ⁴¹ And we indeed have been condemned justly, for we are getting what we deserve for our deeds, but this man has done nothing wrong.” ⁴² Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” ⁴³ He replied, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in Paradise.” ^[1] This is the second in a series on the 7 Last Words of Christ. Yesterday, I began with the 1^st of the 7 Last words of Christ, “My God, My God, why have you forsaken me. One of the points I made in that piece is that Jesus was reciting from the 22^nd Psalm. One of the questions I wonder was Jesus just quoting scripture, or was he also holding out hope that God would bring him down from the cross.In the second of the last words of Christ, there is an exchange between the two criminals who were crucified to his left and right. One of the criminals derides Jesus and asks him to save himself and save them as well. The other criminal chides the first criminal and gives a confession of faith to Jesus, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” At that point, Jesus utters the 2^nd of his last words, “Today you will be with me in Paradise.”Lets look at what is going on here. First, the criminal makes an affirmation of faith in Jesus and requests salvation that only Jesus can provide. Second, Jesus responds with the promise of eternal life. Third, Jesus promise of salvation is immediate, “Today,” not tomorrow, next week, next month, next year, but today!The same promise is offered to you and me. “Today”, the blessing of Jesus Christ is made available to you and me. The promise of salvation is immediate. The promise of Jesus is that he will be in paradise with you and me and all others who accept his salvation.Some get hung up about whether or not paradise is the final resting place of the dead. All I know is that Jesus offered his salvation to the thief and that that salvation was that day, not tomorrow, but that day! The promise of eternal life should be something that you and I should look forward to. The criminal on the cross lived a life full of crime, but in the end, Jesus offered him salvation for his sins. In like manner, Jesus offers you and me release from our sins.Some will ask, “What is the value in living a life of faith, when in the end, the lifetime of faith and the lifetime of sin can enjoy the same salvation?” To me, the answer is in the living. Salvation is available and free to all, but the benefit of a life of faith is the joy of the life we live in Jesus Christ.The person who lives their life in faith has the benefit of the values, principals and inner peace that only Jesus Christ can give!I have staked my life on this faith. I encourage you to make a full and complete confession of faith in Jesus Christ, that you too might enjoy not just eternal life, but full life, meaningful life, fulfilling life in this life and the life to come! Questions for Reflection:` 1. What does the second of the 7 Last Words of Christ mean to you?

2. What are the challenges you have with this word?
3. What are your thoughts regarding the immediacy of salvation in Jesus Christ?
4. How would you describe the benefits of a life of faith in Jesus Christ?
5. What are the challenges of attempting a life of faith in Jesus Christ?

Prayer: Lord, I give myself to you. I accept your guidance. I accept your limitations. I accept the release and freedom that you offer to all who believe in you. Take me now and bless me with your favor, peace and joy. In Jesus name I pray. Amen.Written by Pastor Nick Hood3Photo by Pastor Nick Hood3Additional Prayers Photos and Meditations from Pastor Nick Hood3 at https://nicholashoodiiiministries.wordpress.com/More about the ministry, mission, and meditations from Pastor Nick Hood3 at www.nicholashoodiiiministries.org and www.puccdetroit.orgNew – Listen to readings from the Book of Psalms, Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Proverbs, the Gospel of John and Inspirational Prayers written by Rev. Dr. Nicholas Hood III at Nicholas Hood3, is now available on Apple Podcasts: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/nicholas-hood3/id1370371705.Or, at anchor.fm/nicholas-hood3.Also, on Google Podcasts at Nicholas Hood3Now on Spotify – https://open.spotify.com/show/1fQTqugJtGj6FCgHaGuGThank you,Nick^[1] The Holy Bible: New Revised Standard Version. (1989). (Lk 23:32–43). Nashville: Thomas Nelson Publishers.Listen to the newest episode of my podcast, Nicholas Hood3: Today you shall be with me in Paradise https://anchor.fm/nicholas-hood3/episodes/Today-you-shall-be-with-me-in-Paradise-e3o61e

My God my God why have you forsaken me?

For the next seven days, leading up to Good Friday, I will focus each day on one of the 7 Last words of Christ.  Each of these last words of Jesus provides us with a snap-shot of what the Lord is thinking as the life force is leaving his body.  While on the one hand Jesus is dying, at the same time, his last words provide us with a powerful witness of faith.  In this 1^st of the 7 Last Words of Jesus, I will conclude this lesson with the 22^nd Psalm.  One of the prayer and meditation rituals for pilgrims from the country side making their way to Jerusalem for the festival days of celebration was to ascend the steps to the temple and recite verses from the Psalms in unison with others from their village.  I have long wondered if the 1^st of the 7 Last Words of Jesus was actually his reciting the 22^nd Psalm.  If the 1^st of the 7 Last Words of Jesus is read in the context of the 22^nd Psalm, one could draw a conclusion that even on the cross Jesus looked to God for deliverance and salvation.

The Crucifixion of Jesus 

Matthew 27: ³²  As they went out, they came upon a man from Cyrene named Simon; they compelled this man to carry his cross. ³³ And when they came to a place called Golgotha (which means Place of a Skull), ³⁴ they offered him wine to drink, mixed with gall; but when he tasted it, he would not drink it. ³⁵ And when they had crucified him, they divided his clothes among themselves by casting lots; ³⁶ then they sat down there and kept watch over him. ³⁷ Over his head they put the charge against him, which read, “This is Jesus, the King of the Jews.”

³⁸ Then two bandits were crucified with him, one on his right and one on his left. ³⁹ Those who passed by derided him, shaking their heads ⁴⁰ and saying, “You who would destroy the temple and build it in three days, save yourself! If you are the Son of God, come down from the cross.” ⁴¹ In the same way the chief priests also, along with the scribes and elders, were mocking him, saying, ⁴² “He saved others; he cannot save himself. He is the King of Israel; let him come down from the cross now, and we will believe in him. ⁴³ He trusts in God; let God deliver him now, if he wants to; for he said, ‘I am God’s Son.’ ” ⁴⁴ The bandits who were crucified with him also taunted him in the same way.

The Death of Jesus

(Mk 15:33–41; Lk 23:44–49; Jn 19:28–30)

⁴⁵ From noon on, darkness came over the whole land until three in the afternoon. ⁴⁶ And about three o’clock Jesus cried with a loud voice, “Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?” that is, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” ⁴⁷ When some of the bystanders heard it, they said, “This man is calling for Elijah.” ⁴⁸ At once one of them ran and got a sponge, filled it with sour wine, put it on a stick, and gave it to him to drink. ⁴⁹ But the others said, “Wait, let us see whether Elijah will come to save him.” ⁵⁰ Then Jesus cried again with a loud voice and breathed his last. ⁵¹ At that moment the curtain of the temple was torn in two, from top to bottom. The earth shook, and the rocks were split. ⁵² The tombs also were opened, and many bodies of the saints who had fallen asleep were raised. ⁵³ After his resurrection they came out of the tombs and entered the holy city and appeared to many. ⁵⁴ Now when the centurion and those with him, who were keeping watch over Jesus, saw the earthquake and what took place, they were terrified and said, “Truly this man was God’s Son!”^[1]

 

 

Questions for Reflection:

1. In reading and listening to the 1^st of the 7 Last Words, what is your initial impression?
2. Why do you think Jesus asks God, “Why have you forsaken me?”
3. What was it about the words of Jesus that caused several to believe that “Truly this man was God’s Son”?
4. What are your thoughts about after Jesus dies many bodies of those who were buried appeared to others in Jerusalem?
5. When we listen to this 1^st of the 7 Last Words of Christ, in the context of Psalm 22, do you think that Jesus might have been calling on God to save him?

Psalm 22: Plea for Deliverance from Suffering and Hostility

To the leader: according to The Deer of the Dawn. A Psalm of David.

¹    My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?

Why are you so far from helping me, from the words of my groaning?

²    O my God, I cry by day, but you do not answer;

and by night, but find no rest.

³    Yet you are holy,

enthroned on the praises of Israel.

⁴    In you our ancestors trusted;

they trusted, and you delivered them.

⁵    To you they cried, and were saved;

in you they trusted, and were not put to shame.

⁶    But I am a worm, and not human;

scorned by others, and despised by the people.

⁷    All who see me mock at me;

they make mouths at me, they shake their heads;

⁸    “Commit your cause to the Lord; let him deliver—

let him rescue the one in whom he delights!”

⁹    Yet it was you who took me from the womb;

you kept me safe on my mother’s breast.

¹⁰   On you I was cast from my birth,

and since my mother bore me you have been my God.

¹¹   Do not be far from me,

for trouble is near

and there is no one to help.

¹²   Many bulls encircle me,

strong bulls of Bashan surround me;

¹³   they open wide their mouths at me,

like a ravening and roaring lion.

¹⁴   I am poured out like water,

and all my bones are out of joint;

my heart is like wax;

it is melted within my breast;

¹⁵   my mouth is dried up like a potsherd,

and my tongue sticks to my jaws;

you lay me in the dust of death.

¹⁶   For dogs are all around me;

a company of evildoers encircles me.

My hands and feet have shriveled;

¹⁷   I can count all my bones.

They stare and gloat over me;

¹⁸   they divide my clothes among themselves,

and for my clothing they cast lots.

¹⁹   But you, O Lord, do not be far away!

O my help, come quickly to my aid!

²⁰   Deliver my soul from the sword,

my life from the power of the dog!

²¹     Save me from the mouth of the lion!

From the horns of the wild oxen you have rescued me.

²²   I will tell of your name to my brothers and sisters;

in the midst of the congregation I will praise you:

²³   You who fear the Lord, praise him!

All you offspring of Jacob, glorify him;

stand in awe of him, all you offspring of Israel!

²⁴   For he did not despise or abhor

the affliction of the afflicted;

he did not hide his face from me,

but heard when I cried to him.

²⁵   From you comes my praise in the great congregation;

my vows I will pay before those who fear him.

²⁶   The poor shall eat and be satisfied;

those who seek him shall praise the Lord.

May your hearts live forever!

²⁷   All the ends of the earth shall remember

and turn to the Lord;

and all the families of the nations

shall worship before him.

²⁸   For dominion belongs to the Lord,

and he rules over the nations.

²⁹   To him, indeed, shall all who sleep in the earth bow down;

before him shall bow all who go down to the dust,

and I shall live for him.

³⁰   Posterity will serve him;

future generations will be told about the Lord,

³¹   and proclaim his deliverance to a people yet unborn,

saying that he has done it. ^[2]

 

 

Prayer:  Never leave me, Lord.  In my worst moment, be my rock, sword and shield.  Protect me from the adversary.  Shelter me from my worst fears.  Deliver me from the evil one, and shine the light of your love upon me until kingdom come, and on that day lead me into the newness of life.  In Jesus name I pray.  Amen.

 

Written by Pastor Nick Hood3

Photo by Pastor Nick Hood3

Additional Prayers Photos and Meditations from Pastor Nick Hood3 at https://nicholashoodiiiministries.wordpress.com/

More about the ministry, mission, and meditations from Pastor Nick Hood3 at www.nicholashoodiiiministries.org and www.puccdetroit.org

New – Listen to readings from the Book of Psalms, Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Proverbs, the Gospel of John and Inspirational Prayers written by Rev. Dr. Nicholas Hood III at Nicholas Hood3, is now available on Apple Podcasts: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/nicholas-hood3/id1370371705.

Or, at anchor.fm/nicholas-hood3.

Also, on Google Podcasts at Nicholas Hood3

Now on Spotify – https://open.spotify.com/show/1fQTqugJtGj6FCgHaGuG

 

Thank you,

 

Nick

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

^[1] The Holy Bible: New Revised Standard Version. (1989). (Mt 27:32–54). Nashville: Thomas Nelson Publishers.

^[2] The Holy Bible: New Revised Standard Version. (1989). (Ps 22:title–31). Nashville: Thomas Nelson Publishers.

Listen to the newest episode of my podcast, Nicholas Hood3: My God my God why have you forsaken me https://anchor.fm/nicholas-hood3/episodes/My-God-my-God-why-have-you-forsaken-me-e3nq3k

Victory Belongs to the Lord!

Proverbs 21

 

The king’s heart is a stream of water in the hand of the Lord;

he turns it wherever he will.

²   All deeds are right in the sight of the doer,

but the Lord weighs the heart.

³   To do righteousness and justice

is more acceptable to the Lord than sacrifice.

⁴   Haughty eyes and a proud heart—

the lamp of the wicked—are sin.

⁵   The plans of the diligent lead surely to abundance,

but everyone who is hasty comes only to want.

⁶   The getting of treasures by a lying tongue

is a fleeting vapor and a snare of death.

⁷   The violence of the wicked will sweep them away,

because they refuse to do what is just.

⁸   The way of the guilty is crooked,

but the conduct of the pure is right.

⁹   It is better to live in a corner of the housetop

than in a house shared with a contentious wife.

¹⁰  The souls of the wicked desire evil;

their neighbors find no mercy in their eyes.

¹¹  When a scoffer is punished, the simple become wiser;

when the wise are instructed, they increase in knowledge.

¹²  The Righteous One observes the house of the wicked;

he casts the wicked down to ruin.

¹³  If you close your ear to the cry of the poor,

you will cry out and not be heard.

¹⁴  A gift in secret averts anger;

and a concealed bribe in the bosom, strong wrath.

¹⁵  When justice is done, it is a joy to the righteous,

but dismay to evildoers.

¹⁶  Whoever wanders from the way of understanding

will rest in the assembly of the dead.

¹⁷  Whoever loves pleasure will suffer want;

whoever loves wine and oil will not be rich.

¹⁸  The wicked is a ransom for the righteous,

and the faithless for the upright.

¹⁹  It is better to live in a desert land

than with a contentious and fretful wife.

²⁰  Precious treasure remains in the house of the wise,

but the fool devours it.

²¹  Whoever pursues righteousness and kindness

will find life and honor.

²²  One wise person went up against a city of warriors

and brought down the stronghold in which they trusted.

²³  To watch over mouth and tongue

is to keep out of trouble.

²⁴  The proud, haughty person, named “Scoffer,”

acts with arrogant pride.

²⁵  The craving of the lazy person is fatal,

for lazy hands refuse to labor.

²⁶  All day long the wicked covet,

but the righteous give and do not hold back.

²⁷  The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination;

how much more when brought with evil intent.

²⁸  A false witness will perish,

but a good listener will testify successfully.

²⁹  The wicked put on a bold face,

but the upright give thought to their ways.

³⁰  No wisdom, no understanding, no counsel,

can avail against the Lord.

³¹  The horse is made ready for the day of battle,

but the victory belongs to the Lord. ^[1]

 

 

Questions for Reflection:

1. Which of these Proverbs speaks most to you? Why?
2. Which of these Proverbs in chapter 21 are most difficult for you?
3. Why do you think the expression, “A contentious wife” (Verse 9 and 14) is found in two of these Proverbs, but nothing is said about a “Contentious husband”?
4. Which of the sayings about wisdom in this Proverb is most helpful and encouraging to you?

 

 

Prayer:  Lord, bless me with the favor of your wisdom.  Make me wise in how I spend my time.  Make me wise in how I spend my money.  Make me wise in whom I give my love to.  Make me wise in whom I give my trust.  Your wisdom is better than riches.  Your wisdom is better than the cheers and shout of the crowd.  Crown me with your wisdom.  Bless me with your direction.  Drench me with your love and kindness.  In Jesus name I pray.  Amen.

 

Written by Pastor Nick Hood3

Photo by Pastor Nick Hood3

Additional Prayers Photos and Meditations from Pastor Nick Hood3 at https://nicholashoodiiiministries.wordpress.com/

More about the ministry, mission, and meditations from Pastor Nick Hood3 at www.nicholashoodiiiministries.org and www.puccdetroit.org

New – Listen to readings from the Book of Psalms, Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Proverbs, the Gospel of John and Inspirational Prayers written by Rev. Dr. Nicholas Hood III at Nicholas Hood3, is now available on Apple Podcasts: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/nicholas-hood3/id1370371705.

Or, at anchor.fm/nicholas-hood3.

Also, on Google Podcasts at Nicholas Hood3

Now on Spotify – https://open.spotify.com/show/1fQTqugJtGj6FCgHaGuG

 

Thank you,

 

Nick

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

^[1] The Holy Bible: New Revised Standard Version. (1989). (Pr 21:1–31). Nashville: Thomas Nelson Publishers.

Listen to the newest episode of my podcast, Nicholas Hood3: Victory Belongs to the Lord https://anchor.fm/nicholas-hood3/episodes/Victory-Belongs-to-the-Lord-e3nche

The Resurrection of Jesus

Proverbs 20

 

Wine is a mocker, strong drink a brawler,

and whoever is led astray by it is not wise.

²    The dread anger of a king is like the growling of a lion;

anyone who provokes him to anger forfeits life itself.

³    It is honorable to refrain from strife,

but every fool is quick to quarrel.

⁴    The lazy person does not plow in season;

harvest comes, and there is nothing to be found.

⁵    The purposes in the human mind are like deep water,

but the intelligent will draw them out.

⁶    Many proclaim themselves loyal,

but who can find one worthy of trust?

⁷    The righteous walk in integrity—

happy are the children who follow them!

⁸    A king who sits on the throne of judgment

winnows all evil with his eyes.

⁹    Who can say, “I have made my heart clean;

I am pure from my sin”?

¹⁰   Diverse weights and diverse measures

are both alike an abomination to the Lord.

¹¹   Even children make themselves known by their acts,

by whether what they do is pure and right.

¹²   The hearing ear and the seeing eye—

the Lord has made them both.

¹³   Do not love sleep, or else you will come to poverty;

open your eyes, and you will have plenty of bread.

¹⁴   “Bad, bad,” says the buyer,

then goes away and boasts.

¹⁵   There is gold, and abundance of costly stones;

but the lips informed by knowledge are a precious jewel.

¹⁶   Take the garment of one who has given surety for a stranger;

seize the pledge given as surety for foreigners.

¹⁷   Bread gained by deceit is sweet,

but afterward the mouth will be full of gravel.

¹⁸   Plans are established by taking advice;

wage war by following wise guidance.

¹⁹   A gossip reveals secrets;

therefore do not associate with a babbler.

²⁰   If you curse father or mother,

your lamp will go out in utter darkness.

²¹   An estate quickly acquired in the beginning

will not be blessed in the end.

²²   Do not say, “I will repay evil”;

wait for the Lord, and he will help you.

²³   Differing weights are an abomination to the Lord,

and false scales are not good.

²⁴   All our steps are ordered by the Lord;

how then can we understand our own ways?

²⁵   It is a snare for one to say rashly, “It is holy,”

and begin to reflect only after making a vow.

²⁶   A wise king winnows the wicked,

and drives the wheel over them.

²⁷   The human spirit is the lamp of the Lord,

searching every inmost part.

²⁸   Loyalty and faithfulness preserve the king,

and his throne is upheld by righteousness.

²⁹   The glory of youths is their strength,

but the beauty of the aged is their gray hair.

³⁰   Blows that wound cleanse away evil;

beatings make clean the innermost parts. ^[1]

 

John 20 Early on the first day of the week, while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene came to the tomb and saw that the stone had been removed from the tomb. ² So she ran and went to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one whom Jesus loved, and said to them, “They have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we do not know where they have laid him.” ³ Then Peter and the other disciple set out and went toward the tomb. ⁴ The two were running together, but the other disciple outran Peter and reached the tomb first. ⁵ He bent down to look in and saw the linen wrappings lying there, but he did not go in. ⁶ Then Simon Peter came, following him, and went into the tomb. He saw the linen wrappings lying there, ⁷ and the cloth that had been on Jesus’ head, not lying with the linen wrappings but rolled up in a place by itself. ⁸ Then the other disciple, who reached the tomb first, also went in, and he saw and believed; ⁹ for as yet they did not understand the scripture, that he must rise from the dead. ¹⁰ Then the disciples returned to their homes.

Jesus Appears to Mary Magdalene

¹¹ But Mary stood weeping outside the tomb. As she wept, she bent over to look into the tomb; ¹² and she saw two angels in white, sitting where the body of Jesus had been lying, one at the head and the other at the feet. ¹³ They said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping?” She said to them, “They have taken away my Lord, and I do not know where they have laid him.” ¹⁴ When she had said this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing there, but she did not know that it was Jesus. ¹⁵ Jesus said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping? Whom are you looking for?” Supposing him to be the gardener, she said to him, “Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have laid him, and I will take him away.” ¹⁶ Jesus said to her, “Mary!” She turned and said to him in Hebrew, “Rabbouni!” (which means Teacher). ¹⁷ Jesus said to her, “Do not hold on to me, because I have not yet ascended to the Father. But go to my brothers and say to them, ‘I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.’ ” ¹⁸ Mary Magdalene went and announced to the disciples, “I have seen the Lord”; and she told them that he had said these things to her.

Jesus Appears to the Disciples

(Lk 24:36–43; 1 Cor 15:5)

¹⁹ When it was evening on that day, the first day of the week, and the doors of the house where the disciples had met were locked for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you.” ²⁰ After he said this, he showed them his hands and his side. Then the disciples rejoiced when they saw the Lord. ²¹ Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you.” ²² When he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit. ²³ If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained.”

Jesus and Thomas

²⁴ But Thomas (who was called the Twin), one of the twelve, was not with them when Jesus came. ²⁵ So the other disciples told him, “We have seen the Lord.” But he said to them, “Unless I see the mark of the nails in his hands, and put my finger in the mark of the nails and my hand in his side, I will not believe.”

²⁶ A week later his disciples were again in the house, and Thomas was with them. Although the doors were shut, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you.” ²⁷ Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here and see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it in my side. Do not doubt but believe.” ²⁸ Thomas answered him, “My Lord and my God!” ²⁹ Jesus said to him, “Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have come to believe.”

The Purpose of This Book

³⁰ Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of his disciples, which are not written in this book. ³¹ But these are written so that you may come to believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that through believing you may have life in his name. ^[2]

 

 

Questions for Reflection:

1. What did you learn when reading Proverbs 20?
2. Which of these Proverbs speaks most to you?
3. Which of these Proverbs is most difficult to understand?
4. Moving to the Gospel of John, what stands out most to you regarding the resurrection of Jesus?
5. How does the John version compare with the Matthew, Mark and Luke versions?
6. What other observations do you have from John 20?

 

 

Prayer:  Lord, I thank you for your resurrection.  I thank you that death could not hold you.  I thank you for your ability to transcend death.  Help me to make the most of every day.  Grant me the freedom to dream, the resilience to rise like a resurrection in real time, the ability to hope in the face of defeat and to love over hate.  In Jesus name I pray.  Amen.

 

Written by Pastor Nick Hood3

Photo by Pastor Nick Hood3

Additional Prayers Photos and Meditations from Pastor Nick Hood3 at https://nicholashoodiiiministries.wordpress.com/

More about the ministry, mission, and meditations from Pastor Nick Hood3 at www.nicholashoodiiiministries.org and www.puccdetroit.org

New – Listen to readings from the Book of Psalms, Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Proverbs, the Gospel of John and Inspirational Prayers written by Rev. Dr. Nicholas Hood III at Nicholas Hood3, is now available on Apple Podcasts: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/nicholas-hood3/id1370371705.

Or, at anchor.fm/nicholas-hood3.

Also, on Google Podcasts at Nicholas Hood3

Now on Spotify – https://open.spotify.com/show/1fQTqugJtGj6FCgHaGuG

 

Thank you,

 

Nick

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

^[1] The Holy Bible: New Revised Standard Version. (1989). (Pr 20:1–30). Nashville: Thomas Nelson Publishers.

^[2] The Holy Bible: New Revised Standard Version. (1989). (Jn 20:1–31). Nashville: Thomas Nelson Publishers.

Listen to the newest episode of my podcast, Nicholas Hood3: The Resurrection of Jesus https://anchor.fm/nicholas-hood3/episodes/The-Resurrection-of-Jesus-e3msml

The Interrogation Crucifixion and Burial of Jesus

Proverbs 19

Better the poor walking in integrity

than one perverse of speech who is a fool.

²    Desire without knowledge is not good,

and one who moves too hurriedly misses the way.

³    One’s own folly leads to ruin,

yet the heart rages against the Lord.

⁴    Wealth brings many friends,

but the poor are left friendless.

⁵    A false witness will not go unpunished,

and a liar will not escape.

⁶    Many seek the favor of the generous,

and everyone is a friend to a giver of gifts.

⁷    If the poor are hated even by their kin,

how much more are they shunned by their friends!

When they call after them, they are not there.

⁸    To get wisdom is to love oneself;

to keep understanding is to prosper.

⁹    A false witness will not go unpunished,

and the liar will perish.

¹⁰   It is not fitting for a fool to live in luxury,

much less for a slave to rule over princes.

¹¹   Those with good sense are slow to anger,

and it is their glory to overlook an offense.

¹²   A king’s anger is like the growling of a lion,

but his favor is like dew on the grass.

¹³   A stupid child is ruin to a father,

and a wife’s quarreling is a continual dripping of rain.

¹⁴   House and wealth are inherited from parents,

but a prudent wife is from the Lord.

¹⁵   Laziness brings on deep sleep;

an idle person will suffer hunger.

¹⁶   Those who keep the commandment will live;

those who are heedless of their ways will die.

¹⁷   Whoever is kind to the poor lends to the Lord,

and will be repaid in full.

¹⁸   Discipline your children while there is hope;

do not set your heart on their destruction.

¹⁹   A violent tempered person will pay the penalty;

if you effect a rescue, you will only have to do it again.

²⁰   Listen to advice and accept instruction,

that you may gain wisdom for the future.

²¹   The human mind may devise many plans,

but it is the purpose of the Lord that will be established.

²²   What is desirable in a person is loyalty,

and it is better to be poor than a liar.

²³   The fear of the Lord is life indeed;

filled with it one rests secure

and suffers no harm.

²⁴   The lazy person buries a hand in the dish,

and will not even bring it back to the mouth.

²⁵   Strike a scoffer, and the simple will learn prudence;

reprove the intelligent, and they will gain knowledge.

²⁶   Those who do violence to their father and chase away their mother

are children who cause shame and bring reproach.

²⁷   Cease straying, my child, from the words of knowledge,

in order that you may hear instruction.

²⁸   A worthless witness mocks at justice,

and the mouth of the wicked devours iniquity.

²⁹   Condemnation is ready for scoffers,

and flogging for the backs of fools. ^[1]

 

John 19 Then Pilate took Jesus and had him flogged. ² And the soldiers wove a crown of thorns and put it on his head, and they dressed him in a purple robe. ³ They kept coming up to him, saying, “Hail, King of the Jews!” and striking him on the face. ⁴ Pilate went out again and said to them, “Look, I am bringing him out to you to let you know that I find no case against him.” ⁵ So Jesus came out, wearing the crown of thorns and the purple robe. Pilate said to them, “Here is the man!” ⁶ When the chief priests and the police saw him, they shouted, “Crucify him! Crucify him!” Pilate said to them, “Take him yourselves and crucify him; I find no case against him.” ⁷ The Jews answered him, “We have a law, and according to that law he ought to die because he has claimed to be the Son of God.”

⁸ Now when Pilate heard this, he was more afraid than ever. ⁹ He entered his headquarters again and asked Jesus, “Where are you from?” But Jesus gave him no answer. ¹⁰ Pilate therefore said to him, “Do you refuse to speak to me? Do you not know that I have power to release you, and power to crucify you?” ¹¹ Jesus answered him, “You would have no power over me unless it had been given you from above; therefore the one who handed me over to you is guilty of a greater sin.” ¹² From then on Pilate tried to release him, but the Jews cried out, “If you release this man, you are no friend of the emperor. Everyone who claims to be a king sets himself against the emperor.”

¹³ When Pilate heard these words, he brought Jesus outside and sat on the judge’s bench at a place called The Stone Pavement, or in Hebrew Gabbatha. ¹⁴ Now it was the day of Preparation for the Passover; and it was about noon. He said to the Jews, “Here is your King!” ¹⁵ They cried out, “Away with him! Away with him! Crucify him!” Pilate asked them, “Shall I crucify your King?” The chief priests answered, “We have no king but the emperor.” ¹⁶ Then he handed him over to them to be crucified.

The Crucifixion of Jesus

(Mt 27:32–56; Mk 15:21–41; Lk 23:26–49)

So they took Jesus; ¹⁷ and carrying the cross by himself, he went out to what is called The Place of the Skull, which in Hebrew is called Golgotha. ¹⁸ There they crucified him, and with him two others, one on either side, with Jesus between them. ¹⁹ Pilate also had an inscription written and put on the cross. It read, “Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews.” ²⁰ Many of the Jews read this inscription, because the place where Jesus was crucified was near the city; and it was written in Hebrew, in Latin, and in Greek. ²¹ Then the chief priests of the Jews said to Pilate, “Do not write, ‘The King of the Jews,’ but, ‘This man said, I am King of the Jews.’ ” ²² Pilate answered, “What I have written I have written.” ²³ When the soldiers had crucified Jesus, they took his clothes and divided them into four parts, one for each soldier. They also took his tunic; now the tunic was seamless, woven in one piece from the top. ²⁴ So they said to one another, “Let us not tear it, but cast lots for it to see who will get it.” This was to fulfill what the scripture says,

“They divided my clothes among themselves,

and for my clothing they cast lots.”

²⁵ And that is what the soldiers did.

Meanwhile, standing near the cross of Jesus were his mother, and his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. ²⁶ When Jesus saw his mother and the disciple whom he loved standing beside her, he said to his mother, “Woman, here is your son.” ²⁷ Then he said to the disciple, “Here is your mother.” And from that hour the disciple took her into his own home.

²⁸ After this, when Jesus knew that all was now finished, he said (in order to fulfill the scripture), “I am thirsty.” ²⁹ A jar full of sour wine was standing there. So they put a sponge full of the wine on a branch of hyssop and held it to his mouth. ³⁰ When Jesus had received the wine, he said, “It is finished.” Then he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.

Jesus’ Side Is Pierced

³¹ Since it was the day of Preparation, the Jews did not want the bodies left on the cross during the sabbath, especially because that sabbath was a day of great solemnity. So they asked Pilate to have the legs of the crucified men broken and the bodies removed. ³² Then the soldiers came and broke the legs of the first and of the other who had been crucified with him. ³³ But when they came to Jesus and saw that he was already dead, they did not break his legs. ³⁴ Instead, one of the soldiers pierced his side with a spear, and at once blood and water came out. ³⁵ (He who saw this has testified so that you also may believe. His testimony is true, and he knows that he tells the truth.) ³⁶ These things occurred so that the scripture might be fulfilled, “None of his bones shall be broken.” ³⁷ And again another passage of scripture says, “They will look on the one whom they have pierced.”

The Burial of Jesus

(Mt 27:57–61; Mk 15:42–47; Lk 23:50–56)

³⁸ After these things, Joseph of Arimathea, who was a disciple of Jesus, though a secret one because of his fear of the Jews, asked Pilate to let him take away the body of Jesus. Pilate gave him permission; so he came and removed his body. ³⁹ Nicodemus, who had at first come to Jesus by night, also came, bringing a mixture of myrrh and aloes, weighing about a hundred pounds. ⁴⁰ They took the body of Jesus and wrapped it with the spices in linen cloths, according to the burial custom of the Jews. ⁴¹ Now there was a garden in the place where he was crucified, and in the garden there was a new tomb in which no one had ever been laid. ⁴² And so, because it was the Jewish day of Preparation, and the tomb was nearby, they laid Jesus there. ^[2]

 

 

Questions for Reflection:

1. What did you learn from Proverbs 19?
2. Which of these Proverbs meant the most to you?
3. Which of these Proverbs seems most challenging?
4. What are your thoughts about the Proverbs which talk about the poor, friends, parents and children?
5. After reading the story in John 19 about the interrogation, beating and crucifixion of Jesus, what new insights have you gained?
6. What connection did you learn between Proverbs 19 and John 19 regarding the flogging of Jesus?
7. What is your impression of the way Pilate handling the interrogation of Jesus?
8. What are your thoughts about the way the Jewish leaders made their argument with Pilate for the execution of Jesus?
9. What do you think about Joseph of Arimathea requesting that Pilate release the body of Jesus for him to give him a proper burial?
10. Other thoughts from John 19?

 

 

Prayer:  Lord, I thank you for your sacrifice.  I thank you for your mercy and grace.  Most of all, I thank you for your love.  In Jesus name I pray.  Amen.

 

Written by Pastor Nick Hood3

Photo by Pastor Nick Hood3

Additional Prayers Photos and Meditations from Pastor Nick Hood3 at https://nicholashoodiiiministries.wordpress.com/

More about the ministry, mission, and meditations from Pastor Nick Hood3 at www.nicholashoodiiiministries.org and www.puccdetroit.org

New – Listen to readings from the Book of Psalms, Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Proverbs, the Gospel of John and Inspirational Prayers written by Rev. Dr. Nicholas Hood III at Nicholas Hood3, is now available on Apple Podcasts: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/nicholas-hood3/id1370371705.

Or, at anchor.fm/nicholas-hood3.

Also, on Google Podcasts at Nicholas Hood3

Now on Spotify – https://open.spotify.com/show/1fQTqugJtGj6FCgHaGuG

 

Thank you,

 

Nick

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

^[1] The Holy Bible: New Revised Standard Version. (1989). (Pr 19:1–29). Nashville: Thomas Nelson Publishers.

^[2] The Holy Bible: New Revised Standard Version. (1989). (Jn 19). Nashville: Thomas Nelson Publishers.

Listen to the newest episode of my podcast, Nicholas Hood3: The Interogation, crucifixion and Burial of Christ https://anchor.fm/nicholas-hood3/episodes/The-Interogation–crucifixion-and-Burial-of-Christ-e3me5u