Hello My Friend/Guest,

Today is Tuesday October 12, 2010 and we are reading through the Bible in a year. Today's message comes from the Book of Matthew, chapters 27-28. If you would like to read today's chapters along with us here online you can Click Here to read them or copy & paste this link onto your browser: imfollowingjesus.com/bible-october-12

In today's Bible reading we will read about, Jesus being judged, crucified, buried, and resurrected, and the great commission.

Today's Message: Christ Suffered For All
When we call on Jesus to save us from our sins, it can take a little while before we comprehend exactly what Jesus went through so we would not have to end up in hell. Oh, we learn that He died, was buried, and resurrected three days later, but we do not realize all the pain and torture He went through for all people, regardless of whether or not they accept or reject Him. Jesus loved everyone and died for everyone, but sadly not everyone will accept Him. The key to knowing Christ is not about how much we can do for Him, it is about having faith in Him. “But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.” - Hebrews 11:6.

Most religions try to pretend that they know Christ, but they have no clue who He is, all those parables that Jesus was telling regarding His return and those who would be cast into hell all start with religious leaders. Religion is what killed Jesus and still kills Him in the church even today. The religious leaders did not have the authority to give Jesus a death sentence, however, they had much influence on the people that they brought Jesus over to Pontius Pilate, who was the Roman Governor at Jerusalem, so, that he might give the death sentence. “When the morning was come, all the chief priests and elders of the people took counsel against Jesus to put him to death: And when they had bound him, they led him away, and delivered him to Pontius Pilate the governor....And Jesus stood before the governor: and the governor asked him, saying, Art thou the King of the Jews? And Jesus said unto him, Thou sayest. And when he was accused of the chief priests and elders, he answered nothing. Then said Pilate unto him, Hearest thou not how many things they witness against thee? And he answered him to never a word; insomuch that the governor marvelled greatly.” - Matthew 27:1,2,11-14.

These men were under the leadership of the chief priests and elders of the people and are now delivering Jesus to the governmental body that has the right to put one to death. Jesus was the same person that they had sat under teaching a few days prior, and now they are tying Him up like a criminal. These hypocrites, these actors, are playing the part, as they carry out their role of religious leader in order to protect the traditions of men. Jesus did not claim that He was, the King of Jews, He uttered not a word, except to say, that is what you say. Why? Because Jesus was the sacrificial Lamb that would be slain, on this day, and this hour, to bring in the dispensation of grace that would be offered to all men, of every race. “For there are certain men crept in unawares, who were before of old ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ.” - Jude 4

Since it was a feast day, on this day the Roman governor would pardon a prisoner, one that the people agreed on to be released. He brought out a ruthless prisoner called Barabbas. Pilate just knew that the people would pardon Christ over Barabbas because he was a murderer of the worst degree, but instead the people cried out to pardon Barabbas instead. “Now at that feast the governor was wont to release unto the people a prisoner, whom they would. And they had then a notable prisoner, called Barabbas. Therefore when they were gathered together, Pilate said unto them, Whom will ye that I release unto you? Barabbas, or Jesus which is called Christ? For he knew that for envy they had delivered him. When he was set down on the judgment seat, his wife sent unto him, saying, Have thou nothing to do with that just man: for I have suffered many things this day in a dream because of him. But the chief priests and elders persuaded the multitude that they should ask Barabbas, and destroy Jesus.” - Matthew 27:15-20.

Notice how the religious leaders got the crowd to side with them? Pilate knew that the only reason that the religious leaders delivered Jesus to be killed was their jealousy and envy over their religious factions. It was the guarding of territorial rights that they had built up their traditions, and nothing would stop them, not even the Christ. They were proud of the false religious traditions that they lived by and were not about to have anyone, including Jesus prove them to be liars. The last thing that false religion leaders want to admit is that they are the ones lying and deceiving the people so, they will do whatever they have to do to eliminate those who will expose them. “If any man among you seem to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue, but deceiveth his own heart, this man's religion is vain. Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world.” - James 1:26,27.

Pilate looked out over that mob of people and with the religious leaders working them over he began to get a little nervous. Seeing the madness that was taking place, he wanted nothing to do with what was happening, and in public, washed his hands before the mob as to say, it is out of my hands and handed Jesus over to the mob, which then lead to His crucifixion. “Pilate saith unto them, What shall I do then with Jesus which is called Christ? They all say unto him, Let him be crucified. And the governor said, Why, what evil hath he done? But they cried out the more, saying, Let him be crucified. When Pilate saw that he could prevail nothing, but that rather a tumult was made, he took water, and washed his hands before the multitude, saying, I am innocent of the blood of this just person: see ye to it.” - Matthew 27:22-24.

Jesus was beaten, mocked, and spit on even before He was crucified, “And they stripped him, and put on him a scarlet robe. And when they had platted a crown of thorns, they put it upon his head, and a reed in his right hand: and they bowed the knee before him, and mocked him, saying, Hail, King of the Jews! And they spit upon him, and took the reed, and smote him on the head. And after that they had mocked him, they took the robe off from him, and put his own raiment on him, and led him away to crucify him.” - Matthew 27:28-31.

Yes, Jesus suffered great humiliation and pain for all of us, but He prevailed and three days later resurrected up out of that tomb and is alive today, proving that not even death can keep those who put their faith and trust in God through Jesus Christ down for long. “And, behold, there was a great earthquake: for the angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat upon it.........And they departed quickly from the sepulchre with fear and great joy; and did run to bring his disciples word. And as they went to tell his disciples, behold, Jesus met them, saying, All hail. And they came and held him by the feet, and worshipped him. Then said Jesus unto them, Be not afraid: go tell my brethren that they go into Galilee, and there shall they see me.” - Matthew 28:2,8-10.


Praise God for those are saved because we can say, “I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.” -Galatians 2:20. Praise God!

Enjoy the rest of your day/night and week.
God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina

Are You 100% Sure That You Are Going to Heaven? godsprice.com

Visit The I'm Following Jesus Website imfollowingjesus.com

Want To Receive These Devotions in Your Email?
Subscribe By Sending A Blank Email With the Subject Subscribe to: devotions@imfollowingjesus.com