Wikipedia-Summary In The Screwtape Letters, Lewis imagines a series of lessons in the importance of taking a deliberate role in Christian faith by portraying a typical human life, with all its temptations and failings, seen from devils' viewpoints. Screwtape holds an administrative post in the bureaucracy ("Lowerarchy") of Hell, and acts as a mentor to his nephew Wormwood, an inexperienced (and incompetent) tempter. In the 31 letters which constitute the book, Screwtape gives Wormwood detailed advice on various methods of undermining God's words and of promoting abandonment of God in "the Patient" (whom Wormwood is tempting), interspersed with observations on human nature and on the Bible. In Screwtape's advice, selfish gain and power are seen as the only good, and neither demon can comprehend God's love for man or acknowledge human virtue. Versions of the letters were originally published weekly in the Anglican periodical The Guardian, in wartime between May and November 1941, and the standard edition contains an introduction explaining how the author chose to write his story. Lewis wrote the sequel "Screwtape Proposes a Toast" in 1959 – a critique of certain trends in British public education. (Although Britain calls its major private schools "public schools", Lewis is referring to state schools when he criticizes "public education".) Omnibus editions with a new preface by Lewis were published by Bles in 1961 and by Macmillan in 1962. The Screwtape Letters became one of Lewis' most popular works, although he said it was "not fun" to write and "resolved never to write another 'Letter'". Plot Overview- The Screwtape Letters comprises 31 letters written by a senior demon named Screwtape to his nephew, Wormwood (named after a star in Revelation), a younger and less experienced demon, charged with guiding a man (called "the Patient") toward "Our Father Below" (Devil / Satan) from "the Enemy" (God). After the second letter, the Patient converts to Christianity, and Wormwood is chastised for allowing this. A striking contrast is formed between Wormwood and Screwtape during the rest of the book, wherein Wormwood is depicted through Screwtape's letters as anxious to tempt his patient into extravagantly wicked and deplorable sins, often recklessly, while Screwtape takes a more subtle stance, as in Letter XII wherein he remarks: "... the safest road to hell is the gradual one – the gentle slope, soft underfoot, without sudden turnings, without milestones, without signposts". In Letter VIII, Screwtape explains to his protégé the different purposes that God and the devils have for the human race: "We want cattle who can finally become food; He wants servants who can finally become sons". With this end in mind, Screwtape urges Wormwood in Letter VI to promote passivity and irresponsibility in the Patient: "(God) wants men to be concerned with what they do; our business is to keep them thinking about what will happen to them". With his own views on theology, Lewis goes on to describe and discuss sex, love, pride, gluttony, and war in successive letters. Lewis, an Oxford and Cambridge scholar himself, suggests in his work that even intellectuals are not impervious to the influence of such demons, especially during complacent acceptance of the "Historical Point of View" (Letter XXVII). In Letter XXII, after several attempts to find a licentious woman for the Patient "to promote a useful marriage", and after Screwtape's narrowly avoiding a painful punishment for having divulged to Wormwood God's genuine love for humanity (about which Wormwood had promptly informed the Infernal authorities), Screwtape notes that the Patient has fallen in love with a Christian girl and through her and her family a very Christian way of life. Toward the end of this letter, in his anger Screwtape becomes a large centipede, mimicking a similar transformation in Book X of Paradise Lost, wherein the demons are changed into snakes. Later in the correspondence, it is revealed that the young man may be placed in harm's way by his possibly civil defense duties (it is stated in an earlier letter that he is eligible for military service, but it is never actually confirmed that he was indeed called up). While Wormwood is delighted at this and by the war in general, Screwtape admonishes Wormwood to keep the Patient safe, in hopes that they can compromise his faith over a long lifetime. In the last letter, the Patient has been killed during a World War II air raid and has gone to Heaven, and for his ultimate failure Wormwood is doomed to suffer the consumption of his spiritual essence by the other demons, especially by Screwtape himself. He responds to Wormwood's final letter by saying that he may expect as little assistance as Screwtape would expect from Wormwood were their situations reversed ("My love for you and your love for me are as alike as two peas ... The difference is that I am the stronger."), mimicking the situation where Wormwood himself informed on his uncle to the Infernal Police for Infernal Heresy (making a religiously positive remark that would offend Satan). Screwtape starts every letter with, "My dear Wormwood", except the last letter, which sarcastically says, "My dear, my very dear Wormwood; my poppet, my pigsnie." The Author- C.S. Lewis: Clive Staples Lewis was a British writer and lay theologian. He held academic positions in English literature at both Oxford University (Magdalen College, 1925–1954) and Cambridge University (Magdalene College, 1954–1963). He is best known for his works of fiction, especially The Screwtape Letters, The Chronicles of Narnia, and The Space Trilogy, and for his non-fiction Christian apologetics, such as Mere Christianity, Miracles, and The Problem of Pain. He was born November 29,1898 and died November 22 1963 at age 64. His occupations were Novelist, scholar, broadcaster. His Alma mater was in University College, Oxford. His Genre was Christian apologetics, fantasy, science fiction, children's literature. His wife was Joy Davidman (1956; died 1960) He had two step-sons, and a brother Warren Lewis. Lewis and fellow novelist J. R. R. Tolkien were close friends. They both served on the English faculty at Oxford University and were active in the informal Oxford literary group known as the Inklings.[1] According to Lewis's 1955 memoir Surprised by Joy, he was baptized in the Church of Ireland, but fell away from his faith during adolescence. Lewis returned to Anglicanism at the age of 32, owing to the influence of Tolkien and other friends, and he became an "ordinary layman of the Church of England". Lewis's faith profoundly affected his work, and his wartime radio broadcasts on the subject of Christianity brought him wide acclaim. Lewis wrote more than 30 books which have been translated into more than 30 languages and have sold millions of copies. The books that make up The Chronicles of Narnia have sold the most and have been popularized on stage, TV, radio, and cinema. His philosophical writings are widely cited by Christian apologists from many denominations. The Screwtape Letters Audiobook- The epilogue at the end of the book is heart wrenching, and demonically prophetic-because the "speaker" Screwtape at a banquet in hell, describes their next great agenda-to entrench the world with "democracy", and all that it really represents. https://youtu.be/Kb2fldOYYGo Note- In the book, Screwtape notes that the Patient has fallen in love with a Christian girl and through her and her family a very Christian way of life. Toward the end of this letter, in his anger Screwtape becomes a large centipede. The photo below helps give the reader a visual aide in what he is describing-there's testimony from those who God has allowed to visit hell- one is Mary K. Baxter, who have given descriptions of giant demons that look like insects, grasshoppers, scorpions and centipedes. So C.S. Lewis was writing an accurate account of what hell is like-though he may not have known it. Mary K Baxter Describes Horrors of Hell https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I5gv-V9axtg What Screwtape describes, we are watching unfold before our eyes, right now. For generations the colleges and universities in this country have been infiltrated with Marxist communist professors and teachers who have taught people their propaganda, and now they are in the streets, burning, looting, and tearing down the country to make it into what they have been brainwashed to believe in. We can thank people like Bernie Sanders for where we are now. The school systems who've promoted Common Core, and learning systems like it fit perfectly into Screwtape's speech and "toast" to the upstart demons. After you've listened to the entire book, and eulogy at the end, then come back and read these articles, and you'll see the clear picture of what Screwtape was talking about, and celebrating, with his toast.
What is Common Core all about-"By adopting a uniform set of standards, states are essentially establishing a ”one-size-fits-all” approach to learning. Any educator worth her salt knows that students learn in different ways and that education needs to fit the needs of the student, not the reverse. It was Ralph Waldo Emerson who once wrote about ”a foolish consistency, [which is] the hobgoblin of little minds.” The Common Core is all about foolish consistency and runs a super-freeway through all the little hills and dales of student individuality." Interesting information on how it is funded: The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, one of the largest philanthropic funds in the world, has made the development and adoption of the Common Core standards a key strategy in its education programs and has contributed at least $170 million to various groups to further that goal. some articles on the problems with Common Core- https://www.institute4learning.com/2018/04/26/12-reasons-the-common-core-is-bad-for-americas-schools/ https://www.pacificresearch.org/common-core-has-failed-americas-students/ Portland Oregon schools just made the claim that mathematics in schools and expecting a correct answer is "racist".....this country has lost it's mind. Yes, the kid making mud pies now sits beside the one with a brilliant mind, in the same room, and they must be leveled, and made to be "equal"..... Screwtape's agenda is in full swing. What's going on in this country is the dumbing down of humanity-and Satan does not care what color your skin is-he wants you to drop below the level of a chimpanzee-and wants you to think and act like barbarians, and animals. He wants you to treat each other like animals, and consume each other like animals. That's one reason cannibalism is rising again. He hates you that much. https://mindmatters.ai/2021/02/yes-there-really-is-a-war-on-math-in-our-schools/ https://www.foxnews.com/us/oregon-education-math-white-supremacy The blog below gives a chilling description of today's mega ministers- Joel Osteen, Rick Warren, and those in their category, comes first to mind. I will post it in it's entirety here, in case the blogsite it's in is disabled, or deleted for some reason. Screwtape’s Masterpiece- https://nuthajason.blogspot.com/search?q=screwtape Screwtape’s Masterpiece “And so Wormwood – I trust my letters were helpful?” The two demons walked unseen along the high street of a British town. Wormwood nodded enthusiastically. “Yes uncle. I have made much headway in this place. Many converts for the Master.” “Well, it is pathetically easy these days, so do not become too bloated with self-congratulation dear nephew. In my day, before I was promoted, I dare say it was much more difficult to turn a client away from the Enemy.” “Yes uncle” “Many converts you say? Go on boy, show me your best work.” Wormwood then lead his diabolical uncle to a side street where, next to a dumpster, covered in vomit stained rags, a figure lay snoring in the midday sun. “There is my masterpiece, uncle. He was a decent family man but I lead him to drink and despair. His wife left him and he lost his job. He blames everybody but himself …and he blames the Enemy the most. He is safely in our Master’s hands.” “You call that a masterpiece?? Oh Wormwood, I see that I wasted my time writing to you. Proud foolish imp! Let me show you a true masterpiece!” Screwtape then clapped his hands together and the two demons vanished with an inaudible thunderclap. When Wormwood opened his eyes he could not believe where his uncle had taken him. They were in a huge church. The brightly lit stage was grandly decked out with flowers and on the back wall hung a giant backlit cross. At the podium a man stood in a suit with a perfect hairstyle and a ten-megawatt smile. He was carefully looking into one of many television cameras and pointing dramatically to the ceiling. Wormwood looked around at hundreds upon hundreds of eager hungry faces – well-fed and happy. Some were scribbling down notes and others had their hands raised in the air in blissful worship. The imp heard the man at the podium say the name of the Enemy and he shuddered. “Where is he uncle Screwtape? Where is your masterpiece?” “Hush Wormwood and listen…” The man at the podium spoke for twenty more minutes and ended with a prayer. The congregation gave him a huge round of applause and then sang a beautiful hymn. After that they filed out and the stage lights were turned off. Soon the two demons sat in an empty padded pew seat in the silent darkened hall. Wormwood was speechless. His uncle looked at him and grinned. “That is a masterpiece! I got an award for turning him several years back” “But – but he told them about things in the Bible …” “Yes he did," Screwtape grinned, "wasn’t it great!?” “But he told them about the – the Enemy.” Screwtape waved a dismissive hand, “Well yes – after a fashion.” “But they sang to the enemy!” “Did they … really?” “They said his name in the lyrics.” “Hmmm, and I suppose that is important, Wormwood?” “Isn’t it?” “How is it important? … I can call Hell a paradise but does it make it one?” “But this is a church!” “No, this is a building – a television studio to be exact.” “But he gave a sermon…” “Did you listen to it? Did you hear the accursed Gospel being preached?” “No, but it was about … about … loving and stuff.” “NO! It was about themselves. He spent all that time telling them how to be better, to live better – to have their best life in this life. Tell me – did he mention sin even once?” “No” “Did he warn them of the coming wrath and judgement of the Enemy?” “No” “Did he remind them of how the Enemy has paid the price for their transgressions?” “No” “What did he essentially tell them?” “That – er – that the Enemy loves them?” “Yes, dear Wormwood, the enemy loooooorves them and would never ever judge them. They are okay to just be themselves and to prosper and be blessed. Tell me – what did the preacher actually ask them to do?” “Uh, to buy his latest book and bring more people to the next meeting?” “Exactly, anything about repentance?” “No” “Anything about persecution and taking up their own cross?” “No” “You see now boy? A Masterpiece! Your pathetic drunk in the gutter may be safely within our master’s grasp, but this one man is bringing thousands to kneel at their own altars and thus really worship the master. Your pathetic drunk in the gutter actually runs against the master’s designs because other humans will see his self-inflicted suffering and be warned against the dangers of drugs and alcohol. But my clean-cut preacher with his jet, his collection of cars, his gleaming wife and children all shot in soft focus and bathed in delightful gentle piano arpeggios, his immaculate suit and winsome smile, his mansions and his connections, his life affirming pronouncements and guilt-free religion – he is a saviour. He is a winner of souls. His delightful message attracts and keeps safe those who want what he wants.” “Which - is – practically - everybody…” “Exactly – now you see it.” “How can I – How did you – turn a man of the Enemy camp into such a creature?” “It is far easier than you think.” “I want to try uncle Screwtape.” “I’ll write you some more letters then.” The end Jesus said many things during his ministry that are mostly ignored, stepped over, and few venture to preach about. For good reason-they cut to the quick, the hypocrisy and false fronts many want to wear-such as the long robbed Pharisees who dogged him everywhere he went. Over the years, in teaching the bible, I've come up against a pattern of adversity, both in and out of churches. The main points of opposition has been: 1. People do not believe Jesus is who He says He is - these people do not care how much evidence or research you could give them to prove His claims, they do not want to hear it. It takes a move of the Holy Spirit in their lives to get them to be willing to allow truth to enter their hearts and minds-this is the only thing you can pray for, and leave them alone. Jesus didn't try to force people to follow Him-he taught them, healed some of them, and if they rejected Him, He left. In my case when I found myself married to an unsaved husband-I didn't leave again, I stayed, kept praying, but kept my faith mostly to myself, and lived it out-like the scriptures teach. The same principle applies if your in a town/community that rejects you-just live out your faith, and say no more. 2. They do not believe He really means what He says - People in ministry become experts at cutting verses out, and clipping them together to form their own doctrine-churches do it, evangelicals do it; it's rampant in ministries- and using them to justify their sins, and rebellion - the latest scandal with Ravi Zacharias is a good example. 3. Even if they mouth agreement-they, by their actions, reveal their unbelief, because they refuse to obey what the word of God tells them - The long robbed, long winded Pharisees of Jesus day loved to be seen in public making long prayers-and pointing their fingers at the blatant sinners such as the woman caught in adultery, as they cried for her to be stoned. (some of those Pharisees I'm sure had more than one night with her) Yes, Jesus spoke to her of her sin, forgave her, and said "Go, and sin no more." The contrast is clear- Life, forgiveness, and restoration-or pretense, and death. 4. If you stand on the word of God, and do not compromise-you will be labeled legalistic, angry, dogmatic, unloving, judgmental, and ostracized by both the church- those you love, and your family. You'll find yourself in the position of having to choose between them, or Jesus. If you don't believe what I'm saying here-you have never really stood for the word of God, or Jesus Christ Himself- in the face of rejection, and opposition. Only those who have gone through it, really understand what it means, and what it costs. One thing that runs through most ministries that keeps them successful, and in the money- is compromise. Again, the only way you'll have the discernment to be able to see this and pick up on it-is if you read the word of God, and actually believe it-and decide to apply it to your life. If you do, then you'll start to see and experience the opposition and rejection Jesus talks about, that most preachers won't touch. The verses below correspond with each other, that I'll use in this post-they are some good examples: Not Peace, but a Sword
Mat 10:34 Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword. Mat 10:35 For I am come to set a man at variance against his father, and the daughter against her mother, and the daughter in law against her mother in law. Mat 10:36 And a man's foes shall be they of his own household. Mat 10:37 He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me: and he that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me. Mat 10:38 And he that taketh not his cross, and followeth after me, is not worthy of me. And again- Luk 14:26 If any man come to me, and hate not his father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brethren, and sisters, yea, and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple. Luk 14:27 And whosoever doth not bear his cross, and come after me, cannot be my disciple. And further- Luk 21:16 And ye shall be betrayed both by parents, and brethren, and kinsfolks, and friends; and some of you shall they cause to be put to death. Luk 21:17 And ye shall be hated of all men for my name's sake. There's things about Jesus I've learned in these 40+ years of following Him. Without going into a long winded commentary on these verses, I'll just say, I've learned by experience, He means exactly what He said in them. He never has lied to me, He never exaggerates, He means exactly what He says, and without exception. Opposition with family and friends began for me very shortly after my salvation in 1978, and has been ongoing from that time. The adversity, opposition and trials have been almost nonstop. My husband and I went through divorce and back-because of this very issue. I would not do what Lynn wanted, and deny Christ in my life. It took a divorce, and two years of very difficult losses, prayer, and hardships to see the miracle Jesus did, in restoring our marriage-even then, only to find six months later-him fighting for his life from a major heart attack-and a very long recovery period, and still continuing to stand in prayer for him, for his salvation. Over these years there's been many events that brought opposition, disagreement, and adversity between family members, because I chose to apply the word of God to my life-and those I loved did not understand. The same problems and misunderstandings have gone on with friends, and churches-the battles we wage for our faith, and our walk with the Lord, has no boundaries. The truth of the value of one human life to Jesus-is what it cost Him to redeem mankind, His precious blood, and the agonizing death He went through on the cross. His victory is the empty tomb-He is risen. This is the faith we stand on, and walk in. But, if we follow Him in His steps, we will carry our cross in this life-as He did His. The salvation of a soul, many times, comes only through great spiritual warfare-and intercession that may take years, that few understand about, nor do they understand their adversary, the devil. The condition of this world today, and most churches-is proof of what I'm saying. Instead of prayer meetings in these dead churches-they have pot luck dinners, coffee shops, book stores, gyms, and movies for entertainment; while souls are dropping into hell. But, what the church goers want to see, is that big smile-and pass the popcorn. I do not say this for sympathy-I do not need it. It is simply a fact. In each and every situation, God has used the battles I faced to cement my faith, to try me, and see if I will remain faithful, or fold under the pressure. Now, in my senior years, my body may be giving out-but my spirit and soul are grounded in Christ. I know in whom I have believed, and know I belong to Him. The devil has lost me, and knows the only thing he can do, is hurt me through those I love. He's done it for many years, and again, I'm facing this issue again. It's one Satan loves to use on me-because he knows it hurts me the worst. You can guarantee-He knows every one of your weaknesses, and what matters to you-and he will use them to destroy you too, if he can. At this time in my life, I've learned that no matter what happens, Jesus remains the same. I've learned the truth of the song by Andre' Crouch "Through It All"- I've learned to trust in Jesus, I've learned to trust in God. Yesterday, I had a phone conversation with my daughter, that left me once again, relearning the verses above, that walking with Jesus is personal, and individual. No one can choose for you, nor force you to believe in Him. We are left to make up our own minds whether we will follow him, or not. We got into a heated argument, over events of the past, that once again, brought division-because I will not compromise on what the word of God teaches, concerning the disputes between us. The influence of people over the years, has not helped our problems. The devil uses people to keep misunderstandings and problems unresolved. Instead of doing what Matthew ch. 18 tells us-go to the brother alone and face the dispute together-gossip, slander, and lying keeps the issue an open sore-and many times it's "good church people" who are in on it. It takes courage to face people and issues as the bible teaches, this is lacking in this world today. She let me know she and her husband Rick are planning on taking the Covid vaccine, and will probably give it to my grandson Timmy also. When I heard this, it cut me to the heart. I've been researching these vaccines for months, and know what's in them, and what they are. I tried to warn her, and pleaded with her to go to my website and listen to the doctor's and professionals posted there, and watch some of the videos of the victims who've suffered permanent adverse effects from these vaccines and those who have died. She would not listen, and flatly said she didn't want to talk about this anymore. I stopped, and hung up. Now, all I can do is leave them in God's hands-and pray she changes her mind. I'm sharing this for one reason-because this tragedy, and scenario is being repeated all over the world-in many families, and we have our government, the globalists who think they have the right to order our lives, the medical industry, and those in mainline churches who won't do the research to learn the truth, to blame for this. I'm going to make this statement, and I know I'm not alone in saying this- If my daughter, son-in-law, and grandson takes these vaccines, and they are permanently disabled, or die from them-I will hold all those who fed them the lies, false information, and encouraged them to do this, accountable-and that includes the churches here in my area. If you pastor's and leaders in these churches do not take the time to do the research on what is really in these vaccines-and encourage your people to take them-the blood of untold numbers of people and their eternal souls will be on your hands. There is aborted fetal tissue from aborted babies in these vaccines-and even the Pope of Rome knows this and has made the statement that he endorses taking them anyway-the Catholic Church is totally apostate. If you preachers here in New England encourage your people to take them, knowing aborted babies are in them-you are not saved, I'll tell you that to your face. Do I believe these vaccines are the mark of the beast?... yes, Rev. ch. 14 teaches us: Rev 14:9 And the third angel followed them, saying with a loud voice, If any man worship the beast and his image, and receive his mark in his forehead, or in his hand, Rev 14:10 The same shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out without mixture into the cup of his indignation; and he shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels, and in the presence of the Lamb: Notice in verse 9 it says- in his forehead or hand-not on it-this means the mark is in the body, not on it. It also does not have to be visible to the naked eye-the vaccines are injections in the body-which contain a messenger mRNA code- the google search definition: "mRNA is “messenger” RNA. ... The process of making mRNA from DNA is called transcription, and it occurs in the nucleus. The mRNA directs the synthesis of proteins, which occurs in the cytoplasm. mRNA formed in the nucleus is transported out of the nucleus and into the cytoplasm where it attaches to the ribosomes." This an artificial substance, that is not natural to the body, it reproduces itself, and changes your DNA-permanently. In order to understand this, instead of trying to explain this myself-go to my website http://twosparrowsministry.org/ and listen to videos from Dr. Carrie Madej, Anthony Patch, and other's on this issue-they will explain it explicitly in detail, in a manner you can understand. If my daughter and her husband take this vaccine-I may not only lose them in this life, but forever. If they take these vaccines, they will have taken the Mark of the Beast-I am standing in warfare, that they do not do this. This is the greatest spiritual battle Christians are facing now, and it is going to get worse. Jesus is the only answer to this-there is no other answer. Come, Lord Jesus. Lorna Couillard Note: I've decided to post several videos here, that will explain in detail what is in these vaccines, and what the agenda is with them-for your information, and warning: 8 Ways mRNA COVID Vaccines Can Kill You - Dr. Sherri Tenpenny https://www.brighteon.com/3ef68971-87ad-4ac5-9a1c-8552364d8ccd Dr. Michael Yeadon Speaks Out On The Dangers OF mRNA Vaccines and the Illusion of Covid19 https://www.brighteon.com/a5fcca6d-cfa7-4546-92bb-a8db906e8944 Dr. Tenpenny interviews Dr. Lee Merritt-The Medical Industry Has Now Been Weaponized https://www.brighteon.com/6eb68558-6acd-4e1a-bef3-d28d7bf394d0 Vaccine Tattoo ~ The Mark ~ Anthony Patch- 8 min. on the mark of the beast https://www.brighteon.com/77ab9ac6-6853-40c6-82b0-bca076467e5c UNSAFE COVID19 WARNING Dr. Carrie Madej NEW-The latest update from Whistleblower Dr. Carrie Madej on the Dangers of the new covid19 vaccines. Do NOT get the Vaccine without watching this video. https://www.brighteon.com/371e2513-1ca4-4322-a104-c7cba1f51756 "Project Rooftop: The Mark Of The Beast"- 9/15/20 https://www.brighteon.com/714cee2b-f8d1-4f71-8c10-8e168061a9d6 This is also connected to the coming events- Anthony Patch- "Spin" https://brandnewtube.com/watch/spin-the-science-of-control-how-you-039-ll-lost-your-loved-ones-entangled-being-039-s_yvNHyRwwoBnT4dt.html WHAT WILL THE mRNA VACCINE DO IN YOUR BODY? https://www.brighteon.com/cedac5c9-5da0-41ab-bb8a-6e5efbcd3946 Operation Synthetic Slaves - Human 2.0 (Mandatory RNA JAB!)- GMO zombies from vaccines, nanoparticles for your brain from DNA harvesting PCR tests & much more- They are collecting everyone's DNA for a few reasons. A.) they are searching for certain rh- blood type/line. B.) DNA is the currency of the future. Private military contractors have bought DNA results because DNA can be turned into binary code and downloaded into a super computer. "Emergencies" have always been the pretext on which the safeguards of individual liberty have been eroded - and once they are suspended it is not difficult for anyone who has assumed emergency powers to see to it that the emergency will persist. (Friedrich Hayek-Law, Legislation and Liberty,Vol3 1979 https://www.brighteon.com/114afb49-531a-4aef-999c-a938bf0d1dff The Resurrection Joh 20:1 The first day of the week cometh Mary Magdalene early, when it was yet dark, unto the sepulchre, and seeth the stone taken away from the sepulchre. She was not alone. Mary, the mother of James and Joses, and Salome were with her. Their object was to place spices about the body of Jesus. See notes on Mat_28:1-8. Compare Mar_16:1-8; Luk_24:1-11 Joh 20:2 Then she runneth, and cometh to Simon Peter, and to the other disciple, whom Jesus loved, and saith unto them, They have taken away the Lord out of the sepulchre, and we know not where they have laid him. Joh 20:3 Peter therefore went forth, and that other disciple, and came to the sepulchre. Joh 20:4 So they ran both together: and the other disciple did outrun Peter, and came first to the sepulchre. She ran to Peter and John to tell that the tomb is empty. Joh 20:5 And he stooping down, and looking in, saw the linen clothes lying; yet went he not in. Joh 20:6 Then cometh Simon Peter following him, and went into the sepulchre, and seeth the linen clothes lie, Joh 20:7 And the napkin, that was about his head, not lying with the linen clothes, but wrapped together in a place by itself. Joh 20:8 Then went in also that other disciple, which came first to the sepulchre, and he saw, and believed. Joh 20:9 For as yet they knew not the scripture, that he must rise again from the dead. Joh 20:10 Then the disciples went away again unto their own home. Jesus Appears to Mary Magdalene Joh 20:11 But Mary stood without at the sepulchre weeping: and as she wept, she stooped down, and looked into the sepulchre, Joh 20:12 And seeth two angels in white sitting, the one at the head, and the other at the feet, where the body of Jesus had lain. Joh 20:13 And they say unto her, Woman, why weepest thou? She saith unto them, Because they have taken away my Lord, and I know not where they have laid him. Joh 20:14 And when she had thus said, she turned herself back, and saw Jesus standing, and knew not that it was Jesus. Joh 20:15 Jesus saith unto her, Woman, why weepest thou? whom seekest thou? She, supposing him to be the gardener, saith unto him, Sir, if thou have borne him hence, tell me where thou hast laid him, and I will take him away. Joh 20:16 Jesus saith unto her, Mary. She turned herself, and saith unto him, Rabboni; which is to say, Master. Here we get the tone of passion and deep emotions-and Mary reaches out to embrace him-not able to contain her love. Why didn’t Jesus want Mary to touch Him? Actually, the ancient Greek construction of this phrase “means to stop an action already begun rather than to avoid starting it.” (Tenney) Mary was holding on to Jesus and did not want to let Him go. i. This shows that the resurrection body of Jesus was different, yet similar to His pre-resurrection body. It was definitely real and tangible, and Jesus not a phantom. ii. “Jesus was not protesting that Mary should not touch Him lest He be defiled, but was admonishing her not to detain Him because He would see her and the disciples again.” Jesus chooses to reveal Himself first to a woman-not any of the disciples. The fact that Jesus makes a woman the first witness of His resurrection is significant. The law courts of that day would not recognize the testimony of a woman, but Jesus did. He didn't appear first to Mary, his mother; this is significant because it shows she is not placed in any special category by the Lord. He reveals Himself after rising from the dead, to a woman whom he had delivered seven devils, this speaks volumes about who He considers worthy of His company. Mar 16:9 Now when Jesus was risen early the first day of the week, he appeared first to Mary Magdalene, out of whom he had cast seven devils. Joh 20:17 Jesus saith unto her, Touch me not; for I am not yet ascended to my Father: but go to my brethren, and say unto them, I ascend unto my Father, and your Father; and to my God, and your God. Joh 20:18 Mary Magdalene came and told the disciples that she had seen the Lord, and that he had spoken these things unto her. Jesus and Thomas Joh 20:24 But Thomas, one of the twelve, called Didymus, was not with them when Jesus came. Joh 20:25 The other disciples therefore said unto him, We have seen the Lord. But he said unto them, Except I shall see in his hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the print of the nails, and thrust my hand into his side, I will not believe. Joh 20:26 And after eight days again his disciples were within, and Thomas with them: then came Jesus, the doors being shut, and stood in the midst, and said, Peace be unto you. Joh 20:27 Then saith he to Thomas, Reach hither thy finger, and behold my hands; and reach hither thy hand, and thrust it into my side: and be not faithless, but believing. Joh 20:28 And Thomas answered and said unto him, My Lord and my God. Joh 20:29 Jesus saith unto him, Thomas, because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed. From David Guzik comm. Now Thomas, called the Twin, one of the twelve, was not with them when Jesus came. The other disciples therefore said to him, “We have seen the Lord.” So he said to them, “Unless I see in His hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the print of the nails, and put my hand into His side, I will not believe.” And after eight days His disciples were again inside, and Thomas with them. Jesus came, the doors being shut, and stood in the midst, and said, “Peace to you!” Then He said to Thomas, “Reach your finger here, and look at My hands; and reach your hand here, and put it into My side. Do not be unbelieving, but believing.” And Thomas answered and said to Him, “My Lord and my God!” Jesus said to him, “Thomas, because you have seen Me, you have believed. Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.” a. Unless I see . . . I will not believe: Thomas is not a doubter, but an unbeliever who will not accept the valid testimony of others. b. Do not be unbelieving, but believing: Jesus explicitly repeats Thomas’ demands back to him. This must have been very impressive to Thomas, and very convincing. i. Do not be unbelieving, but believing: Jesus also plainly commands him to cease his unbelief and to start believing c. My Lord and my God: Both Lord and God were titles of deity, and Thomas boldly and explicitly assigns these titles to Jesus. Jesus accepts these titles, and did not tell Thomas, “Don’t call Me that.” d. Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed: There is a special promise blessing given to those who believe. The faith of Thomas is the climax of the book: Jesus has triumphed over sickness, sin, evil men, death and sorrow; now He conquers unbelief. e. Thomas is a good example in many ways. He refused to say he understood when he didn’t, he refused to pretend to believe when he didn’t. And when he did understand and believe, he went all the way and properly called Jesus Lord and God. The disbelief of the apostle is the means of furnishing us with a full and satisfactory demonstration of the resurrection of our Lord. Throughout the divine dispensations every doctrine and ever important truth is gradually revealed; and here we have a conspicuous instance of the progressive system. An angel first declares the glorious event; the empty sepulchre confirms the women's report. Christ's appearance to Mary Magdalene shewed that he was alive; that to the disciples at Emmaus proved that it was at the least the spirit of Christ; that to the eleven shewed the reality of his body; and the conviction given to Thomas proved it the self-same body that had been crucified. Incredulity itself is satisfied; and the convinced apostle exclaims, in the joy of his heart, "My Lord and my God!" Joh_20:16, Joh_20:31, Joh_5:23, Joh_9:35-38; Psa_45:6, Psa_45:11, Psa_102:24-28, Psa_118:24-28; Isa_7:14, Isa_9:6; Isa_25:9, Isa_40:9-11; Jer_23:5-6; Mal_3:1; Mat_14:33; Luk_24:52; Act_7:59-60; 1Ti_3:16; Rev_5:9-14 We see Jesus proclaimed God also in Titus- Tit 2:13 Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; From John Gill comm. "And the glorious appearing of the great God, and our Saviour Jesus Christ; not two divine persons, only one, are here intended; for the word: rendered "appearing", is never used of God the Father, only of the second person; and the propositive article is not set before the word "Saviour", as it would, if two distinct persons were designed; and the copulative "and" is exegetical, and may he rendered thus, "and the glorious appearing of the great God, even our Saviour Jesus Christ"; who, in the next verse, is said to give himself for the redemption of his people: so that here is a very illustrious proof of the true and proper deity of Christ, who will appear at his second coming; for of that appearance are the, words to be understood, as the great God, in all the glories and perfections of his divine nature; as well as a Saviour, which is mentioned to show that he will appear to the salvation of his people, which he will then put them in the full possession of; and that the brightness of his divine Majesty will not make them afraid: and this appearance will be a glorious one; for Christ will come in his own glory, in the glory of his deity, particularly his omniscience and omnipotence will be very conspicuous; and in his glory as Mediator, which will be beheld by all the saints; and in his glory as a Judge, invested with power and authority from his Father, which will be terrible to sinners; and in the glory of his human nature, with which it is now crowned; and in his Father's glory, in the same he had with him before the world was, and which is the same with his, and in that which he will receive from him as man and Mediator, and as the Judge of the whole earth; and in the glory of his holy angels, being attended with all his mighty ones: to which may be added, that saints will be raised from the dead, and with the living ones appear with Christ in glory, and make up the bride, the Lamb's wife, having the glory of God upon her; so that this will be a grand appearance indeed. Now this the Gospel directs, and instructs believers to look for, to love, to hasten to, most earnestly desire, and yet patiently wait for, most firmly believing that it will be: and this the saints have reason to look for, with longing desire and affection, and with pleasure, since it will be not only glorious in itself, but advantageous to them; they will then be glorified with Christ, and be for ever with him." From JFB comm. The great God and our Saviour Jesus — "There is but one Greek article to “God” and “Savior,” which shows that both are predicated of one and the same Being. “Of Him who is at once the great God and our Savior.” Also (2) “appearing” (epiphaneia) is never by Paul predicated of God the Father (Joh_1:18; 1Ti_6:16), or even of “His glory” (as Alford explains it): it is invariably applied to Christ’s coming, to which (at His first advent, compare 2Ti_1:10) the kindred verb “appeared” (epephanee), Tit_2:11, refers (1Ti_6:14; 2Ti_4:1, 2Ti_4:8). Also (3) in the context (Tit_2:14) there is no reference to the Father, but to Christ alone; and here there is no occasion for reference to the Father in the exigencies of the context. Also (4) the expression “great God,” as applied to Christ, is in accordance with the context, which refers to the glory of His appearing; just as “the true God” is predicated of Christ, 1Jn_5:20. The phrase occurs nowhere else in the New Testament, but often in the Old Testament. Deu_7:21; Deu_10:17, predicated of Jehovah, who, as their manifested Lord, led the Israelites through the wilderness, doubtless the Second Person in the Trinity. Believers now look for the manifestation of His glory, inasmuch as they shall share in it. Even the Socinian explanation, making “the great God” to be the Father, “our Savior,” the Son, places God and Christ on an equal relation to “the glory” of the future appearing: a fact incompatible with the notion that Christ is not divine; indeed it would be blasphemy so to couple any mere created being with God." I am not a date setter, and do not know the exact day or hour of the Lord's return. But, as Jesus said, when you see the signs he warned us of in Matt. Ch. 24- "look up, your redemption draws night". World events are telling me, we are close to His return. God's blessings to all this Easter Mat 6:9 After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Mat 6:10 Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Mat 6:11 Give us this day our daily bread. Mat 6:12 And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. Mat 6:13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen. Even so, come Lord Jesus ![]() Jesus Before Pilate Joh 18:28 Then led they Jesus from Caiaphas unto the hall of judgment: and it was early; and they themselves went not into the judgment hall, lest they should be defiled; but that they might eat the passover. Joh 18:29 Pilate then went out unto them, and said, What accusation bring ye against this man? Joh 18:30 They answered and said unto him, If he were not a malefactor, we would not have delivered him up unto thee. Joh 18:31 Then said Pilate unto them, Take ye him, and judge him according to your law. The Jews therefore said unto him, It is not lawful for us to put any man to death: Joh 18:32 That the saying of Jesus might be fulfilled, which he spake, signifying what death he should die. From David Guzik comm.-"They led Jesus from Caiaphas to the Praetorium, and it was early morning. But they themselves did not go into the Praetorium, lest they should be defiled, but that they might eat the Passover. Pilate then went out to them and said, “What accusation do you bring against this Man?” They answered and said to him, “If He were not an evildoer, we would not have delivered Him up to you.” Then Pilate said to them, “You take Him and judge Him according to your law.” Therefore the Jews said to him, “It is not lawful for us to put anyone to death,” that the saying of Jesus might be fulfilled which He spoke, signifying by what death He would die." My Kingdom Is Not of This World Joh 18:33 Then Pilate entered into the judgment hall again, and called Jesus, and said unto him, Art thou the King of the Jews? From JFB comm.- "In Luk_23:2 they charge our Lord before Pilate with “perverting the nation, and forbidding to give tribute to Caesar, saying that He Himself is Christ a king.” Perhaps this was what occasioned Pilate’s question." Joh 18:34 Jesus answered him, Sayest thou this thing of thyself, or did others tell it thee of me? Joh 18:35 Pilate answered, Am I a Jew? Thine own nation and the chief priests have delivered thee unto me: what hast thou done? From JFB comm.-"that is, “Jewish questions I neither understand nor meddle with; but Thou art here on a charge which, though it seems only Jewish, may yet involve treasonable matter: As they state it, I cannot decide the point; tell me, then, what procedure of Thine has brought Thee into this position.” In modern phrase, Pilate’s object in this question was merely to determine the relevancy of the charge." Joh 18:36 Jesus answered, My kingdom is not of this world: if my kingdom were of this world, then would my servants fight, that I should not be delivered to the Jews: but now is my kingdom not from hence. From B.W. Johnson comm.-"It would be hard for Pilate to form any conception of a kingdom not of this world, a kingdom of which the subjects did not fight with carnal weapons to defend its king, or to extend its borders. He was a soldier and the representative of a monarch whose power rested on the sword. But such a kingdom was Christ's. It was not of this world, did not spring from it, was heavenly in its origin, and hence his servants would not fight that he should not be delivered to the Jews. (1) Christ's kingdom is supernatural, not of human origin. It is in the world, but not worldly. (2) It is maintained, not by carnal weapons, but by spiritual and moral means." Joh 18:37 Pilate therefore said unto him, Art thou a king then? Jesus answered, Thou sayest that I am a king. To this end was I born, and for this cause came I into the world, that I should bear witness unto the truth. Every one that is of the truth heareth my voice. From the JFB comm.- "John 18:37 Art thou a king then? — There was no sarcasm or disdain in this question (as Tholuck, Alford, and others, allege), else our Lord’s answer would have been different. Putting emphasis upon “thou,” his question betrays a mixture of surprise and uneasiness, partly at the possibility of there being, after all, something dangerous under the claim, and partly from a certain awe which our Lord’s demeanor probably struck into him. Thou sayest that I am a king — It is even so. To this end was I — “have I been.” born and for this cause came I — am I come. Into the world, that I may bear witness to the truth — His birth expresses His manhood; His coming into the world, His existence before assuming humanity: The truth, then, here affirmed, though Pilate would catch little of it, was that His Incarnation was expressly in order to the assumption of Royalty in our nature. Yet, instead of saying, He came to be a King, which is His meaning, He says He came to testify to the truth. Why this? Because, in such circumstances it required a noble courage not to flinch from His royal claims; and our Lord, conscious that He was putting forth that courage, gives a turn to His confession expressive of it. It is to this that Paul alludes, in those remarkable words to Timothy: “I charge thee before God, who quickeneth all things, and before Christ Jesus, who, in the presence of Pontius Pilate, witnessed the good confession” (1Ti_6:13). This one act of our Lord’s life, His courageous witness-bearing before the governor, was selected as an encouraging example of the fidelity which Timothy ought to display. As the Lord (says Olshausen beautifully) owned Himself the Son of God before the most exalted theocratic council, so He confessed His regal dignity in presence of the representative of the highest political authority on earth. Every one that is of the truth heareth my voice — Our Lord here not only affirms that His word had in it a self-evidencing, self-recommending power, but gently insinuated the true secret of the growth and grandeur of His kingdom - as A KINGDOM OF TRUTH, in its highest sense, into which all souls who have learned to live and count all things but loss for the truth are, by a most heavenly attraction, drawn as into their proper element; THE KING of whom Jesus is, fetching them in and ruling them by His captivating power over their hearts." Joh 18:38 Pilate saith unto him, What is truth? And when he had said this, he went out again unto the Jews, and saith unto them, I find in him no fault at all. From B.W. Johnson comm.-"What is truth? Pilate's inquiry was not answered in words, but Truth sat embodied and bound before him. Some have held that this question of Pilate's was asked in scorn. His conduct through the trial shows that he was deeply impressed, and it is probable that the question was asked from a deep curiosity to hear more from so marvelous a teacher." Comm. from F.B. Meyer- THE KING OF TRUTH "There was a tone of satire in Pilate’s question: “Thou poor, worn, tear-stained outcast, forsaken by every friend in this hour of need-art thou a king?” Human ears have never heard more majestic words than our Lord’s reply. But when He said, My kingdom is not of this world, He did not mean that it had nothing to do with this world, but that it did not originate here. It has descended from heaven, and seeks to bring the inspiration, principles, and methods of heaven into all the provinces of human activity. The one conspicuous proof of its absolutely foreign origin is its refusal to employ force. We do not fight, but sacrifice and suffer, for its maintenance. Our Lord therefore hastened to show that His Kingdom is based on the manifestation of the truth. There is no soul of man which is pure and true that does not recognize Christ’s royalty, as King of Truth, when it hears Him speak." Joh 18:39 But ye have a custom, that I should release unto you one at the passover: will ye therefore that I release unto you the King of the Jews? Joh 18:40 Then cried they all again, saying, Not this man, but Barabbas. Now Barabbas was a robber. From David Guzik comm.- "Pilate tries to release Jesus, but the crowd cries for Barabbas. “But you have a custom that I should release someone to you at the Passover. Do you therefore want me to release to you the King of the Jews?” Then they all cried again, saying, “Not this Man, but Barabbas!” Now Barabbas was a robber. a. Do you therefore want me to release to you the King of the Jews? Pilate looked for an easy way to escape a decision about Jesus, but he finds no easy escape. b. Not this Man, but Barabbas: The crowd, whom Pilate hoped would release Jesus, instead condemned Him. Because of this, Pilate found it impossible to go against both the Jewish leaders and the crowd. i. It is a strange, almost insane scene: a cruel, ruthless Roman governor trying to win the life of a miracle-working Jewish teacher against the efforts of both the Jewish leaders and the crowd. ii. How could the crowd turn so quickly against Jesus? There are many possible explanations. First, many of them were probably disappointed that this Messiah who rode into Jerusalem didn’t do what they wanted a Messiah to do. Second, there is a tendency in many people to tear down the very heroes they have built up; we see this in our culture today. iii. So the crowd rejected Jesus and embraced Barabbas, whose name means “son of the father,” and who was a terrorist and a murderer. If anyone should be able to say, “Jesus died for me,” it was Barabbas. He knew what it was to have Jesus die on his behalf, the innocent for the guilty." Joh 19:1 Then Pilate therefore took Jesus, and scourged him. Joh 19:2 And the soldiers platted a crown of thorns, and put it on his head, and they put on him a purple robe, Joh 19:3 And said, Hail, King of the Jews! and they smote him with their hands. Joh 19:4 Pilate therefore went forth again, and saith unto them, Behold, I bring him forth to you, that ye may know that I find no fault in him. Joh 19:5 Then came Jesus forth, wearing the crown of thorns, and the purple robe. And Pilate saith unto them, Behold the man! Excerpt from Edwards comm- Scourged Him: The brutal act of scourging had three purposes. First, it was used to beat the prisoner as a form of punishment. Second, it was used to extract a confession from the prisoner. Finally, in cases of crucifixion it was used to weaken the victim so he would die more quickly on the cross. i. As a tool to extract a confession, the Roman solider would beat the victim harder and harder until they confessed their crime. Because Jesus had nothing to confess, the blows never lightened on His back. ii. “Scourging was a legal preliminary to every Roman execution, and only women and Roman senators or soldiers (except in cases of desertion) were exempt.” iii. In regard to crucifixion, the goal of the scourging was to weaken the victim to a state just short of collapse and death. “As the Roman soldiers repeatedly struck the victim’s back with full force, the iron balls would cause deep contusions, and the leather thongs and sheep bones would cut into the skin and subcutaneous tissues. Then, as the flogging continued, the lacerations would tear into the underlying skeletal muscles and produce quivering ribbons of bleeding flesh. Pain and blood loss generally set the stage for circulatory shock. The extent of blood loss may well have determined how long the victim would survive the cross.” iv. “The severe scourging, with its intense pain and appreciable blood loss, most probably left Jesus in a pre-shock state. Moreover, hematidrosis had rendered his skin particularly tender. The physical and mental abuse meted out by the Jews and the Romans, as well as the lack of food, water, and sleep, also contributed to his generally weakened state. Therefore, even before the actual crucifixion, Jesus’ physical condition was at least serious and possibly critical.” I find no fault in Him: Pilate repeats his former finding not guilty. Standing before Pilate, bloody, and broken-he replies to Pilates threats: Joh 19:10 Then saith Pilate unto him, Speakest thou not unto me? knowest thou not that I have power to crucify thee, and have power to release thee? "This statement arouses the fear of Pilate. He had never seen such calm dignity and majesty before. Could this prisoner be divine? When Jesus is silent, Pilate reminds him that he has power to crucify or release." Joh 19:11 Jesus answered, Thou couldest have no power at all against me, except it were given thee from above: therefore he that delivered me unto thee hath the greater sin. "Jesus breaks the silence and at once assumes the position of Pilate's judge. He declares that Pilate could have no power over himself unless it were given him. Christ submitted because it was the Father's will that he should drink the cup. Poor, helpless Pilate was not so great a sinner as the Jews, who might have known better, who were filled with devilish hate, who were now forcing Pilate to the crime. The words of Christ are really words of compassion." Joh 19:14 And it was the preparation of the passover, and about the sixth hour: and he saith unto the Jews, Behold your King! From JFB comm.-"The true reading here is probably, “the third hour” - or nine a.m. - which agrees best with the whole series of events, as well as with the other Evangelists." Joh 19:15 But they cried out, Away with him, away with him, crucify him. Pilate saith unto them, Shall I crucify your King? The chief priests answered, We have no king but Caesar. From B.W. comm.-"We have no king but Cæsar. They had not now. They had rejected the divine King, had chosen Barabbas instead, for life, and now make choice of Cæsar as their king instead of the Lord's Anointed. To Cæsar's tender mercies they committed themselves, and in about a generation Cæsar will trample them in the wine press of wrath. The choice they had made sealed the fate of their city and nation." The Crucifixion Joh 19:16 Then delivered he him therefore unto them to be crucified. And they took Jesus, and led him away. Joh 19:17 And he bearing his cross went forth into a place called the place of a skull, which is called in the Hebrew Golgotha: Joh 19:18 Where they crucified him, and two other with him, on either side one, and Jesus in the midst. Joh 19:19 And Pilate wrote a title, and put it on the cross. And the writing was, JESUS OF NAZARETH THE KING OF THE JEWS. Joh 19:20 This title then read many of the Jews: for the place where Jesus was crucified was nigh to the city: and it was written in Hebrew, and Greek, and Latin. Joh 19:21 Then said the chief priests of the Jews to Pilate, Write not, The King of the Jews; but that he said, I am King of the Jews. Joh 19:22 Pilate answered, What I have written I have written. Joh 19:23 Then the soldiers, when they had crucified Jesus, took his garments, and made four parts, to every soldier a part; and also his coat: now the coat was without seam, woven from the top throughout. Joh 19:24 They said therefore among themselves, Let us not rend it, but cast lots for it, whose it shall be: that the scripture might be fulfilled, which saith, They parted my raiment among them, and for my vesture they did cast lots. These things therefore the soldiers did. Joh 19:25 Now there stood by the cross of Jesus his mother, and his mother's sister, Mary the wife of Cleophas, and Mary Magdalene. Joh 19:26 When Jesus therefore saw his mother, and the disciple standing by, whom he loved, he saith unto his mother, Woman, behold thy son! Joh 19:27 Then saith he to the disciple, Behold thy mother! And from that hour that disciple took her unto his own home. The Death of Jesus Joh 19:28 After this, Jesus knowing that all things were now accomplished, that the scripture might be fulfilled, saith, I thirst. Joh 19:29 Now there was set a vessel full of vinegar: and they filled a spunge with vinegar, and put it upon hyssop, and put it to his mouth. Joh 19:30 When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, he said, It is finished: and he bowed his head, and gave up the ghost. Jesus' Side Is Pierced Joh 19:31 The Jews therefore, because it was the preparation, that the bodies should not remain upon the cross on the sabbath day, (for that sabbath day was an high day,) besought Pilate that their legs might be broken, and that they might be taken away. Joh 19:32 Then came the soldiers, and brake the legs of the first, and of the other which was crucified with him. Joh 19:33 But when they came to Jesus, and saw that he was dead already, they brake not his legs: Joh 19:34 But one of the soldiers with a spear pierced his side, and forthwith came there out blood and water. Joh 19:35 And he that saw it bare record, and his record is true: and he knoweth that he saith true, that ye might believe. Joh 19:36 For these things were done, that the scripture should be fulfilled, A bone of him shall not be broken. Joh 19:37 And again another scripture saith, They shall look on him whom they pierced. Jesus Is Buried Joh 19:38 And after this Joseph of Arimathaea, being a disciple of Jesus, but secretly for fear of the Jews, besought Pilate that he might take away the body of Jesus: and Pilate gave him leave. He came therefore, and took the body of Jesus. Joh 19:39 And there came also Nicodemus, which at the first came to Jesus by night, and brought a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about an hundred pound weight. Joh 19:40 Then took they the body of Jesus, and wound it in linen clothes with the spices, as the manner of the Jews is to bury. Joh 19:41 Now in the place where he was crucified there was a garden; and in the garden a new sepulchre, wherein was never man yet laid. Joh 19:42 There laid they Jesus therefore because of the Jews' preparation day; for the sepulchre was nigh at hand. Rise Again- Dallas Holm- https://youtu.be/APuy2dJrqYk ![]() The Hour of Darkness As the Passover supper was ended-the drama unfolds of the agony, suffering, and majesty of the willing sacrifice Jesus endured-the hour of the power of darkness. Institution of the Lord's Supper Luk 22:14 And when the hour was come, he sat down, and the twelve apostles with him. Luk 22:15 And he said unto them, With desire I have desired to eat this passover with you before I suffer: Luk 22:16 For I say unto you, I will not any more eat thereof, until it be fulfilled in the kingdom of God. Luk 22:17 And he took the cup, and gave thanks, and said, Take this, and divide it among yourselves: Luk 22:18 For I say unto you, I will not drink of the fruit of the vine, until the kingdom of God shall come. Luk 22:19 And he took bread, and gave thanks, and brake it, and gave unto them, saying, This is my body which is given for you: this do in remembrance of me. Luk 22:20 Likewise also the cup after supper, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood, which is shed for you. Luk 22:21 But, behold, the hand of him that betrayeth me is with me on the table. Luk 22:22 And truly the Son of man goeth, as it was determined: but woe unto that man by whom he is betrayed! Luk 22:23 And they began to enquire among themselves, which of them it was that should do this thing. Betrayal and Arrest of Jesus Luk 22:47 And while he yet spake, behold a multitude, and he that was called Judas, one of the twelve, went before them, and drew near unto Jesus to kiss him. Luk 22:48 But Jesus said unto him, Judas, betrayest thou the Son of man with a kiss? In this event we see the full disclosure of the god of this world, and how he operates. 1. This man spent three years walking with, and watching Jesus in his ministry. He saw the miracles, the healings, the acts of compassion-it did not move him, or change his heart. 2. While he walked and pretended to serve in this ministry-his intentions were apparently noted by some of the disciples, he is described as a thief, because he held the "bag" of the treasury of the ministry: Joh 12:4 Then saith one of his disciples, Judas Iscariot, Simon's son, which should betray him, Joh 12:5 Why was not this ointment sold for three hundred pence, and given to the poor? Joh 12:6 This he said, not that he cared for the poor; but because he was a thief, and had the bag, and bare what was put therein. He cared nothing for the poor-his interest was self-oriented. He had a keen sense of the value of money, but no appreciation of what God valued. To him, expressing that much love to Jesus was too much. 3. There's only one thing the devil loves-himself. The kiss was a charade, the stamp of treachery from an evil heart. It revealed his true character. How deceptive appearances can be-we can see it very evident in this world today. A façade of integrity and religious zeal-but inward, full of treachery. Let's go further into the details of this hour of darkness, to get a clearer picture of the people involved, and Judas.
Expositor's bible excerpt: What with the cunning of the high priests and the cold calculations of Judas, whose mind was practiced in weighing chances and providing for contingencies, the plot is laid deeply and well. No detail is omitted: the band of soldiers, who shall put the stamp of officialism upon the procedure, while at the same time they cower the populace and repress any attempt at rescue; the swords and staves, should they have to resort to force; the lanterns and torches, with which to light up the dark hiding-places of the garden; the cords or chains, with which to bind their Prisoner; the kiss, which should be at once the sign of recognition and the signal for the arrest, all are prearranged and provided; while back of these the high priests are keeping their midnight watch, ready for the mock trial, for which the suborned witnesses are even now rehearsing their, parts. Could worldly prudence or malicious skill go farther? Stealthily as the leopard approaches its victim, the motley crowd enter the garden, coming with muffled steps to take and lead away the Lamb of God. Only the glimmer of their torches gave notice of their approach, and even these burned dull in the intense moonlight. But Jesus needed no audible or visible warning, for He Himself knew just how events were drifting, reading the near future as plainly as the near past; and before they have come in sight He has awoke the three sleeping sentinels with a word which will effectually drive slumber from their eyelids: "Arise, let us be going: behold, he is at hand that betrayeth Me". (Mat_26:46) It will be seen from this that Jesus could easily have eluded His pursuers had He cared to do so. Even without any appeal to His supernatural powers, He could have withdrawn Himself under cover of the night, and have left the human sleuth-hounds foiled of their prey and vainly baying at the moon. But instead of this, He makes no attempt at flight. He even seeks the glades of Gethsemane, when by simply going elsewhere He might have disconcerted their plot and brought their counsel to naught. And now He yields Himself up to His death, not passively merely, but with the entire and active concurrence of His will. He "offered Himself," as the writer of the Epistle to the Hebrews expresses it, (Heb_9:14) a free-will Offering, a voluntary Sacrifice. He could, as He Himself said, have called legions of angels to His help; but He would not give the signal, though it were no more than one uplifted, look and so He does not refuse even the kiss of treachery; He suffers the hot lips of the traitor to burn His cheeks; and when others would have shaken off the viper into the fire, or have crushed it with the heel of a righteous indignation, Jesus receives patiently the stamp of infamy, His only word being a question of surprise, not at the treachery itself, but at its mode: "Betrayest thou the Son of man with a kiss?" And when for the moment, as St. John tells us, a strange awe fell upon the multitude, and they "went backward and fell to the ground," Jesus, as it were, called in the outshining glories, masking them with the tired and blood-stained humanity that He wore, so stilling the tremor that was upon His enemies, as He nerved the very hands that should take Him. And again, when they do bind Him, He offers no resistance; but when Peter’s quick sword flashes from its scabbard, and takes off the right ear of Malchus, the servant of the high priest, and so one of the leaders in the arrest, Jesus asks for the use of His manacled hand-for so we read the "Suffer ye thus far"-and touching the ear, heals it at once. He Himself is willing to be wounded even unto death, but His alone must be the wounds. His enemies must not share His pain, nor must His disciples pass with Him into this temple of His sufferings; and He even stays to ask for them a free parole: "Let these go their way." When I read the account of Jesus' betrayal, the Holy Spirit always opens new aspects of His response to this contrived treachery. Some added points from another commentary: Jesus is betrayed and arrested. And while He was still speaking, behold, a multitude; and he who was called Judas, one of the twelve, went before them and drew near to Jesus to kiss Him. But Jesus said to him, “Judas, are you betraying the Son of Man with a kiss?” When those around Him saw what was going to happen, they said to Him, “Lord, shall we strike with the sword?” And one of them struck the servant of the high priest and cut off his right ear. But Jesus answered and said, “Permit even this.” And He touched his ear and healed him. Then Jesus said to the chief priests, captains of the temple, and the elders who had come to Him, “Have you come out, as against a robber, with swords and clubs? When I was with you daily in the temple, you did not try to seize Me. But this is your hour, and the power of darkness.” (Luk_22:47-53) a. Drew near to Jesus to kiss Him: Apparently, Jesus was normal enough in appearance so that it was necessary that Judas specifically identify Him for the sake of those arresting Jesus, and he chose to identify Him by greeting Jesus with a kiss. b. Judas, are you betraying the Son of Man with a kiss? Of course, Jesus knew the irony of being betrayed with a warm greeting; so He essentially asked Judas “are you so dead to all feeling that you can kiss and betray?” Judas is a good example of a seared conscience. John Gill comm. There's an important point to bring out here. After he betrayed Jesus, Judas was so overcome with remorse-he went out and hung himself. He could have fallen on his knees and repented, God would have forgiven him. But, he didn't. How do I know this-because Peter did the same thing, when he denied Jesus three times after He was taken prisoner, and brought before Pilate. Peter's sin, was just as great as Judas'- it was Peter's repentance from the heart, that made the difference. Peter Denies Jesus Mat 26:69 Now Peter sat without in the palace: and a damsel came unto him, saying, Thou also wast with Jesus of Galilee. Mat 26:70 But he denied before them all, saying, I know not what thou sayest. Mat 26:71 And when he was gone out into the porch, another maid saw him, and said unto them that were there, This fellow was also with Jesus of Nazareth. Mat 26:72 And again he denied with an oath, I do not know the man. Mat 26:73 And after a while came unto him they that stood by, and said to Peter, Surely thou also art one of them; for thy speech bewrayeth thee. Mat 26:74 Then began he to curse and to swear, saying, I know not the man. And immediately the cock crew. Mat 26:75 And Peter remembered the word of Jesus, which said unto him, Before the cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice. And he went out, and wept bitterly. After the resurrection, when Jesus appeared to the disciples on the sea-shore and had a meal with them, which he himself had prepared. Jesus had a talk with Peter, who now humbled, was restored, and the Lord asked three times if he loved him- "“Lovest thou me?” The distinctions between the two Greek verbs used are various and delicate; but they may all be traced to the radical difference between them. It is not a difference in the warmth, but in the character, of affection. The one signifies the love based upon appreciation of another; the other simple personal attachment. The one word would express the love that would give itself up for another; the second word that which gives itself up to another. The one would be a confident, the other a confiding love. In this narrative the one might be represented if, in English, we said, “I am thy friend”; the other, if we said, “Thou art my friend.” It is the former of these words that Christ here uses: “Simon, son of Jonas, esteemest thou me more, art thou more my friend, than thy fellow disciples?” This was just what Peter had professed, “Though all men shall be offended because of thee, yet will I never be offended.” “I am ready to go with thee, both into prison, and to death.” “Though I should die with thee, yet will I not deny thee.” We can now understand Peter’s reply. Once he would have said, “I know that I am Thy friend.” Once he did assert his knowledge of himself against Christ’s knowledge of him; he was sure he was to be trusted. But he has lost his self-confidence. He cannot compare himself with others now. He will not even assert himself to be a friend, ready to devote himself for Christ’s sake; he will not profess esteem for Jesus. He chooses the humbler, trustful word: “Yea, Lord, thou knowest that I love thee.” Again, Christ asks him, “If not more than these, yet art thou my friend at all? Is there any of the active devoted love in thee? any of the passion that will assert itself on my behalf?” And still the same humble, clinging answer comes from Peter. Even this he will not affirm. How can he profess what he is ready for? How can he be confident who has so painfully learnt that there is nothing for him but meekly and gratefully to trust in Jesus? “Yea, Lord, thou knowest that I love thee.” Now, Christ takes Peter’s own word: He will not wound him by reminding him of his past boastful professions; let it be as Peter would have it, the trusting affection of the disciple. “Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me?” “Peter was grieved because he said unto him the third time, Lovest thou me?” Surely Jesus cannot doubt that. He must know that the disciple clings to his Lord. Christ must know that He is all in all to Peter. He saith unto Him, “Lord, thou knowest all things; Thou seest my heart, Thou knowest what sort of a man I was and am, how vain my self-confidence; Thou knowest me to be weak, rash, changeful; but Thou knowest, too, that under all my boasting, all my mistakes, there was love for Thee, and that it remains. Lord, Thou knowest that I cannot make professions, that I am heart-sick of professions, but Thou knowest that this is true; thou knowest that I love Thee.” And this confession Christ accepts; this confession He ever will accept. Distinguish between the profession of love to Christ and the confession of it. In profession the person most prominent in our thoughts is “I, who make it”; in confession, “He, whose name I am confessing.” The confession of love to Christ is the sweetest language that can fall from human lips; it shows that the life has found its rest and meaning. Christ is known, and He will keep faithful to all eternity; He will solace in all tribulation, and succour in all difficulty; He will guide with His counsel, and afterwards receive to glory, every meek soul that utters it. The profession of love to Christ is painful to hear. It is full of danger; it is boastful, self-confident. He who makes it will have, by many a sore trial, through many a bitter experience of failure, to come to a humbler mind. It is not in what we are to Christ, but in what Christ is to us, that our rest and security lie." Excerpt from Great Texts I'll end this with a few points to ponder. When we read the bible-it reads us. When you read this account, do you ever ask yourself where you fit into this picture? If so, what do you think about the condition of your soul? Have you led a life of deceit, and dirty deals? When you breath your last breath-what will be your fate? Lorna Couillard Link to The Pagan Roots of Easter: https://www.thenightwatchman.org/watchman-blog/april-08th-2020 The Truth About Easter https://youtu.be/V2Yj7AaQEyE |
Welcome
May you find a source of sound spiritual food for your soul and spirit here. Jesus Christ is Lord Rev 12:11
And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death. I will worship toward thy holy temple, and praise thy name for thy lovingkindness and for thy truth: for thou hast magnified thy word above all thy name.
In the day when I cried thou answeredst me, and strengthenedst me with strength in my soul. All the kings of the earth shall praise thee, O LORD, when they hear the words of thy mouth. Psalm 138:2-4 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.
Php 4:13 The NightWatchman
Easy Access to Important Teachings
Spiritual Warfare
https://www.thenightwatchman.org/teachings/spiritual-warfare The Weapons of Our Warfare https://www.thenightwatchman.org/teachings/the-weapons-of-our-warfare Satan's Directed Energy Weapons https://www.thenightwatchman.org/teachings/satans-directed-energy-weapons UNCOVERING THE CULTS https://www.thenightwatchman.org/teachings/uncovering-the-cults Works of the Flesh https://www.thenightwatchman.org/teachings/works-of-the-flesh John - The Voice in the Wilderness https://www.thenightwatchman.org/teachings/john-the-voice-in-the-wilderness The Lord's Prayer-Thy Kingdom Come https://www.thenightwatchman.org/teachings/the-lords-prayer-thy-kingdom-come Sodom's Sister https://www.thenightwatchman.org/teachings/sodoms-sister Finishing the Course https://www.thenightwatchman.org/teachings/finishing-the-course The NightWatchman https://www.thenightwatchman.org/teachings/the-nightwatchman The Father https://www.thenightwatchman.org/teachings/the-father JESUS THE SON https://www.thenightwatchman.org/teachings/jesus-the-son Bringing Down The Walls https://www.thenightwatchman.org/teachings/bringing-down-the-walls Defining Decisions https://www.thenightwatchman.org/teachings/defining-decision Archives
December 2024
|