The Simple Life

But you have a custom that I should release one man for you at the Passover. So do you want me to release to you the King of the Jews?" They cried out again, "Not this man, but Barabbas!" Now Barabbas was a robber. John 18:39-40 (ESV)   Barabbas was a notorious prisoner who was apparently involved in numerous insurrections against the Roman power, and was possibly already convicted of murder. The Romans despised him, and the religious Jews, as expected, just used him to try and achieve their purpose. Religious people seem to use others under the veil of love, and love the things they should use to love. They are a mixed-up group that sinks deeper into their religious quicksand the more they struggle against truth.   Truth always is something we discover, and it changes our lives. However, it is never something we change to accommodate our lives.   https://www.podbean.com/relate365

Pilate said to him, "What is truth?" After he had said this, he went back outside to the Jews and told them, "I find no guilt in him.” John 18:38 (ESV)   Truth is absolute, yet it has always been debatable. Pilate stated the obvious question given to the Godless who constantly struggle to establish the truth. Eventually, they determine the truth to be whatever the majority or most powerful decide. In one way, they are correct in that God, the only real power of the universe, is the only one that can and has established truth.   Since truth cannot be created and must be discovered, all of the campaigning and propaganda to establish the truth is absurd. Pilate may not have understood what was happening, but he was honest enough to expose the hypocrisy of those wanting Jesus dead. He had the authority to stop this crucifixion but chose not to use it this day.   Whether we have the knowledge and authority to avert evil or are in the crowds attempting to redefine evil, we wil...

So Pilate entered his headquarters again and called Jesus and said to him, "Are you the King of the Jews?" Jesus answered, "Do you say this of your own accord, or did others say it to you about me?" Pilate answered, "Am I a Jew? Your own nation and the chief priests have delivered you over to me. What have you done?" Jesus answered, "My Kingdom is not of this world. If my Kingdom were of this world, my servants would have been fighting, that I might not be delivered over to the Jews. But my Kingdom is not from the world." Then Pilate said to him, "So you are a king?" Jesus answered, "You say that I am a king. For this purpose I was born and for this purpose I have come into the world—to bear witness to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth listens to my voice." John 18:33-37 (ESV)   There are two kingdoms and only two. God, who is the King of Kings, the Creator, and Sustainer of life, rules the Kingdom. Satan is the prince o...

This was to fulfill the word that Jesus had spoken to show by what kind of death he was going to die. John 18:32 (ESV)   Nothing takes God by surprise. He is everywhere, all the time, past, present, and future. Jesus knew what would happen to Him and charged full speed into it regardless of the human cost. Jesus loved, served, and remained focused. He is our example of how someone would live if they knew everything and wanted all things to end well.   We would be wise to know Him and make Him known as we follow Him in the purposes of life He gives us.   https://www.podbean.com/relate365

So Pilate went outside to them and said, "What accusation do you bring against this man?" They answered him, "If this man were not doing evil, we would not have delivered him over to you." Pilate said to them, "Take him yourselves and judge him by your own law." The Jews said to him, "It is not lawful for us to put anyone to death." John 18:29-31 (ESV)   This accusation is no accusation. Rather than answering Pilate's question, they turned it so that he was attacking their authority and integrity. So often, we turn the tables and miss the point of the discussion. If we disagree with someone, we attack the person, forcing them to defend themselves and eventually go off-topic. Our conversation turns into verbal warfare, while we endeavor to secure a victory in debate while forgetting why we were debating.   If something is correct, everything else that disagrees with it is wrong, no matter our reasoning. This makes the right look very narrow, a...

When absolutes become relative and real is what I imagine,  I fuel my depression. When relationships are digital and God is dependent on my definitions I fuel my loneliness  When my focus is uncertain and my certain is out of focus I fuel my confusion. When I used what I should love and love what I should use I fuel my fear and anxiety. I need fuel to energize Yet my choice of fuel often diminishes my capacities to operate life as intended. The fuel I am created to use produces life It brings love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.* All fuel is not the same and fuel itself cannot be the blame We choose what fuel we consume  and our choice results in glory or doom. *(Galatians 5:22-23) https://www.podbean.com/relate365

Then they led Jesus from the house of Caiaphas to the governor's headquarters. It was early morning. They themselves did not enter the governor's headquarters, so that they would not be defiled, but could eat the Passover. John 18:28 (ESV)   Religious people were doing dumb things. They would not enter Caiaphas' headquarters, yet they were willing to crucify God's Son. Religion is always about rules, whereas God is always about relationships, and often, those caught up in religion miss the purpose of the "rules." This does not indicate that relationships are void of rules when it is just the opposite. Relationships thrive in conditions that allow them to flourish, and we should set up our lives to ensure they succeed.   Religious people often set up rules and regulations in the name of God that doesn't point to God but focuses on them. Their intent is not to promote the King, but to promote self, and all they do is designed to impress, dominate, control, a...

Now Simon Peter was standing and warming himself. So they said to him, "You also are not one of his disciples, are you?" He denied it and said, "I am not." One of the servants of the high priest, a relative of the man whose ear Peter had cut off, asked, "Did I not see you in the garden with him?" Peter again denied it, and at once a rooster crowed. John 18:25-27 (ESV) People respond differently to adverse situations. Peter was in the middle of the action looking for answers. Judas decided to cut and run while trying to use his influence to further his kingdom on the way out.  Judas did not seem to want truth and was obviously in this endeavor for himself. The fruit of such thinking is anger, despair, and, in his case, suicide. The fruit of Peter hanging out where the answers could be found led eventually to purposeful living and no fear of dying. Fruit is the product of time and proper absorption. Peter was in the right place, and when the rooster crowed, ...

The high priest then questioned Jesus about his disciples and his teaching. Jesus answered him, "I have spoken openly to the world. I have always taught in synagogues and in the temple, where all Jews come together. I have said nothing in secret. Why do you ask me? Ask those who have heard me what I said to them; they know what I said." When he had said these things, one of the officers standing by struck Jesus with his hand, saying, "Is that how you answer the high priest?" Jesus answered him, "If what I said is wrong, bear witness about the wrong; but if what I said is right, why do you strike me?" Annas then sent him bound to Caiaphas the high priest. John 18:19-24 (ESV)   Jesus lived a public life, and the high priest was more about drama than truth. Therefore, the high priest needed to spin Jesus's actions to the dark side, even though Jesus had no dark side.   Satan is the father of lies, the great deceiver. Unfortunately, his tactics remain the ...

Simon Peter followed Jesus, and so did another disciple. Since that disciple was known to the high priest, he entered with Jesus into the courtyard of the high priest, but Peter stood outside at the door. So the other disciple, who was known to the high priest, went out and spoke to the servant girl who kept watch at the door, and brought Peter in. The servant girl at the door said to Peter, "You also are not one of this man's disciples, are you?" He said, "I am not." Now the servants and officers had made a charcoal fire, because it was cold, and they were standing and warming themselves. Peter also was with them, standing and warming himself. John  18:15-18  (ESV)   Peter is confused but in the right place to find the answers. He does not resolve this confusion until after he meets with Jesus post-resurrection.   His confusion is understandable. Peter watched Jesus feed 5,000 plus people, heal the sick, walk on water, and more. He was convinced that Jesus is G...

Then Simon Peter, having a sword, drew it and struck the high priest's servant and cut off his right ear. (The servant's name was Malchus.) So Jesus said to Peter, "Put your sword into its sheath; shall I not drink the cup that the Father has given me?" John  18:10-11  (ESV)   Peter was a young man with energy that needed direction. I have heard speakers (and have been a speaker who) focus on his impulsiveness, confusion, weakness, and more, yet Jesus saw something that made him the best leader of the early church.   People like Peter need direction, not ridicule. He has some qualities you cannot teach, and a heart in the right place. He is much ahead of those who are self-absorbed and will need a fire lit under them.   This scene is one I repeatedly play in my mind as it seems crazy that after Peter does such a thing and Jesus heals the ear, they arrest Jesus anyway. The setup is incredible as the disciples watching learn a lesson, Peter learns a lesson, the ar...

Then Jesus, knowing all that would happen to him, came forward and said to them, "Whom do you seek?" They answered him, "Jesus of Nazareth." Jesus said to them, "I am he." Judas, who betrayed him, was standing with them. When Jesus said to them, "I am he," they drew back and fell to the ground. So he asked them again, "Whom do you seek?" And they said, "Jesus of Nazareth." Jesus answered, "I told you that I am he. So, if you seek me, let these men go." This was to fulfill the word that he had spoken: "Of those whom you gave me I have lost not one." John 18:4-9 (ESV)   Jesus was not deterred by what was about to happen to Him. He knew, from the beginning, that this would take place, that it would be most unpleasant, and yet he marched right into it.   Satan seems to attack our expectations, emotions, and desires to derail us from our purposes. This technique was not working on Jesus. It is fascinating that w...

When Jesus had spoken these words, he went out with his disciples across the brook Kidron, where there was a garden, which he and his disciples entered. Now Judas, who betrayed him, also knew the place, for Jesus often met there with his disciples. So Judas, having procured a band of soldiers and some officers from the chief priests and the Pharisees, went there with lanterns and torches and weapons. John 18:1-3 (ESV)   When we fight against God, we lose. It's apparent that Judas realized Jesus was going to give Himself up and was trying to salvage a benefit from his time with Him. Judas was about Judas, and was using, rather than loving, Jesus.   Jesus's message of the weak being strong, the poor blessed, and the humble rewarded must not have sat well with Judas. Judas, like many, thought that if I eliminated the source of my problem, my problem would disappear. This may work if we are talking about allergies, but to eliminate the source of truth, you need to eliminate God, a...

O righteous Father, even though the world does not know you, I know you, and these know that you have sent me. I made known to them your name, and I will continue to make it known that the love with which you have loved me may be in them, and I in them. John 17:25-26 (ESV)   I have been privileged to be a part of Silver Birch Ranch since 1968 and have had their motto of "To Know Christ and to Make Him Known" integrated into my life. Jesus seems to be saying that "motto" right here. He knew God, made Him known to those He was with, and planned to keep making Him known.   The goal in life is not simply making it to the end of life, but that we are able to demonstrate God's love as a recipient and steward of such an excellent mystery. We are to solve the mystery and demonstrate what life is about.   Jesus came that we might know God. John wrote this book so that the concept of God would become a reality to the ordinary person. I, too, need to be focused on loving G...

I in them and you in me, that they may become perfectly one, so that the world may know that you sent me and loved them even as you loved me. Father, I desire that they also, whom you have given me, may be with me where I am, to see my glory that you have given me because you loved me before the foundation of the world. John 17:23-24 (ESV)   We are wired to be focused on showing the world who God is, not who we are. As a result, we will always be frustrated in pursuing selfish goals that cannot deliver the peace and purpose they seem to promise.   As we focus on demonstrating God to a Godless world, circumstances become a tool rather than a hindrance. Circumstances give us credibility, allow us to publicly display God's faithfulness, and enjoy a peace that passes understanding. We cannot avoid circumstances in life, so the wise embrace them and look for ways to use them.   Jesus was looking for the day when you and I will see Him in His glory. However, for today, if you'r...

"I do not ask for these only, but also for those who will believe in me through their word, that they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me. John  17:20-21  (ESV)   When Jesus asks God to make us one, He is not talking about consensus but obedience. If each "body part" listens to the brain, the body lives in "consensus." Of course, it would be nice if all people always agreed with God, but all people need to be walking intimately with God to do this. This is something we personally do that affects our church family life.   Trying to find agreement or oneness by agreeing on all things is often a waste of time, and it opens up the dialogue for various forms of propaganda. Moreover, this thought process is predicated on the idea of the majority being right, and it fuels all types of creative political gerrymandering. The church is not political; it's about ...

As you sent me into the world, so I have sent them into the world. And for their sake I consecrate myself, that they also may be sanctified in truth. John  17:18-19  (ESV)   Jesus was sent to earth on a mission, and He is sending us on a mission as well. Our mission is not to make this place our home; instead, it is to use the gifts God gave us to participate with Him in the fight and ultimate victory.   For this to happen, we need to know Him, obey Him, and represent Him to our world. He did not ask us to defeat the enemy, but just listen to Him, and He will defeat the enemy. I am thankful He has not asked me to do something I cannot do. https://www.podbean.com/relate365

Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth. John 17:17 (ESV)   Christians are not unique because God loves them, but they are unique because they have responded to His love. We are not set apart by the rules we keep, but by the truth we know and apply. Truth is and always has been the reason why the believer is unique or holy. Truth is always consistent with reality and will never be compatible with a redefined reality.   We need not make an effort to be different; we are by listening to the truth. Therefore, our goal is not being different; it is knowing and applying truth.   https://www.podbean.com/relate365

I do not ask that you take them out of the world, but that you keep them from the evil one. They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. John  17:15-16  (ESV) Satan is trying to destroy all alliances with God, and he is good at what he does. He uses deception, lies, innuendos, emotions, and circumstances to get our eyes off the prize and onto ourselves. Social media, news, and lifestyle are used effectively to discourage and disconnect.   The more we focus on ourselves, the more miserable we become. Jesus made us be lights in the darkness, meaning that we live contrasting lives that cannot be ignored. The Scriptures tell us that Godless people will prefer darkness over light.   Loving God unleashes Satan while surrounding us with God's protective arms, and His arms will always be stronger than Satan's lies. https://www.podbean.com/relate365

But now I am coming to you, and these things I speak in the world, that they may have my joy fulfilled in themselves. I have given them your word, and the world has hated them because they are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. John  17:13-14  (ESV)   Jesus wishes His followers joy, while talking about how a Godless world hates them. Seldom do we see joy and hate expressed together. Yet some of the greatest moments of peace come during the chaos, and the most hope is expressed amid hopeless situations. The dead live, the servant’s fulfilled, and the prosecuted are victorious.   There is joy in service and strife in seeking to be served. Jesus, the only one who ever lived out complete truth, was a servant. If I want His joy, I need to accept His lifestyle.   https://www.podbean.com/relate365

While I was with them, I kept them in your name, which you have given me. I have guarded them, and not one of them has been lost except the son of destruction, that the Scripture might be fulfilled. John 17:12 (ESV)   Jesus, the perfect teacher, lost one of His students. If Judas did not want to listen, there is nothing Jesus would do to make him listen. God gives us a choice, and our options have consequences. Jesus came to serve, not be served. Jesus came to give, help, teach, heal, and love. Jesus loved people, and God and did not desire to use either.   Judas plotted and schemed how to benefit from this "arrangement personally." But unfortunately, he missed the whole point of Jesus' message. Our service to the King is not an arrangement that works as long as we are cared for, comfortable, and honored. https://www.podbean.com/relate365

All mine are yours, and yours are mine, and I am glorified in them. And I am no longer in the world, but they are in the world, and I am coming to you. Holy Father, keep them in your name, which you have given me, that they may be one, even as we are one. John  17:10-11  (ESV)   Jesus and God are one. This world is not their home; this was and is a battleground. Few realize the battle that ensues, for they have figured out ways to become comfortable in action.   Jesus speaks of He and God being one and His desire for His followers to be one with God as well. This passage helps us understand the Trinity. Jesus and God were not physically one here, but they were one. If Jesus speaks, it is the same as if God spoke. If Jesus rebuked someone, it would be the same if God rebuked someone. Oneness of thought and expression is oneness.   We, too, can experience this oneness as we walk with and obey God in our moments, and it is God's will for us.   https://www.podb...

For I have given them the words that you gave me, and they have received them and have come to know in truth that I came from you, and they have believed that you sent me. I am praying for them. I am not praying for the world but for those whom you have given me, for they are yours. John 17:8-9 (ESV) Jesus was here on a mission. He came to die, defeat death, begin the church, and go home. He was not trying to be everything to everyone.   Recently I read about churches having the availability of sending a holographic image of their pastor to another church so he could be at several locations simultaneously. The church needs to be careful not to make superstars out of their leadership or musicians.   God uses ordinary people, and donkeys at times, to speak for Himself. The creation shouts His name, and the rocks could speak for Him if He commanded. He does not need us, and we should never be the focus of ministry.   Jesus speaks of a narrow ministry pattern, whereas we spea...