The Simple Life

When they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, "Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?" He said to him, "Yes, Lord; you know that I love you." He said to him, "Feed my lambs." He said to him a second time, "Simon, son of John, do you love me?" He said to him, "Yes, Lord; you know that I love you." He said to him, "Tend my sheep." He said to him the third time, "Simon, son of John, do you love me?" Peter was grieved because he said to him the third time, "Do you love me?" and he said to him, "Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you." Jesus said to him, "Feed my sheep. Truly, truly, I say to you, when you were young, you used to dress yourself and walk wherever you wanted, but when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and another will dress you and carry you where you do not want to go." (This he said to show by what kind of death he was to g...

On the evening of that day, the first day of the week, the doors being locked where the disciples were for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said to them, "Peace be with you." When he had said this, he showed them his hands and his side. Then the disciples were glad when they saw the Lord. Jesus said to them again, "Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, even so I am sending you." And when he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, "Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you withhold forgiveness from any, it is withheld." John  20:19-23  (ESV)   This is one of the greatest moments in history. The confused, fearful disciples are locked in a room in which Jesus appears. He is not dead, and His new body is not restricted. Instead, He wished the disciples peace in this world that promises strife.   He did not take them out of the world; He empowered them to go into the world b...

Mary Magdalene went and announced to the disciples, "I have seen the Lord"—and that he had said these things to her. John 20:18 (ESV)   It was a simple declaration on a profound day. Amid confusion and tragedy, I have seen the Lord; there is hope! This is the most important message anyone can share with another. So often, we are taught to share the Gospel, but seldom are we taught to share the facts of our lives that show God's mercy, grace, and faithfulness.   Mary did not need to debate theology, discuss religion, or persuade the zealots. Instead, she just declared that she had seen Jesus, which has changed the dialogue.   God is still working today, and He still works through people. So, therefore, our most incredible privilege is sharing with those with whom we come in contact that we have seen the Lord.   I am thankful God did not require theological degrees of those He chooses to use.   https://www.podbean.com/relate365

Having said this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing, but she did not know that it was Jesus. Jesus said to her, "Woman, why are you weeping? Whom are you seeking?" Supposing him to be the gardener, she said to him, "Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have laid him, and I will take him away." Jesus said to her, "Mary." She turned and said to him in Aramaic, "Rabboni!" (which means Teacher). John  20:14-16  (ESV)   Jesus personally delivered the answers to Mary's questions. Mary's mind must have been in a fog, her eyes filled with tears, and perhaps she was staring at the ground. Her heart and soul sought answers, whereas her body and emotional energy were on life support.   Jesus' physical appearance could have been somewhat distorted after the crucifixion, or He was in fantastic shape in His new body. Either way, confusion reigned until He said Mary's name. God knew our names before we were born, and one d...

But Mary stood weeping outside the tomb, and as she wept she stooped to look into the tomb. And she saw two angels in white, sitting where the body of Jesus had lain, one at the head and one at the feet. They said to her, "Woman, why are you weeping?" She said to them, "They have taken away my Lord, and I do not know where they have laid him." John  20:11-13  (ESV)   Peter and John left Mary and continued in their ponderous yet confused state. Mary loved Jesus and was waiting at the last place Jesus had been to get some answers. As she looked in the tomb, the seemingly dumb question of all time was asked. Those who read this narrative know why she wept. Yet, those asking the question saw no real reason for tears. Instead, the angels saw reasons for rejoicing.   We are locked into perspectives; God and angels are not. We see and assess things because of our limited vision; God's vision is limitless. During one of the most challenging moments in history, Jesus pre...

Then Simon Peter came, following him, and went into the tomb. He saw the linen cloths lying there, and the face cloth, which had been on Jesus' head, not lying with the linen cloths but folded up in a place by itself. Then the other disciple, who had reached the tomb first, also went in, and he saw and believed; for as yet they did not understand the Scripture, that he must rise from the dead. Then the disciples went back to their homes. John 20:6-10 (ESV)   This is a moment to be recorded and remembered in history. Peter and John were immersed in confusion. The linen cloths were lying there apart from the face cloth. Someone removed the face cloth. This significant moment will need pondering in light of what the Scriptures said. As Peter and John absorb the facts, they head home confused, tired, and lonely.   Once again, being confused, tired, and lonely often proceed confirmation of truth. God knows if we desire to know the truth, and He will come to us and confirm the truth...

So Peter went out with the other disciple, and they were going toward the tomb. Both of them were running together, but the other disciple outran Peter and reached the tomb first. And stooping to look in, he saw the linen cloths lying there, but he did not go in. John 20:3-5 (ESV)   John did not like to refer to himself; when he did, he called himself the one Jesus loved. John's identity was wrapped up in the idea that God loved him. He outran Peter, yet hesitated, not knowing what to make of what he saw. Once again, confusion is going to proceed understanding.   Peter should have been getting used to being confused because it is frequently happening. John and Peter gazed into an empty tomb and saw the burial cloths without Jesus. I wonder what was going through their minds. Jesus had told them the plan, yet it was just a plan until now.   God's Word tells us the plan for the world. We know we will all die and face God as Savior or Judge. We know this world will not be he...

Now on the first day of the week Mary Magdalene came to the tomb early, while it was still dark, and saw that the stone had been taken away from the tomb. So she ran and went to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one whom Jesus loved, and said to them, "They have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we do not know where they have laid him." John 20:1-2 (ESV)   Mary wanted answers and traveled to the place she could find them. Her efforts to see Jesus were rewarded.   Often, those who encounter Jesus start confused. How could Jesus feed five thousand? How did Jesus calm the sea? How did Jesus walk on water? How did Jesus heal the sick and cause the blind to see and know everything about the woman at the well?   Confusion is often the precursor to understanding if we remain in a place where the answer can be found. Mary had a range of emotions after the crucifixion, yet she went to the place where she hoped to find answers. What are you doing with your confusion?  ...

Nicodemus also, who earlier had come to Jesus by night, came bringing a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about seventy-five pounds in weight. So they took the body of Jesus and bound it in linen cloths with the spices, as is the burial custom of the Jews. Now in the place where he was crucified there was a garden, and in the garden a new tomb in which no one had yet been laid. So because of the Jewish day of Preparation, since the tomb was close at hand, they laid Jesus there. John 19:39-42 (ESV)   Nicodemus was the religious leader who came to Jesus by night in John chapter three. Nicodemus struggled with the truth and came to the correct conclusion. Everyone who encounters the truth will struggle with its application, for the god of this world will always oppose it. Satan fights all truth with his available resources, making it rough on those who embrace its reality.   Those who embrace the truth will have no regrets in life and see death as just another event. On the other hand,...

After these things Joseph of Arimathea, who was a disciple of Jesus, but secretly for fear of the Jews, asked Pilate that he might take away the body of Jesus, and Pilate gave him permission. So he came and took away his body. John 19:38 (ESV)   Joseph was a man of action. Amid tragedy and disgrace, he stepped forward to care for the body of Jesus. Joseph of Arimathea would go down in history as the caretaker of Jesus' lifeless body. The soldiers were probably thrilled that they did not need to worry about his body, and Joseph was thrilled because he could. The body of Jesus, the one who healed, walked on water and fed thousands, was entrusted for a time to Joseph and his tomb. Most likely, many could have been in on the blessing of caring for Jesus' body but, for fear, did not. I am sure Joseph was thankful that he was in the right place at the right time to participate in God's work on earth.   What opportunities do you see? What actions will you look back on and be etern...

Peace is a state of mind, not a set of circumstances Peace is the byproduct of thinking and living in context. God has set context matters and is available to all. Peace is not dependent upon circumstances  It is not reliant on the government It is not dependent upon family, friends, or acquaintances Peace is a byproduct, available to all who choose to live the way it's meant to be. The disabled can enjoy peace. The infirmed can enjoy peace. The poor, wealthy, imprisoned, and disadvantaged can enjoy peace. Peace is a byproduct, available to all who choose to live the way it's meant to be. A byproduct is not something you seek; it is automatically available because of choice.  Those who know God know of His love and find peace. They know He can change circumstances yet, often changes hearts with circumstances. A changed heart, conformed heart, is far more critical than changed circumstances. As we experience the storms of life, we need to recognize that the one who can calm the...

Since it was the day of Preparation, and so that the bodies would not remain on the cross on the Sabbath (for that Sabbath was a high day), the Jews asked Pilate that their legs might be broken and that they might be taken away. So the soldiers came and broke the legs of the first, and of the other who had been crucified with him. But when they came to Jesus and saw that he was already dead, they did not break his legs. But one of the soldiers pierced his side with a spear, and at once there came out blood and water. He who saw it has borne witness—his testimony is true, and he knows that he is telling the truth—that you also may believe. For these things took place that the Scripture might be fulfilled: "Not one of his bones will be broken." And again another Scripture says, "They will look on him whom they have pierced." John 19:31-37 (ESV)   Another crucifixion was about to be completed; for many, the routine was normal. Yet, there was nothing normal or routine a...

After this, Jesus, knowing that all was now finished, said (to fulfill the Scripture), "I thirst." A jar full of sour wine stood there, so they put a sponge full of the sour wine on a hyssop branch and held it to his mouth. When Jesus had received the sour wine, he said, "It is finished," and he bowed his head and gave up his spirit. John 19:28-30 (ESV)   Satisfaction in life comes when we finish. Those who are headed nowhere or somewhere or anywhere can never finish. These travelers will constantly be wandering, looking for a place to call home, a destination in life and death, yet it will not be found.   Jesus knew the job He came to do was finished. Yet, amid hatred, chaos, and destruction, love won. Jesus was at peace regardless of the circumstances. This peace is available to all living in line with God's plans and purposes and is never experienced by those who ignore Him. Once again, we see that our circumstances cannot alter our purpose in life. If our pu...

…but standing by the cross of Jesus were his mother and his mother's sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. When Jesus saw his mother and the disciple whom he loved standing nearby, he said to his mother, "Woman, behold, your son!" Then he said to the disciple, "Behold, your mother!" And from that hour the disciple took her to his own home. John 19:25-27 (ESV)   I am not sure who was in this crowd watching this crucifixion, but we are confident that some were in the front row. I have no condemnation for those not mentioned in that each person carries grief and confusion differently. For those who were thinkers, these were thoughtful moments. For the "mobsters," there is mob justice. The soldiers tried to experience a "normal" crucifixion, and Pilate probably experienced a rough night's sleep. Some chose to ignore it all, be home that day, and miss out on the extraordinary action.   Now, centuries later, we are the same. We w...

When the soldiers had crucified Jesus, they took his garments and divided them into four parts, one part for each soldier; also his tunic. But the tunic was seamless, woven in one piece from top to bottom, so they said to one another, "Let us not tear it, but cast lots for it to see whose it shall be." This was to fulfill the Scripture which says, "They divided my garments among them, and for my clothing they cast lots." So the soldiers did these things…. John 19:23-24 (ESV)   Imagine being a soldier assigned to crucify Jesus. No doubt you knew His reputation. Most likely, you have done this before; it's routine. You expect anger and a fight, but get cooperation and a kind look. The two on Jesus's sides gave you what you expected, but you keep waiting for Jesus to act like a criminal, but He doesn't.   You heard His claim to deity, and now you wonder if you might see a miracle. In the process, you miss the fulfillment of Scripture with the oddity of cast...

Pilate also wrote an inscription and put it on the cross. It read, "Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews." Many of the Jews read this inscription, for the place where Jesus was crucified was near the city, and it was written in Aramaic, in Latin, and in Greek. So the chief priests of the Jews said to Pilate, "Do not write, 'The King of the Jews,' but rather, 'This man said, I am King of the Jews.'" Pilate answered, "What I have written I have written." John  19:19-22  (ESV)   Sometimes we say true things and do not realize how profound our statements are. Pilate was taking a jab at the Jews by writing something true. What did Pilate believe? We cannot know. We know that he refused to write that Jesus said He was God. We know He thought Jesus to be innocent and the Jews nothing more than an angry mob. We know his decision was based on his political comfort rather than on what he considered truth.   Pilates's decision-making process wa...

…and he went out, bearing his own cross, to the place called The Place of a Skull, which in Aramaic is called Golgotha. There they crucified him, and with him two others, one on either side, and Jesus between them. John  19:17-18  (ESV)   Jesus carried his cross as far as he could, similar to Isaac carrying the wood with which he would be sacrificed up the mountain.   Jesus was crowned with thorns, which signified the very curse that man brought on the earth because of his sin.   Jesus was to bear the total penalty of sin yet remain sinless. He was the only truly innocent person. Therefore, He alone knows the feelings of injustice, excessive cruelty, hatred, loneliness, and misunderstanding.   Jesus did not need to suffer this way but chose to so that we could live and be with Him forever. Being thankful seems like too little of a response. https://www.podbean.com/relate365

From then on Pilate sought to release him, but the Jews cried out, "If you release this man, you are not Caesar's friend. Everyone who makes himself a king opposes Caesar." So when Pilate heard these words, he brought Jesus out and sat down on the judgment seat at a place called The Stone Pavement, and in Aramaic Gabbatha. Now it was the day of Preparation of the Passover. It was about the sixth hour. He said to the Jews, "Behold your King!" They cried out, "Away with him, away with him, crucify him!" Pilate said to them, "Shall I crucify your King?" The chief priests answered, "We have no king but Caesar." So he delivered him over to them to be crucified. So they took Jesus…. John  19:12-16  (ESV)   We know what comes next. The crowd whined and moaned until they got their way. Then, when they got their way, they became crazier and justified all their actions on the validity of the mob, and, of course, in the name of defending their...

When Pilate heard this statement, he was even more afraid. He entered his headquarters again and said to Jesus, "Where are you from?" But Jesus gave him no answer. So Pilate said to him, "You will not speak to me? Do you not know that I have authority to release you and authority to crucify you?" Jesus answered him, "You would have no authority over me at all unless it had been given you from above. Therefore he who delivered me over to you has the greater sin." John 19:8-11 (ESV)   Jesus did not need to defend the truth, because the truth supports itself. Shortly, Pilate and the others would realize the grave mistake they made. Eventually, Jesus did correct a fundamental misunderstanding that Pilate and most leaders possessed. He told him that he could do nothing apart from Himself, making clear that the crucifixion was a part of a bigger plan.   God's plans will always be accomplished. I can choose to participate in them and be part of that day of vi...

When the chief priests and the officers saw him, they cried out, "Crucify him, crucify him!" Pilate said to them, "Take him yourselves and crucify him, for I find no guilt in him." John 19:6 (ESV)   Mob rule is no rule and should always be ignored. All people are susceptible to propaganda fueled by lies and hatred. Satan, the father of lies, uses whatever circumstances he can to deceive and destroy. A majority opinion will always be just that, a majority opinion. A majority opinion cannot determine truth, establish right and wrong or change reality.   Republics and Democracies have their strengths and are wonderful systems in which to live. However, every strength can be a weakness, and believing that the majority is right is a big problem. The majority can be right in things that have no bearing on absolute truth, but absolute truth can stand on its own and will outlast all majority opposition. Leadership conducts many private discussions behind closed doors that t...

Pilate went out again and said to them, "See, I am bringing him out to you that you may know that I find no guilt in him." So Jesus came out, wearing the crown of thorns and the purple robe. Pilate said to them, "Behold the man!" John 19:4-5 (ESV)   Pilate "sort of" appeased his conscience. He might have thought that his actions acquitted him of any responsibility. However, authority brings a unique responsibility that must not be compromised. Doing what is right, or what he thought was right, is imperative. The nagging question is this: Why did he think this was the right thing to do?   He obviously did not do this for the people, for he seemed to tolerate more than care for the people. He did not take this action in the best interest of Jesus. He was not out to impress his wife, and he did not do this for justice's sake. In the end, he made the choice that made life easiest for himself, thereby etching his name in history as a spineless, self-absorbe...