And Pilate said to them, “Why? What evil has he done?” But they shouted all the more, “Crucify him.” So Pilate, wishing to satisfy the crowd, released for them Barabbas, and having scourged Jesus, he delivered him to be crucified.

Mark 15:1-20

And Pilate said to them, “Why? What evil has he done?” But they shouted all the more, “Crucify him.” So Pilate, wishing to satisfy the crowd, released for them Barabbas, and having scourged Jesus, he delivered him to be crucified. Mark 15:14-15

I continue my study of Mark, leaning on the Christ-Centered Exposition commentary series volume for Mark.  Today, my focus is, per the commentary, the second division of the text from Mark 15:1-20 - vv6-14.  

• Using the Sword Bible Study Method focusing just on the text for today - vv1-5: (1) God in the text:  Jesus is the object of others' actions, and here Pilate is struggling with what to do with Jesus as he believes Jesus is innocent of any crime (v14) but at the same time Pilate must placate (v15) Jewish leadership (some of which must use there role to stir up civil unrest or other complications for Pilate).  Jewish leaders urge crucifixion of Jesus - vv13-14; Jesus is then mocked and scourged (v15) (2) People in the text: Jewish leaders seek Pilate to follow custom and release a prisoner during Passover and they urge Barrabas to be released (they roundly reject Pilate's suggestion that it be Jesus - v9) and it is ironic that Pilate agrees because Barrabas participated (committed murder) in insurrection against Rome (v7); Pilate correctly sees the Jewish leadership as envious of Jesus due to Jesus' following among the people as they felt threatened and did not see Jesus as the promised Messiah from OT prophecy; many believe the Messiah would be an earthly king that would overthrow Rome and restore Jerusalem to self governance and former glory (such as under David's rule) (3) Sins to avoid, promises to claim, examples to follow, and commands to obey: Avoid envy - see Exodus 20:17; see Jesus as the Promised Messiah and His kingdom as an eternal one not bound by earthly definitions. Do not murder.  Follow Jesus' example to understand and follow the Father's will.  Obey governing authorities (Romans 13).   

Excerpts from the commentary's second (of three) division: 

• The title of the first division is "Our Great King’s Substitution: The Injustice and Insult."   
• RE: Pilate's tough situation - we are referred to Matthew 27:19 where [Pilate's] wife had warned him, “Have nothing to do with that righteous man, for today I’ve suffered terribly in a dream because of Him!”. 
• "Pilate has had enough. He publicly washes his hands, while the crowd accepts responsibility for executing the King (Matthew 27:24-25). Jesus was innocent but declared to be guilty."  It's important to note that this text describes how the crowd all but admits that they are committing murder by asking for Jesus' crucifixion.  

Comment and discuss this post. 

My Prayer: Father God, You are an amazing God that willingly sent His Son to die on the cross, and Jesus willingly submitted to Your Will so that I could have life now to the full and for eternity in Heaven.  Thank You!  I am not deserving.  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

And Pilate asked [Jesus], “Are you the King of the Jews?” And he answered him, “You have said so.”

Mark 15:1-20

And Pilate asked [Jesus], “Are you the King of the Jews?” And he answered him, “You have said so.”  Mark 15:2

I continue my study of Mark, leaning on the Christ-Centered Exposition commentary series volume for Mark.  Today, my focus is, per the commentary, the first division of the text from Mark 15:1-20 - vv1-5.  

• Using the Sword Bible Study Method focusing just on the text for today - vv1-5: (1) God in the text: Following His arrest, Jesus is bound and led away to be questioned by Pilate (v1); Pilate questions Jesus seeking first perhaps to satisfy His own curiosity whether Jesus is King of the Jews (v2); Jesus response in v2 can be considered "non responsive" but it can also be seen as one of deference because Jesus sees Pilate as a governing authority and per Romans 13 believers are commanded to submit to governing authorities that God places over us; believers know the answer is yes to Pilate's question and Jesus affirms Pilate; Jesus is accused of "many things" and provided no further defense to Pilate (vv3-5); (2) People in the text: the Sanhedrin consult with each other then as soon as it was morning turn Jesus over to Pilate (v1); Pilate's questioning is designed to both placate the Sanhedrin yet walk a fine line to not stir up Jesus' followers because we know later that Pilate sees Jesus as not guilty of any crimes (vv2-4); Pilate is amazed (v5) that Jesus offers no defense perhaps seeing Jesus as powerful and able to defend Himself more than adequately based on what he has heard about Jesus (3) Sins to avoid, promises to claim, examples to follow, and commands to obey: Believers should have a right and true understanding of Jesus as Son of the Most Holy God and as God Himself, along with the Holy Spirit - the Triune God. We are to submit to governing authorities - of course unless it conflicts with what God commands us to do.  We should not blaspheme - something Jesus was accused of doing but did not. Jesus of course is our example as He follows and submits to His Father's will. 

Excerpts from the commentary's introduction and the first (of three) division: 

• The title of this chapter of the commentary covering this text is "Jesus the Great King: The Sacrifice for Sinners", and the main idea for the entirety of the text (vv1-20) is "Jesus suffered in our place as the sacrifice for sinners." 
• The title of the first division is "Our Great King’s Silence: The Accusations and Amazement."   
• "The Sanhedrin needs to move quickly to get the “Jesus case” before Pilate. They want Him executed before the Sabbath begins on Friday evening at sundown."
• "Only one accusation concerned Pilate, so he asked Jesus, “Are you the King of the Jews?” (v. 2). This title has obvious political overtones for Pilate and Rome. Pilate, like the high priest (14:61), is an accurate, though ignorant, confessor of the Christ."
• "Jesus responds in a cryptic fashion to his question: “You have said so.” This is neither a direct affirmation nor a denial. I think Jesus’ intention is something like, “Yes, I am a king, but not the kind of king you are thinking of.” As Jesus said, “My kingdom is not of this world” (John 18:36)."
• "Here is the great King’s silence in the face of His accusers. Sinful men can only watch in amazement. No defense. Not a word. He will see to it that He goes to the cross."   

Comment and discuss this post. 

My Prayer: Father God, You are an awesome God who loves and saves!  Thank You Jesus for taking my place on the cross and dying on my behalf - I know I received grace and salvation undeservedly. My sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

For [Pilate] perceived that it was out of envy that the chief priests had delivered him up.

Mark 15:1-20

For [Pilate] perceived that it was out of envy that the chief priests had delivered him up. Mark 15:10

I continue my study of Mark, leaning on the Christ-Centered Exposition commentary series volume for Mark.  Today, I focus on an unassisted review of Mark 15:1-20, which is the text for the next chapter of the commentary. Observations of the text based on the Sword Bible Study Method: 

• What do we learn from the passage about God?: Jesus is delivered over by the chief priests, elders, scribes and Jewish leadership council (Sanhedrin) to the Roman authorities for Pilate to ultimately decide Jesus' fate (v1). Pilate questions Jesus but other than a brief “non-responsive” response in v2, Jesus does not respond to Pilate (v5) - similar to how Jesus acted during questioning by the chief priests in chapter 14. Pilate correctly believed that Jesus had done no evil (v14) and saw envy of Jesus as the primary motive for Jesus' arrest (v10).  Jesus is not released per the custom during the Passover feast (v6) - instead Barrabas is released (v15). Pilate agrees to crucify Jesus and has him scourged (v15).  Jesus is led away and it is implied that a whole battalion (v16) is in place (hundreds of soldiers) to be prepared for wider unrest in Jerusalem given Jesus' popularity, following and the hatred stirred up against Jesus by Jewish temple leadership. Jesus is mocked as they gave Him a purple cloak (purple typically reserved for wealthy/powerful people and royalty) and crown of thorns.  He is beaten and spit upon then lead away for crucifixion (vv17-20).    
• What do we learn from the passage about people?: Jewish leadership is indeed envious of Jesus and this animates their desire to have Him suffer and die - Pilate's offer to release Jesus is roundly rejected and alarmingly the Jewish leaders want a murderer (v7) who played a role in insurrection against Roman rule (ironically something the Jews accepted but despised) - Pilate readily agrees to the release of Barrabas despite knowing this.  Roman governing power is indeed intimidating as Pilate seeks to placate Jewish leadership while avoiding wider civil unrest.   
• Is there anything from the passage God wants us to obey (SPEC: Sins to avoid,Promises to claim, Examples to follow, Commands to obey?): Envy is a powerful emotion and we see this at work with Jesus' arrest, etc.  Do not covet is one of the ten commandments.  We are to obey governing authorities (see Romans 13) except when in conflict with Jesus' commands. We are to follow Jesus' example of sharing the gospel even under threat of arrest and persecution - we are to trust that God will protect us either physically - at least spiritually.  In the face of trouble, we can take heart because Jesus has overcome the world (including death) - John 16:33.

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer: Father God, You are an awesome God who loves and saves - thank You Jesus!  Amazing grace indeed - thank You for the greatest gift of all time - salvation.  I am not deserving...my sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

Jesus said to them, “Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.”

Mark 12:13-17

Jesus said to them, “Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.” Mark 12:17

I continue my study of Mark, leaning on the Christ-Centered Exposition commentary series volume for Mark.  Today, my focus is a commentary-assisted review of Mark 12:13-17.  Excerpts from the commentary's fourth (of four) division (vv15-17):

• The title of the fourth division per the commentary is "The Answer: Give to Each What They Rightly Deserve." 
• In response to the Pharisees and Herodians' question of whether taxes should be paid to Rome, Jesus first shares how He should not be tested as this is a sin (see also Deuteronomy 6:16, Matthew 4:7, Mark 1:13, Luke 4:12). "There is demonic intent in their motivation to destroy Jesus, like the efforts of the Devil to get Him off track from His mission. And as Satan failed in the wilderness, the Pharisees and Herodians will fail in the temple."     
• On one side of the coin Jesus asked for - a denarius - "was a bust of Tiberius Caesar with the inscription, “Tiberius Caesar Augustus, Son of the Divine Augustus.” The other side had an image of Tiberius’s mother Livia with the words, “Pontifex Maximus,” meaning “High Priest.” The Jews found this to be idolatrous: a man claiming to be a god and a woman a priest—blasphemy!"  
• His next reply - v17 - "acknowledges the legitimacy of human government. He is no anarchist. God has ordained the family, the church, and human government. It has the right to levy taxes, and we have the responsibility to pay. It has the right to make laws, and we have the responsibility to obey."  
• "Other writers in the New Testament, especially Paul and Peter, reaffirm and expand on this statement of Jesus, even though they lived when the lunatic Nero (AD 54–68) was emperor." See also Romans 13:1-7, 1 Timothy 2:1-2, 1 Peter 2:13-17.   
• "Christians have legitimate responsibilities to the government, and as long as those obligations do not interfere with our ability to honor and worship God, we are to fulfill them. It is our Christian duty."  
• "[We] all bear the image of God (Genesis 1:26-27). You must give to God what is rightfully His—your entire life. We have a duty to the government, but we have an even greater duty to God, who has created us and redeemed us. As 1 Corinthians 10:31 says, “Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do everything for God’s glory.” In Acts 4:19-20 Peter and John say, “Whether it’s right in the sight of God for us to listen to you rather than to God, you decide; for we are unable to stop speaking about what we have seen and heard.” And again in Acts 5:29, “But Peter and the apostles answered, ‘We must obey God rather than men.’" 
• On the question whether believers should disobey laws that conflict with God's Word or seek worship of anyone or anything other than God alone, the commentary shares: "(1) The law being resisted must be unjust and immoral, clearly contrary to the will of God, and not just inconvenient or burdensome. (2) Legal means of changing the unjust situation must have been exhausted. Civil disobedience is a method not of first resort, but of last resort. (3) The act of disobedience must be public rather than secretive or hidden. (4) There should be some hope of success, as my intent is to produce changes in laws and institutions. (5) As I consider civil disobedience, I must be willing to accept the penalty for breaking the law."

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer: Father God, You are the One True God who reigns and has providence over all matters in the universe including earthly authorities.  You also - and most importantly - save!  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of the blessing of my salvation and for the privilege of living in the USA where I can freely worship unlike many places elsewhere.  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me turn from and overcome such sin and turn towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your messages for me today and every day.  

And on the day of the LORD’s sacrifice—“I will punish the officials and the king’s sons and all who array themselves in foreign attire.

Zephaniah 1:8-11

And on the day of the LORD’s sacrifice—“I will punish the officials and the king’s sons and all who array themselves in foreign attire. Zephaniah 1:8

I continue my study of Zephaniah using the Christ-Centered Exposition Commentary volume for this book.  For today, my study focus is an unassisted review of the third division per my commentary: 1:8-11.  The day of the Lord will be scary for those who per v6 have "turned back from following the LORD,who do not seek the LORD or inquire of him."  In vv8-11, Zephaniah further defines those who will be punished, as he first mentions government leaders who lead the people astray.  Believers should pray for those in government leadership, that they will be led by the Lord.  These officials are in positions of great influence as many others watch and follow their lead.  For example, regardless of political party, many officials feel it is appropriate to slander others when it is not - not in public nor in private.  This is sinful and it is one of the more egregious examples of sinful behavior by public officials.  Wrongly referencing scripture is another - as we are told not to add to or take away from what scripture commands (see also Deuteronomy 4:2, 12:32). We should pray for our leaders and support efforts such as the National Prayer Breakfast and Capitol Ministries. 

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and who gives me Your Word as lamp unto my feet so that I can make Godly choices in my life.  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of how You save and how You guide and direct.  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

If you see in a province the oppression of the poor and the violation of justice and righteousness, do not be amazed at the matter, for the high official is watched by a higher, and there are yet higher ones over them.

Ecclesiastes 4:1-3, 13-16, and 5:8-9

If you see in a province the oppression of the poor and the violation of justice and righteousness, do not be amazed at the matter, for the high official is watched by a higher, and there are yet higher ones over them. Ecclesiastes 5:8

I continue my study today of Ecclesiastes using the Christ-Centered Exposition commentary series volume for this book.  Today, my focus is an commentary assisted review of Ecclesiastes 4:1-3, 13-16, and 5:8-9, which covers the third division of the commentary chapter titled Politics and Justice Are Meaningless without Jesus - the third division specifically is referred to in the commentary as Politics is Meaningless.  Here, the commentary reinforces my post from yesterday, and provides insights by sharing: "politics in this fallen world is meaningless....You cannot end oppression altogether....Certainly we should work for justice. We should engage in mercy ministry. This is near God’s heart and talked about repeatedly throughout the Bible, especially in the wisdom literature. But without Christ, it will not be completely changed....There is no lasting change in the political realm....Cronyism is the inevitable result of politics. If you scratch my back, I will scratch yours....There is injustice in the world, so people are given authority to restrain evil and uphold good. The problem is that power corrupts, so those in authority often use their power for their own good and not the good of the citizens. As a result, we now completely distrust and reject authority. The way Christian people talk about the president and politicians on Facebook is absolutely sickening. The Bible commands us to pray for our leaders—believe me, you do not want to be in their position making the calls they have to make—but instead we tear them down. There is a definite tension here because absolute power corrupts, but we need authority for our own good."

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who cares about us and gives us earthly authority that does much good for us - thank You Jesus! I am undeserving of such love and care...and certainly undeserving of my salvation.  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day. 

If you see in a province the oppression of the poor and the violation of justice and righteousness, do not be amazed at the matter, for the high official is watched by a higher, and there are yet higher ones over them.

Ecclesiastes 4:1-3, 13-16, and 5:8-9

If you see in a province the oppression of the poor and the violation of justice and righteousness, do not be amazed at the matter, for the high official is watched by a higher, and there are yet higher ones over them. Ecclesiastes 5:8

I continue my study today of Ecclesiastes using the Christ-Centered Exposition commentary series volume for this book.  Today, my focus is an unassisted review of Ecclesiastes 4:1-3, 13-16, and 5:8-9, which covers the third division of the commentary chapter titled Politics and Justice Are Meaningless without Jesus. In today's text, Solomon reflects on the futility of faith in politics and government - where competing factions constantly seek advantage over the others to gain power and influence outcomes in their favor, sometimes for personal gain.  The futility of this faith is that government is comprised of people and we know that all of humanity sins and falls short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23, 1 John 1:8) so any institution comprised by people is by definition marred by sin.  Believers should submit to authorities placed over us by God (as He is in control), but we should of course not make idols of such authorities above faith in God. Solomon points out how this futility often plays out as one corrupt official is often being monitored by another corrupt official, etc. Place your faith in the King of Kings Jesus Christ!

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You reign and are King of Kings - thank You for how You rule with perfect justice and mercy for those who submit to You.  I am not deserving of such blessings.  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You. Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.