Wednesday, November 9, 2005

Luke - King of the Jews

Luke 23:32 And there were also two other, malefactors, led with him to be put to death.

Two thieves, not Romans, for the Romans thought this too cruel a punishment for a citizen of room. That is why when Paul was killed, it was not on a cross, for he was a Roman citizen.

Luke 23:33 And when they were come to the place, which is called Calvary, there they crucified him, and the malefactors, one on the right hand, and the other on the left.

Jesus was crucified in the midst of thieves, his arms stretched out to each with the power of forgiveness and eternal life.

Luke 23:34 Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. And they parted his raiment, and cast lots.

Jesus forgave those who crucified them. They know not what they do? Satan had blinded them, but Jesus was forgiving even them IF, they would repent and believe in him. There is no sin so great that Jesus will not forgive, if we come to him believing in him with repentant hearts.

They parted his raiment, a seamless garment, the garment of a priest and they cast lots fulfilling a prophecy.

Psa 22:16 For dogs have compassed me: the assembly of the wicked have enclosed me: they pierced my hands and my feet.
Psa 22:17 I may tell all my bones: they look and stare upon me.
Psa 22:18 They part my garments among them, and cast lots upon my vesture.
Psa 22:19 But be not thou far from me, O LORD: O my strength, haste thee to help me.

Luke 23:35 And the people stood beholding. And the rulers also with them derided him, saying, He saved others; let him save himself, if he be Christ, the chosen of God.

Always mockers. Some say to God's people, "if you heal why not walk through hospitals healing them all!", God heals through his servant as He wills it. Jesus would bring God's healing to millions, what greater healing then sins forgiven and a new heart? We follow the will of the Father as Jesus was in the plan of God the Father, to shed his blood for the forgiveness of our sins.

Luke 23:36 And the soldiers also mocked him, coming to him, and offering him vinegar,
Luke 23:37 And saying, If thou be the king of the Jews, save thyself.
Luke 23:38 And a superscription also was written over him in letters of Greek, and Latin, and Hebrew, THIS IS THE KING OF THE JEWS.

The message above the head of Jesus was written in the most well known languages, for where he was crucified he could be seen from one of the major roads. People from every nation were coming to Jerusalem for the Passover. They would see in their own tongue the sign, this is the king of the Jews. Speaking in tongues later would be as a sign so that all would be able to hear the message and glorify God. Jesus glorified God in his death on the cross.

John 3:14 And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up:
John 3:15 That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life.
John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

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