Thought of the Day

In His name & for His glory,

RL Keller

Bread of Life Ministries

 

LUKE: Spotlight on Elizabeth, wife of Zechariah ...

            The societal norm for the women of Israel placed their value largely by their ability to bear children. To be unable to give birth often led a woman to personal hardship & public shame. Not understanding why God would withhold children from Elizabeth, she was looked upon as an anomaly, a deviation from what was considered the norm. Though this made for a painful & lonely existence, Elizabeth remained faithful to God.

            Both Elizabeth & her husband, Zechariah, came from priestly families. Two weeks each year Zechariah would go to the Temple in Jerusalem and attend to his priestly duties.

After one of those trips Zechariah returned home excited, but speechless. He had to write his good news down because he wasn’t able to speak. As you will remember from the ‘Spotlight on Zechariah’, an angel came to him and told him his wife would have a son. Because of their old age he doubted this news as true and was struck mute until the child was born. Though both Zechariah and Elizabeth dream of having a child had begun to fade, they now knew that at long last God was answering their prayers.

            70 miles north in Nazareth, Mary, a relative of Elizabeth also unexpectedly became pregnant. A few days after Mary received the good news from an angel, much like Elizabeth did, she went to visit her. Instant bonding took place when they each shared their news to one another. Elizabeth knew Mary’s son would be greater than hers for John would be the messenger for the Messiah.

            When born, Elizabeth insisted on naming him his God-given name: John. It was at this time that Zechariah’s tongue was loosed, and he could speak again as the angel had said. All the local peoples would wonder what would become of this special child. Both women marveled at God’s impeccable timing regarding the two births. 

            So what lesson can we learn from this set of circumstances and how Elizabeth handled herself? 1) That God DOES NOT forget those who have been faithful to him; 2) God’s timetable & methods DO NOT have to conform to what we expect to take place. Remember, God is in control of EVERY situation. Ask yourself this question: When was the last time you paused to recognize God’s timing in the events in your life?

            Up next is a post called LUKE: “To Fear or Not to Fear”, where I will give examples of 11 dedicated Christians from the scriptures who were fearful when confronted by either God or his messengers. Until then, walk with the King and be a blessing.

 

In His name & for His glory,

Richard Keller

Bread of Life Ministries

Resource: The Life Application Study Bible

LUKE: Dealing with Doubters ...

            There are those in scripture who are well known yet allowed doubt in God’s ability to do what he had said to them. Because of the age of Abraham & Sarah, the patriarch doubted that Sarah’s giving birth to a son was possible. (Genesis 17:17) Sarah flat out laughed at the news that she would bear a son at her elevated age. (Genesis 18:12)

            Moses doubted God when he was told to return to Egypt to lead the Jewish people in a monumental exodus from slavery in Egypt. (Exodus 3:10-15) Whenever they faced difficulties in the wilderness the Jewish people doubted God ... this spilled over into anger that benefited no one and caused many to lose their lives. (Exodus 16:1-3) 

            Gideon, in the OT, was told by God that he would be a judge and leader, which Gideon struggled to accept. (Judges 6:14-23) Zechariah was disbelieving when an angel from the Lord told him he & his wife would have a child in their old age. (Luke 1:18) And perhaps the most famous doubter in scripture, Doubting Thomas needed to see and touch Jesus before he would believe that he had risen from the dead. “When he later saw Jesus and believed, he received the gentle rebuke, ‘Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.’ Hebrews 11:1 says, ‘Faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.’ We can have confidence even in the things we cannot see, because God has proven Himself faithful, true, and able.” 

      “A working definition of doubt is ‘to lack confidence, to consider unlikely’. The very first expression of doubt in the Bible is in Genesis 3, when Satan tempted Eve. God had given a clear command regarding the tree of the knowledge of good and evil and had specified the consequence of disobedience. Satan introduced doubt into Eve’s mind when he asked, ‘Did God actually say, ‘You shall not eat of any tree in the garden’?’ He wanted her to lack confidence in God’s command. When she affirmed God’s command, including the consequences, Satan replied with a denial, which is a stronger statement of doubt: “You will not surely die.” Doubt is a tool of Satan to make us lack confidence in God’s Word and consider His judgment unlikely.

Lest we think that we can lay all of the blame on Satan, the Bible clearly holds us accountable for our own doubts.

Any time we allow human reason to overshadow faith in God, sinful doubt is the result. No matter how logical our reasons may seem, God has made foolish the wisdom of the world (1 Corinthians 1:20), and His seemingly foolish plans are far wiser than man’s. Faith is trusting God even when His plan goes against human reason or experience.

Once we understand what God has done in the past, what He has promised us for the present, and what we can expect from Him in the future, we are able to act in faith instead of doubt.” Faith and trust are key ingredients in walking with God, without question. Doubters, doubt no more for God is the most reliable source of light, love and hope that exists. 

Up next is a Spotlight on Zechariah’s wife Elizabeth and the lesson to be learned from her life. Until then, walk with the King and be a blessing.

 

In His name & for His glory,

Richard Keller

Bread of Life Ministries

Resource: The Life Application Study Bible.

NOTE: Text in blue is from https://www.gotquestions.org/Bible-doubt.html.

LUKE: God’s unusual ways of communicating ...

            The best way to understand God’s willingness to communicate with people is to take a look at the various ways he does it. 

 

Jacob (OT), Zechariah, Mary & shepherds all were communicated to by angels. [1]

 

Jacob (OT), Joseph (OT), a baker, a cup-bearer, Pharaoh, Isaiah, Joseph (NT), & the 3 wise men were all spoken to in dreams. [2]

 

Belshazzar (The King following Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon) actually saw a hand writing a message to him on a wall ... it was from God. As it turned out, Daniel was the only one who could interpret this message. [3]

 

Balaam was spoken to by a donkey, due to his spiritual blindness of not seeing an angel directly in his path with a drawn sword in his hand. The thing that was always curious to me was that Balaam wasn’t at all surprised when his donkey spoke to him. [4]

 

The people of Israel were communicated to by God thru pillars of cloud during the day and pillars of fire at night, thus protecting them from their enemies. [5]

 

Jonah was communicated to by being swallowed by a big fish. This was due to his refusing to go preach to the Ninevites. [6]

 

Abraham, Moses, Jesus at his baptism, & Paul heard from God verbally. [7]

 

Moses was spoken to by fire (burning bush). [8]

 

All of us can be spoken to by God’s Son thru the Holy Spirit. [9]

 

            Up next is a piece on doubters that God would do as he had said. Until then, walk with the King and be a blessing.

 

In His name & for His glory,

Richard Keller

Bread of Life Ministries

Resource: The Life Application Study Bible

[1] Genesis 32:22-32; Luke 1:13, 30; 2:12-13

[2] Genesis 28:10-22; 37:5-10; 40:5; 41:7-8; Isaiah 1:1; Matthew 1:20; 2:12-13

[3] Daniel 5:5-9

[4] Numbers 22:21-35

[5] Exodus 13:21-22

[6] Jonah 2

[7] Genesis 12:1-4; Exodus 7:8; Matthew 3:13-17, 22

[8] Exodus 3:2

[9] Hebrews 1:1-2 

Thought of the Day

 

Thought of the Day

 

LUKE: Spotlight on Zechariah

            Zechariah was a Jewish priest who was told by God prior to anyone one else knowing that the Lord was setting in motion his own visit to earth. Both Zechariah & his wife, Elizabeth, were known for being holy, even as God is holy. Though they were well suited to do a special work for the Lord, they shared the pain of not having any children. In Jewish culture, not being able to birth children was considered not having God’s blessing. The couple were old, therefore they ceased asking God for children, accepting that it must not have been his will for them to have children, in spite of what others would say.

            One day while on duty at the Jerusalem Temple, Zechariah received an unexpected blessing. He was chosen to be the priest who would enter the Holy Place to offer incense to God for the people of Israel. Suddenly, to his surprise & terror, Zechariah found himself face to face with an angel. The message from God’s messenger was too good to be true! It was news of the coming Savior; however, his mission was for his wife to give birth to the precursor of the Messiah. Luke 1:13, “...the angel said, ‘Don’t be afraid, Zechariah! God has heard your prayer. Your wife, Elizabeth, will give you a son, and you are to name him John.’” Because of their age, Zechariah was found not believing what the angel Gabriel ^[1] had said to him. Therefore, because of his disbelief the angel told him he would be unable to speak until the promise became a reality.

            Zechariah was known in his region as a righteous man. He was one of the few people who had been addressed by an angel face to face. Elizabeth gave birth to John the Baptist, the one who cried out in the wilderness to prepare the way for the Messiah, Savior of the nations. Proving his humanity, Zechariah momentarily doubted the angel’s promise due to the couples old age. In other words, Elizabeth was considered way beyond her birthing years. God’s will is never thwarted by physical limitations, but rather accomplishes his will in unexpected ways.

            Zechariah’s story is one that gives hope to Christians thru the ages. The lesson learned here is this: God can do great things thru ANYONE who makes him or herself available to him.

 

Up next is a look at the unusual ways God communicates with man. Until then, walk with the King and be a blessing.

 

In His name & for His glory,

Richard Keller

Bread of Life Ministries

Resource: The Life Application Study Bible; p. 2173.

^[1] Luke 1:19 “I am Gabriel! I stand in the very presence of God. It was he who sent me to bring you this good news!”

LUKE: The Mega-Themes

1) JESUS CHRIST, THE SAVIOR: Luke takes the time to describe just how God’s Son entered human history. Jesus was the perfect example of a human. After a perfect ministry that lasted 3 years, Jesus provided a perfect sacrifice for our sins so we could be redeemed.

                  Jesus is our perfect leader & Savior. He offered forgiveness to all who will accept him as Lord of their lives and Savior of their souls & believe there is truth in what he says.

 

2) HISTORY: Luke was both a medical doctor & a historian. Luke placed great emphasis on dates & details, connecting Jesus to events and people in history.

                  Luke gives details so we can believe in the reliability of the history of Jesus’ life. More importantly, we can believe with certainty that Jesus is God.

 

3) PEOPLE: Jesus was deeply interested in people regardless of gender, race, color. That was unimportant to him. He showed warm concern for his followers and his friends; whether men, women, or children.

                  Jesus’ extreme and never-ending, unconditional love for his creation is good news for all mankind. No one is excluded from his loving touch. All have an opportunity to respond to God in faith. That is incredible news!

 

4) COMPASSION: Do you ever disregard someone because they look or act different than you? Because Jesus is the epidemy of loving compassion, he avoids no one, regardless of their appearance or behavior. NO ONE. Because of the world we live in today I am very wary of anyone whom I don’t know. That’s not what the Lord expects from his children. I’m guilty of that and it weighs heavy on me. How about you? I suppose we’ve all been conditioned by our families, society, our culture, what region of the globe we live in. It’s a large contributory factor towards how we think, speak and act around others. God wishes to cleanse us of that, but we need to seek it out. If you want to be like Jesus, you must succumb to his will, by shedding your will like a snake sheds its’ skin. God forces nothing on us. We must seek it.

                  One of God’s names is Yahwah Yireh or Jehovah Jireh for he is “the God who shall provide”.  God’s compassion makes him far more than a good teacher. It means he cares for you. Because of his deep, abiding love for you, he can surely satisfy your every need.

 

5) HOLY SPIRIT:  Did you ever realize that God’s Holy Spirit was with Jesus throughout his life. From his birth to his baptism, to his ministry, and during the resurrection; Jesus depended on the Holy Spirit.

                  God sent the Holy Spirit as confirmation of Jesus’ authority. He is given to enable us to live for Christ, for we most assuredly cannot do it on our own. It is by faith and trust in Almighty God that we can have the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, which gives us the power to witness to others and serve the Kingdom of God.

 

                  Up next is a Spotlight piece on Zechariah, a Jewish priest, whose story is told in Luke 1. Until then, walk with the King and be a blessing.

 

In His name & for His glory,

Richard Keller

Bread of Life Ministries

Resource: The Life Application Study Bible.

LUKE at a glance

PURPOSE: To present the most accurate accounting of the life of Christ and to present Christ as the perfect human & Savior.

AUTHOR: The author of this Gospel is the only Gentile to author a book in the New Testament. That would be Luke the physician (Colossians 4:14). Luke was a close friend & companion of the Apostle Paul. Luke was also the author of the Book of the Acts of the Apostles or simply the Book of Acts. The Gospel of Luke & Acts are meant to follow one another ... as if the Gospel is supposed to be followed by Acts; and it is.

DATE WRITTEN: Roughly A.D. 60.

SETTING: Luke wrote from Rome or possibly from Caesarea.

SPECIAL FEATURE: This is the most comprehensive of the Gospels. Using common vocabulary & diction shows that the author was well-educated. Luke made several references to illnesses and diagnoses. He stresses Jesus’ relationships with common folks; emphasizes prayer, miracles, & angels; records God inspired praise hymns; & gives a prominent position to women. Most of Luke 9:51 - 18:35 is only found in Luke ... not in the other Gospels.

 

            “Luke affirms Jesus’ divinity, but the real emphasis of his book is on Jesus’ humanity - Jesus the Son of God was also the Son of Man. Luke’s close friendship with Paul gave him access to interview the other disciples, thus had other historical accounts, & was an eyewitness to the birth & growth of the early church. His Gospel & the book of Acts are reliable, historical documents.” ^[1]

 

THE BLUEPRINT

 

A. BIRTH & PREPARATION OF JESUS, THE SAVIOR _{(Luke 1:1 - 4:13)}

            Starting out as an infant unable to do anything for himself, Jesus grew into a fully grown man able to fulfill his earthly mission. He was fully man & yet still fully God. He took no short cuts and certainly wasn’t isolated from the daily pressures & temptations of life. There are no short cuts for us as believers either. We are to serve God with our lives. Jesus is our example.

 

B. MESSAGE & MINISTRY OF JESUS, THE SAVIOR _{(Luke 4:14 - 21:38)}

                  Jesus taught before great crowds, especially thru parables, which are stories that illustrate great truths. Sadly, not everyone caught on to what Jesus was teaching. It was only those who had ears to hear what Jesus was saying. There are an overwhelming number of truths throughout scripture & it is up to us as believers to hone our discernment so that we are able to grasp the significance of what Jesus is saying.

 

C. DEATH & RESURRECTION OF JESUS, THE SAVIOR _{(Luke 22:1 - 24:53)}

            Jesus, as the Savior of the world, was arrested unjustly & executed without cause, but death couldn’t destroy him. Jesus took the keys of death & hell & then, after showing himself to his disciples, ascended into heaven with the 12 watching.  There is one way to heaven. Thru the blood of Christ. When you absorb these facts never forget that with faith & belief comes forgiveness, for Jesus died once for all time. He didn’t need to continue to die for us because being human & not divine, we still sin from time to time. Christ’s forgiveness completely covers sin. Understand the significance of his death on a cross. His blood’s for you!

            Up next are the Mega-Themes from the Gospel of Luke. Until then, walk with the King and be a blessing.

In His name & for His glory,

Richard Keller

Bread of Life Ministries

Resource: The Life Application Study Bible                  

^[1] The Life Application Study Bible; p 2168.

 

MARK: Evidence Jesus Actually Died & Rose Again!

                   The evidence portrayed here will demonstrate the uniqueness of the individual Jesus of Nazareth, thus proving he was & is God’s only Son. No one else in the history of mankind has been able to predict their own death & bodily resurrection and then make it happen.

                  Some folks have stated that Jesus wasn’t dead on the cross but was only unconscious and was later revived. To that we can counter with Mark 15:44-45, John 19:32-34 & John 19:38-40 (all seen below) ...

 

“Pilate couldn’t believe that Jesus was already dead, so he called for the Roman officer and asked if he had died yet. The officer confirmed that Jesus was dead, so Pilate told Joseph he could have the body.”

 

 

“So the soldiers came and broke the legs of the two men crucified with Jesus. But when they came to Jesus, they saw that he was already dead, so they didn’t break his legs. One of the soldiers, however, pierced his side with a spear, and immediately blood and water flowed out.”

 

 

“Afterward Joseph of Arimathea, who had been a secret disciple of Jesus (because he feared the Jewish leaders), asked Pilate for permission to take down Jesus’ body. When Pilate gave permission, Joseph came and took the body away. With him came Nicodemus, the man who had come to Jesus at night. He brought about seventy-five pounds of perfumed ointment made from myrrh and aloes. Following Jewish burial custom, they wrapped Jesus’ body with the spices in long sheets of linen cloth.”

 

                  Regarding the ladies visiting Jesus tomb some say these women made a mistake by going to the wrong tomb ... also some unknown thieves stole Jesus’ body ... or simply that his disciples stole Jesus body. This evidence is found in Mark 15:47, Matthew 27:59-61

 

“Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of Joseph saw where Jesus’ body was laid.” 

 

“Joseph took the body and wrapped it in a long sheet of clean linen cloth. He placed it in his own new tomb, which had been carved out of the rock. Then he rolled a great stone across the entrance and left. Both Mary Magdalene and the other Mary were sitting across from the tomb and watching.”

 

                  The other Mary with Mary Magdalene is listed in Mark as ‘Mary, mother of Joseph’. Not finding any evidence to back up her connection with Joseph of Arimathea, I will still sgo out on a limb and say it’s Mary, mother of Joseph of Arimathea, since it was that Joseph who supplied the new tomb to house Jesus’ dead body. The very same tomb Mary was ‘sitting across from’.

 

                  There was also speculation that the religious leaders stole Jesus’ body to produce it at a later date. Now the disciples would not have stolen the body of Jesus, for at some point when the true of it came out, it would have diminished their faith, thus making it virtually meaningless. If the religious leaders really HAD taken Jesus’ body they would have produced it to the public to stop all the rumors of his resurrection.  

 

Did Jesus REALLY die on a Roman cross as scripture says? 

What was crucifixion?

 

“Crucifixion is a death sentence, a nailing or tying of the hands and feet to a wooden beam and being left to hang there until death by exhaustion or asphyxiation. The crucifixion Jesus endured was even more brutal than the typical punishment for criminals. He was given a crown of thorns, beaten along the way, mocked and humiliated. Sometimes the legs of the criminals are broken to speed up the process, but Christ was pierced in the side and determined to be dead already, so His legs were not broken. While a crucifixion was an execution, it was also a humiliation, by making the condemned as vulnerable as possible.” ^[1]

            “Let's summarize what we've learned about Jesus from this examination of ancient non-Christian sources. First, both Josephus and Lucian indicate that Jesus was regarded as wise. Second, Pliny, the Talmud, and Lucian imply He was a powerful and revered teacher. Third, both Josephus and the Talmud indicate He performed miraculous feats. Fourth, Tacitus, Josephus, the Talmud, and Lucian all mention that He was crucified. Tacitus and Josephus say this occurred under Pontius Pilate. And the Talmud declares it happened on the eve of Passover. Fifth, there are possible references to the Christian belief in Jesus' resurrection in both Tacitus and Josephus. Sixth, Josephus records that Jesus' followers believed He was the Christ, or Messiah. And finally, both Pliny and Lucian indicate that Christians worshipped Jesus as God!” ^[2]

Okay, so we’re relying on the word of people we’ll never know, trusting they were being truthful. I can see where Christian writers may speak of these things as a means of pushing their belief system, but secular people? Why would they speak of Jesus in any sort of way at all. If he was deemed as a problem in society, why would anyone tie their name to his existence? At some part it simply comes down to a faith and trust issue. In other words, based on what I know and what I’ve seen, heard, and read during my 68 years on planet earth I have CHOSEN to believe in the existence of God, Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit ... the birth, ministry, death, and resurrection of the Son of God. Do I HAVE TO believe this? NO, but having a free will it is my God given right to believe as I please and I choose to believe in Christ and follow him into eternity. 

 

Up next is the Gospel of Luke. Until then, walk with the King and be a blessing.

 

In His name & for His glory,

Richard Keller

Bread of Life Ministries

^[1]https://www.biblestudytools.com/bible-study/topical-studies/what-was-the-crucifixion-of-jesus.html

^[2]https://www.bethinking.org/jesus/ancient-evidence-for-jesus-from-non-christian-sources

MARK: Why Did Jesus Have to Die?

           Almighty God created earth and man perfect. But when Adam and Eve disobeyed God’s commands, He had to punish them. A judge who pardons law-breakers isn’t a righteous judge. Likewise, overlooking sin would make the holy God unjust. Death is God’s just consequence for sin. “For the wages of sin is death” (Romans 6:23). Even good works cannot make up for wrongs against a holy God. Compared to His goodness, “All our righteousness are as filthy rags” (Isaiah 64:6b). Ever since Adam’s sin, every human has been guilty of disobeying God’s righteous laws. “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23). Sin is not just big things like murder or blasphemy, but also includes love of money, hatred of enemies, and deceit of tongue and pride. Because of sin, everyone has deserved death – eternal separation from God in hell. And there is absolutely NOTHING we can do to pay that sin debt on our own.              

The plan of salvation Almighty God designed is perfect, just, and upright, and no one could have come up with anything better. Usually what WE perceive as “better” is something that seems right to us. “There is a way that appears to be right, but in the end it leads to death.” (Proverbs 14:12) A plan must be universally just and fair for all parties, with no favoritism given to any individual or group. Before we can come to grips with anything God does, we have to first acknowledge that His ways are not our ways, His thoughts are not our thoughts—they are higher than ours (Isaiah 55:8). In addition, Deuteronomy 32:4 reminds us that “He is the Rock, his works are perfect, and all his ways are just. A faithful God who does no wrong, upright and just is he.” So whatever God does is right and fair and therefore WILL take place. Doing good is an insufficient means to gain forgiveness and eternity with our Heavenly Father. Doing good so WE feel satisfied is worthless in God’s economy, because the question that must be asked is why do we do good things for others? Who benefits??

The Scripture says, “... Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures” (1 Corinthians 15:3-4). Evidence affirms that the sinless Jesus bled and died on a cross. Most importantly, the Bible explains why Jesus’ death and resurrection provide the ONLY ENTRANCE INTO HEAVEN.

Herein lies the beauty of God’s perfect plan: God Himself provided the only sacrifice (Jesus) who could atone for the sins of His people. God’s perfect Son fulfilled God’s perfect requirement of God’s perfect law. It is perfectly brilliant in its simplicity. “God made Him (Christ), who knew no sin, to be sin for us that we might become the righteousness of God in Him” (2 Corinthians 5:21).

            Some folks who do not know the Lord, may say: “I never asked Jesus to die for me!” Their ignorance is glaring. They don’t understand how it all works. They don’t read the Bible and don’t take seriously knowing God intimately, thinking this will put a crimp in their life. No longer can they do whatever they want. Nothing could be further from the truth. We are born with a ‘free will’ to do as we please. God is watching at all times, not to chastise us any time we do wrong, but guard us, and guide us into his will for that person. If you are one of his children who knows he word relatively well, you should take comfort in that fact. Those who don’t know him must come to a place where they are willing to lay all pride and reasoning down and listen to what God has to say. It’s a matter of faith and trust in a loving God. Christ died on a wooden cross not simply because he HAD to, but rather, the love he has for his creation caused him to willingly take our beating in our place. I think we should all remind ourselves of that one solitary fact that should give us a humble approach to life.  We did nothing and could / can do nothing to save ourselves. Without Christ’s voluntary death on the cross we would all be doomed to live a life without hope and die in our sins. Is that you? Bow your knee to Christ at this moment and receive the Christ into your heart and life. Turn your back on your old life and become reborn. Like me, who gave my life over to God in March of 1979, you will never, ever regret your decision ... surrender your will in favor of His perfect will for you.

            Up next we’ll take a look at evidence that Jesus actually died and rose again to new life. Until then, walk with the King and be a blessing.

In His name & for His glory,

Richard Keller

Bread of Life Ministries

Resources: The Life Application Study Bible; www.gotquestions.org

Thought for the Day ...

In His name & for His glory... Richard Keller... Bread of Life Ministries

MARK: Spotlight on Pontius Pilate

            Pontius Pilate was the 5^th Prefect of Judea who ruled over the area for ten years (A.D. 26-36).  Pilate was a good example of an unprincipled achiever who will sacrifice what is right to accomplish he own selfish goals and ambitions. Although he knew in his heart that Jesus was innocent of all charges brought against him by the Sanhedrin, he caved to the demands of the crowd rather than risk a likely personal setback to his career. Sadly, this is a real temptation for anyone in a position of power.

Jewish historian Flavius Josephus shares with us a modicum of information prior to A.D. 26. Some incomplete information shows that Pontius Pilate was more than likely an Italian-born Roman citizen whose family was well off financially, thus qualifying him to be of the middle class. He probably held various military posts prior to his appointment in Judea. Pilate governed areas of Judea, Samaria, and the areas south as far as the Dead Sea to Gaza. As Prefect Pilate had absolute authority over all non-Roman citizens of the province. He reported to the Roman governor of the region, who lived in Syria to the north (Luke 2:2).

            Pilate’s relationship with the Jews had always been stormy. To the Jews he was insensitive to their religious beliefs. The Jews seemed to know how to get Pilate to rescind some of the more stifling pro-Roman policies he invoked ... by rioting. The scene they would cause would be highly disruptive and potentially dangerous. The enraged situation would cause Pilate to back down, thus demonstrating a weakness that the Jews exploited as often as they felt it was necessary. He didn’t want news to get out of an uprising. That type of information could spell the end of his rule in Judea.

            Scripture refers to Pontius Pilate as the Roman governor of the Judean province; however, according to my research that doesn’t appear to be the case. The appointed ruler of each Roman province was a “Legate”, who was a provincial governor appointed by the emperor, and was responsible directly to either the Senate or the Emperor. According to my reading, in Pilate’s case, the Legate or Governor was seated in Syria as I stated above.  Next in line was the Prefect, who was a person appointed to a position of command or authority. A lesser official would be a Procurator. The proper title for Pontius Pilate would have been Prefect ... appointed by the Legate / Governor.

            The Jews sent Jesus to see Pilate regarding the “crimes” he had committed against Rome, by claiming to be a King. The Jews thought saying that he was a King would get Jesus put down as it would be in direct conflict with the Emperor of Rome. However, Pilate found nothing wrong with Jesus that would cause him to be executed, which is what the religious leaders wanted. 

            “For Pilate, there was never a doubt about Jesus’ innocence. Three separate times he declared Jesus not guilty. He couldn’t understand why these people wanted to kill Jesus, but his fear of the Jews’ political pressure made him decide to allow Jesus’ crucifixion. Because of the people’s threat to inform the emperor that Pilate hadn’t eliminated a rebel against Rome, Pilate went against what he knew was right. In desperation, he chose to do wrong.” ^[1]              

After the death of Jesus, Pilate would continue in office for another 3 years, showing that Tiberius (the Emperor) considered him an effective administrator. Pilate’s later history is shrouded in mystery. Josephus tells of a bloody encounter with the Samaritans, who filed a complaint with Pilate’s superior, Vitellius, the governor of Syria. Pilate was ordered to stand before the Emperor to answer for his conduct. Historic reports state that he was exiled to the city of Vienne in Gaul (France) where he eventually committed suicide.

            Up next, “Why Did Jesus Have to Die?” Until then, walk with the King and be a blessing.

In His name & for His glory,

Richard Keller

Bread of Life Ministries

^[1] The Life Application Study Bible; p2159.

Resources: The Life Application Study Bible; Nelson’s New Illustrated Bible Dictionary.

Thought for the day ...

May ALL God's greatest blessings be yours ...

RL Keller

Christian Author

Bread of Life Ministries

Busy Week

This will be a very busy week for me ... I am asking for your patience as my postings may be delayed.

Thanx ... 

RL Keller

Bread of Life Ministries

MARK: Spotlight on Judas Iscariot

            There are some questions that surround Judas Iscariot. There’s not too much we know about it. We know he had questionable morals because John 12:6 states he was a thief.

When Jesus is anointed by Mary with perfume, Judas, the treasurer for the disciples, stated that the perfume was worth a year’s wages and could have cared for the poor. Verse 6 states the following: “Not that he cared for the poor—he was a thief, and since he was in charge of the disciples’ money, he often stole some for himself.”

            Why would Jesus, who knows all things that can be known, choose a common thief as one of his closest allies? It has everything to do with OT prophecy and their being fulfilled. “Jesus chose Judas as a disciple because, ultimately, Judas fit into the plan of God. Jesus had come to earth to die for the redemption of sinners. That death, “the just for the unjust” (1 Peter 3:18, NKJV), was not an accident but was God’s intended purpose.” ^[1]

            “Jesus had known from the beginning which of them did not believe and who would betray him” (John 6:64). In Judas, we have a clear example of how a person can be religious, hear the Word of God taught, witness genuine miracles, and for all appearances seem to be saved, and yet not be born again.

            Not only was the betrayal of Jesus foreknown by God, but it was part of His definitive plan. So God CAN use the most wicked acts of men for good. Judas did what he did because his mind was open to satanic suggestion. Once he had committed his egregious deed, he was “remorseful”, yet nowhere does it say he was “repentant”. He didn’t know Jesus the way a true follower knows him. Instead of seeking forgiveness for his heinous deed, he took his own life.

            Regarding his death, scripture appears to have a contradiction ... Matthew 27:5-8 states he hung himself, Acts 1:18 states the following: “Judas had bought a field with the money he received for his treachery. Falling headfirst there, his body split open, spilling out all his intestines.” Scholars state that it is highly unlikely that Judas would have simply fallen, and his body split open. They surmise that he hung himself and after time had passed his bloated and semi-decaying body caused the rope to snap and that fall from an undetermined height would have caused his body to split open, causing his insides to spill out. Whether this is true or not we'll never know, but it's an interesting notion.

            Some hate Judas, others pity him, but whatever happened to him was his own doing. God didn’t make him betray Jesus but knew him and his sinful inclinations and thus knew exactly what he would do. Judas willingly betrayed the Lord and while he felt regret, he never sought forgiveness. Forgiveness is available to anyone and everyone just for the asking with a sincere and repentant heart. 

God knows who stands with him and who does not. He also knows those who are Christians in name only. They seek the benefits but not the dedication to serve in love. They are at every service and even tithe regularly but are still dead inside. They have never fully invested in living for Jesus Christ. They haven’t allowed knowing him to revolutionize their lives. They do what they do church-wise because they feel that HAVE to, not because it brings them joy. Eternal life tops any other investment one could make in this life. Live for God.

Up next is a spotlight on Pontius Pilate, Roman governor of the province of Judah, of which Jerusalem was capital. Until then, walk with the King and be a blessing.

In His name & for His glory,

Richard Keller

Bread of Life Ministries

Resources: New Illustrated Bible Dictionary; www.gotquestions.org; The Life Application Study Bible.

^[1] https://www.gotquestions.org/Jesus-choose-Judas.html

MARK: Spotlight on Herod Antipas

          Antipas, one of Herod the Great’s sons, began as a tetrarch*over Galilee & Pereia. He was the ruling Herod during Jesus time. His reign would be from 4 B.C. - A.D. 39. Not being a man of honor, he stole his half-brother Philip’s wife Herodias. They eloped leaving his wife alone.

Herod Antipas was the one that had John the Baptist beheaded at the behest of Salome, the daughter of Herod Philip. When someone makes a promise, especially one in a ruling position, it must be honored. Even though Antipas seemed to somewhat like John the Baptist, he had him arrested and subsequently executed. The reasoning for these actions were to stop John’s constant verbal reminders that Antipas marriage to Herodias was a sin. John was relentless, making sure the ruler knew that his actions were against the one true God’s standards for living.

Antipas had several meetings with Jesus. The Lord’s popularity and miraculous powers caused the ruler to consider Jesus as being the reincarnation of John. While this was not at all true, it prayed on Antipas’ mind, causing him much consternation.

During the trial of Jesus, Antipas was to decide the Lord’s fate, yet could find nothing in the charges against Jesus that warranted death. He sent Jesus back from whence he had come, namely Pontius Pilate.

Herod Antipas had enough problems to deal with that he didn’t need to get involved with the whole ‘Jesus thing’. For one, Arêtes, the Nabatean king whose daughter had been Antipas’ wife before he became involved with Herodias, decided to avenge this grievous insult. Antipas’ troops were unceremoniously defeated. This, along with some other problems, led to his political downfall. Antipas was finally banished by the Roman emperor to an obscure section of France.

            There are two particular lessons we can learn from Herod Antipas’ life. First, a life motivated by ambition is usually characterized by self-destruction. And secondly, opportunities to do good usually come to us in the form of choices that need to be made.

 

Until next time, walk with the King and be a blessing.

In His name & for His glory,

Richard Keller

Bread of Life Ministries

Resource: The Life Application Study Bible

* A subordinate ruler. Belonging to a lower or inferior class or rank; secondary. Subject to the authority or control of another.

MARK: Focusing on Jesus ...

            Of the 4 Gospels, most of the stories found in Mark’s Gospel appear in the exact order that they actually occurred. Though Mark is the shortest of the 4 Gospels, it is the most action-packed. Most of the action occurs in Galilee, where Jesus ministry began. Capernaum served as Jesus’ base of operation _{[Mark 1:21; 2:1 & 9:33]}, from where he would go to places like Bethsaida where he would heal a blind man _{[Mark 8:22ff]}, Gennesaret, where he performed many healings _{[Mark 6:53ff]}, Tyre & Sidon (to the far North), where the Lord healed many, drove out demons, and met the woman from Syrian Phoenicia _{[Mark 3:8; 7:24ff]}, and Caesarea Philippi, where Peter publicly declared that Jesus was the long awaited Messiah _{[Mark 8:27ff].} After his ministry in Galilee and the surrounding regions, Jesus headed for Jerusalem _{[Mark 10:1]}. Before going there, Jesus told his disciples 3x that he would be crucified there and then come back to life _{[Mark 8:31; 9:31; 10:33-34]}.

 

JESUS BEGINS HIS MINISTRY:  When Jesus came from his home in Nazareth to begin his ministry, he first took 2 steps in preparation - being baptized by John the Baptizer in the Jordan River and being tempted by Satan in the rough Judean wilderness. After the temptations were completed, Jesus returned to Galilee and later set up his home base in Capernaum.

 

JESUS HEALS A DEMON-POSSESSED MAN: From Capernaum, Jesus & his disciples crossed the Sea of Galilee. A storm blew up out of nowhere, but Jesus calmed it. Landing in the land of the Gerasenes, Jesus sent demons out of a man and into a herd of 2000 pigs who subsequently plunged over a steep bank to their death in the nearby lake.

 

THE TOUCH OF JESUS: Jesus associated with the sorts of people the Pharisees would NEVER have be seen with. He met the needs of both those who came to him and those he went to himself. It didn’t matter whether they were famous or unknown, rich or poor, young or old, sinner or saved - Jesus cares for them all. He sought out those in need. NO PERSON was or is beyond the loving touch of Jesus.

 

Up next is a Spotlight on Herod Antipas. Until then, walk with the King & be a blessing.

In His name & for His glory,

Richard Keller

Bread of Life Ministries

Resource: The Life Application Study Bible

MARK: The Mega-Themes

1) JESUS CHRIST - Jesus Christ alone is the Son of God. In the Gospel of Mark Jesus demonstrates His divinity by overcoming sickness & disease, demons & even death. Although He had the power to be a king on earth, Jesus chose to obey His Father & die in our place.

                  When Jesus rose from the dead, He proved that He WAS God, that He could FORGIVE sin, and that He has the power to change our lives. By trusting in Him for forgiveness, we can begin a new life with Him as our Lord & Savior.

 

2) SERVANT - Jesus fulfilled the OT prophecies as being the coming Messiah by coming to earth. He didn’t come as a conquering king; He came as a servant. He helped people by telling them about God and healing them. Even more than that, He performed the ultimate act of service by willingly giving His own life as a sin sacrifice, thus paying the price due for our sins.

                  Because of Jesus’ example, we should be willing to serve God & others. Real greatness in Christ’s Kingdom is shown by service & sacrifice. Ambition or love of power or position should not be our motive; instead, we should do God’s work because we love Him.

 

3) MIRACLES - Mark’s Gospel records more of Jesus’ miracles than His sermons. Jesus is clearly a man of power & action, not just words. He did miracles to convince the people who he was & to confirm to the disciples His true identity ... God.

                  The more convinced we become that Jesus is God, the more we will see His power & His love. His mighty works show us He is able to save anyone regardless of his or her past. His miracles of forgiveness bring healing, wholeness, and changed lives to all who trust Him.

 

4) SPREADING THE GOSPEL - Jesus directed His public ministry to the Jews first. When the Jewish leaders opposed Him, Jesus went to the non-Jewish (Gentile) world healing & preaching. Roman soldiers, Syrians, and other Gentiles heard the Good News. Many believed and followed Him. Jesus final message to His disciples challenged them to go into all the world and preach the gospel of salvation.

                  Jesus crossed national, racial, cultural & economic barriers to spread His Good News. Jesus’ message of faith and forgiveness is for the whole world - not just the church, thus fulfilling the worldwide vision of Jesus Christ so that people everywhere may hear this great message and be saved from sin and death.

 

                  Up next we’ll look at KEY PLACES JESUS WENT; JESUS BEGINS HIS MINISTRY & JESUS HEALS A DEMON POSSESSED MAN. Until then, walk with the King & be a blessing.

In His name & for His glory,

Richard Keller

Bread of Life Ministries

Resource: The Life Application Study Bible.