September 29 - Jesus' Testimony

Luke 22:63-72

Then they said, “What further testimony do we need? We have heard it ourselves from his own lips.” (Luke 22:71 ESV)

Testimony is a powerful thing according to scripture. The apostle John wrote in Revelations that the Church would be made "overcomers by the blood of the Lamb, and the word of our testimony." The truth of a story carries weight when told.

Jesus didn't flinch when telling his story. Even when he was on trial and they were looking to kill him because of his words. He didn't back down. And eventually they did sentence him to death based on his own testimony.

There are a number of belief systems that try to marginalize the deity of Jesus so as to make him compatible with their defunct religion. The truth is that Jesus is compatible with any person, but not every belief system. Jesus did believe that he is the Son of God.

We do things all the time based on the words of others. We make decisions, we make plans, and we react to situations, all based on the things people say. How should we react to what Jesus had to say about his own deity?

September 19 - With a Kiss

Luke 22:1-6, 47-53

but Jesus said to him, “Judas, would you betray the Son of Man with a kiss?” (Luke 22:48 ESV)

A kiss is not typically thought of as the sign for rejection, betrayal, and pain. The Bible even reads in one passage that believers are to "greet one another with a kiss." So it makes it that much more interesting that Judas chose a kiss for his method to signal the mob.

Chances are pretty good that you have been rejected in your life. Perhaps you have suffered a horrible betrayal at the hands of someone very near and dear to you. Jesus can sympathize. In fact, he often warned his followers that such would be the case for those following him.

We all know that the sting of betrayal is bitter. It hurts a lot. With that being said, we should strive to take extra special care not to wound our friends and neighbors. When we greet them it should be with the kiss of friendship, not that of betrayal.

September 15 - Pray

Luke 22:39-46

And when he came to the place, he said to them, “Pray that you may not enter into temptation.” (Luke 22:40 ESV)

There are books on prayer, sermons on prayer, and countless opinions on prayer. Jesus told his followers as he was going off to pray for strength for the difficulties to to come, that they should pray. If Jesus told his disciples to pray there was a good reason. One we can learn from.

Why would Jesus tell his followers to pray? He wanted them to ask God for the same kind of strength he was looking for. He wanted them to be ready. He wanted them to overcome the temptations just around the corner.

Temptation can be stifling. If you haven't positioned yourself for the battle it can be nearly impossible. Prayer is something we can do that sets us up for success. Why? It isn't magic. If you approach it as such your results may not be what you were hoping for. However, if you remember it as the relational interaction between Father and child that it actually is, then you will be encouraged, strengthened, and prepared to face down temptation.