Resurrection!

For Resurrection Sunday, March 31, 2024:

Mark 16:3b NLT: “Who will roll away the stone for us from the entrance to the tomb?”

Late on Friday, Jesus’ body had been placed in a tomb belonging to Joseph of Arimathea. To secure everything over the Sabbath, a giant stone was rolled in front of the entrance. Now it was very early Sunday morning. The women had purchased burial spices. But one question remained: who could help them roll the stone away, so they could tend to Jesus’ body? As they arrived, they looked up and saw that the stone, which was very large, had already been rolled aside.

Upon entering the tomb, they did not see Jesus, but instead saw a young man in a white robe – an angel, who told them, “Jesus isn’t here! He is risen from the dead!” Resurrected, forever! It’s permanent!

Jesus appeared to the women first, then the disciples, and eventually a crowd of 600 all saw Jesus at the same time. Anyone who saw Jesus could testify, “He is risen! Just look at him – out and about, speaking, teaching. Jesus was dead for sure, but God raised him back to life. He IS the risen one, Son of God!”

Our sins were forgiven by the work of Jesus, who also gave us Assurance of Salvation. Jesus promised the believers that they would be with him in the hereafter. Everything else Jesus ever said turned out to be true, and this is no exception. “When my work is done, take me home to the Son!”

He is risen! He is risen indeed!

Norton Lawellin

Jesus In the City Fellowship

Sunday's Coming!

For Saturday, March 30, 2024:

Mark 15:43 NLT: “Joseph of Arimathea took a risk and went to Pilate and asked for Jesus’ body. (Joseph was an honored member of the high council, and he was waiting for the Kingdom of God to come.)”

It was still Friday when Joseph of Arimathea, secretly a believer, asked for Jesus’ body. When a soldier confirmed the death, Pilate granted his request. There was just enough time to place Jesus’ body in Joseph’s tomb, and secure it before the weekend. At sundown, it would be the Sabbath, and no more work could be done.

Nowadays we count a new day when the sun rises. But in the Hebrew culture, a new day began at sunset. So Jesus died on a Friday, day one. His body lay in the grave for the Sabbath, day two. And on Sunday, day three, the tomb was discovered empty. He is risen, just as was prophesied!

But what happened on the Sabbath, the in-between day? The Bible tells us that Jesus went to the place of the dead, Sheol or Hades, not to be confused with the lake of fire or hell. This would be Jesus’ spirit, his eternal essence, as the body had not yet been resurrected. There are many conflicting theories as to what occurred that day, but I don’t find most of them to be credible. Since the second day is the Sabbath, we could simply count it as a day of rest and devotion to Jesus and our Lord. Nothing on that in-between day is a redeeming ordinance. The real action was on Friday when Jesus died for our sins, and on Sunday when the bodily resurrection took place.

It seems that all the bad stuff happened during the previous week, and all the good stuff occurred from Resurrection Sunday forward. S. M. Lockridge gave us a famous sermon, “It’s Friday, but Sunday’s coming!” Our worldly walk looks much brighter knowing that in spite of all we might think is wrong, God is still in charge, and Sunday’s coming for us all!

Norton Lawellin

Jesus In the City Fellowship

Good Friday!

For Friday, March 29, 2024:

Mark 15:39 NLT: “When the Roman centurion who stood facing Jesus heard his cry and saw how he had died, he exclaimed, ‘This man truly was the Son of God!’”

Today we celebrate Good Friday, honoring the day our Savior was mocked, beaten and murdered. He gave it all for mankind, so our sins could be forgiven – blotted out, wiped away, as if sin had never occurred. And now sinless, we could join the heavenly multitude. Remember, God’s desire is that all would repent and return, and join him in the hereafter.

On the cross, Jesus shouted, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” Enough had gone wrong and Jesus was about to die! It’s easy to understand Jesus’ perception that God had removed his hand of protection from his Son. But God had not abandoned him.

All the sins of the world had been piled on Jesus, and he was to take sin to Sheol, the place of the dead, thereby leaving believers pure and innocent, suitable to take up residence with God Almighty! From Sheol, Jesus would be resurrected, given a life after this life, and eventually ascend into heaven. God had not abandoned his Son! Sin and death were conquered at the same time! Our job is to accept the grace of God, to accept the forgiveness, the new life, and have faith that Jesus’ promises to us are true!

I’m always amazed at the speed with which these events took place. It all started after supper on Thursday night, and ended at 3pm on Friday, not even 24 hours! It must have been a whirlwind of activity. Six trials, the beatings and mocking, then up the hill, on the cross and Jesus soon gave up his spirit.

Jesus’ body would need to be taken down quickly, as Shabbat started at sundown, and then no more work could be done.

Norton Lawellin

Jesus In the City Fellowship

Crucifixion

For Thursday, March 28, 2024:

Mark 15:31 NLT: “The leading priests and teachers of religious law also mocked Jesus. ‘He saved others,’ they scoffed, ‘but he can’t save himself!’”

A passerby named Simon was forced to carry Jesus’ cross up the hill to Golgotha, the place of the scull. Soldiers nailed Jesus to the cross, and then cast lots to divide his clothes. A sign announced the charge against him. It read, “The King of the Jews.”

Succumbing to “mob mentality,” everyone passing by – the priests, teachers of religious law, friends and enemies alike – chose to hurl insults at Jesus. “He saved others,” they scoffed, “but he can’t save himself!” It’s easier to kick someone when they’re down.

Two criminals were crucified alongside Jesus, and they too mocked him. But as death drew closer, one changed his tune. He pleaded, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.”

Jesus answered him, “Today you will be with me in paradise!”

That’s a major plank in our theological platform. Believers, when your soul, your eternal essence no longer requires a body, you will be present with the Lord. Jesus said so!

Norton Lawellin

Jesus In the City Fellowship

Day of Crucifixion

For Wednesday, March 27, 2024:

Mark 15:17 NLT: “The soldiers dressed Jesus in a purple robe, and they wove thorn branches into a crown and put it on his head.”

Apparently it wasn’t enough to just crucify someone at the lowest point in their life. The soldiers had to first make fun of Jesus, to mock him. Jesus had always claimed to be “King of the Jews,” and now he’s about to be crucified. So they dressed Jesus in a purple robe, the color royalty would wear. The soldiers placed a crown on his head, but it was a crown of thorns. They flogged Jesus with a lead-tipped whip.

Then the soldiers saluted and taunted, “Hail! King of the Jews!” They knelt down in mock worship. Jesus was struck on the head with reeds and spit upon. Eventually the soldiers grew tired of mocking Jesus. It was time to move ahead with the crucifixion.

Simon from Cyrene was recruited to carry the cross, and they proceeded to a place known as Golgotha, which means “Place of the scull.”

The soldiers nailed Jesus to his cross, and then cast lots for his clothing. All this happened before 9AM. The remainder of the saddest day in history lay ahead.

Norton Lawellin

Jesus In the City Fellowship

Innocent?

 

For Tuesday, March 26, 2024:

Mark 15:1 NLT: “Very early in the morning the leading priests, the elders, and the teachers of religious law—the entire Sanhedrin—met to discuss their next step. They bound Jesus, led him away, and took him to Pilate, the Roman governor.”

The Jewish leaders couldn’t legally execute their own prisoner. That sentence had to come from a Roman authority, in this case Pontius Pilate. They awoke early to accomplish this. Time was of the essence. Shabbat would arrive at sundown, when they could do no more work. And the people were all preparing for Passover. The entire evil deed needed to be completed in one-half day while the sun was shining. So they started early.

This was the last official daylight trial of Jesus before the Sanhedrin. The verdict in this kangaroo court was predetermined, and Jesus was the loser. Now the Jewish officials needed a stamp of approval from the Romans, so off they go to Pilate. History shows us he was a cruel, ruthless man, completely insensitive to the moral feelings of others. The Jewish leaders thought this would be a slam dunk. It was not.

Pilate found Jesus to be innocent of the charges, but thought he needed support for his position. So Jesus was delivered to Herod, who also found him innocent, but considered this a local matter. So Jesus was returned to Pilate for the final decision.

The custom was for the governor to release one prisoner at Passover. Pilate hoped this would be his ‘out.’ He offered Barabbas, a revolutionary and murderer, and Jesus, King of the Jews. Pick one. The crowd illogically demanded the release of Barabbas.

"What should I do with this other man, Jesus,” asked Pilate.

"Crucify him,” shouted the people!

"Why?” Pilate demanded. “What crime has he committed?”

 But the mob roared even louder, “Crucify him!”

  So to pacify the crowd, Pilate released Barabbas to them. Jesus was delivered to Roman soldiers for torture and eventually crucifixion.

The people shouting, “Crucify him,” were the same crowd that shouted, “Hosanna! Save us now!” a week earlier. Don’t be a fickle mob like these people. When we make a decision for Jesus, we need to be “all in.” We’re 100% for Jesus, and we’re not changing our minds!

Don’t follow the mob – follow truth!

Norton Lawellin

Jesus In the City Fellowship

Cock-a-doodle-do!

March 25, 2024 Monday Message:

Mark 14:67 NLT: “The girl noticed Peter warming himself at the fire. She looked at him closely and said, ’You were one of those with Jesus of Nazareth.’”

If Peter had acknowledged being a disciple of Jesus, he would have been arrested on the spot. Instead he denied Jesus to save his own skin. I believe God had something to do with that.

Peter would be the one to spearhead Jesus’ ministry after Jesus returned to the Father. Peter was the one disciple who demonstrated the leadership skills needed to become a leader of “The Way.” Although a wee bit impulsive, Peter possessed the tenacity to step forward and take charge. Perhaps those two traits go together.

So Peter denied Jesus, the rooster crowed and it seemed that all was lost. But God is still on the throne, directing all the action at this point. Everybody was fulfilling God’s vast eternal plan. Jesus would be taking the sins of the world to the place of the dead, thereby absolving mankind. Peter was preserved to become leader of The Way. The Temple hierarchy and Roman soldiers would enforce the false accusations against Jesus. The pieces were all falling into place to complete Jesus’ mission in coming to our planet.

If you want to help with ministry, look for where God is already working and jump in there. Be a part of the winning team!

Norton Lawellin

Jesus In the City Fellowship

Palms lifted up!

For Sunday, March 24, 2024:

Matthew 21:9 NKJV: “The multitudes who went before and those who followed cried out, saying: ‘Hosanna to the Son of David!’ ‘Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!’ ‘Hosanna in the highest!’”

Jesus and his disciples were headed for Jerusalem and the Temple. Passover would soon be starting.

As they neared the city, Jesus sent two of his disciples to borrow a donkey and its colt. “The Lord has need of it.”

Entering the city, they put their clothes on the beast, and Jesus climbed aboard. People lined the parade route with more clothing and with palm fronds. That’s why we call it Palm Sunday. As they processed, the people cried out, ”Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest!”

Hosanna is a Greek word which literally means, “Save now.” That’s quite important. Think about it. You wouldn’t walk up to just anybody on the street and ask them to save you, to redeem you. There has to be a reasonable expectation that they’re able to do it! Which tells us that a great many people in Jesus’ path believed that he could save them, that Jesus was the redeemer, the Son of God!

Yesterday I mentioned mob mentality. This mob wanted Jesus to save them! But the mob on Thursday night/Friday morning would be shouting, “Crucify him!” That’s why we need to collect all the information we can, and think things through to their logical conclusion. When I die, I want to be with the group shouting, “Save us now!”

Norton Lawellin

Jesus In the City Fellowship

Blasphemy!

For Saturday, March 23, 2024:

Mark 14:63-64a NLT: After hearing Jesus claiming to be the I AM, “The high priest tore his clothing to show his horror and said, ‘Why do we need other witnesses? You have all heard his blasphemy.’”

In spite of what they called it, this confrontation with Jesus wasn’t a real trial. Much like Putin being elected President of Russia, the verdict was known before the event ever took place.

Yesterday I pointed out the significance of Jesus calling himself the I AM. But it wouldn’t have mattered much what he said. The high priest called it blasphemy, and anything Jesus said would have been called blasphemy. The high council’s goal wasn’t to conduct a fair trial. The goal from the get-go was to eliminate this man competing for power and tithes. Furthermore, Jesus was teaching a philosophy that differed from the Temple teaching. The Temple teachers were consumed with enforcing the law, while Jesus taught forgiveness and love. Love God, love your neighbor.

So by tearing his clothes and calling Jesus’ testimony blasphemy, the High Priest in effect declared Jesus guilty. All present seemed to be on board. They spit upon Jesus and beat him. Mob mentality prevailed. The mob would do things that no individual would never do.

Don’t ever join the mob!

Norton Lawellin

Jesus In the City Fellowship

I AM!

For Friday, March 22, 2024:

Mark 14:61b NLT: “Then the high priest asked Jesus, ‘Are you the Messiah, the Son of the Blessed One?’”

In Egypt, the Lord spoke to Moses from a burning bush that did not consume itself. God appointed him leader of the Israelite slaves, and sent him to Pharaoh to demand: “Let my people go!” This would be an arduous assignment, but in the end the Lord’s people prevailed.

Moses feared that no one would believe he spoke with the Lord. So he inquired of God, “They’ll ask your name. What should I tell them?”

God replied, “The I AM has sent me to you.” To me, this is one of the highlights of the Bible. God didn’t say, “I WAS some time ago,” and he didn’t say, I WILL BE at some point in the future.” He said, “I AM, always have been and always will be.” God is defining himself as eternal. The Creator will still be with us until the end of time!

So how did Jesus answer the high priest’s question? The same way God responded to Moses’ question: “I AM!” And Jesus continued, “You will see the Son of Man seated in the place of power at God’s right hand, and coming on the clouds of heaven.” In other words, Jesus will ascend to the Father in heaven. As Jesus said, “I and the Father are one.” And when it’s time to judge the earth, Jesus will once again return. We call it the second coming. He’ll be riding his white horse through the clouds in the sky!

And we’ll all say, “The I AM still IS!”

Norton Lawellin

Jesus In the City Fellowship

Kangaroo Court!

For Thursday, March 21, 2024:

Mark 14:60-61a NLT: “Then the high priest stood up before the others and asked Jesus, ‘Well, aren’t you going to answer these charges? What do you have to say for yourself?’ But Jesus was silent and made no reply.”

Imagine being arrested in the middle of the night, and immediate going to trial. No one present would testify on Jesus’ behalf. He had no lawyer and no defense strategy. In fact, everyone in the place was against him.

His accusers presented false testimony; lies! Jesus didn’t answer the charges. If everything being said is a lie, how can you possibly respond to untruths?

Tradition tells us that those against Jesus would have sat in a half circle, facing him. Then the high priest stood, perhaps to be more imposing, more threatening, which tells us that up to that point, Jesus was still considered innocent. Those opposing Jesus hadn’t yet made their case. But someone standing, taking a step forward and yelling appears much more menacing! That’s what the high priest had been reduced to: Putting on a show to support deception; using threats to justify all the lies. I’m glad he’s not my priest!

The conspirators had stacked the deck against Jesus. But it’s not over yet. Remember there are actually six trials, three before Temple leaders and three before Roman leaders. Our place in this is to acknowledge Jesus as the heaven-sent Messiah, God’s Son and our redeemer. Jesus told us he would rise in three days, and we have faith in his words!

Norton Lawellin

Jesus In the City Fellowship

Lies!

For Wednesday, March 20, 2024:

Mark 14:56 NLT: “Many false witnesses spoke against Jesus, but they contradicted each other.”

The trial of Jesus was bogus. The outcome had been decided before the trial began! The ministry of Jesus had been a thorn in the side of the Sanhedrin, who wanted to put an end to this matter.

The leading priests, religious teachers and high council of the temple didn’t know as much about God, heaven and the Torah as Jesus. It made them appear inadequate. Large crowds would gather to hear Jesus teach truths they’d never heard before, and quite a number believed him! Before Jesus, the pecking order at the Temple was set in stone, but now Jesus was disrupting everything. Temple loyalty was being divided. “But,” thought the Temple leaders, “if Jesus was eliminated, it would be easy to once again rein in the populous!”

The only good thing to come of all this is that it was fulfilling Jesus’ mission on earth. It was completing God’s vast eternal plan. At the end, from the cross, Jesus said, “It is finished.” His mission was finished; his task completed; his goal accomplished. Jesus would take the sins of the world to the place of the dead, leaving those who repent and return forgiven, acceptable for an afterlife in the presence of their creator.

That’s why it’s called, “Good Friday!” It’s the day mankind was given a second chance! It’s the day mankind was rescued!

Norton Lawellin

Jesus In the City Fellowship