Author Archives: Larry

BIBLICAL CHARACTERS THAT HAD TROUBLE ACCEPTING JESUS #3 | HEROD

Herod is another character that can give a false impression.  He too was a man that held a position of power.  For a brief moment it seemed that he had the opportunity to do the right thing and let Jesus go.  However, Herod was deficient in character.  Not necessarily in the same ways as Pilate, but deficient none-the-less.

When Jesus was brought before Herod we are told that he, “was exceedingly glad; for he had desired for a long time to see Him, because he had heard many things about Him (Jesus), and hoped to see some miracle done by Him.”  It is implied that Herod was not looking for the truth, he was looking for a performance.

We are also told that, “he (Herod) questioned Him (Jesus) with many words, but He answered him nothing.  And the chief priests and scribes stood and vehemently accused Him.  Then Herod, with his men of war, treated Him with contempt and mocked Him, arrayed Him in a gorgeous robe, and sent Him back to Pilate.” Continue reading →

BIBLICAL CHARACTERS THAT HAD TROUBLE ACCEPTING JESUS #2 | PILATE

Pilate is a very deceptive character in Jesus’ story.  At first glace, one might get the impression that Pilate is a strong calculating man.  A leader of men and a ruler of people.  A decisive man willing to take charge, if you will.

However, when we read the gospel accounts, we find that Pilate is a different kind of man.

Pilate is thrust into a decision making role concerning Jesus, after the religious leaders dumped Jesus on him, then demanded that Jesus be put to death.  After taking Jesus into custody, Pilate performed a thorough interrogation of Him.  Of his own admission, he could find no fault with Jesus.  He came to the conclusion that there was no merit to the claims that the religious leaders brought against Him.  Yet, Pilate lacked the courage to do what was right.  Instead of letting Jesus go, he shipped Him off to Herod as a way to relieve himself of any responsibility. Continue reading →

BIBLICAL CHARACTERS THAT HAD TROUBLE ACCEPTING JESUS | #1 THE PHARISEES

These folks found it hard to have a healthy relationship with Jesus because they were consumed with what they had to give up.  Jesus brought a different kind of message that turned things upside down for the religious elite.  These folks were concerned with power, affluence, and prestige.  Jesus message of servanthood, sacrifice, and selflessness challenged the way of life these powerful people were accustomed to.

I have spoken to a lot of people that only see a potential relationship with God through the lens of what they might have to give up.  If this is Your lens then you will  find it difficult to have a healthy relationship with God.

When I was under conviction by the Holy Spirit and considering my eternal future, I was someone that drank alcohol, and frequently got drunk.  I remember having a conversation during that time and expressing that I didn’t feel like I should have to give up alcohol to be a Christian.  I was viewing a potential relationship with God, through the lens of what I would have to give up. Continue reading →

THE RESURRECTION CAUSED JESUS’ BROTHERS TO BELIEVE

Photo by Jacob Meyer on Unsplash

These are the words of the Apostle Paul:

12 Now if Christ is preached, that He has been raised from the dead, how do some among you say that there is no resurrection of the dead? 13 But if there is no resurrection of the dead, not even Christ has been raised; 14 and if Christ has not been raised, then our preaching is vain, your faith also is vain.

— 1 Corinthians 15:12-14 (NASB)

Paul believed that the resurrection of Christ was at the heart of the Christian message.  Without it, he says, all is in vain.  Unfortunately, in our time, there are too many pastors that neglect this most important event in their teaching and preaching;  we hope not to be numbered among them. Continue reading →

THE SUFFERING OF JESUS

Photo by Aaron Burden on Unsplash

The Garden Of Gethsemane

It is easy to focus on the physical suffering of Jesus and forget that He also suffered emotionally and spiritually.  We get our first glimpse of Jesus suffering in the Garden of Gethsemane.  His emotional struggle is most evident here,during a time of prayer.  Jesus was under such intense stress and anxiety that He suffered from a condition called hematidrosis; a condition in which capillary blood vessels that feed the sweat glands rupture, causing them to exude blood.

Also during this time, we get a glimpse of the great spiritual struggle that Jesus is having with being obedient to death on the cross.  He pleaded with God to take the cup from Him, and provide another way.  No doubt His impending physical suffering was weighing heavily on His heart.  Continue reading →