August 20, 2022 - Luke 22-24

“The chief priests and the scribes were looking for a way to put Him to death, because they were afraid of the people” (22:2). “Then Satan entered Judas . . . (22:2). Eating the Passover meal, Jesus said to Peter, ‘Simon, Simon, look out! Satan has asked to sift you like wheat’” (22:31).

The day that Jesus was brought before Pilate and Herod brought a most interesting occurrence. Luke reports, after both of them had questioned Jesus: “That very day Herod and Pilate became friends. Previously, they had been hostile toward each other” (23:12). And the crowds! Luke reports, “But they kept up the pressure demanding with loud voices that He be crucified. And their voices won out” (23:23). And so, “they crucified him” (23:32). “The people stood watching, and even the leaders kept scoffing . . . The soldiers also mocked him” (23:35,36). Even “one of the criminals hanging there began to yell insults at Him” (23:39).

The religious leaders, Satan, political rulers, the crowds, the soldiers, and even one of the crucified criminals . . . they all either sought Jesus’ death, allowed his death, or mocked him in his death. Seemingly, the story was coming to an end. The hope and the promises were crumbling before the disciples’ eyes. But there was one promise that must not be forgotten, the promise that the Messiah would rise! And so, on the first day of the week, the men announced to the women who had come to the tomb: “Why are you looking for the living among the dead? He is not here, but He has been resurrected!” (24:5,6) Indeed!

Christ the Lord is ris’n again;

Christ has broken death’s strong chain.

Hark, the angels shout for joy,

singing evermore on high:

Hallelujah!

He who gave for us his life,

who for us endured the strife,

is our Paschal Lamb today.

We too sing for joy and say:

Hallelujah! --Michael Weisse (1531)