September 12, 2023 - 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). 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, Judas, 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!

In the grave they laid Him, Love who had been slain,

Thinking that He never would awake again,

Laid in the earth like grain that sleeps unseen:

Love is come again like wheat that springeth green.

Forth He came at Easter, like the risen grain,

Jesus who for three days in the grave had lain;

Quick from the dead the risen One is seen:

Love is come again like wheat that springeth green. --John Macleod Campbell Crum (1966)