Good Friday

No greater love exists. God’s gift of salvation in Jesus was already in place in the Garden Of Eden. He knew that Adam and Eve would be deceived and that only His mercy and grace could save us from ourselves. 

Jesus did what only He could…all God and all Man He chose to be obedient even to death on a cross.

Note the contrast between Peter and Jesus. By fighting the guard, Simon Peter vehemently exercised his own self-will; Jesus in contrast voluntarily submitted to the will of God. One swung the sword of self-will; the other drank from the cup of God’s will.

God with us” became “God for us” by giving up His life to rescue us so that we could know Him personally. That’s what makes Good Friday “good.

John 19:30 When Jesus had received the sour wine, he said, “It is finished,” and he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.

Oneness is the way of the kingdom of God in the world. Gospel-centered, kingdom-oriented unity has always been a unity within diversity. Unity does not occur when we become the same. True, robust, healthy and vibrant unity happens within our unique and diverse expressions. The church is best expressed as a bouquet of unique flowers rather than twelve red roses. We are better together. 

Jesus prayed we would be one. Let’s do all we can to honor Him as followers of Jesus seeking oneness, unity, harmony, wholeness, flourishing, and delight. I pray our oneness and unity will give the world an ancient taste of Eden and a future taste of the new heaven and new earth fully realized. Lifeway

John 17:20 “I pray not only for these, but also for those who believe in me through their word. 21 May they all be one, as you, Father, are in me and I am in you. May they also be[a] in us, so that the world may believe you sent me.

Matthew 26:47-56

47 And while He was still speaking, behold, Judas, one of the twelve, with a great multitude with swords and clubs, came from the chief priests and elders of the people. 48 Now His betrayer had given them a sign, saying, “Whomever I kiss, He is the One; seize Him.” 49 Immediately he went up to Jesus and said, “Greetings, Rabbi!” and kissed Him. 50 But Jesus said to him, “Friend, why have you come?” Then they came and laid hands on Jesus and took Him. 51 And suddenly, one of those who were with Jesus stretched out his hand and drew his sword, struck the servant of the high priest, and cut off his ear. 52 But Jesus said to him, “Put your sword in its place, for all who take the sword will perish by the sword. 53 Or do you think that I cannot now pray to My Father, and He will provide Me with more than twelve legions of angels? 54 How then could the Scriptures be fulfilled, that it must happen thus?” 55 In that hour Jesus said to the multitudes, “Have you come out, as against a robber, with swords and clubs to take Me? I sat daily with you, teaching in the temple, and you did not seize Me. 56 But all this was done that the Scriptures of the prophets might be fulfilled.” Then all the disciples forsook Him and fled.

Mark 14:43-52

43 And immediately, while He was still speaking, Judas, one of the twelve, with a great multitude with swords and clubs, came from the chief priests and the scribes and the elders. 44 Now His betrayer had given them a signal, saying, “Whomever I kiss, He is the One; seize Him and lead Him away safely.” 45 As soon as he had come, immediately he went up to Him and said to Him, “Rabbi, Rabbi!” and kissed Him. 46 Then they laid their hands on Him and took Him. 47 And one of those who stood by drew his sword and struck the servant of the high priest, and cut off his ear. 48 Then Jesus answered and said to them, “Have you come out, as against a robber, with swords and clubs to take Me? 49 I was daily with you in the temple teaching, and you did not seize Me. But the Scriptures must be fulfilled.” 50 Then they all forsook Him and fled. 51 Now a certain young man followed Him, having a linen cloth thrown around his naked body. And the young men laid hold of him, 52 and he left the linen cloth and fled from them naked.

Luke 22:47-53

47 And while He was still speaking, behold, a multitude; and he who was called Judas, one of the twelve, went before them and drew near to Jesus to kiss Him. 48 But Jesus said to him, “Judas, are you betraying the Son of Man with a kiss?” 49 When those around Him saw what was going to happen, they said to Him, “Lord, shall we strike with the sword?” 50 And one of them struck the servant of the high priest and cut off his right ear. 51 But Jesus answered and said, “Permit even this.” And He touched his ear and healed him. 52 Then Jesus said to the chief priests, captains of the temple, and the elders who had come to Him, “Have you come out, as against a robber, with swords and clubs? 53 When I was with you daily in the temple, you did not try to seize Me. But this is your hour, and the power of darkness.”

John 18:2-12

2 And Judas, who betrayed Him, also knew the place; for Jesus often met there with His disciples. 3 Then Judas, having received a detachment of troops, and officers from the chief priests and Pharisees, came there with lanterns, torches, and weapons. 4 Jesus therefore, knowing all things that would come upon Him, went forward and said to them, “Whom are you seeking?” 5 They answered Him, “Jesus of Nazareth.” Jesus said to them, “I am He.” And Judas, who betrayed Him, also stood with them. 6 Now when He said to them, “I am He,” they drew back and fell to the ground. 7 Then He asked them again, “Whom are you seeking?” And they said, “Jesus of Nazareth.” 8 Jesus answered, “I have told you that I am He. Therefore, if you seek Me, let these go their way,” 9 that the saying might be fulfilled which He spoke, “Of those whom You gave Me I have lost none.” 10 Then Simon Peter, having a sword, drew it and struck the high priest’s servant, and cut off his right ear. The servant’s name was Malchus. 11 So Jesus said to Peter, “Put your sword into the sheath. Shall I not drink the cup which My Father has given Me?” 12 Then the detachment of troops and the captain and the officers of the Jews arrested Jesus and bound Him. 13 And they led Him away to Annas first, for he was the father-in-law of Caiaphas who was high priest that year. 14 Now it was Caiaphas who advised the Jews that it was expedient that one man should die for the people.

The New King James Version 

A detachment was a cohort of about six hundred men, or one-tenth of a legion. However, sometimes this Greek word was used for one-third of a cohort, or two hundred men. These soldiers were probably the experienced Roman troops stationed at the Antonia, a fortress near the temple. The officers who came with the detachment were members of the temple police under the command of the Jewish council, the Sanhedrin. 

Knowing He was about to be arrested, Jesus could have escaped, but He did not. He submitted Himself voluntarily to the ordeal that was ordained by God. 

For a moment, Christ unveiled His majesty. His statement of deity, I am, manifested such glory that it literally threw the soldiers to the ground. 

For the third time in this passage, Jesus claimed to be I am, echoing God’s self-revelation in Exodus 3:14. 

As He was being arrested, Jesus demonstrated His love for the apostles.

Jesus mercifully restored the ear that Peter cut off. He often does the same in our lives when we act rashly. His purposes are fulfilled in spite of us. The NKJV Study Bible

Matthew 20:22 But Jesus answered and said, “You do not know what you ask. Are you able to drink the cup that I am about to drink, and be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with?”They said to Him, “We are able.”

John 18:7 Then He asked them again, “Whom are you seeking?”And they said, “Jesus of Nazareth.”

John 18:12 Then the detachment of troops and the captain and the officers of the Jews arrested Jesus and bound Him.

Acts 19:11-12

We serve a miracle working God. He hears the prayers of those who believe in Him. He can do what we cannot but His ways are above our ways. They are sometimes hard to understand. Why are some prayers answered and some not? God is sovereign and always has the final say. One day we will know the reason. Jesus prayed in the garden for His Father to take away the crucifixion that was awaiting Him...but He also prayed that the Father's will be done, not His.

God uses even the faith of a mustard seed, one of the smallest of the seeds, to accomplish His will in our lives.

Jesus wasn’t in the boat with his disciples because he had gone to the hills to pray. Jesus prayed – that’s remarkable. It’s even more remarkable that Jesus did not stop praying when his disciples were struggling. Why? Well two possible answers. Either he didn’t care, or he believed in prayer. I think you know the correct choice.

So while Jesus is praying and we are in the storm, what are we to do? Simple. We just do what the disciples did. 

He is too wise to forget you, too loving to hurt you. And when you can’t see him, trust him. He is praying a prayer that he himself will answer. Max Lucado

Acts 19:11-12

11 Now God worked unusual miracles by the hands of Paul, 12 so that even handkerchiefs or aprons were brought from his body to the sick, and the diseases left them and the evil spirits went out of them. The New King James Version

Because Ephesus is a key city for travel and business, it allowed Paul’s testimony of Jesus to spread throughout the Roman province of Asia (a region on the west coast of modern-day Turkey). People visiting Ephesus had the opportunity to hear Paul preach the gospel, and those who believed would have then spread the message to the various places they visited and lived.

This evokes the story of a woman being healed by merely touching Jesus, showing that the power of the Holy Spirit continues the work of Jesus in the life of Paul. Faithlife Study Bible

God confirmed Paul’s apostolic authority by performing miracles through him. The writer of the Book of Hebrews helps us understand why miracles were accomplished through the apostles. The miracles verified that the apostles represented God and that the gospel they preached was from heaven. God may have used such unusual means in order to show that His miraculous power was greater than the powers of darkness. The NKJV Study Bible

Mark 16:17 And these signs will follow those who believe: In My name they will cast out demons; they will speak with new tongues;

Acts 5:12 And through the hands of the apostles many signs and wonders were done among the people. And they were all with one accord in Solomon’s Porch.

Acts 5:15 so that they brought the sick out into the streets and laid them on beds and couches, that at least the shadow of Peter passing by might fall on some of them.

Acts 8:13 Then Simon himself also believed; and when he was baptized he continued with Philip, and was amazed, seeing the miracles and signs which were done.

1 Corinthians 5:9-11

Something to keep in our spirit  during this time in history.

On those hard days, we can trust God's faithfulness to us and pray boldly, knowing our God is able to do far more than we could ever hope or imagine (Ephesians 3:20). First5 

“God will always give what is right to his people who cry to him night and day, and he will not be slow to answer them.” That’s a promise of Scripture (Luke 18:7 NCV) and what a promise to cherish.  Max Lucado

Ephesians 5:11 And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather expose them.

1 Corinthians 5:11 But now I have written to you not to keep company with anyone named a brother, who is sexually immoral, or covetous, or an idolater, or a reviler, or a drunkard, or an extortioner—not even to eat with such a person.

1 Corinthians 5:9-11

9 I wrote to you in my epistle not to keep company with sexually immoral people. 10 Yet I certainly did not mean with the sexually immoral people of this world, or with the covetous, or extortioners, or idolaters, since then you would need to go out of the world. 11 But now I have written to you not to keep company with anyone named a brother, who is sexually immoral, or covetous, or an idolater, or a reviler, or a drunkard, or an extortioner—not even to eat with such a person. 

12 For what have I to do with judging those also who are outside? Do you not judge those who are inside? 13 But those who are outside God judges. Therefore “put away from yourselves the evil person.” The New King James Version

Paul is not referring to the sexually immoral people of the world (his mission field), but to those who call themselves Christians and participate in sexual immorality. He views such people as dangerous to the overall health of the congregation since they may entice others to follow them in sin. 

In Paul’s time, sharing a meal communicated that the participants shared values. Paul does not want shared meals to implicitly express approval for the man’s immorality. 

Paul intends for the immoral believer to be expelled so that he may repent and then be restored back to the community. Faithlife Study Bible

My epistle refers to an earlier letter from Paul to the Corinthians that no longer survives. 

Christians are called to influence the world, not run away from it. They are agents of God to carry the light of Jesus Christ into a dark world.

Eating together is a key part of fellowship and closeness with others. The Corinthians were not to have fellowship with those who claimed to be Christians but whose lives were dominated by sin. The church’s responsibility is to discipline its members while trusting the Lord to judge the world. The NKJV Study Bible

Christians are to avoid familiar converse with all who disgrace the Christian name. Such are only fit companions for their brethren in sin, and to such company they should be left, whenever it is possible to do so. Alas, that there are many called Christians, whose conversation is more dangerous than that of heathens! Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

1 Corinthians 6:10 nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners will inherit the kingdom of God.

2 Thessalonians 3:6 But we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you withdraw from every brother who walks disorderly and not according to the tradition which he received from us.

Mark 16:9-16

When Holy Spirit calls answer. In Jesus alone is the fullness of the Godhead and in His redeeming blood is everlasting life.

John 3:18 “He who believes in Him is not condemned; but he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.

Jesus, whose name is above all names (Philippians 2:9-10), thought of us as He went to the cross to redeem us from our sins and secure for us an inheritance in heaven. "And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved" (Acts 4:12).

Our salvation was both Jesus' unique responsibility and His priority. Because of His love for us, "though he was in the form of God, [he] did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross" (Philippians 2:6-8). There is no greater love (John 15:12-13). First5 

“Be doers of the word, and not hearers only” (James 1:22 NKJV).

We’re only as strong as our obedience. Remember who you are: you are God’s child. You’ve been bought by the most precious commodity in the history of the universe, the blood of Christ. You are indwelled by the Spirit of the living God, and you are being equipped for an eternal assignment that will empower you to live in the very presence of God. You have been set apart for a holy calling; you are his.The devil has no jurisdiction over you. So decide right now what you will say when temptation presents itself. In advance, choose obedience. Max Lucado

Mark 16:9-16

9 Now when He rose early on the first day of the week, He appeared first to Mary Magdalene, out of whom He had cast seven demons. 10 She went and told those who had been with Him, as they mourned and wept. 11 And when they heard that He was alive and had been seen by her, they did not believe. 12 After that, He appeared in another form to two of them as they walked and went into the country. 13 And they went and told it to the rest, but they did not believe them either. 14 Later He appeared to the eleven as they sat at the table; and He rebuked their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they did not believe those who had seen Him after He had risen. 15 And He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. 16 He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned. The New King James Version

Although the women had been commissioned to tell of Jesus’ resurrection, none had actually seen Jesus until He appeared first to Mary Magdalene. Jesus’ resurrection was evidently not expected by anyone in spite of His repeated predictions. The Resurrection itself resulted in faith, rather than the expectation thereof.

Jesus’ appearance in another form may indicate that He appeared differently to the two on the road than He had appeared to Jesus’ followers before. The identity of the two who walked is not entirely stated. However, one is identified as Cleopas, and it has been suggested that he was accompanied by his wife. 

After Judas’ demise the disciples were known for a while as the eleven. Jesus upbraided these disciples for not believing the accounts of eyewitnesses, but He pronounced a blessing on “those who have not seen and yet have believed” (John 20:29). 

He who does not believe will be condemned. Those who believe in Christ will be saved. The NKJV Study Bible

Matthew 28:17 When they saw Him, they worshiped Him; but some doubted.

Matthew 28:19 Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,

Luke 24:11 And their words seemed to them like idle tales, and they did not believe them.

Luke 24:41 But while they still did not believe for joy, and marveled, He said to them, “Have you any food here?”

John 14:27-28

PEACE, blessed peace. trust God, in the fullness of the Trinity, to accomplish His will in your life. Be still and know that He is God.

Colossians 3:15 And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful. 

God sent Jesus, His Son, to earth to face an outcome that was not appealing. In fact, we know Jesus was wracked with grief as He faced His journey to the cross (Matthew 26:38). And yet sending Jesus to redeem the world was the right way for God to ensure salvation for all who believe (1 John 4:9-10).

The decisions we face will sometimes be hard. However, we can rest assured that our decision to embrace Jesus as our Redeemer and to follow Him in obedience always leads us the right way. First5 

John 14:27-28

27 Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. 28 You have heard Me say to you, ‘I am going away and coming back to you.’ If you loved Me, you would rejoice because I said, ‘I am going to the Father,’ for My Father is greater than I. The New King James Version

The customary good-bye among the Jews was to say shalom, meaning “peace.” The Lord was about to depart, so He added to this farewell by saying, My peace. 

This is no conventional wish; this is Jesus’ personal, special grant of peace. The peace that Christ gives banishes fear and dread from the heart, for Jesus is in control of all circumstances. 

“My Father is greater than I” does not mean that Jesus is less than deity. Greater indicates a difference in rank. As the humble, submissive Son, Jesus submitted Himself to the authority of His Father. The NKJV Study Bible

Peace refers to wholeness in their relationship with God. They now have a way (the Spirit) to reach God—unencumbered by rituals, sacrifices, or laws—and atonement for their sins (Jesus’ death and resurrection), so that they are free to communicate with God and be in His presence. 

Jesus wants His disciples to know that His coming suffering and death is not the end of His ministry; it is the beginning of His ministry’s final purpose and the completion of God’s will for Jesus’ life. Jesus’ disciples should have rejoiced and recognized this was essential for Him to complete God’s work and to unite them with God the Father. Faithlife Study Bible

Peace is put for all good, and Christ has left us all that is really and truly good, all the promised good; peace of mind from our justification before God. This Christ calls his peace, for he is himself our Peace. The peace of God widely differs from that of Pharisees or hypocrites, as is shown by its humbling and holy effects. Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

John 10:29 My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of My Father’s hand.

John 14:3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also.

John 16:33 These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.”

Philippians 4:7 and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

Mark 11:22-24

God hears our prayers and Jesus is our mediator. Whatever we ask in His name He receives. 

Faith pleases God and within the bounds of His will and Commandments we can expect His hand in all that we pray for.

1 Corinthians 13:2 And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing.

Likewise, in the stressful, chaotic, ever-changing patterns of our lives, God calls us to be still. Allow Him to be who He is and to do what only He can do. Listen to His heart, dear one; He longs to hold you close. 

Jesus settled our salvation on Calvary and then returned to the Father's side to prepare a place for us in heaven. In the meantime, while these preparations are being made, His promise to return is not empty. As Christians, we have been given the gift of the Holy Spirit while we wait on the Lord's return (Ephesians 1:13-14). We've been given "all things that pertain to life and godliness" (2 Peter 1:3) and "every spiritual blessing" (Ephesians 1:3), so we have much to be thankful for today.

We also have much to look forward to. 

Commentator Warren Wiersbe states, "Whatever God starts, He finishes; and what He does, He does well" (Philippians 1:6;  Mark 7:37). We can be certain that Jesus will make His return in His time and that we are not left alone while we wait. First5 

Mark 11:22-24

22 So Jesus answered and said to them, “Have faith in God. 23 For assuredly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, ‘Be removed and be cast into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that those things he says will be done, he will have whatever he says. 24 Therefore I say to you, whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you will have them. The New King James Version

The illustration of casting an enormous mountain into the sea is an extreme example of the absolutely impossible. That is the point. Having faith in God can accomplish the impossible. Mark had previously emphasized Jesus’ insistence on simply believing. The NKJV Study Bible

Christ taught them from hence to pray in faith. It may be applied to that mighty faith with which all true Christians are endued, and which does wonders in spiritual things. It justifies us, and so removes mountains of guilt, never to rise up in judgment against us. Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

Matthew 7:7 “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.

Matthew 7:8 For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened.

Matthew 17:20 So Jesus said to them, “Because of your unbelief; for assuredly, I say to you, if you have faith as a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you.

Matthew 21:21 So Jesus answered and said to them, “Assuredly, I say to you, if you have faith and do not doubt, you will not only do what was done to the fig tree, but also if you say to this mountain, ‘Be removed and be cast into the sea,’ it will be done.

Colossians 4:1–6

The hidden, secret, mystery of Christ…that through Him the world could be saved. John 3:17. our hope is in our faith  in Him alone.

God’s agape love for all of mankind, revealed in Jesus, covers a multitude of sins.

Grace, undeserved, unmerited, amazing grace!

“We can only be said to be alive in those moments when our hearts are conscious of our treasures.” Thornton Wilder.

God’s call to courage is not a call to naïveté or ignorance. We aren’t oblivious to the storms. We just counterbalance them with long looks at God’s. Max Lucado

Colossians 4:1–6

4 Masters, give your bondservants what is just and fair, knowing that you also have a Master in heaven. 2 Continue earnestly in prayer, being vigilant in it with thanksgiving; 3 meanwhile praying also for us, that God would open to us a door for the word, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in chains, 4 that I may make it manifest, as I ought to speak. 5 Walk in wisdom toward those who are outside, redeeming the time. 6 Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one. The New King James Version

The Colossians must stay alert for false teachings that contradict the gospel message. Jesus gave His disciples a similar warning prior to His arrest. 

Paul encourages the Colossians to partner with him in his preaching ministry through prayer. 

God’s plan of redemption for creation and humanity are revealed. This mystery has been revealed through Jesus Christ and the teaching of His apostles. Paul refers to practical and transformational wisdom, not intellectual insight. Those who apply such wisdom can reflect God’s values and character. 

In the ancient world, salt was used to preserve food and enhance flavor. Conversation that is figuratively seasoned with salt is uplifting.  Faithlife Study Bible

Paul does not concern himself only with servants or employees. Employers also have a duty not to take advantage of employees. Instead they should offer a just wage, proper benefits, and adequate rest. In contemporary societies, many of these benefits are required by government regulations. But how much better when Christian employers treat their employees well for the Lord’s sake, knowing that they too have a Master in heaven.

Paul encourages the Colossians to be diligent in thanksgiving and prayer, especially praying for himself and his coworkers as they worked at spreading the gospel. Even the apostle Paul requested and needed the prayers of others to support him. 

Early Christians were often viewed with suspicion, distrust, and disdain. They were considered atheists because they would not worship the gods of Rome and Greece. Many labeled them as unpatriotic because they would not burn incense before the image of the emperor. Others harbored suspicions that Christians were really cannibals, who ate and drank the blood and the body of the Lord. With such misrepresentations of Christian belief and practice running rampant, it was very important for misunderstandings to be dispelled by the virtuous and impeccable lives of Christian believers. The NKJV Study Bible

Though it be not always of grace, it must always be with grace. Though our discourse be of that which is common, yet it must be in a Christian manner. 

Grace is the salt which seasons our discourse, and keeps it from corrupting. It is not enough to answer what is asked, unless we answer aright also. Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

Mark 9:50 Salt is good, but if the salt loses its flavor, how will you season it? Have salt in yourselves, and have peace with one another.”

Ephesians 5:15 See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise,

Ephesians 5:16 redeeming the time, because the days are evil.

Luke 21:29–33

Every day we draw closer to Jesus’ return. Every day the  Kingdom of God is closer. 

Our Redeemer lives!

We were endangered by separation and wrath from God because of our sin (Romans 3:23). We were enslaved to sin (Romans 6:16-18). We owed a debt we could not pay (Romans 6:23;  1 Corinthians 6:20). We needed a Redeemer.

Jesus, willingly laid down His life for our redemption." No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have authority to lay it down, and I have authority to take it up again. This charge I have received from my Father" (John 10:18). He gave His life for ours. First5 

“The boat was now in the middle of the sea, tossed by the waves, for the wind was contrary” (Matthew 14:24).

Peter and his fellow storm riders knew they were in trouble. The boat lurched and lunged like a kite in a March wind. An apt description for the stormy seasons of life, right? But then the unspeakable happened. The disciples spotted someone coming on the water. They didn’t expect Jesus to come to them this way.

Neither did we. We never expected to see him in a divorce, death, lawsuit, or jail cell. We never expected to see him in a storm. But it is in storms that he does his finest work, for it is in storms he has our keenest attention. Jesus replies to their fear with an invitation worthy of inscription on every church cornerstone and archway. He said, “Courage! I am! Don’t be afraid” (Matthew 14:27). Max Lucado

Luke 21:29–33

29 Then He spoke to them a parable: “Look at the fig tree, and all the trees. 30 When they are already budding, you see and know for yourselves that summer is now near. 31 So you also, when you see these things happening, know that the kingdom of God is near. 32 Assuredly, I say to you, this generation will by no means pass away till all things take place. 33 Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will by no means pass away. The New King James Version

Jesus delivers a parable about a fig tree, encouraging His disciples to discern the signs of the times especially the final signs before His second coming. The culmination of apocalyptic events is the arrival of the Son of Man—Jesus—in power and glory and the full establishment of God’s reign. Faithlife Study Bible

The tender buds that appear every spring on trees show that summer is approaching; the appearance of the signs Jesus describes will warn of the coming of the end times. The cosmic signs and earthly chaos are indications that the decisive and consummate rule of God is approaching. 

The most likely meaning of this verse is that when the end comes, it will come quickly. The events of the end times will fall within one generation from start to finish. 

The word generation can also refer to a race. Thus it may mean that the Jews will continue to exist as a people until the end. The disciples had the assurance that Jesus’ promises concerning the end times were more certain than creation itself. God made an unconditional and unilateral covenant, and He will keep it. The NKJV Study Bible

Christ tells his disciples to observe the signs of the times, which they might judge by. He charges them to look upon the ruin of the Jewish nation as near. Yet this race and family of Abraham shall not be rooted out; it shall survive as a nation, and be found as prophesied, when the Son of man shall be revealed. He cautions them against being secure and sensual. 

This command is given to all Christ’s disciples, Take heed to yourselves, that ye be not overpowered by temptations, nor betrayed by your own corruptions. We cannot be safe, if we are carnally secure. Our danger is, lest the day of death and of judgment should come upon us when we are not prepared. Lest, when we are called to meet our Lord, that be the furthest from our thoughts, which ought to be nearest our hearts. 

For so it will come upon the most of men, who dwell upon the earth, and mind earthly things only, and have no converse with heaven. It will be a terror and a destruction to them. Here see what should be our aim, that we may be accounted worthy to escape all those things; that when the judgements of God are abroad, we may not be in the common calamity, or it may not be that to us which it is to others. Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

Isaiah 40:8 

The grass withers, the flower fades,

But the word of our God stands forever.”

Matthew 5:18 For assuredly, I say to you, till heaven and earth pass away, one jot or one tittle will by no means pass from the law till all is fulfilled.

1 Peter 3:13–17

Follow Christ and His way, not a political party.

Trust God and follow His commands to love HIM above all and others as yourself. In so doing we will fulfill His will in our life!

Isaiah 8:12 

“Do not say, ‘A conspiracy,

’Concerning all that this people call a conspiracy,

Nor be afraid of their threats, nor be troubled.

1 Peter 2:15 

For this is the will of God, that by doing good you may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men—

God calls each of us not only to be hearers of His Word but also doers (James 1:22-25). …as Christians, we're called to demonstrate loyalty, faithfulness and devotion to others, and most importantly to God, for the long run (Hebrews 12:1). That's how we finish strong. First5 

1 Peter 3:13–17

13 And who is he who will harm you if you become followers of what is good? 14 But even if you should suffer for righteousness’ sake, you are blessed. “And do not be afraid of their threats, nor be troubled.” 15 But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear; 16 having a good conscience, that when they defame you as evildoers, those who revile your good conduct in Christ may be ashamed. 17 For it is better, if it is the will of God, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil. The New King James Version

By experiencing suffering for being Christians, believers identify with Jesus. Believers demonstrate their faith by sharing in Jesus’ sufferings; they learn what it means to be like Him in their anguish. They can have joy because they honor God through their suffering and know that God will vindicate their faithfulness one day. Paul and James, sees this as a reason for celebration and joy. 

Suffering refers to Jesus’ second coming. Peter often appeals to Christ’s future return to ground his teaching in a real event. Peter calls believers to find joy in their suffering and trials. The response to suffering Peter demands is counterintuitive to the natural human desire to avoid difficulty, but ultimately demonstrates the believers’ trust in the power of Christ’s sufferings and God’s judgment. 

Peter identifies a wrong kind of suffering: suffering for the sake of evil criminal activity. He discourages this kind of suffering, which comes as a consequence of sin. Peter mentions two sins that can result in social persecution, but not necessarily criminal prosecution. Believers should avoid behavior that is dishonoring to other people in general.

Here Peter probably uses the term to affirm believers’ identification with Christ and His sufferings. It likely refers to future judgment at Jesus’ return rather than present sufferings. Those who suffer for Christ’s sake can be confident that God’s judgment will validate their hardship. 

Peter maintains that God will judge all people impartially, but also stresses that He will begin with His own people. All people will be held accountable for their actions, even though God will grant mercy to those who chose the path of faith in Jesus. Faithlife Study Bible

Since not everything in the world functions as it should, even those who do God’s will may undergo suffering. Believers should make certain that when they suffer it is only because they have served God faithfully and not because they have done anything wrong. 

God specially honors those who suffer for doing what is right. Believers should acknowledge the eternal holiness of Christ by revering Him as the Lord of the universe who is in control of all things. 

Meekness is not weakness. Scripture indicates that both Moses and Christ were meek men; however, they were certainly not weak men. 

Fear implies a high degree of reverence or respect. Peter is not encouraging believers to seek out situations in which they will experience suffering. Instead, he is saying that believers should make certain that when they suffer it is the result of having been faithful to God rather than because they have done evil. Suffering may be part of God’s perfect and wise plan for a believer. The NKJV Study Bible

Surely it is better to suffer for well-doing than for evil-doing, whatever our natural impatience at times may suggest. The example of Christ is an argument for patience under sufferings. 

In the case of our Lord’s suffering, he that knew no sin, suffered instead of those who knew no righteousness. The blessed end and design of our Lord’s sufferings were, to reconcile us to God, and to bring us to eternal glory. 

He was put to death in respect of his human nature, but was quickened and raised by the power of the Holy Spirit. If Christ could not be freed from sufferings, why should Christians think to be so? God takes exact notice of the means and advantages people in all ages have had. Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

Isaiah 8:13 

The LORD of hosts, 

Him you shall hallow;

Let Him be your fear,

And let Him be your dread.

1 Peter 4:15 But let none of you suffer as a murderer, a thief, an evildoer, or as a busybody in other people’s matters.