• “He saved others,” they said, “but he can’t save himself! (Matthew 27:42)

     

    The name Jesus means Savior.  That is quite simply what Jesus came to do.  He came to save.  Throughout his time on earth, the Son of God did just that. 

     

    He saved a woman from stoning and another from demon possession.  He saved hundreds from diseases.  He even saved people from death.  The soldiers were right when they said, "He saved others." Jesus was great at it.  But when it came time to save himself, Jesus did nothing. (MORE)

  • Then he released Barabbas to them. But he had Jesus flogged, and handed him over to be crucified. (Matthew 27:26)


    There are several odd things that happened the day Jesus died. This is one of them. We know a little about Barabbas' past and it's not good. He was an insurrectionist. He was a guy who tried to overthrow the government. Perhaps he led the insurrection or was one of the people the Romans were able to round up. More than likely he killed a Roman soldier or official. But that's all we know about him. Now he was in prison waiting to be crucified. He knew what he did wrong. He knew what he deserved. He was just waiting for it. Then Jesus showed up. (MORE)

  • He denied it again, with an oath: “I don’t know the man!” (Matthew 26:72)

     

    It didn't take long or too much prodding before Peter turned on Jesus.  Earlier in the night Peter boldly proclaimed, "Even if all fall away from you, I never will."  Peter even pulled out a sword to defend Jesus when he was being arrested.  That was just a couple hours earlier, maybe, when it happened.  Now Peter is denying he ever knew Jesus.  He called down curses on himself.  It happened so quickly.  Doesn't it make you sad?  (MORE) 

  • Truly I tell you, wherever this gospel is preached throughout the world, what she has done will also be told, in memory of her.” (Matthew 26:13)


    Mary wanted to say thank you to Jesus. Mary wanted to confess her faith in Jesus. She saw Jesus raise her brother Lazarus from death to life. She knew and trusted Jesus was the promised Messiah, her Savior. So she chose to do something for him that would draw attention to that. What she did was lavish. It was vivid. It was demonstrative. She anointed Jesus with a very expensive perfume.  (MORE)