Making Our Way to the Cross - Pt 12

 

And you, who were dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made alive together with him, having forgiven us all our trespasses, by canceling the record of debt that stood against us with its legal demands. This he set aside, nailing it to the cross. He disarmed the rulers and authorities and put them to open shame, by triumphing over them in him. (Colossians 2:13–15 ESV).

 

Today is the last devotional of our present series. Tomorrow I’ll be using the events of Passion Week to take us to Easter Sunday. It would be a mistake on my part to fail to mention the utter defeat of death and the devil that Jesus accomplished in His death. John Stott was often referred to as the “closest thing to an evangelical pope” died in July, 2011, at the age of 96. Over the course of his long life he made an enduring mark on the Protestant and Evangelical world. Perhaps his greatest book was The Cross of Christ. I highly recommend it, though it is not a mere weekend read. In it he said:

 

“It would be hard to exaggerate the magnitude of the changes that have taken place as a result of the cross, both in God and in us, especially God’s dealings with us and in our relations with him. Truly, when Christ died and was raised from death, a new day dawned, a new age began.” (John Stott, The Cross of Christ).

 

Turning to the Puritans we can see that they viewed the defeat of Satan at the cross not merely as a symbolic victory, but as a definitive, legal, and cosmic event that shattered the devil’s dominion over humanity. They believed that while Satan remained active, his power to condemn believers was nullified at Calvary, rendering him a "disarmed" and "defeated foe". In our reading today Puritans emphasized that Christ used the cross to cancel the "certificate of debt"—the record of humanity’s sins—nailing it to the cross and removing Satan’s legal grounds for accusation (v. 15).

 

They also taught the disarming of the “Principalities.” This is the expression used to describe that Christ stripped Satan and his demons of their weapons, publicly shaming them by turning his own death into their defeat. Additionally, while rejecting the idea that a ransom was paid to Satan (as he had no lawful right to us), they believed Christ paid the penalty for sin to Divine Justice, which broke the bondage in which Satan held humanity. Through his death and resurrection, Christ paralyzed the power of the devil, who used the fear of death to enslave people.

 

For us today, since Satan has no rightful dominion over a believer's life, we can fight temptations and fear with the assurance that the ultimate conflict has already been won. This is how we may stand firm against this defeated enemy. Of course, there is a battle; however, the outcome is secure. Victory is ours in Christ and His work on the cross. A frequently used quote by an anonymous author says it well:

 

“The Devil whispered in my ear: ‘You’re not strong enough to withstand the storm.’ I whispered back: ‘I am the storm.’”

 

That is true because of Jesus’ work on the Cross!

Making Our Way to Calvary - Pt 11

 

After these things Joseph of Arimathea, who was a disciple of Jesus, but secretly for fear of the Jews, asked Pilate that he might take away the body of Jesus, and Pilate gave him permission. So he came and took away his body. Nicodemus also, who earlier had come to Jesus by night, came bringing a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about seventy-five pounds in weight. So they took the body of Jesus and bound it in linen cloths with the spices, as is the burial custom of the Jews. Now in the place where he was crucified there was a garden, and in the garden a new tomb in which no one had yet been laid. So because of the Jewish day of Preparation, since the tomb was close at hand, they laid Jesus there. (John 19:38–42 ESV).

 

The details of John’s account are incredible. It would be so easy for him to have hurriedly moved passed these verses in favor of the account of the resurrection. Because the Holy Spirit was inspiring his work, we ought to give attention to it also. Notice he mentions the location of the tomb: “Now in the place where he was crucified there was a garden, and in the garden a new tomb in which no one had yet been laid” (v. 41). While there is some disagreement as to the location of this garden among archaeologists and theologians, the two most prominently accepted places are in the Church of the Ascension and the garden near Gordon’s Calvary in Jerusalem. I have visited both places and tend to agree that it is most likely in the church, though the other location is much more beautiful a setting. John Calvin gives us an incredible insight into these details:

 

In the first place, it did not happen by accident, but by an undoubted providence of God, that the body of Christ was buried in a new sepulchre; for although he died as all other men die, still, as he was to be the first-born from the dead, (Colossians 1:18,) and the first-fruits of them that rise, (1 Corinthians 15:20) he had a new sepulcher, in which no person had ever been laid True, Nicodemus and Joseph had a different object in view; for, in consequence of the short time that now remained till sunset, which was the commencement of the Sabbath, they looked to the convenience of the place, but, contrary to their intention God provided for his own Son a sepulchre which had not yet been used. The good men are merely gratified by the place being near at hand, that they might not violate the Sabbath; but God offers them what they did not seek, that the burial of his Son might have some token to distinguish him from the rank of other men. The local situation served also to prove the truth of his resurrection, and to throw no small light on the narrative which is contained in the following chapter. (Calvin’s Commentary on John)

 

It always astounds me how God’s complete plan, while often unknown by men, is revealed in time in all of its perfection. While Jesus enduring the shameful death of crucifixion making the atonement for our sins, He would be buried in the extravagance of the new tomb of the garden. The death that came into humanity in the original garden through Adam and Eve is now replaced with forgiveness and restoration as Jesus goes into this new garden. Soon we will see the glory of the temporary nature of His stay in that place!

 

Making Our Way to Calvary - Pt 10

After these things Joseph of Arimathea, who was a disciple of Jesus, but secretly for fear of the Jews, asked Pilate that he might take away the body of Jesus, and Pilate gave him permission. So he came and took away his body. Nicodemus also, who earlier had come to Jesus by night, came bringing a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about seventy-five pounds in weight. So they took the body of Jesus and bound it in linen cloths with the spices, as is the burial custom of the Jews. Now in the place where he was crucified there was a garden, and in the garden a new tomb in which no one had yet been laid. So because of the Jewish day of Preparation, since the tomb was close at hand, they laid Jesus there. (John 19:38–42 ESV).

 

According to our reading, upon hearing of Jesus' death, this secret disciple of Jesus (Joseph of Arimathea) "… asked Pilate that he might take away the body of Jesus, and Pilate gave him permission" (v. 38).  Joseph immediately purchased a linen shroud and proceeded to Golgotha to take the body of Jesus down from the cross. There, Joseph and Nicodemus took the body and bound it in linen cloths with the spices (myrrh and aloes) that Nicodemus had brought (cf. Luke 23:55-56). We also see that the women "who had come with him from Galilee" prepared the spices and ointments. This attention to the body of Jesus was more than what was typically done. It is significant that it gives credence to the death of Jesus. Some have proffered that Jesus was merely unconscious and the herds and spices combined with the coolness of the tomb revived him. None of this could be true. What was done to the body of Jesus would not have happened had multiple people not made sure He was truly dead. The disciples then conveyed the prepared corpse to a man-made cave hewn from rock in a garden nearby. The Gospel of Matthew alone suggests that this was Joseph's own tomb. The burial was undertaken speedily, "for the Sabbath was drawing on". Of course, this necessitated the visitation to the tomb later by the women.

 

But what should this part of the story mean to us? The answer centers around the identity of Joseph of Arimathea. John gives us the answer in his gospel account (cf. John 19.38): Joseph was a disciple of Jesus, but secretly because he feared the Jews. He was one of those described in John 12.42-3: “…many even among the leaders believed in him. But because of the Pharisees they would not confess their faith for fear they would be put out of the synagogue; for they loved praise from men more than praise from God.” Calvin had something to say about Joseph’s part in the burial:

 

 

If Joseph summoned up his confidence when Christ hung dead on the cross, in his holy desire to do him honor, and we today, after his resurrection from the dead, have not at least the same flourishing zeal for his glory in our hearts—then woe to our idle ways!

 

Can we shrink from the privilege of telling others this great news of redemption? If those who feared so much found their way to tell it, we must be as courageous in sharing our faith! Jesus died for us, was buried, and rose on the third day to proves His work of grace! 

Making Our Way to Calvary - Pt 9

 

Since it was the day of Preparation, and so that the bodies would not remain on the cross on the Sabbath (for that Sabbath was a high day), the Jews asked Pilate that their legs might be broken and that they might be taken away. So the soldiers came and broke the legs of the first, and of the other who had been crucified with him. But when they came to Jesus and saw that he was already dead, they did not break his legs. But one of the soldiers pierced his side with a spear, and at once there came out blood and water. He who saw it has borne witness—his testimony is true, and he knows that he is telling the truth—that you also may believe. For these things took place that the Scripture might be fulfilled: “Not one of his bones will be broken.” And again another Scripture says, “They will look on him whom they have pierced.” (John 19:31–37 ESV).

 

The Reformers, such as Martin Luther and John Calvin, viewed our reading today as a profound confirmation of Christ’s dual nature and the fulfillment of God’s redemptive plan. They focused on the "blood and water" as symbols of the two central sacraments and the "unbroken bones" as proof of Jesus as the ultimate Passover Lamb. Calvin’s commentary focuses on the sovereignty of God and the meticulous fulfillment of prophecy. Calvin argued that the Roman soldiers’ decision not to break Jesus' legs was not an accident but a "divine restraint." He saw this as the literal fulfillment of the Law regarding the Passover Lamb (cf. Exodus 12:46), proving Jesus was the true sacrifice that ends all others. Further he wrote the soldier's spear was a "witness" to the world. He noted that even the enemies of Christ were used by God to fulfill the prophecy of Zechariah 12:10 ("They will look on him whom they have pierced"). He interpreted the water and blood as a "double cure"—one to justify (blood) and one to sanctify (water) the believer.

 

Until that day, though, we continue to look upon Jesus on the cross, not just for our salvation as the Passover lamb, and not just for our continual forgiveness as our cleansing fountain, but also for our perseverance. So until that day, let us remember Jesus’ death on the cross, proclaiming him as our Passover Lamb and inviting all to cleanse in the fountain of forgiveness whenever we gather as a church. Until that day, let us meditate on Jesus’ death as we sit down together at the Lord’s Table, remembering his human body (bread) broken for us and his blood (wine) spilled for us for the forgiveness of sin. Until that day, let us sing of Jesus’ sacrifice, as so many have done before us and as we will all do for all eternity. Until that day, let us sing “Rock of Ages” by Augustus Toplady:

 

Rock of Ages, cleft for me,

Let me hide myself in Thee;

Let the water and the blood,

From Thy riven side which flowed,

Be of sin the double cure,

Save me from its guilt and power.

 

 

Making Our Way to Calvary - Pt 8

 

After this, Jesus, knowing that all was now finished, said (to fulfill the Scripture), “I thirst.” A jar full of sour wine stood there, so they put a sponge full of the sour wine on a hyssop branch and held it to his mouth. When Jesus had received the sour wine, he said, “It is finished,” and he bowed his head and gave up his spirit. (John 19:28–30 ESV).

 

Today we come to the last two “statements on the Cross” as John records Jesus’ words. It should be remembered that John was the only disciple actually present at the crucifixion. While he was the last to write about the events of Jesus’ ministry, his recollection certainly had great influence in the early church. James Russell Miller (1840–1912), was a prolific American Presbyterian author and pastor renowned for his devotional writings. He authored some 60 to 80 books, including bestsellers like In Green Pastures and Silent Times. His works sold over two million copies during his lifetime. He also pastored several influential churches in Pennsylvania and Illinois, notably growing Bethany Presbyterian in Philadelphia from 75 to 1,200 members during his tenure. As we turn our attention to Jesus’ last utterance, it would do well to hear Miller on this topic:

 

The three hours of darkness was ending. The light was breaking. The Scripture tells us that Jesus then cried out in a loud, strong voice. It was not the cry of exhaustion and faintness; it was the shout of a victor. The cross seemed like defeat. Those who understood nothing of the meaning of the life and death of Christ, would think of Him as a man who had failed, all of whose dreams and hopes had perished. But we who understand something at least of the meaning of His mission and of the great purpose of His life, know that nothing failed. "It is finished," was the shout of a victor in the hour of His glorious success. It told of the completion of His work. All had been accomplished that He set out to do. His work was done. He had nothing more to do. There was no reason why He should live an hour longer, for the last task had now been done. A little while before, He said in His prayer in the upper room, "I have glorified you on the earth: I have finished the work which you gave me to do." When He said in dying, "It is finished!" He meant that there was nothing whatever left now for Him to do.

 

The phrase “it is finished” in the original language is τετέλεσται (tetelestai). It is from the root telos; which means to end (i.e. complete, execute, conclude, discharge (a debt), accomplish, make an end, expire, fill up, finish, go over, pay, perform). The root means "reaching the end (aim)." It is well-illustrated with the old pirate's telescope, unfolding (extending out) one stage at a time to function at full-strength achieving the full capacity of effectiveness). Perhaps the most amazing thing about all of Jesus’ death is how the plan of God was completed in that very moment. It was revealed in the moments after Adam and Eve sinned (cf. Genesis 3:15).

 

The is much left to discover about the Cross Event; however, this we can know now. Jesus’ work of atonement was completed in that moment. There is nothing that remains for our debt of sin to be forgiven. That gives me such relief and hope. Even when I wildly succeed in doing a good thing, it would never be enough to pay the debt I owe. It would never be enough to prevent the death I deserve. Only Jesus’ act of sacrifice could do that. And now it is utterly finished! Hallelujah!

 

Making Our Way to Calvary - Pt 7

 

When the soldiers had crucified Jesus, they took his garments and divided them into four parts, one part for each soldier; also his tunic. But the tunic was seamless, woven in one piece from top to bottom, so they said to one another, “Let us not tear it, but cast lots for it to see whose it shall be.” This was to fulfill the Scripture which says, “They divided my garments among them, and for my clothing they cast lots.” So the soldiers did these things, but standing by the cross of Jesus were his mother and his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. (John 19:23–25 ESV).

 

Today as we continue the journey of making our way to the cross, I have come to this portion of the Gospel of John. It is a poignant look at the crass cruelty of Jesus’ execution. The soldiers assigned the task of performing the execution efficiently did their job. They had evidently done it many times before and approached the gruesome task with little or no attention given to either the victim of the bystanders. In fact, they see the clothes that were no doubt taken off Jesus before the scourging and began to divide them among themselves as “spoils” of their duty. The pain and horror must have been unbearable as Mary, her sister, and Mary Magdalene stood by powerless to intervene.

 

I hope you notice the significance of not tearing Jesus’ robe. Arthur Pink, one of the great preachers and writers of the 19^th Century wrote the following:

 

“The deeper significance of this is not difficult to perceive. Garments in Scripture, speak of conduct, as a display of character (cf. Psalms 109:18; 1 Peter 5:5). Now, the Savior’s "coat," His outer garment, was of one piece intimating the unity, the unbroken perfection of His ways. Unlike our "garments," which are, at best, so much patchwork, His robe was "without seam." Moreover, it was "woven from the top throughout" the mind of Him above controlled His every action! This "coat" or "robe" was a costly one, so owned even by the soldiers, for they declined to tear it to pieces. It spoke of the righteousness of Christ, the "robe of righteousness" (cf. Isaiah 61:10 ), the "best robe" (cf. Luke 15) with which the Father clothes each prodigal son. For this "robe" the soldiers cast lots, and we are told in Proverbs 16:33 that "The lot is cast into the lap, but the whole disposing thereof is of the Lord." Thus the action of these soldiers declares that the "best robe" is not left to the caprice of man’s will, but the Lord Himself has determined whose it shall be! Note another contrast; the sinful first Adam was clothed by God; the sinless last Adam was unclothed by wicked men.” – Arthur Pink

 

Humanity has been trying make for themselves “the best robes” since the sin of Adam and Eve. The only clothing that will do is the righteousness of Jesus! And, we do not “cast lots” for that privilege; it is freely given to all those who are the called according to the grace and mercy of God. Turn your thoughts with gratitude for being the child of God and having the best of robes to wear into eternity!

 

Making Our Way to Calvary - Pt 6

 

One of the criminals who were hanged railed at him, saying, “Are you not the Christ? Save yourself and us!” But the other rebuked him, saying, “Do you not fear God, since you are under the same sentence of condemnation? And we indeed justly, for we are receiving the due reward of our deeds; but this man has done nothing wrong.” And he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” And he said to him, “Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in paradise.” (Luke 23:39–43 ESV).

 

As I mentioned in yesterday’s devotional, today we take up the two thieves that were crucified on either side of Jesus. These two thieves, often called the "Good Thief" and the "Bad Thief," are not named in the New Testament but are identified in early Christian tradition—specifically the apocryphal Gospel of Nicodemus—as Dismas (or Dysmas) and Gestas (or Gesmas). Dismas asked for forgiveness and was promised paradise, while Gestas mocked Jesus, dying without grace. St. Gregory the Great, who lived from approximately 540 to March 12, 604 was a pivotal figure in early medieval history, and served as the 64th Pope of the Catholic Church from 590 to 604. In his work, Moralia in Job, he wrote:

 

“On the cross nails had fastened his hands and feet, and nothing remained free from torture, but his heart and tongue. By the inspiration of God, the thief offered to Him the whole which he found free, that as it is written, With the heart he might believe unto righteousness, with the mouth he might confess unto salvation. (Romans 10:10.) But the three virtues which the Apostle speaks of, (1 Corinthians 13:13.) the thief suddenly filled with grace both received and preserved on the cross. He had faith, for example, who believed that God would reign whom he saw dying equally with himself. He had hope who asked for an entrance into His kingdom. He preserved charity also zealously in his death, who for his iniquity reproved his brother and fellow-thief, dying for a like crime to his own.”

 

As we journey through this Lenten season, I pray that we would understand the wholeness of this work of Christ. Nothing needs to be added; it is a completed work. No wonder Jesus told the “good thief” his entrance into paradise would be “that day.” Anatoly of Optina relates a story that when the thief of the Gospel came to the gates of the Kingdom, the Archangel with the flaming sword wanted to chase him away, but he showed him the Cross. Immediately the fire-bearing Archangel himself withdrew and permitted the thief to enter. This was not the wooden cross on which he died; but the Cross of the Lord Jesus. We need no other identification or authentication than that! What will your confession be at that moment? Only faith in Jesus will gain us an open door!