Preparing for Easter Family Devotion (Day 26) - At the Foot of the Cross

"The people stood watching, and the rulers even sneered at Him. They said, 'He saved others; let Him save Himself if He is the Christ of God, the Chosen One.'...But all those who knew Him, including the women who had followed Him from Galilee, stood at a distance, watching these things." Luke 23:35, 49

At the Foot of the Cross

by by Peggie C. Bohanon

They gathered at the Cross that day--the women who loved Him; the guards who stole from Him; the crowd who watched Him--they were all there, to worship, to weep, to mock, to scorn--and to see! They were rich and poor; wise and unlearned; tall and thin, short and plump; well-dressed and in rags--they were all there...at the foot of the Cross.

We gather at the Cross today too--the people who love Him; the wicked who hate him; the indifferent who pass by Him. We're rich and poor; wise and unlearned; tall and thin, short and plump; we're well-dressed or in well-worn garments--we are all there...and level...at the foot of the Cross.

In society, education, government and the marketplace, it is not so! In business, law, medicine and the workplace, it is not so! There are ranks and orders, castes and divides--and like it or not, we are often worlds apart. No meeting ground, no common ground...until...

We all arrive at the Cross--and there we find a different kind of ground. It's holy ground. It's level ground. We stand in awe, in reverence, in redemption, in the garments of His righteousness--OR we stand in mockery, in madness, in mankind's resistance and rejection, in the filthy rags of the unredeemed--but we're all there, all on the same level...at the foot of the Cross.

I want to stay there--to cling to that old rugged Cross; to bow and to adore the One who hangs there for me. I'm in the crowd...but yet I stand alone. I am one unique person, unlike any other in that crowd--and He sees me; He knows me; He loves me. I behold--and I bow--low...at the foot of the Cross!

Questions:
- What types of people were at the foot of Jesus' cross that day?
- What does it mean when the author says: "we are all there...all level...at the foot of the Cross?
- How can you be in the crowd yet stand alone?


Thoughts:
Life in this fallen world is not on level ground. Where you are born and to whom you are born determines much about your future. Hard work and dedication can only get you so far. Look at those born as "Untouchables" or "Dalits" in India. It doesn't matter what they do, they will always be the lowest of the low. What about those sold into slavery, the orphans, the desperately poor...is the ground ever level for them? Our society rank-orders people based on many different criteria, but not so with Jesus. He said, "Come to me, all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest." Matthew 11:28
Jesus ate with tax collectors, with prostitutes, with the ugly and the unloved. He touched the lepers, the bleeding women, the sick and the dying. He reminded His followers, time and again, "It is not the healthy that need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but the sinners to repentance." Luke 5:31-32 Jesus welcomed everyone who was willing to listen to Him and believe what He said. And He still does today. It doesn't matter where you are from, your family background, your income level, job or what you have done...you are welcome to come to the foot of the cross and there gaze at the One who loves you so much that He was willing to take your sin, your shame, your punishment so that someday He can take you to Heaven to be with Him forever.

Prayer:
We praise You Jesus for what You have done for us. How can we ever begin to understand the price You paid and what You have saved us from. Thank you that it doesn't matter to you how this world labels us. We are loved and special in Your eyes and that is what matters. Help us to remember that the ground at the foot of the cross is level and that all are welcome. We love You, Lord Jesus.

Song: The Old Rugged Cross

On a hill far away stood an old rugged cross,
The emblem of suffering and shame;
And I love that old cross where the dearest and best,
For a world of lost sinners was slain.
So I'll cherish the old rugged cross,
Till my trophies at last I lay down,
I will cling to the old rugged cross,
And exchange it someday for a crown.

Oh, that old rugged cross, so despised by the world,
Has a wondrous attraction for me;
For the dear Lamb of God left His glory above,
To bear it to dark Calvary.
So I'll cherish the old rugged cross,
Till my trophies at last I lay down,
I will cling to the old rugged cross,
And exchange it someday for a crown.

In the old rugged cross, stained with blood so divine
Such a wonderful beauty I see
For 'twas on that old cross Jesus suffered and died
To pardon and sanctify me.
So I'll cherish the old rugged cross,
Till my trophies at last I lay down,
I will cling to the old rugged cross,
And exchange it someday for a crown.

To the old rugged cross I will ever be true,
It's shame and approach gladly bear;
Then He'll call me someday to my home far away,
Where His glory forever I'll share.
So I'll cherish the old rugged cross,
Till my trophies at last I lay down,
I will cling to the old rugged cross,
And exchange it someday for a crown.


Here is a video of the song with words: Old Rugged Cross

For Further Study: 

There are many children throughout the world who are very bold in their faith in Christ, especially in nations where it is hard to be a Christian. Sharing their stories can encourage a bolder faith in your children. A wonderful resource is Kids of Courage

* Some of the content of this blog is based on the book Family Celebrations at Easter by Ann Hibbard.*

Preparing for Easter Family Devotion (Day 25) - No More Separation

From the sixth hour until the ninth hour darkness came over all the land.

About the ninth hour Jesus cried out in a loud voice, "Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani?"—which means, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" 

When some of those standing there heard this, they said, "He's calling Elijah."

Immediately one of them ran and got a sponge. He filled it with wine vinegar, put it on a stick, and offered it to Jesus to drink.

The rest said, "Now leave him alone. Let's see if Elijah comes to save him."

And when Jesus had cried out again in a loud voice, he gave up his spirit.

At that moment the curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. The earth shook and the rocks split.

The tombs broke open and the bodies of many holy people who had died were raised to life.

They came out of the tombs, and after Jesus' resurrection they went into the holy city and appeared to many people.

When the centurion and those with him who were guarding Jesus saw the earthquake and all that had happened, they were terrified, and exclaimed, "Surely he was the Son of God!"  Matthew 27:45-54

 My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?
    Why are you so far from saving me,
    so far from my cries of anguish?
My God, I cry out by day, but you do not answer,
    by night, but I find no rest...
But I am a worm and not a man,
    scorned by everyone, despised by the people.
All who see me mock me;
    they hurl insults, shaking their heads.
“He trusts in the Lord,” they say,
    “let the Lord rescue him.
Let him deliver him,
    since he delights in him.”...
Do not be far from me,
    for trouble is near
    and there is no one to help...
My mouth is dried up like a potsherd,
    and my tongue sticks to the roof of my mouth;
    you lay me in the dust of death.
Dogs surround me,
    a pack of villains encircles me;
    they pierce my hands and my feet.
All my bones are on display;
    people stare and gloat over me.
They divide my clothes among them
    and cast lots for my garment...
For he has not despised or scorned
    the suffering of the afflicted one;
he has not hidden his face from him
    but has listened to his cry for help...
All the ends of the earth
    will remember and turn to the Lord,
and all the families of the nations
    will bow down before him,
for dominion belongs to the Lord
    and he rules over the nations...
They will proclaim his righteousness,
    declaring to a people yet unborn:
    He has done it!          Psalm 22

Questions:

- What did Jesus say to God? What did He mean? (Read Psalm 22...Jesus was not only crying out in agony at the separation from Father God but He was also quoting directly from Psalm 22, written thousands of years before His crucifixion. This Psalm speaks directly about the death and triumph of Jesus and may have been quoted by Jesus to give His followers hope and remind them that His death was part of a greater plan of salvation for the earth)

- What unusual things happened when Jesus died?

- What did it mean that the curtain of the temple was torn from top to bottom?

- What did the centurion believe after seeing Jesus die?

Thoughts: 

The most painful part of the crucifixion was not the nails in Jesus' hands or feet, or the beatings...it was the separation He felt from God. At that moment and for how long, we do not know, Jesus experienced all the guilt and punishment for all the world's sins. He essentially entered Hell because that is what Hell is - total separation from God and punishment for our sins, forever. Praise God that He did it for us! We can be with God forever, and not separate from Him. The torn curtain signified that. The curtain was what separated the people from the Holiest of Holy places in the Temple, from the place where God was present. With Jesus' death, that curtain, that separation, was destroyed. We can now enter into God's presence through Jesus Christ. And when we accept Jesus Christ as our Savior, God's presence enters us through the Holy Spirit. What a wonderful Savior we serve!

Prayer: 

Jesus, how we can ever begin to thank You for what You did for us. May we cry out daily to You, longing to be in Your presence, to spend eternity in Your house, in Heaven, with You. Thank You for making the way for us. We love You so much Jesus!

Song: Better is One Day

How lovely is Your dwelling place

Oh Lord Almighty,

For my soul longs and even faints for You

Oh, here my heart is satisfied (is satisfied)

Within Your presence

I sing beneath the shadow of Your wings

Better is one day in Your courts

Better is one day in Your house

Better is one day in Your courts

Than thousands elsewhere

Better is one day in Your courts

Better is one day in Your house

Better is one day in Your courts

Than thousands elsewhere

(Than thousands elsewhere)

One thing I ask and I would seek,

To see Your beauty

To find You in the place Your glory dwells

(One thing I ask)

One thing I ask and I would seek,

To see Your beauty

To find You in the place Your glory dwells

Here is a really good video with words and pictures of the earthquake, the curtain being torn in two, etc.: Better is one day

For Further Study: 

There are many children throughout the world who are very bold in their faith in Christ, especially in nations where it is hard to be a Christian. Sharing their stories can encourage a bolder faith in your children. A wonderful resource is Kids of Courage

* Some of the content of this blog is based on the book Family Celebrations at Easter by Ann Hibbard.*

Preparing for Easter Family Devotion (Day 24) - The Heart of a Son

Near the cross of Jesus stood his mother, his mother's sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene.

When Jesus saw his mother there, and the disciple whom he loved standing nearby, he said to his mother, "Dear woman, here is your son," and to the disciple, "Here is your mother." From that time on, this disciple took her into his home.  John 19:25-27

A father to the fatherless, a defender of widows, is God in his holy dwelling.  Psalm 68:5

Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.  James 1:27

Questions:

- Who was nearby Jesus at the cross?

- Stop for a minute and try to imagine their horror...what must they have been thinking through all this?

- Who was Jesus concerned about...why? (Mary was a widow, Jesus, her oldest son was the one to look after her but He would not longer be there to do this)

- What did He ask John to do?

- What does this show us about God's heart towards not only His own mother but all widows? (read Psalm 68:5 and James 1:27)

Thoughts: 

Even close to death, Jesus still tenderly looked after His mother. She was a widow and now would lose her oldest son. Throughout the Bible, God is clear about His concern for widows, orphans (the fatherless) and aliens. It is called "pure and faultless religion." We, the Church, need to be about this today. We should pray and ask the Lord how we can help those in need, following in our Savior's footsteps.

Prayer: 

Lord God, there are many in need, widows, orphans and aliens, in our own country and around the world. May Your Church reach out to them and remember them, just as You remembered Your mother Mary, from the cross. Help us to be Your hands and feet to a hurting world.

Song: Your Mercy Saved Me

Here I am a sinner broken and in need of You

Take my life and wash my fears away

For You are the 'Great I am', rest assured, I feel Your hand

Holding me until the darkness clears

A Father to the fatherless, redeemer of my soul

My Life is Yours forever, my heart will always know

Your mercy saved me, mercy made me whole

Your mercy found me, called me as Your own

Here I stand a child of Yours broken and in need of You

Break these chains and wash my guilt away

Healer of my brokenness, my weary soul will find its rest

You are my strength, the lifter of my head

You're greater than my yesterdays, You hold me close today

You're the Lord of my tomorrows, my heart will always say

You're greater than my yesterdays, You hold me close today

You're the Lord of my tomorrows, my heart will always say

Your mercy saved me, mercy made me whole

Your mercy found me, called me as Your own

Your mercy saved me, mercy made me whole, me whole

Your mercy found me, called me as Your own

You called me as Your own

You called me as Your own

Thank You for Your mercy

Thank You for Your mercy

Your mercy saved me, mercy made me whole

Your mercy found me, called me as Your own

Your mercy saved me, mercy made me whole

Your mercy found me, called me as Your own

You called me as Your own, Your own

Here is a link for the song by Casting Crowns: Mercy

For Further Study: 

There are many children throughout the world who are very bold in their faith in Christ, especially in nations where it is hard to be a Christian. Sharing their stories can encourage a bolder faith in your children. A wonderful resource is Kids of Courage

* Some of the content of this blog is based on the book Family Celebrations at Easter by Ann Hibbard.*

Preparing for Easter Family Devotion (Day 23) - A Criminal Saved

The people stood watching, and the rulers even sneered at him. They said, "He saved others; let him save himself if he is the Christ of God, the Chosen One."

The soldiers also came up and mocked him. They offered him wine vinegar and said, "If you are the king of the Jews, save yourself."

There was a written notice above him, which read: This is the King of the Jews.

One of the criminals who hung there hurled insults at him: "Aren't you the Christ? Save yourself and us!" But the other criminal rebuked him. "Don't you fear God," he said, "since you are under the same sentence? We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve. But this man has done nothing wrong."

Then he said, "Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom."

Jesus answered him, "I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise." Luke 23:35-43

Questions:

- What did the people standing around Jesus say to Him as He was on the cross?

- Could Jesus have saved Himself? If so, why didn't He?

- What did the second sinner realize about himself? About Jesus?

- What did he ask of Jesus?

- What did Jesus say to him and why?

- What does this tell us about paradise/Heaven? (indicates we go there as soon as we die)

Thoughts: 

This criminal understood what even Jesus' disciples did not yet understand. He knew that he was a sinner and deserved death. He also knew that Jesus had done nothing wrong. But most amazing, he understood that Jesus' kingdom was not an earthly kingdom. As others sneered at a broken, dying man, the criminal humbly asked a favor of Jesus, the King of the Universe. Jesus had no words for the mockers, but for the man of faith, criminal though he was, Jesus, King of Kings, gave assurance of eternal life.

Prayer: 

Thank you so much Jesus for Your sacrifice for me. Thank You that You help me realize that I am a sinner and that I need Your forgiveness. I humbly come to You today, admitting my sin, asking for Your forgiveness and trusting that when I die, I will go to Heaven to be with You. I love You Jesus!

Song: We are the Reason

As little children we'd dream of Christmas morn

And all the gifts and toys we knew we’d find

But we never realized a baby born one blessed night

Gave us the greatest gift of our lives

We are the reason that He gave His life

We were the reason that He suffered and died

To a world that was lost He gave all He could give

To show us the reason to live

As the years went by we learned more of our gifts

The giving of ourselves and what that means

On a dark and cloudy day a man hung crying in the rain

Because of love

Because of love

*Chorus

I finally found the reason for living

It’s in giving every part of my heart to Him (every part to Him)

And all that I do every word that I say (you know I’ll be saying)

I will give all my life just for Him, just for Him (every thing for Him)

We are the reason that He gave His life

We are the reason that He suffered and died

To a world that was lost He gave all He could give (all that he could give all)

To show us the reason to live

He is the reason to live

(don’t you know do you know the reason

that he came, oh he came to save us

when he gave his life for us) he suffered and died

To a world that was lost He gave everything (everything that He had He gave)

To show us the reason to live

Here is a link for the song: We are the reason

For Further Study: 

There are many children throughout the world who are very bold in their faith in Christ, especially in nations where it is hard to be a Christian. Sharing their stories can encourage a bolder faith in your children. A wonderful resource is Kids of Courage

* Some of the content of this blog is based on the book Family Celebrations at Easter by Ann Hibbard.*

Preparing for Easter Family Devotion (Sunday) - Open Our Eyes Lord

Did you know that the forty days of Lent do not include the Sundays? Can you guess why that is? Lent is a time of thinking about Jesus' death. Every Sunday of the year, however, is a celebration of Jesus' resurrection. For that reason, we will spend each of the next three Sundays during Lent looking at one of the resurrection stories.

Now that same day two of them were going to a village called Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem. They were talking with each other about everything that had happened.

As they talked and discussed these things with each other, Jesus himself came up and walked along with them; but they were kept from recognizing him.

He asked them, "What are you discussing together as you walk along?" 

They stood still, their faces downcast. One of them, named Cleopas, asked him, "Are you only a visitor to Jerusalem and do not know the things that have happened there in these days?"

"What things?" he asked. 

"About Jesus of Nazareth," they replied. "He was a prophet, powerful in word and deed before God and all the people. The chief priests and our rulers handed him over to be sentenced to death, and they crucified him; but we had hoped that he was the one who was going to redeem Israel. And what is more, it is the third day since all this took place.

In addition, some of our women amazed us. They went to the tomb early this morning

but didn't find his body. They came and told us that they had seen a vision of angels, who said he was alive. Then some of our companions went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said, but him they did not see."

He said to them, "How foolish you are, and how slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken! Did not the Christ have to suffer these things and then enter his glory?"

And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself.

As they approached the village to which they were going, Jesus acted as if he were going farther.

But they urged him strongly, "Stay with us, for it is nearly evening; the day is almost over." So he went in to stay with them.

When he was at the table with them, he took bread, gave thanks, broke it and began to give it to them.

Then their eyes were opened and they recognized him, and he disappeared from their sight.

They asked each other, "Were not our hearts burning within us while he talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us?"  Luke 24:13-32

Questions:

- Who are the two men walking on the road to Emmaus? (Historians believe that Cleopas was the brother of Joseph, thus he was Jesus' uncle) 

- Who joins them? Do they recognize Him?

- How do the two men describe Jesus and what had they hoped He would do for Israel?

- What did Jesus tell them?

- When did they finally recognize Jesus?

- What do you think they meant when they said: "Were not our hearts burning within us?"

Thoughts: 

These two men are examples of the typical followers of Jesus. They understood Him to be a great prophet. They had high hopes that Jesus would redeem Israel, but most of them did not see Jesus for who He really was. It wasn't until God "opened their eyes" that they recognized Him. All of us are like that too. God has to "open our eyes" - help us understand who He is, before we can recognize Him as our Savior. We can pray daily that God will continue to open our eyes to Him. We can also pray that He will open the eyes of people around the world so billions will come to a saving knowledge of Him.

Prayer: 

Father God, we thank You that You have given us our own "road to Emmaus" experience with You. We thank You that You daily open our eyes and help us see You and understand who You are. We pray the same for people all over the world, that they will see Jesus for who He really is and will accept Him as their Lord and Savior. We love You Jesus!

Song: Open The Eyes of My Heart Lord

Open the eyes of my heart, Lord

Open the eyes of my heart

I want to see You

I want to see You

Open the eyes of my heart, Lord

Open the eyes of my heart

I want to see You

I want to see You

To see You high and lifted up

Shining in the light of Your glory

Pour out Your power and love

As we sing holy, holy, holy

Here is a link to the song sung by Mercy Me: Open the Eyes

For Further Study: 

There are many children throughout the world who are very bold in their faith in Christ, especially in nations where it is hard to be a Christian. Sharing their stories can encourage a bolder faith in your children. A wonderful resource is Kids of Courage

* Some of the content of this blog is based on the book Family Celebrations at Easter by Ann Hibbard.*

Preparing for Easter Family Devotion (Day 22) - He Thought of Us

As they led him away, they seized Simon from Cyrene, who was on his way in from the country, and put the cross on him and made him carry it behind Jesus.

A large number of people followed him, including women who mourned and wailed for him.

Jesus turned and said to them, "Daughters of Jerusalem, do not weep for me; weep for yourselves and for your children.

For the time will come when you will say, 'Blessed are the barren women, the wombs that never bore and the breasts that never nursed!'

Then " 'they will say to the mountains, "Fall on us!" and to the hills, "Cover us!" ' 

For if men do these things when the tree is green, what will happen when it is dry?"

Two other men, both criminals, were also led out with him to be executed.

When they came to the place called the Skull, there they crucified him, along with the criminals—one on his right, the other on his left.

Jesus said, "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing." And they divided up his clothes by casting lots.  Luke 23:26-34

Therefore I will give him a portion among the great, and he will divide the spoils with the strong, because he poured out his life unto death, and was numbered with the transgressors. For he bore the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors.  Isaiah 53:12

Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies.

Who is he that condemns? Christ Jesus, who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us. Romans 8:33-34

Questions:

- Why do you think Simon of Cyrene (Cyrene, Libya) was made to carry Jesus' cross? (the cross would have weighed anywhere from 40-125 lbs. depending on whether He carried the whole cross or just the crossbeam; either way, this would have been a heavy load to carry for a few miles for a healthy man and Jesus had spent a night without sleeping, drinking or eating and had been brutally beaten and whipped)

- As Jesus was being led to His death, who was He thinking about...Himself or others? How do we know this? (comment to women following Him)

- Why did He tell the women of Jerusalem to weep for themselves and their children? (He saw the coming destruction of Israel as a nation that occurred in 70 AD by Rome as well as future persecution of Jews and the Church)

- Who was crucified with Jesus? What is important about this? (read Isaiah 53:12 - fulfills prophecy that He would be crucified with criminals)

- Did the suffering that Jesus was experiencing cause Him to stop praying or to pray even more? How do you think He could pray through all the pain? (He had made prayer a lifestyle and it was as natural to Him as breathing)

- Who does Jesus pray for on the cross? Who does He think of first?

- What can we learn from His prayer? (even in the midst of our greatest sins, God loves us and wants to forgive us...His greatest desire is not for punishment but for us to be forgiven)

- What is Jesus doing today, right now, in Heaven? (read Romans 8:33-34)

Thoughts: 

Jesus was suffering greatly. We would understand if His prayers had been for Himself, for God to give Him the strength to endure, to ease the pain...but they weren't. Instead, even to the very end and in the greatest pain and agony, the thoughts and prayers of Jesus were for others. He prayed for the Jews and for the future Church, and He prayed for you and for me. You see, it wasn't just the Jewish leaders or Pilate or the Roman soldiers who crucified Jesus...it was each of us. Our sins caused Him to suffer and die. He willingly died so that we would not have to. When He prayed to His Father, asking for forgiveness, He was thinking of you and me. And He still prays that prayer in Heaven, for us. What a precious Savior we serve!

Prayer: 

Lord Jesus, how can we begin to thank You for what You did on the cross and continue to do for us in Heaven today? Words can not express our thanks and our love for You. Help us to follow Your  example, to forgive our enemies and to pray for those who hurt us. And help us to continue in prayer, every day, throughout the day. We love you so much Jesus!

Song: Above All

Above all powers

Above all kings

Above all nature

And all created things

Above all wisdom

And all the ways of man

You were here

Before the world began

Above all kingdoms

Above all thrones

Above all wonders

The world has ever known

Above all wealth

And treasures of the earth

There's no way to measure

What You're worth

CHORUS

Crucified

Laid behind a stone

You lived to die

Rejected and alone

Like a rose

Trampled on the ground

You took the fall

And thought of me

Above all

Here is a video with music and words: Above All

Another wonderful song with this theme is We are the Reason - here are some videos with the words

We Are The Reason

For Further Study: 

There are many children throughout the world who are very bold in their faith in Christ, especially in nations where it is hard to be a Christian. Sharing their stories can encourage a bolder faith in your children. A wonderful resource is Kids of Courage

* Some of the content of this blog is based on the book Family Celebrations at Easter by Ann Hibbard.*

Preparing for Easter Family Devotion (Day 21) - He Did This All For Me

Pilate called together the chief priests, the rulers and the people, and said to them, "You brought me this man as one who was inciting the people to rebellion. I have examined him in your presence and have found no basis for your charges against him. Neither has Herod, for he sent him back to us; as you can see, he has done nothing to deserve death. Therefore, I will punish him and then release him." 

With one voice they cried out, "Away with this man! Release Barabbas to us!" (Barabbas had been thrown into prison for an insurrection in the city, and for murder.)

Wanting to release Jesus, Pilate appealed to them again.

But they kept shouting, "Crucify him! Crucify him!"

For the third time he spoke to them: "Why? What crime has this man committed? I have found in him no grounds for the death penalty. Therefore I will have him punished and then release him."

But with loud shouts they insistently demanded that he be crucified, and their shouts prevailed.

So Pilate decided to grant their demand.

He released the man who had been thrown into prison for insurrection and murder, the one they asked for, and surrendered Jesus to their will.  Luke 23:13-25

The soldiers led Jesus away into the palace (that is, the Praetorium) and called together the whole company of soldiers. They put a purple robe on him, then twisted together a crown of thorns and set it on him. And they began to call out to him, "Hail, king of the Jews!"

Again and again they struck him on the head with a staff and spit on him. Falling on their knees, they paid homage to him.

And when they had mocked him, they took off the purple robe and put his own clothes on him. Then they led him out to crucify him.  Mark 15:16-20

He was despised and rejected— a man of sorrows, acquainted with deepest grief. We turned our backs on Him and looked the other way. He was despised, and we did not care... we thought His troubles were a punishment from God, a punishment for His own sins!...He was pierced for our rebellion, crushed for our sins. He was beaten so we could be whole. He was whipped so we could be healed...He was oppressed and treated harshly, yet He never said a word. He was led like a lamb to the slaughter...Unjustly condemned, He was led away...But it was the Lord’s good plan to crush Him and cause Him grief. Yet when His life is made an offering for sin, He will have many descendants.

Isaiah 53:3-10

I offered my back to those who beat me and my cheeks to those who pulled out my beard. I did not hide my face from mockery and spitting. Isaiah 50:6

"All this I have told you so that you will not go astray.

They will put you out of the synagogue; in fact, a time is coming when anyone who kills you will think he is offering a service to God.

They will do such things because they have not known the Father or me.

I have told you this, so that when the time comes you will remember that I warned you." John 16:1-4

Questions:

- Before you begin, ask the children to pray, asking God to help them understand, in even some small way, what Jesus did for them and for the world, so that we might be saved

- Why did all this have to happen to Jesus?

- Whose plan was this? (read Isaiah 53:3-10)...this was God's plan. Talk to children about how it wasn't Satan defeating Jesus but all of this happened according to God's plan, to fulfill prophecy

- What did Pilate believe about Jesus?

- Why did he decide, in the end, to have Him crucified?

- How did the soldiers treat Jesus?

- How did Jesus react? (read Isaiah 50:6)

- Read John 16:1-4...what did Jesus say would happen to His followers?

- Is this happening right now in the world? (talk about persecution of Christians...to learn more go to Kids of Courage

- Do you think you could stand for Jesus even if you were being treated cruelly?

- How can you prepare now so that like Pilate, you won't give into peer pressure and like Jesus, you can take abuse for Jesus?

Thoughts: 

It's hard to begin to understand why Jesus suffered this way. He didn't have to. At any time He could have stopped it all. It wasn't the Jewish leaders or the crowds or the Roman soldiers who were in control. God was in control. It was the Lord’s good plan to crush Him and cause Him grief. Yet when His life is made an offering for sin, He will have many descendants. We are those descendants when we accept Him as our Lord and Savior. Jesus did this for each of us. He stayed there and took all the hurt and pain because He did not want us to suffer the same thing in Hell, forever. He loves us more than we can ever imagine. It's His love that kept Him there.

Prayer: 

Lord Jesus, how can we begin to thank You for what You did for us. You took the hurt of the world on your shoulders, the beatings, the mocking, the crown of thorns and the cross, out of Your great love for us. What a wonderful Savior we serve. May we live our lives, every day, in honor of You. We so look forward to one day being with You forever, in Heaven. We love You Jesus!

Song: He Will Carry You

There is no problem too big

God cannot solve it

There is no mountain too tall

He cannot move it

There is no storm too dark

God cannot calm it

There is no sorrow too deep

He cannot soothe it

If He carried the weight of the world upon His shoulders

I know, my brother that He will carry you

If He carried the weight of the world upon His shoulders

I know, my sister that He will carry you

He said come unto me all who are weary

And I will give you rest

For Further Study: 

There are many children throughout the world who are very bold in their faith in Christ, especially in nations where it is hard to be a Christian. Sharing their stories can encourage a bolder faith in your children. A wonderful resource is Kids of Courage

* Some of the content of this blog is based on the book Family Celebrations at Easter by Ann Hibbard.*

Preparing for Easter Family Devotion (Day 20) - Truth Will Prevail

The men who were guarding Jesus began mocking and beating him.

They blindfolded him and demanded, "Prophesy! Who hit you?"

And they said many other insulting things to him.

At daybreak the council of the elders of the people, both the chief priests and teachers of the law, met together, and Jesus was led before them.

"If you are the Christ," they said, "tell us." Jesus answered, "If I tell you, you will not believe me, and if I asked you, you would not answer.

But from now on, the Son of Man will be seated at the right hand of the mighty God."

They all asked, "Are you then the Son of God?" He replied, "You are right in saying I am."

Then they said, "Why do we need any more testimony? We have heard it from his own lips." 

Then the whole assembly rose and led him off to Pilate. And they began to accuse him, saying, "We have found this man subverting our nation. He opposes payment of taxes to Caesar and claims to be Christ, a king."

So Pilate asked Jesus, "Are you the king of the Jews?" 

"Yes, it is as you say," Jesus replied.

Then Pilate announced to the chief priests and the crowd, "I find no basis for a charge against this man."

But they insisted, "He stirs up the people all over Judea by his teaching. He started in Galilee and has come all the way here."

On hearing this, Pilate asked if the man was a Galilean.

When he learned that Jesus was under Herod's jurisdiction, he sent him to Herod, who was also in Jerusalem at that time.

When Herod saw Jesus, he was greatly pleased, because for a long time he had been wanting to see him. From what he had heard about him, he hoped to see him perform some miracle.

He plied him with many questions, but Jesus gave him no answer.

The chief priests and the teachers of the law were standing there, vehemently accusing him.

Then Herod and his soldiers ridiculed and mocked him. Dressing him in an elegant robe, they sent him back to Pilate.

That day Herod and Pilate became friends—before this they had been enemies.  Luke 22:63 - 23:12

"Do not give dogs what is sacred; do not throw your pearls to pigs. If you do, they may trample them under their feet, and then turn and tear you to pieces.  Matthew 7:6

Questions:

- What did the guards do to Jesus? Why?

- What questions did the Jewish leaders ask Jesus?

- How did Jesus answer them?

- What lies did the people tell about Jesus?

- What did Pilate think of Jesus and why did Pilate send Him to Herod?

- Why did Herod want to see Jesus?

- Why did Jesus not answer Herod? (read Matthew 7:6)

- Why did Herod and Pilate become friends that day?

Thoughts: 

Here is God Himself being abused by the very people He created. During this abuse, Jesus spoke nothing but the truth, and they hated Him for it. The world will often hate the truth and those who dare to speak it. Pilate, the Roman governor put in charge of Judea at that time, recognized that there was nothing wrong with Jesus...that He should not be condemned to death. But Pilate gave into the desires of the people...he was swayed by peer pressure. Herod, the local ruler who ruled with permission of the Roman government, was really only interested in being entertained. When Jesus wouldn't perform for Herod, ie, "giving dogs what is sacred or casting pearls before pigs," Herod turned on Jesus and abused Him.  Ironically, Herod and Pilate became friends that day...partners in the greatest crime committed in the history of the world. Today there are military leaders, church leaders and political leaders who will mock Christianity and do all they can to abuse those who follow Jesus, but ultimately, God is in charge. Jesus is "seated at the right hand of the mighty God." He will reward those who are on the side of truth and punish those who oppose Him.

Prayer: 

Lord Jesus, what You suffered for us is unimaginable. You, the way, the truth and the life, allowed incredible abuse so that we would not have to suffer that same abuse for all eternity. We love You so much Jesus. Please help us to stand up for truth and to pray for those who suffer abuse because they are Christians. Thank You Jesus.

Song: Oh How He Loves You and Me

Oh, how He loves you and me,

Oh, how He loves you and me.

He gave His life, what more could He give;

Oh, how He loves you, Oh, how He loves me,

Oh, how He loves you and me.

Jesus to Calv'ry did go,

His love for mankind to show.

What He did there brought hope from despair.

Oh, how He loves you, Oh, how He loves me,

Oh how He loves you and me.

Here are some videos of this song: How He Loves

Preparing for Easter Family Devotion (Day 19) - The Pain of Betrayal

While he was still speaking a crowd came up, and the man who was called Judas, one of the Twelve, was leading them. He approached Jesus to kiss him, but Jesus asked him, "Judas, are you betraying the Son of Man with a kiss?"

When Jesus' followers saw what was going to happen, they said, "Lord, should we strike with our swords?"

And one of them struck the servant of the high priest, cutting off his right ear.

But Jesus answered, "No more of this!" And he touched the man's ear and healed him.

Then Jesus said to the chief priests, the officers of the temple guard, and the elders, who had come for him, "Am I leading a rebellion, that you have come with swords and clubs?

Every day I was with you in the temple courts, and you did not lay a hand on me. But this is your hour—when darkness reigns."  Luke 22:47-53

Early in the morning, all the chief priests and the elders of the people came to the decision to put Jesus to death. They bound him, led him away and handed him over to Pilate, the governor.

When Judas, who had betrayed him, saw that Jesus was condemned, he was seized with remorse and returned the thirty silver coins to the chief priests and the elders.

"I have sinned," he said, "for I have betrayed innocent blood." 

"What is that to us?" they replied. "That's your responsibility."

So Judas threw the money into the temple and left. Then he went away and hanged himself.

The chief priests picked up the coins and said, "It is against the law to put this into the treasury, since it is blood money."

So they decided to use the money to buy the potter's field as a burial place for foreigners.

That is why it has been called the Field of Blood to this day.

Then what was spoken by Jeremiah the prophet was fulfilled: "They took the thirty silver coins, the price set on him by the people of Israel, and they used them to buy the potter's field, as the Lord commanded me."  Matthew 27:1-10

If an enemy were insulting me, I could endure it; if a foe were raising himself against me, I could hide from him.

But it is you, a man like myself, my companion, my close friend, with whom I once enjoyed sweet fellowship as we walked with the throng at the house of God.  Psalm 55:12-14

Questions:

- Who was Judas? What do we know about him? (disciple, used to steal from the money bag, upset when Mary anointed Jesus' feet with perfume, the devil entered him and he agreed with temple leaders to betray Jesus for 30 silver coins)

- Why do you think he chose to betray Jesus?

- How did he betray him?

- How do you think Jesus felt? (read Psalm 55:12-14)

- How did Judas feel after he saw that Jesus had been arrested?

- Do you think Jesus would have forgiven Judas, the way he forgave Peter, if Judas had gone to Him and confessed his sin, asking for forgiveness?

- What can we learn from Judas?

Thoughts: 

Betrayal - such a horrible, hurtful action. We can only imagine how Jesus felt when one of the men he had spent the last three years with, who He had given all of Himself to, would turn and betray Him. Sadly, in this world, betrayal continues to happen every day. Husbands betray wives, wives betray husbands, children betray parents, friends betray friends. Jesus did not have to suffer betrayal, but He chose to for our sake. He wanted us to know that He understands the hurt of betrayal. He knows what it feels like when someone you love turns his or her back on you and wants nothing more to do with you. He understands, He cares and He is there to bring comfort, strength and grace.

Prayer: 

Lord Jesus, thank You that You chose to suffer the things on this earth that You knew we would suffer. We love You so much. Help us to never betray You or another person. And, if we are betrayed, may we turn to You for understanding, comfort and the grace to forgive.

Song:  Why?    by Michael Card

Why did it have to be a friend

Who chose to betray the Lord

Why did he use a kiss to show them

That's not what a kiss is for

Only a friend can betray a friend

A stranger has nothing to gain

And only a friend comes close enough

To ever cause so much pain

And why did there have to be thorny

Crown pressed upon His head

It should have been the royal one

Made of jewels and gold instead

It had to be a crown of thorns

Because in this life that we live

For all who seek to love

A thorn is all the world has to give

And why did it have to be

A heavy cross He was made to bare

And why did they nail His feet and hands

His love would have held Him there

It was a cross for on a cross

A thief was supposed to pay

And Jesus had come into the world

To steal every heart away

Yes, Jesus had come into the world

To steal every heart away

Here is a video of the song: Why?

Preparing for Easter Family Devotion (Day 18) - As You Will, Lord God

Then Jesus went with his disciples to a place called Gethsemane, and he said to them, "Sit here while I go over there and pray."

He took Peter and the two sons of Zebedee along with him, and he began to be sorrowful and troubled.

Then he said to them, "My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with me."

Going a little farther, he fell with his face to the ground and prayed, "My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will."

Then he returned to his disciples and found them sleeping. "Could you men not keep watch with me for one hour?" he asked Peter.

"Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the body is weak."

He went away a second time and prayed, "My Father, if it is not possible for this cup to be taken away unless I drink it, may your will be done."

When he came back, he again found them sleeping, because their eyes were heavy.

So he left them and went away once more and prayed the third time, saying the same thing.

Then he returned to the disciples and said to them, "Are you still sleeping and resting? Look, the hour is near, and the Son of Man is betrayed into the hands of sinners.

Rise, let us go! Here comes my betrayer!"  Matthew 26:36-46

Questions:

- Why did Jesus go to the garden?

- What did Jesus want Peter, James and John to do with Him in the garden?

- Did Jesus want to suffer and die?

- Although He didn't desire to go through the agony He knew was waiting for Him, what did He say to God?

- How can we apply the prayer, "Yet not as I will but as You will" to our lives?

- What was the trouble with the disciples?

- What can we learn from them about the difficulties of prayer?

Thoughts: 

I am so thankful that the Bible shows us Jesus' humanness. He didn't want to die. He knew that it was the Father's plan, but the humanity in Him did not want to suffer and be crucified. He did not want to become sin and be poured out as a drink offering for us. Yet, even greater than His desire to avoid the horrible suffering, was His desire to obey the Father and bring God glory. So, in agony, sweating drops of blood (Luke 22:44), He prayed one of the most important prayers recorded: "Yet not as I will but as You will." Like Jesus, there will be times in our lives when we want something desperately. Jesus shows us that it is okay to pray for these things. But, in the end, our final prayer needs to be: "Yet not as I will but as You will, Lord God."

Prayer: 

Lord God, we thank You for Jesus. We thank You for His humanity. We thank You, even more, for His willingness to suffer and die for each of us. May we desire, more than anything, that Your will, Your plan, Your desire, be done in our lives. Thank You Lord God.

Song: Take My Life and Let It Be

Take my life and let it be

consecrated, Lord, to Thee.

Take my moments and my days,

let them flow in ceaseless praise.

Take my hands and let them move

at the impulse of Thy love.

Take my feet and let them be

swift and beautiful for Thee.

Take my voice and let me sing

always, only for my King.

Take my lips and let them be

filled with messages from Thee.

Take my silver and my gold

not a mite would I withhold.

Take my intellect and use

every power as You choose.

::Chorus::

Here am I, all of me.

Take my life, it's all for Thee.

Take my will and make it Thine

it shall be no longer mine.

Take my heart it is Thine own

it shall be Thy royal throne.

Take my love, my Lord I pour

at Your feet its treasure store

Take myself and I will be

ever, only, all for Thee.

Take myself and I will be

ever, only, all for Thee.

Here is a video of the song sung by Chris Tomlin Take My Life

Preparing for Easter Family Devotion (Day 17) - Denial and Restoration

"You will all fall away," Jesus told them, "for it is written: " 'I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep will be scattered.' But after I have risen, I will go ahead of you into Galilee."

Peter declared, "Even if all fall away, I will not."

"I tell you the truth," Jesus answered, "today—yes, tonight—before the rooster crows twice you yourself will disown me three times."

But Peter insisted emphatically, "Even if I have to die with you, I will never disown you." And all the others said the same.  Mark 14:27-31

Then seizing him, they led him away and took him into the house of the high priest. Peter followed at a distance. But when they had kindled a fire in the middle of the courtyard and had sat down together, Peter sat down with them.

A servant girl saw him seated there in the firelight. She looked closely at him and said, "This man was with him."

But he denied it. "Woman, I don't know him," he said.

A little later someone else saw him and said, "You also are one of them." "Man, I am not!" Peter replied.

About an hour later another asserted, "Certainly this fellow was with him, for he is a Galilean."

Peter replied, "Man, I don't know what you're talking about!" 

Just as he was speaking, the rooster crowed.

The Lord turned and looked straight at Peter. Then Peter remembered the word the Lord had spoken to him: "Before the rooster crows today, you will disown me three times."

And he went outside and wept bitterly.  Luke 22:54-62

When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, "Simon son of John, do you truly love me more than these?" "Yes, Lord," he said, "you know that I love you." Jesus said, "Feed my lambs."

Again Jesus said, "Simon son of John, do you truly love me?" He answered, "Yes, Lord, you know that I love you." Jesus said, "Take care of my sheep."

The third time he said to him, "Simon son of John, do you love me?" Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, "Do you love me?" He said, "Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you." Jesus said, "Feed my sheep.  John 21:15-17

Questions:

- While Jesus and His disciples were still eating the Passover meal, what did Jesus predict would happen when He was arrested?

- What did Peter say in response and what did Jesus then predict about Peter?

- How do you think that may have made Peter feel?

- What happened, later that evening, when some people asked if Peter was a follower of Jesus?

- Why do you think he lied and said he did not know Jesus?

- How did Peter react when he remembered Jesus' prediction?

- After Jesus' resurrection, Jesus met the disciples while they were fishing. What did He tell Peter?

- Why do you think Jesus asked Peter the same question three times?

- Did Jesus forgive Peter for denying Him?

- What did Peter go on to do after Jesus went to Heaven?

Thoughts: 

While the disciples were all eating with Jesus, it was easy to promise Jesus that they would never deny Him, never abandon Him. But when things got difficult, when the soldiers and the crowds calling for Jesus' death showed up, the disciples ran. They were afraid. They were confused. Peter, usually the most outspoken of the twelve, again becomes the most outspoken. But this time, he is not proclaiming that Jesus is the son of God or that he will stand by Jesus no matter what. Instead, he is denying that he even knows Jesus. When Peter realizes what he has done, how he has fallen, he is in absolute anguish. Yet, after all this, he still holds out hope. He runs to the tomb to see if Jesus is alive and later, he jumps out of a fishing boat to swim to shore to see Jesus. And Jesus, knowing that Peter had denied him out of fear, forgives Peter and reinstates him into His service. Three times He asks Peter about his love and three times Peter assures Jesus of his love. Three times he denied and three times he confesses. Praise God that we have a God of second chances!

Prayer: 

Lord Jesus, it is not always easy to follow You. Please help us to never deny Your name. May we speak with boldness about who You are and why we love You. We lift up, in prayer, those Christians throughout the world who face what Peter faced...possible persecution or even death for being a Christian. Give them the strength they need to not deny Your name.

Song: Second Chances

The song "Second Chances" from the Veggie Tales movie, Jonah would be a good song to play. I had a hard time finding a clip on the computer but you may be able to find one or watch the video which is a great story of a man who got a second chance from God. 

For further study: This would be a good time to talk to your children about the persecuted church and how they daily face what Peter faced. You can read more at Kids of Courage

Preparing for Easter Family Devotion (Sunday) - Were You There?

Then the disciples went back to their homes, but Mary stood outside the tomb crying. As she wept, she bent over to look into the tomb and saw two angels in white, seated where Jesus' body had been, one at the head and the other at the foot.

They asked her, "Woman, why are you crying?" 

"They have taken my Lord away," she said, "and I don't know where they have put him."

At this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing there, but she did not realize that it was Jesus.

"Woman," he said, "why are you crying? Who is it you are looking for?" Thinking he was the gardener, she said, "Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have put him, and I will get him."

Jesus said to her, "Mary." She turned toward him and cried out in Aramaic, "Rabboni!" (which means Teacher).

Jesus said, "Do not hold on to me, for I have not yet returned to the Father. Go instead to my brothers and tell them, 'I am returning to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.' "

Mary Magdalene went to the disciples with the news: "I have seen the Lord!" And she told them that he had said these things to her.  John 20:10-18

Did you know that the forty days of Lent do not include the Sundays? Can you guess why that is? Lent is a time of thinking about Jesus' death. Every Sunday of the year, however, is a celebration of Jesus' resurrection. For that reason, we will spend each of the next four Sundays during Lent looking at one of the resurrection stories.

Questions:

- Who was Mary Magdalene? (Jesus had cast seven demons from her - Luke 8:2, she was one of his followers and was at the cross - Mark 15:40; she saw him buried - Mark 15:47)

- Why do you think Mary stayed at the tomb after Peter and John had left?

- What do you think she felt when she realized it was Jesus who was talking to her?

- What can we learn from Mary's example?

Thoughts: 

We can only imagine what Mary's thoughts were that Sunday morning upon seeing her Lord alive! She had watched Him be killed and seen His dead body placed in the tomb. While all but one of the disciples (John) didn't dare show their faces at the cross out of fear, she stayed there, supporting Jesus' mother Mary, and showing her love and dedication for Jesus up to the bitter end. And for Mary, even His death was not the end of her devotion. She risked her life to return to the tomb that Sunday morning. Jesus rewarded her faithfulness by choosing Mary, a woman who had been possessed by seven demons (we can only imagine the horror she experienced), to be the first one to see Him after He rose. Oh praise You sweet Jesus! You reveal Yourself to children and women...the ones who society so often abuses and persecutes. What a wonderful Savior we serve!

Prayer: 

Sweet Jesus...how precious You are! We can't wait to see you face to face the way Mary did in the Garden. Some day, we know, You will return and take us to live with You forever. Until that day, may we live our lives with all the devotion and love of Mary Magdalene. Thank You Jesus!

Song: Were You There?

(You can almost hear Mary singing this song because she was there for each of these events)

Were you there when they crucified my Lord?
Were you there when they crucified my Lord?
Oh sometimes it causes me to tremble, tremble, tremble
Were you there when they crucified my Lord?

Were you there when they laid Him in the tomb?
Were you there when they laid Him in the tomb?
Oh sometimes it causes me to tremble, tremble, tremble
Were you there when they nailed Him to the tree?

Were you there when He rose up from the grave?
Were you there when He rose up from the grave?
Oh sometimes it causes me to tremble, tremble, tremble
Were you there when He rose up from the grave?
Were you there when He rose up from the grave?

Here is a link to the song song

For Further Study: 

There are many children throughout the world who are very bold in their faith in Christ, especially in nations where it is hard to be a Christian. Sharing their stories can encourage a bolder faith in your children. A wonderful resource is Kids of Courage

* Some of the content of this blog is based on the book Family Celebrations at Easter by Ann Hibbard.*