Acts 1:14

Verse of the Day Devotion.  Acts 1:14

“These all with one mind were continually devoting themselves to prayer, along with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with His brothers.” – Acts 1:14 

After the ascension they went back to Jerusalem, as Jesus told them. He had commanded them to wait there until they received the gift promised to them by Jesus. “And gathering them together, He commanded them not to leave Jerusalem, but to wait for what the Father had promised, which, He said, you heard of from Me; for John baptized with water, but you shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.” Acts 1:4-5.

They obeyed this command from Jesus and they returned to Jerusalem from the mount called Olivet, which is near Jerusalem, a Sabbath day’s journey away. And when they had entered, the eleven remaining apostles went to the upper room where they were staying. But not just them, for we see in an earlier verse, “along with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with His brothers.” Luke 1:14b. So those in the upper room were the eleven apostles, Mary the mother of Jesus, and Jesus’ brothers. The women mentioned included Jesus’ mother, and various others. We see in Luke the following. “And it came about soon afterwards, that He began going about from one city and village to another, proclaiming and preaching the kingdom of God; and the twelve were with Him, and also some women who had been healed of evil spirits and sicknesses: Mary who was called Magdalene, from whom seven demons had gone out, and Joanna the wife of Chuza, Herod’s steward, and Susanna, and many others who were contributing to their support out of their private means.” Luke 8:1-3.

And the purpose for being there is found in our focus verse. “These all with one mind were continually devoting themselves to prayer.” Acts 1:14a. In Acts, Luke gave a generalized review of the activity of the Christian community. The primary characteristic that marked their life together in this period was prayer, as they anticipated together the promised gift of the Spirit. However, prayer was a hallmark of the church in its early days. The time before Pentecost was a time for waiting, a time spent in prayer undoubtedly for the promised Spirit and for the power to witness. There is no effective witness without the Spirit, and the way to spiritual empowerment is to wait in prayer.

In this post, I want to ask this very important question. As the early Christians, is prayer truly a hallmark of the church in these present days? Do we see prayer as simply something we do because that is what Christians do, or is it a devoted time to spend with the eternal God who created everything that exists, including ourselves? I also ask these questions of myself as well. They are not words meant to convict anyone but to encourage us all to strengthen our relationship with Him. Of course He knows everything. He knows the deep feelings of our hearts. We should desire to spend time with Him, ourselves with God, to develop a closer relationship with Him. And we must always remember that prayer is not a one-way street. Yes, we come to Him and share our needs, desires, and our feelings. However, we must also be still and quiet, and let God speak to us as well. I find these times of comfort and joy, but also times of learning and correction. Remember what is recorded in the psalms. “Cease striving (be still) and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.” Psalm 46:10.

Throughout the Book of Psalms, we see this type of relationship between David and God. He shared everything with God, and God provided what he needed; be it things, comfort, correction, etc. And David welcomed it all, and thus his relationship with God was strong and intimate.  I encourage us all to look at Psalm 25. David bears his heart to God, asking Him to guide him in every aspect of life. God desires this type of relationship with us. Take the time to pray, speaking and listening to Him. There are great blessings in both aspects.

William Funkhouser MDiv, ThD, Founder and President of True Devotion Ministries.

Acts 1:9

Verse of the Day Devotion.  Acts 1:9

“And after He had said these things, He was lifted up while they were looking on, and a cloud received Him out of their sight.” – Acts 1:9

As you can see from our focus verse, we will now be looking at the ascension of Jesus.  We read in verse 6 that Jesus and the eleven apostles who were left gathered together. “And so when they had come together, they were asking Him, saying, Lord, is it at this time You are restoring the kingdom to Israel?” Acts 1:6. First, there were only 11 apostles, for Judas had rejected Jesus and eventually killed himself, and they had not yet replaced him with Matthias. “And they drew lots for them, and the lot fell to Matthias; and he was numbered with the eleven apostles.” Acts 1:26. And as they were gathered, they then asked Jesus a question. “Lord, is it at this time You are restoring the kingdom to Israel?”

Jesus answered the question, but not in the way they had anticipated. “It is not for you to know times or epochs which the Father has fixed by His own authority; but you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be My witnesses both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and even to the remotest part of the earth.” Acts 1:7-8. The answer from the Lord was intended rather to instruct than to rebuke, contrary to what various commentators have assumed. He does not deny them the privilege of asking, but only the right to know the times or the seasons which the father, who alone possesses sovereign power, has appointed. The Son guards the royal prerogative, the divine reservation, the exclusive rights of the Father.

And while it was not given to the apostles to know the times of future events, the duty to act or work at the present time was assigned to them; they also received the assurance that they would be qualified for their work by the Holy Spirit, who would come upon them. And by this, they are called to a worldwide mission. The disciples were to be the true, restored Israel, fulfilling its mission to be a light in the world so that God’s salvation might reach to the very ends of the earth. We see in Isaiah the Father’s call to the Messiah. “It is too small a thing that You should be My Servant to raise up the tribes of Jacob, and to restore the preserved ones of Israel; I will also make You a light of the nation’s so that My salvation may reach to the end of the earth.” Isaiah 49:6. This was God’s call to the Messiah.  He has done much toward this cause, but now He has called His disciples to continue the work, through the power of the Holy Spirit, after He is gone. In short, to speculate on times and dates is useless. The Lord’s return does not revolve around such speculation but around God’s own purposes, and those purposes embrace the salvation of the world. The surest route to the Parousia is the evangelization of the world.

Then, after He finished telling them these things, He ascended to heaven. “And after He had said these things, He was lifted up while they were looking on, and a cloud received Him out of their sight.” Acts 1:9. What an amazing event, seeing Jesus ascend into Heaven must have been amazing. His job was completed and now the remaining work is in the hands of His followers; this means all followers from the time of His ascension to His return. Then, “as they were gazing intently into the sky while He was departing, behold, two men in white clothing stood beside them; and they also said, men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into the sky? This Jesus, who has been taken up from you into heaven, will come in just the same way as you have watched Him go into heaven.” Acts 1:10-11. They were still gazing toward heaven after the disappearance of the Lord, when suddenly two men stood by them. That these were unquestionably angels, appears from the following three facts: the suddenness of their appearance, for no one had seen them approach; their white and shining apparel, a visible representation of celestial purity and holiness; and lastly the tidings which they brought to the disciples, being a message sent from heaven to the earth. And they asked them why do they just stand there looking up? For He shall return in the same way He was taken up. He assured them He would return, but not when He would return.

The main message Jesus gave at this time was the call for the disciples to go and spread the news of the truth. And this, again, was not just for those then, but for all of us from then until His return. “You (we) are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. nor do men light a lamp, and put it under the peck-measure, but on the lampstand; and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works and glorify your Father who is in heaven.” Matthew 5:14-16. Jesus called us as follows, “And Jesus came up and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:19-20. God called us to do this just prior to His ascension. Let us all go out there and make it happen until His return, and then go to be with Him forever.

William Funkhouser MDiv, ThD, Founder and President of True Devotion Ministries.

Luke 24:01

Verse of the Day Devotion.  Luke 24:1

“But on the first day of the week, at early dawn, they came to the tomb, bringing the spices which they had prepared.” –  Luke 24:1

In our last verse of the day, Jesus had been buried by Joseph of Arimathea. He laid Him in his own private tomb on Friday after Jesus’ crucifixion. They could not prepare His body for burial because Sabbath had come. “Now the women who had come with Him out of Galilee followed after and saw the tomb and how His body was laid. And they returned and prepared spices and perfumes. And on the Sabbath, they rested according to the commandment.” Luke 23:55-56. However, now it is Sunday, the Sabbath has ended, and they go to prepare His body.

When they arrive, they were surprised at what they saw. “And they found the stone rolled away from the tomb, but when they entered, they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus.” Luke 24:2-3. The stone that covered the tomb has been rolled away, which no doubt confused them. Then they entered the tomb and could not find the body of Jesus. Now while they were working through this, something remarkable happened. “And it happened that while they were perplexed about this, behold, two men suddenly stood near them in dazzling apparel; and as the women were terrified and bowed their faces to the ground, the men said to them, Why do you seek the living One among the dead?” Luke 24:4-5. These were angels that came to them. Mathew wrote, “And behold, a severe earthquake had occurred, for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven and came and rolled away the stone and sat upon it. And his appearance was like lightning, and his garment as white as snow; and the guards shook for fear of him and became like dead men.” Matthew 28:2-4. Now the women were terrified and bowed their faces to the ground. And as they did, the angel said to them “Why do you seek the living One among the dead? He is not here, but He has risen. Remember how He spoke to you while He was still in Galilee, saying that the Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, and be crucified, and the third day rise again.” Luke 24:5-7. They then remembered what Jesus had told them, and they left there and went back to the disciples to let them know what they had seen, that an angel declared Jesus had risen. The ladies that went back to tell the disciples were Mary Magdalene, Joanna, and Mary the mother of James.

Now, when the disciples heard what the ladies said, they had a hard time believing. “And these words appeared to them as nonsense, and they would not believe them.” Luke 24:11. And this is understandable, for opening their hearts to this possibility would have made them susceptible to additional disappointment if this were not true. But next we read, “But Peter arose and ran to the tomb; stooping and looking in, he saw the linen wrappings only; and he went away to his home, marveling at that which had happened.” Luke 24:12. Now, Peter did not go alone, but John joined him. “And so she ran and came to Simon Peter, and to the other disciple whom Jesus loved, and said to them, They have taken away the Lord out of the tomb, and we do not know where they have laid Him. Peter therefore went forth, and the other disciple, and they were going to the tomb.” John 20:2-3. However, “So the other disciple who had first come to the tomb entered then also, and he saw and believed. For as yet they did not understand the Scripture, that He must rise again from the dead.” John 20:8-9.

And finally, Jesus comes into the disciple’s presence. Thomas was not there when Jesus came at that meeting. Jesus shows them proof it was Him, and then breathes on them and they receive the Holy Spirit. Thomas comes to the next meeting and declares “Peace be with you. Then he turns to Thomas and says to him, reach here your finger, and see My hands; and reach here your hand and put it into My side; and be not unbelieving, but believing. Then Thomas believed, saying “My Lord and my God!” John 20:28. He then believed after He saw the wounds of Jesus.

In closing, there are two basic types of unbelievers. First, there are people who refuse to believe no matter the proof.  This, many times, is because it would have a negative affect on their lives. This was the issue with the Jewish and Roman leadership. Then there are those who are open to believe but need help. The disciples desired but struggled with the seeming impossibility of the incident. Two of them went to see the tomb and reported back what they saw. Thomas heard but struggled, and only believed after seeing the wounds. Jesus made it plain that He was raising from the dead, and He also makes it clear He will return for His people.  Let us go out and help those who want to believe understand the truth and become followers of Jesus who will also arise and be with Him forever.

William Funkhouser MDiv, ThD, Founder and President of True Devotion Ministries.

Luke 23:50

Verse of the Day Devotion.  Luke 23:50

“And behold, a man named Joseph, who was a member of the Council, a good and righteous man.” – Luke 23:50

Now, our focus verse takes place just after the death of Jesus. “And it was now about the sixth hour, and darkness fell over the whole land until the ninth hour, the sun being obscured; and the veil of the temple was torn in two. And Jesus, crying out with a loud voice, said, Father, INTO THY HANDS I COMMIT MY SPIRIT. And having said this, He breathed His last. Now when the centurion saw what had happened, he began praising God, saying, Certainly this man was innocent. And all the multitudes who came together for this spectacle, when they observed what had happened, began to return, beating their breasts. And all His acquaintances and the women who accompanied Him from Galilee, were standing at a distance, seeing these things.” Luke 23:44-49. The past twenty-four hours was constant torture and pain for Him, but now this time is over. He died. Now comes His burial.

A man came up and made this happen. “And behold, a man named Joseph, who was a member of the Council, a good and righteous man” Luke 23:50. Joseph was a member of the Sanhedrin, which voted to have Jesus executed, however we see in the next verse he voted against the majority. “(he had not consented to their plan and action), a man from Arimathea, a city of the Jews, who was waiting for the kingdom of God.” Luke 23:51. We also see in John’s and Matthew’s gospels that he had become a disciple of Jesus. “And when it was evening, there came a rich man from Arimathea, named Joseph, who himself had also become a disciple of Jesus.” Matthew 27:57. And we also see that he was a rich mas as well.

Now, this rich, righteous man who was a follower of Christ went to Pilate. “this man went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus. And he took it down and wrapped it in a linen cloth and laid Him in a tomb cut into the rock, where no one had ever lain.” Luke 23:52-53. Now, this was not a random tomb. This tomb was owned by Joseph. “And Joseph took the body and wrapped it in a clean linen cloth, and laid it in his own new tomb, which he had hewn out in the rock; and he rolled a large stone against the entrance of the tomb and went away.” Matthew 27:59-60. And because it was preparation day, and the Sabbath was about to begin, they held off the preparation of the body until the next day, Sunday. And He did not go alone. “Now the women who had come with Him out of Galilee followed after and saw the tomb and how His body was laid.” Luke 23:55. These women were undoubtedly the same as those who reported the resurrection to the disciples. “Now they were Mary Magdalene and Joanna and Mary the mother of James; also the other women with them were telling these things to the apostles.” Luke 24:10. Now these ladies went back to prepare spices and perfumes for His body. “Now the women who had come with Him out of Galilee followed after and saw the tomb and how His body was laid. And they returned and prepared spices and perfumes. And on the Sabbath they rested according to the commandment.” Luke 23:55-56. They prepared the spices and all that was necessary to prepare the body. They did not want to violate the Sabbath, therefore they left and planned to prepare the body on Sunday.

Joseph, a member of the Sanhedrin showed much courage in what he did for Jesus. In fact, he took a tremendous risk in going to both the Sanhedrin and to Pilate. “Joseph of Arimathea came, a prominent member of the Council, who himself was waiting for the kingdom of God; and he gathered up courage and went in before Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus.” Mark 15:43. He took a risk in voting contrary to the vast majority of the Sanhedrin, “he had not consented to their plan and action.” Both of these actions could have brought great trouble on him.  However, he was a follower of Christ. “And after these things Joseph of Arimathea, being a disciple of Jesus, but a secret one, for fear of the Jews, asked Pilate that he might take away the body of Jesus; and Pilate granted permission. He came therefore and took away His body.” John 19:38. He risked much in doing what He did for Christ. I want to encourage us all to do His work no matter the cost.  We can be a true follower of Christ as Joseph was, in secret, without denying Him. However, it is a risk. And if caught, there may be ridicule and hatred now, with far more serious results coming. We must always remember that God is always with us. As the Apostle Paul so clearly said. “Grace to you and peace from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who gave Himself for our sins, that He might deliver us out of this present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father, to whom be the glory forevermore. Amen.” Galatians 1:3-5. And besides, “What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who is against us?” Romans 8:31.

William Funkhouser MDiv, ThD, Founder and President of True Devotion Ministries.

Luke 23:43

Verse of the Day Devotion.  Luke 23:43

“And He said to him, “Truly I say to you, today you shall be with Me in Paradise.” – Luke 23:43

After the meeting with Pilate, Jesus was led out to be crucified. At some point, they forced a man, Simon of Cyrene, to take the cross from Christ and bear it for Him, for it appears that because of the brutality He had already suffered, He was unable to carry it any further.  During this journey, they were followed by many. “And there were following Him a great multitude of the people, and of women who were mourning and lamenting Him.” Luke 23:27.  The latter part of this verse indicates that, according to Luke, their following was due to sympathy, not curiosity. And once again the people’s positivity toward Jesus came forth. But Jesus’ response was no doubt surprising. “Daughters of Jerusalem, stop weeping for Me, but weep for yourselves and for your children. For behold, the days are coming when they will say, Blessed are the barren, and the wombs that never bore, and the breasts that never nursed. Then they will begin TO SAY TO THE MOUNTAINS, ‘FALL ON US,’ AND TO THE HILLS, ‘COVER US.’ For if they do these things in the green tree, what will happen in the dry?” Luke 23:28-31. Jesus was telling them not to weep for Him, essentially because His purpose here would soon be completed. Even now at his crucifixion Luke portrayed Jesus not so much as the one judged but the Judge who was fully in control of the situation. Now, I found several ways to interpret the phrase, ‘For if they do these things in the green tree, what will happen in the dry?’ but this interpretation I believe is meant. “So long as the enemy at his incursion into a land spares the green wood, he will, perhaps, even refrain from destroying the dry; but if he does not even spare the fruitful, how should he not deny compassion to the unfruitful?” The general idea can be found in the book of Jeremiah. “For thus says the LORD, “Behold, those who were not sentenced to drink the cup will certainly drink it, and are you the one who will be completely acquitted? You will not be acquitted, but you will certainly drink it.” Jeremiah 49:12.

Now, we see here there were two others that were being crucified at the same time. “And two others also, who were criminals, were being led away to be put to death with Him.” Luke 23:32. These two were being punished for crimes they actually committed. It is here where we see a beautiful picture of the Grace of God. We see this in the following verse. “But Jesus was saying, “Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing.” And they cast lots, dividing up His garments among themselves.” Luke 23:34. It is here that He calls out to His Father asking Him to forgive those who crucified Him. Not only did they kill Him in a slow manner, but He was mocked as well.  “And the people stood by, looking on. And even the rulers were sneering at Him, saying, He saved others; let Him save Himself if this is the Christ of God, His Chosen One. And the soldiers also mocked Him, coming up to Him, offering Him sour wine, and saying, If You are the King of the Jews, save Yourself! Now there was also an inscription above Him, THIS IS THE KING OF THE JEWS.” Luke 23:35-38. They mockingly stated, ‘You saved others, so save yourself.’ The said if He is the King of the Jews, use your power to save yourself.

And even one of the criminals was mocking Him. “Are You not the Christ? Save Yourself and us!” Luke 23:40. But the other understood and made it plain to the other. “But the other answered, and rebuking him said, Do you not even fear God, since you are under the same sentence of condemnation? And we indeed justly, for we are receiving what we deserve for our deeds; but this man has done nothing wrong.” Luke 23:40-41. The reply assumes the two criminals justly faced death due to their guilt. It was therefore not the time for hurling insults at one who was innocent but rather to seek God’s mercy. This criminal confessed his sins and acknowledged that he deserved to be punished. Such a confession is an integral part of repentance. In rebuking the other criminal, this one rejected the view that if Jesus were the Christ, he would save himself. Also, he acknowledged that Jesus did nothing wrong to deserve crucifixion.

Then the second criminal turns to Jesus and asked, “Jesus, remember me when You come in Your kingdom!” Luke 23:42. This man confessed His sin while the other simply mocked Jesus.  The second criminal understood his predicament and believed He needed forgiveness. He desired no instantaneous liberation from the cross, on which he on the contrary is convinced that he must die, but he desires solely and singly that our Lord through His grace may remember him and receive him into His kingdom. Undoubtedly he is thinking not of the heaven in which our Lord after His death would be, but the moment when the Messiah comes in His kingly glory to erect His kingdom upon earth, and desires that he then, awakened from the grave, may enter in with Him into the joy of his Lord. However, Jesus brings clarity to him in His answer. “And He said to him, Truly I say to you, today you shall be with Me in Paradise.” Luke 23:42. The thief was thinking His being with the Lord would occur at a future time, but Jesus let him know that it would be right after He died that he will be with Him in paradise, essentially a place of great joy as was Eden before the fall.

In our focus verse, we see here the incredible grace offered to us by God. Just as the thief on the cross, we have all sinned and do not deserve eternity with a loving God. But just as the thief did, we need to understand our situation, repent of our sins, and live the remainder of our lives for Him.  Lets not be like the other who rejected the way set before us to be forgiven. He loves us all and wants us all to be saved. “The Lord is not slow about His promise, as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance.” 2 Peter 3:9. He wants us all to be saved and spend eternity with Him.  It is up to us to accept His invitation and make it happen.

William Funkhouser MDiv, ThD, Founder and President of True Devotion Ministries.

Luke 23:18

Verse of the Day Devotion. Luke 23:18

But they cried out altogether, saying, “Away with this man, and release for us Barabbas!” – Luke 23:18 

This verse addresses Pilate making a decision as to what to do about Jesus. And He presented this to the Chief Priests and rulers. “Then the whole body of them arose and brought Him before Pilate. And they began to accuse Him, saying, “We found this man misleading our nation and forbidding to pay taxes to Caesar, and saying that He Himself is Christ, a King.” And Pilate asked Him, saying, “Are You the King of the Jews?” And He answered him and said, “It is as you say.” And Pilate said to the chief priests and the multitudes, “I find no guilt in this man.” But they kept on insisting, saying, “He stirs up the people, teaching all over Judea, starting from Galilee, even as far as this place.” Luke 23:1-5. And then “You brought this man to me as one who incites the people to rebellion, and behold, having examined Him before you, I have found no guilt in this man regarding the charges which you make against Him. No, nor has Herod, for he sent Him back to us; and behold, nothing deserving death has been done by Him. I will therefore punish Him and release Him. Now he was obliged to release to them at the feast one prisoner.” Luke 23:14-17. Herod also saw Him, but he simply mocked Him. The chief priest and the Jewish leaders brought Jesus before them, and both found no fault in Jesus on the charges brought to them, especially anything involving the penalty of death.

And because Herod nor Pilot did not find Him guilty of any crime deserving death, Pilot did not want to kill Him, in fact, he wanted to release Him, according to the policy of releasing to them one prisoner at the feast of Passover. “I will therefore punish Him and release Him.” Luke 23:16. However, Pilot was shocked by their response. “But they cried out altogether, saying, away with this man, and release for us Barabbas!” Luke 23:18. Barabbas means ‘Son of Abbas’. Luke explained Barabbas was the very kind of person the chief priests, rulers, and people claimed Jesus to be, a revolutionary. There is a tragic irony here. Jesus came offering peace but was rejected in favor of a revolutionary who promoted murder. This verse foreshadows the tragedy of the Jewish revolt in A.D. 70, where ultimately the Temple was completely destroyed, with no stone left upon another. Luke portrays the choice available for Jesus’ opponents as a clear decision between good and evil; a holy, righteous man and a murderer; Jesus and Barabbas. And unfortunately, they chose evil. Three times Pilot asked them why, but all three times they called for His crucifixion. The one who deserved death was released because of the desire of the crowd, but the one whom Pilot and Herod declared innocent the crowd cried out to kill.

At the first of the week, there was a crowd in Jerusalem celebrating Jesus as the Messiah. However, by the next Friday, there was a crowd crying, ‘Crucify Him!’ This change of the city’s heart naturally causes questions. One thing to remember is that not everyone at the Triumphal Entry was celebrating the Lord. Most of the city was puzzled. “And when He had entered Jerusalem, all the city was stirred, saying, who is this?” Matthew 21:10. And the Jewish leaders were not pleased, “But when the chief priests and the scribes saw the wonderful things that He had done, and the children who were crying out in the temple and saying, Hosanna to the Son of David, they became indignant.” Matthew 21:15. If some people did join both crowds, they may have become disillusioned with Jesus when they discovered He was not going to set up the kingdom immediately, or perhaps they disliked Jesus’ insistence they repent. It’s quite possible the crowd gathered before Pilate at that early hour had been assembled and suborned by the Jewish leaders.

In the end, the thing we need to remember is that the crowd yelling ‘crucify Him’ was not what put Him on the cross. The fact that we sinned did that. We see this in Genesis where we read, “And I will put enmity Between you and the woman, And between your seed and her seed; He shall bruise you on the head, And you shall bruise him on the heel.” Genesis 3:15. It was on account of the original sin and how it was passed down from generation to generation, as well as God’s grace toward us. However, it is important to remember we must not put what we desire or deem true ahead of what God has told us was absolutely true. Throughout Jewish history, the coming of the Messiah was prophesied, but much of Judaism ignored it because it did not happen as they believed it would.  We must be careful we do not fall into the same trap, by believing it is not as I thought therefore it cannot be true. Truth is true no matter what we think.  Jesus only spoke and taught the truth.  We must not decide what is truth based on what we think, but on what God says.

William Funkhouser MDiv, ThD, Founder and President of True Devotion Ministries.

Luke 22:71

Verse of the Day Devotion.  Luke 22:71 

“And they said, what further need do we have of testimony? For we have heard it ourselves from His own mouth. – Luke 22:71 

This verse of the day speaks of Jesus before the Council of the Elders of the people. This group is also called the Sanhedrin. The elders were made up of both Chief Priests and Scribes. “And when it was day, the Council of elders of the people assembled, both chief priests and scribes, and they led Him away to their council chamber, saying, If You are the Christ, tell us. But He said to them, If I tell you, you will not believe.” Luke 22:66-67. This particular meeting was not assembled to seek the truth but to seek a reason to condemn Him. Once the elders were gathered where the Sanhedrin normally met, they led Jesus into this room for questioning.  Their first questions struck right at the heart of their search; how could they put Him to death?“ They brought in people to present testimonies, however, they were inconsistent. “For many were giving false testimony against Him, and yet their testimony was not consistent. And some stood up and began to give false testimony against Him, saying, We heard Him say, ‘I will destroy this temple made with hands, and in three days I will build another made without hands. And not even in this respect was their testimony consistent.” Mark 14:56-59. 

So, as we see, if they could not find a reason to kill Him, they would make a reason to kill Him. However, He was not answering their questions, for I believe He knew it would make no difference. Then, as we read in verse 67, they came right out and asked, “If You are the Christ, tell us. But He said to them, If I tell you, you will not believe; and if I ask a question, you will not answer.” Luke 22:67-68. However, He did not directly answer the question, for they would not believe Him anyway, and if He were to respond they would not address anything He said.

Then He responds to them but does not directly answer them. “But from now on THE SON OF MAN WILL BE SEATED AT THE RIGHT HAND of the power OF GOD.” Luke 22:69. Now Jesus points back to what was said at His transfiguration. “And behold, two men were talking with Him; and they were Moses and Elijah who, appearing in glory, were speaking of His departure which He was about to accomplish at Jerusalem.” Luke 9:30-31. This departure mentioned in the previous verse regarding Moses and Elijah would soon come to pass.  His work here to pay the penalty for the sins of all men would be accomplished in just a number of hours.

Now, Mark speaks the same words, but in a different order. Note how it is said. “But He kept silent and made no answer. Again the high priest was questioning Him, and saying to Him, “Are You the Christ, the Son of the Blessed One?” And Jesus said, “I am, and you shall see THE SON OF MAN SITTING AT THE RIGHT HAND OF POWER and COMING WITH THE CLOUDS OF HEAVEN.” Mark 14:61-62. Mark says He tells them He is the Son of God and then they will see Him, whereas in Luke, He tells them they will see Him and then He answers them, telling them He is the Son of God. They both say the same thing but in a different way. However, what is significant is that when He does tell them who He is, as we read in Luke, “And they said, what further need do we have of testimony? For we have heard it ourselves from His own mouth.” Luke 22:71. As far as Jesus’ opponents were concerned, their purpose had now been achieved.  This therefore is how the accusation was presented to Pilot, yet the Sanhedrin’s condemnation of Jesus is less political than religious, for Jesus was found guilty after accepting the title “Son of God.”

Jesus gave everything to provide a way of salvation for us. And because of this, we need to stand as firm in our belief in who He is as He did in providing the way of escape for us. We must be willing to endure whatever comes our way as a witness to the truth of the gospel.  Being the light of Christ in a world that hates Him and us will be difficult, but it is the only way to fulfil His calling on our lives.  He gave it all, and we should as well.   

William Funkhouser MDiv, ThD, Founder and President of True Devotion Ministries.

Luke 22:47

Verse of the Day Devotion.  Luke 22:47 

“While He was still speaking, behold, a multitude came, and the one called Judas, one of the twelve, was preceding them; and he approached Jesus to kiss Him.” – Luke 22:47 

This verse addresses the betrayal by one of His twelve disciples, Judas, that ended in the arrest of Jesus, and ultimately His death. First, lets go back a bit at the deal he made with the Chief Priests. “Now the Feast of Unleavened Bread, which is called the Passover, was approaching. And the chief priests and the scribes were seeking how they might put Him to death; for they were afraid of the people.” Luke 22:1-2. The Jewish leadership believed that if Jesus continued with what He was doing, their positions of leadership may be minimized or forever abolished. This was not acceptable to them, so they were looking for ways to capture and then kill Him without angering the people.

Next, based on the next set of verses, Satan was working with the leadership. “And Satan entered into Judas who was called Iscariot, belonging to the number of the twelve. And he went away and discussed with the chief priests and officers how he might betray Him to them. And they were glad and agreed to give him money. And he consented and began seeking a good opportunity to betray Him to them apart from the multitude. Luke 22:3-6. Based on this verse, Judas was not a true follower of Christ, or in today’s vernacular, a Christian.  They can be influenced by them, but not possessed by them. But specifically regarding Judas, he continually did wrong for His own benefit. Here is one example. “But Judas Iscariot, one of His disciples, who was intending to betray Him, said, Why was this perfume not sold for three hundred denarii, and given to poor people? Now he said this, not because he was concerned about the poor, but because he was a thief, and as he had the money box, he used to pilfer what was put into it.” John 12:4-6. He would actually steal money from Jesus. And I would go on to say that Satan, using Judas’ body, worked out a deal with the chief priests.

Now, we come to our focus verse. “While He was still speaking, behold, a multitude came, and the one called Judas, one of the twelve, was preceding them; and he approached Jesus to kiss Him.” Luke 22:47. Now, it is important to understand why Judas would kiss Him. In the culture of first-century Israel, a kiss was not always a romantic expression of love; rather, a kiss on the cheek was a common greeting, a sign of deep respect, honor, and brotherly love. We see this in the writings of Peter, “Greet one another with a kiss of love. Peace be to you all who are in Christ.” 1 Peter 5:14. The type of kiss mentioned here is considered a ‘holy kiss’ through much of the New Testament. Also, for a student who had great respect for his teacher, a kiss fell well within the healthy expression of honor.

However, what really stands out in the mode of Judas’s betrayal is that Judas used such an intimate expression of love and respect to betray Jesus. Judas’s actions were, without question, hypocritical to an extreme. His actions essentially said, ‘I respect and honor you,’ while at the very same time betraying Him to be murdered. His actions can be seen illustrated in Proverbs. “Faithful are the wounds of a friend, But deceitful are the kisses of an enemy.” Proverbs 27:6. Often, foes disguise themselves as friends when they are not. Actually, they are deceivers wearing a mask to conceal their true purpose. And this is what Judas did with Jesus.  He came dressed in the costume of an intimate friend. And as a side note, we need to be careful with this as well.

Jesus was betrayed by one who pretended being an intimate friend, to the point that he kissed Jesus as a sign of who was to be arrested. And when the betrayal was in process Jesus asked Judas, “Judas, are you betraying the Son of Man with a kiss?” Luke 22:48. Jesus knew this would happen, and so the question was rhetorical.  But Jesus still loved him and it was no doubt painful to see Judas playing out what He knew would come. How difficult this may have been, but it shows His following what He taught. “But I say to you who hear, love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.” Luke 6:27-28.  This is a perfect picture of love as laid out by our Messiah, who showed us here, through His arrest, what true love actually looks like.

William Funkhouser MDiv, ThD, Founder and President of True Devotion Ministries.

Mark 14:36

Verse of the Day Devotion.  Mark 14:36   

“And He was saying, Abba! Father! All things are possible for Thee; remove this cup from Me; yet not what I will, but what Thou wilt.” – Mark 14:36   

This verse is found in the set of verses regarding Jesus’ prayer in Gethsemane.  “And they came to a place named Gethsemane; and He said to His disciples, Sit here until I have prayed. And He took with Him Peter and James and John and began to be very distressed and troubled. And He said to them, My soul is deeply grieved to the point of death; remain here and keep watch. And He went a little beyond them, and fell to the ground, and began to pray that if it were possible, the hour might pass Him by.” Mark 14:32-35. First, this comes just after Peter had mentioned several times that even though he may have to die with Him, he would not deny Him.  And the others were saying the same thing. “But Peter kept saying insistently, even if I have to die with You, I will not deny You! And they all were saying the same thing, too.” Mark 14:31.  So, as we can see, Jesus took His disciples to Gethsemane and asked them to sit there until He came back from praying. However, He took Peter, James, and John with Him as well. And due to what He knew was coming He was deeply troubled.

In those days, Jews most often prayed standing and with uplifted hands. Prostration was the gesture of extreme urgency. Jesus, being fully human as well as fully God, was struggling with what He knew was coming. Because of this, He was praying that if it were possible, that this hour would pass Him by.  ‘This Hour’ refers to the time of His arrest and eventual death which would accomplish the purpose for which The Father sent Him here. This prayer was an expression of the real humanity of Jesus, which is as necessary a part of his nature as his deity.

Then we come to our focus verse. “And He was saying, Abba! Father! All things are possible for Thee; remove this cup from Me; yet not what I will, but what Thou wilt.” Mark 14:36. “Abba” is an Aramaic word, as Mark no doubt hastened to add for the benefit of his Greek-speaking readers and hearers, meaning father or daddy. The word was used primarily by little children within the family circle. There is no evidence that Jews used the word in addressing God. Such familiarity, they thought, would be irreverent. By using the word, Jesus affirmed his intimate relationship with God.

This verse particularly shows the ‘human’ side of Jesus.  He was approaching a very difficult time in which He will not just be killed but tortured by the Jews. In essence, we see both sides of Jesus. The phrase “All things are possible for Thee; remove this cup from Me.” is definitely His human side. While “yet not what I will, but what Thou wilt” shows His deity. As we see here, He still showed His human side, but did not allow it to take precedent over what the Father wanted.  As difficult as it was, He knew this was the only way to allow the plan of God the Father to be completed. And this plan was for all people, those that loved Him, and also those who did not.

And as hard as this may sound, we should also be willing to follow this example. We must never allow our desires to prevail over what God desires. He wants us to go out and preach the gospel to all, not just to those we desire to be around. He wants us to encourage all Christians to be a light in the darkness, not just those we feel comfortable around. We are called to love everyone, not just those who show us love in ways that please us. And if in our work for God, we must die in order to accomplish His plan, then we must die and thus glorify Him. What we want must always be secondary to His plans. Jesus is an example of this. So, let us go back to what Jesus prayed. “Abba! Father! All things are possible for Thee; remove this cup from Me; yet not what I will, but what Thou wilt.” He was not crazy about what was coming, but He went through it because God The Father wanted Him to. And we should do the same.  What does it matter what we want when God has the perfect plan for us all?

William Funkhouser MDiv, ThD, Founder and President of True Devotion Ministries.

Luke 22:31

Verse of the Day Devotion.  Luke 22:31   

“Simon, Simon, behold, Satan has demanded permission to sift you like wheat.” Luke 22:31 

This verse is part of Jesus’ foretelling of Peter denying he knows Christ. Peter’s name was originally Simon; however, Jesus later changes his name to Peter. “Now when Jesus came into the district of Caesarea Philippi, He began asking His disciples, saying, Who do people say that the Son of Man is? And they said, Some say John the Baptist; and others, Elijah; but still others, Jeremiah, or one of the prophets.  He said to them, But who do you say that I am? And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God. And Jesus answered and said to him, Blessed are you, Simon Barjona, because flesh and blood did not reveal this to you, but My Father who is in heaven. And I also say to you that you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build My church; and the gates of Hades shall not overpower it.” Matthew 16:13-18.

Another thing, when a name is repeated in the sacred writings, it appears to be always intended as an expression of love, manifested by a warning voice. It is as if he had said, while you all were contending for supremacy (See Luke 22:24-30), Satan is endeavoring to destroy you all: but I have prayed for you apostles who are most in danger. Satan desired all the apostles. The plural Greek pronoun, ὑμας, sufficiently proves that these words were not addressed to Peter alone. Satan had already taken one, Judas; he had nearly got another, Peter; and he wished to have all. However, it appears as if the devil cannot tempt a man unless he receives permission. He desires to do all evil; he is permitted only to do some. 

Then He tells Peter exclusively the following, “but I have prayed for you, that your faith may not fail; and you, when once you have turned again, strengthen your brothers.” Luke 22:32.  In this verse, the ‘you’ refers to Peter alone. It is apparent that Satan was going after Peter specifically. And we can see this in the words “and you, when once you have turned again, strengthen your brothers”. Jesus told Peter He had prayed for him that his faith would not fail. Jesus knew he would be tempted, and he would deny knowing Him due to fear.  The prayer was that Peter would not disavow his allegiance and loyalty to Jesus. This Peter did not do; and the reader, who is aware of Peter’s leadership role in the early church, knows that Jesus’ prayer for Peter was answered. And this, His prayer, was that once Peter repented. he would strengthen his fellow believers in the faith. 

Now, Peter responds by saying, “Lord, with You I am ready to go both to prison and to death!” Luke 22:33. However, he did not realize his weakness. Peter truly believed he could withstand anything that would come his way.  He even called Him Lord showing his uncompromising allegiance to Him. But at that time, Peter was not prepared for all these trials. And Jesus showed His prescience by predicting his failure to publicly acknowledge Him. “I say to you, Peter, the cock will not crow today until you have denied three times that you know Me.” Luke 22:34. Now, the phrase ‘regarding a cock crowing implies the end of the night, or the dawn of the morning.  

Now this begs the question, is our relationship with Christ strong enough to stay true to Him in troubling times? We need to be ready for troubling times are coming our way.  And we must understand that He knows how things will come out. We must spend some serious time in prayer and fellowship with Him so that we will be ready when these times arrive. We may trip, as Peter did, but we must never fall away. God loves us so much, and He says He will never leave or forsake us.  Can we say the same regarding ourselves? Become wholly sold out to God and work so as never to deny or forsake Him.

William Funkhouser MDiv, ThD, Founder and President of True Devotion Ministries.