My mind raced back to the days before when I saw Jesus in the temple talking. He spoke with such wisdom and never attacked anyone. I could not see anything wicked in Him. Why was the God of the Jews punishing One that loved Him so much? I did not know, dear sister.
I could not see Jesus from my standing point but I saw Pilate. From what I saw before Jesus had been beaten horrible already at that point. Pilate called out to the people, You brought me this man you say is guilty of rebellion. I have tested Him and find no proof for the charge against Him, neither has Herod. He has done nothing to deserve death. I will punish Him and then release Him.
Deborah there is a custom you must understand during the Feast. The people could request a prisoner to be released. Pilate knew this and he asked the people if they would like him to release Jesus or Barabbas. I asked a man near me who Barabbas was. I learned that he was a wicked rebellious murderer who was in prison for causing uprisings against the government. Surely the people would choose Jesus over this man, I thought. Pilate gave the people a choice, Jesus or Barabbas. He asked the people what they wanted to be done with Jesus. The words still echo painfully through my ears. CRUCIFY HIM!
I couldnt believe what I was seeing or hearing. Was this not the same crowd of people who welcomed Jesus a few days ago; praising Him as a King? These people who were calling out celebration were now calling out crucifixion. Why? What crime has he committed? I heard my thoughts come from Pilate, as he was as stunned as I. The people kept shouting.
Pilate had the guards beat Jesus with rods for punishment, trying to appease the people. But the people wanted bloodshed, not mercy. They shouted accusations against Him. By our Law He must die, for He claims to be the Son of God! There was no mistake that Jesus did indeed call Himself God. When Pilate heard what the Jews said he tried to act brave by reminding Jesus he had power to condemn Him to death. Jesus, whom I could now see emerged from the shadows, replied, You have no power over me except that which comes from above. Therefore the one who handed me over to you is guilty of a greater sin. Pilate tried again and again to get the case out of his hands. Finally he washed his hands off the innocent blood of Jesus. He then handed the Jews their King to crucify Him.
Let His blood be on us and our children! They screamed. Oh that it would have been their salvation my sister. But let me not get ahead of myself.
I followed the crowd and Jesus as they led Him to where the Romans like to kill the Jews. A place called Golgotha, shaped like a human skull. I could not describe how horridly they treated Jesus. For He did not even look human as he limped along the road now. His Blood left stains in the dirt as He passed by. A crown of long thorns was beat into His head. Carrying His own cross, He went along with the determination, set on His way.
Before Jesus were two thieves. The Romans crucified them first. Then between them I saw Jesus, lay Himself down on the cross. He offered His hands and His feet. Was He giving full control to the ones that wanted Him dead. I couldnt stand to watch as they drove nails into Him. They lifted the cross up and His body fell hanging with the nails to the cross. During all of this Jesus never said anything, or cried for mercy. Rather He said, Father, forgive them for they know not what they do! Even now He shows mercy to these savages.
The hours past and the sky became darker then I had ever seen it before. Dear sister that was the longest day of my life. I feel to my knees at the foot of the cross. Into a puddle of Jesus blood I fell. My God, My God, why have your forsaken me Jesus cried out to God, the God who He served faithfully to the point of the cross. Was this the cup Jesus prayed for Gods will to be done. I remembered His words, When I am lifted up, I will draw all men to me. I could feel the presence of something evil laughing in the darkness. Jesus cried out again, It is finished! Darkness fell. I felt the earth tremble. Jesus had given up His spirit and died. WHY? I screamed into the air. I didnt expect an answer. I didnt get one then. There was just a overwhelming feeling of sorrow and pain as I lay before the cross of Jesus. Blood want water pours forth from Jesus as the Romans pierce His side to see if He was dead. He was. There was no mistaking the fact that Jesus did indeed die that day.
Dear sister, the best is yet to come. The story doesnt end there. That Friday was the most horrid and longest day of my life and possible eternity. It was the day Jesus the Christ, the Savior of the world died. You see dear sister, as I learned later, there was a deep meaning in the cross. One that is hard to understand, only with the help of God Himself could I catch a glimpse. You see the God if Israel is God of all people. He created us all and loves us all. The ultimate way of showing His love for us was to die for our sins. Sin is anything in rebellion toward God and His law. Well, no man could ever be perfect and obey it all so God came down Himself. Jesus of Nazareth, is as Peter said the Christ, the Son of God. Only He came not to set the people free from political ruler ship, but from their sin. Our sin.
I never shouted crucify. I never swung the hammer to drive in the nails. I never spoke against Jesus. And yet I felt that every sin I ever committed held Jesus to that cross. It was as He were the Passover Lamb sent from God to take on the sin of the world. And that is what happened.
The disciples buried Jesus in the tomb wrapped in linens and a large rock was placed in front of the entryway. The only door was blocked, for the moment. Pilate put Roman soldiers to stand guard all throughout the day and night. For there was a prophecy that Jesus would come back after three days, though I could not believe it. Little did I realize I was about to get a miracle.
For three days and nights I had horrible nightmares and great fear upon me. The hope of finally finding a savior had been crucified on a cross. Innocence died that day. I heard later that Judas had felt guilty about betraying and killed himself. On the other side of the coin Peter, who had denied his Master, only hid from fear. Peter had a true repentant heart, while Judas let his sin take control of Him.
Each hour went by and all I could remember was all I had seen and heard from Jesus. This man did not deserve to be on the cross. I did. He did nothing wrong and the people, I, crucified Him. And on that day I died with Him. And on that day I was buried with Him. OH but my dear sister, after the third day I would live wait I will start from the moment the women found the tomb.
A few women who had followed Jesus during His ministry came to the tomb the morning after the appointed days were over. They came to anoint the body of Jesus and wondered among themselves who would roll the stone away. Oh dear one I didnt believe it myself at first but when they got to the tomb the stone was rolled away. They met then heavenly messengers, Angels, from God; telling the women that Jesus had risen from the dead. Risen, my sister, risen from death back into life.
I was with the disciples when the women came with this unbelievable news. Peter and John raced out the door to the tomb, I followed. We saw the guards had fled and the stone was rolled away. Inside the tomb were the linens Jesus was wrapped in, folded just as the disciples left them a few days before. Deborah my heart pounded deep within. I was witnessing the most amazing moment in history.
Jesus appeared to the women, to the disciples, and many others the next many days. A week from the day He rose I was in the room with the disciples. Thomas, one of the disciples doubted Jesus really rose. In my mind I had trouble still as well, since I had not seen Jesus myself. But then, then, though locked doors He came.
There stood Jesus, nail prints in His hands and scars on His side. He stood with a glow of radiance and beauty. His smile. His arms were outstretched. Peace be with you! He said with overwhelming compassion. There He was. Risen. He called Thomas to Him, knowing Thomas doubted. He had Thomas feel the wounds and scars. He then dropped to his knees before Jesus and cried out, My Lord, and My God! Jesus answered, Have you believed, only because youve seen. Blessed our those who have not seen and yet do believe. Oh dear sister, by word of this letter alone you know now of Jesus. You have not seen with your eyes, or heard with your ears. But I tell you this amazing truth because of what it meant.
Jesus told His followers to go and tell others about Him, so they will be able to walk in the light after Him. My dear sister, this is the truth that I now bring. HE IS RISEN! Believe in the life transforming power of the triumphant risen Christ! HE IS RISEN INDEED
Signed with love,
Your brother Philip
I could not see Jesus from my standing point but I saw Pilate. From what I saw before Jesus had been beaten horrible already at that point. Pilate called out to the people, You brought me this man you say is guilty of rebellion. I have tested Him and find no proof for the charge against Him, neither has Herod. He has done nothing to deserve death. I will punish Him and then release Him.
Deborah there is a custom you must understand during the Feast. The people could request a prisoner to be released. Pilate knew this and he asked the people if they would like him to release Jesus or Barabbas. I asked a man near me who Barabbas was. I learned that he was a wicked rebellious murderer who was in prison for causing uprisings against the government. Surely the people would choose Jesus over this man, I thought. Pilate gave the people a choice, Jesus or Barabbas. He asked the people what they wanted to be done with Jesus. The words still echo painfully through my ears. CRUCIFY HIM!
I couldnt believe what I was seeing or hearing. Was this not the same crowd of people who welcomed Jesus a few days ago; praising Him as a King? These people who were calling out celebration were now calling out crucifixion. Why? What crime has he committed? I heard my thoughts come from Pilate, as he was as stunned as I. The people kept shouting.
Pilate had the guards beat Jesus with rods for punishment, trying to appease the people. But the people wanted bloodshed, not mercy. They shouted accusations against Him. By our Law He must die, for He claims to be the Son of God! There was no mistake that Jesus did indeed call Himself God. When Pilate heard what the Jews said he tried to act brave by reminding Jesus he had power to condemn Him to death. Jesus, whom I could now see emerged from the shadows, replied, You have no power over me except that which comes from above. Therefore the one who handed me over to you is guilty of a greater sin. Pilate tried again and again to get the case out of his hands. Finally he washed his hands off the innocent blood of Jesus. He then handed the Jews their King to crucify Him.
Let His blood be on us and our children! They screamed. Oh that it would have been their salvation my sister. But let me not get ahead of myself.
I followed the crowd and Jesus as they led Him to where the Romans like to kill the Jews. A place called Golgotha, shaped like a human skull. I could not describe how horridly they treated Jesus. For He did not even look human as he limped along the road now. His Blood left stains in the dirt as He passed by. A crown of long thorns was beat into His head. Carrying His own cross, He went along with the determination, set on His way.
Before Jesus were two thieves. The Romans crucified them first. Then between them I saw Jesus, lay Himself down on the cross. He offered His hands and His feet. Was He giving full control to the ones that wanted Him dead. I couldnt stand to watch as they drove nails into Him. They lifted the cross up and His body fell hanging with the nails to the cross. During all of this Jesus never said anything, or cried for mercy. Rather He said, Father, forgive them for they know not what they do! Even now He shows mercy to these savages.
The hours past and the sky became darker then I had ever seen it before. Dear sister that was the longest day of my life. I feel to my knees at the foot of the cross. Into a puddle of Jesus blood I fell. My God, My God, why have your forsaken me Jesus cried out to God, the God who He served faithfully to the point of the cross. Was this the cup Jesus prayed for Gods will to be done. I remembered His words, When I am lifted up, I will draw all men to me. I could feel the presence of something evil laughing in the darkness. Jesus cried out again, It is finished! Darkness fell. I felt the earth tremble. Jesus had given up His spirit and died. WHY? I screamed into the air. I didnt expect an answer. I didnt get one then. There was just a overwhelming feeling of sorrow and pain as I lay before the cross of Jesus. Blood want water pours forth from Jesus as the Romans pierce His side to see if He was dead. He was. There was no mistaking the fact that Jesus did indeed die that day.
Dear sister, the best is yet to come. The story doesnt end there. That Friday was the most horrid and longest day of my life and possible eternity. It was the day Jesus the Christ, the Savior of the world died. You see dear sister, as I learned later, there was a deep meaning in the cross. One that is hard to understand, only with the help of God Himself could I catch a glimpse. You see the God if Israel is God of all people. He created us all and loves us all. The ultimate way of showing His love for us was to die for our sins. Sin is anything in rebellion toward God and His law. Well, no man could ever be perfect and obey it all so God came down Himself. Jesus of Nazareth, is as Peter said the Christ, the Son of God. Only He came not to set the people free from political ruler ship, but from their sin. Our sin.
I never shouted crucify. I never swung the hammer to drive in the nails. I never spoke against Jesus. And yet I felt that every sin I ever committed held Jesus to that cross. It was as He were the Passover Lamb sent from God to take on the sin of the world. And that is what happened.
The disciples buried Jesus in the tomb wrapped in linens and a large rock was placed in front of the entryway. The only door was blocked, for the moment. Pilate put Roman soldiers to stand guard all throughout the day and night. For there was a prophecy that Jesus would come back after three days, though I could not believe it. Little did I realize I was about to get a miracle.
For three days and nights I had horrible nightmares and great fear upon me. The hope of finally finding a savior had been crucified on a cross. Innocence died that day. I heard later that Judas had felt guilty about betraying and killed himself. On the other side of the coin Peter, who had denied his Master, only hid from fear. Peter had a true repentant heart, while Judas let his sin take control of Him.
Each hour went by and all I could remember was all I had seen and heard from Jesus. This man did not deserve to be on the cross. I did. He did nothing wrong and the people, I, crucified Him. And on that day I died with Him. And on that day I was buried with Him. OH but my dear sister, after the third day I would live wait I will start from the moment the women found the tomb.
A few women who had followed Jesus during His ministry came to the tomb the morning after the appointed days were over. They came to anoint the body of Jesus and wondered among themselves who would roll the stone away. Oh dear one I didnt believe it myself at first but when they got to the tomb the stone was rolled away. They met then heavenly messengers, Angels, from God; telling the women that Jesus had risen from the dead. Risen, my sister, risen from death back into life.
I was with the disciples when the women came with this unbelievable news. Peter and John raced out the door to the tomb, I followed. We saw the guards had fled and the stone was rolled away. Inside the tomb were the linens Jesus was wrapped in, folded just as the disciples left them a few days before. Deborah my heart pounded deep within. I was witnessing the most amazing moment in history.
Jesus appeared to the women, to the disciples, and many others the next many days. A week from the day He rose I was in the room with the disciples. Thomas, one of the disciples doubted Jesus really rose. In my mind I had trouble still as well, since I had not seen Jesus myself. But then, then, though locked doors He came.
There stood Jesus, nail prints in His hands and scars on His side. He stood with a glow of radiance and beauty. His smile. His arms were outstretched. Peace be with you! He said with overwhelming compassion. There He was. Risen. He called Thomas to Him, knowing Thomas doubted. He had Thomas feel the wounds and scars. He then dropped to his knees before Jesus and cried out, My Lord, and My God! Jesus answered, Have you believed, only because youve seen. Blessed our those who have not seen and yet do believe. Oh dear sister, by word of this letter alone you know now of Jesus. You have not seen with your eyes, or heard with your ears. But I tell you this amazing truth because of what it meant.
Jesus told His followers to go and tell others about Him, so they will be able to walk in the light after Him. My dear sister, this is the truth that I now bring. HE IS RISEN! Believe in the life transforming power of the triumphant risen Christ! HE IS RISEN INDEED
Signed with love,
Your brother Philip
