https://esv.literalword.com/?q=Lev+9%3B+mark+15
Observations from today’s readings and today’s S-WOD, Monday, 11 April 2022:
Listen to this teaching on Leviticus 9 by the late Dr. J. Vernon McGee — https://www.blueletterbible.org/audio_video/popPlayer.cfm?id=4098&rel=mcgee_j_vernon/Lev
Leviticus 9:6 — And Moses said, “This is the thing that the LORD commanded you to do, that the glory of the LORD may appear to you.”
To see the glory of the LORD you must do what God commanded you to do. In the old covenant of the Old Testament, God commanded the Jews to offer the sacrifices which have been described in our readings in great detail in order to receive the glory of the LORD. However, now in the new covenant (explained in the New Testament), Jesus has offered himself as a sacrifice for our sins. He has paid the price for our sins, he’s offered himself as a sacrifice so that the glory of the Lord may appear to us.
Christ has made it possible for us to have a continual glimpse of the glory of God. Jesus died on the cross so that you and I can grow to know God and see His glory in our lives increasingly with each day. With this truth, Paul exclaims that the only reasonable response from us for Christ’s great sacrifice for us to now offer ourselves as “living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.” (Romans 12:1). As we offer ourselves wholeheartedly to the LORD and walk in His commands, the more we see His glory in our lives, and the more we are conformed into the image of Jesus Christ – “And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit.” (2 Corinthians 3:18)
“Do you want to see the glory of the Lord? Do you want to see God in your life and your family more and more and more and more? Then trust in the sacrifice of Jesus first and foremost and then as the overflow that, lay your life down on a daily basis and ask him, ‘God show me more of your glory. God I want to see and know you more and more and more.’ And God will answer that prayer. (David Platt)
Listen to this message on Mark 15:1–15 by the late Dr. R.C. Sproul — https://www.ligonier.org/learn/sermons/mark-jesus-pilate
Mark 15:2 — “And Pilate asked him, ‘Are you the King of the Jews?’ And he answered him, ‘You have said so.’”
Some have legal authority to lead, and others have the moral authority to lead. By law, Pilate was the ruler, but by God, Jesus is the KING of kings, and Pilate could not deny the true leadership of Jesus. Before imparting the Great Commission to the disciples in Matthew 28, Jesus reminds them that all power and authority had been given to Him, and under that authority, the disciples were commissioned to lead the world to Him. He then reminded them that they would not lead solely on their own power. You may not have much legal authority, but you have been given the moral authority and the power to change the world one heart at a time.
Mark 15:10, 15 — “For he perceived that it was out of envy that the chief priests had delivered him up…. “
Religious envy and selfish politics condemned Jesus to death. What destructive impact have you seen from envy in your own life and in the lives of others?
Mark 15:18 — “And they began to salute him, ‘Hail, King of the Jews!’”
The guards callously mocked and abused Jesus, The Truth. There is no limit to what the godless will be willing to do in defiance of the truth and those who proclaim it. God’s plan includes allowing His people to suffer for His glory. Whatever you are going through, remember what Christ went through on your behalf — He is not one who doesn’t understand your suffering. And remember, there is a big difference between persecution and prosecution. Too often, Christians suffer because of their own foolish behavior and then call it martyrdom in order to justify themselves. Most of our problems in life are self-induced.
Mark 15:28 (KJV) – And the scripture was fulfilled, which saith, And he was numbered with the transgressors.
See Isaiah 53:12 — God had a plan for even the robbers to fulfill prophecy.
Mark 15:30-32 – Save yourself, and come down from the cross!” So also the chief priests with the scribes mocked him to one another, saying, “He saved others; he cannot save himself. Let the Christ, the King of Israel, come down now from the cross that we may see and believe.” Those who were crucified with him also reviled him.
Self-preservation is the human way; the cross is God’s way.
“Cross” Fit S-WOD (Spiritual Workout of the Day) – 11 April 22: Today, present yourself to the Lord with empty hands, ready to receive what He would give you, and offer yourself as a living sacrifice before Him today, ready to love, serve, and obey Him wholeheartedly for His glory and that you would fully experience the joy of His presence in your life and share that joy with others around you.
Defenders Bible Reading Plan 