Raised Up! (part 2 of 6)

When Jesus, the Messiah, came onto life’s scene and walked among men, HIS PRESENCE gave rise to various responses. For some, HIS PRESENCE gave rise to hope as in the case of Simeon, when Jesus was presented at the temple. ( Luke 2:28-32) HIS PRESENCE also gave rise to faith in Who He truly was, as in the case of the Samaritans ( John 4:42), the disciples ( John 6:68-69), and others. However, the PRESENCE OF JESUS did not always give rise to a positive response. There were those who would not accept Him regardless of the proof presented, even that of His power to raise the dead. ( Matthew 11:4-5; John 11:38-48 & John 12:9-10) The debate continues even today. While Jesus’ PRESENCE continued in this realm, again and again questions were raised in an attempt to trap Him or find something of which He could be accused. (i.e. Matthew 22:15)

As the level of hatred toward Jesus continued to rise, He was arrested and the power of the Roman government was brought into play. Since Pilate did not see anything for which Jesus was worthy of death, but rather perceived it was out of envy Jesus had been delivered up ( Matthew 27:18), he made several attempts to release Him. However, these Jewish leaders would not have it and so their voices were raised up against Jesus.

In John’s account we read…
“(5) So Jesus came out, wearing the crown of thorns and the purple robe. Pilate said to them, ‘Behold the man!’ (6) When the chief priests and the officers saw him, THEY CRIED OUT, ‘CRUCIFY HIM, CRUCIFY HIM!’ Pilate said to them, ‘Take him yourselves and crucify him, for I find no guilt in him.’” ( John 19:5-6 ESV)

And a little bit further we read…
“(12) From then on Pilate sought to release him, but THE JEWS CRIED OUT, ‘IF YOU RELEASE THIS MAN, YOU ARE NOT CAESAR’S FRIEND. Everyone who makes himself a king opposes Caesar.’ (13) So when Pilate heard these words, he brought Jesus out and sat down on the judgment seat at a place called The Stone Pavement, and in Aramaic Gabbatha. (14) Now it was the day of Preparation of the Passover. It was about the sixth hour. He said to the Jews, ‘Behold your King!’ (15) THEY CRIED OUT, ‘AWAY WITH HIM, AWAY WITH HIM, CRUCIFY HIM!’ Pilate said to them, ‘Shall I crucify your King?’ The chief priests answered, ‘WE HAVE NO KING BUT CAESAR.’ (16) So he delivered him over to them to be crucified.” ( John 19:12-16 ESV)

Pilate could not dissuade them. These leaders were set on their rejection of Jesus and raised their voices against Him. They wanted HIS PRESENCE out of theirs. How about us? Is our voice raised against Jesus or for Him?

Jesus exhorted…
“(32) So everyone WHO ACKNOWLEDGES ME BEFORE MEN, I ALSO WILL ACKNOWLEDGE BEFORE MY FATHER who is in heaven, (33) but WHOEVER DENIES ME BEFORE MEN, I ALSO WILL DENY BEFORE MY FATHER who is in heaven.” (Mathew 10:32-33 ESV)

How we view Jesus and what we say regarding Him is of eternal significance. Is HIS PRESENCE rightfully held in our heart and mind? Is that PRESENCE reflected in our speech? Those who still say “AWAY WITH HIM” will find themselves away from Him. However, as we accept Jesus for Who He truly is, properly responding to Him and the truth He has declared, we have the hope of one day being TAKEN AWAY to be eternally with Him. ( 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17) May we encourage one another with that thought.

Have a great day RESPONDING RIGHTEOUSLY TO OUR GREAT REDEEMER!
Carl

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