The Cross & Easter with Tony Evans

Day 2 of 7:

“A Heart Connected to God”

In New Testament Biblical culture, circumcision was the external symbol of religious commitment and involvement. In fact, there was a specific group of people who would follow the Apostle Paul around wherever he went, and whenever he would start a church they would try and interfere with the belief structure of the church. This group of people was known as the “Judaizers.”

The term “Judaizers” comes from the original Greek verb ioudaïzō which means “live according to Jewish customs.” The Judaizers were a group of people who were still attached to the religious rules of the Old Testament. Because of this, they would try and get the new Christians to conform to external religious observances which were symbolized by the chief symbol known as circumcision. The Judaizers were trying to subvert the message of the cross. They didn’t have a relationship with Jesus Christ.

Yet whenever religious activity, however sincere, trumps relationship, the power of Jesus Christ is no longer experienced in the believer’s life.

One of the greatest dangers in our churches today is for religion to replace an intimate relationship with the Savior. By religion, I am referencing the external adherence to exercises, codes or standards in the name of God yet apart from God.

Religion is anything you do for God that does not stem out of a heart connected to God.

Prayer:

Lord, it is easy to get caught up in the ritual of religion and neglect the nurturing of the relationship I have with You through Your Son Jesus Christ. Please remind me when I am pulling away into routine. Help me to make time each day to abide in Christ, and to make prayer a natural part of communicating with You. In Christ’s name, amen.

Seek Him, Serve Others

When Mary chose to sit at Jesus’ feet while her sister Martha was busy in the kitchen serving others – Jesus reminded the sisters that Mary had chosen “the better thing.” As you go about your day, try to recognize at what level you are serving others versus spending time with Christ. In order to serve others well, honor Christ first in your heart, mind, thoughts and especially with your time.

Galatians 5:6 King James Version

6 For in Jesus Christ neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision; but faith which worketh by love.

Holy Week

Day 6 of 6:

Good Friday

What is the most difficult thing you’ve been through? Reading today’s passage on the crucifixion is not easy. We know that His sacrifice was out of love for us and was part of His Father’s plan. Although it’s heartbreaking to read this portrayal of suffering and death, we can’t ignore this critical piece of the story because without Jesus’ death there would be no Resurrection Sunday.

It would be nice to have a remote control for life so we could fast forward through the parts we don’t like or find boring and skip ahead to a happy ending. Unfortunately, we don’t have that option in hand.

There are many times in our lives when we can’t bypass suffering – all we can do is endure. During these times, we’re called to stand in faith. And if we take the time to be still and listen, God can highlight things we might otherwise miss. 

The gospel of Mark notes a few people who stood out for good in the midst of this brutal story.  Although some people chose a mob mentality of accusation or ran away and hid, there were a few others who stood fast.

These people stepped in to do what they could, when they could and include:

  • Simon of Cyrene who helped carry the cross (v 21).
  • Bystanders who offered Jesus a drink (v 36).
  • A centurion who recognized Jesus was the Son of God (v 39).
  • The women who followed Jesus and ministered to Him (v 40-41).
  • Joseph of Arimathea, who cared for the body of Jesus and placed Him in a tomb (v 43-46).

We can find hope in the crucifixion story knowing this was the means by which Jesus conquered sin, death, and the grave. In the midst of the larger narrative of hope, we can also find comfort in our ability to make a difference and serve with purpose.

We can minister to the Lord in this challenging time, and we can serve with great love, knowing that small acts of kindness matter in a big way. We all have something we can give to God and to others around us!

Mark 15 King James Version

15 And straightway in the morning the chief priests held a consultation with the elders and scribes and the whole council, and bound Jesus, and carried him away, and delivered him to Pilate.

2 And Pilate asked him, Art thou the King of the Jews? And he answering said unto them, Thou sayest it.

3 And the chief priests accused him of many things: but he answered nothing.

4 And Pilate asked him again, saying, Answerest thou nothing? behold how many things they witness against thee.

5 But Jesus yet answered nothing; so that Pilate marvelled.

6 Now at that feast he released unto them one prisoner, whomsoever they desired.

7 And there was one named Barabbas, which lay bound with them that had made insurrection with him, who had committed murder in the insurrection.

8 And the multitude crying aloud began to desire him to do as he had ever done unto them.

9 But Pilate answered them, saying, Will ye that I release unto you the King of the Jews?

10 For he knew that the chief priests had delivered him for envy.

11 But the chief priests moved the people, that he should rather release Barabbas unto them.

12 And Pilate answered and said again unto them, What will ye then that I shall do unto him whom ye call the King of the Jews?

13 And they cried out again, Crucify him.

14 Then Pilate said unto them, Why, what evil hath he done? And they cried out the more exceedingly, Crucify him.

15 And so Pilate, willing to content the people, released Barabbas unto them, and delivered Jesus, when he had scourged him, to be crucified.

16 And the soldiers led him away into the hall, called Praetorium; and they call together the whole band.

17 And they clothed him with purple, and platted a crown of thorns, and put it about his head,

18 And began to salute him, Hail, King of the Jews!

19 And they smote him on the head with a reed, and did spit upon him, and bowing their knees worshipped him.

20 And when they had mocked him, they took off the purple from him, and put his own clothes on him, and led him out to crucify him.

21 And they compel one Simon a Cyrenian, who passed by, coming out of the country, the father of Alexander and Rufus, to bear his cross.

22 And they bring him unto the place Golgotha, which is, being interpreted, The place of a skull.

23 And they gave him to drink wine mingled with myrrh: but he received it not.

24 And when they had crucified him, they parted his garments, casting lots upon them, what every man should take.

25 And it was the third hour, and they crucified him.

26 And the superscription of his accusation was written over, The King Of The Jews.

27 And with him they crucify two thieves; the one on his right hand, and the other on his left.

28 And the scripture was fulfilled, which saith, And he was numbered with the transgressors.

29 And they that passed by railed on him, wagging their heads, and saying, Ah, thou that destroyest the temple, and buildest it in three days,

30 Save thyself, and come down from the cross.

31 Likewise also the chief priests mocking said among themselves with the scribes, He saved others; himself he cannot save.

32 Let Christ the King of Israel descend now from the cross, that we may see and believe. And they that were crucified with him reviled him.

33 And when the sixth hour was come, there was darkness over the whole land until the ninth hour.

34 And at the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying, Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani? which is, being interpreted, My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?

35 And some of them that stood by, when they heard it, said, Behold, he calleth Elias.

36 And one ran and filled a spunge full of vinegar, and put it on a reed, and gave him to drink, saying, Let alone; let us see whether Elias will come to take him down.

37 And Jesus cried with a loud voice, and gave up the ghost.

38 And the veil of the temple was rent in twain from the top to the bottom.

39 And when the centurion, which stood over against him, saw that he so cried out, and gave up the ghost, he said, Truly this man was the Son of God.

40 There were also women looking on afar off: among whom was Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James the less and of Joses, and Salome;

41 (Who also, when he was in Galilee, followed him, and ministered unto him;) and many other women which came up with him unto Jerusalem.

42 And now when the even was come, because it was the preparation, that is, the day before the sabbath,

43 Joseph of Arimathaea, an honourable counsellor, which also waited for the kingdom of God, came, and went in boldly unto Pilate, and craved the body of Jesus.

44 And Pilate marvelled if he were already dead: and calling unto him the centurion, he asked him whether he had been any while dead.

45 And when he knew it of the centurion, he gave the body to Joseph.

46 And he bought fine linen, and took him down, and wrapped him in the linen, and laid him in a sepulchre which was hewn out of a rock, and rolled a stone unto the door of the sepulchre.

47 And Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of Joses beheld where he was laid.

Holy Week

Day 5 of 6

Thursday

If it was your last night on earth, what would you do? Jesus chose to spend the time with His closest companions, the twelve disciples, celebrating the Passover feast. This “Last Supper” was more than a meal, it was about relationship. Jesus established the sacrament of communion, demonstrating that the bread and wine were symbolic of His body and blood.

Right now, we may not be able to physically gather in groups, but that doesn’t diminish our need to connect with others. Although we can’t sit together around a table, we can stay connected through a screen. We can see each other’s faces, share our experiences, and be united in faith.

Jesus knew that His relationship with His followers wasn’t dependent on physical proximity, it was based on spiritual intimacy. The relationship didn’t end when Jesus went away, it actually continued to flourish and we are all called to an intimate and growing relationship with Jesus Christ!

In the Last Supper, we see the importance of:

  • Gathering together.
  • Giving thanks for what we have.
  • Remembering Jesus through communion.

We can still be spiritually close during this time. When we celebrate communion, we remember Jesus’ sacrifice and death, and the new life of the resurrection. 

Mark 14:12-25 King James Version

12 And the first day of unleavened bread, when they killed the passover, his disciples said unto him, Where wilt thou that we go and prepare that thou mayest eat the passover?

13 And he sendeth forth two of his disciples, and saith unto them, Go ye into the city, and there shall meet you a man bearing a pitcher of water: follow him.

14 And wheresoever he shall go in, say ye to the goodman of the house, The Master saith, Where is the guestchamber, where I shall eat the passover with my disciples?

15 And he will shew you a large upper room furnished and prepared: there make ready for us.

16 And his disciples went forth, and came into the city, and found as he had said unto them: and they made ready the passover.

17 And in the evening he cometh with the twelve.

18 And as they sat and did eat, Jesus said, Verily I say unto you, One of you which eateth with me shall betray me.

19 And they began to be sorrowful, and to say unto him one by one, Is it I? and another said, Is it I?

20 And he answered and said unto them, It is one of the twelve, that dippeth with me in the dish.

21 The Son of man indeed goeth, as it is written of him: but woe to that man by whom the Son of man is betrayed! good were it for that man if he had never been born.

22 And as they did eat, Jesus took bread, and blessed, and brake it, and gave to them, and said, Take, eat: this is my body.

23 And he took the cup, and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them: and they all drank of it.

24 And he said unto them, This is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many.

25 Verily I say unto you, I will drink no more of the fruit of the vine, until that day that I drink it new in the kingdom of God.

The Cross & Easter with Tony Evans

Day 1 of 7:

“Our Identity and Hope”

In writing to his audience at Galatia, Paul urged them over and over again, in one form or another, to remember Christ and the cross. As Paul concluded his letter to the Galatians, he did what we will often do today through the use of italics, underlining, bolding the font or any numbers of ways, he emphasized his point by writing largely. In essence Paul said, “I don’t want you to miss this part. Pay attention and read closely.” 

It says that Paul wrote in “large letters” with his own hand (Galatians 6:11) in order to tell his audience that he was the one writing, and that the truth he was telling them came from one source. He wrote in verse 14, “But may it never be that I would boast, except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.” 

Paul had been saved for some time, and yet he was still saying, “I’m only going to brag on the cross.” He did not let the historical reality of the cross lose its contemporary relevance. Paul’s only point of reference for his life was the cross. The cross was the centrality of his very existence. The cross was the air of his breath, the beat of his heart and the very substance of his significance. It was the power to overcome his weaknesses. 

Prayer:

Father, may I never boast in my own strength or in my own abilities. It is the cross of Jesus Christ that has made my life possible – it is in His strength that I have found my own personal gains. Anything good I have is a gift coming down from You Lord, out of Your heart of mercy through Christ crucified. In Christ’s name, amen.

Seek Him Serve Others

Make a mental note today to demonstrate value to someone or multiple people you come into contact with. Treat them with the dignity Christ died to give them and go out of your way to serve someone else out of a heart of gratitude.

Are you enjoying this devotional reading? Discover more about Jesus in Tony Evans’ sermon download “Knowing Jesus Intimately.” Just click this link. 

Galatians 6:11 King James Version

11 Ye see how large a letter I have written unto you with mine own hand.

Galatians 6:14 King James Version

14 But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world.

Mark 8:34-35 King James Version

34 And when he had called the people unto him with his disciples also, he said unto them, Whosoever will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.

35 For whosoever will save his life shall lose it; but whosoever shall lose his life for my sake and the gospel’s, the same shall save it.

Holy Week

Day 4 of 6:

Wednesday

Have you been guilty of over-preparing these days? We can all easily find ourselves in an overprotective state of mind, wanting to collect and hold on tightly to everything that brings us comfort and security in the midst of uncertainty. 

In Mark 14:3-9, we see that there was a woman who learned how to lay the most precious thing that she owned at the feet of Jesus:

“While he was in Bethany, reclining at the table in the home of Simon the Leper, a woman came with an alabaster jar of very expensive perfume, made of pure nard. She broke the jar and poured the perfume on his head. Some of those present were saying indignantly to one another, “Why this waste of perfume? It could have been sold for more than a year’s wages and the money given to the poor.” And they rebuked her harshly. “Leave her alone,” said Jesus. “Why are you bothering her? She has done a beautiful thing to me.”

You see, this lady was not a “church-goer.” She wasn’t the type who had everything together. She had a past, and everyone in that room with Jesus knew about it. She was a big-time sinner in their book. And even though she didn’t have it all together, she understood something very significant; that she was valued by Jesus. He had forever impacted her life. Jesus wasn’t waiting for her to get everything together, in fact, He valued her before she ever did.

What got the attention of Jesus wasn’t her eloquent words, or a life that was refined, but the fact that she gave her absolute all to Him. She took all of her earthly possessions and laid them at the feet of Jesus. What she was showing Him was true “worth-ship.” She was telling Jesus that He was worthy to hold the most important part of her life.

Maybe today, as you are isolated in your own thoughts, you are flooded with accusations about your past, or you are feeling like you don’t know how to approach God, I want to encourage you to take the things that you find yourself holding most tightly to, and lay them at the feet of Jesus.  We can take the Alabaster Box of our family, our dreams, careers, fears, and worries, and pour them out at the feet of Jesus.

Mark 14:1-9 King James Version

14 After two days was the feast of the passover, and of unleavened bread: and the chief priests and the scribes sought how they might take him by craft, and put him to death.

2 But they said, Not on the feast day, lest there be an uproar of the people.

3 And being in Bethany in the house of Simon the leper, as he sat at meat, there came a woman having an alabaster box of ointment of spikenard very precious; and she brake the box, and poured it on his head.

4 And there were some that had indignation within themselves, and said, Why was this waste of the ointment made?

5 For it might have been sold for more than three hundred pence, and have been given to the poor. And they murmured against her.

6 And Jesus said, Let her alone; why trouble ye her? she hath wrought a good work on me.

7 For ye have the poor with you always, and whensoever ye will ye may do them good: but me ye have not always.

8 She hath done what she could: she is come aforehand to anoint my body to the burying.

9 Verily I say unto you, Wheresoever this gospel shall be preached throughout the whole world, this also that she hath done shall be spoken of for a memorial of her.