Simon Compelled to Carry Jesus' Cross - Matthew 27:32

Matthew the apostle wrote how Pilate the governor, “released Barabbas unto” the multitude of Jewish people, “and when he had scourged Jesus, he delivered him to be crucified. Then the soldiers of the governor took Jesus into the common hall, and gathered unto him the whole band of soldiers. And they stripped him, and put on him a scarlet robe. And when they had platted a crown of thorns, they put it upon his head, and a reed in his right hand: and they bowed the knee before him, and mocked him, saying, Hail, King of the Jews! And they spit upon him, and took the reed, and smote him on the head. And after that they had mocked him, they took the robe off from him, and put his own raiment on him, and led him away to crucify him”, and in chapter twenty-seven and verse thirty-two of his book, Matthew wrote how the soldiers, “found a man of Cyrene” and they “compelled” him “to bear his cross” where we read:

And as they came out, they found a man of Cyrene, Simon by name:

him they compelled to bear his cross.

The verse reads, “And as they came out, they found a man of Cyrene, Simon by name:” Matthew began words, “and as they came out” which means “and when Jesus and Pilate's soldiers left the judgment hall”, “they found a man of Cyrene” or “the soldiers discovered, recognized and detected a man who was a Cyrenian”, “Simon” which means “a rock or stone” “by name” or “which is everything a name is used for and covers such as the thoughts or feelings of which is aroused in the mind by mentioning, hearing and remembering”. Matthew shared after Pilate's soldiers left the judgment hall, they discovered a man who was from “Cyrenia” and was named “Simon”.

The verse continues, “him they compelled to bear his cross.” Matthew added the words, “him they compelled” or “Simon the soldiers pressed into public service” “to bear his cross” which means “to raise upward and carry Jesus' well known instrument of most cruel and ignominious punishment, borrowed by the Greeks and Romans from the Phoenicians which was an upright stake especially such as used in fences or palisades”. Matthew shared how the soldiers “pressured” “Simon the Cyrenian” to carry Jesus' cross for Him.

When we think through Matthew's words in this verse, we can only imagine the traumatic torture Jesus already endured from these “soldiers”, and for a while He was made to carry His own “cross”. After falling beneath the weight of it cross, “Simon” was forced to carry Jesus' cross for Him. This horrible torture of Jesus who is the Son of God, the Savior of mankind and God incarnate whose name means “Jehovah is Salvation” was because He desired to “save” people from their sins that separated them from God. Let all who read these words carefully consider what God has done through Jesus Christ His Son so they might have “everlasting life” with Him, and may they yield their lives to Him as their personal “Savior and Lord” to respond gratefully to this passionate act of love.

Next time Matthew wrote how the governor's soldiers, “came to a place called Golgotha”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” and the new poetry book "Random Mushrooms Volumes I and II" and the new novel "Elizabeth County" in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.

 

Disrobed, Re-robed and Led to Crucify - Matthew 27:31

Matthew the apostle wrote how Pilate the governor, “released Barabbas unto” the multitude of Jewish people, “and when he had scourged Jesus, he delivered him to be crucified. Then the soldiers of the governor took Jesus into the common hall, and gathered unto him the whole band of soldiers. And they stripped him, and put on him a scarlet robe. And when they had platted a crown of thorns, they put it upon his head, and a reed in his right hand: and they bowed the knee before him, and mocked him, saying, Hail, King of the Jews! And they spit upon him, and took the reed, and smote him on the head”, and in chapter twenty-seven and verse thirty-one of his book, Matthew wrote how the soldiers, “took the robe off from him, and put his own raiment on him, and led him away to crucify him” where we read:

And after that they had mocked him, they took the robe off from him,

and put his own raiment on him, and led him away to crucify him.

The verse reads, “And after that they had mocked him, they took the robe off from him, ...” Matthew began words, “and after they had mocked him” which means “and when or as soon as the soldiers played with, trifled, jeered and derided Jesus”, “they took the robe off from him” or “the soldiers lay hold of the scarlet outer garment they put upon Jesus and disrobed Him”. Matthew shared how the “soldiers” continued to abuse Jesus as they stripped Him of the “scarlet robe” they placed upon Him.

The verse goes on to say, “... and put his own raiment on him, and led him away to crucify him.” Matthew continued with the words, “and put his own raiment on him” or “and the soldiers put Jesus' own clothing upon Him”, “and led him away” which means “and carried Jesus away” “to crucify him” or “to palisade, fortify with driven stakes and hang Jesus upon a cross”. Matthew shared how Pilate's soldiers put His own clothes back on Him and took Him away to be “hung on a cross” till He died.

When we meditate upon Matthew's words in this verse, we see how the soldiers of Pilate continued taunting and torturing Jesus. After a season of this, they took Jesus away to be “crucified” upon a cross. We cannot even begin imagine how horribly these “soldiers” treated Jesus, and He endured these horrific things so people could have a personal relationship with His Heavenly Father, God. Without Jesus' sufferings, He would not have fulfilled the prophesy of Isaiah where it says, “But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.” (See Isaiah 53:5) All this was endured for you and me, and now we are to believe and trust in Him as our personal “Savior and Lord”. May all who read these words carefully consider all Jesus did for them and yield their lives to the only true Christ, Messiah and Lord – Jesus.

Next time Matthew wrote how the governor's soldiers, “found a man of Cyrene” and they “compelled” him “to bear his cross”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” and the new poetry book "Random Mushrooms Volumes I and II" and the new novel "Elizabeth County" in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.

 

Spit and a Reed upon Jesus' Head - Matthew 27:30

Matthew the apostle wrote how Pilate the governor, “scourged Jesus” and “delivered him to be crucified.” Matthew continued, “Then the soldiers of the governor took Jesus into the common hall, and gathered unto him the whole band of soldiers. And they stripped him, and put on him a scarlet robe. And when they had platted a crown of thorns, they put it upon his head, and a reed in his right hand: and they bowed the knee before him, and mocked him, saying, Hail, King of the Jews!”, and in chapter twenty-seven and verse thirty of his book, Matthew wrote how the soldiers, “spit upon him, and took the reed, and smote him on the head” where we read:

And they spit upon him, and took the reed, and smote him on the head.

The verse reads, “And they spit upon him, and took the reed, ...” Matthew began words, “and they spit upon him” which means “the soldiers spit their saliva upon Jesus”, “and took” or “and lay hold of” “the reed” or “the staff or rod made of the stem of a plant”. Matthew shared how Pilate's soldiers began to “spit” upon Jesus and forcefully grabbed the “scepter” like “reed” away from Him.

The verse continues, “... and smote him on the head.” Matthew added the words, “and smote him” or “and struck or thumped Jesus” “on the head” which means “upon His head”. Matthew shared how the soldiers continued their torture and taunting of Jesus by “smiting” Him upon His head with the “reed” they gave to Him.

When we consider Matthew's words in this verse, can we even begin to imagine the restraint Jesus manifested while these soldiers treated Him this way? Here was the “Creator of the Universe” standing among these minuscule “soldiers” allowing them to abuse Him with disdainful “spit” and “striking” Him with a make believe “scepter”, and Jesus endured it. There is one main reason: He loves people, and He was willing to be mocked, beaten and ridiculed so people could be saved from their sins and live forever with God. May all who read these words carefully understand the great price Jesus paid for their sins, and let them yield their lives to Him as their personal “Savior and Lord” and receive His promise of “everlasting life”.

Next time Matthew wrote how the governor's soldiers, “took the robe off from him, and put his own raiment on him”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” and the new poetry book "Random Mushrooms Volumes I and II" and the new novel "Elizabeth County" in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.

 

A Crown of Thorns, A Reed, Bowing and Mocking - Matthew 27:29

Matthew the apostle wrote how Pilate the governor asked, “Whether of the twain will you that I release unto you?” Matthew continued, “They said, Barabbas. Pilate said unto them, What shall I do then with Jesus which is called Christ? They all say unto him, Let him be crucified. And the governor said, Why, what evil has he done? But they cried out the more, saying, Let him be crucified. When Pilate saw that he could prevail nothing, but that rather a tumult was made, he took water, and washed his hands before the multitude, saying, I am innocent of the blood of this just person: see you to it. Then answered all the people, and said, His blood be on us, and on our children. Then released he Barabbas unto them: and when he had scourged Jesus, he delivered him to be crucified. Then the soldiers of the governor took Jesus into the common hall, and gathered unto him the whole band of soldiers. And they stripped him, and put on him a scarlet robe”, and in chapter twenty-seven and verse twenty-nine of his book, Matthew wrote how the soldiers, “platted a crown of thorns, they put it upon his head, and a reed in his right hand, and they bowed the knee before him” where we read:

And when they had platted a crown of thorns, they put it upon his head, and a reed in his right hand: and they bowed the knee before him, and mocked him, saying, Hail, King of the Jews!

The verse reads, “And when they had platted a crown of thorns, they put it upon his head, and a reed in his right hand:” Matthew began words, “and when” which means “and after the time and moment” “they had platted” or “the soldiers braided or weaved” “a crown of thorns” which means “a wreath or garland made from a bramble bush or thorny plant that was given like a prize to victors in public games”, “they put it upon his head” or “the soldiers laid the crown of thorns upon Jesus' head”, “and a reed” which refers to “a staff or rod made of the stem of a plant” “in his right hand” or “in the right hand of Jesus”. Matthew shared how the soldiers mocked Jesus as they put the “crown of thorns” on His head and put a “reed in His right hand” like a scepter.

The verse goes on to say, “and they bowed the knee before him, and mocked him, saying, Hail, King of the Jews!” Matthew continued with the words, “and they bowed the knee” or “and the soldiers fell on their knees like an act of imploring aid and expressing reverence and honor” “before him” which means “in front and in the presence of Jesus”, “and mocked him” or “and played with, trifled, jeered and derided Jesus”, “saying” which means “uttering, declaring and proclaiming”, “Hail” or “rejoice exceedingly, be glad, be well and thrive” “King of the Jews” which means “leader, prince, commander and lord of those who belong to the Jewish nation”. Matthew shared how Pilate's soldiers continued to ridicule Jesus as they mockingly “bowed” before him and “jeered” Him as the “ruler and leader” of the Jewish people.

When we think through Matthew's words in this verse, we discover more of the torture Jesus went through on behalf of mankind. Man without God is lost, and because “sin” results in “death” which is eternal separation from God, a “Savior” was necessary. Jesus endured this taunting and mocking from His created human beings so He could bring them into a personal relationship with God. All who believe and trust in Jesus will be forgiven their sins and inherit “everlasting life” with Him. All who do not continue to be “separated” from God and will be “eternally” without any hope for “salvation”.

Next time Matthew wrote how Pilate's soldiers, “spit upon him, and took the reed, and smote him on the head”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” and the new poetry book "Random Mushrooms Volumes I and II" and the new novel "Elizabeth County" in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.

 

Jesus Stripped and Scarlet Robed - Matthew 27:28

Matthew the apostle wrote how Pilate released, “Barabbas unto” the multitude before him, and he continued, “when he had scourged Jesus, he delivered him to be crucified. Then the soldiers of the governor took Jesus into the common hall, and gathered unto him the whole band of soldiers”, and in chapter twenty-seven and verse twenty-eight of his book, Matthew wrote how the soldiers, “stripped him, and put on him a scarlet robe” where we read:

And they stripped him, and put on him a scarlet robe.

The verse reads, “And they stripped him, ...” Matthew began words, “and they stripped him” which means “and the soldiers unclothed and took the clothing off Jesus”. Matthew shared how Pilate's soldier took Jesus' clothes off Him.

The verse continues, “... and put on him a scarlet robe.” Matthew added the words, “and put on him” or “and placed around Jesus” “a scarlet robe” which means “a crimson colored outer garment which was usually worn over a tunic”. Matthew shared how the “soldiers” wrapped a “crimson colored outer garment” upon Jesus.

When we meditate upon Matthew's words in this verse, we understand how these “soldiers” were ridiculing, lampooning and making fun of Jesus. Can we imagine the shame Jesus bore as these men who were His created beings disrobed Him and wrapped a “red colored robe” around Him? Oh the patience of Jesus! Oh the restraint that He showed as He could have easily eliminated every one of these men in a moment's time, but He allowed Himself to be publicly humiliated and shamed in this way. All this was a portion of the love He demonstrated to every person as He paid the price for their sins. Without these embarrassing events, mankind is condemned and no one could be saved. However, because He endured them all, everyone who will put their faith and trust in Him as their personal “Savior and Lord” shall be “saved” and receive “everlasting life”.

Next time Matthew wrote how the governor's soldiers, “platted a crown of thorns” and “put it on him”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” and the new poetry book "Random Mushrooms Volumes I and II" and the new novel "Elizabeth County" in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.

 

The Governor's Soldiers Take Jesus - Matthew 27:27

After Pilate “scourged” Jesus and “delivered him up to be crucified”, in chapter twenty-seven and verse twenty-seven of his book, Matthew wrote how, “the soldiers of the governor took Jesus into the common hall” where we read:

Then the soldiers of the governor took Jesus into the common hall,

and gathered unto him the whole band of soldiers.

The verse reads, “Then the soldiers of the governor took Jesus into the common hall, ...” Matthew began words, “Then the soldiers” which means “at that time and moment the warrior servants” “of the governor” or “belonging to leader of any kind, a guide, ruler, prefect, president, chief, general, commander and sovereign” “took Jesus” which means “lead and carried Jesus who is the Son of God, the Savior of mankind and God incarnate whose name means Jehovah is Salvation” “into the common hall” or “the palace in which the governor or procurator of a province resided to which use the Romans were accustomed to appropriate the palaces already existing, and formerly dwelt in by kings or princes”. Matthew shared how Pilate the governor's “soldiers” took Jesus into the open hall of his “palace”.

The verse goes on to say, “... and gathered unto him the whole band of soldiers.” Matthew continued with the words, “and gathered” or “and assembled and collected together” “unto him” which means “to Jesus”, “the whole band” or “the complete military cohort, company and detachment” “of soldiers” which means “of warrior servants”. Matthew shared how the entire group of Pilate's “soldiers” assembled together and surrounded Jesus.

When we consider Matthew's words in this verse, can we imagine how Jesus felt as He watched these “soldiers” gather themselves together against Him. These “soldiers” were Jesus' creation, and yet, they were treating Him this way. God loves every person, and even when they abuse Him, He still desires to “save” them from their sinful lives and provide them with “everlasting life”. All who are wise shall understand that Jesus did all this for them, and now they should respond by submitting their lives to Him as their personal “Savior and Lord”.

Next time Matthew wrote how the governor's soldiers, “stripped him, and put on him a scarlet robe”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” and the new poetry book "Random Mushrooms Volumes I and II" and the new novel "Elizabeth County" in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.