As you all know I am sure, because I have told you and because you have been getting less Gems lately because I have slowed the process of posting Gems as I near the end of posting the bulk gems and the development on the new website was stalled momentarily. At the time of writing these Gems a number of years ago God was pouring perspective into my spirit. I was amazed at how things connected up. I had also been walking through the memories of the past and thinking of the way in which my mum used to teach and train me. Remarkable. I put the pieces together at a deeper level than I have ever done before. It was almost like an epiphany.
All that to preface or introduce this segment to you before we begin to take it apart. I have coloured the segments above for you, just in case you haven’t done it for yourselves. This is an interesting portion because each of the gospel writers approach it from a different point of view. Our task at this point is to understand Luke’s purpose and why he includes and excludes certain elements. But also to piece together what all the gospel writers are telling us in order to gain a fuller understanding of that happened in those early hours on the cross. These four men and what they wrote give us insight into perhaps the greatest or the most significant six hours in all of human history. Let’s not allow this to pass us by without plumbing its depths. Or maybe I am just thinking these things because I have been pondering the past here at home. I don’t think so. God is reminding me of too many things for it to be coincidence. Coincidence or serendipitous? Chance or God? You explore it and decide for yourself.
Take time to explore this part of the text in detail. Compare and contrast the gospel accounts of these hours. Don’t lose yourself in a critical spirit which questions why these accounts are not the same and don’t match on certain details. The purpose of the writers is not to give you a court transcript with an identical, accurate list of the facts. Rather they are arranging the facts to make a point, especially Luke. Like other portions of Scripture, many people are bothered by the fact that the words don’t perfectly match. For example the sign that was on the cross above Jesus head. We can make some allowances for differences between oral accounts. But surely when it comes to a written sign that should match perfectly. A sign is a sign is a sign. So why then do we have:
- Matthew: This is Jesus, King of the Jews
- Mark: King of the Jews
- Luke: This is the King of Jews
- John: Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews.
I am going to leave you now to work through this latest offering before I begin the analysis. Look at this passage from all angles. Ask the questions and see what insights God gives to you. Don’t forget to use the right side of your brain as well. Like Mary, take time to ponder these things in your heart, or in the right side of your brain. I have taken the opportunity with Jaeden this time around to utilize the moments together to inspire him to ponder. While building a sand castle on the beach, encouraging him to think about its application to life and decisions he makes. Seizing the opportunities to take the life lessons further than simply the moment of play or informational questions he has asked me. It is such fun for me to have a grandson who thinks about things.
Never judge a book by its movie. Especially the Bible.
Anon
One day your life will flash before your eyes like a movie. Make sure it’s a movie worth watching.
Sidney Mohede
Still waters run deep. Just make sure you are not bored by the stillness; bother to explore the depths and not ignore them. A life lesson really, isn’t it?
Ian Vail
What you feel doesn’t matter in the end; it’s what you do that makes you brave. (from his book – Open – which I have been reading)
Andre Agassi
Sign on the back of a truck we were following: Don’t worry about those who talk behind your back, they’re behind you for a reason.
Anon