The Trials & Sufferings of Jesus

Today is Good Friday, the day we remember the sufferings of Jesus Christ.  

First, in John 14-17, we find what has come to be known as the "Upper Room Discourse." The final words of Jesus in His final hours teaching and training his disciples.  These lessons include:

• The power of the towel, as He washed their feet
• The one who is greatest is the one who serves
• The importance of relationships, love and unity
• We (branches) can do nothing apart from Jesus (the Vine)
• The coming of the Holy Spirit
• His pending sufferings, death and resurrection

After they finished the Last Supper, it was approx 10pm when they left the house located on the SW side of Jerusalem and went across the Kidron Valley to the Mount of Olives, specifically to the Garden of Gethsemane. Jesus separated Himself to pray. It was in those hours that Jesus agonized to point of sweating droplets of blood, as He said, "O My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from Me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as Thou will."

Somewhere around 2am, the soldiers arrived being led by Judas Iscariot. They fell as Jesus spoke the words, "I am He." It is beyond my comprehension "why" they did not leave when they saw the power in this Man.  Jesus eventually surrendered Himself willingly into their custody.

Trial 1 - They took Jesus to Annas the first High Priest appointed by the Romans to deal with religious matters among the Jews. They accused Jesus of blasphemy, but Annas sent Him away.

Trial 2 - They took Jesus to Caiaphas (the current High Priest and son-in-law of Annas) and also before the Sanhedrin. There was no legal basis for Jesus' arrest. The protocols of Jewish law permitting trials only during daylight were ignored; the trial started on the day before an annual Sabbath; the judges themselves brought charges; and no witnesses for the defense were permitted. Luke 22:63 tells us that Jesus was mocked and beaten in the presence of this kangaroo court that could not find Him worthy of death.

Trial/Appearance 3 - They took Jesus to Pilate, but he initially refused to hear the religious matter.

Trial 4 - Pilate sent Jesus to Herod Antipas, who found no fault in Him.

Trial 5 - They took Jesus back to Pilate and changed the charge from blasphemy to treason, forcing the Roman court to hear the case. Luke 23:14-15 tell us that Pilate found no fault in Jesus, neither did Herod, and nothing deserving of death was done by Him. In offering the people a choice, they chose to release the murderer Barabbas, instead of Jesus. 

From there, Matthew 27:27-31 records the action of the Praetorium Guard -  Some of the governor’s soldiers took Jesus into their headquarters and called out the entire regiment. 28 They stripped him and put a scarlet robe on him. 29 They wove thorn branches into a crown and put it on his head, and they placed a reed stick in his right hand as a scepter. Then they knelt before him in mockery and taunted, “Hail! King of the Jews!” 30 And they spit on him and grabbed the stick and struck him on the head with it. 31 When they were finally tired of mocking him, they took off the robe and put his own clothes on him again. Then they led him away to be crucified.

Then came the crucifixion - Luke 23 - As they led Jesus away, a man named Simon, who was from Cyrene, happened to be coming in from the countryside. The soldiers seized him and put the cross on him and made him carry it behind Jesus. 27 A large crowd trailed behind, including many grief-stricken women... 32 Two others, both criminals, were led out to be executed with him. 33 When they came to a place called The Skull, they nailed him to the cross. And the criminals were also crucified—one on his right and one on his left. 34 Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they don’t know what they are doing.” And the soldiers gambled for his clothes by throwing dice. 35 The crowd watched and the leaders scoffed. “He saved others,” they said, “let him save himself if he is really God’s Messiah, the Chosen One.” 36 The soldiers mocked him, too, by offering him a drink of sour wine. 37 They called out to him, “If you are the King of the Jews, save yourself!” 38 A sign was fastened above him with these words: “This is the King of the Jews.”... 44 By this time it was about noon, and darkness fell across the whole land until three o’clock. 45 The light from the sun was gone. And suddenly, the curtain in the sanctuary of the Temple was torn down the middle. 46 Then Jesus shouted, “Father, I entrust my spirit into your hands!” And with those words he breathed his last.

Isaiah reminds us "why" Jesus endured the false accusations, beatings and death - 

Surely He has borne our griefs

And carried our sorrows;
Yet we esteemed Him stricken,
Smitten by God, and afflicted.
5 But He was wounded for our transgressions,
He was bruised for our iniquities;
The chastisement for our peace was upon Him,
And by His stripes we are healed.
6 All we like sheep have gone astray;
We have turned, every one, to his own way;
And the Lord has laid on Him the iniquity of us all.

On this day called "Good Friday," will you take time to remember what Jesus Christ suffered on your behalf?  Will you remember that while salvation costs you nothing, it cost Jesus Christ everything?!  Take time to day to thank God for His love and the sacrifice made so that we could have our sins forgiven and our relationship with Him restored.

Easter Sunday - 4.8.12

Today was Easter 2012! Last night, our family watched the movie, "The Crucifixion of Christ." We were reminded last Sunday and again last night, about Jesus sufferings. He agonized in the Garden, He was falsely accused, denied by His followers, mocked, tortured, and ultimately "GAVE" His life to pay the penalty for the sins of the human race (ME!). Even as I write this, my eyes are tearing up and I hope I never get over what Jesus did for me. It was my sin that He paid for.

This morning, we celebrated the resurrection! The resurrection is the Super Bowl for Christians... it's the BIG event! Our church family gathered to enjoy our annual pancake breakfast together. Our staff, deacons, and some other wonderful volunteers prepared and served our church family. We enjoyed fellowship together and I think most realized that our common bond is Jesus Christ.

Following breakfast, we worshiped our resurrected and living Lord. We had about 200 more in attendance than we usually have. (I always want to stand at the door and shake hands saying, "I'll see you at Christmas;" but I refrained.) We had Isabel and Christina were baptized and became members of our church family. We had several mark cards that they prayed to receive Christ as Savior and now our follow-up work begins.

Our Easter offering is being designated to help us jump-start a renewed emphasis on paying down our existing debt. God has blessed and we have paid over $1 million against the principle over the past five years. That's amazing in a small-mid sized church and during a time of recession. It is a tribute to people who are committed to honoring God with their tithes and offerings, and their belief that you can't out-give God.

This morning's sermon focused on the resurrection of Christ and the proofs of that resurrection. There are many, in spite of what critics claim. The resurrection proves that Jesus Christ really was Who He claimed to be -- God. His resurrection proved that He can do what He says He can do - rise in 3 days. Based on those facts, 'm just foolish (or wise) enough to believe that He can forgive my sins, restore my relationship with Him, allow me to live in His fullness, and He is preparing a place for me in Heaven! Praise the Lord for the reminders that Easter brings!

Easter Weekend 2011

I can still remember sitting in Shoney's, in November 2002, with the Interim Pastor of Emmanuel as I prepared to serve as the incoming Senior Pastor of EBC. In our discussion, I told him that I could envision a church running 1,000 in Hartsville. He laughed, our population has continued to decline, and now there are 142 churches in a city of less than 8,000. BUT, it happened... EBC had 1,090 people attend our Easter weekend services... 14% of the population! I know it was Easter weekend, but a dream still came true!

This weekend, we offered two services. Our choir and drama departments presented a moving production, the Gospel message was clearly preached, nearly 200 first-time guests were present, our people prayed, God showed up and He drew people unto Himself. 17 people chose to start a relationship with Jesus as their Savior and Lord, others recommitted their lives to Christ, and others inquired about how to become part of our church family! It was amazing!

Another victory was also won. On Easter Sunday, a very special lady played the piano for the first time in two years, since her husband passed away. That lady, was Jayne Lindsey. Her husband, the late Dell Lindsey, was my friend and mentor in ministry. He was like a second father and he was the one who prayed with me the day I was saved. He showed me how to lead a person to Christ, he took me on visitation, opened his home to me, and invested his life in mine. Jayne is also the mother of Cynthia Colson, the wife of our worship pastor. She had not played the piano for anyone other than her late husband; but on Easter 2011, she played for two men who were products of her husband's ministry. I can't even begin to tell you how special that was for me. Thank you Mrs. L.

Easter is past, and the decorations are put away; but the souls of 17 people (maybe more) will live on for eternity with our Lord. It doesn't get any better than that. Thanks to everyone who had any part in the events of Easter weekend at EBC. I pray that our big vision for our small town has been increased by what we saw God do last weekend.

EGGstravaganza 4.23.11

This year Emmanuel hosted our 8th annual EGGstravaganza for our community. The event was scheduled for April 16, but due to weather warnings it was postponed by one week. We were reminded not to postpone anything in "speculation" of what "might" happen, but folks still came out the following week. Over 600 attended the EGGstravaganza and won a variety of prizes including, an XBox360 with Kinect. The children were divided into various age groups and all were fun to watch, but the highlight was the parent egg hunt! This is now an annual tradition and the highlight of the day.

Thanks to all of our church family who contributed candy, filled bags, donated prizes, setup tents, and volunteered time in preparation for this event. Thanks to those who setup tables & chairs, registered guests, gave directions, hid eggs, manned the prize rooms, presented the gospel, helped cleanup, and SO MUCH MORE!

It's exciting to see so many church members involved in serving and ministering to our community! What better time that Easter to reach people with the message of the Gospel!

Sunday Summary 4.10 - The Crucifixion

Yesterday, I preached on the sufferings of Christ. Sadly too many know the "story," but either forget or minimize the suffering that Christ endured for us!

• He suffered in the Garden and sweat drops of blood, a medical condition called hematidrosis that can occur under the great emotional stress.


• He suffered at multiple trials that involved false accusation, mocking, physical assaults, and which violated Jewish law in at least 50 points.


• He suffered at His scourging as the Roman soldiers flogged His back, legs, and buttocks with a whip made of braided leather thongs having small iron balls and/or sharp pieces of sheep bone attached; which would tear the flesh, muscle, and skeletal tissue leaving gaping wounds and ribbons of bleeding flesh.


• He suffered on the road to the cross as He struggled beneath the weight, was mocked as a criminal, and onlookers would run into the street and pound Him on the face and back.


• He suffered on the cross as He willingly endured the nails and the painful process of crucifixion.

Why was such suffering necessary? Because a debt had to be paid for our sin. The innocent blood had to be shed for the guilty -- for you and me -- in order to pay our sin debt, to purchase our redemption, and to fulfill the Father's plan. Without the shedding of blood, there is no remission -- forgiveness of sin. Christ paid the price... the debt is paid in full... so how will you respond?

• As Judas who chose money and personal ambition over the Savior?


• As the thief who mocked and denied Him?


• As the thief who saw Jesus as the Savior and gladly received Him?