15 In those days Peter stood up among the believers (a group numbering about a hundred and twenty) 16 and said, “Brothers and sisters, the Scripture had to be fulfilled in which the Holy Spirit spoke long ago through David concerning Judas, who served as guide for those who arrested Jesus. 17 He was one of our number and shared in our ministry.” 18 (With the payment he received for his wickedness, Judas bought a field; there he fell headlong, his body burst open and all his intestines spilled out. 19 Everyone in Jerusalem heard about this, so they called that field in their language Akeldama, that is, Field of Blood.) 20 “For,” said Peter, “it is written in the Book of Psalms: “‘May his place be deserted; let there be no one to dwell in it,’ and, “‘May another take his place of leadership.’ 21 Therefore it is necessary to choose one of the men who have been with us the whole time the Lord Jesus was living among us, 22 beginning from John’s baptism to the time when Jesus was taken up from us. For one of these must become a witness with us of his resurrection.” 23 So they nominated two men: Joseph called Barsabbas (also known as Justus) and Matthias. 24 Then they prayed, “Lord, you know everyone’s heart. Show us which of these two you have chosen 25 to take over this apostolic ministry, which Judas left to go where he belongs.” 26 Then they cast lots, and the lot fell to Matthias; so he was added to the eleven apostles.

I think this passage speaks to us about the importance of teams and of commitment and training. The apostles knew that they needed to have a complete team to do what God asked. They were a bit traumatised as they had just watched Jesus, their leader, leave and their friend and teammate, Judas, had turned out to be not who they thought. Even so they got together to work out who should come into the team.

They first went through everyone they knew, to work out who had been there with Jesus from the very beginning. The person to come into the team needed to have shown staying power and commitment. They also needed to have received training from Jesus. They needed to have the right stuff to slot right into the team. They also sought God’s advice about how to make the final choice.

We are part of God’s team and He has chosen us to play a role just as He chose Matthias. We need to show stamina and commitment. We need to receive His training in the role He has for us (preparation and on the job). Sometimes that training is just about being around Him and those in leadership in our team. That is what qualified Matthias – he stuck around Jesus and the apostles for the life of Jesus’ ministry. We need to listen and observe and learn and wait so we are ready when God asks.

Lord God, thank You that You have a plan for this world and for each one of us. Help us to be open to Your training and Your leading so we are ready and in the right place. Help us to be teachable, to be keen to learn and to be willing to be part of a team.

Written by Therese Manning

6 Then they gathered around him and asked him, “Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?” 7 He said to them: “It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority. 8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” 9 After he said this, he was taken up before their very eyes, and a cloud hid him from their sight. 10 They were looking intently up into the sky as he was going, when suddenly two men dressed in white stood beside them. 11 “Men of Galilee,” they said, “why do you stand here looking into the sky? This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven.”

Wow imagine being there for that event.  I am not surprised the disciples worked tirelessly to fulfil Jesus’ final face to face instructions. However, I doubt anybody could have predicted a 2000 year plus delay in Jesus’s return. Even the disciples thought at least one of them would still be alive to see His return.

This has led me to think about the role delayed or failed expectations play in our Christian life and how this affects our faith. These are the delays in answered prayers or the trials of life that we expect to be protected from but have had to endure instead.  We have all experienced this but for some these are seemingly soul-destroying lifechanging situations that challenge the notion of a loving God. Paul speaks of this in 2 Corinthians 4:7-10 as being ‘perplexed but not to despair’ and credits the ‘power of God’ as stopping him from being crushed.

This is my challenge to you for today, without minimising your own personal difficulties spend some time praying about how you might support another person through their painfully delayed or unanswered prayers.  It can be as simple as texting somebody and saying, ‘I am praying for you’.

Lord, sustain us through difficult times of unanswered prayers and show us how to support others in their time of need.

Amen!

Written by David Newton

50 When he had led them out to the vicinity of Bethany, he lifted up his hands and blessed them. 51 While he was blessing them, he left them and was taken up into heaven. 52 Then they worshiped him and returned to Jerusalem with great joy. 53 And they stayed continually at the temple, praising God.

What a contrast! At the beginning of chapter 24 we had women going to the tomb mourning a dead Jesus because they think he is gone. Now the disciples have just seen him really go, and they are worshipping him, and they are absolutely filled with joy that lasts. What a difference the resurrection makes!

The disciples have had their minds opened to see that all the scriptures point towards Jesus. The whole of Israel’s story has been working up to this decisive point. God’s restoration of his people, of the whole of creation, has started. It’s happening now.

Jesus didn’t finish blessing them and then go. It was while he was blessing them. And that blessing continues. As Jesus goes, the Holy Spirit comes. Not just God with us. God living in us. The story of God’s people continues as God’s restoration unfolds to include us.

Indeed, reason for worship and joy!

Written by David Cornell

36 While they were still talking about this, Jesus himself stood among them and said to them, “Peace be with you.” 37 They were startled and frightened, thinking they saw a ghost. 38 He said to them, “Why are you troubled, and why do doubts rise in your minds? 39 Look at my hands and my feet. It is I myself! Touch me and see; a ghost does not have flesh and bones, as you see I have.” 40 When he had said this, he showed them his hands and feet. 41 And while they still did not believe it because of joy and amazement, he asked them, “Do you have anything here to eat?” 42 They gave him a piece of broiled fish, 43 and he took it and ate it in their presence.

Ever seen a ghost – not I – thankfully!  But the gathered disciples in this story thought they had when they saw Jesus suddenly among them!  His immediate response to them being startled – “Peace, be with you”.  He could have said other things, like, ‘I told you I was coming back – why so startled’ or a myriad of other responses, but He goes straight to the heart, to deal with fear, concern.  Then as if to prove things He goes to the physical realities of His crucifixion to show this is real.  The emotion salve, then the physical proof.

Experts in the field of emotional intelligence tell us that our brains process information, first emotionally, then rationally.  That every rational thought comes with an emotion attached.  Assuming the truth of this research, we do well to approach situations, especially unfamiliar situations or concerning, even fear-filled situations with an approach that deals with the felt need and the emotions attached prior to the perceived rational element of a situation.  Jesus’ appeal to peace is one we each need to hear, perhaps more often than we realise.  What do you expect to hear from Jesus when faced with a new, scary situation?

Father may we experience the powerful peace that guards our hearts and our minds in Jesus!

Written by Ps. Richard Botta

13 Now that same day two of them were going to a village called Emmaus, about seven miles[a] from Jerusalem. 14 They were talking with each other about everything that had happened. 15 As they talked and discussed these things with each other, Jesus himself came up and walked along with them; 16 but they were kept from recognizing him. 17 He asked them, “What are you discussing together as you walk along?” They stood still, their faces downcast. 18 One of them, named Cleopas, asked him, “Are you the only one visiting Jerusalem who does not know the things that have happened there in these days?” 19 “What things?” he asked. “About Jesus of Nazareth,” they replied. “He was a prophet, powerful in word and deed before God and all the people. 20 The chief priests and our rulers handed him over to be sentenced to death, and they crucified him; 21 but we had hoped that he was the one who was going to redeem Israel. And what is more, it is the third day since all this took place. 22 In addition, some of our women amazed us. They went to the tomb early this morning 23 but didn’t find his body. They came and told us that they had seen a vision of angels, who said he was alive. 24 Then some of our companions went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said, but they did not see Jesus.” 25 He said to them, “How foolish you are, and how slow to believe all that the prophets have spoken! 26 Did not the Messiah have to suffer these things and then enter his glory?” 27 And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself.

Angels have come to speak with Mary, Joanna and his mother Mary at the tomb of Jesus, early Sunday morning – to tell them “He is risen” “He is alive”.  Now later that day we find Jesus walking with two disciples Cleopas and his friend on the 7 mile journey from Jerusalem to Emmaus.  On this walk Jesus “carefully unveils to them the revelation of himself throughout the Scripture.  He starts from the beginning and explained the writings of Moses and all the prophets, showing about how they wrote about Him and revealed the truth about Himself.”

This 7 mile walk becomes a life changing journey for Cleopas and his friend.  They open their home to welcome Him to dinner and stay.  As He breaks bread and blesses it before their eyes, they are suddenly aware that Jesus Himself is here with them.  They are so overcome by joy at this meeting with Jesus, they walk back 7 miles to Jerusalem to tell the other disciples.

I wonder if we gather together and talk about Jesus – He might manifest Himself in our midst.   It reminds me how important it is to gather in a Connect Group with each other.  To share a meal together.  To share communion together.  To open our home and our dinner table to others.  Jesus is so often present in those moments. 

In our busy lives we can neglect what is important.  Demands scream at us; however I think the most important time is around a dinner table.  Make 2020 a time to gather with others and see if Jesus turns up!!

Lord help us to manage our time so we prioritise time with you and time with each other.  Help us to carve out time into our schedules to Make Room for others.  Come and be with us as we gather at the dinner table.

Written by Ps. Sue Botta

50 Now there was a man named Joseph, a member of the Council, a good and upright man, 51 who had not consented to their decision and action. He came from the Judean town of Arimathea, and he himself was waiting for the kingdom of God. 52 Going to Pilate, he asked for Jesus’ body. 53 Then he took it down, wrapped it in linen cloth and placed it in a tomb cut in the rock, one in which no one had yet been laid. 54 It was Preparation Day, and the Sabbath was about to begin. 55 The women who had come with Jesus from Galilee followed Joseph and saw the tomb and how his body was laid in it. 56 Then they went home and prepared spices and perfumes. But they rested on the Sabbath in obedience to the commandment.

I cannot imagine how Joseph or the women felt following the death of Jesus. They had followed him and believed in him and then they had watched him die a cruel death. It must have taken incredible bravery to ask for his body, care for it, given they would have been seen as siding with a criminal. It’s a reminder to me that even in my darkest moments, just like these friends of Jesus, God has a purpose and calling on my life that cannot be ignored. Joseph and these women did the right thing regardless of how difficult that was for them. In a world that says put yourself first, there are times when we are called to stand up for what we believe in first of all. 

Jesus I thank you for all that you did for me when you died on the cross. I thank you that you put aside your self for the sake of all the world. Help me to always act in a way that brings honour and glory to you. I pray this in Jesus name. Amen

Written by Christine Knight

32 Two other men, both criminals, were also led out with him to be executed. 33 When they came to the place called the Skull, they crucified him there, along with the criminals—one on his right, the other on his left. 34 Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” And they divided up his clothes by casting lots. 35 The people stood watching, and the rulers even sneered at him. They said, “He saved others; let him save himself if he is God’s Messiah, the Chosen One.” 36 The soldiers also came up and mocked him. They offered him wine vinegar 37 and said, “If you are the king of the Jews, save yourself.” 38 There was a written notice above him, which read: this is the king of the jews. 39 One of the criminals who hung there hurled insults at him: “Aren’t you the Messiah? Save yourself and us!” 40 But the other criminal rebuked him. “Don’t you fear God,” he said, “since you are under the same sentence? 41 We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve. But this man has done nothing wrong.” 42 Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” 43 Jesus answered him, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.”

Jesus, you are absolutely stunning. 

As you hang, suspended on a cross, by nails pierced through your hands and feet… with thorns digging into your head and the torn raw flesh on your back against splintered wood… displayed for the crowd in naked vulnerability… mocked and verbally abused by those around you… still your words betray that you thought most of others… 

“Father, forgive them for they do not know what they are doing.”

“Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.” 

How great your love is for us Jesus, though we are not worthy of it. As we were cursing you, you were forgiving us… Jesus, thank you for loving me in spite of my brokenness and rebellion. Forgive me for all the times I have used my freedom against you, and for all the times I have doubted your love. Help me to receive your extravagant love, and to give it away. Amen. 

Written by Ps. Bethany Waugh 

13 Pilate called together the chief priests, the rulers and the people, 14 and said to them, “You brought me this man as one who was inciting the people to rebellion. I have examined him in your presence and have found no basis for your charges against him. 15 Neither has Herod, for he sent him back to us; as you can see, he has done nothing to deserve death. 16 Therefore, I will punish him and then release him.” [17] [a] 18 But the whole crowd shouted, “Away with this man! Release Barabbas to us!” 19 (Barabbas had been thrown into prison for an insurrection in the city, and for murder.) 20 Wanting to release Jesus, Pilate appealed to them again. 21 But they kept shouting, “Crucify him! Crucify him!” 22 For the third time he spoke to them: “Why? What crime has this man committed? I have found in him no grounds for the death penalty. Therefore I will have him punished and then release him.” 23 But with loud shouts they insistently demanded that he be crucified, and their shouts prevailed. 24 So Pilate decided to grant their demand. 25 He released the man who had been thrown into prison for insurrection and murder, the one they asked for, and surrendered Jesus to their will.

Here is a case of the insistent, demanding voices prevailing.

Pilate did not want to condemn Jesus to death. He knew that Jesus was not guilty of any crime and he was planning to release Jesus. But the crowd pressured Pilate to go against his conscience and follow their demands to crucify Jesus.

The pressure of people’s opinions can be a powerful force, driving us to do and/or say things that we later regret. I think we’ve probably all been there – I certainly have.

Proverbs tells us that “the fear of man is a snare” (Prov 29:25). When we are more concerned with people’s opinions rather than God’s opinion we will inevitably get caught.

The fear of God is the antidote to the trap of the fear of man. The more I focus on what my Father in heaven thinks, the less I am pressured by what people think of me.

Lord help me today, and every day to make choices that honour You, not driven by the need to impress others.

Written by Shelley Witt

63 The men who were guarding Jesus began mocking and beating him. 64 They blindfolded him and demanded, “Prophesy! Who hit you?” 65 And they said many other insulting things to him. 66 At daybreak the council of the elders of the people, both the chief priests and the teachers of the law, met together, and Jesus was led before them. 67 “If you are the Messiah,” they said, “tell us.” Jesus answered, “If I tell you, you will not believe me, 68 and if I asked you, you would not answer. 69 But from now on, the Son of Man will be seated at the right hand of the mighty God.” 70 They all asked, “Are you then the Son of God?” He replied, “You say that I am.” 71 Then they said, “Why do we need any more testimony? We have heard it from his own lips.”

In this passage, the leading priests and teachers of the law, were trying to get a confession out of Jesus in order to charge Him and sentence Him to death. But Jesus was aware of what they were doing and would not enter the game they were playing, saying “If I tell you, you won’t believe Me, and if I ask, you won’t answer”. He knows their hearts are hardened towards Him.

As I reflect, I wonder how hardened my heart is? Or what parts I close off to Him? If I ask Jesus something, will I believe Him? Or will I too play games, asking for another sign or ignore what He says?

Lord, You are great and know all things. You see straight to our heart. You know when we dance around the edges. Help us to humble ourselves and listen and receive what You have to say.

Written by Gab Martin

47 While he was still speaking a crowd came up, and the man who was called Judas, one of the Twelve, was leading them. He approached Jesus to kiss him, 48 but Jesus asked him, “Judas, are you betraying the Son of Man with a kiss?” 49 When Jesus’ followers saw what was going to happen, they said, “Lord, should we strike with our swords?” 50 And one of them struck the servant of the high priest, cutting off his right ear. 51 But Jesus answered, “No more of this!” And he touched the man’s ear and healed him. 52 Then Jesus said to the chief priests, the officers of the temple guard, and the elders, who had come for him, “Am I leading a rebellion, that you have come with swords and clubs? 53 Every day I was with you in the temple courts, and you did not lay a hand on me. But this is your hour—when darkness reigns.”

Even though I know where this is leading, it still saddens me every time I read this section of passage.  How could a friend betray Jesus in this manner… Journey with Him for many years, minister, share life experiences & then betray Him for money.

Then we see the other disciples fight for Jesus by cutting off the ear of one of the mob.  The two extremes of being a disciple…

I want my life to count for something positive, to be known for getting on with the things that God has planned for me. I know to achieve this, I need to make good & wise choices, I can’t just sit back and wait for God to make my next move.  We know that Judas made his own choice in his part of Jesus arrest.  We also know that it was part of a bigger plan God had for mankind.

One of God’s promises to us is that He will work all things together for the good of those who love Him, and are called according to His purpose for them.

I thank you God for your perfect plan!

Written by Mandy Miller

35 Then Jesus asked them, “When I sent you without purse, bag or sandals, did you lack anything?” “Nothing,” they answered. 36 He said to them, “But now if you have a purse, take it, and also a bag; and if you don’t have a sword, sell your cloak and buy one. 37 It is written: ‘And he was numbered with the transgressors’; and I tell you that this must be fulfilled in me. Yes, what is written about me is reaching its fulfillment.” 38 The disciples said, “See, Lord, here are two swords.” “That’s enough!” he replied.

Be prepared. It’s about to get tough.

Here we see Jesus talking with his disciples at the end of his final Passover meal, warning them that the next days and weeks are going to become difficult as God’s plan for redemption enters a new stage. The time of Jesus ministry on earth is coming to an end and he is about to face crucifixion. He warns them also that he is about to be counted as a criminal to fulfil Isaiah 53:12.

When Jesus sent out the disciples previously (Luke 9:3) he told them to take nothing but this time Jesus warns that the disciples will face persecution and they should be prepared for it.

We too, as believers, need to be prepared and ready to stand firm. How can we do that?

Ephesians 6: 14-17 14 Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15 and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 16 In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17 Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

Lord we praise your name because you are mighty and have conquered this world. Help us to be prepared to face opposition in our lives because of you, help us to stand firm with your armour firmly attached and with your name on our lips. Amen

Written by Jocelyn Petschack

24 A dispute also arose among them as to which of them was considered to be greatest. 25 Jesus said to them, “The kings of the Gentiles lord it over them; and those who exercise authority over them call themselves Benefactors. 26 But you are not to be like that. Instead, the greatest among you should be like the youngest, and the one who rules like the one who serves. 27 For who is greater, the one who is at the table or the one who serves? Is it not the one who is at the table? But I am among you as one who serves. 28 You are those who have stood by me in my trials. 29 And I confer on you a kingdom, just as my Father conferred one on me, 30 so that you may eat and drink at my table in my kingdom and sit on thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.

In this chapter we have the narrative of Passover preparation, Jesus participating in the Passover meal & then a seeming oddly placed self-centred dispute amoung the disciples.

Luke doesn’t record it, but elsewhere in the gospels this is where Jesus washes the disciples feet. Jesus is teaching & demonstrating servanthood. In this age of self gratification, self promotion, life is all about me, Jesus demonstrates the better way to live & lead. We are to be one who serves another, preferring each other, a much needed personal attribute today.

This is a brilliant reminder to me that I can also be just as self-serving & absorbed, even in the midst of significant moments where the focus is on others.

Lord Jesus, please help my selfishness, that my focus would be less on me & more to serve those you have brought around me. Amen

Written by Suzie Hodgson

7 Then came the day of Unleavened Bread on which the Passover lamb had to be sacrificed. 8 Jesus sent Peter and John, saying, “Go and make preparations for us to eat the Passover.” 9 “Where do you want us to prepare for it?” they asked. 10 He replied, “As you enter the city, a man carrying a jar of water will meet you. Follow him to the house that he enters, 11 and say to the owner of the house, ‘The Teacher asks: Where is the guest room, where I may eat the Passover with my disciples?’ 12 He will show you a large room upstairs, all furnished. Make preparations there.” 13 They left and found things just as Jesus had told them. So they prepared the Passover.

Jesus is moving towards the end of his ministry and here he begins preparations for an important meal with his disciples – a meal where he presents himself as the Passover lamb.

I noticed a number of surprising aspects of this passage including:

Jesus wanted things prepared,

Jesus knew the man, and that he had a room,

The man was ready to meet the disciples,

The room was available at short notice in a busy city, and

The disciples appear to have followed Jesus’ instructions without a query.

These all speak of Jesus being in control.

Such a significant event. The man however is not named, and he is only mentioned once here, yet we see how God was using him in a crucial way. His heart was open, listening to God’s prompting to meet these disciples, that this was important even in the midst of his busy daily life, and also that he should keep the room free. He would not have known the significance of the meal to be held there, but he was available to serve Jesus.

God puts me in situations where he can achieve significant things through my obedience. He is in control, but by his gracious love and design he works through me.

Dear Jesus, I’m tuning into you today and ask that you do significant things through me to bring you glory. Amen.

Written by Claire Moore

20 “When you see Jerusalem being surrounded by armies, you will know that its desolation is near. 21 Then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains, let those in the city get out, and let those in the country not enter the city. 22 For this is the time of punishment in fulfillment of all that has been written. 23 How dreadful it will be in those days for pregnant women and nursing mothers! There will be great distress in the land and wrath against this people. 24 They will fall by the sword and will be taken as prisoners to all the nations. Jerusalem will be trampled on by the Gentiles until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled. 25 “There will be signs in the sun, moon and stars. On the earth, nations will be in anguish and perplexity at the roaring and tossing of the sea. 26 People will faint from terror, apprehensive of what is coming on the world, for the heavenly bodies will be shaken. 27 At that time they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. 28 When these things begin to take place, stand up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.” 29 He told them this parable: “Look at the fig tree and all the trees. 30 When they sprout leaves, you can see for yourselves and know that summer is near. 31 Even so, when you see these things happening, you know that the kingdom of God is near. 32 “Truly I tell you, this generation will certainly not pass away until all these things have happened. 33 Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away. 34 “Be careful, or your hearts will be weighed down with carousing, drunkenness and the anxieties of life, and that day will close on you suddenly like a trap. 35 For it will come on all those who live on the face of the whole earth. 36 Be always on the watch, and pray that you may be able to escape all that is about to happen, and that you may be able to stand before the Son of Man.” 37 Each day Jesus was teaching at the temple, and each evening he went out to spend the night on the hill called the Mount of Olives, 38 and all the people came early in the morning to hear him at the temple.

In response to a question the disciples asked in verse 7, Jesus continues in His description of the signs that will precede the destruction of the temple and signal end times. This includes the destruction of Jerusalem and the judgement of the nations. In verse 22: Jesus says “For those will be days of God’s vengeance, and the prophetic words of the Scriptures will be fulfilled.”

Clearly God has warned of these days – and as terrible as they seem, they are part of God’s plan.

But what do I take away from these verses? Is it God’s intention to fill me with fear and dread about the days to come?

As I have reflected on this, it is the final verses that ring in my ears.

I don’t know when this will happen or if it is even happening now. My job is not to stand around waiting for it, but to continue with the job God has given me to do now, ready – when it does happen – to look upward – confident that God is in control and that my salvation is near!

Written by Ps. Linda Quinn