Category: Christ’s earthly ministry

The “Triumphal” Entry

Sunday, March 24, 2024

“All this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, saying, Tell ye the daughter of Sion, Behold, thy King cometh unto thee, meek, and sitting upon an ass, and a colt the foal of an ass” (Matthew 21:4,5 KJV).

Do you ever wonder why Jesus Christ rode on a donkey the Sunday before His crucifixion?

In today’s Scripture (cf. Matthew 21:1-11; Mark 11:1-10; Luke 19:28-40; John 12:12-19), Jesus’s crucifixion on Calvary’s cross is just five days away. Leaving Bethany, He travels to Jerusalem (a mile to the northwest). Israel’s believing remnant in Jerusalem is excited to hear that Messiah is returning to “the city of the great King” (Psalm 48:2; Matthew 5:35); in anticipation, the great multitude throws their garments and palm branches on the ground. As Jesus enters the city, they cry out, “Hosanna [“O save!”]: Blessed is the King of Israel that cometh in the name of the Lord” (Matthew 21:9; Mark 11:9,10; Luke 19:38; John 12:13; cf. Psalm 118:26).

While often called the “Triumphal Entry,” there really was no victory being celebrated in today’s Scripture—the victory was to come later! What we need to realize is that Jesus Christ was humble (“meek”) here: as a King riding on a donkey into Israel’s capital city, He demonstrated He desired peace with Israel (a fulfillment of Zechariah 9:9). He had not come to destroy her, though He would have been just in doing so; He had come to save her from her sins, her enemies, and her satanic bondage (Matthew 1:21; Mark 2:17; Mark 3:22-30; Luke 1:68-75; Luke 9:55,56; Luke 19:9,10; Acts 3:24-26; et cetera).

Just a few days later, Jesus Christ appeared weak and defeated. He never fought back as the Roman soldiers mercilessly abused Him; He allowed Himself to be crucified on Calvary. It was His meek and lowly coming; now was not the time to pour out His wrath. He resurrected and ascended into heaven as a royal exile. Revelation 19:11 says Jesus Christ will return to Jerusalem on a white horse, a sign of war and wrath (Zechariah 14:1-4)—that will be His true triumphal entry, for He will conquer Satan’s world system forever!

The Centurions #7

Thursday, February 22, 2024

“And when Jesus was entered into Capernaum, there came unto him a centurion, beseeching him,…” (Matthew 8:5 KJV).

What are “centurions?”

A centurion was the commanding officer of a century, a group of 100 Roman soldiers. Such military men did not appear in the record of Holy Scripture until politically-fallen Israel was subjected to yet another Gentile world-power—the Roman Empire—in the years leading up to Christ’s birth. It is thus beginning in the New Testament that we read of centurions, from Christ’s earthly ministry (Matthew to John) and even until the very end of the Acts period (Acts chapter 28). Their presence in the land of Canaan indicates Israel is under “the times of the Gentiles” (Luke 21:24), dominated by Gentile global rulers until Christ’s Second Coming and subsequent Millennial Reign (when Israel will once again be the head of the nations, God’s chief nation in the Earth).

Even though the centurions were pagan Romans, they were not completely without spiritual light from Israel’s God. Some of them were even walking by faith in the Bible information they had. However limited their spiritual understanding was, they were thankful for that which they did have (which was in stark contrast to unbelieving Israel, who had more spiritual light but could not care less about it!). Recall Matthew 8:5-13 (today’s Scripture); Luke 7:1-10; Matthew 27:54; Mark 15:39; Luke 23:47; Acts 10:1-4,22; Acts 27:1,3,31,32,43; and Acts 28:16. It is here at this second point that we can make personal application.

Truly, dear friends, we do not have all the answers because we do not know everything that can be known. This should not discourage us, however, since we still have access to the Holy Bible that teaches us what we need to know. If we are appreciative of the few sound Bible doctrinal truths we know, if we trust the sound Bible doctrine we have learned thus far, God will value that attitude and provide us with more light. Yet, if we decide to set aside the Scriptures rightly divided, and take up in their place the tenets of philosophy or vain religious tradition or theological speculations of men, we will be in a lot even worse than ancient unbelieving Israel was. Remember the (believing) centurions!

The Centurions #6

Wednesday, February 21, 2024

“And when Jesus was entered into Capernaum, there came unto him a centurion, beseeching him,…” (Matthew 8:5 KJV).

What are “centurions?”

Even though they were Romans or Gentiles—without Israel’s covenants and without Israel’s Bible—some of the centurions were believers in the Lord Jesus Christ. For example, read of that nameless centurion who stood at Christ’s cross when He died. “Now when the centurion, and they that were with him, watching Jesus, saw the earthquake, and those things that were done, they feared greatly, saying, Truly this was the Son of God” (Matthew 27:54). “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” (Mark 15:39). “Now when the centurion saw what was done, he glorified God, saying, Certainly this was a righteous man” (Luke 23:47).

We do not know who that centurion was—and his identity makes no difference whatsoever. What the Holy Spirit did by including him and his profession of faith into the Scriptural record forever was indict unbelieving Israel whose people could never bring themselves to say a single positive word about the Lord Jesus! Here was a Gentile—a pagan man without a Hebrew Bible and without any covenants with JEHOVAH God—who saw and ultimately declared about Jesus, “Truly this was the Son of God!” Oh, what a pity… but there is something even more!

Doubtless, the most famous centurion of all time was Cornelius of Acts chapter 10, who recognized his need for more spiritual light. He was willing to bless Israel as per Genesis 12:3 (see Acts 10:1-4,22). Cornelius was such a sincere seeker of Bible truth that God actually sent the Apostle Peter to preach to him. By the time of the close of Acts chapter 10, Cornelius and his Gentile friends and relatives have trusted in Christ—with Israel still in unbelief!

Finally, whereas lost Israel repeatedly tried to harm and kill the Apostle Paul throughout Acts, Julius the centurion (a heathen Roman!) was kind to him, listened to him, and sought to save his life (Acts 27:1,3,31-32,43; Acts 28:16).

Let us summarize and conclude this devotionals arc….

The Centurions #5

Tuesday, February 20, 2024

“And when Jesus was entered into Capernaum, there came unto him a centurion, beseeching him,…” (Matthew 8:5 KJV).

What are “centurions?”

Ephesians 2:11,12 defines God’s dealings with mankind in “time past:” “Wherefore remember, that ye being in time past Gentiles in the flesh, who are called Uncircumcision by that which is called the Circumcision in the flesh made by hands; That at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world:….” Romans 1:18-32, Acts 14:15-17, and Acts 17:26-30 describe these Gentiles or nations as being handed over to Satan.

Those Gentile disadvantages stood opposite of Israel’s privileges or blessings: “Who are Israelites; to whom pertaineth the adoption, and the glory, and the covenants, and the giving of the law, and the service of God, and the promises; Whose are the fathers, and of whom as concerning the flesh Christ came, who is over all, God blessed for ever. Amen” (Romans 9:4,5). Also, Romans 3:1,2: “What advantage then hath the Jew? or what profit is there of circumcision? Much every way: chiefly, because that unto them were committed the oracles of God.” The Hebrew Bible—the Old Testament Scriptures—was given to Israel, not the Gentiles.

It is therefore highly exceptional to find centurions, or Roman (non-Jewish, or Gentile) military leaders, in the Biblical record who are more eager to believe Israel’s God than Israel is. For instance, in today’s Scripture, the centurion has faith Christ Jesus can heal his sick servant. Read Matthew 8:5-13 and Luke 7:1-10. “When Jesus heard it, he marvelled, and said to them that followed, Verily I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel” (Matthew 8:10). “When Jesus heard these things, he marvelled at him, and turned him about, and said unto the people that followed him, I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel” (Luke 7:9).

This believing Gentile centurion condemned Israel for unbelief (since national Israel had such a negative view of Jesus Christ, but non-Jews were favoring Him!). If we study the Scriptural record again, we can locate similar situations wherein (Roman) centurions are receptive to Israel’s God whereas Israel is not….

The Centurions #4

Monday, February 19, 2024

“And when Jesus was entered into Capernaum, there came unto him a centurion, beseeching him,…” (Matthew 8:5 KJV).

What are “centurions?”

After persistent pagan idolatry—disobedience to the Law of Moses—the nation Israel gradually lost its political might in the Earth. This was one of the punishments or curses of the Law (see Leviticus 26:14,15,17-19,23-25,27-39). Beginning in Judges 2:11-15, after the Israelites worshipped and served Baal and Ashtaroth (their neighbors’ heathen idols), Gentile armies begin invading the Promised Land and conquering Israel. By the time of Samuel and Saul, the Philistines are triumphant. Under David, however, Israel enjoys victory; under Solomon, Israel experiences peace.

Eventually, upon Solomon’s death, Israel splits into two kingdoms (10 tribes of Israel in the north, two tribes of Judah in the south). The idolatrous northern tribes are exiled to Assyria, whereas the idolatrous southern tribes are deported to Babylon. David’s throne is lost to Gentiles until Christ’s return, as disclosed in Daniel 2:36-45. The LORD God has now removed Israel’s political blessings, and a series of Gentile rulers govern Israel in the Promised Land.

As world history testifies, Babylonians (Nebuchadnezzar) conquer Israel, Medians-Persians overthrow Babylonians, Greeks defeat Medians-Persians, and the Romans overpower the Greeks a few centuries before Christ. Caesars—the Roman emperors—have replaced King David’s sons as monarchs. The Roman centurions and their military subordinates therefore patrol Israel’s land during Christ’s earthly ministry and Acts. Those centurions or Roman military leaders serve as a constant reminder to Israel of their nation’s political fall. By maintaining submission, order, and peace, the centurions ensure the Israelites serve the emperors’ best interests.

There was a Roman military post in Capernaum (northern shore of the Sea of Galilee); thus, a centurion appears there in today’s Scripture. Rome’s political/administrative capital in the land of Israel was Caesarea (on the Mediterranean Sea)—Cornelius’ residence in Acts chapter 10. As many as 1,000 Roman soldiers lived in a fort at Jerusalem, equating to 10 centurions. Some of these troops escorted Paul from Jerusalem to Caesarea in Acts chapter 23. One such centurion conveyed Paul and other prisoners by sea from Caesarea to Rome in the closing chapters of Acts.

We can offer another notable reason for centurions in the Holy Scriptures….

The Centurions #3

Sunday, February 18, 2024

“And when Jesus was entered into Capernaum, there came unto him a centurion, beseeching him,…” (Matthew 8:5 KJV).

What are “centurions?”

Skipping the seven separate centurions (Matthew 8:5-13, Luke 7:2-6, Matthew 27:54, Mark 15:39, Luke 23:47, Mark 15:44-45, Acts 10:1,22, Acts 22:25-26, Acts 23:17, and Acts 24:23), and overlooking the groups of centurions in Acts 21:32 and Acts 23:23, we come to the eighth and final individual centurion of Scripture.

Julius is featured throughout Acts chapter 27: “[1] And when it was determined that we should sail into Italy, they delivered Paul and certain other prisoners unto one named Julius, a centurion of Augustus’ band…. [6]And there the centurion found a ship of Alexandria sailing into Italy; and he put us therein…. [11] Nevertheless the centurion believed the master and the owner of the ship, more than those things which were spoken by Paul…. [31] Paul said to the centurion and to the soldiers, Except these abide in the ship, ye cannot be saved…. [43] But the centurion, willing to save Paul, kept them from their purpose; and commanded that they which could swim should cast themselves first into the sea, and get to land:….” He also appears in Acts 28:16: “And when we came to Rome, the centurion delivered the prisoners to the captain of the guard: but Paul was suffered to dwell by himself with a soldier that kept him.”

A centurion was a high-ranking Roman military official. If you look closely at the word itself, perhaps you notice its resemblance to “century.” Could there be a relationship? Yes, as the two originate from the Latin “centurio,” as in “one hundred.” As a century is defined as 100 years, so “centurion” is connected to the number 100. “And he called unto him two centurions, saying, Make ready two hundred soldiers to go to Caesarea, and horsemen threescore and ten, and spearmen two hundred, at the third hour of the night;…” (Acts 23:23). Corresponding to two centurions were 200 soldiers. A centurion was a commander of 100 Roman soldiers. In fact, in the ancient Roman Empire, that group of 100 soldiers were a “century;” thus, their supervisor bore the title “centurion.”

Having defined what they are, let us contemplate the significance of centurions in the Bible….

The Centurions #2

Saturday, February 17, 2024

“And when Jesus was entered into Capernaum, there came unto him a centurion, beseeching him,…” (Matthew 8:5 KJV).

What are “centurions?”

After surveying the Four Gospel Records and finding three isolated centurions (Matthew 8:5-13; Luke 7:2-6; Matthew 27:54; Mark 15:39; Luke 23:47; Mark 15:44,45), we find the rest of them in the Book of Acts. Consider some of the Acts references now.

The fourth singular centurion in Holy Scripture is in Acts chapter 10, even being identified. “There was a certain man in Caesarea called Cornelius, a centurion of the band called the Italian band,…. And they said, Cornelius the centurion, a just man, and one that feareth God, and of good report among all the nation of the Jews, was warned from God by an holy angel to send for thee into his house, and to hear words of thee” (Acts 10:1,22).

A group of centurions is featured in Acts 21:32: “Who immediately took soldiers and centurions, and ran down unto them: and when they saw the chief captain and the soldiers, they left beating of Paul.” We find the fifth sole centurion in Acts 22:25,26: “And as they bound him with thongs, Paul said unto the centurion that stood by, Is it lawful for you to scourge a man that is a Roman, and uncondemned? When the centurion heard that, he went and told the chief captain, saying, Take heed what thou doest: for this man is a Roman.”

There is a sixth lone centurion included in Acts 23:17: “Then Paul called one of the centurions unto him, and said, Bring this young man unto the chief captain: for he hath a certain thing to tell him.” Two centurions are in Acts 23:23: “And he called unto him two centurions, saying, Make ready two hundred soldiers to go to Caesarea, and horsemen threescore and ten, and spearmen two hundred, at the third hour of the night;….” The seventh solo centurion appears in Acts 24:23: “And he commanded a centurion to keep Paul, and to let him have liberty, and that he should forbid none of his acquaintance to minister or come unto him.”

Let us find and read the remaining Acts “centurion” references….

The Centurions #1

Friday, February 16, 2024

“And when Jesus was entered into Capernaum, there came unto him a centurion, beseeching him,…” (Matthew 8:5 KJV).

What are “centurions?”

The King James Bible refers to “centurions” some 27 times—always in the New Testament (never the Old Testament), and usually as individuals (occasionally in the plural). Before we study the word itself, we need to quickly survey all the references.

Today’s Scripture and its context allude to the first solitary centurion, whose ill servant Christ cured. “And when Jesus was entered into Capernaum, there came unto him a centurion, beseeching him,…. The centurion answered and said, Lord, I am not worthy that thou shouldest come under my roof: but speak the word only, and my servant shall be healed…. And Jesus said unto the centurion, Go thy way; and as thou hast believed, so be it done unto thee. And his servant was healed in the selfsame hour” (Matthew 8:5,8,13). The parallel account is Luke 7:2,6: “And a certain centurion’s servant, who was dear unto him, was sick, and ready to die…. Then Jesus went with them. And when he was now not far from the house, the centurion sent friends to him, saying unto him, Lord, trouble not thyself: for I am not worthy that thou shouldest enter under my roof:….”

At Christ’s cross, we find the second individual centurion. “Now when the centurion, and they that were with him, watching Jesus, saw the earthquake, and those things that were done, they feared greatly, saying, Truly this was the Son of God” (Matthew 27:54). “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” (Mark 15:39). “Now when the centurion saw what was done, he glorified God, saying, Certainly this was a righteous man” (Luke 23:47).

When Christ’s body required burial, there is a third distinct centurion. “And Pilate marvelled if he were already dead: and calling unto him the centurion, he asked him whether he had been any while dead. And when he knew it of the centurion, he gave the body to Joseph” (Mark 15:44,45).

There are more “centurion” verses for us to read….

Peter’s Preposterousness #10

Monday, January 15, 2024

“And about the space of one hour after another confidently affirmed, saying, Of a truth this fellow also was with him: for he is a Galilaean. And Peter said, Man, I know not what thou sayest. And immediately, while he yet spake, the cock crew” (Luke 22:59,60 KJV).

How was Peter the Apostle being preposterous?

Read Matthew 26:31-35 again: “Then saith Jesus unto them, All ye shall be offended because of me this night: for it is written, I will smite the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock shall be scattered abroad. But after I am risen again, I will go before you into Galilee. Peter answered and said unto him, Though all men shall be offended because of thee, yet will I never be offended. Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, That this night, before the cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice. Peter said unto him, Though I should die with thee, yet will I not deny thee. Likewise also said all the disciples.” You may also see the parallel in Mark 14:27-31.

It is quite clear the Lord Jesus Christ had no confidence in the flesh of His disciples. They were not perfect and He knew it well. Instead, He believed, or had faith in, the Scriptures. He was quite familiar with Zechariah 13:7: “Awake, O sword, against my shepherd, and against the man that is my fellow, saith the LORD of hosts: smite the shepherd, and the sheep shall be scattered: and I will turn mine hand upon the little ones.” The “sheep”—the Little Flock, the disciples—would indeed be scattered, going their own way when their Shepherd headed to Calvary’s cruel cross.

Dear brethren, what lesson we can gain from this is simple. May we have confidence in God’s words to us, Romans through Philemon, His grace to us in Christ. Unlike miserable Paul in Romans chapter 7, struggling to live the Christian life in his own strength, we should read and believe Romans chapters 6 and 8. Here is where we have victory over sin, the weakness of our flesh. It is in these grace truths that we find God’s faithfulness, Christ’s faithfulness, always compensating for our unfaithfulness (our preposterousness)! 🙂

Peter’s Preposterousness #9

Sunday, January 14, 2024

“And about the space of one hour after another confidently affirmed, saying, Of a truth this fellow also was with him: for he is a Galilaean. And Peter said, Man, I know not what thou sayest. And immediately, while he yet spake, the cock crew” (Luke 22:59,60 KJV).

How was Peter the Apostle being preposterous?

Take one final look at Luke 22:31,32 (the context of today’s Scripture): “And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat [separate you, after shaking you to point of overthrowing your faith]: But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren.” This very night, the men whom the Lord Jesus Christ had intimately trained for the last three years, would abandon Him and pretend as if they never knew Him. He knew it with absolute certainty, and notified them of it. It would be unspeakably traumatic for all involved, and, had it not been for His intercessory prayer here, none of those men would have ever returned to His ministry.

Once Peter committed those dreadful deeds of denial, the Lord Himself served as a heartbreaking reminder. Read the verses immediately following today’s Scripture: “And the Lord turned, and looked upon Peter. And Peter remembered the word of the Lord, how he had said unto him, Before the cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice. And Peter went out, and wept bitterly.” Staring from a distance, Jesus fixed His eyes on Peter and Peter noticed and instantly called to mind what He had told him not long before. That started Peter, and the rest of the Little Flock, on the path to recovery from Satan’s snare.

When we as members of the Church the Body of Christ fail (returning to the preposterousness of the bondage to sin), we have not surprised Father God, the Lord Jesus Christ, or the Holy Spirit. Provisions have already been made and (whether we are aware of it or not) sin will thus be overcome. We should drive out Bible ignorance and endless despair by studying God’s Book rightly divided, giving us matchless victory and indescribable joy….