KEY SCRIPTURE: John 19:1 KJV “Then Pilate therefore took Jesus, and scourged him.”

Before every Roman prisoner was crucified, he had to go through scouring. Crucifixion was not started by the Romans, but they perfected it. The flogging or scourging was to prepare the victim for the most painful death process. Women, senators, and Roman soldiers were not treated this way except soldiers who deserted from the Roman army.

 The usual instrument used for flogging was a short whip with several single or braided leather thongs of variable lengths, in which small iron balls or sharp pieces of sheep bones were tied at intervals.  For scourging, the man was stripped of his clothing, and his hands were tied to an upright post.  The back, buttocks, and legs were flogged either by two soldiers (lictors) or by one who alternated positions.  The severity of the scourging depended on the disposition of the lictors and was intended to weaken the victim to a state just short of collapse or death.  As the Roman soldiers repeatedly struck the victim’s back with full force, the iron balls would cause deep contusions, and the leather thongs and sheep bones would cut into the skin and subcutaneous tissues.  Then, as the flogging continued, the lacerations would tear into the underlying skeletal muscles and produce quivering ribbons of bleeding flesh.  Pain and blood loss generally set the stage for circulatory shock.  The extent of blood loss may well have determined how long the victim would survive on the cross.  After the scourging, the soldiers then taunted the victims.

The above is a vivid picture of what the Lord went through before He was taken to be crucified. What was the significance of all these? Isaiah 53:5 KJV 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.” The Lord did no wrong to undergo any of these yet because of our sins He suffered. If He bore such intense suffering for us, do we have to carry in our bodies any disease at all? I do not think so. Matt 8:17 ISV This was to fulfill what was declared by the prophet Isaiah when he said, “It was he who took our illnesses away   and removed our diseases.” Matthew clearly states it fully.

THOUGHT: I MAKE HIS SUFFERINGS BENEFICIAL TO ME BY REFUSING TO BEAR ANY DISEASE.

FURTHER STUDIES

1Pet 2:24 ISV “He himself bore our sins” in his body on the tree, so that we might die to those sins and live righteously.   “By his wounds, you have been healed.”

Isaiah 52:14 ISV Just as many were astonished at you—   so was he marred in his appearance, more than any human, and his form beyond that of human semblance—”

KEY SCRIPTURE: Joh 18:40 KJV “Then cried they all again, saying, Not this man, but Barabbas. Now Barabbas was a robber.”

Life is full of choices. Your present state is a result of the kind of choices you made some time ago. When Moses came to the tail end of His ministry, he asked the Israelites to decide between life and death Deu 30:19 KJV” I call heaven and earth to record this day against you, that I have set before you, life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore, choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live:” This call is replicated in our choice between choosing Jesus and Barabbas. What will you choose, or what have you chosen? Barabbas is a symbol of man’s effort to achieve his ambitions all by himself. It only leads to failure and death. There is always that which seems right to men, but the end thereof is the way of death. If your life is filled with arguments and what is called common sense ideas, such that you look down on the way of Christ, then you have chosen Barabbas.

Dear one, the evidence about the reality and validity of Jesus cannot be contested. There have been countless hard-core men and women who opposed Jesus with every breath and blood in them. These people come again boldly testifying of Jesus. What has brought such change? Most of them are very sound-minded individuals. All of them give this testimony. They had an encounter with the resurrected Lord Jesus. In some cases, these people wanted to know the true God, so they cried to Him to show Himself.

 Some of these were Muslims, Buddhists, and many more. They all described the very same appearances. Each time He appeared to men He validated the Holy Scriptures.

Dear one, would you choose this Jesus who has continually proven that He is alive and real? In all His dealings with men, He manifests His great power to restore men to health, peace, and a transformed life. Would you continue rejecting Him, to choose the false way, which is very uncertain? Jesus is life, He would transform your moral life, and above all give you power over the unseen evil powers that are making a mess of most men. I spoke to a young man who for some strange reason left the university at the very first level. He stayed at home for over four years. I asked him, would you like to continue your schooling? He answered no. I asked him to shut his eyes as I prayed for him. I rebuked the spirit controlling his mind to depart from him. After the prayer, I asked again, would you go to school? He now answered yes. He started the school again, and he is in his third year presently doing very well. Take it or leave it, there are evil forces beyond the abilities of men. Jesus gives power over all such things. Give your life to Him

THOUGHT: JESUS HAS OVER-PROVEN HIMSELF AS VERY REAL, WHY CHOOSE THE UNCERTAIN WAY?

FURTHER STUDIES

Rom 10:11 KJV “For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.”

Rom 10:13 KJV” For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.”

KEY SCRIPTURE: Joh 18:40 KJV “Then cried they all again, saying, Not this man, but Barabbas. Now Barabbas was a robber.”

Pilate feeling convinced about Jesus’ innocence wanted to free Him. There was a tradition of freeing one prisoner each year. Pilate requested that Jesus be released to them. They all shouted in unison, away with Jesus, give us Barabbas. The bible added that Barabbas was a criminal or better still a robber. The question is, how on earth would anyone reject Jesus to choose Barabbas?

The following are a few reasons that made most of them reject Jesus to prefer a robber.

1. Most of them were deceived about Jesus. The religious leaders had said all kinds of lies about Him, such that He sounded abominable in their ears. In our modern times, many are also deceived about Jesus. Some say He is a myth. Others say the real truth about Him is hidden, while the very false ones have been given to us. This is very unfortunate since a chunk of the ancient manuscript exists up till today, and the rules of canonical scriptures or terms for accepting the manuscripts were very open and clear.

2. Some also rejected Him because although they might have seen some miracles of Jesus, or even been healed by Him, yet they weakly followed the mob who called for His crucifixion. Some reject Jesus today because although they might know one who experienced a miracle, they are not ready to leave their carnal sinful ways.

3. Some rejected Him because they thought Jesus’ teachings were against what Moses taught. There are many today who hold to certain philosophies, which are motivated by pride, yet they are bereft of true peace in their hearts.

4. There are a few who reject Him because of the way some of His disciples behaved. Similarly, people’s dislike for Jesus is a result of the way certain people, including some pastors behave. Please those people are not the way, the truth, and the life, why allow their actions to influence you?

Dear one Jesus is exactly what the bible talks about Him. He has given true peace to many men who came to Him. Jesus brings healing to the sick and deliverance to the captives. He is forever the same Heb 13:8 “Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and today, and forever.” Would you humbly surrender to Him today? Pride and lust have deceived many, reject them today.

THOUGHT: THOSE WHO COME AS A CHILD EXPERIENCE HIS MIGHT AND REALITY

FURTHER STUDIES

Matt 18:3 KJV” And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven.”

1 Corinthians 1:20,21 KJV” Where is the wise? where is the scribe? where is the disputer of this world? hath not God made foolish the wisdom of this world? For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe.”

KEY SCRIPTURE: Joh 18:38 KJV” Pilate saith unto him, What is truth? And when he had said this, he went out again unto the Jews, and saith unto them, I find in him no fault at all.”

We are still on the trial of the Lord Jesus. After Pilate had enquired about what was the truth, he left his Palace court to talk to the Jews outside. He said plainly to them that he finds no fault in Him. On face value, what did the Lord say, and did that make Pilate conclude that this was a sinless man?

1. Jesus did not show any sense of fear, although He was being judged to be crucified, yet he was not moved

2. He freely spoke about His supernatural kingdom, where He was king.

3. He spoke the truth. A man in such a condition would have been overtaken by fear.

Pilate as a governor who has been a judge in several cases, could find no fault with Jesus. What then was the basis of His conviction and subsequent crucifixion?

These religious leaders had no specific offense to convict Him. The truth about His condemnation to die was that, though He was without sin, God laid on Him the iniquity of us all. 2nd Corinth 5:21 He was God’s perfect SACRIFICE to atone for the sins of you and me. He is the lamb of God who took away, the sins of the whole world.

Our key scripture shows us Jesus was without sin. Jesus knew He must live in perfect holiness to be able to save mankind from their sins. What are you committed to doing for the sake of others? You can lead an upright life for the sake of your children. Psalms 112:2 KJV “His seed shall be mighty upon earth: the generation of the upright shall be blessed.” This is God’s word to the upright and his seed. Leading an upright life is a blessing for you.2Sa 22:26 KJV” With the merciful thou wilt shew thyself merciful, and with the upright man thou wilt shew thyself upright.” There are countless blessings for living to glorify the Lord with your life.

THOUGHT: IT IS ALWAYS TO YOUR ADVANTAGE TO LIVE RIGHT

FURTHER STUDIES

2Corinth 5:21 KJV “For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.”

Rom 2:7 KJV “To them who by patient continuance in well doing seek for glory and honour and immortality, eternal life:”

KEY SCRIPTURE: Joh 18:38 KJV “Pilate saith unto him, What is truth? And when he had said this, he went out again unto the Jews, and saith unto them, I find in him no fault at all.”

Pilate asked the Lord Jesus after He told Him that, He was born to bear witness to the truth. Pilate then followed up with another question. He asked what is truth.  Many people have asked themselves in their very quiet or solitary moments, this very question. Sadly, many are still searching for the truth. God is truth. Truth is a person. He is the great unseen reality or truth, according to A. W. TOZER. He is the beginning, the cause, and the creator of all things.

This great unseen God has revealed Himself in the flesh as Jesus. 1 Tim 3:16 KJV” And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory.”  The atheist or socialist philosopher says truth is not absolute. This keeps him in a web of uncertainty. Well God has not left us without a witness. He has spoken to us in these last days by His Son, our Lord Jesus. God is one with His word. Jesus said in John 17:17, that his word is truth.

We consider the question again, what is truth? Truth is that which is the essence of all things, the cause, and sustainer of whatever we see. This is God who has revealed Himself in the flesh. John 1:14. To live by the truth, is to believe the word and to act in obedience to what the word says. This is what brings fulfillment and honour to the man who does the word of God. He also becomes a light and a blessing in diverse ways to the many he relates to. Such a one is free from all the wrong habits, for the truth makes one free.

THOUGHT: TRUTH, IS TRULY KNOWING GOD

FURTHER STUDIES

John 8:32 KJV” And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.”

Dan 11:32 KJV “And such as do wickedly against the covenant shall he corrupt by flatteries: but the people that do know their God shall be strong, and do exploits.”

KEY SCRIPTURE: Joh 18:37 KJV “Pilate therefore said unto him, Art thou a king then? Jesus answered, Thou sayest that I am a king. To this end was I born, and for this cause came I into the world, that I should bear witness unto the truth. Everyone that is of the truth heareth my voice.”

We continue with the trial of Jesus by Pilate the governor. After the Lord revealed that His kingdom was not of this world, Pilate then asked further. Are you a king then? The Lord said He was born to testify of the truth. He added that everyone who is of the truth hears Him. In a world that is so diversified, what can be called the truth? One said truth is not absolute, but relative to the kind of knowledge that he or she may be exposed to. Jesus said He is the way, the truth, and the life. Truth is like light, It must show or demonstrate with no ambiguity. It must satisfy the emotional, mental, physical, and moral needs of men.

Jesus walked this earth over two thousand years ago and anyone who has truly adhered to what he said and did, has experienced true peace, a transformed life, and perfect healing for their sick bodies. I saw cases of various individuals who were addicted to very strange substances. Some were addicted to eating sand, soap, sniffing kerosene, etc. With just a word of prayer, these helpless individuals were instantly freed. They regained control of themselves and led very normal lives. Indeed, the message of the good news of our Lord Jesus is the power of God unto salvation, healing, and deliverance to ALL who would believe in Him. Rom 1:16.

In science, theories, and laws are stipulated after several trials or tests produce the same results. It is

stated that such and such results would be arrived at when certain parameters are available. Men who have responded rightly to the propagation of the message of Jesus have received the same results, over, and over again.

The Lord talked about, those who are of the truth hear him. Who are those that, the Lord was referring to? He meant those who would be sincere, not beclouding their thoughts with all kinds of prejudices, but with the openness of a child who accepts His message. These are those the Lord was referring to. Jesus is the truth and He is THE ABSOLUTE TRUTH.

THOUGHT: COME TO JESUS AS A CHILD AND LEAVE LIBERATED.

FURTHER STUDIES

Mat 18:4 KJV” Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven. “

John 14:6 KJV” Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father but by me.”

KEY SCRIPTURE: John 18:36 KJV” Jesus answered, My kingdom is not of this world: if my kingdom were of this world, then would my servants fight, that I should not be delivered to the Jews: but now is my kingdom not from hence.”

The trial of our Lord Jesus has lots of lessons to teach us. At this moment, the Lord was asked,  whether He was the king of the Jews. Pilate informed Him that it was His people comprising the high priest and the other religious leaders who had brought him to be judged. The Lord answered Pilate rightly concerning His monarchy. He said, my kingdom is not of this world, less my servants would have fought for me.   The Lord Jesus never failed to acknowledge all situations from the proper point of view. The spiritual always dominates the natural.

The Lord was the best example of one who walked in the Spirit. This simply means living by the dictates of the word of God. The challenges and pressures of this life could not affect Him in any way. The Lord was on top of every issue that confronted Him. The scripture says the spiritually minded is life and peace. This means the moment one allows what God says to influence him rather than what circumstances and men say. Such a one will receive divine life that brings him control over himself and all that prevails around. Peace means not to be scattered but to be at one with yourself despite the prevailing conditions that surround you.

To live victoriously in this world, where Satan has deceived the people of the world, you must renew your mind, and not conform to the ways, lifestyle, and systems of the world, Failure to renew your mind gets you controlled by the god of this world. The story of Daniel proves this fact so well. He refused to pattern his life according to the Babylonian systems. Dan 1:8. In the end, he was ten times better than all the people. God exalted Him in a strange land. May you be exalted in this world as you renew your mind and walk in the ways of the Lord.

THOUGHT: SATAN CANNOT DOMINATE THE MAN WHO WILL NOT SUBMIT TO HIM.

 FURTHER STUDIES

Dan 1:8 KJV” But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king’s meat, nor with the wine which he drank: therefore, he requested of the prince of the eunuchs that he might not defile himself.”

Dan 1:15 KJV” And at the end of ten days their countenances appeared fairer and fatter in flesh than all the children which did eat the portion of the king’s meat.”

KEY SCRIPTURE: Joh 18:34 KJV” Jesus answered him, Sayest thou this thing of thyself, or did others tell it thee of me?”

Pilate, during his trial of the Lord Jesus, came to Him and asked, are you the king of the Jews? The emperor   Caesar was the king of the whole empire, with King Herod the direct king of the Jews. This made such pronouncement as He being the king of the Jews a rather contentious matter that was a treasonable case. In reality, the Lord Jesus is the king and Lord over this universe and not only the Jews. It was in the light of this, that the Lord then asked Pilate,’ Are you saying I am king over the Jews by yourself, or someone asked you to say so?’ Please note that, if Pilate were to have confessed the Lord Jesus as King or Lord, in truth, then it would have set him on his way to salvation.

Pilate said, so because that was what the Jews said to him.  I believe the Lord is asking you today, about the validity of the confession you are saying about Him. If you say Jesus is your Lord, how valid is it? Many people had to repeat the sinners’ prayer at crusades or through personal contact, in which the individual was asked to pray the sinners’ prayer. Out of this prayer He or she confessed that Jesus is Lord or king over his or her life. The Lord asks you today, that how valid was that statement you made that day?

Well, it may only be valid if you truly accepted Jesus as Lord of your life and are truly living to please Him. There are many today who claim Jesus is the Lord of their lives but live only for themselves. In practice, Jesus is not any Lord to them. To such people, they might still be in their sins. If Jesus is your Lord, then it must be seen in your actions. How valid was the confession of the Lordship of Jesus that you made? Make Jesus your Lord indeed by living to please Him always.

THOUGHT: IT IS NOT ONLY WHAT YOU SAY, THAT JUSTIFIES YOU, BUT WHAT YOU TRULY BELIEVE AND DEMONSTRATE BY YOUR ACTIONS.

FURTHER STUDIES

Matt 7:21 KJV” Not everyone that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.”

Matt 7:24 KJV” Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock:”

KEY SCRIPTURE: John 18:30 KJV” They answered and said unto him, If he were not a malefactor, we would not have delivered him up unto thee.”

We continue with our discussion on provocative words. Words build up or they destroy. One may be set free by a word spoken by the power of the Holy Spirit, and another would be bound, hurt, or even mentally tormented by a word inspired by the devil. Sadly, many are suffering today because of very harsh and unthoughtful words from others. In Matt 16:22, Peter took Jesus aside and began to rebuke him, never to talk about dying by the hands of the Jewish leaders. The Lord quickly spoke back to him but addressed His statement to Satan, who promotes love for matters relating to the flesh.

Evil, wicked words are mostly words coming out from the lips of men. How could a husband look at his wife and tell her you would never bear children? (such men normally have children by another woman before their marriage to this one)

A woman kept telling her husband your car will kill you in an accident. This husband was involved in a fatal accident and lost his life. The lady was later so depressed, but it was too late. Satan spoke those words and ended the life of her husband.

The lives of certain children have been ruined by parents who kept judging and condemning their children. Do not expect your child to be a virgin if you should call her a harlot. Stop telling your children it shall not be well with you.

The angels of God or the demons of hell always wait to act on your words depending on who is speaking through you!

How to prevent Satan from speaking through you.

1. Decide you would think through every word before speaking them forth.

2. Meditate a lot on the scriptures.

3. Do not speak words that are not true, insulting, condemning, judgmental, or cursing. Such words should not proceed from your mouth.

4. Every word you speak forth should be the truth, encouraging, inspiring, correcting, educating, scriptural, considerate, and full of faith. Decide to do that always

5. Pray always, asking the Lord to anoint your words to heal, strengthen, and lift up the weak.

THOUGHT: VOW TO MAKE YOUR WORDS HEAL

  FURTHER STUDIES

Prov 15:4 KJV ” A wholesome tongue is a tree of life: but perverseness therein is a breach in the spirit.

Prov 18:21 KJV Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof.

KEY SCRIPTURE: Joh 18:30 KJV” They answered and said unto him, If he were not a malefactor, we would not have delivered him up unto thee.”

The Lord was in the court of the governor, Pilate. Since the Jews were not prepared to go into the court of the Gentile governor, he decided to walk out and speak to them. He asked them, what offense has the man done, and the following was their answer: “They answered and said unto him, if he were not a malefactor, we would not have delivered him up unto thee. “A malefactor means an evil doer. These people answered the governor in a very harsh way.

He knew that, since they brought Him, then He might have done something wrong. That was the reason he asked what particular wrong thing he had done. Pilate got infuriated at their answer and asked them to take Him away and judge Jesus by their law. These people had no definite offense to accuse Jesus about.

Wrong words always give people away into the hands of the law, or their enemies. Even demons take advantage of people and destroy them because of what they say. Prov 15:1 KJV “A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger.” The scriptures say out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks. Your words are a product of your heart. These people were bitter against Jesus, seeking Him dead, yet they had no particular accusation against Him.

Now, people give out words out of the following state of hearts.

1. An angry heart. Angry hearts speak with pain and seek vengeance: Eph 4: 26:27

2. A judgmental heart: A judgmental heart accuses and condemns. Words like, you are a wicked person, a liar, etc. These are all words judging the individual. If a mother tells his son ‘You are evil, it shall not be well with you’ please you have judged and condemned him Lk 6: Luk 6:37 KJV ” Judge not, and ye shall not be judged: condemn not, and ye shall not be condemned: forgive, and ye shall be forgiven:

3. A carnal heart: It speaks unscriptural and corrupt words. Its words are full of unbelieve, lust, and lies. Eph 4:29:

4. A loving heart: It speaks kind, truthful, wise, assuring, gracious, forgiving, blessings encouraging, and thoughtful words. Col 4:6 KJV” Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man.”

THOUGHT: A GOOD HEART GIVES GOOD WORDS

FURTHER STUDIES

James 1:19 KJV” Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath:”

Eph 4:29 KJV “Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.”