It’s so beautiful up at camp and I saw something more about my JESUS in the messages. I’ll tell you all about it in just a bit.
From the mid-80’s to mid-90’s I had the joy of working at the Christian Camp Elim, about 7 miles north of Woodland Park. Every fall they have a Senior’s (Harvest) Retreat and this year I was able to attend. They have great Bible teaching sessions, and one just fun special activity.
This year’s special activity was a bus trip to Cripple Creek to ride their 2-gauge railroad and view the season’s changing colors. Am I ever so glad that the camp director had the foresight to arrange to save the train cars with roofs for our large group because it began to rain as we rode along. The colors have begun to change and there are lots of beautiful yellow and gold aspens mixed in with the evergreens but although there is a touch of orange here and there, no red was evident.
The bus ride with beautiful views of autumn colors as well as the train ride were nice the chapels were even better. Our speaker used the harmony of the gospel accounts (Matthew, Mark, Luke and John) to tell of JESUS’s prayer in the garden, arrest, HIS trials by the Jews and HIS 3 trials by the Romans and HIS beatings and the cross.
It was in HIS trials by the Jews that I first saw a glimpse of JESUS that I hadn’t seen before. I had always and only pictured JESUS going “as a lamb to be slaughtered” as scripture said HE would (Isaiah 53:7). JESUS fulfilled that prophesy (Acts 8:42) for JESUS NEVER DEFENDED HIMSELF in any of the trials although nothing but lies were spoken about HIM (Matthew 27:12-14, Mark 15:3. Luke 23:7-12).
But, Rob brought out that JESUS did speak not as one on trial in defense of HIMSELF but as the ONE to whom all judgment has be delegated HE calmly pointed out where HIS captors/ accusers were breaking the law.
“For the FATHER judges no man, but has committed all judgment unto the SON” (John 5:22).
Jewish law states that you cannot arrest anyone at night. JESUS was arrested at night (Matthew 26:55-56).
Jewish law says no trials were to be held at night yet the 3 Jewish trials were held at night.
Jewish law says that if a priest ever tore his robe he would cease to be a priest (Leviticus 10:6-7, 21;10). When the High Priest commanded JESUS to speak in the name of GOD JESUS stated who HE was and the High Priest tore his clothes.
Jewish law says a person’s testimony about himself cannot be accepted in court (John 5:31) but 2 witnesses must speak against him (Deuteronomy 19:15). JESUS asked why they were asking HIM about HIS disciples and doctrine.
Because JESUS reminded them of the law they struck him. JESUS said “if I said if I have spoken well (the truth of the matter) why do you strike ME” (John 18:23).
Paul while speaking to the High Priest later clarifies JESUS statement in Acts 23:2-3) Then Paul said to him, “GOD will strike you, you whitewashed wall! You sit there to judge me according to the law, yet you yourself violate the law by commanding that I be struck!”
During HIS 6 trials JESUS never spoke in HIS own defense for HE was on trial as a man and HE represented us (mankind).
But each time JESUS did speak during those trials it was as GOD the SON showing man something. HE spoke the TRUTH for HE is truth (John 14:6) and as the eternal JUDGE (John 5:22) HE pointed out their actions were sin.
I had never seen my LORD JESUS in HIS dual role as fully GOD and fully man during HIS trials until Rob pointed it out. Each time JESUS spoke it was in calm authority for HE is LORD of all and the eternal JUDGE.
It really has made me stop and think, “How much else have I missed about JESUS as I read through the Word of GOD?” I praise the LORD for the promise that GOD the HOLY SPIRIT will show me more of JESUS when I am ready to understand (2 Corinthians 3:18).
Worthy is the Lamb that was slain!
Hugs
Sharon
wakemyear 