Forever Home in the Eternal Family of God

Daily Encouragement for the Family of God by Kenton Cheek

Reading From Luke 23:1-25

“Then the whole assembly rose and led him off to Pilate. And they began to accuse him, saying, “We have found this man subverting our nation. He opposes payment of taxes to Caesarand claims to be Messiah, a king.”

“But the whole crowd shouted, “Away with this man! Release Barabbas to us!” (Barabbas had been thrown into prison for an insurrection in the city, and for murder.)”—Luke 23:1-2, 18-19

The highest religious leaders and experts of the Law falsely accused Jesus of insurrection. Just because someone claims to be an expert does not mean their every word is trustworthy. We should not follow any human being blindly. Do your research and check sources.

When I was a child, I told my mother I wanted to do something because “everyone else” was doing it. She told me, “Kenton, the whole world could go along with something and it could be wrong.” We must rely on Christ and His Word for truth and wisdom.

A few days before this, crowds were cheering Jesus and laying their cloaks on the road ahead of Him and waving palm branches in celebration. The elitists lied about Him, saying He was trying to stir up trouble. The cruel irony is that the rabble, by popular opinion, told Pilate to release Barabbas to them and crucify Jesus. Barabbas truly was a zealot and murderer and the only completely innocent man who ever lived, the Messiah, was put to death.

“Lord, my heart breaks when I think of what was done to You on my behalf. Thank you, God. Open my eyes to real truth. Help to walk according to Your ways. In Jesus’ Name I pray, Amen.”

In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus:

Who, being in very nature^[a] God,
    did not consider equality with Godsomething to be used to his own advantage;
rather, he made himself nothing
    by taking the very nature^[b] of a servant,
    being made in human likeness.
And being found in appearance as a man,
    he humbled himself
    by becoming obedient to death—
        even death on a cross!

Therefore God exalted him to the highest place
    and gave him the name that is above every name,
that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow,
    in heaven and on earth and under the earth,
and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord,
    to the glory of God the Father.

—Philippians 2:5-11