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\ / WHAT JESUS DID! -- http://www.heartlight.org/
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Saturday, December 20, 2008
Dead!
Pilate was surprised to hear that Jesus was already dead.
Pilate called the army officer that guarded Jesus. Pilate
asked the officer if Jesus was already dead. The officer told
Pilate that Jesus was dead. So Pilate told Joseph he could
have the body.
-- Mark 15:44-45 (ERV)
KEY THOUGHT:
We should gather several bits of valuable information from this verse.
First, Jesus died more quickly than most facing crucifixion -- the
brutal treatment with his beating and scourging, something most who
were crucified did not endure, took a heavy physical toll on Jesus'
body. Second, Jesus was clearly and legally confirmed dead by those
experienced in the work of torture and death. Third, Joseph could not
remain a "closet follower of Jesus" and pick up his body -- he had to
request it from the one who gave permission for Jesus to be crucified,
Pilate himself. These three facts help us know with certainty (1) that
Jesus endured a horribly punishing death, (2) there was no doubt that
he died, and (3) yet that his death summoned up something deep within
people that touched them and moved them to honor him. While the first
three facts are historically important, these last three must be
spiritually important to us and move us to honor him with our lives
today.
TODAY'S PRAYER:
Father, make my life a daily praise unto you. In Jesus' name. Amen.
>> NEW: Phil's What Jesus Did devotional is now
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>> The WJD! web page has related scriptures and the
>> full text of today's key passage. Read it at:
http://www.heartlight.org/wjd/mark/1220-wjd.html
>> For further study of today's passage, use our
>> online Bible study site: SearchGodsWord.org!
http://www.SearchGodsWord.org/desk/?query=Mark+15:44-45&sr=1&t=erv
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