Everyday Truth with Kurt Skelly

The Walk to Execution

Luke 23:26-28

I'm not quite sure how long the walk was from the Judgment Hall to Golgotha, but it was certainly a memorable one for anyone that watched and listened that day. Ironically, Jesus refused to receive the sympathy of those who bemoaned his plight; instead he warned them of a greater and more widespread persecution they themselves would endure.

 

People Pleasing Politicians

Luke 23:13-25

Some things never change. Today's episode details the sad story of political weakness and its ultimate ineffectiveness. But God, as always, in in control!

Hot Potato

Luke 23:6-12

Did you ever play the game "hot potato" as a kid. If not, you're probably too young and spent most of your time perfecting the latest video game. Jesus became somewhat of a hot potato on the morning of his arrest, conviction, and execution. Nobody it seems wanted to be responsible to make the final decision about his fate. From Pilate to Herod back to Pilate he went. 

Trumped Up Charges

Luke 23:1-5

We've heard much in recent days about injustice and the need to reform our system of law enforcement. I suppose that many different opinions exist on such an issue. But one thing is clear in Luke 23: Jesus was subjected to a very corrupt law enforcement system. Humanly speaking, he was framed and his trial was a mere sham. God always has bigger purposes though...

 

Kangaroo Court

Luke 22:63-71

Nothing seems more unjust than to falsely accuse the very embodiment of justice himself: the Lord Jesus Christ. Yet that's exactly what the Sanhedrin Council did to Jesus 2,000 years ago. Can you imagine that future day when the Jewish Council will stand before Jesus as their judge?

The Process and Pain of Denial

Luke 22:54-62

It's hard to believe that anyone could deny the Lord. But. we. do. Each of us has failed time and again. The story of Peter's denial is both instructive and somewhat cathartic, if you will allow it to be. 

The Hour of the Power of Darkness

Luke 22:47-53

"Every dog has its day." Have you ever heard that little saying? Probably so. And in Luke 22 Jesus told the disciples that this was, in essence, the time when the powers of darkness would at least appear to be But can you imagine being there when Jesus was arrested? 

 

Prayerlessness is pridefulness.

Luke 22:39-46

Peter claimed that he would never deny the Lord. Of course we all know that that he did so within space of just a few hours... three times! Between his boastful claim and his shameful denial was a space of time in which Jesus encouraged him to watch and pray to be strengthened. Peter slept instead.

What weapon are you relying on?

Luke 22:35-38

Different battles require different strategies and different weaponry. Jesus patiently taught his disciples that situations in ministry differ, and the wise servant will exercise discernment in his respective approach.

The Power of Praying for One Person

Luke 22:31-34

Peter thought he could stand for Christ simply through will power alone. He was wrong! And Jesus knew it. Although Peter did not fully understand the depth to which he would sink in denial, he was nonetheless assured by Jesus that he would be restored to ministry. Jesus was praying for him!