Chapter 15 begins with Jesus being sent before
Pilate. The story is a familiar one. The people preferred
Barnabas being released, rather than Jesus. One week before
they had welcomed Jesus into the city with palm branches
and loud hosannas, but now they cried, “Crucify Him!”
In verses 16-23 Jesus is led away. A crown of
thorns was placed upon His brow. He was mocked, spit upon,
and beaten beyond recognition. Why did He allow this?
Because He loved a lost and dying, sinful, hell-deserving
world. Jesus Christ, Son of God, God’s only Son, suffered
as no man has suffered–the just for the unjust. He made
the way for this sin-laden world to be forgiven. He is the
only way to forgiveness of sin. He said, “I am the way, the
truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by
me.” A little saying that I may have told you before is
appropriate here: “Life is short, death is certain; sin is
the cause, Christ is the cure.” Christ is the cure for all
sin to all men who will simply believe.
Jesus tells His disciples what they are to do in
chapter 16:15. He commands us to “go.” He tells us where–
“into all the world.” He tells us what we are to do–
“preach the gospel.” We have many preachers today who are
involved in everything except preaching the Gospel. What is
the Gospel? It is the death, burial, and resurrection of
Jesus Christ (I Corinthians 15). Jesus also tells us to
whom we should preach this Gospel–“to every creature.” We
need to see this lost world with a burdened heart. It is my
prayer that God will give us the grace to do what we should
do, for His honor and glory.
Chapter 16 tells us we serve a risen Saviour.
Though chapter 15 recorded the saddest day in history,
chapter 16 tells us that Jesus did not remain dead–He
arose! His resurrection made the hope of eternal life with
Him possible for everyone!
Yes, He lives! Christ lives today! You ask me how I
know He lives? He lives within my heart.
MEMORY VERSE FOR TODAY:
Man now can be:
Forgiven.
Acts 13:38
Be it known unto you therefore, men and brethren, that through this man is
preached unto you the forgiveness of sins.