Lu 23:31: What is Jesus apparently referring to in this verse? (“when the tree is moist, . . . when it is withered” study note on Lu 23:31, nwtsty) Jesus is apparently referring to the Jewish nation. It was like a dying tree that still had some moisture left, for Jesus was present and so were a number of Jews who believed in him. However, Jesus would soon be executed, and faithful Jews would be anointed with holy spirit and become part of spiritual Israel. (Ro 2:28, 29(who a Jew); Ga 6:16) At that time, the literal nation of Israel would be spiritually dead, resembling a withered tree.—Mt 21:43 “Kingdom of God will be taken from you and be given to a nation producing its fruits.”
Lu 23:33: What archaeological evidence indicates that in executions nails were likely used to fasten a person to a stake? (“Nail in a Heel Bone” media on Lu 23:33, nwtsty) A photograph of a replica of a human heel bone pierced by an iron nail that was 11.5 cm (4.5 in.) long. The original artifact was found in 1968, during excavations in northern Jerusalem, and dates to Roman times. It provides archaeological evidence that nails were likely used in executions to fasten the person to a wooden stake. This nail may be similar to the nails employed by the Roman soldiers to fasten Jesus Christ to the stake. The artifact was found in a stone box, called an ossuary, into which the dried bones of a deceased person were placed after the flesh had decomposed. This indicates that someone executed on a stake could be given a burial. Photo Clara Amit, Courtesy of the Israel Antiquities Authority
What does this week’s Bible reading teach me about Jehovah?
Lu 23:11: Jehovah is the fulfiller of prophecies for we see they treated Jesus with contempt, and mocked fulfilling the prophecies at Isa 53:3 and Ps 22:7. Jehovah’s words will always come true, so we can trust that Jehovah’s Kingdom will put end to Satan world in the near future.
Lu 23:34: Jesus perfectly reflected his Father’s love in another important way like he was ready to forgive Roman soldiers who nailed him to the stake.” We are told at Ps 86:5 “For you, O Jehovah, are good and ready to forgive.” May we imitate their example to other that may have done us wrong.
Lu 23:35-39: Jehovah prophesied that the Messiah would be reviled atPs 22:8-9. Yet Jehovah used his self-control not used his power on those who were insulting his Son while dying on the stake. We can be sure the paradise earth hope is not a dream but will be a reality because Jehovah said so.
Lu 23:44-45: Jehovah has great power and can even control the light of day. It is now “the sixth hour,” or noon and a strange darkness falls, not caused by a solar eclipse. This occurs at the time of the new moon on the Passover. Also this darkness lasts much longer than the few minutes of an eclipse. Jehovah caused this darkness and is the one we should put our trust in.
Lu 23:46: Jehovah is the fulfiller of another prophecy dealing with his Son Jesus of the words he will speak before dying. Found at Ps 31:5 “Into your hand I entrust my spirit. You have redeemed me, O Jehovah, the God of truth.” We to can trust Jehovah with our future life if we remain faithful to him.
Lu 24:19: Jehovah give power to his Son Jesus because he was faithful and was the one mankind could be save by. An Acts 2:22 show that is was Jehovah who did all the miracles through Jesus.
Lu 24:49: Jehovah is the giver of every good gift and giving his Holy Spirit is next greatest gift he could give faithful man to help them understand and gain the wisdom needed to do his will.
What other spiritual gems have you discovered in this week’s Bible reading?
Lu 23:2: The religious leaders falsely accuse Jesus of subverting our nation, and forbidding the paying of taxes to Caesar. Yet Jesus three days before at Luke 20:20-25 told them “pay back Caesar’s things to Caesar.” This is a warning for us to be cautious with our words for we live in a world that hates Jehovah Witnesses.
Lu 23:4: Governments know that Jehovah’s people didn’t commit any crime and yet they are persecuted and throw in prison. They did this to Jesus because he was “no part of the world,” as we are not. (John 17:14, 16, 15:18, 20)
Lu 23:15-16, 24: Example of what can happen from peer pressure: Herod and Pilate find Jesus did not commit any crime deserving of death and yet they allow the Jew to put Jesus to death. Likewise peer pressure can move one to do what is bad in Jehovah eye which can lead us in damaging our relationship with Jehovah and future life.
Lu 23:21,26: Three time the Greek word stau·rosʹ is used which mean an upright stake or pole, such as the one on which Jesus was executed. There is no evidence that the Greek word meant a cross, such as the pagans used as a religious symbol for many centuries before Christ.
Lu 23:34: Jesus teaches us a valuable lesson for imperfect humans to forgiving others. When a personal problem between Christians arises, ask should ourselves, ‘Is not gaining God’s forgiveness far more important than proving that a brother or a sister was wrong? (Mt 6:15)
Lu 23:34: Another scripture that show Jesus is not part of a trinity. First Jesus is praying to the Father and asking him to forgive the Roman soldiers for what they are doing. If Jesus is the Almighty God why would he have to pray to someone else and have him forgive them? This is because Jesus is not the Almighty God and not part of a trinity.
Lu 23:35-39: Jesus was being reviled while suffering on the torture stake, yet he bore all of this with dignity. What a fine example for us when we may be being belittle whether at the door or by the governments.
Lu 23:43: Reasons why the comma should go after the word “today:” First Jesus would not be raised up until the third day. Second it was 40 days after Jesus’ resurrection that he began his ascent to heaven. (Acts 1:3, 6-11) So Jesus was not talking about that day.
Lu 23:46: Another scripture that show Jesus is not part of a trinity. It show Jesus is trust his future life in his Father hand. This show two separate individual one is trusting the other. Also we see no third person involve.
Lu 24:3-7,15: The resurrection of Jesus had witnesses that it did happen and the numbers kept growing too over 500 according to 1Co 15:6. We should never doubt that this did not happen, else our faith is worthless as shown 1Co 15:13-14.
Lu 24:19: Jesus is call a prophet not God, so Jesus cannot be part of Trinity. Other Bibles say the same because Jesus is a servant of Jehovah. (Acts 3:13,26; 4:24,27,30)
Lu 24:31-43: Jesus could not have the same physical body that he die in. For one thing a physical body cannot suddenly disappear and appear when his disciples are behind lock door. They could see his body of flesh and could touch him, feeling the bones; he also ate in their presence, just like the angels did in the pass. (Ge 6:4; 19:1-3)
Lu 24:34: When Jesus was resurrected he made a personal visit to Peter showing he forgave him for denying him. Jesus may have wanted to assure the repentant Peter that he was still loved him and was valued to his Lord. We can be sure that if we stumble and repentant we also can be forgiven.
Lu 24:49: Another scripture that show Jesus is not part of a trinity. For Jesus speak of having a Father with the word “my Father.” Also Jesus shows that the pouring out of the Holy Spirit was something that his Father has promise not Jesus. Again show two separate individuals.
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