2009 Easter Devotional
 So you're having a busy week! How does it compare to the unbelievable week Jesus spent between His triumphant entry into Jerusalem and His resurrection?
Check out the following daily events of His week as seen through the eyes of Simon Peter and his family. (His family members as listed are fictional, but we know he had a family because Scripture mentions his mother-in-law.) Why not use the thoughts and questions contained here as discussion points with your family members to pursue a deeper understanding of Easter and Jesus' sacrifice on the cross for you?
Day 1: Palm Sunday, April 5, 2009
"Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!" Jesus was coming to Jerusalem! The restless crowd outside the city stood up, excited about seeing the miracle worker in person. With ringing words of praise and shouts of joy, dozens waved green palm branches with a flourish as Jesus approached, riding on a donkey. Some people spread their robes on the road to make Jesus' path easier. His disciples followed on foot, proud of Jesus yet apprehensive about His very public appearance in Jerusalem. They feared the religious leaders' anger at Jesus for His radical teaching and preaching about God and for His raising of Lazarus from the dead--the awesome miracle that had brought many curious onlookers today.
Simon Peter's eyes softened as he waved to a happy group in the crowd: his own family! They had traveled from their home in Capernaum to Jerusalem for Passover week, so he would get to see more of them than usual. Rachel, his dark-haired wife, and Ruth, her mother, whom Jesus had miraculously restored to health, blew him a kiss. Joshua, his impossibly tall 14-year-old son, and Leah, his jewel-like 9-year-old daughter, smiled warmly at him. The "whirlwinds," 4-year-old twins Miriam and Seth, were jumping up and down in excitement. "Daddy! What did you bring us? Why does Jesus look so sad?" they called. Newcomers questioned, "Who is this man?"
Jesus. What lay ahead for Him? Now He was staring at Jerusalem, eyes wet and sad, murmuring softly. Peter was glad Jesus had received a warm welcome, but he knew it wouldn't last. Why couldn't Jesus have delayed returning to Jerusalem until the religious leaders' anger died down? Anyone else would have. But then, Jesus wasn't like anyone else.
Bible Background: Matthew 21:1-10; Mark 11:1-11; Luke 19:28-44; John 11:38-12:19
Day 2: Monday, April 6, 2009
Wham! Thud! Sounds never before heard in the temple echoed like thunder as Jesus upturned the tables of vendor after vendor, scattering money across the floor. Jesus' anger boiled because the temple had been reduced to a retail marketing opportunity for men who were at God's house to do anything but worship. They were selling doves (for people to offer the birds as sacrifices) and exchanging money--not outside the city or even the temple, but within its courts and chambers dedicated to God. These men said they were providing convenient services for the people, but Jesus knew their boldness was blasphemy.
As the sellers grabbed their coins and ran away, the chief priests and scribes watched in amazement as Jesus turned to heal blind and lame persons who had followed Him into the temple. In the priests' eyes, what Jesus was doing was blasphemy! Why was this "no one" from Nazareth assuming authority over their territory? And where did He get His power to heal? Surely not from God, according to them. No doubt about it, Jesus was a threat to their way of life. He must be controlled or eliminated.
That evening, Simon Peter's family was puzzled about Jesus' actions. "Dad, I thought you said Jesus was even-tempered and gracious," commented Joshua. "Did He suddenly go nuts? Should you still support Him?"
Peter laid his hand on Joshua's shoulder and said, "Son, if anyone but Jesus had done those things, I would ask the same questions. But Jesus is the Promised One, the Messiah. Whatever He does is right." Nevertheless, Peter mused, "Did you see the fury in those priests' eyes? I'm afraid for Jesus. How can He save us if they kill Him?"
Bible Background: Matthew 21:11-16; Mark 11:15-19; Luke 19:45-48
Day 3: Tuesday, April 7, 2009
Simon Peter squinted into the bright sunshine in Bethany, where Jesus and the disciples had spent the night. "Jesus, don't go to the temple today. It can only mean trouble," he implored. But Jesus swiftly rejected that option, beckoning the disciples to follow Him to Jerusalem. Sure enough, as soon as Jesus entered the temple, the priests tried to trap Him with a challenging question.
Thwarted by Jesus' clever answer, the priests were determined to get rid of Jesus, but they had a problem: the people couldn't get enough of Jesus. As He healed and taught them, explaining God and His kingdom, their hearts drew near to God and they felt His love and compassion as never before.
Peter barely noticed Judas Iscariot, the disciples' treasurer, leaving the temple as Jesus taught parables. Judas, who loved money for money's sake, had perceived the priests' dilemma. Always looking for a way to turn things to his own advantage, he went to the chief priests and temple police, assuring them that he could deliver Jesus to them for their own purposes. Smiling, they offered him 30 pieces of silver to betray Jesus into their hands, and a deal was struck. Clink! The touch of the jingling coins reassured Judas.
Later Peter told Rachel, "Today an expert in the law asked Jesus which commandment is the greatest. Jesus gave him a two-part answer: loving God completely, and loving your neighbor as yourself. When he agreed with Jesus, I saw the look of love on Jesus' face and the hate on the priests' faces." Rachel questioned, "How can people have such different reactions to one man?" Peter wished Jesus would show the priests more respect. For the first time, Peter pondered his own safety in following Jesus.
Bible Background: Matthew 21:17-22:40; Mark 11:27-12:34; Luke 19:47-48; 22:1-6
Day 4: Wednesday, April 8, 2009
Sounds of footsteps awoke Simon Peter with a start on the Mount of Olives, where Jesus and the disciples had camped. Peter shook his head as he saw a stream of people headed toward the temple from every direction to see what Jesus would do and say today.
As Jesus began teaching the people in the temple, His topics took an even more serious turn than before. In every way except by name, Jesus targeted the religious leaders directly, labeling them as hypocrites, whitewashed tombs, and snakes. He denounced them because of their devotion to the law and their neglect of the people. Listening, Peter slumped lower in his seat. Jesus might as well be wearing a target!
Jesus also lamented Jerusalem's rejection of Him and predicted the temple's destruction. Looking ahead to Passover, Jesus prophesied that He would be arrested at that time and later crucified. The disciples were mystified at His words, but all sensed an increasing sadness among the tight-knit group. Why would Jesus talk so openly about His death and even give a time frame for it? That night Peter's family was invited to join Jesus and the disciples for supper in Bethany. During the meal, Leah sat spellbound as a woman approached Jesus and anointed His head with very expensive, fragrant oil from an alabaster jar. "Daddy, why did she do that?" she whispered, tugging at Peter's sleeve. Others asked Jesus the same question and speculated that the oil should have been sold to help the poor. Jesus smiled warmly at Leah and replied, "She was anointing my body for burial. Everyone should remember her for the love she has shown me." Leah smiled too, but the disciples exchanged worried glances
Bible Background: Matthew 23:1-24:1; 26:1-13; Mark 12:35-14:9; Luke 21:37-22:2
Day 5: Thursday, April 9, 2009
It was the first day of Passover, and never had the day carried so much meaning for Jesus. He sent two disciples out to prepare a room and a special meal for just Himself and the twelve disciples. When evening came, they gathered, and in an act of servanthood, Jesus washed each disciple's dusty feet before they began eating.
Jesus interrupted the group's mealtime fellowship by delivering a bombshell: "One of you who is here tonight will betray me!" Distressed, all the disciples except Judas asked, "Lord, is it I?" A glance of silent understanding passed between Jesus and Judas when Judas was the first to leave.
"Jesus, I will never desert you!" asserted Simon Peter. Jesus replied, shocking him, "Tonight, three times you will deny knowing me before the rooster announces a new day." "Never!" thundered Peter.
The disciples adjourned to the Garden of Gethsemane for prayer. There, accompanied by a mob, Judas reappeared and gave Jesus a kiss. Thus identified, Jesus was immediately arrested and taken away to the high priest for questioning. The disciples panicked; all but Peter and John deserted Jesus and ran away. From a distance Peter listened as Jesus was questioned. Jesus admitted truthfully that He was indeed the Messiah--an answer that signaled blasphemy to all who wanted Him eliminated.
Three times that night Peter was asked if he knew Jesus. Fear won out, and three times he answered no. When a rooster crowed, Peter was shaken to the core, suddenly realizing that Jesus had been exactly right about him. Glad none of his family was present, he had never felt so cowardly and ashamed of himself. The question that echoed in his heart was, Could Jesus ever forgive him?
Bible Background: Matthew 26:17-75; Mark 14:12-72; Luke 22:7-62; John 13:1-18:27
Day 6: Friday, April 10, 2009
The priests moved quickly to condemn Jesus to death. Bloodied and tortured, Jesus was hustled from one temple official to another, then to a sham trial by the Sanhedrin--the council of religious leaders--who convicted Him of blasphemy.
When Jesus was sent to Pilate, the Roman governor, Peter breathed a little easier. He didn't think Pilate would consider the evidence against Jesus sufficient to merit the death penalty. "Peter!" "Daddy!" Peter was surprised to see Rachel, Seth, and Miriam in the crowd outside the governor's palace. "We couldn't believe the news about Jesus," Rachel told him, "and I wanted to see if you were all right." Peter hugged her and the twins close. Miriam tugged on his sleeve till he bent down and she kissed him, saying, "Give Jesus that kiss for me." Peter suddenly realized how much more faith his small daughter had in Jesus than he did.
Pilate found Jesus innocent and sent Him before King Herod, but the crowds who had eagerly greeted Jesus in Jerusalem just days before now clamored for His death. When Jesus returned, Pilate, under pressure from the priests and people, agreed to execute Jesus because He claimed to be the Messiah.
Jesus was beaten, stripped of His clothes, and fastened by His flesh with nails to a wooden cross. A sign mockingly proclaimed Him "King of the Jews" at the public crucifixion. As His life ebbed He prayed, asked God to forgive His enemies, and cried, "It is finished!" Peter watched in disbelief as heaven and earth dramatically reacted to Jesus' passing.
A Roman soldier saw Jesus' selfless acts and demeanor and exclaimed, "Surely this man was the Son of God!" All Peter could think of was--too late, too late.
Bible Background: Matthew 27:1-56; Mark 14:53-65; 15:1-41; Luke 22:63-23:49; John 18:12-14, 19-24, 28-40; 19:1-37
Day 7: Saturday, April 11, 2009
Exhausted, blinded by grief, and lacking any sense of direction in life now that Jesus was dead, Peter stumbled into the room where his family had gathered. He and the other disciples could not believe Jesus was gone, leaving such a vast void.
They were immensely grateful to Joseph, a wealthy secret follower of Jesus, who had received permission from Pilate to bury Jesus in his own tomb. The women who followed Jesus had observed the tomb's location and how Jesus' body was placed, also preparing spices and perfumes to embalm Him. Then they observed the Sabbath rest.
Pilate had had other visitors besides Joseph: the priests who remembered Jesus' prediction that after His death, He would rise again on the third day. To prevent any possibility of that happening, Pilate gave them permission to seal the tomb with a huge boulder at the entrance and to station a guard of soldiers there for several days.
All of these mental pictures swirled through Peter's mind as Seth crawled into his lap and massaged his arm, not knowing how else to comfort his daddy. Peter's eyes met those of Ruth, his quiet mother-in-law whom Jesus had once healed of a high fever. Ruth rose and said to him, "It was the greatest joy of my life to feel Jesus' touch on my hand as He healed me. Immediately I felt whole and well; I was even able to serve Him a meal. And now, it is my greatest despair that He is dead, and I can do nothing for Him--except, perhaps, to believe His words that He will rise again. Why should the priests, who hated Him in life, have more faith in His return than we who loved Him?"
Bible Background: Matthew 8:14-15; 27:57-66; Mark 15:42-47; Luke 23:50-56; John 19:38-42
Day 8: Easter Sunday, April 12, 2009
The women struggled up the hill, carrying their spices to embalm Jesus' body and wondering how they could roll away the huge boulder that sealed Jesus' tomb. When they arrived, they were amazed to see the stone rolled to one side. Moreover, a young man with the face of an angel greeted them and said Jesus was no longer there!
"Please tell me where you've put Jesus' body! We came to anoint Him with spices!" cried Mary Magdalene, devastated. The young man smiled. "Mary, Jesus no longer needs your spices," he said. "Do you remember that He said He would rise on the third day? Mary, Jesus has conquered death! God raised Him back to life, and you will see Him again!"
At these words the women turned and ran to tell the disciples what they had heard and seen. Peter and John were the first to reach the tomb; both of them ran like the wind when they heard Mary's words. How desperately they hoped her words were true!
Peter barreled into the tomb and quickly looked around. Sure enough, the tomb held only the shapeless linen cloths that had draped Jesus' body and head. Hope sprang up in him like a living spark. Could Ruth and Mary Magdalene have been right? Was Jesus really alive again? Peter remembered his denial of Jesus and prayed for another chance to prove his commitment. Yes, he believed that Jesus was the Christ, the Messiah, the Son of the living God!
Over the next few days, all the disciples joyfully encountered the resurrected Christ Jesus. "I have seen the Lord," they said, "and He alone is worthy of worship and our best service. Let us live fully for Him, for He is the hope of the world!"
Bible Background: Matthew 28; Mark 16; Luke 24; John 20
This 2009 Easter Devotional Guide is a gift from your Family Enrichment Committee.
Why Do I Sing?
by Andrea Hultman, Sanctuary Choir member
I've been singing since childhood. I vividly remember swinging in the backyard and belting out "Sing, Sing a Song" (the Sesame Street theme). But why do I sing now? And why do I sing in a choir?
Now I sing because Christ has put a new song in my heart: the song of salvation, of reconciliation with Him. Sometimes that song has words. Other times it doesn't. Either way, I find that the words, melodies, and harmonies sung at First Baptist Nashville echo what my heart wants to sing to God.
I sing in the choir because in doing so I join with other Christ-followers to express what He has put in us. And for me, singing with the Sanctuary Choir is a unique way to be a better member of the body. In fact, Pastor Frank's challenge to "be a better body," given in spring 2003, was the impetus for my joining the choir. The way God combines our gifts in word and music is a beautiful illustration of the biblical truth found in 1 Corinthians 12:12-31. The conversation that God, the choir, and the congregation have each Sunday morning is an essential facet of First Baptist Nashville's life. In that conversation we affirm the truth that, of what is eternal, the greatest is love (1 Corinthians 13:13).
I'm glad to be growing with you, First Baptist Nashville. Come, let us sing together that new song!
The Sanctuary Choir welcomes new singers!
Rehearsals are on Wednesdays, 7:05 - 8:30 p.m. in the Choir Room.
Coming Up
April 5 - Palm Sunday
April 6 - Deacons Meeting
April 10 - Good Friday (offices closed)
April 12 - Easter Sunday
April 16-19 - Arts Festival
Attention, Parents with College Students!
The College Ministry will be sending care packages to all First Baptist Nashville college students during finals week. If your student has moved or has not updated his or her information since August, we need an updated mailing address and email address before April 1, 2009. Please send all updates to Cody Carroll at cody.t.carroll@gmail.com.
Birthdays/Anniversaries
Staff Birthdays
April 23 - Barbara Sanders, children's choir coordinator
Staff Anniversaries
April 9 - Margi Hawkins, coordinator of recreation center ministries, 18 years
April 24 - Israel Garcia, custodian, 3 years
Looking for a unique way to serve?
Consider becoming a tour guide!
The history committee is seeking members interested in assisting with a new historical tour at First Baptist Nashville. Tours will be conducted by request on an appointment basis as scheduled by the church office. Guides will be appointed on a rotation basis with ample advance notice. Training will be provided on Sunday, April 26, at 11:45 a.m. or Wednesday, April 29, at 6 p.m. If interested, contact John Ross at 664-6000, leave your name and contact information and which training date you would prefer.
The Glory of God
by Curtis Freed, FBC Counseling Service
"All situations and experiences of our life are a pretext for the manifestation of the glory of God." These words from a recent sermon by Pastor Lewis remind me of another verse: "I consider that our present [and past] sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us" (Romans 8:18).
What do our pastor's words have to do with mental health or healthy relationships? Let me offer a paraphrase of his statement: All situations, experiences and relationships in our life (from birth on) are a pretext and precursor of
1) who and what we are today;
2) the quality of the relationships we presently
experience;
3) the quality of life and legacy we build for our
children; and
4) God using us to bring glory to Him.
What is the quality of your relationships? What legacy are you building and leaving for your children? Is God being glorified through your daily life and experiences?
Taking Control
by Gay Campbell
Hagar, the maid of Abram's wife Sarai, found herself alone in the wilderness. Having been forced to leave her home, she was tired, lonely and afraid. Where would she go? What would she do? How would she care for her unborn child?
As Hagar rested by a spring, an angel of the Lord appeared to her, giving her guidance and hope for her own future and that of her child. Then she called the name of the Lord who spoke to her; 'Thou art a God who sees;' for she said, 'Have I even remained alive here after seeing him?' Therefore the well was called Beer-labai-roi [the well of the living one who sees me]. (Genesis 16:13-14)
The El Roi Class is a new Sunday morning Bible study where single parents are coming together to grow in faith, share common experiences, and provide loving support and encouragement for one another. Led by Corina Peterson, we meet in Room 221, East Building, and are beginning a study of Boundaries, a Bible-based approach to When to Say Yes, How to Say No to Take Control of Your Life. If you are interested, we'd love for you to join us at 9:00 a.m. next Sunday morning! (Questions? Call Gay Campbell, 315-5585.)
Stress-Testing our Stewardship
by Mark Brown, Stewardship Committee chair
In today's economic climate, there is plenty of financial and emotional stress to go around. No one is immune from blows to their retirement accounts, investments, or careers. Some families are asking "what if" questions today, trying to determine how they might survive even worse downturns to their own personal balance sheets. Others, oddly enough, are planning for better times ahead, using job transitions and what some view as setbacks to switch gears in mid-career, try something new, and enjoy more time with family. Both views are real for our congregation.
My simple questions to you as an FBC member, whatever your current circumstances, are these: Are you being faithful to God's call in your life...to God, your family, and your church? Have you taken care of your "four walls" (food, clothing, shelter/utilities, transportation)? Have you given cheerfully of your time, talents, and treasure (T3!) to our church and its ministries?
As a church we've also experienced some financial setbacks early in the year and our congregation has rallied to our leadership's call for giving sacrificially the past couple weeks. Please make consistent T3! giving a priority in your Christian life if you haven't already, helping our church thrive and reach others for Christ! Our operational budget includes support for our staff, property maintenance, education programs, music ministry, and missions ministries in the United States and around the world.
Are you/your family praying more for our church leadership and its ministries today than you were a month ago? Have you prayed for someone who's currently looking for a job? God honors our hearts and our example. My wife Rachel, son Andrew, and daughter Kaitlyn and I have found ourselves more consistently on our knees in prayer these past few weeks than at any other time. At the same time we're excited about what God is doing this spring, bringing new ministers and outreach opportunities through Building Bridges!
"(God promises)...Return to me, and I will return to you." - Malachi 3:6 (NIV)
Spring Work Day
Spring Clean-up of the landscape at First Baptist Nashville is scheduled for Saturday, March 28, at 8:30 a.m. Volunteers should meet on the patio for instructions. Please bring a sack lunch, work gloves and your own tools. Water and trash bags will be provided by the church. Please contact Jim Coile at 952-4386 or Carolyn Seward at 889-2359 if you are interesting in helping.
Hockey Tickets!
This may be your last chance to go to a hockey game this year! We have tickets to the last home game for the Predators this season. The date is Saturday night, April 4, at 7 p.m. against Columbus at the Sommet Center across the street from the church. The cost is $25, which includes a ticket, parking, pizza at the Rec Center before the game, and a concise demonstration of the basic rules of hockey by our hockey guru, Steve Walsh. Call the Rec Center (664-6050) and leave your name, phone, and number of folks going.
Arts Festival
Make plans now to invite neighbors and friends to the 2009 FBC Arts Festival, April 17 - 26. You won't want to miss this wonderful display of visual art depicting the four themes:
- God Is a Forgiving God;
- Lessons Jesus Taught about Forgiveness;
- The Cost of Forgiveness; and
- Living Forgiven.
If you would like to voluteer to help with the festival, please visit the website and send an email to info@fbcartsfestival.org, or call the church and leave your name and number. There will be numerous volunteer opportunities for people of all ages.
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by Dr. Frank Lewis, senior pastor
