September 22

Luke 23:32-38 (Click to see scripture)

Bible in One Year Passages:

Journal Entry

Scripture

32 Two others, who were criminals, were led away to be put to death with him. 33 And when they came to the place that is called The Skull, there they crucified him, and the criminals, one on his right and one on his left. 34 And Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” And they cast lots to divide his garments. 35 And the people stood by, watching, but the rulers scoffed at him, saying, “He saved others; let him save himself, if he is the Christ of God, his Chosen One!” 36 The soldiers also mocked him, coming up and offering him sour wine 37 and saying, “If you are the King of the Jews, save yourself!” 38 There was also an inscription over him, “This is the King of the Jews.”

Observation

This placed where Jesus is crucified is better known as Calvary.
In this passage, there were:
Jesus: About to be crucified for no good reasons. He even also asked Father’s forgiveness of everyone.
Two criminals: About to be crucified for their own sins
Roman soldiers: Crucified Jesus and the two criminals and also cast lots to divide Jesus garments. They also mocked Jesus and offered him sour wine
Crowd: Stood by, just watching
Rulers: Scoffed at Jesus

The question is then, with whom do I relate the most?

Application

For me, it is the crowd. Am I just standing by and watch? If I do, does this make me any less of a sinner than the roman soldiers or rulers? There was a book a few years ago which was claiming that the German citizens were not an innocent bystanders of the Nazi movement. The book claimed that by not doing anything, they let that Nazi movement to be shaped and molded in Germany. Similarly, by not doing what is required of us, I think we are no longer innocent bystanders. I think this can be applied to ignoring our neighbors who are in need. When it is clearly God’s calling for us to help those in needs and yet if we do not do anything, I think we are no different than the crowd who let Jesus to be crucified without even a murmur.

Prayer

Dear Lord,
Grant me wisdom today so that I may see what ought to be done.
Grant me compassion today so that I will not be a bystander when something ought to be done.
Grant me diligence today so that what I ought to do, I will do.

--Joey Lee