My apologies if you expected some humor today. It’s Good Friday in the Christian world and, as is our tradition, no jokes today as we bow our heads in humble recognition that today our Lord Jesus Christ was crucified on the cross. We will be back with our regular program next week.

The prophet Isaiah saw the Messiah being interrogated by King Herod who couldn’t get a word out of him. Isaiah described the scene in this way:

“He was oppressed and afflicted,
yet he did not open his mouth;
he was led like a lamb to the slaughter,
and as a sheep before its shearers is silent,
so he did not open his mouth. — Isaiah 53:7

Jesus didn’t waste his time on useless banter with silly King Herod. Perhaps, Jesus had a checklist of prophecies he was expected to fulfill all throughout his life and this was his last day on earth … and he had not slept a wink. I’m guessing he needed to conserve his strength to go through the trial, the scourging … the crucifixion.

But Jesus didn’t remain silent all throughout. Did you ever wonder if he had a low voice? Was it loud? It’s pretty wild when you realize that Jesus (the god-made-man, one of three … creator of the universe) actually spoke a human language. Let that sink in. No he didn’t speak English … didn’t have a British accent like they portray him in some movies. He spoke Aramaic and most probably with a Galilean accent which I’m guessing had a northern drawl. Compared to the accent of the elite citizens of Rome, Jesus might have sounded like a Hillbilly because he grew up in a fishing village. He was low class.

I extracted (and slightly edited for clarity) all his words from the four Gospels. If we placed a microphone in front of Jesus, these would be the sound bytes we would have picked up. I did not include the comments of the other characters — these are exclusively Jesus’ words. What I found interesting is Jesus’ thoughts (just as in his normal earthly encounters) were always for others except when he was already delusional and nearing death when he thought of his own needs.

The hot mic starts in the quiet setting of the Mount of Olives, in the garden of Gethsemane, in the chilly early morning. If you are familiar with the story, you’ll be able to follow where and when the words were spoken. If you aren’t familiar with the story, let this be the trailer of a movie. Later, I suggest you pick up a Bible and start reading chapter 18 of the book of John

JESUS’ FINAL WORDS

“Are you still sleeping and resting? Enough! The hour has come. Look, the Son of Man is delivered into the hands of sinners. Rise! Let us go! Here comes my betrayer!”

“Who is it you want?”

“I am he,”

“Who is it you want?” (For the second time)

“I told you that I am he. If you are looking for me, then let these men go.”

“Am I leading a rebellion, that you have come out with swords and clubs to capture me? Every day I was with you … teaching in the temple courts … you did not arrest me … but [I know it’s because] the Scriptures must be fulfilled.”

“Put your sword away Peter!!! Shall I not drink the cup the Father has given me?!”

“I have spoken openly to the world. I always taught in synagogues or at the temple where all the Jews come together. I said nothing in secret. Why question me? Ask those who heard me. Surely they know what I said.”

“I am [the Messiah, the Son of the Blessed One] and you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Mighty One and coming on the clouds of heaven.”

“If I said something wrong, testify as to what is wrong. But if I spoke the truth, why did you strike me?”

“Is that your own idea, or did others talk to you about me?”

“My kingdom is not of this world. If it were, my servants would fight to prevent my arrest by the Jewish leaders. But now my kingdom is from another place.”

“You say that I am a king. In fact, the reason I was born and came into the world is to testify to the truth. Everyone on the side of truth listens to me.”

“You would have no power over me if it were not given to you from above. Therefore the one who handed me over to you is guilty of a greater sin.”

“Daughters of Jerusalem, do not weep for me; weep for yourselves and for your children. For the time will come when you will say, ‘Blessed are the childless women, the wombs that never bore and the breasts that never nursed!’ Then they will say to the mountains, ‘Fall on us!’ and to the hills, ‘Cover us!’ For if people do these things when the tree is green, what will happen when it is dry?”

“Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.”

“Woman, here is your son. Son, here is your mother.”

“Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.”

“Eloi, Eloi, lema sabachthani?” (which means “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”)

“I am thirsty.”

“It is finished.”

“Father, into your hands I commit my spirit.”

Friday, about 9:00 am, Jesus was nailed to the cross. By 3:00 pm, that same day, Jesus’ earthly body stopped functioning. Saturday, his followers scattered in fear. But Sunday … (oh wonderful Sunday just before sunrise) Jesus resurrected from the dead. Hallelujah!

Of course this is just me.

TGIF people!

“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.” – John 3: 16-17

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O What a Night!

If you’ve been reading my emails, you probably remember that I was in a small town called Dalipuga last month to be with my Dad. Did you know that there was a lunar eclipse on November 8? Someone in my chat room mentioned it was coming and I shared it with my friends but it seemed like I was the only one excited about it.

So I stepped outside into the dimly lit garden (minus the distraction of the city lights) and watched the eerie orange shadow of the earth pass over the full moon. Although a solar eclipse is more dramatic, the beauty of a lunar eclipse is you can watch the cosmic show with your eyes wide open (no squinting).  

How sad that no one was there to share my joy.

Maybe this was how Mary and Joseph felt looking down at their new born son, the promised Messiah, — wrapped up in swaddling cloths in a manger. If there ever was a need for encouragement it was that night.

Scripture says the night when Christ was born in Bethlehem, there were shepherds hanging out in the open fields when “poof!” — an angel appeared in front of them and shared the great news:

“Dudes, don’t be afraid!” said the angel. “Have I got news for you! Remember the Messiah they talked about in Sunday school? Well, he’s heeeeeeere!”

The shepherds must have looked at each other wondering who spiked their drinks. But before they could start accusing each other, thousands more angels popped up in the sky singing the latest radio hit …  your favorite and mine — Joy to the world! — in high fidelity heavenly sound! It must have been an amazing concert.  (Luke 2:14)

All jazzed up, the shepherds went to check it out for themselves. They must have scoured the city of David; starting with the reunion parties that were in full swing in the rich areas befitting a king. To their surprise, the only baby born that night was sleeping in a makeshift cradle in an animal trough.

If you think the shepherds were surprised, you should have caught the look in Joseph and Mary’s faces seeing these toothless smiling strangers peering down at their baby. Definitely, a Kodak moment.

Mary must have looked at Joseph and said, “now do you believe me?”

The shepherds did what shepherds do best: they texted their buddies and the news went viral. Soon the whole town came and joined the party in the manger. I wouldn’t be surprised if the inn keeper moved his guests around and gave the family a decent room.

I can imagine proud Joseph shooing the crowd away — “Thanks for coming! We get it! Our child is the Messiah … but it’s time to go! Mary just gave birth and she’s tired and we need to get some sleep. Good night! Good night!”

It is said that Mary treasured all of the events in her heart (— the selfies, the thumbs up, and the high fives). The crowd left glorifying and praising God for the amazing evening. — Luke 2:21

O little town of Bethlehem,
How still we see thee lie!
Above thy deep and dreamless sleep
The silent stars go by;
Yet in the dark street shineth
The everlasting Light;
The hopes and fears of all the years
Are met in thee tonight.


Of course I exaggerated some of the incidents that awesome night but I hope it made you see a familiar scene In a different light. Read the gospel of Luke, Chapter 2 for the genuine story of the birth of Christ. Christmas is next weekend. Are you excited? TGIF people!

Raoul

“Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, ‘Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.’” — Luke 2: 13-14

Joke of the Week

Thanks to Jose of LA county

Parting Shots

Thanks to Maling of New Manila, Philippines

Thanks to Art of Sierra Madre, CA

I found these

My good friend (and jokester) Terry and I came up with these.

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