Pastor Gary's OYB Devotion Archive for May 31

THE FIRST JUDAS

From: May 31, 2025

“When Ahithophel saw that his counsel was not followed, he saddled his donkey and went off home to his own city. He set his house in order and hanged himself” (2 Samuel 17:23 ESV).

The story of David’s betrayal by Ahithophel foreshadows that of Jesus by Judas. Once a trusted counselor of King David, Ahithophel defected to David’s rebellious son Absalom. But when his advice was ignored in favor of Hushai’s, he saw the tide turning and chose to end his life. His betrayal of David foreshadows Judas Iscariot’s betrayal of Jesus. Both men were close companions. Both betrayed someone they once served. Both ended their lives by hanging.

This pattern of betrayal is not coincidental. When David fled Jerusalem, he crossed the Kidron Valley and climbed the Mount of Olives weeping. On the night of His betrayal, Jesus also crossed the Kidron, praying in anguish on the Mount of Olives in Gethsemane. The parallels remind us that David’s story was always meant to point beyond itself—to Jesus, the true King.

Yet where David was spared and restored, Jesus was condemned and crucified. God did not spare His own Son but gave Him up for us all (See Rom. 8:32). The Old Testament whispers the gospel on every page, preparing us to see the fulfillment in Christ. But only those with eyes to see and ears to hear will understand.

We must not miss the message. Scripture, from beginning to end, centers on Jesus. The patterns, promises, and prophecies all find their fulfillment in Him. As we read and reflect, we are invited to recognize the greater story unfolding—God’s plan of redemption through His Son. Let us be people who read with eyes open and hearts stirred, pointing others to Jesus in our words, our work, and our worship.

PRAYER: Dear Father, we thank You for Jesus. Thank You for the whole of Scripture, which reveals Him so clearly. Give us hearts that recognize Your hand in every chapter and lives that reflect the glory of Your Son. May we point to Jesus in all we do today. Give us grace to follow faithfully. In Jesus’ name we pray, amen.

THE TESTIMONY OF BLOOD AND WATER

From: May 31, 2024

“But one of the soldiers pierced his side with a spear, and at once there came out blood and water” (John 19:34 ESV).

The apostle John, who was the only disciple near the cross when Jesus was crucified, was also the only gospel writer who reported these final details of Christ’s death. Perhaps John made sure to include his eyewitness testimony of the grisly details because of the Gnostic heresy that was already at large by the time of John’s writing.

The Gnostics (From the Greek word “gnōsis,” meaning “knowledge”) believed that they had obtained mystical or secret knowledge of the divine. They saw the material world as inherently evil and only the spiritual as good. Therefore, they rejected the idea that Jesus had actually come in the flesh. And as a result, they rejected that Jesus had truly died on the cross. In their view, “it only appeared” as if Jesus had died (The Gnostic heresy clearly affected Islam’s view of the crucifixion as the Quran uses an almost identical description).

John’s gospel was especially concerned with reporting the diligence of the Roman executioners in confirming Christ’s physical death. He reported the soldier’s spear piercing Christ’s side and the mixture of “blood and water” pouring out. Although John had no awareness of modern medical knowledge, physicians today have noted that a piercing of the pericardium, the fluid-filled membrane surrounding the heart, would’ve resulted in the sight that John witnessed. The blood and water was a sure sign of Christ’s death.

John followed his reporting of the blood and water with a strong declaration that reminds one of a courtroom witness taking an oath to speak the truth. He said, “And he who has seen has testified, and his testimony is true; and he knows that he is telling the truth, so that you may believe” (John 19:35).

John wanted to make sure that everyone knew that he had witnessed Christ’s physical death. For if Jesus didn’t die, there would be no redemption, no payment for our sin. And if Jesus didn’t die, there would be no need for his resurrection. But Jesus did die and He was raised. That is the truth that John reported.

And that is the truth that we believe.

PRAYER: Dear Father, we are thankful for John’s eyewitness testimony. More than that, we are thankful for our redemption, which Christ purchased by His blood. Strengthen us to bear witness of the gospel to others today. In Jesus’ name, amen.

CHRIST’S THIRD WORD FROM THE CROSS

From: May 31, 2023

‘When Jesus saw his mother standing there beside the disciple he loved, he said to her, “Dear woman, here is your son.” And he said to this disciple, “Here is your mother.” And from then on this disciple took her into his home.’ (John 19:26-27 NLT).

Reading the four gospels together, there are seven last words of Jesus recorded. Anyone’s last words are considered important, so shouldn’t our Lord Jesus’ words be even more so? This is the third of Jesus’ last words from the cross. It is a word of care for his mother and it is particularly poignant. For as the Son of God suffered on the cross, he took time to address the needs of his mother.

“Dear woman, here is your son.” He said, looking down upon his mother. Here, we see Christ’s divine concern expressed. Here hangs the Creator, on a cross made from the tree He created, dying for those who have rebelled against Him, yet also taking care of the “woman” whom He had chosen to be His mother. God had chosen Mary to be Christ’s mother, that He might become flesh and die for us. He wanted Mary to see beyond her role as mother and he as her son. He wanted her to believe in Him as Savior!

“Here is your mother!” He told his disciple, John. He gave charge of His mother to him. And John was faithful to His call. Yet, this relational calling implies more. John was called to care for Mary as his mother because they both believed in Jesus as Savior and Lord. She was indeed as a mother to John. This is the relational calling of those who belong to Christ.

Have you ever wondered whether God cares? Especially asking, “Does God care for me?” In this third word from the cross, we can see how much God cares for us. He cares for the big stuff and He cares for the little stuff too. There’s no detail too small for His loving care.

PRAYER: Dear Father, we thank You for Your care for us. For You care about the details, both great and small. You cared enough for Mary to not only die for her sins, but to make arrangements for her care. What intimate love You have for us. What relational love You have offered to us through Jesus! Now we ask You to fill us with Your love and care that we might share it with others today. In Jesus’ name, amen.

“When Ahithophel realized that his advice had not been followed, he saddled his donkey, went to his hometown, set his affairs in order, and hanged himself” (2 Samuel 17:23 NLT).

From: May 31, 2022

THE FIRST JUDAS

The story of David’s betrayal by Ahithophel foreshadows that of Jesus by Judas. For just as David was betrayed by a trusted member of his inner court, who later hung himself; so was Jesus betrayed by one of his own disciples, who later hung himself. Along with Judas Iscariot (Matt. 27:5), Zimri (1 Kings 16:18), and King Saul (1 Sam. 31:5); Ahithophel is one of only four suicides mentioned in the Bible.

When David heard of Ahithophel’s betrayal and his son Absalom’s gathering of troops, he fled the city of Jerusalem. Leaving by the Eastern gate, David wept as he climbed the Mount of Olives to flee Jerusalem. And on the night of Judas’ betrayal, Jesus led his disciples out the same Jerusalem gate and wept in the Garden of Gethsemane on the Mount of Olives, just as David had done.

Yet, God protected David from death and restored him to the throne. But “His own Son He did not spare, but delivered Him up for us all” (Rom. 8:32).

The Old Testament prepares us for the Jesus story, which is the gospel story. Yet, only those with eyes to see and ears to hear will believe.

PRAYER: Dear Father, thank You for Jesus. Thank You for the whole of Scripture which points to Him on every page. May we also point to Jesus with every effort, word and deed of our lives. Give us grace for this day. In Jesus’ name, amen.

‘When Jesus saw His mother and the disciple He loved standing there, He said to His mother, “Woman, here is your son.” Then He said to the disciple, “Here is your mother.”‘ (John 19:26-27 HCSB).

From: May 31, 2021

CHRIST’S THIRD WORD FROM THE CROSS

Reading the four gospels together, there are seven last words of Jesus recorded. Anyone’s last words are considered important, so shouldn’t our Lord Jesus’ words be even more so? This is the third of Jesus’ last words from the cross. It is a word of care for his mother and it is particularly poignant. For as the Son of God suffered on the cross, he took time to address the needs of his earthly mother.

“Woman, here is your son!” He said, looking down upon his mother. Here, we see Christ’s divine concern expressed. Mary was his daughter long before He was her son. Here hangs the Creator, on a cross made from the tree He created, dying for those who have rebelled against Him, yet also taking care of the “woman” whom He had chosen to be His mother. God had chosen Mary to be Christ’s earthly mother, that He might become flesh and die for us. He wanted Mary to see beyond her role as mother and he as her son. He wanted her to believe in Him as Savior!

“Here is your mother!” He told his disciple, John. He gave charge of His mother to him. And John was faithful to His call: “And from that hour the disciple took her to his own home” (John 19:27b). Yet, this relational calling implies more. John was called to care for Mary as his mother because they both believed in Jesus as Savior and Lord. She was indeed as a mother to John. This is the relational calling of those who belong to Christ.

Have you ever wondered whether God cares? Especially asking, “Does God care for me?” I’ve heard some say, “I’m sure God has better things to do than care about my little problems. Shouldn’t He be busy solving world hunger or peace on earth?” What do you think? Does God care for the details of your little life? Or is He too busy running the universe?

In this third word from the cross, we can see how much God cares for us. He cares for the big stuff and He cares for the little stuff too. There’s no detail too small for His loving care.

PRAYER: Dear Father, we thank You for Your care for us. For You care about the details, both great and small. You cared enough for Mary to not only die for her sins, but to make arrangements for her care. What intimate love You have for us. What relational love You have offered to us through Jesus! Now we ask You to fill us with Your love and care that we might share it with others today. In Jesus’ name, amen.

(If you’d like to study more about Christ’s last words, follow this link to hear our sermon series on it: Last Words.)

‘When Jesus therefore saw His mother, and the disciple whom He loved standing by, He said to His mother, “Woman, behold your son!” Then He said to the disciple, “Behold your mother!”’ (John 19:26-27 NKJV).

From: May 31, 2020

THE THIRD WORD OF JESUS FROM THE CROSS WAS A WORD OF CARE

Reading the four gospels together, there are seven last words of Jesus recorded. Anyone’s last words are considered important, so shouldn’t our Lord Jesus’ words be even more so? This is the third of Jesus’ last words. It is a word of care for his mother and it is particularly poignant. For as the Son of God suffered on the cross, he took time to address the needs of his earthly mother.

“Woman, behold your son!” He said, looking down upon his mother. Here, we see Christ’s divine concern expressed. Mary was his daughter long before He was her son. Here hangs the Creator, on a cross made from the tree He created, dying for those who have rebelled against Him, yet also taking care of the “woman” whom He had chosen to be His mother. God had chosen Mary to be Christ’s earthly mother, that He might become flesh and die for us. He wanted Mary to see beyond her role as mother and he as her son. He wanted her to believe in Him as Savior!

“Behold your mother!” He told his disciple, John. He gave charge of His mother to him. And John was faithful to His call: “And from that hour the disciple took her to his own home.” Yet, this relational calling implies more. John was called to care for Mary as his mother because they both believed in Jesus as Savior and Lord. She was indeed as a mother to him. This is the relational calling of those who belong to Christ.

C. H. Spurgeon saw in this not only the Lord’s care for his mother, but for his church. He wrote, “‘Take her as your mother, stand in My place, care for her as I have cared for her.’ Those who love Christ best shall have the honor of taking care of His Church and of His poor. Never say of any poor relative or friend, the widow or the fatherless, “They are a great burden to me.” Oh, no! Say, “They are a great honor to me—my Lord has entrusted them to my care.” John thought so—let us think so. Jesus selected the disciple He loved best to take His mother under his care. He selects those whom He loves best today, and puts His poor people under their wings. Take them gladly and treat them well.”

Have you ever wondered whether God cares? Especially asking, “Does God care for me?” I’ve heard some say, “I’m sure God has better things to do than care about my little problems. Shouldn’t He be busy solving world hunger or peace on earth?” What do you think? Does God care for the details of your little life? Or is He too busy running the universe?

In this third word from the cross, we can see how much God cares for us. He cares for the big stuff and He cares for the little stuff too. There’s no detail too small for His loving care.

PRAYER: Dear Father, we thank You for Your care for us. For You care about the details, both great and small. You cared enough for Mary to not only die for her sins, but to make arrangements for her care. What intimate love You have for us. What relational love You have offered to us through Jesus! Now we ask You to fill us with Your love and care that we might share it with others today. In Jesus’ name, amen.

“When Ahithophel realized that his advice had not been followed, he saddled his donkey, went to his hometown, set his affairs in order, and hanged himself” (2 Samuel 17:23 NLT).

From: May 31, 2019

THE FIRST JUDAS

The story of David’s betrayal by Ahithophel foreshadows that of Jesus by Judas. David wept on the Mount of Olives as he left Jerusalem, as Jesus did on the night of his betrayal. David was betrayed by a trusted advisor, who later hung himself. Jesus was betrayed by one of his own disciples, who also hung himself.

Yet, God protected David from betrayal and restored him to the throne. But “His own Son He did not spare, but delivered Him up for us all” (Rom. 8:32).

The Old Testament prepares us for the Jesus story, which is the gospel story. Yet, only those with eyes to see and ears to hear will believe.

PRAYER: Dear Father, thank You for Jesus. Thank You for the whole of Scripture which points to Him on every page. May we also point to Jesus with every effort, word and deed of our lives. Give us grace for this day. In Jesus’ name, amen.

“But one of the soldiers pierced His side with a spear, and immediately blood and water came out” (John 19:34 NKJV).

From: May 31, 2017

The apostle John, who was the only disciple near the cross when Jesus was crucified, was also the only gospel writer who reported these final details of Christ’s death. Perhaps John made sure to include his eyewitness testimony of the grisly details because of the Gnostic heresy that was already at large by the time of John’s writing.

The Gnostics (From the Greek word gnōsis, meaning “knowledge”) believed that they had obtained mystical or secret knowledge of the divine. They saw the material world as inherently evil and only the spiritual as good. Therefore, they rejected the idea that Jesus had actually come in the flesh. And as a result, they rejected that Jesus had truly died on the cross. In their view, “it only appeared” as if Jesus had died (The Gnostic heresy clearly affected Islam’s view of the crucifixion as the Quran uses an almost identical description).

John’s gospel was especially concerned with reporting the diligence of the Roman executioners in confirming Christ’s physical death. He reported the soldier’s spear piercing Christ’s side and the mixture of “blood and water” pouring out. Although John had no awareness of modern medical knowledge, physicians today have noted that a piercing of the pericardium, the fluid-filled membrane surrounding the heart, would’ve resulted in the sight that John witnessed. The blood and water was a sure sign of Christ’s death.

John followed his reporting of the blood and water with a strong declaration that reminds one of a courtroom witness taking an oath to speak the truth. He said, “And he who has seen has testified, and his testimony is true; and he knows that he is telling the truth, so that you may believe” (John 19:35).

John wanted to make sure that everyone knew that he had witnessed Christ’s physical death. For if Jesus didn’t die, there would be no redemption, no payment for our sin. And if Jesus didn’t die, there would be no need for his resurrection.

But Jesus did die and He was raised. That is the truth that John reported. And that is the truth that we believe.

‘When Jesus had received the sour wine, he said, “It is finished,” and he bowed his head and gave up his spirit’ (John 19:30 ESV)

From: May 31, 2016

The final words of Jesus on the cross were not words of defeat, but of ultimate victory. He shouted, “It is finished!” His last words expressed exultation at accomplishing the task He had come to complete. In the Greek, it is one word: Τετέλεσται (Tetelestai), which is in the perfect tense. The basic thought of the perfect tense is that the progress of an action has been completed and the results of the action are continuing on, in full effect. In other words, the progress of the action has reached its culmination and the finished results are now in existence. It might also be translated: “fulfilled, accomplished, paid-in-full.” Essentially, Jesus, with this one word, “tetelestai,” announced that He had accomplished His God-given mission, fulfilling every prophetic detail, and paid-in-full the price for our sins, so that we might be forgiven and receive eternal life. His salvation work is complete and its finished results are even now in existence for those who would believe on Him.

‘So when Jesus had received the sour wine, He said, “It is finished!” And bowing His head, He gave up His spirit’ (John 19:30 NKJV)

From: May 31, 2015

The final words of Jesus on the cross were not words of defeat, but of ultimate victory. He shouted, “It is finished!” His last words expressing exultation at accomplishing the task He had come to complete. In the Greek, it is one word: Τετέλεσται (Tetelestai), which is in the perfect tense. The basic thought of the perfect tense is that the progress of an action has been completed and the results of the action are continuing on, in full effect. In other words, the progress of the action has reached its culmination and the finished results are now in existence. It might also be translated: “fulfilled, accomplished, paid-in-full.” Essentially, Jesus, with this one word, “tetelestai,” announced that He had accomplished His God-given mission, fulfilling every prophetic detail, and paid-in-full the price for our sins, so that we might be forgiven and receive eternal life. His salvation work is complete and its finished results are even now in existence for those who would believe on Him.