W. G. Ovens, 1870–1945 (verse 1) Gladys W. Roberts, 1888–? (verses 2–5) To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in His steps. (1 Peter 2:21) Death by crucifixion was one of the worst forms of dying. No Roman citizen was ever crucified; this horrible death was reserved only for Rome’s enemies. The Roman scourge was a most dreadful instrument of torture and suffering. It was made of sinews of oxen, and sharp bones were inter-twisted among the sinews so that every time the lash came down upon a body, these pieces of bone inflicted fearful lacerations and literally tore off chunks of flesh from the person’s bones. This is what Christ endured in accomplishing our redemption. But the physical suffering was not the worst. Rather, the weight of human sin and the separation from God the Father because of His wrath against sin were the real causes of the Savior’s death. But simply knowing about Christ’s suffering and death is not enough. We must personally appropriate this to our own lives. We must say, “It was for me!” We must allow the Holy Spirit to do in us subjectively all that Christ has done for us objectively. Then, after we have experienced this redemptive work in our own lives, we must humbly, lovingly, and thoughtfully “follow in His steps” and seek to restore others. The five stanzas of this thoughtful hymn cover the whole story of redemption, from the Savior’s suffering to His second coming. When this hymn is sung, then, all of the verses must be used; none can be deleted. Start softly and slowly and gradually build to a thrilling climax—“O how I praise Him—He’s coming for me!” Wounded for me, wounded for me, there on the cross He was wounded for me; gone my transgressions, and now I am free, all because Jesus was wounded for me. Dying for me, dying for me, there on the cross He was dying for me; now in His death my redemption I see, all because Jesus was dying for me. Risen for me, risen for me, up from the grave He has risen for me; now evermore from death’s sting I am free, all because Jesus has risen for me. Living for me, living for me, up in the skies He is living for me; daily He’s pleading and praying for me, all because Jesus is living for me. Coming for me, coming for me, one day to earth He is coming for me; then with what joy His dear face I shall see; O how I praise Him—He’s coming for me!
For Today: Psalm 65:3; 103:12; Isaiah 53; Ephesians 2:5 Let your soul rejoice as you review the complete redemption Christ has provided for you. Sing this hymn as you go realizing that He was—
Jennie Evelyn Hussey, 1874–1958 Consider Him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. (Hebrews 12:3) This is the season of the year when we give special attention to Christ’s suffering, death, and victorious resurrection. In the church calendar, an awareness of these events begins with the Christian observance of Lent, a 40-day period (excluding Sundays) that is set aside each year prior to Easter to concentrate on the circumstances that led to the death of God’s Son on a Roman cross. (Easter is always the first Sunday after the full moon that occurs on or after March 21—the spring equinox. This date was first set in A.D. 325 by the ancient church). The Lenten period should result in a spiritual self-examination and in rededicated living for each devout believer, preparing us for the celebration of our risen Lord. The cross of Christ is either a blessing or a curse, depending on our response to it. Either it leads to our eternal redemption, or it condemns us to eternal damnation. This is demonstrated by the two thieves who hung on either side of the Savior. One responded and received divine mercy; the other rebelled his way into hell. God never violates man’s free will and forces His love on anyone. But He has never rejected anyone who cries out to Him in believing faith. It is man who rejects God and the salvation that He provided at Calvary. Jennie Hussey was a life-long Quaker. Much of her life was a time of hardship and suffering, especially in her care of an invalid sister. Yet Jennie was known for her cheerful and courageous attitude. In all she wrote approximately 150 hymn texts. “Lead Me to Calvary” first appeared in New Songs of Praise and Power in 1921. These thoughtful words can deepen our spiritual lives as we move further through this important Lenten season. King of my life I crown Thee now—Thine shall the glory be; lest I forget Thy thorn-crowned brow, lead me to Calvary. Show me the tomb where Thou wast laid, tenderly mourned and wept; angels in robes of light arrayed guarded Thee whilst Thou slept. Let me like Mary, thru the gloom, come with a gift to Thee; show to me now the empty tomb—lead me to Calvary. May I be willing, Lord, to bear daily my cross for Thee; even Thy cup of grief to share—Thou hast borne all for me. Chorus: Lest I forget Gethsemane, lest I forget Thine agony, lest I forget Thy love for me, lead me to Calvary.
For Today: Isaiah 53:5; John 19:17; 1 Corinthians 15:3; Galatians 2:20 Ask God to use this Lenten season to awaken your appreciation of His suffering and death at Calvary and to be more desirous of sharing His love with others. Carry this musical reminder with you—
If I could choose one fundamental hope Christians center our faith around, it would be Jesus’ proof that even death can be overcome. He is risen indeed, and lives! We have a Bible full of historical facts and promises as evidence.
Yes, we’re born with a finite earthly life, into what feels like a world of unknowns, but God knew the purpose from the very beginning. He offered his immeasurable power and inconceivable grace—in flesh and Spirit—to reconcile us to him eternally.
The fact that our Savior rose from the perceived grips of rejection, humiliation, abuse, and even death equips us to believe he will indeed make all things new (Revelations 21:5).
Christians celebrate the truth of the resurrection all year, but it comes sharply into focus each Easter. The empty cross takes on fresh significance as we revisit Jesus’ sacrifice during Holy Week.
And truly, a miracle so mind-blowing as resurrection from the grave bears repeating as we rejoice on Easter Sunday. As we proclaim “He is risen!” you may hear others doubly confirm, “He is risen indeed!”
But why is it worded this way? Let’s look at the history and heart of this phrase.
The Meaning behind ‘He Is Risen Indeed’ The phrase “He is risen indeed” is actually a response that is part of a paschal greeting exchanged on Easter Sunday, primarily in Orthodox churches. And although divisions in denominations developed over history, Christians agree Christ is risen. It’s a gift we celebrate, regardless of how various churches plan Resurrection Sunday service, or over what weeks the occasion is honored.
The phrase as a paschal greeting is an Easter custom among Eastern Orthodox, Oriental Orthodox, Eastern Catholic, Latin Catholic, and Anglican Christians. Paschal is derived from the Greek word pascha, which is a transliteration of the Hebrew word pesach meaning Passover.
Pascha is the feast of the Resurrection of the Lord, during which fasting, processions, and chants are customary over a period of 12 weeks. Its timeframe doesn’t always precisely coincide with when the Western church celebrates Easter, but it commemorates the same divine resurrection.
During the feast of Pascha and throughout Ascension (a time known as Paschal season), the paschal greeting is exchanged around the world in over 50 languages. It’s heard informally during this time, and also recited during liturgical services in churches. Instead of greeting one another with typical hellos, the greeting begins with “Christ is risen!” And the given response is “He is risen, indeed!” or “Truly, he is risen!”
Some cultures (Russians, for example), also exchange a “triple kiss of peace” after the greeting. The kiss of peace is an ancient traditional Christian greeting, sometimes called a “holy kiss.” It signifies a blessing of “peace be with you.”
This greeting of “Christ is risen,” met with “He is risen indeed,” is an act of unity around the belief in Christ’s resurrection.
Is ‘Risen Indeed’ in the Bible? It’s interesting to note that the Eastern Orthodox Church suggests Mary Magdalene initiated this now-popular saying when she announced Jesus’ miraculous resurrection to Emperor Tiberius in Rome, saying, “Christ is risen.”
Stories are told, though not confirmed, of an egg that turned red in Mary’s hands as she addressed the Emperor, which so impressed him, he had Pilate removed.
Whether or not a red egg factored into Mary’s announcement of “Christ is risen,” it was compelled by the witnessed (and since recorded) fact that Jesus was buried, rose, and appeared again before ascending into heaven.
All four Gospel accounts record the true story of Jesus’ followers discovering that he was risen, indeed. And although the narrative may not read word-for-word as a call-and-response greeting, two sections of Scripture in the New Revised Standard version point to its likely inspiration:
He is not here; for he has been raised, as he said. Come, see the place where he lay. Then go quickly and tell his disciples, ‘He has been raised from the dead, and indeed he is going ahead of you to Galilee; there you will see him.’ This is my message for you. – Matthew 28:6-7
They were saying, “The Lord has risen indeed, and he has appeared to Simon!” – Luke 24:34
Why Christians Say ‘He Is Risen Indeed’ I believe Christians (no matter their timing, festivals, or denomination), express ‘ by sharing this beautiful phrase. It’s often shared in the Paschal season, or Easter, because this is a time set aside to remember that Jesus is truth, he offers life, and he is the way.
His prophesied arrival to call us to eternal life confirmed that God is with us, and death cannot keep us from him. Beyond whatever religious or pagan traditions we may enjoy, there was a stone rolled away and a Savior rose.
It’s worth mentioning that the word “indeed” originates from the the Middle English term “in dede” which means, “in truth, or in fact.”
Saying “indeed” either underscores that something is true, or it is used to segue into your next statement—that’s even more worth emphasizing. This is why when we recall that he is risen, we want to follow it with a resounding, “truth!” or “can’t top that!”
Best of all, Christianity.com explains that not only is Jesus risen, but by his resurrection, he raises us. Scripture is clear:
For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. – Romans 6:23
Because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. – Romans 10:9
Jesus didn’t only rise to show us. He rose to save us.
A Prayer to Celebrate That Jesus Is Risen Indeed Dear Jesus,
Thank you for showing us what is true. Thank you for being our bridge, our Savior, and the way to eternal life in a world you will renew. This Easter, and all year, will you keep the flame of my joy for you burning? Will you remind me when things look bleak that you raise what may seem dead? Help me to not just hear that you are risen, but let me believe it in my bones, that because you are risen, indeed, we have a hope and a future worth celebrating.
“He is risen indeed, Alleluia!”). This ancient phrase is similar to the Greek one, and echoes the greeting of the angel to Mary Magdalene and Mary, the mother of James, as they arrived at the sepulchre to anoint the body of Jesus: “He is not here; for he has risen, as he said” (Matthew 28:6).
Where does the saying “He is risen; He is risen, indeed” come from?
ANSWER
A traditional Easter greeting in the Western church is the exclamation “He is risen!” and the traditional response is “He is risen, indeed!” The words are sometimes accompanied by the exchange of three kisses on alternate cheeks, depending on the church. In the Orthodox and Catholic churches, the greeting is called the “Paschal greeting” and is a very old custom.
The greeting is ultimately based on Luke 24:34. Translations throughout church history, from the Latin Vulgate (c. AD 400) to the ESV (2001) have translated this verse nearly identically: “The Lord has risen indeed, and has appeared to Simon!” (ESV). Exactly how the saying became a standard greeting in the church is not known, although there are various theories regarding how it came into common usage.
We do know that, at first, the greeting was more common in Eastern and Byzantine liturgies than in the Western church. There is a tradition in the Eastern Orthodox Church that the saying was made popular by Mary Magdalene when she supposedly addressed Emperor Tiberius in Rome with the words “Christ is risen.”
Using this address should be more than an empty tradition. The words “He is risen!” remind us of the joyous news we celebrate at Easter, that Jesus’ death was not in vain, and that He has the power to overcome death. Saying “He is risen!” allows us to share this incredible truth with each other. The resurrection of Christ gives us hope for salvation and for our own resurrection and eternal life.
“A wicked and adulterous generation asks for a miraculous sign! But none will be given it except the sign of the Prophet Jonah” (Matt. 12:39).
As it became increasingly clear that one must choose for or against Jesus, opposition to Him and to His kingdom hardened. Today too some reject Christ not because they know so little about Him, but because they do not like the little they know!
Definition of Key Terms Sabbath. The Sabbath Day was set aside as holy in Judaism. A person could do no work, but did worship, pray, and study the Scriptures. Over the years many rules of Sabbath observance had been propounded by the rabbis. These were intended to help the observant Jew keep from breaking the Sabbath inadvertently. But these rules, held by the Pharisees to be oral law given Moses on Mount Sinai and therefore just as binding as the written Law, were in fact only the notions of men. While Jesus was accused of being a Sabbath-breaker, He in fact only violated human rules that were not binding at all. It’s all too easy to raise our applications or interpretations of Scripture to the status of Scripture itself. This is a tendency each individual, congregation, and denomination must guard carefully against.
Overview Jesus’ claim to be Lord of the Sabbath (12:1–14) and the Servant predicted by Isaiah (vv. 15–21) brought direct conflict with the Pharisees (vv. 22–37). Christ rejected their demand for a miraculous sign (vv. 36–45), but announced kinship with those who do God’s will (vv. 46–50). In a series of parables told to puzzled crowds (13:1–35), and in another series told to His disciples (vv. 36–52), Jesus explained the unexpected aspects of His kingdom.
Understanding the Text “Your disciples are doing what is unlawful on the Sabbath” Matt. 12:1–13.Two Sabbath incidents led to open conflict with the Pharisees. The first was provoked by Jesus’ disciples, who plucked and ate grain on the Sabbath Day. In the first century grain was planted right to the edge of paths and trails. According to Old Testament Law a traveler might break off a stalk and eat as he walked along. The Pharisees objected because they classified this as “harvesting,” one of the 39 kinds of work the sages prohibited on the Sabbath. Christ answered in a familiar form of rabbinic argument. The Scripture says no layperson is to eat the temple showbread. But David ate, and was not condemned. If one wants to argue that David was special, all right: Jesus is more special. Again, the Law says not to work on the Sabbath. But the priests work then, offering sacrifices. If one wants to argue that the temple service is special, all right: Jesus is more special. The argument makes a double point. The strict legalism of the Pharisees was not supported by the Old Testament. The written Law showed that God is more concerned with mercy than with sacrifice (i.e., with relationships than with rules and ritual). And, in the person of Jesus, the God who gave the Sabbath cleared the disciples: they were innocent of the crimes charged (vv. 7–8). Shortly afterward Jesus entered a synagogue where there was a man with a withered hand. Looking for some crime to charge Jesus with, the Pharisees asked if it were right to heal (again “work”) on the Sabbath. Jesus’ reply was scornful. Even they would rescue an animal that had fallen in a pit on the Sabbath. Of course it is right to do good on the Sabbath. And then Jesus healed the man’s hand. What a revelation of the heart of Jesus—and of the Pharisees. These men who were so concerned over their rules cared nothing for the crippled man’s suffering. They only wanted to use his injury to attack Jesus. In contrast, Jesus cared about the man, and willingly faced criticism to help him. You and I are much closer to Jesus when we consider how we can meet others’ needs than when trying to force others to live by our convictions.
“The Pharisees went out and plotted how they might kill Jesus” Matt. 12:14. Jesus’ sayings and actions exposed the cold hearts of the Pharisees, and the emptiness of an approach to religion to which they had dedicated their entire lives. When so exposed, only two courses of action are open. One can humble himself, confess, and repent. Or with cold fury one can strike out at the person who threatens his very identity. The Pharisees chose to strike back, and determined to kill Jesus. We must not be surprised when some are furious at the Gospel message. Like the Pharisees, many today have built their lives on a faulty foundation that they hold very dear.
“Jesus withdrew from that place” Matt. 12:15–21. Jesus responded to their hostility by simply leaving the area. Matthew explained by quoting a passage from one of Isaiah’s “servant songs.” Messiah “will not quarrel or cry out.” He will be so gentle that He will not even snap a worthless reed flute, or discard a soot-filled candle wick. You and I seldom win those who are deeply antagonistic. It’s far better to leave them, as Jesus did, and go on healing the sick. Debate is never as effective as loving service. We win many more by showing compassion to those in need than by showing up those who want to argue.
“Could this be the Son of David?” Matt. 12:22–29 The Greek suggests the question should read, “This can’t be the Son of David, can it?” There were doubts. But there was the growing awareness that Jesus might be the prophesied Messiah. The Pharisees must have been driven to distraction when they learned the crowds were asking such a question. The zealous Pharisees were respected by all and viewed as prime examples of godly, spiritual men. If Jesus were accepted as the Messiah, this Man who showed up the spiritual void of the way they had chosen would surely rob them of all respect. In desperation the Pharisees began a whispering campaign. They couldn’t argue that Jesus had performed no miracles. But they could plant doubt by suggesting He was in league with the devil. When people can’t do anything else to harm believers, they can lie about us. What is important is that our lives be so pure that everyone sees the lies are as ridiculous as the charge raised against Jesus.
“Blasphemy against the Spirit will not be forgiven” Matt. 12:30–32. What is the unforgivable sin? It is a denial of that which one knows God must be doing, even as it was clear that Christ performed His miracles by the Spirit of God. The sin is unforgivable because the person who commits it has so hardened himself that he willfully rejects what he knows to be true. If you’ve ever worried that you might have committed this sin, relax. The very fact that you’re concerned shows that your heart is not hardened like the hearts of the Pharisees.
“It finds the house unoccupied” Matt. 12:43–45. Self-reform is possible. Ben Franklin developed a list of desirable traits, and worked hard at developing them. But even if our bad habits are overcome, our lives are empty unless we invite Christ in, to empower us for godly living. The Pharisees were great at sweeping out. But their failure to welcome Jesus left them vulnerable to demons far worse than the ones they worked so hard to brush away. Let’s be careful to open our lives to Jesus, and let His love fill us with the compassion, mercy, and love these very religious opponents of Jesus lacked.
“He told them many things in parables” Matt. 13:1–35. A parable is a story that makes one central point, and relates every element in the story to this point. The parables in this chapter concern Jesus’ kingdom, but are not obvious. In fact, Jesus said that He spoke in parables so that those who believed might understand and those who did not believe would not understand (vv. 11–15). What an illustration of God’s grace. Those who showed that they would not hear the King were spared the revelation of further truth, for which they would have been held responsible. Those who were willing to respond were given truth in a form they alone would grasp. This section of the Gospel closes with Christ’s return to Nazareth, His hometown. He was famous now, known all over Galilee and Judea too for His miracles and teaching. Did the hometown folks roll out the red carpet, to welcome the returning hero? No; instead they resented His fame. Wasn’t He just the carpenter’s Son? Weren’t His brothers just ordinary folks? How did Jesus get off, putting on such airs? Often the hardest people we have to minister to are those who know us well. Others are impressed. Our family and neighbors seem almost resentful. If this has happened to you, try not to be too upset. It happened to Jesus first. Of course, there’s also the rest of the story. Among those hometown folks who rejected Jesus were His own brothers (cf. John 7:3–5). Yet in Acts 1:14, on a list of those who were gathered in the Upper Room after Christ’s resurrection, praying and waiting for the coming of the Spirit, we find “Mary the mother of Jesus, and his brothers.” Yes, it hurt to be misunderstood and rejected at home. But in the end, all the family did respond. All came to know Jesus as Saviour and as Lord. What an encouragement for you and me. We may be misunderstood at home, or even scorned. But a faithful, loving witness will bear fruit.
Parables of the Kingdom The Parable Expected Form Unexpected Form
Sower 13:3–9, 18–23 Messiah turns Israel and all nations to himself Individuals respond dofferently to the Word’s invitation
Wheat/tares 13:24–30, 37–43 The kingdom’s righteous citizens rule over the world with the King. The kingdom’s citizens are among the men of the world, growing together till God’s harvestime.
Mustard Seed 13:31–32 Kingdom begins in majestic glory kingdom begins in insignificance; its greatness comes as a surprise.
Leaven 13:33 Only righteousness enters the kingdom; other “raw material” is excluded. The Kingdom is implanted in a different “raw material” and grows to fill the whole personality with righteousness.
Hidden treasure 13:44 Kingdom is public and for all. Kingdom is hidden and for individual “purchase.”
Priceless pearl 13:45–46 Kingdom brings all valued things to men. Kingdom demands abandonment of all other values (cf. 6:33).
Dragnet 13:47–50 Kingdom begins with initial separation of righteous and unrighteous. Kingdom ends with final separation of the unrighteous from the righteous.
DEVOTIONAL Careless Words (Matt. 12:1–37) The Pharisees just didn’t realize what they were saying until it was too late. They figured they had Jesus dead to rights when they criticized His disciples for picking wheat on the Sabbath. And then they rubbed their hands together in glee when they thought of tricking Him into healing a cripple on the Sabbath. Then, oops! They realized all they’d done was expose their own failure to understand God’s Word and their own cold hearts. They had accused the innocent (the disciples) and used the helpless (the man with the shriveled hand). They hadn’t been thinking when they spoke. That’s the meaning of the “careless words” that Jesus speaks of in verse 36. It wasn’t the mean, hateful accusations that the Pharisees hurled against Jesus that exposed them (vv. 22–32). Actually, each person’s heart can be read in his or her actions and words. Those things we say without thinking, like the Pharisees’ challenges of Jesus, reveal the heart. In the Pharisees’ case their words, so quickly uttered, revealed cold and uncaring hearts, totally unconcerned with the guilt or innocence of those they accused or with the suffering of the cripple they intended to use to trap Jesus. What people say coming out of church or in public does not reveal their hearts. It’s the words that slip out when they speak casually to their family, coworkers, or friends. It’s good every now and then to check on our own careless words. When we do, we’ll be able to tell a lot about the quality of our personal relationship with Christ.
Personal Application Careless words can reveal a loving heart as well as a hard one.
Quotable “What will it mean in practice for me to put God first? This much at least. The 101 things I have to do each day and the 101 demands on me which I know I must try to meet will all be approached as ventures of loving service to Him, and I shall do the best I can in everything for His sake.”— J.I. Packer
This is my personal collection of thoughts and writings, mainly from much smarter people than I, which challenge me in my discipleship walk. Don't rush by these thoughts, but ponder them.
Milo 