 |
Pontius Pilate, Procurator, Representative of Rome. |
He could have you killed with a waive of his hand. He was a noted Roman general who had married into the house of Caesar, and could be in line to be the next Roman Emperor. All he had to do was to keep a reasonable peace in Judea, the most troubling segment of the Empire. His wife warned him, his conscience spoke to him; he had to make a choice…just like we do today. Theme: Decision making, conscience.
 |
The Centurion |
Longinus is the chief Centurion over all the personal troops of Pilate. As such, he found himself in charge of the crucifixion. No problem for him. He has put many people to death by sword and hand to hand. This will be nothing - until he actually met Jesus. He can not understand this man who changes everyone, and ultimately Longinus as well. It is this Centurion’s cry, “This was the Son of God!” that rings through history. When he volunteered to be in charge of the guards at the tomb, his life was changed forever. Theme: Focusing on Christ will change your life.
 |
Luke, the Physician. |
The best trained man in the New Testament. This physician was held in high esteem by all, Jew and Gentile alike. He could help the body heal, but he yearned for a deeper healing than all his skills could bring. Paul came to him for help with his eyes, but it was Luke who came to see things more clearly than ever. Theme: Inner healing and peace through the Gospel.
 |
Simon the Pharisee. |
His religiosity was unquestionable. He was a sticker for details and righteousness. He was a Pharisee, one apart from even other observant religious folks. He was also living a double life. He had incested his niece, and now his brother was out to kill him! This was even worse than the leprosy from which Jesus had healed him. How could he escape his double life? Theme: Healing the inner person.
 |
The Leper. |
He had everything: A farm, a family, friends, a future. Then, tragedy struck and he was branded as a leper. Now he has to warn everyone to stay away from him. He has nothing, is nothing, and is without hope. Filled with anger, pain and death, he hears a young Rabbi teaching on the hillside about how God loves His children and wants them to come home to Him. Home! Sure! What a farce! But the leper longs for his family, his home….maybe this man, this Jesus can cleanse him. Should he risk it? What if Jesus turns him away? Theme: The loving, healing, life-changing, grace filled touch of Jesus (We are all lepers).
 |
The Man Born Blind. |
The crowds made fun of him, hit him, cursed him. Then, one hot and dusty day, the crowd drew silent. He heard a man spit. He held up his hand to protect himself as he had before, but this time it was different, very different. The man knelt and made mud from the spit and dust and sent him away to wash and to see for the first time in his life. Now the leaders - and even his parents - doubted him, but he knew he had been healed. Now he could see! Theme: Can you see? Really see? Jesus will open your eyes to the beauty around you, today.
 |
Malchus. |
He started out as an enemy of Christ. He was leading the crowd that took Jesus prisoner in the garden, but then everything changed. With one swift slash of his fisherman's knife, Peter altered Malchus' future. Malchus had to be perfect in every way to work with the High Priest. He could have no deformity, no flaw...now he had no ear! He was done. Finished. But, the Man he came to capture performed a miracle and restored not only his ear, but his future, and changed his life forever. Jesus' last recorded miracle was to restore a sworn enemy, and thus to win Malchus as an eternal friend.
 |
Jairus. |
Jairus was the leader of an important Synagogue. That made him an important man in the community of faith. The problem was that his 12 year old daughter was ill and kept calling for Jesus, the Rabbi the children loved and the religious leaders hated! What was he to do? She was gravely ill, at the door of death. If he went to Jesus he would defy all the religious norms of the community. If he did not go, his daughter would die. He needed a miracle to deliver him from this dilemma. Just the kind of thing Jesus delights in doing. The Miracle Man healed more than the sick child, He brought deeper healing to a tortured father and religious leader as well.
 |
Joseph the daddy, but not the Father. |
What kind of man would marry a woman who told him she was pregnant, and he knew for sure he had nothing to do with that pregnancy! We know little about Joseph, but what we know is all positive: he was committed to the faith of his ancestors in the line of David. He kept Roman law by responding and going to Bethlehem for the required census. He was observant of Jewish law as evidenced by following the rules for the dedication of Jesus at the Temple.
 |
James, the brother of Jesus. |
In reality, his name is Jacob, not James. Jacob was translated into Latin as Jacomus, which then became Jaime in Spanish, and then James in our English translations. But it was not just his name that changed–his attitude and belief changed too. James went from a mocking non-believer to a Christian leader.
Claudius Lysias.
Most Bible readers don’t even know his name. But Paul knew him well. It was this soldier who saved Paul’s life at least three times (Acts 22 & 23). Claudius bought his Roman citizenship and was proud of it. Paul showed him another, more valuable, citizenship which can only be accepted, never purchased by deeds, funds or valor.
Theme: Witnessing in all situations.
Cornelius, the first non-Jewish convert.
His name means, “a crown,” and he served Rome well. But, even though he was successful, there was still a void in his life. What would fill that void? He began to look into the various Roman mystery religions, but found them empty. He studied the scrolls of the Old Testament, and they began to make some sense. Then an angel was sent from God to give him direction through Peter. What did he learn? What can we learn from him? Theme: Changing my pride, prejudices and complacency. A challenge to change.
Matthew, the Tax Collector.
Some saw him as a sharp trader and wealthy man. Others saw him as a traitor. All saw him as a thief. Jesus saw him as a struggling soul who desperately wanted to belong, but didn’t know how to connect with people other than by intimidation. Until….. Theme: Finding ultimate meaning through Christ and service.
Andrew, the “manly” disciple/master of playing second-fiddle.
Andrew never wrote a book, we have no recorded sermons he preached, and he is most often known as, “Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother.” Yet, every time we see Andrew in action, he is bringing someone to Jesus. First Peter, his own brother, then several others who became disciples, a boy with a lunch to feed 5000, and ultimately some Greeks (read “Those who are not like us!) to Jesus. Andrew, the Bringer. Theme: Witnessing.
The Jailer.
Yep. He was important. He had the keys and could lock you up in the inner part of the prison where nobody could see, hear or help you. If you got out of line, he could have you whipped until you were a raw, bloody mass of quivering fear. No one ever escaped from his prison; no one would. But one night there were these two strange prisoners who kept singing; then there was an earthquake and everything was changed– forever. Even the jailer. Theme: God can bring order out of our chaos with songs in the night.
Ethan, the father of Mary Magdalene
This baby girl held his heart in her hand. He loved her with all his soul. But she became rebellious and wanted to leave home. But, she was too beautiful, too young, too vulnerable to go to the big city. Maybe she could stay with his brother, Simon, the Pharisee. She would be safe there! But then Mary changed and he heard rumors and whispers that she was now a prostitute, and that it was his own brother who led her into sexual sin! Now, Ethan was on a mission; to kill his brother Simon. But, then Ethan met Jesus and saw Him change Simon, and Mary and then…Jesus looked into the eyes and soul of Ethan and changed him too. Theme: Grace, forgiveness, and restoration through Christ.
Nicodemus.
The name means, “Victor.” So what was this famous teacher doing slinking through the darkness to meet with Jesus? Is he a traitor to his beliefs and to the community, or a true seeker for truth? The secret believer walked in the shadows until he stepped into the glaring light of that crucifixion afternoon. Theme: The struggle to believe.
Lazarus.
He is an old man now. Facing death, but not fearing it. Why? “Been there, done that!” is his reply. He remembers well the events that led up to his death as a young man, then remembers hearing the voice of his Friend, Jesus, calling him to come out of the tomb to live again. So, now, death holds no fear for him. He can merely smile at it and listen again for the voice of Jesus, his Friend. Theme: Overcoming fears.
Jesse of Bethlehem, The Innkeeper.
He was taking in more money than he thought possible! The Roman census was bringing him blessings beyond belief. When the man asked for a room, Jesse just laughed. There were no rooms in the inn, or anywhere else in Bethlehem. He was about to turn them away when his wife suggested the stable. That night brought him a deeper blessing than he could imagine. A blessing he did not even understand until this Gentile, Luke, came to hear the story of “that night.” Then Jesse walked from darkness into light himself! Theme: The Nativity as experienced by the Innkeeper.
Wise Men Still Seek Him.
It was a very long journey, but worth every step of the way. He had guarded his gifts with his life, for it was worth a king’s ransom. Later he found it was actually used for that very thing. He had studied the scrolls, the stars, and history. He then set out on a journey to see this One born King of the Jews - but more than that - the King of all creation. Theme: The journey of faith and the reality of prophetic scripture.
Amos, the shepherd boy.
He had been scared out of his wits that night. Everything was normal, then everything was unbelievable. The dark sky was spangled with angels, the silence broken by song, the loneliness vanquished by angels telling about the birth of Messiah! He had seen the baby that night in Bethlehem, but babies can’t save you from the Romans. Now he is selling sheep in Jerusalem for the Passover. Rumor has it that there will be a crucifixion today of a man born in Bethlehem - in a manger. Theme: Doubt and the maturing of faith.
The Lad and the Lunch.
“Ma! Ma! You will never believe how many people my lunch fed today! 5000 people! The lunch you gave me fed 5000 people; really, truly, it did!” “Young man, you wait till I tell your father about your imagination. When he gets home he will deal with you.” Theme: When I give what I have to Jesus, He can multiply it beyond belief!
The Good Samaritan Innkeeper.
We are all familiar with the story Jesus told about the Good Samaritan. But, how did Jesus learn details of the event? You can be sure it was not from the lips of the Priest or Levite. The Samaritan would probably not have told it, and the wounded man was too hurt. Could it be that Jesus heard it from the Innkeeper on the road between Jerusalem and Jericho? You will hear the story from the Innkeeper, just as he heard it from the other characters in the event. Theme: Overcoming prejudice, pride and self righteousness. Helping others in meaningful ways.
The Cross Maker.
“So, I’m a carpenter. And, I work for the Romans. Somebody has to do this job, and I have to feed my kids, so I make crosses for the Romans. Some call me a bad person because it is a bad job. But, hey, it is a job.” Yet, it is more than “a job.” And the worker in rough wood would meet another carpenter, who also had work to complete – on a cross – for His children. Theme: The meaning of the cross today.
Bezaleial, the Ironworker.
He is handy with his hands. Always has been. So, he turned that into being a professional ironworker. His job is to make things like pruning hooks, wheel rims, and household goods. He also prepares and repairs Roman armor, swords, spears, and even forges the crucifixion nails they use. Then he found out the terrifying truth: it was his nails that pinned Jesus to the cross! Theme: My sins nailed Him there. I am guilty too.
The Vintner.
Vine-tending is as old as Israel itself, and to be a vintner is an honored profession. Learn from the vine-keeper the lessons taught by Christ and the vine. Trimming and pruning are vital to a prosperous vine, and life. The good vines are cut back so the best can mature. That is true in both vineyards and life. Theme: Growing in Christ.
Satan, the One Who Would Be Like God.
“OK, don’t get me wrong here. I’m pretty sophisticated. Not the guy in red tights with horns, a forked tail, and a pitch-fork. Actually, I’m very smooth and suave. After all, I did attract one third of the angels to come with me, and I promise you, I’ll be looking for you, too! My offers will be attractive, exciting and enticing. See you soon!” Theme: Temptations and how to meet them.
Moses, what’s that in your hand?
“Oh, this? It’s a stick, a walking stick. Some call it a staff, but it is far more than that! I have learned that what ever you have in your hand, whatever your background, whatever mistakes you have made, if you turn them over to God, He will put power into that gift and make you and it far more than you ever could hope or dream. And, yes, this stick is also known as the “Rod of God,” that was a symbol of the might of the Almighty to deliver his people.” Theme: What is in your hand that God can use, today?
Boaz.
This Biblical person is seen as not only a progenitor of Christ, but also a mirror image model of the work of Jesus in protecting, providing, delivering, and claiming His bride as His own. His is a love story of eternal consequences. Theme: The redemption story acted out in the life of Boaz.
Nehemiah.
Who would dare weep before the king? Who would have nerve enough to ask for the support of the monarch to restore Jerusalem? Not only that, but would he dare to ask for money, timber, safe passage, and the king’s blessing to do the impossible? Nehemiah did dare, did do, and leaves a pattern of leadership that fits today as well as centuries ago.
Theme: Spiritual leadership, accountability, and determined focus.
Jonah – The Diary of a Bird Brain.
Jonah means Dove in Hebrew. What kind of brain does a dove have? A bird brain, of course. Jonah had several attacks of bird-brain thinking. He was prejudiced, he did not want to obey God, he ran three times as far in the wrong way away from his task as it would have been to do the task; he ran ahead of God and got swallowed up in problems. Sound familiar? Theme: We can either be bird-brain run-a-ways, or we can be spectacularly successful if we obey God.
Aaron, the first High Priest.
Aaron’s clothes were designed to teach spiritual lessons, as was every piece of furniture in the Tabernacle. Learn the plan of salvation through the dress, services, and furniture of the Old Testament Tabernacle. The time may be past, but the lessons are eternal.
Theme: Shadows of Christ in the Tabernacle services and appointments.
And you, Mighty Warrior – Gideon
(the mighty man hiding in the wine-press).
450 to 1 doesn’t sound like very good odds, especially if you are the one. Gideon was scared. He couldn’t do it alone. Nope. Neither can we. But with God, numbers don’t count. Dedication does. That’s when the impossible becomes possible. Theme: The power of dedication and obedience/overcoming the impossible odds of life.
Joseph: From the pit to Pharaoh’s court.
Have you ever thought of it: Every time Joseph changed his status in life, he had a change of clothing? It began with dad giving him a spectacular coat that evoked his brothers’ wrath (never mind the fact that he was a spoiled tattle-tale), and ended with his shedding the prison rags for the clothes of the court, second only to Pharaoh himself.
Theme: God will put us through changes too, but the end result can be splendid if we cooperate with Him.
Daniel: “Nice kitty, nice kitty! Leave me alone!
Have you ever been down in the pits of life, facing some less than happy experiences? You have good company. Daniel has been there too. He has some practical suggestions for success coming out of tough circumstances. And, he has something to say about the ever present issues of control. Theme: It’s not about what my future holds, but Who holds my future (and me).
Joshua: “The one who saves.”
Most folks see the negative side of everything. Joshua had colleagues like that, but he never let their negative views skew his faith in what God had promised. He had lots of time, marching around in the wilderness for 40 years, to doubt, but he kept his faith and his perspective. His faith was rewarded by his taking over leadership of the People of God, and leading them into the Promised Land. His name means, “The one who saves,” and he is a fitting picture of the One who was later to bear his name, “Jesus,” in New Testament Greek. Theme: The power of positive belief and obedience.
Ephesians 6, the Armor of God.
This is a series, illustrated by period accurate Roman armor, presenting eternal and contemporary truth demonstrated by materials like those Paul used to clarify the challenges of Christian living on a daily basis.
|
