LISTEN TO COME AND SEE! CHAPTER 12 – I AM
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Welcome to this special Easter edition of Redeeming the Chaos with Laurie Christine!
A FAMILY DEVOTIONAL FOR EASTER
For 30 days leading up to Easter, I will be reading to you from my easter devotional book, Come and See! 30 Family Bible Stories for Easter.
Today, I am reading Come and See! Chapter 12- I AM.
Come and See! invites families of elementary-aged children to experience firsthand the anticipation, the sorrow, the tragedy, the fear, and the ultimate triumph of Jesus’ death and resurrection.
Through the eyes of six eye witnesses, you will be led on a journey through the busyness of the streets of Jerusalem, to the despair of Golgotha, and finally to the celebration of the empty grave.
This bookincludes 30 short devotional stories, each with accompanying Scripture references and questions for discussion and imagination.
We are going to be reading one story each day leading up to Easter. You’re welcome to grab the kids and listen together for your family Bible time. Or, if you would rather read to your kids on your own, you can DOWNLOAD A FREE COPY OF THE ENTIRE EBOOK HERE.
LISTEN TO COME AND SEE! CHAPTER 12 – I AM
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READ COME AND SEE! CHAPTER 12 – I AM
I AM – Told by Nicodemus, A Pharisee
Jesus’ reply shocked everyone, including me. “I AM,” he said in a quiet, yet firm voice that sent chills up my spine. He was affirming that he was indeed the Messiah, the Son of God!
NICODEMUS, A PHARISEE
Because I was a member of the council of Jewish leaders, I was privy to what was going on the night Jesus was arrested, even though I didn’t agree with what the priests and other Pharisees were doing. After Judas betrayed Jesus in the garden, the guards brought Jesus to Caiaphas’ house in order to question him.
The priests were desperately trying to find an excuse to sentence Jesus to death. They even convinced a few witnesses to lie about what he had done. Finally, Caiaphas asked Jesus, “I demand that you tell us — are you the Messiah?”
Jesus’ reply shocked everyone, including me. “I AM,” he said in a quiet, yet firm voice that sent chills up my spine. He was affirming that he was indeed the Messiah, the Son of God!
Jesus continued, “And you will see the Son of Man seated in the place of power at God’s right hand and coming on the clouds of heaven.”
The “Son of Man” — there it was again! The high priest knew as well as I did that Jesus was referring to the “one like a son of man” that had been prophesied in the book of Daniel. Jesus was declaring himself to be the Promised Child — the One who would be given authority over all the nations; the One who would reign forever on the throne of heaven.
From my position near the back of the room, I could see Caiaphas’ face growing red, his fists clenching in anger.
“Blasphemy!” he shouted through clenched teeth. He grabbed the front of his robe with two hands and tore it right down the middle — a sign of utter despair. “Did you not hear what this man said? We don’t need any other witnesses. He is claiming to be God! That statement is enough to condemn him.”
You could almost feel the hatred and passion bubbling among the religious leaders, like a boiling cauldron. “He is guilty!” they screamed. “He deserves to die!”
One of the temple guards yanked Jesus’ arms behind his back, while the other guards spit in his face and beat him with their fists.
My stomach was in knots, and I felt like I might be sick. I did not agree with what my colleagues were doing. This kind of behavior was not appropriate for men who claimed to love God and follow his commandments!
Looking back to that night, I wonder if there was something I could have done to stop what was about to happen. But at that moment, I was scared. I did believe that Jesus was the Son of God! I did believe that God had sent him into the world to show us the way to the Father. But I was not ready to stand up to the high priest. I was not ready to sacrifice my own position and reputation.
My friend Joseph (from Arimathea), another member of the high council, stood beside me. “Nicodemus,” he whispered. “What do you think of all this? Does Jesus deserve to die?”
I glanced anxiously at Joseph. Had he read my thoughts?
“Look,” he said. “I know you went to see Jesus a few nights ago, and I know you have questions. I’ve also been thinking a lot about this man. I think he just might be who he says he is!”
“So, you believe that Jesus is the Messiah? The One we’ve been waiting for?” I asked, my eyes wide.
“I’m beginning to believe,” replied Joseph. “But I’m so afraid of letting the other religious leaders find out.”
I understood exactly what he meant.
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