Diliman Campus Bible Church

Introduction

God gives a clear portrait of a person whom he delights. This is the word of the LORD.

“This is the one I esteem: he who is humble and contrite in spirit, and trembles at my word.” (Is. 66:2b).

These interwoven godly virtues of humility, contriteness and deep reverence to the Scriptures are invaluable spiritual gems rarely found in ancient times as in our modern generation. In the time of prophet Isaiah, he was addressing to stubborn Israel like that of Sodom and Gomorrah. He called his people to find their way home to the Lord with a humble heart, contrite spirit and reverence to the word of God. Isaiah grieved of the haughtiness, stubbornness and arrogance of his countrymen.

When heaven looks into our hearts what kind of man or woman are we in the sight of God? When Jesus walked on earth he was careful in committing himself to anyone because he knew each human heart. Such sobering thought calls us to examine ourselves. When Jesus walks through our midst who among us would he single out to be a man or woman after his own heart? Such dreadful thought compels us to define who really we are before God. And when Jesus leads us along the way are we willing to follow in his footsteps with all our hearts? Such perceptive thought brings us to a decisive crossroad to follow him or not. And should we not tremble before him because he discerns our hearts?

As Jesus walked along the coastal region of Galilee, he encountered a man of great authority yet exemplified genuine humility and deep sense of unworthiness and high regard to the word of the Lord. The man was a Roman centurion who pleaded to Jesus to heal his faithful servant on his deathbed (7:1-5) and showed great faith for his healing by taking Jesus at his word (7:6-8). Jesus marveled at his awesome faith and granted his petition (7:9-10). We have much to learn from the Roman centurion.

 A.  The Pleading of the Centurion (7:1-5)

We could hardly imagine how a royal official who possessed a great authority in the government would give a special care for his servant inside his household. It was for this reason that a Roman centurion made his earnest plea to Jesus of Nazareth whom many Jews despised.

 1. Jesus at Capernaum

Jesus then was on his ministry circuit in the province of Galilee. A great crowd followed him and he taught them the kingdom of God. After he delivered his Sermon on the Mount he proceeded down to Capernaum.

“When Jesus had finished saying all this in the hearing of the people, he entered Capernaum.” (7:1)

Capernaum was located in the northernmost shore of the Sea of Galilee. It was the most important city in the province of Galilee. After Jesus was rejected from his hometown in Nazareth, he came to Capernaum and it became the center of his ministry in the region. Capernaum was the hometown of Simon Peter. It was along the seashore in Capernaum that Jesus called his first four apostles: Peter, Andrew, James and John.

2. The Centurion and His Servant

In the gospel narrative we are introduced to a Roman centurion and his servant who lived in Capernaum.

“There a centurion's servant, whom his master valued highly, was sick and about to die.” (7:2) 

In Bible times, a centurion was a military commander over 100 soldiers in the army of the ancient Rome and its empire. A Roman centurion was responsible in enforcing discipline among the soldiers. This centurion had a servant whom he valued with high regards. And his servant had a terminal illness waiting for his imminent death. In those days a servant was primarily a slave owned by his master. The close connection between the two showed the centurion as a caring master and the slave as a faithful servant. We give a serious thought on this and examine the depth and harmony of our relationships among the members inside our household—including masters and servants.

 3. The Plea of the Centurion to Jesus

When the centurion heard of the presence of Jesus in Capernaum, he sent a delegation to him and made his plea on behalf of his servant.

“The centurion heard of Jesus and sent some elders of the Jews to him, asking him to come and heal his servant. When they came to Jesus, they pleaded earnestly with him, ‘This man deserves to have you do this, because he loves our nation and has built our synagogue.’” (7:3-5)

The centurion was a man of good standing inside his home and with the Jewish community. The Jewish elders pleaded to Jesus on his behalf.

Two things can be observed of the Roman centurion. First, as a Roman centurion he did not use his power to take advantage of others but to serve those in need. He cared for his servant and he was concerned for his well being. The Scriptures tell us that God does not forget the good things we do for others especially the covenant people of God. And secondly, the Roman centurion exemplified high regards to the Jewish people. He loved Israel as a nation and built a synagogue for them in Capernaum. Let us not forget the promise of God he gave to Abraham. Anyone who blesses Israel will be blessed as well. This is a good reminder for us on how we treat our neighbors particularly the poor and how we regard Israel as the covenant people of God.

 B.  The Faith of the Centurion (7:6-8)

Jesus saw the heart of the Roman centurion. And he decided to go with the Jewish elders to the house of the military officer to heal his servant. As Jesus was on his way, the centurion sent another delegation and made another plea to Jesus. On this setting Jesus esteemed the centurion.

 1. Jesus Honored the Centurion’s Petition

Luke wrote in his gospel narrative, “So Jesus went with them” (Lk. 7:6). Matthew recorded a parallel account: “When Jesus had entered Capernaum, a centurion came to him, asking for help. ‘Lord,’ he said, ‘my servant lies at home paralyzed and in terrible suffering.’ Jesus said to him, ‘I will go and heal him’” (Mt. 8:5-6). Based on the two gospel records, it was clear that the centurion made known his appeal to Jesus through the Jewish elders. And Jesus decided to go to the house of the centurion to heal his servant who was dying in writhing pain.

2. The Centurion Affirmed His Faith in Jesus

As Jesus was approaching the home of the centurion, he decisively sent his friends to make another pleading to Jesus.

“He was not far from the house when the centurion sent friends to say to him: ‘Lord, don't trouble yourself, for I do not deserve to have you come under my roof. That is why I did not even consider myself worthy to come to you. But say the word, and my servant will be healed. For I myself am a man under authority, with soldiers under me. I tell this one, “Go,” and he goes; and that one, “Come,” and he comes. I say to my servant, “Do this,” and he does it.’” (7:7-8)

The centurion did not change his mind to have had pleaded with Jesus to come to his home and heal his servant on deathbed for as a military officer he observed the code of honor in keeping to his own word. What compelled him to have sent his friends to forbid Jesus enter his house? The intent of the centurion revealed the core of his being. First of all, he exemplified profound humility before Jesus. The centurion had prior information about Jesus as a great Jewish Rabbi and a miraculous worker who worked great wonders. Above all, he confessed Jesus as “Lord” over his life. In his high regard to Jesus he saw his deep sense of unworthiness to appear before his presence. We may ask, “Did not the centurion ever wish to see Jesus and be the honored guest inside his home?” Of course he did, why not. Yet as Jesus was close to the centurion’s doorsteps, he internalized how great Jesus was indeed as “Lord” and saw himself as an unworthy servant. Secondly, the Roman centurion showed his solid trust in Jesus by upholding the authority and power of his word. He placed himself as a common soldier in absolute obedience to the word of his commander. On this ground he pleaded to Jesus, “Just say the word and my servant will be healed” (Mt. 8:8b).

C.  Jesus Esteemed the Centurion (7:9-10)

What was the response of Jesus our Lord to the Roman centurion? Jesus marveled at his faith. And he was a Gentile, not a Jew.

 1. Jesus Was Amazed at the Centurion’s Faith

Jesus made an astounding declaration about the centurion.

“When Jesus heard this, he was amazed at him, and turning to the crowd following him, he said, ‘I tell you, I have not found such great faith even in Israel.’” (7:9)

The Roman centurion had a special place among the Old Testament heroes of faith as written in the eleventh chapter of the Book of Hebrews such as Abel, Enoch, Noah, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph and Moses. Indeed it is remarkable that in the New Testament the faith of the centurion who was a Gentile surpassed the faith of any righteous Hebrew during the time of our Lord Jesus Christ. Jesus declared before a great crowd, “I tell you, I have not found such great faith even in Israel.” Such revealing statement was a soothing encouragement and an open invitation to the Gentiles to anchor their solid trust in Jesus. At the same time, the declaration of Jesus in honor of the centurion was a standing rebuke for the Jews who despised him and defied his word.

Does faith really matter in the sight of God? The Book of Hebrews defined the bedrock foundation of the Judeo-Christian creed. “And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him” (Heb. 11:6). The centurion took Jesus at his word!

2. Jesus Healed the Servant of the Centurion

Jesus Christ our Lord was moved by the Roman centurion. Luke recorded in his gospel narrative.

“Then the men who had been sent returned to the house and found the servant well.” (Lk. 7:10) 

Matthew wrote a parallel account.

“Then Jesus said to the centurion, ‘Go! It will be done just as you believed it would.’ And his servant was healed at that very hour.” (Mt. 8:13)

In all humility with complete trust, the centurion pleaded to Jesus through his friends, “Just say the word and my servant will be healed.” Jesus assured the centurion, “Go! It will be done just as you believed it would.” Jesus honored the centurion and granted his pleading. The servant was instantly healed at the very moment when Jesus said the word. The Roman centurion, we could imagine, was gripped with awe and filled with joy together with his servant and the entire household. For sure Jesus Christ was enthroned as the Lord inside the household of the centurion. And the good news of Jesus spread all the more among the Gentile community within the Roman Empire.

What manner of a person does God greatly honor? The word of the LORD through the prophet Isaiah stands, “This is the one I esteem: he who is humble and contrite in spirit, and trembles at my word.” This godly portrait was true to the Roman centurion. He humbled himself before Jesus whom he called as Lord. He saw his utter unworthiness before him. In solid confidence and deep reverence, the centurion took Jesus at his word. Before God, what kind of a man or a woman are we?

Conclusion

In many instances we desperately cry out to God when crisis strikes our home. The Roman centurion did just that on behalf of his servant who suffered in agonizing pain on the point of death. The centurion humbled himself before Jesus and put his solid trust in the word of the Lord. He told Jesus, “Just say the word and my servant will be healed.” Jesus esteemed the centurion because of his great faith. And he gave him a reassuring word, “Go! It will be done just as you believed it would.” The servant was completely healed at the very moment just as Jesus had said. And the great joy of heaven rested upon the centurion’s household. This legendary encounter with Jesus defines our faith under close scrutiny.

Do we come to Jesus with undefiled humility? The centurion saw his unworthiness before Jesus. The centurion confessed, “Lord, don't trouble yourself, for I do not deserve to have you come under my roof. That is why I did not even consider myself worthy to come to you.” Indeed, the Lord gives grace to the humble and esteems them with pure delight.

Do we trust Jesus and take him at his word? The centurion took the word of Jesus with a solid trust. The centurion pleaded to Jesus, “Just say the word and my servant will be healed.” Jesus honored his faith, “It will be done just as you believed it would.” Jesus who died for us will not withhold any good thing from us if we trust him with all our heart.

Introduction

We have a common Enemy whom we have taken for granted. Satan, the devil, is real and alive and at work relentlessly to deceive the world and destroy the people of God. As the master of deceit, Satan appears as angel of light, but inwardly he is a roaring lion bent to devour anyone.

Throughout the Scriptures as written in the gospel narratives, it was during the earthly ministry of Jesus that recorded the staggering presence and intensified activities of Satan and demons. We firmly stand on three fundamental reasons. First of all they knew that Jesus came to establish the kingdom of God to neutralize the domain of darkness. Secondly, they knew who really Jesus is. The poor carpenter from a remote village in Nazareth was not an ordinary human being.  Satan and his demons knew that Jesus the Messiah is the incarnate eternal Son of God in heaven, the Almighty Creator of the universe and the sovereign Lord of all creation. This great mystery was hidden from mortals as Jesus dwelt with human beings. And thirdly, Satan and his demons knew that Jesus came to redeem people from the powers of darkness and usher anyone who believes and repents into the kingdom of God. The Devil and all his demons used all their powers on every front to derail and destabilize the redemptive work of God in Christ. Yet, as light cannot be overcome by darkness, so Jesus rules above all authorities and powers of darkness. The encounter of Jesus with a demoniac (Mk. 5:1-5) showed his dominion over demons (5:6-13) and delivered a man from the grip of Satan (5:14-20). We now enter the territory of the Enemy. In our faithful study of the Scriptures may God protect us from the Evil One.

A.  The Demoniac in Gadara (5:1-5)

The encounter of Jesus with a man in Gadara was a direct confrontation with demons. Such encounter was beyond natural realm for mortals to comprehend and handle. The graphic power encounter unveiled the presence of evil spirits on earth to deceive and destroy human beings.

 1. The Region of Gerasenes

In the earthly ministry of Jesus, he had traveled in the province of Judea teaching the kingdom of God and making miraculous wonders as a great crowd followed him. Jesus told his apostles that they would cross over the Sea of Galilee. While they were on the boat a violent storm hit them. The disciples feared for their lives. Jesus spoke to the wind and the waves and all was calm. The apostles were filled with wonder. The disciples have yet to comprehend that Jesus is God and Lord over nature. Having crossed over to the other side of the sea, the apostles have yet to internalize that he is the same God and Lord over spiritual and demonic beings. The gospel narrative gave this account, “They went across the lake to the region of the Gerasenes” (Mk. 5:1). The region was also called Gergesenes or Gadarenes.

The locality where Jesus had crossed over Galilee was Gadara. This was a city about six miles (10 kilometers) southeast of the Sea of Galilee. Gadara was primarily a Greek city of the region of the Decapolis and the capital city of the Roman province of Perea. The ruins of Gadara, present-day Um Qeis, included two theaters, a basilica, baths, and a street lined with columns. Gadara was an ancient large and beautiful city. Jesus had a clear purpose coming to the city of Gadara.

2. The Demon-Possessed Man

On the seashore at Gadara, Jesus encountered a demon-possessed man. Mark wrote in his gospel account.

“When Jesus got out of the boat, a man with an evil spirit came from the tombs to meet him. This man lived in the tombs, and no one could bind him any more, not even with a chain. For he had often been chained hand and foot, but he tore the chains apart and broke the irons on his feet. No one was strong enough to subdue him. Night and day among the tombs and in the hills he would cry out and cut himself with stones.” (Mk. 5:2-5) 

Luke wrote in his gospel record.

“They sailed to the region of the Gerasenes, which is across the lake from Galilee. When Jesus stepped ashore, he was met by a demon-possessed man from the town. For a long time this man had not worn clothes or lived in a house, but had lived in the tombs.” (Lk. 8: 26-27)

Matthew gave a parallel account.

“When he arrived at the other side in the region of the Gadarenes, two demon-possessed men coming from the tombs met him. They were so violent that no one could pass that way.” (Mt. 8:28)

It can be observed that both Mark and Luke spoke of one demon-possessed man while that of Matthew cited two demon-possessed men. The difference on the same historical account should not be taken as a contradiction. The variance upholds the freedom of the gospel writers based on their intent of the particular event. It appeared that in the gospel narratives of Mark and Luke, they have focused on the one man because of his significant role in the ministry of Jesus in the Decapolis.

In this biblical perspective, we focused our study on the man recorded by both Mark and Luke. The Scriptures gave weird descriptions about the man. First of all, he was demon-possessed. An evil spirit took control over his body, mind, emotion and will. This meant that the man greatly suffered for while he remained conscious of his personal being he was powerless to act on his own volition. Secondly, the demon that possessed the man was hyper violent. The violence of the demon was contained to the possessed man inflicting harm to his own self. The man daily cried out aloud and cut himself with stones. Thirdly, the demon that possessed the man was very powerful. No human being could subdue him and he easily broke chains tied on him. And fourthly, the demon had possessed the man for a long time. In such woeful state the man lived in the tombs naked and the people were much afraid of him. For sure the demon-possessed man was known throughout the region.  

B.  The Encounter with Jesus (5:6-13)

The encounter of Jesus with the man was phenomenal. It revealed who Jesus is and demonstrated his divine authority over demons. The eyewitnesses were filled with awe and dread.

 1. The Demoniac Trembled Before Jesus

The demoniac trembled at the feet of Jesus. Mark and Luke gave a similar account in their gospel narratives.

“When he saw Jesus from a distance, he ran and fell on his knees in front of him. He shouted at the top of his voice, ‘What do you want with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? Swear to God that you won't torture me!’For Jesus had said to him, ‘Come out of this man, you evil spirit!’” (Mk. 5:6-8; cf. Lk. 8:28)

Matthew, in his parallel account, made a record of the pleading of the demons to Jesus. “What do you want with us, Son of God,” they shouted. “Have you come here to torture us before the appointed time?” (Mt. 8:29)

Two astounding revelations were written on this biblical account. First, Jesus is the Son of the Most High God. The evil spirit recognized Jesus and he prostrated at his feet. The Scriptures teach that demons, together with Satan, are fallen angels who rebelled against God and cast out of heaven. Secondly, demons tremble at the word of Jesus. The evil spirit was filled with dread when Jesus commanded him to get out of the man. And thirdly, demons are certain of their eternal doom. The evil spirit pleaded to Jesus not to torment him before the appointed time. In light of the teachings of the Scriptures, the appointed time for the final judgment of all demonic powers and human evildoers will take place at the Second Coming of Jesus Christ. Satan himself is fully aware of this. It is written in the Book of Revelation that the devil “is filled with fury because he knows that his time is short” (Rev. 12:12b). So he works without rest.

 2. Jesus Asked the Name of the Demoniac

The encounter of Jesus with the demon-possessed man unfolded a horrible fact beyond human comprehension. Mark gave this record.

“Then Jesus asked him, ‘What is your name?’ ‘My name is Legion,’ he replied, ‘for we are many.’” (Mk. 5:9-10a)

Luke wrote a parallel account.

“Jesus asked him, ‘What is your name?’ ‘Legion,’ he replied, because many demons had gone into him.” (Lk. 8:30)

The word “legion” as understood in the time of Jesus was a principal unit of the Roman army, consisting of 3,000 to 6,000 infantry troops and 100 to 200 cavalrymen. In this particular case, the biblical record speaks of the literal meaning of the word legion in a strict military sense. The poor man in Gadara was inhabited with many demons—not dozens or hundreds but of thousands! Imagine a man possessed by a thousand demons. This staggering truth is inconceivable for us human beings.

 3. The Demoniac Pleaded with Jesus

The demoniac trembled before Jesus and made his desperate plea. Mark wrote in his gospel narrative, “And he begged Jesus again and again not to send them out of the area” (Mk. 5:10b). Luke gave a parallel account, “And they begged him repeatedly not to order them to go into the Abyss” (Lk. 8:31). The word of the evil spirit gave us a glimpse of the spiritual world. In the scriptures, the word “Abyss” is also known as the bottomless pit or chaotic deep. Abyss is the prison of disobedient spirits. When Satan rebelled against the Most High God in heaven, many of the myriads of angels followed in his rebellion against their Creator. Multitudes of the fallen angels were cast out of heaven. And many of these fallen angels were imprisoned and tortured in the Abyss. An angel from heaven ruled over the demons in the Abyss. The name of the angel of God in charge of the Abyss is Abaddon in Hebrew and Apollyon in Greek, which means “Destroyer” (Rev. 9:11). The legion of demons knew of this dreadful prison and they desperately pleaded with Jesus not to order them to be cast into the Abyss. At the Second Coming of Jesus, Satan and all fallen angels, including those imprisoned in the Abyss, will be thrown into the Lake of fire and they will be tormented day and night forever (Rev. 20:10). The legion of demons knew of their eternal doom. They begged Jesus of their temporary freedom on earth.

4. Jesus Cast Out the Demons

Jesus had given the order for the demons to come out of the man who had become their dwelling place for a long time. Now they were filled with dread if Jesus would cast them out to the Abyss. They made a desperate plea which Jesus granted. Mark wrote in his gospel narrative.

“A large herd of pigs was feeding on the nearby hillside. The demons begged Jesus, ‘Send us among the pigs; allow us to go into them.’ He gave them permission, and the evil spirits came out and went into the pigs. The herd, about two thousand in number, rushed down the steep bank into the lake and were drowned.” (Mk. 5:11-13; cf. Lk. 8:32-33) 

Matthew gave a parallel account.

“Some distance from them a large herd of pigs was feeding. The demons begged Jesus, ‘If you drive us out, send us into the herd of pigs.’ He said to them, ‘Go!’ So they came out and went into the pigs, and the whole herd rushed down the steep bank into the lake and died in the water.” (Mt. 8:30-32)

When Jesus commanded the evil spirit to disclose his name, he was compelled to tell the hard truth about his true identity. The name of the evil spirit is “Legion.” Look closely at the number of the herd of pigs. The poor man—and the other man—were inhabited with “about two thousand” demons! We give a careful thought on this dreadful account. Jesus allowed the legion of demons to go into the pigs than for them to indwell a human being. The rushing of the pigs into the lake was not merely a commotion among the herd being possessed by the multitude of demons. Rather, it was an intentional, communal and outrageous movement of the legion of demons that showed their true evil character bent to destroy primarily human beings without sparing animals.

In her book, The Beautiful Side of Evil, Johanna Michaelsen speaks of the devil as the master of deceit. Likewise, demons are deceiving spirits. What is the beautiful side of Satan and demons? They appear as angels of light to deceive and allure people on what seems to be true and good. Inwardly, however, they are roaring lions looking for victims whom they can devour. This calls for utmost vigilance. The utter destruction done by the demons to the herd of pigs is the ultimate end Satan seeks to inflict on any human being in any corner of the world. Whom should we anchor our faith and entrust our life? Jesus Christ alone whom the demons recognized as the Son of the Most High God can save us from our sinfulness. And Jesus Christ alone can deliver us from the powers of darkness. This was true to the man whom Jesus delivered from the legion of demons. What Jesus did for the poor man—he can do it for us.

 C.  The News in Decapolis (5:14-20)

The breaking news about the demon-possessed man spread like a wildfire. The peoples in the Transjordan region were gripped with fear.

 1. The Breaking News in Gadara

The people in the city of Gadara were dreadful. Mark wrote this account.

“Those tending the pigs ran off and reported this in the town and countryside, and the people went out to see what had happened. When they came to Jesus, they saw the man who had been possessed by the legion of demons, sitting there, dressed and in his right mind; and they were afraid. Those who had seen it told the people what had happened to the demon-possessed man—and told about the pigs as well. Then the people began to plead with Jesus to leave their region.” (Mk. 5:14-17) 

Luke made a parallel narrative.

“When those tending the pigs saw what had happened, they ran off and reported this in the town and countryside, and the people went out to see what had happened. When they came to Jesus, they found the man from whom the demons had gone out, sitting at Jesus’ feet, dressed and in his right mind; and they were afraid. Those who had seen it told the people how the demon-possessed man had been cured. Then all the people of the Gerasenes asked Jesus to leave them, because they were overcome with fear.” (Lk. 8:34-37a)

Matthew gave this gospel record.

“Those tending the pigs ran off, went into the town and reported all this, including what had happened to the demon-possessed men. Then the whole town went out to meet Jesus. And when they saw him, they pleaded with him to leave their region.” (Mt. 8:33-34).

Based on these three gospel narratives we can see the bigger picture. The flash report was done by the caretakers of the herd who witnessed the event. The whole community rushed into the scene. They saw the man dressed and sane seated at the feet of Jesus. And they also saw the thousands of pigs floating on the lake. What was their response? They were overcome with fear and pleaded Jesus to leave their place.  Why were the people overcome with fear and pleaded to Jesus to leave their region? For sure they were not afraid of the man who was delivered from demons for his deliverance made them safer in their community. They were afraid of Jesus whose power to cast out demons could spell economic disaster for them as a community. Hog-raising was their primary livelihood. Around two thousand pigs lost instantly. At present average value of hogs cost them a staggering loss of eight million pesos! Out of dread the Gadarenes pleaded for Jesus to leave their place.

2. The Command of Jesus

Jesus never forces himself on anyone. He made his decisive and graceful exit in the sight of the people. Luke wrote in his gospel account.

“So he got into the boat and left. The man from whom the demons had gone out begged to go with him, but Jesus sent him away, saying, ‘Return home and tell how much God has done for you.” (Lk. 8:37b-39a).

Mark recorded a parallel narrative.

“As Jesus was getting into the boat, the man who had been demon-possessed begged to go with him. Jesus did not let him, but said, ‘Go home to your family and tell them how much the Lord has done for you, and how he has had mercy on you.’” (Mk. 5:18-19)

This is the most touching part of the story. The man begged to go with Jesus in deep gratitude of his deliverance and his wholehearted devotion to Jesus. But Jesus forbade him to do so. Instead he sent him away home to be with his loved ones and share to them the great wonder and abounding mercy of God on him. This brought indescribable joy and peace inside his family. Indeed, Christianity begins inside the home.

 3. The Good News in Decapolis

The man took Jesus at his word. “So the man went away and began to tell in the Decapolis how much Jesus had done for him. And all the people were amazed” (Mk. 5:20; cf. Lk. 8:39b). The man became the first Gentile missionary whom Jesus had sent to preach the good news of the kingdom of God. And the name of Jesus our Lord and God was made known among the Gentiles in the region of the Decapolis. 

Conclusion

The encounter of Jesus with a demon-possessed man in Gadara reveals the dreadful reality of Satan and his demons actively at work in an unsuspecting world. It is inconceivable on our part that a certain man was possessed by a legion of demons! Jesus cast out the demons. The man was delivered from demonic possession. He went home and became the first Gentile missionary who shared the gospel of Jesus Christ to his own people. We give a careful thought on the spiritual world.

Demons know Jesus and they tremble before him. In light of the Scriptures, we enter the world of spiritual beings. Among the creatures of myriads of angels, Satan and fallen angels made an irreversible decision and irredeemable rebellion against God. They were cast out from heaven down to earth. When the legion of demons saw Jesus they recognized him as the Son of God and they trembled at his feet.

Demons are evil spirits bent to destroy human beings. A legion of demons inhabited a man to destroy his life. Satan and demons masquerade as angels of light but inwardly they are ravening wolves in sheep clothing to deceive and destroy individual persons. Their primary agents are false teachers and scheming evildoers who are experts in twisting the Scriptures and turn away peoples from the gospel truth.

Jesus alone can deliver us from any foothold of demons. Jesus delivered the man from legion of demons and he proclaimed the gospel of Christ to his family and countrymen. The Enemy can have a foothold in our unbelief, pride, bitterness, hypocrisy, greed, covetousness, indulgence, lust, infidelity, insincerity, indolence and occult activities. From any demonic influence we come to Jesus for our wholesome deliverance.

I grew up from a religious family surrounded by so called spiritual powers at work within our clan. From my father’s side I had an aunt who was known as a medium who communicated with spirits. From my mother’s side I had a close relative who was known as a faith healer who had a direct contact with spiritual beings. Our family had no conscious involvement with these spiritual powers at work within our kin. My father had much reservation on mediums and faith healing and he did not entertain their existence. Such worldview on his part was unsettled when a crisis hit our home.

I was then in my second year in college. Religious as I was, yet my father and mother noticed that I could hardly concentrate in my studies and bewildered with my failing grades. Such unusual development disturbed them because I had excelled in my studies on primary and secondary levels. I had nothing to explain to them. Then one morning my aunt who was a medium unexpectedly arrived in our house. To my surprise she went close to me and held onto me with a glaring look in her eyes. She told my parents that a spirit closely accompanied me day and night and caused much disturbance in my life. Out of desperation my father decided that I would go through a spiritual cleansing rite.

Inside our house, our relatives prepared a sacrificial altar laid on the floor. On it were lit candles, a chicken, boiled eggs, cooked glutinous rice, cigarettes and wine. I stood before the altar. I was surrounded by at least four relatives led by my aunt. She offered a prayer and they fell into trance. Her body shrieked and started singing and dancing around as she touched me from head to foot. She was accompanied with the other relatives doing weird movements as they feasted on the offerings laid on the altar. The neighborhood watched in silence. My parents stood nearby in bewilderment. And I had no idea what was really taking place.

Then my aunt stopped and gazed at me with fiery eyes. And she spoke before the crowd. Obviously, a spirit was speaking through my aunt who served as a medium. The spirit claimed he saw me when I came to a resort in our hometown for a day of outing with my friends. The spirit took a special notice on me. Since then the spirit accompanied and watched over me day and night. Then the spirit warned that he will take my life should I pursue my dream to become a priest. Yes, it was on my fourth year in high school that I was qualified and enlisted to a vocation of priesthood—my childhood dream. My father, however, did not give his consent. Instead of entering the seminary, I enrolled in a university.  

Then the spirit gave a final demand before he would leave at that given ritual. The spirit spoke, “Bring to me the shirt he wore when he came to the resort so I can bring it with me.” I could hardly recall the shirt which I have used. Several shirts had been brought to my auntie but she rejected them one piece after the other. When a certain colored shirt was brought to my aunt, she grabbed it swiftly, wrapped it hard around her body and danced around rejoicing. Then she ran outside our house toward the foot of a coconut tree at our front yard. There she passed out.  

Introduction

We must define our terms in following Jesus Christ. In light of the Scriptures we embrace Jesus as our God, Creator, Saviour and Lord. As our God, He is the second Person of the Triune God, co-eternal and co-equal with God the Father and God the Holy Spirit. As our Creator, all things in the universe were created by him and for him and in him all things hold together in order. As our Saviour, we are forgiven of all our sins though his sacrificial death on the cross on our behalf and we are made righteous before God through his resurrection from the grave. And as our Lord, He governs over all of creation and He is the righteous Judge of every nation to whom every human being must give account.

As our eternal God, we worship Jesus in the splendour of his holiness with awe and reverence. As our Almighty Creator, we live in gratitude to Jesus in whom we owe everything entrusted under our care for our common good. As our absolute Saviour, we turn away from our sinfulness and anchor our faith in Jesus who alone can save us from all our sins and give us the divine right to become children of God so we can enjoy the fullness of life. And as our sovereign Lord, we yield our whole being to Jesus and walk in his footsteps to do what is true, right and just for the ultimate glory of God. To this noble call we give our all.

Unfortunately, not everyone who desires to follow Jesus is willing to embrace the cross of Christ. The encounter of Jesus to a rich young man (19:16-22) unveils an inner struggle common to all of us (19:23-26) so that once we follow Jesus there is no room for turning back (19:27-30).

A. The Encounter of Jesus with a Young Man (19:16-22)

God is no respecter of persons. Jesus deals with every person fair and square. He discerns the heart of every man and woman. He addresses the core of every human being. And his ultimate desire is for the absolute good for anyone who believes in him and obeys his word. To such noble end we decide for ourselves. A rich young man encountered Jesus and he made a personal decision for his own eternal destiny. Likewise, in our encounter with Jesus we have to make the greatest decision in life.

 1. First Dialogue

Jesus then was in the region of Judea across the Jordan River. A great crowd followed him. The biblical narrative as written by Matthew introduces us to a young man who took the initiative to approach Jesus.

“Now a man came up to Jesus and asked, ‘Teacher, what good thing must I do to get eternal life?’ ‘Why do you ask me about what is good?’ Jesus replied. ‘There is only One who is good. If you want to enter life, obey the commandments.’” (Mt. 19:16-17)

Mark gave a parallel record in his gospel account.

“As Jesus started on his way, a man ran up to him and fell on his knees before him. ‘Good teacher,’ he asked, ‘what must I do to inherit eternal life?’ ‘Why do you call me good?’ Jesus answered. No one is good—except God alone.’” (Mk. 10:17-18)

The two variant gospel records are complimentary for the Bible does not contradict itself. A young man earnestly approached Jesus with a serious inquiry. In respect to a Jewish Rabbi, the man addressed Jesus, “Good teacher.” And he asked a core question, “Teacher, what good things must I do to inherit eternal life?” Jesus answered the man, “Why do you call me good? No one is good—except God alone.” Jesus was not disrespectful to the young man. Rather, it was an indirect approach for Jesus to reveal the fullness of his deity. Absolute goodness is the nature of God. For Jesus to uphold the sacred honour to be called as “good Teacher” was an indirect claim that he himself is God from whom all acts of goodness emanate. We understand such great revelation was beyond the grasp of the young man.

And how did Jesus address the personal quest of the young man on what good things he must do to inherit eternal life? Jesus answered the man, “There is only One who is good. If you want to enter life, obey the commandments.” Jesus made a categorical statement that God alone is perfectly good and whose ways are absolutely good. The nature of the goodness of God sets him apart from all fallen humankind who are corrupted in their being and defiled in their deeds. This means that no human being is good enough to inherit eternal life. This was contrary to the worldview of the young man. He believed that one can inherit eternal life through a meritorious system. It was ingrained in his belief system that one can earn salvation by doing good works. This he emphasized before Jesus by using the word “must” on what he should do to inherit eternal life. Jesus was fully aware of the faulty theology of the young man that he could inherit eternal life through his own good works. When Jesus answered the man, “If you want to enter eternal life, obey the commandments,” he was not teaching a doctrine of salvation through a meritorious system as the man conceived. Rather, Jesus sets the condition to carefully guide the man as a test “if” he could really obey all the biblical commandments as a basis for him to inherit eternal life.

2. Second Dialogue

The young man did not comprehend the point of Jesus that God alone is good and no one could be saved through meritorious works. He mistook the word of Jesus that “if” he would obey the commandments he will inherit eternal life. It was on this perspective of meritorious system the man embraced that he inquired of the particular commandments he must observe to gain his own salvation. Matthew wrote in his gospel account.

“‘Which ones?’ the man inquired. Jesus replied, ‘Do not murder, do not commit adultery, do not steal, do not give false testimony, honour your father and mother, and love your neighbour as yourself.’” (Mt. 19:18-19)

Mark gave a parallel account.

“You know the commandments: ‘Do not murder, do not commit adultery, do not steal, do not give false testimony, do not defraud, honour your father and mother.’” (Mk. 10:19)

The young man wanted to be certain about the divine commandments he must observe to inherit eternal life. It is interesting to note that Jesus specifically mentioned the last six of the Ten Commandments given by God to Moses at Mount Sinai that were summed of loving our neighbours as ourselves. The fifth commandment was to honour our father and mother. The sixth command was not to murder. The seventh command was not to commit adultery. The eighth command was not to steal. The ninth command was not to give false testimony against anyone. And the tenth command was not to defraud or to take advantage of anything that belongs to our neighbour. Jesus was speaking to a young man who was a religious Jew firmly established in Judaism. It was on this context that he said to him, “You know the commandments.”

3. Third Dialogue 

The young man conceived he was good enough in keeping the commandments of God. In response, Jesus gave a strong word to demolish his religious pride. Matthew wrote in his gospel narrative.

“‘All these I have kept,’ the young man said. ‘What do I still lack?’ Jesus answered, ‘If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.’ When the young man heard this, he went away sad, because he had great wealth.” (Mt. 19:20-21) 

Mark recorded a parallel account.

“‘Teacher,’ he declared, all these I have kept since I was a boy.’ Jesus looked at him and loved him. ‘One thing you lack,’ he said. ‘Go sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come follow me.’ At this the man’s face fell. He went away sad, because he had great wealth.” (Mk. 10:20-22)

Here is a wholesome portrait of Jesus. Before him was a Jewish young man who had a firm conviction that he was religious enough to earn his own salvation for since his childhood he was zealous in obeying the commandments of God given to Israel through Moses. Unfortunately, the stumbling block to his noble intention in pursuing eternal life was his legalistic zeal motivated with religious pride. Jesus was filled with compassion for the young man. “He looked at him and loved him.” In his yearning that the man be saved he demolished his faulty theology. If the man indeed wanted to be perfect and be righteous before God in obeying the commandments, Jesus set before him the acid test of his total obedience. Jesus told him that he still lacked one thing. And Jesus commanded him to sell all his possessions and follow him.  

How did the young man take the word of Jesus? Before the man was Jesus whom he acknowledged as “Good Teacher” and whose desire was the ultimate good for anyone who embraced his good teachings. In the presence of Jesus, the man felt the love and gentleness of the great Jewish Rabbi whom he respected. Yet the defining moment dawned on him when Jesus commanded him to sell all his possessions and follow him. At that defining crossroad of life, Jesus opened the gateway of heaven for him to anchor his solid trust in Jesus and take him at his word so he can inherit the indestructible gift of eternal life. Indeed, if the man was serious enough to care for his soul and secure his eternal destiny, the breakthrough of his faith in God was to obey the word of Jesus. In light of the whole teachings of the Scriptures, salvation is only by faith in God and the fruit as evidence of trusting God is obeying his commandments. It was on this holy ground that Jesus particularly tested the faith of the man and personally gave him the sacred opportunity to follow him so he can be saved from his sinfulness, deliver him from his religious pride and transform him as a faithful steward to his earthly riches. Jesus knew that the man was a multi-millionaire at his young age. The final decision for the man to make was narrowed down to either follow Jesus or for him to treasure his wealth. The gospel narrative gave a heartbreaking account. When the young man heard the word of Jesus to sell his riches and give to the poor and follow him so he can be saved, he was devastated and went away downcast because he had great wealth.

Two things must be clear with us. First, no one can be saved through observance of the Ten Commandments. Second, no one can earn eternal life through indulgence. To obey the commandments and to give one’s earthly possessions are by no means to inherit eternal life. It is following Jesus that really counts anchored upon our faith in him. It is written throughout the Scriptures that salvation is by faith alone in God (Gen. 15:6; Hab. 2:4; Rom. 1:16-17; Eph. 2:8-9). On this biblical perspective, Jesus carefully applied this fundamental teaching of salvation by faith alone and not through good works to the rich young man. Jesus knew the religious pride of the zealous Hebrew young man and he dealt with him accordingly to demolish his faulty theology and his self-righteousness. Jesus sincerely and squarely confronted the young man to sell all his possessions and follow him so he can inherit eternal life. This served as an acid test if the man truly believed in God, a precious faith indeed, as the sole foundation for eternal salvation. It grieves our hearts to know that the young man walked away from Jesus because of his religious pride and attachment to earthly goods. We brace ourselves. “What could have we done if we were in the place of the religious and wealthy young man?” Who should not tremble at this defining crossroad in life?

 B. The Disturbing Teaching of Jesus (19:23-26)

Jesus grieved as the young man departed with sorrow in his heart. Jesus came on earth to seek and save the lost. He was in greater pain to have seen yet another soul who desired to have eternal life but forfeited it because of his great wealth. We give a serious thought on this.

 1. The Rich Could Hardly Be Saved

As the rich man was on his own way, Jesus addressed his disciples with a great lesson that unsettled them. Matthew wrote in his gospel account.

“Then Jesus said to his disciples, ‘I tell you the truth, it is hard for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven. Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.’” (Mt. 19:23-24)

Mark made a parallel narrative.

“Jesus looked around and said to his disciples, ‘How hard it is for the rich to enter the kingdom of God. The disciples were amazed at his words. But Jesus said again, ‘Children, how hard it is for those who trust in riches to enter the kingdom of God. It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of the needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.’” (Mk. 10:23-25)

We have to be careful not to misunderstand Jesus. It is not wrong to be wealthy and perilous to be rich. Material wealth is not a snare for anyone to inherit eternal life. Neither shall we have to sell our earthly goods and give to the poor in order to be saved. Rather, Jesus was saying that the rich are indeed hard to be saved particularly for those who put their trust in their riches. And Jesus used an exaggerated figure of speech called hyperbole to nail down the impact of his message into the hearts of his listeners. In reference to the wealthy who trust in their riches, Jesus gave this word of contrast, “It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of the needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.” To drive his point clear and loud, he repeated his message to his audience.

 2. The Disciples Wondered Who Could Be Saved

The disciples were unsettled at his words and they were bewildered. Matthew narrated in his gospel record, “When the disciples heard this, they were greatly astonished and asked, ‘Who then can be saved?’” (Mt. 19:25). Mark wrote in his gospel narrative, “The disciples were even more amazed and said to each other, ‘Who then can be saved?’” (Mk. 10:26). One school of interpretation suggests that Jesus referred the “eye of needle” to a tiny gate in the ancient Jerusalem where a camel would be completely unloaded, then kneel and dragged through on a board to enter the city. This seemed to suggest that the hyperbole Jesus used was in a comparative sense that it was easier for a camel to pass through that narrow gate than for a rich man to be saved. However, it appeared that the disciples understood the imagery of Jesus in a literal sense. In a human perspective as taken by the disciples it was indeed impossible for a huge camel to pass through the eye of a small needle. The inquiry of the disciples, “Who then can be saved?” seemed to imply that in their point of view no one could be saved. Interesting, the answer of Jesus to the inquiry of the disciples gave weight to their literal understanding that indeed in human terms it is impossible for any person to be saved as a camel could not pass through the eye of a needle.

 3. God Alone Can Save Sinners

Listen carefully to the word of Jesus. Matthew gave this biblical record.

“Jesus looked at them and said, ‘With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.’” (Mt. 19:26)

Mark wrote in his parallel gospel narrative.

“Jesus looked at them and said, ‘With man this is impossible, but not with God; all things are possible with God.’” (Mk. 10:27)

Jesus declared the meaning of the hyperbole in clear terms. Its meaning as explained by Jesus was on the same level as understood by the disciples that no one could ever be saved as no camel could pass through the eye of a needle. Who can be saved? Jesus made a categorical word, “With man this is impossible, but not with God; all things are possible with God.” Just as the young man could not be saved through all his religiosity and philanthropy, so no one could ever be saved through any human terms and means. God alone can save sinners!

C. The Promise of Jesus to His Disciples (19:27-30)

Salvation is absolutely the work of God and completely under the grace of God. And this saving grace of God is centred in Jesus Christ. Anyone who believes in him and yields everything to follow him will inherit eternal life. This was the divine message Jesus intended to communicate to the young man. Unfortunately, he forfeited the gift of eternal salvation because of his religious pride and attachment to material wealth. Salvation is absolutely by grace through faith. And following Jesus is yielding everything to God or nothing at all. Like the early disciples, we give a careful thought and define our terms to follow the Lord.

 1. The Argument of Peter

Simon Peter presented his argument. Mark wrote in his gospel account, “Peter said to him, ‘We have left everything to follow you’” (Mk. 10:28). And Matthew recorded in his gospel narrative.

“Peter answered him, ‘We have left everything to follow you! What then will there be for us?’” (Mt. 19:27)

It would be unfair to read this as a self-serving inquiry on the part of the disciples. Rather, it was a sincere question on what it really takes to follow Jesus Christ. We ourselves must be humble and brave enough to ask the same question before the Lord. When Jesus called Simon at the Sea of Galilee, he left everything and followed him. Peter was so honest to inquire of Jesus. If to follow Jesus definitely meant total submission to his Lordship, is there any good thing stored for anyone who surrendered all things to follow him?  Indeed, we do not follow Jesus for our selfish ends. Yet, we, likewise, desire to hear an answer from Jesus.

2. The Promise of Jesus

What really is stored for us in giving up everything for Jesus? Matthew wrote the reassuring promises of Jesus.

“Jesus said to them, ‘I tell you the truth, at the renewal of all things, when the Son of Man sits on his glorious throne, you who have followed me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or fields for my sake will receive a hundred times as much and will inherit eternal life.’” (Mt. 19:28-29) 

Mark gave a parallel account in his gospel narrative.

“I tell you the truth,” Jesus replied, no one who has left home or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or fields for me and the gospel will fail to receive a hundred times as much in this present age (homes, brothers, sisters, mothers, children and fields—and with them, persecutions) and in the age to come, eternal life.” (Mk. 10:29-30)

We remind ourselves that to follow Jesus by yielding everything to him calls for genuine discipleship inside the home and faithful stewardship of earthly goods entrusted under our care. For us to enthrone Jesus in our hearts calls us to exemplify care for our loved ones and become good stewards of his grace. To follow Jesus is the greatest decision with eternal rewards. First of all, we are promised to reign with Jesus in his eternal kingdom. At his Second Coming he will put an end to all evils and punish all evildoers and the righteous will reign with him forever in glorious joy. And secondly, we are promised of manifold blessing with inconceivable delight beyond all the bliss of human relationships and earthly goods—and we can rest with soothing comfort from all our tribulations on earth. In giving our all we can enjoy the fullness of life.

3. The Declaration of Jesus

Jesus gave a closing word in this given occasion of having encountered a rich Jewish young man. Both Matthew and Mark wrote in their gospel narratives, “But many who are first will be last, and many who are last will be first” (Mt. 19:30; Mk. 10:31). The young man was a Jew who sought after Jesus to inherit eternal life but forfeited it because of his meritorious worldview and great wealth. Like the young man, many among the Jews who take pride of themselves as the covenant people of God thought they had the exclusive right in the kingdom of God, but many among them missed the saving grace of God because they sought after God through their legalistic righteousness. On the other hand, many among the Gentiles who thought they were excluded from the covenant of God were ushered into the kingdom of God because they have obtained righteousness from God through faith in our Lord Jesus Christ. Behold the Samaritans whom the Jews despised were the first Gentile community who believed in Jesus as the Messiah and the Saviour of the world. God is no respecter of persons. Anyone, Jew or Gentile, who believes in Jesus Christ will be saved and inherit the gift of eternal life.

 Conclusion

We take a fresh look at a Jewish young man. He approached Jesus with a noble desire on how he can inherit eternal life. Jesus knew where he was coming from and guided him to the right direction. The man believed he can earn his salvation through a zealous meritorious system of good works. Jesus demolished his faulty theology and religious pride by commanding him to sell all his possessions and follow him to be saved. The young man walked away from Jesus in deep sorrow because of his great wealth. We can see ourselves in the plight of the rich young man.  

When Jesus confronts us of our religious pride do we humble ourselves and tremble at the depravity of our hearts? The young man saw himself good enough in obeying the commandments for him to earn his way to heaven. It hurts to say but the spiritual pride of the young man is common to all of us. Our heart is desperately sick and utterly sinful (Jer. 17:9-10; Mk. 7:20-23). Be careful not to point a condescending finger to the man for as we condemn others we likewise condemn our own selves.

When Jesus convicts us of our attachment to earthly goods do we yield everything to love him as our greatest treasure in life? Jesus made it clear that no one is ever good enough to inherit eternal life. It was on this premise that Jesus commanded him to sell all his riches and give it to the poor and follow Jesus. The man was turned off and walked away from Jesus because of his great wealth. We are no better than the young man for we create our own idols in our hearts. Jesus alone—not prestige, possession and achievement—should define our lives.

When Jesus offers us the gift of eternal life do we embrace his saving grace by believing in him and turning from our sins? Unfortunately, the young man missed the grace of God because of his spiritual pride and great wealth. We mourn of our sins and plead for divine mercy. In Christ alone we can be forgiven of our sins and receive the gift of eternal life.

Introduction

At times we tremble as we celebrate the goodness of God. This is the opening word of the Holocaust survivor, Elie Wiesel, in his acceptance speech when he received the great award of the Noble Peace Prize in Oslo, Norway in December 10, 1986.

It is with a profound sense of humility that I accept the honor you have chosen to bestow upon me. I know: your choice transcends me. This both frightens and pleases me.

It frightens me because I wonder: do I have the right to represent the multitudes who have perished? Do I have the right to accept this great honor on their behalf?...I do not. That would be presumptuous. No one may speak for the dead, no one may interpret their mutilated dreams and visions. It pleases me because I may say this honor belongs to all the survivors and their children, and through us, to the Jewish people whose destiny I have always been identified.

Mordecai would embrace the same conviction with Elie Wiesel. As a fellow survivor, Mordecai would humbly agree that the honor to have led the preservation of his countrymen from the decreed ancient holocaust ultimately belongs to the Jewish people whose destiny he have always been identified.

The book of Esther began with a royal celebration in the whole Medo-Persian Empire and it ended with a grand celebration of all the Jews within the kingdom. The great reversals in between were a big puzzle.

In a pagan empire known for its anti-Semitic culture, King Xerxes enthroned Esther as the queen in place of Vashti. No one knew in the royal palace that Esther was a Hebrew. Mordecai, a Jewish royal official discovered an assassination plot that saved the king and it was written in the royal records witnessed by the king. No one knew in the royal courts that Queen Esther was the adopted daughter of Mordecai.

Then Haman rise into power above all the royal officials in the empire. He was able to secure an irreversible decree from the king to annihilate the Jews out of his outrage of Mordecai who did not bow down to honor him. Mordecai trembled at the decree of the holocaust and the Jews mourned in dread. Mordecai informed Esther about the decree and gave her a copy of the edict. Esther placed her life at stake and appeared before the king to intercede on behalf of her Jewish people. The king spared her life and decided to honor whatever the queen will ask. The queen promised to reveal her petition to the king in the presence of Haman whom she both invited for a royal banquet on the next day.

That night the king could hardly sleep and he requested the royal records to be read before him. He recalled the patriotic deed of Mordecai who saved his life.  The king decided to honor Mordecai and he inquired who was in the royal court who could recommend how to honor Mordecai.  That same night Haman was at the royal court to ask the king to execute Mordecai in the morning. No one knew in the palace of his evil plot. The king asked Haman how he could honor the man whom he delights. Haman proposed a grand royal honor which he thought was intended for him. The king approved of his proposal. Haman was bewildered when the king commanded him to administer the royal honor to Mordecai. Haman went home devastated. His household and friends spoke of his doom when they have known that Mordecai was of Jewish origin.

The next day, King Xerxes and Haman were present at the royal banquet which Queen Esther prepared for them. Then the queen disclosed the evil plot of Mordecai and she revealed herself as a Hebrew. Haman trembled before the king and queen. The king was outraged of Haman and he ordered his execution. Haman was hanged in the gallows which he prepared for Mordecai. The king elevated Mordecai as the prime minister in place of Haman. Then Esther pleaded before the king to issue another decree that could preserve the Jewish people since the decree that Haman issued could not be repealed based on the law of the Medes and Persians. The king authorized Mordecai to handle the matter. Mordecai wrote and administered a new decree giving the Jews the right to defend themselves from annihilation as decreed by Haman.

The dread of Mordecai fell upon the peoples of the empire and a reversal of power took place on the side of the Jews. The day of the decreed holocaust came on the 13th day of the last month of Adar. The Jews defended themselves and were triumphant over their enemies. They killed 75,000 men in the provinces and 800 men in the citadel of Susa and hanged the ten sons of Haman in the gallows. Because of the triumph of the Jews, Mordecai and Esther issued a decree for the Jews to celebrate every year the Purim Festival (9:18-32). And Mordecai became greater in the whole empire (10:1-3). On these great reversals of events we come to the close of the Book of Esther.

We give a serious thought. The name of God was not mentioned in the whole historical book. But the sovereign rule of God was undeniable in every historic reversal in the biblical narrative. Esther took the place of Vashti as queen. Mordecai took the place of Haman as prime minister. The decree of Mordecai overpowered the decree of Haman. And the Jewish people survived the irreversible decree of the ancient holocaust.

 A.  The Purim Festival (9:18-32)

The preservation of the Jews as a people was phenomenal in the history of Israel. Mordecai and Esther decreed the Purim as a festival to commemorate their survival as a nation from an irreversible decree of the ancient holocaust. The Purim Festival came from the word “pur” at which Haman casted the lot for the annihilation of the Jews on the 13th day of Adar. The curse of death was turned to a blessing of life.

1. The Decree of the Purim

For the celebration of the Purim, Mordecai made the first decree. Then Esther made a second decree to confirm the edict of Mordecai.

a.    The Dates of the Purim Festival

The dates were set for the Purim Festival.

“The Jews in Susa, however, had assembled on the thirteenth and fourteenth, and then on the fifteenth they rested and made it a day of feasting and joy. That is why rural Jews—those living in villages—observe the fourteenth of the month of Adar as a day of joy and feasting, a day for giving presents to each other.” (9:18-19) 

The “pur” was cast on the 13th day of Agar. All the Jews in the empire were engaged into battle on that day. But the king issued a decree as requested by Esther and Mordecai that the Jews in the citadel of Susa would destroy the surviving enemies in the capital of the empire. For this reason, the Jews in the provinces observed the Purim on the 14th of Agar while those in Susa were on the 14th and 15th of the same month.

b.    Mordecai Issued the Decree

Mordecai administered the decree to the Jews.

“Mordecai recorded these events, and he sent letters to all the Jews throughout the provinces of King Xerxes, near and far, to have them celebrate annually the fourteenth and fifteenth days of the month of Adar as the time when the Jews got relief from their enemies, and as the month when their sorrow was turned into joy and their mourning into a day of celebration. He wrote them to observe the days as days of feasting and joy and giving presents of food to one another and gifts to the poor.” (9:20-22) 

The Purim was added to the Jewish annual festivals. Their celebration established their solidarity as a nation. The Jews opened their homes for corporate feasting and they gave gifts to their fellow Jews who are poor.

c.    The Jews Observed the Purim

The Jews agreed to observe the Purim as an annual festival.

“So the Jews agreed to continue the celebration they had begun, doing what Mordecai had written to them. For Haman son of Hammedatha, the Agagite, the enemy of all the Jews, had plotted against the Jews to destroy them and had cast the pur (that is, the lot) for their ruin and destruction. But when the plot came to the king's attention, he issued written orders that the evil scheme Haman had devised against the Jews should come back onto his own head, and that he and his sons should be hanged on the gallows. (Therefore these days were called Purim, from the word pur.) Because of everything written in this letter and because of what they had seen and what had happened to them, the Jews took it upon themselves to establish the custom that they and their descendants and all who join them should without fail observe these two days every year, in the way prescribed and at the time appointed.” (9:23-27)

Every Jew has to understand the historical setting of the Purim. It is a celebration on how the Jewish people were preserved from the decree of the ancient holocaust conceived by Haman the enemy of the Jews.

d.    The Purim as a Memorial Festival

And the Purim became a memorial festival for all the Jews.

“These days should be remembered and observed in every generation by every family, and in every province and in every city. And these days of Purim should never cease to be celebrated by the Jews, nor should the memory of them die out among their descendants.” (9:28) 

The decree of the Purim could not be repealed. The Purim must be observed by the Jewish people in all generations. It gives a significant depth of meaning to the survivors of the modern holocaust.

 2. The Confirmation of the Decree

The decree of the Purim was confirmed.

“So Queen Esther, daughter of Abihail, along with Mordecai the Jew, wrote with full authority to confirm this second letter concerning Purim. And Mordecai sent letters to all the Jews in the 127 provinces of the kingdom of Xerxes—words of goodwill and assurance—to establish these days of Purim at their designated times, as Mordecai the Jew and Queen Esther had decreed for them, and as they had established for themselves and their descendants in regard to their times of fasting and lamentation. Esther's decree confirmed these regulations about Purim, and it was written down in the records.” (9:29-32) 

The edict from the royal queen established the decree of the Purim.

B.  The Greatness of Mordecai (10:1-3)

The rise of Mordecai in the Persian Empire was rooted in his zeal as a Hebrew. He defied Haman and did not bow down before him. Haman was outraged against him and he secured a decree to destroy him and his people. The king rediscovered the patriotism of Mordecai who saved his life and he honored him. Esther as the queen disclosed to the king the evil plot of Haman against the Jewish people with whom she and Mordecai belonged. The king was outraged at Haman and he was executed at the gallows he prepared for Mordecai. Esther disclosed to the king of her affinity with Mordecai as his adopted daughter. The king promoted Mordecai as the prime minister in place of Haman. And Mordecai administered an imperial decree that led to the victory of the Jews over their enemies on the day when their holocaust was decreed.    

 1. Mordecai Honored by the King

King Xerxes recognized the greatness of Mordecai.

“King Xerxes imposed tribute throughout the empire, to its distant shores. And all his acts of power and might, together with a full account of the greatness of Mordecai to which the king had raised him, are they not written in the book of the annals of the kings of Media and Persia?” (10:1-2)

The tributes showed the stability of the empire under Mordecai. And the king recorded the greatness of Mordecai throughout the empire.

 2. Mordecai Esteemed by the Jews

And throughout the Persian Empire the Jews esteemed Mordecai.

“Mordecai the Jew was second in rank to King Xerxes, preeminent among the Jews, and held in high esteem by his many fellow Jews, because he worked for the good of his people and spoke up for the welfare of all the Jews.” (10:3) 

The greatness of Mordecai was magnified in his integrity as the prime minister of the empire and his dedication for the welfare of his people. Mordecai delivered the Jews from the dreadful ancient holocaust.

 Conclusion

Even today the Jewish people celebrate the Purim Festival as decreed in the Persian Empire. Its observance nourishes the solidarity of the Jewish people being preserved from the ancient holocaust decreed by Haman down to the dreadful modern holocaust masterminded by Hitler. And Mordecai became great as the righteous prime minister in the empire and he was esteemed by the Jews because of his genuine concern for his people. What living legacies the Book of Esther can offer us?

1. Social Order in the Society. King Xerxes made a decree “that every man should be ruler over his own household” (1:22) and “all women will respect their husbands” (1:20). The imperial decree is in accord with the Judeo-Christian tradition as taught in the Scriptures (Gen. 3:16; Eph. 5:24). This establishes peace inside the home and order in the society.

 2. Godliness in the Home. Mordecai raised Esther in the Hebrew faith and Esther obeyed Mordecai. As a queen, Esther respected the wisdom of Mordecai. “She continued to follow Mordecai’s instructions as she had done when he was bringing her up” (2:20). God raised Mordecai and Esther to royal positions as faithful servants in the empire. Godliness inside the home prepares us for greater service in the world.

3. Sovereign Intervention of God. When Haman issued a decree to annihilate the Jews, Mordecai pleaded to Esther to intercede before the king. Esther obeyed and placed her life at stake in the hands of God with this word, “And if I perish, I perish” (4:16). The Jews earnestly fasted and prayed for her. And the sovereign Lord intervened for the sake of the Jewish people. If we come to God in humility and repentance he can do great wonders in our land for our common good.

4. Inescapable Divine Justice. King Xerxes was outraged when the evil plot of Haman against the Jews was exposed by Queen Esther. “So they hanged Haman on the gallows he had prepared for Mordecai” (7:10). God can never be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. Here is a solemn warning for everyone. We can be sure of this. Our sin will find us out.

5. Preservation of the Covenant People. The God of Israel orchestrated the unprecedented reversals in the Persian Empire. In a deep-seated anti- Semitic culture, unknown to the royal place and to the peoples of the land, Queen Vashti was replaced by Esther who was a Jewess. Haman was executed and Mordecai who was a Jew took his place as the prime minister in the empire. Then Mordecai issued an imperial decree for the Jews to defend themselves against their enemies to avert the irreversible decree of holocaust made by Haman. And “the Jews struck down all their enemies” (9:5). God knows and is able to preserve us as his people.

6. Righteous Governance in the Land. Unlike Haman who abused his authority and power for his selfish ends and for the destruction of the Jews, Mordecai was a righteous prime minister over the whole empire. The king recorded in the annals of the royal palace the greatness of Mordecai in the Persian Empire. “Mordecai the Jew was second in rank to King Xerxes, preeminent among the Jews, and held in high esteem by his many fellow Jews, because he worked for the good of his people and spoke for the welfare of the Jews” (10:3). Mordecai was a righteous leader and a true public servant for his own people and for the common good of all the peoples in the land. Let us uphold our biblical convictions and stand on our moral ground to be the salt and light of the world and as social conscience in our motherland.

7. Obedience to Our Noble Call.  The decree of Haman to destroy the Jews could not be repealed based on the law of the Medes and Persians. Mordecai trembled and the Jews mourned in dread. Mordecai pleaded for Esther to intercede before the king: “For if you remain silent at this time…you and your father’s family will perish. And who knows but that you have come to royal position for such a time as this” (4:14). Queen Esther placed her life at stake and fulfilled her call of duty. And the Jews were preserved as a people from the decreed ancient holocaust. Elie Wiesel, a modern holocaust survivor, in his acceptance speech of the 1986 Nobel Peace Prize gave this conscientious prophetic word.

“There is so much injustice and suffering crying out for our attention: victims of hunger, of racism, and political persecutions, writers and poets, prisoners in so many lands governed by the Left and the Right. Human rights are being violated on every continent. Many people are oppressed than free. And then too, there are the Palestinians to whose plight I am sensitive but whose methods I deplore. Violence and terror are not the answer. Something must be done about their suffering, and soon. I trust Israel, for I have faith in the Jewish people. Let Israel be given a chance, let hatred and danger be removed from the horizons, and there will be peace in and around the Holy Land. Yes, I have faith—faith in God and even in His creation. Without it no action would be possible. And action is the only remedy to indifference: the most insidious danger of all.”

Introduction

Amidst the sinful darkness we stand on our moral ground to rekindle the glorious light of God. Elie Wiesel, a holocaust survivor, received the prestigious Nobel Peace Prize in 1986. He gave this revealing word.

“I swore never to be silent whenever and wherever human beings endure suffering and humiliation. We must take sides. Neutrality helps the oppressor, never the victim. Silence encourages the tormentor, never the tormented. Sometimes we must interfere. When human lives are endangered, when human dignity is in jeopardy, national borders and sensitivities become irrelevant. Wherever men or women are persecuted because of their race, religion or political views, that place must—become the center of the universe.”

This was the outcry of Mordecai when Haman decreed the ancient holocaust for the Jewish people in the Persian Empire. Queen Esther defied death and pleaded before King Xerxes. The king recalled the patriotism of Mordecai and he honored him. The king discovered the evil plot of Haman and he was hanged on the gallows he built for Mordecai. The king elevated Mordecai as the prime minister in place of Haman. For the second time Esther placed her life at stake when she pleaded on behalf of her people. The king authorized Mordecai to make a new decree and entrusted him his signet ring. The new decree was written and administered by Mordecai. All Jews throughout the empire were given the right to defend themselves against their enemies who would attack them. Because of the fear of Mordecai, the Jews took the upper hand of power in the empire (9:1-4). On the day of reckoning the Jews were triumphant (9:5-17).  Our sovereign God works in wonders.

A.  The Overturning of Power (9:1-4)

Haman issued his decree on the 13th day of the first month of Nisan. The decree of Haman spelled a curse on the Jews. Their doom was sealed for there was no room to arm themselves for self defense. Their enemies were emboldened to destroy them as a people. Things changed when Haman was executed and Mordecai took his place. Mordecai issued his decree on 23rd day of the third month of Sivan. The decree of Mordecai empowered the Jews to defend themselves and destroy those who would attack them. Many of their potential enemies were unsettled.

 1. The Jews Got the Upper Hand

A reversal of power took its side on the Jews.

“On the thirteenth day of the twelfth month, the month of Adar, the edict commanded by the king was to be carried out. On this day the enemies of the Jews had hoped to overpower them, but now the tables were turned and the Jews got the upper hand over those who hated them.” (9:1)

Haman was dead. Mordecai took his royal place. A great transition of power in the empire destabilized the plot of genocide against the Jews.

 2. The Jews Armed Themselves

The Jews were prepared for the day of battle.

“The Jews assembled in their cities in all the provinces of King Xerxes to attack those seeking their destruction. No one could stand against them, because the people of all the other nationalities were afraid of them.” (9:2)

The Jews armed and prepared themselves for warfare in nine months. Mordecai, the prime minister of the empire, served as their military general. The fear of the Jews gripped many nationalities in the empire.

 3. The Jews Gained Support

The royal authorities supported the Jews.

“And all the nobles of the provinces, the satraps, the governors and the king's administrators helped the Jews, because fear of Mordecai had seized them. Mordecai was prominent in the palace; his reputation spread throughout the provinces, and he became more and more powerful.” (9:3-4) 

Mordecai established his power in the royal palace and throughout the empire. The dread of Mordecai fell among the royal officials in all the provinces and they rallied behind the Jews.

 B.  The Victory of the Jews (9:5-17)

The political and military reinforcement for the Jews established their foothold for the war. The Jews pleaded to the LORD their God to give them victory over the decree of holocaust. And the day of battle came.

 1. The Compelling Triumph of the Jews

The Jews were triumphant.

“The Jews struck down all their enemies with the sword, killing and destroying them, and they did what they pleased to those who hated them.” (9:5)

The hard core enemies of the Jews did not change their mind to annihilate the Jews as decreed by Haman beyond his grave. They too, like Haman who was the primary enemy of the Jews, were determined to destroy the Jews. The enemies of the Jews prepared for the war to attack the Israelites. On the day of battle the Hebrews defeated their enemies.

2. The Triumph in the Citadel of Susa

The Jews were triumphant in the citadel of Susa. The day of their victory on the 13th day of the month of Adar was extended to the 14th when Queen Esther pleaded before the king to ensure the destruction of all the enemies of the Jews within the capital of the empire.

a.    The Report to the King

King Xerxes was well informed about the war.

“In the citadel of Susa, the Jews killed and destroyed five hundred men. They also killed Parshandatha, Dalphon, Aspatha, Poratha, Adalia, Aridatha, Parmashta, Arisai, Aridai and Vaizatha, the ten sons of Haman son of Hammedatha, the enemy of the Jews. But they did not lay their hands on the plunder. The number of those slain in the citadel of Susa was reported to the king that same day.” (9:6-11)

Five hundred men and the ten sons of Haman within the citadel alone was a staggering number determined to destroy the Jews. They were subdued by the Jews. The queen gave the information to the king.

 b.    The King Asked the Petition of Esther

And the king made an unexpected move.

“The king said to Queen Esther, ‘The Jews have killed and destroyed five hundred men and the ten sons of Haman in the citadel of Susa. What have they done in the rest of the king's provinces? Now what is your petition? It will be given you. What is your request? It will also be granted.’” (9:12)

It was indeed a great surprise on the part of the queen for the king to have inquired of her petition. It only showed his great delight on Esther and affirmed his imperial support for her cause on behalf of her people. 

 c.    The Petition of Esther

Queen Esther declared her petition to the king.

“If it pleases the king,” Esther answered, “give the Jews in Susa permission to carry out this day's edict tomorrow also, and let Haman's ten sons be hanged on gallows.” (9:13)

The petition of Esther was not a simple matter. She pleaded for the king to issue a decree for two reasons. First was an extension of the battle for a day. It appeared that Esther knew of the remaining enemies within the city. She asked that the Jews would be given the authority not merely to defend themselves but an opportunity to attack and destroy them. This would definitely ensure the safety of the Jews and the stability of the empire. Second was the public hanging in the gallows of the ten sons of Haman. This would give a clear message of the total collapse of the power of Haman within the empire and of dread to anyone who would intend to destroy the Jews.

 d.    The Edict of the King in Susa

King Xerxes issued the decree as pleaded by Queen Esther.

“So the king commanded that this be done. An edict was issued in Susa, and they hanged the ten sons of Haman. The Jews in Susa came together on the fourteenth day of the month of Adar, and they put to death in Susa three hundred men, but they did not lay their hands on the plunder.” (9:14-15) 

As decreed by the king, the ten sons of Haman were hanged in the gallows. And three hundred more men were killed by the Jews. Such alarming number of enemies to have had remained alive in the citadel of Susa was indeed a great threat to the Jews and to the royal palace. The war ended on the 14th day of the twelfth month of Adar.

 3. The Triumph in the Provinces

The Jews were triumphant in the whole empire.

“Meanwhile, the remainder of the Jews who were in the king's provinces also assembled to protect themselves and get relief from their enemies. They killed seventy-five thousand of them but did not lay their hands on the plunder. This happened on the thirteenth day of the month of Adar, and on the fourteenth they rested and made it a day of feasting and joy.” (9:16-17) 

Seventy-five thousand was a dreadful number. These enemies had only one agenda. They were determined to deliver the irreversible decree of holocaust conceived by Haman the enemy of the Jews. The Jews killed their enemies who attacked them. The Jews did not lay a hand on the plunder over their enemies. It was clear that the Jews primarily defended themselves with no intention to exploit their enemies. The bloodshed in the empire was staggering. The Jews did not plan nor desire for such bloody warfare. An irreversible decree of Haman was meant for the destruction of the Jews. Another decree was made by Mordecai for their survival. The war ended. And the Jewish people rested and celebrated.

Conclusion

It is a great wonder how the Jews were preserved as a people even this very day. Throughout biblical history the Jewish people were on the brink of extinction. They survived an oppressive slavery from Egypt for four hundred years. They survived when they wandered in wilderness for forty years. They survived from the hands of the pagan nations when they entered the Promised Land. They survived when they were conquered by the Assyrians. They survived when they were conquered by the Babylonians. And they survived from an irreversible decree of the ancient holocaust in the Medo-Persian Empire. In the book of Esther the name of God could not be read but his sovereign movement was at work beyond our human grasp. We give a careful thought on our view of God.

God is sovereign over the affairs of humankind. Absolute authority rests alone in God. The God of the Jews is the LORD of heaven and earth. Heaven is his seat of throne and the earth is his footstool. The LORD is the God of Israel and the God of all nations. Anything under the sun is under his control. Even here and now the LORD is present and at work.

God is faithful to his promise of blessing to Abraham. God is not a man who should lie or a son of man who should change his mind. Why the Jews remain to this day as a people despite all their unfaithfulness is because God is true to himself and trustworthy to his word.

God works in mysterious ways on behalf of his covenant people. God moved King Xerxes and raised Esther as queen and Mordecai as prime minister in a pagan empire. Israel survived the irreversible decree of holocaust. We rejoice for all the Jewish survivors in Persia. Yet in our generation we grieve with every survivor of the modern holocaust.

Alexander Kimel (1920-2018), a Polish Jewish survivor, wrote a creed about the dreadful holocaust. We enter into their world of grief.

I Cannot Forget

Do I want to remember? The peaceful ghetto, before the raid: Children shaking like leaves in the wind Mothers searching for piece of bread Shadows, on swollen legs, moving with fear No, I don’t want to remember, but how can I forget? 

Do I want to remember, the creation of hell? The shouts of the Raiders, enjoying the hunt Cries of the wounded, begging for life Faces of mothers carved with pain Hiding children, dripping with fear No, I don’t want to remember, but how can I forget? 

Do I want to remember, my fearful return? Families vanished in the midst of the day The mass grave steaming with vapor of blood Mothers searching for children in vain The pain of the ghetto, cuts like a knife No, I don’t want to remember, but how can I forget?

Do I want to remember, the wailing of the night? The doors kicked ajar, ripped feathers floating the air The night scented with snow-melting blood While the compassionate moon, is showing the way For the faceless shadows, searching for kin No, I don’t want to remember, but I cannot forget. 

Introduction

We pause awhile and listen to the anguish of an embattled soul. Elie Wiesel (1928-2016) is a Romanian Jew holocaust survivor during the Second World War. In 1960 he wrote the internationally acclaimed book, The Night. This is a personal memoir about his nightmare when he was imprisoned in the Nazi death camps in Auschwitz, Germany at the age of 15. His first night ripped his heart.

“Never shall I forget that night, the first night in camp, which has turned my life into one long night, seven times cursed and seven times sealed. Never shall I forget that smoke. Never shall I forget the little faces of the children, whose bodies I saw turned into wreaths of smoke beneath a silent blue sky. Never shall I forget those flames which consumed my faith forever. Never shall I forget that nocturnal silence which deprived me, for all eternity, of the desire to live. Never shall I forget those moments which murdered my God and my soul and turned my dreams into dust. Never shall I forget these things, even if I am condemned to live as long as God himself. Never.”

Elie Wiesel was horrified on his first night at the concentration camp. And never will he forget the dreadful holocaust. In the history of Israel the dread of annihilation was imprinted in the core of the Jewish people long before the modern holocaust. Like Elie Wiesel, never will Mordecai forget the 13th day of Nisan when Haman gave the decree of genocide against the Jews in the Persian Empire. Mordecai trembled and bewildered. The imperial decree could not be repealed based on the law of the Persians and Medians. All the Jews mourned in dread because they were good as dead.

Mordecai persuaded Queen Esther to intercede before King Xerxes. The Jewish community prayed and fasted. The king rediscovered the patriotism of Mordecai who saved his life from an assassination plot. The king honored Mordecai and commanded Haman to administer the royal honor before the peoples in the citadel of Susa. Then Esther revealed to the king the evil plot of Haman and she disclosed her nationality as a Jew. The king was outraged of Haman who dealt with him in deceit. Haman trembled before the king and the queen. And Haman was hanged in the gallows which he prepared for Mordecai.  

These historic events were phenomenal. The king promoted Mordecai as the highest official of the land in place of Haman (8:1-2). A new decree was given by the king for the Jews to defend themselves to avert the decreed holocaust (8:3-8). Mordecai administered the new decree to all the provinces of the empire (8:9-14). And the Jews rejoiced (8:15-17). No one could ever conceive such great reversal in the royal palace.

 A.  The King Promoted Mordecai (8:1-2)

Our sovereign God can do great wonders in our lives even in worst circumstances when we are in a deadlock and no way out. In all our troubles the invisible hand of God is at work beyond our human grasp. Never should we forget and go astray from this reassuring grace of God. Mordecai and Esther could hardly comprehend the movement of heaven in opening a way out from the holocaust decreed in the Persian Empire.

 1. Mordecai Appeared Before the King

A top secret inside the royal palace was shed to light.

“That same day King Xerxes gave Queen Esther the estate of Haman, the enemy of the Jews. And Mordecai came into the presence of the king, for Esther had told how he was related to her.” (8:1)

The secret was unveiled at the right moment. The deceitful Haman was out of the picture. Mordecai was welcomed inside the royal palace. The king was delighted that the father of the queen was the Jewish patriot who saved his life. The great unveiling comes with great fortune. The vast estate of Haman was give to the queen.

 2. Mordecai Took the Place of Haman

The realignment of power in the royal palace was astounding.

“The king took off his signet ring, which he had reclaimed from Haman, and presented it to Mordecai. And Esther appointed him over Haman's estate.” (8:2) 

At the king’s command, Mordecai became the prime minister of the empire. And with the authority of the queen, Mordecai became the royal administrator of all the estate of Haman. Zeresh, the wife of Haman, saw these things coming when she came to know that Mordecai was of Jewish origin. What explanation could we offer into all these great transitions in the empire? The sovereign God mightily worked in silence.

Here is an interesting word from Psalm 125. “The scepter of the wicked will not remain over the land allotted to the righteous, for then the righteous might use their hands to evil” (v. 3). The royal crown given to Esther and the signet ring entrusted to Mordecai came from the good hands of King Xerxes. And with the royal authority given to Esther and Mordecai, the whole Persian Empire was safe and secure.

B.  The King Issued a New Decree (8:3-8)

In the whole realm of the empire, however, one people were in the edge of extinction. Mordecai and Esther were certain that their fellow Jews were in great danger. Haman secured an imperial decree and had given glaring fund in the royal treasury for the destruction of the Jews. Anyone who would kill a Jew would be rewarded with great fortune. It was on this ground that the Jews were sold by Haman into destruction. Worst, the decree was irreversible based on the law of the Medes and Persians. Mordecai and Esther had only one option to avert the decreed holocaust.

 1. Esther Pleaded Before the King

Once more Esther placed her life at stake and pleaded before the king.

“Esther again pleaded with the king, falling at his feet and weeping. She begged him to put an end to the evil plan of Haman the Agagite, which he had devised against the Jews. Then the king extended the gold scepter to Esther and she arose and stood before him. ‘If it pleases the king,’ she said, ‘and if he regards me with favor and thinks it the right thing to do, and if he is pleased with me, let an order be written overruling the dispatches that Haman son of Hammedatha, the Agagite, devised and wrote to destroy the Jews in all the king's provinces. For how can I bear to see disaster fall on my people? How can I bear to see the destruction of my family?’” (8:3-6)

Esther made her plea in utmost care. She yielded to the royal authority of the king and trusted on his wise judgment. She sought for the favor of the king in respect and honor. She upheld the decree of the king could not be repealed. She asked the king to issue another decree to overrule the decree that Haman had devised and written. She begged the king for mercy so that her family and people to be spared from annihilation. And she humbly fell at the feet of the king and earnestly pleaded in tears.

2. The King Granted a New Decree

Mordecai was summoned before the king. And the king gave his word to Esther and Mordecai.

“King Xerxes replied to Queen Esther and to Mordecai the Jew, ‘Because Haman attacked the Jews, I have given his estate to Esther, and they have hanged him on the gallows. Now write another decree in the king's name in behalf of the Jews as seems best to you, and seal it with the king's signet ring—for no document written in the king's name and sealed with his ring can be revoked." (8:7-8)

The king made a wise judgment. He noted the tragic end of Haman who made a decree in the name of the king for the destruction of the Jews. He upheld the imperial decree sealed by the signet ring of the king as binding and irrevocable. And he made a command that a new decree be done by Mordecai and Esther on behalf of the Jews. And the new decree would be sealed with the royal signet ring in the name of the king. Mordecai and Esther sat down and wrote a new imperial decree.

In the reign of King Xerxes three historic reversals occurred. First was the enthronement of Esther as queen of the empire in place of Vashti. Second was the promotion of Mordecai as prime minister of the empire in place of Haman. Third was the new decree written by Mordecai and Esther to address the irrevocable decreed done by Haman. Note well that these three interwoven reversals were all meant for the amazing preservation of the Jewish people.  Indeed, the God of wonders works in mysterious ways. We look up to him in awe and bow down in worship.

C.  Mordecai Administered the Decree (8:9-14)

The realignment of power inside the royal palace had a vast impact throughout the Persian Empire. Under the authority of King Xerxes and Queen Esther, Mordecai administered the new decree on behalf of the Jewish people.  As a side light, the orphan whom Mordecai had adopted as his daughter and nurtured in the Hebrew faith inside the home was now the royal queen of the empire to whom he honored and obeyed. Yet as a royal queen with great authority and power, Esther remained as a humble and loyal daughter to Mordecai her beloved father. The glorious beauty inside the home of Mordecai and Esther radiated in the royal palace and in the whole empire.

 1. The Writing of the Decree

Mordecai administered in the writing of the new imperial decree.

“At once the royal secretaries were summoned—on the twenty-third day of the third month, the month of Sivan. They wrote out all Mordecai's orders to the Jews, and to the satraps, governors and nobles of the 127 provinces stretching from India to Cush. These orders were written in the script of each province and the language of each people and also to the Jews in their own script and language. Mordecai wrote in the name of King Xerxes, sealed the dispatches with the king's signet ring, and sent them by mounted couriers, who rode fast horses especially bred for the king.” (8:9-10)

Under the same authority of the royal king, Mordecai went through the same process as Haman did with irreconcilable motives and ends. Haman did it out of deceit and bitterness to destroy the Jews. Mordecai did it with transparency and integrity to preserve his own people.

2. The Essence of the Decree

What is the core of the new imperial decree?

“The king's edict granted the Jews in every city the right to assemble and protect themselves; to destroy, kill and annihilate any armed force of any nationality or province that might attack them and their women and children; and to plunder the property of their enemies. The day appointed for the Jews to do this in all the provinces of King Xerxes was the thirteenth day of the twelfth month, the month of Adar.” (8:11-12) 

Here was the great difference between the edicts done by Mordecai and Haman. Haman commanded the peoples in the empire to annihilate the Jews and guaranteed for their destruction for he did not give them any room to defend themselves. Mordecai was wise enough to make a new decree. He recognized the irreversible decree done by Haman. So he made a new decree that gave room to preserve his own people. The Jews were given the right to defend themselves from anyone who would attack and destroy them. And this would take place on the 13th day of the month of Adar which was set by Haman to annihilate the Jews.

3. The Observance of the Decree

And the new decree was a binding law over the whole empire.

“A copy of the text of the edict was to be issued as law in every province and made known to the people of every nationality so that the Jews would be ready on that day to avenge themselves on their enemies. The couriers, riding the royal horses, raced out, spurred on by the king's command. And the edict was also issued in the citadel of Susa.” (8:13-14) 

The breaking news spread like a wildfire in the whole Persian Empire.

D.  The Jews Rejoiced in the Empire (8:15-17)

The effect of the decree of Mordecai was in great contrast with that of Haman. When Haman issued his decree, the Jews mourned and the peoples were empowered to decimate the Jews. When Mordecai issued his decree, the Jews celebrated and the peoples were frightened before the Jews. And who should not? Esther, the majestic queen of the empire, and Mordecai, the great prime minister, were of Jewish blood.

 1. The Celebration in Susa

The Jews in the citadel of Susa were jubilant.

“Mordecai left the king's presence wearing royal garments of blue and white, a large crown of gold and a purple robe of fine linen. And the city of Susa held a joyous celebration.” (8:15)

When Haman issued his decree, the Jews in Susa mourned in sackcloth. When Mordecai issued his decree, the Jews celebrated with great joy.

 2. The Rejoicing in the Empire

The Jews in the whole empire rejoiced.

“For the Jews it was a time of happiness and joy, gladness and honor. In every province and in every city, wherever the edict of the king went, there was joy and gladness among the Jews, with feasting and celebrating.” (8:16-17a)

The dread of Haman was blotted out. It was filled in with indescribable joy in honor of Mordecai. The Jews throughout the empire celebrated.

3. The Conversion to Judaism

What was the impact of the new decree in the whole empire?

“And many people of other nationalities became Jews because fear of the Jews had seized them.” (8:17b) 

The fear of the Jews fell on many people from the royal palace and in every province in the empire. And a great conversion to Judaism took place. We understand such massive conversion was not necessarily a religious enlightenment but primarily politically motivated for self-preservation. We have to respect though that such move was out of volition and not of coercion. And such conversion had opened the door for many god-fearers in the land to acknowledge the LORD as the God of Israel who alone is the living God of heaven and earth and the sovereign Lord and supreme authority over all. The peoples of other race and creed have to understand that the decree issued by Mordecai was not for Israel to conquer and destroy other peoples but essentially for the Jews to defend themselves from those who would attack and annihilate them. Because of the decree of Mordecai, the dread of the ancient holocaust against the Jews fell on the peoples of the empire.

Mordecai and Haman had occupied the same awesome royal position but with different agenda and irreconcilable behaviors. Haman was outraged to Mordecai and his personal vendetta reached to a national level toward the Jewish holocaust. Haman was a master of deceit and abused his immense power to destroy the Jews. Mordecai was totally different. He upheld the sacredness of his royal position to secure the stability of the whole kingdom. His undefiled loyalty to God made him a great leader and a true public servant to preserve his own Jewish people and to deliver the common good for all the peoples in the whole empire.

Conclusion

It is such a staggering thought that the destiny of a nation is in the hands of those who seat in authority. So when the wicked rule the people mourn but when the righteous reign the people rejoice. Haman devastated the Jews with his irreversible decree of holocaust. The king executed him when his evil plot was exposed. And the king promoted Mordecai as the prime minister in his place. Then Esther pleaded before the king on behalf of the Jews. The king mandated Mordecai to make a new decree. Mordecai issued a decree for the Jews to defend themselves from their enemies. The Jews greatly rejoiced and many Gentiles were converted to Judaism in fear of the Jews. Where are we as a nation?

Where are the righteous rulers in our land? Mordecai became prime minister over the empire. The wise grieve with a serious concern. When will our people ever learn to choose righteous leaders to govern us?

Where are the faithful intercessors in our land? Esther placed her life at stake and pleaded before the king for the sake of her own people. We plead for divine mercy over our land as we serve as social conscience for our countrymen even when it may mean for us to die for our motherland.

Where are the ideal laws in our land? Mordecai made and administered a decree to preserve the Jews. May God raise wise legislators, honest administrators and upright judges in our land for our common good.

Introduction

Ponder on two interwoven teachings written in the Scriptures. First is a trustworthy saying. The second is a divine warning.

“If a man digs a pit, he will fall into it. If a man rolls a stone, it will roll back on him.” (Prov. 26:27)

“But if you fail to do this, you will be sinning against the LORD; and you may be sure that your sin will find you out.” (Num. 32:23)

This is the essence of the Hebrew proverb. It speaks of a man who digs a pit and rolls a stone meant to harm others. What will happen to him? He would fall into the pit and the stone will roll back on him to his own destruction. And here is the significance of the divine warning. God foretold Israel that if they fail to obey his commands, they will be guilty of sinning against the LORD. What can they be sure of? Their sin will find them out to their own destruction. Give a serious thought on this. The warning was primarily addressed to God’s own people. And if judgment begins among his own people, we can be certain that he would not spare anyone guilty of sin. Likewise, the proverb reminds us that any evil we scheme for others will surely find its way home to our doorsteps.

Here is an unprecedented reversal in the ancient Persian Empire. Haman, the Agagite, deceitfully used the name of the king to secure and administer an imperial decree to annihilate all the Jews. The staggering news broke out. Mordecai trembled. The Israelites mourned. The Jews in the citadel of Susa fasted and prayed for three days. Esther appeared before the king to intercede. The king extended his gold scepter and spared her life. The king honored any petition the queen had to make. Esther invited the king and Haman to a banquet. The king reiterated his word of honor to the queen. Esther pledged to state her petition on the next day for the royal banquet prepared for the king and Haman. Haman went home in jubilance to have been honored by the queen in the presence of the king. But when he saw Mordecai at the king’s gate and paid him no homage, he was outraged and plotted to kill him (5:9-14). That night, King Xerxes could not sleep and the royal annals were read to him. He discovered that Mordecai saved his life from a conspiracy. The king determined to honor Mordecai and how it would be done was proposed by Haman who thought it was meant for him (6:1-14). Then the king ordered Haman to administer the honor for Mordecai that ultimately culminated to the unsuspected execution of Haman (7:1-10).

Let us give a closer look on this phenomenal twist of events. As we do, we remind ourselves to get rid of any root of bitterness against those who desire nothing but to harm and destroy us. Instead, we humbly entrust our lives in the sovereign and safekeeping hands of the LORD our God who is the absolute righteous Judge of all the earth.

 A.  Haman Plotted to Kill Mordecai (5:9-14)

Haman could not contain his joy when Queen Esther invited him for a royal banquet with the king. But he was utterly disgusted to have seen Mordecai at the king’s gate who never bow down to honor him. It was on this occasion that he made a decisive move to get rid of him. Haman was sure he could convince the king to execute Mordecai.

1. Haman Outraged on Mordecai  

Haman always lost his temper every time he encountered Mordecai.

“Haman went out that day happy and in high spirits. But when he saw Mordecai at the king's gate and observed that he neither rose nor showed fear in his presence, he was filled with rage against Mordecai.” (5:9) 

The word “rage” portrays the snorting, neighing and prancing of wild horses; hence, metaphorically used on the haughtiness and insolence of men. Such was the case of Haman. Every time he saw Mordecai he was utterly consumed with despicable rage.

 2. Haman Boasted of Himself

Inwardly Haman was outraged but somehow kept his cool. Such strange composure we understand. He was able to secure a decree to annihilate the Jews and he just came from a royal banquet hosted by the queen with the presence of the king. This was the context of the biblical narrative.

“Nevertheless, Haman restrained himself and went home. Calling together his friends and Zeresh, his wife, Haman boasted to them about his vast wealth, his many sons, and all the ways the king had honored him and how he had elevated him above the other nobles and officials. ‘And that's not all,’ Haman added. ‘I am the only person Queen Esther invited to accompany the king to the banquet she gave. And she has invited me along with the king tomorrow. But all this gives me no satisfaction as long as I see that Jew Mordecai sitting at the king's gate.’” (5:10-13)

Haman displayed his brazen arrogance. Yet he was utterly disgusted that all his great fortunes of awesome power, vast wealth and big family seemed to be meaningless as long as he saw Mordecai alive.

3. Haman Decided to Hang Mordecai

An insidious plot was conceived.

“His wife Zeresh and all his friends said to him, ‘Have a gallows built, seventy-five feet high, and ask the king in the morning to have Mordecai hanged on it. Then go with the king to the dinner and be happy.’ This suggestion delighted Haman, and he had the gallows built.” (5:14)

Haman considered the plot to once and for all pacify his outrage against Mordecai. Having just come on that day from the royal banquet hosted by the queen with the presence of the king, Haman thought he was invincible to be a man of uncontested power inside the royal palace. So a gallows, 23-meter high, was built for Mordecai. Haman would convince the king on that night about the plan and its execution. Then Mordecai would be hanged in the gallows in the morning. The evil plot was set.

 B.  The King Honored Mordecai (6:1-14)

Here is a mysterious turn of event. That night, King Xerxes was not able to sleep. And for an unexplained reason he made a command that the royal records be read before him. On that historic setting paved the way to the phenomenal reversal of an unbelievable twist of events. The king discovered the patriotism of Mordecai and he decided to honor him. On that same hour of the night, Haman just entered the royal court to persuade the king to hang Mordecai on the gallows on the next morning.

 1. The King Discovered Mordecai’s Patriotism

Here is the unnerving flow of events.

“That night the king could not sleep; so he ordered the book of the chronicles, the record of his reign, to be brought in and read to him. It was found recorded there that Mordecai had exposed Bigthana and Teresh, two of the king's officers who guarded the doorway, who had conspired to assassinate King Xerxes. (6:1-2) 

When the account of the conspiracy disclosed by Mordecai that saved the life of the king was read aloud,  King Xerxes knew it well that the given record in the book of the chronicles was an undisputed royal document for it was written before his very presence (2:21-23). The recall of the king about the conspiracy exposed by Mordecai was an astounding development.

 2. The King Decided to Honor Mordecai

King Xerxes had one thing in mind when the conspiracy was read. “‘What honor and recognition has Mordecai received for this?’ the king asked. ‘Nothing has been done for him,’ his attendants answered.” (6:3) The king of the empire was firm on his decision. Mordecai deserved to be honored. But how should the royal honor for Mordecai administered?

 3. Haman Thought Being Honored by the King

King Xerxes made an unconventional move.

“The king said, ‘Who is in the court?’ Now Haman had just entered the outer court of the palace to speak to the king about hanging Mordecai on the gallows he had erected for him. His attendants answered, ‘Haman is standing in the court.’ ‘Bring him in,’ the king ordered. When Haman entered, the king asked him, ‘What should be done for the man the king delights to honor?’ Now Haman thought to himself, ‘Who is there that the king would rather honor than me?’” (6:4-6)

No one inside the royal court knew of the plot of Haman to execute Mordecai. He was there to convince the king about the plot. And he thought that all things were working well on his side when the king inquired of him on how to honor the man on whom the king delights. Haman stood before the king in countenance fully convinced of this assurance, “Who is there that the king would rather honor than me?”

 4. Haman Proposed a Royal Honor for Himself

Here is the royal honor Haman proposed which he thought for himself.

“So he answered the king, ‘For the man the king delights to honor, have them bring a royal robe the king has worn and a horse the king has ridden, one with a royal crest placed on its head. Then let the robe and horse be entrusted to one of the king's most noble princes. Let them robe the man the king delights to honor, and lead him on the horse through the city streets, proclaiming before him, “This is what is done for the man the king delights to honor!” ’ ” (6:7-9)

In all smiles Haman thought it was the greatest moment of his life.

 5. The King Commanded Haman to Honor Mordecai

Then the king made an urgent order to Haman that devastated him.

“‘Go at once,’ the king commanded Haman. ‘Get the robe and the horse and do just as you have suggested for Mordecai the Jew, who sits at the king's gate. Do not neglect anything you have recommended.’ So Haman got the robe and the horse. He robed Mordecai, and led him on horseback through the city streets, proclaiming before him, ‘This is what is done for the man the king delights to honor!’ Afterward Mordecai returned to the king's gate.” (6:10-12a)

The following day the citadel of Susa was electrified. The people rejoiced, if not bewildered, as Haman paraded and proclaimed Mordecai as the great man whom the king honored with much delight. Haman was utterly crushed in disgrace and dread.

 6. Haman Went Home Dejected and Doomed

The darkest hour had come to Haman.

“But Haman rushed home, with his head covered in grief, and told Zeresh his wife and all his friends everything that had happened to him. His advisers and his wife Zeresh said to him, ‘Since Mordecai, before whom your downfall has started, is of Jewish origin, you cannot stand against him—you will surely come to ruin!’ While they were still talking with him, the king's eunuchs arrived and hurried Haman away to the banquet Esther had prepared.” (6:12b-14) 

The nightmare dawned on Haman. After parading Mordecai to the whole city, Haman made an urgent call of gathering for his entire household and all his friends. The whole company was downcast and restless as he told them the whole story. They were terrified when the king greatly honored Mordecai. Zeresh who could have been a source of comfort to her bewildered husband gave a devastating word that unsettled Haman, “Since Mordecai, before whom your downfall has started, is of Jewish origin, you cannot stand against him—you will surely come to ruin.”

 As terror gripped the group, the king’s eunuchs arrived at Haman’s palatial residence and brought him immediately to the dinner royal banquet prepared by Esther. We could imagine the great confusion on the part of Haman. He could not reconcile all the things taking place. And Haman had no idea that Esther knew about his evil schemes.

C.  The King Executed Haman (7:1-10)

On the previous banquet hosted by Esther, Haman came home with great joy for he thought he was greatly honored by the queen. But he was devastated when the king honored Mordecai after he presumed he was the man whom the king took great delight. On his way back to the royal palace, as usual he saw Mordecai at the king’s gate, but this time Haman lost his face. Dejected from his own household he was back to a sequel dinner banquet prepared by Queen Esther. Haman was bewildered on what was really taking place. The royal banquet was set and Haman was seated with the royal king and royal queen of the Empire.

 1. The King Asked for the Petition of Esther

Things seemed to go well in the royal banquet. The king himself was clueless what was in the heart of the queen.

“So the king and Haman went to dine with Queen Esther, and as they were drinking wine on that second day, the king again asked, ‘Queen Esther, what is your petition? It will be given you. What is your request? Even up to half the kingdom, it will be granted.’” (7:1-2)

Last night the king had recalled the patriotism of Mordecai and had given his long overdue honor he deserved. This time the king was expectant to know the petition of the queen as she promised to tell him. The king reassured the queen to honor his word.

 2. Esther Pleaded for Her Life and People

Queen Esther braced herself to speak.

“Then Queen Esther answered, ‘If I have found favor with you, O king, and if it pleases your majesty, grant me my life—this is my petition. And spare my people—this is my request. For I and my people have been sold for destruction and slaughter and annihilation. If we had merely been sold as male and female slaves, I would have kept quiet, because no such distress would justify disturbing the king.” (7:3-4) 

Esther unveiled her heart in utmost care. She was careful in her opening statement seeking for the favor of the king. Then she stated her petition and request. He pleaded before the king to grant her life and interceded for the king to spare her people. And she disclosed the conspiracy that she and her people have been sold for destruction and slaughter and annihilation. She reasoned out that she would not bother the king at all if she and her people would have been sold into slavery. If that would have been the case she would simply have kept quiet.

 3. Esther Disclosed the Evil Plot of Haman

The king could hardly believe what he heard from the queen herself. He was greatly alarmed and deeply startled to know that the royal queen was in grave danger together with her people. Before him was his royal queen earnestly pleading for her own life and for her own people. Right there and then, the king was decisive to know who was behind the plot.

“King Xerxes asked Queen Esther, ‘Who is he? Where is the man who has dared to do such a thing?’ Esther said, ‘The adversary and enemy is this vile Haman.’ Then Haman was terrified before the king and queen.” (7:5-6) 

King Xerxes was stunned in disbelief. The vile enemy that Esther identified was right beside the king who was his closest confidant. Haman trembled in dread in the presence of the king and the queen.

We believe that in this crucial moment Queen Esther have disclosed herself before King Xerxes and Haman of her national identity that she was a Hebrew. And given this very serious charge, we are safe to say that Queen Esther supported her revelation of the conspiracy with documentary evidence secretly given to her by Mordecai. Before the king she presented the written imperial decree of holocaust that Haman had deceitfully secured and administered in the name of the king.

 4. The King Was Outraged on Haman

King Xerxes was outraged and made up his mind.

“The king got up in a rage, left his wine and went out into the palace garden. But Haman realizing that the king had already decided his fate, stayed behind to beg Queen Esther for his life. Just as the king returned from the palace garden to the banquet hall, Haman was falling on the couch where Esther was reclining. The king exclaimed, ‘Will he even molest the queen while she is with me in the house?’ As soon as the word left the king's mouth, they covered Haman's face. (7:7-8)

The king became more outraged when he suspected Haman to touch the queen. The face of Haman was covered. He was good as dead.

At this point, we present our argument. Was the king ignorant about the plot made by Haman? As written in the Scriptures, when Haman shared his plan to the king he simply mentioned “a certain people” and did not specify the Jews. That we understand because Haman knew that the king in his tolerance policy over the peoples in his empire would be inclined to be more tolerant over the Jewish people because of their importance and influence in the empire. Was it not that the great King Cyrus of Persia favored the Jews when he issued an imperial decree for the Israelites to return to their homeland and build the temple of the LORD in Jerusalem? Based on that unprecedented historic account, Haman was so careful to have had not mentioned the Jews as a people whom he intended to annihilate. Moreover, the outrage of the king against Haman when Esther disclosed about the plot clearly showed that Haman had intentionally hidden from the king about his evil intent to annihilate the Jews. Furthermore, for Haman to realize that the king had decided his fate when his evil plot was shed to light showed his guilt to have dealt with the king in deceit. Above all, when Queen Esther had disclosed that she was a Jewess, the verdict of King Xerxes to execute Haman proved that the king had no hand for the decree against the Jewish people. The life of the queen was close to death in the scheming hands of evil Haman. Next in line at stake would be the king himself. King Xerxes could hardly imagine that the most powerful official whom he fully trusted as his right hand and closest confidant in the empire was a master of deceit and the ancient Hitler scheming inside the royal palace.

 5. The King Ordered the Execution of Haman

The next move was dreadful.

“Then Harbona, one of the eunuchs attending the king, said, ‘A gallows seventy-five feet high stands by Haman's house. He had it made for Mordecai, who spoke up to help the king.’ The king said, ‘Hang him on it!’  So they hanged Haman on the gallows he had prepared for Mordecai. Then the king's fury subsided.” (7:9-10) 

The discovery that Haman plotted to execute Mordecai the Jew whom the king greatly honored because he saved his life from conspiracy had sealed the doom of Haman. Haman was hanged on the gallows which he prepared for Mordecai. This was the ultimate reversal of events.

Conclusion

We remind ourselves of the parable of the wheat and tare and carefully see its significance in the Persian Empire. In the time of king Xerxes, two persons rose into great power. First was Esther the Queen with a noble heart. The second was Haman, the Agagite, who was a master of deceit. The king conceived his empire was in the good hands of Haman as the prime minister. Unknown to the king, Haman was destabilizing his kingdom. He deceitfully secured an imperial decree to annihilate the Jews in the name of the king. And he schemed to execute Mordecai. An unexpected turn of events took place. The king discovered the patriotism of Mordecai who saved his life. The king honored Mordecai and the royal honor was administered by Haman. Then the queen disclosed to the king the evil plot of Haman to annihilate the Jews. And Esther revealed herself as a Hebrew. King Xerxes was outraged on Haman who dealt with him in deceit. The judgment came as spoken in the parable to separate the tare from the wheat. Haman was hanged on the gallows he prepared for Mordecai. On this great reversal we tremble before God.

God cannot be deceived. Nowhere in the Book of Esther can we read the name of God. Yet, his sovereign rule was clear and loud. Haman thought he was invincible. God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows.

God vindicates the righteous. The decree of holocaust was sealed. A gallows for Mordecai was built. Then King Xerxes honored Mordecai and his life was spared. God preserves the righteous in all their troubles.

Introduction

Amidst the brazen evils in the land, the wise and the brave stand on their moral ground and break their silence. Martin Niemöller (1892-1984) was a Holocaust survivor. He was a German Lutheran pastor who emerged as an outspoken foe of Adolf Hitler. He was incarcerated and spent the last seven years of the Nazi rule in concentration camps. Niemöller believed that the Germans including Protestant churches in his homeland were complicit through their social silence about the mass genocide of millions of Jews. After the war he shared his thought about the cold silence of his indifferent countrymen on the dreadful Holocaust. Martin Niemöller deserves to be heard with this revealing word.

“First they came for the Socialists, and I did not speak out—because I am not a Socialist. Then they came for the Trade Unionists, and I did not speak out—because I was not a Trade Unionist. Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out—because I was not a Jew. Then they came for me—and there was no one left to speak for me.”

This prophetic word serves as a social conscience in our time. And how true it was in biblical times when Haman the Agagite deceitfully orchestrated the ancient Holocaust as a royal decree in the name of King Xerxes for the annihilation of the Jewish people in the Persian Empire. When the staggering news broke out, the Hebrew people mourned with dread (4:1-3). Mordecai pleaded to Esther to speak out and act (4:4-17). And Queen Esther braced herself to stand before King Xerxes (5:1-8). For such a time as this it is our moral duty to break our silence.

A.  The Dread of the Jewish People (4:1-3)

The breaking news of the imperial decree of mass genocide bewildered all the Jews in the whole Persian Empire. The decree was irreversible and sealed the doom for the Hebrew people. From the citadel of Susa to the city of Jerusalem and to all provinces of the vast empire, all the Jews were gripped with dread. There was a deafening outcry over all the land.  

 1. Mordecai Was Devastated

Mordecai himself trembled of a dreadful holocaust.

“When Mordecai learned of all that had been done, he tore his clothes, put on sackcloth and ashes, and went out into the city, wailing loudly and bitterly. But he went only as far as the king's gate, because no one clothed in sackcloth was allowed to enter it.” (4:1-2) 

Mordecai was utterly devastated. He could hardly believed how Haman got an insidious deal in the royal palace and have masterminded to have had administered an imperial decree of mass destruction over his own people in the name of the king of the empire. Such dreadful thought consumed his whole being that almost lost his sanity. He ran wild in public and wailed at the top of his voice in the bitterness of his soul.

 2. The Israelites Mourned

Mordecai was not alone.

“In every province to which the edict and order of the king came, there was great mourning among the Jews, with fasting, weeping and wailing. Many lay in sackcloth and ashes.” (4:3) 

Throughout the vast empire all the Jews as one people trembled and mourned. They wore sackcloth, fasted, wept and wailed inside their homes and in public squares. The royal edict sealed their doom as a nation. We are not talking here of a civil war of all the Gentile nations against the Jewish people. The decree should be clear to us as a massive genocide against the Israelites without any room of self-defense on their part. The imperial decree of the ancient holocaust could not be repealed. An inconceivable bloodshed would flow over the land. Such impending dreadful end was masterminded by Haman the enemy of the Jews.

 B.  The Pleading of Mordecai to Esther (4:4-17)

Inside the royal palace, Queen Esther was clueless of the breaking outcry among the Jews and the great confusion among the people in the citadel of Susa. She was bewildered when Mordecai relayed to her the tragic news.  She braced herself to make the greatest decision of her life.

 1. Esther Wondered in Distress

Esther was deeply bothered when she heard of Mordecai.

“When Esther's maids and eunuchs came and told her about Mordecai, she was in great distress. She sent clothes for him to put on instead of his sackcloth, but he would not accept them. Then Esther summoned Hathach, one of the king's eunuchs assigned to attend her, and ordered him to find out what was troubling Mordecai and why. So Hathach went out to Mordecai in the open square of the city in front of the king's gate.” (4:4-6)

Esther wondered what was really going on with Mordecai. She wanted to talk with him inside the place, but he chose to remain in sackcloth and stayed at the king’s gate. Esther was deeply distressed and she ordered the eunuch Hatach to know why Mordecai was troubled and restless.  

 2. Mordecai Was Utterly Desperate

Mordecai disclosed the hard facts.

“Mordecai told him everything that had happened to him, including the exact amount of money Haman had promised to pay into the royal treasury for the destruction of the Jews. He also gave him a copy of the text of the edict for their annihilation, which had been published in Susa, to show to Esther and explain it to her, and he told him to urge her to go into the king's presence to beg for mercy and plead with him for her people.” (4:7-8) 

Mordecai narrated the plot. Unknown to the king, a conspiracy against the Jews was masterminded by Haman the Agagite. It all began when Haman was outraged to Mordecai. When Haman discovered that Mordecai was a Hebrew, he was determined to annihilate all the Jews. Out of deceit, Haman used his power and wealth to persuade the king to make a decree for the destruction of a certain group of people whom he presented as threat to the empire. In the name of the king, Haman orchestrated the deceitful legislation and systematic administration of the imperial decree particularly targeted to the Jewish people. Mordecai gave to Hathach the written script of the decree as solid documentary evidence. And through Hathach, Mordecai earnestly pleaded with Esther to appear before the king and beg for mercy on behalf of the Jewish people. It appeared that Hathach was a trustworthy royal official.

 3. Esther Inwardly Struggled

The staggering news reached Esther and she was bewildered.

“Hathach went back and reported to Esther what Mordecai had said. Then she instructed him to say to Mordecai, ‘All the king's officials and the people of the royal provinces know that for any man or woman who approaches the king in the inner court without being summoned the king has but one law: that he be put to death. The only exception to this is for the king to extend the gold scepter to him and spare his life. But thirty days have passed since I was called to go to the king.’” (4:9-11)

Esther honestly expressed her fear to appear before the king. This could spell her death. The only way her life could be spared would be for the king to extend his golden scepter to the queen. Hathach delivered the message of Esther to Mordecai.

 4. Mordecai Urgently Pleaded

Mordecai made an urgent plea.

“When Esther's words were reported to Mordecai, he sent back this answer: ‘Do not think that because you are in the king's house you alone of all the Jews will escape. For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father's family will perish. And who knows but that you have come to royal position for such a time as this?’” (4:12-14)

The pleading of Mordecai was direct to the point. Silence on the part of Esther would mean the horrible destruction of all the Jews—and that would include her and Mordecai. And he reiterated his earnest appeal to Esther with this revealing word, “And who knows but that you have come to royal position for such a time as this?” We could just imagine the indescribable awe of Hathach. Before him were no ordinary man and woman sharing the top secrets in the Persian Empire. Hathach staggered and trembled to have known that Queen Esther was a Jewess.

5. Esther Made a Brave Stand

Esther gave her final word.

“Then Esther sent this reply to Mordecai: ‘Go, gather together all the Jews who are in Susa, and fast for me. Do not eat or drink for three days, night or day. I and my maids will fast as you do. When this is done, I will go to the king, even though it is against the law. And if I perish, I perish.’ So Mordecai went away and carried out all of Esther's instructions.” (4:15-17)

Queen Esther made up her mind. She will appear before the king. All she asked was for all her fellow Jews in Susa to fast and pray for her without food and drink for three days. She and her maids would do the same. The parting words of Esther could be her last, “And if I perish, I perish.” Imagine Hathach to have broken down in dread and in tears. Mordecai bid farewell and obeyed the word of his daughter and queen.

 C. The Presence of Esther Before the King (5:1-8)

Three days were like infinity. Mordecai and the Jews in Susa fasted and prayed. Esther and her maids in the royal palace fasted and prayed. Queen Esther gave a careful thought in every step she has to make. Hathach kept his silence and was vigilant.

 1. Esther Appeared Before the King

The hour had come.  

“On the third day Esther put on her royal robes and stood in the inner court of the palace, in front of the king's hall. The king was sitting on his royal throne in the hall, facing the entrance.” (5:1) 

The law of the empire was clear. Any uninvited guest who would enter the inner court of the royal palace and appear before the king would be immediately executed. Esther was calm to face her imminent death. Queen Esther stood before King Xerxes seated on his royal throne. In a tick of a second Esther was waiting for her death sentence.

2. King Xerxes Honored Esther

King Xerxes made an astounding love.

“When he saw Queen Esther standing in the court, he was pleased with her and held out to her the gold scepter that was in his hand. So Esther approached and touched the tip of the scepter. Then the king asked, ‘What is it, Queen Esther? What is your request? Even up to half the kingdom, it will be given you.’” (5:2-3)

The king was delighted with her. He held out his gold scepter to her and she touched its tip. Her life was spared from death. She maintained her calmness as she took a deep breath of great relief. And she could hardly believe the word of the king. She was given the royal authority to ask for anything even up to half the kingdom. The king had spoken and no one could ever break his word. In a minute, Esther was stunned in silence.

 3. Esther Invited King Xerxes and Haman for a Banquet

Esther predetermined her next step should her life be spared.

“‘If it pleases the king,’ replied Esther, ‘let the king, together with Haman, come today to a banquet I have prepared for him.’ ‘Bring Haman at once,’ the king said, ‘so that we may do what Esther asks.’ So the king and Haman went to the banquet Esther had prepared.” (5:4-5) 

Why did Esther invite the king to a royal banquet? Obviously it was an expression of gratitude being honored by the king. But why did she invite Haman to be with the king to the royal banquet? She saw the need to first establish an atmosphere of honor and respect before the king and Haman. It would not be wise for her to make her request before the king that would primarily involve Haman who was his closest confidant.

 4. The King Asked the Petition of Esther

At the royal banquet the king reiterated his word to the queen.

“As they were drinking wine, the king again asked Esther, ‘Now what is your petition? It will be given you. And what is your request? Even up to half the kingdom, it will be granted.’” (5:6)

The king wondered what the queen really wanted. It was clear for him that when she dared to appear before his royal throne and undoubtedly placed her life at stake was without extraordinary agenda on her part.

 5. Esther Promised to Answer the King

Queen Esther gave her word to the king.

“Esther replied, ‘My petition and my request is this: If the king regards me with favor and if it pleases the king to grant my petition and fulfill my request, let the king and Haman come tomorrow to the banquet I will prepare for them. Then I will answer the king's question.’” (5:7-8)

Ah! King Xerxes was now bothered. For him the petition of the queen was of extreme importance. Haman enjoyed the banquet without any care for all he thought he was greatly honored by the royal queen.

Conclusion

The world of the ancient Jewish people narrowed down to one dreadful word: holocaust. Haman the Agagite, the master of deceit and enemy of the Jews secured an imperial decree for the annihilation of the Jews in the Persian Empire. Mordecai trembled and the Jews mourned in dread. Mordecai pleaded to Esther to intercede before the king. Esther wrestled with the greatest decision of her life. She asked her people to fast and pray for her. She stood before the king and faced the hour of her death. Amazingly, the royal king spared her life. And the king would honor whatever the queen would ask. Like Esther, we too brace ourselves.

There is a destined time for us to break our silence. Mordecai said to Esther, “And who knows but that you have come to royal position for such a time as this?” Thus far she was silent about her nationality as a Jew. As crowned queen the opportune time came to break her silence to save her people. And she did. As Christians we break our silence. Let us proclaim the gospel of Christ and speak for what is true, right and just.

In our most trying moment we bow down on our knees. Esther pleaded to Mordecai, “Go, gather together all the Jews who are in Susa, and fast for me. Do not eat or drink for three days, night or day. I and my maids will fast as you do.” And heaven intervened. Our solidarity is best affirmed on our knees before God when our destiny as a people is in danger.

Introduction

Here is a parable. A farmer went out to sow his seeds of wheat in the field. Then he rested. At night someone sow seeds of tare in the same field. Both seeds grew on the field. The servants of the farmer were greatly surprised why the tares grew with the wheat. The farmer told them that while they were resting an enemy secretly sowed the seeds of tare at night. The servants considered to uproot the tare. The farmer forbade them for once they would do that the wheat would also be uprooted. The roots of the tare are entangled with those of the wheat. The farmer advised them to wait for the harvest. Then they would separate the tare from the wheat. This parable of Jesus Christ speaks of the kingdom of God. Interesting, this parable portrays the insidious battle of the powers of light and darkness in the ancient Persian Empire.

King Xerxes fulfilled his imperial decree. On the third year of his reign he deposed Queen Vashti from her throne because she disobeyed the king. On the sixth year the king searched for a new queen in the empire. On the seventh year King Xerxes crowned Esther as the Queen. No one knew inside the palace that Esther was a Hebrew. Briefly after she became queen, Mordecai discovered an assassination plot against the king and it was written in the royal records before the king. After these events, Haman the Agagite rose into power as the right hand of the king (3:1-2a). Haman deeply hated Mordecai and the Jewish people (3:2b-6). In a deceitful scheme Haman secured an imperial decree against the Jews on the twelfth year reign of the king (3:7-15). Inside the royal palace was an ancient Hitler who was determined to annihilate the Jews.

The idea of the holocaust to exterminate the Jews was not a modern thought. It was true then during the Persian Empire. And we can be sure of this. As in the case of the Jews in ancient times and even now, the modern Hitler of our time takes many forms with a deceitful scheme and restless drive to destroy Christians in every corner of the globe. In a godless and secular world, the Christian faith rooted in Hebrew creed, is under siege on every front. Laws are legislated to corrupt biblical tenets. Lifestyles undermine moral values. Greed dictates governance for cycle of power and wealth. Idolatry is driven by love of money. Blasphemy done in the name of God is expressed in deceitful religious hypocrisy.

As Christians we are called to stand for what is true, right and just.  For us to safeguard and uphold our godly convictions we bear the pain of persecution even to the point of martyrdom. Lest we forget, our common Enemy is right at our doorsteps. Satan appears as angel of light. In reality he is a roaring lion to devour anyone. What does this mean to us? Like the Jews in ancient times and for us Christians in our generation, we brace ourselves for careful discernment and utmost vigilance.

A.  Haman the Agagite (3:1-2a)

Biblical history introduces to us Haman the Agagite. We wonder how he rose in great authority and power in the Persian Empire. And we are bewildered of his brazen pride and deceitful scheme to manipulate.

1. The Promotion of Haman

Here is the biblical narrative on the alignment of power inside the royal palace of the Medo-Persian Empire.

“After these events, King Xerxes honored Haman son of Hammedatha, the Agagite, elevating him and giving him a seat of honor higher than that of all the other nobles.” (3:1)

Five years after Esther was crowned queen and Mordecai discovered the conspiracy to assassinate King Xerxes, Haman rose into great power. Haman was an Agagite. The term Agagite was closely linked with Amalekite. The Amalekites were descendants from Esau’s grandson Amalek (Gen. 36:12). They were ancient wandering tribe in the Sinai Peninsula and in the Negev on the southern part of Israel. Throughout the Old Testament the Amalekites were bitter foes of the Israelites and Moses declared that God would continually wage war against them (Ex. 17:8-16). Haman the Agagite had the blood of an Amalekite. It is of great interest to us how Haman gained the solid trust of King Xerxes who elevated and granted him an awesome seat of authority in the royal palace above all the nobles in the Persian Empire. The Bible is silent on how Haman gained the solid trust of the king. The unfolding of the historical narrative would confirm our suspicion that Haman was a master of deceit.

2. The Pride of Haman

With this thought in mind of deceit on the part of Haman, we could suspect that he was able to convince the king for all the nobles in the empire to pay homage to him. The biblical narrative gave this record.

“All the royal officials at the king's gate knelt down and paid honor to Haman, for the king had commanded this concerning him.” (3:2a)

Haman the Agagite was a very powerful man with deep-seated pride in his heart. All the royal officials must honor and bow down before him.

B. Haman the Enemy of the Jews (3:2b-6)

In the sight of the king, Haman was a faithful and trustworthy man. Unknown to the king, Haman was a proud and deceitful royal official. Mordecai, as one of the royal officials in the palace, knew the true character of Haman. Mordecai did not bow down before Haman. Haman was outraged against Mordecai. So Haman plotted to kill all the people of Mordecai the Israelites. Haman thought he was in control with his insidious dirty politics in the royal palace. Unknown to him, Queen Esther was a Hebrew and the adopted daughter of Mordecai.

1. Mordecai Defied Haman

Mordecai stood on his ground as a zealous Jew.

“But Mordecai would not kneel down or pay him honor. Then the royal officials at the king's gate asked Mordecai, ‘Why do you disobey the king's command?’ Day after day they spoke to him but he refused to comply.” (3:2b-4a)

What motivated Mordecai to defy the word of the king? Was it because Mordecai saw himself untouchable because the king knew that he was the father of Queen Esther? We have to make it clear that the king had no knowledge whatsoever about the affinity of Esther with Mordecai. Mordecai could have been one among the royal officials in the palace prior to the enthronement of Xerxes as king of the empire. Mordecai was a Jew whose absolute loyalty was to the LORD God of Israel. It was for this ultimate conviction that he defied to bow down before Haman. The nobles tried to persuade Mordecai to change his mind for his own life. Mordecai was unmoved even it might cause for his destruction.

2. Haman Outraged by Mordecai

The defiance of Mordecai reached Haman.

“Therefore they told Haman about it to see whether Mordecai's behavior would be tolerated, for he had told them he was a Jew. When Haman saw that Mordecai would not kneel down or pay him honor, he was enraged.” (3:4b-5)

The royal officials knew the policy of the king of religious tolerance in the empire. When Mordecai told them that he was a Jew, the nobles understood his uncompromising stand. They raised the sensitive issue to Haman if the behavior of Mordecai was tolerable. Haman was outraged when Mordecai did not pay homage to him. Every day, the presence of Haman in the royal courts erased all the smiles on Haman’s face.

We remind ourselves as Christians with integrity that there will always be people in our respective workplaces like Haman who cannot enjoy life because of our personal presence. In the department where my wife serves as a faculty in the university, one of her colleagues stated how he wished to be preserved temporarily inside a freezer for ten years until my wife would be out of the office for her mandated retirement.

3. Haman Decided to Destroy the Jews

We go back to Haman. In his uncontained outrage against Mordecai, he conceived a heartless genocide against all the Israelites.

“Yet having learned who Mordecai's people were, he scorned the idea of killing only Mordecai. Instead, Haman looked for a way to destroy all Mordecai's people, the Jews, throughout the whole kingdom of Xerxes.” (3:6)

No one could ever imagine that Haman the Agagite could be the modern Adolf Hitler who masterminded the staggering cold-blooded Holocaust. On the part of Hitler, he conceived a deep hatred against the Jews when he blamed them for the devastating downfall of the Germans during the First World War (1914-1918). He compared the Jews as germs for everything that was wrong in the world—and by all means they should be annihilated. During the Second World War (1939-1945), nearly six million Jews were murdered when he became dictator of the totalitarian state of Germany under the Nazis. On the part of Haman, he conceived his own version of Holocaust not in time of war but of peace in the Persian Empire. His plot to exterminate all the Israelites in the whole empire was born out of his bitter outrage against one person—Mordecai the Hebrew. Haman the Agagite, like Adolf Hitler, had the great authority and power to deliver his devious plan of ancient Holocaust.

C. The Decree Against the Jews (3:7-15)

We make a careful note that the issue of Hitler to label the Jews as a social disease in society was the same argument that Haman used in securing an imperial decree from the king to get rid of all the Jews in the Persian Empire. This Haman did as a master of deceit.

1. Haman Made a Conspiracy

Haman made a conspiracy against the Jews. He orchestrated this move with his close sympathizers among the nobles in the royal palace.

“In the twelfth year of King Xerxes, in the first month, the month of Nisan, they cast the pur (that is, the lot) in the presence of Haman to select a day and month. And the lot fell on the twelfth month, the month of Adar.” (3:7)

We are uncertain how the conspirators casted the pur. The lot, however, casted on the first month of Nisan (March to April) fell on the month of Agar, a Babylonian term for the last month of the Hebrew calendar, which began with the new moon of February and ended at the new moon in March. The ancient Holocaust was set on the month of Agar.

2. Haman Persuaded the King

Haman packaged the conspiracy as a royal act of patriotism.

“Then Haman said to King Xerxes, "There is a certain people dispersed and scattered among the peoples in all the provinces of your kingdom whose customs are different from those of all other people and who do not obey the king's laws; it is not in the king's best interest to tolerate them. If it pleases the king, let a decree be issued to destroy them, and I will put ten thousand talents of silver into the royal treasury for the men who carry out this business.’” (3:8-9)

How did Haman deliver his hidden conspiracy against the Jews? First of all, he presented a fabricated insidious threat in the kingdom out of pretense in upholding the authority of the king and the stability of the empire. The threat came from “a certain people” whose presence was in all the provinces of the kingdom. And these people were totally different from the customs of all the peoples and such radical difference could cause conflict within the empire. Above all, these people in the empire defied the authority of the king and disobeyed his decrees.  Secondly, in addressing this alarming insidious threat, Haman made his appeal to the king to reconsider his policy of tolerance over this kind of people who were potential trouble makers inside the kingdom. Thirdly, Haman asked for the king’s favor to issue an imperial decree for the destruction of the said people who posed a clear and present danger in the empire. Lastly, Haman volunteered himself to administer the edict by financing those who would carry the decree from his own pocket worth ten thousand talents of silver or 345 metric tons of silver equivalent to U$165,600,000 based on current market price. And this great sum of money would be given in cash to the royal treasury. Now, we have a better grasp why Haman rose into power as the prime minister of the empire. As in ancient times and in our days those who hold the purse hold the power. Haman the Agagite, a master of deceit, was a powerful billionaire!

3. The King Issued a Decree

We are speechless to see the turn of events.

“So the king took his signet ring from his finger and gave it to Haman son of Hammedatha, the Agagite, the enemy of the Jews. ‘Keep the money,’ the king said to Haman, ‘and do with the people as you please.’” (3:10-11)

We all ask a serious question. Why did King Xerxes give his consent to the plan of Haman the Agagite? We reconsider our misjudgment that the king appointed him as his right hand because of his great wealth for he told Haman to keep the money for himself. We ask a more serious inquiry. Was the king well informed who the people to be annihilated as proposed by Haman? The biblical narrative seemed to suggest that he did not know specifically who these people were for when Haman spoke of the plot, he simply mentioned “a certain people.” And we ask the most disturbing question. Did the king really not bother to have asked who these people were on the brink of annihilation as Haman had mentioned? It will be unfair for us to say that the king was careless on this matter of great concern and a blind listener to Haman. We can only surmise that the king gave his approval because in his sight Haman was such a loyal and trustworthy royal official in the empire. Yes, we may be wrong in our perception, but it would not be hard for us to convince ourselves, that the highest regard of the king to Haman was carefully planned and precisely established by Haman himself through his unsuspected deceitful ways before the eyes of the king. And who among us would not be alarmed and bewildered that there are people who rose in great authority and power in our government and work places motivated with insatiable greed and orchestrated with insidious deceit?

4. Haman Administered the Decree

Finally, the king authorized an irreversible decree based on the law of the Persians and Medians. The legislation and administration of the imperial decree was entrusted into the hands of Haman.

“Then on the thirteenth day of the first month the royal secretaries were summoned. They wrote out in the script of each province and in the language of each people all Haman's orders to the king's satraps, the governors of the various provinces and the nobles of the various peoples. These were written in the name of King Xerxes himself and sealed with his own ring. Dispatches were sent by couriers to all the king's provinces with the order to destroy, kill and annihilate all the Jews—young and old, women and little children-on a single day, the thirteenth day of the twelfth month, the month of Adar, and to plunder their goods. A copy of the text of the edict was to be issued as law in every province and made known to the people of every nationality so they would be ready for that day.” (3:12-14)

It was clear that Haman himself wrote the decree in the name of King Xerxes and sealed by his signet ring entrusted to Haman. The decree as written by Haman was staggering. All the peoples of the empire were given this imperial order: “To destroy, kill and annihilate all the Jews—young and old, women and little children—on a single day, the thirteenth day of the twelfth month of Adar, and to plunder their goods.”

Here was the timeline of the conspiracy orchestrated by Haman. The decree was issued on the twelfth year reign of King Xerxes (3:7). The royal secretaries were summoned to write the decree in every language on the thirteenth day of the first month (3:12). And the ancient Holocaust was set on the thirteenth day of the last month (3:13). Many conceived that the number 13 spell a bad luck for all the Jews.

5. The Empire Was in Great Trouble

The decree spread like a wildfire in the whole empire.

“Spurred on by the king's command, the couriers went out, and the edict was issued in the citadel of Susa. The king and Haman sat down to drink, but the city of Susa was bewildered.” (3:15)

King Xerxes and Haman sat down to drink. In the sight of the king, Haman did a noble thing for the royal throne and the whole empire. Unknown to the king, Haman succeeded in his deceitful scheme to totally destroy Mordecai and all the Jews. All the residents in the citadel of Susa who first came to know the breaking news were bewildered. They were utterly shocked, greatly confused and deeply unsettled. The whole city stood still. The people were gripped with fear and terror. The dreadful decree devastated the Jews like a nation buried alive in every corner of the Persian Empire. Their doom was sealed. In the darkness of the night could someone kindle the light for the Jews?

Anne Frank (1929-1945) was a German-born Jew who died during the Holocaust. She wrote this testimony in her diary: “Who has inflicted this upon us? Who has made us Jews different from all other people? Who has allowed us to suffer so terribly up till now? It is God that has made us as we are, but it will be God, too, who will raise us up again.”

Conclusion

The most dreadful hour of the Jews under the Persian Empire came at a time when there was peace and order. King Xerxes displayed the glory of his kingdom with great liberality. And he issued an imperial decree that upheld social harmony and solidarity in society. Men should be the head of the household and women should respect their own husbands. Esther became the new queen of the empire with the great delight of the king, nobles and peoples. Mordecai uncovered a conspiracy that spared the king from death. After these great events, Haman rose to power above all the royal officials. He was outraged of Mordecai who did not bow down to honor him. And through his schemes he was able to secure an imperial decree to annihilate Mordecai and all the Jewish people. Haman administered effectively the imperial decree. The peoples in the empire were bewildered. The doom of the Jews was sealed. No one could ever suspect that the man closest to the king inside the royal palace was an ancient Hitler. This calls for discernment and vigilance.

We confront the grip of Haman in our midst. History shows how dictators consolidate their power in deceit. We have to be watchful and vigilant. We examine the political agenda of our leaders. We scrutinize their moral values. We assess their records of governance. We hold them accountable for their deeds. And we safeguard our ballot sacred.

Introduction

Once our home is shattered we are devastated. The healing process could take long years for it is extremely difficult to rebuild from broken pieces and recover from unbearable pain. The road to healing and recovery comes at our doorsteps with the grace from heaven. Behind the scenes is the invisible hand of God at work beyond human imagination.

A royal home bears the same grief of a common home once it is broken. Such was the case of the royal family of King Xerxes and Queen Vashti. They were the great king and queen of the ancient superpower Medo-Persian Empire. The people in every land rejoiced when the king and queen opened the kingdom for everyone. It was on the culminating day of celebration that spelled the breakdown inside the royal family. When the king was drunk he commanded the queen to appear before the multitude with her royal crown. The queen was uncomfortable to appear before a great audience and she disobeyed his word. In ancient times the word of a royal king was good as law to be obeyed by everyone. The king was outraged for he was disgraced before the nobles and the peoples. And he consulted the wise counselors to address the matter. Memucan gave the wisdom of the council. The tension between the authority of the king and the disobedience of the queen was not a simple family affair. At stake was the social order and political stability of the empire. The king understood the gravity of the offense of the queen and saw the impending peril to his sovereign rule. King Xerxes made a decree that every man should be the head in his household. And Queen Vashti was dethroned and to be replaced by someone better than her.

The heart of Xerxes was torn apart as a husband and a king. He grieved for the great loss of Queen Vashti his wife. Though how painful it was he made a firm stand to preserve the peace and order of the empire. It took years for King Xerxes to recover and he revisited the decree he made when he deposed Vashti (2:1-4). He gave his consent for the search of a new queen (2:5-11). Esther was enthroned as the Queen of Persia (2:12-18). As the new queen, Esther safeguarded Xerxes from assassination when Mordecai reported to her the conspiracy against the king (2:19-23). Behind these phenomenal events was the invisible hand of heaven over the whole empire and all the affairs of humankind.

 A.  The Decree Revisited (2:1-4)

Three years had passed since King Xerxes removed Queen Vashti from her throne. The decree he issued maintained order and harmony inside the households in the empire. On the part of the king it was not easy for him to settle down but he came to his senses to move on.

 1. The King Recalled the Decree

King Xerxes recalled the imperial decree. The biblical narrative gave this account, “Later when the anger of King Xerxes had subsided, he remembered Vashti and what she had done and what he had decreed about her” (2:1). Why did it take him so long to contain his anger? As a king who ruled the empire with absolute authority, he was outraged that the one who defied his power came from the queen herself who was the closest person in his heart. On the other hand, he could have been disgusted to his own self to internalize the breakdown inside his royal family was the consequence of making a command when he was drunk. It was indeed painful on his part that Queen Vashti was vanished from his presence sealed without remedy based on the indestructible law of the Persians and Medians. The imperial decree established peace and order in the whole empire at the cost of irreparable breakdown inside the royal home. The king learned to settle down. As the king, he must uphold the imperial decree. Indeed, Queen Vashti must go and to live her own life outside the royal family. Likewise, King Xerxes must honor the decree to choose a queen better than Vashti, whose name means, “one who is desired.” Such great transition was exceedingly painful but it was a legal necessity to establish order in the monarchy.

 2. The Proposal to Search for a Queen

How should the king choose a new queen?

“Then the king's personal attendants proposed, ‘Let a search be made for beautiful young virgins for the king. Let the king appoint commissioners in every province of his realm to bring all these beautiful girls into the harem at the citadel of Susa. Let them be placed under the care of Hegai, the king's eunuch, who is in charge of the women; and let beauty treatments be given to them. Then let the girl who pleases the king be queen instead of Vashti.’” (2:2-4a)

The proposal given to the king by his personal attendants was sound and clear. First, the king would appoint commissioners in every province of the empire. Second, each commissioner would choose beautiful young virgins in their respective provinces. Third, the beautiful ladies would be brought into the harem of the king in the citadel of Susa under the care of Hegai. Fourth, each young virgin would be given beautiful treatments for a year. Finally, the exceptional lady who would please the king would take the place of Vashti as Queen. We have to remind ourselves that this careful selection was not a modern pageant of beauty and brain for the winner to promote meaningful civic action in society. Rather, it was an awesome political process to crown the most qualified lady as the noble queen with vast authority and power next in command to the great king over the first superpower empire in ancient times.

3. The King Searched for a Queen

What was the response of King Xerxes to the wise proposal? The Scriptures made this account, “This advice appealed to the king, and he followed it” (2:4b). The crucial process of a thorough search for a new queen was under the sovereign rule of the king from beginning to end. The king was pleased with the plan and he administered it to fulfill the decree he had done. We could imagine that the search for a new queen electrified the whole empire!

 A.  The Search for a Queen (2:5-11)

It was in a historic context of a great search of a royal queen in the Medo-Persian Empire that we are introduced to Mordecai and Esther. Mordecai was a Jewish exile under the Babylonian Empire. And Esther, a Jewess orphan, was a much younger first degree cousin of Mordecai whom he adopted as his own daughter. No one could ever thought or imagine that the amazing transition of power in the whole empire would come from this unknown characters of Jewish origin.

 1. Esther Under Mordecai

The Scriptures gave us unsuspected profiles of Mordecai and Esther.

a.    Mordecai the Jew

Here was Mordecai.

“Now there was in the citadel of Susa a Jew of the tribe of Benjamin, named Mordecai son of Jair, the son of Shimei, the son of Kish, who had been carried into exile from Jerusalem by Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon, among those taken captive with Jehoiachin king of Judah.” (2:5-6)

Mordecai was not an ordinary Hebrew citizen. He came from a Jewish royal blood. He came from the tribe of Benjamin and a descendant among the fourth generation from Kish, the father of Saul the first king of the nation of Israel (1 Chr. 12:1). Jair, the father of Mordecai, was one among the captives taken with King Jehoiachin of Judah by King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon. It could be that Mordecai was born in Babylon. Since he was of a royal descent, he was given the privilege, like of other royalties, to be a resident in the citadel of Susa. He chose to stay in Persia after King Cyrus decreed the Jews to return to Judah.

 b.    Esther the Orphan

And here was Esther.

“Mordecai had a cousin named Hadassah, whom he had brought up because she had neither father nor mother. This girl, who was also known as Esther, was lovely in form and features, and Mordecai had taken her as his own daughter when her father and mother died.” (2:7) 

Esther came from a Jewish royal blood. Her Hebrew name, Hadassah, meant a “myrtle.” His older cousin Mordecai adopted her as daughter when she became an orphan. She was “lovely in form and features.”

2. Esther Under Hegai

And Esther was one among the chosen beautiful young virgins.

“When the king's order and edict had been proclaimed, many girls were brought to the citadel of Susa and put under the care of Hegai. Esther also was taken to the king's palace and entrusted to Hegai, who had charge of the harem. The girl pleased him and won his favor. Immediately he provided her with her beauty treatments and special food. He assigned to her seven maids selected from the king's palace and moved her and her maids into the best place in the harem.” (2:8-9) 

We wonder why Hegai made a special notice on Esther. We may assume that on first sight Hegai was captivated of her impressive beauty that set her apart exceptional from all the beautiful ladies. In his preliminary interviews he could have discerned her unassuming depth of wisdom and noble character. And Hegai discretely used his authority to give Esther the best treatment from the rest of the beautiful young virgins.  

 3. Esther the Hebrew

Esther went through the process with much discretion.

“Esther had not revealed her nationality and family background, because Mordecai had forbidden her to do so. Every day he walked back and forth near the courtyard of the harem to find out how Esther was and what was happening to her.” (2:10-11) 

Why did Mordecai forbid Esther not to disclose her race as a Hebrew? History speaks for itself. Israel was the object of intensified opposition within the empire. This was triggered when King Cyrus decreed for the Jews to return to Judah and build the temple of the LORD in Jerusalem.

Esther took the word of Mordecai and she obeyed in humble submission as a faithful daughter to her father. And Mordecai, one of the privileged citizens in the empire closely monitored Esther as a loving father to her daughter. Every day he visited her in the courtyard of the harem. And this he did for a year.

 B.  Esther Became Queen (2:12-18)

The time came when each promising lady to enter the palace and personally appear before the royal king. Each one would appear before the king and the nobles to behold the unique beauty of each virgin. And each beautiful young virgin would bring a special object with them to present before the king that would depict their core values and convey a royal connection to the heart of the king.

 1. The Virgins Appeared Before the King

After the royal beauty treatments, each young virgin made her most awaited appearance before the great king in the presence of the nobles. This was the biblical record of the historic beauty pageant in the empire.

“Before a girl's turn came to go in to King Xerxes, she had to complete twelve months of beauty treatments prescribed for the women, six months with oil of myrrh and six with perfumes and cosmetics. And this is how she would go to the king: Anything she wanted was given her to take with her from the harem to the king's palace. In the evening she would go there and in the morning return to another part of the harem to the care of Shaashgaz, the king's eunuch who was in charge of the concubines. She would not return to the king unless he was pleased with her and summoned her by name.” (2:12-14) 

Each beautiful virgin with an object of her own choice taken from the harem entered the palace and appeared before the royal king. The virgins who appeared before the king would stay to another place of the harem until the king summoned her back by name. In ancient times, it was a custom for kings to build their own harems—a practice acceptable then primarily for political ends but inappropriate and repulsive at present.    

 2. Esther Appeared Before the King

The awaited hour for Esther came as orchestrated by Hegai.

“When the turn came for Esther (the girl Mordecai had adopted, the daughter of his uncle Abihail) to go to the king, she asked for nothing other than what Hegai, the king's eunuch who was in charge of the harem, suggested. And Esther won the favor of everyone who saw her. She was taken to King Xerxes in the royal residence in the tenth month, the month of Tebeth, in the seventh year of his reign.” (2:15-16) 

We may assume she was the last candidate to enter the palace and appear before the king. After twelve months of royal beauty treatments with oil of myrrh, fine cosmetics, rare perfumes and healthy diet in the hands of trustworthy seven maids under the special care of Hegai—Esther made her personal appearance to the king. And with her was the very object which Hegai himself suggested for her to bring before the king. The Scripture was silent what this object was that came from the harem. For sure, Hegai, as a close noble confidant, knew that the distinct object which Esther brought into the palace in the presence of all the nobles of the empire had a symbolic royal attachment and outstanding personal significance in the heart of the king. Of all the beautiful young virgins who stood before the king, Esther captivated the hearts of all the nobles present, “And Esther won the favor of everyone who saw her.”

3. The King Crowned Esther Queen

Of course, King Xerxes, was the final judge.

“Now the king was attracted to Esther more than to any of the other women, and she won his favor and approval more than any of the other virgins. So he set a royal crown on her head and made her queen instead of Vashti. And the king gave a great banquet, Esther's banquet, for all his nobles and officials. He proclaimed a holiday throughout the provinces and distributed gifts with royal liberality.” (2:17-18) 

At last, the imperial decree found its closure for the healing inside the royal family and the peace of the whole empire. The great King Xerxes crowned Esther as the royal Queen of the ancient superpower Persian Empire. The king made a royal banquet in honor of the new queen. The nobles and the peoples of all races celebrated in grand jubilation. Who would ever think that in the midst of all the peoples stood a royal queen of Jewish origin. The secret was kept by Mordecai and Esther. If the secret was disclosed the royal celebration could spell a national disaster.

 D. The Discovery of a Conspiracy (2:19-23)

The sovereign transition of power in the kingdom was beyond human imagination and comprehension. The transition of power was further established when Mordecai discovered a conspiracy against the king.

 1. Mordecai Uncovered a Conspiracy

The biblical narrative unfolded a conspiracy that threatened the royal family and the whole empire.

“When the virgins were assembled a second time, Mordecai was sitting at the king's gate. But Esther had kept secret her family background and nationality just as Mordecai had told her to do, for she continued to follow Mordecai's instructions as she had done when he was bringing her up. During the time Mordecai was sitting at the king's gate, Bigthana and Teresh, two of the king's officers who guarded the doorway, became angry and conspired to assassinate King Xerxes.” (2:19-21)

As a basic rule of biblical interpretation we are careful in making unfounded conclusions in whatever form in respect of the silence of the Bible in a given situation. In this particular narrative, we have no idea why Bigthana and Teresh got mad against the king and conspired to assassinate him. Likewise, we do not know how Mordecai discovered the conspiracy. We can only speculate that the two officials got angry with the king because they were not given a royal favor they thought they deserved. And we can only surmise that Mordecai discovered about the assassination plot when the two discussed the matter without being unaware of the presence of Mordecai who happened to be at the king’s gate. We do not know the full details but for sure this historic event was not a mere accident. The discovery of the assassination plot against the king had a crucial place in the preservation of Israel as a nation.

 2. Esther Reported the Conspiracy to the King

Mordecai made an urgent move: “But Mordecai found out about the plot and told Queen Esther, who in turn reported it to the king, giving credit to Mordecai” (2:22). Esther was recently crowned as queen yet she was confronted with a hard decision based on Mordecai’s report. The two persons involved were on the list of the close officials of the king. Her silence, however, could spell the death of the king and her life as well. She took the courage and risk to report the assassination plot to the king.

3. The Conspiracy Was Recorded Before the King

The king listened to the queen and he made a thorough investigation.

“And when the report was investigated and found to be true, the two officials were hanged on a gallows. All this was recorded in the book of the annals in the presence of the king.” (2:23) 

The assassination plot was validated. The king was spared from certain death for the plotters had a direct access to the king. Bigthana and Teresh were executed. And in the presence of King Xerxes the discovery of the conspiracy was written in the royal records in honor of Mordecai.

Conclusion

It is such a wonder that those who do not desire for power are at times given noble positions of great authority. This was true to Esther whose name means “a star.” A decree was made to search for a queen in the whole Persian Empire. Esther found favor in the eyes of Hegai who gave her an exceptional beauty treatment and who chose a distinct object for her to bring before the king. She captivated the hearts of the nobles. The king had no second thought and crowned her as the queen of the empire. The peoples rejoiced without any idea that the queen who rose into royal throne was a Hebrew. A great reversal of events could have taken place should they have known then that she was a Jewess. Queen Esther kept her national identity a secret in obedience to Mordecai who understood well the anti-Semitic sentiment in ancient times. Then an assassination plot against the king was uncovered and it was decisively written in the royal records in the presence of King Xerxes who gave the credit to Mordecai. And the king had no idea on the affinity of Mordecai with the queen. We give a careful thought on these phenomenal events.

The virtues rooted in the home have a deep impact in society. Mordecai was a Jewish exile in a pagan empire yet he lived in accordance to Hebrew tradition. He worshiped the LORD and loved his countrymen. Mordecai adopted Esther as his own daughter and nurtured her faith in light of the Scriptures. Mordecai deeply cared for Esther. He watched over her to secure her well being in the harem. Esther respected Mordecai and obeyed him. “She continued to follow instructions as she had done when he was bringing her up.” These noble virtues rooted in the Hebrew home had a direct bearing of the destiny of Mordecai and Esther in the whole empire. Like the home of Mordecai, may our Christian home be rooted with godly virtues. As salt and light may we exemplify love, respect and obedience before God and man.

 The wise who read the times make sound judgments. Mordecai knew the history of his nation and understood the anti-Jewish sentiment within the empire. When Esther was in the harem, Mordecai instructed her not to reveal that she was a Hebrew. Esther obeyed the word of Mordecai. As it was written, “Esther had not revealed her nationality and family background, because Mordecai had forbidden her to do so.” Wisdom opened the door for Esther to the royal throne and preserved her when she was crowned as queen. Like Mordecai, as Christians, may we be innocent as a dove and wise as a serpent. In this dark and sinful world, we need discernment and wisdom to do what is true, right and just.

Introduction

Throughout history Israel is a nation of great controversy. Amazingly, God preserved the Hebrew people to this very day. Abraham is the father of the Jews. God fulfilled his promise to Abraham. Through Abraham, the LORD has built a covenant nation to be a blessing to all nations. If the Israelites remain faithful to God they would be blessed, but if they would forsake the LORD they would be cursed. Likewise, anyone who would bless Israel would be blessed, but anyone who would curse her would be cursed. Regardless of the opinion and attitude of the world to Israel, the glorious promise of God to Abraham firmly stands.

“I will make you into a great nation and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you.” (Gen. 12: 3)

God is true to his word despite the unfaithfulness of Israel. The LORD upheld his covenant promise when Israel was in exile under the Medo-Persian Empire during the reign of King Ahasuerus, also known as Xerxes, in 465-424 B.C. Haman, the enemy of the Jews, convinced the king to make an irreversible decree to annihilate the Israelites. Mordecai, a noble Hebrew stood on his ground to defend his own people. Through his wise counsel, Esther, became Queen of the Empire. And Israel was spared from inevitable destruction. This historic account was recorded in the book of Esther. The book could have been written by Ezra. This historical book may be divided into two sections: the danger of the Jews (chs. 1—4) and the deliverance of the Jews (chs. 5—10).

One could critique the book as a mere literary work of Hebrew patriotism and should not be labeled as part of the canon of Scriptures. The primary argument is that the name of God was nowhere mentioned in the entire book. However, the acts of prayer and fasting done by the Israelites affirmed their faith in the LORD. A careful study of the book of Esther speaks of the sovereignty of God in preserving his own people amidst the imperial decree sealed for their impending doom.

With an open mind and heart one can read this book in one sitting. In plain reading of this historical book, one can be filled with great wonder on the dramatic unfolding twist of events. As we close the book in humble meditation, it could bring us down on our knees in overflowing tears of deep gratitude to the saving grace of the Almighty God.

As Israel was under siege of the ancient pagan world, likewise, the Church of Jesus Christ our Lord, is under attack by a godless society on every front. Nevertheless, if God is for us, who can be against us? As the covenant people of God under the same divine promise given to Abraham, like the Israelites, we, Christians, are safe and secure in the hands of the LORD our God.

In light of this truth, we take a closer look on the book of Esther. We begin our study on the historical account when Vashti was dethroned as the Queen of Persia. This disheartening event occurred during the early reign of King Xerxes (1:1-8). It was triggered when Queen Vashti disobeyed the command of the king for her to appear before the royalties and the peoples (1:9-12). The king consulted his wise counselors to address the sensitive controversy. And the king made a decree to remove Vashti as Queen to ensure the social order of the whole kingdom (1:13-22). This painful decision sets the plot of the story in the book of Esther.

A. The Great King Xerxes (1:1-8)

The Book of Esther occupied a significant place of Israel when the Jews were on exile as recorded in biblical times. Here is a timeline surrounding the Jewish exile. In 722 B.C., the northern kingdom, Israel, was conquered by the Assyrians under King Sargon II. In 586 B.C., the southern kingdom, Judah, fell into the hands of the Babylonians during the reign of King Nebuchadnezzar. This was followed by the rule of the Medo-Persians (539-445 B.C.). The Persians originated from Russia known as Indo-Aryans who became the ancestors of the Iranians. King Cyrus (559-530 B.C.), known as “Cyrus the Great,” was the founder of the mighty Persian Empire. The Persian Empire was the most powerful kingdom in the ancient world. He conquered the kingdoms of the Mede (549 B.C.), Lydia (547 B.C.) and Babylon (539 B.C.). Cyrus was a wise and benevolent ruler. He appointed rulers in all provinces over his kingdom. And he decreed the return of the Jews to their homeland to build the Temple in Jerusalem. The first batch was led by Zerubbabel. Cyrus was succeeded by his son Cambyses II (530-522 B.C.). Cambyses was succeeded by Darius I (521-486 B.C.). Darius was not a direct descendant of Cyrus but came from an Archaemenid or Persian royal blood. He defeated 9 kings to claim all Persian territories. He unified the Persian Empire by using an efficient gold coinage. He also decreed the rebuilding of the temple in Jerusalem after it was stalled for 14 years because of opposition from the neighboring nations in Judah.

Darius was succeeded by his son Xerxes (486-465 B.C.). Xerxes was King Ahasuerus as recorded in the Book of Esther. Xerxes, his name in Greek, means “mighty man.” King Xerxes was the great ruler of the whole Persian Empire whose subjects included the nation of Israel.

1. The Greatness of King Xerxes

On this historical background we came to know about King Xerxes.

“This is what happened during the time of Xerxes, the Xerxes who ruled over 127 provinces stretching from India to Cush: At that time King Xerxes reigned from his royal throne in the citadel of Susa, and in the third year of his reign he gave a banquet for all his nobles and officials. The military leaders of Persia and Media, the princes, and the nobles of the provinces were present.” (1:1-3) 

Xerxes ruled over a vast empire of 127 provinces. The empire stretched from Europe’s Balkan Peninsula in the west to the Indus River valley in the northeast and to Egypt in the south: 4,900 kilometers (3,000 miles) long and 2,400 kilometers (1,500 miles) wide. Its territory is greater than the entire land area of the United States of America. The Persian Empire was the first superpower in the ancient world. Xerxes established his throne in the citadel of Susa, the former capital of the Elamite kingdom on the eastern side of the Tigris and Euphrates Rivers. On his third year as king, Xerxes gave a royal banquet for all his princes, nobles, officials and generals in the empire.

 2. The Showcase of the Kingdom

Prior to the royal banquet, Xerxes opened his kingdom to his subjects.

“For a full 180 days he displayed the vast wealth of his kingdom and the splendor and glory of his majesty. When these days were over, the king gave a banquet, lasting seven days, in the enclosed garden of the king's palace, for all the people from the least to the greatest, who were in the citadel of Susa. The garden had hangings of white and blue linen, fastened with cords of white linen and purple material to silver rings on marble pillars. There were couches of gold and silver on a mosaic pavement of porphyry, marble, mother-of-pearl and other costly stones.” (1:4-6)

The ancient citadel of Susa was a masterpiece. The great King Darius made an inscription at the Great Hall on how he built the magnificent palace. This is the English translation of the inscription of Darius.

The materials, ornamentation and artisans for this palace which I built at Susa have come from afar. For its foundations, the earth was dug until I reached rock. When the excavation was complete, foundation rock was packed down some 40 cubits to 20 cubits in depth. On that foundation the palace was constructed using sun-dried brick. These tasks were performed by Babylonians. The cedar timber was brought by the Assyrians to Babylon from a mountain in Lebanon. From Babylon, the Carians and Ionians brought it to Susa. The yaka-timber was brought from Kandahar (Gandara) and Kerman (Carmania). The gold was brought from Sardis and from Bakhtrish (Bactria) was wrought here. The precious stone lapis lazuli and carnelian which were crafted here was brought from Suguda (Sogdiana). The precious stone turquoise that was brought from Uvarazmish (Chorasmia) was crafted here. The silver and ebony were brought from Egypt. The ornamentation with which the wall was adorned was brought from Ionia. The ivory which was crafted here, was brought from Ethiopia, Sind and Harauvatish (Arachosia). The stone columns which were crafted here, were brought from a village named Abiradu, in Elam. The stone-cutters who crafted the stone were Ionians and Sardians. The goldsmiths who crafted the gold were Medes and Egyptians. The men who crafted the wood were Sardians and Egyptians. The men who crafted the baked brick were Babylonians. The men who adorned the walls were Medes and Egyptians. The work [at] Susa was one of excellence. May Ahuramazda [the Persian god] protect me, Vistasp my father, and my country. (See A Companion to the Archaeology of the Ancient Near East, Volume I, edited by D.T. Potts.)

The UNESCO declared the ancient city of Susa as a worldwide heritage with this primary criterion based on archaeological findings.

“The royal ensemble of the Palace of Darius and Apadana, with its tall hypostyle hall and porticos, lofty stone columns and gigantic capitals and column bases, and the orthostatic and ceramic wall decorations, together represent an innovative contribution to the creation of a new expression, characteristic of the Archaemenid Empire.”

We could imagine the people in the Persian Empire were thrilled with amazing wonder when King Xerxes liberally displayed the awesome grandeur of his magnificent kingdom.

3. The Liberality of the King

King Xerxes showed his palace with an open hand.

“Wine was served in goblets of gold, each one different from the other, and the royal wine was abundant, in keeping with the king's liberality. By the king's command each guest was allowed to drink in his own way, for the king instructed all the wine stewards to serve each man what he wished.” (1:7-8) 

The king displayed his kingdom to all his subjects in six months. Then he made a royal banquet to the people for seven days. The great King Xerxes was known for his generosity.

B. The Disobedience Queen Vashti (1:9-12)

Amidst the grand celebration no one would ever thought it could end to an irreparable breakdown inside the royal home between the king and the queen. It all began when King Xerxes commanded Queen Vashti to present herself before the nobles and the peoples but she disobeyed the word of the king. We do a careful study to make a sound judgment.

1. The Banquet of Queen Vashti

The biblical narrative recorded the setting of this painful turn of event.

“Queen Vashti also gave a banquet for the women in the royal palace of King Xerxes.” (1:9) 

This separate banquet for the women portrayed the liberality of both the king and queen to the people.

2. The Command of King Xerxes

A controversy evolved, however, on the final day of the celebration.

“On the seventh day, when King Xerxes was in high spirits from wine, he commanded the seven eunuchs who served him—Mehuman, Biztha, Harbona, Bigtha, Abagtha, Zethar and Carcas—to bring before him Queen Vashti, wearing her royal crown, in order to display her beauty to the people and nobles, for she was lovely to look at.” (1:10-11) 

King Xerxes displayed his empire for six months. Then he prepared a royal banquet for seven days. At the last day, the king commanded the queen to appear before the people with her royal crown. This could be a climax for King Xerxes to display the grandeur of his kingdom. However, he made the command when he “was in high spirits from wine.” The command was not indecent or immoral but it disregarded the sensitivity of his wife to be on the spot to appear before a great crowd.

 3. The Refusal of Queen Vashti

Unfortunately, the turn of events got complicated.

“But when the attendants delivered the king's command, Queen Vashti refused to come. Then the king became furious and burned with anger.” (1:12) 

Queen Vashti struggled to be on the spotlight before the multitude against her will. She made up her mind to disobey the word of her husband who was the king of the empire. King Xerxes got mad for it would be a disgrace for him to swallow his word before the people. We have to understand that in ancient times, the word of a royal king was good as authoritative law that warranted complete obedience.

C. The Decree of King Xerxes (1:13-22)

The dilemma was not a simple private affair between the husband and wife inside the royal family. The controversy in the public eye was a sensitive issue between the authority of the king and the disobedience of the queen. If left unresolved it would ignite a devastating effect on the political stability and social order in the whole empire.

 1. The Royal Consultation

King Xerxes showed his composure and made a sober move on how to resolve the crucial issue under the closest scrutiny of the nobles, generals and commoners. He sought the wisdom of his counselors.

“Since it was customary for the king to consult experts in matters of law and justice, he spoke with the wise men who understood the times and were closest to the king—Carshena, Shethar, Admatha, Tarshish, Meres, Marsena and Memucan, the seven nobles of Persia and Media who had special access to the king and were highest in the kingdom.” (1:13-14) 

In a royal consultation of the highest order, King Xerxes presented the controversial case to his closest advisers.  

“According to law, what must be done to Queen Vashti?" he asked. "She has not obeyed the command of King Xerxes that the eunuchs have taken to her.” (1:15)

The great controversy was placed in the hands of the seven most powerful wise men in the empire who were experts in the legislation, interpretation and administration of the law to uphold justice in the land.

2. The Counsel of Memucan

After a thorough deliberation within the royal advisers who understood the times on how the controversy could affect the entire empire, it was Memucan who stood before the king and the nobles and declared the judgment of the wise council.

a.    The Gravity of the Disobedience

This is the word of Memucan.

“Then Memucan replied in the presence of the king and the nobles, ‘Queen Vashti has done wrong, not only against the king but also against all the nobles and the peoples of all the provinces of King Xerxes. For the queen's conduct will become known to all the women, and so they will despise their husbands and say, “King Xerxes commanded Queen Vashti to be brought before him, but she would not come.” This very day the Persian and Median women of the nobility who have heard about the queen's conduct will respond to all the king's nobles in the same way. There will be no end of disrespect and discord.’” (1:16-18) 

In accord to the decision of the council we make our careful observations. First of all, the disobedience of the queen was a serious offense. On behalf of the council, Memucan declared, “Queen Vashti has done wrong, not only against the king but also against all the nobles and the peoples of all the provinces.” The disobedience of the queen was not merely a personal offense against the king but also a civil offense against the people of the land.

Secondly, the disobedience of the queen would cause disharmony inside the home. Memucan made this pronouncement, “For the queen’s conduct will become known to all the women, and so they will despise their husbands and say, “King Xerxes commanded Queen Vashti to be brought before him, but she would not come.” To tolerate the misconduct of the queen would encourage the wives to disrespect their husbands.

And thirdly, the disobedience of the queen would create instability in the kingdom. Memucan gave this judgment, “This very day the Persian and Median women of the nobility who have heard about the queen's conduct will respond to all the king's nobles in the same way. There will be no end of disrespect and discord.” To disregard the disobedience of the queen would embolden the noble women to disobey the royal authorities that would cause unending disrespect and discord in the land.

 b.    The Dethronement of QueenVashti

And Memucan made a conclusive statement.

“‘Therefore, if it pleases the king, let him issue a royal decree and let it be written in the laws of Persia and Media, which cannot be repealed, that Vashti is never again to enter the presence of King Xerxes. Also let the king give her royal position to someone else who is better than she.’” (1:19) 

Memucan appealed to Xerxes to depose Vashti and for the king to choose a new queen who is better than her. And King Xerxes should issue an irreversible decree in accord to the law of Persia and Media.

 c.    The Social Order in the Kingdom

Finally, Memucan counseled the king to administer the royal decree to uphold the social order in the empire.

“‘Then when the king's edict is proclaimed throughout all his vast realm, all the women will respect their husbands, from the least to the greatest.’” (1:20)

For Queen Vashti to be removed from her royal throne would give a clear message for all the women in the empire, from the least to the greatest, to respect their own respective husbands. Once it becomes a law it will not be repealed.

 3. The Royal Decree

Memucan had spoken on behalf of the wise counselors. All eyes were fixed on King Xerxes to speak the final word.

“The king and his nobles were pleased with this advice, so the king did as Memucan proposed. He sent dispatches to all parts of the kingdom, to each province in its own script and to each people in its own language, proclaiming in each people's tongue that every man should be ruler over his own household.” (1:21-22) 

The king made a royal decree sealed with his signet ring. The decree was transcribed in its own script in every province to each people group in its own language. What was the core of the royal decree? It defined the line of authority inside the home in the whole realm of the Persian Empire that included the Asians, Europeans, Africans and Palestinians. It’s written, “That every man should be ruler over his own household.”

The word “ruler” dispels the idea of self-centered and controlling leadership. Rather, it signifies the proper line of authority and dignified headship inside the household. The husband should be the head to whom the wife should submit. The husband as the head should lead his wife for her well-being. And the wife should submit in obedience and respect.

Conclusion

As in ancient times we brace ourselves to define the social order in the society. So we give a careful thought on the historic controversy in the Medo-Persian Empire. King Xerxes displayed his great kingdom to all his subjects. At the final day of the royal banquet, he commanded Queen Vashti to appear before the people with her royal crown. She disobeyed him. The king consulted his trustworthy advisers about the matter. Memucan stated the decision of the council. Queen Esther should be dethroned for the political stability and social order of the whole empire and a better queen should take her place. King Xerxes honored the wisdom of the council. He issued an imperial decree that every man should be the ruler of his own household and all women should respect their husbands. We examine the decree in light of the Holy Scriptures.

Is the imperial decree biblical? Women liberation of our day would claim their right of protest. And we understand not all that is legal is necessarily moral. So we ask ourselves, “Is it biblical for men to rule over their household and for women to obey their husbands?” In light of the Holy Scriptures, it is of great interest to us that the imperial decree is in accord to the Christian faith rooted in Hebrew tradition (Gen. 3:16; Eph. 5:22-24). The decree is in absolute harmony with the Word of God. This means that the decree that governed the whole Persian Empire is an acceptable norm for every people of the land in all generations.

Introduction

Ngayong araw ng Linggo ay ipinagdiriwang ng pandaigidigang Kristiyanismo ang pagkabuhay na muli ng ating Panginoong Jesu-Cristo. Sa lahat ng mga relihiyon sa buong daigdig, tanging ang Kristiyanismo ang may dakilang Tagapanguna na nabuhay mula sa kamatayan. Si Jesus ay namatay ngunit nabuhay at buhay magpakailanman! Sa pagkabuhay na magmuli ni Jesus ay katibayan na siya ay isang ganap na Diyos (Rom. 1:4). Dahil siya ay nabuhay mula sa kamatayan, siya ang tanging Tagapagligtas na makapagpapawalang sala sa mga makasalanan (Rom. 10:9-10). At sa kanyang muling pagkabuhay, iniluklok siya ng Diyos Ama sa Langit bilang Panginoon ng lahat sa sansinukob (Phil 2:9-11).

Sa sanlibutan na puno ng kasinungalingan, sa pagkabuhay na muli ni Jesus na totoo at mapagkakatiwalaan, tayo ay may banal na pananampalataya sa isang matibay na katotohanan sa liwanag ng Banal na Kasulatan. Sa lipunan na laganap ang panghihinagpis dahil sa kasalanan, sa pagkabuhay muli ni Jesus, tayo ay may Tagapagligtas na makapagpapatawad sa ating kasalanan at kapahingahan sa ating kaluluwa. Sa Inang Bayan na talamak ang katiwalian, sa pagkabuhay na muli ni Jesus, tayo ay may Panginoon kung saan mananagot ang lahat at may hangganan ang bawat kasamaan. Sa sangkatauhan na gumagawa ng mga sariling diyos-diyosan, sa pagkabuhay na muli ni Jesus, mayroon tayong Diyos na karapatdapat sambahin, ibigin at paglingkuran. Sa gitna ng kaguluhan at pasakit sa daigdig, mayroon tayong kapanatagan sa puso, katatagan sa kalooban, katiyakan sa kinabukasan at kabuluhan sa buhay—dahil si Jesus ay nabuhay at siya ay buhay magpakailanman!

Ang pangunahing lugar na katibayan nang pagkabuhay na muli ni Jesus ay sa yungib na kanyang libingan sa Jerusalem. Sa araw ng Biyernes, ikatlo ng hapon, si Jesus ay namatay sa krus sa Kalbaryo. Si Jose na taga Arimatea ang humingi ng pahintulot kay Pontio Pilato para ilibing ang bangkay ni Jesus sa isang yungib na kanyang pagmamay-ari na wala pang naililibing. Si Jose ay miyembro ng Sanhedrin ngunit hindi siya sumangayon sa hatol ng Konseho para sa kamatayan ni Jesus. Sinamahan siya sa paglilibing ng ilang mga babaeng alagad ni Jesus. Binalot ang katawan ni Jesus ng damit na leno at inilatag sa ibabaw ng bato sa loob ng yungib. Pagkatapos ay sinarhan ang bunganga ng yungib ng malaking bato. Ang sumunod na araw ay Sabado. Sa araw ng pamamahinga ay naghanda ang mga babaeng alagad ng mga pabango. Sasadyain nilang puntahan ang libingan kinabukasan upang lagyan ng pabango ang katawan ng ating Panginoong Jesu-Cristo. Sa bukangliwayway sa araw ng Linggo naganap ang isang dakilang himala na bumago sa takbo ng kasaysayan ng mundo. Subaybayin natin ang kagilagilalas na pangyayari ayon sa Ebanghelio ni Lukas. Laking gulat ng mga babae na wala sa kuweba ang katawan ni Jesus (24:1-3). Lalo silang nanggilalas nang nagpakita sa kanila ang dalawang anghel na nagpahayag na nabuhay muli si Cristo (24:4-8). Karipas na nagbalita ang mga kababaihan sa mga apostoles at mga alagad na buhay si Jesus ngunit hindi nila pinaniwalaan (24:9-11). Tumakbo si Simon Pedro, kasama si Juan, sa libingan at namangha sila na wala nga doon ang katawan ni Jesu-Cristo (24:12). Sa araw na iyon ay nagpakita si Jesus sa dalawang alagad sa Emmaus na nagbalita sa mga alagad sa Jerusalem (24:13-35). At kinagabihan ay nagpakita si Jesus sa kanyang mga apostoles at mga alagad sa kanilang kinaroroonan sa Ikalawang Palagad sa Jerusalem (24:36-49). Sa araw ng Linggo, subaybayan natin ang mga pangyayari at maingat nating tignan ang mga katibayan na nagpapatunay na si Jesus nga ay tunay na nabuhay mula sa kamatayan.

A.  The Empty Tomb (24:1-3)

Una nating subaybayan ang pagpunta ng mga kababaihang alagad sa libingan ni Jesus.

 1. The Women Disciples at the Tomb

Bago pa man magbukangliwayway ay tumungo na sila sa libingan na dala ang kanilang mga inihandang pabango para sa katawan ni Jesus.

“On the first day of the week, very early in the morning, the women took the spices they had prepared and went to the tomb.” (24:1) 

Kaugalian sa kultura ng mga Judio ang maglagay ng mga pabango sa katawan ng isang yumao. Hindi nagawa ito ng mga babae sa araw ng Biyernes dahil hindi nila inaasahan ang kamatayan ni Jesus. Sinadya nilang puntahan ang libingan upang balutin ng pabango ang katawan ni Jesus. Ang paglalagay ng pabango ay tanda ng kanilang pagdadalamhati at pagmamahal sa ating Panginoong Jesu-Cristo.

 2. The Open and Empty Tomb

May isa silang suliranin habang sila ay patungo sa libingan. Inaasahan nila na sarado ang kuweba ng libingan. Sino ang mag-aalis ng malaking bato sa bunganga ng yungib kung saan inilibing si Jesus? Laking gulat nila noong sila ay dumako sa libingan.

“They found the stone rolled away from the tomb, but when they entered, they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus.” (24:2-3)

Ito ang unang katibayan. Ang bato ay naigulong mula sa bunganga ng yungib. Sino ang gumawa nito? Malamang ay hindi batid ng mga kababaihang alagad na sa araw ng Sabado ay pumunta ang pamunuan ng Sanhedrin kay Pontio Pilato upang pabantayan ang libingan ng mga sundalong Romano at lagyan ng selyo ang bato sa ngalan ng Emperador ng Roma. Ginawa nila ito na tiyakin na walang sinuman ang makagagalaw sa katawan ni Jesus. At sinumang mag-aalis ng bato at sisira sa selyo ng Roma ay tiyak na mapaparusahan ng kamatayan.

Bakit ginawa ng Sanhedrin ang bagay na ito? Dahil pinangangambahan nila ang sinabi ni Jesus na sa ikatlong araw siya ay mabubuhay na magmuli. Para sa Sanhedrin ito ay lapastangang kasinungalingan na mas mabigat kaya sa winika ni Jesus na siya ang Anak ng Diyos na katapat ng Diyos Ama sa Langit. Sino nga ba ang gumulong sa malaking bato ng yungib? Ang gumawa nito ay ang anghel ng Diyos. Sa pagbubukangliwayway ay nagkaroon ng matinding pagyanig sa libingan at iginulong ng anghel ang malaking bato at nasira ang selyo ng Emperador ng Roma.

Ito ang pangalawang katibayan. Wala sa libingan ang katawan ni Jesus! Lingid sa mga kababaihan, ang mga unang saksi sa pagkabuhay ni Jesus ay walang iba kundi ang mga sundalo na nagbantay sa yungib. Ngunit nang iulat nila ito sa Sanhedrin, pinalabas nila na ninakaw ng mga alagad ang katawan ni Jesus. At sinuhulan nila ng malaking pera ang mga sundalo upang ipakalat ang kasinungalingang ito sa mga tao.

Sa bahagi ng mga kababaihan sa loob ng libingan ay gayon na lamang ang kanilang pagtataka na walang laman ang libingan. Dala nila ang mga pabango. Ngunit wala ang katawan ni Jesus!

B. The Two Angels (24:4-8)

Walang mahagilap na salita ang mga kababaihang alagad habang sila ay nasa loob ng kuweba na nagtataka at nababahala. Nasaan nga ba ang katawan ni Jesus?  

1. The Appearance of Two Angels

Dito nagpakita ang dalawang anghel.

“While they were wondering about this, suddenly two men in clothes that gleamed like lightning stood beside them.” (24:4)

Tumayo sa kanilang kalagitnaan ang dalawang nagniningning na lalaki Sila ay mga anghel na isinugo ng Diyos. Sila ang nagpagulong sa malaking bato ng yungib. Nanggilalas ang mga kababaihan sa presensiya ng mga anghel.

 2. The Message of the Angels

At nagsalita ang mga anghel sa mga kababaihan.

“In their fright the women bowed down with their faces to the ground, but the men said to them, ‘Why do you look for the living among the dead? He is not here; he has risen! Remember how he told you, while he was still with you in Galilee: The Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, be crucified and on the third day be raised again.’” (24:5-7)

Ito ang pangatlong katibayan. Nagpatotoo ang dalawang anghel na si Jesus ay nabuhay ayon sa katuparan ng sinabi ni Jesus sa mga alagad. Noong malapit na ang takdang kamatayan ni Jesus ay inihayag niya ang kanyang sarili na siya ang Mesiyas at Anak ng Diyos. Naganap ito sa Caesaria Philippi sa Galilea. At pagkatapos niyang maihayag ang kanyang sarili at sinimulan na niyang ituro sa kanila patungkol sa kanyang kamatayan at pagkabuhay na magmuli.

Para sa mga alagad, ang tanging tumimo sa kanila ay ang kamatayan ni Jesus. Hindi naitanim sa kanilang isipan ang pagkabuhay na muli ni Jesus. Una sa lahat ay dahil hindi sila makapaniwala na si Jesus ay mamamatay sa krus.

Doon sa loob ng yungib, pinagtibay ng dalawang anghel ang kaganapan ng pahayag ni Jesus sa mga apostoles. At maliwanag ang kanilang mensahe sa mga kababaihan, “Why are you looking the living among the dead? He is not here. He has risen!” At pinaalalahan nila ang mga kababaihan sa salita ni Jesus patungkol sa kanyang kamatayan at pagkabuhay na magmuli.

 3. The Recollection of the Women

Napagtanto ng mga kababaihang alagad ang winika ni Jesus: “Then they remembered his words” (24:8). Naliwanagan ang mga kababaihan sa salita ni Jesus na pinagtibay ng dalawang anghel. At labis ang kanilang kagalakan na si Jesus nga ay buhay!

 C. The Report of the Women (24:9-11)

Sa nag-uumapaw na kagalakan ay dagliang tumungo ang mga kababaihan sa kinaroonan ng mga alagad.

1. The Breaking News to the Disciples

At abot-abot ang hininga na puno ng kagalakan na nag-ulat ang mga babaeng sa mga apostoles at alagad.

“When they came back from the tomb, they told all these things to the Eleven and to all the others. It was Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Mary the mother of James, and the others with them who told this to the apostles.” (24:9-10)

Ito ang ikaapat na katibayan. Nag-ulat ang mga babaeng alagad na nakakita sa dalawang anghel at nakapakinig sa kanilang salita na si Jesus nga ay buhay. Ang ulat na ito ay hindi mula sa isang babae lamang. Higit tatlong babaeng alagad ang personal na nakasaksi sa presensiya at testimonya ng mga anghel. Sa Batas ni Moses, ang isang bagay ay napagtitibay sa dalawa o tatlo na mga saksi. Ang kanilang dakilang ulat ay mula sa dalawang anghel. Siyanga, ang mga anghel ng Diyos ay magpakakatiwalaan dahil ang kanilang salita ay pawang katotohanan.

 2. The Unbelief of the Disciples

Sa yugtong ito ay hind makapaniwala ang mga alagad sa dakilang balita.

“But they did not believe the women, because their words seemed to them like nonsense.” (24:11)

Para sa mga ibang alagad, ang pagkabuhay na muli ni Jesus ay isang kahibangan. Hindi sa pinararatangan nila na nagsisinungaling ang mga nag-ulat na mga kababaihan. Kundi, sadyang hindi sila makapaniwala na si Jesus nga ay buhay dahil imposible itong mangyari. Ang himala na ito ng pagkabuhay ay sadyang hindi arok sa kaisipan ng tao.

D. The Witness of Simon Peter (24:12)

Ano ang ginawa ni Simon Pedro? Kasama ni Juan, silang dalawa ay kumaripas patungo sa libingan ni Jesus. Iisa lamang ang kanilang layunin. Totoo ba na wala sa libingan ang katawan ni Jesus?

 1. Peter Rushed to the Tomb

Daglian ngang kumaripas ng takbo si Simon Pedro papuntang libingan,  “Peter, however, got up and ran to the tomb” (24:12a). Sa salaysay ng Ebangelio, naunang nakadako si Apostol Juan sa libingan ngunit si Simon Pedro ang unang nakapasok sa loob ng kuweba.

 2. Peter Saw the Strips of Linen

Ano ang nasaksihan ni Simon Pedro, kasama si Juan? Ito ang salaysay sa Ebanghelio ni Lukas, “Bending over, he saw the strips of linen lying by themselves” (24:12b).  

Ito ang panglimang katibayan. Nakita nina Pedro at Juan ang mga damit na leno na pinambalot sa katawan ni Jesus na nasa ayos at kusang nakababa sa pinaglatagan kay Jesus. Ibig sabihin, walang gumalaw sa katawan ni Jesus. Kung may gumalaw o di kaya may nagnakaw sa kanyang katawan ay makikita na wala sa tamang lugar ang mga damit ng leno na ipinambalot sa katawan ni Jesus. Bakit kusang bumaba ang damit na leno at nasa ayos na lugar? Ito ang matimbang na paliwanag. Sa kapangyarihan ng Diyos ay nabuhay na magmuli ni Jesus at siya ay napagkalooban ng “glorified body” o maluwalhating katawan na hindi nasasaklaw sa limitasyon ng pisikal na mga bagay.  

3. Peter Was Gripped With Wonder

Ano ang kabuluhan ng mga pangyayari na ito kay Simon Pedro? Ito ang ating mababasa sa Ebanghelio ayon kay Lukas, “And he went away, wondering to himself what had happened” (24:12c). Hindi dahil sa kawalan ng pananampalataya ni Simon Pedro sa pagkabuhay ni Jesus. Bagkus, siya ay labis na namamangha sa isang dakilang himala na sadyang mahirap paniwalaan batay sa kaisipan ng tao. Sa bahagi ni Simon Pedro, ang pinakamatibay pa rin na katibayan ay ang personal niyang makita si Jesus na kanyang pinakamamahal na Panginoon.

Dito natin maidaragdag ang ikaanim at pinakamahalagang katibayan. Si Jesus nga ay personal na nagpakita sa mga alagad noong gabi ng Linggo nang pagkabuhay na muli ni Jesus. Ito ay naganap sa loob ng isang pinid na silid sa Ikalawang Palapag sa isang bahay sa Jerusalem. At ano ang katibayan na siya nga si Jesus? Ipinakita niya sa kanila ang mga pilat sa kaniyang mga palad at tagiliran mula sa sugat ng mga pako at tabak.

Sa maingat na pagsusuri, may isang seryosong bagay na kapansinpansin sa mga makatotohanang katibayan sa pagkabuhay ni Jesus. Lahat ay nasaksihan ng dalawa at higit na mga saksi. Higit dalawang babae ang nakakita sa naigulong na bato at ang libingan na wala doon ang katawan ni Jesus. Dalawang anghel ang nagpakita sa mga kababaihan. Nagpakita si Jesus sa dalawang lalaki sa Emmaus. Sina Pedro at Juan ang pumunta sa yungib at nakita nila ang mga damit na leno na kusang bumaba sa lugar kung saan nailatag si Jesus. At si Jesus ay nagpakita sa mga apostoles at mga alagad noong gabi ng Linggo sa Ikalawang Palagpag sa Jerusalem. Ayon kay Lukas, may isang pagkakataon na si Jesus ay nagpakita sa mga higit 400 alagad. Sa Banal na Kautusan, napagtitibay ang isang bagay sa patotoo ng dalawa o tatlo o higit pang mga saksi!

Conclusion

Sa araw ng Biyernes si Jesus ay namatay at sa ikatlong araw, Linggo, siya ay nabuhay mula sa kamatayan. Siya ay nagpakita sa kanyang mga alagad at pagkatapos ng 40 mga araw, siya ay nanumbalik sa Langit at iniluklok ng Diyos Ama sa kaitaastaasan. Ang kamatayan ni Jesus, ang kanyang muling pagkabuhay at pagkaluklok sa kaitaasan ay matibay na pundasyon ng Kristianismo na wala sa anumang relihiyon. Sa kanyang muling pagkabuhay ay napagtitibay na siya ay ganap na Diyos, tanging Tagapagligtas ng sangkatauhan at dakilang Panginoon ng lahat. Sa dakilang pundasyon ng katotohanang ito tayo ay nagdiriwang.

Una sa lahat, sambahin natin si Jesus na ating Diyos. Noong nakita ni Tomas ang mga pilat sa mga kamay at tagiliran ni Jesus ay kanyang winika kay Jesus, “Aking Diyos at Panginoon.” At siya ay sumamba kay Jesus. Si Jesus na ating sinasamba ay hindi isang dios-diyosan na walang buhay. Si Jesus ay tunay na Diyos at siya ay buhay magpakailanman.

Pangalawa, mahalin natin si Jesus na ating Tagapagligtas. Noong nasaksihan ni Pablo si Jesus na nabuhay mula sa libingan ay nabago ang kanyang buhay. Mula sa isang makasalanan siya ay naging dakilang misyonero na nangaral ng Mabuting Balita ng kaligtasan. Si Jesus na ating Tagapagligtas ay namatay para sa ating kasalanan at nabuhay na magmuli para tayo ay mapawalang-sala sa harapan ng Diyos.

Introduction

Kailanman ay huwag nating ipagsawalang-bahala ang kasagraduhan ng buhay at ang kaligtasan ng ating kaluluwa. Para sa ating kaligtasan, mapapahalagahan lamang natin ang kamatayan ni Jesus kung kikilanlin natin ang bigat ng ating pagkakasala.

Sa takdang araw ng ating kamatayan ay napakahalaga na magkaroon tayo ng katiyakan para sa ating buhay. Ang kamatayan ay nakatadhana sa bawat nilalang. Subalit ang salitang kamatayan para sa marami ay isang bagay na hindi dapat pag-usapan sa iba’t-ibang kadahilanan. May mga takot na harapin ang katotohanan ng kamatayan. May pag-aalinlangan ang marami sa kaisipan na walang sinumang nakakatiyak sa katayuan ng isang yumao sa kabilang buhay. Mayroon din naman na walang pakundangan sa paghamak na ang kamatayan ay katapusan ng lahat ng bagay at walang anumang buhay sa pagyao ng isang nilalang.

Ang mga kaisipang ito ay salungat sa dakilang katuruan ng Banal na Kasulatan. Sadyang napakahalaga na ating maunawaan ang tunay na kabuluhan ng kamatayan ayon sa itinuturo ng Salita ng Diyos. Una sa lahat, ang kamatayan ay kaparusahan sa ating kasalanan. Ito ay bunga ng pagsuway ni Adan sa utos ng Diyos doon sa Hardin ng Eden. Dahil sa kasalanan ng unang nilalang na nilikha ng Diyos ay pumasok ang kasalanan at kamatayan sa sangkatauhan. Winika ng Diyos kay Adan:

“You are free to eat from any tree in the garden; but you must not eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, for when you eat of it you will surely die.” (Gen. 2:16)

Noong sumuway si Adan, kasama si Eba, sila nga ay nahatulan ng kamatayan. Pangunahin dito ay ang ispirituwal na kamatayan. Sila ay nahiwalay sa Diyos at pinalayas sa Garden ng Eden. Kasama din dito ay ang pisikal na kamatayan. Sila ay tatanda hanggang sila ay mamamatay. Pinakamabigat sa lahat ay ang walang hanggang kamatayan. Kung sila ay mamamatay sa kanilang kasalanan ay maihihiwalay sila ng walang hanggan mula sa Panginoon at sila ay mahahatulan ng walang hanggang pagdurusa sa Impiyerno o Dagatdagatang Apoy.

Pangalawa, si Jesu-Cristo ang tanging handog upang tayo ay matubos sa ating kasalanan at magkaroon tayo ng buhay na walang hanggan. Ito ang dakilang paliwanag ni Apostol Pablo, “For just as through the disobedience of the one man (Adan) the many were made sinners, so also through the obedience of the one man (Jesus) the many will be made righteous” (Rom. 5:19).  Sa liwanag ng Banal na Kasulatan, lahat tayo ay makasalanan at ang kaparusahan nito ay kamatayan. At ang tanging paraan para sa ating kaligtasan mula sa ating kasalanan ay ang kamatayan ni Jesus bilang kabayaran sa lahat ng ating kasalanan. Sa katotohanang ito ay higit nating mapapahalagahan ang tagpo doon sa Kalbaryo kung saan namatay si Jesu-Cristo sa krus.

Isa sa mga huling salita ni Jesus sa Krus ay dakilang katiyakan ng kaligtasan para sa isang makasalanan. Winika ni Jesus sa nagsising kriminal na kasama niyang napako sa krus, “Sinasabi ko sa iyo ang katotohanan, sa araw na ito ay makakasama mo ako sa Paraiso.” Pagmasdan nating mabuti ang mabigat na tagpo sa Kalbaryo (23:32-33). Suriin natin ang magkaibang tugon ng dalawang kriminal kay Jesus na kasama niyang napako sa krus (23:39-42). At panghawakan natin ang dakilang salita ni Jesus sa kriminal na pakumbabang kumilala kay Jesus (23:43). Ang tagpong ito ang maglalahad ng nilalaman ng ating puso.

A. The Dreadful Sight at Calvary (23:32-33)

Madugo ang huling araw ni Jesus sa Jerusalem. Hinatulan siya ng Sanhedrin ng pamumusong dahil hindi sila makapaniwala na si Jesus ang Diyos Anak. Tinanggihan siya ng mga Judio na siya ang Mesiyas. Hinatulan siya ni Pontio Pilato ng rebelyon laban kay Caesar. Doon sa Kalbaryo ay ipinako siya sa krus sa pagitan ng dalawang kriminal.

 1. Two Crucified Criminals

Kasama ni Jesus ang dalawang kriminal na nahatulan ng kamatayan. Ito ang nasusulat sa Ebanghelio ni Lukas, “Two other men, both criminals, were also led out with him to be executed” (23:32). Sa panahon ng Kaharian ng Roma, ito ay pangkaraniwang tanawin. Ipinapako sa krus ang mga kriminal alinsunod sa batas ng kaharian. Ang kamatayan sa krus ay napakabigat na kaparusahan. Mabigat ang batas ngunit kinakailangan itong maisakatuparan para masupil ang mga gumagawa ng mga karumaldumal na kasalanan. Sa kabila ng makatarungang paghatol sa isang makasalanan ay nangingibabaw pa din naman ang kasagraduhan ng buhay. Kahit sa pinakahuling hininga ng isang makasalanan ay bukas ang pintuan ng Langit sa sinumang magsisisi sa kanyang kasalanan.

 2. The Crucified Christ

Sa pagitan ng dalawang kriminal, kasamang napako si Jesus sa krus.

“When they came to the place called the Skull, there they crucified him, along with the criminals—one on his right, the other on his left.” (23:33) 

Sa mata ng Sanhedrin, ang pamunuan ng Israel, si Jesus ang dakilang sinungaling. Ayon sa kanila, siya ay isang hamak na nilalang at maralita. Hindi sila makapaniwala na si Jesus ang Anak ng Diyos na kapantay ng Diyos Ama. At dahil hindi nila mahatulan si Jesus ng pamumusong sa ilalim ng Kaharian ng Roma, ang ipinaratang sa kanya sa harapan ni Pontio Pilato, ang gobernador ng Judah, ay rebelyon laban kay Caesar.

Sa mata ni Pontio Pilato, si Jesus ay hindi karapatdapat hatulan ng kamatayan. Binalaan siya ng kanyang asawa na hindi niya dapat hatulan si Jesus dahil siya ay matinding nanaginip na si Jesus ay walang kasalanan. Subalit sa hangarin ni Pontio Pilato na paboran ang mga Judio siya ay naghugas kamay at pinatawan niya ng kamatayan si Jesus batay sa kaso sa kanya ng Sanhedrin na rebelyon. Ito ang nakasulat sa ulunan ni Jesus sa krus, “Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews.”

Sa mga Israelita, umaasa sila na si Jesus ang kanilang Mesiyas bilang hari na magliligtas sa kanila mula sa Kaharian ng Roma. Ngunit nang naging maliwanag sa kanila na walang balak si Jesus na iluklok ang kanyang sarili bilang isang politikal na hari at magtayo ng kanyang kaharian, siya ay kanilang tinanggihan at hinatulan. Iisa ang kanilang sigaw laban kay Jesus, “Ipako siya!”

Sa mga apostoles at mga alagad, ang pagkapako ni Jesus sa krus ay kamatayan ng kanilang pag-asa. Tulad ng mga Israelita, nangarap din naman sila na maging hari si Jesus at maghari sa bansang Israel. Hindi nila lubos na tarok na ang kamatayan ni Jesus ang paraan nang pagliligtas at paghahari ng Diyos sa Israel at sa lahat ng mga bansa.

Sa mga sundalong Romano, ang pagpako kay Jesus ay walang habag na responsibilidad na may paghamak at panlilibak. Ipinako nila si Jesus na sa isip nila ay naghahariharian laban kay Caesar. Tanging ang kapitan ng mga sundalo ang takot na kumilala na si Jesus ay inosente at matuwid.

Mula sa Langit, ang mga anghel ay nanghilakbot. Batid nila kung sino si Jesus. Siya ang pinakamamahal na bugtong na Anak ng Diyos Ama. Si Jesus ang dakilang Lumikha ng sansinukob at Panginoon ng lahat. Nakapanghihilakbot na si Jesus ay mamatay doon sa krus!

Noong 1899, ang mga alipin na Kristiyanong Aprikano sa Amerika ay lumikha ng isang dakilang awit at naisama ito bilang kauna-unahang Negro spiritual song sa Episcopal Church hymnal noong 1940. Ito ang pamagat ng awit: Were You There. Ito ang buhay na mensahe ng awit.

Were you there when they crucified my Lord?

Were you there when they crucified my Lord?

O sometimes it causes me to tremble, tremble, tremble.

Were you there when they crucified my Lord?

 Were you there when they nailed him to the cross?

Were you there when they nailed him to the cross?

O sometimes it causes me to tremble, tremble, tremble.

Were you there when they nailed him to the cross?

 Were you there when they pierced Him in the side?

Were you there when they pierced Him in the side?

O sometimes it causes me to tremble, tremble, tremble.

Were you there when they pierced Him in the side?

 Si Jesus na Lumikha sa atin ang siyang nag-alay ng kanyang buhay upang tubusin tayo sa bigat ng ating pagkakasala! Siya ay walang iba kundi ang pinakamamahal na Anak ng Diyos. Pagharian nawa tayo ng banal na pagkatakot sa kamatayan ng ating Panginoong Jesus.

B. Two Lives in Contrast (23:39-42)

Ano ang tugon ng dalawang kriminal kay Jesus na kasama nilang napako sa krus? Magkasalungat ang tugon ng dalawa kay Jesus. Kung tutuusin ay sinasalamin nito ang uri ng ating mga buhay.

 1. The Unrepentant Criminal

Ang una ay nilibak si Jesus.

“One of the criminals who hung there hurled insults at him: ‘Aren't you the Christ? Save yourself and us!’” (23:39)  

Ipinapakita lamang ng kriminal ang kawalan ng pananalig kay Jesus. Hindi nakakitaan sa kanya ang kababaang-loob. Bagkus, nangibabaw sa kanya ang pagkamakasarili. Mabigat, walang pakundangan na hinamak niya si Jesus at ipinasailalim sa isang mapanlibak na pagsubok. Wala sa puwang ng kriminal na siyasatin ang kahungkagan ng kanyang puso. Ang tanging nangingibabaw sa kanya ay sariling kapakinabangan. Nakalulungkot mang sabihin ngunit sadyang may mga nilalang na hindi kumikilala kay Jesus at sila ang nagtatakda kung ano ang dapat gawin sa kanila ng Diyos para sa kanilang sariling interes.

 2. The Penitent Criminal

Kakaiba ang tugon ng pangalawang kriminal. Pakumbaba niyang kinilala ang kanyang pagiging makasalanan at namanhikan na ipagkatiwala ang kanyang tanang buhay sa kamay ng Panginoong Jesus. Isapuso natin ang binitiwang salita ng pangalawang kriminal.

a.    The Solemn Rebuke

Sinaway niya ang kanyang kapwa kriminal.

“But the other criminal rebuked him. ‘Don't you fear God,’ he said, ‘since you are under the same sentence? We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve. But this man has done nothing wrong.’” (23:40-41)

Una sa lahat, nanaig sa kanya ang banal na takot sa Diyos. Kanyang winika, “Hindi ka ba natatakot sa Diyos dahil ikaw ay nasa ilalim ng pantay na pagkahatol?” Sa bahagi ng pangalawang kriminal, napagtanto niya na hindi patas ang naigawad na kaparusahan para kay Jesus tulad ng hatol para sa kanilang dalawang kriminal.

Pangalawa, kinilala ng pangalawang kriminal ang kanyang pagkakasala. Tapatan niyang winika, “Makatarungan lamang tayong maparusahan dahil kinakailangan nating pagdusahan ang ating mga ginawa.” Hindi niya pinagtatakpan ang kanyang kasalanan. Hindi siya gumawa ng anumang dahilan sa kanyang nagawang pagkakasala. Hindi rin niya ipinagtanggol ang kanyang sarili bilang isang kriminal. Bagkus, kinilala niya ang kanyang sarili bilang isang makasalanan na nararapat parusahan sa kanyang nagawang kasalanan.

Pangatlo, kinilala niya ang pagiging inosente ni Jesus. Winika ng pangalawang kriminal sa kanyang kapwa kriminal, “Subalit ang taong ito ay walang nagawang kasalanan.” Isang hiwaga kung papaano ito nagpagtanto ng pangalawang kriminal. Malamang, may kakaiba lamang siyang damdamin kay Jesus habang maingat niyang pinagmamasdan ang kababaang-loob at pagpapatawad ni Jesus sa gitna ng panlilibak at pasakit doon sa krus. Sa kaibuturan ng puso ng kriminal ay napagtanto niya na inosente at walang kasalanan si Jesus.

Nasaan ang ating banal na pagkatakot sa ating Diyos? Bilang mga makasalanan ay wala tayong karapatan na ipangatuwiran ang ating sarili at magreklamo sa makatarungan nating kaparusahan. Bagkus ay pakumbaba tayong manikluhod sa habag ng ating Panginoong Diyos.

b.    The Humble Petition

Isapuso natin ang kahilingan ng pangalawang kriminal. Ito ang naisulat sa Ebanghelio ni Lukas, “Then he said, ‘Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom’” (23:42). Ito ay marubdob na kahilingan ng isang mapagpakumbaba at nagsisising makasalanan. Sa bingit ng kamatayan, walang ibang tinawagan at pinanghawakan ang kriminal kundi si Jesus. Sa kabila ng lahat ng kanyang mga kasalanan ay lubusan siyang nagpasakop kay Jesus at makapiling siya sa kanyang kaharian. Ang pagsamo na ito ang pangangailangan nating lahat na makasalanan.

 C. The Reassuring Word of Jesus (23:43)

Ano ang tugon ni Jesus? Sa unang kriminal na hindi sumampalataya at humamak sa kanya, si Jesus ay nanahimik na may panlulumo at paghihinagpis sa kapahamakan ng isang kaluluwa. Ngunit sa pangalawang kriminal na sumampalataya at nagpakababa, si Jesus ay nagbigay ng buhay na salita na dakilang saligan ng buhay at kaligtasan sa bingit ng kamatayan. Manikluhod tayo na ang huling salita ni Jesus sa nagsising kriminal ay kanyang maigawad para sa bawat isa sa atin.

“Jesus answered him, ‘I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise.’” (23:43)

Maingat nating himayin ang huling salita ni Jesus sa kriminal.

1. The Absolute Truth

Una sa lahat, winika ni Jesus, “I tell you the truth.” Ito ay katotohanan at pawang katotohanan. At bakit hindi? Si Jesus ay Diyos ng katotohanan. Winika ni Jesus, “Ako ang katotohanan” (Jn. 14:6). Ang buhay ni Jesus ay kapahayagan ng katotohanan ng Diyos. At ang bawat salita ni Jesus ay katotohanan na mapanghahawakan ng kriminal na salita ng buhay.

 2. The Present Reality

Pangalawa, winika ni Jesus, “Today.” Ang kaganapan ng salita ni Jesus sa kriminal ay sa pangkasalukuyan. Sa takdang oras kung kailan nagsalita si Jesus ay salita ng katiyakan sa oras din na iyon. Sa bingit ng kamatayan ng kriminal ay makatitiyak siya na ang kanyang tanang buhay ay nasa mapag-ingat na kamay ng Panginoon magpakailanman.

3. The Redeeming Grace

Pangatlo, winika ni Jesus “You will be with me.” Ang makasama ng kriminal si Jesus ay kapahayagan ng mabiyayang pagtubos ng Diyos. At ang katubusan ay sa pamamagitan ng kamatayan ni Jesus sa krus. Si Jesus ay namatay para sa buong sangkatauhan. At ang unang nabiyayaan nang pagliligtas ng Diyos ay isang hamak at nagsising kriminal!

 4. The Eternal Home

Panghuli, winika ni Jesus, “Today, you will be with me in paradise.” Kamangha-mangha na ang unang nilalang na nakasama ni Jesus papasok sa Langit ay walang iba kundi ang nagsising kriminal. Ito ay napakaganda at nakakaaliw na balita para sa ating lahat na makasalanan.

Conclusion

Katagpuin natin ang Diyos sa Kalbaryo. Tatlong nilalang ang napako sa krus. Sa pagitan ng dalawang kriminal napako si Jesus. Hinamak ng unang kriminal si Jesus. Katahimikan ang tugon sa kanya ni Jesus na may pagdalamhati sa kapahamakan ng isang kaluluwa. Sinaway ng pangalawang kriminal ang kanyang kasama at nagsumamo siya sa ilalim ng habag ng Diyos. Winika ni Jesus sa nagsising kriminal, “Sinasabi ko sa iyo ang katotohanan, sa araw na ito ay makakapiling mo ako sa Paraiso.” Sa bingit ng kamatayan ay iginawad ni Jesus sa kriminal ang salita ng katiyakan ng kaligtasan.  Siyasatin natin ang ating kalooban.

Tayo ba ay tulad ng unang kriminal na walang takot sa Diyos at hinamak si Jesus?  Sa ating panahon, bukambibig ng marami na sila ay may takot sa Diyos at kumikilala kay Jesus. Ngunit kung susuriin ang takbo ng kanilang pag-iisip, pananalita at gawa ay kanilang paimbabaw na itinatatwa ang Panginoon. At mabigat sa kalooban na marami ang walang pakundangan na nilalapastangan at minumura si Jesus na ikapapahamak ng kanilang kaluluwa. Hindi ito ikinalulugod ng Diyos.

Introduction

If we could have a glimpse on the agony of Jesus in Gethsemane, we only make fools of ourselves when we turn our ears deaf to his pleadings and harden our hearts to his tears. Ours is a generation who observes the season of Lent in vacation and recreation. We have lost the moral sensitivity to cherish the suffering of Christ and become careless to give ourselves a spiritual retreat to care for our souls. And God forbids for us to go through all the motions in observance of the Lent as a religious ritual without an intimate communion with the Lord.

Let us examine our calendar and search our hearts. Where is Jesus Christ in all our activities during the Lent? And where is our heart into all our personal reflections about the pain of God? The unspeakable sorrow of our Lord Jesus Christ in Gethsemane should lead us down on our knees and pour our hearts to God in tears.

The apostles thought their night with Jesus in Gethsemane, as usual, would simply be a time of rest. Their previous days were loaded. It was on a Sunday when Jesus entered Jerusalem riding on a young donkey with a great crowd who hailed him as their king. Every day he taught in the temple courts. As people flocked to him the Sanhedrin made up their mind to kill him. On Thursday night in the Upper Room in Jerusalem, he joined supper with his apostles and gave his farewell address to them. They proceeded to Gethsemane where Jesus pleaded to his Father in heaven three times to spare him from death (26:36-39, 40-42, 43-46). The apostles had no idea that would be their last night with Jesus.

A. The First Petition (26:36-39)

Jesus knew the hour of his death had come. In few hours he would be crucified on a cross. The dread of crucifixion terrified him. He faced the greatest temptation of his life. At Gethsemane he pleaded with God his Father if he could be spared from the horrible death on the cross. The apostles were clueless of the inconceivable pain of Jesus.

 1. Jesus in Gethsemane

Jesus closed the night with his apostles in the Upper Room in Jerusalem with a solemn prayer (Jn. 17:1-26). John wrote in his gospel narrative.

“When he had finished praying, Jesus left with his disciples and crossed the Kidron Valley. On the other side there was an olive grove, and he and his disciples went into it.” (Jn. 18:1)

Luke wrote in his gospel: “Jesus went out as usual to the Mount of Olives, and his disciples followed him. On reaching the place, he said to them, ‘Pray that you will not fall into temptation.’” (Lk. 23:39-40)

And Matthew gave this parallel account: “Then Jesus went with his disciples to a place called Gethsemane and he said to them, ‘Sit here while I go over there and pray.’” (Mt. 26:36)  

Gethsemane was the retreat place for Jesus and his apostles. That night, Jesus knew that the power of darkness under Satan worked at its peak to unravel the disciples and to pin down Jesus. Amidst the unsuspected fierce spiritual battle, Jesus focused on the primacy of prayer. Jesus exhorted his apostles, “Pray that you will not fall into temptation.”

2. The Sorrow of Jesus

Jesus faced the fiercest warfare and the greatest temptation of his life under the scheming influence of Satan who orchestrated for his death. Jesus himself was unsettled to the core that compelled him to wrestle in earnest prayer. Matthew narrated the inner struggle of Jesus.

“He took Peter and the two sons of Zebedee along with him, and he began to be sorrowful and troubled. Then he said to them, ‘My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with me.’” (Mt. 19:37-38)

Mark wrote a parallel gospel account.

“He took Peter, James and John along with him, and he began to be deeply distressed and troubled.  ‘My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death,’ he said to them. ‘Stay here and keep watch.’” (Mk. 14:33-34)

The gospel writers recorded the indescribable anguish of Christ. The Greek word used for sorrow which Jesus described of his anguish literally means “very sad,” “deeply grieved” and “exceeding sorrowful.” Jesus confessed to his core disciples, “My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death.”  And he requested for James, Peter and John to keep watch and pray with him.

 3. The Prayer of Jesus

Jesus gave room for himself in prayer. Matthew wrote in his gospel.

“Going a little farther, he fell with his face to the ground and prayed, ‘My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will.’” (Mt. 19:39)

Luke narrated, “He withdrew about a stone's throw beyond them, knelt down and prayed” (Lk. 23:41). And Mark gave this record.

“Going a little farther, he fell to the ground and prayed that if possible the hour might pass from him. “Abba, Father,” he said, “Take this cup from me. Yet not I will, but what you will.” (Mk. 14:35-36)

Jesus sought privacy for himself. He went a little farther enough for him to pour out his bewildered soul without disturbing his disciples. Alone he knelt down and prayed in the dark. And he earnestly pleaded to his Father in heaven if it was possible for him to be spared from death.

 B. The Second Petition (26:40-42)

Jesus rested awhile in pouring out his soul to God. He went to his disciples and see how they were. He knew their pain when he bid them farewell. He was in great sorrow yet he took time to watch over them.

 1. The Disciples Asleep

Jesus kept in touch with his close disciples. “Then he returned to his disciples and found them sleeping” (Mt. 26:40a; Mk. 14:37a). They were indeed physically tired and emotionally drained.

 2. The Request of Jesus

Jesus sought for prayer support. Matthew wrote in his gospel account.

“Could you men not keep watch with me for one hour?” he asked Peter. “Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the body is weak.” (Mt. 26:40b-41)

Mark gave a parallel record.

“Simon,” he said to Peter, “are you asleep?” Could you not keep watch for one hour?” Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the body is weak.” (Mk. 14:37b-38)

An hour of prayer is all what Jesus asked. And he particularly addressed it to Simon Peter. True, Jesus asked his disciples to intercede for him. Yet, he was more concerned for them. The apostles, especially Peter, have to watch and pray so that they will not fall into temptation. Jesus saw their will to pray but he understood they were dead tired.

 3. The Pleading of Jesus

Again, Jesus was left alone. Mark recorded, “Once more he went away and prayed the same thing” (Mk. 14:39). Matthew wrote in his gospel:

“He went away a second time and prayed, ‘My Father, if it is not possible for this cup to be taken away unless I drink it, may your will be done.’” (Mt. 26:42)

That night the conspiracy for his death was already sealed between the Sanhedrin and Judas Iscariot under the influence of Satan who worked behind the scenes. Jesus knew the dread of crucifixion as a slow torture of inconceivable and unbearable pain. Yet, he knew the ultimate reason for his horrible death on the cross. Through his death on the cross he would become a sin offering bearing upon himself all the sins of humankind and for him to bear the fullness of the wrath of his Father on behalf of sinners for the redemption of the world and the reconciliation of sinners to God. This was the reason why the Father sent him on earth. Ah! Jesus pleaded if there would be other way. Overwhelmed in sorrow, Jesus had no one to pour out his embattled soul but his Father in heaven.

C. The Third Petition (26:43-46)

In the bewilderment of his soul, Jesus wrestled with his heavenly Father in intimate prayer. His time of rest was to see his disciples. And for the second time he came to watch over them.

 1. The Disciples Asleep

Jesus found them in deep sleep. “When he came back, he again found them sleeping, because their eyes were heavy” (Mt. 26:43). This time Jesus did not bother them and respected their much needed rest.

 2. The Yielding of Jesus

What more could Jesus do? “So he left them and went away once more and prayed the third time, saying the same thing” (Mt. 26:44). And he poured out his soul to the point of death. Luke gave this graphic record.

“Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done.” An angel from heaven appeared to him and strengthened him.  And being in anguish, he prayed more earnestly, and his sweat was like drops of blood falling to the ground.” (Lk. 23:42-44)

When Jesus pleaded three times, he did not question the decree of God concerning his death for that could not be changed. Rather, he expressed the inconceivable anguish of his soul to face his horrible death on the cross. He groaned in much prayer as if his sweat was like drops of blood falling to the ground. The Father knew the pain of his Son but turned deaf to his pleading. He sent his angel to encourage him. Jesus yielded in full submission. Finally he prayed, “Father, your will be done not mine.”

3. The Hour Has Come

Jesus rested his case. And he went back to his disciples. The gospel narratives according to Matthew and Mark, gave a touching account.

“Then he returned to the disciples and said to them, ‘Are you still sleeping and resting? Look, the hour is near, and the Son of Man is betrayed into the hands of sinners. Rise, let us go! Here comes my betrayer!" (Mt. 26:45-46)

“When he came back, he again found them sleeping, because their eyes were heavy. They did not know what to say to him. Returning the third time, he said to them, “Are you still sleeping and resting? Enough! The hour has come. Look, the Son of Man is betrayed into the hands of sinners. Rise! Let us go! Here comes my betrayer!” (Mk. 14:40-42)

The night when Jesus was arrested at Gethsemane, the eleven apostles were more devastated to have found out that the unsuspected traitor who betrayed Jesus their Lord was one among them—Judas Iscariot.

 Conclusion

Indeed, the hour has come. Jesus knew his time of death arrived. The thought of his dreadful crucifixion terrified him. Anguished gripped his soul to the point of death. Where could he find solace for his bewildered soul? At Gethsemane he spent his final night. He asked his eleven apostles to watch and pray with him. They all slept for their much needed rest. Jesus was left alone restless. In solitude he poured out his soul to God with just one plea. Three times he pleaded if he could be spared from horrible death on the cross. The silence of his Father crushed his heart. In earnest pleadings his sweat fell to the ground like drops of blood. An angel of the Lord encouraged him. At last he yielded, “Father, Thy will be done, not mine.” Now, let us be still before God.

Do we embrace the pain of Christ? Jesus confessed, “My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death.” Jesus is the author of life. And he trembled on the curse of death. It crushed him to face the hour of his death on the cross. The dread of crucifixion shattered his soul. It terrified him with inconceivable grief to bear the despicable sinfulness of humankind. And he was horrified to suffer the fullness of the wrath of God on behalf of sinners. At Gethsemane he poured out his bewildered soul and groaned in unbearable pain. And all his pain was meant for you and me. See his overflowing tears. Hear his despairing cries. Feel his trembling heart. Sense his gasping breath. Unless our conscience is dumb and seared to the agony of Jesus.

Do we nurture the care for our souls? Jesus entreated his disciples, “Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation.” And Jesus requested to Peter, “Simon, are you asleep? Could you not keep watch for one hour?” In the hour when darkness reigned, Jesus coveted the much needed company to wrestle with him in prayer so that they would altogether withstand the temptation of the Evil One. The apostles failed to see the coming danger. Dead tired they rested and slept. When Judas Iscariot arrived to betray the Lord, they were caught off guard and fled Jesus. We are embattled, oppressed and tempted. Let us be still before God—watch and pray—and he will sustain us with grace and courage.    

Introduction

We live in a secular, humanistic and pluralistic world. Life is driven by greed. Freedom is exercised as we saw fit. And we create our own gods in our own image. Where is the place of Jesus into all of these?

When Jesus was born the only available space for him was a lowly manger in Bethlehem. He came from a poor Hebrew family. He grew in an obscure village in Nazareth. He became a carpenter to earn a living.  

At the age of 30 he left home and began his earthly ministry. He called his twelve disciples who followed him on the way. He traveled within the nation of Israel with a message about the kingdom of heaven. He called people to repent of their sinfulness and be made right with God through him. The people were amazed for he taught with authority and power. The crowd followed him because of his new teachings and awesome miracles. The Jews wondered if he could be the Messiah. And the people desired to make him king. The Roman authorities in Palestine were alarmed and suspected him as a threat to the Empire. The Jewish Sanhedrin made a plot to kill him.

When Jesus was 33 years of age, he revealed himself to his apostles in Caesaria Philippi. He declared that he was the Messiah and the Son of the living God. From then on, he taught his disciples about his death and resurrection. The apostles were unsettled of this development. Yet the time had come to fulfill what was written in the Scriptures. And Jesus made his way toward Jerusalem.

When Jesus made his final entry to Jerusalem he rode on a colt (19:28-34). The crowd rejoiced as they led him on the way (19:35-40). But when Jesus saw the city, he wept over Jerusalem (19:41-44). The disciples could have wondered why. Such concern will pierce our hearts.

 A. The Colt for Jesus (19:28-34)

As a traveling Rabbi, Jesus normally walked on the dusty road. This kept himself personally in touch with people from all walks of life. The great transition in his earthly ministry happened in Caesaria Philippi. In that idolatrous city he revealed himself that he is the Christ and the Son of the living God. He also declared to build his church and foretold of his death and resurrection. After having revealed himself and his redemptive mission to his apostles he went on his way to Jerusalem. In that royal city he spent his last week. It began on the first day of the week. It was on a Sunday when Jesus entered the city of David by riding on a young donkey.

 1. The Final Journey to Jerusalem

Jesus knew his time had come for his death. And he made his final journey to the city of Jerusalem.

“After Jesus had said this, he went on ahead, going up to Jerusalem.” (19:28)

When Jesus had disclosed his true identity to his apostles he began to teach them of his death in the hands of the religious leaders. From Caesaria Philippi he traveled toward Jerusalem. Along the way he reminded them on several occasions about his death and resurrection as written in the Scriptures. The fulfillment would be in Jerusalem.

2. The Instruction to the Disciples

Jesus was in control of the unsuspected turn of events. This included his ride in entering Jerusalem.

As he approached Bethphage and Bethany at the hill called the Mount of Olives, he sent two of his disciples, saying to them, “Go to the village ahead of you, and as you enter it, you will find a colt tied there, which no one has ever ridden. Untie it and bring it here. If anyone asks you, ‘Why are you untying it?’ tell him, ‘The Lord needs it.’” (19:29-31)

The instruction was given in details. At the Mount of Olives, Jesus chose two disciples to go ahead to the village of Bethany where they could find a colt that was tied which no one has ever ridden and they have to untie it and bring it to Jesus. And if anyone would ask why they were untying the colt they would simply reply, “The Lord needs it.” The given instruction was specific in details about the place, animal, people and events. Was this pre-arranged by Jesus? It is safe for us to say that it was not. Jesus as the sovereign God was in full control over everything.

 3. The Provision of a Colt for Jesus

The two disciples obeyed as Jesus instructed.

“Those who were sent ahead went and found it just as he had told them. As they were untying the colt, its owners asked them, ‘Why are you untying the colt?’ They replied, ‘The Lord needs it.’” (19:32-34)

Things unfolded in accord to the word of Jesus. The disciples saw a colt tied and the owners of the young male donkey made no protest upon hearing that “The Lord needs it.” We wonder at the sovereignty of God.

B. The Jubilation of the People (19:35-40)

When Jesus made his final entry to Jerusalem he did it in purpose during the Passover which was the most celebrated festival among the Jews on the Hebrew month of Nisan (March to April). In observance to this great festival, the Israelites, primarily the Jewish men, from Palestine and from different regions, traveled to Jerusalem to commemorate how the LORD delivered Israel from their captivity in Egypt. Central to this sacred ritual was the offering of an animal as an atoning sacrifice on behalf of the whole nation of Israel. A great crowd followed Jesus toward Jerusalem. And no one among the people knew that Jesus himself was the Passover Lamb who would offer his life through his death on the cross for the redemption of all humankind from their sins. The crowd followed him and hailed him as their political Messiah as the King of the Jews who would deliver them from the Roman Empire. This caused much alarm among the leaders of the Jews. What was then the significance for Jesus to have entered Jerusalem riding on a colt?

 1. Jesus Rode on a Colt

From Bethany, Jesus rode on a colt toward Jerusalem.

“They brought it to Jesus, threw their cloaks on the colt and put Jesus on it. As he went along, people spread their cloaks on the road.” (19:35-36) 

A colt is different from a mule though they seem to look alike. A colt is a young male donkey while a mule is a hybrid male offspring of a male donkey and a female horse. King Solomon rode a mule when he became king (1 Kings 1:32-35). When Jesus entered Jerusalem he rode upon a colt walking on natural royal carpet. And the crowd hailed him as their king.

2. The People Rejoiced

It was on the ground of a messianic hope for Jesus as king of Israel that the disciples led him toward Jerusalem. Luke made this account.

“When he came near the place where the road goes down the Mount of Olives, the whole crowd of disciples began joyfully to praise God in loud voices for all the miracles they had seen: ‘Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord! Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!’”  (19:37-38)

Matthew gave a parallel narrative.

“The crowds that went ahead of him and those that followed shouted, ‘Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest!’” (Mt. 21:9)

Mark gave his record on the same event.

“Those who went ahead and those who followed shouted, ‘Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Blessed is the coming kingdom of our father David! Hosanna in the highest!” (Mk. 11:9-10)

John wrote in his gospel account about the entry of Jesus.

“…The crowd that had come for the Feast heard that Jesus was on his way to Jerusalem. They took palm branches and went out to meet him shouting, ‘Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Blessed is the King of Israel!’” (Jn. 12:12-13)

Imagine the awesome procession. Jesus rode on a donkey going down to Jerusalem. A great crowd led him on the way and trailed behind while those from the city went outside to welcome him. All were praising God declaring Jesus is the King of Israel! Who would not be alarmed of this?

3. The Pharisees Protested

Amidst the jubilant multitude were unsettled dissenters.

“Some of the Pharisees in the crowd said to Jesus, ‘Teacher, rebuke your disciples!’” (Lk. 19:39)

The outcry of the Pharisees expressed the dread of the Jewish Sanhedrin. The Israelites flocked to Jesus because of his miracles. The latest was the raising of Lazarus from the dead. And the people rallied behind Jesus to be their king. The Jewish leaders took the jubilation of the crowd as an outcry of rebellion against Caesar. And the Sanhedrin feared the Roman Empire would destroy the nation of Israel. The Pharisees wanted to silence the crowd. And the effective way to do this was to kill Jesus. This was the insidious plot of the Sanhedrin.

 4. Jesus Commended the Disciples

Jesus defended the jubilation of his followers: “I tell you,” he replied, “if they keep quiet, the stones will cry out” (19:40). In plain language, the people could not be silenced! When Jesus rode on a donkey, the people mistook this as a sign that he enthroned himself as their political king. Jesus knew their messianic misconception but did not approve of their misguided zeal. Rather, he upheld the fulfillment of the prophecy of Zechariah: “Rejoice greatly, O Daughter of Zion! Shout, Daughter of Jerusalem! See your King comes to you, righteous and having salvation, gentle and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey” (Zech. 9:9). This prophecy was quoted by Apostle John (Jn. 12:15). Jesus knew he was the King of Israel without any political agenda but to bring salvation and reign in righteousness over his people. For him to ride on a donkey and not upon a horse was a sign of peace and not of war.

C. The Sorrow for Jerusalem (19:41-44)

Amidst the jubilation of the multitude, Jesus wept when he saw the great city of Jerusalem. The festive crowd was unaware of this. But his close disciples noticed it and they could have wondered why. The deep sorrow of Jesus would pierce their hearts and ours as well.

 1. Jesus Wept Over Jerusalem

As the people hailed him as their king, Jesus was filled with pain when he saw Jerusalem.

“As he approached Jerusalem and saw the city, he wept over it.” (19:41)

What does the Bible say about this? Jesus Christ indeed was king. Yet his kingdom was through the cross. Jesus was fully aware of this as written in the Scriptures. His kingdom was not of this world through might and sword. Rather, his kingdom was from heaven through his atoning sacrifice for the redemption of humankind. This redemptive agenda was hidden from the eyes of the people including his disciples. The multitude followed him and held onto him as their political king to liberate them from the Empire of Rome. They did not entertain the idea for Jesus to be their Savior who would die for them and save them from their sinfulness. So when the Sanhedrin floated the news of the death of Jesus because of blasphemy and insurrection—for Jesus claimed to be God and King—the messianic hope of the people imploded. When their hope of national liberation was devastated because of the impending death of Jesus, many among the people rejected him and cried out for his crucifixion. It was on this ground that Jesus wept over Jerusalem.

2. Jesus Grieved of His Rejection by Israel

Jesus knew it well that his own people would reject him. “And (he) said, ‘If you, even you, had only known on this day what would bring you peace—but now it is hidden from your eyes’” (19:42). John the Beloved gave a painful record on the rejection of Jesus by Israel, “He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him” (Jn. 1:11). The reasons for his rejection were established on two grounds. First, the Jews were devastated of setting their hope in Jesus as their political Messiah. They were frustrated to note that Jesus had no plan to establish his own kingdom to liberate them from the Roman Empire. In turning against him, they charged him of rebellion. Second, the Jews did not believe that Jesus is the Son of God as he claimed himself to be. They were furious to know that Jesus is God equal with God the Father in heaven. In their unbelief, they condemned Jesus of blasphemy. Sad to say, it was the Sanhedrin who orchestrated these grim turn of events.

 3. Jesus Foretold the Destruction of Jerusalem

And Jesus grieved over the coming destruction of Jerusalem.

“The days will come upon you when your enemies will build an embankment against you and encircle you and hem you in on every side. They will dash you to the ground, you and the children within your walls. They will not leave one stone on another, because you did not recognize the time of God's coming to you." (19:43-44; cf. Mt. 23:37-39)

When Jesus rode upon a donkey, his ultimate desire is for the peace of Jerusalem. Yet a time would come for its destruction since Israel defied and rejected him. The word of Jesus was fulfilled. In A.D. 70, Jerusalem was destroyed by the Roman Empire on the charge of insurrection.

Conclusion

We may wonder if the final entry of Jesus to Jerusalem was a triumphant one. Yes it was in fulfillment of the prophecy in the Scriptures contrary to human expectation. Jesus rode on a young donkey as the King of the Jews. And the people rejoiced as they set their messianic hope on Jesus as their political king. Unknown to Israel, Jesus was indeed their King but through his sacrificial death on the cross to redeem them from their sin and reign over them in righteousness. Jesus knew the stubbornness of Israel and he grieved over the coming judgment upon his people and destruction of Jerusalem. What difference does it make when Jesus comes to us?

Do we welcome Jesus for our selfish ends? Israel hailed Jesus as their political king. They thought of Jesus as a miraculous worker who could do great wonders to satisfy their whims but failed to understand his miracles as signs to know him as God, Savior and Lord. We remind ourselves that we will only be frustrated when we look up to Jesus for our own comfort and follow him for our own convenience.  

Do we enthrone Jesus and yield everything to him? Jesus rules over us through the Cross. Jesus rode on a humble donkey as King of Israel and as the Servant of all. Jesus washed the apostles’ feet and offered his life for the redemption of the world. At the Cross we embrace Jesus and dedicate our lives. In Christ alone we can have godliness in our convictions, integrity in our solidarity, harmony in our home, dignity in our lifestyles, fidelity in our marriage vows, joy in our service and purity in our worship.