Day 12 ( Rejected Corner stone, Pilate Judgemetn hall, Bethesda, Southern steps (pentacost, Bethleham)

Corner Stone Rejected by the Builder

Theme-           The Rejected Cornerstone Scripture-        Psalm 118:22-23

Scripture: Psalm 118:22-23 (NIV) - "The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone; the Lord has done this, and it is marvelous in our eyes."

Have you ever felt rejected or overlooked by others? Maybe you've experienced moments when your efforts went unnoticed or when you were dismissed by those around you. It can be disheartening to face rejection, but take heart, for in our moments of rejection, we find solace and hope in the story of the rejected cornerstone.

In Psalm 118, we read about the stone that the builders rejected, which has become the cornerstone. This passage refers to Jesus Christ, who was rejected by many during His time on earth. The religious leaders and the people failed to recognize His true identity as the Messiah, the long-awaited Savior.

They rejected the very cornerstone that God had laid for their salvation and redemption.

But God, in His sovereignty, turned this rejection into something marvelous. Jesus, the rejected cornerstone, became the foundation of the Church and the source of eternal life for all who believe in Him. Through His death and resurrection, Jesus conquered sin and offered forgiveness and reconciliation to all who would receive Him.

The rejection of Jesus serves as a powerful reminder that sometimes the very things or people that society disregards or rejects can hold immense value in God's eyes. It teaches us that our worth is not determined by the opinions or acceptance of others but by our relationship with Christ.

As followers of Jesus, we are called to take up our cross and follow Him, even in the face of rejection.

Just as Jesus embraced the role of the rejected cornerstone, we, too, may encounter resistance and opposition as we live out our faith in a world that may not always understand or accept our beliefs.

Trust that God can use your experiences of rejection to mold you into the person He wants you to be and to accomplish His marvelous plans through your life.

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, thank You for the example of Jesus, the rejected cornerstone. Help me to find my worth and identity in You alone, regardless of the acceptance or rejection of others. Strengthen me to follow You faithfully, even in the face of opposition. Use my experiences of rejection to shape me into the person You desire me to be and to bring glory to Your name. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.

Judgement Hall of Pilate

Theme-         I find no Fault in Him Scripture-       John 18:28-40

John 18:28–40 (ESV) READ NET BIBLE

18:28 Then they brought Jesus from Caiaphas to the Roman governor’s residence. (Now it was very early morning.) They did not go into the governor’s residence so they would not be ceremonially defiled, but could eat the Passover meal.

‌18:29 So Pilate came outside to them and said, “What accusation do you bring against this man?” 18:30 They replied, “If this man were not a criminal, we would not have handed him over to you.”

18:31 Pilate told them, “Take him yourselves and pass judgment on him according to your own law!” The Jewish leaders replied, “We cannot legally put anyone to death.” (This happened to fulfill the word Jesus had spoken when he indicated what kind of death he was going to die.)Pilate Questions Jesus

18:33 So Pilate went back into the governor’s residence, summoned Jesus, and asked him, “Are you the king of the Jews?”

18:34 Jesus replied, “Are you saying this on your own initiative, or have others told you about me?”

18:35 Pilate answered, “I am not a Jew, am I? Your own people and your chief priests handed you over to me. What have you done?”

18:36 Jesus replied, “My kingdom is not from this world. If my kingdom were from this world, my servants would be fighting to keep me from being handed over to the Jewish authorities. But as it is, my kingdom is not from here.”

18:37 Then Pilate said, “So you are a king!” Jesus replied, “You say that I am a king. For this reason I was born, and for this reason I came into the world—to testify to the truth. Everyone who belongs to the truth listens to my voice.”

18:38 Pilate asked, “What is truth?”When he had said this he went back outside to the Jewish leadersand announced, “I find no basis for an accusation against him. But it is your custom that I release one prisoner for you at the Passover. So do you want me to release for you the king of the Jews?”

18:40 Then they shouted back, “Not this man, We want Barabbas!” (Now Barabbas was a thief.)

The hatred of the people towards Jesus is almost unbelievable .

They arrested Jesus and took him to the high Priest to be tried.

But this was no ordinary trial - everything about it was evil.

it was held at night without the public knowing.

Jesus was assumed to be guilty instead of innocent, and treated with no respect,

the accusers hired false witnesses and the court allowed it.

the judge approved of the mistreatment of Jesus while he was in their custody

& Jesus wasn’t allowed any defense.

The Jewish people were not content with Just convicting Jesus they wanted him dead. So After this secret night trial the religious leaders took Jesus to Pilate the Roman judge, so that he could issue a death sentence upon Jesus.

Pilot tries Jesus and says I find no fault in Him- and so he goes back to the Jews and says what do you want me to do with this man- and they cried out Crucify Him….

 Pool of Bethesda

Theme-       Jesus seeks out the needed Scripture-   John 5:2-9

Scripture: John 5:2-9 (NIV) - "Now there is in Jerusalem near the Sheep Gate a pool, which in Aramaic is called Bethesda and which is surrounded by five covered colonnades. Here a great number of disabled people used to lie—the blind, the lame, the paralyzed. One who was there had been an invalid for thirty-eight years. When Jesus saw him lying there and learned that he had been in this condition for a long time, he asked him, 'Do you want to get well?' 'Sir,' the invalid replied, 'I have no one to help me into the pool when the water is stirred. While I am trying to get in, someone else goes down ahead of me.' Then Jesus said to him, 'Get up! Pick up your mat and walk.' At once the man was cured; he picked up his mat and walked."

The pool of Bethesda, located near the Sheep Gate in Jerusalem, was a place where many disabled people gathered, hoping for healing. It was believed that when an angel stirred the waters, the first person to enter the pool would be cured of their ailments. Amidst this scene of brokenness and despair, Jesus encountered a man who had been an invalid for thirty-eight long years.

Imagine the desperation and disappointment this man must have felt as he watched others enter the water ahead of him, leaving him without hope. Yet, in that moment, Jesus approached him and asked a simple but profound question, "Do you want to get well?" This question not only addressed the man's physical condition but also his willingness to embrace the healing and transformation that Jesus offered.

The man's response revealed his discouragement and lack of support. He had no one to assist him into the pool when the waters were stirred. However, Jesus, the source of true healing, was present before him. Jesus didn't need to rely on an angel stirring the waters; He possessed the power to heal the man instantly.

With compassion and authority, Jesus commanded the man to get up, pick up his mat, and walk. In an instant, the man was healed. He experienced the miraculous touch of Jesus, who saw beyond his physical disability and into his heart's deepest need.

The pool of Bethesda serves as a powerful reminder that true healing comes from Jesus alone. It's not dependent on external circumstances or superstitions but on our encounter with the loving Savior. Jesus offers healing, not only in our physical bodies but also in our hearts, minds, and spirits. He invites us to bring our brokenness and struggles to Him, trusting that His power and grace are more than sufficient to make us whole.

Today, like the man at Bethesda, you may be facing challenges, whether physical, emotional, or spiritual. Remember that Jesus sees you in your place of need. He knows the depth of your pain and desires to bring healing and restoration into your life.

May we respond to Jesus' question, "Do you want to get well?" with faith and surrender, allowing Him to work in and through us. Let us trust in His perfect timing and His ability to transform our circumstances. And as we encounter the healing touch of Jesus, may our lives become a testimony of His power and grace, bringing hope and inspiration to those around us.

Prayer:

Dear Lord, thank You for the story of the pool of Bethesda and the healing power of Jesus. I bring my brokenness and struggles before You, knowing that You alone can make me whole. Help me surrender to Your will and trust in Your perfect timing. May my life be a testimony of Your healing and transformation, bringing hope and encouragement to others. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.

Temple Mount- possible location of pentecost

Theme-       The Church is born Scripture-      Acts2:1-4

Scripture: Acts 2:1-4 (NIV) - "When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them."

The Temple Mount in Jerusalem holds deep significance in the history of God's people. It was the place where the glorious temple once stood, the dwelling place of God's presence among His chosen nation. It was a sacred site where people gathered to worship, offer sacrifices, and seek God's forgiveness.

On the day of Pentecost, a Jewish festival that marked the giving of the Law and the harvest celebration, something extraordinary happened on the Temple Mount. The followers of Jesus were gathered together in one place, waiting for the promised gift of the Holy Spirit.

Suddenly, the sound of a mighty rushing wind filled the entire house. Tongues of fire appeared and rested on each person. The Holy Spirit came upon them, empowering and filling them with His presence. This supernatural encounter marked the birth of the early Church and the beginning of a new era of the Holy Spirit's work in the world.

The significance of this event taking place on the Temple Mount is profound. The temple, once the dwelling place of God's presence, was now replaced by the presence of the Holy Spirit dwelling in the hearts of believers. The physical structure of the temple gave way to a spiritual temple—the body of Christ, made up of believers from every nation and background.

Pentecost not only fulfilled the Jewish festival but also represented a powerful transformation. The Holy Spirit was no longer confined to a physical location but was poured out on all who believed in Jesus Christ. The barrier between God and humanity was broken, and through the Holy Spirit, every believer now had direct access to God's presence and power.

As believers today, we can find great encouragement in the birth of Pentecost. The same Holy Spirit who transformed the lives of the early disciples is available to us today. He empowers us, fills us, and equips us for the work of the Kingdom. The presence of the Holy Spirit in our lives enables us to live victoriously, to bear witness to the love and grace of Jesus, and to be agents of transformation in our world.

Let us remember that the Temple Mount, once a physical structure, now symbolizes the dwelling place of the Holy Spirit within us. As we yield to His leading, we experience the power and presence of God in our lives. May we embrace the gift of the Holy Spirit, allowing Him to empower us to live for God's glory and to fulfill our purpose as ambassadors of Christ.

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, thank You for the gift of the Holy Spirit and the transformation that took place on the day of Pentecost. I invite Your Holy Spirit to fill me afresh and empower me to live a life that honors You. Help me to be sensitive to Your leading and to be a witness of Your love and grace. May Your presence in my life impact those around me. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.

Site-               Bethlehem

Theme-           The Savior Is Born Scripture-      Luke 2:1-20

2 In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. 2 This was the first registration when Quirinius was governor of Syria. 3 And all went to be registered, each to his own town. 4 And Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the town of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, 5 to be registered with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child. 6 And while they were there, the time came for her to give birth. 7 And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.

8 And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with great fear. 10 And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. 11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. 12 And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.” 13 .........- 20 And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them.”