Luke, Jesus, and the Songs of Ascent

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Luke, Jesus, and the Songs of Ascent is a strange title, but I believe I can tie them together in this post. The Songs of Ascent are Psalms 120 – 134; the links below cover the history and background of these Songs very well and are worth the time comparing and contrasting the information.

As I have read through the Psalms this year, 2026, I have been noting which Psalms are referenced in the New Testament and the life of Jesus. Psalms are usually separated from the prophetic books and that is a shame. They are an integral part of the song Father God has been singing over us and for us since the Garden. David, Asaph, and the others were used by the Spirit to speak about contemporary things and future things. (I am working to upgrade a list I made of when I think they were written.) As a Christian, I can see Jesus in so many Psalms even if they are not quoted in the New Testament. This is why I am doing this post; the words of the ones I will site just blend into God’s song so well. In this post I will not use or reference all of them. The other part of this is Luke 21-24 and Isaiah 33, which I read at the same time as the Songs.

  • Psalm 120 – Think of it as part of Jesus’ prayer in the Garden. Verse 4 may be a reference to Jerusalem’s destruction from Jesus’ Two Sermons on Two Mounts.
  • Psalm 121 – My note here was read it with Luke 21 and Isaiah 33.
  • Psalm 122 – David had two important trips into Jerusalem: when he brought the Ark to himself and when he rode back in after fleeing from Absolom. This also speaks to Jesus’ ride on Palm Sunday.
  • Psalm 123 – Think about the results of His trial. 2b is why you keep praying.
  • Psalm 124 – Focus on the Resurrection.
  • Psalm 125 – The result of His death.
  • Psalm 126 – Pentecost and the call to go to the nations.
  • Psalm 130 – This could have been part of the Garden pray, especially verse 8.

Explore these sights

I do post like this to challenge myself. If you see something different that is fine, just take the time to be with Jesus and the Father and hear Them.

Cleopas and the Third Day

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This is my second Third Day post and the reason for this one is Cleopas and his statement in Luke 24:21. It is Holy Week 2026, and I have been reading the last Chapters in Luke and the Songs of Ascent, more on that in another post. Jesus knew what was going to happen to Him and had been telling His disciples for some time. Cleopas heard and had his doubts so he was leaving Jerusalem and going the wrong direction; not towards Galilee. Jesus went and got him.

Cleopas, in his conversation with Jesus, reveals the perfect mix of knowledge, emotions, and paradigms that all of the disciples were dealing with. If I remove our well-written Bible, 2,000 years of study, and the Holy Spirit I can say I would be in the same position as His disciples were in. I believe Jesus wanted the disciples in Galilee so they would be safe and feel safe. Did the disciples have to stay in Jerusalem for the Feast of Unleavened Bread, no. Yes, Passover was a different story, but even the Children in Egypt were changing location after eating the lamb.

In doing this study I found another group of people who knew about the “Third Day”. The chief priest had gone to Pilate in Matthew 27:64 and had fears for the third day after He was sacrificed. Even with the story from the guards, they did not change.

The links make a good study for Jesus telling His disciples (all of them not just the Twelve) about His death and Resurrection. He also used the story of Jonah, check “three days” for that reference. These are NIV, so change the translation preference at the top, but they seem to share the same verses.

BibleGateway – Keyword Search: third day Luke

BibleGateway – Keyword Search: third day Matthew

He has risen! He has risen indeed!

John Recorded – See, Believe

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John’s purpose in this Gospel was to show Jesus as the Son of God by presenting His miracles. Somehow, well-meaning people picked just seven out of the many John recorded. See and Believe comes from 1:50 and 20:29. Both of these stories have a “miracle” in the story and two unique lessons about seeing and believing.

Nathanael – John records this man as Nathanael, else where he is referred to as Bartholomew. (See Matthew 10:2-4 and Acts 1:13) In John 1 he is just meeting Jesus and is very skeptical of Him. Because of a miraculous vision (Jesus saw) Nathanael recognizes (believes) Jesus as the Son of God and King of Israel. (That sounds like what Peter said a few years down the road.)

After many Muse Moments, this is my take. There was a miracle, Nathanael believes because of the miracle, and is told he will see more. Jesus’ reference to Jacob’s vision in Genesis 28:12 still has me thinking, but for sure it refers back to verse 47 and Nathanael being a “true Israelite”.

Thomas – John is the only writer to call Thomas, Didymus or The Twin. No, I do not think it has anything to do with his statement in John 20; he had a twin. There is so much not recorded in the gospels:) By John 20, Thomas has seen many miracles, so this see/believe is a little different. This a good place to remember 11:16 and Thomas’ statement of fact that going with Jesus would be the death of them all.

My take for 20:29 – Thomas had seen many miracles, he sees another miracle with a challenge, and he believes. Jesus then speaks to Thomas’ “future fruit” as being blessed without having seen Jesus. That fruit is still in India in the form of active churches.

Agendas

Did Thomas touch or not. I was surprised to see this as a thing, and yes, some people have made a thing about something that is not recorded in the Bible. I think the touch was a happy hug.

Doubting Thomas. He has been labeled as a doubter. The Ten doubted the women. Peter and John doubted the women and had to run to the tomb instead of taking off for Galilee. Cleopas doubted and left for Emmaus instead of Galilee, Mark 16:13 and Luke. Some were still doubting at the ascension, Matthew 28:17. Luke 24:11-14 covers all kinds of doubt. I could say something about the love and faith of the women, and who was at the cross, and who went to take care of the Body of Jesus, but I hope you get the idea.

“See it to believe.” OR “Believe and you will see.” Jesus did miracles and commissioned ALL of His disciples to do them. I read that Jesus used both ideas in the Gospels, because both have their place in the life and faith of believers. Some people saw and acted on what they saw, but others did not.

An Extra – John used the words/ideas of seeing and believing more than the other Gospel writers. About 70 times for see and 80 times for believe. Check your favorite translation.

BibleGateway – Keyword Search: see

ὁράω | Free Online Greek Dictionary | billmounce.com see

BibleGateway – Keyword Search: believe

πιστεύω | Free Online Greek Dictionary | billmounce.com believe

Psalm 118 and Holy Week

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My Psalm (118) and Gospel (Luke 12:50) readings today are before Palm Sunday and Holy Week. This trip through Psalms has shown me many references to Jesus’ life and Psalm 118 is a rich part of the song that is sung through the Old Testament.

First, Psalm 117 sounds a lot like the Great Commission.

The Victory Ride or Going to Pay the Bride’s Price

 These will be Psalm 118 KJV.

15 The voice of rejoicing and salvation is in the tabernacles of the righteous: the right hand of the Lord doeth valiantly.

16 The right hand of the Lord is exalted: the right hand of the Lord doeth valiantly.

19 Open to me the gates of righteousness: I will go into them, and I will praise the Lord:

20 This gate of the Lord, into which the righteous shall enter.

21 I will praise thee: for thou hast heard me, and art become my salvation.

26 Blessed be he that cometh in the name of the Lord: we have blessed you out of the house of the Lord.

27 God is the Lord, which hath shewed us light: bind the sacrifice with cords, even unto the horns of the altar. (Read in the NIV 1984. “With boughs in hand, join the festal procession”)

Two Sermons on the Mounts (Tuesday)

22 The stone which the builders refused is become the head stone of the corner.

23 This is the Lord’s doing; it is marvellous in our eyes.

In the Garden

5 I called upon the Lord in distress: the Lord answered me, and set me in a large place.

6 The Lord is on my side; I will not fear: what can man do unto me?

7 The Lord taketh my part with them that help me: therefore shall I see my desire upon them that hate me.

8 It is better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in man.

9 It is better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in princes.

10 All nations compassed me about: but in the name of the Lord will I destroy them.

11 They compassed me about; yea, they compassed me about: but in the name of the Lord I will destroy them.

12 They compassed me about like bees: they are quenched as the fire of thorns: for in the name of the Lord I will destroy them.

Luke 12:50 KJV

But I have a baptism to be baptized with; and how am I straitened till it be accomplished!

Psalm 118 KJV – O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is – Bible Gateway

Luke 12:50 KJV – But I have a baptism to be baptized – Bible Gateway

John Recorded the Chief Priest and Pilate

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John records some very interesting interactions between the chief priest and Pilate in Chapters 18 and 19 of his Gospel. I believe it is fair to say that there was no love lost between these two.

I am going to start with John and point out one sentence in 18:16. John, who does not identify himself, says he was known to the high priest. To me, this is important and should refute the idea of Jesus picking “poor, uneducated fisherman”. To be able to walk into the chief priest’s palace and talk to a female doorkeeper to get Peter in is quite a feat. The easy explanation is that it had to do with fish deliveries, that is my guess on the subject. A few other notes here seem timely: the Upper Room seems to have belonged to John and James’ sister, and John Mark was their cousin. That also makes Barnabas a relative. I think there was “a lot of family” in the Gospel stories and Acts.

Chief Priest – Sources (see below) make it clear that the office of high priest was bought from Herod or Rome. Those moneychangers and animal sellers were part of a well-lubricated money-making enterprise.

 Annas/Ananias (See Acts 24) is a family name and there were several men who had that name and served as high priest. (From a Google search.)

It is important and fair to note that not all priests were corrupt or even Sadducees.

Pilate – I think every Jesus movie made portrays Pilate a little different, but that’s Hollywood. Pilate and his soldiers make up the Gentile component for the crucifixion. They did not conquer their known world by being nice. John 18 and 19 contains the drama that is recorded between Caiaphas, the high priest, and Pilate. Including the other Gospel accounts will complete the picture.

 Chapter 18:

  • 28 – the Jews had Pilate come out to them. I am sure he did not like that.
  • 30 – the priest did not answer Pilate about the charges against Jesus.
  • 31a – “judge him by your own Law” is Pilate being nice and saying leave me alone.
  • 31b – they did not “want to be guilty” of actually killing Jesus. They could always cast shade on Rome. Stoning Jesus would have been fast, but hanging on an etz was a curse.
  • 33-37 Pilate’s private conversation with Jesus. The Jews could not go in to listen; know that made them mad.
  • 38b – “I find no charge against Him.” Pilate saw what the high priest was doing, he was to kill Jesus and they could always blame him and Rome.
  • 39 – Release the “king of the Jews.” Pilate saw a way out and take a jab at Herod and the political structure in Jerusalem.
  • 40 – Barabbas, being part of the fourth major political/religious party in Israel (Zealot) was not a friend of the Sadducees or Herod. I bet the priest were very smug about yelling that choice. Barabbas was a Roman killer.

Chapter 19:

  • 5 – “Here is the man.” O, I have heard some great sermons on that one phrase. It does give you the fact that he had no clue who Jesus was, but I bet he had heard about the miracles and the crowds.
  • 7 – “He claimed to be the Son of God.” Finally, the charge Pilate had asked for in 18:29, and that made him uncomfortable. Remember, Rome was polytheistic and their gods were always making babies, especially with humans. Sounds like the fallen angels before and right after the Flood in Genesis.
  • 8 – 12a Here it would be good to look at the other Gospels, especially Matthew 27:19, which tells about Pilate’s wife warning him about Jesus. You may speculate all you want as to why Pilate wanted to let Him go. I do not know, but for this post, it was to make the Jews mad;( The death of one more Jew, probably meant very little to Pilate.
  • 12b-16 This is the Jews trump card over Pilate, threaten to tell Caesar. His final solution was in Matthew 27:24, wash his hands, and crucify Jesus. Note, that the Jews “friend and king”, Caesar, destroyed Jerusalem and their temple forty years later.
  • Pilate’s final words: JESUS OF NAZARETH, THE KING OF THE JEWS. I have no doubt that he loved telling the high priest, NO, when they demanded that he change it.

A time frame for all of this, including a trip to Herod, is relevant.

  • John 18:28 The trial with Pilate started very early in the morning (6 a.m.). Pilate may have been pulled from bed for this. Talk about a lot of drama packed into three hours.
  • Mark 15:25 Jesus was on the cross, with the “notice of charge” by 9 a.m. (third hour).
  • Matthew 27:45 From noon to 3 p.m. (6th to 9th hour) it was dark. Then Jesus ended it. In my dramatic mind, noon was when Pilate told the Jews no and when he said it the darkness fell.

Herod the Great – Chabad.org priest paid for the office

Topical Bible: The High Priest: Office of, Made Annual by the Romans

High Priest Corruption