April 14, 2022 Bible Verse | Inspirational Message & Prayer | Thursday Daily Devotional Message
April 14, 2022 Bible Verse
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Topic: Jesus’ Death
Bible Verse: “They cried out, ‘Away with Him, away with Him, crucify Him!’ Pilate said to them, ‘Shall I crucify your King?’ The chief priests answered, ‘We have no king but Caesar.'” – John 19:15 NASB
April 14, 2022 Bible Verse | Inspirational Message & Prayer
Johann Sebastian Bach arrived in Leipzig in May 1723, the new music director at St. Thomas’s church – in effect, the music director for the city. His appointment was part of the city’s plans to improve its reputation. Bach threw himself into the challenge.
One of his first concerns was preparing the Good Friday service, the major church event of the year. He was expected to provide a passion, telling the story of Jesus’ death through music. Bach decided to base his passion on John’s Gospel. Like all of Bach’s musical works, this project was about the music and the message because he was a committed Christian.
When his St. John Passion debuted in April 1724, it was an account of the Gospel in addition to being extraordinary music. As one scholar summarized, through music Bach had written “the doctrine of salvation.”
Bach’s Passion begins in Gethsemane and continues through Jesus’ death. The high point is when the mob sang the word crucify. This is emotional music, rich in spiritual symbolism. Bach challenged listeners to think about Jesus’ life and ministry, death, and what that death means for us.
Bach also pictured Jesus as the omnipotent ruler. We are driven to see Christ not just crucified, but also emerging in triumph. Reflect on the death of Jesus, and rejoice that He rose from the dead. He was crucified, but now He reigns. Be sure that He reigns in your heart and life.
Prayer: Dear Lord Jesus, thank You for dying for my sins. You are my Lord. Use me to impact others for the Gospel. In Your name, amen.
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