READ:
Matthew 26
As we turn to chapter 26 we find a wide range of events, people and
emotions. Jesus is going to His death! While the religious leaders and Judas
are carefully planning His perceived demise, we know that behind the scenes,
God’s redemptive plan is being carried out! Praise God for His wisdom, power
and love! In our current times, there are also those who are opposing us as believers. Yet God is working! He
is working out His plan in our lives and through our lives! Brothers and
sisters, we’ll consider some of what we read in this chapter, as it can
encourage us to “walk in His steps”.
After we hear of the scheming of the religious leaders, and before news
of Judas’ assistance in their treachery, the story of an amazing woman is told.
What stands out is the extravagance of
her act! Her devotion was of such a high degree that the disciples are
“indignant”. Jesus sees it much differently (doesn’t He often!). Instead He
views her act of love in such high regard that He exclaims, “I tell you the
truth, wherever this gospel is preached throughout the whole world, what she
has done will also be told, in memory of her.” The woman’s devotion is
important to Jesus and we can say that it was a reflection of the supreme devotion
that Jesus would be showing the Father through His sacrificial death on the
cross.
Before Jesus got to the cross, He initiated what has come to be known as
the “Lord’s supper” or “communion”. Through this Jesus’ mission is made
abundantly clear – His blood was going to be poured out, “for many for the
forgiveness of sins.” What a sacrifice! What a blessing to us! A PRICELESS
gift! When this meal takes place is intentional – on Passover. Jesus truly was
and is the Lamb who was slain for our sins, which ultimately are against Him.
Even better, this “last supper” is not the last one at all, as Jesus speaks of,
“that day when I drink it anew with you in
my Father’s kingdom”. This sounds like ONLY good news, but in the midst of
this, Jesus speaks of the one who will betray him.
Judas’ betrayal illustrates for us the difficulty of staying strong.
This should humble all believers. In
this chapter, Peter denies Jesus after being warned that He would! Even Jesus
Himself struggles with the challenge of the Father’s will. Would the disciples
help Him in His hour of need? No, they sleep! Without God’s help, we will fail.
Such events highlight the vital importance of staying close to God. We will
need this strength for the testing and trials to come.
Finally, we see both the wisdom and resolve of Jesus as He faces arrest
and the high priest. He knows when to speak and when to remain silent. He knows
when to escape and when yielding is the will of the Father. May we have the
same discernment when under attack or in difficult situations because of our
obedience to God’s will.
JOURNALING
AND PRAYER
1.
Spend some time praising God for His master plan! Praise Him for His
power, that He accomplishes His will. Praise Jesus for His steadfastness in
going to the cross.
2.
Consider the extravagance of the woman who anointed Jesus. Are you
extravagant with your love? Just as a person would bless their spouse on a
birthday, anniversary or Valentine’s Day, ask God what you could do for Him as
an offering of love?
3.
Our “spiritual” muscles need to stay strong as we prepare for
difficulties. Ask God to reveal to you any weaknesses in your relationship with
Him. They may not be sins, but places of apathy.
