Saturday, April 25, 2009

Today’s Passage: Matthew 26

After reading today’s passage, I felt a sense of conviction and sadness. I think the primary reason is because, this passage recalls the actions of the disciples towards Jesus at the end of His earthly ministry. I am distressed because I know that I would have acted just as they did. First, they were so bent out of shape about Mary anointing Jesus because they were missing the big picture. Second, they all promised that they could/would not disown Jesus. Third, Peter, based on his actions elsewhere in Scripture, was adamant about never betraying Jesus. Fourth, Peter, James and John could not even stay awake with Jesus during his prayer in Gethsemane. And on and on I could go about the disciples’ having a large portion of this go right over their heads! And I read this thinking how could they have missed it?

These are the types of things that constantly amaze me about our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. He gave all the warning signs. As a matter a fact, He blatantly told them what they would do against Him and they still did it and wept afterwards. God’s love for us runs so deep! Here is Jesus, troubled about the crucifixion He is about to undergo and His closest disciples are falling by the wayside, it seems.

I realize it may appear that I have been somewhat harsh towards the disciples thus far, that is not my intention. Rather, I wanted to share my feelings after reading and digesting this passage. Oh how often am I oblivious to all the signs and convictions God is using to direct my paths. Yet, Romans 5:8 reveals His love for me even in those times! Christ felt deeply and compassionately towards His disciples. He loved them, as He does His children.

I always like to end with something to take away, and the best way to do that on a blog is a challenge. So, here is a challenge for myself and for you. Christ, in His troubled times fell on His face before God, for hours. (vs 47-56). Would you take sometime today, tomorrow, the rest of the week to physically get on your knees before God in prayer? He loves us and desires to hear from us.