The Plan Was Execution

N.T.#291 "The Plan Was Execution"

April 25, 2024 

Matthew 26-Part 14

LET IT GLOW 

Peter was rash in cutting off the ear of the high priest's servant. Did you notice none of the other disciples up up a fight. Jesus put the ear back on and healed the man. That was the last miracle He did before the resurrection. Jesus was going willingly with the mob. He assured Peter that taking matters into his own hands was not necessary, for Jesus had 72,000 angels at His command and available to deliver Him. But it was not to be the Father's will. Jesus had already surrendered to that. 

Those around were all involved in the situation (even enemies) who fulfilled precisely the details of the Old Testament prophets. They include: Psalm 22:1,6,15,18,  34:20, 41:9, 69:21 Isaiah 1:5, 53:9,12; Zechariah 11:12; 13:7.

Jesus' disciples ran away like sheep fearing the shepherd being killed. It had been a kiss that identified the Messiah and a kess that betrayed Him into the hands of a band, captain, and officers of the Jews. (John 18:12). They would have bound Jesus so He could not escape that time. Keep in mind that it was still dark, so the followers of Jesus in Jerusalem would have been asleep at this time.

Jesus was taken to the house of Caiaphas, the high priest that year.  It was down the steep hill of the Mt. of Olives to Jerusalem and then up a steep hill to the house. Wouldn't it have been difficult walking with hands tied behind your back? And to boot, in the dark? (verse 57)

Oh, the little things that Jesus experienced! Don't you know Jesus had prayed for the repentance of the Sanhedrin? They were assembled, the scribes and elders of the Jewish religious sect. They had a plan and were executing it-kill Jesus. Little did they know that forgiveness for their sins was available.

Are we letting God take revenge for our pain and suffering? Or do we take it into our own hands?

LET IT GROW

But Peter followed Him afar off unto the high priest's palace, and went in, and sat with the servants, to see the end. (verse 38)

There was an open court around the main buildings. Who was attending? The chief priests, elders, council, and false witnesses were there. They tried to find false witnesses against Jesus so they could put Him to death. (verse 59)  A lot came, but only 2 testified. In spite of knowing all this was going to happen, Jesus submitted to it, for it was all in God's plan. 

Almost 3 years earlier, Jesus said in John 2:19, Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up. 

Christ was referring to the destruction of His body and to His resurrection from the dead. (Falwell)

Aren't you glad that you were not a witness against Christ? Yet, do we share what He has done for us as a witness?

The religious leaders' plan was to execute the Messiah/Savior. What a plan! Although, they didn't realize that they were carrying out God's plan before the creation of anything. Jesus was willing to be our Sacrificial Lamb that takes away sin.

LET IT GO

What a Savior! How wonderful Jesus Christ is!!

Help us submit to Your plans for our life. 

Forsaken and Forgiving

N.T.#290 "Forsaken and Forgiving"

April 24, 2024 

Matthew 26-Part 13

LET IT GLOW 

After the soldiers laid hands on Jesus, and took Him, (verse 50) we know what impetuous Peter did-struck the one person who could have embarrass them the most at the trial. John 18:10 identifies the swordsman as Peter and the victim as Malchus. Peter aimed at the man's head, but he turned, and Peter cut off his ear.

What did Jesus do?

• Fist, Jesus told Peter to put up his sword. That wasn't necessary, was it? Peter didn't have to defend Jesus. (verse 52a) 
• After all, Jesus could have prayed and 72,000 angels to defend and rescue Him. (verse 53) 
• They that live by the sword, die by the sword. (verse 52b) 
• If Jesus had been rescued, the Scriptures would not have been fulfilled. (verse 54) David spoke of Jesus in Psalm16.

Jesus had previously told His disciples that He would die and rise on the third day. Old Testament prophets foretold of the Messiah's coming. We see His divine sovereignty through the events we read of now. Jesus was in absolute control (John 10:17).

Jesus laid down His life, the Roman soldiers didn't just take it. It was was a voluntary act of sacrifice. He submitted to the Father's will.

Are we willing to lay down our life so the Father's will is done? Are we making sacrifices so it is accomplished? 

LET IT GROW 

A heavenly army at Jesus' disposal could have outnumbered the soldiers about 120 to 1. (Swindoll)

Yet Jesus did not summon the angels at His disposal. Rather, Jesus stepped forward and voluntarily surrendered to His enemies after surrendering to God's will in the Garden.

Then all the disciples forsook Him, and fled. (verse 56b)

Those faithful 11 disciples of Jesus fled after they declared they would not do so. Jesus was taken prisoner. Not a single one stayed faithful to Jesus. Even Peter fled. When the going gets tough, the tough get going. Right? But not the ones who had spent 3 years with the Savior listening to His teachings and prophesies, as well as witnessing His miracles. Jesus' followers and friends left him to endure it all alone. 

Do you feel like the disciples are not alone? Haven't we forsaken Jesus some time during our life? Yet forgiveness is Jesus' nature. Lay down our mistakes and sins, sorrows, ashes of a wasted life. Jesus is waiting for us at the altar, open hands, ready to cleanse us of our sins. 

LET IT GO 

Oh what a Savior!

Christ is risen.

Bow down before Him, for He is Lord of all.

Forgiveness is bought with the prcsious blood of Jesus Christ!

The Father's arms are open wide!

What Are We Here For?

 N.T.#289 "What Are We Here For?"

April 23, 2024 

Matthew 26-Part 12

LET IT GLOW 

Why are we here? What is our purpose in life? Have you figured it out? Are you carrying it out? Things to consider.

We left Peter, James, and John sleeping for a while. Then Jesus said to them in verse 46, Rise, let us be going: behold, he is at hand that doth betray Me. 

What happened next?

• Traitor Judas came through the Garden gate during the middle of the night. Judas was allowed to enter the Garden because he was known to the gate keepers. So Judas would easily gain entrance to the private property. Yet, the trio could have prevented Judas' entrance, for they knew the identity of the betrayer at the Last Supper. Jesus' time to be betrayed into the hands of sinners (verse 45) so this was to be.
• The full moon is always shining at Passover, so the Four saw those intruding their private time, carrying lighted torches. 
• With Judas was a great multitude of armed Roman soldiers carrying swords, while the Jewish temple police had staves (clubs), sent by the chief priests and elders. (verse 47)
• Judas gave Jesus a kiss of betrayal. It was a sign for the Roman soldiers to identify the Master. 

We read more details from John. The band of men refers to a Roman cohort of 600 soldiers who came to take Jesus away. (John 18:3) Jesus therefore, knowing all things that should come upon Him, went forth, and said unto them,  Whom seek ye? (John 18:4)

They answered Him, Jesus of Nazareth. Jesus saith unto them, I am He. And Judas also, which betrayed Him, stood with them.  (John 18:5)

What unusual thing happened when Jesus identified Himself as the One the soldiers were seeking? They went backward and fell to the ground. (John 18:6)

Previously, Jesus identified Himself as I am. (John 8:58) Before Abraham existed, Christ was from eternity and was the Great I AM. (Exodus 3:14) Three times in John 18 Jesus identified Himself. (verses 5, 6, 8)

Jesus requested that His disciples be let go their way. (verse 8) Christ knew it would have been too severe a test for their faith, according to Hendriksen.

Do we seek Jesus Christ, the Great I AM? Are we willing to go through whatever God has for us, like Jesus did? 

LET IT GROW

Judas betrayed Jesus with a kiss to identify Him. Jesus called Jesus Master, which is Rhabbi in the Greek, meaning an official tittle of honor; my Master.

Judas, are you betraying the Son of Man with a kiss? (Luke 22:48)

My friend, go ahead and do what you have come for. (Matthew 26:50, NLT)

Jesus gave Judas a chance to back out of his guilty, sinful betrayal, yet he did not.

Is Jesus our Master? Does He give us orders and instructions while we obey them? Are we doing what we are here to do? We fail so many times, but Jesus forgives us and lets us serve Him again. 

LET IT GO

Thank You Jesus for Your grace and mercy.

There is no other Lord, Master, Savior, Redeemer.

Help us show grace and mercy to others.

Are You Ready?

N.T.#288 "Are You Ready?"

April 18, 2024 

Matthew 26-Part 11

LET IT GLOW 

Do you find it hard to stay awake at the end of a hard day and pray? I often do. We are not alone, for the 3 men in Jesus' inner circle of disciples did the same.

This was the time that Jesus needed support of His friends, Peter, James, John. He took them a little farther with Him into the Garden of Gethsemane where it was quiet. After spending 3 years meeting needs of people and teaching His disciples, Jesus wanted them to pray with Him and watch for the enemy. They failed and fell asleep. 

Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak. (verse 41)

Jesus realized the struggle going on inside Him-flesh and spirit. He put aside His own will to accomplish the purpose of His Heavenly Father-death on the cross for the sins of the world. However, it was weighing Him down. His flesh was weak (strengthless), but the spirit was willing (ready). 

In Mark 14:38, Mark says The spirit truly is ready, but the flesh is weak.

If the Savior struggled with the fleshly desires, then it is common for us to struggle with fleshly desires, too.  Our flesh wants to have its way, eat, drink, go wherever, do whatever it desires. It is the spirit that must win out and take control so we do not fail to do God's purpose and will for His glory.

In the Garden Jesus struggled, but which won in the end? His Spirit won! And aren't we grateful!

If we need to hold our tongue, walk away, quote Scripture, then do it so the Spirit of God wins in our life and we do not sin. 

LET IT GROW 

Jesus came to the point where He said, Thy will be done. (verses 39 and 42)

After the Spirit won the struggle, Jesus told His disciples to sleep on and take their rest, for the hour was coming when the Son of Man was betrayed into the hands of sinners. remember, Judas slipped out of the Upper Room when Jesus told him to go and do what Judas had to do.

Finally it was time, Rise, let us be going: behold, he is at hand that doth betray Me. (verse 46)

Are we ready to stay so close to Jesus that no matter what happens to us, we can stay in His will? Or are we like Peter and say we will remain faithful to Jesus, yet the flesh conquers us and we deny Him?

LET IT GO 

Oh what a Savior! Isn't He wonderful! Hallelujah, He overcame the weakness of the flesh and the grave! Christ arose!

Give us strength today to fight the flesh and submit to Your will, Jesus. 

Having Struggles

N.T.#287 "Having Struggles"

April 17, 2024 

Matthew 26-Part 10

LET IT GLOW 

I tend to think God prepares us for trials and troubles ahead. It is when we fall to our knees begging for help through it that He comes through. Jesus knew what was ahead for Him to face. Yet, the Savior had struggles with it, like we do. Comforting, huh?

So we have viewed the plot to kill King Jesus, Mary's anointing, Judas' betrayal plot, the Passover with he disciples, prophecy of Peter's denial, Jesus' agony in the Garden. Coming up in this chapter is Jesus' arrest, His trial before the Sanhedrin, and Peter's denial, Judas' suicide. Thank you for staying with us as we study the events in the last days of Jesus' life on earth and ministry.

Previously, we read about the agony of Jesus at the Mt. of Olives in Gethsemane (which means oil press). This place contained a grove and cluster of olive trees. There may have been a press, a dwelling-house, or at least the usual garden-tower at the foot of the Mount of Olives. It would not have been a well-known place, so the disciples and their Teach Master could have private time from the authorities. If guards were there to protect the property from intruders, Jesus and His disciples would have been welcomed at the gate. Here was where heaven and earth, deity and humanity, locked horns, and the very human will of the God-man submitted unconditionally to the divine will. 

After separating Peter, James, and John from the rest of the disciples, Jesus took them to a corner of the olive grove to pray. This was no quiet prayer meeting with close friends. 

How does Matthew describe the anguish of Jesus?

• grieved and distressed, (verse 37)
• burdened to the point of death, (verse 38)
• fell on His face, pleading with His Father, (verse 39)
• wrestling, struggling, coming to terms with the torturous suffering in mind, emotion, body, and soul that was about to occur the following day. 
• Jesus sweat fell to the ground like drops of blood. (Luke 22:44)
• Three times the Savior cast Himself upon the mercy of God. (verses 39, 42, 44) (Swindoll)

What a struggle! Don't we tend to focus on the pain of the cross instead of the struggle Jesus had beforehand? Jesus was willing to face the agony on the cross as He surrendered unconditionally to the good and perfect plan of God the Father. 

Not as I will, but as You will...Your will be done. (verses 39, 42)

LET IT GROW

As if that wasn't enough to bear, Jesus' three friends fell asleep while Jesus was praying. They were told to be on watch and pray, but didn't last one hour at the task. Three times Jesus found the guys asleep. He reprimanded them for it, then finally the Savior tld them to take rest. 

Behold, the hour is at hand, and the Son of man is betrayed into the hands of sinners. (verse 45)

The interruption of the soldiers caused Jesus, in verse 46, to say, Rise, let us be going: behold, he is at hand that doth betray Me. 

What keeps staying in the back of my mind is Jesus knew what was planned, what was going to take place, and He was willing to go through it. Such love!

Through the struggles, Jesus still remained faithful to God and His plan-sinless. So Jesus can help us through our struggles.

LET IT GO

Your will, 

Your way, today, 

I pray. 

Use us for Your glory, Your servants, Jesus.

What a wonderful Savior is Jesus, my Jesus!

What a wonderful Savior is Jesus my Lord!

Thy Will be Done

N.T.#285 "Thy Will be Done"

April 16, 2024 

Matthew 26-Part 10

LET IT GLOW 

We left Jesus' disciples at the Mt. of Olives, an olive grove east of Jerusalem. They walked up a steep hill to get there, but they were there, having Jesus' back. Then Jesus told Peter, James, and John, His inner circle and buddies, that He was deeply grieved. Jesus zeroed in on Peter's upcoming denial of knowing Him. Of course, Peter never dreamed that would happen, but it did. 

Since Jesus was exceeding sorrowful and very heavy, even unto death, He told the 3 to stay there and watch for Him. Jesus knew the enemy was coming to kill Him. The Savior was in anguish as He considered the wrath of God that would be poured out on Him as He bore the sins of the world on the cross.

All the three guys had to do was watch, to keep awake in order to be prepared for whatever might come. (Falwell) Yet, they failed to do it.

Can we feel the heavy air pressing in on our Beloved Jesus? Have we ever been to that point? Has there been a time we could not pray or breath, carrying such a heavy burden to God that we couldn't say the words. That is when the Holy Spirit intervenes for us at that point.

LET IT GROW 

And He went a little farther, and fell on His face, and prayed, saying, O My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from Me: nevertheless not as I will, but as Thou wilt. (verse 39)

Three times Jesus prayed this prayer. (verses 39, 42, 44) What a heavy burden for One to carry.

What do we learn from Jesus' prayer in verse 39?

• Jesus went a little farther (to go onward) from the three to pray in private to the Father, His Father.
• Jesus fell on His face in humility.
• Jesus prayed, asking His Father If it is possible, let this cup of suffering be taken away from Me. (NLT) In His humanity, Jesus preferred that the cup of suffering might pass by Him. If there was possibly another way let it be done. (Don't you think God and Jesus planned His death on the cross before man was created?)
• Nevertheless (yet; rather; albeit), not as I will (choose or prefer; to determine; rather).
• But as Thou wilt (fall in with). Jesus' desire was for God's will be done, not His own will be done. 
• They will be done. (verse 42) Will means purpose; decree; a determination; choice in this verse. Ultimately, Jesus wanted to do His Father's will, not His will.

His total submission to the will of the Father caused Jesus to be obedient, even unto a substitutionary death. The Innocent and Righteous One dies for the guilty.  Herein is His ultimate exaltation as Lord. (Phil. 2) (Falwell)

Jesus chose to accomplish His Father's purpose, decree and not His own. Should we be willing to do God's will, also? When we pray, should we include "not my will but Your will be done," right? Friend, If you are carrying a heavy burden, give it to Jesus and let Him carry it. Pray for His will be done.

LET IT GO

Father, Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.

Please protect Your Beloved Israel from the wickedness and destruction.

A Suffering Savior

N.T.#285 "A Suffering Savior"

April 15, 2024 

Matthew 26-Part 9

LET IT GLOW 

Think of the most painful thing you have felt. It doesn't compare one smidgen to what pain Jesus felt as He prayed in the Garden at the Mt. of Olives. When we stood outside the fence looking inside at the huge olive trees, I fell on my knees and prayed right there in front of my peers, asking Jesus to forgive my sins that hung Him on the cross. Jesus is a Forgiving Savior.

Jesus told His disciples that they would all desert Him that night. Peter replied that even if everyone else deserted Jesus, he will never desert Jesus. The bad news was given to Peter-this very night, before the rooster crows, you will deny 3 times that you even knew Jesus. And it was so. (verse 33-4)

No! Even if I have to die with you, I will never deny You. And all the other disciples vowed the same. (verse 35) Peter said this in New Living Translation.

Peter promised to be more faithful than the others, so later Jesus asked Peter, Lovest thou Me more than these? (John 21:15) Jesus was referring to the other disciples.

Do we love Jesus more than family and friends? Is He number one in our life. 

LET IT GROW 

Then Jesus had His disciples came to Gethsemane. He told them to sit there while He went and prayed yonder. It was a grove of olive trees, a garden up the hill east of Jerusalem. He took His inner circle of men (Peter, James, John), closest to Him a little further with Jesus. His instructions for the 3 was to tarry and watch with Jesus. At this point, Jesus was sorrowful and very heavy. 

Jesus admitted His soul was exceeding (grieved all around; intensely sad) sorrowful, even to the point of death.

Why? Billy Graham explains in his Wisdom For Each Day devotional: 

• Sin must be punished. If God were simply to forgive our sins without judging them, then there would be no justice, no accountability for wrongdoing. God would not be truly holy and just.
• But if God were simply to judge us for our sins as we deserve, there would be no hope of salvation for any of us. His love would have failed to provide what we need. 
• The cross was the only way to resolve the problem of sin. At the cross God's love and justice came together. Jesus took the punishment we deserved, and now we are clothed in His perfect righteousness. 

The weight of the world's sins became heavy to bear. It was a battle between the flesh and spirit in Jesus, I think. He knew what was ahead as Jesus was God in the flesh. No one likes to suffer pain. He had no sins of His own, just grief for our sins. Can we even understand one smidgen of the anguish Jesus went through before the beatings, ridicules, and pain of the nails? 

LET IT GO

Such a Gracious God, such a Loving, such a Forgiving God!

Jesus, You blood has washed away my sin, Jesus thank You.

The Father's wrath completely satisfied, Jesus thank You.

Once Your enemy, now seated at Your table, Jesus thank You.