Daily Word - The Gospel Of Luke Introduction

Congratulations! If you've made it through the book of Matthew with us - and thank you for joining us. If you missed some or all of the book of Matthew don't worry because we are going to move right into the gospel of Luke. I often hear statements like "God is nature" and "God is this and God is that" and "I wonder what God thinks about this or that, I wonder what God would think of this or that?" and "I wonder how I can get closer to God?" (run-sentence I know) - Here's the point - Colossians 1:15-20 answers those questions for us. Let's take a look:

15He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. 16For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. 17And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together. 18And he is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent. 19For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, 20and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross.

Did you see it? He (Jesus Christ) is the IMAGE of the invisible God. If He is the image of the invisible God then we can better understand the character and nature of God by studying the life of Jesus. Paul also goes on to explain in verses 19 and 20 that Jesus "reconciled" us to God through the shedding of His blood on the cross. If we pay attention to the Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke and John) Christ himself will tell us exactly HOW we can have a closer relationship with the living God. Isn't this awsome? THIS is why I really do enjoy reading and studying the Bible! I now have a relationship with God, the one who made me, the one who created the heavens and the earth! I am not ashamed to tell you that I am excited about this and to invite you to discuss it. LET US NOT WASTE ANY MORE TIME! LET'S TALK ABOUT IT! Tomorrow morning we will get started on the gospel of Luke and we'll probably camp out there until around the middle of June. Be thinking about what you would like to study after that. We can study some other books but I'll give you a hint about what you're going to find.....It all points in one direction.
I love you all and I have enjoyed going through the book of Matthew with you.
Now, let's dive into the book of Luke....I'll see you bright and early in the morning.

Daily Word - Go, Make Disciples Of All Nations - Matthew 28:16-20

Scripture:
Matthew 28:16-20 (English Standard Version)
The Great Commission
16Now the eleven disciples(A) went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had directed them. 17And when they saw him they(B) worshiped him, but some doubted. 18And Jesus came and said to them, (C) "All authority(D) in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19(E) Go therefore and(F) make disciples of(G) all nations,(H) baptizing them(I) in[a] the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20teaching them(J) to observe all that(K) I have commanded you. And behold,(L) I am with you always, to(M) the end of the age."
Footnotes:
Matthew 28:19 Or into
Cross references:
Matthew 28:16 : Matthew 28:7
Matthew 28:17 : Matthew 28:9
Matthew 28:18 : Matthew 11:27; Dan 7:13, 14; John 3:35; 13:3; 17:2; Acts 2:36; Rom 14:9; 1 Cor 15:27; Eph 1:10, 20-22; Phil 2:9, 10; Col 2:10; Heb 1:2; 2:8; 1 Pet 3:22; Matthew 9:6; John 5:27
Matthew 28:18 : Matthew 6:10; Luke 2:14
Matthew 28:19 : Mark 16:15, 16
Matthew 28:19 : Matthew 13:52
Matthew 28:19 : Luke 24:47; Matthew 24:14; Mark 11:17; Rom 1:5
Matthew 28:19 : Acts 8:16
Matthew 28:19 : 2 Cor 13:14
Matthew 28:20 : John 14:15
Matthew 28:20 : Acts 1:2
Matthew 28:20 : Matthew 1:23; 18:20; John 12:26; 14:3; 17:24; Acts 18:10
Matthew 28:20 : Matthew 13:39

Reflection:
Why did Jesus leave his beloved apostles forty days after his resurrection? Forty is a significant number in the scriptures. Moses went to the mountain to seek the face of God for forty days in prayer and fasting. The people of Israel were in the wilderness for forty years in preparation for their entry into the promised land. Elijah fasted for forty days as he journeyed in the wilderness to the mountain of God. For forty days after his resurrection Jesus appeared numerous times to his disciples to assure them that he had risen indeed and to prepare them for the task of carrying on the work which he began during his earthy ministry.
Jesus' departure and ascension into heaven was both an end and a beginning for his disciples. While it was the end of Jesus' physical presence with his beloved disciples, it marked the beginning of Jesus' presence with them in a new way. Jesus promised that he would be with them always to the end of time. He assured them of his power -- a power which overcame sin and death. Now as the glorified and risen Lord and Savior, ascended to the right hand of the Father in heaven, Jesus promised to give them the power of his Holy Spirit, which we see fulfilled ten days later on the Feast of Pentecost (Luke 24:49 and Acts 2:1-4). When the Lord Jesus departed physically from the apostles, they were not left alone or powerless. Jesus assured them of his presence and the power of the Holy Spirit.
Jesus' last words to his apostles point to his saving mission and to their mission to be witnesses of his saving death and his glorious resurrection and to proclaim the good news of salvation to all the world. Their task is to proclaim the good news of salvation, not only to the people of Israel, but to all the nations. God's love and gift of salvation is not just for a few, or for a nation, but it is for the whole world -- for all who will accept it. The gospel is the power of God, the power to forgive sins, to heal, to deliver from evil and oppression, and to restore life. Do you believe in the power of the gospel?
This is the great commission which the risen Christ gives to the whole church. All believers have been given a share in this task -- to be heralds of the good news and ambassadors for Jesus Christ, the only savior of the world. We have not been left alone in this task, for the risen Lord works in and through us by the power of his Holy Spirit. Today we witness a new Pentecost as the Lord pours out his Holy Spirit upon his people to renew and strengthen the body of Christ and to equip it for effective ministry and mission world-wide. Do you witness to others the joy of the gospel and the hope of the resurrection?

Prayer For The Day:
Lord Jesus, through the gift of your Holy Spirit, you fill us with an indomitable spirit of praise and joy which no earthly trial can subdue. Fill me with your resurrection joy and help me to live a life of praise and thanksgiving for your glory. May I witness to those around me the joy of the gospel and the reality of your resurrection.

Daily Word - Are You Ready? - Matthew 28:8-15

Scripture:
Matthew 28:8-15 (English Standard Version)
8So they departed quickly from the tomb(A) with fear and great joy, and ran to tell his disciples. 9And behold, Jesus(B) met them and said, "Greetings!" And they came up and(C) took hold of his feet and(D) worshiped him. 10Then Jesus said to them, "Do not be afraid;(E) go and tell(F) my brothers to go to Galilee, and there they will see me."
The Report of the Guard
11While they were going, behold, some of(G) the guard went into the city and told the chief priests all that had taken place. 12And when they had assembled with the elders and taken counsel, they gave a sufficient sum of money to the soldiers 13and said, "Tell people,(H) 'His disciples came by night and stole him away while we were asleep.' 14And if this comes to(I) the governor’s ears, we will(J) satisfy him and keep you out of trouble." 15So they took the money and did as they were directed. And this story has been spread among the Jews(K) to this day.
Cross references:
Matthew 28:8 : Psalm 2:11
Matthew 28:9 : Mark 16:9; John 20:14
Matthew 28:9 : 2 Kgs 4:27
Matthew 28:9 : Matthew 28:17; Luke 24:52
Matthew 28:10 : John 20:18
Matthew 28:10 : John 20:17; Psalm 22:22; Rom 8:29; Heb 2:11, 12, 17
Matthew 28:11 : Matthew 27:65, 66
Matthew 28:13 : Matthew 27:64
Matthew 28:14 : Matthew 27:2
Matthew 28:14 : Acts 12:20 (Gk)
Matthew 28:15 : Matthew 27:8

Reflection:
Are you prepared to meet the Risen Lord? The disciples of Jesus were as unprepared for his resurrection as they were for his death. The empty tomb made them fearful and joyful at the same time. "Where did they put the body or did he really rise just as he predicted?" Even though Jesus had spoken to them before of his death and rising, they could not believe until they saw the empty tomb and met the risen Lord. Aren't we the same? We want to see with our own eyes before we believe! The guards brought their testimony to the chief priests and elders who met the news with denial. They were resolved to not believe that Jesus had risen and they bribed the guards in the hope of keeping others from believing.
What is the basis of our faith in the resurrection? The scriptures tell us that "faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen"(Hebrews 11:1). Faith is an entirely free gift that God makes to us. Our faith is a free assent to the whole truth which God reveals to us through his word. Faith is certain because it is based on the very word of God who cannot lie. Faith also seeks understanding. That is why God enlightens the "eyes of our hearts" that we may know what is the hope to which he has called us (Ephesians 1:18). Peter the Apostles says we have been born anew to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead (1 Peter 1:3). Through the gift of faith, the Lord reveals himself to those who believe in his word and he fills them with "new life in his Holy Spirit". Do you live in the joy and hope of the resurrection? And do you recognize the presence of the Risen Lord in his word, in the "breaking of the bread", and in his church, the body of Christ?

Prayer For The Day:
Lord, may we always live in the joy and hope of the resurrection and never lose sight of its truth for our lives.

Daily Word - GLORY - Matthew 28:1-8

Scripture:
Matthew 28:1-8 (English Standard Version)
The Resurrection
Matthew 28
1(A) Now after the Sabbath, toward the dawn of the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and(B) the other Mary went to see the tomb. 2And behold, there was a great earthquake, for(C) an angel of the Lord descended from heaven and came and rolled back the stone and sat on it. 3(D) His appearance was like lightning, and(E) his clothing white as snow. 4And for fear of him the guards trembled and(F) became like dead men. 5But the angel said to the women, "Do not be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified. 6He is not here, for he has risen,(G) as he said. Come, see the place where he[a] lay. 7Then go quickly and tell his disciples that he has risen from the dead, and behold,(H) he is going before you to Galilee; there you will see him. See, I have told you." 8So they departed quickly from the tomb(I) with fear and great joy, and ran to tell his disciples.
Footnotes:
Matthew 28:6 Some manuscripts the Lord
Cross references:
Matthew 28:1 : For Matthew 28:1-8, Mark 16:1-8; Luke 24:1-10; John 20:1
Matthew 28:1 : Matthew 27:56, 61
Matthew 28:2 : John 20:12
Matthew 28:3 : Dan 10:6
Matthew 28:3 : Dan 7:9; Mark 9:3; John 20:12; Acts 1:10
Matthew 28:4 : Rev 1:17
Matthew 28:6 : Matthew 27:63
Matthew 28:7 : Matthew 28:10, 16; Matthew 26:32
Matthew 28:8 : Psalm 2:11

Reflection:
Click on http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U-5T2UAZoPU
This about sums it up!

Prayer For The Day:
Oh Lord, forgive my pride, forgice my greed and selfishness. Lord, please don't hide your glory from my life. I realize that the passage above is what matters. It is all that matters and because of it - I matter to you. thank you for that. Please give me the desire to love you and to love your people as I go out into the world today as one that longs for my perminant home. I love you God. Amen

Daily Word - The Tomb Must Be Secured - Matthew 27:57-66

Scripture:
Matthew 27:57-66 (English Standard Version)
Jesus Is Buried
57(A) When it was evening, there came a rich man from Arimathea, named Joseph, who also was a disciple of Jesus. 58He went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus. Then Pilate ordered it to be given to him. 59And Joseph took the body and wrapped it in a clean linen shroud 60and(B) laid it in his own new tomb,(C) which he had cut in the rock. And he rolled(D) a great stone to the entrance of the tomb and went away. 61Mary Magdalene and(E) the other Mary were there, sitting opposite the tomb.
The Guard at the Tomb
62The next day, that is, after the day of(F) Preparation, the chief priests and the Pharisees gathered before Pilate 63and said, "Sir, we remember how(G) that impostor said, while he was still alive,(H) 'After three days I will rise.' 64Therefore order the tomb to be made secure until the third day,(I) lest his disciples go and steal him away and tell the people, 'He has risen from the dead,' and the last fraud will be worse than the first." 65Pilate said to them, "You have(J) a guard[a] of soldiers. Go, make it as secure as you can." 66So they went and made the tomb secure by(K) sealing the stone and setting a guard.
Footnotes:
Matthew 27:65 Or Take a guard
Cross references:
Matthew 27:57 : For Matthew 27:57-61, Mark 15:42-47; Luke 23:50-56; John 19:38-42
Matthew 27:60 : Isa 53:9
Matthew 27:60 : Isa 22:16
Matthew 27:60 : Mark 16:4; John 11:38
Matthew 27:61 : Matthew 27:56; Matthew 28:1
Matthew 27:62 : Mark 15:42; Luke 23:54; John 19:14, 31, 42
Matthew 27:63 : Matthew 27:64; John 7:12
Matthew 27:63 : Matthew 16:21; 17:23; 20:19; 28:6; Mark 8:31; 10:34; Luke 9:22; 18:33; 24:6, 7; Matthew 26:61; John 2:19
Matthew 27:64 : Matthew 28:13
Matthew 27:65 : Matthew 28:11
Matthew 27:66 : Dan 6:17

Reflection:
Jesus not only died for our sins (1 Cor. 15:3); he also, by the grace of God, tasted death for every one (Heb. 2:9). It was a real death that put an end to his earthly human existence. Jesus died in mid afternoon and the Sabbath began at sunset. Since the Jewish law permitted no work on the Sabbath, the body had to be buried quickly. Someone brave enough would have to get permission from the Roman authorities to take the body and bury it. The bodies of executed criminals were usually left unburied as carion for the vultures and dogs. Jesus was spared this indignity through the gracious intervention of Joseph of Arimethea. Who was this admirer and secret disciple of Jesus? Luke tells us that Joseph was a member of the Sanhedrin, the supreme Jewish council that condemned Jesus. We are told that he did not agree with their verdict. He was either absent from their meeting or silent when they tried Jesus. What kind of man was Joseph? Luke tells us that he was "good and righteous" and "looking for the kingdom of God". Although he did not stand up for Jesus at his trial, he nonetheless, sought to honor him in his death by giving him a proper burial. This was to fulfill what the prophet Isaiah had foretold: "He was cut off out of the land of the living ..and they made his grave with the wicked and with a rich man in his death, although he had done no violence, and there was no deceit in his mouth" (Isaiah 53:8-9).
Jesus' enemies did what they could to prevent his resurrection. Whe see how desperate the chief priests and Pharisees were by approaching Pilate on the Sabbath, the day of rest, with a request to have the tomb of Jesus guarded. They were willing to break their own Sabbath law to defeat Jesus' predictions of his own rising. They came to Pilate saying that Jesus predicted he would rise from the dead on the third day. Pilate's answer, "make the tomb as secure as you can" could be rephrased, "Keep the Messiah in the tomb, if you can!" To guard the sepulchre against the weak disciples was needless; but to think to guard it against the power of God was sheer folly and to no purpose. There is no tomb in the world that can keep the Son of God and Lord of the Sabbath imprisoned. Jesus Christ defeated death that we might have new life in him. As we prepare to celebrate the feast of Easter let us leave behind our old way of life and put on the new life Christ has won for us through his victory over the grave. Are you ready to celebrate the feast of Easter with joyful gratitude and praise for Christ's work of redemption in your life?
In the Book of Revelations, the Lord Jesus speaks: "Fear not, I am the first and the last, and the living one: I died, and behold I am alive for evermore, and I have the keys of Death and Hades" (Rev. 1:17-18). No tomb in the world could contain the Lord Jesus for long. His death on the cross purchased our redemption and his triumph over the grave on Easter morning defeated death. What preserved the Lord Jesus from corruption? He was kept from decay and he rose from the dead by divine power. "My flesh will dwell in hope. For you will not let your Holy One see corruption" (Psalm 16:9-10) . The mystery of Christ's lying in the tomb on the sabbath reveals the great sabbath rest of God after the fulfillment of our salvation which brings peace to the whole world (Col. 1:18-20). Is your hope in this life only, or is it well founded in the resurrection of Christ and his promise that those who believe in him will live forever?

Prayer For The Day:
Lord Jesus, you died that I might have life-- everlasting life in your kingdom of peace and righteousness. Strengthen my faith that I may I know the power of your resurrection and live each day in the hope of seeing you face to face for ever.

Daily Word - This Is The Son of God - Matthew 27:45-56

Scripture:
Matthew 27:45-56 (English Standard Version)
The Death of Jesus
45Now from the sixth hour[a] there was darkness over all the land[b] until the ninth hour.[c] 46And about the ninth hour Jesus(A) cried out with a loud voice, saying, (B) "Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?" that is, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" 47And some of the bystanders, hearing it, said, "This man is calling Elijah." 48And one of them at once ran and took a sponge, filled it with(C) sour wine, and put it on a reed and(D) gave it to him to drink. 49But the others said, "Wait, let us see whether Elijah will come to save him." 50And Jesus(E) cried out again with a loud voice and(F) yielded up his spirit.
51And behold,(G) the curtain of the temple was torn in two, from top to bottom. And(H) the earth shook, and the rocks were split. 52The tombs also were opened. And many bodies of(I) the saints(J) who had fallen asleep were raised, 53and coming out of the tombs after his resurrection they went into(K) the holy city and appeared to many. 54(L) When the centurion and those who were with him,(M) keeping watch over Jesus, saw the earthquake and what took place, they were filled with awe and said,(N) "Truly this was the Son[d] of God!"
55There were also(O) many women there, looking on(P) from a distance, who had followed Jesus from Galilee,(Q) ministering to him, 56among whom were(R) Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of James and Joseph and(S) the mother of the sons of Zebedee.
Footnotes:
Matthew 27:45 That is, noon
Matthew 27:45 Or earth
Matthew 27:45 That is, 3 p.m.
Matthew 27:54 Or a son
Cross references:
Matthew 27:46 : Heb 5:7
Matthew 27:46 : Psalm 22:1
Matthew 27:48 : Ruth 2:14
Matthew 27:48 : Psalm 69:21
Matthew 27:50 : Matthew 27:46
Matthew 27:50 : John 10:18
Matthew 27:51 : Exodus 26:31-33; 2 Chr 3:14
Matthew 27:51 : Matthew 27:54
Matthew 27:52 : Dan 7:18, 22
Matthew 27:52 : John 11:11-13; Acts 7:60; 13:36; 1 Cor 15:6, 18, 20; 1 Thess 4:13-15; 2 Pet 3:4
Matthew 27:53 : Matthew 4:5
Matthew 27:54 : For Matthew 27:54-56, Mark 15:39-41; Luke 23:47, 49
Matthew 27:54 : Matthew 27:36
Matthew 27:54 : Matthew 27:43
Matthew 27:55 : John 19:25
Matthew 27:55 : Psalm 38:11
Matthew 27:55 : Luke 8:2, 3
Matthew 27:56 : Matthew 27:55
Matthew 27:56 : Matthew 20:20; Mark 15:40

Reflection:
The cross brings us face to face with Jesus' suffering. He was alone -- all his disciples had deserted him except for his mother and three women along with John, the beloved disciple. And his death was agonizing and humiliating. Normally a crucified man could last for several days on a cross. Jesus' had already been scourged, beaten with rods, and a crown of thorns pressed into his skull. It is no wonder that he died mid-afternoon. Mark graphically describes the end as a "darkness over the whole land" (15:33). This was Satan's hour as he saw the Son of God dying on the cross. But that death was also his undoing. Through his obedience unto death, Jesus reversed the curse of Adam's disobedience and won freedom and pardon for us. "He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree" (1 Peter 2:24).
One of the great consequences of sin is that it separates us from God. Since Jesus bore the weight of our sins upon himself, he experienced in his agony on the cross what that separation was like. That is why he prayed out the words of Psalm 22: "My God, my God, what have you forsaken me?" This is a Messianic psalm which foretells the suffering which Jesus underwent: "they have pierced my hands and feet -- I can count all my bones -- they stare and gloat over me; they divide my garments among them" (22:16-18). And it ends on a note of triumph and vindication: "Posterity shall serve him; men shall tell of the Lord to the coming generation, and roclaim his deliverance to a people yet unborn, that he has wrought it" (22:31).
As Jesus expired he cried out a "loud shout". Both Matthew and Luke mention this shout (Matt. 27:50 and Luke 23:46). John tells us that Jesus died with these words on his lips, "Father, into your hands I commit my spirit!" (John 19:30). These parting words express triumph rather than defeat. Jesus bowed his head and gave up his spirit knowing that the strife was now over and the battle was won. Even on the cross Jesus knew the joy of victory. What the Father sent him into the world to do has now been accomplished. Christ offered himself without blemish to God and he put away sin by the sacrifice of himself (see Hebrews 9:24-26). We can find no greater proof of God's love for us than the willing sacrifice of his Son on the cross. "O death, where is thy victory? O death, where is thy sting? The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ." (1 Cor. 15:55-57)
In the cross of Christ we see the triumph of Jesus over his enemies -- sin, Satan, and death. Christian writers down through the centuries have sung the praises of the Cross of Christ. Paul the Apostle exclaimed, "But far be it from me to glory except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ" (Galatians 6:14). "A few drops of blood renew the whole world!" Hear what Gregory Nazianzen, a 6th century church father, has to say: "Many indeed are the wondrous happenings of that time: God hanging from a cross, the sun made dark and again flaming out; for it was fitting that creation should mourn with its creator. The temple veil rent, blood and water flowing from his side: the one as from a man, the other as from what was above man; the earth shaken, the rocks shattered because of the rock; the dead risen to bear witness to the final and universal resurrection of the dead. The happenings at the sepulcher and after the sepulcher, who can fittingly recount them? Yet no one of them can be compared to the miracle of my salvation. A few drops of blood renew the whole world, and do for all men what the rennet does for the milk: joining us and binding us together. [On the Holy Pasch, Oration 45.1]
Abbot Rupert of Deutz, wrote in the early 12th century: "The cross of Christ is the door to heaven, the key to paradise, the downfall of the devil, the uplifting of mankind, the consolation of our imprisonment, the prize for our freedom." The Cross of Christ is the safeguard of our faith, the assurance of our hope, and the throne of love. It is also the sign of God's mercy and the proof of forgiveness. By his cross Jesus has redeemed our sin and atoned for our punishment. The way to peace, joy, and righteousness in the kingdom of God and the way to victory over sin, despair, and death is through the cross of Jesus Christ. Do you willingly follow Jesus in his way of the cross with joy, hope, and confidence?

Prayer For The Day:
Lord Jesus Christ, by your death on the cross you have won pardon for us and freedom from the tyranny of sin and death. May I live in the joy and freedom of your victory over sin and death.

Daily Word - Jesus Is Crucified - Matthew 27:32-44

Scripture:
Matthew 27:32-44 (Holman Christian Standard Bible)
Crucified Between Two Criminals
32 As they were going out, they found a Cyrenian man named Simon. They forced this man to carry His cross. (A) 33 When they came to a place called Golgotha (B) (which means Skull Place), 34 they gave Him wine [a] mixed with gall to drink. But when He tasted it, He would not drink it. 35 After crucifying Him they divided His clothes by casting lots. (C) [b] 36 Then they sat down and were guarding Him there. 37 Above His head they put up the charge against Him in writing:
THIS IS JESUSTHE KING OF THE JEWS
38 Then two criminals [c] were crucified with Him, one on the right and one on the left. (D) 39 Those who passed by were yelling insults at [d] Him, shaking their heads (E) 40 and saying, "The One who would demolish the sanctuary and rebuild it in three days, save Yourself! If You are the Son of God, come down from the cross!" (F) 41 In the same way the chief priests, with the scribes and elders, [e] mocked Him and said, 42 "He saved others, but He cannot save Himself! He is the King of Israel! (G) Let Him [f] come down now from the cross, and we will believe in Him. 43 He has put His trust in God; let God rescue Him now—if He wants Him! [g] For He said, 'I am God's Son.' " 44 In the same way even the criminals who were crucified with Him kept taunting Him. (H)
Footnotes:
Matthew 27:34 Other mss read sour wine
Matthew 27:35 Other mss add that what was spoken by the prophet might be fulfilled: "They divided My clothes among them, and for My clothing they cast lots."
Matthew 27:38 Or revolutionaries
Matthew 27:39 Lit passed by blasphemed or were blaspheming
Matthew 27:41 Other mss add and Pharisees
Matthew 27:42 Other mss read If He . . . Israel, let Him
Matthew 27:43 Or if He takes pleasure in Him; [Ps 22:8]
Cross references:
Matthew 27:32 : Num 15:35; Mk 15:21; Lk 23:26; Heb 13:12;
Matthew 27:33 : Mk 15:22-32; Lk 23:33-43; Jn 19:17-24;
Matthew 27:35 : Ps 22:17; 69:21;
Matthew 27:38 : Is 53:12; Mt 20:21; Jn 18:40;
Matthew 27:39 : Jb 16:4; Ps 22:7; 109:25; Lm 2:15; Mk 15:29;
Matthew 27:40 : Mt 4:3;, 6; 26:61;, 63; Jn 2:19;
Matthew 27:42 : Jn 1:49; 12:13;
Matthew 27:44 : Ps 22:8; Lk 23:39-43;

Reflection:
Are you prepared to die well? None of us can avoid the inevitable -- our own death. We try to avoid it, to block it from our minds, but the the truth is we will all die sooner or later. Dying is not easy for anyone. It involves mental and physical suffering, loss, and separation. We can choose to live well, and we can choose to die well. Dying well is a life-long spiritual task. Fortunately there is something stronger than death and that is love (Song of Songs 6:8). "For God so loved the world that he gave us his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life" (John 3:16). Jesus embraced the cross knowing it was the Father's will and the Father's way for him to die.
A criminal condemned to death by Roman law was forced to carry his own cross. Soldiers made him carry it to the place of execution usually by the longest route possible. This prolonged the public humiliation and agony of carrying a weight that bowed the head and broke the back into a posture of submission. Jesus fell under the weight of his cross and could go no further. The Roman soldiers compeled another man to carry it for him. Simon had come a long distance from Cyrene (in North Africa, present-day Libya) to Jerusalem for the Passover feast. The last thing he wanted to do was to participate in the public execution of a criminal. But he had no choice since Roman authority could not be challenged without serious consequences. Mark records that Simon was the father of Alexander and Rufus (Mark 15:21). Since Mark wrote his gospel for the Christian community at Rome, it is likely that the two sons of Rufus were well-known to the Church there as fellow Christians. Who knows, if Simon had not been compelled to carry Jesus's cross, he may never have been challenged with the message of the cross and the meaning of the Christian faith which his two sons later embraced. Perhaps Simon became a believer and passed on his faith to his family as well. Do you take up your cross willingly to follow Jesus in his way of love and sacrifice?
The Romans reserved crucifixion for their worst offenders. It was designed to be the most humiliating and excruciatingly painful way they knew for execution. The criminal was stripped and nailed to a cross erected in a public place, usually by a roadside or highway near the town where the criminal could be viewed by everybody who passed that way. A healthy man could live for several days on such a cross before he expired from hunger, thirst, exhaustion, and madness. It was a slow agonizing death, usually as a result of asphyxiation. The victim was hung on the cross in such a fashion that his lungs quickly filled with fluids and he could not breath unless he pulled his chest upward and gasped for breath. Every movement brought nerve-racking pain. Eventual exhaustion led to asphyxiation. If the soldiers wanted to speed the process up, they broke the victim's legs to prevent ease of breathing.
The place where Jesus was crucified was on a hill just outside of Jerusalem known as Golgatha (Aramaic word for skull). The authorities deliberately executed Jesus besides two known criminals. This was designed to publicly humiliate Jesus before the crowds and to rank him with robbers. When Jesus was nailed to the cross he was already more than half-dead. The scourging alone and the crown of thorns beaten into his skull had nearly killed him. In such a state it is all the more remarkable to see Jesus with a clear sound mind and a tranquil heart. When Jesus was offered some wine mixed with myrrh to ease his pain, he refused it. He willingly embraced suffering and death for our sake because he knew and loved us all when he offered his life as an atoning sacrifice on the cross (Gal. 2:20, Ephes. 5:2,25). Jesus shows us the depths of God's redeeming love and forgiveness. He loved his own to the end (John 13:1). "In this is love, not that we loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the expiation for our sins" (1 John 4:10). "For the love of Christ controls us, because we are convinced that one has died for all; therefore all have died." (2 Cor. 5:14).
Pilate publicly heralded Jesus "The King of the Jews" as he died upon the cross, no doubt to irritate and annoy the chief priests and Pharisees. Jesus was crucified for his claim to be King. The Jews understood that the Messiah would come as king to establish God's reign for them. They wanted a king who would free them from tyranny and foreign domination. Many had high hopes that Jesus would be the Messianic king. Little did they understand what kind of kingship Jesus claimed to have. Jesus came to conquer hearts and souls for an imperishable kingdom, rather than to conquer perishable lands and entitlements. As Jesus was dying on the cross, he was mocked for his claim to kingship. Nonetheless, he died not only as King of the Jews, but King of the nations as well. His victory over the power of sin, Satan, and the world was accomplished through his death on the cross and his resurrection. Jesus exchanged a throne of glory for a cross of shame to restore us to glory with God as his adopted sons and daughters. "He humbled himself and became obedient unto death, even death on a cross. Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name which is oabove every other name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father." (Phil. 2:8-11) In the Book of Revelations Jesus is called King of kings and Lord and lords (Rev. 19:16). Do you recognize Jesus Christ as your King and Lord and do you exalt his name as holy?

Prayer For The Day:
Lord Jesus, you laid down your life for me that I might walk in the freedom of your love and mercy. Free me from love of the world and from attachment to sin and hurtful desires, that I might love whole-heartedly and sincerely what you love and reject whatever is false and contrary to the gospel.

Daily Word - Do You Choose Barabbas? - Matthew 27:11-31

Scripture:
Matthew 27:11-31 (Holman Christian Standard Bible)
Jesus Faces the Governor
11 Now Jesus stood before the governor. (A) "Are You the King of the Jews?" the governor asked Him.
Jesus answered, "You have said it." (B) [a] 12 And while He was being accused by the chief priests and elders, He didn't answer. (C)
13 Then Pilate said to Him, "Don't You hear how much they are testifying against You?" 14 But He didn't answer him on even one charge, so that the governor was greatly amazed. (D)
Jesus or Barabbas
15 At the festival (E) the governor's custom was to release to the crowd a prisoner they wanted. 16 At that time they had a notorious prisoner called Barabbas. [b] 17 So when they had gathered together, Pilate said to them, "Who is it you want me to release for you—Barabbas, [c] or Jesus who is called Messiah?" (F) 18 For he knew they had handed Him over because of envy.
19 While he was sitting on the judge's bench, his wife sent word to him, "Have nothing to do with that righteous man, for today I've suffered terribly in a dream because of Him!" (G)
20 The chief priests and the elders, however, persuaded the crowds to ask for Barabbas and to execute Jesus. 21 The governor asked them, "Which of the two do you want me to release for you?"
"Barabbas!" they answered.

22 Pilate asked them, "What should I do then with Jesus, who is called Messiah?"

They all answered, "Crucify Him!" (H) [d]

23 Then he said, "Why? What has He done wrong?"

But they kept shouting, "Crucify Him!" all the more. (I)

24 When Pilate saw that he was getting nowhere, [e] but that a riot was starting instead, he took some water, washed his hands in front of the crowd, and said, "I am innocent of this man's blood. [f] See to it yourselves!" (J)

25 All the people answered, "His blood be on us (K) and on our children!" 26 Then he released Barabbas to them. But after having Jesus flogged, [g] he handed Him over to be crucified. (L)
Mocked by the Military
27 Then (M) the governor's soldiers took Jesus into headquarters and gathered the whole company around Him. (N) 28 They stripped Him and dressed Him in a scarlet robe. (O) 29 They twisted together a crown of thorns, put it on His head, and placed a reed in His right hand. And they knelt down before Him and mocked Him: "Hail, King of the Jews!" 30 Then they spit at Him, took the reed, and kept hitting Him on the head. 31 When they had mocked Him, they stripped Him of the robe, put His clothes on Him, and led Him away to crucify Him. (P)

Footnotes:
Matthew 27:11 Or That is true, an affirmative oath; [Mt 26:64]; [Mk 15:2]
Matthew 27:16 Other mss read Jesus Barabbas
Matthew 27:17 Other mss read Jesus Barabbas
Matthew 27:22 Lit "Him&md;be crucified!"
Matthew 27:24 Lit that it availed nothing
Matthew 27:24 Other mss read this righteous man's blood
Matthew 27:26 Roman flogging was done with a whip made of leather strips embedded with pieces of bone or metal that brutally tore the flesh.
Cross references:
Matthew 27:11 : Mk 15:2-5; Lk 23:2-3; Jn 18:29-38;
Matthew 27:11 : Mt 2:2; 1Tm 6:13;
Matthew 27:12 : Mt 26:63; Jn 19:9;
Matthew 27:14 : Mk 15:5; Lk 23:9;
Matthew 27:15 : Mk 15:6-15; Lk 23:16-25; Jn 18:39-40; 19:16;
Matthew 27:17 : Mt 1:16; 27:22;
Matthew 27:19 : Gn 20:6; Num 12:6; Jb 33:14-16; Mt 2:12; Jn 19:13;
Matthew 27:22 : Mt 1:16; Ac 13:28;
Matthew 27:23 : Lk 23:41; Jn 8:46;
Matthew 27:24 : Dt 21:6-8; Ps 26:6; Mt 26:5; 27:4;, 19;
Matthew 27:25 : Jos 2:19; Ac 5:28;
Matthew 27:26 : Is 53:5; Mk 15:15; Lk 23:16; Jn 19:1;
Matthew 27:27 : Mk 15:16-20; Jn 19:2-3;
Matthew 27:27 : Jn 18:28;, 33; 19:9; Ac 10:1;
Matthew 27:28 : Lk 23:11; Jn 19:2;
Matthew 27:31 : Is 53:7; Mt 26:67;

Reflection:
The religious leaders charged Jesus with blasphemy because he called himself the Son of God. But since they did not have the power to put him to death, they brought him to the Roman authorities to have him tried and executed. The charge they brought before Pilate, however, was political rather than religious. Luke tells us that three false accusations were leveled against Jesus (Luke 23:1-2): First, that Jesus agitated sedition. Second, they said that he encouraged people to not pay taxes to Caesar. And third, he assumed the title king. We know from the gospel accounts that Pilate made no less than four attempts to avoid condemning Jesus. He told the Jewish leaders to take Jesus and settle the matter themselves (John 19:6-7). He tried to refer the case to Herod. He tried to get the Jewish leaders to receive Jesus as a prisoner who was granted release at Passover time (Mark 15:6). And then he tried to compromise by offering to scourge Jesus and then release him. The Romans were noted for their impartial justice.
Why did the crowd want Barabbas released rather than Jesus? This was not likely the same crowd, who a week earlier, had hailed Jesus' entry into Jerusalem. Barabbas was a bandit known for violence. Jerusalem was filled with insurrectionists. That's why there were so many Roman forces in Jerusalem at this time of high tension and religious fervor. He was probably part of a nationalist's group known for murder and assassination. This crowd was very likely supporters of Barabbas who came on this occasion because they believed that Pilate would offer his release at the feast.
What finally coerced Pilate to sentence a just man to death? Blackmail! John's gospel records that the Jewish leaders told Pilate: "If you release this man, you are not Caesar's friend; everyone who makes himself a king sets himself against Caesar." The last thing Pilate wanted was a report back to Rome that he supported a dangerous man who was inciting the people to accept him as their king and to revolt against Roman authority. The last thing Rome would accept was civil disorder. So Pilate relented to avoid having a charge brought against him to Rome. Pilate was a ruthless leader, but he lacked one important quality, the courage to do the right thing. He sacrificed justice to save his face and his job. Are you willing to sacrifice reputation and position for truth and justice?
The Romans treated condemned prisoners with great cruelty. They were first scourged and then had to carry their cross to the place of execution. The prisoner was bound and bent so his back was exposed. Long leather whips tied with pieces of sharp iron and bones were used for ripping apart a man's back. Some died from the whipping alone, some were made unconscious, and some went mad. Pilate had Jesus scourged in the typical Roman fashion. Jesus was led into the Praetorium, a large hall where the whole company of soldiers could gather and watch. After they scourged him, they robed him in purple, the color for kingly garb, crowned him with thorns, beat him with a reed, and mocked him for his claim to kingship. This scourging, crowning with thorns, and beating greatly weakened Jesus and made it difficult for him to carry his cross to the place of execution. While crucified men have been known to have lasted for several days on a cross before expiring, Jesus died within three hours on the cross, no doubt because he had been nearly scourged to death beforehand. The prophet Isaiah foretold what the 'Suffering Servant" would undergo for our sake: "Surely he has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows; yet we esteemed him stricken, smitten by God, and afflicted. But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that made us whole, and with his stripes we are healed." (Isaiah 53:4-5) Jesus' suffering and death freed us from slavery to sin and won for us pardon and the hope of eternal life. Are you ready to suffer for your faith and to carry your cross for Jesus' sake?

Prayer For The Day:
Lord Jesus, you suffered injustice and abuse for our sake. By your cross you have redeemed the world and won for us pardon and reconciliation. Give me courage to always choose what is right and to avoid what is evil.

Daily Word - 30 Pieces of Silver - Matthew 27:1-10

Sripture:
Matthew 27:1-10 (Holman Christian Standard Bible)
Matthew 27
Jesus Handed Over to Pilate
1 When daybreak came, all the chief priests and the elders of the people plotted against Jesus to put Him to death. (A) 2 After tying Him up, they led Him away and handed Him over to Pilate, [a] the governor. (B)
Judas Hangs Himself
3 Then Judas, His betrayer, seeing that He had been condemned, was full of remorse and returned the 30 pieces of silver to the chief priests and elders. (C) 4 "I have sinned by betraying innocent blood," he said.
"What's that to us?" they said. "See to it yourself!"
5 So he threw the silver into the sanctuary (D) and departed. Then he went and hanged himself.
6 The chief priests took the silver and said, "It's not lawful (E) to put it into the temple treasury, [b] since it is blood money." [c] 7 So they conferred together and bought the potter's field with it as a burial place for foreigners. 8 Therefore that field has been called "Blood Field" to this day. 9 Then what was spoken through the prophet Jeremiah was fulfilled:
They took the 30 pieces of silver, the price of Him whose price was set by the sons of Israel, 10 and they gave them for the potter's field, as the Lord directed me. (F) (G)
Footnotes:
Matthew 27:2 Other mss read Pontius Pilate
Matthew 27:6 See [Mk 7:11] where the same Gk word used here (Corban) means a gift (pledged to the temple).
Matthew 27:6 Lit the price of blood
Cross references:
Matthew 27:1 : Mk 15:1; Lk 22:66; Jn 18:28;
Matthew 27:2 : Mt 20:19; Lk 13:1; Ac 3:13; 1Tm 6:13;
Matthew 27:3 : Mt 21:29; 26:14-15;
Matthew 27:5 : 2Sm 17:23; Lk 1:19;, 21; Ac 1:18;
Matthew 27:6 : Mk 2:24; Jn 18:31;
Matthew 27:10 : Jr 32:6-9; Zch 11:12-13; Mt 1:22;
Matthew 27:10 : Jr 32:6-9; Zch 11:12-13;

Reflection:
Why did Judas end his life in tragedy? When Judas betrayed his Master, he very likely did not intend to cause him bodily harm. He may have thought that Jesus' arrest would be the catalyst that would make Jesus "wake up" and use his divine power to liberate Palestine from Roman rule. He must have been bitterly disappointed that Jesus refused to use his favor with the people for leading an uprising against Rome. Now Judas is bitterly disappointed with himself because his betrayal has resulted in Jesus' condemnation by the chief religious authorities. His "repentance" however contains no trust in forgiveness nor mercy. He recognizes the horror of his deed and how much evil it has caused. And he knows that it is impossible to undo what he has done. That is always the way with sin. We mostly choose sin because we think it will somehow make us happy. But after we recognize the consequences of our choice, we regret the wrong and wish it could be undone.
Judas returned the ransom, a small sum of money for such a deed, to the Temple priests. Their refusal to take it back makes Judas violently throw it into the Temple. Judas publicly admitted his guilt: "I have sinned in betraying innocent blood." And his next act is to publicly condemn himself by committing violent suicide. Judas took matters into his own hands by handing Jesus over to his enemies. Now he takes matters into his own hands again by handing himself over to despair and the destruction of his body. Perhaps he thought that self-inflicted death would put an end to living with a guilty conscience.
Unlike Peter, who also denied his Master, but then repents and seeks forgiveness, Judas regrets his sin but closes the door to seeking peace and pardon with God. Despair is an ally of pride. It cannot see beyond the misery, pain, and grief of self to the possibility of pardon, peace, and restoration of friendship with God and neighbor. Judas could have chosen to not end his life in despair. He would have found his Risen Master ready to give him peace and pardon. And he would have likely died a martyr's death as did most of the other apostles who shed their blood for their Master. When you are tempted to doubt and despair, do you turn to the Lord for his help and grace?

Prayer For The Day:
Lord, may I never despair of your merciful love and forgiveness. Whenever I stumble or fail to do your will, give me the courage to call on your name and receive your pardon and grace to change.

Daily Word - The Fear of Man - Matthew 26:69-75

Scripture:
Matthew 26:69-75 (New International Version)
Peter Disowns Jesus
69Now Peter was sitting out in the courtyard, and a servant girl came to him. "You also were with Jesus of Galilee," she said.
70But he denied it before them all. "I don't know what you're talking about," he said.
71Then he went out to the gateway, where another girl saw him and said to the people there, "This fellow was with Jesus of Nazareth."
72He denied it again, with an oath: "I don't know the man!"
73After a little while, those standing there went up to Peter and said, "Surely you are one of them, for your accent gives you away."
74Then he began to call down curses on himself and he swore to them, "I don't know the man!"
Immediately a rooster crowed. 75Then Peter remembered the word Jesus had spoken: "Before the rooster crows, you will disown me three times." And he went outside and wept bitterly.

Reflection:
How can faith be sustained in adversity? Peter was one of the two disciples who had the courage to follow Jesus in his passion. John was with Jesus when he hung upon the cross at Golgatha. Peter's courage, however, gave way to fear, fear for his own life. Peter was overconfident in his own strength and now he must pay the price for his own disloyalty and denial of the Lord Jesus. Peter, after all, had been warned by his Master that temptation would come and he would fail the test. Mark records that Peter "broke down and wept" when he remembered Jesus' prediction that he would deny his Master. Unlike Judas who killed himself because his shame was devoid of any hope for forgiveness and restoration, Peter's grief was filled with sorrow for offending his Lord. When you meet failure and temptation, do you give in to despair and self-pity or do you turn to Jesus for the grace of restoration and beginning anew?

Prayer For The Day:
Lord Jesus, you willingly suffered and died for our sake and for our salvation. You took upon yourself the burden of our guilt and the punishment due to our sins. Strengthen my faith and help me in my trials that I may never deny you or forsake your ways.

Daily Word - Blasphemy? - Matthew 26:57-68

Scripture:
Matthew 26:57-68 (New International Version)
Before the Sanhedrin
57Those who had arrested Jesus took him to Caiaphas, the high priest, where the teachers of the law and the elders had assembled. 58But Peter followed him at a distance, right up to the courtyard of the high priest. He entered and sat down with the guards to see the outcome.
59The chief priests and the whole Sanhedrin were looking for false evidence against Jesus so that they could put him to death. 60But they did not find any, though many false witnesses came forward.
Finally two came forward 61and declared, "This fellow said, 'I am able to destroy the temple of God and rebuild it in three days.' "
62Then the high priest stood up and said to Jesus, "Are you not going to answer? What is this testimony that these men are bringing against you?" 63But Jesus remained silent. The high priest said to him, "I charge you under oath by the living God: Tell us if you are the Christ,[a] the Son of God."
64"Yes, it is as you say," Jesus replied. "But I say to all of you: In the future you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Mighty One and coming on the clouds of heaven."
65Then the high priest tore his clothes and said, "He has spoken blasphemy! Why do we need any more witnesses? Look, now you have heard the blasphemy. 66What do you think?" "He is worthy of death," they answered.
67Then they spit in his face and struck him with their fists. Others slapped him 68and said, "Prophesy to us, Christ. Who hit you?"
Footnotes:
Matthew 26:63 Or Messiah; also in verse 68

Reflection:
Jesus was cross-examined by the high priest and the Sanhedrin,the supreme court of the Jews. The high priest by law was required to wait until morning before he could call the Sanhedrin to try Jesus. In their eagerness to eliminate Jesus they did not hesitate to break their own rules for a fair trial and they used false witnesses. Jesus' captors also used mockery and physical intimidation to trip up his testimony. They hoped he would say something they could use as evidence of criminal action. When they pressed Jesus for his claim to be the Christ (or Messiah in Hebrew) and the Son of God, he did not deny it but stated simply, "I am". They understood the claim to be the Son of God an insult to God's majesty and therefore blasphemy, which was punishable by death. Jesus bore ill-treatment, mockery, and the charge of blasphemy with peace and confidence. In faith he knew beyond a doubt that what men would try to do to him could not thwart the purposes of God. The cross would lead to ultimate triumph over sin and death and God's kingdom would prevail over the forces of evil and Satan. Is your faith and hope securely anchored in Christ's victory on the cross?

Prayer For The Day:
Lord Jesus, you willingly suffered and died for our sake and for our salvation. You took upon yourself the burden of our guilt and the punishment due to our sins. Strengthen my faith and help me in my trials that I may never deny you or forsake your ways.

Daily Word - Kiss of Death - Matthew 26:47-56

Scripture:
Matthew 26:47-56 (Holman Christian Standard Bible)
The Judas Kiss
47 While He was still speaking, Judas, one of the Twelve, suddenly arrived. (A) A large mob, with swords and clubs, was with him from the chief priests and elders of the people. 48 His betrayer had given them a sign: "The One I kiss, He's the One; arrest Him!" 49 So he went right up to Jesus and said, "Greetings, Rabbi!"—and kissed Him.
50 "Friend," (B) Jesus asked him, "why have you come?" [a]
Then they came up, took hold of Jesus, and arrested Him. 51 At that moment one of those with Jesus reached out his hand and drew his sword. He struck the high priest's slave and cut off his ear. (C)
52 Then Jesus told him, "Put your sword back in place because all who take up a sword will perish by a sword. (D) 53 Or do you think that I cannot call on My Father, and He will provide Me at once with more than 12 legions [b] of angels? (E) 54 How, then, would the Scriptures be fulfilled (F) that say it must happen this way?"
55 At that time Jesus said to the crowds, "Have you come out with swords and clubs, as if I were a criminal, [c] to capture Me? Every day I used to sit, teaching in the temple complex, and you didn't arrest Me. (G) 56 But all this has happened so that the prophetic Scriptures (H) [d] would be fulfilled." Then all the disciples (I) deserted Him and ran away.
Footnotes:
Matthew 26:50 Or Jesus told him, "do what you have come for." (as a statement)
Matthew 26:53 A Roman legion contained up to 6,000 soldiers.
Matthew 26:55 Lit as against a criminal
Matthew 26:56 Or the Scriptures of the prophets
Cross references:
Matthew 26:47 : Mk 14:43-50; Lk 22:47-53; Jn 18:3-11;
Matthew 26:50 : Mt 20:13; 22:12;
Matthew 26:51 : Lk 22:38; Jn 18:10;
Matthew 26:52 : Gn 9:6; Rv 13:10;
Matthew 26:53 : 2Kg 6:17; Dn 7:10; Mt 4:11; Lk 8:30;
Matthew 26:54 : Mt 1:22; 26:24;
Matthew 26:55 : Mk 12:35; Lk 21:37; Jn 7:19; 8:2; 18:20;
Matthew 26:56 : Mt 26:54; Rm 1:2; 2Pt 1:20;
Matthew 26:56 : Mt 10:1; 26:56; Mk 3:7; 16:20; Lk 6:13; Jn 12:16;

Reflection:
Do you know the pain of rejection? The greatest pain and injury comes not from our enemies but from those closest to us. Psalm 55 foretells the suffering of rejection which God's anointed King and Messiah would endure for our sake: "It is not an enemy who taunts me-- then I could bear it; it is not an adversary who deals insolently with me-- then I could hide from him But it is you, my equal, my companion, my familiar friend. We used to hold sweet converse together; within God's house we walked in fellowship" (Psalm 55:12-14). In the ancient world a kiss was a sign of intimate friendship and trust. Judas' betrayal with a kiss shows the hypocrisy of his love and trust. This is literally a "kiss of death" not only because it leads to Jesus' death but is also a sign of the death of one who lost all hope and abandoned God. In betraying Jesus Judas rejected the one and only hope for freedom from sin and condemnation and the hope of reconciliation and restoration to friendship with God. Jesus met rejection not with bitterness or resentment, but with love and pity. God will never stop loving us no matter how far we stray from him or abandon hope. When you encounter injury and rejection from others, how do you respond? With merciful love and a forgiving heart or with bitterness and revenge?
Jesus met his betrayal and arrest with serenity and with confident trust in his Father. He knew that this was Satan's hour of darkness but God's light and truth would prevail in the end. How did the other apostles meet this trial? They were unprepared even though Jesus has warned them about his betrayal. And they had forgotten God for the moment. Their will was to resist force with force rather than peaceably submit to God's will. Jesus never failed to show mercy and compassion even to his enemies. Luke tells us that Jesus "touched" the severed ear and healed the high priest's slave who had been struck by one of Jesus' own disciples (Luke 22:51). When adversity strikes how do you respond? With fear and panic or with confident hope and trust in God?

Prayer For The Day:
Lord, only you can save us from the blindness of sin and despair. May your light dispel the darkness of our lives and give us hope and joy. Fill our hearts with mercy and compassion that we may bring hope to those who have no hope and show them the light of Christ.

Daily Word - Why Are You Sleeping? - Matthew 26:36-46

Scripture:
Matthew 26:36-46 (Holman Christian Standard Bible)
The Prayer in the Garden
36 Then Jesus came with them to a place called Gethsemane, (A) [a] and He told the disciples, "Sit here while I go over there and pray." 37 Taking along Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, He began to be sorrowful and deeply distressed. (B) 38 Then He said to them, "My soul is swallowed up in sorrow [b] —to the point of death. [c] Remain here and stay awake with Me." (C) 39 Going a little farther, [d] He fell facedown and prayed, "My Father! If it is possible, let this cup pass from Me. Yet not as I will, but as You will." (D)
40 Then He came to the disciples and found them sleeping. He asked Peter. "So, couldn't you [e] stay awake with Me one hour? 41 Stay awake and pray, so that you won't enter into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak."
42 Again, a second time, He went away and prayed, "My Father, if this [f] cannot pass [g] unless I drink it, Your will be done." (E) 43 And He came again and found them sleeping, because they could not keep their eyes open. [h]
44 After leaving them, He went away again and prayed a third time, saying the same thing once more. 45 Then He came to the disciples and said to them, "Are you still sleeping and resting? [i] Look, the time is near. The Son of Man is being betrayed into the hands of sinners. (F) 46 Get up; let's go! See—My betrayer is near."

Footnotes:
Matthew 26:36 A garden east of Jerusalem at the base of the Mount of Olives; Gethsemane = olive oil press
Matthew 26:38 Or I am deeply grieved, or I am overwhelmed by sorrow; [Ps 42:6], [11]; [43:5]
Matthew 26:38 Lit unto death
Matthew 26:39 Other mss read Drawing nearer
Matthew 26:40 You = all 3 disciples because the verb in Gk is pl
Matthew 26:42 Other mss add cup
Matthew 26:42 Other mss add from Me
Matthew 26:43 Lit because their eyes were weighed down
Matthew 26:45 Or Sleep on now and take your rest.
Cross references:
Matthew 26:36 : Mk 14:32-42; Lk 22:40-46;
Matthew 26:37 : Mt 4:21; 17:1;
Matthew 26:38 : Ps 42:5-6; Mt 24:42; Jn 12:27;
Matthew 26:39 : Mt 20:22; Jn 5:30; 6:38; Php 2:8; Heb 5:7;
Matthew 26:42 : Mt 26:39; Mk 14:36; Lk 22:42; Jn 6:38;
Matthew 26:45 : Jn 12:27; 13:1;

Reflection:
Are you prepared for trial and testing? Jesus was put to the test at the beginning of his public ministry when Satan offered him power, position, and all the kingdoms under his dominion (Luke 4:1-13). Jesus had to wrestle with temptation and now he warns Peter that he, too, will have to struggle for his very life and soul. Peter was a courageous man. He gave up his business and everything he had to follow Jesus. Now he promises Jesus that he will go with him through any trouble, be it imprisonment or violent death. Satan knows both our weakness and our strength. And he often tests us in our strength to make us fall. Why is that the case? Where we are strongest we are often over-confident and unprepared with our guard down. Peter was passionately loyal to his Master, but he was unprepared for the test that was to come. Jesus not only warns Peter, but prays for him, and then calls him in turn to be a source of help and strength to his brothers when they face temptation. We often cannot help someone in their weakness and failure until we have suffered similar trial and shame. Because Jesus "himself has suffered and been tempted, he is able to help those who are tempted" (Hebrews 2:18).
Jesus did his best to prepare his disciples for what was to come -- his betrayal, rejection by his own people, and violent death on the cross. This was to fulfill what the scriptures and the prophets had foretold, that is was necessary for the Messiah to suffer before he entered into his glory. Jesus was tempted like us in everything but sin. Now he undergoes the worst temptation yet to face him, to accept or to reject the agony of death on a cross. Jesus had the power and the means to escape defeat and death at the hands of his enemies. But he choose the way of the cross for our sake and for our salvation. How do you face opposition, failure, trial, and rejection? Do you look to God for strength to overcome adversity with faith, trial with hope, and rejection with love? Jesus went to his favorite place of prayer, the Garden of Gethsemane, to face such trial and testing. In prayer to his Father in heaven he found the strength he needed, both to embrace the Father's will and to accept the suffering that must come his way in order to carry out that will. What is the cross that you and I must face each and every day? When my will "crosses" with God's will, then his will must be done. Are you ready to take up your cross to follow the Lord Jesus?
In the Lord's prayer Jesus instructs his disciples to pray that we might not be "led into temptation". Sin results from our consenting to temptation. God wants to set us free from evil. We are engaged in a batteld between "flesh and spirit", and so we must ask God for the Spirit of discernment and strength that might not take the way that leads to sin. The Holy Spirit helps us to discern between trials that are necessary and good for our spiritual growth (Romans 5:3-5, 2 Tim. 3:12), and temptation which leads to sin and spiritual death (James 1:14-15). Discernment unmaskes the lie of temptation which makes sin look good and desireable, when in reality its fruit is death. That is why Satan is called the "father of lies". We must resist his lies and cling to the truth so that we may choose what is good rather than evil. If we decide in our heart that we want to choose what is good and to obey God, then God will surely give us the strength and help we need to overcome sin. Paul the Apostle tells us: "No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your strength, but with the temptation will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it" (1 Cor. 10:13). We will only see victory in our struggle against temptation to sin if we take it to the Lord in prayer. It was by prayer that Jesus overcame his tempter in the struggle of his agony. We, too, must be vigilant in prayer and ask God for the strength and perseverance to be faithful to him to the end.
Satan will try his best to induce us to choose our will over God's will. If he cannot induce us to apostasize or to sin mortally, he will then try to get us to make choices that will lead us away from what God wants for us. Jesus was tempted like us and he overcame not by his own human strength but by the grace and strength which his Father gave to him. He had to renounce his will for the will of his Father. He succeeded because he wanted to please his Father and he trusted that his Father would give him the strength to overcome the obstacles that stood in the way. The Lord gives us his Holy Spirit to be our strength and guide and our consoler in temptation and testing. God the Father is ready to give us all that we need to live in his way of love and righteousness. Do you rely on the Lord for your strength and help?

Prayer For The Day:
Lord, your word is life and joy for me. Fill me with your Holy Spirit that I may have the strength and courage to embrace your will in all things and to renounce whatever is contrary to it.