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.
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
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.
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.
Monday, April 19, 2010
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.
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.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)