THE STORY OF JESUS: Matthew 26:1-5
“They schemed to arrest Jesus secretly and kill him.” (Matthew 26:4)
Here we have an anticipation of what is to come, from two different perspectives.
Jesus has a sense of destiny, what He must do to maximize God’s purpose.
The religious leaders have a sense of selfishness, what they must do to minimize trouble.
Jesus is thinking about God’s agenda, the religious leaders have their own agenda in mind.
Whose agenda do I have in mind?
Am I doing what I do each day to preserve and protect myself?
Or am I focused on doing what advances God’s purpose?
Is my goal to be comfortable, safe, for my own ambition, then I am not following Jesus.
Jesus not only speaks about His own cross, but urges us to take up our cross too.
The cross symbolizes dying to selfish ambition.
Am I giving up myself for God and others, am I living eager to bless and help others?
The Lord is challenging me on my agenda, on how I plan my days, and my life.
Jesus was prepared to take up His cross for me, am I prepared to take up my cross for Him?
Or will I be like the religious leaders, doing whatever it takes to cover my butt?
What do you sense the Lord saying to you?
PRAYER
Lord, I want to be like You, but if I’m honest I often behave more like the religious leaders, doing whatever I must to keep my life safe, comfortable.