PLEASE READ THIS FIRST: Matthew 26:1-5
What do you sense the Lord saying to you in this passage?
“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 selfish goal, to protect their own interests.
Jesus is thinking about God’s agenda, the religious leaders about their own agenda.
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?
Jesus followers do not seek to be comfort, safety or personal gain.
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 eager to bless and help others?
The Lord is challenging me on my agenda, on how I plan my days, and my life.
Jesus took up His cross for me, am I prepared to take up my cross for Him?
Or will I be like the religious leaders, doing what it takes to cover my butt?
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.
Can’t help but think ‘what if?’ The leadership knew Jesus was popular so they plotted not to arrest him in public for fear that the people would mob and riot – and possibly make Jesus – the Messiah king. Which would have subverted what Jesus knew had to happen – so that he would be able to accomplish his mission to redeem us. In this case, the plotting of the leadership helped the mission. Jesus knew – that is what is so affirming for me. Jesus deliberately and resolutely moved the plot in His favour. He was submissive and kept quiet – allowing the plot to his crucifixion play out. As a Christian, do I have what would Jesus do – in mind as I live out my days?
I ask my wife on a regular basis, ‘ What are we doing today?’
The response is usually, ‘Do we have to do anything?’
That’s where the conversation stops, but it shouldn’t. Yes, we need to serve the Lord and not our own desires. Not just self interests but at all times, listening to His voice saying This is the way. Walk in it. Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Speak Lord for Your servant is listening.
1
Lord, speak to me, that I may speak
In living echoes of Thy tone;
As Thou hast sought, so let me seek
Thy erring children lost and lone.
2
O lead me, Lord, that I may lead
The wandering and the wavering feet;
O feed me, Lord, that I may feed
Thy hungering ones with manna sweet.
3
O strengthen me, that while I stand
Firm on the rock, and strong in Thee,
I may stretch out a loving hand
To wrestlers with the troubled sea.
4
O teach me, Lord, that I may teach
The precious things Thou dost impart;
And wing my words, that they may reach
The hidden depths of many a heart