THE STORY OF JESUS: Matthew 26:57-63 “’Are you not going to answer?’ But Jesus remained silent.” (Matthew 26:62-63) It is not that Jesus refuses to say anything at all (see Matthew 26:64f). But He does not defend Himself, demand justice or challenge His lying accusers. He refuses to play their game; His silence only makes them look worse….
Seeing the purpose in my life!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Matthew 26:55-56 “But this has all taken place that the writings of the prophets might be fulfilled.” (Matthew 26:56) Jesus sees His life as a part of God’s big story, of what God is doing in and for the world. He has a sense of destiny and purpose, so that even bad things…
Shine in and through me!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Psalm 36 “For with you is the fountain of life; in your light we see light.” (Psalm 36:9) Most people have a tough time seeing themselves realistically, in a proper light. In the end, my view of myself – whether positive or negative – is not what counts. What matters is how I…
Our world without Jesus!?!?
THE STORY OF JESUS: Judges 17-21 “In those days Israel had no king; everyone did as they saw fit.” (Judges 21:25) Four times in this section we are told that Israel had no king (17:6, 18:1, 19:1, 21:25). These stories are meant to show human nature at its worse, and our need for a messiah. Though we…
Jesus is my strength and hope!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Judges 13-16 “I have been a Nazirite dedicated to God from my mother’s womb.” (Judges 16:17) According to Numbers 6:1-21, a ‘nazirite’ was someone devoted (nazir) to God (like a monk or nun). They showed their dedication by not cutting their hair, not drinking wine and not touching dead bodies. God chose Samson to…
May the grace be with you!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Matthew 26:47-54 “Put your sword back in its place, for all who draw the sword will die by the sword.” (Matthew 26:52) In the picture above, someone tried to paint these words of Jesus. But I’m not sure it gives the right message… Jesus seems to be forcing the sword hand to stop….
He is willing and strong!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Matthew 26:40-46 “The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.” (Matthew 26:41) Jesus understands that His disciples are tired. He’s not criticizing them for sleeping since He knows they mean well, that their spirits are willing. But given the impending crisis, He is urging them to pray harder for God’s strength. Because…
I’d prefer obedience without suffering!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Matthew 26:36-39 “My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me.” (Matthew 26:39) There was a time in the early church when christians sought martyrdom. They wanted the honour of suffering and dying like their Messiah. I want to be like the Messiah too, especially the “may this cup…
The sound of a new day!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Matthew 26:31-35 “This very night you will all fall away on account of me.” (Matthew 26:31) This passage makes me think of songs that we often sing as Christians. ‘I Surrender All’, ‘Stand up, Stand up for Jesus’, ‘Blessed be Your Name’. Peter sings a version of ‘I have decided to follow Jesus,…
A prayer for the bullied!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Psalm 35 “Vindicate me in your righteousness, Lord my God; do not let them gloat over me.” (Psalm 35:27) Have you ever been betrayed by a friend, have you ever been bullied by your peers? David feels like garbage, rejected by people he trusted and had been good to. This psalm is his…