Matthew 26:37-46
Peter, James, and John are given the distinct privilege to go and pray with Jesus and for Jesus to prepare themselves for His impending crucifixion. Jesus was anointed with oil in Bethany for His burial and they have the chance to anoint Him with prayer before He saves the world of sin. Instead, they sleep.
Matthew 26:48
Judas with his many flaws and greedy, self-serving nature is still chosen by Jesus to be one of the Twelve. Given the chance to be a pioneer of the Christian faith and to be bestowed the distinction among all Believers as being one of the Twelve; a distinction that would carry on through eternity. He betrays Jesus for 30 pieces of silver of which he doesn't keep and Jesus says of Judas that it would be better that he was never born.
Matthew 26:56 and Matthew 26:33-35
As Jesus is arrested the disciples abandon both their Savior and their promises to Him.
Matthew 26:58
Peter had said he would never leave Jesus' side, but we find him hiding in the shadows.
Matthew 26:69-75
Peter got too close to be following from afar and vehemently denies any association with Christ. The good news here is that this final act of rejection brakes Peter and he sees who he really is. We all need to be broken.
With the exemption of Judas, does anybody else find a little encouragement from the disciples' weaknesses? It's kinda strange when you just say it aloud and think about that statement, but I do sincerely find encouragement through their weaknesses. Not that I want to emulate their shortcomings, but I find that God's grace, strength, and mercy are communicated the loudest through our weakness. Encouraging because when you read through Acts, you encounter these same men transformed!! Men who do not run from danger of persecution or imprisonment but embrace their calling.
Jesus did not fill his roster with all stars. He chose average men and women. He chose dirty sinners. It took a while, but He cleaned them up. Then, He released them on an unsuspecting world, and they turned it upside down.
He chose you and He chose me. Not because of our greatness, but because of His grace.
Saturday, May 29, 2010
Friday, May 28, 2010
Day 11: Matthew 24-25
Wow, what a deal. I get to blog on the words about Jesus coming again. There are so many things that speak so clearly to me out of this text. I am challenged when Jesus says one of the signs of His imminent return is the fact that many men's love will grow cold. That verse challenges me because there are so many ways and days that I am tempted to close my heart become jaded and skeptical and no longer help, especially when it costs from my very soul.
But in my reading of this text the verse I would like to discuss with us today is in 25:10. In the midst of the story of the virgins Jesus said those who were ready went in with him to the wedding. Now I know that this is referring to our readiness in Christ. Do we have the indwelling Spirit of God and have we made peace with God and been born again.
But I wonder if it could not also apply to my readiness in other realms as well. Am I ready to serve through spiritual preparation and discipline. Am I ready to love through surrendered heart and life? Am I ready to hear Him through training my spirit to understand and discern the things of the Spirit.
Sometimes one of the things that goes on in my life is a pottering around that suddenly I realize an hour or two has passed and I have accomplished none of the things that I realize I need to get done today. Am I ready and if I am do I enter into the party where Jesus is the center of attention. I am praying that today God will find me ready and that we will walk in incredible intimacy today. Paul
But in my reading of this text the verse I would like to discuss with us today is in 25:10. In the midst of the story of the virgins Jesus said those who were ready went in with him to the wedding. Now I know that this is referring to our readiness in Christ. Do we have the indwelling Spirit of God and have we made peace with God and been born again.
But I wonder if it could not also apply to my readiness in other realms as well. Am I ready to serve through spiritual preparation and discipline. Am I ready to love through surrendered heart and life? Am I ready to hear Him through training my spirit to understand and discern the things of the Spirit.
Sometimes one of the things that goes on in my life is a pottering around that suddenly I realize an hour or two has passed and I have accomplished none of the things that I realize I need to get done today. Am I ready and if I am do I enter into the party where Jesus is the center of attention. I am praying that today God will find me ready and that we will walk in incredible intimacy today. Paul
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
Day 10: Matthew 22-23
God is good and He will see His purposes through. He keeps His word and loves His children.
22:1-14
The Parable of the Wedding Banquet
A few things God has shared with me to share here. First Jesus is speaking about the Jews as the original guests to the banquet. In verse 8-10 it is just a good thing to know that no one type of person is excluded from the invites, I believe no one is excluded from the invitation itself. It is a reminder to me that we ought not to give up hope or think of someone as too bad or too good to be able to be born again which I believe is what Jesus is speaking of in regards to the man without the wedding clothes in verse 11. In Revelation 22:4 when it is speaking of the new Heaven and new Earth it states 'They will see His face, and His name will be on their foreheads.' There are many other examples but the point I wish to share is that by no means other than God's work through the Cross and the rebirth of the Holy Spirit can anyone enter the wedding. Also see Rev. 19:6-10 speaking of the wedding supper.
22:15-22
Paying Taxes to Caesar
I love this verse where the Pharisees speak of Jesus' integrity. Verse 16. The focus I am drawn to is ' You aren't swayed by men, because you pay no attention to who they are.' I am enjoying how God is making this more of a reality for me. I was once a huge people pleaser and so fearful of man that I would imitate them so that I might not offend them. Though we ought to have respect to those above us in authority such as parents, elders, law..... we cannot put them above our convictions of what is true and holy and pleasing to God. Prov. 29:25 'Fear of man will prove to be a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is kept safe.'
22:23-33
Marriage at the Resurrection
The angle of approach here for me as I read is something that God has been speaking to me in varoius areas of my life, actually all. Verse 29 ' You are in error because you do not know the Scriptures or the power of God.' in Hosea 4:6 it says 'my people are destroyed from lack of knowledge.' If we are to walk rightly and pleasing to God we ought to seek to know Him and His ways. In a relationship one spends much time learning about the other person's interests, what they desire, who they are, etc. The basic principle applies to our relationship with God. If we are to understand Him and the what's and why's of life we need to spend time at His feet like Mary and not trust in our own understanding.
22:34-40
The Greatest Commandment
Love, no greater thing than love. Paul in 1 Cor. 13 speaks much of this. To love God above everything else which means to obey Him in all we do, and to love our neighbor as ourself, not a god.
22:41-46
Whose Son Is the Christ
I am amazed at the way Jesus cuts through the fog and gets to the point in a way that puts these men to silence.
23:1-39
Seven Woes
Self-righteousness. I am pretty overwhelmed with the depth of what is shared here. For us, we ought to stay true to our convictions and have no part in the huge burden of living religiously.
22:1-14
The Parable of the Wedding Banquet
A few things God has shared with me to share here. First Jesus is speaking about the Jews as the original guests to the banquet. In verse 8-10 it is just a good thing to know that no one type of person is excluded from the invites, I believe no one is excluded from the invitation itself. It is a reminder to me that we ought not to give up hope or think of someone as too bad or too good to be able to be born again which I believe is what Jesus is speaking of in regards to the man without the wedding clothes in verse 11. In Revelation 22:4 when it is speaking of the new Heaven and new Earth it states 'They will see His face, and His name will be on their foreheads.' There are many other examples but the point I wish to share is that by no means other than God's work through the Cross and the rebirth of the Holy Spirit can anyone enter the wedding. Also see Rev. 19:6-10 speaking of the wedding supper.
22:15-22
Paying Taxes to Caesar
I love this verse where the Pharisees speak of Jesus' integrity. Verse 16. The focus I am drawn to is ' You aren't swayed by men, because you pay no attention to who they are.' I am enjoying how God is making this more of a reality for me. I was once a huge people pleaser and so fearful of man that I would imitate them so that I might not offend them. Though we ought to have respect to those above us in authority such as parents, elders, law..... we cannot put them above our convictions of what is true and holy and pleasing to God. Prov. 29:25 'Fear of man will prove to be a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is kept safe.'
22:23-33
Marriage at the Resurrection
The angle of approach here for me as I read is something that God has been speaking to me in varoius areas of my life, actually all. Verse 29 ' You are in error because you do not know the Scriptures or the power of God.' in Hosea 4:6 it says 'my people are destroyed from lack of knowledge.' If we are to walk rightly and pleasing to God we ought to seek to know Him and His ways. In a relationship one spends much time learning about the other person's interests, what they desire, who they are, etc. The basic principle applies to our relationship with God. If we are to understand Him and the what's and why's of life we need to spend time at His feet like Mary and not trust in our own understanding.
22:34-40
The Greatest Commandment
Love, no greater thing than love. Paul in 1 Cor. 13 speaks much of this. To love God above everything else which means to obey Him in all we do, and to love our neighbor as ourself, not a god.
22:41-46
Whose Son Is the Christ
I am amazed at the way Jesus cuts through the fog and gets to the point in a way that puts these men to silence.
23:1-39
Seven Woes
Self-righteousness. I am pretty overwhelmed with the depth of what is shared here. For us, we ought to stay true to our convictions and have no part in the huge burden of living religiously.
Day 9: Matthew 20-21
I always make the joke that sinful man is good at worshipping and serving one thing: Me, Myself and I. Or, like I call it, the Unholy Trinity! But it is so true. So when I read Matthew 20:20-28 I can't help but to feel some confrontation between the words of Jesus and my sinful flesh.
As a good ole American boy, I have grown up in a culture that fuels the idol worship of self. It's all about me, I am the god of my life. I must do whatever it takes to make sure the Unholy Trinity is pleased and satisfied.
Likewise, parents can be the same way about their own children. They are fueled by not living up to the American dream. So you hear them say things like, "I just want my children to have the life I didn't" Or "I want to give them everything I wasn't given"
As a result, parents can sometimes stop at nothing to see that their children have all this world can offer. We sorta see this attitude in the mother of James and John. She requests that her sons be seated on either side of Jesus in His kingdom. Afterall, they did leave everything to follow Jesus, so surely He owes them something, right?
Jesus combats her thinking and motives by defining true greatness in His kingdom. "You wanna be great in My kingdom? Ok! Be a servant! Stop seeking self-exaltation, humble yourself , become a slave and serve others."
The Apostle Paul puts it this way in Philippians 2:1-8:
"Therefore if there is any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and mercy, fulfill my joy by being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.
Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross."
How do we go from self-centered, self-pleasuring, self-exalting desires to having the mind of Christ? I think the key is found in Philippians 2:13, "for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure."
This change in nature and attitude cannot simply be a work that we produce. Our works produce death, but the work of the Holy Spirit produces life. Read Romans 8.
Matthew 20:28 tells us when we serve others we reflect Jesus. Any time we reflect Christ, God is glorified (Matthew 5:16).
As a good ole American boy, I have grown up in a culture that fuels the idol worship of self. It's all about me, I am the god of my life. I must do whatever it takes to make sure the Unholy Trinity is pleased and satisfied.
Likewise, parents can be the same way about their own children. They are fueled by not living up to the American dream. So you hear them say things like, "I just want my children to have the life I didn't" Or "I want to give them everything I wasn't given"
As a result, parents can sometimes stop at nothing to see that their children have all this world can offer. We sorta see this attitude in the mother of James and John. She requests that her sons be seated on either side of Jesus in His kingdom. Afterall, they did leave everything to follow Jesus, so surely He owes them something, right?
Jesus combats her thinking and motives by defining true greatness in His kingdom. "You wanna be great in My kingdom? Ok! Be a servant! Stop seeking self-exaltation, humble yourself , become a slave and serve others."
The Apostle Paul puts it this way in Philippians 2:1-8:
"Therefore if there is any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and mercy, fulfill my joy by being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.
Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross."
How do we go from self-centered, self-pleasuring, self-exalting desires to having the mind of Christ? I think the key is found in Philippians 2:13, "for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure."
This change in nature and attitude cannot simply be a work that we produce. Our works produce death, but the work of the Holy Spirit produces life. Read Romans 8.
Matthew 20:28 tells us when we serve others we reflect Jesus. Any time we reflect Christ, God is glorified (Matthew 5:16).
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
Day 8: Matthew 18-19
Once again, I find myself overwhelmed by all of the great stuff in these two chapters! The parables of the lost sheep and the unmerciful servant, the rich young ruler... hopefully some of you will chime in today and we can cover more of it!
This morning I was really challenged and intrigued by Jesus' statement to the disciples that they must "change and become like little children... therefore whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven." Greatness in the Kingdom was a frequent topic of conversation among the disciples and I think it's still a prominent (although sometimes subtle) one today.
In this world we're certainly impressed with power, prestige, influence and human credentials. And even on the smaller scale of our daily lives, there's a selfish drive to have these things. But these things do not impress God and they do not commend ourselves to Him. What is highly valued in His sight is child-like humility.
So what is that? What does it look like? What struck me the most as I pondered this was that a child has an almost complete lack of self-sufficiency. Really, what all can children contribute on their own? They've mastered nothing and are simply dependent learners. While I'm sure there are plenty of other things that reflect child-like humility, that's the one that's sticking with me this morning.
One individual that we would consider great in the Kingdom, the Apostle Paul, echoed this truth over and over again: "Not that we are competent in ourselves to claim anything for ourselves, but our competence comes from God" (2 Cor 3:5); "We have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us" (2 Cor 4:7) and "I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my sinful nature" (Rom 7:18). He went so far as to say, "I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me" (2 Cor 12:9).
Jesus said the same to all of us in John 15:5, "I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit. Apart from me you can do nothing." That's the child-like humility I want to own more and more in my life: a complete recognition that apart from Him I can do nothing, that in reality I am just as reliant on Him as a child.
This morning I was really challenged and intrigued by Jesus' statement to the disciples that they must "change and become like little children... therefore whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven." Greatness in the Kingdom was a frequent topic of conversation among the disciples and I think it's still a prominent (although sometimes subtle) one today.
In this world we're certainly impressed with power, prestige, influence and human credentials. And even on the smaller scale of our daily lives, there's a selfish drive to have these things. But these things do not impress God and they do not commend ourselves to Him. What is highly valued in His sight is child-like humility.
So what is that? What does it look like? What struck me the most as I pondered this was that a child has an almost complete lack of self-sufficiency. Really, what all can children contribute on their own? They've mastered nothing and are simply dependent learners. While I'm sure there are plenty of other things that reflect child-like humility, that's the one that's sticking with me this morning.
One individual that we would consider great in the Kingdom, the Apostle Paul, echoed this truth over and over again: "Not that we are competent in ourselves to claim anything for ourselves, but our competence comes from God" (2 Cor 3:5); "We have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us" (2 Cor 4:7) and "I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my sinful nature" (Rom 7:18). He went so far as to say, "I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me" (2 Cor 12:9).
Jesus said the same to all of us in John 15:5, "I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit. Apart from me you can do nothing." That's the child-like humility I want to own more and more in my life: a complete recognition that apart from Him I can do nothing, that in reality I am just as reliant on Him as a child.
Monday, May 24, 2010
Day 7: Matthew 15-17
Right off the bat the Pharisees begin questioning, or should I say interrogating Jesus once again. They ask Jesus in verse 2, "Why do your disciples disobey our age-old traditions?" What do you think about traditions? Traditions arn't necessarily bad, but must never supercede our relationship with Jesus. What do you think? Notice what Jesus says in verse 8, "These people draw near to Me with their mouth, And honor Me with [their] lips, But their heart is far from Me."
The pivital verse for me in this reading begins with an all important question by Jesus in 16:13.
"He asked his disciples, "Who do people say that the Son of Man is? Well, they replied, some say John the Baptist, some say Elijah, and others say Jeremiah or one of the other prophets." And then Peter chimes in and makes this great statement of faith in verse 16. "...You are the Christ, the Son of the Living God!"
This profound statement of faith has to be true for every believer! and it's the foundational truth that the church was built on. What does Jesus mean in verse 18 when He says..."Now I say to you that you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church." Might Jesus be referring to the great statement of faith that Peter had just proclaimed. Is not Jesus the Rock, or foundation of the church?
Then as we move on to chapter 17 - we see what is commonly called the Transfiguration of Jesus. Might this be a foreshadowing of our own transformation. The Apostle Paul stated in Romans 12:2 "And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God. "
I would love to hear your thoughts?
The pivital verse for me in this reading begins with an all important question by Jesus in 16:13.
"He asked his disciples, "Who do people say that the Son of Man is? Well, they replied, some say John the Baptist, some say Elijah, and others say Jeremiah or one of the other prophets." And then Peter chimes in and makes this great statement of faith in verse 16. "...You are the Christ, the Son of the Living God!"
This profound statement of faith has to be true for every believer! and it's the foundational truth that the church was built on. What does Jesus mean in verse 18 when He says..."Now I say to you that you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church." Might Jesus be referring to the great statement of faith that Peter had just proclaimed. Is not Jesus the Rock, or foundation of the church?
Then as we move on to chapter 17 - we see what is commonly called the Transfiguration of Jesus. Might this be a foreshadowing of our own transformation. The Apostle Paul stated in Romans 12:2 "And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God. "
I would love to hear your thoughts?
Day 6: Matthew 13-14
My apologies for the tardiness...but here are some thoughts:
Mat 13:11 And he answered them, "To you it has been given to know the secrets of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it has not been given.
Mat 13:12 For to the one who has, more will be given, and he will have an abundance, but from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away.
Mat 13:13 This is why I speak to them in parables, because seeing they do not see, and hearing they do not hear, nor do they understand.
Mat 13:14 Indeed, in their case the prophecy of Isaiah is fulfilled that says: "'You will indeed hear but never understand, and you will indeed see but never perceive.
Without the Holy Spirit we would be not be able to know the "secrets of the kingdom." Spiritual knowledge is a gift. Read Romans 8:5-13 and I Corinthians 2:14. This should give us reason to praise and worship the One who has "given" us the grace to hear and understand truth.
Would love to hear your thoughts as you think through the parable of the sower. Open for discussion...
Mat 13:11 And he answered them, "To you it has been given to know the secrets of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it has not been given.
Mat 13:12 For to the one who has, more will be given, and he will have an abundance, but from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away.
Mat 13:13 This is why I speak to them in parables, because seeing they do not see, and hearing they do not hear, nor do they understand.
Mat 13:14 Indeed, in their case the prophecy of Isaiah is fulfilled that says: "'You will indeed hear but never understand, and you will indeed see but never perceive.
Without the Holy Spirit we would be not be able to know the "secrets of the kingdom." Spiritual knowledge is a gift. Read Romans 8:5-13 and I Corinthians 2:14. This should give us reason to praise and worship the One who has "given" us the grace to hear and understand truth.
Would love to hear your thoughts as you think through the parable of the sower. Open for discussion...
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