Chronological Gospels: Matthew 26; Mark 14
This week we enter into a deeper, tougher part of the gospel story when Jesus is betrayed and arrested. Not only this, but His disciples desert Him after having JUST sworn to stay by Him. I feel like every time I have gone through this part of the story before I have shouted at the disciples in my head wondering HOW they could do that!
Something struck me this time, though. This is before the disciples receive the gift, and therefore the power, of the Holy Spirit. They do not yet have Jesus’ strength within them. The power of Jesus that gives believers the strength and endurance needed to withstand all circumstances. They are not yet filled by God, and this part of the story is a prime example of what we can (and cannot) withstand without the strength of the Lord.
The disciples complain about the woman who anointed Jesus with oil, prepare for the Passover, share the Last Supper with Jesus, and promise to stand with Him no matter what, even to death. In between these big moments, Judas scurries off to sell Jesus to the religious leaders, and Jesus, knowing this, breaks bread with the disciples, even Judas.
In this intense part of the story, what about the disciples stands out to you?
What stands out to you about Jesus in this part of the story?
One thing I cannot help but notice is how Jesus prays before He is arrested. He knows exactly what He has to do, and He knows that it means for that moment on the cross when He is bearing the sins of the world that God will have to turn His back on Him. He knows that to be without God for that moment in order to pay for our sins is going to be utter agony. He asks God to take this responsibility from Him if there is another way. Even still, Jesus submits to the will of God and proceeds with the plan in obedience and submission knowing what must be done.
What does Jesus praying in Gethsemane teach you about God?
Another thing that struck me was the way the Sanhedrin dealt with Jesus. It is covered in lies and false witnesses. What really stood out to me is that those who were opposed to Jesus, or even simply responded to not feel the wrath of the religious leaders, were all muddled and confused. The false testimony was a jumbled mess that caused confusion and frustration.
The truth of the gospel has been proclaimed far and wide for centuries. The truth stays the same, and the lies of the enemy continue to confuse people and push people away from the gospel truth. We must be careful not to fall into the lies and confusion of the enemy and cling to what is true.
What does the encounter with the Sanhedrin teach you about Jesus?
It is also important to note that Peter, who adamantly promised to stay by Jesus no matter what, faltered. This is one of the big moments Peter is known for. What I love, though, is that Peter continues to be used in incredible ways to share the gospel of Jesus and teach others about Him. Peter did not yet have the Holy Spirit to strengthen Him, and in Peter’s weakness, he fell away and denied Christ.
How have you changed since becoming a follower of Jesus? Take some time this week to prayerfully consider how you have been changed through your faith, and are being sanctified by the Holy Spirit.
