May 23, 2014
SCRIPTURE: Matthew 26:17-30
OBSERVATIONS/APPLICATION
The point of this passage seems to be Jesus’ amazing kindness despite betrayal and rejection… Jesus still wants to be in covenant with them.
Judas is not kicked out or refused, He is welcomed, loved, served, Jesus even washes his feet to show them how much He lives them (John 13:1ff).
A blood covenant is when a person cuts themselves to reinforce their commitment to someone, the blood guarantees the promise.
The bread and wine, part of the Passover Meal, symbolized God’s provision and protection in Egypt.
In the passover, a lamb was killed, blood painted on the door post, so that the judgment of death would pass over their homes.
Jesus knows how I betray Him, Jesus knows how I leery Him down… but He still wants to ‘pay the price’ of being in covenant (relationship) with me.
I share communion with Jesus, I have been washed by His mercy, yet I hear Him saying, you too will betray me.
Not, I Lord… Yes, it is you.
Blood (suffering) is the price Jesus has paid to be in relationship with me; now He is looking me in the eye (like He did Peter) and asking, do you love me?
This is not meant to be guilt-inducing, after all He still wants to share the cup with me, but His kindness does cut me to the heart.
What do you sense the Lord saying to you?
PRAYER
Lord, I see You looking at me with love in Your eyes, and gently penetrating my heart… May I not resist Your love like Judas did.
Jesus follower
trying to find His way
Passover
For Jesus and his friends, it was important to observe religious/social events. We often think of Jesus as being anti-religion because of his many reported run ins with the religious leaders. But on a personal level, he observes the Passover. He was brought up to do this as one of the early stories of Jesus life we hear that he and his family went up to Jerusalem every year to celebrate the Passover. So this had become a part of his life.
This Passover did not seem to be a fun one for those involved. I am sure that those there did not have any idea what was going on, but here was Jesus, stating that one of them was going to betray him, and that it would be better for that person if he was not even born. Wow. Each person in turn, knowing that they would be capable of good, or evil, asked the question “is it me?” And Judas was told straight forward, “Yes, it is you” .
They continued to go through the motions of the Passover, including singing a hymn, but with the dinner conversation being what it was, I am sure that all left with a heavy heart.
And what about my response to Jesus? What will I do with Jesus? Will I give up when the times get tough? Will I throw him under the bus? Or will I be able to stand up for Jesus, and declare my relationship with him. I pray that I will proclaim my God and my Saviour.
Observations:
And the greatest of these is love. No greater love is there that a man lays down His life for another. Here this is happening.
Hospitality – eating a meal together. And yet Jesus knew what was to happen. Still He ate together showing His love over all. He still made ‘covenant’ with them – I am God. You are my children. Love me.’ Even to the last moment, the offer stands. Believe and receive.
Application:
I too share the last supper with Him. He continues to offer His hand to me – making covenant – I am Your God. Follow me. Knowing = Doing = Loving. He continues to receive all with arms wide open showing how much He loves the Family – kids of the Kingdom. He stands at the door and I must open and say Yes Lord. Lead me and guide me this day anew to be a servant in Your Kingdom. Prayer I submit this day to Your care. Enable me this day.
Prayer:
Thank You Lord for the covenant You made and carried out for me. Enable me by Your Spirit to live for Jesus this day in all I do and say. Help me to be a living letter.
I have decided to follow Jesus;
I have decided to follow Jesus;
I have decided to follow Jesus;
No turning back, no turning back.
Though I may wonder, I still will follow;
Though I may wonder, I still will follow;
Though I may wonder, I still will follow;
No turning back, no turning back.
The world behind me, the cross before me;
The world behind me, the cross before me;
The world behind me, the cross before me; No turning back, no turning back.
Though none go with me, still I will follow;
Though none go with me, still I will follow;
Though none go with me, still I will follow;
No turning back, no turning back.
Will you decide now to follow Jesus?
Will you decide now to follow Jesus?
Will you decide now to follow Jesus;
No turning back, no turning back.