March 24- The Final Week
Write out the Scripture.
Matthew 26:26-30, While they were eating, Jesus took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to his disciples, saying, “Take and eat; this is my body.” 27 Then he took a cup, and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you. 28 This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. 29 I tell you, I will not drink from this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father’s kingdom.” 30 When they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives.
Observe what it is saying.
As the evening progressed, Jesus took the opportunity to give the Passover meal a whole new meaning. The bread represented His body offered to them. The cup represented His life-blood of the new covenant for the forgiveness of sins. This was the fulfillment of a prophecy in Jeremiah 31:31, “’The days are coming,’ declares the Lord, ‘when I will make a new covenant with the people of Israel and with the people of Judah.’” There were four cups of wine used at the Passover. The final one was after the last hymn. However, we are told they sang the final hymn and then left. In indicating He would not drink from the fruit of the vine until the Father’s kingdom, Jesus may have indicated that He left the final cup undrunk in anticipation of the great end-time banquet that was still to come.
Relate it to your life.
The rich meaning of the Passover meal was intricately woven into the institution of the Lord’s Supper.
Do something.
“Jesus, give me the vision and passion to keep my heart and mind set on the kingdom banquet that I get to enjoy with You forever and ever. Amen.”
March 25- The Final Week
Write out the Scripture.
Matthew 26:31-35, Then Jesus told them, “This very night you will all fall away on account of me, for it is written: “‘I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock will be scattered.’ 32 But after I have risen, I will go ahead of you into Galilee.” 33 Peter replied, “Even if all fall away on account of you, I never will.” 34 “Truly I tell you,” Jesus answered, “this very night, before the rooster crows, you will disown me three times.” 35 But Peter declared, “Even if I have to die with you, I will never disown you.” And all the other disciples said the same.
Observe what it is saying.
If they felt any relief knowing they were not the betrayer, it quickly evaporated as Jesus gave them the news that they would all desert him. When the shepherd is out of the picture, the leaderless sheep foolishly go their own way. However, Jesus gave them a glimmer of hope as He told them He would rise again. As usual, Peter spoke up declaring he would never abandon his Lord. Jesus disagreed and gave him the details of what would soon be his three denials. However, Peter and the others were confident that they would choose death before disowning Jesus. This reveals that we may have the best intentions, but we really do not know what we will do until we are forced to make a choice in such a challenging dilemma. We need to be cautious about making bold statements of what we will or will not do.
Relate it to your life.
Words are cheap. Actions speak much louder.
Do something.
“Jesus, I hate to admit it, but I’m afraid I wouldn’t have responded any better than these disciples in that particular setting. Flood me with Your Holy Spirit so that I will remain faithful to You today. Amen.”
March 26- The Final Week
Write out the Scripture.
Matthew 26:36-38, Then Jesus went with his disciples to a place called Gethsemane, and he said to them, “Sit here while I go over there and pray.” 37 He took Peter and the two sons of Zebedee along with him, and he began to be sorrowful and troubled.38 Then he said to them, “My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with me.”
Observe what it is saying.
The word Gethsemane most likely means “oil-press.” This was a garden area on the Mount of Olives used for the preparation of olive oil. Jesus and His disciples often frequented this spot while in Jerusalem and returned on this night where He would be pressed in agonizing prayer. Eight of the disciples were left in one area of the garden while Jesus took Peter, James, and John with him to another area. Jesus knew what was coming. It had been on His mind, but now it was imminent. He had reason to be troubled and overwhelmed with sorrow that was as dark as death itself. He was about to endure what He had previously told His disciples, “You will have trouble in this world.” He asked for emotional and spiritual support from those who were closest to Him. Jesus, in His full humanity, recognized His great need and reached out for help. It is no surprise that Jesus created the church for us to find such support.
Relate it to your life.
If Jesus asked for help, what keeps me from doing the same?
Do something.
“Jesus, don’t let my pride or self-sufficiency keep me from calling out to You and others when I’m in trouble. Amen.”
March 27- The Final Week
Write out the Scripture.
Matthew 26:39-41, Going a little farther, he fell with his face to the ground and prayed, “My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will.” 40 Then he returned to his disciples and found them sleeping. “Couldn’t you men keep watch with me for one hour?” he asked Peter. 41 “Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.”
Observe what it is saying.
Jesus fell prostrate before His Father in prayer. This is the lowest, most humble position of surrendered prayer. He was face down in the dirt pleading with His Father for the cup of death to be taken away. In His humanity, He didn’t want to experience the horrific death any more than we would. He would feel every act of torture that would soon be inflicted upon Him. Yet, in asking for this specific request, He fully surrendered Himself for the Father’s will to be done. How disappointing it would have been to find His support system asleep! It had been a long emotional day. They were wiped out. Before I cast too much blame their way, knowing myself, I’m sure I would have been asleep as well. Jesus gave them additional instruction that their watching and praying should no longer be just for Him, but for them. They needed the help of heaven to defeat the temptation that was on its way. Jesus spoke what we know to be true about human nature. We want to do the right thing, but our bodies and/or our sinful human nature fights against us. It takes persevering prayer and Holy Spirit power to overcome these opposing forces.
Relate it to your life.
It’s true that I really want to be obedient, but I often find myself without spiritual protection and fall short.
Do something.
“Jesus, like You, I need to wrestle in prayer for the victory over the forces that fight against me. Amen.
March 28- The Final Week
Write out the Scripture.
Matthew 26:42-46, He went away a second time and prayed, “My Father, if it is not possible for this cup to be taken away unless I drink it, may your will be done.” 43 When he came back, he again found them sleeping, because their eyes were heavy. 44 So he left them and went away once more and prayed the third time, saying the same thing. 45 Then he returned to the disciples and said to them, “Are you still sleeping and resting? Look, the hour has come, and the Son of Man is delivered into the hands of sinners. 46 Rise! Let us go! Here comes my betrayer!”
Observe what it is saying.
Jesus prayed two more times submitting Himself to the Father’s will. Each time He prayed He went back to check on the disciples who were still sleeping. They could not keep watch and pray with Him, for Him, or for themselves. Their lack of prayer would soon show up in how they responded to what came next. And like that, the time had come. The sinners had arrived to arrest Jesus. Jesus had been sorrowful to death in knowing what was coming. However, after His time of fully surrendered prayer, He had renewed strength and courage to face the coming horror. He said, “Rise! Let’s go! Here comes my betrayer!” The disciples will soon react, “Rise! Let’s run!” The difference between the two responses is prayer. Because Jesus had surrendered Himself to the Father’s will and won the battle there, He stood up with holy boldness to face the future unafraid. Jesus demonstrated the difference between saying a prayer and actually praying. We can easily say prayers that have no heart and emotion, but surrendered praying feels the pain and agony and gives it up, trusting the Lord for the outcome.
Relate it to your life.
Prayer may not change the situation, but it can change me to courageously face my fears.
Do something.
“Jesus, help me learn the lesson that a fully surrendered life is the key to victory. Amen.
March 29- The Final Week
Write out the Scripture.
Matthew 26:47-50, While he was still speaking, Judas, one of the Twelve, arrived. With him was a large crowd armed with swords and clubs, sent from the chief priests and the elders of the people. 48 Now the betrayer had arranged a signal with them: “The one I kiss is the man; arrest him.” 49 Going at once to Jesus, Judas said, “Greetings, Rabbi!” and kissed him. 50 Jesus replied, “Do what you came for, friend.” Then the men stepped forward, seized Jesus and arrested him.
Observe what it is saying.
Judas, who moments before had been dining with Jesus, was now leading the mob to arrest Jesus. Matthew highlights Judas’ treachery by referring to him as “one of the Twelve.” This was an insider betrayal. We discover those who came were sent by the highest officials in their religious system. The kiss was the traditional Middle-eastern act of greeting. Jesus was betrayed by what was supposed to be a sign of hospitality and friendship. Jesus even called him, “friend.” Betrayal is such a horrendous act. It takes a holy loving relationship and discards it like trash. For four months of wages, Judas was willing to sell out his friend by this dastardly act. Do we have a price of betrayal? What would it take for you to turn on Jesus? Or, have you already handed Him over?
Relate it to your life.
Could it be that I have the seeds of betrayal within me that must never be planted?
Do something.
Jesus, could I do what Judas did? I don’t want to find out. Please keep me in love with You. Amen.
Write out the Scripture.
Matthew 26:26-30, While they were eating, Jesus took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to his disciples, saying, “Take and eat; this is my body.” 27 Then he took a cup, and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you. 28 This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. 29 I tell you, I will not drink from this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father’s kingdom.” 30 When they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives.
Observe what it is saying.
As the evening progressed, Jesus took the opportunity to give the Passover meal a whole new meaning. The bread represented His body offered to them. The cup represented His life-blood of the new covenant for the forgiveness of sins. This was the fulfillment of a prophecy in Jeremiah 31:31, “’The days are coming,’ declares the Lord, ‘when I will make a new covenant with the people of Israel and with the people of Judah.’” There were four cups of wine used at the Passover. The final one was after the last hymn. However, we are told they sang the final hymn and then left. In indicating He would not drink from the fruit of the vine until the Father’s kingdom, Jesus may have indicated that He left the final cup undrunk in anticipation of the great end-time banquet that was still to come.
Relate it to your life.
The rich meaning of the Passover meal was intricately woven into the institution of the Lord’s Supper.
Do something.
“Jesus, give me the vision and passion to keep my heart and mind set on the kingdom banquet that I get to enjoy with You forever and ever. Amen.”
March 25- The Final Week
Write out the Scripture.
Matthew 26:31-35, Then Jesus told them, “This very night you will all fall away on account of me, for it is written: “‘I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock will be scattered.’ 32 But after I have risen, I will go ahead of you into Galilee.” 33 Peter replied, “Even if all fall away on account of you, I never will.” 34 “Truly I tell you,” Jesus answered, “this very night, before the rooster crows, you will disown me three times.” 35 But Peter declared, “Even if I have to die with you, I will never disown you.” And all the other disciples said the same.
Observe what it is saying.
If they felt any relief knowing they were not the betrayer, it quickly evaporated as Jesus gave them the news that they would all desert him. When the shepherd is out of the picture, the leaderless sheep foolishly go their own way. However, Jesus gave them a glimmer of hope as He told them He would rise again. As usual, Peter spoke up declaring he would never abandon his Lord. Jesus disagreed and gave him the details of what would soon be his three denials. However, Peter and the others were confident that they would choose death before disowning Jesus. This reveals that we may have the best intentions, but we really do not know what we will do until we are forced to make a choice in such a challenging dilemma. We need to be cautious about making bold statements of what we will or will not do.
Relate it to your life.
Words are cheap. Actions speak much louder.
Do something.
“Jesus, I hate to admit it, but I’m afraid I wouldn’t have responded any better than these disciples in that particular setting. Flood me with Your Holy Spirit so that I will remain faithful to You today. Amen.”
March 26- The Final Week
Write out the Scripture.
Matthew 26:36-38, Then Jesus went with his disciples to a place called Gethsemane, and he said to them, “Sit here while I go over there and pray.” 37 He took Peter and the two sons of Zebedee along with him, and he began to be sorrowful and troubled.38 Then he said to them, “My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with me.”
Observe what it is saying.
The word Gethsemane most likely means “oil-press.” This was a garden area on the Mount of Olives used for the preparation of olive oil. Jesus and His disciples often frequented this spot while in Jerusalem and returned on this night where He would be pressed in agonizing prayer. Eight of the disciples were left in one area of the garden while Jesus took Peter, James, and John with him to another area. Jesus knew what was coming. It had been on His mind, but now it was imminent. He had reason to be troubled and overwhelmed with sorrow that was as dark as death itself. He was about to endure what He had previously told His disciples, “You will have trouble in this world.” He asked for emotional and spiritual support from those who were closest to Him. Jesus, in His full humanity, recognized His great need and reached out for help. It is no surprise that Jesus created the church for us to find such support.
Relate it to your life.
If Jesus asked for help, what keeps me from doing the same?
Do something.
“Jesus, don’t let my pride or self-sufficiency keep me from calling out to You and others when I’m in trouble. Amen.”
March 27- The Final Week
Write out the Scripture.
Matthew 26:39-41, Going a little farther, he fell with his face to the ground and prayed, “My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will.” 40 Then he returned to his disciples and found them sleeping. “Couldn’t you men keep watch with me for one hour?” he asked Peter. 41 “Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.”
Observe what it is saying.
Jesus fell prostrate before His Father in prayer. This is the lowest, most humble position of surrendered prayer. He was face down in the dirt pleading with His Father for the cup of death to be taken away. In His humanity, He didn’t want to experience the horrific death any more than we would. He would feel every act of torture that would soon be inflicted upon Him. Yet, in asking for this specific request, He fully surrendered Himself for the Father’s will to be done. How disappointing it would have been to find His support system asleep! It had been a long emotional day. They were wiped out. Before I cast too much blame their way, knowing myself, I’m sure I would have been asleep as well. Jesus gave them additional instruction that their watching and praying should no longer be just for Him, but for them. They needed the help of heaven to defeat the temptation that was on its way. Jesus spoke what we know to be true about human nature. We want to do the right thing, but our bodies and/or our sinful human nature fights against us. It takes persevering prayer and Holy Spirit power to overcome these opposing forces.
Relate it to your life.
It’s true that I really want to be obedient, but I often find myself without spiritual protection and fall short.
Do something.
“Jesus, like You, I need to wrestle in prayer for the victory over the forces that fight against me. Amen.
March 28- The Final Week
Write out the Scripture.
Matthew 26:42-46, He went away a second time and prayed, “My Father, if it is not possible for this cup to be taken away unless I drink it, may your will be done.” 43 When he came back, he again found them sleeping, because their eyes were heavy. 44 So he left them and went away once more and prayed the third time, saying the same thing. 45 Then he returned to the disciples and said to them, “Are you still sleeping and resting? Look, the hour has come, and the Son of Man is delivered into the hands of sinners. 46 Rise! Let us go! Here comes my betrayer!”
Observe what it is saying.
Jesus prayed two more times submitting Himself to the Father’s will. Each time He prayed He went back to check on the disciples who were still sleeping. They could not keep watch and pray with Him, for Him, or for themselves. Their lack of prayer would soon show up in how they responded to what came next. And like that, the time had come. The sinners had arrived to arrest Jesus. Jesus had been sorrowful to death in knowing what was coming. However, after His time of fully surrendered prayer, He had renewed strength and courage to face the coming horror. He said, “Rise! Let’s go! Here comes my betrayer!” The disciples will soon react, “Rise! Let’s run!” The difference between the two responses is prayer. Because Jesus had surrendered Himself to the Father’s will and won the battle there, He stood up with holy boldness to face the future unafraid. Jesus demonstrated the difference between saying a prayer and actually praying. We can easily say prayers that have no heart and emotion, but surrendered praying feels the pain and agony and gives it up, trusting the Lord for the outcome.
Relate it to your life.
Prayer may not change the situation, but it can change me to courageously face my fears.
Do something.
“Jesus, help me learn the lesson that a fully surrendered life is the key to victory. Amen.
March 29- The Final Week
Write out the Scripture.
Matthew 26:47-50, While he was still speaking, Judas, one of the Twelve, arrived. With him was a large crowd armed with swords and clubs, sent from the chief priests and the elders of the people. 48 Now the betrayer had arranged a signal with them: “The one I kiss is the man; arrest him.” 49 Going at once to Jesus, Judas said, “Greetings, Rabbi!” and kissed him. 50 Jesus replied, “Do what you came for, friend.” Then the men stepped forward, seized Jesus and arrested him.
Observe what it is saying.
Judas, who moments before had been dining with Jesus, was now leading the mob to arrest Jesus. Matthew highlights Judas’ treachery by referring to him as “one of the Twelve.” This was an insider betrayal. We discover those who came were sent by the highest officials in their religious system. The kiss was the traditional Middle-eastern act of greeting. Jesus was betrayed by what was supposed to be a sign of hospitality and friendship. Jesus even called him, “friend.” Betrayal is such a horrendous act. It takes a holy loving relationship and discards it like trash. For four months of wages, Judas was willing to sell out his friend by this dastardly act. Do we have a price of betrayal? What would it take for you to turn on Jesus? Or, have you already handed Him over?
Relate it to your life.
Could it be that I have the seeds of betrayal within me that must never be planted?
Do something.
Jesus, could I do what Judas did? I don’t want to find out. Please keep me in love with You. Amen.
Posted in Daily Devotionals