Left Alone

Matthew 27: ⁴⁵ From noon until three in the afternoon darkness came over all the land. ⁴⁶ About three in the afternoon Jesus cried out in a loud voice, “Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?” (which means “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”).

⁴⁷ When some of those standing there heard this, they said, “He’s calling Elijah.”

⁴⁸ Immediately one of them ran and got a sponge. He filled it with wine vinegar, put it on a staff, and offered it to Jesus to drink. ⁴⁹ The rest said, “Now leave him alone. Let’s see if Elijah comes to save him.”

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With a huge task at hand and no one around to help I cried out “LORD what!?” I meant to say to HIM, “Why did you bring me to this point only to drop me off in the middle of nowhere, alone!?”

• Sometimes I feel alone.
• Sometimes I feel forsaken.
• Sometimes I feel by myself only with onlookers instead of participants.

Even when I asked for help the onlookers would offer me something I did not need or they did not know how to help. Others, stood there and wanted to see if I would fall all the way down or if something truly amazing was going to happen.

JESUS faced the same thing. HE was on public display and blamed for every sin of every human that ever existed. Gawkers wanted to see more parlor tricks as they stared at a dying man. JESUS felt left alone.

• JESUS understands my loneliness so HE sent a comforter.
• JESUS knows how I feel when I cry out to HIM.
• JESUS cares tremendously when I feel left alone.

Sometimes I even go as far as JESUS did and blame the FATHER for leaving me alone. HE said “MY GOD, MY GOD, why have YOU forsaken ME?” I asked GOD the same question, especially when the pressures of the world are creeping around me.

GOD says to me “I will never leave you nor forsake you” and that gives me peace. The problems of the world melt away and I look for HIS deliverance in HIS time, HIS way.

• Do you feel alone?
• Do you feel like you have no one helping you?
• Can you turn to GOD and ask HIM to fill you up with HIS comfort today?

Insult to Injury

Matthew 27: ³⁸ Two rebels were crucified with him, one on his right and one on his left. ³⁹ Those who passed by hurled insults at him, shaking their heads40 and saying, “You who are going to destroy the temple and build it in three days, save yourself! Come down from the cross, if you are the Son of God!” ⁴¹ In the same way the chief priests, the teachers of the law and the elders mocked him. ⁴² “He saved others,” they said, “but he can’t save himself! He’s the king of Israel! Let him come down now from the cross, and we will believe in him. ⁴³ He trusts in God. Let God rescue him now if he wants him, for he said, ‘I am the Son of God.’” ⁴⁴ In the same way the rebels who were crucified with him also heaped insults on him.

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As I presented the budget I noticed snickering from the audience. Knowing this was my last week at the company, the attendees knew the information was a waste of their time. The questions asked were more insults than enquiries. I felt humiliated.

• There have been times I have felt humiliated.
• There have been times when I was insulted when I was at my lowest.
• There have been times when those around me hurled insults at me and all I could do was stand there.

Someone said “Words will never hurt me” but they did. Those who had once cheered me on were now insulting me as if I were the cause of the world’s problems. I walked out in shame. BUT GOD wanted me to understand something from this.

• GOD wanted me to “Pray for my enemies.”
• GOD wanted me to “Turn the other cheek” while being slapped in the face with insults.
• GOD wanted me to “Love those who are not easy to love.”

It is easy to love people who love me back but to love those who hate me is another thing! I mean they insulted me and mocked me. JESUS too was insulted and mocked. The heads of the church criticized the living GOD thinking they had killed a blasphemer. They insulted HIS love, HIS statements and HIS authority. BUT GOD died for mankind anyway.

JESUS did say HE is the SON of GOD and never shied away from that statement. HE used tremendous restraint to accept insults and injury unto HIS death. HE knows I can be hurt by insults but HE says to me “I love you and that is what matters.” I can let go of insults and focus on GOD’s love.

• Have you been insulted?
• Is someone mocking you and your abilities?
• Can you let it go and allow GOD to heal your wounds today?

Absolute Power

Matthew 27: ³² As they were going out, they met a man from Cyrene, named Simon, and they forced him to carry the cross. ³³ They came to a place called Golgotha (which means “the place of the skull”). ³⁴ There they offered Jesus wine to drink, mixed with gall; but after tasting it, he refused to drink it. ³⁵ When they had crucified him, they divided up his clothes by casting lots. ³⁶ And sitting down, they kept watch over him there.³⁷ Above his head they placed the written charge against him: this is jesus, the king of the jews.

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“One day I will get big and be able to fight back” I said to myself as I stepped into the gym.  Tired of being pushed around, I was motivated to pile on the muscles necessary to pound someone in the face if provoked. When I stepped into a bar with my lifting buddies, I could tell something was different this time. I think we are about to get into a fight. I said to myself.

• Three were times I wanted to be the intimidator instead of being intimidated.
• There were times I wanted to be in power instead of “them.”
• There were times I wanted to be the one on top and have the rest on the bottom.

Intimidation was the weapon of choice the soldiers used when walking through the city with JESUS. They forced a man named Simon to carry JESUS’s cross. I saw the word “they” used in this passage a lot and never in a good context. It seemed like the soldiers had absolute power. BUT GOD says something different.

• GOD says to me “Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.”
• GOD says to me “Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of GOD, that HE may exalt you in due time.”
• GOD says to me “I AM your strength in weakness.”

Power causes corruption and absolute power causes absolute corruption, except when speaking about GOD. HE does hold absolute power except HIS is based with love. HE is in control of all and wants all to be with HIM. HE never intimidates or bullies me into believing in HIS murdered SON. HE quietly cares for me and gently restores me. I am blessed by GOD.

• Are you seeking power?
• Do you want your way so bad that you desire a title?
• Will you seek GOD first and allow HIM to raise you up in HIS time, HIS way?

Voice Impersonations

Matthew 27: ²⁷ Then the governor’s soldiers took Jesus into the Praetorium and gathered the whole company of soldiers around him. ²⁸ They stripped him and put a scarlet robe on him, ²⁹ and then twisted together a crown of thorns and set it on his head. They put a staff in his right hand. Then they knelt in front of him and mocked him. “Hail, king of the Jews!” they said. ³⁰ They spit on him, and took the staff and struck him on the head again and again. ³¹ After they had mocked him, they took off the robe and put his own clothes on him. Then they led him away to crucify him.

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“You sound just like him! Do it again.” said the students, egging me on. I pretended to be our teacher and impersonated his distinct voice again in a jesting kind of way. All around me laughed except one, namely the teacher.

• There have been times I have mocked people.
• There have been people I have ridiculed.
• There have been situations where I wanted to make fun of someone at their expense.

I had gone too far and the teacher showed me his authority by sending me out of his room.  The soldiers, however, went much further against JESUS. They wanted to make a public example of anyone who would call themselves “King.”

They thought they had the upper hand as they brutalized the ONE who chose to die for their sins and mine. As they mocked HIM they may have walked away with a sense of satisfaction, BUT GOD says something different.

• JESUS showed me that HE does not want HIS creation mocked.
• JESUS faced humiliation just like I have faced before.
• JESUS gave me an example of taking the shame even though HE had the authority to stop it.

Mocking the KING of kings and LORD of lords was not a good idea and did not bode well for the soldiers later. JESUS wants me to understand HIS shame and apply it to my actions towards others. HE says to me “Figure out another way to make them laugh instead of mocking them.” I am glad JESUS’s humiliation led to my salvation.

• Are you mocking someone?
• Do you feel “that” person is stupid?
• Will you take mockery out of your heart and ask GOD to replace it with love?

Carried Away

Matthew 27: ¹⁹ While Pilate was sitting on the judge’s seat, his wife sent him this message: “Don’t have anything to do with that innocent man, for I have suffered a great deal today in a dream because of him.”

²⁰ But the chief priests and the elders persuaded the crowd to ask for Barabbas and to have Jesus executed.

²¹ “Which of the two do you want me to release to you?” asked the governor.

“Barabbas,” they answered.

²² “What shall I do, then, with Jesus who is called the Messiah?” Pilate asked.

They all answered, “Crucify him!”

²³ “Why? What crime has he committed?” asked Pilate.

But they shouted all the louder, “Crucify him!”

²⁴ When Pilate saw that he was getting nowhere, but that instead an uproar was starting, he took water and washed his hands in front of the crowd. “I am innocent of this man’s blood,” he said. “It is your responsibility!”

²⁵ All the people answered, “His blood is on us and on our children!”

²⁶ Then he released Barabbas to them. But he had Jesus flogged, and handed him over to be crucified.

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We insisted on police protection so we planned a walk-out. When we got outside of the school we had no other plan. Some went home, others mulled around but one guy decided to get on top of a car and stir the crowd.  “I wonder if I should get on the car” I thought to myself, but before I could act on the thought, the police whisked him away. Whew, I thought!

• Sometimes I can get carried away with the crowd.
• Sometimes the crowd seems like it is doing the right thing to me.
• Sometimes I can get caught up in the moment with the crowd.

Pilate based his decision on an angry crowd with no distinct leader and thorough chaos abounding. His wife mentioned JESUS’s innocence but Pilate listened to those in charge of the local churches. The crowd won out.

• GOD wants me to follow HIM even when it is not what the crowd says.
• GOD wants me to get carried away with HIM, not the crowd.
• GOD wants me to understand true innocence based on HIS definition, not the crowd.

Innocence to GOD means I believe in HIS SON as the one and only SAVIOR. Only HIS innocent blood can wash away my sins. I am declared innocent through JESUS.

• Are you following the crowd even when JESUS is trying to speak to you?
• Do you think the crowd had a better idea than GOD?
• Will you allow yourself to be led by HIS SPIRIT by following HIS word today?

Popularity Contest

Matthew 27: ¹⁵ Now it was the governor’s custom at the festival to release a prisoner chosen by the crowd. ¹⁶ At that time they had a well-known prisoner whose name was Jesus Barabbas. ¹⁷ So when the crowd had gathered, Pilate asked them, “Which one do you want me to release to you: Jesus Barabbas, or Jesus who is called the Messiah?” ¹⁸ For he knew it was out of self-interest that they had handed Jesus over to him.

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“Who should I pick for the team?” I asked. I had someone in mind, but figured I would ask the question anyway. A name was given to me that was different than I expected. “I wonder if everyone knows this person” I thought to myself.

• There have been times I have made decisions based on popularity.
• There have been times I have asked the crowd what I should do.
• There have been times I have tried to absolve myself from the decision by asking the crowd.

Going with the crowd seems like a harmless solution sometimes. I mean this way I can have a lot of people vouching for me and I can remain “in favor.” BUT GOD says something different.

• GOD wants me to make the right choice which is sometimes unpopular.
• GOD wants me to stand for what is right not what is popular.
• GOD wants me to follow HIS lead which can sometimes be the most unpopular direction.

Keeping people out of harm and guiding them to belief in CHRIST is very unpopular at times. Pilate had a choice to let JESUS go free and get rid of a well-known felon, but chose the popular route to his demise. GOD wants me to be brave enough to decide HIS way even when it is not popular.

• Are you choosing based on popularity?
• Do you follow the crowd a lot?
• Can you choose this day who you will serve, yourself or JESUS?

Amazing Accusations

Matthew 27: ¹¹ Meanwhile Jesus stood before the governor, and the governor asked him, “Are you the king of the Jews?”

“You have said so,” Jesus replied.

¹² When he was accused by the chief priests and the elders, he gave no answer. ¹³ Then Pilate asked him, “Don’t you hear the testimony they are bringing against you?” ¹⁴ But Jesus made no reply, not even to a single charge—to the great amazement of the governor.

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“No I didn’t” was my instant reply when I was falsely accused. “I wasn’t the one! It was him” I said with extended finger. Of course I was right, but they labeled me as a rat who would tell on the mischievous. I was only trying to protect my hide!

• There were times I blamed others.
• There were times I made sure everyone knew the source of the issues.
• There were times I covered myself so I would not get in trouble.

JESUS took the blame to the “great amazement of the governor.” HE knew HE was going to die for the sins of mankind and had nothing to prove or protect himself for. The governor knew his word could bring death to people and was amazed that JESUS would not bow down to such assumed power.

• JESUS showed me HIS resolve by going to the cross and dying for me.
• JESUS showed me HIS integrity to die for me even when I blamed HIM for my problems.
• JESUS showed me HIS love by not speaking a word about my sins and taking on my punishment as HIS.

Not a word was spoken about HIS accusers. HE allowed HIMSELF to be captured, beaten and lied on for me. That is love I can never repay!

• Are you trying to convince GOD how good you have been lately so you can get your way?
• Are you blaming someone else for your problems even though you may be right?
• Can you stand with GOD and allow HIM to remove your barriers instead of squirming out of them by telling on people?

Late Regrets

Matthew 27: Early in the morning, all the chief priests and the elders of the people made their plans how to have Jesus executed. ² So they bound him, led him away and handed him over to Pilate the governor.

³ When Judas, who had betrayed him, saw that Jesus was condemned, he was seized with remorse and returned the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and the elders. ⁴ “I have sinned,” he said, “for I have betrayed innocent blood.”

“What is that to us?” they replied. “That’s your responsibility.”

⁵ So Judas threw the money into the temple and left. Then he went away and hanged himself.

⁶ The chief priests picked up the coins and said, “It is against the law to put this into the treasury, since it is blood money.” ⁷ So they decided to use the money to buy the potter’s field as a burial place for foreigners.⁸ That is why it has been called the Field of Blood to this day. ⁹ Then what was spoken by Jeremiah the prophet was fulfilled: “They took the thirty pieces of silver, the price set on him by the people of Israel, ¹⁰ and they used them to buy the potter’s field, as the Lord commanded me.”

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Sneaking away from work had become the norm. When I returned, reeking of food smells, my boss had enough. “You lost my trust” he said to me. I did not think my slipping away would have any effect on him. I mean I got my job done quickly so I had time. He should understand, right? Wrong.

• There were times I regret.
• There were times I wish I could go back and do things differently.
• There were times I see that I was the problem and it’s too late to do anything about it.

Judas saw what they were about to do with JESUS because of his betrayal. He also saw that the dirty people around him would not stand with him and comfort him. On the contrary, they would blame him too. He regretted it to his own demise.

• GOD says to me, “Let me take on your regrets.”
• GOD says to me, “Let me have your past failures.”
• GOD says to me, “Let me remove your mistakes, mishaps and maleficent acts.

I can’t go back and fix that situation, BUT GOD did. JESUS was blamed for when I slipped off of work and HE innocently paid the penalty of death. When HE rose from the dead, HE decided to pardon me for this blatant sin. Only JESUS provides comfort for my past mistakes.

• Did you make a huge mistake that hurt someone else?
• Do you have past regrets?
• Can you stop replaying your mistake and let the HOLY SPIRIT give you comfort by forgiving you through JESUS resurrection?

Placed at the Scene

Matthew 26: ⁶⁹ Now Peter was sitting out in the courtyard, and a servant girl came to him. “You also were with Jesus of Galilee,” she said.

⁷⁰ But he denied it before them all. “I don’t know what you’re talking about,” he said.

⁷¹ Then he went out to the gateway, where another servant girl saw him and said to the people there, “This fellow was with Jesus of Nazareth.”

⁷² He denied it again, with an oath: “I don’t know the man!”

⁷³ After a little while, those standing there went up to Peter and said, “Surely you are one of them; your accent gives you away.”

⁷⁴ Then he began to call down curses, and he swore to them, “I don’t know the man!”

Immediately a rooster crowed. ⁷⁵ Then Peter remembered the word Jesus had spoken: “Before the rooster crows, you will disown me three times.” And he went outside and wept bitterly.

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“Weren’t you at [insert place] last night?” someone asked me. I didn’t know why they asked the question so I did not answer it directly. “Maybe, maybe not… Why?” I replied. “Nothing” they said I saw your car parked there and I knew it was you.

• Some places I would like to deny being at.
• Some places I would rather keep secret.
• Some places I would rather no one know but those involved.

Whether it was sneaking out of the girls dorm or seeing a movie I wasn’t supposed to see, my mustard yellow, dented car gave me away. Peter was also given away by being placed at the scene with JESUS. HE was probably seen serving the miracle wine at Cana near the Sea of Galilee. What if she recognized Peter as the one who walked on that same sea. He denied profusely.

• GOD wants me to not be ashamed of being associated with HIM.
• GOD wants me to carry my affiliation with HIM wherever I go.
• GOD wants me to say “I am with JESUS” even when it is difficult to say.

This was a life or death situation for Peter and quite honestly I may have done the same. I would like to think I would have said “Sure I was with JESUS, go ahead and kill me” but this is a difficult thing to say. Peter wept bitterly because he wanted to be great and found out he was like all the rest. GOD forgave Peter and HE forgives me too.

• Have you denied your relationship with GOD?
• Have you done something shameful that you are trying to hide?
• Can you stop hiding your relationship with GOD even when it seems difficult?

Fame Name

Matthew 26: ⁶² Then the high priest stood up and said to Jesus, “Are you not going to answer? What is this testimony that these men are bringing against you?” ⁶³ But Jesus remained silent.

The high priest said to him, “I charge you under oath by the living God: Tell us if you are the Messiah, the Son of God.”

⁶⁴ “You have said so,” Jesus replied. “But I say to all of you: From now on you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Mighty One and coming on the clouds of heaven.”

⁶⁵ Then the high priest tore his clothes and said, “He has spoken blasphemy! Why do we need any more witnesses? Look, now you have heard the blasphemy. ⁶⁶ What do you think?”

“He is worthy of death,” they answered.

⁶⁷ Then they spit in his face and struck him with their fists. Others slapped him ⁶⁸ and said, “Prophesy to us, Messiah. Who hit you?”

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One “big boss” complimented me and gave me a little authority. I was excited and decided to use it to fight one of his peers who no one liked. “What are you doing?” he asked me. “I’m dealing with one of your problems you were concerned about” I naively replied. He distanced himself from me and I had to face the other “big boss” alone.

• There were times when I misused someone else’s name.
• There were times when I thought I was doing something right when I was using that person’s name.
• There were times when I coupled my bad actions to someone’s name without asking them “Is this what you mean.”

Misusing someone’s name could ruin their reputation and that is what I almost did. Unfortunately, the Pharisees and Sadducees were doing just that with GOD’s name. They took GOD, incarnated as a human, and slapped HIM in the face. They mocked HIM and spit on HIM and told HIM HE was not GOD, but they were mistaken.

• GOD wants me to hold HIS name high rather than blaming HIM for my power hungry ways.
• GOD wants me to follow HIS ways so I can keep HIS reputation unblemished.
• GOD wants me to be gentle and point my life to HIM rather than being arrogant, putting myself on HIS throne.

Doing the wrong things in GOD’s name is worse than not doing anything at all for GOD. Misusing GOD’s word or manipulating others to follow me in GOD’s name is far worse than people who habitually sin without knowing what they are doing. I hold GOD’s name high.

• Are you doing the wrong things and thinking you are doing it in GOD’s name?
• Have you asked GOD “Is ‘this’ what you want me to do?”
• Will you stop being led by your own lusts and ask GOD to lead you today?

Looking for Trouble

Matthew 26: ⁵⁷ Those who had arrested Jesus took him to Caiaphas the high priest, where the teachers of the law and the elders had assembled. ⁵⁸ But Peter followed him at a distance, right up to the courtyard of the high priest. He entered and sat down with the guards to see the outcome.

⁵⁹ The chief priests and the whole Sanhedrin were looking for false evidence against Jesus so that they could put him to death. ⁶⁰ But they did not find any, though many false witnesses came forward.

Finally two came forward ⁶¹ and declared, “This fellow said, ‘I am able to destroy the temple of God and rebuild it in three days.’”

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“This guy has got to go!” I thought to myself. He was causing problems at work and stirred everyone up. I asked people what he did wrong and they could not tell me for certain what he was doing. No one else had the nerve to get rid of this person so I had to be the one. Finally one person came forth and told me about some trivial mistakes. “Maybe I can use this” I thought.

• There were times when I looked for evidence against “that” person.
• There were times when I sought to prove my position was right.
• There were times when I would have listened to false witnesses and been alright with it.

Peace is all I wanted even if my employees may have been the malefactors. It was easier to fire one than many, no matter how “right” he was. GOD wants me to have a different attitude.

• GOD wants me to stand up for what is right versus following the crowd.
• GOD wants me to guard against pleasing the crowd versus following what HE says.
• GOD wants me to seek first HIS righteousness instead of looking at humans who may have hidden motives.

When I look for trouble in a person I often can find it. I mean everyone has problems and I can make their imperfections stand out with the right crowd behind me. GOD wants me to seek what is good not what is obviously bad. HE saved me in the middle of my sins and desires to do the same for “that” person. HE wants me to have grace.

• Are you looking for the worst in “that” person?
• Are you immaturely building up evidence against them and getting your crowd to believe in you even if the truth may have been stretched?
• Will you stop looking for trouble and start looking for GOD’s grace today?

Fight Club

Matthew 26: ⁵² “Put your sword back in its place,” Jesus said to him, “for all who draw the sword will die by the sword. ⁵³ Do you think I cannot call on my Father, and he will at once put at my disposal more than twelve legions of angels? ⁵⁴ But how then would the Scriptures be fulfilled that say it must happen in this way?”

⁵⁵ In that hour Jesus said to the crowd, “Am I leading a rebellion, that you have come out with swords and clubs to capture me? Every day I sat in the temple courts teaching, and you did not arrest me. ⁵⁶ But this has all taken place that the writings of the prophets might be fulfilled.” Then all the disciples deserted him and fled.

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“Stand up to him” were the words shouted from the crowd at me. We circled each other and the crowd grew around us. I had not been in this position before, but had seen it many days and was not about to back down. Bored with our circling, someone pushed us towards one another. The fight began.

• Some days I have had rage.
• Some days I wanted to fight.
• Some days I desired to be the one who won!

Being the scrawny underdog, many people cheered me on or at least I thought so. I can’t quite remember seeing how I was getting beat up. The teachers pulled us apart and the thug was taken to the principal. I never fought again but I lifted weights and grew large just in case.

• GOD wants me to “Put my sword away” and find an alternative to fighting.
• GOD wants me to “Call on my FATHER” when I am in danger.
• GOD wants me to “Sit in the temple courts” instead of looking for fights.

Picking fights can spread to other areas of life. At work, at home or even at church I can look for a fight and most of the time I will find one. BUT GOD wants something different. GOD wants me to carry peace instead of a weapon, just as HE did. Though I may have strength, HE wants me to show weakness so HE can be made strong.

In these days of human strength and bullying in business or politics, showing weakness is unheard of and even viewed as pitiful. GOD wants me to be strong enough to bring peace instead of a fight. That is love!

• Are you picking fights?
• Do you look to have your way so you practice your words to win the argument?
• Will you put down your “sword” and ask GOD for peace in your heart today?

Surrounded

Matthew 26: ⁴⁷ 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, “Why have you come, friend?”

Then the men stepped forward, seized Jesus and arrested him. ⁵¹ With that, one of Jesus’ companions reached for his sword, drew it out and struck the servant of the high priest, cutting off his ear.

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Finally the day was over, or so I thought. I paid my fare and sat down on the strangely open window seat. I figured someone got up and I was the fortunate soul to ride in bus comfort. 

When I sat down the person behind me said something but I could not discern what he said. Then someone sat next to me on the aisle and then two more stood in the aisle. I was being robbed with no way out!

• There were times I felt surrounded.
• There were times when I looked around and I could not see friendly faces.
• There were times when I had no choice but to give in to the difficult situation.

JESUS faced the same thing. An army came to arrest HIM because they thought they were in control. They had seen miracles and chalked it up to JESUS being a person who got lucky and they were going to make HIS luck run out. BUT JESUS knew.

• JESUS knew HE was going to be arrested and allowed it anyway.
• JESUS could have stopped them with a mere utterance of a word, but HE chose to be taken.
• JESUS saw how far HIS betrayer went and still called him “friend.”

Later in life I was surrounded again, only this time it was corporate bullies and thugs. GOD opened my eyes to see that I may be surrounded again and again in life so I should expect it, like HE did. HE taught me to trust HIS protection even when it seems like there is no way out.

• Are you surrounded by your trouble?
• Do you see problems on all sides with no way out?
• Can you calm down for a moment and allow GOD to protect you?

Keep Looking Out

Matthew 26: 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.”

⁴² 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!”

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With squinted eyes I could not see the bus. “I have time” I said to myself, so I went into a shop to get whatever they were selling. I returned just as the bus zoomed past.

• Sometimes I drop my guard.
• Sometimes I stop looking out.
• Sometimes I get caught up in something else rather than focusing on what I am supposed to.

JESUS found HIS disciples sleeping when HE wanted them to be on the lookout, praying. My guess is that HE wanted to teach them a very important final lesson, but they were not ready to hear it so they slept and the moment passed.

• GOD wants me to live for HIM daily.
• GOD wants me to seek HIS face daily.
• GOD wants me to be on the lookout for HIS miracles daily.

Falling asleep is the equivalent of me drifting away from following GOD. When I close my eyes to wrong I drift into temptation. “The SPIRIT is willing but my flesh is weak” is what GOD says to me. Unless I stay in prayer, the world’s traps will get to me. GOD wants me awake.

• Are you asleep and cannot hear GOD?
• Are you trying to do things on your own power and are missing GOD’s miracles for you?
• Will you stop looking in the opposite direction and look for GOD to solve your problems?

Sorrow Gate

Matthew 26: ³⁶ 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.”

³⁹ 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.”

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Deeply troubled about many things, I could not rest. I woke up in the middle of the night with my mind racing over all the things that were going on. Maybe if I work, then I can get my mind off of stuff. I could not work because of all the thoughts.

• Sometimes I get worried.
• Sometimes I get troubled.
• Sometimes I am so full of sorrow, I cannot even think.

As JESUS approached HIS death HE was sorrowful and troubled. Only HE and the FATHER knew what it meant to be blamed for every sin of mankind and JESUS was going to do just that. HE faced deep sorrow but did something amazing.

• JESUS showed me how to pray in the middle of my sorrow.
• JESUS showed me how to ask for the FATHER’s will and not mine.
• JESUS showed me how to bring friends along to watch over me in my sorrow so I won’t stay there.

Deity wrapped in humanity was JESUS’s makeup. HE knew HIS plight and HIS humanity felt sorrow. It’s alright to feel this way but not stay that way. GOD wants me to open a gate to HIM and pray. HE wants to take my sorrow, guilt and shame. All I have to do is pray.

• Are you full of sorrow?
• Are you troubled?
• Will you pray to the FATHER about your troubles so HE can give you peace?  

In loving memory of cousin Curtis.

Empty Belongings

Matthew 26: ³¹ 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.

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“You want to go bowling with us?” was the question posed to me. “Sure!” was my answer and it felt great to be asked. “You want to go drinking with us?” was the question. I had never drunk anything stronger than a cola before so I said “Sure!” I mean it was just to have a little fun. “You want to try this?” “This” being a drug… “No thanks, but maybe I’ll stay and have some sex later” was my thought.

• There were times I wanted to just belong.
• There were times I wanted to simply be with the crowd.
• There were times when I was so lonely that I would hang out with the group I knew was wrong.

Denying my principles was pretty easy to do when I wanted to belong. No one had to know I was trying to follow GOD at that moment. Besides, we are all sinners anyway right? “I deserve to do a little sin right?” Wrong!

• GOD knows I will sin but doesn’t want me to deny HIM in the process.
• GOD knows I will stray but doesn’t want me to pretend I don’t belong to HIM.
• GOD knows I will crave what the world has to offer but doesn’t want me to want the world so bad that I would leave HIM.

Peter was told he would deny JESUS. “What?” Peter exclaimed! No way! JESUS knew that Peter wanted to save himself more than follow HIM. HE knew Peter would follow the crowd at a crucial time versus following GOD. I have done the same. BUT GOD forgives me and I am grateful!

• Are you lonely?
• Do you have a strong desire to belong even to the point where you will deny your relationship with GOD?
• Will you seek GOD today instead of hiding behind the crowd?

Betrayal Remembrance Dinner

Matthew 26: ²⁰ When evening came, Jesus was reclining at the table with the Twelve.²¹ And while they were eating, he said, “Truly I tell you, one of you will betray me.”

²² They were very sad and began to say to him one after the other, “Surely you don’t mean me, Lord?”

²³ Jesus replied, “The one who has dipped his hand into the bowl with me will betray me. ²⁴ The Son of Man will go just as it is written about him. But woe to that man who betrays the Son of Man! It would be better for him if he had not been born.”

²⁵ Then Judas, the one who would betray him, said, “Surely you don’t mean me, Rabbi?”

Jesus answered, “You have said so.”

²⁶ 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.

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“Tell us who did it” were the calming words of the leaders. I felt comfortable enough to express my opinion so I told on the person. Later I was told my services were no longer needed. It turned out that the leaders needed me to be a fall guy to expose the problem while they maintained their political status. I was betrayed!

• Betrayal never feels good to me.
• Betrayal never brings good to anyone involved.
• Betrayal may seem like a good solution temporarily, but in the end the betrayer will pay.

Amazingly JESUS ate with HIS betrayer and did not stop him. JESUS continued to eat the Passover meal with a special purpose in mind. HE was performing the law of eating the Passover meal while giving humanity a new covenant, namely HIS forgiveness.

• JESUS taught me to give thanks before any meal in remembrance of HIM.
• JESUS taught me to remember HIS blood was shed for me.
• JESUS taught me to sing after celebrating what HE has done for me.

From betrayal to celebration, JESUS kept focus on HIS purpose. HE watched over HIS disciples all the way to the end. JESUS teaches me of HIS new covenant of forgiveness. I am truly grateful.

• Have you been betrayed?
• Do you feel dejected?
• Can you turn your life to JESUS who was betrayed by HIS own creation?