Fulfilling God’s Purpose – Matthew 26:47-56

Posted on April 28, 2012 by Mark Shields

As pastor Steve said in a message once about the movie “The Passion of The Christ”, Jesus had a mission and was fully engaged in that mission. We too have a mission and that is to help others know about Christ. For inspirational sermons at any time, visit at this link. 

To continue the journey and learn more about Christ in order to share with others, let us now take a look at Matthew 26:47-56. A large crowd armed with swords and clubs sent from the chief priests and the elders of the people arrived with Judas while Jesus was talking to the disciples at Gethsemane. This was their opportunity to arrest Jesus because they were away from any crowds that might riot against them. Jesus submits to the arrest because the time had come to bring about God’s purpose; fulfilling the Scriptures.

We can fulfill His purpose in whatever we do by following God’s call in our careers by integrating faith with the whole of life. Christianity can be dynamic in shaping history and changing our culture because the teachings of Christ can be applied in the areas of business, law, science, politics, education, engineering, the media, and in other disciplines. The purpose for “This Day with God” devotional is to point out these principles of God which Christ taught so we can experience the most excellent way.

Pray for fulfilling God’s purpose. Receive inspiration from Jesus who gave His all with singleness of purpose to fulfill the mission God gave Him. Today that light of glory shines like a lighthouse to lead people safely home.

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Pray and Become Stronger – Matthew 26:36-46

Posted on April 26, 2012 by Mark Shields

Jesus was in great mental anguish at Gethsemane but as written in Matthew 26:36-46, He returns stronger each time He goes to pray during the night. He worked His heart out for us until the final victory on the cross.

Gethsemane is a garden lying in a valley between two hills with the Mount of Olives on one of the hills. The load on the shoulders of Jesus was overwhelming. He was so mentally strained with depression, sorrow, terror, and inward conflict that it affected the physical body.

He took Peter and the two sons of Zebedee along with him to keep watch. Then he went a little further into the garden to pray; hoping the Father may lighten the load but ready to suffer for our redemption and salvation.

Satan tempted Jesus but we can be thankful that our salvation is in the hands of ONE who relentlessly fights to make our path easier. Jesus returned to the disciples during the night on three separate occasions only to find them sleeping. Jesus prays throughout the night; knowing the time for his arrest was near.

If every Christian would give just one tenth the effort we see in Jesus, there would be no stopping what could be accomplished. Here’s a video to inspire that effort today: Stronger – Hillsong.

Let us not grow weary but stay on guard for Jesus. There may be times where we are not perfect but let us pray for the ability to see personal faults. Let us have the courage to get honest with ourselves. This day with God will be amazing because He is with us at all times; whether at home mowing the lawn, at work solving problems, or on a vacation soaking up rays, He is with us.

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Focused on God’s Presence – Matthew 26:17-35

Posted on April 24, 2012 by Mark Shields

In Matthew 26:17-35, Jesus directs the disciples to a man who has agreed to let them celebrate the Passover at his house. During the meal, Jesus associates himself with the actions of the meal by breaking the bread and saying “Take and eat; this is my body (v. 26).” Then He took the cup, gave thanks, and offered it to them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you. This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins” (v. 28).

Some predictions of this passage are hopeful, others are sad. Even though Jesus has predicted His Crucifixion, He assures of a happy meeting again by saying, “until that day when I drink it anew with you in my Father’s kingdom (v. 29).” This helps us understand the joys and glories of the future as we are united in heaven. Holy Communion reminds us of what Jesus did for us and focuses our attention to giving it our all in life as a dedication of thanks.

This passage also has some sad predictions when Jesus says, “I tell you the truth; one of you will betray me.” Also He says to Peter, “This very night, before the rooster crows, you will disown me three times (v. 34).” My pastor Steve Ramsdell once made a point in a sermon message that God knows our history, our suffering, and our character. In our prayer time, we should set aside some time to just listen so God can give us the guidance needed. The inspirational Sermon messages can be watched at this Link.

Communion focuses our attention on the Gospel message which consistently links the old with new and unifies Christians; providing the perfect source for inspiration now and forever. Take a look at this video by clicking on this link: Imagine – MercyMe or on the video below.

I’m thankful for this video. It helps us to imagine when that day comes; when we are in the presence of the Father reunited with our loved ones that have gone before us. This day with God, I’m praying to stay focused on God’s presence, especially when he feels distant.

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Leading a Life That Matters – Matthew 26:1-16

Posted on April 21, 2012 by Mark Shields

Leading a life that matters means being involved in something bigger than life itself and can be obtained by concentrating on the things of God until they become a magnificent obsession. Faith grows with each new day because the yesterdays build into brighter tomorrows and the future is in His hands.

To set up the time frame of   Matthew 26:1-16, The Passover is two days away and Jesus continues to teach His disciples how to live a life that matters. Jesus predicts his Crucifixion and we read that the elders were plotting to arrest Jesus.

While Jesus was at the home of Simon the Leper in Bethany, a woman came to him with an alabaster jar of very expensive perfume which she poured on his head. The disciples were angry because they thought this to be a waste because the perfume could be sold at a high price and the money given to the poor. Jesus explained that the poor will continue to be around thus giving opportunities to provide for them and store up treasures in heaven. Jesus explained that the woman had her priorities right; that his physical body will be around for a short time now and she was preparing his body for burial.

The woman led a life that matters because she concentrated on the things of God and knew her future was in His hands.  My Pastor Steve Ramsdell said in a sermon once that if the things of God are your treasure, then you have all things. What drives you toward God? Why do we not ask God more often for help? Think of the possibilities if we went to Him more.

This day with God is amazing because we have an efficient and effective way to meet with Him. In prayer, we can ask for help in understanding the unseen, the eternal, and the supernatural. We can invest in people by making the wisdom of God known to them. Here’s a video to inspire leading a life that matters: Magnificent Obsession – Steven Curtis Chapman.
 

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Matthew 26 Questions for Reflection

Posted on April 19, 2012 by Mark Shields

God provides abundance in our world and wants us to be good stewards of what He has given. In Matthew 25, I learned that we should work to multiply what He has entrusted so we can joyfully celebrate progress and reward together. I also learned that being someone who cares with little acts of kindness can impact the life of many people.

As I now get ready for the journey into Matthew 26, the readings and questions below will be used as a guide or map to help with my study. The Questions For Reflection tab at the top or at this link has a list of previous studies I’ve done along my journey. 

Matthew 26:1-16
Passage Lookup
Contrast the attitudes of the disciples and Jesus about the woman that poured the expensive perfume on Jesus. What makes the disciples react negatively? Contrast the actions of the woman and Judas. What do you think motivates each? 

Matthew 26:17-35
Passage Lookup
What arrangements has Jesus made for the Passover meal? How does Jesus associate himself with the actions of the meal? What predictions of this passage are hopeful? To what extent are you anticipating communion in the Father’s kingdom?

Matthew 26:36-46
Passage Lookup
Jesus took Peter and the two sons of Zebedee along with him. Contrast their actions here with their intentions (see verses 33, 35; 20:22). What qualities of the Lord are revealed in his instructions to the disciples and in his prayers? In what areas is your spirit willing? Is your flesh weak? Why?

Matthew 26:47-56
Passage Lookup
Who accompanies Judas? Why, do you think? Why does Jesus submit to this arrest? Do you know what task God has in mind for you? What would my family and friends say is the driving force of my life? What is my purpose?

Matthew 26:57-75
Passage Lookup
What charge is the council seeking? Why do you think Jesus “condemns” himself? What is the verdict? Contrast Peter’s intentions (verses 33-35) with the actual events.

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To set up the time frame of Matthew 26, it is two days before Passover and Jesus continues to teach His disciples how to live a life that matters.  The teaching continues even today as we learn from His example of determination in fulfilling the mission.

Check up on my posts over the next few weeks as I share some thoughts. My hope is that some of the thoughts or ideas that come from the study of Matthew 26 will be beneficial to you.

Resources and Supplementary Helps Used in Posts
First United Methodist Waco Podcast
Christ Notes
Family Times
Adeney, Carol. This Morning with God. Downer Grove Illinois: InterVarsity Press, 1978

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