This Day With God – A Spiritual Journey | Share The Word

Matthew 27 Questions for Reflection

Posted on May 3, 2012 by Mark Shields

Over the last couple of weeks, my spiritual journey has taken me through Matthew 26. I’m going slower through these chapters because there are so many lessons to be learned that we can apply in our own life as well as share with others. In Matthew 26, I learned more about communion; how it 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.

I read about how prayer gave Jesus strength. Jesus was in great mental anguish at Gethsemane but each time He goes to pray during the night, he returns stronger. He worked His heart out for us until the final victory on the cross. I learned that like Peter, we just can’t do it all on our own. We need to lighten the load by taking in more of Jesus and emptying out our own desires. Then we will gain the energy needed to be all God wants us to be.

Matthew 27 also has many lessons so I will again go slower in order to break down the chapter into blocks of readings with the questions below to help in our thoughts. If you are a new follower or if you would like to look at other readings I’ve analyzed along my spiritual journey, take a look at the tabs at the top. One is called “Questions for Reflection”. The other is called “Index of Devotionals”.

Matthew 27:1-10
Passage Lookup

Why do you think Judas regrets his action? When have you regretted your actions? Have they been irrevocable?

Matthew 27:11-26
Passage Lookup

What question does Jesus answer? Why is Pilate reluctant to authorize the crucifixion? Who accepts responsibility for Jesus’ death?

Matthew 27:27-56
Passage Lookup

Enumerate the things the soldiers do to Jesus. What signs show that God is at work in the crucifixion? Take a few moments to think about the crucifixion. Does it inspire more discipline in spiritual growth? What have you thought about doing recently to grow spiritually but haven’t done yet?

Matthew 27:57-66
Passage Lookup

Identify Joseph. What precautions against body-snatching does Joseph take? What do the chief priests and Pharisees arrange to have done? Why?

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Each day with God is a fresh start because we are forgiven. It can be an amazing day because Christ the difference maker assures that every struggle faced can be overcome. Spiritual growth is a daily process that requires continuous effort but the endeavor is slight compared to the regret one might feel if they never started the progress.

Check up on my posts over the next few weeks as I share some thoughts about each passage. My prayer is that some of the thoughts or ideas that come from my study and reflection of my journey through Matthew 27 can be applied to your own life.

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

Matthew 26 Questions for Reflection (thisdaywithgod.wordpress.com)
Paradoxes of the crucifixion (wordsofgrace.wordpress.com)
Affirmations for Divine Favor (christinebrooksmartin.wordpress.com)

Posted in Matthew | Tagged Christ, Communion, Cross, Desires, Devotional, Forgiven, Gethsemane, God, Gospel, Gospel of Matthew, Lessons, Matthew, Matthew 27, Peter, Pharisee, Prayer, Questions, Reflection, Spiritual Journey, Strength, Thoughts, victory | 9 Comments

The Desire to Fulfill the Mission – Matthew 26:57-75

Posted on May 1, 2012 by Mark Shields

The scribes and elders were called to session as explained in Matthew 26:57-75 eager to find false evidence against Jesus so they could put him to death. There were two witnesses that said Jesus had made the statement that he could destroy the temple of God and rebuild it three days. The witnesses didn’t understand what Jesus had meant when He made this statement because in looking at John 2:19-22, what Jesus was referring to was His death and resurrection. The high priest was looking for anything that might deliver a death sentence to Jesus so the charge of blasphemy was handed down.

Earlier in this chapter, Peter said he would die rather than deny Jesus but the actual events reveal something different. Peter followed Jesus from a distance and when asked if he knew Jesus said he didn’t. Afterwards, he wept bitterly for denying Him.

What we say and what we do sometimes do not match up because we lack the courage to follow through. Let us distrust our own hearts and rely totally on the Lord. There will be times that we need the favor of God along with a sense of responsibility to fight off our mistakes of the past and our desires for the future.

This day with God, my thoughts are on the desire that Jesus showed in fulfilling His mission. I’m thinking and praying for help in certain areas of my life where I need to take in more of Jesus and empty out my own desires; for the Spirit’s power to empty thoughts about what I want rather than what God wants.

Like Peter, we just can’t do it all on our own. We need to lighten the load by taking in more of Jesus and emptying out our own desires. Then we will gain the energy needed to be all God wants us to be. Here’s a video to inspire your day with this thought in mind: Empty Me – Jeremy Camp.

Matthew 26 Questions for Reflection (thisdaywithgod.wordpress.com)
Where to Find True Emotional Fulfillment (pttyann2.wordpress.com)
120423 – George Hach’s Inner Discipline’s Journal – Monday (georgehachmyblog.wordpress.com)

Posted in Matthew | Tagged Courage, Desire, God, Gospel of Matthew, High Priest, HolySpirit, Inspiration, Jeremy Camp, Jesus, Peter, Peter's denial, Scribes | 5 Comments

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.

Matthew 26 Questions for Reflection (thisdaywithgod.wordpress.com)
Jesus Betrayal and Arrest Matthew 26:47-56 (loopyloo305.com)
Prophecy and the crucifixion (wordsofgrace.wordpress.com)
In The Community (stevensawyer.wordpress.com)

Posted in Matthew | Tagged Christ, Gethsemane, God, Gospel of Matthew, Judas Iscariot, Lighthouse, Mission, Missions, Passion of Christ, Purpose, Sermon | Leave a comment

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.

Keeping watch (kathybruins.com)
Matthew 26 Questions for Reflection (thisdaywithgod.wordpress.com)
Humble Submission (bummyla.wordpress.com)

Posted in Matthew | Tagged Christian, Courage, Gethsemane, Jesus, Mount of Olives, Path, Prayer, Redemption, Salvation, Strength, victory | 3 Comments

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.