Forsaken and Forgiving

N.T.#290 "Forsaken and Forgiving"

April 24, 2024 

Matthew 26-Part 13

LET IT GLOW 

After the soldiers laid hands on Jesus, and took Him, (verse 50) we know what impetuous Peter did-struck the one person who could have embarrass them the most at the trial. John 18:10 identifies the swordsman as Peter and the victim as Malchus. Peter aimed at the man's head, but he turned, and Peter cut off his ear.

What did Jesus do?

• Fist, Jesus told Peter to put up his sword. That wasn't necessary, was it? Peter didn't have to defend Jesus. (verse 52a) 
• After all, Jesus could have prayed and 72,000 angels to defend and rescue Him. (verse 53) 
• They that live by the sword, die by the sword. (verse 52b) 
• If Jesus had been rescued, the Scriptures would not have been fulfilled. (verse 54) David spoke of Jesus in Psalm16.

Jesus had previously told His disciples that He would die and rise on the third day. Old Testament prophets foretold of the Messiah's coming. We see His divine sovereignty through the events we read of now. Jesus was in absolute control (John 10:17).

Jesus laid down His life, the Roman soldiers didn't just take it. It was was a voluntary act of sacrifice. He submitted to the Father's will.

Are we willing to lay down our life so the Father's will is done? Are we making sacrifices so it is accomplished? 

LET IT GROW 

A heavenly army at Jesus' disposal could have outnumbered the soldiers about 120 to 1. (Swindoll)

Yet Jesus did not summon the angels at His disposal. Rather, Jesus stepped forward and voluntarily surrendered to His enemies after surrendering to God's will in the Garden.

Then all the disciples forsook Him, and fled. (verse 56b)

Those faithful 11 disciples of Jesus fled after they declared they would not do so. Jesus was taken prisoner. Not a single one stayed faithful to Jesus. Even Peter fled. When the going gets tough, the tough get going. Right? But not the ones who had spent 3 years with the Savior listening to His teachings and prophesies, as well as witnessing His miracles. Jesus' followers and friends left him to endure it all alone. 

Do you feel like the disciples are not alone? Haven't we forsaken Jesus some time during our life? Yet forgiveness is Jesus' nature. Lay down our mistakes and sins, sorrows, ashes of a wasted life. Jesus is waiting for us at the altar, open hands, ready to cleanse us of our sins. 

LET IT GO 

Oh what a Savior!

Christ is risen.

Bow down before Him, for He is Lord of all.

Forgiveness is bought with the prcsious blood of Jesus Christ!

The Father's arms are open wide!