Letting Go

 N.T.#280 "Letting Go"

April 8, 2024 

Matthew 26-Part 4

LET IT GLOW 

There are times that it has been easy to let go of something for kingdom work, but other times it has been hard. How about you? Is God asking something of you to let go of for His purpose? 

We left Jesus and His disciples in Bethany eating at the house of Simon, who previously had leprosy. Mary came with an expensive perfume jar of alabaster. She broke the jar and poured the perfume over Jesus head. (It was worth a year's wages.) What a sacrifice given to Jesus to anoint His body for burial. It would not go unnoticed, though, for Jesus said it would be remembered and discussed wherever the Good News is preached. (verses 3-9) Mary's act was a good work, for the poor would always be with us. (verses 10-11)

The disciples had been critical for this act due to the fact the perfume could have been sold and the money given to the poor. (I wonder if Judas instigated that.) After all, he kept the money bag. One of Jesus' disciples, 

Then, Judas Iscariot, went to the chief priests. He asked, "How much will your pay me to betray Jesus to you?" (verse 15

Is there something that the devil can wave under our nose and cause us to betray Jesus?

 Luke tells us Satan entered into Judas Iscariot before he went to the religious leaders. (Luke 22:3) They gave Judas 30 pieces of silver, which he apparently did not spend. From that time on, Judas looked for an opportunity to betray Jesus so they could arrest Him when the crowds were not around.

How strong is our faith in Jesus?

LET IT GROW 

Luke 22 gives us more detail of this event of the Passover eaten in the upper room with Jesus and His disciples. He sent John and Peeter to find a man with a pitcher who had the private guest room ready. The man is not named like the man who gave the donkeys for Jesus to ride on when entering Jerusalem. They gave to the Savior what He needed. 

Are we willing to give to Jesus what He asks of us to give for kingdom work? Corrie Ten Boom said she did not hold things too tightly, for when the Master required it, it would be easy to open her hand and give it.

Friend, are you faithful in tithing? Do you give offerings for special needs? Is Jesus asking you to give up something so He can use it for His glory? What about your children and grandchildren-give them to Jesus to use for His purpose.

LET IT GO

Help us let go of every single thing and let God take over. 

All belongs to You.

Bless those who give for Your Kingdom work.