The Plan Was Execution

N.T.#291 "The Plan Was Execution"

April 25, 2024 

Matthew 26-Part 14

LET IT GLOW 

Peter was rash in cutting off the ear of the high priest's servant. Did you notice none of the other disciples up up a fight. Jesus put the ear back on and healed the man. That was the last miracle He did before the resurrection. Jesus was going willingly with the mob. He assured Peter that taking matters into his own hands was not necessary, for Jesus had 72,000 angels at His command and available to deliver Him. But it was not to be the Father's will. Jesus had already surrendered to that. 

Those around were all involved in the situation (even enemies) who fulfilled precisely the details of the Old Testament prophets. They include: Psalm 22:1,6,15,18,  34:20, 41:9, 69:21 Isaiah 1:5, 53:9,12; Zechariah 11:12; 13:7.

Jesus' disciples ran away like sheep fearing the shepherd being killed. It had been a kiss that identified the Messiah and a kess that betrayed Him into the hands of a band, captain, and officers of the Jews. (John 18:12). They would have bound Jesus so He could not escape that time. Keep in mind that it was still dark, so the followers of Jesus in Jerusalem would have been asleep at this time.

Jesus was taken to the house of Caiaphas, the high priest that year.  It was down the steep hill of the Mt. of Olives to Jerusalem and then up a steep hill to the house. Wouldn't it have been difficult walking with hands tied behind your back? And to boot, in the dark? (verse 57)

Oh, the little things that Jesus experienced! Don't you know Jesus had prayed for the repentance of the Sanhedrin? They were assembled, the scribes and elders of the Jewish religious sect. They had a plan and were executing it-kill Jesus. Little did they know that forgiveness for their sins was available.

Are we letting God take revenge for our pain and suffering? Or do we take it into our own hands?

LET IT GROW

But Peter followed Him afar off unto the high priest's palace, and went in, and sat with the servants, to see the end. (verse 38)

There was an open court around the main buildings. Who was attending? The chief priests, elders, council, and false witnesses were there. They tried to find false witnesses against Jesus so they could put Him to death. (verse 59)  A lot came, but only 2 testified. In spite of knowing all this was going to happen, Jesus submitted to it, for it was all in God's plan. 

Almost 3 years earlier, Jesus said in John 2:19, Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up. 

Christ was referring to the destruction of His body and to His resurrection from the dead. (Falwell)

Aren't you glad that you were not a witness against Christ? Yet, do we share what He has done for us as a witness?

The religious leaders' plan was to execute the Messiah/Savior. What a plan! Although, they didn't realize that they were carrying out God's plan before the creation of anything. Jesus was willing to be our Sacrificial Lamb that takes away sin.

LET IT GO

What a Savior! How wonderful Jesus Christ is!!

Help us submit to Your plans for our life.