Who Will Remain Faithful?

N.T.#284 "Who will Remain Faithful?"

April 12, 2024 

Matthew 26-Part 8

LET IT GLOW 

Not only would one of them betray Jesus, but all of them would fall away just as Scripture foretold. He knew beforehand that His disciples would scatter when Jesus was arrested. The Roman "sword" was the military power that put Christ to death. 

 Zechariah 13:27 says, Sword, awake against My shepherd, against the man who is My associate-this is the declaration of the LORD of Hosts. Strike the shepherd, and the sheep will be scattered; I will also turn My hand against the little ones.

Just before Jesus' arrest, He quoted from that verse, referring to Himself and His disciples in verses 31-32. And that happened, we know. 

The word offended is used 3 times in this segment of Scriptures-verses 31, 33, 33. Jesus told His disciples that all of them would be offended because of Him that very night. (verse 31. 

Offended is the Greek word skandalizo, from which we get our word scandlize. It means entrap; trip up (stumble); or entice to sin. 

The religious leaders planned to entrap or trip up Jesus, after all, He claimed to be God. We know that is true, but they would not believe it and claim Jesus was blaspheming against God. Yet, Jesus never committed sin.

We know this continues today. False witnesses testify against a believer, actually lying, so one is convicted. What judgment awaits them!

Question: Do we always tell the truth or do we smidge a little towards our favor?  Tax time is upon us. Do we give correct figures on our return? When we do, Christ is honored.

LET IT GROW 

Not only did Jesus tell His disciples that a scandal was coming for Him, but also, they would all scatter because of Him. (verse 31) The guys would be scared for their life and run for their life. After all, if they killed Jesus, they could be killed for associating with Him.

What reassurance did Jesus give His followers? But after I am risen again, I will go before you into Galilee. (verse 32)

The disciples were to go to Galilee to find Jesus, but He appeared to them at Jerusalem and lead them to Galilee. Jesus appeared to many people after He arose from the dead. After all, He is God's Son, Sno of the Almighty God.

Watch out Peter, control your words. Keep your mouth shut for one, but he didn't. Peter says, Though all men shall be offended because of Thee, yet will I never be offended. (verse 33)

Not me Lord, I will never be enticed to deny You. His famous words, huh? Peter promised to be more faithful than the others, thus later provoking Jesus' question, Lovest thou Me more than these? (John 21:15)

We vow to stick with Jesus until the end, like Peter. We desire to remain faithful to Jesus, yet all we like sheep have gone astray at one time or another. Good News is we have a loving and forgiving Savior. He wilcomes us back with open arms. Then He sets our feet on The Solid Rock.

LET IT GO 

How gracious and loving and forgiving You are, Sweet Jesus!

I love You Lord Jesus, for Your mercies never fail me, though I fail You.

What a Wonderful Savior is Jesus, My Jesus!