3/25                 Matthew 26:62-63 

Then the high priest stood up and said to Jesus, “Well, aren’t you going to answer these charges? What do you have to say for yourself?” 63 But Jesus remained silent. Then the high priest said to him, “I demand in the name of the living God—tell us if you are the Messiah, the Son of God.” 

ASKED

The high priest asked Jesus something he didn’t believe.  Jesus knew this.  When in the presence of unbelievers, we often say nothing.  Jesus knew what was going on and he knew that anything he said would be ridiculed.  Why waste their time?  

3/24                 Matthew 26:58-61 

Meanwhile, Peter followed him at a distance and came to the high priest’s courtyard. He went in and sat with the guards and waited to see how it would all end. 59 Inside, the leading priests and the entire high council were trying to find witnesses who would lie about Jesus, so they could put him to death. 60 But even though they found many who agreed to give false witness, they could not use anyone’s testimony. Finally, two men came forward 61 who declared, “This man said, ‘I am able to destroy the Temple of God and rebuild it in three days.’” 

TRAVESTY

The trial of Jesus was a travesty.  So much like the way we often treat others.  It is a travesty the way we treat our children, out mates, our friends and our enemies.  People count with Jesus.  The man answered, “‘You must love the LORD your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your strength, and all your mind.’ And, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’” Lk 10:27

3/23                 Matthew 26:57 

Then the people who had arrested Jesus led him to the home of Caiaphas, the high priest, where the teachers of religious law and the elders had gathered. 

RELIGIOUS

The Religious were consistently condemned by Jesus for their un-godliness.  They refused to love people first which is a direct commandment by the Father.  They subverted religious life to their own ends with caring for God’s people.  People count with God.  

3/22                 Matthew 26:55 

Then Jesus said to the crowd, “Am I some dangerous revolutionary, that you come with swords and clubs to arrest me? Why didn’t you arrest me in the Temple? I was there teaching every day.  56 But this is all happening to fulfill the words of the prophets as recorded in the Scriptures.” At that point, all the disciples deserted him and fled. 

JESUS

Jesus never hid who he was or why he came.  Do you know Him?  If you don’t know Jesus you need to by simply asking Him to forgive you of your sin and save you.  He will and He will guide you in your spiritual growth day by day.  Surrender to Him and trust Him and obey what He says.  His Word is truth, read it as if your life depended on it.  Get to know Jesus.  

3/21                 Matthew 26:50-54 

Jesus said, “My friend, go ahead and do what you have come for.” Then the others grabbed Jesus and arrested him. 51 But one of the men with Jesus pulled out his sword and struck the high priest’s slave, slashing off his ear. 52 “Put away your sword,” Jesus told him. “Those who use the sword will die by the sword. 53 Don’t you realize that I could ask my Father for thousands of angels to protect us, and he would send them instantly?  54 But if I did, how would the Scriptures be fulfilled that describe what must happen now?” 

MESSIAH

Jesus is the Messiah as foretold in the Scriptures.  He came to save us from our sin.  Now one day soon He is coming back to take us home with Him and to judge the World.  Follow Jesus.  He will save you from your sin.  

3/20                 Matthew 26:47-49 

And even as Jesus said this, Judas, one of the twelve disciples, arrived with a crowd of men armed with swords and clubs. They had been sent by the leading priests and elders of the people. 48 The traitor, Judas, had given them a prearranged signal: “You will know which one to arrest when I greet him with a kiss.” 49 So Judas came straight to Jesus. “Greetings, Rabbi!” he exclaimed and gave him the kiss. 

EVIL

Evil often masquerades as a friend.  Check the spirits.  Think strategically.  Look at your situation with spiritual eyes and know the Lord.  He will save you.  He will walk you through every difficulty you face.  Too often we can’t change the events that overwhelm us but we can change our response to them.  Jesus loves you and wants you to follow Him.  

3/19                 Matthew 26:45-46 

Then he came to the disciples and said, “Go ahead and sleep. Have your rest. But look—the time has come. The Son of Man is betrayed into the hands of sinners. 46 Up, let’s be going. Look, my betrayer is here!” 

REALITY

Today you will face a real evil trying to destroy your life.  It is carelessness and sin.  Up let’s follow the Lord-surrender to Him and let Jesus lead you.  Spiritual strength comes from step by step obedience.  Jesus is Lord.  

3/18                 Matthew 26:42-44 

Then Jesus left them a second time and prayed, “My Father! If this cup cannot be taken away unless I drink it, your will be done.” 43 When he returned to them again, he found them sleeping, for they couldn’t keep their eyes open.  44 So he went to pray a third time, saying the same things again. 

PRAY

Pray for those around you especially for the lost and those who have mistreated you.  Pray for our government, your work, your family, your spiritual growth and your day to day actions.  Pray that we might increase our obedience to Jesus and share the Gospel-Jesus is alive and He is alive for you.  Pray.  

3/17                 Matthew 26:40-41

Then he returned to the disciples and found them asleep. He said to Peter, “Couldn’t you watch with me even one hour? 41 Keep watch and pray, so that you will not give in to temptation. For the spirit is willing, but the body is weak!” 

TRUTH

Each of us face this type of situation every time we face temptation.  Our spirit is willing, but our flesh is weak.  Pray that the Lord will grow stronger in your life day by day. 

3/16                 Matthew 26:39 

He went on a little farther and bowed with his face to the ground, praying, “My Father! If it is possible, let this cup of suffering be taken away from me. Yet I want your will to be done, not mine.” 

OBEDIENCE

A beautiful example of obedience.  He knew what was going to happen and believed the Father for the end result and willingly submitted Himself to taking on our sin and suffering to provide for our salvation and return to the Family of God.  Perfect.  Jesus is Lord.