Then Jesus said to all the people, "You came to get me with swords and clubs like I am a criminal. Every day I sat in the temple area teaching. You did not arrest me there. But all these things have happened so that it will be like the prophets wrote." Then all of Jesus' followers left him and ran away.
—Matthew 26:55-56
Key Thought
Those who left everything to follow Jesus now leave Jesus to save themselves. It is a crucial reminder to us of how easy it is to abandon what we hold dear to preserve that which we cannot save.
Of course they come to him at night and not when the crowds are around. They are afraid of the crowds. Of course they come to him as if he were a criminal and robber, because they know of no other way to control his power. Of course they come to him in the cover of darkness and secrecy because they walk in darkness and serve the dark prince.
But as Jesus had warned, the disciples abandon him. They run. He is all alone. But he goes to face this fate knowing it will happen because his whole life has been framed by the truth: "It will come about just as the prophets wrote."
Today's Prayer
O Father, may I never forsake Jesus, who has done so much and given up so much to bring me into your family. Forgive me when I deny my commitment to him by selfish and weak actions and reactions and please mature me to be more like him. In Jesus' holy name I pray. Amen.
Related Scripture Readings
Ⓒ 1996-2017 Heartlight, Inc. This material may not be reproduced in part or whole for commercial use without written consent. What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware. Easy-to-Read Version copyright © 2001 by World Bible Translation Center. All rights reserved.
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—Matthew 26:55-56
Key Thought
Those who left everything to follow Jesus now leave Jesus to save themselves. It is a crucial reminder to us of how easy it is to abandon what we hold dear to preserve that which we cannot save.
Of course they come to him at night and not when the crowds are around. They are afraid of the crowds. Of course they come to him as if he were a criminal and robber, because they know of no other way to control his power. Of course they come to him in the cover of darkness and secrecy because they walk in darkness and serve the dark prince.
But as Jesus had warned, the disciples abandon him. They run. He is all alone. But he goes to face this fate knowing it will happen because his whole life has been framed by the truth: "It will come about just as the prophets wrote."
Today's Prayer
O Father, may I never forsake Jesus, who has done so much and given up so much to bring me into your family. Forgive me when I deny my commitment to him by selfish and weak actions and reactions and please mature me to be more like him. In Jesus' holy name I pray. Amen.
Related Scripture Readings
Ⓒ 1996-2017 Heartlight, Inc. This material may not be reproduced in part or whole for commercial use without written consent. What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware. Easy-to-Read Version copyright © 2001 by World Bible Translation Center. All rights reserved.
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