Today I was reading in Matthew 26 and God highlighted a few truths from this passage:
A woman came to Jesus with an alabaster jar of very costly ointment, and she poured it on His head as e sat at the table. But when the disciples saw it, they were angry and said, "Why this waste?" . . . But Jesus, aware of this, said to them, "Why do you trouble the woman? She has performed a good service for me. ~ Matthew 26:7-8, 10
Too often we become focused on the opinions of others and it cripples our ability to serve God. This woman did something incredible for Jesus, something He praised her for and promised that wherever the Good News would be proclaimed that her story would be told (Matt 26:13). Praise God that her focus was upon serving Jesus and not upon the opinions of others. For she obeyed what God called her to do regardless of what others might think.
Then one of the twelve, who was called Judas Iscariot, went to the chief priests and said, "What will you give me if I betray Him to you?" ~ Matthew 26:14
Judas' betrayal of Jesus was done out of selfishness and a self-focused perspective. He was more concerned about what would be given to him than what would happen to Jesus because of his actions. Lord, let our focus be upon You rather than upon ourselves. For we know that You are the giver of every good and perfect gift (James 1:17). There is nothing this world can offer that would be greater than what You give. Help me, Jesus, to be more focused on You, Your Name, and Your Glory than upon my own. Amen.
Jesus said to Judas, "Friend, do what you are here to do." Then they came and laid hands on Jesus and arrested Him. ~ Matthew 26:50
Knowing what Judas has come to do and the pain Jesus will face because of that choice, Jesus calls him "friend." What hope that gives us! What love, that in spite of all the times we have hurt, denied, and turned our backs on Jesus, He calls us friend.
Then Peter began to curse, and he swore on oath, I do not know the man!" At that moment the cock crowed. Then Peter remembered what Jesus had said: "Before the cock crows, you will deny me three times." And he went out and wept bitterly. ~ Matthew 26:74-75
How often I forget the truth of God's Word and need a reminder like Peter received. God has spoken so much truth to us through Scripture - words of peace, strength, joy, power - that we quickly forget, especially when we are in difficult situations and need it most. Lord, let us be accepting of the reminders of Your Truth. Let our pride not get in the way of taking these words of power and wisdom to heart, letting them soak into us that they might effect change from the inside out.
