IS IT ME?

Matthew 26

The Last Supper

17 On the first day of the Festival of Unleavened Bread, the disciples came to Jesus and asked, “Where do you want us to make preparations for you to eat the Passover?”

18 He replied, “Go into the city to a certain man and tell him, ‘The Teacher says: My appointed time is near. I am going to celebrate the Passover with my disciples at your house.’” 19 So the disciples did as Jesus had directed them and prepared the Passover.

20 When evening came, Jesus was reclining at the table with the Twelve. 21 And while they were eating, he said, “Truly I tell you, one of you will betray me.”

22 They were very sad and began to say to him one after the other, “Surely you don’t mean me, Lord?”

23 Jesus replied, “The one who has dipped his hand into the bowl with me will betray me. 24 The Son of Man will go just as it is written about him. But woe to that man who betrays the Son of Man! It would be better for him if he had not been born.”

25 Then Judas, the one who would betray him, said, “Surely you don’t mean me, Rabbi?”

Jesus answered, “You have said so.”

26 While they were eating, Jesus took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to his disciples, saying, “Take and eat; this is my body.”

27 Then he took a cup, and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you. 28 This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. 29 I tell you, I will not drink from this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father’s kingdom.”

30 When they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives.

HOLY PAUSE

Jesus, flesh and blood, given and risen, for us.  Hold that thought for a minute or two.

Pause for a moment in pure gratitude.  Drink in the thoughts of this sacrificial, selfless love.  Chew on this scripture of preparation for the Savior’s act of payment of your sins, my sins, the sins of the world in which God loves, really, unconditionally loves.

“Is it me, Lord?” 

Am I a Judas of betrayal when I reject Him by living selfishly?  

Do we live life on our own thinking we can do better without God? 

When we treat others less than ourselves, do we betray who Jesus is and how He loves?

When we are divided, as in the upper room, between betrayal and loyalty, do we crucify Jesus yet again?

What is the gold standard of our love?  Is it love with conditions?  Is it love that requires love in return?  Do we truly love our neighbors and our enemies like Jesus taught and lived?

Abba Father,

It is not the intent of my heart to grieve your heart with my human weaknesses.  Continue to transform my way of thinking to match your desires.  Cleanse my heart of all that offends you.  Wash over my soul and lift me up in my thinking and behaving to where you are in love, mercy and grace.  It is only by your power that this can be achieved.  I am weak but you are strong.  Your grace is sufficient for all who believe.  And I believe.

In Jesus Name, Amen

About randscallawayffm

Randy and Susan co founded Finding Focus Ministries in 2006. Their goal as former full time pastors, is to serve and provide spiritual encouragement and focus to those on the "front lines" of ministry. Extensive experience being on both sides of ministry, paid and volunteer, on the mission fields of other countries as well as the United States, helps them bring a different perspective to those who need it most. Need a lift? Call us 260 229 2276.
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