Day 26 of #DailyMatthew.
Wow, there is a lot to think about in Matthew 26. I’d probably need to write a short book in order to cover everything! One thing about Jesus that strikes me just about every single time I read big chunks of the Gospel, is the internal strength of Jesus.
The world is falling apart around him, his most loyal followers are deserting him, and he is being brutally attacked (both spiritual and physically) by those in authority. And even when the magnitude of what is happening (and is about to happen) to him overwhelming, he gathers himself and continues on with his mission. Jesus is relentless. His desire to offer redemption to all of humanity is relentless. Jesus does not wobble or waver.
Then I look at my own life at times. Am I that relentless? Do I stand strong in the midst of chaos? Am I calm in the middle in the storm?
Why was Jesus so strong, so intentional, so relentless? For many reasons, of course, but one of them is that Jesus had an unshakable sense of purpose and mission. Jesus’ sense of calling was grounded in the sacred scriptures. Notice how his birth was connected with ancient prophecies. Notice how many times he quoted the Old Testament in the first twenty-six chapters of Matthew. Notice what he said to the crowd, “this has all taken place so that the writings of the prophets might be fulfilled” (26:56). Jesus knew his mission was part of something bigger than what anyone else could see.
If you are a follower of Jesus, to what extent do you realize that you are part of something big? Do you live your life with a relentless sense of purpose, calling, and a willingness to be a part of God’s mission to redeem and restore the world? If so, take your eyes off the chaos around you and focus them on Jesus instead. You just might find the strength you are looking for!
Mark
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