Christ as King: A Study in MatthewSample

What does it say?

Jesus was anointed, betrayed, and denied. He established the Lord’s Supper and prayed in Gethsemane before he was arrested and taken before the Sanhedrin.

What does it mean?

The reactions to Jesus from within His most intimate circle ranged from profound adoration to betrayal and denial in the days before His crucifixion. Mary’s extravagant expression of love revealed her devotion to the Lord, even though men without insight into its true meaning misunderstood it. The same lack of spiritual understanding marred the intimacy that should have characterized Jesus’ last supper and prayer with His followers. Despite betrayal and denial, Jesus displayed the depth of God’s love for mankind by voluntarily submitting to His Father’s will to give His life as payment for sin.

How should I respond?

Living in intimate fellowship with Jesus is costly, but it’s also eternally rewarding. If you choose to live closely with Jesus, you may be called to make extravagant sacrifices that will be misunderstood or judged. Identifying yourself as a Christian at home, work, or school might cause unbelievers to treat you with disrespect or even put you in danger. Jesus’ willing sacrifice for our sins deserves our greatest devotion. Can you do less when you consider the depth of His love for you? For those who are on intimate terms with Jesus, no sacrifice is too great. How will you display your loyalty to the Savior today?