Read the Book: July - SeptemberSample

Week 32

Ourselves in the Story

Matthew 26

When do we, as followers of Christ, get in the way of people coming humbly to Jesus, and when do the crowds get in our way of doing what the Spirit calls us to do? Matthew 26 tells the story of a few days filled with powerful moments. If you walk through the stories of each character that appears in this single chapter, you can find yourself doing or having done the same thing—as can I. 

The woman came into the room burdened by the weight of her sin but poured herself out, unabandoned, at His feet despite her brokenness. 

The Disciples get annoyed with those around them but Jesus answered their thoughts; their thoughts and quick judgments betrayed them, making them realize they need to capture and reframe their thoughts.

Judas was concerned with money and betrayed Christ with a kiss. He served Jesus with a deceitful heart. 

Peter promised Jesus that he would never abandon Jesus, but in the face of trouble, he did. In realization of what he’d done, he was brought to his knees, weeping bitterly.

Jesus, crushed with grief, asks his closest companions—Peter, James, and John—to keep watch and pray. But they fell asleep instead. 

The crowd and the council acted like judges and juries. 

Are we the ones humbly pouring out our hearts without worry of risk because we recognize our sinful state? Are we the ones betraying Jesus for things that won’t last? Are we the ones healed and forgiven, yet forgetting? Are we the faithful follower who vows not to deny, yet we do. 

We have been every character in the story at some time or another… except Jesus. The common thread of all of these characters is that they need a Savior. And that’s who we have in Jesus. Breathe grace to yourself and to others, the same way Jesus has.

Family Connection: Have you ever done something that you didn’t want to do? Why did you do it? Was it to get something that you wanted? In Matthew 26 we see that Jesus knew that He was going to be betrayed and die, but He did it anyways! Why did He do that? Jesus did all of these things, not for personal reward, but because He loves you. Jesus died on the cross to take the punishment for our sins so that we could have a relationship with God. Take some time and thank Him for the sacrifice that He made.