Tag Archives: Matthew

Matthew 27- Jesus Died For Me

Now from the sixth hour there was darkness over all the land unto the ninth hour. And about the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying, Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani? that is to say, My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me? Some of them that stood there, when they heard that, said, This man calleth for Elias. And straightway one of them ran, and took a spunge, and filled it with vinegar, and put it on a reed, and gave him to drink. The rest said, Let be, let us see whether Elias will come to save him. Jesus, when he had cried again with a loud voice, yielded up the ghost. Matthew 27:45-50

Charles Spurgeon once said “My Entire theology can be condensed in four words “Jesus died for me”

The death of Jesus Christ must be central to our faith and doctrine, anyone who denies the physical death of Christ, denies the true gospel. Jesus Christ, being fully God and fully Man (Philippians 2)  went to the cross to die for the penalty of our sins, we must understand that! And the only reason Christ went to the cross was because He loves us (Romans 5:8) The details of this event were amazingly prophesied by David through the Holy Spirit in Psalm 22. As Christ makes the statement “My God, My God, why have you forsaken me?”

The penalty for the sin of the world was laid upon Christ on the cross (Isaiah 53, John 1:29) As it says in Isaiah “He (Christ)  was pierced for our transgressions (sins) , He (Christ) was crushed for our iniquities (sins) (Isaiah 53:5) and The LORD (Yahweh) laid upon Him (Christ) the iniquity (sins) of us ALL (Isaiah 53:6) The torment and torture Jesus Christ endured on the cross was to reconcile You back to your Heavenly Father!

And, behold, the veil of the temple was rent in twain from the top to the bottom; and the earth did quake, and the rocks rent; And the graves were opened; and many bodies of the saints which slept arose, And came out of the graves after his resurrection, and went into the holy city, and appeared unto many. Now when the centurion, and they that were with him, watching Jesus, saw the earthquake, and those things that were done, they feared greatly, saying, Truly this was the Son of God. And many women were there beholding afar off, which followed Jesus from Galilee, ministering unto him: Matthew 27:51-55

As the scripture tells us “The Veil of the Temple was Torn” when Christ fulfilled the requirements on the cross, Christ reconciled us back to our Heavenly Father, the New Covenant was instituted by the blood of Christ (Luke 22) The Veil used to separate us from God in the Old Covenant because of our sin, however now we are Born Again in Christ (John 3), the Holy Spirit lives inside of us, we are now the Temple of God (1 Corinthians 6) As Jesus said “Destroy this temple in 3 days , and I will raise it up “ (John 2:19) The Old Covenant is now obsolete (Hebrews 8) and we are in a New Covenant with Jesus Christ (Luke 22)

When we understand the depravity of our sin, and we understand the love of God through Jesus Christ, your heart will be made new , God will put the Holy Spirit inside of you (Ezekiel 36), to live forevermore Amen

Matthew 27- Crucifixion of Christ

And as they came out, they found a man of Cyrene, Simon by name: him they compelled to bear his cross. And when they were come unto a place called Golgotha, that is to say, a place of a skull, They gave him vinegar to drink mingled with gall: and when he had tasted thereof, he would not drink. And they crucified him, and parted his garments, casting lots: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, They parted my garments among them, and upon my vesture did they cast lots And sitting down they watched him there; And set up over his head his accusation written, THIS IS JESUS THE KING OF THE JEWS. Matthew 27:32-37

The darkest moment in human history became our victory! The hour has come for the Son of God to go to the cross to pay for the penalty of our sins, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world. Satan and his children believed they have defeated Jesus, however what they didn’t realize is that Christ defeated Satan, Sin, Death, and Hell at the cross forever!

A man named Simon, was observing Christ carrying his cross all the way up the hill of Golgotha, when he was instructed to help Jesus carry that cross. Jesus told us “Deny yourself, Carry your cross, and follow me” (Matthew 16:24) Think of the spiritual application here, you are at that moment of the crucifixion, it’s time for you to carry your cross with Christ or deny Christ. Which way will you choose? The path to the cross , is not pleasurable, it’s miserable, its not prosperous but poverty, its not ego driven but about self denial. The path to the cross with Christ is the only way to eternal life

Notice the sign on the cross “Jesus The King”, even though the religious leaders tried to execute the Messiah, the truth and God reigns, Jesus is King of Kings and Lord of Lords, the sign on the cross was a reminder and evidence for all to know this!

Then were there two thieves crucified with him, one on the right hand, and another on the left. And they that passed by reviled him, wagging their heads, And saying, Thou that destroyest the temple, and buildest it in three days, save thyself. If thou be the Son of God, come down from the cross. Likewise also the chief priests mocking him, with the scribes and elders, said, He saved others; himself he cannot save. If he be the King of Israel, let him now come down from the cross, and we will believe him. He trusted in God; let him deliver him now, if he will have him: for he said, I am the Son of God The thieves also, which were crucified with him, cast the same in his teeth. Matthew 27:38-44

Jesus was crucified between two thieves, one even though he was hanging to his death, cursed Christ and blasphemed his name. The other thief recognized who Jesus is and asked him for mercy. The repentant thief said “Jesus Lord, remember me when you come into your Kingdom” (Luke 22:42) What was Christ response “Today you will be with me in Paradise” (Luke 22:43) Jesus didn’t say tomorrow or at the resurrection , you will be with me in Paradise, Christ said Today! To depart from the body is to be with The Lord (2 Corinthians 5:8)

The wicked kept yelling at Jesus to come down from the cross, what they didn’t understand is Christ went to the cross for us! The Lord willingly went to the cross to pay for the penalty of our sins. The darkest hour in human history is our victory in Jesus Christ, Amen!

Matthew 27- The Blood of Christ

When Pilate saw that he could prevail nothing, but that rather a tumult was made, he took water, and washed his hands before the multitude, saying, I am innocent of the blood of this just person: see ye to it. Then answered all the people, and said, His blood be on us, and on our children. Then released he Barabbas unto them: and when he had scourged Jesus, he delivered him to be crucified. Matthew 27:24-26

Pontius Pilate tried to “wash his hands” from the murder of Jesus Christ, he said “I am innocent of the blood of this just person (Christ)” However Pilate was not innocent, the blood is on his hands. Just as we are not innocent either, blood of Christ is on our hands also. How many of us will try to “wash our hands” from the death of Christ? You would say “I had nothing to do with the death of Jesus” however you did. Every sin that you committed put Christ on the cross! Think about that! We all want to believe we are “good” people , but we are all sinners, we all have fallen short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23) Because of your sin and my sin, Christ went to the cross to pay the penalty because He loves us

The people in the crowd made a foolish statement “His blood be on us and our children” As Jesus said on the cross “Father forgive them for they know not what they do” (Luke 23:34) They willingly put the death of the Messiah, the death of the Son of God on them and their children. What happened in 70 A.D.? The Temple was destroyed forever as Jesus prophesied, and Israel was ultimately destroyed. 

Then the soldiers of the governor took Jesus into the common hall, and gathered unto him the whole band of soldiers And they stripped him, and put on him a scarlet robe. And when they had platted a crown of thorns, they put it upon his head, and a reed in his right hand: and they bowed the knee before him, and mocked him, saying, Hail, King of the Jews! And they spit upon him, and took the reed, and smote him on the head. And after that they had mocked him, they took the robe off from him, and put his own raiment on him, and led him away to crucify him. Matthew 27:27-31

The Roman soldiers then took Jesus and brutally beat and cursed him. They mocked Jesus as King, they even put a crown of thorns upon his head. What drove these men to mock the Kingship of Christ? How shocking it will be one day , when all these soldiers will once again bow to the Risen Christ as King of Kings and Lord of Lords (Philippians 2)

Many wicked people plotted together to execute Christ, however remember what Jesus said “Nobody can take it from me, I lay it down on my own accord” (John 10:18) Jesus allowed himself to be the slain Lamb of God to pay for the penalty of our sins, including yours and mine! Are your hands clean? Repent of your sins and obey The Lord Jesus Christ, and the blood of the Lamb will wash you clean as snow (Isaiah 1) Amen!

Matthew 27- We Are Barabbas

Now at that feast the governor was wont to release unto the people a prisoner, whom they would. And they had then a notable prisoner, called Barabbas. Therefore when they were gathered together, Pilate said unto them, Whom will ye that I release unto you? Barabbas, or Jesus which is called Christ? For he knew that for envy they had delivered him. When he was set down on the judgment seat, his wife sent unto him, saying, Have thou nothing to do with that just man: for I have suffered many things this day in a dream because of him. But the chief priests and elders persuaded the multitude that they should ask Barabbas, and destroy Jesus. The governor answered and said unto them, Whether of the twain will ye that I release unto you? They said, Barabbas. Matthew 27:15-21

It was a custom to release a prisoner around a feast, Pilate was using the opportunity to try and wash his hands of the execution of Jesus, by allowing the Jews to make their decision who to release and who to execute. Now interestingly enough, if you look in some of the translations of the scriptures , Barrabas also had the first name of Jesus, which the name Yeshua would have been common in the first century

So when the crowd had gathered, Pilate asked them, “Which one do you want me to release to you: Jesus Barabbas, or Jesus who is called the Messiah?” (NIV, Matthew 27:17)

So the question back then is the same question today, which Jesus do you choose? Today many people worship a false Jesus, a Christ not of the Bible. Many false religions and cults, create their own Jesus to fit their own theology and ideology, but we must worship the true Son of God from the scriptures!

Barabbas was  a murderer (Mark 15:7), a criminal doing time, Pilate probably thought the Jews would have easily chosen Christ over the wicked Barrabas, however the religious leaders persuaded the crowd to choose Barrabas and execute Jesus Christ

Now another spiritual application to this story, Barabbas was a convicted sinner, however Jesus Christ , the sinless Lamb of God, took his place and Barabbas was set free. This was a foreshadow of us, we are Barabbas. Christ took our place , paid the penalty for our sin, and we are set free becoming Born Again

Pilate saith unto them, What shall I do then with Jesus which is called Christ? They all say unto him, Let him be crucified And the governor said, Why, what evil hath he done? But they cried out the more, saying, Let him be crucified. Matthew 27:22-23

The wickedness of the people’s hearts choose to slay the Lamb of God and justify a murdere. As we know God used the evilness of men, to defeat sin and death forever! The religious leaders, who were claiming to be “children of God” are the ones who crucified the Son of God

For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him. (2 Corinthians 5:21)  Amen!

Matthew 27- King of Kings

And Jesus stood before the governor: and the governor asked him, saying, Art thou the King of the Jews? And Jesus said unto him, Thou sayest. And when he was accused of the chief priests and elders, he answered nothing. Then said Pilate unto him, Hearest thou not how many things they witness against thee? And he answered him to never a word; insomuch that the governor marvelled greatly. Matthew 27:11-14

Now the trial of Christ begins, a trial that is corrupted and unjust, a trial that was a setup to charge the Son of God with false accusations. Many evil people played their part in orchestrating the greatest shame of a trial in history. Pontius Pilate, who basically tried to wash his hands clean of this injustice, is the central figure to the entire trial, as he ultimately made the decision to have Christ executed on a cross.

Pilate is intrigued by Jesus, and asks him “Are You The King of the Jews”? Now notice how Jesus answers “You have said so” Now many might wonder , why wouldn’t Jesus just directly tell Pilate, Yes I’m the King of Kings, the Messiah. However remember Jesus never did this with anyone, as he wants people to come to their own conclusion. Even though Pilate was a wicked and evil man, Christ was giving him a chance to accept him as Lord and King, however the hardness of Pilate’s heart would always prevent that from happening.

Jesus remained silent, even during the false accusations by the religious leaders. As it prophesied in Isaiah 53:7

He was oppressed and He was afflicted,

Yet He opened not His mouth;

He was led as a lamb to the slaughter,

And as a sheep before its shearers is silent,

So He opened not His mouth.

Jesus is the Lamb of God that was led to the slaughter, however Christ willingly layed down his life for us, Christ was obedient even to the point of death on the cross, to pay for the penalty of our sins. Pilate couldn’t understand , he knew Jesus was innocent, yet Christ never opened his mouth to defend himself, letting himself be condemned to the cross

Notice Jesus allowed the words of evil men to condemn themselves, Jesus didn’t have to defend himself , because Christ is innocent. However the blasphemies and false accusations spoken by the evil people, will condemn them on judgment day, when they will face Christ, the one they crucified on the cross

Is Jesus the King of the Jews, Yes Christ is King of the Jews and the Gentiles, Jesus Christ is King of Kings and Lord of Lords. How many Kings would lay down their lives for their people? How many Kings would leave their throne, to lower themselves below the angels, to become the suffering servant for our sins? Jesus Christ is worthy of all praise, Glory to the King of Kings, Amen!

Matthew 27- 30 Pieces of Silver

When the morning was come, all the chief priests and elders of the people took counsel against Jesus to put him to death: And when they had bound him, they led him away, and delivered him to Pontius Pilate the governor. Then Judas, which had betrayed him, when he saw that he was condemned, repented himself, and brought again the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and elders, Saying, I have sinned in that I have betrayed the innocent blood. And they said, What is that to us? see thou to that. And he cast down the pieces of silver in the temple, and departed, and went and hanged himself. Matthew 27:1-5

The Apostles Creed states “suffered under Pontius PIlate ” Even though Pilate tried to “wash his hands” of the death of Christ, it was under his authority that he determined Jesus was to be crucified by the Romans. The religious leaders of Israel, used the Roman government to do their dirty work in killing the Messiah. Ultimately there were alot of evil hands involved in the death of Christ, but God used it to fulfill His will and deliver us from our sins

One of the main evil participants was Judas Iscariot, who we talked about in depth previously. Now that Judas fulfilled his betrayal of Christ, it was time for him to get paid the 30 pieces of silver. If you think God is not in control, this was prophesied in Zechariah 11:10-17 

12And I said unto them, If ye think good, give [me] my price; and if not, forbear. So they weighed for my price thirty [pieces] of silver. 13And the LORD said unto me, Cast it unto the potter: a goodly price that I was prised at of them. And I took the thirty [pieces] of silver, and cast them to the potter in the house of the LORD. 

And the chief priests took the silver pieces, and said, It is not lawful for to put them into the treasury, because it is the price of blood. And they took counsel, and bought with them the potter’s field, to bury strangers in. Wherefore that field was called, The field of blood, unto this day.Then was fulfilled that which was spoken by Jeremy the prophet, saying, And they took the thirty pieces of silver, the price of him that was valued, whom they of the children of Israel did value; And gave them for the potter’s field, as the Lord appointed me. Matthew 27:6-10

So why did the Apostle Matthew refer to Jeremiah when the prophecy was actually foretold by Zechariah? Is there actually a contradiction in the Bible? No, during the first century the scriptures were divided into three sections The Law, The Prophets, and The Psalms, this was confirmed by Jesus (Luke 24:44) When Matthew was referring to Jeremiah, he was referring to The Prophets section, which Jeremiah was traditionally the first book on the scroll

Jesus said “What does it profit to gain the whole world and lose your soul” (Matthew 16:26) When Judas received his 30 pieces of silver, did it bring him happiness? No, he hanged himself on a tree. As Jesus foretold “It would have been better he was never born at all” (Matthew 26:24) 

Matthew 26- The Rooster Crowed

Now Peter sat without in the palace: and a damsel came unto him, saying, Thou also wast with Jesus of Galilee. But he denied it before them all, saying, “I do not know what you are saying.” And when he was gone out into the porch, another maid saw him, and said unto them that were there, This fellow was also with Jesus of Nazareth. And again he denied with an oath, I do not know the man. And after a while came unto him they that stood by, and said to Peter, Surely thou also art one of them; for thy speech bewrayeth thee Then began he to curse and to swear, saying, I know not the man. And immediately the cock crew. And Peter remembered the word of Jesus, which said unto him, Before the cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice. And he went out, and wept bitterly. Matthew 26:69-75

 As we read previously, the religious leaders rejected the Messiah Jesus, but now comes the rejection from his own disciples. Imagine how Jesus felt, his hand picked disciples, who spent the past 3 years with him, ran for the hills once trouble came their way. Even though everyone abandoned Jesus, Christ never abandoned us, he still went to the cross to pay for our sins, because He loves us!

As Jesus prophesied, Peter would eventually deny Christ three times before the Rooster crows, meaning before the morning. Remember Peters first response “Lord I will never fall away” He was confident in his faith, however when persecution came, Peter failed and rejected The Lord three times. I’m sure there are times in our own walk, where we let The Lord down, but remember his response to Peter, after the resurrection Christ came looking for Peter!

Think about this from Peter’s perspective, he denied Jesus and then Christ went to the cross and died. Even though Jesus told his disciples multiple times that He would rise after 3 days, they didn’t seem to comprehend or remember his words. So Peter, feeling ashamed of how he responded to Christ, thought it was all over. Peter was probably unsure of what his next steps were in his life, he left everything behind to follow Jesus and then felt like a failure in the end

But image that glorious day, when Peter heard Jesus calling for him on the shoreline (John 21) Imagine the hope and joy Peter must have felt, to hear and know Jesus never left or forsake him. Jesus asked Peter three times “Do you love me” ? Isn’t it interesting how Peter denied Christ three times , then The Lord asks him if he loves him three times, redemption?

The fact is Jesus always knew Peter loved him, but gave him a chance to redeem himself. Jesus told him to “Feed My Sheep” Christ didn’t reject Peter for his failures, Christ forgave him and used Peter to build the Church (Acts 2, Matthew 16:18) 

Remember in your failures, Jesus is standing on the shore, with open arms never leaving or forsaken you! Amen

Matthew 26- Rejection of The Messiah

And they that had laid hold on Jesus led him away to Caiaphas the high priest, where the scribes and the elders were assembled. But Peter followed him afar off unto the high priest’s palace, and went in, and sat with the servants, to see the end. Now the chief priests, and elders, and all the council, sought false witness against Jesus, to put him to death; But found none: yea, though many false witnesses came, yet found they none. At the last came two false witnesses, And said, This fellow said, I am able to destroy the temple of God, and to build it in three days. And the high priest arose, and said unto him, Answerest thou nothing? what is it which these witness against thee? Matthew 26- 57-62

The religious leaders made-up a fake trial with false charges against Jesus, so they can justify to the people , to execute him. Imagine these men, who were the spiritual leaders of Israel, who dedicated their lives to studying the Word of God, are plotting to execute the Son of God. Satan has blinded them, and the hardness of their hearts and the scales over their eyes, they are working for Satan to kill the Messiah

Of course, Jesus is sinless, therefor they needed to create fake charges, they quoted Jesus when he said “Destroy this temple in 3 days, and I’ll raise it up” (John 2:19) Of course the religious leaders had no idea what Jesus was talking about, Christ was prophesying about his death and resurrection, which ironically they are fulfilling with their wicked deeds

But Jesus held his peace. And the high priest answered and said unto him, I adjure thee by the living God, that thou tell us whether thou be the Christ, the Son of God. Jesus saith unto him, Thou hast said: nevertheless I say unto you, Hereafter shall ye see the Son of man sitting on the right hand of power, and coming in the clouds of heaven.Then the high priest rent his clothes, saying, He hath spoken blasphemy; what further need have we of witnesses? behold, now ye have heard his blasphemy. What think ye? They answered and said, He is guilty of death. Then did they spit in his face, and buffeted him; and others smote him with the palms of their hands, Saying, Prophesy unto us, thou Christ, Who is he that smote thee?  Matthew 26:63-68

So the question was asked to Jesus “Are you the Messiah, the Son of God”? Jesus answered directly “Yes and You will see the Son of Man coming in the Clouds” obviously referring to Daniel 7, the religious leaders knew exactly who Jesus was saying He is, the Son of Man in Daniel. It’s clear by their response of charging Christ is Blasphemy , they understood what he was saying they rejected the Son of God

The religious leaders had witnesses many of Jesus miracles and heard many of his teachings, they had clear evidence that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, yet they still choose to reject him, why? Because the religious leaders didn’t truly love God, they loved their religion, their money, their power, they wanted a god in their own image

The hour has come for Christ to go to the cross, at the hands of wicked men, to pay for the sins of the world, defeating death and Satan forever! Amen!

Matthew 26- Brotherhood Betrayal

And while he yet spake, lo, Judas, one of the twelve, came, and with him a great multitude with swords and staves, from the chief priests and elders of the people. Now he that betrayed him gave them a sign, saying, Whomsoever I shall kiss, that same is he: hold him fast. And forthwith he came to Jesus, and said, Hail, master; and kissed him. And Jesus said unto him, Friend, wherefore art thou come? Then came they, and laid hands on Jesus, and took him. Matthew 26:47-50

The Hour has come for the Son of Man to be betrayed and killed at the hands of sinners. Jesus foretold this would happen to his disciples multiple times, but they didn’t understand at the moment. The son of perdition, Judas, came to betray his Lord for 30 pieces of silver, what does it profit to gain the whole world and lose your soul (Matthew 16:26)

Judas betrayed The Lord with a kiss, imagine the wickedness of Judas to betray Christ , it’s obvious Judas was never Born Again, it’s obvious he has no real love or understanding of who Jesus is. Satan has entered him, and used him to do evil for the Kingdom of Darkness. However the wickedness of this world was used for our eternal victory, as Jesus Christ , the Lamb of God, paid the atonement for our sins by the wickedness of this world

And, behold, one of them which were with Jesus stretched out his hand, and drew his sword, and struck a servant of the high priest’s, and smote off his ear. Then said Jesus unto him, Put up again thy sword into his place: for all they that take the sword shall perish with the sword. Thinkest thou that I cannot now pray to my Father, and he shall presently give me more than twelve legions of angels? But how then shall the scriptures be fulfilled, that thus it must be?  Matthew 26:51-54

When they went to seize Christ, Peter actually drew his sword and slashed, struck one of the High Priests servants and cut off his ear (John 18:10) Jesus rebuked him saying “Whoever lives by the sword, will die by the sword” Was Christ rebuking self defense? No, as Jesus said “the scriptures must be fulfilled” Jesus already knew he was going to the cross, to die for the sins of the world, this was being fulfilled by the wickedness of men

As Jesus said “ Don’t you think I can pray to my Father and he will send twelve legions of Angels”?  God is always in control, Christ willingly went to the cross to be the Lamb of God. Satan believed he defeated Jesus at the cross, but Christ actually defeated Satan, Sin, and Death forevermore!

In that same hour said Jesus to the multitudes, Are ye come out as against a thief with swords and staves for to take me? I sat daily with you teaching in the temple, and ye laid no hold on me. But all this was done, that the scriptures of the prophets might be fulfilled. Then all the disciples forsook him, and fled. Matthew 26:55-56

Jesus said “All this was done, that the scripture of the prophets might be fulfilled” Everything Christ endured at the hands of evil men, was for your salvation! But notice the response of the disciples “the disciples forsook him and fled”

The scriptures have been fulfilled, Christ went to the cross for our sins and defeated Satan, Sin, and Death forevermore! Amen!

Matthew 26- Garden of Gethsemane

Then cometh Jesus with them unto a place called Gethsemane, and saith unto the disciples, Sit ye here, while I go and pray yonder.And he took with him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, and began to be sorrowful and very heavy. Then saith he unto them, My soul is exceeding sorrowful, even unto death: tarry ye here, and watch with me. And he went a little further, and fell on his face, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt. And he cometh unto the disciples, and findeth them asleep, and saith unto Peter, What, could ye not watch with me one hour? Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak. Matthew 26:36-41

Gethsemane is where Jesus came to die, the cross is only the evidence – Leonard Ravenhill

What did Ravenhill mean by this? Well this is where Christ knew His hour has come, to go to the cross, and pay for the sins of the world. We must remember Jesus is fully God and fully Human, He knew He was going to be tortured and put to death, however Christ did it because He loves us. Jesus went to the cross, as a demonstration of his love towards us,(Romans 5:8) there is no greater act of love than what Christ did on the cross for us!

Jesus asked his disciples to stay awake while He prayed to The Father, but the disciples repeatedly fell asleep. This is the same as the Church today, Jesus has continually told us to “Watch and Pray” however the Church is asleep. We have lost our focus on Christ, we have forgotten our mission to share the good news and be the hands and feet of Christ. 

Christ said “Watch and Pray , You don’t enter into temptation, the Spirit is willing but the flesh is weak” (v41) The warning by Jesus, Don’t fall asleep! Don’t fall into the temptations of this world! Watch and Pray! Keep your lamps lit for the return of Christ!

He went away again the second time, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if this cup may not pass away from me, except I drink it, thy will be done. And he came and found them asleep again: for their eyes were heavy. And he left them, and went away again, and prayed the third time, saying the same words. Then cometh he to his disciples, and saith unto them, Sleep on now, and take your rest: behold, the hour is at hand, and the Son of man is betrayed into the hands of sinners. Rise, let us be going: behold, he is at hand that doth betray me. Matthew 26:42-46

While Jesus agonized over going to the cross, he sweated blood (Luke 22:44) Think about that! The Lord in anguish, continued in obedience and love to the cross! As Christ said “Thy Will Be Done”, Jesus was obedient to our Heavenly Father, even to the point of death on the cross! Reminds me of Philippians 2:6-11

Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God:

But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men:And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.