Exodus 29:1-30:10 + Matthew 26:14-46 + Psalm 31:19-24 + Proverbs 8:14-26
~ Click here to read today’s Scripture on Bible Gateway ~
~ Listen to today’s Scripture with Tom Dooley’s terrific NLT 1996 readings at this link or The ESV Bible: OT + NT + Psalms + Proverbs ~
Old Testament – Today in Exodus chapter 29 we read about the dedication of Aaron and his sons as priests!
Verse 37 stood out to me in this chapter: “After that, the altar will be exceedingly holy, and whatever touches it will become holy.” It’s interesting to consider the verses prior to this – with the 7 days of sacrifices of young bulls. For some reason this verse reminded me of Jesus and how people could simply touch the tassels of his robes and they would be healed. I think it’s fair to say that Jesus was much more holy than this altar was – and Jesus did not require purification rituals or sacrificing of bulls to make Jesus holy, as this altar did. Jesus “embodied” holiness! (and we’ll get to the power of Jesus’ body in today’s Matthew readings…) Below is an image of the altar of burnt offering in use:
In Chapter 30 we read about the incense altar. I read a commentary that said the incense from this altar represented prayers to God from his people. We can see this similarity in Revelation chapter 8 verses 3 & 4: “Then another angel with a gold incense burner came and stood at the altar. And a great quantity of incense was given to him to mix with the prayers of God’s people, to be offered on the gold altar before the throne. The smoke of the incense, mixed with the prayers of the saints, ascended up to God from the altar where the angel had poured them out.” It is wonderful imagery to realize that our prayers to God are like fragrant incense!
New Testament – Today in Matthew 26 verse 14 we read: “Then Judas Iscariot, one of the twelve disciples, went to the leading priests and asked, “How much will you pay me to betray Jesus to you?” And they gave him thirty pieces of silver.” The NIV Study Bible says that 30 pieces of silver was equivalent to about 120 denarii. Laborers at that time typically received 1 denarius for 1 day’s work. So, Judas was basically paid about 4 months worth of work for the betrayal of Jesus. Sad… Bible.org has a powerful essay on “The Biography of the Betrayer” at this link. Below is a fresco from the early 14th century by the Italian Renaissance Florentine painter Giotto titled “Pact of Judas.” In this fresco the two priests on the right discuss Judas’s treachery, while the third plots with Judas, who is in the clutches of the devil…
Verses 26 through 28 today certainly will remind us of why Communion / the Lord’s Supper is so important to us as believers in Jesus. This all took place the night before Jesus was crucified. The bread represents Jesus’ body, given for us. The wine represents Jesus’ blood, poured-out for many through Jesus’ atoning death.
Verse 35 always stands out to me whenever I read it: “No!” Peter insisted. “Not even if I have to die with you! I will never deny you!” And all the other disciples vowed the same.” I guess what jumps out at me in this verse is the question – are we really any different from Peter? Would we proclaim that we would not deny Jesus if you asked us straight up? Yes I think we would proclaim that. But then… I get to thinking. About how we live our life sometimes. About the decisions we make. About maybe even the bad habits we foreswore off when we were a new Christian. And yet… do we still find ourselves going back to those bad habits – back to those sins? And, if we are doing this conscientiously – are we in a way denying Jesus when we knowingly sin now? Are we at times denying Jesus as our Lord by our actions? At times, are we really that different from Peter?
The Garden of Gethsemane… verses 38 & 39 are heartbreaking: “Jesus told them, “My soul is crushed with grief to the point of death. Stay here and watch with me.” Jesus went on a little farther and fell face down on the ground, praying, “My Father! If it is possible, let this cup of suffering be taken away from me. Yet I want your will, not mine.”” Zondervan’s commentary on these 2 verses really seemed to shake me up a bit about what Jesus did for us – and how he was not a typical martyr – “Jesus did not die serenely as many martyrs have. He was no mere martyr – he was the Lamb of God bearing the penalty of the sins of the entire human race. The wrath of God was turned loose on him. Only this can adequately explain what took place at Gethsemane.” The atonement was coming the next day. And Jesus knew it. And he prayed for God’s will above all else. And God’s will was done. And those who believe in Jesus as the Son of God must be so thankful for Jesus’ fervent face down prayers in the Garden of Gethsemane… Through Jesus’ atoning death, we are saved from our sins. We are saved from God’s wrath. I think it’s really worth reflecting upon – Jesus took God’s wrath in our place. Think this qualifies Jesus as Savior? Below is Italian painter Sebastiano Conca’s beautiful “Christ in the Garden of Gethsemane” from the year 1746:
Psalms – This is a wonderful look at God’s goodness in Psalm 31 verse 19: “Your goodness is so great! You have stored up great blessings for those who honor you. You have done so much for those who come to you for protection, blessing them before the watching world.” Do you believe that God’s goodness is indeed great? Are you honoring God with your life and your actions and your thoughts each day? Do you believe that God is storing up blessings for you? Do you believe that God will bless you if you go to him for protection?
Proverbs – Proverbs chapter 8 verse 22 is powerful to consider as it speaks of Wisdom: “The LORD formed me from the beginning, before he created anything else.” If Wisdom was created before anything else, think this lends some credence to intelligent design? 🙂
Worship Video: Matthew 26:26-28 reminded me of the song by the Christian band Kutless called “Sea of Faces”. This song reminds me of The Lord’s Supper every time I hear it – “I see the city lights all around me – Everyone’s obscure. Ten million people each with their problems – Why should anyone care? And in Your eyes I can see – that I am not just a man, vastly lost in this world. Lost in a Sea of Faces. Your body’s the bread, Your blood is the wine. Because you traded Your life for mine….”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jLHE4P-B2FA
Do you feel lost in a sea of faces? Click here and be Found!
Please join us in memorizing and meditating on three verses of Scripture today: “While they were eating, Jesus took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to his disciples, saying, “Take and eat; this is my body.” Then he took the cup, gave thanks and offered it to them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you. This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.'” Matthew 26:26-28 NIV
Prayer Point: Pray that you will examine yourself and confess your sins to Jesus before partaking in the Lord’s Supper. Pray that you will fully receive Jesus when partaking in the Lord’s Supper.
Comments from You and Questions of the Day: Do our readings in Matthew today remind you of Communion / The Lord’s Supper at your church? Is this a positive remembrance for you? How important is Communion / The Lord’s Supper to you personally these days? Do you look forward to this remembrance at your church? Have you ever experienced Communion / The Lord’s Supper with others in settings outside of your normal worship experience? Maybe at a prayer gathering or outside or in other beautiful settings? Also, what verses or insights stand out to you in today’s readings? Please post up by clicking on the “Comments” link below!
God bless,
Mike
p.s. Download our monthly Small Group study notes for our Bible readings at this link.
p.s. #2 – Download a schedule of our Bible readings for the year in PDF format at this link.
p.s. #3 – I would greatly appreciate it if you would pray for this Bible Blog ministry today! Please also consider partnering with us by financially supporting this ministry. Thank you!
BLOG READERS HISTORICAL COMMUNITY COMMENTS:
======= Ramona:
Exodus 29:1-30:10
(Matthew 26:14-46)
Expensive stuff being used in the dedication of the priests who are to serve God; however, God being a God of beauty and “wealth,” He has made sure what He has requested from the people they have. God supplies all our needs and proved it by orchestrating a great transfer of wealth from the Egyptians to the Israelites (Ex. 3:22; 11:2,3). Just as he provided Abraham with a ram in the thicket on top of a mountain for a sacrifice He Himself commanded(Gen 22:7-8), God provided His son, the Lamb of God who was more beautiful, more costly and definitely more precious than anything we have on the earth.
The anointing oil used and to be poured on the head of Aaron can be tied into today’s Gospel reading. Jesus was not just at any garden, he was at Gethsemane, which means “oil press.” This was the place where olives were brought to be “crushed” by the presses so the oil would flow freely. In the NLT rendering Jesus speaks these words,
He told them, “My soul is crushed with grief to the point of death. Stay here and watch with me.”(Matthew 26:39).
There is no anointing oil, precious oil, very fine oil, without the olive first being crushed. The anointing is what gives us power and authority to be Christ’s representative upon the earth. It is the anointing that breaks the yoke of bondage. Where better to fulfill the words of the prophets inspired by God to speak than in a place where Olive trees grew and where the olives were crushed into fine olive oil.
Jesus is our altar and when we touch that alter by believing on Him we are made holy, just as when someone or something touched the altar of the Tabernacle in sincerity is altered so are those who touch Jesus but we now have eternal benefits.
Was Satan in the Garden with Jesus as depicted in the Passion? Absolutely. I believe that not because of what brother Mel put in his move but because of this one line from the Gospel of Luke,
So when the devil had completed every temptation, he departed from him until a more opportune time. (Luke 4:13 NET.)
The King James renders the word “opportune” as “season.” What better season to come back with a temptation then when you are at the point of crises. Jesus had to have been offered another “Way” because He would not have asked to have “this cup” taken from Him if it hadn’t crossed His mind. A crisis proved a crossroad, a decision, making a choice begs the question, “Have you and are you being tempted?”
Grace and peace,
Ramona
========== John:
Mike,
I certainly agree that Gethsemane was no walk in the park, and Jesus was anything but serene. The thoughts running through his head were so bad that it produced – Hermatidrosis, the phenomenon of sweating blood. But I think Christ achieved a victory in Gethsemane, and the lesson should be a powerful one for Christians. After Gethsemane, during the trial and crucifixion (except for physical pain), Christ appeared to have a serenity about him according to Biblical accounts.
I ask for some latitude here:
We know Satan tempted Jesus three times in the Wilderness, and the response was rooted in the “Word”, and Christ acheived the victory over Satan’s temptation that eluded Adam and Eve.
Although Satan is shown in the Garden in “The Passion”, there is no mention of him in Biblical text(?). But what if he was at Gethsemane. What if this was the bookend appearance of Satan trying to derail God’s plan. He failed in the wilderness, but gave it another shot in the Garden. Perhaps even three times? After all Luke wrote of the Wilderness experiance: “When the devil had finished all this tempting, he left him until an opportune time.” What better time than Gethsemane?
Not only did Jesus (on his human side) have to contend with the agonies awaiting him over the next day, perhaps Satan was whispering in his ear:
‘You don’t have to do this! For these worthless sinners, you are going to die? You are the SON OF GOD – surely you can talk to your Father? I will take them, they belong with me, etc.’
Each time Jesus responded in prayer to the Father. Not just any prayer, but “intense” prayer. The Second prayer had more mettle to it then the first, perhaps the third had even more strength. With each round of prayers – Jesus was getting stronger. He was rejecting Satan and relying on the Father’s Will.
THE LESSON: (Assuming the Satan in the Garden hypothesis) To battle temptations we are to use “The Word” and “Prayer”.
We can’t do it alone. From the Lord’s prayer:
“Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.”
Through the “Word” and “Prayer” we can together with Christ be delivered. If we go it alone, we fail – just as the disciples who kept falling asleep.
John
======== Caryn:
The Old Testament Reading: Today I wondered about the expense of everything that God was asking the Israelites to do in order that He could move in and live among them, and be their God. The ordaining of the priests took 7 bulls, 2 rams, 2 lambs each day for 7 days, a quart of olive oil, amongst other things. For people wandering in the desert were these things precious? The Israelites must have had to feel a real sense of commitment when doing all of this. Then there’s all the gold and fine tapestry, which was also probably hard to come by in the desert? (Although I do remember that God organised that the Israelites got gold from the Egyptians before they left Egypt)
It made me think about what expense (not only money) I go to for God to live and move in my life and be my God. We seem to have it so easy, and I sometimes think that makes me belittle who God really is.
Caryn
======= Anka:
I was touched by the disciples indifference to Christ’s sorrows.It says he took three of them aside,then began to look troubled and sorrowful..since they didn’t get it he also told them how he felt and how they could help,their response..they fell asleep.I sometimes think I really need to pray to feel Christ’s burden cos it’s so easy for me to meditate on my needs and be blinded by a person whose problems are alot more than my needs.
I was also wondering how Judas felt…when Jesus tells him to his face I know you will betray me yet still ate with him..Judas should have felt guilty but he still went ahead and betrayed Jesus.It encourages me to see that Jesus knew his disciples but loved them inspite of them…He knew they were selfish yet he accepted them…Today as I read I am almost in tears…how much he suffered…and suffers still when people just couldn’t care less what he went through to get us to safety…Today i pray that God makes me feel his burden more than I feel my silly problems…Marty&Carolyn,I can’t begin to imagine how you feel,I will pray that God heals you cos only he can.
God bless you all…
Anka
======= Micah Girl:
I had some of the same thoughts about the expense of everything involved and the preparation for worship and blogged about it yesterday. It reminded me that my worship should be extravagant and that I should hold nothing back.
Also, I love the wisdom verses in Proverbs today–they are unbelievable. I just wish they weren’t chopped up the way they are for the reading.
Micah Girl
======= Kristie:
It is interesting of how many of you were thinking of the expense of the sacrifices involved in the OT. Along those lines I was thinking of the time and effort it took! All the cutting, separating the skin and then going and burning it along with the dung. And I complain in my heart about making dinner.
Then as I was thinking about what a dirty job it was, I realized about how it was a “man’s job”–the priests were men and they had to do the dirty work. I thought that was gracious of God not to require the women to share in this role of cutting up animals and splashing blood on things. But women stil recieve the same benefits of the sacrifice.
Infact, correct me please, but don’t the priests even do their own laundry? Who is washing these clothes?! Yikes!
Just a thought.
Also the command in 30:9–
“You shall not offer unauthorized incense on it, or burnt offering, or a grain offering, and you shall not pour a drink offering on it.”
Again the seriousness of worship, that we don’t step outside the bounds and do worship our own way.
Mike, thanks for the pictures of the Old Testament items of worship and tabernacle.
Kristie
======= Robin:
I am new at this website and am absolutely enjoying the different and sincere comments. I am with all of you in regards to how much today’s (and everyday’s) readings touch me. I am having a hard time with the “imagery” that the very discriptive verses are bringing up in regards to the “concectating”. I am just praying to God today that He will someday have this make sense to me (and not just seem gross) like He has with so many other diffucult readings…was i the only one who felt “grossed out”. Just wondering.
God’s best to you all. Thanks much Mike for your time and faithfullness to this Blog.
Robin
======= Anka:
Hi Robin…actually I did feel the sacrifices were pretty messy my self…slaughtering…(i really like animals) but I thought it was just God’s way of showing us how messy we are (our sinful side)
Anka
======== Al:
I am new also, looking for a new way to go through the Bible after reading it via email five or six times.
My take on these readings are similar to those posted in some ways. Yes, the sacrifices in the OT were quite expensive.
But let’s not forget what the New Testament calls for. WE are to be poured out like drink offerings before the Lord. WE are to offer OURSELVES. (Romans 12:1)
Many of us would prefer to pony up the cash, no?
Blessings
Al
======= Stef:
do you know what strikes me from the Old Testament reading..if you look at the intense preparation and precise manner in which the Old Testament believers had to go about preparing for and presenting worship dont we seem to take our worship very casually ? everything is so much easier for us..i wouldve been so scared in the Old Testament days that i would do something wrong or touch the wrong thing that was sacred or Holy ..i am very thankful that we can come into Gods presence and He allows us to just offer up praise and worship but it is maybe a very neccessary reminder to us to not forget the Holiness of God..He is our friend but He is Holy not to be treated irreverantly and worthy of our awe and respect.
Stef
======= Cory:
Stef, I’m wondering if we aren’t meant to process these two things – (1) God’s holiness and (2) our accessiblity to God thru Christ – in the opposite order. Instead of saying, “i am very thankful that we can come into Gods presence and He allows us to just offer up praise and worship but it is maybe a very neccessary reminder to us to not forget the Holiness of God..He is our friend but He is Holy not to be treated irreverantly and worthy of our awe and respect;” perhaps we ought to say, “Now that Christ has become the last and perfect sacrifice, let us rejoice that the old obstacles are no more. We may now come empty-handed directly into the presence of God!” Same facts; just a different order of processing. I think this makes a world of difference.
Mike,
My all-time favorite communion song (among my all-time favorite songs, period!) is “Peace” by Rich Mullins. Simply amazing!
Cory
======= Lisa:
t has been interesting to learn how the people were to come before a Holy God – intentionally, as active participants and at some cost or expense. When I contrast that to how I usually come before God, it’s humbling and convicting. Sunday’s are a blur of breakfast, baths and getting out the door not more than five minutes late. By the time I get seated and ready for the service, I am distracted and ready to just “chill out”. Not very intentional, not actively participating and then thinking that the two hours I “gave” to God cost me something. My new prayer is that I would begin to come before God in a more intentional, particiapatory and sacrifical way – not just on Sundays, but throughout the entire week – after all, as we read today the sacrifices were to be offered twice daily.
It seems we often relegate the OT as antiquated practices or customs that are not relevant to our 21st century. It’s interesting to think about what Christinaity would look like today if we really practiced the OT model of worshiping and following our Holy God (not literally in terms of burnt offerings, etc. but in principle by leading holy and sacrificial lives.)
Lisa
======= John:
Mike,
The Lords Supper has wonderful memories for me…Being a part of the Christian Church we celebrate the Lord’s Supper every Sunday and I must say it is the highlight of the service, and I feel that is rightfully the way it should be… The routine of weekly remembrance has not made it any less special… to the contrary it has made the celebration of Communion “more special”…
I have had the Blessed opportunity to partake at other places…different fellowhips and at Christian Camps etc. and a break from the normal way only makes it even more special… And makes you more in-tune to tremendous sacrifice paid for our reconcilation to GOD! And that only adds to the wonder of the whole service that JESUS said WAS HIS BODY and HIS BLOOD… not merely a symbol… BUT I believe a real authentic Spiritual Event that we are invited to attend every week!
Glory
John
======= Dwayne:
I know that the sacrifice descriptions sound rather “gross” to us, but I think it’s important not to apply 21st century sensibilities to biblical accounts. Except for farmers, most of us today think of animals more as pets than property. But to the Israelites they would have been seen very differently.
I think a less “visceral” comparison in today’s terms would be for an artist to offer up their masterpiece painting, or a crafstman offering up a beautifully crafted piece of furniture. A unique thing of value which they put their life into producing. They might even dab a little of the paint or varnish on themselves as a reminder.
Dwayne
======== Veronica:
A life for a life.
“You are to take the second ram, and Aaron and his sons must lay their hands on the ram’s head. Exodus 29:19 — Here Aaron and his sons could feel the life draining out of the ram.
But flesh with the life thereof, which is the blood thereof, shall ye not eat. Genesis 9:4
Unto Adam also and to his wife did the LORD God make coats of skins, and clothed them. Genesis 3:21—In order to “cover” Adam and Eve a life was taken. Blood was shed.
How gracious and merciful God is that he would allow substitution of the life of an innocent animal for the life of one who sinned, which is a shadow of the real substitute Jesus Christ.
Sin is costly! It cost Jesus Christ his life for us! Sin is ugly and destructive. It is like a festering wound. What I am trying to say is if what you are reading sickens you or “grosses” you out then let it do that.
Veronica
======= Anka:
As much as I know farmers would probably not flinch at reading about the animal sacrifice,to me,it still seems a lot of unpleasant work if I may put it that way.The priests were basically like butchers,slaying the animal,separating it’s organs,removing the fat..This reminds me of the eye for eye law vs the law of love.Then for our sins to be covered(not taken away),there was a ritual we had to go through….now for our sins to be taken away,we can stay clean,no messy,bloody hands,no cost…just confess and ask for forgiveness.
It seems like then the eye for eye law really didn’t give forgiveness it’s place…but then even the sins were not taken away,just covered.Jesus came to fulfil the law by bringing forgiveness for us.When we pray to God to forgive our sins AS we forgive the sins of others against us,we need to remember that Jesus paid the price we never could pay.
Mike, the picture of Jesus looking at Peter and Peter turning his eyes away brought tears to my eyes.Reading that Jesus gave Judas the chance to repent but he didn’t take it…then Jesus was distressed and grieved really brings home the fact that our sins cost Jesus..He wasn’t free from pain and despair as He went to the cross but He thought of us all,obeyed God,now we all have the gift of salvation.
This evening we celebrate the Lord’s supper and it’s so wonderful to have today’s reading about it.Remembering who brought us out of egypt,the price He paid….the Love that God has for us all….there’s no greater Love than that.
God bless you all
Anka
======= Pat:
Good morning!
What stood out to me in the reading of Genesis this morning was Genesis 29:36-37. God stressed two times in these verses that the consecration and atonement should be performed exactly the same for seven days. God neither said to do them for six days and then rest on the Sabbath – nor did He say to do more on the Sabbath than on the other six days. I think there is a message here for all of us. We are to dedicate ourselves to the worship of God equally each day of the week. We need to praise our Lord Jesus Christ each day that we live and we need to ask for His forgiveness of our sins each day that we live.
God Bless!
Pat
======= Dan:
I think it is rather fitting that on one hand in the OT reading today we have an amazingly complex process for sanctification for the priests of just one nation. It shows how they are to be ordained and then how they will go to God on behalf of the children.
In the NT, we have a practice that is no less morbid. Remember, Christ didn’t come to destroy the old law, but to fulfill it. He offered his body and his blood to be completely drained and destroyed, just as the animals of sacrifice and consecration. For animals, these were no small order of mutilation.
But for a man to have to go through the pain and the torture and the outright slaughter that today would earn a civil rights lawsuit and a number one slot on youtube, THIS is what we claim brings us into the holy of holies and into the meeting place with our God. This is what we claim when we are ordained. It is his sacrificed flesh and spilled blood.
Drained of breath and hope.
Until the three days prophesied expired and He came back from death’s firm grip with our redemption in his hands…
Call the sacrifice of the bull, rams and two lambs daily barbaric if you like, but remember that your redemption was bought at a bloody price.
Dan
======= Laverne:
When people call me a Holy Roller it used to really bother me. I don’t really know why, but this verse reminds me that I should be honored to be called a Holy Roller. I love talking about Jesus, I like worship services and I just started going to prayer services. I enjoy every moment of getting to know His character more. So I use to be like Peter no different and to a degree I still am.
But I don’t think I would deny Jesus ANYMORE
Laverne
======= Cheryl:
I went to a Baptist church until I got married. Was baptised there at age 8. They had Communion once a quarter and then only at the evening worship so I never got to participate and didn’t even really understand much about it. I married a man raised Roman Catholic and while we attended a Catholic church I could not participate in the Communion meal or the service since I did not want to become Catholic. Wewere married in the Catholic church but did not have a Mass. After years of frustration, attending Catholic for a while, and Baptist for a while and neither of us being happy, my husband and I compromised and now attend an Episcopal church. It is close enough to the Catholic service for him and I can truly participate in the Communion. It is beautiful for me to be able to take part in the supper just as Christ did with his disciples and knowing this has been done pretty much the same way for 2 centuries. I cherish receiving the Body and blood and knowing Christ is in me and I in Him. I am thankful to have a wonderful church family, finally! I miss church on the sundays that I have to work. I NEED to go to church, I Need to study the word of God and I NEED to pray!
Cheryl
======= Jenny:
I wanted to recommend an awesome documentary I saw called: “The Search for the Real Mt. Sinai”. fascinating!! I promise you’ll be fascinated too!! here’s a brief review. check it out!:
THE SEARCH FOR THE REAL MT. SINAI
Two Explorers take an incredible expedition into the blistering Arabian Desert and turn up what many scholars believe to be one of the greatest discoveries in history…the real Mt. Sinai, the holy mountain on which Moses received the Ten Commandments.
This program tells their amazing story how they crawl into forbidden military installations, and use night vision goggles to avoid being detected as they pursue their mission and discover over a dozen significant remnants still remaining at the site. The explorers embark on a journey that would change their lives forever..finding remarkable evidence that confirms the Bible as historically accurate.
Weaving together real life adventure historical research and exclusive never-before-released footage, this exciting adventure leaps off the screen to document a story you’ll never forget.
Jenny
======= Mae:
Todays readings were so powerful! I really felt my heart warming up while I was reading! The verses that stood out for me:
Exodus 29:46 “and they will know that I am the Lord their God. I am the one who brought them out of the land of Egypt so that I could live among them. I am the Lord their God”.
Matthew 26:26 “As they were eating, Jesus took some bread and blessed it. Then he broke it in pieces and gave it to the disciples, saying, “Take this and eat it, for this is my body”.
Matthew 26:28 “for this is my blood, which confirms the covenant between God and his people. It is poured out as a sacrifice to forgive the sins of many”. ~ Isn’t this the BEST??!! I LOVE this verse!
Matthew 26:31 “On the way, Jesus told them, “Tonight all of you will desert me. For the Scriptures say, ‘God will strike[a] the Shepherd, and the sheep of the flock will be scattered”.
Matthew 26:34 “Jesus replied, “I tell you the truth, Peter—this very night, before the rooster crows, you will deny three times that you even know me”. ~ How would Peter have felt when Jesus said this to him?
Matthew 26:41 “Keep watch and pray, so that you will not give in to temptation. For the spirit is willing, but the body is weak”. ~ Good to remember … for all of us …
Psalm 31:20 “You hide them in the shelter of your presence, safe from those who conspire against them. You shelter them in your presence, far from accusing tongues”.
Psalm 31:23 “Love the Lord, all you godly ones! For the Lord protects those who are loyal to him, but he harshly punishes the arrogant”.
Proverbs 8:17 “I love all who love me. Those who search will surely find me”.
Proverbs 8:23 “I was appointed in ages past, at the very first, before the earth began”.
Like I said … wonderful readings! It was such a blessing to go through all this and really feeling His presence!
Mae
======= Jenny:
Communion is a beautiful thing! we just had ours on wednesday night. Its such an honor because we are so unworthy of His gift! my most memorable communion was when I was Israel in the Garden of Gethsame, actually near the Garden tomb…but to be there and to take communion… how unbelievable that is!!!
yes, I know Sea of Faces, one of my fave songs by Kutless..love that band!!!
I really like Peter, i think he’s one of my faves in the whole Bible. he was so passinate, yet he screwed up so much! always saying the wrong thing at the wrong time, he’s so easy to relate to! My pastor was talking about him Wednesday, we were going through this very thing in the book of John. Jesus knew Peter would fail, he’d fail big, but Jesus loved him all the same. After Peter denied him thrice, he looked up and caught Jesus’ eye. probly not a look of condemnation from Jesus, but one of mercy and ‘I know…and I still love you….’
i can imagine Peter surely wept bitterly! But he did the right thing…he kept going. when we screw up big, and we have and we all will, we must just repent, get and up and keep going. thats the correct response, unlike Judas who wept bitterly but went out and offed himself, he didnt repent…Peter was sorrowful and God used him in a great way.
In Matthew 26:39 we see how desperately Jesus didnt want to go to the cross, but it was His obedience to the heavenly Father. wow! what an example to have!! i cant imagine what He was going through, the agony. i heard sometimes when death row inmates face death the pressure/stress on the body is so great that the capillaries in their face/brow burst and it comes forth from their brow. it appears one is “sweating blood”. This is what our Jesus went though before his death, not to mention the agony during, but a good point…He didnt die the way any person in history ever has. as awful as the details are, the fact God poured His wrath on Him, all the sins of humankind, and turned His back on Him, I cant fathom it.
But Jesus did this with the mindset of ‘for the joy that was set before Him”. In that way, as trivial as our lives our in comparision, we should persist through the pain looking to the joy set before us.
I know the discples just couldnt grasp what was going on, what was to take place. thats why during the supper they were discussing who’d be the greatest among themselves (how silly! and on the eve of Christ’s death!) they just couldnt grasp it and in the garden, they didnt stay awake, they didnt understand at the time what was gonna happen.
Psalms is so comforting: “Love the LORD, all his saints! The LORD preserves the faithful…”
“Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in the LORD.”
Jenny
======= Kitty:
It’s so true that Jesus “embodied” holiness! When we abide in Jesus, we are holy too.
Today’s readings in Matthew today do remind me of Communion at my church. Communion to me is always important, as it’s not only a positive remembrance , but also a time of reflection for me personally.
Mike, thanks for posting the song “Sea of Faces”. I have never heard of it, but I love it. Such a meaningful song!
Kitty
======= Elizabeth:
Hello,
Our church celebrates communion only periodically. I have mixed feelings about this and would like to celebrate communion more frequently.
On the other hand, I have attended churches where communion is celebrated weekly, but it becomes so commonplace that it feels like “going through the motions” after awhile.
Ideally, I think it is a touchstone that should bring us back to the heart of our faith–His sacrifice. It should also give us pause to examine our own hearts.
Just my two cents,
Elizabeth
======= Janice:
Isn’t there a little bit of Judas and Peter in all of us? Judas wanted to reshape Jesus to fit his own purpose of freeing the Jews from Roman occupation. Peter said he would never deny Jesus but when times got tough he did that very thing. There is no way we can even begin to understand the physical and spiritual agony Jesus experienced in the garden that night, but we do know that by faith in God and prayer we can get through all circumstances.
Janice
======== Tonya:
I love communion and attend a church where it’s not done monthly so when we share it, it’s truly a treat for me. My favorite communion experience was during my best friend’s wedding 10 years ago. She and her husband are both ministers and they served communion to all of us at the wedding. It truly blessed me.
Tonya
======= Jennifer:
I look forward to communion. It makes real the sacrifice. I have never experienced communion outside of church.
I think what is interesting is how in the old testament the chosen people of God were to be so different from those they lived with. God specifically told them how to consecrate themselves and behave so that they were very different from other nations.
Then today are we not equally challenged to be different in a dramatic fashion. We are to be clothed in Christ’s work so that when we are in other settings there is a difference of love, kindness, compassion, understanding, and service.
I am looking at my clothes.
Jennifer
======== Steve:
Psalm 31:19 How great is your goodness, which you have stored up for those who fear you, which you bestow in the sight of men on those who take refuge in you.
The goodness of God is the foundational benchmark from which our perspective should begin. God’s goodness is not just the good things He does for us, although it can be. The goodness of God is the absolute truth that no matter what happens in our life, God allows it for good. He always brings us goodness even when we think otherwise. He alone knows what is good for us. God is light and in Him is no darkness. His greatness is so good that He invites us to know Him, walk with Him, talk with Him and let Him direct our path. Now that’s goodness at its finest.
Steve
======= Linda:
Thankyou so much,you are a Godsend to me.For years I struggled with the bible not understanding it,I would get frustrated or bored and had no interest.Now I finally get it,its alive,it just pops out at me.I see what I nver seen before and am so excited.There are days I hunger for it and I cant get enough.Thanlyou.
Linda
======== Doug:
I recall a communion time several years ago on a mountian side in Colorado. It was outside and the spirit was flowing through the thin air and everyone could feel the spirit moving in the group.
I think in many churches today communion has become just another part of the service and not a time of reflection and personal experience with Christ.
I enjoy your daily blog and have done the daily reading now for a couple years.
Thank you Mike
Doug
========= Antonietta:
I look forward to communion at my church. It is a time for reflection and commitment to God. Before the communion service I do a lot of forgiving, asking others to forgive me , and confession to God in areas where I messed up. During the communion I think about the last supper. I don’t known what others in the church are thinking or feeling.
Antonietta
======== Jill:
Great devotion today! Wow! I never thought of denying Christ when we fall back on old habits. Yea in a way it could be? Or every time we stay silent when someone around you does something that is contrary to the scripture? How bout that person who takes Gods name in vain? How bout perverted talk? How bout in a business, something unethical? How bout not praying at a meal in public?
Re: Matthew 24. I was going through a hard time.. I cried out to God. ” father take this cup from me!” And “father into your hands I commit my spirit! It was almost comforting! I urge anyone in times of trouble, calling out to our Father. He’s waiting for us to come to him.
Your blog is my breakfast for the day! Thankyou for putting this together! Blessings today to all who read this,
Jill
========= Jeff:
Jesus said: “My Father! If it is possible, let this cup of suffering be taken away from me. Yet I want your will, not mine.”
Throughout my church life, I’ve always been taught the Trinity (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit) are 3-in-1. Yet it seems to me that Jesus always defers to God being the one in control; that is the One above everything (including Jesus).
Here’s another example that amplifies my feeling:
From Mt 24:36 ‘But about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. Here Jesus admits that God knows but he doesn’t.
I’m confused about this. Could someone please explain this to me?
Godspeed,
Jeff
========= Robert:
Communion.
I think when we read Mathew’s account of the Lord’s Supper its sort of an indication of how we should approach it. The mood before the Supper translates to what we should follow. These words suggest things to me: reclining, sad, betray, surely not I and they ended in a hymn.
I am not sure of your beliefs ( If you are Catholic, Only a validly ordained priest can authentically consecrate the Eucharist), but I have found that whenever I do the communion with friends, family or myself, it has a much deeper meaning for me and I come away with joy.
Mathew 26:32
Jesus says, after I have risen, I will go ahead of you into Galilee.
This little statement intrigued me so much that I often speak on it. It pertains to Luke 24:15 on the road to Emmaus two of them were talking about everything that had happened. “As they talked and discussed these things with each other Jesus himself came up and walked along with them”.
It just reassures us in unsettled times, like right now with Covid, that Jesus has already gone ahead of us in all of this and will walk it out with us. How cool is that!
Psalm 31:24 “Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in the Lord”.
Jennifer: My clothes are made of Kevlar (armor) Chuckle.
Robert
======= Jeffrey:
I just wanted to answer one of Mike’s questions he posted today:
Have you ever experienced Communion / The Lord’s Supper with others in settings outside of your normal worship experience? Maybe at a prayer gathering or outside or in other beautiful settings?
Yes, the most memorable time I ever partook of communion outside of a church was when I was a lad. I attended a Christian youth camp every summer. We had a communion services outside, in the woods, at night.They were very precious times and I still cherish them.
Jeffrey
======= Mitch:
Communion is done monthly at my church. Honestly, it seems rote at times. Imagery of the cross, resurrection, and the second coming help me to stay focused on Jesus’ words.
There is a lot of great symbolism in OT readings the last few days. A new one I picked up on this year – fine twined linen – material where one does not sweat – so that we are not to think it is by our works (sweat of our labor) that we are saved or can commune with God.
Piggybacking on Ramona, all this and instructions to Israelites are meant to set them apart from the world (especially the practices of the Canaanites).“Set apart” or “other” are at the roots of the Hebrew word for Holy. God is the “ultimate other”. And we are called to be “other” (Holy). We can never match God, but we can grow ever closer in our walk.
Mitch
======= Nancy:
I belive a vital part of communion is the need to examine ourselves before receiving it. To confess any sins. Failure to do so can result in sickness because we receive it in an unworthy manner. 1 Corinthians 11.27, 29. There needs to be a reverence about it. To not take it lightly.
Nancy
======= Debbie:
The version I read of Matt. 26:38 was “My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death.” It reminded me of what we read earlier in Matt. 23:37 “O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, . . . how often I have longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you were not willing.”
Both times Jesus was so sad and grieved. That deep sadness is what struck me. He was also peeved at the disciples and the Pharisees and the teachers of the Law . . . and us, who were too clueless and stubborn and full of themselves to understand what they were missing. Reading about communion and the sacrifices in both the old and new testaments has brought a much deeper meaning that I can hardly process (!)
Debbie
======= Dee:
Ex 29:1- 30:10
Ordination of Aaron and his sons were today. I don’t know why this bread making and ceremony reminds me of communion but it does. In alot of ways-the consecrating of temple and setting Aaron and sons as being holy is a foreshadowing of Jesus with Last Supper, breaking bread with disciples and the bread was his body broken for us and blood poured out foray for forgiveness of sin- Isn’t that what Holy of Holies is about and the blood shed in and @ the door of Tabernacle anyway-t9 concecrate, set apart and for forgiveness.
Matt 26:14-46
Then we approach the story of short lived Judas- where he is an opportunist and looks for ways to betray Jesus and make a quick buck. However, Peter, James & John couldn’t keep their eyes open to pray and stay firm in the faith- I wonder if God had them slumber for a reason- think maybe it might have been too much to watch. I know the Lord doesn’t give us anything we aren’t ready for. Jesus was literally sweating drops of blood. Wow!
Ps 31:19-24
Be strong and courageous- All who put their trust in Him! Praise God.
Prov 8: 14-26
I love these affirmations!
Common sense and success belong to me.
Insight and strength are mine
Those who search will surely find the Lord. Selah!
Dee
