Thursday, September 24, 2015

Snickersnee (Matthew 26:47-54)

Good morning all,

The word of the day is “snickersnee.” The end of Jesus's life was pretty intense.  At that point, I'm sure he had questions about who was really following him and who might be there just to sell him out.  We see in today's passage something very interesting.  We always remember what happens with Judas, who sells Jesus to the authorities, for 30 pieces of silver.  Because of this, Judas is known as the ultimate betrayer.  However, there is another man in the same story who was on the complete opposite end of Judas.  When Jesus is betrayed, his followers know that at this point it is now or never.  One of them even draws his sword and cuts off a man's ear.  Jesus then tells this zealous follower to put his sword away.  The exchange is fascinating.


The words were barely out of his mouth when Judas (the one from the Twelve) showed up, and with him a gang from the high priests and religious leaders brandishing swords and clubs. The betrayer had worked out a sign with them: “The one I kiss, that’s the one—seize him.” He went straight to Jesus, greeted him, “How are you, Rabbi?” and kissed him. Jesus said, “Friend, why this charade?” Then they came on him—grabbed him and roughed him up. One of those with Jesus pulled his sword and, taking a swing at the Chief Priest’s servant, cut off his ear. Jesus said, “Put your sword back where it belongs. All who use swords are destroyed by swords. Don’t you realize that I am able right now to call to my Father, and twelve companies—more, if I want them—of fighting angels would be here, battle-ready? But if I did that, how would the Scriptures come true that say this is the way it has to be?” ~ Matthew 26:47-54

My question is: how far are you willing to go in your relationship with Jesus?  I know for me, I have been it very different places in my journey with Christ.  Sometimes I'm up, and ready to do everything necessary to be a great Christian.  Other times I'm down, and am really just trying to survive this Christian life.  My prayer is that you take a moment to realize where you are at in your relationship with God right now.  Although most of us may never be called to draw our snickersnee and cut anybody, all of us will be called to declare our obedience to Jesus in one way or another.  Take today as an opportunity to do just that.

Praying for you,


MO

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