A Journey with Jesus during Lent
Tuesday, March 7, 2023
A Journey with Jesus during Lent
Day 12
Matthew 26:51-56
With that, one of Jesus’ companions reached for his sword, drew it out and struck the servant of the high priest, cutting off his ear.
“Put your sword back in its place,” Jesus said to him, “for all who draw the sword will die by the sword. Do you think I cannot call on my Father, and he will at once put at my disposal more than twelve legions of angels? But how then would the Scriptures be fulfilled that say it must happen in this way?”
In that hour Jesus said to the crowd, “Am I leading a rebellion, that you have come out with swords and clubs to capture me? Every day I sat in the temple courts teaching, and you did not arrest me. But this has all taken place that the writings of the prophets might be fulfilled.” Then all the disciples deserted him and fled.
When you and I think of a meek person, we probably think of weak. But meek is far from weak. Meek is “strength under control” and “power under discipline”. Jesus demonstrated that for us multiple times while He walked the earth. In today’s focus scripture, we see that in the midst of all the commotion and chaos around His arrest, Jesus stands as a perfect example of power under control. He could have asked for angels to come to His aid. He didn’t summons help from anyone. This is meekness.
When the temple officers and others came to the Garden of Gethsemane to arrest Jesus they succeeded because a sovereign God permitted them to succeed. Jesus pointed out that He had been teaching daily in the temple, but they never laid a finger on Him. But He knew that now was the hour. God, who is righteous, omnipotent, forever in control and never wavering, allowed it. All was working into a pattern for ultimate good.
Today, let us remember that true power is displayed in laying down your rights for a bigger purpose. Even if you have authority, you don’t play your power cards. You trust in God’s ways, His plans, which are always good.
Do you have an example of a time when you were meek or when you witnessed meekness in someone else?
Dear Jesus,
We praise You and give thanks that we get to journey with You through this season of Lent. Draw us closer to Your heart, that we might know You better. After we daily reflect on Your selflessness and life-giving Word, give us wisdom to be Your hands and feet in the world just as You intend. Give us hearts of compassion, hands of generosity, and feet that take Your good news to the world. We love You and are honored to serve you Lord, our sweet Savior. Amen.
Week 3 Act of Kindness
“For I was a stranger and you invited me in” Matthew 25:35c
This week, pray about extending an invitation (e.g., for church, dinner, coffee) to someone outside of your family, friends, or “circle”.