‘…They answered and said, “He is deserving of death.” – Matthew 26:66 (NKJV)
The most significant weekend in this world saw Jesus, our Saviour, being abandoned. Even Peter, His chief disciple, denied Him three times, while many false witnesses testified against Him as the Jewish and Roman authorities tried Him unjustly. How was this a good thing?
During Jesus’ agony in Gethsemane, He left His disciples and went to pray three times, telling His disciples to watch and pray with Him (Matthew 26:44). The spirit was willing, but the flesh was weak, He indicated. Yes, the task Jesus had willingly undertaken was extremely difficult. A friend was about to betray Him, people would speak untruths about Him, abuse and mock Him and say all manner of evil things to ensure His death. Yes, His physical being needed prayers to complete His assignment.
We, too, as believers, should watch and pray lest we enter into satan’s trap of temptation. The disciples did not pray but slept each time Jesus left them. He interceded by Himself until the hour had come for His betrayal. He said: “…behold, the hour is at hand, and the Son of Man is betrayed into the hands of sinners.” (Matthew 26:45 – NKJV). Yes, the righteous was given over to sinners so that we could be redeemed. What a man!
Friends, Jesus knew that Peter, the Rock, would fail, so He warned him. But Peter was oblivious to and underestimated the challenge ahead. He did not remain vigilant. He slept when it was time to pray; all the disciples did, failing to understand that it was a pivotal time in their lives.
Peter did stumble and denied Jesus three times while the other disciples fled (Matthew 26:56). Alas, it wasn’t the end for Peter or the other disciples. The weekend was only beginning. The Restorer was beginning His act of restoration not only for Peter but for all mankind. We only need to repent of our sins and ask forgiveness, and just as how Peter was restored and used, we can be restored and utilised for and in His Kingdom.
Prayer
Heavenly Father. Thank You for sending Your Son, Jesus Christ, to suffer and die in our place. I thank You for His sacrifice. I confess all my sins today and commit my life to do His will in this world, in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Read: Zephaniah 3:17; Romans 5:8
Bible Reading Guide: Psalm 44:13-26; Luke 14:15-35; Deuteronomy 16:-21-22; Deuteronomy 17; Deuteronomy 18
