As we read these next two chapters in Matthew, I am reminded of the film “The Passion of the Christ.” When that film came out, our church bought an entire showing and we all prayed and invited our neighbors. My friend Noe came and I’ll never forget it. It was the most graphic rendition of Jesus’ final week I had ever watched. It was not your popcorn eating, laughing and joking kind of movie. And when it was over, everyone just quietly left, including my friend Noe, who was in tears. The price Jesus paid for sin should sober us! Yes, it’s a free gift to all who by grace thru faith believe & receive, but don’t mistake FREE for cheap! It cost Jesus His life!
It began with a plot on His life by the religious peeps who had had enough of this Jesus guy. A woman falls at Jesus feet, dumping expensive perfume to show us what is truly valuable. One of Jesus’ closest friends, Judas, turns on Him, and yet, Jesus wants one last meal with His friends. Another disciple ditches Jesus, well ok, actually they all did, but Peter gets the bad rap for it. And when time was so intense for Jesus, his buddies couldn’t even stay awake. Judas then turns Jesus over and He is arrested, then appears before the religious “Holy Heavies” and is mocked, spit on and beaten. These were certainly extremely difficult and lonely times for our Lord & Savior!
SO WHAT?!
*Read 2 Corinthians 5:14-15. The Passion of the King ought to transform how we live! Is it doing that in your life?
*Ever want to give up on people? You pray for them & pray for them and never see any interest in spiritual things? Jesus could have felt that way with Judas, but He loved him to the end. It’s been years, but recently my friend Noe visited our church, and again was in tears after the message! I’m not sure if he has believed yet or if he ever will, but I’m not gonna give up on him because Jesus never gave up on me! Is there a friend whom you are getting tired of turning down spiritual things? Don’t give up on them – they’re worth it, Gods knows!
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