Matthew 26:1-5 | Genesis 50:19-21 | Gospels in Lent Track: Luke 17-18
Note that we are skipping Matthew 25:31-46, which we will come back to on Sunday.
So Jesus has just spent quite a bit telling how the kingdom of heaven has been perceived, how it actually is, and how it will be. Matthew has been fiercely centered on the nature of the kingdom. How much does thinking about the kingdom shape your life? Do you think it should more? We have images and means that significantly shape our faith understandings and outputs these days - musical worship, Bible study, prayer, etc. Just how much of this is kingdom-centered?
Today, Jesus wraps it up by reminding the disciples of the road ahead. And the religious leaders begin to solidify the plans to make it happen. An odd cooperation.
Matthew 26:1-5
When Jesus finished speaking all these words, he said to his disciples, “You know that the Passover is two days from now. And the Human One will be handed over to be crucified.”
Then the chief priests and elders of the people gathered in the courtyard of Caiaphas the high priest. They were plotting to arrest Jesus by cunning tricks and to kill him. But they agreed that it shouldn’t happen during the feast so there wouldn’t be an uproar among the people.
Genesis 50:19-21
But Joseph said to them, “Don’t be afraid. Am I God? You planned something bad for me, but God produced something good from it, in order to save the lives of many people, just as he’s doing today. Now, don’t be afraid. I will take care of you and your children.” So he put them at ease and spoke reassuringly to them.
Prayer
God -
There is strife all around. Evil deeds, deception, plotting, and scheming. Politicians of all stripes out for one another with seemingly little care for the people in their charge.
It’s hard to see what good can come from it all. But you know. Help us to be faithful to righteousness, mercy, compassion, and love in all the meanwhile.
By your Spirit and in Christ,
Amen.